Poissonnerie - and the best day in my life

La Poissonnerie painting
18 x 18 inches on stretched canvas

The Art Market at Marchè Provençal

My 'booth'

Jean Paul - the director of the Art Market
Drinking Champagne in the white tents at Eilenroc
Eve Ruggieri introducing tonight's program

Incredible concert !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Afterwards sharing a glass with Jean Paul and Audouin at the Art Market

I am just going to cut to the chase. Yesterday could be the most wonderful day I have ever had in my life. The first thing in the early morning, a dove flew into my bedroom and walked around the floor. I know this dove and have left breadcrumbs for it several times. I whistled gently to it and asked if she was a sign of hope.

Well ... my day started off, naturally, with computer problems. I am SO grateful to the city for this computer loaner, but it's not a computer geared to handle heavy graphic work -- so ... I'm online, then offline, online, then downloading software to get back online ... SO frustrating and what a waste of time. That being said, I rely on the help of my neighbor Alexander. Ladies you would like him - he's tall with dark curly hair and speaks only French - not bad, eh? So afterwards, I stopped by his house to say thank you again -- and three municipal police officers (not to be confused with the national police officers where I reported my theft) were standing by the gate at the end of the alley. They asked if all was ok ... and, of course I said 'absolutement No!!' I told them I was robbed and all was gone. They asked for my name - and knowing they could never comprehend the word 'Schlegel' (doesn't sound french), I asked them to follow me to the villa so I could give them my card.

Well, never missing a marketing opportunty, I gave them my 'Mr. Martini' card. Well ... one of the policemen said 'I know this card ... did you have a lavander purse?'. Here, the police found my purse last week and brought it to the Objects trouve - lost and found. I couldn't believe my ears !!! I had searched for my camera and purse for eight days ... walking and searching ... and here, because of my 'Mr. Martini' business card, there was hope of finding it. I walked to Juan-les-Pins and entered the Objects trouve. Voila !! There was my purse !!!! My wallet was ripped and everything BUT my drivers license was gone ... but, my Picasso Antibes book was there, my passport was there ... and my cherished Mass Card for my Mother was there. I can't begin to tell you the joy I felt .. finally some assemblance of myself. (I won't get into the ineptness of people because my day was too wonderful to dwell on it - but ... hadn't they seen the mailing invoice in my purse with my complete information and the complete info of the mayor of culture of Antibes ... didn't they receive my phone message with detailed info on me and everything I lost - spoken in english AND french ??? ). Ok .. getting back to feeling wonderful ...

Jean Paul runs the artists' market at Marchè Provençal. So, after the food market closes down and the market is scrubbed clean, the artists set up their booths. I have been invited to paint there, so I loaded up my easel, my paints, brushes canvases and completed canvases ... and hauled myself to the market. What a great feeling to paint again - to feel great joy again - and everyone is sooo kind and so much fun !! I decided on the wonderful 'Poissonnerie' as my subject matter. Jean Paul bought a Kronenburg beer for me ... and then another ... and then my friend Audouin called to invite me to the concert at Eilenroc. He would pick me up on his scooter at 8:00 pm.

Eilenroc. What can you say about the MOST beautiful estate in the world. Villa Eilenroc was built on a rock in the middle of a virtual desert. The area was transformed into a glorious garden through the patience and talent of Jacques Greber, landscape architect and consultant to the Great Exhibition in New York in 1939. He was commissioned by Mr Beaumont to create this luxuriant park of 11 hectares. The heirs of this incredible estate donated the villa and gardens to the city of Antibes, and Antibes has lovingly cared for this glorious property. Operas and concerts in front of the great stairs and pillars of this great estate ... white tents, dark blue sky, stars, parasol pines ... the breeze, the cigale, la mer ... and always champagne ...

So, Audouin picks me up on his scooter (me wearing a long skirt ??), and we head toward Eilenroc. It's magical ... it's sooo intensely beautiful that you are overwhelmed and overflowing with emotion. Eve Ruggieri (very important, very famous) introduces tonight's selections. We are sitting seven rows up, center seats of course. Only the best for us VIPs (hahaha) ... and the music begins - imagine l'orchestre philharmonique de Nice in front of Eilenroc .. and it's perfect outside ... and you have your purse again ... nothin' better than that. With the second selection, the very beautiful and gifted opera singer Nathalie Manfrino enters center stage. Never a more beautiful voice have I heard - and wearing a flowing white gown draping beneath her - truly resembling a greek goddess ... Rondinet ... La Traviata ... Faust ... Pêcheurs de perles (the pearl fishermen) ... intermission ... champange in the white tents ... Contes d'Hoffman of Offenbach, the Air of Thaïs of Massenet ... and La Bohème ... under the stars at Eilenroc.

Afterward, we stopped for a beer and a visit with Jean Paul. The artists' market is open until midnight and it was very good to stop back and see the artists once again. They are so nice to be with - and very caring and it was a lovely ending to a perfect day ...

As I said, maybe the most wonderful day I have ever had in my life ... was it the dove perhaps ?

Cafè terrace at night

Cafè terrace at night

30 X 30 acrylic on stretched canvas

At the Marche Provencal

Fleurs

Roses

Basilic

Patricia's home - dejeuner !!

Dejeuner - notice how healthy everything is !!!

ok ... still recovering ... or at least trying. My friend Patricia, who works for the city, stopped by Villa Fontaine before dejeuner ... and brought croissants !!! Les croissants in France are fabulous !!! buttery and flaky ... parfait.

So ... we both had free time and were looking forward to sharing dejeuner together. It's a long process in France ... shopping in the market, selecting vegetables and berries and melons, strolling home, slicing and preparing ... lemons and salt and pepper and olive oil ... setting the table ... a process ... which I love and I try to live this way in the US of A. Eating healthy and tasting 'freshness' ... and listening to great music ... the way I love to live ...

After a lovely dejeuner ... since my sleeping patterns are off, I am tired ... home to the Villa Fontaine for a small rest ... then painting. It's obvious to me, to look at the painting prior to the robbery ... and then see the painting afterward ... light to dark ... BUT have faith that light is returning ... each moment in this beautiful town of Antibes, France ... Cote d'Azur ...

OLYMPUS AMERICA

Life drawing - life lessons

Vasile Dohotaru

Vasile Dohotaru - pastel of Villa Fontaine

After life drawing

Cafè terrace at night - apres Van Gogh
Cafè terrace at night - Van Gogh

Life drawing

After the complete tragedy of losing everything in the villa, I naturally was / am in a bit of a state of shock ... I still don't know the complete damage that these thieves have done to me ... but then ... an amazing thing happened ... I saw an artist doing a pastel painting of the Villa Fontaine.

Meet: Vasile Dohotaru

Vasile is this fascinating bohemian artist who hails from a section of old Russia. He's a brilliant artist and just happened to be at the side of the lane with his chalk and his paper and his stool. So ... I walked over to him and in his Russian turned French and my English - French combo, we managed to communicate quite well ... and become friends.

The artists in Antibes have heard of my misfortune and organized a bit of a rally for me. Last night I was invited to a life drawing session in an ancient part of the ramparts. I arrived at 9:00 pm and Vasile was kind to give me some of his paper. The model, of course, is lovely and accomlished very difficult and beautiful poses. It was freeing and exciting for me too draw with these artists - by the way, aside from the model, I was the only girl.

Imagine this: you're in a building erected by the Greeks or Romans - medieval - and there is a lovely model before you ... the room is quiet but you can hear the scratches of pencils and chalk ... the model takes another pose and you hear comments of admiration ... in french, of course ... and russian ... it brought joy back into my heart ... and afterwards, Vasile, Viktor and I shared a beer in the nearby cafe. It was great for me ... to be in this glorious place ... like Vincent Van Gogh's 'cafè terrace at night'.

OLYMPUS AMERICA

Wolf's dinner - Beginning again

Dinner with Wolf

Painting afterward

The wonderful chef Wolf Berg

Fantastic dinner

Le dessert

Dinner by candlelight

ok. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Last Wednesday, early in the morning, I was working preparing a photo file for the Cultural Mayor of Antibes. The photos were for an interview of me that would be appearing in the Nice-Matin newspaper. So .... getting all of these ready ... and then being very tired, I finally hit the sack around 1:00 am. Well, cruel people are very clever ... and one, possibly more, thieves climbed over the locked gate, slipped into the villa, and, while I was sleeping, proceeded to rob me of everything that I brought with me to Antibes (except for one pocket camera and my docking station).

So ... that would be my beautiful purse, contents of purse including wallet and credit cards and passport, ipod, incredible computer ... and my fabulous OLYMPUS E620 digital camera with over 2000 photos of Antibes on it. Also, my computer had these photos all organized and labeled.

I guess if you're going to be a theif, the greatest place to be a thief is in the French Riviera - right Mr. Cary Grant? Sad for me, these horrible sub-human beings stole my life. Now, there's no beautiful French music playing on my computer and ipod. There's no photographing with the incredible Olympus E620. But there is searching in the streets for my lavender colored purse and my camera. I hate these people who steal. Who ruin other people's lives ... but ... when it is times like these, the caring and good people come through to help.

Thank you Mr. Rambaud for helping me - you are a kind and caring and generous man. Thank you Olympus - the E620 is an incredible camera - the photos were beautiful and will be again ...

However, this computer loan is not letting me upload photos .... SO frustrating ... so you will have to stay tuned and see if I can manage to rise above and restore my life ... I still am in the beautiful French Riviera ... so, like Cindy Lou Who and George Baily, there must be hope. Nes Pas?

p.s. does the film 'French Kiss' come to mind?

OLYMPUS AMERICA

update: after not being able to upload photos, I decided to risk downloading the Firefox browser .. it's not my computer but the city's, I don't comprehend french instructions very well, the european keyboard is configured differently, I had to redownload the wifi software - still not comprehending french ... but, now all seems ok. I totally need a massage ... or a double whiskey ! God I hate criminals!

The Orchid Shop

After a wonderful (!!!) day, I painted this painting

' The Orchid Shop '
30" x 30" acrylic on stretched canvas

A farewell get-together for our Schwaebisch Gmuend friends

lovely 'Vesna' (german) and 'Julianna' (french)

Nadine receiving bouquet from friends of Schwaebisch Gmuend

Freidemann Gramm - director of the Musikschule
Monika Buccheit - head of town-twinning
both hail from Schwaebisch Gmuend

farewell my friends - see you in August when I visit you in Schwaebisch Gmuend

taking my walk ... and marveling at the beauty ...

dinner on my terrace - the reddest tomatoes I've ever seen - and delicious !

even Sarko cannot believe his eyes !!

a dove came by and perched and cooed 'hello'

incoming storm - wonderful and dramatic painting weather !

inspiration has set in ...

The one sad thing about seeing your friends, is the moment when you must say good-bye. Or ... at least 'fare-well'. So this morning I walked to the beautiful 'Le Brasserie' restaurant in the center of Antibes. There is a going away party beginning at 9:45 - I arrived at 10:00. I really love my Schwaebisch Gmuend friends and the time spent together was SO fleeting !! The concert at Eilenroc, the dejeuner on the beach, swimming in the Mediterranean, dinner at 'Le Village' .... it was all spectacular to say the least. The nice thing however, is that I'm flying up to Schwaebisch Gmund for five days in August -- so, something else to look forward to.

The food at the party was wonderful - as always. Finger foods with pate (I still haven't figured out how to apply the accent on the 'e' on my laptop), sandwiches with pita bread, juice, water ... oh ... and a keg of Heineken !! Well, a small keg, but still a keg. Too bad they didn't serve 'Schlegel' bier ...

What a nice time, though ... and then my walk. I bought a beautiful lavender plant and another rosemary. I love to have a little garden and potted plants add 'life' to my life. After getting back to the villa, I prepared my baguette with brie, mustard, mache ... AND ... the reddest cherry tomatoes I have ever seen in my life. I don't even know if I can get that brilliant of a red in my paints !! ... and sparkling wine. Of course in France champagne comes ONLY from Champagne, France ... so, this is sparkling wine. Still fabulous. I shared the bottle with a friend ...

