Sunshiney Side Up!

[Brush Up] June Reading List

karenpanna — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:06:54 -0700

Since I have been home, the library has been a saving grace for me. Unsure when I may uproot myself and move again, I didn't want to collect more books for my personal library. Recently in Broward County, there have been talks about consolidating libraries due ot budget cuts. The two libraries closest to my house are on school grounds, so this would be a detriment to the facilities of the schools. Originally, I resumed using library services when I learned that I could borrow DVDs and CDs without paying rental charges.It nearly broke my heart when I walked into the lobby of the library attached to the middle school which I am an alumnae and saw this:

I stood beside a pair of local library regulars and filled out the petition and requisition cards for the County Commission. I am a book lover, a former student, and a supporter of my community. With crime rates increasing among the youth, libraries provide places children can go after school and keep themselves out of trouble. Plenty of tables are available for homework as well as free computers with internet access providing free information. Granted, books are becoming increasingly less expensive with online booksellers and retail stores providing frequent shopper and membership, but the thought of libraries closing just makes me sad. As taxpayers, our money supports these programs, so we should fight to keep resources available to our community.

After mulltiple trips to the libraries by my house, I've been bit by the reading bug. I also credit this to my gal pal, Christy, whom in an effort to be more writerly, keeps a very regimented schedule of tasks and activities to improve herself as a writer.I really look up to her gumption and ability to balance it with a full-time occupation. Though I know I shouldn't compare myself to my peers, especially my friends, but I honestly aspire to be dedicated to my craft like her. So, to tie the library visit to writing, below is my current reading list.

Blogging for Dummies 2nd Edition by Susannah Gardner
The Creative Writing MFA Handbook: A Guide for Prospective Student (Revised & Updated) by Tom Kealey
Problogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Salary by Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett
How I Write: The Secret Lives of Authors edited by Dan Crowe with Philip Oltermann

While sorting and cleaning out boxes from my pre-Japan days, I found a bunch a books from when I attended UF. Many of them were writing related, so I am excited to dive back into those as well. Many of my books were geared toward theory in relation to writing and electronic mediums, so it reignited my desire to study about electronic spaces and creative writing. It pains me to think that my senior project was lost in a computer crash, however, I think I can re-educate myself and create a far better project.

What non-fiction books have you read lately?

I highly recommend Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher. She's one sassy but classy lady. While watching the Tony Awards, Carrie Fisher presented an award and she announced that her performance of Wishful Drinking was joining the Fall 2009 Season in New York City. I would love to see her live, telling her story in her own colorful words. For our generation, she is an iconic individual.

[Momiji 2] Welcome Home, Soul!

karenpanna — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:58:14 -0700

My gal pal, Nicki, contributed to my Momiji collection by picking up the new edition of Soul. She purchased her Soul for herself when I bought Pixie and Funny Girl. The three girls have been playing nicely by hanging out atop my window sill. Photos will be posted later.

Soul: "I like dexy's midnight runners!"

The card board noodle box is decorated in green and black. Inside, a sticker and a button are included as a bonus. Plastic, inflated packaging helps preseve the doll, preventing damage.

Soul: "Your soul is a good one, I know when it shines in your eyes."

Official Site: Love Momiji (http://www.lovemomiji.com) by Franco (c) ArtForum

Date of Adoption: 26 March 2009

Purchase Location: The Samuel P. Harn Museum at the University of Florida (support your local museum shops!)

God Mother: Ms. Nickita

[Review] Fashioning Kimono: Art Deco and Modernism in Japan

karenpanna — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 06:06:03 -0700

Event: “Fashioning Kimono: Art Deco and Modernism in Japan”
Location: Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art
Exhibition Dates: March 8-May 17, 2009 (visited March 8, 2009)
Admission: FREE

PR Details: (from Harn Website)
“The Samuel P. Harn Memorial Exhibition Fashioning Kimono: Art Deco and Modernism in Japan celebrates Japanese kimono created during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, one of the most dynamic periods in the history of Japan’s national costume. The exhibition of approximately 100 kimono includes formal, semiformal and casual kimono and haori jackets. Many of these garments reflect historical continuity of designs and techniques, while others exhibit a dramatic shift from kimono tradition.

