Uptown Magazine April 2009

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Breast Enhancement Body Contouring Surgery after Weight Loss Fat Transfer Labiaplasty Face Skincare

At Metrolina Plastic Surgery, we realize that change is inevitable.

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We've undergone our own transformation and

Broc L. Pratt, M.D.

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we welcome you to come see what's different. One thing that hasn't changed is our dedication to individual care and natural looking results.

Botox® Beginnings Incentive Pricing first week of each month on Botox and Juviderm

MetrolinaPlastic.com Free Seminar – April 15th 6:30-8:00pm Find out about all the lastest trends. Incentive pricing for attendees. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. Seating is Limited. RSVP 704.541.7654

• Anyone who wants younger, healthier skin can benefit from the Vi Peel • Improve the tone, texture and clarity of the skin • Reduce or eliminate age spots, freckles and hyper-pigmentation • Soften lines and wrinkles • Stimulate the production of collagen and elastin for firmer skin • Clear acne skin conditions

Get your Glow On with our fabulous skincare incentives: Introductory Facial $55.00 (Eminence treatment only) + 10% Off all skincare products

photos © iStockphoto.com/Yuri_Arcurs

redefine change

They won’t stay like this forever...

...interest rates, that is. That’s why now is the time to buy. And to sweeten any deal in which I represent a buyer or seller, I will donate $1000 to the Humane Society at closing, because humans aren’t the only ones affected by recession.

Scott Lindsley 704.906.1645 [email protected]

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ELEMENT on Craig Ave: Spacious, green living spaces from the $420s.

Charlotte’s premier modern, single-family community. • With rates as low as 4.75%, now is the time to buy. • Up to $10,100 available in Federal Tax Credits. • Features 10’-19’ ceilings, outdoor living with fireplaces, covered parking. • HERS Rating 62: homes are 38% more efficient than standard home. • Solar panel options available. CALL TODAY AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE OUR MODEL HOME. % I;

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Office 704.375.3408 4547 Craig Ave. Charlotte, NC 28211

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www.elementhomesoncraig.com

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Townhomes with Garages in Uptown & South Park!

From the $180’s

From the $270’s

1 mile from South Park Mall & Lynx Light Rail Station.

Located in the popular Gateway Center Area of 4th Ward.

Tour 6 Decorated Model Homes, Open Daily!

Enjoy the Best Value per Square Foot in Uptown!

• 1,747 to 4,500 sq.ft. • 2 to 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 baths with owner’s bedroom up or down • 1 or 2-car attached garage • Bonus room, loft & rec rooms available • Gated entrance with clubhouse, fitness center & pool

• 1,704 sq.ft. • 3 to 4 bedrooms • 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 baths • Rear entry 2-car attached garage • Huge great room • Dining room • Eat-in kitchen • Study • Walk-in closets • And so much more!

(704) 643-7112

(704) 334-0375

Directions: I-77 to Exit 5/Tyvola Rd. Go East 2.6 mi. toward South Park Mall. Right on Park Rd. Go .5 mi. to right on Archdale Dr. Go 0.7 mi. to left into community on Park Royal Avenue. Model homes ahead on right.

Directions: I-77 N to Fifth St/Trade St. (Exit 10). Cross Over Trade St. Turn right on Fifth St. Travel .2 mi. Turn left on N. Sycamore St. –OR– I-77 S to Fifth St/Trade St. (Exit 10C) East. Turn right on W. Fifth St. Travel .2 mi. Turn left on N. Sycamore St.

Model Hours: Sun–Mon. 12-6, Tues.–Sat. 10-6 Prices and offers subject to change without notice. See a Sales and Marketing Representative for details.

Welcoming Families Home for Over 60 Years

For More Information, Visit RyanHomesUM.com

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre offers one of the most unique atmospheres to entertain you and your clients. ‘09 season ticket holders will enjoy artists such as: Jimmy Buffett No Doubt Coldplay George Strait Nickelback Dave Matthews Rascal Flatts and many more!

We offer an unmatched season ticket program with box suites and season seats available now for the 2009 concert season. All season ticket packages include the following amenities: • Membership to our Private VIP Club • VIP Parking Passes to each concert • Private VIP Entrance into the venue • Guaranteed location for every show • Ability to order additional tickets • Advance notice of upcoming events

Complementary front row parking space for every concert this summer with purchase of your season tickets and mention of this ad!

For more information and available locations please contact the Director of Premium Seats Sales! Cat Obleski • 704.887.6514 • [email protected]

pictures: fenix fotography

effie loukas and chris langston

speakers from the american cancer society offered tips on living longer, healthier lives

New clothes, new cars, and a new you all came together on a fantastic night benefiting the American Cancer Society. The new Miss North Carolina strutted down the red carpet at the Mercedes-Benz dealership of South Charlotte, and everyone enjoyed healthy cooking from Just Fresh. The good karma started early and flowed freely all night long. miss north carolina amanda watson

charlotte overman and shelly boyd

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uptown

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Petra, shown in bronze metallic leather.

Foot Solutions

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The finest offerings from our Uptown retailers

Come see why Peak Fitness on $100 or more thru April 30, 2009. Morehead is Uptown Charlotte’s ©2009 Aravon. All rights reserved. Does not apply to Medicare, therapeutic most popular Health Club! All specials shoes and inserts. for this location only. Walk Away the Stress of Your Day! Foot Solutions 1235 East Boulevard 704.335.4070 Kenilworth Commons Shopping Center www.FootSolutions.com/Charlotte

Urban Pet ALL WINTER CLOTHING 50% OFF! A wide selection of styles and sizes to choose from, come in today! Urban Pet 4149 Park Road Park Road Shopping Center 704.644.7019 urbanpetcharlotte.com

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Nova’s Bakery A gift from Nova’s Bakery is the perfect way to say “I love you!”

Nova’s Bakery 1511 Central Avenue novasbakery.com

1001 Morehead Square Drive

Allure Vision Sunglasses The finest in luxury sunglasses. Present this magazine before June 30, 2009, for 20 percent off your purchase.

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Call us! 84,000 fans could be reading your advertisement right now.

Melissa Fazio Uptown Magazine 704.340.8130 [email protected]

Metropolitan Kitchen & Bath Zoli - Z2 Wall Mounted Vanity Lattice wood countertop with glass overlay--includes bowl, countertop, stainless support, and chrome hardware. Metropolitan Kitchen & Bath 1719 South Boulevard 704.334.2002 metropolitanbuilders.com

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* Sheri Joseph is a true Uptown mama. If she isn’t chasing after her two young sons, Sheri is writing for our blog, working on her first book, volunteering, or hanging out with her husband, MJ. She is originally from Texas and knows the best Texas ribs and margaritas in town can be found at her house. When she’s not scouring the city for her next article she can be found at home eating bonbons with her children locked in a closet.

uptown

Charlotte native Matt Kokenes is no stranger to the media-sales business in the Queen City. He has been selling both print and television for almost seven years. Through perseverance and intestinal fortitude, Matt has shown he has the toughness to succeed in this business and was recently promoted to Ad Director for the magazine. Shake Matt’s hand if you see him—he deserves it, plus he looks much better in person.

Celina Marann Mincey is an emerging artist in many forms. She is the editor of Central Speak, a community magazine. As a singer/songwriter, she is beginning to perform locally while completing an album in the studio. Capturing people with a lens as well as with words, Celina is a freelance photographer and dabbles in oil painting. This month Celina sees the future through the eyes of seven leaders in Uptown.

Jim McGuire has been doing commercial and fashion photography and video since 1986. Clients include fashion designer Otilio Salazar, GQ and Modern Bride. His work has been printed in Japan, Italy, Venezuela, Turkey, and Holland. Jim has lived in Plaza Midwood since 1985 and is known for throwing outrageous parties. To top it all off, he’s a father, too! See Jim’s photography throughout the magazine or at jimmcguire.com.

Up-and-coming graphic designer Benjamin Gelnett contributes this month’s cover illustration. Along with poster exhibitions at the Art Institutes of Charlotte and Indianapolis, Ben was featured in Print Magazine’s Regional Design Annual this past December. When he’s not organizing, promoting, or participating in local art and music events he enjoys camping with his wife Kara and all his friends.Visit smackhound.com

Erin Kasari is the creator and editor of TheLuckyLoop.com, an online directory that promotes and supports Charlotte’s independent, locally owned businesses and non-profit organizations. She’s an avid freelance writer and shopping diva – always on the lookout for great gifts at dime-store prices. Erin has made Charlotte her home for the last eight years and, when not musing on Japanese minimalism, she enjoys being the center of attention of her husband and two dogs.

IS A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP ONLY A DREAM FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD?

UNTREATED SLEEP DISORDERS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY, DIABETES AND DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS. Chris Wooten is a designer, artist, builder of tree houses, father, and avid traveler who is known for a neurotically meticulous attention to detail. Since the 1990s, Chris has been designing print and interactive solutions with zeal! Modry Design Studio was born after he hooked up with his partner in 2003. For now the company is firmly rooted in NoDa. If you want to talk design, stop by their studio or find them them online at ModryDesignStudio. com

Freelance writer Andy Graves spent his childhood and teenage years on a small, muddy dairy farm in upstate New York. He came by higher education in Helsinki; Baltimore; Cork, Ireland; and Buffalo, New York. When pressed about what he does for a living, he will explain that he is a hobo. This is not as much a lie as he would have you believe. He digs tall tales, spellbinding sites, and rare, thrilling adventures of all sorts. Feel free to join him for a head start on Summer.

SIGNAL is a design, production, and creative editorial studio focused on creating engaging and entertaining work for all forms of moving images. Our core team of Directors, Designers, Animators, and Producers has substantial experience in both long and short-format entertainment, sports, and live action programming for broadcast outlets such as Speed Channel, FOX, ESPN, ABC, Style Network, National Geographic, FUEL TV, NASCAR, Lionsgate, IFC, and more.

