2014 Vintage Purchase #8: Alameda Vintage Fashion Fair Day 2

It was day 2 of the Alameda Vintage Fashion Fair. I deviated from my shopping list of purchasing cotton day dresses exclusively. I bought two more dresses, but neither is a day dress.

From City Vintage

I've always wanted to get a sweater dress but most are too form fitting. I found a pink one from the 1940s. It has an a-line skirt, and it was a perfect fit. For only $45, I had to have it. This may not be a dress for dancing as it would probably make it warmer (it's hot enough just in a sundress at Verdi); for those colder outdoor swing events, it'll do just fine.

From Relic Vintage

The last dress I purchased is this 1930s rayon dress. I liked the way it draped and flowed with my every move. This may be a Gatsby contender. 

2014 Vintage Purchase #7: Alameda Vintage Fashion Fair

I've decided that the best way to curb my excessive vintage fashion purchases is to limit them only to fashion fairs which happens about 4 times a year here in the Bay Area. This summer, the Alameda Vintage Fashion Fair commenced with a WWII theme. I decided to wear my 1940s sailor dress for the occasion.

I was planning to enter their fashion contest, but Giants ballgame traffic through downtown S.F. and the usual Bay Bridge backup made for a longer than usual commute. When I arrived, they had just started the contest (which I strongly believe was rigged). Oh well.

On my shopping list was 1930s to early 1950s day dresses. I have many vintage dresses that are for more formal occasions: cocktail dresses, evening dresses, garden dresses, etc. I've a few cotton day dresses that I wear to work and for the dance floor and this is where I want my wardrobe to expand. My usual seller was not there, but there were two others that I always buy from who hail from Sonoma county. I didn't find anything this evening, but they told me they'd bring more for tomorrow's show.

I didn't want my trek to Alameda to be all for naught, so I decided to look at other sellers. I couldn't find anything to my liking since most of the inventory was overwhelmingly 1960s-1970s. I was just about to give up when I found a seller previously unknown to me; Marta of Hot Couture Vintage. She, too, is based out of Sonoma county. I'm sensing that I'll have to head north some time if I decide to check out the brick and mortar stores. I ended up buying three dresses from her that were all priced low. Two of them are from the 1940s and one from the early 1950s.

I'm really looking forward to day two of the fashion faire especially since I missed browsing quite a few sellers. The event had already closed when I made the above purchases. We'll see what's in store for tomorrow. Stay tuned.

The fruits of labor

I am a college instructor of American Literature and Expository Writing for multilingual students. Students who come to my class are preparing to transfer to a mainstream university graduate program. These students are required to pass the dreaded TOEFL exam which tests their English competency and readiness for a rigorous graduate program in the United States.

When I first started my current teaching position, the curriculum was quite dull. It emphasized test taking strategies and reduced the literature content in reading instruction. I have a profound love of literature and hearing colleagues publicly state that literature has no place in reading courses was a complete shock. For my Master Degree capstone (the equivalent of a thesis; only more difficult), I decided to design and implement a curriculum based on the literary arts to help improve critical thinking and analysis in English. Mind you, this is for multilingual students. For most, English is their third language. The primary goal was to prepare students to actively participate in a university course. The secondary goal was to improve TOEFL scores through literature-based instruction without teaching to the standardized test. When I presented the capstone at the SF State graduate student conference, I omitted the TOEFL study because my students had not yet taken the exam. I could only present on my students' classroom success. 

It has now been a complete year of this study, which I am now re-examining and re-writing to submit for a state-wide professional conference this fall. 

First, a bit about the TOEFL scores. The scores are scaled to meet certain academic levels. No student wants less than a 60 which is required for entrance into a community college. Four-year universities require at least 75 and graduate programs require at least 85. Top tier competitive universities (like Stanford, Harvard, etc) require at least 100. 

