tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21612821604329446452024-02-20T22:44:46.197-05:00Brushstrokes By Mariamariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.comBlogger298125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-4858504353827615192019-06-27T18:42:00.001-04:002019-06-27T18:42:50.670-04:00over the moon with good tunes in the month of juneHooray- it's summer!!! Things have been wonderful since my last check-in, and I hope it's the same for you. Here's what's been going on with me!<br />
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On Friday, May 31st, I had my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/662846944159092/" target="_blank">42nd Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a>. It was my second time having an event like this at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/guthriesplace/?eid=ARArUSL-YlBlpolv5Fq4fbtwGz2Oug_BC9FhOLdWjSms-dHO1aae3lMbCB6Q--L8V1bModa2_vj89E3E" target="_blank">She Doesn't Like Guthries</a> in Lewiston, so I called it "Second Helping!" Friday, May 31st was the last day of my month-long solo show at Guthries, and it also happened to be the first <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ArtWalkLewistonAuburn/" target="_blank">Art Walk Lewiston/Auburn</a> of the season. What fun! The place was humming, and as I was painting, I was struck by how much of a hub Guthries really is: people of all ages and all walks of life were in and out all day long, enjoying good food and lively conversation. If you find yourself in Lewiston, stop in and find out for yourself! I had visits from friends and friendly faces, and thanks to everyone's support, we were able to raise $100 for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/feedingmaine/" target="_blank">Good Shepherd Food Bank</a>. Here are some photos from the day:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHe_0ALrzxvMqQWGfSRjXC6L6V4jVG6dkSEQg8rB_9L0j57ZNtdRFLMx-_NLSqw2JQnrPKHfs-qQUBuwW-iqe1yUcR6GaJU-FoSPPLCIJ2zpMh6i85PC4_ozLuY-PIzbGCHTttWYWP22Em/s1600/61175174_10218318844418968_7100276170939170816_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHe_0ALrzxvMqQWGfSRjXC6L6V4jVG6dkSEQg8rB_9L0j57ZNtdRFLMx-_NLSqw2JQnrPKHfs-qQUBuwW-iqe1yUcR6GaJU-FoSPPLCIJ2zpMh6i85PC4_ozLuY-PIzbGCHTttWYWP22Em/s320/61175174_10218318844418968_7100276170939170816_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the beginning...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2CNMmziwrpeK8nN-Jbd_Kb0uTLbvEqwccHg_YSTTa6pG0SF6YgEUGrdZFEUVN3eIq-9H_kSX2QhWIMht_aU9kk-f7gE4uLe5U_gFP7Cgki9peiBPn2DQ9iXlSsffL7ODVVDYa6gIX64T/s1600/61603393_10218319785762501_9101540423305789440_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2CNMmziwrpeK8nN-Jbd_Kb0uTLbvEqwccHg_YSTTa6pG0SF6YgEUGrdZFEUVN3eIq-9H_kSX2QhWIMht_aU9kk-f7gE4uLe5U_gFP7Cgki9peiBPn2DQ9iXlSsffL7ODVVDYa6gIX64T/s320/61603393_10218319785762501_9101540423305789440_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>progress...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk57k8M9c0qvg32JIiwDpDaGxLsSL7n0IZkUvRe_LA9hmACPxgrc0nHFOEkvkVY28THnDxFiG_WPruP_pmZOLy3xNT8ZqbshUNhYptlA-K0LlQSNUV8Aqr69TBe-zHEdj8joekLqYFw2pC/s1600/65391084_10218539633858566_1354962006070788096_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="647" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk57k8M9c0qvg32JIiwDpDaGxLsSL7n0IZkUvRe_LA9hmACPxgrc0nHFOEkvkVY28THnDxFiG_WPruP_pmZOLy3xNT8ZqbshUNhYptlA-K0LlQSNUV8Aqr69TBe-zHEdj8joekLqYFw2pC/s320/65391084_10218539633858566_1354962006070788096_n.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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<i>working...photo credit: Rebecca Boothby Conley</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtA29Bv7jCYchslrjnoiKM6-Y8Gp-GNgDI-RdaQiM8WGi0yQZIoMN_9-92D8t4TQPsckGRw4uHmH5icBirZRUbNdfoBG2tuhsn3tZXmRbqx50t_fHnYCzEd7-Sd_Zev3WUVRoLjD_mBRx/s1600/61709388_10218321971137134_2174505941548924928_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtA29Bv7jCYchslrjnoiKM6-Y8Gp-GNgDI-RdaQiM8WGi0yQZIoMN_9-92D8t4TQPsckGRw4uHmH5icBirZRUbNdfoBG2tuhsn3tZXmRbqx50t_fHnYCzEd7-Sd_Zev3WUVRoLjD_mBRx/s320/61709388_10218321971137134_2174505941548924928_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Ferns and Fiddleheads" : finished!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz0KSd1xQPESaUutZ8E_SEGPb1RCYiSLj5D0aIv5_TWc4TKDF0Tj5drBEV8DJfxr_N_D9k7C_PTYaM1nCXVTP8vOHlCsxqnVO4eiFzX-2oAtWIB-TZpJTR3H0KSFWMttnlFp_s8EeCkEA/s1600/65814371_10218539633578559_1691523670679224320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz0KSd1xQPESaUutZ8E_SEGPb1RCYiSLj5D0aIv5_TWc4TKDF0Tj5drBEV8DJfxr_N_D9k7C_PTYaM1nCXVTP8vOHlCsxqnVO4eiFzX-2oAtWIB-TZpJTR3H0KSFWMttnlFp_s8EeCkEA/s320/65814371_10218539633578559_1691523670679224320_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>the winning ticket! Congratulations, Betty!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxPjscOrNP9zBdCSYsk8MC1WGe5N6NSiRK08tRvhB9vQUNiloQKcDr6NnxYESXS-kB0oljkZGSrMONs5YDdlL72E3Rj10E3KsdbVlwLks13OSLo7kwdPNXHxmKckN45KGQL3MYVh54as8/s1600/61301895_10218252246274056_1349950702654324736_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="879" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxPjscOrNP9zBdCSYsk8MC1WGe5N6NSiRK08tRvhB9vQUNiloQKcDr6NnxYESXS-kB0oljkZGSrMONs5YDdlL72E3Rj10E3KsdbVlwLks13OSLo7kwdPNXHxmKckN45KGQL3MYVh54as8/s320/61301895_10218252246274056_1349950702654324736_o.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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<i>still life with chilled watermelon soup (photo credit: She Doesn't Like Guthries)</i></div>
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I was back at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tontinemall/?ref=br_rs" target="_blank">Tontine Mall in Brunswick</a> (just outside of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/indranisbrunswick/?eid=ARDVNRwnHtQ_AxKjqr8sUkSAo1k3VZIUvotrhHVCzO6CWorUXPsC0WNyg-oIMRDBvftRgebyO3nFE7zF" target="_blank">Indrani's</a>) on Saturday, June 15th for my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/291332655155191/" target="_blank">43rd Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon,"</a> which I called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/291332655155191/" target="_blank">"Wonders of Nature!"</a> This time, I was raising money for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/maineaudubon/" target="_blank">Maine Audubon</a> and their conservation efforts. That space at Tontine Mall is definitely one of my favorite places to spend a day painting: it's a raised up platform, so I'm right in the middle of things while not being in anyone's way; my "pop-up" show always goes up and down quickly, because it's a small wall and the picture hangers are already there; there's always a good flow of foot traffic (and friends and/or family often stop by to say hello); plus, Indrani herself is just so lovely and welcoming...I feel very "at home" there. Here are some photos from the day:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXO0UBQa6ZUgfeKcs_6Lu2UCAFtnnlJXnxN5RpKUjfyfqoPEmbbVc-52OVR-RzDjyNzcI5-Zno_kYJPq5M6xc8yg5ldUJPE2E0SsW3uVm2uzDjuqo-XkFDy7a2P94ajERWoTwNflBR2Xg/s1600/65138062_10218539637578659_4327867265178402816_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXO0UBQa6ZUgfeKcs_6Lu2UCAFtnnlJXnxN5RpKUjfyfqoPEmbbVc-52OVR-RzDjyNzcI5-Zno_kYJPq5M6xc8yg5ldUJPE2E0SsW3uVm2uzDjuqo-XkFDy7a2P94ajERWoTwNflBR2Xg/s320/65138062_10218539637578659_4327867265178402816_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>the "pop-up" show!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5ko_3-d5VsIh9d0nOEzNG_3WqYo4sCwpAzxH20qCGyGbiJADvNiWBPM-jne1ZjlweC1HS1qXGg0tMPX5b-1woPtuVfC30WLjEGZsbRyHXZPQC5XJa-C2i2QdZCvCscMsB9LZ9P9ehyCK/s1600/65212199_10218539637418655_7964196558923104256_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5ko_3-d5VsIh9d0nOEzNG_3WqYo4sCwpAzxH20qCGyGbiJADvNiWBPM-jne1ZjlweC1HS1qXGg0tMPX5b-1woPtuVfC30WLjEGZsbRyHXZPQC5XJa-C2i2QdZCvCscMsB9LZ9P9ehyCK/s320/65212199_10218539637418655_7964196558923104256_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>my sign!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Mp5PEFEEMx0PfNTDUduZdyPEYSup8TGxu2mB1abRBSdqSY5bHzjmHi-YV42WI0jDRq09vCbv7XEbbW7igBjkB5usVIkrV9LJFTh5p3mhRTElCDpRd_ZyEM_IFUIzv0eWRlgKtUSd3KF2/s1600/65127089_10218539637498657_8559091826257035264_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Mp5PEFEEMx0PfNTDUduZdyPEYSup8TGxu2mB1abRBSdqSY5bHzjmHi-YV42WI0jDRq09vCbv7XEbbW7igBjkB5usVIkrV9LJFTh5p3mhRTElCDpRd_ZyEM_IFUIzv0eWRlgKtUSd3KF2/s320/65127089_10218539637498657_8559091826257035264_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>the beginning...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlzSwXfIT3sdraSMm7Akga38RbY5TAzF67bO9TmEhbKZXgFGCgi579RXlR11Ux2NVOr-x6gv1CJPgiEEH7jBkSfCgODca24iG5EBHrYYfh2SovDwn1r3Fl3mGJeqF0L4MNotHz_8ekpMJ/s1600/65150952_10218539638778689_4159432688077373440_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlzSwXfIT3sdraSMm7Akga38RbY5TAzF67bO9TmEhbKZXgFGCgi579RXlR11Ux2NVOr-x6gv1CJPgiEEH7jBkSfCgODca24iG5EBHrYYfh2SovDwn1r3Fl3mGJeqF0L4MNotHz_8ekpMJ/s320/65150952_10218539638778689_4159432688077373440_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>progress...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncOlLgxVGWo4FO2GVG-qAJEhyphenhyphen2RWf6eKrlSkgnCtbis8dLb2Qzfk7zY42ZO8rgtmAWFCL9kkzsZQsfjEiRBn6YUOzcIRr5BdXSmV3VoXBKO_fHFzI4zVr2Wqu7Ix-_vSwegt0LIMk6rQe/s1600/65387140_10218539638738688_7740218352353673216_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncOlLgxVGWo4FO2GVG-qAJEhyphenhyphen2RWf6eKrlSkgnCtbis8dLb2Qzfk7zY42ZO8rgtmAWFCL9kkzsZQsfjEiRBn6YUOzcIRr5BdXSmV3VoXBKO_fHFzI4zVr2Wqu7Ix-_vSwegt0LIMk6rQe/s320/65387140_10218539638738688_7740218352353673216_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>"Purple Poppy" : finished!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOtpfLTv6UL4V4aYXYzziEct6kc4081c2xeFAb98M3vR4JBBdgYuMY645Um2ZLWg5Ol4kivs_7Wtm0QIT4FssBl0vBtTQVPD3BiGxCkx4zFRdinfiNzKAqu4yJaIctmIz-6FjGjbLqKiM/s1600/65367357_10218539638538683_1216130907669266432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOtpfLTv6UL4V4aYXYzziEct6kc4081c2xeFAb98M3vR4JBBdgYuMY645Um2ZLWg5Ol4kivs_7Wtm0QIT4FssBl0vBtTQVPD3BiGxCkx4zFRdinfiNzKAqu4yJaIctmIz-6FjGjbLqKiM/s320/65367357_10218539638538683_1216130907669266432_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>the winning ticket! </i></div>
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The winner of "Purple Poppy" was Erich Lopez, who lives in sunny California! It's always exciting when my work ends up in far-flung places and with new people. Congratulations, Erich, and thank you for your support! $132 was raised for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/maineaudubon/" target="_blank">Maine Audubon</a> that day, which brings my <a href="https://www.brushstrokesbymaria.com/brushstrokes-with-impact-tm/" target="_blank">running total to nearly $6200 for local and national causes. </a>Hooray! </div>
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I'll close out this blog post with a little story that might make you smile (because it certainly makes <i>me</i> smile). If you're an artist, you might know what it's like to get inspiration while you're showering or meditating or dreaming. Well, in mid-May, I had a dream that I needed to make a CATS Yantra painting (in case you don't know, "CATS" stands for <a href="https://www.circlesaroundthesun.com/" target="_blank">Circles Around The Sun</a>, one of my favorite bands...and in case you're new to this blog, yantra painting is one of the things I learned on my retreat at the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ghostranchorg/" target="_blank">Ghost Ranch</a> in New Mexico with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sacredmotherarts/" target="_blank">Mavis Gewant</a> and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShivaShaktiSchoolofYoga/" target="_blank">ShivaShakti School of Yoga</a>). This dream also told me that I needed to give the painting to Circles Around The Sun when I went to see them perform on June 5th at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/highergroundmusic/" target="_blank">Higher Ground in South Burlington, VT</a>. When a dream is that specific, I pay attention, so I got to work. I finished the CATS Yantra on the morning of June 5th, I brought it to the show, I managed to give it to the band before they went onstage, and that night, it ended up as the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/circlesaroundthesunofficial/" target="_blank">Circles Around The Sun icon on Instagram</a>, where it remained for two weeks (it's since been changed), and it made an appearance on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beatsmove/" target="_blank">drummer Mark Levy</a>'s "my story". Needless to say, I was over the moon...and on the following Tuesday, the band put it up as their profile picture on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/circlesaroundthesunband/?epa=SEARCH_BOX" target="_blank">Facebook</a> (where it still is as of the writing of this blog post), putting me even further over the moon than I was before. Yay!!! If you don't know the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=circles+around+the+sun" target="_blank">music</a> of Circles Around The Sun, <i>please</i> check them out...you will likely find yourself in a most pleasant dance trance before too long...and with that, I will sign off! Until next time...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgTP2-PgCHJqq69j2RdUEHutWjVWUQY0nBRVaDSN4L6hlFhc8eLurOKWfc8EKTpNj_DQv36swj-SZ42ZCdhsagi0QPxIYSNfIF3dnBsmdNQgGQbb0OsK2ow497J9IPF3KrLvIGVGe1emq/s1600/65169114_10218539634258576_4068176057650380800_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="955" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgTP2-PgCHJqq69j2RdUEHutWjVWUQY0nBRVaDSN4L6hlFhc8eLurOKWfc8EKTpNj_DQv36swj-SZ42ZCdhsagi0QPxIYSNfIF3dnBsmdNQgGQbb0OsK2ow497J9IPF3KrLvIGVGe1emq/s320/65169114_10218539634258576_4068176057650380800_n.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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<i>"CATS Yantra," 6" x 6", acrylic on wood panel</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7Z1lisO6rCxqnZy40xExnRKj84JNJqIVwuKpsCnHnS-CYxO96VYKr2LV3dZvJnyPxeAprtMyzOGTs6UaAoDRgthjZ215ufNwMLADwGN6wSYCdEL7Mx6F5T14HMY09U-wQBP8UP8335Qo/s1600/65528822_10218539636258626_5738741851293220864_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7Z1lisO6rCxqnZy40xExnRKj84JNJqIVwuKpsCnHnS-CYxO96VYKr2LV3dZvJnyPxeAprtMyzOGTs6UaAoDRgthjZ215ufNwMLADwGN6wSYCdEL7Mx6F5T14HMY09U-wQBP8UP8335Qo/s320/65528822_10218539636258626_5738741851293220864_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>there's my signature!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Xu3IS_AYx0aMKZWC6qFn-y87Fhw2K9wFbrws5zuFnTxTACW9D6T6LSEuD6tzYcM6sGRIDyLUhN_MRaPAC_2ZT5xbIODuubZ8BSZAPa9ZhUiCsq4T515zmZCnrKoVGTZOknpi_VrVKpwV/s1600/65368980_10218539635578609_3885474677228830720_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="539" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Xu3IS_AYx0aMKZWC6qFn-y87Fhw2K9wFbrws5zuFnTxTACW9D6T6LSEuD6tzYcM6sGRIDyLUhN_MRaPAC_2ZT5xbIODuubZ8BSZAPa9ZhUiCsq4T515zmZCnrKoVGTZOknpi_VrVKpwV/s320/65368980_10218539635578609_3885474677228830720_n.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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<i>Instagram screenshot taken after the show</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wfcbSk5mn7L5LKDIvZiL2bAXGQfJZ8ceEvfrGX2OBWCyY5aaQVyrB_Ib2YO9wP67xGRkzwA8f-s6-8AxrAXGTj1RSjXMykkWSqBnCqCgQz7cwoK7Lt1746dYu_iy8MzvZMmvVQ78UZq3/s1600/65225783_10218539635418605_5437656552125235200_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wfcbSk5mn7L5LKDIvZiL2bAXGQfJZ8ceEvfrGX2OBWCyY5aaQVyrB_Ib2YO9wP67xGRkzwA8f-s6-8AxrAXGTj1RSjXMykkWSqBnCqCgQz7cwoK7Lt1746dYu_iy8MzvZMmvVQ78UZq3/s320/65225783_10218539635418605_5437656552125235200_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<i> Instagram</i> <i>"my story" screenshot</i> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioalG_wFlzFuzH_U8znZc_70PzUBQLELYxCOTgwzhjxJr89K8yAiXSd2cU38wKx9MvCbAklSBQ0VGNnA2VIlpX8EON6zr6chExndL-cl0lU_mRlevArkIQm4505I_oyuK2y7Q8ulVI3EKN/s1600/65467532_10218542900980242_3269657043648118784_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="539" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioalG_wFlzFuzH_U8znZc_70PzUBQLELYxCOTgwzhjxJr89K8yAiXSd2cU38wKx9MvCbAklSBQ0VGNnA2VIlpX8EON6zr6chExndL-cl0lU_mRlevArkIQm4505I_oyuK2y7Q8ulVI3EKN/s320/65467532_10218542900980242_3269657043648118784_n.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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<i>Facebook "profile picture" screenshot...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmk_jp4dCZ0RxOk9UhWphf7QtG8On0ZSbzOWxnO4m1dR8rMwiUCPhBNixSHpxQK371wV8MUHKaFTSczz3q4WPez62HgdRzCALnU-5X9nVfz3BFe4zHAL3paxZmGfsfd4ZpAQb4Eu4FR0C/s1600/65216790_10218539638698687_7219060930393407488_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmk_jp4dCZ0RxOk9UhWphf7QtG8On0ZSbzOWxnO4m1dR8rMwiUCPhBNixSHpxQK371wV8MUHKaFTSczz3q4WPez62HgdRzCALnU-5X9nVfz3BFe4zHAL3paxZmGfsfd4ZpAQb4Eu4FR0C/s320/65216790_10218539638698687_7219060930393407488_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>...and another one, just because it makes me grin like a fool.</i></div>
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<br />mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-78967146636240247102019-05-29T09:03:00.000-04:002019-05-29T09:03:00.880-04:00springing into summer with a recapWOW...it's been an intense couple of months! Normally, I write these recapping-types of blog posts in a somewhat linear fashion, but this time is a bit different...so here goes! I'll start with what's happening now.<br />
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My <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/662846944159092/" target="_blank">42nd Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a> takes place in just a couple of days! I've had a solo show at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/guthriesplace/" target="_blank">She Doesn't Like Guthries</a> in Lewiston for the month of May, and the first <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ArtWalkLewistonAuburn/" target="_blank">Art Walk Lewiston/Auburn</a> of the season is Friday, May 31st - how perfect is that? I've titled this event "Second Helping!" because this is the second time I'll be having a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/662846944159092/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a> at Guthries, and it's also the second time I'll be raising money for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/feedingmaine/" target="_blank">Good Shepherd Food Bank</a>. It's a great cause and a fantastic venue...I hope to see your smiling face on Friday! Here are some photos of the show:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3o24adog7SwC0GIHLFjWSdtV8WxIU_XFZecUA2NGYNv3gOlk_MNWzdjJ8tIoUt8WXAf8zZmm_-odwtln9rg-sg7o-JxaYHtf1daONXWctX5DeJqU35CJYdZyd0Llr44jY1m6n5HkpdIP/s1600/guthries+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3o24adog7SwC0GIHLFjWSdtV8WxIU_XFZecUA2NGYNv3gOlk_MNWzdjJ8tIoUt8WXAf8zZmm_-odwtln9rg-sg7o-JxaYHtf1daONXWctX5DeJqU35CJYdZyd0Llr44jY1m6n5HkpdIP/s320/guthries+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknVdHb4Qnvti2OwJvKw3hG7do6SDxzYQ1seKzh8mIfPGY-yLa9GsNUyxSzZ3EV3iG4K6RRDJiEUwahCgvRH0EDjljcbOMiKgLzr-rw0nIHhO_kEoN6mVkePgKS4sNmtxgaBMWJl4R0DYA/s1600/guthries+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknVdHb4Qnvti2OwJvKw3hG7do6SDxzYQ1seKzh8mIfPGY-yLa9GsNUyxSzZ3EV3iG4K6RRDJiEUwahCgvRH0EDjljcbOMiKgLzr-rw0nIHhO_kEoN6mVkePgKS4sNmtxgaBMWJl4R0DYA/s320/guthries+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidotL99eMKI8kWlfgZNXG0_A5hwXoLap4iDc1R7LxY5w4n5qyz-8Z4Cy1UKGDCTpQN425TPM6LGN-4sJbvPWZluq_SxQntHUdaJjXLz9-_H9l3aNxzQQmxhfJMUGe2yM1OA23AOOihHg-Z/s1600/guthries+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidotL99eMKI8kWlfgZNXG0_A5hwXoLap4iDc1R7LxY5w4n5qyz-8Z4Cy1UKGDCTpQN425TPM6LGN-4sJbvPWZluq_SxQntHUdaJjXLz9-_H9l3aNxzQQmxhfJMUGe2yM1OA23AOOihHg-Z/s320/guthries+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXi8Z5QIajKQGikFR_Wq9fYiBBFnycQRLUCT3VtpZTeoUF-IpRa_BVlsLGhLt00RjNqGPLQOxnoQfSiD3ABRt0qljlAG9bJvs9xZ8d6ImWmjIbl0ovqvIhR_tW6dOzCmbHkjA-xhKl5dck/s1600/guthries+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXi8Z5QIajKQGikFR_Wq9fYiBBFnycQRLUCT3VtpZTeoUF-IpRa_BVlsLGhLt00RjNqGPLQOxnoQfSiD3ABRt0qljlAG9bJvs9xZ8d6ImWmjIbl0ovqvIhR_tW6dOzCmbHkjA-xhKl5dck/s320/guthries+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5DczAcK-35oF49bl4foePkBoIfBCiUNv0XXGp4hCZKVnQhqhZSUSTxb2kObV38F0qDY_9E4sjDVQbyLSBLcTQorCp_3YZrdoz_vUa7tPLmDPw62AhaZOVQkKMwu-ILfJhCcF6oiYBDjv/s1600/guthries+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5DczAcK-35oF49bl4foePkBoIfBCiUNv0XXGp4hCZKVnQhqhZSUSTxb2kObV38F0qDY_9E4sjDVQbyLSBLcTQorCp_3YZrdoz_vUa7tPLmDPw62AhaZOVQkKMwu-ILfJhCcF6oiYBDjv/s320/guthries+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzs8dYvTHe0irmNVgSI3sGG4QU-BTICUhyphenhyphenFly9YCWuRCKOZgOP8_PKVdNhO4JCdjwgHotApxLQrZyQVhrMRg_YyebilQheU4pRr9ii-JYyNaOgaciNyJa561P34IF6Ru17ufwiGo-35sZ/s1600/guthries+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzs8dYvTHe0irmNVgSI3sGG4QU-BTICUhyphenhyphenFly9YCWuRCKOZgOP8_PKVdNhO4JCdjwgHotApxLQrZyQVhrMRg_YyebilQheU4pRr9ii-JYyNaOgaciNyJa561P34IF6Ru17ufwiGo-35sZ/s320/guthries+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOI5AVl6h53ydK1k2ptlZD78fHMWnI1ZheGF7upnzsMUAuwxPnOHFJMP34OUEB7qSiW1vKcbOfQkIKstEMz1y_Qe5-1he893fnQBfbtTa1n_MkOpxSa4wGSyZRwc0BQbZdFcQTygJf1wv/s1600/guthries+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOI5AVl6h53ydK1k2ptlZD78fHMWnI1ZheGF7upnzsMUAuwxPnOHFJMP34OUEB7qSiW1vKcbOfQkIKstEMz1y_Qe5-1he893fnQBfbtTa1n_MkOpxSa4wGSyZRwc0BQbZdFcQTygJf1wv/s320/guthries+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In early April, I was fortunate enough to take part in a week-long yoga/meditation/astrology/painting retreat at the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ghostranchorg/" target="_blank">Ghost Ranch</a> in Abiquiu, New Mexico, with the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShivaShaktiSchoolofYoga/" target="_blank">ShivaShakti School of Yoga</a>. It sounds kooky to say that I was out of my comfort zone, because all of those activities are among my favorite things to do, but it's true. The week consisted of scheduled days beginning with Kundalini yoga and meditation in a yurt, followed by breakfast, then yantra painting class (with the incredible <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sacredmotherarts/" target="_blank">Mavis Gewant</a>), then lunch, then yantra painting class, then free time, then dinner, then back to the yurt for astrology class. As soon as astrology class ended, a period of "social silence" would begin. "Social silence" would continue on into the next day, only to be broken after the end of the morning yoga/meditation session. I'd never done anything quite like this before, and I can honestly say this retreat was (and continues to be) a life-changing experience. It's already had a major impact on my artwork: so far, I've created four paintings as a direct result of my time at the Ghost Ranch. Who knows what will happen next?<br />
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My <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/781699608880005/?active_tab=discussion" target="_blank">41st Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a> (entitled <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/781699608880005/?active_tab=discussion" target="_blank">"Spring In My Step!"</a>) took place on Saturday, April 20th, just outside of Indrani's at the Tontine Mall in Brunswick. I had only been back from retreat for about a week and a half, but I already had a new painting inspired by my time away (which, thanks to the power of social media, was sold before I even had the chance to hang it- a personal record). I knew I wanted to keep exploring the sights, feelings, and ideas I'd been exposed to while on my trip, so the painting I created that day was entitled "Skull, Ghost Ranch".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAr0kX99UOnLqazIxlWLN2-guWVLASVr8gLH-VWzH137DviyalqdW3KCj5tr1SvnbZwMHvPLHK9mGjh2d3NvVtUvKujiexSKkD2T4IurnJ66US5g4FCCycizPtEskmP0JcNxOW3QPlF-f/s1600/57267785_10218001258159510_4733884280449531904_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAr0kX99UOnLqazIxlWLN2-guWVLASVr8gLH-VWzH137DviyalqdW3KCj5tr1SvnbZwMHvPLHK9mGjh2d3NvVtUvKujiexSKkD2T4IurnJ66US5g4FCCycizPtEskmP0JcNxOW3QPlF-f/s320/57267785_10218001258159510_4733884280449531904_o.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
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<i>the "pop-up" show</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXx67O4AGFwacFCnlrmchyphenhyphengpeyEO1qBEbz6b3-b8OjqJiOiVWbKi4EaBBUlJFbMBXUNkRQozF-TMFzdPTABwIidl8PQNc-GE4DMG0WjIHeItjiQxkNHrs9o06Bl_29VOvTnJa_XWeXjen/s1600/58430282_10218005415783448_8385936483097247744_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXx67O4AGFwacFCnlrmchyphenhyphengpeyEO1qBEbz6b3-b8OjqJiOiVWbKi4EaBBUlJFbMBXUNkRQozF-TMFzdPTABwIidl8PQNc-GE4DMG0WjIHeItjiQxkNHrs9o06Bl_29VOvTnJa_XWeXjen/s320/58430282_10218005415783448_8385936483097247744_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the beginning...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCE_JKG0l7RHDoqwb3I49M8-6Zl8900DgFH-ffzyIgZSgdD12zTditfiqMS67ZR8PkZqMxCtNRz_oajAoOGmo3hwBkcGB4i95PxjRZzmRxaUA8uLdPH7U1MVLV1r8sSdcaMNaYP0GyRyiA/s1600/skull%252C+ghost+ranch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCE_JKG0l7RHDoqwb3I49M8-6Zl8900DgFH-ffzyIgZSgdD12zTditfiqMS67ZR8PkZqMxCtNRz_oajAoOGmo3hwBkcGB4i95PxjRZzmRxaUA8uLdPH7U1MVLV1r8sSdcaMNaYP0GyRyiA/s320/skull%252C+ghost+ranch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Skull, Ghost Ranch": finished!</i></div>
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I'm happy to say that the winner of "Skull, Ghost Ranch" was none other than Alex Coombs! Alex is a friend, a collector, and a long-time supporter of <a href="https://www.brushstrokesbymaria.com/brushstrokes-with-impact-tm/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes With Impact (tm)</a>, and last month was his first time winning a painting! Congratulations, Alex! Plus, thanks to everyone's help, together we were able to raise $140 for the MidCoast Hunger prevention Program's "Backpack Program," which brings the running total raised since December 2015 to around $6000. Hooray!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qXRmAiwbmaLfS1RRDSOKX_VodK4vZb_Q7sKZR8jMxSlTMnMveynmahB4rJ1Nv7ieF5CrmQHCEKDm8TX2NikVYcaaF6radfMzmG9gvTOc4-4fU6F2oUbAr2qH_mIkh1woynzxopLjOlfh/s1600/57611670_10218021948676760_6677755855502311424_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qXRmAiwbmaLfS1RRDSOKX_VodK4vZb_Q7sKZR8jMxSlTMnMveynmahB4rJ1Nv7ieF5CrmQHCEKDm8TX2NikVYcaaF6radfMzmG9gvTOc4-4fU6F2oUbAr2qH_mIkh1woynzxopLjOlfh/s320/57611670_10218021948676760_6677755855502311424_o.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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<i>Yes, that's my painting on this year's Altered Couture poster!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRFWqo5DYK6JcAfuKx3QAkaVdNFJnTnwcpcuJ9WD29kVAjKTDzkfocxEKlheDKs5tj66RidYnemJ0YTMPRSGDs3iRXlfl74MOxCt1ckwNV5mpMvFkALIwVReQvXMZWxPDXeXYMd0ILMFp/s1600/59361945_10218111069184717_6329289718370402304_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRFWqo5DYK6JcAfuKx3QAkaVdNFJnTnwcpcuJ9WD29kVAjKTDzkfocxEKlheDKs5tj66RidYnemJ0YTMPRSGDs3iRXlfl74MOxCt1ckwNV5mpMvFkALIwVReQvXMZWxPDXeXYMd0ILMFp/s320/59361945_10218111069184717_6329289718370402304_o.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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<i>"A Is For Apple, B Is For Beatles"</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyfn_BC9Gmm__ocfrV38HeCyrekrNF2-eyyn3WbqLTQmPhQcByE41MSDLPquTW-rIibBWsTyVBQg1QxKxGzfeiH3twE85oqD3WzH1BbKyaXPgRUym4nlTiAlK8Ch50WkCHDODunN5EFnY/s1600/59778902_10218111069504725_5112118870269755392_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyfn_BC9Gmm__ocfrV38HeCyrekrNF2-eyyn3WbqLTQmPhQcByE41MSDLPquTW-rIibBWsTyVBQg1QxKxGzfeiH3twE85oqD3WzH1BbKyaXPgRUym4nlTiAlK8Ch50WkCHDODunN5EFnY/s320/59778902_10218111069504725_5112118870269755392_o.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