Presbyterian Family Sleep Center is dedicated to providing a warm and relaxing environment for patients, especially women and children, where sleep problems are evaluated and treated by an experienced and caring staff. Our physician, Carolyn Hart, MD, is board-certified in sleep medicine, pediatric and adult neurology. With 16 years experience in this specialty, her level of care and expertise offer comfort to her patients. Her commitment to sleep medicine is what drives her philosophy that improving her patients’ overall sleep health will improve their quality of life. • Insomnia • Sleep apnea • Narcolepsy • Restless leg syndrome • Night terrors • Sleep-related seizures DEDICATED TO HELPING YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN SLEEP. 704-316-3820

Carolyn Hart, MD

Presbyterian Family Sleep Center Charlotte • 149 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28204 Huntersville • 10030 Gilead Road Suite 240, Huntersville, NC 28078

* Nancie Woods comes to Charlotte from a three generation real estate family business in New Jersey. As a Yankee, she avoided the family business deciding instead to coach a top swim team. However, her love for urban development and with real estate in her blood, she joined the family businesss and eventuall relocated to Charlotte and took an active part in the growth of Uptown. Nancie helped put together our real estate guide this month.

name: Little Shiva species: mutant here for: the smell of ink on paper interests: juxtaposition, transformation, mystery, clarity, the process of becoming, images, and design contributions to this issue: table of contents website: littleshiva.com

Born and raised in a small Connecticut town, Erica A de Flamand migrated south looking for warmer weather. A graphic designer by degree and do-gooder at heart, she spends equal time “creating” and working with special needs children in the world of equine therapy. She always has a camera and a dog by her side, and is known to drink too much coffee.

North Carolina native Ryan Sumner is Creative Director of Fenix Fotography. Though Sumner’s been shooting in the Queen City professionally for years, he spent nearly a decade as a designer at the Levine Museum until he set up his studio last year in NoDa’s historic Highland Mill. This month Ryan handled the gorgeous models in this month’s fashion shoot as well as other work throughout the magazine.

Responding to whatever makes you smile, Melissa Fazio—also known as the Faz, Fazerati, or Emmy—is the newest addition to the Uptown family. A “military brat” who moved all over the world as a kid, she now makes her home in the Queen City, where for the past six years she worked in Charlotte radio as a senior account executive. Now with Uptown, Melissa is ready to help your business succeed— and of course she’s always ready to have fun!

At one time a dancer, choreographer, and aspiring writer, one day Amanda Pagliarini woke up to find herself in a cubicle. Since relocating from DC two years ago, she has found a happiness as the Sales Diva at the Pursuit Group. In the off hours you can find her trotting around Uptown with her boxer JJ or buried in her laptop working on the next great American novel. And even though it fits so very well, please don’t call her “Mandi”.

LEttER FRoM thE EdItoR

Editor/Publisher Todd Trimakas Advertising Melissa Fazio Matt Kokenes 704.944.0551

I feel lucky to be a part of the “Great Depression of 2009.” There have only been two depressions in the past hundred years, and we get to experience one of them. What other historical events of this global magnitude are we going to be able to experience? I think we’re all out of World Wars and ignoring the hoax that was Asian bird flu, any sort of medical-inspired world trauma will remain ancient history. But how many more times is the stock market going to be cut in half in less than a year, or Iceland go bankrupt? Yep, lucky I am. My little girl Kate may never get a similarly sized global catastrophe in her lifetime, and one day her kids may ask me, “Granddaddy T, what was it like back in the early 2000s”? How did you make it during the Depression? I’ll of course tell fantastically stretched tales that will seem hard to imagine from 2055, something along the lines of: We had to cook our own food and dress ourselves, we didn’t have robots to do everything for us, or something about not having flying cars—all unimaginable to my

grandchildren. Other than living in a cardboard house I’m not sure what a depression could do that I haven’t already experienced in one way or another. I’ve had to sell a house for a loss from my first marriage, move in with my angelic sister, lose a bunch of money in the stock market when I watched the internet bubble burst, and I’ve been let go from a job. I’ve lived in the Third World for months, and spent a year residing in a room ten feet wide and 18 feet long, with a roommate. And by no means are my experiences unique. I imagine you probably have similar ones to share as well. This all reminds me of the scene in “Forrest Gump” when Captain Jack climbs to the top of the shrimp boat’s mast and screams at the hurricane, “Is this all you got for me?!” That’s where I am, at the top of our global economic mast, drenched from the worldwide monetary maelstrom swirling around and screaming at the top of my lungs, “Is this all you got for me?!” Even if you’re not in a place where you can take your shirt off, I hope you can join me in your own way. And if you can’t that’s okay, too. Just remember to take good notes now to refer to in the future—when you’ll need to explain this whole thing to your grandchildren. ~Todd Trimakas Publisher / Editor [email protected]

Executive Editor Andy Graves Contributing Editor Peter Reinhart (Food) Contributors Sheri Joseph Celina Mincey Little Shiva Chris Wooten Bryan Reed Amanda Pagliarini Catherine Rabb Ellen Ward Photography Ryan Sumner (Fashion) Jim McGuire Todd Trimakas Cover Art Benjamin Gelnett distribution Sean Chesney office 1600 Fulton Ave., #140 Charlotte, NC 28205 Contact us at [email protected] Uptown Magazine is a trademark of Uptown Publishing inc., copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Uptown is printed monthly and subscriptions are $25 annually and can be purchased online at uptownclt.com.

gifts the life

words: sheri joseph

Just in time for engagement season, Uptown chats with Skatell’s owner Mike Ealy about why his business is thriving while others are barely surviving. Have you found the one who’ll stick around through richer and poorer? Ready to ring it? Drive out to Pineville and find out why they’re the gold standard when it comes to jewelry.

uptown: We’ve all passed a million mall jewelry stores and been distracted by their shiny objects. What makes Skatell’s unique? mike ealy: In a word, quality. This is a family-owned business that has been around for 50 years. Our work comes standard with a lifetime warranty. If you buy from our store and you

will stay in the ring. I usually explain it like this: if you think about replacing a car door, you could replace it with a stock door or you could have someone make it for you. The door that would fit better is the custom door. The same can be said for jewelry design. uptown: Does having this fancy shmancy machine make your jewelry more expensive? mike ealy: No. In fact, our store has only one markup because we design and manufacture the jewelry here in the store. If you are ordering an engagement ring, for example, from a typical store, there would be about five people who touch the ring: the caster, the diamond house, the setter, the finisher, and then back to the store. Each one of them has a specialty, and they charge for it. We charge about 30 percent less than other jewelers because we have everything on site with no middle man. uptown: Let’s say I’ve inherited a piece that’s hideous, yet diamond encrusted. What can I do with that? mike ealy: You could do anything with it, and we can design anything. We can melt down any metal and rework it into a new piece as well. uptown: Anything? mike ealy: Yes. If you want your own face on a ring, we will design that for you. uptown: Yikes. Speaking of faces on rings and other oddball designs, are there any rules when it comes to jewelry design? mike ealy: No. There are no rules. We’re consistent with the quality we produce on our end, so when it comes to what the customer wants to wear, we can pretty much do anything the customer wants. We’ve done it all--except grills (i.e., not the bbq kind). We’re not really experienced with that.

want to “trade up” in a few years, we’ll give you the value on what you paid. We aren’t interested in making a one-time sale to someone. We want to be our customer’s family jeweler, and in order to do that we make sure we stand behind every piece we sell and design. uptown: What is the design process for jewelry at Skatell’s? mike ealy: We have a 3-D milling system here that enables us to make an incredibly precise wax molds for any design, even something a customer draws on a piece of paper. We can make a mold that will fit the stones perfectly, which ensures the stone

uptown: What should the average Joe Schmo look for when shopping for jewelry? mike ealy: Look for the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) diplomas on the wall. At what level is the jeweler accredited? This shows the customer that the jeweler is credible. I suggest people shop around and ask a lot of questions. Become educated on what they intend to buy. We want to educate our customers because we want them to be satisfied with their purchase. Amazingly, we have less than a tenth of one percent returns on purchases per year. Ninety percent of customers are return customers. Know that if you visit Mike at Skatell’s they’ll treat you just like you’re part of the family, because almost all of their family works there. So if you end up buying a custom piece or something from one of their national designers, Mike’s wife Donna may even invite you over for dinner. U

You can reach Sheri at [email protected] For more info go to www.uptownclt.com

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wine

If you’ve visited Reid’s Fine Foods, at Seventh Street Station, you know they offer a feast of eclectic grocery offerings, the very best in cuts of meat, and an array of excellent wines. What you might not realize, however, is that some of the thriftiest wine bargains are right there among the high-end bottles, which means you can shop Reid’s for great wines even if your bank account amounts to little more than chump change. We spoke with Margaret Hughes, the wine manager at Reid’s, for the lowdown on low prices. Margaret recommends only wines she has tasted and would choose personally, so her selections are sure to be good.

the life

uptown: What would you suggest for those who have been drinking the good stuff on a regular basis who now find themselves on a budget? margaret hughes: I would suggest for them to look toward regions of the world that have traditionally supplied value wines, such as France’s Rhone Valley (Côte du Rhône); Spain, for Crianza and Grenache; and Argentina, which provides a wash of outstanding Malbec and Bonarda. uptown: What are the best wine finds that would fool any palate? margaret hughes: All but one of these wines is $16 or less: Garnacha de Fuego $10 Graffigna Malbec $13 Sauvignon Republic Potter Valley Sauvignon Blanc $16 Pontecilla Tempranillo $11 Château Haut La-Péreyre Bordeaux $14 Renato Ratti Dolcetto D’Alba $14 b² Pinot Noir (that’s b-squared, from Oregon) $19 Lockhart Merlot $12 Marietta Old Vine Red $13 Solex Chardonnay $16 Domaine de la Fruitiere Chardonnay $13 Joseph Drouhin Macon-Villages $13 Ciao Bella Pinot Grigio $11 Gruet Brut $13 uptown: So if you have a customer who has gone from eating the best filet mignon to Hamburger Helper, what would you suggest? margaret hughes: Wines to pair with the following foods: Bojangles’ Fried Chicken / Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc $10 SpaghettiOs / Toscolo Chianti $10 Hamburger Helper cheesy mac / Almira Los Dos Grenache/Syrah $10 Frozen fish fillets / Kris Pinot Grigio $12 uptown: What is the all-time most highly

words: sheri joseph

recommended wine? margaret hughes: Quinta Do Crasto Douro ($18), a Portuguese red blend that is the little brother to the No. 3 Wine of the Year from Wine Spectator. This wine displays intense aromas and flavors of black cherry, cocoa, spice. This wine has great structure, nice acidity, and a plush velvety texture with a nice finish. U

