Happy Halloween

Every Halloween I make Oscar's halloween costume. He has been a cupcake, a piece of pizza, and even Oscar the Grouch. This year, I had the idea to turn him into a glue bottle. My favorite glue in the whole world: Elmers. Don't worry, he loves dressing up. He allowed me to sew him into this costume. Yes, I had a needle and thread in my hand as Oscar stood still. Those of you who know Oscar realize the magnitude of this.

Sidenote: Does anyone else have a ton of left-overs from trick-or-treating? Where were the kids this year?

weekend in pictures- part 2

Had a great weekend! See previous post for details of our trip :)

weekend in pictures- part 1

We spent the day/night in Shenandoah National Park. It was beautiful during this time of year. The leaves were still golden and attached, and the trails weren't too crowded. I definitely recommend spending the day there if you can. We were able to reserve a pet-friendly room inside the park at the Skyland resort. It was a charming, old-fashioned cozy room over-looking the park. Perfect to relax in after a long day of hiking.

Violet Beauregarde

Instead of my normal art teaching Friday clothes, today I dress as Violet Beauregarde. The gum chewing, gold ticket carrying gal of 70s Willy Wonka fame. Several teachers are participating in the theme....we even have Oompa Loompa's.

I have to wonder if the students will recognize the characters. Even though Johnny Depp brought it back, I predict having to answer the dreaded "who are you supposed to be?"

silly Grapple....

pretty grapple

Ever hear of a grapple? Last week, Kyle and I went to our local Amish Market to buy a bunch of fresh produce. We grabbed lettuce, pears, peppers, and then came across....grapples. Hmmmm.... a grapple? The sign said "crunches like an apple, tastes like a grape." We were skeptical but having recently found a love for pluots (a blend of plums and apricots) we thought we'd give the grapple a chance.

Once we got home we bit right into the grapple. Let's just say the bite didn't go well. It tasted like grape soda. Maybe you like that sort of thing. Fanta flavored fruit. I guess I was picturing a true marriage of the grape and apple, but it's more like an apple injected with grape perfume. To sum up, I was disappointed.

It turns out that the grapple has a website. You can read about it here.

Get your voting fingers ready...

This may be a long shot, but.....

Sheena Colleen has been nominated for a 2010 Mobbie, (Maryland's Outstanding Blog) award. .

You can vote for Sheena Colleen, in the "Art & DIY" category, beginning November 2 at 8am. Tell your pals :)

Weekend get-away, autumn style

I don't know about you, but one thing I looove about the fall are weekend trips to places where the season seems to be emphasized a bit more. Last year Kyle and I spent a weekend in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania and are hoping to make a return visit this season. During our stay we toured Chaddsford Winery (sampling the wine as we toured of course) and later slept at the Stebbins-Swayne House B&B where our host, Rosemary, served us homemade peppermint patties upon our arrival and pumpkin pancakes the following morning (yes...that really happened).

If you ever head up that way, make sure to stop at Longwood Gardens. It's an amazing place to explore if you love to take in local nature and view beautiful landscaping displays. I highly recommend going into the indoor conservatory to see about a 1000 different species of flowers and plants (And you'll drool in the bonsai room....I guarantee it).

Where do you like to mini-vacay in the fall?

Holy puppies

I came across this post from Trendland which displayed Tim Flach's photography series 'Dogs Gods.' The pictures brought a smile to my face.....when do dogs NOT bring a smile to someone's face? I mean, my face is smiling now, what about your face?

This last doggie looks kinda sad though.....I'm sure he's only focusing on a slice of pepperoni near his feet.

Weekend in pictures- Oscar

Enjoyed an awesome fall morning at Patapsco State Park, Maryland then stretched out on the new king size bed. Life is good...

Weekend in pictures- part 2

Took advantage of the Montgomery County metro and rode into Chinatown for an awesome lunch. Then viewed a few exhibits at the Smithsonian American Art Museum....LOVE.

Electronic Superhighway: Continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii

1995Nam June Paik

Sky Cathedral

1982, Louise Nevelson

Weekend in pictures-part 1

Patapsco State Park

happy trails :)

Eggshell triptych

A small view of all three together. See how the center piece stands out? I can't tell if that's good or bad which usually means I've been staring at them too long.

Feelin fragile

Eggshell Triptych, watercolor, 12 x 18"

There are lots of reasons why I lately feel a sense of fragility but I will not go into all of those reasons now....another time maybe. Let's just say painting still-lives of eggshells became my source of therapy over the past week. Weird? a little. Difficult? yes.

I'm not sure if they all connect, or if the second piece is the odd ball out....it is noticeably darker than the other two. Do you notice? Do the three still-lives work well together? I'd appreciate your feedback. I may do a few more and the goal is to have them end up on my etsy shop in the near future. We shall see.

Weekend in pictures

Sweet Cakes Ltd.

My best friend Lauren/graphic designer extraordinaire has an amazing business with friend Marie called Sweet Cakes Ltd.

If you are in need of graphic design, decor, or confectionaries galore then they are the duo to call. They say it best,

"We would love to create the entire “look and feel” for your event. Whether you are getting married, having a baby or bridal shower, celebrating a birthday, hosting a corporate party or having any of life’s many other celebrations… we want to be a part of those special moments!

We specialize in customizing packages to include, but are not limited to, event invitations, guest favors, coordinated decorations and delicious desserts! Our goal is to make planning your event a simple and exciting process! We believe that our passion for delicious desserts, beautiful design and a little fun and laughter are the secret ingredients that make our offerings truly distinct."

I can attest to their high level of professionalism AND talent. They not only created a "bridal shower to remember" for me, but they also baked the cake and cupcakes for my wedding. Let me just say....best cupcakes ever.

If you have the chance to hire them, DO IT. If you have the chance to recommend them, DO IT. You will not regret it.

In memory of Don Cook

Over the weekend I learned of the passing of my friend, mentor, and past art professor, Don Cook. Don was my Studio instructor during grad school at the Maryland Institute College of Art. He encouraged me with long discussion about my work and asked questions that further pushed my thinking and ability. His encyclopedic knowledge of authors and artists was inspiring and helpful in that he introduced me to several artists and authors such as, Unica Zurn, Joseph Cornell, and Henry Darger, each contributing to my final body of work in one way or another.

Don was an established artist and writer within the Baltimore community. His work was often on view in local galleries, most recently involving the transformation of Emily Dickinson poems into visual interpretations, see image below.

He will truly be missed but I know he is finally at peace.

Art Show

I have one piece of art, titled "Going Home," at an art exhibit consisting of Anne Arundel County art teachers. I actually blogged about the piece this past summer (here).

The work is on view (and on sale) until November in the art gallery at Quiet Waters park. Kyle came for the free sprite and cheese but also for support. Thanks Kyle :).