mermaidcamp
Keeping current in wellness, in and out of the water
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Dance with the Dead
October 18, 2012
At the end of October the costumes come out of the closet. This is the big masquerade time in the US. Other cultures have dress up traditions for Carnival and other holidays. The political side of costuming has always been woven into the idea of playing the role of another. Well known faces or looks are popular. In Tucson the Day of the Dead is celebrated in a grand public procession. The costumes in this event are not intended to mimic the living, but rather to show the look of the dead. The visit of the departed souls to earth is celebrated by glowing in the dark, dancing as skeletons, and enjoying the earthly pleasures our dearly departed ones chose while they were alive. The happy honoring of the souls of the dead is a symbol of our connection to all the generations who lived before us.
Mumming and Masquerade
October 8, 2012
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The traditions that exist around costumed rituals abound. Mumming may be from the Irish, may be from the Celtic, but now is interpreted by many modern Brits to honor an ancient tradition. The costumes are significant both in the way they change and in the similarities to ancient customs. Straw boys represent good luck, and are sent to visit newly married couples. There are specific plays and characters for Christmas and Halloween in modern mumming that are uninterrupted traditions from ancient history.
Today people have avatars, play games as super heroes, and give themselves any title they please in their on line lives. I think it is interesting that there are so many groups passionate to preserve the costuming and cultures from history, from Civil War reenactments to the merry mummers of the British Isles, to Helldorado Days in Tombstone, AZ. The tradition of mime is related to the mummers. The costume tells much of the story, just as it does in many Naive American dances. Will you dress up for the end of October? Will you do anything special to honor the dead? It is the perfect time.
Asteya
October 4, 2012
Honoring what belongs to others is a yama, or social restraint, set out by Patanjali in the yoga sutras. To practice asteya is to understand that being satisfied with what I have is essential to my contribution to society. It also requires that I honor the time, accomplishments, and possesions of others. The yamas are simple and straightforward, designed for endless practice. They provide an ethical framework for living in this world while seeking enlightenment. Asteya has the effect of priming the pump by a mindset of coveting absolutely nothing. It is to be satisfied. It is to respect everyone’s boundaries and belongings. The most precious belonging anyone has is time.
Lena West
At the TribeUpNY on the equinox we enjoyed the presence and the teachings of Ms. Lena West, social marketing historian/wizard/teacher cum laude. She made the excellent point that time is not money, as the trite saying would have us believe. She ably demonstrated that time wasted can never be found. Money can be leveraged. If one cares to increase the value and the impact of time it must be leveraged as well. Her point is that influence is real, is valuable, and is gained by leveraging ( focusing) time. It was not her intention to come off yogic. Her message was 100 % asteya. Do what you do well. Don’t try to digest the entirety of the world at all times. Make and respect boundaries that create value. When you focus on your own well, take care of it and set limits on it, flow happens. When your focus travels to distractions of any kind you loose the value of the time that is only given once. I think Lena Patanjali West is brilliant. Here is her presentation from TribeUp:
Mr. In Between
September 30, 2012
My friend and I have been in a discussion about what is a typical New Yorker. I have gone to visit, enjoyed the company, pondered the nature of things and done ancestry research. TribeUpNYC was a fine example of how simple and yet how complex New York City is now and always will be. I have always appreciated the culture and the talent, not to mention the exceptional goods available there. I have never before attended a conference held in Manhattan.
I knew this was the conference for me because it was being held by my blogging tribe Triberr. I enjoy participating with other bloggers in sharing content and appreciating each other. I like the nature and helpful vibe of the big chiefs, so I decided to go in person. I was blown away by the perfection of the event to my own needs as a blogger. Seriously professional points of view were effectively delivered, including a section about comedy. We were both entertained and educated before being turned loose to party with some yummy food and drink created by mighty fine Haitian caterers. There was that international mix that is common in Manhattan. That is how those of us from way out west know something is very different. We are not in Tucson any more. Multi lingual, multi ethnic cuisine is just the start of the exciting shift.
I was very happy to be able to meet many people I had known on line in one way or another, and thrilled to have direct access to the presenters. They all hung out schmoozing around the party giving darshan. They were all really impactful, and wildly diverse, just as one might want to have in any tribe. Lena West introduced herself as a New Yorker, and my friend Marc and I agreed she is a typical one. She was brilliant and to the point. Her most important teaching in my recollection is that time is not money. Money can be made, lost, made, grown, lost again, invested, etc. Time spent has been spent forever. This brings me back to my definition of the typical New Yorker. Time management is way different for New Yorkers because just being there takes up huge amounts of time and money. Strategy is wildly important to them.
I nominate Lena as typical New Yorker for the following reason: She has no time for Mr. In Between. I think that is what they all have in common. They are masters of a certain kind of discernment.
Guilllaume Vigne, my 12 Great Grandfather
September 28, 2012
Manhattan in 1600s
My 12th great grandfather was in the first settlement of Dutch immigrants in Manhattan. Guillaume and his wife Adrienne were in New Amsterdam in 1613 as part of the crew of the trading ship Tiger. The ship burned in the harbor. After your ship burns you have fewer choices than before your ship burned. They persevered, as was their way. I am a result of their persistence.