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<i>a special pillow made by Christine DeTroy</i></div>
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Altered Couture was on Saturday, May 4th, and boy, was it a hoot! Christine DeTroy pulled it off once again with tons of style and wonderful spirit. This year's theme was "Beatles Couture," which made for an even more fun and lively night than usual. The costumes were incredible, the audience was into it, the participants were joyful and supportive of one another, the DJ was fantastic (as usual), and this year's MC kept the crowd engaged and the energy up...and I'm not just saying that!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFysONqeY9t9vmdV3ASSTg2NsJ4Z8bvdEhBrlTqSm_3cK58prj9gU9XdOENlBNQNi_jh_-hf_V-4FCSINpRRBcRgRwwae1vkEo_M9kz_wkmSaSmE3bmkOJXwoLhGM8A2J8cBhzpFksuw6/s1600/59414971_10218116595162863_5182544179166707712_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFysONqeY9t9vmdV3ASSTg2NsJ4Z8bvdEhBrlTqSm_3cK58prj9gU9XdOENlBNQNi_jh_-hf_V-4FCSINpRRBcRgRwwae1vkEo_M9kz_wkmSaSmE3bmkOJXwoLhGM8A2J8cBhzpFksuw6/s320/59414971_10218116595162863_5182544179166707712_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>DJ Dave and my husband, Terry, making his Altered Couture MC debut! </i></div>
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I'm grateful to have had friends and family in the crowd that night, because even though it is fun to "walk the runway" at Altered Couture, it's also a bit terrifying - "fun-scary" is the best way I can describe it - so seeing friendly faces and recognizing friendly hoots and hollers makes life so much easier! Thank you to everyone who made it out! Speaking of friends, I'm very proud of the friends who were in the crowd for last year's event and chose to participate this year! Michael Gamage was the "Sun King" (brought to life with Heather Goulette), and Erica Kingston was "Norwegian Wood," whose costume featured hundreds and hundreds of hand-stained and hand-stitched popsicle sticks. WOW! My costume <span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">was made using vinyl and flexible plastic records, CDs, 45 adapters, beads, glue, paper, and 200 safety pins; the song I chose was "The Hippy Hippy Shake". </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzxPJK00Evls4aNkl42Rq4fYtFpgbHONJnOttdEhFNXHej79fN6wbwCx9suzlig-rAKgP2XABO9n_RZaoc7p5ZwVxLN4KteT9rsUxBUpsIPXNW4gb1XxxEiP_106xKAfbodcGw5xiGTIO/s1600/59698479_10218116624843605_9192914173195976704_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzxPJK00Evls4aNkl42Rq4fYtFpgbHONJnOttdEhFNXHej79fN6wbwCx9suzlig-rAKgP2XABO9n_RZaoc7p5ZwVxLN4KteT9rsUxBUpsIPXNW4gb1XxxEiP_106xKAfbodcGw5xiGTIO/s320/59698479_10218116624843605_9192914173195976704_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Laurie Anne Sims as "Here Comes The Sun" and Michael Gamage as The Sun King</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZ1R9vYMqhyphenhyphenELko-oLWcvYHzrLiseA29YIscIPSFrVxMnLhEWzI8tbdyFv_l0COocQwJbobKBj6lLjKXFHUYDw-lwcCkPW2hjOx0rEyVoeJ84FWtcLp9FkSW2of7NdJ6I1y7aCT85Sh-r/s1600/59276234_10218116877089911_6490755698148769792_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZ1R9vYMqhyphenhyphenELko-oLWcvYHzrLiseA29YIscIPSFrVxMnLhEWzI8tbdyFv_l0COocQwJbobKBj6lLjKXFHUYDw-lwcCkPW2hjOx0rEyVoeJ84FWtcLp9FkSW2of7NdJ6I1y7aCT85Sh-r/s320/59276234_10218116877089911_6490755698148769792_o.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
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<i>Erica Kingston - Norwegian Wood</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpcEcj5gei1I1HNLEWIpXv1_r_CRl8ULw0zA9kjrhJEedyqQAacKx6Ns9KQfzjYBcBEd9utPOU-BJflrBx8-elOStylPwQXzbV6C4B9o6rRCUNvs_xC31fBXK4F6EqMfW_obTFdLfONJm/s1600/59345426_10218116773127312_4622195584357367808_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpcEcj5gei1I1HNLEWIpXv1_r_CRl8ULw0zA9kjrhJEedyqQAacKx6Ns9KQfzjYBcBEd9utPOU-BJflrBx8-elOStylPwQXzbV6C4B9o6rRCUNvs_xC31fBXK4F6EqMfW_obTFdLfONJm/s320/59345426_10218116773127312_4622195584357367808_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Astrea Charlett - Imagine (Lady Gaga cover)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLv-ZlL9GYlUtZv0gBVxK3LEGEBzG3Z_bn6kbS2677mn6kBjGc9KbQQ88LBJYtp19gMfngMZQoblfJ4lT-yU7gduzqW-evZZrGQjzXRUY2LCL_TLYSfrJnr2zXPD9H-RFChR7sFTQdqx7j/s1600/59461969_10218116812368293_3599462527131451392_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLv-ZlL9GYlUtZv0gBVxK3LEGEBzG3Z_bn6kbS2677mn6kBjGc9KbQQ88LBJYtp19gMfngMZQoblfJ4lT-yU7gduzqW-evZZrGQjzXRUY2LCL_TLYSfrJnr2zXPD9H-RFChR7sFTQdqx7j/s320/59461969_10218116812368293_3599462527131451392_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Octopus's Garden - I wish I knew her name - she was fabulous!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkazANFUHDvWGV-ApNuSrMCB4bAyc-w34er1A37n-mN3UIqXfGHcelRT5z5fuSet64S6lRvX6k2JsgJ6sqE57tNRKlum_-zAzee8sS2qZV9oCfW4OYbX59UcQpg0o4WAs-JAFiVamKIBc/s1600/59483841_10216680322418384_4837693751663001600_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="716" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkazANFUHDvWGV-ApNuSrMCB4bAyc-w34er1A37n-mN3UIqXfGHcelRT5z5fuSet64S6lRvX6k2JsgJ6sqE57tNRKlum_-zAzee8sS2qZV9oCfW4OYbX59UcQpg0o4WAs-JAFiVamKIBc/s320/59483841_10216680322418384_4837693751663001600_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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<i>me with our fearless leader, Christine DeTroy (photo credit: Rebecca Boothby Conley)</i></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I could fill up this entire post with Altered Couture photos (because I got some fun ones, and there were just SO many incredible costumes and beautiful people who participated), but I'll direct you to my </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/brushstrokesbymaria/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Instagram</a><span style="text-align: left;"> page if you'd like to see some more: </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/brushstrokesbymaria/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">@brushstrokesbymaria</a><span style="text-align: left;">!</span></div>
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Finally, I'm thrilled to report that the piano I painted is once again out on the sidewalk in front of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoolMoose/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARD5OlZLbQrjRIyDtSF8PmCI2plmFwmcIfEcl-wn5-R_eaDYdsin0WQGSaLBSH92YY4sD_o3LkkX3Lp6&fref=mentions&__xts__[0]=68.ARC_zngvgCzFbZ1HenLzUX5irlcgf1ybnmdPPCfsC-phZeu0G4nJwVfGdrJqv06EQpNer8ebLqvuIlXrPmB7NMHIJi3gDlm25q14wAXgNLL-XhfSYJitDIOq4GSA33HJ_w1zzwsvOdkwl_6IFE4fn-FqHF8PBtVRxKG0VmsFofy-KRMp9s9Y6Ex2wt6fMWRsIFbaYnqq2MZnhcqryJdggBC0OXzP2L3pgMqfGD7LFCv2lU18WrkdyVsYgiOzAT7_wZsKnRwhcjuCaKPVHJb-N5CaFtKo1l4BMvhM135wRUM4mAn5zeQhQoKlx03JsW4rkghuPpclJdeOr7AmqPA" target="_blank">Cool As A Moose on Maine Street</a>- a sure sign of summer! Does anyone know anything about the cool campaign that's being promoted in the second photo? If so, please share in the comments section!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQnBVwlUa96-skClN7imI-ACO6tma0ZSal7p2Jiy2kBcCa1-GRLavQJO3UkVnIzQllJ3FO2i1G2qkVs_YGYVq6speSNWSZjanaxml9k_cUaUqA1J6I5Ffb8HBMULDzMYwEPmVsaYr5nhr/s1600/60890958_10218274366427046_6490205813485862912_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQnBVwlUa96-skClN7imI-ACO6tma0ZSal7p2Jiy2kBcCa1-GRLavQJO3UkVnIzQllJ3FO2i1G2qkVs_YGYVq6speSNWSZjanaxml9k_cUaUqA1J6I5Ffb8HBMULDzMYwEPmVsaYr5nhr/s320/60890958_10218274366427046_6490205813485862912_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUnfmdPyUilEAivH5ERaOUTICfdEA_o0At4KmsZGpq1-Rv5unRtp_42P9N14d_9LiqFpOiMGTm2rnv1z9ditBYrYgcLpMZ9QMe5inTeN6P6gED44AMvNBiDHq-vO_f2lFUTKc8YQAbTuB/s1600/61203523_10218274367187065_2931773637214076928_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUnfmdPyUilEAivH5ERaOUTICfdEA_o0At4KmsZGpq1-Rv5unRtp_42P9N14d_9LiqFpOiMGTm2rnv1z9ditBYrYgcLpMZ9QMe5inTeN6P6gED44AMvNBiDHq-vO_f2lFUTKc8YQAbTuB/s320/61203523_10218274367187065_2931773637214076928_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-18746050641125601382019-03-27T11:50:00.000-04:002019-03-27T11:51:22.770-04:00time marches onYIKES! I haven't posted here since the end of January! Time to change that!<br />
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Saturday, February 23rd found me back at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tontinemall/" target="_blank">Tontine Mall</a> in Brunswick, just outside of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/indranisbrunswick/?eid=ARCb2PXE2S3SLFyZzTyNuUXeX5jCOjYU4fMyzbMWqgCG81ColBl4oGwqWN4Fyp63-jfAp9b9bM3Owhf7" target="_blank">Indrani's</a>...by the way, I love that space! The cause I chose to support for my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1977492455682511/" target="_blank">39th Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a> was the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creamaine/" target="_blank">Cathance River Education Alliance</a>, so I called the event <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1977492455682511/" target="_blank">"CREAte"</a>. <span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="background-color: white;">I love those trails at the Cathance River Nature Preserve so much, so I’m grateful I was able to help </span><span style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/creamaine/" target="_blank">CREA</a></span><span style="background-color: white;"> in my own little way! Here are some photos from the day. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7S8fdSAyVZjkmcQek_MFQtVdLDv61TFtAMAupOmdOz9WXLlnTNjp1Pqa5amTrgAOQLrn7Prnl7TeCtlp_GwIl0Wt9z01cMaXtfI2YG8OSqeqjPd_G6EF79obbKZ8y-yzVRkRs79pnI7yL/s1600/53216928_10217593565847457_7624566561088471040_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7S8fdSAyVZjkmcQek_MFQtVdLDv61TFtAMAupOmdOz9WXLlnTNjp1Pqa5amTrgAOQLrn7Prnl7TeCtlp_GwIl0Wt9z01cMaXtfI2YG8OSqeqjPd_G6EF79obbKZ8y-yzVRkRs79pnI7yL/s320/53216928_10217593565847457_7624566561088471040_o.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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<i>the pop-up</i> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbRelQx06krApRYSElWO0tuw78KfNx9SM_rEt2AfqBGz8W6Kpk6RS6YtjkjKoF4eHkkWsjV0cVUgXoTFlPKnjLu3z7pEBwmJ8T_2Xyy_PIjUIULFJdLBV_3e3h1OplkfArVK0sQoNPTqC/s1600/52854021_10217597860354817_7324016225867005952_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbRelQx06krApRYSElWO0tuw78KfNx9SM_rEt2AfqBGz8W6Kpk6RS6YtjkjKoF4eHkkWsjV0cVUgXoTFlPKnjLu3z7pEBwmJ8T_2Xyy_PIjUIULFJdLBV_3e3h1OplkfArVK0sQoNPTqC/s320/52854021_10217597860354817_7324016225867005952_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>putting some miles on my sign!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGt98zLOuGWjuPFPLHxznjO2KqkLZWgG1VUgc-0QK8Zxr5Qs0ylxJiP5mM29ARXFKl2xhz_UabnjjmcZRrt6e0CYaTuYqS-9LT1Dp9ryDM-i2Nj-V6g8t2ZxqluxvWG3_7texmfcXXXNr9/s1600/52494574_10217597859994808_6136216279691821056_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGt98zLOuGWjuPFPLHxznjO2KqkLZWgG1VUgc-0QK8Zxr5Qs0ylxJiP5mM29ARXFKl2xhz_UabnjjmcZRrt6e0CYaTuYqS-9LT1Dp9ryDM-i2Nj-V6g8t2ZxqluxvWG3_7texmfcXXXNr9/s320/52494574_10217597859994808_6136216279691821056_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the beginning</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcTuqVtZwPqRAP6bm300g_Tn8o6E6O0tnLuwZAGu-a2yQTfHbkkjIeZsb4oHq6wHBOmjRXtW1qoL6izr9r2au71K0RXowHJgM6kVxi6Eb40xQ0T69HMy9F0slzsSfainH4vXTPQNquayj/s1600/52715499_10217598384767927_1153162667020517376_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcTuqVtZwPqRAP6bm300g_Tn8o6E6O0tnLuwZAGu-a2yQTfHbkkjIeZsb4oHq6wHBOmjRXtW1qoL6izr9r2au71K0RXowHJgM6kVxi6Eb40xQ0T69HMy9F0slzsSfainH4vXTPQNquayj/s320/52715499_10217598384767927_1153162667020517376_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>progress</i></div>
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As I worked on my painting, it dawned on me that it looked like my little owl was wearing KISS makeup. This made me giggle (probably more than it should have), so I decided to go with it. As a result, the title made itself known: "Owl Was Made For Loving You, Baby"! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxas51i7s49ClsUw9g7J_hckftCSyYsJaLPbg-O5ZxiH_lzTUtMArwr-m2HlSZ_JCH6geuMorgk8DsrOq23-FiIJThvncS-UWVvAQ5qJ69rex_NfoVr3zZzYrrK8ogmehfKQYS_Hcavlm/s1600/52647425_10217601050354565_933571297097547776_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxas51i7s49ClsUw9g7J_hckftCSyYsJaLPbg-O5ZxiH_lzTUtMArwr-m2HlSZ_JCH6geuMorgk8DsrOq23-FiIJThvncS-UWVvAQ5qJ69rex_NfoVr3zZzYrrK8ogmehfKQYS_Hcavlm/s320/52647425_10217601050354565_933571297097547776_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Owl Was Made For Loving You, Baby": finished!</i></div>
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It was a great day, filled with lots of laughter and visits from friends (and friendly faces). When it was all said and done, we were able to raise $105 for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creamaine/" target="_blank">CREA</a>. Thank you, everyone! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtI6CS4cpLOC9mX9U74T_Olvu5GlBgLdKfACBfMMPMSKJS_s3fE2kyj6p989tLuJ7-OsCTIexgg6CSwBjJCrD9gXwpv3Bbl5Mm-uW-RDdu4vfkK8LS4_Zx7daL6Ac0VExA6lT-3jKNb3KU/s1600/52884270_10217601343921904_8349104454179487744_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtI6CS4cpLOC9mX9U74T_Olvu5GlBgLdKfACBfMMPMSKJS_s3fE2kyj6p989tLuJ7-OsCTIexgg6CSwBjJCrD9gXwpv3Bbl5Mm-uW-RDdu4vfkK8LS4_Zx7daL6Ac0VExA6lT-3jKNb3KU/s320/52884270_10217601343921904_8349104454179487744_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>congratulations, Hayley! </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqVz5UX199d1Z-quMqRS-YqdUKNGAt5tbsydWasDIa_a8RPrcCjhdqNbtx0iCB-5_U61ZGet5hgALiayQT7lqP4sTBPO2oDADnh12rqTfUCfJ3JPHSB3KmjrJe9SokwgyQ-oH0NY_yJ0t/s1600/53096696_10156952862269360_5984170675022069760_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqVz5UX199d1Z-quMqRS-YqdUKNGAt5tbsydWasDIa_a8RPrcCjhdqNbtx0iCB-5_U61ZGet5hgALiayQT7lqP4sTBPO2oDADnh12rqTfUCfJ3JPHSB3KmjrJe9SokwgyQ-oH0NY_yJ0t/s320/53096696_10156952862269360_5984170675022069760_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>thank you for the kind acknowledgement!</i></div>
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On Saturday, March 23rd, I hit a mini-milestone: I had my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/260493688218832/" target="_blank">40th Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a>! Of course, I called it <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/260493688218832/" target="_blank">"The Big Four-Oh"</a>. I put a slightly different spin on this month's cause: my sister, Addie, is running the Boston Marathon in April, and she's raising funds for the Hole In The Wall Gang Camp...when I heard that, I knew I wanted to help out. Thanks to everyone's support, we were able to raise $100 towards her cause! <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">If you missed your chance to win the painting I created on Saturday, but you'd like to support my sister's fundraising efforts for The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp, <a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/holeinthewallboston2019/adelaideevans?utm_campaign=ocdonate&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=crowdrise&fbclid=IwAR1VNnSOwXwCJVSDCmb-S8-Y357T8wvCj5OAVKIHr-sffT5Q01hyEXG6Abw" target="_blank">here's the link</a>:</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/holeinthewallboston2019/adelaideevans?utm_campaign=ocdonate&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=crowdrise&fbclid=IwAR1VNnSOwXwCJVSDCmb-S8-Y357T8wvCj5OAVKIHr-sffT5Q01hyEXG6Abw">https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/holeinthewallboston2019/adelaideevans?utm_campaign=ocdonate&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=crowdrise&fbclid=IwAR1VNnSOwXwCJVSDCmb-S8-Y357T8wvCj5OAVKIHr-sffT5Q01hyEXG6Abw</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nKm5OIFMDJPQthYvMeK0Xw76Yui9IxjKjzvHNGXaoUbM0VK-HcN0JpyZ9EGjh017d-iZLWqq1ijJXfAsTdnU7Dj6EQ7VxPA304Wn4AVHA4LrWs1iFRKCiRig1fc3ryQCj2Y1XDMyOyjH/s1600/54435599_10217796632603999_2646289016474828800_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nKm5OIFMDJPQthYvMeK0Xw76Yui9IxjKjzvHNGXaoUbM0VK-HcN0JpyZ9EGjh017d-iZLWqq1ijJXfAsTdnU7Dj6EQ7VxPA304Wn4AVHA4LrWs1iFRKCiRig1fc3ryQCj2Y1XDMyOyjH/s320/54435599_10217796632603999_2646289016474828800_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the pop-up</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVShVB2qmGLGyjLbGvzWtNxR9K7_MFUuJGKEMQiTxlZSOvoQXs9_3bsSGB3uD0CdNYd3vI1KAKr3gXD-1hE1p8yTdTZbzJTFvW2GtEbwVo12m8uT5S7SOI6EA4-lsapNEl5_AR2AW5HNA/s1600/55500779_10217800433859028_5702997299504873472_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVShVB2qmGLGyjLbGvzWtNxR9K7_MFUuJGKEMQiTxlZSOvoQXs9_3bsSGB3uD0CdNYd3vI1KAKr3gXD-1hE1p8yTdTZbzJTFvW2GtEbwVo12m8uT5S7SOI6EA4-lsapNEl5_AR2AW5HNA/s320/55500779_10217800433859028_5702997299504873472_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the beginning</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jR9k9PAwZUJA1yX4HLasl4DLpGksF3bCdKHlG2P2UYjFBr-dsxg6NusIYQJg2w-BE7_HhgGJtOAoliNwpKVgHTxRptGqyH2eXo60QGs29sv7Bkdt8NKzHRDI8udilNpnGSiNoeuX3Ak9/s1600/55750477_10217801278280138_7365049570318876672_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jR9k9PAwZUJA1yX4HLasl4DLpGksF3bCdKHlG2P2UYjFBr-dsxg6NusIYQJg2w-BE7_HhgGJtOAoliNwpKVgHTxRptGqyH2eXo60QGs29sv7Bkdt8NKzHRDI8udilNpnGSiNoeuX3Ak9/s320/55750477_10217801278280138_7365049570318876672_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>progress</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1P_tnMcsbOriK_umsni4J_CdyCHq4zfvytJbNfgXTkLEJJxGx9RWUIaOr3pE3svvXprlT0DSkBRU4VJ9aQJCfupwZcVOq6tCgBqrsPAsIMFIxZMzErUGvt_ry-oOqCrFV8so36l1pb-z/s1600/tulip+potential.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1P_tnMcsbOriK_umsni4J_CdyCHq4zfvytJbNfgXTkLEJJxGx9RWUIaOr3pE3svvXprlT0DSkBRU4VJ9aQJCfupwZcVOq6tCgBqrsPAsIMFIxZMzErUGvt_ry-oOqCrFV8so36l1pb-z/s320/tulip+potential.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Tulip Potential": finished!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWxXUdWCCiw7L5OLs0PM4F-uksZwfeiwEu51PXuAps7CbPV26xPUzg8ZQkp0fnuD2sWRpSww7leHt-9-Gc4SVvcSbcnwdtJrV6NAUICHr5tlzJoDYO9FQG7KQ2hqvffgpKfZ4wxLxjc79/s1600/55661639_10217803611138458_3189193464172511232_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWxXUdWCCiw7L5OLs0PM4F-uksZwfeiwEu51PXuAps7CbPV26xPUzg8ZQkp0fnuD2sWRpSww7leHt-9-Gc4SVvcSbcnwdtJrV6NAUICHr5tlzJoDYO9FQG7KQ2hqvffgpKfZ4wxLxjc79/s320/55661639_10217803611138458_3189193464172511232_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the winning ticket!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmQM9OsYhp0vKdL79OxOGdxtcMlOgTFmJxt7OO5qwDNFuvSwPm_sPc8ilRe1caGDjT4c20LH9DScEsDZMVTLSuxkE2CK8m1E1NSQlDNANYn0f2gwrugS6Fvye5abe8U44rphlCGo9-tJD/s1600/55932439_10217803685700322_3272733133585252352_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmQM9OsYhp0vKdL79OxOGdxtcMlOgTFmJxt7OO5qwDNFuvSwPm_sPc8ilRe1caGDjT4c20LH9DScEsDZMVTLSuxkE2CK8m1E1NSQlDNANYn0f2gwrugS6Fvye5abe8U44rphlCGo9-tJD/s320/55932439_10217803685700322_3272733133585252352_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>this beautiful family won my painting!</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On February 9th, I took down my solo show at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kimballunion/" target="_blank">Kimball Union Academy</a>'s Taylor Art Gallery, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">and I was totally knocked out by all the kind words and wonderful feedback waiting for me in the guest book! Thank you to the students, staff, and faculty at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kimballunion/" target="_blank">K</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kimballunion/" target="_blank">UA</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"> for making me feel so welcome! I will always cherish my experience on your beautiful campus. Below are some photos from the guest book, and here's a <a href="https://livestream.com/accounts/11006305/events/4772025/videos/185643145" target="_blank">link</a> to the <a href="https://livestream.com/accounts/11006305/events/4772025/videos/185643145" target="_blank">All School Meeting video</a> where Ursula Fries-Herfort introduces "Color And Energy" to the student body:</span></div>
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<a href="https://livestream.com/accounts/11006305/events/4772025/videos/185643145">https://livestream.com/accounts/11006305/events/4772025/videos/185643145</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy66G3gN1FH9ROjcpgir6NBwdcM3XNi72QlADCPGDL0d1eUb2AXR_DmEyDJgNHEmd2oOZq-9ZZo-_AgpCntetEsAPgA87xt5D6V7y0_n_6Nrk4znugMnNbZDA5pOw-SY60nhGSCT2_Z7vq/s1600/51733868_10217491343451961_2378421638619201536_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy66G3gN1FH9ROjcpgir6NBwdcM3XNi72QlADCPGDL0d1eUb2AXR_DmEyDJgNHEmd2oOZq-9ZZo-_AgpCntetEsAPgA87xt5D6V7y0_n_6Nrk4znugMnNbZDA5pOw-SY60nhGSCT2_Z7vq/s320/51733868_10217491343451961_2378421638619201536_o.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
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By the way, the total raised for the Janie Chase Cozzi '19 Memorial Fund was $175, so that means the running total donated through <a href="https://www.brushstrokesbymaria.com/brushstrokes-with-impact-tm/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes with Impact (tm)</a> is in the neighborhood of $5800. Not bad at all! </div>
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<i>one last photo from "Color And Energy"!</i></div>
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<br />mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-68270892868359966522019-01-31T17:30:00.000-05:002019-01-31T17:46:36.430-05:00color and energy! It might be cold outside, but my heart has been warm all month long. On Friday, January 11th, I had my 38th Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) “Paint-a-Thon”. It’s my first event of 2019, and I can honestly say that it has gotten my year off to a big start!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeXAmItwpOrC3jJTKhXcQsrNXrtUZU3OW_iKeZAvhKE87PtSiJwtVQPUB7rE5FsU-Mr7uURuE6IleaUg66AZZe8nZ4PgPwgb94V6nMp_kooTaZfMaWLf5qFHMoOamfWTbBMbyKVZchbGm/s1600/DE04C740-69E8-43F5-83E9-A70ED13EF460.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeXAmItwpOrC3jJTKhXcQsrNXrtUZU3OW_iKeZAvhKE87PtSiJwtVQPUB7rE5FsU-Mr7uURuE6IleaUg66AZZe8nZ4PgPwgb94V6nMp_kooTaZfMaWLf5qFHMoOamfWTbBMbyKVZchbGm/s320/DE04C740-69E8-43F5-83E9-A70ED13EF460.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>this</i> <i>card</i> <i>feels</i> <i>fancy!</i> </div>
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On Wednesday, January 9th, I drove to Meriden, New Hampshire, to hang my solo show (entitled “Color And Energy”) at Kimball Union Academy’s Taylor Art Gallery; two days later, my “Paint-a-Thon” happened (from 8am-4pm), followed by the show’s opening reception (from 5:30pm-7pm). It was a whirlwind, to say the least! On paper, it was a long day, but instead of being tired at the end, I was energized. I was so wound up, I didn’t want to sleep until the wee hours of the morning! I was originally planning on setting up my easel and painting just outside the Taylor Art Gallery, but KUA’s Ursula (Ursi) Fries-Herfort (Arts Instructor and Gallery Director) suggested the dining hall instead - and I’m so glad she did. On a side note, Ursi also helped me to hang the show, which was <i>huge</i>, because walking into that empty room was intimidating! Anyway, the dining hall at KUA is a major hub for the school community, and it allowed me to connect with students and faculty alike while I was working. Rather than distracting me, the steady hum of conversation and foot traffic allowed me to focus on the painting at hand. It also gave me a strong impression of what life at KUA is like, and I was struck by the culture of kindness that permeates the school. There was a friendly and respectful tone to every conversation I overheard, no matter who was doing the talking: students, faculty, or staff. Everyone who took the time to chat with me while I worked was friendly, curious, and welcoming, and those feelings were only magnified during the opening reception later on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6-DPwPMx1JVb5R9B0UsAa9IuyX5lIgU4IPCDVf3MRJbAdxIoe1byXGoM0egOipcRickoINcUljXVBaLzQJp1Go4mci8j4ftYDBGC3XelkG-aQDq9azagvh2_nQySPq_NIC486xFKuPHF/s1600/5C82AD13-6A84-4743-8923-F1D4812AF0AF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6-DPwPMx1JVb5R9B0UsAa9IuyX5lIgU4IPCDVf3MRJbAdxIoe1byXGoM0egOipcRickoINcUljXVBaLzQJp1Go4mci8j4ftYDBGC3XelkG-aQDq9azagvh2_nQySPq_NIC486xFKuPHF/s320/5C82AD13-6A84-4743-8923-F1D4812AF0AF.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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the <i>beginning</i> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZVm8Z-yL2r9a63VinSOH_0AdA1w5hpMvDxBC8TKlwxNlN7tFGENCdcVa9vGAA2bzVXBUHjiU7sOq06MFkm9I0px_Pu7OFeKIJsaZ9r0p0FDlTgkBsaUqTZRVULICBWuaP2Ygn9mYUBqW/s1600/8B0A4EC6-0C7E-458C-9DC4-4860C7C1AB3D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZVm8Z-yL2r9a63VinSOH_0AdA1w5hpMvDxBC8TKlwxNlN7tFGENCdcVa9vGAA2bzVXBUHjiU7sOq06MFkm9I0px_Pu7OFeKIJsaZ9r0p0FDlTgkBsaUqTZRVULICBWuaP2Ygn9mYUBqW/s320/8B0A4EC6-0C7E-458C-9DC4-4860C7C1AB3D.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>progress</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZivhy-ycOxGEhUI4XJYzHmCLHbfhbPvMRtu7k8eBdRXQZhJyPlKRewvNEhDFB6yjNWlajQ46symk5BakNIBHpzbWopE7qIZF4BxfhlpAZNE68x_rr7x3h9MhWEAF91olBl36nnI6oJgC/s1600/A4C38C5D-3813-4BA9-B45D-0692A74B98DD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZivhy-ycOxGEhUI4XJYzHmCLHbfhbPvMRtu7k8eBdRXQZhJyPlKRewvNEhDFB6yjNWlajQ46symk5BakNIBHpzbWopE7qIZF4BxfhlpAZNE68x_rr7x3h9MhWEAF91olBl36nnI6oJgC/s320/A4C38C5D-3813-4BA9-B45D-0692A74B98DD.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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“<i>Love</i> <i>Light</i> <i>Lotus</i>”: <i>finished! </i></div>
