Painting Each Day

Poissonnerie - and the best day in my life

2009-07-03T02:14:00.017-04:00

La Poissonnerie painting
18 x 18 inches on stretched canvas

The Art Market at Marchè Provençal

My 'booth'

Jean Paul - the director of the Art Market
Drinking Champagne in the white tents at Eilenroc
Eve Ruggieri introducing tonight's program

Incredible concert !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Afterwards sharing a glass with Jean Paul and Audouin at the Art Market

I am just going to cut to the chase. Yesterday could be the most wonderful day I have ever had in my life. The first thing in the early morning, a dove flew into my bedroom and walked around the floor. I know this dove and have left breadcrumbs for it several times. I whistled gently to it and asked if she was a sign of hope.

Well ... my day started off, naturally, with computer problems. I am SO grateful to the city for this computer loaner, but it's not a computer geared to handle heavy graphic work -- so ... I'm online, then offline, online, then downloading software to get back online ... SO frustrating and what a waste of time. That being said, I rely on the help of my neighbor Alexander. Ladies you would like him - he's tall with dark curly hair and speaks only French - not bad, eh? So afterwards, I stopped by his house to say thank you again -- and three municipal police officers (not to be confused with the national police officers where I reported my theft) were standing by the gate at the end of the alley. They asked if all was ok ... and, of course I said 'absolutement No!!' I told them I was robbed and all was gone. They asked for my name - and knowing they could never comprehend the word 'Schlegel' (doesn't sound french), I asked them to follow me to the villa so I could give them my card.

Well, never missing a marketing opportunty, I gave them my 'Mr. Martini' card. Well ... one of the policemen said 'I know this card ... did you have a lavander purse?'. Here, the police found my purse last week and brought it to the Objects trouve - lost and found. I couldn't believe my ears !!! I had searched for my camera and purse for eight days ... walking and searching ... and here, because of my 'Mr. Martini' business card, there was hope of finding it. I walked to Juan-les-Pins and entered the Objects trouve. Voila !! There was my purse !!!! My wallet was ripped and everything BUT my drivers license was gone ... but, my Picasso Antibes book was there, my passport was there ... and my cherished Mass Card for my Mother was there. I can't begin to tell you the joy I felt .. finally some assemblance of myself. (I won't get into the ineptness of people because my day was too wonderful to dwell on it - but ... hadn't they seen the mailing invoice in my purse with my complete information and the complete info of the mayor of culture of Antibes ... didn't they receive my phone message with detailed info on me and everything I lost - spoken in english AND french ??? ). Ok .. getting back to feeling wonderful ...

Jean Paul runs the artists' market at Marchè Provençal. So, after the food market closes down and the market is scrubbed clean, the artists set up their booths. I have been invited to paint there, so I loaded up my easel, my paints, brushes canvases and completed canvases ... and hauled myself to the market. What a great feeling to paint again - to feel great joy again - and everyone is sooo kind and so much fun !! I decided on the wonderful 'Poissonnerie' as my subject matter. Jean Paul bought a Kronenburg beer for me ... and then another ... and then my friend Audouin called to invite me to the concert at Eilenroc. He would pick me up on his scooter at 8:00 pm.

Eilenroc. What can you say about the MOST beautiful estate in the world. Villa Eilenroc was built on a rock in the middle of a virtual desert. The area was transformed into a glorious garden through the patience and talent of Jacques Greber, landscape architect and consultant to the Great Exhibition in New York in 1939. He was commissioned by Mr Beaumont to create this luxuriant park of 11 hectares. The heirs of this incredible estate donated the villa and gardens to the city of Antibes, and Antibes has lovingly cared for this glorious property. Operas and concerts in front of the great stairs and pillars of this great estate ... white tents, dark blue sky, stars, parasol pines ... the breeze, the cigale, la mer ... and always champagne ...

So, Audouin picks me up on his scooter (me wearing a long skirt ??), and we head toward Eilenroc. It's magical ... it's sooo intensely beautiful that you are overwhelmed and overflowing with emotion. Eve Ruggieri (very important, very famous) introduces tonight's selections. We are sitting seven rows up, center seats of course. Only the best for us VIPs (hahaha) ... and the music begins - imagine l'orchestre philharmonique de Nice in front of Eilenroc .. and it's perfect outside ... and you have your purse again ... nothin' better than that. With the second selection, the very beautiful and gifted opera singer Nathalie Manfrino enters center stage. Never a more beautiful voice have I heard - and wearing a flowing white gown draping beneath her - truly resembling a greek goddess ... Rondinet ... La Traviata ... Faust ... Pêcheurs de perles (the pearl fishermen) ... intermission ... champange in the white tents ... Contes d'Hoffman of Offenbach, the Air of Thaïs of Massenet ... and La Bohème ... under the stars at Eilenroc.

Afterward, we stopped for a beer and a visit with Jean Paul. The artists' market is open until midnight and it was very good to stop back and see the artists once again. They are so nice to be with - and very caring and it was a lovely ending to a perfect day ...

As I said, maybe the most wonderful day I have ever had in my life ... was it the dove perhaps ?

Cafè terrace at night

2009-07-01T07:31:00.012-04:00

Cafè terrace at night

30 X 30 acrylic on stretched canvas

At the Marche Provencal

Fleurs

Roses

Basilic

Patricia's home - dejeuner !!

Dejeuner - notice how healthy everything is !!!

ok ... still recovering ... or at least trying. My friend Patricia, who works for the city, stopped by Villa Fontaine before dejeuner ... and brought croissants !!! Les croissants in France are fabulous !!! buttery and flaky ... parfait.

So ... we both had free time and were looking forward to sharing dejeuner together. It's a long process in France ... shopping in the market, selecting vegetables and berries and melons, strolling home, slicing and preparing ... lemons and salt and pepper and olive oil ... setting the table ... a process ... which I love and I try to live this way in the US of A. Eating healthy and tasting 'freshness' ... and listening to great music ... the way I love to live ...

After a lovely dejeuner ... since my sleeping patterns are off, I am tired ... home to the Villa Fontaine for a small rest ... then painting. It's obvious to me, to look at the painting prior to the robbery ... and then see the painting afterward ... light to dark ... BUT have faith that light is returning ... each moment in this beautiful town of Antibes, France ... Cote d'Azur ...

