Libby's World

Greyhounds and Grandmas

2011-11-22T11:49:00.001-05:00

Home Made Pumpkin Pie, originally uploaded by Deiru.

Today I am in the kitchen cooking and making pies in preparation for our pilgrimage up to Buffalo, NY to spend Thanksgiving with Jim's family.
But it is my family I am thinking of today. As I bake my pumpkin pies, using the same simple Libbys, Libbys, Libbys on the label, label, label recipe that my grandmother used. My grandmother baked those pies and then lovingly prepped them for transport. She then travelled five hours on a Greyhound bus up the coast of California to spend the holiday with us.
My grandmother baked from love and she would never show up for a holiday empty handed, even if it meant riding the road communally with pies in tow.
Grandma today I am making your pies and tomorrow I will travel with them. I miss you Grandma. I love you.

Thanksgiving on the Road

2011-11-21T10:52:00.001-05:00

Vintage Caravan Interior, originally uploaded by snailtrail.co.uk vw camper hire.

How fun would it be to hit the road and make a small Thanksgiving dinner to be enjoyed outside in a national park somewhere with other wanderers.
I have this fantasy of the ultimate potluck where people just wander over from their own campsite with a dish full of roasted sweet potatoes or a pecan pie and join the already overflowing table of gypsy pilgrims.
Maybe next year!

Illustrated Flyer - EtsyUK - Pimp My Table Christmas Party

2011-11-21T10:47:00.001-05:00

Illustrated Flyer - EtsyUK - Pimp My Table Christmas Party, originally uploaded by Heidi Burton / Making Strangers.

How cute is this idea? Heidi Burton of Making Strangers shared her idea for pimping out your Thanksgiving table on flickr. Now if only I could get Jim's parents to go for this!

Blog Envy

2011-10-31T09:30:00.002-04:00

I know it has been too long since I have blogged when I don't even recognize the Blogger website! This just proves the point of my post today...whenever I start to feet like maybe I am getting it together and I am going to have stuff flying out of my empty etsy shop and actually post pictures to flickr and basically get my s&%t together I come across and awesome blog like this http://frecklednest.typepad.com/la/idea.htmlE
Leigh- Ann of freckled nest has got it going on. Not only does she have an awesome blog but every link I clicked on in her blog took me to another blog from another woman who is hitting it out of the park with a beautiful blog, overflowing Etsy shop, diverse flickr gallery or bypasses all of those sites together and has it all under one roof at her blog! How do these women do it? I am so impressed. They offer classes, cook, hawk their wares, parent, photograph, knit, garden, sew and the list goes on.
My goal today? To get warm from a pre-dawn walk by cleaning my house. Well, maybe it would be easier just to take a warm bath and swiffer a little. Later I may take a picture with my phone of Jane in a no sewing involved Halloween costume and post it on Facebook. What's that put it on my blog? Who would have thought of that?
I need some new goals.

Wall-e Finger

2011-10-31T08:09:00.001-04:00

Wall-e Finger, originally uploaded by JoJoNeiL.

Could this count as a Halloween costume?

Bob Ross

2011-10-31T08:08:00.001-04:00

Bob Ross and the joy of painting :) #amigurumi #crochet, originally uploaded by CraftyisCool1.

I love this crochet version of Bob Ross by Allison Hoffman of Crafty is Cool. I wish I were this cool!

yarn bowl

2011-10-28T10:08:00.001-04:00

yarn bowl, originally uploaded by redhotpottery.

How cool is this yarn bowl by Red Hot Pottery? This is definitely going on my Christmas wish list. Yes, she has an Etsy shop!

One Woman's Journey From Minivan to Mini Cooper

2011-07-01T09:50:00.001-04:00

After almost 15 years of hauling kids, animals, furniture and other unmentionable items around in a giant minivan, I have finally graduated to a....

Mini Cooper!!! Yes, that's right a car that can only hold four people. Yes, I am crazy and yes, I am happy. There is no room for people to leave food wrappers and milk cartons to go undiscovered until their stench reveals them. There is no video screen to hit my head on, no sliding door to slam and no, I repeat no juice box holders.

But there is a DC Rollergirl sticker on the back window.

2011 DC Capital Pride

2011-06-15T11:56:00.001-04:00

2011 DC Capital Pride 2731, originally uploaded by tedeytan.

DC Roller Girls skated in the Capital Pride parade last weekend. I have never felt so adored on all of my life! I can't believe the support the community showed us. I however may want to look in the mirror before I skate in my next parade!

