Leaving Tamarindo And Flying Home

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Time to leave beautiful Costa Rica and return to the reality of St. Louis (is that what it is?). We have a connection in Miami and will be home late tonight. Our transportation should be more comfortable than the ultralight aircraft flying over Playa Langosta, shown below.

The older couple above, in beautiful sunset light, is a good farewell image. However, I guarantee you that Carolyn would never dress like that and street photographers like me don't wear red. I've still got lots of Costa Rica pictures on the hard drive and will run with that until I get more material at home.

We leave you - and here - with a shot of moonrise over Playa Langosto Saturday night. Many additional pictures from Costa Rica on the Flickr set here.

Our sincere thanks once again to Dave Selden of Tamarindo Daily Photo and Julie Pace of Scottsdale Daily Photo for the chance to rent their gorgeous beachfront condo. Go to Dave's blog you can find out how you can stay here, too.

Home, With Memories

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Greetings from American Airlines flight 1665, en route from Miami to St. Louis. Two hour mechanical delay coming out of Costa Rica. We barely made the connection.  I decided to buy some exorbitantly-priced airplane WiFi time to get this posted.

There won't be any new STL material until the weekend. Lots still to show from our trip, though. These are several views of our tree house hotel room in Monteverde, both very special places. Worth the journey if you can find your way to this part of the world.               



 



 

UCR 5th Annual 'Retail as Art' Contest

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Calling all Dallas-area high school students! United Commercial Realty (UCR), Texas’ largest retail real estate services provider, is currently accepting applications for their fifth annual “Retail as Art” photography scholarship contest. The contest is free to participate and open to all Dallas Independent School (DISD) and local area private high school students. 
Students are encouraged to capture the true essence of Dallas retail - submit photographic interpretations of “Retail as Art” which will be judged by local photographers, tastemakers and industry professionals. The top three winning entrants will receive a UCR “Retail as Art” Scholarship.
“Retail as Art’s” Kick-Off Party, an informative orientation, will be held on March 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Design Within Reach where guest speakers including industry professionals and photographers will provide helpful advice to the students, and the UCR team will review contest details and answer questions. Participation forms, available online at www.ucrrealty.com/retail-as-art  are due by March 13, 2013, and artwork submission is due by April 5, 2013. After the judging process concludes, the winning images and other notable submissions will be exhibited at the “Retail as Art” Exhibit on May 8 at Three Three Three First Avenue Studio where the winners will be announced.

Soup's On Luncheon A 'Souper' Success

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The fifth annual Stewpot Alliance Soup’s On! Luncheon and Art Sale was held Tuesday, January 29 at the Omni Dallas. Co-chaired by Kay Lunceford and Trish Weigand under the encouragement and guidance of honorary chairs, Joan and Elvis Mason, the annual luncheon which raises money for the services and programs offered by The Stewpot and soon-to-open 508 Park had a record attendance and moved total donations from the five-year history to over $1.2 million.

Honorary chairs Elvis and Joan Mason

Author Wes Moore, Kay Lunceford, Steve Blow, Trish Weigand and Dr. Joe Clifford

Performances by the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Varsity Choir and Ensemble and Dallas Wind Symphony greeted guests who mixed and mingled between original pieces of art by artists of The Stewpot Open Art Program and dining packages donated by participating chefs. Dallas Morning News columnist and Stewpot supporter Steve Blow emceed the event while New York Times best-selling author Wes Moore offered an autobiographical keynote lecture inspired by the ‘other’ Wes Moore who remains in prison for the murder of an off-duty Baltimore police officer and is the subject of Moore’s The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates.

Christy Coltrin and sculptor Brad Oldham

Luncheon guests received handcrafted pewter coins as a token of appreciation from renowned sculptor Brad Oldham in collaboration with the Stewpot artists. Each coin was handcrafted by Oldham and the Stewpot artists and features West Wind, an architectural detail found on the 508 Park building.

Chefs Omar Flores, Jason Weaver, Bruno Davaillon and Brian Luscher

Participating chefs included Randall Copeland, Restaurant Ava; Bruno Davaillon, The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek; Omar Flores, Driftwood; Keith Hanks, The Capital Grille; Al Havens, Salum; Jason Maddy, Oak; Danyele McPherson, The Grape;  Chad Kelley, Café Pacific; Janice Provost, Parigi; Anastasia Quiñones, Komali; Abraham Salum, Salum; Nathan Tate, Boulevardier and Jason Weaver, Omni Dallas.

Artist Leon Pollard

The 508 Park Project has acquired the historic building located across the street from The Stewpot and is transforming it into a multi-use facility to include a music academy, recording studio, concert amphitheater, rooftop terrace, community garden, and the Museum of Street Culture. In addition, The Stewpot's successful Open Art Program will be located there and a gallery for the homeless artists will be opened. The Project seeks to bring together people of all cultures and faiths through dialogue, education, music, and art.

