If you ever watch Bravo's Inside the Actor's Studio, you may pick up on a common thread that many actors become "entertainers" to make their mothers laugh, etc.
Well, I LOVE music, love it. No ambivalence whatsoever. So Frankie comes up to me just about every day to tell me about songs he's written. Last Friday he sang, "Yummy, Yummy Soda," to me. Tonight he came up to tell me that his new song titles are, "Swimmin in the Deep Blue Sea," "Doggie Woggie," "We Gotta Fight," and something else about dogs, but I can't remember the name exactly. He's kinda in to the Beach Boys right now, so I would imagine that most of the tunes sound familiar, in a Beach Boy-y way. It's a hoot.
Frank is really holding me to my commitment to not work so much. Last Sunday he overheard me tell our neighbor Dani that I was going to take Monday off and sit in the sun. As it turned out there wasn't any sun, and I did take the day off in a way. I went down to the wholesale flower market and bought lots of fresh (wholesale) flowers, arranged them, put some more inventory on the floor, oh, and on the way back from the flower market, I stopped in at Terre Verde and CJ Kard to do something spying, I mean shopping.
Doug picked Frank up from Children's Choice and they stopped by the market (the art market) on the way to Tae Kwon Do and he said, "HEY MOM, YOU weren't going to work today, you were going to sit in the sun. WHAT'S GOING ON?" Yep, he yelled at me. I asked him if he was worried I was working too hard. He said, "Didn't you learn anything after falling off that ladder?" Outa the mouths of babes I tell ya. Pure wisdom.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
My Friend Bonnie
Bonnie called today, she and Doug just got home from a trip, and as it turns out, she was inducted into the Scuba Diving Hall of Fame. I'm very proud of her. Congratulations Bonnie, you deserve many accolades, not only for this, but for many other things as well.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Monsters Inc. . . . on ICE!
Our friend and boys' babysitter Danielle was kind enough to pass on three tickets to the Monsters Inc. on ice show at the World Center tonight to us. I'm taking the boys and Doug is staying home and relaxing. It is often Doug that does things alone with the boys so I am particularly happy that I get to take them tonight.
I told Frankie last night on our way to a birthday party. He was soooo excited about going. He got a little sad that Daddy had to stay home alone, but then I reminded him that Daddy got to do lots and lots of things with just him and Beck and that I rarely did, and then he said, "Okay Mom, I get it, it's all good." A little bit of CJ shining through with those words.
When Doug made his way to Colorado last year ahead of us, I got to spend lots of time with just the two boys, and I miss that sometimes. Not that I'm not glad we're all in one place again, I just think I need to schedule more "dates" with my boys.
I told Frankie last night on our way to a birthday party. He was soooo excited about going. He got a little sad that Daddy had to stay home alone, but then I reminded him that Daddy got to do lots and lots of things with just him and Beck and that I rarely did, and then he said, "Okay Mom, I get it, it's all good." A little bit of CJ shining through with those words.
When Doug made his way to Colorado last year ahead of us, I got to spend lots of time with just the two boys, and I miss that sometimes. Not that I'm not glad we're all in one place again, I just think I need to schedule more "dates" with my boys.
Small-ness
I'm feeling the pain of a small town right now, and remembering more and more how it was. One good thing about gigantic, urban-sprawl-infested cities, is you don't have to deal with some of the painful things that go along with small towns.
I'm used to both, big and small. I detest the isolation of a big city, but I detest the pettiness and smallmindedness that comes along with a small town; the pervasive envy that spreads like poison ivy and the propensity for cattiness. I had another merchant come into the store today, I didn't talk with her but overheard her talking to Micki. I was so sad at the things she felt it was necessary to say about other businesses in town, and also how important it was to her to communicate that while some of "her customers" may have shopped at our store, she wanted to make it clear they belonged to her. I sat in my office chuckling to myself, and felt very thankful I was in my office and not talking with her directly.
She also said that she had talked with the former gallery owners, also the building owners about leasing the space herself, but she didn't really see how a store like ours or hers could really make it given the rent. And finally I overheard her directly and boldly telling a lie about something and had to make my way out into the gallery area, not to confront her, but simply to get her to STOP talking by changing the subject before she dug herself in any deeper.
