That was a dry spell...I know...

I am still coming back from the whirlwind Queen of Arts. This was such a great event. They tried to give me the credit but I am not worthy....Really it just works. Everyone (36 artists and the Elverhoj Museum staff) does their job and it all happens. Esther at the Elverhoj is the real work force. This 3 day event is so amazing on so many levels. The first impression is WOW...everyone is so talented! You look around at everything and are amazed at the polished look of it all. We had several new artists and they really took it up another notch. I defy you to find an event with a more diverse array of great art. Another level is the feeling of community. One artist wished she could go camping with everyone. I know what she meant...it has a "good times" feel to it all. And one more level is the growth in the artists that I have seen over the years. That is very exciting for me.





I was gifted with the most amazing art from all the artists! I brought home my basket of goodies and I was blown away as I combed over each special piece. It was better than Xmas. Not only did I get things I had been eyeing, I got beautiful things I had not seen and were pick out by the artist for me....which makes the gift special in new way. Thank you everyone. I really don't know how to express my gratitude.



After the event Shelly, Carol, Ruth and I went out to the sushi place to unwind. This is such a sweet pic of Ruth and Carol....

I have lots to do yet...

....for Queen of Arts...But at least I feel like I have something!





Think I will get this done?

Jill is trying to get a screen mural done and some jewelry....We can only hope.

....and of course I can't post without a cutie shot....

simple yet precious

Originally uploaded by * Eartha Kitsch *

Uploaded by * Eartha Kitsch * on 23 Oct 09,
Sung by Washington Phillips. Enjoy...

How do I start....

Probably by the time I post this it will be the anniversary of my brother, Steve's birthday. He would have been 69 . Even though this year has brought me many joys it has been the roughest year of my life. I like to keep my blog positive and fun but this is the time to let you see how I feel a little... Most of you know my husband fought off cancer this year and it was a hard battle that he has won and we are so thankful for that. But at the same time I was slowly losing my older, but not oldest brother.

Even though growing up, in our family we were all jokers and loved to laugh, Steve was the best at jokes and good stories. He had a tough time with school work but was well liked, handsome, could work on cars and loved gymnastics. Everybody...especially the girls...liked Steve. After he got married at 18 he would come by and talk for hours about what he had been doing. I was always amazed that with all the close calls with power lines while tree trimming, brush fires, driving and boat adventures, he was never seriously hurt.....until 8 years ago when he was on a motorcycle trip. That was almost the end then. I am thankful it was not even though it is what led to his death. I got 8 more years of shared stories, shared additions to our families and shared love and respect for each other. No one knows you like a sibling does.....Not much else I can say but I love you Steve and will keep you in my heart ...til we meet again....I think I will call Neale and Nate tomorrow.

Mark your calendars...

It is going to be the biggest and best one ever...lots of new artists and great stuff from the returning artists. This is not to be missed!

new stuff.....

I am likin' these....

There was a party goin'

Well we had a shindig at the Art Clinic Friday that was something else.... Carol is now the big 5 0...and she brought it in with a bang. There was food and dancing and lots of wonderful people and laughs. I did not get but a few pics but I enjoyed seeing Carol so happy.
I think this is Finnish for "You are so over the hill now..." I could be wrong.

fun day....

Some art girls went to Penny's to play today. Fun to catch up with everyone. We did a little project...a hand sewn (except for Penny) house pin cushion


and had a great lunch with Penny's potato salad, green salad, fried chicken and carrot cake. We got to see some of Wayne's and Penny's recent work and we did a little goofing around...I know hard to believe
....we admired Penny's amazing house and recent yard work
and just had a relaxing day. Some could not come and some had to leave early but it was still a fun day. Thank you Penny!!!

New restaurant in town

...well not really. It is an old place that moved to a new building. Earl and I sat outside at the Touch and it was perfect temp...so rare for Solvang. It is Chinese ...if you didn't already figure that out.

Tomorrow Mary Stanley is having a rug hooking class at the ART CLINIC. I will try to get some picture. Barbara Carr is planning a felt bag class with a resist lining for Sunday Oct.25. I am so excited to have these great teachers back at the Art Clinic.

Poor Madison

This is what teething looks like......

My little love...

I should start the morning watch this....

I love it...Thanks Maili for finding this cool site! turn it up

a peek at my world....

This is what I call "Lala"...I share a spot with my buddy, Lansing, in the Los Alamos Antique Mall. I have been really busy since Madison came into our lives and have not been working it like I should. Lansing has all the excellent pottery. He is very good at identifying unmarked pieces and knows the year they changed the molds etc. I price things more loose. I paid x so I will sell it for xx....I enjoy doing this and I am happy when I cover my rent. I need to put about half of my various collection in here.....but that takes time I don't have right now.....

And here is my main job....
After Madison did her thing at Jill's...Joe thought they had been broken into....She is an amazing mess maker! ...but so sweet. She is starting to pretend and play with dolls and stuffed animals. She is tucking them in, gently patting and kissing them...but she hits and pinches the cats...no matter how much I scold her......drives me nuts. Then she puts her arms around me and gives me a little pat and I am better.

Fun day at the Art Clinic

Sukey's amazing piece....

We all got plastered at the Art Clinic today...I mean we did some art with plaster of Paris. I took a class from the amazing Stephanie Lee last May and I was ready to do some more art like she taught me. So I invited Diane R., Carol. Sukey, Mary, Barbara and Sue to come play with me. It was really fun and exciting to see what everyone did.



This is my latest abstract called ...Floral Arranging 101....

I just got this cool piece of Wodaabe handwork from Lori. I love it! There is a little burn in the fabric that they did handwork over...Lori knew I would love this piece.

a little beach time

It so fun to watch Madison discover all the wonderful mysteries of the beach.....