The Brick Magazine October 2018 by The Brick Magazine Ann Arbor

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OCTOBER 2018

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WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? WALKING FOR MOM MAGICAL HALLOWEEN MEMORIES

PLUS! HERsay A TALE OF WOMEN WITH SOMETHING TO SAY

Kelly Callison

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THE

BRICK MAGAZINE

CONTENTS

OCTOBER 2018

Publisher • Sarah Whitsett

Art Director • Jennifer Knutson

Copy Editor • Angelina Bielby

Marketing Director • Steve DeBruler

Photographer • Heather Nash

Contributors >>

Bridget Baker Kristen Domingue Jillian Fraioli Angela Harrison

Alycia Huston Sharon Lawlor Catherine Nouhan

Lisa Profera Randi Rubenstein Stephanie Saline Maria Sylvester

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Finding Your Way Home

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Do It Your Way Choosing to Do What You Love — Whether Other People Love It or Not

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What Are You Afraid Of?

Good EMF The Benefits of Bioenergy HERsay A Tale of Women with Something to Say Harvesting Your Strengths in Relationships Magical Halloween Memories Leading the Way Ushering in a New Way of Being. Woman on the Street The Puerto Rican and the Swede Light Layers Best Outerwear for Early Fall Treats Post-Tricks

AN HONEST, ARTFUL AND DOCUMENTARY APPROACH TO WEDDING, FAMILY AND PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY FOR SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN & BEYOND

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WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?

(Those Monsters Hiding Under Your Bed Might Just Be Dust Bunnies) By Bridget Baker

oblins, ghouls, and the zombie apocalypse are the stuff of horror movies and haunted houses. Going into your closet and unearthing those skeletons of clutter can be even more frightening. Closets, basements, garages, and even spare bedrooms are where all of the things we’ve been avoiding get shoved or stored. Even if we have cleverly disguised our clutter skeletons with fancy costumes via neatly-labeled storage bins, it is still the deep, dark recesses of what we have been putting off that lurks in the shadows. With the onset of cold weather and less sunlight in the day than in summer, we can make the month of October the perfect time to nest and create space for our cozy winter dreams to flourish. The monsters of avoidance could be hiding under your bed; if you disturb them, you could unearth the guilt of unfinished projects or foolish purchases. 8 | The Brick Magazine

Photo courtesy of Bruce Mars

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What if there was nothing to fear? When you shine a light on what is hidden and get straight with your clutter, you can don your Wonder Woman costume and save the day. Be the hero of your own story and tackle those ghosts and goblins getting in your way head-on. Do you want to simplify your life, but you’re afraid to start? Do you feel overwhelmed just thinking about facing what’s in the boxes or bins that you haven’t looked at in years? You are not alone. Clutter-clearing can unearth lots of uncomfortable feelings and emotions. If you take it to step 10 | The Brick Magazine

by step, however, you can start to build momentum and free up your time, space, and energy. I used to have a professional organizing business called Space to Dream. My philosophy was that your clutter stands in the way of you having the living space of your dreams. Want an office? I bet you have a spare room, closet, or nook that you could clear out and make space for a simple desk setup. Want a furniture workshop? Why not let go of those boxes of unused items gathering cobwebs in your garage and put in a

or donated to a cause that can benefit from them. If you are no longer using an item, it doesn’t do you or your home any good being crammed into a box, taking up valuable space. You can go seasonal and stay minimal by decorating with objects found in nature. Go on a hike with your kids and collect sticks for sorcerers’ wands, witches’ brooms, or spooky tree branches. Use pumpkins and decorate them with paint and then dispose of them when the holiday is over. They are an eco-friendly and minimal way to have fun with décor, and you can get creative with them. Once the holiday is over, POOF, they go away.

workbench and tool rack? For your dreams to thrive, you need to make space for them. You don’t need to get a new house or to move to have what you want. Just as getting dressed up on Halloween allows you to be someone else for the night, you can transform your living space into whatever you want. Your clutter gets in the way of your creativity, your vision; it’s a barrier to making space in your life for what you truly want. If you can take down all the decor and clear the clutter out of a room, you can reimagine your space in a way that inspires you. I invite you to make this fun. Put on a cape, a tiara, or a mask, and go for it! If it feels like too much, take breaks. If you need support, enlist a friend and a bottle of wine. If you get stuck, hire a professional organizer to help you get focused and make it manageable. You do not have to go it alone on this one. It may be embarrassing to admit the state you’ve let your storage space get to, but just think: what would Wonder Woman do? You can bet she’d get out that golden lasso and rustle up that clutter and send it into space! Halloween costumes and decorations may even be a part of what your clutter is. If you enjoy getting into the spirit of the holiday, but don’t want to have to store or stash lots of decorations or costumes, take this year to simplify. Your decorations may be better off given to a school

The other lurking gremlins may be in the form of a project, task, or to-do that you are avoiding. What is on the other side of checking something off of your list? A chore can turn into a sense of freedom and victory once you’ve completed it. Crank up some music and get it done. Clearing out your physical space of clutter and cobwebs makes room for you to imagine your space as anything you want. You can transform your haunted house of unfinished projects into a home that feels inspiring to you. Have you been wearing a costume every day that doesn’t go with who your character is? Are you no longer working the nine-to-five grind, but you are still wearing the outfits and style from your former lifestyle? Does your basic black attire not match your branding and style of being bold and colorful? Start by adding in some accent pieces with bold jewelry or lipstick and see what a small change can create in the way you view yourself. Halloween can be an opportunity to let go of what’s in the way, and to make way for you to dress up your home and life the way you want year-round.

Bridget Baker web presence sherpa productivity hacker digital nomad freelance blogger minimalist • adventurer speaker • full-time RVer www.instagram.com/travellightlife/Travellightlife.com October 2018 | 11

Photo by Heather Nash

12 | The Brick Magazine

DO IT YOUR WAY Choosing to Do What You Love — Whether People Love It or Not by Kristen Domingue Photos by Heather Nash

In our interview with Kelly Callison of a2vintage, an online and offline vintage and antique dealer, we noticed her commitment to doing what she loved and how much it informed every choice in her life. Whether she’s in the process of reclaiming something once-loved for resale, or simply living and loving her family and friends, Kelly is a model of what it means to put love first. Kelly is is a sterling example of what it looks like when we let love win — both in business and in life.

went to graduate school at the University of Kentucky and got a degree in Environmental Science. My plan was to work for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at the Department of Labor. But after years working in the field, I realized I really wanted to work for myself. Putting in 60-70 hours a week for someone else just doesn’t give you the same satisfaction that it does when you’re working for yourself. When I started selling vintage items online, it was to support a collecting habit more than anything else. But I quickly saw how well it was doing. I’ve always enjoyed searching for and finding treasures that would otherwise get discarded and be forever forgotten. The hunt has always been the thrill for me. Finding something special and putting it in the hands of

people who can appreciate it, love it, display it — this is what makes everything worth it for me. With that said, the original business model wasn’t cutting it anymore; I needed a sustainable source of income. This wasn’t just a side-gig to fuel my collecting habit anymore. My parents owned several businesses, including one where we traveled together to trade shows, so I had an idea of what it might look like to own my own business as a mom and a wife.

One Business, Three Revenue Streams As a2vintage grew, we became three separate businesses rolled into one. The shop has turned into a record shop with original advertising (my

October 2018 | 13

Photo by Heather Nash

passion), industrial furniture and fixtures, and vintage tees (also a personal favorite). The trade shows we attend are more antiques and vintage advertising-driven. It bears saying that without our online sales, I’m not sure where we’d be. A brick-and-mortar shop in my mind legitimizes a business. People trust you, and they trust your product. That’s important, it’s a huge contributor to our success. We do a lot of trade shows and face-to-face interaction with our customers. It’s amazing and I love it, but most people shop online and lose out on real-life experiences. Personally, I prefer face-to-face interaction and talking to people. Hearing them reminisce and tell stories about their past is fascinating. It personalizes things; if you create experiences, you put a face to a business. Then, I can pass some

14 | The Brick Magazine

of the stories on to our customers, bringing the value of a once-forgotten item full-circle. It’s important to mention that I never started out intending to own a record shop. A smart business person always listens to what their customers want, which is exactly what we did. I’m proud of what we’ve become, even if it wasn’t originally what I had planned. I’m also proud of my mom for taking on the role as manager, boss, partner, and mom to all. That was also never in the plans. The original plan was for me to run the shop during the day. But the need for someone to be on the road to unearth new treasures was greater than my need to be in the shop, given how much support we have. I’m lucky my mom is available in the shop managing the demand so I can curate the supply.

