Learning To Merge Into The Fast Lane...

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Second Saturday Still Hopping!

I was out and about last night for the Second Saturday ArtHop, even if I did get out a little late!  I was Disappointed that I did not get to have a Spot on the Hop with my show at the Bohemian Art Loft, but alas, it is the"Traveling Bohemians" after all!  They had an out of town performance so they could not be open last night!  What a bummer for me...

Anyhoo...We didn't get started until almost 7, so we went straight over to the Gallery 833, which is always our "kick off" point for Hopping, then we work our way back across town!  As always, Dennis Halkides and his Gracious family had a Wonderful Show in full swing!  The guest Artist was very sweet and had some very nice pieces, but the "833" moment of the night for me, I have to say, was a new picture in his Gallery of the Jewish Cemetery in Prague, as he told me the story, it took my breath away!  What a powerful image, very haunting and memorable... I also want to comment on what a spectacular table of Tid-Bits they had, I especially Loved the pickled Asparagus!!!   Oh Yum!!   I still miss Ann & Jeanette, I was thinking of them...I swear... :)

Since we lingered too long at 833, we made a mad dash for the Vintage and could barely squeeze through, in fact we didn't, I plan on going in next week to see the Artwork!  What to say, they remain a staggering favorite on the course!

We were bent on making it to the "Empty Lot" event at the Corner of Market & Shasta Streets, put on by a WHOLE lot of People... Ashley Wagar, Tyler Faires, Ben George, Mike Cruz, Brent Van Auken, Wesley Jensen, Sheena Rae George, C.d. Tomcat, Emily Applekamp, Amanda Honeycutt and I have to say IT ROCKED!!  I met lots of People and Artists that I only knew on Facebook, like "The Good Stuff Girl", "Dark Pony Designs" and more!  Thank youze Guyze, I hope you do it again!!

Then, walking on the rocks gave me multiple Herky-Jerkys and I had to leave...

We still had a blast and I can't wait till the next!! :)

"Till Then And Now" Show Opens With A Crowd!!

Okay, Okay, so it was a SMALL crowd...but it was big for ME!!  I think I had about 25-30 people come through!!  YAYAY!  :)  I was very excited to see so many people come! I had plenty of new pieces, so even the people that have seen some of my pieces at other Venues got to see something new!!  I am very happy with the Direction my new work is going, but last nights show was a cross section of works I created long before my injuries and what I have done recently!

I have several new canvases I want to start working soon as well as I am putting up new canvases soon!  I will be doing new canvases next week, while I still have enough heat and sun to "Cure" them!  So I will be hoping for and looking forward to doing yet another show soon!! :)

I made a "Antipasto Pasta Salad" that grew and grew like a stone soup that ended up big enough to serve a small army though, so even with my Great turnout, I took Plenty Home!!

I'm Just Necking Along Now!!

Yes! Wapaw!  I got my Gallery Cards done yesterday!!  YAY!  I am just going crazy trying to get everything ready for my upcoming show!  I am very excited, but also struggling my Azz Off! :(
I have definitely been taking my physical limitations to new measure!  My G-Kids think I should do a video of me painting while having a Herky-Jerky!  Although, I do not technically Paint While I am having one, I always stop...it would be a (funny?) interesting video! :)  I wonder what kind of music I could put that to?  Hmmm... imjstkidding...noreally...

Look "Who" Is In The Mix!!

http://www.redding.com/events/2011/aug/03/10517/

ME!  I am now beaming!! I am going to have my very own Solo Show right here in Lovely Redding, Ca. at the Bohemian Art Loft, 3304B Bechelli Lane!!!  YAY!  I hope to see a lot of friends, all friends whether real or imagined!! I am going to have a drawing for one of my Paintings, so even if you do not make it to the Opening of "Til Then And Now", Please try to come by, the show will be up through August!  The Bohemian Art Loft is truly a wonderful little Gallery that always features a ton of local artists, handmade jewelry, cards, prints and more! Plus the Owners Nadia and Peter are Delightfully sweet, ready to greet you and very Exuberant about what they Do! :)

Another Hopping Good Saturday!

