Cherry Blossoms

Confession: I never go to the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms.

I know! I know! Miss "You Should Take Advantage of All the Cool Stuff We Have in DC Most of Which Is Free" Erin, doesn't go see the cherry blossoms in person. I also don't have anything to do with the Cherry Blossom Festival. I'm a monster.

I love cherry blossoms. Their abundance in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia for those new to the Island), is one of my favorite things about living here. Cherry blossoms are the harbinger of spring for most of us in the region. People come from all over the world to see the trees along the Tidal Basin. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the largest tourist events in DC. We go on blossom watch in early March, and discussions of peak bloom are all anyone can talk about. Blossoms are a big deal.

I used to go. I would go at least twice, once during the day and once at night. The experience is better at night. The lights and the stars and less crowds - perfect. I stopped going about 5 years ago. Like everything in DC, getting to and from the Tidal Basin is a hassle. If the weather holds and peak bloom goes as planned, it's super crowded. So I stopped going, and started watching it on the bloom cam and stalking cherry blossom photos on Instagram.

This year was going to be different. I planned to go see the blossoms in person and rekindle my love of the Tidal Basin and the festival. One of my co-workers was planning a trip to Japan to see the blossoms there and we planned to share photos. I was ready, tracking peak bloom and planning my trip to the Tidal Basin. It was going to be a whole day and a fun "DC Day" post here on the Island. I was set.

Of course, peak is right when we're in the middle of stay at home orders and social distancing. My plan to see the blossoms in person was foiled completely. Here in DC, the National Guard has been called in to help the Park Police keep people out of the area. It's bananas.

I get it the need to go see the blossoms. People are trying to find comfort in the things that they normally get to experience in their lives. Cherry blossoms mean good things. The trees at the Tidal Basin were a gift from Japan in 1912, planted by First Lady Helen Taft. The cherry blossoms are a symbol of friendship between the two countries. We celebrate the festival while similar festivals are being celebrated in Japan. It's a beautiful tradition, one that shows us the beauty of global community and the tradition of hanami (flower watching). Considering our current situation, having something that ties us to people around the world sounds so good and uplifting. However, we all  know that the best thing for us right now is to stay home.

I started taking walks in my neighborhood after work. I moved into the condo in December, so nothing was in bloom at the time. I was hoping that some of the trees, particularly the one in front of my building would be some type of flowering tree. My first real walk in my neighborhood was on March 18, and I discovered something wonderful.

Cherry blossoms!

There are three trees at the front of my neighborhood by the community entrance/sign. There are smaller trees around the four courts that make up the condo community. If I keep walking past my part of the neighborhood to the townhouse community behind my street, they have a little park like area that has more trees and a bench, overlooking a little creek. There are also a fair number of dogwood trees, which makes sense given that the dogwood is the official state flower of Virginia. The trees in front of my house? Redbud trees! This is my favorite type of flowering tree. I was looking forward to seeing the one at the office bloom this spring, but of course, I work at home now. What are the odds that there would be two right in front of my house?

Earlier this week, I was out for my afternoon walk and got a message from a co-worker over text. I replied as I walked around the neighborhood, trying to help this person through some things over text (which isn't ideal, but that's how life works right now). I was struck by the difference in my current experience and theirs; I was walking around my neighborhood observing social distancing, but still out in nature. They were in their house, not able to go out much because of more restrictive stay at home practices where they live. I asked if they wanted to see a picture of the cherry blossom trees in my neighborhood, and got the most emphatic "yes" a person can send through a text. I sent the picture. They appreciated the beauty of the tree, the pretty pink of the flowers, and the calmness of nature.

After my conversation with my co-worker, I went back inside, washed my hands, and changed my clothes. I got on my laptop out and went to find the video I saw on Twitter from a Japanese musician who was supposed to be part of the Cherry Blossom Festival this year. Naotaro Moriyama is a pop singer from Japan and he sang the most beautiful song called "Sakura."

Here's the translation of the first part of the song:
I promise you I'll be waiting for you
Till the day that I can see you
Once again

You see the cherry blossoms blooming all around
It's time for us to say goodbye

You stayed so strong even when times were hard
I remember you were there smiling for me

When I was so close to giving up all of my dreams
You gave me hope to stand on my feet

As I look around everything just fades away
Whenever I close my eyes, I hear that song

SAKURA, SAKURA Now they are blooming all around
Even though they know sooner they are coming to the end
Say goodbye, all my friends, and I see you once again
I promise you that you will always be in my heart

It's not easy for anyone right now. We're all dealing with unprecedented personal and social change. Stress and anxiety is high no matter what. As I wrote a few weeks back, I'm experiencing a lot of flashbacks to my life back in New Orleans after Katrina. It's not the same at all, but there are a lot of parallels I've found. When I was texting with my co-worker, I shared my number one tip for not going crazy in high stress situations: stop watching the news 24/7. Watch/read what you need to stay informed, but that's it. Focus on what you need to do to make this "manageable" for you and your family. Maybe a walk will help. Maybe self-imposed quiet time is the answer. I don't know everyone's life, but I do know this is not forever.

