M3 Missy

Winter Holiday Weekend!

2008-12-08T10:29:00.014-06:00

Saturday we woke up to a winter wonderland! It was the first snowfall this year and it just happened to be the weekend we planned to get our Christmas tree, what a treat! Well, first things first, we had a house full of pups that were rambunctious and wrestling... We had our three (Cooper, Sally and Fred) and Bill's mom, Carol's two (Sadie and Nikki) and his brother, Jeff's pup (Betsy) for good measure. So, needless to say, a nice long snowy walk with six happy dogs was in order!

After we warmed up by the wood stove and ate a good breakfast, we bundled back up and set out on a search for the perfect Christmas tree. It was a tall order but we finally all agreed upon a tree that not only smelled good but was the right height and fit all the other indescribable characteristics we were all looking for :)

It was easy enough to set up, no big catastrophes, and we were off! We all worked together stringing cranberries, popcorn, making paper ornaments for the finishing touches. I think it came together pretty well, if I do say so myself.

Oh, and we can't forget the classic movies that were playing during the decorating party! It had been a few years since I had seen these. Memories from so many Christmases past came flooding back...

Holiday Sale in Loveland

2008-12-05T11:04:00.004-06:00

I wanted to let everyone know about the upcoming holiday events at my new studio, Loveland Art Studios on Main. Events start Friday, December 12th and continue through December 20th.

Winter Art Show Schedule

Studio Opening Reception
Friday, December 12th 6:00 to 10:00 pm
Music by Kendall Karg
Cocktails and Appetizers

Saturday, December 13th 11:00 am - 3:00 pm & 6:00 - 10:00 pm
Music by The Bobby Sharp Trio
Cocktails and Appetizers

The Loveland Arts Council is planning the Christmas in Loveland Celebration as well.

Saturday, December 20th 5:00 - 10:00 pm
Appetizers, Coffee & Adult Beverages
Entertainment & Horse Drawn Carriage Rides between the Artist on Main Studio building and Christmas in Loveland events.

It sounds like it's going to be a great group of events and I hope that some of you can make it to the area and partake in the festivities! Please send this post to anyone who might be interested in visiting the area this holiday season, we're wanting to spread the word.

SOFA Trip with Jane

2008-11-19T10:33:00.013-06:00

About a week ago, Jane Pleak and I met up in Chicago to check out the SOFA show (Sculptural Objects and Functional Art). It was a quick little visit for us but we really had a great time!

I was also able to catch up with some of my favorite students from UALR! Amy, Trevor, Jennifer and her boyfriend had made the trip up to see the shows! It was such a treat to get a little time to see their smiling faces and hear about what their making and how the other majors are faring the year. They are all doing well and I can't wait to see images of what they are working on these days!!

I made a quick trip to Lilstreet Art Center and Terra Incognito Studio and Gallery after taking Jane to the airport. I was so impressed with the size of Lilstreet, 3 floors full of artists, and studios! Their exhibit, Distictive Lines was up and that was a real treat! Terra Incognito was closed but I was let in by a sweet studio woman and was able to check out the gallery space. It was a large space with lots of good work, a show of Sylvie Granatelli's work and others was up.

It's nice to know that Chicago is just a 4 1/2 hour drive from here. Chicago is a full of good music, an active art scene, plus Obama's transition office! :)

NOV. 4th Get out and VOTE!!!!!

2008-11-04T15:25:00.003-06:00

Here is where Bill and I voted this morning at 7am, downtown Loveland.

We were lucky and got right in but there was a line that had an hour wait that early!

How great it is to be apart of this democracy.
Let's just hope we don't screw it up this time! :) Over the last couple months Bill and I have knocked on doors, I've hung door knockers, and built up some mean calves along the way, LOL!

After voting this morning, I set back out on foot to knock on doors and encourage those undependable Dem. voters to get out to the polls! It was a beautiful day, unseasonably warm, with tons of bright fall foliage for all to enjoy! Have you voted?
I saw this photo on the NPR site of the evening lines for the polls. All my volunteering is done and now it's time to sit back and watch what the future holds.

Garden of the Gods II

2008-11-04T07:57:00.006-06:00

This was our camping spot we found way back off the trail in the Garden of the Gods, in the south-eastern tip of Illinois. Even though we were the only backpackers that were in the woods that night, we kept hearing people talking until dusk and first thing the next morning.

We finally realized that the noise was coming from this far off rock face, close to the drive and park area... The stars where SUPER and there were lady bugs everywhere!!!

It was such a treat to have Andrew meet us half way to enjoy a little Bling of fall! This pic is for all of you down in those places where the trees stay green :)
This show of color alone is worth the snow we'll endure here in Ohio!!!

I've always felt that making the time to be in the woods for a couple nights while the leaves are changing is a good testament that I'm really living my life right! What a pleasure to have friends and loved ones that enjoy it as much as I do!!!