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The day of painting flew by, as it always does, and the opening reception was no different. The<br />
turnout was fantastic, especially considering the frigid temperatures! I didn’t take many pictures because I was so busy chatting, but here are a few to give you a sense of what it was like. <br />
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The winning raffle ticket was drawn at the end of the opening reception, and despite the fact that I sold a lot of tickets to the KUA community, the winner of “Love Light Lotus” was Rosie Johnson from Arizona. This is the second time Rosie has won one of my paintings, so she has earned official collector status! This month’s cause was the Janie Chase Cozzi ‘19 Memorial Fund...I don’t have an official total as of yet, because the show is still up until February 9th, but as soon as I have that information to pass along, I will do so.<br />
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I feel so grateful about my whole experience at KUA. It’s a real treat to have my work on display in such a beautiful room, and it was incredibly gratifying to connect with students and have them “pick up what I was putting down,” if you will. Getting people to leave their warm homes on a cold night isn’t easy, so if you were one of the people who attended the opening, I thank you! I’m also grateful for my brother-in-law, Jerry Usery, not only for making the introduction between me and the KUA Art Department, but also for taking time out of his work day to act as my “pit crew,” helping me to set up and bringing me coffee, juice, and snacks...thanks, bro!<br />
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If you happen to find yourself in Meriden, New Hampshire, before Saturday, February 9th, please stop by KUA’s Taylor Art Gallery!<br />
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mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-82732745007011673802018-12-31T12:57:00.000-05:002018-12-31T12:57:32.370-05:00just in time! It's New Year's Eve! I still have time to get in one last blog post for 2018! I haven't posted since October, so I have some serious updating to do. I'll try to keep it as short and sweet as possible (but don't hold your breath)!<br />
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I've had three <a href="https://www.brushstrokesbymaria.com/brushstrokes-with-impact-tm/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes With Impact (tm)</a> "Paint-a-Thon"s since my last blog post here. All three were at the Tontine Mall in Brunswick, just outside of Indrani's (I love that space! YAY!).<br />
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October's cause was Midcoast Humane (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/249571769051303/">https://www.facebook.com/events/249571769051303/</a>):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1xRTS1ESm7JpxNjChzZQ8qJWuOQtLYCOvc8oBnThSNeqhIYi-iqKike1jNsocilycKhNxSZVJPoMFSIacH4zluvjypV_wi2uxRKTebW-qwJINzURhIdkpyV1Dv4i1xTCZmSkzvoVsap5/s1600/44328487_10216622215364302_3318893479282606080_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="929" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1xRTS1ESm7JpxNjChzZQ8qJWuOQtLYCOvc8oBnThSNeqhIYi-iqKike1jNsocilycKhNxSZVJPoMFSIacH4zluvjypV_wi2uxRKTebW-qwJINzURhIdkpyV1Dv4i1xTCZmSkzvoVsap5/s320/44328487_10216622215364302_3318893479282606080_n.jpg" width="309" /></a></div>
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<i>October's "pop-up"!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0VIuVffvwHXt9qd28gunGzp54t6_0AqKWi6J2reQPxmwiABXG5eo9uxdn2sERBM7dt6q1z5VaIuiYRXjS79mzL5rNo5ZxnvRZiAKtnvIJO2SlZc83o5jDpWcry1WaZFUjT1SWDNzdsaN/s1600/cat+gods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0VIuVffvwHXt9qd28gunGzp54t6_0AqKWi6J2reQPxmwiABXG5eo9uxdn2sERBM7dt6q1z5VaIuiYRXjS79mzL5rNo5ZxnvRZiAKtnvIJO2SlZc83o5jDpWcry1WaZFUjT1SWDNzdsaN/s320/cat+gods.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Cat Gods" : won by Chris Rose!</i></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">November's cause was ArtVan (</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2345869012154820/" style="text-align: start;">https://www.facebook.com/events/2345869012154820/</a><span style="text-align: start;">):</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69ioIBKbuniXWbH9zp7ZwTdX66D7FqHDL0IJ7LI26Yj-Ju0o92yOXF9vLiz5SpBE8M_9TsmHN1RN6OnjUh1EPQ6F4ViyZGDVF0SUWgBxDQpLbX4-Badavd2xKXQW5UqZY5r9AZbesv5LM/s1600/pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="803" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69ioIBKbuniXWbH9zp7ZwTdX66D7FqHDL0IJ7LI26Yj-Ju0o92yOXF9vLiz5SpBE8M_9TsmHN1RN6OnjUh1EPQ6F4ViyZGDVF0SUWgBxDQpLbX4-Badavd2xKXQW5UqZY5r9AZbesv5LM/s320/pic.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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<i>I FINALLY got a sign! </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgNsRCfw_tNO26H_KpyL4Mu-TSbraqeahO4m3dY98ZdNXZMS6uBcRr8oulO9SRiE47jAxApr7Z5GTyOx7cdWKsv2b6l3JFMR67tUUos2sNITgpZ6eMrNJIZXmGTFsIRNt05kKgVz51AhH/s1600/lee+ann+november.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgNsRCfw_tNO26H_KpyL4Mu-TSbraqeahO4m3dY98ZdNXZMS6uBcRr8oulO9SRiE47jAxApr7Z5GTyOx7cdWKsv2b6l3JFMR67tUUos2sNITgpZ6eMrNJIZXmGTFsIRNt05kKgVz51AhH/s320/lee+ann+november.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>a visit from lovely Lee Ann!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEVGW1NUOvvx4SHmZcYGJSYsN2Rvh_XSQeaS7ruxAA7O_3J-Io0cuCh4lPu1cPVESraEtxhBQoQzu8FIE4Cw3sCpifE71PoUOZH5fq27aQ5iEXXA3vWyHKS1cWoXOFEAfflI8XY_RxOVg/s1600/46742246_10216891973628090_835876042542415872_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEVGW1NUOvvx4SHmZcYGJSYsN2Rvh_XSQeaS7ruxAA7O_3J-Io0cuCh4lPu1cPVESraEtxhBQoQzu8FIE4Cw3sCpifE71PoUOZH5fq27aQ5iEXXA3vWyHKS1cWoXOFEAfflI8XY_RxOVg/s320/46742246_10216891973628090_835876042542415872_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>work in progress...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0JMGLxB3dqr7Z2ABvhGek0zGXfdZF_E80oGhSVJ3CxgjqGL-ockgNsiKok8de1cPnDQ5muwr6SNqA7JesYMSnCDbW-KH0vOKnJmx_-rkkF4YH_1cUJZh0zmOjHkMBjdCHZEQp6Dos8xl/s1600/orb+of+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="562" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0JMGLxB3dqr7Z2ABvhGek0zGXfdZF_E80oGhSVJ3CxgjqGL-ockgNsiKok8de1cPnDQ5muwr6SNqA7JesYMSnCDbW-KH0vOKnJmx_-rkkF4YH_1cUJZh0zmOjHkMBjdCHZEQp6Dos8xl/s320/orb+of+love.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<i>"Orb Of Love" : won by Callum Christopher Siegel!</i></div>
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and December's cause was the Press Herald Toy Fund (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/514461275701484/">https://www.facebook.com/events/514461275701484/</a>)!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYaPrteeYcfWnAExYLuDYw4jHayvzV160YMZJGej-Urg8E_01pIPn8vNRjtN3BDQ0hyphenhyphenzgxYwkV2mjZTKGwFaZm9DxTzvDiERKcl9czsUChy45ybOFahW_guLxDx6acxYxpWU6kGiwwmzg/s1600/dec+2018+pop+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYaPrteeYcfWnAExYLuDYw4jHayvzV160YMZJGej-Urg8E_01pIPn8vNRjtN3BDQ0hyphenhyphenzgxYwkV2mjZTKGwFaZm9DxTzvDiERKcl9czsUChy45ybOFahW_guLxDx6acxYxpWU6kGiwwmzg/s320/dec+2018+pop+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>December's "pop-up"!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuxSs_65A80DrQrW73mDMc_pgdviReoIhVkYHVBJV5-99nEhWFbjaNslU5ZEtUwfz_yUc_CbUAd602Lebxwb4Gsjyg9ueLXQH_HAuHzT896r_wL_FnmZ7pE6lC2duZiC3nesctGLhBlpK/s1600/toy+fund+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuxSs_65A80DrQrW73mDMc_pgdviReoIhVkYHVBJV5-99nEhWFbjaNslU5ZEtUwfz_yUc_CbUAd602Lebxwb4Gsjyg9ueLXQH_HAuHzT896r_wL_FnmZ7pE6lC2duZiC3nesctGLhBlpK/s320/toy+fund+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>I'm excited about my sign- it feels so professional!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDYvZlO4xD_1taVzelZZaAfz8xdF6Oa5KDUsoUVY9MoTbO1d8S9Vo4XJ6Ytdp8iOgocEwdhyphenhyphenKoYtcPjBNsoZFrtwJ_K121rv4ZLNtagMFgsKdf9Lurz2MYJKI0miXCvVf3prpz6kuZ94O/s1600/48377863_10217059512896467_2837394990764654592_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDYvZlO4xD_1taVzelZZaAfz8xdF6Oa5KDUsoUVY9MoTbO1d8S9Vo4XJ6Ytdp8iOgocEwdhyphenhyphenKoYtcPjBNsoZFrtwJ_K121rv4ZLNtagMFgsKdf9Lurz2MYJKI0miXCvVf3prpz6kuZ94O/s320/48377863_10217059512896467_2837394990764654592_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Know Peace, Snow Peace" : won by Kathleen Meade!</i></div>
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I'm also excited to share that Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) made the paper in December! Here's a link to the Portland Press Herald article:<br />
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<a href="https://www.pressherald.com/2018/12/14/brunswick-artist-raffling-piece-from-paint-a-thon/?fbclid=IwAR0juuPK62YC8yIOrtsQF4g8VFlMVuNGs6S5abaqJNC9pZ7Umzv0Q5x9VU4">https://www.pressherald.com/2018/12/14/brunswick-artist-raffling-piece-from-paint-a-thon/?fbclid=IwAR0juuPK62YC8yIOrtsQF4g8VFlMVuNGs6S5abaqJNC9pZ7Umzv0Q5x9VU4</a><br />
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<i>woo hoo!</i></div>
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You may or may not remember that I started <a href="https://www.brushstrokesbymaria.com/brushstrokes-with-impact-tm/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes With Impact (tm)</a> in December 2015...that means we've officially passed the three year mark! Thanks to everyone's support, over $5600 has been raised for local and national charities! Small efforts certainly add up, don't they? I am thrilled about this, and I'm looking forward to keeping it going through 2019 and beyond. No one is too small to make a difference!<br />
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Here's another cool thing that happened this year: I've been commissioned to paint a series of panels for a chicken coop! Here are some photos of my new collector, Dr. John Joseph, with his chicken coop, the panels I've completed so far, and his dog, Beauregard!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3mbQ9IfBR3Yj1dRm5DfO1b9XemcFgtCCxE6Yitou-3Ko_Ozp0PCsAYknO3IUVi_-MvcRTMsfDJfnaGRsCRDeHuct62J1HrwatAJQmCYY_omCOVu-hXxy3o4PdRfAUG4DNr1akgTSZtd5/s1600/JJ+w%253AMiriam+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3mbQ9IfBR3Yj1dRm5DfO1b9XemcFgtCCxE6Yitou-3Ko_Ozp0PCsAYknO3IUVi_-MvcRTMsfDJfnaGRsCRDeHuct62J1HrwatAJQmCYY_omCOVu-hXxy3o4PdRfAUG4DNr1akgTSZtd5/s320/JJ+w%253AMiriam+2.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<i>John and "Miriam"!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHKiewo0MxSFd-Vk_WzXrd3uA-lxpkhnlUBD98PVl2sZPRnjBeQnVyfRrUh_UtdXZ00hWKQ6Yca18ADc5oak6xYzZCIIosv6HfKCGJnvo4R5gQhS1qjVWE3cABoqz80l54TQX_6aeCUbE/s1600/JJ+coop+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHKiewo0MxSFd-Vk_WzXrd3uA-lxpkhnlUBD98PVl2sZPRnjBeQnVyfRrUh_UtdXZ00hWKQ6Yca18ADc5oak6xYzZCIIosv6HfKCGJnvo4R5gQhS1qjVWE3cABoqz80l54TQX_6aeCUbE/s320/JJ+coop+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>John, Beau, and "Eggs"!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaHIUUnGn3eS6fkG3cWrXCCx2FYLe1HoK9guf4RlBKhSk_UTVzz3JZJnbXuaytR_FrWpHOVnh3LP55tYQolzatIKsf59EWIZoRuoliNmClQva2qyjhyphenhyphen0hK-USl-9sqge7ziz7LwnCg6b2/s1600/JJ+coop+2+installed+distance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaHIUUnGn3eS6fkG3cWrXCCx2FYLe1HoK9guf4RlBKhSk_UTVzz3JZJnbXuaytR_FrWpHOVnh3LP55tYQolzatIKsf59EWIZoRuoliNmClQva2qyjhyphenhyphen0hK-USl-9sqge7ziz7LwnCg6b2/s320/JJ+coop+2+installed+distance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>installed!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzvypDYgr6ojax_Nr37Go2AfjPzHoiYZMHwWZlwJraIteD_kfx670C4zE-Z7ROATW91ZIbXyAP7sNUgML_j6yxlv0CnwrKMswVWjkSJ8yjPDJ2yUWTZyvW4FA14abhkr2NmeTMX-h-x4Q/s1600/JJ+coop+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzvypDYgr6ojax_Nr37Go2AfjPzHoiYZMHwWZlwJraIteD_kfx670C4zE-Z7ROATW91ZIbXyAP7sNUgML_j6yxlv0CnwrKMswVWjkSJ8yjPDJ2yUWTZyvW4FA14abhkr2NmeTMX-h-x4Q/s320/JJ+coop+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxiib9pZ_fyqL0I_INCXLFv3Cp7QyKoddM3uCnlXvrqSYhIilGvNyKxVG4xRYnDH97HWTYvCRhfjWxyh9XJP_p4MXOLv6ZMiRnihehkU0hSdAuGZcTuqfLM0S2FPhSig34KA8mxBGUB-k/s1600/JJ+coop+ta-da%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxiib9pZ_fyqL0I_INCXLFv3Cp7QyKoddM3uCnlXvrqSYhIilGvNyKxVG4xRYnDH97HWTYvCRhfjWxyh9XJP_p4MXOLv6ZMiRnihehkU0hSdAuGZcTuqfLM0S2FPhSig34KA8mxBGUB-k/s320/JJ+coop+ta-da%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>ta-da!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpweD9wu6wekLcZgvc8SbAcObaqeXoZz3ADYpQgo7__IfeEyfWtPOFadYDJSiFVUNwmxvtpVCvfFTfGbCf2NAXnm_vRgmGJaPFcQkayl7-0l7SzmhhR0OF5YDEton2i5spf2HKZ0n9GjpF/s1600/JJ+Cruella+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpweD9wu6wekLcZgvc8SbAcObaqeXoZz3ADYpQgo7__IfeEyfWtPOFadYDJSiFVUNwmxvtpVCvfFTfGbCf2NAXnm_vRgmGJaPFcQkayl7-0l7SzmhhR0OF5YDEton2i5spf2HKZ0n9GjpF/s320/JJ+Cruella+inside.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Say hello to "Cruella"! </i></div>
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2018 was chock-full of awesome and interesting experiences, both personally and professionally. In June, I quit my "day-job" of designing closets for Closet Factory (which I did for almost 16 years) to focus more on my art, and thanks to the fabulous Christine DeTroy, I picked up a new "side hustle" of cleaning houses, which has proven to be fun and satisfying - <i>and</i> it's led me to this chicken coop project!<br />
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I've made some new friends, I've gotten some new collectors, and my work has made it into places I previously only dreamed about, including the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/crblive/" target="_blank">Chris Robinson Brotherhood</a> tour bus! WHAT???<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XNEvaOfNNTcV7YIAt7iUwbHW5vxlMrEpChiYq6SBxT_Y5e_VUxLk_2b8KJI8L3CSsdcLuMQbIUT0D9cr0CoVR8eJXSMzyWaA5I2CqVc5kHbWBUN7wFrFzTMEu_X_cMokZysT0tFwIFZ_/s1600/magnet+on+the+bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="781" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XNEvaOfNNTcV7YIAt7iUwbHW5vxlMrEpChiYq6SBxT_Y5e_VUxLk_2b8KJI8L3CSsdcLuMQbIUT0D9cr0CoVR8eJXSMzyWaA5I2CqVc5kHbWBUN7wFrFzTMEu_X_cMokZysT0tFwIFZ_/s320/magnet+on+the+bus.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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<i>Here's proof! </i></div>
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I never could have imagined the way 2018 turned out, and I'm filled with optimism and hope about 2019. My heart is overflowing with gratitude for my family, my friends, the many blessings that I have, and the many blessings that are on their way. If you're reading this, thank you for sticking with me, thank you for your support, and thank you for being a part of this ride. May the coming year be filled with joy, peace, love, good health, creativity, and good fortune...and don't forget to eat your grapes at midnight! </div>
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mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-22363864509126470932018-10-16T14:22:00.002-04:002018-10-16T14:22:45.008-04:00it's never too late to catch upIt's been just over two months since my last blog post here - yikes- but rather than beat myself up about it, I'm just going to pick things up where I last left off...or maybe, I'll go in reverse...but I guess it doesn't really matter, as long as I'm <i>writing!</i><br />
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I've had two <a href="https://www.brushstrokesbymaria.com/brushstrokes-with-impact-tm/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes with Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"s</a> since my most recent post here, and I have one more coming right up! On Saturday, October 20th, I'll be just outside of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/indranisbrunswick/" target="_blank">Indrani's of Brunswick</a> (at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tontine-Mall-1087196571298072/" target="_blank">Tontine Mall</a>), painting from roughly 10am-6pm, and this month's cause will be <a href="https://www.facebook.com/midcoasthumane/" target="_blank">Midcoast Humane</a> (formerly known as Coastal Humane Society). Please come see me! If you can't be there in person, fear not: long-distance support is always welcome and much appreciated! Here's a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/249571769051303/" target="_blank">link</a> to the Facebook event page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/249571769051303/">https://www.facebook.com/events/249571769051303/</a><br />
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On Friday, September 14th, I was also set up outside of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/indranisbrunswick/" target="_blank">Indrani's</a> (I just love that space- can you tell?), painting all day and raising money for a cause I really enjoy supporting: the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MidCoastHungerPreventionProgram/" target="_blank">Midcoast Hunger Prevention Program's "Backpack Program"</a>. It was a beautiful day, filled with sunshine and sweet messages of encouragement from friends and family. I also met some very kind people while I was painting, including Julie Henze, the woman who ended up winning "Cantaloupe"! Thanks to everyone's support, we were able to raise $100 for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MidCoastHungerPreventionProgram/" target="_blank">MCHPP</a>. Here are some photos from that day:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiqg5lM_f7zdpN-JPTweXOcNmUoFs0ZwHLZ0YDb2ZI6guvkgeRc1HFjtioWLLyTTaAdKMtcrZvNrE88pr1PGpW5-HC_ydUeDLHWm26KhtJo2C8XckKvNrQ75zHKFv963Ijks7DoQmBQ83/s1600/41673060_10216324455400489_4901241151471747072_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiqg5lM_f7zdpN-JPTweXOcNmUoFs0ZwHLZ0YDb2ZI6guvkgeRc1HFjtioWLLyTTaAdKMtcrZvNrE88pr1PGpW5-HC_ydUeDLHWm26KhtJo2C8XckKvNrQ75zHKFv963Ijks7DoQmBQ83/s320/41673060_10216324455400489_4901241151471747072_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the "pop-up" show</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJrsnVedEBvcRNc5mTjRFKEMvtJQCqu4TKG48kc9vlQDMEkczPojUfzHNzCxsz-NdvW9xOsSl6dYL4ZuaNzSL9GBvbPcbWPvCOjIpcqa95hgE4griemBRV1aZF_Gjmp-tVBq-0gw1qkId/s1600/41708232_10216328512661918_4099833170667503616_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJrsnVedEBvcRNc5mTjRFKEMvtJQCqu4TKG48kc9vlQDMEkczPojUfzHNzCxsz-NdvW9xOsSl6dYL4ZuaNzSL9GBvbPcbWPvCOjIpcqa95hgE4griemBRV1aZF_Gjmp-tVBq-0gw1qkId/s320/41708232_10216328512661918_4099833170667503616_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the beginning...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmUANNJeyD_e8X9eCghB7m6bMnNINwoCATi6XiF5gXGT-wRKQV19Yl9QHAmZzbHbZ4G2916qwZgIMQl-CgUcfJiVWbzuV3WyRS33ihm3i2qzt5_twTWYmexbKrf04LSPVwWcLy8QDgzSt/s1600/41797198_10216331256410510_3137995628643090432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmUANNJeyD_e8X9eCghB7m6bMnNINwoCATi6XiF5gXGT-wRKQV19Yl9QHAmZzbHbZ4G2916qwZgIMQl-CgUcfJiVWbzuV3WyRS33ihm3i2qzt5_twTWYmexbKrf04LSPVwWcLy8QDgzSt/s320/41797198_10216331256410510_3137995628643090432_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Cantaloupe" : finished! </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmh-WnDEFxybhmgD7kh5tUc8kcVVobUtPIqOue6bD2Uv7LzE5kVGN9Ab_PQxQS1moMtwmltJCj4it8R89_W88SPCYoxuFOAxAn0toFB44tVbZvqdgIN4K3sxoMo9vKKBOq8VHvmn5haiZH/s1600/41723639_10216331847665291_5634587859278102528_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmh-WnDEFxybhmgD7kh5tUc8kcVVobUtPIqOue6bD2Uv7LzE5kVGN9Ab_PQxQS1moMtwmltJCj4it8R89_W88SPCYoxuFOAxAn0toFB44tVbZvqdgIN4K3sxoMo9vKKBOq8VHvmn5haiZH/s320/41723639_10216331847665291_5634587859278102528_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the winning ticket!</i></div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />That weekend was a busy (and fun) time for me: not only did I have my <a href="https://www.brushstrokesbymaria.com/brushstrokes-with-impact-tm/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes with Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a> event on Friday, but on Saturday, September 15th, I participated in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/curtislibrary/" target="_blank">Curtis Memorial Library</a>'s <a href="http://www.curtislibrary.com/calendar/" target="_blank">"How-To Festival and Block Party"</a>! Here's a <a href="http://curtiscreativespaces.com/how-do-you-do/" target="_blank">link</a> to my post on the <a href="http://curtiscreativespaces.com/how-do-you-do/" target="_blank">Curtis Creative Spaces blog</a> in case you're interested in reading all about the day and the work that was created at my table (<a href="http://curtiscreativespaces.com/how-do-you-do/">http://curtiscreativespaces.com/how-do-you-do/</a>)...and here's a <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/curtis-library/sets/72157695555395490" target="_blank">link to a photo album</a> that the library put together!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EFNT_b731PHOZMYEmhMjSe59pHG4DMr0Qn9jt6oLi37KfQvDodVSz6YMTnbtYct0TDDdITvvnPp_9eXerY4YX1iyE4UjVYxiszZzjXv2O3HKu2CZE68-djuRiC8zs3_tiQM7ZClW-XJo/s1600/41817448_1154656468014970_5152893292618186752_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EFNT_b731PHOZMYEmhMjSe59pHG4DMr0Qn9jt6oLi37KfQvDodVSz6YMTnbtYct0TDDdITvvnPp_9eXerY4YX1iyE4UjVYxiszZzjXv2O3HKu2CZE68-djuRiC8zs3_tiQM7ZClW-XJo/s320/41817448_1154656468014970_5152893292618186752_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>shenanigans at the How-To Festival and Block Party!</i> </div>
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In August, my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/272924836831293/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon" </a>(called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/272924836831293/" target="_blank">"Trust The Process"</a>) took place at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Monarch-Massage-and-Wellness-251422334890586/?eid=ARBPmrF4heOU-eYKZeY15ragqNkWoCkpliBGiv9owQDapPi8xwzKtCyM6j5LIlbtcMNrz7FQfADn7JUt" target="_blank">Monarch Massage and Wellness</a>; that month's cause was the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brunswicktopsham/" target="_blank">Brunswick Topsham Land Trust</a>.<br />
I am <i>still</i> knocked out by the support I received for this event from Maura, Seth, and the staff/patrons of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crystalspringcommunityfarm/" target="_blank">Crystal Spring Farm</a>: my event was listed in their e-newsletter, and some of my prints were on display during that week's farm share pickup! Thanks to their kindness, paired with the support of everyone who turned out in person and via phone/text, $151.50 was raised for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brunswicktopsham/" target="_blank">BTLT</a>! Hooray!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPBkFIUsumbTRAsZy1e4TxjPx47x33Fh_G1bLUjfUQoWT4x2b8FLduD1wZZtNne5A9rDujb-EhPCgHCoZAnzw7bcr8o997UueSixIkaMnoIGn6yC_-olyXSwI9dgeJPNIwnuB_97nRSxx/s1600/39344557_10216117443305316_5952252960569294848_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPBkFIUsumbTRAsZy1e4TxjPx47x33Fh_G1bLUjfUQoWT4x2b8FLduD1wZZtNne5A9rDujb-EhPCgHCoZAnzw7bcr8o997UueSixIkaMnoIGn6yC_-olyXSwI9dgeJPNIwnuB_97nRSxx/s320/39344557_10216117443305316_5952252960569294848_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>my prints at the farm! </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZjTjqrXP7Ds8brcKyl8Yjua5aEgJynXKyFUmdtt6vAsvP9GoyxtUI7VQaapWG3yk8yrMD1qSgHyijNc2joaZEY3ZTNXllE1U9o_ZJDD57DdO2hVpMBrdaHTJiO5JCOdG1vDFUxJjtFVo/s1600/39401673_10216121455965630_7158794133979529216_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZjTjqrXP7Ds8brcKyl8Yjua5aEgJynXKyFUmdtt6vAsvP9GoyxtUI7VQaapWG3yk8yrMD1qSgHyijNc2joaZEY3ZTNXllE1U9o_ZJDD57DdO2hVpMBrdaHTJiO5JCOdG1vDFUxJjtFVo/s320/39401673_10216121455965630_7158794133979529216_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the beginning...</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01BmE79jGvsrZ46noxuuu-NP_QKIU0bxuDcTpokjIKgQW-_K8Nuo_eTud-JU2woeLBeJw6M3Sve790ipN9WPGK5mr7HL3pAdJKsIvPjUQ66JTZu6AK1rpiAmDTIECZkrRChm9uoMZt32T/s1600/39575650_10216124349757973_4634946023704231936_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01BmE79jGvsrZ46noxuuu-NP_QKIU0bxuDcTpokjIKgQW-_K8Nuo_eTud-JU2woeLBeJw6M3Sve790ipN9WPGK5mr7HL3pAdJKsIvPjUQ66JTZu6AK1rpiAmDTIECZkrRChm9uoMZt32T/s320/39575650_10216124349757973_4634946023704231936_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Dill Explosion" : finished!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iu9rgQ8iWzN6cdljcrL7Y6M3Vy37CpaO_IpVgfRuQ4MPc3vbqkUeh6_efxY-okdzrYSl7_m6UyMKDpNoKXubT8s-IPp5mMuIXC-fWPkPMkWKoA9QxvYOjhyphenhyphenxmj5OmyJ8rdM96T74ZFZu/s1600/39441460_10216124534882601_2259357259614126080_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iu9rgQ8iWzN6cdljcrL7Y6M3Vy37CpaO_IpVgfRuQ4MPc3vbqkUeh6_efxY-okdzrYSl7_m6UyMKDpNoKXubT8s-IPp5mMuIXC-fWPkPMkWKoA9QxvYOjhyphenhyphenxmj5OmyJ8rdM96T74ZFZu/s320/39441460_10216124534882601_2259357259614126080_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the winning ticket! </i></div>
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<br />mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-12964966092234190162018-08-08T10:06:00.002-04:002018-08-08T10:06:28.596-04:00trust the processWell, July certainly flew by, didn't it? I took some time last month to catch a few shows and visit with family and friends...and now I'm back! Here's what's going on with me...and because I'm so excited about my latest news, I'm going to catch up in an out-of-order fashion.<br />
