Heights Happenings

Thursday, August 6th, 11:30 am - 1 pm: Opening Reception for Landscapes: A Photography Exhibit by Houston and Texas Artists

• Presented by: The Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, Houston Center for Photography and Houston Arts Alliance
• City Hall, 901 Bagby, Rotunda / Level 1. Tours of the artwork throughout City Hall will be available.
• For further information, contact the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs at 832.393.1097
• Refreshments will be provided.

Saturday, Aug 8, 10 am-2 pm: Second Saturday Buffalo Bayou Boat Rides ! (weather permitting)

• These 30-minute boat rides are a unique way to spend the afternoon with friends or family. Feel like you've escaped the city as you glide along the bayou's waters. Look for graceful herons, jumping fish, and even the occasional alligator sunning on the bayou's banks.
• No Reservations (20 person capacity per trip)
• Boat picks up at Sabine Street Bridge North Boat Landing
• Cash Only: $7 - adults, $5 - children (ages 4-12. Children under 4 not permitted)
• Parking available on Sabine Street Bridge and in City Lot H

Saturday, August 8, 9-10am: Meditation at Studio NiaMoves

• Life Bliss Meditation will take place at the Pecore House. There is a $5 suggested donation. Relax, Rejuvenate, Radiate! Come experience Bliss of a meditation technique developed by Paramahamsa Nithyananda, a young enlightened master from India, especially to counteract the stresses of modern life. The Life Bliss Meditation is designed to help center ourselves in our Being and re-connect ourselves with our true meditative nature. There will be a short intro explanation, followed by the 40 minute, 5 stage meditation.

Sunday, August 9, 12:30-4:00pm: Conquering Craft Area Clutter at Studio NiaMoves

• Creative types have lots of trouble with clutter. Most will tell you that it’s just a sign of the creative process. The only problem is that too much clutter interferes with your ability to be creative! You re-buy supplies because you can’t find the ones you know you already purchased. There’s no clear surface to work on, either. Come learn ways to control your creative materials and space, so you can stop dodging clutter and create freely.
• Price: $35 pay by Aug 5th, $45 after. They encourage you to register in advance so they can plan materials and refreshments for you.

Thursday, Aug 13, 5-9 pm: Traveli'N Gals Social at OoLaLa

• Bring your girlfriends and enjoy a night out with snacks, margaritas and sangria.
• See photos from the Gals' past trips and find out where the Gals are headed in 2010
• Free gift for the 1st 25 guests
  

Outside The Heights:

Friday, August 7, Saturday, August 8 and Monday, August 10: Super Happy Fun Land presents: The Ornery Theatre: Rough for Theatre I and II

• Two plays, performed together, by Nobel Prize winning minimalist Samuel Becket.
• Produced and Directed by Michael Switzer, the first show is “typical Beckett. There’re two men, a blind man and a man in a wheelchair, who are, as far as they can tell, the last people around.” The second show opens with “a man poised at a window waiting to jump out. Two men enter to discuss whether or not he should jump.” Both plays are about trying to find some sort of solace in a devastating word
• 3801 Polk. For additional information, call 713-880-2100 or email ornery.theatre@gmail.com.
• All shows at 8:00 pm. $10.

Saturday, August 8 & Sunday, August 9: Free Press Summer Fest

• 50+ National and Local Bands- this is some serious music, y'all. From NY hip-hop innovator Prince Paul to Houston's own country-folksy The Small Sounds and everything inbetween, this is the most ecclectic (and possibly most impressive) musical line-up to ever hit Houston.
• Great music plus art market, beer garden, games and giveaways
• One Day, Two Day, Fancy Pants and High Roller passes available HERE plus info where you can buy them in person
• Eleanor Tinsley Park, 12 pm - 10 pm
• Portion of the proceeds benefit Project Row Houses, a non-profit organization in Houston's 3rd Ward, which believes that "art—and the community it creates—can be the foundation for revitalizing depressed inner-city neighborhoods."

