One Mother's Day

I've been sitting here for about 20 minutes.  Feels like 2 hours.  When my repeated attempts at writing the first sentence were hampered by little hands trying to block my computer view and a little bottom trying to sit on the computer, I realized that getting back to my blog after two years was going to be slow process.  I feel guilty doing anything that isn't directly related to running my career, my house and my family.  And that kinda pisses me off.  I acknowledge that those feelings are well withing my control, as is my schedule.  So....  I now re-dedicate this blog to me.  And my family.  And to anyone out there who feels like the juggling is really, really hard, but we wouldn't have it any other way.  Happy Mothers' Day to me.  And to you.

So, I accept that after one hour, I haven't really accomplished what I consider to be good blog entry, but I also spent a wonderful couple of hours on the porch with one little fella who is the very reason I am even celebrating Mother's Day.  We drew on the driveway, found worms, met a new neighbor, and a gentleman walking the very dog breed we've been eyeing, (therefore confirming the breed is a serious contender in the Boggs dog search).  So all is not lost.  Rather, much has been gained. 

Holiday Splurging

We all do it.  Whether it's the armada of tempting treasures at the checkout stand, or the "can't live without" item on the isle end cap, we all grab and dash with our little justified treasure, because it's ok to splurge during the Holiday's.  And it is ok - but I offer this thought:

When you tip during the holiday's, pad what you normally tip - up it to 25% or more and make your servers night. 
When you see the bell ringer, make eye contact and smile even if you don't have any change/bills on you - then get change/bills and take it back to them.
When you see someone waiting in line with one item, and you have several, offer your spot to them. 
If you see someone driving around looking for a parking spot as you head to your car, wave at them and let them know your spot is about to be available.

Splurge on Time - give more.  Splurge on service - give more.  Splurge on smiles, and splurge on hugs.  Because whether we are out of the recession or not, we are all capable of splurging on each other with kindness. 

Happy Holidays !

The Origin of Things

We didn't maintain a lot of tradition when I was growing up.  On the bumpy road of split families there are traditions started and stopped and redirected all along the way, so it's tough to look back and say "we always do (fill in wonderful memory here) on Thanksgiving"....you get my drift.  Suffice it to say, I hold on to the little things.  I believe that tradition and memories of childhood familiarities give you a sense of who you are - and where you are from.  Your Origin.  Where you started has as much to do with where you end up, as the journey does.  Too much emphasis ?  Can't it be argued that so many people with the worst start- absolutely destitute origin, went on to become legendary ?  Well YES; and that is exactly my point.  Would their story have been as provocative if their origin were not a critical factor ?

We can't call sparkling wine from Virginia "champagne".  We can't refrain from explaining the birthplace of the great masters, when referring to their work.  We usually inquire about someone's origin when we meet them for the first time...followed by "what are ya drinking?", if your from the South.  Origin matters.

I didn't think origin mattered much to some of my friends and family, until I had a baby.  Suddenly, everyone was happy to identify the origin of our little man's features - he apparently get's everything from everyone !

It's always mattered to me.  And with fewer traditions to hold on to; I'm depending on the origin of the three of us, to inspire new tradition and rekindle some old ones, that I may just have forgotten about. 

wrapping up summer

It wasn't long enough.  As long as the number of work days out number the play days, it will never be long enough.  The best summer of our lives unfolded over the last few months, as we watched the dog days come and go through the eyes of a baby - and it's so different.  Yes, the stadium seats were so hot my whole butt would sweat right through my shorts; and yes, there were days the pool felt like a bathtub.  But when every mundane task is a brand new experience - which is the case of your not quite 1 - it's just fabulous.  For example:

How many cows have you seen ?  In your life ?  But do you recall the very first cow you saw ? 

Did your first cow let you stick your finger in his nose ?  Did you know that a two week old cow was this big ?  Did you know they have all their teeth when they are born ?  Did you know they are cuddly and love to be tickled on their cheeks ? 

