House of Blues Chicago

I had no idea how cool the House of Blues, Chicago is you guys! Someone should have told me sooner! Of course, I knew it existed as a concert venue, but that's about it. I went to see Mike Doughty play there last night and was amazed at the entire experience. LOVED it! First of all, I love me some folk art and this place is jammed with it. Of course it makes sense and all, blues culture and the folk art asthetic go together, duh! My friend N and I had dinner downstairs before the show and I couldn't get enough of the art and decor in general. I think I even said, "I want to live here. I love it!"

So I did some searching and the HoB is, of course a chain. There are 13 locations throughout the country. Chicago opened in 1996. The first location opened in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1992. It's no longer open, but there is a Boston location. Obviously Chicago isn't the one and only, although this location felt authentic, not chain-y, which I appreciated greatly.

A tiny taste of the art/decor. This is from the "front porch" before you walk into the restaurant area on the first floor.

Yours truly, at dinner. This pic was originally super dark, but after tweaking with the levels, the overall vibe fits.

Crossroads at House of Blues Cornbread appetizer. Love the mini skillet and it was delicious!

Crossroads at House of Blues side of cole slaw. Red cabbage, carrots, cilantro and a light dressing.

Crossroads at House of Blues Trio of Cheese Rigatoni. I don't remember all three cheeses, but there was a hidden blanket of melty cheese in the middle of that mess of noodles. The sauce had a nice kick to it.

Clink clink clink

What my left wrist looks like lately. The stack of metal bangles combined with my trusty and non-traditional-looking Swatch. Until finding this combination, I've never really been a fan of wearing a mess of bracelets at once, but I love the tiny musical clink, clink, clink notes that emanate from my wrist now.

Na Na Nothing

Taco Boy

If you ask most people in Grand Rapids to name a locally owned place to get a burrito, they'll likely name one of three places - the Beltline Bar, Maggie's Kitchen or Taco Boy. Taco Boy is a bit of a Grand Rapids restaurant institution. The Beltline Bar is known for wet burritos, and to be honest, I haven't been there in ages so I won't carry on about it (not my favorite). Maggie's Kitchen is a favorite spot of mine, but it's nowhere near my office, so it's more of a weekend/day off place to grab a bite. Taco Boy, on the other hand, has a location close to my work and we eat lunch there OFTEN. And by often I mean at least once a week. Sometimes twice, usually it's when one of us didn't go on the first visit of the week.

The first time I ever went to Taco Boy was in high school. I had friends that lived near one and they kept talking about how if we ever go, the "taco meat burrito" is the only thing to order. It's known as their best menu item. This vegetarian has even had one. It was back in the day, before I stopped eating meat.

These days I get their bean and cheese burrito with onions and it does the trick. The other gem about Taco Boy is their hot sauce. It's awesome! It's gotta be home made. They keep it near the counter and as you can see in the photo, you fill up as many tiny cups as you need and administer it as needed. It's on the spicy side. I'm a bit of light weight when it comes to hot sauce...it only go through two cups. One of my work friends who digs on the hot sauce uses five, so you get the idea!

It's nothing fancy, really, it's just good. The food is consistent. The decor is pretty simple and clean. They get an interesting mix of people - office kids like me and my work pals, dudes working the trades - there are usually a few work trucks in the parking lot. Everyone's a Taco Boy at heart, because it's soo good!

The Interrupters

I'm listening to an interview with Ameena Matthews on The Story. She's featured in a documentary called The Interrupters about "violence interrupters" in Chicago. This is something else! The movie apparently played at UICA and I missed seeing it. I didn't know! So bummed that I missed it. It looks amazing. Check out the trailer and a clip below and you can listen to the interview with Ameena by clicking The Story link above. Powerful stuff!

Happiness

Today is my mom's birthday! I was fortunate enough to be able to celebrate it with her! We went to out to dinner - veg Pad Thai! Then we had dessert buffet from Marie Catrib's! Peanut butter pie, chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting and carrot cake. So grateful for my mom! Happy Birthday, mom! I love you!

Oatmeal Bread

This recipe has been a favorite of mine for years. It's my mom's recipe and I've literally been making it since probably middle or high school. Long time, folks! In my book a recipe works when the actual prep is super simple and the end result is tasty and you find yourself going back to it time and time again.

This bread is delish for a weekend brunch or with soup for a quick dinner. Try it and see how you like it.

Oatmeal Bread

3 cups flour (I've used plain white flour or a combination of white and whole wheat)

5 tsp. baking powder

1 Tbsp. salt

1 1/2 cups quick oats, uncooked (If you use old fashioned oats, give them a spin in the food processor to break them down a bit.)

