Still not in N.C.

Today, I did the unthinkable, I walked out of Starbucks. After having 3 people in front of me order 4 or more drinks, and seeing only 2 people working behind the counter I knew I was in for the wait of my life. Realizing I was not in N.C. and there would be no free drinks at the end of the rainbow, I walked. I can't stand in line for 1/2 to get a coffee, even if it is Starbucks.

Art in your Pocket: ATCs

Where have I been. I just received one of my publications that had a feature on ATCs. In doing more research, I find that I am missing out on a whole art movement. some of these cards are great. The idea is for artists to exchange original art with each other. Some groups have shows at galleries, get togethers, etc.

This is one of the most informative sites I have found. Check it out:

Art in your Pocket: ATCs

We aren't in N.C. anymore

The Starbucks at International Mall today was out of soy milk. There were no offers extended. Unlike N.C. where Starbucks employees feel the need to make sure you leave their establishment with a good feeling, Tampa has no such problems. They know you will be back and they don't care.

Mr. Picassohead-by Kate

My 8 year old daughter also tried her "mouse" at being a Picasso with fabulous results:

Mr. Picassohead

Mr. Picassohead

Great fun for all ages. The Mr. PicassoHead Website. Create your own cut, paste and color Picasso. View mine at:

Mr. Picassohead

Free Starbucks?

We were just in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the Southeast Regional Oriechtas (an irish dancing regional competition). While we were there we visited 2 different Starbucks. The unthinkable happened, we were given free products! We always get little samples here and there when our Starbucks back home is selling new pastries but this was a little different. I forgot to order my water at the first Starbucks and the Barista said "don't worry abut it just take one." At the second Starbucks the line was really long and everyone received their beverage on the house! I call that good business. The Starbucks in Tampa and St. Petersburg should take a page from the N.C. Starbucks book.

Tampa Museum of Art

The Tampa Museum of Art is celebrating their 25th anniversary. We picked up our new members passes and took a look today at the current show featuring their permanent collection. Not bad. I would recommend it, it even held our 3 year old daughters attention. One of the pieces was scorched canvas. Isabel thought it looked like coffee stains. I have promised to show her the coffee art website and brew an exceptionally strong pot of coffee so she can try her brush at coffee watercolor painting. I'll post the results as I photograph them.

Messy desk, great photo opportunity

Took this picture of my desk with my picture phone. I just might have to recreate this one as a still life in pastel.

Back to coffee, Panera

Sunday, is breakfast at Panera day. Last Sunday the light was coming through the window illuminating my empty coffee cup and tray. The picture is great (I took it with my picture phone), the coffee is awful (Panera's always is).

A new beginning.....

Having had an established website it is hard to decide where to begin again. I inadvertantly lost artistsindex.com due to a paperwork error with yahoo.com. It was a great loss after so many years. Artistsindex.com was developed and created 2 hours at a time over a several month period about 7 years ago. It was my first attempt to re-enter the art world after my beautiful daughter Kate was born. A dear family friend came over once a week to play with her while I struggled with Microsoft Frontpage, taking photos of my work and web page design. The result was good. I had artists and not-for-profit art organizations from all over the world represented on my site. I don't want to re-create Artists Index. I have changed and my art has changed so a new site is in order. The first steps, my homepage and my blog, were created by my hubby. Always supportive, he knows just what to do to get me moving again. The second step will be the section on vanitas, as my hobby is skull collecting I just can't get enough. I love 'em.

coffee art?

A wonderful website has been brought to my attention and it fits perfectly with our theme of great coffee and great art. I can't vouch for how good the coffee actually is but I can say it looks great on paper. http://www.justcoffeeart.com/ is a website full of pictures by two artists, Andy and Angel, who create their art with coffee. Grab yoursel a cup of joe, visit their website and take a look at what you could be doing with your coffee.

The perfect cup of Joe...

I've finally found the perfect combination. A Venti (TM) half-calf soy mocha with extra-whipped cream...YUM, YUM! Unfortunately, my Starbucks days may be over. They recently asked a nursing mother to either cover her baby or nurse in the bathroom. Hmmm, how many of you have been asked to eat your food or drink your coffee in the bathroom at Starbucks. Their bathrooms are generally clean, as far as public restrooms go, but still not an appropriate place to nourish your child. When called to account for their rudeness they had some lame reply about catering to a diverse population and that they would abide by the laws of the state each Starbucks store is located. Pretty sad. How about making a stand for the customers of tomorrow? I no longer nurse my toddler in public but I may just have to try it once more for old times sakes to make my point and see what local policies dictate. To find out more go to : http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm?aid=2077 or www.nurseatstarbucks.org