Everything All the Time Means Tough Choices Blending work and family is difficult because we have three small children. My wife has a full-time job as a school librarian. Owning your own business is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week commitment. Fortunately, we have a lot of support from our families. My mother runs the brick-and-mortar store, which leaves me more flexibility to take care of online sales, weekend shows, and buying trips. Without her, we wouldn’t be able to have a shop. As often as possible, my wife and kids join me, especially if it’s a day trip to an auction or to make a delivery. My dad goes with me on longer trips, like one coming up this fall where we’ll be on the road for three weeks. Being gone has its advantages and disadvantages though. I miss out on firsts, I miss family meals, I miss family camping trips and get-togethers, but I know my wife has things handled back home. We’re fortunate that we have a support system that picks up my slack.

On Choosing Life and Love When I met my wife, my world turned upside down. I was working for a major transportation company and I was miserable. I loved the people, but the job? Not so much. She was super supportive and excited about me working for myself. She probably believed in me more than I did.

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A couple years into our relationship, I quit that job and started a small online business that morphed into what a2vintage is today. During our nine-year relationship, we got married and had three kids (one now in first grade and one-year-old twins.) We moved to Hawaii so that my wife could pursue her career as a school librarian. We bought a house and opened a shop without completely losing our minds. Life has thrown us many curveballs, but I like to think we’re doing all right. Being in a lesbian relationship, we face obstacles in our daily life that our heterosexual counterparts don’t. We had to jump through hoops to have our son

Photos by Heather Nash October 2018 | 15

Photos by Heather Nash

Photo by Heather Nash

— I’m his biological mom and my wife is his birth mom. But in Michigan, the birth parent is the legal parent. I had to carry around a folder three inches thick of paperwork giving me permission to make decisions for him if needed, or even just to pick him up from childcare. I had to get Anne’s permission to ask the doctors questions, even though I was staying home at the time to take care of him. Once we were allowed (yes, allowed) to get married in the basement of the clerk’s office in Ann Arbor in front of the soda machine, we petitioned the courts immediately so I could adopt Corbin. We didn’t have to do that with the girls, since our marriage is now recognized. My wife and I were part of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) fight to uphold our marriage in 2014 after the sixth district court of appeals stayed enforcement of the district court decision to uphold the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. 16 | The Brick Magazine

Because of that suit, the state was ordered to recognize the 323 marriages performed on March 22, 2014. I’m proud of that. I’m proud that we’ll be able to show our children that when you stand up for what you believe in and go about it in an honest and courageous way, you can facilitate change. Our kids will grow up knowing they are loved, they are wanted, and their family is just as legitimate and supported in the eyes of the law as all other families. They’ll know that their mom and I worked hard to have them and love them more than anything on this earth. My family is my greatest accomplishment.

Why I Followed My Passion Part of choosing to follow my passion was necessity: I needed to work and feel like I was providing for my family as well as my relationship. I don’t do well if I feel like I’m falling short in that area. Growing up, my parents sacrificed everything so that I could have it all. This was my time to make sure my family was taken care of just as well as my parents took care of me. I have a passion for finding beauty and value in

otherwise discarded things. I enjoy the hunt, and I enjoy getting things to people who will love them as much as I do. When I took an honest look at the intersection of what I was good at and what I loved, this was it: finding things that were once loved and cherished and giving it to someone who will love and cherish them again. With the encouragement of my family, I’ve taken that love and turned it into a business. As with anything, it’s hard being a woman in a maledominated industry, let alone a gay woman. I think that drives me to work harder than most. I need to prove to myself and to them that I can play ball too.

What 39 Years Have Taught Me My wife and I had a conversation fairly early about having kids, and at first I wasn’t interested. As time went on, I could see she was going to be a great mom, and I always like a challenge! Our son is now six, and like it or not, he’s my mini-me. He’s smart, he’s kind, he loves the heck out of his sisters. He’s polite, he has manners, and he’s funny. My girls are walking and have personalities of their own. They laugh all the time, they find beauty in the smallest of things. They are the best parts of the both of us. There is nothing in this world I’ll ever do better. On the business side of things, I’m proud of the reputation we’ve built. In this business, the only thing you have is your name and reputation. We work very hard to keep ours intact. That is a key component to our success. As a counter-balance, I’ve also learned to live life on my own terms. I’m 39 now, and when I look back, I realize that I grew up hiding who I was and living an almost secret life until I was 30 years old. I was afraid to let people know who I was; I wasn’t true to myself. I would tell my 25-year-old self not to do that. I would tell her that every day is a new chance to live life to its fullest.

While there are many inspiring parts of Kelly’s story, one part that stands out is the inevitability of choosing what she loved — both in her personal life and in her professional life. Even if Kelly had not lived a secret life until she was 30, it’s obvious that all roads would have lead her back to what she loves. We’re inspired that whether she chose it, fought for it, reclaimed it, or simply surrendered to it, there is life on the path of choosing love first.

Photos by Heather Nash

Kristen M. Domingue is a copywriter and content marketing consultant in the New York City area. When she’s not delivering on client projects, you can find her cooking up something gluten-free or in an internet rabbit hole on entrepreneurship or astrology.

October 2018 | 17

Photo by Nick Owuor

Home

FINDING YOUR WAY by Alycia M. Huston, NeuroLeadership Consultant

know that for me, home is comfort, love, peace, and support. For others, home may be represented by adventure, nomadic experiences, or a myriad of friends. Â There is truly no one, two, or three ways it must be classified; the truth is, YOU create what it means. 18 | The Brick Magazine

As I sit at my dining room table and peer out of my white plantation blinds, a smile comes to my face. I actually FEEL a sense of peace. I see my beautiful birds-of-paradise along with the other handsome greenery that makes my heart sing. What I realize is that same emotional response

this lovely piece of the mind, it’s able to serve you at an extremely high level. It is my personal belief that when you are able to master the emotional mind, there is nothing in this world that can stop you. In my eyes, emotion simply equates to energy in motion. There is positive energy and negative energy, as we know from simple physics. We can also see in physics how both of these energies are able to be manipulated to create a different result. If science shows us that this is possible to do with matter, shouldn’t it be possible for human beings to do the same?

Photo by Taneli Lahtinen

is exactly what makes this home, for me. There are many times we are instructed to “get out of our emotions;” I believe is a misunderstanding. We don’t always appreciate how those same emotions contribute to our lives in such a wholesome way. I would invite you to simply tune into each of your emotions in order to discover what they mean at a deeper level. We can sometimes lose sight of the fact that our brains are profoundly powerful. Your emotional experience of home, as a presence in the brain, could actually have a positive impact on your overall well-being. I would like you to sit back and think about how your vision of home was shaped. Was it from childhood memories, adolescent experiences, or possibly even created during your adult life? What I’d like you to realize is those views are tied directly to an emotion you associate with that time in your life. Those emotions and memories, whether positive or negative, have a charge that caused them to remain in your psyche and create your reality. It’s true, not everybody’s memories of home may not be positive. However, the power is within you to change that view. Within our brain resides this amazing mechanism called the amygdala; it’s this small yet powerful creation that is responsible for our emotions. As you begin to master

