Thursday, August 14, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Ikebana for all!
It certainly was a week for TV! Thanks to dear friend Kate who watched my debut on cable TV. She sent an email that I was A. O.K., at least I didn't embarrass myself! I couldn't wait for the IT guy to bring in the tape…he had forgotten the first day…..(It airs three times a week),,HONESTLY..I WAS DYING TO SEE THE VIDEO!!!! The show runs for a half-hour. SO GLAD I took Charla's advice and wore that nude lipstick, with a light pink color. It really DOES make you look younger!!! Fortunately, the camera wasn't too close, so those wrinkles weren't so visible!! Will let you know when it is up on Youtube!!!
Such a Video world!!!
Ikebana has arrived at the Art Center!! Ye of little faith have now seen the light! All the "artists" at the center (including my boss), were dismissive of my claims that Ikebana is truly a visual art form! How Silly!! As you all know, I have been making those arrangements to welcome folks to the Art Center. The Director of Education was quite taken with them and wanted to have classes in them at the Art Center! Score 1 for Paula!
I talked with my Sensei, Mrs. Baily, and she thought it would be wonderful to teach classes! We have a group of 8 (o.k., so I am paying for three of the interns to take the class! They wouldn't let it run unless we had 8!!) and they started this week. We set them up in one of the galleries, since they weren't sure if the class would be filled or not, so they didn't assign classroom space…Again, YE OF LITTLE FAITH! It turned out to be the perfect space, since the gallery is located right next to the kitchen-great for clean up!!
It was so much fun to see everyone starting to learn Ikebana!! It brought back so many memories! The interns loved it! And they did a fantastic job!! My boss came running to find MOI (I am going to take it next session-no time this time!) and was very excited!! He was thrilled to see what they were doing! He even ran to get his camera to take photos to use on the website and in future marketing material!! One small step for the Art Center…A GIANT LEAP for IKEBANA!
Once again find myself volunteering at Thrift House…just can't seem to stay away. A management change, so helping out with pricing and getting ready for the Fall Opening on August 21st! In my ZEAL to be organized, I decided it was time to go through those shoes and handbags. A look through my closet, required some purging there too! So, I ended up having a rather large load to take with MOI as I headed there on Saturday morning. We had planned to have a group meet there (I was late, comme d'habitude! But, I was buying the Lattes!) and I arrived to find 10 women busy sorting and pricing! FORMIDABLE! This was terrific! Not wanting to stop all the activity, I started bringing my boxes down to the basement where they were all assembled! They inquired as to the donor of the merchandise, hoping it might be a cut above the Vintage Talbot suits they were currently pricing!! I told them it was mine and suddenly….all activity stopped! 10 women started to hover over the box..waiting to see what was inside, Upon opening, it was the purse box….the first purse was pulled out of the box and into a woman's hand….never to see the pricing gun. I was a bit surprised..actually, sort of embarrassed, since I was not sure the next boxes would surpass the expectations and the excitement! I ran upstairs to bring down the other boxes, leaving the ladies to look for themselves! Down came the box of shoes. "What Size??" "10 or 40 ½" Another group dove in….Then came the clothes…which I hung on an available rack….. "Oh, here is bag of jewelry." Another group dove in! I took the Coffee orders and could see everyone was eyeing the items on the rack. They were WAITING FOR MOI TO LEAVE!!!! One woman remarked, we should have a "Worn by Paula" corner-might boost sales! I just laughed and left to work upstairs….At the end of the shift…each woman came upstairs with a bag of "Previously worn by Paula" to purchase!! It just doesn't get any better than this!!!!
Hard to believe we are into August…time to make the most of all your summer clothes…Fall will be close by and time for those "transition" clothes (always difficult!! You don't want to look like SUMMER when it is FALL…even though is 70 degrees outside!) Neimans lists the following must haves for Fall:
Something in berry colors-cranberry and grape are perfect!
Something Satin-a blouse would be PERFECT! Why not in a berry color!!
