Tucson Fall Fashion

I am a sucker for fine stitching, for beautifully-crafted apparel made from vintage fabrics. I also love local eclectic, contemporary Tucson art. Thus I am in awe of the handiwork of the Kuzu Salon artisans -- seamstresses Mariko and Laurel for their new fall fashion line, and Hazel the Asian Welder for her metal sculptures.
The Fall opening of Kuzu Salon is next week. I'll be there.

Saturday, October 10, 2009
6:30PM Reception
(Runway for fashion show at 7:30PM)
1991 E Ajo Way, Suite 161
520-624-7290

Again, I remember

Posted about this last year. I guess September 11, 2001 is something you never will forget.

As it was for all New Yorkers, my life changed on that day. Leigh was downtown coming up from the subway at Union Square that morning. Everyone was in disbelief. Of course it was just a terrible accident.

But it wasn't...and for weeks after that day I felt almost constant fear. The stink of smoke, false-alarms of new attacks and death put New York City in chaos. We were alive, but so many including a neighbor, a friend’s sister and many work associates were not.

Our city was forever altered that day, as was our country. And I was changed. too.We didn’t make the decision to move to Tucson on September 11, 2001. But because of that day we turned to a new chapter in our lives. Some things like sunsets and family are just more important.

I've posted this before but on this somber anniversary I'd like to repost this photograph I took of Leigh in the early 1970s, with Manhattan and the World Trade Center in the background. Life was so simple then, so much wonder ahead of us.

Although I am not a negative person, I know that evil is always there around the next corner. It takes each of us, in our own way, working against it, contributing good to knock down the bad. We all have the power to influence a future of good. Please join me in that timeless quest. Blessings to all.

I'm not stopping the train -- Just enjoying a freeze frame with Brett or Leigh

Are you happy in your here-and-now? I am. Two examples of how I can look up from my keyboard and feel joy in the present moment:

#1: Brett visits later this month. As much as I'm looking forward to seeing my son, I'm not spending time yearning for that face-to-face family hug. Please don't think I'm a bad mom -- It's just that I spend a lot of happy moments with Brett these days. It can be on his way to lunch, or Ilana's, or a work appointment, or a gig. Cell phone to my ear, I walk side-by-side with Brett across the miles. We share stuff like NYC traffic hubbub...grocery shopping...getting directions delivering a client poster...or dragging amp and guitar home from a performance. I could be involved in a deadline and suddenly the iPhone chimes. Never thought a walk to the subway could be a powerful here-and-now moment in my life.

#2: The king of here-and-nows is Leigh. Without him I'd never have glanced at the sidelines in our 24/7 overstimulated freeway lifestyle. I'd be barreling ahead, still searching for the next adventure or trinket. (Because there's always something more around the corner, yes? Hmmm...) Although slowing down from a mad pursuit of endless dreams ain't always easy, with Leigh's help I'm getting comfortable re-focusing and re-balancing life in the present, in Tucson.

Sunset watching with Leigh is therapy in my evolving appreciation of the here-and-now. Simple pasta dinners on the patio are now preferred over most restaurant dining. From our vantage facing the Tucson Mountains (with the Catalinas framing the right and a slice of twinkling city lights on the left), we enjoy discerning the nuances Mother Nature offers us each night-- if we take the time to see it. So we marvel when monsoon clouds bring on a new dimension. Last night time stood still in the western sky with a simple, solid band of deep orange. I am sure there were beautiful sunsets back in New York, but I was never in the here-and-now long enough to see them.

What is your here-and-now experience today? Whether it's an iPhone walk home with your son or a sunset watch by yourself or with your partner -- the here-and-now is an incredibly powerful way to heal, strengthen and bring joy to life.

Esta es mi vida y amor

A wish for all of us: To achieve the greatest joy -- that of living our dreams:

Este es mi vida
este es mi amor
que pasa mi vida tranquilo
sin tristesa y sin dolor y el dia que me muero y que dios me lleva
de aqui, voy a seguir pintando, para nunca olvidar me
de ti

--by francisco, painted 1990 on Barrio Veijo wall,
as seen by me in Tucson, Arizona,
July 18 on 2009 Photo Walk

Sunday & Mantovani

I can't adequately convey the significance of Dad's influence on my life. But on this Father's Day I'll try, via a tiny blog salute to a big man, Francis Anthony Surfaro.

