Saturday Morning

The morning after.

Yesterday was a good day. Didn't have to be in the cube, any day that starts that way is a good one. Day began with the next artist. While I am not feeling this exhibit, I had no work to do in setting it up. He brought help. I got to spend my time chatting with Kelly. They finish in time for me to go grocery shopping with her.

1st stop Trader Joe's, I love that place! Then on to Teeter for the things you need, but can't get at TJ's.

I have been to Kelly's a few times, but never seen most of the art around her house...some of it is truly stunning! I especially love her exposed wall in the "sewing room."

Off to home to unload my delicious finds and relax some before the Gallery Crawl. I relaxed too well, some time on the puter, long walk with Hannah to enjoy more of the pretty day and forgot to eat. It was too late for that...the sun was setting and I needed to get to the reception.

Well lucky me the artist brought food, I had some salami and cheese...hardly a meal. Of course I accompany my dinner with a beer. Some time passes and it's time to hit the streets with the promo stuff for the band. I love handing out free CDs. It makes me feel like the music fairy :) With one pass down the street they are gone. Got to chat some with one of the local artists and decide to head back to home base....The Muse. Outside I find Don and Dana, so this means the magician has arrived...yay! I have been looking forward to his slight of hand.

I am not sure what I enjoyed more, his demonstrations in amazement or the looks on the other's faces as they watched. I think the couple married for 40 years was my favorite. It was so pleasing to watch her enthusiasm.

One of the paintings inside Lark & Key made me want to go next door to Green Rice, I grab Laurie and we head over. I was hoping it would still be open, not only was it open...it was packed! I had no idea the featured artist this month was Green Rice resident Paul Hastings. I love his stuff and he is always so kind when I wander in there and he is working in his studio. Last time he told me to pick up a brush and join him. So I grab a glass of wine a piece of cheese and wander. See Paul and chat some. He is so warm, friendly and talented. He deserved such a success of an opening that kept the gallery open long after 9.

I head on back to The Muse to see a band out of Knoxville, TN that I really liked the 1st time I saw them. They started very late and with only half the band, by the time the others joined and they were getting it together the set was over. After their set Jason wanted to wander across the street for some shots. Forgetting the wine I had already had (I as a rule never mix wine and liquor) only thinking of the yummy beer I had last, I agree to let a friend buy me a shot...well one turned to 2. He was in a mood. A bit heartbroken. I tried not to say "I told you so" but did anyway.

Back across the street to see Stephanie's Id. A band from Asheville that has played Charlotte many times yet I have never seen. They hadn't started yet so my pal wanted a return trip to liquor land. By the time we get back she was probably 1/2 way through her set. She really reminded me of Sugarcubes. You know before Bjork was wearing Swan outfits to award shows. I really, really like them. I will surely make it a point to see them again.

So I had stopped drinking for about an hour, was really tired and it was time to head home. I take Laurie's advice and have Don walk me to my car. It was parked where they have been known to boot and I was hoping my car was not trapped. Lucky me it was not! i say my goodbye and off I go.

Driving up 36th I am following a city bus. Not close, not speeding. There is a car behind me, but the back window has not yet cleared of the autumn dew that had gathered. So until I saw the flashing blue and white lights, I had no idea it was a cop. I instantly think, very little food and the amount of alcohol I had consumed over the past 8 hours (well spaced other than the shots) I was definitely sleeping in a jail cell. He says do you know your inspection is expired? I reply yes, but with the new law I don't need to do it until I renew my tags. He says yes that is true and while technically my tags are good till the 15th, they are still expired. He takes my license and registration to the car...I put the gum in my mouth and pray. He comes back, tells me to be sure i take care of my stuff as soon as possible and to have a good night. I almost said "Really??" but managed to turn that into a thank you Sir I surely will. I pull off and make it home. I am not sure I was breathing for the 1st 5 minutes.

So this morning I woke up happy, so very happy to be here. And as long as I was this lucky...I bought a lottery ticket!