2011-06-02T13:54:00.003-04:00

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.6

Pencil Beads

2011-06-02T13:54:00.001-04:00

Jane has a school project to make something and sell it. Which means I get to halfway make it so she can assemble these pencil beads into necklaces to sell. Let's just say my dremmel and I had a fabulous day together.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.6

I used to live here....

2011-04-15T10:28:00.001-04:00

Front of house, originally uploaded by Libby's World.

and spend the afternoons here...

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Left side of porch, originally uploaded by Libby's World.

Now I live here...

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Snow House, originally uploaded by Libby's World.

But I would happily live here...

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Sacramento Midtown Bungalow, originally uploaded by Greg Balzer.

or here, even though it seems quite busy.

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1909 Craftsman on the Home Tour, originally uploaded by Casa de Dogpoop.

or here...

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South Pasadena, craftsman house, originally uploaded by 97213.

Or here...

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Capitol View Atlanta, originally uploaded by vizual2.

Oh, I miss my bungalow.

2011-04-15T10:16:00.001-04:00

201 9th Street, originally uploaded by jpotter3.

The Best Form of Flattery?

2011-03-28T14:25:00.000-04:00

Apparently, I have had it wrong all of these years. I'm always trying to come up with original ideas for various art projects and crafting ideas. According to my drawing teacher this is not how it is done. Even Picasso famously copied other master's work over and over. He then, gasp, put them out into the world for all to see. This is very acceptable in the art world. People who study art like to see connections, they want to know what the artist's influences are. Even if it is a blatant copy of another work.

So, here is my copy of Alice Neel's "Religious Girl" definitely NOT an exact replica. Maybe it is a post stroke version of the girl, her face is sagging a bit. And she seems to have had some bad Botox or maybe a single cheek implant. I can only hope that Ms. Neel would be flattered by my attention. By my love of the challenge in the eyes of this girl she conjured up on her canvas. Or did this girl first spring to life somewhere else? She had a sitter for the painting, but how much of herself did Neel inject into this work? She lost two of her four children to illness early in their lives, surely that would cause one to question religion. Is it Neel's own eyes or the eyes of the girl sitting for the portrait that seem to be at the same time, filling up with tears and challenging the world? This is what I love about Neel's work, the way her subjects draw you in, introduce themselves to you and ask you to stay, spend a little time and get to know them. For me, attempting to reproduce Alice Neel's work is most certainly the highest form of flattery.

Inspiration

2011-03-15T20:06:00.001-04:00

If you haven't seen the movie Blindsight, Netflix it NOW. Eric Weinenmayer, a blind mountaineer, who I was lucky enough to hear speak about eight years ago in Germany, leads a group of six blind Tibetan children up to the base camp at Mt. Everest. This is only one of the inspirational stories told in this movie. From Tashi, a young boy sold by his parents to beg on the streets to Kyila, a Tibetan girl who not only has a blind father, but twin blind brothers, Blindsight celebrates the accomplishments of all of the children who climb into the sky. Their fearless leader, Sabriye Tenberken is particularly inspirational. Blind from the age of twelve, she heard the stories of blind children in Tibet, who are treated as pariah. Blind people in Tibet are believed to be paying for the sins of their former lives and therefore shunned in society. Sabriye, left her homeland of Germany to travel alone to Tibet. There she opened a school for Blind children and travelled the countryside alone on horseback looking for blind children to attend her school. The rest as they say is history. Don't miss this life changing film!

Eastern Market Adventure

2011-03-14T14:45:00.001-04:00

On Saturday we finally made the pilgrimage to Eastern Market. It's not a journey that should have taken over a year, but somehow it did.

My first glimpse of the place included these flags painted on boards. For those of you who know about my flag obsession you will be happy to know I did not salivate on a single one. Only because the artist wouldn't let me get that close.

The food hall was incredible...Jim and Jane are making a beeline for the bakery at the end.

I of course was drawn to the veggies...

The olives...

And with the promise of Spring in the air, the flowers.

What excited me the most though was the prospect of a hot breakfast with 143 of my closest friends.

Decisions, decisions...I went for the spinach omelet and the green chile cheese grits. Hello!

We finally scored a place at the long, long table and...

YUM!!!

From food, we moved onto crafts. How clever are these key holders? I think procuring one may warrant another trip to the hill!

And check out this chiquita, selling purses made out of books!

Even the cars had been crafted.

There is no lack of color in the Capital Hill neighborhood...

