Travel, Security and Being New

I am so grateful for the luxury of travel. Wish I could do it all the time.

It makes me appreciate the larger world we all share. While it reinforces the diversity of Earth in terms of the unique flavor of places, traveling also drills in the unifying factors of the human experience in general.

Understanding I’m not exactly talking about a visit to China here, I still enjoy knowing that no matter where you go, people are people. And you are yourself wherever you go.

I feel the great sense of appreciation knowing how fortunate I am to return to Husband and D-Man. My dear friend in Arizona is alone. She’s new in a big new place, looking for work, the right man, and a group of friends she can be herself with. Those are hard things to come by at any time in life, in any place.

Over the last few years but particularly after this visit, I realize I’ve taken security for granted—that which comes from knowing I have a steady, trusted group of people on which I can depend. Knowing someone is waiting for me when I come home is huge. Being the independent person I’ve always tried to be, I’ve lost sight of how much peace of mind I derive from Husband, the parents and others. Self-sufficiency has little to do with it. It’s more about connection and safety.

I often wonder why it’s such a small priority for us to be receptive to new people with whom we come into contact. Perhaps we don’t know when someone new to our community really needs us—they don’t tell us they’re new or we don’t think to invite them out with us. Or maybe it’s because we think there just isn’t room for anyone else in our busy schedule. Our lives are so full and settled as they are—so many superficial details taking up most waking hours of our days.

I’m going to make a bigger point of discovering and embracing new people in Sarasota. I am grateful to those who did it for me when I was new so many years ago.

The Chalk on Burns Square

Sunday we ventured down to the Chalk Festival in Sarasota.

The streets in Burns Square were blocked off and plots were mapped in duct tape for artists from all over the country to pour their creative sweat into temporary images that will wash away on tires and wind in a short time.

At most of the outdoor art events, I wander about thinking how some pieces are better than others and how it's a nice kind of thing to do, but there's nothing about it that really blows me out of the water.

Not so with the Chalk Festival. I was amazed at the artists' ability to transfer a small piece of art (usually a 8 1/2 X 11" piece of their own, tucked safely in a plastic sleeve) to a huge chalk masterpiece. So impressive. They were all so different--the art and the artists--yet none were inferior.

It was Halloween after all, so some pieces were "friendly" holiday themed:

Others were more classic:

Others were a little creepy, but beautiful still:

Every creator was an artist in every sense of the word--truly masterful in his own right.

It was hardly an easy task, working in the sun on hot asphalt with their pastels spread about the pavement.  Some wore naked hands and knees--decorated with multi-colored bruises from the chalk. Others wore knee pads and gloves as part of their craft and comfort. The mess was a testament to the concentration and hours of plotting and shading.

Seeing so many different kinds of people walking on the sidewalks, looking down at these bold images and their creators in awe, I am reminded of what art does best--it brings people together for a common experience, even if it washes away by tomorrow.

It's the Little Things That Keep Me Amused

When life is rushed and things don't always go exactly as you would like them to, finding humor in the little things keeps me dangling on the thread of sanity, instead of hanging myself by it. Take these minor intrigues of the week:

• Husband and I hit rock bottom after having a good but tiring activity-filled Saturday. We actually ended the day by watching a show called The Vanilla Ice Project, a documentary about Vanilla Ice's house renovations. Where the hell have I been? Vanilla Ice is a general contractor now? Holy crap, the last thing I heard, he was selling rhyme by the gram.

• Owner of the Buena Vista Inn in New Smyrna Beach actually called sister-in-law and told her she was hiring a lawyer---because we posted our terrible experience with them on Trip Advisor. Oh that's just about too much. O-okay!  You can barely write an e-mail and now you're going to take down the entire freaking Internet because a customer you treated badly provided a user review? Keep that comedy coming.

• We finally had a date night, went to Daawat--a lovely Indian restaurant in the artists' district of Sarasota, and that's all she wrote. We were both so tired, we went home afterward and I was asleep within 5 minutes. Is that sad or funny? I don't know. One glass of red wine, and I'm out folks.

• While we're on "funny or sad," here's one for you: I realized that we're spending over $150 per month for hypoallergenic dog food as we're doing our best to help Flanders with her skin issues. It's not working. The thing is, I don't have the guts to pull her from it. "What if it's just about to start working?" I ask myself. Guess I have no choice but to find the funny, even if my wallet isn't getting the joke.

• The Rangers beat the Yankees. Funny...and awesome.