I was out in full force last night with a Carload! LOL! I got out late, had the Grand kids in tow and the rush was on! :)

We started out at the North Valley Art League where I was looking for Pam Bennett! She was the featured Artist and had a couple of her Very Big Paintings there, that she worked entirely in Grey Scale! They were fantastic, nearly photographic looking! It was Very Impressive! Also up is the current Members Show “Daze of Summer”! Their hors d'oeuvres were nice, complete with somebody's Home Made lemon Squares and Tasty Shrimp!

Then we were off to the Old City Hall (SCAC) where they have a awesome Show Called "The Natural Step", highlighting the theme of natural form and features the works of a lot of excellent local Artists!  I have to admit that I have a special weakness for a good Baked Brie, so I found myself lingering a tad too long at the Tid-Bit Table!

Following the horrendous parking issue I had, we finally made our way to Leatherby's Creamery!  They were featuring the work of one of my Favorite Groups the "Artistic Endeavors"!  I love the stuff they bring in, it is always fresh, well executed and presented very well! 

We rushed to get over to see my Artist friend Raette Meredith doing an exuberant demonstration at the "Redding City Ballet Company", she is always putting herself out there for her demonstrations and is forever inspiring to everyone that watches, which is definitely the case this time! :) 

We finished off the evening by dropping in at the "Viva Downtown" to see some nice Photographic works on Canvas then across the street to my Favorite End Spot "Vintage Wine Bar" where an old Favorite Gene Knaebel had a really fantastic body of works featuring Photos on Canvas of Murals from the Coit Tower in San Francisco!

All in all it was a really great Hop Night and I hope we can get out a little earlier next month though! :0

Neck Brief; Arachnoiditis and Action Myoclonus with Generalized Dystonia

In late September of 2006 I injured myself while doing work on a truck!  To make the longest story brief, I am too short and too round to reach into the engine compartment, so, I went in and retrieved a chair from the dining room.  Almost every time I applied heavy torque to the wrench, it would throw off my fulcrum point and the chair would flip out backwards; I would pitch forward and then be left straddling the front end!  This actually occurred several times spread out over 3-4 hours and the whole ordeal was quite the fiasco!  Breaking wires, banging my head, smashing fingers, the balancing act and the busted parts!  Sometime during this circus act, my whole right side, from the breastplate down, went numb and I just figured I must have hit a nerve and it would get better after some rest!  Some days later I was rushed into surgery where they were desperate to see if I could be brought back from what was now nearly complete paralysis due to a pair of burst cervical vertebrae. It was more like a "Permanent Contraction" position in, that all my muscles were in a "Charley Horse" that would not release!

After a 7 hour ACDF at C4-7 with a Titanium VBR C5&6, I can walk again!  Hip-Hip- Hooray!  Smile, SMILE!  But, I still have some problems.  I am completely numb on the outside from my right armpit, across the breast line, straight down dead center of my body, all the way to my toes. EVERYTHING there is numb on the outside and it feels weird and awkward, then there is of course, the high voltage electricity that runs along the same said course on the inside.  It is exactly the same thing as when you sit too long in one position and your butt and/or leg goes to sleep and then when you stand up, it feels "dead" and the communications to the brain aren't making it and so the "messages" are just going haywire and feels like you are "electrified", It feels like the noise made in the power lines along side the railroad tracks. I am like one of those Orbs at the Fair that have electrical "Lightning" on the inside and when you touch it the zapping moves all around!  Most of the time it is a low voltage, it is just a low buzzing hum and then at other times it really starts cracking, snapping and popping!  Then, every once in awhile it randomly sends a jolt so strong, it can knock the air out of me like falling out of a tree.  The one thing it does NOT Do however is Go Away!  No, It never EVER STOPS, it keeps on buzzing 24/7, never ending electrical zingers!!  The level is the only thing that changes, it fluctuates in "waves" like one of those "Bio-Charts" of the 70's you could get for 25c at the Arcade!  Meet "Archnoiditis”, no, it is NOT a fear of spiders…

