May Day

Throughout much of the world, today is celebrated as May Day, however, around these parts, it is better known as Jonathan's birthday. I can still recall when I first thought I was pregnant with what would be my fourth child and frankly I was not thrilled. Bruce and I were 28 years old with a 6 year old and 3 year old twins, pretty much more than we could handle. And then along came Jonathan and what a blessing he's been, particularly as he's gotten older. I suppose he shared many characteristics with other "babies" in a large family during his younger days. Now, on the other hand, I so appreciate his wit and wisdom, great for such a young man.

In October of 1996 we moved into our present home when Jonathan was only 12.  All of us were thrilled to have our very own swimming pool, particularly Jonathan who was the first one to test it out during his first birthday here. Typically the water doesn't warm up enough for Floridians to swim until later in the month, but Jonathan was determined, and did a cannonball on his birthday into the cool water while his grandparents watched from the sidelines. That seems like a long time ago and in reality, I guess it was.

A lot has changed since those years, with one thing staying the same. We normally do NOT go into the pool until late May. Yesterday that changed as I unexpectedly found myself in the water up to my waist while fully clothed!! How, you ask? Well, if you thought it had something to do with photography, you would be right. Cleaning the pool in the early morning,  I discovered a toad swimming and floating which I scooped out with my cleaning net. He just sat there on the deck, probably trying to recover from the shock. I took one photograph, then thought perhaps if I stepped onto the pool steps I could get a better angle. Next thing I know, I'm sliding off the step into the deeper water, scraping my elbow along the way. I did, however, get a really great shot:

Wasn't long after this and off he went into the bushes. He looks sort of sad doesn't he? Photography is more dangerous than you thought right?

So, I suspect what you're dying to know is, what happened at the show. Fine, that's how it went. Not fantastic, but fine. Interestingly enough, my neighbor artist was a young man who lives in Satellite Beach, however, that's not where he always lived. Amazingly, he went to Boone High School graduating two years after the twins. Not so amazing is that he knew them slightly, after all, they were somewhat notorious for reasons, both good and bad.

It was Ryan Walters first show despite painting for years. He is equally passionate about English literature which he teaches in Satellite Beach. His lovely wife Erin, also from Orlando, graduating from Colonial High School, some miles away. She also has a passing knowledge of the twins, and works in finance as they do. In September they will be adding a new member to their family.

They were as sweet as can be. Anyway, his paintings take way long to create, and dry, thus they are expensive. As we've all learned by now, most of the crowd at an art show is simply there to wander, not to buy. Ryan learned this on Saturday, sitting, sitting, sitting. Sunday morning he said how tired he was from Saturday which should tell you a lot. If he was tired, imagine how this old lady feels after a show! During lulls in my sales, we discussed the whole art festival thing and how the judging is so biased towards those who have won in the past, always overlooking any newcomers on the scene. He asked me if all the judges were as arrogant, and for the most part, I had to say yes, indeed they are. Frustrated, he and Erin visited until FINALLY,  in the afternoon, one of the patrons purchased a piece. And then another one sold and another. They left happy campers after all.

Painters typically look down on photographers, and that's okay, however, there is quite a bit of work to what I do that they don't see. And then there is the personal injury factor which I've had my fair share of. The scab,from slipping on some wet concrete,  finally came off of a scrape on my shin that happened weeks ago. Heat, bug bites, and falls. I've endured them all!

Speaking of heat, I thought I'd die on Saturday during the afternoon. All that kept running through my head was how am I going to survive Mayfaire in two weeks??? I will, but you already knew that. We also had the misfortune to have rain on Sunday. Talking to Matthew yesterday afternoon, I learned that it's been raining cats and dogs in London, whereas, we've had almost none. Until Sunday that is. In the above photo you might notice my boxes stacked against the wall, drying out. Oh well, it's all part of the outdoor experience isn't it?

What was terrific, and I mean terrific about the weekend was our stay at Crane Creek Inn. Arriving around 4:30 Friday afternoon, we were thrilled when we saw it in person.

After loading the vehicle with the art show stuff, Bruce tied the kayak to the roof which proved to be a bit challenging because of the vehicle height, but he got it done. So, that was the first thing he did, with Andy's help upon our arrival--take it down and carry it down to the creek, or what really looks like a river to me. The weather was gorgeous and the scenery matched.

I told you it looked like a river! Everywhere you looked was perfect, including this view of the hammock and covered hot tub which I'm happy to say we took advantage of on Saturday night!

How about the porch in front of our room? Nice, huh?

The room was perfect, the bed fantastic! Although we didn't take advantage of it, the heated pool was wonderful as well.

I can't say enough how happy I was that we were able to stay there because it was only about a two block walk to my space. Bruce fished on Saturday after helping me finish the display.

As you can imagine, he's checking to see that everything is hanging level. Friday night we worked until after dark; staying so darn close, we were able to walk right over in the morning and finish things up. Hurray!

Arriving home Sunday night around 8, Bill returned Baxter who was happy to see us. Asking Baxter if he'd enjoyed his weekend getaway, I'm pretty sure I heard him say yes. The flowers were fine, the feeders empty, and the house in good shape. The best part of the weekend, aside from the CCI, was that Mr. Bruce did not work (paying work that is) one single second, which hasn't been the case in so long that I can't even remember! After unloading, a quick supper and we were pretty much wiped out, particularly because Bruce had to leave for California in the morning.