Here's pix of Dad with me at my wedding. The first and most important man in my life taught me much, but let me give three examples of priceless impact on the road I'm traveling.

• On music: Dad worked five or six days a week while I was growing up, but never on Sundays. Long, lovely Sunday afternoons of macaroni and family visits included an assortment of albums on the phonograph. Mantovani, an orchestra conductor with family roots in Italian opera, was a "light music" favorite. We danced together in our living room and Dad would spontaneously burst forth with an aria or a quick performance on his violin. I've kept an assortment of his 78s and circa 1930s-40s gorgeous Italian Opera portfolio cases. Mostly I look at them but I've also played them (on a turntable we picked up at a local thrift store). Although an iPod is never glued to my ear, songs of all sorts drift in and out of my mind daily and I have my Dad to thank for this quiet, undercover enrichment to my soul.
• On Volunteerism: Growing up in Brooklyn I didn't have material wealth but oh boy, our house overflowed with people and richness earned by my parents through selflessness they shared with our community and church. Dad was a tireless volunteer. Clothes drives, filling food pantries for those less fortunate - anything to offer help as it was needed. I also remember his pouring over methodical spreadsheets created for the parish bazar. He would spend months in set-up, coordination with local business and organizing booths and inventory of goodies. So much marvelous stuff collected and donated for good! I've tried to follow what he demonstrated -- that it's important to give of yourself and that serving this way actually reaps great happiness.
  
• On Quality and Style: Dad worked at Bloomingdales more than 45 years at the Manhattan Lexington store. His name along with other WWII veterans is emblazoned on brass plaque by the elevators. He started in the Linens department and then moved into Furniture. Bloomingdales I'm sure introduced him to quality objects -- and I do know that the few choice material items we had in our home were absolute quality and personified strong design. To complement my grandmother's meticulously crafted dollies and tablecloths, we had several gorgeous European linens purchased from Bloomingdales (late 40s-50s?). Dad's suits and ties were impeccable (and of course Italian); my Mom's very few pieces of jewelry were again Italian, 24kt gold. On special occasions Dad brought home design magazines, antique books and strange objects (like a 19th century marble bust called Beatrice). He had a strong sense of style and conveyed that to me. Our glass table and chairs Dad gave to us for our wedding still magnify good craftmanship 36-plus years later. So now I know where I get my love of strong design, venerable first editions and unusual antique objects.
  

Dad as a youth won several awards in New York City for his violin performances. He also intended (as I see from his high school publication) to be an orchestra master. He was registered for the engineering program of City University of New York but his father's untimely death (from an automobile accident) tore away all those dreams, as my Dad needed to be the breadwinner for his mom and sister. No matter what his sacrifice in life, Dad personified optimism and leadership and belief in the power of individuals no matter what your class stature was. When I had my first job in journalism (radio producer for news show up at Riverside Church) Dad was there to drive me to my morning news assignment (3 am!), easing my fears and jump starting my career. Ah, I smile now, remembering those drives and our special talks, morning coffee and toasted corn muffins!

Dad, you were my good friend. So much to thank you for. You were a leader I admired, a musician of great talent. I wish you had been able to work in a profession that reinforced/recognized your talents, but, no matter, because your greatness did mark our world. I always will treasure and hold in safe-keeping your violin and Beatrice, the funky marble bust. Thank you for guiding me on to the right path.

Hurry Up, Bisbee!

Bisbee, our standard poodle, died in our arms this morning. We had taken him to the hospital for an operation on his cancer, but the doctor called us almost immediately to tell us that the cancer had spread and that there was nothing more they could do. Any remaining time (a couple of months, if that) would be a downward spiral and full of pain. So we called our son Brett back in New York, made a decision together, and then Leigh and I went back to the hospital to be with our dear friend.

