Holiday Season 2013

I wrote this post on December 6. Hopefully, everyone had a wonderful Holiday and Happy New Year 2014.

Photo Courtesy of Bonfoey Gallery Website

Like it or not, the Holidays are among us. One minute I am sweltering in ninety degree heat and now I’m wearing four layers of clothing when I go out for my weekly run. As a summer lover, I’m beginning to get in the Holiday spirit as the snow blanketed my freshly washed car. I was a beautiful sight.

I walked along Waterloo’s First Friday event checking out what local artists made for the Holiday sale. As a boycotter of “Black Friday,” I would rather spend a few extra dollars and support my neighborhood than stand in a congested line of people gnawing their way to find the best bargains. I say, “No thank you.” as I lay in my comfortable bed well past 6 a.m. when “Big Box” stores open. Go for it and find those bargains. My sister said that most manufacturers produce special products specifically for “Black Friday” so who knows if you’re really getting a deal or not.

Waterloo Arts Holiday Gifts – I adored looking at origami earrings an artist created by their own hand or a moulded “one-of-a-kind” pottery where each piece looks different such as a tiny imperfection or crack makes it something a receiver will cherish. These pieces were more expensive for sure but if you’re looking for something that you won’t find at Walmart, it is worth it. The gallery was crowded when I walked in. Moreover, Cleveland State University students created ornaments by filling them with different confetti patterns selling them in gift bags as a fund-raiser.

Next up, I attended the Bonfoey Gallery’s 120 year anniversary. They exhibited paintings and prints from as far back as the 1940s. A series from an artist who drew in either pencil or charcoal the different areas of downtown – beautifully rendered where you’re amazed how different downtown looks today. There were other paintings that were simple – one that got my attention were these striking green trees in a somber, quiet scene that reminded me of Matisse.

Bonfoey Gallery 120 years of art in Cleveland - These paintings will be on display until Saturday, January 4, 2014.

This is the exact print I own -
courtesy of Viktor Schreckengost website

Plus, the Bonfoey hung a Viktor Schreckengost of playful yet detailed leaves and fruit masterfully done where I just stood and marveled his talent. He illustrates mundane items that come alive as you look at the canvas. He is one of my favorite Cleveland Artists. In honor of Viktor’s 100 year birthday in 2006, I bought a print of Antelopes intertwined at the neck – 5/15. It’s hung in my living room and when I look at it I remember meeting Viktor with his strong handshake telling his nostalgic stories when he was a young saxophone player.

I’ve often sit at the Cleveland Heights Library on Lee Road in the quiet reading room and Viktor is all around me with his iconic vibrant blue “Jazz Bowl” and two giant colorful prints near by: one of a buffet table with a quartered watermelon sitting on a brightly colored, stripped tablecloth; next is a skyline of tall, statuesque buildings – perhaps New York City against an orange, yellow and red sky. Behind me, there is a print of fish stacked in rows of muted greens and browns. You can see his brilliance emanating from these pieces and the care he takes in illustrating the intricate details with flair.

This Holiday season, I wandered through many art and craft shows marveling the talent of artistic Clevelanders. One stand a couple created plaques with used license plates and novelty items such as key chains. Another stand created Arts & Crafts styled lamps with Cleveland nostalgic bridges and iconic areas of the city. Lastly, an artist drew plants and flowers on light switch plates that I thought, “What a fantastic idea.” There were many jewelry tables where the items were beginning to look the same to me. Either way, I highly recommend buying from local vendor than standing in an endless line at Target or worse, Walmart.

As Christmas is only a few days away now, I’m glad I did most of my shopping at these “one of a kind” establishments. I have mentioned this on more than one occasion, buy local; that’s what will ultimately get our economy moving again.

Viktor Schreckengost
http://www.cmgww.com/historic/viktors/index.html

Viktor’s Animals
http://www.cmgww.com/historic/viktors/gallery/2d/animals.html

Bonfoey Gallery
http://www.bonfoey.com/index.html

Waterloo Arts
http://artscollinwood.org/

Screw Factory Artists' Studios
http://www.screwfactoryartists.com/

ArtCraft Studio Show
http://artcraftstudio.wordpress.com/

MOCA - Elegant Sculpture at Mayfield and Euclid

Update: I wrote this post prior to my National Writing Month endeavor. A little late, but here was my MOCA experience back in early October. If you haven’t seen the museum, I highly recommend it.

Courtesy Photo from MOCA Cleveland Flickr Account

One year after the MOCA grandiose gala opening, I enthusiastically volunteered my time again; this year it’s the HEX fundraiser. Unlike last year, the weather cooperated where I was able to wear a sleeveless dress. My favorite duty as a volunteer is the check-in table; it’s the best way to see who’s attending–the whose-who of any event.

You are the greeter and the first person attendee’s see before they enter. It’s an important job, quite frankly. I’m a people person, so this job comes easily to me; I enjoy it.

Attendees wore elaborate dresses or a trendy electric top with tights; anything goes. It’s a contemporary museum for goodness sakes. I remember a lot of blue especially these high platform exquisite blue-suede-shoes; a brilliant red purse with fur trim; gold and fur prints. It was a party where you can wear what feels right.

Everyone was excited to attend another MOCA fundraiser in a sculptural interesting yet bizarre building that’s nothing like it in Cleveland except perhaps the Peter B. Lewis at Case. I heard someone call it a “hunk of coal” and now that is how I think of it. “It’s that black shinny coal building on Euclid and Mayfield.” You either love it or hate it. I don’t think there is a middle ground.

Courtesy of MOCA Cleveland

MOCA does, however, have an amazing view of Euclid Avenue from the fourth floor. There are these narrow windows where you gaze onto The Toby Plaza below. There is just enough light where you can see dark figures walking along the street or looking right up at you. The shinny material on the building just glows in the moonlight – it is a conversation starter, for sure. 

Last year when I attending the volunteer orientation meeting, we had a “sneak preview” of the building. The staff said that it took longer to build and install the metal and concrete “grand staircase” than erect the building itself. As you walk up the steps, you can feel the strength of the staircase as you ascend to each level. My favorite, yet scary, part of the staircase is looking down. There are these dramatic, sculptural beams as you look down, it almost takes your breath away. It’s an unbelievable view that you wouldn’t expect by looking at it from the outside.

Moreover, there is a stairwell hidden underneath, painted yellow that doesn’t seem as difficult to climb. You won’t notice it until you open the door from the first floor. You feel disconnected, isolated from the rest of the building as you go up or down. If you must, there is an elevator.

Do I like this building? Yes, I do. Why? Because there isn’t that many unusual buildings here in Cleveland. As a creative individual, I love architecture and art that makes me pause and look around at the unusual view points. Another interesting aspect of the MOCA building, it looks entirely different from the inside – a clean, minimal contemporary interior with white, flush doors that go into the restrooms, to the open floor plan of the Free first floor – artists talks and events are featured here.

Not only is MOCA a sculptural art form but it’s a very sustainable building. The Toby Plaza uses  pervious material where rainwater is absorbed thus eliminating runoff. There are low-flush toilets with blowers to dry your hands. I was ecstatic when I saw this bathroom – very European.

This bold, dramatic black building is worth a look-see that has helped spur development in the neighborhood with new townhouses and apartments. First Saturdays are always free.   

MOCA Cleveland
http://www.mocacleveland.org/

National Novel Writing Month - 2013

It’s December 1, 2013, and National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is over. I wrote for 30 consecutive days meeting and exceeding my goal of 1667 words a day. 50,000 words sounds daunting but since this was my forth one, it’s almost business as usual. I won’t say that it was easy. Hence, there were times when I sat and stared at a blank screen for a few minutes not knowing where to go – writers block. Eventually you begin writing and something miraculous happens and you’re on your way to meeting your goal.

    Most of my days I spent at the library pecking away at the keys in isolation. Writing is a something you can only do alone. Therefore, I looked forward to participating in the write-ins where a group of us gather at a library or coffee shop and just write. It’s more like a cathartic environment where we all support each other without collaborating in the writing process. How many words did you write? Or, let’s see how many words you can write in twelve minutes - I got over 350; the winner over 500.

    One write-in, a few women sat around a table without any writing materials or computer. The organizer of the group was dumbfounded when they asked, how do you know what to write or where to begin? I instinctively thought about Regina Brett’s book, “God Never Blinks” one of the chapters talks about writing where she astutely says, if you want to write, just write. That is what I did for my first “so-called” book and into my fourth. I had a germ of an idea and just wrote - surprisingly my characters developed into something I never thought possible – the beauty of “NaNoWriMo. I think these individuals wanted someone to give them a quick fix, a formula – this is how it’s done, etc. It’s similar to writing a school paper, the teacher gives you the assignment but ultimately it is up to you to write it and what you’ve learned from the assignment.