Simmons' Gift to SMU Will Fund New Building

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SMU announced yesterday that Harold C. and Annette Caldwell Simmons have committed a gift of $25 million to the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development. Their donation will fund a new building for the expanding programs of the school and support three new endowed academic positions. The new facility will be named Harold Clark Simmons Hall, in honor of Mr. Simmons, at Mrs. Simmons’ request.

Thursday's gift announcement was celebrated with the ringing of school bells. (l. to r.) David Chard, dean of the Simmons School; Annette Caldwell Simmons and Harold C. Simmons; Caren Prothro, chair of the SMU Board of Trustees; and R. Gerald Turner, president of SMU.

"We are truly fortunate to count the Simmons as partners in our academic mission and greatly value their leadership and generosity,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner. “They have established an enduring legacy of service and generosity benefitting SMU and show great foresight by supporting education. Since its creation less than a decade ago, the Simmons School has made significant and rapid contributions addressing the challenges facing schools and educators.”

The UNICEF Experience Dallas

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ENGAGE - SUPPORT - SHARE
Join fellow global citizens for an experience that will transport you to the field to learn about UNICEF's lifesaving work. By participating in new, interactive exhibits, you can help UNICEF get closer to the day when ZERO children are denied clean water, health and nutrition, education, protection, and emergency relief.
Friday, March 1, 2013The Goss-Michael Foundation1405 Turtle Creek Boulevard7:00 PM
Vern Yip for HGTV, UNICEF Ambassador - National ChairRich Moses - ChairJoyce Goss - Project Chair  Cocktail Attire   Click here to purchase tickets

Cara Santana and Jesse Metcalfe at last year's event

HEARTSTRINGS A HUGE SUCCESS!

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"HEARTSTRINGS" The 29th Annual Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Saint Valentine's Day Luncheon and Fashion Show by Stanley Korshak was a HUGE success!

The Meyerson Symphony Center proved to be the perfect venue to showcase Stanley Korshak's favorite spring picks and a sneak peak of Monique Lhuiller's spring line! Missing was the usual bouncing, clubby beat of most fashion shows. Instead, the svelte models sauntered to a fabulous mix of classical favorites. There were plenty of other surprises during the show. Before the Monique Lhuiller line was revealed, the crowd was held in suspense while a conductor ascended his rostrum. As he waved his baton the guests were treated to a "symphony" of the Lhuiller designs.

BUT....Before all of the fashion fun began, two deserving gentleman graciously accepted awards. Crawford Brock received the 2013 "Heart of Gold Award" for his continued support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Also in the spotlight, was Joshua Cobler who was given the "Spirit of Tom Landry Character Award" for his courage and inspiration to others. He bravely donated bone marrow to help his younger brother fight cancer. Joshua is also co-editor and co-founder of "The Sibling Times." Both recipients are well deserving leaders in Dallas!

Joshua and Jude Cobler

                                      Co-Chair, Paige Slates and Honorary Co-Chair,          Co-Chairs, Maggie Kipp and Angela Choquette                             Bob Schlegel   

Jackie Nugent and Linda Ivy
AND...After all the fashion fun, it was time to gush over all of the gorgeous clothing and enjoy the fabulous food. Luncheon guests were treated to a delicious salad sampler including a divine caramelized pecan chicken and cranberry salad. To finish the fun the tables were set with adorable heart shaped strawberry mousse angel food cakes!

Morgan Vaughn

Lisa Petty, Cynthia Smoot,
and Rhonda Seargant Chambers

Noelle Getty and Casey Kennington

Jean Lattimore and Carolyn Lupton

FINALE...

Tamara Bickle and Julianna LeBlanc

  
      Last but not least, the bubbly patrons were given a little extra chance to dish over all the fun while a small mix-up wassorted out at valet. Everyone seemed grateful for a few more minutes to chatwith friends and recap the amazing fashion show!

Megan Filgo and Destin Shore

A BIG congratulations to Co-Chairs,
Angela Choquette, Maggie Kipp, and Paige Slates
AND

Honorary Co-Chairs
Myrna and Bob Schlegel!

Lily Med Spa Guests Put Their Best Face Forward

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Lily Med Spa invited guests to put their best face forward earlier this month. On February 4th, spa guests received complimentary camera-ready tips, make-up application, consultation by RN and Lily Med Spa founder Tama Tran, and a new social media picture taken by a professional photographer.

Kimberly Alexander, Tama Tran, Ashley Burghardt

Guests also enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and cocktails while previewing the latest spring accessories by Ashard Richley and listening to acoustic guitar. The event benefited Dress for Success Dallas.

