#caffeinated convos

[caffeinatedconvos]

Cup 47

Name: Edward Age: 69 Hometown: LA Central (South of Hollywood) Meeting spot: Otto Moser's Restaurant in the PlayhouseSquare District, Cleveland, OH Drink: Lemonade

I ordered their coffee, which was delicious (no cream added), but forgot to ask them what brand it was.

Photo Courtesy: GoTime.com Cleveland                                                                                                      ----

Cup 47 has been a security officer at the B.F. Keith Building downtown for 12 1/2 years. He works the first shift: 7:30am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. He deals with everyone who comes through the building, assists maintenance and management people, and has other certain responsibilities with some of the businesses in the building.

Why this location, and why that drink? "I chose Otto Moser because I like their food, they are close to my work and I knew it would be reasonably quiet for our conversation. Lemonade is very tasty, has vitamin C - which is important for this time of year - and it's a pleasant change from sodas and coffee." Describe yourself in 6 words. "Oh, that's easy. Nasty, old, son of a bitch. You know what a curmudgeon is?"  Are they all businesses in there [B.F. Keith Building]? "No, there are some law firms. There's an insurance agency and some non-profits. The businesses are mostly high tech-companies, so anything dealing with computers, the Internet, all that sort of thing." During your 12 1/2 years there, have you noticed any big changes in the offices that are there? Have most of them stuck around for awhile, or have many of them come and go? "A few of them have been here for the entire 12 1/2 years I've worked here, but there's been a bit of change, as well." What were you doing before this security officer job? "I was doing office work at an administration for pension and profit-sharing plans in California.  I recall, when I was describing my blog to you, that you warned me about how conservative you are and believe that current American culture is disintegrating. You also asked me to watch that video on Dennis Prager speaking at Colorado Christian University, which I did, so that I would understand what your beliefs are. Why Dennis Prager, and can you elaborate on your thoughts? "Well, he's only one of a slew of conservatives who believes in this, but I admire him because he's extremely articulate and we're both Jewish. I'm a non-practicing Jew but I lived in Israel at one point." What were you doing in Israel?  "I volunteered at a kibbutz for 6 months. A kibbutz is a collective community in Israel that was started by people who immigrated to Israel and started to develop agriculture and manufacturing. The word, kibbutz, comes from the Hebrew word, kibbutza, which means 'a group.' We lived separately from the families who lived in the kibbutz - almost like a dorm kind of thing - and what was expected of you was pretty straightforward: to do the work you were assigned and to learn the language, or in my case, attempt to learn. All meals and housing were provided, and when you weren't working, you could take the bus to Haifa and hang out. You could pretty much do whatever you wanted.

Being Jewish, I had the right to go, and when I was 39 years old, the war with Lebanon broke out so I thought, 'I better go and contribute something.' 

Sha Kibbutz, Israel Photo Courtesy: TDreports

Kibbutz Gan Shmuel on Shavuot, 1959 Photo Courtesy: דוד שני via PikiWiki Israel

Picking cotton at Kibbutz Shamir, circa 1958 Photo Courtesy: Shamir Archive                                                        -

What did you miss most about the U.S.? Why did you come back?

"Cheeseburgers. I came back though because I wouldn't have fit in. I didn't conquer the language. I didn't have a job, and it's hard to become a citizen of Israel. But I wanted to be a citizen of America.

You know, it's been 35 years since I've quit smoking. February 23rd."

Oh, Congratulations! So going back to my question earlier, can you elaborate on your thoughts about America?

Angrily, Cup 47 replies, "I think American culture has gotten so high-tech that it has overspilled its useful areas into personal area, in particular, the cell phone.

The cell phone has great use. A businessman needs it for work, to call his co-workers, etc. For women, it provides a measure of safety. But I've seen many young people come through those front doors and many of them have a cell phone stuck to their ear. The cell phone is not an agent of social connectedness, but of separation.

Photo Courtesy: Mitek Systems

                                                      -

From 2003-2012, the offices of CSU (Cleveland State University) were housed in the building I work at, and a lot of those students, who are supposedly Americans, can't speak English, write, or debate. These people are extremely Left-wing, believe in extreme social justice, want people to pay for them. They know nothing about American history and culture and have no love for our country. They're self-centered and egotistical.

When you turn on the television, all you hear about is entertainment. Beyoncé this, Lady Gaga that, Miley Cyrus - how she turned from wholesome Hannah to this lascivious character. I just don't see or hear the talent these people supposedly have. I usually turn on the radio. I like to tune into WKHM 91.5 FM. They play standard American music up to the middle 50s. Throughout the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s, there was great talent, personality and delight to be associated with our culture. These days I feel like there are a lot of celebrities without talent and their voices are electronically created. It would be incredible to hear Lady Gaga sing without electronic editing and her ridiculous outfits."

What do you think young people need to do in order to turn around this culture?

"You can't change it. This culture has been created because young people are not discerning enough or demand anything in particular of artists."

Who is your favorite artist? Who do you enjoy listening to?

"I used to like Linda Ronstadt before she contracted Parkinson's. She was very charming and sang rock 'n' roll and country music. She went on tour with Nelson Riddle and made albums on great American Classics that were absolutely brilliant.

I like Elvis. He did his career the right way and served in the military when he was asked to, and demanded people treat him the same as everyone else in service. 

As far as classical music, I like Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, and Boccherini. Apollo's Fire [Cleveland Baroque Orchestra] is a great group."

                                                      ----

What do you like to read?

"I like to read about current American politics - strictly conservative - and American History from the end of the Civil War to the start of the World War, so that would be from about 1865-1914/1917. The United States, at this time, had a very economic way of doing things. There was a true middle class in a large country, people were determined to make their own way of living ... you worked hard if you wanted to. You weren't stuck being a peasant or sharecropper, like in the feudal system. You could be a real human. You could get an education, a decent job, have access to a free library system, take night classes, live in a decent home, live in middle class neighborhoods with little to no crime, have a car, a phone, a television, a phonograph. We had a greater number of citizens than in any country who had political rights. You could criticize the government more freely and have any view you ever wanted to have. 

                                                        -

The U.S. surpassed England and France in steel production. Do you know what that means? It means we were able to do things like build gigantic cities. We got started late in history but now we lead the world in everything. The Constitution was ratified in 1787. We built our country in 2.5 centuries. Because of the Constitution, we have a political system. Because of the Constitution, you have more opportunity to give input and money flowed like wine. 

                                                        -

In the 1950s, there was the Cold War. The Russians boldly told us, 'We're going to bury you.' They believed that Communism was the answer but look at them now. In the Korean War, 50,000 American men died to save South Korea, and there are still American soldiers stationed in that country to this day because who knows what North Korea will do, especially with Kim Jong-il's crazy son now leading the country. He beheaded his uncle for no reason. if you ask any older people in South Korea if they ever wanted the American soldiers to leave, they would say 'no.'

                                                        -

Our culture is distracted. It's different than when I was younger. We don't have draft anymore. There is a very small percentage of youth in service. When Pearl Harbor happened, all of the young men ran to the nearest army post and enlisted because they had an understanding of how important it was to protect our country. 

                                                       -

At the age of 40 years, I had a revelation. I realized that people were not taking enough responsibility for their actions. They weren't taking care of their kids and raising a decent family. The liberal Democrats were changing their politics. In the 20s and 30s, there was a new phenomenon. Welfare, welfare checks, everything expected to be free - primarily by the black community ... it just all piled up. This isn't what I wanted." 

                                                   ----

Education

"In education, the situation of sports and university scholarship is very disturbing to me, especially at public universities. Why are we handing money to student athletes who cannot read and write at the high level expected of other college students at the university? Very little is demanded of these athletes yet their college education is often all paid for but only because they are athletically superior, not academically. 

