Episode #6: Outsider Art (feat. Art Enables) from Park Triangle Productions on Vimeo.

Busboys and Poets is featuring episodes of “The Angle” for their In Focus film series starting February 6 at the Hyattesville, MD location; February 12 at 14th & V (DC); February 19 at Shirlington, VA; and February 26 at 5th & K (DC). More information available on this link.

Stay tuned for “The Angle” on Eclectique916.com

SPLIT THIS ROCK POETRY FESTIVAL: POEMS OF PROVOCATION & WITNESS
WHAT: Four days of readings, workshops, panels, open mics, youth programs, and activism, bringing poetry into public life and exploring the role of poetry in social change.

WHEN: March 22-25, 2012

WHERE: Washington, DC – Multiple venues in the U Street Corridor and Columbia Heights. Visit the website at www.SplitThisRock.org for details.

CONTACT/INFO: info[at]splitthisrock[dot]org, Tel. 202-787-5210, blogthisrock.blogspot.com, @tweet_this_rock

E916: What inspired Split This Rock Poetry Festival?

SB: Split This Rock emerged from DC Poets Against the War, part of a national movement founded in response to President Bush’s drive to war with Iraq in 2003. Our local group united poets working in a variety of styles – across differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, and sexual orientation – to speak out for alternatives to war and for a radical reorganization of our nation’s priorities.

As I discovered when I moved here, DC poets had always written with this clear-eyed. But they did not always have a platform from which to speak these truths. There were few institutions supporting and promoting this kind of poetry, poetry that bears witness to the injustices of the world and, through compelling and powerful language, provokes change.

We designed the first Split This Rock Poetry Festival to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq in March, 2008, and put out the call nationwide for poets and activists and dreamers to join us.

The response was so phenomenal. Hundreds of people from our city, our region, and throughout the country found the festival so necessary, that we went to work building a permanent home for socially engaged poets. In addition to presenting a biennial national festival (which is equal parts festival, conference, and political action), Split This Rock now also presents readings, workshops, and discussion series year-round, publishes poetry of provocation and witness in electronic forums, sponsors an extensive program for youth, including the DC Youth Slam Team, and spearheads campaigns to integrate poetry into public life.

E916: How did poetry become so popular in Washington, DC? What makes DC a poetry or a poetic city?

Essex Hemphill

It’s no coincidence that most of these poets are African American, of course. Our city’s Black writers and artists have always nurtured and supported one another, developing a strong cultural voice that has been critical to the survival of the District’s Black community.

Today is no different. Older poets mentor younger ones, communities of poetry form and dissolve and re-form. DC becomes a living center for oral poetry – the oldest of poetic forms – newly named “Spoken Word.”

The District of course is also home to the federal government, an institution endlessly dissected and analyzed by the press and the popular imagination. Those of us who live here, in contrast, are often forgotten. We claim our place in the world, therefore, with poetry. Here is our story, our poems declare. Pay attention.

E916: When did you become a poet?

SB: I come from a family of poets and English professors, so it took awhile for me to accept that I had no alternative but to be a poet. I was busy differentiating myself by becoming a community organizer. But I discovered that I couldn’t do one without the other. I needed a creative life, a language with which to explore the complexities of the world, my relationship to the society in which I found myself, all the ways that history shapes us and frees us. I was almost 30 before I began calling myself a poet and found a way to put poetry at the center of my life.

With first DC Poets Against the War and now Split This Rock, I have found a way to unite these two commitments, to be a poet and an activist, to be undivided.

E916: Who are you looking forward to seeing at the festival? Give us a few highlights. Who’s coming to the event?

Sherwin Bitsui

We’re also paying tribute to the life and work of poet-activist-essayist-teacher June Jordan during the festival, as 2012 will mark the 10th anniversary of her death. Several sessions will reflect on Jordan’s legacy, focusing on her writings on environmental justice, sexual violence, and creative resistance.

Full Schedule Link

E916: How do we appreciate poem? Does a poem make its best impression when read on the page or read aloud?

SB: When we attend a live reading, we hope that several of our senses will be excited: the language will delight our ear (even if the topic is a difficult one); the music of the poem will tickle our rhythmic sense; and the eye will receive gifts from the poet himself. We also have the pleasure of a live, communal experience, the kind whose magic we know from musical and theatrical performances. We are both alone and in a crowd as we listen and watch.

