Colorado National Monument

Just a few picture Michael took when we went up to the Colorado National Monument on Thursday...

Art on the Corner

Every year in Grand Junction we have what is called the Art & Jazz Festival. Michael and I have gone most years - I think maybe missing one out of the 6 years we have been together. They close off Main Street and line it with art vendors and then have a stage where then there is of course the other half the name...Jazz. It has gotten smaller each year - or at least it feels like it has to us. But we still go and support Colorado artisans.

With the festival comes the changing out of Art on the Corner. Grand Junction's Main Street has sculptures up and down it which they call Art on the Corner. And many of the pieces get moved or taken out to get ready for new pieces that are basically unveiled at the Art & Jazz festival. It is one of many things that I love about Grand Junction - is the art that lines Main Street.

Here is a few new pieces for 2009...

Beautiful Day

We have had a lot going on here lately. So we just needed a little break. After making a delivery to a neighboring town, we stopped by the grocery store to pick up impromtu picnic supplies. And took the long way back to Grand Junction stopping to have a picnic up on the Mesa. There is still snow up there but it wasn't too cold. Just a cool breeze. And a beautiful view of the San Juan mountain range.

On our way up we stopped in a little town that had a distillary. We took a little tour and the owner was very passionate about it. And we could relate as we are pretty passionate about our business too. Michael had a drink of the whiskey and he said it was incredibly smooth.

While driving up, I had one of those moments that choked me up. Because I realized how blessed I am. I was able to spend the day with my love in our beautiful state just enjoying a nice spring day. It was truly a beautiful day in so many ways.

Art & Food

Today we were up early and out of the house for a Saturday. We had to go do some errands before going to The Gallery B&B's Art Show. It might be the last one of its kind as they are closing the Bed and Breakfast and 2 of their in house artists are moving to a new studio. So we really wanted to be there and support all of them as we have always loved all the art shows they have put on and they are just good people. I picked up a little bowl for Michael's office for his birthday - which he knows about since he was there and said he liked it. And we also got an art piece by Mary Mansfield. I really beautiful mixed media piece that we are probably going to hang in our bedroom.

They always have food out there at the shows one thing was ham with cream cheese spread on it and then wrapped around a pickle. It was really good. So I was telling the ladies there about something I made for a meeting that Michael went to...BLT Roll-ups. The BLT roll-ups was new for me. I was reading another roll up recipe that had bacon and thought why not BLTs. They ended up tasting pretty good. But I never can make my roll ups look perfectly round like most photos I see of them. Anyway....I mixed 1/2 cup of cream cheese (I used low fat cream cheese), 1/4 cup ranch dressing (also light), 1/4 cup mayo (and again light), 1/2 cup diced tomatoes and spread that on tortillas (used 8 tortillas total - I think). I cooked up a whole package of bacon but didn't use 5 slices. I broke the bacon up into little pieces and sprinkled on top of the cream cheese layer. I then chopped some greens up and sprinkled that on as the last layer. Rolled up and cut into bit size pieces - securing with toothpicks.

Here is a picture of them...



Side note: I love that plate I got it for $1 when we were out shopping while my parents were here for my birthday.

Time Lapse

A really good thing that happened this week....One of my very good friend Jessica has been wanting to take a trip so she called together a group of friends (A, C and I) and said lets all get together. So it looks like I am going to have a girls-weekend -- possibly the weekend of my birthday. Jessica is going to fly here and spend 1 or 2 days with Michael and I. And then her and I will drive to C's town since C can't get out of town - we will be having the weekend there. And then A will fly to C. After then Jessica and I will come back here and she will spend a couple days here before going home. So I am really excited about that. I could really use some girl time/friend time.

What else...

We have been up to the Colorado National Monument more lately then we probably went at all last year. Tuesday evening Michael wanted to film a sunset so we went up there to get that. And then Wednesday morning we got up at 4:15 so we could head up there again to film a sunrise. He is going use them as time lapse in a wedding video he is doing.

