ART Fills My HEART! O’Keefe, Kandinsky, Turner, Kapoor, Beatles to Bowie, The Age of the Marvellous, and Frieze—All In Less Than a Week

October 25, 2009

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.

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FLOWER POWER at Southport’s North West in Bloom 46th Award Ceremony. Merseyside Wins Twice! Best Big Village, Woolton, Best Small Village, Gateacre

October 24, 2009

 

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)

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Long-Distance Relationships (LDRs)

October 23, 2009

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)

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Irony: Canadian Thanksgiving, but Reflecting on Initiatives for Artists in the US. Congratulations Create Boston!

October 12, 2009

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!

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Loving and Giving, Organically and Creatively

September 29, 2009

This fall, my nine-piece oil on canvas work, "Loving," exhibited first in Toronto (at Toronto Art Expo), and then in Chicago (at the Artist’s Project), will have a new home and resting place.  My association with Boston’s Art Connection enabled it to be discovered by Brockton Neighborhood Health Center, MA, a facility that provides high quality comprehensive health care that is linguistically, culturally, and financially accessible.  

About "Loving" 9 x (18 x 18 in), oil on canvas, 2008

To be able to love and be loved is essential to human survival (and quality of life). However, many of us don’t have opportunities to find the love we long for, or don’t feel loved in the right way by the right other(s) at the right times. That acknowledged, longings still churn. What do we do with them? One option is to transfer them to canvas. The title for this nine-piece series didn’t come right away. Once I was mid-way processing and painting, I started to realize what I was creating—as well as why and how. The more I got into what I was representing, the more influenced I became by the imagery being revealed (or channeled). Each time I walked into my studio and saw it, I felt a lift (and gift). Love was out there on the canvas, transmitting full-force back: love that can be so elusive in real life. Creating "happy art," I realized, as I have done before, can keep me going in ways little else manages to, consistently and unconditionally. It helps turn up the volume (and mood) when essential. What needs immediate attention is identified and underscored in colors and brush strokes—like how important it is to take proper care of oneself, no matter whatever else preoccupies.

About My Organic Art

"Organic art" is the name I’ve given to a personal brand of abstraction. It describes a way of working, and style, that seems to have developed from a natural pension for doodling, or "doodlemania." In retrospect, my original "doodlemania" doodles may be considered somewhat one dimensional and contrived:  I work on a specific piece (drawing then coloring) until it’s finished. The more evolved organic depictions (using paint, not drawing media) challenge rigidity and take me out of a comfort zone. They also offer surprises, even magical moments. I tend to develop a number of pieces simultaneously, in multiple layers and following no particular plan (limiting control and deliberateness). The artwork feels more alive, a dynamic organism leading the way.

Please see the artist’s section of the DocSusan website for more information about my artwork, as well as previous artist donor pieces (and recipients). An earlier blog entry, Summer 09, Community Giving Through Art, in the Boston Area (August 20, 09), shows this summer’s contributions.

About Upcoming Mosaic Murals

For those interested in acquiring original wall-size mosaic murals, using imagery from my artwork and photos, please look out for an announcement on or about October 8, 09.  As a “feature artist” with a new design/manufacture company, fresh possibilities for my artistic creations are on the horizon:-)

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Love London? London Revisted: New Attractions Excite and Delight! Thirsty for Culture? So Much More to See and Do There! An Unofficial Two-Day Guide

September 27, 2009

As summer turns to fall—the so-called “quiet season”—there’s usually a gap period between major exhibitions. In Britain, many seem to close mid-September, new ones opening later in the month. Last week, on a two-day trip to London, I made the most of what was available, and there was still an abundance. When I lived in this city, as a student (late 70‘s - early 80‘s), many of these venues, exhibits, and activities didn’t exist (or weren’t open to the public)!  Wow! Nor, did the traffic…

Here are some of the high- (and low-) lights—and recommendations—from my whistle stop tour:

DAY ONE

• Tate Modern
No feature exhibit, but great to experience the building, ambiance, and other collections.  Would have liked to have taken the bridge connecting to the other side of the Thames, or the boat to the Tate Britain.  Maybe next time!

• Garden Museum, Lambeth
Quaint, but not as remarkable as anticipated from write-ups. Likely, nicer to coincide a visit with their events and lectures. Pleasant surprise: vegetarian restaurant’s pineapple and banana cake is yummy! Also, from here, I made a little detour towards and along the Thames, noticing newer attractions like the London Eye Ferris Wheel.

• Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms
An absolute must-see!  Even for those not interested in war, the history, memorabilia and presentation are excellent. Lots to think about, marvel over, and learn from! Also, note the "green" lunch delivery service at an adjacent government building:-)

• Thames Circular Cruise
Disappointing. Supposed to be an hour, but little more than 40 minutes. And, with no commentary, it was hard to know what all the sites and details were. Would have been nice to hear some local tales and history. Too bad the driver was busy texting…and not always looking!  Maybe during off-season efforts wain?

• Big Ben
Always there. Ever powerful, from every angle.  Wonderfully restored and in its 150th anniversary year (1859 - 2009)!

• Trafalgar Square Exhibits
Anthony Gormely’s One and Other was unimpressive.  Participants are not as high off the ground as imagined, if you walk the perimeter of the square.  I arrived at a “changing of the guard.”  Travel to the North of England (Mersey River’s Crosby Beach) to see a much more remarkable work by Gormley, the Another Place Figures.

The London Design Festival’s Centrepiece Chess Board was drawing a healthy crowd.

• Noel Coward Theatre, Calendar Girls
Lovely theater and easy to buy a last-minute upper balcony ticket at the door, prior to performance, then have a seat upgrade to the stalls!  Poor attendance for what, to me, seemed to work better as a movie then a play. Jerry Hall being in the cast was a plus, but not enough to keep me from dozing off. Long day!

DAY TWO

• Natural History Museum and Darwin Centre
The new Darwin Centre is incredible. Next time, hope to make it into the Cocoon!  Just caught the end of the Butterfly Jungle exhibit. Love the architecture and design of the original historic buildings. Just seeing and being in them is a great experience in itself.  Same goes for the V and A (next paragraph, below).

• Victoria and Albert Museum, London Design Festival, Sackler Centre
A great collaboration. Two (or three) for the price of one—in fact, no price. Each were free (and easy)!  Please check the heart artifact I had the opportunity to make during a London Design Festival activity, the Shape of My Heart (close up image at the start of this post can be found on the official Heart site as well). The Sackler Centre is a wonderful addition and resource—helps bring the museum (and beyond) to life!  As an undergrad, I spent many hours in the V and A library. No Sackler Centre then!  Also managed to catch the Telling Tales exhibit!

• Saatchi Gallery
Being a Saatchi on-line Gallery artist, I was very curious to see this new beyond cyber space venue. What an accomplishment!  It’s also interesting to note the setting, close to Sloane Square:  a luxe and lovely part of town!  Then there’s the school playing field and track just in front of it, full of little people enjoying gym classes.

• Kensington Palace and Gardens… and The Last Debutantes
1958, the year focused on by the palace’s feature exhibit was a significant time for me. I was about to come into being, but not as a debutante:-)  An interesting era with a lot of attention to detail, etiquette, couture, and culture.  Precious and lacking today!  Lucky with the weather. A glorious season to be outside there:  the swans and geese were plump and abundant, preening in the glow of an autumn dusk.

• Hyde Park and Princess Diana Fountain
You can get lost here.  But on a beautiful autumn evening, and if you’ve got the time, that’s okay…  The signage isn’t evident everywhere.  To find the Diana Fountain, down by the Serpentine, far from the Diana Playground, wasn’t easy (at least for me). The Fountain, itself, I thought, was disappointing—looked to me like a series of drain outlets: some flowing well, others not.  No adornment and nothing remarkable. I could, of course, have been missing something?

Royal park dog poop bins were neat and official looking. Could do with similar around Toronto:-)

 

CITY TRANSPORTATION

Wondering how I got around?  Via the Oyster travel card.  Worth the investment, but please be advised to take the tube for speed, buses if you’ve got all the time in the world… The Number 10 bus (from Hyde Park to Euston) took 1 hour and 15 mins! Oxford Street is particularly slow and congested (especially at rush hour) and there are easier ways to cross it…  Missed my train!  Nice that Euston Station now has such an amazing selection of take-out eateries!  Prête à Manger won out for me. Delicious advocado wrap!

A beautiful visit, like a beautiful butterfly (from the Natural History Exhibit):  too short-lived but very memorable.

 

Earlier posts about London on this blog include:

• LONDON Landmarks Change (March 2, 2008)
• Green LONDON: from Pink Cabs to Green Attitude (February 27, 2008)
• Taxi, Taxi! LONDON’S Colorful Cabbies (February 25, 2008)
• Sentimental and Historical London—A Quick Guide (October 7, 2007)

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Pet Insurance: Is It Really Worth It? PetCare Insurance Prompts Discussion (and Disappointment)

September 11, 2009

We switched to PetCare Insurance in 2000, when seeking a provider that could cover claims in the US as well as Canada. But, is pet insurance really worth it?  Do you ever get back what you pay with ceilings on illness categories?  And, the older your dog, the higher the deductible, no matter his/her claim record!  Then there’s the "small print" and "exemptions" and "exceptions" as well as "specials." 

You need to be bold and ask in order to receive a "discount" because charges can vary.  When I questioned an increase in monthly premiums (for 2008) for each of my dogs, a customer care representative responded by offering a 15% reduction for us to stay with their program.  We became "eligible for discounts," it seemed, only when making a fuss, not automatically.

For Sage’s urogenital illness in February (08) the bill was $591.32, for which we received $381.39. The co-payment was $59.03 and the deductible $150!

A typical "Mastercare" (90% coverage) policy for a toy poodle (when we were enrolled) broke down like this:

Payplan fee:  $1.50 monthly
Premium: $49.35 monthly (including discount)
Taxes:  $3.95 monthly
Total: $54.80

Is insurance like this really worth it at the end of the day?  Perhaps creating a personal bank account, strictly kept as a monthly pet security fund, to be drawn from only for veterinary emergencies, is a better option. A growing number of pet owners prefer to do this—especially those who have encountered vets who don’t show extra care and attention in filling out clients’ claim forms. Let’s not forget that these professionals will get paid anyway, no matter the source for the funds.

Fall 2008, we terminated our PetCare policies. Unfortunately, as is often the case, we felt that "might over right" was wearing us out. Regardless of whether PetCare’s practices were questionable, there seemed little effective recourse, even after approaching the ombudsman and other insurance industry overseers. An earlier blog entry, Older Dogs’ Healthwatch, points to where some of our woes began. Vets, it seems, can perform multiple investigations/suggest alternative (potential) diagnoses when not sure what’s wrong, maximizing fee, procedure, and treatment possibilities. An insurance company, it seems, can easily deny all other (unrelated) charges, just by finding one that can attach to a condition category that’s not "covered."

Even though more than a year has gone by, we still have not forgotten the pain, anguish, and loss caused by our investment in PetCare policies. Bad enough to have a sick pet. Worse to be with an insurance company that, in our experience, seemed to help add stress (and expense), not take it away.

Lev and Sage are now nearly 13 and 10 years old, respectively—hopefully with many more good times ahead. Here’s a look back at some of our already blogged about adventures (photos included):

• It’s a Dog’s Life:  Editors in Chief and Studio Assistants, Lev and Sage, Took a Bit of Time Off, at the Cape, August Long Weekend (June 7, 2009)
• Yes, We Did—And We Made the News! (June 9, 2009)
• Exchanging Vows, With Poetry At Woofstock Wedding—Today. Lev and Sage Are the Happy Bride and Groom (June 7, 2009)
• Woofstock’s Weddings for Dogs—Today! (June 7, 2009)
• Wedding Announcement! A Later in Life Marriage for Older Woman, Younger Man, and It’s Dog-Friendly (May 28, 2009)
• 12 Years-Old Today—Lev Makin, Editor-in-Chief, DocSusan’s Blog. From Puppy to Pensioner! (February 5, 2009)
• Winter Fashion and Practicality for Dogs (February 7, 09)
• Paraphimosis: Little Penis, Big Swelling and Extrusion from the Prepuce—Sage’s Health Saga Continues (February 4, 2009)
• Dog-Shots by Lev and Sage Makin: Some of the Best Poses of 2008 (February 2, 2009)
• “The Sneeze”: Lev Makin (Blog Editor in Chief) Post Oral Surgery—Older Dog, Longer Recovery and Greater Concern (January 14, 2009)
• Sew Nice! Homemade as Tonic and Treasure (January 9, 2009)
• Lessons from 2008: Canine Confidence and Coincidence Cure (January 1, 2009)
• Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One. (December 25, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images (November 10, 2008)
• One to One at Apple: Customer Satisfaction and Doggies Included (July 26, 2008)
• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Favorite Dog Toy is a Duck (June 8, 2008)
• Artists Need Moral Support—and Caninekind Offers the Best (May 5, 2008)
• Artwork Approval: Animalkind like Animal Magic! (April 15, 2008)
• Every Art Studio Needs a Watch-Dog (April 10, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Sunbathing DOGS (March 12, 2008)
• “Happy Birthday!” Editor-in-Chief and Studio Assistant, Lev (February 5, 2008)
• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007)
• ART STUDIO Assistants and Poodle Pals (April 1, 2007)
• DOG-Sitter Caution (January 21, 2007)
• PUPPY (Baby) Pictures (December 22, 2006)
• CAPE COD in Fall/Winter (November 6, 2006)

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A FOODIE by Chance, Choice, and Challenge. Healthy Recipes for Special Needs: No Matter the Reasons or Restrictions, a Pinch of Loving Care and Consideration Goes a Long Way! (In Life Too…)

August 30, 2009

Food for Thought

Without plan or intention, I realize I might be perceived as a bit of a FOODIE.  My food interests, as depicted in my artwork, are more general and junky (all-inclusive and whimsical).  But, in my recipe-making, they are more specific and health conscious (nutrition-oriented and exclusive). Then, there’s the book I wrote about eating disorders (More Than Just  A Meal: The Art of Eating Disorders). 

As we journey through life, our interactions and foci evolve, as do our relationships, including those with food.  FOOD is either central to your way of being and doing or not (for better and for worse).  Seldom are there any in betweens.  No matter what I’ve been doing, food interests always seem to manage to be a significant part of my life, in one way or another.

Growing up, I didn’t have any major food fads, and was lucky enough to have a mother who was (and still is) a great cook and kitchen mentor.  For work, I morphed into a profession where jobs were hard to come by (art therapy) and my best opportunity happened to be on an eating disorders unit.  There, I learned about food foibles and follies and how the healing power of art and wise psychotherapeutic intervention could mesh, resolve, explain, and soothe.

During the years when the bulk of my time was focused on seeing and/or studying and writing about patients, I stopped art-making.  There are only so many emotions to go around, and it’s hard to do everything well, all at the same time.  Something has to go.  My creative energy, connected to visual-arts making, felt stumped and drained.  An extended sabbatical at art school (School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston) helped reheat the oven.

Once I was painting again, it wasn’t long before I fell into attaching myself to subject matter that was familiar and (could be) fun:  FOOD.  Exclusion from a landscape class caused me to devise my own scenes with interesting edibles.  Traditional still-life arrangements were never my forté.  But, just focusing on the food itself, no backgrounds or ornamentation necessary, was exciting and motivating.  I loved giving the food personality and making it appear more delicious and vibrant than in actuality. Viewers smiling at it were (and are) the best rewards, gave (and give) raison d’être. An earlier post about my Florence Biennale exhibit tells more, as does this YouTube video.

Next, on my food journey, I confronted personal health issues. Certain illnesses and conditions put us on diets that are appropriate for our health-needs, but not morale.  Fortunately, a little creativity and perseverance has enabled me to work around such restrictions.  My recipes, even if they appear a little odd, or don’t entice, definitely do the trick—or so I, and brave food-tester friends, have found. Others, whose food choices have been limited too may be equally able to relate and enjoy.  That said, I still hope everyone, food-restricted or not, might find something to their taste.  Nothing that I’ve come up with is difficult to make.  And, most ingredients can be found, eventually. 

Cliché as it sounds, “necessity” proves itself again as  “the mother of invention.” For those with a “sweet tooth,” you’ll see that there’s plenty of baking/snack food/meal replacement treats.  These are the hardest to find to buy when you’re out and about.  That’s why it’s all the more important to have your own supply, when  and where ever possible.

If you find my recipes hard to follow because of inconsistent formatting and instructions, I do apologize.  These sharings have emerged spontaneously, jotted down during or after creation.  This could lead to inaccuracy or explanations that mightn’t be entirely clear.  More seasoned chefs may be able to fill in the blanks, as well as those who like to tinker.  Should the need/opportunity arise to to put together a proper recipe book, I will then be able to take the time to get things absolutely right.  For now, a little understanding and flexibility will be much appreciated.  These recipes are just jumping off points that, hopefully, provide encouragement—let it be known that there can be ways to work around special diets and make them a tad more interesting. 

Happy experimenting and taste-testing! More recipes coming soon:-)

Thought for Food

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)

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
• 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)
• Comfort Food, Comfort Mood:   Self-Care and Cooking for One that’s Nutritious, Delicious, and Easy (December 15,2008)
• 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)

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Slow Communication and Playing Catch-Up: What If you Don’t Go On-Line for a Day, Week, or Month?

August 25, 2009

On BBC radio last Sunday morning, I caught the end of a commentary. The gist was that social networks are transforming culture into a cacophony where everyone’s talking and no one’s listening.  Hmmm… 

Many of us have to be on-line every day. Or, do we really? This summer, I didn’t expect not to post on my blog for nearly two months (June - August). It just happened. Had I planned this in advance, I would have worried and weighed pros and cons.  Because I didn’t I couldn’t. Did I miss not being there?  Not especially. Did anyone else miss me not being there?  I doubt it…  Am I glad to be back to feeling the digital draw and roar/obligation. I’m not sure…  I know I’m fighting it, unconsciously, if not consciously.

Time spent in the real world in real time has greater significance.  However, it is too easy to be caught up with what most everyone else seems to be doing (or feeling obligated to do), even when it’s not entirely comfortable personally. Websites, blogging, Facebook, Twitter, we didn’t grow up with them.  Now, my blog posts, since the spontaneous summer break, will be less abundant. Nothing wrong with that! Cliché as it might sound, less is usually more.

A Wall Street Journal Article, right on time, also from last weekend, explains what’s been swirling in my head. The article is by John Freeman and entitled, Not So Fast:  Sending and receiving at breakneck speed can make life queasy; a manifesto for slow communication.

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The Wall. Beware of Winter Blues and Winter Weather in Summer

June 23, 2009

Having spent this past weekend in Boston, where summer doesn’t seem to have broken yet, many folks were complaining.  Sometimes, mood is set by what is going on (or not) in our lives. Other times, the weather doesn’t help.  We can hit a wall.  Be conscious of and sensitive to others’ states. You don’t always know how someone else might really be feeling. Small kindnesses can help in big ways.  (Small kindnesses include:  a smile, a phone call, a coffee, an errand, being reliable, keeping a plan.)

THE WALL

No it’s not a place on Facebook
It’s real and raw

When the body and mind have had enough
When the going gets tough
When everything feels rough

When bed is the only place to be
Can’t move
Can’t think
Can’t anything

Some know that place better than others

Not a place that you go by choice
Or for attention

Not something that’s discussed or planned

If you’ve not been there
Harder to understand

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Tweeting Versus Blogging: Is Less More on Twitter?

June 15, 2009


This is an interesting process for me.  Still evolving!

Since starting to tweet (about 6 weeks ago), I haven’t been making as many blog posts. While (my) blog posts take a while to compose, the tweets are (relatively) spontaneous and instantaneous. 

Addressing or commenting on immediate issues seems to have been made easy:  maybe one of the reasons Twitter has become so popular.  Also, in the "quick-fix society" in which we live, Tweeting seems to pull ahead by attracting all types of folk—writers and bloggers or not, and the famous, as well as the not-so.  Personal and technical resources needed are limited.  And, of course, it’s free!

What do my Tweets of the last few days reveal?

A quick look at my Tweets from the last few days is pasted below (as a list). If you add groups of them together, mini-stories and/or messages emerge. Others are one-off comments or responses to what others may have said—simply ways to connect back or respond. 

1.  A caution re. vets in Toronto and options:  who to see and who to avoid.
2.  A caution re. small dog illnesses and symptoms, like blocked anal glands.
3.  Thanks to those who have retweeted what I have had to say.
4.  Thanks to those who have recommended me/what I’ve had to say.
5.  Quotes and insights re. life and happenings.
6.  Responses to celebrities.

Actual Tweets

•  Thanks for the RT re. #Vets about 1 hour ago from web in reply to @Looking4God
   
•  Thanks Jilly for the rec and interesting info! about 1 hour ago from web in reply to @JillyWisdom
   
•  Not all #vets are pet-sensitive. #Toronto now has alternatives to VEC, also available 24 hours. Rec Downtown Vet Church Street for Sundays about 1 hour ago from web
   
•  Small dogs need quick attention when something is wrong. Decline is fast. Don’t listen 2 vets you don’t trust. B safe. Go elsewhere + push about 1 hour ago from web
   
•  Rough night with Sage post surgery. Toronto VEC vet intern had told us 2 c regular vet tomorrow. Thankfully we didn’t. Went to Downtown vet! about 1 hour ago from web
   
•  Once may be a mistake. Twice, you’re not certain what’s happening. Three times is a pattern. Now you know with whom you’re dealing. Caution! about 10 hours ago from web
   
•  Sandals = Most innovative product at Woofstock sold by http://doggieq.com Don’t damage dog’s toenails and protect from hot sidewalks $15 about 11 hours ago from web
   
• @melissagrelo VEC (Vet Emergency) needs to b better represented+more dog friendly if they plan to be there. Interesting stories to tell! about 11 hours ago from web in reply to melissagrelo
   
•  The more expensive the brand the smaller the number sizes on the labels:-) about 11 hours ago from web in reply to @SherriEShepherd
   
•  Blue skies and a sunny day in Toronto—and it’s the weekend. Finally a hint of summer in the air! Seize the moment and enjoy:-) 7:20 AM Jun 13th from web
   
•  Hard work doesn’t always bring rewards externally, but feeling good inside is worth a whole lot more—knowing that your tried and never lied 7:16 AM Jun 13th from web
   
•  Growing ego may lead 2 shrinking heart. The quicker the fix, the greater the expectation—and disappointment:-) 7:08 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @JillyWisdom
   
•  And the more you put yourself out there, the more you have to be prepared for what might come back at you:-) 7:04 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @JillyWisdom
   
•  #Canada, shame on you for selling #asbestos to #developing countries, like #India. Thx #CBC for drawing attention to this today on the news 6:59 AM Jun 13th from web
   
•  @hashsocial Thanks for sharing:-) 6:49 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @hashsocial
   
•  @DocSarah Thanks for sharing:-) 6:48 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @DocSarah
   
•  #quote: Those who don’t have the courage to reply say more about themselves and their own inadequacies than they do about you and yours:-) 6:47 AM Jun 13th from web
   
• @aplusk Reading what others have to say is more important than saying what doesn’t need to be said:-) 4:42 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @aplusk
   
• #Facebook name: Susan.R.Makin 4:37 AM Jun 13th from web

• @DocSarah and acceptance that no matter how hard you try, others may pull ahead, without trying 4:35 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @DocSarah

The image at the top of this post is my current Twitter Wallpaper, one of my paintings, 18 x 18 in, oil on canvas.

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Yes, We Did—And We Made the News!

