I make things

There is a whole back story I won't tell now but I recently rediscovered a skein of fancy yarn my dad gave me two or three Christmas' ago. I remember thinking at the time, "Weird, Dad. Thanks." That's because he liked to give what he liked to give. Know what I mean? Things that he liked or at least understood. Although there is a rich history of needle craft in our family, including among some of the men, yarn is not something my dad knows much about.

So, I rediscovered this yarn and did a quick YouTube search for "how to knit with..." and came up with a video about ribbon yarn. I wasn't totally sure that is what I had but a few minutes into the first video, the British woman showed a yarn engineered just like what I had! It's flat and has a cord attached along one edge.... I'll add a picture. There you go!

I learned from this lady in England how to knit with this fancy yarn properly to end up with a gorgeous ruffled scarf! It's fun and fast. This is part of my "I make things" revival.

I also recently did some finishing work on a tapestry I ended my time at the University of Arizona with. That piece is a work of art. Knitting is not what I consider high art, but right now it is more accessible to me than painting, weaving and ceramics. 'Finishing' the tapestry means getting it ready to hang properly. It is an interpretation of what is commonly believed to be Vincent Van Gogh's last work, Crows Over Wheatfield (pictured here).

Although I don't love all of his work, there is something about some of his paintings that speaks to me. Impressionism in general is of interest to me since I love texture. Interpreting thick brushstrokes in fiber makes perfect sense to me. The colors, too, of this particular work are jewel-toned and intense. Garish, some art historians say. I don't know about that. If he hadn't taken his own life shortly after creating this painting would anyone call is 'garish'? I think it is luminous and beautiful.

When I was at the Carnegie Museum of Art in 2002-ish I came to the Impressionist section, spied a mural-sized Monet and thought, "Oh, yes. Monet." Then I spotted a tiny Van Gogh I had never seen before and I got chills. I had the experience of thinking, "He touched that!" I couldn't name the painting, don't even remember it enough to describe it. Just seeing it, laying my eyes one something he laid his eyes on, he created, just stopped me in my tracks.

Any time I travel I try to take in some art whether it's local or international. In April I went to SFMOMA and enjoyed the largest Rothko I'd ever seen. In June, I was privileged to see a huge Pollock at the Munson Institute in Utica, NY. Munson was also showing an exhibit of works from The Warhol which I had already seen in Pittsburgh some years back. And, I am lucky enough to live in a place where the arts are highlight appreciated, Tucson.

I'm starting to think of myself less as an artist and more of a maker-of-things. It does not have to be art, per se, but I love to make things, build and create. Hence, this blog and my carefully curated Instagram account. What do you create?

Dear Health Insurance Company

God bless the organization I work for which pays the lions share of my health insurance premium. My employer is thoughtful about doing business with companies that do right by the community. However, seven months into my stint as a thirty-something covered by heath insurance I am about to opt out of health insurance coverage. This is a serious consideration for me not only because I am managing allergies and asthma with on-going shots and medicine but because I have a child. Here's my letter to my health insurance company:

Dear Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona,

I came home from a day of work trying to make Arizona a better place to find a bill for health care. This $200+ bill is apparently for blood labs that my PCP ordered. I hadn't had a routine check up in 5+ years and I am 35. I have mild health concerns but mostly just thought it prudent to be checked out since I currently have health insurance. Why wouldn't blood work be covered under my plan?
Because I also recently got billed for a sonogram my OBGYN ordered, I am unable to pay this new bill. Had I known that blood work wouldn't be covered I suppose I would have waited until I paid off the sono bill before getting this work done.
Then again, I might never get my blood run through the lab because after paying $270 a month for my coverage I don't have a lot left over in my budget for additional medical expenses. This makes me wonder about the point of medical insurance but also the wisdom of not covering routine blood work. Let's say my blood work revealed a simple, treatable condition such as anemia or more seriously, high cholesterol. Wouldn't that information help my doctor and I make some decisions about how I take care of myself now before any long term damage occurs? Isn't a bill from the lab cheaper than if I had a blockage that required an ER visit and maybe some surgery?
It's frustrating to pay $270 a month knowing that my employer is also paying into my coverage only to then get bills like this. And, this is in addition to the dental and eye care visits I have to pay for out of pocket. I'm really not sure how people in my 'tax bracket' manage these expenses. I suppose I might be forced to gamble w/o coverage.
Going bankrupt trying to take care of my health while juggling bills on my income is now a real concern of mine. Which is ironic since on your website your tagline is "Live fearless."
I'm also not sure how the upper management and CEO of BC/BS of AZ take home their paychecks and sleep at night. I'd be interested to hear what you think you are providing Arizonans. You must have something you tell yourselves about the good you are doing our community. So, Mr Boals, if you have the time, I'd love a reply.

