Mantle Monday - Ready for Halloween!

Preparing for Halloween, my 7 year old helped me decorate the mantle this weekend, or maybe I was helping her.  Based on her pumpkin snowman, I believe she may already have Christmas on her mind!!

Some produce from the farm stand, a piece of Mommy's art, a sparkling orange and black boa, and of course a little bit of self-adhesive bling!  And the Vampire Queen is happy! and the rock star, and Cleopatra (depending on the event).

Happy Halloween!

My Love Affair with Lettuce

It's no secret among my friends and family know how I feel about lettuce!  I can eat it, in fact I love a good salad - but, touching it has been an issue since High School.
Yes. Touching it!
For almost as long as I can remember touching lettuce - with my hands - has made me gag. 
Literally.
Yes. It's weird.
Touching it. Cleaning it. Cutting it. 
All a major problem.
I was so happy when bagged, washed lettuce came on the scene.  I could have salads at home with a minimum of interaction with my hands.
I got used to people looking at me sideways when I couldn't touch the leaves - and never found any explanation (until recently).  Romaine and Iceberg were at the top of my list of Please-don't-make-me-touch-them.
Happy with my dark leafy greens in the bag I ate salads at home all the time.

Then, along came my gluten-free life, (now pretty much grain free)... and I was out of sandwich and bun options.
Until I happened upon a burger wrapped in iceberg lettuce.
Fantastic!  
Then I discovered the beauty of the lettuce wraps at PF Changs. And, romaine lettuce as a wrap with tuna salad, chicken salad, scrambled eggs... the possibilities are endless!  
But, obviously for these purposes the lettuce had to be touched to be eaten. And I was touching them - without triggering the reaction I had gotten for decades! 
Decades!

Recently an occupational therapist we know explained that my reaction to touching lettuce sounded like a sensory issue.  
A sensory issue that has faded the longer I am gluten-free.
So bring on the romaine!! And let the salad games begin!

Check out this yummy recipe I found for grilled romaine at The Daily Apple... might have to make this tonight!

Sketching Romaine

"romaine lettuce studies" watercolor sketch 9"x12"

As I struggle through an allergic haze today, precious little has been accomplished!  And, in passing moments of clarity I am frustrated by this as I have a pile of art assignments needing my time and attention.

So instead of staring blankly at a wall (or FB) I cracked open my trusty sketchbook and painted before I ate lunch... focusing on the romaine leaves as they were an infinitely more interesting subject than the tuna salad!  

Happily, this shook me out of my haze long enough to get a few things done.

GFAF Expo in NJ

Today I am heading to the GFAF Expo in Secaucus... and I couldn't be more excited!
Think, Christmas morning excited!

I have that pre-trade show rush - and I am not even exhibiting.

Just looking forward to meeting lots of GF cyber space friends, and being surrounded by a plethora of gluten free and allergen free abundance.  I am bringing my little girl with me so she can experience the abundance first hand.  We are all about focusing on the positive side of allergen free living... and all the good that it brings!

Hope to see you there!

Monday Inspiration - Black Eye Susan's in the Sunshine

"Just living is not enough... one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower."
Hans Christian Andersen 

Granny's Summer House memories

"Granny's Cottage Door", acrylic on canvas, copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

When I was a child both of my Grandmother's had cottages in beach communities. I absolutely loved visiting them. I adored the freedom of the indoor and outdoor blending together... Evenings on the porch or in the yard, kids free to roam, wooden screen door banging as we ran in and out, and most especially the sunrise walks with my Grandmother through the neighborhood. Before anyone else woke, just me and her, in our pajamas (so exciting to go out and about in pajamas!). Together we enjoyed the quiet, peacefulness of those early mornings, strolling and holding hands. 

I was inspired by those memories to create this painting, and enjoyed the thoughts of my grandmother as I painted, and relived those special moments.

Happy Hour Painting - Next class Thursday June 27th

A relaxing and fun environment to tap into your creative side! 

It's a BYOB painting party with step-by-step instruction and demonstration as we go, and everyone will be able to complete a finished 14x18 painting during the 2 hour class.

Bring your favorite bottle of wine or beverage of choice - and we supply all the necessary painting supplies, step-by-step instruction, and encouraging guidance.
All levels are welcome.

No experience necessary!

The next class is Thursday June 27th.

We encourage everyone to arrive by 7:15 so we can start right at 7:30.

We ask that you reserve a spot in advance at Geralyn's Art Studio or by calling Geralyn's Art Studio at 973-275-1966.   Class size is small, a maximum of 10, so everyone gets personal assistance.  
And everyone leaves with a finished canvas!

Geralyn's Art Studio in Maplewood, 103 Baker Street.

Hope to see you there!