This is my redbud tree. Apparently, a mama bird is nesting in it.

Next Week: We decide which tiger cult leader to follow with the only technique that makes sense: a pro/con list. Yes, we're talking about the Tiger King docuseries on Netflix. If you haven't watched it, please do so this week. I need you to watch this series. It's amazing. 

Rockin' the Suburbs, Part Two: Record Store Day in Exotic Silver Spring

If you live outside of the DMV (how the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region is referred to in the region), you may not be aware of a weird divide between Maryland and Virginia. Physically, it's the Potomac River. People tend not to cross the river unless they have to and when they do, they spend most of their time complaining about how terrible drivers from the other state are (real talk: both states contain terrible drivers). I've never really understood this divide, probably because I'm not really from Virginia. I just happen to live here. I don't go to Maryland often, but I make the trip when the occasion calls. And Record Store Day 2019 (RSD) is just that occasion.

A few weeks ago, I was having a super crappy week, which culminated with a stress-induced phone call (who even talks on the phone anymore?) to my partner in crime, my RSD buddy, Anita. We talked through all the things and decided we'd maybe meet for dinner the next day if I was up to it/wanted to get out of my apartment. We ended up having dinner at Hula Girl because Hawaiian food cures all (this is a fact and I will fight you about it). After establishing that I wasn't going to have another stress-induced crying fest in public, our conversation turned towards planning our annual RSD trip. We don't have "rules" for where we go; we prefer a day trip (1-2 hours drive) and to visit places we haven't been before if possible. Anita started looking up options, and slowly a list of potential stores emerged. When she mentioned many of them were in Silver Spring, MD, I immediately suggested going to my favorite New Orleans coffee shop that just opened a store in Silver Spring. It's like the RSD gods were smiling on us, giving me a reason to drive 40+ minutes for an iced mocha. It all came together, as Penny Lane would say. And so, we journeyed to exotic Silver Spring, MD to once again rock the suburbs.

Our planned stops:

• Record Exchange of Silver Spring
• Joe's Record Paradise
• Bump 'n Grind Coffee and Music
• Purple Narwhal Music & Manga (in the booming metropolis of Rockville, MD)
• Crooked Beat Records (in Alexandria, VA - this was a bonus stop because we did so well on time today)

I'm surprised by the fact that there are two record stores within walking distance of one another in Silver Spring. I could walk from the Fillmore to both stores and stop for coffee at PJ's. It's what I imagine being a teenager in the 1980s must have felt like; a record shop on a major street, coffee, freedom, and rock and roll. Unlike past RSDs, we had not real RSD goals. We wanted to hit at least four record stores (we technically went to five - more on this in a moment), and we wanted to go to PJ's, have lunch, and end with our traditional RSD adult beverage and reflection. Anita works in the area so she was in charge of getting us there. I made breakfast cupcakes (muffins, please update your vocabulary). We both had RSD list items we wouldn't mind finding, but would be fine if we didn't find them. It was the first "wherever RSD takes us" RSD we've attempted.

And this worked out just fine. We started at Record Exchange, a smallish store right near AFI (if you're familiar with downtown Silver Spring). Anita had visited before, on a Black Friday, and not had the greatest experience. If you hesitate to visit record stores because of the clerks, you'd be right about her previous visit. However, we had a very polite visit. I don't know if it was the fun and frivolity (as frivolous as record collectors can get) of Record Store Day, but it was the most polite record store I've ever visited. Everyone wanted to know if we were doing okay, finding what we needed. One of the employee's daughter was in the store, acting as the honorary store greeter, which was adorable. The DJ was playing good music. I found the Lou Reed and the Violent Femmes special releases (Miracle!). We got to listen to a song from The Goofy Movie. The clerk was shocked that the Lou Reed album was still there. My only negative about this place was that their organization methods left much to be desired. There record stacks were only on one side, so it was crowded and not particularly efficient. Apparently, my new thing is going to be criticizing record store organization. This must be the natural progression of old lady concert rules. Or something.

Since Silver Spring is so delightfully walkable, we moved on from Record Exchange to the greatest thing to happen to Maryland since, well, I don't know. I'm not from Maryland, so I probably don't get to have an opinion here. PJ's Coffee is my favorite coffee shop from New Orleans. I have dreams about this coffee. I order it online and will stock up when I visit. I follow PJ's on LinkedIn and saw an article about the Silver Spring store opening, and have been waiting to go for a visit. I've been telling Anita about this coffee for 20 years; that's how deep this love is. We stopped on our way to Joe's Record Exchange. We had iced mochas. We sat outside. We chatted with the lovely staff. I bought two pounds of coffee. As Anita said, "Miss Congeniality was wrong. The perfect day is not April 25th. It's this moment." It was glorious.

