16 Super Remedies for the Winter Blahs

Glass House Winery's homemade chocolates

It’s that time of year again – the time when many of us are ready to put the cold season behind us and spring forward. Not that we’ve had a very rough winter – if you can even call it a winter, really. But still, who isn’t ready to smell a few daffodils and dine out on the back deck? Who doesn’t want to pack away their coats and long pants and put on shorts and t-shirts for the next five months?

Let's Have a Party!

Terri and the Terrifics

I just found out that one of my all-time favorite musical influences is coming to Charlottesville. This Saturday, Wanda Jackson – the Queen of Rockabilly – is headlining at the Jefferson Theater. I could just pop!

Love Thy Neighbor

The neighborhood

I’ve been thinking lately about what makes a good friend. Is it someone who listens to you and holds your hand when you’re feeling down? Is it someone who doesn’t judge you and just loves you -- warts and all? Maybe a good friend is a person who laughs with you and tells you you’re funny – even when you aren’t. Or perhaps it is someone who gives freely of their time, their attention or – better yet -- their kidney.

Catching Up on CVIO

Terri with "Nick" Nichols, and Andrew Owen of LOOK3. Photo by Martin Gisborne

If you’ve been keeping up with Charlottesville Inside-Out this season, you know we’ve covered a lot of interesting topics so far. For example, I had a great time playing music with Ellis Paul, one of the leading voices in American songwriting, and learning more about his craft. And I really enjoyed visiting Morven Farm, a historical “think-tank” located in one of the most beautiful spots in Albemarle County.

Let It Snow?

snow

Here we are into the third week of January, and my ten-year-old son is already predicting there will be no “snow days” this school year. I tried to tell him that it doesn’t usually snow that much in this area before January or February, but he is convinced that I am wrong. His reasoning, of course, is attributed to the “Snowpocalypse of 2009” that dropped close to two feet of heavenly white precipitation on the Friday kicking off winter break.

Culinary Courtship

Culinary Courtship

This past Christmas, I gave my husband a really nice kitchen knife. O.K., O.K., I know you’re thinking, “Well, that’s not a very romantic gift.” For couples who have been married as long as we have, an offering like this could even be downright dangerous. (You know I’m just kidding…) Dwayne’s a great cook, though, and our knives have been dull for years, so I was actually very excited about this present. Six stitches later -- maybe just a little too excited.

Hoops and Resolutions

Terri on the B-Ball Court

I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions. I haven’t been for quite a few years now. I guess it’s because I’ve reached a point in my life where I’m “on” to myself – I pretty much know what I will or won’t do. I may say that I’m going to do something and then give it my best for a few weeks, but within a month or so, I’m back to my old habits. After years of doing this, I realized I wasn’t fooling anyone – including myself. Kinda reminds me of the way I play basketball.

Fairy Dust

Terri with her mom and brother David exchanging gifts

I’m struggling to find the holiday spirit today. I suppose it could be because it’s 60 degrees outside, and my world is showing no sign of slowing down. I usually love this time of year. In fact, some of my favorite childhood memories are of Christmas. Of course, these are my memories. My siblings may have a totally different take on things. And it would be an understatement to say that my dad was not a fan of the holiday season. But my mother “believed” enough for both of them, and she made everything magical.

Go Local for the Holidays! Charlottesville Shopping Ideas

A Charlottesville Songwriters Christmas CD

1) Dinner at The Local – my family and I love everything about this restaurant! The ambience is warm and inviting. The food is fabulous and prepared using local ingredients. Even the light fixtures, chairs, bar, and balcony were built by local craftsmen. My son recommends the shrimp and/or the mussels. He also lives for the homemade bread. I personally like it all, including the wine selection.

Generosity of Spirit and Mind-Blowing Bands

Benefit for Haiti at Fry's Spring Beach Club 12/2011

Charlottesville musicians and music lovers are the best. I know I’m a little biased – being a member of “the band” and all -- but it’s true. And I’m not just talking about talent -- though you have to admit there is an absolutely amazing pool of gifted performers living in and around Cville. I’m talking about character. I’m talking about generosity of spirit. 

Coming Up...

February 9: Watch Now
Find out about an organization that’s working to bring vital mental health services to under and uninsured women in the Charlottesville community; then move to an ancient dance form that puts fire in the belly.
The Women’s Initiative – Kerry Day, Former Executive Director

Fire in the Belly Dance Company – Joy Rayman, Artistic Director

February 16: Watch Now
Discover a Charlottesville destination that allows you to get in touch with American history; then shoot hoops with an organization that builds character and shape lives through the game of basketball.
Griffin Discovery Room at Monticello – Linnea Grim, Director of Education and Visitor Programs

VABA (Virginia Basketball Academy) – Ben D’Alessandro, Executive Director and lead instructor, Rickquan Jones, camp participant, Dominic Morra, instructor

February 23
Find out the story behind all of the amazing photographic images hanging from the trees on the downtown mall each summer; then take a very fast ride in a very light car.
LOOK3 Festival of the Photograph – Michael “Nick” Nichols, Founder, Andrew Owen, Managing Director

Edison2 – Oliver Kuttner, Founder, Ron Mathis, Chief of Design