Month: November 2011

Our favorite things

• Super sparkly earrings.
• Leopard: the ultimate neutral.
• Red’s delicious.

 

SHOP THE SHOOT
Dotted tights from Gap ($14.50, 973-5026); Tibi silk strapless dress from Levy’s ($341, 295-4270); Via Spiga belt from Posh Style ($68, 245-0115); Miguel Ases earrings from Scarpa ($295, 296-0040).

 

All photography by Nick Strocchia.

Hair and makeup by Daphne Latham.

Styling by Caite White. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cape crusader

• A statement bag.
• A clever cover-up.
• Top it off in style.

 

SHOP THE SHOOT
Rag & Bone pants from E.G. ($299, 979-2888); Darling Elizabeth blouse from Bittersweet ($88, 977-5977); Ark & Co. camel cape from Bittersweet ($98); Jennifer Hoertz hat from Scarpa ($275, 296-0040); Delman wedge heel pumps from Scarpa ($325); feather earrings from Pearl ($179.50, 296-1115); Sarah Graham stack rings ($1,010 each) and Marraccini Designs pendant necklace ($1,200) from Angelo (971-9256); Timmy Woods clutch from Posh Style ($285, 245-0115). 

 

“Christmas 1994, I was surprised and excited beyond belief to receive a pair of vintage cowboy boots from my boyfriend, made by Rocket Buster out of El Paso, Texas. They are turquoise with black tips, hand tooled with a flowering cactus. I had admired them for a long time and they were very expensive, so I did not expect to find them under the tree!”—Jocelyn Churchman, owner of Finch

 

 

 

 

 

Merry and bright

• Sky-high heels.
• A vivid top.
• A standout skirt.

 

SHOP THE SHOOT
Chinese Laundry heels from LOLA ($88, 975-5652); patterned tights from Gap ($14.50, 973-5026); Diane von Furstenburg “Cassiana” skirt from Levy’s ($275, 295-4270); Streets Ahead leather belt from Levy’s ($275); Joy Joy yellow top from Finch ($102, 244-0050); Gabriel Ofiesh pearl ring ($640), Sarah Graham stack rings ($1,010 each) and Barbara Heinrich earrings from Angelo ($1,970, 971-9256).

 

“The best gift I ever received was my first pair of Jimmy Choo shoes. My boyfriend had heard me mention to a friend that I would ‘die’ to have at least one pair in my lifetime. He picked them out all by himself. They were pink and sparkly, which is exactly what I would have picked for myself.”—Irene Hatzigeorgio, co-owner of LOLA

 

 

 

 

Infinite vest

• A bright blouse.
• Tassle up.
• A lengthened jumper.

 

SHOP THE SHOOT
Earthies criss-cross platforms from Scarpa ($169, 296-0040); polka-dot tights from Gap ($14.50, 973-5026); Podolls skirt from E.G. ($235, 979-2888); Plenty by Tracy Reese silk blouse from Duo ($218, 979-1212); Billy Reid jumper from E.G. ($395), BCBG leather embossed clutch from Levy’s ($198, 295-4270); Sarah Graham stack rings ($1,010 each) and Barbara Heinrich earrings from Angelo ($1,970, 971-9256); Diana Warner bracelets from Duo ($58 each, 979-2888).

 

“My gold Buddha necklace from Angelo. Given to me by my husband for Christmas, hidden inside an ugly lemon yellow Pittsburgh Steelers sweatshirt. A complete surprise in a year when I expected jewelry to be totally out of the question.”—Rebecca Schoenthal, owner of Elsie Garden

 

 

 

 

Pretty in pink

• For warmth and glamour: a long coat.
• An unexpected color combo.
• A kitten!

 

SHOP THE SHOOT
Trina Turk “Margot” pants from Duo ($248, 979-1212); Koch silk top from Sustain ($238, 244-0028); BB Dakota coat from Bittersweet ($136, 977-5977); peacock feather earrings from Sustain ($104); Sarah Graham stack rings from Angelo ($1,010 each, 971-9256).

 

“My sister, Lindsey Oberg, painted a portrait of my dog Argus. It is very beautiful and the thought was amazing. It also took her a lot of time. Best gift ever!”—Lauren Gerner, owner of Sustain 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pretty is as pretty does

Our model, Lauren Singletary, is an artist, DIY-er, outdoor enthusiast and literary geek. When she’s not working on an art project or watching “The Colbert Report,” she works as a licensed art therapist with Region Ten Community Services Board.