Maybe I felt so at home because of all of the pink houses. The one below while slightly is the exact shade of pink that our beloved farmhouse in Snailwell wore. Long live the Manor Farm House!

To answer your question. Yes, I am homesick. Finally making to Easter Market has reminded me that we live in a diverse fun area to explore. I can't wait to take you with me as I finally spread my wings a little and settle into my new (ish) home!

The Bright Yellow Chair

2011-03-11T14:25:00.001-05:00

The other day my friend Kate told me she had found a bright yellow chair. She happened upon it at the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store (if you haven't been to the one near you check it out!) She fell in love with the chair and brought it home for a mere $10. The chair found a new home in her playroom, where her children rocked in, played boat and read books. The chair was happy, the kids were happy and most of all, Kate was happy. Soon, though one of Kate's children started to itch. The itch turned to hives and the hives turned out to be an allergy to, you guessed it the chair. The bright yellow chair had to go. It was loaded back into Kate's van and prepped with much sadness from the children, the chair and as you guessed, Kate herself.

Now, Kate knows I have a fondness for quirky brightly colored objects. She also knew how happy I had been for her at the discovery and adoption of the chair. Kate decided to make a last ditch effort to give the chair a home. Knocking at my door in the rain, she pled the chair's case when I answered. She had vacuumed and cleaned and done everything she could do, it wasn't the chair's fault. The hive afflicted child was sensitive, no one else had been affected. Would I give the chair a chance?

Would I give the chair a chance? In a home filled with wayward pets, children and people what was one wayward chair? The chair moved in.

And made itself at home. It caused a major furniture reshuffle in our diminutive family room. It ousted the last resident of it's spot and sent it to the netherlands of the dining room where it took up residence in a neglected corner brightening things considerably.

The chair was happy, I was happy and even Kate was happy, being saved the return trip to the Re-Store and finding a good home for her bright yellow chair.

Did I mention Halloween was happy too?

Thanks Kate!

I LOVE this idea!

2011-01-14T09:53:00.003-05:00

thrifted painting after, originally uploaded by diane reeves.

Check out Diane's creative how to here.

I would love to invite these chairs to dinner, I would definitely give them the head of the table.

2011-01-14T09:43:00.003-05:00

Add caption

I have been looking for some inspiration. It is the middle of winter. My studio is in the deep freeze. My skin is pasty and my hair is dry. It has come to my attention that we have two more kids to put through college and if I don't become a bankrobber I need to find a way to bring in some extra income. I may have to get a "real" job. This may mean giving up my crafting time and going back to school to take something other than art classes. Then, as I was trolling Flickr this morning for blog foder, I discovered Rachel Denbow and her blog Smile and Wave and she has made me question my re-entry to the real world. I love living in an artsy/craftsy land of possibility. I love paint and ink and glitter and fabric and my soldering iron and, well you get the idea. Thank you for your inspiration Rachel. Now, if you will excuse my I have carpet to rip up and wooden stairs waiting to be uncovered!

The Odd Couple, originally uploaded by Smile And Wave.

This is one way to get Jane focused on the West coast. I love this vintage puzzle. I am on the hunt for similar items for her classroom themed bedroom makeover.

2011-01-14T09:41:00.001-05:00

Where We Used To Live, originally uploaded by Smile And Wave.

Great lighting, fabulous worn in textiles, I couldn't ask for more.

2011-01-14T09:39:00.001-05:00

We Built A Fort, originally uploaded by Smile And Wave.

I just want to crawl in here and wait out the winter.

2011-01-14T09:38:00.001-05:00

Project ReStyle: After, originally uploaded by Smile And Wave.

I wish I were this ready for Valentine's Day!

2011-01-14T09:35:00.001-05:00

i guess it's true that the kitchen is the heart of the home ~, originally uploaded by lakbdesign/fergusandme.

As I am prepping to re-do (or just DO) Jane's room, I am wondering if I can manage to paint a similar portrait of her to grace her space.

2011-01-14T09:33:00.001-05:00

, originally uploaded by uydurrukcu.

This just screams January.

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, originally uploaded by uydurrukcu.

I love the 'cool' take on these Christmas colors

2010-12-08T12:06:00.001-05:00

First christmas time deco, originally uploaded by moline.

I need a little color on this cold dreary day.

2010-12-08T11:59:00.001-05:00

christmas is on its way, originally uploaded by besimo.

Do I like this because it is Christmas done in Halloween colors?

2010-12-08T11:57:00.001-05:00

have a minimalist christmas #1, originally uploaded by lomokev.

I am a sucker for simplicity!

