Understanding Poverty; City Gospel Mission, Cincinnati, Ohio

Saturday morning, the kids and I participated in a training event at our church that was given by City Gospel Mission . I hope they don't mind that I'm using their photo, just as I don't mind that they took a photo of us sitting at the table in the foreground. The photo shows though, how diligently I was taking notes and that my children were all engaged in the speaker, the videos and also the small group discussion at our table.

I have to confess what I loved most was that this was not just First Church folks. People from the community, local schools and future volunteers at City Gospel, all came together in an attempt to grapple with some pretty difficult realities and some very discouraging statistics.

City Gospel and so many other great organizations like them, believe that relationships and love are the key to "Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Despair...One Life at a Time." I know they are on to something, because I know that when I think about the rampant poverty around the world and how we privileged white folks take so much for granted...I have to confess it is pretty easy to despair. What I have already experienced and had confirmed again through this training is that I have more to learn from those who live in poverty, than I could ever teach them. Coming along beside someone not only has the potential to change their poverty, but also my despair at a world that has gone wickedly awry.

In each of their own ways, my children had their eyes opened. Leah was crushed to learn that one of the "measuring sticks" for the state of Ohio's Department of Corrections is literacy. Dr. O'Dell Owens, of Cincinnati State was quoted as saying, "If you don't know how to read by the end of the Fourth Grade, the state is building you a prison cell." That's a harsh reality for a sixth grader to hear. It must have spoken to Noah also, because he looked it up online to verify it later and discovered that California, Texas, and most other states follow suit.

Rebekah was impacted most visibly. I don't know what God has planned for this unique child, but she is often moved to tears by injustice, inequality and poverty. She definitely will be one that fights vehemently for the "underdog" in the coming years.

I wish everyone, Christian or not, in some way, whether through mission trips, books, movies, workshops or conversation, would take the time to step into the world of the deeply impoverished. Shane Claiborne writes in Irresistible Revolution that he has to believe that most people do not do more to end poverty, simply because they do not know anyone that is poor. Become friends with someone who lives in poverty and you begin to care deeply about how your own choices impact their world. It's no longer the faceless masses, vilified and condemned by our corporate-operated media. Instead it's Joe, Sue, Fred, and Frank. 

If you are a Christian, I ask you to just read your Bible. If there is no other venue open to you with which you can engage with the poor...go straight to the heart of Jesus (himself a poor man) and witness the compassion, mercy, grace and lenses of love through which He approached those whom society would much rather push to the margins. I can guarantee you that I know what you'll find:

A heart that beats with passion for those that His Father never forgets.

So shouldn't ours?

Books By the Banks- Cincinnati, Ohio

My friend Sarah shares an amazing calendar of events around our area that homeschoolers may find interesting. I am always thankful for her diligence and dedication to continually update the calendar...especially today.

Once the sky went from gray to blue this morning, I was determined to get out of the house during the pause between rainstorms. One glance at Sarah's calendar and the decision to check out the free "Books By the Banks" event was an easy one.

A large convention room full of authors, books and extra freebies available from libraries, arts organizations and more? Yeah...no question about going again in the future from me.

See this man? See the engagement in his face with the toddler you can't see because his mom with the red purse is blocking the camera's view? That man is Marc Brown, author of the Arthur series of books that spawned a PBS franchise that along with the books, provided my children (and myself!) hours of amusement and life lessons.

Speaking of kids...mine were a little too old for the Kids' Zone full of crafts, face painting, balloon animals, story time and games...but that did not stop us from having a photo shoot with The Snow Queen, courtesy of  Cincinnati Children's Theatre.

The only "bad" part about the festival? I absolutely spent too much money. Local authors are evidently my weak spot. This is not surprising if you know me. Evidently, I have my reading workload mapped out for the rest of the year.

But seriously though, you should keep Books By the Banks website "book"marked and reserve time on your calendar for next year's event. If you're book nerds like us, you'll be glad you did.

Schoolin' on the River

Yesterday was our first day of school. Since the weekend had been emotional and busy, I was grateful for our opportunity to "do school" on the Ohio River yesterday...on one of the Queen City Riverboats to be precise.

River Reach run by the Foundation for Ohio River Education, was a superb program that taught these 4th through 12th graders about conservation, preservation and the uses of this massive body of water we all use everyday.

The curriculum consisted of elements of geography, geology, environmental science, biology, and more. The students rotated through different exercises that included a scavenger hunt and identifying critters taken from the River.

