Before I regale you with the adventures we had at the FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS, I have to relate a story that happened last night. We went to bed about midnight, and at about 3:00am Conrad started flying around his cage and wound up on the bottom. It woke me up immediately and I saw him down there, and then he started climbing back up. I figured he’d get back to his favorite spot – the swing – but a few minutes passed and he seemed to be stuck. The next thing I know, he’s flying around again, causing a ruckus, and he’s back on the bottom of the cage.
I figured he needed a little help (I don’t know what his problem is – but he’s definitely got one), so I opened his cage and reached in with the perch. He immediately climbed up and just at that moment Eric woke up and said, “What are you doing?” I think he must have thought I was walking in my sleep (as I sometimes do) and decided to play with Conrad at that moment! I explained what happened, put him back on his swing, and went back to sleep. I don’t know what set him off – that’s the first time it’s ever happened – but it really scared me to hear that racket in the middle of the night!
Anyway, we got up at 8:00am again (I don’t know how Ilene does it, but she definitely motivates us!). We all got ready and were, again, out the door before 9:00am. This time we took Ilene to our second-favorite spot – THE WAFFLE SPOT – for their delicious waffle breakfast. We were lucky, because – again – we got seated right away, but soon after there was a long line. It’s in a motel complex and I guess everyone wants breakfast before they check out!
I had the California Baja omelette, which had avocado, cheese and salsa. Ilene had Waffles Benedict, but it was so much food that she gave Eric one half. Eric had the waffles with nuts.
After breakfast, we dropped Eric off at the apartment, and we were on our way! We had already packed the car with Ilene’s stuff, because her family was going to meet us at Laguna Beach after spending the day at Disneyland.
We headed north with Ilene holding Betty and navigating. We listened to the cast album of MAMA MIA as we drove. There’s never a lull in conversation with me and Ilene, so the time passed quickly and by the time we knew it, we were there. We arrived just around noon.
I fell in love with the ceramics of Carol Tripp Martens -- www.lokapottery.com. I thought of Geri and Larry, because I knew they'd have the best time at this Festival and would have loved everything, but especially the wonderful ceramics on display.
We got a meter spot right outside the Festival, but we didn’t have enough quarters, so we were begging for change on the street. Luckily, we got enough. The meters aren’t convenient for people who are spending the whole day there, because you can’t stay more than 3 hours, but since we were meeting the family at 3:00pm, it worked out perfectly!
In some cases I didn't catch an artist's name, but this woman took Asian objects and created 3-D collages. I thought they were so beautiful, because I love anything Asian, and it's found objects, which is kind of like what I do!
This piece combined chop sticks, a small urn (I had the exact same one in my shop!), a drawer handle, buttons, and the board from inside a computer! So clever!
Ilene had won 2 tickets, which we thought were for the day, but it turns out they’re good for the entire season. Unfortunately, it’s over on August 30th, and neither of us thought we’d get a chance to return in the next few weekends.
These little ones were my favorites, combining mosaics and collage.
The festival had booth after booth of gorgeous, creative, and amazing art by so many talented artists. Some of them were there, so you could discuss their talents with them, and compliment them, but others were absent. There were signs everywhere that you weren’t allowed to take photographs, but of course I did anyway. Ilene was horrified that I was breaking the rules, so I told her to just walk away and pretend she didn’t know me – which she did. I understand why they don’t want you photographing their art – they’re afraid you’ll use it to make a profit somehow. Fortunately, I just want to share it with all of you, so I really don’t see the harm!
An old silver metal tray was filled with ceramic acorns, tiny tiles, a cherub (with no head) and the metal sign from an "incinerator." Somehow, it all just works!
At 1:00pm they had a cooking demonstration, so we wandered over to a big area they had set up with chairs under some trees. There was a big crowd but we got two great seats. The young man demonstrating – David Lawrence – has appeared on FOOD TV and other cooking channels, and has also written a new book called BOY EATS WORLD. He was adorable and full of fun and personality. He had me laughing so many times with his quick answers and self-deprecating style. He’s completely self-taught, although he gives credit to his mother and also his Aunt Harriet – who was there helping him. I told him I couldn't wait for him to have his own cooking show because, even though I don't cook, I'd watch anyway since he's so much fun!