After our coffee break, we ventured on to Joe's Record Paradise. This particular shop is in the basement of a bank building and is exactly what you would expect from a record store in the basement of a bank building. Joe's has been open at some location since 1974, making it the oldest store we visited today. The current location is the fifth location and it's overwhelming in the best way possible. If you want to spend an afternoon browsing through the stacks and getting lost in the possibilities of music, Joe's is the place for you. The shop is really open, so you don't feel like you're on top of the person browsing next to you. The organization is amazing; labels are helpful and direct you to where you need to go. I keep a running list of music I want at all times, so I definitely had options here. I'm also on the hunt for East LA punk bands from the 70s and 80s (think The Brat, The Plugz, and The Undertakers), and thought I'd find them here, but no luck. I did find a great collection of New Wave and Art rock bands. I need to go back and spend more time there. Joe's also recycles vinyl that can't be sold, sending it to Nashville to be pressed back into new vinyl. That's pretty cool. Anita bought the Star Wars disco album, and we went on our way. 

After a quick lunch at the Tastee Diner, we left our beautiful parking spot and drove over to Bump 'n Grind Coffee and Music. Bump 'n Grind is a coffee house that sells records and has music themed events. What's unique is that it's mostly/all dance/electronic/reggae music, so basically nothing either of us are interested in owning. The coffee is amazing (yes, we had a lot of coffee); order a flat white. You'll love it. But honestly, this was a disappointment from a music perspective. If you're going to be a coffee/music shop, commit. The music side of things feels incredibly manufactured, like it's for that one hipster guy who lives down the street and sues a magazine for using his hipster photo but it's not him. (This is a real thing that happened, and that is precisely the guy who would buy a record from this place.) Maybe I just don't get DJ culture or electronic music. Did I mention the coffee is really good? So while we did browse the records, we can't really count this as a record store. I'll call it half a store. Did I mention the coffee is really good? 

Our final Maryland stop of the day was the delightful Purple Narwhal Music & Manga in Rockville. It's tucked away in a shopping center, so it's very possible to miss the store if you're not watching for their signs. They've been in business for a few years now, and have a mix of used vinyl and CDs and manga stuff. I know nothing about manga, but it looked like they had a nice collection of items for fans. Their vinyl section is great, neatly organized and a good mix of genres and artists. They had some RSD items left by the time we got there, but none of the other items we were looking for. I did find a used copy of "Heroes" my favorite of the Berlin-era Bowie albums, so I added that to my life. The owners were super nice. It was a nice way to end the Maryland portion of our day. 

Over lunch, we decided we would end our day in Virginia with a visit to Crooked Beat. They moved to Alexandria a few years ago, and I haven't checked out the new space. We visited their old space in DC and it was a good experience. Crooked Beat specializes in new vinyl, with some used, and probably have one of the best RSD selections in the area (Soundgarden in Baltimore has the best). They always have extra security on RSD, and this year we were treated to his musings on the Masters. At first, I thought he was talking about either the Stanley Cup playoffs or the NBA playoffs, but had the realization that it was about golf. I've never experienced a conversation about golf in a record store, so yay, RSD first! I didn't buy anything, but want to come back and spend more time here. Crooked Beat has their own record label, with a focus on DC bands and musicians. They also stock a lot of obscure or less mainstream labels. It's a great place, and not that far from my house so I need to be better about visiting.

We finished our day at Beckett's Pub in Shirlington. This was the first RSD were there wasn't a theme by the middle of the day or a quest. It was just a beautiful April day spent hanging around other music fans and drinking coffee. If that's not a perfect day (said in a very Lou Reed way), I don't know what is.

Hope you got out and enjoyed your favorite local record store! If not, there's still time. It's called today or Tuesday or next Saturday. You don't need RSD to go visit, just go visit. You'll thank me for it later.

Seriously, he posed for this picture. I think he should be next year's RSD mascot.

DC Days/The Detroit Project: Take Me Out to the Ballgame

I'm probably one of the few people who thinks about musicals when I'm at a baseball game. I blame the Baltimore Orioles; ever since someone used "Corner of the Sky" from the musical Pippin as walk up music, I can't help myself. I love walk up music, but I seriously question most players' choices. Whoever used "Corner of the Sky" was my kind of baseball guy.

Anyway, the song that most comes to mind these days when I go to a baseball game is "You Gotta Have a Gimmick" from Gypsy. I don't think I've been to a baseball in the last decade that didn't have some sort of give away or gimmick as part of the day. Most of the give aways are things like bobble heads, Star Wars themed items (every team seems to have a Star Wars day), and team branded Hawaiian shirts. You know, stuff you definitely need around your house. I have an assortment of Washington Nationals items including a team Russian nesting doll, a gnome (but not the Jayson Werth one), and an unfortunate poster of the team as the Rat Pack which I promptly threw away. I get the give aways; baseball tickets are expensive and attendance at games has been stagnant for years. Give aways and gimmicks are ways to get people in the gate. I get it.

