An Eve-nt to remember

Grace Cathedral’s famous Ghiberti doors, labyrinths, and stained glass have provided the backdrop to such guests as Dr. Jane Goodall, the Dalai Lama, Deepak Chopra, Isabel Allende, Carlos Santana, Pharoah Sanders, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Sandra Day O’Connor, among others. And next week, Eve Ensler- the Tony Award winning playwright, activist, V-Day Founder and author of The Vagina Monologues.

Eve has chosen San Francisco's most notable church to deliver her first talk since surviving cancer and will speak about her newest work, entitled CongoCancer, scheduled for release in late 2012.

Grace Cathedral is an especially sentimental and special place to host this event, which is (part of) why I am flying out to S.F. to work as a volunteer. The Cathedral is home to a community where the best of Episcopal Christian tradition embraces innovation and open-minded conversation, where inclusion is expected and people of all faiths are welcomed. To simplify, it has both an indoor and outdoor labyrinth, plus Episco-disco nights!

So, if you live in the area, please join me! Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.
Or, if you're into it and want to get involved, go here to learn about hosting your own eve-nt in your city.

Grace 2010

power outage/ power outrage

The sun is setting and the power is out.

My first instinct is fear. It is quite possibly the remnant of many, many real truth I have begrudgingly viewed and/or my general Katrina guilt. I panic, inside.
I want, like many others, a safe connection- a thread that spans past my selflessness to a primal need I check daily- letting maternal rule- this time, here is is- uncaged by my youth, an unwanted desire to be even younger. Not responsible for solutions, under cover, excused from the truth. Held safely by something bigger that does not disappoint. A mother, not father.

My second reaction is anger. I am frustrated, disappointed by the blinding realization that we as humans have created this. And we as self-serving, me-first kinda folk don't like it when the rug is pulled up from under, and what is left is our silence.

Our earth undoubtedly was here before any of us, therefore it is the "mother" from which we are all born. However, we have not honored it as good children, but have spent million of years overspending, over-indulging, wasting and abusing, justifying our actions with the feelings we try and avoid. Stuffing discomfort, loneliness, and fear away for a more convenient day. These increasing man-made emergencies and natural disasters reveal that our system of operating does in fact have an end; an end that will not be planned or welcomed but big enough to explain itself.

The moments where all technology is detached, the luxuries of a heated bulb, a computer, a microwave or ice box, are stripped away from our daily access are actual archives of weeks, years and decades once spent 'normally'. Now once removed they trigger looting, riots, irrational behaviors and bad driving. They are a catalyst for irresponsibility- yet at one time resembled the basic procedure for survival.

Looking at the city without street lamps, we seem as small as the stars. Naturally I relate to that disposability. I am human and yearn for that protection and illusion of immortality. That being said, I do not however associate with the sense of entitlement that I feel is the root of our degradation of our society's culture today. Too many people are perpetuating more people to absorb this trend of unaccountability- which leaves leaves who to blame?
I blame guns. War. Pesticides. Advertising. But that's another story...
We are evolving (technology-wise) the fastest in history. The downside is we are adapting to our natural environment less and less, in fact we are practically tuning it out completely. Nights of state-wide black outs are indicators of this decline.
We do not have cable- panic!
We do not have light- panic!
We have no T.V.- panic!
We don't have air conditioning- panic!
What we fail to realize is...
We have books. We have candles. We have conversations. We have sunsets and stars and a natural breeze. We may or may not have family, but we surely have neighbors. Friends.
Besides battery-operated distractions, being unplugged also means timelessness. Less wire-driven connectivity but more intuition. A more organic flow, a much softer glow to life. It's nice.

I challenge my instincts to react negatively and think, wait... slow down... shut it down. Look at the blessings of this. This is a good time to connect with your neighbors. If not now, when?
Why not cook all your perishables and share with your street block? Or take it to the homeless.
Finish some of those books you started. Paint your toenails. Glue down some collages.
Or, get out. Don't call, show up! Be hands on.
If not now, when?
Show your face San Diego.

And then like magic, a friend extends a welcome to her new home, "come have blackout beers with us on our patio" she says. And we do.
We carpool and make our way down to Golden Hill. It is an apocalyptic scene, especially in City Heights. People are lined up at the liquor stores, like a candlelit vigil to ice cream, whiskey and anything cold. Holding flashlights to the windows of closed businesses, pulling on doors. 3 hours in and they're already looking to get their own. Everyone looks like freaking zombie's in the street. It's scary, out there.