Guillaume Vigne (1586 – 1632)
is my 12th great grandfather
Daughter of Guillaume
Daughter of Maria
Daughter of Abigail
Daughter of Aeltie
Son of Anneke Abramse
Daughter of Cornelius
Son of Annatje
Daughter of Johannis P
Son of Anna
Son of Swain
Daughter of Jerimiah
Son of Minnie M
Son of Ernest Abner
They came to New York after staying in Leiden, a very popular place for my entire family at that time. They offered religious tolerance at a time when Catholics were out for blood. People took big risks in those days to be part of a religious group. After arrival in Manhattan they had to survive by their wits and ability to trade and farm in the surroundings. Adrienne gave birth to the first Dutch male child born in the new world. Their daughter Maria continued to thrive and trade and live in Manhattan with her new fancy Dutch husband from Albany. They were very established by that time. After all, just 4 years after Henry discovered the Hudson the Vignes were there in the Tiger. You could say they were original New Yorkers. I can say no wonder I love lower Manahattan so much and feel at home there.
New York Revisited
September 25, 2012
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I had not been to New York City since June of 2001. The World Trade Center was there last time I looked. A recent visit for a fast paced weekend reminded me why I love the city. I like the way NewYorkers talk, dress, act, and the way they interact. For one afternoon I attended a conference for bloggers which I enjoyed immensely. I met in person some people I have known digitally for a long time, and others I had just recently followed. The Triberr conference made the trip worth the effort, but the city itself provided the perfect place to be.
I stayed in Chelsea at a very well priced and, for me, well positioned small hotel called the Chelsea Inn. It was Euro stye with breakfast vouchers for the Belgian cafe next door. I was happy with my giant room on the ground floor with antique fixtures and furniture. It was comfortable, secure, and clean. The staff made me feel very welcome. I did share a wall and the street noise with Manhattan’s busiest nightclub, The Splash. For me, this was not a problem. Not everyone is prepared to deal with that level of noise, but I was just reminded that I was not in Tucson any more. The up sides of the area far outweighed the issue of the pulsing beat all night.
My spacious room at the Inn
I thrift shop for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is the chance to find some vintage items in good condition. I sew and know fabric, so I usually feel self assured about my talent and skill as a savvy thrift shopper. In New York City, however, the thrifters have a bigger, better market from which to choose. They may even have jobs in the fashion industry. I noticed right off the bat that the company of shoppers was very advanced in discernment. The prices were so low and the quality so high that I wanted the entire inventory at the Angel Street Shop. I was over my head here, and had no room in my carry on baggage to take much back home with me. I had to leave empty in order to return later with more composure.
I dined, shopped, walked and gawked at the architectural detail in Chelsea, which is forever to be my new New York ‘hood. I have determined, after a really excellent shopping spree with my friend Margaret, that it can be totally worth the effort and the airfare to fly here and do all of one’s shopping. I did not even take in the two very local museums, Rubin and Jewish History, just blocks from my new hotel home. The value and the entertainment never stop in New York. I will not wait so long to return.
Thrift Angel
Inn
Reversible jacket fits
Environmental Design
September 11, 2012
- largest chocolate fountain
conservatory
- conservatory of light and decorative planting
fantasy giant bee
- flower lady bugs
- flute playing nymph
- acrobatic arts
- water fountain
- glass ceiling flowers
When you travel what kind of design changes do you like to make? I usually enjoy design that is neat and modern, uncluttered and sleek. This is just not the way to design a gambling casino, as I have discovered. When I see the world’s largest chocolate fountain I am not at all attracted to it. It is obvious that many people like it a lot. There is a place for public art, and since casinos have a lot of the public’s cash to use, it is fitting that they create adult fantasy environments. If flowing chocolate and giant bees are your thing, you will totally love the Bellagio in Las Vegas.
Synesthesia
September 6, 2012
The merging of the senses is a process and a practice. To create an artist or inventor can call on all the senses and blend the associations into new meaning. You may be synesthetic in certain parts of you life, such as personal fashion or cuisine. I make an attempt to both try new experiences and blend all the sensory information into art. My artistic sense was inspired long ago by my design teacher, Max Gottschalk, who began the semester with a lecture about designing your life. I also hung out with Max later in his life and had the pleasure of doing some major synesthesia with him when he was 92 and pretty far out there. At that time he used to refer to “sonic water” when we were in the water. I questioned him thoroughly about this sonic water, but he provided little detail. I still wonder about that.
I went to Las Vegas to tour Zappos headquarters recently. My goals were entirely fulfilled on the tour. In order to get there I flew to Vegas, stayed at a big casino hotel, and coincidentally went to a fashion show. I flew home after a little more than 24 hours, but the tightly scheduled events, including the Mormons on the plane ride back, have all become one big circus in my mind. Without intending to do so, I created the circumstances that are perfect for synesthetic problem solving. I left with a design in my head for a very important event I had been planning for ages. The juxtaposition of over the top Bellagio surroundings, Zappo’s over the top customer service, and clothing designer Joey Galon’s over the top evening gowns have all merged in my creative process to outline the best little mermaid bat mitzvah after party ever attempted.