1 1/4 cups milk (regular or soy)

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 lg egg

Heat the oven to 350. Grease and flour a 9"x5"x3" bread pan.

Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. You can use a sifter to mix everything together or just use a whisk to stir all the dry ingredients together.

Combine the milk, honey, oil and egg in a smaller bowl. Whisk to combine. Then stir the dry into the dry ingredients. Mix together well until all the dry bits are incorporated and you've got something that resembles bread dough. Spread dough into the pan. Bake 55-60 minutes until golden brown. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack before serving.

Dry ingredients, minus the oats. I used half all purpose flour and half whole wheat flour.

Wet ingredients.

Wet and dry ingredients mixed together = dough.

Fresh out of the oven! Chilling on a wire rack.

Hi

I saw this simple little missive at a stop light while I was out running errands this afternoon. I wonder about the person who painted it and how many people among the thousands who must stop at that light every day actually see it. For Grand Rapids folks, it's the 28th Street West exit off 96 heading east.

I'm so happy I spied it and that I had enough time to capture the image to remember it by. I love it when I'm present enough to see and experience the unexpected. It always makes me think that anything can happen. Wonderful, amazing things!

Here's to experiencing the unexpected and welcoming wonderful, amazing things into our lives!

Phantom

I've had this odd feeling for the last 36-48 hours. The best way I can describe it is that I feel like I'm forgetting something. Or that I'm missing out on something or that there's somewhere I'm supposed to be. But I feel like there's another layer to it that I can't quite put my finger on.

I've said a prayer to St. Anthony (patron saint of lost things).

I've carried on my own monologue similar to when Iona in Pretty in Pink is telling Andie about her girlfriend who didn't go to her prom, "Once and a while she gets this terrible feeling, like something is missing. She checks her purse and her keys, she counts her kids, she goes crazy. And then she realizes that nothing is missing. She decided it was side effects from skipping the prom."

I can't even claim that. I went to my prom. That's another story for another time. If you're good, some day I may tell you about it.

What do you do when you can't put your finger on what you're feeling? I talk about it and write about it in hopes that I can reach it. I realized while talking about it with friends at work that the timing of this feeling creeping into my psyche aligns almost perfectly with a schedule that is for the first time in MONTHS quite clear.

Since the beginning of the year my focus was training for RiverBank Run, which was in May. Then I started training for the marathon, which was on October 16. A few weeks before the marathon I scheduled to have a few girlfriends over for an Arbonne get together. That happened last night. For the full week leading up to Halloween, I was busy with costume prep. So now, there's nothing major on the map in foreseeable future and I think that's why I'm feeling squirrely.

This too shall pass. I obviously have a hard time just being still. I might want to dig into that and do some meditation or something.

Om.

Yoga keeps popping into my head too. We talked about classes last night and I had a major "you should start doing yoga again" feeling last week. This "am I missing something?" feeling could be telling me to get quiet, be still and just be for now. Maybe then I'll figure out what it really is. I'll see what I can do to facilitate that this weekend.

What are you doing this weekend?

Hear me. Right here.

Do you know the difference between the words tousled and tussled? How about the words shawl and shaw? How about dolled and dulled? Dessert and desert? Here and hear? Your and you're? Its and it's?

I came across the first four malapropisms in various online venues over the last few days. And see here/hear, your/you're and it's/its misused on the regular.

A salon blog uses the word "tussled" like it has something to do with hair. They use it as the TITLE of the blog! If I were dead, I'd be turning in my grave. Maybe the hairstyles are fighting?

A fashion blogger I used to follow used the word "shaw" to describe that piece of clothing worn over a women's shoulders to fend off a chill. I happened upon it when searching for Halloween costume ideas. One shaw I can think of is Mr. Aidan Shaw and he'd be welcome to drape over my shoulders to keep me warm any time.

John Corbett as Aidan Shaw in SATC 2

A local arts organization tweeted about being all "dulled up" for a big announcement they were about to make. Hopefully the announcement itself doesn't put people to sleep for being lackluster.

A local, well-known and loved restaurant retweeted someone's twit pic of the "desert" they had enjoyed at the restaurant. Shaking my head on that one. Really? Here's how it works: There's only one "s" in desert because it's so hot and dry that the other "s" dried up. Dessert has two because its extra sweet.

If you're using the written word to communicate with others, to promote yourself, your own brand or the brand you work for, your life might not depend on using words properly, but it might end up affecting your livelihood. Impressions are formed. Your one tweet, Facebook post or one blog post is the only chance you have to make an impression.

For the record I write and edit copy for a living, so I'm ALWAYS looking for mistakes, but not in a "hehe, I'm going to catch all the grammar dummies" way. I basically can't not see mistakes. Once I see them, I make an assumption and I'm sure I'm not the only one doing this. I also clearly understand that people posting casually as individuals have developed a more relaxed way of communicating. I can look past that. I also know that mistakes are made and missed in the editing process. But I'll always be surprised when I see that it coming from a company, an individual professional or an established organization.

