Mid-October, amid busy and brief trips to New York and London, respectively, I had the incredible opportunity to attend special art exhibits:

• Vasily Kandinsky, the Guggenheim

A great museum to visit, for Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture as well as the artwork on display. Kandinsky’s images, en masse, help set it off to best advantage—and not surprisingly so. Being a significant part of the the permanent collection, they actually helped inspire the building’s design.

October 21st (soon after my visit) marked the Guggenheim’s 50th anniversary!

• Georgia O’Keefe, The Whitney

O’Keefe’s abstractions are less well known than her paintings of flowers and landscapes. That said, the 130 plus paintings, drawings, watercolors, and sculptures, on exhibit here, herald O’Keefe as one of America’s first and boldest abstract artists.

I went from the O’Keefe to the Kandinsky, the Whitney and Guggenheim not being far from each other. What a double-header, and great day!

• JMW Turner and The Masters, the Tate Britain

Some of Turner’s most dramatic paintings are juxtaposed with masterpieces created by artists whom he revered and was obsessed with becoming “just as good as”:  Canaletto, Rubens, Rembrandt, and Titian.  

Over-crowded and somewhat predictable, this exhibit didn’t excite me as much as Kandinsky or O’Keefe had.

• Anish Kapoor, The Royal Academy

Kapoor was the winner of the 1991 Turner Prize, and this exhibit overviews his sculpture to date.  

From the gasps and sighs made by others passing through at the same time, I realized I wasn’t alone in not loving most of what I saw!  It felt almost sacriligious to see the fine walls, ceilings, and floors of five of the Royal Academy’s galleries smeared with crimson wax and stain…  

In another section of the Academy, only a few of us seemed to chance upon the John Madejski Fine Rooms and the Council and Reynolds Rooms. A real treat!  Wonder what the Academy’s original esteemed artist-members might of thought of the Kapoor exhibit?  Gazing at W.P. Frith’s work, “Private View at the Royal Academy (1881), I don’t think it would be hard to guess.

The most magnificent piece from Kapoor’s exhibit is outside in the courtyard, with a close-up included at the beginning of this post.

• Beatles to Bowie, The National Portrait Gallery

The sub-title of this exhibit is “the 60s exposed.”  Over 150 photos, together with a variety of memorabilia show “swinging London’s” icons, while giving historical overviews of pop music and culture.

Even if you don’t recognize all the personalities displayed, there’s a sense of wow over the attention to detail and passage of time. A popular exhibit with others who’d grown up in the 60s too—last Sunday, at least! Afterwards, as bonus, there’s the National Portrait Gallery’s café: a unique setting and delicious food.

• The Age of the Marvellous, One Marylebone (former Holy Trinity Church)

This exhibit is an exquisite “experiment” in the art world. All Visual Arts (AVA ) brings two master-minds together:  Joe La Placa (art world insider) and Mike Platt (multi-millionaire CEO of Blue Crest). Their alliance leads to the unique creation of a major collection of contemporary art produced in collaboration with a select stable of hand-picked artists. Ambitious shows, like The Age of the Marvellous, are scheduled to be viewed over the next five years. These will introduce AVA artwork to a wider public.

Naturally, my favorite piece was a painting:  Jonathan Wateridge’s splendid depiction, The Architect’s House (2009).

• Frieze Art Fair, Regents Park

After stepping out of The Age of the Marvellous, in awe, it was hard not to adjust to some of what we saw when visiting Frieze…

Why did Gagosian Gallery’s Notebook Page by Tom Friedman have a $35,000 price tag?

Why did Kukje Gallery’s $50,000 black dog sculpture by Gimhongsok, Canine Construction (2009), in cast resin, raise my spirits?  There I am, right behind it:-)

Let’s not forget that art means different things to different people at different times, often with shock appeal challenging personal taste and questions pertaining to technique and talent…  

As a student in London, I lived at International Students’ House, York Terrace East. Ironically, the room that I had there then overlooks where the Frieze Art Fair is held now! This was, indeed, a sentimental journey. Though I hate to admit it, 29 years have passed since that time! As dusk fell, I noticed a single light left on in the students’ residence.  Could it have been mine?!

