EGGS & THE NEW BEGINNING

Near where I live, the grocery store, library and pet feed shop is closed in honor of Easter.  The
neighbor's kids have probably been up for hours, as am I typically at 4:30AM, in anticipation of the "Easter Bunny."

Polish ethnic communities are far from me. I say that because those of Polish decent celebrate Easter in a major way with sugar lambs, roasted duck, breads and even a lot of fish. There will be tubes of Kalles caviar -- salted smoked roe -- something impossible to get here in Michigan unless by special order.

In Germany the Easter meal is roast lamb and veggies. In Sweden is poached seafood and chicken along with cheese and "snaps." In Brazil it's salted cod stews, delectable. And in Austria there is a terrific south Tyrolean hash called Groestel, just delish.

Christian countries are celebrating Easter with new and familiar traditions. However, one thing is standard throughout, the Easter Egg symbolizing the newness of the year, of spring of courting.  The growing sun, the rebirth and celebrating the warmth are all wrapped up in today along with the beginning of the new religion: Christianity.   It changed the world.

STEP ON'S NEW LOOK

Our new look created by Durwood Coffey

This is our new look. I'm loving it. Shows energy, fun and movement.

Actually, I feel that this design was a birthday gift as the artist charged me a very low, low price for an original illustration. I've been in the ad agency business all my life so I know what these pieces go for and they are never cheap. Still.... I am blessed to know the artist.

There is no way I can be self-employed for decades without fabulous people creating my look and doing the crazy behind-the-scenes work that is so often thankless & grueling.

Durwood Coffey is our designer and has been for 20 years. In the past, I used to say, "would you like me to give you a thumbnail (a rough layout)?  He would decline my offer.  Although sometimes he would humor me and accept it. But he never followed my tissues. Why would he? After all, his layouts were so much stronger than anything I could suggest.

He is quite a talented commercial artist. Actually he was a combat artist in Vietnam where he served as a marine. Design comes naturally to him. You can see that he was very well apprenticed.

Plus, Durwood is a painter. He paints wild animals in groups, sea and sky creatures in their habitats. When asked for advice by others he says: "I paint for myself. Don't chase a market. Create your own."

He created a 500 piece puzzle of a frog on a frond called: Sun's Out, and he exhibits at art fairs throughout the year. There's always a huge canvass set up in his house of various critters large and small. It's a treat to see his works in progress.

Durwood is a great guy. We're looking forward to 20 more years of working together. Neither of us wants to quit. Retire to what? Besides, who knows what kind of new look we'll have by then.

 In the meantime, let's keep steppin.

SAVED BY THE BALL: THE "D's" DOWNTOWN LIBRARY

For years it was known as the Downtown Library that housed the largest collection of periodicals --

Closed in 1998. Designated as a tear-down.
 

geeze, does anyone other than ole-fashion me use that word anymore? 

This amazing library in the middle of Detroit's bustling city center is located on a triangular shaped property designed by my favorite rogue Augustus B. Woodward (he was the Ultimate Marketing Maven way before it was stylish), a city father and mayor so loved by the people. Woodward (I just love the fact that he named a major boulevard after himself -- the craziest promotion of the day) who really wanted several odd shaped areas throughout the city to add interest, get people walking around and encourage retailers to open more stores. 

In short, Woodward wanted to bring the vibrancy of European street design to Detroit and he was fought at every turn -- pun intended.

So the Library is actually bounded by three streets, the aptly named Library, Gratiot and Farmer, which is kitty corner from the historic Finney Barn, a marker explains that it housed escaping southern Fugitives in the mid 1800s. 

You can see on the library facade that it is called the Rose & Robert Skillman Library, and thank God it is.  This branch closed in 1998 and was supposed to be razed when J.L. Hudson's was imploded. Fortunately someone had the clear head to save this gem and carried the cause with I'm sure endless back-to-back meetings. Then the appeal was made to the Skillman Foundation and $5 million later, the branch got renovated and reopened in 2003. ( -- why am I never invited to grand reopening's like this?).

When the building was conceptualized, the architectural firm of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls was chosen to design the structure. Of course, they couldn't decide which particular style to use so they married Art Deco with Classical and viola! An astoundingly beautiful building that has all of the elegance and panache of the 1930s. 

There's no must and dust here.  In fact it's a globally significant place that houses the National Automobile Historical Collection of everything having to do with vehicles including bicycles! 

Here you'll find any fact about any vehicle, promo brochures, photographs and ads for starters. A favorite visited by car enthusiasts. 