Externally? On the skin?  Nope, no feeling, none, gone are the Cutaneous Receptors; can’t feel a thing, scrapes, cuts, bites or sting, no not even heat nor cold!  However I do have some whacked out, seriously out of control, overactive, "Proprioceptors" to terrorize me!  If I do something or “experience” anything that “sets off” or “triggers” a proprioceptive response, it begins a “Storm” of uncontrollable muscular (Action Myoclonus w/ Generalized Dystonia) and nerve firing that we simply call the “Herky- Jerkys”!  My entire body convulses in a horrendous spasmodic episode that (when going full bore) essentially feels like I’m having a Baby while being Tazored!  This is usually centered in/or around my (still) numb right lower quadrant.  The firing and zapping can come in various ways, such as rapid sparks that causes just small "jerking" responses in one or two areas like the thigh or side, or it can zap and grab causing a total body spasm like a giant "charlie horse" "locking" me up either front or back , with an Rhythmic change up, so that I feel like I am being ripped apart.  They usually only last a couple to few minutes or so but on occasion, I have had some last up to 20, depends on what I was doing that brought it on!  It always reminds me of what that film “Hell-raiser” looks like it might feel, with all those “meat hooks” tearing through and ripping the flesh, only for me it is on the inside instead!  I sometimes scream...but I try not to, it really upsets people!  Having a baby (10), (severe) Herky Jerky (9.5), gallstone attack (9), Tattoo on inner/upper thigh (8)!  Eventually, the zapping will gradually subside like a tuning fork, slowly fading away, then just as I catch my breath, the “burning lava” starts pouring through my body along the entire right side, feeling EVERY inch, this is where "selective memory" allows you to live through to the next episode... 

These spasmodic episodes (HJs) are totally unpredictable.  What brings one on in one instance doesn't necessarily mean the same thing will bring it on every time.  Some days I can get away with doing a lot of things and often push, then, there are days that the Current is very high and It can be triggered by anything; getting hot, a shiver, stepping on an uneven surface, showering, clothes that rub me or are too tight, lifting something the wrong way, bumping into anything, even as light as the wind or just someone touching me!  Shivering or being nervous, I have even started from eating ice cream a couple of times!  I can just be lying there asleep and something will turn up my “voltage” and wake me up, BAM, within 1-2 minutes something, even just the blanket will “trigger” it, or I simply start "Dreaming" I am having one just to awake and find out I am!  Simple everyday events can become horrendous ordeals!  Putting on my socks might mean a 10 minute passage through Hades!  I live my whole life in between these episodes.  How many I have per week generally depends on my level of stubbornness and persistence at trying to do things, but I guess on average I have between 15-20 pretty considerable ones and maybe another 25 not so bad.  Every once in a while, I’ll have a REALLY bad day and have HJs all day, some little, some medium, with a couple of bigger ones thrown in for good measure.  On these days I end up just staying on the sofa, chair or anywhere trying not to move.  I never really know when one is going to happen, but sometimes I can tell my voltage meter turns way up, then it is just a matter of hold on, find a spot!  Occasionally, I even get away without a full HJ and will just get a few jolts!

I can just barely bend over, pick up or carry anything more than a loaf of bread, pushing or pulling is skeptical at best and anything over my head is out of the question!  Before the surgery my left arm was in permanent state of contraction, like a chicken claw.  So now, even though I can use it freely, it still wants to “Pop” back into that contraction.  It just hangs back, right at the edge, so I can get away with a significant amount of “activity” with that hand, but if I try to hold onto something a little too long, with a little too much force or just in an odd position, it will just go “snap” right into a “Charley Horse”.  My right arm has a rhythmic “dance” to perform during most Episodes!  I must be very careful because my legs can and will sometimes just not do what I think they are supposed to be doing.  Then of course the added bonus of having an outright full blown HJ if I stumble or fall! If I am out in public this will always result in someone wanting to call an ambulance.  When I fall, I just try to aim towards something soft, a sofa or chair, at least the carpet!  I will generally end up on the floor a couple of times a month, by just not paying attention and “whump”, there it goes!  I have trouble sitting for very long at a time because my side will start burning like fire; the insides start jumping around like I have teeny tiny firecrackers going off up and down my whole right side.  I must say that my honey is not very happy these days either.  Not only the huge shift of extra chores, but putting up with EVERYTHING comes all right back onto him!!