These You Tube Videos give interesting feedback:  Cher’s classic "if I Could Turn Back Time," and this stumbled upon piece, If You Could Turn Back Time posted by WingzOFaDove.

 

My visit to the UK, this week, happened to coincided with North West in Bloom Award Ceremonies.  A luncheon was held at Southport’s Floral Hall Complex. Southport brings back memories of childhood day trips, so I was pleased for the opportunity to revisit the area. Although much has changed, a lot of the architecture and topography the same. As an earlier post on this blog tells, the North West of Britatin is well worth exploring: England Isn’t Just London. Travel North West For Authentic Local Experiences (June 25, 2008).

The North West in Bloom is part of the Britain in Bloom family. The intention is, as Britain in Bloom’s brochure cover states: “A cleaner and greener Britain through community action.”

p.s. My mother, Shirley, was part of the Woolton team, (front, center of image).

Earlier Posts About Merseyside (Liverpool), On This Blog, Include:

• Art Matters: Liverpool and Toronto Art Scenes, Quick Impressions (October 13, 2008)
• The Beat Goes On and Up in Liverpool—Thanks to Liverpool One (October 4, 2008)
• Memories: The Mersey Ferry, An Interesting Ride (August 18, 2008)
• KLIMT at the TATE in Liverpool (June 16, 2008)
• “Liverpool One” Wins—Helps Make A Once-Great City Great Again (June 11, 2008)
• Anniversaries, Celebrations, History, and Change: Liverpool and Beyond (September 23, 2007)
• UK: Liverpool—Travel Hot Spot (November 1, 2006)

Long Distance Relationships are more common than ever today, Internet dating being a norm rather than exception. But, meeting someone on-line (in town, or out of it) demands additional care and caution, while being careful not to obliterate spontaneity, romance, and excitement.

LDRs necessitate extra skills, resources (emotional and financial), and commitment. They can also push connections to new places prematurely, but unavoidably.  Later, things, usually, calm down and routines form.

Additional and unfamiliar efforts can be taxing, but also fun. Thinking of the "destination," as well as the "journey," enhances purpose—"happy endings" making everything worthwhile.  If you’ve not risked, you might not have tried.  Lost dreams can get reinvented, and what hasn’t happened locally may elsewhere.

Both parties need to work hard in their own unique, as well as more expected, ways to help keep things afloat—have the other person trust, feel secure, excited, and adored—consistently.  This helps build confidence in, as well as beyond, the relationship. Communication and equal effort are key, but without behaviors that are obsessive, compulsive, or unreasonable (or that can be perceived as such) especially if individuals don’t know each other well, initially.

It might seem like the fast-forward button has been hit.  But, sometimes, that’s the only way.  Better to find out sooner than later if there’s "quirks in the works."  Who calls, who doesn’t, who writes, who doesn’t, all become significant in one way or another:  show degree of interest/caring, potential for sacrifice, and willingness to make trade-offs, until routines fall into place.  

How much is shared and how much is allowed to remain a mystery also effect outcome. Planning (short and long-range), and a willingness to do so together, is important.  Looking forward to the next face-to-face encounter matters, and preparing for that, as well as time apart.  Rigidity may need to yield to out-of-the-ordinary behaviors, especially since life can be short.  And, of course, there’s little space for "shy."

Travel to the other’s space if you can.  Get their perspective on the world, not just your own.  Many people like their personal "safe places" and prefer not to explore another’s.  But, it’s all part of the getting-to-know you process.  Taking chances, not prejudging, and visits in both directions.