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First of all, my solo show at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Monarch-Massage-and-Wellness-251422334890586/" target="_blank">Monarch Massage and Wellness</a> has been extended through the month of August (yay!), which means I'm having another <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/272924836831293/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a> there! Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 18th...this one is called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/272924836831293/" target="_blank">"Trust The Process,"</a> and the cause I'll be raising money for is the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brunswicktopsham/" target="_blank">Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust</a>. Just in case th<span style="font-family: inherit;">is is your first time reading this blog, here's the deal: I'll be setting up my easel and painting for 8 hours straight; a<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">t the end of the day, the completed 8" x 8" acrylic painting will be raffled off, and 50% of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/brunswicktopsham/" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust</a> (r<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">affle tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10). Additionally, 10% of all my art sales for the month of August (excluding magnets, but including totes) will be donated to the <a href="http://www.btlt.org/" target="_blank">BTLT</a>. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">I am a big fan of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/crystalspringcsa/" target="_blank">Crystal Spring Farm</a>, and I believe in the <a href="http://www.btlt.org/" target="_blank">Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust's mission</a>, so I'm grateful for the opportunity to show a little support. Seth and Maura from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crystalspringcommunityfarm/" target="_blank">Crystal Spring Farm </a>have been so kind to me: not only did they install my <a href="https://www.brushstrokesbymaria.com/art-in-the-community/" target="_blank">Little Free Library</a> in their parking lot in the spring of 2017, they've already included information about my event and my mission in <a href="http://crystalspringcsa.com/farm-blog/" target="_blank">their weekly e-newsletter/blog</a>! Plus, Maura has generously offered to sell raffle tickets during the CSA pickup next week, and yesterday, I dropped off some prints to be displayed inside the barn - right near their awesomely delicious veggies!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E5RZrsokUUNdlLReF4ZQDBjEktxtXtWFAyCc0PzrIUCYppa-_gHAUtoWjBsNKZoYjOB7bah7eQ9Fu9Hj6Y4bPGFnVzJ-ebWzSHDRa1bPiAvti8Y46kR1lVyuthsXrZynP7GUBZ52XdMN/s1600/38856414_10216040729067508_9203190788689756160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E5RZrsokUUNdlLReF4ZQDBjEktxtXtWFAyCc0PzrIUCYppa-_gHAUtoWjBsNKZoYjOB7bah7eQ9Fu9Hj6Y4bPGFnVzJ-ebWzSHDRa1bPiAvti8Y46kR1lVyuthsXrZynP7GUBZ52XdMN/s320/38856414_10216040729067508_9203190788689756160_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>hooray!</i></div>
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Okay, now I will back up: on Saturday, July 7th, I had my 32nd <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/455459781591798/?active_tab=discussion" target="_blank">Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon,"</a> entitled "Shine Your Light!" Once again, I was at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Monarch-Massage-and-Wellness-251422334890586/" target="_blank">Monarch Massage and Wellness</a> in Topsham (I <i>love</i> that place- had you figured that out yet?), and this time, the cause was the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/800273talk/" target="_blank">National Suicide Prevention Lifeline</a>. I was able to raise $100 for this very worthy cause, and the winner of "You Are The Light" was Julia Villacara! Julia's name has been on many, <i>many</i> raffle tickets since I started doing this back in December 2015, and I'm thrilled that her ticket was finally pulled as the winning one! Here are some photos:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBzfpr0QoLLzGOqYJ9_SYtoQkYY4gfzLZjCjJ_f3tZzpA3aU-gSAaosc7jh3eYCrAjScr3Sukmh21SH0MRSEbnje-1nCUa7u6q6p2VG2-hO5tX026cAMsNUBnhV3NiXbRfNrFfmMXjX7U/s1600/36829606_10215797431465220_4061275131832434688_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBzfpr0QoLLzGOqYJ9_SYtoQkYY4gfzLZjCjJ_f3tZzpA3aU-gSAaosc7jh3eYCrAjScr3Sukmh21SH0MRSEbnje-1nCUa7u6q6p2VG2-hO5tX026cAMsNUBnhV3NiXbRfNrFfmMXjX7U/s320/36829606_10215797431465220_4061275131832434688_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>from sketch...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WmfpegrPKDqGJANLRs3n0GS70W2HzprEHgPng_jrJo7L9r-Jp40gfeNgQzsL_-2D5V1jn21_QHlE1ORKI27k-RenCZZj7DBp2fLdaER5lR9uTCogqkDMnoYA27_oMezRPnMz5hPwvgU6/s1600/36789131_10215800621184961_5475985828117217280_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WmfpegrPKDqGJANLRs3n0GS70W2HzprEHgPng_jrJo7L9r-Jp40gfeNgQzsL_-2D5V1jn21_QHlE1ORKI27k-RenCZZj7DBp2fLdaER5lR9uTCogqkDMnoYA27_oMezRPnMz5hPwvgU6/s320/36789131_10215800621184961_5475985828117217280_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>...to finished painting!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVeoLP4jxh8UKsQILc-ryRVHz07HpX9NnPIa0ikKDCCTOUu8zJyoGG54QP68GOMV3X3cyUqKdY4QBtPOjKy8vawemS69qLeP98V1R_cMYH5_eWqPOhSa3O4gMl82rq_lxTEULoLswZM5g/s1600/36733010_10215800769028657_2908189039783837696_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVeoLP4jxh8UKsQILc-ryRVHz07HpX9NnPIa0ikKDCCTOUu8zJyoGG54QP68GOMV3X3cyUqKdY4QBtPOjKy8vawemS69qLeP98V1R_cMYH5_eWqPOhSa3O4gMl82rq_lxTEULoLswZM5g/s320/36733010_10215800769028657_2908189039783837696_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>congratulations, Julia!</i></div>
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<br />mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-29266443660391054192018-06-30T23:03:00.002-04:002018-06-30T23:03:34.885-04:00summer summarizationYIKES! I <i>almost</i> let all of June go by without a blog post here! The last several weeks have been busy...let me catch up!<br />
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First of all, I'm thrilled and grateful to have my work on display at the brand-new location of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Monarch-Massage-and-Wellness-251422334890586/" target="_blank">Monarch Massage and Wellness </a>(41 Main Street, Topsham)! The show went up on Friday, June 1st, and on Sunday, June 3rd, I had my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/377436939436572/" target="_blank">31st Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon" (entitled "Transformation Time!")</a> during the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/741444036246000/" target="_blank">open house celebration</a>! Here are some photos of the show (and from that day, too):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAt09ycG4Nmhx5cLWaiHHJqONQzA1HIPhly1ixdr0LbmH4g2RQAMub-UGEdeRgEEj8rnUEYZlnjDtjMIDKKkhlYUaV5ls40CJ98pv7-n6ME2qQIgkiOVqHHOqVM0ED7A7dSMGEN-kQSi9/s1600/36262145_10215724525522617_7298670996788084736_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAt09ycG4Nmhx5cLWaiHHJqONQzA1HIPhly1ixdr0LbmH4g2RQAMub-UGEdeRgEEj8rnUEYZlnjDtjMIDKKkhlYUaV5ls40CJ98pv7-n6ME2qQIgkiOVqHHOqVM0ED7A7dSMGEN-kQSi9/s320/36262145_10215724525522617_7298670996788084736_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>welcome!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEO9kVQTpH7UtuVC8mvCztsgGfMZylHhuuFVaXog0AsmMTa_a6YLgTzAml6-zvIaZdZRsVNSdSxz6jweTZHV1Csn_gRP_rVispJDk7S8qjWfS37LlfJTw3S6DPSMWhn2C9nBGKhe9NR-k/s1600/36047322_10215724525162608_306636162145976320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEO9kVQTpH7UtuVC8mvCztsgGfMZylHhuuFVaXog0AsmMTa_a6YLgTzAml6-zvIaZdZRsVNSdSxz6jweTZHV1Csn_gRP_rVispJDk7S8qjWfS37LlfJTw3S6DPSMWhn2C9nBGKhe9NR-k/s320/36047322_10215724525162608_306636162145976320_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the foyer</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpOyVJzPrdTeKh20uK56o_pBCheN-AhHNnKVqYVwTtqbGGM6_Tqs6QX_c2t2nKU3S2p1S3Xsefle31Br1uezmd67Y3O2FxdFqkQKnIj491_usNIlsUYhbUXFrdL9A0turnDPSVT3SVrI1/s1600/36351933_10215724522882551_2841536567598645248_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpOyVJzPrdTeKh20uK56o_pBCheN-AhHNnKVqYVwTtqbGGM6_Tqs6QX_c2t2nKU3S2p1S3Xsefle31Br1uezmd67Y3O2FxdFqkQKnIj491_usNIlsUYhbUXFrdL9A0turnDPSVT3SVrI1/s320/36351933_10215724522882551_2841536567598645248_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the waiting area</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAir7PGU6S2azvEc2zXatelqKXAi8FgcmE1vWwelsGNA-U-9aMGY1dYCi4ZOUvvA9NnyspMGZB1ves5fng5fCAsZG-eL7j0FghlAYNJSGA14KHcvpwt5O-bhCM90svx1TQzl8HqE-bq4E/s1600/36255746_10215724523522567_6874676128884195328_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAir7PGU6S2azvEc2zXatelqKXAi8FgcmE1vWwelsGNA-U-9aMGY1dYCi4ZOUvvA9NnyspMGZB1ves5fng5fCAsZG-eL7j0FghlAYNJSGA14KHcvpwt5O-bhCM90svx1TQzl8HqE-bq4E/s320/36255746_10215724523522567_6874676128884195328_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the waiting area</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCNl_yn0LmuFALwoxIRt_l4DTC38UV_UIrSuW9W99giYVeEOjMHARlGPzCCUDykx-wp-_QbJz_pFXMCLqfpuYXIWBKxK4KN8FEMxuIjrkYXZe_mTQWMMfd_SI1rP70UpJ1XbOBHBgX1WB/s1600/36361671_10215724523242560_4657755048825061376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCNl_yn0LmuFALwoxIRt_l4DTC38UV_UIrSuW9W99giYVeEOjMHARlGPzCCUDykx-wp-_QbJz_pFXMCLqfpuYXIWBKxK4KN8FEMxuIjrkYXZe_mTQWMMfd_SI1rP70UpJ1XbOBHBgX1WB/s320/36361671_10215724523242560_4657755048825061376_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the waiting area</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHu3r9R1unee6v6TWUDZrtcgxlnVDkxQWkad3fKaVH2qp06LLMLxQa_5kJkeTSDu7yxR7hsmd-kJgkYoM9SrGsnkgnL5V5eikCfE04BCJDRpz4-aMPusuXFUpR27ICu8HHCZsFTmj7kd5t/s1600/36322761_10215724522362538_445265762156806144_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHu3r9R1unee6v6TWUDZrtcgxlnVDkxQWkad3fKaVH2qp06LLMLxQa_5kJkeTSDu7yxR7hsmd-kJgkYoM9SrGsnkgnL5V5eikCfE04BCJDRpz4-aMPusuXFUpR27ICu8HHCZsFTmj7kd5t/s320/36322761_10215724522362538_445265762156806144_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the massage room!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIg5chVBFXiBxKYVMjznsum-q7J388O15kn_xOKbwSJMF3iV3qE0_AFTBe2s_MZWH7Z-Yt_fGoNwi-ujx1C-Wp188ML5DUIkGvH3SFsHSSmjml8xNwcdSlw7j1hmhhR69eX8nECVh2zgj/s1600/36291201_10215724522122532_6195608891347173376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIg5chVBFXiBxKYVMjznsum-q7J388O15kn_xOKbwSJMF3iV3qE0_AFTBe2s_MZWH7Z-Yt_fGoNwi-ujx1C-Wp188ML5DUIkGvH3SFsHSSmjml8xNwcdSlw7j1hmhhR69eX8nECVh2zgj/s320/36291201_10215724522122532_6195608891347173376_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the massage room!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLQVJjVA49cmbX_0zaQyoCq4OQHPTTyZDsQ0xEAaEV5PW4k3tl3rPDIA0D4Kzo5f4RUdRHrSJ_gmhbUv7Gw2QZr0amzviCmQsNKLytWQ56NbHSQaYZaFudW4r0kakmepvOC90bYFo3vGA/s1600/34266585_10215539090486857_5551476144701702144_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLQVJjVA49cmbX_0zaQyoCq4OQHPTTyZDsQ0xEAaEV5PW4k3tl3rPDIA0D4Kzo5f4RUdRHrSJ_gmhbUv7Gw2QZr0amzviCmQsNKLytWQ56NbHSQaYZaFudW4r0kakmepvOC90bYFo3vGA/s320/34266585_10215539090486857_5551476144701702144_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the beginning...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYPiZNUhuHPTYDcDX_MD9jN7HSvYDK88Uxlezmc3h1rYQG1ZuTyo6RyykYn_9L3_GZl8a3KoHU2McRFXvCdXfVoTiEMHg8ZpwZKhRBYYJ00jEQZX1vwQupmPt-SbwDe3GsCkrvlLWuV9P/s1600/34419192_10211043632467497_4304352143139143680_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYPiZNUhuHPTYDcDX_MD9jN7HSvYDK88Uxlezmc3h1rYQG1ZuTyo6RyykYn_9L3_GZl8a3KoHU2McRFXvCdXfVoTiEMHg8ZpwZKhRBYYJ00jEQZX1vwQupmPt-SbwDe3GsCkrvlLWuV9P/s320/34419192_10211043632467497_4304352143139143680_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>an action shot!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDa7EJZLn7J12WyiEOXDbbCPsYuXDwB3n0LUSJ0CFfxhsbnc7aAJ7GkK3S6d0irk1JLL67lejtCbCktDdz7cc75-ftAaOCqwXiG74tQSR225sJF795tUNhH4yM3h47iZw9PGEKUmM6d9J/s1600/34366874_10215542269646334_8799033653171585024_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDa7EJZLn7J12WyiEOXDbbCPsYuXDwB3n0LUSJ0CFfxhsbnc7aAJ7GkK3S6d0irk1JLL67lejtCbCktDdz7cc75-ftAaOCqwXiG74tQSR225sJF795tUNhH4yM3h47iZw9PGEKUmM6d9J/s320/34366874_10215542269646334_8799033653171585024_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Butterfly" : finished!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQQAwThDLKz3i94TUQaLPE-HSECUs65p42fHVIgxsalRvGgZLLeOzqOp7SJs1wYkJELdzuiamgNiZFFNkiDKFD1ESCpWcjxb8LixBattiv1-ZOe2xDny0K-WaCMy2GsxpHf5eLPRz27tv/s1600/34284652_10215542341288125_5084406040468914176_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQQAwThDLKz3i94TUQaLPE-HSECUs65p42fHVIgxsalRvGgZLLeOzqOp7SJs1wYkJELdzuiamgNiZFFNkiDKFD1ESCpWcjxb8LixBattiv1-ZOe2xDny0K-WaCMy2GsxpHf5eLPRz27tv/s320/34284652_10215542341288125_5084406040468914176_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The winning ticket! </i></div>
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Congratulations to Quinn Griffin, the winner of "Butterfly"! Quinn is a budding artist herself, and I'm happy that she and her family will give my work a very good home. Thanks to everyone's support, together we were able to raise $223.50 for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MidCoastHungerPreventionProgram/" target="_blank">MidCoast Hunger Prevention Program's "Backpack Program"</a>! Since my work will be up through the month of July, my next <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/455459781591798/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon" </a>will also be held at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Monarch-Massage-and-Wellness-251422334890586/" target="_blank">Monarch Massage and Wellness</a>. Mark your calendars for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/455459781591798/" target="_blank">"Shine Your Light!"</a> on Saturday, July 7th: this month's cause will be the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/800273talk/" target="_blank">National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.</a> I'm grateful to have my work on display in such a beautiful and inviting space, and I'm happy to be able to support yet another worthy cause. I hope you will join me! Long-distance support is always welcome, too...<br />
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In other news, the piano I painted last year is out of storage and back on the sidewalk in front of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/coolasamoosebrunswick/" target="_blank">Cool As A Moose</a>! It's a tiny bit dinged up, but not bad, especially considering I thought it would only last one season. My piano has been joined by a hopscotch board, too...check it out (and stop by to play if you're visiting)!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4SN1DrZikZzMgKf_QJAb1qJ29EExKtwwn2tl2soCcdYP0nVr4rSAFvUJoblZaWkGDHZlX0xU5tL3zLiCJ465MRSE-ik2BDQ-M-InpHfA6DBJjucv_Q9uZD0BdD2LW_gpVbk2NQA55VZg/s1600/33579931_10215475805784779_2481987593776922624_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4SN1DrZikZzMgKf_QJAb1qJ29EExKtwwn2tl2soCcdYP0nVr4rSAFvUJoblZaWkGDHZlX0xU5tL3zLiCJ465MRSE-ik2BDQ-M-InpHfA6DBJjucv_Q9uZD0BdD2LW_gpVbk2NQA55VZg/s320/33579931_10215475805784779_2481987593776922624_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7I2xMdk-yV4kCFtwY27G3tDylWShVI_7Bs35_iXQ1ikGH9RtdNBe3HTNpENsVPwe4Tbm5A-KAWeyA0oDgspWyhs66aRB6nRv2Q8-uvQWCQeOCfPMGoPSWc85NU5nwiwB8XVMgXwEz9-c/s1600/33715416_10215475806744803_4864227518451810304_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7I2xMdk-yV4kCFtwY27G3tDylWShVI_7Bs35_iXQ1ikGH9RtdNBe3HTNpENsVPwe4Tbm5A-KAWeyA0oDgspWyhs66aRB6nRv2Q8-uvQWCQeOCfPMGoPSWc85NU5nwiwB8XVMgXwEz9-c/s320/33715416_10215475806744803_4864227518451810304_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIGU_9__O6q5uWzFfXIgFMpB-w4a-CDG9Q8sCBFS-G31J2hFH53LSmLzQQ7FoSsholPlwDcQ_SlrvN36U-cLZAIQy3HGUIYY8BMovMc3uGMOa1nXJZ7fRyHPNsAeYpU0KVdfb5rnZp-Rm/s1600/35077755_10215612121152578_3913634213693227008_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIGU_9__O6q5uWzFfXIgFMpB-w4a-CDG9Q8sCBFS-G31J2hFH53LSmLzQQ7FoSsholPlwDcQ_SlrvN36U-cLZAIQy3HGUIYY8BMovMc3uGMOa1nXJZ7fRyHPNsAeYpU0KVdfb5rnZp-Rm/s320/35077755_10215612121152578_3913634213693227008_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-53873558644077312552018-05-16T10:43:00.002-04:002018-05-23T11:22:51.118-04:00room to bloomIt's May! Flowers are blooming! Trees are budding! Spring is in all its glory, and lots of fun things are happening...here's what's going on with me!<br />
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On Saturday, May 5th, I had my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1991945584458073/" target="_blank">30th Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a> (called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1991945584458073/" target="_blank">"Hope Springs Eternal"</a>) during the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/relayforlifegreaterportland/" target="_blank">Relay For Life of Greater Portland</a> at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bricksouthmaine/" target="_blank">Brick South</a>, Thompson's Point, and it was a day I will always remember. First of all, Brick South is an absolutely gorgeous space: high ceilings, wooden beams, exposed brick, beautiful light, shiny floors, etc., etc., etc.! I painted from roughly noon to 8pm, but I arrived early so I could set up my "pop-up" show, which meant I had a little bit of time in between to walk around and check out the area. Here are some pictures!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLN9dbBlKgIzMm8xDo59bmY1BSL9zw6ELG5WcMUbcqUTgXfqkv8GN-MRk-IgHyFrbwCxvtYZtEVIWsYDtQH0GpuDDsr2CUlVQBnZxunQNDfyctbS3LTlh-KFm3qH9N6JWtJXo06jfKT2hH/s1600/31936754_10215335860406232_5241243763489112064_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLN9dbBlKgIzMm8xDo59bmY1BSL9zw6ELG5WcMUbcqUTgXfqkv8GN-MRk-IgHyFrbwCxvtYZtEVIWsYDtQH0GpuDDsr2CUlVQBnZxunQNDfyctbS3LTlh-KFm3qH9N6JWtJXo06jfKT2hH/s320/31936754_10215335860406232_5241243763489112064_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>my space!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuQZ3nQov-shA-_lKSuaj1uYRn5eDrd6kmd1jEGk5s2hCdIykrQq3JUyUjPDtRu3AYvw4ZDojIt1ArJ4bN1jaECcpsDD8je6Xl_uT7g5QmyB9bJULs2UDFtxHmk3htOnY2LQzZ2zwg_gC/s1600/31939664_10215335860886244_5582795132123480064_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuQZ3nQov-shA-_lKSuaj1uYRn5eDrd6kmd1jEGk5s2hCdIykrQq3JUyUjPDtRu3AYvw4ZDojIt1ArJ4bN1jaECcpsDD8je6Xl_uT7g5QmyB9bJULs2UDFtxHmk3htOnY2LQzZ2zwg_gC/s320/31939664_10215335860886244_5582795132123480064_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>my space!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfceIEu3ht9YyoSwhKpBsjr3wwESbAz3vFXaliX9dz1-hRjv83MYeUnRRAlUDCOyxYcDJtPAUZ-uC7n8Cph3F0xlER9sTUWTfmLw3E6MoiSQZqcx9vYBKHcH1a5C2WQXK-S-GvIhckMUiq/s1600/31948104_10215335861286254_5620207295158812672_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="960" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfceIEu3ht9YyoSwhKpBsjr3wwESbAz3vFXaliX9dz1-hRjv83MYeUnRRAlUDCOyxYcDJtPAUZ-uC7n8Cph3F0xlER9sTUWTfmLw3E6MoiSQZqcx9vYBKHcH1a5C2WQXK-S-GvIhckMUiq/s320/31948104_10215335861286254_5620207295158812672_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>my space!</i> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCS39fNE5Bu09mnECieplLR_g0TRQ8eR3BFaBZjPWf_LpjJUIVeU-8U0HQsPWiLM4DYLZJyXEEL81PCy3K0CWkBYcGn6NTQmVMPt6M8d_LXY0IKgKv6nRh7P4Sv9zRLHkdqVASbDqcKtn4/s1600/31945081_10215335929967971_1040781617905270784_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCS39fNE5Bu09mnECieplLR_g0TRQ8eR3BFaBZjPWf_LpjJUIVeU-8U0HQsPWiLM4DYLZJyXEEL81PCy3K0CWkBYcGn6NTQmVMPt6M8d_LXY0IKgKv6nRh7P4Sv9zRLHkdqVASbDqcKtn4/s320/31945081_10215335929967971_1040781617905270784_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>look at this place! </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsoRuGfpceGNhO6bBZAFEgFw4UhbMkSdpsVoi-1M553oIpug346FpNWE_gkbZf50o5DpfCl7XZZVhs6ks1tNZqI3x3qS4b0QfbfROHCdKaz3_lS-0SwV6KuktK5QL-oQsYq_yrqvYd-Cq/s1600/31925152_10215335929287954_8815760188557492224_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsoRuGfpceGNhO6bBZAFEgFw4UhbMkSdpsVoi-1M553oIpug346FpNWE_gkbZf50o5DpfCl7XZZVhs6ks1tNZqI3x3qS4b0QfbfROHCdKaz3_lS-0SwV6KuktK5QL-oQsYq_yrqvYd-Cq/s320/31925152_10215335929287954_8815760188557492224_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>volunteers working hard</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gq_FZuu_51Urs9-5P5Fv-2_-tN4Z2ruUxuRpPN-Og3WavgS8jr2qHYxoWw9bPBTe-3QU3Z-BxuKC5gkMa5oAmrjO7w4i7m5RWs_h-mYM9KHV8u6sR7BMs_2T7NO_iGyEfWU0A7jhWm9H/s1600/31543675_10215335928527935_4275121343046877184_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gq_FZuu_51Urs9-5P5Fv-2_-tN4Z2ruUxuRpPN-Og3WavgS8jr2qHYxoWw9bPBTe-3QU3Z-BxuKC5gkMa5oAmrjO7w4i7m5RWs_h-mYM9KHV8u6sR7BMs_2T7NO_iGyEfWU0A7jhWm9H/s320/31543675_10215335928527935_4275121343046877184_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>welcome!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6G_ehiHOFrLnR6wtItzd9aLi8oVg22c1z1lGxST2f_GotTqoaoNep3MBdpxKVQ2opvV5n0E2rMyYoAiXMAcf_T7kEgqMzgU5kTxeANZGO4jgvy3FwRSdKQFOxU_i47dKpP3zIpmRT9laE/s1600/31938673_10215335927727915_4602508631093542912_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6G_ehiHOFrLnR6wtItzd9aLi8oVg22c1z1lGxST2f_GotTqoaoNep3MBdpxKVQ2opvV5n0E2rMyYoAiXMAcf_T7kEgqMzgU5kTxeANZGO4jgvy3FwRSdKQFOxU_i47dKpP3zIpmRT9laE/s320/31938673_10215335927727915_4602508631093542912_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>greetings from Thompson's Point! </i></div>
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Relayers started arriving around noon, and the actual "Relay For Life" began at 2pm. I painted until 8pm, but things were still going until 10pm! Everyone I spoke to that day was friendly and welcoming (volunteers, workers, relayers), and I even had a couple of very special visitors: Annie Boissevain herself, and her good friend, Ann Dillon! Annie and Ann started the day off by taking a "Survivor's Lap," which was absolutely wonderful to see. YAY!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpVoNsJ5F7MYC5Zx0oahSP52O5kKYzQZeKPTmEDzWcdjLwojP-c4GaYQcdccxfZ8KaXL7-Y12jPeXbyV8jfXFFHjX1KnUYpD4Imby14SQXe9zrmzubh9nR17t3wIpSrET9-fDlTBRLUEC/s1600/32155824_10211671904448799_7432395233045774336_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpVoNsJ5F7MYC5Zx0oahSP52O5kKYzQZeKPTmEDzWcdjLwojP-c4GaYQcdccxfZ8KaXL7-Y12jPeXbyV8jfXFFHjX1KnUYpD4Imby14SQXe9zrmzubh9nR17t3wIpSrET9-fDlTBRLUEC/s320/32155824_10211671904448799_7432395233045774336_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYuyEEdR1ihYvrczgcoyoh6JXvPEmlVtskYSP0mnK6yEwVZeVuHmP_7XUYxPboTImOdpLkp4HYvbqCM9PImDtSGWvNM6ZMPJx3YNW-oe3l7dUOtxDoBf3anKQHFmfr6D3y3uxEo7SePB6/s1600/31960461_10211671904408798_1062885186057797632_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYuyEEdR1ihYvrczgcoyoh6JXvPEmlVtskYSP0mnK6yEwVZeVuHmP_7XUYxPboTImOdpLkp4HYvbqCM9PImDtSGWvNM6ZMPJx3YNW-oe3l7dUOtxDoBf3anKQHFmfr6D3y3uxEo7SePB6/s320/31960461_10211671904408798_1062885186057797632_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<i>guests of honor! </i></div>
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I had the opportunity to meet and chat with some wonderful, warm, strong people who are committed to defeating cancer...their positive energy filled Brick South all day long and was inspiring to be around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSh3jO0OdfmTrDQYsMYlhu326WArQtrsFmEfNc6h046s1xBazAotf3xxY4VfPVGeiodGzoVlJiJ6skSTmLi624CK4xiv-e9vj2H4uQYwwI41k4FmyDJhFl7RZfTfI0l6wRojbznOfug3f/s1600/31944513_10215339964908842_4565854392347000832_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="861" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSh3jO0OdfmTrDQYsMYlhu326WArQtrsFmEfNc6h046s1xBazAotf3xxY4VfPVGeiodGzoVlJiJ6skSTmLi624CK4xiv-e9vj2H4uQYwwI41k4FmyDJhFl7RZfTfI0l6wRojbznOfug3f/s320/31944513_10215339964908842_4565854392347000832_n.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
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<i>dino-mite relayers having fun!</i></div>
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I'd like to extend a very special "thank you" to <a href="http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY18NER?px=42144821&pg=personal&fr_id=88005" target="_blank">Ellen Russell</a> of the American Cancer Society for allowing me to be a part of this memorable event - I'm grateful! The winner of "Hope In Bloom" was <a href="https://www.wmpg.org/" target="_blank">WMPG's</a> very own Katzie Nogel, who I <i>know</i> is going to give my work a very good home...hooray! Thanks to everyone's support, together we were able to raise $118 for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HopeLodgeBoston/" target="_blank">Hope Lodge in Boston</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHteuW636A-jkqheF8TSdvQbOmjPYSq8uAVDKJ7X-xL8zIBfWkhdobqK-TYIOFwlVzAJxdQKhEHUZLyGNmqxnJOTbth26lY3pwCkCCzUmYYvop8ZNPRRpvun9uv4zVADAHih8X0K6fF8fr/s1600/31493427_10215336100612237_2499127902017159168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHteuW636A-jkqheF8TSdvQbOmjPYSq8uAVDKJ7X-xL8zIBfWkhdobqK-TYIOFwlVzAJxdQKhEHUZLyGNmqxnJOTbth26lY3pwCkCCzUmYYvop8ZNPRRpvun9uv4zVADAHih8X0K6fF8fr/s320/31493427_10215336100612237_2499127902017159168_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the beginning...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZYs96UsTDTK3GkKT5qLarM60ZtZS1AOrexqJkRfmODHNfaHNu02W5pRw-mj_b1NKwSsV5mWDgzbEJp1RVCZrCCGI07pHNYXZucR9gjdyhqB3bGmEFmI53E5CQ7vXY8bi15MccmA3z84b/s1600/31948944_10215339112247526_4503329727330648064_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZYs96UsTDTK3GkKT5qLarM60ZtZS1AOrexqJkRfmODHNfaHNu02W5pRw-mj_b1NKwSsV5mWDgzbEJp1RVCZrCCGI07pHNYXZucR9gjdyhqB3bGmEFmI53E5CQ7vXY8bi15MccmA3z84b/s320/31948944_10215339112247526_4503329727330648064_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Hope In Bloom": finished! </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym8t4qMTPsrSbpNdvv9gnq3aXJTi0ty8RgYCdaopFRlZh-l-7Hj5MHH3Ite3mw8jCm2MdBCrVthArEbX1VXu1vt0llZW6fIpvsVYz00V69cRZe3LK9AF6dhekyfZNr_xbU5CxNYIA-A0G/s1600/31959574_10215339356613635_7884844194861154304_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym8t4qMTPsrSbpNdvv9gnq3aXJTi0ty8RgYCdaopFRlZh-l-7Hj5MHH3Ite3mw8jCm2MdBCrVthArEbX1VXu1vt0llZW6fIpvsVYz00V69cRZe3LK9AF6dhekyfZNr_xbU5CxNYIA-A0G/s320/31959574_10215339356613635_7884844194861154304_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<i>the winning ticket!</i> </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">So...what else is going on, you might ask? Well, I'm thrilled and honored to be involved in kicking off the NEW location of</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Monarch-Massage-and-Wellness-251422334890586/" target="_blank">Monarch Massage and Wellness</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">: 41 Main Street, Topsham!!! Thank you,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Monarch-Massage-and-Wellness-251422334890586/" target="_blank">Heather Goulette</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">! Please come to the Open House celebration on Sunday, June 3rd! You guessed it: as part of the festivities, I'll be having my 31st <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/377436939436572/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a>, which I'm calling <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/377436939436572/" target="_blank">"Transformation Time"</a>! I'll painting from 9am to 5pm and raffling off the completed painting at the end of the day; 50% of all raffle ticket sales and 10% of all art sold during the month of June (excluding magnets, but including totes) will be donated to</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"> the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MidCoastHungerPreventionProgram/" target="_blank">MidCoast Hunger Prevention Program</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">! In addition to being a wonderful massage therapist <i>and</i> a fantastic yoga instructor, Heather is one of my nearest and dearest friends, so I'm extremely grateful to have my work on display in her beautiful new space. Heather will also be welcoming Darcy Gagne, a new massage therapist who will be joining the practice in July, and the raffle fun doesn't stop with my painting: a 60-minute massage with Darcy and a five-class pass for yoga will also be up for grabs (proceeds will benefit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MidCoastHungerPreventionProgram/" target="_blank">MidCoast Hunger Prevention Program</a>)! Stop by and be part of the fun! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">By the way, Altered Couture is this Saturday, May 19th! Have you gotten your </span><a href="https://www.explorefrontier.com/event/the-8th-annual-mid-coast-altered-couture-contest/" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">tickets</a><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"> yet? If not, here's the link: </span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><a href="https://www.explorefrontier.com/event/the-8th-annual-mid-coast-altered-couture-contest/">https://www.explorefrontier.com/event/the-8th-annual-mid-coast-altered-couture-contest/</a></span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.explorefrontier.com/event/the-8th-annual-mid-coast-altered-couture-contest/" target="_blank"> </a>. This show often sells out, so you may want to get on it while you can...plus, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">this year's proceeds benefit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mayostreetarts/" target="_blank">Mayo Street Arts</a>, so it's all for a good cause.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"> Not familiar with Altered Couture? Well, our fearless leader, Christine DeTroy, was the subject of an interview featured on the </span><a href="http://www.timesrecord.com/news/2018-05-11/Ticket/Altered_Couture.html" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">front page of the Times Record's "Ticket" section</a>, and this should answer all of your questions! Here are some pictures of the spread...and I hope to see you <a href="https://www.explorefrontier.com/event/the-8th-annual-mid-coast-altered-couture-contest/" target="_blank">there on Saturday night</a>! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYqih62Iht_B5mNnB7yU1VBqWR15t3FrhF-Xx8nM1QTQOE0na8NCExPY3FtQQPN1croFdxpwlxQymNCvGeIbKDsoZlVtRJt4Gx2FI8Aegvcsfia582YypkqnMV8EtBoJDK1KPR_Wa2Ewx/s1600/32643473_10215404261236210_3212623082002841600_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="771" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYqih62Iht_B5mNnB7yU1VBqWR15t3FrhF-Xx8nM1QTQOE0na8NCExPY3FtQQPN1croFdxpwlxQymNCvGeIbKDsoZlVtRJt4Gx2FI8Aegvcsfia582YypkqnMV8EtBoJDK1KPR_Wa2Ewx/s320/32643473_10215404261236210_3212623082002841600_n.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-69827350909496128832018-04-30T15:56:00.001-04:002018-04-30T15:56:28.844-04:00springtime scoopIt's the last day of April...this month has <i>flown</i> by! Here's what's going on with me!<br />