I have three children — one in college, the other in high school, and the third in elementary school. As you can imagine, each of their lives is vastly different, as they are in different phases of life. However, it has always been a personal mission of mine to ensure their home life is filled with extremely fond memories. Now, as we live in this world, we understand that may not always be possible; there will be unanticipated adversities and roadblocks. What I instill in my children is that the key to your personal perception lies within you. Each situation offers insights that contribute to your life in major ways, even if they feel minor. As summer winds down and we step into this next season, make a commitment to yourself that you’re going to do something different this year to enhance your experience of feeling at home. It doesn’t have to be a major change; it could mean simple moments, like something as small as calling someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, or making yourself some hot cocoa and sitting with your own thoughts for a spell. These small shifts will generate something extremely meaningful for you. Who knows what new insights you may garner for yourself or what silent whispers will now become more audible. This life is meant to be lived with joy. Of course we will experience setbacks and heartache; but, we will also experience new love, friendships, and adventure. I encourage you to create HOME according to your specifications and desires. The lasting effects this will have on you and your loved ones will be nothing short of priceless. Alycia Huston is a consultant for high-powered and accomplished entrepreneurs and corporate executives. Helping to build a business, make key decisions for your company, lead from “within and of ” your people, and helping you to take pride in your accomplishments. LeaDHERship Adventures, LLC. Alycia@alyciahuston.com. 619.490.8058

October 2018 | 19

WALKING FOR MOM ONE WOMAN’S QUEST FOR ALZHEIMER’S FIRST SURVIVOR By Catherine Nouhan Photo courtesy of Hannah Brauer Photography.

harlene Mangi is joining hundreds in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease at the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Ann Arbor on October 7. Her journey with Alzheimer’s disease began ten years ago when Kathleen, Charlene’s mother, began showing signs of younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

20 | The Brick Magazine

Charlene and her father, Jim, knew that there was a problem, but did not first suspect Alzheimer’s disease. Kathleen was only in her late fifties; she would get very upset if Charlene or Jim suggested that she was experiencing some form of memory loss.

“My mom has always been really smart, very intellectual and independent, and stubborn. That’s just who she is,” Charlene says. “So her resistance to people calling her ‘senile’ speaks to that, but also to the incredible stigma against dementia. She was feeling like having dementia was a personal failing of hers.” Jim echoed his daughter’s thoughts about the personal vilification that often accompanies memory loss. “There is that stigma about Alzheimer’s. Obviously Kathleen felt that too; she was so opposed to being accused of being senile. One of the most important things about Alzheimer’s disease is to emphasize the last part of that phrase — Alzheimer’s disease,” says Jim. “Alzheimer’s is not a character flaw.” When Kathleen began forgetting conversations and frequently getting lost in the neighborhood that she had lived in for quite some time, Jim persuaded her to go to a neurological clinic at Georgetown University, where they got the official diagnosis.

Photo courtesy of Hannah Brauer Photography.

Kathleen was once a scientist for the U.S. Department of Energy, a talented singer, an avid photographer, and a lover of the outdoors. She is now in the middle stages of a disease that has robbed her of the ability to even fully comprehend her true diagnosis. “After all the time that had passed since she first started showing signs, she’d lost the ability to really process what the doctors were saying,” says Jim. Kathleen was not able to fully comprehend her environment several years ago at her daughter’s wedding. “If you had gone up to her and asked her who was getting married, I don’t know that she’d have been able to tell you,” says Charlene. “But it’s been powerful to watch my parents and see the strength of their marriage. Watching the way my dad takes care of her has shown me how good a marriage can be, even in bad circumstances.”

Photo courtesy of Hannah Brauer Photography.

Memory loss that disrupts daily life and changes in mood and personality are two of the ten warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Kathleen is not alone — she is among 5.7 million people nationwide and 180,000 people in the state of Michigan with Alzheimer’s. It is currently the nation’s sixthleading cause of death, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2018 Facts & Figures report.

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From L to R Charlene, Kathleen and Jim Mangi. Photo courtesy of the Mangi family.

The risk for women is even greater. Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women. In her 60s, a woman’s estimated lifetime risk for developing Alzheimer’s is 1 in 6. For breast cancer it is 1 in 11. Not only are women more likely to have Alzheimer’s, they are also more likely to be caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s. More than 60 percent of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers are women. While it has taken some time for Jim and Charlene to adapt to their new lifestyle, they are learning as they go. Jim and Kathleen were happy to recently make the move from Virginia to Ann Arbor to be closer to Charlene, her husband, and their new baby. Their shared experience as caregivers has brought the father-daughter pair even closer together. “We live 20 minutes down the road from each other now, which means we get to do the grandma and grandpa babysitting thing, and Charlene is available to help, lend an ear, and make things better for us here,” says Jim. “It’s really helpful to me to have an adult child that understands my situation.” Charlene is also thankful for the resources that the Alzheimer’s Association provided her parents while searching for housing in the Ann Arbor area. “The Alzheimer’s Association was really helpful in looking for a good spot for my parents.” She also recently stepped down after serving as a board member of the Young Professional Alzheimer’s Advocates of Washtenaw for 22 | The Brick Magazine

Photo courtesy of Hannah Brauer Photography.

approximately three years, and vows to remain involved. “It’s been a great way to feel like I’m doing a small thing to fight the disease.” The Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Ann Arbor is one of 600 walks held annually nationwide, and is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. This year, the Walk will take place at Washtenaw Community College behind the Gunder Myran and Crane Liberal Arts and Science Building. To sign up for the Walk, visit alz.org/walk. To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association or memory loss, call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org. Jim and Charlene are determined to help find a cure for Kathleen and all of the other families who are dealing with similar circumstances. “There are commercials running on TV that say, ‘the first survivor of Alzheimer’s disease is out there.’ I truly believe that,” says Jim. “I wish it were my wife. I doubt it will be. But I know we’re going to find a cure.” Catherine Nouhan is a Communications Intern at the Alzheimer’s Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter, Junior at the University of Michigan, and writer at the Michigan Daily. When she’s not cramming for a mid-term or telling the stories of those impacted by Alzheimer’s, you can find her cooking up a (vegan) storm in the kitchen, or snuggling with her cat Sunchip.

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GOOD EMF

THE BENEFITS OF BIOENERGY by Lisa Profera MD

24 | The Brick Magazine

all is here and the days are getting shorter. That means colder weather, more overcast days, and less sunlight. It also means less outdoor time in general. Most of us have heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): a condition of low energy and moodiness due to less exposure to sunlight or full-spectrum light. However, did you know that people can also experience bodily dysfunction and fatigue when they don’t get enough electromagnetic energy input from the ground? Although there is no “official” name for this condition, I refer to it as Bio-Energy Dysfunction Disorder (BEDD). We are electrical beings, and we need the Earth’s energy to thrive. Grounding (or “Earthing”) are terms used to describe the simple process of reconnecting with the Earth’s electromagnetic field (EMF). This is readily accomplished by walking barefoot on the beach, soil, or grass. In our modern world, we don’t do this as often as we should. Walking on pavement, standing on different types of flooring, and wearing rubber-soled shoes impedes the delivery of the Earth’s beneficial electromagnetic field to our bodies — something that is vital to our health.

