Dancing Gypsies

Uptown girl

2010-03-22T18:19:00.014-05:00

"One less car"

Uptown Bikes made my day. This bike shop is run by rad chicas. Maria explained they use this to ride their recyclables to the neighborhood bins. They're going to give my Austrian-born, Cilantro, a little make-over soon. Yay!

They let me ride around Uptown on a KHS - though this is the bike I ride in my dreams - while she was getting her check-up. No offense my sweet Cilantro.

KHS and Alternatives. I love this mosaic by Ginny Sykes.

Pieces of me.

Cilantro...

2010-03-17T20:45:00.003-05:00

...my green accessory for the day!

Highlights include, a fellow cyclist passing me saying, "Nice weather!" (or was it, "Nice leather"??), and Dr. K taking Cilantro for a spin (and then offering to buy me a new bike.)

Miss Thang

2010-03-13T00:22:00.001-06:00

Cilantro's back in action!

Cycle Recycle

2010-03-01T12:17:00.006-06:00

As part of the Peace on Earth Film Festival this weekend, a wonderful documentary called Cycle Recycle: Economic Development in Sierra Leone (by Greg Sucharew), was shown highlighting the amazing work done by the non-profit, Pedals for Progress. They collect bicycles (and sewing machines!) headed for landfills and pass them along to countries where they will be valued, and subsequently provide transportation, sustainable community development, independence...all sorts of important stuff. Maya Pedal in Guatemala also provides similar support to its communities. Tom at Bike Juju posts about his travels abroad and the use of bicis everywhere...so encouraging and hopeful to know there's such amazing efforts out there.

Hunka y una bici

2010-02-23T23:00:00.000-06:00

Mi papa sent me this photo!

Daytrippin'...

2010-02-19T22:29:00.006-06:00

...to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Our first stop - Alterra, the raddest coffee joint I've ever visited.

They roasted on location, and had a beautiful bird print backdrop...smelled so mmmmmm....

Milwaukee Art Museum, and 3rd Ward afterwards.

Bazaar and I are ready for Spring

2010-01-12T17:05:00.003-06:00

Photos by Alexi Lubomirski in Harper Bazaar's February 2010 issue.

Stripes, bangles and boys on bikes...sign me up!

2 good ones

2010-01-09T08:46:00.002-06:00

I adore the work of Cabelo, a Brazilian street artist. He has a keen eye for beauty and detail. More of this work (illustrations, leaf sculptures) can be found on his blog. Thanks to BikeJuju for his inspiring international images also of the bike in its full phenomenal function.

Blowin' in the wind

2010-01-05T21:33:00.001-06:00

Uh, fabulous.

'Tis the season

2009-12-24T19:08:00.000-06:00

Urban Worm Chicas

2009-12-13T19:49:00.002-06:00

Welcome to your new home!

We have new pets: worms! I'm super stoked to learn more about the lil suckers and their wonders, and watch as they eat away our garbage (ie. paper, fruit and veggie scraps). Our compost outside is getting a bit too cold to do its thang, so we're tryin' our hand at vermiculture.

Found objects...

2009-12-12T22:39:00.005-06:00

Strolling historic district in Oak Park, a sidewalk lined with not one, but multiple holly bushes! I had to pick a branch and pin it to my coat.

David Byrne touched this book!

The Book Table proprietors didn't even realize they had an autographed copy!!!!

Ten Thousand Villages always good.

I want to visit Wisconsin.

2009-11-20T21:11:00.004-06:00

I can keep an eye on Cilantro while at work!

The other day at work I met Kate. She and hubby moved from the city to rural Wisconsin during the '60s as part of the back-to-land movement. Totally serendipitous, I thought, since I'm reading Omnivore's Dilemna and Pollan is discussing the beginning of the organic food growing movement in the '60s! Kate was part of this. She also said their 140 acres of land is surrounded by Organic Valley farmland. She and hubby no longer farm, but are avid cyclists. She said she is continually surprised by how many people are moving back to the land, even today, and that so many are young families.

Along these same lines, I was able to hear Farmer Bob from Harvest Moon (aptly named from their love of Neil Young) speak today to a classroom full of 1st graders learning about the road our food travels from farm-to-table. When his slide show posted a photo of chiles and peppers, the whole class shouted, "CHILES!"

Good things are happening.

Posted as part of Fight Back Fridays.

To remember

2009-11-02T21:26:00.003-06:00

Jose Guadalupe Posada print

Another reason to love Pilsen!

Particularly striking was "Manifest" by Adriana Yadira Gallego as part of the Rastros y Cronicas: Mujeres de Juarez.

Kinda fabulous

2009-10-30T16:02:00.001-05:00

Workshop, 818 W. 18th St.

Where clothing construction makes sense again.

Vino y musica

2009-10-29T22:50:00.005-05:00

I know better than to buy wine by what the label looks like, but I did it anyways.

I ride my bike, I roller skate, don't drive no car
Don't go too fast, but I go pretty far
For somebody who don't drive, I been all around the world
Some people say I done all right for a girl

(Thanks for the mixes, Ms. Janssen...I fancy them most definately!)

