Boat House and Festival Plaza

Ok, so this post is just a bit of unsolicited, free advertising for the City of Lafayette. I just wanted to keep you up to date about the happenings around town. If you are a local you can come to some of these events.
I have written several times about our boathouse and the fire that destroyed it; now, I want to let you know that the new one is ready to go!

Come to the Waneka Lake Boathouse Celebration

May 9
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Waneka Lake Park and Boathouse, 1600 Caria Drive / Lafayette

There will be activities for kids, refreshments, paddle boat rides and more!

Another new addition to Lafayette will be opened on May 9. Festival Plaza is a new area on Public Road, to be used for community events, local farmers markets, and as a fun public gathering spot. Later this spring several sculptures will be installed as part of Art on the Street, Lafayette's new sculpture walk.

Festival Plaza dedication

May 9

Activities and refreshments from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Corner of S. Public Road and Chester Street

A lot is happening around town! It's exciting to be part of such a great community! Maybe we will see you at one of these fun events.

Public Art at School

The city of Lafayette, with the support of City Council, local businesses, and community members, has made a concerted effort to bring art into our daily lives. We have several different committees and commissions that focus on art and public art. There are art nights on Public Road. There are public art installations all around town. While the art movement in Lafayette is relatively new, I think the whole town of Lafayette is getting into the spirit of public art. Last week as we were walking up to the elementary school, we saw this lovely sculpture garden in front of the building.

I talked with one of the wonderful art teachers later in the week. She explained that the 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade classes had participated in creating this permanent sculpture garden in front of the school. The pieces were installed before the school's "Learning Fair," but are a permanent installation to enhance the school. Each piece is mounted to a steel pipe which is cemented into the ground. I asked how long the pieces would be there, and she said she has similar sculpture in her garden that are ten or fifteen years old. I hope these last at least that long. The project was made possible with the help of a grant from the Lafayette Cultural Arts Commission.

I think that using children's art as permanent public art is wonderful, especially at an elementary school. It is a lovely way to beautify our spaces, which students, teachers, parents and community memebers can enjoy. But it also serves as an historic marker, of sorts. Just think about the students who will pass by or return to their old school and can say, "I made that," in five, ten or fifteen years. What a gift that teacher has given those students, the school and our community.

Thank you.

Weekend Getaway

Kerry and I took four crazy girls to Grand Lake for a weekend get away.

After dinner we sent them outside to play hide and seek.
This is what they found.

Happy New Year!

We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season.

We've taken a little blog holiday. We have been busy with the hustle and the bustle of the season. And now, we are ready for the New Year! Are you?

The wind has been horrible here. It keeps everyone up at night. A few days ago we had hurricane force winds all along the front range area. We had gusts up to 90 miles an hour. It was crazy!

There was lots of damage around all the local towns. The town of Superior had flying trampolines, Louisville lost street signs, Goldie's (a store in Lafayette) lost part of the front of its building. And, a few blocks from the studio, this is what you could see:

Can you find the car in these pictures?

And, no, it was not a convertible.

The tree sliced the car in half.

So, we are wishing for calmer winds and a peaceful year.

Happy New Year to you all!

Art Around Town

To continue the tour of Lafayette Public Art...

Public art doesn't always follow a specific theme. But two of Lafayette's most recent public art installations are directly related to the history and culture of our town.

The first is a sculpture called towns-woman by artist Tim Upham. It was installed alongside Baseline Road, in front of our Rec Center, in the fall of 2006. While I must admit, at first glance, I didn't really "get" the sculpture, it has come to grow on me. When I first drove past the piece, I wasn't drawn to its angular, industrial look. I quickly noticed, however, the words etched into the crosspieces were more feminine in nature, "favorite niece" "girlhood home," "birthplace," "maiden name." And, when I heard the story behind the piece, I grew to like it more. Mr. Upham's inspiration for the piece is Mrs. Mary Miller, the founder of the town of Lafayette. The form of the piece is a representation of the original street plat of the town of Lafayette. The words on the piece reflect the many aspects of Mrs. Miller's life. It is a thoughtful piece of art.

The second sculpture called Toros Curiousos was installed in September of 2007. This large scale sculpture is by Christopher Weed. I think this sculpture is great! It consists of two huge, vibrant, angular bulls with lengths of industrial chain as their tails. They sit amid the prairie, over looking Highway 287. The two bright orangey-red bulls sit adjacent to the Super Wal-Mart parking lot. While it's location is not totally conducive for viewing, there are plans for a walking trail to run from nearby Anna's Farm neighborhood towards the east and past the bulls. And, it certainly is a head turner for the commuters travelling south on the road. I love that the Toros are so whimsical, and that they are a nod to Lafayette's agricultural and ranching roots. As for the Bulls being near the Wal-Mart, that is no coincidence. All commercial properties built in Lafayette contribute 1% for art as part of their building permit fees. This is one of several ways that the Public Art Committee is funded in the city.