A storm was brewing ... and the mistral was getting so strong that I brought my plants into the villa to protect them. It was great painting weather - a storm, wind, rain, music ... champagne ... and inspiration. I rifled through my over 2000 photos and found the photograph of 'Amaryllis' -the quaint and lovely flower shop around the corner from Antibea Theatre. I knew when I photographed the orchids that they would be great subject matter for a painting.

It's late ... off to bed ...
Bon nuit mon ami

Father's Day

The incredible and intimate Antibea Theatre

The fantastic young musicians of Schwaebisch Gmuend and Antibes

The elegant conductor (also a pilot)

The chorus and small band at Safranier

The man at the bar ... didn't I photograph him before ?

Yes .. playing 'boules' ...

I love this photograph of him ... and I never thought to ask his name ...

Cathedral ... concert tonight ...

Incredible Choir

Can life be more beautiful than listening to these voices in this ancient church. ...

I woke up this morning and readied myself for the concert featuring the young musicians from Schwaebisch Gmuend, Germany and Antibes, France. Although I just met these girls last week, it seems like I have known them for much longer. I've become friends with 'Vesna' a beautiful girl who is also brilliant on the viola. So, arriving at the ancient and tiny Antibea Theatre, I see Audouin. He escorts me up to the balcony and I am lucky to sit front row center. The concert features one musician from Schwaebisch Gmuend and one musician from Antibes for each selection. They are all very skilled -- remarkable -- it makes me wish that I have applied myself more in life ... these young girls ... swimming in the Mediterranean and splashing about and laughing and playing ... who would have thought the next day you would see them in beautiful formal attire playing difficult beautiful pieces in Antibea Theatre.

So ... afterward Audouin told me he had to hurry off because it was the festival for Fathers. So, France also celebrates Father's Day. Of course that hit the trigger because I could feel the 'here come the tears' missing my own Father. It's not quite a year since we lost him ... and then only a year since we lost Mom. It's been a crazy two years ... very high highs ... and very tragic lows. The happiest and the saddest. The French Riviera ... and the passing of my Parents ... and very little inbetweens. I decided not to join the Schwaebisch Gmuend gang at the incredible restaurant on the beach today ... instead, I would go back to the villa and be by myself ...

So ... it's a culture day in Antibes ... and there is music in many, many places. Rock bands, heavy metal (?), Reggae ... but I only wanted to stop by the Safranier and see the local music for a while and then head to the ancient Cathedral to sit and listen to the fabulous choir.

After the Safranier, I walked a bit through the market and decided to stop in the pub for a Leffe beer. There was an old man sitting on the stool next to me and although I tried not to stare, I knew I had seen him before. I ALWAYS have my camera with me ... and with this incredible OLYMPUS E620 Camera, I can store all of my photos on it and then retrieve them when I need to. So ... having not deleted the photos, I rifled through them until I came to the portrait photos that I had shot of a man watching 'boules'. I studied it to make sure it was him ... and then I said, 'excuser moi monsieur, mais, je crois que cette photo est de vous'. (excuse me sir, but I believe this photo is of you'). And, sure enough it was !!! So ... I bought him a beer and he allowed me to take some more photos of him ... and, what a goof, I forgot to ask him his name ... BUT ... I do know where he watches 'boules'. I'm going to make a copy of the photo of him sitting on the bench -- and, of course, one for me, too.

After finishing my beer, I headed for the Cathedral. The church is very, very old and built of stone. Beautiful and accoustically incredible. Those voices filled the air and your mind and your heart. It was overwhelming. Many of the selections I knew from years of Catholic church ... but some seletions were in French and ... honestly ... heaven. Then, two soloists were featured with the choir singing behind them. The one woman had a voice just like Edith Piaf. Fantastic. It was so moving ... and it was exactly where I wanted to be.

All of a sudden it was pouring outside. So, I walked about the chuch and viewed the statues. The one was of St. Teresa - my Mom's name ... so I put some coins in the coin box and said some words to my Parents. For as sad as the day could have been, it actually turned out to be quite incredible and moving.

Bien sur

Saturday, June 20th

This is the beautiful lane that I live on ...

And the way to the Marche Provencal ...

Marche Provencal

The entrance way to the market

Everything that you can imagine ...

'Lapin' is French for 'Rabbit'

'Miel de Lavandes' ... honey of lavender

The Egg Vender

Dejeuner at the Plage Oasis

1st course: Salade avec Fruits de la Mer

Coquille Saint Jacques

Dessert

Just to give you a look at our table RIGHT NEXT to La Mer !!

My new (and very young) girlfriends !!

The beautiful estate of Eilenroc

Saint-Saëns and Chopin

Perfect Evening ...

And .. dinner at Midnight at Eilenroc ... avec vin et champagne ...

How do you begin to tell the story of one day that could fill the pages of a book? I always get up early ... too early perhaps, but the sounds and sights of Antibes come streaming in my large window facing the sea in the early hours of the morning. Sometimes I'm out of bed at 4:30. Is that crazy or what. I'm in a permanent state of sleep deprivation ... but, why sleep? I only have three months ... and the time is fleeting by.

So, up early ... I always like to walk in the morning. There's a wonderful little take-away upscale bakery and specialty shop. Very teeny. So ... espresso for one euro and I'm off. I like to walk around the harbour and see the glistening boats ... or do my 'power' walk to Cap d'Antibes to Juan-les-Pins and back to the old village of Antibes. I also photograph everything. I've charged my battery I can't tell you how many times ... and have taken well over 1,000 photos. Boats, villas, concerts, yachts ... but as you may have suspected, I love to photograph the Marche Provencal. It's hustling and bustling by 9:00 a.m. - late by my standards ... but there is a plethora of goodies in bright, rich colours.

After my walk, I readied myself to join the group of musicians from Schwaebisch Gmuend. We are dining at Plage Oasis. It's a gorgeous restaurant RIGHT on the sandy beach of Juan-les-Pins and decked out in Ultra-marine blue and white. Well, dejeuner - or any meal you have in France - is always 'incroyable'. Shrimp with their heads attached, fish you must filet yourself - a true joy for the culinary and visual senses !!! I wish Americans ate more like the French. Less cheeseburgers and more natural foods from the earth.

So ... First course: 'salade avec fruits de la mer' ... salad with seafood. Second course: Coquille St. Jacques - delicious - and then it's a must : dessert buffet (although I'm not normally a sweets eater) ... and EVERY single dessert is mouth watering delicious. Americans take heed: no more store bought cookies !!!

So afterwards, a swim in the sea (perfect temperature by the way) with my wonderful new young musician friends from the music schools in Antibes and Schwaebisch Gmund, Germany. I've been included on these wonderful outings because of the connection with sister cities -- and I guess it helps that I presented a painting from my Music Series to each school.

After a swim, and at my beautiful villa, my friend Audouin and I walked to a small bar for a drink of beer ... and then off to Eilenroc for a fabulous concert featuring the glorious works by Saint-Saëns and Chopin. The Saint-Saëns concert featured an incredible cellist from Germany ... and the Chopin concert (Chopin is my favorite composer) was brilliant as well. Imagine ... sitting high up in the bleachers (very comfortable seats) under the parasol pine trees ... the swallows circling overhead, the breeze, the stars ... the sound of the Mediterranean just beyond ... and this breath taking building before you in muted lights of lavendar and gold ... and you're listening to Saint-Saëns and then Chopin.

Did I forget to mention Champagne (and this is real champagne) before the concert, at intermission ... and then ... after the concert, a special dinner just for the guests of Schwaebisch Gmuend and the musicians, the Adjoint Mayors of Antibes ... et moi.

One question: How do I go back to S. Hall St. and my life after this?

Oh ... another question: Who called me at 3:31 this morning ????

Bon nuit mon ami ...
Nighty Night after another day in paradise ...


... Happy Father's Day Dad ... I love you and I miss you very much ...

Marche Provencal

Painting of the flowers at Marche Provencal

Flowers at Marche Provencal

The Flower Vendor

Marche Provencal

I love to wake up early and stroll over to the Marche Provencal. The market is open daily from early morning until early afternoon. It's a food shopper's paradise. Fresh fish, veggies, flowers, spices, olives, crepes, fowl, meat and wine. You may be paying a bit more, but the adventure and charm of the market is certainly worth the extra price.

Today was a painting day. I didn't even leave the villa until 6:15 p.m. I had given seven paintings to individuals and the city from my last year's exposition in Antibes ... and tonight is the dedication of my Trumpet painting to the Antibes School of Music. The delegates from Schwaebisch Gmuend, Antibes' (and Bethlehem's) sister city, will be there along with the visiting string instrument musicians. The mayor of culture and mayor of tourism of Antibes and the directors of the Music School - All in attendance.

Now, it's nerve wracking enough to be the featured artist ... there are speeches by the adjoint mayors, by the school directors, by the heads of town-twinning - and I hear the name 'Schlegel' more times than in the film 'Howard's End' ... but when they turned to me and said 'Ann, please say something .. it is your turn' .... eeesh!! That's when it's TRULY scary for me. So ... in my embarrassment, I just say a few sentences of gratitude and think ... oh gosh ... let's just sit down and eat and drink wine.

The dedication of my painting 'Trumpet'

Dinner celebration with incredible food !

The salmon was cooked with anise ... very delicious and inventive

et moi ... giving my painting to a wonderful and deserving home ...

Back in my villa, I took out another canvas and painted some more. I can't even begin to explain how wonderful, how beautiful, how very special Antibes is. It's extraordinarily unique with its ancient history -- over 2000 years old ... the stone structures, the Picasso museum, the old churches, the marketplace, the gleaming white yachts ... the aromas that change with each step ...

And tomorrow, I dine with the delegates from Schwaebisch Gmuend at a beautiful restaurant on the beach ... stay tuned for more -

A bientot !

xoxo
A

Fish Bones

This is my very beautiful and wonderful friend, Julia. She lives in Schwaebisch Gmuend, Germany. We became friends from the moment I met her - summer of 2003.

Moi painting on the terrace

Michael photographing from my upper window

Julia's Masterpiece

Dinner on the terrace

Friends

Friends

Friday night's dinner at Taverne Safranier ... just down the lane from my Villa Fontaine

Fish heads and bones ...

Fish Heads
Voila! Painting number four ... 18" x 18" acrylic on stretched canvas

Meet Michael and Julia. I met them 'in former times' with my first exhibition in Schwaebisch Gmuend, Germany. They are two of the MOST incredible people that I have ever met. Kind-hearted, sincere, fun, talented -- and what great talents they have !!! Julia plays flute and cello. She's traveled with the City Band of Schwaebisch Gmuend to Bethlehem, PA to play flute at Musikfest. She was only 20. Michael played the tuba. She's a model for one of the best and well known artists who lives in Schwaebisch Gmund, she was the 'trophy' award girl for Porsche in London, she speaks three languages, she paints ... and besides all of that, she's beautiful. Inside and Out.

Michael is the perfect fit for her. He's a musician, a singer, an actor ... he's smart and well respected ... and he's hilarious.

Oh ... did I mention that they are getting married !!!! Surprise !!! And, they're going to have a baby in November. Guess who's flying up for the happy wedding occasion ... Moi, that's right. So .. I will stay with them for a couple of days ... and while they're honeymooning, I have the great pleasure of staying with my wonderful friends Michaele, Conrad and Benedikt. They have a beautiful house that includes an apartment for visiting friends ... I've stayed there three summers and it's a true joy indeed !!!

Michaele is planning a great dinner party (like the one four years ago) including all of our mutual friends. She's a fabulous cook, incredible decorator and very, very dear to me.

Ahhh .... the great life in Europe ....

Thursday in Antibes

This morning I woke up early to visit the Thursday Market. Each Thursday morning the vendors bring their wares to sell: tablescloths, clothes, shoes, jewelry ... it's really amazing ... but, I resisted and did not buy a thing ... this time ...