Going to college seems to be a right these days. If you can't afford to go to college, educate yourself."

Imprimis is a monthly newsletter compiled by Hillsdale College (Michigan), of speeches delivered by conservative thinkers discussing subjects of current concern. "It [Imprimis] allows me to read these things and try to understand the concepts. I have to really pay attention to what I read in order to store information and to be able to go back to it to further understand.

YouTube is also an amazing resource. You can find and learn from videos on just about anything you want."

                                                   ----

In discussing relationships:

"Couples have to be open with one another and as close in their thinking as is comfortable. I think that's what holds marriages together. I was married for 9 years, together for 15 [if you include the dating prior to their marriage]. We worked at the same department store, she pursued me, and then we started dating. Her parents didn't like me though. I was a poor kid, and the longer we dated, the less her parents thought of me, especially her mom. Her mom didn't want her daughter to get married and have kids with me. But we got married anyway, no children though. Then my wife had a nervous breakdown and was out of work for 6 months. This was in northern California, the Bay area. After 3 years of trying to help her, I finally said goodbye and left our marriage. I met someone else around this time but chose not to pursue it.

But I soon discovered though that I was reasonably happy and better off being single. I can travel everywhere and not have to worry about another individual. I've traveled to eleven different cities, always alone: Montgomery, Charleston, Columbia (SC), Greenville, Raleigh, St. Louis, Kansas City, Louisville, and Baltimore."

                                                  ----

What idea or quote would you say you try to practice daily? 

"Try to understand, as well as I can, human nature. Civilization is a consensus to behave in a certain way to benefit everyone, and the consequences of their actions destruct them. We're beginning to excuse people from their crimes. The idea of shame is disappearing. The flagrant nature of sexual matters is out of hand. It's fine to enjoy in private but we need to hold ourselves together when out in public. Sex, today, is thrown out into the streets. If this is today, what the hell is it going to be like tomorrow?

The most important aspect of civilization in America is the almost fanatic recognition of the individual person. But it's falling away because we have all these interest groups demanding extra favors, expressing legal concerns, etc."

-HK

[caffeinatedconvos]

Cup 45

Name: Chelsea Stockman Age: 21 Hometown: South Lyon, Michigan Meeting spot: In the living room of her apartment in East Lansing, via Skype  Drink: Yogi Tea's Breathe Deep

Every Yogi tea bag contains a delightful thought. Some people enjoy collecting these; Chelsea is just getting started with hers. It's like me with my invisible gratitude jar. (Currently, I'm putting the thoughts I want to write down off to the side in my brain. I'll put them down on paper eventually.)

Describe yourself in six words.

"Energetic, determined, stubborn, adventurous, curious, empathetic."

                                                 ~~~~

"I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was twelve years old, maybe a little older. My grandpa died when I was about twelve, and my mom was a nurse. My dad’s an engineer and he showed me some things about cars but I didn’t feel it was the field I wanted to be employed in. I also thought Architecture or Interior Design would be a freeing and adventurous profession but after further exploration I decided it wasn’t the long-term job for me. Then there was one time when my brother was seizing, curling up in a ball, screaming, crying. I held him and tried to calm him down in the backseat of our car while my mom drove us to the hospital … Throughout the entire ordeal I remained calm. Even the hospital calmed me and somehow felt like home. That situation changed my perspective of my professional future.

To further explore the possibility of pursuing a career in healthcare/medicine, I participated in an event called the National Student Leadership Conference on Medicine and Health Care at Northwestern University. Everything about that experience made everything click. What I experienced during the conference solidified my goal of pursuing medicine. A lot of my male friends question my choice ... but they simply don’t know me well enough. Don’t get me wrong; I love cars. I love working with metal and being a 'grease monkey' but I couldn’t do it every day as a job. It’s more of a hobby for me. My boyfriend is studying automotive mechanics so I can practice and learn with him on the side.”

Chelsea Stockman is currently a Michigan State University Pre-Medical student studying Human Biology, Spanish, and Bioethics. She dreams of working as a physician of Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Pediatric Oncology.

I was lucky to catch her at a time when she could sit down and tell me her thoughts about this thing called life for a good hour. Most of the time she is MIA because she’s running off to one of her three jobs or studying science things that I know nothing of, one of which is the MCAT exam. (Double irony note: Her laptop was sitting on top of study books for the MCAT during our caffeinated convo, and I was consuming green tea from the motherland - two teas for the win!) Speaking of running, of all days Cup 45 chose to run it was right before our interview. She knew she was going to be standing for six hours as a Target cashier later that day so she ran to get some energy out. She also hadn’t run quite some time due to her crazy schedule; which is tragic because Chelsea absolutely loves to run. Today [the day of the interview] seemed like a good day to get back into her routine.  

When not working at Target as a team member or Starbucks barista (Might I also add that she used to work at Biggby, too? This Cup knows her coffee!), Stockman works as a Data Collector for a research movement titled Girls on the Move, founded by MSU’s College of Nursing (http://tinyurl.com/m5w7q4k), as well as a patient companion for post-surgical, suicidal, fall-risk, and confused patients at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. 

Courtesy of MSU College of Nursing

What are you looking most forward to in 2014?

"Battling the MCAT, and graduating in December, of course. I’m not looking forward to graduation as much as applying to grad schools. I’m anxious to learn what’s next for me. In January 2015, I plan on applying to 1 and 2-year Master’s programs in Colorado and Michigan. I’d like to move out to Colorado to work and live. I want a more consistent climate and I agree with the regulations in Colorado more so than here in Michigan. It doesn’t hurt that the cities I’m researching support my health-conscious and active lifestyle."

What would you say has been your greatest struggle so far?

"Time management. I have a problem with overscheduling myself between studying/school, working, and family and friends. I never get to see anyone aside from my family and boyfriend."

When you're feeling bogged down or in low spirits, what gives you the most liberation?

"Running helps most. Talking to Ryan [Chelsea’s boyfriend] is also uplifting. He always knows what to say and gives me encouragement and hope. But running gives me time to think and to be by myself, as well as a fight for my tiny, asthmatic lungs. I was diagnosed with asthma at the age of ten. I like the challenge and feeling of physical growth. And releasing all those endorphins doesn’t hurt either!

I started running per the encouragement and persuasion of a friend in high school who was on the cross country team. I ran for a season; I was one of the slowest on the team and on the course. But I didn’t care. All that mattered was I was stronger physically and mentally than I ever had been before. I pushed myself beyond so many limits and grew immensely. I was hooked. However, towards the end of the season I had near fractures in my tibias. I went against doctor’s orders and finished the season; I even ran through post-thunderstorm mud in Sault St. Marie. It wasn’t long after that I took a year off to heal. The time I spent not running led to a downward spiral of my lifestyle – to this day it is my least favorite, and hardest to remember, time span. I started running sporadically the season after that. Ever since I’ve had a yo-yo relationship with running – I by no means have a consistent physical activity routine/habit, but it works well enough for me. Since I prefer solo running, when I do try to incorporate friends it’s on fun runs such as The Color Run.”  

I asked her if she ever thought about swimming and I received a “Yes” with a side of “But I didn’t inherit the fish genes. Those went to my brother.” Then I asked if she ever considered taking up dancing and to my surprise, she has. Stockman plans on attending ballroom dance practice sessions at MSU this spring semester. She was introduced to the art/sport by her previous roommate (and now good friend) Ania, who is on the Michigan State Ballroom Dancing Team. But she was very quick to point out that she wasn’t in it for the competition. “Competing’s not my thing when it comes to exercise. I’d rather compete against myself.” 

She also likes to do yoga.

