Rebecca Keast

Simplifying Social Media to best meet my needs ;)

2011-05-04T13:22:00.001-04:00

I have found that the new Facebook meets all of my current networking and sharing needs... This blog will temporarily be placed on hold ;)

Trying to catch things up!

2011-04-12T16:31:00.003-04:00

I keep trying to catch up on my posts, but things are moving so fast, biz is good, The LoAD is better, Life is amazing, and I'll have to catch you up! Not a bad thing at all... The blog and many of the posts will appear late, with plenty of updates to come. In the meantime, join The LoAD on FB today!

CATCHING UP!

2011-03-23T13:34:00.005-04:00

I launched The League of Adventurous Detroiters (The Load) today! after 8 months of gearing up, we are operational!

Things I still have to update, include my first Dog Sledding Experience, Extreme Hand-made Sledding, Vacation to Costa Rica, Moving to & opening my photo studio in Eastern Market Detroit, My 2,200 sq ft Loft Warming Mardi Gras Party, The Hostel Detroit Volunteer Project, La Marche Du Nain Rouge Event, and so much more!

LIFE IS GREAT... Check Back Soon!

Best of 2010 : The Collage

2011-03-22T14:42:00.000-04:00

Rachel's Ink Studio Cover!

2011-01-10T18:28:00.001-05:00

My Sister Rachel was selected as the cover/feature artist in this years publication of "Ink" in Detroit, MI. The piece was a screen print design of an incinerator on the border of Detroit, that was scanned directly from the print plate & photoshopped for the results as printed.

Great Job Rachel!

New Years 2010

2011-01-05T18:00:00.000-05:00

New Years Week in Northern Michigan for wineries, snowshoeing, skiing, tubing, frozen lake fun, toasty fireplace time, wii fun, dancing, great food, and great friends!

I think this should be a new yearly tradition!

Cookies!!!

2010-12-22T19:24:00.001-05:00

I just love baking for the holidays...

This year a few excellent recipes made it to the exchange including five flavors of Homemade Fudge & Ginger Cookies with Bacon!

Detroit's Noel Night 2010

2010-12-12T15:42:00.000-05:00

This year for Detroit's 38th Annual Noel Night, I led a group of people around the city to enjoy the festivities and holiday fun! Thousands of people descend on MidTown for the night where all the restaurants, museums, galleries and more open their doors and set up near the curbs to offer special activities & treats.

Our small group of 100 broke into 15 or so and went in all different directions. With over 120 musicians/ entertainers at over 60 participating venues, I can't wait to change up my route next year and see even more!

"Holiday Nights" at the Village

2010-12-10T21:04:00.000-05:00

There's nothing like bundling up on a cold night and strolling along candle-lit paths with your closest friends to celebrate an old fashioned Christmas at Greenfield Village. We toured historic houses with cookies being baked on vintage stoves, hung out with Chaplain Kringle, road in an original (windowless, brrrrr) Model-T, and sipped spiked cider around the bonfire.

Fireworks rounded out the night... No doubt this will become a new tradition, it's like step into a Christmas card, costumed presenters, ice skating, reindeer and all.

Fall Hikes: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan

2010-11-28T15:03:00.000-05:00

There's no better time to hike than during the Fall... I've had the opportunity to go hiking many times over the last month all over the beaches & woods of Michigan, along the waterfalls of the Appalachian Trail through Pennsylvania, and along the frosty beaches in Jersey. It's so quiet and beautiful in the fall. There's a stillness you have to experience in person ;)

Sidesplitting Laughs at Whirlyball

2010-11-23T17:34:00.000-05:00

Whirlyball is a combination of Bumper Cars & Lacrosse. You ride in a 'whirlybug' that is powered by conducting floor plates, and launch wiffleballs with a Trac Ball Scoop while the other team slams into your vehicle and scrambles to steal the ball.

You score by sending the ball from the scoop at electronic goals mounted high over head on opposite ends of the court. No hand contact is allowed. With one hand on the steering wheel and one on your scoop, this sport gets exciting and hilarious very quickly.

PreSeason Ice Skate in Detroit

2010-11-19T13:55:00.000-05:00

I enjoyed some lovely skating at the Rink located in Campus Martius Park in Downtown Detroit, for a preseason open evening night on ice. The Rink is nestled in the heart of the city with some beautiful buildings and the Detroit Christmas Tree as a backdrop. Complete with fires to keep warm by and delicious Hot Cocoa, it's a fantastic Holiday treat! ...and don't forget to swing by one of the best irish pubs around for a bite at Foran's Grand Trunk - Rebecca Keast

Featherbowling @ Cadieux Cafe 2010

2010-11-12T08:08:00.004-05:00

Similar to Bocce, I like to describe Featherbowling as a combination of horseshoes, curling, & bowling (with the gutters after the ends) ...As far as I've been able to discover, Michigan is the only place in the United States that has a location to play!

The game comes from Flanders, Belgium where it was called 'Trabollen' and played with Cheese wheels instead of wooden wheels. Besides Cadieux Cafe in Detroit, MI, there is also a location in Mount Clements, MI that plays a version called "Belgian Trough Bowling"

Annual Hallo-Frickin'-Ween Party

2010-11-05T13:39:00.004-04:00

Here's the Photo-Video of this years Hallo-Frickin'-Ween Party! Thanks again to everyone who made it out. I can't believe we had over 70 people in this place! Everyone had amazing costume ;D

...sorry for the long music loop, I'll work on updating this later on ;) AND SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

Cider, Donuts, Haunted Houses & Hayride!

