Art

Our biggest juried art fair was this past weekend.

A juried art fair means that the artist has to be ‘approved’. An artist who wants to have a booth must submit a picture portfolio of their work to the jury. The jury decides who will be able to participate. there were 225 artists booths this year.

This year, I went by myself. I was not unusual. Turns out that there are many people who go alone. I thought that was kind of interesting. Going by myself gave me a whole new perspective about how I view art.

First, let me say that I enjoy having company. It’s always more fun to do things with someone. But when you’re by yourself, you don’t have to look at things you don’t want to. That made me wonder why I don’t like to look at as many things/booths/art/artists as say, my Mom would. I think I figured it out! To someone who isn’t artistic in ANY way, everything is pretty amazing. Makes sense right? If you can’t paint, anybody who can, is awesome. So…for somebody who IS artsy, it’s harder to wow them. Now, I didn’t take art appreciation in school and I’m far from being any kind of technical expert on art. I don’t get the whole thing about how and what colors go together. I don’t have a good sense of ‘flow’ or direction. But anyone will tell you, good art only has to appeal to YOU, not the masses. So while I can appreciate the talent of an artist, what really strikes me is that these people put themselves out there. They’ve taken a risk. They’ve pursued their dream. But for me to walk by and be struck by your talent? You have to be amazing! Or, you have to be different, or clever and unique.

Take photography. I imagine that it’s difficult at best to make a living at that. Anybody can take a picture. And lots of people do! But you have to have an amazing view of the world to be a really great photographer. If your booth is full of landscapes – ho hum.

Then there’s watercolor. I love watercolor paintings. I tried watercolor a couple times – I stink at it. But again, you have to be amazing or different to make me want to stop and look. If you can’t do more than a basket of flowers or a meadow, you aren’t amazing.

Then there’s jewelry. Love you jewelry crafters! It requires skill and talent and a truly great sense of design. Yep. But I can’t afford most of your stuff so I usually pass you too.

Painters. Yeah, they fit into that category as well. Be creative people…everyone is sick to death of beach scenes!

How about pottery? I know a lot of people really love pottery. But again, while I appreciate your skill, I’m not a big fan of pottery.

So what floats my boat you ask? Well, this year there was this really neat metal crafter. I stopped at their booth twice. Their creations really made me smile.

Also, there was an artist who was using old pallet boards to create pictures by wood burning! Pretty cool! And this lady – she had a booth filled with these little dolls that just cracked me up. Not just the sayings either. But the wacky hair and fabric was too much fun to pass up!

Flash back Friday!

One hundred years ago...

Ford Motor Company announced an eight-hour workday and a daily wage of $5.

Belgian surgeon Albert Hustin makes the first successful non-direct blood transfusion, using anticoagulants.

Woodrow Wilson signs a Mother's Day proclamation.

Baseball legend Babe Ruth makes his major league debut with the Red Sox.

First electric traffic light is installed between Euclid Avenue and East 105 Street, Cleveland, Ohio

The Panama Canal is inaugurated with the passage of the SS Ancon.

The first everyday items made of stainless steel come into public circulation.

Federal spending was 0.73 billion

The population was 99,111,000

Ford Motor Co wages jump from $2.40/9-hr day to $5.00/8-hr day
Here's one for my man - 1st US motorcycle race was held in Dodge City, KS. It was300 miles.

The average house cost $6156

A movie ticket was .07

An ounce of gold was $20.16

A 1914 Dodge cost $500. Which was A LOT considering the average wage was only $577.

A gallon of gas would set you back .12

Montana congresswoman Jeannette Rankin, became the first woman in Congress.

Martha, the last surviving Passenger Pigeon died on September 1, 1914 at the Cincinnati Zoo, the species having been commercially hunted to extinction.

The J.L. Kraft Bros. cheese factory was founded by James L. Kraft in Stockton, Illinois - Hooray!!! I love him :-)

Coal was $3.50 a ton and butter was .28 a pound.

W. H. Carrier patents design of the air conditioner. I love this guy too!

Alexis Carrel performs the first successful heart surgery, on a dog. We've come a long way in a 100 years.

The most popular baby names were John and Mary.

