Category Archives: Destinations

The Panoramic Beauty of Rhodes

Cobalt. Cerulean. Azure. Bluest of blues. After all there was to do in Athens, we flew to the island of Rhodes. I had always wanted to see Rhodes, or as the Greeks call it: Rodos. Flying into Rhodes (Rodos) from Athens was spectacular because you could see Turkey as well. Two continents in one glance –Europe and Asia. We rented a car and drove to Pefkos which was forty five minutes away. We didn’t mind being “lost” or unsure of directions because Rhodes is so mind-blowingly beautiful.

from internet

This gave us an opportunity to observe the terrain of Rhodes. We were so surprised at the greenery of this island! It resembled Colorado with its pine trees everywhere! I remember thinking I smelled eucalyptus trees, even.

Top things to do in Rhodes: (for those of you who want quick info and may not want to read my sentimental thoughts below)

  1. Medieval Town. Palace of the Grand Masters of Knights
  2. Acropolis of Lindos
  3. Donkey rides in Lindos
  4. Rhodes Ferry ride to Marmaris, Turkey;
  5. (day tour over there of gold center, rug factory, loukoum factory and bazaar)
  6. Monolithos Castle
  7. Mandraki Harbour
  8. Valley of the Butterflies

Villa rental: Milos Villas in Pefkos

Restaurant: Nikolas Tavern and any restaurant!!

I seem to remember reading somewhere about this “island of Helios (sun)” because it gets 300+ days of bright sunshine a year. Our rented villa’s garden was full of fruit trees which excited our six year old so much. He checked to see if the figs were ready. He’s learned this skill from his Papou (grandpa). We relaxed on our villa balcony while the boys played ball in the garden. In perfect timing, a billy goat from the adjacent property came right up to our fence. How perfect!

We found a Panorama Cafe which remains one of the best views of Greece I’ve ever seen. The royal blue water turns purple out in the horizon. Rodos takes my breath away like so many places in Greece. I know it’s the top three of islands for me. Our youngest son found lizards everywhere we went—this was his mission on the trip. While we absorbed other cultural highlights, our youngest remained focused on the flora and fauna of this geological wonder called Greece.

We bought local honey at a street side food stand–native Rodos honey–which is inexplicably delicious due to the unique cultivation of the area and the herbs from which the bees pollinate. A dollop of this clover honey became part of our breakfast ritual—in tea, on biscuits, etc. and of course, we brought some home as gifts. Rhodes has a uniqueness to it because of its Medieval influences. We walked through Medieval town’s cobblestone paths, fortifications and we saw where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood in the harbor. Although it’s not there anymore, to envision where this statue (one of the seven wonders of the world) stood, was a moment!

from internet

Our daily walks included a stroll to the zaharoplasteion (a bakery of artisan sweets), a purchase of tiropita (cheese pie) and spanakopita (spinach-cheese pie). One day, the boys all went to the beach in the late afternoon while I stayed at the villa in Pefkos, called Milos Villas. I wrote in my journal, tidied up the villa, walked through the garden and enjoyed the sea breezes, ocean view, safety, tranquility, and privacy of this existence. At night, I listened to the crickets and the late night parties in the distance as well as the occasional odd bird or animal sound.

Our favorite memory of Rhodes was riding the donkeys up through the village of Lindos. Looking into the shops and villas gave us an idea of the town combined with a recreational activity! I gasped as I peered into each shop or home. Rhodes was utterly beautiful and delightful. At night, we danced in Nikolas’s Taverna in the city of Pefkos (not far from our villa). As we ate our dinner and heard the soulful Greek music beating out of the speakers, the feeling overcame us to just get up and dance. The waiter called out to the owner inside, in Greek, saying, “The Greek- American mama is dancing with her sons” as my husband took our video. He eventually joined in the dance line along with the waiter and owner, too. The other customers enjoyed this spectacle. It was a great impulse in the middle of my journal writing while the family ate dessert. It was a revelation that crystallized the epiphany that the Greek school lessons, the Greek dance lessons, —they shouldn’t just be lessons—they should be a lifestyle; moments in reality. I knew my sister back home would be thrilled because she is our sons’ Greek dance instructor. This moment wasn’t about costumed dancers on a stage at the Greek Festival back home in Tulsa, but about feeling the impulse to get up and dance, in casual clothes, out in the sea breezes in a taverna atop the sea.

from internet

It was hard to comprehend how blue the ocean was on these Rodos beaches. We parked our rental car on the side of a village road to take photos. Outside of a restaurant called Panorama Cafe, we stood there in disbelief to take in the panoramic view.

It was at that moment that I first realized that the ocean water in Greece has layers to its hues. Closest to the shore, the water is clear, then green, then mediterranean blue, then navy blue and then, miraculously, purple. Together they make that Grecian blue but if you look closely, it’s layers of blues, (except on the island of Lefkada, where it is solidly the most turquoise blue the eye can ever absorb.) It was opaque, thick, sensuous and shockingly turquoise blue.

