Slowly Stacking Up
My paintings are stacking up for the Big Smiles Art show. I can’t decide if they’re stacking up slowly or quickly. There was one painting I had to scrap and start over on because it looked too cartoony. I had spent a few days on it before deciding it wasn’t working. It felt good to make the decision, set it aside and start over. I had the goal to make six paintings. I’m up to five and have to rework the last design before getting started on it. The show is on the 13th but next week is Elliott’s spring break and they need time to set up for the show, so I’m cutting it close! Overall I’m happy with how things are progressing, but feeling the time crunch!
I’m excited and really nervous to be showing my work with three other exceptionally talented artists Henry Hablak, Keith Greiman, and Keith Garcia. Feeling super humbled to be amongst this crew. Go take a look at their art. It is weird and wonderful.
The show will be at the Fairmount House 206 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123
The opening is April 13th from 6-9pm
Things worth sharing:
Last week was my birthday and Elliott made me the best necklace from his polymer clay bead collection. Jason got me some sweet gardening supplies and ordered my favorite Indian food. I took myself to my favorite thrift store and a few days later got hot pot and sushi with some of my favorite ladies. Just living the dream.
Ever since I started painting Instagram has been feeding me daily painter content. There’s a whole movement of folks that make a small painting a day as a practice. It was popularized by Carole Marine. She started this site for folks to purchase them, there are some treasures hidden in there. I’m going to search to see if she’s done any podcasts.
We picked up these Mario perler beads at Michael’s the other day and Elliott’s been enjoying them as his latest craft project.
I loved this Planet Money podcast explainer on Temu. I am not a Temu customer but it does fascinate me. This podcast answered so many of my questions! The podcast explains how they use a tax loophole called de minimis that allows them to ship packages without paying duty and certain taxes for purchases under $800 which is one way they keep their prices so low.
Loved this simple travel flight hack.
I’ve been watching the reality show Alone on Netflix after listening to this interview with someone called the Leftist prepper on the Struggle Care podcast. On the show folks are dropped into the wilderness by themselves with a handful of tools to see how long they can hack it in the wilderness. I am especially interested in the shelters they build for themselves and the different types of people that are drawn to this way of living. I went on a few foraging meetups years ago in the city and the folks that came were either hippy dippy types or doomsday preppers. I loved it.
I used my AAA membership after getting a flat tire. It made this stressful situation 90% less stressful.
I was nervous to talk about my Old Testament reading last week, but I received the most thoughtful kind responses including an invitation from a dear friend to her synagogue’s Torah study. I love all of you so dang much. I’m on to Exodus so hit me up if you want to chat about the Israelites escaping Pharaoh, faith and forgetting.
My Shop: phillycornerstore.bigcartel.com
E-mail: halestormenator@gmail.com