Coping with Crime

I hate to say it, but I seem to have bad luck when it comes to crime.

In my early twenties, I had my first car stolen (yes, I've had more than one stolen). I parked it in a Staples parking lot (in Tampa, FL) to carpool to a professional development course for my new job. When we returned a few hours later, everyone else's cars were still there; mine was not. It turns out that Dodge Neons are very easy cars to steal, and certain sixteen year-olds playing hookie from school enjoy popping out the lock, busting the steering column, hot-wiring the vehicle, and joy riding around town. A cop caught them going through the McDonald's drive-through the same day it was stolen, and my lovely car was returned to me with approximately $800 worth of damage.

My second experience with crime happened a few years later when I was teaching in rural Louisiana. I awoke on a Sunday morning to knocking on the front door. I pulled the French door curtain to the side to see who it was, and the guy started banging on the door and yelling, "Open the door, _________!" [insert a profanity that involves taking the word "mother" in vain].

As I dialed 911, the perpetrator started kicking the door. I managed to escape out the back door, just as the glass was breaking on the front door.

(Long story, short: it turns out that the guy was high on drugs and thought his friends were locking him out of their house.)

Several years later, the third incident occurred. My partner and I left our house in Denver to go to a 10am yoga class. When we returned, our house had been ransacked by a guy who was apparently looking for cash. We had accidentally left the bathroom window unlocked, and he used a raised carrot bed box from our garden as a step-stool to get into our house. He managed to break into five houses within an hour before being caught.

When I moved to The Heights last year, I had some trepidation about living so close to N. Main and Studewood, due to my past experience with crime. Our neighbor who has lived on our street for more than 20 years assured us that she felt very safe.

Less than four months later, we had both our cars stolen (one was parked on the street and the other was parked in the driveway), even though both of them were locked and one of them had a security system.

And just last week, I woke up at 6:45am to the dog barking next door. I fought the urge to cover my head with a pillow and go back to sleep. I got up and walked to the window to see what was going on. As I got closer to the window, I thought I heard the sound of breaking glass either coming from my driveway or my neighbor's house. Then I heard the sound of an alarm coming from next door. I grabbed my dog and my cellphone and ran to another neigbhor's house across the street, so I wouldn't have to be alone. On the way, I called 911, and three officers arrived after a few minutes.

After a little investigating, the officers discovered that someone had attempted to break into my neighbor's house. Nothing was stolen, but the experience reminded me of the need to be vigilant when it comes to crime. It's easy to get lulled by the quaintness of our neighborhood.

As a result of my most recent close encounter with crime, I'm recommitting to the following:

1. Checking on Things Consistently: It would have been easy to roll over and go back to sleep when I heard the dog barking unusually loudly and ferociously. Even when I heard the glass breaking, I could have chalked it up to being half-asleep and hearing things that weren't really there. We can't drive ourselves crazy with fear, but a little checking up is a good thing.
2. Bringing a Cellphone: Whenever I walk my dog around the neighborhood, I'm going to make sure I have a cellphone with me, so I can call the police if I see anything sketchy.
3. Getting My Neighbor's Contact Information: I tried to call my neighbor at work to let him know his house was broken inot, but it turns out I didn't have the rigth number. I'm going to make sure I have the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for everyone on my street.
4. Keeping Each Other Informed: When a crime occurs on our street, it's important that we keep each other informed, so neighbors can be on the lookout. I was able e-mail several of my neighbors to let them know what happened.
5. Letting Neighbors Know When You're Away: If you're going to be out of town, ask a few neighbors to keep an eye on your house. They'll be more likely to call the police if they see something unusual happening.
   