High-Vamp heels-very modern, most have a stiletto heel, but they don't have to be too high! They are pointy-toed, look like a low boot. Must wear with tights! But, can wear with pencil skirts, full skirts and that shift dress you bought for summer!
Lace- Something in a handbag or blouse. I found a long jacket and am thinking about a pencil skirt! Make sure it is fitted!
Sleek shapes..get that oversized clutch that is long and narrow! The tunic dress works well, make sure it hits at or just below the knee. Try a fitted longer jacket over narrow pants…It look is simple and elegant!! Don't embellish!
Romantic Blouses-great place to combine with the lace. I found a white blouse with a ruffle! PERFECT!
Statement Jewelry! Bring it on!!! The bigger the better! A fabulous necklace by Alexis Bittar-made of Lucite, agate, Swarovski crystals! "THEY" SAY….you can glom it on! I SAY, stick to one big piece….THOSE "THEY" FOLKS are young!
Happy Shopping!!
Love, P
Such a Video world!!!
Ikebana has arrived at the Art Center!! Ye of little faith have now seen the light! All the "artists" at the center (including my boss), were dismissive of my claims that Ikebana is truly a visual art form! How Silly!! As you all know, I have been making those arrangements to welcome folks to the Art Center. The Director of Education was quite taken with them and wanted to have classes in them at the Art Center! Score 1 for Paula!
I talked with my Sensei, Mrs. Baily, and she thought it would be wonderful to teach classes! We have a group of 8 (o.k., so I am paying for three of the interns to take the class! They wouldn't let it run unless we had 8!!) and they started this week. We set them up in one of the galleries, since they weren't sure if the class would be filled or not, so they didn't assign classroom space…Again, YE OF LITTLE FAITH! It turned out to be the perfect space, since the gallery is located right next to the kitchen-great for clean up!!
It was so much fun to see everyone starting to learn Ikebana!! It brought back so many memories! The interns loved it! And they did a fantastic job!! My boss came running to find MOI (I am going to take it next session-no time this time!) and was very excited!! He was thrilled to see what they were doing! He even ran to get his camera to take photos to use on the website and in future marketing material!! One small step for the Art Center…A GIANT LEAP for IKEBANA!
Once again find myself volunteering at Thrift House…just can't seem to stay away. A management change, so helping out with pricing and getting ready for the Fall Opening on August 21st! In my ZEAL to be organized, I decided it was time to go through those shoes and handbags. A look through my closet, required some purging there too! So, I ended up having a rather large load to take with MOI as I headed there on Saturday morning. We had planned to have a group meet there (I was late, comme d'habitude! But, I was buying the Lattes!) and I arrived to find 10 women busy sorting and pricing! FORMIDABLE! This was terrific! Not wanting to stop all the activity, I started bringing my boxes down to the basement where they were all assembled! They inquired as to the donor of the merchandise, hoping it might be a cut above the Vintage Talbot suits they were currently pricing!! I told them it was mine and suddenly….all activity stopped! 10 women started to hover over the box..waiting to see what was inside, Upon opening, it was the purse box….the first purse was pulled out of the box and into a woman's hand….never to see the pricing gun. I was a bit surprised..actually, sort of embarrassed, since I was not sure the next boxes would surpass the expectations and the excitement! I ran upstairs to bring down the other boxes, leaving the ladies to look for themselves! Down came the box of shoes. "What Size??" "10 or 40 ½" Another group dove in….Then came the clothes…which I hung on an available rack….. "Oh, here is bag of jewelry." Another group dove in! I took the Coffee orders and could see everyone was eyeing the items on the rack. They were WAITING FOR MOI TO LEAVE!!!! One woman remarked, we should have a "Worn by Paula" corner-might boost sales! I just laughed and left to work upstairs….At the end of the shift…each woman came upstairs with a bag of "Previously worn by Paula" to purchase!! It just doesn't get any better than this!!!!
