Limited to local traveling due to the Delta variant, Labor Day weekend, I made use of my ten dollars by visiting the Fullerton Museum Center (FMC), which reopened two months ago. As a musician myself, their latest exhibit “Have Blues, Will Travel” piqued my interest. But I never realized that besides gaining a valuable insight into the experience of Blues musicians at the height of racial discrimination, I would find myself relishing an idyllic Sunday afternoon.
I am not sure if the FMC has been repainted but the building façade looks vibrant and inviting. It makes a prospective visitor think that it showcases something worth checking out. It has been two years since my last visit so I was curious to check the shop again. Maybe because there were no other visitors, I had the chance to take in the beauty of the place. It is spacious with well appointed displays and interesting assortment of souvenirs. It felt so relaxing as I fed my curiosity checking the novelty items. Somehow, I am beginning to get the idea why moms call shopping a form of therapy.
As I moved into the exhibit room, I was teleported into the Jim Crow era, a time period that is totally strange to me. But, I came out of the room a bit wiser having learned a valuable insight that inspired the activist in me. Jim Crow originated from the term “Jump Jim Crow,” which was a caricature of Black people.
The exhibit showcased the way of life of Blues musicians who spent their time traveling across the US and had to rely on the Green Book as a travel guide. These are books published to guide traveling Black people, especially the Black Blues musicians, to the areas where hotels, restaurants, gas stations in the United States were free from possible harassment or discrimination. Since the museum provided the physical Green Book themselves, I was able to search up the establishments in our state that were safe for Blacks. Nothing looked familiar to me though. In addition, a map showing the distance between hotels, gas stations, and restaurants are included in the book to help the Black travelers plan their trip. This rekindled my passion for promoting unity among us all, which begins in the friendship we offer to all regardless of race, gender, or religion.
As I walked out of the museum, I realized that I was supposed to pay only $5 because I’m only 15 years old but the cashier charged me $10. Nevertheless, I decided to just dwell on the valuable insights I gained and the visit to the souvenir and gift shop that had a calming effect on me. (FMC is open Fri, Sat, Sun 12-4pm and Thu 12-8pm) For more information visit: www.fullertonmuseum.com.
If you have been around Fullerton, you might know this spot (below). This cascading water along the rocks is found at the entrance of the Fullerton Arboretum.
After being closed for the past year, this 26-acre treasure of Fullerton, with a collection of plants from around the world, has now reopened with new hours (Wednesday to Sunday, 9 am to 2 pm). An arboretum is a garden that focuses on trees for scientific purposes; it comes from the Latin word arbor which means trees. It is a free, interesting place where one can enjoy the beautiful view (donations are welcomed). I especially appreciate the tranquil scenery: sunbathing turtles, dancing butterflies, and picturesque bridges. Families can learn about nature and wildlife, hike around, and watch birds. When I approached the entrance, a volunteer briefly introduced us to the arboretum and its interactive map, which one can scan with a QR code; I do not have a phone so I chose to use a colorful map. The walkway alone is stunning because the variety of plants and trees is amazing. For example, the giant leafed fig tree looks majestic as it stands strong with its thick, muscular branches while the desert delight nectarine tree squats low to the ground with its long, floppy leaves and fruit. I especially liked seeing Dr. Clark’s Heritage House (he was Fullerton’s first physician) and visiting the Children’s Garden which had adorable archways with vines growing as well as a dome to rest inside.
The Arboretum offers many classes like photography, yoga, composting, and bonsai planting. I would like to take the bonsai workshop in person. Meanwhile I will satisfy myself with the leisure visits and take home sunflower plants that are on sale. There will even be a Fall Veggie Seedling Sale on September 25th and 26th. For more details, check out their website: www.fullertonarboretum.org.