Fortunately for all of us, customers came in just then and she hightailed it for the door.
I am also fortunate in having the age children I have. I am reminded through them that we often behave the worst when we should behave the best, because we're feeling insecure, and our behavior, particularly bad behavior is almost invariably directly linked to our insecurities, unless overly-tired or overly-hungry comes into play.
Maybe the unpleasant lady was just hungry. I should've offered her something to eat.
I'm used to both, big and small. I detest the isolation of a big city, but I detest the pettiness and smallmindedness that comes along with a small town; the pervasive envy that spreads like poison ivy and the propensity for cattiness. I had another merchant come into the store today, I didn't talk with her but overheard her talking to Micki. I was so sad at the things she felt it was necessary to say about other businesses in town, and also how important it was to her to communicate that while some of "her customers" may have shopped at our store, she wanted to make it clear they belonged to her. I sat in my office chuckling to myself, and felt very thankful I was in my office and not talking with her directly.
She also said that she had talked with the former gallery owners, also the building owners about leasing the space herself, but she didn't really see how a store like ours or hers could really make it given the rent. And finally I overheard her directly and boldly telling a lie about something and had to make my way out into the gallery area, not to confront her, but simply to get her to STOP talking by changing the subject before she dug herself in any deeper.
Fortunately for all of us, customers came in just then and she hightailed it for the door.
I am also fortunate in having the age children I have. I am reminded through them that we often behave the worst when we should behave the best, because we're feeling insecure, and our behavior, particularly bad behavior is almost invariably directly linked to our insecurities, unless overly-tired or overly-hungry comes into play.
Maybe the unpleasant lady was just hungry. I should've offered her something to eat.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Alone in the Store Today
I was the sole proprietor of the market today. It was the best. I got to talk to customers and do what I wanted when I wanted to, sorta, and within reason. I priced things when I felt like, I worked on the POS system when I felt like it, I ate lunch when I felt like it. I didn't feel guilty when Dani and I sat at the pub table in the front window and chatted for an hour, because being in our store is my job. I warmly greeted another business person who came down to welcome me, and invited her to bring her dog in, who Dani graciously held onto so the visitor and I could chat. I sent an ad to one of the local newspapers and thought about updating a mailing list, but didn't. I came home and read a magazine and a catalog, cuz that's kinda my job too. And I thought about ordering Christmas stuff before Herm calls me and tells me I have to start thinking about it.
For anyone reading this who has thought about "doing something" or moving somewhere, or undertaking some new adventure . . . . . . let me tell you, for us, this has been worth every iota of effort we have put into it. I cannot believe how much better our life is, how much happier we all are, Doug, me AND the boys. I won't ever feel the coulda, shoulda, wouldas, because we dida. And while it wasn't without its periods of difficulty and anxiety and especially hard work, I reiterate that it has been worth every single ounce of energy we put into making it happen.
So in a nutshell, I guess Nike was right, just DO it.
For anyone reading this who has thought about "doing something" or moving somewhere, or undertaking some new adventure . . . . . . let me tell you, for us, this has been worth every iota of effort we have put into it. I cannot believe how much better our life is, how much happier we all are, Doug, me AND the boys. I won't ever feel the coulda, shoulda, wouldas, because we dida. And while it wasn't without its periods of difficulty and anxiety and especially hard work, I reiterate that it has been worth every single ounce of energy we put into making it happen.
So in a nutshell, I guess Nike was right, just DO it.
About as happy as a person can be . . .
I talked with Syd today, who will be coming to Second Street Art Market and playing on Saturday, May 5th. It is official. Officially. So, he's the first person scheduled to visit us. Who's next? C'mon you guys, how long have Doug and I been talking about doing this? We're really doing this, we're open, we're selling things to people. So come and see us.
Photos Photos Photos
Did I already use that title? Anyway, I think I MAY have figured out the photo thing. If I did here they are, and if I didn't, here is where you can go to see them.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Our First Day
Today was Second Street Art Market's first day of business. All in all, it was pretty damn good. We had consistent traffic throughout the day, several sales and some "former" regular customers who not only came in to check us out but made some purchases as well.
We aren't currently running any advertising since we wanted a few days to get our feet wet before driving larger numbers into the store, so I am pleased overall with how many people actually came in. Many who did, hadn't realized we weren't open prior to today or didn't know at all that we weren't ever open. Another good thing.
