An Evening in Grand Haven

The main reason for a late summer visit to Michigan was to celebrate my mom's birthday. For the celebration itself, she had requested that we make a short trip to the lake town of Grand Haven for dinner, so one afternoon we all piled into the car and drove west. Located on Lake Michigan at the shore of the Grand River, Grand Haven is one of several picturesque beach towns in Western Michigan.

Yathzee anyone? One of several games folks can play at the marina.

Blessed with a fantastically mild summer's day, we arrived before dinner to stroll near the water and enjoy the waning warmth of August. After parking near the marina on the river, we walked along the boardwalk until my brother-in-law spotted the sailboat on which he'd recently taken some foreign business associates. The captain invited the kids on board -- they particularly enjoyed watching the adorable little dog who makes his home on the boat, and who is also a Michigan State fan like my nephew. (I did not manage a good photo of the pup in his kelly green MSU jersey.)

(Photo credit: my brother-in-law)

We continued our stroll, but stopped to take some photographs, and to watch both boats and people coming and going. It truly was one of those gorgeous summer evenings that you wish would not end! 

Family fun!

We loved these bright red benches!

However, we had dinner plans and made our way to the restaurant, Snug Harbor, which is located on the River. Although it does offer some outdoor seating, we sat inside, but next time I would certainly sit on the patio or find another restaurant, as this establishment's redeeming quality seemed to be location. (Though I must say the kids' portions were very generous, and my niece and nephew both enjoyed their mac-and-cheese and chicken tenders. Two of the adults also had meals that were quite tasty.)

After our meal we drove to the lakefront to continue savoring the weather and good cheer. It's possible we may have parked illegally, as the beach  is part of Grand Haven State Park, and one needs a special permit to park in the lot, yet it was late enough that open spaces were available and no one seemed to be checking. My niece immediately discovered the playground, while my nephew noticed the paradise found just beyond it - twenty-one beach volleyball courts! He stood next to an ongoing game, watching intently, then was transported to cloud nine when the incredibly friendly folks invited him to join their game. 

My nephew and brother-in-law were busy playing ball, but my niece realized the warm soft sand was perfect for other games as well.

I had wanted to walk out to the lighthouse, but we determined that the stroll was a bit too much for our capabilities or needs on that evening. Plenty of other people, however, were making their way down the long pier to one of Michigan's iconic lighthouses.

Then it was time to find ice cream for dessert, and after our treats we headed home. Due to its late starting time (9.50pm on that particular date), we couldn't stay for Grand Haven's famous musical fountain, though I would love to see that some day! (Interestingly, the large anchor which overlooks the river was until very recently a cross.) Judging by the short time we spent in Grand Haven, it is certainly a place to which I would happily return.

Japanese Garden in Grand Rapids' Frederik Meijer Gardens

Considered one of the best gardens in the United States, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids is now an even more attractive destination thanks to the recent additon of the DeVos Japanese Garden. After three years of work, the garden was unveiled in June, and it was at the top of my "must do while in Grand Rapids" list during a late summer visit.

Meijer Gardens are worth visiting any time of year. I have visited what is arguably Grand Rapids' best known attraction at least a half dozen times, therefore I was excited to see something new. Earlier this summer the Wall Street Journal published an article which described two Japanese gardens in the United States - this one and the garden at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts.

We headed straight toward the new section. On our way we passed the iconic sculpture "The American Horse," an imposing 24-foot tall horse by American artist Nina Akamu. Although this monument dates from 1999, it was partially inspired by a work created by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century.

As we approached the gate to the eight-acre large Japanese garden, my niece immediately noticed a quiet fountain and ran over to investigate.

Upon entering the garden we were greeted by a volunteer who offered a map, and kindly pointed out a feature we may have missed otherwise: the locations of 13 large stones with poems engraved on them. These are based on Japanese poetry.

The centerpiece of the garden is a large pond, and the path a visitor follows takes her around the pond.