Yellow carpet...

2009-10-27T20:10:00.001-05:00

...of leaves.

Note: This photo does not do justice to how bright these leaves were! It was magnificent.

Porch companions

2009-10-24T16:38:00.005-05:00

Plants, Flave and Cilantro gettin' cozy!

Boo.

2009-10-20T21:33:00.002-05:00

Halloween-themed Pictionary/charades 'til 2 in the morning made me realize how many B-rated horror flicks I haven't seen.

Ought. Ommm.

2009-10-14T21:39:00.002-05:00

Autumn.
Pretty.
Smells good.

When Harry Met...

2009-10-13T21:57:00.002-05:00

Is it normal to be a watery-eyed, snotty-nosed mess a la Harry and Lloyd-style?!

"Pullover!...No, its a cardigan but thanks for noticing...Yeah! Killer boots, man!"

Velo love...

2009-10-11T21:47:00.004-05:00

Hope this never happens to me!!!!

(...they share the same letters.)

This weekend I got to meet, mingle and ride with really inspiring cyclists, many of whom were ladies (Dottie, Elisa and Elizabeth) who love la bici, much like myself!

I was all ears while listening to advice on riding as it gets colder...wool, wool and more wool, with some water resistant layers thrown in there. I must invest in some wool tights.

I tread cautiously these days as the weather has been dipping into the 40s and 50s, with rain scattered into the mix. Bike to work, or take the El? Of course I'd much rather ride, but don't want to show up to work soaked, or freezing...

Today was sunny, but chilly. I biked to work. It was probably the coldest I've ridden in thus far. I stay relatively warm, and am learning as I go.

A co-worker said she passed me in her car - she thought I looked "miserable." For a brief time today I thought to myself, "Who am I to be riding in cold weather?" Eff that! Who am I not to be riding!

I love riding my bike, and feel like something is missing from my day if I don't get a ride in. I will continue to ride as long as I possibly (comfortably and safely) can.

In honor of those who ran the Chi 26.2 today, as well as the Iron(wo)man World Championship this weekend, I watched last year's cycling portion. Totally in awe of the endurance of the athletes. Their stories are amazing. Kinda makes me feel like a wimp for stressin' over riding in the cold.

Return of

2009-10-04T20:36:00.002-05:00

Arm warmers (fashioned from a cut-up pair of thick tights) have been a lifesaver this past week as the weather turned officially autumn temps.

Saturday morning commute:
Intermittent sun, marked with intermittent smells of bacon all the way to work. Co-worker Ruth, who rides a green vintage bici also, said, "bacon's making a come back." So funny!

Getting to know...

2009-09-24T19:36:00.003-05:00

The Recyclery Community Bike Shop, 7628 N. Paulina

The city is taking out a lot of meters and replacing them with "pay-in-display" machines, though it appears this lone meter was left as an anchor outside the Recylcery.

Slow ride. Take it easy.

2009-09-21T20:44:00.003-05:00

A co-worker the other day asked me if I was a "fast biker," or did I take my time when I commuted to work. Not that Cilantro is fast by any means (other bikers often pass me), but her question did make me rethink how I rode to work, and I realized it wouldn't hurt me to slow down and enjoy my ride more. So this past week I've done just that. I've even been exploring new routes, streets and neighborhoods. I'm diggin' the new pace. Though we sped up quite a bit the other evening to make it home before the rain; the rain won anyways by three blocks.

6 legs + 1 bici

2009-09-16T23:18:00.002-05:00

How rad is this?! J. Fo, now Mrs. O, sent along this fab photo. Appears to be a gorgeous day at the Bay for some triple-tandem action, hopefully followed by some good food and drink! I've yet to ride a tandem...so do you totally have to trust your fellow rider(s) and their ability to balance? One of these days...

Message on martes

2009-09-08T22:13:00.002-05:00

"There is no excuse in not trying..."

I love the fact our president made a specific address to young learners!

No labor on lunes

2009-09-07T19:03:00.008-05:00

Waiting for the Metra to whisk Mia, Tom and I to the Botanic Garden north of the Chi. We even packed a picnic! OMG...Ol' Cilantro, in all her steel glory, is not conducive to being lifted on and off and a train!

Tom discovered the Old Green Bay trail that you can ride all the way back to the city. Mia (rockin' the cute-chica-riding-a-bike-in-a-skirt-look) and I, as leisure riders vs. Tom's speedy ways, opted that ride for another day.

Bike love on the Metra ride home...we weren't the only ones who thought spending the day rollin' 'round the gorgeous gardens would be a fab idea!

Side notes...
Favorite flower of the day = Inverted Cactus Dahlia.
Favorite flower name = Egyptian Star Cluster.
Peggy McNamara's watercolor exhibit was exquisite.

A non-Lomophobic

2009-09-01T23:49:00.004-05:00

Photos courtesy of Mike's amazing skills with a Lomo. Below is my fave from his Rhapsody in Blue series. He can be reached at shoottofill@gmail.com.

