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The Burns Sisters Bring It to “The Hills of Ithaca”

16 Nov

“Together WE Stand.” The Burns Sisters gathered a few friends for their annual concert at The Hangar Theatre. Joining Annie and Marie were Doug Robinson, Bobby Sweet, London McDaniel, Tony Markellis, David Borisoff and Martin Horn.

Saturday evening at The Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, NY, The Burns Sisters played their annual concert, this year in honor of Veteran’s Day. Joined by numerous talented musicians, “Together WE Stand” was an emotional treat!

Delighted to perform, the bandmates displayed their talents through diverse styles of music, covers and original songs.  Joining Annie and Marie Burns were Doug Robinson, Bobby Sweet, Tony Markellis, London McDaniel, David Borisoff and Martin Horn. Two organizations were highlighted that help veterans, The Blue Star Mothers of America and Stand with Me. As someone who grew up with a devoted dog at my side, I know how valuable their companionship and support can be.  Stand with Me trains teams; a veteran and their dog, to learn skills that will help veterans navigate life after military service. Francess “Myrph” McMahon, founder and director of STAND WITH ME, stood on stage under the bright lights and explained to the audience the benefits and importance of service dogs,  and their training program.  Two of her students, one canine and one human, joined her onstage to demonstrate their progress and unity.

Marie Burns’ singing was haunting as she sang “Kilkelly”, a song written by Peter Jones.  Each line expresses another decade’s yearning for an Irish son who had emigrated to the United States.  Based upon family letters, this song is but one example of lyrics generated from writings from long ago.  “Hills of Ithaca” and “Lehigh” share Woody Guthrie’s words, written about a trip to Ithaca in 1947 or 1948.  Marie explained this on stage Saturday and does so here as well.

“My Peace” was dedicated to everyone on Veteran’s Day.  Woody Guthrie’s lyrics were set to music by his son Arlo Guthrie.  This calm, reassuring song ended the second set happily.  Then, the band sizzled for an encore of “Free Little Birds” an old Appalachian folk song.  The musicians’ joy spilled off the stage as they jammed.  Their rendition was smoking but this traditional version, “Old Time Music at Clarence Ashley’s” is fun too!

 

 

 

 

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Developing Adventures at New Park and Beyond

2 Nov

Feelings of adventure include confidence, doubt, curiosity and informed foresight.  Driven forward by this momentum, I drove to New Park to see what the fuss was all about.

Down the road from Taughanock Falls, this hidden gem of an estate lies behind a long wooden fence.  Arriving promptly for my appointment, Director of Operations, Martin Horn welcomed me warmly and began to describe the grounds.  My ability to speak left me as I observed the surroundings.  Magnificent details shine as part of a whole vision of vitality, excellence and comfort.  A custom glass rendition of the Finger Lakes inside a shower, elated me! Vintage telephones, a telephone booth and fluorescent lit jukebox also captured my attention.

Three sculptures of Jay Seaman accompany guests in an open outdoor area between buildings.

A copper musician plays the trombone in celebration and joy in the garden at New Park.

Jay Seaman’s sculpture appears to catch a ribbon unfurling.

Jay Seaman’s oxidized copper jester sculpture blends into the garden discreetly.

Created by Jamie Kehoe, New Park offers a unique, natural and luxurious venue to enjoy the Finger Lakes in numerous ways.

Event space at New Park Retreat

This welcoming space boasts cozy, woodland views while hosting guests gathering for celebrations, workshops and retreats.

A spectacular site for a destination wedding, New Park Corporate and Wellness Retreat can also meet needs of individuals and small groups.  More than a lodging facility, New Park provides a relaxing space to create memories through active means.  Try paddle boarding, indulge in a wine and cheese seminar amidst a woodland walk or learn about birds, water, African dance or butterflies! Sharing magic, through art, hospitality, education and celebration continues to guide activities at New Park.

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Monarch Eggs Have Arrived!

6 Sep

                         Monarch eggs arrive in the mail!

Monarch eggs arrived last week! A six gallon fish tank with a screen lid is an enormous habitat for the speck sized ovo from Rose Franklin of Butterfly Bushes in Pennsylvania.