6. Keeping Doors and Windows Locked: Locked doors and windows won't keep a determined miscreant out of your house, but it definitely increases the difficulty.
7. Using the Alarm System: It's tempting to leave the alarm system off when I make a quick trip to Fiesta or Antidote. But if I'm paying for it each month, I might as well use it.
8. Always Locking the Car and Removing Valuables: It's easy to get lazy and leave an iPod or a wallet in my car. I now try to hold myself accountable for removing all valuables. I even use an anti-theft bar, in addition to my car security system.
9. Call the Police When Something Doesn't Look Right: It's better to be safe than sorry (but remember that a Latino or African American man walking down the street in The Heights should not be immediate cause for suspicion or alarm).

Overall, we live in a safe neighborhood, and we shouldn't focus too much on crime. However, if there are relatively easy things we can do to keep ourselves a little safer, it's worth it.

Where Will You Be On White Linen Night?

We know you all know WHITE LINEN NIGHT is this Saturday, Aug 1st. While most people flock to 19th Street, don't forget there will be a lot of specials and entertainment at some of the great businesses along Studewood.

Oo La La will once again host St Arnold's Brewery (free beer, people). They will have an onsite henna artist, Pop Squad Animal Rescue and Sonny Boy Terry providing the soundtrack live. There will also be a huge sale, so get yourself some great stuff by local artists and designers and support Heights businesses!

Antidote will have live music from one of Houston's most talented musical mishmashes, I Am Mesmer . Put together by local musician Geoffrey Muller, aka Uncle Tick, who plays Banjo, Cigar box Guitar, and Musical Saw, I Am Mesmer is "a super group of banshee pilgrims" including Jo Bird (viola), Kelly Doyle (Electric guitar), Hilary Sloan (Fiddle), Lukas Aberer (Gypsy Jazz Guitar), Wilhelm Van Horn (Banjo),Robert Ellis (Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin), Mike Whitebread (Stand Up Bass), Kirk Surddreath (Percussion).

The Big Mamou will have live music, beniets starting at 10am in the parking lot, special appetizers, draft beer and their regular lunch and dinner menu.

Also, Heights Life friend Soniya from The Original Henna Company (over at 1130 Yale) is going to have Indian Food and drinks. That should be a treat!

Heights Happenings

In conjunction with this weekend's White Linen Night festivities, Young At Art is hosting a KIDS NIGHT IN!

• Drop off your kids (ages 5 & up, please) for a fun night of pottery painting, PAINT ME t-shirt fun and pizza while you enjoy cruising 19th Streetages
• 6-9:30, $60 (+ tax).
• Pre-registration is required (simply send an e-mail via their website or call to reserve your spot... Payment due at drop off).
• 244 W. 19th, 713-862-0900

Monday, August 3, 6:30 pm: Houston Heights Association Land Use Meeting

• The Land Use Meeting will take place at the Fire Station.
  

Outside The Heights:

Friday, July 31 @ 8pm: Outdoor Movie at the Menil

• Aurora Picture Show partners with the Menil Collection to present a free outdoor series of Western screenings in the park. High Noon is an American 1952 western film starring Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly. The film tells the story of a town marshal who is forced to face a gang of killers by himself. Somewhat controversial upon its release in 1952, High Noon, has been described as an “existential Western”. Bring your blankets and picnics for a western film screening under the stars.
• Free admission

Saturday, August 1, 10 am - 3pm: Welcome Home for Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan

• Be a part of the Welcome Home Event for Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and their families.
• Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 West Gray Street
• All veterans of the Post 9/11 era, their families, community organizations, elected officials, local businesses and military supporters are invited to attend a day of FREE food, games for kids, entertainment, music, adaptive sports demonstrations and so much more!
• The event will also feature a resource fair focusing on GI Bill and Hazlewood education benefits, employment networking and services, as well as important updates on VA healthcare, home loans, pension benefits and entitlements. If you have any questions or would like to RSVP, please e-mail vhahouwelcomehome@va.gov or call 832-393-0992 for further assistance.
• If you would like to volunteer to help make this event a success, please contact John Boerstler at John.Boerstler@cityofhouston.net.
• For all inquiries regarding business or organizational sponsorship information or resource fair table information, please contact Bryan Dyck at dyck.bryan@va.gov.