Bisbee was happy to see us. We got kisses and gave him his favorite biscuits (one from each of us Leigh, Brett and I). Then we held him tight.

Now there is a horrible gash in our hearts and an emptiness in our home. But there also are strong memories -- 11 years of them!

Bisbee shared so much with Brett, Leigh and I. Importantly, Bisbee was a partner with us in our journey to this Sonoran desert we now call home. In fact, Bisbee and Leigh made the drive out here from New York. Stopping off for MacDonald hamburger lunches and Chili's dinners -- I know Leigh and Bisbee will forever recall the wonderful adventure they shared! When Bisbee arrived in Tucson, it took him a while to understand the cacti, the absence of grass and the critters. But he loved his walks, his fleece, his ball, looking out to the mountains and Tucson city in the distance, sharing the peaceful magic of a Tucson sunset with us on our patio each evening.

Back on January 29, 2008, at the time of Bisbee's first cancer operation, I wrote another post, worried about the possibilities of the cancer metastasizing but hopeful in his chances for recovery. Well, we have had more than another year with our precious Bisbee, one filled with love, laughs and many sunsets. How could we ask for more?

Blessings to our Bisbee! We know some part of your spirit will stay with us; I already felt your presence in our bedroom when I bent down to pick up your fleece. Now, as we move ahead physically without you., we'll push away the sadness. We'll smile and recall all the joy we shared together. And we'll see you again, good friend.

("Hurry up, Bisbee!" is a phrase of special meaning to Leigh, Brett, Bisbee and I. Happy memories!)

Kuzu and Serendipity in Tucson

A joyful encounter, thanks to Twitter.
I recently connected with @buddhagirlAZ, who turns out to be Hazel – Tucsonan, filmmaker, artist, metal sculptor and mom to two artistic and imaginative young women – Laurel and Mariko. All three have opened a lovely studio and shop down east near Tucson Electric Park. In fact, I’ve passed the Ajo Way warehouse space many times – not knowing another innovative slice of Tucson life was incubating there.
I’m speaking about Tucson’s Kuzu Salon, located at 1991 E. Ajo Way, Suite 161, directly after you make the turn off Kino. It’s brand new, and filled with lovely, fine fashion, jewelry, art and sculpture. The space is a pleasure to experience: All around you see inventive use of objects that imaginatively display handmade fiber art, apparel, jewelry, stationery and other fine stuff. In back, past a gorgeous metal door I’ll liken to a sculpted wall hanging, you find Hazel’s studio and workspace for all the welding and creation that’s underway. Everywhere you look there are artistic materials and tools, pieces in the works or completed—the space is presented with colors and design in such a way that makes even a studio tour an arty experience. My favorite space was the sewing room upstairs, where I saw fabrics and old books all adding to a wonderful energy.
In the Kuzu studio and retail space there is much to explore (and purchase)! My find was a pretty t-shirt altered with ribbons of a pretty vintage scarf. It’s fanciful and it makes me happy. I’ll return for more treasures, I’m sure. I know Kuzu's altered artistic creations and the Preen designs each have their own unique characteristics, but I sense some synergy in the visions there.
Every day I find another reason to validate our journey here in Tucson. A small city of potential and vibrancy under cover. Diverse, talented individuals in creative pockets everywhere. In a setting of great wonder – the Sonoran Desert. All of it makes me feel strengthened and blessed. I wish Kuzu Salon much success.

Tucson's SEED [pod]

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Solar Decathlon is an international competition for research and development of green building technologies. Only 20 teams are involved and Tucson (via the University of Arizona) is one of them. We'll be part of the Solar Village that will be set up on the National Mall in Washington DC this October. The University of Arizona team is the first to represent the Southwest region in this high-level competition.

The UA’s entry in the DOE Solar Decathlon is called SEED [pod] – standing for Solar Energy Efficient Dwelling. Our team is designing, building..and will operate a fully-functional solar-powered home on the National Mall for the competition. About 20 students from the University’s Architecture & Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Agriculture and Business Management colleges and several faculty are involved.

