Birthday Blob

My mother called what I write a “blob.” She asked me yesterday, “Have you written any more on your blob?” I’m still laughing.

And today is her 80th birthday! She just informed me that she is no longer responsible for anything she says because she’s going to play the “old lady” card from now on. One of the things I love best about my mom is her sense of humor and her ability to make me laugh.

Speaking of aging gracefully, to borrow a much overused phrase from Britney Spears “Oops!...I did it again,” I just got my hair cut. Again. To be fair, the last time was in September, but as you know, I’m always changing my hair. One day short, the next day long, I like being a brunette, trying out the whole red-head thing, curious if blondes do have more fun…

Back to the salon: My stylist also just returned home from vacation, a three week trip to Costa Rica and Guatemala. While in Costa Rica, she visited a coffee plantation. There, the owner asked her how old she thought he was. Taking a hard look, he appeared anywhere from his late 40’s to early 50’s, so she settled on the median age and answered 50.

He laughed and told her he was in his late 60’s. His skin was beautiful. “What do you Americans do with your used coffee grounds?” the youthful plantation owner asked her next.

“Um, compost or throw them out.”

“Not anymore,” he told her. “From now on, put your used coffee grounds in a lidded plastic container and while you’re in the shower dip your hands into them and use them all over your face and body as an exfoliating scrub. It’ll do wonders for your skin.”

My stylist tried it with great results and now Groom and I are doubling our pleasure in the shower by recycling those coffee grounds (um, the first pleasure is drinking our favorite beverage!) and applying them to our epidermises, epidermi? hides, pelts, fur. No, scratch that, trust me, you do not want coffee grounds in your fur.

I just thought I’d pass along that beauty tip ‘cause you know I’m all about the coffee, and the hair, and the shoes and the –

Whoa, it snowed here yesterday, did it where you are? We had a fun walk in the flurry and then Groom grilled surrounded by the cold, fluffy white stuff. He’s like the mail service; rain, snow, sleet or hail, it doesn’t keep him from the barbeque.

Happy Birthday, Mom, we love you!

Gadget Girl?

Most people afflicted with my fear of flying would have the good sense to stay home. But noooo, my love of travel has the deciding vote with 51% ownership of my body and I’m forced to power through my fears each time I embark on an adventure.

I’m often asked the question, “but doesn’t it get easier?”

Nope. Nyet. Nein.

But once I land safely on terra firma, my spirit comes back to life like a rehydrated sea-monkey. You see, I crave art and museums and attending the theater and glimpsing different cultures and collecting unexpected dining experiences. I like trying new things, listening to live music and gawking at unusual architecture, something other than strip malls and chain stores. I love learning and am so dang curious.

People have commented that I’m an old soul, but I don’t buy it. Everything still seems brand new to me and just about everything surprises me, including new fangled technology. Before this trip, I would have told you that I was not a gadget girl, but now I must contradict myself.

You see, three years ago, in February of 2008, Kimmmm and I went to New York for my birthday. We each had a camera and that was it. I called Groom each evening from the house we were staying (flat rate phone plan), to catch up on our days and say goodnight.

This time, when Kimmm joined us in New York during Fashion Week this February it was a whole new game. She and I were each carrying our cameras for the “arty/documentary” shots, but that wasn’t enough. Without saying a word, we each proceeded to whip out our Smart Phones so we could take pictures to post on Facebook and our respective blogs. We were uploading this, sharing that and it required twice as long to shoot anything. And we texted each other on the days we weren’t together or during the times were planning to meet up.

Three years ago life was simpler. I didn’t have a cell phone, didn’t know what a blog was and Facebook what?

On the subway rides home, I noticed how many people now had cords coming out of their ears, wires hanging down from their faces in the shape of a Y, connected to their mp3 players. I was kind of mentally making fun of how plugged in everybody was until I realized that I had my iPod with me. Pulling it out and sticking the buds into my ears, I was soon rocking back and forth, lulled by the rhythm of the train and relaxing with my personal music choices.

