24 Hours of Magic

The magic 24 hours started out last night with a visit to Gallery Crawl in Noda with my friends Terry and Nina. I had invited a bunch of other people but I'm learning that in Charlotte, similar to L.A., "yes" means "maybe", so that was a bust. We did hook up with Michelle and her family but they didn't last long. The two teenage girls weren't really digging the scene. And my friend Alan was somewhere with four friends, but he wasn't answering his phone so we never found them. BUT the three of us (see photo of Terry and Nina) had a great time. Noda was a little dead which was surprising since the weather was awesome. We started out at The Boulevard where my little retail space, Sara's Spot, is (sorry, but I've got to self promote, got to!). Then went to Allison's gallery, Green Rice Gallery. From there we headed down the street where there was a drum circle, which we had to drag Nina away from. Then we explored Mamalu's and the gallery next to it, which I can't remember the name. Center of the Universe was already closed by the time we got there so I'm taking the girls back to that. I love that gallery. Then it was time for pizza at Mellow Mushroom, and one of us was asked for her phone number by a MAN (and it wasn't me!) so that was nice. And of course the evening ended with a beer at Dog Bar, the most fun bar in the world (if you like dogs). On the way back to the car we stopped at Rat's Nest, which consists of vintage clothing at very reasonable prices.

Then this morning I had a meeting for the volunteer committee for which I serve on the board. We're bringing a statue of Mahatma Gandhi to 5th and Tryon. It was an excellent meeting and we all finally felt like we were making progress. I don't know how the Asian gentlemen in the group put up with me and my big mouth, but I guess we're okay. I just get so enthusiastic when things are going in the right direction. Well, they haven't asked me to leave, so I guess I'll just keep being true to myself.

And of course Tryon was closed, again. Yet another event. Last time we had our Saturday meeting it was Taste of Charlotte, today it was some basketball thingy, 3 on 3. There were baskets all down the street and some kind of basketball games going on. The photo of the little boy (3 years old) was from one of the games and then the Ralley Cats were doing some cheers. They were awesome. Also, the band is from that event. And of course Police Officer Mark Nemitz and his "vintage" VW. I told him it was a chick magnate. I don't think he believed me.

From there I went back to Noda to arrange some merchandise and met some nice people with, yes, you guessed it, dogs, because Pink Paw is located in The Boulevard. It was great to see everyone poking around the displays and enjoying themselves.

Should I keep going? You're free to stop reading if you're bored. I don't usually write so much. So then I hit Goodwill and bought some awesome outfits for under $18 (oh, a perfect day). Came home, had a late lunch and then went for a bike ride on the Greenway, and made it to the end!!!! That's a total of 9 miles from the house and back.

Boy, I sound like such a commercial for Charlotte. I wish I could tell you that the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce or Visitor's Authority was paying me to write all this, but the truth is I really, really like and enjoy Charlotte.

Tomorrow's a new day. Tomorrow will bring new adventures to share with you. Everyday is a blessing, everyday I will try to visualize peace, not only for myself but for everyone I love, and those living in turmoil.

Sara Abrams