Chelsea, you mentioned earlier in this interview that you have an interest in cars. Can you elaborate more on that?

"I’ve had a thing for cars since I was a little girl. My mom bought me Barbie dolls and American Girl dolls; my dad bought me a dirt bike and taught me how to fix anything with an engine. My family and I go snowmobiling a lot, and we had a modified golf cart that my mom used to haul things across our ten acre ‘yard.’ One time the golf cart broke down and my dad and I spent an entire summer fixing it. When I got my first car, my dad told me, ‘In order to have this car, any car, you need to know how it functions, how to maintain it, and how to fix it.’ I spent all of my money fixing up that car. The work was difficult, expensive, time consuming, and often resulted in arguments out of frustration, but it taught me countless lessons. It’s impossible for me to look at a car as ‘just a car’ or a ‘hunk of metal.’ To me, it’s a living machine. When I look at a car I see a body filled with organs that need to be carefully monitored. How’s that for mixing medicine and cars?"

I noticed your profile picture on Facebook is of you shooting a gun. Do you enjoy shooting, as well?

"Yeah. My brother’s been into guns for as long as I can remember and my boyfriend talks about guns a lot, too. He [her boyfriend] thought it would be kickass to have a girlfriend who knows how to shoot. Originally I wasn’t all too hyped up about guns and shooting … But I’ve been getting more interested in it because I’ve had more exposure to it. The one I’m shooting in my profile picture is my boyfriend’s first gun which originally belonged to his best friend. It was a Christmas gift immediately before he departed for the military. It’s a Russian SKS. My brother has some of my grandpa’s guns; recently I shot his shotgun (it was a first, and it was a blast, haha). I actually didn’t know that my grandpa had owned any guns until after he died because the only people he ever told about them were his wife and his best friend. Naturally my brother, the oldest male grandson who loves guns, received them. For now I practice with my boyfriend’s SKS at local ranges. Someday I’d like to buy my own handgun, most likely a 9 mm. I’m looking to spend between $500-$1,000. It sounds like a lot but I can’t spend less than $500 if I want a reliable gun. 

For me, the attraction isn’t in the danger of holding a weapon – it’s the power of the machinery against your body and mind. The challenge of shooting is glorious. Going to the range is a fun way to hang with friends/relieve stress.” 

Courtesy of Chelsea Stockman

If you could sit down with anyone over coffee, who would it be and why?

"I would really like to talk to Jennifer Lawrence. I know it's probably a common answer these days but what she believes in is what I believe in. I love her attitude. Every time I see her on TV, I'm thinking, 'Ohmygod. We could be best friends. Why haven't we met yet?!'

What are your other hobbies, aside from working with cars, running, and shooting?

"I like to knit, I have a painting easel that I haven’t used in forever but would like to if I ever have time.. I like coloring books.. (I’m just really artsy-fartsy.) I play guitar as much as I can, sometimes I play piano, building things, cooking, trying new foods, and volunteering. My parents also do a lot of volunteering. I’m actually one of the two Volunteer Coordinators for the MSU Pre-Medical Association." 

Favorite Movie: “I used to say 13 Going on 30 … well … it’s still one of my favorites. Jenna learns so much about herself and has a change of heart when she realizes that life is not about money and status but rather making the best of what you have and being yourself, having a family, and being happy with what surrounds you. It’s inspiring and motivating.”

Favorite Book: "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. For similar reasons as my favorite movie explanation.”

Favorite Music: “Right now I’m hooked on Linkin Park 'Recharged'. It’s a dubstep, synthesized remix of their top recent tracks. I also like Thousand Foot Krutch, crazy hard rock stuff like Of Mice & Men ... and then there’s my love for ZZ Ward and Florence and the Machine. I like select country music, too. I have all-around taste. I use a lot of 8track and Pandora.”

Favorite Food: “I love everything food-related (except seafood) but I really love chicken alfredo. I could eat it every day if I had Lactaid (for my lactose-intolerance).” 

What invention or idea would you like to see appear or happening in the world?

"I don’t know if there’s an invention that would help but I wish people would be more equal to each other. We don’t support each other anymore. It’s almost like the Wild Wild West, where everyone is out for themselves. We should be more of a society and family rather than individuals. Even an action as small and simple as smiling at people in the hallway helps. No one smiles anymore! It’s awful."

Based on your experiences leading up to today, what are 3 things you would highly recommend individuals incorporate into their lifestyle?

"Number One: Exercise. I know it sounds crazy but there is a huge lack of understanding our bodies and minds. We surround ourselves with people who are like ourselves – there is huge potential for positive influence if one person in each group made healthier choices. There are so many physical and mental benefits to exercise.. 

Number Two: Healthier Eating. Again: Major lack of understanding our bodies and minds. I think that’s super important. Food feeds our organs and our minds. It can really help us but it can also really hurt us. For grad school, I’m applying to some Public Health programs focusing on Nutrition so that when I graduate I will be a certified dietician. I really want to learn more about the subject.

Lastly, have an open mind and sense of community. So many people are selfish these days and not considerate of others. There is a world outside of your room, your house, your work … a world outside of you. Open your eyes and open your mind. Branch out, be empathetic, and help someone else. You may be surprised by what you learn.”

Courtesy of Michigan State University

-HK

P.S. I'm secretly kind of a Michigan State fan. 

[caffeinatedconvos]

Cup 43

Name: Gabrielle Israelievitch Age: 58 Current Hometown: Toronto, Canada Location at the time: Chautauqua, New York Beverage: None

And now we begin our walk through the Chautauqua Institution ...

Note: I apologize ahead of the time for the photos I took. They were definitely taken at various times on different days. My idea of giving you a snippet of my walk came to me long after this interview had happened.

                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gabrielle Israelievitch has ventured in to a variety of things. In college, she majored in Classics, later moving to London for a couple of years to join an arts commune working in street theatre, in addition to taking music therapy courses, dance classes, teaching blind people how to dance, volunteering at a kids' hospital with mothers and children, and much more. Cup 43 then returned to the States and became a substitute teacher for a good while before deciding that she would go to grad school to study "thinking without language", ultimately becoming a teacher of deaf kids.

"It was while working with deaf children and getting involved with their families that I realized that I should get some background in social work so I'd know what I was talking about," said Gabrielle. So she went back to school to be educated in social work while still teaching. All of this before the family life.

Once the family life started to roll along, she attended grad school again and received her PhD in Psychology, but did not practice for many years.

"It was mostly because the kids were small, and also we changed countries (moved to Canada) ... I began to make art and work in arts organizations."

As her youngest son made his way through high school, Gabrielle began to contemplate the future. Realizing she was going to be without children needing her much, she volunteered at a public children's mental health clinic doing clinical work, was made honorary staff, and ultimately did a two year post-doc fellowship there, thus staying within that clinic for four years.

"Which I adored," Cup 43 added. "I did eventually open my own practice, specializing in 'shuffled kids', i.e. children who didn't necessarily live where they began, due to divorce, foster care, adoption, or some other challenging circumstance."

Gabrielle is the author of Where's Home?, a children's storybook about foster care placement told through the eyes of a kitten named Littleprints. Yes, this book is available for purchase online. Just click on the following Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Wheres-Home-Gabrielle-Israelievitch/dp/0937404721

I asked her what her career as a psychologist has taught her (This was before I found out she dabbled in multiple areas.), and she simply said, "I'm just living my life not making a career. I usually do things that involve working with children, language, and solving puzzles, whether it be learning an ancient language, unraveling the mystery of the unorganized mind, making collage art ... I'm more of a project-based person."

How did you meet Jacques, your husband?