On Rhodes, we discovered the lovely city of Lindos. The donkey rides up the winding roads through Lindos beckoned to us. We waited on the town square for this magical donkey ride but what happened during that wait was even more magical for me, as a mom. My oldest son, eleven years old at the time, was conversing in a slow and carefully thought out Greek speech with a nine year old native boy. I listened carefully and intently from a few feet away to hear them. Luke asked him, “Pos se lene?” (how are you called/what is your name?) and the boy answered, “Me lene Nikos.” (I am called Nick) Success! Luke built up to “Poso hronon eisai?” and Niko answered, “Emai enaia hrono” (I am nine). Lastly, Luke asked him “Apo pou eisa?” (Where are you from?) and Niko answered, “Apo etho —Lindos” (from here, Lindos.) Three sentences! A conversation, nevertheless. My Greek-American son was communicating with a foreign child in Greece….a complete stranger; not a relative….and he was understanding him!

The boy, in turn, asked Luke some questions and I assisted Luke in his answers. This exchange could not have made me happier; not only as a mom but as a Greek School teacher, too. My sons were my Greek School students and this was the ultimate field trip for us! We were immersing in a culture of one of the most beautiful countries in the world which happens to be one of the most influential civilizations in the world.

from internet
from internet

What was a simple conversation, verbally, was really quite advanced and multilayered for us, emotionally. The local boy from Lindos and my son were patiently trying to understand each other. The native boy seemed impressed and respectful, almost paternal, with the efforts of my son who was carefully and calculatingly choosing his words and phrases. The Lindos boy was clearly in the driver’s seat with this exchange and my son was the guest in his country demonstrating a brave moment and encounter where he took a risk of stumbling on “broken Greek” with an Oklahoma accent. As the mom, I stood back and tried not to rush in with the rescue of my fluent Greek. I quietly guided my son from afar with possible vocabulary to interject but basically let him choose the questions and directions of the rudimentary conversation.

The global awareness symbolism that unfolded was the understanding that two boys who could look so similar in ethnic features were living different lives on different continents. Is there a kindred spirit between the native Greeks and the ones who descend from families who immigrated to America in the last century? Yes. In my experience, both citizenships of Greeks are fascinated with each other.

This was a  full circle moment for me. I grew up speaking two languages in the home; English to my parents and siblings and Greek to my  grandfather who lived with us. The receptive vocabulary of a bilingual childhood is uncanny and difficult to explain. There are words banked up that one might never use but you can always retrieve their definition and meaning and some are not even precisely translatable to English. Greek School classes at our church filled in the grammar, handwriting, poetry, songs and plays that home conversations could not. Witnessing this actual brief conversation between a local boy and my oldest son was rewarding and exciting. While my sons are not fluent in Greek and might never be, their effort was admirable.

The conversation that took place in the city center while we waited for our donkey ride was the first of several splendid moments in Lindos. No one could have prepared us for what was about to transpire next. The trail of donkeys lined up for us and others to join was so exhilarating for me, vicariously, with the boys. My husband trailed behind us on foot, as he preferred to run up the hill beside us. Each shop or pension we looked into on the right and left of us as we rode up the hill was a perfect lesson in Grecian architecture. The design of each alcove was a stunningly simple but breathtaking aesthetic of art and living. Everything about the shop or residence we peered into was designed to look out onto the view of the sea. Atop our donkeys, we looked through each shop, home or art gallery with a view that spilled out onto the open navy blue sea of Rhodes. I kept looking back at my husband, gasping at the beauty and asking him if he was catching all of this.

from internet

When we reached the top of the hill, we explored the Acropolis of Lindos -Temple of Athena which is a Doric structure and archeological site. We stretched our legs and caught our breath after that visually stunning donkey ride up the hill of this most posh town of Lindos. The donkey ride was a perfect excursion for the boys and a little archeology is always fascinating but ending the day at the beach in Lindos was perfectly appropriate. While the boys ran off ramps and jumped into the water, I caressed the sea shells and ran my toes back and forth in soft sand. I showed my husband each piece of what seemed like sea glass. The shells and glass were as clear and vibrant as the water. Lindos was a gorgeous surprise but it was time to return to our rented villa in Pefkos.