I cannot seem to tolerate the drugs for much of anything, they never do anything for the pain anyway and I can’t live with the side effects of all that crap, mostly the dizziness, constipation and nausea thing!  They piled those prescriptions on, I had some prescriptions to fight the side effects of some of the medication!  Really? They didn't even WORK!!  I have had real issues with pain pills and bowel problems before in my life, it wasn't long before THAT cycle was just as unbearable as my illness... that the drugs were not helping anyway!!  I also am intolerant of the “groggy zombie” feeling!  I'm not sure that actually qualifies as LIVING anyway... Even though I tried quite a few Pharms like Neurotin, Lyrica, Baclofin and so many others… I quit, it never turned off the “Electricity” or stopped the HJ’s!  I do take a Valium and a muscle relaxer once in awhile,  I primarily rely on Teas and my Herbs!  I am a Certified MMJ and an admitted PotHead!  I do not really intend to justify my use, it works for me, … even if anyone else "thinks" it does not, THEY are not living inside MY body and I DO, so there!  I do not propose that it has or will 'cure' me, there is NO CURE FOR THIS!  The only thing that can be done for me is to try to mask the symptoms, up to and including morphine!  I do not believe I am better off strung out on Morphine than Happily using my MMJ and living life, still doing something, not a zombie laying in bed waiting to die!   It does not Cure me, Fix anything or perform any miracles but at the very minimum…I do NOT CARE AS MUCH!!  I like smoking it, I gave up a 35 year Tobacco Habit to smoke it! Been years, I don't miss the Tobacco at all!  If I am sick or feeling full of allergies, my preferred method is to Vaporize, as this is the best medicinal delivery available at this time!  I also use it in oils, tinctures, butter and edibles!  Yes, I AM HIGH ON POT, instead of the 16-25 pills a day of Pharmacopia I was on before…that didn't work anyway…but were eating my insides away...

I cannot achieve my level of previous life activities, because she was a whole other person.  I can do a little, unassisted in the kitchen, lifting pans is really hard and "Big Cooking" is too much of an Ordeal...  I am not happy that so many of my meals are ready made these days, it is too hard sometimes, I do keep trying!  My husband now shoulders both His job & a Big Part of Mine too!  I try to go shopping when someone else is available to go with me AND if there is an electric cart available.  Many trips to the grocery store have been aborted because there was not a cart available.  A lot of stores and shops I can’t even go to at all anymore because I can’t walk that far and also most anyone with me is petrified I may have a HJ.  They are pretty embarrassed to say the least, I have been told by people that were startled and surprised about my condition, that I should stay home and not put "strangers" through these episodes!  I am sorry they feel that way....

Harder yet is that I can no longer work or earn a living!  Besides the money problems, it is gut wrenching not to be able to pick up and use my tools, not in the kitchen, nor in the shop.  I can’t operate a drill, grab a staple gun, use a saw or hammer.  Just holding my own arms up is very difficult so I can just barely hold anything up to sew at the machine, then the other day, sewing a button by hand took me about 20 minutes because I had to stop 3 times.  My life as Ms. Fix it is over, so now I am striving to create “art”.  I refuse to sit like a zombie in front of the boob tube and vegetate, so I paint and draw, write and sew when I can tolerate sitting, and piddle with various forms of other handcrafts that can be readily picked up and put down.  My husband even helps me when it comes to that because you would be surprised how much "labor" there is in "ART"!  

Before, my life was a very physically propelled world.  I was an Upholsterer, Seamstress, Artist and could "Do It" for an army of people, avid co-op gardener, out-door enthusiast, fanatical do-it-yourselfer and a mechanic when one was needed!  I loved hiking, boating, working with my hands, could whip up a meal for 10 people in an instant, “run out” after $200.00 worth of groceries, fix and repair nearly any household disaster, operate most any type of tool and even held a commercial drivers license!  My idea of a good time was a tag sale and run at the flea market!  Now the order of life is… no bending, stooping, twisting, lifting, carrying or pulling!  I used to be a hero, now I am just a zero!  I owned a little Toyota, but it is a stick shift and I cannot push and pull effectively enough to shift and left me terrified I would have a HJ behind the wheel, plus It is very hard to turn my head enough to look over my shoulder. So it is extremely hard for me to get around, I almost always have to rely on somebody else to be with me!  There are not too many things I can do on my own and I had a very limited social life to begin with, now, is nearly non-existent!    