Photo by Priscilla du Preez

In addition to the Sun’s energy and water, all living things on this planet respond to and need its beneficial EMF. Just like humans use compasses, migratory birds and animals use the geomagnetic field to navigate around the planet. As electrical beings, we have evolved on this planet with Earth’s EMF. When we are disconnected from this natural energy source, our bodies start to malfunction. The balance of positive and negative charges can shift, and we can feel depleted. Circulation, sleep, mental processes, digestive function, and immune function can be adversely

October 2018 | 25

affected. Doctors and psychologists are beginning to “prescribe” blue energy for physical and mental well-being. Get to the beach, walk barefoot, look at the blue water, watch and listen to the waves — it does wonders for the body! Trillions of electrical signals are being transmitted in our bodies right now. Modern devices such as laptops and cell phones can alter or disrupt these signals. The further away we are from the ground, the weaker the Earth’s EMF becomes. People who live, work, and sleep above the ground floor are at a great disadvantage. Living in the penthouse may not be the best idea after all. Frequent airplane travel at 30,000 feet not only exposes us to excess radiation, but restricts the pull of EMF on our cells; our bodies are not able to adapt well to the loss of bioenergy influx. This is why we feel jet-lagged. 26 | The Brick Magazine

The adverse effects of being away from the Earth’s geomagnetic field are most drastically demonstrated in astronauts. NASA is keenly aware of the detrimental effects of space travel: bone loss, muscular atrophy, loss of balance, circulatory fluid shifts, and cardiovascular deconditioning. Some astronauts never completely recover. These effects are the result of antigravity and a lack of EMF input from our planet. Astronaut Scott Kelley, an identical twin, recently spent a year in space while his brother remained on Earth. The difference in their bodies and even their genes after his return is remarkable. As we age, our circulation slows down mostly because of poor vasomotion in our smallest blood vessels (the 74,000 miles of capillaries that we have in our bodies). Our “disconnection” from Earth’s EMF further impedes

vasomotion; our blood vessels require an electrical impulse that is independent from the heart’s electrical signal telling it to pump. To counteract the adverse effects of modern-day life, there are many grounding devices available on the market. Grounding sheets or mats work when you lay on them. They help you “plug” back into the EMF so that the balance of positively- and negatively-charged particles in our bodies can be restored. Through the process of our normal metabolism, there is usually an excess of positively-charged free radicals in our system. Unchecked, these can lead to problematic processes such as chronic inflammation. Our systems slow down, we feel tired and lack energy. Grounding allows us to tap into the rich source of negativelycharged particles (or electrons) in our planet’s core.

Let’s take this concept up a notch. What if there was a mat that can duplicate the Earth’s EMF and all you have to do is lay on it for eight minutes to get the benefits? Well, such a thing exists, and it’s been around for twenty years in Europe. This unique bioenergy device is called BEMER. It stands for Bio ElectroMagnetic Energy Regulation. BEMER vascular therapy provides a systemic increase in blood flow at the capillary level. This supports better supply of oxygen and nutrients to our cells, along with more efficient removal of carbon dioxide and other waste products of metabolism, by enhancing the vasomotion of our smallest blood vessels. This unique multidimensional bioenergy signal is similar to our Earth’s geomagnetic field; our bodies resonate with its gentle frequencies. By simply laying on the BEMER mat for eight minutes, our microcirculation is enhanced for twelve to sixteen hours. When used twice a day, BEMER has a cumulative effect which supports all of our cells in every system.

BEMER is patented technology from Europe, just breaking into the USA. It is in 42 countries, 4,000 hospitals, and almost 1.5 million households. BEMER is 100% safe, non-invasive, and effective. This is a product of twenty years of research by Dr. Rainer Klopp of the Institute of Microcirculation in Berlin. In the USA, it is registered as a Class I medical device with the FDA, meaning that it is safe, but we can’t claim that it cures or treats any disease in this country.

I have been using BEMER for over a year now, and I have experienced more energy, better sleep, clearer thinking, and less musculoskeletal discomfort. As a CrossFit athlete, I especially notice faster recovery time and decreased soreness after a workout. I also use BEMER with my patients in the clinical setting to address specific concerns and assist with post-surgical recovery. I truly believe that this is a game-changer for those interested in being as healthy as possible.

NASA has a collaboration agreement with BEMER to incorporate this technology into the astronauts’ spacesuits. As a skeptical doctor, this is what made me take a serious look at BEMER. NASA is on the cutting edge of technology. After looking at everything that’s out there, they selected BEMER to work with them in the Department of Bone Loss and Muscular Atrophy. The BEMER signal has five international patents. There’s nothing else quite like it. It is delivered via PEMF (Pulsed ElectroMagnetic Field), which is known to be safe, effective, and therapeutic.

Fatigue and low energy are very common complaints of patients presenting to doctor’s offices today. Our lifestyle disconnects us from the beneficial bioenergy of the planet, something our bodies need to thrive. Take advantage of any opportunity to soak up energy at the beach and walk barefoot whenever you can. But when you can’t, BEMER is best!

Lisa Profera MD Owner and Founder of PROJUVU MD Aesthetics and Lifestyle Medicine Please note that the information in this article has been designed to help educate the reader regarding the subject matter covered. This information is provided with the understanding that the author and any other entity referenced here are not liable for the misconception or misuse of the information provided. It is not provided to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, illness, or injured condition of the body. The provider of this information shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity concerning any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this information. The information presented is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling or care. Anyone suffering from any disease, illness, or injury should consult a qualified healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

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HERsay A TALE OF WOMEN WITH SOMETHING TO SAY Photos by: Kevin Sharp

here were three reasons why I created HERsay: I wanted more judgment-free performance opportunities for people; I loathe hearing people say women aren’t funny; and women’s voices need to be heard. I’ve done public speaking my entire adult life, and it is never not scary. But stories need to be told and there are never enough places for public telling. Our local storytellers’ guild does an outstanding job of providing safe spaces for storytelling, and opportunities arise now and again, but I wanted something for all types of artists

— visual artists, musicians, poets, actors, improvisers. There must be a way, I thought. Too many times in life, I have heard it said that women aren’t funny. I do not think that society would tolerate anyone saying that any other group is inherently not funny; but when it’s women? Eh, people either agree or ignore it. I’m funny, I thought. My friends are funny. There must be a way. Women are marginalized, interrupted, ignored, unheard. We have stories to tell, songs to sing, information to share. There must be a way. the summer of 2016, I realized that this applied to women’s performance art — we must do it ourselves. I knew Tori Tomalia through Twitter. When I joined the mug club for Pointless Brewery & Theatre, I got this t-shirt that I wore constantly. And whenever I wore it, at least one person would ask me what Pointless was or if I worked there. I started to share these adventures on Twitter, and Tori and I got a friendly banter going. When the idea for HERsay started to formulate, I knew we’d need a venue. The first person I contacted was Tori. I think my original email said something like, “You don’t really know me, but can I use your theater to stage a show?”

Patti Smith “Fight Like a Girl”

THE PLAN The plan came together in three stages: the idea, the venue, the acts. Toni Morrison said, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” In

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I didn’t expect the enthusiastic reply that I got. Not only did Tori welcome the idea, but she jumped on board to help plan it. We set a date: November 10, 2016, two days after the presidential election. I put up a post on Facebook, asking friends to recommend women artists of all types. To my surprise, my post got shared and commented on, and suddenly I had total strangers telling me that they wanted to volunteer to be in the show. Comedians, visual artists, musicians, performance artists, sketch artists — all women with something to say! We had a show!

One of the wonderful and unintended side effects of HERsay is the connections made between women. Sarah saw Jeannie sing a song and decided to take voice lessons from her voice teacher. Halla saw Jeannie sing a song and decided to do a duet with her. Someone saw our female improv group perform and decided to take improv classes at Pointless. A storyteller was inspired to work on her own showcase of stories. We have made friends and become sisters.

THE IDEA REMAINS THE SAME

Sarah Smalheer singing Aria from “Carmen”

THE SHOW! Our sold-out first show took place two nights after the 2016 presidential election. Needless to say, I had to rewrite my entire opening bit. I also wondered if the show even made sense at that time, if we should postpone it. I mentioned this to my friend and professional photographer, Anne Savage. About ten minutes before the show began, she found me backstage and said, “Not only should this show go on, it needs to go on. We need this.” Her words proved to be true. For the next three hours, over a dozen women shared stories, told jokes, displayed art, made us laugh and cry. From ticket sales and from literally passing a hat, we made over $700 to donate to Planned Parenthood. One of our performers, Callie McKee, offered to help with future shows, and together we put together HERsay II. This show also sold out and raised close to $800 for Planned Parenthood. HERsay III played to a sold-out house, introduced new women to the stage, and raised money for Ozone House. HERsay IV packed Pointless Brewery & Theatre on a Wednesday in late August — a feat I never would have dreamed of when we started this!

