Dallas Arboretum's Southern Artisan's Market

Today I'm writing about the Southern Artisan's Market because Joy asked me to chair the show at the Dallas Arboretum. How exciting for me. Scheduled for Saturday and Sunday October 10 and 11th, maybe just maybe we will be having tolerable or even cool weather. Let's not get crazy and just hope for tolerable.

The Arboretum only gets better and better as these pictures show. And here's some pictures of artist's work. Mark your calendars. You can attend this even though it's during the State Fair of Texas.

Water at the Arboretum

Back to the neighborhood Arboretum Stroll In The Garden with Andie. Here's some beautiful fountains in their garden. Since the garden tour I've decided I want to listen to water in the back yard, but like everything else, I think about it and do nothing and now it's too hot to get out there and dig a pond or fountain.

I did take advantage of the damp ground yesterday morning and tried to pull all the little oak trees out of the front beds. You'd think 8 million buckets or rain would make the ground soft enough to pull out the little trees by the nuts my darling squirrels bury. Nope. I broke most of them off. But the beds look better. Also picked up all the little branches all over the front yard from the storm. I will get you a picture of the magnolia (soon to be tree) Cynthia gave me. She and I pulled 4 little startups from under her big tree and I planted all 4 together. One now has tiny leaves. So exciting. I'll also get a picture of Barb's maple tree for you. Talk about looking pretty.

For today enjoy these beautiful fountains at the Arboretum. The Dallas Arboretum's just across the street, hope their storm damage was minimal.

Garden Stroll at the Arboretum

The Dallas Arboretum graciously offered a Garden Stroll Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 complimentary to all the surrounding neighborhoods. Andie and I put on big hats and went strolling. Cute lady policeman at the gate let us in and Charlotte was there at guest relations to sign us in. Charlotte is my favorite person at the Arboretum. That's probably politically incorrect to say, but she's just great.

We had our big hats, but it was about 140 degrees and Andie says, "I always turn right when I enter, let's turn left." I agreed though I knew better. Andie, my little rancher friend, would go nuts when she saw the old town village back there. I knew she'd never seen it or she'd would have wanted to me show me. Do we know anyone who has more buildings in their back yard than Andie? Nope, but this gave her ideas. I kept snapping pictures for her as my fingers melted to butter and salty sweat ran in my eyes. But you have to admit any visit to the Arboretum, even in hurting heat is a treat. I emailed Charlotte later and she said most of the neighbors were from Forest Hills. Good for us.

After an hour we left and I went on to welding class. Can I find something to occupy my time that's not sweltering??????? Time for therapy - in an air conditioned place.

Garden Fairys, Gnomes and the Big Dragon

Yesterday, I went to the followup Artscape committee meeting at the Arboretum. We on the committee agreed Artscape in the garden was a resounding success. Guess which volunteer had the most fun working the show? Maybe "working" is not the correct description.

First picture shows the Artscape Committee members and the cute redhead is our Arboretum leader - Joy. I told Mary later what a great job she does constantly disarming us with her awsome smile. After, I walked down to the Camp House for the meeting with Mary B and the neighborhood Arboretum liaisons shown in second pictgure. Mary told us new projects in the works for the Arboretum. Took these pictures of tulips on the way. A lot are in their last days, but I find them to be "best of show" right now, all wide open and struggling to keep going. These pictures do not do them justice.

When I walked down to the Camp House meeting taking pictures, the park was closed. Sun setting, no one around but me - magic time. I slipped through the "magic portal" and visited with the garden fairys. Always polite to the garden gnomes, but stayed out of their way. Saw the tail of the big dragon as he was rounding a corner on some mission. Was hoping for a quick fly over the lake with him. Maybe next time.

I so wish my camera worked inside the "magic portal" for your sake.

Missed a day

OK, I missed a day posting and didn't even notice. But I'm here now, starting up again.

Beautiful day for welding today so I decided to make a piece for Todd's function. Finished it except for adding some glass. Didn't get a picture for you, but will have one tomorrow.