Fewer "friends" stopped by to visit today than I had expected but I would assume they were just giving us some space our first day and I appreciate that. Sabrina and Maggie from next door brought pastries (Sabrina) and a beautiful lily (Maggie) and that was very sweet of them to do. Danielle left a note on the door wishing us luck and that was a wonderful way to start the day. Dani was the first person in the door and wanted to be the first person to make a purchase after we opened, and she was. I really appreciated that, it was also such a wonderful way to start the day and so thoughtful of her to do. She's like that. I'm not certain I would have remembered to be so thoughtful had the situations been reversed. She also brought a bottle of champagne, which again was so thoughtful.
There is a commercial running right now that I would imagine most everyone has seen, and I say that because I NEVER watch television but I've somehow still seen it so I can't imagine how anyone else could have avoided it. Anyway it is for some sleep aid, and Abraham Lincoln and an animal, like a beaver, speak to this guy who can't sleep and tell him his dreams miss him.
In remembering that this was our dream, for many years, it is important to also acknowledge and accept that every so often something equally bizarre enters into a dream, on the order of a beaver or Abe Lincoln, and that doesn't necessarily alter the overall dream itself. We had a couple of those, ranging from really bizarre to downright disappointing in terms of behavior, but again, the dream itself was hardly diminished, rather it is more vivid in the opportunity to one day look back and laugh at the ridiculousness of certain situations, and be thankful that we were able to do so, and especially with laughter.
I will be in the store by myself tomorrow, or at least not with Micki. I appreciate that the fact that she is sensitive enough to allow me that space. I intend to stay focused throughout the day and mindfully and purposefully experience the reality of this dream come true.
We aren't currently running any advertising since we wanted a few days to get our feet wet before driving larger numbers into the store, so I am pleased overall with how many people actually came in. Many who did, hadn't realized we weren't open prior to today or didn't know at all that we weren't ever open. Another good thing.
Fewer "friends" stopped by to visit today than I had expected but I would assume they were just giving us some space our first day and I appreciate that. Sabrina and Maggie from next door brought pastries (Sabrina) and a beautiful lily (Maggie) and that was very sweet of them to do. Danielle left a note on the door wishing us luck and that was a wonderful way to start the day. Dani was the first person in the door and wanted to be the first person to make a purchase after we opened, and she was. I really appreciated that, it was also such a wonderful way to start the day and so thoughtful of her to do. She's like that. I'm not certain I would have remembered to be so thoughtful had the situations been reversed. She also brought a bottle of champagne, which again was so thoughtful.
There is a commercial running right now that I would imagine most everyone has seen, and I say that because I NEVER watch television but I've somehow still seen it so I can't imagine how anyone else could have avoided it. Anyway it is for some sleep aid, and Abraham Lincoln and an animal, like a beaver, speak to this guy who can't sleep and tell him his dreams miss him.
In remembering that this was our dream, for many years, it is important to also acknowledge and accept that every so often something equally bizarre enters into a dream, on the order of a beaver or Abe Lincoln, and that doesn't necessarily alter the overall dream itself. We had a couple of those, ranging from really bizarre to downright disappointing in terms of behavior, but again, the dream itself was hardly diminished, rather it is more vivid in the opportunity to one day look back and laugh at the ridiculousness of certain situations, and be thankful that we were able to do so, and especially with laughter.
I will be in the store by myself tomorrow, or at least not with Micki. I appreciate that the fact that she is sensitive enough to allow me that space. I intend to stay focused throughout the day and mindfully and purposefully experience the reality of this dream come true.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Sometimes you just have to say HOLY S&!T
There are times that there are no better words to describe shock or surprise at something, and last night as I was zipping through the iPod list looking for SYD at the party we had at Second Street Art Market for the artists, I suddenly realized that our GRAND OPENING is scheduled for May 5th, which is almost EXACTLY one year from the date of our going away party in California, which I think was May 6th. Both fall on Saturdays, so it's close enough to one year to illicit a HOLY S?!T outa me. How about that.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Love My Life
As I read back through posts, I so appreciate the idea of a journal, or in this case, a blog. Mainly there are things about my boys I want to remember and if I write about them here, quickly, without over thinking it, I'll have a place to go that will remind me how much I love my life.