I’ve been studying Monarch migration patterns and feeding needs for months, so I’ve been developing a deep appreciation for milkweed.  Milkweed serves as a food source and habitat for Monarchs.  There are many kinds of milkweed, some being more appealing to Monarchs than others.  (This area needs further investigation.)

Observing milkweed stances has become a bit of a hobby this summer.  Wether unwinding morning glory vines from milkweed plants or searching for Monarch eggs and caterpillars, I’m curious what I will find next.

Monarch caterpillar crawls around milkweed plant.

    Monarch caterpillar crawls upon milkweed in a hay field.

Learning about the multi generational migration of Monarchs makes me wonder where these ovo will fit into that cycle.  Their metamorphosis is estimated to be completed in 28-32 days.  Six days into their cycle they now look like super tiny black worms.

Monarchs are being released through various programs around the state.  Some of these programs are well established.  Read about the butterfly breeder who recently released nearly 150 Monarch butterflies !

Cornell’s Dyson School has an annual Monarch release that includes tagging the winged creatures! Professor Jack Little directed students in the proper technique of tagging, while many observed the butterflies release.  Follow this link to view pictures of the event.

Our Monarch eggs have changed into tiny worms and now small caterpillars!! New pictures soon!

Editor’s Note: Due to the severity of Harvey, publishing this post was delayed with respect for those affected by the disaster.  Grateful for pleasant weather in New York, we continue our work with concern and awareness for our shared existence.

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Finger Lakes Culture Bubbles Like A Spring (or Sparkling Wine!)

14 Aug

Grassroots creates a showcase of talents throughout handmade arts to music, dance and more.  The festival experience is rich, extensive and often exhaustive.  An experience not to miss.

Juggling many responsibilities, I was only able to catch a few performances. I’m thrilled Danielle Ponder and The Tomorrow People was one of these bands! Their performance enlivened and uplifted the afternoon’s crowd, dancing in mud near the stage.  I’ve been playing their videos and talking about this band since Grassroots.  Luckily, I found out about a soft/grand opening for F.L.X. Live in Geneva with Danielle Ponder and The Tomorrow People headlining! A hot ticket with limited availability, I scooped mine up quickly at Area Records in Geneva.

Tickets for an exclusive show!

Two tickets for Danielle Ponder and The Tomorrow People for the soft/grand opening of F.L.X.Live!

The band’s performance in the brand new, intimate venue was epic.  Danielle Ponder’s powerful performance and her tight, happy band bring dazzling energy and stir the willing into a dancing frenzy! This impromptu visit to Geneva was excellent.  Dinner at The Red Dove Tavern was impressive and casual.  Beginning our evening with Rose Cava and Champagne set the tone for a fabulous time. Professional, friendly service welcomed us to the noisy tavern, while our food mesmerized our attention and tastebuds. Cavatelli in a lemon artichoke broth with shrimp pleased me while my friend had flank steak sandwich and fries.  Peach cobbler and great coffee made the pleasant surprise complete.

A yoga eco hike along Lake Ontario’s shore at Sterling Nature Center worked any muscles I missed dancing the previous night! Leading this hike with Karen Haas of Bayview Wellness Center is incredible fun.  Poses throughout our hike lent themselves to each place we visited August 6 at 9am.  Our group was diverse, with participants in their early teens and the span of adulthood.  Men and women came from Baldwinsville, Fulton, Oswego, North Rose, Fair Haven and more to gather together for this yoga walk.  From the smiling faces, pictures and sincere thanks, I think people enjoyed themselves. Practicing group yoga on a pebble beach in synchronicity with our breath and crashing waves was awesome.

A downed tree provided a challenge for each of us, that many conquered with group support.  Walking up a steep trail to a large meadow looking off MacIntrye Bluffs over Lake Ontario warmed us before a series of poses a safe distance from the edge.  These poses were challenging, my legs often wobbling and my hip muscles screaming! For some reason, the pain was comical to me.  Karen humored me, instructing the group to place their arms upon each other’s shoulders and move into a warrior pose where it was as if we were an eagle about to soar to Canada.  Brilliant!

 

 Before long, I was setting up  at Aurora Ale and Lager Co. on the east side of Cayuga Lake.  An old farm is the perfect setting to enjoy the beers of this nano-brewery. Their Mango Infused Goseface Killah Gose recently won Bronze at the New York Craft Beer Competition and Governor’s Excelsior Cup.   