HERsay exists to get women on stage. One of the goals is to have first-time performers at every show — telling their story, playing their music, sharing their jokes. Performers have a supportive, nonjudgmental audience and the freedom to try new things. Ultimately, we’d love to see this event grow to new cities, new women. Callie and I have talked about HERsee (visual art), HERstory (storytelling with an emphasis on women’s history), outdoor events, workshops — the sky’s the limit. There is a place on the stage for all women. Please join us! HERsay V takes place on November 7th at Pointless Brewery and Theatre. Please contact Patti at teacherpatti@fastmail.net for more information about getting involved in HERsay.

Callie McKee October 2018 | 29

HARVESTING YOUR STRENGTHS IN RELATIONSHIPS by Maria Sylvester, MSW, CPC

Photo by Aldo Delara

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hen was the last time you celebrated what was working well in your relationships? When was the last time you noted what you were contributing? Rather than feeling inadequate when a connection steers off course, why not help set it straight again by plugging into your relationship superpowers? Do you know what yours are? Noting that is definitely worth a moment of reflection. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fall into the trap of focusing on what isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t working, or on the problems you are having with someone. Instead, concentrate on what you might do differently in that moment. As I love to remind my coaching clients, it is by recognizing and using our strengths that we experience true joy in relationships. If we harness our strengths, we can also more easily make positive changes when needed. Problems get more quickly resolved. The result: feelings of empowerment in the art of intimacy and connection! Let today be the day you really appreciate the strengths you bring to all the important relationships in your life. I can pretty much guarantee that if you reflect on and embrace the gifts you offer in your connection with others, you will feel the bonds you have deepen. Not only that, but you will feel the appreciation you have for yourself grow significantly. How delicious is that? And perhaps most importantly, as you recognize and value your interpersonal strengths, you will get even better at utilizing them. Get ready for greater satisfaction in your relationship world.

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There are a number of areas where relationship strengths empower us and deserve to be further harvested. Consider, for instance, your ability to communicate with those in your inner circle. Perhaps you are a pro at being able to speak openly and without judgement. This straightforward, direct style helps your dear ones know where you stand, and where they stand with you. Pretty significant, yes? Or maybe you have the talent of addressing tough issues in non-blaming or matter-offact ways. What a gift this strength is! Issues can be more easily discussed without the likelihood of your pal shifting into a defensive posture. To be able to communicate respectfully, even in times of trial or stress, can bring a healing quality to many a hard moment. Tension can be greatly reduced by the strength of a gentle, considerate, clear communication style. Another area relationship strengths deserve to be celebrated relate to commitment values. Maybe you are a person who is highly dependable, and consistent in showing up. These traits foster trust and deepen attachment. Or what about honesty, loyalty, or optimism? These qualities represent powerful strengths that can fuel relationships. If you are a person who brings commitment strengths to relationships, you are helping to foster a spirit of well-being, joy, and hope for others you are close to. With your commitment energy, you demonstrate that the relationship you are participating in is truly important and sacred to you. Imagine what can grow from this. Imagine the love youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll harvest! Lastly, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consider the strength of being available for another. Sharing quality time is key to developing lasting bonds. Carving out time to be together 32 | The Brick Magazine

Photo by Daiga Ellaby

Where there is the greatest love, there are always miracles. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Willa Cather

Photo by Annie Spratt with those we care about, and to be truly present during this time, is to give the gift of attention. The other person feels seen and acknowledged by your capacity to be strong in presence, especially if you come to them with care and kindness of heart. Spending meaningful time with someone you love also contributes to their sense of feeling known. Sharing experiences together also creates feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and fulfillment â&#x20AC;&#x201D; not to mention lots of fun memories that can later be harvested and savored!

Having read to this point, I challenge you now to celebrate the specific strengths you offer those in your world. Recognize as well all the character strengths those in your inner circle shower upon you. What we give attention to is always what grows stronger. Attend not to the problems in your relationships, but rather to the positive qualities you can offer, especially in tough moments. Always be ready to bring more of those strengths forward. Watch for the magic that will happen next! Get ready to harvest treasures.

Maria Sylvester, MSW, CPC is a certified Life Coach in Ann Arbor, MI who loves empowering adolescents, adults, and couples to live from the HEART of what really matters to them so that they can bring their fully expressed, vibrant selves into the world. She has a special gift for helping women reclaim their feminine power, and embrace their radiant, sensual, sexy spirits. Their lives transform. They soar into their mid-life magnificence! LifeEmpowermentCoaching.com Complimentary First Session 734.717.7532 October 2018 | 33

Photo by Javier Molina 34 | The Brick Magazine

MAGICAL HALLOWEEN MEMORIES

by Randi Rubenstein

t was November 1st, 2017. I’m driving my sixth-grade son, Cory, home from school and he says, “Halloween really sucked this year.” Immediately my brain started

swirling. I felt my body temperature rise and my heart began racing ever so slightly. This is what happens when you find yourself in a triggered moment.

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What happens next is usually words, actions and behaviors that you don’t really want to do or say, but nonetheless, you find yourself in The Parent Gap. The Parent Gap is the name of the book I wrote and the term I use to explain the gap between being the parent you want to be and the one you currently are during a triggering situation — when you say and do things you never intended and might feel guilty about later. On that car ride home, I found myself declining into The Parent Gap due to my son’s disappointment about one of his last “little kid” Halloween memories. I know it may sound trivial to some, but to my brain this situation was serious enough to induce a flood of stress hormones into my body. You see, as a mom, I have a big subconscious mission when it comes to my kiddos. I really want them to have magical childhoods. And this is due to the fact that mine, let’s just say, was seriously lacking in the joy and magical thinking department. 36 | The Brick Magazine

And Halloween, the holiday of make-believe, costumes, and candy seemed like the quintessential magical childhood experience to my brain. Halloween is a primo magical-memory-making opportunity, and here was my little boy specifically letting me know that this wasn’t the case for him. Halloween 2017 was an epic magical fail on my “best mom ever” agenda. Now don’t get me wrong, I realize this sounds ridiculous and irrational. I can see things clearly when I’m thinking about it from a conscious place. The problem is, when you find yourself in The Parent Gap, it’s the subconscious part of your brain that comes online. The brain is funny like that. It loves to blow simple things, like a rainy disappointing Halloween, way out of proportion. Unfortunately, we operate from that subconscious part about 95% of the time. However, I was one step ahead of my dramatic triggered brain because I study this stuff. I have specific tools to quickly quiet the drama and get back into the

thinking or conscious part of my brain. I found myself ready to launch into all the reasons why Halloween hadn’t been a disappointment and tell him how it really went down for HIM! I mean, we knew bad weather was headed our way so we had umbrellas and rain boots available. I enlisted my brother, the creative gay uncle Wawa, to create the most hilarious costume ever for Cory: a mall-walkin’ middleaged mom. We invited a gaggle of sixth-grade boys over for pizza, trick-or-treating, and candy swapping. AND, I actually witnessed them all having a great time. Oh, how I wanted to point out all of these details to my disappointed eleven-year-old son in an attempt to “happy him up” and convince him that he was mistaken. This would have been me jumping into fix-it mode by telling my son how he SHOULD feel. And as most of us “fixers” have experienced, this never ends well. Instead, all I did was take a few really deep breaths. I’ve learned that three deep inhales and exhales is like natural Prozac for my brain and body. This is how I help my brain to get back into the driver’s seat and think clearly when I’m in The Parent Gap. Next, I empathized with him through active listening. I simply mirrored back how he was feeling by saying, “Yeah. You waited all year for Halloween. I mean, it’s the one day a year when you get to eat as much candy as you want, and then it rains on your sugar-filled parade.

