The last bite of fruitcake

The holidays may be over but we still have our tree up. Its a dead branch we found down by the river, painted it white and hung beautiful ornaments from. One of these days I will be compelled to take it down, pack each little glass bird and acorn in paper and wrap up the wooden snowflakes. I have to admit that it was just this evening that I finished off the fruitcake my mom sent. Delicious. Its my grandma's recipe. If you aren't a fan of fruitcake you won't understand. So because I'm literally and figuratively still digesting the holidays, here are some images from the season.

Dulce y Guapo

Now that the holidays are over I am going to catch my breath and catch up my blog. These are pics of the Bourgeois Pig installation that Aaron and I did in November. The paintings brightened up the joint and transformed the space. The opening was a good time...thanks to all who showed up. We always feel so supported by our patrons and pals.

Happy Holidays

The open-house at the boutique where I work BoMo...(short for Bohemian Modern) was my official kickoff to the holiday season.
Getting out the glitter and garland put me in the spirit as did dipping dozens of cherries in chocolate. I invented a new appetizer that everyone was into.... Curry Carrot Cashew with Endive. I'll work on the name... I made a couple dozen ornaments to decorate with as well as filled old jars and bottles with this gorgeous glitter that i acquired a few years ago. I have 3 big barrels of the stuff and its been used for many projects and art shows....my MFA exhibit, etc. Tomorrow is the opening reception for our painting show DULCE y GUAPO and then we are going up to MN on Tuesday for Thanksgiving with my family. I've spent Thanksgiving with Aaron's family for the past 7 years so we are looking forward to sharing the table with my peeps. Its just crazy to think that this time last year we were in Costa Rica starting this blog...and eating a roast chicken in the jungle and later catching a scorpion. wow. a lot has happened since then.

Why I haven't been blogging...

I feel like I've been writing blogs in my head and not sitting down to type. Lately I feel like I am running in too many directions and multi-tasking all along the way. Its all GOOD STUFF that I'm up to, its just A LOT. Multiple upcoming Holiday art/craft sales, decorating for an open house at work, catering the open house, yoga, canning pickles, taking Osa on long walks, baking at the Casbah market, endless laundry, etc. meanwhile Aaron and I have an art show that opens on Sunday that we are finishing working on and gearing up to cater as well.
He and I just decided that maybe in 2009 we can have evenings that are free. When we lived in California we didn't really know anyone so our nights were always all ours. I'm not really complaining. I just want to read a book and chill out. Soon, right?

Hungry Cellar 10-25-08

A very special evening. Its thrilling to see the reward of days of planning, shopping, cooking, shlepping tables & chairs, ironing tablecloths, etc. take place before your very eyes. I love the way food and wine open up new possibilities for conversation, connection and resonance. Becca's words were thoughtful, provoking and revealing. Suzannah's music.....well, it sorta breaks my heart how beautiful it is. really. thanks for everyone's support. We've got a good thing going.

Recent Shooting: A photography exhibition

This weekend my photo show opened at the Percolator Gallery in Lawrence. I take photographs all the time but don't ever really consider it one of my mediums when I describe who I am/what I make. So it was great to team up with 2 other photographers and hang some pics on the wall. The opening was a festive event....lots of people showed up to share art, beer and conversation. Taking photos is a way to document existence. Shooting visual reminders of ordinary moments is my way to focus on the beauty that surrounds me and holds me up even when life snaps its scary jaws.

mi familia

A couple weekends ago my parents and Haley came to visit. I love how much my parents and my niece are real pals. They really do get along famously. I had a big catering gig but they had agreed prior to their arrival that they would gladly pitch in and help out. I couldn't have done it without them. Well, of course i COULD have, but it wouldn't have been nearly as much fun or stress-free. Mom helped with all kinds of tasks...peeling pears, baking cookies, flower arranging, and most appreciated was the washing of numerous sinkfuls of dirty dishes. Dad trimmed and chopped vegetables, and ran errands to pick up rental stuff, bread, etc. Aaron filled in all the gaps. Haley DJ'd the entire operation. It was a great success.