Posted by Monica Danna on May 31, 2008 in
coworking 
Today we were joined by awesomeness at
Caroline, as the community came out to help us get her ready for the party on Saturday.
Many, many thanks to True Light Resources (and Karl), Hala Daher, Stefanie Acken, Enita Torres (Ephiphenita), Imelda Bettinger, Sean Stoner, Michelle Calabretta, Bryce Giesler (Word Junky), Jason McElweenie (deneyterrio), and Brent Ozar.
We got the flowerbeds cleaned up and the indoors got a good cleaning. And most exciting, we got the sign up and painted.
Hope to see all of you at the party on Saturday!
More pics from today here.
Tags: caroline collective, coworking, volunteers
Posted by Monica Danna on May 30, 2008 in
coworking 
So the date of the caroline collective party is drawing near, and we’ve still got lots to do to get her in shape for the big day. Momma need a new pretty dress!
Ned and I are attempting to organized some shifts of people to help out this Saturday at Caroline, as well as next Saturday, day of the party.
For this Saturday, we’d love as much help as possible. We are looking for people willing to move some debris off the property, clean rooms, floors, bathrooms, clean up flower beds, blow leaves, and just generally rock out with awesomeness.
We have some supplies, but whatever you can bring would be appreciated: brooms, mops, cleaning supplies, ladders, MUSCLES, shovels. wheel barrows, tools, etc.
I’m trying to secure a few baby pools so we can take a dip in between breaks. 
Afterwards, we can always take a walk down to my place for a dip in my pool
I can’t thank everyone enough for all your hard work and dedication that have gone into making this dream a reality for us. I am overwhelmed with emotion each time one of you extends your extra time and support to this project. And we are all eternally grateful.
Please comment below if you think you can make it by, and if you wil be able to bring some supplies so we can get an idea. Hope to see some of you tomorrow.
Call me with any questions 281.687.7515.
Tags: caroline collective, community, coworking, friends, volunteers
Posted by Monica Danna on May 26, 2008 in
coworking You may have noticed that I’ve attempted to start blogging again, after a long break. Yes, long overdue, but also with good reason. The last few months = nutzo.
In the last 6 months, I’ve started a new job, traveled to 4 continents in 4 weeks, rode a camel, smoked a hookah, returned home to an emergency appendectomy, had my Godmother pass away, and most recently, find out that my company has been purchased by the largest oilfield services company in the WORLD. Any guesses?
So to say the least, I’ve been a little preoccupied.
However, I still haven’t mentioned the one thing that has taken up most of my brain power, sweat, energy, and heart: a little beauty called Caroline. And she’s lovely.
I know that some of you reading this have been hearing me for months talk about this project, and I’m ecstatic to say, she has arrived.
This week, tenants began moving into the Caroline Collective, A coworking facility in Houston’s museum district, that I have been helping to bring to fruition over the past few months. I know many of you have heard the story of her conception, and seen the progress of her completion, but for those of you who have not, let me explain further.
Coworking has become a global phenomena in the last few years. A concept that takes freelance, independent workers out of an isolated work environment, such as a home office, and surrounds them with access to a community of like-minded individuals, all the while providing them with resources of a corporate office space.
Over the last 2 decades, the corporate worker has more and more sought opportunities to become independent from an organization, and become their own boss. In the process, according to entreprenuer.com, in the U.S., over 14 million homes operate a home-based business.
However, as the entreprenuer moves out of the corporate office, and into a home environment such as a home office or coffee shop, they begin to lose a sense of collaboration and community. Thus, the birth of Coworking.
Coworking’s official definition, “a cafe-like community collaboration space for developers, writers, independents and anyone looking for a space to conduct their work in an environment alternative to the traditional working office,” describes the concept. If I were to pull one work to highlight from that definition, it would be “community.” As the basis and successes of coworking spaces around the world, hinge on the importance of community.
Providing tenants with private office space, open desk space, wireless internet, conference room facilities, coffee, secured parking, quick access to Downtown, Midtown, Museum District, and the Medical Center, Caroline Collective is a revolutionary concept for Houston, that is sure to impact the social make-up of the city’s workforce.
As I compose this post, one of Caroline’s first tenants, is documenting his move into the space via Twitter and Brightkite. A very emotional, exciting step for those of us who have seen this idea move from a glimmer in the eye of Matthew Wettergreen and Ned Dodington, to a space full of handmade desks, and walls splattered with blue paint by volunteers Houston’s own community. A bit surreal, and a bit overwhelming.
Over the past few months, Caroline Collective has been covered by the Houston Chronicle, Chron.com, ArtsHouston Magazine, 002 Magazine, and various local and national blogs. Evidence that Houston is ready and willing to support this endeavor, rightfully so, as the space was created for the community, by the community.