The Irish Wolfhound was the most popular dog breed.

Live....

.....entertainment of any kind. I love it all. Music, musicals, plays, all of it. And by now you know, I'm a fan of Nashville :-)

Oh, here is a funny little tidbit - the Nashville Predators, their pro hockey team, has a logo of a saber tooth tiger. Do you know why? (and if you don't care, it's interesting) Because, in 1971 while excavating property downtown, they actually found a saber tooth tiger skull and bones! Apparently it was a pretty big deal. And a replica is on display in the lobby of the building - the real one is in the Smithsonian.

OK, here's the last part of my 'catching up'. We're All for the Hall was pretty good. Especially Reba and Carrie Underwood! Wow can that girl sing!!! 4 hours of non-stop music. What could be better?

Kieth Urban 

Vince Gill

 Brett Eldredge

Brantley Gilbert

Mary Chapin Carpenter

Ronnie Milsap

Reba

Carrie Underwood

Darius Rucker (Hootie)

Deana Carter

Can't wait to go again next year!

Nashville

My husband and I just got back from another 3 day trip to Nashville. I just HAD to go to We're All for the Hall again this year. (more on that coming)

Someone asked me why I like Nashville. Why DO I like Nashville? That's easy. I like Nashville because of it's creative vibe. I love walking down Broadway and hearing all that live music. All of those people just trying to make their dreams come true. All of those people that are brave enough to take risks and patient enough to wait, years in some cases, for their 'chance'. I love the people on the street corners strumin' their guitars and singin' for their supper. It's so cool!

This was our 4th trip. I try to find different things to do whenever we go. The first time we did the regular things...Country Music Hall of Fame, Lane Motor Museum and Broadway. The second time was The Hermitage-home of Andrew Jackson, Brooks and Dunn's last concert and Music Row. The third time was They Ryman Theater-the original Opry, We're All for the Hall, and the Lane Motor Museum and Hall of Fame again. The exhibit in both of those change frequently.

Earlier this week-oru 4th visit, it was a tour of Nashville on Segways, We're All for the Hall and the Bell Meade Plantation.
The Segway tour was awesome fun!! It was only Bill and I so our tour guy was a lot looser. It was about a 12 mile trip and covered a lot of Tennessee history. Tennessee is really proud of it's history so there's a lot to see. Plus, he showed us a lot of things that happened during the 2010 flood. It's so hard to believe that the river could get that high. Anyway, Segways are super duper fun! But you're feet really hurt hurt when you're done. It was a little over 2 hours so just imagine 2+ hrs of standing with your full weight on you toes or your heels! Ouch. If you ever get a chance to do it, wear comfortable shoes!

 Then we walked down Broadway. This is the front window of our favorite store;

Chloe is a cute little Chihuahua who thinks the world revolves around her! And you must pet her if she catches you...she demands it!

This place is the only pre Civil War building left on Broadway. Everything else was torn down and used for blockades. I don't know what occupied it then but the ice cream Mike sells is deelish!

And this is just a small part of Broadway;

Belle Meade Plantation was beautiful. It's the only plantation I've ever been to. It really must have been something back then.

They had their own mausoleum;

their own smoke house;

a kick ass stable (they were famous for their horses); 

they really loved their horses; 

their own dairy;

 

and of course, their own slaves quarters; 

That was pretty much it, one big room. There was a small loft though.

Then there was the plantation itself. Ten thousand square feet on 2000 acres. Gigantic!! 

Bill always says this type of thing isn't his cup of tea but he always enjoys it once we're there.

Moms, brothers, guns and gear

I know I have a lot of catching up to do…and I’ve missed a couple Flashback Fridays…get over it :- )

First up, my brother. I love him. He’s funny and cheerful and sees something good in almost everybody. I guess that’s really the best thing I can say about him – he sees something good in almost everybody. How many people do you know that are like that? Not many I bet. My brother is the sweetest soul. But he has a bad heart. Literally not metaphorically. Last month he had a defibrillator installed in his chest. This may very well save his life someday. Pretty cool. He’s having a hard time with it though. Not that it’s in there but that he needs it. He says he’s too young to have one. Pshh. Also, he hates being off work!! When his cardiologist told him he would be off work for 3 months, he said, 3 MONTHS!!! I can’t be off for 3 months, who am I going to talk to? Poor guy. It’s been a couple months now and he seems to be settling in a little better. He's learning how to pace himself with honey do lists. Now, if they could just get all his medication adjusted correctly!