One thought: I should start an editing business.

Another thought: We've all been doomed by the dumbing down of America. Texting, tweeting and communicating in soundbites has made people care less and less about grammar and proper use of the English language.

I'll just keep writing/editing and ranting when I see prime examples of misuse.

Vegetarian French Onion Soup

I have a thing for melty blankets of cheese. And bread. I'm so into the cheese that most of the time, I have a rule that I don't purchase cheese unless it's for a specific recipe. And my bread rule includes only purchasing Ezekiel Sprouted Grain bread for regular consumption. You know, because it's good for me in that whole grain, complete protein, granola-crunchy way and not super processed. These days I'm hooked on making peanut butter toast. A while back it was avocado toast. End Ezekiel toast tangent.

Well my friends, rules are made to be broken! This soup has both cheese and non-Ezekiel bread and yeah, there's some actual liquid called onion soup in the bowl too! It's one of the most simple soups I make and one of the most deliciously cozy for a cold fall or winter meal. Make it the next time you're craving warmth in a bowl.

Sweating to the oldies, I mean onions...

Almost done...

Warm, toasty and melty...ready for dinner. Get in my belly!

Vegetarian French Onion Soup

1/4 to 1/2 stick of butter (use less if you use 1 large onion, more if you use more onions)

1 to 2 large sweet onions, sliced into rings

1 carton vegetarian broth

1 can vegetarian broth (however you can get to about 6 cups broth)

1 bay leaf

about a 1/2 tsp thyme

cooking sherry

crusty french bread sliced on the diagonal into rounds then lightly toasted

melty white cheese of your choice, shredded (Lots of recipes use Gruyere. I used a combination of provolone and muenster this time.)

salt and pepper to taste

1. In a large stock pot, melt the butter over low to medium heat. Add onion rings, sprinkle with a bit of salt. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes stirring gently. Reduce heat to very low and cook for 45-50ish minutes until the onions are tender and browned.

2. Once onions are tender and browned, turn heat back to medium and add two to three large serving spoons of cooking sherry, sprinkle in thyme. Cook and stir gently for about two minutes.

3. Add broth. Simmer for at least 30 minutes.

4. Cut your bread into rounds. Toast or broil them so they are crisp.

5. Shred chosen cheese.

5. If you used the broiler for your toast rounds, then you're one step ahead of the game. With the broiler on, assemble your oven-proof soup bowls. I butter the edge of the bowl lightly to help make cleaning up melty cheese bits less of a chore. Ladle soup into bowl, arrange bread rounds to cover the bowl's surface area (honestly this is a personal preference step. Use however many will fit into your bowls or how many (or few) you prefer. I used three because that's what filled up the bowl's surface area. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and place the entire bowl very carefully on the top rack of your oven under the broiler. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Carefully remove from broiler, and prepare to enjoy. As servers often say in restaurants, "be careful, this dish is very hot!" Try not to burn your fingers touching the bowl once it's on the table and try not to burn your tongue as you dig into the soup!

NaBloPoMo

K over at Two Adults, One Brown Baby posted yesterday that she's participating in National Blog Posting Month, which starts today. While I've heard of NaBloPoMo, read and enjoyed the fruits of other blogger's labor while it's gone on, I've never participated. So, I thought about it for about two minutes and then said, "this is so the kick in the writing/blogging pants that I needed."

I started this blog as a place to capture my thoughts, the funny "I can't believe that happened" stories, life observations and the occasional photo. Blogging here is something I often think I'd like to do more of, but then wonder if I could generate enough content. I follow plenty of fun and talented bloggers who likely started the same why I did, just looking for a creative outlet. I'm hoping that by participating in NaBloPoMo that I find a creative spark that makes me want to continue blogging more regularly.

And one more thing. NaBloPoMo make me think of the following:

Po' Boy sandwich, which after reading the po boy wiki totally grosses me out.

SloMo: I attended my first University of Michigan football game ever over the weekend and we did the wave, which was fun in and of itself. Then. Get this. Then we went into SloMo!

BloPop: These always end up hurting the top of my mouth. Not my favorite candy. And the gum is always sick.

That is all. See you tomorrow!

another layer

...there's this thing that I do. Actually it's something that I say and I had an awareness tonight about why I do it. For someone who's worked really hard to not seek validation from outside myself, there's a sneaky way I'm still sort of doing it. And now that I realize it, I've got one more thing to work on. So many layers...

My First Marathon

The "controversial" short sleeve shirt (all the others I have from this race are long sleeved!), my bib and the MEDAL!!