OLYMPUS AMERICA

Life drawing - life lessons

2009-06-30T03:12:00.011-04:00

Vasile Dohotaru

Vasile Dohotaru - pastel of Villa Fontaine

After life drawing

Cafè terrace at night - apres Van Gogh
Cafè terrace at night - Van Gogh

Life drawing

After the complete tragedy of losing everything in the villa, I naturally was / am in a bit of a state of shock ... I still don't know the complete damage that these thieves have done to me ... but then ... an amazing thing happened ... I saw an artist doing a pastel painting of the Villa Fontaine.

Meet: Vasile Dohotaru

Vasile is this fascinating bohemian artist who hails from a section of old Russia. He's a brilliant artist and just happened to be at the side of the lane with his chalk and his paper and his stool. So ... I walked over to him and in his Russian turned French and my English - French combo, we managed to communicate quite well ... and become friends.

The artists in Antibes have heard of my misfortune and organized a bit of a rally for me. Last night I was invited to a life drawing session in an ancient part of the ramparts. I arrived at 9:00 pm and Vasile was kind to give me some of his paper. The model, of course, is lovely and accomlished very difficult and beautiful poses. It was freeing and exciting for me too draw with these artists - by the way, aside from the model, I was the only girl.

Imagine this: you're in a building erected by the Greeks or Romans - medieval - and there is a lovely model before you ... the room is quiet but you can hear the scratches of pencils and chalk ... the model takes another pose and you hear comments of admiration ... in french, of course ... and russian ... it brought joy back into my heart ... and afterwards, Vasile, Viktor and I shared a beer in the nearby cafe. It was great for me ... to be in this glorious place ... like Vincent Van Gogh's 'cafè terrace at night'.

OLYMPUS AMERICA

Wolf's dinner - Beginning again

2009-06-29T11:41:00.024-04:00

Dinner with Wolf

Painting afterward

The wonderful chef Wolf Berg

Fantastic dinner

Le dessert

Dinner by candlelight

ok. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Last Wednesday, early in the morning, I was working preparing a photo file for the Cultural Mayor of Antibes. The photos were for an interview of me that would be appearing in the Nice-Matin newspaper. So .... getting all of these ready ... and then being very tired, I finally hit the sack around 1:00 am. Well, cruel people are very clever ... and one, possibly more, thieves climbed over the locked gate, slipped into the villa, and, while I was sleeping, proceeded to rob me of everything that I brought with me to Antibes (except for one pocket camera and my docking station).

So ... that would be my beautiful purse, contents of purse including wallet and credit cards and passport, ipod, incredible computer ... and my fabulous OLYMPUS E620 digital camera with over 2000 photos of Antibes on it. Also, my computer had these photos all organized and labeled.

I guess if you're going to be a theif, the greatest place to be a thief is in the French Riviera - right Mr. Cary Grant? Sad for me, these horrible sub-human beings stole my life. Now, there's no beautiful French music playing on my computer and ipod. There's no photographing with the incredible Olympus E620. But there is searching in the streets for my lavender colored purse and my camera. I hate these people who steal. Who ruin other people's lives ... but ... when it is times like these, the caring and good people come through to help.

Thank you Mr. Rambaud for helping me - you are a kind and caring and generous man. Thank you Olympus - the E620 is an incredible camera - the photos were beautiful and will be again ...

However, this computer loan is not letting me upload photos .... SO frustrating ... so you will have to stay tuned and see if I can manage to rise above and restore my life ... I still am in the beautiful French Riviera ... so, like Cindy Lou Who and George Baily, there must be hope. Nes Pas?

p.s. does the film 'French Kiss' come to mind?

OLYMPUS AMERICA

update: after not being able to upload photos, I decided to risk downloading the Firefox browser .. it's not my computer but the city's, I don't comprehend french instructions very well, the european keyboard is configured differently, I had to redownload the wifi software - still not comprehending french ... but, now all seems ok. I totally need a massage ... or a double whiskey ! God I hate criminals!

The Orchid Shop

2009-06-23T05:59:00.021-04:00

After a wonderful (!!!) day, I painted this painting

' The Orchid Shop '
30" x 30" acrylic on stretched canvas

A farewell get-together for our Schwaebisch Gmuend friends

lovely 'Vesna' (german) and 'Julianna' (french)

Nadine receiving bouquet from friends of Schwaebisch Gmuend

Freidemann Gramm - director of the Musikschule
Monika Buccheit - head of town-twinning
both hail from Schwaebisch Gmuend

farewell my friends - see you in August when I visit you in Schwaebisch Gmuend

taking my walk ... and marveling at the beauty ...

dinner on my terrace - the reddest tomatoes I've ever seen - and delicious !

even Sarko cannot believe his eyes !!

a dove came by and perched and cooed 'hello'

incoming storm - wonderful and dramatic painting weather !

inspiration has set in ...

The one sad thing about seeing your friends, is the moment when you must say good-bye. Or ... at least 'fare-well'. So this morning I walked to the beautiful 'Le Brasserie' restaurant in the center of Antibes. There is a going away party beginning at 9:45 - I arrived at 10:00. I really love my Schwaebisch Gmuend friends and the time spent together was SO fleeting !! The concert at Eilenroc, the dejeuner on the beach, swimming in the Mediterranean, dinner at 'Le Village' .... it was all spectacular to say the least. The nice thing however, is that I'm flying up to Schwaebisch Gmund for five days in August -- so, something else to look forward to.

The food at the party was wonderful - as always. Finger foods with pate (I still haven't figured out how to apply the accent on the 'e' on my laptop), sandwiches with pita bread, juice, water ... oh ... and a keg of Heineken !! Well, a small keg, but still a keg. Too bad they didn't serve 'Schlegel' bier ...

What a nice time, though ... and then my walk. I bought a beautiful lavender plant and another rosemary. I love to have a little garden and potted plants add 'life' to my life. After getting back to the villa, I prepared my baguette with brie, mustard, mache ... AND ... the reddest cherry tomatoes I have ever seen in my life. I don't even know if I can get that brilliant of a red in my paints !! ... and sparkling wine. Of course in France champagne comes ONLY from Champagne, France ... so, this is sparkling wine. Still fabulous. I shared the bottle with a friend ...

A storm was brewing ... and the mistral was getting so strong that I brought my plants into the villa to protect them. It was great painting weather - a storm, wind, rain, music ... champagne ... and inspiration. I rifled through my over 2000 photos and found the photograph of 'Amaryllis' -the quaint and lovely flower shop around the corner from Antibea Theatre. I knew when I photographed the orchids that they would be great subject matter for a painting.

It's late ... off to bed ...
Bon nuit mon ami

Father's Day

2009-06-21T18:28:00.021-04:00

The incredible and intimate Antibea Theatre

The fantastic young musicians of Schwaebisch Gmuend and Antibes

The elegant conductor (also a pilot)

The chorus and small band at Safranier

The man at the bar ... didn't I photograph him before ?

