ART ON THE FARM

More is More

2012-01-25T11:53:00.000-08:00

Stephanie Llyod's antiques in Hudson, New York..with a truly grand ol' flag!

I love color, but I seem to wear a lot of black.

I love little spaces, but love oversized furniture.
I am yes and I am no.

I'm a walking talking contradiction and I am a gemini.
---------

Yes, all true...I do love my petite bright, happy paintings, brimming florals in lush arrays...but will never, ever say "no" to doing a larger-than-life painting as dark and dingy as you please.

So when Stephanie Lloyd asked me for some stately,sizable pieces for her antiques booth in Hudson, New York I couldn't stretch canvas quick enough!The largest being 66x66".

(Think as this the healthy way to "supersize me" Morgan Spurlock)
----------

This is my exclusive bespoken series dubbed
" The Country Life".

Maybe it's the notion that I could actually fit in some of these dwarfed by their scale. Maybe being a short person it's a Napoleonic complex or a Kristin Chenoweth kinda thing.

I don't know...but yeah, Morgan...I'm lovin' it!

"All Roads Lead To Wool" 30x48"

"Gazing on Greener Pastures" 30x48"

"Comforts of Home" 36x36"

"Hayfever" 66x66"
Jennifer Lanne

For more information: The Hudson Supermarket- Hudson ,New York

lost and found

2012-01-20T07:35:00.000-08:00

When hubby and I bought our home the previous owners told us they left an old ledger that had been found under the kitchen floor in a cupboard for us.
We searched high and low. No such ledger.

But this makes sense as when we purchased our home it had no locks on the doors. Yes, no locks for 225 years. And worse yet, the house had been vacant for 2 years previous to us. Sad were we.
And tell tale of the times...we put locks on the doors.

With no lead on the ledger...I had filed this under things I would just never know...you know, like math or how electricity works.

So , surprised I was when one day there was a knock at the door...and a kind soul (with a conscience) returned the ledger....no questions asked.

So here it is...in a poor fragile state..but to me a work of art.
Dating back to 1817 and used as a shoe cobbler's accounts book.
Full of handwritten calligraphy, notations on family names and items in trade for shoe mending and repair. Even a charge for a pair of velvet shoes!

Gotta love the trade for work for a barrel of cider, a rooster, side of beef, barley.

My favorite entry:

Whatever bralls disturbs the streets

Their should be peace at home

Where sisters dwell and brothers meet

Quarrels should never come

Little birds in their nests agree

and 'tis a shameful sight

when children of one family

fall out , and chide, and fight.

(taken from an old hymn by Isaac Watts)

romance lives!

2012-01-02T18:14:00.000-08:00

How do I know that praytell? No, not by the pink and red rows of cards and candy now in my local drugstore. Bossy Valentine trappings pushing their way into our lives. Promptly replacing the reduced, picked over Christmas goodies. ...poor, poor glitter still clinging to life on the floor.

Sad I am not! No tears will be shed.

As you can see....The Spring Issue 2012 of ROMANTIC COUNTRY is here!

Gone may be the days of fellas dipping quills into inkwells, laboring over every swooning sentiment to his sweetheart in hand written word.

Trouncing about fields collecting wildflowers, each blossom selected for it's secret meaning.

I do hope the modern men appreciate how easily consummerism has made their lives.

But alas, Romance lives on glossy pages!

Look for my feature (pages 18-19) among the pages of jaw dropping inspiration!

Below, I added some sweetly images caught in the late afternoon light...from around my home....a few from Christmas trims I was just too sappy over to pack away.

Happy 2012 to all!

Jennifer Lanne

It's sale time!

2011-12-12T06:47:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is...the annual SALE! Besides the figgy pudding it's the best part of the season! (Ok, I've never had figgy pudding...and doesn't it sound just as appetizing as mincemeat pie? ick)

So here it is!

*******

Wednesday Dec. 14th only

30% off any painting on my site:

jennifer lanne originals

And just like figgy pudding(but way better)...first come,first serve.

******

head to the pond

2011-12-05T17:47:00.000-08:00

Head to the Pond...

Schuyler Pond that is...!

This coming weekend.

a delicious array of handmade art.

Friday & Saturday

December 9-10

Saratoga Springs, New York

And I promise to bring my candy cane brownies!

heading west

2011-11-27T13:07:00.000-08:00

Flying off to the west coast!

Friday and Saturday December 2-3

"heart of winter" west

come for some fun and savvy holiday shopping!

I'll be shipping lots of new sparkling paintings!

hosted by

"Phyllisophical"

Tustin, CA.

and then...back to the east coast!

Friday and Saturday

December 9-10

"Merry Artist's Showcase"

hosted by

"Schuyler Pond"

Saratoga Springs, NY

Hope to see you there!

I may be an action figure...

2011-11-25T14:41:00.000-08:00

"apron strings"

"take two, they're small"

It may have been written in the stars...sigh

Every superhero has their theme music. I am afraid what mine may be.

I may be the ultimate Crazy Cat Lady. Did you know there is an actual action figure? Sad, but true.

I have had 26 cats in the past 18 years. Probably more....as some only stayed with me a few days and moved on.

I've never ever in my life picked out a cat and/or kitten mind you. These have all been strays I've been taken in. One of the many perils of having a barn on your property...seems to be a drive-thru drop-off zone.

Plus the fact that cats just seem to seek me out.

big moe

handsome buddy

patsy

I have been trying to keep up with embroidering their names on a pillow....quickly running out of room. I should have had some forethought and stitched the names smaller. Good thing there's two sides to a pillow.

I don't want to freak anyone out with images of me living in squallor, Grey Gardens style. "Only" 7 reside with me at this point. Just think of me, saving the world...one cat at a time.

new kitty paintings

veteran's nest

2011-11-13T12:18:00.000-08:00

Cleaning out all the cardboard boxes I had been accumulating (hoarding) in the barn and found a special little treat.

Who knew mice were so patriotic....and extra special to find it on Veterans' Day/Weekend.

The nest has long been abandoned, but I feel the need to preserve it in some way....

sometimes it's black and white

2011-11-07T16:41:00.000-08:00

I am such a color lover. I usually dive headfirst into color without even checking the water first.
I have nearly driven off the road trying to commit to memory the exact shade of robins eggy blue of the sky.
So, oddly enough I was poking around the house the other day, busying myself with nonsense....anything to deal with the behemoth pile of laundry. (I might add that I am not a complete delinquent housekeeper...it was clean laundry afterall. )
Well, as I was picking about the house I realized that for such a color hound I have sure have alot of black and white. How did this happen?
Is the color draining out of my life?
What does it all mean?
I do love it thou. Maybe the color voids help "cleanse" the visual pallette. I could pontificate all day on such nonsense...but hey, that laundry isn't gonna put itself away.

Folk

2011-11-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

I am so stoked about this new magazine!

(ok, you caught me...I may have an upcoming feature...thankyouverymuch....stay tuned)

Nonetheless, I just scored the first issue and it's just so hunky dory,gosh darn, farm frilled, slap your grandma good!

It's true blue country covering everything from American flags,homemade pies, to rusty-tea stained treasures-barnyard baubles and back again.

Just a real feel-good production.
I wanted to get my greedy mits on a Christmas issue so I promptly subscribed.

Here's the skinny:

here's the link:

http://americanfolklife.blogspot.com/

silly really

2011-10-27T16:33:00.000-07:00

Earth Angels Melody Elizabeth, Me and Marie Pendley in the Country Living Boothamatic picture booth.
it all goes south from here...

My goal this year was to fill my camera with stunning and gorgeous images of pretty wares from the Country Living Fair.

But seriously, I should be taken out behind the woodshed because this is all that came back on my camera. But please admire my self control because I really wanted to "acquire" these massive farm friends banners as "souvenirs" for my barn. How cool would that have been? If not freakishly inappropriate?

Instead I am thinking Christmas cards..... hmmmm.

oh yes...this is just a sampling....I figure this is plenty to garner your disapproval.

fellow Earth Angel pal Melody Elizabeth...totally gets the prize for the Best Massive Chicken Reaction!

for the love of chickens Marie!

milkmaid sisters Marie and Melody

America's next top model?

return to stone mountain

2011-10-15T17:07:00.000-07:00

your friendly reminder....and shameless plug! Join us, won't you??!!

The Country Living Fair South

Stone Mountain Park

Atlanta, Georgia

October 21-22-23

2011

what the gourd?!

2011-09-29T16:07:00.000-07:00

I know, not gourds....but cool bittersweet berries nonetheless

Yes, I can imagine. There may be some old law on the books against gourd inbreeding. Probably something dating back to the 1600's and punishable by death. Something to do with tampering with the natural, purity of the gourd. And no, ignorance of the law is no excuse ( right?...well,that never works in speeding tickets anyway, nor does batting eyelashes...I've tried)
Just the same, it isn't my intention to have some illegal mingling and breeding ground for gourds. It just happens.
Maybe something to do with pig manure and old farm dirt...but wow...do some gourds pop up!
It is always a wonder every year what will spawn. I don't even know what these are called..hybrids..?
Oh, I've tried to grow Hubbards, Cinderellas...you name it...all failed experiments.
Maybe there is some gourd aficionado out there with the Latin names, genus and species...
In the meantime we have named them "pig pumpkins"...

oh, and I love the quote Country Living Magazine used this October issue:

"I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion"

~Henry David Thoreau

look out, here it comes...