Every day is something new at the market. Beautiful things, people visit, I walk from the kitchen into the main gallery and get a completely different view of it then from the front door. I cannot believe this is actually happening.
This morning I've put together the play list for opening day, or week. People like James Morrison (could he be getting more press?), Josh Kelley, Josh Rouse, Kate Earl, Jonatha Brooke, The Fray, Rachael Yamagata, Gavin DeGraw, Matt Kearney, Matt Nathanson, Matt Ryczek, Matt York, Micah Dalton, Sean Dalton, Sonya Kitchell and Syd. Plus a little Van Morrison.
Beckett and I went and ran errands this weekend. He LOVES shopping. Every day when I pick him up he says, "go shopping mom and to the grocery store." I don't know how shopping is different than going to the grocery store, or where it is he wants to go other than the grocery store. But this weekend we went to Michaels and CompUSA and Whole Foods. He was such a good helper, and kept telling me he was my friend. Right now he's asleep next to me. He got up about 4am and came upstairs. He just woke up, rolled out of bed and came to sit on the floor next to me where I'm writing. He snuggled up, then went back to sleep. THIS is why I love my life.
Yesterday I was looking at photographs of Frank pre-age four, when Beckett was born. He was just as much of a snuggler. We had a conversation about how we don't snuggle anymore, and its just like Frank to make sure that now we do. Since our conversation he walks up and hugs me and then just holds on and holds on and holds on, and then asks if we can sit and snuggle.
And Doug, is funny and positive and helpful. It used to be I'd come home and he'd be reading the paper or watching the news and he didn't really acknowledge me that much, or take note of the fact that I was bringing boxes o' stuff into the house. Now, everyday (just about) he helps me bring all my stuff in, may seem insignificant, but the bottom line is he's connected, plugged in, participating, involved. And all those things are Doug when he's happier.
Every day is something new at the market. Beautiful things, people visit, I walk from the kitchen into the main gallery and get a completely different view of it then from the front door. I cannot believe this is actually happening.
This morning I've put together the play list for opening day, or week. People like James Morrison (could he be getting more press?), Josh Kelley, Josh Rouse, Kate Earl, Jonatha Brooke, The Fray, Rachael Yamagata, Gavin DeGraw, Matt Kearney, Matt Nathanson, Matt Ryczek, Matt York, Micah Dalton, Sean Dalton, Sonya Kitchell and Syd. Plus a little Van Morrison.
Beckett and I went and ran errands this weekend. He LOVES shopping. Every day when I pick him up he says, "go shopping mom and to the grocery store." I don't know how shopping is different than going to the grocery store, or where it is he wants to go other than the grocery store. But this weekend we went to Michaels and CompUSA and Whole Foods. He was such a good helper, and kept telling me he was my friend. Right now he's asleep next to me. He got up about 4am and came upstairs. He just woke up, rolled out of bed and came to sit on the floor next to me where I'm writing. He snuggled up, then went back to sleep. THIS is why I love my life.
Yesterday I was looking at photographs of Frank pre-age four, when Beckett was born. He was just as much of a snuggler. We had a conversation about how we don't snuggle anymore, and its just like Frank to make sure that now we do. Since our conversation he walks up and hugs me and then just holds on and holds on and holds on, and then asks if we can sit and snuggle.
And Doug, is funny and positive and helpful. It used to be I'd come home and he'd be reading the paper or watching the news and he didn't really acknowledge me that much, or take note of the fact that I was bringing boxes o' stuff into the house. Now, everyday (just about) he helps me bring all my stuff in, may seem insignificant, but the bottom line is he's connected, plugged in, participating, involved. And all those things are Doug when he's happier.
Friday, March 09, 2007
March 21, the First Day of Spring
It is official, we're opening on March 21st, the first day of Spring. Things are GREAT, the market gets better every single day. I marvel at least once an hour at how our dream is coming true. People stop in to find out when we're opening and then sheepishly ask if there are any opportunities for pre-opening purchases. Our sign and an "Opening . . . " banner will go up early next week, and at this point I think we're only waiting for three or four more shipments of merchandise to arrive.