You can reach Sheri at [email protected] For more info go to www.uptownclt.com

love the life

words: sheri joseph pictures: jim mcguire

Finances got you down? Bored with the flicks at the local theater? Can’t believe what they’re charging for a decent vodka cocktail these days? Suspend your outrage and bust out the Peppermint Scope because it’s time for a smooch-a-thon. Fact: When researchers conducted studies on students, testing their chemical

reactions during a 15-minute make-out session, they found that both male and female subjects had a marked reduction in the stress hormone cortisol. If your romantic relationship has weathered the ups and downs of the marketplace, then celebrate your love. To help you get your groove on, we solicited a cross-section of Charlotte’s citizens to share their top three make-out songs of all time. Add them to your mix tape, or burned CD, or downloadable songstick, or widget, or whatever it is the kids are calling it these days. These are bound to get the “bow chika bow bow” goin’ in the house, at no cost to you. Mike, an Uptown banker, claims his make-out songs come from the real experiences of the past--making out in the back of his pimpin’ Buick Regal. “These songs really worked. Everyone should try them.” Did I say this guy was a banker? I meant wanker. u “Open Arms,” Journey u “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” Willie Nelson (Isn’t that a cheatin’ song? Just asking.) u “I Will,” The Beatles

u “You’re My Flavor,” Lenny Kravitz (Isn’t everyone your flavor, Lenny?) u “In Your Eyes,” Jeffrey Gaines (It’s raw and soulful and soulful and raw. Did I mention it was both raw and soulful?) u “I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl,” Nina Simone (Is that a euphemism or what?) Missy, a writer and stylist, gave us songs that work on the twentysomething set. But who are we kidding? Twenty-somethings don’t need music— they make out all the time. u “Sex on Fire,” Kings of Leon (They sang this on “SNL” and it rocked.) u “Destiny,” Zero 7 (Probably playing in a college dorm room near you.) u “Possession,” Sarah McLachlan C.C., a dedicated public servant, prefers the classics. u “Dancing in the Moonlight,” King Harvest u “I’ll Be,” Edwin McCain u “At This Moment,” Billy Vera and the Beaters (Complete with live audience cheering. Ah, just like the good ol’ days with a little P.D.A. at the mall.) Otis, a chef Uptown who likes to mack during extended guitar solos, chose these. u “Dreams,” The Allman Brothers u “I’m not Alone,” Widespread Panic u “Unbroken Chain,” The Grateful Dead (Yeah, man.) U

You can reach Sheri at [email protected] For more info go to www.uptownclt.com

Celia, a webpreneur on the cutting edge of all things trendy suggests the following.

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ALL THESE PROPERTIES REDUCED TO UNPRECEDENTED PRICES! UND

ER C ONTR ACT

400 N. Church # 614 MLS 813084 REDUCED $409,900

Myers Park home just reduced to $399,900

Avenue # 2713 MLS 834342 REDUCED $259,000

230 S. Tryon St. #502 MLS 803833 REDUCED $259,000

238 S. Clarkson St MLS 830967 REDUCED $275,000

530 N. Poplar St. Unit D MLS 828867 REDUCED $325,000

626 N. Graham # 205 MLS 838966 BRAND NEW $179,000

i c n a N

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SELLING CENTER CITY SINCE 2000

Visit me at 218 North College Street allentate.com/nancie.woods 704.608.0964

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I WAS A MAN and a woman on craigslist

I was a Woman looking for a Man. I was a Man looking for a Woman. I was a Man looking for a Man. Just for fun, I was a Woman looking for a Couple. This was my weekend on Craigslist. I embarked on my Craigslist “Casual Encounters” adventure sitting with my boyfriend outside of Starbucks in Southpark. I started out scanning some of the ads from each section to give me a better idea of how I should form my ad. I was alarmed at the candid, direct nature of the post headlines. People looking for a casual encounter jump straight to the point. The ads were fairly repetitive and all arrived at the same conclusion—people wanting some ass, and wanting it now. I looked around at my fellow Starbucks patrons with their laptops. Could someone in my midst be one of these people? As I prepared to make my postings I quickly realized that I had an entire language of acronyms to learn. There are self-explanatory ones: “W4M” = Woman for Man. “M4W” = Man for Woman. With the addition of “T” for Transgender, there are 21 available combinations. Feeling a bit overwhelmed and a tad nervous as to who, or what, I might find, I settled on four combinations: M4W, M4M, W4MW, and W4M.

words: amanda pagliarini

I stared blankly at my computer screen with the worst case of writer’s block I’ve ever encountered. As I attempted to compose my ad as a Man searching for a Woman, I tried to think of what might appeal to me if I happened to be perusing for a man on a free internet site. So I became Jake, the guy who wanted only to go down on a woman and then leave her alone. I went through the posting criteria, accepting the terms of use and agreeing to a code of conduct. Less than two minutes later, my ad was up. I waited for the rush of emails to come in. Despite what I consider to have been a thoughtful and appealing post, there was no one interested in hanging out with Jake. Well, no woman that is. A man kindly responded, letting Jake know that if he didn’t have any luck finding a woman, he could go down on him. Such a supportive community this Craigslist is. The next day and the two days following, I actually did receive several emails from women. Cute-sounding women with names like Brandi, Farrah, Jenna, Kristi, and “hottieclt4u.” Strangely, their emails all said similar things: that they were cute, blonde, horny, and had never done this type of thing before, and each concluded by directing me to a website where we could talk more and share photos. What had at first appeared to be eager sex kittens were in fact automated responses from for-pay webcam sites. Poor Jake. How frustrating it is to be teased.

M4M The Man for Man section seemed very transactional. There was more qualifying information and inquisitiveness in the ads selling Bobcats tickets. The ads stated what they were specifically after, and often provided their location and how long they’d be there. Several of those locations were public establishments. So Jake became gay and posted accordingly. Immediately I received emails responding in an equally transactional manner. They were interested and could meet me in “X” amount of time, and wanted me to respond if I was interested. A couple of emails came from men who requested discretion, as they were married.

W4MW This is one of the few sections of Craigslist’s Casual Encounters that is the real deal. There are single men on there just thrilled with the notion of a threesome with two women. There are attached men who solicit a third, unbeknownst to their partner. One man asked me if I could “bump into” him and his wife at a bar and seduce her. Apparently she had an open mind about having a threesome, but only if it happened naturally. For the most part, the emails I received appeared to be legitimate requests from couples or from the ladies themselves. Two wanted to give their mates a treat for his birthday, while the others considered themselves bisexual. The men they are in relationships with are

issuu April 09.indd 30

supportive of their bisexual urges and encourage them to act on them freely. Shocking. Most all sent pictures. Some were nice, regular shots of them as a couple from a recent event. Others sent pictures offering a preview of what a sexual encounter with them might look like. If you have a preconceived notion about the attractiveness of these women or couples, think again. A few times I considered justifying the need for more extensive research. It was here that I learned about an underground swingers’ club right here in our little Southern metropolis. Carolina Friends offers a paid membership to screened couples and single ladies (sorry guys) who believe sex doesn’t have to happen in even numbers.

W4M Fifteen in ten. Seventy-six in two. No, these are not measurements or scores. These are the number of emails I received and the frequency of their arrival. Fifteen emails in the first ten minutes of my Woman for Man post. Seventy-six emails in the first two hours. A few more statistics: Two-hundred-ninety-one emails in total. One-hundred-fifty-six containing pictures. Twenty-three of those pictures were close-up shots of one particular body part. Every woman’s fantasy. Of course many came from mock email addresses with fake names. Some of the photos had been edited to hide their faces. But this was the minority. Most of the emails I received contained first and last names, with identifying pictures of their faces. Some came from work email addresses. Some pictures were their corporate headshots. Apparently, if you are on Craigslist you are either very trusting or very stupid. I Googled all of the full names I received. There were three boys claiming to be of college age, but they were betrayed by their own social networking community--Facebook told me they were in high school. There were guys who readily admitted their marital status. The Mecklenburg County Real Estate Lookup System confirmed the marriages of those less inclined to share. Further Googling showed me where these guys worked, allowed me to scan through their Facebook pages, and even see which church they attended. Some men informed me that they didn’t have cars and would need me to pick them up for our sexual dalliance, while others offered generous gifts and compensation for my time. Even “Michael Jordan” emailed me, stating that he was in town for a Bobcats meeting and would like my company. I am now familiar with the length and girth of a Senior Vice-President at Bank of America, and “John” sent me a picture from his wedding with all but a small piece of his wife’s veil cut out. My favorite email came from a man who told me what he’d like to do with me, noted that he was married and required discretion, and then concluded with a quotation from Gandhi in the signature line. I decided to engage with select people. By the looks of some people and their comments, it was clear why they were trolling through Casual Encounters on Craigslist. It was both the men who were married or in relationships and the good-looking, young, single guys who had me curious about why they used this forum. Yes, obviously these men were looking for casual sex—but why not just have an affair the good ol’ fashioned way? Or, for the attractive and unattached, why not just pick a