All of this is making me hungry and thirsty! Where to next? Somewhere lovely, for sure.

Coming soon! Updates regarding our Monarch butterfly project.

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Yoga Hike at Sterling Nature Center Invigorates Body and Mind

20 Jun

Participants look north over Lake Ontario as they strike a yoga pose on top of MacIntyre Bluffs at Sterling Nature Center in Sterling, NY.

Our busy lives can affect our health in many ways.  Therefore it is particularly important to develop and maintain a wellness practice that will enhance one’s physical vitality and resilience to stress.  Recently, I was thrilled to team up with Karen Haas and Susan Gately to facilitate a yoga hike at Sterling Nature Center in Sterling, NY.

Teachers from Red Creek gathered at the 1,428 acre nature preserve to follow yoga instructor Karen Haas of Bayview Wellness Center in Fair Haven, NY in yoga poses throughout the Cayuga County park. Lake Ontario sailor and scholar, Susan Gately provided insight into glacial geology, erosion of the bluffs and beach, beaver activity, bird identification and more.  A treasure of a property along the shoreline of the Great Lake between New York and Canada, attendees practiced yoga and hiked in many different settings.

A meditative walk through a quiet forest set the tone for yoga beside the lake.  Group poses, chosen to match the location, warmed participants up before a quick walk along the sandy beach and up the steep trail to MacIntyre Bluffs. Practicing poses high up over the lake in perfect June weather was a spectacular experience! We placed our arms upon each other’s shoulders and moved into a group eagle pose, as if we were going to soar to Canada!! Liberation, joy and slight pain were all bursting through this part of our session.

Participants took pictures before descending the trail to the beach to observe our surroundings. Evidence of beaver activity drew us away from the pebble beach to look over the tip of a marsh adjoining the lake shore.

A tree stump and logs shows evidence of the labor of beavers.


Exploring and researching new locations and activities is a favorite part of my work.  Before developing this walk, I was unacquainted with this nature preserve.  Now that I know how to get here and I’m aware of the numerous and diverse trails and waterways, I’ll be sure to return!

If you do go to the Sterling Nature Center, don’t rely upon Google Maps.  Numerous guidance tools may be wise, including a paper map.  Trail maps are likely available onsite at the kiosk beside the parking area and can be viewed here.

Participants reach to the sky while overlooking Lake Ontario’s blue waters during a recent yoga hike.

 

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New York in Bloom

2 Jun

New York is far more than one often imagines.  Beyond New York City there are numerous, regions to enthrall and captivate.  The Finger Lakes and Lake Shore along Lake Ontario offer such bounty and diversity, especially in late spring.

First paddle of the year was fine. Red winged blackbirds, a family of swans and lily pads make for a special paddle.

As blue waters beckon, birds swing and swoop, bees and hummingbirds fly, trees bend and winds blow, plants respond to warming, sunny days and people emerge from long, winter hibernations. Many friends give happy updates regarding upcoming performances or events and educational/agricultural progress, demonstrations of one’s own growth and interests.

IthacaFest begins Friday, June 2 in a jubilant celebration of community and passion, offering ample opportunities for dancing, live music and fun! Look over the schedule to gain an idea of the different performers and events. Or wing it but be sure to allow extra time and energy for parking/walking.

Remanu Steele, a Renaissance man, could have his own performance schedule this weekend! He will be everywhere, with one group or another, including Fall Creek Brass Band, Spiral Cracks and his own spoken word. A community organizer and performer, when asked for links to upcoming events, he provided information for events to teach and inform.  Tompkins County’s Cornell Cooperative Extension has numerous events planned.  Peruse classes and workshops on their site, from creating your own fairy garden to learning about challenges tomato plants face, you may be surprised by what you can learn!

Ever talented and motivating, Kathy Lucas will bring her practice of African dance Sunday evening with M0xie Kumba! Watch the dancers of Moxie Kumba in this video by Jonathan Keefner of their Dun Dun dance performance at Grassroots.  What rhythm, vitality and power!

Warm, pleasant weather can be rare so please get outside and explore a little.  Try a new sport or trail and witness the spectacular displays of nature and neighbors. Be safe and have fun!!

