It's 2018! I thought I'd change up the format of my monthly "Around Here" posts this year. Each month I'll be answering 6 simple questions:
- What are you listening to?
- What are you wearing?
- What have you bought?
- What are you reading?
- Who are you stalking…er, admiring from afar?
- Where are you going?
What are you listening to?
We got an Amazon Echo over the holidays. I pretty much walk into the kitchen every single day and say, "Alexa, play 90s hip hop." It's on All. The. Time. Old faves, like Sir Mix-a-lot, Wu-Tang Clan, Snoop, Salt N' Pepa, etc. More often than I'd like to admit, I find myself dancing around the kitchen. It makes me happy.
What are you wearing?
With the freezing temperatures we've been having this month, I'm all about warmth over fashion. But, I have recently discovered that I can wear some of my summer clothes when I layer them over long underwear! I've been wearing dresses and summer pants and all kinds of things over thermal tops and bottoms.
P.S. Everyone in my family hates these pants and calls them my "clown pants." I think it makes me love them more! (The pants, not my family.)
What have you bought?
I am trying to buy fewer things and spend my money on experiences. I feel like this purchase is kind of a little bit of both. The other day I stopped at the Art-O-Mat at the Museum of Fine Arts here in Boston.
It looks like an old cigarette vending machine. You put in $5 and pull one of the knobs and get a piece of art! I purchased this piece:
When I pulled the knob, I knew that I would be getting a piece from artist John D. Gall. But, I didn't know what it would look like. I have to confess that I was hoping for one of the portraits, like he has on his website, but I like the piece I got and I feel good about supporting a fellow artist for a very small amount of money. This particular Art-O-Mat had art, earrings, key rings — lots of different stuff to choose from!
What are you reading?
This is a book that was recommended to me at a lecture I attended: Ask For It: How Women Can Use the Power of Negotiation To Get What They Really Want.
I wouldn't say it's a page turner, but I am learning some things. I read a bit before bed each night and it gives me some thoughts to mull over.
Who are you stalking…er, admiring from afar?
New to me art crush on instagram: Marc David Spengler. His work is not at all what I do, but I find it fascinating and like it soooo much!
The power of inspiration is that I look at his work and it makes me want to make art. His work makes me excited about making art. I really like it so much. Have I said that already? I really like his work. Deceptively simple and masterfully composed. I could stare at these sketchbook pages forever.
Where are you going?
February is a pretty easy travel month, but March 2018 is going to be a BIG month with tons and tons of travel! I'm teaching three classes at WhimSoDoodle in Florida, and really looking forward to my three-day Big Collage workshop in Syracuse, New York.
Syracuse is just a four-hour drive from either Boston or New York, if you'd like to come play for the weekend! In March, I'll also be going on a quilting retreat with the Boston Modern Quilt Guild, to HSN, and to IHA (aka the Housewares show)! So far it looks like I'll be sleeping in my own bed for just 6 nights in March!
So, there you have it! That's the scoop on life around here at the moment. If you'd like more behind-the-scenes real life fun, you can always check out my vlog. I post a new vlog to my YouTube channel every Wednesday!
Thanks for stopping by!
Great format to blog in. Love your pink pants Julie!
Great format to blog in. Love your pink pants Julie!
Great format to blog in. Love your pink pants Julie!
Great format to blog in. Love your pink pants Julie!
Great format to blog in. Love your pink pants Julie!
Great format to blog in. Love your pink pants Julie!
Glad to see you having so much fun!
Glad to see you having so much fun!
Glad to see you having so much fun!
Glad to see you having so much fun!
Glad to see you having so much fun!
Glad to see you having so much fun!
Creating JOY in the dreary winter months takes some creativity…..you look like you’re pulling it off.
Happy Winter Days to you !!
Creating JOY in the dreary winter months takes some creativity…..you look like you’re pulling it off.
Happy Winter Days to you !!
Creating JOY in the dreary winter months takes some creativity…..you look like you’re pulling it off.