I ran my first marathon on Sunday, October 16, 2011, the Grand Rapids Marathon! Since I started running in 2008, getting to this point was somewhat a foregone conclusion. It was just a matter of when. This year with six half marathons under my belt and a great experience running my third Riverbank Run 25k (that's about 15.5 miles for you non-runners!) I decided this was the year to tackle a marathon, 26.2 miles!

My running buddy A and I looked for a training program, consulted with our running friends and family members and decided to use Hal Higdon's Novice 1 18-week training schedule. I really liked the training program. The miles bumped up each week and then drop back every few weeks so you have an easier recovery week, then you bump up again. And so it goes for 18 weeks.

My longest run to date had been the 2o miler we did three weeks prior to the race. That went surprisingly well and didn't seem overly difficult. So going into the marathon, everything after 20 miles was this great unknown. I had heard and read tons of stories of runner's "hitting the wall." I didn't know what would happen to me after the 20 mile mark and was a little nervous.

I made sure to get lots of rest the week heading into the race and tried to stay away from junky food (even more than normal). We picked up our race packets Saturday morning, then went out for pre-race pasta Saturday night after carbing up since Thursday. I lined up all my gear and was in bed early to catch a good night's sleep.

The alarm went off at 5:00 a.m., as I laid in bed I heard the sound of rain. This runner's worst weather enemy. I'll run in the rain, but I HATE doing it. I've run two Riverbank 25k races in the rain. I couldn't imagine running my first marathon in the rain, but was prepared to do it. Luckily it was barely sprinkling when we got to the start and were lining up in the start chute. We wore disposable rain ponchos to stay warm and dry while were waiting for the start. About two miles in, it wasn't raining anymore and I ditched the poncho.

Being really familiar with the course, we run parts of it all the time and our 20 mile run was on the course, the miles clicked by pretty easily. Knowing what to expect was nice for a first time marathon. That's one of the main reasons we wanted the Grand Rapids Marathon to be our first marathon. I had done the half marathon three times, the race is very well organized and supported (shout out to Race Director Don Kern!), we'd have home course advantage and we wouldn't have to travel.

Once we got out of Millennium Park between miles 12 and 13, I caught back up with A. We were near the 4:44 pace group and she said something like, "why are we going so fast?" I was like, "I'm not! I don't know, why are you?" since she had been slightly ahead of me for about half of the park part of the course. She then took off! Everyone runs their own race.

The course crosses over the Grand River from Veterans Memorial Parkway to Indian Mounds Drive two different times on a bluish-green bridge. The first time is between miles 13 and 14. The part of the course on Indian Mounds Drive is NOT my favorite part of the course. You run part of it for the Riverbank 25K and it just seems to go on forever. It's an out and back next to the river with trees on both sides and very few landmarks. It's literally like being on a nature treadmill because you feel like your not getting anywhere.

Our friends and their kids were on the course between mile 17 and 18, nearing the turn around, so I got to see them and get their energetic cheers and high fives twice! It means so much to see friends and family on the course! Heck, even people you don't know cheering you on is a great thing! You can carry that energy with you as you run.

After slapping some high fives, I headed back down Indian Mounds. To this point I was feeling great and keeping a relatively good pace. Miles 19, 20, 21 and 22 is when I really started to feel the fact that I was running a marathon though. My lower back was was crying out a bit. My quads and calves were getting tight. I stopped and stretched a couple times and had starting walking through the aid stations, but the good news: I wasn't in pain. My lungs felt good and overall I was feeling good considering what I was doing (a freaking marathon!!!) and how long I had been running!

Running back on Indian Mounds, I kept looking toward the river to see if I could see the blue bridge through the trees. It always felt like I should be able to see the bridge any given second. It took a little longer than that! Oh, and once you DO see the bridge, you have to run by it and do another short out and back! Cruel! I knew that before from looking at the course map, but being out there and running it seemed especially cruel!

Around the time we saw the 4:44 pace team, I told A that as long as I stayed between the 4:44 team and the Al Gore 4:58 pace team I'd be happy. It was in the short out and back stretch heading back toward the bridge that Al Gore snuck up on me. I could hear the team coming. I tried pushing myself to go a little faster, to give it a little more. Then they were right by me. Ugh! I thought, maybe I'll just run in with them. I kept up for a little bit, but the inconvenient truth I'll now share with you, I got passed by Al Gore.

