Getting away: Santa Cruz

In a previous post, I described myself as a “renaissance lady”; a college instructor, a linguist, a scholar of literature, a swing dancer, a member of a 20s/30s era chorus girl dance troupe, an artist, a model, and a DJ. That is a lot to pile on my plate, but I enjoy every bit of what I do. However, I often feel that I need to take time out and be away from everything. My week is spent with people; students, colleagues, professors, dancers, and photographers. Once Friday arrives, I want it to be all about me.

My weekends are spent hiking trails along the peninsular coast and antique/vintage hunting at local fairs. After a friend told me about her solo excursions, I decided that a monthly getaway would be good for me. This weekend, I stayed in Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz had their monthly antique fair this weekend, so I packed a small bag with my hiking gear, a couple of cute outfits, and evening wear. While my purpose was to look for vintage items, I decided to make the drive worthwhile and turn it into a mini getaway. Instead of taking the fastest route, I took my time and drove along Cabrillo Highway.

Driving along Cabrillo Highway

I drove about 55 mph set on cruise control, hooked up my iPad to play 1920s music and took in all the sites. I made several stops along the way just to admire the surroundings and take a few snapshots. Pigeon Point was the loveliest with its historic lighthouse. There were some short trails nearby, and of course, I traversed them.

Once I arrived in Santa Cruz, I noticed that not much has changed. It looks exactly the same as it had when I last visited 17 years ago. That actually made me quite happy. It's nice to see a city retain its original charm. Since I had a few hours before checking in at the hotel, I walked along the boardwalk and the pier. It reminded me very much of New York's Coney Island except without all the circus freaks and hotdogs. I moved north along the cliffs toward the lighthouse. As I was watching the surfers in the ocean, I thought how much I regretted leaving my board at home (next trip). The surf museum was a nice alternative to wading in the water (but it was so tiny). During my walk, I chatted a bit with the locals about swing dancing, dogs (of course Daisy was with me) and Santa Cruz geography. I was told that just outside "The Mystery Spot" there was nice trail that was dog friendly.

After the sunset, I went back to the pier to see the boardwalk lights and then along downtown's main drag. I avoided the big named restaurants and dined instead at an off the beaten path hole in the wall. The evening temps were perfect enough to eat outside and watch passers-by. The Nick was nearby showing Silver Linings Playbook. I'd been wanting to see this film since it co-stars my all time favorite actor Robert De Niro. I stayed for the 9:30 show. (I'll post a review later in the week.)

 

Earlier this morning, I finally did my browsing of the antique fair. Unfortunately, it was a disappointment. Most of the clothing was 90s "vintage" with very few antique items available. It was someone's junk that would eventually become someone else's treasure. On the bright side, I didn't spend too much money (money I can use for next week's Vintage Expo). And I was okay with that. Had it been just a one day trip for the fair, it would've been a waste of gas and time. Instead, it was a pleasant experience where I could take in and admire the local attractions. Most importantly, it was time spent enjoying myself free from the stresses of every day life.

April's getaway: Folsom, CA

Renaissance Lady

Since moving back to San Francisco a few years ago, I'd been thinking a lot about what to do with my future since it took a couple of dramatic turns. Then I asked myself, "do I really have to do just one thing?" There's so much I love doing, and I feel that if I settle on just one type of activity (i.e. career),  I'd have cheated myself on fully enjoying my time on earth. I consider my talents and wonder how I can put them into productive use simultaneously. Of course my career will always remain in education; I love teaching college, and eventually I will teach at the university level. However, I am not JUST a professor and scholar. I am other things; a linguist, a dancer, an artist and model who occasionally dabbles in music supervision.

Language
I've always wanted to be a polyglot and learn as many languages as possible. I speak three languages fluently (English, Spanish, Italian), and I have a basic knowledge of Japanese.  I know some phrases in Korean and Turkish, too, but not enough to have a simple conversation. Part of the requirements for a Ph.D. at Stanford is to complete two foreign language requirements. I could take the easy way out and just use Spanish and Italian, but I love a challenge; perhaps French and Portuguese.

Swing Dancing
I enjoy dancing; it is not only physically healthy, but it is also emotionally healthy. I'm always happiest when I'm dancing. Swing dancing is an umbrella term and most lay people have no idea that there are various styles and techniques: Lindy Hop (Savoy and Hollywood styles), Charleston, Balboa, Bal-swing, Collegiate Shag, East Coast Swing, Jive. I am able to dance all of them, but my favorite is Collegiate Shag. It's high energy and super fun. The problem is, not many people know how or are too intimidated to shag. We're trying to build that community.