The exhibition begins by focusing on the early 20th century, the final era of the “living” kimono, that is, when the kimono still remained the dress of choice for the majority of people in Japan. It continues through the 1940s, when Western clothes replaced the kimono for everyday wear and the garment assumed a largely formal and ceremonial meaning.

The outstanding kimono featured in the exhibition were drawn from the internationally renowned Montgomery Collection of Lugano, Switzerland. This exhibition is organized and circulated by Art Services International, Alexandria, Virginia. Fashioning Kimono is made possible locally by the AEC Trust.”

Review: The exhibition itself was simple and neatly organized. A gal pal of mine is interning at the museum, so she assisted in the assembly of the displays. The kimono selected were in remarkable condition. I was very pleased to see a wide range of vintage kimono, not only in design but textile, pattern, and era. The literature on the exhibit was nearly organized and provided simple explanations of the garments presented. If I can make it up to Gainesville before the private collection leaves the museum, I would like to review the exhibit again without rushing through.

Lecture: Guest lecturer, Annie M. Van Assche, presented a lecture about kimono based upon her non-fiction book (see below) on the subject. Though the guest raised several interesting historical points, I found her information about current fashion trends in Japan misleading and outdated. I almost felt guilty for whispering with my friend throughout the presentation, but it was either that or walk out entirely. According to the author she last lived in Japan in 1996, so she has not kept up too much with current trends in

kimono, especially with those of women in the 18-34 year range. There is a resurgence of popularity in wearing kimono, and though its not back en vouge, it is not limited purely to the “crazy, goth kids who hangout in Harajuku on Sundays.”

Book Details: Fashioning Kimono: Dress and Modernity in Early Twentieth-Century Japan ($44.10)

Related Events:
March 29, 2009 Lecture (@ 3 p.m.)
Guest: Melissa Rinne, Assistant Curator of Japanese Art, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
Topic: "Textile Tradition and Innovation: Producing Kimono in Early 20th Century Japan"
Learn about the significant role of the seasons in the structure of kimono. Rinne will explore the details of seasonal kimono, focusing on summer kimono in particular.

May 03, 2009 Gallery Talk (@ 3 p.m.)
Guest: Jason Steuber, Cofrin Curator of Asian Art
Topic: Join Cofrin Curator of Asian Art Jason Steuber as he discusses the kimono on display in Fashioning Kimono: Art Deco and Modernism in Japan

[Momiji 1] Meet Pixie & Funny Girl

karenpanna — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:51:53 -0700

After a trip up to Gainesville, I was introduced to a new home decor item that has gripped my attention completely. Though they are Japanese inspired, these items originate from the United Kingdom. These small resin dolls have slots in their bases to keep your secrets or share them with your friends.

They are conspiring over cake! How wonderful!!

Each of these three inch tall dolls are handcrafted from heavy resin and have a special slot in the base where you can hide a message. Some are packaged in little vinyl bags while others are in cutesy noodle boxes (like the ones you would get for Chinese Take Out). On the bottom is a collector's card with a picture of the doll and what she likes.

Pixie: "I like escapology and cups of tea!"

Funny Girl: "I like alfalfa sprouts and quiz shows!"

From the back packaging: "Hidden inside every doll, there's a tiny folded card for your own secret message. Spread the Love. Momiji can keep a secret!"

Pixie: "You're a cup-cake pixie from a magic land!"

Funny Girl: "Funny Girl, you make it sunny, Girl!"

Additional packaging goodies include a sticker and two "little tickets to happy times" (admissions ticket style) with pictures of other dolls and the website information on it. The dolls can be displayed in the vinyl packaging or separately. Personally, I am amassing my miniature Momiji militia atop my computer monitor. They like the lace curtains.

Official Site: Love Momiji (http://www.lovemomiji.com) by Franco (c) ArtForum

Date of Adoption: 15 March 2009

Purchase Location: The Samuel P. Harn Museum at the University of Florida (support your local museum shops!)

p.s. My gal pal just picked up "Soul 2" in the Noodle Box for me! When I see her I will post her, too.

