This past quarter has been full of newness and firsts. As more and more people subscribe to this blog, along with participating in TIDFM’s events and outings, the more committed I am to search out and offer new and unique experiences.
Women age 50+ are eager to explore new things, in addition to the other things they are involved in — working, taking care of aging parents, community obligations, etc.
Here are a few things that I, clients and friends experienced this quarter:
MARCH 2016
I and 10 members of TIDFM attended the theatrical production of 42nd Street at the Cadillac Palace Theater in downtown Chicago, along with enjoying a sumptuous meal at Petterinos.
Also, I attended the annual Women in Travel Summit (WITS) 2016 in Irvine, California from March 18-20, 2016. This conference was phenomenal in that I was able to meet and network with women from around the country who have travel related businesses and/or have a presence on social media platforms that focus on travel and exploration. The workshops and panel discussions centered around Branding, Volunteerism Programs Abroad, How to Travel on a Budget and a plethora of other interesting travel subjects.
The entire Wanderful Organization is committed to helping women get the most out of their travel experiences, and the care and detail that they put into the conference was obvious.
After the conference, I was able to spend five leisurely days in Los Angeles for several rounds of retail therapy.
APRIL 2016
In April, I and another TIDFM member attended the “Portraits in Motherhood” Art Exhibit on the campus of Loyola University of Chicago. This exhibit showcased the amazing talent of artist Antonia Ruppert. We were floored by the beauty and the real life stories of mothers from a variety of cultures.
Also, in April I had the honor of interviewing Courtney Waldon, known as The Make Up Diva! Courtney had plenty to share about self-care, style, skin care and make up as an enhancement, particularly for the mature woman. Courtney and I held a makeover contest where age 50+ entrants had to name five things they would do for themselves in one day. The name was pulled, and we are happy to announce that the winner will receive a makeover valued at $100.00!
MAY 2016
May was an exceptionally busy month! I, along with six TIDFM members, experienced indoor skydiving at iFly Chicago/Lincoln Park! Talk about exhilarating — after viewing a training video, suiting up and selecting a helmet, we all were able to fly twice at chest level before taking off on one high fly. Two participants have commited to train for outdoor skydiving. They are brave souls.
I am a firm believer that you have to “push past your push,” and we did just that! That’s me in the photo below.
May was special because I finally saw a play that I have heard about for years, but never thought I would get to see — Lorraine Hansberry’s “The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window.” Everyone is familiar with Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun.” Some have even read or seen her play “To Be Young, Gifted and Black.” But ask someone if they have heard of or seen “….Brustein’s Window” and more than likely the answer is a resounding “NO!” The writing and repartee between all the characters is rich and just plain stellar.
May was also an opportunity to visit the iconic Buddy Guy’s Legends Blues Club. After gawking at Mr. Guy’s Grammy Awards on display in a locked case, dining on gumbo and Bourbon Shrimp, we heard soul stirring blues. I had not been to Legends in several years, so I literally forgot just how much fun the place engenders. There is so much music/blues paraphernalia that you can look at while you enjoy the rest of what the club has to offer.
VISIT TO THE CREATIVE ROOM
I paid a visit to a new and hidden gem in the South Shore community here in Chicago. I went to view the phenomenal work of Fiber Artist TrisH Williams at a Pop Up exhibition held at The Creative Room, 7034 S King Drive. I am always amazed at the breadth of Williams’ work — African American dolls, quilts, clothing and numerous other textiles. This exhibit featured her abstract artistry, and although she loves this medium, she stated that she was eager to get back to “creating” people.
As you can see above, her work features specialized hand dying and variegated threading.
The work of Mary Young was also showcased at The Creative Room. Actually, she happens to be Artist in Residence there, and it was great being introduced to another textile master.
The Creative Room, where the exhibit was held, is a hidden gem in the community! Owner Clemenstien Love (seated above) is the creative force behind this venue. A trained architect, interior designer, landscape designer and Art Institute of Chicago Instructor, Love is on a mission to create a space for other artists, and to also build The Creative Room’s reputation in Chicago as a premier Design House specializing in the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) and collaborative process.
Photo: Textiles Designed by TrisH Williams
Photo: Textile Designed by Mary Young
I will be writing a lengthier piece in the future on The Creative Room. Please spread the word about this wonderful venue.
In June, we are headed to Madrid! I will be posting pics of both some iconic and contemporary sites, so stay tuned. Hasta Luego!