What a major letdown, especially since this might be one of your last real trick-or-treating years before you become a teenager.” What followed felt nothing less than miraculous. My kid ended up “happying himself up” and he actually said, “You know, it really was pretty fun. I mean, my costume was awesome, and trick-or-treating was like playing in the rain without worrying about getting soaked and dirty. And the big house that gives out full-sized candy bars gave me a Crunch and a giant three-pack Reece’s because my costume was so good.” Here’s the thing: empathy is the best parenting tool I could ever teach you. When we master our mind by closing the Parent Gap and show up with true empathy by seeing our kid’s perspective and active listening, our kids are able to find their own solutions. I believe this supports our kids in having not only the most magical childhood, but ultimately a magical life as well. Randi helps parents, particularly ones with a strongwilled kiddo, learn tools to raise confident, kind, and self-motivated kids by improving the conversations in your family. As the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast, and author of The Parent Gap, Randi helps parents keep cool and replace old patterns. Randi’s parenting motto is: “When our thoughts grow, the convos in our home low.” To learn more, go to www.randirubenstein.com

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LEADING THE WAY: USHERING IN A NEW WAY OF BEING by Sharon Lawlor

Photo by Taneli Lahtinen

hile traveling over the summer with my ten-year-old daughter and husband, I was taken back to the days when I was a young girl traveling with my family — no maps pulled up at the press of a finger, no Siri telling you where to go. In today’s world, one can turn on their maps app, enter where they want to go, and basically slip into autopilot, knowing that the phone will direct you step-by-step along the way.

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There is such a tunnel vision that happens here. Not even for a moment do we pause to wonder what sights are along the way, as that would slow us down in achieving our objective. Modern apps can calculate the quickest route and even let you know when your arrival time will be. If something arises along the way, the app speaks to you and asks if you’d like to be rerouted to the next quickest route if there will be a delay. No effort, no thought, and no planning on our end whatsoever.

This era is all about the quickest and easiest way. We’ve lost our ability to really understand where we are in context of the world. Our ability to create a relationship with our surroundings and live a slower lifestyle is diminished. We have essentially thrown out our very own inner map.

wandering, you will be taking a leisure stroll (which in itself is okay, if that’s what you want). But be aware, this path might not even come close to any sights you actually want to see, or be anywhere close to the design you pictured! Consciously create your path with intention.

When I was young, I remember going to AAA with my mom, which was literally down the street from our home. I remember looking at a wall filled with actual physical maps of all different places — name a state or city you’d like to visit, and it was there. It was such a tactile experience to open up the map, unfold it crease-bycrease, and feel the paper between my fingers. There were colors, codes, and a scale to understand it more deeply. It allowed one to take the time to engage with it and discern it. Following it was so much fun for me when I was in the backseat of my parents’ car. It truly was fascinating to see where we started, the roads that connected one-by-one in order to reach an end goal.

Think about it; when you want to manifest anything in your life, how much time, energy, and focus are you giving it? I know for me, I have to continually remind myself to slow down and breathe in order to come back into my own body. It helps to ground oneself. Without that, no manifestation will transition from formlessness to form. It would continually be in the ether, swirling around, boundless.

Most of my family trips growing up were indeed road trips. The bigger the road trip meant the more planning involved, which could have started months or years prior. Getting really precise details helps tremendously. For instance, knowing your budget, the length of the trip, how long you want to travel each day, where you are sleeping, and even figuring out what events you want to participate in and if you need to purchase tickets ahead of time all help make it smooth sailing. These were the days before computers and online sales, even using snail mail to make reservations in some instances. Researching in a library might be a part of it, too, in order to explore one’s options. Growing up, most everything was in a couple-mile radius of our home. Local trips were minimal, and we spent most days day-dreaming and playing. There weren’t so many distractions or so much “busy” work. This is a time that I hold dear, and a feeling I am using as a tool for measuring my life now. A road trip was one big manifestation. All of one’s energy, effort, focus, and intent all coming together in one place. One big, embodied experience! There is a certain order needed to achieve the destination, as not all roads lead to the same areas. Sure, some paths are shorter or quicker; there are many different combinations to get to one’s haven. But first, one needs to know and claim where they want to go! If you start off

Breathing, slowing down, and coming back into one’s body allows energy to flow. Be conscious and intentional of desires, and nurture them. Let this been known within you as often as possible, even for a moment. Believe me, those moments add up as we keep those goals at the top of our minds, confirming to the ether what’s in our heart. They create a momentum of cosmic communication to the divine universe. How magical is that? This map analogy can help in many areas of one’s life. It’s essential to choose our own map and not try to follow another’s. Open it up, take it in with all one’s heart, and choose where you want to go. Our map connects us back to ourselves, to our heart and soul, our dreams and desires; it allows creativity, imagination, and play back into our lives. I know for me, I’d love more of that while I’m trying to slow down and open up my map (not app!) for guidance. This is our true north — the compass that always leads home to the heart. Sure, there might be an occasional crossroads, but when we are connected to our very own soul map, our heart will always lead the way and guide us on our journey. Sharon Marie works holistically within the body-mindspirit framework of her clients to reawaken them to their own innate tranquil being and feel a new sense of peace. She’s artful in working with the elements to create more flow, spaciousness, ease, and magic while deepening her clients’ connection to self through healing bodywork, mindful dialogue, and experiential journeys. Sharon Marie is the Founder and Energy Alchemist at Tranquil Being. Connect with her through email here: connect@tranquilbeing.com or call 734.761.8753. website: www.tranquilbeing.com facebook: www.facebook.com/tranquilbeing instagram: www.instagram.com/tranquil.being twitter: www.twitter.com/tranquilbeing

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Photo by Jen Palmer

WOMAN ON THE STREET

THE PUERTO RICAN AND THE SWEDE by Stephanie Saline

’d popped out of my house to check and see if the mail had come yet. It hadn’t yet, but I looked up and noticed Louis was in his car, idling. Louis is a retired police officer whose adult daughters live in the house across the street. He sometimes sits in his car in front of our house, waiting with his windows down. It’s always struck me as a retired police officer thing to do.

Over the course of this conversation, I found out the following things about Louis: he grew up in the neighborhood, is one of fifteen kids, and when he got a large settlement from a car accident (he showed me the four inch scar on the inside of his bicep), his now ex-wife insisted they move out to the suburbs and get a big house.

Side bar: I don’t think I’ve ever seen Louis outside his car.

This turned into a discussion about how bigger isn’t necessarily better, and living in the ‘burbs doesn’t always make you happier.

I didn’t have anywhere particular to be, so I ran down our front porch stairs and up to Louis’ car to give him a high five.

“When I got all that money, my ex-wife wanted to move out to a big house with a big yard,” Louis said. “She wanted to get away from all my sisters. She wanted…” his voice trailed off.

40 | The Brick Magazine

It struck me as odd, to be a white person talking about being assimilated. Probably because the underlying assumption is that other people assimilate into white culture. But there’s no such thing as white culture, is there? It, too, is a mash-up of other traditions, assumptions, and behaviors. Isn’t it? Side bar: I once heard about the website Stuff White People Like. I was dismayed to find out that I like all the stuff white people like, too: farmers markets, riding bicycles, hummus, J. Crew. That’s how I found out how I was white. After Louis’ marriage ended, he moved back into his old neighborhood. He doesn’t have as much money as he used to, but he likes his new life better. He goes out to coffee with his friends every morning. He is surrounded by people he knows, and who know him. He’s got his community. His sister calls him every day to make sure he’s got enough to eat. And sometimes? She comes over and cleans his house. Photo by Jon Tyson “To live with all the white people,” I finished his sentence. Louis, who’s Puerto Rican, laughed. “Right. She wanted to live by all the white people.” Seems like every time Louis and I catch up, he tells me he’s Puerto Rican. I’m not always so good about offering details about my own life to the people I talk with; I tend to hang back and listen more than I share. But I appreciated Louis’ pride in his heritage, so when the conversation circled back around, I told him my people come from Sweden and Ireland. And then I told him about how my great grandma came over with her parents when she was five years old, and that some of her siblings were left behind with relatives. Louis asked me if I went to the St. Patrick’s Day celebration in town. I told him I didn’t, because I didn’t feel that much affinity with my Irish heritage anymore. My dad likes to tell the story of how, every St. Patrick’s Day, my great grandfather would put on a grass-green blazer and bowler hat, and strut around town in painted-green loafers. But that was the extent of our Irish pride. “I think it’s because we’re so assimilated,” I told Louis.