A “one-woman SWAT team,” Lauren swoops in if a youth is identified as having severe emotional, behavioral or psychoogical problems at home or in school. “I make sure everyone stays safe, and connect the kid to ongoing services that can help them become and remain successful in the community, at home and at large,” she says.

 

Special thanks to the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA for loaning us Parvati.

 

Sometimes the truth is a big semi truck that’s crossing the center line. Sure, you want to avoid it, but when that means driving off a cliff, you find yourself thinking, “This is a tough spot.” This month, we look at a few instances of how facing the truth can make a friendship grow without putting you in the hospital.

(By Matt Pamer)

The other night, my friend got a little too flirty with my significant other—and it’s not the first time. I’m not threatened, but it makes me and my guy super uncomfortable. How can I tell her to back off?
He doesn’t need you to defend his honor or personal space. I want to ask about
the lush factor here, but I’ll do what I normally do, and assume I’m right—alcohol was involved. This friendship needs to move to the light of day. If it doesn’t hold up sober and one-on-one, then she is just an acquaintance.
Flirty McGee: Do you guys want to ride together to Jenny’s party? I’ll drive.
You: No, thanks. We might skip it.
FM: Well, that stinks. I want to hang out with you soon.
You: I could do lunch on Friday. Just the two of us?
FM: I’ll check and e-mail you.
You: Sounds good.

I’ve got a close-talking friend who has horrible breath! How do I suggest to her, tactfully, that she needs more than a breath mint once in a while?
One time my son told me my breath smelled bad and it really embarrassed me and hurt my feelings. (I have since been lucky enough to return the favor.) The abrupt truth is territory for best friends, family and NYC cab drivers, so I’ll navigate a gentler (sneakier) path
for you.
Hali: (holding a gift bag) What is this?
You: Isn’t it cute? It’s a little goodie bag of beauty products (with organic toothpaste). I’m trying to switch over to all organic stuff and thought I’d take you with me.
Hali: Cool! Thank you.
You: I even got extra toothpaste to replace my little work set. Pull out little work set from purse. I’m going whole hog.
Hali: Aren’t you cute? A little toothbrush bag. That’s a really good idea.
You: Oh, it saves me after the Bodo’s Caesar salad.
Hali: I should do that, too.

My friend has had some unexpected expenses come up and has asked to borrow money. As a rule, I don’t really think friends should lend each other cash. How do I let her down easy?
Let me ask you this: Do you have a rule about gifts? When true friends ask for help, we must respond in some way. Give her cash or a gift card to a grocery store in an amount with which you feel comfortable. No strings attached.
You: I don’t loan money to friends, but I got you a gift card to Food Now!
Penny Lane: Thank you so much. That’s going to save me! I hated that I had to ask anybody for money. I’ve decided to call my grandfather.
You: And you should come to my house for dinner on Friday.
Penny: I love you.
You: I love you, too. You’re going to get through this.

Denise Stewart is a local writer, actor and business lady who loves her screenwriting group and drinks with twists.

(Photo by Cramer Photo)

Once a therapist for foster kids, 36-year-old Kelly Cox has been practicing yoga since grad school to alleviate the stress of her busy schedule. These days, yoga is her busy schedule. The co-owner of Downtown yoga studio Bend spends her time instructing children, teens and expectant mothers, and serving on the board of the local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters. As she says, “If you live in a community but don’t participate, what’s the point?” Let’s take a peek in her purse.

The bag: It’s a Big Buddha; they make vegan bags that are gorgeous. You can buy them locally at Jean Theory.

Reading glasses: I don’t wear them nearly as often as I should.

Sunglasses: Classic Ray Ban aviators are the best sunglasses ever made.

A Hobo wallet: A gift from some friends years ago, it just gets better with time.

Make-up bag: It has very little make-up [in it], but always has ChapStick. I have an unhealthy obsession with ChapStick and have to have some with me at all times. Today, there are five in the bag.

Stella perfume: It’s a great scent for day or evening.

iPhone: I would be a mess if I lost it, I don’t know anyone’s phone number.

Ear buds: I try to walk everywhere I go and love listening to music along the way.

Notebook: I am old school, I still really love to write things down. Crossing something out is also a rather nice feeling. There are usually papers sticking out of it and it’s full of things I will get to someday.

White amethyst: I got that at a yoga retreat. I’m sure it does something—I’m not sure about the power.