Yes .. playing 'boules' ...

I love this photograph of him ... and I never thought to ask his name ...

Cathedral ... concert tonight ...

Incredible Choir

Can life be more beautiful than listening to these voices in this ancient church. ...

I woke up this morning and readied myself for the concert featuring the young musicians from Schwaebisch Gmuend, Germany and Antibes, France. Although I just met these girls last week, it seems like I have known them for much longer. I've become friends with 'Vesna' a beautiful girl who is also brilliant on the viola. So, arriving at the ancient and tiny Antibea Theatre, I see Audouin. He escorts me up to the balcony and I am lucky to sit front row center. The concert features one musician from Schwaebisch Gmuend and one musician from Antibes for each selection. They are all very skilled -- remarkable -- it makes me wish that I have applied myself more in life ... these young girls ... swimming in the Mediterranean and splashing about and laughing and playing ... who would have thought the next day you would see them in beautiful formal attire playing difficult beautiful pieces in Antibea Theatre.

So ... afterward Audouin told me he had to hurry off because it was the festival for Fathers. So, France also celebrates Father's Day. Of course that hit the trigger because I could feel the 'here come the tears' missing my own Father. It's not quite a year since we lost him ... and then only a year since we lost Mom. It's been a crazy two years ... very high highs ... and very tragic lows. The happiest and the saddest. The French Riviera ... and the passing of my Parents ... and very little inbetweens. I decided not to join the Schwaebisch Gmuend gang at the incredible restaurant on the beach today ... instead, I would go back to the villa and be by myself ...

So ... it's a culture day in Antibes ... and there is music in many, many places. Rock bands, heavy metal (?), Reggae ... but I only wanted to stop by the Safranier and see the local music for a while and then head to the ancient Cathedral to sit and listen to the fabulous choir.

After the Safranier, I walked a bit through the market and decided to stop in the pub for a Leffe beer. There was an old man sitting on the stool next to me and although I tried not to stare, I knew I had seen him before. I ALWAYS have my camera with me ... and with this incredible OLYMPUS E620 Camera, I can store all of my photos on it and then retrieve them when I need to. So ... having not deleted the photos, I rifled through them until I came to the portrait photos that I had shot of a man watching 'boules'. I studied it to make sure it was him ... and then I said, 'excuser moi monsieur, mais, je crois que cette photo est de vous'. (excuse me sir, but I believe this photo is of you'). And, sure enough it was !!! So ... I bought him a beer and he allowed me to take some more photos of him ... and, what a goof, I forgot to ask him his name ... BUT ... I do know where he watches 'boules'. I'm going to make a copy of the photo of him sitting on the bench -- and, of course, one for me, too.

After finishing my beer, I headed for the Cathedral. The church is very, very old and built of stone. Beautiful and accoustically incredible. Those voices filled the air and your mind and your heart. It was overwhelming. Many of the selections I knew from years of Catholic church ... but some seletions were in French and ... honestly ... heaven. Then, two soloists were featured with the choir singing behind them. The one woman had a voice just like Edith Piaf. Fantastic. It was so moving ... and it was exactly where I wanted to be.

All of a sudden it was pouring outside. So, I walked about the chuch and viewed the statues. The one was of St. Teresa - my Mom's name ... so I put some coins in the coin box and said some words to my Parents. For as sad as the day could have been, it actually turned out to be quite incredible and moving.

Bien sur

Saturday, June 20th

2009-06-21T02:33:00.026-04:00

This is the beautiful lane that I live on ...

And the way to the Marche Provencal ...

Marche Provencal

The entrance way to the market

Everything that you can imagine ...

'Lapin' is French for 'Rabbit'

'Miel de Lavandes' ... honey of lavender

The Egg Vender

Dejeuner at the Plage Oasis

1st course: Salade avec Fruits de la Mer

Coquille Saint Jacques

Dessert

Just to give you a look at our table RIGHT NEXT to La Mer !!

My new (and very young) girlfriends !!

The beautiful estate of Eilenroc

Saint-Saëns and Chopin

Perfect Evening ...

And .. dinner at Midnight at Eilenroc ... avec vin et champagne ...

How do you begin to tell the story of one day that could fill the pages of a book? I always get up early ... too early perhaps, but the sounds and sights of Antibes come streaming in my large window facing the sea in the early hours of the morning. Sometimes I'm out of bed at 4:30. Is that crazy or what. I'm in a permanent state of sleep deprivation ... but, why sleep? I only have three months ... and the time is fleeting by.

So, up early ... I always like to walk in the morning. There's a wonderful little take-away upscale bakery and specialty shop. Very teeny. So ... espresso for one euro and I'm off. I like to walk around the harbour and see the glistening boats ... or do my 'power' walk to Cap d'Antibes to Juan-les-Pins and back to the old village of Antibes. I also photograph everything. I've charged my battery I can't tell you how many times ... and have taken well over 1,000 photos. Boats, villas, concerts, yachts ... but as you may have suspected, I love to photograph the Marche Provencal. It's hustling and bustling by 9:00 a.m. - late by my standards ... but there is a plethora of goodies in bright, rich colours.

After my walk, I readied myself to join the group of musicians from Schwaebisch Gmuend. We are dining at Plage Oasis. It's a gorgeous restaurant RIGHT on the sandy beach of Juan-les-Pins and decked out in Ultra-marine blue and white. Well, dejeuner - or any meal you have in France - is always 'incroyable'. Shrimp with their heads attached, fish you must filet yourself - a true joy for the culinary and visual senses !!! I wish Americans ate more like the French. Less cheeseburgers and more natural foods from the earth.

So ... First course: 'salade avec fruits de la mer' ... salad with seafood. Second course: Coquille St. Jacques - delicious - and then it's a must : dessert buffet (although I'm not normally a sweets eater) ... and EVERY single dessert is mouth watering delicious. Americans take heed: no more store bought cookies !!!

So afterwards, a swim in the sea (perfect temperature by the way) with my wonderful new young musician friends from the music schools in Antibes and Schwaebisch Gmund, Germany. I've been included on these wonderful outings because of the connection with sister cities -- and I guess it helps that I presented a painting from my Music Series to each school.

