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. 

2014 Hike #11: Angel Island

The weather was perfect this Easter Sunday. I decided to spend my day hiking Angel Island. There is no direct vehicle access to this island as other places in the Bay Area (Treasure Island, Alameda), so you have to take the ferry to reach Angel Island. There are only three routes; Oakland, San Francisco, and Tiburón. I really don't like to venture into downtown be it car or public transportation. It's just hard to get there when you're coming from the Sunset. So I decided to drive out to Marin County and take the Angel Island-Tiburón route. It's cheaper than the San Francisco Ferry, too.

The day was clear and the outdoor temperature was a perfect 72 degrees. The ferry cut across the bay where you can see stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, The Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin County. The only negative is that I get terrible seasickness. I have to remember to take dramamine before boarding the ferry again.

Top: Angel Island
Bottom: Golden Gate Bridge (L) and Mount Tam (R)

Once on the island, I ascended the Sunset Trail to Mt. Livermore, the island's highest peak. No matter which part of the trail you stood, there was always a beautiful view. Along the trail was some of the burnt out flora from the 2008 fire; perhaps its remnants serving as a reminder to be sensitive of nature.

It took nearly 2 hours to reach the peak. Once I got there, the panoramic views were breathtaking.

From the East Bay to the Marin Headlands

From the Marine Headlands, to Mt. Tam, the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge to Richmond

There were other trails that traversed the foothills as part of its historic route. As much as I would have wanted to do this expedition, my feet and legs were wearing out. Plus, it's a reason for me to come back and explore other areas. I also saw campgrounds; perhaps a future camping spot.

Viva Las Vegas? Que se Muera Las Vegas!!!!

It's that time of year again when the biggest Rockabilly Weekender of the year descends upon Las Vegas, NV every Easter. Well, almost every Easter. One year it was moved to the following week due to an early holiday coinciding with March Madness held in Las Vegas. It actually made the flight cheaper. But I digress. 

It's Viva Las Vegas! This past week, my Instagram feed has blown up with photos of pre-VLV preparation, The Orleans Hotel, ladies in their lovely vintage attire and slot machines. To all that I say, "To Hell with Viva!" It just isn't the same anymore.

My first Viva experience was 2002, and I went every year until 2008. Those were some good times. I recall paying only $60 for my ticket, and the event didn't even sell out. The security was lax, so I made it a point to just attend Viva without a ticket. I ALWAYS got in. Regardless, I spent most of the time on the VLV peripheral. 

It was always fun heading downstairs to watch the free Rockabilly shows. At the Gold Coast, all the VLV events were upstairs, but there were several stages downstairs as well. Performances were usually by wild (raw) Rockabilly bands quite different from the 1950s rock n roll influenced bands. The Moonlight Cruisers were my favorite band out of Los Angeles. They were known as the "Cumbiabilly" band based on their fusion of Spanish and Rockabilly music. The area was packed with fans; quite possibly drawing more of a crowd than the VLV bands.

The car show was always free with Saturday its biggest draw. The lot was open round the clock with several pop up acoustic performances from bands throughout the U.S. (though mostly California). You could hang out in the lot even at night where most people shot the breeze over booze and cigarettes. It would take hours to meander around the lot because often you'd stop and chat with different car owners, bands and other VLV patrons. Since the lot was on the top level, there were great views of the mountains.

And, of course, the vendors were always open to all visitors; ticket or not. It was a mix of true vintage and reproduction clothing. I avoid repros like the plague. Why wear the same mass produced dress that everyone else could wear at Viva? (I'll talk more about this later.) Wearing true vintage is a guarantee that you won't run into a person with the same outfit. One thing that has always been good about Viva is the vendors. I bought quite a few vintage dresses; some I still own today. Usually I always waited until the last day to make my purchases. That was when sellers got desperate to sell their inventory to avoid hauling it back to where ever they came from.

Though I always had gone with friends, I strolled about solo. I felt that was how to truly enjoy the experience and meet new people. My conversation with various patrons often came with a cocktail. I don't think I ever bought a drink. Usually conversations with men consisted of tattoos (so many of these guys wanted to tattoo me), music and dancing. With women it was clothing, hair and accessories.

I skipped about 3 years of Viva trips before finally going back in 2012. No more Gold Coast. It was now at The Orleans. The new venue significantly changed the atmosphere, aura and appeal of Viva Las Vegas. First of all, I didn't even buy a full weekend pass. I bought the car show pass. I thought, "wow, they're actually cashing in on this?" I figured I could get in to the main event, but it was pretty difficult. There were so many people at Viva of which about 90% looked exactly the same. Bettie Page Clothing and Stop Staring dresses, cherries, polka-dots, roses pinned in black hair, victory rolls (in the 50s???? That was long out of vogue). I counted (literally) about 18 Bettie Page dresses...all the exact same style and cut but different colors. Most of the patrons were really young with stuck-up attitudes. Of course most of the guys looked the same; t-shirt, cuffed jeans, pomps, converse, a mean mug and a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon (which, by the way, is the WORST tasting beer; there's a reason why they're cheap); but at least they were nice.