Today, the director at my campus gave me the results. He compared the scores between those who took only the TOEFL preparation class with those who took my literature class. Those in the preparation class scored in the mid 70s. Those who took my class scored in the 90s. I was pleasantly surprised. (Let's be honest...I was shocked.) This just reinforces my long held belief that teaching to the test is never a guarantee of academic success nor of any acquired learning.

As this academic year draws to a close next week, my students are now preparing for their transfers. They have been accepted to the following schools: San Francisco State, CSU East Bay, and Academy of Art University. A couple of my students (who are pursuing a B.A.) were told that my class was enough to admit them to San Jose City College and Foothill. TOEFL was not required nor will they ever need to take it when they're ready to transfer to San Jose State.

I've always measured my success by how well my students do. I can honestly say that this has been the most rewarding school year, and I am looking forward to the next.

Shhh!!!

It's that time of year again!  The Silent Film Festival returns to Castro Theatre right around June. Though this year, it came a week earlier than usual. It can be costly to attend every screening, so I usually pick the ones of most interest.

This year's crop was more international; this has been happening quite a bit lately that even the Film Noir Festival broke away from showcasing just American films. While I wouldn't mind watching foreign sound films, the silent foreign films are a bit cumbersome. Not only do you have the English title cards, the original language is also included which takes up quite a bit of room with risk of print overlap.

I only watched 2 films this year: Ramona (drama) and The Navigator (comedy).

Ramona starred the very beautiful Mexican actress, Dolores Del Rio. She had a great screen presence and her miming gestures were exquisite. There was something very poetic about her movements. Of course, it's quite exaggerated which may turn off a few viewers. But it was quite nice seeing a Latin actress in a lead role (stay tuned for another post on this specific topic).

The Navigator starred the Great Stone Face himself, Buster Keaton; known for his onscreen antics, stunts and deadpan facial expressions. I enjoyed this one much more than the drama since you can pull of exaggerated acting much better in a comedy than in drama.

As for my attire, of course I'm going to look more 1920s. On both days, I wore a pale pink 1920s and 1930s day dress with my cream-colored oxfords. I completed it with a vintage calf-length sage colored coat. As for my glasses, I put away my cat-eyes in favor of my round 1930s glasses that wrap around your ears. The best compliments were reserved for my hair. Lots of pin curls!

Anti Social Network

I'm proud to say I have never had a twitter account. When I asked what it was, the response was, "just a stupid app to tell people what you think in a hundred words." That's it? I never got into it because I didn't see its purpose. If you are going to have something to say, it should have some in-depth meaning.

I had a Facebook since 2007 and it had its benefits, but as soon as it hit its apex, the virtual scribing was akin to a bathroom stall. I started deleting people who had nothing valuable to say choosing only to keep a small number of people that I know personally. My account, though, mysteriously disappeared just days after Gia lost her inane case against me. So I started a new one and was more guarded about who I added. A few months later, the bitch struck again. To which I let out a final post via Instagram and publicly outed her screen name for anyone to block. I never looked back. 

When asked why I don't just start a new one, I was honest. I'd rather hear about things the old fashioned way. Pick up the phone and call or text me. Tell me in person. For the most part, people have been compliant. The one thing I don't miss about Facebook is all the drama. Apparently there has been a lot of mudslinging between people I know, and I'm the one who is completely oblivious.

• "Did you see what so and so wrote on their wall?" No. 
• "How can you not know what's been going on for the past few weeks? Oh that's right, you don't have a Facebook." And I'm quite content with that.

When people say that it's so much easier that I have an account, I just say, "what for? You're telling me everything right now." At least I know the context instead of having to read into something. And that's the problem with social networks. People are vague in their postings which causes any reader to take what's posted completely out of context. One thing I've learned is that people have lost the ability to be objective. They are quick to take things at face value and misinterpret the intended meaning.

I've also noticed that it makes it easier for people to be cruel to others. If anything, social networking has harmed friendships more than it has strengthened. It's another reason why I'm glad not to be a part of it.

