One Car, One Bike

Logo design - Toni J. Chankas

The past few weeks, my sister and I have been sharing “One Car and One Bike” to get around. It’s not as easy as it sounds. All I can say is, you have to be organized and bring the necessary items you need for the rest of the evening. For example, when you switch from your car to your bike, you will need your wallet and house keys; then stow away your purse in the trunk and retrieve it later when you get your car back. 

We take our car for granted as a storage unit for extra shoes, sweater, gym bag and yoga mat. You have to relinquish all that when you transfer from car to bike. You now have to carry everything with you and if you want to stop off at the store, you can’t unless you have a place to put your groceries. I, on the other hand, don’t have a basket or any extra bags on my bike; most of the time I ride with a backpack and store the items I will need. 

One Friday night, I met my sister at Felice in the Larchmerre district – I drove; she biked; then, I lent her the car and I biked home. I had to make sure I had my helmet and biking pants to endure the bumpy road home. I also had to be cognizant of the time– when does it get dark? And give myself enough time to get home before then. Hence, you don’t have time to grab a bite to eat because that takes time – I drank a beer quickly and then I was off. Honestly, it felt liberating to bike with the fresh air upon my face as I maneuvered through the traffic. 

I’m a crazy fool because I take the shortest route possible so I ride through East Cleveland. Many of my friends think I’m nuts. Probably, but I’ve taken the route so many times that it doesn’t occur to me that something might happen. As long as I ride in the daylight – I’m good.

Ha, Ha I thought as I rode past SUV’s and cars that take up an entire lane; at least I’m not wasting gas and polluting the environment. It was okay for a few weeks and I got some good exercise in. 

What is frustrating, however, is all the honking and drivers looking at you like your an idiot for invading “their space!” One driver yelled at me for being in the road. She honestly thought that bikers are not allowed in the street. Another person beeped so loud that they thought I had no clue they were behind me. I ride with my ears; meaning I do not wear ear buds. They whiz past you without much clearance. Scary!

Drivers have become bold and hate when they see bikers.”Get over it,” I think. You will be seeing more of us. 

Before my sister needed my car, I’ve tried to bike when I can especially my volunteer stint at the Transformer Station on West 29. Most of the time, I volunteer on Saturday so I bike it. As I stressed above, you have to bring everything with you. This means a change of clothing because most of the time I can’t bike 12 miles with a pair of shorts – biking shorts are a necessity; trust me.

Why do I bike? As I’ve become older, I think a lot about the environment and my carbon footprint. If I can reduce it by a tiny bit on a Saturday or Sunday, then I will do it. As I stated above, I have to add more time to my destination. Much of the time it’s very windy that I almost turn back and get my car – a very easy habit. I hang tough and continued pedaling. Once I get to my destination – I feel successful that I got there by my own power. 

As I ride, I think about the week’s past and what I need to accomplish. I look at the tiny details that is normally overlooked as you drive past at 35 MPH. Going back to East Cleveland, I see the city as it once was – a thriving metropolis with old architectural details that is not built now. All we have is glass and flat board without anything innovative where you say to yourself, “Wow that’s a gorgeous building.” Mostly it’s boring!

What I learned from the biking experience is that you can get to your destination by other modes of transportation – bike and/or bus. I wish I had a short commute where I can use my bike more during the week but I do what I can. I also value my rusted, older car that I have providing my short commute and allowing me to cart my crap. 

My sister finally bought her new car and I have my car back. I will continue to bike; it is doubtful she will borrow my bike again. That’s fine with me. I will cherish the two weeks that I biked a few extra days and breathing the last of the summer breeze. 

Next bike trip, One World Festival at the Cultural Gardens September 13 and 14, 2014. 

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.

Yoga and Me

Photo courtesy of twitter: @NCoastHarbor

Child’s pose, down dog, cat and cow stretch, plank, warrior 1, half-moon - these poses (and so many more) can be seen every Tuesday night at Voinovich Park at 6:00 p.m., now extended until October. It is a new initiative to get more people downtown along our fabulous lake; see North Coast Harbor for more information. There is nothing better than yoga with the lake as a back drop. I, for one, love it.

I can’t tell you enough how much yoga has helped me both physically and mentally by using “the breath” to get into and out of these crazy poses. Some people might think; I can’t do “that!” It is just too hard. Or, how can yoga possibly be any kind of serious workout. Believe me, it’s a workout. You will sweat and get that heart beating. Not convinced—try holding a “plank (a push-up position - straight back and arms)” for a minute or so and your arms will cry out – please stop!