So, on with the tour. Next time I think I will take you on a drive down Public Road, our main street and show you how we add art to our lives on the road.

Art Around Town

Since I am a new member to the Lafayette Public Art Committee, I thought I should familiarize myself (and you by default) with the art around my town.

We have two public art installations at our library. The first is a tile mosaic mural that I showed you before. I love this one. It is my first personal experience with public art. To fund the project (many years ago) they (the powers that be) "sold" tiles to members of the community. My mom bought tiles for me and Jeremy as a gift. Somewhere on that mural, on the backs of the tiles are my and Jeremy's names. My mom never knew what she started with me, with that gift of tile. I appreciate this piece for its historical depiction as well as its complex medium. Imagine putting together a mural that big, using only 1 inch black and white and gray tiles.

The second library piece is a metal sculpture that sits at the driveway to the building. It is called Within your Reach. I enjoy this piece for its whimsical nature. It is a depiction of joy and childhood, as well as reading and learning.Stay tuned for more Art Around Town. There is lots to share in our little town. We love art, we embrace art, we make art public. Enjoy!

Cheese, Oh Wonderful Cheese!

Regular readers, as you know we love cheese! Luckily for us, there is a fabulous place here in Longmont, Colorado called The Cheese Importers.
They import cheese from all over the world. You have never seen so much cheese before. It is a truly magical place for food lovers and we thought we would take you on a tour.

When you first go into the shop, there is a beautiful gift shop with all sorts of crackers, candies, dishes and paper goods. After filling your basket with all the goodies you find out here, then it is time to shop for cheese. The cheese portion of the shop is in a giant cold storage room. You need to wear one of the lovely cheese jackets provided for you. As you can see in the picture below, I am modeling one of them for you. Doesn't it make me look like I have a tiny head?



Here is the French cheese section. There were at least 15 different kinds of brie alone. YUM!

Here I am marveling at the Spanish cheeses. There is a fabulous Spanish cheese called Drunken Goat. It is a goat cheese infused with wine, it not only looks lovely but tastes fabulous with a very distinct wine flavor.

More rows of cheese

Did we mention the olive bar? I sampled a wonderful feta stuffed olive. I don't know as much about olives except that I cold eat a whole bowl of them.

Rachel was fascinated with this next cheese. It was the most expensive cheese in the store at $29.99 a pound. Too bad we weren't rich enough to try it. If any of you out there have had the truffle cheese please let us know if it is worth the cost.

The Cheese Importers is a great little day trip for us. Luckily it is just far enough away from our houses that we can't get over there too often. But, there are rumors that they are opening a second location walking distance from Rachel's house. So, you'll know when they open because Rachel and I will gain 30 pounds and walk around in a cheese induced stupor. We count on our blog friends to pose an intervention if this happens! Don't let us become cheeseaholics!

On beauty & coffee...

I have said before that coffee is a beautiful thing. It is one of my weaknesses, (as are wine and cheese). Yesterday I happened upon the most beautiful coffee I have ever seen.

This masterpiece was created at Fluid Coffee Bar in Denver. I was struck with how art was infused into their shop and into their art. Without being overbearing, they have touches of art throughout their space; and without making a big deal about it, the barista presented me with this little piece of Latte art. They are truly promoting artful living.

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The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes. If you foolishly ignore beauty, you will soon find yourself without it. Your life will be impoverished. But if you invest in beauty, it will remain with you all the days of your life. -Frank Lloyd Wright

Monday Favorite - Casa Bonita

Happy Cinco de Mayo!



One of our favorite places in Colorado is Casa Bonita! A Restaurant and entertainment destination all wrapped up in a pink castle! It was once featured in an episode of South Park. The food is beyond horrible, the atmosphere is reminiscent of the Twilight Zone but it is guaranteed to give you a laugh. So once a year Rachel and I pile all four kids into the mini-van for the half-hour trip to Casa Bonita. This is our 4th year and the children are only beginning to groan a little. We don't know why this became an annual tradition but it has, groaning children or not! Please join us as we take you through Casa Bonita pictorial tour 2008.

• Yes, it really is a pink castle. Strategically placed across the street from a wide assortment of pawn shops and tattoo parlors, adding to the general ambiance.

• The neon sign inside the restaurant says it all when it comes to the fine cuisine offered here.
• After waiting in a winding amuzement park like line to order your food, you then proceed to the mystery holes. Yes, your food does magically appear through these holes. Next take your colorful tray with food into the seating area.

• We were lucky enough to be seated by the Las Sopaipillas factory. We even had a good view of the gorilla show.