One of my friends contacted me today. J was recently scolded and degraded online by one of our other friends, M; M didn't have the nerve to say it to her face. It was all in a Facebook message that apparently was copied and pasted to a public wall for others to read and criticize. I told her not to take it to heart. Sometimes you just have to accept how people are in that moment and kind of back away and let them have their space. Eventually they come around (they always do). I told her: I rarely hear from her. But when I see her, she's friendly. I don't think she considers me her close friend despite my always being there to help her when she does call me. It hurts but I know my place. I'm just a friend when she's in need. 

And I'd prefer to keep it that way with M. I don't need to feed into her drama. I just listen, and when she asks for help, I help her. I don't need to hear what other people have to say. Again I advised J, If anyone else says something about it, don't let it bother you. People like them live for other people's drama and gossip. Just don't fall into it.

The first instinct is always to shut people out and just do things on your own. It's a good practice, but one shouldn't confuse independence with isolation. Just be objective. In fact, it's probably best just to avoid social media or contacting people through it. It makes situations worse. On the flip side, avoidance can be misinterpreted as cold. Again I told her, someone who doesn’t really care for drama pisses people off. They interpret that as being uncaring or cold, when really, you’re just being fair minded.

And speaking of cold, the subject of Demian came up. She ran into him recently barely recognizing him (because he looks so old). She finally said hello to him. I found it amusing that apparently he was scanning who she was hanging out with. Gee, I wonder who he was keeping an eye out for. His responses to her were described as distant and cold; she lamented how he was once like a brother. But then she recalled how he yelled at her for commenting about our relationship. I reminded her of his warped sense of perception and said,

He's an asshole. He treated you unfairly. I know he's lonely. Where are his friends? He lost them all. And now he has to look at everyone with skepticism. That's sad and no way to live. But that's his sister's and that bitch's influences. He's miserable and he knows it. Of course it's sad that he's that way after how close you two were. But it's a poor reflection of his character. Not yours. He can always come back. But he still has a lot of growing up. 

And it is sad. I'll always care for him, and he's more than welcome back into my life. I'd accept his apology without question. We'd just continue where we left off in a positive direction. But he needs to swallow his pride, and he needs to get away from that girl. (SIDE NOTE: I was hesitant to write about what I am about to say as this occurred a while back. I was driving a friend home which requires a drive through the Castro. We were stopped at a red light. You can't help but look at all the pedestrians crossing...then I saw Gia waddling by. I pointed her out and we just shook our heads. She's an immature little party girl; then I heard my friend say, "that explains a lot about your ex's shitty character." And I drove on. That's all I have to say; no assessment of the situation or any other comments. Just stating the facts.)

But I reiterated, you can't completely withdraw from people. Continue going to Verdi. Go because you love to dance. Go because it makes you happy. I assured her that she's a good person. That I respect and admire her for being so independent and objective. I'm the same way, and I know it can be misinterpreted as being cold. What people find out, though, is that they get to know you in person and appreciate the fact that you are open minded and objective. And that's not something that can be figured out on a social network. 

demian griffitts

2014 Hike #12: Ring Mountain

Gadzooks! It has been a little over a month since my last hike! This was due to my having a really, really bad sinus infection that actually kept me bed ridden for a few days. Then I had my family in town for my graduation weekend. But now I'm back in hiking form with my dog Daisy Bell in tow.

This week, I went back to Marin County but this time on the east side of North Bay. I decided to give Ring Mountain a try. At first I thought perhaps it was named because it may be a spiral-like trail around the mountain, but it was a direct path up. I later learned that the mountain is named for a late 18th century Marin County Supervisor, George E. Ring.

The landscape was a mix of twisted trees, boulders, old fence posts and myriad flora and fauna. The rocks themselves had somewhat of a mosaic pattern glistening in the sun. Among the purple flowers, butterflies fluttered. At the top, you can see Mt. Tam in the distance and a stunning view of San Pablo Bay. It was a slow ascension to the top; one must stop along the trail to observe the beauty of his/her surroundings.

Yay me! Now what's next?

