Night at the Movies

20 Year Anniversary of "Philadelphia" that broke barriers

Contrary to what everyone else does, I don’t listen or read reviews on films. I watch the trailers and/or listen to the filmmaker or actor on NPR then decide if it’s worth my time. More often than not, I make a wise decision. Frankly, I rather write my own review instead of having a preconceived notion when I walk into a film. I don’t want to hear any opinions or what the film is about. I want to be surprised. Moreover, I don’t want anything to spoil the plot or my first impression of the film.

When I watch a film, I try to be objective. That doesn’t happen all the time.

Sometimes my judgment gets clouded when I hear what others think. I admit that I listen to other peoples’ opinions and biases. “This person loved it so I have to love it.” Contrary to what others think, I usually go by my gut in what I want to see. For example, I didn’t go by my gut and listened to others positive remarks about the current film, “Dallas Buyers Club.” Perhaps I had a preconceived notion that I wasn’t going to like it because I am not a huge Matthew McConaughey fan. Objectively, the actors performances were stellar even McConaughey but I have to admit I got tired of seeing his emaciated body – I heard he lost a considerable amount of weight for his role. It was around two hours and it seemed incredibly long to me. It didn’t keep my interest past one hour and a half.

A friend quickly said, “If you think this movie is long, ‘American Hustle’ is so much longer.” She didn’t fully understand what I was trying to say. If a film seems long that means that the editor or filmmaker didn’t peak my interest enough to keep me engaged until the bitter end. My mind wandered and I got antsy waiting for the ending. Again, the film was so hyped up that truthfully it was a disappointment.

In my opinion, “Dallas Buyer’s Club” was no “Philadelphia” when Tom Hanks, a lawyer that got HIV-AIDS and got fired. He won the Oscar. It was a better riveting performance where I cared about the character where McConaughey performance was first-rate (raw and in your face); I just didn’t care enough about the character to keep me interested. Bottom line, I couldn’t wait until it was over. 

The other reason I don’t listen to reviewers is their picky negativity on most films. I understand that’s their job but most times I don’t agree. For example, I had an opportunity to see a “free” film a few years ago for “127 Hours” when a hiker was pinned  between two boulders where his only option to free himself was by cutting his own arm off. It sounded interesting to me then I heard a negative review. My knee jerk reaction and I decided not to see the film. Bad mistake. Later, I heard that it was very good. I ended up getting the DVD and James Franco’s performance was wonderful. He had to keep the audience engaged while he acted alone in the wilderness. After that, I won’t bother listening to reviews.

Other people I know scour the reviews and won’t see a film unless it scores high. Who cares what reviewers say anyway? It is a subjective opinion anyway. Sometimes I love a film and someone else leaves without giving it a chance. For example, the newly released film, “Her” I thought was brilliantly written with strong performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson. It was an unusual premise and it could have easily been done badly but it wasn’t. I enjoyed it for its risk taking ability and dialogue that hasn’t been delivered before. It was quiet focusing on the two main characters’ contending with life’s complexities. Phoenix’s character is struggling with separation then he becomes infatuated with his OS (It’s set in the future). My take on it – the main character is coming to terms with his internal struggles – rejection; how both characters grow as a result of these battles.


For the same reason, I enjoyed “Nebraska” because it was quiet and the relationship between father and son. You instantly saw the pain in the Bruce Dern’s character as he tries to defy all the odds and walk to Nebraska. Dern’s character also has struggles and demons that he needs to address. It kept me thinking about it long after the credits rolled. As a person who over analyzes things, I try to find meaning in these “off-the-beaten-path” indie films. It’s not for everyone but it struck a cord with me.

Lastly, I just saw the three-hour long film, “The Wolf of Wall Street” and I enjoyed it very much. Contrary to the length, it didn’t seem long because director Martin Scorsese kept me engrossed in Leonardo DiCaprio’s character. Just like everyone said, there were a lot of “f” bombs and nudity but that’s what the character of Jordan Belfort was all about. There was a scene where DiCaprio was extremely high and his debilitating performance was hilarious. I had tears in my eyes because I was laughing so hard. Amazing how wonderful and believable he was. I was so annoyed last year that DiCaprio didn’t get an Oscar nomination for his performance in “Django Unchained.” So I almost wanted to see this film to support his interchangeable acting ability; plus, I did hear about the film on NPR from DiCaprio himself how much research he did for the role and how he met with the real Jordan Belfort.

I will leave you with this, if you want to see a film because it sounds interesting then just go see it. I remember picking “Once,” a little, low budget film for my movie group way before it was a play and Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová won the Oscar for Best Original Song. Everyone has a different opinion when it comes to: film, art or books. You grow as a person if you just take a risk and move away your comfort zone. What’s the worse that can happen, you wasted a few bucks?