4 legs on 2 wheels

2009-09-01T23:15:00.003-05:00

This is Suzy. I met Suzy and her owner, Kathy, at Slow Food Chicago's Eat-In last week to bring awareness on the Child Nutrition Act. Suzy rides in a padded bungied-basket, covered in stickers. She has her own customized helmet, water bottle and flame-embellished umbrella! All this on a foldable bike.

Lolla lotta...

2009-08-09T23:55:00.002-05:00

...bikes scaling the fence outside the Chi music festival.

Tandem

2009-07-27T12:32:00.000-05:00

Sharing the road. Sharing the bike.

Sabado...

2009-07-26T23:09:00.002-05:00

...the Wednesday of a self-propelled work week!

Antigua, Guatemala

2009-07-22T15:59:00.005-05:00

Parque Central

Another abuelo con una bici...too precious. My grandpa (Jajui) probably would've ridden a bike, if he didn't love his walks so much.

Antigua was Guatemala's first capital before a volcano did some damage and it was relocated to present-day Ciudad Guatemala. It is, therefore, a very antiquated city with a bunch of charm, and with that charm swarms tourists, and because of this increased security...a relatively safe place compared to, say Guatemala City. There are also a lot of ruins from churches, which makes for an adventurous walk.

Parque Central

This is probably one of my favorite fotos taken...tres, tres, tres!

Union Park

Guatemala also has a burgeoning unicycle culture brewing rooted in the efforts of an Antigua-local by way of Canada.

San Pedro, Guatemala

2009-07-22T15:45:00.004-05:00

These tiny sidewalks...err, streets shared pedestrians, dogs, cyclists and...motorcycles!

Located along Lago de Atitlan, San Pedro is a gorgeous getaway, populated with indigenous and hip-igenous (Ex-Pats/hippies turned locals).

English...yes, a bit touristy.

Dirt paths were a common way to get from here to there.

Zunil, Guatemala

2009-07-22T15:13:00.002-05:00

Cobblestone calles, perros de calle (so so many) & a bici. Home to the Mayan folk saint San Maximon (San Simon).

The Milkman

2009-07-22T14:45:00.002-05:00

I saw this curiously fabulous bike contraption every morning on my walk to school. I finally asked its owner what the containers housed. His answer: "Leche vaca."

Each morning, thereafter, he greeted me with a, "Buenas dias, Senorita."

Cow's milk must be somewhat of a delicacy, since it was never a drink option during our 2-week stay.

(If I drank milk and lived in Xela, I'd totally buy from him!)

Xela mornings

2009-07-22T14:33:00.002-05:00

Una hija...

Dos hijas!

There she was...

2009-07-22T14:15:00.003-05:00

Intersection loco!

The only mujer I saw on una bici...and she was wearing a helmet and gear! I saw more females on motorcylces, than on las bicicletas.

Abuelos en Xela con bicis

2009-07-22T13:26:00.002-05:00

Dianonal 2

Older men were the cyclists I saw most, followed by boys. I can count on one hand the number of women and girls I saw riding a bike.

Guatemala, as with most Central and Latin American countries is plagued with machismo. I believe this plays out in many aspects of a female's life, from family life, who raises the children, who supports the family, to even being able to ride a bike. Each week, la escuela gave us a paycheck to pass along to la familia we were staying with. We were told to give it directly to la mujer - the woman of the household, and not el hombre (if there was even un hombre in the house).

I'm reminded how far ahead our culture is compared to many in terms of the freedoms afforded to women. Last year a couple of my female students from Afghanistan would tell me how their father allowed their brother to have a bicycle, but not them. And this was coming from a family considered quite progressive, i.e. the girls were allowed to NOT wear their burqas to school, and wear jeans, t-shirts, etc. I tried researching to find out more about Muslim girls and bikes, but came up empty-handed, though I did find an interesting blog that posted info about a Muslim Ladies' Cycling Club in London. How fab!

Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala

2009-07-22T12:04:00.010-05:00

Intersection of 5a Calle, 2a Avenida y Diagonal 2

Biking seems to be a popular form of transportation wherever we traveled in Guatemala...be it in the ciudad or pueblo. Even along the highway (CA 1). Helmets were not common. I was nervous as a pedestrian walking on the sidewalks, let alone riding a bike in the small, compact, irreverent-car-filled streets. The pollution was nauseating. We have so much to be thankful for.

Above is the intersection I crossed every morning on my walk to escuela. It was a loco intersection, at that!

The Maya Tour was by far the most common bike I saw on the roads.

Un nino y Diagonal dos...the calle I traveled often.

View from my third floor room...the neighbors own a bike!

Parque Central, Xela

The only other 3-wheeler I saw was a tuc-tuc. (The YouTube video is not mine, but 4 of us did ride in one in San Pedro, where we also spotted a Michael Jackson-themed tuc-tuc, complete with tunes blaring from its small interior!)

Diagonal 2 in Xela...walking home for the best meal of the day, almuerzo!