Big Soul on Main Street

Today we enjoyed a nice lunch on Main Street in Sarasota and happened upon several amazing dancers who were sharing their big soul to the beat of James Brown.

Incredible. I could have watched them for hours. Heard they're offering lessons at a local studio, but I'm inclined to think I would kill myself trying to do it.

Big Color in the Springtime

One advantage of living here in Sarasota's paradise is that we have year-round color. But nothing decorates my world like the big color of springtime.

Enjoy these photos from the blooming beauty of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, one of the treasures of this community.

Gropius Nonprofit Giveaway Results...Mothers Helping Mothers

And the winning comment--chosen by the Random Number Generator, my dears--is comment number 9: Mothers Helping Mothers.   This grassroots nonprofit organization offers baby items, cleaning supplies/personal hygiene products, crisis assistance, clothing from infants through teen sizes including maternity clothes, and shoes. And let me tell you, readers, there is so much need for this right now.

Thanks to Uncommon Blonde for submitting the winning comment, and thanks to you for caring enough to leave your own note about a nonprofit or cause that's dear to your heart. I've checked out the websites and suggestions you left and have loved visiting such diverse areas of charitable passions...all over the world!

If you're looking for some unusual gift ideas that really help your goodness shine, consider these two:

• Network for Good's "Good Card."  Here's how it works: you purchase a Good Card for any amount and your recipient can use it as a donation to the nonprofit(s) of their choice. VERY cool.
  
  
• Alternative Gifts International. Give a gift in honor of someone that changes a life around the world. Choose from humanitarian, environmental, health/ nutrition, women's issues projects, etc.
  

They'll both take good care of you with an e-card or a mailed card to your recipient.

Private Eyes Are Watching You...Watching Your Every Move...

Yesterday I had the pleasure of volunteering with Art Center Sarasota for its Private Eyes tour—a tour of lovely homes in town with fabulous private art collections.

As a result, the 1981 Hall & Oats song “Private Eyes” has been permanently marked in my conscious mind. I know about 10 words to the song, which I’m trying desperately to forget, but continue to mentally repeat them in a hellish rolling record nonetheless. I am ready to be Baker acted.

The volunteering gig was enjoyable. I am left with a great respect for all of those who opened up their homes to the sea of strangers who arrived with (and without) manners, looking at their stuff, commenting good things (and bad) about their most prized possessions, and shedding DNA calling cards on their floors, rugs, walls and windows. In general, people were on very good behavior and I would surely call the event a grand success.

However, it was one of those days I thank heavens for my little 7 room house in Bradentucky, with no worries of being called on for tour duty.

By the way, misery loves company:

2 Entertainment Recommendations & 3 Unnecessary Objects

With less than 45 minutes to go, I've made it to the daily blog post. And I have only 4 short comments:

1. See Sarasota Ballet's performance of Contact at the Asolo. The first part is a little weird, but it's uphill from there and the dancing is extraordinary. Makes me wish I was a dancer and not such a klutz.
   
2. If you're headed to a business meeting, hey, can you do me a favor? Leave your boobs behind some cotton, polyester, silk or wool. They're called clothes. And they're considered "traditional" for a reason. I was appalled by someone's...overexposure...during a gathering of professionals today. I've never been to a strip joint (or care to), but I have a feeling what it might look like after today's showing.
   
3. Kier, the musician/comedian visiting McCurdy's Comedy Theatre this week, is talented and hilarious. Can't go wrong there. You can still catch him at McCurdy's through Sunday.
   
4. Please, if you have a big head, consider, just consider, sitting in the back of the room. This week my view has been obstructed by large craniums at least 3 times. I know it's not their fault, but it's not mine either. I'm only 5'2". All I'm saying is just think about it.

The Landings: Pure Comedy

I miss the days of living in the Landings neighborhood here in Sarasota. ...Not quite enough to want to be back there, but the regular comedy provided by the neighborhood rules, the insanity of "neighborly" aggression and residents terrified of nature were pretty much unbeatable. Just a few of my fondest Landings memories include...

• My father being woken up at 2:30 a.m. by the guard house to a warning that we were breaching the neighborhood covenant by mistakenly leaving our garage door open.
• Residents calling the cops to remove an alligator in one of the neighborhood wetlands...just because it was there. (This was a frequent occurrence.)
• Countless $100 fines for brother being "caught" on the nature trail at night.
• A resident claiming that kangaroos came out on the streets at night. And they were big.
• Having a woman stalk me in her car to see if I would clean up the defecation of my now deceased (and legendary) yellow lab...even before he stopped to take one. The second the act originated, she started screaming wildly, "You gotta clean that up! You gotta clean that up!"