2010-10-28T11:48:00.021-04:00

This Halloween was done right!
I spent much of the month enjoying fresh donuts at cider mills, participating in Halloween events, haunted houses, hayrides... even the Historic Greenfield Village's Hallowe'en evening.

Giant Pumpkins, Adult Trick or Treatin', Parties... I also led a group to Wiard's Night Terrors near Ann Arbor, MI to experience the Haunted Hayride, Maze & Haunted Houses. We had a great turn out, about 25 people, and I was able to negotiate an excellent group rate. We laughed and got startled with the best of them. My favorite was the hayride through the haunted woods. Very fun!

Bring me some spiked spiced cider in the Autumn & I'm one happy gal.

Sushi Making Party

2010-10-19T18:25:00.002-04:00

For my sister's birthday this year she threw a Sushi Making Party. Since I live right by one of the suppliers for most of Michigan's Sushi grade fish restaurants, we picked up some salmon, tuna, whitetail, roe, crab and more so that everyone could get creative. We also julienne cut veggies and had things like avocado, jalapeno, & cream cheese on hand to pick from.

It was a riot watching some rolls fall apart and other bursting at the seams with over filling. Everyone got into the process and I think by the end of the night, all had learned a new trade. I see many more Sushi parties in the future!

Birthday Girl!
(I love toting my Polaroid around for special occasions)

Cedar Point Halloweekend!

2010-10-17T12:10:00.001-04:00

What's Cedar Point you ask? A park located on a peninsula in Lake Erie that is packed to the edges with ROLLER COASTERS!! Dozens!

In October, the crowds clear & they start halloween themed weekends (HALLOWEEKENDS) including decorations, haunted houses, and other events. The best park is short rides! You can get onto a dozen different coasters in a day.

Man did we luck out, for Mid October we had a sunny 90 degree day. Just Perfect! I organized a group of nine adventure lovers for this trip (squeezed into two cars for the drive from Detroit) we stayed just about the entire day. My favorite was one of the final rides, not for the thrill per se, but more for the fact that we sat in front and this particular coaster shot us up towards the stars so high that that was all we could see... beautiful & thrilling at once.

♥ ...if it Floats!

2010-10-03T10:54:00.035-04:00

I think I'm addicted! I was reflecting on how many different ways I rode the waves this year and came up with this list : 2 Speed boats, 3 Kayaks, 3 Canoes, 3 Ferries, 2 Air boats, a Paddle Board, a Paddle boat, a Cruise Ship, a Schooner, 2 Pontoon boats, an Inflatable Kayak, a Snorkel Cruiser, a London Thames tour boat, a White Water Raft, a Venetian Gondola, and a log.

It's the water!

I'm in love with the sea!
I can easily see myself moving into a Frank Lloyd Wright home with the sound of rushing waters under the floorboards. I can't stay away from the crashing blue. I'm even pulled in for parasailing above the ocean, and even found swimming in 50 degree lake waters from time to time.

Weddings in the Woods! Northern Michigan

2010-09-30T19:04:00.005-04:00

What a perfect weekend to watch two amazing people get hitched and help them celebrate... Congrats to Brian & Charity!

A wonderful weekend with friends sharing cabins, brews, hiking, dancing, bonfires, pinata bashing (and fun afterward including a pinata burning), and even freezing Lake Huron swimming.

(Don, Myself, Rich, photobomb from Miguel)

Theatre Bizarre, Detroit

2010-09-27T18:10:00.006-04:00

The Ded Dave Show's 'The Satan's', (a.k.a. friends Chad & Carol)

You don't have to wait for Halloween for fire eaters & fire dancer, zombie burlesque, ghouls, flesh suspension, and more entertainment from beyond than you can handle... Just stop by Theatre Bizarre for any of the fantastic events held all summer long.

Although, the 'Masquerade' held every October sells out in mere hours, you can stroll over for any of the other screening, concerts, & art festivals held on the Theatre Bizarre compound all summer. Every event has something amazing.

This summer I attended three events, including the Ded Dave Show episode screening & live performances to support my good friends who work so hard on the show! If you haven't got involved in the Ded Dave Show, it's time you checked it out (bring a sense of humor & open mind) Also, Be sure to join the crew at the Main Art Theater in Royal Oak on Halloween Night @ 9pm for the Season Two Premiere!

Target Practice

2010-09-26T14:52:00.005-04:00

Everyone should know how to handle themselves around a firearm. After all, most accidents happen due to lack of safety training. Not to mention we all should be prepared for the Zombie Apocalypse (just kidding... probably)

I really enjoyed this safe and private shooting target practice. We hit targets, apples, and water jugs. I enjoyed learning, the instruction, and was quite tickled with my accuracy. Beginners luck? I'm going to have to test that theory and go again soon!

(Rich holding the apple he shot off the tree when he missed the hay stack.)

Brunches, Lunches, & Parties... Oh My!

2010-09-20T12:05:00.015-04:00

(CLICK ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE)

You know I love my food! Between Brunch Club, dinner parties with the girls, and a group of awesome friends who love to get together over drinks... this summer has been all about the picnics, dinners, lunches, brunches, and happy hours. I could fill a blog with all the good times!