I've attended quite a number of theme nights and give away nights and most of the time, they're pretty fun. I went to my first ever Caturday earlier this summer and I went to Yoga at the Outfield a few years ago. Star Wars Day is always a blast; the cosplay is always a treat. Some of the themed days seem pretty targeted at one particular demographic: women who may like baseball, but really like stuff women like, such as yoga, cats, and knitting. It's similar to the days when most of the team gear for women was pink and sparkly because ladies like pink and sparkly things. Women are a demographic and a bunch of white dudes sit in a room and decide what to sell to us. They go for the easiest thing: pink stuff. Theme nights sometimes feel a little like pink jerseys: a little silly, kind of unnecessarily, but usually fun in the end.

The latest theme game I attended was this past Sunday's Stitch N Pitch day. It's the perfect event for me: I can watch my favorite sport, embroider for a few hours, and hang out with other stitchers. I didn't know about Stitch N Pitch until this season; I don't know if the Nats have done one before, but the Seattle Mariners have had a similar event for fourteen years. I love this blogger's take on the Mariners' event. I feel bad that she experienced some negative comments, but overall it sounds like a great day of baseball and knitting. And the start: every baseball, does in fact, start with a ball of yarn.

I love sewing in public. It's one of those things that seems both innocent and subversive at the same time. Knitting, crochet, quilting, embroidery, needlework have always been in the realm of the female and the home. A lot of women artists use textiles in both traditional and unconventional ways in their art, and these types of art forms find popularity all the time. I've been embroidering steadily for over 10 years, and I love the fact that so many people are into sewing and other fabric arts. The times I've embroidered in public have mostly been non-events; sometimes people ask me questions about what I'm doing, but for the most part, no one really notices. I've only had one negative experience and it wasn't even that bad. The guy was being a jerk, I told him so, he moved on.

So I was looking forward to Stitch N Pitch because it brings together two things I really enjoy: baseball and embroidery. I even decided on a baseball themed project, the first part of my Detroit Project, Tiger Stadium. The idea of doing something like embroidery at a baseball game appeals to my feminist heart. Giving makers a very public place to create, even better! Best day ever!

I'm sure that the weather was part of the problem; it rained all day (playable rain, but still rain), so attendance was low. When I got to my seat there was a group of crocheters in the section next to mine. They invited me to join them and be part of their colorful yarn tribe. Anita and her mom where joining me, so I declined. They were really the only other group I saw, so it was a little disappointing. I wanted it to feel like a fun community of makers and it was a bit of a letdown. I still had fun with Anita and her mom because they're the best, and I got a good start on my Tiger Stadium project, but Stitch N Pitch was a bit of a bust.

Maybe next year, Nationals...in more ways than one. 

DC Days: Prison View Estates

I have a habit of telling visitors to the museum where I'm a volunteer that the building has had "a lot of lives." Originally built as a Masonic Temple in 1908, the building would eventually be home to movie theatres (both legit and blue), offices, and eventually the only museum in the world dedicated to championing the works of women artists. Depending on the visitor, I might also share some of the history of the building that currently houses our museum shop, but it has to be the right visitor. Some people don't like to talk about sex shops. I usually end the discussion with some comments about the importance of place an the role we play in both preserving and continuing history. This is the kind of conversation that makes me an excellent docent.

I was thinking about this when I visiting the Workhouse Arts Center for a beer festival over the weekend. I've never been to the Workhouse Arts Center before. Until 2001, it was, in fact a prison. Construction began on the Lorton Reformatory (also called the Lorton Correctional Complex and the Occoquan Workhouse) the same year my museum started its life as a Masonic Temple in 1908. The first prisoners would arrive in 1910 and would be responsible for building much of the prison complex over the years. The Workhouse has a random history, originally opened as part of an experiment in open air prisons. The idea was to see if that prison set up would be better for rehabilitating less violent offenders like vagrants, drunks, and "family abusers." The original prison didn't have the brick buildings, but tents and open fields. Female prisoners were sent to the prison starting in 1912, mostly serving sentences for prostitution or disorderly conduct.

In 1917, the prison would become the center of the suffragist movement when many of the "Silent Sentinels" were arrested and held at the Workhouse. These were women like Lucy Burns and Alice Paul, arrested for their silent protests outside of the White House. On the night of November 14, 1917 the women were tortured and beaten in a night known as "the Night of Terror." The women would eventually be released and many sentences would be vacated. President Wilson changed his mind about suffrage not long after these events, moving the passage of the 19th Amendment forward (this is a very simplified version of what happened, but you get the point).