I told Louis he’s lucky. My brother lives in Sweden now, after he married a Swedish lady. And although I love him dearly, I’d never clean his house. Is there such a thing as reverse assimilation? Because I think that’s what I’m trying to do. Pull myself and our family out of the enclaves of racial and social isolation, by moving into a Rust Belt city and mingling with people who are, in some ways, different from us. To not live with all the white people, but instead, live with all different kinds of people. It’s an unusual dream, I realize. But it’s rooted in an aspiration to someday live much like Louis does now: going out to coffee with friends every morning, surrounded by people I know and who know me, belonging to a people and a place… and convincing my brother to come home and sometimes clean my house. A teacher and advertising writer based in Buffalo, Stephanie Saline spent one decade on adventures in Japan, Seattle, and Montana, and another decade building a popular copywriting business. She now leads writing workshops where women become the hero in the story of their own lives. “We live in a world where we are all heroes now – and that’s a great thing.” Find out more about her work at www.stellaorange.com.

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LIGHT LAYERS

The Best Outerwear for Early Fall by Angela Harrison

Photo by Melody Jacob 42 | The Brick Magazine

appy fall, y’all! For Michiganders, I think it’s safe to say this is one of our favorite seasons. Though fall temps and colors don’t last long, we seem to find a way to milk it for all it’s got, and that includes the fashion. October tends to be a tricky month for dressing — we experience a whole range of weather, which can make it hard to know what to wear. Mornings can start out chilly and then reach 75 degrees, making that coat you brought for running around town seem like a cruel joke. So, what’s the perfect layering piece that packs our fave fall-style punch, but doesn’t roast us like a cute butternut squash? Let’s dive into our lightweight options and see all the possibilities!

DENIM JACKETS These babies are really a year-rounder. Jean jackets can get you through cooler summer evenings, soaked spring afternoons, winter work meetings, and — best of all — fall. With so many ways to wear your denim jacket, you really can’t go wrong here. Today’s styles are always coming up with a fun twist on the classic, adding a little interest to your look and giving room to dress it up. Styles like Lucky Brand ‘Smart Distressed’ denim jackets are great alternatives to the traditional style. A collarless neckline, raw edge hem and sleeves, and distressed details give this jacket a sophisticated silhouette with a dash of edginess. A classic jean jacket is always in style, like the 7 For All Mankind ‘Slim Classic,’ making for the perfect finishing touch to any fall look. If you’re wearing jeans already, I always have a rule of making your bottoms darker than your jacket, for a little contrast; but other than that, denim on denim is a go. Pair with your fave tee, blouse, button-down shirt, sweater, or layer over a sundress for warmer days. Play with color, like the Topshop ‘Boxy Denim Jacket’ in green, or their ‘Cotton Corduroy Jacket’ in mustard.

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KNITS AND VESTS Knit blazers, jackets, and sweater coats are a great alternative to true outwear. These are pieces that can be worn as part of your look, while still being functional during cooler temps. Find a classic jacket or coat style you love, and try it in knit or lightweight fabric. A great option for day to night is the ‘Organic Cotton Tweed Moto Jacket’ by Eileen Fisher. The clean lines of this moto-style design give a polished look, while maintaining a casual, everyday wearable look with the juxtaposition of cotton fabric. A fab look with a white tee, denim, and sneakers, and a great jacket with a dressed-up dinner outfit — it really has a place anywhere. Another versatile knit jacket is the ‘Clairene New Divide Wool & Cashmere Coat’ by Theory. A simplistic approach to outwear, this jacket is a wool and cashmere blend, making it extremely light and extremely cozy. It has no lining and is wearable like a cardigan in the office or over your complete look; this piece is great for throwing on and going. Vests are always the unsung hero of outwear. Never worn nearly enough, vests offer strategic protection from the elements, and in the places we want and need. With vests, you rarely get overheated, and styles like long dusters can really step an outfit up to the next level. For casual options, styles like Calson’s utility vest are perfect for a light layer with your denim. For brisker temps, quilted vests like the Gallery ‘Quilted & Knit Vest’ give more insulation with its puffer vest design, but allow for movement with the knit side panels. And to dress up your turtle necks or tunics and leggings, try the ribbed duster style by Halogen, in camel or charcoal gray.

LIGHTWEIGHT JACKETS While the leaves are turning orange, red, yellow, and brown, that doesn’t mean our clothes have to do the same. Bright colors look gorgeous this time of year; because our surroundings start to create a warm color palette, wearing colors like bright pastels can really make a look pop. A fab example of brights for fall is this great ‘Check Double Breasted Jacket’ by Topshop. Unique blazers like this style are easy ways to wear fun outwear and still feel stylish at work or out on the down. Other trends that we can turn into lightweight options are the ever-popular bomber jacket, like this style by Calson in ‘Yellow Tea’. A sporty flare, toned down by the casual quality of the knit fabric, yet still bright and fun.

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CAPES AND WRAPS When a jacket won’t quite do, or a vest isn’t the answer, we pull in the glamourous aid of a cape or wrap. A personal favorite, capes and oversized scarves are extremely versatile and can make you look like a born and raised Parisian in 30 seconds; c’est magnifique! Really, even if you have the most basic, boring outfit on, a cape can take you from “look at that lady…” to “look at that lady!” There are so many options out there for capes. There are styles that have more design and structure to them than a scarf or wrap would have, like zippers, buttons, arm holes, etc. Capes are great for fall with denim, black pants, and fitted skirts or dresses. A cozy option is the timeless Treasure & Bond ‘Blanket Plaid Cape’ with its simple design of a front zipper and side snaps to create armholes. This style cape is definitely outwear; it blends together the lightweight feel of a vest and the elegance of a proper coat. Scarves are definitely a fall-fashion must and can be worn thousands of ways. For warmer days, wear them around your neck, open at your sides; for cooler days, try draping the scarf around yourself and throwing one end over your shoulder for a drape effect. Pack ‘em in your work bag, keep one in your car — having an oversized scarf on hand is always an easy way to be prepared for tricky fall weather. One versatile, lightweight style by Treasure & Bond is their ‘Floral Wrap’ in blue geo medley and navy field. Note the folk-themed patchwork and small floral bouquet print trends we saw on the Fall/Winter ’18 runway in September’s issue! There’s no wrong way when it comes to scarves, so grab something that speaks to you and try wearing it as a layering piece rather than its standard scarf use. Fall fashion is all about cozy, comfy layers, and that’s just what these lightweight options offer. You can still layer your looks and stay cool on warm days; you don’t have to compromise on style. These simple swaps and tricks will keep you in the fall spirit we all love, and enjoy every minute of this golden season! *All photos belong to Nordstrom.com

Angie Harrison received a BS degree in fashion merchandising from Western Michigan University, and after merchandising for a large retailer, went on to start Angela Harrison Style: a personal, print, and film wardrobe styling service. Her experience has led her to build a loyal client list of people from all backgrounds and professions. Angie has also worked in wardrobe on local and national tv commercials and has started a visual merchandising branch of AHStyle, providing styling and merchandising expertise to Michigan retailers. October 2018 | 45

TREATS POST-TRICKS

Out of all the holiday memories, Halloween memories always jump out at me first. by Jillian Fraioli

y mother loved to go all out. We had a screened-in front porch where she’d tie up sheets splattered with glow-in-the-dark paint, and hang cobwebs and creepy crawlies. She’d take a huge cauldron and get dried ice for the night. She’d dress up as a witch, with scars, teased hair, and full makeup. My father would put up black lights, furthering the effect. Right before the kids would swarm the neighborhood, my mom would start up the cassette player, all set with spooky tunes and creepy sounds. It was the late ‘70s, after all. There was even one Halloween, my favorite, where I helped Mom boil spaghetti noodles and peeled grapes, which we put in shallow bowls, with the candy stash hidden in the middle. The kids knew it was in jest, but we got a huge kick out of them having to feel gross innards and eyeballs in order to get their treats. I still look forward to trick or treating in our neighborhood. We love watching the parade of costumes (even though I would be super happy to never see another Frozen costume for the rest of my life). But we don’t go all-out on the decorating like Mom. Some years we’ll play some Halloween Pandora and we’ll put up spooky lights on the porch with the pumpkins. Photo by Marcel Gaelle 46 | The Brick Magazine

Our neighbors do a good job: some have the tombstones in their yard, or skeletons hanging off the trees. These houses also play spooky noises, and some even have a coffin or two, or even some decapitated floating heads. It makes me think of the things Mom and I could do now, proximity not being an issue. One of our neighbors takes an old TV (it has to weigh at least a hundred pounds!) and puts it in their front bay window, rotating different horror movies of old each night leading up to Halloween. Last year, there was quite the group of adult neighbors standing around commenting on The Bride of Frankenstein. I remember watching all those black-andwhites with my parents as a kid, before Jason or Freddy came on the scene. Oh Halloween. You might just be my favorite. So instead of going all-out with the decorations, we like to be sure we have a post-sugar rush spread set up for our close friends and neighbors. Usually it’s late, so we like to go for light Halloween treats: soup, appetizers, and one themed cocktail. Along with the below recipes, we’ll put out a large cheese board surrounded by fresh breads, nuts, olives, and seasonal fruits.