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lady up at a bar? It’s amazing how much people will tell you if you just ask. The attractive, single guys seemed to fall into one of two simple categories. Either they were painfully shy and found it difficult to approach women or they were lazy and looking for instant gratification. The first group’s confidence didn’t match their sex drive and, real or contrived, sexual banter gave a subconscious ego boost. A guy from the second group told me that he knew he had to play the gentleman dating game in the “real world” but he needed to get laid in the interim. The married or attached men proved to be a bit more trivial. Yes, there were men who emailed me who were simply and sincerely looking for sex on the side. In their minds, Craigslist offers an opportunity to meet women who are only interested in casual sex. If these men had an affair with a woman they met in a less scripted way, they run the risk of having her get emotionally attached and subsequently demanding a relationship. While chatting with some of these men, I took our conversations right to the edge—setting up a meeting. Surprisingly, when I got it to this point, one married man got scared and disappeared. The others, who were ready and willing to meet, I probed further about their relationships, justifying my inquisitiveness by stating that I wanted to know what I could be getting myself into. These men all said the same thing in different ways, that there was no zing in their relationships or marriages. It has become clear to me that most men don’t have the first clue how to make a woman uninhibited. A woman who feels sexy, who believes the man she’s with thinks she’s hot, will come out of her sexual shell, and often. Drop a bit of alcohol in her, and you’ll have your very own porn star. Meanwhile, these men frustrated by the lost zing with their wives or girlfriends are wasting time in cyberspace saying all of the things they should be saying to their ladies, to blank, black-and-

issuu April 09.indd 32

white ads on Craigslist. I decided to speak with Darshana Hawks, a relationship coach and owner of the Relationship Success Source. She coaches singles looking for love, couples who want to learn how to have a sustainable marriage, and couples in crisis on the verge of divorce. She summed up my findings and her experience with this topic into one word: avoidance. Anyone engaged in Craigslist Casual Encounter-type activity is simply avoiding something, whether it be their own fear of approaching the opposite sex, problems or unmet needs in their relationship or marriage, or, many times, a deep-seated emotional issue. It’s like going on a juice fast when you’re feeling fat. You might drop a couple of quick pounds, but they’re sure to return, and no progress is ever really made. As Darshana put simply, “Some people just don’t want to do the work.” Sometimes, Craigslist exchanges become like a drug. There’s a feeling of lust when there is a sexual attraction or chemistry between two people who shouldn’t or can’t act on it. It’s more than just a turn-on, it’s a full-body dizziness. Your heart races, you feel

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flushed, you swoon. It’s a high. And Craigslist is an instant and abundant peddler. You don’t get that drug from looking at porn. Porn produces a more localized, diluted version of the lust drug from the waist down. For people who crave, and perhaps even have an addiction to this all-encompassing feeling of lust, Craigslist offers them an instant fix. The good news is that I have personally concluded that there are no women on Craigslist looking for men. It’s like a bunch of dogs panting at a dinner table with no food on it. Casual Encounters on Craigslist is a legitimate resource for gay men and straight women who can’t seem to get that sex scene from the “L”-word out of her mind but is too scared of rejection to act on the impulse to jump her hot girlfriend in the bar bathroom. In the end, who am I to judge? I’ve come to learn that if I denounce something as weird or wrong or crazy, it’s usually because I haven’t tried it yet. And the surefire way to do or become something is to judge it in someone else first. So instead of a judgment, I will dole out an invitation. To all of you men out there on Craigslist, come out from behind your computer screens and join us living in real space, not cyberspace. And to all of those married guys I talked to last month, try whispering some of what you said to me to your wives. You might just be surprised what you get in return. U

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?

we ask five charlotteans to share their vision

words: celina mincey pictures: jim mcguire

As Charlotte moves forward and develops, what is the role of your Center’s mission to promote AfricanAmerican arts and culture? Keeping African-American arts and culture alive. We don’t want to lose sight of our past. As Charlotte becomes a browner city and looks ahead, we always want to acknowledge past achievements, struggles, creativity, and celebrate those. Here at the Center, we strive to tell folks—all folks, the whole community—about the AfricanAmerican experience. We want to educate people. As the city changes and diversifies, it’s important for people to find the things they have in common. The Center can be a starting point for that. What successes have there been in Charlotte in terms of promoting African-American culture? Just the fact that we’ve been around for 35 years—and we’re still here, even in these economic times. If you look at where the center started—meager beginnings in a student protest at UNCC and a grassroots effort—and then think about where we are now, that’s a real accomplishment. As we continue to build, we have great aspirations, but we recognize that we stand on many shoulders. What else needs to happen? Charlotte is changing, both in terms of its population and economy. Diverse citizens will be looking not only for ways to grow business but also for ways to express their unique interests. We’ll see more of a focus on the arts. As you have more and more folks from varying backgrounds coming into the city, we’ll have a greater need for expanding arts. The Center hopes to be integral in that effort. What can be done to overcome racial disparities in Charlotte such as housing, health, employment, education? We have to first acknowledge that disparities exist. A good example is that while we love to tout that there were no major disruptions during desegregation of our schools, we fail to acknowledge the racial disparities in the school system today. We will overcome disparity when a diverse community is seen as a value in terms of work, live, and play. When we are able to openly acknowledge our challenges, we must engage in dialogue. Only through dialogue can barriers between people be

Earl D. Leake // Board of Directors

broken down and new, creative solutions emerge. However, nothing will happen until there is economic action. African-Americans need to get to the table in terms of economics and then be prepared and be able to produce. The only way disparities will really be acknowledge and addressed is through economics. This city, the larger community, the whole country is run based on finances, but in Charlotte we tend to have such a focus on race—on both sides—that racial disparity and solutions tend to get lost in the preoccupation with race. Are we doing enough to attract a diverse incoming population as Charlotte grows? Charlotte is clearly attracting the numbers. It continues to grow. We need to focus on the substance of that growth. the harvey B. Gantt Center. Why is it important? When we look at people living in poverty right here in the Queen City, we need to ask ourselves how we allow people to live like

Carolyn A. Mints // CEO Afro-American Cultural Center

that. This city is so much more capable. We are too content with an “I’ve got mine” mentality—giving a little to charity maybe, but really looking just at the success of our own careers and families. We aren’t seeing the poor as a fabric of this community. This economic downturn is pushing more and more people over the edge, and the arts clearly provide a major resource and outlet for everyone. At the Cultural Center, we like to remind people the arts become even more important when times are hard, as a release valve and a place of respite. More importantly, a place for all people to connect. And that’s what the Harvey B. Gantt Center intends to be. Yes, it will house national exhibits, but it will continue to serve as a major resource for families and children of all races to explore culture on many different levels. We encourage all Charlotteans to come, visit, check out our programming—and get involved! u u u

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Tommy Timmins // Kevin Devin Partners in Connolly’s, Madison’s, The Attic Bar, Tyber Creek Pub

What are the highlights of Charlotte’s nightlife? It’s a young, up-and-coming city—lots of energy and positive people. Charlotte is a melting pot in that so many people aren’t actually from the Charlotte area. It seems like people from all over the country and world come to Charlotte for a common purpose—to make a better life. And that shows in the nightlife. Everyone brings a different flavor, style, or personality. What is missing? What does Charlotte need in order to compete with other major cities’ nightlife? Charlotte has been good about keeping things centralized and branding each area. For example: Uptown, South End, NoDa, Plaza-Midwood. Each is a distinct entertainment area with its own flavor. We haven’t got into endless urban sprawl and uniformity, and we can’t get away from that. We need more neighborhood bars, more mom & pop places instead of mega-conglomerates and chains. New development seems to seek big chain

establishments, but Charlotte would be better off to give local owner/operators a chance in order to keep our local flavor. We’ve personally been fortunate in that we are one of the few who got into Uptown early, when it was still affordable for owner/operators to start their own businesses. But it’s gotten very pricey now. Is the Epicentre good or bad for Charlotte’s nightlife? It brings an even wider range of people Uptown, gives people more options. In the long term it’s a good thing. As we look to the future and the economy picks up, it will be great. The plan was for all the slated condo projects to bring an influx of residents to Uptown to consistently utilize both the Epicentre and the offerings already here, so it’s a bit of bad timing, but it’ll all turn around.

What can we expect to see in terms of nightlife in the Queen City in the upcoming years? A standstill really, until the economy picks back up. Hopefully, it will become more affordable for owner/operators to flourish but that is unlikely. It would be really nice to see Uptown fill up in terms of residents. Once we have a full house—condos/ apartments to capacity—we’ll see more changes and development in the nightlife. how is the economic downturn affecting business? We’ve been fortunate in that we run more neighborhood establishments. People drink in good times and bad, but in rough times they definitely tend to go somewhere they feel comfortable. Being small guys, we focus on having great relationships with our customers and have instilled this concept in all of our staff. For many of our patrons, coming to our bars is like going to see a friend, and that’s usually how people want to hang out in hard times. u u u

David Furman // Architect and Developer

We notice a lot of condo projects converting to rental units. What does this mean from a development standpoint? how does this affect longterm real estate values? Well, the actual economic impact remains to be seen, but I don’t think it is as gloomy as it is portrayed. First of all, Uptown has received a bad rap because of some very high-profile projects that didn’t happen for specific reasons. Places like One Charlotte, 210 Trade, and the Park got a lot of press generating the idea that the Uptown condo market had fallen out. These projects didn’t fold because of market conditions-they each had things going on behind the scenes that contributed to their failure. As you’ve noted, a lot of complexes were built successfully. However, they were delivered about the time all this news was surfacing about failed projects and a “fallen market.” As a result, buyers and investors lost their confidence and started pulling out of their contracts to buy. This created a selffulfilling prophesy and left previously sold developments holding a lot of units. At the same time, mortgage rules began changing fast, like no longer being able to secure

financing unless 50 percent of the units were sold. You can see why many projects have had to go rental. Second, I don’t think rental conversions are all bad. I believe we are getting ready to experience a shift in paradigm. Traditionally, it has been the American Dream to own a home, which has been thought of as the ultimate investment. This idea was primarily fueled by what is essentially a government subsidy: the writing off of mortgage interest. This phenomenon was compounded by market conditions that incredibly accelerated appreciation and it became a savvy decision to buy even if you were living a relatively transient lifestyle. Everyone— developers, consumers, the government, banks—we all ignored the fact that this situation was not sustainable. I think the economic slowdown will leave our society better off in the long run. Real estate will always be a solid investment if you want to hold it for an extended term, which is how it was always meant to be. We have to give up the idea of flipping something quickly and making a lot of money. Once we do, renting will no longer be considered inferior or unwise. People who value freedom and mobility, especially those living in an urban context, will begin to see renting as a viable and preferable housing option. This is happening now and is the primary reason for our Quarterside conversion to rental.