After a swim, and at my beautiful villa, my friend Audouin and I walked to a small bar for a drink of beer ... and then off to Eilenroc for a fabulous concert featuring the glorious works by Saint-Saëns and Chopin. The Saint-Saëns concert featured an incredible cellist from Germany ... and the Chopin concert (Chopin is my favorite composer) was brilliant as well. Imagine ... sitting high up in the bleachers (very comfortable seats) under the parasol pine trees ... the swallows circling overhead, the breeze, the stars ... the sound of the Mediterranean just beyond ... and this breath taking building before you in muted lights of lavendar and gold ... and you're listening to Saint-Saëns and then Chopin.

Did I forget to mention Champagne (and this is real champagne) before the concert, at intermission ... and then ... after the concert, a special dinner just for the guests of Schwaebisch Gmuend and the musicians, the Adjoint Mayors of Antibes ... et moi.

One question: How do I go back to S. Hall St. and my life after this?

Oh ... another question: Who called me at 3:31 this morning ????

Bon nuit mon ami ...
Nighty Night after another day in paradise ...

... Happy Father's Day Dad ... I love you and I miss you very much ...

Marche Provencal

2009-06-19T23:07:00.019-04:00

Painting of the flowers at Marche Provencal

Flowers at Marche Provencal

The Flower Vendor

Marche Provencal

I love to wake up early and stroll over to the Marche Provencal. The market is open daily from early morning until early afternoon. It's a food shopper's paradise. Fresh fish, veggies, flowers, spices, olives, crepes, fowl, meat and wine. You may be paying a bit more, but the adventure and charm of the market is certainly worth the extra price.

Today was a painting day. I didn't even leave the villa until 6:15 p.m. I had given seven paintings to individuals and the city from my last year's exposition in Antibes ... and tonight is the dedication of my Trumpet painting to the Antibes School of Music. The delegates from Schwaebisch Gmuend, Antibes' (and Bethlehem's) sister city, will be there along with the visiting string instrument musicians. The mayor of culture and mayor of tourism of Antibes and the directors of the Music School - All in attendance.

Now, it's nerve wracking enough to be the featured artist ... there are speeches by the adjoint mayors, by the school directors, by the heads of town-twinning - and I hear the name 'Schlegel' more times than in the film 'Howard's End' ... but when they turned to me and said 'Ann, please say something .. it is your turn' .... eeesh!! That's when it's TRULY scary for me. So ... in my embarrassment, I just say a few sentences of gratitude and think ... oh gosh ... let's just sit down and eat and drink wine.

The dedication of my painting 'Trumpet'

Dinner celebration with incredible food !

The salmon was cooked with anise ... very delicious and inventive

et moi ... giving my painting to a wonderful and deserving home ...

Back in my villa, I took out another canvas and painted some more. I can't even begin to explain how wonderful, how beautiful, how very special Antibes is. It's extraordinarily unique with its ancient history -- over 2000 years old ... the stone structures, the Picasso museum, the old churches, the marketplace, the gleaming white yachts ... the aromas that change with each step ...

And tomorrow, I dine with the delegates from Schwaebisch Gmuend at a beautiful restaurant on the beach ... stay tuned for more -

A bientot !

xoxo
A

Fish Bones

2009-06-19T04:21:00.012-04:00

This is my very beautiful and wonderful friend, Julia. She lives in Schwaebisch Gmuend, Germany. We became friends from the moment I met her - summer of 2003.

Moi painting on the terrace

Michael photographing from my upper window

Julia's Masterpiece

Dinner on the terrace

Friends

Friday night's dinner at Taverne Safranier ... just down the lane from my Villa Fontaine

Fish heads and bones ...

Fish Heads
Voila! Painting number four ... 18" x 18" acrylic on stretched canvas

Meet Michael and Julia. I met them 'in former times' with my first exhibition in Schwaebisch Gmuend, Germany. They are two of the MOST incredible people that I have ever met. Kind-hearted, sincere, fun, talented -- and what great talents they have !!! Julia plays flute and cello. She's traveled with the City Band of Schwaebisch Gmuend to Bethlehem, PA to play flute at Musikfest. She was only 20. Michael played the tuba. She's a model for one of the best and well known artists who lives in Schwaebisch Gmund, she was the 'trophy' award girl for Porsche in London, she speaks three languages, she paints ... and besides all of that, she's beautiful. Inside and Out.

Michael is the perfect fit for her. He's a musician, a singer, an actor ... he's smart and well respected ... and he's hilarious.

Oh ... did I mention that they are getting married !!!! Surprise !!! And, they're going to have a baby in November. Guess who's flying up for the happy wedding occasion ... Moi, that's right. So .. I will stay with them for a couple of days ... and while they're honeymooning, I have the great pleasure of staying with my wonderful friends Michaele, Conrad and Benedikt. They have a beautiful house that includes an apartment for visiting friends ... I've stayed there three summers and it's a true joy indeed !!!

Michaele is planning a great dinner party (like the one four years ago) including all of our mutual friends. She's a fabulous cook, incredible decorator and very, very dear to me.

Ahhh .... the great life in Europe ....

Thursday in Antibes

2009-06-18T17:34:00.019-04:00

This morning I woke up early to visit the Thursday Market. Each Thursday morning the vendors bring their wares to sell: tablescloths, clothes, shoes, jewelry ... it's really amazing ... but, I resisted and did not buy a thing ... this time ...

How spectacular is this market ... monument, palm trees, umbrellas ...

Last week I purchased two beautiful tablecloths for my table in the dining room of Villa Fontaine ...

The beautiful Jaguar that picked me up for 'dejeuner' in the spa 'Thalazur'

For my appetizer: oysters and shrimp ... complete with heads !!

Two incredible men of Antibes ... Audouin and Robert

My friend Marylene ... dejeuner avec Audouin, Robert, Marylene and Moi !!

Thalazur (do not pronounce the 'h' ...) The outside dining room

The pools at Thalazur ... the one in the distance has water pumped in from the Mediterranean ... avec sal ... with salt.

The spa ... incredible ...

The open air lounge where three of my paintings are featured ... the French Horn, the Saxophone and the Trombone ... incroyable nes pas ???

A tribute to the fallen soldiers of France -

Ending the wonderful day with dinner. Friends from Schwaebisch Gmuend, Germany - the young and very talented and beautiful string musicians and delegation of Schwaebisch Gmuend - the sister city of Bethlehem, PA.

Ok ... what a day. Action packed as it were. It started off that I was still painting into the wee hours of the morning. And, after only 4 hours sleep, I was up and visiting the Thursday Market. I didn't pack a lot of clothing because I needed all of my art supplies ... and clothing was a distant second. I didn't find anything at the market that was 'me'. Plain, but nice. Everything is fashionable and glitzy ... and I thought for tonight's dinner with the delegation from Schwaebsich Gmuend, I'll wear my smart black pants (Jewish sale) and my Eddy Bauer thermal shirt (also Jewish sale) and beautiful black sandals (Marshalls). So .. that was that. I headed back to the Villa Fontaine and waited for my friend, Audouin, to pick me up for 'dejeuner' (lunch).

