Sorry, But This Frog Jumps!

I was in a bit of a funk this week and feeling out of sorts. Rushing to complete a HUGE list of want-to-do's as the passing of Summer Solstice signaled time starting to tick down JUST as we were getting into the swing of sun, warmth and outdoor living. My fussy, restless mood was directly linked to my overly scheduled inspired life. I have tried very hard not to be that person who rushes around, rushes her kids and bosses her husband. Let's just say Daddy-O put it perfectly.... "that's like making a FROG NOT JUMP!"  What a silly thing to say to me from the man I love -and yet so true.

OK, I'll work on it... this winter!

Even though Anchorage had a record late snowfall at the end of May, the new gardens are coming around with record breaking heat and a string of blue-bird days.

We hosted a Summer Solstice "meet your neighbor" party. What fun to enjoy music, friends, food (fresh Sangria!) and beverages on our new front lawn. Many of the neighbors had not met one another -even though some have lived here for years! They were grateful Daddy-O and I suggested this party in the middle of everyone's busy, busy summer. We all appreciated the live music, festivities and conversations with an eclectic group of people, so much so, that the party continued through the night around the fire pit -which also helped to fight off these hurkin' AK-size mosquitos! Nigel was in charge of the iPod Playlist when the live music took a break.

I've been trying to get some welding in -maybe this weekend if the weather clears. It's raining right now so I'm filling Garden Flag orders and enjoying sitting at the sewing machine with a lovely view of the new gardens. Ahhhhhh....

Gus participated in the Great Alaska Martial Arts Tournament and Festival that was hosted by Champ Marshal Arts. Daddy-O and I were staff volunteers in the rings as time keepers, and even board holders for the breaking competition! (notice that Gus has grown taller than Dad this summer...)

Watering the Soul

My favorite Garden event has come and gone. As the Volunteer Art Show Coordinator, I was pleased to see the last of the sculptures loaded out of the Alaska Botanical Garden Fair and Outdoor Art Show yesterday under wet, gray skies but the positive comments on the art kept my disposition sunny. There was even an opportunity for me to do some Plein Air work on Saturday while I was art sitting the Show. A bit out of practice but painting and drawing out in the fresh

garden air actually felt like I was replenishing my soul. I sold two of my three sculptures, “Crescent Moon” was delivered last night and I will deliver “Lambelia” to the Lowenfel’s house today. The event sold more works than last year and judging from the comments and voting for the People’s Choice Award, the show has evolved to feature more confident and professional works of art. Congratulations to Marieke’s “Karmic Instructions” win

ning the 2010 People’s Choice Award. Click here for a copy of the sculpture Artists brochure I put together for the Show and here for the painters/mixed media brochure. “Solstice Love” is still for sale but there were two customers who wanted to find just the right place it in their garden before committing to buying. The sculpture has a relative small footprint but needs a lot of space for good visual placement at 73” wide x 85” tall x 45” deep. This year the trend seemed to be more gardeners but gardens and landscaping being done in smaller spaces. Overall budgets were also a bit smaller than in

years past and much consideration and more thoughtful conversations were taking place before purchases. A big help this year (especially for Daddy-O who has been the Show's muscle every year!) was the youthful strength of the 9-Star volunteers helping customers and artists haul out the sculptures via 4 wheeler. No rest for me today though, I’ve got to replenish Katie’s Gallery with works as she has sold out(!) and the Spenard Farmers Market awaits us this Saturday… m-u-s-t g-o t-o t-h-e s-h-o-p and c-u-t the m-e-t-a-l then w-e-l-d the m-e-t-a-l…

Thought you'd like to see Gina Hollomon's large, pit fired "Berry Patch Bear" at the Alaska Botanical Garden Show.

For a contrast to the green, lush, warm Garden, Kristen sent us the latest pictures from the top of the world. Their captain gave everyone “Ice Liberty” in the Arctic! She said she and fellow grad students really enjoyed the experience. The man with the gun that Kristen is “strong arming” with is one of four official Polar Bear watchmen –fortunately, his “expertise” was not needed… Here is a great link showing more of NASA’s Arctic Ice 2010.