2011-09-01T15:42:00.000-07:00

The 6th Annual

Country Living Fairs 2011

September 16-17-18

Ohio Village

Columbus, Ohio

October 21-22-23

Stone Mountain Park

Atlanta, Georgia

10-5 each day....rain or shine!

http://www.stellashoes.com/

Just a few newbies I'll be bringing along.....I've been a paintin' fool.

Hope to see you there!

not small, petite

2011-06-17T17:37:00.000-07:00

Mark your calenders for Thursday June 23rd 8pm!

Earth Angels Toys is featuring me in the "Artists Spotlight " series!

whoo-hoo

Some of my new exclusive 4x4" petite florals will be available at special pricing.

A good chance to snatch up a little sweetie for yourself!

Afterall, good things come in small packages!

Pop on over to http://earthangelstoys.blogspot.com/

Thursday June 23rd 8pm

Curtains up!

2011-06-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

Artists Showcase

Hosted by Earth Angels at Rose Petal Porch

A Vintage Chic, Cottage Boutique
102 Route 15, Lafayette, NJ

Saturday, 6/11 10am -4pm
Sunday, 6/12 11am -3pm

a dandy day

2011-05-14T16:54:00.001-07:00

Who would have thunk that something so snow-like in appearnce would be a welcome sight??!

I'd like to think this is a little eye candy reward for enduring Winter's wrath.

Even Bud-Bud (kitty) can't believe the carpet of apple blossom petals.

The good news is that it is gor-geous and an intoxicating aroma.

The bad news is that it means a riot of crabapples to pick up come August.

My back aches at the thought.

For now I will enjoy the sight from my hammock.

showtime!

2011-05-06T17:43:00.001-07:00

SAVE THE DATE
May 21st & May 22nd

The Earth Angels 10th Annual Spring Fling is being held at Schuyler Pond!

Come enjoy this eclectic show ...
original paintings, jewelry and wearable art,
heirloom toys, mixed media, holiday follies & fashion.

Jo Packham, internationally known author and editor of Where Women Create, will
be in attendance, signing copies of her popular magazine. This event is free and open to the public.
Lunch with the Artists on Saturday, May 21st is $28 for a boxed lunch and refresments.
Continental breakfast with Jo Packham on Sunday, May 22nd is $18.
Seating is limited to 30 so sign up now at earthangelstoys.com.

This promises to be quite the shindig and feast for the eyes and soul!

I have been creating feverishly for months now in preparation and just can't wait to see what the other artists bring as well.... I intend to snatch up some goodies for myself!
Here's a few samples of my new works I'll be carting over to Schuyler Pond!

flourishing

2011-04-23T11:05:00.001-07:00

Yes, yes it is true.

I have been rather bird-brained as of late.

Maybe something to do with all the early morning roosters crowing or all the early rising songbirds outside my window.

All that chatter has me brainwashed or some deal.

Not a problem, as I rather like birds.

So natural I would be drawn to Spencerian birds.

I mean, what's not to like?

Swirly, flourishing, scripty birds is the most decadent penmanship I only wish I had.

I do have a nice chicken scratch signature, thou I doubt that counts as skillful.

Traditionally this Spencerian penmanship should be done in the utmost proper manner, calligraphy pen and ink ....with no caffeine enhancement so one can hold steady.

I have just too many ants in my pants to do it just.

My interpretations are much more loosely based.

My favs are on wood and distressed, and fitted with vintage frames.

I will save the calligraphy for my next life , when I plan on being a patient and graceful.

pigs and posies

2011-03-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

Pigs and Posies.

OK, so maybe one has nothing to do with the other...I just liked the way it sounded.

Kinda like salty and sweet...shabby with chic.

Opposites attracting.

As they say ....you can't have the mountains without the valleys.

Happy Spring!

livin' large

2011-03-14T06:35:00.001-07:00

This was one of those "come on, take the picture already" photos....as if you can't tell by the sour look on my face. Violet was very cooperative (and lethargic) at the moment so this was the perfect photo-op to show the pig-t0-human scale.

Saddle anyone?

sanford and daughters

2011-03-09T08:28:00.000-08:00

Many , many thanks to Jeanne Taylor of Jeanne Taylor Folk Art Gallery in Sanford, Fla. for hosting an Earth Angels Artist event this past weekend.

Whew, was it a treat to head South and meet all these wonderful women and gawk at such amazing art.

If you missed the event, fear not....there is another art event planned in Sanford next March...or if like me, you have ants in your pants and can't wait ....you can attened the next event in Saratoga Springs this coming May....watch for info soon!

Gallery gals Mary and Robin chattin' with Jane Dagmi of Country Living Magazine

Mary, Jeanne Taylor and Robin

Melody Elizabeth, textile artist and me yucking it up

Earth Angels artists Debbee, Laurie, Magda and Jen O'Connor

a sampling of my paintings on display

crave

2011-02-21T08:38:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you , but lately I have been craving nutrition...mainly fresh fruit. Not the fruit that you find at the grocery stores in the dead of winter...but farm fresh, farm stand, high summer fruit...ala James and the Giant Peach fruit. I suppose it is my bodies way of telling me, (well, screaming and reprimanding me really ) "enough of the carbs.....throw me something that doesn't come in a crinkly bag!".

So it's no wonder I have been on a fruit-painting craze. I suppose the phase will pass as all do.

In the meantime here'a a few of my fruit-dream-induced paintings.

I suppose it is better than me painting bags of chips.

smitten

2011-02-02T14:23:00.000-08:00

Is this the work of a unknowingly skillful backer-upper???

Is this Cupid's obscure way to deftly warm my winter's heart and make me fall madly, deeply in love with all men in plow trucks??!!

Cause I think it's workin'.

winter schminter

2011-01-20T11:05:00.001-08:00

I was shoveling myself out the other day ( for what seemed like eternity and purgatory rolled into one giant, dirty snowball)....shaking my dry, cracked fist at the sky , cursing the heavens tossing it's "sparkle" upon me .....gazing about my ravished gardens and barns, deadened by winters whim.......when I recalled a photography book I have in my possession depicting "winter gardens"

At first I gave a disgusted snort...like, who could find beauty in that??!!

That has got to be the epitome of optimism....like making lemonades out of ...I don't know...um, rotten tomatoes??

But, as I looked around I did see something minisculey tolerable...and like the Griches heart something likable started to grow....

So , the shovel was tossed aside (not a problem) and I suddenly found the strength of 10 men... trudging through snow to snap just the right shot.

Ok, I did get a little over zealous.....

But make lemonade out of rotten tomatoes , I did!

save the date!

2011-01-13T18:15:00.000-08:00

heARt of Winter Folk Art Gallery Show

at the

Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery
March 4th and 5th 2011

211 East First Street

Sanford, Fla.

www.jtfolkart.com

for directions and more info....

Hope to see you there!

Still Sparklin'

2011-01-13T09:27:00.000-08:00

Under the Cloche 6x9x1 $90 wood, mica, glitter

Warming Trends 4x6x1 $68 wood, mica, glitter

Safe Keeping 6x9x1 $90 wood, mica, glitter

Spring Stream 5x5x1 $72 wood, mica, glitter

Blueness Abides 4x7x1 $80 wood, mica, glitter

Sweetness 3x5x2 $68 wood, glitter, mica

Remembering 3x5x2 $68 wood, mica, glitter

Reflections 3x5x2 $68 wood, mica, glitter

Posing 5x5x1 $72 wood, mica, glitter

Forever Yours 4x6x1 $68 wood, mica, glitter

Cool Water 4x6x1 $68 wood, glitter, mica

Auburn Fields 5x5x1 $72 wood, mica, glitter

Chocolate Home 3x5x2 $68 wood, mica , glitter

Finally....up for grabs....a preview of "sparkles" ready for sale!

Here's a bevy of painitngs on wood...distressed with wax finish and edges encrusted with glitter and mica.

I ask you, what more could you ask for??!!

I don't know if the glitter will translate the same in makeup without making me look like a lady of the night ....but I just pickep up some Sonia Kashuk glittery eyeshadow..so fun and fab!

Gotta love the juxtaposition of glitter my ever-so-fashionable snowpants!

Just email me at jdlanne@aol.com for availibilty on these new creations....

Have a good one and sparkle on!

Voila!

2011-01-13T09:21:00.001-08:00

Finally a fresh egg from the quail!

Yippee-ki-yay!

sparkle and fade

2011-01-03T14:21:00.000-08:00

No sparkle fades quicker than a Christmas tree after the holidays.

How can something be so dazzling with wonderment and glee one minute....the next become this dehydrated, shedding eyesore ?

Poor, poor thing gets such a bad wrap.

Tree, I did love you once, truly I did.

But please, pick up your fallen needles and shove yourself back out the door.

I guess I am feeling nostalgic for the days of sparkle (like last week).

So with my trusty glue and glitter I have taken some of my latest distressed, wood paintings and encrusted the edges with gold/silver glitter.

Now, I usually side-step the word "encrusted".

Makes me think of things caked with crust...ex: bottoms of shoes, corners of eyes and medical conditions no one should ever talk about.

In my book there are only 2 manners where you should use that term:

On Menus.....as in Chicken Encrusted with Pecans....whenever I see that on the menu it's a done deal.

For encrusting the edges of paintings with shiny things.

Shiny things, pretty, shiny things....that's the key word.