When reading poetry on the page, on the other hand, we have the pleasure of solitary communion with the poem. We can take all the time we want with it, reread it, read it aloud, yell at it. The eye is the most essential organ to this experience: The poem’s form should inform its meaning. Every mark on the page asks a question, suggests a possible reading. Which is why poets are so meticulous, can struggle for years with a single poem. The possibilities are endless; English in particular has a huge vocabulary compared to many other languages. And so the poet seeks and keeps seeking the language, the form, to carry her vision into the world.

This year’s festival’s tag line is “Poetry by and for the 99%.” When and where does poetry occupy public space?

Poetry is everywhere! Poets have been occupying and occupiers have been writing poetry. A new anthology, Liberty’s Vigil: 99 Poets Among the 99%, has just been published by Michael Czarnecki’s FootHills Publishing. Split This Rock poets have led open mics and given workshops and slept out and marched alongside and been beaten alongside as well. We carry lines of poetry through the streets during demonstrations, we hand out poems, we recite poems into mics.

Yesterday, the cashier at the grocery store was moved to tears when I told him of reading poems in front of his country’s embassy, drawing attention to its repression of poets and activists. I cannot help him go home. I cannot help his family join him here. But on a busy day at Trader Joe’s, we will shake hands, and our tears will tell of the power of words, the essential place of poetry in making a better world.

Entry forms are due February 1, 2012.

(Mailed entries must be postmarked February 1, 2012 and received by February 4, 2012 – P.O. Box 21204, Washington, DC 20009) That’s pretty soon, but the process is simple.

Got a chocolate layer cake recipe (like German Chocolate, Devil’s Food…anything with chocolate cocoa in the batter)? Just jot it down on the entry form after filling out all the contact information, tell the story of the cake (what inspired the recipe, who laps it up, who shouts about it etc.), check the signature box, and click the SUBMIT button. That’s it. No entry fee. No purchase required. No baking…at least not yet.

Up to 15 entries will be selected for the semifinals and judging event with special guest judges (cookbook authors, food professionals) March 24, 2012 at Martha’s Table. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Martha’s Table (www.marthastable.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping at-risk children, youth, families and individuals in the DC community improve their lives by providing educational programs, food, clothing and enrichment opportunities.

Five finalists go to the Final Five in April for a chance to win the first prize.

First prize: $500 + your winning cake on the Eatonville Restaurant dessert menu (the 2011 winner is still a best seller), and a $250 gift card from King Arthur Flour, one of several sponsors of the contest. The winner also gets the fame that comes from being #1! Read about Decoyise “Dee” Brown, the winner of the 2011 challenge in the Washington Post. Dee will be on the noon newscast of local CBS affiliate WUSA9 Friday, January 27 interviewed by J.C. Hayward.

For more information visit www.shoutbakingchallenge.com, email contest[at]shoutbakingchallenge[dot]com or call 202-939-0794.

You can also download and print a contest brochure (2 pdf docs) from these links and give it to a friend:
Cover
Inside/Entry Form

In “The Man,” Senator Douglass Dilman (James Earl Jones) through the law of succession suddenly becomes the first black man to occupy the Oval Office. “The Man” remains unique in that the film presents the black president as the central dramatic character confronting the political and social weights of his position. Sound familiar? In addition to Jones, the film features actors from television and film’s “Golden Age”: Burgess Meredith, Jack Benny (in a cameo), Janet MacLachlan as Dilman’s activist daughter, George Stanford Brown, Martin Balsam, Barbara Rush, and William Windom. The screenplay for “The Man” was written by Rod Serling (“The Twilight Zone,” “Requiem for a Heavyweight”) and directed by Joseph Sargent (“Something the Lord Made,” “A Lesson Before Dying”).

Eclectique916 continues to campaign for “The Man,” a film that is less than 50 years old and yet practically obscure. According to the documentary film “These Amazing Shadows” about the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry, 50% of films produced are lost. This spans from the silent film era at the top of the 20th century to the present. Feature films produced in the last 50 years are also vanishing. “The Man” is considered one of them. To date, only three 16 mm copies of “The Man” have been identified/found. It is highly likely the original film is 35 mm. To date, the location of that 35 mm reel is a mystery.

The book was taken out of print then re-released in 1999, the year after President Bill Clinton’s “impeachment” by the House of Representatives prompted by the “Monica Lewinsky scandal.” The Senate acquitted President Clinton. In the book, but not so much in the film, Dilman also faces impeachment.

James Earl Jones wrote the introduction to the 1999 version of “The Man.”