June 9, 2009

 

It’s never too late to get married! Lev and Sage, art studio assistants and editors-in-chief of the DocSusan sites, helped set an example, Sunday June 7, 2009. They participated in a special high-tea happening at the Méridien King Edward Hotel to herald Woofstock, while helping raise funds for canine cancer research, via the Ontario Veterinary College’s Pet Trust. In the evening, following the cermeony, the happy couple’s TV news interviews appeared on City and Global. Also, additional video footage and photos, of them and the event, were posted by the Toronto Sun, the Torontoist, and the Globe and Mail.

 

Once the party was over, mother of both bride and groom (DocSusan), and bride (Lev) and groom (Sage) took a moment to relax. This photo, from a friend’s iphone, was the most relaxed of the day!

 

For more about Lev and Sage, and their wedding details,  please check out earlier blog posts.  These include:

• Exchanging Vows, With Poetry At Woofstock Wedding—Today. Lev and Sage Are the Happy Bride and Groom (June 7, 2009)
• Woofstock’s Weddings for Dogs—Today! (June 7, 2009)
• Wedding Announcement! A Later in Life Marriage for Older Woman, Younger Man, and It’s Dog-Friendly (May 28, 2009)
• 12 Years-Old Today—Lev Makin, Editor-in-Chief, DocSusan’s Blog. From Puppy to Pensioner! (February 5, 2009)
• Winter Fashion and Practicality for Dogs (February 7, 09)
• Paraphimosis: Little Penis, Big Swelling and Extrusion from the Prepuce—Sage’s Health Saga Continues (February 4, 2009)
• Dog-Shots by Lev and Sage Makin: Some of the Best Poses of 2008 (February 2, 2009)
• “The Sneeze”: Lev Makin (Blog Editor in Chief) Post Oral Surgery—Older Dog, Longer Recovery and Greater Concern (January 14, 2009)
• Sew Nice! Homemade as Tonic and Treasure (January 9, 2009)
• Lessons from 2008: Canine Confidence and Coincidence Cure (January 1, 2009)
• Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One. (December 25, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images (November 10, 2008)
• One to One at Apple: Customer Satisfaction and Doggies Included (July 26, 2008)
• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Favorite Dog Toy is a Duck (June 8, 2008)
• Artists Need Moral Support—and Caninekind Offers the Best (May 5, 2008)
• Artwork Approval: Animalkind like Animal Magic! (April 15, 2008)
• Every Art Studio Needs a Watch-Dog (April 10, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Sunbathing DOGS (March 12, 2008)
• “Happy Birthday!” Editor-in-Chief and Studio Assistant, Lev (February 5, 2008)
• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007)
• ART STUDIO Assistants and Poodle Pals (April 1, 2007)
• DOG-Sitter Caution (January 21, 2007)
• PUPPY (Baby) Pictures (December 22, 2006)
• CAPE COD in Fall/Winter (November 6, 2006)

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Exchanging Vows, With Poetry At Woofstock Wedding—Today. Lev and Sage Are the Happy Bride and Groom

June 7, 2009

 
LEV to SAGE

Dearest Sage,

Fell for you at first sight
Though we did start with a little fight

Very soon the boss you knew I’d be
Ever since, complete harmony

Younger man, older woman

You let me win, think I’m cool
Toy boys rule!

All those emotions of mine you let ride
Always by my side

A shadow and a live spark
Great for a snuggle or run in the park

A flirt and attention seeker
But, no humans around, my best company-keeper

Even if there’s a difference in attitude and age
Who cares at this stage

You’re still my dog-love, I cherish you Sage!

SAGE to LEV

Dearest Lev,

I’m a tiny man
But, never without a plan

You’re a woman with special ways
Not for everyone, just perfect for me

To keep you happy
My ideas are very snappy

Your bark is worse than your bite
Even when we fight

Humans like me, dogs too
I make up for what you cannot do

Personable and bold, seldom shy
I’m your kind of a guy

As we age, more shared adventures we know
Through most things, together we comfort each other, and grow

The vet’s or the groomer’s, we’re side by side
No secrets to hide

Lev, you’re a spectacular bride!

For more about Lev and Sage, please check out earlier blog posts.  These include:

• Wedding Announcement! A Later in Life Marriage for Older Woman, Younger Man, and It’s Dog-Friendly (May 28, 2009)
• 12 Years-Old Today—Lev Makin, Editor-in-Chief, DocSusan’s Blog. From Puppy to Pensioner! (February 5, 2009)
• Winter Fashion and Practicality for Dogs (February 7, 09)
• Paraphimosis: Little Penis, Big Swelling and Extrusion from the Prepuce—Sage’s Health Saga Continues (February 4, 2009)
• Dog-Shots by Lev and Sage Makin: Some of the Best Poses of 2008 (February 2, 2009)
• “The Sneeze”: Lev Makin (Blog Editor in Chief) Post Oral Surgery—Older Dog, Longer Recovery and Greater Concern (January 14, 2009)
• Sew Nice! Homemade as Tonic and Treasure (January 9, 2009)
• Lessons from 2008: Canine Confidence and Coincidence Cure (January 1, 2009)
• Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One. (December 25, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images (November 10, 2008)
• One to One at Apple: Customer Satisfaction and Doggies Included (July 26, 2008)
• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Favorite Dog Toy is a Duck (June 8, 2008)
• Artists Need Moral Support—and Caninekind Offers the Best (May 5, 2008)
• Artwork Approval: Animalkind like Animal Magic! (April 15, 2008)
• Every Art Studio Needs a Watch-Dog (April 10, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Sunbathing DOGS (March 12, 2008)
• “Happy Birthday!” Editor-in-Chief and Studio Assistant, Lev (February 5, 2008)
• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007)
• ART STUDIO Assistants and Poodle Pals (April 1, 2007)
• DOG-Sitter Caution (January 21, 2007)
• PUPPY (Baby) Pictures (December 22, 2006)
• CAPE COD in Fall/Winter (November 6, 2006)

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Woofstock’s Weddings for Dogs—Today!

 

Lev’s and Sage’s big day is finally here. Yes, they are getting married after 9.5 years of cohabitation!  And, here they are—the happy couple at their "dress rehearsal" on a sunnier day earlier this week.  Of course, it’s raining today—but they’ll have a great time anyway.

For more about Lev and Sage, please check out earlier blog posts.  These include:

• Wedding Announcement! A Later in Life Marriage for Older Woman, Younger Man, and It’s Dog-Friendly (May 28, 2009)
• 12 Years-Old Today—Lev Makin, Editor-in-Chief, DocSusan’s Blog. From Puppy to Pensioner! (February 5, 2009)
• Winter Fashion and Practicality for Dogs (February 7, 09)
• Paraphimosis: Little Penis, Big Swelling and Extrusion from the Prepuce—Sage’s Health Saga Continues (February 4, 2009)
• Dog-Shots by Lev and Sage Makin: Some of the Best Poses of 2008 (February 2, 2009)
• “The Sneeze”: Lev Makin (Blog Editor in Chief) Post Oral Surgery—Older Dog, Longer Recovery and Greater Concern (January 14, 2009)
• Sew Nice! Homemade as Tonic and Treasure (January 9, 2009)
• Lessons from 2008: Canine Confidence and Coincidence Cure (January 1, 2009)
• Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One. (December 25, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images (November 10, 2008)
• One to One at Apple: Customer Satisfaction and Doggies Included (July 26, 2008)
• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Favorite Dog Toy is a Duck (June 8, 2008)
• Artists Need Moral Support—and Caninekind Offers the Best (May 5, 2008)
• Artwork Approval: Animalkind like Animal Magic! (April 15, 2008)
• Every Art Studio Needs a Watch-Dog (April 10, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Sunbathing DOGS (March 12, 2008)
• “Happy Birthday!” Editor-in-Chief and Studio Assistant, Lev (February 5, 2008)
• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007)
• ART STUDIO Assistants and Poodle Pals (April 1, 2007)
• DOG-Sitter Caution (January 21, 2007)
• PUPPY (Baby) Pictures (December 22, 2006)
• CAPE COD in Fall/Winter (November 6, 2006)

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Wedding Announcement! A Later in Life Marriage for Older Woman, Younger Man, and It’s Dog-Friendly

May 28, 2009

 

It’s never too late to get married!  Lev and Sage, studio assistants and editors-in-chief of the DocSusan sites, are setting an example!  Younger man (9.5 years), older woman (12.5 years), and he lets her win every time:-)  Please celebrate this good news with us, as a prelude to Woofstock, and to help raise funds for canine cancer research (via the Ontario Veterinary College’s Pet Trust).  Your background cheers will help them win the "best costume" award!  Skinny Sage has just had his ensemble refitted, and Lev will be beautiful in ivory. Since they’ve been living together for a while, already, Lev decided against white, and that’s all we can tell you for now.  Just know they’ll look doglightful under their pet-friendly Chuppah, and we’re hoping for a few other surprises… The cameras will be rolling for those who can’t attend—lots of pictures and mementos to share with you, at Woofstock, as well as on-line, later.  Ceremony (with canine High Tea) at Le Méridien King Edward Hotel, Sunday June 7, 2009.

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Allergic to Wheat? Easy-Prep Meals for One : Freeze, Heat Up, and Enjoy! Rice Pasta and Leftovers, with Cooked Avocado

May 11, 2009

 

Pasta dishes are easy to freeze then heat up in the microwave.  They also make good use of leftovers.  

I love rice pasta, which is a nice alternative for those on wheat-free diets. Also, those who can eat regular (wheat) pasta usually can’t tell the difference, if they’re not informed in advance.  Tinkyada is an easy-to-cook brand, with a variety of shapes (like penne) and it doesn’t seem to go mushy.

After entertaining over the Christmas break, I was left with some interesting almost-near-expiry uncooked fresh ingredients. These helped make a delicious sauce.

Sauce ingredients

• Basic pesto basil sauce (one container, store bought, and kept in freezer for back-up)
• 4 medium size sweet potatoes
• 1 avocado (yes you can cook it)
• A clump of fresh basil leaves
• 4 oz of goat’s cheese or chèvre
• 1 bunch of celery hearts
• A third of a bag of baby carrots
• 1 container of baby tomatoes (in a variety of colors and shapes)

Preparation

• Microwave the sweet potatoes and allow to cool, then cut up into bite size pieces (to be added once the other ingredients have been cooked).

• Microwave the celery, cut up into bite size pieces, with the carrots (not cut up), then add the basil and defrosted  pesto sauce

• Next, add the avocado (cut up) and baby tomatoes (not cut up).  (These will soften and cook from the heat of the other ingredients.

• Finally, add the goats cheese, sprinkling it over top.

When the pasta is cooked (in about 12  minutes), drain and add it to the sauce ingredients.  Stir all together gently, so as not to squish softened vegetables, then microwave for 30 seconds.

If you live alone, you can get six healthy portions out of a batch like this (frozen individually). Nicer than store bought fast food refrigerator take-outs.

For more of DocSusan’s spontaneous recipe creations, please see earlier posts:

• Getting Creative, and Healthy, with Pretty Food—Wheat-Free Too! (April 13, 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)
• Jazzing Up Traditional Recipes: Mixed Root Vegetable Latkes with Pineapple/Pear/Raspberry Compote and Crème Fraîche (January 24, 2009)
• New Year’s Scones: 30 Minutes to Homemade, From Idea to Tabletop (January 3, 2009)
• Comfort Food, Comfort Mood:   Self-Care and Cooking for One that’s Nutritious, Delicious, and Easy (December 15,2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 2: Cookies and Scones (September 25, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 1: Soups (September22, 2008) 

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R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Respect Revisited

May 7, 2009

RESPECT is one of the "Three Rs": Respect, Reciprocity, Replies.  For more details about the two others, please see earlier blog posts (listed below) that have been highlighted in bold.

Back to basics:  showing respect for others

1. Arrive on time.
2. Listen with interest and focus.
3. Follow up on and stick to what’s been planned or discussed.
4. Give a  “please,”  “thank you,”  “sorry,” without prompt.
5. Show that we all matter equally, regardless of position.
6. Put yourself in the other’s shoes: value and acknowledge their effort.
7. Be prepared in advance, and present on the spot:  don’t waste anyone else’s time or energy.
8. Offer compensation or alternatives when/if things go wrong.
9. Don’t let your cell phone interrupt or take over.
10. Check self-importance at the door.

It’s surprising when (and where) there’s a need to point out “basics.”  Sadly, those in positions of the greatest authority may show the least consideration.  Expectations of them can lead to disappointments, and disappointments may be justified. The only “higher-ups” that deserve RESPECT are the ones who are able to give it.  In a world, and an economy, where anything can happen, being able to get back to basics helps us know (not just feel) what might be right and/or wrong.

How do you confirm you’ve not been respected?  

1. If 5 or more items on the ten-point list (above) appear to have been ignored, intentionally or not.  
2. If you have a stress response later, like IFS (Instant Fatigue Syndrome)

IFS (Instant Fatigue Syndrome)

Fatigue seems to come from nowhere.  One minute you were fine. The next, you feel drained.  Stress can do this!  A feeling of powerlessness and disappointment take over, and nothing (not even the kind words of those who understand) appears able to lift your spirits or energy.  

To go with the fatigue or not?  Sometimes you don’t have a choice.  Being able to sleep things off is a luxury and necessity. Dragging yourself around in pain (without gain) can often make things worse.  Take the time out that you need to regroup, and know better for next time, that no else has the power to drain your essential energies, hopes, and inspiration.  You are weren’t problem!  They were…  Let this be an isolated experience and learning opportunity…

Too polite, or awkward, to let it be known how you feel?

You are not alone!  Most of us would have a similar reaction.  If we were to speak up, we might not be heard anyway. So, what would be the point?  No one likes to be criticized, and complaints often fall on deaf ears.  No wonder there’s so much glumness around!  Fight glumness by moving on. When it’s clear that another can’t show you the respect you’re due, step back and away.  But, don’t be silent about what occurred, indefinitely.  Help make sure that no one else be unnecessarily upset in the same way.  “Forewarned is forearmed,” or so it’s said.

Earlier respect-related Blog Posts include:

• Relationship Watch: Don’t Know What to Do? Do Something! Doing (and Thinking) Differently in 2009 (January 18, 2009)
• New Year’s Resolutions for 2009: Forgiveness Tops Many a List (December 30, 2008)
• Reflections on “The Season of Giving”: Who Cares? Doers, Takers, Nosey-Pokes, Nothingers (December 28, 2008)
• Veterans Day and SHARING (November 11, 2008)
• Secondhand Stress: Breaking-Up and Making-Up, “Frienemies,” and “Used-to-be-Friend” Types (November 16, 2008)
• MANIPULATION (August 9, 2008)
• No “PLEASE,” No “THANK-YOU,” No HAPPY (May 30, 2008)
• RECIPROCITY (February 8, 2008)
• CONFIDENCE (Februrary 1,2008)
• DEPRESSION ALERT! and Heath Ledger’s Unfortunate Death (January 24, 2008)
• GIVING: Give to Give (September 5, 2007)
• Keep Your Word (July 25, 2007)
• The COURAGE to Speak Up—Use POETRY (July 10, 2007)
• “A” and “B” List FRIENDS (July 8, 2007)
• COMPARISON-MAKING, ENVY, JEALOUSY (June 23, 2007)
• ABUSE Checklists (May 26, 2007)
• TRUTH Matters (May 8, 2007)
• Make Things CLEAR—Avoid MISUNDERSTANDINGS (April 17, 2007)
• A “NO” REPLY is Better than NO REPLY (April 13, 2007)
• REJECTION Protection (February 25, 2007)
• TIME is Precious (December 15, 2006)
• FRIENDS Help Friends (December 7, 2006)

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Hospital Health Care: Observations and Cautions. Don’t Get Lost, Neglected, or Overlooked in the OHIP System

April 29, 2009

 

In Canada, we are fortunate to have socialized medicine.  However, anyone who has experienced OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) can tell you about possible limitations. It’s important to be aware and pro-active, as patient).  Of course, this can be all the more difficult when you’re under the weather.

 
Considerations:

• Secretaries can make all the difference by getting you an appointment and transmitting information in ways that are timely, fair, and sensible.  Their conduct may influence whether treatment and recovery are prompt (and appropriate) or not.  Don’t be afraid to keep calling them to see if there are any cancellations:  this is often the best way to get an appointment. 

• Medical students, residents, and fellows vary:  some are more competent than others. Often it’s their interviews and notes that determine how much time you’ll actually get with the doctor you’re supposed to be seeing. Beware of those who: (a.) just do and say, don’t ask (b.) claim they know, but can’t answer questions (c.) go back over information that’s not relevant, and miss what is (d.) present as more aloof (and self-important) than kind, concerned, competent, and ready to learn.

• The doctor you’re supposed to be seeing might have very little time to give, and delegate to students (first).  Make sure you insist to see the doctor too (not just the student delegate).  

• Have questions listed for your doctor’s appointment, and a follow-up organized before you leave. If not, you’ll be fielded by the secretary later, and treatment can get delayed. The doctor might not find out about your calls, or be able to get back to you.

• Emergency departments can help fast-track treatment and referrals, they can also miss things…  If something doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t.  Don’t ignore it.  Seek further examinations and treatment—at the same establishment, or elsewhere.

• Patient advocacy matters:  if you can have a friend or family member with you for appointments, it can really help. When you’re sick, or upset, you don’t always take everything in that’s said, and there are questions you may forget to ask.

• Case coordination counts:  Sometimes you go to a medical appointment with one condition and come out with two or three more.  Family doctors are supposed to be on top of things, but that doesn’t always happen.  They are usually sent reports, but it’s up to the patient to follow up and inform:  something that’s not always feasible or practical, (especially when treatments are hospital-based).   Sometimes you have to be "case manager," as well as patient, which can be challenging.

• Hospital resources and case management:  A family doctor can become detached from a patient when all (specialist) treatments (even if out patient) are hospital-based.  This is when the patient needs to be assertive and see what extra institutional/hospital assistance can be provided.  Coordination and follow-up matter.  Delays and misdirection can be hazardous to your health and well-being (emotional as well as physical).

Every patient is special.  But, does it always feel that way, when you’re kept waiting, or there’s a human-error slip-up?  Agreed, resources are limited and staff tired. However, each life, and diagnosis, matter. One or more mistakes—and lack of attention to detail, or customer service—can be life-threatening.

Wider Context:  Please be aware that five million Canadians don’t have a family doctor, according to a CBC News Sunday segment (March 22, 09).  There’s a doctor shortage in Ontario, something you’ll realize isn’t a secret internationally. If delayed at LaGuardia Airport (New York City), it’s hard not to miss the doctor search advertisement posted on the wall at the gate!  (A photo showing this is included at the start of this post).

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Spanish Lessons: The Best and Worst of The Costa Del Sol in April. About Exercise, the Disabled, Inclement Weather, James Hewitt’s Bar, Cab Drivers, For Sale Signs, Spanish Film Festival, Fun Food, and Air Europa

April 24, 2009

We never know what’s going to strike us when traveling.  Last week, in Spain, I was aware of the following (in random order, photos provided where possible):

• Spaniards like to encourage fitness.  Along their many seaside promenades there’s exercise equipment that is both child and adult friendly—easy to use and fun.

• Spanish antiquities have led to the creation of interesting museum-settings, like for Picasso’s works, in Malaga.  An unusual and unique collection!  Just one problem, it’s not disabled-friendly.  The only way in is by foot (through a pedestrian zone). For those who need to be dropped off at the door (to access a wheelchair from there) it’s complicated!

• Grey skies make for beautiful snapshots. Have a rain jacket and woolens with you, it can get a little chilly before May.

•  James Hewitt (ex beau of Princess Di) has opened a "Polo Bar" where fruit juices cost 10 Euros… Having seen him in person there, I agree, he does look a tad like Prince Harry!

• Cabs are expensive enough, and a book is provided with rates that are supposed to be followed.  But, you still need to pay extra attention, especially as public transportation is scarce.

• Apart from the numerous apartments and villas with For Sale Signs, a trip to Puerto Banus shows many luxury yachts are on the market too!  

• Malaga’s Spanish Film Festival started April 17th and runs through April 25 (09).  A red carpet there revealed the city’s bid to be European Capital of Culture in 2016.

•  Churros are often described as spaghetti-like Mexican donuts. These treats can be found in old-town Marbella and are a fun breakfast treat, especially for children—with hot chocolate!

• Beware Air Europa (an Air France connector).  Refreshments and reliability not included, and baggage does get lost!

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“Business Opportunities” for Artists. Clever Solicitations: Flattery, Foolery, False Hope, Fees

April 20, 2009

It’s nice for artists to think their artwork could have been noticed. But, as many learn, it’s better not to be fooled by e-solicitations. These may be to join on-line sites (seeking to sell or rep artwork), to participate in off-line shows or competitions (with hefty submission or registration fees) or to sign up with agents and representatives (who offer unusual promises or take high commissions).  At the end of the day, it’s those making the requests who appear to profit most (through fee collection or resulting development opportunities for themselves). 

Requests for participation or membership have gone from monthly to weekly to daily.  From business managers in India to awards in Germany, to artist-specific social-networking sites, it’s astonishing how many "opportunities" can arrive in an artist’s website in-box.  There’s the shows and organizations that have clever "personalized" letters, designed to make recipients feel special. There’s also the form e-mails that are cc’d from “unknown senders” to “unknown domains.”  Below, you’ll find a variety of examples (in random order). 

Please click on the links to try and determine which could lead to more costs (financial and emotional) than benefits (professional and income-wise):

• Who Is in Visual Art
• (Solo) Be Discovered (International Art Expo, New York)  
• Art Expo, Montreal 
• PooL Art Fair, Miami
• Chris Braken ("art dealer")
• Art Hamptons
• Premier Gallery
• World Art Media and Picks NY Arts Magazine
• My Artspace.com competitions
• Palm Award 
• The Artist Project, Toronto
• DiscoveredArtists.com
• Gallery Gora, Montreal
• ModernPainters:  The Artist’s Studio
• Balaark Overseas, New Dehli
• Amsterdam Whitney Gallery

One way to find out if something isn’t a good idea for follow-up is to do a Google search.  Put the key words "scam" and "scams artists" in front of or after suspicious and/or unknown contacts or groups.  Almost instantaneously, you can learn of others’ experiences (and cautions). I did this for the Amsterdam Whitney Gallery (listed above) and discovered relevant postings on a CAN page (Contemporarly Art Network). Also, when I searched Chris Braken (listed above, as well) I found a very useful page on the aristsspace.org site dedicated to listing individual scam artists’ e-mail addresses.

As for shows and organizers that you’d like to hope could (have) be(en) more reliable, still proceed with caution. As indicated elsewhere on this blog, I never did receive receipts from Toronto Art Expo, despite numerous reminder e-mails and phone calls to its organizer, Mr. Peter Maguire. The Florence Biennale (07) and the Artist’s Project (Chicago, 08) also had some financial and organizational suprises (and disappointments).  Interesting to note that the 09 Artist Project (Chicago) was canceled.

Participants who have had a negative experience the first time around are unlikely to want to sign up again.  The same applies to membership of fee-paying artist support organizations, like Visual Arts Ontario and CARFAC Ontario.  If you feel you’ve been given inaccurate or misleading information by them, or they can’t answer fundamental questions appropriately (while still charging for services) where’s the benefit?  Interestingly, CARFAC recently did a phone survey to help them better understand (ex)members’ perspectives.  An outside agency called to find out what might have been discouraging…  After answering honestly, I heard no more—from the outside agency, or CARFAC.

