May 12, 2012

Artist of the Week

My artist of the week is my mom. You won't find any of her fabulous creations on the internet or in a gallery or store anywhere. In fact, most of the beautiful paper dolls, fashion designs and oil paintings, she created no longer exist due to a terrible flood in our family home basement some twenty odd years ago. That doesn't mean they don't exist in my memories. When my mom (mom #1) passed away when I was in my twenties, I had hoped to maintain and pass on her hand drawn paper dolls and their divine wardrobe (also designed and drawn by mom) to my daughter. Not being artistically inclined in the visual art realm, I can only describe them to my daughter. I pass on to her my love for movement and creativity. The drawing and painting moved through me to my sons and there it manifests itself. My daughter and youngest son - dance, the middle two children - draw. Thank you, Mimi!

My mom, known as Mimi, to her three daughters, was Margaret Ann Latten. She was an only child and was raised in Austin, Texas. When she went to college at Talledega College in Alabama, she met my dad. She graduated and they moved first to New York City (and created my older sister and I) and then to Detroit (where the last daughter was created). She worked for the Civil Rights Commission until her late diagnosed Lupus forced her into an early retirement. She was a wonderful mother, with all the ups and downs that went with it. She shaped most of the way I view the world and how I raise my own brood. She was the first one to show me that nothing you want to do is impossible if you work with perseverance to get it. She built bookcases and sewed prom dresses from newspaper patterns. She wore all her mom hats well and I only hope that as I travel on this path, that I wear my 'hats' just as well. Thank you, Mimi!

I found this adorable book at the local library this past week and just had to check it out. I wondered if these 31 uses included any of the uses my children have for their mom. You know, those "mom hats". The very first use in the book is TIME accompanied by a delightful drawing of a mom standing at the door, waiting for her child to leave on the school bus.

The uses go on to include such time honored classics as #6 Doctor, #27 Bank, #28 Tweezer, and #18 Party Planner. It doesn't include some of my all time "faves". I could continue the list by adding:

#32 Personal Groomer (really you put those pants with that shirt?)

#32 Laundress (I just washed those, can you just put them away?)

#34 Homework Assistant (I haven't done algebraic expressions in twenty years, I don't know the answer!)

#35 Life Coach (maybe she just isn't the one for you right now, how about an ice cream cone?)

What would you add to the list?

Happy Mother's Day!!!

May 9, 2012

Anything Can Happen Day!

Wednesday is Men's Health Awareness Day!

Okay, so not officially anywhere, at least I don't think so, but what the heck! I am currently involved in an event that's going on in my area (Flint) all about getting men to take care of themselves. I thought the men in my life were anomalies, but I have found out that, no, they are part of the norm. How about your significant others? Dads? Sons?

Here's the typical conversation in my house....

Him: Wow, honey, come feel my forehead, do I feel hot to you?

Me: Hot as in 'gosh aren't you a sexy hunk of mankind' or hot as in 'blazing inferno of disease ridden germs'?

Him: I think I might be coming down with something. You think I got the flu?

Me: Mmmm...(feeling forehead, while kicking toys out from underfoot)....maybe you should make a doctor's appointment? What else doesn't "feel well"?

Him: Naww, I'll just rest today and let you take care of me. Maybe some chicken noodle soup or some tea?

Me: (looking around at the two piles of laundry, a stack of homework to assist the kids with, dinner thawing on the stove) LET ME take care of you? With my postage stamped medical degree? You can heat up a can of soup. I'm a little swamped here.

Him: Fine. Just let me die then....

Me: Call the doctor...

Him: Forget it. I'll be fine. It's probably something I ate. 

Yep - the dreaded doctor, right on that same line with asking directions and putting the toilet seat down! I mean, really, it's too difficult to go see the person who did all the training to help you take care of yourself and tell him that you possibly may have something wrong? And if they find something, now to go take care of it? Actively seek out treatment?

My dad had a stroke some years back. His doctor said, "Stop smoking, cut back on the fried foods, take time to smell the roses....". What did my dad do? Please know it wasn't ANY of the above. So, many petit-mals later and a second grand-mal seizure, he is now bed-ridden and cranky. Did we (read "he") learn a lesson from this? Nooooo....Physical therapist comes to the house, my dad won't talk, won't look at, won't listen to.....AAAAGGGGGGHHHHH!!!