It seems that young professionals who relocate to America’s large “old” cities (e.g., Chicago, Boston, or New York) tend to congregate—to live, work and play—in and very near the downtown district, whereas in large “new” cities (e.g., Atlanta or Phoenix) they are more likely to locate across a larger area into the suburbs. What needs to be done in order for Charlotte’s Uptown to win over this incoming demographic and build its urban center? If you look at these old cities, or use a European city as an example, they always maintain a high ratio of mixed-use space. The defining feature of successful cities is urban livability, which includes lots of open, public common areas, green space, easy public transit, and vibrant, niche merchants/restaurants with outdoor seating areas. In Charlotte, we are scrambling to recreate this vibe from scratch. Center City is still evolving, but there is a lot of work to be done. I think we should start with populating Uptown. Right now, only 10,000 to 15,000 people actually reside inside the loop. That’s not much when you compare it to the 1.5 million who live in the greater metro area. Hopefully, the rental conversions will actually help in this regard, giving people more options while tightening the condo availability. What can Charlotteans be optimistic about in terms of real estate? Overall, Charlotte has a great story to tell, and it’s too grand a story to be snuffed out. It’s a dynamic city that has seen the reemergence of its Center City over the last 20 years. We just need to collect ourselves and see through this “gray cloud” mentality. The sun still shines, we’ve still got a lot of cranes, the new Duke Energy Center is rising, and the Cultural Campus will open soon. The Ritz and Bank of America new block is coming, NASCAR Hall of Fame & Office Tower, and we’re breaking ground on an incredible new UNCC building in First Ward. There is plenty to look forward to and we can use this time as a wake up, to look at growth as a society and get creative about building a more sustainable a world, one that’s not revolving out of control. Think of it this way, when a train is moving so fast—as the real estate market has been doing for the last three to five years—it’s difficult to see where you are going and impossible to get off. Now we have time to step back and dream, and create our city accordingly. u u u

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What is the current state of Charlotte’s economy? We are tracking the rest of the country. We have such a diverse region and economic base that other parts of the country saw a slow down much before us. We are poised to see more of a downturn because of the banks, but even despite that we are still in much better shape than many cities and we will come out of the recession period faster. Is Charlotte still a competitive city? Absolutely. We still have all of the assets we had prior to the recession: geographic location, quality of life, international airport, we are a strong distribution center, an emerging life sciences/biology/ nutritional science sector, and we are still a manufacturing region. Relatively speaking, from a national perspective, we are still as competitive and should continue to build infrastructure and maintain our leadership position. the public is inundated with talk of bailouts. What does Charlotte need to do long term to have a healthy, stable economy? We’ve done and will continue to do what we need to, which is primarily to market the region as a place of business. We certainly need to take advantage of the stimulus dollars we qualify for to invest in infrastructure, jolt the economy, and create jobs, but there can be no pulling back on our efforts to market and expand opportunity in the region. If anything, we need to put even more resources into these efforts. What are we doing to encourage folks to come to Charlotte? There are tons of people moving here, though at the partnership we don’t focus on recruiting people. Charlotte’s reputation as a great place to live, work, and play brings people here. The nightlife, cultural scene, museum circuit, sports community, great neighborhoods, proximity to the mountains and beach—these encourage individuals to

Ronnie Bryant - CEO // Charlotte Regional Partnership come. Another major factor is job opportunity. The Partnership focuses on job creation and competitiveness, so people are disservice able to make the move to the region by consistently and prosper. We do so by connecting with reporting doom and gloom instead of decision makers all around the country and at least a balanced approach toward the world, people who have the capacity to the economy. As a result, consumers locate companies here. Our ultimate goal lock down and take money out of the is to create and maintain excitement for the economy, which creates a self-perpetuating region. downward cycle. how much do people/media’s attitude What do Charlotteans have to be and fear affect the actual economy? hopeful about? I think attitudes and fears dramatically This too will pass. We have the same affect the economy. We are literally talking assets we did before the recession and we ourselves into a bad economy, because will continue to be competitive and thrive. when people think it’s bad, their actions u u u correspond. The media has done a

Lee Kessler - CEO // Arts and Science Council

tell us about the new cultural campus and what Charlotteans can look forward to. The project is moving along really fast. There are 5 projects currently underway. The Harvey Gantt Center will be complete in October of this year. The Knight Theater, which will be operated by the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, will open in January of 2010. Also in 2010, The Bechtler Museum of Art is scheduled for a March opening and the new Mint Museum should be finished by October. The renovation at Discovery Place is ongoing and should wrap up in June 2010. Charlotteans can look forward to a sixth component of the new cultural campus, which will be announced in the next 30 to 45 days. Charlotte is often criticized for being too conservative/consistent in its choice of art. What is happening in terms of bringing in diverse, bold exhibits? Well, I’d have to quarrel with that assumption because there is a lot more in Charlotte than people give it credit for. People outside of Charlotte often appreciate the city’s cultural offerings more than insiders do. Outsiders tend to have a high regard for our cultural scene. The Light Factory has very innovative and progressive exhibits. Part of the rationale for the new Mint is to provide that museum with more space for traveling exhibits, which are perhaps the sort you are speaking of. Also, the Bechtler Museum is a brand new institution, so what we’ll see will be fresh and exciting.

We know all too well that many sectors are cutting back. how is the current economic downturn going to affect funding for the arts in Charlotte? or will it remain strong? It is affecting the arts. We just finished our annual fund drive and we raised less money this year by several million dollars. There are definitely additional challenges for cultural institutions to raise money in this economic climate. What that means in terms of impact on the organizations we serve is a story that still remains to be told. Obviously, we will have fewer dollars to distribute, and the organizations are facing the same difficulty and so are more likely to be raising less themselves. Charlotte is blessed to have one of the nation’s largest local arts agencies. But are there still opportunities for the little guy? As the Queen City continues to expand, what advice do you have for up-and-coming artists as far as utilizing the Arts and Science Council’s resources? Your question is right on the directional theme of our strategic plan that we created 18 months ago. The plan focuses on two key objectives. First, broaden engagement between the community and the cultural sector. Second, build sustainability for organizations and individuals providing cultural experiences. We recognize that we serve all of Mecklenburg County and that people want to experience their arts and culture in a variety of ways, including right in their neighborhood instead of coming into the Center City. We have a responsibility to

broaden programming while not abandoning organizations that we have historically supported. Over the last 50 years or so, we’ve built the cultural sector through a top-down approach, focusing on facilities and strengthening private/public relationships. What we hope to do now is build more from the bottom up while continuing to serve what is already in place. This looks like smaller grants to organizations that either have art, science, and history in their mission, or organizations that use those areas in their programming. We are broadening our thinking about ways to ensure that cultural activity is vibrant in Mecklenburg County. A perfect example is a grant we gave to Simmons YMCA, who, in conjunction with the McColl Center for the Arts and the Light Factory, hosted an artist in residence. Simmons YMCA does not specifically include the arts in their mission, but they are a center for community activity on the East Side and a perfect organization to deliver cultural programming. We interviewed representatives to discuss Charlotte’s nightlife, real estate, and economy. Everyone agrees that we need to populate Uptown with residents. typically, artists live in fringe areas due to affordability. But they are the very people wanting to live an urban lifestyle. What can be done to reconcile this situation? There are some artists, but very few, who live Uptown. Programs like the McColl Center’s Artists in Residence does this successfully, bringing artists from around the world and putting them up in condos inside the loop. Honestly, given the value of land prices in Uptown, I unfortunately think affordable housing, for artists or otherwise, is unlikely. However, there are still neighborhoods just within a mile or so of Uptown where it is feasible to build work/live units. The Arts and Science Council has considered this in the past. We actually met with an organization that does this very thing in Minneapolis-St. Paul—they build affordable work/live housing geared toward artists—but no action was taken. This is a conversation we are happy to be a part of again, but we would need several other partners or collaborators. U Reach Celina at [email protected] For more info go to www.uptownclt.com

www.bracesincharlotte.com

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3/24/2009 12:32:39 PM

j f m a m j j a s o n d

2009

If you’re ready to downsize from your suburban mansion and trade in your deck for a sky-high terrace, your yard for a greenway, and your gas card for a light-rail pass, then look no further than Uptown and its surrounding areas for your next new home. With the combination of government incentive plans and low interest rates—not to mention Uptown’s excellent restaurants, shopping, and entertainment—this is the perfect time to start checking out some of the properties available closer to the Center City. The following is a taste of what you’ll find.

words: erin kasari

2007 2006

2008

Celadon 1715 West Fourth Street Extension 704.763.0063 or 980.322.5300 celadongreenway.com Inside the crisp, white exteriors of the 24 Celadon town homes are interior features that take the idea of eco-conscious living to a whole new level. From the entryway, where a natural slate walkway extends from the outside in, to the dual-flush toilets that let you choose how much water you want to use, there are eco-friendly materials and amenities throughout. Preserving the natural environment surrounding the five building complex was a part of the grand green plan of this development. More than 25 percent of the original plot is a dedicated tree-save area, and the landscape design incorporates Xeriscaping techniques.

uptown

Avenue 210 North Church Street 704.887.0588 avenueuptown.com The concrete slab balconies that extend precariously from the Avenue may be an acrophobe’s nightmare. But once that acrophobe sees all of the amenities that the Avenue has to offer, their fear is sure to dissipate. From interior features like floor-to-ceiling windows, granite countertops and pre-wiring for home entertainment systems, to community amenities such as the 1,700 sq. ft. workout room, outdoor living room with a stone fireplace and big screen TV, and 24/7 concierge, it’s clear that this high rise is all about high style. Catalyst 255 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 704.930.2900 catalystcharlotte.com There’s no doubt this sleek, 27-story concrete-and-glass high rise will live up to its name and help make Third Ward a must-be location within the center city. Perfectly situated within a block of Bank of America Stadium, the new arts center, and the proposed minor league baseball stadium, you won’t have to travel far for entertainment. And with great views in every direction, the Catalyst is a place that will allow you to not only see the city, but where you’ll want to be seen in the city.