His [Dilman] intention is to be president of all the people. He has no axes to grind, even racial axes. He simply cares for the national good.
James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones recently received a life-time achievement Academy Award aka Oscar during his theatrical run of “Driving Miss Daisy” in London in November.

The book went back out of print but recently re-emerged as a Kindle edition. The film is not available on DVD, Blueray or streamed. Thanks to the efforts of persons like Clayton LeBouef (“Something the Lord Made,” “Homicide: Life On the Street,” “The Wire”), who will talk about preservation of films like “The Man” February 7, the Rod Serling Memorial Foundation and this blog, “The Man” is back. It’s the beginning of a project to bring attention to significant films (many recent) that deserve extended distribution. If not for an informed and conscious audience, these films will be lost forever.

VOTE!

Vote for "The Man" on the TCM website

Vote for “The Man.” See “The Man” for yourself February 7 at National Geographic “Tuesdays at Noon.” Additional screenings (including outside DC) are TBA.

Tomorrow, President Obama will deliver his State of the Union address at 9:00 p.m. ET. During that speech, he’ll lay out his vision for an America where hard work and responsibility are rewarded, where everyone does their fair share, and where everyone is held accountable for what they do.

There is a range of ways to get involved with this year’s State of the Union address.

Immediately following the President’s speech on Tuesday, be sure to stay tuned to WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU for a live panel featuring senior White House advisors answering your questions about the speech. Then, on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, a group of policy experts and advisors to the President will sit down for Office Hours on Twitter — discussing the issues that matter to you and your community.

Finally, on Monday, January 30, President Obama will join the conversation in a special Google+ Hangout, a live multi-person video chat, from the White House.

Participating in the Hangout is easy — just visit the White House YouTube channel to submit your questions and vote for your favorites between now and January 28. A few participants will be chosen to join the President in the Google+ Hangout to ask their questions of the President live!

Check out WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU to learn more about watching the enhanced State of the Union online and all the ways you can ask questions this week:

WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU

Here’s the full lineup — all times are ET.

Tuesday

9:00 p.m.: Watch the enhanced version of the speech that features graphics, data and stats that highlight the issues the President is discussing on WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU. Use the Twitter hashtag #SOTU to discuss the speech live.
10:00 p.m.: Immediately following the speech, pose your questions to a live panel at the White House. Senior advisors will answer your questions about the President’s address submitted via Twitter (use #WHChat and #SOTU), Facebook, Google+, and an in-person audience of Tweetup participants.

Wednesday Office Hours Schedule

All Day: Josh Earnest, Principal Deputy Press Secretary, answers your questions on Twitter (@jearnest44)
1:00 p.m.: Office Hours with Mark Zuckerman, Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council
3:00 p.m.: Office Hours with Dan Pfeiffer (@pfeiffer44), White House Communications Director

Thursday Office Hours Schedule

10:00 a.m. Veterans: Matt Flavin, White House Director of Veterans and Wounded Warrior Policy
11:00 a.m. LGBT: Miriam Vogel, White House Senior Policy Advisor and Gautam Raghavan, White House Associate Director for Public Engagement
12:00 p.m. Women: Racquel Russell, Special Assistant to the President for Mobility and Opportunity and Avra Siegel, White House Deputy Executive Director for the Council on Women and Girls
1:00 p.m. Seniors: Jeanne Lambrew, Deputy Assistant to the President for Health Policy and Nick Papas, Assistant Press Secretary
2:00 p.m. Latinos: Felicia Escobar, White House Senior Policy Advisor, Julie Rodriguez, White House Associate Director of Public Engagement and Luis Miranda, White House Director of Hispanic Media
4:00 p.m. Small Business Owners: Christine Koronides, Senior Advisor for Economic Policy, National Economic Council
5:00 p.m. African Americans: Danielle Gray, Deputy Assistant to the President for Economic Policy
6:00 p.m. Asian American Pacific Islanders: Chris Lu, Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary
TBD Youth: Administration official to be announced

Friday Office Hours Schedule

11:00 a.m. Foreign Policy: Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting
12:00 p.m. Education: Roberto Rodriguez, Special Assistant to the President for Education Policy
1:00 p.m. Health: Jeanne Lambrew, Deputy Assistant to the President for Health Policy and Nick Papas, Assistant Press Secretary
2:00 p.m. Energy: Heather Zichal, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change and Dan Utech, Deputy Director for Energy Policy
3:00 p.m. Consumer Protections: Brian Deese, Deputy Director National Economic Council
4:00 pm The Economy: Jason Furman, Principal Deputy Director National Economic Council
5:00 p.m. Job Opportunities: Portia Wu, Senior Policy Advisor for Mobility and Opportunity Policy
6:00 p.m. Urban Issues: Racquel Russell, Special Assistant to the President for Mobility and Opportunity

Monday January 30

President Obama participates in a Google+ Hangout from the White House

E-bert and I are tossing this ball back and forth. The ball is former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, son and brother of presidents.