SO here's some examples to bring back some of thaty sparkle.

more little mouths to feed

2011-01-03T13:53:00.000-08:00

They say a sucker is born every minute....and well, here I am!
All friends of ours had to say was "Would you..." and I said "Yes!"
So here I am with 5 Coturnix Quail.
They are cute you have to admit....no bigger than a sparrow...and that's full grown!
I am impatiently waiting to see if they grant me any speckled eggs.

A few years ago I was "lucky " enough to go into a Korean(? I think) grocery store in Harrisburg PA.
"Lucky" I throw quotations around....because if you've ever been in a market such as this you would remember the horrendous fish smell.
I am not a fish lover anyway....but cannot imagine anyone would find this rotten wharfy smell enjoyable.
I believe I may unofficially hold the Guiness Worlds Record for holding one's breath.
I would like to say I held it like for 45 minutes...but know that must be humanly impossible...

This reminds me of the time my family was driving through Maine(I believe) and we saw the Guinness World Record's largest pizza being made.
For all of you who may be salivating all over your keyboard....don't be impressed!
All they did was take regular sized pizzas...lay them in concentric circles on some tarp....to make a "seemingly" large pizza.
Can't remember if we ate any off said tarp .....but even as a kid I thought it seemed bogus.

However, back to the stinky grocery store....for a paltry fee I was able to grab a huge pack of fresh quail eggs.
Tiny little buggers...but I had the notion of blowing out the yolks and keeping the little egg shells for a nest I had found.
No small feat...but I did it! All 24 of them.

So, now it is befitting that I am now the caretaker of real live quails...
That answers the question as to which came first....the egg or the quail...
In this case I'd have to say the eggs.

when goats fly...SALE!

2010-12-07T16:14:00.000-08:00

If you were wondering when I was having a Holiday Sale...well, wonder no more....

It's when goats sprout wings and fly!

So looks to me like it's time for a SALE!

So here's the deal:

DEC. 9th-13th, 2010

all paintings on my website http://jennferlanne.com/art_paintings.htm (up to 3 total)

are 30% off

YICKY DEE!

So shop early for the best selection!

Shipping charges apply

email me at JDLanne@aol.com for availibilty
and pricing

next stop...PAULA'S!

2010-11-26T16:18:00.000-08:00

Coming up next :

"Heart of Winter" West

Artful creations presented in a fabulous setting for festive shopping

"The Paula Shop"

Friday, Dec. 3 3pm-7pm

Saturday, Dec 4, 11am-3pm

139 West 1st Street, Tustin, California

visit http://www.shoppaula.com/ for directions and info on our host's avante garde clothing and home offerings.

If you are looking for me , I will be the one hogging the nearest dressing room!

season for shimmer

2010-11-22T17:18:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season for glitter, shimmer, glisten......or at least it is in the studio this week!

Nothing more primal and fun than glitter snow.....maybe it's the kindergarten comfort it provides ....Like jello, spam and kool-aid.

If so, count me in!

So here's a new images of my "glitter wares".

Now to explain to everyone why I have glitter on my face and in my hair.

RED

2010-11-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

So every once in a while I like to test hubby's memory....or shall I say his attentiveness.

for instance:

Me: "Gee, without looking, what color are my eyes?"

Hubby: "Brown"

Me: "ehhhhh, wrong, hazel....always hazel"

Me:"What's my height ? ( I never ask for weight)

Hubby: "5' 4""

Me: "duh....off by 2 inches"

Hubby: "Well, I am accounting for you in with your average shoe height"

Me: "nice save"

Me: "What's my favorite color?

Hubby: "RED"

Me: ......speechless

Bingo he got one right......or maybe he's just a good guesser...really there was actually more than one right answer to that question............either way I am impressed.

And it got me gears in my head turning....I do really love RED.

So back to the studio with visions of red in my head.

Ripe, cheery reds,

tawdry, passionate reds,

rich , decadent reds,

40's glam reds

LOVE them all.....

Now if he would only remember my shoe size...gotta work on that.

Afterall, Christmas is rapidly approaching!

fanfare and all that

2010-09-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

"Running Through Life with Fiddlesticks and Fanfare"

So, I really hope there are diligent people out there that are more on the ball than me.

Thank goodness for the Alphas that keep the world turning.

I have meant to do some blog posts....lots and lots of blog spots. ....but where did the summer go??? I truly haven't been sitting around eating bon bons watching Soaps. Well, only because they are cancelling my favorite one this Sept. and I made the break earlier in the year. (As the World Turns...ironic )

And, no one has brought me bon bons in a while.

Honest, I have all these ideas in my head. If only everyone could read my mind it would save me alot of work. Thou, that could be tricky work...there seems to be a lot of nonsense rattling around in my noggin as well.....you know, the normal memorizing celebrity baby names.

Doesn't everyone do that??

Laugh if you will....but at the last wedding shower I went to I totally killed in the game "naming celebrity couples" ....won me a cool pair of socks and some bath and body lotion.

Who says fiddlestick knowledge doesn't pay off??

So this is really a post to remind you of the upcoming Country Living show in Ohio...

And that there is a part two in Atlanta in October.

Here's the important info you need:

The Country Living Fair

Columbus, Ohio

Sept 24-26

Ohio Historic Village

*****

The Country Living Fair

South

Atlanta , Georgia

Stone Mountain

Oct. 22-24

I hope to see you there!!!

the art of ironing

2010-07-06T18:14:00.000-07:00

So, years ago hubby learned the art of blacksmithing from an old timer....dabbled in it a bit ....making practical gimcracks and whatnots ....you know, hobby , time burning , driving-wife-crazy stuff. And I thought, as all wives do....how can I make better use of hubbys time??
It was only natural and inevitable that I would eventually covert this properly trained blacksmith to the dark, seedy world of art.
Ok, maybe not dark.....but surely twisted a tad.
So here is our collaborating of iron and canvas....
Hubby heats, bends, contorts old farm tools and implements ...(pitchforks are a favorite)...into sculptural displays for my paintings.
more forging hammers than you can shake a stick ata few finished florals....................pigtails and pig iron.....the old Swedish anvil........Dick at work Dick is very proud that everything is hand forged in a very primitive manner.....without the use of power tools or any type of electrical equipment.....
After the metal cools, I come along and "purdy-up" and fit the molded and melded iron with a painting that suits it best.
Voila! A perfect marriage of metal and canvas.

headshots

2010-05-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

So years ago...maybe like 15 , my sister and I won 2 free sitting at Glamour Shots in the local mall.
For those of you who escaped this phenomenon....Glamour Shots was this pseudo-professional service that gave you a funeral-director type makeover.... slathering you with thick pancake make-up, a peacocks display of unnatural hair teasing and bejeweling and donning you in frocks left over from the cast of Dynasty.
As frighteningly old we looked for our age, it was kinda fun to be pampered.
My sister chose a ravishing beaded evening gown with a fur stole...myself, I was torn between the white leather bustier....and the classic black leather jacket with matching leather hat.
I went with classic black.
I do have have these photos...yes indeed. I could never part with gems like these.
The real question is , will I post them on this blog.
That would be a no.
They are safely tucked away and only snuck out when I need a giggle.
Thou, I do wonder what ever happened to all the negatives Glamour Shots must have accumulated?

So in my homage to Galmour Shots....I did my own take on glam-animal shots....minus the feather boas and aqua net.

classy situation

2010-05-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the painting class was held....and can you believe the talent??!!

I so wanted to tell all of these wonderful ladies that there was a tragic art heist and that all of their paintings were gone forever....Gone forever to my house!

There isn't one painting in the batch that I wouldn't covet for my own.

And many thanks again to the impeccable Schuyler Pond for hosting our artistic messiness and giggling!

peep show, cute chicks

2010-04-13T17:18:00.001-07:00

Well, I am so sorry to make you all melt into your computer chairs with the epic cuteness....but how sweet???

My new little darlings arrived on Easter Sunday ...right on cue.

And I have been fawning over them ever since.

Only hubby was disappointed when he found out that the free exotic chick that was included was not a leggy Russian woman named Natasha.

Sorry hubby, not in this lifetime I'm afraid.

Your fate is a redheaded, shortcake with freckles.

painting class

2010-03-24T10:56:00.000-07:00

Calling all hidden-artists
I will will hold up my right hand , place my left hand on a palette and swear to do my best to instruct!

the details:
Sunday, April 25th 10am-noon
at the bodaciously, bucolic Schuyler Pond Home and Garden
Saratoga Springs , New York
518-581-8422
jdlanne@aol.com

$120/per person
all materials included
as well as a refreshments to wet your whistle.

the mission:
to start and complete(fingers crossed) your own floral painting!

Be there or be square!
call or email for further details

No prior talent or experience needed!

bovines in the boudoir

2010-02-22T15:36:00.000-08:00

A few of my new chair infused paintings....this one titled "Bovines in the Boudoir"...24x36

and no, the title did not come about by a spicy food dream.
Thou, I must admit lately I'm obsessed with Tabasco flavored Cheez-its .

I dread the day the company ceases productive on these gems.

So, I implore you all to purchase these with care abandon...hoard them if you can....maybe this will encourage the Cheez-it people to keep the shelves stocked.

Worst case scenario, If they are cruelly discontinued I will more than likely to be quite motivated to buy them from you for like $50 a box.

"Kick'in Back" 24x24

death by deletion

2010-02-21T15:49:00.000-08:00

Nobody wants to be the hatchet man, the hit man, the hired gun,the bad guy.

