Festival of Lights Cleveland Style

It’s August 8 and the AHA Festival is underway on Mall B. For those that don’t know, AHA is a light show that is the beginning of Gay Games 9; Land Studio was awarded a grant from the Cleveland Foundation to bring a festival of lights to downtown. It was cool to see yogi’s and cyclists embracing what a great city Cleveland has become. 

I placed my mat along side hundreds of other yogi’s in anticipation of a community yoga sponsored by Inner Bliss Yoga. I missed the other gathering at the Rock Hall on June 27, a glorious event where like-minded people practiced yoga under the warm summer sky. Space was tight between yoga mats as participants did their best to “down dog” and/or “chair” pose.

As I wrote a few weeks ago, there is something about yoga that keeps me coming back. The poses can be difficult and quite challenging as you come up from your tenth low plank or push-up (Chaturanga) as you try to control your breath. During the AHA event, however, I have never seen so many yogi’s doing “head stands” and other poses that I have yet to master. The energy was alive where you couldn’t help but embrace what Cleveland has done to “bounce back” from recession and job loss that many are still experiencing (me included). The city was aglow in rainbow colors from one end of town to the other (the rainbow extended from Browns Stadium to Progressive field). Wow is what everyone probably thought as they gazed into the sky. 

"The Pool" photo courtesy of AHACle.com website

There was a circular, plastic sculpture, "The Pool" (maybe 200 small circles created a large circle) laid onto the grass of Mall B where participants stomped on the disks and vibrant colors emanated as you hit the plastic. Very intuitive and interactive. I didn’t get a chance to participate as a huge crowd was trying it out. 

I was so happy so many people came out to participate in yoga and others that just hung out to see what all the fuss was about. Dogs were roaming around along with my sister’s dog, Max sniffing away at all the new smells. Something new to see, Clevelanders flock. 

During the practice, the instructors reiterated the same mantra — look at our beautiful city and be proud of being a Clevelander; what makes you unique? Everyone has a gift to share. It’s a matter of finding it (I’m paraphrasing; that is what I got out of it).

Yoga is exercise, breath, inner strength and light emanated onto others. I felt all of us yogi’s (1500 or so) believing in ourselves, our city and coming together to share this light within us with everyone around us. I felt fulfilled and positive about the future. 

Gay Games 9

As a volunteer for any new event in town, I offered my services to the Gay Games Federation. Such as the AHA yoga experience, I enjoyed my time at the Gay Games immensely. I met so many fine individuals from as far away as New Zealand, France (host to the 2018 games) Spain (two participants didn’t speak a word of English trying to get a team together so they can play volleyball) to Chicago, Michigan New York and California. Their excitement was infectious.

I volunteered on Saturday, August 9 as a greeter and informant for the cycling event. It was quiet at 8 a.m. but several participants from California took the “redeye” as they checked in with baggage in tow. I had a blast talking to people and welcoming them to Cleveland. 

What I heard. The participants thought Clevelanders and Akronites were friendly and embraced them with open arms (“the red carpet” treatment). Why not! They’re spending the week participating and spending money at local restaurants and clubs. 

When I volunteer, I do not pay to park. Instead I bike. One of my events was Beach Volleyball at Whiskey Island. I woke up at 5:20 a.m.; on my bike by 6:25 a.m. and barely made it to the venue by 8 a.m.  The night before it rained so it was extremely windy as I rode west. It was as though I was pedaling backwards, the wind was so strong. The Beach Volleyball participants continued on in spite of the “freezing” conditions. Some “winter people” think this is perfect weather, but I love it hot especially when it’s supposed to be August and normal temperatures are in the 80’s. Wednesday morning, it was in the 50’s – fall weather. Yikes!

I hung tough and watched some amazing volleyball. A team from Detroit had to go back home and deal with flooding problems. He said, “Cleveland wasn’t so bad.” They said the same thing as others have said, Cleveland is a welcoming town. Hooray! Way to go Cleveland. 

Right as I left, the sun cut through the heavy clouds. Biking towards downtown wasn’t bad in the sun. Regardless, I had fun. 

One of my favorite events was water polo. I was amazed with the athleticism of these participants treading water for an entire game. I was getting tired watching them. On Thursday afternoon, I watched Cleveland versus DC (District of Columbia). Good game 9-8 (Cleveland wins).

Closing ceremonies were fun and something I will probably not see again. The entire Mall C area was flooded with people. Rainbow boas, colored hair, gold, silver and bronze metals hung around their necks. Laughter reverberating across the sky. Everyone was enjoying themselves. Kelly King from New York City sang beautifully hitting these high notes that could have broken some glass. Beautiful voice. I stood in awe. 

