I know. It's too early to select accessories for my new house. I mean, right now it's but a shell and I haven't even met with Duncan, my new builder yet. But this weekend is the second of two arts and crafts shows that run on the plaza. These are top notch artisans. And you know what that means. . . . KA-CHING!$$$$$$$ But such gorgeous stuff. When the show was here on week 4, I enjoyed looking but escaped with only buying a leather fanny pack to more easily carry around my gate pass and other paraphenalia. I've used that every day since. . . it was a good purchase.
But today I started getting inspiration for how I'll decorate my new place. And to that end, I met a lovely Japanese woman who makes the most extraordinary baskets from palm fronds and natural ingredients which she collects near her home in Florida. I bought a small basket from her to display on the wall unit that will surround my fireplace/tv. Artistically, I love texture, and am drawn to those items that make me want to pick them up and touch them. Her woven art was exceptionally beautiful, and once I figure out where my walls are and how big they are, I may want to get another piece from her. I also bought a print from a lovely woman named Laura Wilder who does prints from sketches that she then carves into whatever material ink printing uses. They are all so beautiful, and exactly the look and colors I want for my walls. I then took that print to another really nice artist who makes rag rugs. We looked at the colors in the print, picked them out from her sample board. Once I know the size of living room rug I want, I'm hoping to commission her to do it. I'm excited about surrounding myself with beautiful things. Frankly, this makes me want to go home, get into that storage unit, and get rid of a whole bunch more stuff. I'm so excited about my renovation project and it will be fun to get started and watch it take shape, using my newly purchased items for my inspiration. I think I'll keep blogging through the renovation, and have my new computer whereby I can include pictures of the progress!
There's a beautiful, bright orange full harvest moon rising over the trees as I sit on the porch. I've attended two drama productions today. The Shakespeare Love's Labors Lost which was fantastic! And then there was an extra, three-character play this evening that was extra for the season. Entitled "Brothers Size", it was about three African American young men, two of whom have been in prison. Very very well done and powerful. I know I've said it before, but the company of young actors this year has been exceptional, and I won't be the least bit surprised to see some or all of them rise to recognizable stardom. What is special about up here is that tonight, once again, I sat down in the audience to watch the "Brothers Size" and I found myself right next to one of the company. . . .a young woman from the Julliard School who has been particulary wonderful in several productions. I had a few minutes to chat with her about the season and about her studies. Rarely does the audience get this kind of access to actors.
So tomorrow Week 8 starts. And Otis Moss has arrived. Otis was the preacher during my first week ever at Chautauqua 4 years ago, and the next year I came back specifically on the week where he was preaching. He presides at the church in Chicago where Obama attends when he is in town. He brought his 90 voice choir with him, so we will sing two pieces with them in the morning, and then they will sing the entire Sunday evening service. . . giving us a night off! The theme of the week involves Creative Thinking and I'll be taking my 5-day master class in Flavors. Same teacher as my Knife Skills class. Really looking forward to cooking every day!
We may be cranking down to the end, but it's full speed ahead until August 29!
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