• Another great view of the beauty seen from our seat. The interior of the restaurant is filled with lights, palm trees and a waterfall with cliff divers.

• Ahhh! the gorilla show. Who knew he would break free from his chains and run around the restaurant with uncontrollable toddlers chasing after him? Hilarity ensued, look he even has pants! A gorilla in swimtrunks, where else will you see this?

Our picture tour will continue tomorrow but until then here are some burning questions to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Will Rachel and Kerry make it through lunch since they are still on a diet? This means no tortilla chips or margaritas, IS IT POSSIBLE? Will the children make it through the terrifying Black Bart's Cave or will little Molly be lost forever? Will we buy the light up bunny ears from the wandering saleslady? Will the Saleslady ever stop laughing at the gorilla show? How could she not know what will happen next? He's wearing swim trunks, FORESHAWDOWING - somebody is getting pushed into the water!!!!!

Tune in tomorrow for the stunning conclusion, Casa Bonita's Revenge or Get me a Margarita or Die!

Seriously?

I found this article on MSNBC today:

Georgia gets rain after prayer, but not enough
ATLANTA - A storm crashed through the Southeast and brought up to an inch of rain in parts of drought-stricken Georgia, but forecasters said the storm likely did little to ease the state’s historic drought.
The rain late Wednesday and early Thursday brought some precipitation to the parched hills of northern Georgia. The showers began a day after Gov. Sonny Perdue led a prayer service on the steps of the state Capitol to beg the heavens to end the drought.
“Certainly, we’re not gloating about it,” Perdue said from a trade mission in Canada. “We’re thankful for the rain and hopefully it’s the beginning of more. ... Frankly, it’s great affirmation of what we asked for.”

The article goes on to talk about the woes of the drought in the South and the devastation brought on by the aforementioned storm. I commiserate with their plight, as Colorado has suffered drought for many of the last 10 years. I was shocked, however, to learn that the Governor of Georgia has such a direct line to the Guy Upstairs. Who knew?

Re-Purpose, Re-Use, Re-Cycle, Reflect

Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.

~John Muir

I learned from my blog-friend Rick that today is Blog Action Day. What, I asked myself, is Blog Action Day? After following the links Rick provided, I discovered that today is a day for all bloggers to unite in a discussion about the environment.

Whether you are a "tree-hugger" or not; whether, you recycle your soda cans, or not; whether you buy organic, or not; we are all on this earth together. We all co-exist. It is a good idea to reflect on our impact on the world, large and small, around us.

The Changing Face of Colorado

The Colorado forests are under attack. The Mountain Pine Beetle has infested much of Rocky Mountain National Park as well many of the forests in the Western United States. These insects attack several varieties of pine trees, notably ponderosa, lodgepole, Scotch and limber pine. This infestation will have a lasting, significant impact on the face of Colorado. These little critters will kill hundreds, upon thousands of trees. In the photo, I took this summer, you can see the number of brown (read "dead") trees out number the healthy, green trees.

This, however, is a natural occurrence. What can I do about it? There isn't a lot I can do about this insect nuisance. But we, as people, seem to compound the problem. We cause forest fires. We use de-icers to clear our roads that make the soil uninhabitable. We build and build and build. Perhaps we should be thoughtful in the choices we make.

Unfortunately, I have no solution. Only reflection. And a wish that we are all careful with this irreplaceable earth.

In my small world, I will respond by re-purposing when I can. I will support artists and crafts people who recycle. And I will reflect on what good I see around me.

In my part, today, I hope I have joined the cause set forth by the folks at Blog Action Day.

It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.

~Robert Louis Stevenson

A Horrible Discovery

Kerry and I went on our regular walk around Waneka Lake today (in Lafayette, Colorado). It was a lovely fall day. The air was cool, the breeze had a crisp fall smell. The sky was bright blue, not a cloud in sight.
As we walked around the south west side of the lake, we saw a horrible sight! The boathouse was gone, or mostly gone. All that was left was ugly, charred remains. (photo from 9news.com)
We were both saddened by this. We had each brought our kids here to ride on the paddle boats this summer. We have enjoyed looking at it on our twice a week walks.
Later, at home, I tried to find out what happened. Arson is suspected in the Saturday morning fire that destroyed the boathouse and it's contents. There was an estimated damage of $400,000.
It is a shame. A shame to lose an asset to our community; a shame that someone would set a fire; a shame to see such senseless destruction.

oops, friday flower

I forgot the Friday flower, again! I will make up for it with a field of mountain daisies. Breathe... in with the good, out with the bad....

Under Construction

Our studio is currently under construction.... nothing too major. Kerry and I wanted to get organized. We also needed to clean! For the most part, we close the studio during the summer to be with the kids while they are out of school. While the studio is closed, it is hot. There is no air conditioning in the tiny building that was once used as a school for coal miners children. Imagine that... the little room filled with hot, sweaty, rambunctious children.

