Summertime Pet Peeves, and how people actually LIVE here.

I have got to vent. All of a sudden the summer crowds are here, and already I can feel my patience being tested. Breathe....breathe.....yoga is in order. So, here's some of the pet peeves that drive me NUTS in the summertime.

1. And this is number one because it happens almost everytime. When people walk down the sidewalk, 2 - 3 or more people across. I am walking to the far right, hugging the edge of the sidewalk or boardwalk, and this wall of people refuses to drop into single file or even TWO across. So the unfortunate single person is either forced to a) hold their ground and become a human battering ram or b) get forced into the gutter/grass/sand. Rude.

2. Bicycles riding on the wrong side of the road - or right down the center of the road....slowly. We have a lot of wrong side of the roaders - and they're usually not wearing helmets. Around here, if you don't look left AND right before pulling out, you'll wipe one of them out.

3.) People who stand in a parking spot to save it for someone. (Yes, people do that...and it's amazing how pissed off people get at these crazies for doing it. It's also illegal.)

4.) People who wait for what seems like an eternity for someone to pull out of a parking spot. There's only 2 lanes going into Rehoboth, and it backs traffic up for miles. If they're not ready in a few seconds, move on.

5.) Putting out cigarette butts on the beach, leaving trash on the beach, putting your beach towel 12" (or less) away from the person next to you - so they can enjoy your 4 kids under 10 and your cigarette music and Nascar on your radio, kids who play football/frisbee/anything with a ball-in the middle of a crowded beach - and can't throw. Nothing like a football in the head when you're half asleep.

Enough whining for now. More to come. I'm sure.

More progress and stuff.

The painting on the left sold a few days ago. Didn't get a good picture for the website or prints, but that's okay.

This is the next phase of the umbrella shack. Moving right along. I probably won't mess much with the sand or sea at this point, am belaboring the structure. Looking good for finishing by Saturday. It'll be wet, but it should be done.

Good to have my son home. Mom at peace.

Umbrella Shack in progress

So, it's not a lifeguard, and it's a biggun too. Having fun with this one. Hope to have it complete by St. Peter's on Saturday.

I knew it would happen one day. Maybe that's the day we'll finally have peace too.

http://www.lauraroeder.com/2010/06/artists-are-going-to-rise-up-and-rule-the-world/

LOTTO HEART this weekend - fun stuff!

Saturday, July 3


Rehoboth Beach Convention Center -

Here's the scoop on LottoHEART, what it is and how you can play!

Have you got your ticket yet? Worlds collide in the outrageous return of the LottoHEART Game Show to the RB Convention Center Saturday, July 3.

Featuring over 200 artworks, the fast paced, hilarious evening hosted by Christopher Peterson was awesome last year - this edition will be even more outrageous and fun. The Blue Moon's Pamala Stanley will be making a special guest appearance and joining Christoper for a Lotto surprise!


Simply put, come to the event for $25 (open bar, nibbles, friends and fun!) or buy an art ticket for $100 (get all of the above) and play LottoHEART - every player wins a piece of original art! The lotto part is the order in which the art is chosen. The earlier your ticket is drawn, the wider selection of your favorites remain...it's hilarious, fast paced and fab!

Oh, and the best part is the whole thing is conducted by Christopher Peterson and his talented cast, with a preview of his 2010 show, surprise raffle prizes, food, an open bar all night long, and the 2010 HeART of the Community Art Auction.

Purchase tickets and see the list of participating artists at camprehoboth.com. All art will be previewed on the website. If you want to support the cause and can't come, call 302-227-5620 to purchase your ticket and Play Proxy online. LottoHEART debuted last summer under the direction of event chair Sondra Arkin and the CAMP Art Committee. What a success it was!

tiaras in Dewey

Today's Post Secret fave is for the 24 year old woman who was having her bachelorette party in Dewey last night and was crying her eyes out. It could have been because she was very, very drunk (and I'll bet she's hating life this morning) or maybe because she was wearing a tiara and a candy necklace made up of candy penises that people wanted to bite off, or maybe she was already regretting her decision. The consensus of our group thought it was the latter. Hmm. That's the worst option, and I hope it's not true. Poor thing.

Another of the lifeguard series sold yesterday. This one wasn't really a lifeguard, but a man putting a towel on...or taking it off. It was called "Wrapped". So, good news...they are being received well.

Did a 5k at Jungle Jim's yesterday, and they opened the park to the runners afterward. Fun. Wanted to do another 5k this morning, but I have to teach a spin class at 9, so I slept in a little instead. (Slacker.)

Hopefully some beach time today and some studio time as well. Next weekend is St. Peter's, which is always a great art show, but I am so not ready!