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My <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/244855509392008/" target="_blank">29th Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a> (entitled <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/244855509392008/" target="_blank">"VANtastic 3!"</a>) took place on Saturday, April 21st, and once again, I was back at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tontine-Mall-1087196571298072/" target="_blank">Tontine Mal</a>l! It was a gorgeous, sunny day (and it was Record Store Day, too), so people were out and about...and a bunch of them decided to stop by and say hello! This month's charity was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/artvanprogram/" target="_blank">ArtVan</a>, and this was my third time (so far!) supporting this very worthy cause. Here are some pictures from the day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVu1sSq2C7Swn1zoKPVNkrjDuuYUbBRaLPmlfDGVlocrNxUuh8ojaeIH4ujRvuxA6jr2-WSWmBJ9pmVtCys0L3BNl6xMiGjwxntlAR7LbwDd3E6QHXndnp7TtPZDvVp9Kba0PdLLuaONY9/s1600/31097764_10215224665026417_8090765289471344640_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVu1sSq2C7Swn1zoKPVNkrjDuuYUbBRaLPmlfDGVlocrNxUuh8ojaeIH4ujRvuxA6jr2-WSWmBJ9pmVtCys0L3BNl6xMiGjwxntlAR7LbwDd3E6QHXndnp7TtPZDvVp9Kba0PdLLuaONY9/s320/31097764_10215224665026417_8090765289471344640_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the "pop-up" show</i></div>
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<i>the beginning</i></div>
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<i>raffle ticket fun</i></div>
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<i>artists supporting artists!</i></div>
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<i>"First Tulip In Amsterdam" : finished!</i></div>
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<i>the winning ticket!</i></div>
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Yes, Hollylane Jones in North Carolina was the winner of "First Tulip in Amsterdam," and now she's considered an "official" collector, since she won "Seeds of Love" back in February! I'm thrilled to say that I also sold two other paintings that day, one of which is heading to its new home in Australia! In case you were wondering, tiny paintings fit very nicely inside luggage. Thanks to everyone's support, together we were able to raise $185 for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/artvanprogram/" target="_blank">ArtVan</a> (bringing the running total for money raised so far to roughly $4600)! Hooray! </div>
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<i>"Joyful Hearts" : SOLD!</i></div>
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<i>"Tomato Love" : SOLD!</i></div>
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Another fun thing that happened in April was the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/184412249008572/" target="_blank">Scoop-A-Thon at Gelato Fiasco to benefit the Brunswick Area Teen Center at People Plus.</a> For the past several years, I've done face painting during the <a href="https://www.gelatofiasco.com/events/brunswick-area-teen-center-scoop-thon-2018/" target="_blank">Scoop-A-Thon</a>, but this year, I was asked to be a "celebrity scooper"! It was interesting being on the other side of the counter at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gelatofiasco/?fref=mentions" target="_blank">Gelato Fiasco</a>, and let me tell you- it's not as easy as it looks! There is a definite order of operations for scooping gelato due to food allergies and concerns about cross-contamination, and my fellow "celebrity scoopers" and I made sure to follow those guidelines to a T. After spending an hour behind the counter, I can honestly say I came away with a new respect for the speed, the wrist technique, the proportion skills, and the always cheerful dispositions of the professionals wielding those red and black handled serving spoons on a daily basis. I haven't heard what the total raised that day for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brunswickareateencenter/" target="_blank">Brunswick Area Teen Center</a> ended up being, but I bet it will be posted soon! </div>
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<i>the first "celebrity scooper" crew of the day!</i></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">My </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1991945584458073/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">30th Brushstrokes with Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a><span style="text-align: left;"> is coming right up, and I'm pretty excited about it...I'm calling it </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1991945584458073/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">"Hope Springs Eternal,"</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and it's happening on Saturday, May 5th! The location and the time slot are both a little different: I'll be setting up at the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/bricksouthmaine/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Brick South</a><span style="text-align: left;"> building at Thompson's Point, and I'll be there during the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/relayforlifegreaterportland/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Relay for Life of Greater Portland</a><span style="text-align: left;">! </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">I'll be setting up my easel and painting from roughly 12 noon to 8pm, and at the end of the day, the completed 8" x 8" acrylic painting will be raffled off, and 50% of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to </span><a data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=131480403472&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A1991945584458073%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/HopeLodgeBoston/" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: none;">Hope Lodge in Boston</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">. Raffle tickets can be purchased in person for $5 each or 3 for $10. I will also have a "pop-up" show of my art that day and 10% of all my art sales (excluding magnets, but including totes) from this show will be donated to </span><a data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=131480403472&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A1991945584458073%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/HopeLodgeBoston/" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: none;">Hope Lodge in Boston</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">. If you'd like to support this cause (and visit me that day), please check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1991945584458073/" target="_blank">event page on Facebook</a> for more information! Why Hope Lodge, you might ask? Here's a little statement I put together to explain: </span></div>
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<i>In June 2017, Annie Boissevain was diagnosed with <span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stage 4 Sézary Syndrome, an extremely rare form
of cancer involving her blood cells, lymphatic system, and skin cells.</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>Annie
faced a long and complicated treatment plan that included campath injections
three times a week, followed by TSEB (Total Skin Electron Beam Therapy) and
then a stem cell transplant. Mass General Hospital in Boston is one of the few
hospitals where Annie was able to receive the Campath injections, and although
her home, her friends, and her dog are all in Maine, it was essential for Annie
to stay close to MGH. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>Patricia
Boissevain, Annie’s sister, lives in western Massachusetts. Patricia is a long-time
cancer survivor, and was determined to do all she could for her sister. After
going through a testing process, it was determined that she was a match to
donate and transplant stem cells to Annie. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
transplant took place in November, and in December</span>, Annie and Patricia went
to Hope Lodge in Jamaica Plain. Hope Lodge provided <span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">a “home away from home” for both sisters, with a caring
staff, comfortable housing, a convenient location, transportation to and from
the hospital for treatments, laundry and kitchen facilities, an art room, a
yoga room, and an overall supportive environment. Hope Lodge offers all of
these things and more at no cost to its residents, thanks to donations from
individuals, organizations, and the American Cancer Society. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Both Annie and Patricia are now home, and Annie is in
remission. Annie wouldn’t have been able to receive the top-quality treatment
at Mass General and have the physical, emotional, and artistic support of her
sister, Patricia, if it hadn’t been for Hope Lodge. I’m grateful for the
opportunity to support Hope Lodge in my own way through my Brushstrokes with
Impact ™ “Paint-a-Thon”. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br />mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-19562217389459513112018-04-06T09:07:00.001-04:002018-04-06T09:07:22.216-04:00early spring catch-upEEK! I let all of March go by without a blog post! Well, perhaps I can make up for it with two posts in April...and I can't do two until I start with one, so here goes!<br />
<br />
My 28th <a href="https://www.brushstrokesbymaria.com/brushstrokes-with-impact-tm/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes with Impact</a> (tm) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/506150553114241/" target="_blank">"Paint-a-Thon"</a> (entitled <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/506150553114241/" target="_blank">"Music Is Love!"</a>) happened on Saturday, March 31st at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tontine-Mall-1087196571298072/" target="_blank">Tontine Mall</a> in Brunswick. In case you hadn't noticed, I <i>really</i> like that space! Anyway, it was a warm and wonderful day, filled with unexpected visits from friends, family, and friendly faces. The cause I chose this month was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MusiCares/" target="_blank">MusiCares</a>, which is an organization that <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">gives assistance to musicians who are in need (due to financial, medical, or personal emergencies). Here are some photos from the day!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AFn7t5W19-XWdyDd-5aYzee7gs1JyolCx3jXZuY7_bnph2qvpoqjX4msS2TXlGcEYVDsHVFYlYZiIt3AOiljxiKAmK1A1STEtqsCoc6lVa5SZtuUKG-J9oR_9f7MXtEVlOYKAA8kh8aX/s1600/29543231_10215067769864136_1838592896510025000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AFn7t5W19-XWdyDd-5aYzee7gs1JyolCx3jXZuY7_bnph2qvpoqjX4msS2TXlGcEYVDsHVFYlYZiIt3AOiljxiKAmK1A1STEtqsCoc6lVa5SZtuUKG-J9oR_9f7MXtEVlOYKAA8kh8aX/s320/29543231_10215067769864136_1838592896510025000_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the pop-up show...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMdk0ePUj4fRLDS0q40Z32somf-8sTEbUwWXsSLdpHkhS9rOvjyvm_ZpdBTRS521UeN7m-p0wAmAQOR70gwketP07k0oD5MnxrRqkyVsespV0aCkJnhbRl7wJ0dF8xPNZ79V3Ae31Ry4k/s1600/29570925_10215071630760656_2106308567733781170_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMdk0ePUj4fRLDS0q40Z32somf-8sTEbUwWXsSLdpHkhS9rOvjyvm_ZpdBTRS521UeN7m-p0wAmAQOR70gwketP07k0oD5MnxrRqkyVsespV0aCkJnhbRl7wJ0dF8xPNZ79V3Ae31Ry4k/s320/29570925_10215071630760656_2106308567733781170_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>...the beginning...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIKkBs2w0Tp3LB36KBbXUQRsOsINHnifs4fMwn63NqF45chEisR5v3w2oEWovliqK8sV-t5Xn7X2t32_WsuupbO_7_VJF3gs2mXMTnWRsf38jUCBkrV8B2E0CL3Pvm02Z0l6hMBvMQWu9/s1600/29694817_10215074617995335_5339863072914571389_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIKkBs2w0Tp3LB36KBbXUQRsOsINHnifs4fMwn63NqF45chEisR5v3w2oEWovliqK8sV-t5Xn7X2t32_WsuupbO_7_VJF3gs2mXMTnWRsf38jUCBkrV8B2E0CL3Pvm02Z0l6hMBvMQWu9/s320/29694817_10215074617995335_5339863072914571389_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Rainbow Of Sound": finished! </i></div>
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<i>Hooray for Dennie!</i></div>
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The winner of "Rainbow Of Sound" was Dennie Campbell, which made me happy, because Dennie has had her name on a fair amount of raffle tickets in the past, but she just hadn't won one - until now! I will be delivering "Rainbow Of Sound" to her soon, and I will be sure to to post some pictures when that happens. Thanks to everyone's support, together we were able to raise $100 for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MusiCares/" target="_blank">MusiCares</a>...and in case you're keeping track, that brings the total raised so far to over $4400!</div>
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Have you ever had the experience of flipping through your mail after a long trip and seeing your face staring back at you? Well, I did...and it's a bit surreal! Below are some pictures from the <a href="http://thecryeronline.com/files/2018/march/FLASH/index.html" target="_blank">March issue of The Cryer</a>, and here's a link to the <a href="https://keithspiro.wordpress.com/2018/03/06/the-art-component-of-business-art-technology-for-2018/" target="_blank">Boston and Maine Connection</a> so you can read the article yourself. Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/KeithSpiro" target="_blank">Keith Spiro</a>, for your support and belief in <a href="https://www.brushstrokesbymaria.com/brushstrokes-with-impact-tm/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes With Impact (tm)</a>- I'm grateful! </div>
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<i>Boston and Maine Connection</i></div>
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<i>#BAT2018</i></div>
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I will do my best to have a second post sometime this month, so stay tuned...things are happening, and I will definitely fill you in on what's cooking in my world! In the meantime, please check out some recent posts from the bi-weekly blog I write for <a href="http://www.curtislibrary.com/" target="_blank">Curtis Memorial Library</a>...you'll find them in the <a href="http://curtiscreativespaces.com/" target="_blank">Curtis Creative Spaces</a> section of the library's website (or you can just go here)! </div>
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<a href="http://curtiscreativespaces.com/8-questions-for-8-librarians-part-1/">http://curtiscreativespaces.com/8-questions-for-8-librarians-part-1/</a></div>
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<a href="http://curtiscreativespaces.com/inside-the-outside/">http://curtiscreativespaces.com/inside-the-outside/</a></div>
mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-81109703721894940422018-02-22T08:20:00.004-05:002018-02-22T08:24:55.034-05:00planting seedsCan you feel the change in the air? Spring is coming! Growth! Rebirth! Mud! Okay, maybe you're not excited about the mud part, but whatever...the point is, things are happening, slowly but surely. Before moving forward, it makes sense to look back a bit...so here's a brief recap!<br />
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On Saturday, February 10th, I had my 27th <a href="http://www.brushstrokesbymaria.com/brushstrokes-with-impact-tm/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes with Impact (tm)</a> "Paint-a-Thon"! This one was called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/172896409992719/" target="_blank">SOUPER BOWL III</a>, and once again, I was set up at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tontine-Mall-1087196571298072/" target="_blank">Tontine Mall</a> in Brunswick, just outside of Indrani's.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrI5pdKSZpe-uWfPZjjstYH4vUQbHtHMmUyCYXw5qRMf0bj-hbuGMeZJFG-n-8Uh7olphFtPGqgsY4RGL6Q5Meuqb1-UVzaB88aeLWjSJXlZeOFHcwzjGBTB2Hla-P2qQffJL42Rp0dZF/s1600/27858886_10214619792824990_6319975574907398168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrI5pdKSZpe-uWfPZjjstYH4vUQbHtHMmUyCYXw5qRMf0bj-hbuGMeZJFG-n-8Uh7olphFtPGqgsY4RGL6Q5Meuqb1-UVzaB88aeLWjSJXlZeOFHcwzjGBTB2Hla-P2qQffJL42Rp0dZF/s320/27858886_10214619792824990_6319975574907398168_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the pop-up...</i></div>
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<i>...the beginning...</i></div>
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<i>"Seeds Of Love" : finished!</i></div>
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Eight hours flew by, and thanks to everyone's support, together we were able to raise $100 for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MidCoastHungerPreventionProgram/" target="_blank">Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program's "Backpack Program"</a>! I had a lot of fun painting "Seeds of Love," and I'm thrilled to announce that I have a new collector in a new state: Hollylane in North Carolina, thank you for giving my work a good home! Check out this beautiful little still life: </div>
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<i>still life with love!</i></div>
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This made me laugh: some of you may remember that my dear friend, the lovely and talented <a href="https://twitter.com/BocoVideoPro" target="_blank">Rebecca Boothby Conley</a>, is a videographer who has her own <a href="https://twitter.com/BocoVideoPro" target="_blank">business</a> and also works for <a href="https://twitter.com/MainePublic" target="_blank">Maine Public</a>. This past summer, Rebecca visited me and got some shots in my studio for a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MainePublic/videos/10156260727232033/" target="_blank">Maine Public spot</a> she was working on. Since then, the spot has been making the rounds: I went to my art group last week, and <span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">one of the "regulars" looked at me, rolled her eyes, and in an exhausted voice, said “I see you on TV...ALL...the...time.” Talk about a sentence I never thought I would ever hear! </span></span></div>
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<i>hello, surreal...</i></div>
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In case you didn't remember, I still have a bi-weekly blog for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/curtislibrary/?fref=mentions&pnref=story" target="_blank">Curtis Memorial Library</a>...here's a link to my <a href="http://curtiscreativespaces.com/a-good-fit/" target="_blank">most recent post</a>! Other things are definitely brewing, but I feel like it's a little too early to talk about them here...so please stay tuned! </div>
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<br />mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-42501134006097474782018-02-02T12:35:00.002-05:002018-02-02T12:35:35.404-05:00...and we're off! How did I miss getting in a January blog post? Well, onward and upward, right? Here's what's new!<br />
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It's 2018, so I've officially begun my third year (!) of <a href="http://www.brushstrokesbymaria.com/brushstrokes-with-impact-tm/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes With Impact (tm)</a> "Paint-a-Thon"s! My first of the year (and 26th of all time, if you're keeping track) was on Saturday, January 27th, just outside of Indrani's at the Tontine Mall in Brunswick. The cause? Brunswick Coastal Rotary's Burundi Mission Hospital and Clean Water Project! I called it <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/158758921432105/" target="_blank">"Water Is Life,"</a> and what do you know...the painting I created that day shares the same title!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSE6IThQndpof8t77nBXpJRgIWHKUS1tNkR_6JzrHOmX1EFFqZUIuMWWG77glm5gnjU4veBCem-BSLpZO3dLc5a0_6d0pMJQBwjEJgngoSzjdV3IA76ltQT_PxZdjnNhikG6H4p9qrL8ca/s1600/26991647_10214496236896169_3244723981082344199_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSE6IThQndpof8t77nBXpJRgIWHKUS1tNkR_6JzrHOmX1EFFqZUIuMWWG77glm5gnjU4veBCem-BSLpZO3dLc5a0_6d0pMJQBwjEJgngoSzjdV3IA76ltQT_PxZdjnNhikG6H4p9qrL8ca/s320/26991647_10214496236896169_3244723981082344199_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the pop-up show...</i></div>
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<i>...the beginning...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggI1GxQ4flgldSw0FGWRgOdBg0vKchpQbfq8zCS-D15-C1YygeetfVrWMM3xviHJmWVqCzeoBQhmEy8ARZLYHtRy_BGkI0iYlmMGUyVma_OO3BUk2CfhEq9xM7Iahqx2DgZV6oJZvOZCaQ/s1600/27066992_10214505941018766_4256589885870952845_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggI1GxQ4flgldSw0FGWRgOdBg0vKchpQbfq8zCS-D15-C1YygeetfVrWMM3xviHJmWVqCzeoBQhmEy8ARZLYHtRy_BGkI0iYlmMGUyVma_OO3BUk2CfhEq9xM7Iahqx2DgZV6oJZvOZCaQ/s320/27066992_10214505941018766_4256589885870952845_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>...and the finish! "Water Is Life"!</i></div>
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<i>Indrani herself pulling the winning ticket! </i></div>
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I'm happy to say that the winner of "Water Is Life" is Dan Catlin! I'm confident he will be giving my work a very good home. Thank you, Dan (and thank you to everyone who stopped by or participated in any way), for your support! Together, we were able to raise $143.50 for this very worthy cause...and it's my understanding that Rotary organizations have a donation-matching program in place, so that total will end up being higher. Yay!</div>
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Well, the "Big Game" might be this Sunday, but <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/172896409992719/" target="_blank">"SOUPER BOWL III!"</a> is Saturday, February 10th! I'm going to be back in the same wonderful space at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tontine-Mall-1087196571298072/" target="_blank">Tontine Mall </a>in Brunswick (HOORAY!) for another "pop-up" show and "Paint-a-Thon"! I will be painting from 9:30am-5:30pm (roughly), and you know the drill - it's an 8" x 8" acrylic painting, to be created in 8 hours; raffle tickets for said painting are $5 each or 3 for $10, with 50% of raffle ticket sales and 10% of all art sales excluding magnets going to charity - and this month's cause is the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MidCoastHungerPreventionProgram/" target="_blank">Midcoast Hunger Prevention Program's </a>"Backpack Program"! Here's a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/172896409992719/" target="_blank">link to the Facebook event page</a>:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/172896409992719/" target="_blank"> https://www.facebook.com/events/172896409992719/</a> Stop by if you can! I would love to see your smiling face! </div>
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<br />mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-39327094691806610452017-12-31T11:59:00.001-05:002017-12-31T11:59:08.899-05:00recapping and reflectingIt's New Year's Eve! I wanted to get in one last blog post for 2017 while I still had the chance...here goes!<br />