Our time in Rhodes ended with an enchanting day meandering through the streets of the Medieval town, sipping sweet and cold cafe frappe in a taverna and buying an ornate gold ring with a medieval cross on it for my birthday. The handmade ring was full of intricate details, Grecian royal blue lapis and enamel and even the band had details on it. The ring is always a symbol to me of our time in atmospheric Old Rodos Town in the middle of a majestic medieval fortress town draped under magnificent bougainvillea.adapted from the book, A Magic Carpet Ride. Click on link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/069271393X/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

(updated book cover)

Follow this lesson plan to build trip itineraries with your family:

Travel Lesson Plan: Integrate the Concepts

India- Exotic Land of Ceremonies

India’s explosion of colors was a striking backdrop for an experience of intense touring, joyful celebrations and wedding ceremonies. Around every corner, we were met with a majestic and decorated elephant or camel. Other times, it might be a band of monkeys climbing along a palatial building rooftop. Down the Amber Fort, we encountered a duo of snake charming brothers. It was a splendid combination of humans and animals celebrating life. Down major roadways, cows slowly strolled among the cars, tuk tuks and motorbikes. After a few days of this, it seemed normal. The peacock, India’s national bird, flirtatiously stalking across our resort grounds, was also a powerful impression of Indian pride and character.

As exciting as it was to ride our own elephant up the hill of the Amber Fort, it was more entertaining to watch our cousin ride one in his wedding’s Baraat ceremony. The elephant arrived decked out with this glorious draping to transport the groom to his bride in a most magical, dramatic and energizing of processions.

The Baraat involved a band or two and food and drink circulating among the crowd of us who danced our way down the hill. It is said that some grooms ride a mare and an even contemporary approach to this is to use a car. Fortunately for us, our cousin-groom rode atop this beautiful elephant.

When we reached the meeting point of both families, approximately 45 minutes later, the bride’s procession was just as moving and spine-tingling. Garlands were draped on the bride and groom.  The groom is given the marigold garland (like a lei) as are some of the family members. The marigold garland, reminiscent of a Hawaiian lei, (which is also presented at times of welcome), is a symbol associated with the vibrancy of the sun. The marigold is also referred to as the “herb of the sun” representing passion and creativity. In terms of the wedding celebration, the marigold is used as a love charm and a sign of a new beginning. It is also considered a sign of purity in Hindu festivals and worship ceremonies. When it’s presented as a welcome gesture at homes or hotels, it is used as a sign of respect and honor. I felt this symbol of honor when I saw the marigold leis bestowed upon the families joining together in the wedding ceremony as the Baraat procession was completing and entering into another ceremony. ( The international symbolisms of the marigold will be in another individual blog.)

photos by Gina Kingsley

adapted from the book, A Magic Carpet Ride, by Gina Michalopulos Kingsley. Amazon link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/069271393X/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

Graceland

Graceland, Elvis’s home, is the “King’s castle” in the way that it celebrates his royalty and heyday. Our VIP tour at 10:30 a.m. started even earlier because of their efficiency in accommodating all of the ticket-holders. Graceland has stayed authentic in its decor and the tour guides informed us that Lisa Marie and family even dine there in the dining room, on occasional visits.

Graceland

There’s a chapel on the grounds which stays busy with weddings and vow-renewals all year long. We learned many more details about Elvis (than what you hear in pop culture trivia) by touring his mansion, museum and grounds.

Elvis’s costumes

The Graceland mansion was originally built in 1939, reportedly and was occupied by homeowners prior to Elvis’s purchase in 1957. Graceland is located 8 miles from downtown Memphis which makes it accessible to find.  The Greek-inspired Neoclassical mansion had the “Presley aesthetic” added into the classical decor, such as large mirrors within the classical moldings and other 1970’s touches like the TV room and Jungle Room.

Graceland dining room
Graceland kitchen
Graceland living room
Graceland
TV room

Outside, there was a racquetball room, grounds, swimming pool and a small family cemetery. The museum is a wonderful collection of memorabilia, costumes, wedding outfits, etc. We were touched to learn that Elvis was very generous to various charities.

The restaurants on site were charmingly decorated in the midcentury decor of diners and the gift shop had an abundance of Elvis  memorabilia. It is really worth visiting and quite fascinating, especially since he was such an American icon and the King of Rock ‘n Roll, after all!

photos by GIna

4 Hands Art Show…A Celebration of Figures

I attended the 4 Hands art show in the hip East Village area of downtown Tulsa. My first impression of the artwork was colorful, whimsical, multilayered (technically and figuratively). The artists, Lois Thompson and Susan Hanson, looked like art themselves with their bright eyes, lovely jewelry and eclectic leather boots. They had a synergistic and electric vibe and listening to their journey down their artistic path was very satisfying and enlightening.

Tell me about your art show.

The name of the show is 4 Hands because it’s a collaborative show of the two of us. (2 artists; 4 hands)

What is the inspiration for this amazing, colorful, whimsical , awesome art?

In this particular show, we did alot of figures. Really, it’s just a continued interest in figures, a love of fashion, a celebration of women and fun. We started this body of work , all figurative…with wine bottles and Tulsa-scapes worked into it.

How long have you been artists?

