Tucson Tales: Wildfire, Symbolism, Culture

I do most of my writing in the Corral at Tucson Cowgirl but wanted to post links to two thoughts I ponder:

• Mother Nature's fury is apparent in Arizona these days. Wildfires and heat relentlessly test the stamina of neighbors, firefighters and our natural environment. A place of contemplation I visited last year is just about destroyed by the Monument fire in Sierra Vista and as I view pix of its destruction I think about community (people, wildlife and plants alike) so torn by the furious fire.
• One threshold quality of life element that draws me to the desert is its rich environment of living traditions, heritage and culture. It was a pleasure to write about my passion for BizTucson magazine this month!

With Apologies to the New York Times: 36 Hours in Tucson, the Tucson Cowgirl Way

So happy to see my former hometown newspaper sending a wave out west to Tucson. It seems New Yorkers have a fondness for the Old Pueblo, this city of desert and mountains and magical culture.
New Yorkers also have a fondness for strong opinion so forgive me, New York Times (and Richard Woodward) for adding my two cents to your Tucson-in-36-Hours hit list. I have a list that gets a bit off the paved trail to see a different side of Tucson:

4 p.m.
1) Walk the Wastelands....
....and catch the birds. Tucson’s Sweetwater Wetlands (southwest side of Tucson, off I-10) allows the public (since 1998) to see a variety of birds in a beautiful (yes, this is a wastewater treatment recharge) habitat. Something in me is very very happy to see sustainability working for nature and wildlife. It's a gorgeous, peaceful walk around ponds bursting with wildlife, with the mountains smiling at you in the distance. Brilliant vermillions swoop over you, geese (or gooses) quack in the distance, hawks sail overhead.

6 p.m.
2) DINING TRUCKER STYLE

Sure our historic train depot holds heritage and a good nosh... But, remembering that our interstates connect American travelers to souls of the communities they drive through, I'm asking you also to consider a burger (or egg) meal at our funky TTT truck stop, off of I-10. In addition to tasty diner cusine there's a great shop for chrome, lights and all things related to trucking (and a fine little bookstore of southwestern favorites).

8 p.m.
3) On the Edge of TUCSON NIGHTS
Yes we have a pumping indie music scene, and our treasured Rialto is a stop for many a fine band. But if you're yearning for a regional flair I suggest a night with our regional roots -- Go see
Dolan Ellis,our state baladeer, perform at the Arizona Folklore preserve. It's a ways out of town so if you're lazy try some classic flamenco guitar (and dancing) at Casa Vicente restaurant just downtown. A local performance management group called http://www.rhythmandroots.org/ also organizes a variety of Blues, Folk, Bluegrass, Gypsy and World performances throughout the year on Tucson stages.

Saturday
9 a.m.
4) ROADRUNNER
I agree, the great Tucson outdoors is the place to be in the winter. Saguaro National Park is a perfect destination, but to see huge saguaros I go out to Sanctuary Cove, way out west near the former Lazy K Ranch (I wish that ranch would reopen!) The Cove has a meditative walk, along a trail that leads you into the hills, for beautiful panoramic views of nature (including huge saguaros) and the Tucson skyline.

Noon
5) There's More MEXICAN
I love Cafe Poca Cosa as suggested but it's fun to get down and dirty with a Sonoran hotdog or a great burrito at El Guero Canelo on South 12th. Then you can stay in South Tucson for dessert at one of our fine Mexican bakeries, like La Estrella bakery, also on S 12th.

1:30 p.m.
6) PICTURE Ansel but also Etherton

Absolutely, the Center for Creative Photography's collection of Ansel Adams, Edward Weston and others is impressive. But I am so proud Tucson has the Etherton Gallery on South 6th downtown -- This gallery always provides a stunning display of photographic and other art.

3:30 p.m.

7) BUY Local

If you come to Tucson, please do frequent our malls but for goodness sake go out, appreciate and buy local. We have great shops -- from the eclectic Bohemia on Broadway to Preen on Congress and the edgy new boutique that opened within Eric Firestone Gallery in the warehouse district or the KUZU salon off Kino. For authentic regional jewelry and crafts don't forget the shops at Tohono Chul Park.

5 p.m.