Hard to believe we are into August…time to make the most of all your summer clothes…Fall will be close by and time for those "transition" clothes (always difficult!! You don't want to look like SUMMER when it is FALL…even though is 70 degrees outside!) Neimans lists the following must haves for Fall:
Something in berry colors-cranberry and grape are perfect!
Something Satin-a blouse would be PERFECT! Why not in a berry color!!
High-Vamp heels-very modern, most have a stiletto heel, but they don't have to be too high! They are pointy-toed, look like a low boot. Must wear with tights! But, can wear with pencil skirts, full skirts and that shift dress you bought for summer!
Lace- Something in a handbag or blouse. I found a long jacket and am thinking about a pencil skirt! Make sure it is fitted!
Sleek shapes..get that oversized clutch that is long and narrow! The tunic dress works well, make sure it hits at or just below the knee. Try a fitted longer jacket over narrow pants…It look is simple and elegant!! Don't embellish!
Romantic Blouses-great place to combine with the lace. I found a white blouse with a ruffle! PERFECT!
Statement Jewelry! Bring it on!!! The bigger the better! A fabulous necklace by Alexis Bittar-made of Lucite, agate, Swarovski crystals! "THEY" SAY….you can glom it on! I SAY, stick to one big piece….THOSE "THEY" FOLKS are young!
Happy Shopping!!
Love, P
"I bet you never had to do this at your last job!"
Au Contraire! As you all know….when you get to be MY AGE…there just isn't too much that you haven't done in the working world-short of hitting the Executive Suite!
As I have said in the past….all these non-profits SAVE everything! Not that it is a bad thing…..but, as we all know…most non-profits have limited space….so saving THINGS, is a huge problem. And here is the other thing, as these non-profits continue to grow…MORE STUFF! Thank goodness all those years at Thrift House have come in handy!! At least I KNOW how to pick through a bag of stuff and find the true gem!!! The Art Center is full of "treasures!!" Who knew artists could be such pack rats!! I know it comes from that "Starving Artist" mentality that many seem to possess…although, several of them drive very spiffy cars, which makes it difficult to see them as STARVING… It is true, that very few truly make a living as a professional artist and to this I can relate!! Just like anything that our kids try to do…very few make it to the top…whether it is sports or the arts. Thank goodness there is a wide open field for academics…although, the college acceptance process leaves a bit to be desired, but still…your odds are better with higher ed!!!
Which brings me back to the Clutter!! It really became apparent when we were setting up for the Spring Benefit a few weeks back…..They always put Christmas tree lights on the bushes at the front of the Center. A nice touch, I thought. We were also looking for the two coat racks….Upon Inquiry of both items…I was told to go up and look in the attic. Never having ventured into that space…I was a bit curious! The Art Center is filled with many closets, rooms and all those bathrooms….but, never had I ventured into the "Attic!" Unlocking the door…I was not quite sure what to expect….artwork from the 20's, treasures, records, furniture??? As I opened the door…I was surprised to see that it was so filled…I couldn't see ANYTHING! Just like home! Truly, working in this mansion is a bit like living at home!!! Things are never totally clean, although the staff is pretty good about doing their own dishes (this is the only workplace where they DON'T have the sign "Clean up after yourself. Your mother doesn't work here." Not only is that a charming sign, but TRUE!!
I spend a good part of my day picking up stray pieces of paper, closing doors, turning out lights…YOU ALL KNOW THE DRILL! But, the attic….a very special place. SOOOOOOOO…since I couldn't even step into the attic….it was off to hardware store for lights-Thank goodness for Harold's Hardware on Central street…They went into their storage attic and found several boxes for MOI!!!! I couldn't locate the coats racks, but fortunately, it was a warm night!! Although a mix up with umbrellas, left a board member most distressed that someone had taken her $$$$ umbrella by MISTAKE!!! I would hope it was a mistake…if you are going to take something…it really wouldn't be an umbrella….I offered to buy her another one (she was very upset), but she said no-it was more upsetting, since it was her favorite. I can relate to this!!