I (Susan Hanson) went to University of Kansas and graduated with an Art History degree. She (Lois Thompson) went to University of Kansas, UMKC (University of Missouri in Kansas City)  and KCAI (Kansas City Art Institute).

What gallery displays your art here in Tulsa?

Royce Myers Arts Limited.

What would you like to share with us about your artwork and process?

We like to work together because we inspire each other and we have the same aesthetic and work on the same pieces. It’s unusual to find related or unrelated people who work on the same piece….. physically and actually work on the same piece.

The art is secondary to the time we spend together. We come to the same conclusions of what we like, how we finish it, what’s working and what’s not working. We happen to both love art and painting but it’s secondary to the philosophical discussions we have, the current events, the books we’re reading, the inspirations….

We rented a house and it’s a great space to work. We FaceTime with our iPads. I can see what she’s working on, and we ask each other’s opinion, give each other ideas. I (Susan) live in Dallas and she (Lois) lives in KC . Everyday that we wake up, we’re grateful that we can do something we’re so passionate about that brings us closer together. We’ve traveled to Venice, Madrid and Mexico together for art related activities. We’ve gone to other locations like Fredericksburg and Lake Eufala for getaways where we don’t think about everyday details. It’s like a little vacation but we’re working, too . We seclude ourselves for intense work.

Do you have favorite artists?

We both respond alot to the abstract expressionists. Rothko, Matisse, Diebenhorn, Klimt, Rauschenberg, ….there’s so many.

Do you think your clients buy mostly for residences or businesses?

Residences mostly. We do alot of commission work for designers. This show is just one body of work and it’s all brand new work that hasn’t been in a gallery. The Royce Myers gallery on Boston Avenue has them permanently and we have other pieces there, too.

I took photos of the artwork throughout Girouard Vines and Kay Myers of Royce Myers Art Gallery introduced herself to me…so I interviewed Kay for awhile.

Kay, how do you find your artists?

Many artists come to us. Tulsa has a so many talented artists. We might be somewhere and see art and inquire about it. There are local, regional and international artists in our gallery. We’ve been at our 1706 S. Boston location for 25 years. We’ve had primarily oil paintings, but also sculptures, etc….

Do you have a favorite artist in general?

Georgia O’Keefe. I love that she was such a strong, independent woman and so inspiring.

Do you have a background in art?

My husband and son are artists. My husband studied art and I do a lot of volunteering in different art projects in town. I’m involved with Tulsa Girls Art School as a volunteer and I’ve also been on the board. It’s one of my passions to be involved with art education and work with kids. That’s vitally important. I love that that program changes girls lives and I get to witness it. Susan and Lois are one of our favorite artist duos and they are the only mother-daughter duo we have.

Susan Hanson, the artist, and I visited some more while viewing the art and mingling. More information evolved. (Susan showed me the various layers and textures used in some of the paintings from paper, tissue paper, metals, ..)

What’s the name of your website or how do we access your art ?

Go to instagram: susankayart which links to the gallery that we are in in Dallas. We have alot of other work that we do that doesn’t even look remotely the same to this body of work.

We’re serious about our art but our art is not serious. People are fascinating whether it’s a family member, a child or a friend so you never get tired doing figures because they tell a story. You can make up whatever you want—what their story is, their past, their relationship, etc. You see that we do alot of pairs. Alot of time, the art is about relationships….and working your way through them.

They are layers…they’re multi-layered.

Yes!…just like our painting.

The artists’ information on the Royce Myers Art Limited website and on their flyers at the art show had the following information : “…the use of unnaturalistic color in their artwork is Susan Hanson’s  trademark looks as well as integrating several mediums into one piece. Susan is passionate about interior design and the role that art plays in bringing a space alive.

Lois C. Thompson has a BFA from KCAI and an MA in studio art from UMCK. She studied at Scuola International di Venezia and the Skopelos Foundation for the Arts on Skopelos Island in Greece. “…The creative process has been and continues to be an avenue of discovery for me. The process is my way of expressing the journey of exploration that examines both heart and head.”

I spent the rest of the time at the event mingling and enjoying some Sauvignon Blanc while I watched the venue come alive with more guests attending to enjoy art and each other.