Luckily, our running buddy F had said he'd meet us out on the course around 22 or 23 and run us in. We thought we'd be running together. Running alone, I wasn't sure if he'd meet up with A and stick with her or run with her for a bit and come find me. I was so happy to see him in his neon yellow shirt between the 22 and 23 mile marker! It was the boost I needed. I was feeling a little spacey at that point. Trying to talk to him, I really had to concentrate on my words and I noticed my voice was really quiet and my speech was coming out slower than I would normally speak. It was surreal. Every bit of energy I had was being dedicated to keeping my legs moving, my heart pumping and my lungs breathing!

There are lots of people walking on and off at this point too. I did NOT want to walk. One of my many running mantras is "just keep moving." I stretched a little more often and when I did walk a few times it was not for very long at all. My motivation was finishing! At one point, I asked F, "Why am I doing this? This is crazy!" But I kept moving.

Getting out of Butterworth Park and passing the last aid station there's about a mile and a half to the finish. Just run east on Wealthy, take a couple turns and then the finish would be in sight. When we turned onto Front Street I started get a little misty-eyed just thinking about what I'd been through to that point, the 18 weeks of training, the nearly 5 hours of running already in one single day and I was so close to seeing the finish line! I even picked up my pace a little bit, surprising myself and F. Although it didn't last long, it proved I had just a little more energy than I thought.

Turning the final corner and crossing Fulton, the finish line was now in sight. The spectators were more plentiful. Crossing over Lake Michigan Drive, I started looking for my mom. When I saw her, I went over and gave her a hug. That's when the misty eyes came back. I was about to become a marathoner! I picked up my pace and finished my first marathon strong. I heard my name over the loud speaker as I crossed the finish line. Don Kern stands at the finish congratulating every finisher. I gave him a hug and said, "I'm so glad you're right here right now. Thank you so much for this race!"

I then went on a few steps to get my medal. That's when the waterworks came. I tried to take the medal from the volunteer or assist as she put it around my neck and she said, "no, let me..." So I did. She gave me a hug and I thanked her and was all emotional. I don't even know what I said. She asked if it was my first marathon and I managed to say yes. Big time moment in my life! I'm a marathoner!! I'm getting emotional right now even thinking about it.

Then I found my people, the people who supported me on this journey. Their support helped me cross the finish. I gave my fellow marathoner A a huge hug of congratulations. We did it!! I thanked F for running me in. And went on to find my mom who had flowers for us!

The rest of the day after that is sort of blur. There was a celebratory post-race lunch - veggie burger, fries and a diet coke at Red Robin. Our normal post-race pancake place was closed by the time we were ready to eat! Bummer. Then I didn't do anything else too ambitious for the rest of the day!

The muscles that started feeling tight during the last leg of the race continued their guitar string-like tension in the days following the race. Stairs were a challenge, as was sitting down and then standing back up again. A massage on Tuesday evening helped my muscles return to normal though. I was taking the stairs at work and feeling like, "what marathon?" by Wednesday.

The one thing that I wasn't expecting, I started feeling sick on Tuesday at work. It started with the sneezing! I guess you literally can run yourself into the ground! I've had what seems to be a head cold since Tuesday. I've been taking Airborne and getting plenty of rest all week though to head back to full health!

This is what a marathoner looks like! Happy! Taken after post-race clean up on way to lunch.

So would I do it again? Absolutely, I would! And I will! I'm amazed by the experience I've had and that how sticking to a solid (training) plan you really can accomplish anything you set your mind to. This obviously applies to life as well!

ArtPrize 2011 #5

ArtPrize has officially left the building, until next year! I still have a bunch of pics that never made the blog, so here's one last post.

ArtPrize founder Rick DeVos has said ArtPrize is about fostering conversations about art. Each year there's usually a ton of discussion about the Top Ten and the winners. This year was no exception to that rule and I felt it was the most controversial to date. Lots of sad pandas over the Top Ten and top three winners. I was happy that Site:Lab was honored with the "Outstanding Venue" award. Given all that, I'm still a fan of ArtPrize and the art and creative people and energy it brings to Grand Rapids for a few weeks in the fall. If you want a list of the Top Ten, it's all spelled out nicely on the ArtPrize site. Let's just say that I'm looking forward to some fresh art and artists hitting ArtPrize next year and getting into the Top Ten!

With that, here are some snaps of a few interesting pieces I took in during my jaunts through ArtPrize...remember, you can click on any photo for a LARGER view!