Cleaned up and took Ms. Hensley stuff and picked up stuff. She is a little past Walnut Hill - road trip! I hate this time of year with all the bookkeeping for Bob's company. I never have it completely together even though I try really really hard.

Stopped in at Clothes Circuit on the way back toward the Arboretum. Tried on the cutest jacket, unusual peach color with a zip front. I took it to the big mirror, tried it on, tried to zip it up. Not easy unless serious sucking in. Asked a customer who was walking by if she thought the jacket was to small. She said perhaps. Then she said, "Is that the giant size malt in your hand?" I gave her a dirty look and didn't respond. Didn't by the jacket either. I have a few jackets in my closet that are a "touch" small.

On to the Arboretum for Artscape meeting. Got there at 4:00 on the dot. No one in our meeting room. Felt that little nagging feeling when you know you've screwed up. To the office, saw Charlotte. Asked the receptionist. Yup. As she called Melissa, I remembered the meeting was changed to noon. I remembered Melissa sending us a reminder notice. Well, shoot. So sad that I can't blame this one on a conspiracy, isn't it? Wait, give me a day or two and I'll figure a way.

Show Entrance Idiot

Cynthia talked me into entering my mosiac heart in the "Sum Of All Parts 2" show at the Bathhouse.  Took me 3 hours to get some pictures, which you can see are not great, fill out the forms, etc.  Got it all done and got to the Bathhouse with 30 minutes to spare from the deadline.  Today I ran an errand in JoAnn's  car (I'm car sitting) and there's the entry form.  I am a Show Entrance Idiot.  Should have figured something was wrong when I had 30 minutes to spare before the deadline.  Saw Katrina when I dropped off half my package and she was talking about the mermaid show she's going to do at the Bathhouse in the spring.  Guess I'll just start looking forward to that.  I know Cynthia will have some fabulous mermaid and encourage me to work on one, so I'd better get started.

Now I'm off to American metal for what else?  Metal.  I have the third chair of my commission in my head and ready to go.  I think this is Arboretum Artscape committee meeting day, so once again, I'll be welding up until time to go.  I'm so dirty and smelly I sit far away from everyone as a courtesy.  At least they let me in.

Tried to upload the pictures I took for the Bathhouse piece and they won't.  

Did I mention a shelf hit me on the head last Thursday.  I have an excuse for EVERYTHING for a year with Bob and six months each with Cynthia and Jay.  Thank goodness!

New Welding Helmet

Since last I wrote I've been to the preview party for the Arboretum's Artscape at Larry and Marilyn's home.  Beautiful house and spectacular yard.  I told Marilyn the Forest Hills Garden Club would love a field trip and she said we'd be welcome.  I forgot my camera.  

Last night was the press party for the White Rock Lake Studio Artist's Tour.  I did bring my camera and will post pictures tonight.  The party was at Robin's and as always she made everyone feel so welcome.  Her home is incredibly beautiful with views that take your breath away.  Of course all the artists were in awe of her studio.

So today I have to brag about my new welding helmet.  You can't appreciate it unless you know about the old one.  Hence, both pictures.  

Well, let's talk MAKE MY DAY.  First the see thru window is not all scratched up and I can see.  Maybe my welds will look better now.  I had to duct tape the old helmet insert so it didn't lift up and down any more.  You know how that goes, you have to keep duct taping.  Finally there was so much duct tape gunk every time I took the helmet off it took chunks of my hair with it.  I do not look good with bald spots.  No duct tape on the new helmet - so the bald spots on my head are growing back.  And finally it's automatic darkening, pretty special.  I will admit Miss Cheapo got it on sale and used a coupon.  Can't take the "cheap" out of Lottie.  Oh, one last thing, even though this picture is blurry, I look fabulous in the new helmet!

Tuesday Tip Day

I was talking to Bob about what to keep writing and he suggested a tip day.  So now Tuesday is Tip Day.  