And speaking of choices, traveling often presents a dilemma for me - physical comfort or spiritual renewal? At home, I can select clothes and shoes from my closet which are appropriate for the weather and context and I can leave heavy items in the car if need be.

Living out of a suitcase, however, I must wear what I packed and once we left our Brooklyn Brownstone for the day I was stuck with whatever I put on. This included my coat, hat, gloves, shoes, bag and camera. If I wanted to bring anything else with me, I had to carry it all day.

We quickly discovered there were only two temperatures in New York this visit, icy cold or sizzling hot. As it was below freezing most of the time, we had to bundle up, but riding the subway was very warm and there was neither room nor time to disrobe to the comfort level in between stops. And buildings, including our apartment, were heated with the old fashioned steam heat. One temperature: sauna.

I describe all this because while traveling, from suffering the airplane nerves to the aching muscles, tired bones, heavy clothing, and sweaty chills, I was physically uncomfortable the entire time. My head and forehead itched from wearing wool hats every day, my skin rebelled from dehydration and wearing cosmetics, my innards seized into a stubborn ball, well, you get the idea.

But, but, but my spirit was so happy! My internal being soaked up the environment like a sponge, absorbing the pulsing electricity that is New York City, while my external being felt every bruise, knot and irritant.

When I return home, I am suddenly physically at ease again. I can sleep in my own bed, snuggle with my kitty kitty and blissfully return to comforting routines, yet…I am looking at the same old pit in the ground across from the library, the same kids spitting and swearing on the corner, the same dudes holding cardboard signs.

Hmmm, physical comfort or spiritual renewal? I guess that’s why I love going away and love coming home.

Running out of Gas

I suppose it will come as no great surprise to any frequent fliers out there that our plane was delayed in San Francisco due to "weather" which put our return to Eugene into the wee hours of Saturday morning -- but we were surprised to have our flight routed the looooong way round from JFK to SFO to avoid major turbulence. When the pilot announced that we would be flying over Amarillo, Texas to reach California, the flight attendant's smiles all turned upside down. What was a five hour flight heading East became an eight hour flight coming back. Oiy! That's a long time in a small space...

We had intended to take the day off to get some rest, but continuing our love of theater we headed out immediately for Cirque de la Symphonie with Daniel Meyer as the Guest Conductor. This should have been easy, especially compared to taking the subway back to Brooklyn at midnight on the weekend schedule after seeing Billy Elliot at the Imperial Theater on Broadway.

We even laughed about it at the time. Standing there in the frenetic, craziness that is Times Square, trying to figure out the best way to get back to our night's lodging, we commented on the ease of attending events at the Hult Center. We can easily walk home or if it's cold and too late at night, friends drop us off.

But not this time. As four of us climbed the steps to watch acrobatics set to music, we realized that two of the tickets were missing. Our friend immediately grabbed his date's hand and jumped back into the car to race home and look for them. Meanwhile, Groom and I headed for the box office to see if there was any chance of ticket replacements. Yes! For a $4.00 surcharge they would reissue the misplaced ones.

Thankfully our friend answered his cell phone and immediately turned the car around. As it didn't take long, we figured they'd be back within minutes, enough time to enjoy the show.

Tick tock.  

Finally, they popped back into the center for the performing arts at the last minute. Guess what? They had run out of gas and had to walk! 

After two hours of listening to the Eugene Symphony play well known songs from Carmen, Swan Lake and Masquerade while a juggler juggled, a girl hoola-hooped and a bare-chested man in tight, white pants flew over the audience by hanging onto two white curtainy lengths of white fabric, we headed over to a local restaurant for dinner.

There, Triple AAA was called and they sent a man to put gas in the tank while we ate. All's well that ends well.

