Wednesday @ West Side Market

This week’s entry shows the rejuvenation of this beautiful landmark. Week’s after fire devastated portions of the Market crowds of Clevelanders and suburbanites rallied behind this iconic place and came out to show their love.

If you’ve never been to Cleveland’s West Side Market and you live here, do yourself a favor and check it out. If you’re planning to visit, add it to your must see sights!

West Side Market Wednesday
Crowds gather at the West Side Market. Theresa’s seems to be the hot spot at the moment.

Wednesdays @ The West Side Market

Welcome to a new feature – Wednesdays @ The West Side Market! Each week I’ll feature a photo from Cleveland’s iconic public market. The Market celebrated its Centennial last year and is currently experiencing larger than normal crowds following a fire early this year.

Campbell's Cupcakes
Grandma Campbell’s Cupcakes are a popular stand at the West Side Market. Pictured. Check out the colorful earthworms.

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.

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.

Callaloo Cafe'
A full house at the Callaloo Cafe’.

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.

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.
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