Audouin has a fantastic Jaguar. Well, it should be fantastic because from what I understand, he traded in his Rolls Royce for it. It's really a luxury for me to have a taste of the rich and famous. My car is 16 years old ... BUT ... has four new tires. Pretty impressive, eh??

We arrive at Thalazur, the spa that I stayed at in Antibes for three weeks last year ... and to my great joy I see three of my paintings from the Music Series hanging in their solarium. Fabulous !!!

Marylene and her husband Bob arrived and we were treated to a cocktail under an umbrella overlooking the pools.

Then lunch. Chilled Rose wine. Crusty bread. Oysters. Shrimp. Fish. Coffee.

Since I am very far from fluent in French, I just take it all in ... It's not possible for me to join in the conversation because naturally they are speaking quickly and it's had to understand because I labor to translate each word in my head. So ... I'm happy to just be included and savour each morsel of my meal.

After Audouin, Robert and Marylene left, I stayed at Thalazur for a swim. I had the pool to myself. It's an incredibly beautiful spa ... and my favorite pool has water piped in from the Mediterranean. I lie under palm trees and think how lucky am I to experience all of this beauty.

This evening I dined at the beautiful 'La Village' restaurant with the Schwaebish Gmuend delegation, guests of Antibes and musicians from the Schwaebisch Gmuend Musik Schule. The food was wonderful, the wine incroyable ... the friends ... parfait.

Tomorrow I paint !!!!

Terrace Café

2009-06-16T02:58:00.011-04:00

Terrace Café
30" x 30" acrylic on stretched canvas (76.2 cms x 76.2 cms)

Well, although this is my third painting that I've painted in Antibes, it's the first that I'm posting. It just kind of fits with the theme of today. Or, yesterday more appropriately. I started my morning with a walk through the old village past the Marche Provencal. Hotel d'Ville - City Hall - is located directly next to the market. It's a beautiful old, large building featuring French flags mounted on the windowsills.

After my walk, I decided just to stay in the villa and work. Although the day was beautiful and the beach was beconning, I resisted temptation and just 'hung out' at home. I painted all afternoon ... and then around 7:00 p.m., I headed out for some wine, kitty food, tomatoes, and 'Maché'. Mâche is French for lamb's lettuce that is dark green and grows wild in sturdy little rosette clumps. It is normally eaten in a salad or as a garnish (though it can be cooked like spinach) ... and it's delicious in a sandwich with crusty bread, La Brie and tomatoes !!

The beautiful New Guinea impatiens and Bouganvillea growing on my terrace ...

and 'Sarko' the cat - named after President Sarkozy ... enjoying dinner with me ...

Nighty night Sarko ...

Two VIP dinner parties in one day - plus a parade !

2009-06-15T04:22:00.021-04:00

Well, an absolutely incredible day in Antibes. I woke up to a parade of half-naked Brazilian women in 'Carnivale' outfits, complete with marching band, parading past my balcony.

Ahmed - the host of the 'Couscous' party

My friend picked me up on his scooter at noon and we drove to Cap d'Antibes. I was invited to a 'Couscous' party hosted by Ahmed. He's originally from Tunisia and now lives in Antibes and works for the Mayor. Jean and Claudine Sipe and Madam Torres (mayor of culture) sat at our table. Then, Jean Leonetti, the Mayor of Antibes and member of Parliment stopped by to say hello and wish us 'Bon Appetit'. Now what I'm thinking is .... WHAT in the name of God is a girl from the poor section of Allentown, PA doing here amongst all of this ??? It was really wonderful, great people to talk with and laugh with ... very lovely and generous and kind.

The VIP section ... with the Deputy Mayor, Jean Leonetti

After the couscous party, I was invited to La Bataille des Fleurs parade. Now take notice where I'm photographing from ... that's right, the VIP section. That's the Mayor of Antibes, 4th person from the left. It's a little overwhelming for me -- because he is tres, tres, tres important and, once again, what the heck is a girl from Allentown doing in the VIP section??

The parade was old fashioned and sweet - and sexy as well - especially when I, once again, see these wild Brazilian ladies dancing and shimmying in front of us. There are many floats all decorated with flowers and the people on the floats toss tons and tons and tons of flowers to everyone attending the parade. It's really a beautiful sight to see. The mouse on the water skis pays tribute to the inventors of water-skiing which Antibes Juan-les-Pins makes claim to in the 1920s.

The celebration of 'les Amis du Vieil - Antibes

After the parade, I was invited to the dinner celebration . It was held in the lovely grove that I had dinner in last year with the Pied Noir (black feet). It was a party expecting 300 persons ... and the most important guest was the 'Bull' from Camargue roasting over the coals.

There were dixie bands and singers and 'Miss Antibes' was pouring wine. Everybody danced and sang and the food .... Mmmm .... the salad complete with pate (sorry, don't know the command for the accent mark above the 'e' on this laptop). It was really THE most wonderful day.

Now, seriously, I MUST get painting ....

Getting to bed late

2009-06-14T01:40:00.015-04:00

Les Voiles d'Antibes

Oops ... should've paid attention to the horizon line ...

Les Voiles d'Antibes

Rain ... sitting at the Cafe Jardin

How do you tell a drunk Frenchman that 'no thank you' I'm painting and don't want to come to your party at 1:00 a.m. There are two guys that live in the flat behind me and the few times that I have seen them is with Pastis in their cup ... or rum and coke. Don't get me wrong, they seem very nice. It's just that they like to party. Now, it's difficult enough to comprehend the language, but when the French language is slurred, comprehension is 'très impossible'! So ... with them not understanding the word 'no', I had to accept defeat, be gracious and attend their party. I stayed 5 minutes.

Now don't get me wrong, I love a good bottle of wine or a wonderful cold beer .... but I'm in another country and will try to be on reasonably good behavior ...

Today I am invited to attend a 'couscous' party. I've been told there will be about 100 people there. It will be held at a beautiful villa in Cap d'Antibes ... and the mayor of tourisme will bring me on his scooter. Cool. And a far cry from last night's party. Did I mention the pounding music until early this morning??

I'm still working on my 'Poissonnerie' painting - it's going slowly. I should have been done last week. My goal is to paint 30 paintings in 3 months. That's with canvas' measuring 36" x 36", 30" x 30", 18" x 18" and 6" x 6".

