The inspiring Annie Leibovitz

It is always a wonderful experience when travelling when you come across an opportunity you weren't expecting. Such was the case for me when I spied a poster in a local cafe promoting the Annie Leibovitz exhibit at the Brevard Art Museum. Not only did I not know there even was a Brevard Art Museum, but Annie Leibovitz is a famed photographer I have always admired. I was so pleasantly surprised to discover that I would be able to view a collection of her photographs, right here!

So yesterday the captain and I ventured out to the exhibit. After paying the grand sum of five dollars each to enter the museum, we were treated to three rooms showcasing a collection of Annie Leibovitz's portraits of women, all in a very large format. If this exhibit comes anywhere near you, go! It's stellar. She has such a talent for capturing people; it is evident in her photographs that she gets her subjects to move beyond the awkwardness of having their photograph taken. One stunning photo was of three young women, all members of a street gang (the Crips, if I remember correctly). The portrait of the three was shot in black-and-white and it is so obvious when viewing the photo that while the three are trying to look tough (and, yes, they do look streetwise and edgy) there is a definite air of vulnerability to them.

But I think my favourite three of the many we viewed were of Toni Morrison, Martha Stewart, and Oprah Winfrey. Morrison is photographed from the side and slightly to the back, in black and white, with the sky behind her framing her face as she looks joyously upward. Beautiful. Martha Stewart's portrait is in muted colours; Martha is leaning against the bed of a pickup truck, arms crossed, looking pensively off in the distance. It is so un-Martha; it is almost sad. And you have likely seen the portrait of Oprah -- sitting on the front steps of a ramshackle home, without makeup or any of the trappings of her success and wealth. A stunning black and white image. You can see a small version of it here.

I do not do portrait photography and the truth is that people figure very rarely in my art. One exception is above, a photograph I took while riding the subway last year, but it is in no way a true portrait but rather what I call a "street candid", as the woman did not know I was taking photographs.

It was a treat to discover this local art museum (and also discover a great little art supply store just a block away from it, with an old-fashioned bakery right across the street) but it was particularly special to view these wonderful images that are so, so different from my own art. A real inspiration.

What has happened to customer service?

WARNING: Long post ahead. Get a drink before you start to read!

News reports released today indicate that unemployment here in the U.S., where we are vacationing, is terribly high. So it should be a given that companies would place a strong emphasis on customer service to keep their customers and, as well, employees would do likewise to keep their jobs. Well, you'd think that. But two recent events have the captain and I just shaking our heads.

I mentioned in my last posting about our Days Inn dilemma. Add Walmart to the list. But first I have to point out that the gripes I have are not with the actual organizations but with individuals who should know better. Now, I promised you a doozy of a Days Inn story, and here it is.

I have stayed in many Days Inns. My girlfriend Lori used to get a discount there (Lori is, you may recall, the queen of memory wire jewellery) so when she and I travelled, we always booked ourselves in at a Days Inn. So the captain and I had no hesitation in booking the Days Inn here in Satellite Beach, Florida, for a few nights until our condo was ready for us. I also decided to splurge and book their best room, one with both a king-sized bed and a jacuzzi tub. At our hotel here last October we had a soaker jacuzzi tub and it was heavenly.

So we show up Tuesday afternoon to check in. Up the stairs we go and into the room. Oh my stars. Everything about the room screamed tacky. The carpet and comforter were old and dingy. The room smelled stale. And the tub I so looked forward to soaking in? Well, there was a regular bathroom -- AND a whirlpool tub right out in the open, almost beside the bed. Without even a privacy curtain. Yup, think of the sleazy ads for rooms in the Poconos and you're on the right track. Like I would ever in a million years get into that tub. Yuck, just imagine. Oh, how I wished I'd taken a photograph.

I bet you think that's the kicker? Nope, there's more. The captain made a comment about the room being dark and went to pull back the only curtains in the room. Guess what was behind the curtains? A cement wall! Yes, a wall. This room -- their best, their most expensive -- did not possess a single window. Not even a small one anywhere. The captain called it a coffin.

Downstairs to the main office he trooped, to complain. They switched us to a room without a jacuzzi tub, with windows and with a king bed. We schlep to the other end of the parking lot to enter a dreary, smelly room -- once again with old and dismal carpeting and linens. Honestly, I felt like such a prom queen but I told the captain I could not stay there. I try to be easygoing but this pushed me over the edge. Now it's funny, but at the time it was far from funny. As you all know I have been on a downward cycle and these rooms, I swear, would make even someone in a great mood feel gloomy!