My bro (now in Texas) is at home with a new baby and apparently bored to the point of checking out the newest Landings news online. So happy to hear a report that things are still just as hilarious as they were years ago.

In the recent Landings news, we have reports of the security guard being summoned by a homeowner to clean up dog poo that a walker failed to pick up and a call from a neighbor concerned about a woman sprawled out in her driveway...who was just drunk, for the love of Pete, and just wanted to spend the night outside. All I have to say is, mind your own feaking business and learn to deal with poop in life--literally--people!

It's still a damn shame we're not part of the excitement anymore. And like always, I wonder how the residents would react if a real tragedy hit, God forbid. Thank goodness for the entertainment provided at Landings online.

Wonder Wheel

It's literally been 16 years since I've seen the Wonder Wheel in downtown Sarasota. Every so often (usually in transport to to the Main Bar), we would spot a man with a slight figure peddling down the street in the middle of two 10 foot Amazon bicycle wheels. A very strange sighting. Any Gropius reader who also bore witness to this spectacle will receive a lifetime membership to the blog. (Later, I'll figure out what that means.)

I was reminded of the Wonder Wheel on Saturday as a very bored young man--on his last day of "groundation"--tried to keep himself amused. Kids. They'll find anything to play with. Especially the imaginative ones who dream up interesting ways to get in trouble to begin with.

Gotta give 'em credit.

Crying Over Spilled Meatballs

I actually had to back over the meatballs with my car to pull out of the parking space.

The scene: Primo's on US 41.
The big idea: Picking up a spaghetti dinner for my sweet friend in Punta Gorda with a broken leg.

The outcome: A massive spill of 8,000 degree meatballs all over the asphalt.

Yep, I'm still a vegetarian as I've been for 17 years. But when duty calls for a special person, I'll pick up the meat. The line is drawn when it's all over the ground.

But this time, I'll blame my little Honda Civic. I erroneously presumed that my trunk could double as a tray while opening the back door. Not so... As the meatball portion of the meal slid off, I watched in horror while darting after it in slow motion. The predictable splat must have completed a 3 mile radius, showering my car and what seemed like everything outward to Nokomis. A couple of home boys walked out of the restaurant saying, "Dude, that girl done spilled her food."

Luckily, the balls were the only casualty. After collecting myself and mopping up the mess on the unscathed food, I placed the bags in the back seat and drove off. 30 minutes later a call came to my cell from Primo's.

In a thick Italian accent I heard, "Hello, ma'm? Did you spill your meatballs outside all over the parking space? You come back. We get you some new ones."

Awwww, how sweet. Really, that was nice. They'll credit me the next time I visit for dinner. The lesson: Don't cry over spilled meatballs. Also, a trunk is a trunk. Nothing more.

One Small Gift for the Birds?

On May 7, the hidden girl behind Gropius turns 33. Scary. Any number that's divisible by 11 is scary. ...Although 3 X 3 is 9, a sacred number, just like 3. Any way you slice it, there's a little somethin' I'd love to ask of you.

Watch this video, "The State of the Birds," a beautiful and informative 4 minute video made possible by the efforts of thousands of citizen-science participants. The website, video, and printed report were produced for the partnership by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (www.stateofthebirds.org) Consider all of the beautiful diversity surrounding us on this blue and green globe. And think of how much of it abounds in Florida--right here in Sarasota/ Bradenton.

Would you give $10 (or anything you felt comfortable with) to an organization that protects it, engages outdoor adventurers in it, and educates children and adults about its magnificence?

Think about it. And if you decide you can spare the change, click here to donate to the Sarasota Audubon Society in one easy and secure step. It would make the birthday blogger oh so happy. Learn more about Sarasota Audubon online at www.sarasotaaudubon.org. And thanks for considering.

The "Green Initiative" Surprise

Have I told you how incredible my co-workers are?

Checking my e-mail remotely from New Smyrna Beach last week, I uncovered an all-staff "Green Initiatives" meeting planned for work today. It's something we haven't quite tackled, and the timing is a little strange, but whatever. Last night, I printed a bunch of materials to contribute to the conversation since I'm pretty passionate about it. Nicole had prepared a folder complete with her materials and asked me about my ideas before we headed out the door.

