From my own brain
I chose that headline because I want to begin by saying this blog is written every week from my own brain, no ChatGPT/AI help here. I say that because I know those of us who write for a living are faced with the realization that the service is encroaching on our careers. But fear not, I shall continue to create no matter what challenges may arise.
For example, this article I wrote on the Art of Black Miami podcast, hosted by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau? I came up with the questions, conducted the interviews and wrote every word. Crafting the article, piecing it together to tell a cohesive story with feeling and personal stories. Something ChatGPT’s impersonal program couldn’t have accomplished. Click here to read it.
Here’s what else transpired this week…
Saturday night Monica and I went to a performance of “Aurora’s Wedding” by the Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami and then went to grab something to eat at Andiamo, a staple along Biscayne Blvd. where the food is consistently good. I had a really good panini sandwich.
On Sunday I had a lovely Mother’s Day. Nick and Elizabeth both gave me some nice gifts, went to Enchanted Forest Park and Haulover Park and Marina then Vance grilled some delicious lobster and shrimp with mushroom skewers on the side for dinner. Overall a great day.
Kaitlyn in the center on rhythm guitar.
Tuesday, I watched my great niece Kaitlyn play rhythm guitar at her school’s Blast from the Past Talent Show. I proudly watched as she showed her musical prowess. She’s in 7th grade at Carver Middle School. And her sister Hailey, now a 9th grader at Coral Reef High School, was invited back with her fellow alumni/bandmates to perform and they shredded their performance.
Wednesday, Vance, Nick and I took second place in trivia and on Thursday I was part of the Grant Panel Review team for the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs. I’ve been asked to be a grant panel reviewer several times over the past few years and although I was hesitant to commit once again, I’m glad I did. My fellow panelists and I engaged in some interesting conversation after the meeting had adjourned.
Six-panel mixed media installation on display at the Main Library in Downtown Miami.
And I can’t go to the Cultural Affairs Department offices at the Government Center in Downtown Miami without visiting the Main Library, which I always walk by on the way to the parking lot. There, I saw a wonderful six-panel mixed media installation by Fernando Garcia featuring original news coverage of the Mariel boatlift in The Miami Herald and other news outlets. If you love art don’t sleep on your local library branch as a great spot to view some fantastic exhibitions. Click here to go to the Miami-Dade Public Library System website and see what they’ve got on display.
Chef Betty Forcer from Lotus House happily accepting boxes of avocado puree. I’m sure she’s going to make many delicious dishes with these!
Today, I discovered a new area of Hialeah I’d never been to when driving to pick up a donation at Lineage Warehouse on behalf of Food Rescue. I delivered 21 boxes of avocado puree to Chef Betty Forcer at the Lotus House Women’s Shelter. As you can see from the photo above, she was happy with the donation! If you’ve got some time to volunteer or items to donate, Lotus House is a great place to consider. Click here to visit their website and learn more about what they do.
I’m really excited about Sunday night. See Sunday, May 19 is my 34th Wedding Anniversary and Vance and I are going to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants Cafe Avanti. It has become our go to for classic delicious Italian cuisine in a lovely, elegant, inviting and quiet atmosphere.
And you know I can’t leave you without some parting shots. They’re of some cute birdies on our front lawn, a lovely classic electric blue car and the scenery at one of my favorite local parks.
That’s all for today. I’ll see you all next week, right here in your inbox. In the meantime, let me know any restaurants I should try and some of your other favorite places. I’m always looking for new places to discover.