A little word about my Olympus camera. First, I carry this with me everywhere. The great thing is how lightweight it is. The lenses weigh more ... Also, it has wonderful filters that you can apply as you shoot. For example, in the above five photos, three of them are taken with the black and white feature. The other two (photo numbers 3 and 4) were taken in color and then unsaturated. Notice the difference. The filter gives you this absolutely marvelous impression - like the cover of an old 'Life' magazine. It has great contrast and a 'grainy' feature. I love this camera - and to think if 'Dans Camera' still processed slides, I might never have gone digital. Fortunate for me, nes pas??

My walking journey throughout Antibes

2009-06-13T05:49:00.012-04:00

Antibes - La Vieil Ville

Antibes vieille ville in the distance

La Pinède

Hotel du Cap - reputed to be the most beautiful hotel in the world

La petite harbour

Port Gallice - Antibes Juan-les-Pins

The place of Jazz a Juan - Antibes Juan-les-Pins

Dejeuner at the Taverne Safranier

Yesterday I walked for four hours. I started from my beautiful villa and with vague recollection of the Cap d'Antibes from last year, I decided to just walk and explore. I journeyed past public beaches and harbours and boats and parasol pine trees and villas and mansions. With every step, the perfumed air morphs from lavender to musk to the alluring smell of the body to cat urine and cigarettes. And, surprisingly, the cat urine and cigarettes waft into the lavender and musk and do not detract.

It was early. I started my journey about 6:30 a.m. There are runners and cyclists and speeding vehicles and many, many scooters. It's a little dangerous because the walking path is part of the street and the street is very curvy. So, you must pay special attention.

How glorious is Antibes. I'm in love with this beautiful heaven on earth. I'm already thinking next year for the 50th anniversary of the Jazz Festival I must be in attendance.

Dejeuner (lunch) with the mayor of tourism and his wife in the beautiful Taverne Safranier ... quiet beautiful peaceful ... the breeze, colorful umbrellas, incredible (!!!) food, wine and beer ... Paradise found.

Happy Birthday Mom. I miss you and love you and think of you so very, very often.

Le Marche Provencal

2009-06-12T23:04:00.010-04:00

Le Marche Provencal

Each morning I wake up very early ... in fact it's just 5:12 and I've been up since 4:00 a.m. I don't know why that is. Yesterday, I started my walk just past 6:00 a.m. I walked for four hours - from the old village of Antibes all the way to the Cap d'Antibes then on to Antibes Juan les Pins ... and finally back to my beautiful villa - and all before 10:45 in the morning.

I think it's the healthy style of living. Great food, great wine AND great water. I just love French water - with gas. It's sparkling and bubbly and just makes you feel restored. I may have to invest in French water when (if) I'm back in the states.

One of the great pleasures of Antibes is 'Le Marche Provencal'. It's truly a chef's dream. The market is under an old and very large metal pavillion. There are rows of tables lining each side and tables in the center spanning the complete distance of the market. But the amazing thing about the market are all of the incredible edibles you can purchase there. There are stands with just olives - not 'just' olives, but every kind of wonderful Provencal olive that tickles your fancy. There are spices and herbs and flowers and meats and cheeses. There's wine and fish and mustards and sauces ... just everything. And it's all top quality. It's hustling and bustling and it's exciting just to be there. Of course I have my camera with me every moment to record the sights.

I haven't cooked yet. Well, I mean I've certainly brought home baguettes and frommage and jambon (ham) and mustards - some mixed with tarragon or basil. But I haven't lit the stove yet. I have to insert the plug into the wall, turn on the gas and light it with a match. Naturally, I'm a little hesitant ... and will wait until Jim and Diana arrive to address it. And, it's just as well because I just love the baguettes and cheese. I have a little 'potager' - kitchen garden - on my terrace and grow cherry tomatoes, basil, rosemary, thyme and citrus thyme ... so I add that to my sandwich and enjoy. The baguettes here are thin with very little 'fill' and have a great 'crunch' to them. That's the way I like bread ... not all that dough filled stuff like you get back home.

I'm almost finished with the fish painting. Sometimes removing items from a painting restores the balance. Like negative space versus positive space. It's weird with painting. I thought I would be painting very modern paintings, but haven't yet clicked into my nitch. As long as I keep working and enjoying - I think it will all fall into place.

Antibes Tour

2009-06-11T12:03:00.013-04:00

Gorgeous yachting harbour, Antibes, France

Bay of Billionaires

Petite boat - 'Annie'

My outstanding Villa Fontaine !!

My pretty living room and dining room

My incredible French boudoir

My gorgeous view complete with kitty - 'Coco'

petite bathroom - bidet included

My incredible porch with potager (kitchen garden)

Ok. I admit. I am THE luckiest girl - at least for the next three months. So, for June, July and August I am the resident artist in paradise. Antibes, France that is. I'm living in the beautiful Villa Fontaine and if you have been reading my blog, you are aware that Nikos Kazantzakis (Zorba the Greek, Last Temptation of Christ) lived here also. How's that for great company !!

Here's my life. Wake up. Shower in the petite bathroom (ducking is a must). Stroll the cobblestone narrow streets to a cafe for coffee. Write in my daily journal. Photograph everything with my tres incroyable OLYMPUS camera. Visit beach. Work (work??) on tan. Put bikini top back on. Exit beach.

Baguette, frommage, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, mustard with tarragon (incredible). Glass of wine. Think about painting. Sweep and do dishes in beautiful villa. Listen to the soundtrack of 'Something's Gotta Give'. Pretend I'm French.

Antibes has the largest pleasure yachting harbor, if not in the world, than at least in Europe. Its gleaming white vessels: Massive power yachts, little boats, sailing ships. It's amazing how blue, blue, blue is the water with so many ships? You can see from the ramparts down to the rocky coast right down through the blue water to the bottom of the sea. Whatever they're doing, they're doing it right.

Project: find rich sexy Frenchman and marry him. Live in Antibes forever.

So, I will try to keep you up to date each day. Now, I'm off to paint the grotesque and beautiful fish from the charming Poissonnerie.

A Bientot until tomorrow -

xoxo
Ann

p.s. Ladies: the bidet is incredible ... why we don't have them (usually) in the US of A I do not know !! Update project: find rich sexy Frenchman with villa and bidet and marry him.

We have Internet !!!

2009-06-10T01:40:00.010-04:00

The beautiful Villa Fontaine - my home for three months

Villa Fontaine side view and garden

The view from my beautiful bedroom (top floor)

The Marche Provencal

Les Voiles d'Antibes - the classic sailing vessels

Ladies and Gentleman - please fasten your seatbelts - we now have internet !!