But sometimes you just gotta step up and do it.

Like any able bodied person with an itchy trigger finger, I too own a digital camera riddled with lifeless pictures.

Pictures with no future.

Pictures of no relevance.

Pictures of no consequence.

These pictures are not bad mind you.

They've done nothing wrong.....they just don't quite fit in anywhere.

It's just, quite frankly I'm tired of them taking up valuable space.

Valuable space for more cute pig pictures....space for cats engaging in adorable sleeping poses....blurry, moving chicken photos .

These photos trapped in my digital are oh-so-pretty to look at ....kind of like that guy with the bad ass tattoos and the I-work-out-alot muscles ..... nice to see, but boy I wouldn't want to be married to him.
Just can't see them in my life forever.

No offense pictures, but you must be purged.

So I will hold back my Donald Trump bangs and with a push of a button I will bravely declare "you're fired".

I know I will see you again.

As uncomfortable as I am in my role as exectutioner, I now realize these pictures will live in blog land forever.

More to follow.....

heArt of Winter

2010-01-17T07:14:00.000-08:00

Yes indeed, It is time again for the Annual

heARt of Winter Folk Art Show

January 30-31st

At a fab new venue:

The Red Barn Antique Center

Warwick, New York.

What could be better??!!

days of swine and poses

2010-01-17T06:58:00.000-08:00

You know, it's entirely possible I have spent the entirety of winter trying to snap a good photo of our pigs, Olive and Violet....mainly for painting inspiration....

Which I might add is a task of great magnitude...as they are as elusive as Snipe or Sasquatch...hibernating in their cozy house, only to appear when they hear the slop hit the dish.

And try to get a decent, respectable photo, I dare you.

Frozen fingers poised on the camera trigger...waiting for the perfecto moment .

Only to miss it by milliseconds (damn digital cameras!).

And would you think these pigs would know the sacred rule of extending a leg to look taller and slimmer? Or never, never ever give a full ,700lb.broadside view? So unflattering.

So for now you'll have to excuse me if I use some artistic freedoms in my pig paintings....

Thanks to Gena for the "pigtail" photo!

And no, they are not going to be on the In-And-Out menu.

Holiday Treat

2009-12-02T12:18:00.000-08:00

I sure do hope that the season has been a really treat for all thus far...

and to try and make it all just a little sweeter...

As abig thank you to my customers

I am offering 20% off any painting off my website

http://jenniferlanne.com/art_paintings.htm

December 9th-14th only!

So find something for a loved one...or better yet, yourself!

Hoping you have a Merry Merry!

Now for the nitty grittys:

Email for availibility.

Please mention 20% in your email.

Not to include custom orders.

Shipping fees still apply.

First come, First serve.

Also:

more selections at:

Earth Angels Toys

http://www.earthangelstoys.com/html/jennifer_lanne_-_originals.html

House Crawl

2009-11-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

Coming up on Nov. 7th is the Double H Ranch house Crawl...Benefits to go to the Hole in The Wall Camp..

Honored was I to asked to display artwork in one of the historic homes....with part of the artwork sale proceeds going to the camp.

The Double H Ranch, located in New York’s Adirondack Park, is a demonstration of the commitment and generosity of philanthropist Charles R. Wood and actor Paul Newman. Since the Ranch officially opened its doors on July 4, 1993, it has served over 17,000 children dealing with life-threatening illnesses from around the world. It was the second “Hole in the Wall Camp” in what has become a worldwide network of not-for-profit recreational and therapeutic experiences for children with serious illness. Named after the gang in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" the family of Hole in the Wall Camps has given over 119,000 children the chance to be a kid again.

Sat, Nov 7, 2009
Partners House Crawl (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
2 Clement Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NYStroll through 6 beautiful Saratoga homes on historic North Broadway and the surrounding neighborhood. Two of the homes will feature exceptional wines and epicurean delights! At the end of the crawl, we hope you will join us at the now famous After-Party at the Courtney Carriage House. You must be a current Partner Member to attend this event or please purchase a membership now. Print out the form in the right hand column to register, to become a member or for more information. Pre-Registration is recommended. Ticket sales limited to 200. Or to relpy by phone, please call 518-696-5921 ext. 228

a mighty big thanks

2009-10-18T07:40:00.001-07:00

A belated, ginormous thank you to all who came out to the Coutry Living Fair in Ohio!
It was so inspiring meeting you all....I do wish I could thank you all by personally...but, you know who you are!
Especially those who traveled from so far.
It was a memorable weekend of beautiful shiny treasures and beautiful shiny people!
xoxo

fear not change

2009-10-18T06:57:00.000-07:00

So the hardest thing to do is change.

Self , surroundings and daily habits envelop us until we are trapped in our own cyclical carnival ride.....left to expound "stop the world, I wanna get off!".

Another one of my favorite sayings...."when you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got.".

I don't know who to credit it to....it's quite profound whoever you are.

Why oh why is it so easy to fall into habits....but so hard to break them?

What we eat, how we dress even our hairdo's....for example the need for the dreaded term "mullet". I think we all know someone that fits that shoe.

I myself, still and will always own a plethora of scrunchies and Palin-like hair clips.

If you were thinking I was going somewhere awe inspiring and life changing with this I'm sorry to disappoint. That's pretty much all I've got.

Thou, what really got me on this mental thread was my studio.

I had been standing in the same stationary spot recklessly dribbling paint for so long that there was a splatter pattern speckling the floor.

Comfortable as I was...I decided I needed to shake things up a bit.....fling myself off the merry-go-round.

So a studio change was in order.

Just a little shifting of material hodge-podge....but still...change is change.

Ok, so I didn't exactly set the world on fire or solve world hunger.

But this was a huge breakthrough for me...

Maybe hard to surmise from the photos...but I created a "sitting" area with a separate work area behind.

ta-dah.

Alright, maybe this is as impressive as watching a small child display their mastery of a somersault (for the 100 time) ...

My solo applause with the sound of crickets will have to do.

Change,good

Fall showings

2009-09-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, with the sloth of summer behind me I can get back to regular blogging...

Ah, but first a plethora of shows coming up this month....

So hope some of you get the gyspy spirit and head out to a show near you....

A fun time to meet and greet, hobnob and mingle...and a great excuse to buy a new pair of shoes!

web show to go!

2009-07-14T12:13:00.001-07:00

So this is a new , cool and hip thing Jen over at Earth Angels has going on..

A live web show of fabulous original artwork...

That's right people!

All the excitement of an auction with the cheap thrill of a peep show..!

Pop over to Jen's blog: http://earthangelstoys.blogspot.com/

at 8pm (NY time) Wednesday July 14th

for an array of goodies from a slew of artists...

Special pricing and new treats available.

Don't miss it, really...

all the cool people are doing it!

thinking inside the box

2009-05-11T04:46:00.000-07:00

So I've decided that today is opposite day.

A day where I will appreciate weeds and black flies...

A day where I will not declare "I'm bored" to my husband...(well, I'll try)

A day where I will love pulling ticks off cats...

A day where I won't go in CVS and buy more make up than I know what to do with.

(Really, look in my makeup drawer.....you'd think I was auditioning for Barnum and Bailey....or looking to marry a t.v. evangelist.)

A day where I will think "inside" the box.

That's right.I don't quite know what it is about the intrigue of something in a box.

Ergo the marketing genius of the Happy Meal, Cracker Jax and even those Chinese take out containers.

So, indulge me if I piggy-back on someone elses brilliance ...I am adding my own spin of inside a box.....as a

kind of a 3-D visual treat.

So here are some of my new paintings ....some on wood, some on canvas....some with fancy-smanchy vintage trims...some without.

So on opposite day...don't you dare think OUTSIDE the box!

Giddy-Up WWC!

2009-04-16T16:36:00.001-07:00

It's Here!

(Well, to us subscribers that is.)

The 3rd Summer Issue of

"Where Women Create"

So jump on the bandwagon and snatch up your own copy.

If you missed the boat for this issues subscription and you are extra nice

you can score a copy through

http://earthangelstoys.com/

or email

Jen@earthangelstoys.com

or at your local Barnes and Noble

oh yes, Did I mention that my studio is featured??!!

As well as a bevy of gawkable, awe inspiring , creative spaces.

milling about, sewing oats

2009-04-11T05:25:00.000-07:00

I've heard it said that if you surround yourself with really good looking people you will appear better looking by association. Hmm, I don't know that I want to hang out with a bunch of Amazonian supermodels. I don't see how that would help my cause...or stature.

Ergo, I will opt for hanging around with really talented people.

One in particular is good friend Stephanie Lloyd.

Mostly known for her antique furniture business and hip, cool cat findings.

She is trying on this new hat of designing these "plain-grain" Market Bags.

Fashioned and hand-sewn from well traveled, antique , European grain sacks...trimmed with vintage horse tack....they are the real deal. These bags tell tall tales and long stories much like Stephanie herself! (it's true, sorry Steph)

I can almost hear J. Petermans voice in my head: (ahem... here I go)

"Envision the calloused hands that wove the coarse linen...knowing that the bags would travel to lands they would never themselves see.

Stenciling almost inappropriately fanciful with more care than calligraphers hand.

Filled with golden nuggets of grain or precious seeds of pearls mined from rich German and French soil....and then off to market and farm.

Beguiling, yet befitting that some cultures considered this currency. As some civilizations were known as rich only by what they grew...."

