Manayunk Art Festival

Earlier this week, I caught wind that Manayunk, a neighborhood of Philadelphia, hosts the largest Art Festival in the entire Delaware Valley. This was exciting news as I am sadly unable to make it to the Ann Arbor Art Fair this year. And perhaps it was the contrast of the last several years being exposed to the Ann Arbor ordeal that made yesterday's short trek to Manayunk somewhat disappointing. Take out the A2 factor and it was, by all accounts, a decent arts festival.; fact is, there were many artists on display that were extraordinary in their respective trades. And there was one notable difference, which I found a pleasant discovery... the artists had the time and energy to actually spend time talking to people. Could be that I went first thing on Saturday, could be that I was taken by booths where there wasn't a large crowd, could just be kismet... one never knows.

For parts of the time, I was sprinkled with rain; a welcomed reprieve from the high heat and humidity which actually made it tolerable and desirable for me to stop and grab something to drink and a snack along the way.

Also, since I was in Manayunk, which is also a very trendy and fashionable (if not slightly overrated) neighborhood, I did a little shopping in some of the local stores... checking out the Nicole Miller store; a great store with wares from Tibet and India; some fabulous little independent clothing retailers and the shoe store pictured above. I always knew cats had an affinity for shoes and that it wasn't just mine that did.

Nonetheless; there were a few booths at the festival I particularly enjoyed who also have websites. So I bring you some of the festival via blog:

Susan Hodgin: Her work had me mesmerized, and she's also quite a fascinating individual as well.

The Artesano Iron Works Gallery: Awesome pieces. Be forewarned, the link opens to a site that plays sound (I personally find it annoying, so I'm warning now).

Heidi Roland: Some of the best, most unique earrings I've seen.

And there you have it. There was one guy who's photography was superb, and he was rather unique as well... but I wasn't able to get his card/bio... and I didn't write down his name. Sad.

Maholo

The Pork Tour

Does anything else need be said?

Disturbing waves on the net

Every so often, as I have blogged before, I check my keyword analysis... for kicks. This is the list of words or phrases folks have used to get to this site. Sadly, since I made a post about a quote from Bill Maher's show about cattle cloning, the top search term has been "Cows Fucking." Today, I learned that "pictures of dogs piddling" has entered the analysis. If I were a professional linguist rather than just a part time hack, I might find cause for research and study. On second thought, there might be more there for the mental health profession.

But the terms were not all scary beasts... Hemingway and Key West were amidst the pervasive perverse. And I never thought the day would come when I would find porn star Nikki Blonde among the search terms a relief.

All this said, these terms DID find this blog.

A fitting tribute

It was sad news this week that George Carlin died. Of course, it was also an amazing feat he pulled off living 71 years on his lifestyle.

Still... he made sense to me; like so many comedians who are double agents for truth and logic in a world of lies and random chaos. His influence on others is clear. Notably, I've always found Stephen Colbert's regular segment "The Word" Carlin-esque. Suitably and ingeniously, "Colbert's Tuesday "The Word" was on Carlin's "The 7 words you can't say on TV" And I have to think, Carlin would be proud, and laughing his ass off as well.

Extending the Table

A few weekends ago, while in Center City, I was delighted to find a 10,000 Villages store. Aside from buying some delicious coffee, I also purchased a new cookbook called Extending the Table. This weekend, I took the time to sit down and read it. It's full of great stories about world cultures and how they regard, use and enjoy food. It really makes me think...

A few weeks ago, I read an article about "ecological homesteaders" preparing for some kind of Armageddon and how they will need to prepare to live off the land and how they will need to hoard and turn people away in mobs because of the eventual food shortage. I found the article hideous (rather, I found the people highlighted in it suchly), and I wish I could remember the link, but I can't.

So many of the stories I read remind me of the stories I heard from my mom and aunts about growing up in rural northern Michigan ... how there was always a plate on the table for people who stopped in--regardless of how little they might have had. And from my own experience of growing up in that knowing people were hungry, and so, you fed those who stopped by, brought them something to drink... and now, in my own grown up life, and in my own way, I do the same--I love to cook, I live alone, and I can't possibly enjoy everything that I make, so, I happily find others to share with...

Several of the stories were also about using the entire food source... I learned how to make use of fruit and vegetable "scraps" I might never have considered, but will cherish. As such, instead of just juicing my lemon and lime for a recipe, first zested for a marinade and then after juicing, tossed the remainders into a jug to use in making some tea (which turned out delicious).

But, there was one story that made me stop and really rethink how I use water. Always aware of conservation, I turn off the faucet when brushing my teeth, washing my face, etc... but when faced with the story of the women who carry gallons of water from the source on their heads and every drop planned and revered because of the effort to get water... I have a whole new appreciation for the water I use and its ease of availability and will take that with me everyday.

And, oh, yes, there were recipes... delicious recipes that I hope to someday invite you to sit down at my table and enjoy with me.

On with the Summer...

As I was sitting out on the balcony, in my usual weekend ritual of having coffee and breakfast outside (weather permitting), I couldn't help but think about how lucky I am. Overall, I'm fairly happy--despite or in spite of any issues I am dealing with. I recognize it is a fragile balance and something could happen at any moment to challenge the resolves I have so firmly come to in order to achieve this morning's bliss, but in the moment, I could have cared less.

The week at work was a stressful one for me... and as it will spill into this lovely weekend, I will just take it one moment at a time. I do, very much, love what I do, and I know in this world, that is a fortunate thing.