I highly recommend dropping in this library and often. You'll see something different every time you walk through the bronze doors.  Sit inside and take in the beauty of the place and you'll be swept back into the 1930s -- the era of rum running on the Detroit River. Do not rush here but walk and sit in wonder of this very special library. 

The crucial thing you must keep in mind is parking. Nearby underground garage parking will get you $1.50 off the $3 two hour rate provided the circulation desk stamps your receipt, or you can park on one of the three streets. Be sure to put plenty of money in the meter as the maids love to give $20 parking tickets. Ask me how I know.

So, let us bow our heads and breathe a sigh of relief that someone had the wherewithall to save this structure. Most of all, take a walk inside ... the marble, the wood the metalwork is unlike any other.  

AND HE WAS A TRAITOR

Once a group of Russian tourists requested that I take them to a closed community, meaning a visit to Amish businesses and an Amish meal in southwest Michigan.  
In my usual manner, I pointed out and chatted about the scenery, facts about the area, monuments and markers, all of which they enjoyed. 

We we came to the Wahbememe marker I told the story of the Potawatomi Indian Chief Wahbemene, which translates into White Pigeon, the town we were passing through. We pulled over so we could get a better look at the monument and signage. 

I explained that the Chief was the key signer of the 1795 Treaty of Greenville, which placed Michigan's Great Lakes Forts in US hands.  The Indians suffered a tragic loss in a war at the Battle of the Fallen Timbers, which ended the Indian Wars in Ohio County. (It strictly limited parcels of land to the north and west. Mad Anthony Wayne represented the Government -- more on him in a future blog.) The southwest Michigan area was actually part of Ohio at one time I said.  

When all was said & done, the tribes were required to cede the area to the US Government.  It was a way to cease the fighting between the tribes Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanees, Ottawas, Chippewas, Pottawatimas, Miamis, Eel Rivers, Weas, Kickapoos, Piankeshaws, and Kaskaskias. (note cards work wonders). In short, it was a horrible agreement to the Indians and one that they are doing something about to this day ... reacquiring their land and they are doing a good job at it.

There was a meeting of Chiefs in Detroit where Wahbememe learned that that town would be under attack. The Chief lived in peace with the settlers. When he thoroughly understood that the settlement would be decimated, he did something about it. So he quickly traveled from Detroit to White Pigeon, a good three hours to make the 150 miles  in a trusty vehicle with a full tank of gas on an expressway.  
However, expressways I-94 and 80/90 were not even a glint in anyone's eye. I explained how Michigan was the wild west of its day. 

So, the Chief departed and quickly made his way to White Pigeon. Some sources say he ran the entire way. Seriously? Ran? No water bottle or energy bar in tow! Granted there was the Sauk Trail (enroute to Chicago), but that was not an easy path to follow. 

But the Chief did travel swiftly.  He met with townspeople, collapsed and died from the strain. His remains are buried in the town. 

So the Russians thoughtfully listened to the tale and their response was unrehearsed and in unison. They rolled the R with gusto when they said: 

Traitor. He was a traitor.  

What an interesting perspective.  What do you think?

MICHIGAN'S OLDEST & LONGEST COVERED BRIDGE

Bridgehunters will delight in the Langley Covered Bridge, a red panel covered structure that is over 115 years old and in fine shape.  

Take note, this is an excellent spot to take that family picture. Just watch to make sure you don't get hit by oncoming traffic, which is pretty light. The one-lane wonder attracts tourists from all over the globe.  Picnic at the nearby Pahl Point.  It's a great drop point for canoers. Duck if you go under the bridge. It's one of the lowest. 

The Langley Covered Bridge is Michigan's oldest and longest in the State. It's not an easy bridge to find as it is hidden in the southwest sector of the State. But, it is very well maintained and worth the hunt to find it in Centreville, a very small town filled with historic markers, too.

Actually, it's the longest in the nation -- over 280 feet and it was built in 1887. The fact that it is still standing is its claim to fame. Plus it provides access over the St. Joseph River -- the key water way back in the day when Dead Eye and his bride Princess Mishawaka traveled the route in search of beaver to make into pelts to sell to the European traders, as the fur was all the rage in the European countries. 

Pierce Bodmer, the builder with the movie star name, was an unassuming man just anxious to get the job done and move onto the next project. Nothing remarkable here except that he used white pine as the chief material.

The bridge was named after Thomas Langley, a pioneer who established the town. In 1910, the Sturgis Dam was built which meant that the structure had to be raised eight feet in the 1950s.  