I am on a mission to create for my 13 year old friend Mollie a party that expresses her own creativity and that of a few of her close friends. With the date is closing in, and I had no real plan to pull this whole idea into shape. I have given her a sewing machine, a 20 minute sewing lesson, and some prom dresses. Thanks to the various senses that merged the Las Vegas experience for me, we now know what we are going to do!!! Mollie will assemble the girls and fit them into the dresses they like best. She will cut off the bottom of the dress and we will retrofit them all to be mermaid dresses. Some individual craft work on the bottom of each dress will make each an individual and unique piece of art. I always like to put lessons inside a fun project because that inspires me. I believe I can deliver sewing and fashion design lessons from the upcycle perspective to some unsuspecting young ladies.
office of the most successful capitalists on earth
- glass flowers
Zappo’s Tour
August 20, 2012
I recently learned about the Zappo’s tour of the headquarters in Henderson, NV. Free tours can be booked, and for a fee of $49.00 a question and answer session with the staff can be added. I have always liked doing business with Zappo’s, but hearing about what it is like to work there has made me intensely curious to see what they do. I met a woman who had worked as an assistant to Tony Hseih, the founder of the company. She went on a tour across the country with him promoting the company. Her description made it sound like the best job anyone could ever have.
I was not aware that Amazon had bought Zappo’s, but they retain a special company culture. The new leader in customer service operates with the ideal of happy, fulfilled employees. I think this is a brilliant approach. I sense that employees deliver resentful or unsuitable service to customers when they feel resentful of the treatment they receive at work. By making employee happiness a priority, the company learns more about happiness in general, and naturally projects a welcoming demeanor. The connection between the staff and the customer is highlighted.
I have watched a few videos produced by various visitors in the past, which helped me make the decision to go myself. I am not sure what I expect, but I expect to have those expectations exceeded, whatever they turn out to be. I will file a full report of my investigation of the Zappo’s culture and systems. I look forward to the adventure in learning.
Palomar Hotel San Diego
August 11, 2012
I stayed last Sunday night at the Palomar Hotel downtown San Diego. My stay was scheduled as a birthday celebration for my friend Beth, who lives in Encinitas. After a visit to the farmers’ market we needed a restaurant because this was not the market we had imagined. Fresh citrus juice was a treat, but unlike the many other area markets, this one had few fresh food, or prepared food stands. I would call it more of a craft fair with a little bit of food. Fortunately the area is full of restaurants, so we found one that met our lunch needs, then sent the birthday woman ahead to the Se Spa at the hotel to report for her Thai pedicure. The three kids and I followed at a leisurely pace, and found the room was ready for check in when we reached the hotel. Up we went to the 16th floor to delight in the amazing suite with a balcony from which we could see the pool party deck. I really adore the post modern style of the Palomar as it combines with the historical and modern buildings surrounding it. The suite suited me perfectly. A large kitchen, a wet bar, and a dining room adjoin the spacious bedroom and walk in closet space. We all loved the balcony, with a cozy sitting area and an interesting view. Sleek, modern boutique style evokes something entirely different from home, which is precisely what I want from a hotel.
Post pedicure we went to the pool deck to enjoy some afternoon DJ action, a hip lounge area, and snack service from the Saltbox restaurant. The pool is shallow, very nicely heated, and includes underwater speakers playing the same tunes you hear on the deck. One reason I am such a big fan of the Kimpton Hotel chain is the other guests one finds enjoying the ambience. In each of the 4 Kimptons I have visited I found locals like to hang out at the bars and restaurants. Even in trendy Aspen, CO, the Sky bar is popular apre ski with Aspenites. The Palomar is the first one in which I saw no visiting dogs. The dog guests have been at the happy hours socializing over wine in the other 3 Kimptons I have visited. A friendly and casual atmosphere is created that attracts different age groups and foreign tourists, mostly European. At the pool we were joined by some local friends who stayed for a couple of drinks, then said good bye. As festive days go this one was a complete success. The pedicure was a happy time with lovely results for the birthday toes. The pool deck was the perfect place to receive guests and relax.
After packing in the pool party we moved right downstairs to the Saltbox restaurant for a quick, delicious dinner with the kids. I needed a cappuccino to be able to make it to the next round of activities. In the spacious suite, with the exciting city lights around us, I had one more job to complete. Thanks to the big dining table the sewing lesson was easy to do. We cut out a skirt, threaded the machine, I demonstrated gathering, and whipped up a skirt to be finished at home by the students. Sending the Beth and her family home in their pajamas after a full day of celebration I was tired and content. When I reached the 16th floor again on my own, I was treated to a fireworks display above the buildings, out over the water. For me, it was the perfect ending to the perfect day.
kids like the balcony
Pool deck at Palomar
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