Next up, my Mom. I love her too. She is a tough cookie. Seriously. How many 74 year old women do YOU know that clean their own gutters??? Mom, you have got to stop doing that!!! My Mom has had a couple rounds of hospital visits. Once for a couple of days after breast surgery and once for a week when her spleen was acting up and she had a strep infection in her blood. During both of those events, she didn’t really feel bad though. You know, not bad enough to be in the hospital. Last month though, she spent 6 days in the hospital feeling like she should be there. She was pissed off about it too! Wow! My Mom is not a good patient. I had no idea. She’s just like my husband when he’s sick. G*R*O*U*C*H*Y. But now she is feeling MUCH better and happy to be home. Me too!!

Rounding out the top 3 for today, 9 acres of guns and gear. That’s right, 9 ACRES! The 2014 National NRA Convention was held in my hometown a couple weeks ago. It was the largest convention the city has ever hosted. Anticipated attendance? 70,000. Yep, 70 thousand! That’s a lot of gun lovin’ folks. Well, I have a cousin who is a gun maker, so naturally he was a vendor at the convention/show. My man and went on the first day, a Friday. I figured it wouldn’t be so busy. HA! Man am I glad we didn’t choose to go on the weekend!! It was interesting though and the people watching was fantastic! And just let me say…not a lot of diversity at an NRA convention. Mwahahahahahaha. Go figure, right?!

…more to come

funny things today...

First up? Today is national jelly bean day! WOOHOO!!!

Next, I saw this on Facebook today and I laughed so long I cried!

On my way to work everyday, I pass this sign...it always has pithy little sayings on it. Sometimes they really tickle my funny bone. Today it looks like this;

And starting today, my home city is starting something call Bike Sharing. This is what the newspaper says;

By Kris Kirschner - bio | email

INDIANAPOLIS -

Visitors and residents in Paris, France can hop on a bicycle and take quick trips around the streets of the city.

Velib, as it is called, is now coming to Indianapolis. Only under a more familiar name.

   
The Indiana Pacers Bike Share program officially launches today along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Visitors will see 250 bright yellow bicycles which are available at 25 docking stations.

   
The idea, to give downtown workers and visitors another commuting option.

   
Karen Haley with the Indianapolis Cultural Trail explained, "It's a bike share program, not a bike rental program. so for a 24 hour pass, you have unlimited 30 minute increment access to bikes."

Organizers expect tourists might use it to visit neighborhoods near downtown. Workers could use bikes to go to lunch, or to a meeting.

   
That's how Luke Leising sees it.  He says his workplace was contemplating starting its own bike share until the city stepped up. "It's a great way to get around Indianapolis,' Leising said. "(We) can get one of these to go to a meeting downtown and back."

   
The Indiana Pacers Bike Share program, paid for through a donation by the Herbert Simon Family Foundation, is meant for short jaunts, not long rides.

   
The cost for a 24-hour pass is eight dollars. An annual pass costs $80. A ride over the allotted 30-minute interval costs a few dollars more for each additional half hour.

 

...and here is a picture of the one outside of my office building;

But nobody has said anything about a theft detourant. Hmmmm. I kind of like the idea though. I would use it, at lunch, just to ride around downtown on a pretty day.

 

And last but not least - This is my favorite part of Spring, when everything looks a little moldy. Right before the buds actually start to look like buds of leaves or flowers, when they're just a little smidge of green on the branch, it makes the trees look like they have mold on them. So when you get a whole mess of trees together, it creates this green haze look. It's neat.

Flashback Friday

I never finished with the totally rad slang terms over the years!
So now...the best slang terms from the (drum roll) 70's!!

Psyche – trick someone

Crib – your home

Dream On – be realistic

In Your Face – embarrassing or upstaging someone

May the Force Be With You – you know this one J

The Man – authority

To the Max – the best it can be

Bunny – a cute girl

Chill – relax

Get Down – dance

Keep on Truckin – go w/the flow

What It Is – What’s up?

