What the heck is going on?!?

What?!? Does no one blog anymore? I even manage to do it when I am home sick! Where's the passion and the drive to keep putting our opinions out there? Grrrr.......

On a lighter note... Pingry Invitational reception tomorrow night! Always a fabulous time...

Paris...

I was actually surprised by how much I loved this city! Unfortunately, I can't write much right now... my hands are shakey and the fingers sooo stiff. At approximately 7.30 last night, the was a rumble in the stomach. At 11.38, it all erupted. I have not vomited since 1986/1987. I feel I handled myself fairly well considering the violence of the event. Hubby and Millie had not a clue that I was sick... they slept right on through the whole ordeal. Trying to work today. I knew I could not drive - dad drove me - but I will try to make it through the day... prospects are not looking good...

Paris stories and pictures to come at a later date - like when I know I will not throw up on the keyboard...

Getting ready

The suitcase is out and partially packed... the toiletries are taken care of... the cameras are chosen...Euros are ordered... Millie will soon figure out that mommy is going away... I will get a guilt trip, no doubt.

I worked on two submissions this weekend. I have not gotten into any shows lately but received a hand-written note from one that they liked my work and look forward to seeing more of it. I was also wait-listed for a show that happened to be judged by a curator from the Guggenheim. So that makes me feel a bit better. Also working on a new digital project and more altered photos. Liking the results of those.

Major socializing this weekend - well, for me at least. Dinner with the parents and sister and Lucy last night. Dinner with friends tonight. May not sound like much, but it is very hard to get out. I have been very tired and bothered. The hand hurts and tingles nearly nonstop. And the more I talk to my father and research, the more I think the "some arthritis" that was seen in the MRI may be a sign of something bigger.... And the wrist splint does nada to relieve the pain.

I think I will go and finish the laundry and then wallow in my misery...

Scholastic

Last night was the reception for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards at the Montclair Art Museum. Finally met THE Sassy Grandma! I could definitely tell I was in the presence of coolness and sass... just what I like in a grandma. My favourite memory of my grandma was the last time hubby and I visited her and we got to talking politics. She stomped her cane on the ground she was so angry about a certain politician! Now that's sass! I hope I end up still being that independent and individualistic at that age...

I was soooo impressed by the drawings and most of the paintings that received Gold Key awards. The photos - well, digital is clearly the way to go. The only other thing that seems to impress them in alternative processes. I wonder if the judges can tell whilst judging that there is a difference in analog and digital? Hmmmm....

It was a packed house, as usual and I offered up my seat to students/families twice and thus ended up waaaay in the back (with someone with perpetual gas near me! ugh) but at least I stayed the whole time, not like those who left... Like a person who leaves mass right after Communion.... tsk tsk...

Last night I ordered the euros for the trip next week.... sooo excited...

Subversive

Going out to dinner with a bunch of former or soon to be former volunteers from our town group. This should be fun. Hoping we end up starting some guerrilla town improvement group that does not focus on soliciting donations solely for supplementing the Executive Director's salary...

Really angry with the lack of ambition and drive with some Photo II and III kids and let them have it today. I saw the usual swift ones smiling knowingly... but what will it take to get the others to be self-sufficient and adhere to deadlines and come up with stellar ideas that blow me away? Others in the class are doing it so it is not me, at least not completely. I do have to try to find another angle...

Hung the TAJ show today with Demsey... I think the photos are super! Our kids better get awards!

But oh how I wish the black matte board didn't disappear then - whoa - re-appear. Sticky fingers, drama, and enough to just make you laugh at the immaturity of it all...

No place is like PV, I'll tell you that...

All I hear are icicles falling from the gutters... I have wanted to knock them off so badly but that will ruin the gutters...

Second round of nerve testing yesterday... nothing seems to come up with the muscle testing... but the pain is still there and increasing... wondering if it is just arthritis increasing very quickly. That would truly stink.

We have two shows we are getting ready for: Pingry and Teen Art Jam. Czeps saw some of the work I am putting in and just flipped for them... hopefully the judges will too. That would really make the students feel good.

Reading a biography of Judy Chicago right now. Hubby gave it to me for Christmas. Was never super into her until I saw a retrospective of her work at the NMWA in DC years ago. I felt that her work meant something much more when viewed in person. So this book delves into her family history and is just so fascinating. One thing that struck me was the fact that Chicago is talked about as a woman who may seem abrasive but is just speaking her mind. Too bad my co-workers can't understand this type of woman... sigh...