Tuesday evening before heading up to the Monument we stopped at the library so I could pick up a couple books on hold for me. One really just had me absorbed from the moment I picked it up -- Brave on the Rocks by Sabrina Ward Harrison. I haven't ever read/looked at her first book but of course now want it too. Brave on the Rocks really evoked my emotions, memories and imagination in positive ways. It is a book I would like to own as I am sure it would be a constant source of inspiration through her message and her art.

I finished Breaking Dawn in 2 nights. it is the forth book in the Twilight saga by Stephenie Meyers. I have some issues with Breaking Dawn But I think I will just do a review on good reads since it might have some spoilers. Right now I am reading The Post-Birthday World and I really thought after reading 21 pages that it would be one that ended up on the "didn't finish" list. I then got to a dialog instead of the authors long detailed explanations of things that don't have anything to do with the plot. And helped me plug on. But now is confusing me as the author described one scenario 2 ways. Two different ways it happened, two different sets of feelings and reactions. And the plot seems to go back and forth between the those two scenarios so I am not sure what actually happened. Where I ended off last night seems to have moved past that scenario but the book is still hanging in that....wonder if it will end up on the "didn't finish" list because it is annoying me.

I have been battling with a migraine this week. It started Tuesday evening and still hasn't really let up. I hope to at least get some work done today as I don't feel I have gotten much done this week.

I had the dumb

Today we were out on the Colorado National Monument with the couple whose wedding we are filming. They are a lot of fun so there were many laughs. I still had a little lagging migraine so when we got home I pretty much went to bed. After I got up, I was going to attempt making dinner but thinking wasn't coming so Michael ordered us pizza. Thank goodness because when I came to look up if there were any coupons online - I had to put our zip code in and couldn't even remember it. I had to pull a bill from the stack I had sitting on my desk to input the correct zip code. So I fear what would have happened if I had tried to cook.

Sunny Saturday Out

Michael agreed to do a wedding video. The personal type videos aren't really his main area but he LOVES doing them for the very reason that they are personal -- about people. He likes capturing people. And he has a way that just seems to put everything together to create very beautiful and touching memory.

So today we met with the couple and went through some pictures with them and he asked them some questions to prep for filming them tomorrow. He is doing a pre-wedding interview for the video.

Because it has been raining every afternoon/evening -- we saw clouds forming over the Colorado National Monument -- where we were going to film. So that made us a little nervous that we might get rained out or that one of the areas we were filming would be too muddy to film (coincidentally the place is called Muddy Springs - and even after all the rain it wasn't Muddy). After meeting with the couple we went to check it out and it was fine. It was again nice just to kind of get out of town. I mean it wasn't far -- still in our area but up on the Monument and in Glade Park. But still incredibly beautiful. Always reminding me how lucky we are to live in Colorado.

Unfortunately by the time we got home I had a migraine. So had to take some meds and get into bed with an ice pack. I hope it clears up before tomorrow.

But over all it was a very nice day.


***image I did that was part of a book I made for Michael for Valentine's Day several years ago

Green Bowl

This is a bowl by Damian Radice that we picked up a little over a week ago at the studio tours.

Artful Weekend

We had a really good weekend. Artspace was having the Open Art Studio Tour. It is where you can tour local artists studios. See them work, see their work hanging in their studio and of course buy their beautiful art work. We usually go to two places because one place has several artists. It is a Bed and Breakfast with a gallery and it has out buildings with studios on the property for artists. The people there are lovely. We have worked with many of them too so know them fairly well. The other artist we go to is a good friend. But this time around she decided to go over and share some space at the Bed and Breakfast. So we were able to see 8 artists there. The feel of the place is just so serene but with this funky fun side too. This year they did a postcard project - decorating postcards. They then hung them up on a clothesline and then people could bid on them. The postcards were AMAZING. I told the organizer that if she does this next year I would be interested in participating.