Film “Philadelphia”
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/the-pulse/62963-20th-anniversary-of-philadelphia-

Out and About Town

My problem is I can’t say, No! “Do you want to volunteer for the Cleveland Museum of Art’s monthly MIX event?” “Sure,” I say. I’m glad I did because it was a fun event. Thank goodness I got “wristband” duty where you check everyone’s ticket and making sure they are wearing a “wristband.” As I mentioned many times before, I like being at the check in table so I can see all the people attending the event. I ended up seeing friends I haven’t seen and I was thrilled by the diverse crowd. There were some grumbling when the scheduled DJ Rekha was stuck in New York due to the blizzard we had a few days before. It couldn’t be helped. Through the cold and snowy conditions, the event was very crowded – a success.

My usual job at MIX is patrolling the escalators in making sure that everyone who passes has a wristband and not taking drinks into the galleries. You would think that museum goers would understand that you can’t drink amongst artwork that is worth millions. I heard that at the Annual Solstice Party that people think since they are a donor they are excused. “No, sorry.” The artwork is still worth a lot of money no matter what your donor status is.

After my shift, I met up with friends and danced for over an hour to “Bollywood” music. It’s not something I gravitate towards but it was thrilling to see people dancing. The DJ was good on such short notice. As an added bonus, the atrium had this giant disco ball cycling around as it projected different colors along the 1916 building. The next MIX event is February 7, 2014 around the creativity theme.

Believe it or not, one of my favorite things to see at the museum is the weekly flower arrangement that the Women’s Council creates. Every time I stop by, it is breathtaking and different every time. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a duplicate arrangement or floral choice. I stand in wonderment how creative these women are to display such beauty.

Even though I can’t utter the word, No, I’m happy to help out at the world renowned institution such as the Cleveland Museum of Art.

When I’m not volunteering, I attend gallery openings.

Photo courtesy of Cleveland Print Room web site

The Cleveland Print Room Vivian Maier: Out of the Shadows
January 10 - February 23, 2014.

My favorite event this week was the “out-of-this-world” photography by Vivian Maier at the Cleveland Print Room. The compositions and light and dark contrasts were captivating. I walked around numerous times to get the full affect of photographs that were not seen until 2007. Maier was a nanny by trade; she shot thousands and thousands of rolls of film during her spare time (100,000 to be exact) – not a professional photographer but I could see her passion through her viewfinder.

I was impressed by the simplicity of her subjects. For example, there was a portrait of an older women wearing a hat, and an outfit right out of the fifties – dressed up walking along the downtown streets. No expression just a person living the simple life like we all try to do.

My favorite was a ticket counter all in shadow where you can barely see a women behind a metal cage. Brilliant use of shadow and composition where you say to yourself, “What’s going on here?” Another photograph showed an explosive view of downtown with all the signs and activity then as you look closer, there is a strand of pearls on a mailbox. Wow! The photographer saw something unusual or nostalgic about that subject and shot it. I didn’t see the pearls at first. The strong use of shadow and sparkling lights drew me in. Similarly, a photo of a table and the viewer (camera) looks up to an old pay phone. It’s quiet but says a lot. It’s ordinary scenes that draws the viewer in through point of view and explosive light and dark.

Honestly, all the photographs drew me in for one reason or another – if it wasn’t the composition or the expression on the subjects faces. That’s what black-and-white photography does for me, it takes out all the complexity and simplifies it by grey tones and black. I don’t know anything about Vivian Maier but I now know how much the simplicity of life was her inspiration. Things we take for granted - a walk around the neighborhood and the beauty that’s there.

I can’t say enough about this show. Check out the web site, there is a documentary film, “The Vivian Maier Mystery” shown at four venues.



Cleveland Print Room
http://clevelandprintroom.com/

2013 - A Year in Review

The lake is frozen. Clumps of sand, dirt and debris is mixed into the giant waves that have crystallized; time has stood still. I stood looking at my lake in wonder – this is why I live so close, to see nature up close and personal. A large body of water iced to the horizon line – an eery quiet over took me as I reflected back to 2013.

I ran through the snow piles and icy path as nature surprised me again. It wasn’t too cold as I headed down to the lake. Just last week the waves lapped onto the shore, not today as clumps of ice stopped the waves right in their tracks. Too early for the ice to appear? Not necessarily, it’s January 2014 after all. My mind wandered in what I accomplished or didn’t – volunteering is what I did mostly and reignite a weekly blog on art shows I attended. Nothing earth shattering, just living a modest life and doing interesting things around Cleveland.

Nothing to do? Well, I disagree.

Senior Games

I had a joyous time volunteering for the Senior Games this past July and August. I was a score keeper for horseshoes where I learned quickly that it’s a challenging event. There are two competitors that throw several rounds of horseshoes up and down the field. I started scoring around 10 a.m. and I wasn’t even done by 12:30 p.m. What was so thrilling about the games was how appreciative the contenders were. Every shift I participated in, I got a kind “thank you” for my time.

One of my favorite events was the Women’s hammer throw. If you want to see real athletes, just watch these women throw these hammers. It is a shot put at the end of a wire handle. My job was to retrieve the hammers to the contenders. They were heavy; I can’t image trying to throw it at a decent distance. One women, however, said, “I hope to see you throwing the hammer at the next Senior Games.” What a nice compliment! These athletes were class A in my book.

