it started with a collage...

Purpose

As many of you know, my daughter and I have been trying to start a business with the hope we can be up and running by late summer or early fall. I have posted information many times on Twitter and Facebook and given info about our Indiegogo campaign. We plan to donate 20% of our profits to Alzheimer's research a cause close to our hearts. We have lost many relatives to this dreadful disease.

I am not sure if many of you are confused, concerned, indifferent or in disbelief that we are starting a business in this economy. Small business still lives in this country. That is why they have small business Saturdays sponsored by American Express. That is why we have "Cash Mobs" all over the country. People are tired of big business and big corporations eating the little guy alive. 

So, to the naysayers, I say fine. Think I/we are crazy. Think I will someday eat my words or hat. I may. I may not. All I know is that if you have something you believe in you should go for it. If there is a greater cause than "trying to get rich" that is even a better reason to go for it. Our cause is Alzheimer's!!

As of the first Indiegogo posting, several people have become different towards me. A change of attitude has been noticed and I fear it is because they believe I am asking them for or will ask them for large sums of money to start my business. The Indiegogo "goal" of $50,000 is a big, huge dream. We know that, we knew it when we went live with that amount. But they say if you are going to dream, dream big! I have never asked anyone to their face (except loan officers) for any money and I never will.

What I will do, is continue the campaign and post repeatedly for the rest of our campaign letting anyone and everyone know about it. If anyone needs more information I will be happy to explain.  If you don't want to contribute and sign up for your "perks" of free brownies, coffee, t-shirts, etc. that is fine.  I understand-the economy is bad, you have no money, you hate coffee and brownies, you won't wear t-shirts, you don't contribute to things online--I get it. Even reposting our posts can help by spreading the word to friends and relatives who may be affected by this disease and want to contribute or repost.

But, please-don't treat me differently when you see me, don't change the subject or walk away when you see me coming. If I talk about the startup, it is because I am proud to be working toward this goal. I am not any different than I was before this started, but now I have a bigger purpose in life. Thanks.

Thanks to T.K., E.W., L.T., J.R., J.E., B.M., J.M., J.Z., S.W., D.W., C.Z., L.N., D.T., J.G.,A.C.,M.J. for your kindness. Hugs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                               This is why we do it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a change of attitude

floor plan done-check!

One more step closer to starting the build on the shop. Next step do some more fundraising and PR!! Get that logo ready. So much going on..hard to keep it all in my brain.Will update you every chance I get.

Here is our youtube video. Wow. Youtube. I never thought I would be on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbZioXN9PA4

Do you know anyone with Alzheimer's? Please watch and contribute today to receive your perks.

thank you thank you thank you.

campaign trail

I feel SO important saying that I am on a campaign trail. indiegogo.com campaign trail

Actually, this isn't about politics, but it is about raising funds for our bakery "Brownies to Remember" which will then raise money for Alzheimer's Research. Kind of a win-win situation. You can (pleaeeease) back my daughter and I in this venture, then you will receive some good and yummy perks and when our doors are open, we will send 20% of our profits to Alzheimer's research. 

For those of you who know me well, you know my Mom recently passed away after a 12 year battle with Alzheimer's. Three of her sisters also had the disease and passed away from it. It is a horrendous disease that is a slow, agonizing, depressing sight to live through and/or watch. More research is needed.

The research center we are contributing to, Alzheimer's Research Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, has recently been given a patent for an intranasal spray that helps with memory without side effects of the previous meds.

Until I get another blog up and running for Brownies to Remember, I will post updates on this blog with pictures and thanks for all of your support and kind words. Thanks.

Flatlined

Things have been so hectic around here trying to get this "brownies to remember" bakery off the ground I haven't had time to blog. My blog stats have flatlined for about two weeks now. Soon there will be more to say and I hope time to say it. 

I may have to go off and start another blog about baking and such- as this one began about art and getting back to it. Then I veered off to more personal things, then quit, then started again. Geez. Make. up. My. Mind.