When the cold calls
You can’t cure the flu with “Take two aspirin and call me in the morning.” Done just right, the seasonal sickness will knock you off your feet for days. We asked a few local ladies (including one doc) for time-worn advice on beating a cold in record time.—Caite White

(File Photo)

Jenée Libby, author of thedinerofcville.com
“My surefire cure is Marco & Luca’s hot and sour soup. You get a huge tub of it for $1.75 and it’s seriously the hottest, sourest soup I’ve ever had in my life. When you’re feeling throaty or chesty, this stuff cuts through it like a knife. I swear by it, and have even sent the hubby down to the Mall [to get it], especially when I’m feeling puny.”

Gloria Rockhold, Latino liason for Albemarle County Schools
“I was talking to a Cuban friend the other day and she reminded me that for every ailment they use ‘vi vapo ruh,’ or Vicks Vapor Rub. This was funny to me because it is true. They would rub it everywhere.”

Paige Mattson, owner of Blue Ridge Eco Shop
“My mother always swore by a spoonful of local honey and lemon juice for a sore throat. I still do the spoonful to this day. I’m not sure if it really works or just the comfort of feeling like mom’s here when I’m sick! My husband and I really try to avoid using OTC cold and flu remedies. We find that upping our Vitamin C when we start to feel down usually will ward off most things.”

And here’s what Dr. Laura Ricciardi of Charlottesville Family Practice says:
—Combine a regimen of saline, rest, no smoking, steam and wasabi to clear sinuses.
—No dairy! It causes more mucus production.
—Don’t spread the sickness. Stay home from work and, when in public, cough into your arm.
—Get the flu shot.

 

 

Drink up! Simply taking in eight glasses of ice cold water a day could burn up to 60 calories. (File Photo)

Keep it moving: The Lazy Girls’ Guide to Exercising
If you’re like us, you’re resolving to lose those extra holiday pounds come the new year. Also like us, you know that your job/family/laziness will likely derail your plans. We wondered, is there a way to incorporate weight loss into your already-packed schedule? We asked Martha Jefferson Hospital dietitian Rita Smith to provide some pointers for lazy girls looking to get a little exercise during the workday. As she says, “It is always better to be doing something with your body than nothing.”—C.W.

Change your space. Since standing is better for you than sitting, keep your computer at a height that prevents you from lounging in your desk chair all day. And opt for a cordless phone, so you can walk and talk.

Clock out. Set a timer on your computer to go off once an hour, reminding you to at least stretch and stand or take a walk down the hall.

Stay active. As Smith says, “Little activities or movements add up to several hundredcalories used throughout the day.” Even something as simple as tapping your feet under your desk or talking with your hands to a coworker will keep burning calories. Just keep moving!

Fuzzy wuzzy was a…
You’re not thinking about silky summer legs in the dead of winter—but you should be. Now’s the time to start laser hair removal treatments. You’ll need four to seven total, with four to six weeks between each. If you want smooth skin by springtime, get started before December.

Trip tips
Planning a holiday getaway? Read these tips from Peace Frogs Travel owner Julie Arbelaez before booking.—C.W.

—Top resorts in the Caribbean sell out six months in advance. Stick with a lower-budget destination (like the Mayan Riviera or Costa Rica) for better luck—and more cash for drinks!
—Travellers typically book trips from weekend to weekend. Stick with off-days to ensure you get a seat on the plane and a room in the hotel. (This year, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are on the weekend, so Monday to Monday will probably be tighter.)
—If you don’t mind the cold, trips to Canada and parts of Europe are your best bet for overall value. Airfare to Europe in particular is lowest after November 1.

 

How To: Write the perfect thank-you note
The best-kept secret about thank-notes, says Heather McNulty Haynie, is that they improve the quality and frequency of the gifts you receive. We asked the Rock Paper Scissors co-owner to give us the second best-kept secret of thank-you notes: how to write one!—C.W.
Our first piece of advice is to find stationery you love, as you’ll be more apt to write. And by the way, it doesn’t have to say “Thank You”—you’re going to say that in the note anyway.
Next, there are six parts to the proper thank you note:

(Top) Good Press Paper Co., $5; (Bottom) Rock Paper Scissors, $6

1. Greet the giver: “Dear Aunt Susie,”
Everyone likes to see his or her name in print. And yes, you need to hand-write these. No Word documents!
2. Express gratitude: “Thank you so much for the bathrobe.”
Be specific, name the gift. However, if the gift was cash, don’t mention a monetary amount. Instead, say something like, “Thank you for your kind gift” or “generosity.”
3. Discuss use: “I’ve worn it almost every day since you gave it to me. It’s so soft.”
Don’t love the bathrobe or having trouble saying something nice? Find something truthful you can mention, like, “It’s such a lovely shade of pink.”
4. Mention the past, allude to the future: “It was great to see you at our gift exchange on Boxing Day and I look forward to seeing you at cousin Jenny’s sweet 16.”
Why did they person give you a gift? If it’s someone you are rarely in contact with, say what you know. “Mom says your underwater basket-weaving skills are coming along nicely.” If it’s someone you’re in regular contact with, “I’ll call you soon but wanted to send along my sincere thanks.”
5. Begin a graceful exit: “Thanks again for the nice gift.”
Say it again, Sam, it’s not overdoing it!
6. Give your regards: “Love, Heather”
Use whatever signature works for you, but wrap it up.

 

Good reads for cold days
Need a good book to curl up with this winter? We asked Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner Rita Dove to suggest some chilly-weather reads.—Meagan Williams

Rita Dove (Photo by Fred Viebahn)

The Penguin Anthology of Twentieth Century American Poetry, edited by Rita Dove. Yes, I edited this tome, but these poets represent the best of the last century…and a wealth of reading pleasure.

Words Under the Words: Selected Poems by Naomi Shihab Nye. A clear, warm observer of the vagaries of human interaction, Nye offers poems of grace, humor and wisdom.

The Alphabet of Desire by Barbara Hamby. A veritable avalanche of lush language. My favorite section features a poem for each letter of the alphabet—with each 26-line poem formed alphabetically as well. What fun!

Burnt Shadows by Kamila Shamsie. Crossing continents and generations, this novel is a heartrending probe into the ties of family, love and nations.

The Cailiffs of Baghdad, Georgia by Mary Helen Stefaniak. The year is 1938; 11-year-old Gladys reports on the happenings in her tiny redneck community in a rollicking tale that still manages to speak seriously to the damage caused by ignorance and fear.

White Teeth by Zadie Smith. This electrifying, tragicomic first novel by the author of Autograph Man and On Beauty also tackles some of the most important issues of religious and political fanaticism and ethnic strife in our times.

History of Love by Nicole Krauss. This novel defies description. It will twist you up and turn you out…and you’ll want it to.

Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. An amazing family saga, set in the midst of the Biafra war, that will haunt you—but in a transcendent way.

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. This classic meganovel by the Nobel Prize winner is a world unto itself. I reread it every five years or so, and I still find myself hanging onto every word.

How To: Survive the holiday party circuit
Armed with a great outfit, a thoughtful hostess gift and a delicious recipe to keep in your back pocket for special occasions, holiday parties will be one less stressor this winter. Here, we provide suggestions for each.

Three for one
Dolly Parton may never wear the same dress twice, but we say that’s the only way to get through countless holiday fêtes without putting a strain on your wallet. Rethink a simple shirtdress to get a look appropriate for a work party, a gift exchange with the girls and a double date without the kids.—C.W.

The dress: Diane von Furstenburg shirt dress from Levy’s ($385, 295-4270)

OFFICE APPROPRIATE Julia Thomas wears the dress with a L.A.M.B. pencil skirt from E.G. ($239, 979-2888) and Delman pointy-toe slingbacks from Scarpa ($275, 296-0040). CALL THE SINGLE LADIES Julia wears the dress with Citizens of Humanity jeans from LOLA ($176, 975-5652), a Lauren Moffatt jacket from Duo ($374, 979-1212) and Biviel flats from Scarpa ($145, 296-0040). GREAT DATE Julia wears the dress with a Kendra Scott necklace from Duo ($106), tights from Gap ($14.50, 973-5026) and Colleen Cordero wedge boots from Scarpa ($800). (Photos by Nick Strocchia)

The mostest for the hostess
Don’t show up to your boss’ holiday party empty-handed. When it comes to hostess gifts, try thinking outside the bottle (of wine). And George owners Christy Ford and Jan Roden suggest a couple of holiday gifts that are perfect for the person who has it all.—Taylor Harris
Organic Black Tea from And George ($36): From the company’s Bellocq line, a black tea blend from England.

Sweet eats

(Photo by Andrea Hubbell)

You’ll likely need a no-hassle holiday dish, too. Even if you’re famous for your (store-bought) fruitcake, consider a new dessert this year. Go Girl Goodies owner Lori Cwalina suggests a sweet pumpkin dip that’ll have even Paula Deen crashing your party.—T.H.