What Laura Bush said
Several news outlets are circulating a story from former First Lady Laura Bush’s remarks at an event in Sarasota saying she and her husband, President George W. Bush, hoped Jeb would run in 2012. This started with the Florida-Herald Tribune (at least from my end); it’s now on CBS News, the Guardian, the Daily News, Houston Chronicle and Huffington Post sites. This is also running alongside another story that Jeb Bush will endorse Mitt Romney at the end of the month. Two Jeb Bush trains running. But one must keep in mind, there are certain members of the Bush family and their political friends who don’t just blurt things out.

E-bert’s got the ball. He says, check out the photograph BuzzFeed attached to the story about the endorsement. You have Jeb about to shake hands with President Obama. The sign behind him is for the White House summit “Winning the Future.” This is a story about Jeb Bush endorsing Mitt Romney. But where’s Mitt in this picture? Shouldn’t this story about an endorsement include a photo of the person being endorsed? Hmmm.

We’re now chuckling at the caption on the CBS News site:

Bush, who speaks Spanish and is married to a woman born in Mexico, has been active in trying to bring Hispanic voters – a crucial and growing vowing bloc that usually supports Democrats – to the Republican Party. Earlier this year, he said Republicans should not just run for president by attacking President Obama.

Is this a fishing expedition? In 2000, a (fluent) Spanish-speaking candidate married to a woman “born in Mexico” or Mexican American wouldn’t have a prayer. But we have President Obama, or as the media likes to spin it – the age of “post-racial America.” You have to say “hmmm.”

Republican establishment strategies bring it down to one simple goal (cue Charlie Sheen) – winning. A Jeb Bush endorsement is key for Florida (remember 2000?). Hardcore Democrats or Democrat leaning voters have hardcore memories for better and worse. Independents live in the moment (financially speaking). In “The Sting” the backroom gang used “The Wire,” a set up con so old no one would remember it. It’s been 4 years since 8 years of Bush. People will remember “The Wire” as a HBO series.

The RNC convention is taking place in Tampa, Florida. South Carolina primaries are up next. Media’s talking about Steven Colbert’s run in the primaries. Power struggles continue within the party. Long odds for a photo finish. And still too soon to tell.

It’s January and I’m starting to feel a draft.

Ebert adds some flavor to the predictions for 2012
[E-]BERT’S PICKS FOR 2012

1. Jeb Bush drafted to be the Republican presidential candidate. Romney on ticket as VP.
2, The media starts talking about the American Elect third-party movement.
3. Hillary Clinton replaces Biden on the Democratic ticket.
4. San Francisco wins the SuperBowl.
5. Hawks cool the Heat in the playoffs.
6. New N.B.A. stars – Durant and Curry.
7. The Prince comes to the Washington Nationals.
8. A major earthquake hits the US
9. The governor is forced to “Walk” in Wisconsin.

10. Lady Gaga kicks off everything tonight.

Last week I noticed a front-page story on the “Express” newspaper about holiday gift giving may be postponed until after December 25th due to the economy and the anticipation of deep price cuts for consumer items. Fortunately, this all fits in perfectly if you’re expanding and bringing “diversity” into your holiday.

Today is the 8th and final day of Hanukkah. Hanukkah celebrates the triumph and miracle of the light over darkness. The Hanukkah story is a war story from over 21 centuries ago. The unarmed Maccabees defeated the great Syrian Greek army who ruled much of what is called the “holy land.” These former rulers defiled the Jewish temple. After the battle was won (considered a miracle), the temple was rededicated but there was not enough oil to light the holy temple. The little oil there was available astonished everyone when it burned for 8 nights. No gifts are required, but if one must “tis the season,” it’s usually a token.

Today is the 3rd day of Kwanzaa: Ujima (collective work and responsibility). This 7 day African American celebration of the values and/or principles that nourish and uplift family, community, and culture has a gift giving finale on January 1, New Year’s Day for Kuumba, the 7th principle meaning “creativity.” The official Kwanzaa site has gift recommendations:

Gifts are given mainly to children, but must always include a book and a heritage symbol. The book is to emphasize the African value and tradition of learning stressed since ancient Egypt, and the heritage symbol to reaffirm and reinforce the African commitment to tradition and history.