The running out of gas metaphor is incredibly accurate and reflective. We had an adventure, were entertained, ate good food, ran out of gas and managed to get back home unscathed. So, while it might seem odd that we need a vacation from our vacations, it really is time to refuel. I'm off to catch some much needed Zzzzzz's.    

Leaving on a Jet Plane

In just a little while, Groom, Ken and I are heading to the airport from Brooklyn to fly back home. I sure hope I don't have to pay extra for the bags under my eyes. Oi! have we ever packed in adventure after adventure. You know it's been a good trip when I requested sleep for my birthday, that or I'm feeling every bit of my 32 years. Ha ha ha.

We spent yesterday at the Museum of Natural History and then had a truly fantastic meal at Saraghina's Italian restaurant here in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. In fact, the best food we ate during our entire trip has been here in Brooklyn. This is the friendliest area and we'd stay here again in a heartbeat.

We only encountered two unpleasant people and they were in Manhattan. Both were living on the streets and were tossing out verbal grenades as folks walked by. I'd love to tell you what was said because they certainly had a way with words. Ironically, I had my camera slung over my shoulder and WAS NOT taking any photographs when the lady aggressively instructed me to do things with it I had never, ever considered.

Another gentleman, a street musician using a new guerrilla marketing technique, was trying to force us to buy his CD. When we would not engage, he used the most creative form of the F-word that I have ever heard and it's still making me laugh. I wish I could use his phrase here, but I shall refrain.

Okay, time to leave for the airport. Hopefully, you'll be hearing more from us when we arrive home safe and sound. If you're reading this while we're up in the air, please say a little prayer for the nerves. Thank you!

 

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Birthday in the Big City

With all of the fantastic things leading up to today, it's hard to imagine just what the day will bring...but, I already feel loved, and that's hard to beat!

We started yesterday with a yummy breakfast in the Park Slope area of Brooklyn, and wrapped up the evening with not one, but two, fun shows. While in line for tickets to Billy Elliott, we were invited to the taping of David Letterman. So much for that leisurely dinner before our second Broadway show of the week, but what a hoot!

Billy Elliot was a great show to see on Broadway, and the cast even received a standing ovation (which, unlike at home, does not happen at every show here). I have to say one thing, though - I now have a whole new appreciation of the Hult Center in Eugene. The sound, seating, and quality of the road productions staged there rival what we are seeing here. How lucky are we?!

Ken continued his string of surprising antics this AM by stringing up Birthday banners in the kitchen,which made that first cup of coffee even better (and we all know how much I love my coffee). Off now to enjoy the further fruits of the Big Apple.

A Happy Valentine's Day

Every date should arrive bearing flowers, but especially so on Valentine's Day. This Ken with flowers was in a box in Times Square this afternoon, while our Ken (as usual) was outside the box when he left dinner unannounced and returned with a dozen roses for our sweetie-less waitress. He is a fellow who knows how to make someone's day!

He also made ours when he suggested seeing Mama Mia on Broadway. A lovely way to cap off a day that included a visit to the Guggenheim and a trip into Mood Fabrics (which will not need to be explained to you Project Runway fans out there).

A couple in love, good friends, and the most exciting city in the country - what could be better than that? We hope yours was happy, too.

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The City May Never Sleep, But...

It is amazing how far you can walk in a day while meandering around in this town. I'd tell you all about it, but our Brooklyn bed is beckoning. Starting the day at the Blue Note for a jazz Sunday brunch was pretty cool, though...

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The Naked Cowboy!

We heard about the "Naked Cowboy" doing his thing in Times Square before leaving on this trip, but thought that there was not a snowball's chance he would be out there this time of year... Well, he must have snow balls after playing out there today! Seriously - he acted like it was 70 degrees on a summer day, rather than mid-30's and light snow flurries (with a wind chill making it feel like 40 below at times). And he must be doing something right if he managed to be a high point of entertainment on another great day in the City.