Saturday and Sunday, August 1-2, Gates open at 4pm: 19th annual Houston International Jazz Festival at Discovery Green

• Presented by Jazz Education Inc. (JEI), which was founded by Jazz artist Bubbha Thomas, who saw a need to fill a void where music education and youth were concerned.
• As of a week ago, Stubdog.com was selling general admission tickets to the event for $12 — a savings of $8 off the full price. Quantities were limited but it might be worth checking...
• Additional information (performances, etc) found HERE

How to Maintain Wood Siding

Ah, wood siding. It's one of the things that gives our Heights homes their character. It's also one of those things that requires regular maintenance...

I talked with our neighborhood carpentry guru about how to fix small problem areas in siding, such as peeling paint. He gave me this run-down:

Step One: Scrape off loose paint

• This initial step involves two different types of scrapers: a small one and a big one. The bigger one is useful for large, flat areas, while the smaller one helps with the more intricate detail areas. This step is an integral part of preparing the surface.

Step Two: Sand the area

• After all the loose paint has been scraped off, it's time to sand the area with a coarse sandpaper (like 60 grit). Depending on the tools available, as well as the size of the area you're refinishing, you can sand by hand or use a machine. Again, this step is an integral part of preparing the surface.
  

Step Three: Secure the nails

• Another aspect of preparing the surface involves hammering any loose nails as well as re-nailing any loose siding. During this stage, it's important to use a nail set which allows you to apply force to each nail more precisely and prevents the wood from getting dented.

Step Four: Prime the area

• Once the area has been scraped, sanded, and re-nailed, it's time to apply primer. Check the weather before applying the primer to ensure that it won't rain for at least twelve hours. In total, you'll want to let the primer dry for an entire day or two.
  

Step Five: Caulk joints or openings

• This step is not the place to skimp on materials! Avoid being lured in by a $2 tube of caulk. It's worth a few more dollars to ensure that you get a good caulk that won't fail you. You'll want to caulk areas where the siding boards come together, as well as around doors and windows. Pay special attention to the area on top of windows!
  

Step Six: Sand primed areas

• The final preparation stage involves lightly sanding (approximately 120 grit) the areas you primed to give it a nice, smooth finish.

Step Seven: Paint

• The final step is to paint over your repaired area (with at least two coats of paint). And--voila!--you're finished!
  

Don't be fooled by the seeming simplicity of these seven steps. An area that is a couple feet wide by a couple feet tall can take anywhere from 6-10 hours. However, the time and effort is worth it in the end. It's a lot easier to maintain our homes proactively rather than reactively! Taking care of our siding (and especially the areas around our windows!) can keep wood rot at bay.

Things That Make You Say "Oo"

One of the coolest old buildings in The Heights has to be the one that houses OoLaLa. And OoLaLa has to be one of the coolest shops in The Heights. It's a great place not just because of the cool building and all. More than any other shop in the area, Oo La La represents what The Heights offers.

Six or so years ago, Judy Pfardresher wanted to open a shop. She was living outside of Houston, around 290 and the Beltway. She could have opened her shop out there but would the neghborhood want what she wanted to sell? She wasn't sure. Judy has family in The Heights, though, and felt with great certainty that an area like this would buy what she was planning to offer- funky and eccelctic merchandise from as many local artists and ccraftspeople as possible. She knew here she could offer unique items and they would be appreciated. She loved the small town feel of The Heights and, even if it couldn't be her home, it would be a great home for her store. Six years later, she feels she made the right decision. Fans of her wide array of handcrafted items have suggested neighborhoods all over Houston where they would like to see OoLaLa, but she is comfortable and feels at home in The Heights. The neighborhood has supported her business and by doing so has also supported its own.

I popped in this week to check on what Heights-made goods Judy was offering up these days:

Heights jewelry maker Dorie Kerr has some wonderful pieces available. These were my faves but there was something for every taste. From big and bold (my style when it comes to jewelry) to delicate and refined.