I have three wonderful sons. The donors to their lives (their two dads) are headed down that same path - I feel like I'm on a that game show - No Whammies! No Whammies! - except they are screaming - No Doctors! No Doctors!  Mean old mommy has put her sons on a medical regimen. Physical exams = 1x per year,  Eye and Ears = 1x per year, like clockwork - same time every year. Medical care should become like a good habit. 

Some of the many areas men should check on a regular (annually at least): 

• Physical Fitness (Endurance, Agility)
• Stress Level
• Cardiovascular Health
• Nutritional Health
• Mental Health
• Blood Pressure
• Glucose/Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Vision
• Dental
• COPD/Lung Capacity
• Calcium/Bone

Consider it as a "Tune Up" for your "car" - wouldn't want "Betsy" to go to the dump, would you? How's your guy doing? Does he go to the doctor or is he a "self-help" guru? 

You know, guilt can go a long way...as in "Don't you want to see Jr graduate? Just go to the doctor, so I feel better about our future."

 

March 7, 2012

Khalid el-Hakim turned a 500-piece personal collection of artifacts into a 5,000-piece collection that he shares nationwide. / Photos by JARRAD HENDERSON/Detroit Free Press

By Brian McCollum

Detroit Free Press Staff Writer

The G.R. N'Namdi Gallery in Detroit features artifacts from el-Hakim's "Drum Majors for Justice" exhibit Saturday. They include slave chains, racist postcards, magazines and other items from the Black History 101 Mobile Museum.

"Some collectors feel a duty to history. Some have an urge to enlighten the public. Detroit's Khalid el-Hakim calls his collecting a spiritual mission. As proprietor of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum, el-Hakim has become an in-demand figure at college campuses and events across the Midwest and, increasingly, nationwide. His single-room exhibits -- featuring artifacts from the slave era through the Obama presidency -- are customized to a variety of themes and often draw several hundred patrons in a single afternoon."
read the entire article here 


So begins a wonderful write up of an awesome young man doing great things in Detroit and around the country. In a time when Detroit doesn't always get a good "rap", there are several folks who are turning it around. Khalid is an ex-Detroit Public School History teacher who is following his dream to success. A newlywed and new dad, he takes his dream on the road to help other school districts and schools teach hands on lessons to the young and the not-so-young. The museum is broken down into "era" rooms of information, giving educators the opportunity to focus in on specific periods of time or genres to help drive a lesson home. el-Hakim continues to add to his collection while pursuing his Master's Degree from Michigan's Western University.


I remember when Khalid was just a troublesome little guy, terrorizing the likes of his older brother and his sister. Even then, he knew how to think outside the box to get what he thought was important done. I won't tell any embarrassing stories or let out any secrets (there really aren't any ^_^), but don't tell him...I've got to have something to hold over his head!


Check out more about the Mobile Museum and Khalid el-Hakim through these links:

http://common-breath.com/?tag=khalid-el-hakim
news.artservemichigan.org/2011/07/one-in-a-million/

March 5, 2012

Today's fun video is all about pampering! Here is a cool video on the technique of foot massage. Surprise your favorite person with this gesture and, with enough hints, you may just get one back.

Here is a shorter video for Hand Massages - I use this technique when demonstrating my products at shows.

And finally, for all my fellow headache and migraine sufferers, here is a soothing self massage for relief:

All three of these videos (and many more) are provided by: 

 Health-Choices Holistic Massage Therapy School- Princeton,NJ

 As always, Enjoy!

January 16, 2012

Fun With Music and Video Monday

In honor of Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr, here is a wonderful song by Common, that was used in the movie "Freedom Writers".

Have a wonderful day!

January 2, 2012

The first Monday of 2012, I wanted to share this video with you for

Fun With Music and Video

Here's to a year of triumphs and tribulations, smiles and sadness, hellos and goodbyes, joys and sorrows! Cheers!

Thank You, God, for keeping me here to see another year end and a new year begin!!

December 14, 2011

Anything Can Happen Wednesday

My children get out of school for the holiday break this coming Friday, December 16^th. Two weeks ago, I was feeling a tad bit overwhelmed and more than ready for them to be home (three less “things” to have to prepare every day), but now that it’s almost time….AAAGGGGGHHHHH!

It’s actually more planning to have them home during the school hours than at school. I totally forgot about preparing lunches and planning activities (no way are they vegging in front of the tv with video games for two weeks) and sharing my daily routine with theirs. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE spending time with my boys (my daughter can’t come home for the holidays, she just got a new job), I just have to have a game plan that will hold the interests of a 15-, 13- and 6 year old boy. 