We started the day at a coffee shop in the Dominican section of Brooklyn (how we wound up there is anybody's guess) with the best prices in town - $4 for ham and eggs with home fries and toast! Good eats, too. From there we entered the magical mystery tour that is the subway schedule on the weekends, and found ourselves at Trinity Church, rather than our original mid-town destination. Better to pop in there and hear the soloist than stress over a change in plans.

Since we were in the neighborhood, a quick browse through Century 21 Department Store was in order (right across the street form Ground Zero, where construction on the memorial is well under way). A brief consultation with a kindly local got us on the train uptown, where we eventually met up with Kimmm at Bryant Park to begin a jaunt through the Fashion District (where much of Project Runway takes place).

Ken's approach to life continued to rub off on us, as today Groom got in on the act and convinced a singer in front of NY Public Library to climb up on one of the big stone lions and perform a number. Groom claims it was the guy's own fault, as he had a line in his previous song about "riding the lion." He was so good natured about it, we now have a CD in our possession that I'm sure will make for interesting listening.

After a fine dinner at the Green Table in the Chelsea Market, we were drawn to the hubbub around the Standard Hotel, where figure skater Johnny Weir was taking part in  Elise Øverland’s fashion event. Ken kicked into high gear once again, and made the night of a perfect stranger in the crowd of admirers (who was too shy to approach Johnny) when he took her by the arm and marched her right up for a photo op. Ken was rewarded a kiss on the cheek for his efforts by the appreciative fan.

With that being just a sampling of today's adventures, who knows what tomorrow may have in store for us?!

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Emboldened in New York

If you have seen a runway fashion show, you probably know that the designer's name is usually displayed at the front of the stage. This is me posing there right after the show today, before we went backstage and I got a photo with John Crocco, the designer for the Perry Ellis line. (I didn't get that shot with my phone, so will have to post it later...)

I am either being influenced by Ken's approach to life, or something in the water out here makes you bold, but I am shocking even myself by talking our way not just into a celebrity event, but now an invitation-only fashion show!

For some reason I didn't let the news that we hadn't actually gotten our names on the official list stop me from heading into the big tent at Lincoln Center and talking the keeper of the List into letting us into the standing room line. Who would have thought I'd have the cajones?

If that wasn't exciting enough, after being let into the venue, we were ushered into actual seats - and in the third row, no less!

I thought that enjoying the show from these great seats and snapping the above pic was a pretty good start to the day, but Ken insisted on going backstage to check out the scene, and snagged the designer himself for another terrific photo op... What a morning!

The rest of the day was spent soaking up some of the many pleasures of midtown Manhattan, and capped off by a fabulous dinner at Peaches restaurant in Brooklyn. Perhaps I'll be tired enough tonight to override the wired and get some much needed sleep.

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Project Tim Gunn

Here is a great story about a small world, the plus side of the power of the internet, and the combined powers of determination and visualization.

After eating at an Italian restaurant with a Polish waitress in NYC, we were browsing at a French store when we received a text from Kimmm (after a Facebook update) that Tim Gunn was heading to Stella McCartney's fashion week PETA event (not too far uptown from where we were).

We immediately hopped in a cab and went directly there. At the door Cindy was not going to be deterred by its being an invitation only party, and much to the surprise and delight of Groom and Ken, she was soon ushered inside. (It will come as no great surprise to anyone who knows him that Ken was able to talk his and Groom's way in, but this is out of character for Cindy.)

Emboldened by having clearly visualized meeting Mr. Gunn for quite some time leading up to this trip, not only did we get to be at the same party, but got the opportunity to meet him and snap this photo. He is as pleasant and gracious as you would expect him to be from watching Project Runway.

Tomorrow, due to a different Facebook connection, it looks like we will be attending the Perry Ellis runway show at Lincoln Center. We'll keep you posted!