Fast forward to the Exhibition openings!! So far, the weather in CHI-TOWN has been cooperating-raining like heck, but at night!! This also makes it much more pleasant when riding the bicycle!!! But, we didn't want to take a chance with the outdoor sculpture opening, so I inquired as to the whereabouts of the two "EZ-UP" tents. AGAIN....I was told to search in the "Attic!" Now, I don't mind buying Christmas tree lights…but, tents…just didn't want to go there!! Now don't ask MOI why, but again, I thought I should just go and check in the attic. Did I think that it was magically cleared out and cleaned up in the week between events???? Of course, it was the same!! I couldn't see any tents (although to be honest-I wasn't sure what an "EZ-UP" tent looked like! SOOOOOOO…. Went to report the information to my boss…who became distressed at this news. The two tents are for our art students to use at the Evanston Farmers Market, as part of the "Home Grown" Artists program. We get to set up two tents during 4 Saturdays in July and August-Stay tuned for that experience!! So, as you can imagine, my boss was most upset, since we will be using them soon and they were very $$$$. Of course, since I am ALWAYS working on a very short TIME LINE and needed them NOW…….So, I just went upstairs and called House of Rental and rented a tent!! I mean, what's a gal to do!! When you need a tent, you need a tent!!! Of course, doing this without a budget means that one has to be "creative" when one is PAYING for these things!!! Thank goodness for that understanding Jeff!!! House of Rental is easier to justify than NEIMANS!!!
SOOOOOOO…this week, "THEY," obviously, without consulting MOI, decided to rent a dumpster and empty out the attic, so we could actually find things!! Now, this wouldn't have been the week that I would have picked, but so be it! I arrived ready to clean and carry. The attic is on the third floor (no elevator), so lots of up and down those stairs. Here is the thing though-I am the youngest of the old at work. A nice distinction, but not when it comes to hauling!! The graphic artist is 30, but she was relegated to cleaning out the "still life" prop closet. Truly, something that I would not be qualified to do-having not painted a still life since 1969! And speaking of 1969-don't we always!! We had a reception last week (see, it has been very busy at the Art Center, which is why I am STILL so behind in everything!!!), for all the school art teachers and faculty. It was a lovely reception and fun to put some faces with emails. However, the most thrilling thing was that my Art Teacher from 7th and 8th grade was there! Mrs. Bougeois! She looks the same! She has to be pushing early 70's!! I was so shocked!! I told her that I stare at my "Giraffe" art project every day!! It is a lovely design on burlap, of a hand-stitched giraffe, and I was so clever that I used different stitches and colors for the spots. I kept everything in "safari" colors, except for a red mouth, that looks as if the giraffe is smiling!!! Patsy and Charles had foresight to have this lovely piece framed and it has managed to stay with MOI all these years! I am thinking about bringing in to the office! It might look nice on my wall there!! Of course, in describing this piece to Mrs. Bougeois, it met with a blank stare, but she did at least acknowledge that she was thrilled that I had stopped to chat!! Then, she proceeded to tell MOI that she and her husband had spent so many hours putting together notebooks of slides and pictures of exhibitions at the Art Center in the 60's and 70's (this was before the Big Attic Day). I smiled and told her that I was 99% certain that those boxes of notebooks were STILL IN THE ATTIC! She seemed relieved!!!
I was assigned, "Hauling Duty," since A. I was the youngest of the old. B. I don't have back or knee problems (was thinking of pulling that arthritic toe routine) and C. I have the ability to work and actually FINISH the job!! Everyone pitched in during the first few hours…Out went lots of STUFF…. I felt like I was on one of those Reality TV shows where they clean up the clutter. MEANWHILE….I STILL haven't been able to get through all the boxes that I inherited when I took over the job…so, my office still looks like a Tornado hit it!! And with several big deadlines approaching July 1st….not sure it is going to get organized in the near future!! So up and down I went…hour after hour….several of the "older" folks dropped out. I noticed one staff member sneaking back into her office to do emails. We really were making progress. Maybe there really is something to the Dumpster for Day thing! It does force you to make quick decisions and no going back!! Plus, it really does take it out of you-so no desire to do it for more than a full day!! We finally created a path in the attic. AND LO AND BEHOLD….the Christmas lights appeared…then several more trips, the Coat Racks..then…the Holy Grail…Not One, but TWO tents! HOORAY!! But, still more nooks and crannies…I started pulling out boxes and boxes of spot lights! I guess someone FORGOT that they were up there. They are always burning out and cost $$$. Who knew that spot lights could be so expensive??!! Each gallery has 10-15 in them and they are motion sensors, but still burn out quickly. In all, 10 boxes of lights! This paid for the dumpster!!