Here's Ilene with Chef David Lawrence and his Aunt Harriet, whose delicious Macaroni Salad we learned to make!
They made a ribs with a barbecue sauce using Coca-Cola and a delicious Macaroni Salad. They gave the recipes for both, so if anyone’s interested, just email me!
I didn't get the name of this artist (unfortunately), but these ceramic pieces of furniture were magnificent!
After relaxing for a while and eating ribs and macaroni salad (I just had to taste my rib, but I gave the rest to Ilene and I had two servings of macaroni) we were ready to stroll again. We stopped for iced mocha drinks and enjoyed the rest of the festival.
There was a guy named Gavin Heath who created unbelievable sculptures made of glass. There were mother and child giraffes, and crazy monkees. The battery was dying on my camera by the time I found him, so check it out at: http://www.artglass.tv.
I thought this fish sculpture was pretty fabulous!
This is Bruce Burr who draws old cars. Ilene and I spoke to him for a few minutes and he was really friendly. It was interesting to get to watch him at work. Check him out at www.bruceburrart.com.
At 3:00pm we walked down the block to the car and waited for Kyle and the kids to arrive. I put a lot more money in the meter and we jumped in their car and drove a few blocks to the main strip – Forest Avenue – where all the great shops and restaurants are. We walked around a bit and ate at JOHNNY ROCKETS, which is a fun diner.
How about some glass cactus?
Tyler and I had grilled cheese and most everyone else had chicken strips and french fries, except for Kyle who had a turkey burger. They also had some shakes, which looked really good, but I had an iced tea.
We had fun talking with the kids and getting filled in on their day at DISNEYLAND. They’re lucky, because they have season passes and get to go all the time. When I was a kid, that would have been the thrill of a lifetime!
This was in a display of young artists. I didn't notice how old the artist was, but I fell in love with it!
After our fast meal we walked across the street to the beach and walked along the boardwalk for a few minutes, watching people play volleyball, swim, and relax on the sand.
Here's more art from the young artists. Do you believe that horse was drawn by a fifth grader? My drawing skills at 50 are more like a first grader!
Then, we made our way back to the car and drove back to my car, so Ilene could get her stuff from the back. Then, they headed north and I headed south. I think it was a little before 5:00pm when I left and I got home a little after 6:00pm. I really booked!
My only problem was when I got to the toll booth on the way back (on CA-73). It was a $2.00 toll, but they only accepted change, $1 bills or $5.00 bills. On the way up, there was someone to give you change, but I saw a sign that said, “Exact change needed” and knew I was in big trouble. I only had a $10, a $20 and three quarters. Hmmmm. What should I do? I waited a few minutes, to see if another car would pull up, but most were zipping by in the other lane, which is FASTRAK. I saw a number for the tolls, so I called, but it was only open during business hours. I decided to throw the 75 cents in and get the hell out of there.
This artist used printed paper to recreate quilt designs.
I went online today and it said you’d get a $47.50 invoice in the mail, which is the penalty for not paying. I don’t know if it will be $6.75, since I DID pay 75 cents! Anyway, there was nothing else I could do, short of backing all the way back and going a different way.
When I got home I was exhausted and Eric was already watching TV in bed, so he turned the TV off and we both took a nap. When I woke up I started blogging, because I had a lot of catching up to do. It was Sunday night and I hadn’t written or posted Saturday’s blog yet, nor had I downloaded and resized all the pictures I took. At 10:00pm Eric and I watched the BOB SAGET ROAST on Comedy Central. It was funny, but not hysterical. It was more dirty and digusting than funny, actually, but it was great to see them make fun of Cloris Leachman!
We went to bed a little before midnight. It was a fantastic weekend, filled with great adventures. It’s not often that I can pack so much into just 2½ days and I was really happy Ilene came down. We all enjoyed ourselves and made lots of great memories!
I waited until the very end of this blog entry to show you my absolute favorite artist of the day. Her name is Lorene Ireland and she takes what I do to a WHOLE new level. I think she's absolutely amazing. We didn't get to meet her, but I took a few photographs of her work. Unfortunately, her website appears to be under construction, but it's www.loreneirelandart.com.
These are real manniquins, which she covers with seashells, separating the torso from the legs and adding shell-covered drawers in the middle, which create a "skirt". Each mannequin was $9,000 -- and worth every penny!