All I know...is that this Mama that's had a bit of an emotionally draining week, was thrilled to have thorough, well-trained, and engaging educators teach my three students for the day, while I had the amazing blessing of viewing this for 3+ hours.

An Ault Park Sunrise- Cincinnati, Ohio

Last year, my Birthday Twin suggested we have a sunrise picnic. We had a wonderful view of the city from Devou Park in Covington. But I didn't take any photos.

This year when she suggested a similar adventure to Ault Park in Cincinnati, I came armed with my camera...and God did not disappoint. Kari quickly pointed out how amazing it is for God to begin and end each day with such wonderful beauty. 

That gives us a little clue to His character and His heart, doesn't it?

The weather was perfect. The view breathtaking and conversation, as always, uplifting and satisfying.

To be honest, I came home a little tired and needed a nap later in the afternoon. Naps rarely happen anymore. I couldn't quite put my finger on what was so draining.

Sure, I'd gotten up before Dawn. And yes, I'd even had some restless sleeping the night before. Neither of these are strangers to me though. 

No, yesterday as the conversation turned toward big changes coming up for our family and I reflected upon the beauty I'd seen that morning and the Beauty of a God who lifts us up where we are, breaks the cycle of sin we've been handed down from the generations before us, and leads us and our children to passionately run toward the True Beauty He has for each of us...it was more than my little heart could process and it simply Wore. Me. Out.

But with the much-needed nap, I felt Him whispering, "It's okay, Precious Child, rest...rest...it may be all too wonderful for you to take in now...but that's okay...I'll be here again tomorrow...painting another masterpiece. If you can't receive it all tomorrow...no problem...I'll be here the next day...painting again...and again...and again..."

Smale Riverfront Park- Downtown Cincinnati

Cincinnati finally has a riverfront that surpasses Newport on the Levee

In just the 7+ years that we have lived here, Cincinnati's waterfront has gone from good to spectacular. With the addition of The Banks and Smale Riverfront Park, there are a lot of interesting sites, delicious restaurants and free fun things to do.

One day in July, the kids and I headed out for water, walking and warm summer breezes by the Ohio River. 

Leah & her friend, Seth, playing in the water

Plenty of shade and seating for adults too.

There are two water spray pads within just a few blocks of each other. No one should feel strange dressing their kids in swimsuits, because we saw plenty of people there doing the same. These are very kid-friendly fountains, made for play. Both areas also have plenty of seating and shade for parents too.

Make sure you take towels!

But there is also history at Smale Park. A memorial to the Black Brigade of the Civil War is beautiful and commemorates a mostly unknown group of men who served our country well.

There is a meditative labryinth (which my kids used for play instead)...

beautiful views of Covington and the River...

The Cincinnati-Covington Roebling Bridge

and the swings!

These swings were the entire reason why we went down to Smale Park to begin with. 

I kept seeing pictures of these swings in tourism and promotional photos and I absolutely had to find them. I know it's silly, but big front-porch type swings along a meandering river in the "near" South. 

Yes, I have always believed that I should have been born further South. I am a southern girl at heart!

You could actually sit on these swings and listen to a Reds game. That is Great American Ballpark in the background.

Regardless of why you go down to The Banks...food, fun, football (yes, it's almost here) or family time, don't forget to stop along the way at Smale Riverfront Park. 

Cincinnati...you did good.

You did good.

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End note:  I can't wait for the trolley car system that will connect the riverfront to everything between it and Findlay Market. We will definitely experience the "spend-a-day-wandering-around-Cincinnati" that I've always wanted to do when that opens up.

The City Flea- Cincinnati, Ohio

I've wanted to attend The City Flea ever since I first read about it last fall. Up until last night, I was still talking myself out of attending (no time, no money. You know...the usual). But when last night, in my Facebook feed an article from the Huffington Post popped up promoting it, I thought I'd better take advantage of going while the weather's nice and it's still a relatively small event.

Looks like I'm a little late on that "go when it's still small" plan.

But seriously...go. It's fun, there's lots of cute stuff, and the flea market is curated so you don't have to sift through all of the junk to find the goodies. Local food trucks line Washington Park sidewalks and lots of great restaurants are only a stone's throw away in the urban renewal of Over-the-Rhine. 

I went with the plan of not buying anything, but when you find the exact same company from which you bought your last purse, selling some of their bags for $30 less than you anticipated purchasing a replacement one for, since your original bag is starting to fall apart...yeah, there was no walking away from a $10 messenger bag that upcycles coffee bags and the proceeds go toward orphan care and adoption sponsorship.