But we get to Darci's and it is wonderful. She has started to smartly cook up everything in her fridge, and presents a delightful buffet of foods. Shrimp lettuce wraps and walnut chicken linguine, we have beer and (lotsa) wine and coffee ice cream for desert. We listen to her neighbor playing classic piano tunes like a mad man, and eventually invite him over. There are others there too, elvish-musicians and pretty girls who obviously do yoga...

The night was divine. We just talked and ate and talked and ate... We all agree we have much, so much to be thankful for. My heart bleeds for New Orleans, and the East Coast, for the states who much like us are spoiled then overnight ruined by a much larger force (I also bleed for Iraq-Iran-Pakistan, and the D.R.C, for they suffer a different kind of bondage)... but we have so much accessibility here to something greater beyond our own selfish needs. Instead our culture segregates, labels and isolates differences. We fear the unknown and stay emotionally locked up because of it. We do not explore the earth past our own quick glances at it, and we both suffer. We have an unused opportunity to get to know and grow together, to join forces, to collaborate and move forward fearlessly...

There is a concept in Disability Rights called "time banking", which operates off the belief that we all are/have assets and we can all use each other. We can look at an individuals gifts and build social networks based on reciprocity and respect. As community members, nice neighbors, and stakeholders in this society, we can all use the redefinition of "work" beyond a "price". Especially in this current economic crisis, there is no end in sight. We need to build community connections and break stereotypes so when the power goes out, we don't just survive, we thrive.

It takes one night of complete technological- withdraw to fuel this much introspection. Imagine what would happen if everyone, just one day a week acted as the power was out. Look at what we would gain by knowing our 'hood more thoroughly, and the residents more personally. More so, how we would discover our very own selves? To take personal inventory and recognize what gifts we bring to the table, and what we need help with.

We need to start unplugging more often just to tune in, to get re-centered about what really matters beneath the mask of what we have decided it should look like. We may be surprised at what we find.
I just hope it doesn't take another mess to make that happen.

Dog-ear this event

A second run for the Summer Salon Series

Hard to believe it has been a year since last summer, when I was asked to participate in the Summer Salon Series at SDMA in Balboa. Josh and I collaborated on a social project we named Prescription Living, which turned out to be a hit, so much so that that we did not get to nearly half of the patient, waiting participants (a situation we still plan on rectifying in the near future).

Artist Lori Lipsman with her Prescription

David White, owner and artist at Agitprop, was asked back to co-curate another series of events happening again at the museum. This year however, has a whole new line up, which has already started and runs through September 1st. Every Thursday night from 5-9pm is a new event with a variety of emerging and already established local artists, offering responses to the civic conversation, "what does a city need?"

How do we build better cities, better communities, and in turn, better citizens?
Through shelter, dialogue, dignity of labor, identity and history, green space, creativity, economy and social consumerism, to start with.

More to consider at Agitprop's new website.

D.I.Y. Summer souvenir's

"A souvenir (French), for a remembrance or memory), memento, keepsake or token of remembrance is an object a person acquires for the memories the owner associates with it. The term souvenir brings to mind the mass-produced kitch that is the main commodity of souvenir and gift shops in many tourist traps around the world. But a souvenir can be any object that can be collected or purchased and transported home by the traveler. The object itself has no real significance other than the psychological connection the possessor has with the object as a symbol of past experience. Without the owner's input, the object's meaning is invisible and cannot be articulated"

Unless that souvenir is thoughtful, and unique, and (hopefully) free! Like the project I am working on with shells I just collected on vacation in Cape Hatteras.


So many beautiful shells washed up during low tide, it became addicting to scavenge the beach for gems everyday. Or sometimes twice... The Atlantic, with it's coarse sand, sea oat covered dunes, and dreamy skies made for a completely different "beach" experience for me and I want to preserve it!

Here is a little Do it Yourself project that makes a nice little memento for summer trips, and it nearly free. It just requires Ziploc bags, glass jars and a big flat space to work on.


The first step is the most fun... just collect! Either stick to a few themes, for instance a certain color ( in this case I was attracted to the black shells), or go for anything interesting. Use Ziploc bags to collect sand or gravel in an air-tight (airplane-safe) way.