When my family first moved to the area in 1992, I remember driving past Lorton Prison and the neighborhood next door. There was a house on the corner that boasted the following sign:

I thought it was funny and weird in the best way possible. I remember wanting to visit, but not in a "I should get a prison pen pal" sort of way. It was always more like, "one day this probably won't be an active prison and I should come take a tour when they make into a museum" kind of way.

Lorton was decommissioned as a prison in 2001. The property was sold to Fairfax County the next year and is part of the D.C Workhouse (another name) and Reformatory Historic District. When it was decommissioned part of the law stated that the space had to be used for recreation or parkland. The Lorton Arts Foundation sought to use the land and facilities for an arts complex. In 2004, this was finally approved and the Workhouse Arts Center was open in 2008. The complex includes studio and gallery space for artists, open land for festivals and sporting events, and specials events. It's like the larger, weirder sibling to the Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria. The Lucy Burns Museum is also underway, telling the story of 91 years of prison history.

I've been curious to see what Lorton is like now that it's an arts center. Does it still feel like a prison? Is it weird to have a studio in a space that was probably a cell at one point? Is the kiln the same kiln used to fire the original bricks prisoners used to build the prison? I can't say that I answered any of these questions during my first visit. I attended the 3rd Annual Workhouse Arts Center Brewfest. Drinking beer and spirits from Virginia (and a few neighboring states) breweries and distilleries at a decommissioned prison/arts center seemed like a good way to spend a Saturday. It was a beautiful (hot) day. The festival was fun, the beer was delicious, and I got to taste a whiskey made from George Washington's original recipe.

The buildings have been restored and reconfigured enough in the buildings we visited that they don't look like a prison per se. There's definitely an industrial vibe and the ceilings are low, but it doesn't scream "Cell Block A" or anything. The gallery was well lit and the artist I talked to really liked working in the space and being able to show his work. I wandered into an exhibition about the suffragists and ended up buying a t-shirt from a very kind docent who seemed impressed that I owned a "Jailed for Freedom" pin from the Alice Paul Institute. She and i discussed the Lucy Burns Museum; she encouraged me to come back and see the current exhibition when it was less exciting outside (her words not mine).

There are definitely parts of the grounds that have remained untouched since 2001 (or at least aren't as heavily used). Those areas, which you can see from the parking lot, remind me of driving past Lorton when it was an active prison. They look sad and institutional. I'd like to go back and visit the museum and spend more time in the gallery spaces. Maybe take a class sometime. Like my museum, the next life of the Workhouse seems to be one where history, art, and community meet. I like this new life for the Workhouse. It gives me hope.

Prison View Estate photo
Other photos by me

DC Days: La Vie D'Un Chat

When I graduated from high school, my parents bought us tickets to see RENT on Broadway. This was 1997 so most of the original cast was still with the show and I was over the moon (see what I did there?) to see the show after listening to the soundtrack obsessively for months. It was also the first time I went to New York. We saw all the sites and a bonus show, Miss Saigon. If you're not familiar with RENT, shame on you. Get yourself together and listen to the original cast recording, catch a production somewhere out in the world, or if you must, watch the film version. It's not terrible; most of the original cast is in the film too, but it's not the same as the seeing it on stage. There's a song at the end of Act One called "La Vie Boheme." RENT is a modern retelling of the opera La Boheme, set in the East Village in the late 1980s. The characters embody New York bohemia as only a musical can depict. The song comes at the end of a fast paced first act; the group is gathered at the Life Cafe and sing about love, art, sex, life, and freedom. If you aren't dancing along by the end of this song, we probably shouldn't be friends. You can watch the scene from the film version here.

I can't help but think of "La Vie Boheme" and the Life Cafe as I visit my first cat cafe. For some reason, every time I picture what this experience is going to be like, the image of the cast of RENT singing "La Vie Boheme" pops into my head except the entire cast has been replaced by bohemian cats. The song is now about the awesomeness of these cats living their best cat lives at the cat cafe. In this vision, the human staff clean up at the end of the day and leave the cats to their evening of doing cat things. The second the last human leaves, the Collins or Angel of the group snaps on the footlights (because this is a musical so there would be footlights) and the cat cafe version of "La Vie Boheme" begins. Eventually, the cats get distracted because they're cats and by the time the humans return the next day, the show has ended and the cats are ready to hang out with human visitors all day and nap. This is really why cats sleep 18 hours a day; they're performing musicals at night.

I am aware this is not how cat cafes work, but it is how my brain works so you have to just go with it. As I've begun the process of thinking about adopting a new cat, the cat cafe is a step towards finding a new cat buddy. Cat cafes are new to the US, having started in Taiwan in the late 1990s, but really taking off in the early 2000s in Japan. The cats are all rescues and can be adopted (Homeward Trails is the adoption partner for the cafe I went to). The cafe I visited, Crumbs & Whiskers, has saved over 1200 cats from euthanasia between its two locations and almost 600 cats have been adopted (between the L.A. and Georgetown locations). For a small fee (which goes to taking care of the cats), I get 70 minutes of cat cuddling time. There's coffee and snacks and cats. What could be better?

