Tuesday, October 27, 2009

♬ Walking In Memphis..... ♫


Well, we walked in Memphis! Took in Beale Street, Tater Reds and ate at the famous Arcade. A table there was reserved for Elvis. I heard Elvis fan and dear friend and blog reader Michael Bole resounding in my head! Yes the ghost of Elvis! They served peanut butter and banana sandwiches too! Their cornbread and jalapeno hushpuppies were killer! All weekend long, people photographed the facade of this historic restaurant. The afternoon sun caught every detail of this ornate building.

We'd been to Memphis before, but this time I enjoyed it so much more! The people are warm and friendly and the texture of this old city is alive with a spirit much like New Orleans. Old souls who kindly waken and invite you to take in their city, if only for a weekend with a smile or kind word.

The weekend took on new meaning as we celebrated our dear friend Bonnie and her one year being cancer free! It was a year ago at this show she became aware of what lie ahead for her. She has been a real trooper and this time, was here with us to celebrate her birthday (with pink candles) and her one year anniversary! Here's to many more!!!

On Saturday night Jon and I and a few friends took in the lights and flavor of Beale Street. Cool night air made for a fun stroll down this street of lights and sounds. Horns wailed and the blues carried out into the street. This southern city has wonderful creaky old trolly cars that move people about. We took the trolly over to Beale and back.
On the return trip we met 3 wonderful men who were in town visiting relatives. These men were cousins and you could sense how important family was to them. Conversations conveyed how they gathered for reunions and family events on a somewhat regular basis despite family being spread across the states. They were lively and engaging. They helped us get on the right trolly. We'd have gone in the opposite direction if we got on the car we were going to ride.
The 45 minute ride took us past old and new Memphis and ended right near the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King was assassinated. A place of such tragic history now sits bathed in the lights of what has become the Civil Rights Museum. There is a glow there that is both erie and comforting. An aura I will never forget.

Somehow in our travels through life, we find our way.
To historic places-
places to sell art and have fun
places that impart memories
places where buildings or
terra firma become one with our mind.
Sometimes what becomes most memorable
are the people we encounter - who for the distance of a trolly ride-
no longer feel like strangers.
For me, this trip was cemented in the
people I encountered.
Memphis is about people.

One of the three men we met on the trolly was a minister.
He helped us find our way-
perhaps in more ways than one!


Patricia

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

❦ Artists Dream Box ❦



This is my Artists Dream Box. Crafted by hand of warm cherry in our Bloomington Indiana studio, this box measures 6" wide x 6" deep x 8" high (15.24 cm x 15.24 cm x 20.32 cm). The top opens by way of a wooden lift off lid and hand painted wooden knob. On one side it says ARTIST on the other side DREAM. Purple accents of trim on the feet. Inside, the bottom is lined with black velvet. I always decorate the inside of the lids, and this one is no exception. Treasures from loved ones, art supplies, ideas to grow on or inspiration for your next great masterpiece can be tucked inside this artful box.

On my etsy site:
75.00
I have several boxes to chose from..........
Don't be afraid to buy art!
It keeps us artists alive!


Patricia

Monday, October 19, 2009

Joan Baez- a personal hero


Last night I watched a wonderful documentary about the life of musician and activist Joan Baez. It traced her life from the humble beginnings of her folk music career and how her passion for truth defined her. She wrote songs about injustice and the vision of peace in a time of war.
She was outspoken and sullen. Hated by some, loved by others.
She protested for peace along with a generation of pacifists. I always loved that about her. For her, war and killing were never the answer. This is something you either get or you don't. I was struck by the support her parents extended her to encourage her to speak out on volatile issues and stand up for her beliefs. She said she was at her best when she merged her music and politics.

It was these fundamental issues that defined her and led her on a personal journey that has never ended. She fell in and out of love -sometimes with the wrong people. She experimented with life and in the end never wavered from the truths that made her the icon she was. In biblical days, someone who stood so steadfast in their beliefs would have been penned a saint!