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celadon

Courtside 505 East Sixth Street 704.332.4008 blvdcentro.com When living at Courtside you’ll enjoy the many advantages that come with making this your home court. The hardwoods are dark-stained bamboo and the ceilings a regulation height of 10 feet. The fluted glass panels that divide the living room from the sleeping area create privacy while allowing light to extend through each unit’s open, flowing floor plan. When you’re ready to take your game outside, you can enjoy stunning city views from your private terrace or from the one on the roof.

Courtside – Luxury Loft, Spectacular Views! 2br/ 2ba + Den $539,000 or $2500/mo. MLS#830828 Courtside – Bamboo Floors & Exposed Ducts! 1br/1ba $185,000 MLS#838184

5th & Poplar Lots of Upgrades! Tons of Amenities! 1 br + Den $299,500 MLS#824337

218 N. College St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704-778-6420 [Mobile] 704-496-7449 [Office] [email protected] www.allentate.com/kimpfleeger

1st Row Warehouse Overlook Frazier Park! 2br/1ba $210,900 or $1195/mo. MLS#836351

Kim Pfleeger Broker/Realtor Allen Tate Company

Gateway Lofts – 2 Story Loft! Exposed Brick + Upgrades! 1br/1ba $230,000 MLS #838682

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Frederick Frederick Place 515 North Church Street 704.975.9952 If you’ve lived in Charlotte for any amount of time, then you know that this city has a little issue with leaving historical buildings standing. Fortunately, The Frederick, a former 1920s apartment complex, is one of Uptown’s few surviving historical buildings. The complex has been renovated into 29 condominium units and for just under $300K, a piece of a Charlotte historic landmark can be yours. The preservation of many of the building’s classic ornate features did not come at the expense of modern amenities, the best of which is the rooftop terrace with unobstructed views of the city. Gallery Lofts Lofts Gallery Hill Street at McNinch Street 704.779.6251 liveatthegallery.net Here you’re so close to Bank of America Stadium that if you’re sitting in your living room watching the Panthers on TV, you may hear the cheers from the stands before you see the touchdown on the screen. Among the most spacious of loft living options in Uptown, each of the 1,600 to 2,000 sq. ft. units has oversized windows, storefront entry doors, concrete floors, and 20 ft. ceilings. There is technically only one bedroom, but each floor plan comes with the option of a sitting room, second bedroom, or “flex-room” (with a revolving door), so you’ll have plenty of extra space if you decide to show a fan from the visiting team some Southern hospitality.

The The Garrison Garrison at at Graham Graham 715 North Graham Street 704.377.9000 thegarrisonatgraham.com The twelve-by-14 foot windows that stream sunlight into each loft are reminiscent of those found in factories built during the Industrial Revolution, but with a much better view. Located at the edge of Fourth Ward near I-277, the Garrison at Graham is scheduled for completion by the end of next month. In addition to getting their first glimpse of the city skyline from their bi-level lofts, residents will enjoy the view from a rooftop terrace that includes a canopied entertainment area, an outdoor fireplace, a couple of hot tubs, and lots of space to soak in the sun’s rays. garrison at graham

the metropolitan

The Metropolitan 1225 Baxter Street 704.295.7638 metmidtown.com It may be set just outside the Beltway, but the Metropolitan at Midtown has all of the sophistication of its center-city high-rise sisters—and then some. The 60 residences of the Met Lofts are a mix of studios, and two-story one- and twobedroom condos with bamboo floors, Italian cabinets, and stylish subway tiles. Equally well appointed, the 41 Met Terraces are distinguished by their generous terraces whose size rivals that of their condo interiors and which offer unparalleled views of the city and the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.

uptown

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3/24/2009 12:32:51 PM

TradeMark Trademark 333 West Trade Street 704.332.4008 whatsyourtrademark.com When you take up residence at the TradeMark don’t be surprised if everyone suddenly wants to be your new best friend. Like you, they’ll want spend lots of time enjoying the views outside the floor-to-ceiling windows of your condo. They’ll also want to take advantage of the Seventh-floor pool terrace that features a walk-through poolside waterfall, fire pit, pool table, and much more. And just two blocks from the Square, you may just find that your pad becomes the official afterparty spot for all of those new “friends.”

uptown

Quarterside Quarterside Corner of Sixth Street and McDowell Street 704.332.4008 blvdcentro.com Located on McDowell Street between Sixth and Seventh Streets, Quarterside is a duo of condo developments that will bring new life to the First Ward neighborhood. The Quad and The Ledge are designed for those who want the convenience of living close to the city without the high price of living at its center. With one- and two-story floor plans that range from 500 sq. ft. to just over 1,000 sq. ft., and interior amenities that include hardwood floors, contemporary wood cabinetry, and 10 ft. smooth ceilings, the condos at Quarterside provide the perfect opportunity to be close to all the Uptown action. Skybridge Terrace Terrace Skybridge 710 Calvert Street 704.944.9206 skybridgeterrace.com Although it is in its infancy, once it is fully developed, the West Morehead corridor will be one of the best places to live near Uptown Charlotte. Skybridge Terrace is set to be one of the landmark buildings of the warehouse loft district revolution. Named for the skybridge that will connect the two buildings planned for the development and that (yes, you guessed it) will double as a terrace, the condos will offer great views of the city and the treelined streets of Wesley Heights.

trademark

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TheTrust Trust The 139 South Tryon Street 704.763.0063 thetrustcharlotte.com The Trust is the ultimate in exclusive, luxury living in the heart of Uptown. With only eight condominiums, your neighbors are few but the features are virtually endless. Each residence is custom designed and includes fine finishes like Italian cabinetry in the kitchens, spa-like tubs and showers in the bathrooms, and imported hardwood floors throughout. On the roof of this historic building is a terrace that features an outdoor kitchen shaded by a translucent canopy, and an area in which to sun, a small dog run, and a landscaped space that includes a bit of grass for a small urban lawn.

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uptown

Vue Vue Charlotte Charlotte Corner of Fifth and Pine Streets 704.374.0089 vuecharlotte.com When complete, the Vue will stand 51 stories and tower over the Fourth Ward. Set off a few blocks from the center of the city, residents will enjoy the panoramic skyline views and close proximity to the countless conveniences and amenities Uptown has to offer. In addition to the luxurious appointments inside each of its 409 condos, the Vue will feature an outside eighth-floor “amenity deck,” with a 25-yard heated pool, a tennis/basketball court, and a pet park. Walnut Hill Hill Walnut Wesley Heights Way 704.749.3564 walnuthillcondos.com Head north on Trade Street and veer onto Wesley Heights Way to see one of the most affordable living opportunities available within walking distance of Uptown. The interior of these Craftsman-style flats and townhomes are loaded with all sort of goodies, including 42-inch maple cabinets, granite countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. And the low HOA fees won’t require you to take out a second mortgage.

3030 3030 South South South Boulevard and New Bern Street 704.665.9988 3030south.com All aboard the LYNX Blue Line to New Bern station and to 3030 South—one of the original modern developments along the light-rail line. A mix of threestory town homes and one- and twobedroom flats, 3030 South combines architecture, landscape, and urban design to create a community that is hip, fun—and all within a hop, skip, and a ride from some of Charlotte’s most happening scenes. the vue

royal court

Royal Court Court Royal 610 East Morehead 704.944.9206 royalcourtcondos.com Not to worry about your deposit here, move into eleven stories of the swankiest tower on Morehead in midMarch. Unobstructed view of Uptown will great you when you come home. Dilworth is your backyard and the mineral pool on site is your spot to chill out at after a long day.

south end dilworth cotswold

element at craig avenue

southborough

Southborough Southborough Corner of Lyndhurst and Magnolia Avenues 704.374.1252 liveinsouthborough.com Southborough is a mixed-use development combining the best elements of Dilworth and South End designs. If you love the edgy, industrial style of South End, check out the threelevel Deck Towns. Each of the six units features a front façade full of windows, outdoor living spaces on levels 2 and 3, and a roof-top terrace accessible via spiral staircase. If the traditional domesticity of Dilworth is more your taste, then the bungalow style of the two- and three-bedroom townhomes, complete with front porch, is definitely worth a look. TheTremont Tremont The Corner of Cleveland and Tremont Avenues 704.906.1645 tremontcharlotte.com The Tremont is where you want to be if you love the craftsman-style bungalows of Dilworth but don’t want to take on the task of renovating one of your own. Staying true to the structural characteristics of the neighborhood, this 45-unit development has classic cedar-shake shingles and copper roofing along its multi-gabled exterior. The transom windows allow lots of light to brighten each unit’s interior, all of which are nicely appointed with crown molding, hardwoods, and Shaker-style cabinetry.