Back to the car we go and the captain goes in to tell them the rooms are unacceptable. The manager insists he must charge us for one night and it is beyond his power to do otherwise. The manager. It is before 4 pm and we have been on their premises for a total of about 10 minutes. He gives us a computer printout that says we had checked in two hours prior (!) and checked out at a time later in the day that was still 45 minutes off! He tells the captain we must take it up with Days Inn customer service. The manager.

So before we left that parking lot we indeed called Days Inn customer service and told them the whole sordid tale. The gentleman the captain talked to was incredulous that we were given a room without a window! Like I said, it's funny now........

We were told that we would be credited with the charge the manager insisted he must put through. I will be watching our credit card account for that, you can be sure.

The captain also told me -- and told customer service -- that the whole time he was in there, the manager was also arguing with a bill collector who had come in personally because the account was so far overdue. As my husband told customer service, you don't carry on those types of conversations in front of potential hotel guests.

Anyhow, that all ended well because the captain immediately drove down to the hotel we had stayed at previously and, dear man, got us a room with a jacuzzi tub.

So today we're in Walmart, moving on to my second customer service issue. Let it be said right here that while Walmart has its detractors, I am not one of them. I shop at Walmart; I find the Super Walmarts here in the U.S. have excellent grocery prices, in particular. Anyway, today we were in Walmart in Cocoa Beach to look for a new cell phone case for the captain and a hairbrush for me. As we're leaving I decide I want to get something to drink and pick up a 4-pack of Starbucks Frappucino. Yum. There is a sign affixed to the shelf that there is a "rollback price" that is about $1.50 less than the posted price. But the drinks ring through at the higher price and when I point out the "rollback" sign, the cashier immediately dismisses it and tells me that's not the price, with barely a glance at the shelf, which was near the cash. So I tell her I don't want the drinks and I head over to customer service for an explanation. The cashier was bordering on rude and I was of the understanding that in Walmart, the lowest posted price is the one the customer gets. It's not the point of the $1.50, it's the principle. I even took the sign off the shelf with me. I hand it to the lovely young woman in customer service and tell her what happened. She looks at it, scans the drinks, and tells me that, yes, they will honour the lower price. I ask why this didn't happen at the cash. She asks me which cashier helped us and as the captain pointed towards where we were, a voice pipes up, "it was me." Amazingly, the cashier had left her station and followed us over to customer service -- where she not only continued to argue with me over the price of the drinks but proceeded to also argue with her fellow employees when they told her that the lower price is the price they must charge the customer.

It all just went downhill from there but, long story short, she got me so upset that tears welled up in my eyes. And when the captain told her she needed to apologize to us for her behaviour, she rattled off one of those "I'm sorry" mumbles that any mother is familiar with; the ones that are anything but sincere. And when the customer service people told her the lower price is the one that must be honoured, she muttered at them, "fine, do what you want" and stormed off. It was unbelievable. And here's the kicker: she is pulling this hissy fit in front of the customer service manager (a charming older woman who ends up patting my hand and telling me, "don't you worry dear, I'll deal with her.") And the two young ladies working customer service exchanged glances with each-other and the one says to the other, "she owes us an apology too, you know."

Now, with so many people looking for jobs, why would you risk yours by 1) not following company policy, 2) arguing with a customer over such a minor matter, and 3) making a fool of yourself in front of your manager -- why?

Those three women who did help me at the Customer Service desk were very pleasant to deal with and I will keep shopping at that store, but I will be on the lookout for that cashier and will steer clear of her, for sure. If she is still working there, that is.

Finally, Florida

Yes, we made it. Hooray! But we were not without an adventure today. I am tired this evening so the tale of the hotel room that did not have a single window (nope, not a one) will have to wait. But tell the tale I will; I have a complaint against Days Inn and it's a doozy. Suffice it to say we are NOT staying at their local facility. Not tonight, not ever.

Have no fear for our comfort though; a quick change of plans and we are now happily lodged in the same hotel we stayed at in October and we will be quite content until we get possession of the condo.

And the pelican? A lucky photo off our balcony shortly after we checked in -- a little cropping and a little photoshopping was all I did to it.

Bonaventure cemetery

Today I finally had the opportunity to spend some time in Savannah's famous Bonaventure Cemetery. Last January we attempted a visit, but arrived at the gates just as it was closing. If you're like me and enjoy roaming through historic graveyards, then Bonaventure is a must-visit -- and give yourself some time to fully explore the grounds. The captain and I spent 90 minutes there and I know we didn't see all the areas.