    The best write-in was at the Cleveland Heights Library on Lee Road. The librarian brought out an entire shelf of books about “NaNoWriMo” and hand outs: how to develop a character (Character Worksheet) and scenes (Editing Review Sheet). I took a few of those handouts when I’m ready to go back through my “draft” and begin to edit; first, however, I need to finish it.

    Why am I apprehensive about finishing my first draft? Quite honestly, I’m not entirely sure. Perhaps the fear of the finished draft that says to me, what will I do with it now? I find it hard to edit blog posts let alone editing an entire book of well over 50,000 words.

    At another write-in, a few more women were there talking to a few of us about how we began our story. It was twenty questions about this or that; the woman was giving me a headache and she was becoming very annoying when she asked if she can read my work. I flatly said, “No!” She was so worried about all this research she needed to do that she was missing out what “NaNoWriMo” is all about – just write and develop your craft. For me at least, it is the discovery that I can write dialogue and build characters that hopefully makes sense. Moreover, it is putting together your experiences into a cohesive manner. To piggy back on what Regina Brett said, writing it down instead of procrastinating about what to write; you’re missing out on the experience. Just like I’m afraid of finishing, these women were afraid to start.
   
    I told another woman what Regina Brett mentioned in her book, “just write.” Oh, I can’t do that she said. I want to take a writing class with other writers. That is perfectly fine to do that but eventually you will need to put pen to paper or fingers to your computer keys. On the same vein, I do remember taking a writing workshop at, “The LIT” several years ago on Fairhill Road. I was extremely nervous because I never really wrote before where I needed to read for the class. I was intimidated when a girl read first and her work was so professional with hundred-dollar-words. We had an in class assignment and I wrote about my mother and the instructor really like it. Why, because I wrote from the heart. I wanted to type it out, and cherish it. I lost it!

     There was another girl at the write-in writing that I was very impressed with. She was in high school and was writing during the evenings. She was applying to colleges, doing her homework and writing during the wee hours of the night. That is what you do when you’re young – you try to do it all no matter how tired you are. I told her my story when I was a senior in high school, I wrote this term paper on F. Scott Fitzgerald on a typewriter where I needed to place the footnotes at the bottom of each page. Can I tell you, that process took me the entire night to finish? I remember my Dad coming down to the kitchen early in the morning to get ready for work and he looked at me surprisingly that I was still pecking away at the electric typewriter.
   
    At my last write-in, another girl wrote her book in long hand. I asked her how she knew she reached her goal? She estimated how many words she wrote per page. As I thought about her process, it might be the best way to write because you’re not editing as you go. During “NaNoWriMo” you shouldn’t be editing, but I do. I read the last paragraph I wrote the night before and edit a few words here and there. If I didn’t do that, I might have more words in my count. I ended 2013 with 58,100 words and some change. Not bad for not deciding until the last minute to do it again this year.

    I’m not entirely sure why I continue to write unfinished books; they are new when I begin and someday I will surprise myself and finish one of them. My characters are an amalgamation of people that I know and crazy experiences that I’ve witnessed. What I enjoy most is having a goal every night and reaching it; creating dynamic characters and dialogue that adds to the story and interweaving my experiences into something that hopefully will interest a reader. Perhaps I should set a goal of finishing.


National Novel Writing Month (November 1 - 30)
www.nanowrimo.org



Regina Brett
http://www.reginabrett.com

The LIT closes it doors in 2011
http://www.cleveland.com/books/index.ssf/2011/08/the_lit_clevelands_organizatio.html

Gulp. Book Review

My fascination with the human body led me to read, “Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal.” I learned about the amazing salivary gland (we generate two to three pints of saliva daily), flatus (gas), the stomach and the colon. This book is not for those individuals with a weak stomach; Mary Roach gets into the “gross” stuff with brilliance. You want to learn more even though it’s not pleasant at times. For example, one chapter she discusses how we in the U.S. eat the meaty (normal) parts of the animal but neglect the organ meats or “offal” or “glandular” meats that is loaded with essential Vitamins, A and C. It’s these little “tidbits” of knowledge that is told with humor and interest that sold me on this book.

The Alimentary Canal is an area of the body that a lot of people probably wouldn’t attempt research for a book. Bluntly, food is eaten, broken down then expelled. Every human body works the same if your squeamish or not; I’m even more amazed about my body as I finished this book. Here are just a few details I picked up.

Eating Prejudices

We don’t eat organ meat because by the time we are 10 years old, our prejudices are set and it is hard to change them; we eat what our parents cook for us. As I read this chapter, I remember thinking that when I was a child living in a Greek household, I loved spinach and I was embarrassed to tell anyone. Now, it’s in the grocery stores in clear cellophane packages that is rich in iron. My parents ate more obscure, organ delicacies: lamb’s brain that is made during the Easter Holiday. I am not usually fussy about food, but I didn’t attempt that wild fare. I did, however, eat tripe (stomach lining from farm animals) while my sister and I visited Italy. We both thought, why not! I must admit, it was terrific.

If people just tried stuff without scrutinizing everything, then we wouldn’t have to waste so much food. I remember sitting at a restaurant and the waiter mentioned they’re special “goat cheeks.” My friend nodded and said, “No thank you.” It didn’t sound bad to me. Several years ago, I visited a friend’s house and she had chilled tongue. She offered me a slice and I took it gladly. It was wonderful. I’ll try anything.

 

Saliva

“Saliva has anti-clumping properties, which discourage bacterial from forming colonies on the teeth and gums.” Moreover, I often use my saliva to clean a wound by sucking it. It has cleaning properties that can be done effectively if you spill something on your shirt.

Saliva breaks down food but interestingly it also balances the pH in your mouth. The author writes; if you taste vinegar or anything acidic, the saliva will increase until the mouth is regulated in a safe pH. Genius!

As a Greek, the end of the chapter talks about Greeks spitting to get rid of the evil eye. I do remember that growing up. They might not actually spit but go through the motions, by saying, “ftou ftou ftou,” which I thought was great that the author included this little bit of out-of-the-ordinary history. Another special feature of this book, researching other cultures that relates to “saliva” in a nontraditional way.

The Colon

This was probably the most interesting part of the book for me because I’m too familiar with bouts of constipation. Quite frankly, it’s not a laughing matter. You feel bloated and not comfortable because the food that you ate a few days ago is still “stuck” in your colon. Everyone’s heard that Elvis died on the toilet, but he had horrible problems with constipation. His doctor said, “His girth fluctuated between big and stupendous. He was pushing and pushing. Holding his breath” (p. 296-297). The author describes the “megacolon” that is a monstrosity that is on display at the Mütter Museum, in Philadelphia. If you think about it: if something is wrong with your body such as not being able to expel fecal matter, then it adjusts by increasing the size of the colon so the material stays in tact. The body adjusts when it has to survive. I also learned that you can die by struggling and straining in the bathroom or “defecation-associated sudden death.” Admittedly, I got a little nervous about that tidbit.

Research, and detailed notes about our bodies kept me reading. I was awestruck by it all. I can keep going about all the interesting facts and research that Mary Roach did for this book. So when you have gas in your system it’s called “flatus” for one; second, it’s methane build up where the body regulates what it needs to do to keep us on track. I am amazed with all the things that can go wrong with the body and it seems to work perfectly most of the time.

As 2013 is nearing the end, I give “Gulp,” an enthusiastic thumbs up as a good, factual read that stunned me and caused me pause at times.

 

Mary Roach, “Gulp. Adventures on the Alimentary Canal”

Science News - Book Review https://www.sciencenews.org/article/gulp

Local Cleveland Fun

Hello fall! You are not my favorite season for it begins to darken at 7 PM and the weather cools. However, I have been able to ride my bike to Edgewater Park and the Transformer Station with minimal extra clothing. My thinking is: if I wear more than a tank top and shorts, it’s too cold. To my surprise, this fall has been warm for Cleveland and I can still do summer-like activities.

Last week, I rode in the sun with temperatures in the 70’s - strange for Cleveland. I was in my glory, for sure. Suddenly, a big black cloud appeared and rain poured for at least 30-minutes. Luckily, I was able to seek refuge in a pavilion near by. I sat and waited until the rain quieted to a light mist. It was warm enough that I could ride through the wetness without getting chilled. It felt more like summer rain rather than fall that chills you down to the bone. You need to stand in the shower for several minutes before you are warm enough to get out.