Dilworth DilworthWalk Walk Kenilworth Avenue and East Boulevard 980.229.8852 dilworthwalk.com With all of the walking you can do from here, you may want to pick up an extra pair of shoes from the running store down the street. Whether you need coffee or groceries, a new bauble or an outfit—all are just footsteps away from your front door. Luckily, style was not sacrificed for convenience. Enjoy hardwood floors in the main living areas, brushed nickel hardware, and French doors that lead to your own private terrace. Elementat atCraig CraigAvenue Avenue Element 4543-4611 Craig Avenue 704.345.8209 cobaltdbs.com Combine eco-friendly green development with modern design and you get Element, a seven-home infill development planned on roughly .25-acre lots on Craig Avenue in Cotswold. Liquid Design has created 2,300 to 3,000 SF contemporary single-family houses with 10-14 foot ceilings, flat roofs, expansive windows and soaring open spaces for developer Cobalt DBS. This little niche of modernism is just down the street from an espresso at Cotswold mall and less than 15 minutes from the action of Uptown.

south end dilworth cotswold

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noda

28th 28th Row Row 2424 North Davidson Street 704.540.9700 28throw.com With tasty Amelie’s French Bakery located near the entrance of 28th Row, it’s not such a bad thing that you have to walk a few blocks to get to the center of NoDa. However, with exciting features like spacious terraces averaging 70 sq. ft. in size, soaring twelve-foot ceilings, and custom appointments throughout, even the heavenly aroma of fresh croissants may not be enough to lure you into the streets. Fat City City Lofts Lofts Fat 3123 North Davidson Street 704.552.1900 fatcitylofts.com At the corner of 35th and Davidson is where urban funk meets city chic. Brick and glass intersect to create a modern structure influenced by the local setting of the NoDa district. The 26 lofts of Fat City, each with its own private terrace, will sit atop new restaurants and retail to become a vibrant part of the dynamic NoDa scene. Paying homage to the neighborhood vibe and this plot’s previous tenant, the 70 ft. wall facing Uptown will become the brick canvas for new graffiti art produced by local artists.

steel gardens

fat city lofts

Royal Royal Truss Truss 825 Herrin Avenue 704.726.0057 royaltruss.com Royal Truss redefines the term “open floor plan,” with curved 20 ft. ceilings and 8x10 doors that roll up to erase the boundary between patio and living room. Equally divided into 24 units, polished concrete floors and exposed steel trusses connect this renovated warehouse to its industrial past, while mosaic tile, granite counter tops, and stainless steel appliances perfect its residential present. Steel Gardens Gardens Steel 825 Herrin Avenue 704.370.2861 steelgardens.com If you put your dog on the househunting trail, don’t be surprised if he leads you to Steel Gardens. Whether it’s the fenced-in patios of these threestory townhomes or the park across the street that caught his attention, what is sure to catch yours is the spacious floor plan, with its third-floor master bedroom and private rooftop terrace, as well as a close proximity to the NoDa ‘hood.

central 27

noda

Mercury MercuryNoDa at NoDa Corner of 36th and North Davidson Streets 704.909.8066 mercurynoda.com The center of NoDa is already known for its hot music and art scenes. But when Mercury NoDa begins to rise, this neighborhood will only get hotter. Phase 1 will be a three-story structure with 28 condos on the second and third levels and retail on the first. For those who want to be a bit higher, you’ll have to wait for the six-stories planned for Phase 2. Located on 36th Street, the Neighborhood Theatre will literally be your next-door neighbor. And with NoDa’s popular restaurants and shops equally nearby, you’ll find living at this center to be “Oh so cool.” SeiglePoint Point Seigle Corner of Tenth Street and Seigle Avenue 704.362.3433 seiglepoint.com Seigle Point offers a great opportunity to live in a park-like setting within the city’s outward sprawl. Situated near Alexander Park and the proposed Little Sugar Greenway expansion, at Seigle Point you’ll enjoy natural surroundings as you bike or walk your way toward the center city. The spacious interiors of these 50 classically designed townhomes offer a fresh and affordable alternative for in-town living.

Central Central27 27 1611 Central Avenue 704.617.7500 central27.com When you live at Central 27, your significant other may be jealous to discover how much time you’re spending next door at Zada Jane’s. But that’s okay. With all of the retail and restaurants close at hand, you’ll have plenty of ways to show her the love. If that’s still not enough, just roll up the windowed wall of your living room and spend a romantic evening watching the sunset from comfort of your couch.

mercury at noda

TheVyne Vyne The Corner of Briar Creek Road and Central Avenue 704.927.4456 thevyne.com The Vyne is as green as its name suggests. A development with an environmental conscience, the 99 flats have eco-friendly interior features like low-VOC carpet and paint, bamboo wood floors, compact fluorescent light fixtures, programmable thermostats, and quartz countertops. A few blocks from the heart of Plaza-Midwood and just three miles from the city center, it’s easy to get from where you live to where you play in a low-carbonfootprint kind of way.

plaza midwood

plaza midwood

SteelHaus SteelHaus 1600 Fulton Avenue 704.374.1292 thesteelhaus.com After seeing the building, it’s hard not to say the name, “SteelHaus” without a deep, dramatic Austrian twang—it just doesn’t sound right otherwise. Its angled exterior, wrapped in galvanized aluminum panels, comes to a point that strikes outward toward the street, commanding the attention of anyone traveling along Central Avenue. The interiors of the twelve residential lofts are more refined than its exterior. The 9 ft. ceilings are smooth and finished and the concrete floor is softened with carpet-tile flooring. The only steel you’ll find inside is on upgraded appliances PlazaVu Vu Plaza Corner of The Plaza & McClintock Road 704.604.9303 plaza-vu.com The view comes standard, along with wood floors, granite countertops, and stainless-steel appliances in the one- and two-bedroom condos of Plaza Vu. Ranging from 823 to 1,048 sq. ft., the 24 units will be divided among two buildings connected by two sky bridges and sharing a rooftop terrace. Its distinctive V-shaped roofline will return architectural energy to this former rundown lot, and its residents will enjoy the low stress of living in the heart of Plaza-Midwood.

plaza vu

steelhaus

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words: kurt rambis

It was when the helicopter made its second pass over the house, so close that the thundering repetition of beating rotors rattled the glasses in the kitchen cabinets, that I knew they had finally come. Life as I knew it was over for me now, but fortunately I had several years to think about how I’d handle this day: the stoic manner in which I’d hold my head while being dragged away in handcuffs, silence down at the station. That plan was swiftly overrun by panic as my tightly closed blinds withered under the intensity of powerful spotlights. The sound of my name growled with contempt through a bullhorn, and the armed jingle of footsteps on all four sides of the house had suddenly become too much. Just as the front door splintered to pieces, I was suddenly— very gratefully and calmly—staring at the familiar popcorn ceiling of the house I’d lived in for now over a year. I was in bed. The ceiling fan spun methodically overhead, and reminded me an awful lot of a helicopter. The sound of a helicopter emanated from a bulldozer grading a lot next door, the pitch of the engine rising and falling. Landscapers who only came by once a month to mow the lawn, coincidentally, were there too—their various power tools working in concert with the giant earth mover to encourage an already very nervous and unsettled sleeping mind. This was just another sunny Saturday morning, though. Birds chirped while coffee brewed. For the moment no one was riding away in a SWAT truck, and there were no barking police dogs. I muttered “Fucking A” as I got up and shrugged off the dream, but I’m certain it sounded a lot more like a nervous sigh of relief. When I walked into the next room, I found the eight-by-eight-foot indoor grow room I’d designed and fabricated, dutifully operating like a Swiss-made timepiece. Powerful lights hummed as they tried hard to best the sun, and along with a team of strategically placed fans, tanks of carbon dioxide, yards of extension cord, crinkly sheets of Mylar, and timers, had successfully brought another sea of green to the verge of fruition. Thick black plastic sheeting prevented even the tiniest ray of artificial light from escaping to the outside world. These sensitive, often temperamental roommates were

hardy and strong—as long as their artificially created conditions remained ideal: 85 degrees, with a slight breeze and 50 percent humidity. I had to check on things twice a day to make sure of this, and the rhythmic turning of the exhaust fans often had a soothing hypnotic effect. The way they chopped up the scene under the lights reminded me of watching projected movies back in grade school, back when I dreamt of lighter topics, like BB guns, girls, and flying through the clouds like Superman. Of all the aforementioned equipment, the plastic sheeting is the least expensive, but perhaps the most important. It allowed me to hide this worrisome but seductively profitable secret from the world—a world in which I was an active participant. By day I was a full-time student, and then a white-collar worker. Unlike many who commit totally to the pursuit of this shorter, faster, but risky route to easy money, I was riding the fence. I had one foot hidden in a dark and shadowy world, and the other squarely planted in plain view—out in the real world. Yep, the 800-pound gorilla in the next room was doing just fine, and in one more week I’d be holding a freezer bag filled with enough cash to justify all the nightmares, paranoia, and sickening anxiety—ten rubberbanded rolls of assorted 20s, 50s, and 100s to be exact. At $1,000 per rubber band, it was by far the most cash I’d ever held in my hands. The $10,000 staring back at me through the thick

plastic bag was intoxicating. It was exhilarating. It was indescribably addictive. But it was not be nearly enough. Growing up, I was a smart but shy kid. It was in high school that I developed a love of smoking little green buds, and while still completing advanced-placement classes and planning for college, every morning I fell out of a smoke-filled Jetta with my stoner pals, and in a daze, strolled to first period. Of course I knew that what I pulled from the plastic bag tucked away in my sock originated from a living plant, I just never gave much thought to where my bong hits came from beyond that. It was the same level of consideration, I suppose, that I gave the cows who supply the prepackaged porterhouse steaks I buy from the grocery store. “They love to eat chicken shit,” my buddy told me matter-of-factly while teaching me the basics of indoor gardening some three years later. This new pastime had entered my life with all the careful planning and preparation of a car crash. He showed up at my house one warm April evening with a taped-up cardboard box, explaining something about having a “few extra clones he wanted to find a good home for.” In my excitement, I found it difficult to focus on his words—or the fact that I didn’t even know what a clone was—and not on the four little green plants, each in its own black plastic pot, on the floor in the closet in front of us. That day, after a surprisingly quick trip to the Depot, he taught me about the importance of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. He explained how plants breathe carbon dioxide and need fans to deliver essential fresh air and to keep their environment at an ideal 85 degrees. He taught me the importance of the correct ratio of light and darkness, how this is what controls the plant’s life cycle and ultimately causes them to flower—or, to “bud.” Most importantly, he gave me the four exotic-looking and pungent seedlings whose pedigree could be traced all the way back to Holland. They were now mine, and like Jack and his newly acquired magic beans, my life was about to change dramatically. That very first night, I didn’t sleep much. It wasn’t so much that my bedroom reeked of wet poultry manure, but that I knew the four little plants that I couldn’t take my eyes off of, seedlings that knew I could get in big trouble for, were going to change my life. No longer would I be a mere cannabis consumer, but a proud producer! A courageous bootlegger of something that should and would one day be perfectly legal. I was now a horticultural artist who would be a hero to some and an outlaw to others. Success, I would learn later, depended heavily on remaining anonymous to both parties. I was as amazed by the readily available wealth of continually updating information on cultivation techniques for this specific variety of plant as I was by the ever-improving array of products with which to do so. Even though my penchant for living life in a daze eventually faded, the thrill of “easy” money only grew. My clearer head made me a much more effective grower, but while I was no longer a smoker, I was certainly still determined to keep plenty of those who were smokers happy. Happier still was I, who methodically delivered the produce—as if for some sort of underground farmer’s market—and promptly collected payment, year after year after year. Keeping a secret is tough. Living one for many years takes a toll