I began yoga at the old Bally’s in Beachwood with an instructor that was fantastic. She went in and out of these poses like it was “nothin’” She was so fit and limber that you were amazed by just looking at her flawless technique. I did the basics just like everyone else but I accelerated quickly since my hamstrings were so loose; my hips on the other hand, are still tight after all these years. What I loved most about this instructor – she pushed you into new poses while showing modifications. I quickly started “binding” my poses (interlocking your hands in a pose) and tried every week to “push myself” harder to get a better workout.

I do not recommend this to a beginner. I have been working out for years doing “boot camp” classes, running and biking for as long as I can remember. In fact while attending high school, I got up early and practiced my back bends and did sit-ups before class. Crazy, I know.

I’m fit but that doesn’t mean you can’t do yoga. Yoga is a practice that is individual. You work at your own pace and push yourself only as far as your own body can go. It is not a contest with other participants in the class. For example during last night’s class, the instructor told us to close our eyes so we would refrain from looking at what others are doing. I was almost in a meditative state where I focused on my breath.

 As I just mentioned, my hips are so tight that I don’t even try “half lotus” (sitting Indian style and putting your heals on your thighs in an “x”). I do what I can as long as I feel a stretch without injury. That’s key; you do not want to injure yourself while doing yoga or any physical activity. “Listen to your body.”

How did I find out about yoga at Voinovich Park? As I rode my bike around the Rock Hall, I noticed a banner with a new logo for “North Coast Harbor” with a summer schedule. Free Yoga Tuesday - I’m there!

I don’t know what it is but it seems like “yoga” practices are all around me: Free yoga at Voinovich Park; Wade Oval Wednesday during July and August only in conjunction with The Cleveland Museum of Art’s new exhibit. I also heard that House of Blues has yoga on Saturday, technically free but donations are accepted to educate children about yoga. The Transformer Station had yoga during their Red Peckerwood exhibit earlier this summer and I noticed yoga at Tremont’s Lincoln Park during their Tuesday market.

Convinced yet in trying yoga? Well, all I can say is I breath deeper and can work harder in any physical activity just by using the “ujjayi breath”. The inhalation and exhalation are done through the nose in equal durations (inhaling for four seconds then exhaling for four seconds). Yoga is a total body activity that has been around for thousands of years. I always leave my yoga practice feeling rejuvenated and ready for my next challenge. Don’t be too quick to dismiss it as too hard. Just give it a try.

On Friday, July 25, there was "Yarn n Yoga" at Euclid Beach Park — practicing yoga on the beach. 

And The Mountains Echoed - Book Review

Khaled Hosseini’s new novel “And the Mountains Echoed” was not the “Kite Runner.” I wanted to love this book like I loved the “Kite Runner” but didn’t. The chapters were long and characters came into the story in one chapter and you never heard from them again as in Chapter Three, for example. Hosseini, however, kept the same intensity as his other two books where tragedy occurs then you’re left speechless when it happens. Overall the novel was enjoyable but wasn’t a “page-turner” like many other books I’ve read.

The first chapter begins with a father telling his small children a fable where the theme of the novel emerges – family and making hard decisions that will affect the rest of your life. In that respect, Chapter Three is about two sisters where one is envious of the other. Hosseini shocks the reader with an ending that digs deep into your psyche; I was disturbed what transpired reading those last words. 

Perhaps Hosseini wants you to make connections as you read each chapter with your own hard choices. Maybe you didn’t want to make these decisions but in retrospect, it was the right choice. I related to both Pari characters where they both seemed lost subconsciously and a past that was forgotten. A brother continues to grieve for his sister by keeping her treasures safe for his entire lifetime. It seems every character can’t find their way in the world, regret and an agonizing feeling that can’t seem to go away.  

Another chapter that was a stretch as a cohesive story was Chapter Five. Two characters appear in Kabul where a doctor becomes attached to a sick child and he ultimately regrets the lies that he tells when he goes back to the US. The doctor is successful and remembers his trip where war is a reality and people are struggling to get by. Just like Hosseini’s other novels, I enjoy reading the details about the countries the characters are emerged into and how they deal with their environment. The descriptions are so vivid that you get a good representation of what it’s like.

My favorite chapters, however, were the last two where you finally get the back story of Mr. Markos (he was mentioned in the beginning of the novel); it’s set in the tiny Greek Island of Tinos and it brings me back to when I visited the beautiful islands – a clean breeze, a clear aqua sea and homemade, fresh food. Markos’ mother is just like every other Greek woman, strong willed and won’t take any nonsense from anyone. “She was —is—a woman of enormous will, a woman without apology, and not a woman with whom you want to have a dispute . . .” Yes, this describes my Greek mother perfectly. 