The following year, I went back; this time buying the 4-day pass. I literally paid double than what I had originally paid back in '02. It was more of the same; only worse. At the record hops, I found myself strolling and bopping more than jiving. I really wanted to dance with new people, but Rockabillies are not social dancers. They only dance with their significant other or they have a tight circle of friends to dance together. I danced most with Anthony, my go-to guy for dancing at all the Rockabilly events in the Bay Area (and, again, he was my go-to guy at Viva). I also danced with some of my old friends from Los Angeles. But once I asked guys for a dance, their partners had this look of horror as if how dare I dance with their man. It's only a dance not an engagement. That's just how this community is.

I rarely spent time at the event itself. I ended up leaving the area to browse the Burlesque Hall of Fame, the Mob Museum and the Neon Museum. I got my swing dancing fix at a local venue (and the dancing wasn't really up to par). I dined at restaurants on the revamped old strip and made the requisite stop at Frankie's Tiki Room. It was more of a Las Vegas trip than a VLV experience. This wouldn't be a bad thing, only I felt I wasted $120 on an event that wasn't even worth that amount.

VLV just isn't what it used to be. I kept thinking about how much I missed the old Gold Coast days when the event seemed purer without all the sour attitudes that you see at Viva today. After my last trip, I said, "Nope. I'm done. Clearly this is for a different generation of Rockabilly culture." In fact most people who went during the earlier years had the same sentiment. As the days approached VLV 2014, most of us out here in the Bay Area backed out in favor of the new Rockabilly RockOut in October. From its description, it looks like the days of yore; a Rockabilly event back at the Gold Coast. It's still overpriced, but it looks like I'll be paying more for nostalgia.

The Old Viva Days. 2003-2008
Band: Moonlight Cruisers. Andrew Martinez (RIP)
Roy Vargas before he became "Varga" and forgot about all us little people.

New Viva Days: 2012-2013. Note that there are fewer pics of the actual event.
More time was spent outside the event.

The French Market

I've limited my vintage shopping to antique and fashion fairs. I rarely go into a brick and mortar establishment unless I know the people working there (discounts) or I'm visiting from out of town. You just can't haggle with the staff.  

I learned about the Marin County Antique market at last weeks Alameda Pointe Antique Flea. After my hike at Fort Baker, I continued up Redwood Highway to San Rafael. The market was small, but still enjoyable. I even found one of my favorite vendors (Chick-a-boom). I didn't purchase anything; I was mainly there to scout the area before I return next month. There were a lot of antiques available for all types of collectors: tiki and Hawaiiana, Disneyana, African, Native American, tools, auto, clothing, music, furniture, etc. Something for everyone.

2014 Hike #10: Fort Baker

After a few weeks of hiking on the peninsula, I finally went back to Marin County. This week was a short trek through Fort Baker. The military fort dates back to the 1870s when coastal defense facilities were a necessity along the Pacific coast. Today, it's part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Just above the fort is a hiking trail where you will find stunning views of San Francisco Bay.

When walking the trails, it's easy to forget to look up. We're so busy look out and around that your forget the view the beauty above. In the picture below (top left), the branches had almost a damask quality. Nature itself can create a work of art.

As I continued along the trail, I stopped to snap a few shots of flora. We've only recently begun the spring season so it may take some time before the flowers are in full bloom. I even took a snapshot of a ladybug; rarely seen in an urban environment.

Angel Island in the foreground

The next upcoming weekends will be away from the Bay Area (work purposes), so it won't be until May before I return to Marin County. Next North Bay hike: Angel Island.

2014 Vintage Purchases #5: Sewing machine

It was 3 months ago when the last Alameda Pointe Antique Faire had great weather. In February it was cancelled due to rain. In March, it rained again only this time faire went on. I guess the organization didn't want to cancel 2 months in a row. They should have, though, since most of the vintage inventory sat uncovered and ruined by the rain. Most sellers left and very few buyers attended.

Today, the weather couldn't be better. It was a perfect 68 degrees with barely a cloud in the sky. It also brought out many of the Bay Area denizens as it was extremely crowded at 9am. I went to the faire with a mental shopping list of five items: cat-eye frames, sewing machine, white needlepoint handbag and a mirrored tray for my vanity. I ran into quite a few friends at the faire and they laughed at the idea of a shopping list for an antique faire. "But of course," I explained, "if I didn't have a list, I'd buy the whole market. It keeps me from spending more than I should." Then they all smiled as they said, "smart!" 

I went back to the usual vintage glasses vendor for a new (old) pair of frames. I found a great pair for which he gave me a deal since I am a repeat customer; not only of his frames but of the prescription service. I should have the glasses in a couple of weeks.

I found quite a few sewing machines but most of them were in the $200 range. I found White Sewing Machine for $45 with a patent date of 1913. I figured it was a good deal, so I purchased it. It's outfitted with a motor which was most likely an add on as electrical machines came into popularity. I'm currently doing some additional research and also figuring out how it works. I'm not having much luck on the electric part of it, but it can still be hand cranked. This looks to be a fun little project.