It seems like there's a birthday party just about every weekend this summer (and as we head into fall (sometimes two parties!) This group is all about the celebrations!

Just can't get enough of the laughs and great food, whether it's potlucks, dinner parties or happy hour... I always know we'll all see each other at least 2 times a week!

This August begins Green!

2010-08-10T16:15:00.015-04:00

1) The Green Drinks Garden Party happened at the tail end of July. We met at the public garden across from Woodbridge Pub and were joined by Greg from Brother Nature as our featured speaker.

Greg discussed food security, the state of our national food system, and the progress Detroit has made with the of growing of food within our green spaces & public gardens. He operates an acre farm in Corktown. This was an energetic meeting. Woodbridge pub donated brews & Green Safe donated biodegradable cups for the event.

2) Last weeks Dirt Lovin' Dames meeting was all about organic and safe cleaning alternatives to the chemical crazed store available varieties. We ultimately used white vinegar, essential oils, Dr. Bronner's liquid soap, & Borax. Thanks again for the amazing meal Danyelle! Five dishes and every bite was yum! You're awesome farm girl!

My 2010 : Half Way Point

2010-08-01T15:55:00.000-04:00

Travel Log : Major Stops (Jan-July 2010)

Rome, Italy
Florence, Italy
Pisa, Italy
Venice, Italy
West Virginia New River
North Manitou Island, Lake MI
Bahamas, Nassau
Bahamas, Grand Bahamas
Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay
Liverpool, England
Westchester, England
Tahquamenon Falls, MI

London, England
New Orleans, LA (&Bayou)
Miami, FL
Everglades, FL
Ohio Caving Sites
New York, NY
Brooklyn & Long Island, NY
Leelanau Wine Peninsula, MI
Mackinaw City, MI
Sleeping Bear Dunes Seashore, MI
Pinery Provincial ON, Canada
Windsor, Canada

Best Experiences (Jan-July 2010 : random order)
- Snow 'Yurt' Camping in Winter Weather
- Snowshoeing across the woods to Lake Huron
- Whitewater Rafting the New River
- Swimming through class II whitewater rapids
- Cliff Diving/Jumping
- Seeing all the art, museums, sculpture, & architecture of Italy & England
- Parasailing over a wild Bahamas island & shoreline
- Caribbean Snorkeling & diving with tropical fish
- Backpacking on a backcountry Wilderness island
- Continual volunteer work efforts in the greening of Detroit
- Co-founding 'Detroit Dirt Lovin' Dames Hobby & Crafting Club
- 55 Degree, Lake MI Swimming at midnight
- Climbing the Duomo to overlook Firenze (Florence)
- Gondola Ride in Venezia (Venice)
- Touring London by river & land
- Running a Company
- New Orleans' JazzFest!!!
- Curling on an Olympic grade court
- Feather Bowling
- Cross Country Skiing
- Falling in love, realizing it's real for the first time & so good :D
- 4th of July fireworks via back float on a lake!
- Generally, Bicycling, Hiking, Kayaking, & Swimming
- Sharing my world through my photography
- Playing on a Futbol Team in the Detroit League
- Brunches, so many brunches… lovely brunchery!!!
- Finding myself, my confidence, and my ability to share love and trust.
- Checking off World Heritage Sites
- Achieving 7 Passport stamps in under a 3 month span!
- Finding True Happiness

.... Wow, what an amazing 6 months! Now for the rest of 2010. Next stop, possibly Peru, South America.- Rebecca Keast

Frankfort Lighthouse | Lake Michigan

2010-07-30T16:11:00.000-04:00

As a child I grew up visiting family in Benzie County, MI along the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lake Shore State Park's beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan. We stopped in to visit Grandma and enjoy the beach & also visit the Frankfort Lighthouse. There's nothing like a beautiful day in the hot sun on a cool great lake. I plan to continue visiting the north shores of Lake Michigan for the rest of my summers.

N. Manitou Island : Wilderness Backpacking

2010-07-29T13:43:00.004-04:00

There's nothing better than backpack hiking 10 miles a day and body surfing Lake Michigan whitecap waves to cool off, followed by a evening under a million stars, the milky way and the brightest shooting star you've ever seen! -Rebecca Keast

About two weekends ago, I enjoyed a 3 day Wilderness Backpacking adventure on North Manitou Island off the coast of Michigan's western shore line nestled between Wisconsin and Michigan's Lower & Upper Peninsula's.

Besides the hour long ferry ride across, that departs at 11 a.m. once a day (yes, that means if you miss it you're there another night), the Island is inaccessible to the public. It's 20 miles of shoreline & zero population make it an incredible camping experience. Just be ready to purify your own drinking water & carry all your needs on your back. ;)

For more info visit NPS.gov or North Manitou Info. Next stop Isle Royale.

Nature's Fireworks & Happy 4th

2010-07-23T17:00:00.000-04:00

The festivities surrounding independence day made this year's 4th of July Weekend into what will be known by those innvolved as "The 3 days of the 4th of July" (Photos are available in a F.B. album named as such) or 'the best weekend ever!'

