In the blink of an eye, the world changed. Schools closed. Bars and restaurants closed.  All non-essential businesses closed. And here at the Pfister so did the Cafe, Blu, the Lobby Lounge and, of course, my own Tuesday Chai.As… Read the rest “Dance”

The Remover of Obstacles and Lord of Beginnings, Ganesha, can be found in homes throughout the world. Across borders, he is hard to resist. Usually portrayed whimsically and playfully, he represents hope, optimism, and good will.… Read the rest “Finding our new beginning…”

When my children were very young, I read them a book that stayed with me long after I stopped reading it to them. And now, whenever the world seems like it is upside down and I wonder what I can do, I think of this book.… Read the rest “When the World is Upside Down”

Today and yesterday, Holi, The Indian Festival of Color, was celebrated across India and in homes throughout the world. And today, just as I do every Tuesday, I shared a cup of my homemade chai with many of you here at the Pfister.… Read the rest “Celebrating Holi, the Indian Festival of Color”

Often times I find inspiration in the smallest of moments. Many of these moments happen when I am making chai. On weekends, I share them with my sweet Samara and Rana, making chai as I have done so many times since they were little, in either the early morning light or warm afternoon glow of the sun.… Read the rest “Making Chai & Finding Home”

they stretch far into the    horizon catching the sun, my hopes  and my dreams they promise of endless beginnings and  just- within-reach skies of open borders and soft   landings of freedom and choice for all the girls and women happy international women’s   day this IS ALWAYS has been, and ALWAYS will be our time to fly… Read the rest “International Women’s Day 2020”

Today marked the last day of Black History Month. For many it was a celebration of their fight, spirit, and beauty. But for many more, it was a reminder.… Read the rest “A Celebration & A Reminder…”

Since the first day of 2020, I have drawn at least one mandala every day for the last almost 60 days as part of a creative making marathon that has grounded me in ways both expected and unexpected.… Read the rest “A Place to Work and Play”

Lights. Camera. Action.

This Monday, February 16th, Milwaukee was featured as one of the audition cities on this season’s premier of American Idol. Did you know that, although the Milwaukee Art Museum was front and center, some of the auditions were also held here at the Pfister?… Read the rest “Episode 4. Did you know that American Idol was here at the Pfister?”

Friends and strangers Employees and guests  Locals and visitors Immigrants and citizens Regulars and first timers Mothers and fathers Sisters and brothers Musicians, players and their fans

Talk of coming to the Pfister  for 40 years Traveling the world and  retirement Weddings and anniversaries Birthdays, adoptions and all celebrations Podcasts and art-making Shortbread cookies and Chef  Travis Happy Days and Lavern &  Shirley

 “A nice surprise when walking  around the lobby.… Read the rest “Episode 3. What can happen over a hot cup of chai.”

“A chaiwala is a person who prepares, sells or serves tea on streets or small roadside shops in the Indian subcontinent. They are an integral part of Indian tea culture.… Read the rest “‘Chaiwala’  चायवाला”

This page. Takes my breath away. It speaks of lands unknown and family far away. Of Annie’s history and her holding on. Of her kindness and her joy.… Read the rest “Episode 2. What can happen over a hot cup of chai.”

Tea is not just tea … When someone asks “drink tea”So just do not ask him Milk, sugar and tea leaves Made to boil For a cup of tea.He… Read the rest “Tea is not just tea.”

the giving tree to give is what we do when we love the more we love— truly love the more we give and the more we give of our   bodies, minds and hearts  the more we are open to love– true love with each other with ourselves ~bela

 Today is #givingtuesday and   Rosy, the Pfister’s Artist-in-   Residence, and I are officially   launching our “Art and   Culture”campaign and tees in   her Artist Studio here at   the Pfister from 5-7pm.   … Read the rest “#giving tuesday”

Namaste. Hands to heart. In prayer position. I open my heart. Bow to the divine in you. And remember all that I am thankful for. My family.… Read the rest “Art. Culture. And Gratitude.”