Girouard Vines wine

It was a “celebration of figures”, wine bottles and city-scapes in every way! Life imitating art!

photos by Gina

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What makes something vintage? The Vintage Fair

If you get a chance to go to the Vintage Fair market in your city, GO! Whether you buy something or not, I always feel like a vintage shop is an interesting “museum” of history. I do collect vintage items and wear them or display them. My sons are interested in some vintage items , too, especially records. Even though my husband is not as into it, he enjoys going with me just to examine the quality of items. He also likes them for the same reason I do—to walk down memory lane.I like all kinds of vintage pieces and sometimes I’m in search of a special motif that serves a purpose. Other times, I’m on a  hunt for clip earrings. It’s also fascinating to talk to the vendors and learn factoids. Did you know that fitch is a type of fur that the people in the U.K. used to wear? It’s a common rodent much like mink! Many people don’t even know that they’re wearing fitch. I also found Matryoshka Russian nesting dolls for a friend of mine who has started to collect them.The clothes are a personal favorite of mine. The women were so tiny back then! (probably from the corsets which we call “waist shapers,”today.) T

You can barter at certain vintage shows and shops or ask for a discount on a grouping of items. Personally, I think vintage items make unique gifts for people. You can find records, prints, old record books and ledgers, and so many other interesting time capsules of history. SHOE-LA-LAAAA! Look at these silk shoes. I’m fascinated with these because my mother had a similar pair (but in midcentury style) made for her by Parisian shoemakers. 

vintage pink

And last, but not least, look at these gowns. I get a visceral reaction just looking at the displays. What makes something “vintage” or “antique”? Reportedly, vintage is usually anything 20 years or older. Some say 10 depending on the item. Antiques are generally 100 years old, some say 80 years. As a teenager, I had a friend who collected vintage comic books. Upon visiting Tulsa, he was very excited to check out our Vintage comic book stores and their selection. Here are actual guides on what makes certain items reach vintage age. For example: here are some approximations.

  • perfumes– 1900-1980’s
  • clothing- 20 years old
  • vehicles- 25 years or older
  • musical instruments- 25 years old
  • wine– see link below
  • comic books- info on this varies but comics from the ’30s-’50s is considered valuable.

I learn new things almost every time I visit vintage shops and antique stores. This weekend, I learned that many fur coats (especially in England) are made of fitch which is a European polecat, much like a ferret. Corsac, a type of Siberian fox,  was another popular type of fur. Sable is the most valuable distinction of fur. There are mixtures of faux fur and real fur at various vintage stores.

Vintage furs and vintage wine could be individual blogs of their own due to all of the specific information about them. Below is an interesting link on understanding vintage wines.

In closing, I just realized my kids are vintage and my hubby and I are halfway to antiques!

http://www.decanter.com/wine-news/how-to-understand-vintage-54305/

© Gina Michalopulos Kingsley

photos by Gina

Gypsy Family Travel- updates!

Gypsy Family Travel is getting a facelift… new theme, same logo and additional purposes. It started out to be a travel blog and soon became a travel AND adventure blog. The adventures involve my interviewees’ hobbies and activism. Recently, I’ve decided it shouldn’t be about only travels , necessarily….but rather, JOURNEYS!

Journeys aren’t just about geography.  Journeys are also personal goals, whether or not anyone leaves their home! Global or local; “the joy is in the journey; not the destination.”

Along with travel blogs, there are also newer articles about culture and people’s projects, hobbies and vocations. It’s refreshing  to learn new info and inspiration from so many multifarious and motley interviewees! It’s also been intriguing to be on a quest for magnetic places, businesses, vocations, cultural activities and excursions. For example, vintage stores, art crawls, Cosplay conventions, unique philanthropies, links to local events, etc.

If you have an interesting topic you want to share with me or if you want to raise awareness about something worthwhile, contact me! Let’s peel back the layers of this fascinating, alluring, multidimensional life.

flamenco dancers in Barcelona

Gypsy Family Travel  is a travel/adventure/lifestyle blog place to share your information. Through recorded conversations, we will see where the interview leads.

Your information, trips, hobbies, etc. can be an inspiration to others and give people something POSITIVE to read.

  Gypsy Family Travel

© Gina Michalopulos Kingsley

photos by GIna

 

Venice

Water taxis, gondolas, gorgeous and pristine pastel buildings all along the grand canal of Venice is surreal and fantastic.  It’s a bucket-list item for many people. While the sun is shining on the tourists and locals, the wind blows soft breezes through your hair as you peek out of your water taxi to absorb the sensations of all things Italiano.  Venice is chic, colorful, historic and something of a mystery as you know the city is sinking below the water. That makes it all the more compelling. Time is of the essence in seeing this historical, storybook city.

photo by GIna

While the water taxis are a very quintessential way of traversing the Grand Canal, make it a point to budget for a gondola ride (approximately $100) during your stay in Venice.

water taxi

The Venice Kette Hotel is located off the main square and accessible to not only shopping and dining but also St. Mark’s Cathedral and the Doges Palace. You can meet  guides at the Porta Della Carta in St. Mark’s Square.  Tour guides will teach you about the history lurking behind the walls of the most famous landmarks of Venice: the Basilica with its Byzantine heritage and  the Doge’s Palace and its prisons.