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My <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1800572053574650/" target="_blank">25th Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a> was on Saturday, December 9th at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SelbyShoesEtc/" target="_blank">Selby Shoes Etc</a> in South Portland (quick aside: now that I've passed the two-year mark, should I keep counting month by month events? I'm not sure...). This was my third <a href="http://www.brushstrokesbymaria.com/brushstrokes-with-impact-tm/" target="_blank">"Paint-a-Thon"</a> at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SelbyShoesEtc/" target="_blank">Selby Shoes Etc</a>, and during my two previous visits, we had snow. I bet you can guess what happened this time! The snow didn't dampen our spirits, though: the warm and friendly staff at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SelbyShoesEtc/" target="_blank">Selby Shoes Etc</a> made me feel welcome and supported, as always! With everyone's help, we were able to raise $100 for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PressHeraldToyFund/" target="_blank">Portland Press Herald Toy Fund</a>, and "O Peaceful Tree" went to its new (and very good!) home in Massachusetts...thank you, Daniel and Rebecca Alperin!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aacpkeZguv87tXaRI1hyzna0lv-OkQQdWzLpppL8K7TsKKwQqxNIKdrSqFIfTOT9VTICBWmVofQsqUeHbnXYhHW57f8qn3RKZkSksiF11W44Oh14M6NPwBdDWV_MFDt4t85xPHAsGLr-/s1600/me+setting+up+at+Selby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aacpkeZguv87tXaRI1hyzna0lv-OkQQdWzLpppL8K7TsKKwQqxNIKdrSqFIfTOT9VTICBWmVofQsqUeHbnXYhHW57f8qn3RKZkSksiF11W44Oh14M6NPwBdDWV_MFDt4t85xPHAsGLr-/s320/me+setting+up+at+Selby.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>setting up! photo credit: Dennie Campbell</i></div>
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<i>starting up!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8wJx2woaq1UDOKpI-xeIi2P3lH2ZHyTOlfSud21jlSybyjNBRIWuHVKoy15Q4i63R3Jfn_sG8ad4tQFvgPOyWjeHt6_wFpP6PtAUQoyjc6Yu7rpdF1eHd4W9K_AiJRAEviHjgSfKADhN/s1600/o+peaceful+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8wJx2woaq1UDOKpI-xeIi2P3lH2ZHyTOlfSud21jlSybyjNBRIWuHVKoy15Q4i63R3Jfn_sG8ad4tQFvgPOyWjeHt6_wFpP6PtAUQoyjc6Yu7rpdF1eHd4W9K_AiJRAEviHjgSfKADhN/s320/o+peaceful+tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"O Peaceful Tree": finished! </i></div>
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The following weekend, I participated in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/188269278406062/" target="_blank">Holiday POP-UP SALE</a>, a fun little group show in Bowdoinham, and I had a blast. This was my first time visiting the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MerrymeetingArtsCenter/" target="_blank">Merrymeeting Arts Center</a> and I loved it there! Interesting fact: at this show, someone bought a "Lucky Cat, Readfield Emporium" magnet with the intention of sending it to Shanghai. Cool, right? In case you couldn't make it, here are some photos:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqhhJF4VwOTmS0PIJzg1Q1kRjgMro_ALE_lQuBko_WbIdWyWLUdAwZit_dxRZlVPuI2E-EieumAn9VkHyiwS-bJ2omNrrb6CEdfirkg2M_zm6uCxSYkGeACLncu0a44rgHizdJdzDbRI4/s1600/sugar+hill+music.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqhhJF4VwOTmS0PIJzg1Q1kRjgMro_ALE_lQuBko_WbIdWyWLUdAwZit_dxRZlVPuI2E-EieumAn9VkHyiwS-bJ2omNrrb6CEdfirkg2M_zm6uCxSYkGeACLncu0a44rgHizdJdzDbRI4/s320/sugar+hill+music.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><i>live music by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oldtimesugarhill/" target="_blank">Sugar Hill</a> (with special guest star, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BocoVideoProductions/" target="_blank">Rebecca Boothby Conley</a>)!</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22QFVxpnkMLZ1m_7RzuvaCqZz2eGEKmtlRB-PM3v-JOJrniG7e0Wmt_Qcn2WBgzLkkXui0h8tKHzZiI2zqqU-1MqRrs9q6PgrenWDKcgwdnjLnysrbRVfqHUFN9JYuS6c62yB6250t1xH/s1600/Bowdoinham+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22QFVxpnkMLZ1m_7RzuvaCqZz2eGEKmtlRB-PM3v-JOJrniG7e0Wmt_Qcn2WBgzLkkXui0h8tKHzZiI2zqqU-1MqRrs9q6PgrenWDKcgwdnjLnysrbRVfqHUFN9JYuS6c62yB6250t1xH/s320/Bowdoinham+display.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>my display (I love those chili lights)!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGzCuUpBfL_ABVSi8SMgl9mwVc4iHOv9A1-9Tbf6Er_NO6p85eTP5JLIYIQeuJj3tFp7JZsog3wb9wTe6jwqPqNByPVcEdPAS9ZsdDp7b2ie9-_iMc26UwOMHYYbD2f8ScLXBVH3fL48d/s1600/sparkly+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="898" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGzCuUpBfL_ABVSi8SMgl9mwVc4iHOv9A1-9Tbf6Er_NO6p85eTP5JLIYIQeuJj3tFp7JZsog3wb9wTe6jwqPqNByPVcEdPAS9ZsdDp7b2ie9-_iMc26UwOMHYYbD2f8ScLXBVH3fL48d/s320/sparkly+top.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
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<i>feeling festive!</i></div>
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Since there are only a few hours left before the new year begins, like most other human beings, I am feeling reflective. A lot of stuff happened this year that I couldn't have imagined: <a href="http://brushstrokesbymaria.blogspot.com/2017/06/over-moon-in-june.html" target="_blank">the sidewalk piano</a>! The <a href="http://curtiscreativespaces.com/in-the-books/" target="_blank">Little Free Library</a>! The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MainePublic/videos/10155841958957033/?hc_ref=ARTHzR7CQ4af6gLGxWFDKirglucOd6lqUozAhRGjv2OkJHtQsGZAipmIPCVXbCwCGIY&pnref=story" target="_blank">Maine Public video</a>! The <a href="https://vimeo.com/241917922?ref=fb-share&1" target="_blank">Curtis Memorial Library video</a>! My head is spinning thinking about it. I want to take a moment to give my sincere thanks to everyone and anyone who supported my efforts and my artwork in <i>any</i> way at all this year: if you hosted me for a "Paint-a-Thon"; if you bought a raffle ticket, or a magnet, or a print, or a tote bag, or a painting; if you came to any of my shows or events or workshops; if you're reading this blog; if you sent me good vibes and positive wishes...whatever your contribution might have been, I am grateful for it, and I'm grateful for you. I feel fortunate to have a wonderful support system of family and friends...you know who you are, and you are the best. What will 2018 have in store? Who knows? Perhaps collaboration will be a theme...at any rate, I am hopeful and open to possibilities! If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear from you. Let's make some awesome stuff happen. </div>
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<br />mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-4691494697814278612017-11-29T11:37:00.003-05:002017-11-29T11:37:41.296-05:00all good things in time<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today's magic word is "time"! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember when I <a href="http://brushstrokesbymaria.blogspot.com/2017/05/vantastic-2-wrap-up-boogaloo.html" target="_blank">posted back in May</a> that "Strawberry" had sold and I was so excited? Remember when I <a href="http://brushstrokesbymaria.blogspot.com/2017/08/take-backsies.html" target="_blank">blogged in August</a> about how bummed out and embarrassed I was that the sale ended up falling through? Remember when I <a href="http://brushstrokesbymaria.blogspot.com/2017/08/take-backsies.html" target="_blank">mused</a> that perhaps this happened because "Strawberry" was meant for someone else? Well, thanks to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/floatharder/?fref=mentions&pnref=story" target="_blank">Float Harder</a>, "Strawberry" has found the right people! Thank you, Sam and Kate, for giving my work a good home! I'm happy to make your acquaintance! There are a couple of wonderful "firsts" here: Amy at <a href="http://www.floatharder.com/" target="_blank">Float Harder</a> told me it's the first time they've sold any artwork, and Sam and Kate told me that "Strawberry" is the first painting they've ever bought! In fact, they said they previously had "no art at all" in their house. How cool is that? I feel so honored! </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZWCR2NUo3BBO1DOCxl8Ua_MshiIO02ZdZOVNUWMDmmzxz4bFmOsNcF0PL0Q2OaBrFQ8SZjhVA1vL7WBc2qM_siWbj9PsYqkkNO-e6z7ZmesF9NRVE37H4Qx-8qOAmfjdNIcrKG4Er6f3/s1600/23905619_10213998038681525_640560882994986238_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZWCR2NUo3BBO1DOCxl8Ua_MshiIO02ZdZOVNUWMDmmzxz4bFmOsNcF0PL0Q2OaBrFQ8SZjhVA1vL7WBc2qM_siWbj9PsYqkkNO-e6z7ZmesF9NRVE37H4Qx-8qOAmfjdNIcrKG4Er6f3/s320/23905619_10213998038681525_640560882994986238_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>so long, "Strawberry"! </i></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.12px;">Last time I blogged here, I didn't mention where I was going to be showing my artwork in December, but I figure that now is as good a time as any to make those announcements! My <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1800572053574650/" target="_blank">25th Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a> will be on Saturday, December 9th at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SelbyShoesEtc/" target="_blank">Selby Shoes Etc.</a> in South Portland! Once again, the cause will be the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PressHeraldToyFund/" target="_blank">Press Herald Toy Fund</a>, and I'm calling it <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1800572053574650/" target="_blank">"The Art Of Giving 2"</a>! As usual, I'll be painting for 8 hours straight (10am-6pm), and the finished 8"x8" acrylic painting will be raffled off at the end of the day. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10; 50% of raffle ticket sales and 10% of all art sold (excluding magnets, but including totes) will be donated to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PressHeraldToyFund/" target="_blank">Press Herald Toy Fund</a>. It's hard to believe that December officially marks two years of </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.12px;"><a href="http://www.brushstrokesbymaria.com/brushstrokes-with-impact-tm/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"s...</a>it's been a fun and rewarding challenge, and I look forward to keeping it rolling! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.12px;">I'm also going to be one of 8 vendors at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/188269278406062/" target="_blank">Holiday Pop-Up Sale</a> at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MerrymeetingArtsCenter/" target="_blank">Merrymeeting Arts Center in Bowdoinham</a>! This is a two-day show: Friday, December 15th from 6pm-8pm, and Saturday, December 16th from 9am-4pm. I'm excited because it will be my first time showing my work in Bowdoinham, and I think it will be a great opportunity for people to get in their last-minute holiday shopping. Stop by and say hello! Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/188269278406062/" target="_blank">this link</a> for a list of vendors and information. </span><br />
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Sunday, November 26th was the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2104076433154760/" target="_blank">Meditative Walk With Mandala Making for Adults</a> at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creamaine/" target="_blank">Cathance River Nature Preserve</a>, and I'm grateful I was able to assist my dear friend Heather Goulette of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Monarch-Massage-and-Wellness-251422334890586/" target="_blank">Monarch Massage and Wellness</a> with this program. The original date for this program was Sunday, November 19th, but due to a rainy and windy forecast, it was rescheduled for the weekend after Thanksgiving. This ended up being perfect...who couldn't use an opportunity to decompress right after a busy holiday (and right before another one)? I wrote all about it in my <a href="http://curtiscreativespaces.com/nature-nurture/" target="_blank">Curtis Creative Spaces blog</a>, so rather than write it all out again, I'll just include <a href="http://curtiscreativespaces.com/nature-nurture/" target="_blank">the link and you can read it there</a>. Spoiler alert: it was wonderful! </div>
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Before I forget again, I'll close with two links to videos I meant to include in my previous blog post! First, the lovely and talented <a href="https://twitter.com/BocoVideoPro" target="_blank">Rebecca Boothby Conley</a> stopped by my studio to capture some footage for this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MainePublic/videos/10155990215842033/?hc_ref=ARR-MZM68uL8ou2FcfHVdU1HyUt00W4jthysUigp0RcpCeFdSjKE7YRC59pgv2E8Jzg&pnref=story" target="_blank">Maine Public spot</a>...thank you, my friend, for including me! Second, Chris Tucker has done it again with a wonderful <a href="https://vimeo.com/241917922" target="_blank">video</a> about the community in and around <a href="https://www.facebook.com/curtislibrary/?ref=br_rs" target="_blank">Curtis Memorial Library</a>...I'm grateful to be <a href="https://vimeo.com/241917922" target="_blank">a part of it!</a> </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.12px;"><br /></span>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-45302236275477502462017-11-21T14:23:00.001-05:002017-11-21T14:23:56.454-05:00attitude of gratitudeThanksgiving is this week! Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, because it is all about gratitude. I try my best to cultivate an "attitude of gratitude" every day, and that's why I used that phrase as the title of my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/189512651617641/" target="_blank">24th Brushstrokes with Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a>, which took place of Saturday, November 11th. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/189512651617641/" target="_blank">"Attitude of Gratitude"</a> was a fitting title for a number of reasons: this was my first event in Massachusetts, so I'm grateful for that; the cause was the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gr8bosfoodbank/" target="_blank">Greater Boston Food Bank</a>, which is an organization that helps so many people to have a happier Thanksgiving; Elizabeth at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/birchsthouseandgarden/" target="_blank">Birch St. House & Garden</a> is lovely and kind and her adorable shop is a real community hub, so I'm happy she was such a warm, welcoming, gracious host; and I'm grateful that I was able to share my work with a whole new audience that I never would have been able to meet before. Plus, I now have a brand-new collector: I sold "Home In My Heart" (a little 3" x 3" painting) to a woman named Libby, who shared a story with me that made me get a bit emotional. Libby bought "Home In My Heart" as a housewarming present for a dear friend of hers who had lost his partner earlier this year...he was starting his life in a new place without his "other half," and she wanted to give him a meaningful gift as he began this major transition. As she told me the story, she said, "This is going to a <i>very</i> good home," which made me tear up, because that's <i>always</i> my hope whenever anyone buys my art, especially a painting! Well, you can imagine my joy when Libby's name was on the winning raffle ticket, and I'm happy to say that she was pretty excited when I called her with the news! Here are some photos from the day:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rC7xQILV6a1m7OEdrCACR_gDseH0ivfQfNEGQQDjTKWPFPuIhzo6DYEnaBHW5VqKCPLu6A66y5AqE0ToC73Wwl0_6gZiwetJEXh4vBMlHQO36K_jmzsB2tPoNBtOc0-WajP2BBopTH_4/s1600/23319375_10213864996435552_5180384899943834167_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rC7xQILV6a1m7OEdrCACR_gDseH0ivfQfNEGQQDjTKWPFPuIhzo6DYEnaBHW5VqKCPLu6A66y5AqE0ToC73Wwl0_6gZiwetJEXh4vBMlHQO36K_jmzsB2tPoNBtOc0-WajP2BBopTH_4/s320/23319375_10213864996435552_5180384899943834167_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<i>setting up</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxib3CSNuuF5Cyx6qZkStvX4TCLjVVc85A3rau__IWZfbUIY_iJNG9Z_ef_UFia98f6GZzA0tn7JSV4TkbgsuT6qblvlAOhwcknl3yjk8XJik0PdnZ37zA_mKnAF-Rlf0M25MXdEfQQH9M/s1600/23517873_10213869354024489_2239843503075832978_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxib3CSNuuF5Cyx6qZkStvX4TCLjVVc85A3rau__IWZfbUIY_iJNG9Z_ef_UFia98f6GZzA0tn7JSV4TkbgsuT6qblvlAOhwcknl3yjk8XJik0PdnZ37zA_mKnAF-Rlf0M25MXdEfQQH9M/s320/23517873_10213869354024489_2239843503075832978_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>ready, set, go!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06nNSqtMqrgvsJVQJMp5d81FVm8debKLPz30L_podS4I2zrCmj9alD_pmgEqt04ygTKtglaeT_99chD8PLmGQfRY-OqF6eOZFKM4gJ03zUVJEej0jV5zsGGVOFYhyqCqAqJCTjFwHiTBD/s1600/23376539_10213871462197192_3902425291372469555_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06nNSqtMqrgvsJVQJMp5d81FVm8debKLPz30L_podS4I2zrCmj9alD_pmgEqt04ygTKtglaeT_99chD8PLmGQfRY-OqF6eOZFKM4gJ03zUVJEej0jV5zsGGVOFYhyqCqAqJCTjFwHiTBD/s320/23376539_10213871462197192_3902425291372469555_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Home In My Heart": SOLD!</i></div>
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<i>"Not-So-Delicate Flower": finished in the nick of time!</i></div>
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<i>winner winner! </i></div>
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Thanks to everyone's support, together we were able to raise $105 for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gr8bosfoodbank/" target="_blank">Greater Boston Food Bank</a>! This brings the total raised for national and local charities from two dozen (that's right, two dozen- another thing to be grateful for!) <a href="http://www.brushstrokesbymaria.com/brushstrokes-with-impact-tm/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a>s to roughly $3700! I feel pretty good about that. Anyway, if you find yourself anywhere near Roslindale, please stop by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/birchsthouseandgarden/" target="_blank">Birch St. House & Garden</a> to say hello and pick up something fun! That shop is as cute as can be, and you can find something for everyone on your list- including yourself! What's on tap for December, you might be asking? Stay tuned...I will fill you in next time! </div>
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<i>Thank you, Elizabeth! </i></div>
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Another fun thing that is scheduled to happen this week (weather permitting, of course) is a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2104076433154760/" target="_blank">Meditative Walk and Mandala-making workshop</a> at the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/creamaine/" target="_blank"> Cathance River Nature Alliance</a> with my dear friend, Heather Goulette of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Monarch-Massage-and-Wellness-251422334890586/?ref=br_rs" target="_blank">Monarch Massage and Wellness</a>! It's free, and it will be a wonderful way to decompress and get grounded in nature after and before the hustle and bustle of two major holidays. Join us! Here's a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2104076433154760/" target="_blank">link</a> to the Facebook event page. We would love to see you there! </div>
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<br />mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-85754259552724404082017-11-03T07:33:00.000-04:002017-11-03T07:33:02.545-04:0024 and there's so much moreMy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1704689432915699/" target="_blank">23rd Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a> was on Thursday, October 26th, and I had a fabulous time! The staff at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/halcyon.yarn/" target="_blank">Halcyon Yarn</a> was welcoming, friendly, and helpful from start to finish, the space was beautiful, and the music was great. Together, we were able to raise $100 for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/welcomeblanket/" target="_blank">Welcome Blanket Project</a>, and the winner of that day's painting, "With Liberty And Pumpkin For All," was none other than <a href="https://www.instagram.com/halcyonyarn/" target="_blank">Halcyon Yarn</a>'s very own, Gretchen Jaeger! Thank you, Gretchen, for giving my work a good home, and thank you to everyone at <a href="https://halcyonyarn.com/" target="_blank">Halcyon Yarn</a> for being so awesome!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lcpAUvX_8dd6sNEo1E8zwYmRF1e35-ubtNaL9kQ0wyYUeqCHR4ZYPY8lBqGbbHIdJCGMuw510fmpv5IhBkUNhPyXQfdBod2DKsfPw-w-vn6BJF7i4bgrfPjA8VC8ET-zJjh6iZsW7dUA/s1600/22780342_10213737383925319_7243915747759135193_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lcpAUvX_8dd6sNEo1E8zwYmRF1e35-ubtNaL9kQ0wyYUeqCHR4ZYPY8lBqGbbHIdJCGMuw510fmpv5IhBkUNhPyXQfdBod2DKsfPw-w-vn6BJF7i4bgrfPjA8VC8ET-zJjh6iZsW7dUA/s320/22780342_10213737383925319_7243915747759135193_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the poster...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbOOZT81_eXsM2MH126xEGx-jk1mfCjq12n8VYCWLX3gfl37locPNXg9DSm9S6zvWVQu96LUZpZDL0aGacDnxAeXCGI-XSiLEiuuAL1XqXbs_bQmlPfs9nuWVruZ-6liP-AcqyG1jP5XF/s1600/22730300_10213737404405831_8336945682046178262_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="827" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbOOZT81_eXsM2MH126xEGx-jk1mfCjq12n8VYCWLX3gfl37locPNXg9DSm9S6zvWVQu96LUZpZDL0aGacDnxAeXCGI-XSiLEiuuAL1XqXbs_bQmlPfs9nuWVruZ-6liP-AcqyG1jP5XF/s320/22730300_10213737404405831_8336945682046178262_n.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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<i>the set-up process...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrurnJoRN1nlebDz9WdMjgBN5JvLTjH4TAoP56nY_s003F9KzEC7r1eH72wt0hgf6KXSM-WtoQX_wfetqAI9xR44tmpO0o8J7i2TnX-1SpBrJlvzh8P45XaVZ4zfzqN8Gl25r3Df56NKWZ/s1600/22815535_10213741948239424_5583603774997399823_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrurnJoRN1nlebDz9WdMjgBN5JvLTjH4TAoP56nY_s003F9KzEC7r1eH72wt0hgf6KXSM-WtoQX_wfetqAI9xR44tmpO0o8J7i2TnX-1SpBrJlvzh8P45XaVZ4zfzqN8Gl25r3Df56NKWZ/s320/22815535_10213741948239424_5583603774997399823_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the beginning...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cJ6SmfXcE28S-qrBpS9aCyL8meZP0hV90jxtsuS3zstjK_tmWGEXTIvR_P52y0Xl3YQHlH6ajkCP0fcciF2bQcv8SHcdTHnqu7Hs7pl4YKWr_IO9ZbppscRxosSIvCC1YcCKBC3g9R3l/s1600/22815460_10213745320163720_5253336779890415126_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="865" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cJ6SmfXcE28S-qrBpS9aCyL8meZP0hV90jxtsuS3zstjK_tmWGEXTIvR_P52y0Xl3YQHlH6ajkCP0fcciF2bQcv8SHcdTHnqu7Hs7pl4YKWr_IO9ZbppscRxosSIvCC1YcCKBC3g9R3l/s320/22815460_10213745320163720_5253336779890415126_n.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<i>...and the winner! </i></div>
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So, #23 (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1704689432915699/" target="_blank">"Blanket Statement!"</a>) was my first event in Bath, and I'm happy to say that the location for #24 will be another "first" for me: this month, I'm heading to Massachusetts! On Saturday, November 11th, I'll be at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/birchsthouseandgarden/" target="_blank">Birch St. House & Garden</a> in Roslindale; I'll be painting from 10am-6pm, and in honor of Thanksgiving, I'm calling this "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/189512651617641/" target="_blank">Paint-a-Thon" "Attitude Of Gratitude!"</a>, and I'll be raising money for the <a href="https://twitter.com/Gr8BosFoodBank" target="_blank">Greater Boston Food Bank</a>! In case you're new to this blog, here's what I do: I set up my easel and paint for 8 hours straight; at the end of the day, I raffle off the completed 8" x 8" acrylic painting, and I donate half the raffle ticket proceeds (along with 10% of all art sold, excluding magnets) to that month's charity. Please come and see me...I'm excited to add another state to my list! </div>
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I also had a solo show go up this week at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/floatharder/" target="_blank">Float Harder</a> in Portland, and I'm pretty psyched about that as well. Have you ever floated in a sensory deprivation tank? Well, it's an incredible experience, and you can find out for yourself at<a href="http://www.floatharder.com/about-floating.html" target="_blank"> Float Harder</a>...and if you do it during the month of November, you'll be able to see my work in the waiting area! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNegOLDqNI46yq9wN4iK34B01UAo7MD6psO3EibHgYFi-tiI7RQytOUwzu5-o5A1RhV_BW9BKr1zxMiyMT5aWKmjgWTc5mDfZ7xtsOnOfmxrM_O0xTd2B9UV8eAz4u3mNycdbFNQ8tJ-mJ/s1600/23031639_10213799667122360_3102100805072941100_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNegOLDqNI46yq9wN4iK34B01UAo7MD6psO3EibHgYFi-tiI7RQytOUwzu5-o5A1RhV_BW9BKr1zxMiyMT5aWKmjgWTc5mDfZ7xtsOnOfmxrM_O0xTd2B9UV8eAz4u3mNycdbFNQ8tJ-mJ/s320/23031639_10213799667122360_3102100805072941100_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Full Moon Through Pines," on view at <a href="http://www.floatharder.com/" target="_blank">Float Harder</a>!</i></div>
