So much to tell you

First things first… the movie Bad Boys Ride or Die with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence was… not good. And barely filmed in Miami I realized as we watched. We took Nick and Ashley to see it and thought it might be cool to see Miami so we went too. That was a mistake and is two hours of my life I won’t get back.

Sunday while watching CBS Sunday Morning, something Vance and I watch every week, I was truly touched and became emotional while watching the segment on Combatants for Peace. Click on the link to learn about this joint Israeli-Palestinian community united to combat the division and hate that exists between them.

Also, it was wonderful to see my longtime friend Iris and her husband Joe at church on Sunday morning. Joe is a talented singer/songwriter/guitarist who performs at various places around Key Largo. Click here to see a few YouTube videos of him performing and to find out where to see him play.

Tuesday as I looked out my bedroom window I saw a beautiful cardinal land on one of our backyard hanging plants. It was brief but long enough to make an impact and brighten my day. It was too quick and I couldn’t snap a photo but what a lovely visit it was!

We took second place at trivia at Old Tom’s Cafe on Wednesday night and today, I took some time to enjoy Creative Mornings, Locust Projects and Art Pie.

Olga Saretsky speaking at Creative Mornings standing next to one of her Living Roses creations.

First I attended Creative Mornings where I listened to Olga Saretsky, founder of Kikimora Studio tell her story. The passion for her work as a creative director, designer and choreographer was obvious. It came through in how she spoke so openly and honestly about what fuels her inspiration. Her designs were even featured on “Bridgerton” even though they used her designs without permission! Click here to see her amazing creations and learn about her journey.

I left there and went to the Little River neighborhood to see the new Locust Projects exhibition space and their latest exhibit “Kerry Phillips: The Patience of Ordinary Things.” It’s an homage by Phillips to her elderly parents, both suffering with major health issues, and a way for her to process these tough times. I loved that Executive Director Lori Mertes greeted me and was gracious enough to walk me through and give me a personal tour of the show. It meant so much she went into every detail about the evolution of the show and how Phillips developed it. I also learned how Lori herself worked so closely with the artist to make the exhibit happen, despite various challenges. Click here to read a great article about the show on our Artburst Miami website.

Then on my way home, at at Lori’s suggestion I stopped at Art Pie for a delicious treat. It’s just a few blocks away from Locust Projects in Little River. I grabbed one of their specialty Art Pies and the owner gifted me a Pan au chocolat. Both were incredibly delicious but I will say their prices are a bit steep. But the decor is absolutely charming and whimsical and as the owner Monique Font Delacroix who is a trained pastry chef told me “everything in here has a story.” Click here to visit their Instagram page and see what they offer plus see my pictures from today’s visit above.

And last week I forgot to mention that while in line at Target I met a filmmaker who when he saw me in line with Nicholas proceeded to tell me that he’s got a cousin with Down Syndrome who is an actor. In fact, his cousin will be performing in a production of “Hamlet” that features an all Down Syndrome cast. The production is at the Westchester Cultural Arts Center on July 11 and is part of the 37th International Hispanic Theatre Festival. Click here and you’ll see it as the first production listed with a small synopsis. I definitely plan to see it.

Mikley and Nick reunited!

Congrats Isabelle!

Iguana at Enchanted Forest Park in North Miami

One of my favorite cul de sacs in Biscayne Park, a nice break toward the end of my bike ride yesterday.

My view at Surfside Beach where I went to chill a bit on Sunday afternoon.

And finally, I leave with a few parting shots above of Nick and our neighbor Mikley who came by for a visit and of my great niece Isabelle proudly flashing her new drivers license! I also always have to share a few nature shots. Plus links to my two articles on Artburst Miami this week. Click here to read one and click here to read the other!

That’s all for this week. I’ll be back again next Friday. Have a great one and thanks for reading!

Josie Gulliksen

Writer, lover of all things cultural, bike rider, nature lover, tree hugger, composter, lover of farmers markets, always working to make the world a better place, empath, avid reader, mom, wife, friend.

https://josiegulliksen.com
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Back after a needed break

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Theater, croquetas, mezze