Pittsburgh A’happenin

There are so many events out there. For those of use well-connected or at least wanting to be, we know about them, yet even better, those that are motivated actually attend, and if one might be of the super-breed, they organize and participate. This week I was on the second tier of that scale, but still met some cool people and found some cool stuff.

I finally made it out to “I Made It!” (no pun intended?) at the Union Project in Highland Park. It’s basically like the Handmade Arcade every month or two; DIY vendors with crafts, jewelry, and clothes pack into the beautiful great hall. Just walking around seeing the unique, one-of-a-kind pieces is enough to make you drool.
I fortunately stopped myself from buying something from every table, for my wallet’s sake, but did pick up a fantastic pillow-case style dress (made from the same cotton a Hanes tee is made of) from Jet Boy Jet Girl, and adorable hand painted dragon earrings from Birds of a Feather.

Other vendors I urge you to check out:
The Plum Crazy Tree Great kitschy accessories
Maggie Craft (page isn’t finished yet)
Robsmig Crafty earrings that are as light as a feather!

There were so many more,( including Party In My Pants reusable menstrual pads!) and you can browse the list at I Made It’s Myspace page.

While I not only believe in supporting local, independent vendors, I am trying my best to be an active citizen this political season… beyond my daily NPR and CNN indulgence.
I had three Barack Obama events (my candidate of choice) this week: A Super Tuesday Watch Party, Allegheny County Democratic Endorsement Meeting, and Democratic Volunteer Party.
Suffice it to say that I only made it to the Watch Party, due to my car failing at a time needed most!

However that event went well, and John even made me a homemade Obama tee shirt, since the official shop has everything on back order. About twenty of us crammed into the intimate upstairs of Doc’s Bar & Restaurant in Shadyside. We signed petitions, met friends of friends, wore buttons, and cheered every time they showed Obama’s numbers (and probably each time they said his name, after a few drinks). People generally associate these events with just politics, which is a highly demon-ized word, but the more I go to meetings and events to support Obama, other themes seem common: people excited about change, who feel empowered, want to feel unity, support loved ones (which is why John tags along with me), wanting to understand the process, or people who are interested in the community energy at each event.

Upcoming events and issues:
-Valentine’s Day
-Party at Belvedere’s for Ass Dragon… something or other
-BlogFest!
-Britt Neff’s birthday

Support a sister; subscribe to a blog, vote Barack.