How spectacular is this market ... monument, palm trees, umbrellas ...

Last week I purchased two beautiful tablecloths for my table in the dining room of Villa Fontaine ...

The beautiful Jaguar that picked me up for 'dejeuner' in the spa 'Thalazur'

For my appetizer: oysters and shrimp ... complete with heads !!

Two incredible men of Antibes ... Audouin and Robert

My friend Marylene ... dejeuner avec Audouin, Robert, Marylene and Moi !!

Thalazur (do not pronounce the 'h' ...) The outside dining room

The pools at Thalazur ... the one in the distance has water pumped in from the Mediterranean ... avec sal ... with salt.

The spa ... incredible ...

The open air lounge where three of my paintings are featured ... the French Horn, the Saxophone and the Trombone ... incroyable nes pas ???

A tribute to the fallen soldiers of France -

Ending the wonderful day with dinner. Friends from Schwaebisch Gmuend, Germany - the young and very talented and beautiful string musicians and delegation of Schwaebisch Gmuend - the sister city of Bethlehem, PA.

Ok ... what a day. Action packed as it were. It started off that I was still painting into the wee hours of the morning. And, after only 4 hours sleep, I was up and visiting the Thursday Market. I didn't pack a lot of clothing because I needed all of my art supplies ... and clothing was a distant second. I didn't find anything at the market that was 'me'. Plain, but nice. Everything is fashionable and glitzy ... and I thought for tonight's dinner with the delegation from Schwaebsich Gmuend, I'll wear my smart black pants (Jewish sale) and my Eddy Bauer thermal shirt (also Jewish sale) and beautiful black sandals (Marshalls). So .. that was that. I headed back to the Villa Fontaine and waited for my friend, Audouin, to pick me up for 'dejeuner' (lunch).

Audouin has a fantastic Jaguar. Well, it should be fantastic because from what I understand, he traded in his Rolls Royce for it. It's really a luxury for me to have a taste of the rich and famous. My car is 16 years old ... BUT ... has four new tires. Pretty impressive, eh??

We arrive at Thalazur, the spa that I stayed at in Antibes for three weeks last year ... and to my great joy I see three of my paintings from the Music Series hanging in their solarium. Fabulous !!!

Marylene and her husband Bob arrived and we were treated to a cocktail under an umbrella overlooking the pools.

Then lunch. Chilled Rose wine. Crusty bread. Oysters. Shrimp. Fish. Coffee.

Since I am very far from fluent in French, I just take it all in ... It's not possible for me to join in the conversation because naturally they are speaking quickly and it's had to understand because I labor to translate each word in my head. So ... I'm happy to just be included and savour each morsel of my meal.

After Audouin, Robert and Marylene left, I stayed at Thalazur for a swim. I had the pool to myself. It's an incredibly beautiful spa ... and my favorite pool has water piped in from the Mediterranean. I lie under palm trees and think how lucky am I to experience all of this beauty.

This evening I dined at the beautiful 'La Village' restaurant with the Schwaebish Gmuend delegation, guests of Antibes and musicians from the Schwaebisch Gmuend Musik Schule. The food was wonderful, the wine incroyable ... the friends ... parfait.

Tomorrow I paint !!!!

Terrace Café

Terrace Café
30" x 30" acrylic on stretched canvas (76.2 cms x 76.2 cms)

Well, although this is my third painting that I've painted in Antibes, it's the first that I'm posting. It just kind of fits with the theme of today. Or, yesterday more appropriately. I started my morning with a walk through the old village past the Marche Provencal. Hotel d'Ville - City Hall - is located directly next to the market. It's a beautiful old, large building featuring French flags mounted on the windowsills.

After my walk, I decided just to stay in the villa and work. Although the day was beautiful and the beach was beconning, I resisted temptation and just 'hung out' at home. I painted all afternoon ... and then around 7:00 p.m., I headed out for some wine, kitty food, tomatoes, and 'Maché'. Mâche is French for lamb's lettuce that is dark green and grows wild in sturdy little rosette clumps. It is normally eaten in a salad or as a garnish (though it can be cooked like spinach) ... and it's delicious in a sandwich with crusty bread, La Brie and tomatoes !!

The beautiful New Guinea impatiens and Bouganvillea growing on my terrace ...


and 'Sarko' the cat - named after President Sarkozy ... enjoying dinner with me ...

Nighty night Sarko ...

Two VIP dinner parties in one day - plus a parade !

Well, an absolutely incredible day in Antibes. I woke up to a parade of half-naked Brazilian women in 'Carnivale' outfits, complete with marching band, parading past my balcony.

Ahmed - the host of the 'Couscous' party

My friend picked me up on his scooter at noon and we drove to Cap d'Antibes. I was invited to a 'Couscous' party hosted by Ahmed. He's originally from Tunisia and now lives in Antibes and works for the Mayor. Jean and Claudine Sipe and Madam Torres (mayor of culture) sat at our table. Then, Jean Leonetti, the Mayor of Antibes and member of Parliment stopped by to say hello and wish us 'Bon Appetit'. Now what I'm thinking is .... WHAT in the name of God is a girl from the poor section of Allentown, PA doing here amongst all of this ??? It was really wonderful, great people to talk with and laugh with ... very lovely and generous and kind.

The VIP section ... with the Deputy Mayor, Jean Leonetti

After the couscous party, I was invited to La Bataille des Fleurs parade. Now take notice where I'm photographing from ... that's right, the VIP section. That's the Mayor of Antibes, 4th person from the left. It's a little overwhelming for me -- because he is tres, tres, tres important and, once again, what the heck is a girl from Allentown doing in the VIP section??

The parade was old fashioned and sweet - and sexy as well - especially when I, once again, see these wild Brazilian ladies dancing and shimmying in front of us. There are many floats all decorated with flowers and the people on the floats toss tons and tons and tons of flowers to everyone attending the parade. It's really a beautiful sight to see. The mouse on the water skis pays tribute to the inventors of water-skiing which Antibes Juan-les-Pins makes claim to in the 1920s.

The celebration of 'les Amis du Vieil - Antibes

After the parade, I was invited to the dinner celebration . It was held in the lovely grove that I had dinner in last year with the Pied Noir (black feet). It was a party expecting 300 persons ... and the most important guest was the 'Bull' from Camargue roasting over the coals.

There were dixie bands and singers and 'Miss Antibes' was pouring wine. Everybody danced and sang and the food .... Mmmm .... the salad complete with pate (sorry, don't know the command for the accent mark above the 'e' on this laptop). It was really THE most wonderful day.

Now, seriously, I MUST get painting ....

Getting to bed late

Les Voiles d'Antibes

Oops ... should've paid attention to the horizon line ...

Les Voiles d'Antibes

Les Voiles d'Antibes

Rain ... sitting at the Cafe Jardin

How do you tell a drunk Frenchman that 'no thank you' I'm painting and don't want to come to your party at 1:00 a.m. There are two guys that live in the flat behind me and the few times that I have seen them is with Pastis in their cup ... or rum and coke. Don't get me wrong, they seem very nice. It's just that they like to party. Now, it's difficult enough to comprehend the language, but when the French language is slurred, comprehension is 'très impossible'! So ... with them not understanding the word 'no', I had to accept defeat, be gracious and attend their party. I stayed 5 minutes.

Now don't get me wrong, I love a good bottle of wine or a wonderful cold beer .... but I'm in another country and will try to be on reasonably good behavior ...

Today I am invited to attend a 'couscous' party. I've been told there will be about 100 people there. It will be held at a beautiful villa in Cap d'Antibes ... and the mayor of tourisme will bring me on his scooter. Cool. And a far cry from last night's party. Did I mention the pounding music until early this morning??

I'm still working on my 'Poissonnerie' painting - it's going slowly. I should have been done last week. My goal is to paint 30 paintings in 3 months. That's with canvas' measuring 36" x 36", 30" x 30", 18" x 18" and 6" x 6".

A little word about my Olympus camera. First, I carry this with me everywhere. The great thing is how lightweight it is. The lenses weigh more ... Also, it has wonderful filters that you can apply as you shoot. For example, in the above five photos, three of them are taken with the black and white feature. The other two (photo numbers 3 and 4) were taken in color and then unsaturated. Notice the difference. The filter gives you this absolutely marvelous impression - like the cover of an old 'Life' magazine. It has great contrast and a 'grainy' feature. I love this camera - and to think if 'Dans Camera' still processed slides, I might never have gone digital. Fortunate for me, nes pas??

My walking journey throughout Antibes

Antibes - La Vieil Ville

Antibes vieille ville in the distance

La Pinède

Hotel du Cap - reputed to be the most beautiful hotel in the world

La petite harbour

Port Gallice - Antibes Juan-les-Pins

The place of Jazz a Juan - Antibes Juan-les-Pins

Dejeuner at the Taverne Safranier

Yesterday I walked for four hours. I started from my beautiful villa and with vague recollection of the Cap d'Antibes from last year, I decided to just walk and explore. I journeyed past public beaches and harbours and boats and parasol pine trees and villas and mansions. With every step, the perfumed air morphs from lavender to musk to the alluring smell of the body to cat urine and cigarettes. And, surprisingly, the cat urine and cigarettes waft into the lavender and musk and do not detract.

It was early. I started my journey about 6:30 a.m. There are runners and cyclists and speeding vehicles and many, many scooters. It's a little dangerous because the walking path is part of the street and the street is very curvy. So, you must pay special attention.

How glorious is Antibes. I'm in love with this beautiful heaven on earth. I'm already thinking next year for the 50th anniversary of the Jazz Festival I must be in attendance.

Dejeuner (lunch) with the mayor of tourism and his wife in the beautiful Taverne Safranier ... quiet beautiful peaceful ... the breeze, colorful umbrellas, incredible (!!!) food, wine and beer ... Paradise found.

Happy Birthday Mom. I miss you and love you and think of you so very, very often.

Le Marche Provencal

Le Marche Provencal

Each morning I wake up very early ... in fact it's just 5:12 and I've been up since 4:00 a.m. I don't know why that is. Yesterday, I started my walk just past 6:00 a.m. I walked for four hours - from the old village of Antibes all the way to the Cap d'Antibes then on to Antibes Juan les Pins ... and finally back to my beautiful villa - and all before 10:45 in the morning.

I think it's the healthy style of living. Great food, great wine AND great water. I just love French water - with gas. It's sparkling and bubbly and just makes you feel restored. I may have to invest in French water when (if) I'm back in the states.

One of the great pleasures of Antibes is 'Le Marche Provencal'. It's truly a chef's dream. The market is under an old and very large metal pavillion. There are rows of tables lining each side and tables in the center spanning the complete distance of the market. But the amazing thing about the market are all of the incredible edibles you can purchase there. There are stands with just olives - not 'just' olives, but every kind of wonderful Provencal olive that tickles your fancy. There are spices and herbs and flowers and meats and cheeses. There's wine and fish and mustards and sauces ... just everything. And it's all top quality. It's hustling and bustling and it's exciting just to be there. Of course I have my camera with me every moment to record the sights.

I haven't cooked yet. Well, I mean I've certainly brought home baguettes and frommage and jambon (ham) and mustards - some mixed with tarragon or basil. But I haven't lit the stove yet. I have to insert the plug into the wall, turn on the gas and light it with a match. Naturally, I'm a little hesitant ... and will wait until Jim and Diana arrive to address it. And, it's just as well because I just love the baguettes and cheese. I have a little 'potager' - kitchen garden - on my terrace and grow cherry tomatoes, basil, rosemary, thyme and citrus thyme ... so I add that to my sandwich and enjoy. The baguettes here are thin with very little 'fill' and have a great 'crunch' to them. That's the way I like bread ... not all that dough filled stuff like you get back home.

I'm almost finished with the fish painting. Sometimes removing items from a painting restores the balance. Like negative space versus positive space. It's weird with painting. I thought I would be painting very modern paintings, but haven't yet clicked into my nitch. As long as I keep working and enjoying - I think it will all fall into place.