Airhead – dump person

Bear, Smokey – cop

Bogus – fake

Bunk – cheap or untrue

Buzz Off – get lost

Catch My Drift? – get it?

Chump – loser, fool

Gag Me With a Spoon – something disgusting

Gnarly – awesome

Gravy – easy

Head – pot head

Hood – a thug

Trippin – going crazy on drugs

Jinkies – “OMG!”

Jive – deceptive or nonsensical

Killer – cool

Kosher – cool, sweet

Mulah – money

Nanoo, Nanoo – a greeting phrase from Mork and Mindy

Narc – tattle tale

Rad – cool

Spiffy – something that looks good

Streak – run in a public place, nude

Tubular – awesome

Word – I agree

Dork – not a ‘cool’ person

Dude – cool or awesome guy

Mellow – relaxed

Shag – to have sex

Tough – really cool

I like 'dude'. I use that one all the time. I'm going to add to the list of slang I want to bring back...gnarly and jinkies. Yep, I like those. Oh, and maybe, tough. I like that one too.

Flashback Friday

stuff

I know I’ve probably said this several times over the years but…how is it even possible for your nose to produce this much snot when you have a cold???? Geez! My sinuses are so loaded, my upper teeth hurt when I cough. Blech. Stoopid nose.

And look…how cool is this?! You can go here and take college courses online, free!

www.coursera.org

That’s awesome.

Also, if you come to our house, don’t use the pillows. You never know where they’ve been!

Flashback Friday

Just after 6 p.m. on April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. is fatally shot while standing on the balcony outside his second-story room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. The civil rights leader was in Memphis to support a sanitation workers' strike and was on his way to dinner when a bullet struck him in the jaw and severed his spinal cord. King was pronounced dead after his arrival at a Memphis hospital. He was 39 years old.

On April 3, back in Memphis, King gave his last sermon, saying, "We've got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop...And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over, and I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the promised land."

The evening of King's murder, a Remington .30-06 hunting rifle was found on the sidewalk beside a rooming house one block from the Lorraine Motel. During the next several weeks, the rifle, eyewitness reports, and fingerprints on the weapon all implicated a single suspect: escaped convict James Earl Ray. A two-bit criminal, Ray escaped a Missouri prison in April 1967 while serving a sentence for a holdup. In May 1968, a massive manhunt for Ray began. The FBI eventually determined that he had obtained a Canadian passport under a false identity, which at the time was relatively easy.

On June 8, Scotland Yard investigators arrested Ray at a London airport. He was trying to fly to Belgium, with the eventual goal, he later admitted, of reaching Rhodesia. Rhodesia, now called Zimbabwe, was at the time ruled by an oppressive and internationally condemned white minority government. Extradited to the United States, Ray stood before a Memphis judge in March 1969 and pleaded guilty to King's murder in order to avoid the electric chair. He was sentenced to 99 years in prison.

I don't believe this...

It is estimated that only about

17 percent of U.S. adults are

considered to be in a state

of optimal mental health.

Mental health is “a state

of well-being in which the

individual realizes his or her

own abilities, can cope with

the normal stress of life, can

work productively and fruitfully, and

is able to make a contribution to his

or her community.”  Improved health

outcomes can often be associated

with positive mental health.

I think that's bullshit. Only 17%? Wow! That makes us a nation of mostly spoiled, whiny, uneducated...oh wait. No. I don't believe it. first of all, us old folks make up the biggest part of the "adults" in this country. WE are not a generation of spoiled, whiny babies. Well, it did say 'estimated', didn't it.

Yay!! I'll be there!!

We're All 4 the Hall

2005 CMA Entertainer of the Year and four-time Grammy Award winner Keith Urban and Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill will host their annual benefit concert for the Museum. The show, themed “Songtellers (A Large Intimate Evening),” will feature an all-star line-up including Urban, Gill, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Deana Carter, Brett Eldredge, Brantley Gilbert, Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap, Kip Moore, Kacey Musgraves, David Nail, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Lee Ann Womack with Buddy Miller and more.