Art in Bloom Floral Symposium and Luncheon

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The Dallas Museum of Art League will welcome Bella Meyer, granddaughter of artist Marc Chagall and owner of Fleurs Bella Beautifiers, the elegant flower shop near New York’s Union Square, as the guest of honor at the annual Art in Bloom 2013 Symposium, Fashion Show, and Luncheon scheduled for Monday, March 25. The Honorary Chairmen of Art in Bloom 2013, titled Chagall: Bouquets of Love, are Harriett Gibbs and Diane Sealy, longtime supporters of the arts in Dallas and master floral enthusiasts.
Art in Bloom 2013: Chagall: Bouquets of Love coincides with the DMA’s presentation of Chagall: Beyond Color, on view February 17–May 26, 2013. The exhibition, seen exclusively in the U.S. at the DMA, celebrates the breathtaking scope of artist Marc Chagall, focusing on his work in three dimensions. The event will showcase Ms. Meyer as she shares her love of blossoms and her grandfather’s influence on her artistic development as a floral designer. She will create one-of-a-kind floral interpretations of her grandfather’s artwork, which will be sold in the silent auction.
As part of the event, a silent auction will feature twenty-five to thirty floral arrangements inspired by works of art in the Dallas Museum of Art created and donated by leading florists in North Texas. Cebolla Fine Flowers has once again committed to be the Floral Sponsor for Art in Bloom. This year’s event will feature a Chagall-inspired fashion presentation sponsored and designed by Allie-Coosh.  Prior to the event, Meyer will conduct a hands-on floral design class for underwriting patrons.  This signature event, held annually, is expected to attract more than three hundred people.  For sponsorship or ticket information, please go online to http://www.DMA.org/AIB or call Karla Preisser at the DMA at 214-922-1391

Simmons' Gift to SMU Will Fund New Building

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SMU announced yesterday that Harold C. and Annette Caldwell Simmons have committed a gift of $25 million to the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development. Their donation will fund a new building for the expanding programs of the school and support three new endowed academic positions. The new facility will be named Harold Clark Simmons Hall, in honor of Mr. Simmons, at Mrs. Simmons’ request.

Thursday's gift announcement was celebrated with the ringing of school bells. (l. to r.) David Chard, dean of the Simmons School; Annette Caldwell Simmons and Harold C. Simmons; Caren Prothro, chair of the SMU Board of Trustees; and R. Gerald Turner, president of SMU.

"We are truly fortunate to count the Simmons as partners in our academic mission and greatly value their leadership and generosity,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner. “They have established an enduring legacy of service and generosity benefitting SMU and show great foresight by supporting education. Since its creation less than a decade ago, the Simmons School has made significant and rapid contributions addressing the challenges facing schools and educators.”

Little Dresses for Africa

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Junior League of Collin County volunteers attended a "Sewing Party" hosted by Sisterbration on January 21 at the Frisco Public Library to help sew together "Little Dresses for Africa." Martin Luther King Day was a befitting holiday of service for more than 75 volunteers, from five different agencies, who came together for a common sense of purpose and personal desire to participate.

Junior League of Collin County volunteer Claire Beach ironing pillowcases to be cut into dresses. Photo taken by James Edward.

A dozen women carrying sewing machines, ironing boards, and irons filtered into a meeting room to cut patterns, iron pillowcases, pin bias tape, and sew dresses for little girls who live more than 9,000 miles away. In just four hours, 61 dresses were finished and 200 were ready to be sewn.

Cece Liekar, Dr. Kimberly Clay, and Tamara Fuller. Photo taken by James Edward

Sisterbration will host another "Little Dresses for Africa Sewing Party" on Global Youth Service Day, April 27, 2013. Volunteers are welcome to join the party at Collin College in Frisco at 10:30 am. For more information on this volunteer opportunity, visit www.ldfasewingparty.eventbrite.com

Simmons' Gift to SMU Will Fund New Building

To contact us Click HERE
SMU announced yesterday that Harold C. and Annette Caldwell Simmons have committed a gift of $25 million to the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development. Their donation will fund a new building for the expanding programs of the school and support three new endowed academic positions. The new facility will be named Harold Clark Simmons Hall, in honor of Mr. Simmons, at Mrs. Simmons’ request.

Thursday's gift announcement was celebrated with the ringing of school bells. (l. to r.) David Chard, dean of the Simmons School; Annette Caldwell Simmons and Harold C. Simmons; Caren Prothro, chair of the SMU Board of Trustees; and R. Gerald Turner, president of SMU.