Everyone loves fall for the bright orange, yellow and red leaves. I do too in some respects but my backyard is already accumulating bright orange and yellow leaves – very soon, however, my tree will be bare. Next, the white snowflakes will hang on the branches and drop to the ground. Beautiful for a day or two, then I will be hauling that darn shovel to clear my driveway. A task I should just, “Get-over-it” but it’s sometimes never ending. The way I look at it now, there are still plenty of “bike-riding” days to come. As time continues, I will be planting my garden soon.

Cleveland Flea

Linoleum Block done in School

If you like local vendors and anything Cleveland, I highly recommend attending the Cleveland Flea on East 55 Street. A diverse neighborhood that is finding its niche - buy local and help our community thrive. Some of the stands distributed: local honey; handmade soaps (Soap Alchemy http://www.soapalchemy.com ); soaking salts for your feet; dishtowels with simplified linoleum prints of birds and trees by “Tart Boutique” www.etsy.com/shop/clevelandtart (I remember doing those prints in grade school); vintage furniture repurposed into inventive coffee tables, a table that holds cold beer, bookshelves and knobs that you can hang your keys; vintage clothing that you will never see another person wear and endless jewelry vendors. Take your pick!

I was so overwhelmed by all the vendors that distributed their wares. I wondered around for a bit so I can get my bearings – what did I want to see and/or buy. Since I rode my bike, I didn’t have many options to buy anything big or breakable. I’ve heard about this flea on the radio and I was just curious by checking it out. In describing how crowded it was, a vendor told me that there was a long line at 8 AM just to set up your tent. I got there at 9:45 AM and the cars were already lined up along East 55. Bring it on . . . help Cleveland’s economy. A very positive event that many walked away with merchandise in their hands as they walked to their cars. I “bike-boxed” it.

As the holidays approach, I will consider bringing my car to hopefully take home some rare finds. I believe that people are looking for inventive gifts and creative household items to buy. I just heard on the radio that now, Macy’s is also going to open on Thanksgiving evening for the Holiday season. Seriously! How bad do you really want that “junk” made in China or Bangladesh? Unless someone is giving away a free iPad, I won’t even bother standing in those ridiculous lines. I’m outraged! Take a stand, Buy local!

Last year for the holidays, I bought local at the Holiday Fest on Superior Avenue and made a drawings as gifts. I rather have those items as gifts then something from Target that will far apart within a year.

Nothing in Cleveland to do!

The Cleveland Flea - Second Saturday of the month.
http://theclevelandflea.com/classes-events/

Third Friday at 78 Street Studios - Detroit-Shoreway
http://78thstreetstudios.com/maps

ArtCraft Holiday Show 2013 will be on Saturday, December 7 & Sunday, December 8, 2013!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ArtCraft-Holiday-Sale/151694151541624?hc_location=timeline

PechaKucha at Cleveland Museum of Art

Screen Capture from PechaKucha web site

It’s PechaKucha Night at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s MIX Event. What’s that, you might ask? It is creating a presentation using 20 slides that cycles every 20 seconds. The trick is to choreograph your presentation so the correct slide is in sync with your talk. I did it once but not in front of hundreds of people that normally attends PechaKucha.

I did a small version in front of 50 people that was just as stressful (Mine was about my artistic ability that could have been more focused instead of adding my education). The trick is to be interesting and have a focused theme to your presentation. Regardless if your presentation is fantastic or not, the crowd always claps and cheers. Nothing is worse than standing in front of a crowd and be engaging and entertaining.

I have seen good ones and fair ones; I hail the presenters for standing there and talking to strangers about their passion, business and artistic prowess. One of my favorite venue was in the Warehouse District’s Hoyt block on West 6 in an architectural hideaway - first event in ten years. I remember one guy talked about printing and Thomas Mulready of CoolCleveland delivered the best presentation. It was several years ago and I still remember his confident delivery. I was blown away as I listened among the discarded boulders, and broken-down seating. That was my first one.

The Cleveland Museum of Art’s atrium is a stellar place to have PechaKucha because it holds thousands of people. It always brings in the crowds for whatever reason.  Currently, the atrium has the Ai Weiwei Zodiac heads (huge bronze sculptures of the Chinese cyclical year) that is a wonderful backdrop. Moreover, your slides are viewed high above the audience on the old 1916 building – how cool is that? There isn’t a bad place where one can’t hear or see the slides.

Since I was volunteering, I was only able to see two presenters. Tom Lix from Cleveland Whiskey showed his new business venture – brewing whiskey in Cleveland. He said that Cleveland is the perfect place to start a business. Yeah! He boasted that he was selling 1000 bottles of whiskey when he first began shipping the product; now, it’s well beyond that. Moreover, Cleveland Whiskey will be selling a Christmas flavor that is currently being shipped. What I liked about Tom’s presentation: the photos with the fermentation tanks; his staff wearing Christmas hats that were eagerly packing the Christmas whiskey; and the product itself, a beautiful clear bottle with “Cleveland” typography printed vertically (I always notice graphically pleasing products); Tom exhibited humor when his slides didn’t coordinate exactly with what he was saying. He spoke casually and his passion was easily seen how much whiskey and Cleveland means to him.

Next, Jack Ricchiuto spoke about the meaning of happiness. One statistic struck me, Harvard graduates achieving professional success as it turns out, a good percentage weren’t happy. As Jack spoke, I thought what makes me happy. Obviously having money adds to the ability to afford things that can make you happy. For me that would be the ability to travel and spend money on frivolous stuff – an avant-garde, one-of-a-kind outfit, for example. However, I’ve also found out that you don’t have to spend much money to be creative and essentially be happy.

My joys as I’ve expressed on many blog posts stems from being in my garden and knowing how to grow flowers, plants and have a thriving garden. Many times I’ve planted a dried up plant that I didn’t know would survive. I’ll never forget, I bought this plant from Aldi’s consisting of two long sticks where the leaves had fallen off. Furthermore, it sat idle for the longest time; I firmly believed it was dead. My neighbor said, “Oh, just give it time, it’ll grow.” I’ll be damned; this plant not only survived but I have to trim it three times a year because it won’t stop growing. It is those little things that gives me purpose.

Volunteering at the homeless shelter’s computer lab where I can “make someone’s day” by being friendly and caring. Many times I have “topics of the day” where I get residents to discuss current events – what’s important to them. I believe that it gives them a few minutes to “forget” where they are and focus on something else.

Lastly, I enjoy attending events where I can be myself and meet new people. Interestingly, I am an introvert but I do get my energy by being with people for a short time. Hence, that is why I am currently volunteering at the Cleveland Museum of Art not listening to the majority of the presentations; I’m busy making sure visitors find what they’re looking for and just being friendly.

As a friend of mine eloquently stated, “When you are on your deathbed, the last thing on your mind is work!”

PechaKucha at Hoyt Block
http://www.pechakucha.org/cities/cleveland/events/50b3ff71f3b43bdb0b0006d4

Observing and Reacting Photographs by Angelo Merendino

This photo is not in exhibit but I liked the photo

I enthusiastically walk into The Cleveland Print Room gallery for their new photography show; I instantly see a walker in the middle of the room. My first thought was, did someone leave this or does it belong to somebody? No, on both accounts. It is part of the show. The show, “Observing and Reacting” is eloquent and touching; photographer Angelo Merendino takes the viewer through his wife’s battle with cancer in a dramatic way – large black-and-white photographs show people gazing at a young woman in a walker. Their expressions alone says it all – why is a young woman on a walker?

For me, this show instantly transported me back when my mother was also battling cancer. The hair loss, the lethargy, countless radiology and chemo treatments was my life for 15 months. In a bold statement I will say, I hate cancer. It withers people down to bare bones and a life where they can barely function. They can’t eat because food tastes like crap. The look on their face – why is this happening to me; what did I do to deserve this? My answer is absolutely Nothing!

I see this beautifully in photographer, Merendino’s work. You see people walking along living their lives; suddenly, they see a woman on a walker; they’re taken aback. Who is this person? Why is she struggling so in this walker? I also love the work that Merendino doesn’t show his wife in full view, just a glimpse – the edge of the walker and people’s gasp says it all. You can’t help but think, life is so incredibly short. You take for granted those simple pleasures – walking down the street and feeling the bright sun on your face without the aid of a walker.