I look at her now, she's 68 and stunning. An old soul with a wonderful story! An eloquent, soft spoken soprano who speaks and people still listen. There's power in her words and her message is the same.
Presidents have come and gone. Parties in rule have changed.
Accords have been signed, wars launched, soldiers are fighting, innocent people are still being killed, but her message is still as relevant today as it was 45 years ago...

We must work for Peace.

Through her music, she was able to reach out to a generation, and in doing so embraced the world.
She shared with people
at odds,
at loss,
in their darkest days.
She never gave up!

Who is todays Joan Baez?
Who is the soul - standing steadfast in their beliefs, no matter how unpopular?
Who is taking on the demons?
Fighting the good fight and not backing down.
Standing up for their principles?
Letting people listen?
Reaching out?
Who is todays Joan Baez?

What made Joan Baez beautiful then and now is that she has lived her life on her own terms - no one else's.
She let her be herself. It was who she was.
I think that's what real inner beauty is.
Letting yourself become who you need to be.


Patricia Hecker

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Fall is here!!


★´¨)
¸,•´¸.•¤´¨} ¸.•*¨)
(¸.*´ (¸.*`¤~ Awaiting the right person is my Leaves Charm Table. This one of a kind hand made table was designed and built by my husband in our Bloomington Indiana studio. It measures 17.5" (44.5 cm) square and 23" (58.42cm) tall. These fun tables are stamped with a myriad of leaf stamps and adorned with a wide array of handmade, hand stamped beads. Each cluster of charm beads is wired to the table with stainless steel cable and tied atop with torn silk. The earthy nature of this one-of-kind art table shines through and will certainly become a conversation starter in the home of the lucky owner!

The top is cherry with a black apron with cherry trim that is glued in place. Copper tacks accentuate the edge and add a creative hand-forged detail. The legs are stamped with leaves. To make shipping easier, the legs can be unscrewed from the table base. The top has been treated with a good dosing of Danish Oil and then a satin polyurethane finish. It's both a durable and a very usable table. The legs have been treated with Danish Oil.

The beads I have tied/wired on securely, but they are small and may not be best suited for a home with small children, as they could become a choking hazard if disengaged. Cats however, love to walk beneath these fun tables and stir the energy of the dangling beads with their playful tails. Around here we affectionately call them 'tiger tables'.

The price of this table is clearly reflected in the fine craftsmanship and it's unique nature. When you find something one of a kind, the price reflects that fact that whomever owns this has the only one!

I'm including domestic shipping in the price of this art table.
If overseas quotes are required, convo me and I'll be happy to supply them to you.

Weight of the table unboxed is 12 pounds.
Indoor use only.

On my etsy site
475.00

Tuesday, October 13, 2009


Gracing the top of my Chocolate Lovers Box is this simple but important
remedy.......

•• Chocolate Lovers Survival Kit ••

At the first sign of anger
eat a RED one.
Eat a BLUE one to
minimize depression
To relieve stress,
eat a GREEN one.
If you feel a headache
coming on,
eat an ORANGE one.
To cheer you up
Eat a YELLOW one.
You can eat the BROWN
ones at any time.
If all symptoms occur a
at the same time
EAT THE WHOLE BAG!


On my etsy.com site
50.00
and it's yours!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Friday, October 9, 2009

♣ Needfire Groupies! ♣



A quick little entry about one of my favorite bands- Needfire. They're a Celtic Rock band from Texas. They performed at Cottonwood Arts Festival (Dallas) last weekend. They were scheduled to play last May at the spring show and got rained out. More rain this year, but not enough to stop them or their fans from enjoying their energy.
Then again, what's to stop men in kilts and Doc Martens and great rock music!!!
This is my good good friend Bonnie and I. We're playing hooky from our nearby booths to take in the music and visuals!
Photo was taken by Jon. He too played hooky to catch us watching the band. It was worth it!



Pat