Antibes Tour

Gorgeous yachting harbour, Antibes, France

Bay of Billionaires

Petite boat - 'Annie'

My outstanding Villa Fontaine !!

My pretty living room and dining room

My incredible French boudoir

My gorgeous view complete with kitty - 'Coco'

petite bathroom - bidet included

My incredible porch with potager (kitchen garden)

Ok. I admit. I am THE luckiest girl - at least for the next three months. So, for June, July and August I am the resident artist in paradise. Antibes, France that is. I'm living in the beautiful Villa Fontaine and if you have been reading my blog, you are aware that Nikos Kazantzakis (Zorba the Greek, Last Temptation of Christ) lived here also. How's that for great company !!

Here's my life. Wake up. Shower in the petite bathroom (ducking is a must). Stroll the cobblestone narrow streets to a cafe for coffee. Write in my daily journal. Photograph everything with my tres incroyable OLYMPUS camera. Visit beach. Work (work??) on tan. Put bikini top back on. Exit beach.

Baguette, frommage, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, mustard with tarragon (incredible). Glass of wine. Think about painting. Sweep and do dishes in beautiful villa. Listen to the soundtrack of 'Something's Gotta Give'. Pretend I'm French.

Antibes has the largest pleasure yachting harbor, if not in the world, than at least in Europe. Its gleaming white vessels: Massive power yachts, little boats, sailing ships. It's amazing how blue, blue, blue is the water with so many ships? You can see from the ramparts down to the rocky coast right down through the blue water to the bottom of the sea. Whatever they're doing, they're doing it right.

Project: find rich sexy Frenchman and marry him. Live in Antibes forever.

So, I will try to keep you up to date each day. Now, I'm off to paint the grotesque and beautiful fish from the charming Poissonnerie.

A Bientot until tomorrow -

xoxo
Ann

p.s. Ladies: the bidet is incredible ... why we don't have them (usually) in the US of A I do not know !! Update project: find rich sexy Frenchman with villa and bidet and marry him.

We have Internet !!!

The beautiful Villa Fontaine - my home for three months

Villa Fontaine side view and garden

The view from my beautiful bedroom (top floor)

The Marche Provencal

Les Voiles d'Antibes - the classic sailing vessels

Ladies and Gentleman - please fasten your seatbelts - we now have internet !!

Well, it took nine days to happen, but it did finally happen. Except, of course, for the typical weird computer glitches that are normal in my life. For example, why is my Firefox now not working at all. Why, when I try to download a new version of Firefox, it prompts me to quit Firefox - and, of course, it was already in the recycle bin. So now I'm forced to use IE - at least for the time being. I really prefer Firefox -- so add it to the list of 'things to do'.

I'm living in the MOST beautiful villa that I have ever seen. Villa Fontaine. Nikos Kazantzakis lived here with his lover. After his, and then her death, her family revealed that her wishes were to offer this beautiful villa to the city of Antibes to be used for artists to live here and work here for three months. Voila !!! Here I am.

When I received my contract at Christmastime (how perfect is THAT present!!), they asked what three months would I like to choose. Well, was it selfish of me to choose June, July and August ?? Maybe ... but sometimes you just have to go for the gusto.

The weather is cool at night and beautiful and breezy in the day. I've already enjoyed the sandy beach in Antibes (sans bikini top), have eaten in several incredible cafes (pardon me that I left out the accent mark above the 'e'), have painted two large paintings (not quite complete) and have taken probably a thousand photos with my Olympus E620 - the MOST fantastic camera that I have ever had. I absolutey highly recommend it !!!

I now feel that I truly begin my journey. I know that these three months will be fleeting and although I try not to dispair at the thought of eventually leaving beautiful Antibes, it stays in the back of my mind. I try to take in every breath, all of the beauty, every sense and savour them. Why can't I just marry a beautiful Frenchman and live here forever?

The one thing that I did not accomplish was adding Photoshop to my laptop. Believe me I tried. It just didn't happen. So, when I post the photos of my paintings, they will be unedited. I apologize for that.

So, I hope that you visit my blog from time to time as I will try to keep you up to date on everything.

And, in closing, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIM !! Wait until you and Diana visit me in the beautiful Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur - or in other words, the French Riviera.

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.
These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com
www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Yocco's Hot Dog

Yocco's Hot Dog - and calling 911 • this painting is sold

If you live in a building where you have a stove on fire, common sense tells us that you dial 911 - immediately, that is. After finally getting to sleep around 2:30 this morning (nothing too crazy, just movie watching and downloading music), I awoke around 4:00 a.m. to the smell of something baking. I'm an alarmist and already had a terrible fire in my apartment 11 years ago (faulty circuits in my View Sonic monitor) so I'm not going to take any chances when I see smoke - and there was a lot of it - or if I smell the aroma of baking bread long before the break of dawn. I thought, hmmm could my refrigerator possibly be on fire ... ? ... so I unplugged it and called the fire department.

They instructed me to exit the building and when I opened my apartment door, the hallway was filled with smoke. So, I descended the stairs and banged on all of the apartment doors to awaken the tenants. The new guy on the first floor opens the door wearing just a towel - great - what I need at 4:00 in the morning ... and then he says 'oh, it's all right, my stove was just on fire'. That kills me ... if there is a fire in the building YOU CALL THE freakin' FIRE DEPARTMENT !!!!

Oh ... and his batteries didn't work in his smoke alarms. Change the batteries for cripes' sake !!

When you live in an old school building, you are not only responsible for yourself, but for the safety and welfare of each person who lives there.

Now, if I hadn't called 911 and the fire would have gotten worse, and let's say I had died of smoke inhalation ONE WEEK BEFORE I LEAVE FOR FRANCE, I would've been totally hot under the collar - literally AND figuratively !!

Merde !!!

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Emeril's Chop House

Well, what a night!! Look who's hanging with Emeril ~ Actually, Jim, Diana and I stopped in, had wonderful appetizers and wine at the bar ... and, soon after, were summoned into the kitchen at the brand new 'Emeril's Chop House' in Bethlehem, PA. I had framed and personalized prints of my 'Mr. Martini' and 'Ms. Manhattan' to give to Emeril as a welcome gift. Oh my gosh ... what fun -- and he's adorable. You gotta love those apple cheeks and twinkling eyes ...






I'm so happy that I tucked in my purse the wonderful Olympus Tough 8000. It's an awesome camera - perfect size for a purse or a pocket -- AND, you can take it under water up to 35' - now that's just crazy ... hmmm ... I will, however, be in the Mediterranean for three lovely months ...

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

iPod Classic and iTunes 8.1.1

Often I wonder if ANY body else has as much trouble with their Mac G5, PC, iPod Classic etc. as I do. Please notice the time of this entry ... 3:18 a.m. Well, getting ready for France, I decided to download a bunch of cds to my wonderful iPod Classic. I have 80g memory on it and only had my learning French cds and just a couple others. So, I armed myself with a bunch of cds, updated my iTunes to the suggested 8.1.1 version and proceeded to fill up my iPod with great stuff. ... or so I thought.

For some reason, iTunes was misdirecting the download and no music whatsoever was registering on my iPod - although I downloaded it at least 10 times. Not only that, but all of the French lessons and music that I did have on my iPod disappeared altogether! Panic and frustration ensues. My shoulders are, once again, killing me. So ... troubleshooting on the internet, I saw that some iTunes users ditched the flawed (?) iTunes and reverted back to the 7.7.1 version. Ok, I'm in. I ditched 8.1.1 and downloaded 7.7.1. After many pop-up warnings stating this and that and it can't be done, blah, blah, blah ... I decided to trash the 7.7.1 and re-download iTunes 8.1.1. More pop-up windows ... BUT, I was persistant.

Finally redownloaded, I started receiving messages stating that my iPod was connected with only a USB 1 port - not possible I say since I have USB 2. I had to relaunch my Finder many times ... and then iTunes wasn't recognizing my iPod at all. #*$&^@!!!!!

Well, after another hour ... I tried to download all of my tunes again ... feeling hopeless, thinking what is THIS bill going to be at the Apple store ... and, at the end of my rope, my iPod registered ALL of my songs ... in the correct places!! Now WHY couldn't this have happened at 8:00 when I was going to get an early night's rest to resume my morning walks ??










On a different note, I've haven't been posting my Painting Each Day paintings recently because I have been throwing out and donating stuff from my apartment. And lots of it. You're probably thinking ... hmmm ... her place still looks really crowded with stuff ... but, it's a work in progress and I plan to do more purging in the fall.

Current time: 4:09 a.m. Bon nuit.

zzzzzzzz

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Bethlehem Fine Art and Crafts Show

Bethlehem Fine Art and Crafts Show

Saturday and Sunday I participated in the Bethlehem Fine Art and Crafts Show. And, although it didn't rain either day, the winds were absolutely unforgiving. At least on Saturday. Several exhibitors' tents were destroyed by wind gusts reaching 40 miles an hour. It breaks my heart to see that happen. Artists have to struggle enough without Mother Nature adding to the challenge.

When I arrived to Main St. on Sunday, I decided to move my booth up the street where the winds were calmer. Well, is a folding table with a Provencal tablecloth really a booth? It ended up being a beautiful breezy day with clouds and sun, and many, many visitors and Mothers enjoying 'their' day.

Sadly, it wasn't a day that was financially advantageous , but I was very happy to be there none-the-less. I saw a great many friends and acquaintances and curious onlookers. One thing, my Painting Each Day paintings are prudently (in my humble opinion) priced at $100 each. It amazes me how many people asked if they were a 'dollar'. Can you believe it? You can't even buy the canvases for that amount. Then .... this woman came along and was really enjoying the 'Mr. Potato Head' painting - she said how much 'fun' it was ... and then asked the price. Proudly I promulgated 'each of my Painting Each Day paintings are $100' (a real bargain). Well, without hesitation, she blurted out 'You just took the fun out of Mr. Potato Head !' Ouch. I guess she was hoping it was a dollar as well.

And ... I'm very pleased to announce that I have been asked to be the 'Artist in Residence' for next year's exhibition.

Here's my 'no fuss, no muss' fold-out table, Provencal tablecloths, easel and my (not a dollar) Painting Each Day paintings.

A lovely wedding party posing for photos

Bethlehem's 'Mayor John Callahan' and kids posing by my 'booth'.

John, remember you asked me to paint your official Mayoral portrait ? I still have the napkin you signed in agreement. Hoping you'll do good on your promise - I'll make sure you're very pleased with your painting !!

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Moravian Hall Square

Moravian Hall Square

Last evening I had the sincere pleasure of being an invited artist to demonstrate my Painting Each Day technique for the folks at Moravian Hall Square. I was one of three artists there - the other two being my friends Deb Slahta - raku artist - and Liz Magno - multi media and paper making artist. The residents were fun and inquisitive and adventurous ... so much so that I had several eager artists - or new artists - try their own hand at a 'Painting Each Day' painting. Here are some of the lovely ladies ... and George, I am SO sorry that I didn't get a photo of you with your masterpiece !!! Please have someone take a digital photo of you next to your painting, and any artists that I didn't have a chance to photograph, and I will certainly be more than happy to include those photos here. You are all great artists and it was my privilege to spend a lovely and enjoyable evening with you - Thank You !!



OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Cleaning House !!!

Cleaning House

Today I donated NINE large 33 gallon bags of clothing. Not only that, my 'hibachi', my legal size scanner, tons of books, dishes, purses and shoes. I have lived in the same beautiful apartment for 24 years and thought when I moved here 'oh my gosh .... with seven rooms, how am I ever going to collect enough stuff to fill this large apartment??!!' Well ... now I'm saying 'how the heck did I ever collect ALL this stuff? It's difficult in the beginning, parting with item by item ... but then, the gathering picks up speed and before you know it, Nine bags are filled ! I hope my things find a good home ... and my home is better for saying good-bye to them. I want to 'spring clean', 'spic-and span' and 'spot shine' my whole house.