I can’t help but also feel the courage of Menendino’s wife, Jennifer, walk those streets with so many people gawking, not understanding what cancer feels like. I don’t know either but many times I had to cajole my mother in getting out of bed and go to the doctor. Had I known that she would only live 15 months, I would have told her, “Stay in bed, relax and do what you want.” And, forget about those damn radiation treatments.

I saw her get thinner and thinner day after day. She was embarrassed that I saw her in her most vulnerable state – her lithe body where she could barely get in the tub for a shower. “Get out she would say; I don’t want you to see me like this.” I’m sure she thought, “I’m the mother and I should be taking care of you, not the reverse.”

I feel the same when I see these dramatic, large prints of Jennifer walking around the streets of New York City. I don’t need your pity; I’m just trying to get through the day. The prints are so meticulously clear and concise that I feel that I’m walking right along with her. I wish I was – perhaps holding her arm so she can cross the street. She was so young – but you can’t tell with her hairless head. I admire her courage that she tried her best to live life to the fullest, pain and all.

The beginning of the show, there is a photo of Jennifer in her walker (the only one in full view) in a stripped sun dress, so frail. These words are so moving, “Today I am sad. I feel like the girl who has cancer. The girl who doesn’t want to get out of bed . . . . the girl who people stare at because of my bald head.”

At first, I didn’t understand why a bald woman so young stood with a walker until I read those sad words. I understand somewhat the struggle she faced every day. I am compassionate with anyone whose day begins with a cancer pill or being dropped off at a chemo treatment. My heart goes out to each and everyone one of them.

Please see this show, for the strength of a young woman battling cancer. For the love and compassion of a spouse wanting to keep her memory alive by photographing her everyday no matter how mundane.

The show is available until October 27, 2013
www.clevelandprintroom.com

Food that’s Junk - Book Review

By Michael Moss

Diet Coke, Pepsi, boxed lunches and/or potato chips are so bad that I try not to consume them. Okay, at parties I will gravitate towards the chips but I try to work it off by the next day. I usually eat vegetables, salads and once a week I eat meat with water as my main drink. I don’t have an over-consumption problem but many do. What is it about “junk food” that many can’t resist the temptation to over eat?

I recently read, “Salt, Sugar, Fat” by Michael Moss that solidifies that obesity is a serious problem; manufacturers of “convenience” products add so much salt, sugar and fat that we can’t help ourselves but to continually eat more. Nothing in is this book was anything that I didn’t already know – how bad processed foods are but it was interesting to learn how manufacturers purposely “draw-us-in” to eating massive amounts of this food. Everyone should read this book and fight against manufacturers that produce food that really shouldn’t be eaten.

Now that I read this book, I look even closer to how much salt is in our products especially Italian sausage that I eat sporadically. I’m not a fake; I really do enjoy eating vegetables but I do crave meat sometimes. A package of five sausages and each link has 770 mg (32%) of salt with 24 g of fat (37%). I am now looking at the frozen package, which now I have to reevaluate if I will ever buy this again. Unbelievable! No wonder a high percentage of people are gaining weight. 

According to the author of “Salt, Sugar, Fat” we should only be getting 2300 mg per day and if you have diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease it should only be 1500 mg – less than a teaspoon a day. After I just ate that sausage, I’m pretty much done with my salt intake. If you eat all your meals from a box, it’s not hard to surpass that salt limit.

The author further discusses the difference between salt and sodium. Salt isn’t the real problem it is “sodium,” which is a chemical element in salt. Consequently, everyone needs salt in their diet to be healthy but as I described the sausage above, everyone consumes more than ten times the recommended dosage; hence, obesity and high blood pressure. You would think that all the salt shakers should be banned but during a study in the early 90’s the salt shaker was not the problem – adding sodium to packaged food was the culprit.

In the manufacturers defense, sodium is added so products won’t taste like cardboard. Cargill (largest supplier of salt and other grains) tested a new product that wasn’t as bad as sodium, potassium chloride. It’s salt without the bad properties of sodium. However, a few problems resulted: higher cost and research showed kidney problems for the elderly and children. With this new development, it wasn’t considered a good argument to switch.

Depending on the usage, as in chips or cereal, the salt is added differently. Salt is produced in grades: a light flake or heavy depending on its usage. The book discussed many scientific studies on the best practices in salt utilization along with sugar and fat.

What I learned that was interesting is that there is a “bliss point” or formula for products from sugary snacks and/or drinks to salty potato chips. This means that there is a point when a product becomes either too sugary or not sugary enough. Hence, manufacturers conduct studies on finding this “tipping point” on how much sugar is adequate for optimum consumption; again, it is all in the science. The author spoke with many scientists that perfected their “products” so we consumers will crave increasingly.

How did these “convenient” products hit the shelves anyway? It began when families got busy and the women entered the workforce. It became increasingly hard to cook all meals from scratch. Moreover, the “Leave it to Beaver” mother having the dinner on the table was becoming a thing of the past. Women didn’t have time for this arduous task.
My favorite story in the book is how a scientist (Al Clausi) began his career at General Foods creating instant pudding. He took the time down from hours to a mere 30 minutes –patented formula that took him over two years to perfect. Right before Clausi had his patent, a competitor perfected their instant pudding but the problem was it kept thickening (the chemical reaction wouldn’t stop), turning it to rubber. Clausi studied the coagulation of milk and thickening process that made him a legend at General Foods - Patent No. 2,801,924. Genius! Instant Jell-O pudding that we’ve taken for granted is now a product mainstay.

Stories such as these were interwoven into the book that created depth and understanding of the complex issues that is not easy to solve. How do we get manufacturers to create healthy products? I travel down the aisles to tons of varieties of cereal to some of the worse products – “Lunchables.” This product was created to entice consumers to eat boloney by making it fun. Marketing, commercials, fun packaging is over loading us as consumers to buy – convenience and ease.

Now that I’ve read this book, I am more conscious than ever about “salt,” my vice. Even my sugarless Whole Wheat Brand Flakes cereal has 170 mg of salt without the milk. And, I am avoiding Italian sausages with an overabundance of salt that I will need an extra bottle of water to flush out my system.

As I read books and watch documentaries, I remember what a nutritionist said – buy ingredients not food. Preparing your food is not only healthy and good for you but you know what’s in there – not ingredients that you can’t pronounce. For me, if food is in a box, I keep on going.

I highly recommend this book but it might be unsettling at times.

Moss, Michael (2013) Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us.
http://www.amazon.com/Salt-Sugar-Fat-Giants-Hooked/dp/1400069807

Summer Mode

I’m having the Fall Blues. I realize as I’m sitting here gazing out into the blazing hot sun that summer is practically over. It doesn’t seem so as the temperature will reach 90 degrees today on September 10. Even so, I crave the sunshine and activities that summer brought this year. It seems like I keep revisiting all the things I was able to do and some that I completely missed. Summer is the time of year that I wait for all year long. Summer is just too short.

This summer I tried to ride my bike to some events but I wasn’t as successful as I should have been. I rode to a few of my Transformer Station volunteer shifts on Saturdays, the Garden Walk and the Larchmere Arts Festival in early July. I could have done more to reduce my car emissions and get exercise to boot. I guess it was better than nothing. I find excuses that I need my car to transport my computer or I need to go to the grocery store. On a positive note, I am seeing more bike riders traveling to their destinations. I am also seeing more cars getting angry that cyclists are clogging their precious streets. Please share the road. Like it or not, there are more cyclists opting to pedal than operating a vehicle. Get over it!

I did walk down my street for the North Collinwood free concert series that began in early June until August 30. There was Eighty’s music and blues; there were local bands and some from New York. Local residents gathered along with others from other neighborhoods listening to fabulous tunes and gazing out along Lake Erie. The sunsets are different every time – the sky glows in brilliant orange and red; other times there is a thin pink line along the horizon. The clouds interrupted the sun. That is what makes living along the lake so special. These unexpected pleasures.


Transformer Station

The Transformer Station in July was the place to be. There were five fantastic concerts at the same caliber as the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Solstice Party. The first night, a husband and wife team (Amadou & Mariam) performed an Afro-pop sound that reached well beyond West 29 and Church. The first night was a hit-or-miss that maybe a few residents will patrol the street just to see what band will be performing. Some thought it would be some local talent. To everyone’s surprise, the performers were outside the U.S. playing on a giant stage. The word-of-mouth of these stellar performances got out that by July 31, people couldn’t wait to experience these concerts. I’m still thinking about them; I hope they will add more in 2014. Pencil it in!