For those of you who don't know, my daughter and I are in the process of starting a coffeeshop/bakery which will specialize in yummy brownies of all varieties and other luscious treats. When we have a place ready for you all to sit down and have a treat, I will give you a holler through this blog, Facebook, Twitter or maybe even an email.

There will be contests, free brownies, BOGO offers, frequent shopper perks, brownie of the month club and whatever else we can do to convince you to try our goodies. Heck, we may even have a mascot standing out at the corner passing out coupons!! 

Until then....

chocolate

My mind is elsewhere today. Mostly on chocolate and what to do about it. I am scheming but can't say why quite yet, so in the meantime just think chocolate. I will get back to you on what's next.

Can anyone say, mmmmmm..brownies?

 

Options

I am thinking if this election madness doesn't start looking better than it does right now, I am voting for Roseanne.

 

That'll show 'em!

Winning....no, not Charlie Sheen winning, another kind

Unlike wacky Charlie Sheen winning, these winners really ARE winning and deservedly so! At tonight's opening of Artists of Rubber City  21st Juried Show in the BOX gallery, there were winners for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place as well as seven honorable mentions!

Congratulations to all the winners but especially to Shirley (who usually wins something in every show) and to Terry K. who recently changed direction in his work and is having really great results! Also his first assemblage piece sold tonight! I am so happy for all of them! If you have a chance, see this show and the Summit Artspace "Beyond Newsprint" show which runs the same dates through June 5. Great works by wonderful artists.

Thanks to those who brought food and wine...it was enjoyed by all!

Note to Don if you are still reading...I am no longer whining!

New show

A new show is opening soon at the Box gallery. Next week is intake. I am going to take these two pieces and see what happens. If I don't get in, then once again I have donated to the cause. That is fine too. This first piece is all the smaller ones in previous posts put together- title "His System" or maybe just "System" can't make up my mind. I am not good with titles.

Once again, this is "Pray for Japan" which was also shown in previous posts.

 

 

 

I haven't been posting lately because I have been slightly weirded-out about these so-called followers that are really just spammers. Every time I post it seems I get a bunch of followers in the comment section that cannot be deleted. They never make a comment they just stalk me. Still waiting for Typepad to solve the problem. 

One more thing,

I went to Joan's opening yesterday at Don Drumm's place and it was fabulous. Her work is always great and it was displayed in such a lovely fashion. I had not been to Drumm's  gallery for a couple of years and it was such a delight. If you get a chance, go see Joan's work, then wander through the rooms packed with every type of art you can imagine.  See ad below-

It definitely is "SOMETHING TO CROW ABOUT"

Nice show Joan!

Pray for Japan

All the tragedy in Japan led me to doing this piece. Whenever there is an act of God or tragedy in the world, the US always goes to help. Often we are the first ones there, with donations, food, troops, first aid, the Red Cross. (Makes me wonder where all these countries are when WE have disasters...does anyone remember Katrina?)

Anyway, more than that, I think we should send prayers to Japan. Everyday it seems the news gets worse for them. This is collage, acrylic paints, tape transfers, rub down type,bible verses raining down from the sky and bits of Japanese text.  I am not sure what I think of it. Turned out much different than I saw it in my mind, but sometimes my brain and my hand don't have the same ideas. Nice break from all the teal pieces of late. 

This was before frame and finishing touches.                This was after-

                The next two are pics of details-

Judge's Merit

I was the lucky recipient of  Judge's Merit award at the 2.5x3.5 show mentioned in the previous post. I am always amazed and surprised if I win anything or even get a nod. So, I am a bit richer (it covered the fees for the show and my OCS dues) and a bit prouder.  I do have to thank friend Shirley for telling me what pieces to enter. She really does know everything. Thanks to Pat for being the judge and picking my work!

In a related note, Shirley won FIRST PLACE in the Fresh Art Current Affairs Show at Summit Artspace. See here for Summit Artspace and here for more info on Shirley's work.