This weekend included multiple fireworks displays & floating on our backs right underneath a massive display over a lake at a private beach party, food, friends, dancing, beach volleyball, swimming, paddle-boating, bbq, wine, sunning, brunches, laughter, pirate activity on the night waters & more fireworks!

The above is an amazing lightning storm nature added to the week of the 4th. This really was the best weekend ever!

It's a wonderful life

2010-07-20T15:14:00.000-04:00

Life is wonderful. It's thrilling to finally not only understand, but 'redefine' what it means to be happy. What an amazing world we live in that we can keep experiencing, surprising ourselves, and keep changing! That we can leave the past in it's place to become and accomplish what we are capable of. 'Worth' is understood. 'Friendship' and 'Love' are undeniable and pale to all things that have disguised themselves as such in the past... How amazing it is to have experienced the spectrum, to know the difference, and to know the truth of things. How amazing it is to exist inside the joy that you've sought. How amazing it is to know yourself. This life is PURE HAPPINESS, finally.

Tahquamenon Falls Camping

2010-07-17T16:19:00.008-04:00

In late June, I took a long camping weekend up to the woods near Lake Superior & Tahquamenon Falls, MI. Tahquamenon Falls is simply gorgeous... we hiked, canoed, swam & attempted to paddle up some lower falls, lol. wish we had video of that!

The waterfall's is brown and golden hues are caused by the water's tannin levels. The headwaters of the river are located in a boreal wetland full of cedar, spruce, hemlock, & swamp growth trees. From there, the river's waters carry a significant amount of tannins that have leeched from the cedar swamps & make it a a blackwater river.

We also attempted a swim out in Lake Superior which ended up being more of a walk towards Canada, after almost a mile we were still only waist deep! Finally, what trip across the Mackinaw Bridge to the Upper Peninsula wouldn't be complete without bringing a newbie to the Mystery Spot and Mackinaw City. - Rebecca Keast

Detroit City Futbol League - Season End

2010-07-14T11:59:00.009-04:00

A quick hello to share some links... It's almost the end of the Season already for my Futbol League as we wind down to our COPA DETROIT Hope you can make it!

In the meantime, some team photos are up on Lewinski's Photography Zenfolio: Our team WOODBRIDGE is mostly pics #33-51, and a few more scattered. Check 'em out! http://davelewinski.zenfolio.com/dcfl

Also, see me on The Detroit News (DetNews.com) Website eating a victory hot dog after last weeks game... The Detroit City Futbol League was been a wonderful experience, and I encourage everyone to get out for some game time next season! -Rebecca Keast

2010-07-07T09:07:00.002-04:00

I know I'm behind on posts...things are wonderful right now. Lots of updates to come!!

So, this is happiness? I'll take two please. :)

Shenanigans on Lake Michigan

2010-06-17T12:24:00.005-04:00

Shenanigans is basically a long weekend, once or twice a year, when a dozen friends rent an amazing beachfront house on Lake Michigan and shenanigans ensue! Wineries, Hiking, Midnight swims in 55 degree lake waters by lamp light, dancing like fools around the campfire, general mischief, and lots of great food & drink!

This year was VERY memorable & I couldn't have felt more happy to be with all my friends having such an amazing weekend! - Rebecca Keast

White Water Rafting | New River, West Virginia

2010-06-06T11:32:00.010-04:00

The New River in West Virginia is full of white water rapids (class III-V), flowing northward through deep canyons. It's one of the oldest rivers on the continent, originating from a ground spring. Our trip included tent camping, rafting, swimming, & hiking.

The New River Gorge National Park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River and is rich in cultural and natural history, with it's abundance of scenic and recreational activities.

My crew was amazing, no one was thrown off, though one person lost a paddle, we were able to retrieve it down river. My favorite Part was jumping out and swimming the deeper rapids... What a thrill! I'm already planning a trip back in the fall to tackle the Gauley River at dame release for an even more adventurous mostly class V rafting.

-Rebecca Keast

Happy Memorial Day!

2010-06-01T23:07:00.000-04:00

It's summer camping season! I spent this 4 day weekend waterwater rafting, swimming rapids, cliff jumping, camping, hiking, & cave exploring. What a perfect way to start the unofficial beginning of summer. Though, I have been traveling in warm/hot climate since April, now it Truly feels like summer. Here's to a full, hot, & active season...

- Rebecca Keast

Green Drinks : May

2010-05-20T23:09:00.024-04:00

Detroit, MI might be the first city to literally be removing entire neighborhoods, skyscrapers, & office buildings to return the land to farm land... imagine two buildings with a field of crops in between and you will see the future of Detroit & possibly many more American cities. I attended Green Drinks this Wednesday to discuss some of the active movements within Detroit to produce a greener & more efficient city, with less environmental impact.

As Detroit continues to prove it can run 'locally,' & the percentage of businesses in Detroit buying & using it's own products increases, this group helps to bring them together in a networking environment. This meeting of creative, innovative, & brilliant minds is an amazing thing to be a part of, as so many great companies spring up every day & need a way to connect their ideas and make them possible. This month's attendees included the Greening of Detroit, Earth Friendly Product Co.'s, & Recycling technology experts. We discussed & proposed recycling options within the city, transit initiatives, the HUGE Urban Farming & Repurposing Movement, and finally, biodegradable restaurant goods & promoting the dozens of Detroit Co., already using these products. Detroit has a unique opportunity to develop into a city unlike anything the world has seen ....something completely repurposed.

