Monday, April 15, 2013

Chi Town 2013

In Chicago, what a cool city, a REAL city, tall buildings!
This is looking straight down 103 stories!!!
 
 
 
I always wanted to stand under the BEAN at Millennium Park....here I am!!

 
Standing under the "L"

 
Great day in Chicago!  Got four more.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Senor Flat Stanley's visit is over :(

There was this graffiti wall near downtown Phoenix that I used to go to with kids to photograph them in front to the wall.  I decided to take Senor Stanley there and the wall was gone.  It had been torn down and rebuilt with new textured block.  It was so sad to know that artwork is gone forever.  As I drove around the block I noticed this artwork on an alley wall.  Senor Stanley jumped right up on the wall.
 

Last week my friend invited me to the International Day at a local college where her belly dancing troupe was performing.  Right after they were finished a mariachi band performed.  Senor Stanley was able to enjoy some of my childhood music.

 
I needed some groceries so I took Senor to the Ranch Market in Phoenix.  It caters to Hispanic and Central American foods.  It's a very colorful grocery store.

 

These sweet breads are called "pan dulces".  I have memories of eating these when I was a small girl and a vendor would sell these door to door and my Abuela Juanita would buy each one.


These are prickly pear cactus called napals.  People eat them and they are similar to green beans.  I've never had them.  I guess the idea of eating a cactus isn't appealing to me.


Senor loved being in the tortillas making area.  It's smelled like home to me. 
 

That's just a few of the places Senor Flat Stanley visited on his 2nd trip to our home.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Cousin Larry

Today, April 9th would of been my cousin Larry's 56th birthday.  I used to call him on Mondays and we'd laugh and talk forever.  He used to tell me culenary tricks and tips... like don't buy a whole set of pots and pans just buy the ones you'll use or use a sharp knife always.  I sure do miss him and think of him often. 
 

Monday, April 8, 2013

Mercado experience


 
My experience at the Mercado went well and in so many ways it was priceless. I'm thankful to Marguerite, the owner of The Purple Lizard for inviting me. The first day was a challenge since I was at the end of the walkway which was far from all the action in the courtyard area. Second day I was in the courtyard area however the foot traffic was less but again, the experience was all good. I was so fortunate to meet some amazing artists and fantastic women. They were all so gracious with support and a wealth of information for me. Topping it all off..I sold a number of pieces and received so many compliments. The weekend fed my creative soul and I also came home with some art for me. I continue to thank my friends who show me such support!
My experience also presented me with more opportunities to go to other shows and how to improve my blog and Facebook presence.  The artist were so helpful with tips, ideas, feedback and info.  The best part of the whole experience was opening up my creative circle.  I can't wait to meet with the women I met.  Overall, a GREAT experience!  I can't quit smiling and my brain needs some down time to process all the goodness.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Mercado at Purple Lizard!!!

Reminder...
This is where I'll be over the weekend! 
 Stop by, say hello and check out my jewelry creations!
I'm so excited.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Progress....

I've been working hard in the studio.  My hands look awful and feel so dry.  Desperate need of a manicure.   I smell like chemicals and solder even though I'm burning a nice scented candle.   I didn't leave the studio much today except to eat and sit outside for dinner. 
When I think about a day like this I count my blessings and know not everyone can do what they love.  I finished some necklaces and I just love them.  Tomorrow I'll be finishing the rings and I'll be all ready for the the Mercado at Purple Lizard this weekend. I'll be sending out a text blast and reposting here and on my Facebook pages about the Mercado. The weather should be perfect.
Dang... I need to take a road trip with Senor Flato Stanley...SOON!  The project is overdue!!

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

April Fool's Day!

I think this is the first year I didn't get a April Fool's joke played on me by my family.  What's up with that?  I really felt like my dogs wanted to play joke on me all day long.  They would bark and I though there's no way I'm falling for it, no way I'm gonna go outside and watch them laugh at me.