The Great Right Lane Debate

My husband and I rarely disagree but there is something that happens in The Heights that we are currently at odds about. I think The Heights Life readers can help end the debate in a "majority rules" kind of way. We have differing opinions about the etiquette governing the right turn only lane on Studewood at White Oak. I don’t want to color your opinion, so I won’t tell you who thinks what. I just have to hear some other opinions on this and see where the majority lies.

I was unable to get a good picture of the intersection. Thankfully Google makes everything in life easier and you can click here to see the street view and refresh your memory if needed:
Studewood at White Oak, travelling North


Background- Three kinds of drivers:

With no hard numbers we can't say for sure, but for the sake of argument (and from driving the route daily) we will say most people who drive north on Studewood know that after this intersection, the right lane ends and becomes a right turn only lane. They approach the intersection in the left lane on Studewood and either proceed through the intersection or wait at the light. The majority of drivers will remain in the right lane if they intend to turn right on to White Oak at the intersection.

Occasionally, there are drivers who don’t know that the lane ends or becomes right turn only after you cross White Oak. These people will wait in the turn only lane until they can get back in the main lane and continue north on Studewood.

The third group of drivers is people who know that the lane ends after the intersection but will stay in the right lane to beat the traffic waiting in the left lane, cutting in to the left/main lane after the intersection. There may not be a lot of cars waiting at the light and drivers may opt to stay in the right lane to jump the light and be the 1st through the intersection, moving back in to the main/left lane after the intersection.

The Debate:

The debate between the husband and me is regarding this 3rd type of driver- one who knows the lane will end.

Viewpoint 1:

The right lane does not end at the intersection. The right lane on Studewood before White Oak is not right turn only, so people can choose to go forward from that lane. If they beat the traffic, good for them. They are not breaking any traffic law. Everyone who drives north on Studewood hasthe option to use the right lane or the left lane. If you choose to stay in the left lane and someone else drives in the right lane, you really shouldn't be annoyed. You could easily do the same thing.

Viewpoint 2:

People know the lane is going to end and using the short lane on the north side of the intersection is rude even if it doesn't break the law. Being a courteous driver means not intentionally speeding through the intersection to cut off people who did the right thing and waited. It's annoying when they zip through and then cut off drivers who are simply going forward like they were supposed to. They knew the lane was going to end and should have stayed in the left lane if they wanted to continue north.

So, lovely readers, it’s as simple as that. What do you think when you see people go straight through in the right lane, obviously knowing it's going to end, and then cut in to the main/left lane?

The curiosity is overwhelming me! I can’t wait to read your answers!

Heights Happenings

Saturday, July 18, 1-4pm: High Heel Boot Camp at NiaMoves

• I definitely prefer flip-flops to high heels, but for those of you who do wear heels but want to wear them with more confidence, this workshop might be just the thing.
• Here's what NiaMoves says about it: "Beautiful high heels are SEXY. However, wearing them makes you more prone to bunions, as well as foot, ankle, knee, and back pain. Maybe you've already traded in those beautiful pumps for sensible flats.Good news! All is not lost! You CAN be fashionable AND comfortable.No more limping and wincing, or wearing shoes like your grandmother wore. This workshop will use the Feldenkrais Method to teach you how to walk safely, gracefully, and without pain, in those fabulous high heels."
• $35 in advance, $40 at the door
  

