Making leaps and bounds in Laguna

2008 is Leap Year and today, Feb. 29, is Leap Day.

Leap Day occurs every fourth year, to bring our man-made calendar in sync with the solar calendar. It takes the earth longer than 365 24-hour days to revolve around the sun — 5 hours, 48 minutes and 46 seconds longer, to be exact.

Most historians agree that it was the ancient Egyptians who first discovered this discrepancy and added a 366th day to every year divisible by four, and the Romans later designated Feb. 29 to be this extra day.

Historically, in English law, this day was not recognized and so it was “leapt over,” hence the term “leap day.” Since the day itself was disregarded, so were the social norms.

Irish folk tradition originally allowed women to propose to men on leap day, after St. Bridget complained to St. Patrick about women not having a more active role in choosing their husbands. Men who dared reject these leap day proposals were fined — kisses, silk dresses and the like. Also known as “Bachelor’s Day,” this tradition carried on in Scotland under Queen Margaret’s rule, and later in America with Sadie Hawkins Day.

Now that it is acceptable for a woman to “make a move” on a man any day of the year, we honor leap day by taking risks of other sorts or doing something non-traditional.

Folks around Laguna were polled to see what “out of the ordinary” plans they might have for 2008 or for leap day. Many said they were not planning any “leaps or risks” this year, but others, like Wendy Potter, who has started her own business, are making big jumps.

“I am starting on a new path,” Potter said. “I want to help people change their lifestyles and stay healthy.”

Others are contemplating leaps.

Lee Gatewood, a visitor from Alabama, said, “I’m thinking of starting my own restaurant — we’ll see.”

Soheila Mozzafar, owner of Couture Collection said she took a risk by taking time off this year.

“I stepped out of my fear and closed my boutique for two weeks while I took a personal vacation that gave me the energy to run my business when I came back,” Mozzafar said.

Chelsea Berk, an employee of Sole to Sole shoe store for the past six years, is really leaping this year. “I am leaving my job and starting a new career,” Berk said.

Mark Bartleman, a curator at the Whitney Gallery in North Laguna, said he has leapt out of a high-tech career.

“I left the computer industry and entered the art world, where I will remain this year,” Bartleman said.

Linda Johnson, a Laguna Beach resident who works at Bubbles, is planning a huge leap this year.

“I will leave my home and job in September to volunteer at an orphanage in Bali, Africa, or Thailand for a few months. If all goes well, it might be a permanent stay,” Johnson said.

Southerners Jody Maxwell and Sue Adams, who are visiting Laguna, will make literal leaps — across continents.

“We are not doing anything too risky, just traveling; we are going to Paris for a week, and then on a Baltic cruise,” said Maxwell.

Nini Dake, owner of Tootsies Shoes and Pedicure Lounge, says she is hoping her leaps pay off with new customers. “I am taking risks with fashionably fun footwear,” Dake said.

Wally Schauer of Quorum Art Gallery made her big leap in 1970.

“I took my biggest risk more than 30 years ago when I moved to Laguna to become a painter,” Schauer said. “This year I will continue to work on my acrylic paintings and unique collages.”