Crumbs & Whiskers is the only place I've ever been that is 100% designed to be photographed for Instagram. There are comfy couches, so many throw pillows, and adorable papasan chairs ready for a cat or two to take a nap. There are also window perches, baskets beds, and so many toys. The staff is super friendly and refer to the cafe as a giant foster home for cats. That's exactly what it is. For cats that have been rescued, the socialization process can be long and painful. In some shelters, it's why a cat isn't adopted. Fostering, whether it's individuals or places like Crumbs & Whiskers, gives every cat a better chance of finding a forever home. Sure a cat cafe is a little bougie, but sometimes that's okay.

Honestly, I wasn't sure how I would react to going to a place like this. I haven't had a cat friend since August and I haven't actually been around a cat since Pumpkin died. I don't have many friends who have cats, at least not in the DC area, so I haven't been around a cat in almost eight months. Would I be overwhelmed by the number of furry friends lazying about the cafe? Would I be sad and spend the time in a funk? Would it be the greatest day of all time? I was a little nervous that none of the cats would like me and I was unnecessarily concerned about what to wear. Anita and I joked that I had my nails done earlier this week so I'd be Instagram ready. This is only partially a joke.

It was a little sad at first. There were several orange cats (all male as females are rare; Pumpkin was a true gem) and it was hard to see them napping and hanging around. After I got over my initial shock, it was easy to hang out and enjoy the experience. The staff at Crumbs & Whiskers are awesome; they're friendly and enthusiastic about what they do. Visitors aren't allowed to pick up the cats, but they can and they would bring cats over and share little stories about each animal. I'm sure it's an awesome job and probably one that's incredibly satisfying. I talked with one of the staff about the possibility of adopting a cat; she shared the process with me and encouraged me to come back and visit if today wasn't the day. Anyway, the staff is a big part of the experience. They help make the place safe for the cats and enjoyable for visitors. After talking with two staff members and seeing them interact with the cats, I felt more comfortable and settled in to enjoy my visit.

The cafe has two floors, both designed for optimal cat enjoyment. We spent most of the time downstairs, hanging out with a cat named Captain Otis (definitely not the right name for him), a newer cat who is getting used to being at the cafe. He is amazing, has a super smooshy face, is incredibly affectionate, and handsome. People who think cats aren't affectionate have never met the right cat; Otis is that cat. We also met a lovely lady named Anne Wheeler, a beautiful dilute tortoiseshell cat. She's the mom of the cats and you can see how much she wants to take care of everyone.

Obviously, we weren't the only humans at the cafe. Among the other visitors were a couple, another pair of friends, and a group of college age students. We were sort of surprised that many of the guys in the group were just sitting on their phones, not interacting with the cats. If you don't pet a cat at at cat cafe, did you even go? I don't know the answer, but my gut tells me it's no. One young woman inquired about adopting a cat while we were there; I hope she gets him. A few other cats went home with their new families while we were there; it was a nice bonus.

Even though I didn't adopt a cat today, I found the experience of being around the cats soothing and relaxing. Being at Crumbs & Whiskers reminds me of the things I love most about cats: they're playful and shy all in the space of a few minutes. They're affectionate, but also might not want you to pet them. They find that sun patch and hang on to it for as long as possible. They sleep the day away and don't care if you sit by them while they do it. They're not perfect and they don't care. Sometimes they're cats, sometimes they're centerpieces (see the photo below). They're the best and they don't let anyone forget it. My new cat friend will find me when the time is right.

Anita and I are already planning our next visit to Crumbs & Whiskers and a visit up to Baltimore's Charm Kitty Cafe. I'd like to take a random weekday off and schedule time to work on my novel or some other writing. I'd probably get very little done, but it would be a great experience. Also, the coffee and macarons from Oliva Macaron were amazing. Check them out even if you don't go to Crumbs & Whiskers (their store is just off M Street). Nothing goes better with coffee and macarons than hanging out with cats. Trust me on this.

Now because I know you, I know you really want photos. Enjoy the pictures taken by me or Anita. And go visit Crumbs & Whiskers!

Good Trouble

In November, I wrote the following on Facebook after Ralph Northam was elected governor of Virginia:

The first time I ever worked for a political campaign was in 1996 when Mark Warner ran for Senate for the first time. He lost, but would go on to serve as governor of VA from 2002-06 and is now my senator - I love him. I was 17 years old and couldn't even vote yet, but I didn't care. I guess first political campaigns are a lot like first loves; they last forever. I have worked on many campaigns over the years, including Ralph Northam's campaign (although not as much as I would have liked). I have been called horrible things by seemingly sweet old ladies in SW Virginia (rhymes with punt). I was asked if I wanted to send the world to hell because I was supporting Obama. My patriotism was questioned because I was part of the Women's March in January. But that's why I do it; it does not get old and it is never dull and it's not easy. Working on campaigns, voting, watching the election returns - this is exactly why I love this country and why I volunteer and protest and get out the vote. It's exhilarating and infuriating. And it matters. It matters so much. I know sometimes it feels like it doesn't but it really does, I promise. On to 2018!