Saturday, July 18, 7 pm: Kolanowski Studio Presents - BettySoo: a Studio Concert

• BettySoo shakes it up with Heat Sin Water Skin, adding some welcome edge and grit to the heartbreaker ballads and bell-pure vocals she's come to be known for. Teamed with seasoned producer Gurf Morlix (Lucinda Williams, Mary Gauthier, Slaid Cleaves), her vocals are striking, the players strong, the sound gripping, and the lyrics compelling.
• Please RSVP!! The Studio can accommodate approximately 60 people. They always want to maximize the audience for the performer, so payment in advance is appreciated and will assure you of a seat the night of the performance.
• The cost is $15 per person, with all proceeds going to BettySoo. You can pay by cash or Paypal. If by check, make the check payable to BettySoo. If using Paypal, greg@kolanowskistudio.com is the email address for payment. Also, please include a $0.50 per ticket processing fee (as well as necessary information about your reservation).
• Performances are presented at the house of Greg and Kim Kolanowski, located in the Houston Heights. All proceeds go to the performing artist. CDs are usually available for sale at the concert.
• Please arrive between 7:00 and 7:45 p.m. for socializing and snacks. Greg and Kim will provide soft drinks, but please feel free to bring your choice of beverage should you prefer something else. Music will begin at 8:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, July 18-19, All Day: Grand Opening Heights PetSmart

• I know it's not technically The Heights, but since they are calling it the Heights location we might as well take advantage of the door prizes and giveaways they'll be having for the Grand Opening.
• Located in "Sawyer Heights Village" at 1907 Taylor Street, the new 20,000-square-foot PetSmart store will offer an array of products, professional services and advice to care for the needs of pets.

Now through August 8, 2009: Leslee Fraser at Apama Mackey Gallery

• Artist Leslee Fraser makes her Houston debut with In the Absence of Empathy, a show brought to you by Apama Mackey Gallery in The Heights and ArtHouston2009.
• Fraser uses figurines, arranged and altered, to create "preposterous tableaus" that can be funny, dark, and poignant.

Have An Impact. Maybe.

Sorry. I am just a little skeptical about city government. Still, I am glad to see Mayor White (who is an outgoing mayor, no less) is wondering what we all think about our fair city. File it under Who knew? The City of Houston is actually interested in your opinion!

In the City of Houston's ongoing efforts to provide better customer service, you can take a moment to fill out a detailed Citizen Survey

Houston City Controller Annise D. Parker is gathering the data and once the results are tabulated, they will be available at http://www.houstontx.gov/controller/index.html

Through both random telephone surveys and online participation, the goal is to have at least 200 respondents in each of the city's nine geographic city council districts, for a minimum of 1,800 completed questionnaires; please forward this email to others to give their feedback also.

Take the Houston Citizen Survey by visiting HERE

Yard Art in The Heights

If you were playing trivia at a bar, how would you answer this question: "Which neighborhood in Houston has the most yard art?"

I'd wager it's The Heights.

A quick jaunt around the 'hood unearthed these gems:

This piece of yard art is located in the spacious yard at 18th and Harvard.


This piece of yard art is actually a bed turned into a planter (with a flamingo? added). You can check it out near the intersection of 12th and Harvard.


This piece of art can be found near 14th and Cortlandt.


It certainly feels hot enough to sustain cacti in our neighborhood. This one is located near 15th and Cortlandt.


This piece is near 8th and Columbia.

Have you seen any other pieces of yard art in your neck of The Heights?

Henna in The Heights

I have to admit, I drive a little too fast up and down Yale. I think part of the reason is that I am never going anywhere actually on Yale. It’s not a destination for me. It’s a route. As I zip up to 19th Street or head south, avoiding the train on Heights, I miss things. I never used to think I did. There are the “antique shops” and the crazy, bright green real estate office. I thought I had a handle on what was happening on Yale. That was until I went down Yale as a passenger. And my husband doesn’t drive nearly as fast as I do.

We were driving along, and as I stared out the window all sorts of things popped out for me- most notably a store front tucked in to a spot that had never drawn my eye before. What grabbed me was not just the bright turquoise trim of the building, but also the poster of a hand decorated with traditional Indian henna tattoos. What was this all about? I was curious and couldn't wait to investigate.

The Original Henna Company store front on Yale, just over the fence/north of the newly renovated building that houses Anytime Fitness

As luck would have it, shortly after I was Freecyclinga bunch of stuff, I recieved an email from a woman named Soniya regarding an item I was unloading. That was luck, you see, because Soniya’s email signature says “The Original Henna Company, 1130 Yale St.” A HA!!