I sure didn't expect to walk into the "meeting" to find the whole staff standing there clapping, with photos of myself on the screen at the FPRA/CWC awards banquet, U2 blasting out of the speakers and vegetarian delights everywhere. Needless to say, I was surprised as hell. Who on earth would do this? The amazing, thoughtful, always giving people I work with. And soooo clever. I'm a very suspicious person, and never had the slightest inkling of this... I am so grateful for them.

Thank you! I will remember this for a very, very long time.

"They made me feel like myself again."

I was very moved by Circus Sarasota's Laughter Unlimited luncheon today. If you aren't familiar with the program, here's the scoop: they provide professional clowns, circus entertainers and trained volunteers to visit nursing homes, assisted living facilities, day care centers, hospitals and other institutions bringing joy and laughter to those who could reaaally use it.

I know what you're thinking...you're a little "iffy" on the whole clown thing, right? I understand. And that's how John Overton, CEO of the Pines of Sarasota and today's speaker, began his talk about the Circus Sarasota/ Pines partnership. What started as a childhood fear of clowns (I guess it's a LOT more common than I thought) has developed into great love for them. He has seen how laughter penetrates the hearts of people who are sick, near death and without family, or otherwise unreachable.

Some of the anecdotes he shared of residents talking for the first time in ages, squeezing clowns' hands with joy, and getting in one final laugh before departing from this life were incredibly touching. One resident said, "They made me feel like myself again." Need I say more?

I've been thinking more than usual about the moment we leave this earth. We don't ever know when that might be. Many of us are lucky enough to reach ripe old ages. Some of us have family with us. Others may feel utterly alone, hopeless and closer to Jupiter than a laugh. Look at what these folks do! The people they provide relief and laughter for people who are our mothers, fathers, grandmothers, brothers.... Feel like helping them continue with this work? Good karma will come back. Here's where you can learn more & give: http://www.circussarasota.org/. Do it.

Clean cups & forks...too much to ask?

Ever go to a restaurant to find someone's lipstick smacked right on the lip of your glass? What about unrolling that utensil package to find an ABU spoon? Already Been Used is fine, as long as it was thoroughly washed and sanitized before it's passed along to me.

This morning at Word of Mouth, there was a plethora of grime on the dishes. My coffee mug looked as if it had been kissed by a Mary Kay rep on crack...and it wasn't the baked-on kind that just won't come off in the dishwasher. With one easy wipe, it came off on my finger. Such was the case with my neighbor's water glass and with my fork. So that's three dirty dishes that would have looked clean with even a half ass effort in the sink.

I don't know about you, but clean dishes are sort of an expectation for me. Here's the word: get a decent human or mechanical dish washer to keep customers from talking about how many people have passed the cup and added on grub. It was just a little too gross for me, and I'm super forgiving.

Double the Sushi

My dad came to town last weekend, and we really enjoyed our time together. Visiting the always lovely Robinson Preserve; taking a driving tour of Anna Maria Island through Longboat Key and downtown Sarasota; and grabbing a bite to eat on the outdoor patio at The Sungarden on Siesta (Gropius gives it 4 stars). We even got to enjoy the various bizarre running styles of the tired athletes finishing up the Sarasota marathon.

An embarrassing moment: the 5 minutes it took to complete the delivery of the sushi that was ordered at Saijo. You know those ginormous boats that come with very large orders? Well the four of us, including one child, received two of them PLUS two extra plates. It was slightly more food than would be required to feed an entire village for a week.

In addition to the gluttonous portion that is usually ordered and consumed during one of my family's sushi trecks, there was a tiny miscalculation in the number of pieces we thought we were getting, resulting in double the fun. I was grateful to be at a table outside, in a rapidly darkening evening.

I don't think we're going to hell for this, but after my two recent explorations of the poverty of 3rd world countries (seeing Slumdog Millionaire and reading What is the What), food and how lucky we are to have it is right there at the top of my consciousness.

All in all, I'll give the weekend 4 stars, but I need to go volunteer at the Food Bank to work off the karma.

Magical Mystery Tour de Sarasota Ceilings

It's not often that I look up at someone's living room ceiling and find a magnificent replica of "Creation" straight from the throws of Italy. Tell me, Gropius readers, what's up with THIS?

When Ramsey Frangie moved into his home some time back, he didn't explain that one of its greatest features was the selection of angels transmitting heavenly vibes from overhead. It's been a while since I was first surprised by the sight of this permanent art fixture, but each and every time I walk into the living space, I am surprised and wowed anew.

(To the right, you see the famous cat Gropius--who was named in the midst of this blog's first week--being held up against the celestial backdrop.)