Next, probably when you get home, wash everything to get the sea critters off. I enjoy the scent of the sea so I just lighted dusted off what I needed to.

Then, organize the piles of finds into categories so it is easier to put together. This is especially important if you are making several jars, or have collected for different people. You can group items together by a random mix, or by species, color, etc. This time, I am including a bit of the sea gravel, sand, and selections of special shells in each. I bought a 4 pack of small mason jars at Ace Hardware for around 5 bucks, plus found a few others at a thrift store.


Lastly, label the jar with the location of where it was collected. And boom! Nice little package for your special someone.

Happy Egyptian New Year!

The Summer Solstice, otherwise known as the longest day of the year, is here (and luckily the weather is cooperating!) And since I'm a geek I feel it is my duty to spread some necessary knowledge about it.

Solstices occur twice a year, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is oriented directly towards or away from the Sun, causing the Sun to reach its northernmost and southernmost extremes. The name is derived from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), because at the solstices the Sun's apparent movement north or south comes to a standstill.

The term solstice can also be used in a wider sense, as the date (day) that such a passage happens. The solstices, together with the equinoxes, are connected with the seasons. In many cultures, solstices and equinoxes traditionally determine the midpoint of the seasons, which can be seen in the celebrations called midsummer and midwinter.


In Ancient Egypt, summer solstice was the most important day of the year. The sun was at its highest and the Nile River was beginning to rise. Special ceremonies were held to honor the Goddess Isis, since Egyptians believed that Isis was mourning for her dead husband Osiris, and that her tears made the Nile rise and well over. Accurately predicting the floods was of such vital importance that the appearance of the Sirius Constellation, (which occurs around the time of the summer solstice), was recognized as the beginning of the Egyptian New Year.

So, happy New Year! Since you have ample sunlight today, why not go shopping? Inventory has been updated at Lost & Found, inside Pat's. Although we don't have Amulets, we do have several picnic baskets, wicker chairs, and ladies espadrille and wedge shoes, perfect for the summer (with the recent cooperation of this weather). We also have a few mid-century coffee tables still up for grabs, night stands, women and men's vintage clothing, and much more!

Lovin' the Hut

It's official, I'm in love with Loving Hut! What started as an occasional treat has bred into a full blown craving that only their Coco Tofu can satisfy. Now, I'm a meat eater (they don't need to know that) but I like to consider myself more of a Flexitarian because I try to limit my intake and actually prefer veggies over beef any day. What has sadly held me back, (and I know this is terrible, but it's the truth), is my laziness. With a schedule like mine it is hard to find time to cook meals everyday. Plus, when you live alone, fresh veggies go bad so quickly. So, sometimes it is more convenient to eat on the go, which as everyone knows is not easy on the belly though. Secondly, organic food is expensive and hard to find. There are maybe, 3 vegetarian "fast food" places in San Diego. None of which are actually "fast."

So, imagine my delight when I stumbled upon the Loving Hut. Although I am not a professional food critic, nor do I have an educated palate, it is definitely blog-worthy. For these reasons:

1. They take the guilt right out of eating, with an all vegan menu that is varied and awesome. No animals harmed in making anything, plus no lack of flavor either. Their vision is that "all beings could live in peace, love and harmony with each other and the planet." That's easy to swallow. Apparently this concept was dreamed up by this lady, the Supreme Master of amazing food (hehe). She apparently even has her own t.v channel, wowza.

This is a kinda ridiculous photo for a Master to use , don't you think? A plant-based diet is noble indeed, but a cell phone shot?

2. They have mastered cooking tofu, which is rarely done right. Their cubes are firm and juicy, chewy without being over-done or mushy. They are seasoned with delicious spices like ginger and cilantro. Soy chicken? They have that too. These summer rolls are a favorite appetizer of mine, but are big enough to be a meal and/or share.


3. They are super cheap! A 3 course meal for my sister and myself cost around $30.00. Seriously. Their entrees are around $6-7 for a large, and only $5 for a medium size.
4. Iced cappuccino's. If only Starbucks could get this right. The Loving Hut does.