Old bag on the top, newly purchased $10 bag on the bottom

As with any flea market, you never know what you may find, like "Creepy Baby Doll Photography's" booth.

We also had a chance to sample some delicious Fair Trade chocolate from Chocolats Latour. The rosemary, almond, and sea salt was definitely yummy. Abbey liked the "Cry Baby Bar" which included sundried tomatoes, smoked sea salt and pepitos. All of their dark chocolate was dairy free too!

But supporting local businesses and tradesman, in a beautiful setting on a day without a cloud in the sky? Absolutely.

And who knows? You just might have a chance to take some pictures of some of those unusual landmarks you drive by all the time and never have a chance to admire.

Green Learning Station- Cincinnati, Ohio

The kids and I had a great field trip at the Green Learning Station today. As evidenced by this blog, I am all about growing things in small spaces, urban environments and learning how to do this in an environmentally friendly way. Civic Garden Center has been doing this and teaching others to do it themselves since 1942. The Green Learning Station was completed in 2011 to give a central location where others could learn. It's like a tiny gardening oasis in the middle of downtown Cincinnati.

I stumbled upon it by accident and was thrilled to learn what this non-profit has been doing. If you want to learn about composting, urban gardening, water reclamation, or rooftop gardening, this is the place to start.

Creating their own compost bin design

Our facilitator, Andy, gave the kids different "problems" and encouraged them to find solutions that were practical, economical and earth friendly. Just calculating the amount of storm runoff that their small parking lot saves each year was enough to convince me that the work they are doing is priceless.

GLS also has a large garden throughout the grounds that provides examples of how you can grow ornamentals, like you would in your front yard, but to also companion plant with edible varieties. [Not GLS promoted, but this is one way to get around picky neighborhood covenants that oppose gardens.]

As more and more neighborhood and community gardens are started, the GLS seed library would also be a valuable asset for providing heirloom seeds. I didn't see anything specifically promoting organic gardening, but Andy talked a lot about companion planting for pest control and other organic tips.

We had a chance to sample garlic chives, sorrel and fennel...all delicious. We also saw multiple plantings of greens, kale, cabbage, cilantro, strawberries and chard...plus, asparagus as tall as me.

Today's bonus was that the GLS currently has all of their plants at 40% off. They were having a huge plant sale the first time I drove past two weeks ago and the remnants have subsequently been reduced. Much to my childrens' chagrin, I picked up tarragon, small eggplant and garlic chives plants.

I couldn't get anyone else to go on the field trip with us. The age restriction of 7th & up only, combined with end of school year busy schedules may have kept some away. I hope if you're in the area you'll stop by sometime, even if you can't plan a field trip. Most of the center could be seen with a self-guided tour and they are open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Comparing water runoff from different roof designs

The Green Learning Center also offers classes for as low as $5.00 each. At those prices, you should definitely take advantage of what this local non-profit has to offer every gardener and wanna-be.

Mr. Sushi- Cincinnati, Ohio

Friday night before our volunteer gig at the Aronoff Theatre, Abbey took me out to dinner for Mother's Day. My one request for this year was that I be able to stay home...all day on Sunday...in my pajamas. I also included in the "deal" that if Abbey wanted to fix something healthy and delicious, she could but there was no obligation. I really am trying to break the stranglehold of "ideals" that this American culture has on me. So I chose to do what I want, not what society thinks is "normal".

But, since it was our last show together, Abbey wanted to treat me and I obliged. I'm glad I did.

Mr. Sushi was delicious...and at our early dining hour of 5 p.m....very quick too. Abbey had a combination plate of vegetable California roll and an AAC roll (asparagus, avocado and cucumber) and really enjoyed it all. I opted for some vegetable fried rice because I'm trying to eat healthier, didn't want fishy-smelling breath as an usher, and honestly, can't eat a plain vegetable sushi roll unless it has an adequate amount of spicy mayo on it. I know...I'm pathetic.

But our server enthusiastically assured me that the chef could leave out any meat and increase the amount of veggies in my meal. When she brought out the plate, I instantly knew there was probably enough for 2-3 meals on it. 

All meals also came with miso soup and ginger salad. The soup and salad were worth the trip by themselves. 

Everything was delicious and although dinners are pretty pricey, I look forward to taking my husband (and possibly the rest of the family) sometime for lunch in the future.