Naturally, there are many other features - small waterfalls...

sculptures, both in the water...

These moved slightly in the breeze. Beautiful!

and on land...

These were promptly named 'eggs.'

And she has cupcakes on her head!

fountains, a boardwalk along one portion of the pond, a bridge or two, a Zen-style rock garden...

 short side paths, a bonsai exhibit...

 even a tiny island with a gazebo.

The tea house, sadly, is only open infrequently.

Given that we were in the company of a three year old who tends to be easily excited and was continually running ahead to seek out the next cool thing, our stroll was not exactly leisurely, but we certainly enjoyed our inaugural visit. My sister commented that this was a place where she would willingly take a walk every week. Certainly, if you are ever in Grand Rapids, Meijer Gardens are well worth a visit! More information about the Japanese Garden can be found on the Meijer Gardens' blog post listing FAQs.

First Sentences

Inspired by a Latvian blogger, Inga, who in turn was inspired by a Huffington Post blog post, I am joining in the "first sentences challenge." The idea is simple -- select and share the first sentence from five books. Inga suggested that the lines should be from books you have read recently. I mostly chose books that I have read in the last few years, however to increase the diversity, also selected one from a Latvian language book enjoyed long ago. To keep with my literary theme for this year, which involves picking more books by woman authors, four of the chosen selections are by women.

"I still don't know why Sallie and I bothered to go to that party in the forest slope above Aspen." Rebecca Solnit, Men Explain Things to Me

"Saules un vēja izbalināts zirga galvas kauss stāv Madaras Gobas grāmatu skapī - gandrīz vai goda vietā." Ingrīda Vīksniņa, Saules sala

"The day after Lula's lawyer called to tell her she was legal, three Albanian guys showed up in a brand-new black Lexus SUV." Francine Prose, My New American Life

"It was too late to pretend he hadn't seen her." Adelle Waldman, The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P.

"No one is left from the Glenn Valley, Pennsylvania, Bridge Club who can tell us precisely when or why the group broke up, even though its forty-odd members were still playing regularly as recently as 1990, just as they had done for more than a half a century." Robert B. Putnam, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community

You are welcome to join in by sharing a first sentence in the comments, or several on your blog! Paldies, Inga, par jauko ideju!

Bibliophiles Unite!

Having been born into a family of readers, it's not surprising that I am a bookworm. In third and fourth grade I often tried to read a novel while sitting in class when I found the subject to be uninteresting--much to the chagrin of my teachers, of course. Two of my part-time jobs while in high school and college were in bookstores--best employee discount EVER!--, and nowadays one of the few things I enjoy about flying (other than it being an expeditious mode of transit when needing to travel several hundred or more miles) is the general peace and quiet in which I can read uninterrupted.

Nowadays I am a member of Goodreads.com, a site on which a reader can keep track of what she has read, what she would like to read, as well as rate the books and write reviews. The site also incorporates a social networking aspect to it--the reader can befriend or follow other readers to see their lists, ratings, and reviews.

At the end of 2014, Goodreads informed me that I had read 19 books during the year. I was disappointed in this count. Therefore I set a goal to read at least 21 books in 2015. Given the cold weather we had this winter, plus having gotten back into the habit of reading more regularly, I have already surpassed that goal by several books. I also made a conscious decision to read more works by authors who happen to be women or not Caucasian.