I was thrilled and honored to get one of the first...beautifully stenciled with farm tools , name of a German town and date of origin....I categorize these as wearable art.

Thanks for your talent Stephanie...with one of these slung on my shoulder, you do in fact, make me look better by association!!!

For now Stephanie is just offering these goodies to the wholesale trade...

If you would like to contact her on terms or availability email oldsunnybrook@yahoo.com

or watch for her upcoming website at http://www.StephanieLloyd.com

A few more of Stephanie's upholstery designs...

A+ students

2009-03-30T06:47:00.000-07:00

Pick your canvas!

the subject matter

Sheryl and her daughters hard at work

Marcella, Amanda and Zoe in a creative state

So, what's better to do on a rainy Sunday morning?

Learn to paint!

And could there be a better setting than Schuyler Pond Home and Garden?

I had a hard time concentrating surrounded by all the frills and finery's.

Somehow, I powered through.

As you can see the first painting class was a raging success!

These gals came ready, willing and certainly able.

Unbelievably, only one of the girls had taken a painting class before.

hmmm, I do feel a bit nervous that these students may have surpassed the teacher!

have some class

2009-03-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

Calling all hidden-artists

A few seats still available for the March 29th painting class...

I will will hold up my right hand , place my left hand on a palette and swear to do my best to instruct!

the details:

Sunday, March 29th 10am-noon

at the bodaciously, bucolic Schuyler Pond Home and Garden

Saratoga Springs , New York

518-581-8422

jdlanne@aol.com

$120/per person

all materials included

as well as a delicious light brunch!

the mission:

to start and complete(fingers crossed) your own floral painting!

Be there or be square!

call or email for further details

California, here I come...

2009-03-09T16:59:00.000-07:00

warning: shameless plug

~California won't come to me, so I'm going to California~

Looking forward to meeting all you West-coasters!

shameless

2009-03-09T16:25:00.000-07:00

Shameless....a word that describes so many things.

first of all, the name of the song that was played for my husbands and my first wedding dance. Doubly shameless as we didn't pick a song and left it up to the band.

Sadly, they were quite astute.

Shameless, also describing the way I decorate.

I don't know what it's called....hmmm...possibly "farmhouse frilly"...or "barnyard baubles"...or "pasture posh"...or my fav "depression era decorums."

Anything discarded, overly loved and worn....imperfect.

My dream house? With morbid curiosity you may inquire...

Imagine an overgrown abandoned farmhouse...swayback barns, crooked weathervanes, tobacco stained wallpaper, bare light bulbs, fanciful furnishings paired with farm wares.

Like diamonds wrapped in grainsacks.

So thanks To Jen http://www.earthangelstoys.blogspot.com/ for admiring my shameless style.

It's nice to know I'm not alone.......

highly distressed

2009-02-12T17:01:00.000-08:00

The wooden crate next to the wood stove at my Father's hunting camp that holds the firewood always makes me snicker.

Scrawled across the front in chicken scratch penmanship is the phrase...or should I say question: "Would Bocks?"

I can't justly say why I get the biggest kick out of this clever quip.

So, when I set out to aptly name my new distressed paintings on board with a kitschy catch phrase I came up short.

I tried names a plenty..attempting to use the same sly play on words...

Not an easy task.

The sad truth is the best I could come up with was "Bored Paintings".

Not quite the verbal aesthetic I was looking for.

So best to call it what it really is I say.

Paintings on wood.

A tad ho hum and Plain Jane....but a fact nonetheless.

I can't tell you the joy I get finding that perfect piece of wood...

Whether an old door panel, wide piece planking with beaded edging, slatted bee box lids, a chunky fraction of moulding... or just an oddly, misshapen slat of wood with worm holes and rough cut nails.

I love the idea of resuscitating some gem that someone in history had made by hand...

Even down to the simplest piece of wood that was hand-planed.

The icing on the cake for me is the final task of distressing the wood and hand waxing it.

I like to think of these new works as truly one of a kind....each with it's own story.

have a heART

2009-01-18T14:44:00.000-08:00

Finally!

"heART of Winter" is almost here.

The one warming ray of winter for us Northeasterners!

Saturday January 31st 12-6pm

Sunday February 1st 11am-3pm

At the ever so charming McEwan Street Studio

16 McEwan Street , just off Main St in Historic Downtown Warwick, NY

swing in, hang out and take it all in!

santa, reindeer, the whole hog and the man in the moon.

2008-12-18T14:17:00.000-08:00

Santa, reindeer, the whole hog and the man in the moon.

Nope, not characters from a spicy pizza induced dream. Just the sporadic ramblings of my pre-holiday morning.

Ok, let me backtrack to where this twisted tale started.

I was arranging my vintage light bulb santa heads gazing at my well placed mantle reindeer...when ...ah ha! I, in a moment of grandiose brainstorms...and feeling a little moxie I decided to saunter a mile and a half down the road to the reindeer farm ...on a mission for spectacular photos of antlered beauties.

Cold was I.....but I pressed on....knowing what a feather in my cap these images would be on next years Christmas cards.

Thou shy and unassuming....(As you can't tell by the photos)...these deer don't disappoint.

What dazzling ,velvet-rubbed branched crowns they don!

Onward and homeward I set my path. A silly grin pasted on my face...or be it frozen on?

Anywho, As I neared home and easily distracted by pretty things.....I snapped a spectacular side portraiture of one of our mammoth piggies.

The whole hog as you will.

And as in any true Simpsons or Seinfeld episode....stories never end where they started.

So , famished as I was and realized I should have carb-loaded before this workout...I headed straight for one (ok, maybe 2) Man in the Moon cookies.

I love life's little journeys...the things you see beyond your four walls and p.c.

As a little treat....here's the world's best(self annointed by moi...yeah , that's right) Cookie Recipe.

If you haven't a Man in the Moon cutter...you're on your own! Any will work....

The Cookie

cream togeter:

1cup butter
2/3 cup sugar

beat in:

one egg

combine and add:

1 tsp vanilla

2 1/2 cups sifted flour

mix until ingredients are well blended

Chill dough 3-4 hours

before rolling.

Preheat oven to 350

Roll out and cut

Bake for about 8-10 minutes each

or slightly browned

The Frosting

3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar

1 tbl butter

1 tbl milk

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp lemon juice

melt butter, combine all ingredients

beat until smooth

SLATHER on cooled cookies!

Enjoy...and no, you don't have to share.

creature comforts

2008-12-18T13:48:00.000-08:00

Creature comforts.....we all have them. Whether you're an Ugg junkie (thanks for getting me hooked Jen)... mani-pedi fanatic...tabloid devotee.... have a chocolate fetish(sometimes that cookie at the end of the day makes everything ok)or crazed for cashmere.

Now, I am not necessarily copping to all or any of the above. Merely examples of course.

Thou I will admit that my true blue creature comfort is just that......creatures.

Animals, big and small...real or decorative. Love them all....with a few slithering exceptions.

I didn't realize my "problem" until it was mentioned sweetly by a good friend..."gee, everywhere I look ....I see animals".

Ok, it's been a while since I dressed up my cat for a tea party....so, I don't think this critical.

I often wondered how those old women in the news end up in squallor with 100 cats.

Just surrounding herself with what she loves.

So I emplore...please, oh please....feel free too intervene if I get to that point.

Give 'em the bird

2008-11-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

Ok , don't take that the wrong way.... Thou I am sure there are a few unsavory people in your life that the sentiment and gesture may be entirely appropriate and just....in or out of context.

I know I could point out a few nervy drivers on the highway just today.As in an effort to be lady-like I just gave them my surliest look, a real mean stink eye.

(Just ask my hubby, he's seen it plenty before).

But truly what I had in mind was presenting someone with a sweet fine feathered friend of the painted variety.

I've been swishing and swooping with my brush an array of painted birdies just in the nick of time for the holidays...and as a treat they are at a special price.

Now before you can say "goody goody gumdrops" ...I only have a limited amount.

So if you're looking to pass the bird along to a loved one for the holidays....act fast.

As it better to give the bird rather than receive.

http://jenniferlanne.com/ for availability and special pricing

shines makes me good natured

2008-11-01T15:38:00.000-07:00

Kitty Babendrier shoadowbox tag a Cheryl Kuhn piece (love his piercing eyes) Why is it?

The more you are told not to do something...the more you must?

Moth to a flame syndrome, I suppose.

Warn a sassy child not to touch an electric fence and certain screeching will occur.

A"watch your step" warning equates to an assured trip and a fall.

Speed limit 30...an inevitable speeding ticket.

Pinch your pennies, tighten your wallet means I am destined to want!

Well, that's how I feel lately. I know I should show some self control on this economic roller coaster...but that's like telling a unruly chocoholic they cannot partake in sweet treats at a chocolate factory.

Sometimes the pleasure is worth the pain.

So lately I've had addiction shakes for shines,baubles and little pretties .

Fancy little tin types, overly played with metal farm animals. I have no choice you see.

So I must tame the inner beast and throw a sacrificial lamb (or dollar) to the God of Want and Need.

haytime...sissys no need apply

2008-10-11T16:29:00.001-07:00

yep, even wrangled this table into the truck...couldn't leave without it!

So it's the time of year to stock the barn up with hay. This is the crucial time as hay right now is like penny candy...plentiful and sweet. Wait a few months and it's slim pickin's for sure.

