Michael’s birthday, and lots more
Happy birthday Michael!
First things first. Happy birthday to my firstborn Michael who turned 30 years old yesterday! Love you so much.
If you’ll recall, last Friday I was heading to The Biltmore Hotel to celebrate my best friend Monica’s birthday. I brought sushi for us to enjoy, a little chocolate cake from Publix and we spent time eating and catching up in her lovely hotel room. I know she was really surprised and enjoyed it.
Saturday was fun at Bird Bowl with Nick and his girlfriend Ashley and we followed that up with lunch at Flanigan’s (their favorite place), and a nice leisurely walk through Tropical Park.
Monday Vance and I drove the five minutes it took to get to Barry University where we watched a riveting documentary “Razing Liberty Square.” The film takes a hard look at the broken promises of developers to the residents of the Liberty Square housing complex in Liberty City. It’s available for viewing on PBS and if you’re up to it, I recommend watching. Here’s a link to view the film.
“Movement,” by Reyna Noriega
“Vol. 2” by Kandy G. Lopez
Wednesday was a full day. After my weekly food rescue pick up in the morning and attending midday mass, I came home, cranked out a ton of work and headed to two events. My first stop was the boutique Arlo Hotel in Wynwood to view “Unveiling Her Vision: A Celebration of Black Women Artists,” a couple of exhibitions honoring Black History Month. One was a custom-designed hotel suite personalized with the works of artist Reyna Noriega in an exhibition entitled “An Oasis of Peace and Joy.” And down the hall on the same floor was an exhibition space featuring the show “Our Shadow Remains” of works by artist Kandy G. Lopez. Both artists’ works are so different and so impactful. And the hotel is quite beautiful and has several bars and a gorgeous third floor patio. Click on the link above and check out all the happenings at the hotel.
Pool view at The Loews Miami Beach.
Another gorgeous view of The Loews Hotel
After I headed over to the gorgeous Loews Hotel on South Beach to attend EATZ, an event hosted by Chef Chris Valdes. I do some work for his publicist Arely Ruiz and she always invites me. It was a crazy, crowded food event to kick off the South Beach Wine and Festival that was a lot of fun. And as an added bonus, I saw Food Network Chopped Judge and Chef Maneet Chauhan strolling by the pool. The Loews is the festival’s host hotel and where a lot of the celebrity chefs stay. Sitting by the pool enjoying the food from the event was quite spectacular. Just look at that nighttime pool view and tell me different!
Yesterday I snuck away and caught an early afternoon movie with my daughter Elizabeth. We watched the Oscar-nominated heartbreaking thriller “Anatomy of Fall.” It was a fantastic film with incredible acting and honest, gut-wrenching dialogue, suspenseful too.
Work by artist Charles Gaines on view at ICA Miami through March 17.
A piece on display at the Rubell Museum’s sculpture garden.
Then today, I spent the afternoon at a couple of Miami’s best art spaces. First I went to ICA Miami in the Design District where I enjoyed their current exhibitions which are spectacular. Then I headed to Allapattah and the Rubell Museum where I spent time in their sculpture garden. I visited each one to photograph their shops, pictures I’ll submit with an article I’m writing. It was a really fun afternoon where I got to play but also get work done. Then on the way home, I popped into one of my favorite spots The Plantisserie in Little River, for a couple of vegan empanadas.
And tonight, as I was getting ready to go for one of my long neighborhood walks, I smelled the delicious barbecue my neighbors were cooking up. I complimented them on how great it smelled and they invited me to join them. It was nice getting to know them better and the food was really, really good. The two Modelo beers they offered me weren’t bad either!
Isabelle, flashing her medal and a duck lip!
And I cannot end without congratulating three of my great nieces. There’s Isabelle, my nephew Chris’ daughter who won a NOAA Award for her school science project on sunscreen and its effect on the ocean and the environment. She’s one of seven state finalists from Manatee County. And my other great nieces, my nephew Manny’s twin daughters Miranda and Natalia are now licensed yoga instructors. Congrats to all of you!
I hope I’ve inspired you to check out some of the things I mentioned this week. Let me know if you do, would love to hear your thoughts and impressions.