–Deanna C Chevas

I care about where I live

I am what I call "Locally Grown" in Tucson. That means I am not native, because I was born in Michigan but I celebrated every birthday in Tucson.
A few years ago some friends and I came up with a slogan for Tucson. It didn't really get off the ground then but I think it's time may have come now.
This morning's episode of radio show "Locally Owned with Miguel Ortega" inspired me to dust this idea off. David Mendez, Web Producer for the Tucson Weekly, was the guest and the topic was his recent "rant": A Note To the 'Keep Tucson Shitty' Crowd: You're the Problem.
What this piece is really about is the gentrification of downtown Tucson. Will all the dive bars be replaced by concept restaurants that sell brunch and $12 cocktails? How do Tucsonans feel about this possibility?
Miguel, David and guest barista from Sparkroot, Hansel, discussed possible slogans for Tucson. Like the Keep Austin Weird moniker. Keep Tucson Shitty doesn't really work for me, you? They batted around some other ideas. Keep Tucson for the people who can't afford loft-apartment rents? Nope. Keep Tucson...?

Here's my nomination but I want to give equal credit to Lisette DeMars and Tana Kelch because I don't know exactly how we came up with this but it was a group effort.

Keep Tucson Loca!

Loca is Spanish for crazy but for Tucsonans it also implies funkiness, authenticity, and of course references our strong Hispanic-influenced identity. It's no mistake that with the exclamation point it could easily be read as Keep Tucson Local. Thoughts?

Boy, do I love to eat

So, I have been asked enough times now that I am finally going to post a compliation of my favorite places to eat in Tucson right now. The culinary scene here is rapidly evolving so surely there will be updates needed....

Starting today: Had lunch at Cafe Desta. This Ethiopian restaurant set the tone for a very nice connection with a friend, a tasty meal and a beautiful start to the second half of my day.
I love ethnic food and will try almost anything under the right circumstances. I wasn't terribly adventurous today. I got the lunch special which gives you a choice of three dishes + the spongy flat bread (not like a tortilla nor a crepe. it's thicker and spongy, more like a thin pancake.) called Injera. I chose Fosolia– green beans, carrots and onions simmered in tomato sauce, Tilik-Gomen– cabbage, carrots and potatoes spiced with turmeric, and a beef dish that isn't on the online menu. It was all tasty and satisfying. Very filling, actually. I ate most if it with the Injera as is customary. They even have wet naps on the table.
The place is light and interesting with architectural features like the great north-facing windows and art. The server was adept, quiet and attentive. I never had to ask for anything which was a nice juxtaposition to my experience at a lunch meeting yesterday. There was a patio but no outside seating. This time of year it's too hot out. But, when the weather is nice I can see really enjoying sitting out there.
They also are BYOB. I'll come back in the evening with my favorite brew. Hmmm, what pairs well with Ethiopian food? I'll have to get some guidance on that.

New to Tucson, but not to Arizona, is Diablo Burger. The original is in one of my homes-away-from-home, Flagstaff. They use all grass-fed, Arizona raised beef and know how to cook a
burger. I recommend ordering yours medium. It'll be what other places called medium-rare. I have sampled two varieties one with pesto and a fried egg called DB House. Delish! My favorite, though, because I am partial to green chiles–they use Hatch green chiles, that's right–is The Blake. Oh, and they serve the burgers on English muffins! This idea was introduced to me by another favorite places, Wilko, that I'll talk about later. It's so much better than a big, bready bun!
I hear their grilled cheese is also amazing. And, they have a signature recipe veggie burger called The Netzky. I have vegetarian friends who tell me it's pretty darn good. Diablo Burger is passionate about sourcing locally and that is near and dear to my heart. I believe business can and should do good for all, not just those directly connected.

Another all time favorite is B Line. This cafe has great coffee, good beers on tap, wine by the bottle or glass, amazing biscuits on the weekends (get there early 'cause when they're gone, they're gone), desserts to die for + great breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. I have never had a marginal experience there. It's always good–> great! My favorite is the 1/2 and 1/2 with pesto. It's salad and choice of pasta. The avocado dressing and garlicky pesto are so good! Also, a biscuit sandwich made to order for breakfast is a super treat. Really good green chilies with egg and cheese. Hmmm.