8) Dark skies in the desert

I agree on this one -- It's a beautiful drive to Kitt Peak, where you will spend a fascinating evening browsing unbelievable telescopes and gazing in wonder at our heavens. The dark skies of our area are breathtaking. But I also suggest driving out to a small bed and breakfast specializing in astronomy to appreciate our skies. One is The Astronomers Inn in Benson. Or stay in Tucson and just head up Mt Lemmon SkyCenter run by our University of Arizona.

11 p.m.

9) Salsa instead of COSMOS

After gazing in the heavens focus on those toes late evening. Head over to El Parador for some salsa dancing!

Sunday
9 a.m.
10) EARLY BIRD the cowgirl way
I'd prefer spending my Sunday more immersed in our regional culture. Attend mass at the San Xavier Mission -- then taste some authentic fry bread in the Mission parking lot, which you'll find being sold by Native American families. Walk the mission grounds and small museum to get a sense of our regional architecture and history.

10 a.m.
11) Defending America
I wouldn't want to end my Tucson sojourn on a somber note (although the Titan Missile Museum is certainly something to contemplate). But if you want to focus on the role ofTucson and our environs in our country's defense, head out for a beautiful ride and a visit to Fort Huachuca, a great US Army Intelligence Center and a fanstastic museum. You can learn about our early spy days, our Buffalo Soldiers and so many other interesting aspects of the southwest and our country's defense.

There's so much to love about our Old Pueblo -- this is just my quick take on a 36 Hour template for your tour. What's your take? Whatever you decide, know that Tucson welcomes you to our unique desert, surrounded by five mountain ranges. Please appreciate-respect-enjoy our nature, art and culture!

Note: Writer Donna Hull comes through and gives us her take of Tucson in 36 Hours (for active baby boomers!) in this blog post. Thank you, Donna!  

Esta es mi vida y amor

A wish for all of us: To achieve the greatest joy -- that of living our dreams:

Este es mi vida
este es mi amor
que pasa mi vida tranquilo
sin tristesa y sin dolor y el dia que me muero y que dios me lleva
de aqui, voy a seguir pintando, para nunca olvidar me
de ti

--by francisco, painted 1990 on Barrio Veijo wall,
as seen by me in Tucson, Arizona,
July 18 on 2009 Photo Walk

Tucson's SEED [pod]

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Solar Decathlon is an international competition for research and development of green building technologies. Only 20 teams are involved and Tucson (via the University of Arizona) is one of them. We'll be part of the Solar Village that will be set up on the National Mall in Washington DC this October. The University of Arizona team is the first to represent the Southwest region in this high-level competition.

The UA’s entry in the DOE Solar Decathlon is called SEED [pod] – standing for Solar Energy Efficient Dwelling. Our team is designing, building..and will operate a fully-functional solar-powered home on the National Mall for the competition. About 20 students from the University’s Architecture & Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Agriculture and Business Management colleges and several faculty are involved.

The UA Seed [pod] entry is an 800-square-foot showcase of solar energy with so many features including a rotating roof, designed to allow its 8KW array of solar panels to be adjusted to make optimum use of the sun’s angle.

The team is encouraging individuals across Tucson to join the effort by contributing $24 – the cost of a postcard-sized area of pv cells for SEED [pod], which actually will use 72,000 square inches (8 KW) for its array. That's a small price to get involved in an important Tucson effort involving sustainability. Please check out the team's website. Congresswoman Giffords will tour the progess of the SEED [pod] this Friday, April 10, 2PM, on UA's campus. I hope she continues to build awareness for renewable energy and for putting Tucson on the map in terms of being a force in solar energy innovation, education and business.

Downtown Tucson Snapshots

So busy, no time for storytelling. Wait, maybe time for a short chapter.

While life speeds up around us, we scribble in our journals.

Random thoughts to help us recall the important stuff. To help us savor the bits and pieces that add character to a full life.

I'm still stuck on the potential of our Downtown Tucson.
See the Preen-inspired fashion show at Bohemia. Enjoy a Scavenger Hunt saluting the historic character of the built environment. Last night's Spanish wine at The Cup, so spicy.

There are interesting individuals working creatively to keep the vision fueled. I enjoy, support and participate as I can.

Downtown, Dillinger Days

Were you standing on the corner in Tucson, Arizona ducking that Congress Street shootout this weekend?

