Day off to SAVOR LIFE

It has been a week of celebration for the ADAMS FAMILY at our home.
A pre-school graduation, a 40th birthday of a "sister" of ours, a farewell to teens from Sweden, Norway, Germany who have spent a year in Alabama getting to know our culture, a 5th birthday party that promises to be wet and wild and then a lakehouse full of friends on Memorial Day.

All of this going on within the walls of our home...and when I think of all of the parties up and down our street, the festivals (Springalingadingdong- Library Carnival to name a few of the weekends)in our neighborhood, the graduations going on across the state, campaign rallies. Weddings. I realize everyone could use a good DAY OFF.

Today is MY day to DO NOTHING.

I have spent the morning on fb (havent been there in a while) catching up on everyone. And a few minutes ago I cruised through random blogs on blogspot. Many stories of moms, here and all over the world, showing photos of their children, a sad newlywed from Mississippi who has inherited her new husbands children while he runs off to Texas to chase a job. A soldier in Afghanistan, an italian racers blog- ferrari signs, but no English, a Mexican soccer team.

There is so much life going on all around us.

Everyone has a story to tell. Facebook and blogspot are only two ways our world gets smaller.

We have been blessed to have someone from another country show us our world through her eyes..her perspective on our predjudices, our customs, our quirks, our hot sticky summer weather.

On July 29, Amalie leaves us to go back to Norway. It will truly feel as if we are sending a part of our family away.

That date was also my very best friends birthday (and sister by marriage). She died of a brain tumor a few years ago.

I miss her and think of all of the great inspiration she passed on to me. Even at deaths door she was so positive about her fate. She was always wanting to tell me how great life was going to be once I got through the hump of an awful divorce. Said somewhere there was a perfect man like her Steven (who I watched in amazement as probably the only couple I knew at the time who truly loved each other) who would love me for me. She told me that would be her "first to do" when she was on the other side- to find him for me. She wouldn't talk about her situation. She shared stories of light, of life and hope and beautiful music she heard as she slept. She told me she saw her great grandmother waiting for her. She was never afraid of death. And I feel sure, as she told me she will be, she will be there waiting for me beneath a cluster of cherry trees on a red and white checked blanket one day.

Thinking of Adrienne reminds me to savor the little things, the simple things...family, flowers, prayer time, the labarynth she walked through using a cane in her final months.

I hope today brings you little pleasures. Take time tonight to run and catch the lightening bugs, to see the ladybugs just outside your door.To notice the red birds. To simply savor LIFE.

Blessings!
Allison

On the Gulf Coast

I have been here many times, in the three years I lived actually ON THE BEACH...
with boarded up windows, awaiting winds and rain and hurricanes...

but never imagined I would be sitting on my back deck, on a beautiful morning, watching the sunrise
awaiting an oil spill.

What an eery feeling to imagine that the place I called my back yard might soon forever change...

I remember a particularly scary red tide...that brought dead fish to the shore, and a dolphin that once floated up. My teenage friends and I marveled at the scars on his sides.

But we can only pray that God will protect us, as we pray he will protect Nashville from floods, or Mexico from gangs and protect those caught up in riots in Greece or Europe from fallout from their own natural disasters.

We live in a world where, no matter what we try to control in our back yards...it is ever moving, changing, and we can only, as we hope our oceans will, adapt.

I still wonder if the color variation of sand from Texas (more golden brown) is a reflection of the years of oil exploration there. I look out at a fluffy white mound of sand dotted in swaying sea oats and wonder if it will ever be the same for my children's children to walk on?

Everyone who comes into Crestline Seafood wants to know...what is gonna happen?
We all know....there are plenty of other fish in the sea...but what will be of those favorite...plump, red juicy gulf shrimp that come out of the waters just beyond the shore...sometimes in big boats at night we can see their nets dragging the floor for something that might be on a table in Minnesota the following night.

What is gonna happen to the truckers who dock in Mobile to pick up loads of cargo from all over the world and the ships can't get through?

How long will they be unable to import? To export Southern pine timber being harvested and waiting to be sold to a foreign country that is paying top dollar?

For that matter, when will anyone be able to light a firecracker along the coast?

This is affecting us all. I laugh at the way BP says "legitimate claims". Our lives are ALL affected. You just might not notice it til you order grouper or Appalacicola Oysters (some of our favorites) and we say, sorry those don't EXIST ANYMORE. How about an upper east coast variety?

News reports are still showing the oil out in the gulf, men with only greed who spent billions to figure out how to tap into it and nothing to assure that it did not spill (as required in ALL COUNTRIES except America) try to figure how to thread a needle with bungie cords in a dark, moving ocean.

We along the coast can only pray that tonights sunset and tomorrows sunrise yeild the same beautiful beach that is lying here in front of me today.

For today, I am gonna be puttin my toes in the white sand and counting my Blessings.