I love choral music. I was a choir groupee with the St. Louis Symphony. His (Jacques) green room, because he was concertmaster, was right across the hallway from the choral director's where I hung out, and one evening we wound up at the same party and started talking. And the rest is history. Of course, there's more to the story, but more or less, it was instantaneous from that moment on. This was about 30 years ago.

Chautauqua Lake

Can you tell me what the most interesting case you've had so far is?

I don't think of what I do as 'having cases.' I work with children who are struggling with something. Every single child I've met has fascinated me from one perspective or another -- it's never boring work. Like, sometimes kids don't know how to play and entering into that kind of activity becomes a goal itself ... Issues that arise out of adoption are interesting, in general, and specific because they are about questions of personal identity.

My mission is to speak for children who can't speak for themselves - aiming to help them be comfortable with and proud of their own voices - and help others hear them. 

It's amazing that people are willing to trust you. It's an honor that people are inviting you into their life. It's also a responsibility. 

It's important for most of us to have a sense of where we come from. Some children adopted from abroad are happy enough to think of their lives as starting at their arrival into their new family. Others feel desperate to discover their roots. (And this is true of plenty of us who weren't adopted.) Every year, an international community of adopted-away Chinese girls get together and find community with each other by comparing and sharing notes and thoughts about their past, even if they never locate their birth families. 

                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Parenting a hurt/abandoned, betrayed/traumatized child is the hardest thing ever. Suddenly having a family is not a solution to the challenges; it is the beginning of wrestling with them. It requires a toughness of self, a community of supporters, and keeping in mind that it's all about the relationship with the child - not you, the parent.

Being a good parent is hard; it doesn't always come naturally. For example, what 'comes naturally' might be to 'rescue' a child who MIGHT be getting herself or himself into a mess. But kids need to learn that they will survive their messes and develop resources for coping with mistakes.

'The brown house by the lake.' (I'm not really sure why this particular home always stuck out to me. I saw it as a landmark even if it wasn't anything special.)

What consistently surprises, amazes, and/or appalls you the most? 

What surprises me ... actually what continuously amazes and delights me is how what's going on inside a child's mind can appear so clearly in her play or drawing. I guess I keep being amazed at the unconscious mind.

It's also amazing how kids who are betrayed can be willing to love again. The saddest thing is when hope dies, and I hold out hope for both the parents and children. When there's no hope, there's no motivation to move forward.

What traits do you value most in a person?

Humility, humor, playfulness - that's a big one - intelligence - which is odd because I do quite like it, actually, but not always - authenticity, and kindness.

There's a great motto I try to live by and that is, 'Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.' That was said by the Dalai Lama. I try to convey this to the parents who are so mean to each other.

The one and only classic Athenaeum Hotel.

What do you hope to accomplish sometime in the next couple of years? Or this year, even?

I don't know! I do feel another creative burst bubbling up to the surface. It could be another book, another art show ... it's OK not to know, but I feel like my next project has been percolating for awhile.

                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was busking the other day in Bestor Plaza (Below, though I was actually busking by the Amphitheater, which is just beyond the library you see on the other end of the Plaza.), and

there was this mom and daughter watching me play Moses Variations by Paganini, and I made eye contact with and silly smiles at this curious-looking little girl several times while performing. So finally I finished, and they were all like, 'Yayyy!', and then I turned to the girl and said,

'Hmm...what should I play for you?' 

I thought for a moment, and then started playing Twinkle, Twinkle, and her face lit up! Then she squatted, thrusting her hands down into the pockets of her dress, and beamed up at me. The cutest grin ever.

I've never experienced anything quite so satisfying from making such a simple gesture, especially because I don't feel I'm all that great with children.

See, you just discovered the value of recognition! You were connecting with her. She knew what that song was, and then it was just contagious delight from there. I think ... building self-esteem in children is about having somebody enjoy them, the mirroring of good feelings, to be understood ... we are in the 'Good Job Era' right now, but that's not the way to build someone's self-esteem. Good self-feeling gets experienced, not told, e.g. when someone enjoys you or your accomplishment. People who hear 'Good job' or 'You're so smart' all the time often think to themselves, 'Man, they have no idea ....' Mirroring of delight in one is something you can feel. It's real. 

The Hall of Philosophy

If you could switch places with anyone for a week, and this person can be famous/not famous, dead/alive, fictional/real, young/old, who would you choose?

A well-loved 3-year-old. I have this one patient, she's the cutest thing ever. Very young but very articulate. But she's stuck in between two fighting parents, and so when she came into my office, I saw that if her mom or dad told her to do something, she wouldn't listen. If they gave her something, she would throw it across the room. You get the idea. But then she discovered play among the possibilities in my office, which is the point of 'therapy' -- the discovery. Opportunities are available and the child creates. It was an activity where she was taking care of her stuffed animals and toys, kissing their boo-boo's ... just showing them a lot of love, and then could you see this relationship between her hurting and being comforted. 

Or I'd like to be a puppy. No age required.

I think the point of both these choices is the idea of playing un-self consciously, in complete freedom of the moment. I still love dancing in the kitchen ...

The Amphitheater

What was your childhood like? 

From the outside, it looked perfect. But it was personally difficult and involved lots of sorting through things. But I'm pleased that I came through to the other side.

Where are you originally from?

I grew up in northern Florida, but was born in California. My family is very much Californian.

San Francisco?

Yes.

I had a feeling so.

A Doll's House

Vanity Fair (You can just barely make out the blue letters.)

McKnight Recital Hall

What's your favorite book?

Depends on the minute.

How about now?

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. It's about a family who takes their kids to Africa, acting as missionaries. Her writing is very reflective.

-Tangent that I'm not really sure how we reached-

What's the craziest thing you've ever done?

When I was 16, I rode shirtless once on a horse. It was the most liberating feeling. I don't know what it is, but there is real liberation in being clothesless. 

Your most amazing experiences.

My most amazing experiences: Sitting in the corner of the room where the Hungarian String Quartet was practicing for two weeks one summer. They just let me be there.

Having a baby; breastfeeding; feeling safe, independent, and free in a city for the first time (I was in Tokyo.); getting up on a two-wheel bike and realizing I was riding on my own ... fun to reflect about these things.

Favorite movie?

The one I just finished watching, which happened to be Witness for the Prosecution. I also like Rivers and Tides, a documentary by Andy Goldsworthy. It's very zen ... it's kind of where my head is. 

Favorite music?

Shostakovich String Quartet No. 8 in C minor. String quartets, I just LOVE them! I was just listening to an amazing quartet of musicians playing Brahms G minor Piano Quartet. OMG!

Favorite food?

Food that is prepared with love, whether it is food that I made or is served to me. Generally, plants. But I do love sushi. And love. Love tastes good.

What are your hobbies?

Visiting artists' studios, no matter their art form. Celebrating creativity. You could call it a hobby, but it's also a lifestyle. I don't separate the two. 

You asked me earlier what astonishes me - I'd like to add to it. What also astonishes me are the marvels of human invention. It could be a dish, a pot, a painting, home design, the way they dress, when they tell a story.

I use art a lot in my practice. Beads, clay, paper, drawing, old magazines, I practically use anything to tell a story. It's all about the stories for me.

Any hidden talents or odd party tricks?

I can curl my tongue! No, that's genetic. And left-handed! Also, not an answer. 

I don't really have any ... I guess what surprises people sometimes is that I can be shy at first, but then be suddenly social. I'm a very open person. I don't have a lot of defenses.

Please describe yourself in 6 words.

Open to experience, full of joy.

What was the most pivotal moment in your life? It could be career-wise, emotionally, spiritually, etc.

The realization/revelation that one's children may be one's most significant teachers.