Combine one 8 oz. package of cream cheese and 2 cups of confectioner’s sugar in a large mixing bowl and beat until it’s well-blended and smooth. Add 1 3/4 cups of pumpkin puree and spices (1/4 tsp. each of allspice, nutmeg, ground cloves and cardamom, plus 1 tsp. ground ginger and 2 tsp. cinnamon) and beat until combined. Add 2 tbs. maple syrup to pumpkin mixture. If possible, refrigerate dip for one to two hours before serving. Serve with crisp apple slices, homemade gingersnaps or pretzel sticks.

For a festive touch, serve in a hollowed-out pumpkin. Serves 8-10.

 

 Sex is like everything else in life—it has its ups and downs. Having seen countless couples over the years struggle to keep their sexual passion at unrealistically high levels, I was pleasantly surprised to see a new approach to sparking sexual desire hit shelves this year.
Enduring Desire: Your Guide to Lifelong Intimacy is different from most other self-
help books I’ve read. Instead of promising gold and green forests (as we say in Danish), it provides a realistic outlook on what to expect from your sexual desire as your relationship matures from passionate beginnings to the long-term.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Check out Helen Fisher’s website, helenfisher.com, for a selection of articles and brief videos. Plus, read her scientifically based take on the anatomy of love and, in particular, long-term love.

In the book, sex therapists Michael Metz and Barry McCarthy present their “Good-Enough Sex” (GES) model. They focus on being realistic about your expectations.

“To think you can have perfect sex every time in any circumstance is pure hype,” they write. “No one has a perfect sex life. Hype sets you up for self-defeating performance demands and disappointment… Sex provides a buffet of experiences: At times, sex is enthusiastic, cheerful, erotic, gratifying and at other times uninspiring.”

But having realistic expectations can only get you so far. Much of the rest is determined by brain chemistry. And recent research has shown that the most important sex organ is indeed located between your ears.

People taking common antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) know all too well that brain chemicals can easily interfere with your ability to have an orgasm. Not only sexual function, but even your ability to fall romantically in love can be negatively affected by those medications. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, has done some fascinating research in this area.

She found that romantic love is a basic mating drive in every human. Unlike sex drive, which exposes you to a range of potential partners, romantic love helps you focus your mating energy on one individual.

And there is a specific brain region that is active when you fall in love, and remain in love with that person. This region is part of the “reptile core” of the brain, and is more primitive than our cognitive thinking process and emotions. And it is outside our conscious control.
Think of your brain as hardware and your conscious thinking as software. We can do little about our hardware, but once in a while it’s good to download a software update. And this is where Metz, McCarthy and their GES model come in.

First they give you some easy tools to assess your own attitudes and beliefs about sex. Then they educate you about the many different components (developmental, biological, psychological, relational and psychosexual) that affect your sexual health and satisfaction.

Based on this knowledge, the authors help you set up realistic goals for your sex life. Real lifecase studies help illustrate key points throughout the book.

Try to keep a positive view on things, especially at times when the sexual spark seems to be missing. Try to appreciate the fact that there will be a natural ebb and flow that should not cause you any panic. And try to have realistic expectations. Sometimes good enough is good enough.

Charlottesville’s Annette Owens, MD, Ph.D., is certified by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. She has co-edited the four-volume book, Sexual Health (Praeger).

(Photo by Cramer Photo)

Age: 71
We recognize her for…

Her professional accomplishments. Already a celebrated artist, the German native turned her attention to writing in 2004 when she published My Father’s House, a memoir about growing up in wartime Germany, which she says is her greatest achievement.

Her poise. A single phrase accompanies each e-mailed reply from the author: “In your body is a good place to be.” It’s one of her favorite quotes and an apt reminder for the rest of us. To maintain her physique, the Scottsville resident begins her day with a 7am walk, followed by a swim, writing or painting, then an afternoon of Pilates and meditation. And, she says, “all the tumult on the farm knocking at my door.”

Her style. She’s a regular on Ari Seth Cohen’s Advanced Style site, a Sartorialist-style blog dedicated to ladies over 60. With her blue hair and artfully arranged outfits (“Creativity out of necessity,” she calls it), Ost often catches the attention of passersby.

Her sense of style extends beyond her person, too. The artist’s Scottsville estate, which she shares with husband Ludwig Kuttner, is a fantasy land, filled to the brim with her own sculptures and treasures collected over seven decades. Isn’t she fabulous?

 If you’re like most new mothers (except for freakishly fit Heidi Klum, who seems unfairly untouched by this dilemma), around your little bundle’s first birthday you’ll start considering the following predicament: Do I (1) get really serious about fitting into my pre-pregnancy jeans now or (2) screw the waistline because I’m going to try to get pregnant again anyway?

