The Gypsy in My Soul

So, remember I said I had some exciting news?!?

Well, it looks as though a longtime dream is actually manifesting; a cross country (and back again) road trip with a dear friend!


Two months plus, stopping to see interesting sights (and artist friends!) along the way, a lot of two lane and back roads, big cities and small towns, gorgeous scenery, quirky attractions, diner food...the iconic American vacation, Thelma and Louise style (um, but without the guns and driving off the cliff thing). ;)

The dates and vehicle are yet to be determined, but we're shooting for late spring/early summer 2012. I was hoping to take the Beetle (FUN little car to drive) until John pointed out there's a mileage cap we've already exceeded, lol, so it's looking like we may be in my friend's Expedition. Which means I need to learn to drive something more than a foot off the ground, hehe...

But those are details, and we'll work them out.

I read somewhere there are two kinds of travelers: journey people, and destination people. Journey people are gypsies; they like to wander, to veer off course, take interesting detours, and often throw any kind of schedule out the window. For journey people, it's about the experience. Destination people, while they fully intend to have a relaxing time once they GET THERE, need to get from point A to point B as quickly and efficiently as possible. And they often like to know exactly how many miles per hour they averaged doing it. Husbands tend to be the latter. ;)

My friend Ann and I are the former. We're journey people. And we are sooooooo looking forward to this adventure - and to sharing it via a travel blog as we go along!

In the meantime, I need to get my head out of the clouds (and every road atlas and travel guide I can find!) and get some painting done.

But oh my, how I'm looking forward to this!!

I'll leave you with a little Van Morrision, and be back very soon with new work. :)



♥ Carolee

Gearing Up for a *Magical* Time Again....

....And this year, it's TWO day event!

Work has begun in earnest for the fifth annual Ghoultide Gathering, and I must tell you I'm still pinching myself at the thought of being included - I know I've said it before, but it's like the cool kids have invited me have lunch at their table, hehe. There are Halloween shows and there are Halloween shows, and there are folk art shows and there are folk art shows, but this one is simply the best of the best.

Seriously, every year after set-up, we all walk around with our jaws on the floor, and I know this year (with some fabulous new exhibitors!) will be no exception. Click here to check out the details and lineup of artists. Pretty amazing, yes?!

Oh, and if you haven't already seen this, check out the video from the 2009 show (things were so crazy busy last year I don't think a video was made)...


See? Pure *magic*! ;)

Aaaaaannnnnd, if you're within striking, or even traveling distance, you can mention you're attending the show and get a heckuva reduced rate at the Hampton Inn. (Book soon, though - I'm told last year we filled the hotel, hehe!)

Like some of the other artists, we'll be arriving a day early so as to get our bearings, touch base with friends, and be well rested before the big event. One of my favorite things about the show is running into other artists and collectors in the hotel lobby or local coffee places. So if you see me (I'll be the roundish, middle aged lady, dressed in black with a cross between a big grin, and a deer-in-headlights expression), please do introduce yourself. :)

Really, I know I sound like a broken record, but you do not want to miss this show. Grab your hubby or wife or significant other, grab some friends, get a caravan together, share a room or two (I mean, with room sharing we're talking like $35 or less a night - where else can you get a vacation for that!?)

OK, taking a deep breath and stepping down now, hehe...

And back to the studio, where all kinds of wicked and whimsical pieces are waiting to make their way to Michigan this fall...

Hope to see you there!

♥ Carolee