Untitled no. 1, Jennifer Cronin

Shown at Grand Rapids Public Museum

Serious Business, Steve Toornman

Shown at the Grand Rapids Public Museum

Rain, Lynda Cole

Shown at the Grand Rapids Public Museum

Four on the Floor, Observed, Karen Bondarchuk

Shown at the Grand Rapids Public Museum

Detail, Generations, Mark Chatterley

Shown at the Grand Rapids Public Museum

Have Sticks Will Travel, Jonathan Brilliant

Shown at Kendall

American Icon, Jennifer O'Meara

Shown at the Grand Rapids Art Museum

Bath, Keith Pakkala

Shown at Minty Keen

ArtPrize 2011 #4, Site:Lab + U of M School of Art & Design

Of all the ArtPrize venues I visited so far, I've spent the most time at the Site:Lab + U of M School of Art & Design location in the old Junior Achievement building on the corner of Fulton and Division. Site:Lab regularly produces temporary art installations within buildings that have been abandoned or buildings that are in transition in Grand Rapids. You may recall the Site:Lab installation last October in the former Network 180 building (current home to LaFontsee Galleries), among others. Because of Site:Lab's track record of producing interesting and thought provoking art events, I was excited to see what the ArtPrize edition would bring.

I wasn't disappointed.

First off, just getting to walk inside the building that's been closed up tight and sitting empty for years was a treat. I could feel the new, creative energy as a strong presence in this old and under-appreciated building. And then I wandered into the space to explore.

This is not your average ArtPrize venue, thankfully! Venue curators Paul Amenta and Elona Van Gent brought us art that isn't easily defined and most certainly can't be packed into a crate. My photos (remember you can click on any of them for a larger view) are a mere attempt to capture that which must be experienced first hand. Stop in while you're out ArtPrizing this weekend and through the end of ArtPrize. Chances are you'll run into some of the artists and the Site:Lab crew. Do chat them up and find out more about each piece and the space itself. And if you're lucky, there will be a dj spinning some tunes, adding an aural layer to your experience.

foreground: tele-present water, David Bowen

background: first floor view, Spire, Alois Kronschlaeger

In motion view: tele-present water, David Bowen

The movement of this piece was mesmerizing, especially given that the combination of science, art and engineering made it possible. The name tele-present water says it all. The wave motion of this piece is brought to the corner of Fulton and Division through wave data collected by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration bouy located somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. Who hasn't video chatted with friends or family who are far away? This piece allows you to "watch" the water in the Pacific Ocean! That blows me away. I could have stayed there watching the "water" for a long time on each of my visits to Site:Lab and will likely go back to see it again.

Apparition, Meghan Reynard

I finally made it downstairs on to see this light installation on my third (I think) visit to Site:Lab. I had heard people say, "make sure you go downstairs!" So I made sure I got downstairs. This is one installation that you'll be treated to once your eyes adjust to the darkness. The evening I spent time with this, there was what appeared to be a person within the space - or was there? I watched the space for a while and couldn't decide. I couldn't hear anything that would have confirmed my suspicion. Part of the experience or not, I enjoyed using my senses trying to answer the question. I was also pleasantly reminded of Alex Schweder La's Evaporative Buildings from ArtPrize 2010.

basement view, looking upward: Spire, Alois Kronschlaeger

Being that I carry my camera around ArtPrize ready to photograph the pieces that intrigue me, this installation and the fact that you literally cannot photograph the entire thing in a single image was both awesome and frustrating at the same time. It caused me to spend even more time exploring it, trying to contain within my viewfinder that which cannot be contained. I would imagine that's exactly the kind of thing the artist might love to hear. There are so many potential viewing angles on the building's three levels. The basement view was one of my favorites, but I'd love to get up on the roof and see it from there!

outdoor, night view: Spire, Alois Kronschlaeger

The view standing across the street on Fulton is the closest I got to the roof. I love that it's lit up at night! Had I not been inside the building to see Spire for myself, this view alone makes me think of that Tom Waits song, "What's He Building?" "I heard he was up on the roof last night signaling with a flash light."

I obviously did not cover each piece featured in the Site:Lab + U of M School of Art & Design venue. All the more reason to go see everything for yourself between now and the end of ArtPrize. Site:Lab is a fixture in the Grand Rapids art community and as someone who lives here and craves new and different creative experiences, I'm grateful for the contribution they make to the art community. I look forward to the next iteration of Site:Lab!

ArtPrize 2011 #3 "Taras in Three Colors"

Taras in Three Colors, Kevin O'Rourke

Showing at Grand Rapids Public Museum

Detail view, Taras in Three Colors, Kevin O'Rourke

Showing at Grand Rapids Public Museum

This particular piece deserves its very own ArtPrize post for a few reasons, the first and most important being that this large scale (4'x6') linoleum block print is a beautiful tribute to a family friend who died tragically nine years ago. Even if I hadn't known a thing about the subject, I would have been drawn to this piece - the colors, the Japanese-inspired imagery, and the fact that it's a block print. Awesome!