And PHEW, at least they aren't going to ask MOI to find a grant to pay for the lights!! "Paula, We NEED LIGHTS!!"
Although, fun to find the lights…still not really the "treasure" I was searching for! I have to still make budget by year end, August 31st, so looking for something to sell on Ebay, really would be fun!! And as you can imagine, by this time, it is MOI alone in the attic thinking I was going to have an Asthma attack from all the dust and that I really should be doing the same thing in my own home!! I was going through some old picture frames and there it was….an original by one of our faculty members, who has passed away, but was a well-known artist. Unfortunately, there had been some damage to the canvas…but, STILL! I went running down the stairs to tell my boss! Since he had become involved in something else..VERY IMPORTANT….several hours ago and had stopped the "hauling" effort-although, he was very appreciative of my efforts!! It was quite a find! He thinks we can repair the damage and we are going to contact some of the artist's past students to see of their interest!! STAY TUNED!!!!!
Of course, last week was one of those…where you can't find anything..because you can't REMEMBER where you last had it…..I lost and found my cell phone several times…But, what I truly find amazing is that I heard a Bee Gees song and knew all the words!!!!!
Dear friend (well, I feel like she is a friend), Charla Krupp, author of How Not to Look Old fame, writes a fashion article for More Magazine. She replaced Kim Goss, of whatever those books were in the 90's that told you how to dress and do lots of things…see…can't remember the name, mentioned in her last article about "Business Women" wearing nude hose. Of course, as a FORMER nude hose wearer-this piqued my interest. Charla writes, "Going bare-legged in summer has been the rule in the fashion world for years. We've nixed the pantyhose, but made sure our naked legs looked good using leg sprays and self-tanners. In offices around the country, though, a lot of women still wear nude hose even on the hottest days. This I discovered, isn't always because of a corporate dress code; sometimes it just makes women physically comfortable." She goes on to state that senior executive women feel nude hose makes them look more polished and that you will be taken more seriously. Be still my heart!! Here we go again!! Haven't we been able to make strides in the business world that takes us for what we are, not what we WEAR!!! Oh my! I can see there is still work to be done!! Here is my challenge…..I have to go in front of the State of Illinois Art Council on Tuesday to answer any questions about our big annual grant (YIKES…I had better find the copy of the GRANT!)…I was planning on wearing a suit, of course, but should I or shouldn't I wear panty hose!! Email MOI you opinions! You can vote YEAH! or NAY! in the subject line!! Stay tuned next week for results!!
All that treasure hunting led MOI to shopping!! So busy, so spent most of my time ONLINE!
Michael Stars has some great new styles for summer. I bought a belted vest in silver-very Fab, plus lots of great t-shirts in fun colors! They seem to hold up the best and still remain fitted, after many washing!!!
Friend Shawna let me know about sales on handbags at:
http://www.mzwallace.com/
Fab Selection!!!
Check out the shoes on sale at Barneys: http://www.barneys.com/Sale
www.Vivre.com was having a mid-week sale on some of their items, check it out!!!
For you sport gals: www.skirtsports.com has some FAB skirts/shorts combos that you can RUN in!! LOVE THEM!!!
Fun Jewelry at www.winknyc.com Go to the jewelry page-it is a bit young, but nice earrings and a cool starfish cuff!!!!
Fabulous necklaces at www.bananarepublic.com look for ones that have wood in them and also a geometric design!
