Tag Archives: Miami

Corita Kent: In the Beginning was the Word

June 17, 2016Brainpoweractivist, art, art history, education, FIU, forgotten pop artist icon, Miami, peace, pop artist, revolution, screen prints, Sister Mary Corita, The Frost Art MuseumBeth Berger

While my mom was in town last week, we stopped by The Frost Art Museum at FIU. One exhibit up for display was the work of Corita Kent. She was an iconic pop artist, prolific activist for peace, and, at one time, a nun. Her pieces were so inspiring and I’d love to plaster them all over my walls. I thought her life story and work was fascinating, and wanted to share a little bit with you guys…

Her Background: Born Frances Elizabeth Kent in Fort Dodge, Iowa in 1918, Kent joined the Roman Catholic order of Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Los Angeles in 1936. She took the name Sister Mary Corita. After receiving an education in art and art history, she became an teacher and later the chair of the art department at Immaculate Heart College which housed the likes of Alfred Hitchcock and Charles & Ray Eames. Her own art was almost exclusively serigraphy, developing innovative methods of screen printing. Over the course of her career she created hundreds of designs, for posters, murals, book covers, and even a U.S. Postal Service stamp. Her art, with a strong focus on messages of peace and love, gained popularity during the 60s and 70s. While her politics, geared toward activism and a strong opposition to war, led her to split from her Catholic order around that same time.

Her Art: Corita Kent most often used popular culture as material for her art. Her screen prints would incorporate imagery from well-known products and brands alongside texts of a spiritual or peace-promoting leaning. In this way, she created a juxtaposition between acknowledged “art” and imagery most associated with American consumerism, art encountered in everyday life. She placed the ordinary with the holy, the picture on the front of the cereal box with the words of scholars and saints. As Harvey Cox, a theologian and friend of Kent’s, remarked, “Like a priest, a shaman, a magician, she could pass her hands over the commonest of the everyday, the superficial, the oh-so-ordinary, and make it a vehicle of the luminous, the only, and the hope filled.”

Her Teaching: Whether the faith infused in Kent’s work is holy or human is irrelevant, because her body of work ultimately highlights the inherent fusion of both. As such, in her teaching, Corita Kent focused less on showing her students how to paint and draw and screenprint, and more on helping them see the world anew. She taught her classes to gain new perspectives with the help of a 35 mm slide mount that students could look through to frame compositions and images. She encouraged students to seek out revolution in their everyday. If you’re interested in experiencing Kent’s teachings firsthand, her book is linked below, and is chock-full of unique assignments for fostering creativity.

Read More:

Someday is Now: The Art of Corita Kent

Corita Kent: An overshadowed pop art icon

Learning by Heart: Teachings to Free the Creative Spirit by Corita Kent and Jan Steward

Florida Stay-cation!

June 6, 2016Personal, Travelbeach life, by the water, Delray Beach, friends, Homestead, Miami, photographer friends, staycation, Sur La Lune, tropical gardensBeth Berger

As I mentioned before, our dear friends Carrie and Ganer recently visited us in Miami. We had an absolute blast! Since Carrie is a professional photographer who travels with camera in tow, I thought I’d share some of her fabulous snaps from their time here. I love all the sweet moments she captured. It was the perfect Florida stay-cation for Chet and I (with the HUGE added bonus of two of our favorite people). Take a look!

We spent a day lounging by the water at our favorite beach…

explored Pinecrest Gardens with all it’s larger-than-life plants and teeny-tiny lizards…

and took advantage of our apartment’s stones-throw distance from a swimming pool (with cabanas!).

After a few days in Miami our pals headed to Delray Beach for Part 2 of their vacay. We couldn’t resist following suit and drove up after work one evening for margaritas and tacos followed by the whole next day spent on the beach (complete with a couples photo-shoot!).

Thanks for swinging through Florida, Ganer and Carrie. We loved having y’all stay with us and had so much fun in Delray. Can’t wait for our next beach vacay with you two!

All photos courtesy of Sur La Lune Photography.

