7x7: Clement Street

When women are depressed, they eat or go shopping.  Men invade another country.  It's a whole different way of thinking. ~Elayne Boosler

One-stop bargain shopping strip.  Clement Street.  Full of character.  Beats the Mall.

Break time

Bittermelon, eggplant, plantains were staple food when I was growing up in the Philippines.  I never liked the bittermelon nor the eggplant dishes.  I did like the turron (plantains).  My mom always makes them.  Thanks, Mom.

Ducks, anyone?

Oranges.  Can't get enough.

Vegetarians should avoid this area during a certain time of the day. 

My favorite!  Manila mangoes!

These freshly-made sesame balls are so delish.  They come in 3s for only $1.50.  Perfect quick feed for very hungry swimmers.

Shrimp shiu mai.  Can't have enough.

Steamed rice and chicken.

Kiwis for sale.  Not the Kiwigirl, though.  She's mine.

Brooms for sale.  Where else can you get them for a bargain price? And assorted colors?

Keep your change in these very reasonable coin purses.  A great party favor.

A bargain ain't a bargain unless it's something you need. ~Sidney Carroll

burgeoning artist

Artists would get influence by each other...incorporating elements of other's work into their own art.  Think of it as a very, very, very slow jam session. —Mr. Junge, Art History lecture

Mr. Junge, Visual Arts Chair, prepping for the Spring Art Show

Always wearing a uniform--his apron

Each middle schooler were given a square to work on this awesome Frida Kahlo piece.

Print night--always a messy job.

Fellow artists checking out another artist's work.

A myriad of student work

Finishing up what she's started weeks ago--perspective drawing--to submit as one of her portfolio pieces.

The finished product

DISCOVERY...

The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. ~Elisabeth Foley

We first met at a music appreciation class for our girls at the Conservatory of Music when it was still located on 19th Street.  That was 9 years ago.

Our hellos turn into longer conversations into playdates into birthday parties into dinners to lasting friendship.  I still remember when my youngest sat in his carseat next to her newborn baby in her carseat. And now, both our firstborns are entering high school.

Her family has moved to the South Bay, and has travelled between here and Europe.  My three young children kept me on my toes. The busyness of life took over.  We've lost touched. 

Then we found each other before the Facebook craze, and have been touch and go.  We've been trying to get together since but to no avail.  

Years ago, I was able to photograph her family.  This will be forever etched in my mind.  Of course, the girls are much bigger now.  I won't recognize them when I see them.  But the memories we made are kept in my heart...hoping our paths will someday cross again.

"Here's wishing YOU and your family BON VOYAGE as you embark into a new adventure.
Stay in close touch."

This is just one story.  Yet so true to many of my friends who've moved away.  This is a reminder for myself to cherish each moment I have with them while they are still within reach.