The majority of books I read are contemporary novels or recent non-fiction, with an occasional tome thrown in that doesn't fit into either category. This year some of the choices I've enjoyed most were:

Novels

• Me Before You (JoJo Moyes)
• The House at Riverton (Kate Morton)
• Cambridge (Susanna Kaysen)

Non-Fiction 

• 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in my Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works (Dan Harris)
• Headstrong: 52 Women Who Changed Science - and the World (Rachel Swaby)
• We Should All Be Feminists (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)
• The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money (Ron Lieber)
• Men Explain Things to Me (Rebecca Solnit)
• White Field, Black Sheep: A Lithuanian-American Life, about which I wrote about previously.
• Bad Feminist: Essays (Roxane Gay)

Although my Latvian language skills are quite good for someone born outside of Latvia, unfortunately I find it difficult to read anything other than children's books in Latvian nowadays. (Honestly, even some of the kids' books are cringe-inducing, with stereotypes that should no longer be used in this century.) I have found much current Latvian literature to be unnecessarily complex and artsy - I prefer my reading to be simpler.

Years ago, however, I read a great many novels by Latvian-American writers; a friend reminded me of this recently when she recalled seeing me - a 10 year old - at camp reading a novel, Homo Novus, by Anšlavs Eglītis. Maybe returning to a book I last read a couple of decades ago would be a simple way of reconnecting with Latvian literature.

However, between books borrowed from the library or friends, and books purchased new or used, I always have stacks of items "To Be Read" -- and that does not even include anything I have purchased on my e-reader and have not gotten around to reading! 

While reading itself is a pleasurable activity, meeting authors and hearing them speak can be fascinating. With that in mind, I plan to attend the National Book Festival at the Washington Convention Center on September 5. This year's theme, courtesy of Thomas Jefferson himself, is "I cannot live without books." Could there be a more appropriate slogan for a festival featuring more than 100 authors in one day and attracting up to 200,000 attendees?

I love this poster!

Mūzikas Festivāls Garezers-Palooza

The following is an article I was asked to write for a Latvian publication. I already wrote about Garezers-Palooza on the blog, but this is more detailed and might be of interest to Latvian-speakers who were there or who wished they could have been!

This is my un-edited version; it was edited slightly for publication. Thanks to my friend Māra for her suggestions and edits as I was writing, and thanks also to some of the musicians who provided me with details I had missed or background I did not know.

Mūzikas Festivāls Garezers-Palooza

Nezinot īsti, ko sagaidīt Garezera 50. jubilejas svinību otrajā dienā, laudis Atbalsīs ieradās viens pēc otra - ar segām, krēsliem un padzērieniem - visu vajadzīgo, lai saulainu vasaras dienu pavadītu baudot mūzikas svētkus "Garezers-Palooza." Izrādījās, ka rīkotāji bija par visu piedomājuši - zālājā bija uzstādīta galdi un krēsli, lai cilvēki varētu ērti sēdēt, klausīties un ciemoties, un bija arī stends kurā varēja iegādāties pusdienas un aukstus dzeramos. Par bērnu izprieci arī bija padomāts - tiem bija dažādas spēles.

Pavasarī čaklie talcinieki bija piebūvējuši Baltajai mājāi plašāku lieveni, kuru izmantoja kā skatuvi.  Koncerta laiks beidzot pienācis, skanēja pazīstamā balss no bijušā Gaŗezera vasaras vidusskolas direktora un volejbola skolotāja Ērika Kores, kurš ar savu šarmu un humoru vadīja programmu, un klausītājus iepazīstināja ar katru ansambli. Lielo aiz skatuves darbu veica koncerta producents Gunārs Inka. 

Pirmās skatuvē kāpa ansamblis Lini, kurām ar Garezeru ciešas saistības, jo trīs dalībnieces ir GVV absolventes, un visas četras daudzkārt piedalījušās 3x3 nometnēs Garezerā. Lini pēdējos gados reti uzstājas, jo viena dalībniece dzīvo Latvijā. Lini kopā muzicē jau 20 gadus, un kaut ansamblis tagad reti koncertē, viņu ieraksti - ar skaistajiem tautas dziesmu sabalsojumiem un mazāk pazīstajamām dziesmām - vēl iepriecina daudz Ziemeļamerikas latviešus. Šajā reizē viņas dziedāja vairākas dziesmas no iepriekšējiem repertuāriem, bet arī jaunas, piemēram "Kur tad tu nu biji, āzīti manu?", kurai teksts bija pavisam cits nekā dziesmiņa ko mēs daudzi pazīstam no bērnu dienām.