(Just one project to spawn others is the Detroit alley that has been approved to become the first major 'Green-Alley' path & garden. More Info @ http://greengarage.typepad.com/the_green_garage/green-alley)

As much of the country looks towards us to see "what's next" for urban development, local groups are getting deeply involved in these changes. I am personally involved with a handful of organizations that are action oriented, truly making things happen.

Please email me anytime to get involved... Thank You! - Rebecca Keast

Screening & Discussion : Aaron Woolf

2010-05-20T22:11:00.006-04:00

For those of you who follow Documentaries, you probably saw "King Corn." If not, the film was a feature documentary about two friends who grow one acre of corn in Iowa and follow that crop into the food system, where they discover the end results raise troubling questions about how we eat & our farming practices. This week I met with a small group of Detroiters to view the follow-up film that tracks the impact & journey of the same corn crops pesticides, entitled

"Big River - A King Corn Companion"

Both films were directed by Aaron Woolf, who was present to present and also lead a circle group discussion proceeding the films. Woolf has been in Detroit directing the new PBS documentary "Blueprint America: Beyond the Motor City" which is a new release that focuses on understanding the future uses of a city built for motor vehicles & the future of public transit. This film is available here : "Documentary director takes Detroit's story 'Beyond the Motor City'"

New Orleans : Arts

2010-05-13T22:49:00.002-04:00

A place is as unique as it's traditions, and New Orleans is very Unique. Music, Food, Design & Art ...it all has a flavour that speaks from the roots of the city.

Preservation Hall in the French Quarter still packs it's rooms with lovers of Jazz and their eager ears & tapping toes. Locals still cover the streets each evening in Marigny to hear something from the soul, some with their own weapon of music in hand.

Shops still line the streets offering originals in everything from clothing, furniture, & antiques to fine art & instruments. You could live here your entire life and only see a small portion of the gems tucked away in the various neighborhoods sprawling out from the French Quarter to the treasures hidden amongst the residential districts.

Detroit City Futbol !

2010-05-12T20:35:00.001-04:00

Detroit City Futbol League is in full swing for the season.
You'll see me sporting a Team Woodbridge jersey ;D

Games dates!

5/17 Woodbridge vs. Hubbard Farms 7:15 Field 3
5/24 Woodbridge vs. Hamtramck 7:15 Field 2
5/27 Woodbridge vs. Green Acres 6:15 Field 1
6/3 Woodbridge vs. Downtown 7:15 Field 1
6/7 Woodbridge vs. Corktown 7:15 Field 1
6/14 ----- Woodbridge ---
6/24 Mexicantown vs. Woodbridge 6:15 Field 1
6/28 Midtown vs. Woodbridge 6:15 Field 1
7/8 New Center vs. Woodbridge 6:15 Field 2
7/12 The Villages vs. Woodbridge 7:15 Field 1
7/19 Cass Corridor vs. Woodbridge 7:15 Field 2

For more info : Detroit City Futbol League

HAPPY MOTHER's DAY

2010-05-09T17:05:00.001-04:00

Foods of New Orleans

2010-05-08T11:57:00.001-04:00

Whether you're after Crawfish, Oysters, Gumbo, Stuffed Pepper & Jambalaya, Oysters, Muffaletta, Cafe Brulot, Pralines, Spicy dishes or Oysters.... New Orleans is OUTSTANDING for the food lover!

My favorite meal was Brunch at the Commander's Palace in the Garden District:
Turtle Soup, Egg & Oyster Sardou, Pecan Encrusted Sheephead Fish with Champagne Crab, Strawberry Shortcake & Banana Foster, & Cocktails... a meal in New Orleans should last a couple of hours!

Let's not forget Absinthe! Available again after a 92 year ban in the United States. It's a nice spirit to sip at the start of an evening or music & arts!

Bahamas = Very nice!!

2010-04-24T20:34:00.013-04:00

Truly, a fantastic week of sun & adventure! The Bahamas trip included Parasailing, snorkeling & reef diving, historic military fort exploring, swimming, sunning, and so much more!

Parasailing in the Bahamas

2010-04-24T20:22:00.011-04:00

Parasailing over Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.

Truly, One of the best experiences of my life!

It's Spring, baseball time!

2010-04-14T18:59:00.001-04:00

Enjoyed a sunny & warm weekend of two days of diamond!

Saturday was spent at Comerica Park for a Detroit Tigers win game against the Indians. Jeremy Bonderman pitched & struck out five over five innings. We loaded the bases enough to make me hope for another grand slam. A perfect day at the ballpark with some friends.

Sunday was my day to hit the field for a coed softball season warm-up ...again, another terrific day!

Saying goodbye to Italy & hello England!

2010-04-13T22:49:00.000-04:00

My next stop was Liverpool & London... Photo montage to come.

ITALY PHOTOS 2010 (3 video albums)

2010-04-13T10:58:00.017-04:00

The following 3 videos consist of the photos I took in Italy. They cover my various travels in the country. note: video 4 of 4 will consist of my time in England, to be posted soon.

______________________________________

Although this was close to the last stop in Italy, I worked on these images first. I spent one chilly evening exploring Venice & then a wonderful sunny (if not also chilly) day the next day. The timing & early spring season made up for the cold with the lack of crowds & the beauty of the city with less tourists. My highlight was of course the leisurely Gondola ride.