Follow Sur La Lune on Facebook and Instagram for more beautiful shots by Carrie. Her lifestyle wedding and portrait photography is the stuff of dreams!!!

Tom Bihn Synapse 19 and Synapse 25 IN THE WILD!

February 22, 2016Style and Design, Travelbackpack review, backpacks, commuters, daypacks, FIU Nature Preserve, hiking, hit the trails, Miami, our adventures, product review, products I love, ultralight travelBeth Berger

On the hunt for a new bag, my fiancee Chet chose to turn to the company Tom Bihn. Specializing in travel bags, laptop bags, and backpacks; tons of folks on the internet were singing the praises of Tom Bihn’s creations and so we wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Pretty much as soon as Chet’s Synapse 25 backpack arrived I wanted my own. He showed me the multitude of packing configurations available within it’s clever pockets and how much this one backpack could actually hold…and well, cue the heart eye emojis!

Luckily, Chet could sense my need. Valentine’s weekend I was headed to Bowling Green, KY but my very own Tom Bihn backpack showed up as an early gift just before my departure date! (That boy’s a catch, I’ll tell ya!) I gasped when I opened the box because the pattern was so perfect. My bag is the Synapse 19 backpack. This bag is designed the same way as the 25 (with the same clever pocket layout) but is 19 liters as opposed to 25 so it feels much better on my smaller frame.

Tom Bihn’s website heralds these bags as “a supremely organized backpack” and I tend to agree. The Synapse 19, specifically, is said to be a backpack well suited for hiking, travel, or commuting. Just the things I need a backpack for!

We’ve put these bags to the test, most recently at the FIU Nature Preserve (where we shot the pictures you’ll find within this post), and I’d love to tell you my thoughts…

Looks and Specs:

The Synapse 19 is a 19 liter volume bag and measures 16″ x 11.4″ x 7.9″. Mine features the Black Dyneema external pattern with a Wasabi interior.

The Synapse 25 is a 25 liter volume and measures 20″ x 13.4″ x 9″. Chet’s colors are Navy/Wasabi.

Both bags feature a sleek design thanks to their curvilinear exterior. Unlike some backpacks, these pockets are built into the shape of the bag so there’s no pouches cluttering up the outside of the bag. The bags feature one main, back compartment for big items with an interior, elastic-topped pouch that’s great for securing a laptop or books. Then there are two front pockets, the top of which is deep enough to hold a 1 liter water bottle or bladder. This pocket is specially designed to hold your water in place right at the center of the back which really helps with balancing the weight of your pack. Two side pockets flank the pack and these come equipped with slots to hold pens, cell phone, sunglasses, and O-rings to clip on carabiners or keys.

The bags are made with ultra-lightweight, ultra-tough nylon so they’re durable without feeling or looking bulky. As mentioned, I LOVE the pattern of mine. I’m always down for a bit of monochrome and the pop of bright green when I unzip is just the right level of pizzazz. I also feel like the design aids in the bag’s versatility. It works out on the trail but I can take it on city adventures without looking out of place. We’ve both remarked that it’s nice to have a backpack that doesn’t scream I’M A BACKPACKER!

Comfort and Wear-ability:

The back panel is padded with a 1/4″ of foam covered in a breathable mesh. That last point is a must when you live in South Florida. Nothing like taking your backpack off and finding a lovely layer of sweat has been left behind in it’s wake! The mesh definitely helps with this predicament!

The adjustable straps are also nicely padded. Overall, this is a really comfortable bag! While I’ve not done any super strenuous hiking with it (YET!), I did make it through a cutting-it-close, Home Alone style layover in the Atlanta airport without feeling like I was carrying a bag at all.

Both bags have removable waist and sternum straps. They’ve been taken off (except for Chet’s sternum strap…which is a great place to clip a go-pro) in these photos as we didn’t think they’d be necessary for a day-hike. But I liked having them when I was hauling more weight on a longer trip as you can totally feel the difference in weight distribution. I can’t feel any weight in my shoulders when I’m all clipped in!