We ended up buying a 2-tone pottery bowl from Damian Rice. And then a small acrylic piece by our friend. We don't have anything by her because well although her pieces are breath-taking we just can't afford her bigger pieces. She told us she was going to do some smaller pieces for those that can't afford the big pieces. Well she did and they were just as great as her large pieces. It is kind of a different style then she usually does but still amazing and of course we found one we really liked (okay several but picked one). Then the artist she was sharing her space with -- I just love to pieces. She has this energy that is contagious. Have you been around those people that are just up beat,excited and full of goodness/kindness -- and you start to feel everything they give off just by being around them....she is exactly like that. We got a piece of hers last year but I was looking for a piece of hers to give as a gift. And I found a little print but I really want to keep it! When we asked how much it was, she was very sweet and told us to take it. The other day she had been scolding me about not wanting to charge for something and then she was wanting to give us the print free. Michael has a bill for her for some website work for around the same price so he is going to rip it up.

We would have loved to buy from another artist there that we really enjoy. Her work really feels so earthy and warm to me. There was one piece I really fell in love with but we just couldn't afford it at this time. Her postcards she did were so beautiful too. One postcard by Dianna Fritzler was called Hanging Barbie Out to Dry. It was all about the the dislike of barbie because of the image she gives off to young girls about being perfect. But the title and the just look of the piece -- Michael LOVED. After he asked her about it and she explained why she did the piece -- he loved it even more.

There was also another little pottery wall hanging that was done in this technique that I can't remember the name for but you pull it from the kiln while it is on fire. And stuff it in a metal garbage can with lots of newspaper, put the lid on and the fire from the kiln sets the paper on fire burning around the piece. It creates this really interesting affect with the glaze. Michael really like one of those so when we went back on Sunday (to discuss something with Dianna about a project we are doing for her), I urged Michael to stop and see if it was still there. And it was so he picked that up too!

I hope to take pictures of everything soon. I really love filling our house with art.

Connections

We are going to an art exhibit opening tomorrow night at Two Rivers Winery for Artspace & Open Studio.

Time - Yesterday, Today and This Week

Michael and I had work yesterday that required us to be up at 5:30am. That was a little insane. We worked really hard plus the room where we were working -- the heat was broken so it was 85 degrees which is quite warm for when just sitting but we weren't just sitting we were working are asses off. On our way home we stopped for Chinese take out so that we could just go home and collapse. We ate and then took showers as we were beyond the expiration date of our deodorant. After showers, we just relaxed and watched movies. We watched the animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I was singing along with the songs -- it was fun! And a nice way to unwind after a long day.

It was our annual parade of lights here in Grand Junction but we knew after having such a busy morning there is no way we would be able to make it. And thank goodness we didn't as the weather got horrid just as it would have been starting last night. Ice hitting the windows and forming on our deck. Baby it's cold outside!

Today I have been doing some cleaning and then one of my eyes all of sudden started acting up. I am still having problems with. It was like the lids stuck to the eye so when I opened my eye it felt like ripping across my eye. Michael looked at the eye after - so did I and it looked fine but at one point today the only time it felt okay was closed. It is like a film is over at at times and also is pretty red tonight. I have been having allergy issues and goopy eyes so not sure if it is related.

This week is going to be very busy for me. Tomorrow I am going to start Christmas decorating. I am sure with other things I have to do I won't get it all done. So I will finish it up on Tuesday. Tuesday we need to do some grocery shopping and I need to finish shopping for his birthday. And then Wednesday finish any cleaning and get ready for Michael's parents to arrive on Thursday. It is Michael's birthday Thursday. I am not sure what I am going to make for dinner on Friday but most of the other meals are planned. Though we did get an email from Michael's parents tonight saying lots of snow in the forecast for the week so that could mean they won't make it over the mountains to our side. Either way my plans for this week will still be busy.

Well I am off to finish cleaning the refrigerator and then fold clothes. We are recording Tinman but probably won't watch it until after all 3 parts are recorded. While I fold clothes, I am going to watch Project Runway as I haven't watched this past weeks episode yet.

Exciting I know.

all the above was written early in the evening...I just forgot to hit post.

What else can I babble on and on about...

We have a new Goodwill here that seems like really well run operation. They have a drive up which is great. People meet you to help carry in your stuff and have real receipts (other place just hands you a little slip with their name on the top and lines to fill out what you brought). We got rid of so much -- it was nice to get rid of it. We were trying to find out if there was a local coat drive too as we have 11 coats and jackets but we couldn't find one. So those will need to be dropped at Goodwill now too.