Happy Winter Days to you !!
Creating JOY in the dreary winter months takes some creativity…..you look like you’re pulling it off.
Happy Winter Days to you !!
Creating JOY in the dreary winter months takes some creativity…..you look like you’re pulling it off.
Happy Winter Days to you !!
Creating JOY in the dreary winter months takes some creativity…..you look like you’re pulling it off.
Happy Winter Days to you !!
Ohhhh when in March at Whimsodoodle? They dont have the march calendar up & I will be there. Would love to take a class with you!!
Ohhhh when in March at Whimsodoodle? They dont have the march calendar up & I will be there. Would love to take a class with you!!
Ohhhh when in March at Whimsodoodle? They dont have the march calendar up & I will be there. Would love to take a class with you!!
Ohhhh when in March at Whimsodoodle? They dont have the march calendar up & I will be there. Would love to take a class with you!!
Ohhhh when in March at Whimsodoodle? They dont have the march calendar up & I will be there. Would love to take a class with you!!
Ohhhh when in March at Whimsodoodle? They dont have the march calendar up & I will be there. Would love to take a class with you!!
I JUST discovered Art-o-Mat and that there is one in my hometown of Dayton, OH – an hour away and I still visit family there often and we go right by the venue pretty frequently. I plan to check it out and get something next time I’m over that way. I think it’s a really cool idea. I remember my mom getting cigarettes out of vending machines like that when I was a kid – it’s really neat to see them repurposed in that way and doing something much more positive in their new life.
I JUST discovered Art-o-Mat and that there is one in my hometown of Dayton, OH – an hour away and I still visit family there often and we go right by the venue pretty frequently. I plan to check it out and get something next time I’m over that way. I think it’s a really cool idea. I remember my mom getting cigarettes out of vending machines like that when I was a kid – it’s really neat to see them repurposed in that way and doing something much more positive in their new life.
I JUST discovered Art-o-Mat and that there is one in my hometown of Dayton, OH – an hour away and I still visit family there often and we go right by the venue pretty frequently. I plan to check it out and get something next time I’m over that way. I think it’s a really cool idea. I remember my mom getting cigarettes out of vending machines like that when I was a kid – it’s really neat to see them repurposed in that way and doing something much more positive in their new life.
I JUST discovered Art-o-Mat and that there is one in my hometown of Dayton, OH – an hour away and I still visit family there often and we go right by the venue pretty frequently. I plan to check it out and get something next time I’m over that way. I think it’s a really cool idea. I remember my mom getting cigarettes out of vending machines like that when I was a kid – it’s really neat to see them repurposed in that way and doing something much more positive in their new life.
I JUST discovered Art-o-Mat and that there is one in my hometown of Dayton, OH – an hour away and I still visit family there often and we go right by the venue pretty frequently. I plan to check it out and get something next time I’m over that way. I think it’s a really cool idea. I remember my mom getting cigarettes out of vending machines like that when I was a kid – it’s really neat to see them repurposed in that way and doing something much more positive in their new life.
I JUST discovered Art-o-Mat and that there is one in my hometown of Dayton, OH – an hour away and I still visit family there often and we go right by the venue pretty frequently. I plan to check it out and get something next time I’m over that way. I think it’s a really cool idea. I remember my mom getting cigarettes out of vending machines like that when I was a kid – it’s really neat to see them repurposed in that way and doing something much more positive in their new life.
March 2,3,4
March 2,3,4
March 2,3,4
March 2,3,4
March 2,3,4
March 2,3,4
Fantastic new format!! I enjoyed every piece of this!! I too LOVE those pants!! I end up with pieces of pajamas in the mornings, like patchwork – flannel nightie for sleep, get up, add flannel bottoms from another set, top from another then top it with socks and a robe. Fortunately I have a rule I must be dressed for the day by 11am! Retirement from my previous 40 year career is so fun, and I’m loving my next phase as full-time artist, haha!