For earlier blog posts about art business and/or show concerns, as well as other (unexpected) art world disappointments, please see: 

• Art Shows: Business Priorities Versus Exhibitor Satisfaction (July 23, 2008)

• March 5, 09, Art Events in Toronto, Invitation Reminder: Portrait Society of Canada’s Annual Juried Show, Opening Reception Tomorrow Night. Please Join Us! (March 4, 2009)

• Art Gallery of Ontario’s Short-Falls. Blaming Recession is Easy, Reaching Back to Local Artists Isn’t. “Massive Party” Might Not Help Solve Massive Problem (March 20, 2009)

On a more positive note, a (US) organization that helps artists as well as the community at large, is The Art Connection.  Artists can’t go wrong by becoming donors through them! Their initiative has now spread to New York and Washington D.C., with LA following soon!  Earlier posts on this blog that mention The Art Connection include:

• Thanksgiving Thanks to The Art Connection, Boston. Effort and Possibility in Everyone’s Reach (November 27, 2008)

• Giving Back, Creatively (August 26, 2008)

• Creating a MAGIC POT: Artists and Community-Giving (May 8, 2008)

• BOSTON Recommendations—An Insider’s Guide (January 10, 2007)

Those who have donated their artwork through other organizations (myself included) may have regrets.  But, with The Art Connection, that’s never the case.  You always know your work is going to a good home where it will be well taken care of, your time and effort truly appreciated.  "Thank yous" are not forgotten, and there’s a sense of encouragement to give more and give often.  Also, The Art Connection’s annual gatherings and frequent mailings to forward links to exhibition opportunities for donor members help nurture community caring and atmosphere.

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Recycling Florals (Part Three): Striving to Be Economical and Earth-Friendly in Whichever Ways We Can

April 16, 2009

As winter turned into almost-spring, I removed the artificial parts of the floral arrangements from outside my home.  All wrapped up, they’d be ready to use again next year.  The mini-Boxwood at the center had been protected through the winter and looked healthy and green, ready to contrast against Pussy Willow and Forsythia branches inserted around them.  The new additions cost $20 total for two planters.  It’s important to shop around for branches like these.  Prices do vary and better to calculate in advance.  Only get as many as you need and avoid wastage by buying ones that are already the right height, no pruning required.  I was lucky to find exactly what I was looking for at the florists on Avenue Road and Davenport (Toronto) and went from store to store, back and forth, to maximize on value and quality.

For context, please look back at the two other posts in this series:
• Staying Green: Fake, Recyclable, and Decorative Winter Florals, Year 2
(January 11, 2009)
• Fake, Recyclable, and Decorative Winter Florals (March 14, 2008)

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Bicycles and Dogs Not Allowed, In Season or Off Season, Ontario, Canada

April 14, 2009

The Saugeen Shores (Bruce Peninsula)

 

Straight after Labor Day, the Bruce Peninsula is very peaceful.  Also, it’s still warm enough to enjoy the beach—that’s if you don’t have a bicycle or dog. Reminders are everywhere:  Port Elgin, Southampton, Sauble Park.

 

At Sauble Park, this is the longest parking lot I’ve ever seen on a shoreline. Do all the cars that fill it, in season, do less damage than bicycles and dogs, out-of-season?

As summertime approaches, better not to make the drive with dog(s) or bicycle(s) unless you’re sure they’ll be welcome at the destination you’re visiting.  If traveling in Ontario, please realize that options may be limited if cycling and dogs are essential to your enjoyment for a day-trip or vacation.

Earlier blogs posts about Ontario/Toronto travel destinations (and limitations) include:

• Art Gallery of Ontario’s Short-Falls. Blaming Recession is Easy, Reaching Back to Local Artists Isn’t. “Massive Party” Might Not Help Solve Massive Problem (March 20, 2009)
• Green P Parking Peril: Have Your Car Vandalized in Downtown Toronto Then Pay to Exit the Lot! Bloor/Yorkville and Museum Goers Beware, City of Toronto Parking Authority Wants Your Money, Regardless! (February 28, 2009)
• What to See and/or Do in 2009. Photos, Memories, Ideas, and Surprises from 2008. PART 3 (January 31, 2009)
• Reacquainting with Toronto (September 17, 2008)
• Drinking Problems in Ontario, Canada: Ironies, Causes, and Comparisons (July 31, 2008)
• Summertime Can Divide Canadians (July 7, 2008)

For more fun (and positive) perspectives on Ontario/Toronto travel and Canada in general, please check out Lucy Izon’s Canada Cool website, or follow her links and commentaries on Twitter.

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Getting Creative, and Healthy, with Pretty Food—Wheat-Free Too!

April 13, 2009

 

Stuffed peppers don’t have to be baked.  Dinner guests on their way, I turned crunchy orange ones into attractvie finger-food, while making good use of leftover egg and artichoke salad.  Cut into halves and topped with baby orange tomatoes, garnished with basil leaves, these "pepper boats" brightened up a winter table.  I am sure they would ehnance sunlight on a summer one too! For those on wheat-free or low carb diets, these are a fun alternative to sandwiches.

Other DocSusan recipe creations on this blog can be found in the following posts:

• 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)
• Jazzing Up Traditional Recipes: Mixed Root Vegetable Latkes with Pineapple/Pear/Raspberry Compote and Crème Fraîche (January 24, 2009)
• New Year’s Scones: 30 Minutes to Homemade, From Idea to Tabletop (January 3, 2009)
• Comfort Food, Comfort Mood:   Self-Care and Cooking for One that’s Nutritious, Delicious, and Easy (December 15,2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 2: Cookies and Scones (September 25, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 1: Soups (September22, 2008)   

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From Font to Font: English to Korean to Hebrew. The Author Isn’t Always the First to See the Published Book

March 28, 2009

 

This week, the Hebrew version of my book, Therapeutic Art Directives and Resources.  Activities and Initiatives for Individuals and Groups (with commentaries by mentor/friend, Cathy Malchiodi) was delivered to me.  A nice surprise and a lot fun to see it in another font!  This edition was published in 2006, and I knew it was out there, but hadn’t yet received an author copy.  In Hebrew, the text reads from right to left, and the book, itself, has a more compact format. However, the cover is identical to the English version. The Hebrew edition publishers are Ach Publishing, Ltd. 

 

For the Korean version, the look (and feel) has been changed: the black and yellow/greens are now white and yellow/oranges. 

 

For more about the Korean version, please see earlier blog posts:  Found in Translation—Korean (July 23, 2007) and All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait! From Ordinary to Exotic:  Breathing New Life Into an Old Book with Korean Font and Formatting (March 2, 2009). 

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Cupcake Kingdom: Fun and Comfort Food is In

March 25, 2009

 

Check out the Magnolia Bakery on New York’s Upper West Side.  What’s old is new again.  Not  everyone is on a diet!  Fun to watch the baking process…

 

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Cheesecake for Breakfast: So-Called Healthy Foods (Like Soy) May be Hazardous to Your Health!

March 22, 2009

My favorite foods include nuts, soya/tofu, berries, and leafy greens!  I know that may seem strange to some.  But, as they say, "chacun à son goût!"  (everyone has their own taste).

When these basics were cut from my diet a few months ago (for medical reasons), I found it very hard to adjust. Now, as I start to feel better, the benefits of self-discipline have been confirmed.  And, with the resulting weight loss, I’ve been happy to indulge with special treats, like cheesecake for breakfast…

Thinking a little more about soy, perhaps it was a fortunate coincidence that this got removed from my diet.  I think I might actually have had soy poisoning!  All those soy lattés…  Googling around, I’ve now found a number of articles that support that theory.  For others interested in finding out more about soy and its potential health hazards, here are some interesting links:  

• Shirley’s Wellness Café
• HealingDaily.com
• About.com
• ReliableAnswers.com
• CNN

Earlier blog posts about my soya milk latté habit include:   Take-Out: Best Soya Latte and Burgers in Toronto (August 15, 2008) and An Unscientific Study of COFFEE Drinking—and What Others Are Saying and Doing (July 19, 2007).

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Art Gallery of Ontario’s Short-Falls. Blaming Recession is Easy, Reaching Back to Local Artists Isn’t. “Massive Party” Might Not Help Solve Massive Problem

March 20, 2009

 

Last Friday, a Globe and Mail headline announced "Art Gallery of Ontario Workers Face Layoffs."  There’s a substantial revenue short-fall and too few visitors and memberships.  The flagging economy gets ample blame.  But, obviously, that’s not the only reason…  November 14, 2008, my blog post, The AGO Reopens and ARTISTS Do MATTER was optimistic. But, soon after, impressions shifted.  Personal follow-up demonstrated how things aren’t always as projected: to be more skeptical about what’s put out when there’s lights, cameras, action. The design and layout of the gallery have been altered, but layers of "ice" still visible. Financial assistance and p.r. bestowed by outsiders aren’t always enough, especially if not able to be sustained in a challenging economy.  When consumers are forced to limit choices, feeling welcome, wanted, or involved is all the more significant, influencing  decisions as to where personal resources might be allocated for memberships and donations.  What didn’t count previously does now.  

Eagerness to trust and believe, perhaps, had caused me to take Director Matthew Teitelbaum’s message that "artists matter" too literally, at the AGO’s pre-opening day party.  Afterwards, I contacted him, as he’d advised, to be added to his "artists’ list."  It was my understanding, at the time, that there’d be (regular, local) artist-friendly happenings and mailings, and an openness to suggestions/meeting. Maybe, it was a mistake to put energy into follow-up when the thought-to-be-approachable (and open) weren’t really. A brief meeting with a tardy and distracted Dr. David Moos (Curator of Contemporary Art), who appeared comfortably so, didn’t justify weathering the cold and paying for down-town parking. But, hoping this was just an "off day" for him, and because of the work gone into my preparation, I followed up with a traditional "Thank you for the meeting note," daring to continue a truncated presentation. No response. I tried again. No response. I tried one more time. Still no response…

Probability:  If it’s happening to you, it could be happening to others.  The "Three Rs" still matter:  Respect, Reciprocity, Replies.  (A future blog post will look at this topic further.)

Principle:  Everyone matters, and those you think might matter least (now), could matter more (later).

The AGO’s annual "Massive Party" event April 2, 09, to collect more funds for the gallery, is $125 per participant. Not to be forgotten:  raising spirits and fostering good will, can also help boost funds (and visitor/membership appeal), no party (or extra expense) necessary.

 


About the images in this post:  January/February 09, Toronto was a city of icicles. Some hazarded the view. Others fell and caused damage.  March being a gentler month, for now (anyway), spring fever is rising: a time to embrace fresh ideas, options, and attitudes.


For an earlier post about Toronto winter weather (and mood) challenges, please check out Toronto Snow-Clean-up in Time for 2009 (January 4, 2009).

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Kidney Awareness: It’s World Kidney Day Today, March 12, 2009

March 12, 2009

You might not be aware, it’s World Kidney Day, and March is "National Kidney Month" in the US.  Please visit the website Kidney.org for more information. The Kidney Foundation is on Facebook too! (You can become a fan.)  There are free kidney screenings all over the US today. Many of us take our kidneys fore granted, and don’t drink enough (water, that is)—me included. It wasn’t until I ended up in Emergency last October (for completely unrelated reasons) that I discovered this… Stone disease is on the rise, and you can help prevent it by drinking more (water), and with a change of diet and supplements.  If not, the alternatives aren’t fun, and might take you by surprise! 

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“Susan Central” A New Group on Facebook, Started Today

March 8, 2009

 

Today, I started my first Facebook Group, Susan Central.  March 8, an auspicious day, hopefully!  Not being a Facebook expert, it’s been another learning curve and adventure!

Susan Central Invitation

By chance, I seem to have been meeting a lot of interesting Susans lately, on- and off-line—nice people, and the reason I decided to start a "Susan group."  Whether you are a Susan, have a Susan in your life, or want to get to know one, please consider joining  "Susan Central."  This group will be a fun way to see where, and to whom, a simple name might lead.  Let’s embrace coincidence and serendipity and keep things positive!  Many thanks for your participation.
In anticipation,
Susan
p.s  Please feel free to forward this invitation to others.  The more the merrier!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=56222883703
http://profile.to/docsusan
http://www.docsusan.com/
http://docsusan.blogsome.com/

For more about Facebook, please see another recent blog post: Getting to Understand and Appreciate Facebook: in Toronto Tonight, Live and in Person, Not Cyberspace (Facebook Garage 5) February 24, 2009.

 

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Canadian Portrait Show Success

March 7, 2009

 

Thursday night’s Portrait Society Show opening was a happy and successful happening.  The speeches were short and purposeful, and the curation and way the artwork was displayed very effective.  A steady crowd flowed through, and the ambiance remained warm and animated (like the musical accompaniment), from start to finish.  Kudos to Veronica Tsyglan, Mistress of Ceremonies, guiding light, and Chairwoman.  She thanked all involved and announced the 2010 show theme:  Canadian olympic athletes, past and present.

For more details about this event, please see the earlier blog post:  March 5, 09, Art Events in Toronto, Invitation Reminder: Portrait Society of Canada’s Annual Juried Show, Opening Reception Tomorrow Night. Please Join Us! (March 4, 2009)

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March 5, 09, Art Events in Toronto, Invitation Reminder: Portrait Society of Canada’s Annual Juried Show, Opening Reception Tomorrow Night. Please Join Us!

March 4, 2009

 

The Portrait Society of Canada’s annual show includes the work of 42 member-artists.  One piece was chosen from each. I was at the host gallery (John B. Aird) on the weekend, for delivery, and got a preview.  What a wonderfully varied exhibition!  No two paintings are the same in any way:  size, media, scale, theme…  There truly is something for every taste and interest, and some of the pieces are for sale.  For those who love portrait painting, and are curious to meet the artists behind the paintings, this is a great opportunity. For those who are unfamiliar with portrait painting, this is also a great opportunity—to learn more about it, and get involved with fundraising efforts for a contemporary Canadian portrait gallery in Toronto.

Possible schedule conflicts:  Toronto Art Expo and the The Artist’s Project (Toronto) open the same night (March 5). Having participated in both of these shows last year (The Artist’s Project as part of Artropolis in Chicago), I am happy with my decision to not be involved with them this year.

Artists are repeatedly approached to submit applications and pay big bucks to display their work. Once their money is down, there can be multiple organizational disappointments (not of their creation). Unfortunately, usually, those who gain the most (financially, especially) are those who own and/or manage shows and/or run competitions, or offer to represent artists and/or sell their artwork, in person, on location, or on-line.

Artists, please beware!  General public, please be aware!  What really happens behind the scenes matters, and not just at the time, subsequently. Another blog post will be coming shortly, about scams and advantage-taking of artists, particularly those who are just emerging.  In the meantime, please look back to earlier art show blog posts.  These include:  

• Art Shows: Business Priorities Versus Exhibitor Satisfaction (July 23, 2008)
• Change of Date, Change of Fate: Toronto Art Expo 08 Snowed Under (March 16, 2008)

Numerous unreturned e-mails and phone messages later, the organizer of Toronto Art Expo still hasn’t provided me with receipts from last year.

To see examples of my portraiture (recent and past) please check out the Figurative Gallery on the DocSusan site.

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All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait! From Ordinary to Exotic: Breathing New Life Into an Old Book with Korean Font and Formatting

March 2, 2009

 

My user-friendly book, Therapeutic Art Directives and Resources.  Activities and Initiatives for Individuals and Groups (with commentaries by mentor/friend, Cathy Malchiodi) was published in Korean last year.  I just received copies!  It’s amazing the difference a change of font can make.  Also, the care and attention to detail the foreign publishers have given to every page is obvious.  This week I’ll be meeting up with the once-little girl who did the cover art.  She’s now 22 years-old!  For an earlier blog post about this book’s translation, please see:  Found in Translation—Korean (July 23, 2007).

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Green P Parking Peril: Have Your Car Vandalized in Downtown Toronto Then Pay to Exit the Lot! Bloor/Yorkville and Museum Goers Beware, City of Toronto Parking Authority Wants Your Money, Regardless!

February 28, 2009

Across from the Royal Ontario Museum, there’s a Green P Parking Lot at 9 Bedford Street. It’s one of the few places you can be guaranteed a spot when there’s no on-street parking, It’s also handy if you don’t want to walk very far because of the cold.  I don’t park there often.  Last night was one of those rare occasions—perhaps the last occasion.

There’s underground spaces and above ground spaces.  Above ground was full, so I parked in the underground.  "Clever!" I thought:  close to the door, which led to the stairway to Bloor Street.  The talk I attended at the ROM was given by Lauren Fix, the "Car Coach," TV expert, and author (of Lauren Fix’s Guide to Loving Your Car).

Lauren really brightened up an otherwise very ho-hum event. The Connecting Singles Program, for which she spoke, you’d think would do well because of the venue.  But, it doesn’t.  Price, stigma, or ambiance, something’s not working in it’s favor!  However, the good news is that they are open to feedback, and looking to make improvements!  A program that’s been running for 22 years, even though it’s in a museum, still merits a make-over!

Crossing back to the parking lot, I was excited to have had the opportunity for a one-to-one chat with Lauren, and meet the person behind the performance.  Sometimes, when an event isn’t working for you, you have to seize the moment and see what can… I considered that the evening hadn’t been a complete waste of time because of the simple ideas this very practical, engaging, and approachable speaker had shared about car owning and loving.

A smile on my face, I returned to the parking lot and my lovely car, and started the engine—all automatic movements.  Then I looked up, in order to reverse.  A beam of light shone down on a shattered windscreen. Investigation by lot security confirmed that it must have been a pellet gun or like, for the assault, my car alarm preventing break-in.

Apparently, there’s been a wave of random acts of vandalism and theft in this particular lot lately.  So, the incident wasn’t surprising.  What was surprising was being asked to pay to exit the lot.  I did this without fuss, while waiting for security to arrive.  After all, lot attendees were only doing their job, so why take things out on them?  It’s those who operate the lot, and set the protocols (but aren’t present) who need suggest appropriate flexibility (and social conscience), especially if they’re aware of the extra risk using their facilities might entail.

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Getting Positive: Spring Clean-Up Strategies, Year Round (Especially When Spring Isn’t Yet in the Air and Winter Blues Keep Us Indoors)

February 27, 2009

Before there were digital alternatives, it was easy to accumulate stacks of paper (filed or unfiled).  This year’s spring clean-up, I’ve been able to be a little more ruthless than usual, but probably not ruthless enough… I know I’m not the only one!

Some Spring-Clean Strategies

1. If you haven’t looked at, or used, something in a couple of years, likely you’re not going to again.  Get rid of it!
2. Save the extremely sentimental stuff, or one of everything, but more than that isn’t necessary.  Less is more!
3. Out goes the negative:  rejections, sad letters, photographs of unhappy memories.  Looking forward, it’s preferable not to have reminders of what wasn’t or can’t be!
4. With every year that goes by, it can get easier to part with what we no longer use.  Take advantage of that!  Don’t hoard for the sake of it.
5. Don’t pressure yourself to do it all at once.  Bit by bit, day by day, systematically, work your way from cupboard to cupboard, drawer to drawer.  Don’t just tip everything out on the floor, all together.  Being tidy, and working in stages means you can leave off at anytime without feeling you’re in a total mess.
6. Have background music or TV to help you along.  Sometimes chatting on the phone (multi-tasking) can help too.
7. Be prepared with garbage and recycling bags that nothing lies around.  Then, go to    the trash as soon as possible so you don’t change your mind about what you are discarding.
8. Recycle!  Likely there’ll be many folders and files that can be emptied of content, instead of thrown out with them…  Then there’s all the paperclips and elastics.  White sticky labels will cover what was there before.  And, if it old names and labels show through, don’t worry.  It’s trendy to be “green.”
9. Pets can be welcome spectators (though they might sleep on the job). Human buddies might give you a helping hand, if they can.
10. Don’t give up!  Take a break, then start again in a day or two.  

Cleaning up makes us feel lighter and brighter—helps remove weight and worries.  Even if we make a concerted effort to clean up/throw out annually, and don’t think there could be that much to do, there always is.  Celebrate what you’ve been able to do.  Don’t dwell on what seems impossible!

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Getting to Understand and Appreciate Facebook: in Toronto Tonight, Live and in Person, Not Cyberspace (Facebook Garage 5)

February 24, 2009

 

This evening’s Facebook Garage started with presenters sharing some Facebook facts:

Basic Statistics
• 150 million users, worldwide (as of January 09).
• The average user has 120 friends.
• 70% of users are outside the US.
• More than 50% of users are beyond college age.
• 3 billion minutes every day are spent on FB.  
• FB is the 6th largest "web property" in the world.
• FB’s intention:  to help make the world more open and and connected (a better place).
• 6000 developers are involved with platform-building.

Facebook and Canadians
• Canadians use social networks more than any country in the world and spend the most minutes on FB (300 a month, per user).
• 50% of Canadians are on FB and half of these people are on every day.
• Over 70% of Torontonians are on FB.

Three Uniquely Facebook Features
One click log-in, and then:
1. Identity: FB is the first site where people gave their real world identity
2. Friends:  FB connects peoples’ real world friends (friends that users already have, not random friendships). Most users bring friends with them…and then there’s "social filtering."  Whatever your friends have contributed will come to you, and you’ll be more interested in it because of who is involved.
3. Distribution: FB information is shared between friends. All links go back and around, and conversations start…

Facebook is Evolving 
• FB’s 2006 (old) look recently got a makeover.  
• "Facebook Connect" has been introduced. "Facebook Connect" goes beyond FB into the wider Web. 6,000 sites have adopted "Facebook Connect," so far, and the number of registered users to those Websites has been seen to increase 20 - 100% in one day with it.

Hot Topics
• Check out "Facebook Connect" (http://developers.facebook.com/fbconnect.php)
• Facebook is hiring!

 
p.s. Please note:  An official account (with details and links) was posted on February 26 by Refresh Partners
 
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Overnight Weather Changes: Snowed In and Cooking Up (Against) a Storm: Probiotic Banana Cherry Oat Muffins

February 22, 2009

Alas, Canadian winters are seldom mild for sustained periods.  February is when most of us start to get really tired of living in a cold weather climate:  need survival strategies.

 

Snow storms have me wanting to get cozy, using whatever ingredients happen to be in the kitchen to create interesting sustenance.  Here’s an unusual recipe conjured up under such circumstances.

Probiotic Banana Cherry Oat Muffins
These may not be for everyone, perhaps just those who like healthier fare, or have wheat sensitivities.

• 3 cups of oat flour
• 1 cup flax meal
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups probiotic yogurt
• 2 quarter of an ounce packets of cherries
• 3 large bananas
• 4 tablespoons of baking powder
• 1.5 sticks of butter
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 cup brown sugar

Preparation

Mix all ingredients together, adding the eggs last, and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

Yield:   2 dozen large muffins, or a combination of mini-muffins and regular muffins.  Bake the mini-muffins on a lower shelf and the larger muffins on a higher shelf, and they’ll take the same amount of time.

For a special treat, top with creamcheese icing, or glaze, made from creamcheese, icing sugar, and Amaretto.  Freeze to set.