Well, it took nine days to happen, but it did finally happen. Except, of course, for the typical weird computer glitches that are normal in my life. For example, why is my Firefox now not working at all. Why, when I try to download a new version of Firefox, it prompts me to quit Firefox - and, of course, it was already in the recycle bin. So now I'm forced to use IE - at least for the time being. I really prefer Firefox -- so add it to the list of 'things to do'.

I'm living in the MOST beautiful villa that I have ever seen. Villa Fontaine. Nikos Kazantzakis lived here with his lover. After his, and then her death, her family revealed that her wishes were to offer this beautiful villa to the city of Antibes to be used for artists to live here and work here for three months. Voila !!! Here I am.

When I received my contract at Christmastime (how perfect is THAT present!!), they asked what three months would I like to choose. Well, was it selfish of me to choose June, July and August ?? Maybe ... but sometimes you just have to go for the gusto.

The weather is cool at night and beautiful and breezy in the day. I've already enjoyed the sandy beach in Antibes (sans bikini top), have eaten in several incredible cafes (pardon me that I left out the accent mark above the 'e'), have painted two large paintings (not quite complete) and have taken probably a thousand photos with my Olympus E620 - the MOST fantastic camera that I have ever had. I absolutey highly recommend it !!!

I now feel that I truly begin my journey. I know that these three months will be fleeting and although I try not to dispair at the thought of eventually leaving beautiful Antibes, it stays in the back of my mind. I try to take in every breath, all of the beauty, every sense and savour them. Why can't I just marry a beautiful Frenchman and live here forever?

The one thing that I did not accomplish was adding Photoshop to my laptop. Believe me I tried. It just didn't happen. So, when I post the photos of my paintings, they will be unedited. I apologize for that.

So, I hope that you visit my blog from time to time as I will try to keep you up to date on everything.

And, in closing, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIM !! Wait until you and Diana visit me in the beautiful Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur - or in other words, the French Riviera.

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.
These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com
www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Yocco's Hot Dog

2009-05-25T05:21:00.008-04:00

Yocco's Hot Dog - and calling 911 • this painting is sold

If you live in a building where you have a stove on fire, common sense tells us that you dial 911 - immediately, that is. After finally getting to sleep around 2:30 this morning (nothing too crazy, just movie watching and downloading music), I awoke around 4:00 a.m. to the smell of something baking. I'm an alarmist and already had a terrible fire in my apartment 11 years ago (faulty circuits in my View Sonic monitor) so I'm not going to take any chances when I see smoke - and there was a lot of it - or if I smell the aroma of baking bread long before the break of dawn. I thought, hmmm could my refrigerator possibly be on fire ... ? ... so I unplugged it and called the fire department.

They instructed me to exit the building and when I opened my apartment door, the hallway was filled with smoke. So, I descended the stairs and banged on all of the apartment doors to awaken the tenants. The new guy on the first floor opens the door wearing just a towel - great - what I need at 4:00 in the morning ... and then he says 'oh, it's all right, my stove was just on fire'. That kills me ... if there is a fire in the building YOU CALL THE freakin' FIRE DEPARTMENT !!!!

Oh ... and his batteries didn't work in his smoke alarms. Change the batteries for cripes' sake !!

When you live in an old school building, you are not only responsible for yourself, but for the safety and welfare of each person who lives there.

Now, if I hadn't called 911 and the fire would have gotten worse, and let's say I had died of smoke inhalation ONE WEEK BEFORE I LEAVE FOR FRANCE, I would've been totally hot under the collar - literally AND figuratively !!

Merde !!!

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Emeril's Chop House

2009-05-24T08:58:00.011-04:00

Well, what a night!! Look who's hanging with Emeril ~ Actually, Jim, Diana and I stopped in, had wonderful appetizers and wine at the bar ... and, soon after, were summoned into the kitchen at the brand new 'Emeril's Chop House' in Bethlehem, PA. I had framed and personalized prints of my 'Mr. Martini' and 'Ms. Manhattan' to give to Emeril as a welcome gift. Oh my gosh ... what fun -- and he's adorable. You gotta love those apple cheeks and twinkling eyes ...

I'm so happy that I tucked in my purse the wonderful Olympus Tough 8000. It's an awesome camera - perfect size for a purse or a pocket -- AND, you can take it under water up to 35' - now that's just crazy ... hmmm ... I will, however, be in the Mediterranean for three lovely months ...

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

iPod Classic and iTunes 8.1.1

2009-05-15T03:18:00.014-04:00

Often I wonder if ANY body else has as much trouble with their Mac G5, PC, iPod Classic etc. as I do. Please notice the time of this entry ... 3:18 a.m. Well, getting ready for France, I decided to download a bunch of cds to my wonderful iPod Classic. I have 80g memory on it and only had my learning French cds and just a couple others. So, I armed myself with a bunch of cds, updated my iTunes to the suggested 8.1.1 version and proceeded to fill up my iPod with great stuff. ... or so I thought.

For some reason, iTunes was misdirecting the download and no music whatsoever was registering on my iPod - although I downloaded it at least 10 times. Not only that, but all of the French lessons and music that I did have on my iPod disappeared altogether! Panic and frustration ensues. My shoulders are, once again, killing me. So ... troubleshooting on the internet, I saw that some iTunes users ditched the flawed (?) iTunes and reverted back to the 7.7.1 version. Ok, I'm in. I ditched 8.1.1 and downloaded 7.7.1. After many pop-up warnings stating this and that and it can't be done, blah, blah, blah ... I decided to trash the 7.7.1 and re-download iTunes 8.1.1. More pop-up windows ... BUT, I was persistant.

Finally redownloaded, I started receiving messages stating that my iPod was connected with only a USB 1 port - not possible I say since I have USB 2. I had to relaunch my Finder many times ... and then iTunes wasn't recognizing my iPod at all. #*$&^@!!!!!

Well, after another hour ... I tried to download all of my tunes again ... feeling hopeless, thinking what is THIS bill going to be at the Apple store ... and, at the end of my rope, my iPod registered ALL of my songs ... in the correct places!! Now WHY couldn't this have happened at 8:00 when I was going to get an early night's rest to resume my morning walks ??

On a different note, I've haven't been posting my Painting Each Day paintings recently because I have been throwing out and donating stuff from my apartment. And lots of it. You're probably thinking ... hmmm ... her place still looks really crowded with stuff ... but, it's a work in progress and I plan to do more purging in the fall.