Lunch Plans

My sons love hanging out in the kitchen, sometimes with me, sometimes not. Lunch plans look like this:

Sat, Dec 17 – Homemade Burgers and Fresh Cut Fries	Sun, Dec 18 – Mom & Son Day – Mom’s Ramen Noodles	Mon, Dec 19 – Sub Sandwiches	Tues, Dec 20 – Mom & Son Day Tuna Salad
Wed, Dec 21 – Middle Son’s Birthday – Meatloaf/Mashed Potato “Cupcakes”	Thurs, Dec 22 – Spaghetti-Os and Mondo Salad	Fri, Dec 23 – Mom & Son Day – Mug o’ Tomato & Grilled Cheese Soup	Sat, Dec 24 – Brunch: Pancakes, Bacon, Sausage & Eggs
Sun, Dec 25 – Leftovers All Day	Mon, Dec 26 –International Week – Sushi, Tempura Shrimp, Rice Noodles	Tues, Dec 27 – International Week – Grape Leaves, Hummus & Chicken Shwarma	Wed, Dec 28 – International Week – Bratwurst & Sauerkraut, Potato Pancakes
Thurs, Dec 29 – International Week – Polynesian Chicken Skewers	Fri, Dec 30 – Boys’ Day In The Kitchen – Make Your Own Pizzas	Sat, Dec 31 – Ramen Noodles (Eating feast with family tonight)	Sun, Jan 1 – Day At The Movies – Hot Dogs, Potato Chips & Milk Shakes
Mon, Jan 2 – Fish and Chips	BACK TO SCHOOL!!!

 

Activities

Sat, Dec 17	Put up Christmas Tree, decorate the house (tree, lights, bulbs and garland inside & out)
Mon, Dec 19	Mom’s Date with Son #1 – Window Shopping at the mall (Must check out the new high school fashions while allowing him to flirt with girls as if I don’t notice ^_^)
Tues, Dec 20	Gift making day – (Make presents, bake goodies, wrap it all up for gifting)
Wed, Dec 21	Middle Son Birthday Celebration/Kick’s TaeKwonDo Holiday Party (older boys are Black Belts)
Thur, Dec 22	Mom’s Date with Son #2 – Lunch Date @ Buffalo Wild Wings (who can eat the hottest wing sauce challenge – he usually wins)
Fri, Dec 23	Great American Wii Decathalon! (Just Dance, Wii Sports, Wii Games – May the best mom win – hee hee)
Sat, Dec 24	Christmas Eve at the Grandparents House (A family tradition!)
Sun, Dec 25	Boys visit with Dads (my time to recover from the late Xmas eve celebration)
Mon, Dec 26	Veg out in front of the TV all day – Movie Marathons
Tues, Dec 27	Prep Day for Back to School (Laundry, School Work, Clean Back Packs, etc)
Thur, Dec 29	Shopping for Pizza fixings
Fri, Dec 30	Mom’s Date with Son #3 – Play Date @ Arcade (bells and whistles for 6 year olds)
Sat, Dec 31	Prep for Mondo Dinner with Family for New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Sun, Jan 1	Let’s Go To The Movies (Boys watch the games, Gals go to the movies)

So what are your plans for the holidays?

December 13, 2011

I was all set to talk about the fabulous three shows I just completed back to back, when I changed my focus on how I wanted to cover those shows - not as a vendor, but as part of the management team.

I'm not sure how many of you are into the art/craft show scene. It's a wonderful way to interface with the public and come away from the virtual office and "hawk your wares". You also get the chance to talk, face to face, with fellow vendors/artists, trade ideas and even, sometimes, products. Many of these shows are produced by local development authorities, community programs, civic centers, arts organizations. Some are produced by companies that specifically look to create these type of events. I am part of one of those type of companies.

As an event coordinator, your staff's job is two-fold. One part is to get the show up and running, keep it running and then take it all apart afterwards. Sounds so simple, doesn't it? It's not. The other part is to keep the vendors and artist happy during the set-up, run and tear down of their individual booths. Sounds so simple, doesn't it? It's not.