For size reference: I am about 5′ 2″ and Chet is about 6′ 1″.

So what will it hold?

As a day-pack — For the day trip you see featured in this post (FIU Nature Preserve and surrounding parks/gardens + campus exploration/Starbucks) I had a book, my large wallet, tissues, hand sanitizer, and a collapsible tote in the big pocket. A full 1 liter water bottle and snacks in the front pockets. My blogging camera, pens, cell phone, and chap stick in the side pockets. And an umbrella in the bottom pocket. Because this is Florida and you just never know!

As a work bag — Chet takes his Synapse 25 to work every day. His campus is huge and with walking from far-off parking garages, an office and classrooms in different buildings, and foraging trips to on-campus coffee shops; a backpack is a much friendlier-for-the-back way to tote your crap than a briefcase, IMHO. He carries with him: a full-size tablet, notebooks, large pencil case, cell phone, first aid kit, various cameras and electronic equipment, water bottle, and snacks.

As a travel bag — This one is the kicker! I was AMAZED at how much stuff I was able to pack in for a 3 day/2 night air travel trip. I brought plenty of clothes, including; a pair of jeans, a huge sweater, 3 shirts, and PJ’s (featuring a really heavy pair of fleece pj pants because I was worried about traveling to actual winter climates). I even had room for a pair of sneakers in the bottom pocket! (For reference I wear a size 6 shoe.) Not to mention all my toiletries, make-up, jewelry, snacks, and misc. entertainment (chargers, headphones, book, etc.) I used these mesh pouches to keep things even MORE organized. The smaller ones held my jewelry and odds and ends. The bigger ones held my shirts (1 tank top, 1 dressy t-shirt, 1 pj shirt) and my underwear. These are great because you can clip them on to any of the bags 8 internal O-rings and you know they’ll stay right where you need ’em.

WANT MORE TOM BIHN CONTENT? Check out THIS POST and THIS ONE.

Who should get one?

Anyone who walks a lot, whether on adventures or at work. Anyone who enjoys ultra-light packing or just a super organized day trip. Anyone who loves a good hike. Anyone who wants to sail through their commute, or airport security, or a nearby trail.

What do you think? Would you get one? Do you think you could pack for 3 days (or more!) in a 19L backpack? Are you a hiker, student, or traveler on the hunt for a new pack? I would HIGHLY recommend checking out the Tom Bihn website and having a browse!

Happy Trails and Travels!!!

P.S. Want to receive an extra dose of delight in your inbox? SUBSCRIBE! You’ll receive occasional emails chock-full of all sorts of goodies. Thanks so much!

Why I love the library.

October 22, 2015Books, Every day lifebook haul, card carrying member, Miami, public libraryBeth Berger

On Monday, I finally got around to signing up for a library card at the Kendall Branch of the Miami-Dade Public Library. I have a long-standing love affair with libraries. While this means I racked up some pretty hefty fines back in the day (before I learned how to be an adult and do adult things, you know how that goes), I’ve always been a voracious reader so the attraction to libraries was sort of a no-brainer. Walking out of a library with a good haul is like Christmas morning! Bonus: All your presents are FREE!

When I was living and working in Bowling Green, poor as heck, one of my favorite weekly rituals was going to the library. It was located just down the block and I would go by myself, meandering the rows, loading my arms down with enough books and DVD’s to last me the week. Any enticing cover art or gripping back-cover synopsis would be indulged and added to my stack. And why not? When you’re literally planning a meal of spaghetti for the sixth time in a month and can’t afford to put gas in your car…you gotta find joy in life’s little pleasures. I’ll always associate libraries with self-care. Oh, and of course life-long learning, too! You can borrow a book, but you get to keep the ideas.

When a book shows up on my door-step from Amazon, I’m excited, sure; but the feeling of taking a book home from the library is for me–unparalleled.

Here’s a look at what I picked up on this inaugural visit to the library in Miami…

Bossypants by Tina Fey – STILL haven’t read this book. (I know!) I LOVED Amy Poehler’s book so I thought it was high time to check this one off the reading list, too.

