Reasons to Love Cleveland that make me #HappyinCLE (aka WTForbes!)

So have you heard the latest news, as if first deciding that we have the worst weather in the country wasn’t enough Forbes had to declare Cleveland as the most miserable city in the nation as well. Forbes author, Kurt Badenhausen, is such a creative writer that his supposed-to-be engaging topic sentence referenced the Cuyahoga River Fire of 1969. Really Kurt, you couldn’t research a little further than that over-used piece of trivia?

Ready Clevelanders?….on the count of 3 stick out those tongues, thumb your nose and blow raspberries at Forbes stupidity. Then when you’re done acting the same age as Forbes, you can resume your miserable life, in your miserable affordable home, eating your miserably delicious locally grown food, watch your miserably talented sports teams, or visit one of the many arts, cultural or music venues that are so hopping and full of life that it’s enough to make any grinch miserable. Goodness, how can we stand all the vitality of this city?

While you’re at it, visit Whattheforbes.com with your miserable attitude and share why Forbes really missed the mark. You can also join in the multitudes of Clevelanders who are adding #HappyinCLE to all their twitter tweets (See Forbes, how could so much chirping ever be miserable?) and let’s watch how great Cleveland is quickly become a trending topic on Twitter.

I wrote an article in 2007 entitled Things That Make Me Love Cleveland, and it created a bit of net chatter. I figured now would be a wonderful time to update that list with a few classic oldies, and a few new goodies.
Here’s a whole slew of reasons why I love Cleveland:

Our Arts Scene
We have grassroots organizations like Cleveland Handmade that brings local artists togetehr to socialize, build and share their art. We have cool art festivals and art walks like The Tremont Arts and Cultural Festival and Sparx gallery hop and both the Tremont and Little Italy Art Walks. Do I need to even mention The Cleveland Orchestra and Playhouse Square, not to mention dozens of smaller community theaters, orchestras and choirs.

Our Food and Drink
We have some of the best dining values in the country, excellent food, marvelous chefs, and a plethora of bars and lounges. Have you checked out Cleveland Independents to discover a new favorite lately? Or realized how many great microbreweries are right in your own neighborhood such as the newer Indigo Imp?

Our Sports
LeBron James (enough said!) but really, we could go on and on about the fans and talent in this city.

Our Philanthropy
Did you know The Cleveland Foundation is one of the five largest community foundations? (2008 Chronicle of Philanthropy) and the number of grantmaking organizations in Cleveland has more than tripled in the last three decades? It doesn’t mean that there still isn’t need in Cleveland (as their is everywhere) but it does show that Clevelanders open their pocket books to help those in need as much as they can.

Our Green Scene
We love our green in Cleveland, from the Cleveland Metroparks to the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and our Metroparks Zoo, there is no shortage of gorgeous green spaces to enjoy. The city is actually going “greener too” as evidenced by Positively Cleveland’s list of 75 Green Things in Cleveland.

It’s the little things that make Cleveland so great though, the things that apparently you have to live her to notice and appreciate, or at least have a really good tour guide to show you. Things like the pierogis at Sokolowski’s , the stunning patio and indoor bocce ball court at Stone Mad, a halloween tour through Franklin Castle, a night bike ride through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, running into familiar faces when you are out and about the town, Angelo’s Pizza in Lakewood (simply the best pizza in the world), or watching a sunset on the rocks at Edgewater.

Cleveland Bridge Project, 2009

Parade the Circle 2007
Want to read a few more blogger reactions to Forbes apparent vendetta against our beloved city? Here’s some more great reading material to incense you even more:
Cleveland’s a Plum
Brewed Fresh Daily
Cleveland.com blog
Railbird J. Slim
Definitely check out this video from Something Dada as well!

Friday Favorites: Etsy’s YouTube Channel

I thought this week for Friday Favorites, I’d show you more than just one artist or theme. This week I’m sharing a ton of videos! One of my favorite YouTube channels, is Etsy’s YouTube Channel. Frequently the channel is updated with videos in categories such as “How To Tuesday” “Process” and “Handmade Portraits” that give you insight into the lives and workings of handmade artists and crafters from around the world. It’s a great place to go for inspiration and motivation.