I also think of the enormous pride in observing one of our sons becoming an adoring and capable parent, another of the sons coming into his own musically, and one of them bringing wisdom home -- and all of them getting up on two-wheelers and feeling their pride and exhilaration. 

What motto(s) do you tend to exercise most in your day-to-day life?

'No problems, only situations.' (It's a Jamaican expression.)

&

Be kind.

Don't judge.

Let go.

What has your career taught you?

Everything is always in a state of change.

What did having a child teach you?

It teaches you love and humility, and at best, letting go so they can fly. 

-HK

[caffeinatedconvos]

Cup 42

Name: Damon Gupton

Age: 40

Hometown: Detroit, MI

Location at time of interview: Los Angeles, CA

Drink: No beverage today. "I don't drink coffee unless I absolutely need to for work."

How did you manage to be so well-versed in both music and drama? How did you get yourself into these fields?

"I started acting in high school, and even when I went to the University of Michigan for undergrad in music, I always managed to keep doing plays and exercise different parts of my mind, body, and spirit."

Mr. Gupton double majored in Music Education and Trombone Performance at UoM, and had planned on going to grad school for further study in Conducting. 

DG: I couldn't get into grad school for conducting though.

HK: Why's that? 

DG: Because I was dumb and only applied to one school.

HK: Can I ask what school it was?

DG: Michigan. I wanted to study with Gustav Meier, who is a phenomenal conducting teacher, but he also knew that I had other stuff going on. So I took a year off, took some more music classes and played trombone. Emotionally, it was also a very hard time for me.

He entered the Drama Division at the Juilliard School the following year, and 4 years later received his diploma.

DG: It was ridiculous how long we had to be there. It was the longest program for drama at a school with as high of an acclaim as Juilliard. You couldn't get an MFA at the time, that program was implemented much later. Now you can get an MFA in usually 2 or 3 years. My girlfriend is actually doing a program right now in San Diego.

HK: Do you think it would've been better if the program had been less than 4 years?

DG: Well, I did learn a lot and I'm grateful for the connections I made during my time there.

What was the transition from 4 years of heavily studying music to 4 years of concentrating on drama like?

"In music school, you always had time to practice. In drama school, you're constantly around people. Drama would take as much as 11 hours out of my day.

There's a different sense of ensemble as opposed to an ensemble like orchestra or chamber music. They [actors/actresses] feed off of each other interestingly. Hands-down, it's the busiest division in Juilliard, but dancers have it pretty hard too - they're using their bodies all the time."

Courtesy of Flickr

What do you appreciate the most about music and drama?

"Music, there's a sense of focus. I appreciate communicating without words. People putting in hour of practice, the sheer art and passion behind what music is universally, while drama I esteem, music there's nothing like it. There's a sense of focus and togetherness which is just not achievable in theater. Music can be so penetrating.

Drama, you vocalize more and present more of the human experience on a tangible level. You present heightened circumstances. There's an immediacy to making people feel things with acting. Music is a little more removed. You could be playing a Mahler Symphony but one may not necessarily know how a performer feels about the music at its deepest core. It is hard for actors to restrain or hide emotions."

What would you say were the most pivotal points in your career as a musician and actor?

"2002. I had been out of music for 9 years. I went to the Aspen Music Festival because my girlfriend at the time was going there but I hadn't applied for any of their programs. But looking around, I liked what I saw so I applied and went back to Aspen the next summer and this set me on the path of a conductor. It felt great to be back in music again.

In drama, I'd have to say these last couple of years, the last couple of TV shows that I've been in. I'm so grateful to be meeting the people that I'm meeting and to be working with the people that I'm working with. Let me put it like this: If you're lucky enough, you can see it. If you're really lucky, you get paid."

NBC's Prime Suspect (2011) Courtesy of IMDb

Who or what influences you the most as an actor, musician, and person?

"Actor: Robert DeNiro. The power that he has, being a successful entrepreneur ... wow. He was in Raging Bull, and I think that's one of the most extraordinary films in the world.

Musically, [Leonard] 'Lenny' Bernstein. He was his own person and he owned that. Training and growing up, we learn that we have to hide things, that we have to fit. Duke Ellington, people like that make me think a lot about saying who you are. Yo-Yo Ma is arguably the single living embodiment of what classical music is all about, his giving of music, technical wizardry ... one time when I was Assistant Conductor of the Kansas City Symphony, we were rehearsing with Yo-Yo Ma, and at one point, he took me aside and told me, 'Damon, you need to carve out who you are. You need to create a skill set for yourself.'

As a person, to be determined. I have a lot of influences from family, my mom, honorary sisters, but I've been hungry for other mentors, as well."

Courtesy of Broadway.com

What's the most important thing you've learned from being a musician?

"Daily routine and ritual of practice. I'm not as good at it as I want to be but music teaches that discipline."

What's the most important thing you've learned from being an actor?

"Releasing inhibitions. It's very rare to find actors who do that, making it in front of strangers, really. People like Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, Robert DeNiro, and Daniel Day Lewis."

From the time you were in school to this very day, have you noticed any similarities or differences in the people entering the performing arts, as far as quality of work, attitude, and personality?

"I think we all recognize differences from generation to generation. It's marginally different now from when I was growing up. I think we are freer as a society and in social media.

I get a kick out of young folks. Sometimes I'm envious because there's a sense of freedom, a hunger and thirst that the younger generation has.

The state of artistic institutions, no one knows what's going to happen. The climate is always changing. I think we're more vocal, vulgar, judgmental. Everything is bombarding us in the media. There's cross-race, cross-gender ... Dialogues are happening but we haven't done anything yet. 

Nothing is valued about our craft lately. We want results quicker and it's always 'me, me, me!' When some young people, or even older ones, become famous, they often let it get to their head and their head just gets huge, but once that fame disappears - and especially for actors, it disappears quickly - you start thinking, 'Oh my God. What am I doing with my life?!'

Clybourne Park (2012)

Courtesy of AP/The O+M Co., Nathan Johnson Photography

Please describe yourself in 6 words.

"Complicated, sensitive, unsatisfied, hungry, loving, passionate. I'm also angry and restless. I want answers to questions."

What's your biggest pet peeve? 

"Physical proximity. I'm talking like, not respecting that someone else is in your space. It's rude. Proximity. Actually, an example of this happened right before your interview.

I was walking down the street and this man was walking his dog and he just took up the whole sidewalk, didn't bother to move just a little bit to the side to make room for another person. And just as I was about to pass him, he bumped me! I said, 'EXCUSE me.' I was so angry at him. Kept walking ... then a few minutes later, I hear quick footsteps behind me and it's the man again, and he comes up to me and asks if I'm OK, and I said, 'No!' Then he just walked away. No apology. I'm telling you, some people are just plain rude.

I also don't like smoke. I have friends who are smokers but I abhor the smell."

Courtesy of Chamber Music Today

Hobbies: "I love playing Madden on XBox. I love watching football, hiking, meditating from time to time, and eating healthy. I've lost a lot of weight since Prime Suspect. Prime Suspect was the biggest I had been in awhile."

Favorite Movie: "Raging Bull. Coming in close 2nd is the original Superman."

Favorite Book: Siddhartha

Favorite Composer(s): "Tchaikovsky is near to my soul, John Williams - absolutely - Duke Ellington, and Mahler." 

If you could have dinner with one person, who would you choose and why?

"Martin Luther King, Jr. Why? Because I'm so fascinated by him. I've been dying to portray him. He was 39 years old when he died, but had the heart of a 60 year old. This was a darker time in his life and you just have to wonder what it must've been like to have so much weight on his shoulders. Like, who are you for real? 

And President Obama, too."

Any other life lessons?

