Target Kitty

I went to Aldi to get my great deals and then stopped at the big red T. I needed bags for my vacuum (which I broke somehow and now need a vacuum!!!!!!!!!!!!!).
I went in and was of course awestruck by the D'amico deli. Great food, inexpensive and awesome! They discontinued my Broccoli salad and that stinks, but whatever....................................
I ran into maestro Justin and Magic's mom Amy. Fun to chat.  Justine's fan died and we all know 100 degrees will be back tomorrow. I then ran into my beauty niece Jen and Dad. Jen, you'll be ultimately fine and superbly cool as usual.
After talking to a new Momma with a babe I went out and found a kitten abandoned!  Who would leave a kitten in 100 degree heat, no water, food and black hair in the sun?????
I knew it would be bad, but you have to stick up for the underdog. And if the people who do things like this don't know, Karma comes around and yours will come back to teach you a lesson. Be ready.............................

Goodbye My Kayla - damn great teacher and friend

“There comes a time in the spiritual journey when you start making choices from a very different place. And if a choice lines up so that it supports truth, health, happiness, wisdom and love, it’s the right choice. ”

Angeles Arrien (born 1940); Anthropologist

Ape House - READ IT! And it can be done in a day.....

Thank you Kathy, book lover extraordinaire!

I have thought about this book for a couple of days now. I look into my Bear's eyes and see thoughts, emotions and empathy. I think one day we will all be accountable for what should be so easily understood.We are all too busy to listen and it could be our downfall.

Ron Charles's review points out what the novel lacks, but it fails to realise what the the novel inspires. His points are valid, but there are also many nuances he fails to ponder.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/07/AR2010090705677.html

Pottermore - Great Animation!!!

I am going:Great Ape Trust- DesMoines, Iowa

http://www.greatapetrust.org/

One student makes a difference to a teacher

I really think a lot about being a teacher.  Am I qualified, do I make a difference, do I care too much and blur the line between giving too much and not giving?

I received an email today that made me smile and think last year was worth it and a student learned something.

Maybe I do make a difference and I should continue down this path and not quit.
This is the hardest job in the whole entire world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!( Mom job not included of course!)

Claver Art Press

Sometimes it's good to check and see what's out there about your art things.  I was curious if there were pics on our Flint International Experiences and found some links:
http://ordwayfestival.blogspot.com/2011/03/saint-peter-claver-is-back.html

http://ordwayfestival.blogspot.com/2011/02/paint-shirts.html

http://ordwayeducationnews.blogspot.com/2011/05/artwalk-recpetion-success.htm



Our installation at Alliance Bank:

On Mike's blog giving us some PR on the kid's art show at the AZ:

Finding yourself stuck on a project? I recommend a little inspiration. As previously mentioned, The AZ Gallery is hosting a Elementary and Middle School Art Extravaganza! I went to the opening last weekend. In addition to seeing loads of great artwork, the reception itself was impressively complete with snacks, painting stations AND a DJ. I found it to be "a rockin' good time." Don't believe me? Just ask these fellas.

This is the last weekend that the show is up so be sure to go check it out. Happy art making!

- Mike

CSA - Community Supported Art - Pick - Up at AZ Gallery What a PARTY!

What a great night at the AZ!

Grilling on the Patio, Music by the Roe Family, Great Artists, Great Patrons and sales for all!

Here is some background about the whole CSA project from Springboard.

 http://www.springboardforthearts.org/AboutUs/AboutCSA.asp

What is Community Supported Art? Over the last 20 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy seasonal food directly from local farms. With the same buy-local spirit in mind, mnartists.org and Springboard for the Arts are joining forces once again for a similar endeavor to support local art, artists and collectors. Last week the project assembled a panel of local food and culture tastemakers including artist Amy Rice, photographer Becca Dilley (The Heavy Table), and J.D. Fratzke (The Strip Club). The panel reviewed over 140 artist applications and selected the nine CSA artists, working in a wide range of disciplines: installation artist Liz Miller, printmaker Drew Peterson, furniture maker and woodworker Scott McGlasson, fashion designer Danielle Everine, fabric artist Nou Ka Yang, photographer Areca Roe, ceramic artist Peter Jadoonath, painter Dana M. Johnson, and visual artist Luke Aleckson.

The selected artists will receive a commission to create 50 shares for the program. Interested collectors will purchase a share from Springboard for the Arts and in return receive 3 boxes of locally produced artwork over the course of the summer. Each artist's work is specially created for the CSA program. One share could include work in any number of media, from a limited edition print or painting to a sculptural object or functional ceramic. Each member share will include one piece from each of the 9 CSA featured artists over the summer, and will also include a "bumper crop" of additional artwork, coupons, or tickets. The pick-up evenings will be at local art sites in June, July and August, and will feature musical performances, readings and food. The pick-up events are also when shareholders will have an opportunity to meet the CSA artists in person.

Tasty on the Grill - Wednesday Dinner with Steak/Potaoes/Corn and Onions

Ingredients
1 large head romaine lettuce, trimmed and halved lengthwise
2 teaspoons olive oil
Cooking spray
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
3/8 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 cup canola mayonnaise
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon water
2 garlic cloves, minced

Preparation
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush cut sides of lettuce evenly with oil. Place lettuce, cut sides down, on a grill rack coated with cooking spray, and grill for 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cut each lettuce half lengthwise in half again to form 4 quarters. Sprinkle cut sides of lettuce with 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1/8 teaspoon salt.
3. Combine remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, mayonnaise, and remaining ingredients in a small bowl, stirring well. Place 1 lettuce quarter on each of 4 salad plates; drizzle each serving with about 4 teaspoons dressing. Serve immediately.

Kind of A Cool Weird Thing

Money bags

This year, July has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays. This happens once every 823 years. This is called money bags. Chinese legend says , forward this to your friends and money will arrive within 4 days. Based on Chinese Feng Shui. The one who does not forward.....so sadly will be without money.


Kinda interesting - read on!!!


This year we're going to experience four unusual dates.

1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, 11/11/11 and that's not all...

Take the last two digits of the year in which you were born - now add the age you will be this year,

The results will be 111 for everyone in whole world. This is the year of the Money!!!

OMG I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!

The Crazy Nastyass Honey Badger (original narration by Randall)

http://youtu.be/4r7wHMg5Yjg

My Love of Aldi

If you decide to shop at Aldi, you have to know your prices.  You also have to be willing to test out the products and see what generics will work for you and what is just to gross. The produce though is excellent! Strawberries for 99 cents, blueberries for 1.99, peaches for 29 cents........nirvana for moi!!!!

Here is the recipe I made today from Aldi produce. Excellante!
Jalapeno Slaw

• YIELD: 8 servings (serving size: about 3/4 cup)
• HANDS-ON: 7 MINUTES
• TOTAL: 1 HOURS, 7 MINUTES
• COURSE: Salads, Side Dishes/Vegetables

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup thinly vertically sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 (16-ounce) package cabbage-and-carrot coleslaw
• 4 jalapeño peppers, halved crosswise

Preparation

• 1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Gradually add olive oil, stirring constantly with a whisk. Add onion, cilantro, and coleslaw. Thinly slice 1 jalapeño half crosswise (keeping seeds), and remove seeds from remaining jalapeño halves. Cut the remaining halves into thin crosswise slices. Add the jalapeños to onion mixture, and toss well to coat. Cover and chill at least 1 hour.

Ann Taylor Pittman, Cooking