Shortcomings by Adrian Tomine – I read about this graphic novel a few years ago (the author illustrates for the New Yorker) so when I spotted it from across the aisle I knew it needed to come home with me.

Mmmmiami: Tempting Tropical Tastes for Home Cooks Everywhere – When in Rome!

Are you a huge library fan like me? What are you reading these days? I wish we could tack an extra hour onto each day to make time for reading!

An Afternoon of Art – Frost Art Museum

September 21, 2015Every day life, Style and Designart, art exhibits, college campus, Cuban artist, Cultural Enrichment Saturday, FIU, Florida, free activities, free entrance, Miami, museum, paintings, The EvergladesBeth Berger

Just because Chet works at Florida International University doesn’t mean we can’t play there too! Universities and colleges are a great resource for finding fun (and usually affordable) experiences and activities. On a recent rainy afternoon we headed to campus to check out the Frost Art Museum. There was no entrance fee and the staff at the desk explained what exhibits were up and where they were located within the museum. We set off down the hallway and were greeted by this installation by Pawel Nowak featuring Polish passport photos.

Upstairs were the main exhibits. The rooms were gorgeously kept, with shiny wooden floors and the occasional skylight letting in peaks of natural light, and the art expertly displayed. Here’s what we saw —

Cartographies of Water by Rufina Santana

Santana’s art was deeply inspired by her homeland–The Canary Islands. The rugged volcanic rock shaping the islands, the exotic plant life, and of course the ocean are all expertly depicted in her work. It’s the endlessness of the sea, she says, which captivates her imagination. Just like a wide stretch of dark ocean waters, the paintings felt bold and expansive while also fearless.

There Are No Other Everglades in the World by Jim Couper

Couper’s paintings highlight the characteristics unique to the Everglades, a distinct and fragile environment located no where else in the world. He utilizes a bright palette of colors to play with the various ways the sub-tropical light changes and transforms the magnificent waters. His brushstrokes reminded me of an Impressionist painter’s, like Claude Monet. I found myself wanting to jump into the canvas and live in one of these serene waterscapes.

Green Machine by Carlos Luna

Luna is one of the foremost contemporary Cuban artists. He represents a generation of Cubans who embrace their heritage but also reinvent and adapt themselves to new trends and techniques. The exhibit featured a multitude of artistic media styles, including; painted canvas, mixed media work on paper, ceramics, and fine art tapestries. Luna is clearly a multi-talented artist. Working in Puebla, Mexico for 13 years after leaving Cuba, Luna now resides in Miami, and it was interesting to see the strong influences of those three places coalescing in his various pieces.

Behind the museum is a lovely little lake watched over by this guy. Oh, Florida!

We topped off our afternoon with iced coffees and a stroll through campus. The student union was buzzing with weekend activity. The space between buildings is full of great outdoor seating, including some contraptions which I feel are called gondolas but I really have no idea if they have a name. They’re essentially a picnic table…with a canopy for shade…and the whole thing swings back and forth. I. Want. One. Anywho, I can’t wait to go back to the museum as the exhibits change over the coming months! And I’m excited to discover what else FIU has to offer us. Perhaps a dance performance or a concert!?

Do you scope out activities at your local college campus? Would you? Do you have a favorite art museum? Let me know in the comments below!

Five free things to do in Coral Gables.

September 14, 2015Every day life, Travelboutiques, Coral Gables, explore, Florida, free fun, Miami, sightseeing, tourist, weekend adventuresBeth Berger

In an effort to get to know our new surroundings in South Florida, Chet and I have been setting off on a new adventure each weekend. Exploring Coral Gables was near the top of our list for a couple reasons. 1. Bourdain recommends doing so in the Miami episode of The Layover. 2. We live super close to this little hamlet! We spent the afternoon driving and walking around and taking in all the sites “the city beautiful” had to offer us. And we ended up not spending a dime! A welcome situation because SPOILER ALERT: moving and setting up a new home is expensive! It struck me that others may want to check out Coral Gables (or “the gables” as the locals refer to it) on a similar budget. So, here are a few ways you could spend your afternoon…

