A Festival and A Book

 Hi Friends,
We had a fantastic weekend at the Georgia Renaissance Festival this weekend. It was just what this creative soul needed to load my inspiration battery. It's amazing the detail that is put into this event. And I love it!

My girls met a some very special friends too, Gargoyles! Iggy and Roxy were so sweet they even made my girls honorary Gargoyles.

 Then there was this amazing potter. His beautiful bowls featured cracked glass bottoms that gave you the feel of looking into a deep pond with fractures on the surface. Truly beautiful stuff. Check out Josh here.

I'll have more to share from the festival latter this week.

Let's just say this artist took it all in ;)

We then stopped at my local Books-a-Million to grab a copy of my cousin Heather's new cookbook for my Step-Mom. I have to admit that I had to apologize for my loud squealing outburst when I saw it on a shelf.. and then again when browsing a favorite magazine I ran into her ad... Now all the employees have heard all about Heather and our adventures as youth.. and that she not only can bake.. but can microwave some mean lil smokies!

Please support Heather by ordering her book here or at even better support your local mom and pop book shop and buy it there! Have a great day!

Hugs,
Heather

A Magical Door in the Ceiling

 Hello Friends,
I have to share with you a very special find that I came across many years ago. At the time I wondered into a boutique looking studio with a whimsical weather vein that stood out amid the drab corporate offices and stores. Upon passing through the gate I was met with a magical world immediately. Instead of just a straight walk to the door of the building I found a meandering stream with flowers and tiny houses here and there.. but all this was nothing compared to when my foot crossed the threshold into the building... the stream ran through the building... which felt more like a cottage. the door was round at the top, a tiny walk way crossed the wall leading to a tiny house perched near the ceiling. A door.. full size was in the center of the ceiling waiting to welcome guest who could fly to it. Best of all in the middle of all the magic stood a beautiful full size hand carved tree. There were tables with odds and ends ready to be purchased. Handmade stuffed animals and porcelain figures sprinkled the space. I was in heaven plain and simple. I found out that this world of wonder was the creation of a husband and wife team who had together dreamed up a beautiful fairy tale and all the lovely beings I was surrounded by. But even better... there was a door ajar that I could clearly see through.. and behind that door were tables with sewing machines and ladies happily making more magical beings! Oh how lovely it all was.
From what I gather that studio location has since been closed but the authors and their magic live on at a new special place. Check out the amazing World of the The Whimbles and their inspiring creators at whimbledesigns.com

 

 

 Manning with Sophie's Egg

MARTHA YOUNG MCQUILKIN & JOCK MCQUILKEN

And as a parting thought I wanted to share a quote from one of my favorite artists which I think this couple demonstrates very well, they set a high goal and have reached it...

The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short;
but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.

Michelangelo

Hugs,
Heather

A Cautionary Tale

 

Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm far from graceful and have been known to walk into a wall or two. Those who know me also know that it is a rare thing to see me without my sketchbook in hand. This cautionary tale is the story of the time I risked my life.. well kind of.. to save my precious sketchbook. 

In an office far far away... the Coca-Cola Headquarters, I was taking my usual stroll from the parking deck to the employee entrance. In a long parade of people in suits and ties with cute little roller bags and very serious briefcases, and I sporting my unruly curls, black slacks and not so corporate black long sleeve tee with sketchbook in hand. As I approached the doors I did the usual "thank the Lord I'm not wearing a skirt" thought as the  man made wind tunnel of a breezeway tortured secretaries. I stepped into the turnstile door as usual and then had to give a shove because as usual the "Automatic" turning isn't so very speedy.

This is where you would hear the "Trouble is Coming" music if my tale were narrated. I dropped my beloved sketchbook.. and the door that never moves.. kept moving! I stopped bent over to pick it up.. which at this point was semi wedged under the door and proceeded to be PADDLED by the revolving doors who for some reason now were full of enthusiasm to do their normally neglected job of spinning suits and ties into their busy days. I finely yanked hard enough to pry the book free of the doors and looked up to see a variety of stuffy suited business people in all sorts of laughing fits and giggles. I banished myself to the land of handicap doors to live out my days safe from the revolving doors.. or as I know them the Punisher!

So when you enter a turnstile door be sure all your "carry-on items" are stowed in an upright position and DON'T bend over!

Hugs,
Heather