Bicis y llaves

Irony of the day...

2009-07-02T15:20:00.001-05:00

...riding my bike to the gas station to fill-up a water bottle with gas for the lawn mower.

Complementary colors

2009-06-29T18:49:00.002-05:00

Morse Ave.

Azul y amarillo.

Lunes y amigos

2009-06-29T17:54:00.011-05:00

Damen Ave.

Beautiful sky-ed day for a ride to Roscoe Village for some pre-Guatemalan fare (6 day countdown) with the visiting native-Chicagoan LA-transplants...they love being back in summertime Chi. I don't blame 'em!

South on Damen

Beautiful bike lane. Coming from a community where bike lanes are but non-existent, this is a glorious sight!

Roscoe St.

Destination reached - El Tinajon. Veggie Chile Rellenos...so muy bueno! Stopped into the nearby bike shop afterwards, and was taken by the affordability of a Manhattan Green, a commuter/cruiser a la Dutch style bike I've been reading about lately, and was finally able to see in person this past weekend. Quite the bike.

Summer Babes & Jazzy Gentlemen

2009-06-28T15:26:00.005-05:00

In front of the Wicker Park Fountain, before the festivities began

Taking part in my first group ride here in the Chi took a lot of courage not knowing a soul, but was totally invigorating and empowering. It was a great way to ride - and get more familiar - with streets I probably wouldn't ride by myself, and, of course, meet other cyclists. Surrounded by good peeps who all share a love for la bici, on a perfect summer evening, doesn't get much better than this. There were so many beautiful, unique and custom built bikes...encouraging for me to work towards one day. (Cilantro held her own though.)

Thanks to John, Dottie and Trisha for organizing a fun event, complete with jazz tunes on wheels leading our route around the city for a sip of Prohibition-era cocktails. Salut!

What the flip?!@#$%

2009-06-28T15:12:00.004-05:00

Wicker Park

Travis doing a flip on his self-constructed stunt bike...getting attention wherever he goes. Said Travis, "Life is easier when you're considerate."

Adventures en la cocina

2009-06-25T00:08:00.007-05:00

Having more free time than I'm used to, I've taken to biking and baking (J.Fo would be proud).

I've been admiring the gorgeous Fruit Tarts in the bakeries, so decided it was time for me to try my hand at one for dinner this evening with some friends. (Note: This has been a gradual build-up of nerves, and looking incessantly through the variations offered in 1,000 Vegetarian Recipies by Carol Gelles, before actually taking this on.)

So I did it.

I made a thick Lemon Crust with 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon and grated rind, in place of water. With tips from my Busha and her friend Rose, it turned out just right. I added fresh lemon juice to the filling also, and topped it with raspberries, kiwi and strawberries. For the glaze, I used powdered sugar and, again, fresh lemon juice.

The real test, I told myself, was what my friend's boyfriend, a chef at a local restaurant, thought...

He wanted seconds!!!

Los frutos y legumbres

2009-06-24T23:48:00.004-05:00

Totin' home my first pick-up from Newleaf's weekly organic and in-season produce/fruit bag before it starts to rain. I was like a kid on Christmas morning over the goodies...kiwis, mango, Bartlett pears, white potatos, romaine, cilantro and garlic scapes, which I just learned about. Um, yum. Sounds like some gazpacho-makin' time!

Music Mondays

2009-06-24T23:40:00.003-05:00

Second dose: Susan and I met for Sea and Cake and Dirty Projectors...the three female vocalists harmonize and their voices sound like an abstract instrument. Amazing. Said frontman Dave: "Its like everyone's here. Even the dude on the Segway."

Pink ladies

2009-06-19T12:42:00.002-05:00

Una abuela y nieta on a morning beach stroll with bici in tow...too cute!

Whole lotta...

2009-06-14T20:36:00.005-05:00

Kingsbury

...bicis! A full parking lot.

Leaving the triple-decker Whole Foods (2 levels are parking garages, complete with escalators for your carts!) happy that it didn't turn into a Whole Paycheck extravaganza.

Mingling on Martes

2009-06-09T22:01:00.006-05:00

Today Cilantro and I explored our neighborhood bike shop, Robert's Cycle, where we scored a bike trail map of the city (yeh!) and Cilantro was doted over for her "good condition" despite her age. We went on to discover the route to take us to the Lakefront Trail! She's in no hurry, so I estimate it'll take us a little over an hour to get to Millennium for yoga on Saturday mornings. We made it a little south of North Beach, then headed home, stopping once at a bike repair kiosk where they silenced her squeak which made for a quiet ride home. Thank you bike kiosk man!

Los ninos y bicis!

New Music Mondays

2009-06-09T20:29:00.009-05:00

Randolph & Michigan

Front and center for St. Vincent (moniker for Annie Clark and her slew of multi-instrumentalists) and Alla thanks to the get-there-early-stylings of Jennie, Jose and Susan. It was a perfect evening for an outdoor concert at the Pritzker. Ms. Clark thanked Chicago for the lifesize paper cut-out of Barack Obama. I thank her for being effin' phenomenal.