2010-12-08T11:55:00.001-05:00

20. It goes ooooo and oooon and oooon and ooooooooooooon!, originally uploaded by robyncot.

Today I am grateful for...

2010-11-04T15:56:00.001-04:00

IMAG0004.jpg, originally uploaded by Libby's World.

My friend Elizabeth. Elizabeth is an incredible person, artist, business person and most importantly, friend. This incredible paper sculpture (It is so beyond that I can't even tell you) was a gift this year for my birthday. Everything down to the flag on the bike was personalized for me. To have someone know you this well is truly a gift. Elizabeth, today I am grateful for you.

Today I am grateful for...

2010-11-03T18:12:00.000-04:00

I am a few days late getting started on this but I just visited Lisa over at her 'Curious Girl' blog. I was very inspired by her 'Today I am grateful for' project she is doing during the month of November. As I have been a little lax in the blogging department, I am going to let Lisa inspire me and join her in posting something I am grateful for everyday during November. Thanks Lisa! Today I am grateful for....

My little Zombie Jane.

Thanks for the inspiration Lisa!

How can this...

2010-11-03T17:58:00.001-04:00

Structure, originally uploaded by Libby's World.

and this be within a half an hour of each other?

2010-11-03T17:57:00.001-04:00

The road taken, originally uploaded by Libby's World.

I am amazed by the NYC area. Here we are barreling down the Taconic state parkway and in an hour we will be strolling through the lower East side?

Art on the Avenue in Del Ray!

2010-10-06T15:47:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful day we had in Del Ray this past weekend at Art on the Avenue! It was my first craft show and we had a fabulous time! A special thanks to my friend Elizabeth (yes, there are two of us) who you see in the above photo enjoying a plate of vegetable biryani from the great food vendors. She came up from North Carolina to help me and I will never be able to thank her enough!

We had great charms and baubles with bracelets and necklaces to put them on. I don't think one person left without having something customized, which is just the way I like it!

We also had some great monsters like Mr. Olive above and his friends below. Each monster came with his own life story in a little book so their new families will know how they like to roll. Mr. Olive was adopted by a wonderful family and I know he has a great road ahead of him!

Our first one eyed monster Ulysses was also adopted by a loving woman who left with a smile almost as big as Ulysses'!

Gentle little Iris, simple in her ways, won people over with her love of dance and her tutu!

This is where I spent most of my time, creating one of a kind pieces for one and for all. I can't wait for the next show! In the mean time don't forget to check the etsy shop, it will be back up and fully stocked by the end of the week! Thanks to everyone who helped make the day such a success!

Lately I Have Become Obsessed With Graffiti.

2010-09-09T07:53:00.001-04:00

Banksy, originally uploaded by Ben Heine.

It can have a sense of humour and make a statement at the same time.

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One Nation Under CCTV, originally uploaded by Herschell Hershey.

It can be simple....

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Cuba Gallery: Typography / fine art / texture / graffiti / photography / design, originally uploaded by Cuba Gallery.

Or intricate

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GRAFFITI ART, originally uploaded by endraum.

It can take a boring place and make it special.

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Cuba Gallery: Australia / melbourne / city / urban / graffiti lane / color / street photography, originally uploaded by Cuba Gallery.

It can be a medium that bring artists together in the same place.

2010-09-09T07:44:00.001-04:00

Cuba Gallery: Australia / Melbourne / city / urban / graffiti lane / street art / photography / grungy, originally uploaded by Cuba Gallery.

It can turn the everyday into a party.

2010-09-09T07:43:00.001-04:00

Graffiti (Recife Antigo), originally uploaded by Omar Junior.

Trains have a long history of being intertwined with Graffiti artists. Artists will tag and re-tag the same trains. Are they just defiling the trains, or are they adding to the trains story and beauty, chronicling where the trains have been and the people they have interacted with. What do you think?

2010-09-09T07:42:00.002-04:00

Hmil BKF, originally uploaded by All Seeing.

This reminds me of a modern day Virgin de Guadalupe.

2010-09-09T07:39:00.001-04:00

Velho chico da bahia, originally uploaded by anandanahu.

Do you think of this as graffiti?

2010-09-09T07:37:00.001-04:00

The optimist, originally uploaded by mathiole.

How does someone do this? I wish I could take a class in how to handle a sraypaint can.

2010-09-09T07:36:00.002-04:00

I'm singing in the rain I, originally uploaded by flavita.valsani.

And I Love the colors in this one...Even if I don't really know what it is! What do you think of graffiti?