The UA Seed [pod] entry is an 800-square-foot showcase of solar energy with so many features including a rotating roof, designed to allow its 8KW array of solar panels to be adjusted to make optimum use of the sun’s angle.

The team is encouraging individuals across Tucson to join the effort by contributing $24 – the cost of a postcard-sized area of pv cells for SEED [pod], which actually will use 72,000 square inches (8 KW) for its array. That's a small price to get involved in an important Tucson effort involving sustainability. Please check out the team's website. Congresswoman Giffords will tour the progess of the SEED [pod] this Friday, April 10, 2PM, on UA's campus. I hope she continues to build awareness for renewable energy and for putting Tucson on the map in terms of being a force in solar energy innovation, education and business.

Downtown Tucson Snapshots

So busy, no time for storytelling. Wait, maybe time for a short chapter.

While life speeds up around us, we scribble in our journals.

Random thoughts to help us recall the important stuff. To help us savor the bits and pieces that add character to a full life.

I'm still stuck on the potential of our Downtown Tucson.
See the Preen-inspired fashion show at Bohemia. Enjoy a Scavenger Hunt saluting the historic character of the built environment. Last night's Spanish wine at The Cup, so spicy.

There are interesting individuals working creatively to keep the vision fueled. I enjoy, support and participate as I can.

Tiger, Make Room for the Horses

Apologies to Tiger Woods, whom I salute for giving Tucson huge recognition and economic stimulus this week via the PGA Tour. While you're out there on the green of Dove Mountain, I'll be focused on a dusty corral in downtown Tucson, rooting for the old-fashioned-yet-oh-so-fabulous Fiesta de Los Vaqueros and our annual rodeo.

Ranching is in Tucson's blood. It's what started our economy and gave us our destiny after the Spaniards brought their cattle to our environs in the 1600s. The rodeo, begun in Tucson in 1925 to celebrate the cowboy, is a part of ranching life and thus entwined in Tucson's heritage. With Accenture Match Play packing in the glam and the tourists up in Marana, I worry that my poor cowboys won't get their due.

Those guys in spurs and buckles need attention too, Tiger. I certainly wish you many awe-inspiring plays next week, but in my heart I'll be crying yee-haw for the cowpokes and their horses and their barrel racing downtown.

May both the slick (Tiger) and the down-home snazzy (cowboys) stand tall and grow as proud traditions of the Old Pueblo.

What will you do to improve community today?

Wrote this a long, long time ago. It's still something I look at, to help remind me of little steps I can take today to help my community be livable. My top 20 list of little steps:

1. Buy something local.
2. Pick up a piece of litter every day.
3. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper to support an important comunity project.
4. Help a local school, what can I teach a younger generation?
5. Plant a tree (native) or shrub or plant in an area in need of improvement.
6. Promote the good works of a local businesses.
7. Fix something instead of buying new.
8. Organize a gathering of neighbors, family or friends, just for sake of community.
9. Recycle something.
10. Do something to beautify your community. Even if it is pruning your plants in front yard!
11. Donate something or dispose of it properly.
12. Volunteer at a senior residence and respect the older generation.
13. Keep your local government officials accountable.
14. Support your library.
15. Read about a resource and pass it on.
16. Believe in something (a good cause, of course) and stand up for it.
17. Be kind to wildlife and the biodiversity of our environment.
18. If you can help a neighbor, even if it is just to extend a positive comment, do so.
19. Conserve energy in your home or workplace. Turn those lights off when not in use.
20. Don't waste one drop of water.
    

One small step every day, for community and for our earth.

Downtown, Dillinger Days

Were you standing on the corner in Tucson, Arizona ducking that Congress Street shootout this weekend?

I'm sick of thinking of this economy, so my thoughts instead are turning to one of the reasons I moved to Tucson -- a love of our Western heritage. There's so much coming over the next few months to fuel my respect for Western ranch history and a passion for the festivals celebrating regional culture. The start of this "season" is always the funky Dillinger Days – and it's on, right now, downtown at the restored Hotel Congress.