ArtPrize 2011 #2

Back at it! More ArtPrize! The following photos are from my quick visit downtown on Friday evening, September 23. The crowds were so thick! Yay for ArtPrize, but boo for this girl who just wanted to see some art! I had a small window of time to be looking at art in the first place since I had to be up early for my first 20 mile training run on Saturday morning and probably shouldn't have been traipsing around in the first place. I ended up ducking in to see a friend who was working and then heading home much earlier than I thought I would. My main ArtPrize Tweet of the night, "I might be over #ArtPrize."

Here are some share-worthy pieces from venues in the Heartside neighborhood:

American Portraits, Michael McCafrey

Showing at 48 West Fulton

Maybe it's because I've shot film before and still love how a contact sheet looks, but I found this piece and its hundreds of 35mm Kodachrome portraits to be quite captivating. I would have loved to spend more time taking in each portrait, but the crowds during my visit were a bit much in this small venue. Worth a visit though if you can get there.

Detail view - Dream Home, Ghost of a Dream

Showing at UICA

So even if you've only managed one visit to ArtPrize EVER, you've no doubt seen "art" made from other objects. Could be found objects, wine corks, pennies, nails, toothpicks, you name it and someone has probably made something out of it for ArtPrize. I'm not really a fan of such entries, and certainly don't think they're worthy to win the big prize, but this one was somewhat interesting. Lottery tickets. Add it to the list and scratch it off for next year. Really. Is it a commentary on the economy of greed and poverty that coexist in this country? I will admit I did not read the artist's statement.

Finding a Green Photo, Barbara Reimer

Showing at Calvin College (106) Gallery (106 S. Division)

Photos printed with coffee. I've printed black and white film in the dark room, so I can appreciate this piece for the images themselves and for the process. It's not easy to get a good black and white print and then if you're printing with coffee?! How does that even work?

Detail view - natura, Jo-Ann Van Reeuwyk

Showing at Calvin College (106) Gallery (106 South Division)

I remember a time when my grandmother had a vase full of the "silver pennies" this nest piece is made of. They're ridiculously delicate and I find them to be so pretty. Maybe that's why I liked this piece. It doesn't scream #ArtPrize to me, but I do appreciate the creation. This was just one vignette out of several that were on display, each one a little different, all using "natura."

131 N and 196 E Exit, Steven Vinson

Showing at CODA, 44 South Division

I'm obviously only presenting a limited number of images from my Friday night walk through a few ArtPrize spaces and I chose to feature this piece because it's a scene from Grand Rapids. Call it home turf advantage.

Under the Microscope, Slide: p(twelve)^3, Sarah Knill

Showing at CODA, 44 South Division

This piece reminded me a little of RH Giger's aesthetic. I like the fluidity and movement and that it's based on a microscopic view.

Pour Some Sugar on Me, Susan Mulder

Showing at CODA, 44 South Division

What exactly is going on here? Woman in Rococo-era finery being pelted with giant jelly beans? I can't decide if I like it or not. I love the colors and the size discrepancy - who doesn't love the idea of these giant jelly beans being real? The piece's title, is unfortunate though unless you actually have no idea that this is also a song title from an 80's hair band that I shall not name on this blog because I am NOT a fan.

Fear not, I am not over ArtPrize so I shall be sharing more of what I see with you. I survived my 20 mile training run on Saturday and was able to get out again for more ArtPrize on Sunday afternoon with some friends, so stay tuned for that update. I actually haven't voted for a single piece yet. I need to get on that. While I've seen some really nice work, I haven't felt super strongly about any single piece yet. There are no pieces haunting me with their beauty. I'm still waiting for that "wow" moment that I've had the last two years when coming across a truly amazing piece. Have you had your ArtPrize wow moment yet? Where? What piece? Do share!!

ArtPrize 2011 Opening Night

Hey, kids! Do you know what time it is? It's ArtPrize time again! I had so much fun last year seeing art, talking to artists and capturing images and then sharing them here that I'm going to do it again. I may not be able to get out as much as I did last year (I am training for my first marathon, hello! And this week alone I'll be running 40 miles, and working the day job, so, it's going to be tricky, but I'm going to try to bring you as much coverage as I can!

Let's get to it: (Click on any of the photos to see a larger view!)

Detail "Wall Drawing #3" (Screwed Rapids) by the Screwed Arts Collective

Showing at UICA

Detail "Wall Drawing #3" (Screwed Rapids) by the Screwed Arts Collective

Showing at UICA

One of the main reasons I love opening night of ArtPrize is that many of the artists are with their pieces and you can chat them up. I had a really cool conversation with Daniel Burnett, a member of The Screwed Arts Collective, about this GIGANTIC wall drawing, the creative process they employ as a group and about ArtPrize in general. He said the piece really is reflective of their time spent in Grand Rapids creating this site-specific piece. Rest assured, the group did not whip this up in someone's garage last year and truck it up here for a chance at the big money. This art is fresh, y'all! Go see it up close and chat with the artists yourself - they're here through Saturday. Also make a point to peek in the window as you sit in traffic these next two weeks at the light on Fulton at Division!