2010-09-09T07:34:00.002-04:00

Graffitti Art, originally uploaded by danakay.

One of my favorite things is walking along...

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... ein Regentag kann auch bunt sein ;-), originally uploaded by ~*sternenstaub*~ (1961).

and having an image like this catch my eye. All of a sudden the ordinary becomes extraordinary. The right combination of colors comes together and it is like a chord has been strummed on a guitar, it comes together and harmonizes in a way that moves me. I can't help but stop and look, taking in the details.

Find the color in your everyday life. Stop looking at the traffic and see the color in it.

2010-08-31T07:45:00.001-04:00

Transito, originally uploaded by just what you see.

The subtle color of this Octopus and his home set the stage for the little pops of red that are my favorite part of this work.

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Blue Octopus, originally uploaded by Rhys Alton.

Only something as funny as this little guy could tear my eyes away from the color of the sky behind him.

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2.1 kg yorkie looking tough at Kew Beach in his beach muscle wear, originally uploaded by Phil Marion.

And I love this illuminated wall of color.

2010-08-31T07:35:00.001-04:00

IMG_1057+, originally uploaded by ikakun20.

I just loved this photo and I needed one to go with the post below!

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Horses on an Evening Meadow, originally uploaded by Stuck in Customs.

my love for you is a stampede of horses.

2010-08-20T10:59:00.000-04:00

I just had to do a quick post about this wonderful blog I happened upon my love for you is a stampede of horses. It does in such a bigger way what I try to do with Libby's World. The diversity of work that you are exposed to on this blog is huge. So follow the above link, enjoy and let your creativity run wild!

Who knew that this...

2010-08-18T12:51:00.003-04:00

P1010002, originally uploaded by Libby's World.

Was really made up of...

This.

2010-08-18T12:49:00.002-04:00

P1010003, originally uploaded by Libby's World.

I happened upon this great sculpture earlier in the year when we had a day out for Jim's birthday.

Lately, I have found a lot of things in my life that I am encountering look like one thing from afar, but when I get closer and take the time to really look at something

I have been finding nice little surprises waiting for me. Now if I could only find a paint swatch the color of that 'club soda' bottle cap.

This Was Just a Strange Place.

2010-08-16T19:32:00.000-04:00

Recently Jim and the girls and I made the pilgrimage to Baltimore to the home of Edgar

Allen Poe. Grace is a huge fan and we had to go not only to his house

but to his grave as well. We drove by the house on our first pass and

mistook it for a place one might buy....well to be exact, crack. We finally realized we were in

the right place and we were buzzed in by the sole employee and I'm assuming founder

of the EAP museum. We were lucky that the man was not dressed as Poe, several

videos being shown on the premises let us know this was one of his

favorite pastimes. Other than him, I found this to be a little strange.

Where did they go? I suspect the Poe wanna be running the place may have taken them

to some laboratory to attempt to clone Poe. Alas, that is not to be as Poe lies here...

waiting for his birthday, when every year some mysterious person leaves a snifter of brandy and

a red rose on Poe's grave. Gee, I wonder who that could be. Well, at least

the Poe guy is following his passion and living his dream

We should all be so lucky!

BlogHer 2010....Better Late Than Never?

2010-08-14T09:54:00.000-04:00

Not that I am showing off, but there will be some name dropping in this post. I recently travelled with my blogging partner in crime Anne Marie of Military Martha to New York City, this year's home of BlogHer 10. There were lessons and lectures but most of all there were parties. And on that note...

Yes, that is the queen of domesticity, non other than the grand dame of 'Good Things' Ms. Martha Stewart. Now, let's be clear right off the bat. This was an invite only party and I did not have an invite. Would I let a little detail like that stop me? Anne Marie had an invite, I had to get in too. This it where it becomes clear that sometimes stalking does pay off. I had launched an all out campaign on Twitter to get an invite. Martha's people were SO familiar with my name that they thought they had invited me. I'm going with the theory that they did and I somehow missed that email (even though I was checking my inbox on an hourly basis waiting for it) and that I am not really a Martha Stewart party crasher. No matter how I got in, it was worth it!

After we walked through Martha's New York headquarters, a beautiful industrial building with 360* views on the Hudson river, we were handed champagne and entered this gauntlet of loveliness.

I'm still wondering if this woman was a prop or an actual blogger. Her dress matched a little too well. I could see Martha hiring people to stand around and match the decor.