1. Take a drive under the canopied arches of the Banyan trees. This is the activity recommended by Bourdain and I’ll echo his suggestion. You’ll feel like you’re on a magical amusement park ride underneath the shade of these natural tree tunnels. The way the knobby trunks grow all twisted together is a site to behold. You may even want to climb out of your car at one of the center medians and get a closer look (or have a photo shoot…perfect Insta-worthy moment). But the real reason you’re going to love driving these scenic roads is the HOUSES! There are tons of stunning Mediterranean Revival homes with grand entryways, palatial courtyards, and spectacular fountains.

2. Pretend you belong at the Biltmore. Coral Gables has been home to this luxury hotel since 1926. It’s had a pretty notable history since then, including being used as a hospital during World War II. The Wikipedia page is worth a read as you wander around the circumference of the vast grounds. Perhaps pretending along the way that you’re staying in one of their suites for the weekend and only popped out to get a bit of fresh air. Maybe if you’re feeling bold you can zip on into the lobby and have a poke around there, too!

3. Walk the Miracle Mile. The Miracle Mile is a stretch of road that bifurcates the city center. It was designed in order to make all the businesses in the downtown commercial district no more than a two-block walk from each other. The result? An extremely pedestrian friendly city! You can amble up and down the stretch, popping in and out of quaint boutiques along the way, and check out the cool architectural details on some of the more historic buildings.

4. Enjoy a free film at the Miracle Theater. Along the Miracle Mile you’ll find the Miracle Theater which comes complete with an old school marquis and a vintage vibe. Amazingly, the Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theater sponsors a free film series! Check the calendar and plan your trip accordingly. They do a showing about once a month usually with a Saturday evening time and a Sunday matinee.

5. Do a little wedding window shopping. Not sure why but there are a TON of bridal and wedding shops in Coral Gables. As someone who is newly engaged, I didn’t mind at all! You could definitely find a few dream dresses while taking in all the different window displays. You can also find some ensembles you wouldn’t be caught dead in…and a particularly horrid few shops that feature crazy looking bridesmaid gowns and Mother of the Bride atrocities. And if weddings aren’t your thing…try home decor or records or art prints. There’s something for everyone!

Bonus: Sick of walking? The Gables also provides a FREE trolley service, with a trolley running a continuous circuit up and down Ponce de Leon Boulevard throughout the day.

mid-week round-up

September 9, 2015Wednesday LinksChina, donate, feminism, housing prices, instagram, Kentucky, made me laugh, Miami, photogenic, photography, round-up, simple meals, writing centersBeth Berger

What wonderful things have you been up to, my loves? We enjoyed some extra relaxation time with the holiday weekend, and took a trip to explore Coral Gables on Sunday. I’ve also been introducing Chet to one of my (many) reality TV obsessions, the PBS historical documentary “- House” series. (Like Frontier House, Colonial House, etc.) Have you seen them? Hope you have a wonderful rest of your week, and while you’re at it, take a look at these treats the internet has to offer…

Stories of people who abandoned urban settings for something a little more pastoral.

Kentucky’s state of paradox.

In case back-to-school season inspires you to donate.

Have you used these city guides? I hear they’re awesome. #wishlisted

A stunning piece to keep all your rings safe. (Reminds me of trips to New Mexico.)

My new favorite video on the internet.

After watching him in 2 great TV shows and following him on Instagram, I didn’t think I could love Matt McGory any more…I was wrong.

Terrifyingly, drivers in China kill the pedestrians they hit…on purpose.

Feeling a little ill? Call the Doctor!

A moving approach to housing.

Keep your freezer stocked with the following to stay out of the drive-thru.

Squinching.

A piece Chet wrote on writing centers.

P.S. How to build a light box and eerily awesome affordable art.