EUROPE 1 of 4 : VENICE VIDEO

______________________________________

Back to the beginning, I spent several days in Rome both at the beginning and in the middle of my trip to Europe during the month of March. I am not ashamed to say I hit all the touristy spot and enjoyed all the history as well as delving into local cuisine & culture. I love Italy!

EUROPE 2 of 4 : ROME VIDEO

______________________________________

The other stops were Pisa & three great nights in Florence & lots & lots of walking! The sights in this 3rd montage finish up the Italy portion of my trip. This video also includes surrounding areas just outside of Florence & Pisa, Italy. Unfortunately I lost 54 pictures to a corrupt memory card, arrrgh.

EUROPE 3 of 4 : FLORENCE & PISA VIDEO

Hope you enjoyed my tour!
All Photography by Rebecca Keast

Featherbowling at Cadieux Cafe

2010-04-10T12:33:00.008-04:00

Featherbowling @ Cadieux Cafe, Detroit

Photography by Rebecca Keast

What a great night!
So what's featherbowling?

"Origins : The game originally was a Belgian pastime akin to horseshoes and Bocci. These games have many similarities amongst them. Though little is known about the exact origin of the game, it is probable that the resemblance of the balls to wheels of cheese is no mistake.

The Cadieux Cafe is proud to be the only home of Featherbowling in the United States. The game is rarely played in Belgium, and visitors from the old country are often astonished to see the game preserved as it is here."

I highly recommend it! - Rebecca Keast

Speakeasy Night @ Cliff Bells in 2 weeks...

2010-04-08T14:15:00.008-04:00

Photography by Rebecca Keast

Come out for a prohibition era event at Cliff Bells in Detroit on April 24th, 2010... All drinks, gourmet appetizers & dinner theatre are included in the entry price. Contact Cliff Bells or Kuhnhenn Brewing Co. for more details!

March Travels - Italy & England

2010-04-07T13:54:00.003-04:00

I will use this entry to add photo albums from both 2 weeks in Italy & a week in England. Photos being sorted currently.

(teaser)

Can you imagine being able to go jogging past the Colosseum everyday? Nice! -Rebecca Keast

Curling! ...honor the Winter Olympics

2010-02-21T10:31:00.008-05:00

Curling in Windsor, Canada

Turns out its hilarious fun!

A great group to spend a day on the ice with!

Ice Trees & Ice Houses

2010-02-07T11:02:00.002-05:00

The Belle Isle Ice Tree : A tradition!

since the (1960’s?) It’s made by piling up Christmas trees and running a water pipe through them... The top of the pipe has a spout that is constantly spraying water. This spray, in the Detroit winter cold, adds layer upon layer of ice to create this gorgeous organic sculpture.

Detroit Ice House | Detroit Ice House

Yurt Camping Pinery Park, Canada

2010-01-10T10:40:00.008-05:00

Three days in Canada camping out in the freeze of a January winter. Sounds crazy huh? When you have a Yurt, some great people, homemade chili, brews, & the motivations to be active, you stay plenty warm!

Highlights : Skiing & Snowshoeing across the park to the endless horizon view of from Lake Huron.

Zoo Photo Cards

2009-11-30T07:39:00.000-05:00

These 5 Photos belong to a set of 60 Detroit Zoo Promo Cards. All photos were taken on the 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits.

Support the Detroit Zoo & it's mission to celebrate & save wildlife. Catch the National Wildlife Photography exhibit going on through April 2010.

Coney Island, NY

2009-10-21T09:08:00.003-04:00

Apple Picking Good!

2009-10-19T09:34:00.000-04:00

Apples by the Bushel+ Fresh Squeezed Cider+

Hot Homemade Donuts+ Tree Climbing =

Autumn Heaven!

Detroit Theatre : MGT

2009-10-14T13:19:00.010-04:00

Magenta Giraffe Theatre Co.

I am proud to support Magenta Giraffe & my friends in their fantastic energy & talents!

Check them out at here:
Magenta Giraffe

(Photos from 'Dutchman' publicity shoot)

Mission Statement
The Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company acts to eliminate apathy, violence, prejudice and barriers to education through theatre productions, projects and programs; and further acts to reestablish and expand Detroit’s theatre district.

Tour de Troit 2009

2009-09-18T13:44:00.010-04:00

http://www.tour-de-troit.org/

30+ miles around Detroit... one beautiful afternoon! WooHoo, I did it!

Kayaking the Nissequogue River

2009-09-13T13:54:00.002-04:00

Belle Isle Conservatory

2009-08-20T00:12:00.011-04:00

When was your last trip to Belle Isle?

The Conservatory opened in 1904. In 1953, it was dedicated to Mrs. Anna Scripps Whitcomb who left her 600 plant orchid collection to the City of Detroit.

(portrait photo credit: Scott Bakal)

It is the permanent home of hundreds of cacti, succulents, ferns, palms, tropical plants and one of the largest orchid displays in the country. There are also formal perennial & rose gardens, and a lily pond outdoors.