To give you a taste of the videos here’s one featuring Liane Tyrell (enhabiten) who creates amazing homegoods and another featuring the latest in the “There’s No Place Like Here” series with a spotlight on Tina Spangler’s home in Luxton Lake.

New Jewelry Designs and some Collage Play

I am happily playing with a new collage maker. (Not like I have the time to be doing that right now, but every now and then I allow myself to be easily sidetracked)

Here’s a few highlights of new work in my design shop

I’ll be back soon!

I haven’t forgotten about you. I won’t give you the entire list of excuses, but a few entail a kitten with a potential broken leg, coordination of a school visit from a museum, recuperating from a weekend full of travel, and actually spending some time on new items in the studio, etc….

Once things get back to normal I will resume the regularly scheduled features.

Artist Interview: Allison of Apollos On Acres

I became acquainted with Allison through the Etsy Cleveland Handmade team and was instantly intrigued by her lovely, natural photography. Poking around on her blog I was even more intrigued by her earthy lifestyle, her love of nature, and support of local farming (as well as involvement in farming!) Allison lives on a 5.5 acre farm, is currently trying her hand at apple farming, is involved in animal rescue, takes care of horses….and if you can believe it still has another job! (I seriously do not know how she does it all)Regardless, I had to include her in my artist interview series as she has a great perspective of life on a farm and life combined with nature. Enjoy!

When and how did you begin your business?
My Photography in my Etsy shop is very new! I just started it about a month ago. Our orchard is new too! Last year was our first year in production Well…the trees have produced for years, but last year was our first year farming them!

I’d imagine living on a farm makes your day really busy and interesting. What is a typical working day like? Well…weekends vary and can be crazy hectic, but on weeknights, we are pretty much on a routine. My husband and I get up at 6am to dogs licking our faces in anticipation for the alarm to go off. One of us feeds them and walks them and one of us feeds the horses. We usually take turns on who does what. I also have one messy gal in the barn so I clean her stall before work in addition to the evening so that she stays a tad cleaner! Then we get ourselves ready for work and out the door we go. When we come home, it is the same thing we did in the morning. Dogs fed and walked, horses fed/stalls cleaned/ groomed or worked or turned out in the pasture – that just depends on the season! THEN, if it spring, summer or fall, we are working in the orchard and gardens. If it’s winter, we go in to feed ourselves dinner! Our dinner is usually last on the priority line. And this example is just on the rare occasion that we don’t have some crazy wrench thrown into the plan….like our donkey getting loose and running down the road or me finding stray kittens that need rescued……you get the idea

How do you balance everything?
What’s balance?! My mother says I never have a game plan and fly by the seat of my pants

What do you enjoy the most and what do you enjoy the least?
In relation to my photography and selling on Etsy I most enjoy making people say “WOW” when they look at one of my photos. I least enjoy second & third guessing myself on my photos and thinking people will look at them and think I am nuts or that my idea of ‘a photograph’ is crazy!!

In relation to the farm, I most enjoy walking out the back door to the smell of horses in my back yard and Apollo with his head out the window calling for me. I least enjoy pruning the fruit trees (it’s so tedious!) and frozen water buckets. Oh yeah….and flooded barns and mud in the spring

Where do you get your inspiration?
From my childhood dreams!

Are there any must-haves that you could not run your business without?
My husband! He’s the workhorse on the farm and my toughest critic with my art!

What are some of your favorite shops and items on Etsy?
Well I adore the Clover Leaf Feeds Hand Bag by ObjetAdapte and I am trying to save up some extra cash so I can purchase it. I have SO many favorites; everything is so wonderful on Etsy! I love the work by our own Cleveland Handmade Team Member LazyT! And I also like The Ruby Needle and the hats by Pixiebell. Bomobob and Judemcconkey have awesome photography! I love the scents at PosionApplePotions and on my wish list is also a bag by myfreerein made with recycled horse tack!! And I love Turquoise jewelry so naturally I love your Turquoise Teardrop Lariat that you just listed!! Should I keep going………..

