Painting with Mary in the English Garden of St Kate's

The English Garden


Located just west of Whitby Hall, the English Garden was planted in the mid-1920s and tended for many years by Sister Alice Irene Freiberg, a mathematics professor. It was renovated in the 1980s, when a sculpture of St. Francis by Professor Emeritus of Art Peter Lupori also was added. The statue and garden renovation are the gift of Patrick and Alice Schreiber Rogers.

New paintings from the garden series.  Mary painting on the steps of the chapel and the statue of St Francis in the English Garden. My heart and soul are so happy doing this everyday.  I have to figure a way to do this....

Chris is HOME!!!

How handsome are they? My beautiful family!

Welcome home and God bless that you are so happy and well!

Cracks me up....

Francesca Lia Block

http://www.francescaliablock.com/

Francesca Lia Block books really started me on my adoration of other worldly books such as House of Marked, Vampire Academy, Twilight, Vlad and all.
Block's urban fairy tales transport me to otherworldly places where I long to go and still hold on to the belief that I will still travel to. 

This tale of a changeling is sweet and disturbing, compelling and haunting. Her words bring the enchanting worlds into reality and make them a possibility.

The Weetzie Bat books are my favorites, but the ultimate is, "I was a teenage fairy" with Mab the fairy who is our guide through heartbreaking teen lives.  I remember reading that at Lake Johanna and crying because the character, Griffin was so beautiful, yet sad and broken.  Read them all and savor each one!

I always love to see what my fav authors look like.

She is so beautiful like Mab and Weetzie!!

Kittens inspred by KITTENS!!!!!!!!!!!

Makes me laugh over and over again,  I can't imaging being with this child 24 hours a day. I wonder is she ever stops talking? But she is funny.......................

Midway Baseball CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!

YEAH THUNDER!!!!!!

Lunch with my Vis Buddies at Pool and Yacht

They are the best!!

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. ”

—J.R.R. Tolkien

Outlet Mall at Albertville

Know your prices and brands and you can get great deals.  The kids at Nike scored great deals for shoes.  My husband still thinks that they are WAY overpriced, but their prices are better than around here.

I went to Claire's and got earrings, but they were the same prices as the malls in the Twin Cities.  I even saw higher prices on some items.  Do your research before going and you'll score some great deals!

Space Aliens for Lunch! - so Good and Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was time to pick up our friend at St John's and we decided to make a day of it.  We all dined at Alien's and then to the Outlet Mall.  We went to the school and swam and it was so beautiful.  A great day.

ALBERTVILLE

11166 County Road 37

Albertville, MN 55301

Main Phone: 763-497-6718

Fax: 763-497-4776

My most favorite thing to do - Paint with Mary and Bear

Bear always helps me.................

Anne River Siddons - Off Season

She never disappoints!  I devour all of her books and was delighted to find one I hadn't read.  Great characters and compelling plot twists and turns.

Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging - The Movie!!!!

I loved this series of books and was SO excited there was a movie for the first one. I cannot wait to see Angus the cat!! It arrives courtesy of Netflix tomorrow so I will let you know how it all pans out.  Those books and Georgia's antics make me laugh out loud all the time from beginning to end.  I rarely laugh out loud at TV, books and such.

A List of What makes Me Laugh Out loud

Georgia Nicholson books

Saving Grace

Mary Tyler Moore and Rhoda

Stephanie Plum and Lula

Bye, bye, Birdie

Seinfeld

Will and Grace

Rescue Me

Bill Bryson

My animals and kids

The WHOS Softball Team

Mary, Sally and Deb

Carol Burnett and Company

Kathy Griffin

SPC kids

My Husband

My Sisters

Here is a review from someone who shares my joy of it all -

amg 975341 Really loved it! Read all the books and nearly wet myself laughing, so had to see this movie. It is very true to the books as far as the tone goes. The Ace Gang is simply ace. The Stiff Dylans are as cool as they should be. The parents are as lovey-dovey as Georgia Nicholson accuses them of being. And Robbie is a sex god. Really sorry not to see more of Dave-the-Laugh. Hopefully they will make another one so he will get some more screen time. Worth it to watch!

Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging


2008PG-13100 minutes

Georgia Nicolson  has two goals in life: Get a gorgeous boyfriend, and throw the best 15th birthday party … ever. No. 1 looks within reach when hottie Robbie (Aaron Johnson) arrives in school. That is, until Georgia's arch nemesis is spotted with him. Adding to Georgia's troubles are some serious family problems back home. Luckily, she's got her cat Angus and her best mates in the Ace Gang in this winning British teen comedy.

St. John's Abbey Church in Collegeville

I brought Dorothy to Camp and was blown away by the beauty of this campus and church.  The monks singing, the stain glass, the beautiful lake and floating dock.....why wouldn't you want to go there? 
I hope Dorothy has a great time and it is an experience that will inspire her.  he first couple days of camp are so hard without a friend, so I am praying hard that God sends her one or more. 

Spectacular old Great Hall with Jesus looking over the poor kid manning the info desk by himself.  The Great Hall was Hoggsworth totally!  The kid needed to work on his customer service skills.  Bored and lacking in any knowledge of the campus.  I had been there for 30 minutes and knew more about the buildings than him.  That is all about being 19 and working work study in the middle of July........

The Creator's Words (Marcel Breuer architect)

"Colors which you can hear with ears;
Sounds to see with eyes;
The void you touch with your elbows;
The taste of space on your tongue;
The fragrance of dimensions;
The juice of stone."

— Marcel Breuer. from Cranston Jones, captions and introduction. Marcel Breuer: Buildings and Projects 1921-1961. p11.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best thing in the world on TV!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just started on Season One and it will get me past the loss of Grace.  This is one masterpiece of TV Land.

I am thrilled I am on Season One and there are 5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sally's Fence

My beautiful friend Sally loves flowers and so i am painting her privacy fence with a garden mural.  Flowers, animals, bugs and all will adorn her fence.  Sally and I are very happy with how it is turning out.  The best part is I get to hang out at her house and talk, talk, talk to her!!  Love you Sal!

What a Wise Woman....

“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.”

—Louisa May Alcott
(1832-1888); Novelist

The Graveyard Book By Neal Gaiman

I am truly enjoying this fantasy story.  I had no idea that he wrote it to parallel Kipling's The Jungle Book, which I find fascinating since we just read it in sixth grade lit. Gaiman writes true from a child's perspective and I enjoyed the creatures and souls of the Graveyard.  I am also loving the cover art and the positive/negative space thing they got working.

Goldfinches in the Yard!!!

Yeah!  They are here!! I am so excited that they are coming to the new feeder.  The chickadees, cardinals and woodpeckers are loving the sunflower seeds and NOT the squirrels!!

Wild Birds Unlimited in Highland Park

Those wonderful squirrels have not let me feed my beautiful birds in the yard. They steal all the food and trash everything to get to it. Molly is leaving me in charge of the birds and I had to get serious! So I went to Wild Birds after the squirrels stole my finch feeder and asked for some help. They were great! She was kind and informative, but not pushy at all. I got an anti-squirrel set-up and I am hoping it works! I cashed in my change to get it and it should be worth it to see some of nature's beauties.

http://www.wbu.com/feedercam_home.html

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/7188754

I will update you all with all of our visitors!

Wet Paint Canvas Sale - http://www.wetpaintart.com/

 Awesome Sale!!!  Sally and I picked up a case of 24x30 reg $252 for $80 for me.  We went also to my fav Gypsy Moon -
http://www.alishops.com/twincitiesstore.asp?name=gypsy-moon.  Sally found great jewelry and a gift for Joe.  LOVE that store!!  fairies galore and cuties to behold.....

Here is the blurb from Wet Paint - Happy Shopping!
ALL ART ALTERNATIVES CANVAS SALE PRICES VALID JUNE 14TH THROUGH JULY 18TH, 2010
Wet Paint’s Truckload Summer Canvas Sale is back!
BEGINS JUNE 14!
Beth’s Anniversary Canvas Sale last summer was so popular with our customers that we’re excited to be able to offer it to you again this year; the biggest selection of canvas at the biggest discounts that Wet Paint has ever offered. Our first truckload shipment is on its way and its stocked with over 50 different sizes of Studio and Gallery Art Alternatives canvas. This is a chance to save 50% on all individual canvas, 60% on all cases of canvas, and 70% on our “Select 6” canvas (six of our most popular sizes).