Not only were there free concerts all over the city, but art. I mentioned the Transformer Station with Todd Hido’s, Silver Meadows retrospective that highlighted photos and characters that made you think – what is going on here? Winter scenes and women in stiletto heels. Every time I walked through the door, I saw something that sparked a new thought.

Cleveland Print Room

Recently, I headed out to Cleveland Print Room to view these beautiful black-and-white portraits that were amazing. The photographer used FILM and took the time to “look” at his subjects. I was struck by how clear his images were. I felt immediately immersed into the culture and country sides of Africa and Asia. One of my favorite images was an intimate view of a woman (the wrinkles and blemished skin) dressed in black where the hard work she endured was easily seen - her eyes a metaphor into her soul. She reminded me of Greek widows in Greece dressed head-to-toe in black. You can feel their every day struggles – their expressionless faces. Eyes piercing the photo paper. I didn’t know them but I can emphasize with them.



Carrie Mae Weems

The Cleveland Museum of Art has a retrospective of Carrie Mae Weems on view until September 29. Again, I love black-and-white photographs and Weems has a brilliant array that boldly addresses race, gender and class - the clarity alone transports you into the artists viewpoint. Her “coffee table” series makes you think: what it’s like to live in poverty; raising a child and reflecting on choices you’ve made. A woman is sitting at the “kitchen table” where everyday things happen – she is helping her daughter with homework; she is arguing with her husband or significant other. It’s mundane scenarios where discussions and “real life” happens at the kitchen table.

My favorite, however, is the black-and-white video titled: “Cornered.” There are two video screens that are hung in a corner where the 1960s Boston riots are happening. I like the concept of polarization where neither side is listening. The riots occurred because schools were forced to desegregate - forced busing. This continually happens today when everyone talks and/or shouts. You do feel “cornered” where you don’t know where to go.

Everyone can’t wait to wear their fall clothes consisting of turtlenecks, closed-toe shoes and wool pants. No thank you. Just give me my sandals and sundresses, please!

Fall Events

Ingenuity Festival - September 20, 21, and 22.

http://ingenuitycleveland.com

Sparx City Hop - Saturday September 21, 11am until 9PM

http://www.downtowncleveland.com/events/sparx-city-hop.aspx

Chalk Festival at the Cleveland Museum of Art - Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22
http://www.clevelandart.org/

Cleveland Botanical RIPE Festival - September 21 and 22
www.cbgarden.org

Cleveland Cultural Gardens Festival

Washington, DC had Martin Luther King’s March on Washington and in Cleveland we had 1 World Festival at The Cleveland Cultural Gardens. There was music, food trucks, performances and what I enjoyed most was exploring the gardens. I’m embarrassed to admit that I haven’t seen them up close; most of the time, I zoom past them either in my car or on my bike. One of my favorite times to view them, however, is in early spring when the daffodils are at full bloom. The garden glows in a yellow hue.

It was a beautiful event for those who attended. I already can’t wait for next year.

One World Day has been celebrated for the last 66 years; I have not heard about this event until I volunteered for the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Atrium opening. I meandered to the Cultural Gardens table where a representative informed me that they have an event every year. I told here that I will definitely be there in 2013.

This year, however, was a different event. The event was to celebrate the gardens with thousands of Northeast Ohioans who might not have visited before; and for those who’ve experienced the gardens – a rediscovery. Hence, this event is a precursor for the Centennial Celebration in 2016, which is not too far off.

The music reverberated throughout the gardens, the band “African Connection,” got the crowd moving and stamping their feet. At least I was moving what I could as I sat. The Greek Gardens had Hip Hop artists while the Italian Gardens had Bollywood style performances with a chance to learn some dance moves. The upper Italian introduced audiences to acrobatics where young girls hung and twirled from fabric engaging their core muscles. The British Garden performed Shakespeare’s, “Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

This was a culturally diverse event exposing you to various performances. The gardens and events were on two levels - Martin Luther King Blvd. and East Blvd. As I mentioned in the beginning, I mostly drive through on my way home therefore, I wasn’t aware that the gardens were on East Blvd. In my opinion, the East Blvd. gave you a chance to embrace the beauty while overlooking MLK in wonder - Why haven’t I experienced these gardens until now? I am sure many thought the same thing as they walked or pedaled a bike.

As in any Cleveland Festival, the food trucks were available to quench your thirst or relieve your hunger. The DonutLabCleveland, the smallest truck sat well after most of the crowd left. And if you wanted barbeque, B&M Bar-B-Que was there as well. Moreover, there was something for everyone.

I wasn’t there for the food; I wanted to explore how each garden was different; how each nationality was expressed. My favorite was the Hungarian Garden with its intricate ironwork arch and sculpted stone and grass. The Irish garden, my second favorite, was beautifully executed with the colorful flowering bushes and plants. I notice these intricacies since I absolutely love to “putter” in my yard where I try to create a dynamic garden using color and size diversity.

I also liked how the planning committee decided to shut down MLK, which created an uninterrupted experience to view the foliage. My only gripe is: the event was not publicized enough. If the goal was to have hundreds of Northeast Ohioans there, why wasn’t there a media blitz? Or if anything, cards promoting the event at local libraries, art galleries and/or places where people congregate. As a marketer I always think, how did I find out about this event or why didn’t I. Furthermore, the flyer I did pick up did not have any information about the Schedule of Ceremonies, “Parade of Flags” or Naturalization Ceremony.

A friend of mine attends every year. She decided not to attend this time because she thought it was the same. It wasn’t. I got there later and I enjoyed it immensely because it was about the gardens, nationality and togetherness as Northeast Ohioans. 

One World Festival
www.clevelandoneworldfestival.com

My Lake Erie

Photo taken in North Collinwood - The Spectacular Sunsets

I live two minutes from Lake Erie and I can’t image living anywhere else. I constantly scratch my head; why do I have to live by the lake? This large body of water flowing to the horizon and beyond; the unbelievably gorgeous sunsets. Everyone who loves sunsets says the same thing – they look different every night. These are my main reasons I image for living in North Collinwood.

I am drawn to the water’s majestic, tranquil quality. Funny I say this for I am not really a swimmer nor beachcomber. I do, however, pick up a plastic bottle or two from the beach. Moreover, I don’t really hang out on the beach under an umbrella or wear a bathing suit – far from it. My activity stems from my weekly runs where I gaze out in the early morning wondering how it was back in the turn of the century when Euclid Beach was in its prime. Sometimes I can hear the crowds or Laughing Sal enters my consciousness – she scared the crap out of me when our family often visited the park. I remember turning my back away from the fun house and Laughing Sal’s eery laughter echoing throughout the park. She stood high above the crowd rocking back-and-forth, which made her laughter even more chilling

I went to a Euclid Beach lecture where a slide show unveiled all the attractions – the main hangout for teenagers and families. The park sold peanuts, popcorn, popcorn balls  (they are still sold, I saw them at Marc’s) and candy kisses in one flavor wrapped in yellow; the lecturer said this soft-serve ice cream, “Frozen Whip” invented in 1919 has never been duplicated. The taste was to die for, so he said. I don’t remember eating it, but I must have at some point.

There is the “Rocket Ship Car®” that you can rent where it’s easily recognizable with crazy lights and a sleek silver bullet look. I don’t remember the park ride but it screams “Euclid Beach” when it cruises down the street. Fortunately, I had an opportunity to ride it during a summer party. Fast and furious; it was cool to see people’s expressions as you whizzed by in this monstrosity.

As I’m reading an online article, I wish I remembered more about this park. The park had a pier constructed so downtown residents has easily patronize the facility by boarding a chartered steamship for twenty-five cents round trip. Enterprising idea! Now, I run down the truncated pier thinking about all the people who once stood there marveling the lake view. If there is one time that I would like to visit, it would be the heyday of Euclid Beach Park.

These ideas of shows, live bands and a dance hall, visitors from Akron and Mansfield traveled north to experience this place. I remember the girls who I used to work with spoke highly about Euclid Beach. They went every Friday night to the dance hall probably meet up with a bunch of guys. I instantly thought; they were hooking up. Too much.

Old Photo downloaded from - The Cleveland Memory Project

In grade school, we had to do an art project on Euclid Beach Park. All I remember was using tempera paint to illustrate “Over the Falls.” Before doing any research, I had no idea what “Over the Falls” looked like nor what it must of felt like riding it. After our group found some old photos, it looked very fun, unlike anything like it back then. A roller coaster going into water along the lake. Sounds like the perfect summer “stay-cation.”