Bicycle

The other night I was thinking about bicycles that have been part of my life and which part they belonged to. When I was a little girl, I went everywhere on my bike - right up until high school, when I got my license and abandoned my bike like the fickle girl I was. Actually, it probably happened a little before that, when my beloved 10-speed was stolen from just outside our shed. That's what I got for not putting it in the shed and locking it. Lesson learned, but I was heartbroken over losing that bike. I remember a very cool bike pre-10 speed that had a patterned banana seat and a sissy bar. YES. I also remember streamers and putting playing cards on the spokes with clothespins. What a very cool sound.

There was quite a long gap between then and my next bike. The next one came in my thirties, when I got my tri bike. A flashy, silver, sleek road bike that I rode for competition. I named her the Silver Bullet, and she was a faithful steed.  :)  I sold that bike about 3 years ago when I came to the conclusion that my tri days were over. She was replaced with a beach cruiser, which is the total opposite of the 'bullet'. She's blue with a fat black seat with large springs (hmmm....may come in handy if my butt gets huge one day) and very wide handlebars, almost chopper-like, but not up high like a chopper. There are only foot brakes. Kind of a dork bike. Now, that being said, let me pay a little homage to my little beach cruiser.

I brought her into work with me so I could cruise down to the Farmer's Market on Tuesdays or up to the beach over lunch, or whatever. The other night I parked here at the Art League and rode my bike into the studio to avoid the dreaded parking situation and meters. It was a really pleasant ride. After the studio, I walked around town, with the bike, and then rode it back to the Art League in the dark. I have not ridden in the dark since I was a teenager, when I used to do it all the time. No lights, no helmet, just totally reckless teenage abandon. That's what I did the other night. Lightning bugs all around, a deliciously warm summer breeze, crickets, ocean sounds, boardwalk smells....it was like being instantly cast back to the summer of 76 - 79. I can't do justice to the way I felt as the breeze blew back my hair, with the feel of the bike (and a small bit of fear because I couldn't see sh*t in the dark). There wasn't a soul around. It was a wonderfully freeing feeling and I fell instantly in love. I took the bike down to the marina and sat by the water and the boats and just soaked up the peace. Then I went to get a big cone of peanut butter frozen yogurt. The transformation was complete.

Yesterday I took the bike around to deliver rack cards for the RAL. I haven't been wearing a helmet, because the bike seems so tame compared to my road bike - though I'm very aware that I can still fall off and crack my big head, even on a slow bike. Much to my surprise, I got pulled over in a BIKE CHECKPOINT. Yes, that's what I said. They do them around here, mainly for our Russian workforce who show in droooooves in the summertime. They tend to ride on the wrong side of the road, not wear helmets or use lights and often get hit or killed in the summertime. So, here's stupid me, riding down Reho Avenue and a cop stops me. I wasn't in trouble and didn't get a ticket, but I did get air in my tires, TWO blinky lights (one for the front and one for the back) AND a helmet. For free! I put the helmet on, which matched my bike, and rode away, wishing it was dark so I could try out my new lights.  :)

Now I have to think of a name for "her". She's going to be a new summertime friend and I think it'll be a beautiful relationship.

"Spooning Beans" by Libby Zando, on display at Abbott's Grill

Please Join us for a reception to meet the artists of "Mixed Produce"...at Abbotts Grill in Milford, on Friday June 25th...

reception starts at 6:30...mmm good!

(302) 491-6736 for more information

"3 Grannies in a Bowl" by Libby Zando, on display at Abbott's Grill

Great Food, Great Value and A Fun Evening...Plus

Artists will donate 20% of sales to benefit the Historic Milton Theatre!

I am displaying "Nassau Orchards" - the only painting I had that fit the theme!

New ones...

"Rehoboth Duo" 8 x 10 original oil. Kept this one a little more graphic, which I kind of like. Almost called it "Cheap Sunglasses".

 
 
 

And this is "37", also an 8 x 10 original oil.

I'm still working on "Pull". Struggling a little with the palette. It got way too cool, so I'm changing the bathing suit colors from green to red to help things "pop" a little. Then I have a large canvas that I think I will do a non-lifeguard/man on. May do an umbrella stand.

Skins

Look at the size of that thing. King's Creek had a "Touchdown for Kids" charity event at Kings Creek Country Club and I was seated next to a retired Redskin. He was enormous, and his fingers were the size of two of mine. He had two of these massive rings, made by Tiffany.

Grey Blue Eyes - DMB art.

Your glory was lost that night

And no mind can't get me right

And now I'm praying that you'll find me out,
Stone, stone has pulled me down

But my faith has got me bound to your grey blue eyes



Don't forget my broken heart

You remember it from the start

You made it and it's all a part

Of your grey blue eyes


You're gone and I know I'm dead

I've lost my way

Can't find me in your grey blue eyes

Grey blue eyes

Grey blue eyes

Grey blue eyes

Progression, blocking in colors.