For more of DocSusan’s spontaneous recipe creations, please see earlier posts:

• Jazzing Up Traditional Recipes: Mixed Root Vegetable Latkes with Pineapple/Pear/Raspberry Compote and Crème Fraîche (January 24, 2009)
• New Year’s Scones: 30 Minutes to Homemade, From Idea to Tabletop (January 3, 2009)
• Comfort Food, Comfort Mood:   Self-Care and Cooking for One that’s Nutritious, Delicious, and Easy (December 15, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 2: Cookies and Scones (September 25, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 1: Soups (September 22, 2008) 

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Birds Singing in Winter, Homegrown Pears in Summer

February 17, 2009

This morning, birds were singing:  a rare treat in Toronto in the wintertime.  This afternoon, walking the dogs, it was getting colder again.  But, my thoughts stayed cheerful:  memories milder weather can bring had already been stirred.  I was thinking about the garden and its coming back to life, once the snow melts completely and finally… 

 

I planted two miniature pear trees 11 years ago.  However, it was only last year that I tasted their fruit for the first time. The crop looked abundant in the late spring.  Then, by summer’s end, only three samples were left. This year I’m going to have to beat the squirrels to it, and pick whatever is produced before it ripens. There’s nothing like homegrown fare, if you get the opportunity to enjoy it…

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Strategies to Help Minimize “UID,” or Under-Identification Discomfort: Surviving Solo on “Family Day” in Ontario

February 16, 2009

Family Day, a holiday that’s unique to Ontario, Canada, and in its second year, proves challenging to some who live solo. Local decision-makers might not have realized and/or taken into account all the variables and ramifications. This province-wide holiday comes just two days after Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day might have felt awkward for individuals without a “special someone” in their life with whom to celebrate. The next day, they recuperate:  move on from worries about having been unable to identify.  Then, another blow: a similar holiday in rapid succession that seems to have even less relevance to their status, experience, and/or interests.

That the number of singles (never married, divorced, widowed, or separated) is growing, in Canada and elsewhere, is not just a fact.  It’s a reality! Unfortunately, most events scheduled in and around Toronto (as listed in the Toronto Star for Family Day) don’t appear to take this into consideration.  A lot of Torontonians can’t but help feel left out.  However, it’s embarrassing for them to complain out loud. So, what can they do, and how might legislators show greater sensitivity in future years?  Should a “Solo Day” be inserted into the calendar too?

Even if  “Family Day” alienates with a name that’s not every-citizen-inclusive, it’s still important to make the most of the opportunity for a day off, and find alternative purpose for festivity. Better not to lament over what the day might be supposed to represent if you are without family and/or have unhappy familial associations. More advisable to try and make the effort to do something worthwhile, memorable, productive, or relaxing, how ever possible.

Here are some suggestions (in random order) to assist solos who might feel disconnected and/or blue on, or due to, Family Day.  Though each person might have different priorities (needs, limitations, capacities, and capabilities), staying optimistic and being open to doing, thinking, and believing differently is important:

1.   Focus on other personal positives and accomplishments.
2.   Stay active (and distracted) with work projects and/or hobbies.
3.   Avoid situations and venues that cause discomfort.
4.   Hang out with others in similar circumstances.
5.   Volunteer and help those less fortunate.
6.   Welcome invitations that are feel-good opportunities, for self or others.
7.   Relax and rest at home if going out doesn’t seem like it will be fun.
8.   Enjoy pets and focus on spending quality time with them.
9.   Catch up with administrivia (bills) and housekeeping (clean up).
10. Smile! (even if you don’t want to)—perhaps the simplest way to start feeling better.
11. Self-Indulge:  read a good book, go for a run, have a glass of wine or massage…
12. Host a get-together or pot-luck: invite other solos and/or families.

Hats off to families (and friends) who are able to reach out to solos and include and/or make a fuss of them, on Family Day especially!  

Earlier related bog posts include:

• Beat the February Blahs: Connect and Reconnect in Positive Ways (February 14, 2009)
• In Anticipation of VALENTINE’S DAY, Singles Included (February 13, 2008)
• “MOTHER’S Day” for the Disconnected (May 16, 2007)
• Notes on a Scandal: SINGLE and Living Vicariously (February 12, 2007)

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Beat the February Blahs: Connect and Reconnect in Positive Ways

February 14, 2009

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance, it’s about friendship too—caring, sharing and expressing thanks.  

In a Today Show segment, (January 3rd 08), Shannon Ethridge, author of The Sexually Confident Wife, told how healthy relationships fuel our lives.  Lesley Rotchford, Deputy Editor of Cosmopolitan told how a new year can offer the push you need to move on. The following poem highlights the importance of (good) friends…

Friends Need Friends

Friends are there
When you need them to care

Friends do
No need to ask

Friends are strangers
And strangers are friends

Those about whom we know less
May give more

Those whom we least expect
Hang in and on, don’t reject
Feelings protect

Farewell to friends who aren’t really
Farewell to friends who thought they were, nearly

Friends are there
When you need them to care

We treasure them dearly

True friends know who they are
As well as who they can be

Less is more
And more may be less

Small stuff no big deal
Loyalty real.

Take time to treasure friends old, new, and in between—and show them you do!   Never too late to be (back) in touch with those (once) held dear…  Facebook and other social networking sites are helping a lot of us do this!

Earlier FRIENDSHIP-related blog posts include:

• Relationship Watch: Don’t Know What to Do? Do Something! Doing (and Thinking) Differently in 2009 (January 18, 2009)
• New Year’s Resolutions for 2009: Forgiveness Tops Many a List (December 30, 2008)
• Reflections on “The Season of Giving”: Who Cares? Doers, Takers, Nosey-Pokes, Nothingers (December 28, 2008)
• Veterans Day and SHARING (November 11, 2008)
• Secondhand Stress: Breaking-Up and Making-Up, “Frienemies,” and “Used-to-be-Friend” Types (November 16, 2008)
• MANIPULATION (August 9, 2008)
• No “PLEASE,” No “THANK-YOU,” No HAPPY (May 30, 2008)
• RECIPROCITY (February 8, 2008)
• CONFIDENCE (Februrary 1,2008)
• DEPRESSION ALERT! and Heath Ledger’s Unfortunate Death (January 24, 2008)
• GIVING: Give to Give (September 5, 2007)
• Keep Your Word (July 25, 2007)
• The COURAGE to Speak Up—Use POETRY (July 10, 2007)
• “A” and “B” List FRIENDS (July 8, 2007)
• COMPARISON-MAKING, ENVY, JEALOUSY (June 23, 2007)
• ABUSE Checklists (May 26, 2007)
• TRUTH Matters (May 8, 2007)
• Make Things CLEAR—Avoid MISUNDERSTANDINGS (April 17, 2007)
• A “NO” REPLY is Better than NO REPLY (April 13, 2007)
• REJECTION Protection (February 25, 2007)
• TIME is Precious (December 15, 2006)
• FRIENDS Help Friends (December 7, 2006)

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Best First Photos of “Best in Show.” Old Dogs Rule! Congratulations Stump, Winner of Westminster Kennel Club’s 133rd Show

February 11, 2009

 

Bravo! The 2009 "Best In Show" Westminster Kennel Club trophy was awarded to "Ch Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee," aka "Stump,"  a Sussex Spaniel.

Yes!  It’s thrilling that this handsome and calm old boy is the 133rd “Best in Show.”  What a great outcome (and encouragement) for everyone who loves, cherishes and lives with old and/or ailing dogs!

In 2004, Stump had a mystery illness that lasted 19 days and from which he nearly died.  Fortunately, he wasn’t given up on and able to rally, miraculously.  Four years later he’s still going strong, napping and lounging always acceptable—and now, especially.

Perhaps, it helps that Stump sleeps with a previous Westminster Kennel Club winner, JR (a white Bichon Frise).  In fact, JR accompanied Stump to NYC for this year’s competition (as moral support). Is it time for an important message to be put out there?  Please be more sensitive to and embrace older dogs.  They have a lot to offer.  Puppies are fun, but dogs in their golden years are extra special, and there are many out there to take care of and/or adopt.

Stump, already "retired," did no specific training for the competition.  He just rose to the occasion, literally, and seemed a "natural."  As a finale, he surprised and excited the crowd by standing on his hind legs after receiving the award.  Then, at the press conference, directly following his victory, he was a little tired.  But, anyone would have been—(wo)man or dog.  What a whirlwind experience he had had, and the night was still young.  His social calendar for the next 24 hours would be packed!

Best in Show judge, Sari Brewster Tietjen, said that Stump represents so much for a breed that’s hard to find.  She was clearly delighted to have been able to choose him.

Scott Sommer, Stump’s co-owner/handler suggested that Stump’s travel and event schedule during his year as champ would be significantly less than Uno’s (last year’s winner).  Stump would definitely try to do what he could, but within reason.  After all, age, geography, and logistics are significant factors to consider.

 

Amercan Kennel Club Details:

• Ch Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee
• Breed: Spaniel (Sussex)
• Sex: Dog
• AKC: SN 61688903
• Date of Birth: December 01, 1998
• Breeder: Douglas Horn & Douglas Johnson & Dee Duffy
• Sire: Ch Three D Genghis Khan
• Dam: Ch Clussexx Sprinkled With Dew
• Owner: Cecilia Ruggles & Beth Dowd & Scott Sommer

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Paraphimosis: Little Penis, Big Swelling and Extrusion from the Prepuce—Sage’s Health Saga Continues

February 4, 2009

December - January, Sage got a penis infection (the preliminary diagnosis we were given).  I’m not sure that I noticed he was unwell right away… This new health challenge may have followed his grooming or coming off antibiotics.  It’s hard to be certain.  But, when I track back, it’s clear that Lev knew something was happening before I did, and alerted me. For more about the "second-dog advantage," please check out an earlier blog piece, Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One (December 25, 2008).

 

This time around, the two dogs adopted some cute positions together (hence the photos). Then, suddenly, they didn’t look cute anymore. Please see beneath Lev’s paw in the image below.

While I am open to homeopathy and alternatives, I still value conventional medicine, especially when time is of the essence.  In certain cases, antibiotics and other meds may need to be prescribed without delay, proper attention being given to potential side-effects. Also, a regular vet may not, always, be able to provide all the answers.  So, if the opportunity presents, don’t be afraid to ask a specialist (human) physician, like a urologist, (as I did).  Acess what’s feasible for another species…then proceed with caution.

Speaking with the urologist confirmed to me that dogs (male and female) can get yeast infections too, especially following treatment with antibiotics (not discussed on several investigatory vet visits). In addition,  Probiotic yogurt, which I’d thought to administer, just in case, might not have been a cure-all.  At the height of Sage’s discomfort, a combination of yeast infection and anti-inflammatory creams (in very small quantities) seemed to help a lot more than the advice to just lubricate…

Since Sage’s condition, ultimately diagnosed as paraphimosis, has been so concerning and prolonged, an information meeting with Dr. Craig Miller at VEC was recommended to discuss possible surgical options.  This occured yesterday. The main solutions he suggested weren’t too pleasant:  extenstion, reduction, or amputation!  Then, after paying another $173.25 (for a 15-minute consult, without examination), we weren’t inclined to ask for an estimate for how much such surgical procedures might cost…  Alternatively, there’s on-going "behavior management," which seems to be working for now: preventing licking (after lubrication and reinsertion) by keeping the area protected.

For more on-line details about canine paraphimosis, treatment options, and causes, PetPlace.com is a good place to start looking.

Earlier blog posts about Lev and Sage and canine health and safety concerns include:

•  “The Sneeze”: Lev Makin (Blog Editor in Chief) Post Oral Surgery—Older Dog, Longer Recovery and Greater Concern (January 14, 2009)
• Lessons from 2008: Canine Confidence and Coincidence Cure (January 1, 2009)
• Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One (December 25, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images (November 10, 2008)
• Sick Pets and Veterinary Waiting Rooms (November 6, 2008)
• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Holistic Dental Hygiene: For Dogs and Their Humans (March 4, 2008)
• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007)
• Dog WEIGHT LOSS and WELL-BEING (June 2, 2007)
• Animal Rescue: DOG-Neglect/SELF-Neglect (May 5, 2007)
• Rescue Dog, “Joey” (May 5, 2007)
• DOG FOOD that’s Safe and Delicious (March 20, 2007)
• DOG-Sitter Caution (January 21, 2007)

 

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An Artistic Lull—The Last Painting. Real Life: No Quick-Fixes, Worth the Wait! The “Three Rs” (Rethink, Relax, Reboot)

January 22, 2009

 

Others might not like to admit to creativity lulls or feelings of let-down.  But, as my blog evinces, throughout, I think it’s important to be real and not sugar-coat.  Information sharings can be helpful all round:  affirm we are not alone and others have been there too (and got through).  If we don’t acknowledge all our mood-shades (blacks, as well as whites and grays), appearances risk being deceptive.  Life is seldom as perfect as it might be thought for anyone, and authenticity matters.

I am still on a hiatus from painting.  By the close of 2008, I’d participated in three big shows and series (07 - 08), directly after art school graduation (06). Also, as is familiar to most other "emerging artists," the cumulative run-around from a variety of solicitors (galleries, dealers, agents, businesses, and organizations) who’d proved less reputable and reliable than hoped and assumed, was straining.  End result:  a loss in momentum— the need to take time for the "Three Rs," Rethink, Relax, Reboot.

My slow-down really began when I was too sick (medically/physically) to paint. Until I’m properly well, it’s not wise to resume. That said, it’s not something I’m rushing to do…  A dear artist friend recently shared details of her own time-out.  Her example and perspective were inspirational. A wonderfully talented individual, I was in awe of her insight and understanding (journey and recovery) and lack of competitiveness. 

There is always light at the end of the tunnel, but we need to be kind to ourselves (and have others be kind to us), and not push.  At least that’s the advice I tend to share in other contexts…

My studio isn’t empty.  The last painting that I finished (in October 08) jumps out on entry.  It’s a 60 x 40 inch oil on canvas abstract that became a horse:  a beautiful, calming soothing creature who looks like she’s confident and peaceful.  This piece was different in style than what’s been typical for me, over the past few years.

Thinking back to when I painted this last piece, I realize I sensed that something was going on. (The art therapist in me kicked in.) What I was trying to paint wasn’t coming out as I’d planned.  But, when does it ever, really?  I gave in and let happen whatever wanted to manifest on the canvas. 

This Horse piece followed on from a Duck, a Bird, and a Deer/Fox.  All four paintings will appear in the DocSusan artwork galleries, eventually… with stories about them.  In the meantime, please be patient—with me, yourself, and othewise.  Though we seem to live in a "quick-fix society," real life doesnt work that way.  All good things are worth the wait!

Earlier blog posts on artistic challenges include:

▪ Torrit Grey and Regenerating Creativity (October 11, 2008)
▪ Art Shows: Business Priorities Versus Exhibitor Satisfaction (July 23, 2008)
▪ #20. PRECIOUSNESS/VALUE (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 30, 2007)
▪ #19. SHARING (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 29, 2007)
▪ #18. LIMITATIONS (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 28, 2007)
▪ #17. MESSAGE(S) (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 27, 2007)
▪ #16. (SPECIAL) GIFT(S) (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 26, 2007)
▪ #15. ARTIST PLUS (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 25, 2007)
▪ #14. TIME (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 24, 2007)
▪ #13. THE PUZZLE (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 23, 2007)
▪ #12. SERENDIPITY (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 22, 2007)
▪ #11. ORGANIZATION (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 21, 2007
▪ #10. PRICES (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 18, 2007)
▪ #9. SUPPORT, PATRONAGE, GRANTS (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) 
(November 16, 2007)
▪ #8. “JK ROWLING SYNDROME” (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 14, 2007)
▪ #7. PAINTER’S FATIGUE (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!") (November 12, 2007)
▪ #6. NOTICING THE DETAILS (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 10, 2007)
▪ #5. STRATEGIC/CONSCIOUS PAINTING (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) 
(November 8, 2007)
▪ #4. CREATIVE PRESSURE/RELEASE (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 4, 2007)
▪ #3. SACRIFICE (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 1, 2007)
▪ #2. STAMINA (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (October 28, 2007)
▪ #1. ENDURANCE (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (October 24, 2007)
▪ Candid Artistic Ramblings: Reflections While Painting “Buon Appetito!”—Preparing for the Florence Biennale (October 19, 2007)
▪ INSTINCT, EXPRESSION, and CREATIVITY—in WRITING, PAINTING, and MUSIC (July 31, 2007)
▪  PAINTING and PERSEVERANCE (July 27, 2007)
▪  Entering PAINTING COMPETITIONS Can Be Disheartening (July 16, 2007)
▪  Stages of My PAINTING PROCESS (July 5, 2007)
▪  PAINTERS and WRITERS: Survival Tips, Cautions, and Experiences (March 30, 2007)
▪  PAINTING: Getting to the heART of why we do it (January 5, 2007)

 

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Sitting on Memories: Simple and Significant Tributes to and Reminders of Those Who Have Been

January 19, 2009

There’s a beautiful walled garden, in Reynolds Park, Woolton (a Liverpool suburb).  Yesterday, perhaps because there weren’t any flowers in bloom, we were struck by the number of benches there.  Benches given in memory of those who’d enjoyed the garden previously.  Soon, it seemed, there might not be room left for any more.  Sad, satisfying, sweet, and significant…

  

Earlier “in memoriam” blog posts include:

• IN MEMORY of Tim Russert, and Others Less Easily Remembered (June 14, 2008)
• DEPRESSION ALERT! and Heath Ledger’s Unfortunate Death (January 24, 2008)

An interesting coincidence:  BBC News Morning News has just advised it’s Blue Monday today, the gloomiest day of the year. However, the benches in Reynolds Park look anything but!

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Relationship Watch: Don’t Know What to Do? Do Something! Doing (and Thinking) Differently in 2009

January 18, 2009

The Today Show, January 2nd, discussed Relationships, and their significance for 2009.  2008 having been a difficult year for most of us, psychiatrist, Gail Saltz, in a "New Year, New You" segment, stressed how important is is to be able to focus on the positive, for oneself, and with others.  Her main points (and advice) included:

1. The number one source of happiness is relationships, not material stuff.  
2. When you think negative thoughts you’ll think more negative thoughts.
3. Jot down the small things that made you happy today to help shift you towards a more positive attitude.
4. The more spiritual you can be, the better you’ll cope.
5. Give to others (think outside of yourself).
6. Just changing perspective can make things easier for you.

Most human beings thrive on love, affection, and connection but are afraid to ask for it, especially if they’re alone or isolated (by chance or choice).  Not matter how much someone protests that they don’t need help or consideration, they usually do.  Awkwardness and pride get in the way.  Real friends ignore protestations and act anyway:

TO DO

1.  Don’t know what to say to those experiencing loss? You don’t have to. Call/visit anyway. Better that than to do nothing at all.  "Being there" is the greatest gift and doesn’t cost.

2.  Don’t know if those who are sick need help?  Don’t ask, just do.  When we’re weak it’s not always possible to speak.  Everything’s an extra effort, and no one likes complainers.  Those surrounded by loving and kind others (close relatives, or strangers) make speedier recoveries.  Phone calls, food packages, rides to the hospital, and get-well cards all count.  There are a variety of ways to "be there" even if you’re far away, emotionally or geographically.

3. Celebrate others year-round, not just occasion-round.  Don’t overlook those who don’t reach typical milestones (births, marriages, engagements, anniversaries).  Birthdays, new jobs, new homes, and "just because" acknowledgments are important too.  It’s not only the attention received at extra special times that counts, it’s the attention that’s shown day-to-day.  Everyone likes to feel worthwhile, no matter how little fuss they make!

4.  Transition from "me-" to "we-" thinking.  Self-absorption is a disease of the 21st century.  Don’t fall victim to it!  Most relationships seem to happen (and last) on a needs basis, but they don’t have to.  Just because you’ve married/had kids and your friend hasn’t, don’t desert him.  Just because you’re a girl seeking a guy, don’t be jealous/angry when a girl pal meets a guy before you do.  Sticking around for someone else, and/or being happy for them, even if your circumstances aren’t as favorable are point-scorers.  Walking or fading away, and silences damage once-good bonds and histories beyond repair, and the collateral damage (depression, hurt, and beyond), whether it’s recognized or not, after-the-fact, can be devastating.  

TO THINK ABOUT

1.  Savoir-faire matters (know-how, or knowing what to do)  Health, connections, happiness, and good fortune are all gifts.  Some of us have more opportunity for, and access to, them than others.  Even if we are not in control of the bigger picture, we may have the ability to influence smaller happenings:  help make difficult situations easier for those with whom our life intersects.  Knowledge is power, and denying what you know, when you could do something to help make things easier (for someone else), is unfortunate.  Good Intentions, even if they backfire, reflect well.  For those who are responsible and upfront (show good intent), no games/guises equals no regrets!

2. Sad, but true, circumstances change in moments.  Life can be humbling, emotionally as well as physically and materially/financially.  Some can’t relate to negative circumstances.  Others know little else.  Cliché as it might seem, seeing the cup half-full and putting yourself in another’s shoes are important.

Earlier related blog posts include:

• New Year’s Resolutions for 2009: Forgiveness Tops Many a List (December 30, 2008)
• Reflections on “The Season of Giving”: Who Cares? Doers, Takers, Nosey-Pokes, Nothingers (December 28, 2008)
• Veterans Day and SHARING (November 11, 2008)
• Secondhand Stress: Breaking-Up and Making-Up, “Frienemies,” and “Used-to-be-Friend” Types (November 16, 2008)
• MANIPULATION (August 9, 2008)
• No “PLEASE,” No “THANK-YOU,” No HAPPY (May 30, 2008)
• RECIPROCITY (February 8, 2008)
• CONFIDENCE (Februrary 1,2008)
• DEPRESSION ALERT! and Heath Ledger’s Unfortunate Death (January 24, 2008)
• GIVING: Give to Give (September 5, 2007)
• Keep Your Word (July 25, 2007)
• The COURAGE to Speak Up—Use POETRY (July 10, 2007)
• “A” and “B” List FRIENDS (July 8, 2007)
• COMPARISON-MAKING, ENVY, JEALOUSY (June 23, 2007)
• ABUSE Checklists (May 26, 2007)
• TRUTH Matters (May 8, 2007)
• Make Things CLEAR—Avoid MISUNDERSTANDINGS (April 17, 2007)
• A “NO” REPLY is Better than NO REPLY (April 13, 2007)
• REJECTION Protection (February 25, 2007)
• TIME is Precious (December 15, 2006)
• FRIENDS Help Friends (December 7, 2006)

 

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“The Sneeze”: Lev Makin (Blog Editor in Chief) Post Oral Surgery—Older Dog, Longer Recovery and Greater Concern

January 14, 2009

 

 

Every moment with my dogs is special.  And, as they age, I realize, all the more, what a gift it is that they’ve had reasonably healthy lives, so far.   When they do get sick, which seems to be more frequently of late, it’s very distressing…  Old age and health challenges come to us all, no matter our species or status.  It’s all in how they’re handled:  our own attitude as well as that of those who stick around and how they help see us through.  Earlier blog posts about this include:  Hat-Tricks and Hospital Waiting Rooms (November 5, 2008), Sick Pets and Veterinary Waiting Rooms (November 6, 2008) Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One. (December 25, 2008).

Not to outdo Sage and myself, Lev had emergency surgery yesterday.  I’d noticed “the sneeze” for a couple of weeks.  It was intermittent and not like Sage’s—more like a human’s (she’s a bigger dog). It came in series, usually earlier in the day or later at night.  Her playing, eating, barking, walking/running, and bossing were unchanged, but her eyelids, especially over the last few days, started to look swollen (patches of flesh evident between her hairs)…

Sage and I had taken attention away from Lev, over recent months, with our own surgeries, and she had been our “rock.”  This gave me a niggling fear that Lev might not be indestructible herself.  Sometimes you just know…  Once Sage and I were more alert and able to resume semi-normal activities, I observed Lev more closely, taking her straight to the operating theater.  Something wasn’t quite right! “The Sneeze” was the signal…

Please be aware that vets who aren’t certified in animal dentistry can’t always be sure where sneezing can come from.  But, that said, and after-the-fact, even as a lay person, I’ve come to find this hard to comprehend…  In Sage’s case, Dr. Mason jumped to do an elaborate (and expensive) battery of general tests that could have been avoided.  If he’d followed Dr. Kneebone’s referral note’s suggestion to do dental XRays, we could have been saved a lot of grief.  After all, Dr. Kneebone’s deduction came as a result of numerous visits to her office, and homeopathic remedies (again, all at a price—financially and emotionally).  In retrospect, I fear that the “dance” may have continued, had I not screamed for conventional emergency help…  

After an unnecessarily drawn out and frustrating experience like the one Sage endured, you do not forget easily.  We paid Dr. Mason (heftily), but Pet Care did not reimburse us.  This had something do with the way in which Dr. Mason filled out the insurance claim form. It also had something to do with Pet Care’s policies and practices. (There will be more about this in a future blog post.)  We canceled our pet insurance and we won’t go back to Dr. Mason…

This time around, because of the Sage-experience, I bypassed "referring vets" (and related expenses) and went straight to Dr. Sharon French.  She is as kind as she is professional and considerate.  She understands how vet bills can mount up, unnecessarily, delaying appropriate and expedient treatment, and only did the essential.  Once Lev had had the dental Xrays, confirmation was given of what was wrong.  And, when the surgery began, it was even clearer what needed to be done.  Six abscessed teeth were extracted!