A Card I bought - The Nostalgic Euclid Beach Park

When I run through Euclid Beach, I wish in a way I could run through the amusement park as the rides were moving at full throttle. I know they are currently restoring the carousel (named Carrousel) that will be housed at The Western Reserve Historical Society but it’s not the same if it remained along the lake. Euclid Beach only has a few remnants of the past: The iconic Euclid Beach Park arch; Near the apartments, a small bridgewhere the Turnpike Car ride went underneath; track for the Turnpike Cars; A few weathered ticket stands in the nearby trailer park. That is all that’s left on the premises of a very popular park.

As I think about Euclid Beach Park as we just had a Beach Blast Festival on Saturday, August 3. There was a photo-op where you can stand by the pier and put on some nostalgic glasses or hats. My understanding is more than 1500 people attended; fantastic patronage. Now that the Cleveland Metroparks has taken over the park, I hope soon more people will visit. The view and sunsets are spectacular. Nothing like it in Northeast Ohio.



Euclid Beach Blast, First Saturday in August
http://euclidbeachblast.tumblr.com


Remembering the Sights and Sounds of Euclid Beach Park (Last Sunday in September)
www.euclidbeach.org


History on Euclid Beach Park
http://www.grayco.com/cleveland/books/28892/sample.shtml#.Ug5mHIXDPV0


Laughing Sal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZcb74emOB4


Cleveland Memory Project - Over the Falls Ride
http://images.ulib.csuohio.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/postcards/id/266/rec/15

Born to Sleep - Book Review

Did you know that the higher the price for sneakers, the worse they are for your feet? I, like everyone else who runs just assumed that this statement was true. Surprise, this cannot be further from the truth.

I recently read, “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall where he describes the Tarahumara Indians – Mexican ultrarunners that run miles upon miles in either bare feet or sandals made out of discarded rubber. They eat healthfully on pinole, and beans – living off the land unlike the American diet consisting of sugary drinks and boxed meals. Since I run on the weekends, the subject was intriguing. But, I found myself nodding off by his laborious descriptions on the Tarahumara and the authors quest to find, “Caballo Blanco (the white horse). The author heard a myth about this character as a great runner.

To put it bluntly, I didn’t care about his cast of characters nor how some of the verbiage was constructed. I didn’t understand the point.

As a voracious reader, when I’m engaged in a book, I cannot put it down nor do I want to stop reading. This book, however, I was eager to put it down. I wanted to like it because I’m a runner but it fell short until I miraculously made it to Chapter 25 – more than half way through the book.

Finally, the climax of the entire book occurred on that Chapter. It answered the author’s looming question why he wrote the book. “Why does my foot hurt?” It’s all in the footwear. The more expensive, high quality shoe cushions your foot where it isolates it from moving properly. Hence, your foot is designed to adjust to the environment; it’s supposed to take a beating. The scientists and researchers in the book state that all their subjects that ran preferred a low grade shoe. Furthermore, in the 1970s when these “slick, high-tech” gym shoes didn’t exist, bunions, knee or plantar fascia (the author never explained what this was) problems never happened. So true.

This brought me back to when I went to a podiatrist complaining of foot pain. The doctor couldn’t wait to give me a soft, pillow insole to put in my left shoe raising it higher than my right foot. It never solved the problem. Moreover years later, I ran my first marathon to excruciating pain in my knees. I was in so much pain that I almost ran to the side of the road and sit it out. I continued. After the marathon, I immediately went to the doctor telling him about the pain. “Oh, the pain isn’t in your knees, it’s your back. You need surgery.”

I don’t know what it was in my brain that told me to get a second opinion or just walk out the door. I thought to myself, there is no way I am going to have surgery. An image of a cripple seared into my consciousness. Quite honestly, I was frightened. Now, I’m thankful that I didn’t listen to that quack. It took several years before I had the courage to put on my running shoes and start back.

I can’t begin to describe what it is about running that I continually do it. An old habit, I guess. I started running when I was sixteen, a slightly overweight teenager. That was the only activity that I could do that was inexpensive. I’m not saying I have any talent in that regard, but just moving my body gave me purpose to get fit. Now, I workout, bike and run once a week to an almost “Tarahumara” diet.

The low grade shoe option I needed to try. I’ve been wearing “Asics” for years and years. Moreover, I wouldn’t buy any other shoe to run in. Now this book is telling me that they’re causing more harm then good. I have very bad bunions and some knee issues. I’ve got to try it.

Sunday morning, I found an old pair of Ann Taylor, canvas sneakers that I haven’t worn in years. I wore my specialized socks that wards off blisters and began running. Just like the book said, I didn’t have the foot problem I normally have when I run. Blisters, definitely. I somehow continued my normal route – about five miles. I hurt in the right places, legs and behind. I did get a weird stare from a runner, however, who looked at me like, “You’re running in those cheap shoes!” Damn straight I am!

I am going to integrate “barefoot” running into my regime. Now that I think about my childhood, I ran barefooted all the time and never had foot problems. Your foot is an amazing devise - it holds all of your weight.

I can’t give “Born to Run” a thumbs up but I am thankful that I was able to trudge through the nonsense and become educated on how the high end shoe is destroying our feet. How gel insole sneakers are a must that’s just a marketing ploy by all the manufacturers; a successful one at that. 


Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Super Athletes, and the Greatest Race the World has Never Seen
Christopher McDougall
www.borntorun.org

Volunteering at the Senior Games

Photo by Anne Marie Witmer

I waved goodbye to my car as I pedaled to my volunteer shift at the Senior Games. I was determined to be more sustainable and leave my car at home. The one thing to consider when biking or using public transportation, you have to be organized. Moreover, you have to leave earlier than you normally do if your using a car. For example for my shift at Case Western Reserve University, I left one hour and ten minutes early. I over estimated my arrival time but it’s better to add some time than run late.

As I biked through East Cleveland along Euclid Avenue, I spotted a few athletes waiting for the HealthLine and a car was toting a bicycle. I enthusiastically gave them a thumbs up as my anticipation mounted for my first shift. I made a left turn onto Adelbert Road, and parked my bike at Veale Center. Honestly, I was nervous what my role would entail as a Table Tennis score keeper.

When you deal with a huge venue such as the Senior Games, there is bound to be volunteers that don’t show up. In actuality, if an event depends on volunteerism, no shows are a given. Since table tennis was a practice day, the Horseshoe event needed score keepers. I instantly changed my role - a horseshoe scorekeeper.

Horseshoes

I don’t know about you but I’ve never played horseshoes nor watched it being played. Much less how the scoring works. A group of us volunteers listened carefully as the official explained how the scoring works. “Oh, once you have one sheet under your belt, the rest is ‘easy peasy’!” “All right, I thought. But, I’m already confused.”

I’m a smart person; I’ll figure it out.

I walked to my scoring section, 6. The participants couldn’t have been more helpful; they call out the score and you write it down. There is a “seeded” ranking and the lower of the two participants call the score. I was still apprehensive; I didn’t want to mess up if they get “hardware” or not.

Two women walked up to me; my name is Moe and I will call out the score. I couldn’t tell how old they were but they were up there. They were throwing these shoes like it was “nothin.” Moe hit the vertical pole I don’t know how many times. She ended up with a high 40 score - very good and at least 9 ringers. “Ringers” is when the shoe goes around the vertical pole. You throw two shoes each time in a soft, clay “pit” then the next participant throws two. After you throw into one pit, you turn in the opposite direction and throw two more into the next pit. This goes on until you get to 30 shoes - round 1 is complete.

The scorekeeper turns in the paper sheet to the official. Yes, there are no electronic devices; it’s done the old fashion way, paper and pencil. That is only round one, the participants continue for 7 rounds. Do the math, that is a lot of shoes to throw! Besides, these shoes have weight to them, not some lightweight material.

These rounds continued the entire morning; the same women continued to throw as I finished my shift. I had a blast. Just as the official said, after I turned in my first sheet, a light bulb went off in my head. “Duh! A ringer is when the shoe hugs the pole.

The participants thanked me for volunteering. Incredible experience! I will cherish this day at Case Western Reserve University amongst the wind turbine scoring horseshoes. These women will forever remind me that getting up in age doesn’t mean you can’t do anything. These athletes remind us all that age is just a number, right!