St.Mark’s Cathedral has staggering historic information and some legendary info, too. Reportedly, in 828, merchants from Venice stole the remains of St. Mark the Evangelist from Alexandria, Egypt. Legend has it that they smuggled the body past guards by concealing the remains of St. Mark under layers of pork in barrels. A storm in the sea nearly drowned the grave robbers. Allegedly, St. Mark came to the captain in a vision instructing them to lower the sails of their vessel, thus saving the ship. The merchants, consequently, owed their safety and rescue to the miracle of St. Mark.  (following photos from internet)

The Doge’s Palace: Children and parents, both, will be fascinated with a tour of this palace of Gothic architecture. Architectural details like “lacy patterns of pink Verona marble and graceful arching windows” will please the tourist studying the “cornice of merlons and spires.” The history and decor of this grand palace will delight young children as well as their parents. The adjoining prisons give insight into what the prisoners and criminals viewed as they left their chambers to meet their judges and justice. The Doge’s Palace overlooks the Grand Canal and Piazetta. The Porta della Carta, which is the main entrance linking the palace to St. Mark’s Basilica is considered one of the two most perfect examples of Venetian Gothic architecture. Be sure to study the art of Doge Francesco Foscari kneeling before the Lion of St. Mark.You will learn how a city built on swamps became one of the most illuminated and cultivated cities of the western world. The labyrinthine passages and alleyways through the meandering canals under intricate bridges beckon you into the magic of Venice. Famous Venetians, like Marco Polo and Casanova, contributed to the mystique of Venice.

Shopping and dinner: Glamorous shopping, Murano glass blown art, delicious gelato and masquerade masks are authentic Venetian items to buy. The Tom Ford black sunglasses I bought there six years old are still my daily go-to shades. Everything about Venezia screams high-quality and luxurious. The restaurants showcasing the finest Italian cuisine are ambient, cozy and chic. Try a unique meal of pasta in squid ink finished off with the more familiar tiramisu and cappuccino. Here’s a photo I took of my husband with his squid-ink pasta. 

Factoids: 

  • there’s enough mosaic in St. Mark’s Basilica to cover 1.5 football fields!
  • many of the Basilica’s treasures came from Constantinople and the Crusades.
  • The Palace d’ Oro is a Byzantine altar screen of gold that is encrusted with gems: 1,300 pearls, 300 emeralds, 400 garnets, 300 sapphires, 100 amethysts, rubies and topazes. It is so impressive, some may find that it rivals the Tower of London!

(photo by Patrick)

gelato!
gorgeous pastels

Follow this lesson plan to build trip itineraries with your family:

Travel Lesson Plan: Integrate the Concepts

Wine Review

Time to review a new wine! Borsao 2015 Garnacha. I was looking through the usual shelves of Red Zinfandels and Merlots and found this appealing and stunning bottle. Ironically, the colors look similar to my blog theme. Then, I saw the crazy good price of $9 and the rating it received from wine experts —so I couldn’t resist. I’m a big believer in signs, after all!

I noticed the deep flavors, first and foremost. Borsao is a Spanish Garnacha hailing from the birthplace of Garnacha, Aragon, more specifically from the highest mountain of Moncayo. It doesn’t have the sweetness of a Red Zinfandel or the weight of a Merlot and that’s good tonight because I need to cleanse my palette of the more saturated wines. It reminds me more of a Cabernet Sauvignon and it will pair well with a variety of foods, according to the label.

The employee at the wine shop told me people are loving this wine and buying it up! I can see why. It’s just a good, solid wine. Not too glycerin-y, not too much legs, and a very nice price! And…..a beautiful, colorful label always looks good in the wine fridge or regular fridge…or as a hostess gift!

I’m not a wine expert but I love wine and know what I like about wines. Check out these wine terms in the link below. Other reviews on this wine noted “leather” and “fruits”. For my blog readers who don’t have time to be saturated by alot of information and details, I hope this brief summary suffices for you. For those of you who have dined with us and trust our recommendations—I will state it simply, this wine is very good!

http://winefolly.com/tutorial/40-wine-descriptions/

First Friday Art Crawl

It’s free. Do it. What better way to spend your Friday night  (or start your Friday night if you’re a young one.) Art crawl is attended by young and old. You can “art crawl” with your girlfriends, your spouse or better, yet, your family! I’ve done the art crawl in a couple of cities in the aforementioned ways. I have to say, taking my sons along was very rewarding and definitely in the spirit of gypsy family travel! When we took all three of our sons to an art crawl out of town, it enhanced and multiplied our appreciation for a variety of art forms since we were exposed to all of their various interpretations. When we took our youngest son only, (to the one in Tulsa) it was a nice one-on-one time with him….especially when he decided to put up his phone and get into it. Patience is a virtue and it paid off because once he stopped texting his friends to see if any of them  were nearby us in a gallery, he enjoyed the art crawl as much as his parents.