My graduate studies at SF State are complete. Actually, they were long completed five months ago, but there is no winter ceremony for December graduates. Alas, I had to wait before walking with my cohort. It was nice not having to worry like those who were true May graduates. I heard so much of the following:

• I still have to turn in my paper today!
• Do you know what grade you got?
• The professor still hasn't emailed me about my e-folio.

I looked at a fellow December grad and we agreed that it was nice not having that stress on a day that is meant to be celebratory. What was also nice is that they separated the graduate ceremony from the undergrads. The ceremony went pretty fast.

I always hear, "what's next?" In other words, will I be pursuing a Ph.D? I've given that a lot of thought. I always consider what my parents said about their expectations of kids. We're supposed to do better academically than the previous generations. Well thanks Mom and Dad for setting the bar really high. They both have the MA degrees. But yes, I do plan on pursuing my Ph.D.

It'll be about 2 years before I even apply to a program. One can't simply decide to apply without having all their ducks in a row. You need to research the right program for you, improve your second and third languages (Spanish and Italian), take the GRE and have a dissertation abstract ready. I still don't have a clear focus other than knowing it will be in early 20th century American Literature. Since my life is firmly planted and taking root in the Bay Area, that leaves me with few options, and it just so happens that those few options are among the most competitive universities in the nation. Nonetheless, I will be applying to the following programs.

1. Stanford University
2. UC Santa Cruz
3. UC Berkeley

This is precisely my order of preference, too. Why is Berkeley my last choice? What they have in reputation they lack in financial aide packages and teaching opportunities.

So we'll see what the academic future brings.

Chorus Girl diatribe

I've spent a little over a year with a dance troupe, and I have come to realize that being a chorus girl has lost its appeal; at least it has with The Tartlettes under the "leadership" of Megan. Of course I still enjoy swing dancing, and it's an activity that will be very much a big part of my life. However, I've come to learn a lot of the ills of show business; that is, belonging to a dance troupe whose "leader" has no support for its dancers.

At first, I was very happy to be part of a collaborative effort in bringing back the art of 1920s era chorus line dancing. I did extensive research on choreography, musicality, costuming and cosmetics. I even tried to pick up the old-time dialect so prevalent during the prohibition era. On a personal level, I was learning to love and appreciate my body shape. I'm not rail thin; nor am I obese. I am a big girl standing at 5'9" with ample butt and thighs yet blessed with a wasp waist.  It's not easy to wear really short shorts in front a large audience, but eventually I grew past that complex. Most importantly, though, I was developing a trust in others. Considering what I'd gone through in years past, it was definitely a challenge letting people visit my home. Not since Demian had I ever invited people (other than my immediate family) to my home. Hosting my dance troupe at my home was significant progress in my learning to trust others.

Over time, though, I was beginning to develop a skepticism, and I slowly began rebuilding my personal fortress. I was noticing a change in attitudes that was reflected by poor decision making by the founding member of our group. What began as a collaboration between 12 ladies became the sole decision of 1 person without input from the group. There were several disappointed ladies when it came to costuming. I hated the costumes and the wigs. All were unflattering on my hourglass shape with a naturally dropped waist and long limbs. Other conflicts involved choreography blocking and other challenges on the stage. There was a lack of communication that led to downright anger. There was  a noticeable decline in support, faith and enthusiasm.

I had thoughts about quitting the troupe because I didn't like the direction it was going. I heard talk about booking more shows with burlesque troupes and drag shows. I'm a swing dancer. I want more involvement in swing dance related events. Plus, I wondered where all the money earned from our performances was going. Why am I still paying $50 monthly expenses?

Then came the final deciding factor. Our troupe was invited to perform in one of the burlesque shows in San Francisco. The woman running the show is not a person I would like to know off stage. In short, she's a real bitch. She rules with an iron fist with very little respect for the performers; at least that was the vibe I got from her emails and interaction at the venue. It just creates a lot of tension and unnecessary stress. I just don't work well with people like that; especially those with very little self-respect and class. 