Today was two loads from my favorite picture-perfect 1700's local farm. One load of a dozen bales at a time as that's all hubby's sad pick up will hold. 80 lb. double bales that is. Surely a work out for the old gal. (that'd be me)

Funny, today reminded me of the summer my sister worked on a horse farm....her body formed with freakish, steroidish muscles from hefting the bales.

This was the summer she retained the nickname "Androgynous Pat" (vintage SNL)...as she blurred the gender lines with her bulging physique.

This was also the summer she really grew to despise her younger sister (that'd be me again) for the taunting names of the boyish persuasion.

So in my consorted effort to maintain my puny Olive Oyle-ish muscle tone I will not be hoisting any more bales than needed. I am not nor ever will be above playing the weak girl card.

Decision '08

2008-10-09T17:05:00.000-07:00

The debates are over...the campaign trail cold....the vote cast.

Yep, it's sadly been decided. I concede.

I will be postponing this year's Holiday Open House....until next year.

I'm sorry to say there will be no recount....with all this barnstorming and appearances I'm swamped and mired in a sea of commitments.... Appearances in November in Warwick, NY (to be decided) and an Artifacts Shop Open House appearnce on December 6th (watch for details)

Now before the mudslinging and hurling of rotten tomatoes...I promise to the public to throw an even more elaborate event (as time permits) next year!!!.....my mind's wheels are already creaking and turning....OH, just you wait!

So in the meanwhile check out my site for new works as they crop up....as well http://www.earthangelstoys.com/...

blow yer hair back!

2008-10-01T17:02:00.000-07:00

Me and good friend "Earthgirl" Jill

a few displaysMe and pal Jen O'Connor having fun with pumpkins(notice the looters in the background!)
And blow your hair back it did! Thanks to all who made the voyage to the Country Living Fair in Ohio. Brave souls you are to endure the elements....rain, heat, humidity and the 60mph wind gusts!

I myself have even been a whirling dervish since I got back. Evidence being my half unpacked suitcase leering at me from the bedroom floor. Oh, how I despise that job.

I swear the seemingly lifeless bag reaches up to grab my ankle as I walk pass ....and with the faint, last dying words of a fallen victim says "please, please unpack me".

Eventually I will need those clothes and will give in to that last dying request....or perhaps just toss some more back into it for my trip back to the Country Living Fair next year!

barnstorm....Ohio or bust!

2008-08-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

Westward ho!

I will be traveling over hill and dale, mountains and yonder, fording streams passing through valleys. No, I am not Sacagawea blazing a trail with the manly duo Lewis and Clark.

This is a trip of greater proportions....a trip of monumental importance....a voyage worth rewriting the history books for.

A journey to the Buckeye State for the 2008 Country Living Fair!

Artwork has been seeded, sown and harvested and enroute.

I will be siding with a wonderful group of women artists heading to Ohio for this extraordinary event.

Navigate your way by bus, train or plane, caravan, covoy or just hitchike.

Join in and mollycoddle yourself with fripperies and artistic gems.

Look for me and all the other Earth Angels in the Artists tent.

2008 Country Living Fair

Sept. 12-14th

10am-5pm

rain or shine

Columbus, Ohio

lil' miss red...vixen or victim?

2008-08-05T07:37:00.000-07:00

So what is it about this little red -cloaked vixen? Lately I'm obsessed with all things red and hooded. Maybe it's the color...scarlet, blood, crimson,vermilion. It's so fetching.

After all, don't we all want rosier cheeks? redder lips? Marilyn Monroe's nail polish?

Maybe it's the story of Red Riding Hood? How pretty little girls should look out for the dangers and perils of unsavory characters? (wolves=men) As not to be traipsing around just "asking for it".

Oh how these children's stories are really just torrid fables and gory, dark, tawdry lessons to be learned.

And lately wolves are so beguiling. Have I fallen under a spell? Have I been hoodwinked? Usually they scare the bejesus out of me. As of right now I could be easily lured to the Black Forest hoping to run in to Aesop himself.

So as with anything else this treacherous theme has bled over into my artwork.

Hooded gals, wolves, darkness befalling....

I suppose this is just a phase.

Call me crazy....but I kinda like it.

barn revival

2008-07-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

a few befores and afters

view from the top We're often referred to as "lucky" that we can do all the work ourselves.

I strongly disagree.

Lucky would be having such deep pockets that we could hire the most exorbitant, extravagant contractor from Dubai.

Thou...even if I were the wealthy love child of Donald Trump or Bill Gates...I still wouldn't change a thing.

There is nothing as satisfying as seeing your hard efforts and lofty ideas take a permanent form.

To look at the stones and know that my hands were the very ones to press them together.

Gawk at the hardy beams and know your shoulder pressed against them until they were fixed in place.

Poor hubby is the unsung hero...like the writer of a song sitting silently in the wings as someone else gives it voice. All his tiresome work lies behind the walls or under the earth. He sets the footings, structures the walls.....all his toils entombed behind the aesthetics of paint and stone.

On numerous occasion I did notice him archiving his name and date in pencil in hidden nooks...I suppose in high hopes to someday be revealed again on the next centuries restoration.

Dedicated we were.

Aching backs and all....even if it meant one held the chainsaw down as the other pulled the starter cord....a sad yet, humorous sight.

And no room scardy-cats here. You quickly learn to master your fear of heights. White-knuckeled, no-nonsense , dizzying, drunken heights.

So stone for walls and floors was delivered from Champlain ...or plucked and from the yard...old beams recyled...discarded telephone poles hoarded...new doors constructed..windows replaced...paint slathered by the gallon...the icing on the country cake.

So enough of the fanfare and ode to me.

The real warriors are the ones who grew this relic out of real sweat. No electric tools, no hardware stores no cheating. Real craftmen.

There names and stories are lost in the dirt and shavings.

We are just a couple of Johnny-come-latelys. The least we can do is maintain and honor what they started... if not for our own selfish love of barns...

knee high by the 4th of july

2008-07-02T04:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the old adage generally applies to growing corn, but I will liberally apply it to growing chicks.

They really have grown...as I'm sure they will be knee-high soon.

And, yes....knee high for me isn't such a feat as I wasn't blessed with stature....but still...

Before you ask me if I'd like some "whine with that cheese".....

We already have a few roosters that are "above the knee" in height.

Let me tell you, nothing scarier than a testosterone-laced bird charging at you with 3 inch spurs.

To think of the prize money I've missed out on for funny home videos.

Grown men running like silly school girls....

Mother in laws jumping on hoods of cars....(yes, it's true)

Me scurrying up the nearest climbable object....or just playing ring around the wheelbarrow.

After a run-in with the trailer hitch these poor legs can't sfford another scar.

The expletive words we hurl at these haughty birds....!

Their plumage and dazzling sheen are magnificent.

So our two new chicks are a blessing and a curse.

One a hen one a rooster.

pardon my english

2008-06-06T06:12:00.000-07:00

disclaimer: to all the garden aficionados I apologize for any distress,pain and suffering caused by my rose ignorance.

I love these roses. I call them English Roses. A true breed.

Not like the pointy, thornless supermarket roses bred for a long shelf and stem length. Something is lost there....the humongous petal count which takes each precious botanical gem forever to unfold and most important ...and the intoxicating, perfumerous scent! Isn't that the first thing you do when you pick up a rose? Give it a big sniff?

Oh to be Mena Suvari in American Beauty covered with all those roses (strategically placed of course).

I nickname these June's Perfume... As they were plopped in the ground so long ago the name may be lost forever....sadly they only grace the garden for the fleeting month of June...

I think of them as David Austin roses....cup-shaped with a maze of petals when in full bloom...forming a sacred cross in the center. Color simultaneously vibrant and faded on each velvety petal.

I daydream of Cotswold cottages amassed and shrouded in thorny vines peppered with color...Tasha Tudor at the doorway with a tea cozy.

I wish I could insert a scratch and sniff...the fragrance is divine.

Rosy, lemony, sweet, fruited, earthy.

So in true kitschy style...this is my blog postcard to you.....

"Wish You Were Here"

p.s. You know the ones Bethe!

hole in my heart

2008-05-24T17:08:00.000-07:00

So take a good look at this proud old tree....because the next time you see it I will probably have strapped myself to it in an effort to save it from Hubby's chainsaw.

This poor old tree hasn't much left to it...just a lot of heart. (fyi this is the thickest view....from the side it's nay a sliver) The trunks as hollow as my cookie jar after my sweet tooth acts up.

Poor thing. It looks as if a slight breeze may knock it to the ground for a final count. Or a nesting bird may topple it like a frail old man.

Amazed am I to see it sprout anew every Spring.

Happy am I to say "In your face" to hubby.

So for now the return of blooming buds have twarted hubby's efforts.

Go tree go!

Maid Service

2008-05-10T16:56:00.001-07:00

So the question was "how does a gal who paints cows and flowers adapt to a sea-themed artist show?".

I pondered for quite a while.

Finally I got my sea legs and just dove in.

So your eyes do not deceive you.....I painted mermaids....yes, little ol' me......and had fun doing so!

A week to go 'til the show!

Song Of The Sea

2008 Spring Soiree

The Gallery at The Country Life

40 Main Street

Warwick , NY

Sunday May 18th 11-4

hope to sea you there!!

another mouth to feed

2008-05-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

peep-a-boo!

Ok 2 out of 3 ain't bad..............at least that's want the song claims.