Maybe in the autumn, I'll have to go on a donating kick again. Less is more ... it enables you to 'showcase and feature' the beautiful items in your home ... it gives someone else a chance to enjoy the things that you have enjoyed ... your home is easier to clean - and you feel great!

In the wise words of Martha Stewart 'It's a good thing'.

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Cleaning House !!!

Cleaning House

Well, American Family Services will be arriving to take away all of my 'stuff' on Wednesday. That means that I am in a self-imposed sequestered state - and beginning the task of going through EVERYTHING. Stuff, clothing, books ... nothing is safe (well, that's not totally true). I have great stuff ... but just too much stuff. And, my thinking is that someone else will soon be able to enjoy my great stuff in THEIR home ... and less is more, n'est-ce pas? (that's French for 'is it not so?'

My kitchen next to my 'potager' ... kitchen garden

Here is my wonderful rooftop apartment and the kitchen that I just love to cook in every night. I have a gas stove and an iron 'grill' pan ... which I certainly got my money's worth out of (incorrectly ending in a preposition). I have a wonderful garden - my 'potager' - that's 'kitchen garden' in French. And every night I pluck away at the thyme, rosemary and basil to add to my salads. In France, I will live in a beautiful stone villa complete with gas stove ... so VERY happy about that ! Be sure to visit my blogging website if you have the chance (and if I'm equipped with internet !!)


Here's my pretty living room. It's the only room in the house that is almost all white. I needed this break from all of the color !!! White walls, carpet, sofas, bookshelves, ceiling fan ... oh, and white fish plate from Portugal. I really love this room and, hopefully, one day will use it more - now that I am back in my apartment - for now.

Ok ... resume cleaning, organizing and donating ...

By the way, this living room photo was taken holding my E620 Olympus up in the air, still being able to see the viewer via the swivel feature. Every day I'm more ga-ga over the capabilities of this camera ... and I haven't even read the manual yet !

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Lehigh Valley 1/2 Marathon

My brother James, after completing a 1/2 marathon - 13.1 miles !

James with his medal

Kevin and James

Well, I didn't make it into my studio today and for good reason. I watched my brother Jim finish a 1/2 marathon in 1 hour, 55 minutes and 43 seconds. That's pretty remarkable. That's our friend Kevin who also finished ... 3 seconds earlier.

You're probably thinking ... oh my ... what beautiful photos !! Well, I am absolutely going crazy with joy over my new Olympus E620. It was a dull drizzly sky and look at these beautiful colors ! Also, I just love the grainy black and white filter which creates photographs that look like they could be on the cover of an old 'Life' magazine. The E620 is also very lightweight which I appreciated while standing in 'ready to shoot' position at the finish line for 40 minutes. I must admit that I felt more than a little pride holding such a beautiful device.

Oh ... and, of course, so VERY proud of Jim and Kevin !

Way to go ! Congratulations !!

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival 2009

Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival 2009

Here is a sneak peek at where I'm going with the design of the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival poster. Last year's was very 'bountiful' with eggplant, corn, grapes and a large sunflower. This year, since it falls a week later, I thought I'd go with a richer and warmer 'Cabernet' feel. It's an awesome festival. Believe me ... I've participated in MANY wine festivals and this one is absolutely one of my favorites.

It's located in picturesque Dutchess County and held at the fairgrounds. It's old-fashioned and lovely -- and the crowd of people are more like friends than customers. It's a heck of a lot of fun and it's just about the most beautiful place that you can be ... oh, and that's good for me because I'll just be returning from three months in the French Riviera.

Check out their website:

www.hudsonvalleywinefest.com

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Lemon 5

Lemon 5

Today was a meeting day, a painting day, a cleaning day, a cooking day ... and now a blogging day ... soon to be a 'burrow under the covers' day. It's exactly 62 degrees outside and breezy - incredible sleeping weather. And I deserve a good night's sleep tonight.
I cleaned out my studio for NINE hours today. It felt great ... and now looks great. I'm getting it ready for the lovely Virginia Abbot, who will be taking over my studio for three months - June, July and August - the three months that I will be painting, cooking, sipping and swimming in the beautiful Cote d'Azur - the blue coast of France. Antibes, that is. I'm just starting to let myself have flurries of excitement ... but still MUCH to do! Now I have to tackle the project of spic and spanning my apartment. Now that will take way more than nine hours ...

Here are some photos of my wonderful studio at the Banana Factory.
I took these photos (and all of my photos on my websites) with an Olympus camera. These were shot with the incredible E620 and the 11-22mm wide angle lens. I'm totally psyched about this camera and it will be hanging around my neck every day that I'm in France. Of course once I return (if I return), I'm going to schedule a travelogue slide presentation ... compléter avec le vin rouge, la brie et du pain ... et vous j'espère!

Mon atelier

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Peppers

Peppers

Excerpt from The Walrus and the Carpenter
Lewis Carroll

"The time has come," the Walrus said,
"To talk of many things:
Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--
Of cabbages--and kings--
And why the sea is boiling hot--
And whether pigs have wings."

"But wait a bit," the Oysters cried,
"Before we have our chat;
For some of us are out of breath,
And all of us are fat!"
"No hurry!" said the Carpenter.
They thanked him much for that.

"A loaf of bread," the Walrus said,
"Is what we chiefly need:
Pepper and vinegar besides
Are very good indeed--
Now if you're ready, Oysters dear,
We can begin to feed."


OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Orange

Orange

“There is no blue without yellow and without orange.”

Vincent Van Gogh


OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Basil

Basil

This past weekend I was painting in the picturesque garden of
'Mixed Bag on Main'.

Mixed Bag on Main is a small boutique located in the lovely Historic District of Bethlehem, PA. It's nestled among antique stores, art galleries, eclectic shops and fine dining establishments.

What's a Mixed Bag?

A plethora of things, from candles to rings, a mix of the old, the fresh and the Bold. For babies and yuppies, for hippies and puppies, some scarves and a hutch, a fabulous clutch. The one of a kind, a very rare find; botanical this and chocolaty that, some things that are posh, some things that are phat.

For moving and grooving, so very behooving, for living and sleeping, for giving and keeping. New knobs for your chest, a brooch for your breast, It's blankets and cookies, soaps, jewels and OH LOOKIES ! ! ! ! Hilarious notes, lamps, purses and totes, And if you can't shake it, we'll find it or make it.

A treasure you'll snag ...it' s just a Mixed Bag.

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Pear 3

Pear 3

Yesterday I painted in beautiful Historic Bethlehem, PA. If you have never been here and enjoy historic towns, you'll want to put this on your list of destinations. Bethlehem beckons travelers to experience the warmth and hospitality of this delightful community.

On Christmas Eve of that first year, 1741, the Moravians' patron, Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf of Saxony, Germany, visited the new settlement. In their two-room log home that housed both man and beast, the Count christened the community "Bethlehem".

Today Bethlehem is a mix of the historic and the exciting present. There are two 'downtowns' and lots to do! The several annual festivals include 'Musikfest', 'Celtic Classic' and 'Christkindlmarkt'. Also, Bethlehem will host the exciting opening of 'Sands Casino'. We're predicting over 5 million guests flowing into South Bethlehem annually ... and I'm hoping many of them will visit my Banana Factory studio. So ... if you're in the neighborhood, stop in the Banana Factory, 2nd floor, studio 243. Why not on May 1st which is the next First Friday - and the last First Friday before my France departure. Meet the wonderful sculptor 'Virginia Abbott' who will be utilizing my studio while I'm painting and swimming and enjoying myself in the Riviera.

Trés Incroyable !!

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Banana Peel

Banana Peel

It's gorgeous out today ... so why not stop by 'Who's on 4th, What's on 3rd'. You can sample the chili of the chili cook-off - 3 tastes for a dollar. Stop by the Banana Factory and visit our studios and stroll the streets and visit the charming shops.

I'll also be painting up on historic Main St. later today. You can find me in front of 'La Petite Provence' - one of the sweetest shops I know. Stop in to admire the beautiful French tablecloths and cookware -


If you're driving to Bethlehem from Allentown via Emmaus Ave., stop by the large outdoor market. Almost everything is a dollar - this is some of the loot that I picked up yesterday for a mere $7.50 !!

They also have flowers, hanging baskets and veggies for your garden ... Spring has Sprung !

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Banana ... and Eva

Banana

My studio - next month is my 10 year anniversary - is located in the wonderful Banana Factory. Bananas are not created there ... but, in 'former times' this location was the destination of millions of bananas (for distribution) and, to the horror of the crate openers, 'hundreds of tarantulas' ... so I have heard.

Well ... there are no more Tarantulas ... but, Banana Factory hopes to spin a web of good fun and great art in the community. This weekend is Spring on 4th, What's on 3rd. Please attend. It will be great!

I'll be photographing with the most incredible Olympus Camera. The E620. Check out this cute photo of my great niece 'Eva'. It was taken with the black and while 'grainy' filter. Believe me, there are LOTS more .... and when I travel to France on my three month residency, there will be thousands of photos ... get ready for a great digital slide presentation ...

I'll keep you posted ...

Rice and Beans from Cactus Blue

OLYMPUS AMERICA

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Wisteria

Wisteria

Springtime. Today it's a bit chilly and windy ... BUT tomorrow the meteorologists predict a high of 75 degrees and then possibly up toward 90 over the weekend. 75 suits me fine. Toward 90 seems a bit warm for April. Ideally, give me 73 degrees with a cool light breeze and a chilly overnight temperature for burrowing under the blankets.

When I painted this wisteria I thought 'hmmm' ... it's not really in keeping with my fruits and veggies and boardgames and nostalgia .. but, I really like this painting. It reminds me of great Aunt Regina who was secretary to the Ambassador to Japan. She lived, along with her sister and my great Aunt Anna, with my great Uncle Franny - a Reverend in the Catholic Church. The Rectory in Pottsville, PA, had an old world charm with dark heavy furniture, old German antiques and bits of Japanese touches. There were needle-pointed pillows and foot stools and the air in the old Rectory smelled rich and musty ... harboring over a century of memories since it's inception in 1841.

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Tomatoes III

Tomatoes III

I'm beginning the process of designing the poster for the Hudson Valley Wine Festival. They are celebrating their 8th year in September. It's truly one of the nicest wine festivals in which I have participated. Located in the beautiful Dutchess County Fairgrounds, it transports you to a time gone by with old oak trees, post and rail fences, horses and surrey riders, restored barns and manicured lawns bordered by baskets of chrysanthemums. It's truly beautiful.

The great feature is that it's located in a series of spacious halls flanked by open doors and large windows. It's airy and open and there is a spirit of tremendous fun and camaraderie.

I will be there signing posters -- as I am the 'poster' artist for three years now.

Picture winding roads and farms. Roadside stands and ripened veggies. Quaint B&Bs. Crisp fresh air. ... and a wonderful wine festival to boot !!

Hudson Valley Wine Festival

OLYMPUS AMERICA

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These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Sugar Snap Peas

Sugar Snap Peas

If you read my entry from last Friday, you would have seen what an insane day I had for nine hours on the phone with techies from my virus protector (on my PC laptop) and HP themselves. Only to find out that my ISP pulled the plug on my internet. Well ... didn't I have the SAME day yesterday with my MAC G5!!! No kidding ... I knew something was wrong when EVERY adobe software product that I own was corrupted and my desktop background was only blue - not the beautiful blue with the light blue swirl.

HOURS on the phone with Apple begging them to help me ... Sooooo ... we had to archive all of my files (millions) and reinstall my operating system (for the second time). Then ... (hours later) I had to uninstall every adobe product (you must find every file hidden in every folder) and reinstall all of my software - by the way, the woman from Adobe was VERY rude. That's what you get when you spend tons of money for their software. I will say that the girl from Apple, 'Chris', took pity on me and although my service contract had run out, she did see from my phone records that I have this repeating problem with my desktop -- AND I even had to have my DVD burner replaced. She said that she NEVER saw anybody with this amount of trouble with their Mac!!