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<br />mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-56816206455486970472017-10-24T14:53:00.002-04:002017-10-24T14:53:44.746-04:00blankety-blank-blank<span data-offset-key="6251i-0-0" style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.12px; white-space: normal;">I’m having my twenty-third <a href="http://www.brushstrokesbymaria.com/brushstrokes-with-impact-tm/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes With Impact™</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1704689432915699/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%2222%22%2C%22feed_story_type%22%3A%2222%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D&pnref=story" target="_blank">“Paint-a-Thon”</a>, and I'm calling it <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1704689432915699/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%2222%22%2C%22feed_story_type%22%3A%2222%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D&pnref=story" target="_blank">"Blanket Statement!"</a> On Thursday, October 26th, I will be setting up my easel at </span><a data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=119817933878&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A1704689432915699%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/halcyon.yarn/" style="cursor: pointer; letter-spacing: -0.12px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: normal;">Halcyon Yarn</a> <span style="letter-spacing: -0.12px; white-space: normal;">(12 School Street, Bath, ME) and painting from roughly 10am-6pm. At the end of the day, the completed painting will be raffled off, and 50% of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the </span><a data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=1289319564518611&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A1704689432915699%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/welcomeblanket/" style="cursor: pointer; letter-spacing: -0.12px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: normal;">Welcome Blanket</a> <span style="letter-spacing: -0.12px; white-space: normal;">Project. Raffle tickets can be purchased in person for $5 each or 3 for $10. I will also have a "pop-up" show of my art at </span><a data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=119817933878&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A1704689432915699%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/halcyon.yarn/" style="cursor: pointer; letter-spacing: -0.12px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: normal;">Halcyon Yarn</a><span style="letter-spacing: -0.12px; white-space: normal;"> and 10% of all my art sales (excluding magnets, but including totes) from this show will be donated to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/welcomeblanket/" target="_blank">Welcome Blanke</a>t Project.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="6251i-0-0" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true">You probably know the drill by now, but I'm trying something a little different this month, specifically for people who want to participate from a distance. Would you like a print of the painting I will be creating on Thursday? How about a free shot at the original itself? Do you like surprises? Well, for $25, you can get a signed, unframed, 6” x 6” giclee print mailed right to your door! This t<span style="letter-spacing: -0.24px;">ranslates to $20 for the print plus $5 shipping, for those of you who care. </span>Please allow 30 days for the prints to be made and shipped. The painting won’t fully exist until the end of the day, so I can’t tell you exactly what it will be (which is part of the reason for the bargain price), but if you’re reading this, chances are, you have an idea of what my work looks like! Prints can be purchased via <a href="https://www.paypal.me/BrushstrokesByMaria" style="background: transparent; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">PayPal</a> (<a href="https://www.paypal.me/BrushstrokesByMaria" style="background: transparent; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.paypal.me/BrushstrokesByMaria</a>), and of course, 10% of all print sales will be donated to this month’s cause, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/welcomeblanket/" target="_blank">Welcome Blanket</a> Project</span></span><span data-offset-key="6251i-2-0" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true">! This print purchase also gets you one complimentary chance to win that day's original 8" x 8" acrylic painting. Woo hoo! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In case you were wondering (and even if you weren't), the sidewalk piano I painted has been officially stored for the winter! Originally, I thought the piano would have a temporary existence (one summer only), but instead, the kind people at </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoolMoose/" style="letter-spacing: -0.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Cool As A Moose</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> decided that a single season wasn't enough. It's slated for a few minor repairs and some TLC (along with "a long winter's nap"). I'm so happy to hear it's being taken care of!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In other news, on Saturday, October 21st, I assisted my dear friend Heather Goulette of Monarch Massage and Wellness with a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1939765779579405/" target="_blank">Mindful Nature Walk for Kids</a> at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creamaine/" target="_blank">Cathance River Nature Preserve</a> in Topsham. It was a gorgeous day for a walk in the woods, and we even created a mandala with ingredients we found on our hike! Below are some photos, and you can click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creamaine/videos/10155713351274360/?hc_ref=ARQ44EF-IVtQ6m-rVVaz4wMD0HyqYtKcAjXbn_Rw2AZrVY6CdQIqO_PL7Tvoy3BS1_c&pnref=story" target="_blank">here for a time-lapse video</a> of the mandala-making process. Take a peek! </span><br />
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mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-8214042410534139462017-09-29T08:25:00.001-04:002017-09-29T08:25:07.202-04:00end of summer speed roundSeptember is almost over and I have a<i> lot </i>of catching up to do! I'd better get started...<br />
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Well, I've had two different <a href="http://www.brushstrokesbymaria.com/brushstrokes-with-impact-tm/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes With Impact</a> (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"s since the last time I posted: #21 was in August (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2037948149822125/" target="_blank">"Library Love #3</a>"); and #22 was in September (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/116859638960659/" target="_blank">"Gimme Shelter"</a>)! Both took place right here in Brunswick (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Twice-Told-Tales-903018426439537/" target="_blank">Twice-Told Tales</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/indranisbrunswick/" target="_blank">Indrani's</a>, respectively), and both were such positive experiences, I've already chatted with my friendly and gracious hosts about the possibility of doing it again. Here are some photos in case you weren't there!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQI6BxIs79uSFCNejeWNXxL8339QdX9FMv30pvvI_Eh0Skh5-FOvyoOpoAx6g63JhgOV-AJbXKFUL5wrb1wZrUz-KhLu9z-FmGmsvPasfvPgejDyAbhvWV6dtAyiBW-nAdfMd7i_n4tc2p/s1600/20638278_10213112583585701_299225232867416313_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="804" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQI6BxIs79uSFCNejeWNXxL8339QdX9FMv30pvvI_Eh0Skh5-FOvyoOpoAx6g63JhgOV-AJbXKFUL5wrb1wZrUz-KhLu9z-FmGmsvPasfvPgejDyAbhvWV6dtAyiBW-nAdfMd7i_n4tc2p/s320/20638278_10213112583585701_299225232867416313_n.jpg" width="268" /></a> </div>
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<i> they made me a sign! </i></div>
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<i> </i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGCKAuWpI2mcEPRpJSEfERQBDwIAySLcFzRAtgdZRwaTa25pcEt_D9FrG2hJ62-BSXAPbsUUhyFwgp9Vw8vYvw4J25fJRLXZZNGnCfyymCV1OckzZa4EGEEh5_UJsGzpo20lwfwcEL1-r/s1600/22050303_10213525804875975_7052248688114369337_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGCKAuWpI2mcEPRpJSEfERQBDwIAySLcFzRAtgdZRwaTa25pcEt_D9FrG2hJ62-BSXAPbsUUhyFwgp9Vw8vYvw4J25fJRLXZZNGnCfyymCV1OckzZa4EGEEh5_UJsGzpo20lwfwcEL1-r/s320/22050303_10213525804875975_7052248688114369337_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>the entryway of Twice-Told Tales</i></div>
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<i>part of the show</i></div>
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<i>from start...</i></div>
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<i>...to finish! "Transform With A Book"</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WEVvoF6yATc0llTEcrIB9Jz6ZmWPqjeLzJxPIPprVhLB1-6kFHQqpV5UYyLaYa4uTgKCGyXliUMxFCLgyNDwXv0QKF86Av4sbxCUEpJtXxXp7GtrQ_cVEXW-zv2C5aM19m56UYaZb3ZR/s1600/21768179_10213480621906429_6695741436874698313_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="937" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WEVvoF6yATc0llTEcrIB9Jz6ZmWPqjeLzJxPIPprVhLB1-6kFHQqpV5UYyLaYa4uTgKCGyXliUMxFCLgyNDwXv0QKF86Av4sbxCUEpJtXxXp7GtrQ_cVEXW-zv2C5aM19m56UYaZb3ZR/s320/21768179_10213480621906429_6695741436874698313_n.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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<i>the space just outside of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/indranisbrunswick/" target="_blank">Indrani's</a> is perfect!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOwhBu6PT1G0HQU9jHWJs4_1WD6vzFCoeO4likKvpFeNigUXZFLv4uWdy4cFd2kdGjIOnkQYmkvApQeEVvX0Kkj7nx2Df2DSHAPN-NW04tUQRXsREcHl9i8wx4nkTM8jxASVk-lJ3bEMp/s1600/always+keep+a+peaceful+center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="844" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOwhBu6PT1G0HQU9jHWJs4_1WD6vzFCoeO4likKvpFeNigUXZFLv4uWdy4cFd2kdGjIOnkQYmkvApQeEVvX0Kkj7nx2Df2DSHAPN-NW04tUQRXsREcHl9i8wx4nkTM8jxASVk-lJ3bEMp/s320/always+keep+a+peaceful+center.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
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<i>"Always Keep A Peaceful Center"</i></div>
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Julie Williams was the winner of "Transform With A Book", and Kathleen Meade was the winner of "Always Keep A Peaceful Center". Thanks to everyone's support, I was able to raise $100 for the Friends of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/curtislibrary/" target="_blank">Curtis Memorial Library</a>, and $191.50 for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrunswickCoastalRotary/" target="_blank">Brunswick Coastal Rotary</a>'s "Shelter Boxes For Texas" campaign, bringing my running total to roughly $3500 raised since I started this little adventure in December 2015! Woo hoo! </div>
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I had the pleasure of participating in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/curtislibrary/" target="_blank">Curtis Memorial Library</a>'s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/114822332568870/" target="_blank">"How-To Festival and Block Party"</a> on Saturday, September 16th, and that was a ton of fun...I actually wrote about it on my <a href="http://curtiscreativespaces.com/" target="_blank">Curtis Creative Spaces blog</a>, so if you'd like to read the full version, just click <a href="http://curtiscreativespaces.com/" target="_blank">here</a>! The short version is this: my dear friend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Monarch-Massage-and-Wellness-251422334890586/" target="_blank">Heather</a> and I did a four-hour "paint a community prayer flag" workshop, and people of all ages spent time painting with us and sending positive energy out into the town (and beyond)! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLYXm1-RLVrtrLQITec6MmyXXrxMMJm8wo1nhEKmRmPEnfBp4Inzpc5tTHxkqPU7NpPSJVMIHXGX9EtbdhMyyhzOpXvMOzB9iSDk2xdQOqIh5j3IEjEmNcgGdojFF6et4rFUfpmHWwYLN/s1600/21271200_10209353084044843_1759925151327302815_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLYXm1-RLVrtrLQITec6MmyXXrxMMJm8wo1nhEKmRmPEnfBp4Inzpc5tTHxkqPU7NpPSJVMIHXGX9EtbdhMyyhzOpXvMOzB9iSDk2xdQOqIh5j3IEjEmNcgGdojFF6et4rFUfpmHWwYLN/s320/21271200_10209353084044843_1759925151327302815_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>love always wins</i></div>
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The biggest news for the month, though, has to be this...do you remember the sidewalk piano I painted back in June? Well, <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.12px;">my piano is one of three featured in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MainePublic/videos/10155841958957033/?hc_ref=ARTHzR7CQ4af6gLGxWFDKirglucOd6lqUozAhRGjv2OkJHtQsGZAipmIPCVXbCwCGIY&pnref=story" target="_blank">this </a></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MainePublic/videos/10155841958957033/?hc_ref=ARTHzR7CQ4af6gLGxWFDKirglucOd6lqUozAhRGjv2OkJHtQsGZAipmIPCVXbCwCGIY&pnref=story" target="_blank">Maine Public "Out And About" short film</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.12px;"> by my friend, the lovely and talented </span><a href="https://twitter.com/BocoVideoPro" target="_blank">Rebecca Boothby Conley</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.12px;">! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MainePublic/videos/10155841958957033/?hc_ref=ARTHzR7CQ4af6gLGxWFDKirglucOd6lqUozAhRGjv2OkJHtQsGZAipmIPCVXbCwCGIY&pnref=story" target="_blank">Take a peek (and feel free to share it with others)!</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4YT4ku2paYP_tJKR_H8Blxr0LXwqNHMNPLj6S89l62VlVc1L6ojNe75VLUhq3SdMxeOaBSn9LVM3d9G9sePX3FLOXRGsvgTywakYmc5ncDFfjk-iqAFj8Hj66V7UkpWTnXVE4o25ay4S/s1600/19424059_10212596256117837_6064215268004310949_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="948" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4YT4ku2paYP_tJKR_H8Blxr0LXwqNHMNPLj6S89l62VlVc1L6ojNe75VLUhq3SdMxeOaBSn9LVM3d9G9sePX3FLOXRGsvgTywakYmc5ncDFfjk-iqAFj8Hj66V7UkpWTnXVE4o25ay4S/s320/19424059_10212596256117837_6064215268004310949_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>June 21st, 2017</i></div>
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One last thing before I go: my website has recently been spruced up! If you haven't visited in a while, please check it out: <a href="http://www.brushstrokesbymaria.com/">www.brushstrokesbymaria.com</a>. Until next time...</div>
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mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-63619572953483159792017-08-28T16:43:00.002-04:002017-08-28T16:43:51.136-04:00take-backsiesI try to focus on the positives- in my life and in this blog- but I also want to be real and authentic, and sometimes disappointments happen. I realize that in the grand scheme of things this is <i>such</i> small potatoes, and thankfully, I've been in a great mood lately (thanks in no small part to having seen 4 <a href="http://chrisrobinsonbrotherhood.com/" target="_blank">Chris Robinson Brotherhood</a> shows in a week with friends and family, among other cool, fun things that have been happening in my life)...otherwise, something like this might have sent me into a major case of the blues. I'm not trying to whine, I'm trying to be honest and make sense of what I'm feeling...I want to get topsy-turvy on it and make a negative into a positive. So, here goes:<br />
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Back in May, a student from a local college put down a small deposit to buy "Strawberry," one of my paintings. We had some communications right after we first met and made several attempts to hook up to make the final exchange of funds for the painting, but the timing wasn't right, and she went home for the summer holiday. Since I know the fall semester is starting any day now, I emailed her yesterday to check in and see when she might like to meet up. The response I received was along the lines of "Sorry, I wasn't thinking clearly. I can't afford the painting. Please keep the deposit for the inconvenience."<br />
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As soon as I read that email, my first response was a sinking feeling of foolishness: I'm so embarrassed- I posted that this was <i>sold</i>! I posted about how excited I was that someone saw the price tag on that painting and said, "yes- this is worth it." Anyone who knows me knows that I have a <i>very</i> hard time pricing my work, and this sale felt like a validation of sorts. Before you say it, let me clarify: no, I'm <i>not</i> painting for other people, I'm doing it for myself, and I'm <i>not </i>just doing this for money (anyone who has seen my work can figure that much out)... I <i>know</i> that validation comes from within. That being said, ideally, you want to touch people in a positive way with your work, and when that results in someone ponying up some dough for it, that feels pretty good. When it's given and then taken away, that feels pretty crappy. I'd just as soon have it not happen in the first place.<br />
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My inner critic (who I refer to as "Marge" for no other reason than it makes me laugh) wasted no time piping up: "People who don't like you will laugh when they find out about this" and "What's wrong with you- haven't you ever heard the saying <i>don't count your chickens before they hatch?</i><i>" </i>and<i> </i>"I <i>told</i> you you shouldn't have raised your prices," and on and on. Quick sidebar: why do we say such horrible things to ourselves? We would never talk like that to a friend or a loved one, yet when it's us talking to ourselves, it's a totally different story. "Marge" is kind of a b*tch. Anyway... I'm happy to say that "Marge" was joined by a softer, yet equally forceful, voice that said, "This just means that painting is meant for for someone else. She isn't the right person. The right person hasn't come along yet, but they will, and in retrospect, you will be <i>so</i> glad this happened. Sometimes what seems like a delay is actually the universe getting the timing just right."<br />
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I've done deposits/payment plans with strangers before, and it has worked out well. Do I change my approach because of this experience and stop offering that as an option? Do I let one negative interaction change my way of doing business? How do I keep this as a possibility without setting myself up for a "fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me" situation? Artists- has this happened to you? If so, how did you handle it? Can you relate? I would love to hear your thoughts...mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-5887030277874949402017-08-07T10:00:00.000-04:002017-08-07T10:00:11.011-04:00mid-summer check inEEK! I didn't post here at all during the month of July! Well, it <i>is</i> summer, and things move at a different pace during this season, don't they? July was a busy month in a lot of different ways, some of which I'm not ready to blog about (but eventually, I will)...for now, I'll do what I can!<br />
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On Friday, July 21st, I had my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1819678748346092/" target="_blank">20th Brushstrokes With Impact</a> (tm) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1819678748346092/?context=create&previousaction=create&ref=70&source=1&sid_create=3527631655&action_history=[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22surface%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22permalink%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22[]%22%7D%2C%7B%22surface%22%3A%22create_dialog%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22user_create_dialog%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A[]%7D]&has_source=1" target="_blank">"Paint-a-Thon"</a> at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dobrateame/" target="_blank">Dobra Tea</a> in Portland. Number 20 was called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1819678748346092/?context=create&previousaction=create&ref=70&source=1&sid_create=3527631655&action_history=[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22surface%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22permalink%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22[]%22%7D%2C%7B%22surface%22%3A%22create_dialog%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22user_create_dialog%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A[]%7D]&has_source=1" target="_blank">"Green Is Good!"</a> and the cause was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/maineaudubon/" target="_blank">Maine Audubon</a>'s conservation efforts. I wasn't sure exactly <i>what </i>I would be painting until the day before my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1819678748346092/" target="_blank">"Paint-a-Thon,"</a> but when I woke up to the happy sound of cardinals singing, I knew what my subject would be!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPdDnVU4BlUFwd1EzP0FR4z2Gm6cpFBL39zMNUnuLMGWujAUvgcLxxhNC3M1Drox_F8lNBdDmevCw0ciyaxvOX8L92RpngPzR3HLNZkirQFWdj0lLK8NC7dpHokPHcG5nFjCxTcwjohSD/s1600/cardinal+sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPdDnVU4BlUFwd1EzP0FR4z2Gm6cpFBL39zMNUnuLMGWujAUvgcLxxhNC3M1Drox_F8lNBdDmevCw0ciyaxvOX8L92RpngPzR3HLNZkirQFWdj0lLK8NC7dpHokPHcG5nFjCxTcwjohSD/s320/cardinal+sketch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the sketch...</i></div>
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I started painting at 10:30am, and just before 6:30pm, I was signing "Happy Cardinal"! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vRHBvNjy9DOvBjFlop3-KgSYmSxFv7Z_OQofhuY0PGuIeuySA8qK3pjKUwBcWTO9GJ1hDdI26rd-iEQFBxXMc0hH6j6trZCsx7Ntn9hQkr8y5lekKCeQzeoRB7ibg7TmdlvAyunCYEwq/s1600/happy+cardinal+on+easel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vRHBvNjy9DOvBjFlop3-KgSYmSxFv7Z_OQofhuY0PGuIeuySA8qK3pjKUwBcWTO9GJ1hDdI26rd-iEQFBxXMc0hH6j6trZCsx7Ntn9hQkr8y5lekKCeQzeoRB7ibg7TmdlvAyunCYEwq/s320/happy+cardinal+on+easel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>...and the finished painting!</i></div>
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Tristan at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dobrateame/" target="_blank">Dobra Tea</a> was kind enough to do the ticket-pulling duties once again (thank you!), and my niece, Ella Evans, was the winner of "Happy Cardinal"! I believe that's the second painting she has won, and both paintings have been of birds...I find this interesting. Anyway, I'm so grateful to everyone at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dobrateame/" target="_blank">Dobra Tea</a> for hosting my work for two months, and for allowing me to have two different <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/398713470528748/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%223%22%2C%22ref_newsfeed_story_type%22%3A%22regular%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D" target="_blank">"Paint-a-Thon"s </a>while my work was there! You all made me feel so welcome, and I appreciate it. Thanks to everyone's support, together we were able to raise $124.50 for the conservation efforts of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/maineaudubon/" target="_blank">Maine Audubon</a>! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFC7cq0cUIq08TTtn1knnlDSVN3QSlYZ9Jec8RPkuLLshfWiSKWEAGo8WyZWUQ-iFfkIRtnZuIdET6ld552wEoMgkzRMkS4p_5e1Nqz9J1bLVFn9bE6J7RnTAmMBOS7DQjfJ9ROTpUvMTq/s1600/ticket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFC7cq0cUIq08TTtn1knnlDSVN3QSlYZ9Jec8RPkuLLshfWiSKWEAGo8WyZWUQ-iFfkIRtnZuIdET6ld552wEoMgkzRMkS4p_5e1Nqz9J1bLVFn9bE6J7RnTAmMBOS7DQjfJ9ROTpUvMTq/s320/ticket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>congratulations, Ella!</i></div>
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So...now that it's August, I'd like to announce my 21st <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2037948149822125/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22bookmarks%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmarks_menu%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22[]%22%7D%2C%7B%22surface%22%3A%22dashboard%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22calendar_tab_event%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%7B%5C%22dashboard_filter%5C%22%3A%5C%22upcoming%5C%22%7D%22%7D]%2C%22ref%22%3A46%7D" target="_blank">Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"!</a> This one is called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2037948149822125/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22bookmarks%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmarks_menu%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22[]%22%7D%2C%7B%22surface%22%3A%22dashboard%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22calendar_tab_event%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%7B%5C%22dashboard_filter%5C%22%3A%5C%22upcoming%5C%22%7D%22%7D]%2C%22ref%22%3A46%7D" target="_blank">"Library Love 3!"</a> and it will be in a new venue for me: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Twice-Told-Tales-903018426439537/" target="_blank">Twice-Told Tales</a> (11 Pleasant Street, Brunswick)! 50% of the raffle ticket sales and 10% of all art sold (excluding magnets, but including totes) will be donated to the Friends of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/curtislibrary/" target="_blank">Curtis Library</a>. Please come and see me from 10:30am to 6:30pm on Friday, August 11th! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2037948149822125/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22bookmarks%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmarks_menu%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22[]%22%7D%2C%7B%22surface%22%3A%22dashboard%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22calendar_tab_event%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%7B%5C%22dashboard_filter%5C%22%3A%5C%22upcoming%5C%22%7D%22%7D]%2C%22ref%22%3A46%7D" target="_blank">"Library Love 3!" </a>will coincide with Brunswick's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/2ndFridayBrunswick/" target="_blank">Second Friday</a> festivities, so it should be a fun night to be out and about in town! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofoc-bhpmJniyPPXSchnk-Q19R8YZqjdrUAPZ03nAtIOHXoTgglopvFZw6eBZNOlludVb2fkElDkdang6wR9SzKggMW1IS8YH8UeY2sNueZmPCOrZsWO0k-bUG_iFDP7KoFEwiAibrCLj/s1600/20604543_10213076347519822_1435580941991121986_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofoc-bhpmJniyPPXSchnk-Q19R8YZqjdrUAPZ03nAtIOHXoTgglopvFZw6eBZNOlludVb2fkElDkdang6wR9SzKggMW1IS8YH8UeY2sNueZmPCOrZsWO0k-bUG_iFDP7KoFEwiAibrCLj/s320/20604543_10213076347519822_1435580941991121986_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<i>a screenshot of the <a href="https://twitter.com/curtislibrary" target="_blank">Curtis Memorial Library</a> newsletter! </i></div>
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<br />mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-49916927638143097052017-06-30T12:57:00.002-04:002017-06-30T12:57:48.081-04:00over the moon in juneYikes! A whole month has gone by without me writing a blog post here! I <i>have</i> posted <a href="http://curtiscreativespaces.com/summer-reading/" target="_blank">twice</a> on the <a href="http://curtiscreativespaces.com/little-things-mean-a-lot/" target="_blank">Curtis Creative Spaces</a> blog, though- does that count for something? Anyway, the reason I haven't posted here is because June has been a very busy month indeed...and since today's the last day in June, I better get on it!<br />
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My <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/398713470528748/" target="_blank">19th Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a> was at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dobrateame/" target="_blank">Dobra Tea</a> (89 Exchange Street) on Friday, June 2nd - First Friday, to be exact - and although it feels like a distant memory right now, it is certainly a fond one! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/398713470528748/" target="_blank">"Do Tell"</a> was my first "Paint-a-Thon" to take place in Portland, which was a milestone for me. Just to recap, my solo show at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dobrateame/" target="_blank">Dobra Tea</a> went up at the end of May, and that show will be up through the end of July, so my June and July "Paint-a-Thon" events will be in the same location. I'm grateful for this fact for several reasons, the biggest one being how awesome a venue <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dobrateame/" target="_blank">Dobra Tea</a> is! The place is gorgeous, the staff is friendly, the tea is wonderful, and the clientele is laid-back and peaceful. It was a great place to spend the day painting, and I experienced something I've never experienced before: I finished an hour early!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTPJXYpxRxwEr2Hha-UZMK807d6-E0_dln6OknDcW8v7l6kcSbmgzoiE1yXJdli94s6TvfDdzy-DfhxQF1Gr1xHAb3zYcDiDiH03r3PCfcoF0A6vzf8zgudiSxsJydtEik8WGRyTuE7VU/s1600/begin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTPJXYpxRxwEr2Hha-UZMK807d6-E0_dln6OknDcW8v7l6kcSbmgzoiE1yXJdli94s6TvfDdzy-DfhxQF1Gr1xHAb3zYcDiDiH03r3PCfcoF0A6vzf8zgudiSxsJydtEik8WGRyTuE7VU/s320/begin.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>the beginning...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fRpB1IFBogmEv324JayCdd8-4o1zcGaTiw-HLHe-QaJR7TNd-7cHHLUhUDVkbmAnvyyGQ-M-1X0t0f1dUHMTwuPwepgFbVeIXFiS-qTbbARieu2-NX6RBEuQAv01eAAysxe7VCrQKNRc/s1600/blossom+in+my+driveway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fRpB1IFBogmEv324JayCdd8-4o1zcGaTiw-HLHe-QaJR7TNd-7cHHLUhUDVkbmAnvyyGQ-M-1X0t0f1dUHMTwuPwepgFbVeIXFiS-qTbbARieu2-NX6RBEuQAv01eAAysxe7VCrQKNRc/s320/blossom+in+my+driveway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Blossom In My Driveway": finished! </i></div>
