Points North

I think the most unusual thing I spotted was a sort of lamp called an Earth Light that was actually a slab of rock with tiny flames burning on its surface.

By Gail Graham
Contributing Writer

The sun came out on Sunday, and the weather warmed up, so Chairman Bao and I decided to spend our morning checking out the Aventura Arts & Crafts Festival. From the look of things, many Aventura locals had the same idea. There were lots of couples and families with little kids in strollers, and quite a few little dogs on leashes, everyone strolling, browsing, and sometimes, even buying. Artists and artisans had come from
as far away as California to contribute to a display that was as varied, as exciting and as eclectic a mixture of one-off originals as anything I’ve ever seen anywhere.

I saw wonderful wind chimes made of old, silver knives and forks. There were lamps made of ostrich eggs, and dolls made to look like tea-pots (or maybe they were tea-pots made to look like dolls) and hand-painted coins, and hand-painted T-shirts and cushions made of feathers and visors for dogs. There was jewelry and sculpture; there were orchids and organic soaps, scrubs and rubs. There were paintings and prints and photographs. I think the most unusual thing I spotted was a sort of lamp called an Earth Light that was actually a slab of rock with tiny flames burning on its surface. It works like an old-fashioned oil lamp, creator John Mahana explained. They’re made by attaching a shallow well to the bottom of the rock, and then drilling holes through and pushing tiny wicks into the holes. It’s a marriage of fire and rock as ancient as the earth itself, inspired, John said, by Prometheus, the hero who defied the ancient gods and brought fire to mankind.

Equally enchanting were the deceptively simple ceramic pieces and sculpted clay figures by local, Aventura artists Marcela Vigo and Cecilia Latorrewas. Originally from Argentina, Marcela and Cecilia have recently set up a studio and are turning out a range of unique, red clay acrobats who climb ropes and swing on trapezes. Sculpted faces mounted in frames are also unusual, and interesting. They make all of their own glazes, and although their prices are modest, the pieces themselves are of extremely high quality. They sell at shows, and from their studio, and can be contacted on (305) 450-5809. I was very tempted.

Chairman Bao and I shared a soft pretzel, resisting the temptation of peanuts roasting in cinnamon and sugar. We’re not spending any money, I kept saying. And then, when we were almost back to the parking lot, a fabulous pair of dangling earrings made out of little clay faces literally leapt up off a table and attached themselves to my earlobes, and what could I do? Goodbye, budget. And congratulations and thanks to sponsors City of Aventura, Aventura Hospital and Medical Center and others, for a great day out.

Shih Tzus and Soap Suds

If you can’t say anything nice, my mother used to tell me, don’t say anything at all. Good advice, although somewhat difficult for a reporter. However, I’d rather say nice things anyhow, so I’m happy to have the chance to do exactly that.

Bao and I have found a really terrific dog groomer. This is no small thing. Bao is particular. He won’t let me bathe him. Never has, ever since he was a puppy. When I tried, his screams, yelps, sobs and tears (yes, real tears. Shih Tzus actually cry) once actually prompted my Australian neighbors to call the police. They thought a child was being murdered. Eventually, I found a German pet groomer who specialized in small dogs and swore that he was good as gold and never gave her any trouble at all. (That dog is so spoiled, says my mother.)

Then we moved from Sydney to Sunny Isles, and I found Vilma Contreras, owner of Ocean Side Pet Grooming, on the first try, so how lucky is that? Vilma never seems to have a problem with Bao, either. In fact, Bao actually likes going there, and he always comes out looking like a toy stuffed animal, soft and fluffy with a little blue bow in his topknot. Oddly enough, Vilma was also trained by Germans: two sisters. And then
she perfected her techniques working on very posh pooches in the heart of Manhattan before opening up her establishment in Sunny Isles, which also has boarding facilities. But why here? I asked her, looking out at the unpromising sight of traffic coming off the Milton Littman Bridge and trying to make it to Collins Avenue before the lights change. Vilma smiled. I looked in the telephone book, she explained, and I noticed that
there were no professional dog groomers in Sunny Isles. So here I am. Vilma is very good, and very busy, and sharing her with you is my good deed for the month. But you will need to make an appointment. Just call 305-919-7988.
 
When You Look at a Doughnut, Do You See the Doughnut or the Hole?

I tend to think of myself as an optimist, one of those people who see the glass as half full, rather than as half empty, a person who sees the doughnut, rather than the hole.

Saddam Hussein and George Bush Jr. notwithstanding, there’s still a lot to be hopeful for, and there are plenty of optimists out there. In fact (and I’ll bet you didn’t know this), Optimists International is one of America’s three biggest service clubs. I’ve just found out that a brand new Optimists Club is up and running in Aventura, and they’re looking for people who want to get involved.

Charter President Wayne Sommer of the Aventura Club happened to be at the doctor having his blood pressure taken when I telephoned him, but he was happy to chat anyway. He explained that Optimists are people who enjoy the fellowship of the kind of people who get things done. They establish social and working relationships with cross-sections of the community, and they develop their own leadership skills while making the
world a better place for everyone. The first Optimist Clubs devoted themselves to assisting children and young people, and while this is still a strong emphasis, efforts have been broadened to include senior citizens, and anyone who needs a helping hand. Locally, Optimists have been particularly instrumental in promoting and supporting sports. Wayne said that most of the baseball games in North Dade are run by Optimists and many professional golfers have also been sponsored by the Optimists. They also run annual essay and oratorical competitions for young people, with hefty cash scholarships for prizes.

Aventura Optimists have just participated in a Toy and Stuffed Animal Giveaway at local hospitals, and are planning a number of new projects. They meet at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Fuddruckers, 17985 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura. Everyone is welcome. You don’t have to be young, or professional, or single. You’ve just got to be interested. For more information, contact Wayne Sommer on 786-897-1722. Get in touch with me at gailgraham1@juno.com