Xtreme Holiday Xtravaganza Rocked!

On December 23, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Boise, Music, Seattle, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Experiencing the Boise music scene at the Xtreme Holiday Xtravaganza hosted by Curtis Stigers at the Egyptian Theater was an eye opener. Who knew there was so much local talent in little old Boise?? Now in it’s 11th year, this musical holiday journey featured Curtis, who is an amazing talent I was unaware of until lately, and loads of other Boise solo artists and groups. Not a bad note in the bunch and lots of moments that just made you smile. It was sold out both nights and now I can see why. WOW. stigers-2

This fundraiser benefits Interfaith Sanctuary Housing Services that supports the homeless in Boise. I got to meet Dan Ault, Shelter Director, in the lobby while on a break and promised my future support. How can you not? We volunteer every Sunday in Seattle when we are home to feed 300+ homeless at Shared Breakfast. For those of us blessed with so much, helping others with life’s basics of food and shelter seems to be the least we can do. Stigers’ rendition of “Burden” by Foy Vance was so relevant and gave me goose bumps. Foy is one of my favorite artists that we just got to see in Seattle at the Columbia City Theater, a small venue that won’t hold the crowd for Foy’s next concert swing as he gains in popularity. Go see Foy if you get a chance. Oh, and Curtis, please come to Seattle soon and allow us to enjoy a full evening of your music. The Moore or The Paramount would be ideal venues for your big voice. Please.

stigers-3 — Curtis sings Burden with back-up from many talent Boise artists

From an Irish band that I will have to check out soon at the local downtown Ha’ Penny Bridge Pub to Pengilly’s Saloon which seems like “the” place for local artists, we need to challenge ourselves to explore all this great Boise talent. Trooping up to the stage, The Divas of Boise, a group of talented female singers/musicians started by Rocci Johnson in the mid-90s to showcase their skills and lend a helping hand in the Boise Community, brought it with big voices and loads of talent.

Silly us. We have never fully explored the Boise music scene when visiting our home here because we are usually so busy with babysitting the lovely Miss Mia or doing home renovations. Busy, busy but finding time to listen to great music is essential to a happy life, at least for me.

Lucky for us, Eilen Jewell who lives in our North End neighborhood was on the stage with her husband rocking out with some other local musicians. I would love to see Eilen give a concert in this spacious theater. The last time we saw her we were packed into the Tractor Tavern in Seattle. Her heartfelt tunes and excellent band make for a fun evening but I would prefer not to stand the whole time. Yes, I’m getting a tad older and like simple creature comforts like a comfy padded seat.

stigers — Eilen Jewell and friends rocking it out. She’s AWESOME!

Curtis and his cohorts did a great job balancing the request for support with music and frivolity. Even in bleeding red Idaho, the liberal taunts of Trump were woven into the evening and it felt good to be among fellow people with brains who could laugh and cry together at the state of our country. The 3+ hour show went by quickly and raised a lot of money for those in need. On a cold and wintery evening, we felt the holiday spirit loud and clear. Happy holidays to all and to all a good night!

Expect nothing, appreciate everything

On December 11, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn Seattle, UncategorizedLeave a comment

“Expect nothing, appreciate everything” is my go-to life motto that I have embraced for years. Too often I’ve seen people who feel entitled and are unappreciative of the blessings they already have heaped upon them-good health, loving family, a stable job, etc. and instead are always looking for more, more, more because that is what they think will make them happy. MORE.

Wake up, folks-no one is guaranteed anything. I used to volunteer at Gilda’s Club in Chicago and hang out with cancer patients, serving dinner among other things. They coached us to just say it like it is, “Cancer sucks and shit happens. Fight it as hard as you can and appreciate each day we are given.” Having been widowed at the ripe old age of 21, I can definitely say that this tragic experience taught me to not sweat the small stuff and appreciate life. As I reminded one of my bosses when we were discussing a challenging situation, “no one died so let’s just chill and work it out”. Many variables can affect our lives that we have no control over. A 23 year old man is not supposed to die but he did. So I’ve always tried to work hard, love big and expect nothing while appreciating the hell out of everything I do have and cherishing every day the little things in life like exploring a new city, reading a good book, warm socks, or dinner with friends.