Austrumkrastieši Bob & the Latvians uzstājās nākamie. Dibināts 1985. gadā, ansamblis ātri kļuva populārs un arī 80s un 90s gados Garezerā uzstājies, kaut tie koncerti varbūt nesalīdzinājās ar koncertēšanu 1989. gadā Latvijā, kad Bob & the Latvians piedalījās turnejā ar Pērkonu. Ansambļa dziesmas, kā piemēram "Vairosimies Latvijai," guva lielu piekrišanu arī starp Latvijas jauniešiem. Šogad grupa atzīmē savu 30. jubileju, bet šī ansamblim bija pirmā uzstāšanās kopš 1993. gada. Šajā reizē vislielākā piekrišana bija arī klasiskajām dziesmām, “Kriksis,” kurai publika īpaši skaļi dziedāja līdzi “Mans suns ir aizbēdzis!” un “Iesim viņu meklēt!” Uzstāšanās tika noslēgta ar dziesmu “Alus ir lētāks pilsētā,” kura ir Bob & the Latvians pati pirmā oriğināli sarakstīta dziesma.

Vēl austrumkrastu pārstāvēja ansamblis Frikadeļu zupa, kurā trīs oriģinālajiem dalībniekiem pievienojusies GVV absolvente un skolotāja Imanta Nīgale. Viņas māte, Laila Medne, ir viena no ansambļa dalībniecēm, un pati arī GVV absolvente. Frikadeļu zupai pirmā uzstāšanās notikusi tālajā 1975. gadā, un pēdējo reizi jau 1978. gadā. Ansamblis sen nebija uzstājies, bet izrādās, ka viņu 1976. gadā izdotā plate vēl dabūjama! Divas viņu tai laikā populārākās dziesmas arī šajā reize guva lielu piekrišanu – dziesmai “Baby Blue” daudz klausītāju dziedāja līdzi un daži pat dejoja, un pēdējo dziesmu “Pusnakts vilciens” bija jāatkarto.

Visiem pazīstamie Čikāgas Piecīši ir gados vecāki par Garezeru, bet dvēselē tik pat jauni. Garezera pastāvēšanas laikā ansamblis un tā dalībnieki diezgan daudz reižu te uzstājušies. Alberts Legzdiņš šajās dienās daudziem jaunākiem garezerniekiem pat labāk pazīstams kā futeņa treneris un GVV labais gars. Kā varētu sagaidīt, šim gadījumam bija sava “Hei laili” dziesma, kurā daļa no pantiņiem skanēja:

Cik ātri laika rati rit,

Jau Garezeram piecdesmit.

Kas to butu iedomājies,

Ka tik ilgi noturēsies.

Vai saule spīd,vai pērkons rūks

Svētdienās par Garezeru lūgs.

Un Dieviņš laipni galvu mās,

Arī viņam šī vieta patīkās.

Un kamēr klāt nāks mūža biedri,

un talciniekiem tecēs sviedri.

Vēja kalnā karogs plīvos,

Jo latvieši te dziedot dzīvos.

Visaktīvāko publikas līdzdalību guva reperis Delete, kurš personīgi pazīstams daudziem garezerniekiem, pats būdams Garezera bērns, GVV absolvents, kā arī ilggadīgs voleja spēlētājs. Klīda baumas, kā šī varētu būt viņa pēdējā uzstāšanās. Bez lielas mudināšanas gados jaunāki skatītāji sapulcējās skatuves pašā priekšā, lai dejotu un dziedātu līdzi viņa hitiem, īpaši dziesmai "Rīga - Detroita." Delete mīlesība pret Garezeru bija manāma vadonī, kur savā biogrāfijā minēja, ka viņam patīk plunčāties ezerā un apciemot kantīni. 

