Festival of the Arts

                                                                         
This is the work of Debra Jurey. I have two pairs of her Russian beaded earrings that are wonderful. I have given both of my sisters treasures from her jewelry. The beading is like nothing I have ever seen. It is stunning. On Saturday, May 28, 10-6, she will be selling her jewelry at the Festival Of The Arts in the downtown city park in Paso Robles. It is a FREE event to the public and there will be 56 artists selling their goods. Debra will be in Booth # 11. My husband has been in training in the Bay Area, perhaps when he comes home I can talk him into a journey up North to Paso.

Pismo Beach Fashion

This weekend my best childhood friend Lisa came to the Beach with Katherine, my goddaughter. If one wants to follow beach trends follow Katherine. She is all of 12 years old. She had a unique feather put into her beautiful hair on a recent trip to Hawaii. She wore a darling modern tee with a cool Juicy type black sweat jacket. The best thing about her get up was the two different socks in the keds. When I asked her why she wears two different socks her response was "it is not worth my effort to have a matching pair". Very wise. Now we adults need to remember this when stressing about finding the mate to the other sock. Fun in the sun.

Best of Song and Dance

When parents of children speak, I am all ears. My two friends Laurie and Margo each have children in the upcoming Best of Song and Dance Performance currently showing at the Clark Center. The show opens tonight May 19 and runs Friday and Saturday evening at 7:30. pm. The buzz is the show is great and the creators Robyn Metchik and Suzy Miller are totally on their game. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Make-A-Wish, and American Red Cross. Call the Clark Center for tickets at 489-9444. Go get inspired by our youth.

Claire Sommers Buck

                                      

I came across Clair's beautiful earthy jewelry indirectly. My husband and I have collected her father's pottery at Buck's Pottery in Gruene, Tx. I stumbled upon Clair's work at their web page. I love her jewelry. She is currently living and making art in Austin, Tx. Her jewelry is brass, copper, and or silver and she creates some pieces with vintage chains and turquoise and glass bead work. She is having a Jewelry Trunk Show and Cocktail Party Friday, May 20th, 6-9 at 2214 South First St. Austin, Texas. Go have some fun.

James Frey

I have not read A Million Little Pieces written by James Frey. I have been glued to the TV watching one of Oprah's final seven shows with two of them spent on James Frey. The media went wild surrounding the issue that this book was published as a memoir and how some of the story was untrue. After seeing him interviewed and hearing about his process with all of the controversy I am compelled to read one of his books. Oprah and James had a down to earth conversation about what really happened on his artistic journey.

Swarovski Crystals Meets Natural Stones

I am talking about Pat Schick. She is graphic designer who has a passion for creating beautiful jewelry made with natural stones, semi-precious stones, pearls, abalone, and mother of pearl. Her natural stones include turquoise, smoky quartz, aventurine, kyanite, jasper, black onyx, carnelian and more. When you shop with Pat she can sit there and tell you the healing properties of the stones you are drawn to. Her semi-precious stones include garnet, peridot, amethyst, citrine, and others. She started doing jewelry 10 years ago, working with Swarovki crystals both vintage and new, and incorporates them with natural stones. If you want some lovely jewelry and a positive experience to go with this call Pat at (805) 489-5972. I was so excited with my pieces I left her show with the price tag hanging off the necklace. And for the record, I went for the sterling turquoise and carnelian necklace.

Tribute to Martha

                                                  
Martha Graham was born on May 11, 1894. She was an American dancer , choreographer, and master teacher. When I studied modern dance at Point Park College, I was trained by Judith Leifer, one of Martha Graham's students. Judith exposed us to the style of Martha Graham's dance and taught us the purpose of dance and how it helps to give us an increased awareness of life and a greater understanding of the nature of man. One day Ms. Leifer asked us young dance students if we were serious enough about dance to feed our families and survive the knocks of the world? At the time, this was a difficult question to ponder as a 20 year old dance student living in downtown Pittsburgh. I went on to study modern dance with Shelly Cushman at the University of Texas in Denton, and she continued to help shape my art and life. Now I know those lessons taught me to be committed to things I believe in. Thank you Martha, Shelly,  and Judith for helping to shape my life and many others.