Chicagoin'

2009-06-05T07:52:00.000-05:00

'nuff said!

Mark in the park

2009-06-04T12:47:00.003-05:00

Yoga was meant to be practiced outside. I've never looked at the sky in so many contorted ways before! Thanks so much to Mark for guiding us over the bridge for an amazing practice...I wish I could've joined the M's for some Orsi's afterwards!

Opening/closing

2009-05-30T02:29:00.004-05:00

My favorite collage from Richard Christensen at Dot Gallery (12th & Howard), 2nd floor above Stokes. They've completely transformed an old studio space into something wonderful, and have a stellar vinyl collection to grace the evening. Nice work Brian and Val.

Taking a break in the shade outside Re-Cycle Bikes on south 13th St. while Miguel gets his gears worked on. Mike at Re-Cylce can pimp any ride, pink pedals, blue wheels, you name it.

Dorcas St.

Miguel introduced me to St. Joe's prayer grotto, a hidden treasure along south 10th St. View from interior.

Capitol, I'll miss you

2009-05-24T18:05:00.009-05:00

11th St.

While waiting out a downpour in the Capitol City, we happened upon Pan Dulce, a charming panaderia with decent-tasting 50 cent coffee. I was curious to try their Bici treat, a pastry filled with a sweet cheese, we were told.

K St.

Saturday night posse minus one trekking our way home Sunday after a rainy evening of chocolate flan, 'tinis, PBRs, d'Leon's, and David Byrne-inspired dancing. Nothing beats riding with good friends.

Bikes + skirts

2009-05-20T21:55:00.004-05:00

50th St.

The smell of lilacs is so strong these days...I love it! Helps overpower exhaust from cars.

Gratitude stream...
-amazing weather
-running partners
-a move to the Chi (14 day countdown)!
-a job in the Chi
-supportive friends and family
-as much as I love ma bici, I'm grateful for a car that runs

Associations...

2009-05-19T20:21:00.003-05:00

Happy Hollow Blvd.

...with childhood:

-summer evening bike rides
-Cheerios
-Field Days
-parachutes
-jumping off swings
-Peter, Paul & Mary songs
-falling asleep in cars
-swimming
-graham crackers

Mad props...

2009-05-16T23:16:00.003-05:00

to the Community Bicycle Shop. Ma hermana earned a bici with them. The basement really does look like this...times 3!

Photo from OWH

Mr. Bojangles

2009-05-16T22:29:00.003-05:00

Jackson St.
Miguel stopped by Jackson to model his new jingle bell-clad Trek. Too much fun!

Rollin' home in style

2009-05-14T22:17:00.004-05:00

51st St.

On my ride home from school, I passed a father giving his daughter a lift on the back of his bike. Rad dad.

My fair lady

2009-05-12T17:46:00.004-05:00

Davenport St.

Up until today, I considered myself a fair-weathered biker. I'm happy to say the ride home in the rain was not near as painful as I had imagined, plus I made it home without being drenched in curb-puddle water from a car.

Commute variations

2009-05-12T16:06:00.009-05:00

Being out-of-town for the kick-off to Bike to Work Week, I was a bit bummed I couldn't partake in the festivities. Seeing this Lovely on the L gave me hope for ladiez who like to bike with purse and heels...Love the shoes!

Sleeping beauty. Admired her rad Hyda bike.

Jarvis

Scooters and los bicis at Poitin Stil.

Greenview

L, graffiti in Rogers Park, and a matching neon tee.

Da food

2009-05-11T23:14:00.002-05:00

Lunch at Karyn's. First raw cuisine experience...delish.

I will eat here one day!

Mmm...chocolate mousse cup from Artopolis.

Chicago lovin'

2009-05-11T22:31:00.007-05:00

The flower girls. They became BFFs in a matter of seconds upon meeting one another. Too cute.

The serenade.

The newly weds. So grateful to be able to be a part of Jennie and Jose's day...I love you guys!

Firsts

2009-05-06T22:37:00.006-05:00

Helping Leslie a bit set-up for Big...and what's this I see? Tres bicis in one spot!

Our first night ride...first attempts at taking photos while riding...reattached my chain to the derailleur for the first time, with grease-stained fingers to prove it!

Bombs away

2009-05-05T20:59:00.004-05:00

Yoga Mark concocted what he termed, a "flower bomb" from a newspaper planter, soil and leftover zinnias from his family's garden. Wow. Purpose, he said, was to toss them while biking over places that I felt needed some flower power. Rode home with four bombs in tow feelin' not a bit lethal...

Ride-thru

2009-05-04T20:02:00.004-05:00

Waiting for some coffee-on-the-go-go before scaling Mt. California.

B the barista passed along the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs...its been the pick-me-up I've been in need of since returning to The 'ha after a super fab weekend in the *star* city on dos wheels.

Patience, shadow
With all your sight there's no sight to see
Little shadow, little shadow
To the night, will you follow me?

A lot of anything

2009-05-04T18:00:00.005-05:00

OMG #1: Green grass!