ArtWear t-shirts from www.crystalrock.com They are fitted and longer (a plus!). A bit pricey at $143, but Hey, Madonna wears them!! I ordered the Geisha one!!!
And how did we LIVE before this website: richrocksnyc.com What could be better than Rich Rocks!! So many FAB pieces to choose from..o.k., so they use crystals, CZ's and gold-plating…but, a whole lot of style for not so many $$$! Love the 3-tone hanging disc earrings for $90! A great pair to wear with EVERYTHING!!!!
And Nars cosmetics, another great lip gloss (I hope you all have that Orgasm already), this one is Supervixen!! Double FAB!
Happy Shopping, Cleaning and having FUN!
Love, P
As I have said in the past….all these non-profits SAVE everything! Not that it is a bad thing…..but, as we all know…most non-profits have limited space….so saving THINGS, is a huge problem. And here is the other thing, as these non-profits continue to grow…MORE STUFF! Thank goodness all those years at Thrift House have come in handy!! At least I KNOW how to pick through a bag of stuff and find the true gem!!! The Art Center is full of "treasures!!" Who knew artists could be such pack rats!! I know it comes from that "Starving Artist" mentality that many seem to possess…although, several of them drive very spiffy cars, which makes it difficult to see them as STARVING… It is true, that very few truly make a living as a professional artist and to this I can relate!! Just like anything that our kids try to do…very few make it to the top…whether it is sports or the arts. Thank goodness there is a wide open field for academics…although, the college acceptance process leaves a bit to be desired, but still…your odds are better with higher ed!!!
Which brings me back to the Clutter!! It really became apparent when we were setting up for the Spring Benefit a few weeks back…..They always put Christmas tree lights on the bushes at the front of the Center. A nice touch, I thought. We were also looking for the two coat racks….Upon Inquiry of both items…I was told to go up and look in the attic. Never having ventured into that space…I was a bit curious! The Art Center is filled with many closets, rooms and all those bathrooms….but, never had I ventured into the "Attic!" Unlocking the door…I was not quite sure what to expect….artwork from the 20's, treasures, records, furniture??? As I opened the door…I was surprised to see that it was so filled…I couldn't see ANYTHING! Just like home! Truly, working in this mansion is a bit like living at home!!! Things are never totally clean, although the staff is pretty good about doing their own dishes (this is the only workplace where they DON'T have the sign "Clean up after yourself. Your mother doesn't work here." Not only is that a charming sign, but TRUE!!
I spend a good part of my day picking up stray pieces of paper, closing doors, turning out lights…YOU ALL KNOW THE DRILL! But, the attic….a very special place. SOOOOOOOO…since I couldn't even step into the attic….it was off to hardware store for lights-Thank goodness for Harold's Hardware on Central street…They went into their storage attic and found several boxes for MOI!!!! I couldn't locate the coats racks, but fortunately, it was a warm night!! Although a mix up with umbrellas, left a board member most distressed that someone had taken her $$$$ umbrella by MISTAKE!!! I would hope it was a mistake…if you are going to take something…it really wouldn't be an umbrella….I offered to buy her another one (she was very upset), but she said no-it was more upsetting, since it was her favorite. I can relate to this!!
Fast forward to the Exhibition openings!! So far, the weather in CHI-TOWN has been cooperating-raining like heck, but at night!! This also makes it much more pleasant when riding the bicycle!!! But, we didn't want to take a chance with the outdoor sculpture opening, so I inquired as to the whereabouts of the two "EZ-UP" tents. AGAIN....I was told to search in the "Attic!" Now, I don't mind buying Christmas tree lights…but, tents…just didn't want to go there!! Now don't ask MOI why, but again, I thought I should just go and check in the attic. Did I think that it was magically cleared out and cleaned up in the week between events???? Of course, it was the same!! I couldn't see any tents (although to be honest-I wasn't sure what an "EZ-UP" tent looked like! SOOOOOOO…. Went to report the information to my boss…who became distressed at this news. The two tents are for our art students to use at the Evanston Farmers Market, as part of the "Home Grown" Artists program. We get to set up two tents during 4 Saturdays in July and August-Stay tuned for that experience!! So, as you can imagine, my boss was most upset, since we will be using them soon and they were very $$$$. Of course, since I am ALWAYS working on a very short TIME LINE and needed them NOW…….So, I just went upstairs and called House of Rental and rented a tent!! I mean, what's a gal to do!! When you need a tent, you need a tent!!! Of course, doing this without a budget means that one has to be "creative" when one is PAYING for these things!!! Thank goodness for that understanding Jeff!!! House of Rental is easier to justify than NEIMANS!!!
