Rene Cizio's Blog, page 24

What’s it’s Like to Live in a Van: My First 2-Nights

If you had asked me 20 years how I’d feel sleeping in a van, I’d have dismissed you out of hand. Back then, I needed luxury. That meant lots of plush things. Also, a margarita and view. Now though, my ideas about luxury and comfort are much different. “Things” no longer affect me the same way. Now, my luxury and comfort come from owning my life. It comes from freedom. (I’ll still take the margarita, thank you). So, I bought a van, I’m earning money online, and I’m trying to see the United States. The first leg of my journey started in Michigan and ended in Texas. I was only in Texas once before. I stayed three nights in Austin for a conference. I didn’t see much of the state then and thought it was time to remedy that. All photos by the author Van packed, off I went When I was a teenager, I had this fantasy that I’d get in my car one day and drive away. I never knew where I was going, just that I was free to go anywhere I chose, by myself and never look back. I’d forgotten about that daydream until I was […]

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8 Must-See Art and American History Museums in Detroit

These American Art and History Museums in Detroit should be on your list. OK, my love of museums (and Detroit) is no secret, but as someone who’s been to many of the most revered museums in the world, I’m telling you, these are worth the time. Detroit Instutite of Arts (DIA) My favorite thing about the DIA (as with any museum I love) is its fabulous modern and contemporary collections. They have several van Gogh, Mattise, Picasso, O’Keeffe, Warhol and — my favorite the Diego Rivera Murals. He painted 27 fresco murals that portray the geological, technological, and human history of Detroit. These are frescos, forever enshrined in an enclosed courtyard now known as Rivera Court. Nearby is a recent acquisition from his wife, Frida Kahlo. The museum has a full complement of art – American, African, Egyptian, European and Islamic, to name but a small bit. There are over 65,000 pieces in the collection. Aside from the amazing art inside the building, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the building itself. The museum’s Italian Renaissance Revival architecture is magnificent. High ceilings, elaborate tilework, and carved cornices. Take a break at the Kresge Court — a repurposed, enclosed courtyard/bar […]

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Inspiring Women for the Win

Here are a few inspiring women to brighten your day and motivate you to your own greatness. The more I look for positive news about women, the more I find. The universe is awesome in that way, isn’t it? Dabbling? Seriously? This headline, shared by Upworthy, says, “Wife of the Master Mural Painter Gleefully Dabbles in Works of Art.” I. Just. Can’t. Isn’t it crazy that referring to women’s work in such as way was acceptable not so long ago? Even crazier that we still see subtle instances of it today. I’ll be the first to admit that Frida Kahlo’s husband, Diego Rivera, is amazing. Frida wasn’t exactly a slouch herself. I’m glad we can (mostly) laugh about this now. “That Kahlo made a name for herself as an artist in her own right, especially in the time period in which she lived, is a testament to both her style and her spirit. Her personal story, too, is one for the ages.” Upworthy Recording Breaking Inspiring Women Both Beyoncé Knowles Carter and Tayor Swift broke records recently during the 63rd annual Grammy Awards. Even the Guinness Book of World Records recognized their musical accomplishments. Beyonce is the first artist ever […]

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8+ Reasons to Visit Detroit’s Historic Eastern Market

Eastern Market sits unassumingly just outside of Downtown Detroit in what has become its own district. If you pass it by on a weekday, you may not even notice the sheds lining the road, but on certain days this nationally recognized icon comes to life. When I’m in Detroit, I don’t miss an opportunity to spend a morning at the market, wandering the stalls, taking in the scents of various food vendors, sampling the produce and watching the buskers perform for change. It’s a trip back in time and the best way to get a feel for the city and the people in it in one fell swoop. Since its beginning a selling place for produce, meat, spices and other products in the 1800s, Eastern Market has become a Detroit cornerstone now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Near Gratiot and Randolph Streets, the six+ block Eastern Market is much more than a farmer’s market. It’s a culture of its own. Today’s 250+ independent vendors and merchants sell everything from potatoes and goats to artisan honey and Christmas trees. Depending on the day of the week, shed after shed is filled with open-air stalls of handcrafted clothing and […]

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15 Things You Didn’t Know About Detroit’s Belle Isle

Belle Isle sits in the Detroit River between Michigan and Canada, but it is purely a U.S. icon and a historical park unlike many found in America today. The 982-acre blast from the past fell into extreme disrepair for many years, but now, with Michigan oversight, it’s making a comeback and establishing itself as a gem of the state, if not the country. The park harkens back to the olden days — in fact, it’s a remnant of the late 19th century. There are many historical and cultural treasures that will take you back in time. Left virtually untouched for many years, it’s now getting a good dusting off. Created in 1845, the island is about 2.5 miles long, so a loop around is 5 miles. It’s great for a Sunday drive on a summer day, a jog, bike ride, or if you’re ambitious, a nice long walk. Don’t do it in a thunderstorm, as I’ve somehow managed to do multiple times. The park features an aquarium, a conservatory, playgrounds, picnic areas, a yacht club, a nature center, a golf course, a beach, a lighthouse, a rowing club, and some of the best views of the Downtown Detroit skyline you […]

