"That’s nice!", "Well done!"  "Good for you!" "Great job!" "Keep up the good work!" Kudos is always appreciated, with a little encouragement going a long way.  However, it’s not always forthcoming—especially at times when needed most, and from those we’d like to have issue it.  And then there’s that magical two-word phrase, frequently forgotten, "Thank you!"  

Whether you’ve cooked for dinner guests, made matches between acquaintances, or looked after a friend’s cat, it’s always nice to be acknowledged and appreciated.  But, the more you give out, too often, the less this happens.  Feeling overlooked and taken for granted, continually, can take its toll—make us behave in ways we might not instinctively.  Enter the era of the "cautious" and "jaded."  Sadly, the notion of "once bitten, twice shy", can ring louder than ever.  

Self-absorption, becoming a predominant character trait in western society, today, it’s not surprising that "Please" is missing from many people’s requests.  And, without a "Please," it’s unlikely there’ll be a "Thank you."  Positive change happens one person at a time—personal displays of good manners and respect helping more than might be realized.  Seeing how giving the gift of a "Please," Thank you," or "Well done" can boost someone else’s spirits, can be a great first step in feeling better about yourself too!

Sometimes, a charter is the only way to go, like it or not. Flying during the Christmas rush (unless we have a choice not to) might not be a good idea, as this poem tells…  

The Charter Flight

Screaming, screaming kids
Anxious chatter
Little air
Heavy care

Or, under stress
Easier to expect less.

In case you’re wondering which airline this poem was written on, it was Air Transat.

At the end of December (07), I was on a another transatlantic flight.  I’d just visited a family member who was sick and ended up sitting next to someone who was returning from her mother’s funeral. Personal experience with funeral trips, as well as long-distance illness concerns, compelled me to pull out my notebook and record these poetic reflections.

Planes

Planes are for vacations
celebrations

Planes are for all kinds of reasons
Of life, reveal the many seasons.

In 2007, I seemed to take a number of plane flights back to back.  Flying Toronto - Munich, in November, I put pen to paper, and wrote this poem.  It’s always interesting to have a little notebook in bag when traveling, all kinds of interesting reflections to record…

 

It was great to be back in Boston last weekend, albeit just for an overnight visit.  This city stirs so much positive energy for me.  Good friends and an environment that’s quaint, cultured, and progressive seems to entice locals as well as travelers.  Spring blossoms and time with special friends, of course, were bonuses!  

The last time I was in Boston was Labor Day weekend, and much has changed since then.  Soon-to-be landmarks are now open—or almost:

• The Liberty Hotel, on Charles Street, with its bars and restaurants.

Check out the unique refurbished jail cells, with "light shows."  Then, go downstairs for a meal at Scampo. The food is well-prepared and presented. It’s just the acoustics that need a little work.  You may lose your voice tying to have a conversation with dining companions!

• The Mandarin Hotel, on Boylston Street

• The New Apple Store, on Boylston Street scheduled to open today (May 14, 08).

Although I (like many others) have found the Macbook Air to have a few unexpected kinks, I am still a big fan of everything Apple, and this is a super location.

Saturday lunch was at Stephanie’s. But, unfortunately memories were better than actualities.  Somewhat disorganized and dirty, and not quite as delicious, I wondered what was happening there. Sunday breakfast was at the Panficio Cafe. Clean, efficient, and very delicious, this is definitely a must-try.

Boston has something for everyone, and it certainly loves its parades.  I came across two of them, by chance.  On Saturday, "Youth Pride" on Boston Common.  On Sunday, "Duckling Day Parade," along Charles Street and on to Boston Public Garden.

Special occasions often call for unique settings in which to celebrate.  These are places that you visit once, hoping to experience something out of the ordinary—not with the notion of getting a "good deal."

Recently, I joined friends for a one-of-a-kind evening at C5 (the restaurant/lounge under the ROM’s Michael Lee-Chin Crystal). What we will remember most about the venue:  high prices, miniscule portions, unique decor.

At this new Toronto dining attraction, you’re clearly paying for ambiance and originality.  Though the food is tasty (what there is of it), those not on calorie controlled diets may need to go home to a hearty meal later—or fill up on treats at a movie afterwards, as we ended up doing.

 

Recently, an e-mail arrived inviting me to decorate a terra cotta plant holder to be auctioned off at a charity event, Eat Play Love, put on by Toronto’s Children’s Peace Theatre, this Saturday, May 10, 08.  Though I had no previous knowledge of the charity and wouldn’t be able to attend the event, I thought it was a fun idea and interesting cause.  This past Monday evening, the pot was delivered.  By Wednesday afternoon, I’d glamorized it with faux jewels and iridescent paints. Almost overnight, a non-descript container started to turn into a "Magic Pot."  Artists are often called on to give in whatever ways they can.  Whenever and however possible, most of us try our best—whether time and resources permit, or not.  The finished pot is inserted above.  How it looked before treatment is inserted below.

I have had the privilege of being an artist donor for Boston’s Art Connection for several years, already.  This is a marvelous one-of-a-kind artist- and community-friendly organization.  It would be wonderful if other major cities could follow its model, bringing artists and the wider community together, year-round, in mutually satisfying and innovative ways. 

I am thrilled to announce that Nicholas G. Vahlkamp is now my art dealer in Chicago and the Midwest.  He is co-principal of the Kamp Galleries:  Chicago, at the Drake Hotel, 140 East Walton Place (off Michigan Ave/The Magnificent Mile);  Winnetka, at 563 Lincoln Ave.

Please check out the galleries’ current shows:
• At the Drake, Chicago:  "Rediscovering Modern" (May 1 - May 31, 2008)
• In Winnetka:  "Chicago Artists We Love"  (April 1, 2008 - June 30, 2008)