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Snow Coney Island

Talk about going from one extreme to another! At the beach in Mexico we had to be careful of sunburn, while at the beach here we have to worry about frostbite... We may have discovered the least crowded place in all of the greater New York area.

Tomorrow, Manhattan!

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My Suitcase Runneth Over

Clearly I am going to have to pare down my layering options for the Big Apple... Trip preparations are in high gear, but I'm not even finished packing. Yipes! This doesn't seem like me at all, but I'm taking a new approach to things these days. We'll keep you posted as to how this works out.
Wish us luck!

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Test Entry - Anniversary Sale

As we are getting ready to hit the Big Apple, and want to post from the road, here is our inaugural entry from our new fangled phone!

The photo is of the nibbles selection (to sustain the power shoppers we expect to come out for our big sale).

Who would've thunk 20 years ago when we started doing this we'd still be going strong?

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Viva Mexico - The Nature of Art

I recently read or heard an insightful quote about the inspiration of art. But I can’t quite remember what it was. It had something to do with all art being religious or, ahem, feminine and masculine in nature shall we say.

These two photos are examples of just that, both taken in Mexico. I love this one of Groom’s, how he managed to frame the subject matter - pointy, male leaves in front of lady spirals – and all that color. He’s showing us the birds, the bees, nature, plus human-made art layered with fractals. Every day, I seem to fall a bit more in love with him as he reveals yet another facet of his personality.

Meanwhile, the next photograph is one I took in a beach-front cantina. When Groom looked at it on the computer screen when we got home, he tried to rotate it 180 degrees so it would be right side up, but I stopped him, telling him that’s how the saint’s painting was hanging.

So whether or not you agree or disagree on the themes of art, go out and make some today.

Twenty Years?!

Groom and I started our whimsical line of art jewelry in 1991 and by my calculations that’s 20 years! Every February we host an anniversary sale, an open house when we put our jewelry on sale (30 – 75% off) for one day only and invite our loyal customers and friends. It’s this Saturday, February 5th, from 10am – 4pm, so come on down.

We nosh, nibble, sip and kibitz. It’s a fun day to reveal new designs, sell some of last year’s items and prepare for the coming season.

Aah, the house is clean, the yard is spruced up and colorful spring flowers are planted. Groom’s in the kitchen baking away and the aroma of fresh pumpkin bread is wafting to where I am sitting at the computer, teasing my nose. Fortunately, or unfortunately, however you look at it, he made brownies earlier, so I just scarfed one down with a delicious cup of coffee. I asked him to hide them, so I would not be further tempted and he just looked at me and said, “Woman, control yourself.” Funny!

The sky here is blue today with the sun shining and the birds singing. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I feel compelled to write this blog as a Valentine to life in general, to the beauty that surrounds.

Years ago, my mother began writing every day things that she felt gratitude for and my father, he is one of those (rare?) men who can actually say “I love you,” out loud and he is very forthcoming with his appreciation. I am lucky to be blessed with such examples.

Picking up the tradition, I keep an Alignment Journal. I write down at least eleven things everyday that I am grateful for, appreciative of, and happy about. I chose eleven because it is such a powerful number for me personally, one of my favorites and it also happens to be 20!!

I also write down things that line up, for example, I looked at the clock today at precisely 11:11am. Anytime I notice “coincidences” and synchronicity, I try to make a note of it. In other words, alignment. The more I notice, the more they show up and it’s so much fun to look back, even a few days later, and realize how bountiful life can be.

Pets, friends, loved ones and customers are mainstays in my life and I want to make certain each and every one of them know just how much I love and value them.

Viva Mexico - Zolo Ma cheese mo

“Deep down I’m very superficial.” - Ava Gardner

While traveling, I’m always riveted by the sights, sounds, weather, and experiences of wherever I am and part of that includes people watching. Or people watching me. At least that’s what I thought was going on.