"We are truly fortunate to count the Simmons as partners in our academic mission and greatly value their leadership and generosity,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner. “They have established an enduring legacy of service and generosity benefitting SMU and show great foresight by supporting education. Since its creation less than a decade ago, the Simmons School has made significant and rapid contributions addressing the challenges facing schools and educators.”

Maple Lawn v Steven's Park: A Volunteer's Perspective

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The most recent game day for America SCORES was between Maple Lawn and Stevens Park elementary schools. As a new volunteer for America SCORES I was excited to see the fruits of everyone’s labor (the students, the coaches, and the people behind the scenes who keep this organization humming) culminate into a fun and beautiful afternoon of soccer.
We showed up early to paint the lines for the field and assemble the goals. Before we could even get the equipment ready a group of the America SCORES students had already gathered around the field eager to start practice and kick the ball around. You could tell the students were genuinely excited about the game, and almost annoyed with the fact that they weren’t already playing. We recruited them to help assemble the goals, which ended up being a great exercise in teamwork, because I don’t think any of us were exactly positive on how to put them together. Once the initial setup was complete the boys and the girls were separated to start drills and get warmed up. It was obvious to me at this point that the competitive spirit wasn’t a necessary element of game day; it was mostly about running around and having fun. The kids really just wanted to hang out with their friends.
As it got closer to game time the field started to fill up with friends, parents, siblings, and teachers. It was great to see that this was actually a community event. Everyone wanted to come out and support the players, and in a way, support the organization. The game was 40 minutes of organized chaos, but that’s okay because everyone was yelling and shouting and cheering them on, and you could tell it really made them feel good.
The game was an overall success (as I am sure every game is) because, while score is not taken into consideration, everyone wins. The kids were able to have fun, get exercise, practice teamwork and gain confidence through the support of their friends and family. The parents were able to see their kids have healthy interactions with others and work towards a common goal. And the teachers, coaches and volunteers were visibly able to see that they were helping to build and strengthen communities. It is a great representation of how America SCORES is able to fulfill its mission, and I am very glad to be a part of it.



Katie Jackson
America SCORES Dallas Volunteer

Objects d'Art

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These are some examples of the ice carvers' efforts. They are a bit strange. A wolf and a mountain lion in a face-off? Three Little Pigs, one of whom seems to be standing on a portable oven and holding a fork? Mr. Clean after swallowing a wheel and tire? A local TV station affiliated with an abominable news network (although this station does carry The Simpsons)? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Sorry no comments yesterday. Got home from work way late.    

Dinner And A Show

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We went to dinner last night at a hotel just down the road, Capitan Suizo. The rocky island just offshore is called El Capitan and the owner is Swiss (she bid us guten abend as we left). We ate there last year and thought the restaurant was terrific. Back again last night for their Friday night barbeque and Costa Rican folklore show. Very tasty, lots of fun.

And congratulations to Brittney and Pat from Midland, Texas, in Tamarindo on their honeymoon!

Maple Lawn v Steven's Park: A Volunteer's Perspective

To contact us Click HERE
The most recent game day for America SCORES was between Maple Lawn and Stevens Park elementary schools. As a new volunteer for America SCORES I was excited to see the fruits of everyone’s labor (the students, the coaches, and the people behind the scenes who keep this organization humming) culminate into a fun and beautiful afternoon of soccer.
We showed up early to paint the lines for the field and assemble the goals. Before we could even get the equipment ready a group of the America SCORES students had already gathered around the field eager to start practice and kick the ball around. You could tell the students were genuinely excited about the game, and almost annoyed with the fact that they weren’t already playing. We recruited them to help assemble the goals, which ended up being a great exercise in teamwork, because I don’t think any of us were exactly positive on how to put them together. Once the initial setup was complete the boys and the girls were separated to start drills and get warmed up. It was obvious to me at this point that the competitive spirit wasn’t a necessary element of game day; it was mostly about running around and having fun. The kids really just wanted to hang out with their friends.
As it got closer to game time the field started to fill up with friends, parents, siblings, and teachers. It was great to see that this was actually a community event. Everyone wanted to come out and support the players, and in a way, support the organization. The game was 40 minutes of organized chaos, but that’s okay because everyone was yelling and shouting and cheering them on, and you could tell it really made them feel good.
The game was an overall success (as I am sure every game is) because, while score is not taken into consideration, everyone wins. The kids were able to have fun, get exercise, practice teamwork and gain confidence through the support of their friends and family. The parents were able to see their kids have healthy interactions with others and work towards a common goal. And the teachers, coaches and volunteers were visibly able to see that they were helping to build and strengthen communities. It is a great representation of how America SCORES is able to fulfill its mission, and I am very glad to be a part of it.



Katie Jackson
America SCORES Dallas Volunteer