Fantastic new format!! I enjoyed every piece of this!! I too LOVE those pants!! I end up with pieces of pajamas in the mornings, like patchwork – flannel nightie for sleep, get up, add flannel bottoms from another set, top from another then top it with socks and a robe. Fortunately I have a rule I must be dressed for the day by 11am! Retirement from my previous 40 year career is so fun, and I’m loving my next phase as full-time artist, haha!
Fantastic new format!! I enjoyed every piece of this!! I too LOVE those pants!! I end up with pieces of pajamas in the mornings, like patchwork – flannel nightie for sleep, get up, add flannel bottoms from another set, top from another then top it with socks and a robe. Fortunately I have a rule I must be dressed for the day by 11am! Retirement from my previous 40 year career is so fun, and I’m loving my next phase as full-time artist, haha!
Fantastic new format!! I enjoyed every piece of this!! I too LOVE those pants!! I end up with pieces of pajamas in the mornings, like patchwork – flannel nightie for sleep, get up, add flannel bottoms from another set, top from another then top it with socks and a robe. Fortunately I have a rule I must be dressed for the day by 11am! Retirement from my previous 40 year career is so fun, and I’m loving my next phase as full-time artist, haha!
Fantastic new format!! I enjoyed every piece of this!! I too LOVE those pants!! I end up with pieces of pajamas in the mornings, like patchwork – flannel nightie for sleep, get up, add flannel bottoms from another set, top from another then top it with socks and a robe. Fortunately I have a rule I must be dressed for the day by 11am! Retirement from my previous 40 year career is so fun, and I’m loving my next phase as full-time artist, haha!
Fantastic new format!! I enjoyed every piece of this!! I too LOVE those pants!! I end up with pieces of pajamas in the mornings, like patchwork – flannel nightie for sleep, get up, add flannel bottoms from another set, top from another then top it with socks and a robe. Fortunately I have a rule I must be dressed for the day by 11am! Retirement from my previous 40 year career is so fun, and I’m loving my next phase as full-time artist, haha!
Your video made me lol, your relationship with your Mum is just like mine with my mum, close and fun and yes she cuts my hair too lol. It was a lovely video.
Your video made me lol, your relationship with your Mum is just like mine with my mum, close and fun and yes she cuts my hair too lol. It was a lovely video.
Your video made me lol, your relationship with your Mum is just like mine with my mum, close and fun and yes she cuts my hair too lol. It was a lovely video.
Your video made me lol, your relationship with your Mum is just like mine with my mum, close and fun and yes she cuts my hair too lol. It was a lovely video.
Your video made me lol, your relationship with your Mum is just like mine with my mum, close and fun and yes she cuts my hair too lol. It was a lovely video.
Your video made me lol, your relationship with your Mum is just like mine with my mum, close and fun and yes she cuts my hair too lol. It was a lovely video.
The Art-O-Mat! I bought something once from one, I think it was at the old Whitney in NYC. Such a cool experience and great use of the old cigarette machine. Thanks for reminding me about it! Now I’m on the hunt for another near me. Rye Art Center, I may have to pay you a visit……..
The Art-O-Mat! I bought something once from one, I think it was at the old Whitney in NYC. Such a cool experience and great use of the old cigarette machine. Thanks for reminding me about it! Now I’m on the hunt for another near me. Rye Art Center, I may have to pay you a visit……..
The Art-O-Mat! I bought something once from one, I think it was at the old Whitney in NYC. Such a cool experience and great use of the old cigarette machine. Thanks for reminding me about it! Now I’m on the hunt for another near me. Rye Art Center, I may have to pay you a visit……..
The Art-O-Mat! I bought something once from one, I think it was at the old Whitney in NYC. Such a cool experience and great use of the old cigarette machine. Thanks for reminding me about it! Now I’m on the hunt for another near me. Rye Art Center, I may have to pay you a visit……..