I am overwhelmed, stressed out, concerned about everything I need to get done, but having fun still throughout it all. I LOVE the things we're selling, and that makes it all so easy to do. When someone comes in and comments on a particular piece, I have sincere passion and enthusiasm about whichever piece it is, and it is a wonderful feeling.
An artist stopped in yesterday to say she was in another gallery in town, a prominent one, but wanted to be with us instead. She said she had an agreement not to sell the work in the other gallery for six months, but had enough inventory of other stuff to provide us with different work and sit on the other inventory for a while after she took it out of the other place. I don't know for certain if we'll take her on, but it is certainly a good feeling to have someone say these things when we're not even open yet. The crazy thing is the other gallery is having an opening for her that begins tonight. Even still, she was almost desperate to be in our place rather than theirs. I felt for her, and obviously we wouldn't do anything until her other show ended, which will be more than a month from now.
I've gotten more active (already) in the town merchant's association than I want to be, but circumstances are such that I simply cannot give them the time they'd like no matter what since I have so much still to do before we open.
With that, I'm off to get ready, get the boys ready and head over there. If you haven't already, check out our website at www.secondstreetart.com. Oh, and plan a visit to Monument, okay?
I am overwhelmed, stressed out, concerned about everything I need to get done, but having fun still throughout it all. I LOVE the things we're selling, and that makes it all so easy to do. When someone comes in and comments on a particular piece, I have sincere passion and enthusiasm about whichever piece it is, and it is a wonderful feeling.
An artist stopped in yesterday to say she was in another gallery in town, a prominent one, but wanted to be with us instead. She said she had an agreement not to sell the work in the other gallery for six months, but had enough inventory of other stuff to provide us with different work and sit on the other inventory for a while after she took it out of the other place. I don't know for certain if we'll take her on, but it is certainly a good feeling to have someone say these things when we're not even open yet. The crazy thing is the other gallery is having an opening for her that begins tonight. Even still, she was almost desperate to be in our place rather than theirs. I felt for her, and obviously we wouldn't do anything until her other show ended, which will be more than a month from now.
I've gotten more active (already) in the town merchant's association than I want to be, but circumstances are such that I simply cannot give them the time they'd like no matter what since I have so much still to do before we open.
With that, I'm off to get ready, get the boys ready and head over there. If you haven't already, check out our website at www.secondstreetart.com. Oh, and plan a visit to Monument, okay?
Eric Clapton
Doug and I saw Eric Clapton at the Pepsi Center in Denver two nights ago. I have gone to A LOT of concerts, and love live music. However, there simply aren't words to describe the experience of seeing Eric Clapton perform live. This was the best concert I have ever been to, hands down, no question, he is amazing and that doesn't even begin to describe it.
When I am 115, I will still remember seeing "Layla" performed live, it is a memory I will retain purposefully.
Doug and I had a great time. It was just the two of us, and our seats were in the 12th row, directly in the center. I could see Clapton smile and laugh, sigh and close his eyes while he was playing.
We took the light rail from Lone Tree to the Pepsi Center, which was fun, but probably not something we would do again, just because it took so long and as it turned out we didn't see any traffic on Interstate 25, which runs parallel to the light rail route.
There's more, including a funny store about the couple we sat across from on the way back, and something about Doug telling me to let him know if we both had to jump up quickly. (Both of them were really drunk. Doug and I were both greatly relieved to overhear them call their kids for a ride home from the light rail station since neither one could have possibly driven.) But I'll save all that for another post later.
When I am 115, I will still remember seeing "Layla" performed live, it is a memory I will retain purposefully.
Doug and I had a great time. It was just the two of us, and our seats were in the 12th row, directly in the center. I could see Clapton smile and laugh, sigh and close his eyes while he was playing.
We took the light rail from Lone Tree to the Pepsi Center, which was fun, but probably not something we would do again, just because it took so long and as it turned out we didn't see any traffic on Interstate 25, which runs parallel to the light rail route.
There's more, including a funny store about the couple we sat across from on the way back, and something about Doug telling me to let him know if we both had to jump up quickly. (Both of them were really drunk. Doug and I were both greatly relieved to overhear them call their kids for a ride home from the light rail station since neither one could have possibly driven.) But I'll save all that for another post later.
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