The Twelve Days of Christmas is more than just a jolly song. Christmas Day all the way through January 6 (Three Kings Day) celebrate the birth of Jesus and the visit of the three kings or magi who brought gifts to the infant. Three Kings Day, Twelfth Night or Epiphany is a Christian holiday celebrated in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. It marks the official end of the Christmas season. According to the LA Times, Mexican shoppers are feeling the pinch to meet children’s expectations for Reyes Magos, even with the lure of sales after January 1. The three Kings were named Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar from Ethiopia. It’s hard to believe there’s no one in Mexico or Spain who can play Balthazar in the 21st century without resorting to this:

After January 6, it’s time to gear up for Mardi Gras. The King Cake has a plastic toy baby baked inside. Whoever gets the slice with the toy infant buys next year’s King cake. Fat Tuesday is February 21. I’ve done the New Orleans Mardi Gras. I put the crowds into two categories: for tourists, it’s a wild party. For locals, it’s a time to get together with family watch the parades, cook up some food, and have folks over. To be honest, I didn’t fee safe around the tourists. And I’m from DC.

But I was there with a friend bearing gifts of pound cake as you’ll see in the video from the Church Lady Cake Diaries. Happy Holidays!

Andy Warhol’s Headlines

National Gallery of Art – until January 2, 2012
This one’s a maybe. It got a lot of good local press and buzz in anticipation of the exhibit’s opening in late September. The Newseum is across from the National Gallery; but it has a $21.95 admission fee. The National Gallery of Art is free. Perhaps my interest is seeing how Warhol plays in the west wing of the gallery which is nearly always reserved for works pre-20th century. The exhibit is a first all around in terms of Warhol’s work with a newspaper front-page format. Perhaps a visit is a matter of seeing what the fuss is all about.

30 Americans

Corcoran Gallery – until February 12, 2012
I’ve got a little time on this one, but I may see it earlier than later because word on the street is that the fuss is legit. This exhibit takes a bold step in framing the exhibit in what the curator and the collectors (who have loaned the art for this exhibit) deem as important contemporary African American artists of the last 3 decades. The art is part of the private collection of Don and Mera Rubell who live in Miami, FL who have plans for DC‘s art scene. DC has always been a city that appreciated the greener grass from another yard.

30 Americans from Corcoran Gallery of Art on Vimeo.

America Eats Tavern

405 8th St NW Washington DC 20004 – until July 4th 2012
You can say Jose Andres ThinkFoodGroup has done it again, or done something else. (photo right: America Eats version of Key Lime Pie – deconstructed) When the National Archives opened its exhibit “What’s Cooking Uncle Sam,” an exploration of the government’s historic role in the production, regulation, research, innovation, and economics of our food supply, Jose Andres was front and center to pair the NARA exhibit with an experiential dining exhibit in the old Cafe Atlantico restaurant. This is not only an experiment in museum exhibition but also restaurant exhibitionism. America Eats Tavern is a sponsored restaurant (Dole Pineapple, America Express). It’s essentially in a pop-out space (temporary) owned by ThinkFoodGroup. According to our server, the America Eats restaurant will move to a new location in 2012, Cafe Atlantico will re-open in a new location, and the 8th Street location will be a test kitchen for the ThinkFoodGroup. [All servers are well schooled in the menu and the restaurant. This is not the gig until a part in the movie comes up.] Food is now big business for Jose and yet it looks like he’s still having fun. The America Eats Tavern is definitely a foodie experience with its contextualized menu describing the historical origins of every dish and drink based on Jose’s extensive collection of American cookbooks.

KEY LIME PIE
1890s
Limes arrived in the Florida Keys in the 1830s, thanks to a US Consul from Yucatan, Mexico. Two decades later, sweetened condensed milk was invented and the new invention rapidly took hold in the South, where fresh milk spoiled quickly. By the end of the century, the two ingredients were combined to create the famous unbaked pie, not long before a hurricane wiped out the original key limes in the 1920s.

Let’s also remember that American food and flavor has evolved over the years with each encounter. I would say for the better. BTW, Jose’s from Spain. I suppose he’s become our new Tio of what America eats.