This special sale is IN STORE ONLY. Limited to in store stock. No mail orders. No web orders. All sales final.
Stocking up on canvas is a great way to jump-start your productivity in the studio this summer. The more canvas you’ve got, the easier it is to:
-try out new sizes & formats
-experiment with new techniques
-At 50-70% off, our Truckload sale gives you the opportunity to stack canvas to the ceiling without bruising your budget!

The Art Alternatives Studio canvas line features natural, unbleached, medium-weight canvas, triple-primed with acrylic gesso, wrapped around 7/8” kiln-dried stretcher bars & secured with a flexible spline.

The Art Alternatives Gallery canvas line offers premium, unbleached, medium-weight cotton duck, triple-primed with quality acid-free gesso, stretched around 1 ½” deep kiln-dried bars & secured with a flexible spline.
Don’t miss this opportunity to stock up – start planning now!

Midway Baseball

This is such a great program for the kids!  They have the ultimate ball field, lights, concession stands, groomed fields and great coaches.  I am so impressed with the whole production.  Joe has improved 100% and has found a sport that he is really good at.  I think Midway has taught him patience, hard work, loyalty and the joy of baseball.  Kudos to all who make this program what it is.
Joe rocked a triple tonight!!!  So proud of that boy!  Off to the playoffs we go........
http://saintpaulalmanac.com/features/People-Jimmi-Owens-Midway-Baseball-Ambassador.shtml

Stockholm, WI

I'm goin' here all the time if I can!!!  Love this town with all my heart.  I will live here some day for a spell.  We were here Monday and ate at the Bogus Cafe, Greg and the kids rode bikes, I perused the shops and we found Auntie Mary and Uncle Jim!!  They love the town just as much.  I feel very happy here.  An artistic community with the kind of hospitality I love - no pretensions, no elitism, just great customer service!

I am coming to this if possible.  It is the day after the JJ Jubilee so it will be tough, but how cool! 

Aug. 13th & 14th, - Dog Days of Stockholm
- The purpose of Dog Days of Stockholm is to celebrate both writers and readers and the dogs that love them. Taking place during the dog days of summer-the perfect time to stretch out near the Mississippi and indulge oneself in reading a favorite book, the weekend will give readers a chance to talk to writers, writers a chance to meet other writers and learn a bit more about their craft, all the while extolling the virtues of a good dog. Celebrating dogs, Stockholm and words.

So that brings me to my favorite mystery author...
MARY LOGUE - http://www.marylogue.com/

I love the setting, characters and plots,  She makes me want to live there and be Claire's friend.  Here is some background -

Point No Point
The seventh book in the Claire Watkins mystery series opens on a hot and sunny day with a body found floating on Lake Pepin. Deputy Sheriff Claire Watkins is faced with another difficult case when a friend of the family is suspected of killing his wife, a woman he had always seemed to love. Her investigation puts a great stress on her relationship with Rich. Things are further strained when the suspect attempts suicide, solidifying his guilt in Claire’s mind. But what if she’s wrong? What will people do for love?

Praise for Point No Point:
In her review of Point No Point, Star Tribune writer Judy Romanowich Smith states she'd like to have coffee with Claire Watkins, fictional Deputy Sheriff of Pepin County. She also writes that she has moved the Claire Watkins Series from have to read someday to "read-the-whole-series-right-now list."

http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Reviews/45/bogus-creek-cafe-bakery

Bogus Creek Cafe & Bakery

Serving breakfast and lunch all day.

Open daily, 9 am – 5 pm

NOW SERVING BBQ's!

•Fridays and Saturdays until 8 pm!

•Pork Ribs, Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork and Smoked Sausage. Call ahead for quantities.

Summer is here and so is alfresco dining! Bogus Creek is worth planning your day around with a wonderful meal on our sunny garden deck.

The Café offers freshly prepared breakfast entrees; Swedish Pancakes with freshly whipped cream and lingonberries, Bogus Hash and French Toast are favorites.

The Bogus Creek lunch menu offers fresh sandwiches, crisp salads and tasty pastas. Home made soups, delicious desserts and a wonderful wine and beer menu compliment your visit.

Need bakery items? Bogus Creek Bakery is your answer. We offer freshly baked pastries, artisan breads, ice cream and a full espresso bar. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried the Swedish Donut.

Bogus Creek . . . our food is real.