I'm sick of thinking of this economy, so my thoughts instead are turning to one of the reasons I moved to Tucson -- a love of our Western heritage. There's so much coming over the next few months to fuel my respect for Western ranch history and a passion for the festivals celebrating regional culture. The start of this "season" is always the funky Dillinger Days – and it's on, right now, downtown at the restored Hotel Congress.

I like Dillinger Days because it's an experience of rough-and tumble tradition from our region's colorful past. John Dillinger ran one of America’s most notorious gangs. He was in Tucson in January 1934, hiding out at the Hotel Congress after a midwest robbery. There's a long story about fire, a suitcase of money, a melee and cops-and-robber shenanigans, but in the end Dillinger and his gang were captured in Tucson. This weekend there's fabulous food, tours, lectures and of course the re-enactment of our town's most famous gangster escapade.

Tucson’s Hotel Congress is a national historic treasure and boutique hotel rolled into one, and I love what they do to commemorate the Dillinger capture.There are crafts, music, vintage car show and other activities throughout the weekend. I’m also happy Maynard’s Market & Kitchen is now open in the train depot, because now you can enjoy local farmer produce, minestrone soup and coffee while watching all the fun.

Thanks, Hotel Congress, for making this a fun weekend to be downtown.

Viva Local Art

Wishing Tucson Artists Colony much success on the opening tonight. A wonderful addition to our local arts scene.

I was around in the 1970s for the first baby steps of downtown Brooklyn's revitalization -- the local arts community back then was at the core of that revival, working together with independent businesses. And so it is here in Tucson. Tucson Artists Colony is enriching an interesting office/business/artist complex called Placita de la Luna nearby Oracle and Grant. The complex has sustainable features (like water harvesting) as well as professional spaces.

Don't want to sound like an old sage but in the 1970s Brooklyn faced pretty miserable economic times. Plenty of empty storefronts, a lot of negative people sayings the revival wouldn't work. And now look at downtown Brooklyn - million dollar rents; chi chi Williamsburg and Dumbo, people begging to live down there.

Hang in there Tucson. Keep the innovative ideas coming. Government officials, be wise in your decisions. Developers, think sustainability and infill. We can make the magic that happened in Brooklyn happen in our city, too.

Are You Rooted in Place?

A photography exhibit about "place" opened on Congress Street in Tucson on Friday. Do you understand the importance of place -- and how it relates to the collaboration of people, objects, culture, buildings and even open spaces in ways that enliven a community? Yes, in the interest of full disclosure, this fabulous exhibit has much to do with photography by my wonderful husband Leigh. You can read all about the gallery show in its Tucson Weekly city pick story! I'm so proud!

Surprise Balls from Tucson, for Holiday Nights

As you probably know from previous posts, I am a lover of holiday gifts like Surprise Balls. They are a Brooklyn childhood memory and a crafting passion. Instead of using paper, I cut strips from repurposed fabrics to do my winding, and I select little treasures from antique stores, toy shops or any vintage shopping haunt to make gifts within surprise balls interesting. I also borrow from nature (sea shells, tiny rocks) so that the gift giver can pass on something of meaning to the receiver.
For the Tohono Chul Park Holiday Nights Ornament display, I quilted the covering of my surprise ball using old Christmas fabric. I added a hand-sewn saguaro to the surprise ball ornament. This one is probably too filled with goodies. I'll make the ornaments a bit lighter next time around. I'll be making more, and putting up the tucson cowgirl webpage live, within one week. Hope others will want to enjoy my handmade surprise balls!

Breathing Deeply

Yesterday we took a trip to the open western space we love, past Mt.Fagan to the Empire Mountains and the tiny towns of Sonoita and Patagonia. We were getting away from the endless negative news from Wall Street, the disheartening political jabbing and intense computer time (although thankfully the computer time is due to some interesting assignments).

Our drive is fresh air for the soul, a fortification of spirit. The desert winds energize us, the fragrances of salvia stimulate senses, the bright skies warm and comfort me.

I travel with my friend and partner of so many years. I smile knowing how many hurdles and bounces we have seen together. And we have weathered all. So even these days of torn investments will mend.

I look out to the mountains, across Wyeth-like landscapes dotted by cattle and magnificent agave. Both of us have our cameras and our thoughts. I think of good things:

• My family, first and foremost. We share legacy and priceless love.


• Our son, a strong, intelligent young man with great heart and vision for himself, humanity and earth. He is in a good place with his partner and his career. I bless two young people and pray their journey ahead is a happy one, worthy of their commitment.