The Art-O-Mat! I bought something once from one, I think it was at the old Whitney in NYC. Such a cool experience and great use of the old cigarette machine. Thanks for reminding me about it! Now I’m on the hunt for another near me. Rye Art Center, I may have to pay you a visit……..
The Art-O-Mat! I bought something once from one, I think it was at the old Whitney in NYC. Such a cool experience and great use of the old cigarette machine. Thanks for reminding me about it! Now I’m on the hunt for another near me. Rye Art Center, I may have to pay you a visit……..
Oh so close we shall see if I can switch some stuff around!
Oh so close we shall see if I can switch some stuff around!
Oh so close we shall see if I can switch some stuff around!
Oh so close we shall see if I can switch some stuff around!
Oh so close we shall see if I can switch some stuff around!
Oh so close we shall see if I can switch some stuff around!
Love this new format. Your book reminded me of the TED talk by Amanda Palmer titled, The Art of Asking. She wrote a book on this topic. ” She suggests that artists should be directly supported by fans.” Even though she is in the music business, I think some of her ideas would work for artists too. Have you thought of creating art for ART-O-MAT? Marc Spangler’s work reminds me of some of Lisa Cogndon’s work. I thought some of his work reminded me also of some of your notan cuttings.
Love this new format. Your book reminded me of the TED talk by Amanda Palmer titled, The Art of Asking. She wrote a book on this topic. ” She suggests that artists should be directly supported by fans.” Even though she is in the music business, I think some of her ideas would work for artists too. Have you thought of creating art for ART-O-MAT? Marc Spangler’s work reminds me of some of Lisa Cogndon’s work. I thought some of his work reminded me also of some of your notan cuttings.
Love this new format. Your book reminded me of the TED talk by Amanda Palmer titled, The Art of Asking. She wrote a book on this topic. ” She suggests that artists should be directly supported by fans.” Even though she is in the music business, I think some of her ideas would work for artists too. Have you thought of creating art for ART-O-MAT? Marc Spangler’s work reminds me of some of Lisa Cogndon’s work. I thought some of his work reminded me also of some of your notan cuttings.
Love this new format. Your book reminded me of the TED talk by Amanda Palmer titled, The Art of Asking. She wrote a book on this topic. ” She suggests that artists should be directly supported by fans.” Even though she is in the music business, I think some of her ideas would work for artists too. Have you thought of creating art for ART-O-MAT? Marc Spangler’s work reminds me of some of Lisa Cogndon’s work. I thought some of his work reminded me also of some of your notan cuttings.
Love this new format. Your book reminded me of the TED talk by Amanda Palmer titled, The Art of Asking. She wrote a book on this topic. ” She suggests that artists should be directly supported by fans.” Even though she is in the music business, I think some of her ideas would work for artists too. Have you thought of creating art for ART-O-MAT? Marc Spangler’s work reminds me of some of Lisa Cogndon’s work. I thought some of his work reminded me also of some of your notan cuttings.
Love this new format. Your book reminded me of the TED talk by Amanda Palmer titled, The Art of Asking. She wrote a book on this topic. ” She suggests that artists should be directly supported by fans.” Even though she is in the music business, I think some of her ideas would work for artists too. Have you thought of creating art for ART-O-MAT? Marc Spangler’s work reminds me of some of Lisa Cogndon’s work. I thought some of his work reminded me also of some of your notan cuttings.
I am in the middle of reading Amanda Palmer’s book – Julie – you should read it , it’s really interesting!
I am in the middle of reading Amanda Palmer’s book – Julie – you should read it , it’s really interesting!
I am in the middle of reading Amanda Palmer’s book – Julie – you should read it , it’s really interesting!
I am in the middle of reading Amanda Palmer’s book – Julie – you should read it , it’s really interesting!
I am in the middle of reading Amanda Palmer’s book – Julie – you should read it , it’s really interesting!
I am in the middle of reading Amanda Palmer’s book – Julie – you should read it , it’s really interesting!