 

Yesterday afternoon, I made another batch of home-made dog food in anticipation of Lev’s homecoming.  She wasn’t ready till nine last night, and a very sad and sore little girl…  Sage is still wearing his lampshade.  (His post-surgery health issue will be discussed in a later blog post.)  He  came with me to get her, wagging his tail, a mile a minute, after a very mellow day.  He greeted her lampshade to lampshade, but she wasn’t interested.

Lev’s nose bled and her tail was down. I held her in my arms and she couldn’t look at me.  Just whimpered.  The drive home, I had her on my lap, lifeless.  Only when we turned into our street did her head pop up and she started to cry.  I lifted her from the car and she walked into the house.  Remarkably, she made it to her favorite spot, climbing tentatively onto the kitchen table, from where she didn’t move.  And, as for the homemade dog food, she wasn’t even interested in that…. With difficulty, I let her be.  

Taking her to bed with me, I held and stroked her through the night.  Her breathing was congested and the snoring kept me up.  Finally, she managed to pee this morning.  And, when I shed a tear, she licked my face.  Sage has backed off in the attention-seeking department.  He’s stable, for now.  Lev needs all our love, and she’s going to get it!

Other blog posts about Lev and Sage, and the canine-human bond and health matters, include:

• Lessons from 2008: Canine Confidence and Coincidence Cure (January 1, 2009)
• Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One. (December 25, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images (November 10, 2008)
• One to One at Apple: Customer Satisfaction and Doggies Included (July 26, 2008)
• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Artists Need Moral Support—and Caninekind Offers the Best (May 5, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Every Art Studio Needs a Watch-Dog (April 10, 2008)
• Sunbathing DOGS (March 12, 2008)

 

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Sew Nice! Homemade as Tonic and Treasure

January 9, 2009


 

Under the weather and housebound can have pluses!  At the end of 2008, I gave myself permission to indulge and rediscover old (but not sufficiently explored hobbies, like cooking and sewing. Usually, with a rigorous work schedule there’d be no time…

Lev and Sage agreed to assist me with projects—new designs for their dog clothes and matching beds:

Getting going with sewing, I found out that Toronto is quite a hub for those looking to learn more about this craft.  There’s a bunch of facilities and teachers to suit all interests and budgets!  Here’s what I came across, more or less accidentally, not far from home:

• The Sewing Studio
• Sew Be It, Studio Workshop
• The Workroom
• Creative Sewing School (Barbara Hobbs, 416 483 6102, Avenue and Lawrence)

Denise, from the Sewing Studio, provided motivation with easy assignments, like the beds above!

Also, for supplies and equipment, I discovered a variety of options:

• For equipment and accessories, there’s the Sewing Centre (416 487 4438, 2144 Yonge Street).  Great customer service and lessons from Joe Murphy!

• For fabrics, Designer Fabrics on Queen is recommended by the trade, with the best prices, and most interesting offerings, off sale.

• For the best one-stop shop and discounts (with membership) Fabricland seems to dominate—though shopping there might be a fun experience.

• The Dollerama on Queen (close to Designer Fabrics) has some interesting accessories and tools.

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Lessons from 2008: Canine Confidence and Coincidence Cure

January 1, 2009

 

As fate would have it, my little dog, Sage, (Editor in Chief of the DocSusan website) fell ill around the same time as I did. His fight for survival and bounce-back over the last few months was inspiring, when making sure I was well enough to take him to veterinary appointments became an interesting dance.  On the many days of bed rest between hospital procedures, we cuddled and snuggled and helped each other through.

Please check out my poetry about hospital waiting rooms and veterinary waiting rooms.  It shares experiences that most people will go through at one time or another—for which there is usually no preparation or easy way to cope.  Then there’s the waiting for the surgery to be over, and anticipation…

I am sincerely grateful to those who have been there for both Sage and myself through our challenging days, especially Lev (Editor in Chief of this blog)!  A happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year to everyone. Look forward, not back!  Better times ahead…

 

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New Year’s Resolutions for 2009: Forgiveness Tops Many a List

December 30, 2008

Forgiveness
A state of mind
More about you than me

Forgiveness
Nothing to do with stuff you may say I’ve done
That about which others, more savvy, might not have thought

Silences alienate
Anger bursts annihilate

Reason, too often not there
Do you really care?

You, not me

You, the one holding the grudge
You, the one whom it’s impossible to nudge

How upset you are is not what things are really about
Or your pout

Forgiveness
A state of mind
Distinguishes the difficult from the kind

Let another live, calmly, their life
Evaporate strife

Realize no one is perfect

We all make mistakes
And we all need breaks

Distance and time
Willingness and compensation
Altruism and imagination

Sometimes matters repair
Sometimes they induce heavier care

"Forgiveness," an 11-letter word
From word to action…

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Reflections on “The Season of Giving”: Who Cares? Doers, Takers, Nosey-Pokes, Nothingers

December 28, 2008

 

Kind gestures finally seem to matter more than material gifts, in part because of the economy, in part because there’s no substitute for healthful human connection.  This holiday season, I baked cookies for friends, neighbors, and neighborhood businesses.  These were genuinely appreciated.  Home-made—no matter how basic, like chocolate chip cookies—shows you care, and that you’ve put precious time aside to do so, beyond the actual gift-giving act or purchase.  During the planning and creation process, it just feels good to know that there can be simpler ways to make others happy.  The more impersonal and alienating/lonely the world becomes, the harder we have to try…

Who cares, and who doesn’t?  You might be surprised and disappointed to find out, especially at peak moments. 

Peak moments are special circumstances (like holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations).  Peak moments can also be times of difficulty:  sickness, loss, disappointment—not health, gain, and happiness.

As we exit the "season of giving" it’s good timing to reflect on our own behavior, as well as others’.  "Do unto others as we would wish to have done unto us" is a familiar cliché," one that may seem increasingly hard to have ring true.  Until something happens to us, ourselves, we might not get that jolt—the jolt that is humbling.  As we stumble, we want another to help catch our fall.  But, there’s not always anyone there—anyone we can count on that is.

Four main personality types appear obvious:  Doers, Talkers, Nosey-Pokes, and Nothingers:

• Doers do, no need to talk about it, in advance or afterwards. They surprise and delight, excuses not necessary.  Doers might owe us nothing.  We can owe them everything.

• Talkers talk, but seldom come through—do or give to anyone else except themselves.

• Nosey-Pokes like to know what’s happening.  "Talking" and "doing" are not really their concerns.  Information check-ins help keep them in the loop—provide scoop/fuel for gossip, but little more.

• Nothingers don’t do, talk, or nose.  They simply aren’t interested in any way—unless it’s about them.

Friends you thought were friends might prove they’re not.  Strangers fill in the blanks, and beyond.  Expectations lead to disappointments.  Disappointments lead to expectations.  At peak moments, we’re likely to realize all of this, and more…

Good caring others may be found once we stop pursuing and/or grieving for those who aren’t.

Earlier related blog posts include:

• Veterans Day and SHARING (November 11, 2008)
• Secondhand Stress: Breaking-Up and Making-Up, “Frienemies,” and “Used-to-be-Friend” Types (November 16, 2008)
• MANIPULATION (August 9, 2008)
• RECIPROCITY (February 8, 2008)
• CONFIDENCE (Februrary 1,2008)
• GIVING: Give to Give (September 5, 2007)
• Keep Your Word (July 25, 2007)
• The COURAGE to Speak Up—Use POETRY (July 10, 2007)
• “A” and “B” List FRIENDS (July 8, 2007)
• COMPARISON-MAKING, ENVY, JEALOUSY (June 23, 2007)
• REJECTION Protection (February 25, 2007)
• FRIENDS Help Friends (December 7, 2006)

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Tips for House Guests: Dos and Don’ts When a Home’s Not a Hotel

December 20, 2008

Thanksgiving already a memory, the Christmas holidays are almost upon us.  No matter the holiday, house guests are usually involved.  How they behave (or don’t) can help make or break a happy home.

Some guests are house-trained.  Others are not, but can be coaxed.  Here’s a checklist of some essentials:

1.  Bring a gift (no matter how small, or homemade). Tokens of a appriectiation count.
2. "Thank you" matters.  Call or write within a couple of days.
3.  Strip/change the bed and gather up linens and towels for laundry, and/or replace with fresh ones before leaving (if not using your own).
4.  Clean the bathroom that you have been using (especially if it’s one that’s been for your exclusive use).
5.  Eat, drink, and enjoy without taking advantage.  If you know your needs are greater/different than what the host(s) can provide, come prepared or assist with filling the fridge, as necessary.
6.  Tidy up after yourself.  Even if you’re messy at home, try harder not to be elsewhere.  
7.  Know the "rules of the house."  If shoes are supposed to be taken off inside, they are supposed to be taken off inside.  If lights don’t need to be on in every room, lights don’t need to be on in every room…
8.  Be helpful.  Better than asking what you can do to help, take initiative, and do what’s needed to help.  If it’s garbage day, make sure that’s not overlooked.  If the host has a headache and might need a cup of tea, make one.

If you are not invited to stay again, perhaps check the list given above to help determine why.

Other blog posts about consideration and/or social etiquette include:

 • Secondhand Stress: Breaking-Up and Making-Up, “Frienemies,” and “Used-to-be-Friend” Types (November 16, 2008)
• Reliability, Vulnerability, Fear (October 8, 2008)
• Mixed Messages and Contradictions (September 29, 2008)
• PLAY NICE—Near and Far! (John Edwards too… (August 13, 2008)
• MANIPULATION (August 9, 2008)
• RECIPROCITY (February 8, 2008)
• CONFIDENCE (February 1, 2008)
• DEPRESSION ALERT! and Heath Ledger’s Unfortunate Death (January 24, 2008)
• GIVING: Give to Give (September 5, 2007)
• Keep Your Word (July 25, 2007)
•  “A” and “B” List FRIENDS (July 8, 2007)
• ABUSE Checklists (May 26, 2007)
• TRUTH Matters (May 8, 2007)
• Make Things CLEAR—Avoid MISUNDERSTANDINGS (April 17, 2007)
• A “NO” REPLY is Better than NO REPLY (April 13, 2007)
• REJECTION Protection (February 25, 2007)
• TIME is Precious (December 15, 2006)

p.s. Reader feedback on this post has been interesting.  One suggestion has been to add a "point number 9"—"If the host gets upset with you for any reason, react calmly and don’t engage their frustration."  Let’s also wonder why a host might get upset, and if certain hosts can be too hard to please!

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From “Traveler’s Poem” to “Anatomy of a Vacation”

December 1, 2008

My blog entry, Traveler’s Poem:  From Airport to Destination (May 18, 2008) has been quite popular in Google searches. Another travel-related poem follows:

ANATOMY OF A VACATION

Day one
Adventure just begun
Mind shifting, spirits lifting

Day two
Experience still new
Transitioning through

Day three
Rhythms change
More oriented, less strange

Days four and five
Starting to feel alive

Enjoyment finding

Day six, getting your fix
Wanting more

Savoring the moment while it lasts

Then there’s day seven
Almost homeward bound

Just started to relax and it’s time to pack
To reality, get back

Fresher you feel
Another few days would have been ideal.

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Handling Disappointment Together, or Alone

November 24, 2008

Some face disappointments better than others, especially when they’re not alone.  Last week, Anne Curry spoke graciously about the Today Show team’s decision to discontinue their climb up Kilimanjaro.  Disappointing as it was, she appeared heartened by the experience.  Taking into account the well-being of everyone in the group of five had clearly been bonding, rewarding, and energizing.  Out of negativity can come positivity, especially if peers help cope with, share, and determine consequences.  Having to act, think, and feel by oneself (no support, discussion, or empathy) is a lot more challenging.

With respect to the Today Show’s Kilimanjaro ascent, it is not unusual that the group might not have made it to the top.  Regardless of poor weather conditions, and the extra responsibilities covering a story gave, statistics show that only 50% of those who set out do finish the climb.

If facing disappointment alone, what might help?

1.  Follow-up—having something else to which it’s possible to look forward
2.  Being prepared in advance—knowing (available) options, possibilities, and alternatives
3.  Aftercare—the ability to focus on other interests and distractions
4.  Knowing the odds—realistic expectations and keeping things in perspective
5.  Strangers making (helpful) approaches out-of -the-blue
6.  Family and friends not adding to letdowns
7.  Time—for healing, reflection, and reconnection
8.  Surprises—being open to coincidences and outcomes that might help lead to fresh opportunities

Earlier blog entries about other life-challenges (and stress-reaction-generators and -protectors), include:

• Veterans Day and SHARING (November 11, 2008)
• Secondhand Stress: Breaking-Up and Making-Up, “Frienemies,” and “Used-to-be-Friend” Types (November 16, 2008)
• Solo Travel (October 22, 2008)
• Reliability, Vulnerability, Fear (October 8, 2008)
• Airport News Stands: Jennifer Aniston, “Straggler Single”: Uncommon Attention, Common Problems. (Poetry about Dating and Related Blog Entry Links Included) (August 22, 2008)
• MANIPULATION (August 9, 2008)
• No “PLEASE,” No “THANK-YOU,” No HAPPY (May 30, 2008)
• 24/7 (April 19, 2008)
• In Anticipation of VALENTINE’S DAY, Singles Included (February 13, 2008)
• RECIPROCITY (February 8, 2008)
• February FUNK (February 3, 2008)
• CONFIDENCE (Februrary 1,2008)
• Dating Games and Disappointments, On- and Off-Line: Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker Helps Identify Obstacles to Relationship-Making (January 25, 2008)
• DEPRESSION ALERT! and Heath Ledger’s Unfortunate Death (January 24, 2008)
• GIVING: Give to Give (September 5, 2007)
• Keep Your Word (July 25, 2007)
• The COURAGE to Speak Up—Use POETRY (July 10, 2007)
• “A” and “B” List FRIENDS (July 8, 2007)
• COMPARISON-MAKING, ENVY, JEALOUSY (June 23, 2007)
• ABUSE Checklists (May 26, 2007)
• SLEEP Issues (May 20, 2007)
• “MOTHER’S Day” for the Disconnected (May 16, 2007)
• TRUTH Matters (May 8, 2007)
• Make Things CLEAR—Avoid MISUNDERSTANDINGS (April 17, 2007)
• A “NO” REPLY is Better than NO REPLY (April 13, 2007)
• FAMILIARITY (March 12, 2007)
• REJECTION Protection (February 25, 2007)
• No-Partum Depression (NPD)—Not “Celebrity Gossip” Worthy (February 18, 2007)
• Notes on a Scandal: SINGLE and Living Vicariously (February 12, 2007)
• SINGLE Woman Syndrome (SWS) (January 30, 2007)
• Bad DATE Indicators (January 22, 2007)
• SINGLES’ Health: Eating Alone (January 14, 2007)
• SINGLE and Not Settling (December 29, 2006)
• TIME is Precious (December 15, 2006)
• FRIENDS Help Friends (December 7, 2006)
• Loss (November 19, 2006)

Earlier blog entries about the Today Show’s Kilimanjaro climb:

• Will "Today Show’s” Anne Curry Reach the Summit? No Live Camera Footage on Day Two of Reporting from Kilimanjaro, Just Inspiration and Conservation
(November 18, 2008)
• Tricks And Secrets For Making It To The Top: The Truth About Ascending Kilimanjaro By Someone Who’s Done It. “Today Show’s Anne Curry Struggling”—Dramatic Headline Tops Google Searches Yesterday (November 18, 2008)
• Anne Curry Climbs Kilimanjaro: Today Show Goes to the Ends of the Earth to Examine Life-Sustaining Sources of Water and Threats to Them. Preparing to Climb Kilimanjaro? Check DocSusan’s Blog (November 17, 2008)

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Will “Today Show’s” Anne Curry Reach the Summit? No Live Camera Footage on Day Two of Reporting from Kilimanjaro, Just Inspiration and Conservation

November 18, 2008

 

Anne Curry spoke by phone (live) from Kilimanjaro, today. Yes, breathing might be difficult, but wireless connections do work almost all the way to the top.  Many guides have cell phones, and chat and text frequently, while taking breaks!


How is Anne really doing?  Something viewers, and the other presenters, are clearly wondering.  Her voice definitely sounds like she’s experiencing altitude sickness.  Also, she must be fatigued from the climb, and the thinner air makes it difficult to speak normally.  Despite this, it’s obvious her spirits are high, as she confirmed.  What an accomplishment—not only to participate on the ascent, but to work as hard as she has done by bringing us such insightful, unique, and careful reporting, regardless of obstacles!*

The MSNBC crew are now at 15,700 feet, where, we’re told, they will have several days to adjust and relax.  Rest, perseverance, and teamwork, will, hopefully, see them through!  In my experience, the last 4,000 feet come more easily, thanks to the added benefits of Diamox, hand-warmers, adrenaline, warm clothes and water, and lots of faith.  Also, very important to know, Tanzanian guides and porters are incredible!

 

Be assured, each climber will be assisted and/or encouraged every step of the way from here on in—and checked with a pulse oximeter, frequently!  Also, please know that when I made it to the top on my own climb, I wasn’t able to take any photos or video footage.  The agony—and ecstasy—were simply too great!

All the best to Anne and her team. Even if the Today Show climbers don’t make it all the way, they’ve still given us a wonderful gift.  * The focus on water conservation—the real purpose of the trip—has been inspiring!  Most people who climb Kilimanjaro return home with life-changing/saving ideas, that hopefully will translate into actions, big or small.  I made a personal list, shared in a blog piece entitled, Lessons from Kilimanjaro (January 11, 2008). 

For further information on climbing Kilimanjaro, and firsthand accounting, please check out other earlier blog entries, listed in yesterday’s (November 17, 08) blog piece:  Anne Curry Climbs Kilimanjaro: “Today Show” Goes to the Ends of the Earth to Examine Life-Sustaining Sources of Water and Threats to Them.

For further details on how to become more "green," please check out NBC Universal’s Green Your Routine links.

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Tricks And Secrets For Making It To The Top: The Truth About Ascending Kilimanjaro By Someone Who’s Done It. “Today Show’s Anne Curry Struggling”—Dramatic Headline Tops Google Searches Yesterday

There are many interesting aspects to the Today Show’s Anne Curry climb up Mount Kilimanjaro, beyond the notion that she might not make it to the top.  But, if Google rankings indicate popularity, David Bauder’s Associated Press article (which suggests that possibility) appears to be dominating search pages.

Readers and writers who haven’t had the privilege of ascending this great peak might not realize the daunting task this very talented and (usually) incredibly fearless journalist was given (at short notice).  They also might not know that mountain sickness (like weather condition changes) can come in waves.  Some days and hours are better than others. Those who have initial difficulties might do well later. Those who do well earlier might do poorly later.  Luck, predictability, certainty, and confidence aren’t quite the same above the clouds as below them.  

As I’ve revealed in recollections of my own climb, from last year, training doesn’t always matter as much as three other factors: Here are some personal tricks/secrets I discovered along the way, in an excerpt from from my December 2, 2007 Blog Entry:  Climbing KILIMANJARO—Making it to the Top

I wasn’t the fittest person in the group, I also hadn’t done enough (almost any) training.  So, how did I make it to the top (be in the 50% who do, and the only woman among peers)?  I think three factors helped:

1. I had the proper clothing (and wore it)—really took time to organize packing and followed all formal instructions from guidebooks and informal instructions from travelers who’d succeeded previously.

2. I didn’t try to be clever or take chances in any way—used poles, ate and hydrated well, listened to the guides in going "pole, pole" (slowly, slowly), and took the necessary meds.  Thank you Diamox (altitude sickness inhibitor)!  Even though this drug made my hands and feet tingle relentlessly, it was a very good friend and support.  

3.  I didn’t go on the climb with the idea that I had to make it all the way.  I was aware that I might not have the capacity to do so, and could forgive myself weaknesses.  Competition was not what this journey was about for me.  It was more of a spiritual quest about being there and experiencing whatever was meant to be—and accepting it, while still fit and young enough to get myself over there.  

The lead-up days to the final ascent were a honeymoon of sorts.  The final ascent was a whole different story—nothing similar—the most challenging physical endeavor I have ever faced (and no one had informed me about properly).  What kept me going on the final ascent?  Three gifts:

1. The camaraderie of those with whom I was climbing and our attentive guides.  

2. The not knowing what was coming next and not having been prepared for the worst—being in a situation I could do nothing about and just getting on with it.

3.  The not-giving up factor, once I was so close, and because there was no real reason to.  How could I go down (in still bad weather conditions) if I hadn’t made it up?  We’d been climbing for six days and, at the 11th hour, I couldn’t justify turning back. It was the same way down if you made it up or not,  and I couldn’t find a good enough reason to turn around.  Not thinking about what I was actually doing or the discomfort of continuing also helped.  Automatic movements and focusing on other thoughts—and struggles—became a lot more meaningful and empowering. I acknowledged that I never really give up, no matter how awful the task is, making the climb a metaphor for so much more.

For the last hour I wept my way up, partly out of pain, partly out of emotion—maybe more out of emotion. I couldn’t turn off my tears or howls. The tears froze and the howls got absorbed by the wind.  The feelings were intensely private.  But, as discussed later with climbing peers, appropriately universal.  These guys had had their own emotional releases too!  Reaching the top, we all embraced.  It was a magical moment in a glacial wonderland where we were too cold and tired to take photos or stick around.

Preparing to Climb Kilimanjaro?  For more details about the Kilimanjaro climbing experience, as well as links to ealier blog entries, please see my posting from yesterday (November 17, 08):  Anne Curry Climbs Kilimanjaro: “Today Show” Goes to the Ends of the Earth to Examine Life-Sustaining Sources of Water and Threats to Them. 

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Secondhand Stress: Breaking-Up and Making-Up, “Frienemies,” and “Used-to-be-Friend” Types

November 16, 2008

The Today Show looked at a new buzz subject this morning, "secondhand stress"—the not being able to sleep at night because of worrying about other peoples’ problems.  This terminology is catchy, like "secondhand smoke."  But, "secondhand smoke," which is exactly that, is easier to define accurately. "Secondhand stress," when thought about carefully, could have extended and/or alternative meanings.  How others’ problems make us worry (about them) might not be as serious as how others (problematic) behavior (towards us) can give us our own fresh problems—first-, as well as secondhand, stress.  

Our interactions with other people, and the relationships they help make or break are key determinants of well-being.  Think about the ends of friendships and the misunderstandings and lack of resolution attached to them.  These can come about because of one person’s own (unrelated) issues, and actually have very little do with the other person at all.  Unfortunately, few ex-friends who instigate break-ups, provide chances for clarification.