What fashion accessory or wardrobe item is your absolute favorite and you cannot live without?
Hmmmm, well, chapstick isn’t a fashion accessory [editor's note: sure it is, I couldn't live without mine!]or wardrobe item so I guess I am gonna have to go with a bag! I am a sucker for large purses/bags/totes! I always have to be carrying one that weighs at least as much as a bag of horse feed

Which of your farm animals is your absolute favorite and why?
WOW – this is hard! I’d feel like a bad mother if I answered this! They are all my favorites in their own ways….but Apollo holds that special place in my heart. I have had him the longest. I adopted him in 2005 and he came from a rough past. We learned and grew together. (You can read our whole sob story on my blog!) I have a bond with him that is truly a once in a lifetime feeling; and he is the most ornery Arabian filled with attitude you will ever meet…but he’s my bud and I love him!

You can find Allison on twitter,@apollosonacres or you can read all about in her own words “my crazy life” on the farm at http://www.novicelife.blogspot.com You can also visit her shop on Etsy to check out her photography

Thursday Theme: Cherry Blossom

The National Cherry Blossom Festival begins March 27 and runs through April 11, 2010. I always think that that signals a wonderful start to Spring. To get ready for some fresh new weather I wanted to share a collection of lovely cherry blossom inspired items in this week’s Thursday Theme.

18 inch Cherry Blossom Tree Handpainted Pillow, $34.99 by Derilyn

Cherry Blossom Mural Wall Decor, $42 by WallDecors

Obi Buckle Asia Minor, $10 by GamiWorks

Snugglens Asian Cherry Laptop Messenger Bag, $98.99 by Gypsy Rose Handbags

Red and Black Cherry Handpainted Wood Bangle Bracelet, $36 by Amy987

Sustainable Cleveland 2019–If you Haven’t Heard Already.

I just wanted to share a few videos produced by Graham Veysey related to the Sustainable Cleveland 2019 Summit created by
You can also visit a social networking ring dedicated to Cleveland Sustainability if you want to discover more information, join efforts or connect with green-minded individuals in the city.

While some of this may be wishful thinking, at least someone is THINKING and I’m glad to see that discussions were brought to the table, and an attempts to create awareness are being made. It will be nice to see how efforts are successful. I guess we’ll know in 9 years, won’t we?

What Inspires Green Living?

There are many reasons to live greener lives, and there are countless sources telling us exactly how to do that.

Today I’d like to take a moment to ask you to sit back and think about when you were *really* inspired to live in a more sustainable manner. What inspired you the most? What is your core reason for doing so. Indeed, we live greener for a multitude of reasons, but what was your original impetus?

Did a desire for better health inspire you to eat more organic food, which in turn led you to a belief in farmers markets, organic gardening, and plant management?

Did a growing concern over our energy crises make you start turning off the lights, walk to work more frequently, and invest in alternative energy companies?

Perhaps your love of your children made you plant a tree with them, sponsor an animal protection program at the zoo, and make you clean up a playground.

One thing often leads to another, what was the first thing that made you step on the path?

If I did not include your original inspiration, by all means do share!

Monday Modern Nature: The Birds are Chirping, Bring on Spring!

Normally I like to feature other items besides my own in the Monday Modern Nature series, but this week I wanted to share my bird series with you as I am so delighted that the level of bird songs from park is greatly increasing. I think more and more of the delightful critters are returning, and I can’t wait for Spring when I can finally throw open the windows. Usually all Spring and Summer we’re woken up to the sounds of birds frolicking in the tree right outside our window and I love it!

Both necklaces can be found at http://www.valerietyler.etsy.com

Thursday Theme: Yoga

Not too long ago I heard someone complaining about why everyone was into wearing yoga pants, who definitely probably had never done yoga in their lives.
I confess, I’m a rare yoga gal, but I do LOVE the clothes. (Of course I dance, and Yoga pants are perfect for that!)
Today’s theme Thursday focuses on some lovely Yoga related items. So whether you are an avid yoga lover, or just interested in the style there is likely to be something for you.

I usually love the yoga pants with a slight flair, but I though the cuffs and style of these pants were quite cute!
Charcoal Baggy Yoga Pants, $35 from Moonseats

Carry your yoga mat in style with a modern yoga bag.

Yoga Mat Bag, $18 by ChellaBellaDesigns

Remind yourself of your mantra

Zen Necklace, $14 by EmilinaBallerina