I promised I'd tell you about Wilko. This place is all windows on the corner where the main gate of the University of Arizona is. It has great atmosphere, great cheese and meat boards + good selection of wines, beer and spirits and wonderful burgers, salads and more. It's a place you can sit and nosh and sip and chat for a long time. And you will be well taken care of. These folks love food and it shows. My girlfriends and I have had many a ladies night of great food, drink and company here. The only thing about it that isn't a thumbs up is the televisions. The sound is down but still, it's completely incongruous with the atmosphere that encourages interaction with the servers and each other. Sometimes it's a UA Wildcat game on and sometimes it Scooby-do. Like from the 70's! I guess the nostalgia is okay, but it can be distracting.

Pasco!!! This gem by the University will spin your vinyl! They call it Urban Farm Fare. They use mason jars for water glasses and make drinks with fruit jams and herbs. I recommend the Hemingway, pictured here, and the Father Kino.
The thing I crave that brings me back over and over is the Chef’s Tacos w/heritage pork, served with pico de gallo, drunken beans, shredded cabbage, lime, and cilantro! During happy hour I order two tacos for $5. And these are good sized and tasty!
Also very good are these salads:
Goat Cheese with Herbed Panko and Roasted Beets–Arizona pistachios, organic spring mix, chive vinaigrette, red pepper coulis, poached farm egg
Farmers Market Salad–Organic spring mix, grilled zucchini and squash, onion, garlic crouton, parmesan and red wine vinaigrette
Everything is fresh. The menu is light and healthy while giving your taste buds a party.
Last time I was there (with my Cafe Desta companion) we got dessert. Typically I don't budget for dessert although I love sweets. We got this amazing thing that is like a chocolate-filled doughnut holes. OMG!

Also great for a sweet treat is Hub. Homemade and bizarre, tasty ice creams. They also do brunch and dinner very well and make pretty interesting cocktails morning and night.

Not to be missed is The Little Cafe Poca Cosa. This is not to be confused with Cafe Poca Cosa. Both are excellent. The Little Cafe Poca Cosa is for breakfast and lunch, is cash only, casual and you will get hugged and/or kissed by one of the Davila sisters. They don't take reservations, don't even have a phone. Just go there M-F 7:30 am to 2:30 pm and be prepared for fresh, amazing Mexican food like you have never had. This is not cheesy enchiladas and greasy tacos. This is mole quesadillas, salad and fruit on every plate, cilantro pollo, elote, omg just writing about it! When you go, tell Marcela I said hi. It's downtown, by the main library.

I could go on... but, I won't. I'm running out of steam and you probably are, too. Perhaps I'll do a second edition in the next few days.

Gratitude before we get too far down the road

Me in my Rumi dance shirt from
Fed By Threads

Let me give props to some folks who brought me here. Not but a couple of weeks ago my good, long-time (didn't want to write old) friend Kacey moved me to attend an African dance class at The Movement Shala. This dance, yoga and sometimes photography studio also houses another amazing business, Fed By Threads.
This class was bursting with amazing women, a few men and beautiful energy. Before it got started there were a few conversations and greetings. A woman–darn, I wish I knew her name–mentioned she was going to the World Domination Summit. What?! I want to know more about that! I recognized one name from the list of speakers she mentioned, Danielle LaPorte. I had already signed up to receive Danielle's daily Truthbombs in my inbox.
Once I had some quiet time with the laptop, I searched online for the World Domination Summit and was floored by what I found. This was no nutty, conspiracy theorist convention. This was an organized and professional meeting of creative, courageous, wholehearted people. Right away I signed up to be notified when tickets go on sale for next year's event.
WDS lead me to the mastermind behind the event, Chris Guillebeau. I devoured his book The Art on Non-Conformity in a few days (thank you Pima County Public Library for having the digital download!) before moving onto his $100 Startup.
All of the messages I have been getting from random conversations, the Truthbombs, Chris Brogan's emails (turns out, he spoke at WDS), Chris Guillebeau's books and more have all supported my wish to transform into something more. One of the transforming projects I have in mind is this blog.
So, thank you, Universe. Thank you lady at The Movement Shala. Thank you, Kacey (she's been encouraging me to follow my bliss for a long, long time). Thanks, Chris & Chris and Danielle. Thanks also to my father who passed away last year but who's loving encouragement still rings in my heart and mind. xoxo