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B is for Butterfly

28 Apr

There is a little boy named Cedric who shouts my name three times when he sees me.  His joy for life is incredible and refreshing.  He knows all of his letters and just turned 3. One of his favorite books came from the Family Reading Partnership, located just outside of Ithaca, NY.  “Love Those Letters” introduces children to letters, encouraging practice of sounds and providing matching imagery.  Cedric or Ceddy quotes the book in conversation, saying things like “J is for Jumping.”

              Cedric enjoys a round hay bale on a chilly day.

In the book, B is for Bike, but as butterflies have been on my mind since January, at least, I realized, B is for butterfly.  Beyond their personal or metaphorical symbolism, butterflies are a unique part of the web of life.  Discussing our upcoming efforts to support butterflies, I discovered many people are very concerned about bees. Also, bugs, like ladybugs.  Chattering away one day about butterfly efforts, an entomologist from Cornell University told me she could explain why ladybugs are ‘more important(?!)’ than butterflies.  I’m still waiting to hear her contributions to the discussion but I began hearing a buzz in my ear from all of these Bs.

A force known as Bill Castle, co-owner of Pollywogg Holler passed away recently.  He was happy to hear my ideas about butterflies and he loved to host people. B is for Bill and Barb, his beloved wife.

    Bill Castle poses with a bee at his golden wedding anniversary.

I’ve always worked in hospitality and tourism, often in the world of wine.  This year, I’m on the east side of Cayuga Lake at Aurora Ale & Lager Co.  The views are amazing and the beer is fantastic!  The nano-brewery has a casual atmosphere where people come to relax, enjoying time at a slower pace than typical of our hectic lives.  Musicians are beginning to gather and regulars are visiting us often.

Guests do get hungry, so I’m hoping to arrange for a caterer specializing in barbecue to visit the brewery. B is for beer, barbecue and brewery.

Catching up with a friend, I told him my ideas about bees, and bs.  He said he is building bat houses and planting his favorite trees, birch trees…Really?! Ha, ha, b is for bats and birch trees, too?!

The synergy of interests and ambitions kind of amazes me! In these difficult times, it is the simple things that can inspire and support us.  The little insects that foster reproduction of plants through pollination, the warmth of a smile and strong handshake or hug, the time spent watching a sunset with friends and sharing finely crafted local products.

We hope to host informal talks regarding bees and butterflies this season.  I’m looking forward to the delivery of monarch larvae in June, so we can begin raising monarchs in a small nursery at the brewery.  I would love to see people caring for monarch larvae across New York state! This is a great project for people who would like to help support monarchs and witness their metamorphosis.  There is so much good that we can do and share.  I’m looking forward to it!

B is for butterfly.

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Butterflies, Bees and More

25 Apr

My grandmother said she WAS a butterfly.  She wrote, spoke and thought in metaphor.

Butterflies could use our help.  Numerous factors are affecting populations of butterflies and bees.  Detailed steps are listed at The Xerces Society’s page “Bring Back the Pollinators Campaign that can be taken to foster health for pollinators and environment alike.

Purchasing and caring for monarch larvae is a fantastic way to witness the metamorphosis in the development of butterflies.  People of all ages can experience wonder, while learning and supporting butterfly populations.  If you would like to order  and purchase your own monarch larvae and personal nursery to be shipped to your home, you can do so at butterflybushes.com.  Deliveries are not expected to occur until June 2017.

Many different partners are coming together to share information and resources to support butterflies, bees and more. Please contact me if you would like to participate.  More educational and event information will be released as the season progresses.

Three sites are listed below, each offering projects, actions and advice to promote the health of pollinators.

The Xerces Society’s page devoted specifically to our region is http://www.xerces.org/pollinators-great-lakes-region/.

Even Cheerios is hoping to create positive change for bees.  The cereal company shares information regarding challenges bees are facing and what is being done to help here: http://www.cheerios.com/weneedthebees.aspx

A quick look at the Cayuga Nature Center’s page devoted to butterflies, offered a name of the delightful creature that fluttered beside me yesterday, a “Baltimore Checkerspot.”

Now, time to venture into the fields and see the work these creatures are performing.

 

 

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Winter Entertainment

3 Feb
Sun sets on Lake Ontario behind spectacular Chimney Bluffs and the author.

Sun sets on Lake Ontario behind spectacular Chimney Bluffs and the author.