Conservatory 'Cactus Room'

Belle Isle, Detroit, MI

Sailing yards

2009-08-17T16:22:00.000-04:00

'Sailing yards'

The boats are quickly filling the harbor. Just two weeks ago there were

only a few scattered fishing boats, by next weekend there will be a forest

of masts across the horizon.

rebecca keast

Hamtramck DisneyLand

2009-08-07T13:08:00.001-04:00

HAMTRAMCK DISNEYLAND

Est. 1997

Down an alley off of Klinger in Hamtramck, MI lies a backyard filled up to 30 ft. high collage of crazy collectibles & memorabilia. Including reindeer, Mickey Mouse, propellers, cars, toys, etc. Too much to describe without seeing it. Dmytro Szylak, who arrived from the Ukraine after WWII, created Hamtramck Disneyland.

People's Art Fest : 2009, Detroit

2009-07-22T13:36:00.004-04:00

Held annually @ Russell Industrial Center

http://www.peoplesartsfestival.com/ for more info!

Hello to my New Home

2009-07-15T12:56:00.016-04:00

Hello to my rented home in Detroit, MI (Hamtramck, MI)

This picture is a chemical plant fire. We had to evacuate & I stayed with family for a few days.

Goodbye New York...

2009-07-10T12:01:00.001-04:00

Saying GoodBye to my home in Northport, NY

Taking a break....

2009-06-29T18:39:00.001-04:00

I am taking a break... take care while I am gone.

Jellyfish the size of a truck tire...

2009-06-02T15:48:00.004-04:00

2009-05-15T23:55:00.000-04:00

Nostalgia somehow removes all the painful memories and leaves only 'the good old days'

"Leaning for a View"

2009-05-15T22:18:00.001-04:00

'Leaning for a view'

Wooded bluff at Caumsett.
- Pen, Photoshop

Newsstand New York

2009-05-14T10:20:00.000-04:00

2009-05-14T10:19:00.000-04:00

2009-05-03T09:12:00.002-04:00

'Two men look out through the same bars: One sees the mud and one the stars.'
F. Langbridge (1849 - 1923)

HALIDEcreative.com

2009-04-23T14:18:00.003-04:00

HALIDEcreative.com

Its sprrrrrring!

2009-04-15T16:06:00.002-04:00

'Cherry Blossoms'

Washington DC, April 2009

-Rebecca Keast

NEW WEBSITE !

2009-03-30T17:22:00.006-04:00

For those of you who didn't get my announcement, I launched a new photography website yesterday... Please check it out and send me some feedback. I am sure I will be making changes and revisions shortly. ;) Thanks for your support!

http://rebeccakeast.com

- Rebecca Keast

Home - Early Fall 2008

2009-03-28T10:38:00.002-04:00

On a high tide after it rains, the harbor waters rise up to the yards edges. The land surrounding the property is about eight feet from the sea floor. During low tides, there is a set of stairs I climb to the sea floor (which is covered with 'spitting' clams and mussels - be prepared to get squirted with every step). This photo was taken standing on a large stone on the sea floor looking upwards to the yard and Yacht Club in the background.

- Rebecca Keast

2009-03-27T20:17:00.002-04:00

When the tide rolls out...

2009-03-27T18:06:00.008-04:00

The land surrounding my yard during low tide.

History of the Northport Yacht Club

2009-03-20T13:58:00.002-04:00

Some History of the Independent Yacht Club of Northport....My place wasn't always apartments with a great view, it has an interesting history. In 1908, a Independent Yacht Club was formed away from the original Northport Yacht Club. With better funding, the yacht club soon constructed a gorgeous building just south of Main Street on Woodbine Ave.

(images approx dates : 1911, 1912, 1913)

The structure featured a rooftop viewing deck, four Grecian columns, a water dock and boat launch. It became a 'must visit' location for all the wealthy New York socialites and Gold Coast Residents. (In 1920 the rooftop deck had been damaged and removed, see photo below). By 1926, the yacht club had absorbed it's competition and became simply the Northport Yacht Club.

(images approx dates : 1920, 1932, 1980)

Unfortunately, the hurricane of 1944 destroyed the Grecian columns and washed away much of the exterior features. The entire building was soon after relocated some 50 feet back from the waters edge to nestle against the bluff off of Woodbine and rest of the former lawn. It was soon after sold and reallocated into flats for apartment rental. This reversed the properties position and created the fantastic bbq ready / waterfront lawn we have today.

Some of the quarks the building has today include a bit of an off balance foundation and seriously slanted floors. In fact, if you place a marble in the center of any room, you can never guess which direction it will roll in. Just some of the charm. I will post photos of the building as it looks today later on.

2009-03-16T22:08:00.001-04:00

'The truest valor is shown with the brave in the midst, than in the beginning of danger or uncertainty.'

Woodbine Ave c.1913

2009-03-16T12:31:00.002-04:00

This is a postcard of my street in Northport. You can see my place through the trees. I really like this one... it is the first I have found that actually has people in it, as most of the postcards were sold as memorabilia for the Yacht Club. I have a collection of over eight cards now to carry with me when I move on from this experience. It has been interesting living in a place with so many historical references. Unfortunately, the copyright information is no longer visible on the postcard. I can only make out that it was mailed locally in 1913.

2009-03-16T12:16:00.000-04:00

Someone emailed me and told me that I post too many pictures of my yard. Clearly I do, and clearly I am in love with the view... I will try to be more diverse for the remaining time that I live on the Harbor.