SOOOOOOO…this week, "THEY," obviously, without consulting MOI, decided to rent a dumpster and empty out the attic, so we could actually find things!! Now, this wouldn't have been the week that I would have picked, but so be it! I arrived ready to clean and carry. The attic is on the third floor (no elevator), so lots of up and down those stairs. Here is the thing though-I am the youngest of the old at work. A nice distinction, but not when it comes to hauling!! The graphic artist is 30, but she was relegated to cleaning out the "still life" prop closet. Truly, something that I would not be qualified to do-having not painted a still life since 1969! And speaking of 1969-don't we always!! We had a reception last week (see, it has been very busy at the Art Center, which is why I am STILL so behind in everything!!!), for all the school art teachers and faculty. It was a lovely reception and fun to put some faces with emails. However, the most thrilling thing was that my Art Teacher from 7th and 8th grade was there! Mrs. Bougeois! She looks the same! She has to be pushing early 70's!! I was so shocked!! I told her that I stare at my "Giraffe" art project every day!! It is a lovely design on burlap, of a hand-stitched giraffe, and I was so clever that I used different stitches and colors for the spots. I kept everything in "safari" colors, except for a red mouth, that looks as if the giraffe is smiling!!! Patsy and Charles had foresight to have this lovely piece framed and it has managed to stay with MOI all these years! I am thinking about bringing in to the office! It might look nice on my wall there!! Of course, in describing this piece to Mrs. Bougeois, it met with a blank stare, but she did at least acknowledge that she was thrilled that I had stopped to chat!! Then, she proceeded to tell MOI that she and her husband had spent so many hours putting together notebooks of slides and pictures of exhibitions at the Art Center in the 60's and 70's (this was before the Big Attic Day). I smiled and told her that I was 99% certain that those boxes of notebooks were STILL IN THE ATTIC! She seemed relieved!!!
I was assigned, "Hauling Duty," since A. I was the youngest of the old. B. I don't have back or knee problems (was thinking of pulling that arthritic toe routine) and C. I have the ability to work and actually FINISH the job!! Everyone pitched in during the first few hours…Out went lots of STUFF…. I felt like I was on one of those Reality TV shows where they clean up the clutter. MEANWHILE….I STILL haven't been able to get through all the boxes that I inherited when I took over the job…so, my office still looks like a Tornado hit it!! And with several big deadlines approaching July 1st….not sure it is going to get organized in the near future!! So up and down I went…hour after hour….several of the "older" folks dropped out. I noticed one staff member sneaking back into her office to do emails. We really were making progress. Maybe there really is something to the Dumpster for Day thing! It does force you to make quick decisions and no going back!! Plus, it really does take it out of you-so no desire to do it for more than a full day!! We finally created a path in the attic. AND LO AND BEHOLD….the Christmas lights appeared…then several more trips, the Coat Racks..then…the Holy Grail…Not One, but TWO tents! HOORAY!! But, still more nooks and crannies…I started pulling out boxes and boxes of spot lights! I guess someone FORGOT that they were up there. They are always burning out and cost $$$. Who knew that spot lights could be so expensive??!! Each gallery has 10-15 in them and they are motion sensors, but still burn out quickly. In all, 10 boxes of lights! This paid for the dumpster!!
And PHEW, at least they aren't going to ask MOI to find a grant to pay for the lights!! "Paula, We NEED LIGHTS!!"