The extinguishing of the flame and passing the flag to Paris brought tears to my eyes. I remembered the Winter Olympics we just had in February and how much I love competitive sports and the pageantry of the whole thing. They also showed this weeks sporting events in a short video and how proud I am of Cleveland in showing the world how great our city truly is – a hidden gem. 

I’m sad that all this fanfare has come to a close but I’m sure that Cleveland will host more events: films, National Republican Convention, and so much more. Our city shined this week; I’m happy I was involved in its glory and resurgence. 

Believe in Cle Community Yoga

Summer Has Flown By

It’s Sunday, July 27 and I’m getting pensive that summer has just flown by. I feel that summer hasn’t even gotten started since I’ve only worn my tank tops a few times. To me, summer means a skirt, sandals and tank — anything more than that is too much. Contrary to what others think, July was a cool month and there were still many complaints that it’s just too hot. Seriously! I’ve worn my fleece jacket and jeans to many outdoor concerts and slept with a down comforter more times than I can remember (I don’t have central air). Last year is was so hot, that I slept with wash cloth to keep my temperature down. That’s my definition of summer. 

All complaints aside, I’ve gotten out there and experienced all the fun outdoor activities that I can get in. There is just too many things going on; some days I had to picked one thing and go with it. For example last Sunday, Ohio City / Transformer Station had their Parisian Market (the Cleveland Flea on West 29). I normally run on Sunday morning but I changed my itinerary and decided to bike. It was a beautiful sunny day without much humidity as I pedaled down Lakeshore Blvd, onto North Marginal Road and over the Detroit-Superior bridge.  

Right before me were street vendors pedaling their wares, a food truck serving up breakfast and various stands creating crepes (Elise's Crepes), pierogies (The Pierogi Lady) and oysters (Oyster Bar). There was a tent with chairs so patrons can sit, eat and have conversations until they feel like moving again. That’s what the Europeans do – socialize!

What I enjoyed most about the market was the intimacy of it. Not crazy busy but enough diverse merchandise that you can find something to buy. Since I rode my bike, there wasn’t much merchandise I could buy and cart home — the downside of cycling to events. I anxiously tried on a few outfits from a vendor selling old, nostalgic items. I found a beautiful “couture” dress that was expertly constructed. All the seams were finished as I turned the garment inside out. Nothing is made like “that” any more. Now we buy crap that only lasts one season if you’re lucky. As a person that sews, I notice details like that. I good find if it fits.

To my chagrin, the dress didn’t fit. Honestly, I couldn’t get it past my waist. The other thing that has changed in our current fashion industry is “sizing.” I’m a small person and now I wear X-small and sizes in the zero’s at times. I am not trying to boast that I’m tiny but the sizing is so “out of whack!” I had to put that gorgeous dress back but found a gingham orange top that I bought instead. 

As I walked around, I was quickly propelled into the seventies with these plastic glasses with different colored bottoms that I swear my mom owned. Old fashioned cameras that uses film and a “flash cube” — remember that? There was “Simplicity” patterns that brought back memories of my mother who sewed all her clothes when I was a child. Jewelry made from Barbie doll hangers – what a hoot! African Black soap that addresses skin issues – acne and eczema. I quickly bought a bar.

I enjoyed myself at this market seeing a few people that I knew and talking to a mother and daughter in the crepe line. I told them I was thinking of going to the “Taste of Tremont” (third Sunday in July) and they said it was incredibly busy where it was hard to find parking. I thought of going but they made my mind up for me — I bagged it. 

If you enjoy nostalgic, retro items, I would definitely attend the Cleveland Flea at Tyler Village on August 9 and/or the Ohio City Market on Sunday, August 17. 

As I cycled home, enthusiastic about my purchases, I thought about the upcoming “Opera per Tutti at the Italian Cultural Garden later that evening. I thought for some reason that it was in August but it also scheduled on July 20. I was almost too tired to go and thought about meeting my sister there as I passed the Cultural Gardens on my way home. 

The Opera per Tutti performance was extraordinary. I think I enjoyed it more this year than last. The gardens was full with people of all ages in chairs and blankets soaking up this music. The sound quality was exquisite; there wasn’t a bad seat. They offered a sampling of wine and pizza for sale. The performers sang from various Operas –  La Boheme and La Traviata to name a few. It brought memories when my sister and me attended a few Operas a year. I didn’t understand what they sung but I love it! It brings goosebumps as their voices transcends the audience. 

If you enjoy Opera, pencil that in for next year. I would definitely get there early to get a seat or wander around these beautiful gardens. 

Not only were there the two events that I just described, but a concert at Lakeview Cemetery and The Cleveland Foundation free event at Blossom; my sister said 5,000 people attended that night. That is four events that I know of happened July 20.

July is over so one more month of activities until I’ll be putting up the Halloween decorations.