Steve Jobs if you are reading this please take note that I invested tons of money with APPLE and would appreciate it more than you know if you shipped to me a brand new beautiful desktop - 24" screen please.

So ... after hours and hours and hours of this - I believe that I am a certified technician now - I finally got everything up and running - knock on wood. Except, this morning I tried to print a shipping label and guess what - I inadvertently also uninstalled my Adobe Acrobat!! Completely!! So ... Adobe if you're reading this PLEASE ship to me another Adobe Acrobat (holding my breath).

Now I know we all need our computers, but I really REALLY need my computer!! I have three websites (I only update two), I design the poster for the Hudson Valley Wine Festival (Illustrator), I use Photoshop every day ... and I rely heavily on email for my business. So, you can imagine the knots in my shoulders after two complete computer meltdowns!!

Ahhh ... Looking forward to lying on the sand with my toes in the Mediterranean ...

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Plum Tomatoes

Plum Tomatoes

Certainly I have had a lot of fun with 'red' in the last few days. I visited the 'Valley Farm Market' and purchased a stock of produce from the discount shelf ... of course knowing that I would paint them and grill them in the next couple of days.

I am starting to learn about my exceptional Olympus camera. It's the E620. The Banana Factory held a class this weekend - and sad for me, I didn't read the brochure to know about it until it was too late. So ... for now, I'm photographing with the AUTO option ... and with the wonderful 'filter' feature - loving the grainy black and white setting. Did I mention how lightweight this camera is which will be a blessing when I'm lugging around my 17" laptop, purse and anything that is absolutely necessary when I'm strolling the streets of beautiful Antibes this summer.

Speaking of Antibes, today is the six week countdown. The plan is to eat better, exercise every day (I'll be doing a LOT of walking in the South of France), getting my apartment and studio in order, cleaning out all closets and donating excess to charity. I will be bringing my 'Painting Each Day' canvases to Antibes and posting them daily to my blogging website ... so, if you would like to reserve a painting ahead of time, just let me know. Antibes has a wonderful 'Marche Provencal' which I will be visiting each morning, selecting luscious French produce and painting them on the patio of my villa !!!

Ahhh ... beautiful France ...


OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Red Pear

Red Pear

Well ... I painted this painting in record time ... and thought ... great, I'll quickly paint another. Well, the next painting was rubbish. I tried and tried again - finally scraping off the absolutely elementary product. It's puzzling how you can create a painting that you might be proud of ... and then absolutely cannot paint the same 'model' again. Brushes down.

Happy Birthday Jim Musselman. You are a great friend and, lucky for me, you have been in my life for over 30 years. Happy Birthday and many, many more to come.

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Asparagus

Asparagus

Ok ... I like to stop at the farm market and stock up on beautiful lush vegetables ... and get to my studio, put on the French music or French language lessons ... and paint. Canvas after canvas. I started with these beautiful Asparagus ... and then ... as even a greater bonus ... I took them home and grilled them on my gas stove. Yum ! A glass of wine, asparagus over pasta -- seasonings and I'm good to go.

There was a photography class today in the Olympus Room at the Banana Factory ... GOSH ... I should've been there since I heard RAVE reviews ... part 2 is tomorrow ... I might try to squeak in to see if I can pick up any tips --

I HIGHLY recommend the beautiful OLYMPUS E620. I thought ... hmmm ... no, I don't need any filters .. but let me tell you - the black and white 'grainy' filter is phenomenal !!! In fact ... Lisa, Dave's girlfriend said that the photo I took of them today when they visited my studio was the best photo that anyone has taken of her. Hard to believe because she is beautiful ... BUT, I will admit, the photo looked great and she looked great, too. An Eva Longoria look alike in black and white!

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Day from HECK !!

Murphy Oil Soap

Today was a day of cleaning out my brand new PC HP Computer with Vista 64. Now ... I am a MAC girl and always have been .... clean running system, fast, efficient ... and NO viruses ... at least until now. Knock on Wood !!!

So ... for my trip to France I wanted to buy a MAC laptop ... But ... expenses and economy being what they are ... I couldn't afford the Mac laptop of my dreams ... $3000.00. I don't even have that to pay my bills. So ... I bought a brand new Hewlett Packard dv7 pavilion 17" laptop for my art residency in France. ... Oh .... it was beautiful ... I never saw colors like that ... and the Games !!! the games ... I had four chips to play Amazing Adventures - the Lost Tomb ... it was great. One Saturday, I sat down with my brand new laptop and played Adventures for 10 hours straight. NO .... not a waste of time because I cracked the code, entered the tomb, lit all of the torches and seized the treasure. Mind blowing.

Ok ... then two days ago something terrible happened. My PC computer, formerly whizzing through websites, multi-tasking with ten tabs working ... started becoming sluggish. Updates were crawling to enter my computer ... each day only one percent more being downloaded ... waiting 20 minutes to read one email ... no multi-tasking any longer ... did I make a huge mistake? I heard about viruses and spam and spyware and malware .... but I was a MAC user ... what did I know of these ???

8:00 a.m. sharp. This morning .... I'm on the phone with PC Security Shield ... convinced that it was the virus protector ... damn them !!! MACs don't even have a virus protector ... it MUST be them .... should I have stayed with Norton after the free 60 days trial period ??? Trying this, trying that ... and finally after TWO hours ... 'Jack' walked me through restoring my PC system to an earlier date ... crashes, weird phenomenon ... muscle aches ... longing for a martini(s) ... finally after 2 1/2 hours, he suggested that I need to call Hewlett Packard. The BIG guns.

I got out my information packet and dialed the number. It connected to a Adult Phone number beckoning me to ... hmmmm .... I don't even know what. I quickly pressed disconnect and thought ... 'Oh my God ... when my brother gets the bill he is going to think that I'm calling porn numbers ...". I dialed again more carefully and reached Hewlett Packard and was connected with the very sweet, highly intelligent 'Jas'. He's from Calcutta.

So ... we tried clicking this and clicking that, downloading this, downloading that (at a snail's pace) ... tried several times for him to take control over my computer ... SLOW speed ... no way .... six hours later .... SIX HOURS LATER ... we finished wiping out my complete system ... and reinstalling exactly the same system as it was when I purchased it only three months prior .... my shoulders ached .... 'Jas' encouraged me to lie on the floor and relax and he would yell into the receiver when it was time for me to perform another PC operation ... he was patient and funny and kind and interested in my life with all of the waiting .... waiting .... waiting .... with the blue spinning wheel of death on my computer.

He suggested ... it was an Internet Service Provider error ... 'No way' ... No way no way -- my connection showed that I was operating at maximum capacity. He suggested that the modem was operating at maximum capacity ... but maybe the ISP wasn't connecting. NOT POSSIBLE.

I paid my bill through April. It MUST be computer or software error ... the battery in my cordless phone was dying and that was the end of the wonderful Jas helping me .... tears ... why me ... why me ...

I called my Internet Service Provider ... oh ... a mistake was made ... WHO knows whose error it is - they didn't realize that I already paid through April ... they didn't bill ... thought I was getting internet for free ... canceled without notice ... No problem with PC Security Shield ... no problem with my Hewlett Packard ... but ... BIG PROBLEM with the muscles in my neck and shoulders ... and it was the very first beautiful day of Spring ... and I missed it. I never saw the trees blossom today.

Lesson. Even if it's the worst day ... and with one phone call I could've saved 9 hours of frustration and confusion ... think of friends and family and strangers that are in peril ... real problems ... like losing loved ones ... and it gives you the opportunity to count your blessings and thank Heaven that you are still here. Internet or no internet.
.... and maybe I'll see the trees tomorrow.

Thanks Diana .... xoxo

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Daffodils

Daffodils

My friend Deb brought a beautiful bouquet of daffodils to my studio ... and, along with today's glorious weather, these were a real honest sign of Spring!

On another note, I wanted to let you know that each one of my hundreds of Painting Each Day paintings are photographed with an Olympus Camedia camera. It's very easy to use and you can really capture a clear photograph down to the tooth of the canvas.

OLYMPUS E620 Digital SLR

WELL ... let me tell you that this evening we had a wonderful art event at the Banana Factory - the Arts Council - and I was privileged to photograph the event with the very new Olympus E620. I have died and gone to Olympus heaven !!! This camera can do pretty much everything --- AND it has these six wonderful filters -- my favorite is the black and white grainy 'film' feature - it creates a slick photo look from the 40s. The E-620 has a very cool rotating Live View and it can be rotated freely so photographers can compose at any angle, including overhead and down low. This enables a photographer to compose a subject in the Live View LCD and see the results of the various creative features – live as they’re happening!! The LCD displays in vivid color - once again, Awesome.

It comes with these multi-aspect ratio so you can photograph for tv or and 8"x 10" or 4" x 6" ... etc ... I'm going to spend a lot of time with the instruction manual for sure.

I'll be taking this incredible piece of machinery to the South of France -- and NEED to photograph the beauty of the Riviera - so why not use the best equipment !!!

Olympus really is pretty awesome -- check out their website and definitely view the tutorial (which part of it was filmed in my studio)!

Did I mention that it goes underwater and can understand 34 different languages -- Absolument Incroyable !!

OLYMPUS AMERICA

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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Cote d'Azur

Cote d'Azur

This 36" x 36" painting plus 4" frame is now placed in a beautiful, stately home in the Lehigh Valley. I believe it's a Federal style home built approximately 1923 with a very large parlor boasting an impressively large fireplace and mantel. This painting now hangs above the fireplace and looks lively and fresh and invites a whole new brightness to an already beautiful room. Did I mention that they have a grand piano ... and I could spend hours upon hours seated before it playing my heart out ... so, I am very delighted for them ... and, of course, for my Cote d'Azur painting. A very lovely match for sure !

Oh ... did I mention that Cote d'Azur shares space with an original Alexander Calder ... now THAT makes me very happy indeed ...

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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LED Light Bulb

LED Light Bulb

Sitka has added the ecoPower ecoLED line of LED retrofit products to their fluorescent product lineup to provide customers with today's most advanced lighting solutions. LED lights are particularly well suited for task oriented lighting requirements. This technology has a very low power usage and can payback the initial investment quickly.The ecoLED lights are designed for both spot and par applications. Available in a range of color temperatures and sizes to meet most task and effect applications. These units are designed for indoor applications. Applications include display case accents, architectural accent lighting and the like in retail stores, galleries, and art displays!

SITKA Enterprises

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Campbell's Tomato Soup

Campbell's Tomato Soup

Who doesn't like this combination: Dunking your grilled cheese in tomato soup! What a wonderful way to keep your belly warm and toasty with this very chilly Spring weather !!

For 27 years, the Campbell Soup Foundation has sponsored numerous non-profit organizations that offer summertime arts, education, employment, and recreation activities for socially and economically disadvantaged Camden youth. Currently reaching more than 10,000 youngsters, the Camden Summer Program teaches children to reach for their dreams and make positive contributions to their future and the community. Now that makes my belly warm and toasty, too !!!

Campbell's Soup

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Bethlehem Steel Blast Furnaces • 30" x 40"

Bethlehem Steel Blast Furnaces • 30" x 40"

Although this painting is not one of my Painting Each Day paintings, I have painted it in one sitting. That's a very long sitting however. The oil painting on stretched canvas measures 30" x 40" and is framed in a custom built silver frame.

There's a lot happening on the old Bethlehem Steel lot. Sands Casino will be opening next month, high end shops are planned for the near future, and they're working on completing a beautiful hotel and several restaurants ... one of which might be, just might be, Emeril's. Wouldn't that be great -- bringing a little taste of New Orleans to Bethlehem, PA. Can't wait !

If you happen to know, or be, an executive who would love this large, rich oil painting to be showcased on your wall behind your desk, feel free to drop me a line. Or better yet, stop by the Banana Factory to visit it - and me - in person.