Allison Adams

WHATS NEW IN 2010

I am spending Spring Break with my children this week....the sun is as hot as I remember when I was living here...but the wind has kept me inside the doors... only my toes out on the porch in an attempt to get some sunshine on this body in preparation for a Mexican Cruise we embark on later in the week.

I just realized I have neglected my blog...Fall? my last post? Where DOES the time go.. I was working on updating our NEWEST venture blog...Crestline Seafood Company...which I guess I will use as my excuse for not updating, painting lately...or at least in a productive fashion or doing much writing.

I guess I have been using my creativity in other..more FOOD oriented ways :)

BUT TODAY I AM IN REFLECTION MODE...been awhile...at the beach.

The beach is a great thing..the surf roars, we sit on the deck...free to do NOTHING...watching gulls soar, planes stall (we are at the practice point on the beach where they turn back)...lucky us :) and now watch the occasional gambler blimp float by.

During those times are when my mind re-fuels and with uninterruped sleep without the dogs...I can focus on what I want to do next.

The creative person is a complex puzzle..that is why I SO love my creative peeps. This semester I have not had my usual group to paint with me on Wednesdays.

READ ABOUT THEM AND OUR PAINTING EXPLORATION AT
www.highlandartists.blogspot.com

I did however branch out and have a FUN GIRLFRIENDS NIGHT OF PAINTING at my house with 15 ladies in byob fashion where Kristen and I instructed on how to do a landscape. It was so much fun! Every painting something unique...so many styles in one room of the same subject.

I hope to do those again SOON. Just trying to figure out where. Thinking for my birthday I need a studio garage in the back :)

The restaurant is in full force..originally a market...we began serving lunch now lunch and dinner. We have wine tastings on Mondays and Brent our 16 year old plays keyboard every Thursday. Check out the link to that blog at
www.crestlineseafood.blogspot.com

IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE WE ARE CELEBRATING ONE YEAR IN BUSINESS THIS MONTH!

I sell my paintings there as well as Merrill Millers Interiors- Orange Beach, Willis Gray Gallery in Decatur and The Commissary, Birmingham.

Paintings by my art class are ON DISPLAY as well. These kids are quite talented.
We start up those classes after the break but will probably go to a group setting paint party style for summer.

We had such a blast at the last one!

In January my latest book "12 Days of Christmas Giving" finally rolled off the presses...but just in time to miss the season. THIS is a main focus for the year ahead. I was tired of hearing "what am I getting for Christmas" so the book is a challenge in rhyme to take a present each day for 12 days from under the tree and GIVE IT AWAY. The book will be linked to various charities and you can teach your children to help celebrate with a perspective that has been there all along.

www.12daysofChristmasgiving.blogspot.com

And while other things are going on with the kids...school and such...we are still so excited we have Amalie Holt with us from Norway. She applied for her ticket to leave us in July and I was sad. She has been such a blessed addition to our family and we can't wait to meet her parents, little sister and little brother in June.
If you have not ever thought of hosting an exchange student, all I can ask is WHY NOT. The blessings are endless.

We take her on a cruise with all four of our children on Thursday and then I hope to take her and Shelton to New York-Boston (while Brent performs with mens choir in Boston) to meet me grandmother Nana Rosalie Costontino and aunt Rosalie Cicciarelli in April...then a train trip to N Orleans..and if it works in, Miami, where she originally thought she was coming to in the states.

Until I have the chance to sit down again (especially with a five year old :)) hope you are following your creative dreams.

BLESSINGS!
Allison

HAPPYMESS ART CLASSES FALL 2009

The above photo is a sample of the continued learning that will be passed on to the students. Above: Birmingham artist Justine Rynearson shares tips from a recent workshop at Allison's home.

JOIN TODAY!

HAPPYMESS ART CLASSES TAUGHT BY ALLISON ADAMS
These are designed for children, but we will have some night classes for adults.

Each of the classes will meet on Monday, Tues. and Wed. each week
at my home studio from 3:30-5:00.

Junior High Students and Crestline Students can walk here if necessary.

First week, Sept 14,15,16 every class that week will deal with basic things..foreground/middle/background..some perspective

Pick one day that week or you can come all three that week and build on each day
(Wed. is not harder than Mon, but if you have had Mon, the different subject to be painted will provide more experience)

Week 2: Sept.21,22,23: Still Life same thing..M,T,W
Week 3 Sept. 28,29, 30: Perspective- interior and buildings
Week 4 Oct. 5,6,7 :Perspective and Rendering Techniques/Landscape drawing
Week 5 Oct. 12,13,14: Drawing People (12th is Columbus Day)
Week 6 Oct.19,20,21 : Self Portraits
Week 7 Oct. 26,27,28: Painting Light and Shadow
Week 8 Nov. 2,3,4: Writing and Illustrating (Allison is author of Birmingham Sketchbook)
Week 9 Nov. 16,17,18: Digital Photography (we will work on photo gift ideas for parent/grandparent)
students will need access to a digital camera

Prices until Sept. 14: $10 / class or 25 for three (works $50 for 6 as well) Reserve now by email or phone with questions to 914-2400.
You pick the dates you like.