Frankenstein Fingers (Asparagus Spears Wrapped in Prosciutto and Phyllo Dough) Makes 30 spears Full Cooking Time: about 35-45 minutes Active Time: About 15 minutes •

4 ounces thinly-sliced prosciutto cut into 30 long, thin strips

•

30 asparagus spears trimmed (big and fat is better, so they don’t shrink too much and leave you with gaping air between the spear and the wrapping)

•

Frozen phyllo dough, thawed

•

Olive oil cooking spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Salt and pepper as desired

•

Preheat oven to 400° F.

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Prepare a baking sheet with parchment or a silpat

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Wrap 1 prosciutto strip around each asparagus spear, in a spiral, leaving the tip exposed

•

Place phyllo sheet on work surface and keep it covered with a barely-moist towel to prevent it from drying.

•

Cut dough into rectangles that are about 2x4 inches. You basically want them to be big enough to wrap around your asparagus while leaving only the tip exposed.

•

Remove 3-5 strips at a time, depending on your desire of phyllo thickness, and coat each strip with the cooking spray or dip finger in oil and rub top of dough, layering them on top of one another; the oil will help seal the dough. I like to make it messy, so it looks like peeling skin. Then wrap the now stacked pieces of phyllo around the asparagus/prosciutto spear. Don’t forget to leave the tip exposed (Frankenstein’s fingertip!)

•

Place each spear on a baking sheet, seam side down.

•

Repeat procedure with remaining phyllo, asparagus, and cooking spray. Once done, give all of them a light spray or brush of olive oil.

•

Bake at 400° for 15 min. or until phyllo is golden and crisp. Serve warm.

While I think these are amazing on their own, I will often whip up a lemon or Sriracha aioli or some sort of dip with these — use your imagination! You can also put some fancy mustard inside before you wrap them up. So many variations!

October 2018 | 47

•

Pre-heat your oven to 385 degrees

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Line a baking sheet with parchment or silpat

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Toss pumpkin, carrots, ginger, leek or onion, and garlic in the olive oil

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Roast vegetables for 35-45 min., until the pumpkin is soft. You might have to take the garlic, ginger, and leeks out at about 30 min., so check around the 2530 min. mark.

•

Remove the pumpkin flesh from the skin (and the seeds if you did not remove them)

•

Heat a 6-quart heavy-bottomed pan on medium with the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil, and add in all of the vegetables. Toss in the heated olive oil, and add the white wine, let it cook out the alcohol, about 2-3 min.

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Turn down the heat to medium low, and add 4 cups of the stock to start, and the bay leaf.

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Let everything simmer for 30-45 min. (this is when I’d make the Frankenstein Fingers)

•

Now everything is soft and flavors are combined; remove the bay leaf, and add your coconut milk, the whole can, all the orange zest, and half the orange juice.

I start making this pumpkin soup recipe in September with the first harvest of butternut squash. So, if you cannot find sugar pumpkins, you can substitute other winter squash easily: acorn, Hubbard, or Delicata all work.

•

Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend the soup until very smooth (I use my Vitamix — not on the soup setting).

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1 large sugar pumpkin (or substitute) — about 3 pounds, cut in quarters (remove seeds now if you want to roast them for garnish, or leave them in and remove them after they are roasted — this makes it slightly easier, but I prefer to roast my seeds)

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1 pound of carrots, peeled and cut in half

Taste and adjust. You might need more stock if it’s too thick, you might need more orange juice if it needs a kick of acidity, or you might want to add a splash more wine, salt, or pepper. I find I almost always use the extra juice, and from 1/2 to 1 extra cup of stock to thin it out, but it will depend on your squash!

•

2 inches of ginger, peeled, chopped in four big chunks

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Garnish with your choice of items above.

•

Serve warm.

Jack-o-Lantern Soup (Roasted Pumpkin and Carrot Soup with Ginger and Coconut Milk) Serves 4 as a main dish, 8 as a starter in mugs Full Cooking Time: 2 hours; Active Time: About 35 minutes

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2 leeks or 1 large white sweet onion, peeled and washed, and cut in large chunks

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5 garlic cloves, peeled, left whole

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3 tbsp olive oil, divided into 2 and 1

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4-6 cups chicken or good vegetable stock (homemade or store-bought, look for low-sodium)

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1/2 cup of white wine, optional

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1 bay leaf

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1 tsp of salt

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Pepper to taste

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1 full-fat can of coconut milk, 2 tbsp of the creme reserved for garnish if you wish

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1 medium-ripe orange, zest removed, juiced

48 | The Brick Magazine

For Garnish: •

Cilantro or parsley, roughly chopped

•

Roasted pumpkin seeds

• Paprika •

Drizzle of creme fraiche or the coconut creme you have reserved

If you want to get real fancy, you can serve the soup in a halved, hollowed-out pumpkin shell, surrounded by cute little mugs. I just let people help themselves from a terrine and mismatched mugs — we go eclectic and functional in my house.

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Witches’ Brew

Makes about 12 1-cup servings (so in our house, six servings) Full Cooking Time: About 40 minutes Active Time: About 10 minutes • • • • • • • • •

Cheesecloth, double-layered or disposable tea bag, or even a coffee filter 2 cardamom pods 2 whole cloves 2 whole allspice 3 Pink Peppercorns (optional) 1 cinnamon stick, broken in half 1 orange, sliced, pitted 1 lemon, sliced and pitted 3 quarts apple cider (or apple juice if cider isn’t available; fresh is best, if you’re lucky to live near an orchard or three!)

• •

2 tbsp brown sugar, or agave syrup 1-2 cups brandy, or rum, or even Calvados; or serve on the side for shots to be added to the mulled cider, so the kids can enjoy it too!

•

Lightly crush the cardamom, cloves, allspice, and cinnamon stick, and put them in the cheesecloth with the peppercorns to make a bundle, and close by tying the corners together, or with kitchen twine. Place all ingredients, except the booze, in a 4-quart heavy-bottomed sauce pan. Bring to a simmer, and reduce heat to low, and let flavors meld for 30 min. before serving.

• •

If you’re not serving to the kiddos, or you’re pouring into a thermos for your trick-or-treat beverage, go ahead and stir in the alcohol after the simmer — but reduce the heat to warm, so you don’t burn it all off!

Jillian moonlights in her own kitchen as Executive Chef. She comes from a long line of at-home chefs, making Sunday sauce and homemade pasta as soon as she was knee-high with Grandma Fraioli. Jillian used to work at such illustrious restaurants such as Emeril’s Fish House in Las Vegas (where she was a Pastry Chef), and both in the front and back of the house of Serafina and Tango in Seattle. She ended her career in restaurants many lives ago, and now supports women-owned businesses, including The Brick Magazine as assistant to the publisher. You can follow along with her cats and knitting (and sometimes food), if that’s your jam, on Instagram @yarnologie. October 2018 | 49

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