I popped in to her sort-of tucked away shop on Yale a couple weeks ago to get the scoop. I was delighted by all the gorgeous pictures of henna tattoos she had done. Some simple. Some elaborate. All beautiful. Before going by Soniya’s shop, I was aware of henna tattoos and their traditional use for Indian weddings, but I had no idea how many different reasons there are to get henna done. Soniya told me that she has a lot of people who just get it just because it’s pretty. People will come in with their own art work and she will duplicate it in henna for them. She has done heads of cancer patients and written scripture across people’s backs. One woman had her do a design down the entire length of her body. Just because it’s pretty. I can see that. She also has women come in to get henna on their pregnant bellies. One of Soniya's favorite belly tattoos is a gorgeous tree with the symbols for strength and patience on each side and the baby’s name written in Hindi on the trunk. I was bummed I had missed that opportunity to do something like this, having just had a baby less than 2 months before. Maybe next time (Did I really just say next time?).

Traditional wedding henna

Pregnancy henna

Another great customer base she has is people considering real tattoos. Henna is like a try-it-before-you-buy-it option. People who are considering something large or conspicuous can test drive their design by living with it for a couple of weeks before getting the needle. Parents have brought in teenage kids who think they want to have a tattoo. Brilliant. Henna gives you a real sense of what it’s like to have a tattoo without the permanence.

Some examples of henna as temporary tattoos.

Of course I wondered how Soniya and her henna came to The Heights from Sugarland. Was there a demand here for her services? Soniya is a 3rd generation henna artist and started training in India at the age of 5. She and her family moved to Houston (actually Sugarland) when she was 13 years old. Her mother and sisters still have a successful henna business of their own down there. Soniya’s years of training and experience in the family business are certainly obvious in the beauty of her work. Soniya said she and her husband were looking for someplace they could live and work and also raise their family. They found the building the shop is in and liked it, but knew nothing at all about The Heights as a neighborhood. She says she just got a good feeling about the neighborhood. She said it “was calling me.” When it feels right, it feels right. Of course, in traditional Heights fashion, neighbors were very welcoming. Sometimes people just pop in to say “hi.” She likes that it is a neighborhood that understands and appreciates all kinds of art. It’s a place where “ideas are communicated” and “people share.” Like me, she has had a lot of support from the local parents group, Heights Kids, as well.

Despite loving living here and having support from locals, the neighborhood doesn’t drive her business. You see, Soniya is not just an everyday good henna artist. She was telling me about all the events she goes to- trips to Mexico and Florida. She told me how Beyonce’s parents have her do henna at their big Christmas party every year. She has regular clients from sports teams locally and around the country. I was especially curious about this. “Are henna artists uncommon?” I asked. No, she said. They are very common, but Soniya has something special- skill and speed that come from years of experience. In fact, she was supposed to be trying for the Guinness Book World’s record for henna tattoo speed this year (She is able to easily do 50 tattoos an hour for events like wedding parties)! Guinness is going to have to wait though, since she is welcoming a new baby this fall.

Who needs jewelry?

When I was growing up, I can remember my mom putting “henna” in her hair. That henna, as I remember, was a powder. Henna dye used for the tattoos is the same base and concept but in a paste. It’s an all-natural recipe of ground leaves from the henna plant, eucalyptus oil, clove oil, lemon juice, red tea and water. All these things together make the paste, which is applied to the skin and allowed to dry. In a short period of time, the paste will fall off and the skin will have absorbed the stain. It will look orange at first but deepens to a dark brown. Soniya makes her own henna paste using henna plant imported from India from a company her family has been buying from for 50 years. Apparently it has a very low allergen possibility and is even used in other parts of the world to help heal skin conditions. Cool stuff.

The natural aspect of henna is important. Apparently, there is something out there called “black henna” and it is not something to mess with. This is the kind of thing you’ll find at places like spring break locations and tourist traps. The reason Soniya felt the need to make sure I knew about this was not just because it isn’t real or traditional henna. It’s actually dangerous. Rather than taking the time to make the labor intensive henna paste, these quickie henna shacks use a chemical dye, like hair dye. As you can imagine, this can cause a pretty nasty skin reaction. Watch Soniya’s interview with Click2Houston to see an example of what can happen and how to prevent it.