I appreciate Hosseini’s descriptions phonetically spelled out in Greek, “ . . . a cup of ellinikós kafés” meaning, Greek coffee. I felt nostalgic as I thought of my own Greek mother anxiously reading the coffee sediment of the coffee cup (the cup is turned upside down and the sediment is read like tea leaves).

Markos grows up quickly when he has to deal with a disfigured visitor at his home – he’s uncomfortable as any young child would be as he calls her a “monster” but his Greek Mother sets him straight. ‘“She’s a person who has had a terrible thing happen to her. Call her that name again, I’d like to see you. Say it and see what happens.”’ Strong willed mother who respects everyone and treats them with respect. Markos and the visitor, Thalia form a bond that continues throughout his adult life. That is the other common theme in this novel: bonding. When a bond is formed, it continues throughout the life of the character. That is clear with Nabi and Mr. Wahdati; Pari and Abdulluh (sister and brother then father and daughter); Idris and Roshi; Adel and Gholam.

The other theme was how characters interact with a difference in class systems – the rich versus the poor. This was reflected in the relationship with Nabi and Mr. Wahdati where Nabi did everything for his master even when he had a stroke. His wife and child left and Nabi, indebted to his master, continues on when he’s thought about quitting. Nabi’s entire life revolved around Mr. Wahdati – he never left the house. Reality or fiction? There are many times you continue on out of loyalty even though other people might tell you to move on. 

Love and regret is what happens in life and Hosseini’s novel gives many examples of this theme. Everyone does their best to have a fulfilling life; mistakes and regrets just happen. The novel was an okay read where I’m glad I read it. The story came full circle as I read the last pages, even shedding a tear. I definitely recommend it but don’t expect a duplicate of “The Kite Runner.”

Hosseini, Khaled, “And the Mountains Echoed,” (2013), The Penguin Group Inc., New York, New York. 

Summer - It's What I Live For

What have I been doing this summer? A lot since my last post.

Courtesy of Porch Fest website (www.larchmereporchfest.org)

Larchere Porch Fest

Summer Solstice began when I rode my bike to the Larchmere Porch Fest, now in its 6 year. I’ve always wanted to attend but there were so many other events that I just ran out of time. This year, I was determined to go. I am so glad that I did.

It was a perfect sunny day when I pulled out my mountain bike, checked the tires and continued on St. Clair Avenue heading towards Euclid Avenue. I usually ride through East Cleveland when I travel to the heights - eliminating heavy traffic. I am saddened, however, at the blighted buildings that were once iconic, beautiful structures where residents couldn’t wait to visit. As I ride through East Cleveland, I try to imagine what life was like a hundred years ago when I gaze upon the peeling paint, and wood in the window frames. The roads are littered with plastic pop bottles choking the drains. It takes restraint for me not to pick it up. I continue and try not to let the trash deter me from my destination. 

I ride along Terrace Road where there are many dilapidated homes; however, a truck is parked in a driveway along side a dumpster where repairs are under way. Moreover, I see a few individuals with trash buckets and bags clearing up the trash. Things are looking up even though it has been a slow process.

My commute is close to fifty minutes traveling through the back roads; Larchmere is bustling with cars, bikes and people carrying chairs to the various venues. Luckily I came prepared with a printed out map, a must have. The way the Porch Fest works is different bands are scheduled from 1 p.m until 8 p.m. through the streets north and south of Larchmere. The first band that I saw was a “blues” band north of Larchmere - people were dancing and tapping there feet. It’s very easy to get confused where all the streets are, hence the map. 

What I enjoyed most about the festival is the diversity: young and old walking (strollers in tow), biking or driving to the many different types of music all day long. It was very relaxing and enjoyable. Not knowing the system, I locked my bike and walked to the various streets. Each porch is sponsored: Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District sponsored “Jah Messengers” Roots Reggae that was fantastic. People were sitting on sidewalks and tree lawns taking in this local talent. http://www.csucauldron.com/news/view.php/320151/Local-Reggae-Band-Heats-Things-Up

I kept thinking, I should have gotten here earlier; what took me so long to finally attend this event. Quite frankly, I did not want to leave. 

The last band I listened to was: “Fever, Fever,” alternative folk rock from Columbus sponsored by Studio Graphique. They were fantastic. There were so many people around the house that you couldn’t help but tap your feet. Not only did each porch get sponsored but the home owner provided water and light refreshments. So cool!