So 2 precious little peeps hatched out of 3. I'm not a gambler, but I's put a bet on those odds! Hubby, lend me some money?

So our latest is Dander. Thrilled and proud am I to see that they will be feather-footed! As long as those feather-legs don't go after mine - we'll get along just fine.

fluffed and dried

2008-05-01T12:20:00.001-07:00

couldn't resist having more chicks around....

hmmm, may be a while before we know if we have a bouncing baby girl or spurring baby boy....crossing my fingers, legs ,toes and eyes for a hen....so for now this is Lucky.

the pillow farm

2008-04-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

If only you could grow them....

Ok , now I did warn you...I have a pillow problem.

When I suggested that we name our small farm "Pillow Farm" I was shut down by hubbys concerned look....a look like he was going to slip a pretty white jacket with buckles and straps down the back on me.

You know the look.

The latest and greatest is my "FARM" pilow. Snipped and fashioned from an old banner that hung above the ELm Tree Farm. This baby is 5 feet long and oh so naturally tea stained. I'd like to meet the person so thoughtful as to handstitch the lettering on gauzy muslin.

I'm in love.

So, now that I have my muse it's back to the studio for me to paint some more downy, dollops of fabrics and ....pillows!!!

peep show

2008-03-26T04:31:00.000-07:00

The time of year is here!

The road sign at the local feed store has announced that it is time to "order your chicks".

(The best thing about small towns is that this can be posted on a sign without questionable looks or visions of Russian brides)

We've ordered our chicks this way in years past.

Imagine flipping through a catalog of speckled, mottled, fluffy and feather footed chicks! How do you choose? One of each?

Two years ago we decided to hatch a couple of eggs ourselves. These chickens are extremely prompt. 21 days to the day they will hatch. Like a nervous hen I watched all day as the chicks meticulously pecked there way out of their shells.

As soon as the tiresome chicks hit the air I scooped them up and daintily placed them in their new home under heat lamps.....what lovely little hens!

Sadly our experiment went awry when we realized we were cursed with two more roosters.

The odds were against us.

I will not be gambling anytime soon.

So needless to say not only did we add two more roosters to our flock....but one that is legally blind and can only make out shapes. ( we can't figure out how to get a pair of glasses to stay on.....)

and the other, well....let's just say he's not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

So will we try and hatch again? Yeah probably.

It's a wonderful experience nonetheless.

So for those dreaming of fresh eggs and fickle chicks check out www.McmurrayHatchery.com or your local feed store.

Just remember that those chicks have specific needs...and be prepared for boisterous roosters!

facts or fallicies?

2008-03-13T10:30:00.001-07:00

Word on the street is that I've been tagged for "Five interesting facts nobody knows about me." Hmmmm, a real head-scratcher. Do I reveal my true self in all it's dorkiness? Or do I try to sound fascinating and hip with witty, fluffy facts?

Ok the little angel on my shoulder demands that I be truthful....thou that little devil on the other is really jabbing me hard with that pitchfork!

So here goes nothing:

1. I have known my husband since grade school. Thou he's a scandalous 5 years older. He was my best friends' brothers' best friend...(you have to say that slowly) he was the icky boy in camouflage who played in the woods. He is still the icky boy in camouflage that plays in the woods.

2. I used to work at a garden center where I ran a tractor and a small skidster. I was the one who would load the mulch in the back of customer's trucks. Ahh, memories! I can still see the horrified looks on stern,manly faces as little ol' me clamored onto the tractor creeping the bucket closer and closer to their precious vehicles.....never a mishap mind you!

3. I am the youngest of 4 kids. And was always dubbed "the brat". I believe I still may hold that title. At least my siblings have the tact to say it behind my back now. I can't exactly challenge Jen O'Connor (earth angels maven)with her extremely large extended family...but I can boast that my father has 11 brothers and sisters...so yes, there are cousins a' plenty.

4. I really love food. Who doesn't right? I even went to cooking school for a year....until I realized it wasn't just all about making pretty desserts and eating them!

Buffalo wing pizza with Frank's hot sauce anyone? Chocolate a must...(did I mention that I once worked in Hershey,PA?) I guess I'm lucky I have a fast metabolism....all that red bull doesn't hurt I suppose.

5. I have shamelessly been to Gettysburg, PA 6 times. I used to live in Harrisburg, so this was the "go-to" place to take visiting friends and family.

And yes, I loved going ....not afraid to admit it.

I'm a bit of a history junkie. Not an expert by any means.....But I can sure play a mean game of jeopardy in that category. ( ok and I can clean up in pop-culture as well)

I do apologize for all these random facts....ho hum

I think next time I am asked to do one of these lists I will do it as my alter ego with some fantastic fallacies.

Tag Diane Allison-Stroud! Lets' hear some juicy facts! http://dianeallisonblog.blogspot.com

never enough

2008-03-03T15:59:00.000-08:00

the truth hurts

a cluster of enameled watch faces

An indulgement of western boots
a variety of florals on copper verdi

a jumble of milkglass

a crate of belgium coffee cups

a clutch of tiny spoons

How does that saying go?... "Life is like a box of chocolates...you want as much as you can get"? hmmmmm
Well, that be my words to live by. Funny how everything in my life relates to chocolate. Just one taste and I'm a goner. I want the whole box or jarfull!
So why have one of anything ?
I guess that need for excess has leached over to ever other aspect of my life as well.

There's something about groupings and collections that really does it for me......be it tiny spoons too mini to use, a bevy of boots that I'll never have enough occasions to wear, a variety of discarded watch faces .....

It's all in good fun.
So my fix was satiated this past weekend at the Schoharie Antiques Show.

Now you may never want to be my friend again when I tell you I purchsed the "greedy" mug, watch faces, pair of boots to the far right (in my size , yippee!), 30 belgium coffee cups and silver spoons for a grand total of......$74.00. Yeah, that's right....

That's right people...I may be greedy....but I'm thrifty!

mudroom progress

2008-03-03T15:40:00.000-08:00

This may be the best this room ever looks....it's all downhill from here.......bring on the mud!

dirty word

2008-02-16T16:38:00.000-08:00

metal cows for the recessed nook above the window

Mire,muck, mudd .... four letter words in my book . (ok english majors I added a "d" to mud). All considered fightin' words around these parts. So hubby and myself used our collective brains and finally decided it was time for a mudroom.
Ah, music to my ears. How could such a dirty word envision such sweet thoughts? Mudroom....the word is like drizzling honey in my ears. Why art there no sonnets written about mudrooms? Shouldn't heaven be dubbed "the big mudroom in the sky"?
well, if you've never had one you might feel as I do.
So thus is why we decided we could enclose and lose some of our precious porch space.
Dreams do come true.
So now we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel. And the tittilating task of decorating begins. Painting day has come and gone...yes, I am one of those silly people that picks paint colors based on the names........."Country Dairy White" thank you.
It would be an insult to call the room "small". So I'll be politically correct and call it petite, charming , modest even humble.....so not much is allowed for frills.
A lovely bench...nostalgic pictures and as many cows as will fit. Oh yeah and all those boots and coats.
So the next time you hear a dirty word.....don't you dare cover your ears!

possibilities for the new space?

Painting day....Lily wants to help

dinner on the go

some fair memories converted to sepia may make the mudroon cut

have a heART

2008-01-20T05:12:00.000-08:00

Somewhere amidst the sea of unorganized photos and saved files are my collection of "heart" occurrences. I'd love to show you , but that would mean rifling through that daunting pile... and unless someone was to offer me an amazing foot rub or Ewan McGregor as my pool boy it's not gonna happen.

I really had a good photog collection of these "natural heart" goings on. You know, like the shape in which the ice froze in the shovel head, the heart-shaped shock of white hair on a cow's forehead ( a common one on bovine's ....especially the black and white holsteins) . I even have a photo of the way a plop of lotion came out heartly-shaped on my foot.

Ok, I guess this may seem pretty pathetic and sad.....now that I am writing it down I am realizing that....why stop now?

Just the other day I was sequestered to help hubby with the wretched chore of firewood. (Now,I'm a physical labor kinda gal...have a a chain gang? I'm your girl.......but I have to say "wretched ", not that I had to swing the ax....but I get the lovely job of plowing the wheelbarrow through the crusty snow to the woodshed....did you know you have muscles in your shoulders?)

Anywho, mid-swing I made hubby stop... because there reveled, shrouded under bark, was an extraordinary specimen for my collection....a wonderfully imperfect heart.

Hoping by now you are not hitting you "z" key with my droning on...I am shamelessly priming you for a mention of another heart. That'd be "the heART of Winter" original folk art show!

Yup, it's coming up real soon-like....you won't want to miss this one...

Here's the info:

glitter remains

2008-01-09T17:59:00.000-08:00

Now that the fanfare of the holidays has gusted in and blown away like a barnstorming parade, all that remains is glitter.

The mantle stripped bare of it's medals.

Santas and Belsnickles dethroned.

Tawdry decorations imprisoned in boxes....for another years sentence.

All is like a ghost town with just a few tumbleweeds blowing about.

It's as if I am starting from scratch.....

Now to rebuild.

There's no excuses . I now must dust.

Then on to primping.

It's a wonderful feeling to re-invent. A new year, a new look.

A new burlap pillow....a quick dash to the local antiques shop for a pair of petite ironstone pitchers...and out to the barn to pillage for some primitive gimcrack my husband won't miss. ....and voila!