Let's say you have decided to do an outdoor spring event over a three day weekend. You apply, get accepted (Yea!) and receive all your important documents in the mail - load in schedule, parking passes, booth sign, name badges, show hours, pertinent phone numbers, etc. According to the schedule, you may arrive as early as 11:00am to start setting up your tent. You arrive at 11:30am, running behind because you forgot to pick up receipt books and had to stop by the Five and Dime (yes, I said it!) to pick up a few. You stop by the check in desk, and are greeted by a smiling individual who welcomes you to the show, hands you a few last minute instructions and points you in the direction of your booth. Off you go. On the way, you pass two people carting around a wagon full of extension cords and carrying a ladder. They smile and greet you. There is another person distributing trash cans throughout the site. Another smile, perhaps a wave instead of the verbal hello. You note that you are near a food trailer, (great no long walks for food), and next to an artist who's work compliments yours wonderfully (mmm, maybe some display collaboration or vendor to vendor trading). Happy? Good.

Let's cut back to those smiling, greeting and waving people. They have been on site since 6:00am. They have marked out the booth spaces, accepted deliveries of equipment (generators for the electricity, barricades to close the streets, port-a-potties, tents, tables, and chairs, oh my! They have collated paperwork, reviewed site plans, directed traffic, answered questions (where do I catch the bus, what's going on here, how long is this going to be here, why is that tent set up outside my store, are you all supposed to be here, I forgot my tent, do you have an extra one, can someone help me unload my car, can you ask the driver of that van to move so I can drive up to my booth, on and on and on). These same people are there when you can't get your electric outlet to work, when the booth across from you needs a potty break, when your neighbor needs trash bags. They are emptying garbage cans, directing customer traffic, finding lost children, removing unauthorized vendors from the site and more. At the end of the day, there they are, helping to close artist and vendor tents, cleaning up the site, powering down generators, directing walking and driving traffic for vendors who just have to get the car onsite to take some things home for the night. When you leave, they're still there. When you arrive the next morning, there they are already, smiling and greeting you.

I'm not rambling, I promise. I say all this to say, consider the background folks when you do or decide to do your next event. When something isn't quite the way you expected, don't bite off the head of the first event person you see - explain your issue and listen to the answers and/or reasons why things are the way they are. Also, don't expect instantaneous results. Remember that you are not the only person in the show.

For any weekend show, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday hours, you can bet the show crew has put in at least 40 hours of work that weekend, per person.That's a week's worth of hours in three days.Not to mention what has occurred prior to the event.

As you prepare for your 2012 show season, I just want you to be aware of the other side of the picture. I'll be touching on various aspects in Tuesday's Getting To Know Who posts. I'll include "Show Do's and Don'ts", "Being Prepared", "What To Do When There's Weather", "Finding Accommodations When Staying Out Of Town" and other show type topics.

See you tomorrow for Wednesday's Anything Can Happen Day!

Holiday Time, November 2011

So here I was, on a blogging roll when this fabulous 10 day show popped up on my calendar of events. Ten days?!?! Low booth fees?!?! How could I not be there? Aahhhh, but how do I communicate this information to my local customers at the last minute? How do I tell my online customers that I'm having a sale to commemorate this awesome event? I could try phone calls or individual emails, but where does that fit into the production schedule?

Let me let you in on a secret, I recently discovered to handle this. Okay, not so recently discovered, at least not in the big scheme of things. I know you've seen those signs everywhere saying "TEXT _______ to _______ and receive ________". I know I have. I get text coupons from Cold Stone Creamery and Payless Shoe Source just for sending a code text to some random code. Great for big business, but what about us little guys (and gals) who want to do the same thing? Enter the WWW (world wide web, for you non computer geeks)!

I started researching services and found some serious information out there. Customer service runs the full gamut from basic "you-run-the-whole-thing" to ultra supreme "just-tell-us-and-we'll-make-it-happen-for-you". One of the companies I checked out is Textingly. Textingly is a online based text message software. It's like having instant messenger with all your customers at one time. Customers can respond to you and you get real feedback in real time. You manage the messages from your computer. Better yet, you can try the service for free....yes, that what I said, FREE.

Textingly.com

Soooo, now you've seen the video, your interest is peaked and you're wondering what to do next...it's easy. Try it out, click the link on my sidebar or the one right here and see for yourself how you can utilize the service. Me? I'm trying it out for my holiday specials, so if you want to find out what they are, email/convo me your cell phone number and you can get a second hand look at how it works. Don't worry, you can always opt out and never hear from me again, but what fun would that be (tee hee)?

Okay, so that's it for today's Fun with Music and Video. I know it's not Monday, but I promise I'll be back in full swing on Tuesday!

Happy Holidays and remember, we can celebrate Thanksgiving everyday of our lives by appreciating all the people and things we have around us.