I was thinking about this statement yesterday while attending the Women's March in DC. This year's theme, "Power to the Polls", is about exactly what I wrote back in November. It is not enough to attend a march or declare that the 45 is "not my President," action has to be translated to the polls. Yesterday's march was about action and what we do next. Right around the time the 45 was elected, I would get into conversations with friends who were shell-shocked by the election. They were walking around in a daze of anger, sadness, and apathy. I always asked the questions: What have you done? What are you willing to do next?

If the last year has demonstrated anything, it is that most Americans are unwilling to sit by and watch this country fall into the dumpster fire the 45 and his administration is trying to throw us into. Marches, protests, demonstrations, and sit-ins reminded us all that we can be a voice against hate, stupidity, and basic violations of human rights. The rise of #metoo and Time's Up have helped hundreds of people feel safe in talking about sexual harassment and abuse. I'm not going to pretend that all these efforts are perfect. We have a lot more work to do on listening, particularly to women of color, across these issues. Let's face, black women save our asses over and over again. Let's do a better job listening from the start rather than waiting for them to save the day. 

Yesterday's march was a re-energizer for me. It reminded me to commit to the issues and candidates I support even more than I did before. Since my first campaign at age 17, I have registered voters, I've canvassed, I've phone-banked, and I've worked at polling places. I've donated time and money to candidates and causes I care about. I want each and every person I know to figure out how they get involved. In the world we live in today, we need everyone to participate. We can't afford for people to stay at home. 

I know it's scary. Going to a protest or demonstration for the first time is overwhelming. If that's how you feel, maybe don't make that your first thing. Because I love a list, here are some suggestions on how to get started:

• Be informed. Do your research on candidates, issues, and laws. Look for credible resources online before you post on social media. Ask questions when you don't know about something.
• Volunteer. Volunteering is one of the best ways to become part of your community. Find organizations that support the issues you're passionate about. Volunteer your time for candidates that need help. You don't have call people or canvas if that's not your thing. Voter registration is another great way to volunteer your time. Check out your local political party for opportunities to help with voter registration. 
• Have a difficult conversation. The time for jokes about your racist uncle or your sexist co-worker is over. As someone who has reported sexual harassment in the workplace and told a former friend their Trump apologist language was no longer acceptable, I know this is hard to do. But you will feel better when you stand up for yourself and for others.
• Protest. Get yourself out there! Again, I know it can be intimidating to go to a protest the first time. Find some friends and go as a group. Make signs. Take snacks. Being around people who are energized and passionate about the issue(s) you are, will help you take more action. Protesting is patriotic; don't let anyone tell you differently. In the words of Rep. John Lewis, get in "good trouble, necessary trouble."
• Run for office. I have no interest in doing this, but I applaud every person who does. I'm especially impressed by the women in Virginia this past year who ran and won when no one thought they would be able to accomplish anything. Start on the smaller side with the PTO or city committees. Run for school board. Run for city council. If this isn't your thing, support local candidates. They don't always get the support they need.
• VOTE. Voting matters. If anyone tells you differently, they are trying to keep you from exercising your rights. They are trying to take your voice away. So vote. Vote in local, state, and national elections. Vote on ballot initiatives. VOTE! 

The reality is that we have a long way to go with this administration. The 2018 elections are the next step in moving this country forward. Get involved and get out the vote!

On a side note, I was interviewed by AFP during the march yesterday and my photo was taken a lot during the rally (Anita and I were right up front and had signs). If you see my picture anywhere, let me know.

 

DC Days: The Dinner Party

"Feminist practice means everyone's voice deserves to be heard." 

-Judy Chicago, Fresh Talk at the National Museum of Women in the Arts

September 17, 2017

One of the first artists I got to meet when I first started volunteering at the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) was Judy Chicago. Three years ago, we had a small exhibition of her work to celebrate her 75th birthday. She came to the museum to give a talk, which I attended. She and her husband were walking around the main galleries before the talk and I happened to ride in the elevator with them to the performance hall. We said hello and she asked if I worked at the museum. I shared I was in docent training and she told me to enjoy it. The talk she gave, in conversation with Jane Gerhard, was fun, feisty, and feminist. It was a great reminder of why the museum was founded and why women need a place where their work is championed.

Wilhelmina Holladay co-founded NMWA with her husband, Wallace, after they began collecting work by women artists. They were interested in discovering these artists, many of whom had been neglected by art history texts and in some cases, lost to history. Like Judy Chicago's iconic work The Dinner Party, the Holladay's were interested in combating the erasure of women artists from history. The current collection spans work from as early as 1580 and includes many living/working artists from today. I've volunteered at a few other museums in DC and volunteering at NMWA has been the most satisfying volunteer experience I've ever had. Every time I walk through the museum or lead a tour or participate in an event like this weekend's Fresh Talk, I feel like I'm part of something and helping our visitors connect to these works and artists.