In the Woody Guthrie Center, our son used the headphones to engage in a particular exhibit. We viewed the interesting guitars and other string instruments in the display cases at our own pace. As I walked around the gallery, I thought, “what a nice tourist attraction this will be for our future guests coming to Tulsa.” We’ve exhausted the usual tourist attractions when we go sightseeing with our own guests here so I am excited to see all the new downtown developments that will impress our visitors. I asked the receptionist what the connection Kris Kristofferson has to the Woody Guthrie Center. His portrait/mural is on the outside of the building and his CD is for sale in the gift shop. She explained that the museum honors a new recipient  every year for the Woody Guthrie award. The award goes to an artist who is doing positive things for social causes. It helps to ask questions!

The AHHA, Philbrook Loft, Woody Guthrie Center, Zarrow Center and the Living Arts galleries were some of the ones we enjoyed on the crawl. In one particular gallery, we were given big, red paper hearts to place in front of our favorite piece of art. Each of us chose a different one so again, that was interesting to see how we each had a different way of appreciating art. This would be a great way to engage your preschoolers or elementary aged children, too. Kinesthetic and visual! Our son did an interactive art form using a projector and pieces of letters and forms. This was such a popular activity, he had to wait in line for his turn. He used teenage humor in his design which amused some spectators. Watching various children interact and design reminded me that art is subjective.

The Living Arts of Tulsa museum was the climactic exhibit for us with its dazzling, chromatic glass blown art. Absolutely gorgeous! Textural patterns, bright and abstract pieces attracted couples musing about buying the pieces for their homes. In addition to the glass art and another exhibit, there was a provocative exhibit called Chunkism. The fleshscapes, as they are called, were designed to create a visceral reaction in the viewer. The large nudes painted in earth tones, (mostly faceless) evoked confrontational and subconscious emotion (according to the exhibit info). A staff member interviewed me and my son about our reactions on the exhibit and recorded us. While I was focused on the emotion of the paintings, dynamics and inspiration behind it, my teenage son shared his more light-hearted approach to the humor and entertainment of it.

The art crawl was free, fun, didn’t take long and it was nice stimulation for our family. With all the great restaurants to choose from in Downtown Tulsa, we walked over to Elgin Park restaurant for appetizers. Although it was winter and not as busy as the summer art crawls with more street artists, vendors, musicians and activity at the Guthrie Green, we still enjoyed a pedestrian downtown experience going from gallery to gallery and then ending up at a restaurant. Downtown Tulsa has come so far! Exciting and stimulating! Mark your calendars for the first Friday of every month  for this free event.photos by Gina

The Pin-Up Artist

I was admiring art one day in a boutique. It was unique, vibrant and made on a glass canvas. After chatting with the luminous and lovely artist, we discovered we have mutual friends. I set up a blog interview with her and learned so many interesting things about the life and inspirations of a visual artist. We initially thought we only had friends in common but it turned out we have many other energetic connections. We met at the Gypsy Coffee House and the artist first told me she might have to doodle while we talked. She always has to have a pen in her hand to concentrate. Made sense to me! Her title is artist and art educator.

We first discussed her art education classes which are held at the Rusty Crane restaurant on Tuesday nites. She describes the class  as “wild, crazy, and funky”.  ($35 a class for 2-3 hours and you do a new painting each week.) She is also working on other projects as  a visiting art teacher for 7th graders in a program called Art Full Circle.

When did you know you were an artist?

“I was born with a marker in my hand”. I have memories–the earliest memory of seeing a pattern on a floor from my high chair—the old Borden’s Cafeteria pattern, according to my mom. I remember patterns, colors and being in awe of it. As soon as I could hold a marker around 3, or 4, my favorite thing was to sit for hours with a giant ream of copy paper with scented markers and sit and sketch…. usually, cute girls in dresses. I’m also an art supply hoarder– I have piles of notebooks and colored pencils.

We get inspiration from creative messes….  Is it better for creative people rather than having everything sterile?

Yes, I have to stay in a flow.

I’m intrigued with your art that is in Posh Style. What do you call that form of art?

Retro pin-up art. I studied Fashion Illustration and Design at Stephen’s College in Columbia, Mo. which is a small liberal arts college and the second oldest woman’s school in the country. I’m a retro pin-up artist and a feminist. My whimsical, girly sketches are inspired by pin- ups but I wanted to turn it around. Pin- ups have mostly been a male perspective on the female body. I wanted to paint them from a woman’s point of view as a woman. Some of them are more fashiony but they’re all about women. I try on personas from these women I know. The Bulldog Girl painting in the boutique is really of me–I had a bulldog.

You’ve done a portrait of a friend of mine. I ran into her today! (We talked about mutual friends and connections. Ironically,  I ran into the mutual friend at a restaurant which holds special meaning to Rosemary. In fact, she sketched a print of the restaurant and gave it to me at the start of our meeting as a gift. Today of all days, I ended up running into our mutual friend at this very restaurant!) I realized later that this Route 66 restaurant will also have irony with this interview as more details and connections were discovered.