Garnden of the Gods I

2008-11-04T07:54:00.004-06:00

We hiked in about 1 1/2 to 2 miles and camped on top of a rock face looking up at the stars. We saw many different rock formations on the hike in and out that had interesting iron circles within the walls called "Liesegange bands". The iron deposits haven't erroded as quickly as the surrounding rock, which has left these beautiful bands, swirls and circles behind. We're still wondering what exactly caused them to occur.

Here is Bill next to some of the impressive waves that we saw time and time again throughout our hike. With all the history exposed, we were sure wishing we had a geologist with us to interpret it all for us.

The Garden of the Gods was halfway between Cincinnati and Little Rock, so Andrew met up with us there to take in the expansive fall color that was peaking this weekend! I think we all could use a couple days away from the new media and the stress of the looming election!

All the of the dogs made it out with us for the weekend! (From left to right: Fred, Cooper, and Sally) They had a blast and Cooper and Sally did an excellent job carrying all of their food and water for the overnight stay out in the woods! It was Fred and Sally's first night on an outback wilderness trail, what troopers!!!

September Camping in Kentucky

2008-10-13T10:45:00.006-05:00

We went to the Red River Gorge in KY for a little pre-fall camping. Just a few photos to share... The scenery and sunset was amazing! We had a premo camp spot where we could see forever!

Nashville Stop

2008-10-13T10:20:00.014-05:00

A little catch up here! I stopped in Nashville on my way home from Little Rock back in September. The hostel there is super, great location and I had a blast hanging with this crew from all over the EU!

Downtown was
full of kitsch!

The state fair was
#1 on the list.

Funny that a
US fair was a
must see for these Europeans!

The Blue Bird Cafe
is a must see if you're
in Nashville.

Dancing late
downtown to
Rock-a-Billy!
Tons of fun!

We need CHANGE, I need HOPE!

2008-10-10T13:20:00.021-05:00

The Obama Rally at Ault Park!!!

What a great turn out! Ault park is in an area of Cincinnati near Hyde park. It's a beautiful park full of gardens and fields among pavilions and walking trails. Thousands of people turned out to hear Barack Obama's message along with soaking up some warm sun rays and cool breezes.
Many people couldn't make it out to the event, so I thought I'd video some of it to share. I know we only have twenty some odd days left and I'm thankful for that. I'm becoming a bit obsessed with the election! Trust me, it's hard to not post all the hilarious SNL clips we've been watching!!!

In the Loveland garden

2008-10-10T11:57:00.011-05:00

I thought I'd try and do some catch up there. It looks like I'll have to work on getting on here and keeping up with all the happenings that are going on here up in Loveland. I'm not sure how many people will get around to looking at this site, but if you're interested in getting updates emails on my latest postings, let me know.

I'm getting going in the studio (photos are coming) and our first open house, which is every second Saturday, is tomorrow! I have made some political work for the upcoming election (photos are coming for that too!) Bill and I have been working in the garden, growing the last lettuce for the year, greens and broccoli raab. We'll work to get the garlic in the ground this weekend and start looking forward and planning for the spring.

I thought I'd start my catch up with photos from last month in the garden and an kayak trip we took before the cooler fall air came to Ohio.

Bill in his bean patch in September. Once thought to be climbers, they ended up being bush beans. We're in need of cleaning up the seeds and organizing our library of heirloom varieties...:)

The ornamental gourds which are now gracing the front porch. We didn't have much luck with many of the gourds and pumpkins. They seem to have crossed and made larger yellow gourds and medium mutin white gourd/pumpkin mix!

The first split beans mid September. The red beans were so beautiful!

We spent a Saturday on the Little Miami River soaking up some warm sun. I know that warmth will soon be missed with Fall upon us.

We've been camping in KY, my clay studio has been built and always more gardening. Keep tuned, there is more to come!

Falling in love with Cincy!

2008-08-14T20:15:00.005-05:00

Well, I've been in Cincinnati for about 3 weeks now and I'm finding that this is a great place to live, play and enjoy on every level! The dirt will grow just about anything, there is alway good music to listen to live, miles and miles of countryside surrounds me to ride on, and the weather has been superb... highs in the 80's, lows in the 50's for mid August! I don't care if it is a fluke of nature, it beats how hot Arkansas has been this last month! Whew!

I've been working in the garden Bill started earlier this summer. It's looking full and is producing lots of beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and basil. The pumpkins are getting bigger, corn is coming along and the okra is beginning to get some small blooms! We just harvested all the garlic and we've already begun planting for the fall! I'll share some photos soon, I promise.

I found a nice bike group that starts off from our street. They are a large, fun, and energetic bunch called Gears4Beers :) I rode with them last night and it was a blast! Not only was it a super ride, it actually ended with great conversation, good beer and snacks, all less than a block from where I live! Tell me, what could be better than that? The group has all their rides mapped out on the roads so anyone can lead a ride and you can go at your own pace and still make it back in time to hang with the group. That is especially sweet for a newbie in the area like me!