Soniya, who is expecting her 2nd child this fall

My 12 year old niece is coming to visit in a couple of weeks and I can’t wait to take her to see Soniya for henna tattoos. You should really pop in to her shop sometime for a visit. It’s so comfortable and relaxing. If you think henna is pretty but aren’t inclined to get a henna tattoo, Soniya has beautiful canvasses of her own henna designs. She also sells traditional Indian jewelry and clothing. They have some upcoming expansion plans for the shop as well, and Soniya’s sister will be able to be able to offer additional aesthetic services like hair henna by the end of the year. I have a feeling that once I get one, Soniya might be seeing more of me.

Soniya is at the shop most days and appointments are also available.

Some of the artwork the Soniya creates with her own henna designs.

Heights Happenings

Tonight Wed, July 8, 8 pm: Jeff Strahan at Dan Electro's Guitar Bar

• If it's been a while since you've popped in to Dan Electro's, why not go tonight for some good Texas music?
• Jeff Strahan, musician turned trial lawyer turned musician, will be serving up some Texas Red Dirt Music for your listening pleasure

Saturday, July 11, 8 am- Noon: Central City Co-op Benefit Garage Sale

• Central City Co-op works hard to keep their prices low, making organic foods affordable for everyone. Because of this, they have to work hard to raise money when they need things like new refrigerators and necessary repairs. They support local growers, so let's support them!
• The garage sale, located at Fixer's Automotive on 11th Street, will have an abundance of toys, clothes and household items, as well as a large collection of donated plants for sale: mature ferns in clay pots, kalanchoes in red and yellow, impatiens, swamp lillies, and gingers.
• Also available for sale will be Bubbles Car Wash tickets. Bubbles donates $4 from each wash to the Co-op. Why would the Co-op want to partner with Bubbles? They are eco-friendly as far as carwashes go, recycling and filtering water to wash multiple cars. Who knew?

Saturday, July 11, 8 pm-12 am & Sunday, July 12, 4 pm-12 am: Absinth Art Show at Big Star Bar

• AbsinthArt is a grassroots group of rotating, independent artists from the Houston area. The show provides exposure for smaller, unknown artists in various mediums, but mostly oil, ink and acrylic.
• The group travels to different locations in the city's art and bar scene, this weekend setting up shop at Big Star Bar on 19th St.

Sunday, July 12, 1-2pm: Popcorn Kids Workshop with Aurora Picture Show

• The Striking Viking Story Pirates will present a special workshop at the Aurora office for 12 children where they will bring a story to life right before the kids’ very eyes!
• Location: Aurora Video Library, 1524 Sul Ross
• $15 per child of members; $25 per child of non-members
• Maximum of 12 children (ages 8-11)
• Advance ticket purchase required for Sunday workshop. Please call 713-868-2101.

Monday, July 13, 7:00 PM: Houston Heights Association General Meeting

• This month's topic will be “Recycling – Green Ideas for Everyone!”
• Mike Palmer, recycling educator for the City of Houston, will outline the basics you’ll need to get started and how easy it can be to participate.
• For those already recycling regularly, Palmer will review ways to improve your contribution to the Houston Recycling Program.
• Additionally, the City of Houston’s has a new pilot program that started this spring using single-stream recycling! Attendees will learn about this program and projected timelines for expansion into other neighborhoods. It is certain that increasing the Heights participation in the current curbside recycling could put us in line for this exciting program.

OUTSIDE THE HEIGHTS:

Friday, July 10: Chick-fil-A Cow Appreciation Day

• After all, if anybody in Houston has a cow costume sitting around, it's someone in The Heights!
• Free Combo for Wearing Cow Costume- wear your favorite cow costume to Chick-fil-A and get a combo meal for free.
• Important: for the whole shebang the costume must be head to toe! Just a cow part or accessory will garner a free entree.
• Don't have a cow costume? Well, luckily for you Chick-fil-A is generous and will even offer you a Starter Kit

This and Every Friday, 7 pm: Molly & The Ringwalds at The Continental Club

• Get your 80s music fix every Friday night at The Continental Club
• FREE!