Although, fun to find the lights…still not really the "treasure" I was searching for! I have to still make budget by year end, August 31st, so looking for something to sell on Ebay, really would be fun!! And as you can imagine, by this time, it is MOI alone in the attic thinking I was going to have an Asthma attack from all the dust and that I really should be doing the same thing in my own home!! I was going through some old picture frames and there it was….an original by one of our faculty members, who has passed away, but was a well-known artist. Unfortunately, there had been some damage to the canvas…but, STILL! I went running down the stairs to tell my boss! Since he had become involved in something else..VERY IMPORTANT….several hours ago and had stopped the "hauling" effort-although, he was very appreciative of my efforts!! It was quite a find! He thinks we can repair the damage and we are going to contact some of the artist's past students to see of their interest!! STAY TUNED!!!!!
Of course, last week was one of those…where you can't find anything..because you can't REMEMBER where you last had it…..I lost and found my cell phone several times…But, what I truly find amazing is that I heard a Bee Gees song and knew all the words!!!!!
Dear friend (well, I feel like she is a friend), Charla Krupp, author of How Not to Look Old fame, writes a fashion article for More Magazine. She replaced Kim Goss, of whatever those books were in the 90's that told you how to dress and do lots of things…see…can't remember the name, mentioned in her last article about "Business Women" wearing nude hose. Of course, as a FORMER nude hose wearer-this piqued my interest. Charla writes, "Going bare-legged in summer has been the rule in the fashion world for years. We've nixed the pantyhose, but made sure our naked legs looked good using leg sprays and self-tanners. In offices around the country, though, a lot of women still wear nude hose even on the hottest days. This I discovered, isn't always because of a corporate dress code; sometimes it just makes women physically comfortable." She goes on to state that senior executive women feel nude hose makes them look more polished and that you will be taken more seriously. Be still my heart!! Here we go again!! Haven't we been able to make strides in the business world that takes us for what we are, not what we WEAR!!! Oh my! I can see there is still work to be done!! Here is my challenge…..I have to go in front of the State of Illinois Art Council on Tuesday to answer any questions about our big annual grant (YIKES…I had better find the copy of the GRANT!)…I was planning on wearing a suit, of course, but should I or shouldn't I wear panty hose!! Email MOI you opinions! You can vote YEAH! or NAY! in the subject line!! Stay tuned next week for results!!
All that treasure hunting led MOI to shopping!! So busy, so spent most of my time ONLINE!
Michael Stars has some great new styles for summer. I bought a belted vest in silver-very Fab, plus lots of great t-shirts in fun colors! They seem to hold up the best and still remain fitted, after many washing!!!
Friend Shawna let me know about sales on handbags at:
http://www.mzwallace.com/
Fab Selection!!!
Check out the shoes on sale at Barneys: http://www.barneys.com/Sale
www.Vivre.com was having a mid-week sale on some of their items, check it out!!!
For you sport gals: www.skirtsports.com has some FAB skirts/shorts combos that you can RUN in!! LOVE THEM!!!
Fun Jewelry at www.winknyc.com Go to the jewelry page-it is a bit young, but nice earrings and a cool starfish cuff!!!!
Fabulous necklaces at www.bananarepublic.com look for ones that have wood in them and also a geometric design!
ArtWear t-shirts from www.crystalrock.com They are fitted and longer (a plus!). A bit pricey at $143, but Hey, Madonna wears them!! I ordered the Geisha one!!!
And how did we LIVE before this website: richrocksnyc.com What could be better than Rich Rocks!! So many FAB pieces to choose from..o.k., so they use crystals, CZ's and gold-plating…but, a whole lot of style for not so many $$$! Love the 3-tone hanging disc earrings for $90! A great pair to wear with EVERYTHING!!!!
And Nars cosmetics, another great lip gloss (I hope you all have that Orgasm already), this one is Supervixen!! Double FAB!
Happy Shopping, Cleaning and having FUN!
Love, P
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