"Friend A," who is typically quick to anger, jealousy, or assumption, might eliminate  "Friend B" instantly, no leeway for discussion or explanation.  In the aftermath, "Friend B" wonders what’s hit him.  What did he do wrong?  Perhaps nothing.  But, the ongoing stress from the loss of the friendship that seems impossible to repair still nags and gnaws.  Then there’s "passive aggression" in ongoing "friendships."  "Friend A" bottles things up for a long time, not telling "Friend B" what’s wrong. Instead, he acts out in different ways that make "Friend B" feel uncomfortable or unable to get things right.  Intentionally, or not, "Friend A" may be a bit of a "manipulator."  However, most "manipulators" often set out with a plan from the start, and "passive aggression" is often more unconscious than contrived.  Secrecy, is something else, and another friendship-barrier.

There’s a lot to say about how others make us feel, and how we handle our responses to stress generated by interactions with "used-to-be-friends".  This blog entry focuses on categorizing and listing the "frienemy-types" that can boost (secondhand) stress levels, as suggested in the scenarios just described:  

1.  The Quick-Ender:  This "frienemy" has a short fuse, quickly ignited by jealousy, anger, and/or assumption.  Being friends with this person can be an interesting/passionate ride, so long as they are on your side. However, once they develop a "hate," stand clear. If they do agree to talk things through, they won’t have much of a listening ear.  Their quickness to judgment is a bit of a handicap, and they’ll have to be right, and you’ll have to wrong…

2.  The Bottler:  This "frienemy" might not know how to act differently, and prefer to swathe in self-defensive behaviors that don’t bode well for open and adaptable friendships.  Bottling is a lengthy process, and preserved foods have shelf life.  What’s been happening over (an extended) period of time can’t be repaired in an instant.  Habits have formed, which may be hard to break, and expectations (and disappointments) linger.  The person who doesn’t seem like a troublemaker may actually cause more anguish than imaginable…

3.  The Controller:  This "frienemy" might not have been open or true from the start, having a one-sided notion of  "friendship requirements."  Most friendships, like it or not, happen on a "needs" basis.  "A" offers  "B" something, "B" offers "A" something.  There’s overlapping "interests" or "connection possibilities."  Friendships that don’t give "returns" mightn’t be valuable enough for "controllers" to maintain:  "friends" who can’t be made to do something are no longer "friends."  Self-esteem may determine how long manipulation can be endured—no one likes a "bully" but a "bully" often finds ways to stick around (especially when others are weak)…

4.  The Secretive:   This "frienemy" has "boundaries" that are extreme or unnecessary.  Caring and sharing are natural components of healthy friendships.  Not disclosing relevant information and keeping secrets jeopardizes and destroys potential to take things to the next level.  "Holding-patterns" don’t work.  When one person does all the talking and the other all the listening (and questioning), there’s an imbalance.  This doesn’t always happen because the talker is self-absorbed.  The listener simply wishes to keep the focus on the other person as a way of avoiding questions about his "own stuff"…

We don’t usually know, right away, how a friendship will play out—whether or not there’ll be problems with a "Quick-Ender," "Bottler," "Controller," or "Secretive" type.  But, like with other life-circumstances, before a final fallout, there are often warning signs, to which we may, or may not, pay attention.  So, when friendships are dissolved, there may be a lot more pain than surprise.  Also, making (satisfying) peace with the types listed above isn’t, generally, a viable option. 

Earlier Blog Entries about Friendship include:

• "A" and "B" List FRIENDS (July 8, 2007)
• FRIENDS Help Friends (December 7, 2006)

Earlier Blog Entries about Relationship Stressors Include:

• Mixed Messages and Contradictions (September 29, 2008)
• PLAY NICE—Near and Far! (John Edwards too…) (August 13, 2008)
• MANIPULATION (August 9, 2008)
• RECIPROCITY (February 8, 2008)
• CONFIDENCE (February 1, 2008)
• RELATIONSHIP “Uppers” and “Downers” (January 29, 2008)
• GIVING: Give to Give (September 5, 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)
• TIME is Precious (December 15, 2006)

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The AGO Reopens and ARTISTS Do MATTER

November 14, 2008

 

 

Today is the official grand opening of the Art Gallery of Ontario.  Last night, a special celebration that embraced local living artists was a great success.  The warmth of Director Matthew Teitelbaum’s welcome set the tone.  Apart from his introduction of the Frank Gehry team and museum staff and curators, he shared personal memories of childhood visits to the old AGO and his own father’s financial struggles as an artist.

 

Artists’ successful involvement with the (new) institution, Teitelbaum made clear, is essential, and was stressed by the handing out of badges to invitees on entry.  These announced, "Artists Matter."


It was a treat to be able to wander through the exhibits, few others around, and construction workers still adding finishing touches.  Hopefully, the excitement of the AGO’s reopening can be maintained, and help evaporate feelings of aloofness and alienation for which Toronto’s too often been known. 

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Veterans Day and SHARING

November 11, 2008

Veterans, or Rememberance, Day is a good time to think of others, not just ourselves—see how we can give a helping hand, even (and especially) if there’s no (obvious) direct return.

SHARING

Sharing’s not a gift or bonus
Simply a necessity
What makes the world go round
Helps put us on solid ground

If we share, we care
If we care, we’re nice

Too much ice, and winter’s not even here
What’s the fear?

Be generous however you can
Not always with money or material things

No strings
Gratitude and platitude much more brings

Knowing that you’ve not held back
Keeps everyone on the right track

That you could have done more
Doesn’t even the score, keeps everyone poor

Share because you care
Care because you share
The order doesn’t matter
I’s the doing that counts
Regardless of amounts

A little extra kindness can’t be bought
Another life-lesson taught.
 

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48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images

November 10, 2008

 

As discussed earlier in this blog, everyone seems to have time for a new puppy.  It’s also important to make a fuss of older dogs—recognize when they might be ailing and see to their every need. Checking they’re as comfortable as possible takes effort and requires greater responsiblity than some owners are prepared (or able to) assume.

Earlier blog entries (listed at the bottom of this entry), show that Sage’s health has been troubling for a while. And, this week, it was time for his big op.  We needed to make a spontaneous decision that will, hopefully, add many years to his precious little life.  He had 19 teeth removed!  

Beware! If your small dog is sneezing a lot and has stinky breath, no matter how well you supervise their  oral health, the problem may be beyond your control.  Size, genetic predisposition, and (previous) misdiagnosis, as well as insufficient attention to detail, can factor in and effect (appropriate) treatment options (and outcomes).  

When I picked Sage up from VEC, last Thursday night, he was still blood-stained and had a bleeding nose and low blood sugar.  He was a heap in my arms:  glazed eyes, tearful, whimpering, and a shadow of his regular self.  Dr. Sharon French’s surgery had been careful and kind (like her), but significant inconsistency among other employees at the clinic is obvious (perhaps why feedback forms are now offered at the counter).  The animal care attendant’s hand-over of a post-op animal felt abrupt and disconcerting—quite unlike the receptionist’s check-in pre-op. 

The photos included below tell the tale of 48 hours in the life a little dog, pre- and post-op.  

• The last bone (the night before surgery).

• Big Yawn (full set of teeth).

• Carried home, and nestled in a bag, tinged with pink (blood stained) and sleepy (the evening following the surgery).

•  A little walk and sniff on a nice autumn day (the day after the surgery), with a new outfit to stay warm (pink bandage from intravenous).

• First proper meal. Homemade dog food!  (Dog food recipes will follow in another blog entry.)

• Big sister Lev, finished her meal, oversees Sage.

• Lev ready to finish off Sage’s meal should he not pay attention.

• Homemade dog food, the first vat.

• Containers of homemade dog food for freezer.

Little animals, like young children, can get sick very quickly, unable to tell us till their conditions are critical  But, the good news is that they can also get better quickly, when cared for properly and expediently.  

For other blog entries relating to Pet Health and Well-being (and Sage’s history), please check out: 

• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Holistic Dental Hygiene: For Dogs and Their Humans (March 4, 2008)
• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007)

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A Night to Remember: US Elections From Canadian Side of the Border—Best, Worst, and Unsurprising Details

November 6, 2008

•  Best:  Katie Couric’s CBS news coverage

•  Worst:  Michelle Obama’s Dress

•  Unsurprising:  The Canadian elections (October 14, 08) were less interesting to Torontonians.  More of them home watching (and caring about) US election results (November 4, 08) than their own.  Neighborhood streets were quiet, TVs on.

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Hat-Tricks and Hospital Waiting Rooms

November 5, 2008

I’ve been a little "fuzzy" lately, making writing (and concentrating) more difficult than usual.  Despite this, there’s always ways to be creative if you can give in to becoming a "Mad-Hatter." When not up for much else, crochet did the "trick" for me.  Sitting in hospital waiting rooms, over recent weeks, I’ve managed to produce three hats (as displayed above).

The first two are made from Cashsoft and the the third from Noro yarn.  Hat one, I’ve called the "Playful;" hat two, the "Sophisticate;" and hat three, the "Fun" (from left to right, above).  The first was just to use up yarn and keep my mind occupied.  The second involved more planning and design.  The third provoked excitement and a dash of spunk.

The nice thing about making hats is that patterns aren’t necessary.  They’re easy to try on as you go, and undoing them, to readjust for sizing or look, doesn’t involve too much lost labor.  Hat one involved "uncertainty;" hat two, "awareness;" and hat three, "boldness."  A crochet hook and yarn can sometimes help boost confidence (and self-esteem), even when real life has its challenges.

Previous blog entries about crochet include:

• Wearable Art: Crochet and Canvases Match at Toronto Art Expo
(March 23, 2008)

• Crochet for Stress Reduction, Fashion, and Fun
(December 25, 2006)

Reflections on "hospital waiting rooms" are shared in this poem:

Hospital Waiting Rooms

Hospital waiting rooms
Interesting places
Expressions on faces

Old, young, rich, poor
Illness can descend at anyone’s door

Homeless or not
Bedecked in jewels or poorly clad

Side by side they sit
And wait, and wait, and wait

Time to hesitate
And reflect

Thankful for what’s not
Regretful about what is

A loss of control
Soul next to soul

Good health not a given
Recovery a game of chance

Some rally
Others dally

Support helps
Not being there alone

Some speak
Others too weak

There are those who make it
And those who fake it

A humbling experience
And wake-up

Something that effects all
Short or tall

Take a number
And wait till you’re called.
 

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Two Years Old! Happy Anniversary DocSusan’s Blog

November 1, 2008

 

DocSusan’s Blog is two years’ old today.  Big thank you to all who have supported me in this endeavor!

 

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Juxtapositions: Halloween in Paradise

October 30, 2008

 

Halloween seems to be celebrated most everywhere these days, including Papeete (Tahiti), as shown above.  Halloween costume displays contrast with regular (tourist) souvenir displays, shown below.

 

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Reader’s Response to Blog Entry, “Solo Travel”

October 27, 2008

This e-mail was received in response to my recent blog entry on solo travel.  Its author is Maxwell Kates, and I am posting it with his permission:

I’m writing to respond to your blog entry about single travelers. I thought it was well written as it describes a number of thoughts and concerns single travelers face or may not realize.  Although my research in this area is not scientific, I am aware that there has never been a community so large, widespread, and disparate as the singles of our times.  Of the 6.6 billion people on the planet, at least two billion are considered single.  There might have been other communities to which members might not have wished to admit association in the past, but these were, generally, more cohesive, due to common practices, lifestyles, or beliefs. What seems to unite singles today is an absence from their lives.  I feel it is difficult for any business to target a product to a market such as "singles" if it is defined by what members are not, rather than what they are.  I’ve discovered this after attending events where participants have come together due to their (non)marital status, but may have nothing in common with respect to anything else.  Also, I’ve also traveled a lot in the past five years.  Apart from a trip to New York with my dad in 2005, it’s been independent of friends and family.  I’ve taken package excursions, attended conventions, joined with organizations and to volunteer, all en groupe.  Each trip has had advantages and disadvantages.  Your level of connection with co-travelers is the luck of the draw.  Then there’s the alternative: traveling completely on your own. Last month I went to Vancouver for a week.  Why Vancouver?  Part of the reason is that I know about a dozen people there.  I was unemployed at the time and wanted to be around people I knew.  Of the twelve, I arranged to meet six of them, averaging nearly one visit a day over eight days.  With one of the six, I traveled to Seattle where I saw three more people I know - two intentionally, one by accident.   Another factor for picking Vancouver was on a recommendation by another member of "the singles jungle," who deemed the city a welcoming destination for solo travelers.  When traveling alone, I try to find a hotel that has a community atmosphere.  As was the case with prior vacations to San Francisco and to London, I succeeded in Vancouver.  You never know who you’ll meet in such circumstances. These are all topics you discussed in your recent entry. Others, including self-sufficiency and personal entertainment, are concepts which did not cross my mind.  Yes, traveling (and living, for that matter) on your own can be more expensive than with friends or a significant other, but it beats the alternative of uncongenial companionship, just for the sake of it. Thanks for writing about such matters and providing readers the opportunity to think about them.

Maxwell, thank you for your feedback, sharings and suggestions!

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Backyard Bears

October 25, 2008

 

Just a few hours from downtown Toronto, bear spotting isn’t hard to do. Check out the wildlife at a creative sign shop, on the road to Killarney. Wonder if a few bears in the backyard, downtown, might help scare off squirrels, raccoons, and skunks? That said, there didn’t seem to be as many of them around this year.  A cause for concern, maybe?

 

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50th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: Portraiture and Ellen DeGeneres’ (Celebrity Power) Advantage

October 18, 2008

What is 50?  Fifty can be a face—a face that tells a story, a life that’s half a century long.  Here’s a recent portrait I painted—one that marks the 50-milestone.

 

Portraiture is a very personal process (for artist as much—and even more so—than sitter).  You get to know the subject a little better—come to read between the lines (no pun intended), see where their truth might lie then stress what can show them in best light.  

Portraiture is magical. It’s not a photograph. Interpretation and revelation are meaningful. Those who are able to view carefully pick up energies—recognize limitations, wonders, and a whole lot more.  It’s a terrific feeling to be able to present someone else’s best face to the world, especially on canvas.

 

Juxtapositions are interesting… 

Ellen DeGeneres paid tribute to Heath Ledger at the end of her show, Wednesday January 23 08.  This was piggybacked onto the joviality of her not-to-be-forgotten 50th birthday celebrations.  The gearshift, I felt, was awkward. I am a huge fan of Ellen, and think she’s very good at getting her fans and other celebrities involved.  I was, however, a little surprised with the extended birthday hoopla.  First there was her own 18-day countdown.  Then others, like the TV.com Community added to the hype with additional tribute pages.  And, of course, there were "surprises" from other well-knowns, like Justin Timberlake, episode-after-episode…  

We do feel better about ourselves when others are there to celebrate milestones with us. That’s clear.  Even those who protest they don’t want a party might be relieved and delighted when one is made for them.  But, what about all those others reaching similar milestone days that don’t have Ellen’s networking capacity or publicity operation? How many of them might be home alone for birthdays—not in celebratory mood, or able to feel quite as good about themselves?  

A quick Google search on the subject of 50th birthdays and Ellen’s led to an on-line contest, "Help Ellen Degeneres Celebrate her 50th Birthday."  The grand prize winner was getting a VIP trip to Los Angeles to help Ellen celebrate, by attending the filming of her show.  Again, more about and for Ellen. Ellen really is fabulous, and she does an abundance of nice things for others. However, sometimes, there’s a point at which (perceived) vanity can become insanity.  Instead of another offering for Ellen, could there not have been an ideal opportunity here for the Ellen team to help create awareness that not everyone has her current good fortune to be out there and loved as much as she is? (Maybe there was, maybe I missed it?) 

Also, let’s not forget that even those who are out there and loved, like Heath Ledger (was), might have other difficulties (be in need of different types of support). Ellen did have her own challenging days 10 years back. Though it’s good not to dwell on transitional periods, it’s always nice to remember, when things are going better for you, that others might not be quite as advantaged—or happy.  A little attention can go a long way.  A lot of attention can go too far, even with those we admire.

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The Price is Right—Or is It? The Quandary of (Special) Discounts on Artwork (Portraiture Especially)

October 16, 2008

On October 16 (today), the Portrait Society of Canada has a studio day at Toronto Arts and Letters Club.  This will be a nice chance to reconnect through art-making, before its "The Miracle of the Portrait" Portrait Arts Festival and Competition (December 4 - 7, 09).  Recently, another of my "sharings" was included on the Artists Talk page of the Portait Society’s website. It is pasted below:

When I saw people for therapy, I had a sliding scale.  Different individuals had different needs (emotionally and financially). I tried to accommodate as far as possible, understanding circumstances and limitations.  Artwork, not surprisingly, seems to have sliding scales too.  That said, you can’t please all of the people (and yourself) all of the time. There is a point when too low is too low.  For instance, should a $2000 painting be reduced to $750 if it is a commission and you have a "soft spot" for the clients involved?  If you know they don’t have the means this is easier. (If they do have the means, it’s another matter.)  Then there’s those who like to spend more on the frame than the piece.  Again, a whole other story… Priorities, pressures, and obstacles are case specific, of course.  

What about the time, energy, and materials you have put in, as a professional (not for a hobby)? Are you worth a couple of cents an hour or more?  Is what you’ve created a "labor of love," or "slave labor"? Is a work of $2000 being sought for $750 as a bargain?  Or, should you create another piece that ’s more price-adjustable—a $750 work that really has a  $750 value?  Will it still be as pleasing and purchasable?  

Who and what really determines worth and appropriateness?  And, what about fairness, honesty, and trust?  Artwork has a sentimental, as well as investment/ commercial value. Also, instinct can blend with business savvy, or remain distinct.  We all (should) have our price points, as well as integrity and pride. And, of course, there’s experience too.  Capacities and expectations, however, may vary, for buyer as well as seller. And, cliché as it sounds, pride shouldn’t come before a fall.  Hardly surprising the term "starving artist" is so well known and a common reality.  Do others have hard and fast rules for how to deal with those who try to price adjust and bargain down? When does reasonable haggling become insulting?  When do you prefer to hold onto a piece rather than sell it at any price?

For more on related subject matter, please check out my "Candid Artistic Ramblings"  on the DocSusan website in the artist’s galleries section.

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Art Matters: Liverpool and Toronto Art Scenes, Quick Impressions

October 13, 2008

 

I managed to catch the last day of the Toronto International Fine Art Fair, a week ago, Monday. An enervating experience!  This had little to do with (many) gallery representatives being tired and inattentive.  Quite simply, the atmosphere seemed flat and nothing stood out as different or exceptional.  Having shown at Toronto Art Expo in March (at the Toronto Convention Center as well), this previous disappointing experience sprung to mind.  Also, I hear from others that Toronto’s Nuit Blanche (which coincided on the Saturday night of the Fine Art Fair) was even worse this year than last.  Despite the organizational PR and swish website, I understand that people appeared to be wandering the streets aimlessly, seeking something that might impress them, but going home tired and deflated.

Having just returned from the Liverpool Biennale, which was hopping, it’s hard not to make comparisons.  I think there’s a lot Toronto’s arts community (and sponsors) can learn from what’s happening across the Atlantic—not just from how artwork is exhibited, but to how ambiance is induced.  User-friendliness, approachability/accessibility, and interactive involvement (at all levels) help create a more fun environment that keeps you engaged. 

From the Walker Art Gallery’s (first photo in this blog entry) John Moores’ and Ben Johnson’s exhibits, to the Conservation Center (second photo in this blog entry), to the Tate Gallery, to Bloomberg’s New Contemporaries, I was surprised and delighted to see the range of possibilities—something for all tastes, attention spans, and budgets.

What’s nice about the British approach is that everyone can get involved somehow, and keep passion alive. (Please see the photo of the interactive display, above, at the Conservation Center.)  Also, most museums and galleries are free (and government/trust supported), with lots of helpers around to explain and motivate.  You can even try things out for yourself, with projects like The Big Draw, which reminds that "drawing is for life, not just for children!"  (Please see the the photo below, also check out www.campaignfordrawing.org.)

 

Canada-based artists, currently on exhibit in Liverpool, include, David Altmedj, at the Tate, with his piece, The Holes, and Paul Ygartua, in Bar Four at the Hard Days’ Night Hotel.  And, then there’s street art, from all parts and in all parts, that’s catching a lot of attention—like the spider behind Liverpool’s Town Hall. (Anthony Gormley’s spectacular installation "Another Place" exhibit in the Mersey Estuary ended up staying more permanently.  Be fun if this one could too!) That’s my photo of the spider, but the Telegraph has a better night-time shot.

 

The point is that art excites and motivates. The more of it that’s around, the more people get interested, causing new opportunities/creativity (of all types) to emerge, as well as interesting juxtapositions of old and new—like with Liverpool Town Hall, behind which the spider dazzles, by night. 

 

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Reliability, Vulnerability, Fear

October 8, 2008

Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) starts tonight.  When the "gates" close at sunset tomorrow a New Year will begin, contemplation (and repentance time) shoved to the back-burner for many. 

Trying to remain mindful and careful year-round isn’t always easy—perhaps why three simple words seem to get growing attention:  "reliability," "vulnerability," and "fear."  They highlight problems many of us encounter daily.  They also point to short-comings (our own as well as others’).  Here are a few snapshots of how, told through acrostic poetry:

Reliability

Ready, willing, and able
Efficiency matters
Linked to what you do—or don’t
Impression stands for something
Actions too
But not everyone plays fair
Integrity matters, or so you’d hope
Letting things go
"I" counts more than "you," "he," "she," "they", or, "we"
Tales to tell
Yes, a slide in values, symptomatic of our times, but no excuse

Vulnerability

Very open
Unguarded
Lots to tell
Not always to the right people
Excitement and energy often misplaced
Reason and rationality lacking
Anxious, maybe as a result
Brave, but losing it
Irritated by consequences
Left out, regardless how much shared
Intimidated
Tense
Yearning

Fear

False impressions of what might be
Emotions taking over, justifiably and not
Ahhhhh!  It wasn’t so bad after all
Relief, thinking about it is worse than actually doing it

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GUILT(Y) Verdict for OJ Simpson, and/or Others…

October 7, 2008

Guilt hovers for all types of reasons.  Some manage to feel guilty without cause. Others don’t (appear to) feel guilty, but should.  Conscience is a determining factor.  Even if we deceive others, we still have to live with ourselves! 

G U I L T

Got away with it before

Unbelievable but true

Innocence too often punished

Lying lets others down

Time takes care of injustices…eventually

(You may get caught!)

If not then,
When?

If not now
How?

If not this situation
The next?

Those who hurt us (seem to) get away with what they’ve done too often. Or, do they? The high of duping others can, ultimately, be followed by the low of them being able to offer no more excuses—followed by a lack of leniency from those able to invoke retribution.  

It looks like there may be no way out for OJ Simpson this time around.  He may have "got away with murder" 13 years ago, but can’t seem to get away with "kidnapping and armed robbery" now.  A "lesser crime," a greater sentence…

It’s wrong to wish ill on somebody else.  But, it’s hard not to feel relief when obvious (and repeat) offenders push their luck and things don’t pan out for them.  In business, dating, or en famille, certain individuals have a way of taking advantage of others.  If discovered, they may attempt to convince that their ruses are out of character, or provoked.  Also, when people get away with something once, they often try to get away with it again…and again.  No matter how good their stores get, where’s the glory?!

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The Beat Goes On and Up in Liverpool—Thanks to Liverpool One

October 4, 2008

The energy in this historic city is very positive right now!  At a time of worldwide slump, Liverpool wraps up its year as European Capital of Culture on a high note.  The opening of Phase Two of Liverpool One by HRH Princess Anne, last Wednesday, has been a boost for the city, country, and beyond.  Looking through guest comments for Liverpool One, it seems a lot of other expat. Liverpudlians, including a bunch of Canadians, have already given rave reviews.