Okay, I'll try and be good at posting regularly, so check back from time to time and see what's new! My hope is to keep you guys up to date with the goings on with me and my ever changing and evolving new life! It's looking very promising!!! :)

All the best- Love

Hannah Bird

2008-06-07T02:59:00.009-05:00

For anyone who knows me, chances are you have met my best friend and longest love, Hannah. Many of you had a chance to fall in love with her sweet and independent nature and probably built a long lasting friendship with her as well. As much as I wish it weren't true, I'm sorry to share the news that my dearest and closest companion has been laid to rest. May 31st I had to make the hardest decision of my life... to love her more than I hated the thought of being without her. It was hard to see that Hannah's days had slowly filled with more struggle and pain than either of us could bear. It became apparent that Mother Nature wasn't going to let her go easily and without much misery and I just couldn't let it continue.

Days and nights are not the same, the house is still so empty, and I miss her more than I ever could have imagined. Having unconditional love and support by my side for 14 years is something I could never have asked for, but never thought I would be without, because of her. Over the years, we grew up together. During my first job out from undergrad, deep in the Appalachian Mountains, we were always hiking the trails, camping, and swimming in the cold mountain waters. We learned about freedom, independence and explored the world around us. She ventured to graduate school by my side and learned the city life and what sidewalks and leashes were for. She was the best travel companion I've ever had! We drove from south GA, up to Calgary Alberta and Yellow Knife, NWT, then all the way back down to Miam, FL in our favorite red truck. No matter what, she was always willing to investigate and explore new towns we soon called home. We kept each other company through the lonely times where we felt a little displace and disoriented from the moves and remedied those feelings by getting out and learning new neighborhoods, meeting new people, finding new favorite spots to enjoy, quickly building strong and lasting friendships. For some years, we ultimately moved on to the next step in life and then missed all of it tremendously... But with her, I was never alone.

Now, as I look at my life today... once again it is full of change, flux, and big transitions are ahead. I can tell you for certain that there isn't anything I wouldn't give to have my bird by my side again. With out a doubt, I have been lucky to walk my path with such a strong bond with Hannah. I see now how rare it is to share such a deep connection. Many of our memories were made up of taking solo journeys, just her and I, through quests for growth, major transitions, and countless new adventures. As I continue down the path that we began together, I hope I never forget to keep taking the next step that life puts before me, with my head high, little hesitation or fear, and the feeling that she is will always be leading the way.

With lots of love and fond memories,
Missy

A great world wide Artist Residency site!

2008-06-07T01:10:00.008-05:00

http://www.resartis.org/index.php?id=1

Welcome to Res Artis the worldwide network of artist-residencies and residential art centers.

Res Artis is the largest existing network of artist residency programs, representing the interests of more than 200 centers and organizations in 49 countries worldwide that offer to international artists facilities and conditions conducive for making art.

As we all know, you never know what is coming around the bend.... Always keep in mind what you dream of late at night if everything was different, if only for a moment. Take a look at this fabulous site that houses most every residencies out there in the world! I'm keeping my eyes open for a few good ones abroad. Let me know if you know of any extra special ones that you might know of or have been to. I'd love to hear from you.

The future of materials: Advanced Ceramics

2008-05-09T10:38:00.004-05:00

This video is a little long but is really interesting in regards to the history of ceramics and how the materials are used today. Thought you'd like a little history to start off your summer vacation! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69Y0VuOYqkU

Summer Workshops! Take a look...

2008-04-13T20:09:00.011-05:00

April Focus:Summer Workshops
Summer Workshops 2008
Every April, we bring you the most comprehensive listing of summer workshops for ceramics in the U.S. and abroad that you’ll find anywhere.

Check out the list of workshops in Ceramics Monthly's April issue! There is a lot going on...

Ceramic as Souvenir by Rebecca Harvey

2008-03-29T00:21:00.002-05:00

You must remember that a kiss is still a kiss a sigh is just a sigh1 - but there is something about a souvenir

Welcome to Ceramic as Souvenir - NCECA 2007 - Louisville KentuckySouvenir from the French for memory denotes an object that holds or contains an idea of a time or place that exists outside of itself. This talk will consider the nature of an object as souvenir, look at the distinctions and overlaps that can exist between relic, souvenir, commemorative, and kitsch and show some of the many ways that ceramics has been used historically as a marker of time or events. Focusing primarily on the rich vein of souvenir paraphernalia of the 1800 and 1900’s I hope to bring to light an area of ceramics that is often overlooked or disregarded. The talk will also examine some of the ways that ceramic artists are using both historical images of souvenirs and ideas about the nature of souvenir in contemporary work.

To read on.... http://www.rebeccaharveyceramics.com/

Thoughts on Cups by Pete Pinnell

2008-03-11T11:31:00.000-05:00

An interview with renowned ceramic artist Peter Pinnell produced in conjunction with the Cup: The Intimate Object V exhibition at the ... all » Charlie Cummings Gallery. Mr. Pinnell discusses the finer points of function as it relates to handmade ceramic cups, and places cups in the context of contemporary art. «

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=302550256698394321

Getting Started!

2008-03-11T11:12:00.000-05:00

I'm trying this out while totally procrastinating from the huge list of ToDo's that is weighing over my head. Let's see how this works!

Cheers, M3