"I always say, 'Do what you want to do.' Diversify your portfolio. It's going to be hard but it's worth it. Do YOU. Really do you. Don't do anyone else."

Courtesy of playbillvault.com

-HK

[caffeinatedconvos]

Cup 41

Name: Winnie Jeng

Age: 23

Location at the time: Brooklyn, NY

Hometown: Novi, MI

Drink: Water

It's coincidence that Cup 41 also knows Cup 40; they both attended the University of Michigan. Winnie thinks she was a sophomore when she met Gina for the first time at SHEI magazine, which was at the time UoM's student-run fashion/style magazine.

Though she works as a full-time photographer now, she graduated with a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. She started experimenting with a camera while she was in college. When not working in the lab, one would often find her doing fashion shoots for student groups.

"Working in a lab is really dull to me. I personally can't wait for an experiment for 5 years. I have no interest in writing or going to classes, and that's basically your whole life as a science major."

Studying and working enough to get by with a good grade, she along with her college degree moved out to New York in early 2011 with her high school sweetheart, who have been happily married for nearly a year now.  

What is it about photography that you like so much?

"It's a form of expression that I'm comfortable with, capturing a slice in time, a moment that goes by really fast. I do commercial photography, which I'm good at and enjoy, and is as good of a reason as why."

What's your definition of a good photo?

"Something that has a purpose and achieves it. The aesthetics should make you want to buy something, for example. That's kind of a vague question."

Who or what would you really like to get a snapshot of?

"Anybody who's interesting. I don't really have a dream to capture a certain person or object. I could go out west to the national parks, but that's kind of a stereotypical photographer thing.

[In regards to HONY (Humans of New York)], I think it's a really neat idea. Sometimes I think it's more about the stories than the pictures. He's very prolific. 

Chicago's a great city, too, but it's more of a business city. It has a great food scene though. Jason, my husband, is a foodie, and works in food. In terms of creativity, fashion, and photography, it's a pretty small community compared to New York."

Is being a photographer what you thought about doing in the future as a young child? 

"My parents wanted me to be a doctor but I didn’t want to do all the schooling. I didn't know what I wanted to do, but I figured out pretty quickly that that wasn't going to be it. Am I going to get a business degree? Probably not. I don't really like school. The whole academic field is just not for me."

If you could go to any place in the world, where would you go?

"One place I'd like to visit is Iceland. Then again, I've never visited Europe, 90% of Asia, and South America, so I have a lot of places I'd like to go."

If you could switch places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Famous/not famous, real/fictitious, dead/alive, young/old.

"I don't know, I'm pretty happy where I am. It would be interesting to trade places with anyone, as long as it's just for a day.

Actually, I think it'd be interesting to live a day as Doctor Who. He always has adventures and comes out on top (more or less). It always seemed like a ton of fun, which I guess is the whole point of the series.”

If you could meet and have a long conversation with someone over tea/coffee, who would you choose?

“Margaret Cho. She’s a comedian who does stand-up and a lot of activism. She was on 30 Rock somewhat recently. I like that she's not afraid of to be controversial, and yet funny too."

Please describe yourself in 6 words for me.

"Creative, driven, curious, playful, thoughtful, practical."

What's your favorite book?

"I have a hard time picking favorites. Anything by Neil Gaiman - great storyteller. He takes stuff from folklore and uses it respectfully. You should read The Sandman (comic book series) if you don't have time to read a book."

Favorite movie: Pulp Fiction

Favorite TV show: "I'm binging on Fringe right now. I also like Avatar, and I watch my fair share of K-drama and T-drama."

Favorite music: "I'd like to say I have unique music tastes but I don't. Just things like Top 40 - poppy, catchy stuff."

What song would you say is the soundtrack to your life?

"I have no idea..."

Any hidden talents or weird party tricks?

“I think people are more surprised that I don't have any hidden talents or party tricks. Most people have at least one or two, but I really can't do anything interesting like that.”

If you could have any ability or talent, what would it be?

"I've totally always wanted to fly. But if we're discussing reasonable abilities, to be amazingly artistically gifted.

To be the top of the top, it's all about who you know. New York, people think that all you have to do is come here and work hard and then you rise to the top, but it doesn't usually work like that. It would be really nice to just have that handed to you."

Life lessons?

"This got me through college:

Worry about what you want to be happy, instead of living up to other people’s expectations. In order to be happy though, you have to make a minimal amount of money. I went into photography. This is a skill I have and a field that I want to be in. It’s my best niche. There’s no need to make it a big thing, or aim to be the best. It took me a good couple of years to carve out a comfortable lifestyle, and now I'm happy with where I am. Be practical, but aim for what you want."

----

Check out some of her fabulous work @ http://winniejeng.viewbook.com/!

-HK

[caffeinatedconvos]

Cup 39

Name: Jessica Wallis

Age: 31

Hometown: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio (suburb of Akron)

Conversation Location: Ballet in Cleveland headquarters @ 1621 Euclid Avenue, next to the Palace Theatre in Playhouse Square

Drink: Caruso's Decaf Straight Coffee: Stefano (A wonderful speciality coffee roaster based just outside of Cleveland http://www.carusoscoffee.com/ )

First of all, what is Ballet in Cleveland? 

As described by its Founding Director, Ms. Jessica Wallis, "Ballet in Cleveland is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the presentation of professional classical ballet in Cleveland, Ohio." 

"Ballet in Cleveland’s mission is to revitalize the presence of classical ballet in Cleveland, Ohio by presenting performances by the highest quality professional ballet companies as well as promoting the art through ballet-centered programming and events that not only foster interest but also educate and entertain the community. Ballet in Cleveland will highlight the importance, relevance, and entertaining artistry of professional classical ballet in the region."

Wallis, no stranger to dance, began dancing what has and will always be her first love, ballet, at the ripe age of 6. She has also trained in jazz, character, and modern.

"I love classical music. I liked dancing slowly, to draw out a movement and stretch my limbs. I wasn't good at dancing fast, but I was very good at balancing." 

Why does ballet specifically hold a special place in your heart?

"Hm ... I don't really know, no one's ever asked me that before. (pause)  There's a strength and grace about it that you can't find in any other form of dance. And I think I identified with it the most."

----

Wallis continued to dance up to her junior year in high school. As a scholarship student of the Dance Institute at the University of Akron, she was practicing as much as 6-7 times a week. But soon she developed hip bursitis, precluding her from the art she loved so much. 

"I was so devastated. I couldn't even be around the dance studio because it hurt so much to see everyone else dancing when I couldn't. For my junior and senior year, I just had to take a break completely from dance."

No longer being able to pursue her dreams of becoming a professional dancer, she went into Education. She holds both Bachelor's and Master's degrees with honors from the University of Akron.

But Cup 39's absence from the dance studio was far from permanent. Just a sophomore in college, Jessica was given the opportunity to teach at the Martell School of Dance in Akron. She taught and choreographed there for 9 years. 

What was the brainchild of this organization you've created?

One day during the fall of 2010, Jessica was going to a show in Playhouse Square, and on the way she passed by the often-empty Gund Dance Studio. Noticing how underutilized it was, she began to question why Cleveland doesn't have regular performances of classical ballet anymore, aside from the annual Nutcracker. Playhouse Square did run the "Ballet Series" for years, but it was ultimately discontinued. Wallis wondered why.   From 1976-2000, the Cleveland Ballet (who would become Cleveland San Jose Ballet) performed, but unfortunately when the Cleveland portion of the company was no longer sustainable, the company moved permanently to San Jose. Subsequently, 6 years to be exact, Cleveland’s other resident company, the Ohio Ballet, folded, also. 

Cup 39, at the time, was a 3rd grade teacher in the Solon City Schools.