This bad, bad picture really doesn't do the beautiful jewelry of Vanessa Parker justice. Vanessa is giving the Houston art scene a good name by being featured on HGTV . If you click on the picture, it will expand full screen and the photo quality improves. Hey, I'm an amateur blogger, not a photographer ;)

Heights resident and Mom, Paula Wells makes these great coasters and Heights t-shirts. However, she has stopped producing the t-shirts so if you want one, OoLaLa has about 6 left.

There is some great pottery by Elizabeth Wells, who also made these wonderful necklaces:

I looove these retro aprons that Judy makes. So cute!

And more fun stuff (including photography by Christoph Eicken):

And, of course, here is Judy herself at the helm:

As anyone with kids in The Heights knows, last year Tulips & Tutus moved from it's 19th Street location in to the OoLaLa building (in to the space which originally housed New Orleans transplants Kaboom Books"). As a mom of a boy (now 2 boys), I stayed away from the overwhelming pinkness of T&T for the most part. However, since I do try to buy as much as I can from local shops, gift giving has brought me in to T&T more recently. Low and behold, a wonderful thing has happened!! T&T, owned by another Judy (Myers), has seriously expanded their selection for boys!!

Judy still only carries boys' items up to 24 months, but is open to customer suggestions. She says area moms have asked for her to carry larger sizes, but the things she brought in went unsold. She is still to listen and provide what customers want and no mega-store or retail chain will do that as readily. This fall she has a lot of fun boy stuff coming from lines like Deau Par Deax, Zutano and Kicky Pants. I looove the eco-friendly and super soft bamboo clothes from Kicky Pants for my wee one and can't wait to see the new stuff!

I may have to go back and buy this awesome raincoat for my toddler!

And, Tulips & Tutus is the only place I have seen where you can buy these incredible Aiden + Anais muslin blankets individually. They are perfect for swaddling (they're HUGE) but I use them for anything and everything in the summer- to cover the stroller, keep the sun off, protect from bugs without over heating.

Of course, the store is still bursting at the seams with girl stuff so sweet it will make your teeth hurt! Luckily for me, I have 4 nieces.

One good Judy deserves another. Judy Myers of Tulips & Tutus:

Heights Happenings

Friday, July 24, 7pm: Heights Time Bank Potluck

• Are you interested in learning about a time exchange system that builds community? The Heights Time Bank is holding its monthly potluck this Friday. If you live within the Time Bank boundaries (south of 610, north of I-10, west of I-45, and east of Shepherd) you are welcome to attend! 1134 Jerome Street

Friday, July 24, 7pm: Aurora Boot Camp Film Premiere

• For the grand finale of our first Aurora Boot Camp, join us for the red carpet premiere of short films created by the campers, ages 9-12. Throughout the week campers will have been working with professional filmmaker, Mike Akel, to learn how to develop, produce and edit their own short films. This is their chance to show off all their hard work!
  
• 1524 Sul Ross
• Free
  

Outside The Heights:

Thursday, July 23, 6-8 pm: Opening for PerezCohen Gallery presents SIX

• One of the newest galleries in Houston, PerezCohen Gallery concept was founded by Heights Realtor Margot Perez and Saturday Arts Market owner Mitch Cohen.
• This unique gallery concept showcases artists' works in homes rather than traditional gallery space.
• This exhibit will be in the Hyde Park neighborhood at 2308 Elmen, just 2 blocks north of Westheimer.
  

Saturday, July 25, 5-10 pm: Fundraiser to support GRASSROOTS: Art in Action

• Please join GRASSROOTS: Art in Action for an evening of food and fun downtown at Tacos A Go-Go. Proceeds from the event support GRASSROOTS' mission to improve art education in Houston.
• There will be a silent auction and raffle.
• Simply mention Grassroots when you place your order to ensure that a donation is made.
• Kids are very welcome!

