Yes, it was a wonderful Wednesday. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote to Celeste, seeking her help in selling my kitchen cart-turned taboret. She has over six hundred followers and I figured a word from her would send at least a few hundred inquiries my way.
She responded with her usual enthusiasm for fellow bloggers and friends, but went a step further, offering to buy it herself. Her offer, my acceptance and subsequent arrangements for pick-up seemed like an excellent opportunity to have a party. Michele and I thought we might also invite our great friends, Margret Short (nationally known artist and four time Salmagundi Club award winner, www.margretshort.com), her husband, Dave and our dear friend and neighbor here in the building, artist Pat Demartini. You've been seeing Pat's portrait on this blog of late and she was kind enough to bring it with her.
So, yesterday afternoon, after loading the cart-taboret into Dave and Celeste's truck, we all gathered to have some wine and other beverages, plenty of food and a whole lot of great conversation, with art taking center stage, as you might expect. We hoped for a spectacular sunset, but instead only had city lights and rain clouds, however nothing could dampen the good spirits this fine day.
Check out Celeste's blog at http://celestebergin.blogspot.com to see photos, courtesy of Celeste's husband, fine art photographer, Dave Burbach, http://www.davidburbach.com
I hope you had a great day, too.
It is stories like this that make you realize just how cool blogging is.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteHope you're warm and safe and weren't hit too hard by the snow.
I heartily agree with your feelings about blogging. Being connected, even though separated by such large distances, is a wonderful thing.
How else would we have met? Wish you could have been with us the other night. Between Margret and Celeste, we had a lot of talent in the room and Dave's photos aptly demonstrated his exceptional photo skills. Had I taken those same shots of the view, they would not have been published!
I'm working on my final portrait here in Portland and we can hardly wait to board that plane for sunny skies and warm Pacific waters!
The countdown continues..
Have a great day, Lisa,
Sincerely,
Gary.
Hi Gary,
ReplyDeleteI know how close you are to your "new life". Seems like your departing festivities of life here on the mainland are going grandly and you will have this wonderful internet to stay connected with everyone. We (fellow bloggers) do expect you to continue your steadfast posts to keep all of us up to date with your creations and life journey. Thanks so much for sharing all that you do, for you are not only a fine painter, you are a prolific and eloquent writer.
With all best wishes from your blog friend,
Steven
Hi Steven,
ReplyDeleteYes, we're getting really close now. As the long-anticipated time nears, every farewell dinner, rainy Portland day or a simple "hello" to a neighbor on an elevator is significant. Nothing much seems casual or routine now. It's been ten years since we arrived here and we thought we'd never leave this wonderful city, yet, here we are.
With such a strong attachment to Portland, it's impossible to avoid doubts about our future. Never having spent more than a week at a time in Honolulu, I wonder if we'll find more reasons to stay than simply the warm climate.
It will take time to discover the soul and spirit of the place and when we do, will it be as enriching and fascinating as Portland? It certainly has a population diversity like few others and we're looking forward to being a part of it. We are looking forward to attempting to learn, at least some bits and pieces of several new languages and customs. We intend to fully integrate ourselves into the human kaleidoscope which is Hawaii and hope that, with such an attitude, our chances of having a good life there will increase immeasurably. You'd think such mental preparation would allay all fears and bring confidence, yet it's tough to be sure.
Time will tell, as it always does, I guess. We never suspected we'd fall in love with Portland, but we surely did.
Anyway, I've rambled-on long enough for now. Here's to what will soon be my first post from the "Land of Aloha"! What an adventure we're in for!
Thanks for the good wishes, Steven, and keep painting with pure joy!
Sincerely,
Gary.
I am loving my new taboret, Gary! I think it is one of my best (and most functional) acquisitions for my studio. It's pretty cool that you used it to make many great paintings. I will TRY to carry on the tradition! You're the BEST! I am so glad we met.
ReplyDeleteHi Celeste,
ReplyDeleteI could not be happier to read this news! I kind of thought you'd like it, but didn't want to over-sell the thing. And I have no doubt you will continue making wonderful art and if the new taboret supports your efforts, I'll be content.
No...you're the BEST and I'm also glad we met!
Have a good day tomorrow and say hello to Dave for us.
Sincerely,
Gary.