January 2008: The Firsts Issue

MAKING GOOD ON MY “SPECIAL TALENT”

by Maggie Hathway

I learned two things from the nuns of my childhood, and they have nothing to do with patent leather shoes shining up or going to hell for wanting to kiss one particular altar boy when I stuck out my tongue at communion time. No, what the Sisters of Charity seemed intent on teaching was decidedly less silly: first, that God gave everyone a special talent, and second, that we are each responsible for developing and using that talent.

THE TIMELESS STRUGGLE BETWEEN A BEADED BODICE AND ONE’S HOLD ON REASON

by Linda Lacina

She stripped me, dressed me and set me on a dais. Under any other circumstances, it would be completely reasonable to talk about ceremonial dress and ritual sacrifice. And since I was standing in a bridal salon, the connection could be considered almost witty, a biting social commentary. But saying such things to a husky, humorless bridal clerk is apparently something of a faux pas.

It would be a long afternoon.

TAKING OUR FIRST STEPS TOGETHER

by Nika Schulte

If there is surveillance footage of that industrial park, it might be YouTube worthy. A Pontiac Vibe pulls up. A woman in a short skirt and 3-inch heels exits the car as the man opens the windows and sunroof. Frank Sinatra croons “Moon River” as the man rushes to grab the woman’s hand and begin the waltz on the proper beat. No, this footage wouldn’t be avant-garde performance art. It would be my fiancé and me practicing for our first dance at our wedding reception.

by Karen Buscemi

As I go out into the world each day, I find that I’m more and more dumbstruck by the ways of mankind. And while some of this behavior causes me to shake my head and chuckle in amused bewilderment, much of it, unfortunately, renders me speechless, or worse, fills me with speech bountiful with expletives, along with those annoying creases in my forehead that are sure to become permanent if I don’t find a way to explain it away. And so I implore you, readers, to take a moment from your day and peruse my list of top befuddlements – and perhaps share some wisdom as to why these things are the way they are.My frown lines will thank you for it.

PROFESSIONAL PICKLE MAKER

by Sandra Dalka-Prysby portrait by Rob Widdis

For Jennifer McClure, making dill pickles with her dad using the “secret family recipe” was a summer highlight when she was growing up. She continued the tradition with her husband, Mike, and their sons, Robert and Joe, when the boys were young. But Jennifer never thought her grandmother’s dill pickle recipe would pull a profit. Her two sons, however, did – and because of their enthusiasm, today Jennifer is the “pickle-packing mama” for McClure’s Pickles.

BIRMINGHAM MARKETING FIRM INSPIRES LOYALTY AND CREATIVITY

by Joyce Wiswell photos by Rosh Sillars

LEFT: Marcie Brogan clowns with employees at her Birmingham firm. Her unique ideas and equitable managing tactics improve morale and increase productivity. Pictured from left to right: Scott Werner, Deidre Bounds, David Ryan, Laurie Hix and Misi McClelland. At right: Each floor of the building showcases artful presentations of the firm’s client work.

When was the last time your boss handed you $20 and ordered you to go spend it – on company time?

LOCAL INDIE ARTIST STAYS TRUE TO HER STYLE

by Sharon Macdonell photo by Kent C. Jackson, C-Stop Photography

Singer Monica Blaire grew up among artists. Her father,Maurice White, had sung his whole life and came from a musical family. Her mother, visual artist Vera Smith, moved the family to all ends of Detroit and back, seeking inspiration for her work. And then there’s Blaire’s godmother, R&B legend Ortheia Barnes.

“My godmother was instrumental in pulling me along. She would have shows at Somerset and I would go and sing. Even as a baby,” Blaire says. “I would gurgle into her microphone.”

CHEF ADDS HEALTHY TOUCHES TO SOUP KITCHEN MENU

by Ellen Piligian photos by Rosh Sillars

Left: Assistant manager-chef Steven LaFraniere chops fresh vegetables with Alison Costello at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen.

It’s lunchtime at the capuchin soup kitchen on meldrum in Detroit and the dining room is nearly full. One guest, Chris, has been coming here daily for the past year for the quality food and clean environment. “It’s like a real hot meal,” he says of his tray filled with homemade meatloaf, mashed potatoes, salad with vinaigrette dressing and a slice of Zingerman’s bread.