Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2014

As I sit in Church a few days before Christmas, the priest recites in his sermon that everyone should keep in mind what the true meaning of Christmas really is. It is not shopping until 1 a.m. at all the major retailers. I concur with the priest’s statement. I kept thinking about what he said throughout my day as I stood in my kitchen making dozens of thumbprint cookies. Why do I stand there for hours making cookies? I enjoy baking cookies but mostly it’s the act of giving them to my family. It’s my joy for the holidays –creating something that gives others joy.

For me the meaning of Christmas is not the gifts; it’s being with family members and partaking in eating food that ultimately joins us. It’s sharing and being thankful for all the things that have affected your life.

Every Christmas Eve, I painstakingly roll cabbage into my mother’s famous “stuffed cabbage” recipe.  I never thought in my wildest dreams I would ever make them quite like hers. She had the knack or I think of her talent in creating delectable food. Everything she made was delicious. Moreover, she made everything from scratch that at the time was unlike what other families were doing.

Photo courtesy of http://www.maplespice.com

Most of the time, I was embarrassed when she made (“spanakopita” - spinach filled pie) and asked me if I wanted to take it to school for lunch. “No!” I replied. “Everyone at school will laugh at me.” Now when I think back, I can almost taste her “spanakopita” sizzling out of the oven; the aroma filled the kitchen. I stood in front of the oven anticipating when it will be done.

My mom made the phyllo dough from scratch that would take her most of the morning. She would often ask me, “Antonia, do you think you will ever be able to make it on your own?” So far, I haven’t attempted it but I’ve made “spanakopita” with ready-made phyllo dough. It tastes fine but it’s definitely not the same as mom’s.

Regarding my mom’s phyllo dough, she was the best in making this ultra thin pastry dough. Furthermore when she migrated to the United States, she showed all her friends how to make it from scratch. She learned this skill from her aunt in Philadelphia. I got the better end of the deal because I ate her “pita” - generic term for Greek pie stuffed with various vegetables such as leeks (my favorite): spinach, squash or feta cheese (white goat cheese) all the time. Sometimes she made it monthly or whenever she felt like making it. She complained that it took so long but I know deep down she enjoyed the process of making her own phyllo. I definitely inherited her gift of baking. I don’t think I’ve ever baked anything that was inedible. I guess I’m patting myself on the back like my mother often did. When you have the knack to bake, it’s a unique gift.

Courtesy of http://www.cookingforkeeps.com

Hence that is what Christmas is to me, eating my mom’s cooking. She also made these butter cookies with brandy, almonds and powdered sugar ("kourabiedes"). They melted in your mouth unlike anything I’ve had in a long time. She often made them for parties or wedding showers where everyone ate them knowing who made them. They were amazed how delicious they were. My mother embraced those positive remarks. She often told me in confidence how bad other people’s attempts were – they didn’t cook them right or they didn’t add enough brandy or baking power. Regardless of everyone’s attempt – hers were the best.

My mom has been gone from my life for almost 10 years and I miss her dearly every day. I see her in my “stuffed cabbage,” baked goods and turkey that I make on Thanksgiving that’s not dry or over cooked. I work hard to cook and bake things that others will enjoy eating. I make sure I add the right ingredients so they won’t go into the trash. I was brought up never wasting food so I work just as hard as she often did to make food that is eaten. Most of the time, I throw together a bunch of vegetables, onions, garlic and tomatoes. The basic ingredients everyone needs to make any food taste like “food.”

For this Christmas, I honor my mother who gave me my gift for baking and cherish the people I meet. Be friendly and smile she would always say. Merry Christmas Mom where ever you are. You are forever in my heart. 

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