When we finally got into the real inner sanctum, this heavily tattooed, vegan, Martha fan took a picture of MY tattoo. I wonder if Martha has a tattoo? Maybe of a chow chow or a French bull dog, or "It's a Good Thing" right above her a&$. It was great to meet so many different people at the martha party. The owner of this beautiful artwork blogs here at Pink Velvet Bird. Check it out. While chatting and wildly gesticulating, I of course almost had to trash the place when my large man hands almost took out this...

lovely Oreo wedding cake that I know Martha herself must have taken hours to build. Crisis was averted when my tattooed buddy grabbed my hand, averting disaster.

While these were an example of very attractive party bags, I am glad to report this is NOT what we left with. Martha and her people were very generous and every blogger left loaded down with not one, but two tote bags full of loot, ranging from magazines, to hole punches, to paint and more! Thank you Martha!

Our next stop was The AOL Daily Kitchen party, featuring Jim's favorite Top Chef Master, Marcus Samuelson.

Here we got to watch Marcus cook, taste Marcus' food, get pedicures and drink martinis. Oh, and they had the best bathroom in town.

We had a great time at Blogher. The partying slowed down after the first night. We continued to hobnob with the celebrities. We met Mrs. Potato Head, the Pilsbury Dough Boy, and Tamara of The Real Housewives of OC fame, just to name a few.

It was incredible to be surrounded by so many talented women. Women who are writers, photographers, activists, chefs, techies, doctors, health specialists, lawyers, mothers, meat eaters, vegans and everything in between. I came away from the weekend with a fire lit under me, to be true to myself and to share that truth with the world!

But the best part of all...

Was spending time with my brother. In the end, no brush with celebrity can trump family!

(I know this picture is smaller and poor quality but it is the most important one in the post!)

THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI

2010-07-23T15:51:00.000-04:00

One person can make a difference and we never know who is doing the helping. The Cats of Mirikitani, is a moving documentary about Jimmy Mirikitani a homeless artist in NYC.

We follow Jimmy and a woman as they befriend each other and their lives are forever intertwined as they experience September 11, 2001 and the changes it brings to their lives and their relationship.

Jimmy shares his lifelong love of art that has seen him through Japanese internment camps in California, as well as his world wise views on a post September 11th world. A need to help him along in the world rewards his female companion with a lifelong friendship with a man who needed her help as much as she needed his.

Treat yourself to a summer movie afternoon. Draw the shades and watch the Cats of Mirikitani. You won't be the same after the credits roll.

Independent Lens | THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI | PBS

2010-07-23T15:35:00.001-04:00

DC Rollergirls at the DC Armory

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DC Rollergirls at the DC Armory, originally uploaded by JamesCalder.

Yes, I have been away for awhile. I have been in training....I have a try out on Friday to enter a roller derby boot camp. Stop laughing! I'll keep you posted.

Creative stuff tomorrow---I promise. Off to practice!

My fixation on Gaudi

2010-06-17T09:52:00.001-04:00

Casa Mila La Pedrera, originally uploaded by vgm8383.

Several years ago Sarah (eldest daughter) and I took a little holiday weekend to Barcelona. The official goal was to brush up on our Spanish. The actual goal became to ingest as much of Antonio Gaudi's world as possible in three days.

If I could crawl inside of anyone's brain for a day, it would be this revolutionary architect. I can't fathom having his vision, let alone actually bringing it to life and leaving it as a gift for those who have come behind him.

Check your expectations at the door and enter a small corner of the world of Gaudi.

Deep breath.....Heaven!

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gaudi gaudi gaudi, originally uploaded by Mr. Mark.

How does this get from brain to paper to reality?

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Gaudí details.-, originally uploaded by ancama_99(toni).

How did these people get in my house?

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the magic world of Gaudi, originally uploaded by peia... missing you!!!.

and this is where they did the laundry!

2010-06-17T09:39:00.001-04:00

Gaudí - Casa Batlló 5, originally uploaded by jordicerda52.

Gaudi's "Casa Batllo" in the dusk

2010-06-17T09:38:00.001-04:00

Gaudi's "Casa Batllo" in the dusk, originally uploaded by Speck in Time.

Internal courtyard anyone?

2010-06-17T09:37:00.001-04:00

Gaudi's Casa Mila .:HDR:., originally uploaded by markeloper photography.

Dragon or house?

2010-06-17T09:36:00.001-04:00

Casa Batlló, originally uploaded by MorBCN.

Casa Batlló

2010-06-17T09:35:00.001-04:00

Casa Batlló, originally uploaded by MorBCN.