As you may know, some parts of the world are going through endless conflicts and there are countries that are constantly feuding and fighting. There are ongoing crises in Afghanistan, Israel, Palestine, Africa, and Asia. Nuclear weapons are being developed faster than ever. Earth is quickly becoming a giant warzone, which is why celebrating International Day of Peace on September 21, gives us a compelling motive to observe this holiday. This day is dedicated to promoting the importance of world peace to all nations, cultures, and religions. Especially when intense wars are raging, International Day of Peace is a reminder for us to work together, not against each other.
International Day of Peace was declared a national holiday in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly, to be celebrated on the third Tuesday of September. However, it wasn’t until 2001 that the holiday’s official date was set to September 21. The day is not only an inspiration to promote world peace, but it also serves as a 24-hour period where groups involved in active fighting pause their wars and other battles.
We can all contribute to mark this observance. Everyone, including kids, can help by simply spreading the word. You can make posters supporting world peace and put them up around your community or school for everyone to see. You can make a post on social media showing your support. Even just by being friendly towards the people around you is a great way to promote peace. Complimenting someone or giving them a simple greeting may inspire them to do the same. Or, if you feel provoked, by staying calm and trying to see things from the other person’s point of view, is a heroic way to mark this observance. Even if it only makes a slight difference, it makes a difference. Sources: nationaltoday.com, cfr.org, internationaldayofpeace.org.
Do you want a perky dog? Do you want a curious, lovable pitbull mix? If so, Jessie’s the dog for you. Give her a treat and she’ll be your little shadow in no time. She’s easy to leash and loves going on casual strolls, and she is the perfect walking companion. Although she can be a little wary at first, she wants to be your affectionate friend in a blink of an eye. Jessie is 6 years-old and is searching for a new home, preferably a home with no children and other pets because she needs time to start new relationships. Will YOU be the one to take Jessie home? To schedule an adoption appointment, please call (714) 935-6848. Animal ID: A1725115.
Low-Cost Drive-Thru vaccine for dogs and cats
A vaccine clinic for your dog or cat? Woo hoo! There will be a low-cost Drive-thru Dog and Cat vaccine clinic hosted by the OC Animal Care on the 1st Thursday of every month at 1630 Victory Rd., Tustin, in the parking lot. By reservation only. Go to the “Clinic Services” page at HEART4PETS.org to make a reservation, or call (714) 993-9193. Keep your pets safe and healthy.
When We Were Infinite is a heartbreaking, heavy read that will take you on a tumultuous journey, letting you grieve and ache for the characters but ultimately leaving you with a quiet yet profound sense of hope. This book tells the story of Beth, a girl who, at the end of it all, simply wants to be with her friends as long as possible and support them in whatever way she can. She has also harbored feelings for one of them, Jason, ever since they became friends. But things soon get complicated amid college looming in their near futures, the sudden discovery of Jason’s violent home life, friend and family conflicts, and mental health challenges. It is a story about relationships, people, and identity, all rendered in achingly gorgeous prose and delivered without holding back.
Gilbert’s writing style is, simply put, beautiful. And though her words aren’t fancy flowery language, they’re mesmerizing and engaging. They surround you with a sense of quiet devastation because you know what Gilbert writes is a reflection of real life. When We Were Infinite delves into sensitive topics such as mental health issues and racism while wringing you out and holding you close in the same breath. If you love young adult contemporaries tinged in sorrow and drenched with emotion, you’ll definitely enjoy what this book has to offer.
Amid the lack of inclusivity in America’s media and entertainment industry, critics and netizens have highlighted and praised the underrepresented artist Nia DaCosta, better known as the first Black woman director with a film topped at #1 at the box office. In a white male-dominated field, DaCosta paves the way with her latest horror reboot, “Candyman,” featuring a majority Black cast while also addressing racial injustice. Opening on Aug. 27, the sequel film co-written with Jordan Peele and Win Rosenfeld, amassed over $22 million within just a few days of its release. This puts the movie at a historic point while also producing more excitement and enthusiasm for DaCosta’s upcoming sequel of Marvel Studios’ 2019 “Captain Marvel” film.
Sources:
• www.cnn.com/2021/08/31/entertainment/candyman-nia-dacosta/index.html
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