The fact that the place is aptly adorned like a true bachelor's pad, with simple furnishings--brown leather couches and a large, wall mounted flat screen TV--make the overhead art an even crazier sight. I am profoundly jealous that my house didn't come with a comparable feast for my skyward eyes.

I'd like to mine you for information. Know of any friends' ceilings around the Sarasota/ Bradenton area that are marked by the same artist's hand? What shall these ceiling angels be named? They are the guardians of Ramsey's abode.

Hanging with the Sleeping Turtles

I am firmly convinced: Sleeping Turtles Preserve is the best place to spend all or part of New Year's Day, especially with a friendly and knowledgeable group of birders and some great friends.

Today we took a short drive down to this Sarasota County owned treasure, an environmentally sensitive lands purchase from a couple years ago. We enjoyed large flocks of visiting Robins, a few Palm Warblers and Yellow-rumped Warblers, a distant Pileated woodpecker, an Eastern Phoebe and a Bald Eagle circling low over us as if to say, "Hey dorks...you want a bird? Check THIS out."

It was a morning you couldn't custom order any nicer...a little chilly with the slightest breeze. The shadowy path kept us cool and played tricks on our eyes as we scanned the trees for bird life and found enough gorgeous bromeliads to make Selby Gardens envious.

The enchantment of the place is very noticeable. It sounds corny, I know, but there's truly a feeling of peace and magic that anyone can feel. Here's a New Year's resolution for you: decide to pack a picnic at least once a month & start enjoying the land that's been preserved for your generation and all those to follow.

I'm thankful to have friends who enjoy nature as much as I do. Thanks for being with me today.

One Eyed Billy

If you're looking for something different to do outdoors, stop on by Myakka Stables just west of the Myakka State Park entrance on Clark Road. For $30, you will enjoy a relaxing horseback trek through sandy oak hammocks dappled with saw palmettos, zipping dragonflies and birdy chatter. Be sure to ask for One Eyed Billy.

Today I took the young man and my sister-in-law out for this favorite shared activity. (We left husband at home, who experienced a life-altering "almost" moment on a horse this summer in the mountains.) We feasted on the venture of our 1 hour trip all by ourselves--that's right people, there's no trail guide along for this one.

I was aboard Nugget, a no-nonsense sort of horse who had one mission in life: getting back to the stables. My sis-in-law was on a horse who often stood still and refused to move. And son D-Man was the rider of Billy, a one-eyed horse who still had quite a bit of "feisty" left in him, despite his old age. Although each of our equine carriers had very different paces and were stubborn as hell in terms of syncing with each other, we had a great trip. It's all part of the adventure.

If you can get past the sketchy appearance of the welcoming barn (with a fan that's melted downward like a dying flower and a ripped couch that looks like it's been recovered from a nuclear war), you're more than half way to a great mini-voyage into Florida nature.

Billy has probably seen a lot in his day, although he's not seeing anything out of that right socket anymore. Visit him and ask him to take you for the walk you've always dreamed of. He's waiting for you at the stables.

Share your wealth, baby!

However cautious we may be about spending, our jobs and the possibility that the economy may go further down before a lasting upturn, our current personal situation is usually much better than it is for so many others. The truth is, many--not all--of us aren't really hurting. We're more affected by the perceptions and fears being circulated about possibilities that haven't yet touched us.

So here's a few ways to spread some of your blessings to others...and believe me, there's something to fit every wallet--even if it's only ten bucks or a few hours of your time. Some suggestions are:

• Getting your booty down to donate some time or energy to the food bank or Salvation Army. Here's a direct link to All Faith's Food Bank in Sarasota. If you contribute $1.00 to the All Faiths Food Bank, $.94 goes directly to the product and its distribution.
  
• Giving what you can to the Season of Sharing Fund, established to help families on the verge of homelessness. The money goes to agencies that disburse funds on an emergency basis. No red tape and no administrative fees. Every dollar goes directly to those in need. And you can choose whether your donation goes to Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto or Charlotte County families.
  
• Purchasing holiday gifts from a really cool organization, Alternative Gifts International--a nonprofit group that works with organizations all over the world alleviating poverty, helping the environment, providing health care, etc. You can choose a very specific project with a very specific donation. Your gift recipient will receive a card explaining exactly what you purchased for them in their honor.

Just choose one...or do your own thing. But share the wealth, baby! The truth is, we never know when we'll find ourselves in a situation where we need a little help. If you think all people in distress are there through their own choosing or lack of responsibility, you may just have a little visit from Mr. Karma one day. Happy Thanksgiving!