Hell, I didn't even know that the county fair could be so fun.  I've always thought of our county fair as a bunch of funky carnival people and pre-teens running around getting kissed by a boy for the first time, and really tacky stuffed toys that look way better suspended 10 feet than up close.  (that is all still true).  But, it's also a place where a group of 4-H girls run a little piece of heaven called the baby animal petting barn - and you get free chocolate milk.  And the Merry Go Round isn't as creepy as I remember, and there are still carnival freaks - god love 'em - they work incredibly hard.

Concerts in the park, rolling down a grass hill, rafting around in the pool, grilling, grilling and more grilling - are all what we expect out of Summer.  What I didn't expect was how much better the orchestra sounded from the ground instead of a chair, or how cold fried chicken was especially good with white bordeaux, or that one could be so proud of the fact my child never did poop in his swimmy diaper, thus testing the capabilities of the swimmy diaper.  

So with great anticipation, I look forward to our Fall.  We fully intend on participating in all of cliche' Fall festivities (insert your favorites here).  In fact, the weather has already turned crisp outside and it's easier to breathe.  The dogs are downright frisky as are the humans.  Something about it just makes you want to tackle your neighbor, then laugh about it over really dark beer and a steamy bratwurst.  

We've gotten a head start, with walks in the park and the Fall Art Festivals.  Norcross Arts show (17th year I think) was well attended (yae!) and according to the artists I spoke with, money was being spent (better news).  I personally didn't see anything I couldn't live without (except a mojito and some tostones from Mojito's), but I did buy the cutest little "kitchen imps" - made of polymer clay.  

Frisky little critters, aren't they ? 

A Note about French Wines

I know, I know.  I'm a little stuck on French wine.  Let me give you five excellent reasons it's the best wine for Summer. 

5.  Better Bang for your Buck.  It's a far better value than California wine.  A $10 CA wine is often crappy.  A $10 French wine is often a tasty suprise.

4.  Drink more and Save.  You'll be drinking more wine in the summer - so go for the lower alcohol.  French wine is usually a lower percentage of alcohol.
3.  French Wine is Friskier.  Who wants a big, fat, cab when its 90+ degress and 90% humidity ?   I know - some of you die hards do.  But I like a little chill on my wine, and all French wines - the White Bordeaux, the Red Bordeaux, the Beaujoulais and the Rhones are all a little more frisky with a chill !
2.  French is Fruitier.  Your best compliment to the foods of summer - grilled chicken, salads and fruit - is a fruit forward wine with enough acidity to balance out the charcoal and dressings.  I suggest a real Beaujoulais or a nice Rhone.  Even the younger Bordeaux's - found a 2006 for $10.99 that I'll drink ALL DAY - is a fantastic choice.
1.  French is Flirtier.   Sit in the grass, kick off your shoes, take in a concert and pour some French wine and I promise you'll make friends. 

4th and Down

My how it's all changed.  I was cautioned by those who know more than I - that it would.  I was told that my martha stewart ways would give way to real life.  I used to have perfect dinner parties with perfect flowers and pretty darn good food - at least perfectly presented and timed. 

This 4th of July was the eye opener for me.  We had traffic, spilled wine in the car, stranger than fiction bugs, one seriously horrendous band and horse crap (that was just on the 3rd of July) - on the 4th there was dog drama and dog dancing, baby hughey grumpypuss and we nearly had to call the fire department.  In short, we had to punt.

But when it was all said and done, and I reflect on the friends, family and chaos, I wouldn't change a thing.  My pursuit of perfection has finally given way to my pursuit of just being in the moment.  Each one is so very precious. 

and....my car cleaned up nicely and we'll soon be able to use the grill again.  I can live with that.  

Teaching the Teacher

The last few months have been the greatest educational experience of my life. I've learned that all the passion, love and support cannot keep a business alive without having enough money to withstand the lean times. I've learned that whatever I might have thoughtfully planned out, means nothing when fate has other plans for you. I've also had my faith restored in humankind, as I've been the recipient of the warmest and caring outpouring of support for a dying Art Gallery and Wine business that clearly touched people and provided a greatly needed service....FUN.

Perhaps most suprising though, is what I've learned about Art in the last few months. While I've always considered it my job to educate others, I have placed furthering my own education on the backburner, as time just didn't allow me to proactively get out and see what other galleries and other artists were up to. This haitus (between closing a business and preparing for a baby) has offered me a great opportunity to do just that - GET OUT and see what's UP !