Can you imagine living here?

La Pedrera

2010-06-17T09:34:00.001-04:00

~~~~, originally uploaded by Paco CT.

My ultimate apartment fantasy

Do your chimney tops look like this?

2010-06-17T09:33:00.001-04:00

Chimney tops, originally uploaded by kitschcafe.

Oh, how I love Gaudi

2010-06-17T09:32:00.001-04:00

Spires, originally uploaded by kitschcafe.

BRAVO!

2010-06-10T11:07:00.001-04:00

Last night Bravo premiered it's newest reality show, Work of Art. Similar to Project Runway and Top Chef in concept, Bravo has gathered a slew of aspiring artist and brought them to a communal studio to compete and see who remains the lone artist standing.

Personally, I am thrilled to see Bravo go out on a limb and give their creative audience something that doesn't involve screaming housewives (although you know I love them too) lampooning each other.

We will see how long the Bravo editing crew can control themselves and we begin to see the artists devouring each other to get to the top, in the mean time though I think we have something interesting to watch. Watching an artist's process never fails to fascinate me, and we get a whole studio full of them here.

I would love to name a few favorites right off the bat but I am going to limit it to one in this post (I think you will have to put up with several posts about this show, reader!)

My hands down favorite right off the bat has to be Mark. I'm not going to lie, I love him because he is from my home town. I don't know him, but I know where he comes from. It's not easy to be an artistic type in a small town. Even a small town in California near the beach. Our town is an agricultural community. Rodeo and country music are huge. Cowboy boots are seen just as much as flip flops and china flats. It is a so nice to see someone from home get this kind of national exposure. I'm rooting for you Mark! Make Santa Maria proud.

Out of Illness, Inspiration.

2010-06-08T15:29:00.000-04:00

Having been home sick the past few days has given me a chance to catch up on my netflix que and my Amazon rentals.

I was blown away by the documentary 'Beautiful Losers' an account of a group of post punk era artists who came into their own together during the early 90's. The film follows them from their skateboarding, flophouse, New York and California roots to the counter culture art leaders they are today.

I was especially touched by artist Margaret Kilgallen an artist I had never heard of, who without my even knowing has influenced my work in so many ways. Her life was cut short by cancer, but she shared herself with the world in a profound way while she was here.

Now that I have seen the film, I am adding the book that also chronicles the artists to my wish list. Hopefully, I don't have to get sick again to make the time to read it!

In reverse order I have read and re-read the book 'Handmade Nation' and finally took the time to watch the film made in conjunction with the book. The film is available to rent on Amazon for a mere $1.99 for a week's access. Not even knowing it was possible to 'rent' from Amazon, I found that to be great value for money.

'Handmade Nation' explores the DIY crafting community that grew out of the same punk movement that inspired 'Beautiful Losers'. More about crafting as a way to make a living, than crafting for the sake of craft this film showcases a number of successful artists who have made a lifestyle into a living.

Even if you aren't in need of a little inspiration these are both must see films. If you happen to be a 40ish post punk wanna be artist 'Beautiful Losers' will take you back to your glory days and make you wonder what ever happened to that kid in high school with the mohawk who drew comics for
'Thrasher Magazine' could he be the one that came up with that VW ad you like so much?

The Younger

2010-06-03T10:06:00.002-04:00

When does it happen?

When do they shift away from you?

I wish I had known it was going to happen with the older girls.

They are gone. Their own people. Their own issues.

The younger two trust and believe. The older two question and doubt.

When it is just the younger two at home, I am all knowing.

When an older girl appears, I suddenly loose all credibility and life experience.

I am old and stupid.

When the younger two are at home there is squabbling and shoving.

When an older sister appears there is yelling and blame.

I hear they will shift back,

that gravity brings them home.

Once again I will be believed.

Once again I will hold them close.

When we are all older and wiser.

The Older

Can I Find What I Need at the Brooklyn Flea?

2010-05-21T08:26:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Design Sponge for posting this photo before I hit the flea market!

How cool are these lights?

This is a restaurant in California that has had a recent makeover.

Can the design team come to my house next?

Since they probably can't,

I will find cool wire baskets at the Brooklyn flea and give it a go!

Wish me luck.

photo by Kari Pfeffer