RE: Supplies:
For the $10 I will provide the items to draw with (pencils, markers, paints). I will have paper and regular paint boards for them to use if they do not have their own canvas.
For Writing and Illustrating: We will have an optional "publish your own book" kit available.

Students may bring whatever they like to work on (canvas any size, a piece of wood, paint board)
if they want to paint on a large canvas, or a small one, they can bring whatever they like (can get at Michaels or Wal Mart). Kids are creative and can come up with fun things when they are allowed to "think outside the box" so don't worry about materials)

If you would like to have all materials provided, please note that when registering.
$8 fee for canvases. (note there is no extra charge for digital photography)

The students will have an art exhibit at the end of each month with ice cream at HappYmess Ice Cream (Crestline Seafood)
Thanks so much!

Allison
happYmess Artist


About the teacher:
As an interior Design major at the University of Alabama I had core art classes in their incredible art program, learned perspective drawing,and rendering techniques.
I have experience in wallcovering design, graphic design and publishing.

As a writer, I have self published two books (illustrated one) and written BIRMINGHAM SKETCHBOOK and written for Montgomery Living, Southern Beauty and other publications.
Check out some of our learning exercises at www.highlandartists.blogspot.com for painting experiences.

I taught grades K-6 at St. Benedict School on the Gulf Coast and recently had a show at the Orange Beach Art Center.

Independence Day

This morning
I zip into the Chevron,
grab a shot of caffeine,
Head on my way.
In front of me
A woman on a cell phone slows traffic.
I watch another walk her dog
On the long winding path beside me,
No cares, no concerns.

Yesterday,
As I hit snooze,
Purrs of lawnmowers and
shrills of children on bikes
Dashed in through my window.
I turned over,
Went back to sleep
Because I could.

Overseas,
A friend sleeps on rock,
In tents,
As much as he can,
Before jumping into action
on streets where
Women scurry with children,
Men eat quickly in fear,
Pausing only to listen for any
Sign of threat.

This Independence Day,
I pray that the joy I have
With family and friends
Is scattered across the globe,
In the minds and hearts of children,
Who also play, but
Under shelter of cover,
Not openly in the streets
As in AMERICA.

This Independence Day
I pray for PEACE.
I extend gratitude
To those
Who give me and my children
the choice
To simply BE.
Allison Puccetti Adams 2009

Painting at the Orange Beach Art Center

Here is the most recent painting...

If you are on the coast, please visit the Orange Beach Art Center.
My exhibit there ends the 10th of June so hope you will go by.
Print this out and receive 15% off of any purchase there...only for blog followers.
(Deepest discount there is 10%) the final week of the show.

They will begin an exhibit by area art students that should be great inspiration.
They also have a great art camp for kids so be sure to check it out!

Blessings~

Allison

ARTWALK in CRESTLINE June 18

As business owners in the Mountain Brook community, we would like to invite fellow artists to be a part of an ARTWALK event in Crestline
at CRESTLINE SEAFOOD in the ..what I am calling the "HAPPYMESS Gallery" or the "walls of the store". (It is also home to HAPPYMESS Ice Cream..where Klumpie's once resided)

We are inviting artists to submit by email a photo of one painting that you would like to have displayed at the ARTWALK Event and placed on consignment for the month following the event. (depending on response, we may be able to do a grouping of small similar works also). (you may also simple display during the artwalk)

Even if you are not interested in displaying, we invite you to support your fellow artists and come out for ARTWALK
on the Third THURSDAY of June~ July and August.

We will advertise this event through the chamber and try to encourage other businesses to join in future events in an effort to help artists as well as area businesses create MOUNTAIN BROOK BUZZ.

If you want to participate, please email me with ARTWALK SUBMISSION in the Subject Line. Our first event will be on June 18.
We would like to have the Theme for June focus on FATHERS AND FREEDOM (as the work will be up until just before the July show and during fathers day and Fourth of July)

JULY THEME FOR THE JULY 16TH SHOW- S-S-SUMMERTIME~
Anything that makes you think of summer

AUGUST-PEOPLE AND PLACES

You may submit now for all three if you have appropriate work or you may submit two weeks prior to each show date.

Our main hurdle is SPACE so that is why we must limit the number of submissions.

Please have your work insured, as we cannot be responsible for theft or damage, although we assume the risk is low as we will be sure to
take great care to see that your work is taken care of.

Blessings my fellow artists! Hang in there! It's been a funky summer, but everyone needs something beautiful to get them up in the down times.

We are asking only 20% of sales. Write me back if you have any questions.

ARTWORK WILL BE DISPLAYED AT OUR LOCATION AS WELL AS LAURA KATHRYN NEXT DOOR. We will do a customer blitz and also announce through the chamber of commerce.

Hope you are having a CREATIVE summer~