Before I left Southern California, I was asked if I'd be interested in being part of a dance troupe. I had already committed myself to starting my life anew in the Bay Area and respectfully declined. I tried to find some troupes and inquired about one. However, one look at my heavily tattooed arms and I knew the answer was no. There were others that had auditions but the locales were too far away to be able to commute between home, work, and graduate school. Then a friend introduced me to a fledgling troupe looking for swing dancers. It's a 1920s-30s chorus girl troupe performing Charleston. I accepted the invitation once I learned their acceptance of tattooed women. I'm about two weeks into my practice with the troupe, and I'm absolutely thrilled.

Ultimately I would love to assist other teachers at various swing dance festivals; I already have the experience having assisted three different leads. I'd also love the opportunity to swing dance around the world. The additional language skills would come in handy here.

Art
Very few people know that I'm an artist. I usually sketch pencil to paper often transforming my friends' pictures into Día de los Muertos themed portraits. What I'd like to do is transfer my sketches to canvas and be able to paint a background with depth. I don't expect to make money off them, but I wouldn't mind having them displayed around local galleries. We'll see.

Portrait of my prima

Music
I don't make music, but I can make a very good compilation. One thing Dem complimented me on was my talent for putting good tunes together. I moonlight as a DJ from time to time, and yes, I've had a paid gig here and there. I'd like to be good enough to DJ larger swing dance festivals just so I can travel and dance for free. Swing dancing is always the main priority. My music library literally has several thousand songs. When you put it all together, it's mind-boggling to see how many songs you know. Most of my compilations consist of various swing dance music, rockabilly (original and modern), psychobilly, and 80s. Perhaps I'll just make several copies and sell them for dirt cheap. I've known some L.A. DJ's who've done the same. Hmm...we'll see.

DJ Rose Red. I need to do another shoot now that I have red hair.

Modeling
My first shoot ever was when I was only 20 years old. I had been living in San Francisco for barely a year when I was approached by two gay men in the Castro. They looked at me and said, "Bettie Page!" They encouraged me to do some modeling since I had "that look" so I figured, "why not?" I used to work at a corsetry shop and the owner often used her employees to model her products. I regret not having asked for those photos. I don't even think the store exists anymore as I've tried looking for it recently. Lesson learned. I occasionally shot photos with a few amateur photographers in the late 90s so they could build a portfolio, but then I stopped in favor of getting a real job. I'd never taken it seriously. In recent years, I was encouraged to go back into modeling and I'm finding that although I am older than the average model, I find that I have more confidence in front of the camera. I guess that comes with age. Once this dance troupe gets underway, I'm pretty sure I'll be doing more current pictures. Although I already have a photographer who wants to shoot me, he's been pretty lax, lately. I need to get his bum in gear.

Life should not be spent doing one thing. We live an average 80 years, and I just find it unfortunate that people spend most of that time doing the same thing day after day. Once retirement kicks in, what is there left except to just deteriorate and die? I've seen it happen to many good people who forget to enjoy life more. When I retire from teaching (which won't be for at least 30 years), I expect to live another 25 years after that. After all, I'm seeing all these original swing dancers living well into their 90s (and still dancing!). And that's what I will continue to do. Utilize all my talents from here on out so that I live a long, healthy, fruitful life.

Cheers!

Antique/Vintage Hunting (UPDATED 4/11/13)

One of my longtime hobbies is antique/vintage hunting. This is thanks to my dad who'd always drag me around antique stores when I was a kid. Eventually, I'd end up dragging him around (though he was all too happy to join). Back in SoCal, we'd always go down to Old Town Orange, Downtown Fullerton, Uptown Whittier, Retro Row, and the antique/vintage swap meets in Pomona, Pasadena and Long Beach. Sometimes we'd drive along highway 99 often stopping at small towns with antique stores; we'd always find good deals. Of course there were days when we didn't buy anything at all. We'll do it for nostalgic purposes and take many trips down memory lane.

My love for antiques and vintage clothing has not waned. When I'm not dancing, gardening or hiking, I'm out antique hunting around the Bay Area's vintage fairs and flea markets. I've amassed a large collection of clothing, shoes and hats from the 1920s, 30s, 40s, and early 50s. I've also found some furniture and appliances; most were actually free.

Part of the fun of antique/vintage hunting is exploring other areas beyond your locale. I've taken short day trips to Petaluma, Concord, Port Costa, and Stockton for their fairs. I also went as far as Sacramento for a daytrip which proved exhausting. So I've decided if the drive is 2+ hours, might as well make a weekend of it and enjoy the area and its antique fair. Next week, I'll be staying in Santa Cruz for their monthly fair. (Warm weather permitting, I may enjoy a morning surf session.)

