You're killing me smalls!

That's directed at myself.  It's been almost a year that I've written anything here. Like I said in my last entry I really want to try and a blog at least weekly.  Well.... it's been a looong time and there's been lots going on.  We celebrated 16 years in business at the Garden Gate, Alfresco Productions is continuing to grow, I started a new chapter (pun intended) and opened a book store, and am about to start renovations on another old and much loved building in my hometown.   I've never been one to stay idle.  So.... here I go again I am defintely going to try and stay focused and write! I hope that's a resolution I can keep!

Time Flies

Where does the time go? When I decided to write a blog for my website I thought this'll be easy.  I'll block out an hour a day just for me to relax, reflect, and write a few words about what's going on. Not that I think my life is so exciting that everyone will be chomping at the bit to follow my every move, but more for me to be able to journal my "adventures" Well.... So much for that!
It's been over a year and not one scribble from me, not that I've been idle and twiddling my thumbs! Just the opposite! This has been an action packed year.  I finished my last term as an elected official (I think everyone should get involved in local government in some way),
The Alfresco Art Center has been moving full steam ahead and growing at an unbelievable rate.  The Garden Gate Tea Room has just celebrated 15 years! I'm hoping for 15 more! I'm closing in the next few weeks on a book store/boutique and I'm rehabbing a beautiful Mission Style Arts and Crafts home to become a Piano/Jazz Bar!.  You'd think I could find something to write about.  So, I'm hoping to really take the time to chat about what's going on so in a year from now I can look back and remember the ride - Because.... Every day is an adventure!

Elf on a shelf!

It's December 9th and I have zero, zip, nadda - not one Christmas Decoration up!
I usually don't put any up at home, after all it's just me and Daisy. I really don't think she minds.

BUT!  I always decorate my restaurant and art center.  Every year my family's Christmas is held at the tea room, and this year we're hosting a Christmas Cabaret at the center.  I'm pretty sure decorations are in order!

So, I have got to get off the stick and get things pulled together.  The weather's been descent so I can't use that as an excuse.  Now watch... there 'll probably be an ice storm since I'm planning to do it this weekend!

I don't need an elf on the shelf!
I need a genie in a bottle! 

Wish me luck.  This year may be the scaled down version of holiday decor.

Now don't even get me started on the Christmas present thing - or the lack of. 
That's another fine mess!

Speaking a foreign language!

I've always wanted to speak a foreign language! In school I tried German that didn't go well, so I thought I'd try Spanish.  Geez I may know a whole 4 words in each language.  Needless to say those classes brought down the old GPA. 

So, as I got older I thought, French that's such a romantic language.  I want to learn French.  Have you seen those advertisements... Learn to speak a foreign language in so much time?  They may work for some people but for me... all I did was spend money on cds that sit on a shelf and remind me that I still can't speak a foreign language! 

Although!  I may have added four more words to my multicultural vocabulary.  Let me see 4 words in German, 4 in Spanish and 4 in French - I'm just about ready for that international vacation!

I probably should give up.

But, there is one more language that I really need to learn and that's the language of hair. 
Oh you haven't heard of that?  I'm sure you know that language.   That's language of when you go to get your hair cut and can't seem to make them understand what you want, not even when you have a picture!   Like when I took in a photo of a cute trendy style and left looking like the shrunken head guy on Beetlejuice!

I swear before I die I will concur that language if no other!

What a day!

Gosh - Time flies.  Has it really been 14 years since I opened The Garden Gate - and 2 years for The Alfresco Art Center?

I know it has, but when you say it out loud it's only then, it starts to sink in.

Today was a great day not just for my business but for my hometown.

Fox 2 News "In You Neighborhood" was airing live from Granite City.

It gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling when you see other people appreciating something that's near and dear to you.

Unfortunately not all of the great businesses in our community could be highlighted in this segment, as one of the crew said "There's so much here we could air 10 hours!"

So to the eclectic mix of business that make our community what is... a big thank you!

I'm thrilled I can be a small part of it!

We're off to see the Wizard!

For Christmas two of my friends made arrangements to take me to see The Wizard of Oz "live" this evening at the Fabulous Fox theater!  I'm so excited!  Anyone who really knows me knows that "it" is my very favorite - all time - with out question favorite movie.  I will never grow too old for it.
My office at the Art Center is decorated with the memorabilia that I've collected over the years. AND... in my neighborhood we have a pre-halloween party and of course its' theme is... The Wizard of Oz.  I say the party is for the little kids but maybe it's an excuse so I can have a big themed party at my age!  And speaking of age if I weren't almost 52 I'd be tempted to take my ruby red slippers down from the shelf in my office and follow the yellow brick road tonight, but I won't do that to my friends.  So, as I spend some much needed time with firends watching a live performace of this classic,  I'll be reminded that - dreams really do come true -  Thanks Diane and Brandon!!!

Enough already!

Rain Rain go away!
I know April showers bring May flowers but this is ridiculous! 
I used to be one of those people who would stay on the front porch and watch the storms come through.  Now I grab the dog and high tail it to the basement saying prayers all the way!

In my neighborhood we've had so much wind damage over the last several years that I think our name should be tornado alley!

So, do I still love having the windows open and hearing the gentle tapping of a spring shower, and the way everything smells after the rain - YES!

And is the Wizard of Oz my favorite movie - YES!

But do I enjoy feeling like the characters in the movie -  NO!

So - be gone  gray skies, wind and rain and bring on the bright technicolor as if we have landed in Oz!