Liverpool, it’s clear, is back on the map—a pedestrian delight, encompassing the (once again) aptly named Paradise Street!  It will be interesting to see what happens when the newness and excitement from Liverpool One’s completion wear off.  But, noticing how proud Liverpudlians appear to have been made to feel, let’s stay optimistic!

 

Many European travelers have quickly discovered this jewel of shopping/entertainment venues (photo above). Added to the culture and history Liverpool, itself, already provides, there’s now a sophisticated urban do-it-all get-away destination that won’t disappoint locals or tourists.  Don’t worry about the weather.  "Scousers" with their down-to-earth and fun ways can make up for that!  Time to provide more direct routings from North America to Liverpool, without the need to detour via Manchester or London!  (British Midland, Air Canada, Continental listen up!)

 

Stopping over in New York on the way to Liverpool, I spent last Sunday at MOMA (The Museum of Modern Art).  My photos from that visit were on the same disc as those from Liverpool One.  Walkways and views, it’s clear, create interesting parallels between the two very distinct locations (as the MOMA photo, above, shows).  Liverpool One is not only a great place to shop and eat, but an interesting architectural feat, a treat for photographers and design enthusiasts of all levels.

More on Liverpool One:  Please check out my June 11 blog entry, "Liverpool One Wins—Helps Make a Once-Great City Great Again."

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New Year’s Wishes (Please Share)

October 3, 2008
NEW YEAR’S WISHES
 

Here’s to a new year of hope
One during which it’s easier to cope

A new year for rekindling dreams
Finding out things aren’t as dark as it seems

A year when every moment and connection counts
Do unto others as you would wish be done unto you

A year when those who’ve caused hurt won’t be around
Or, they will have changed
Forgiven, forgotten, explained

For some, lessons of the season will have been caught
For others, holy days mean naught

Prayers or hypocrisy, charades and masquerades
It’s not how you act, or utter, in a day, two, or three
It’s what you do all the time

A year to mean what you say and say what you mean
Not dilly and dally in between

There’s always consequences
Even if you’re not the one effected

Guilty or innocent
Good intentions, or not
Life’s laden with responsibility

Take it!

A year to play fair
Show others more care

A year to get beyond what was
Just because…

The lost can get found again
The found may get lost again

There’ll be second chances or third
Even though some may never feel understood or heard

Don’t ever give up!

MIndful, it’s important to be
Not just of "you," also of "me"

However alone or distracted you are
Whatever the excuse of the hour
Remember…

Kindness and consideration give power

Truth, trust, and respect lead to healthy communication
Ignoring and ignorance lead to heartache

Here’s to a year
Where no one’s left out

Here’s to a year
Where everyone’s deemed as valuable as the next
Or treated as such

Forget the superficial and frivolous
The trivial and self-centered

Forget anger and hate
Deception and lies

Your face will say it all, even if you don’t

Your eyes, your smile, your frown
Can’t hide what might let others down

What you don’t say says a lot

Think, feel, question
Acknowledge your part
"Goodness" is an art

Give heart!

Did you do right today?
Did you tread on anyone else’s toes?

Were your intentions sweet, honest, clear?
Did you act out of love, pain, or fear?

Did you return an e-mail or phone call?
Take the time to own up, say "sorry"?

What about the person waiting at the other end?
NIce way to treat a "friend"!

What excuses surfaced?
Was anyone misled?
In public, can you hold up your head?

Do you go to bed peeved, relieved, jealous, or mad?
What makes you sad?’

Do you toss and turn because of someone else, or yourself?

At the end of the day, are you proud of who you are—and can be?

When you’re happy, do you brush aside those who aren’t?
The ones who were there for you when you weren’t as lucky.

Have you tried your hardest?
Have others’ special deeds been taken for granted?

Did you use or (ab)use?

Getting away with things, being unaccountable
What does this really prove?

Someone else may be suffering somehow

No one need insist that they’re nicer than others think
It’s obvious when there’s a missing link

Here’s to a year where the best is yet to come
A time to join together to help positive things happen
If not for your own sake, for those whose lives you touch.

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Rosh Hashana, Faith, C.S. Lewis, Good People, Mitvah, Miracle

October 1, 2008

This is a blog piece I hesitated to post.  Could it upset, disappoint, or depress readers?  How might you perceive me as writer?  Regardless, it felt right to go ahead.  I thought and thought again…  Though the artwork and intentions of this site are positive, for the most part, being real and confronting the uncomfortable is an essential part of who I am.  Sometimes, it’s not possible to gloss over strong sentiments (even if they appear negative or disappointing). Everything we show can help us (and others) grow! Anthony Hopkins as C. S. Lewis, in the movie Shadowlands, states, "We read to know we are not alone." (1993).  I write to know this too!  Fifteen years later this simple movie-line still has powerful meaning.  Perhaps, that’s what compels me to share the following poem with you.

FAITH

Feelings we have
Attachments we make
Intuition to guide, or not
Trust earned, or undone
Habits and happenings

Faith…
What is it really?

To have and to hold, or so we’ve been told
Or not…

To give us drive, make us feel alive
Or the opposite?

Faith…

Some live by it
Others would like to
Many find it impossible

Believing and grieving
Striving and diving

A day to wonder and worry
Conscience and consciousness

Some things don’t make sense
Others are full of pretense

The seemingly good others among us aren’t
Those with the best qualifications can’t

Let-downs abound
Those who’ve tried hardest drowned

Expectations and disappointments
Anxieties and concerns

Many, many burns

Dusting oneself off
Keeping things in perspective
Ever reflective

Quelling those rambling thoughts
The ones that slap us in the face
Slow down our pace

Trying, yet again, to start fresh
A new year
A new way
On track to stay

Ah, if it were as simple as it sounds
Ah, if we weren’t responsible for our surrounds
And those with whom we’ve attached—by choice, slip-up, or destiny

The people we’ve trusted
The hopes we’ve had
The dreams unrealized

The feeling stuck
Face in muck

Kicked instead of caressed
Naked, but not undressed

Those who’ve taken advantage
And those who’ve had advantage taken

Wrong isn’t right
And right shouldn’t seem so wrong

Spirits lowered
Disappointments showered

Inspiration sought
What matters can’t be bought

I opted not to go to synagogue for Rosh Hashana. It didn’t feel right.  Instead, quiet contemplation stimulated this poem.

Though we’d like to think and believe the best, not all rabbis are "good."  Nor are all regular  "good people."  Hypocrisy and double standards are an unfortunate norm in every organized religion at every level—as well as among friends, acquaintances, colleagues, and family.  (And, let’s not forget in business and politics!)  Though many folk are afraid to see or state it, sometimes it’s hard not to wonder:  "What’s the point? Who can you really trust that’s not just out for themselves, regardless of their position and responsibilities?  Who are the ’show-men’ and ’show-women’ (the ‘insinceres’) in our lives?"

Rosh Hashanah (the head of the year) can be many things to many people.  Generally, it’s marked by ritual and family gatherings.  However, like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, weddings, birthdays, and other (intentended to be) ceremonious times, the "spiritual" isn’t always what’s obvious, or triggers (questioning and distressing) thoughts and responses.  There are always those who feel uncomfortable—left out, or struggling with memories and associations that aren’t happy.  They can sense no genuine point of connection or healthy attachment, despite repeated effort.  Being able to be mindful of this, as well as caring towards individuals in our circles who could be struggling (and left "faithless") is truly a mitzvah (good deed)—some might even say "miraculous."

p.s. The movie, Shadowlands, touched a lot of people in a variety of other ways. Further commentaries on this are shared elsewhere.

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Mixed Messages and Contradictions

September 29, 2008

As Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year) approaches (starting tonight), all kinds of "mental clean-up" decisions get made.  There’s no better time, than now, to clear upsets and "make nice."

When others don’t know what they want, it’s better to give them space and not get caught up in their vicissitudes of the moment.  We all need to see the light sooner or later.  But, everyone’s light won’t go on at the same time.  Some lights flicker, others act as motion-detectors.  Many need new bulbs.

Often, we can only count on our own power source.  When others send mixed messages, we need to think about moving on, however hard that is to do, and as this poem hints:

Contradiction

Contradiction
An affliction

One thing said, another done
One thing thought, another wanted

You don’t see, others can
You don’t know, others will

Real you wanting to get out
Real you wanting to shout

Needing it all
Has you stall

Going against the tide
Not about pride

A bigger picture is clear
Not in touch with what is dear

Self matters
But so do others

Self knows
Frustration grows

Back and forth
Forth and back

Knowing what’s right
But keeping up the fight

Others see
Others change

Fair exchange
Or so you’d think…

Always carry your own flashlight as back-up, and you won’t be caught in the dark.  Others’ power surges shouldn’t flatten your batteries…

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The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 2: Cookies and Scones

September 25, 2008

 

Cookies and scones come in various sizes.  Do you realize you’ll usually eat the same amount regardless of size?  This is why I’ve come up with three sizes:  small, medium, and large (as shown in the photo above).  The small are just for a quick nibble.  It’s easy to eat 1 - 4  of them at any time between meals.  The medium are a little more substantial.  These are for formal snack-times. 1 -2  are recommend at a sitting. The large are meal, or meal-replacement size, where 1 to 1.5 should suffice.  It’s hard to find healthy store-baked treats. Instead of a trip down there, and in the same amount of time, it’s possible and easier to make your own!

Please note, I choose to use Bob’s Red Mill products for most of my baking needs.  Their range and quality are superb.  (You can find these at Wholefoods and many other health-conscious grocery stores.)

Bits of Everything
(The not quite a cookie cookie)

• 4 cups ground almonds
• 2 - 3  cups muesli
• 2 cups oats
• 1 cup oat bran flour
• 8 oz honey
• quarter cup flax seeds
• 1 cup mixed dried fruit (including Goji Berries)
• 8 egg whites
• Spray oil
• Baking powder

Quantities might not be exact.  Experiment, and so long as the mixture holds together and can be molded you should be fine.

Mix everything together then form and bake on three different trays, till light golden brown.  (20 - 25 minutes at 375 degrees in a preheated oven).  Check that there’s no sog in the middle of the cookies, with a tester. Remove from the trays as soon as possible, to cool.

Amounts made:  16 large (meal replacement size);  24 medium (snack size); 35 small (bite size)

Garden Scones
(Savory)

• sage
• chives
• 3 cups oat flour
• 1 cup quinoa flour
• 1 cup flax seed flour
• 1.5 cups probiotic yogurt
• 4 eggs
• 1 stick of butter
• 2 cups grated goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• salt and pepper

Quantities might not be exact.  Experiment, and so long as the mixture holds together and is dough-like, you should be fine. 

Mix everything together and dust the baking tray with quinoa flour. Once they’ve been cut, place the scones closely together for baking.  Preheat the oven to 450 degrees then bake for 15 minutes, or till golden brown and firm (no sog in the middle).

These scones can be served with butter or goat cheese spread, even humus or advocado—whatever takes your fancy.

These are called "Garden Scones" because I was fortunate to use my own homegrown herbs.

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The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 1: Soups

September 22, 2008
 

 

Growing up, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen watching my mother.  She’s still meticulous following recipes, even after cooking for almost 70 years.  No exact instructions for me! Observations and taste buds take over. With a little understanding of formulas and ingredients, I’ve discovered it’s hard to go wrong.  Also, cooking in bulk is cost-, time-, and mess-efficient.  Make large quantities and freeze—even, and especially, as a "one."  Nice to have someone else to cook for/appreciate what you’ve made. However, dipping into the freezer for meals and treats prepared in advance can feel like someone else might have cooked for you!  Self-nurturing, by choice or out of necessity, can be as creative as it is satisfying…and healthy.

Soups need sautéed onions and lots of vegetables, and should be puréed/liquidized.  Adding fruit juice and garden herbs makes them all the more nutritious and tasty.  Fall is a great time to store up for winter, especially when there’s such interesting produce being harvested locally.

8 Squash Medley

• 8 giant squash (each one being of a different variety)—baked till cooked through
• 6 giant white onions—sautéed till golden brown
• EVOA (Extra virgin olive oil) to sautée the onions
• 2 cups apple sauce
• 3 cups orange cranberry juice
• salt and pepper to season
• chives (from garden if possible)—cut up and added after making purée

Blend all ingredients together for a thick sweet main-course soup.

Curried Parsnip with Caraway

• 4 bags parsnips (approximately 1 - 2lbs each)—baked till cooked through
• 6 giant white onions—sautéed till golden brown
• EVOA (Extra virgin olive oil) to sautée the onions
• 1.5 cups orange cranberry juice
• 3 cups orange cranberry juice
• salt and pepper to season
• curry powder to season
• caraway seeds to season

Blend all ingredients together for a thick spicy main-course soup.

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Toronto’s Surprise Tax: $60 for What Exactly?

September 19, 2008

 

Earlier this month, I paid renewals for my my driver’s license and vehicle plate.  Funny, the envelope that was mailed to me with the forms for these didn’t include anything about a new $60 Toronto resident’s tax.  Since I’d been out-of-town a lot over the summer, I thought I might have missed news coverage of it.  Apparently not.  Most agree this one got snuck in without hoopla. Astonishing?  Or, Perhaps we’re all paying too much attention to US politics?

At College Park’s (long-lined) Ontario Service Counter, there was no explanatory literature, or prominent signage.  The only thing necessary to know, it seemed, was that if you didn’t pay up there and then you couldn’t make the other renewals.  Employees working at the counter weren’t afraid to mention that they didn’t agree with the tax (they’d be paying it too).  When I got home, I pulled up a September 1 (08) Globe ad Mail article which offered more details. Then, when speaking to friends and acquaintances who drive in Toronto but live in the suburbs, their snigger wasn’t surprising.  This extra charge didn’t apply to them!

From Sarah Palin’s lipstick to John McCain serenely placing his rose on the September 11 memorial at Ground Zero, while Barack Obama appeared to toss his, most of us (myself included) have been more engaged with what’s been happening on the other side of the border than with local politics and consequences. (Please check out the drinks menu at the Gladstone’s Melody Bar, in the photo above.)

Let’s remember that Canada has its own (40th) Federal Election October 14, 08. Americans might not know about this, but many Canadians don’t either…  On its eve, it seems, the Conservatives have been chopping arts funding right, left, and center. This fact may influence artists’ votes!

p.s. Regular readers might remember my Potty Pots in Rosedale (three-entry) series, from last year. Elections in Canada, it appears, can coincide with interesting displays of how tax payers’ money is allocated, locally as well as nationally. (For more links, please check out the third entry in the series: Potty Post in Rosedale, Part Three—As Elections Near, September 15, 2007).

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Reacquainting with Toronto

September 17, 2008

 

There’s no better way to get to know your own city than by having visitors in town—a chance to do things you wouldn’t usually, and become more aware of what’s on offer. This past weekend was a good one, event- and weather-wise, to check out places and happenings I hadn’t before:

• The Beach Celtic Festival
Organizers made a point of stating this was a "Beach" activity (not a Toronto one), clarifying, to friends from New York and Boston how the Beaches are a distinct community (from Toronto) and proud to be one. There was a fun atmosphere and a variety of performers.  Fathers as well as daughters had a chance to display their community spirit and dance routines!  (Please see photo at the start of this blog entry.)

• Queen West Art Crawl
Knowing the amount of work and expense that goes into putting up individual displays, I’m not sure how participants might have felt or how the jurying and set-up processes went.  The overall impression/quality appeared mediocre and disappointing to those from other parts.

• Paws Way
This is a "pet discovery" center that appeals to all, non-pet-lovers included, with its animal heroism exhibits and themed lecture series.  The hours and information services are also user-friendly, especially for later on a rainy Saturday afternoon.  (Not clear who the creators/sponsors of this venture are, but the Purina logo is included.)

• The Drake Hotel
Yes, they do make the best afternoon tea scones in town (apart from my own), and the comfort food at the bar isn’t bad either.  Edamame followed by grilled cheese, with champagne, proved an interesting combination!

• Gladstone Hotel
Their Saturday night Karaoke is a lot of fun, for participants and listeners!

• Chippy’s on Queen
If you’ve not tasted the "real thing," these may be as good as it gets in the ‘hood. We didn’t like the cooks touching money and (?), and then the food, without washing their hands in between.  But, a line was building, and maybe they were short-staffed. Can’t really go wrong with chips when they’re home-cut. However, the batter on the fish was a tad crunchy/heavy…  That said, it’s a nice concept and there’s a good menu and price range. The $7.99 (cod) can be enough for two!

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United Airlines: A US Domestic Experience

September 14, 2008

For 2$ a bag you can check in your luggage at the curb, if traveling domestically in the US.  I did this for a Chicago - Boston flight recently.  Inside the terminal, the lines were long.  But for a fee that many others seemed to be paying also, you could, essentially, queue skip.  Interesting process, the lines inside make you want to check-in outside.  But, if there were no lines inside, a revenue-generating op like this might not be possible.  Convenient?  Then there was the plane.  The first one we sat on, for about an hour, had engine problems, so another identical model was prepared a few gates down.  Another hour on, all passengers had deplaned and replaned.  Only two hours late into Boston, frequent flyers appearing unsurprised. Just a typical day with United?  No fuss and no apology messages necessary?  At least that’s what I perceived as someone who isn’t terribly familiar with US domestic aviation practices.

Please check out some of the other entries on this blog about airports and airline travel:

• BMI (British Midland):  First Impressions, September 6, 2008
 
• Airport News Stands: Jennifer Aniston, “Straggler Single”: Uncommon Attention, Common Problems. (Poetry about Dating and Related Blog Entry Links Included), August 22, 2008

• Charter Flights, May 26, 08

• Planes: Flights of Feeling, May 21, 2008

• Traveler’s Poem: From Airport to Destination, May 18, 2008

 

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The Early Bird Gets the Table—Yorkville Not Busy Despite the Toronto International Film Festival (08)

September 11, 2008

 

Last Friday evening, passing through Yorkville, I noticed a bunch of empty tables:  at Sassafraz, Café Nervosa, Dimmi, Remy’s, Lettieri—all the usual hangout corners.  At  6:30 - 7:00 pm you could take your pick.  So, spontaneously, I decided to stick around:  choose a restaurant where I’d not been before—Flow.  Since the dogs were with me, this worked out well. They could perch on the perimeter hedge of the patio in the comfort of their travel bag, with a view out onto the Hazleton Hotel and One.  The waiters were attentive and kind.  A large bowl of iced water was served to them, and a sliver of duck from a complimentary amuse gueule.  My own dinner of blackened cod and root fries, followed by meringue, was also nicely presented and delicious.  It’s very easy to (be made to) feel uncomfortable when dining solo. But, for some reason, I had the contrary experience here.  By 8ish the Ronnie Hawkins Band was heating up on the roof of an adjacent parking lot and the rain had started to come down.  The night was just beginning, and the opening weekend of the Toronto International Film Festival underway…

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(Chrysanthe)MUM’s the Word…and SQUASH

September 1, 2008

 

Labor Day weekend comes around too quickly for those who live in colder climates.  It marks the official end of a summer that’s always too short, and (commercial) reminders pop up everywhere, heralding harvest-time.  (Chrysanthe)mums are beautiful flowers, but they’re also hardy—can withstand crisper nights and mornings.  Then there’s the amazing array of squash that start to fill grocers’ stands. Time to make purée (adding cider, onions, and apple) and stock the freezer with vats of home-made soup, ready for dreary winter days ahead. Even those of us who don’t think we have rituals usually do. Maybe they’re as simple as displaying and sampling seasonal produce!  Mums and squash are two of my most familiar, and favorite, overtures into fall.  What are yours?

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Relationships that Work, No Communication-Glitches: Mazal Tov to Ellen and Portia on their August 16, 08 Wedding!

August 29, 2008

Portia de Rossi was asked about the best (relationship) advice she’d been given prior to her wedding with Ellen de Generes.  Recorded in a People Magazine’s September 1 08 exclusive about their nuptials, she said it came from Wayne Dyer:

"’ Just be kind to each other and be very respectful and considerate.’"

Whether for romantic/intimate relationships, or between friends (close or not), similar "rules" apply.  Kindness, respect, and consideration matter.  Cliché but true, "By doing unto others as we would have done unto ourselves, we can each, in our own special ways, help to make the world a better place, two (people) at a time.

Possible relationship-glitches (listed in random order) come from "happiness blockers" like:

1.  Over-attention to "me" not "we"

2.  Secrecy and manipulation

3.  Jealousy and envy

4.  Broken promises and elusiveness/evasiveness

5.  Lies and deception

6.  Game-playing and mixed messages

7.  Quickness to anger and judgment

8.  "Me" first

Even if someone else treats you badly, or you feel jaded or pessimistic, these are not good enough excuses for acting out/treating others unfairly.  Life is short and precious, and most of us are looking for the same basics—to love and be loved.  How we get there (if we are at all able to), might not be quite as simple or definable, unfortunately.

Possible relationship-glitch-fixers (listed in random order) include "happiness unblockers" like:

1.  Greater attention to an "us"

2.  Openness and consultation/frequent friendly "check-ins"

3.  (Personal) contentment and (genuine) goodwill to others

4.  Word-keeping and being upfront

5.  Honesty and directness

6.  Playing fair and being clear—keeping everyone’s well-being in mind

7.  Patience and flexibility

8.  "You" first

Earlier blog entries on related subjects include:

• Play Nice—Near and Far! (John Edwards too…) (August 13, 2008)

• Manipulation (August 9, 2008)

• No "Please," No "Thank-You," No "Happy" (May 30, 2008)

• Reciprocity (Feb 8, 2008)

• Confidence (Feb1, 2008)

• Give to Give (poem) (Sept 5, 2007)

• Too Good to Be True?  It Is! (August 7, 2007)

• Keep Your Word (July 25, 2007)

• The Courage to Speak Up—Use Poetry (July 10, 2007)

• A and B List Friends (July 8, 2007)

• Make Things Clear—Avoid Misunderstandings (April 17, 2007)

• Abuse Checklists (May 26, 2007)

• Rejection Protection (February 25, 2007)

• Friends Help Friends (December 7, 2006)

• Comparison-Making, Envy, Jealousy (June 23, 06)

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Giving Back, Creatively

August 26, 2008

Artists and academics have opportunities to give back in creative ways, if they’re alert to them.  Sometimes, it simply requires a little extra energy and resourcefulness. There are too many possessions (the fruits of our labours, as well as research/study aids) that we store up, but don’t use.  So, why not donate them to others, and have them put to good use?  

I have been involved with Boston’s Art Connection since 2006, and am thrilled to have had  artwork chosen for display in a dozen of their member-charities.  Yesterday, I drove to Boston to transport 20 more paintings to them.  I also delivered my entire arts therapies journal collection.  The intention is for this to be divided between Lesley University and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA), two of my alma maters.  (Right now, it will be housed at Lesley’s Porter Square campus, at the art therapy core program.)