It's Time For a Field Trip!

2010-05-20T20:19:00.000-04:00

We are hitting the road, headed to Brooklyn for the bust craftacular.

Good food, creative types, hanging out with my brother and my good friend Elizabeth, what more

could a girl ask for?

Before that we are trying our luck at the Brooklyn Flea.

What treasures will we uncover? More importantly, what will we be able

to afford?

Stay tuned for a full report on our New York adventure.

And you thought Carrie and the girls were wild!

If you Follow......PLEASE let me know.

2010-05-19T13:46:00.001-04:00

karst, originally uploaded by marusica.

Jim always reminds me, if you build it, they will come.So many of you come to Libby's World. You tell me in e-mails, phone calls and over coffee. Since you visit, will you follow? I had to take the follower feature off my blog for awhile because it was too depressing to have only three followers. I was sure other, more successful bloggers were laughing at me, behind my blog. Well, I've decided three followers is something to be proud of. I have put the "follow" feature back on the blog. So please....I'm begging....will you follow?

SWAGGER WAGON

2010-05-18T17:15:00.000-04:00

I may have to get out my favorite set of wheels again.

2010-05-17T07:32:00.000-04:00

For the first time in a long time I put over $50.00 of gas in my car in one pump. Is is back to my two wheeled vehicle?

Banana seat

2010-05-17T07:28:00.001-04:00

Banana seat, originally uploaded by kitschcafe.

This is a yellow version of the blue "Lady Stingray" that I rocked during my formative cycling years. It even has the exact seat! Oh, the wonder years.

Join

2010-05-17T07:26:00.001-04:00

Join, originally uploaded by kitschcafe.

With a lot of my neighbors headed into DC for their very special tea parties (I can't figure out why they don't invite me!) this is a movement I can get behind. So come on my people, let's join that coffee party movement!

Baby Tooth Holder

2010-05-17T07:24:00.001-04:00

Milk Tooth Holder, originally uploaded by Elsita (Elsa Mora).

I love this! The tooth fairy sometimes passes us by...I don't know why she seems to forget us. However if we had this adorable holder to contain the goods, I have a feeling she would be to our house with bells on!

Pinkalicious

2010-05-17T07:21:00.001-04:00

Pinkalicious, originally uploaded by christyberkhouse.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Look what I was up to last night!

2010-05-04T08:01:00.002-04:00

The English Beat, originally uploaded by Akronographer.

Not only did I get to see 'The English Beat' one of my all time favorite bands but they actually played a song for me! I sent a quick request via facebook before the show and the next thing I know, I'm in the front row and Dave is singing to me! We even spent some time with him after the show. You know you are old when you finally meet Dave Wakeling and you spend the time talking about the fact that you each have four kids and he is a grandfather!

I guess it just shows patience pays off. I have loved them since I was 14 and finally ten years later (OK 27) I get to chat with my teenage self's crush! I'm a little older and a little wiser but I have to say....my heart was pounding!

Is this Heaven?

2010-04-26T19:12:00.001-04:00

Daisy Daisy, originally uploaded by snailtrail.co.uk vw camper hire.

Daisy and Daffodil

2010-04-26T19:11:00.003-04:00

Daisy and Daffodil, originally uploaded by snailtrail.co.uk vw camper hire.

Spring has Sprung

2010-04-26T19:11:00.001-04:00

Spring has Sprung, originally uploaded by snailtrail.co.uk vw camper hire.

Ahhhhh......

The French Apartment

2010-04-26T14:36:00.002-04:00

French market, originally uploaded by Libby's World.

Here is my partner in crime, Anne Marie. She is stealing these pillows from our new friend Cathleen who owns the adorable shop 'The French Apartment'. You may think I am kidding when I say AM stole the pillows. I'm not. Kathleen was giving things away. Check out her shop the next time you are in Georgetown!

Pastries

2010-04-26T14:29:00.001-04:00

French market, originally uploaded by Libby's World.

What is a French market without French pastries? I must say, as good as I have been being lately in my food consumption, I still had to partake!

My New French Friend

2010-04-26T14:24:00.001-04:00

Fw: IMG00037-20100423-1047.jpg, originally uploaded by Libby's World.

We had a great day with loads of finds. I don't know if it was because we got there early or we just had good luck, but I will be there next year with bells on!

Overall...Fabulous!

2010-04-14T07:54:00.001-04:00

bathroom redone (temporarily), originally uploaded by kimhas7cats.

How great are these hooks in the room below?

2010-04-14T07:53:00.001-04:00

bathroom redone (temporarily), originally uploaded by kimhas7cats.

Love the Black Wall!

2010-04-14T07:52:00.001-04:00

bathroom redone (temporarily), originally uploaded by kimhas7cats.

The pop of the yellow chair...the yellow in the pictures...HELLO!