I walked slowly to my bike trying to listen to as much music as I could. A few gentleman asked about the schedule, “When is the next band going to play?” I told them to get a map from the information booth and go from there. The music was all around, not necessarily on Larchmere. Moreover, the event was well organized with plenty of food and music genre for everyone to enjoy. For example, I biked to E.127 and listened to “Workmen’s Circle Klezmer Orchestra” Eastern European Klezmer Music - not my taste but it’s available. 

On my way home, I couldn’t stop thinking about this festival. Excellent! If you haven’t been to Larchmere, I highly recommend it. There is a wide variety of music that will peak anyone’s interest. 

CMA - Solstice Party

Next stop, The Cleveland Museum of Art Annual Solstice Party. All I can say is it was crowded. My understanding is the event sold out in just a few weeks. If you plan to attend next year, get your tickets early. 

As I do every year, I volunteered. What I enjoy most as a “wrist band” greeter volunteer is seeing the attendees first. You get a sneak peak into the various outfits and wild shoes from platforms to elegant straps. The most outrageous was orange shorts to the ordinary by wearing jeans. This is the best “people watching” venue.

I thought the music was fun; it was geared towards a “yoga” theme for the new Yoga exhibit. The Salar System band  had two dancers displaying their flexibility and fluidity. The music reflected their Afgan traditions by using unusual instruments and spirituality. It was good. Once the band finished, I bumped into a friend that didn’t care for the music. You’re going to have that but one thing is clear - it’s music that you probably won’t hear again. That’s what makes Solstice the event of the year - a unique array of music and diverse attendees. 

As an art themed event, there were these stacked balloons with faces on them that were being passed from person to person. It was amazing to see how the balloons stayed erect for as tall as they were. There is so much energy at this party that you can’t help but get swept away.

It was enjoyable and it was good to see a few people that I haven’t seen in a while but I hate to admit that I probably enjoyed the porch fest a bit more. 

Wade Oval Wednesdays

This event started on June 11 on a perfect, cool sunny evening. The band, “Coast2Coast,” where the crowd was energized by the music. There was a diverse crowd walking around excited that summer is finally here; others were standing in the long vendor lines, Gyros or wood fired pizza; relaxing on a blanket eating sausage and grilled peppers from Constantino’s Market; drinking wine and relaxing under a shaded tree. Whatever you feel like doing, it’s available at this low key event. 

Photo by Anna Chanakas

I sat in the back with my sister’s dog, Max, that was loving every minute of his first WOW experience. He sniffed some new smells especially the sausage and peppers at the blanket next to us. Young Kids appeared out of nowhere wanting to pet Max. “He’s so cute, they all said.”

I remember attending my first Wade Oval Wednesday several years ago to a small, but passionate music crowd; now hundreds show up for this weekly free music festival. Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S Band gets a huge following year after year. If you don’t get there by 5 p.m to claim a spot, you might be out of luck. 

Nothing to do in Cleveland? Well, I just described three events out of many going on this summer. This is why I adore summer, the many free events where you can just hang out and relax in a comfortable chair or blanket. Meet friends or sit under a tree and catch up on your reading. Summer in Cleveland has events for everyone. Enjoy!

Art is all Around Cleveland

Van Gogh, Dirge: Reflections on [Life and] Death, Masters of the Violin and Organ concerts was what I experienced this week – a flurry of activity. What did I like the best? What left an impression long after I was gone? What filled me with joy? Everything I saw and heard was spectacular in its own right. That’s my unbiased opinion. 

MOCA - 

To answer the question, what left me with something to think about was definitely MOCA’s Dirge: Reflections on [Life and] Death. I volunteer at MOCA every Thursday afternoon and it has taken me two months to finally see this thought-provoking show. I hammered away on a 3x5 card a “message,” the life I led or hope to lead – how I want to be remembered long after I’m gone; videos of a woman battling cancer that I am all to familiar with; blowing onto circular mirrors as an image appears; and two lightbulbs hanging loosely on a wall. Most of the exhibits, I found engaging and left me wondering what I just experienced – about my first impression. That’s a well executed exhibit when you keep pondering what it all means. 

There were many pieces I liked a lot. The piece, “Untitled (Face in Dirt)” where the artist, David Wojnarowicz buries his AIDS-stricken body in dirt as his expression looks uncomfortable, and in pain. His struggle with AIDS is felt as I gaze into his face where I get the sense that hope is fading away. He is in a “stand-still” with his mortality where no matter how hard he tries, death is looming. I also felt that life has similar, confining struggles as you work as hard as you can, as you try to get ahead or get noticed; sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t. Moreover, the piece is about death but it can be viewed how life is a continuous challenge and you have to make the best of what what “cards are dealt.” 