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Jumping on the Van Wagon: A Baby Step Into #Vanlife

I’ve finally done it. I bought a van to solo travel around the United States. I suppose I’m jumping on the “van wagon.” I’ve thought about it for a long time, but a year of lockdown in my tiny apartment in downtown Chicago was the final breaking point. I moved to Chicago from Detroit for a new job just a few months before COVID-19 struck. I was traveling a lot and didn’t have time to make friends or establish connections. So, when lockdown happened I was completely isolated and alone. I made the best of it, but the idea of van life grew. #Vanlife has been taking the country by storm. Over the last few years, Americans have been casting aside their possessions and living in tricked-out vans while traveling the country. The New York Times says the trend has seen a nearly 400% increase. So I won’t be lonely. Apartment Renewal My apartment was in the River North area of downtown Chicago. When I chose it, I envisioned museums, nights at the theatre, festivals, events, posh dinners … what I got instead was looting and protest (rightfully) and sirens and a nearly destroyed neighborhood almost entirely boarded up. There […]

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13 Books I’ve Read So Far in 2021: A Review

How many books will you read this year? For 2021 I set a goal to read 70 books. Last year I read 78 books with a goal of 65. What can I say, I love books! This is my review of the first quarter of 2021. So far this year, I’ve read 13 books, which is five books behind my goal. I have listened to several audiobooks, but I don’t count those in my Goodreads list as being “read” since I listen to them while doing other things. I’ve had a distracting and unusual first quarter as I’ve been solo traveling from Chicago to Detroit to Texas, but the reading should pick up steam now. I’ve always been an eclectic reader with a wide range of topics and this list of my Q1 books reflects that. I hope you find something to add to your own list. Leave me recommendations in the comments, please! January 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss I devoured this book and wish I would have found it 10 years ago. Originally published in 2007, the idea of working remotely, was new territory for many. Ferriss believed most people could complete their work in much less than […]

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5 Things About Mackinac Island That Will Blow Your Mind

Mackinac Island is a nearly secret place in Michigan that hardly anyone knows about. It’s way up north in the waters between the top of the mitten and the upper peninsula. It rests below the massive spires of the great Mighty Mac Bridge. On the island, they adhere to the old ways. Like the 1800s ways. There are no cars and only a few places to stay. None of them are chain hotels. Once there, you can hike, engage in non-motorized watersports, or bicycle around the island. You could borrow a horse if you prefer that over a bike. Once you’ve worn yourself out, you can get dinner in one of a dozen restaurants and acquire some handcrafted fudge made fresh before your eyes for dessert. That’s it. That’s about all there is to do on this secluded, secret island. But a visit there will leave you feeling like you’ve gone back in time – because you have. Ferry Ride You can only get to the island by boat. We, non-rich folk, take Shepler’s Ferry. While on the ferry, you’ll pass nearby the massive “Mighty Mac.” Nearly five miles long, the bridge is the world’s 24th-longest suspension bridge and a […]

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Tourist or Resident These 7+ Ideas Make Chicago Summer Perfect

Taking a staycation in Chicago or maybe visiting for a few days? Chicago summer is an awesome time of year to explore the city because so many activities become available. Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time or a long-term resident, chances are there’s something on this list for you. Even if you’ve done all of these things before, they’re never the same twice, so get out and try them again. Walk the 606 The 606 is a super cool elevated walking, biking, running trail that spans three miles on the city’s northwest side. Also called the Bloomingdale Trail after the old abandoned train line it was created from. It’s now a green space that features various trail systems and event spaces. The 606 connects to six parks across four different neighborhoods and bringing together arts, history, and design so that any visit to the 606 is a multi-sensory experience. I particularly love the street art and murals you’ll find along the entryways. There are 12 access points to enter the 606 about every quarter-mile throughout Wicker Park, Bucktown, Humboldt Park and Logan Square. The project is named for Chicago’s 606 zip code. Hands up 606ers. Find it […]

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After 500 days of Meditation What I Gained is More Time

I’ve been trying meditation for 500 days. Before this, aside from the moment of rest at the end of yoga class, I never meditated at all. Who has the time? So, I was surprised to learn, instead of taking, it gives me time. Honestly, I always thought it was just way too much nonsense to be real or helpful or that meditating was for eastern religious people or those who’ve gone off the rails. (Maybe I have finally gone off the rails?) It was during those moments, though, in that restful Shavasana corpse pose at the end of yoga class, lying prone atop my mat on the hard floor, limps spread wide, that I first experienced what meditation could give me: nothing. Absolute nothingness. And I wanted more of it. It would happen sporadically; I didn’t know how or why, sometimes it did and others it did not, but one minute, at the end of class, I would laying on my mat and the next I would reappear, my body still in the same place, but my being (?) returned from a void. It wasn’t sleep because I was always remotely aware. But it was a sort of detachment from […]

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