Words to live by.

LIFE LESSONS from MightyGirl.com. I love these, she's brilliant.


These are a few of the lessons I wish I’d started learning a little earlier. I haven’t mastered them yet, but now you get a head start.


1. Consider the source. If you’re worried about someone who dislikes you, first ask yourself whether they’re an asshole. If you don’t like them, and they don’t like you, that’s not a problem. That’s a mutual understanding.

2. Get off the couch. If you find yourself playing hard to get, don’t pretend to be busy. Just be busy.

3. Don’t waste your time. If you have to play hard to get, move on. You’ll know when you’ve found a healthy relationship because it won’t confuse you.

4. When in doubt, shut up. Silence is a smart negotiation tactic, the best option when you’re processing how to respond, and always more productive than lying about what you’re thinking.

5. Don’t complain. Maybe venting makes you feel better, but letting off steam can also lull you into maintaining the status quo. Unfortunately, the status quo is pissing you off, which is why you’re whining in the first place. If you’re frustrated, turn that energy toward fixing your problems, not bitching about them.

6. Don’t obsess. Worrying is complaint’s ugly cousin. Either use that energy to change your situation, or relax.

7. Find an age-appropriate style. No one wants to see a 20 year old in beige slacks and a wool blazer. Buy trendy clothes, wear the slutty dress, do something ugly with your hair. Be part of your generation, so you can laugh at the photos later.

8. Be polite. It keeps doors open, lessens the potential for misunderstandings, and increases the odds of getting invited back to the beach house.

9. But defend your boundaries. When someone isn’t taking no for an answer, clarify what you want, and then respond forcefully. Being polite to someone who isn’t hearing you is naive.

10. You look good. There’s no such thing as the hottest person in the room. Everyone is attracted to something different, so just take those odds and run with them.

11. Being nice is overrated. In fact, “nice” is the least interesting thing someone can say about you.

12. Keep it to yourself. “She seems nice” is an excellent thing to say about someone you don’t like. Particularly in the company of people you don’t know.

13. Know your audience. When you’re telling a story and someone interrupts you, let them.

14. Let your passion shape your profession. You know that thing your dad says? “If work wasn’t hard, they wouldn’t pay you to do it.” Please. There are professional rock stars, astronauts, puppy trainers, and bloggers.

15. Sex is personal. Don’t bother with one-night stands if they’re not your thing, and don’t judge people for enjoying them (or not). Waiting to sleep with someone doesn’t make you an uptight prude, and jumping into bed doesn’t make you a spontaneous adventure seeker.

16. Focus. The saying, “what you’re thinking about is what you’re becoming” isn’t just chilling, it’s a universal law. Be aware of how you’re investing your attention – including your words, and your actions.

17. Cut yourself a break. Don’t offer a running commentary on your own faults. When you do, the people around you listen. Give yourself space to change your character.

18. Don’t be intimidated. World travelers are just people who bought plane tickets. Pulitzer Prize winners are people who sit alone and write. You can break the most profound accomplishment down to a series of mundane tasks.

19. Choose good company. Ask yourself if a person makes you better or drains your life force. If the answer is B, you’re busy next time they call. And the time after that.

20. Enjoy your body. Odds are you’re more beautiful now than you will be again. Ask your roommate.

"Pull" in progress. Underpainting.

P.S.

Yesterday's Post Secret fave. Forgiveness is difficult, but ultimately necessary in order to move forward. But sticking in that non-forgiveness mode is equally as important in the healing process until you're ready to let it go.

Benches, Philly, Saints.

Cheers! Michelle and I getting our fruit for the day, in the form of limes.



From the Children's Beach House -

Once again these amazing artists have outdone themselves! This year they painted 36 inch benches to be auctioned off at the Children's Beach House Barbecue on August 28th.

We are "unveiling" these benches on Thursday June 17th at the Finbar on Rehoboth Ave from 5-9pm. Please stop by!

For artists and sponsors, we would like to take a photograph around 6:00 - 6:30 for the local papers.

Hope to see you there.

Sharon Gillespie
 
 
A very fun weekend. Got to get out of town for a while, saw some friends, had some good food and good times. Saw a great "artsy" film in Philly called "City Island" with Andy Garcia. And had an amaaaazing meal at an Italian restaurant there. Cafe Positado? Not sure of the name, but wowee, LOL, yummy food, especially the gnocchi.
 
 

 
Also went to see the saint parade - otherwise known as the procession - at St. Anthony's Italian Festival on Sunday. I got to taste holy bread and didn't burst into flames when I did so. This was also the first time I've ever seen a saint draped in dollar bills, being pushed down the streets of Wilmington. Verry interesting. Oh, and I like bellinis, a new taste experience. Here's some pics from the Festival.
 