Indeed, it has been a full week... Tuesday, the Lakers lost the championship is a devastatingly poor performance by all basketball standards. The bright side to that, however, is that they did not break a record in poor performance -- though, they came close. But, I was able to enjoy dinner out with a friend and a nice walk on the Schuylkill, which boosts a very nice trail.

Thursday I attended a performance of "I Never Sang for my Father" in Skippack done by Playcrafters. A friend played Alice in the production and was very, very good... as was the entire cast.

This was also the day I witnessed the most peculiar of sights. I realize it was coincidence and one of those weird ironies you never think of until it occurs, but as I was driving toward King of Prussia for an appointment, a funeral procession was going in the other direction... but what struck me was the ambulance coming up behind them at full speed. And, in my sick sense of humor, could not contain my laughter.

And now, summer is official. People are seemingly aghast and confused as to why I have yet to get to the "Shore." And I have to say, frankly, Shore Traffic is the main reason. A few weeks into the Shore Season and I've already seen the huge impact of Shore Traffic on my already traffic beleaguered residence. For my Michigan friends, imagine the equivalent of traveling "up north" for the one of the major summer holidays and you have what we experience every Friday afternoon as Shore Traffic. I'm not sure how that is supposed to be relaxing, but apparently it's the thing to do.

What I'm finding as the thing to do this weekend, however, is do a little cooking--the weather is perfect for some summertime fare... buy a new blender as the weather is also perfect for a margarita... and do some writing... because there is always a perfect excuse during the week to not.

Mahalo.

Labels and Love

Today was my third viewing of the movie of the year... Sex and the City. I will concede that it is the movie of my year, as I've been waiting for it for four years. Three times and I still love it. In all likeliness, I will see it again in the theatre before anxiously awaiting its release to DVD, upon which, I will purchase it -- you know, to keep the collection complete. Admittedly, the movie for me is like a food commercial for some... triggers the appetite, so to speak. After viewing the movie the first time, I went shoe shopping the following day. Today found me perusing the mall, scoping dresses and pants. I left empty-handed, to the relief of my wallet.

But my weekend, was not without purchases... Saturday evening, completely over my Friday evening induced hangover, I found myself out discount shopping and coming home with some great items. Despite my trip to Macy's today where Oscar de la Renta broke my heart -- the cutest dress met all my criteria (price, style, and I could wear it to work) sans one--it was too small!! Similarly a dashing Nine West dress was far too big, though a steal at less than $30! But, a Goldilocks moment was not to be had today as a shiny pair of blue BCBGirls shoes caught my eye on the way out... but I looked like one of the wicked step sisters trying to cram my toes into the 8.5. Hey, sometimes a girl gets lucky with a half size smaller, and this one often does with BCBGirls... just not today.

And about that Friday evening induced hangover... it was a happy hour turned into something else. Happy Hour is when men are buying you your drinks, something else is when you discover your friend is arguing with the dude standing next to you because he is insisting you buy HIM a drink. I came away with a full several pages of research for my writing pleasure and the reaffirmation that I should not bother with men under the age of 24.

One of the last real journalists...

Sad news in the news as Tim Russert passed away yesterday.

What I've been Doing All this Time...

I've been harassed for not blogging; truth be known, I've been spending much of my writing time working on a new book. Remember my Valentine's resolutions this year were to write a new book of fiction and a cookbook. Both, as of Hemingway Weekend are going well. I must admit, however, that the cookbook is far more challenging than I anticipated.

For those wondering, the book of fiction is a sequel to the first, and I am excited to say that I have fully completed 6 chapters of "The View Askew" plus several others outlined. I suspect that book will be easier than the cookbook.

This last weekend found me traveling back to Cheboygan, MI for my dad's birthday party, which turned out to be a well attended pig roast. I did bring myself to try the pork... it was quite tasty, but I still preferred my fat free turkey hot dogs. For this trip, I flew into the Pellston, MI Airport, which also doubles as a bar/restaurant to the locals. Pellston is a very tiny dot on the map of Northern Michigan (lower peninsula) with 4 flights in and out a day from Detroit (and Minneapolis on Saturdays). TSA agents allow you to pass through the gates 20 minutes before boarding starts and close the gates shortly after boarding commences... so if you are like me and screw up the time of the flight and end up at the airport two hours early, well, they do have cable Internet connections.

The Pellston Airport however, was a fascinating contrast to the larger airports I'm accustomed to... there are wood engraved signs over the gates and baggage claim... not to mention stuffed bears and deer highlighting the decor. It is very homey, without the typical airport chairs. It's quite nice. We actually parked right next to the door to the airport.

One other quirk going through security...

The TSA agent was doing the usual spiel on removing jackets, shoes, laptops, etc. and then caught my attention with... "And if you have any fudge, please remove it from your carry on." Yes, that's right. Apparently, fudge does not xray well and causes problems. For those unaware, the Northern Lower Penisula of Michigan is famous for its fudge, and (somewhat) affectionately refers to tourists as "fudgies." The fudge is wrecking havoc with TSA as it looks like a bad substance and is the cause, even after forewarning folks, for bag searches. Though I was not in possession of the chocolaty substance, I could not keep quiet, asking if rice krispy treats were also to be removed. Fortunately, the agents had a sense of humor... I mean, if you are screening for confections, you almost have to.

Tomorrow is back to work for me, with my vacation time coming to a screeching halt -- at least for the moment. Two days to work before the weekend is just enough time to catch up on the email.