I'm not dead...just working a lot!

Early this month was Augusta's Art In The Garden. June 3rd

I seriously considered not participating this year.
I've been in school all year, and unable to develop a strong body of work. I reluctantly decided to do the show since I have been in this show for the last 6 years, and it is in my home town.

The show was a success!
I have noticed that each year, the show is a bigger and bigger success. Many friends came to the show...some I had not seen for a few years. I had a great time, and am glad I decided to do the show after all. Thanks everyone for coming out!

Before the show, I had a few questions about the direction of my work.
Taking a year from studio work to study computers, I had moments when I thought I would like to work with computers to make a living. Other times, I deeply resented my studies and felt I was ruining my life depriving myself time to create artwork.

I have been working hard with my art since the show
I love being an artist. There are some exciting possibilities with technology that I will continue to pursue, but my primary objective is to be an artist, so that has been my focus over the summer.

A few shows are coming up:
I will be one of the exhibitors this saturday at 'the Written Word' bookstore in Ripley, Oh 4-8pm
also

• one of a 3man show at 'Bananna Tree Studios' in Flemmingsburg, Ky -July Friday the 13th


• 'Art In the Park' in Belleview, Ky -September 15


• 'fresh art' at the Beringher-Crawford museum in Covington, Ky -Septemeber 16


• 'hyde park square art show' in Cincinnati, Oh October 7

5 Things NOT to do at a triathlon

I'm a little behind keeping up with my blog. I should have posted it two weeks ago...I hope it's still relevant.

5 Things NOT to do at a triathlon



1. Underestimate the importance of a good night's rest
I help a friend at his restaurant one or two days a week. Friday night before the race, he was extremely short staffed. I was the waiter for the entire restaurant while training a girl on her first day as a waitress. To make matters worse, there was a high volume of customers. Needless to say, I did not get a good night's rest the day before the race. I did not get to sleep until about 2 am, and I felt like I had already ran a triathlon.

2. Pack for the morning of the race
Organizational skills are not my best asset. I packed a lot of my gear the morning of the race. 30 minutes before the start of the race, I realized that I had forgotten my goggles! I was very lucky that a good friend happened to have a spare pair.
Thanks again, Laura!

3. Plan for perfect conditions
During the swim, I felt good, I did not panic, and my form was excellent. However, I was one of the last to get out of the water. This was particularly frustrating because I had been working hard to improve my stroke all year. My placement in the swim was worse than last year's! When I got to my bicycle, I had a flat tire!

4. Give up when discouraged
Not only did I forget to pack my goggles, I also forgot to bring my bicycle pump. I carry a small pump on my bike, but It does not get enough pressure for a 25 mile race! I almost went home , when a spectator offered me the use of his pump. I changed my tire, and followed the course...doomed to the shame of last place.

5. Bring a highly competitive spirit
While finishing the race, I thought about why I was racing in the first place. I'm not an elite athlete, I pretty much do it for fun...and my health. I was so worried about my rank, that I didn't allow myself to have a good time. Once I realized my mistake, the race became very enjoyable. Maysville is a beautiful city, and it's a great course!