...still, it's nice to share the sunsets.

- Rebecca

Blue Billed Duck

2009-03-15T12:44:00.002-04:00

'Blue Billed Duck'

Crimson Sunset

2009-03-13T20:38:00.005-04:00

'Crimson Sunset'

There was an unbelievable sunset this evening. I took a series of photos of this as quickly as possible, since it only lasted for a few minutes.

'The sky broke like an egg into full sunset and the water caught fire.'
- Pamela Hansford Johnson

(Happy Friday the 13th)

-R. Keast

El Campo Santo & Whaley House

2009-03-12T11:31:00.001-04:00

The following pictures are from the El Campo Santo Cemetery in San Diego.

There are tours of both El Campo and The Whaley House, however I wanted to wander a bit and explore more of Old Town San Diego, as I was pressed for time before my flight back to New York.

...after sunset I ate on the patio of a nearby Mexican restaurant and enjoyed mole enchilada, fresh guacamole, and delicious margaritas.

Colorbind

2009-03-12T11:04:00.002-04:00

I am Colorblind

Coffee Black and Egg White
Pull me Out from Inside
I am ready, I am ready, I am ready

I am Taffy Stuck and Tongue Tied
Stutter Shook and Uptight
Pull me out from inside
I am ready, I am ready, I am ready
I am fine

I am covered in skin
No one gets to come in
Pull me out from inside
I am folded
and unfolded
and unfolding

I am Colorblind

Coffee black and egg white
Pull me out from inside
I am ready, I am ready, I am ready

I am fine
I am fine
I am fine

- Counting Crows

San Diego, March 2009

2009-03-11T12:04:00.002-04:00

All the Important Things

2009-03-11T12:01:00.000-04:00

“If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies.”

San Diego Sunset

2009-03-08T21:38:00.002-04:00

'To stand at the edge of the sea, to sense the ebb and flow of the tides, to feelthe breath of a mist moving over a great salt marsh, to watch the flight of shore birds that have swept up and down the surf lines of the continents for untold thousands of year, to see the running of the old eels and the young shad to the sea, is to have knowledge of things that are as nearly eternal as any earthly life can be.'

2009-03-07T22:09:00.000-05:00

'It's spring fever.... You don't quite know what it is you DO want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!' - Mark Twain

Think spring....

2009-03-07T21:56:00.000-05:00

Make a Change

2009-02-24T07:21:00.000-05:00

'If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts.' - Albert Einstein

'If you can't change the world, change yourself... and if you can't change yourself, change the world' - The The

Flocking on a Lazy Sunday Morning

2009-02-24T07:03:00.001-05:00

There is an interesting Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale

called 'The Raven' that I enjoyed as a child.

You can find it here.

PHOTO BY SCOTT BAKAL

2009-02-06T14:26:00.004-05:00

Born on February 4th and from Detroit : Alice Cooper (musician), William Talman (actor), Charles Lindbergh (1st Pilot across the Atlantic), Rebecca Keast (yours truly).

My Levitating Birthday Cake

2009-02-06T13:24:00.001-05:00

'Tracks on thin ice.'

2009-01-24T11:33:00.003-05:00

“Three feet of ice does not result from one day of cold weather.”

- Chinese Proverbs

- Photo by Rebecca Keast

2009-01-23T13:02:00.002-05:00

My friend sent me these words of inspiration :

Photography - for when you aren't patient enough for drawing

2009-01-23T11:37:00.001-05:00

'...You talk to loners, you ask how's your week
You give love to all and give love to me
You're obsessed with hiding the sticks and stones
When I feel the unknown
You feel like home, you feel like home

You put my feet back on the ground
Did you know you brought me around
You were sweet and you were sound
You saved me...

...See I had shrunk yet still you wore me around
And 'round and 'round '

2009-01-21T21:24:00.004-05:00

'Ice on Northport'

View from the left of the yard... you can see the tracks where are the fowl walk around on the ice. I am longing for the summer days and kayaking through the harbor. The winds have been bone chilling off the ice and come in off the sound with a strong force that shakes this tired building's structure. The wind snakes in between the old cedar siding - whistling and howling with life throughout the night, the way frosty winter winds only seem to know how. Buildings like this grow more life in them the older they get.

- Rebecca Keast

2009-01-13T07:12:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday

The Mercy Seat

2009-01-09T06:40:00.002-05:00

'Like my good hand I tattooed
E.V.I.L. across it's brother's fist

That filthy five!
They did nothing to challenge or resist.

And the mercy seat is melting

And I think my blood is boiling

And in a way I'm spoiling

All the fun with all this truth and consequence.

An eye for an eye

And a truth for a truth

And anyway I told the truth

But I am not afraid to die.'

-Nick Cave

I think many songs create great imagery and would make interesting illustrations. I find that most of the music I am drawn to tells a story or gives you a strong sense of a character. I was listening to a mix at work this morning and Nick Cave's The Mercy Seat came on. The song tells of a man's acceptance of his existence as he heads for his own execution. Interestingly, the term Mercy Seat refers to an object of gold on the Arc of the Covenant, and was derived from kapporeth which means 'thing of wiping out by covering' or 'thing of cleansing'.

Northport Sunsets

2008-12-29T22:30:00.003-05:00

It's good to be home...

(click to enlarge)

Rebecca Keast