OMG #2: Budding trees!

In an effort to find routes around hills (i.e. Mt. Hamilton & Mt. California) by riding through residentials, I stumbled upon this yard, OMG #3. It reminded me of Detroit's Heidelberg Project, on a much less scale of course, but nonetheless, fascinating.

Up in the air...

2009-04-29T21:27:00.010-05:00

The Old Market played host for a film backdrop today. George C. Looney and Jason Reitman (of Juno) are in cahoots for Reitman's next film, Up in the Air. The Old Market was also a set this past winter for Nic Fackler's Lovely, Still. Much cred has been given to Alexander Payne and Dana Altman for putting O-town on the movie map.

Its thrilling to see the norm be totally disrupted for awhile.

Bunch of filming from this loft.

Ran into Rob and Cute Crewman - and fellow local cycler (its fun to meet others who bike) - who helped attach my flopping Blinky with set-tape for my ride home. Thanks, fellas!

Shades of gray

2009-04-27T20:58:00.002-05:00

This was today's shade of gray, except not as sassy. My Bushia passed along to me a pair of gloves very similar...na zdrowie to sunnier days ahead, squeakless brakes on my bike and yoga with ma hermana.

Photo by Gordon Parks (love him!), taken March 1943

Finally...

2009-04-26T14:21:00.003-05:00

...pretty things to liven up the barren leftovers of a Midwest winter!

School meets Cruiser

2009-04-21T20:00:00.006-05:00

This '71 Cruiser was passed on to me by a family friend...how grateful I am! As much as I love the Trekkie, the Cruiser is quickly finding its way to my heart.

Dandelions on my seat from kindergartners at recess...after which they asked me if my "motorcycle" had wings!

A first grader asked today: "Do babies get in your tummy when you eat too much food?"

My answer had a lot to do with "magic" happening in the mum's tum...bit too early for the birds and bees!

Mental health break

2009-04-20T21:35:00.005-05:00

Loved this too much not to share...

Weekend wheels

2009-04-20T19:20:00.004-05:00

First ride on the Trekkie! Wellies-n-all...

Graffiti along Harney towards downtown...

Where all the magic happens...40th Street...what! what!

Some shakin'

2009-04-17T22:46:00.010-05:00

A not-so-typical night at the gallery with Vickie and her lovely crew...

And on the way home, a guilty pleasure plays and I can't help but bust out some shoulder shakin'...can't help it!!

Dilly dilly tot com

2009-04-16T23:29:00.006-05:00

Animated Literacy...Mr. Jama masked as Daisy Dragon (above), Timmy Tigers (below)

Students come along who get under your skin in a special way.

Today one such student said to me, "Good job teaching." It melted my heart.

This is the same student who wore a pin striped suit with a worn t-shirt on the day of the holiday program and stood up, proudly pulling down on his suit jacket and said, "Look at me, Ms. L, I'm Barack Obama."

The same student who intermittently spurts out, "Damnit!" when he makes a mistake.

The same student who gasps in disbelief when he finds out you ride a bike.

As I'm also on a journey of learning a second language, I'm continually fascinated by pronunciation, or mispronunciation for that matter. A few weeks back he asked to get on the computer so he can visit "dilly dilly tot com." It took me awhile to realize he was referencing a website address - "www."

This kid is hilarious and can always put a smile on my face. I'm grateful for the moments he teaches me. His innocence, patience, resilience and sense of humor are precious, and I hope they follow him through his life.

Wheel powered

2009-04-15T20:42:00.005-05:00

My friend Mike scored this way old headlight powered by a generator at Joe's Collectibles in the Old Market. In typical Joe style, there's a shelf of vinyl and miscellaneous Beatles and disco flare on the shelf behind. I could spend hours in there rummaging through treasures and listening to Joe talk about cottage cheese, record players and riding bikes with flat tires in his total hippy way.

Generator off.
Tilted...generator on.

¡feliz cumpleaños!

2009-04-14T21:29:00.001-05:00

What a fab day for ma amigo to celebrate his birthday. He's been a cycling inspiration and uber patient while answering all my questions about los bicis. For example, this is who I learned the lasso-lock from, and now I'm fully equipped with my Bulldog Mini, thanks in part to MWC in the capital city. And to illustrate that I can in fact do this, here's the spring/summer riding shoes, lasso-locked!

Salud, my friend, to another year of enjoying the ride...

Adios Selena

2009-04-13T22:03:00.000-05:00

Its been real, ma amiga, but as of tomorrow I bid thee farewell. I really felt our chemistry was right on...Your smooth gear shifts, impeccable sense of color-stylings, and "hello, I'm here bell."

You were so good to me...its just our sizes did not jive.

I denied it for a long time. I wouldn't hear otherwise. I guess its come to this.

Your Suntour will follow me to my next ride, but know you'll be missed, and whenever I hear some "bidi bidi bom bom," I'll think only good things of you...

Girls on bikes with baskets!