Current time: 4:09 a.m. Bon nuit.

zzzzzzzz

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Bethlehem Fine Art and Crafts Show

2009-05-11T07:15:00.011-04:00

Bethlehem Fine Art and Crafts Show

Saturday and Sunday I participated in the Bethlehem Fine Art and Crafts Show. And, although it didn't rain either day, the winds were absolutely unforgiving. At least on Saturday. Several exhibitors' tents were destroyed by wind gusts reaching 40 miles an hour. It breaks my heart to see that happen. Artists have to struggle enough without Mother Nature adding to the challenge.

When I arrived to Main St. on Sunday, I decided to move my booth up the street where the winds were calmer. Well, is a folding table with a Provencal tablecloth really a booth? It ended up being a beautiful breezy day with clouds and sun, and many, many visitors and Mothers enjoying 'their' day.

Sadly, it wasn't a day that was financially advantageous , but I was very happy to be there none-the-less. I saw a great many friends and acquaintances and curious onlookers. One thing, my Painting Each Day paintings are prudently (in my humble opinion) priced at $100 each. It amazes me how many people asked if they were a 'dollar'. Can you believe it? You can't even buy the canvases for that amount. Then .... this woman came along and was really enjoying the 'Mr. Potato Head' painting - she said how much 'fun' it was ... and then asked the price. Proudly I promulgated 'each of my Painting Each Day paintings are $100' (a real bargain). Well, without hesitation, she blurted out 'You just took the fun out of Mr. Potato Head !' Ouch. I guess she was hoping it was a dollar as well.

And ... I'm very pleased to announce that I have been asked to be the 'Artist in Residence' for next year's exhibition.

Here's my 'no fuss, no muss' fold-out table, Provencal tablecloths, easel and my (not a dollar) Painting Each Day paintings.

A lovely wedding party posing for photos

Bethlehem's 'Mayor John Callahan' and kids posing by my 'booth'.

John, remember you asked me to paint your official Mayoral portrait ? I still have the napkin you signed in agreement. Hoping you'll do good on your promise - I'll make sure you're very pleased with your painting !!

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Moravian Hall Square

2009-05-09T18:52:00.007-04:00

Moravian Hall Square

Last evening I had the sincere pleasure of being an invited artist to demonstrate my Painting Each Day technique for the folks at Moravian Hall Square. I was one of three artists there - the other two being my friends Deb Slahta - raku artist - and Liz Magno - multi media and paper making artist. The residents were fun and inquisitive and adventurous ... so much so that I had several eager artists - or new artists - try their own hand at a 'Painting Each Day' painting. Here are some of the lovely ladies ... and George, I am SO sorry that I didn't get a photo of you with your masterpiece !!! Please have someone take a digital photo of you next to your painting, and any artists that I didn't have a chance to photograph, and I will certainly be more than happy to include those photos here. You are all great artists and it was my privilege to spend a lovely and enjoyable evening with you - Thank You !!

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Cleaning House !!!

2009-05-06T14:38:00.011-04:00

Cleaning House

Today I donated NINE large 33 gallon bags of clothing. Not only that, my 'hibachi', my legal size scanner, tons of books, dishes, purses and shoes. I have lived in the same beautiful apartment for 24 years and thought when I moved here 'oh my gosh .... with seven rooms, how am I ever going to collect enough stuff to fill this large apartment??!!' Well ... now I'm saying 'how the heck did I ever collect ALL this stuff? It's difficult in the beginning, parting with item by item ... but then, the gathering picks up speed and before you know it, Nine bags are filled ! I hope my things find a good home ... and my home is better for saying good-bye to them. I want to 'spring clean', 'spic-and span' and 'spot shine' my whole house.

Maybe in the autumn, I'll have to go on a donating kick again. Less is more ... it enables you to 'showcase and feature' the beautiful items in your home ... it gives someone else a chance to enjoy the things that you have enjoyed ... your home is easier to clean - and you feel great!

In the wise words of Martha Stewart 'It's a good thing'.

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Cleaning House !!!

2009-05-04T12:36:00.008-04:00

Cleaning House

Well, American Family Services will be arriving to take away all of my 'stuff' on Wednesday. That means that I am in a self-imposed sequestered state - and beginning the task of going through EVERYTHING. Stuff, clothing, books ... nothing is safe (well, that's not totally true). I have great stuff ... but just too much stuff. And, my thinking is that someone else will soon be able to enjoy my great stuff in THEIR home ... and less is more, n'est-ce pas? (that's French for 'is it not so?'

My kitchen next to my 'potager' ... kitchen garden

Here is my wonderful rooftop apartment and the kitchen that I just love to cook in every night. I have a gas stove and an iron 'grill' pan ... which I certainly got my money's worth out of (incorrectly ending in a preposition). I have a wonderful garden - my 'potager' - that's 'kitchen garden' in French. And every night I pluck away at the thyme, rosemary and basil to add to my salads. In France, I will live in a beautiful stone villa complete with gas stove ... so VERY happy about that ! Be sure to visit my blogging website if you have the chance (and if I'm equipped with internet !!)

Here's my pretty living room. It's the only room in the house that is almost all white. I needed this break from all of the color !!! White walls, carpet, sofas, bookshelves, ceiling fan ... oh, and white fish plate from Portugal. I really love this room and, hopefully, one day will use it more - now that I am back in my apartment - for now.

Ok ... resume cleaning, organizing and donating ...

By the way, this living room photo was taken holding my E620 Olympus up in the air, still being able to see the viewer via the swivel feature. Every day I'm more ga-ga over the capabilities of this camera ... and I haven't even read the manual yet !

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Lehigh Valley 1/2 Marathon

2009-05-03T17:59:00.015-04:00

My brother James, after completing a 1/2 marathon - 13.1 miles !

James with his medal

Kevin and James

Well, I didn't make it into my studio today and for good reason. I watched my brother Jim finish a 1/2 marathon in 1 hour, 55 minutes and 43 seconds. That's pretty remarkable. That's our friend Kevin who also finished ... 3 seconds earlier.

You're probably thinking ... oh my ... what beautiful photos !! Well, I am absolutely going crazy with joy over my new Olympus E620. It was a dull drizzly sky and look at these beautiful colors ! Also, I just love the grainy black and white filter which creates photographs that look like they could be on the cover of an old 'Life' magazine. The E620 is also very lightweight which I appreciated while standing in 'ready to shoot' position at the finish line for 40 minutes. I must admit that I felt more than a little pride holding such a beautiful device.

Oh ... and, of course, so VERY proud of Jim and Kevin !

Way to go ! Congratulations !!

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page