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
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| 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
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