Another photograph, there is a sign in the foreground that says, “ You’re still alive.” right in front of a vertical metal fence that leads your eye into rows and rows of headstones. My impression is that life it tough but you need to make the best of it because what is the alternative – Death? Life is precious no matter what crap you have to deal with. That was a “wake-up” call for me since I’ve experienced the pain and agony of my mother battling cancer. Through her pain she said to me quietly, “What did I do to deserve this?” My father, who died of a heart attack, brought on by his diabetes, he expressed to me, “If you have your health, you have everything.” I’m paraphrasing as his words entered my mind over and over throughout the years.

My father was so right on so many levels that I never thought about it until I lost my mother years later. Now, I believe in a healthy lifestyle eating vegetables and exercise to control the things I can. You only have one life so I choose to preserve mine.   

The Pedro Reyes installation was equipped with a large black mat where the artist instructed visitors to lay down and think about their life then formulate a “message.” Then the visitor takes two cards and hammers out their message using heavy iron letters – you can hear the noise reverberating throughout the galleries. The message that I hammered onto the 3 x 5 card, “A Big Heart” was a saying someone said to me once. With all my volunteer work helping residents in the homeless shelter to tutoring GED students, I am filled with joy when I can help a single person achieve a goal or put a smile on their face. By doing that, I have a purposeful life.

I have to think back to what my mother always taught me, put a smile on your face and be nice to people. It’s not an act – I like meeting new people and finding out what makes them “tick.” Thanks Mom for making me the person that I am today. 

Next to the Reyes piece, a video installation of Hannah Wilke, she places her body boldly in front of visitors to visualize her life with lymphoma – very difficult to watch. You can quickly see the hair loss as strands of hair limply hang there where you just want to shave it off. Her naked body with bruises and bandages where needles pierced her skin filling her body with poison. The description above, I saw my own mother’s body wither away to nothing – skin and bones that I don’t wish upon anyone. I didn’t watch a lot of the videos but I got the sense of her struggle – I give her credit for documenting the process. For me, memories flooded to my mother’s battle where she did what she needed to do and ultimately her body gave out! I admire her strength along with everyone else to survive.

Lastly, the mirror series by Oscar Muñoz, “Breath” where visitors breathe on a mirror and an image eerily appears. The dead, lost souls appear for a spit second where their life is embraced and remembered. How many people have we lost to natural disasters, illness, and/or accidents – someone’s sister, brother or spouse. Life and death should be celebrated even for a brief instant. Everyone is important to someone out there.

MOCA’s show excellent where you might have to experience more than once.

Van Gogh - Cleveland Museum of Art

Van Gogh was excellent as well. As I wrote in a previous blog, I attended a lecture right before the exhibit opened and his brilliance amazed me even more. I also attended a second lecture about his “repetitions”  where the artist fine-tuned his craft. For example, the painting he created from life had quicker brush strokes than the repetition; the repetition, therefore, was created in a controlled environment of the studio. Van Gogh allowed himself to explore details that were missed on his original. How the conservator and curator learned conclusively which one was the original and the “copy”  or “repetition” that Van Gogh called them. This was achieved through x-rays. I listen to this lecture and I was bothered with the extent of all these “x-rays.” I know deep down that it doesn’t ruin the paintings but do we really need to know every aspect of the creative process an artist endures – I think not. 

The process was interesting nevertheless. In the exhibition, the curator and/or conservator do not know how Van Gogh created his repetitions. Through the x-ray process, they didn’t see any charcoal markings to suggest transposing exactly from one painting to the next. They were amazed by the accuracy of each “repetition” as a computer generated line drawing showed the original painting was not far off from the “repetition.” Fascinating but for me, the accuracy doesn’t change my view point about Van Gogh’s brilliance. I love that he explores unusual color choices: using oranges, yellows, blues, and purples in his faces – impressionism. The thick globs of paint or quickly getting an idea on canvass with loose brushstrokes. I love them all. 

My two favorites were the ones that the Cleveland Museum of Art owns - The Large Plane Trees and the Cyprus Trees (painted from life). My only criticism concerning the exhibit was the quantity – there wasn’t more Van Gogh’s to see. However, stellar quality that is worth a trip to the Cleveland Museum of Art. 

Two wonderful exhibits in Cleveland, Ohio by two world class institutions.