All told, I took more than 400 photographs today, many of them at Bonaventure. Above is just a wee taste of what I saw there; this lovely weathered angel with the star atop her head was a real find. I particularly like the dripping moss, a frequent sight in this cemetery. I enjoyed the post-processing on this photo but would have liked more time with it -- our evening was also filled with dinner at Paula Deen's restaurant, The Lady & Sons, along with packing up (we leave for Florida tomorrow) and making sure we didn't miss the latest episode of House. Crazy busy day, and evening. After I get more settled I can promise you that many of the photos I took at Bonaventure today will make their way to my Flickr site!

Touring Tybee Island

The captain and I headed out to Tybee Island this morning, a small island just east of Savannah -- a very short drive, about 20 minutes or so. I don't think a lot of people realize that if they just head outside of historic downtown Savannah, they can be on an ocean beach so quickly.

Tybee Island is a charming beach community complete with a classic old lighthouse. Yes, I took lots of photos. There are many lighthouses up and down the Atlantic coast but this is the first I've had the opportunity to photograph. We were in our hotel room fairly early this evening so I've had time to play around in Photoshop, as you can see. Above I've posted both the original photo and the altered version, going for a hand-drawn, hand-coloured effect. Click on them to see them a bit bigger. I didn't quite achieve my original intent but I do like the results.

And would you believe it? More seafood today -- we had lunch at a small cafe/bar we found on the main drag on Tybee, a place called Sting Ray's. The captain had a shrimp Po'Boy sandwich and said it was wonderful; I had the fish Po'Boy, made with the catch of the day, grouper. Talk about fresh! My sandwich was out of this world.

Rainy night in Georgia

See those beautiful pansies? It's the last picture I took this afternoon before the rain came pouring down. It did later stop, but it started up again and it is indeed, as the song goes, a rainy night in Georgia. This is my fourth visit to this beautiful city and the first time I have ever experienced any rain here. That's a pretty good track record. And the captain and I certainly aren't complaining; a bit of a rainstorm is nothing compared to a blizzard, after all.

It was destined to be a rain day from the get-go. It was pouring when we left Macon this morning, although we did drive out of it on our way to Savannah. The sun came out and the rest of our drive across the state was beautiful. Well, boring -- interstate highways aren't all that attractive -- but the sun was lovely. We managed to get in a terrific lunch at Uncle Bubba's (the seafood restaurant run by Paula Deen's brother) -- and I did take many photographs -- before the afternoon showers started to fall. It turned out to be a seafood day, actually -- it's not often the captain and I have freshly caught shrimp for lunch and then end up having the same thing for dinner. Different restaurants, but basically the same meal. Our dinner was at Love's Seafood, another find from the Roadfood book. Both shrimp dinners were absolutely delicious and I am just mad at myself for not getting any pictures!

Southern home cookin'

Another great day on the road: good weather, good eats. We're spending the night in Macon, Georgia and heading across the state to Savannah tomorrow morning. Savannah is one of my favourite U.S. cities and I'm looking forward to a few nights there before completing our journey to Florida.

This little cafe, Zarzour's, is not here in Macon; it's in Chattanooga, Tennessee and it's where we had lunch. I found this wee gem in a book entitled "Roadfood", written by Jane and Michael Stern. There is also a Roadfood web site and I strongly encourage anyone who travels in the U.S. to spend a lot of time at this site. If you like to eat, that is.

The captain and I are fairly adventurous about our choice of restaurants when we travel. If a place is local and looks clean, we are more apt to eat there than any of the popular chain restaurants (oh, we have our favourite chains too, but sometimes there's nothing like eating where the locals eat). The Roadfood book is a wonderful reference of hundreds of eating establishments across the U.S. and while I was browsing through it last night, I found the Zarzour's listing in Chattanooga. A quick distance check told us we would easily be there for lunch, so we made plans to try it. I'm glad we did.

Now, I can't give it a perfect rating, as our beef in gravy was unfortunately not hot enough. Yes, I could have complained, but the place is so homey I thought it would be rude. Really. And it was still so tasty ... just like the pot roast I make. Both the captain and I had the beef, but different sides: I had turnip greens and pinto beans, all piping hot, while the captain enjoyed cole slaw and green beans (also hot). Fresh cornbread was served on the side and our iced tea (or, as they say in the south, "sweet tea") was included in the price of the meal. We also enjoyed dessert: the captain had one of his favourites, peanut butter pie, while I had yummy lemon icebox pie. I realized halfway through eating it that I should have taken a photograph, hence the artsy "half-eaten" display.