At least I can try to do something in between the spurts of dealing with the demons!  I am desperately trying to find a way to help out financially and help to provide some kind of income!  Now, I have been trying to sew some as well as sell my paintings!  I am so grateful to be walking and using my arms, able to live life, that I feel ashamed to complain about my whinny aches and pains.  I know that some people would gladly tolerate my quibbling pains just to be mobile again!  Still, I must admit, that it is VERY depressing and I struggle not to despair daily.  I try to think of positive things and look for ways to be functional in between.

If you are reading this, then Thank-You!  May only positive energy flow through your life!

The Fair Is In Town! The Fair Is In Town!

Oh How I Love The FAIR!!  I will be there, out and about looking at all the wonderful wares!  I am soooo Happy to live so close, it feels Extra Special That Way, like I'm out visiting with my Neighbors!  :)

See you there! :)

Keep Local Talent "MOOoving" And That's No "Bull"!

I love it when Local Artists Break out and do something so Clever and Lively!

This local young talent Artist Kong Souriyavong has been busy on several projects around town and is really putting out some 'Moooving" work!  HAHAHA!  I hope to see even more of his good works soon, I believe he is also doing a Mural at the Anderson Teen Center as well!


So, I can't wait to catch him in action soon and see what else he has working!
Remember, Keep It Local!

Great Music, Shamrock Style Pulled Pork & A Little Rain!

What a great way to finish of a wonderful day here in Redding, on a slightly rainy day, enjoying the fine offerings of being out and about in Redding !  I started out at the The Annual Redding Whole Earth And Watershed Celebration, but made it a point to finish off my Day-trip over at the Shamrock Cafe,  where my friend Mark Loring was rocking the Block lining up some fine Music and attracting the crowds where he was plying some really Awesome BBQ Tri-Tip and Pulled Pork!


Wow!  I barely caught a glimpse of Feral Farm,

but you know they were a real crowd pleaser, they have a history!  I don't know who let Cirtus wear a Security Shirt, what were they thinking? LOL! :)  I also caught some more groovy tunes that ended out with a group called Magic Bus!  Yay!

Mark has it going on now setting up his BBQ, even going to be out at the Harlot Show in Anderson coming up in May near my neck-o-the woods!!  I know he has been busy and working hard, so I am glad to see he is going strong!

Studio Smells Like Paint!

I can't help it!  Even though I still don't have any "official" place for things to dry I had to paint SOMETHING!!  HaHaHA!  I only put down a couple of colors...it won't take much for that layer to dry!  :)

Sunshine Driving Me To Start Slinging Something

Around in the Studio that is!  I have about 4 Canvases that are just itching for a start!  I lost my drying rack over the Winter, so now I am going to have to wing it until I can go get me another!  Plus, coming soon is the Pecha Kucha Night!  I am already working on my presentation and I am nervous but it should be a Blast!

What Is Going On In The Studio?

"Paradiso" Original Framed 9"x12" $275

Today I am trying to tie up some projects that have been dragging on Wayyy tooo looong and get it Outta Here!  :)

So, up first, the finishing touches to this Custom Upholstered Frame I made for this Original Acrylic Painting, named "Paradiso", in honor of my friend that liked it...that will possibly end up owning it?  IDK

Right now it is for sale!  $275  It is not on display anywhere, it is still on my easel awaiting the power tool wielding Hunny to attach the hangers!  :)

Sundial Film Festival Had A Big "Breakdown"!

At least that was the Film that took #1 for the Night!  LOL!  It was a rousing hand of applause when things went "Splat" for the Lady(?) of the film!!  Josh McHale of L.A. took home the Big Prize!! :)
Apparently we are still awaiting the People's Choice Award Tally, so keep in touch here... Sundial Film Festival

There were numerous faces I recognized, although I could not get through the Sea Of People to touch bases with most of them!  Yay!  That is a Great thing to see Soooo many people out having a blast involved with the Arts in Redding!

