mermaidcamp
Keeping current in wellness, in and out of the water
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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
Tony Hsieh
September 16, 2012
Tony Hsieh of Zappos
On my recent tour of Zappos headquarters in Henderson NV I was treated to a glimpse of Tony Hsieh himself. As I departed with my shuttle driver for the ride back to town he was entering the building I was exiting. I stared for a moment to make sure he was himself. I had a fleeting question in my mind about the possibility that a hologram of Tony is somehow implanted into each person’s visit, but they are all prerecorded and projected on a green screen or something. He was low key, in jeans, and moving along with purpose. He did have the presence of mind not to be sitting in his desk when the tour comes along, but I was very excited to see him. It is hard to describe the way I think of his celebrity and my connection to it. I have been a shoe lover forever, but this is so much more than just shoes.
I admire him for his mastery of alchemy in capitalism. I admire his good taste and his smart choices. Moving the headquarters to the former Las Vegas City Hall is an example of upcycling that makes my heart beat faster. He has a strong agenda to grow his culture and provide right livelihood for his employees. The company and all of the customers who shop there are the major lucky beneficiaries of his vision of business. I love the way they completely make obvious how the culture works, how it remains strong, and how it serves all involved.
Zappos, the Zenith of Capitalism
September 14, 2012
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Zappos headquarters
Rasta office humor
At different times in history humans have taken giant leaps that transformed the world quickly and forever. We look at the printing press, the industrial revolution, and the digital age as big new waves of change. We tested the theory of capitalism against the theory of Marxism. Societies languished in state capitalism ( a la USSR) and never created the utopia they attempted. Greed and corruption have triumphed in many cases, while workers have been disempowered. The unrest and ignorance that spreads can be exasperating. I have some very good news, gentle readers. There is hope that systems of excellent good will and happiness can be created from pure capitalism. I have seen with my own eyes the purposeful and systematic creation of happiness. It is not a surprise to me that pure happiness is created by the mastery of a refined, balanced and efficient way to enchant customers. Providing the perfect footwear and more for each person and on every occasion is done purposefully. Zappos is truly the happiest place on earth. The employees practice happiness in themselves, to each other, and always with the customer.
Offering employees support and coaching for both personal and company goals includes them all in a feeling of belonging to a happy group. The work environment is as unstructured as possible, but completely measured and analyzed. If a worker wants to take one of the ongoing classes, the schedule is altered if possible and the training is placed on the schedule. The same is true if an employee wants to take advantage of the personal coach, or the entire training department available for a review or update on the company training that may be needed. At the busiest times, all employees pitch in and answer phones. They all have the current training and they all live by the core values, or they will not stay at Zappos. Statistics are posted on boards to make all aware of the rate of success. When they break a previous record for sales in one day, everyone in the company is given a commemorative t shirt. Chances are that almost everyone was very busy cross training to reach that new one day goal, so they share the glory. In fact, I think the big secret is that they share the glory. They also share great benefits and fairly unlimited ability to be promoted within the company.
The core values run the company, and the people benefit from the purity of the core values. The happy clients and the happy customer service aces share the beauty of the efficient ,well defined way to do business. I always knew heaven would include a super selection of shoes.
Zappos office
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.
Vitriol
September 9, 2012
Vitriol
I am studying the alchemist archtype in my life. I have used the word vitriol, but have not associated it with alchemy until I found it in my reading yesterday. I purchased a beautiful book, Signs & Symbols by Beryl Dhanjal. In this excellent art and prose work I discovered that vitriol is an acronym, just like OMG. It stands for Visita Interiora Terrae Rectificando Invenies Occultum Lapidem,” “Visit the interior of the earth and rectifying (purifying) you will find the hidden stone.” The motto originated in L’Azoth des Philosophes by the 15th Century alchemist Basilius Valentinus. Both Alchemists and Freemasons use this motto.
In chemistry ancient science referred to sulfuric acid is vitriol. I have a strong memory of the alchemist in chief in my life, my father, teaching me to make hydrogen bombs. I was probably about 8. We dissolved magnesium metal bits in hydrochloric acid, but vinegar works, or any acid, I think. The combination makes hydrogen gas that when ignited, explodes. At school in the 1950s we had air raid drills about hydrogen bombs. At home I got to make them. Both my dad and I liked the little ones we made in test tubes, so we went big one day. He put the acid and the metal in a gallon jar, which was somehow closed and directed into a plastic tube about 30 ft. long. My dad had no experience in the hurt locker, just in fracking and blowing up oil reservoirs underground. My mother watched from the upstairs window horrified as my dad lit the end of the hose, which I think was supposed to blow a can in the air. The tube with the gas in it flamed across my dad’s beloved lawn and the glass bottle blew to smithereens. I was thrilled, but my father was significantly freaked out. I think we went on a hiatus from explosion chemistry for a while after that. I am pretty sure that is when I had to build the crystal radio. I remember not being nearly as pleased with that radio as I had been with our explosive past. It is good to have an alchemist for a father. They combine things that other fathers do not.
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
Food Coop Flashback
August 26, 2012
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About 40 years ago a legendary hippie named Steve Gold was instrumental in starting food coops in Tucson, and later on Mt Lemmon (a mountain neighbor to Tucson). I was a founding member of both. The coop on Mt Lemmon flourished and died after a few seasons, but was good while it lasted. The Food Conspiracy is still alive today, although in an altered form. I am a member of that coop, which operates as a well stocked health food store downtown. I shop there when I am down there, but have been avoiding the place while they build our streetcar line. Eternal construction is jamming the area. Eventually I will be a happy shopper directly connected to this fun transportation option, but all of us have had to deal with a favorite part of our city being “revitalized” through massive construction.