As for “What’s Cooking Uncle Sam,” the book is more interesting for me than the exhibit. It’s a start in using original documents from the archives file to appeal to audiences that have fully embraced the foodie craze. But for me the exhibit has lots gaps including stories of the beginnings of the school lunch program. This could’ve been enhanced with testimonials from persons who ate the wheat bread with apple butter (this wasn’t mentioned in the exhibit, but it was served in schools in DC). The Olio Margarine busts are interesting (yes, margarine was treated like “crack cocaine” thanks to the Margarine Laws demanded by dairy farmers); and the testimonials that gave rise to food regulation that saved lives might make a Tea Partier think twice shutting down the government. But how has the government effected our eating habits? This is the question “What’s Cooking Uncle Sam” is exploring. However, overall the exhibit is uneven and really goes off topic ending with recipes from the White House. Many of us never knew what U.S. presidents ate. Was it determined by the USDA? BTW “What Cooking…” is free; America Eats Tavern can cost up to $60 for a 3 course experience with drink — and until July, a portion of the sales will benefit the National Archives — but the experience was worth it.

Gemal Woods’ “The Angle”

Gemal Woods at Park Triangle is turning out a new on-line series that looks fresh. It’s called “The Angle,” an “Eclectic Docuseries.” Hmmm I like his style. I’m impressed by the talent Gemal’s brought into the studio or found round about us. Gemal is making me forget that DC is a “government town.” Check it out!

Episode #5: The Actor (feat. Clayton LeBouef) from Park Triangle Productions on Vimeo.

Zoo Lights

If I was making a romantic comedy film set in DC, this would be one of the first locations I’d scout out (until January 2)

Zoo Lights at the National Zoo. It’s Free. It’s beautiful. It’s magical. And yes, people made “Tron 2″ jokes about it, but who cares. Zoo Lights juice provided by Pepco.

And of course, I’m still just scratching the surface.

There are also emotional and even metaphysical adjustments that changes to one’s physical space can trigger. Can these things blow your mind? Hell yeah! Once a renovation gets started, it’s the point of no return. It’s a major investment that will require recovery and hand holding. I want to remember the material lessons from my first home renovation because the results (which are great) are making me forget the experience, or as I called it, “the middle passage.”

Here are my lessons that I’ve shared with others – especially apartment dwellers:

1. If you live in an apartment or home with only one bath or one kitchen, be prepared to live out of your apartment for at least 1 month. This mostly applies to any work requiring plumbing, major wiring, knocking out walls and major construction. Paint jobs are a breeze. Some carpentry like cabinets or shelves might not throw you out of your digs. But regardless of what your contractor tells you (like 7 – 10 days), I’d estimate 4 – 6 weeks per room. 2 – 4 months if an architect is involved.

2. Whatever budget you have, add 30 – 50% more (including item 5). People will say “yes” to your budget and “yes” to additional items for the project. I was advised years ago to purchase my own materials to avoid upticks. However, you know how time consuming shopping for materials is, especially if this is not your profession or even hobby. Basically you’re paying someone to do that for you and to use their discounts as much as possible; just be prepared to pay.

3. Pre-approve purchases all purchases. Some little items are necessary, some big items not so much. Know the difference. You need to know where your money is going and why.

4. Bring contractors down to earth re budget and time. See items 1 and 2. Once the room is gutted, there’s no turning back, so might as well keep it real from the top.

5. Budget for some pampering like a massage or even counseling. Major changes in your space are just that — major. They do affect your psyche. You may feel like your world’s turned upside down. You may find some other problems lurking in those walls or other places that needed attention years ago. It may feel like the world’s crumbling all around you. But always remember, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

6. I would suggest some kind of warranty in the contract. Stuff might not work 2 – 3 weeks later. It’s been a month for me, and so far so good. But it doesn’t hurt to be covered for the “what if.” If car mechanics offer it, why not everyone else.

7. Cover all your stuff with plastic or drop cloth. Regardless of what you’re told (remove items from surfaces), best to put everything under wraps or pack it away. The dust that gets kicked up is amazing. Unless you have Felix Unger doing the work, you’ll have to a clean up after. There will be lots of trips to the laundry and maybe the need for a professional cleaning crew.

8. Ask your contractor to bring their own damn paper towels and cloth wipes. Even when I tried to hide my dust cloths, they somehow found them and used them for their work. The paper towels were gone. I didn’t replace them. Perhaps contractors should ask for these items up front as part of prep.

Personally, I don’t know anyone who didn’t go through some kind of upheaval during a home renovation or major repair. It’s the way of that world I’ve learned. Self care is key. As I grow into my new world ordered, I see the need to make additional changes on so many levels….including this blog.