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Peeps

Peeps • this painting is sold

Peeps are marshmallow candies, sold in the US and Canada, that are shaped into chicks, bunnies, and other animals. There are also different shapes used for various holidays. Peeps are primarily used to fill Easter baskets, though recent ad campaigns tout the candy as "Peeps - Always in Season". They are made from marshmallow, sugar, gelatin, and carnauba wax.

Peeps are produced by Just Born, a candy manufacturer based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Just Born has expanded its product line to include bats, cats, pumpkins, and ghosts for Halloween; hearts for Valentine's Day; eggs for Easter; trees, gingerbread men, snowmen, and stars for Christmas; and red, white, and blue chicks and stars for the 4th of July.

www.marshmallowpeeps.com

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Le Brie IV

Le Brie IV • this painting is sold

Brie is a soft cows' cheese named after Brie, the French province in which it originated (roughly corresponding to the modern département of Seine-et-Marne). It is pale in colour with a slight greyish tinge under crusty white mould; very soft and savoury with a hint of ammonia. The white mouldy rind is edible, and is not intended to be separated from the cheese before consumption.

The region in France that gave its name to this cheese (Brie) is, in the French language, feminine: La Brie, but French products take the gender of their general category; in this case cheese (Le fromage) is masculine, and so Brie is also masculine, Le Brie.

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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Cherry Tomatoes V

Cherry Tomatoes V

A cherry tomato is a smaller garden variety of tomato. It is marketed at a premium to ordinary tomatoes, and is popular as a snack and in salads. Cherry tomatoes are generally considered to be similar but not identical to the wild precursor of the domestic tomato. They are often more sour than standard tomatoes.

Cherry tomatoes range in size from a thumbtip up to the size of a golf ball, and can range from being spherical to slightly oblong in shape. The more oblong ones often share characteristics with plum tomatoes, and are known as grape tomatoes.

Just for the record ... I thought that this painting was sold ... BUT ... after studying my Painting Each Day wall, it was Cherry Tomatoes '6' that sold. Sadly, no photograph was taken of it.

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Cherry Tomatoes IV

Cherry Tomatoes IV

Happy Birthday Karen ! My sister turns 59 today !

So ... we are going to celebrate with dinner at the wonderful Mexican Restaurant in Bethlehem, PA - 'Cactus Blue'. Cactus Blue features a fun yet intimate atmosphere with an old world feel ... from the yellow rag painted walls to the hand made benches to the original oil paintings (supplied by yours truly) to the spirited Mexican music filling the air. If you ever want the most delicious comfort food with generous portion size and bursts of fresh flavor, Cactus Blue it is. I always go with the intention of trying something new, but I usually go with my favorite 'Fajita Blue'. Fajita Blue is a steak and shrimp combo (if ordered that way) served with lettuce, cheese, rajas, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, flour or corn tortillas. It's mouth watering for SURE !!!

And Cactus Blue is BYOB so bring along your favorite 'Cervezas' or Margaritas for an extra good time. Oh .. did I mention that Cactus Blue was awarded 'Best of the Valley - Best Mexican Restaurant' 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and 'Decadent Dish' in 2006 and 2007. Pretty incredible. Reservations suggested.

Cactus Blue

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Cherry Tomatoes III

Cherry Tomatoes III

Buying your airline ticket in a hurry.

I thought with the gas prices starting to escalate in February, that was the time I should buy my airline ticket to France. Nice, France that is. So ... I searched and searched and settled on a flight through Vayama. Now, a month and a half later, I find a flight with a better schedule for me (a return overnight flight that departs Nice 12 hours later) for $300.00 less with Priceline!! THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS LESS !!!!

Of course I called my trip insurance company and Vayama and there is nothing that they can do. Really? I guess that's their policy ... but, in the future, I will stick with Priceline as I have utilized them before with great results. Besides, who doesn't love William Shatner !!

It just eats away at me thinking how far $300 (to an artist with an artist's income) would have gone. My flight is with Lufthansa so at least I can cry away my sorrows with a good beer or two ...
C'est la Vie !!!

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Cherry Tomatoes and La Petite Provence

Cherry Tomatoes II

La Petite Provence storefront

La Petite Provence interior

La Petite Provence tabletop with my Painting !

Happily, my Painting Each Day paintings are also now in the beautiful 'La Petite Provence' shop in Historic Bethlehem, PA. The pretty window lures you in and, once inside, you can't help but admire the lovely linens and French serving ware. Pat is the gracious hostess and proprietor ... and she is as excited about her beautiful linens as you will be !!

When you take your next stroll down historic Main St. in Bethlehem, PA., stop in to La Petite Provence for a wonderful French treat !

La Petite Provence

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Hanging Your Painting Each Day Paintings

Here is a beautiful kitchen with seven Painting Each Day paintings featured on the soffit.

I have discovered a very easy approach to hanging these paintings - actually, in truth I must give credit to my buddy and fellow artist 'Katie Behler'. I measure with a level that has ruler measurements on the side. With pencil, I mark a dot two inches wide. I insert common push pins and Voila! you place the painting on the push pins and you're done.

For my outside studio wall where my Painting Each Day paintings are displayed, I measured out the WHOLE wall (two inches, eight inches, two inches, eight inches), marked the whole wall with dots, inserted the push pins, and placed almost two hundred paintings in just an hour or two. It works great! And, no wires, no hooks, no remeasuring, no headache. The push pins work GREAT in drywall as well! And no messy nail marks if you want to relocate the paintings in the future.

So, why not purchase a bunch of Painting Each Day paintings for YOUR beautiful kitchen ... and when you place your paintings, think of Katie Behler when you discover the user friendly ease of using common push pins !!

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Cherry Tomatoes and La Belle Cuisine

Cherry Tomatoes

Is there anything more luscious than cherry tomatoes ? Painted or otherwise ... Well, today I placed nine of my Painting Each Day paintings in the most beautiful 'Cuisine' store in, well, pretty much the whole world !! La Belle Cuisine is a lovely and welcoming shop nestled in the quaint town of Emmaus, Pa.

The building itself is a large old Victorian beckoning you with a charming porch with grand carved doors and a kitchen garden - Le Potager - flourishing in the back. The lovely Nancy O'Keefe, the proprietor of the establishment - is warm and kind as she putters along the old worn floorboards. Her shop is an organized and cluttered delight with the porcelain servingware from France, vivid Tuscan Majolica and Polish pottery tucked amongst hanging aprons and teatowels. A veritable feast for the senses !!

La Belle Cuisine

The beautiful exterior

The interesting and exceptional interior with many goodies to buy
... see my two Painting Each Day paintings happy on the mantle ...

La Belle Cuisine website

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Mr. Potato Head 2

Mr. Potato Head 2

Thank you everyone for your interest in my larger 'Sports' paintings. If you're thinking about commissioning a 'Sports' painting for your home or office, just drop me an email and we can talk over some ideas ... They really look good in groups of three -- so, if you are crazy about three teams and MUST have them commemorated in paintings, let me know ... !!

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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Mr. Potato Head

Mr. Potato Head

Did you ever come across an old toy and reminisce about how wonderful your childhood was? We played for hours and hours with Mr. Potato Head. Actually, before the plastic body was available, we used to push the eyes, nose, mouth and (politically incorrect) pipe into a real potato. Sadly, gone are those carefree, simple days ...

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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New England Patriots

Boston Red Sox * New England Patriots * Chicago Cubs

Wow .. enough said !! The woman who commissioned this set will place these 12" x 12" paintings in her newborn's bedroom. How great ! How unconventional to have grown up paintings in a little baby's room. If you might like to do the same - for your newborn - or your husband, boyfriend, lover, girlfriend, self ... just let me know ... I will, as always, give it the best that I can do !!

The 12" x 12" oil paintings on stretched canvas are $400 each.

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs * 12" x 12" * this painting is reserved

This is my brothers' old Louisville Slugger baseball bat. Now, I have never painted another baseball team's logo other than the Boston Red Sox, BUT, this very nice woman from Chicago - originally Boston - commissioned these paintings for her son who is coming into this world in June. Besides, she already is getting the Boston Red Sox painting from yesterday ... tomorrow's entry should round out the three nicely ...

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Boston Red Sox Ball and Mitt

Boston Red Sox Ball and Mitt * 12" x 12" * this painting is reserved

This old mitt was the mitt of my brothers John and Jim. It's sooo old that when I brought it into my studio and my friend Ray put his hand inside, the only things to be found in the old stiff leather were spider webs and stink bugs. But it wasn't always that way. I can still hear the crack of the Louisville Slugger and over the forsythia went the ball ... time goes by fast ... enjoy yourself along the way ...

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Free Parking * Monopoly

Free Parking * Monopoly

There are some fun and free games that you can play on the Hasbro website - the manufacturers of Monopoly ... click on the link for some computer fun ...

www.HASBRO.com

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Wein Cork

Wein Cork • this painting is sold

Lent. What I gave up for Lent ... well, I didn't actually 'give up' anything (except for alcoholic beverages during the week) ... I decided to be 'proactive' and add something to my life. So ... I'm attempting to do my power walk of 4 1/2 miles a day. So far ... so good - sorta. I'm averaging about 5 times a week or so ... and already feel a bit healthier. Also, I want to be in good shape for when I leave for France. Three months in the beautiful French Riviera ... now that's something to get in shape for !!!

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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King Oscar Sardines

King Oscar Sardines

Omega 3 - Coldwater fish including sardines, mackerel, herring, and salmon are naturally rich in essential Omega-3’s. And more and more research says that these supernutrients are vital for your health.

Protein - Next to water, protein is considered the most important nutrient for your body. Fish offers you lots of high-quality protein without all of the saturated "bad" fats you’ll find in red meat.

Vitamins - Before someone decided to put the vitamins you need into silly cartoon-shaped pills, they came in more natural forms—like fish. Getting your vitamins the old-fashioned way is still the best for your body.

Minerals - Calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium. If you are looking for the minerals you need to enjoy a healthier life, you’ve come to the right place. King Oscar seafood is swimming in goodness.


If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Lemon Halves

Lemon Halves

Friday the 13th. Do having superstitions increase the likability that something unlucky may happen? I'm not very superstitious ... and certainly, like most people, would never walk under a ladder. ... But I have thrown a penny or two in a fountain and made wishes ... and, superstitious or not ... my last wish came true. Twofold. And that was good luck for sure.

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Matzo Ball & Soup Mix

Matzo Ball & Soup Mix

Manischewitz is the nation’s largest manufacturer of processed kosher food products. They re also the number one baker of matzo or unleavened bread in the entire world. They produce hundreds of other kosher foods too, including baked goods, pastas, soups, gefilte fish, grape juice and borscht.

www.manischewitz.com

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Life Savers

Life Savers

Life Savers is an American brand of ring-shaped mints and artificially fruit-flavored hard candy. The candy is known for its distinctive packaging, coming in aluminum foil rolls. In 1912, chocolate manufacturer Clarence Crane of Garrettsville, Ohio invented Life Savers as a "summer candy" that could withstand heat better than chocolate. Since the mints looked like miniature life preservers, he called them Life Savers.

After registering the trademark, Crane sold the rights to the peppermint candy to Edward Noble (1882–1958) for $2,900. Instead of using cardboard rolls, which were not very successful, Noble created tin-foil wrappers to keep the mints fresh. Pep-O-Mint was the first Life Savers flavor. Noble founded the Life Savers Candy Company in 1913 and significantly expanded the market for the candy by installing Life Savers displays next to the cash registers of restaurants and grocery stores. He also trained the owners of the establishments to always give customers a nickel in their change as doing so would increase sales of Life Savers. Since then, many different flavors of Life Savers have been produced. The five-flavor roll first appeared in 1935.

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Candy Buttons

Candy Buttons

Candy Buttons / dots are an Old Time Nostalgic Candy. They could be found in any dime store, penny store or variety store and still around today. These little buttons are one of our most popular treat for 50's themed parties.