JoAnn gave me this one.  She found this guy who gives tips on saving money.  He's Clark Howard and these tips are pretty cool.  At Cosco, marked down items end in 97.  At Sams, clearance items end in a penny amount like .73 or .47.  If the bar code number has the letter C after it, it's a clearance item.  I had no idea.  Picture me at my next Sam's visit with numbers shooting out of the top of my head as I try to remember this.  Not my best look.

East Dallas Art Gardens should have some garden tips, so here's some overlooked and underplanted perennials for our area.  These are from the Far East Dallas Garden Tour.  

Basket of Gold

Butterfly Weed

Heartleaf Bergenia

Golden Wave

Blanket Flower

Gayfeather

Beard Tongue

Gloriosa Daisy

Yellow Fall Crocus

Rain Lily

As a PS, my rock rose is blooming and is the only plant in my yard that will continue through the nasty nasty 100 degree weather we will endure during what will seem like 13 months of summer.  

Another great tip is log onto the Arboretum's website.  They change the pictures of the gardens often and you can just keep entertaining yourself with their beautiful pictures.

Now that Bob gave me Tuesday Tip Day idea I'll be looking for bizarre tips in the future.  Stay tuned.

Pam and me

Pam and I went to the Arboretum for lunch Friday.  Heaven forbid we find a single person to take a picture of both of us in front of my leaf.  Actually, that's probably good because I always look short and fat next to my fashion model cousin.  No one takes a picture like Pam.  

We went to the tea room for lunch and sat outside.  There was a lady playing beautiful music on a keyboard out in the garden.  Our lunch was delicious, though we talk so much we barely have time to eat.  Pam didn't have time to go through all the gardens so we will do that again.  We should have worn fancy hats and really looked like the "ladies who lunch".   Or does that include high heels?  We're a bit past strolling the gardens in high heels.

Women Who Weld and Dan

When Barb suggest I start a blog, I came up with this great name, Women Who Weld.  My darling friend, Hardy, who set up my blog said, "Women Who Weld, great name for the 3 women who will read it."  Oh.  

Hardy approved of East Dallas Art Gardens, but I thought you'd like to see the 3 Women Who Weld as seen in class with our teacher tonight, Dan.  Might not be easy to see, but in honor of Staci (of Robert Bellamy Designs) I'm wearing fabulous fake dangle diamond earrings.  I was going to wear my tiara, but I can't find it.

Next Saturday Cynthia and I close down our sculpture show at the Arboretum.  I'll get pictures of her piece and Arlene's so you can see results from Women Who Weld.

2008 White Rock East Garden & Artisans Tour, continued

The plant sale was a popular place, but not just for plants.  Becky Poling and friends came with pets from Dallas Animal Services and Companions For Life.  I haven't talked to Becky to see how many furry sweethearts were adopted, but I'm hoping they all have new people parents to take care of.

Melody, from the Arboretum, was ever ready to sign up new members for the Arboretum.  I saw her yesterday when I went over for an Artscape meeting.  I created havoc in the office building by being too loud bragging on the tour.

Hello East Dallas Art Gardens

What am I doing starting a blog about gardens with art in East Dallas?  Art in the garden is where I want to be now.  This welded steel and fused glass "butterfly leaf" I made last fall for display at the State Fair of Texas is now on display at the Dallas Arboretum.  The Texas Sculpture Association is celebrating it's 25th anniversary and the board was asked to find venues for the members to show this year.  I asked the Arboretum if they would allow us to come in and display our art.  My wonderful Partner In Art, Cynthia and I got it together and with the help of Nan Phillips, the President and Brenda Guyton, our webmaster.  Brenda sent out a "call to artists" and we installed  twenty TSA artists and their sculptures Saturday and Sunday March 1st and 2nd.  The art is on a pathway leading to the old main gate and looks incredible in the Arboretum gardens.  I'm hoping the Arboretum,  www.dallasarboretum.org/ will spotlight us in future publicity.  We will be there six weeks and then begin another rotation.  Check out the www.txssculpture.com website for pictures of all the pieces and my website, www.lottieminick.com for more of my pieces.