But... what an awesome time we had out and about at the Festival!  I got to see Jeff Loveness again!  I have been following him since the First SFF when he won for his short called "Profiles Are Lovely"! What a doll he is... his (2011) short film "Contact" was very thought provoking and another Classic! Now that he is officially a Grad from Pepperdine University I can't wait to see him fly!!  :)

Sundial Film Festival Excitedly Anticipated!

I wish there was a sticker!  I used to love those stickers people handed out for promos!  Annoying as hell, but boy sometimes they could Really Stick Around!  :)
I would be getting my 3rd one this year!
Hey, I voted, Did You? :)

Rumors Are Rumors... ArtHop Is Still Rockin!

I know I have heard here and there that the Arthop (Will, Has) dropped off because Troy and Adam have been making moving plans, but I have to say I Don't Think So!  I think they have really laid the groundwork and that it will survive and keep going strong however it is handled!

I was shoulder to shoulder in the crowds at Gallery 833, owned and operated by Dennis Halkides, located on Misteltoe!  It was a lively bunch, with a couple of the Artists on hand fielding questions and talking about their work!  I was delighted to see Barbara Enochian there, awesome collage work presented, I did get to see her for just a moment before she was swept away! One of my friends was absolutely delighted to meet and talk with the Artist responsible for the Cool Steel Fish along the new stretch of 44, John Streeby and talked his ear of for about 1/2 an Hour!  It was very exciting and as my new official Arthop Kickoff point, since the Infinite Designs is now history, I did not have a hard time choosing, as I am a sucker for good Wine & Cheese of which Dennis and his Family have been providing since their opening!  I was partial to Jeanette and Ann though...  miss them much...

Anyhoo... so off to a Hopping good time, we ran through as many as we could, Vintner's, NVAL, Carnegies (which apparently does not have a web), and Vintage, meeting and greeting heavily along the way!  There were plenty of crowds and a lot of people having a great time, no fizzle here!  :) I am not sure where the After Party wound up, but we ended the Evening at the ever wonderful Tapas, sharing a piece of Delectable Delightful Cod and a final glass of Red!  Owner, Brad graciously patient as we hung on endlessly...  :) Thank you & Ohh-LaLa, here is to the next Hop!  :)

Fabulous & Fun! February ArtHop Fans Find Rambling, Rolling & Rocking Good Times!

I am so exhausted from being out and about last night that I am ELATED!  WooHoo!  I really had a great time, even though it was a "Bon Voyage" for my great Buds over there at Infinite Designs!  That part SUCKS!  But hey, go over there and check out the great deals (Hilltop plaza, across from Country Kitchen!) as they close their doors, get to know a couple of great people and find out about their great upcoming ventures!  WeLoveYouzGuyzMan!  :0

Anyhoo... I started out the evening at the Party happening for the Grand Opening of a New And Awesome little Tattoo place, on Bechelli, right close to Cypress and Bechelli!  Bombshell Tattoo & Body Peircing!  They had an awesome beat hitting the pavement out Front called "Sawyer Family" I have to say they were definatly Rocking The Shitz Outta That Crowd!  :)  It was packed out there, you couldn't get near the staging area!  I was thanking The Placard for my parking as they were WAYYY down the street, around the block!  Block Party was ON!  I am sure it was pleasing to the Ladies in the Parlor, they seemed to be having a Grooving GOood TIme while I was skulking around!

I have to say though, that one of the Highlights of the event for me was Meeting "The Redding Roller Girls"!  OMG, I was so blown away!  I freaking love these guys!  Okay, so it was only a couple of the ladies, but it is so weird meeting people in person after you only see them online!  First off I am talking to one Lovely Lady and I turn around, there is the Redding Roller Girls Head Coach Kandi KutThroat!  Heyyyy!!!  Bam!  These Ladies are sooo awesome!  As a youth, I was inspired by the likes of Raquel Welch in a BlockBuster Movie "Kansas City Bombers"!  So for me, I just grin ear to ear as I see these "Super Women" in Persona!  I can't wait to drag my Grandkids down to see a scrimage with these Marvelous Powerful Women!  Inspiring!