According to Me, by Nicola Renzi

Showing at UICA

If you haven't clicked on the link to this artist's profile, can you guess what the material is? It's a rubber band wall! In person, at first glance it did not look like rubber bands - more like some sort of fiber. I didn't think if it when I was standing in front of it, but I wonder how far you'd bounce back if you ran up and bounced off it. I would NOT recommend doing that unless you want to get tossed out of the venue on your ear, but imagine it, will you?! I talked to one of the collaborators who worked tying rubber bands together to form super long rubber bands that could stretch from a single starting point, travel up over that beam and back down to the starting point again. My fingers hurt just thinking about the days involved doing that. Then keeping them all orderly as you stretch and place each rubber band. Wow!

Detail "In Light of Suffering" by Daniel Van Duinen

Showing at GreenLion Gallery

Detail "In Light of Suffering" by Daniel Van Duinen

Showing at GreenLion Gallery

This piece is a must-see. Regardless of your religious or spiritual leanings, it's a piece that best seen in person - my meager photos don't do it justice at all because it's actually displayed in a near-circular fashion so that when you stand to observe the piece you become part of it, one criminal to your left and one to your right. ArtPrizers with good memories will probably recognize the artist's last name. It seems there's some talent in the family!

"Last Station" by Randy Van Duinen

Showing at GreenLion Gallery

This also is a must see, so you can take in the fact that this photo collage is printed on aluminum. The choice in print material really lends itself to the surreal subject matter. Being that I enjoy playing with cameras, I had the pleasure of chatting with the artist about his process and about HDR photography.

Yay ArtPrize! Did you get out tonight to experience the rush of opening night? Let the sleep deprivation begin! It's already WAY past my bedtime...I would love to share more, but I have to sleep now! Tell me what you saw that I need to see!

Function over Fashion?

I almost bought these spectacularly beaded, sparkly sandals tonight after work. I am in no way, shape or form in the market for a beaded, sparkly sandal and no way would I pay full price for them. I did, however, after trying these beauties on come so close to forking over the cash and adding them to my already brimming shoe collection. Function over fashion? When did this happen? Who have I become?

I became a runner over three years ago and it's put a serious crimp in my fabulous shoe collecting ways. The thing is...I really have very few occasions in my life today to wear a beaded sparkly sandal, however beautiful they may be and however swoon-y they make me feel. I think that means I'm growing up a little or pulling one over on my mild shoe addiction.

I lead a pretty simple, athletic life. The more time I spend wearing shoes that add four to five inches to my already tall stature and pinch my toes, the higher possibility my feet have of getting blisters and not feeling up to running. I'm to the point where I'm more comfortable and content in my life when I'm running at least four times a week. Messing my feet up over wearing a glorious pair of heels all day just isn't something I've chosen to do in a long time. As much as I want to.

If you looked at my shoe collection right now and didn't know me, you'd think I lived a fabulous party lifestyle. Then I'd show you the running shoe collection I've amassed over the last three years. It's in stark contrast to the fancy shoes. They don't even live in the same part of the house. Runners get their own space near the back door. Fabulous footwear is meticulously cataloged and housed in my closets.

Running is such a big part of my life, but fashion inspires me and is in my blood. I do try to work in a fancy pair of shoes here and there just because...even if it's just to run errands. I don't want to completely turn my back on fashion and let my fancy shoes collect dust. I guess this is just another example about finding the right balance in all things. There is a time and a place for everything - even fancy fabulous shoes. Today's lesson, I don't have to buy every pair I fall in love with.

One. Word.

I love a good Internet meme! Taking a cue from TwoAdults, (who just shared her own version of One. Word. that she saw over on MFAMama) I keep the one word wonder going.

One. Word.
No. Explanations.

yourself: unique

your boyfriend/girlfriend (husband, whatever): tbd

your hair: wet

your mother: swell

your dog: cremated

your favorite item: laptop

your dream last night: zzz

your favorite drink: water

your dream car: BMW530xi

the room you are in: living

your fear: loss

what you want to be in ten years: thriving

who you hung out with last night: NPR

what you're not: mean

muffin: toast

one of your wish items: peace

time: night

the last thing you did: shower

what you are wearing: jammies

your favorite weather: balmy

your favorite book: Shantaram

the last thing you ate: dinner

your life: calm

your mood: calm

your best friend: real

what you are thinking about right now: sweets

your car: wagon

what you are doing at the moment: slouching

your summer: fading

your relationship status: single

what is on your tv: dust

what is the weather like: warm

when is the last time you laughed: tonight