Hammer Throw

To recap my volunteer stint for the Senior Games, I became a “Hammer Throw” retriever. Just like my horseshoe experience, the Hammer Throw was just as memorable. If you have ever seen this bizarre event on t.v. or not, the women who I saw throw this thing were amazing. It is a shot put ball at the end of a long wire with a handle at the end. The participant stands in the box within a cage and spins this wire and releases it. One thing to remember, when a participant is in the “cage” you do not look away from the “hammer.” Once you do, you will get hit. One of the officials mentioned how she got hit once by an amazing athlete from Brooklyn. Ouch! Major ouch!

This hammer was awkward and kind of heavy. The length of the hammer was almost to my shoulder (4 feet) and I’m a short 5’ 1.” The women’s hammer is slightly lighter than the men; seven to eight pounds versus fourteen to sixteen. This is a skilled event. One of the women said to me, “Next year I want to see you throwing a hammer.”  What a hoot!

What I enjoyed most about the games were the athletes. They helped each other and displayed professionalism.

Race Walk

In this event I was a lap counter for six athletes. The official gives you a list of numbers and when you see your number cross the line you enthusiastically call out, “Number 139, you have 4 laps to go.” Actually, my number 139 received the silver in the men’s race. I was very excited. In fact, all of us counters cheered all the numbers as they crossed the finish line. What an accomplishment especially for these 80-year-olds.  There was only one woman in the 80-year-old and over category that won the gold metal. She stood alone at the top of the podium raising her arms to the applause.

They walk faster than I run. Amazing to watch.

I had a wonderful time talking and watching these wonderful athletes participating in the games. It will be one of my most memorable volunteering experiences.

Next year, the Gay Games August 9 – 16, 2014.

www.GG9CLE.com

Italian Cultural Gardens Opera and Ohio City Stages

I, like many people in Cleveland, have not patronized the Cultural Gardens along Martin Luther King Blvd. This Sunday, however, I had the opportunity to hear Opera Per Tutti at the Italian Gardens to hundreds of other Clevelanders. This is a free cultural offering, “Opera in the Italian Garden.” The roads were full of cars parked haphazardly as people walked toward the fountain entrance to hear Italian Opera. I was just as excited to listen to Opera again where I’ve listened to many performances at the Palace Theater. I’ve attended: The Magic Flute, Tosca, and Rigoletto to name a few. I can’t really explain why I love it but the performers ability to hit those high notes - gives me chills.

The entrance to the event was away from Martin Luther King Boulevard, up a hill. This was the perfect venue, high above the gardens was majestic. Chairs were set up in front of this giant fountain where you can feel the mist just as the wind floated past you. There was free wine samples - Italians and Wine is definitely one and the same. Stone fired pizza was also available for purchase. It was the perfect evening - the temperature was in the low 80’s unlike the sweltering heat we had for six days.

The performances were fantastic. The program included arias from Carmen, La Boheme, Tosca and Romeo and Juliet where the high notes where not in short supply. There were two Sopranos, two Tenors along with one Baritone, narrated by Jan Jones. The sound quality was exquisite with a new speaker technology system - you can hear every breath and note. There wasn’t a bad seat but we chose to sit towards the front in the seats provided.

Historically, in 1930 the Italian Cultural Garden hosted the San Carlo Opera sixty-eight years ago at its lower level amphitheater. Opera originated in Italy at the end of the sixteenth century. My first opera was Rigoletto where I remember thinking - how great is this. My sister and I saw many thereafter when Opera Cleveland was here. We were both hooked. They sing in Italian but the audience gets a brief translation in English high above the stage. You get used to it. The performances and orchestral music definitely stays with you. 

The performance lasted over an hour and a half where audience members gleefully clapped and hung on every note. I’ve forgotten how much I enjoy the Opera. It’s one of those things; you either love it or hate it. I don’t think there is a neutral stance.

As I’ve said on many posts, there is so many free summer events going on in Northeast Ohio; it is a matter of searching these events out. Find what you are interested in and go for it.

Visit “Italian Cultural Gardens” on Facebook

Also, the Cultural Gardens will have the 66 Annual Old World Day, August 25, 2013
www.clevelandoneworldfestival.com

I just learned about this event at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Opera Per Tutti will perform at Arts in August in Tremont’s Lincoln Park
Saturday, August 17, 2013, 7pm
www.operapertutti.org

Ohio City Stages in Ohio City

If you enjoy the Cleveland Museum of Art Solstice Party with that eclectic, funky beat then I highly recommend attending the last concert at The Ohio City Stages. This is a collaboration between The Cleveland Museum of Art and Transformer Station presented by Charter One Bank. This massive stage sits between W 29 and Clinton. My understanding is: the stage folds up; slides into a semi; parked on the side of the road; then it’s pulled out again for the next concert.

The first concert was well received because the residents followed the music. There’s no bad seat - the music resinates throughout Ohio City.

All I can say, I’ve attended every concert and each performance is different in its own right. There was an African-pop beat; Romanian gypsy brass including tubas; elegant acoustic guitars and Moroccan using unique instruments - represented the past four weeks. Some people bring chairs but you don’t necessarily need them, everyone is on their feet and dancing. That’s right.

Following the concerts, there are outdoor films - Bellwether, a project of the museum’s Contemporary Arts Society. Films that you probably won’t see anywhere else

The last concert is on July 31 featuring “Novalina” contemporary Latin music - I will not miss it.

http://www.transformerstation.org/Events/

Whose dog was that?

Biking and giving blood just don’t mix. Whose brilliant idea was it to bike down to the American Red Cross and give blood? It sounded good at the time. Saturday is my biking day and I thought why don’t I do both. I didn’t think that after giving one pint of blood that my body would be physically ready to exert additional energy and bike. Not only did I bike downtown but I went all the way to Ohio City, West 58 to be exact.

I pedaled feeling pretty good after I ate two bags of pretzels and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Quite frankly, it was a warm and pleasant day for biking without the humidity we usually get in July. Since I try to give blood every fifty-six days, I am fully aware that I need to keep myself fully hydrated. I continually drank water as I pedaled from east to west.

Suddenly, I wasn’t feeling so good - light headed and hot. I Immediately stopped at West 29 and Franklin and laid under a tree without even taking off my helmet. I could just kick myself for not heading home. I closed my eyes and took long, controlled breaths until I was able to sit up. How stupid can I be? I laid there thinking that I did a good deed but now I feel like crap.

It’ll pass; it always does.

As any cyclist will tell you, always have snacks. I drank a yogurt smoothie and some fruit. My head feels fine and the queasiness has passed. I’m thankful that someone didn’t stop and ask if I was all right. “Yeah, I’m laying here because I didn’t have the common sense to go home.”

I didn’t want to break any records pedaling home. I took it easy - a steady, even pace. I didn’t want to get dehydrated again. Water is your best friend when you exercise and especially when you give blood. Honestly, I drink water all day long. Nothing is better than this clear, refreshing liquid. My saving grace.

About forty-five minutes from home, I found another tree at Gordon Park and laid down, helmet and all. I rather be safe than sorry. I’m in no hurry. Eyes closed. I took a long breath in through my nose and out through my nose; yoga’s ujjayi breathing. Suddenly out of the blue, a black dog appears under my tree. I heard the clinging of the dog tags. S/he didn’t bark just hovered until I reached my hand and petted her head and neck. I couldn’t believe it - a dog just appears to make sure I’m okay. Seriously!


I didn’t realize it until later that this dog sensed something and ran to my tree. I don’t own a dog nor do I know much about dogs but this dog was worried about me. I felt so appreciative that it appeared; stayed until I was alert enough to touch her. I will never forget this incident. My heart goes out to this beautiful dog. I thank you for your intuitiveness. Every thing has a purpose - dogs, elephants (my other favorite) bugs, rodents and everything else. And, we are all connected in some way too.

Pet and hug your animal today, you never know when they might offer some help.

Please donate to the American Red Cross
http://www.redcrossblood.org/

Our Consumption on Cheap Fashion - Book Review

As I scanned through a garment rack at the Larchmere Festival, I was surprised to find a beautifully crafted jacket made in the U.S.A. However, the price tag was over$200.00 that most will not pay given our current economy. I, unlike many, understand how good quality garments are made; if I had the currency, I would gladly pay it to give our struggling economy a jolt. Our fashion today is inundated with cheaply made garments that many don’t pay more than $20.00 a pop. This is our new garment economy - fast fashion gone amok.