Not everyone is up for doing things "out of the box."  But, those who can, may find the rewards worth it.  What’s a better alternative? To sit home alone, no special other to focus on?  Long-distance doesn’t last forever.  Ultimately, things work out or they don’t. Somebody moves, and/or somebody doesn’t.  Long distance provides opportunities that in-town ho-hum might not. It involves risk and chance and a stretching of the imagination, as well as a loss of control and certainty.

Long-distance can have advantages that at-home relationships don’t. There’s more time and ways to talk, question, and check-in.  It can also record a story.  Words, thoughts, and feelings get a chance to be aired and translated from afar, as well as face-to-face.  Most important, the essential transition from "me-" to "we-" thinking gets activated early, if things are healthy.  Reciprocity shines!  Though individuals may bask in separate worlds, they also recognize the power and glow that opportunities to "give and take," with someone else, can prompt.  

As Aimee Mann sings, "One is the loneliest number." But, never get into a relationship just for the sake of it…  Go for gain, not pain!

THIS BLOG’S EARLIER RELATIONSHIP-RELATED POSTS INCLUDE:

• R-E-S-P-E-C-T  Respect Revisited (May 7, 2009)
• Strategies to Help Minimize "UID," or Under-Identification Discomfort: Surviving Solo on Family Day in Ontairo (February 16, 2009)
• Second-Hand Stress:  Breaking-Up and Making-Up, "Frienemies," and Used-to-be-Friend" Types (November 16, 2008)
• Reliability, Vulnerabllity, Fear (October 8, 2008)
• GUILT(Y) Verdict for OJ Simpson, and/or Others… (October 7, 2008)
• Mixed Messages and Contradictions (September 29, 2008)
• Relationships that Work, No Communication-Glitches:  Mazal Tov to Ellen and Portia on Their August 16, 08 Wedding (August 29, 2008)
• Airport News Stands: Jennifer Aniston, "Straggler Single":  Uncommon Attention, Common Problems. (Poetry about ating and Related Blog Entry Links Included) (August 22, 2008)
• PLAY NICE—Near and Far! (John Edwards too…) (August 13, 2008)
• MANIPULATION (August 9, 2008)
• Single Because, Just Single, or (Im)Perfectly Single: Unscientific Findings (April 13, 2008)
• In Anticipation of VALENTINE’S DAY, Singles Included (February 13, 2008)
• RECIPROCITY (February 8, 2008)
• CONFIDENCE (February 1, 2008)
• RELATIONSHIP “Uppers” and “Downers” (January 29, 2008)
• Dating Games and Disappointments, On- and Off-Line: Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker Helps Identify Obstacles to Relationship-Making (January 25, 2008)
• GIVING: Give to Give (September 5, 2007)
• SINGLES Who Don’t Want to STAY SINGLE and "SINGLES’ BUSINESSES" (July 31, 2007)
• Keep Your Word (July 25, 2007)
• ABUSE Checklists (May 26, 2007)
• TRUTH Matters (May 8, 2007)
• Make Things CLEAR—Avoid MISUNDERSTANDINGS (April 17, 2007)
• Handle with CARE—IDENTIFY, EXPOSE, and GET HELP for Those Who Can Do Harm (like at Virginia Tech) (April 17, 2007)
• A “NO” REPLY is Better than NO REPLY (April 13, 2007)
• REJECTION Protection (February 25, 2007)
• Notes on a Scandal: Single and Living Vicariously (February 7, 2007)
• Single Woman Syndrome (SWS) (January 30, 2007)
• BAD DATE indicators (January 22, 2007)
• SINGLE and Not Settling (December 29, 2006)
• TIME is Precious (December 15, 2006)
• Dating Know-How—For Serious Daters (December 4, 2006)

 

Sometimes you don’t have to go far from home to be on Safari—just look out of the window, even in mid-town Toronto.  

As last winter was coming to end there was a lot of squarking outside my window.  I grabbed a camera and zoomed in.  A bird of prey was just about to have brunch!