I think most individuals would agree that It can be extremely difficult to stray away from a job that pays so comfortably, not to mention giving you health insurance and and tenure. But Ms. Wallis was terribly unhappy with her career and knew that in order to add a missing piece back to Cleveland and to be truly happy with her life, she had to take a risk. 

The incessant thought of classical dance making a come-back in the heart of Ohio nagged at Jessica for a whole year, until she finally gave in to that little voice inside her head and left her academic teaching post for good to pursue her dream.

But why do you so strongly believe that Cleveland needs the presence of professional ballet? How is it going to benefit everyone? Why does it mean so much to you? Some people not involved in the arts may not understand where you are coming from, especially in this fragile economy.

"If Cleveland was a big quilt, I view professional ballet as the missing piece of the city's culture. Playhouse Square is the second-largest performing arts center in the nation, second only to Lincoln Center, and nearly every big city in the United States has its own ballet company. Cleveland is the only major city in the nation that does not offer regular performances of ballet."

"The State Theatre was redone in the early 80's [in which the Cleveland Ballet moved into and made its home], specifically for ballet and opera. It's a shame to not use it for what it was intended for." 

How have you been going about gaining revenue to sustain Ballet in Cleveland? 

"First, we had the Allison DeBona master class, which was a huge success! We also had an appearance on Channel 3's Live on Lakeside. Patrons of the former Cleveland Ballet have been in contact with us, individuals willing to give, and corporate sponsors. Forest City is our presenting sponsor for 2013. Our Board of Directors are also required to give an annual fiscal donation. But I think it's very important that we've also developed relationships with parents and children in the community in order to build interest in our efforts and to slowly begin to gain a stream of revenue."

(For those of you who don't know, Allison DeBona is a member of the ballet company, Ballet West, which was the focal point of the hit reality TV show on the CW, Breaking Pointe, which will begin airing its second season on July 29th.)

Can you offer any tips on how to successfully start a non-profit organization?

"You have to be extremely crystal clear and concise with your mission statement - your interpretation of the statement may be different from how someone else interprets it - and how you intend on carrying it out, especially for arts organizations. You have to show them why it's relevant and why it's different from what anyone else is doing." 

----

Please describe yourself in 6 words.

"Driven, passionate, independent, creative, sensitive, intense."

What has being a dancer taught you?

"What you see on the stage is 10 times harder than anyone can imagine. What you don't see is all of the work and discipline that goes into making ballet look easy. Through all the blood, sweat, and tears, I've learned to appreciate this art form. Actually, a greater appreciation for the arts in general.

When I was 10 years old, and the Cleveland Ballet was in their heyday, I went to go see Swan Lake at Playhouse Square. I come from a modest household, so my family never really went out to the theatre to see performances. I had never been to the theatre before this show, and I remember just being enchanted by everything about the theatre. When I was young, I went to the library every week to check out books about ballet. But seeing professional ballet dancers up close and personal, experiencing it, that's what sealed my love for it. I immediately saw ballet in a new light. Being a dancer has taught me about true beauty.

What has being a teacher taught you? And you can choose either from the perspective of a school teacher or dance teacher.

"Let's do it from the view of a dance teacher. 

Just because you're a good dancer doesn't mean you're a good dance teacher. A lot of times it's counter-intuitive, as most think that the best dancers make the best teachers, but that's not necessarily true. I personally had to work very hard for dance, which is why I think I'm a good teacher. I had to break down the technique in order to understand dancing. Having a grasp on the thought process enables your ability to execute the steps. And of course, a good teacher will teach their students that it's all about what's in between the steps, not just the steps themselves."

I've been a guest teacher on and off at The Movement Factory in Lakewood (http://themovementfactory.com/), and teach as adjunct professor of dance at Kent State. I'll be teaching contemporary ballet classes this fall as well." 

What has leading this organization taught you?

"When I was teaching at school full-time, I was exceptionally unhappy because I was not allowed any professional judgment or creativity. But when I started Ballet in Cleveland, it began building momentum and I realized eventually that I was standing in the way of my own business. If I was still teaching and trying to run this company, I would've more or less left it stagnant. I had to a make a choice and jump. I'm a very responsible person. I'm a home owner, I could've had tenure and health insurance, but I chose to give all of that up for this. Sometimes you have to take that risk, even if people tell you to not do it, and trust me, I had a lot of people saying that this was a bad idea. I never thought in a million years that I would've done something like this. Sometimes you just have to go for your dreams."

If you could have any one thing in this world, what would it be and why?

"A husband. No. hahaha

I want a healthy relationship with a man. I want to know that we could be on common ground. Unconditional and reciprocated love. Business comes easy to me. I'm a go-getter. But there isn't that emotional element in business like there is in personal relationships."

----

Favorite Music: "I actually don't listen to much music outside of dance. I teach Dance Exercise at Kent State, so I'll find and listen to music for that, but I just don't listen to it recreationally. I do like listening to NPR though in the car, like on the way to work."

Favorite Book: "Fortune's Rocks by Anita Shreve." 

Favorite Movie: "The Wizard of Oz. It was my first real experience with a movie."

Favorite color(s): "Red. Actually, no, can I say more than one? (Heidi nods.) I would say white, red, and pink. White represents the soft, gentle parts of my personality. Red is distinct and the go-getter, and pink is what ties it all together. And it's also the color of ballet." 

Hobbies: "Scrapbooking. Ironically, the best scrapbooks I've made, I've given away.

-Hanging out with my sister. She is graduating from the University of Michigan this year.

-Watching British comedies. I love BBC. I especially love Judi Dench's work from the 70's and 80's."

----

If you could sit down and have dinner with anyone, who would you choose?

"I would love to meet Queen Elizabeth I. She had all the odds against her, but she beat them. She's the most successful monarch in English history."

If you could switch places with anyone for a day, who would you choose?

"I would say the President. And it doesn't have to be President Obama specifically, it could be any president. I would love to know what a day in the life of the president is like, no matter what the era. I bet it's a lot different than people think!"

Is there something you wish you had known earlier?

"I would say the importance of saving money. I'm pretty good about it, but I could've been even more from an early age. I could've put larger sums away instead of spending it on silly things, like clothes and purses. I wish I had a savings account when I was younger.

You should set a goal for yourself for saving. Like, I'm going to put ___% of my yearly salary away in my savings.

For the groundwork of Ballet in Cleveland, I was living and working completely off of my savings. But now that the revenue is picking up, I haven't had to pull from it in awhile."

If you could have any special talent or ability, what would it be and why?

"I want to be a ballerina more than anything. I wish I didn't have this injury. I want to be a principal dancer in the New York City Ballet, or at least talent equal to that level. I long and yearn to perform great ballets. You see photos and performances all the time of what dancers can do, and it's just amazing to see, and would be even better to be able to do."

Any other life lessons you'd like to impart to your readers?

"If you're unhappy in life, make a change. It's easier for some than others. I recognize that I was fortunate to be in a place where I could make a change. A risky one, too. I was feeling unfulfilled and the feeling was just eating at me for too long. I had to do something about it. If you think you can make it happen, take the risk. If you're willing to work hard, it will be worth it."

Ms. Wallis with her two interns, Caty and Cristina.

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The photos themselves are not great at all, but I just wanted to give you a glimpse of their office space because I think it's just absolutely adorable. I wish I had an iPhone to take a panorama photo of the room from the door. It's super classy. My kind of town.

And here is Playhouse Square, where Ballet in Cleveland is nested in. 

Their office, from this angle, is located to the right of the Palace Theatre.

And now if you look to your left...

As I was walking down the street taking all of these pictures, the last person I expected to run into downtown is my last Cup, Brian Thornton! He seemed to be in deep conversation about Stravinsky and music stuff though, so I chose not to say anything, just so that when he reads this, he'll go, "Wait, what? Seriously?"