MAM'S House of Ice SnoBalls Still Going Strong

I get depressed by the expression: "So close, yet so far away."

That's how I feel about MAM'S House of Ice Snoballs.

It used to be so close to my house. A mere four blocks. And now it's located all the way on 20th Street and Rutland (okay, okay, I confess: it's only 1.3 miles away). But still. I loved the sense of community and the yumminess that sprouted in the Fiesta parking lot. I mean, no one even uses that side of the building.

I decided to check in with the folks at MAM'S to see how they're doing at their new location. The truth is, they're doing better than ever. They said, "We didn't want to move, but it's actually worked out for the best."

Their new location (which they rent from an architect for the same cost as the Fiesta lot) gets shade in the afternoon, and it's grassy, so the "kids can run around." They actually feel like they get more driving traffic on 20th Street than they did on Studewood. In fact, a weekday at the 20th Street site is comparable to a weekend day at the Fiesta site. And, the new site has a breeze.

I'm still amazed that one little curmudgeon had the capacity (and audacity) to force the little blue house o' goodness to move. The owners said he threatened to sue Fiesta over these complaints:

1. MAM'S blocked the Fiesta sign (um, assuming it did, why would he care?)
2. It was a danger to kids because it was too close to the road (ahem, the sidewalk is even closer to the road--is that a danger to kids, too?)
3. It looked cheesy (really? really you can sue over that? and the Fiesta sign doesn't already look cheesy?)
4. The cash register encourages crime (and how many cash registers does Fiesta have?)
5. MAM'S was in the sight triangle (I can think of other things in The Heights that obscure views).

Apparently Fiesta tried to change its story and say that the issue wasn't the curmudgeon and his asinine complaints; they argued that it was dangerous to have people hanging out in the front parking lot but it would be safer to move them to the back parking lot (where all the traffic actually is).

Despite the fact that hundreds of supporters signed the petition to keep MAM'S in the Fiesta parking lot, they had to move.

The truth is, all the drama has been good for publicity. They say, "He did us a favor." They've been featured in the newspaper and on TV.

MAM'S is working hard to continuously increase their appeal. One of the owners spent two hours working at the SnoWizard on River Road in New Orleans. As a result, they have a new and improved technique for shaping the ice. They also added natural flavors that they make themselves (which recently included pomegranate and honey, pineapple and coconut, and peach/papaya/mango). Other new flavors include buttered popcorn, dulce de leche, king cake, tamarind, and white chocolate chip--just to name a few. They also added a doggie bowl, which includes shaved ice with organic chicken broth for $1. They're still trying to figure out the eco-friendly cup situation, but in the meantime, you're more than welcome to bring your own cup and spoon.

Happy 4th of July

Rather than scrambling to get my post up this morning, I am taking a cue from the rest of the country and taking the day off. I hope everyone has a great Independence Day.

Heights Happenings

Happy July 4th!

Maybe we'll see you at Stude Park for the fireworks.

Saturday, July 4:

Heights 1st Saturday

• My favorite plant store in our neighborhood--Buchanan's--is offering a session about "Gingers for the Lazy Gardeners." I have no idea what gingers are, but I'm definitely a lazy gardener! It starts at 10am.

Sign Up Now

Sunday, July 12, 1-2pm: Popcorn Kids Workshop with Aurora Picture Show

• The Striking Viking Story Pirates will present a special workshop at the Aurora office for 12 children where they will bring a story to life right before the kids’ very eyes!
• Location: Aurora Video Library, 1524 Sul Ross
• $15 per child of members; $25 per child of non-members
• Maximum of 12 children (ages 8-11)
• Advance ticket purchase required for Sunday workshop. Please call 713-868-2101.

Saturday, October 3: Komen Race For The Cure

• The Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has been ranked number one, topping 125 affiliate groups worldwide in recognition of the Komen Houston Affiliate’s history of providing the most funding for education, screening and treatment both globally and in its seven county service area in Southeast Texas.
• Create a team, fundraise on line or Sleep in for theCure®.