•Become a Fan of Bogus Creek on Facebook

•Free WiFi in the Courtyard

•Gluten-Free Menu available

•ATM in the Bakery

•Bogus Creek can help you with your next special event

My Sister's Keeper

Wow!  What an ending.  They say that they changed it in the movie and I cannot believe they would do that.
Here is Jodi's response:
TO ALL MY FABULOUS FANS WHO’VE SEEN THE MOVIE:


Yes, I know the ending is different. Yes, I know some of you are very upset. I didn’t change it. The author has no control over the movie, and it was hard for me to accept too. However, there’s a great deal in the movie that I think is great, and I enjoyed watching it - and I hope you did too. Please don’t email me asking me why I changed the ending, or “let” Hollywood do that - it wasn’t something I had any control over. Tell Warner Brothers what YOU think ».



—Jodi Picoult

http://www.jodipicoult.com/my-sisters-keeper.html

http://www.jodipicoult.com

I am in the throes of this novel and it is spectacular!!!  I love the complexity of the characters and the way she weaves them together to make a tale that leaves you questioning one's own mothering skills.  Do you do the best you can or do you sacrifice your self for the benefit of your child? If you annihilate what makes you you and instead live through your children, is that what makes a perfect mom? Or do you become an empty shell that collapses once the child leaves?
What makes a child's life perfect? Or will the child always question the mother's parenting skills and ask what if you did this instead??????????????  .
A great read.

Dianna Shandorf Pastels

http://shandorf.fineartstudioonline.com

Look at this pastel!  How exquisite are those tones and highlights?  Breathtaking! The artist is Dianna Shandorf and she was my art teacher at Visitation Highschool. She was more of a potter when I was there and so quiet and unassuming.  To see all of her work is quite amazing and inspiring to me. 

My Awesome Sister-In-Law...the writer, Kathy Clark

This poem sums up everything I love about my Clark family. The last stanza takes my breath away, because that sums up everything that is pure and beautiful about them...

As dad said after mom died,
It was nothing
But it was everything

Kathy is such a prolific, graceful writer.  She grabs hold of a simple subject and brings out the beauty and depth that is there.  Her command of the language and it's nuances is amazing.  I look forward to her daily entries


Phone Home
I know I can't stop by the house
Like I use to.
I don't think the new owner
Would let me sit in his living room
And watch Jeopardy.

But I think of all the times
I'd head home tired after school
And pause at the corner
Heart winning out over head
And taking the turn to mom and dad's

Dad would solve the world's problems
From his chair in the corner
And ask about my students.
Mom would sit cross legged
With a book in her lap
And we'd watch TV.

As dad said after mom died,
It was nothing
But it was everything.

Love those words.  Isn't that pure bliss on memory lane????????????

Happy 4th of July!!

Just got back from Duluth and I devoured this story of 3 sisters and their lives.  A great summer read that is hard to put down and makes 2 hours on Interstate 35 go by quickly.  I enjoy fiction that intertwines character's lives over decades.  Hannah carefully manipulates the readers affections and alliances to certain characters and then throws twist and turns in the plot to doubt those alliances.  A satisfying summer read.

Nick and I watched some more episodes of Bravo's Work of Art last night and we were happy that certain artists are off!  It was a little disconcerting watching and viewing certain works of art for their "Shocking" episode with a teenage boy.  He was very happy that John was given the boot for his disturbing work.

Here are the artists who are gone:

Amanda - She was first and she had a weak portrait, but nothing horrible.  I think it was more that she was just too bland.

Trong - I think he got railroaded!!!  Miles's smarmy remark didn't help him at all either.

Judith was kind of an elitist about her work and what she considered her ideas of what "Fine Artists" did and did not do.  She totally went against the outline of he project and deserved to be off.  You do not write a book title backwards when you are making a book cover to sell books for Penguin Books. Duh!!

About misspellings....Jaclyn misspelling Jane Austen's name on her book cover and John misspelling the title of his shocking work...not good.  Just looks really bad.

John is off and Jaclyn is safe for now, but won't win because all she does is take the same naked photos of herself over and over again.  Nice body, but it is not art.

Nao is what I despise in fine art and that is performance art that is made to just be as weird as possible.  Her work and rudeness just leave me cold.  Soooo glad she is gone!

Miles Mendenhall seems to be one to watch.  OCD boy with huge talent.  Could of won all the challenges if you asked me.  Very clever, quick and knows a variety of materials.  Liked that he read Frankenstein too in 4 hours.