Though the decision to expand the family further is more complicated than this, it’s often around the time when Baby No. 1 becomes more mobile and independent that your mind turns to the possibility of another tot.

If the next baby is on your brain, here are important factors to deliberate beyond whether your maternity underwear continues to get prime drawer space.

Finances
Sure, you can leverage your investment in baby accoutrements from round one (especially if you were smart enough to go gender-neutral with all the gear), and now that you’re a savvy, scrappy mom, you know all about scoring stuff at consignment sales and finding online coupons for essentials. But beware that there are only so many economies of scale with siblings.

Maybe Baby No. 1 squeezed in back of your Honda Civic, but two bambinos on board just won’t work, or perhaps your abode is already at maximum capacity and you’ll need to move. Though babysitters and childcare facilities often offer concessions for siblings, your overall childcare bills will be much higher. Also, health insurance premiums could go up, and surely you’ll want to boost your life insurance policy to cover another child. Plus, there’s saving for college. It’s worth crunching the numbers to understand the bigger financial burden.

Your health and well-being
Even if you were fortunate enough to avoid acute nausea, gestational diabetes, postpartum depression and other serious medical issues from your first pregnancy, you should consider these possibilities the second time around—with a child already in your charge. What will you do if you’re put on bed rest or simply puking out your guts daily and you have a rambunctious toddler who needs your attention? At the very least, note that prenatal aches and pains often are felt earlier and more intensely with subsequent pregnancies. Consider how you’ll cover these kinds of contingencies before getting pregnant again.

Timing
Does the thought of two kids in diapers or having to navigate the world with a gargantuan double stroller make you shudder? Conversely, are you anxious to avoid having children at vastly different development and activity levels, or are you approaching an age when fertility and other complications are more of an issue? First and foremost, is your first child ready for a sibling?

There’s plenty of advice out there about the ideal age spread between offspring, and many child development experts agree that waiting until your first child is at least 30 months old and has achieved a certain level of independence and confidence might be best for everyone. Still, there’s no magic number, nor guarantee that your children will be best friends and your logistics easier no matter how the pregnancies are spaced. Your first child’s temperament is more important than a calendar, as is your readiness and ability to care adequately for more children.

In the end, the decision to have another baby may come down to a gut feeling, so consider all the factors but also trust your motherly instincts. They’re well-honed by this point.

Katherine is a freelance writer and mother of two children who gave her equally as awful morning sickness and prenatal heartburn.

Finding beauty in brokenness. Rebuilding the ruins. Giving voice to the voiceless.
These phrases are more than talking points for 31-year-old Ebony Walden. They are the juxtapositions that have shaped her life.

(Photo by Cramer Photo)

Now a planner with the city’s Neighborhood Development Services, Walden has long been passionate about redeveloping urban areas. “Particularly,” she says, “low-income African-American areas, because I grew up basically pretty poor and on welfare.”

After graduating from Georgetown and the University of Virginia, Walden made it a mission to empower others. This year, she will train Charlottesville residents to affect change in their communities through the city’s Neighborhood Leadership Institute.

“I like the idea of citizens taking ownership of their spaces,” she says. Ultimately, Walden wants to hear more people say, “This is my community, and I want to work in partnership with the government, but I have some agency in this, as well.”

The multi-talented planner sees poetry as another way to express agency. In 2009, she founded WordSmith Poetry and began hosting monthly jams. Last year, she traveled to 17 countries on her Poetic Justice World Tour.

“The world is such a beautiful place, but it’s also such a broken place,” says Walden. “I think there’s a lot of beauty in the broken spaces.”—Taylor Harris

On poetry jams:
“I just wanted to create an environment where people’s voices could be heard. In our society, where do we have a forum where people’s voices are actually heard with equal weight? Just listening to one another and affirming one another and supporting one another. To me, it wasn’t necessarily about the poetry, which I love. It was about the open forum.”

On hope:
“If I’m a person who has come out of poverty and was able to go to Georgetown and UVA and be an urban planner…my pain—if I offer that to somebody—will be hope for somebody else. That will be hope for the child in the projects in poverty to be like, ‘I can do it.’”

On confidence:
“It really comes from having your identity in the right place. It’s having my identity in Christ
—that I know who I am. That I’m completely loved and completely accepted…All I have to do
is be me, and that’s great. I have a lot of flaws, but I think I’m coming into what it means to be completely myself, because that’s who God has made me.”