Monday, January 18, 2010

Help for Haiti.

Today I wrote a check to the American Red Cross to send to Haiti relief following the devastation of the worst earthquake ever to hit this small Caribbean Island. No matter what I send, it's not enough.

It's not enough when you see bodies lying on the street, bodies crushed under piles of concrete. It's not enough when medical care is not available despite horrific wounds and injuries. It's not enough when days after the quake family members still have no news about their loved ones. It's not enough when unidentified bodies are being shoveled into mass graves. It's not enough when people are dying from lack of food and water. It's not enough when people are sleeping on the street because they have no home to go to.

It's not enough.

Bechtler Museum of Art, Charlotte, NC

Yesterday I visited a new museum. I always love viewing art but seeing a new museum open during a time of economic despair made my heart sing…and to visit it with a friend was even better. Janette Grassi and I visited the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in Charlotte, NC on a glorious winter day. The sky was blue which provided an incredible backdrop for the terra cotta-tiled museum designed by Swiss architect Mario Boatta which houses the personal collection of mid-20th century modern art of Andreas Bechtler which now belongs to the city and people of Charlotte.

I sensed a feeling of familiarity upon seeing the building and soon realized why. Boatta, a personal friend of Bechtler, also designed the San Francisco of Fine Art (SOFA) which I visited a few years ago. The building itself is a work of art but the fourth floor gallery was a sight for my art deprived eyes. I was especially drawn to a small piece by Paul Klee on burlap.

The swelling column at the front entrance hints of a spinning textile spool and to the textile history of the region. The second floor balcony which houses several pieces of sculpture also provided an incredible view of the city skyline and the new site of the Mint Museum which is scheduled to open next year.

Andreas Bechtler gave a huge gift not only to the city of Charlotte but to me.


(Click to enlarge). Bechtler Museum of Art.

(Click to enlarge). Bechtler Museum of Art.

(Click to enlarge). Bechtler Museum of Art.

(Click to enlarge). Janette Grassi.


(Click to enlarge). Light dancing on the walls of the Mint Museum.



Friday, January 15, 2010

IKEA

You don't always have to visit a museum to see great design. A trip to an IKEA store will also provide design inspiration.

(Click to enlarge). IKEA.

(Click to enlarge).You'll become entranced once inside.

(Click to enlarge). IKEA.




Saturday, January 9, 2010

Laughter heals what ails you.

I go to massage therapy on a regular basis. I started going during the time I worked at the Rape Crisis Network to help me deal with the stressful situations I encountered on a daily basis there. Once I left the agency, I continued to go, having experienced the healing power of touch.

Today, with my many tennis ailments, I try to still go at least twice a month. Now I go for the massage and for the laughter. Karen, my massage therapist, laughs from the tip of her red painted toe nails to the top of her smiling face.

If you've never had a massage, you should. It's the best gift I've ever given myself. Truth be known, I'd rather have a massage than eat.

I treated my 8 year old niece to a massage with Karen this summer while she was here visiting for two weeks. She told Karen that when she grows up she is going to buy her a house next to hers so that she can be her private massage therapist. Even a child knows a good thing when she sees it and I love that she dreams really BIG!

(Click to enlarge). Massage therapist Karen laughs out loud!



Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Old Man Winter.

Although it's winter in South Carolina, temperatures rarely fall as low as they have the last few days. The average temperatures are normally in the 50's and it's been in the teens overnight and in the 30's during the day. Brrrrrrr.

That was certainly the way I felt today in Charlotte, NC when I spent the day with a friend. The wind was blowing and it was so cold there that even the water wasn't flowing.



(Click to enlarge). Fountain @ South Park.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Be Creative.


(Click to enlarge). Art truck!

I was stopped at a red light yesterday and glanced over and this is what I saw…a junk truck that will tow junk cars. First I laughed and then I thought, how creative. This business didn't spend a lot of money on signage, all they needed was a can of paint and a brush. And isn't that all any of us need to create, just simple tools and desire to do it.

Friday, January 1, 2010

A New Decade.

Today is the first day of the new decade.

So, here it is a new beginning… a clean slate to do with it what I will. Although I have usually listed my new year's resolutions by now, I have decided to start this year differently. As a dear friend said to me, "2010…look again." And to that I'll add, listen again. So as this new year begins, I will take time to reflect, to look with fresh eyes and to listen to what my soul is saying.