After peeling myself away from The Bombshell, I made my way to Infinite Designs where I knew I was saying goodbye to my favorite place!  The Ladies there always have such an awesome attitude, wonderful people and great Artists, a shop FULL of Wonderful gifts and Goodies as well as a spectacular spread of tasty TREATS!!  A greeting, like your really welcome, makes you feel special and they are always ready to show you their treasures and "Brag" for their Artists!  I am so going to miss these wonderful ArtHop Hosts!  Ursula was there with her Hand Made Artistic Jewelry Pieces that always call out to an inner need to touch something beautiful and natural...as if it helps to ground you and feel peace!  She is just one of many Artists that will be fanning out looking for new Venues to share their work!  Also, Meeting Tommy Corey, the Master Mind Behind the Now Infamous Self Worth Project was an absolute delight!  His ideas and thinking are young, honest and feel ...right!

Bye-Bye Wonderful Ladies of Infinite Designs, we will miss you but may the Goddess Of Great Fortune Shine Her Light Down To You On Your Journey's In Life!

Then after having way too much fun at the Fabulous Infinite Designs, I made my way down to the Gallery on Mistletoe known as the Gallery 833.  The Gallery Owner, a very nice Gentleman, Dennis Halikides, always has some spectacular pieces of his own that he keeps fresh and shows off his keen eye and great taste!  He specializes in printing "Giclee" and I would love to find out more about that process sometime! He also has a knack for always having guest artists with a very special touch for what they do and this month was no exception in " Cara Morgan", who's Pastel and Pencil works were absolutely mesmerizing and made me look several times as I thought them photographic!

After making my way across town, almost out of time, I barely made my way over to the "Oregon Street Antiques" where my Favorite Local Watercolor Genius, Howard "Luke" Lucas was doing a LIVE DEMO!  Always a delight to watch him work!  He has contributed to more young minds in the Artworld than can be counted!  He says he has done 79 of his "Paint Free Be Free" Events and after he has done his 100th he will do no more!  OMG!  What a loss that will be!

A quick cruise through Tapas to catch an attractive show by Artist Nanci Sackett, as always very beautifully rendered pieces, proving her talents of hand eye vision and precise execution!  I even saw Troy Hawkins there enjoying some tidbits and friendly atmosphere as I made my way through to end the evening with a very nice Red on Ice (which I know just kills everyone) at the Vintage! I have to dig more and come out with a part two for the show at Vintage, where the Shasta High Advanced Students Show was a RAGING hit!  Some really awesome Talents coming out there!

Shasta High Advanced Students

City Hall Bio

In 2006 I was given a second chance at life!  After an accident left me nearly paralyzed, I was saved by the grace of God and a gifted Neurosurgeon!  With the help of my devoted Husband I have been able to turn to my Art as a means of living recovery!

As a child I easily drew “Tippy Turtle” and other “Match Book” Art course challenges but squandered any natural talent as I grew easily bored with the tediousness of “practice”.  Rendering dogs, horses, flowers and trees was boring and I soon lost interest and let it slip by.  Then, in College, I returned to the Arts to pursue a few skills when I was introduced to “Expressionism & Abstract Concepts”!  I found myself charged with fascination, interest and admiration!  Marc, Kandinsky, Klee and so many other great artists fired my imagination and inspired me with ideas and freed my inner restraints!  With renewed energies and efforts, I entered several and won a couple of Art competitions!  During this time, I also put two paintings in a County Fair and was pleased and surprised to win both First and Second place!

As my life unfolded, although I kept Art in my heart and dabbled whenever I could, we owned and operated a small business and the ongoing daily responsibilities left little time for artistic endeavors! However, now recovering and relearning to live life, I am blessed to be able to regain some abilities and explore Art once again!  My Husband a driving force, my painting has become therapy, forcing me physically and mentally to push my limits and expand my capabilities!  Producing pieces again after so many years of “Artful” neglect, I recently decided to enter a couple of paintings in the County Fair and was delighted to place both First and Second once again!

I like to say my paintings are “Directional Abstracts” because I generally start with an idea, inspiration or intentional thought.  Then, I just allow the process to take over and lead me!  Primarily, I use Acrylics and love to play with color, materials, techniques and styles. I experiment constantly, following one idea with another to see where it leads me! Lately, my work has begun to be more dimensional as I use different fabrics, pastes, brushes, rollers, sculpting gadgets and even some kitchen utensils!  Sometimes, even requiring my Husband to handle the “Heavy” work!