But he might've missed me anyway because I was wearing a hat with a low brim.  

Ironically, and I was not made aware of this fact until after I sent in this article for review, Cup 39 is friends with the preceding Cup (http://caffeinatedconvos.tumblr.com/post/51011853032/cup-38). They are hoping to collaborate on something in the near future. What a small world we live in!

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A few more pictures of downtown on the way to the bus stop.

The IDEA center currently houses the Gund Dance Studio, which Cup 39 passed by many a time in the days before her idea came to life (no pun intended).

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To learn more about this fantastic nonprofit organization or to keep up with their work, you can go to their website at http://www.balletincleveland.org/.

You can also find them on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, and Yelp. 

-HK

[caffeinatedconvos]

I didn't realize CelloBello was directly linked to Instant Encore on the interwebs. Hey, cool! 

[caffeinatedconvos]

Cup 29

Name: Nara Avetisyan

Age: 20

Hometown: Yerevan, Armenia

Location of meeting: University Circle Starbucks

Drink: Hot Chocolate 

Favorite Color(s): Pastel colors and black

Awkward photo of the coffee shop.

I swear I've seen that lady before .... ? #memorydisplacement

And here is the lovely Nara Avetisyan, Cup 29.

_______________________________

"I began my musical studies composing on the piano at the age of 5. Nothing really serious. My brother played piano, and I learned to play his pieces by ear. My mother would hear the piano playing from the other room and think it was my brother, but then she would walk in and see that it was me."

Ms. Avetisyan was admitted to a school specialized for music at the age of 6, and won her first competition - in Lithuania - when she was 7 years old.

"After winning the competition, it was obvious that I would become a musician. My parents actually didn't want me to be a musician, especially my mother [who is a pianist]. She felt that being a musician required too much work and it was very hard to be successful for a woman. She would try to keep me away from 'the black box', as she called it. But she always gave me room to think about what I wanted to do, and I chose music. It's my life. I can't imagine myself doing anything else. If I had a second choice, I would choose music again."

Prior to her attendance at the Cleveland Institute of Music, she studied at the Yerevan State Conservatory for two years.   

"It's not that I have anything against the Yerevan State Conservatory. But I had to change environments and I wanted more [out of my education]. Professionally, it was the correct choice. I feel very lucky to be in [Sergei] Babayan's studio."

Though he has a reputation for being an incredibly strict teacher, Nara believes Babayan possesses "a very rare syntax of traits" that every individual needs.

"Some performers are not meant to be teachers, and some teachers aren't meant to be performers," Nara explains. "He is everything - a great musician, performer, teacher, and human."

______________________________

In your free time...

"I love to spend and share every minute with my friends. I truly feel that I have found my real good friends here. We go to the museums often, like the Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA).

I like to watch action movies and movies that are psychologically deep. I really like the films of Kubrick and Tarantino. 

I also enjoy listening to jazz of the 20s, French jazz, and rock music."

5 items that you must have with you at all times.

"My phone, a pencil, my hair brush (I'm obsessed. If I take it out, I have to immediately brush my hair.), money (Sometimes I just take the card because I don't want to carry my clutch.), and planner. I used to take my camera with me everywhere. Not anymore because my bag is filled with books, but I love taking pictures. Just for fun, not professionally. I hope someday that I will be able to take a photography class."

What is your favorite book?

"That's a hard question because in each book you find your most favorite thing, and that is why you like it. But I would have to say anything by Dostoevsky and Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita. Dostoevsky is so sarcastic. I often find myself comparing his books and writing to Shostakovich. They're very connected. Very sarcastic and ridiculing the system back then and people's stupidity. Well...Dostoevsky was before the Soviet Union, but you see my point.

I also like detective stories."

_________________________________

What is your greatest fear?

"I'm afraid to try and fail. I know this is something I need to work on and I'm trying to change that in myself. You can't have that fear as a musician. Being afraid of failing when you don't even try...*shakes head disapprovingly*.

I guess I'm also scared to be disappointed. In my mind, I have this idealistic image of how I would like the world to be...but then I become disappointed with reality."

What could the world use more of? Or even less of?

"Greediness, jealousy, lies. Those are three disgusting things for me. I don't accept them ever. People should stop lying...and maybe if they stop lying to themselves, they will stop lying to others. The world is missing honesty. People forget about or don't see the most beautiful things. They go after things like money and fame. And as a result, they lose themselves as humans.  

People should also think about themselves more before criticizing others."

What could you do to better your own life? 

"I could be more courageous, more confident. I like to overanalyze things, and usually choose the safest, less risky option, the one that is going to be the least harmful for everyone and myself. I think, but don't act.

When you change your habits, you should try to change them now as a young person. It will be better for you. We have to be happy with everything we do. Do your best, and just by doing that, even if you don't win competitions or anything, you will become a stronger person."

_______________________________

If you could sit down and have dinner with only one person, dead or alive, famous or not famous, real or fictitious, who would you choose?

"Martha Argerich! It doesn't even have to be dinner. I just want to meet and talk or play for her! Anything! In my mind, she is the goddess of piano...untouchable, unreachable, exceptional. People who have met her have said that she is so kind, modest, humble, open, and 'pure.' You can feel the purity in her playing. 

I mean, how many women do we have who play better than guys? I'm not a feminist or anything like that, but men have it, in some ways, easier than women. Men are physically stronger - it takes less effort for them to achieve something. Maybe there are more exceptions like Martha, but they are quite rare. I've noticed that, in general, all the best professionals  - writers, painters, architects, designers, scientists, composers, chefs, etc. - are men. My Granny said that men only have one mind - they can’t have 2 minds at the same time. They think about one thing and they do it well, while women think of 1,000 things at the same time."

Name the 3 most important qualities you look for in a real friend.

"Trust, honesty, and love. If these 3 things exist, then it (the friendship) is perfect.

They must be very open and honest. Friends should always wish each other the best. Unfortunately, not all friendships are based on mutual love or honesty. A real friend will be able to give me a critical opinion. They can stop me from doing stupid stuff, or encourage.

I feel that friendships are better than relationships. Relationships can be fun and nice, but a friendship will stay around longer. If it's true, it will stay alive until the very last day."

_________________________________

How are you going to make an impact when you get out into the real world? 

"With my music, I can give people an hour and a half of happiness...allow them to drift into their own world, and give them all the best moments they want to have. I can't give people money, but I can give them emotions. When I'm older, I want to have a foundation where I can make dreams come true...support the individuals who struggle financially in education, masterclasses, competitions, and concerts. If you see a talented and hardworking person, you have to help. It's our duty to help each other."

________________________________

It's time for an encore. What is/would be your signature piece? 

"Something very deep, slow, emotional. Something that will make people remember the best, or even saddest, moments in their life. It should touch the strings of the heart. And there would be a question mark at the end. Some unsaid words.

Music is about the best feelings in the world. Everybody imagines his or her own scenes. Everyone takes it so personally. You can play how you want but another person can have totally different associations.  

I would probably choose something by Scriabin or Brahms."

________________________________

Additional Life Lessons

1) "Don't expect a lot from other people. Don't expect anything back. If anything, help the person who can't do anything for you - you're doing it for yourself."

2) "Care less about others' lives. Do your best in your own. Be the best version of yourself. Not for others, but for yourself."

3) "Treat others as you would love to be treated. You're human. Be a nice person because you want to be nice, especially if someone doesn't like you, not because you want them to be nice to you. Does that make sense? Don't lose your humanity. The most important thing in life is to stay human. Don't be cruel."

Photo Credit: Kayoko Miyazawa

-HK