2009-04-10T19:54:00.000-05:00

The new Pedestrian...er, bike Bridge crossing, looking west into downtown Omaha...

View of The 'ha from Lewis & Clark Landing in CB...kinda take this sorta thing for granted. That's why hills are so great and I'm learning to love them, not only for the view at the top, but the ride down is that much more fun! Leslie and I decided braving the chilly morning was well worth it...yeh for gloves!

Omaha Mural Project

2008-10-01T22:42:00.000-05:00

Coll and I helped paint on a massive mural called "Fertile Ground," that is being painted downtown before heading over to see "Lucia" as part of Cinematica at Filmstreams.

The mural is being painted and pieced together on a 70-foot tall by 328-foot long wall of a warehouse-type building. We worked inside the warehouse where large sheets with projected images hang from the walls. Here we "painted-by-number" a large arm. Once these sheets are completed, they are adhered to the outer wall, and somehow become paint on the wall. Wow.

This is a huge undertaking, and is staffed by about 8 "traveling painters." Most are from Fort Colins, Phillie (which I learned today has more murals than any other city in the U.S.), and a few from O-town. Meg Saligman is the mastermind behind this operation, and I hope to meet her one of these days, as we hope to keep helping a bit before they call it quits at the end of October.

One of the artists commented on how the sky here is so beautiful. Indeed, this is true, and the mural relays this very well.

Special one...

2008-09-29T22:42:00.000-05:00

The most fun thing happened during school lunch the other day.

As I was walking through the cafeteria, a third grade student was calling my name,

"Ms. L! Ms. L!"

I approached his table and briefly overheard the table of third graders talking politics, confidently repeating phrases they'd heard their parents say.

They asked with enthusiasm, "Who do you want to be president?"

I bent down to their level and paused, to build suspense, then eagerly I replied, "President Barack Obama!"

The table of nine-year olds erupted in a chorus of "Yehs" and high 5s.

It was so invigorating witnessing their excitement, and it made me, again, hopeful for change.

Bright lights, brown tights

2008-09-27T19:40:00.000-05:00

I work in an elementary school setting with students who need intense help with learning the English language. Most of them are from African countries they've fleed. They have lived in a refugee camp. They've experienced a lifestyle I only read about in books. They come to school with mismatched outfits; girls with colorful, printed, small, birkah-style hair coverings. Boys with pants too short and shoes too big. They fascinate me and I think they are beautiful. They are so much a part of my world that I don't differentiate skin color anymore. I forget when I did.

It becomes evident though that children are aware of skin color. It is innocent, charming and alarming.

I wore brown tights to school the other day, and three of my students , kindergarteners albeit, questioned me so intently.

"Ms. L, why are you black, but not your arms?" I was questioned.

I savor teaching moments like these when I can pull at my brown tights and tell them these are called "tights" and watch them as they look to their skin and back to my brown tight-laden legs, almost in disbelief, almost understanding, somewhere in the middle.

When do we start to see black instead of brown, and a color instead of beauty?

Bill...

2006-07-22T14:38:00.000-05:00

Southwest-side. Disheveled dark matted hair with An Unnecessary severe comb-over. Khaki pants too big held up with a belt. Air gasper. Weezer. One of the first people to program ATMs. Began paintings at the Art Institute, then lost interest. Hails the Godfather as the best book ever written. Volunteers as a Pre-K Headstart teacher; the children love him. Witty-ly jaded, but still pleasant. Savvy computer geek; does not own a cellular. Slightly awkward. Gave up driving a long time ago. Claims the world is out to get him. Army vet. Veteran businessman. Speaks Elizabethan intermittently. Salvador Dali imitator: "Its not that I'm better, its that everyone else is not good."

That strange sorta character with the most endearing qualities...my 'puter salesman.

Making him sleep on my knees...

2006-06-20T19:05:00.000-05:00

Regina Spektor is the shit. She has beautiful songs, and does an amazing Lady Sings the Blues. And I've fallen in love with the childhood bible school tale once again, Samson and Delilah, because of her.
Samson was deemed the shit from his birth, so much, in fact, that he slayed a lion with his hands. So curious, though, the lion didn't rot, but became a carcass of honey. Honey, in those pre-Jesus times, was a delicacy.

Then Samson fell in love with Delilah, and she to him. Her people, the Philistines, wanted him dead and asked her to find out the secret to his strength so they could defeat him. She asked, and tried, and finally persuaded - his hair had never been cut from birth, thus his locks gave him his godly strength.

So he falls asleep on her knees, per her request, and she chops his locks. The Philistines gouge his eyes and capture him. Bringing him to their temple court, he collapses the columns and everyone in the temple. In bringing them death, he also brought his own.

And Delilah had grown to love him.

My new catch-phrase...

2006-06-12T16:08:00.000-05:00

Me: "Good thing I'm not a vegetarian anymore."

Uncle Roger: "No wonder you seem happier and in a better mood."

I still haven't eaten a hearty, juicy steak for 20-years, but as Summer comes a-knockin' I've found it difficult to pass up: anything grilled (burgers and dogs), Polish sausage, meat Twinkies, authentic tacos from La Esmeralda, and lunch meat sandwiches, a la picnic-style.