on a person’s psyche that eventually becomes unbearable. For the better part of a decade, plastic sheeting, self discipline, and common sense enabled me to hide this part of my life so well that it would have impressed a CIA station chief in some shadowy country in the Middle East. Toward the end, I began to stumble, and at times was more like a kindergartner gushing newly discovered information on the playground. Bottled-up feelings and emotion will inevitably find their way out, whether to a trusted friend or newfound drinking buddy at the bar. Slacks and collared shirts and business meetings by day, and overalls, pH testing, mixing pesticides, and fertilizing plants late into the night. Year after year the prism through which I saw reality became ever more fractured. My judgment began to warp. I knew for several years that what I was doing would eventually either drive me insane or land me in prison. Or both. But I wouldn’t stop. I knew the bags of money would never be enough to take off and buy my own island, but they were just enough to rationalize the risk and the worry. I was able to buy and do things that I shouldn’t have been able to. I made as much money working six hours a week at my “night job” as at my nine-to-five gig. Paranoia eventually wrapped itself around me, though, and squeezed tightly like an overgrown Burmese python. The ridiculously creative nightmares intensified. The mailman couldn’t be trusted, and lowflying helicopters were scrutinized for a reassuring “3” or a “9,” or, better yet, a hospital logo. Movies like Blow and Goodfellas were no longer fun to watch. After so much time had passed, there were now an uncomfortable number of people who knew my secret. Most posed no danger, but the mere thought of others turned my stomach: angry exes and formerly reliable friends who now partied, and talked, way too much. What had begun as a side project, a well meaning, but slightly unethical, additional stream of revenue—what was never by any means intended to be a career—had consumed my life. Plenty of cash still rolled in, but my justifiable feelings of fear and anxiety that I somehow stifled during the days exploded in ever-more-terrifying Technicolor night after night. But like a compulsive gambler, I simply

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could not let go of the handle. Every rubberbanded wad of bills, so thick it smelled like a freshly cut lawn, in an instant washed away all the ulcers, sleepless nights, and paranoid delusions. Troubling thoughts of sharing an eight-foot cell with a 300-pound lifer were drowned out by flat-screen TVs, trendy furniture, and cash-financed trips around the world. For years, I chased that one last harvest, the elusive big one that I knew I wanted to retire with. It had to be big. Really big. And I forged a solemn pact with myself not to do anything crazy like shut down my operation until I had in my hands the proceeds from this eventual mammoth yield. That was too close to being a quitter. That would be like retiring without having that gleaming championship ring. It was an unusually foggy Monday morning nearly a year ago when I diverged from my daily commute to work and circled back for the mug of coffee I’d left sitting on my kitchen counter. I’ve always been detail oriented—since I could talk, but in the some 13 years after I first learned about chickenshit, I had come pretty close to clinical OCD. I noticed and analyzed everything. Small details. Microscopic details. I always know exactly where my wallet and keys are. How long the work van sat in front of the neighbor’s house. How many rolls of toilet paper are left in the closet. How this month’s power bill compared to last month’s. There’s no need for a grocery list, as I can open the fridge and pantry one time and take an accurate mental snapshot of what’s there to the store with me. Rarely, the odd cup of coffee slips through the cracks, but I never, ever forget to lock a door. Ever. It stuck out as jarringly as a raver at a hoedown, but given that I had also just forgotten my coffee, I wrote off the unlocked garage door as yet another early-Mondaymorning oversight. It wasn’t, though. I froze when I walked in to make sure nothing was amiss. Instead I found that my carefully constructed, maintained, and hidden indoor garden had been robbed. Mylar hung partially torn from the ceiling, and daylight that hadn’t touched the inside of this place for years drifted in through a forced window and an open

side door. My last big “mammoth” harvest was curiously still on the floor though—bulging through two giant black lawn bags. Of course it was instantly obvious what had happened, and why. But I tried hard to connect the dots, to figure out why someone would have left their valuable plunder sitting bagged up on the floor—these thoughts racing through my brain in the time it takes to tie a shoelace. He hadn’t left yet. His shoes gave him away as he hid behind a sheet of Mylar in the corner. His hasty attempt to hide and no doubt ambush me was just barely foiled by a pair of black Vans, which were barely visible eight feet across the floor. Involuntarily and angrily, I blurted out, “I’ll fucking kill you!” I’m still certain that it was him that wanted to dispose of me, though. He had successfully cased my place, waited for me to head off to work, and then went to work himself. He heard me pull into the driveway, come in the house, and he had plenty of time to make a getaway. I understand his reluctance to leave such a valuable prize on the floor after coming so close, mere minutes away from a successful heist. Thankfully my unintentional and unrehearsed bluff worked. Even though I had no weapon, and in a parallel universe he surely would have said, “No, I’ll fucking kill you,” while pulling the trigger, he instead bolted through the open door like a startled rabbit under a full moon. I’ve never in my life seen someone run that fast, and as I chased the blur through swirling mist he planted a hand and sprang so high over the gate that it didn’t even seem real. He was like a cartoon, and this might have been a scene from a comic book. Fate had ended an unforgettable chapter of my life just as abruptly as it once had begun. While I never did get that elusive championship ring, I played my heart out. I’m thankful to be alive and to able to tell this story—and glad I’ll be sleeping in a bed tonight and not bunking with a 300-pound cellmate. And I’m most grateful to the little cartoon man who ran so fast and jumped so high, for bringing me back to reality. That secret that nearly broke me. U

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eden

pictures: fenix fotography | fenixfoto.com makeup: scott weaver hair: amy swaney & tina patronis | shine salon stylist: lily angel & erin finnegan clothing: lotus | ladyinlotus.com models: wilhelmina-evolution | evolutionmt.com crew: donamari d’andrea location: the orchid conservatory at daniel stowe botanical garden| dsbg.org

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words: dawn petalino

sampling You’ve seen me, I’m sure. I’m the one stroking the jars above my head, lifting them down from the shelf, pondering their labels with drawn brow and pensive frown, only to set them back again. I’m the one waiting for the aisle to clear itself before wandering to the basket, the plate, the covered plastic dome, lifting its lid and reaching in for a free sample of pure pleasure. My mouth waters and my eyes glaze over as food that actually carries texture and flavor celebrate with popped corks and confetti in my mouth. I am a grown woman, and yet I make a point of

work. It was one o’clock, and like Pavlov’s dog I found myself speeding down streets toward Dean & DeLuca, hissing at red lights and watching the clock. I raced into their parking lot, finding a space in the “15 minutes” zone, though I knew I only had five. Leaping from my car, I checked my watch again, slammed the door shut with my foot, and sprinted to the front entrance. Once there, I took a moment for a deep breath, straightened my jacket, and smoothed the flyaway hair before entering. Casually I walked in.

Once in a while I try the sweet mango salsa on chips, but I’m reminded, again, sweet and hot are only good in love affairs. We all want to be part of something larger. I want to belong to the world of “lovely” and “oh my, how delightful, isn’t it?” I want to feel luxury, though I can’t always afford it. Fortunately, I live in a world where I am able to do that, and it happens every day around noon. For a few moments I’m permitted to play with the flavors and foods of a life richer than mine. I remember what I love and want, and wait patiently for these

stopping at the finer grocery stores around noon, one o’clock, or one-thirty at the latest. After that, the free samples are gone. I remember a past life when I could buy good cheese, fine wines, and fresh breads on a whim. Now I finger the cellophane packages, holding their weight in my hand before returning them to the bin. I linger through elegant bottles of wine lined up like trophies on display, boasting of subtle oak overtones and hints of lavender. I breathe in deep and sigh, louder than I mean to. Today I settle for a sampling of the finer tastes, permitted only for purchase by those with bigger wallets. I recall just yesterday having only ten minutes to spare before needing to be at

“Can I help you?” they asked. “Oh, no,” I said, “I’m just looking.” Do I fool them when I pick up the jars, turn to the ingredients and wonder aloud, “Oh my, what’s this?” My eyes have already scoped out the little tables laid out like a trail of bread crumbs with their trays and plasticware, ready for the buying masses to try. But I wear my hunger boldly with bravado. Sampling is not for sissies. One must act like they have the right to be there and daringly stand in front of the tray while dipping pretzels in thick seeded mustards, spreading soft brie on bits of chewy bread, or lapping red pepper jelly oozing over cream cheese onto thick, white crackers.

things to re-enter my world, albeit in their own time. Till then, I’ll wander the aisles, from tray to tray, of Dean & DeLuca and treat myself to the smaller gifts life gives me. Often, I find, I really need a lot less than I think I do to feel satiated—both with food and with my world. My sampling reminds me that life can sometimes be simpler than I make it. U We are now taking submissions for short stories that will fill this space. For details go online to uptownclt.com and click the SUBMISSIONS tab on the website. We’ll pay $100 if we run your piece.

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Reach Dawn at [email protected]

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