So let's start with the epiphany. Yes, I had one. Quietly, without much fanfare, I became enlightened to the one of the greatest joys of becomong a new parent.... decorating the nursery. I awoke to the realization that besides food, shelter and love, the next greatest gift to my son is a kick ass art collection. So I decided that his nursery would be my blank canvas with which to build a legacy that he may build upon as well one day - that by exposing him to original works of art, I would instill in him a seemingly lost value, a value that he could share and encourage in others. Besides, I would get to buy great art.

The most perfect opportunity was at my doorstep... Folk Fest. This annual Folk Art/Outsider Art show is 16 years running in Atlanta and is known as the largest show of Folk Art held in the United States. The show is the brainchild of Steve Slotin, who also hosts two other smaller auctions in Buford, GA each year. Having attended the spring Auction, and consequently became obsessed with Outsider Art, I was extremely excited to attend Folk Fest and become a student of unlearned art. Joining me at the show was my husband and my friends Rebecca and Dave...Ah, Dave - the Expert ! And God love him, for patiently walking with us, navigating through the menutia and providing educational commentary on everything we saw. It was a fantastic show - most of the artists were in attendance, partnering with their representing galleries and the quality of the work far surpassed what I expected. The business of Folk Art was clearly strong and people were buying. Including me. While I'm sure I didn't make a solid "investment" on every purchase, I am quite certain that came home with works that inspired me, made me laugh, made me think and will be awesome heirlooms for my son.

The Teacher also learned.... that Artists still need and want to be represented. There has always been an "at odds" relationship between artist and gallery - probably because money is involved. But when you've had nothing but great success working together, you don't want it to end ! The artists I have had the pleasure to represent, all very much supported (yet were sad about) my decision to close the gallery ... and the best news is that between Artist and Gallery - there is a strong desire to keep moving forward - however that may take form. So expect to continue to hear from us - shows will be forthcoming !

Learning to let go.... One of my favorite post gallery moments, has to be last night (Thursday) when I got to support one of my own, in her own, first and monumentus One Man Show. Claire Dunaway (Pet Portraits and Americana acrylic paintings) is the Artist of the Month at The Strand Theatre in Marietta Square. A reception for her month long one man show was held for her last night - and WOW was I proud ! Her name was lit up on the marquis as if she were a movie star and she held her own beautifully while over 75 people perused her new show called 5,941 Miles - a visual journey of her trips between Atlanta and Sante Fe this past summer. There were gas pumps - really cool vertical paintings of out of service gas pumps with letter perfect detail and prices of .37 gallon on some. There were broken down cars, silos, fields and cows. It was as if you were taking the journey as a passenger in her car....well, along with Dakota, her rescued shepherd mix. Kudos Claire - I'm so proud of you ! ps. It was nice to eat someone elses cheese and crackers.... and I did eat my share.

Lastly - some thoughts on the Arts. There is alot of community fluff going on about supporting the Arts, Living the Arts and making Community awareness of the Arts. I say fluff, because it's starting to look like small towns are calling together people to create "arts" organizations for the sake of saying they have one. Having served on the Public Art Committe for the City of Suwanee, I can personally attest to the fact that the mission of the committee is clearly spelled out in an actual ordinance and it the City's intention to prioritize the Arts (visual predominently) in future development that takes place in the city. Art is NOT fluff. It is NOT one or two galleries and it is not an excuse to get people to walk around from shop to shop with the hopes it will drive business. Britannica Online defines Art as "the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others."
I'm highly suspect of the "Arts Organizations" that are popping up all over the place, that are spearheaded by individuals who do not possess the skill, imagination or passion to truly represent the "arts" - YOU be wary too !!! On the other hand, there are some quality efforts that show promise and I encourage you to check out their Art Walks, and events:

Marietta Art in the Park (and their Monthly Art Walk)
Roswell Alive After Five Art Walk
City of Suwanee, PAC Volunteer Committee (call City Hall to Inquire)
Decatur Arts Festival

Please send me a post if you have seen other Art Awareness efforts you believe should be noticed. I will share !

Until next time, Live Art. Keep Loving Wine. And share !

Cheers,

Vanessa