The following night after a successful rehearsal, the troupe leaders informed us of a complaint. Supposedly one or two people were bringing negative energy, taking up space in the dressing room, criticizing the show itself, drinking all of the iron-fisted woman's champagne and eating all the food. Rather than defend our dance troupe, the leaders pretty much disciplined us as if we were ALL at fault. For only 2 people's sins, we were all thrown under the bus. I was livid. I made extra effort to stay out of everyone's dressing space. I spent half the show away from the dressing room. I'm a vegan! Half of our troupe is vegetarian and most of the food was meat. I didn't even drink. I was disappointed that we were not allowed to defend ourselves especially when most of us were completely innocent of those complaints. We were then asked if we could offer an apology and sign our names to a card. I flat out refused.

I absolutely refuse to apologize to either ***** or the other performers as I completely disagree with her painting us all as ungrateful with the same broad brush. I have always been more than polite with the performers and accommodating to their spacial needs. I have ZERO respect for ***** at this point. Absolutely none. I want nothing to do with her or her gigs. Count me out of her future shows. I don't need the added stress of pleasing people who pigeonhole others.

At our two Verdi gigs a few days later, the lack of motivation was evident and there was an unpleasing still in the air. I was actually having a great time because I was in my environment. Verdi Club is where I'm at my most comfortable with other dancers as well as the organizers with whom I've established friendships. But for others in our troupe, it was apparent they didn't want to be there. I then decided, "I'm done."

I recently learned that four other girls are planning to quit at the end of the season expressing the same disappoint that I have. It was fun while it lasted, but I take it as a learning experience. 

Quite possibly the only costuming I least hated.

Update 3/8/15
The troupe's founder, Megan, made it clear that she has an inferiority complex and is obsessed with her role as leader. It was all she kept saying, "I am the leader." And she kept accusing me of never respecting her leadership. She's right. I don't. There's a difference between leadership and dictatorship that Megan clearly doesn't understand. I told her she is a terrible leader and a terrible person. It's no wonder she has the problems she keeps crying about. I'm done with people like her, and I'm done with her troupe.

2014 Vintage Purchase #6: 1940s Day Dress

So I made a promise this month to not make any vintage purchases. I even swore off the Alameda Antique Market this weekend so that I could save up for next month's Alameda Vintage Fashion Fair.

Yesterday, I had a performance at Verdi. Our dance troupe was on the bill to perform at the Johnny Boyd show, and it was to be among the big events to kick off the summer season. When I arrived at the venue, I was stunned to find a local shop selling vintage clothing in the bar area. Of course I had to peruse the inventory and I found this amazing dress. I swear, it was as if the dress was calling to me. I looked at the measurements, and it was spot on. The price was even better. So of course, I made the purchase. After I said wasn't going to make any vintage purchases!!! Well just this one. No more. I even skipped Alameda today.

How can anyone resist this lovely piece? A 1940s day dress in near perfect condition. The details are amazing, particularly the stitching. I wonder if it may even be older. The material is sort of like the flour sacks of the 1930s when many women used them to sew dresses (it was the Depression era.) But then again, it would make sense for it to be from the 40s considering the rationing of certain materials during World War II. Most women (especially of the middle and working class) sewed their own clothing. However, this dress is most likely deadstock for it survive in such great condition over the years.

My "New" Old Glasses

At April's Alameda Pointe Antique Flea, I found a great pair of cat-eye frames from Allyn Scura. He is known for his expansive inventory of true vintage eyewear. He always vends the antique flea market circuit throughout the state as well as Viva Las Vegas, The Vintage Fashion Expos in San Francisco and Los Angeles and other fashion fairs. Since I am a repeat customer, not only of his frames but of the prescription service, he gave me a really great deal.

I had to retire my silver cat-eye frames since the celluloid split at the left frame. Crazy glue wasn't working anymore. I had purchased some 1920s frames the month prior, but I really wanted another pair of cat-eyes.  I found this lovely pair:

After a few weeks wait time, my frames finally arrived in the mail this morning. Super excited to sport this new pair.