The other thing I did was ride my bike to as many volunteer shifts that I could. I biked along Euclid Avenue to Case Western Reserve for “horseshoes;” I biked downtown, took the shuttle bus to Baldwin Wallace University and walked to the Berea Fairgrounds for the “hammer throw”; biked to the new Convention Center for the athlete check-in. In total, I biked four times out of five for my shifts. That is my 2014 New Year’s resolution - biking more and using my car less.

I look forward to the 2014 Gay Games this August – I plan on biking there as well.
www.gg9cle.com

New Promotion for CIFF - courtesy of CIFF

Cleveland International Film Festival :  March 19 - 30, 2014
http://www.clevelandfilm.org

It seems so long ago that the festival was at Tower City. I say the same thing every year – maybe I will skip my volunteer stint this year. In actuality, I volunteered for more shifts this last year than previous years. I want to warn you; once you start going down to the festival, you will be wanting to see more and more films. This year I stood in more lines and was not able to see films that were on standby. That is, in actuality, a good problem to have – too many people wanting to see International Films that most likely you will not see anywhere else. No brainer there.

I do commend the festival’s staff in accommodating as many people as they did. They staggered the times as well as possible to eliminate a “crowd jam.” For example, the “Anita” film featuring Anita Hill, who was in attendance was sheer chaos. It was in two theaters and nobody was listening to directions on which theater to enter. As a volunteer, I try to take shifts that are more crowd crazy so when I decide to see a film, I won’t be struggling to find a seat.

The two films that I loved were, “ Pieta” (South Korea) and “Laurence Anyways”(Canada); they stuck with me well after they were over.  

The Cleveland Museum of Art: MIX and Summer Solstice events
http://www.clevelandart.org

The problem I have when I volunteer is I can’t say “No!” I am the type of person who genuinely likes to help. I need “x amount” of people to help at this event – I’m there. I favor the museum parties for the people I see that I haven’t seen or I see Cleveland residents that I probably will never see. The MIX event is attracting more young professionals and families that are interested in art and the social fabric of our city. Kudos! We are privileged to have a world renowned museum that is “free.” During some of my volunteer shifts, the “out-of-towners are amazed that it’s “free.” I have a few friends that have yet to see the new atrium or visit the museum after its eight year long expansion. If you haven’t been to the museum in a while, you are in for a treat.

My favorite volunteer shift was “gift wrapping.” For the holiday season, this year the museum offered free gift wrapping for anyone who bought a gift from the museum store.  I was in heaven. Again, I met a few Greek people and old friends that were just happy to have a gift wrapped by an enthusiastic volunteer. I hate to pat myself on the back but my gift wrapping was better than most. I was brought up to do your best when giving something to others; furthermore, as a graphic professional, presentation is everything.

I highly recommend the always anticipated Summer Solstice event on the fourth Saturday in June. It always sells out so get your tickets in advance.


The Transformer Station - West 29th Street - Hank Willis Thomas thru March 9, 2014
http://transformerstation.org

I had the privilege to be one of the first volunteers for the first opening of a west side contemporary gallery – the Transformer Station on February 1, 2013. A reconverted space into a cutting-edge photo gallery with such exhibits as Todd Hido and the Fred and Laura Bidwell Collection of contemporary photography; currently they are exhibiting the Hank Willis Thomas in collaboration with the Cleveland Museum of Art. I met so many interesting people that attended during my shift – Kent State, Oberlin College, Director of the Akron Museum, writer from the New York Times, Jim Rokakis, etc., etc., etc.

My favorite event at the Transformer Station was the Ohio City Stages concerts - five concerts on five Wednesdays in July. If you do anything this summer, I would highly recommend you pencil this event into your calendar and/or smart phone. They took this giant stage, parked it on Church and W 29th street and played diverse, contemporary music. After the concert, they projected contemporary films behind the gallery on an outdoor screen. I hate to say it, less crowded and better than Wade Oval Wednesdays. My understanding is they are going to extend the concerts to other areas of the city as a Community Outreach initiative.

As a summer person, my most active month was June when I attended the Garden Walk, the Waterloo Arts Festival on the last Saturday in June and the CMA’s Summer Solstice Party.

Drawings

Pastel Drawing by Toni - copyright 2013

After twelve years in my basement, I finally put together my drawing table. I illustrated my sister’s house, elephants, tomatoes, grapes and wild flowers that I gave as gifts; I didn’t do as many as I first envisioned but five drawings are five more than I’ve done all these years. I hope to do a few more in 2014.


In closing, I didn’t have a lot of income during 2013 but I volunteered my time and energy by helping many individuals find their way at museums; my computer lab work at the Homeless Shelter and seeing the beauty in Cleveland as I rode my bike mile after mile. Get out of your comfort zone and do something positive for 2014. Forget about those ridiculous resolutions that you will never keep and do something that you are passionate about.

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