Life too precious not to re-connect

It is a peculiar fact of life that we only find time to re-connect with old friends when one of them either gets married or passes away unexpectedly. Such was the case on Sunday in Solana Beach. Carole Carden, owner of SoLo Cedros, graciously opened the doors of her stunning coastline design warehouse to friends and family of the late Saba Shirazi.

Saba lost her life on July 1 in an automobile accident in San Diego. She was only 32 years old. Although her time in this life seemed brief, she made fast friends with anyone who had the pleasure to work with her. She worked for Carden for six years at SoLo before moving north to Orange County, where she campaigned tirelessly as a cutting-edge publicist for Cirque du Soleil.

Shirazi was the developing force behind Riviera Magazine and the coveted Newport Beach Film Festival. She also was employed by Todd Quartararo of the Q&A Marketing firm. Her name and sparkling smile were well-known by many in Southern California social circles, and it would be an understatement to say that her personality and professionalism will be missed. Her impeccable sense of style and grace, high-voltage energy and unrelenting commitment to her clients is irreplaceable.

So there really could not have been a more appropriate venue for old friends, family and anyone who had the pleasure to meet Saba than at SoLo. Tears were shed, stories were exchanged, but the common thread among those who attended was that Saba Shirazi was as unique a treasure as artists’ works that line the shelves of SoLo Cedros. If one word were to describe Saba, it was unanimous: lovely.

When you finish reading this loving tribute to our friend, you can do one more thing for Saba. Pick up the phone and re-connect with those close to you. Don’t wait for the circumstances to initiate. Life is gone in a heartbeat.

ANDREA ROBERSON lives in Huntington Beach