I've felt, over the last year and half (or so), that NMWA has been a saving grace of sorts for me. No matter what was going on at work or in my personal life, I could go to the museum for my shift a few times a month and leave everything else behind. It's a little community, from the other docents and volunteers to the staff and guards to our visitors. I get to talk about awesome artists and spend time talking with visitors about their experiences in the museum.

Beyond my experiences with visitors, my favorite part of volunteering is those times when I do get to meet artists. We host a large number of events throughout the year where artists are present to talk about their work and interact with our visitors. I try to attend as many of them as possible not just because meeting artists is one of those things I never thought I'd get to do, but because hearing them talk about their art helps me be a better docent. I can elements from their talks to my tours and really bring art life in a way I wouldn't be able to do without those stories. 

I had the opportunity to see Judy Chicago again this past weekend at NMWA during the first Fresh Talk of this season. Fresh Talk is a part of the Women, Arts, and Social Change program that looks at women and the arts as catalysts for change. The program launched in 2015 and includes curated artists' talks along with either a Sunday Supper or Catalyst happy hour which enables the audience to continue the conversation after the program itself. I've been to two Fresh Talks and have loved the experience both times. One of the cool things about Fresh Talk is that the programs are live-streamed and the videos are available online for later viewing. I attended "Who are the new superwomen of the universe?" in June and had a blast. 

Chicago's talk was entitled "Amplify" and focused on how art can amplify women's voices and visibility. Her career has always focused on this idea, whether it be through her teaching, her dedication to feminist theory in art, or her actual promotion of "lost" women in history through The Dinner Party. In addition to talking about how her work has evolved from the 1960s, she also shared plans for a new visual archive and partnership between NMWA, the Schlesinger Library (at Harvard), and Penn State to create a new way to view her work and preserve her legacy. It's an exciting project and one that will ensure that Judy Chicago's work is not erased. 

What I loved about this particular talk was seeing the breadth of Chicago's work at one time. Alison Gass joined Chicago for conversation. Gass is the director of the University of Chicago's Smart Museum of Art. She shared at the start of the program that she was an intern at the Brooklyn Museum when The Dinner Party was being installed and that Chicago's work had helped to shape her own art practice. Judy took us through her work, talking about learning new techniques like china painting, auto body painting (she went to auto body school in the mid-1960s), and glass work for newer exhibitions. Her dedication to learning is part of her art practice, from the techniques to the history and narrative she creates. She spent time researching the women included in The Dinner Party just as she would later do the same deep research on the Holocaust for her series The Holocaust Project: From Darkness Into Light (1985-1993). She talked a lot about how we move through history where there are times when we push back and erase one group or another. "We're in another moment of pushing back and erasure." It's our role to fight that erasure.

I appreciate her focus on learning as part of her practice. She's constantly learning; that's something that I try to bring to my tours, my own art (mostly writing), and my professional life. There's no magic formula for creativity or producing art except to get up and do it. That's what she does every day. It's these moments that make my time at the museum so important. It helps bring my own passion and creativity back. 

As I sat at Sunday Supper, I had a wonderful conversation with the woman sitting next to me. She had recently moved back to the DC area after a fairly long time away and has been spending the last year "experiencing" DC again. She came to the event for Judy Chicago but was intrigued by the dinner part. We talked about writing (she's a writer), the museum, and Wonder Woman. It was the perfect evening of women, art, and social change. 

If you're looking for a way to engage more and feel like you're not drowning in the spiral of hate and stupid that seems to be the way of the world these days, do yourself a favor and catch a Fresh Talk this season.

DC Days: Dots, Pumpkins, and Obliteration

I had the opportunity to see the Yayoi Kusama exhibition Infinity Mirrors at the Hirshhorn this weekend. If you're able to get tickets at any point during the remainder of the run here in DC, do it. Take off work, shirk adult responsibilities, and go see this exhibit. The exhibition is traveling to five additional cities after the Hirshhorn run.

My favorite room was "Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity" - it was one of the most beautiful experiences I've ever had in a museum and it only lasted 20 seconds. Kusama's obsession with dots is one I can get behind. 

All photos shared below were taken by me or my friend Emily, who joined me for the exhibition. This exhibit is best experienced visually so I'll stop with my commentary and share the photos. 

Phalli's Field (1965/2016)

Love Forever (1966/1994)

 The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away (2013)

Love Transformed into Dots (2007/installed, 2017)

 Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity (2009)

All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins (2016)

The best photo I took all day - it's of the ceiling.

 
The Obliteration Room (2002) - Visitors get to participate in this room by placing dots all over the room.