On the air

KVOI studios, Tucson

Yesterday I was a guest on a talk radio show. It's important to me that you know this was at the only for-profit independently owned radio station in my city.
"Locally Owned with Miguel Ortega," is a new show by a long time supporter of the Localist movement. Miguel highlights local businesses, community leaders, and local baristas. I would be considered a 'community leader.' It's funny to write that, but it's a pretty good way to describe myself and my work.
Over night my brain was percolating. Although I was 'on the air' for about 30 minutes, in truth we are always on the air. There is no dress rehearsal for life. This is live and you never know what's around the corner.
When I was about 14 years old my father and I were having dinner out and he introduced me to the bartender whom he knew. He used this as a teachable moment and talked about the importance of remembering peoples names and gave me some tricks to help. He told me how being friendly and paying attention to people makes a great impression. At the time I thought, "I'm not going to need these skills. I am shy, introverted and don't intend to be meeting many people."
Never, ever would I have thought that what my dad was teaching me and showing me with his example would contribute greatly to my professional success. Now I am meeting new people all the time, attending lots of events, doing TV interviews and public speaking! I found when I worked in a watch and jewelry repair shop I could pretty easily remember the names of customers and their jewelry. I learned that it helped things go more smoothly and folks really liked it when I saw them coming to pick something up and I sprung into action. They weren't strangers who had to explain why they were there. This left time for friendly chit chat.
Making more personal connections creates a stronger tie. We are social by design. Evolution depended on us helping each other out. When we remember each others names and maybe some detail, we create more meaning in our interactions. In business, its no longer just about collecting business cards and making a pitch to everyone you meet. The new way is to help each other. When I meet business owners I often ask them about their challenges and to describe their ideal client. I am in a position to be a referring partner. So, the more I know, the more I can make suggestions or referrals. This may lead to sales and that's great but it also leads to netweaving as opposed to networking. More on that in a future post.
After the show yesterday I thought of many things I wish I had said. I was on the radio for only 30 minutes but I am 'on the air' all the time. That experience changed the conversation I'll be having. Everything we experience changes our conversation. Notice what you talk about. Notice how you feel about it. Notice what changes the conversation. Maybe influence the conversation purposefully if you want to be thinking and saying something different.

Relaunch, one step

Changing up my blog is one step in my relaunch. It's not step one because evolutions or transformations don't happen for me in a linear, step-by-step fashion.
Many things have influenced this inspiration. First was the death of my father. Next, within a few months was the blow up of my marriage, by the other party. I am just past the year mark for the former and approaching the year mark of the latter. I am starting to get some energy back.
Something about death and grief is life-altering. No, more like thought- or attitude-altering. I just don't think about some things anymore. Many things don't bother me or take up bandwidth in my brain because life is about so much more than the slow, bad driver ahead of me or the long line at the grocery store. Even bigger things like how will I save for retirement or pay for my child's dentist visit just don't keep me up at night anymore.
I don't know the answers. The older I get, the less I feel I know. But I don't care about these worries, they don't have a hold on me. I'm in a figure-it-out-as-I-go phase. For those who have known me a long time, this might sound like a big shift. I was always the planner, the worrier and the one looking ten steps ahead.
With recent traumas and nothing (seemingly) working out as planned, I am more in the moment. I even find it hard to have some conversations because often what people want to talk about is the past or the future. Even a question of what happened during my day can stump me. I can tell you how I feel right now and maybe something will bubble up from my day. But, at this moment I am feeling hopeful, inspired, worn out or sad. I find the more in the moment I am, the more how I feel changes. When I feel what I am feeling and name it, often it resolves itself. For now. Many feelings resurface often. But, I don't run or hide from grief, pain, anger or joy, love and appreciation.
I never meant for this post to become a ramble. I am relaunching this project and a few others in the coming weeks. I hope to chronicle this and inspire you to reconsider how you are spending your time and how you'd like to spend your time.
I have been greatly inspired recently by Chris Guillebeau. If you feel a restlessness or like there must be something more; if you got a college degree or lost a job and are casting about for the next thing; if you have a dream buried deep, check out Chris' site and see where it leads you. He is an authentic, pragmatic thought leader with lots of great resources for anyone feeling like they need something more in life.
Thank you for being there. Please share your thoughts with me. Or connect with me on a platform you use and love.