Free 3D Marine Aquarium Screensaver

Watch dolphins, sharks & orcas on your desktop! Check it out at www.inbox.com/marineaquarium

[Nail Art 2] A Return to American Mani/Pedi

karenpanna — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:53:46 -0700

After coming back to the US, I learned the harsh way that UV Gel Nails are not done like they are in Japan. This was after a trip to Venetian Nails in the Pembroke Gardens Shopping Center in the city where I live. The receptionist was one of the nail techs. She disliked that I was a walk in, and it was evident in her hastening me to make a decision about which menu item to select. When I asked questions about the differences between UV Gel (like the ones I had on my fingers) and the acryllics, she couldn't explain them to me in English. She rushed me to select a color from the wall of nail polish, and prcoeeded to sit me at another station while she set up her own station.

I tried explaining how the previous nail tech in Japan removed the last set (by soaking them in nail polish remover foiling), and she promptly proceeded to electrically file the nails off. I thought I was getting UV gel fills, but she put on a whole new set of gel nails like they were acryllics.I had finally managed to grow my nails out to a decent length, and she filed them all down and superglued white tips on top of them. I couldn't believe it. She didn't bother talking me, the customer, but she chatting up a storm to the Asian nail tech beside her in a foreign language-- right in front of me.

When I tried asking questions about what she was doing, she didn't answer-- giving me the impression that she was either ignoring me or simply not understanding my English. At the time I had just returned from Japan, so I was speaking English slowly like I did with my previous students. Midway through, she said "go wash your hands in the sink." Being it was my first time to ever go to that salon, I had absolutely no idea where this sink she spoke of was. When I asked her where the sink was, she gave me a nasty look and pointed to the back of the salon.

Could she have bothered to walk me to it? No.

Could she have apologized and explained a little more clearly? No.

She just went about cleaning her station, so she could stand around and socialize with the other staff members. Though I asked for color, she gave me pink and whites.

Did she explain to me that if I wanted a color polish, that I couldn't have UV gels like I did in Japan? No.

She simply did the nails her way. Charged me $50.00 for a new complete set, and sent me on my way. Did I tip her? No. Neither she nor any of the other staff memebers there gave me any semblance of quality customer service. Will I ever go back there? I certainly hope not, and I hope that none of my friends or family will go there either, unless they intentionally way to have their nail butchered as a result of miscommunication and failed customer service. I thought I'd be bowled over since many celebrities go to their sister salon up north. I was so wrong. So much NO. Don't go there, I don't recommend it.

THAT BEING SAID---

My Mom introduced me to my nail tech, Lacy, who works at the salon where she gets her nails done. Lacy and Alina (my mom's NT), do fantastic work, which I want to show here. Not to brag, but they are awesome ladies! I guess the trauma was a good thing, as now I have found someone who knows what the heck they are doing!

[ Nail Art 01 ] Holiday Merriment '08

karenpanna — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 06:22:52 -0800

In the spirit of the season, I decided to get my nails done for the first time in months. Two of my colleagues at work went and got theirs done in a similar style yesterday on their day off. I decided it was time to treat myself, just in time for all the photo ops of Christmas, finishing work, and the New Year.

I went to Fasciere Nail Salon in North Aoyama (near Omotesando/Harajuku) in Tokyo. I took their 60 Minute Quick Nail Set. I really lack sense of art design, I left the decisions about the design to the nail artists. I picked the color. I figured green would cover all my holiday bases, and I could get it changed before I return to Florida in January. I'm still learning about nail design, but I really like look and feel of the gel nails. Back in uni, I sometimes got acryllics put on, but I always hated what they always ruined my nails when had them removed. I have rather thin nails that always break when they grow to a decent length, so it's pretty much one of my only options to avoid stubby nails.

Price :: 5,210 yen Gel Nail Course (Natural x Teal Lame) + 1,000 yen (2 pieces of nail art)

Next Appointment :: Monday, January 12, 2009 @ 1:00PM (the day before I return to the US)

Right Hand :: Ribbon on Middle Nail & Left Hand :: Ribbon Art on Thumb nail

Thank you, Ms. Uehara (nailist) and Ms. Yamane (Ribbon Artist)!!