So, if you enjoy fishing, this is a good spot for a good haul. If you're driving a Harley, cover your ears... the crossing will be loud. 

In any case, stop, take a picture and take in the history of a bygone era. 

A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM = GREAT TRAVEL

Bone broth (r) with a wedge of fat & cooked bones (l). 

Travelers at one time or another have been ill on a trip, which is a very uncomfortable and an

unpleasant experience.

In fact, I was very sick at the end of my trip to China last year. It took almost a month for me to recover. It's just not worth it to me to ever repeat that illness.

My excuse was that there were just too many things going on all at once. And there were. Or there was no time, I was exhausted in trying to accomplish my current workload and that for the next 2 weeks. Plus there were things to take care of on the home front. It was always something. I was burned out when I left Detroit.

But I loved China and look forward to returning this fall to the land where the Mongolian winds blow. This time though my immune system will be stronger. How?

Bone broth is my secret weapon to build my strength, diminish joint aches, enliven my skin, fix a leaky gut and more. Like anything it requires time and patience. And, the benefits of drinking it daily are cumulative. I treat myself to a cup every day first thing in the morning for the best results.

It's easy to prepare. I use a crockpot rather than the stove because of the amount of time it takes to make. 

1. Make sure your crockpot does not have a timer on it. Turn it on low.
2. Stuff the pot with bones. Sometime I use a combination of beef, pork, chicken or lamb. Whatever I can get my hands on. My butcher is used to me so she knows to cut the bones in 2 inch chunks. 
3. Add one cup of apple cider vinegar to draw out the nutrients. Without this secret ingredient the results just won't be there.
4. Add water to a half an inch to the top. There will be overflow and this will help prevent scouring the cooker of the crockpot, however, I don't count on it so I scout all the time.
5. Keep the crockpot on the counter and away from everything.
6. Cook for 48 hours. Remember, bones  must partially disintegrate to leech out the nutrients.
7. After two full days, remove bones with a slotted spoon. I put them in a metal pan. Toss. I save the larger beef bones for my 11 month old puppy who relishes them.
8. Strain the mixture 3 times with the last using a fine mesh strainer.
9. Put the broth in a bowl and in the fridge so it gels
10. When the mixture gels, remove the fat. In the picture you can see that I removed all but a wedge of fat. I toss it, but some say to save it for frying veggies. I don't.
11. When the fat is removed, put the broth in a covered container and keep in the fridge. The broth generally lasts about a week.
12. For best results, drink on an empty stomach. I used to mix with Ramen noodles and veggies, but now I want to full benefit of the broth without taking anything away from it.

For me as a tour leader and being in confined spaces with a lot of people, bone broth is the ideal method I use to keep my immune system healthy an strong. It does take time to work. It's an "Old World" method. It works. So give it a chance.  

TRAVEL PILLOWS FOR COMFORT & CONVENIENCE

Comfort, convenience & easy access neck pillow.

Comfort is king when traveling especially during those long, 13 hour flights to and from Beijing, China, for example. Easy storage and access is the two of a kind for travel.  

Here's why I like the inflatable pillow shown. 

• Very comfortable
• Curved to cradle the head
• Inflates in just a few breaths
• Includes stuff sack 
• Stores easily in a case
• Wipes clean

Inflatable pillows can be purchased at major department stores like Walmart, Target, Sears, J.C. Penny's and travel shops. Or buy online. The key is to always try out before travelling. 

The neck pillow shown is ideal because it's in your possession at all times and is easy to clean and disinfect. The last thing you want to do is to lug a bulky pillow in addition to your carry on and luggage. 

When finished using the inflatable pillow, I squeeze out all of the air, fold and put it back in its case so it is contained at all times and ready for the next adventure. Obviously I follow the lines. 

Remember that the one thing you want to avoid is purchasing a neck pillow in an airport where the price is 2-3 times higher than in your local store. 

Don't wait until the last minute to purchase. Always keep in your travel arsenal for grab and go. You'll be glad you did.  

MEXICAN TOWN MURALISM IN SOUTHWEST DETROIT

Notice the Mexican symbolism behind the head & flowers. 

Vibrantly painted murals on buildings in Mexicantown, Detroit, capture actual Mexican Muralism of the large cities, a social and political movement that started in the 1920s in the country with the goal is informing people about the importance of Revolution.  The murals united the Mexican population.

And the movement spread as more people immigrated from Mexico to different areas of the U.S. including Detroit.

