Making Lemonade in Long Beach, CA

When adversity strikes us, we must react quickly, lest we fall into "the darkness".  I am working on positive thoughts, looking forward (not back) and making lemonade. 

Life has given me a lemon.  I have quickly moved from employed status to unemployed.  It's happened twice before, it could happen again.  It seems that every 10 years is the cycle.  Misery likes company.  I know I'm not alone, and am comforted by that thought.

While I apply for unemployment and seek new work, I have planned on making some lemonade.

THE PROJECT

Starting next Monday, I will be throwing myself into a different creative project every day for 25 days - and blogging about it.  A short break, and the second project will begin. 

My objective?  One hundred days of creativity in Long Beach, CA.  It won't be hard, will it?  This is Long Beach...  A city with an artist living on practically every block.  Art everywhere!

It may be an interview with an artist, an artistic non-profit, a look at something picturesque or not in this oh-so-creative city of ours.  Here are some ideas I've had.  I will also be seeking materials, either from friends, freecycle.org or from the Patch or creative community.  Hey, this is the world-wide web!  Perhaps I can reach... the world!  All documentation will be on my little laptop and using my little portable camera.  Nothing fancy, we're on a budget here.

Are you an artist or arts organization?  Do you have some amazing artwork in your lobby or on your wall?  Perhaps you have a hobby and would like to share it with me and with the community and would like to be added to the 100 days list, please email info@handmadepenguin.com.

I am especially looking for Makerspaces.  What is a Makerspace?  Shared tools for creativity of any sort in a shared space of any sort.  If you participate in a private or public makerspace or *** would like me to redefine your empty retail space as a public Makerspace ***, PLEASE, PLEASE, EMAIL ME!!!

#1 MAKING COMMUNITY LEMONADE IN LONG BEACH

Next Monday, I will be making lemonade.

Needed: Lemons (it takes more than one lemon to make lemonade), Sugar, Lemonade recipe.

I am looking for someone in Belmont Shore, Alamitos Heights, Belmont Park or Naples with ready lemons on a lemon tree. 

Got something else to add to the mix?  Limes, mint, some sort of spice?  Would you like me to make the lemonade at your home or retail location?  Would you like to help concoct some lemonade?  Is there a Monday Farmer's Market somewhere in Long Beach?  If there is, let me know... I can ask for some fruit there.  (no buying, it's part of the challenge)

If you have a good lemonade recipe, great fruit growing in your yard, or want to be part of the fun, please send your contact info to info@handmadepenguin.com.

writes as herself about creative and maker topics for the Belmont Shore Patch and as Handmade Penguin for the Handmade Penguin Blog.