Skating at Headwaters Park and Shopping in Downtown Fort Wayne Before Christmas

I'll tell you about a wonderful December day I had. It was Saturday, the last one before this Christmas. Traditionally, that's a big shopping day. It became for us a small business Saturday in the Fort Wayne area.

We had breakfast at Brevin's in Churubusco. A vegetable omelette was the choice for me and oatmeal, eggs and toast for others. It was delicious, and my portion so large I had to box it for home. I told my family about seeing the therapy dogs (pictured above) in the hallway of Walb Union, during finals week at Purdue Fort Wayne. Volunteers bring them to greet students. We all caught up around the table.

Then we drove in to Fort Wayne and visited the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. They had different exhibits - one a series of paintings by artist Elly Tullis - interpretations of Marys or Madonnas. It was soft and colorful, and I liked it very much. We also saw some wonderful prints and woodcuts, the Dia de Los Muertos exhibit with its art and shrines, and a fascinating series of masks from Mexico. The ornate, whimsical, fantastical masks were identified and grouped by different Mexican regions. I think I need to go back and look at those again.

I bought a beautiful hand-cut card in the FWMA museum gift shop. I love that gift shop - toys, wool clothing, gorgeous jewelry, art, sculpture, decor and games. I recommend shopping in museum stores for gifts. So much is unique, high quality, and special.

Then we went to a boutique on West Wayne Street downtown: Creative Women of the World. We discovered this shop is a registered nonprofit organization, and donations are tax deductible. They purchase works to sell from women artisans in 50 countries. There are over 200 artisans working and benefiting. It's a 'handmade, fair trade' shop. We loved the beautiful, creative choices.

One person picked out a homemade journal bound with leather. Another shopper got a luxurious, elegantly shaped cowl-necked sweater. They had all types of jewelry, art and gifts. There's a group of these newer boutique shops in this block, and the Fort Wayne Artists Guild have a Holiday Pop-Up Gallery at the City Exchange Shops at 127 West Wayne. We walked through the pop-up as well, and admired the paintings displayed for sale.

Lastly on this day, we went to the ice skating rink at Headwaters Park. Under the canopy that's also used for Greekfest, Germanfest, etc. in the summer, Fort Wayne sets up its ice rink and offers skate rental. Admission was $5 for adults and less for kids. They also offer concessions- hot chocolate, hot dogs, the usual. You can bring your own skates or rent a pair for $3. This ended up being a lot of fun. Mid-day, the sun was shining, we were gliding along in a big oval - skaters of all levels were doing their thing. It's the range of people and kids hanging on the outside rail pulling themselves along, up to experienced skaters weaving and turning in the center, showing off their skills.

Canned music plays - old pop songs, etc. I don't know if they're streaming Spotify or what, but it's fun to groove to the songs while skating around. It feels relaxing and unplugged. Then, it's "everybody off the ice," and the Zamboni comes out and works its magic. It melts the marred ice and smooths it, and adds cold water to freeze and make the surfaces all even again. Everyone likes to watch the Zamboni, and all rest a little from their exercise.

Farewell to you - happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and a happy Festivus for the rest of us! Celebrated annually on December 23, this sectarian, non-commercial holiday includes the Airing of Grievances, Festivus dinner, and is followed by the Feats of Strength. Seinfeld's Frank Costanza would be proud. Also, remember the angel said, 'Fear not'...'I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people"..

And then the multitude said...'on earth - peace, good will to men' or perhaps 'peace to men of good will.' Adios, amigos. Until next time.

Day of the Dead art comes alive at FWMoA

Near the fountains of Freimann Square and the sculptures around the Performing Arts Center is the home of the Fort's art museum, found at Main and Lafayette Streets. The Fort Wayne Museum of Art just departed from their usual fare with the recent exhibit honoring the Hispanic tradition 'The Day of the Dead'.

This is a cultural and religious tradition in Mexico, where it's a national bank holiday the day after another holiday, All Saint's Day (ASD is Halloween, October 31).

The museum used corridors and hallways to allow the erection of the altars, and these altars honored real people; soldiers and sailors, and one teenage woman who had died of suspected suicide resulting from gang violence and bullying, accord to the testimony to her on her altar. The altars are so colorful and beautiful. Sugar skulls and favorite foods and beverages of the deceased sit next to candles, pictures of the virgin Mary, and Marigolds.

Skulls have been collected by ancient people of Mexico for 3000 years, and used to symbolize death and rebirth. Skeletons are often clothed and hatted, carrying flowers, guitars, or other possessions they might be remembered by. I think the art is lovely, poignant and vibrant. The dead are remembered happily, humorously and with good spirits, so it isn't a sad affair.

I think the whole celebration is largely misunderstood by the average Caucasian American, who may see it as ghostly or macabre. But if one looks closely, one sees the Christian crosses, Rosemary beads, and pictures of Christ and patron Saints. One sees letters hand-written by servicemen (now deceased); their letters making it home, but the men did not. Individuals, school groups, centers for non-violence, and Erin's House for grieving children all sponsored different displays; each unique, personal and lovely.

Somehow I am really touched by the bottles of beverages laid out in honor of the deceased - do the spirits come back to be tempted by worldly pleasures of Mexican sodas and juices in bottles, the Cervesa or even tequila? Can a can of Coca-cola conjure a ghost? Perhaps next year I will be inspired to make my own altar, Hispanic or not (I am not). Somehow, though, it speaks to me, and it's fun to go downtown to the lovely modern architecture of the FWMoA. It's closed on Mondays and holidays. Admission is free every Sunday and Thursday.