For example, in Mexican Town, extraordinary large outdoor paintings of people, ideals, flowers and movements punctuate the Bagley and Vernor areas, the main thoroughfares – yet there are more streets that capture the essence of this beautiful and historic culture.

Spend a day there and you can see murals under bridges, on fences, on portions of overpasses and rocks.  Even the benches at Clark Park boast incredible paintings – rich, lush and colorful with its own vibration.

The artists themselves understand how to prepare their “canvas” to create a lasting work.  They clean the surface, use acrylic exterior paints; pour them into plastic containers with wide openings, have a large flat brush for big open areas and a rounded brush for outlining and seal it with polyurethane.

Artists, painters, musicians make up the residential population in Mexican Town, and they have no inhibitions about showcasing their work. It's the best place to see theme-based outdoor art in one section of the City. And there is plenty of it.

Professional artists as well as students from Wayne State University visited some businesses and offered to paint their expressions, with the owners permission, on the outside of the buildings. Works are jaw-droppingly wonderful.

There's even a section called The Alley Project, a one block museum where you can sit and contemplate the awesome billboard style paintings.

Southwest Detroit has a character all its own. Park your car , take your camera and explore.

CHINA'S MONGOLIAN WINDS

Entering China's canals by boat -  a portal.

When the Mongolian winds blow the clouds away in Sozhou, a city just west of Shanghai, the beautiful countryside reveals astonishing mountains, seemingly built by the Gods, temples dedicated to rulers and emperors of the past, and lush vistas and landscapes:  This is China --  ancient and vast, the the trip of a lifetime. 

That was the first awesome impression that I had as I traveled to China for 9 days in late October. I was part of an elite group of travel planners on a site inspection of the country,  checking out the trip for my  travelers. As a result, I am now also be featuring a luxury trip to China including hotel, meals, all airfares, taxes and tours out of Detroit, all at a cost of $2799.

Our trip featured luxury motorcoach transportation from one city to the other. Driving in China is fast and hair-raising, with the majority of the  1.6 billion people always on the move in the world's most incredible rush hour, a chaos of buses and trucks and more bikes than one can even imagine. Yet our drivers were extremely cautious and very courteous, caring about our comfort at all times.

China's formal tourist attractions are so varied and so widely dispersed that my first trip was basically a preview of this exciting country. Still, I experienced the incredible diversity of China, the third largest country in the world in terms of area. (Russia and Canada are in the top spots.) As I mingled among the Chinese, very few spoke English, we met only very friendly, hospitable folk. Everywhere I went they took my picture or snuck selfies with me being none the wiser.

The winds are blowing outside my door right now, and I am longing to return to Golden China, a most incredible place on the planet.  

CONVENIENCE IS THE COLOR OF VERA BRADLEY

Vera Bradley bags. The women in my sparse family love them.  

Travel bag is ideal for carrying 3 bags, boots & video gadgets.

My niece who got me into Vera Bradley in the first place and her mother, my sis-in-law who is quite the saint as she is married to my brother, a handful, swear by them. Those two have bags, purses, wallets, wristlets, clutches & accessories for every possible thing you can imagine.  The color they put in their lives shades their personalities, too.

And, it spilled over to me. Now I have Vera Bardley bags, too. It'sa family thing.

Basically, I am a one purse woman and always have been. My “Go Bag” -- has everything including the kitchen sink  that is with me constantly as well as a bag for daily work items not to mention my laptop bag. Yes, I am the bag lady.  Being on the road and on the go constantly means that I have to keep as organized as possible. Bags are the best way for me to do so. And, I welcome all bags of every color, size and type.  

Yet, the only way I can do it is with this giant Vera Bradley carry-all.  All of my bags go into this large container. It sure helps keep items contained especially when some of the items in the bags spill over. And, what's really sensational are the bright colors.  

In case you don't know, Vera Bradley is the leader in colorful cotton quilted patterned bags and luggage for women in all sizes.  Back in the early 1980s, while awaiting a flight in Atlanta, longtime friends, Patricia Polito Miller and BarbaraBradley Baekgaard noticed a huge lack in feminine-looking luggage. So they developed a line, which really took off with word-of-mouth advertising, the best kind.  

When my sis-in-law gives me these beautiful bags, I generally say to myself, 'oh boy, this will get so dirty and beat up, do I deserve this?' The answer is yes I do. And so do you. 

For the person who has too much on their platter and puts others first, this is just a small way we can honor ourselves. 

“The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love color the most.” 
― John Ruskin, The Stones of Venice