I like Dillinger Days because it's an experience of rough-and tumble tradition from our region's colorful past. John Dillinger ran one of America’s most notorious gangs. He was in Tucson in January 1934, hiding out at the Hotel Congress after a midwest robbery. There's a long story about fire, a suitcase of money, a melee and cops-and-robber shenanigans, but in the end Dillinger and his gang were captured in Tucson. This weekend there's fabulous food, tours, lectures and of course the re-enactment of our town's most famous gangster escapade.

Tucson’s Hotel Congress is a national historic treasure and boutique hotel rolled into one, and I love what they do to commemorate the Dillinger capture.There are crafts, music, vintage car show and other activities throughout the weekend. I’m also happy Maynard’s Market & Kitchen is now open in the train depot, because now you can enjoy local farmer produce, minestrone soup and coffee while watching all the fun.

Thanks, Hotel Congress, for making this a fun weekend to be downtown.

I remember. I hope, again.

That cold January 48 years ago I ran home from school to read my family's Life magazine and gaze at its cover. A new day, I thought to myself happily. I read that magazine over and over, and saved it along with other treasures in my drawer throughout the rest of grammar school, high school and, yes, even into college. I packed it with my special things when I got married and moved to my own apartment. Even when I moved to my house, even when my son was born, even when I moved again to the deserts of Tucson, I kept that magazine among my special books.

Thought you'd want to see the cover of the Life magazine I saved. I have a few (like commemorating the moon landing) from those years of early dreaming. Those who know me are familiar with my love of collecting certain books and papers and, yes, they're right, I save way too many. But I'm glad I saved my Life magazine. It may not publish anymore, but it certainly represents precious journalism to me.

All of us have our dreams. So many years ago the young Kennedy family helped give me hope, helped fuel my own dreams. I owe so much to them for their leadership, the energy they transmitted that cold January in 1961.

And so it shall be on Tuesday. Another young family, fueling more dreams across America. I send my blessings to the Obama family to be energizing, good, inspiring leaders - spreaders of hope, peace, renewed balance, ethics, and earned prosperity. May they hold on to the values that helped them achieve such heights. May we all pass on those same values and a better world to our children, so the future will fulfill new dreams. May it be so.

What will you save from Tuesday, to help you rekindle your dreams?

Food, glorious (local) food

Nothing like sitting down at a bountiful table with family or friends to get a comforting sense of community. Something about food that encourages a happiness, a well-being. Wall Street can take its tumbles but if Leigh and I toast the sunset with a glass of (wine, tea, margarita, beer, whatever) and share a pasta, well, everything will be OK.

I'm Italian. I guess that's a good excuse to make food a focal point in my life. But lately sustainability issues and threats to regional, native traditions have given my food focus new urgency. And a spin toward local.

So I blogged about "locavore" on the Baby Boomer Knowledge Center site. There are dimensions to this story that go beyond just good eats. I'll be writing a follow up, so if you are involved with the local food movement and want your link mentioned in the upcoming story, please let me know. Click here to read about Locavore. Thanks. Pix of me taken by bro Steve via his iPhone during Christmas. I'm smiling because I just had two slices of cheesecake.

Onward in a stormy present, by Abe

Lincoln said it best:

"...The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew..."

Happy 2009. Look ahead positively. Apply fresh thinking.

(Hey, great Tucson/Westward Look fireworks last night. Woo-hoo!)

An Explorer's Butterfly on New Year's Eve

First pix taken by my new iPhone is an Australian blue tiger butterfly, which I found resting in the temporary aviary set up at the Tucson Botanical Garden. I read that the great navigator Captain James Cook saw masses of these butterflies in 1770 nearby the coastlands of Queensland. And here they are in Tucson.

Today we dismantle the Rooted in Place exhibit that Leigh and Jim installed (with Peggy's help) downtown. It was a good photographic show that focused on the importance of placemaking in our lives. As my family travels back to New York after one week of holiday good times here in Tucson, the concept of placemaking as a state of mind (and one that resides in the heart) takes on new meaning. I miss them already.