Ansamblim Adam Zahl ar Garezeru vienmēr bijusi tuva saistībā. Ansambļa nosaukums cēlies no mūsu pašu iemīļotās ēdamzāles, un grupa savos 13 pastāvēšanas gados vairrākkārtīgi Garezerā uzstājusies . Vēl pie tam sastāvā muzicē vairāki GVV absolventi, kā arī tagadējo Garezera programmu dalībnieku tēvi. Adam Zahl programmā originaldziesma “Iesim peldeties” guva vislielāko atsaucību. Iespaidīga bija tradicionālā dziesma  “Es zinu šie vārdi…” ar Pētera Freimaņa specīgo operas balsi sākumā (“dzīve ir tikai bleķis!”). Klausītājus arī iepriecināja dziesma “Litte Willy,” kura veltīta ilggadējam Atbalsu saimniekam Vilim Zepam.

Garezers-Palooza bija vienreizēja iespēja noklausīties latviešu mūziķus, kā arī satikties un ciemoties ar sen neredzētajiem draugiem. Starp klausītājiem valdīja īsta svētku sajūta un draudzības gars. Daļa no klausītājiem pat tika uzcienāti ar kliņģeri, jo viena garezerniece iepriekšējā dienā bija atzīmējusi dzimšanas dienu, un mātes cepto labumu nolēma baudīt tieši šajā dienā. Publika patiesi baudīja festivālu. Viens ilggadīgs garezernieks, savos 90 gados piedzīvojis daudz Garezera sarīkojumu, pat teicis, ka šādu mūzikas dienu varētu rīkot katru vasaru. 

Kaut Garezera oficiālā devīze ir Dievam un Latvijai, jebkurš garezernieks piekristu, ka Garezeram pa gadiem attīstoties ir kļuvis skaidrs, ka precīzāka devīze būtu Dievam, Latvijai, Dziesmai un Draugiem.

A Summer's Weekend on the Farm and on the Bay

The promise of beautiful weather on a recent weekend prompted me to take two outings.

First, early on Saturday I headed to Butler's Orchard to pick blackberries. Butler's is one of the closest "pick your own" farms to DC; they start the season with strawberries, but I typically find time to do my own picking later in the summer when blueberries or blackberries have ripened.

It was a spectacular morning to be outdoors enjoying the fresh air, as we have had far too many 90+ degree days, and even when it isn't hot, DC area summers tend towards the humid and sticky. Although I have a tendency to get carried away when picking berries, this time I "only" picked 4,5 lbs of dark juicy blackberries, which I mostly ate on their own, in yogurt or on my cereal, although I did also bake two blackberry & peach cobblers.

While at Butler's, I made a point to stop by the multi-hued flower garden where you can create your own bouquet of summer blossoms.

I also took note of the adorable sign advertising the this weekend's Potato Festival!

The following day seemed perfect to seek out a body of water, thus I decided to make my inaugural visit to the town of Havre de Grace. This town of 13,000 residents is located on the northern tip of the Chesapeake Bay, where the Susquehanna River flows into the Bay. I took an immediate liking to HdG when I entered Concord Point Coffee downtown, saw the cozy interior, and was warmly greeted by the barista. This cafe got another bonus point from me with the tiny cow sculpture next to the creamer and sugar, and the note next to the cow, which indicated that during this particular week the bovine's moniker was "Albert Cowmoo." After enjoying a refreshing iced tea I strolled through town, particularly enjoying some of the restored older buildings, although I neglected to take any photos!

For lunch I chose Tidewater Grille, where a table next to the enormous window overlooking the patio and water was ideal. (I was too hungry and too cautious to wait for a seat outdoors, where the bright sunshine had begun raising the temperature into "hot" territory.) One of the day's specials was salmon stuffed with crab meat - yes, please! The friendly service once again reminded me that I was in a small town.