 

Last week, I had the privilege of being at the launch party for a new company in Boston. Artaic, housed in the Marine Industrial Park, was given a cheque for $50,000, and a lot of encouragement and applause.  

Mayor Thomas Menino and John F. Palmieri, Director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority, told how Create Boston can help turn new business dreams into realities, for those engaged in the arts and technology.
 

Mayor Menino, stressing that his administration “cherishes creative expressions,” commented that Artaic is the kind of business they wish to have in Boston. He also announced:  “If you have a (creative) business that wants to relocate, contact us.” The $50,000 is more than just a business loan: a lot of services, advantages, and connections come with it.

In this image, from right to left:  Dr. Ted Acworth (Artaic), Director John F. Palmieri (Boston Redevelopment Authority), Mayor Thomas Menino (Boston).

Dr. Ted Acworth, Founder and CEO of Artaic, expressed sincere thanks to his team, and declared:  “We’re here to stay, and to cover the city wall to wall with beautiful mosaics.”

The City of Boston’s commitment to supporting the “creative class,” in efforts to rebuild and/or reinvent the local economy sets a terrific example.  No wonder Boston tops many a top 10 list for creative types!

 

Ingredients

• 1 and a half cups of oats
• Half a cup of oat flour
• 1 cup of flax meal
• Half a cup of quinoa flour
• 1 cup of unbleached all purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• Half a cup of maple syrup
• Half a cup of honey
• Cup of dried cherries
• Cup of sunflower seeds (or carob chips)
• Cup of pumpkin seeds (or carob chips)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

There’s quite a lot of leverage here to play around with ingredients and quantities.  So long as you balance grain, sweet, and fat and can mold into cookie forms (almost flat mini balls), it’s hard to go wrong.  Add the ingredients that you like and/or remove what you are not allowed to have or don’t want.

Enjoy!

•  Yield:  About 6 dozen
•  Freeze well in snack bags
•  Depending on size, 4 cookies make a good snack, or partial meal replacement for when on the road, or at work
•  Easy to eat and nutritious, but fun and different
• Not to forget:  Pumpkin seeds are good for healthy sexual function and fertility!

RECIPES ALREADY PUBLISHED ON THIS BLOG

MAIN COURSES
• Rice Noodle Bake, with Eggs, Cheese and Veg. Can’t Make Mistakes with This Simple Recipe (May 17, 2009)
• Allergic to Wheat? Easy-Prep Meals for One: Freeze, Heat Up, and Enjoy! Rice Pasta and Leftovers, with Cooked Avocado (May 11, 2009)
• Comfort Food, Comfort Mood:  Self-Care and Cooking for One that’s Nutritious, Delicious, and Easy (December 15, 2008)

SIDE-DISHES AND STARTERS
• Getting Creative, and Healthy, with Pretty Food—Wheat-Free Too! (April 13, 2009)
• Jazzing Up Traditional Recipes: Mixed Root Vegetable Latkes with Pineapple/Pear/Raspberry Compote and Crème Fraîche (January 24, 2009)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 1: Soups (September22, 2008)  

BAKING AND MEAL REPLACEMENTS
• Chewy Maple and Honey Balls with Sunflower and Pumpkin (Not Quite Rice Krispy Squares) (September 20, 2009)
• Healthy Baking:  Not-Quite-Oatmeal-Raisin-Cookies (Use Flax and Rice Flour, Cherries, and Carob) (April 5, 2009)
• Don’t Love Chocolate! What Happened to Carob? Carob Clusters Satisfy the Craving—and Help Keep You Regular! (April 3, 2009)
• Overnight Weather Changes: Snowed In and Cooking Up (Against) a Storm: Probiotic Banana Cherry Oat Muffins (February 22, 2009)
• New Year’s Scones: 30 Minutes to Homemade, From Idea to Tabletop (January 3, 2009)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 2: Cookies and Scones (September 25, 2008)

DOGGY-DELIGHTS
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)