How long does it take to make one of the glass portraits?

Around 2 weeks; not because of the painting itself but because it’s a process–working in the studio and letting layers dry. It’s laborious. I start with all the details and have to plan it out.

When you’re in the zone as an artist, can you tell you’re in the zone?

Yes! It’s the best place to be in the world….my happy place. When I’m in the zone planning a show, I’m in it 24/7.

I feel like that when I’m in the zone —I don’t want to take breaks. It’s a problem!

That’s what happens when your’e inspired.

Who are your favorite artists and inspirations? Who were your muses and inspirations?

Pin-up artists and their understanding of the form…that’s where I learned. Vargas and Gil Elvgren- are favorites of mine. (see link below)

 I love Frida Kahlo—her art came from her pain.

Frida Kahlo–she was the original selfie artist. Pop art portraits of their soul is a project I’m doing with third graders.

MUSED is a group I did a poetry reading for….I wish I was a poet! It’s the art form I respect the most. MUSED is an organization and they were doing a fundraiser.  The reverse selfie project in Mused is about the theory that we are raising a society of narcissists who don’t know how to slow down and read poetry. (see link below)

This is another connection we have! Ironically, muse is a symbolic word to me. Poetry is a first love of mine. It breaks my heart that nowdays, kids don’t know poetry. In my psychometry career, when I evaluate children, many children don’t know what a poem or poet is. 

More than visual artists, even, poems and music lyrics  are a lot of my inspiration for my art.

 

What poem did you choose for the poetry reading event?

I was looking for a Christina Rossetti poem and ended up finding a poem written by a young college teacher. This line comes up in a Google search “In the dark, we crushed crabapples for the sound of it.” It sounded lush ..then the ending was “don’t be afraid of Gertrude Stein; be brave.” There is  a lot of lush imagery of a record player, constellations and book shelves holding up the moon. The ending was surprising and feminist. The ending of the poem was like “Bam!’ It was about finding a man strong enough to be with her. The element of the female psyche….

(poem: In the dark we crush by Julia Cohen)

What are your art goals?

My studio, doing classes and planning my next show at the Circle Cinema. I feel like I’m coming back from a long sleep (due to some intense life experiences). My next show is going  to be another spin of women. Icons, like Jackie O–but taking Jackie and turning her into a hotel maid. I also love Liz Taylor. I absolutely idolize her. I like putting them in  ordinary situations. I want to do a picture of Liz behind a perfume counter selling her own perfume.

I have framed prints of both of those women! What a survivor Liz was. Talk about someone who worked through her pain.

She wasn’t destroyed by that business.

What happens at an art show?

There’s a deadline, you throw together a show….it’s an organic process with a starting point. You usually have a couple of months or up to a year.

How many pieces do you have in your show?

Usually a dozen. Social media helps me get a crowd…and good press helps. The art shows have a party atmosphere…I make sure there are always cupcakes. (It’s not a question and answer format.) There’s a mix of customer styles. There are print sales available ($20-$40) and the glass portraits which range from $1,000-$5,000. One of my huge skyline portraits is in a bank. It’s serendipitous how the customers find me….to be out and about, or they’ll come to a show …..it can be a friend.

How did the public school (job) find you?

That came from an artist girlfriend. I was in a video about supporting art programs in schools.  They look for visiting artists so I was recommended..

What are your other art goals?

I want to expand beyond my art and art classes….there’s a little gallery in Paris that is interested in my art. I met them in person when I was in Paris. They have performers; it’s a co-op and they require the artist to be there.  I have to be in the gallery there for two weeks. (This all happened before her accident so the process was interrupted.)

This Paris connection was another detail we share in common. I told her about my Greek great-uncles who were Parisian shoemakers. They lived on the street, “Rue de Frederique”. I used to address airmail envelopes to them, intrigued by this street name. I have a goal to go to Paris and find this street.  Ironically, years after I addressed these envelopes, when I started dating my husband, my grandpa always called him by a nickname, “Frederiko.” My grandpa did not even know that my husband’s paternal grandfather was named “Frederick.” (Frederique).

Things like that happen to me all the time. Signs, names, etc…

In summarizing her goal to have her art show in Paris, Rosemary made an interesting analysis. The connectivity of global awareness was particularly appealing to me:

Parisians have an interest in Oklahoma, specifically with Route 66,  which has always been a big inspiration to me. The nostalgia for the mother road is part of that inspiration.

                            “It’s a goal of mine to bring Tulsa to Paris and Paris to Tulsa.”

http://www.musedorganization.org/join-us

http://www.gilelvgren.com/GE/paintings.php?categoryID=7

http://www.rosemarydaugherty.com