Sunday, June 8, 2008

Rock-a-bye Sweet Baby James!

The Setting: Ravinia June 6 th 2008 some 30 years later... Sun, surely sinking down and the moon slowly rising. Trees ablaze, rimmed in what seemed to be vibrant crimson flames from the brightly glowing orb. Casting long shadows on the Ravinia Lawn across the pavilion.


My sister had been given tickets to the previously sold out concert. Attending had mearly been a dream to this point. One phone call the night before and we were in. She arrived several hours in advance and I wandered in ten minutes before he took the stage. Unable to sit, like the other thousands on the lawn... as though listening to him on a "Bose" at home... I stood just outside the pavilions East side. Surrounded by many other adoring fans... I waited my turn to move closer to the front. Once there, My sister joined me and her friends Lana and her daughter Carley, who before had had several brushes with both James and Ben, arrived by my side. We listened and danced in a pack of women and men who were there to enjoy every moment of his performance... unlike the " blue" faces in the pavilion staring as though watching a television screen and with as much life... It was our moment.

I had whispered to my gals ( the four of us) that at the opportune time, we would plan to holler... " we love you James"! It was the time we had planned... he was pulling up a stool and his acoustic for a toned down tune... three, two, one ... from our very depths we let our voices resound as one! A moments pause and James, pulling his microphone closer, looked our way and replied... "And I love you, too". We raised our arms and whooped upon knowing he had heard us and knowing he was replying only to us... in the crowd of thousands... He then replied ( as he has on other occasions, to other adoring fans) "Perhaps it is better that we not know one another". The crowd rumbled with laughter but THAT was our moment. We loved James and we told him so, He heard us and Loved us as well. All of the women around the four of us were a clammer. They were shouting..."he loves you! Did you hear him... he was talking to YOU"! It was as if we had finally been able to tell him personally, albiet in our own rebel rousing way and in front of thousands, what we all had been feeling for some thirty years....

What a memorable moment. Then followed by Sweet Baby James.... need I say more.


After the songs were sung... we retreated for a glass of wine at the typical candle lit table, freshly made goodies, candles and a makeshift fragrant centerpiece with peony and roses from my garden...and conversation. Knowing that we had the satisfaction the he knew we were there... among the up-lit trees, and the smell of the heavy summer air.
now that is love.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Too much time on my hands!...but never really ever enough!


Ok,
So... I admit that I have too much time on my hands. This Spring, as I mentioned before, I have been spending time online. I have found an artist that I love.
Years ago, just as my mother took ill, I tried my hand at oil painting. My mother took lessons for years from a man named Dale Wilson. He specialized in painting barns and outdoor scenes. It was not until recently that I realized many of the subjects of his works were, in fact, Door County barns and harbors. A place dear to my heart. I digress... My mother was never able to see my work as she was too Ill to travel, but I told her about them during many conversations we had toward the end of her life. I have recently decided that after 4 years of putting down the brushes... I would pick them up again.

I was searching for my inspiration online and found it in Kim Parker ( her painting Lush Garden can be seen above). She is an accomplished musician whose creative outlet turned to painting and designing. Her paintings, mostly of flowers, are bold and bright. I love the whimsey of it all. I would like to learn to paint in the free style that she seems to have. To that end... I have taken several photos of flowers from my garden to use as inspiration. I have tried to blur the photos so that my eye sees them differently ( my art teacher gave me that tip years ago). I tend to paint exacting images and want to be more "loose" in my technique.

Tomorrow I attempt a landscaping class. I am still trying to find a photo I may have taken in the past to paint from. I have several that include different elements, a bright blue sky in one, a row of golden trees in another, a field of wavy grain in yet another... maybe I can blend them together and see what I get.

My ultimate plan is to take an "en plein air" class in August so that I can learn to develop techniques to work quickly and entirely outdoors. I would love to paint subjects, as Dale Wilson did, in Door County...but paint while in the environment...with the ever changing conditions...Shadows, light, wind, Sun, Bugs... and whatever else comes my way.

Spring into Summer!


This Spring I discovered the best web site EVER...www.etsy.com... Everything handmade ( and some vintage listings too!). I have had too much fun being inspired by this darling site. I have ordered gloves, eyeshadow and even "Brainscan" coffee. Roasted by a gal in New York, I believe. I have to admit... when I approached my mailbox I could smell the coffee beans from five feet away. I tried it this morning and it was fab! I recommend it to all ( the best part is that it is half caf and half decaf) . How great it feels to be buying American.
I have spent far too much of this Spring indoors on Etsy.com and nearly missed the blooming of my tulips. This Spring has been a long one. I have heard the lament of many customers at JB mentioning how long and drawn out it has been. That is , unless you are a lover of spring blooms. It has been glorious. My Tulips were blooming almost until June.
I have tried to get my pond and fountains up and running but it is a daunting task that must be undertaken each year and several times in between. I am almost there. I have SO much more to do in the garden but so little time.
I will continue to plant and tend to the blooms in the garden when I can, into the Summer. Enjoy yours!