The journal collection contains:

• Arts in Psychotherapy, 1992 - 2000,  Vol 19 #1 - Vol  27 #3 (42 journals)
• American Journal of Art Therapy, 1992 - 2000, Vol 30 #3 - Vol 38 #4  (32 journals)
• Art Therapy. Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 1992 - 2008, Vol 9 #1 - Vol 25 #1 (55 journals)
• American Art Therapy Association Newsletters, 1992 - 2008, Vol 25 #3 - Vol 12#5 (62 newsletters)
• Canadian Journal of Art Therapy, 1992 - 2008, Vol 6 #1 - Vol 21 #1, and Newsletters (26 journals, 11 newsletters)
• Inscape. Journal of the British Association of Art Therapists,  1984 - 2000 (24 miscellaneous journals and one newsletter)
• Journal of Poetry Therapy, 1993 - 2000. Vol 7 #1 - Vol 13 #3 (25 journals)

Other entries on this blog that look at opportunities for artist-giving, include:

• Creating a Magic Pot: Artists and Community-Giving (May 8, 2008)
• Nuit Blanche/Live With Culture: Give a Litte Get a Lot, Give a Lot Get a Little. C’est la Vie! (September 30, 2007)
• Giving:  Give to Give (September 5, 2008)

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Airport News Stands: Jennifer Aniston, “Straggler Single”: Uncommon Attention, Common Problems. (Poetry about Dating and Related Blog Entry Links Included)

August 22, 2008

Last week, at Pearson in Toronto, airport news stands’ magazine covers heralded Jennifer Aniston’s and John Mayer’s upcoming (fall) nuptials.  That was Wednesday. The next day, Thursday, at O’Hare in Chicago, headlines indicated that their whirlwind relationship was over.  

Some may feel sorry for Aniston.  Others are fed up hearing about her.  In actuality, Aniston’s bumpy romances—where she’s seems to have the mischance to hook up with men who have wandering eyes and/or short-enthusiasm spans—aren’t unusual (no matter how beautiful or famous she is).  

Think of the enormous numbers of "regular people" who experience similar predicaments, over and again.  Between Internet serial dating/perusing, those who constantly look for better (when they have the best right next to them), commitment phobia, and more, there are umpteen reasons why relationships with great potential don’t seem to stick.  And, as time goes by, opportunities for lasting and genuine connection go down.  Coupled friends, who don’t always realize how lucky they are, move on with more stable routines (normal "developmental milestones"/family lives) leaving "straggler singles" out of the loop.  "Straggler singles," might have put equal energy into trying to couple. However, not everyone is gifted with what they want or deserve, no matter how worthy or ready they are for it.

One of the things I love most about poetry is how it manifests timelessness, especially where certain universal messages and themes are concerned.  Writing this blog entry led me back my book, Poetic Wisdom. Revealing and Healing (published 10 years ago, in 1998).  Two poems in it, about dating/relationships, seem to have relevance here.  Please check them out: 

Dating Behaviour
 
There’s dating behaviour
And regular behaviour

To their regular friends,
They’re the "nicest guys"

But, to a blind date,
They can be the worst surprise

A whole other persona is shown,
Which can cause the most tolerant of females to moan

For men on dates,
There’s seldom healthy states

With maturity offering no guarantees,
There are some real grand masters of tease

The stories that they tell,
Yes, they think they’re swell

The return ‘phone calls that they don’t make,
A certain cause of heart-break

The emotional tax that they bill,
Cause for many a female ill

But, if the female seems to brood
She’s the one considered rude

There’s dating behaviour
And, there’s regular behaviour

A New Relationship 

Consideration, sensation, elation
Forming a healthy relation

The gentleness of his touch
His words that mean so much

That softness in his face,
So comforting to be in his space

Encounters of a new kind,
But old wounds are not always left behind

Although his words are sweet,
Do you really know his regular beat?

Although his alibis sound fine,
Why do you worry if he’s giving you a line?

Have you met your match?
You’re falling, but will he catch?

Wanting to be in his arms,
Wanting to feel his charms

Regretting the night without him near,
What did you fear?

How long do we have to wait?
Wanting that feeling of a more secure state

p.s. September 1, 08 People Magazine, found at O’Hare this morning, and read after posting this blog entry, has a brief "scoop" on the Anniston/Mayer breakup.  Apparently, Mayer is quoted as saying, "’I ended a relationship to be alone, because I don’t want to waste somebody’s time if something’s not right.’"  An Aniston source is said to have commented, "’Jennifer is totally fine. John was in love with himself.’"  Again, classic responses/interpretations and typical scenarios, maybe? Uncommon attention, common problems…

For more about dating and relationships, please check out some of the other related entries on this blog.  These include:

• Play Nice—Near and Far! (John Edwards too…) (August 13, 08)

• Single Because, Just Single, or (Im)Perfectly Single: Unscientific Findings (April 13, 08)

• Dating Games and Disappointments, On- and Off-Line: Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker Helps Identify Obstacles to Relationship-Making (January 25, 08)

• Single Woman Syndrome (SWS) (January 30, 07)

• Bad Date Indicators (January 22, 07)

• Dating Know-How—For Serious Daters (December 4, 06)

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PLAY NICE—Near and Far! (John Edwards too…)

August 13, 2008

Whatever you do that involves others requires a shift from "me" to "we" thinking.  Simple in theory, harder in practice.

Keeping everyone happy—and challenges to that—are usually based on three fundamentals, in most instances. Here is a brief  "how to" overview of fundamentals that seem to matter:

Consider:
1. How and why you’ve come together. Are goals similar?
2. What the rules might be—what’s  right and wrong, ethically, morally, circumstantially.
3. Where clarifications are necessary (if rules are bent), so misunderstandings don’t happen, and one party isn’t misled.

Be:
1. Fair and honest
2. Open and respectful
3. Flexible and considerate

…as best you can.  Most people know when they are taking advantage of someone else, and the person being taken advantage of knows too!  Don’t keep (the idea of) a relationship going at any cost in the hope that it’ll get better—because you’re the one who’ll be paying afterwards.

Upsets come from:
1. Being out of synch/selfishness—one person putting their own needs first (saying and doing differently or vice versa).
2. Expectations of both parties not being expressed or agreed upon (in advance or as they shift).  Avoidance isn’t a solution, just a way to upset someone else.  
3. Distractions being allowed to take over (one person changing their priorities, but not telling the other, and not putting in equal effort).

Long distance relationships have higher stakes and extra obstacles:
1. Trust, openness and communication matter even more.
2. Out of site should not be out of mind. (Excuses are easy!)
3. Practical, financial, and emotional realities are all stretched, tested, and differ.

Bottom lines:
1. It’s not all about you!  Never was!
2. Everyone has limited time and energy. Please don’t waste another’s!
3. Consequences happen.  We might not realize at the time how we affect someone else, but a lot of damage can come about from what might be considered "trivial."  As much as you might not be hurting, someone else could be in agony…

Cliché but apt: "Put the shoe on the other foot!"  We all have hopes and dreams, and it takes courage to make oneself vulnerable—even though life is short, and there are only so many opportunities for happiness.  If you know that you are jeopardizing someone else’s well-being by not being upfront and playing things out because it suits you, think again…

Alas!  If things are "too good to be true," they too often can be…  No matter how one conducts oneself in other circumstnaces (or is seen to be to the oustide world), it’s daily enounters, and opporunities for genuine intimacy that reveal who they really are and can be (or not).
 
The most powerful, wealthy, or good-looking among us have the greatest responsibilities and weaknesses, since they may have more possibilites to get away with things. Because of who they are or what they have (regardless of where it comes from) and their bigger-picture "do good" deeds, they can raise the loudest alarm bells!  Entitlement may be an outcome, but not a justification…  

Though news of the the "John Edwards Sex Scandal" is only just breaking, and details and coverage aren’t all clear, this is just another example of what we see not always being what we get.  Or, what we imagine could be possible (and wonder why not) actually being so.  Role models are hard to find, and "everyday people" imitate and get away with much more (than before) just because they can.  Sad, but true, this is something that’s become almost unremarkable socially.

Those who may be seen to have "less going for them" are invariably more reliable—and better at "playing nice!" On-line daters, take heed when making selections!  What impresses and allures on screen, might not in real life!

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MANIPULATION

August 9, 2008

These days, individuals can end up more isolated and self-involved than ever, with the shift from a "me-focus" to a "we-focus" proving difficult. Attention of any type, even if it’s harmful, tends to allure. This is when judgment gets clouded and mistakes are made. Age-old problems, like manipulation, take on fresh force.  No matter how technologically savvy we are—how many "friends" we have on Facebook—basic human-to-human "communication glitches" abound. These need to be dealt with in real-world time, and have real-world consequences. 

Manipulation comes from those whom we least suspect and expect  It creeps up and masquerades as kindness and generosity. Then, suddenly, there’s a wakeup call—a financial, emotional, or physical price to pay to the person who claims to be offering assistance/friendship "out of the goodness of their heart." Alas! The one who’d encouraged us to count on them really had their own agenda all along.  But, ultimately, even this manipulator loses too. The relationship needs to be severed and things can never be the same again. Trust and respect is gone, as well as a whole lot more. Time to move on, as this poetic reflection explains…

Dear Manipulator

You were so nice, so kind
I was so blind

You wanted to be there for me
Talk to me
Look out for me
Help me

Solve each and every problem you thought I had
All those things others never noticed

I don’t know where you came from
But suddenly you were there.

You were everywhere

I couldn’t do without you
But, in reality, you couldn’t do without me

I gave you purpose and cause
You thrived on applause
Being wanted, needed, and knowing

The more I tried to disentangle,
The more you tried to strangle

Disengaging was hard to do
Caused me more angst than you know

Disengaging was hard to do
But it enabled me to grow

When self-esteem is down and we don’t have adequate support networks, we are all the more vulnerable and susceptible to those who survive/thrive on manipulative behavior.  Manipulatolrs usually seek attention to help assuage their own wounds, longings, and lackings.  Exagerated gestures and finding ways to become indispensable may be a ploy to help the manipulator appear valuable to others, as well as important in the wider world.  But, tension mounts when the manipulated feels trapped or deceived.  Self-protection (hopefully) kicks in.  Breaking free takes courages.  It also leads to loss. But loss leads to learning.  Know better for next time!

Earlier blog entries that discuss related topics include:

Reciprocity, Feb 8, 2008

Give to Give, (poem), Sept 5, 2007

Keep Your Word, July 25, 2007

A and B List Friends, July 8, 2007

Friends Help Friends, December 7, 2006

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Best Summer Deal for Yoga: Roots in Rosedale, Toronto

August 7, 2008

With my constantly changing routines and busy travel schedule, I usually find it hard to commit to extra-curricula classes.  Also, I am not a "gym person".  But, this past week, a neighborhood offering met my needs and interests admirably.  Roots’ flagship store in Rosedale has free one-class passes for their yoga studio.  Stimulated by the first class, I decided to take advantage of a "summer special"—unlimited classes for a week for $20. Though classes are reduced in number for the season, there were enough to meet my needs, and four out of five were enjoyable—especially the pilates. The studio is low-key, no mirrors or fancy accessories, and appears to have a regular clientele (all female).  Positioned at the back of the building (away from Yonge Street) the view of tree-tops through the window is well-planned and soothing.  And, eventually, you stop noticing the rattles of the subway line down below.  Definitely a positive experience!

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(Not) Compelled to Join. Social Networking Happenings

August 4, 2008

Have you heard of WAYN (Where Are You Now?)? An interesting concept! I hadn’t until I got repeated e-mails from them a few months ago. Apparently, an acquaintance had added me as a "friend" and I needed to confirm that we do, indeeed, know each other. The first notification said I had three messages waiting for me. Then, a matter of hours later, I got another notification stating that I needed to "confirm friendship" and that I had 11 messages waiting for me. (I didn’t respond.) And, just as WAYN stopped e-mailing, another unknown (to me) Canadian/Ontario social networking site began, Two Ones.  Another "acquaintance," apparently, wanted me join him there. Only two notifications this time. (Again, I didn’t respond.) How many on-line social/networking groups can one join, and be active with on an on-going basis—especially if invitees who already know each other (and are seldom in contact) off-line?  More to the point, how much time is it possible to spend on-line?  What’s happened to old-fashioned ways of going out and making "real live friends"—spending actual time with people you’ve known for a while , or would like to meet in person.  As many others have done, for professional reasons, and due to "friends’" urging, I joined Facebook, Myspace, and Linked In.  However, I have only been moderately active with one of them—Facebook.  This is the site that where the majority of people I know (or one might believe I know) seem to be active, for one reason or another… 

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Drinking Problems in Ontario, Canada: Ironies, Causes, and Comparisons

July 31, 2008

 

Little wonder there needs to be public service announcements advising against drinking and driving (while operating water vehicles).  The LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) occupies prime real estate in popular lakeside locations.  In Killarney and Port Carling, their properties are waterfront.  Look at Port Carling’s pick-up dock (in the photo posted above).  On a recent road trip through Northern Ontario, no matter the basics communities seemed to lack, government liquor stores appeared prominent and dominant.  Maclean’s Canada Day double issue, with a feature offering the "startling facts" about Canadians vs Americans" gave interesting statistcs. Apparently, 27% of Canadians conusme alcholhoic drinks "at least ‘a few times a week’" compared to 19% of Americans.  Also, 1.3% of Canadians’ household expenditure goes on alcohol compared to 1% of Americans’.

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One to One at Apple: Customer Satisfaction and Doggies Included

July 26, 2008

Apple raises the bar on customer service and satisfaction, encouraging repeat business and spontaneous purchases. Win-win for everyone!

With their Procare and One to One assistance, you can get Apple technical support (for 15 mins) and/or personal instruction (for one hour) weekly.  Annual fees are very reasonable, and trainers savvy, friendly, and versatile.  Also, depending on location, canine assistants have been known to enjoy participating too!  

Lev and Sage are always eager to learn, and happy to observe from their travel bag.

 

Lev (as editor in chief of this blog) is pensive. 

Sage (as editor in chief of the DocSusan website) takes his job seriously (sometimes).

p.s.  Please note that the Eaton Centre Apple Store will be "undergoing renovations" mid-August for 10 weeks, so their space and services will be reduced during that time.

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Art Shows: Business Priorities Versus Exhibitor Satisfaction

July 23, 2008

Tis the season when artists get solicited to apply to art shows.  And, when you’re juried in (supposedly chosen by noteworthy judges, due to your artwork being of a particular standard) it’s easy to feel chuffed.  In fact, the excitement might help you overlook how much you then have to pay to register (on average, between $1000 and $3000) exclusive of accommodation, transportation, importation tarifs, printing, and other costs.  

Having participated in three international shows, back to back (December 2007 - April 2008), Florence Biennale, Toronto Art Expo, The Artist Project (Chicago), I’ve had ample chance to discover the expectations and disappointments such experiences can generate.  While the organizers make money (mostly from the artists), artists can feel short-changed and become frustrated for a variety of reasons:

1.  Feedback isn’t seen to be responded to, or remedied, when things go wrong, or aren’t as suggested.
2.  Conditions (for setup and takedown) can be as exhausting as they might be chaotic.  There are a lot of logistics, but not every protocol is logical.
3.  Booth location might be unfair (yielding unequal opportunities)—attached to seniority of participants, favoritism, or the luck of the draw.
4.  Advertising and ticket sales (on the show’s part) might be insufficient.
5.  Inconsistencies (who gets away with showing/selling reproductions) or expands beyond their allotted physical space could be overlooked.
6.  Excess charges for sundries, like lighting, electricity, flooring and furniture, usually supplied by third parties (that aren’t as good quality as advertised) can mount up, unnecessarily.
7.  Out-of-towners travel expenses receive little, if no, subsidy.
8.  Shipping (from out-of-town) is problematic, organizers neither subsidizing charges nor helping resolve practical/procedural complications.

Of course, the above is just a partial list.  The photos included below (taken at The Artist Project, 08) reveal additional glitches. All photos were taken during show hours, and this is just a small selection:

1. Busy aisle (but booth 4123A was almost the only booth not in an aisle).  Caution:  Object to being isolated. Neighbors matter!


2. Display and cleaning closet alongside each other. Caution:  What’s next to you is important.


3. Empty café opposite the booth.  Caution:  A café might appear like an attraction, but only if people go to it…


4. Garbage bin infront of display frequently. Caution:  Nice to have amenities close by, but not that close…


5. Endless cleaning stuff passing in front.  Caution:  In an out-of-the-way booth, distractions like these don’t make things any better!


6. Open closet and show guests, side-by-side.  Caution:  Not every booth can be ideally placed, if organizers are maximizing on floor space (and revenue).


7.  Traffic flow to the aisle marked "exit" (misses the booth completely).  Caution:  Organizers might argue that this is not a "problem," but when they bypass the booth, themselves, distributing "feedback forms" it’s a little ironic.


8.  Raised wall joints that make hanging difficult.  Caution:  After-the-fact, you might be told that these could have been attended to.  But, by whom and how at a time when any "special request" makes it seem like you’re a "fuss-pot"?

 

Typically, show organizers, no matter the stature of their show, appear unconcerned about responding to individual artist feedback post show, or prepared to compensate for problems.  Instead, it seems, their focus is on group solicitations for follow-up shows (expanding revenue options). There are plenty of fresh artists eager to exhibit their work who’d be thrilled to have it accepted (regardless of organizational issues and expense)!

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Rainbow on Yonge Street, Toronto

July 21, 2008

With all the thunderstorms of late, there’s also been a lot of rainbows.  Hopefully, that means (a lot of) good luck is on its way.  Check out this rainbow on a usually drab section of Yonge Street (close to Yonge/St Clair).  An ordinary evening can become special in an instant, if we’re open to acknowledging it…

 

 

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Older Dogs’ Health Watch

July 10, 2008

Older dogs are like well-worn gloves. They fit perfectly, but shouldn’t be taken forgranted.   We don’t know when they’ll fall apart, or how. But, if we are careful with them, they can enjoy long happy and healthy lives.  

As shown throughout the DocSusan blog and website, Lev and Sage are my best friends, room-mates, editors, studio assistants, exercise coaches, and a whole lot more.  Most days, all is well with them. They know my quirks and I know theirs. But, as they’ve gotten older, I’ve become a little more cautious and concerned at the least sign of illness. Because of their size and age, I realize that things can happen very quickly, and signs and symptoms must be taken seriously and acted on without delay. On April 2nd 08, I posted a blog entry about this, Veterinary Emergencies. Three months later, I’m already reporting fresh developments…

From the end of May through June, Sage had had a strange sneeze. First it was every few days. Then it was a couple of times a day, and only coming from his left nostril. His eating and walking seemed normal, and he was sleeping well at night (not snoring, as others with congestion might). However, I was still anxious. Round one of trips to the vet led us to Children’s Benadryl.  Doctor Rachel Wolfson, a dedicated young vet at Rosedale Animal Hospital was very attentive.  As well as presribing this allergy medication, she also took bloodwork. We stayed in touch as Sage’s condition, despite clear bloodwork (and the Benadryl) didn’t seem to change. Doctor Cindy Kneebone at East York Animal Hospital added homeopathy to the mix, as well as giving Sage a head Xray, where nothing unusual was found. For three weeks after this, we carefully monitored developments. Then, finally, no improvement, and with more obvious discomfort shown by Sage—not being able to walk more than a few steps without sneezing—we sought specialist help.

Doctor Doug Mason at Toronto’s Veterinary Emergency Clinic gave us a same day appointment, and performed investigative surgery. After a Catscan and numerous other tests, an abscess (and related build-up) were removed from behind one of Sage’s teeth (which had to come out). A complete course of antibiotics and pain killers followed. Now, we are looking more closely at Sage’s entire mouth and gums, to determine if other teeth need to be extracted or not. Doctor Sharon French, a veterinary dental specialist who consults with Toronto Zoo (and is also at Toronto’s Veterinary Emergency Clinic) is now involved with Sage’s case, and has prescribed Maxiguard Oral Cleansing Gel.  So far, so good. We like her, and her approach!

Apparently, gum disease is not an uncommon problem with older small dogs, like Sage.  Unfortunately, undetected, it can be life-threatening.  I realize, because of the expediency and caring of a diverse group of of vets, and my constant vigilance and concern, Sage’s life has been saved.  I caution other pet owners not to overlook any of their pets’ symptoms, however fussy they may believe other people think they are. Our pets mean so much to us!

Unfortunately, veterinary interventions come at a price. Future blog articles will look at typical pet healthcare costs.  It is sad to know how many dogs are put to sleep, owners (understandably) unable to keep up with the bills for  treatment, or prepared to administer (complicated) medications.

p.s.  End of August update: Our claim through PetCare (all parts of it, including those not related to dental/mouth conditions) was denied.  There will be a lot more in future blog entries about this, as well as a closer look at veterinary practice, procedures, and accountablity, as well as insurance company savvy.

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Pringles and Ipod for Long-Distance Drives

July 9, 2008

Long solo drives (like Chicago-Toronto) require easy snacking and easy listening.  When there’s no one sitting next to you to pass treats, change a CD, or take over the driving, it’s important to know how to be self-reliant.  Experience has taught me to eat right and light.  Pringles’ small Grab and Go containers (2.8oz/80g) are about as easy a solution as possible for a quick tasty bite that doesn’t make the steering wheel sticky.  They’re also easy to get out of the pack—wedge between the legs and don’t crumb. The Sour Cream and Onion have just enough seasoning, without leaving a strong after-taste.  For entertainment, the Ipod works great—that is if you’ve programed a play-list.  No CDs to change or screen to look at. Just plug in and go!

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Summertime Can Divide Canadians

July 7, 2008

Summertime in Canada, (particularly Ontario), at first glance, seems to divide the population into two:  those who have cottages and those who don’t.  Those who have cottages enjoy miles of private shorelines.  Those who don’t can find it hard to gain access to a lot of areas—no parking allowed without resident permit and scant public facilities.  Even when a beach is public, regulations can be prohibitive—with limited hours, no pets, parking and entry charges, and more. A  Sunday afternoon trip to West Kirby, last month, prompted me to think about summertime phenomena and marvel at the old-world charm and simplicity of the setting—few obvious restrictions and daytrip fun for all without fees or memberships.  Please look below to glimpse (on-going) pleasures of British yesteryear:  families, dogs, adult kids, fisherman, and sailors welcome.

 

 

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NATURE’S WONDERS Caught on Camera: Keep Your EYES OPEN

July 4, 2008

Keep your eyes open—and camera handy—wherever you are, even close to home.  Nature will surprise, delight and astonish if you give her time and consideration.

Some things are easy to pass by. Others make us stop and pay attention:

• Tree stumps by a dried up river bed:  Connecticut, US, November 07

• Frost coated fallen apples:  Liverpool, UK, December 07

 

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“Dirty Dancing”—A Mid-Week Deal in Toronto

June 20, 2008

Earlier this week, I was excited to be part of a quartet that attended Dirty Dancing, at the Royal Alex Theatre in Toronto.  We took advantage of a mid-week special (four tickets for the price of three), making a spontaneous same-day purchase.  Sometimes, the best night’s entertainment happens when you don’t have long-term plans for it, but break routine.

Not only were the sets and costumes superb, but the cast was consistent and well-chosen.  This wasn’t the kind of show that had you wondering when the interval was going to happen. And beyond the actual performance, we were also struck by deeper story-lines, like that of a nuclear family with two adult-children.  

Siblings often have distinct personalities (and outcomes), and the daughters, Frances and Lisa, were excellent examples of this.  Sometimes, one child can be seen to do no wrong, and the other child, no right.  One has "higher goals" and she is misunderstood. The other ’s behavior is less commendable, but she’s more likely to get away with it (though not grow from her mistakes).  Also, parents often seem to forget their own pasts when making suppositions and demonstrating differential treatment.  Not knowing (or attempting to learn) all the facts, and making judgments for the wrong reasons can be problematic, unless non-family members have a chance to intervene.

Though much of the music was familiar, and there was a strong urge to want to go home and get dancing lessons, this staging of Dirty Dancing, it was clear, offered more than the immediately obvious.  Seeing the movie years ago, I’d been more focused on visual and auditory effects.  This time around (perhaps helped by the stellar performances of the leads) it was refreshing to be able to consider deeper messages and meanings. Lively afer-show discussion ensued!

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KLIMT at the TATE in Liverpool

June 16, 2008

 

Yet another accolade for Liverpool this month!  The