Each one of my pieces has its own story and personality, with its own style, idea or unique concept!  I enjoy the process of getting there, most requiring numerous steps, so that each one is an accomplishment and an achievement!  I am hopeful my art will bring something unexpected, surprising or even insightful to the observer!  If it makes you feel good, smile, ponder or just pause in wonder, I feel like my Art has hit its mark!

This show is a representation of a broad spectrum of my works which includes one of my original First place winners “Midnight Windows” up to the very latest pieces such as “Origins” and “Autumnal Carnivale” that reflects some of my newest techniques using handmade canvases and mixed media! 

City Hall Show Reception Was A Fantastical Whirlwind!!

Herky-Jerky

 First off, I have to say how blown away I was at how many of my FaceBook Friends came!  Whoop-Whoop!  Wow*Wow*Wow!  I cannot even begin to name all the names because I know for a fact that I missed a few as I looked up and just caught a glimpse of someone in the fray without getting a chance to take heed of them!  I feel really bad about that, so, if you are reading this and I was unable to acknowledge you, please accept my apologies! I was just a little overwhelmed a couple of times, I was not able to keep up!  I am not complaining by any means, I was having a blast, but I did not mean to shirk anyone!

I had several highlights of the evening, friends from afar, (Humbolt), old friends, new friends and even my personal Super Hero Nuero Surgeon Dr. Page!  YAY!  It just so happens that the picture they chose to put in the brochure"Herky-Jerky", was the sister painting to the one that I painted for and gave to her when I left her care, called "Fiet De Exis"!  I actually liked the painting I had done for her, so I decided I wanted to do one for myself using the same ideas!  Then when I finished it, I decided that it perfectly brought to visionary life the feeling (Herky-Jerky) of my unusual condition of Myoclonic Dystonia! 

I was even given gifts!  How could I go wrong!  Blessings from far away, lots of local friends and My Favorite Local Folk singers Craig and Erin Friedman are "Still Married", with Erin bringing me some lovely goodies and belting out a few wonderful tunes! Of course, from my perch up on the 3rd floor I could really barely hear anything, but I caught wind a few times!  I did get to hear the "Pine Dogz", Steve and Diana Willis, when I managed to get away for a few minutes to catch some of those great nibbles they had out for the refreshments!! 

My 'BGB' Guy Haley, a notoriously famous local muralist and fellow FB fiend, I mean friend, came by to harass me and snap a few shots!  At least he didn't show up in full on body paint!  Cause I was half scared he might!  We should do a publicity shot of that huh?!!  ")  I had such a wonderful time, saw so many great people, got to talk about my art for hours, to people that LISTENED and handed out almost 200 Gallery Cards!  I felt like I was famous or something! :)

WooHoo!

City Hall Reception A Wink Away! AARRGGHHHH!!!

I know that the pieces have been hanging all week, but now I have to go stand NEXT to them and show my face!  I couldn't even go to the last show I had my (1) painting hung in because I felt out of place, so now the terror of having 12 of them, right there, all up in the public face and all, really has the bats a'flappin!  Time to "Soldier up", I can take it!

Of course, first sign of someone about to light a torch... I am sooo outta there....

Redding City Hall Artist's Reception During Cultural Cruise!

City Hall Show Looms Large! EEEEKKKK!!!

As the day is nearly upon me to show up for the installation of the largest collection ever assembled of my Artwork I am terrified beyond belief!

I have to keep reminding myself that even if they hate it they will not burn me at the stake! ( I believe they made it illegal to assault entertainers!)

I'm beginning to question the wisdom of using my real name!  Should I have a pseudo?  Dammit I Say!

The sheer adventure of preparing myself and my children, oh, I mean paintings has been a whole new set of challenges!  Before, when I had one or two paintings to put in a show or enter it was only a moderate question as to the framing.  Now multiplying that times 12!  I am nearly ragged beating my brain to do what I have never done before!  Frame, frame, frame!

Last night as I was ready to collapse from all of it, I had to giggle as I was unable to stop myself from quoting one of my favorite lines from a Goldie Hawn Classic "Overboard",  "BluB-BluB-BLub-blUBB-BluuB--Blubb-blub-blluubb...."