Lindsell says she has realized very little money from her efforts, despite the fact that two of her scripts have been produced. The investors are still being paid back is one reason and the other reason is one movie was whisked into TV distribution and those arrangements don't favor scriptwriters, financially speaking.

Lindsell's credentials certainly sound impressive: she wrote I Don't Buy Kisses Anymore, which starred Jason Alexander of Seinfeld fame, and Lightning in a Bottle with Lynda Carter. Lightning, the story of alcohol addiction, can be found on the Lifetime Channel from time to time.

The writer has now turned to books, and has recently published Final Decision and Love on a Houseboat. Both were originally written as screen plays, so promise to be page turners. The author is hoping someone with screen moxie and money will be riveted enough to pick them up for the movies.

Lindsell started her writing career about the time most people are thinking of retirement. At a screen writing course she took at Foothill College the instructor was so enthused about her work that she sent off two scripts and that's how Kisses got produced. She met the producer in the class as well.

Further, Lindsell's husband, now deceased, encouraged her to sell her employment agency to devote herself full time to writing. Trying to get a movie made and financed is a shot in the dark but definitely a fun shot in the dark, she concluded.

In other Lions Club news, the organization donated scores of collected teddy bears to the sheriff's department to give to young ones traumatized by whatever circumstances had landed them in police protection.

Both Marge Bunyard and Marlene Duffin won awards for leadership, achievement and service from the district convention held recently.

METAMORPHOSES: Is it the influence of Olivia de Havilland? No, can't be that, because Saratoga High wasn't even built when Olivia de started to make her distinctive mark on the acting profession. Whatever the reason, Saratoga students continue to excel in dramatic productions.

The students' skill was evident at a recent presentation of Metamorphoses at the small theater. There were 35 performers and the fact that there was a good-sized pool of water on stage was another lure for playgoers. The water epitomized the passage of time and the sea changes in the characters.

These were Ovid's myths told in modern idiom. Three washerwomen acted as chorus, providing the transitions in the narrative. By today's theatrical standards what was lacking among the Greeks and Romans was convincing motivation. Sure, Midas had plenty of motivation to opt out of his gold obsession when he turned his daughter to gold.

But other protagonists had no clear reason for changing their paths or feelings. Human failings, heartbreak and humor were all in fine supply, however, never mind how ancient the playwright. And all was this was accomplished with the actors at least partially submerged in water. Brr. Drama teacher Kathleen Woods directed.

FEM ALLIANCE: Silicon Valley Women's Alliance set sail at the LG Opera House with its inaugural event, "A Night at the Opera." The mission of the group is to use its collective power for the betterment of women engaged in public policy. Some 150 people attended, mainly politicos.

Zoe Lofgren and Elaine Alquist were there, along with Saratogans Kathleen King and Ann Waltonsmith. Linda Williams, CEO of Planned Parenthood, won the Speak Truth to Power award. Madge Overhouse and Kathy McCarthy received founders awards, posthumously.

Brandi Chastain won the role model award. Michele Detwiller of Opera San Jose and pianist Melissa Lin, performed.

URBAN COWGIRL: Catering to trendy young women is Urban Cowgirl, a Los Gatos shop that sells cosmetics and specialty Tees. Located behind Willow Street Pizza, the grand opening is Dec. 19, 5­9 p.m. Margaux Mann-Ingraham is the owner.

Mann has worked as a designer and was an assistant art director at Universal Pictures. She's also done the high tech number. Her husband is Pat Ingraham, a horse trainer turned Realtor. That's some turnaround.

Daughter Rose is a student at Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles and Madison attends Saratoga Elementary. The website is www.urbancowgirl.com.

VOLUNTEER PLEA: The Saratoga Senior Center needs volunteers for Wednesday lunch. Kitchen help is needed from 10 a.m. to noon and clean up and sound equipment help from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call Joanie Meyberg at 408.868.1263.

Got a tip for Saratoga Sampler? Send email to maryanncook@earthlink.net.