December 31 - It's a turning of the page. It's also our 36th anniversary. A day to look ahead to a good 2009. I raise my wine glass (and my iPhone, my journal and my camera) in a toast with blessings to us all.

Family

Cheesecake in oven, a Bouche De Noel in the fridge, sauce on the stove, meat, bread, greens and cheese bought and tree adorned. Hannukah candles readied for another night. And family members mid-route to Tucson, having escaped NY rains (only to face more desert rains here tomorrow). No matter. It's Christmas celebrations with those we love.

I am so lucky to have good people in my life and around our table tomorrow. I bless each of them:

• My sis, AnneMarie, whose friendship I treasure,
  
• My bro, Steve, a computer/engineering genius with a sweet heart,
  
• Jim, a friend for decades, now a brother-in-law,
• The true center of our life - Brett, so wise and handsome. How could this sensible, intelligent, non-proft pro/rock star be our son?
  
• Leigh, for 36 years, my best friend and husband. We've shared so much and our love just continues to grow. My joy in life is to know I have shared (and will continue to share) so much with a partner I cherish, have fun with, enjoy and love.
  
• Bisbee - Our always perky and dapper 10-year old standard poodle. He is the old man of the house and we love him, gumpy feet, stinky and all.

That's the lineup for the Tucson Christmas Day table. Across the miles, from California, to Oklahoma, Florida, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, UK, France, and Italy the rest of our family on all sides will celebrate in different circles. But there's no doubt - our large and loving family net holds us all close this holiday, and builds within each of us a spirit that truly is the holiday's most precious gift.

May it be so all around the world. May all people, all religions, all walks of life, stop and remember the important, good messages of this season. Share the good that comes to us! Happy Holidays!

Latkes and Christmas Trees

Leigh (Jewish) and I (Christian) express religion in different ways - 37 years later it still works. Ours is a home where we try to show that diverse spiritual teachings are welcome. And so it was Brett's (fate?) while he was growing up to experience eclectic holidays, drawing on formal religious foundations that were laced with personal interpretation and expression of faith.

Here we are, with Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa coming upon us quickly. The menorah is out. Our very funk-ily beautiful Christmas tree is here. We had an ocotillo made from rusted iron, and it will be re-purposed and visible all year as art.

Importantly, family are on their way to join us in Tucson for a Sonoran holiday celebration. It will be simple yet perfect because it will be shared with family.

When Brett arrives tomorrow we will light the menorah, saying prayers from an old children's book we started using with Brett about 25 years ago. When my sis and bro join us we'll say some more prayers, light more candles and toast family.

Wishing everyone happy holidays and better days ahead. I'll take pictures of our tree and menorah but for now just wanted to send these wishes and blessings.

Viva Local Art

Wishing Tucson Artists Colony much success on the opening tonight. A wonderful addition to our local arts scene.

I was around in the 1970s for the first baby steps of downtown Brooklyn's revitalization -- the local arts community back then was at the core of that revival, working together with independent businesses. And so it is here in Tucson. Tucson Artists Colony is enriching an interesting office/business/artist complex called Placita de la Luna nearby Oracle and Grant. The complex has sustainable features (like water harvesting) as well as professional spaces.

Don't want to sound like an old sage but in the 1970s Brooklyn faced pretty miserable economic times. Plenty of empty storefronts, a lot of negative people sayings the revival wouldn't work. And now look at downtown Brooklyn - million dollar rents; chi chi Williamsburg and Dumbo, people begging to live down there.

Hang in there Tucson. Keep the innovative ideas coming. Government officials, be wise in your decisions. Developers, think sustainability and infill. We can make the magic that happened in Brooklyn happen in our city, too.

Are You Rooted in Place?

A photography exhibit about "place" opened on Congress Street in Tucson on Friday. Do you understand the importance of place -- and how it relates to the collaboration of people, objects, culture, buildings and even open spaces in ways that enliven a community? Yes, in the interest of full disclosure, this fabulous exhibit has much to do with photography by my wonderful husband Leigh. You can read all about the gallery show in its Tucson Weekly city pick story! I'm so proud!