I am reading the 4th book in the Outlander series. I also have the 2nd book in His Dark Materials series. But I am really enjoying the 4th book. I love that Brianna is in this one. I really hope that continues on as it seems like it might. I am only a little ways into the book yet so don't know how much she is there. But enjoying it so far. I am actually thinking I will go read a bit before bed.

I feel really tired today but I don't know why I do.

Artspace & Open Studio

There is a great group here in Grand Junction called Artspace & Open Studio. Michael and I are working on their website. It is going to be a pretty big website so it will take a few months to get it going. But for now I put up a temporary site to keep people up-to-date.

Artspace & Open Studio

Eight

We went to In the Garden Art Show & Sale. A friend had this piece in her house that I gushed over. She said she did a trade with him...a piece of his for one of hers. The piece she has was a fairly large assemblage. Anyway we have since seen his not only the assemblages but collage photography. Every time I see work by him - I say how much I like his work. It is just really interesting to me. So we are walking around the show and we come upon his stuff. I know my eyes just lite up. We were leaving the area and Michael asked if I wanted one of the assemblages. I said yes and went straight for the one with the 8. I love numbers in art (maybe some people have noticed that on my art lol)

The artist doesn't have a website - I think he should though!

John Anglim's...Eight...



(He does have a website for his band --- Flat Top Reed)

In the Garden

....at The Gallery B&B

Saturday, June 16, 2007 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Art Show and Sale

There will a variety of fine art and crafts offered plus Maddie Mae will have brats and fresh salads available. The event itself is free but there will be a wonderful collection of art and crafts for sale!

Art Tour

I really enjoyed this afternoon. We went to an art studios tour. There is a local art organization that planned what is called the Open Art Studio Tour. It is where local artists open up there studios for people to come and visit, look at their art, buy art, and so on. We first went to Diana Wood's studio. I have been in it a few times as I designed her website and Michael and I are friends with her and her husband. Her art is gorgeous! Beautiful colors and textures. I hope one day we are able to get a piece by her.

Then after that we went to another place...some people we know have space on their property for several artists plus they are a bed and breakfast (The Gallery Bed and Breakfast). Their property and the studios are simply amazing. While we were there someone said it is like being in Taos...and I was nodding. It is quite the artful paradise! We ended up buying a really pretty pottery bowl by Damian Rice. And then a painting by Dianna Fritzler of M&M's. Michael's initials being MM has meant he has collected M&M stuff over the years. So when I was flipping through a stack of work by Dianna I started squealing with when I saw the M&M's! I told Michael he NEEDED it for his office! He happened to agree! Dianna does landscapes, animals, still life...everyday things but all with vibrant color, wonderful texture and a lot of whimsy! All of her pieces are really so much fun! You just can't help look at them and feel good and smile! She is SO inspiring...she just has so many ideas and great energy! She has been very encouraging of me getting involved in the local art community. And after walking around and seeing all the art....it was very inspiring to me. I really wanted to come home and go to my studio right away and create but after having such a long day my body and brain couldn't handle it. This morning we had a photography shoot that was over an hour away. When we got back to town at a little after 1pm, we dropped equipment off and then left for the tour.

The bowl by Damain Rice...is it pretty? The colors are amazing...had to get photos of it from all sides as it so pretty!



M&M's by Dianna Fritzler....So FUN!

Area Event...

If you are in the Grand Junction area....and want to pick up some good quality art for great prices make sure to check out this event....

5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
The Art Center
1803 N 7th Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501

Admission: $20/person

Over 145 pieces of fine art, ceramics, Persian rugs, Russian Impressionists, and collectibles will be auctioned in a fund raiser for The Art Center's exhibition and education programs. Silent Auction from 5:30-6:45pm. Live auction starts at 7pm. Cash bar, hors d'ouevres.

Phone: 970-243-7337
http://www.gjartcenter.org

Michael and I each have works in it. He has his Barbwire I and II and I have Tap the Maidens.