With renewed energy, I continued my explorations. A quick drive of less than a mile from the restaurant, and I found myself in Havre de Grace's most picturesque spot - Concord Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1827, but has been beautifully restored. There is something so appealing about a bright white lighthouse against the blue sky and water!

At only 36 feet tall, it is a smaller lighthouse than many others - rather adorable, I found! On Saturday and Sunday afternoons between April and October the lighthouse is open to visitors. Due to its size, only four people may climb it at one time. The lighthouse volunteer at the door monitoring visitors, and soon allowed me and a couple of others to make the short climb. As can be expected, the view out from up top was lovely, though it was also almost unbearably hot in the small lantern room, so my stay there was quite short.

That's someone para-sailing on the right!

View from the lighthouse

The keeper's house across the street is also worth a visit, as that too has been restored, and has some informative exhibits about the history of the home and the lighthouse, as well as a small gift shop.

Then it was off to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Promenade, a 1/2-mile long boardwalk with great views of the Susquehanna River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay. Conveniently at the other end I found a casual restaurant, The Promenade Grille, that also serves ice cream at its walk up window -- clearly a scoop of mint-chocolate chip was called for!

Many people were taking advantage of the summer weather -- quite a few individuals had come to the water's edge equipped with lawn chairs and reading materials, and had wisely positioned themselves overlooking the water in the shade of trees in the grassy area adjacent to the Promenade and lighthouse. If I lived nearby, I would certainly do the same on a lazy Sunday afternoon!

We Are a Part of Something - Garezers 50

The final day of the Garezers 50th celebration dawned warm, sunny, and clear. As is tradition in Garezers on a Sunday morning, mom and I headed to the peaceful outdoor church overlooking the lake. After two incredibly busy, social, and generally noisy days, I must admit it was relaxing to sit down in a quiet spot, and see this view...

The church was as full as I've seen it, and the service was absolutely lovely and truly felt celebratory. The three main celebrants all have deep connections to Garezers. Archbishop Lauma Zušēvica of the Milwaukee congregation and Bishop Gunārs Lazdiņš of the Indianapolis congregation have been teaching and leading services here for quite a few years, and are held in high esteem by the campers. Bishop Anita Vārsberga Pāža of the Washington, D.C. congregation is, so-to-speak, the first child of Garezers--as her father, Bishop Vilis Vārsbergs was the person who found the camp (it had previously been a Girl Scouts' camp in case you've never heard the story!) and had the original idea to establish such a gathering place for Latvians.

Anita's sermon was perfect. She spoke of the human need to belong, and the fact that we all belong to and are a part of Garezers, and that without us Garezers would not exist. The modern way she illustrated our belonging this was by taking several selfies of herself with the congregation.

An ensemble from GVV enhanced the service with a song... 

After the service the line to exit was long and moved slowly, because most everyone wanted to greet all of the celebrants. Once I'd moved through the line, I enjoyed chatting with a few friends, then realized it was high time I returned to the arts and crafts market for a couple of purchases. I'd visited earlier in the weekend, but had unable to commit to anything at that point.

The market featured a variety of vendors and products, including Liena Kaugars and the beautiful folk costumes she crafts....

Nikki Tupesis of NikJ Designs with bags, pouches, and fabric buckets, many with Latvian-themed patterns...

Ligita with her distinct beaded jewelry....

and Andris Rūtiņš of Balticsmith, who not only crafts wonderful jewelry, but was also helping young silversmiths create their very own pendants...

The creative process in progress...

Sisters proudly show off their creations. Photo: Andris Rūtiņš

There were at least a half-dozen other vendors, selling everything from t-shirts to etched glass to leather bags. After purchasing a few small items, I headed to the weekend's last event, Taste of Garezers, for lunch, with the bittersweet realization that this grand weekend was almost over.

(Special thanks to Andris as well as an old friend who is the mother of those two adorable kids for permission to use that photograph!)