Today as I served hundreds of hungry homeless guests at our Shared Breakfast, I was once again reminded to appreciate everything. We were lucky to have received a donations of hats, gloves and socks for our guests that we will share throughout December. Our guests were so thankful not only for the hot, nutritious meal we served to them at their table but the added bonus of these hats/gloves/socks which will help them stay dry and warm while living on the streets of Seattle. Coming home to drawers full of socks, I imagined how it would feel to own only the socks on my feet. I am so thankful for my ability to have a job that allows us to have not only socks but a warm home with food whenever we are hungry. Others do not have this luxury. If you feel so inclined and want to assist this great organization that is 100% volunteer-driven and where all donations go to buying food, you can go to this site and give to Shared Breakfast.

wp_20161211_08_21_48_rich — Shared Breakfast in downtown Seattle, serving hundreds of guests in need

As we travel to Boise to spend the holidays, I will love being with my family. And I will appreciate the lovely meals we will share and the gifts we will give. But mostly I will appreciate our health, our love and our happiness to be all together as a family for even a short amount of time. That’s my true gift. And I will never, ever take it for granted. I will appreciate everything, every day. Happy holidays all!

Holiday Shopping that makes a difference!

On December 3, 2016December 3, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn Christmas, Holidays, Seattle, Shopping, UncategorizedLeave a comment

In an effort to put our holiday $’s to good use, we visited the Giving Marketplace at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation today. From handmade jewelry to cranberry-orange chocolate bars to coconut body lotions, various non-profits highlighted their good work and offered their products to purchase, all with proceeds going towards making a difference around the world.

First stop for us was, of course, Theo Chocolate with free samples and an interesting story to be shared. I have seen their large chocolate bars in the local stores for purchase but had no idea that they were made locally in Fremont (free factory tours!) and that they also support the growers in East Congo enabling a better life. Win-win! Theo Chocolate

Alaffia was founded in 2004 to alleviate poverty and empower communities in Togo, West Africa. Their creamy and fragrant body washes and moisturizing locations were amazing-I took advantages of samples so Thom and I could experience the shea and coconut-based products that are handcrafted to nourish the body and spirit. Sold! Someone’s getting an Alaffia gift in their stocking for Christmas. Shhhh….. Alaffia

Thom stopped by the Bike Works table to discuss how they promote bicycles as a vehicle for change to empower youth and build resilient communities. Launched in 1996 by a local Seattle group, volunteers provide services for over 2,000 adults and youth each year. If you think about it, lack of reliable transportation can have a huge effect on our lives. By providing a bicycle to someone in need, you can change a life. Bike Works

If you haven’t checked out the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation yet, go. There are exhibits that interest adults AND children. Very interactive and thought-provoking. In this crazy time where all we can talk about is hate and unrest, it is refreshing to go and see all the good work that this foundation provides to the world. Taking on the real problems that affect lives, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is tackling the big issues of water, poo, natural disaster response, etc. Wouldn’t it be cool if our government cared about this as much? Bill or Melinda Gates for President!!!

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As I’ve decided this year to make a difference with my holiday shopping, our annual Christmas PJ’s will come from Sudara, founded in 2005 to assist women in India trying to escape the sex slave trade. Hundreds of women are trained and provided with a safe work environment to heal and prosper. I can’t wait to wear my punjammies with pride on Christmas morning. Sudara

I also want to support small businesses at home. Instead of driving to the mall and shopping at the big box stores, I’ll be seeking out those little independent stores in Seattle and Boise to fill out my shopping list this year. Yes, it may cost a bit more but it’s worth it. Happy shopping and happy holidays to all!