Instead, we had creepy, crawly bugs move in during our absence. Mostly harmless spiders and a few box elder bugs (which our children affectionately call Love Bugs). After lots of sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping, we feel much better. Our space is, once again, ship-shape!

As an added project we decided to install a new ceiling. And by "we" I mean that "we" asked my husband, Jeremy, to do it. The first photo shows the installation process. Jeremy said it looks a little like Denver International Airport. But the finished result is beautiful!

Now that school has started and fall is fast approaching we are back to work. We have been working hard to rev up for the Fall Launch Party in September, and our Fall Art Sale on October 19 and 20. The first peek for the "public" will be this Friday at our Coffee Hour from 9 - 11. Stop by for a cup of Joe!

Friday Flower

Another Rocky Mountain Wildflower, Blue Lupine. This one is related to the Texas Bluebonnet, I believe.

Meanwhile, school starts for the kids in a little over a week. Next week are "Meet the Teacher" Night and Early Assessment Days. This weekend is our last real weekend of the summer.

When we're they're all back in school, Kerry and I will be going full blast to get our Fall jewelry and events ready for you. We are excited for what we have planned!

Best Deal in Town

Today we were looking for something interesting to occupy our Sunday afternoon. We decided to check out the paddle boats at Waneka Lake (in Lafayette, Colorado). They have a beautiful fleet of brightly colored animal paddle boats. For $6-8 per boat, depending on the size, you can spend 30 minutes tooling around the lake. Believe me, 30 minutes is plenty of time peddling for a 5 and 8 year old. We chose the 4-person, white pelican boat (not pictured). All four of us had a great time peddling around the lake, and watching the fish jump. It was a nice Sunday afternoon.
You can find more information on the City of Lafayette website.

Friday Flower

On a recent trip to the mountains, I snapped a few shots of flowers. I was amazed at all the wild flowers in bloom. We saw white and pink yarrow, wild daises, lupine, Indian Paintbrush, Galardia (blanket flower), goldenrod, wild roses, and many others.

This one is blue flax. I am not sure what the yellow one is, maybe goldenrod.

Casa Bonita

What is there to say about a restaurant that is in a giant pink castle and your food appears mysteriously out of a hole in the wall?

More sopapillas please!



Who is behind the mystery food hole?

Every Spring Break, Rachel and I
head down to the Casa with the kids for an afternoon of cheesy entertainment and bad Mexican food. Watch spectacular shows while you eat - a gorilla runs through the eating area, an old fashioned gunfight and cliff divers. Take a trip through Black Bart's cave with the smoke breathing dragon and watch a puppet show afterwards where one of the rocks in the wall speaks.

So if you ever come to Denver, don't forget to visit the Casa. Raise your flag for more sopapillas and definitely have a margarita.

To see more of the Casa make sure you watch the South Park episode where it is featured. Sadly, the cartoon is pretty much exactly what it is like.

After all is said and done, we love the Casa and no childhood in Denver is complete without it!

www.casabonita.com

Blowin' in the Wind

Over spring break, we took a quick road trip from Colorado to Utah to visit family. Anyone who has travelled I-80 across the western United States, knows the meaning of wide open spaces.
For miles and miles, through Wyoming and Utah, there is nothing but wide open spaces. Few houses, few buildings, no industry, no factories, no malls, no stores. Even the gas stations and rest areas are few and far between.
What occupies this stretch of highway? Tumbleweeds, antelope, coyote, sage brush, and wild grasses all populate the open prairie.
And wind.
The wind through this area is relentless. We have travelled this stretch of highway in all seasons, and all types of weather. The one common denominator is the wind. The wind can lengthen or hasten your trek, whether you have to drive with or against it. This trip we cautiously watched several semi trucks as the cross wind tilted and tipped their trailers as they sped down the highway. It was frightening.
What, you may ask, do they do with this land? In this particular part of the country, we saw very little farming. I imagine the wind would blow any seed a farmer tried to plant. Perhaps the very topsoil needed for growing also blows away. There is one type of farm that does quite well: the wind farm. seriously!
There are rows and rows of wind generators that use the energy of the wind to generate power. (see the photo). These turbines are huge! They stand in rows and rows across the prairie, like sentries standing guard, their arms rotating, fast or slow with the wind. With no buildings or cities nearby, the wind farms appear other worldly. They almost look out of place sprouting from the dry grassland below. They are impressive, to say the least.
It was interesting to see several of these farms on our trip this year. Some of the energy that we use in our home and at the art studio comes from these farms. It is good to know that some of the energy we use comes from a completely renewable, non-poluting source.

I am still not sure of the question, but I like Bob Dylan's response:

"The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind,The answer is blowin’ in the wind."