I recently finished Elizabeth Cline’s book, “Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion” that opened my eyes to our addiction to cheap goods. Cheap fashion in my eyes is crap that is stockpiled in our closets and under our beds. Cline honestly describes the clothing that she bought that was never worn, clogged her closets and open spaces; it was bought only because it was on sale. She took all of her clothes out of storage and did a quick inventory of what she owned: “sixty-one tops, sixty T-shirts, thirty-four tank tops, twenty-one skirts, twenty-four dresses, twenty pairs of shoes, twenty sweaters, eighteen belts, fifteen cardigans and hooded sweatshirts, fourteen pairs of shorts, fourteen jackets, thirteen pairs of jeans, . . . I owned 354 pieces of clothing. Americans buy an average of sixty-four items of clothing a year, a little more than one piece of clothing per week.” Seriously! This is crazy, I thought when I read these statistics.

The above numbers is normal expense. I remember when I worked retail, Macy’s had sales every week. Customers expect sales; moreover, they will not pay full price. Macy’s or Cleveland’s May Company department stores had coupon sales so often that I had customers yell at me “This isn’t on sale or how can I get a coupon?” Our retail establishment has conditioned consumers to buy sale items only. This is nonnegotiable! Quite frankly, why would anyone buy an item at full price when they know it will be marked down next week. What I heard most often was, “We’ll come back next week, it will be on sale.” That’s how confident consumers are.

Cline eloquently described the fashion industry as a “copy cat” outfit where designers and/or manufacturers stake out runways and produce cheap “knock offs.” The new normal to cheap or “fast fashion.” Until I read this book, I didn’t realize there was a term for today’s fashion as “fast fashion.” Because of the quick turn around needed for new, trendy outfits that everyone must have, manufacturers are producing low quality and low grade fabrics. They pill; they fall apart where today’s consumers might wear them a few times then throw them out. No big deal, right! Our land fills are inundated with yesterday’s trends. I wish people would just think before they throw out clothes. At least, everyone should give items to Goodwill.

After reading this book, I found out that Thrift shops have protocol too. Meaning, when you shop at a thrift shop (now I am taking this route), they only keep clothing for a certain amount of time. The tags are color coded; then after a few weeks, the items are pulled from the racks and are baled. These bales are either sold to other countries such as Africa or to companies that take the items and create other uses such as rags. Whatever is not sold is ultimately thrown into landfills. I was dumbstruck. You mean the clothing that I donate for the greater good will accumulate in a landfill? Sometimes other countries such as Africa don’t want these lower grade items because now their residents are having more disposable incomes. They want new fashions like the United States.  

Man made fabrics that are not sustainable and are produced using more fuel and resources. Cline’s research stated that if every man, woman, and child in China bought two pair of wool socks, there would be no more wool left in the world (Chapter 7, p. 172). I am worried how or with what materials our products will be made if resources become limited - higher prices! What other resources will be sacrificed to feed our addiction?

Lastly, Cline does give the reader a positive direction for fashion - slow fashion where designers and small boutiques are creating fashions by "repurposing" as “one-of-a-kind” pieces. They are focusing on quality not quantity where you pay a little more but your clothing will last much longer. As a benefit, your clothing will not look like everyone else. I feel there is hope that fast-fashion will become “out” and consumer will embrace items that is made in the U.S. as I described earlier.

Unlike everyone else, I will not go to Walmart to buy cheap products. Once during my lunch hour, I attempted to shop at Walmart thinking I can run in quickly. I stood in my tracks as the crowds filled the aisles. “That’s it,” I thought. It’s not worth saving a few extra dollars by wasting an entire lunch hour in the check out line.

These are the type of decisions we all must do. Look to new outlets for our consumables. Until people decide NOT to shop at these cheap stores will we force retailers to buy and manufacturers to make higher quality products similar to the local food movement. This has empowered farmers to produce and sell accessible food.  Furthermore as a society, we become healthier and buying locally helps producers survive well above paycheck to paycheck. This is a win-win.

I definitely recommend this book as an educational tool by informing us about our fashion consumption. I enjoyed the rich statistical analysis on this important issue but it was a little dry where it took me longer to read than normal. I don’t want to dissuade anyone on its importance.

Elizabeth Cline, 2012, “Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion,” (p. 4 & 5, 172).

Larchmere Festival
http://www.larchmere.com/

June Festivities - 2013

June was a whirlwind of activity and these are just a few activities I did on the last weekend of June.

Waterloo Arts Fest

Belly dancers, stilt walkers, crafts food and music playing at five stages and much more lined Waterloo Road this past Saturday for the Eleventh Annual Arts Festival in North Collinwood. I road my bike and maneuvered my way through the bustling activity. This is another one of my favorite summer events that is right in my backyard. Moreover, I enjoy experiencing the diverse crowds, the art displayed (Rust Belt artists), musical talent and white tent merchandise for sale. I fondly remember not too long ago walking the deserted street patronizing a vintage clothing shop (no longer there) and a coffee house; this festival has definitely come a long way.

As I mentioned, the festival had five stages that housed a variety of music. There was a stage in a sculpture garden where you can sit and relax away from the street. Last year at this location I listened to the band, The Commonwealth, where I stood not wanting to move as I listened. They’re a young band that exploded with a cool, different rhythm - a toe tapping beat where my toes keep tapping. Remembering them as I looked at the schedule, I told my friends that we need to listen to this group. I’m not sure they understood my excitement to listen to them again; they liked them as well.

As we walked through the crowd, I remembered that we didn’t see any art. My sister and I walked up a flight of steps to see the Rust Belt Artists from Cleveland to Pittsburgh. The dilapidated building housed several rooms of art; one painting that I really liked was a brightly painted orange and red canvas displaying a large hat and fashionable, tight-waisted dress. It was simply illustrated but caught my attention with the bold colors.

You can still see a glass pane with “Appointments” stenciled across the bottom, which one can visualize was a doctor’s office. The rooms were small with paneling on all the walls, as patients sat and waited. As my sister said, this old building has so much possibilities; just knock down a few walls and they can become great living spaces.

I realize that the Waterloo Arts Fest is right around my neighborhood but it has come a long way to being a well attended event.The music was fantastic especially at the Beachland Stage (Beachland Ballroom); another band that was good, “So Long Albatros,” where I stood in awe by the drummer’s performance. Food trucks, art, kids crafts, what more is there for a summer festival destination. If you haven’t attended before, it is the last Saturday in June.

The Commonwealth Band
http://thecommonwealth-music.bandcamp.com/album/emerald-city-blues


Waterloo Arts
www.waterlooarts.org


Pompeii Exhibit

After several months at the Cleveland Museum of Art, I finally attended the Pompeii Exhibit. Nothing like waiting until the last minute. The exhibit opened with Andy Warhol’s screen print of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius - one canvas in color and another in black and white. They were simple but dramatically represented the eruption. I can’t even imagine what that was like - panic and fear that you were not going to get out alive.

As my sister astutely pointed out, the theme of the exhibit was not a series of images about this tragedy but how artists interpreted this event. There were series of paintings where several artists showed how residents of Pompeii gorged themselves with food delicacies and fine clothing. Did they deserve this untimely death?

The exhibit entrance displayed a body cast in plaster (I think) that we’ve all seen before but another artist created a series of the same dog sculpture sixteen times. Interesting and eerie at the same time. The entire gallery housed the dog in a fetal position. You realize instantly the destruction of life but animals were also lost.

Mostly I gravitated towards the sculptures - a nude, young man bronze carrying a shovel with an artifact in his right hand. The artist eloquently displayed the possibility of grave robbers; however, it’s doubtful this occurred since the young man was nude. Still, it gives the viewer pause to think about this period.

I enjoyed the exhibit but my absolute favorite room was an entire room of Rothko’s. I peacefully sat and looked back and forth at Rothko’s large canvases - brushstrokes in dark colors. Blocks of colors where you wonder what was he thinking as he took brush to canvas. For me, it was time well spent thinking about artists’ interpretation of a period frozen in time and how we deal with death and destruction.

The Cleveland Museum of Art

The New North Wing Now Open - Japanese and Korean Art, plus Textiles that has not been seen in eight years. Walking along these galleries during the Solstice Party, I instantly thought, there are so many unfamiliar pieces I don’t remember. One of my favorites is the "Portrait of the Zen Master Hotto Kokushi," a weathered wooden piece where a seated monk meditates with his eyes closed with his hands turned upward in his lap.


www.clevelandart.org


The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival

The Two Gentleman of Verona was presented at Wade Oval.

http://www.universitycircle.org/locations/cleveland-shakespeare-festival