In the first months of the Food Conspiracy, about 1970, we met in an alley with baby scales and weighed out wheat berries and the like which we purchased as a group. Steve pulled up in a pick up truck, and we did our distribution behind the store that is on 4th Avenue today on the bed of the truck. We didn’t even have a table. We became popular enough to rent the building for storage, later opening as a store. We all had to work from the beginning, but after the store opened, non members were allowed to shop, and years passed, the IRS eventually intervened to make the “coop” part a big taxation problem. I am happy the business has survived and serves the population interested in organic health food.
As a consumer I have a nearly obsessive desire to spend my money as close to my home as possible. “Keep the money in the ‘hood” is my motto. This practice flows from a conscious desire to support the people who own businesses near me. I want my immediate area to thrive and stay vibrant. I think I inherited this from the Swiss. I have spent lots of time with them and admire the way they make provincialism a good thing. I drive very little, loving to find everything I need and want without spending time in my car. I have become very proficient at internet shopping, which is a blast to me. Delivery suits me perfectly. Imagine my thrill when I learned that a food coop was making deliveries very close to home. Yesterday was my first day as a member of Bountiful Baskets Coop.
It is run as a true coop, with the help of the internet. Now it is easy to track orders and account for everything. My first impression is excellent. I paid extra to upgrade to an organic surprise produce box, and bought a couple of extras. In the extra category the bread and the fajita packages were of excellent freshness and quality, and the 20 pound box of tomatoes arrived at a perfect ripeness. I do like everything in my produce box, and think the freshness is pretty good. I normally do not buy iceberg lettuce, but this is a chance for me to knock off P F Chang. The coop sends out an instructional e mail about shopping, making sure you use all your produce, and shifting your family diet to a more plant based selection. The emphasis in the educational materials is on saving money, therefore it stresses new shopping habits and mindful planning. I could not be more thrilled to have this new food option. I like everything about it. The surprise is even fun for a person who is crazy about reading recipes. The best part is that I prepay, show up and instantly leave with my boxes and bags, organized and perfect. The meeting spot is in a parking lot of a school, not so unlike our back alley, but so much more high tech. I simply bring my confirmation number from the e mail I receive as a receipt, and off I go with my food. I am in the mood for fall now as I roast my veggies and fill the house with aromas of fresh vegetables. If you live in the area in which they operate I highly recommend this organization. The value is outstanding. It is easy to evaluate and feel good if you regularly shop for food in grocery stores. The value pendulum has swung back in my direction, and I could not be more pleased. This is the most pleasant of flashbacks…..a food conspiracy indeed, about 2 miles from my house.
fruit
Fajita mix
produce haul
Pineal Gland
August 24, 2012
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The significance of the pineal gland and the connection it has to the third eye, or sixth chakra, has been observed for centuries. There are specific meditation practices designed to awaken or activate the gland.
I have been aware, but not very well informed about the meaning of this tiny pinecone shaped gland seated inside the brian. I discovered the Ayurvedic practice known as Shirodhara which is a pleasure to receive and has profound and lasting effects. I really just love it because of the sensuality of the whole experience, but I did feel particularly balanced for a while after my first treatment. I have found a therapist who practices near my home so I have an appointment for a head anointing soon. Since this will take place close to home, I plan to leave the oil on my long hair for 24 hours to make it healthy and happy. After trying a plethora of bodywork and therapies I am now very attracted to balancing my pineal and pituitary glands, and balancing this with lymphatic drainage from time to time. I am still a hedonist, and appreciate the fine feelings created by a mindful bodyworker in a massage. I am now more enthusiastic, however, to learn more about the alchemy possible through ancient medical practices.
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.
Iatrophobia
August 15, 2012
Dr Robert Fulford, DO, my primary care physician for years
I am openly afraid of doctors. I avoid contact with them, except in social settings, where I am fine with them. I know they don’t want to practice medicine during social times, and I certainly don’t want to talk about the way they practice. I go to the dermatologist, the dentist, and the optometrist. I have no issues with those office visits. I am fond of teeth cleaning, and go 4 times a year. If I wonder about a symptom in my own body, however, a medical doctor would be the very last person I would ask. I have relied on my friend who is a chiropractor to diagnose, treat, and advise me for the last 20 years or so, since Dr Fulford retired. Now Dr. Sue, my chiropractor friend, is leaving to go to work for the VA in Las Vegas.
While dog walking with my neighbor a couple of days ago we discussed the state of medicine and how things have changed so drastically. I told her I was fine with Dr. Sue leaving because she has introduced me to a very cool MD who practices emergency medicine and acupuncture near my home. I walked home and promptly created a mini medical emergency by chopping off the tip of my index finger while cutting a watermelon. Dr. Eric was already on my mind, having been so recently mentioned as medical savior, so I called him. I found some Neosporin and bandages, did some first aid, then finished making melon juice. Things looked bad to me initially, but when I learned Dr Eric was not going to be in his office for another week I had little pain and the bleeding had been stopped. I said thanks for calling and told him I would come in next week if I have gangrene. I have met him and taken a young friend to his office for acupuncture in the past. I had a very good impression of the way he approaches health. I am satisfied that he will take care of me at the same time I am totally freaked out at the idea of strange doctors in a hospital. The good news is that my finger is healing well without even an aspirin needed.
Maybe there are people with unreasonable fear of doctors, but I like to think of my own as a practical one. After having Dr. Fulford as my primary physician, then Dr. Sue, I believe I have learned enough to distinguish dangerous docs from the ones who do no harm. I feel lucky not only to be healthy, but also to have had the best care in the past. I hope to need as little as possible in the future.
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