As Mr. Dylan would say, "the times they are a-changin'."

Baby girrrrrl...

2006-06-05T12:57:00.000-05:00

My Themba, Themba-chata, Wiffle-wuff, Jenkins, Snoop Dog, Lover, Special, Girl, Perrita.

Her eyes are lasers (see photo). Most people will miss this; they will be covered in kisses before they can notice.

My mom purchased the Dog Whisperer and reminds me daily to watch Cesar. I've always dreamt of a Latin lover all my own...not one to share with my four-legged friend.

Feelin' oompah-ish...

2006-05-30T17:11:00.000-05:00

For the past few days I've felt Wonka was singing to me:

Theres no earthly way of knowing
Which direction we are going
There's no knowing where we're rowing
Or which way the river's flowing

But Jenna broke it down. She said,

1. "Don't live life in fear."
2. "Its better to make goals than plans, that way we're not as easily disappointed in ourselves when things don't goes as we 'planned.'"

Her Prince of Dubai is missin' out on something extraordinary. Too bad for him.

Giant drag...

2006-05-29T09:33:00.000-05:00

I love this photo.

Beings how I already have a faux flamingo, it makes me want to dress like a mermaid and carry a pack of smokes with me permanently.

Her name is Annie, and I wish this sassy chick was ma amiga.

And yet again, a girl has got to have her dreams.

Awake by night...

2006-05-24T04:10:00.000-05:00

I miss my dear, dazzling pal Peter. He flew straight past Project Runway in his run-a-way to NYC, and better for it I'm sure. He could melt my heart with his "You look a-MA-zing!" comments.

In those moments I shook my fist at my slight hang-up that I was born a girl. Sigh.

Mediterranean food disclaimer

2006-05-22T17:50:00.000-05:00

Here's the first joke I've made up:

Q: What did the pita say to the falafel?

A: Will you "hum us" something.

Matisse and Faith...

2006-05-18T11:08:00.000-05:00

There's an unhealed and bitter 8-year old in me, so I'm told. I think She's incarnated to communicate to me through my neighbor, Bridget. Bridget is the kind of child you wouldn't mind having near you all the time. She's easily wow-ed by things you know, adores your dog, knocks on your door and reminds you to get the job as her art teacher.

Maybe Bridget's letting me know She's healing. Beckoning me into more than I am now, and so want to become.

Here's to the Bridgets of the world.

Ma hermana...

2006-05-16T21:01:00.000-05:00

This is the younger-but-wiser-sister sleeping contently in the car. I love my lil Monique. She's my BFF and will make an amazing OT one day.

She also has way cuter feet than me.

Things not counter-intuitive:

2006-05-15T16:45:00.000-05:00

Finding more for Summer Oh-Six...tank tops, sunscreen, floppy hats, Cubs game, Sox game, find Jon K., and lotsa swimming in the big Lake.

"It's not what we wear, but what's under our hat that counts." -Gus Stevens

Soon...

2006-05-11T20:36:00.000-05:00

The newly weds, Mr. and Mrs. Pigatti. They are always kind to let me stay in their village with them when I visit my Blue state...soon I will have a place to call my own!

Kristin, Jenn-n-Jim

Jenn also has a child growing inside her, probably a boy. She helped her Claudia birth puppies. She said Mamas naturally know to nibble the umbilical cord off their puppies (Jenn didn't do that part though). She did help the puppies born at the end of the litter breath by swinging them up so gravity would bring the mucus out of their nostrils. Claudia was too tired to clean them by that point. She's amazing.

8 seconds...

2006-05-07T12:44:00.000-05:00

This is IL Senator Barack Obama, a reason to be hopeful. I'd like to meet him someday. When I move to the Windy City I will be tracking him down. He spoke yesterday and gave much needed vocals towards SUV/gas usage, government integrity, how the U.S. should be working towards self-sustainability (if Brazil can do it, then we should too, sorta thing), and parental involvement in education. How could you not love him?

Coll, the Franimal and I also went to the Cinco de mayo parade on 24th; I secretly wish I was Hispanic. There were Stompers and Steppers, precious babes, tall glasses of water, running (literally) candidates, cowboys standing on horses, souped up cars, reggaeton, Frida tanks and a mechanical bull (which this guera rode). Who woulda thought?

It was an excellent and exhausting day.

Feliz cinco de mayo!

2006-05-05T18:20:00.000-05:00

I miss Senor Guzman. I love you Ady...you're growing into a special young lady.

Congratulations to Jimmy, Steph. D, and my cousin Mitch. Oh Mavs...

The oddest thing happened...

2006-05-04T13:55:00.000-05:00

I've been remembering my dreams the past month better than I ever have. This morning I dreamt the saddest dream ever about two lovers trying to escape some war torn country. They were probably both about to die, when my phone rang and I woke up. My mom on the other line says, "Oh, you've been crying, haven't you?"

I've got one intuitive Mama.