Rainy Day Adventure: The Arcade

September 3, 2015Every day lifeanime, Arcade Odyssey, couples, date night, just for fun, Miami, pinball, play time, retro, tokens, video gamesBeth Berger

Now that we’re feeling settled in our new apartment, Chet and I have been excited to do a little exploring in our ‘hood. After some internet searchin’, we stumbled upon an arcade not too far from our home-base. Since Sunday afternoon was dreary and rainy, with the remnants of Hurricane Erika washing up on us, we thought there was no better time to drive over and give Arcade Odyssey a go! They had tons of classic games, as well as rarer-to-the-States Japanese games (I know nothing about this sort of stuff but Chet was excited, lol), and a wall of pinball machines (!). We got some tokens and got tucked in…

Chet played a bunch of different games; his favorite was a crazy anime one called Chaos Code.

I mostly stuck to the pinball machines (Batman and The Simpsons were my jam) and this retro, Budweiser sponsored game called Tapper. Obsessed with Tapper, you guys. I want one in my house.

What a wonderful afternoon! Sometimes it’s fun to just act like a kid for a few hours. You feel a little giddy and lighter afterwards. I would definitely recommend an arcade trip if you’re looking for some sweet play-time with friends or your significant other. It’s a pretty budget friendly activity (just the cost of tokens) and you can keep it chill or get really competitive–depending on what you’re after. And of course you gotta love a place with Pac Man…

…and such a playful carpet print, lol. (I feel like this is the Universal pattern for arcades, movie theaters, and rollerskating rinks. Who instigated this?!)

We’ll certainly return for future fun!

Have you discovered any fun rainy day activities lately? Any suggestions? I’d love to hear…

We moved to Miami!

August 18, 2015Personal, Travelapartment life, cross country move, Florida, Kendall, Miami, new home, our big adventure, renters, we movedBeth Berger

Last Thursday, after an extended delay in Lexington (thanks for letting us crash, Mom!), Chet and I loaded up our two cars and set off South. We planned to take it easy on the long haul drive and split it up over three days, but then… after checking in to our motel at the end of the first leg of our trip, the movers called and said they would need to deliver our belongings early Saturday morning! I’m not a big fan of driving. And with a kitty on board I wasn’t so sure how a 12ish hour drive would go for us. But sometimes you just gotta zone in, cue up 7 million podcasts, and go the distance.

So! After a grueling final few hours through the hectic Florida highway system, we made it to our new home just as it started to rain. If the guards manning the gate at our complex hadn’t been so nice I may have finally lost my marbles at this point. One guard actually hopped in a golf cart to personally escort me to the front of our building! But the stress from the drive quickly melted away once I saw inside our new abode.

Our lovely rental apartment is a 2 bedroom/2 bath in the Kendall area of Miami. To me it’s exactly what one might imagine when asked to describe quintessential Florida housing–all tile floors and huge sliding doors. The creature comforts of a dishwasher and walk-in closet are fantastic but the piece de resistance is a HUGE screened in balcony that runs the length of the unit. Wink is as happy as a clam that he gets to roll around out there in the sunbeams. The complex itself has pools, a clubhouse straight out of the 70’s, and you can’t spit without hitting a palm tree. We are just 4 blocks from a grocery store and other shops and restaurants. Just under 5 miles from the university where Chet is working.

Basically, I’d say we did pretty well for renting the place SIGHT UNSEEN (other than a few cell phone pics). We’re settling in quite easily and I’m having fun slowly setting up, organizing, and decorating all the little nooks and crannies of our new home. WE ARE PUMPED about this place!

Anyways, I know it’s been a while since I’ve updated so thanks so much for reading! Do you know Miami (or the Kendall area) at all? I would SO appreciate any recommendations of fun things to do, good restaurants, etc. We’ve had a blast exploring and can’t wait to do more. It’s a whole new world down here!

P.S. I’m looking forward to getting back into the swing of this blogging thing now that all the craziness of moving across the country, etc. has calmed down. I think I owe y’all a post about a certain question Chet popped about a month ago! I’d also love to share what podcasts got me through that monster drive, a new book I can’t put down, and much MUCH more! xoxo