Sunshine-y Side Up! (Japanese Version)

karenpanna — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 02:31:57 -0800

During my time in Japan, I have taken to writing blogs both in English and In Japanese. This is the link to the Japanese version of this site. The content is slightly different, but the SNS (Ameba) is one of my favorite Japanese sites.

Broward County Red Cross :: Training Courses

karenpanna — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:32:36 -0800

Location: The Broward County Chapter of The Red Cross

Type: Education, Training, and Certification (Public Health and Safety)

Many courses are available, but as to be expected many of them are for those with ties to the medical profession (EMTs, Nurses, Caregivers, etc). In Florida, there are many hurricanes each year, and my Girl Scout survival skills are rather weak. I figured its time for a refresher course (or two).

Aquatics Courses: water rescue and lifeguard training (will require being in far better shape and working on that tan first)
First Aid/CPR/AED: Always handy in case of emergencies. Separate courses from the Life Guard Series
Family Care Courses: Babysitter Training, Safe Baby Prevention, and Pet First Aid? Not that any of the three are applicable for me in my present life, but I think they might be interesting to learn about in the event I decided to become a nanny or dog walker.

Broward County L.O.V.E. (Library Volunteers)

karenpanna — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:18:31 -0800

Share Your LOVE…

Of Books
Of Reading
Of Literacy
Of Learning

Volunteering at Broward County Library means giving the most precious gift of all - your time.

Volunteering is a chance to give something back to one of your community's most valuable resources, the library. Whether you want the chance to make a difference in someone's life, make friends and have fun, or earn valuable community service hours and professional experience, the library is a place where you can share your skills and better your world.

Place: Broward County Public Libraries
Slogan: Share Your Love! Library Opportunities to Volunteer and Educate

FOR ADULTS --------------------------------------------------------------------
Giving back to your community has never been easier, simpler, or more fun. There are myriad ways to help at Broward County Library - whatever your skills or interests, there's something for everyone.

Each One, Teach One: Making a real difference in someone's life doesn't just change them - it changes you. Each One, Teach One gives you the chance to teach an adult to read and/or write.

English Café: Like to chat? Volunteer at the English Café, a place where speakers of other languages can practice conversational English.

Events: Year-round, at all locations, Broward County Library offers a wide range of cultural, recreational, and educational programs and events. Volunteers are always needed before, during, and after.

Administrative Offices: If you have a talent for organization, marketing, clerical work - anything office- related - put your skills to work in the library's administrative offices.

On Location: Your local library always needs help! Volunteer and shelve books, greet customers at the information desk, or give tours of the library.

Community Awareness: Help spread the word about your library - join Broward County Library's Volunteer Community Awareness Team and distribute library literature, help operate information booths at public events, and be an advocate for Broward County Library.

If possible, I would like to volunteer for the Administrative Office, On Location, or Event Staff. I am a bit burned out with teaching English (and with my experience, I'd rather charge), however, my interest has been piqued by the Each One, Teach One program. I think it might be something I'd enjoy doing.

Stroll for Well-Being: Garden Walks at The Morikami (Workshop)

karenpanna — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:19:39 -0800

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens :: Educational Workshop Series

Dates: January 20 to March 24, 2009

Cost: $100 (includes one year Origami membership; members $45)
Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm (first and last meeting only)
Location: Main Museum and Gardens

Info: Participants will visit the Morikami Gardens for quiet contemplation as often as they wish over a 3-month period. A specially developed Journal, designed to enhance the experience, will be used as a guide and a means to record personal thoughts through the 12 themed garden strolls. A meeting with the Journal's author, who will provide explanation about the program, precedes the first walk and ends the series of walks to discuss participants' experiences

When I was a university student, I used to hold a student membership for the Morikami Museum in Boca Raton, Florida. Though it was a far drive from school, I sometimes went there when I visited my parents in South Florida. It's one of my favorite places in south Florida because it feels like a completely different world.