When ever you ask what was one of our favorite candies you ate as a kid, Candy Buttons always come up, however some call them Candy dots, as they are little pastel dots on a paper strip. Each Strip has 3 pastel colored dots and three flavors. Heck have the fun is trying to peel the little buttons off the paper without eating any paper. Now that is a trick all on it's own.

These sweet little candy buttons are manufactured by Necco Company.

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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The French Fork

One of my favorite blogging websites is the ever so lovely - and French - The French Fork. It is manned by Laetitia Bertrand who was born in Bourgoin-Jallieu, France, and was raised in the small village of Bouvesse, just outside of France’s gastronomical capital, Lyon. Passionate about food, she was influenced by both her grandparents' cooking from an early age. Today, she aspires to take the mystery out of French cooking - believing that French cooking does not have to be hard, or complicated. She currently lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, where they pursue a French lifestyle and split time between Texas and France.

Her husband Juan designed her logo -- and I must say that I am a little envious as I wish I designed it myself. It is extremely well done, very appealing and 'oh so French'. Here is a close-up:

To visit her blogging website just click on the following link:

The French Fork

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Limes 2

Limes 2

“Have it jest as you've a mind to, but I've proved it time on time, If you want to change her nature you have got to give her lime.”

Rudyard Kipling

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Lemon IV

Lemon IV

First Friday was a lot of fun last night !! Four visitors were from beautiful Paris, France ... and old friends, new friends were all in attendance. Today, a woman from Russia was visiting the Banana Factory ... and, of course, Miss Gretel and I were snuggling on my beautiful velvet cheetah chaise lounge. I'm reading Le Petit Prince .... in French, of course ... page by page ... with my French dictionary in tow ...

Oh ... if someone realized that they accidentally brought home the two taped post cards of the Villa Fontaine - where I will be staying in the Riviera for three months -- Please, please just drop it off at the Banana Factory. It's my focus ... and I need it to concentrate on my gratefulness for the opportunities of which I am blessed. Merci !!

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Lemon III

Lemons III • this painting is sold

It's FIRST FRIDAY at the BANANA FACTORY !!!

The Banana

The Banana has finally arrived at the party -
The Birds were too early, the Turtles were tardy.
The Squirrels brought the nuts and the Grapes brought the wine,
The Goats brought the cheese -- The weather's divine!

The Lemons and Limes were mixing the drinks.
Parcheesi and Scrabble and Tiddly Winks
Were playing their games and sipping Champagne -
The Banana was flirting all night with Plantain.

The Squares were all dancing with Dosies and Does
The Apples were bobbing, the Thorn and the Rose
Sparked a budding romance, but it's now getting late -
The Cuckoo has chirped 'It's the end of the date'.

The Full Moon is yawning, the Clock chimed 'good-night'.
The Snails bid 'Adieu' and the Geese were in flight.
The Rooster and Hen were asleep at the wheel -
The Banana had split and left only its peel.

Composed by: Ann Elizabeth Schlegel


If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Bulb Onions

Bulb Onions

“Indeed the tears live in an onion that should water this sorrow.”
William Shakespeare

“You're so wrapped up in layers, onion boy, you're afraid of your own feelings!”
Shrek

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Le Brie III

Le Brie III • this painting is sold

Everything seems to be French lately ... I've been watching French films, listening to French music and studying the French language. I'll be leaving for the French Riviera in less than three months -- and I'll be living there for three months. I've purchased my paints and canvases ... and now I need to step back and organize myself. There is a LOT to do ... and HOW does one pack for a three month trip ?? Que sera sera ...

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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My Apartment

Well, I'm hunkering down at my Parents' home with little miss Gretel taking in the splendor of the Nor'easter winter storm. The air is heavy with swirling snow and all is white and beautiful. I haven't been to 'my' home for a few days ... I live in a beautiful apartment and have been very happy there for almost 24 years -- and, just to remind myself what it looks like, I thought I'd share a couple rooms with you.

My pretty table

My dining room

The kitchen table

My beautiful baby

La salle de bain

Le Jardin

La 'Potager'


Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home ...

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Monopoly

Monopoly

First of all, thank you Tom and Maryann for visiting my studio on Saturday. It was a nice surprise. I hope that you are very happy with your purchases !!

When we were five kids growing up, each Christmas we would receive a 'family' game. One year it would be Parcheesi, the next year Twister, the next year Yahtzee ... and, of course, one year Monopoly. I don't believe that I ever completed a game of Monopoly as it can go on for hours and hours. I think I would appreciate playing Monopoly more at my 'advanced' age. Naturally, I would want the 'shoe' icon for my playing piece.

March: March is coming in like a Lion this year. Gretel and I are hunkered down and ready to see the beautiful snowstorm through my Parents' bedroom windows. The meteorologist predicts 3" to 5" -- although I'm ready for Spring -- to plant my rooftop garden again - my 'Potager' - it's always so beautiful to see the snow fall ...

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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Cleaning House

Cleaning House

It's the most difficult thing to lose a loved one ... even more so when you lose two. Both of my wonderful Parents passed away in a year's time. Now, we are carefully and thoughtfully going through their possessions accumulated throughout a 60 year marriage. Love letters and cards by the boxful, photographs too numerous to mention, family heirlooms ... records and toys from our childhood. Life - it goes fast ... and you're now in a place that you never thought you would be. It's life's tragedy for sure. I guess the saving grace is to find happiness and gratefulness in knowing that you had the best Parents that you could ever have ... and consider yourself lucky.

Happy 30th Birthday ELIZABETH !! We love You !!!

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Apple X

Apple X

There are many reasons why this fruit is celebrated. Many myths and legends surround this symbolic fruit. The temptation of Adam and Eve, the journey of Johnny Appleseed, and Mother Earth gifting Zeus and his bride with a tree of golden apples on their wedding day are just a few examples. Apples have been symbols of love, beauty, luck, health, comfort, pleasure, temptation, virility, and fertility for very good reason!

There are more than 7,500 varieties of apples worldwide. They are rich in many nutrients which people have known for centuries, keeping us healthy and vital.

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Peanut M&Ms

Peanut M&Ms • this painting is sold

Happy first day of Lent. I have two things that I will be focused on throughout the next 40 days. First, I will try my hardest to complete my 4 1/2 power walk each day. I did, however, already fail at this for today since I only had time for one lap. Begin again tomorrow.

The second thing is that I will give up having casual cocktails, the occasional beer and wine with dinner. Of course, in case of emergencies, I'm allowing myself to have a drink if I so desire ... like birthdays or getting together with my friend Diana. But other than that, I'll be sticking to my diet green tea or Wyler's diet fruit drink.

Barbara, a lovely woman who I just met today in my Banana Factory art studio, told me that she is going to exercise more patience and thoughtfulness for Lent. I thought that was very nice.

Note to self: Also add that to my list.

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These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Thank You!

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Apple IX

Apple IX

Happy Mardi Gras -- Fat Tuesday. Tomorrow 'Lent'. I've wrestled with what I would give up for 40 days ... but then thought 'why give up something' ... maybe better yet ... be 'proactive' and do something assertive for 40 days ... like not miss my 4 mile walk each morning in Trexler Park. I was going to give up cocktails or wine with dinner ... but, wouldn't it be better to be embracing an activity than denying oneself a much appreciated Happy Hour every now and then?

We shall see tomorrow what transpires ....

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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Thank You!

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Le Brie II

Le Brie II • this painting is sold

If you've never tasted the creamy heaven of Le Brie cheese, I might suggest that you stop by your local shop and pick up a wheel. Certainly stop by the baked bread isle and pick a nice crusty bagette as well. And, if you're stopping by a 'spirits' store, why not invest in a lovely Chardonnay to complete the package. Share it with a friend while watching 'French Kiss'.

C'est paradis !!

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Calumet

Calumet

Calumet Baking Powder Company was an American food company established in 1889 in Chicago, Illinois by baking powder salesman, William Monroe Wright. His newly formulated double-acting baking powder took its name from the Native American name for a peace pipe given to the lands now known as Calumet City, Illinois. Wright's company adopted an Indian head as its trademark, an image not dissimilar to that later used by the Chicago Black Hawks ice hockey team.

In 1929, William Wright sold out to General Foods and Calumet Baking Powder became one of its many name brands. Wright, a fan of horse racing, would use his wealth to build what would become a world-renowned breeding and training operation in Lexington, Kentucky which he named Calumet Farm.

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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Thank You!

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Ile de France * Le Brie

Ile de France * Le Brie

How do I love France? Let me count the ways ...

From your lavender fields to your lovely vineyards ...
From the romantic and beautiful city of Paris to your ancient stone farmhouses.
From your exceptional wines to your mouth watering cuisine.
From your quiet villages to the splendor of the Riviera.

I love you for your art and artists
for your composers and your architecture
I love you for your lifestyle of enjoyment and refinement
From your pretty Provencal tablecloths to your haute couture.

I love you for cheese and pastries and coffee and chocolate
for your spirited conversation at every meal
For your beautiful beaches and clear blue sea
For your majestic snow covered Alps.

I love you for your standards of excellence
For your history, for your pride and your passion.
I love you for your beautiful language
And is there any kiss more romantic?


If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Sweet Peppers II

Sweet Peppers II

Happy Presidents' Day!

I'm starting to be more serious about my walking regime ... so it's off to do my three laps (two hills) at Trexler Park. I'm going to try to walk it every day until I leave for France where I will be walking everywhere!!!

I just found out today that the 96th Tour de France will be passing by Antibes on July 5th!!! Certainly this will be another photo op for my slide presentation and well as an incredible inspiration for my paintings.

Getting excited !!! Let the 3 1/2 month countdown begin !!

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Sweet Peppers I

Sweet Peppers I

Well, I had a very lovely Valentine Birthday. My brothers and sisters and I, along with my niece Liz, went to dinner at Cactus Blue. It's a great restaurant located in Bethlehem, PA. It certainly was bustling with activity on Friday evening and there wasn't an available seat all night. It's fun, fun, fun there ... and the food is delicious! I recommend the combo Fajita -- I ordered the shrimp and steak ... and you receive SO much food that you will certainly take some home with you. The black beans are mouth watering. Also, it's BYOB which is another great feature.

Yesterday I took Gretel to my friend Deb's house. She made a great dinner of bourbon glazed salmon with shallots. We had sauteed veggies and red potatoes seasoned with rosemary and olive oil. I brought some incredible Camembert and Danish blue cheese, crusty French bread and a bottle of Zinfandel. A great dinner - a great night.

Shopping at the Good Will - my new birthday tradition with my friend Diana - was a wonderful success - no housewares BUT great clothes for France !!!

Hoping you all had a lovely Valentine's Day !!!

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Each Day is Valentine's Day

Each Day is Valentine's Day * this painting is reserved

My Funny Valentine

My funny Valentine
Sweet comic Valentine
You make me smile with my heart
Your looks are laughable
Unphotographable
Yet you're my favourite work of art

Is your figure less than Greek
Is your mouth a little weak
When you open it to speak
Are you smart?

But dont change a hair for me
Not if you care for me
Stay little Valentine stay
Each day is Valentine's day ...

Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart

Mon chéri, sois mon Valentin ... je t'adore

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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Thank You!

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Valentine Chocolates

Valentine Chocolates

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Valentine Lollipop

Valentine Lollipop

Well, once again, Valentine's Day is right around the corner. That is exciting news for all you lovers. Single and otherwise. This year I will spend Valentine's Day shopping at the Good Will. I know you must be thinking 'whaaat'?, but, truthfully, it was a highlight on my Valentine Birthday last year. I went with a Good Will 'pro' - my friend Diana - and we had a great time and brought home great loot to boot. All for cheap. So, I asked Diana if she would want to go Good Will hunting again this year for Valentine's Day.

So there it is. My Valentine Birthday traditional Good Will adventure.

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page

Red Beets

Red Beets

Yes, they're beautiful, but what do you do with them? I'm imagining that you boil water and immerse them until tender, add a little sea salt and peppercorn ... and I enjoy red beets, but have never bought any for any other purpose than to paint their loveliness.

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each Day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page