Another yummy drink they whip up (not my photo)

5. Their service is delightful. The genuinely nicest people work there, and get your meal out so quick you wonder if they mixed it up with someone else's before you. Today I went on my lunch break (I know, I'm addicted!) and they gave me a free recycled bag and plastic containers to re-use. Probably just because they can tell I'm gonna use it and tell everyone about them! (Done and done, by the way.)

(I don't know this dude, but he looks nice. And fast)

The only thing I can say could be improved, which is actually a selfish wish, is their hours. The San Diego location close to Park ave on El Cajon is open morning-ish till 2pm, then closes till 5 then reopens till 9pm. I believe they are closed on Sunday's. It's not bad, it's just when you've got your heart set on it and you take a later lunch, it sucks.

So, if I haven't convinced you to try it yet, you're never going to! I really do agree that the Loving Hut is exactly what they advertise: "a beacon of light for an alternative way of living. It’s healthier, it’s compassionate, it’s peaceful and it’s the only way to a sustainable planet."

Word to your mother.

What the what?!

JUNE and my Amazon purchases have arrived! I have around two more weeks till vacation and am trying to save Bossypants for my beach read, but Tina Fey has been seducing me a little each day with those big, manly hands... Can't wait to dig in! Both to the sand and the book.


In the meantime, it seems like the weather has mellowed out and summer is on it's way in. Which means, bikini shopping. ugh. On the bound for a cute 'kini if anyone can help a sister out and suggest a place to find something, um, supportive and cute. Too bad they're not made like this anymore...



Online ordering of a suit (with my kind of figure) is a no-go, so I am relying on local resources. Perhaps a synchronized sun dance will land the perfect fit, like the falling bottle in The God's must be Crazy. Wish me luck!

evento de pedo

Featuring:
A fraternity of USD students. And one or two things by me.

"she likes things"

The first post of a new series...

One of my favorite free time activities is rooting through people's stuff, not in a creepy way but mostly just for the fun of the hunt, and the kind of discards that can be found. Now, I have an inside lead on the latest open houses around town, thanks to my friend and fellow collector Sara Mullert, with her new business launch and journey in entrepreneurship. Heirloom Estate Liquidations offers help clearing out homes quickly and with respect for your possessions, honoring your wishes with integrity and dependability. It states that on her business card, but seriously she is very meticulous and knowledgeable about valuables. Congratulations Sara!

Also, for the hoarders out there (I say this with love, it takes one to know one) stay tuned for updates on estate sales throughout San Diego County. Sara is hosting one this weekend in fact, on Saturday and Sunday April 16th-17th from 9am till 2pm. Bring cash!

6225 Viewpoint Dr.
San Diego, CA. 92139
Map

*For service consultations, Sara can be reached at 619-944-5398

On a side note, kinda want to start a dumpster dive coalition... where my freegan's at? Portland, ya hear me?

S L I D E P R O J E C T O R

This Saturday night from 6-9pm at Agitprop Space

Seven artists use 35mm side projectors. Fetish, memorial, utility, folk and spook, this exhibition is an exploration into the collective interest of this popular viewing device.

Participating artists: Ela Boyd, Micki Davis, Anna Chiaretta Lavatelli, Sheryl Oring, Katrin Pesch, Vabianna Santos & Joe Yorty

Wretches & Jabberers

I saw the most liberating documentary this weekend. In honor of Autism Awareness month, Wretches & Jabberers was showing one day only at AMC. The story of two men with Autism who travel the world giving advice/solace/Polaroids to those who also use "abnormal" communication to speak. Larry and Tracey aren't "angels" but they're definitely doing God's work, whoever (s)he may be, spreading awareness that diversity is a normal aspect of humanity, and that it should be celebrated and respected.


On a side note, I used my momentum from the film to order a long awaited for gift to myself, Fugifilm's latest Polaroid camera the Instax 210. Now, find a way to travel the world!

Bells in a Bar

Last Friday, magic happened at Bluefoot. A gang by the name Kembang Sunda captivated a curious crowd by performing traditional music from West Java, Indonesia in the crowded bar. Kembang Sunda is a Sundanese gamelan degung ensemble directed by Amy Hacker, which has been performing in San Diego since 2007.

My video was shot with whisky vision, so here is a better one off their website...




Add them on Facebook to see their next performance. It is truly a healing experience!

Moutarde

Mustard is yummy on just about everything...