I've decided that January is still a glittery, frosty time.....so a few sparkly decorations were allowed to linger........afterall, the pine needles will saunter about for months!

The Merriest of Wishes

2007-12-23T10:36:00.001-08:00

The biggest "wheelbarrow load "wish for a happy, healthy Christmas and New Year! And a wonderful 2008 to one and all!

Holiday Harvest Open House...

2007-12-06T09:04:00.000-08:00

My good friend Erika brandishing a gift-wrapped bundle

A little barn-shopping!

A wonderful find....vintage church pageant wings!

Is this Vixen or Cupid? Stephanie Lloyds purchase!

Mini cyprus and snowbirds don a coffee table.

My amazing purchase ...A mammoth, overstuffed down pillow...fitted with a french homespun grain sack... fashioned by Jerry and Judy....I can't bear to remove that vintage silk bow!

Jackie's fab find.....a pair of ticking strip down pillows....also, by Judy and Jerry.

Ken and Judy all smiles!

Thanks to all who braved the chilled temperatures to join in the feativities of Holiday Harvest -Open house. It was a great success!

I can't wait 'til next year!

what's your sign?

2007-11-29T16:40:00.001-08:00

Thrilled was I to find the fab wooden sign to hang above hubby's tractor. Now, it didn't start out that way.

It originally boasted the phrase "The Proctor"....apparently pillaged off an old hotel no longer in existence. "Proctor" Sounding more like a doctor's title ...and one you hope to never visit.

Under intense scrutiny I noticed the faint remnants of even older paint...the sign was originally "Cottage Hotel". Ok, it's not like I cracked the Davinci Code....but I felt pretty good about my keen eye and amatuer sleuthing!

So knowing others had repainted before me...my guilt was alleviated.

With the swish of my brush and the change of 2 letters it suddenly morphed into "The Tractor" ....apropos don't ya think?

bling it on

2007-11-29T16:26:00.000-08:00

holiday decorating....what can I say?!

fine lines

2007-11-10T16:11:00.000-08:00

There does seem to be a fine line between love and hate.

Sometimes the line blurs so much it makes you cross-eyed.

Thus, my true feelings on Winter.

Just a few weeks ago I was whimpering at the thought of inching up the thermostat, belly-aching over the notion of warming up vehicles, and cursing Mother Nature for committing frosticide on my garden.

Suddenly I find myself gayly ripping out droopy blooms from window boxes ...only to replace them with boughs.

Relishing the idea of buying a new scarf.

Excited to shimmy into bulky sweaters and over-the-knee socks . (by the way here's a great site for them: http://www.sockdreams.com/ )
Sprucing up the house with glittering ornaments and sparkly do-dads that border on being gaudy.

I don't know when and how the transition to a love affair with this season happens , but it does.
I suppose it's like waking up to a foot of snow.......suddenly it's here and wonderful and you didn't hear or see it coming!

first place

2007-10-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

best worst chip

finest freckles

most likely to blush

Wouldn't this be a great world if just anyone could win an award? ...You know, not just the most beautiful pageant winners, talented actors or the fastest runners...

Of those categories I'm left out of the running.

Now, if someone were to hand out awards for, say... "The Best Worst Haircut" or "Most Likely To Wear Braces" or the "Most Awkward Foot In Mouth Moment" maybe I'd have a chance. Kind of a celebration of life's foibles and imperfections.....Boy, wouldn't that be grand! Or perhaps with the proper pedicure I could take "Cutest Toes." A girl can dream...

I don't know about you, but I'm starting to feel like a winner already!

So, look for my "obscure" award paintings....

I will be drizzling them out as I conger the sentiments!

Check them out soon through http://earthangelstoys.com/

gourd gracious

2007-10-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

So I know the one thought that's been on everyone's mind...nagging at you like an itch you can't reach ....a real head-scratcher for sure...

What do we do with all the pig manure that accumulates??? Answer...we compost it. Sorry to disappoint. I could make up something extroidinary like we are running our town on methane...but,sadly this is not Thunderdome.

However, the most exciting tale is that springing and sprouting out of the manure are the most amazing collection of gourds and pumpkins. All those chunky seeds all but forgotten from last Fall's feedings until Spring and Summer brings them back to life....a constant reminder that you reap what you sow!

last but not least

2007-10-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

The New York Applefest is coming to Warwick !

The first weekend of October is apon us and so are the apples and art! Due to popular demand the "Bounty" Gallery exhibit has extended through this weekend . I will be at the gallery on Sunday October 7th. ......so if you come for the apples stop into the Country Life Gallery for a visit!

with gratitude

2007-09-20T17:18:00.001-07:00

jill wiener, jennifer lanne, jen o'connor

With many thanks to ALL who made this first Gallery event a spectacular success!

to market

2007-09-11T05:23:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder to come visit me this Saturday the 15th from 2-7pm at The Country Life Gallery in Warwick, New York. I'll have a "Bounty" of original artwork on display accompanied by a showcase of Earthgirl Pottery.
I'd love to see you there!

farm

2007-09-09T17:14:00.000-07:00

Down the road a piece is a farm I frequently pass by.

To most speeding by it's just a blur out the window...mostly appreciated by foot.

It's not picturesque by most standards. It's a well-worked farm.

Barns with wrinkled siding, age spots galore....tin roofing unmatched and rust-ridden. Outbuildings broken and sway-backed. Vocal, twin silos like steam whistles with the wind.

All this anchored by a sturdy farmhouse that never really had a heyday. A farm with alot of dirt and grit under it's nails....... a crazy quilt of living space all stitched together by rolling fields and pastures.

But to look at what really matters...fields tended to with diligence and perfection.

Rows mowed straighter than a baseball field. Corn rows planted neat as pins....topped with silken tassels that flutter in the breeze. Antique tractors still going strong. Sights and sounds of content livestock.....4-H ribbons visible through the barn door. Hard work paid off.

pillow problems

2007-08-30T16:37:00.000-07:00

Yup, I've got it......a thing for pillows. Squishy, down-filled, plump vintage florals, smooshy ticking stripes, velvety trimmed or ruffly.

My poor hubby.

I guess it's the way they magically transform even the more sterile space into lushness.

Oh, how I long to dive head first into a cushy cavern of overstuffed fluff! Not to worry! I haven't lost complete control of all my mental facilities...!

I dread that I soon may have to sit, sleep and relax on the floor as every available space will be occupied by perfectly parked pillows......why, fear not! There's always options...floor pillows!!!

windfall

2007-08-12T04:24:00.000-07:00

It's the time of year I spend my evenings whiling away the hours in the apple trees.....It's not what you think. Erase the image of the dreamy ,English country-side , Jane-Austen vision you may have. The hammock sways empty.
It's me on a slippery, mossy slope bent like an ancient woman picking up the bruised windfall apples.
These little knobby gems pelt down from the sky with the rustling of the slightest breeze....easily filling bucket upon bucket. The day awaits that I will be beamed in the head by one of these emerald orbs.
And like Snow White... why, oh why can I not resist the temptation to taste one of these sour treats? They trick me every year with their plump apple-y appearance.....only to leave me with a sour-puss that only years of botched face lifts could achieve.

So why the self inflicted torture of collecting these crabbies you may ponder? I suppose it's the thought of all those little sour pretties being left unwanted that bothers me. Or perhaps the happy squeals of the pigs when they see me coming with a brimming bucket of windfall goodies.

save the date

2007-08-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

Earth Angels presents

"Bounty"

Celebrating the art of Jennifer Lanne and Jill Wiener

a showing of Jennifer Lanne's original paintings complimented with a showcase of "EarthGirl Pottery" by Jill Wiener

Saturday, September 15th

2pm-7pm Open to the Public

at The Country Life Gallery

Warwick, New York

please email me with questions or directions

Don't miss it!

county fair

2007-07-22T13:11:00.001-07:00

The County Fair rolled into town this week...complete with yummy food( testing the bounds of elastic in every article of clothing worn)....swirling rides, roaring tractors and my personal favorite...animals!

I shamelessly make a bee-line for the doe-eyed bovines. Each breed and color more dazzling than the next! Like an out of control tourist I rapid fire my camera...sadly filling my digital card much too soon. I scan the photos to see if there are any lemons to delete....not a one! How could I get rid of any precious image...after all they are my muse and fodder for paintings.

So I apologize now for all the silly, numorous cow photos......but look at those faces....the eyes have it!

out and about

2007-07-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

Check out my feature in the August 2007 issue of Romantic Homes Magazine!

dog days

2007-07-01T17:31:00.000-07:00

(top to bottom: the milkhouse,

Lovey Dovey taking a dust bath,

Some Hot blooms, view from the barn, Violet keeping cool.)

I don't think anyone is exempt from heat that Mother Nature is bestowing on us. Lately I feel know how it feels to be inside an oven roaster bag!....But it wasn't until I had come across an all too unpleasant reminder of last winter that I began to appreciate the rising temps.

It's a photo of me with what appears to be the largest, uber icicle produced from one of winter's ice storms. My miserable look says it all.

It still gives me chills......days spent bundled up even inside...dry, crispy, flyaway hair begging for a v05 oil treatment...20 minutes to warm and scrape the car...breaking the ice on the animals buckets for the millionth time....

I gladly welcome the heat!....look what it comes with: flowers,trees with leaves,flip-flops, ice cream, long days, bbq, smoothies....oh! and how could I forget pedicures!!!

Heat? no problem.....bring it on!