Let me set the stage. Groom and my traveling companion to Mexico, the person who made it possible for us to go by receiving a week’s stay at a resort as a business-related incentive, and used his accumulated airline miles to get us there, is nicknamed Zolo. For those of you haven’t heard this part yet, he misread my handwriting and interpreted the date of 2010 as Z0l0 and he’s been known as Z0L0 ever since.

To say Zolo is a character would be underselling things. For those of you who have met him, you know what I mean. He’s got a booming voice, a white beard and his personality is larger-than-life. He often wears patchwork pants and whether he’s being compared to Santa Claus, Popeye or a Sea Cap’n, people gravitate to him like a magnet.

Now, I know he’s friendly and very popular here in our town, we can’t go anywhere without people calling out his name and saying hello, but quite honestly, I didn’t know how his style was going to be received within a different culture.

Ha! No need to worry.

Let me take us back to the beach, on our first full day there, when the three of us went sightseeing in Puerto Vallarta. We’re sauntering along the boardwalk with the ocean on one side and interesting shops lining the other. I’m trying to take it all in, including the people.

I can’t help but notice how many smiles I’m getting. As I walk by I take note of all the staring and friends punching each other on the shoulder to get their attention and pointing my way. Well, why not? I’m looking not so bad, I’ve got on a nice outfit, oversized sunglasses, I’m feeling so happy and excited to be there, why shouldn’t folks notice the beaming American girl?

After quite a bit of this, I wave to the next group of people who are smiling at me. But they don’t wave back. And that’s when it hit me. Nobody was looking at me. All that attention was going straight to our 63-year old friend! Then I started laughing, relieved nobody knew what going through my head.

I asked Zolo if he realized he was causing a stir and as soon as he looked up and realized it, men and women came out of the woodwork to talk to him and have their photo taken with “the rock star.”

We sat down at a beach front restaurant and hadn’t even ordered water yet when one woman came up to him and told him how darling he was and they started chatting and exchanged email information. While we were in class one day, he went on a “jungle tour” and by the end of it, a woman had slipped him a napkin with her contact info on it.

Oh, my goodness, he danced and flirted his way through Mexico. They loved him down there.

And on a related note, today is Groundhog’s day. Rumor has it Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow so predictions for an early spring are in the air. This is good news, considering all the snow blanketing much of the country. A week from today, the three of us are supposed to be in New York for Fashion Week and to celebrate my birthday. Hmmm, will those patch pants end up on the catwalk?

Viva Mexico - The Frida Edition

Mexico brings to mind many images: The warm sun, beautiful beaches, kind people, palm trees, and color, but for me, nothing says Mexico more than Frida Kahlo (1906-1954).

Most of you know that I have long been accused of reminding people of the notorious artist, so one day I decided to dress up like her, augmenting my eyebrows in the process and the rest you could say, is history.

Kimmmm bought me a Frida finger puppet to match hers from Nick and Prestons Imaginarium when we went to New York together in 2008. At this writing, we are supposed to go there a week from today, but with all the ice and storms, we have no idea if it will happen. It’s a nail biter…

But back to Frida. For the last three years, little Frida has traveled in my purse, going on various adventures together. How could I deny Mini-Me a trip to her homeland?





Frida hangs with her peeps.

Sombrero rooftop view of the Malecon.

Hmmm, check out all the hombres in this place, Que Lindo!

Uh-oh, it didn't feel like I had too many...at the time.

More images of me, me meeeee!

Banderas Bay, baby.

"You are the wind beneath my wings..."

Frida made a fun friend with Aqua Junko Artworks

Frida is overcome by Sascha's hommage necklace.

Mwa ha ha, Frida with Lori's skull. 

Love love love love love love love this!!!!!!

Frida getting into more trouble at Le Bistro Jazz Club

A Frida inspired necklace Cindy made in the "Fun with Dick and Jane" workshop at the Hacienda Mosaico.

Frida sunbathing with new amiga at the Villa Del Palmar Resort in Puerto Vallarta.