New Art for My Kitchen

This summer has blown by faster than I thought it would and I did not accomplish everything I should have.  Yes, I neglected my household responsibilities - I am naughty bad.  I guess I was too busy having fun...  I got over my guilt today, at least temporarily,  as I located, cleaned and hung up some vintage art prints that I purchased at a thrift store last summer.  I have been meaning to install them since I brought them home.

I have never been a western, equestrian or giddy-up type of lady, but these prints struck me for whatever reason and I decided they belonged in my kitchen.  The $1.00 price tag on each worn frame was a bit of a turn on too.

The three that hang near the table are from a series created for the American Quarter Horse Association in Amarillo by Randy Steffen in the 1970's.  Unfortunately I have only three from the set of four.  

 

Although the three prints that decorate the dining area are terrific, my very favorite is a lithograph by Norm Saunders from 1957.  Every time I look at it I have to take a deep breath - I can feel the cool of the evening and smell the fresh damp air.  So refreshing.  This artwork will give me something to daydream about while I wash dishes... If I do them.

Tuesday Night Jazz Party 08/10/10 Young Talent

*Note from the editor:  The audio clips from the jam are located at the bottom of this page (in case you are not big on reading and/or don't care about my literary review of the evening).   ...This is sort of the "choose your own adventure" portion of the blog, for those of you that are familiar.  You won't hurt my feelings by skipping ahead - I promise.  Thank you.

Tuesday Night Jazz Jam  
Family Night   
08/10/2010  

This blog is about the things I love, as the title clearly explains.  The jazz party this article features gave me so much to love.  Here is a list for you of the aspects I adored (in no particular order).

I loved: 

 

...that Gail sang "In a Mellow Tone".

...Gail's singing in general.

 ...the lighting for photography purposes.  It was nice to not have to have all 'artsy' pics of the night.

...seeing Brent Laidler have a good time while helping others get the opportunity to perform. 

... that the most talented regulars came out to see the young people even though they themselves may not get to perform that night.  Way to be supportive!

...seeing young people perform with confidence and conviction.

 

  John Tilford's drum solos.  That man can jam on it.  No foolin'.

...watching CJ Brown perform a song her mother sang to her when she was small.

... proud parents watching their kids perform.

 

... singing favela   

...Tim Miller's drumming.  The whole time he is playing I am trying not to yell "Yeah!! Do it Mr. Millllller!! Aroooooo!"

 

 


...tables of smiling people enjoying a nice night out.

... that the band played 'A Train' 

...knowing next week's jam will be held in an air conditioned building.

 I hope you found a few things to love too.  Feel free to comment about them below.  



Here is the promised audio: 

 

Part one of two

 

Part two of two

xoxo

Jen

Our Famous Blanket

Ad:  Page One

We sold a plaid blanket recently to a tasteful little shopper through our store on Etsy.   The fall colored Faribo Brand throw was packaged carefully and sent on its merry way without much thought.  Only later did we find that it was on its way to fame and glamor...

Ad:  Page Two    Our blanket in all its glory.

We were notified by a fellow (and kindly!) Etsy shop owner that our lovely little blanket was used in a Tommy Hilfiger advertisement in the September 2010 issue of Lucky Magazine.  I thought for sure this information was not factual as it seemed to good to be true... but still was very curious.  The next day I arrived at a local bookstore.

Ad: Page Three

Although I was slightly embarrassed to purchase a magazine that had Jessica Simpson on the cover, I simply had to when I saw that our former blanket was actually within. It was thrilling to see it draped across a chair, fringe and all, intermingled with so many other amazing props.  As we were paying, I held back the urge to explain to the clerk that I was purchasing the magazine because one of our items was used in a fashion ad - not because I was a die hard Jessica fan.  I thanked him instead and rushed for the exit.

Ad:  Page Four

I tore the plastic bag away from the glossy literature inside.  I gazed for a significant amount of time a the acrylic fabric and made sure a couple of times that I was not dreaming.  I was awake and felt like a proud mother at graduation...