• Two friends who will marry this weekend. Jennifer and Darrell formalize an already strong partnership. They enter this celebration in tumultuous times, for sure, but as I did for my son I bless their happy road ahead, ensured because they share respect and true friendship.


• Election Day. Despite ugly insults spewing from both sides, I look forward to our day of democracy. I sense the choice already is made and I am happy we are passing the baton to a new generation. I wish for them the exhilaration of rebuilding, alongside a leader of their choice. I will happily do my part, but I firmly believe it's time for the next generation to strongly influence the choices made for a brighter future.


• My desert home. Yes, it is my home now. I gain peace from the awesome display of this most powerful nature around me. How could I not feel protected in this place? I see waves of hills in the distance. Thousands, rolling on and on. The strength in that vista, with its endless horizon, gives me inspiration to carry on.

Our day in Santa Cruz County rocks us with a rhythm that diverts our uneasy breathing. We laugh, photograph, eat calzones and soup at Velvet Elvis, meet an artist who offers us macaroons and friendly conversation. We smile and laugh more. We look out into the landscape and ask this powerful sunshine to make its way across the country, into the darkest corners of a toxic economy, to help refashion us and put us back on track. Slowly, we breathe deeply again.

Tucson Park(ing) Day

PARK(ing) Day is a global event that focuses on urban green space. Artists and citizens collaborate by transforming selected city parking spots into bite-sized temporary public parks.
It's a creative, great one-day event celebrating place-making.
Tucson participated this year, and there was amazing foot-traffic downtown! Families with strollers, photographers, even shoppers. City informational kiosks set up out on the streets. Gardeners. People talking, crafting, browsing. Nice. Why can't this happen every day?

Support Downtown Tucson Artists

Leigh and I always enjoy the open studio art tours in Tucson. So many artists generously open their work spaces (and homes), welcoming us with conversation as well as insights into their art. The tours are fun, educational and of course nice shopping treks.

A more somber, tangential element to our tour this weekend was learning of the potential rail link issue for some of the artists situated off 6th Street. A proposed new alignment for the railroad lines down there potentially will hurt the community, cutting artists off from downtown, creating safety issues and dividing some neighborhoods. Please visit the artists' website for more information on this urgent topic.

And please support our very vibrant and funky art scene. I am so glad it is a strong player in this place called Tucson.

Say Hi to Hogs at Downtown Tucson's Rally

I'm a fan of Harleys -- those machines are sexy Americana to me. Their riders symbolize a bit of the wild west, live-free-or-die attitude that's so much a part of my quirky Tucson.

I'm happy that the Arizona State Hog Rally is being held in downtown Tucson again this year. It's a great weekend event -- The lineup of bikes and people along Congress is incredible. There's a lot pride among the riders and so much camaraderie. They're a welcoming group, too - they don't mind sharing stories or allowing a photo to be taken.

Go downtown and take a look. Tip your hat to a great American brand -- Harley-Davidson -- and to the people who support it. The scene is fun and and it's a great slice of funky life in our Tucson.

Two Tucson champions

In 2005, as Leigh and I pondered whether to move or not to move to Tucson, we stayed downtown at the Royal Elizabeth Bed & Breakfast during one of our visits. As New Yorkers, downtown vitality is very important to us, and we wanted a local B&B to help confirm that Tucson would have something to offer us. Leigh found the Liz on the Internet, and I’m happy he did.

Chuck and Jeff are the proprietors of the Royal Elizabeth Bed & Breakfast, and they manage a beautiful little corner of downtown living. For several days in 2005, these two guys, through their inn and their hospitality, showed us the possibilities of what would soon be our new city.The Liz is a stylish and architecturally-historic inn, complete with luxurious rooms and absolutely delicious breakfasts. A favorite time in the evening was cozying up in the library with a book off their shelf and a warm homemade cookie.

But beyond its superior inn qualities, the Liz was a Tucson bellwether for us, a testament to a city with possibilities. Chuck and Jeff are prominent in the Tucson business scene who believe in a revitalized Tucson future. They also are strong community advocates in their Iron Horse neighborhood group. In addition Chuck and Jeff are nice, friendly and generous individuals who run a great inn.

Just wanted to tip my hat to these two Tucson champions, whom I now consider friends.