Caroline Collective is located at 4820 Caroline, just north of the Fine Arts Museum. For a tour of the facilities, please contact me and I’d be happy to show you around.
We are planning a huge opening party on June 7th, 2008 form 7-10pm. I’ll create a dedicated post of the party, with the invite attached. So save the date!
For more information on Caroline Collective or coworking, check out these resources:
Caroline Collective website
www.carolinecollective.cc
Caroline Collective Flickr Photo Group
www.flickr.com/groups/carolinecollective/
Caroline Media Archives
http://carolinecollective.cc/category/media/
Coworking Wiki
http://coworking.pbwiki.com/
Coworking Blog
http://blog.coworking.info/
Tags: caroline collective, coworking, houston
Posted by Monica Danna on May 26, 2008 in
arts + events My dad has claimed that next year is the year we’ll finally be building a pool, so in preparation, my mom went out and bought this above the ground pool. (the last one she bought burst into the house!)
Jill’s boyfriend, Matt, and his two boys Matthew and Jacob, as well as Matt’s parents Tim & Mary, his brother Kevin and sister-in-law, Amy, and his sister Beth all joined us.
Also, joining in on the fun were our childhood friends, the Whitton’s. Ashley and her new addition, the adorable Tyce, and her BF Leo (who we learned will be getting married in the same place me and Michelle are headed to in a few weeks.) Her mom Susan, and brother Patrick, who we grew up with down the street. It was so awesome to see all of them there.
My grandma and her boyfriend, Dick made an appearance, as Dick told me a funny story about my “new employer” Halliburton, and the luggage that Earl Halliburton, Jr. created that would float to help you survive in a plane crash into the ocean. Who knew?!
And of course it would be a party at my parents’ house without Doris and Joe Hinton. Doris made homemade ice cream and, as always, Joe kept us in stitches all day.
Last minute additions included Jason, Tiff, and Shannon, who definitely livened up with party with their washing machine rendition in the tiny pool.
Amber and Brian also stopped by for some yummy margarita concoctions courtesy of Michelle: Miggyritas!
The spread of food was incredible. 4 different kinds of ribs burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, homemade ice cream, and a yummy dessert that my sister made with ice cream bars and butterfingers. YUM-O!
It was an awesome day with friends and family. Looking forward to many more when we get the REAL pool!
More pics from the day here.
I ended the day with a 2nd pool party at the home of Stef and Paul, with all my Dynamo peeps. Flip cup, Beer Pong, and i got to play DJ.
Happy Memorial Day!
Tags: bbq, beer, family, friends, memorial day, pool time
Posted by Monica Danna on May 24, 2008 in
arts + events After the lesson, we headed back to Tiff and Jason’s where Jason had friends and family surprise TIffany for her birthday. It was a magical night, with some of my most favorite people!
Happy Bday Tiff!!
Check out all of Sew Crafty’s awesome classes here: www.sewcraftyhouston.com
They are located at 3210 6th/White Oak, just near Onion Creek.
Sara is awesome! I’m looking forward to going back to purchase some skirt and dress patterns.
More pics from the adorable preggers Kim Lange (inkoluv) here: www.flickr.com/photos/inkoluv/sets/72157605223653045/
Tags: arts & crafts, birthdays, sew crafty houston
Posted by Monica Danna on May 22, 2008 in
arts + events grossman has been creating weekly private dinners that benefit diverseworks. dubbed “Ad Hoc” the dinner bring together a diverse group of artists, journalists, and friend to the house for excellent food and (way too much) wine.
we had an awesome time. in attendance last night was diverseworks director diane barber, the orange show’s philip marshall, kaplan, grossman, houston journalist nancy wonzy, and artists Melanie Crader and Mick Johnson. Crader was showcased pieces she specifically created for the night’s dinner.
for more information, check out the chronicle piece on the dinners here: www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/arts/gray/5777325.html
Tags: arts, david grossman, diverseworks, food, houston, jeff kaplan, phillip marshall, wine
Posted by Monica Danna on May 22, 2008 in
music I’ve seen these guys many times over the last 2 years, and have to say they have become one of my favorite live acts. Those lights, that bass line, and Robert.
In attendance was Brentabousko, David Cobb, Matthew, Mark Austin (aka MCA Photo), Rob, and even ran into MagsMac and the Barstool crew.
Good times, good times. I sure love me some BRMC.
These pics were all taken with my friggin’ iPhone. Can’t get over how great that camera is for shows.
p.s. promising to post more. life has been nutzo.
Tags: black rebel motorcycle club, iPhone, music
