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Weekends on Waterloo are heating up

Have you ever experienced the “Week from Hades”? I’m sure you have, because let’s face it – we’re all human. At the conclusion of that week did you go home with your head hanging low and just sulk, or did you try and brush it off? I hope it was the latter because that’s the key to picking yourself up – have a little fun, try something new to brighten your day!

Well last week was my “Week from Hades” and before I allowed a cloud of blue to engulf me I sent a text and invited a friend to meet me for Happy Hour. Not only was it an opportunity for me to lift my spirits by catching up with a friend, but we also tried out a new neighborhood Cafe’ and were treated to the sounds of the Judy Strauss Trio.

The Judy Strauss Trio plays at the Callaloo Cafe’.

These photos are a highlight of our evening at Callaloo Cafe’ & Bar the newest edition to the Waterloo Arts District in Collinwood. The Cafe’ is next door to the Arts Collinwood Gallery, which celebrated the opening of Das Wird Sich Alles Finden [everything will turn out alright] an exhibition of international artists.

The Cafe’ was full on Friday with a diverse crowd from both the neighborhood and other areas of Cleveland. The Trio played several sets of traditional jazz offering a very artsy vibe. The Callaloo Cafe’ features Caribbean cuisine like crispy burritos, stewed chicken, roti and bus up shut. Vegan friendly. They are open Tuesday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

So if you’re looking for a new venue, come and check out the great things going on in the North Collinwood community.

The Hiatus is officially over!!!

Phenomenal Woman Magazine — This is the cover of the March/April edition of Phenomenal Woman magazine. I am pleased to say I captured the photo of Margaret Wong that graces the cover.

We are just shy of 100 days into the New Year and this space has been neglected beyond belief. The hopes of a better start to a 365 Photo Project – gone! A new twist on the “Five on Friday” – unfulfilled!

So how do I feel about this? Well I’m disappointed, but this time around I won’t beat myself up because I’ve been writing. I’ve been shooting, unfortunately I haven’t been blogging. I’ve missed this arena and I’m committed to fitting it into everything else I’m doing. The key is scheduling and preparation and I am working on that now.

The photo above is my explanation of what has kept me away. I believe I have shared with you the launch of Phenomenal Woman Magazine a bi-monthly women’s magazine for which I have the privilege of serving as Managing Editor. That undertaking as well as my full-time job have kept me busy and away from this space.

The magazine has really been a hit with our readers, and we were even successful in obtaining a national advertisement! I hope this post peaks your curiosity and that you’ll come back regularly. In the weeks to come I’ll share some scenes from around North Collinwood as well as share some of the wonderful art I’m waiting to receive as part of the annual Liberate Your Art – Postcard Swap.

Thanks for stopping by and I look forward to hearing your comments.

Enjoy!

Happy 16th Birthday Kaelin!

Kaelin serving as ring bearer for my wedding.

Today an angel above is celebrating his 16th birthday and we mortals are holding our hearts and holding back the tears.

Four years ago the worlds of so many were shattered when God called you home and left us all asking Why? That collective why is still on the tips of our tongues, but we all know you are in a better place.

Kaelin we miss you everyday and that will never change. Thank you for the memories you have left us to hold onto, please continue to be the guardian angel looking out for and offering strength to those left behind.

1st Help-Portrait Cleveland a success!

I am so FULL right now! The joy and sense of accomplishment is overflowing. This past Saturday I had the pleasure of bringing a flash of hope to more than 75 individuals (representing about 20 families) through the Help-Portrait movement.

The bright smiles of youth were captured by Photographer Stephanie Briggs.

We gathered at the Cleveland Salvation Army’s Harbor Light facility in downtown Cleveland. Joined by five local photographers and a team of volunteers we set up mini-studios in the gymnasium and before we knew it, the eager subjects were packing in and patiently waiting for their turn to shine.

Unfortunately I did not get to experience a lot of the joy that went along with the process as I was buried behind a computer screen printing out photos. I have been reliving the experience vicariously through the words of my friends who gathered to assist with this day.

The accolades have been many, but the true determination of the success of the day is seen in the smiles and the shimmer of light that shines in the eyes of the recipients of these portraits.

Today and over the course of a few days I will share some of that beauty with you. Can’t wait until next year!

~Enjoy

Count Down to Help-Portrait Cleveland

Only nine days until the first Help-Portrait event will be held in Cleveland and I’m nervous! This has been my baby for a few months now and I am saying prayers that all will turn out well. Please send up a prayer or two.

The good news is that we are going to help out families at the City Mission’s Laura’s Home and the Salvation Army’s Zelma George Family Emergency Shelter. Isn’t that a blessing! I started out wondering if I would have anyone to shoot and now we have at least 70 families, representing about 200 people.

Donations have been slow to come, but my crew of volunteers have stepped up to the plate, many not only offering their time but also financial or in-kind donations!

Grateful to these ladies for restoring my faith in the Help-Portrait Cleveland project. Seat (l-r) Stephanie Briggs and Angela Townsend. Standing (l-r) Bele’ Wondwossen, Keshia Johnson and Angela Tucker.

So wish us well as we try to bring a little cheer into the lives of our neighbors – One Portrait At A Time! If you’re reading this and you live in the Cleveland area and would like to help us out, please let me know. We are still seeking donations for snacks, props, and photo holders!

~Enjoy