 
 And here's a pic of Haley with her Romeo and Juliet mask creation. I was so happy to see the girl pick up a paintbrush!

BP

Rehoboth Art League Members Show 2010

Here are some photos from last Friday's opening. A great turnout and some fantastic art!

My "Sandy Spartacus" is off to the right in the photo below. It sold during the opening.

Above is a painting by Rae Hamilton that I absolutely fell in love with. It won the Corkran award. Niiiice!

Insomnia

Yeah, I've got it...but just tonight. Happens rarely to me, and it almost always precedes some sort of big change. Trouble is, I don't know what the change is, which makes me a little anxious, which doesn't help with the insomnia. So I find myself awake, playing with the computer and thinking about painting. If I had my paints here, I'd be painting, probably till dawn, but I don't. However, I have planned out a few new ones, and will be making a trip to the art store, in the morning. Oh wait, it IS morning. Okay, in the morning after they open, which will be in about 10 hours, when I will be hating myself for being awake 8 hours previously. Ugh.

Children's Beach House

This is an image of the Children's Beach House bench in progress. It's been completed since this photo, but I don't have a finished photo of it yet. I will get one at the BBQ in August. These benches will be displayed in various shops in Rehoboth. Mine will be on display at Aerie Art Gallery in Rehoboth. All the money raised from the auction of these benches benefits the Children's Beach House, which serves children with special needs.

Sandy Spartacus

That is a tough postcard to receive. Wow.....

Sandy Spartacus sold last night - the first lifeguard of the series to go. :) Nice. Always sad to see an original go in some ways, but also a cause for celebration.

Wonkette : Arizona School Demands Black & Latino Students’ Faces On Mural Be Changed To White

Wonkette : Arizona School Demands Black & Latino Students’ Faces On Mural Be Changed To White

Everytime I think the news has shocked me all it can, something else comes up. What the hell???

Lotto Heart

I am participating (along with 200 other artists!) in a great fundraiser in support of CAMP Rehoboth, the non-profit gay and lesbian community service organization in Rehoboth Beach, that works on equality for all the people living in and visiting Sussex County, Delaware.


The mission of CAMP Rehoboth is about inclusion -- and this project reflects that mission by making it easy for everyone to participate as artist or patron. All the work is 5" x 7" so you aren't making a huge space commitment; there are established artists alongside emerging ones; and all the art is anonymous so you'll just select what you love.

For your $100 Art Ticket, you are guaranteed a small original work of art from one of the 200+ artists. If you come to the July 3rd event, the Lotto part is the order in which you get to select your art (along with great entertainment from Christopher Peterson, light nibbles and open bar).

If you can't come, use the online Proxy Program (available after June 25) to make your selections and someone will play on your behalf.

To buy your LottoHEART Art Ticket, find out more about the organization, and see the list of participating artists, please go to the CAMP Rehoboth website http://www.camprehoboth.com/. Click to the LottoHEART page where things are further explained (and see the participating artists). From there, follow the link for purchase.

Tickets may also be purchased by phoning 302-227-5620.

Thanks for your support.

One Eskimo 'Kandi'.

Summer, summer, summer

Technically it's still spring, but oh....it feels like summer. And I love it! I don't think I would ever get tired of this weather if it was year round. So nice to be able to walk outside barefoot, no jacket, windows open. Ahhhh. And I am not an air conditioning person, only putting it on when it's absolutely necessary or if I have company. I'm finding out that I am decidedly in the minority on this one. (Nothin' new.)

I am full of plans and ideas for the summer. Want to get myself back in good running shape after a very long, sluggish winter. Nutrition getting a kick start as I try to cut most dairy out of my diet. I'm finding that it tends to bother me. I only drink soy milk, but still eat regular cheese, which is probably the culprit. Problem is, I love cheese. I'll try switching to soy cheese for a while and see if that does it. If it does, then I'm make the switch permanent. Sad, but necessary. Probably better for my waistline too.

Ran the Masser 5 miler on Sunday. I was a few seconds off my time, so speed work needs to be incorporated back into my training on a regular basis. As much as I hate it, it really helps. Hill work would probably be beneficial also.

Finished the bench for the children's Beach House, so that is off to my "sponsor" Aerie Art Gallery. I didn't take a picture (camera stolen....) but will take one with my phone when it's on display. Finished the 5 x7 for Camp Rehoboth's Lotto Heart, which was such a fun time last year. Now I just need to crank out some more new work for upcoming shows. It's a never-ending process, but a rewarding one. Hoping to do some larger pieces, just because.