My current hunt is for a victrola. In fact, I'm looking for "the victrola man" who is selling a pristine condition portable victrola with 78s and multiple needles. I didn't have the money at the time, but I said, "if it's meant to be, I'll find you again."  It's been two months thus far, but he did mention that he only occasionally sells around the bay area. I didn't find him today in Alameda, so here's hoping he'll be in Santa Cruz next weekend.

So what am I to do with all the stuff I accumulate? My dream is to be able to buy an older home (preferably in HMB) and design it to my vintage specifications. When I have visitors, I want them to feel as if they stepped back in time when life was simpler and carefree.

Stay tuned to this post. I'll be adding more pictures of my vintage purchases. Meanwhile, admire the most recent finds below.

A typical day at Alameda Antique Faire

Some of my vintage appliances and furniture

A small selection of my vintage dresses circa 1930s-40s

Today's (3/3/13) finds: 30s oxfords, hat and dress; 40s overalls and blue day dress.

3/16/13 From the SF Vintage Expo 40s on the left 20s on the right

From the Vintage Fashion Faire (3/23/13) Perfect for swing dancing!

1930s dresses for the low, low price of $140 (total!)

A 1920s cabinet purchased from an estate sale.

Green Thumbs

In an earlier post, I wrote about my desire to move to Half Moon Bay. I frequently visit there on a weekly basis often finding different trails to hike and explore. Other times, I drive around gazing out at the farmland. What I love about HMB is this mixture of beach/country culture. It fits my character perfectly; I'm part surfer, part country girl.

I used to spend summers in the San Joaquin Valley at my grandmother's house. SJV is the agricultural capital of the world. I recall walking with my grandmother near the vineyards on our way to church. Other days, were spent at a dairy farm or an egg-producing farm. Some days I would sit in her living room browsing all the picture books she kept readily available. I loved looking at old pictures of my dad's childhood. His family was migrant farm workers often following the season to tend the harvest. No matter how tough the farm working was, he and his parents & siblings always took the time to pause from their work and smile for a picture. These are the images I love most.

Those valley summers were insanely hot; triple digits. Sometimes it was best to spend the day outdoors because it was much cooler than being in a house without air condition. I'd always walk around the house admiring the gardens. My grandmother's backyard was huge! At least it was when I was much younger. As I got older, the yard just seemed to get smaller and smaller (yet still much larger than most suburban homes). The side yard was lined with the most beautiful roses in reds, yellows, oranges and pinks. There was always a sweet, rosy smell in the air. On the far end of the backyard was her vegetable garden from which she made her salsas, beans, and other dishes. God, how I miss her cooking.

That tradition of maintaining a sustainable garden was carried on by my dad. He maintains a huge yard at his home. He raises lemon, orange, pomegranate, and grapefruit trees. He grows tomatoes, jalapeños, bell peppers and various spices such as cilantro and basil. He takes great pride in his urban farm. Every weekend, he awakes at dawn to begin trimming, pruning, cutting and watering.Whenever I visit, I often join my dad; quality father/daughter time. The best part is just sitting on a bench admiring the hard work.  Later, I'll pick through all the tomatoes and peppers to make salsa; just like my grandmother made it.

I, too, am currently maintaining a vegetable garden in my backyard. Since I am a strict vegetarian, it made sense to start growing my own food than relying on the grocery. I try as best as I can to follow the seasons, but San Francisco seems to have only two; spring and winter with the occasional Indian summer.  Regardless, I've been quite successful with growing food from seed. I've grown the following vegetables to abundance: zucchini, tomatoes, baby red potatoes, green onions, garlic and spinach. It was tough keeping up with the zucchini to a point that I invested in a spirooli and learned to make zucchini pasta. I also made zucchini bread as a dessert. The tomatoes, onions, garlic and jalapeños were used for my salsas. It seems to taste so much better prepared within moments of harvesting.

I've also become adept at canning. I currently grow strawberries and rhubarb, and I am looking forward to making jams and fruit spreads from my garden. Usually I purchase strawberries from the local farmers' market to make my jams. Hopefully I'll be able to grow cucumbers this year, too, so that I can make my own pickles.

This season, I've planted the following items: cabbage, romaine lettuce, broccoli, artichoke, brussel sprouts, and onions. Since having a terrible January frost, I've had to restart my spice garden (cilantro, basil, oregano), though the parsley and rosemary have survived and continue to grow.

Like my dad, I often pause to admire my fruitful efforts. I realize that maintaining my garden is not only benefiting my physical health, but it also benefits my emotional health. Rising with the sun and tending to my garden is definitely therapeutic and rewarding. You know that when you produce healthy fruits and vegetables, your self-healing efforts are working.

My garden