It's a very small cafe and is only open for lunch, Monday through Friday. Cash only. Terrific homemade food prepared and served by very friendly people. When we paid we were asked if we enjoyed our meal and that's when I mentioned the beef should have been hotter. Shannon, one of the owners who was working the cash, was SO apologetic and told me she wished I'd spoken up. It's Canadian politeness, I know -- just like when someone bumps into us but we say "I'm sorry".

And they even had a guest book for those who found them through Roadfood, which we were happy to sign. Shannon signed my Roadfood book too!

On the road again

Hello from Kentucky! Yes, the captain and I are once again motoring on down to Florida. We left Toronto early this morning, pulling out of our driveway just prior to six a.m. And here we are in Corbin, KY -- birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken (but we had barbecue for dinner, yum).

Above you will see what we were only too happy to leave behind. We stopped for coffee at Timmy's in Windsor before crossing the border and I couldn't help but reach for my camera. It was cold, it was dull. Black-stained icky snow was piled everywhere. But by the time we reached Dayton, Ohio we were so delighted to notice that the snow was basically gone from sight. Here in Corbin, there is no snow and it's warm, at least for winter-weary Canadians. At six p.m., it was +9C. Yay!

I will try to blog along on this road trip, sharing photos when I can.

Three cheers for Mickey Rourke

Those who know me well know that I am an awards show junkie. Always have been. Even during high school, when I had to get up early each morning, I would stay up late and watch every single second of the Oscars and the Grammies. And so it comes as no surprise that I watched every bit of the Golden Globes on Sunday night. And I just have to say "bravo" to Mickey Rourke, not just for his accomplishment at winning a Best Actor statue, but for his refreshing, candid, touching acceptance speech. It was raw, it was real. No written-in-advance pap. And given my current situation -- missing Terra so much -- I guess it's not odd that I was very touched that he thanked his dogs......those with him and those that have passed on. I admit it, I found that very moving.

I don't know much about Mickey Rourke, other than recalling "9-1/2 Weeks" which, for a time, was such a hot, popular movie. I also recall he was an 80s wild-child, like so many other celebrities. But he has never been on my radar -- until now. "The Wrestler" looks like a great movie and I want to see it.

100 and counting

Can you believe it? This is my 100th post here on my blog. To celebrate, I'm posting a list of tips for a better 2009 for all of us. I don't claim this as my own -- it came to me in an email and so I corrected some of the spelling, took out a few and added a few, and present this as my anniversary post. I hope the messages hit home for you; they do for me.

40 Tips for a Better Life - 2009

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

3. Get DVR and take control of the television, rather than have it control you. Record your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement: My purpose is to __________ today.

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008.

7. Make time to practice meditation and/or prayer, depending on your faith and beliefs. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, and your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts, or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the NEGATIVE BLUES away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good. Consider the alternative.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to anyone else. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: In five years, will this matter?

26. Forgive everyone for everything, even if you never tell the people who have hurt you that you forgive them their weaknesses. Your spirit will be calmer.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

29. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

30. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

31. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need; try to get rid of it.

32. The best is yet to come.

33. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

34. Do the right thing. You know what it is, even if you pretend you don’t.

35. Call (or email!) your family often.

36. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

37. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed. There are people who would consider your life practically perfect; remember that when you are discouraged.

38. Travel somewhere you have never visited, even if it’s close to home.

39. Get a pet from an animal shelter or rescue organization. If you can’t afford one, volunteer at your local shelter and give love to those who are waiting for forever homes.

40. Most of all, enjoy this ride called LIFE. Remember, this is not DisneyWorld and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

Felled by food poisoning

I've been under the weather for a couple of days now, a nasty bout of food poisoning the suspected cause. Haven't done much but alternate between the bedroom and the bathroom, although I have been getting some artwork accomplished. I'd like to show you a picture or two, but it seems Blogger must be ill too -- I can't upload a photo at all. So .... please check out my Flickr photostream to see my latest works. Off to sip some more flat ginger ale.........

Saturday afternoon at the computer

The last artwork I did in 2008 is the collage you see in the previous post, a compilation of images meaningful to me. But a new year has begun, all the Christmas decorations have been put away, and it's time for me to return to the playful creativity I so enjoy -- just choosing images from my vast selection of photographs and seeing what I can do with them. Above, you'll see my first 2009 attempt. The original photograph, yellow mums, was taken way back in April, and the text is from some old sheet music. Every time I open a folder on my computer I find photos to play with!