Shade: I'll Seek Refuge from the Heat Elsewhere

I have to preface this review by confessing that I'm not a big fan of expensive restaurants. In general, I find the atmospheres intimidating and overly bourgeois, the portions excessively small, and the prices unnecessarily high.

However, I insisted that my husband accompany me to Shade because a) the restaurant I wanted to review, Asian Market, was already closed and b) I want to fully experience our neighborhood. I don't want to drive by restaurants and wonder, "What's it like?"

I'm glad I got to experience Shade, but I'm also glad that my curiosity has been satiated and I can move on to better restaurants.

Don't get me wrong. It wasn't a bad experience; it just wasn't worth the money (maybe that's just my Hoosier/Protestant background talking?).

First, I found the physical space underwhelming. It's essentially a big, rectangular room that is only aesthetically pleasing because of the furnishings. I like the way it looks inside; I just prefer my restaurants to have a little character.

The restaurant immediately scored major points when they served us free pre-food. I love this trend (a la Chicago Pizza and Thai Spice). They served a bountiful basket of bread with two options from which to choose. Although the bread was tasty enough, I found the whipped butter to be rather insipid. I would have preferred some olive oil and spices. I also appreciated the relaxed atmosphere, and the friendly wait-staff.

As soon as we glanced at the one-page menu with only 9 entrees to choose from, I immediately felt guilty for having forced my husband to accompany me on our little excursion into the high life. He's vegetarian, and there wasn't a single option for him. Even the two soups of the day (they had run out of the third option) had meat. Fortunately, the server was a very affable and welcoming chap, and he explained that the vegetable platter could in fact be modified to be vegetarian (they have to grill the asparagus rather than fry it).

As a pescetarian, I had a lot more options and was quite excited about the grilled king salmon with "Texas peaches, cucumber salad, arugula, roasted fingerling potatoes, balsamic reduction, olive oil, and toasted almonds."

However, I have to say that I was disappointed with the result. Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe I shouldn't expect a meal that costs $25 to be divine. The grilled peaches were delectable, but everything else was just hum-drum. The potatoes were dry, the "cucumber salad" consited of approximately five slivers of cucumber, and I could only taste the "balsamic reduction" in three or four bites.

I will say that I stole three bites of fried polenta from my husband's plate, and the crisp exterior and soft interior did a little happy dance in my mouth.

In the end, we paid over $45 for two entrees and two waters. The previous night, we ate twice as much food at a sushi restaurant in Montrose for half the price.

I'll continue to search for restaurants that offer twice as much food (gotta love leftovers!) for half the price.

I'm eager to hear your opinion of Shade. Our fellow diners certainly seemed to like the place, and the restaurant has 46 internet reviews with an average rating of 4.5/5 stars. It seems I'm quite the aberration. Please share your thoughts!

Saturday Supplemental: Win Stuff!

This Monday 13 Heights merchants are giving away a $350 19th Street Shopping Spree and 15 other gift certificates valued from $25 - $50 via an email blast from The Houston Press. This is part of 19th Street's "Summertime Blues" promotion to ecourage folks to shop The Heights this summer. Our Heights small businesses are such a HUGE part of our neighborhood. We shouldn't need to win free stuff to give them our business, but winning is still nice.

If you would like to register to receive the email blast, click Houston Press Promos link

On Monday The Press will send out the email blast where you can enter for one of the 16 prizes.

Businesses participating are Replay on 19th, 18 Hands Gallery, Eye to Eye, Contents, Casa Ramirez, Shade Restaurant, Gen's Antiques, Bliss on 19th, Chippendale Eastlake Antiques, Carter & Cooley Deli, Eclectic Home, Wind Water Gallery, Friends For Life

Now, winning is nice and all BUT our Heights small businesses are a HUGE part of what makes our neighborhood so special. Even if you don't win, take a stroll (maybe on your way to grab a snoball from MAMs) down 19th and see what your friends and neighbors have to offer.