And the Curtain Closes...For Now

Abbey always tries to bring home a Playbill and a ticket that we find from each performance that we usher.

Last night, Abbey and I ushered for The Phantom of the Opera. It was, as expected, a wonderful performance. We have seen it twice previously and she saw this same production with her friend last week. The staging, costumes and sets were different than in previous years. My in-house Broadway expert tells me that's because this tour came out of the 25th Anniversary commemoration from a few years ago. During our pre-show meeting, the house manager shared that these sets and some of the costumes are from the original West End London production of 1986. In short, it was absolutely beautiful.

But why is this significant?

You see, I graduated from high school in 1986 and by the time I was in my senior year of college in 1990, I owned a two CD set of the original London cast recording. I also had the full libretto in a limited edition that I think came with or was ordered for free from either the full piano score (which I also owned) or the CD set. Either way, I know it was free. To say that I had the score memorized is an understatement. For anyone, like me, that owns these...you are fully aware that by the time the production made the trip "across the pond" many of the words in the big ballads had been changed. Almost 30 years later, the original words still run through my head when I hear the songs sung.

Over the years, I shelved the CDs and I tossed the piano score into a stack of other such works and sadly, I either gave or threw away the free libretto. Little did I know that some day my oldest child would become quite possibly the youngest Phantom-phile ever.

I can't even explain how it happened, but by the time she was 8 or 9 she was in full Phantom-mode. Her passion has exceeded mine for close to a decade now. When we visited New York City last year, nothing could calm her agitation until she stood in front of the theatre where it all began.

Abbey in NYC 2013

But what occurred to me throughout the day yesterday is that somehow, in only the way that God can do, He gave us a beautiful gift last night. The first Broadway show Abbey and I ever saw together with just the two of us was Phantom when she was 9 years old. (To the best of my recollection, that's about the age she was. )

Half of her life later, this was most likely the final Aronoff production we will serve as ushers together. I'm teary just thinking about it. Yet...it is as it should be.

Scripture tells us that "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me." (I Cor. 13:11) Attending Broadway shows is by no means childish, but now she's ready to leave my side...and share her love of theatre, music, art, beauty, cooking, healthy eating, compassionate ministry, service, giving, people and children in the perfect place where God can use her.

So yes, the melancholy of all that was happening last night (and some mild lower back pain) had me sitting out of the theatre for the second act. I knew full well that this beautiful bookend to my life with Abbey was on display for my heart to see and I couldn't quite take it all in. But I am so thankful for the times we have had to share. In the metaphoric sense, my curtain is closing.

But oh the blessed joy of seeing her curtain arise!

Wicked, Cincinnati, Ohio

Last night, I had a chance to see this musical for the first time. It definitely lived up to the hype. The score is beautiful, the acting was flawless and the singing talent was remarkable.

With the first notes that Glinda sung, I could not believe they range and beauty of her voice. This is no easy part to sing and I'm certain there are not many good actress with the range required. Afterwards, Abbey mentioned that Gina Beck (who played Glinda) is her favorite Christine Daae to perform in Phantom of the Opera (also coming to the Aronoff this year...minus Gina Beck, apparently). That just made sense. There aren't many quality actresses with the vocal range required for that role either.

Overall, the staging, lighting, special effects, dancing, singing, acting and on and on and on, were flawless. That happens rarely in live theatre...but it is magical when it does.

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As far as I know almost all performances are sold out for the rest of this three week run, but they are holding ticket lotteries if you're interested. You can contact the box office at the Aronoff Theatre for more information.

The Book of Mormon

I had the opportunity to see The Book of Mormon Friday night at the Aronoff Theatre. It is a great show filled with amazing performances. I debated on whether to post a review or not, because throughout the satirical performance, most people I know would be offended at least in some way.

Written by the same creative team behind South Park, part of the "schtick" is shock-value. And it works. Very well.

There is not even a list of songs in the Playbill. I'm not certain why, but I'm just guessing that the song titles alone would give away too much of the story.

The acting, singing and dancing were phenomenal. I really think it was one of the most well-performed shows I've ever seen. I now understand why it won so many Tonys. And I don't know the background of the writers, but someone knew their Mormon stuff...right down to the holy underwear. That's right...holy underwear.

If you're in the Cincy area, if you don't mind to be at least partially offended and if you can still get tickets (most shows are already sold out, but there is a ticket lottery every night), I think you would enjoy this show.