Another show in the books as they say.

Top of the Morning to You

Indeed, it's a beautiful morning with cool breezes flowing through the open windows and lots of sunshine. I just got off the phone with the carpet folks and they'll be here tomorrow morning as scheduled rather than the message he left yesterday saying it was today. More on that to follow.

While talking to Nancy the other day she asked if we were doing only the office or all the bedrooms? Three rooms of dirty carpet=Three rooms of new carpet. I'm sparing you any other gross photographic evidence of the need.

On Tuesday I rode down to Lakeland with Bruce for his meeting and lunch. Darden is demolishing a closed Macaroni Grill, replacing it with an Olive Garden. As a matter of fact, as I type this, the building is supposed to be down. Bruce met there with some firefighters from the Lakeland Fire Department who he allowed to use the building for practice before the demo. They set off smoke bombs, smashed windows, and cut holes in the roof. He was giving them permission here for one last practice session.

After our lunch with the contractor's project manager and superintendent, we drove through downtown, landing almost exactly at the spot that I had last year at Mayfaire. The lake was chock full of birds, including a group of pelicans which surprised me.

And this Canadian goose,

While I was roaming the lakeside, Bruce used the time to take a little power nap. Like a dummy I had my camera on the wrong setting so most of my time was for naught.

Before being able to take photographs in earnest I took lots of things for granted. Now, everywhere I look I see a picture, maybe not always artistic, but a moment in time I'd like to remember. I'm sure I spent most of my life oblivious to cloud formations, now, on the other hand, they are an endless source of fascination.

Taken through the windshield (I was not driving!), they were so big and fluffy! As you can see the landscape is brown; a result of our recent cold snaps. Prior to that everywhere you looked the land was as green as can be.

Returning home we got to work clearing out the closets. Thankfully I did not have to go that one alone! Originally Bruce was coming home Thursday night, however his travel plans changed when a couple of big wigs scheduled a visit to his job just outside Boston. Instead, he'll be traveling home on the company jet Friday afternoon. So, he devised the plan, and we got to work. Here's what the sunroom looks like:

Yikes!! Plus the dining room table and one of the couches are piled with clothes and stuff. He took all the shelving out, moving some of the furniture as well. He claims the workers will not be as careful and I'm sure he's right.

I was happy to have a photo shoot yesterday so I didn't have to live with the chaos. As you know, Dana is one connected lady. As manager of the Church Street Exchange building she often has photographic needs and calls on your favorite blogger. The task yesterday was to photograph all the spaces on the bottom floor from every angle which doesn't sound too hard but believe you me, it was. I spent nearly six hours doing so. With my photographic equipment, jobs like this are difficult. As well, having no editing skills doesn't help! Bruce left for the airport around 9 and I went downtown soon thereafter. I tried all kinds of settings to combat the fluorescent lighting as well as the sunlight streaming through the storefront windows. My tripod even made a rare appearance. Using my flash wore down the battery faster than I'm accustomed to so I had to come home for a fresh one, eating a quick lunch while here. Allegedly the flash is good to even out the light, however the challenge is not to have light blobs on the windows.

See what I mean? Requesting shots from the outside of the building as well as the interior store fronts proved to be quite challenging for me. She also wanted the common areas which had an entirely different type of lighting.

By far one of the nicest features is the fountain which does get light from three different directions.

Another problem are all the straight lines everywhere. I see this one is off somewhat--must fix!

As well I photographed her event space on the second floor. Converting the former Orlando Magic preview space into a party space with a small budget takes creativity for sure. This one would have been great had it not been for my bag on the floor!

Here's the next room,

Again, lighting challenges for a novice like myself. I suspect I'll have to go back, but today is not the day for that. Six hours  yesterday was enough for me.

While talking to David on the phone and looking at the photos, an email notice came through on my computer. I was very happy to be chosen for the Melbourne Arts Festival. Last year I was on the wait list so being chosen this year makes me happy. For those of you who don't know it, I graduated Melbourne High School in 1971. Because I was new in town and had a long distance boyfriend, somehow I never got to know anyone those last two years of high school. I had one friend named Peggy. Kind of pathetic when you think about it. The downtown is quaint and right near water, so although the show is scheduled at the cusp of the hot season, perhaps that will make things cooler. Every now and again I like to take our show on the road. Speaking of which, Mount Dora is only NINE days away. Oh, how I hope the weather is good. Naturally I'm a little gun shy.

One final word about the shoot. A man opened a terrific gallery there, or I should say, set it up, because the grand opening is not until March. About a year ago I loaned Dana some pieces for what they hoped would be a gallery. Didn't really work. Imagine my surprise when I saw my pieces hung in the new space.

Those green palms? They are mine, however, Guy hung them in such a creative way that I think is brilliant. Originally it was to be a triptych, and I did show it that way once, however, this configuration is so much better. Of course you'd have to have a big space, but still. Before it was too dramatic, even for me. I'm very, very pleased.

In the first paragraph I mentioned the carpet timing. The fellow scared me a bit because the message he left said they would be here today. I'm not ready. The inside of the closets have not been painted in years and years and now is the time to do it. Although I'd rather lounge a bit today, the task needs doing and I'm the girl to do it. Off to the store for, if you can imagine, WHITE paint.

I'll leave you with my favorite kind of light--the sun which I'm so much better using.

So long,
Gail