Winter in the Finger Lakes requires a bit more planning and effort than during our warmer months.  Though slick roads or white-out conditions can keep one at home, making time for fun and education can improve one’s mood and health greatly.  Cold and wind have pushed me inside after many brisk walks.  The Tompkins County Public Library is stocked with resources to exercise and relax the mind.  From exotic cooking shows like Made in Spain to local books like “Memoirs of a Fall Creek Boy” and “Underground Railroad Tales: With Routes through the Finger Lakes Region.” I revel in the facts, stories, sights and meals. (Read this article about author Emerson Klees, for writing advice and other local historical books he has written.)

Sunshine becomes a rare treasure in upstate New York.  Vitamin D, bright colors and imagery can warm one’s view and outlook.  Sun graced snow covered fields and wetlands early this week, making a snowshoe at the Montezuma Audubon Center  idyllic.  Caution was necessary as trails were not easily followed with the fresh snow cover.

A rare road trip with friends to attend live music in another city offered greater fuel than one might think!  Joyful dancers embody courage and hope of the human spirit.  Local DJ, Mike Judah spreads positivity internationally through Reggae Explosions on WICB, Ithaca College’s radio station.  He asks listeners to be conscious and loving in their actions, while sharing the affirmative messages of Reggae music each Thursday morning from 10-12 am.

Quite close by is The Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies, “the North American seat of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.”  A new contact shared a picture of the ceiling there which stuns! Meditation there is a special experience to discover and enjoy in these cold, worrisome times.  I plan to go there soon! (Along with The Johnson Museum!)

My interdisciplinary studies of adventure education and media arts push and pull my social media and outdoor tendencies. After graduation, time near waterfalls were often spent composing tweets.  I’ve reduced my social media activities in order to spend time in nature as uninterrupted as possible.  At times, I do enjoy taking pictures but oftentimes I will spend my digital connection time outdoors attending to emails. When I’m indoors, I may be devouring images of nature and details of other adventurers, many on Instagram.  Mud covered sneakers and boots inspired my name on Instagram and Twitter.  Find me @mooredirtyboots.

Cold weather has proven to be a great time for planning events, developing partnerships and organizing photos! A new theme for my blog and other digital maintenance will highlight future and re-discovered photos well.

This summer’s projects are beginning to take shape, coloring partners’ outlooks vividly with images of people cooperating to improve and share the places where we work and play.  There is a great deal of work to do but winter is long.

What helps you to thrive during Finger Lakes winters?  Or if you are somewhere sunny and warm, feel free to brag nicely in the comments.

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Meeting Other People Who Care

22 Nov

Meeting other people who care about our time, each other, our planet, our bodies; can embolden.  Posture may improve, eyes may brighten, conversation quickens and ideas and plans begin to form.  I’ve seen this phenomenon repeatedly this year. Scientists, farmers, writers, painters, students and professors have become inspired through sharing stories of initiatives that foster wellness in those around us and our surroundings.

Customizing multi-faceted adventures in the Finger Lakes is my specialty, yet developing events utilizing adventure education, recreation and service-learning projects is becoming another objective.  This year, two events focused upon water.  On April 2 volunteers cleaned a stream leading to Cayuga Lake as an “Embrace the Lake” coordinated effort with the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network.  After hauling trash from the woods and stream, volunteers enjoyed a picnic lunch and cider tasting at Bellwether Cidery.  A walk at Taughannock Falls State Park accented the day with slight snowfall as we said our goodbyes.

August 20 was focused upon the Great Lakes, the shore of Lake Ontario in Wayne County, NY specifically.  Mission eXXpedition spearheaded the largest simultaneous micro plastics testing yet in an international effort with teams on all Great Lakes.  The day began with a kayak tour of Chimney Bluffs, followed by a shore cleanup at an adjacent fishing access area.  The day ended at sunset at another beach as we took the final water samples of the day. Results are still being processed yet the teamwork of those involved created a kinship based upon shared values and efforts.

Winter is here! At least for a few days.  As we pull our snow gear out and look toward holidays and a potentially long winter, know plans will grow like friendships.  Emphasis upon a healthy environment, healthy, sustainable agriculture and breath-taking fun can be expected.  This blog’s format or theme may change but our mission remains constant, to connect people to the lands where we work and play!

For all of the fellowship, hard work and support, I am grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

 

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