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I'm happy to say that the winner of "Blossom In My Driveway" is Daniel Alperin! Danny is a very dear friend of my sister, Addie, and her husband, Marc, and I know he will give my work a good home. I even have photographic evidence:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuQV4zT4iZ49IBpfF7khMXxjABJwAae8vvx7ussuW3SSjiBtwFJ4qbvhI4PQMpAMM_RNbebdncfBqBjmFkq2tp2GzyVoX8i7MGi0bsOwmNcesfL4A-MEwcZCmHXOwSoUEzk9PIl6dfqwt/s1600/danny+w%253Apainting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuQV4zT4iZ49IBpfF7khMXxjABJwAae8vvx7ussuW3SSjiBtwFJ4qbvhI4PQMpAMM_RNbebdncfBqBjmFkq2tp2GzyVoX8i7MGi0bsOwmNcesfL4A-MEwcZCmHXOwSoUEzk9PIl6dfqwt/s320/danny+w%253Apainting.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>proof!</i></div>
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Thanks to everyone's support, a check for $100 is heading out today to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TellingRoom/" target="_blank">The Telling Room</a>. Yay! I'd also like to take this opportunity to announce my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1819678748346092/?context=create&previousaction=create&ref=70&source=1&sid_create=3527631655&action_history=[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22surface%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22permalink%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22[]%22%7D%2C%7B%22surface%22%3A%22create_dialog%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22user_create_dialog%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A[]%7D]&has_source=1" target="_blank">July "Paint-a-Thon"</a>: yes, it will be at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dobrateame/" target="_blank">Dobra Tea</a>, but this time, it will be on Friday, July 21st; I'm calling it <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1819678748346092/?context=create&previousaction=create&ref=70&source=1&sid_create=3527631655&action_history=[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22surface%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22permalink%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22[]%22%7D%2C%7B%22surface%22%3A%22create_dialog%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22user_create_dialog%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A[]%7D]&has_source=1" target="_blank">"Green Is Good," </a>because this month's cause will be the conservation efforts of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/maineaudubon/" target="_blank">Maine Audubon</a>! Here's the link to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1819678748346092/" target="_blank">Facebook event page: </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1819678748346092/">https://www.facebook.com/events/1819678748346092/</a></div>
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Another thing keeping me busy in June was getting my piece ready for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/337726323308791/" target="_blank">Taste of Tidewater 10x10</a>. The show isn't until August, but the deadline for dropping off work was today...and I managed to get it finished a day early! WHEW. I give you "Office Daffodils"! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9Rjt-oSl5AVJjEIU-JIReZcXuR3eDJwN2mY8nNlFrW9O9rikhAr48Ig7AVatbYRr8OcYUH4OOQvdKO8PNQPi-9XOi5G0FIYSJIBNMdoYgBeOMCkq0seL7BQSWFvs9SGGgsmurZXUuEDz/s1600/office+daffodils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9Rjt-oSl5AVJjEIU-JIReZcXuR3eDJwN2mY8nNlFrW9O9rikhAr48Ig7AVatbYRr8OcYUH4OOQvdKO8PNQPi-9XOi5G0FIYSJIBNMdoYgBeOMCkq0seL7BQSWFvs9SGGgsmurZXUuEDz/s320/office+daffodils.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Office Daffodils"</i></div>
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What else has been happening? Well, I've saved the biggest news for last: I painted a piano and it's now living on the sidewalk on Maine Street in Brunswick outside of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/coolasamoosebrunswick/" target="_blank">Cool As A Moose</a>! This is a very long story, but I will try to be as brief as I can (which probably won't be brief at all, but whatever). Caroline from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/coolasamoosebrunswick/" target="_blank">Cool As A Moose</a> reached out to me a while ago to see if I'd be interested in painting their offering for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brunswickdowntown/?pnref=story" target="_blank">Brunswick Downtown Association's</a> "Pianos on The Streets" initiative. Naturally, I jumped at the chance, and soon enough, the wonderful folks at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/msmtfan/" target="_blank">Maine State Music Theatre</a> came up with a piano they were happy to donate! You might remember how much rain we had in the early part of this month along with the unseasonably hot and humid days scattered in between...well, the initial plan was for me to paint the piano right out on the sidewalk, but due to the crazy forecast, I asked if there might be an indoor space where I could work. Again, the awesome staff at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/msmtfan/" target="_blank">Maine State Music Theatre</a> came through, and offered up their small rehearsal room at 22 Elm Street. Not only was I able to work in air-conditioned comfort during some very hot days (and work long after dark during some other nights), I was able to eavesdrop on rehearsals for "Tommy" and "Guys And Dolls"! What fun! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7kOtIzkERv_7Nv0xFQ1brYz8E8gWutkmHUpUGUVaRiKkt7ZVwigxHnok84acGbx3v2BSip3J8ubJvDoxG4XFZ1Yjv_xam1GU52exsk0FTUDUY3_uC3nt6-WH6TtoU9trApHPRad1nypz/s1600/priming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7kOtIzkERv_7Nv0xFQ1brYz8E8gWutkmHUpUGUVaRiKkt7ZVwigxHnok84acGbx3v2BSip3J8ubJvDoxG4XFZ1Yjv_xam1GU52exsk0FTUDUY3_uC3nt6-WH6TtoU9trApHPRad1nypz/s320/priming.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>priming, June 7th</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzm5jC3xKY1ty1Yx_IshiivqwLmCCDUIrHED386ywyzsbFC2FBvcrSYXi7KX7MVcbCekiXhXlrbWdSqoYaWAbqhigE_m_L2gYogfC34-etXgaJlU0uajCitnOF2Jkt8Mn7X69fwKvY5xi/s1600/june+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzm5jC3xKY1ty1Yx_IshiivqwLmCCDUIrHED386ywyzsbFC2FBvcrSYXi7KX7MVcbCekiXhXlrbWdSqoYaWAbqhigE_m_L2gYogfC34-etXgaJlU0uajCitnOF2Jkt8Mn7X69fwKvY5xi/s320/june+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>June 8th</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7Su0GTQJOlN6pas4eQLcFTmihNKaVtCDeBKLNwcEBvxv1SIFx_TmbZylJVr8JXDI9jA9Eks4-rpXSfFt_0ayUbsFgCrrtci8U4YQgop0p_p4BO9bG83uR2-pJIwNdw0Mc2KNVB_upYzJ/s1600/june+9th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7Su0GTQJOlN6pas4eQLcFTmihNKaVtCDeBKLNwcEBvxv1SIFx_TmbZylJVr8JXDI9jA9Eks4-rpXSfFt_0ayUbsFgCrrtci8U4YQgop0p_p4BO9bG83uR2-pJIwNdw0Mc2KNVB_upYzJ/s320/june+9th.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>June 9th</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-3GBVH7kcq1YLt5L8jRl1WhtaDEFeRMa0fTLQFS5OKj8XamMeJzDxT9lJpDYp5N9CbDiOtEiQiI-9X4mE0BUWdKbmMITVLvwBW4Ayev0BXltVpn0Qgpu4_1DpnOHQuDyH_ZfTieKJM5X/s1600/june+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-3GBVH7kcq1YLt5L8jRl1WhtaDEFeRMa0fTLQFS5OKj8XamMeJzDxT9lJpDYp5N9CbDiOtEiQiI-9X4mE0BUWdKbmMITVLvwBW4Ayev0BXltVpn0Qgpu4_1DpnOHQuDyH_ZfTieKJM5X/s320/june+12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>June 12th</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2OcbygKO3MsSnGTLQQ52tC9XcbFWULCvNxHh1SFyTe2O9vpxpE0Gb5PUcdoK47ZSHoBN1Yo_f6EYtecdlL5iQykIr_e4_tEH1zwBilVfdtnFTU3hHcImeTbU-Nofp9fCD0DoP-UYRCRs/s1600/june+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="874" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2OcbygKO3MsSnGTLQQ52tC9XcbFWULCvNxHh1SFyTe2O9vpxpE0Gb5PUcdoK47ZSHoBN1Yo_f6EYtecdlL5iQykIr_e4_tEH1zwBilVfdtnFTU3hHcImeTbU-Nofp9fCD0DoP-UYRCRs/s320/june+13.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
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<i>June 13th</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCtrn1PmILEtoRAm1PU-H5fM9X8gPOcwNbPIUL4lgML2nSPpDFiFxZ-jfZ6j77H5VIvXGDBpRxLNXUjOFmysip_AFhn8Xequ7DWhmeu2ec1ksCKBeCr_9fMe-5hSy8CrwlsVTiY9eEKqk/s1600/june+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCtrn1PmILEtoRAm1PU-H5fM9X8gPOcwNbPIUL4lgML2nSPpDFiFxZ-jfZ6j77H5VIvXGDBpRxLNXUjOFmysip_AFhn8Xequ7DWhmeu2ec1ksCKBeCr_9fMe-5hSy8CrwlsVTiY9eEKqk/s320/june+14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>June 14th</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5a2NPsNCxYpqQVejcWspio5KV6mN9AMMlJKcj7WHUufQXAmXRgxDevKoMa566RP_l6OMQF9ZEKAWxQvzfCuEZ1Jw8d2qoHmMidRAbcG8ewQRYQifEcOzav0UcCVFrKzYeJZCZiyhLklF/s1600/June+15th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5a2NPsNCxYpqQVejcWspio5KV6mN9AMMlJKcj7WHUufQXAmXRgxDevKoMa566RP_l6OMQF9ZEKAWxQvzfCuEZ1Jw8d2qoHmMidRAbcG8ewQRYQifEcOzav0UcCVFrKzYeJZCZiyhLklF/s320/June+15th.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>June 15th</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJy0b2lflSkf3PgEH2-kmkAbjKdhTmdU5HwN1JZqlRee2SwhPm9D5MZ9cF2Gejy1gfgDwwa_1-7vpe5zZZEhg_avCpnn20Pa0RQJFDbzEhaiYj2C9s04oM-9NVMSnGSBUAkHhdDPBuoFqb/s1600/June+15th+2+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJy0b2lflSkf3PgEH2-kmkAbjKdhTmdU5HwN1JZqlRee2SwhPm9D5MZ9cF2Gejy1gfgDwwa_1-7vpe5zZZEhg_avCpnn20Pa0RQJFDbzEhaiYj2C9s04oM-9NVMSnGSBUAkHhdDPBuoFqb/s320/June+15th+2+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>June 15th</i></div>
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After 44 hours of work over 10 consecutive days (yes, I kept track), the piano was finally finished. You can see all of my progress photos on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brushstrokesbymaria/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, if you'd like...here is the link: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brushstrokesbymaria/">https://www.instagram.com/brushstrokesbymaria/</a></div>
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Like little angels in the night, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/msmtfan/" target="_blank">MSMT</a> interns surprised everyone and moved the piano after hours (I've been told that there's a video of the big move, but I have yet to see it, and I am SO curious!), and on Wednesday, June 21st (Summer Solstice!), my piano made its debut. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZV0YpT-MTZZrJmbqUwprUfytfdnMct0FA20xAME6EUNbKK4E_TLg27o8G-y0YvLccEGucerrPBvYvEnvYbpaOoxnhVBGzQoQNvCOi3F6mg6vdo5GqGkTY5JAMLlSmntx1Vs33qC2mFMU/s1600/me+w%253Apiano+summer+solstice+debut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZV0YpT-MTZZrJmbqUwprUfytfdnMct0FA20xAME6EUNbKK4E_TLg27o8G-y0YvLccEGucerrPBvYvEnvYbpaOoxnhVBGzQoQNvCOi3F6mg6vdo5GqGkTY5JAMLlSmntx1Vs33qC2mFMU/s320/me+w%253Apiano+summer+solstice+debut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>HOORAY!</i></div>
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I'm grateful to Caroline from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/coolasamoosebrunswick/" target="_blank">Cool As A Moose</a> for asking me to work on this project, I'm grateful to Curt, Kathi, and everyone else at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/msmtfan/" target="_blank">MSMT</a> for their hospitality and for making me feel so welcome, and I'm grateful to Patti, Trevor, and everyone else at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brunswickdowntown/?pnref=story" target="_blank">Brunswick Downtown Association</a> for all you do for this great little town I love so much! I've heard that there is going to be a celebration of all of the sidewalk pianos on Second Friday (July 14th)...stay tuned (no pun intended)!</div>
mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-72306230812489219992017-05-31T12:45:00.003-04:002017-05-31T12:45:58.501-04:00tell me Guess what? I'm having my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/398713470528748/" target="_blank">19th Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a> THIS WEEK! I know, I know...a little notice would have been nice...anyway, I'm excited about it for a variety of reasons...and now, I will list those reasons... :)<br />
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In case you're new to what I do, allow me to explain it here: I set up my easel and paint an 8" x 8" canvas for 8 hours straight. I sell raffle tickets ($5 each or 3 for $10) and at the end of the day, the completed painting is raffled off, with 50% of the ticket sales (as well as 10% of all art sold, excluding magnets but including totes) being donated to charity. I name each <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/398713470528748/" target="_blank">"Paint-a-Thon"</a> as I go along (just so I can keep things straight), and I'm calling this particular event <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/398713470528748/" target="_blank">"Do Tell!"</a> because this time, the cause I'll be raising money for is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TellingRoom/" target="_blank">The Telling Room</a>! You might be asking, "Where and when is this happening?" Well, those answers make up a couple of the other reasons why I'm so excited! First, the venue...I will be at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dobrateame/" target="_blank">Dobra Tea</a>, 89 Exchange Street, Portland! I have a solo show that went up on Friday, May 26th, and it will be up through most of July, which means I will be having TWO "Paint-a-Thon"s there during that time period (but let's focus on one month at a time, shall we?)! Second, the date...<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/398713470528748/" target="_blank">"Do Tell"</a> will be happening on Friday, June 2nd, which also happens to be <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1956925914585094/" target="_blank">First Friday Art Walk</a>! The art walk isn't 8 hours long, though, so I will be starting my painting around 10:30am and (hopefully) finishing up around 6:30pm. I'm planning on hanging out a bit afterwards and having the winning ticket get pulled closer to the end of the art walk (which is 8pm). If you can't make it to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/398713470528748/" target="_blank">"Do Tell!"</a> and you still want to support <a href="https://twitter.com/thetellingroom" target="_blank">The Telling Room</a> by buying some art, don't worry: the 10% donation from all art sold will continue throughout the month of June!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgzkkik_ULW3xy4SjZy0PAbPjiGI5HWFSC7zmIdlwzIPfGBEK2iTxIgbLr0Ox9u8elWIlekDv4FgBwYvFTAD-qeubD3phu0bglUP97S4Ydjl6vLzN6YK5mihzGUIGntlo1hcBwhd_BUrf/s1600/dobra+tea+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgzkkik_ULW3xy4SjZy0PAbPjiGI5HWFSC7zmIdlwzIPfGBEK2iTxIgbLr0Ox9u8elWIlekDv4FgBwYvFTAD-qeubD3phu0bglUP97S4Ydjl6vLzN6YK5mihzGUIGntlo1hcBwhd_BUrf/s320/dobra+tea+wall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>side wall</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4txXEBI2nS4Mft2O9Yu-KBpn6acxeWbaAYqh-9586rN7Z5Qgv9WTh6v_LXHaf6pR9D1voHBGV8XAn2yyY3Ieffh2KvvWcqhq-iQWymU4s4-4khVzGtBxLtDcibw2eON8NxB29fEbwjN51/s1600/back+wall+dobra+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4txXEBI2nS4Mft2O9Yu-KBpn6acxeWbaAYqh-9586rN7Z5Qgv9WTh6v_LXHaf6pR9D1voHBGV8XAn2yyY3Ieffh2KvvWcqhq-iQWymU4s4-4khVzGtBxLtDcibw2eON8NxB29fEbwjN51/s320/back+wall+dobra+tea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>back wall</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVw26O5UNl0NYyoKFXYubwKnxM0eLvw9tRNVycSABISyefcCscHZClq_hfFhu9I5QH2FLPSGR6VwgInJDRv8GPGWngwQStZMMzxJw3AjaDLB1w9uaTOOt6Am-ESdpJq75HjgQeVHSLqp9e/s1600/dobra+tea+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVw26O5UNl0NYyoKFXYubwKnxM0eLvw9tRNVycSABISyefcCscHZClq_hfFhu9I5QH2FLPSGR6VwgInJDRv8GPGWngwQStZMMzxJw3AjaDLB1w9uaTOOt6Am-ESdpJq75HjgQeVHSLqp9e/s320/dobra+tea+back.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>a lovely place to enjoy some tea!</i></div>
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So...what else has been going on? A lot, actually! Some of you reading this might remember that back in late February/early March, I painted a <a href="https://littlefreelibrary.org/" target="_blank">Little Free Library</a> for a silent auction at <a href="https://twitter.com/curtislibrary" target="_blank">Curtis Memorial Library's</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/curtislibrary/posts/10155332090186165" target="_blank">"Booked For The Night"</a> event. Well, now that the warmer weather is here and the snow is all melted, my <a href="https://littlefreelibrary.org/" target="_blank">Little Free Library</a> has been installed at its new home: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crystalspringcommunityfarm/" target="_blank">Crystal Spring Community Farm</a>! If you're driving by, you can see it from the road, so please pay it a visit if you're in the area (277 Pleasant Hill Road, Brunswick, to be specific)! T<span style="text-align: center;">he front faces the farmers' market space...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikan23-47FUatV7TeQUGJ9hu79S5TDIYs20gYAsaSSVkqqHipIA9HwJlwPBdC0lSbJdHpacuCkzctWg6vrQWIipKhh01qXXfHeuNScYlRHqno8kk44OIW3Gc-84xyWWqqReOyGYU8Yp-wG/s1600/lfl+csf+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikan23-47FUatV7TeQUGJ9hu79S5TDIYs20gYAsaSSVkqqHipIA9HwJlwPBdC0lSbJdHpacuCkzctWg6vrQWIipKhh01qXXfHeuNScYlRHqno8kk44OIW3Gc-84xyWWqqReOyGYU8Yp-wG/s320/lfl+csf+front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>...like so...</i></div>
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...and the back faces the driveway to the CSA pickup area...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcFGC76hTT7dzZJBvuVxwf39HaqOPAppFF5FhwzrVbu4CSHOLahRjJLxVIlNMGHqyXiH7klqwk3YJ8GsOtRFO9XM1Pgj8bQN2duslM4J3_WndeH-BHbnq-RQWbpDsBdBnsTOb_aDYadVV/s1600/lfl+csf+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcFGC76hTT7dzZJBvuVxwf39HaqOPAppFF5FhwzrVbu4CSHOLahRjJLxVIlNMGHqyXiH7klqwk3YJ8GsOtRFO9XM1Pgj8bQN2duslM4J3_WndeH-BHbnq-RQWbpDsBdBnsTOb_aDYadVV/s320/lfl+csf+back.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>...like so...</i></div>
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...and I couldn't be happier about it! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wcR2Cbr01eXa48ci3xcRSVWkMhd6JwefzWUtsGQR9fAjLibeSJUb5tHGzuOUlB_pvQMpwk2DAVPHvV9_r0y7PxIvqQGz8O5D80_tTNp9pg7MHEU2fuARl7iUjPWKWX0DLxMUxgydeSvh/s1600/lfl+csf+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wcR2Cbr01eXa48ci3xcRSVWkMhd6JwefzWUtsGQR9fAjLibeSJUb5tHGzuOUlB_pvQMpwk2DAVPHvV9_r0y7PxIvqQGz8O5D80_tTNp9pg7MHEU2fuARl7iUjPWKWX0DLxMUxgydeSvh/s320/lfl+csf+me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>...like so! </i></div>
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Speaking of Brunswick-area events, the seventh annual <a href="http://m.bpt.me/event/2940120" target="_blank">Altered Couture</a> was last Thursday, May 25th, and if you missed it, you missed one hell of a show! Altered Couture is the brainchild of the lovely and talented <a href="https://www.facebook.com/artvanprogram/photos/a.10150261125091834.373255.176541126833/10155379730446834/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Christine DeTroy</a>, and this year's event was entitled "Masquerade Couture"! It was my fourth time participating, although the first time was only as a last-minute fill-in model for someone else's entry, so that makes this my third time creating a costume...anyway, in case you've never been to <a href="http://m.bpt.me/event/2940120" target="_blank">Altered Couture</a>, here's the rundown: roughly two dozen participants each make a costume based on a theme. You're not supposed to spend more than $25 on your outfit, and the emphasis is on getting creative with recycled/repurposed/inexpensive/non-traditional materials. You choose a song, and you "walk the runway" wearing your creation. It is the best example of "art for art's sake" that I have ever been a part of. Every year, Altered Couture raises money for a different cause, and this time, Christine chose <a href="https://www.facebook.com/artvanprogram/" target="_blank">ArtVan</a> to be the recipient (and if you're reading this, you know I love <a href="https://www.facebook.com/artvanprogram/" target="_blank">ArtVan</a> and their mission). My costume was based on the song I chose: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqrxQNicjBY" target="_blank">"How Many People Are You"</a> <span style="font-family: inherit;">by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/phish/?ref=br_rs" target="_blank">Phish</a>. <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">I wrote out different words that might describe me </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">onto oversized paper labels and </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">Mod-Podged them to the unstretched canvas skirt I made for last year's event (which I repainted). I kept those words to six letters or less so they could be seen from a distance. I duct-taped more labels to an old tomato cage, decorated it with ribbons and beads, and wore it on my back via elastic straps. I cut up and painted one of my husband's old, oversized tie-dyes as the top to pull it all together. </span>It's always scary "walking the runway," but having <a href="https://twitter.com/phish" target="_blank">Phish</a> playing (along with having friendly faces in the crowd <i>and</i> wearing a mask)</span> made it a lot easier (and no, I wasn't out there for the full 8+ minutes of the song, just the first two and change)! Also, all of the participants are super-supportive of one another "backstage", encouraging each other and calming frayed nerves...it's really a nice environment. Plus, Christine is awesome, and everyone wants to do a good job for her because of that fact! Here's a link to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/susan.perrine.77?lst=1127408761%3A1417789322%3A1496247025" target="_blank">Susan Perrine's</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/susan.perrine.77/media_set?set=a.10209249290095457.1073741864.1417789322&type=3&pnref=story" target="_blank">photo album of the event</a>, and here are some pictures of my costume!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNn7Sk-jMlTSn9Cfgw0OwNfutL_zlx0p0WqxfCpPQrNgZTDBiBmeKpEa0FSvDu_v-3me8BxeFDSWCqLn5Ajmu1jcHcouem4RZXV3GDiKkQW2UVRJ-OwN6Yt6R-kvED5F3o37GFhTzEhj5/s1600/altered+couture+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNn7Sk-jMlTSn9Cfgw0OwNfutL_zlx0p0WqxfCpPQrNgZTDBiBmeKpEa0FSvDu_v-3me8BxeFDSWCqLn5Ajmu1jcHcouem4RZXV3GDiKkQW2UVRJ-OwN6Yt6R-kvED5F3o37GFhTzEhj5/s320/altered+couture+front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the front</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlL2bNv-Wd_o7QH2ZXyp6G0NCGGJR0zIoeu7ezRtqsqOm5rOO7DuRjTapq6zIAd_kqx8GnhQDatE6WdwAhQoJ9d6cTHU1DbCJyra25Qh5SzKcABskRQr64j0OwuoCRRW64nI0SH4qbBCjR/s1600/altered+couture+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlL2bNv-Wd_o7QH2ZXyp6G0NCGGJR0zIoeu7ezRtqsqOm5rOO7DuRjTapq6zIAd_kqx8GnhQDatE6WdwAhQoJ9d6cTHU1DbCJyra25Qh5SzKcABskRQr64j0OwuoCRRW64nI0SH4qbBCjR/s320/altered+couture+side.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the side</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9RA1BINzoZZy_8JPhsX8C3hvdvf632mbY9FyA7jxJ53Ns2Kx3leYSMQ5n4cxY3XW7t5SiYjJmSzzJ2SyG_ggjJeD8TZKA0mHKWA1ZZSgQFkOzMvtCyvSQxUm_EnARCbMjAQa0kgKTS_w/s1600/altered+couture+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9RA1BINzoZZy_8JPhsX8C3hvdvf632mbY9FyA7jxJ53Ns2Kx3leYSMQ5n4cxY3XW7t5SiYjJmSzzJ2SyG_ggjJeD8TZKA0mHKWA1ZZSgQFkOzMvtCyvSQxUm_EnARCbMjAQa0kgKTS_w/s320/altered+couture+back.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the back</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjml7JmpxdqyLMh_IFtm1hLSRxbUt4NwmUSbG0Gyui5OFOPUZn5rlC4GQD7vz9H4BFnHPQcH51SWc3EQXwbNUE_Y5MJ-vy43uqGv7-4nUMycx7lso6L25GX4jpIw3FrI50WtXseixqKWcw/s1600/with+christine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjml7JmpxdqyLMh_IFtm1hLSRxbUt4NwmUSbG0Gyui5OFOPUZn5rlC4GQD7vz9H4BFnHPQcH51SWc3EQXwbNUE_Y5MJ-vy43uqGv7-4nUMycx7lso6L25GX4jpIw3FrI50WtXseixqKWcw/s320/with+christine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>backstage with Christine DeTroy!</i></div>
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I know this is already a really long blog post, but I didn't want to end it without sharing this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MainePublic/videos/10155422798797033/?pnref=story" target="_blank">great little video with you</a>! My dear friend <a href="https://twitter.com/BocoVideoPro" target="_blank">Rebecca Boothby Conley</a> shot this piece for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MainePublic/?fref=nf" target="_blank">Maine Public</a> featuring another friend, Tammy Neilson, hanging out in her kitchen and discussing her mad gardening/canning skills! <span style="font-family: inherit;">It's the <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">first episode in <a href="https://twitter.com/MainePublic" target="_blank">Maine Public</a>'s new original web series, "Living Off the Land,"</span> and my art makes a cameo at the end. Way to go, lovely ladies- and thank you for your support! </span>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-40407704487115395702017-05-17T10:17:00.003-04:002017-05-17T10:17:40.593-04:00VANtastic 2 wrap up boogaloo I had my 18th <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/411275009253634/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon"</a> (entitled <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/411275009253634/" target="_blank">VANtastic 2!</a>) on Saturday, May 13th at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wildoatsbakery/" target="_blank">Wild Oats Bakery and Cafe in Brunswick</a>- and it was a blast! I set up my work on Friday evening and took it down on Sunday afternoon...and let me tell you, that place was busy, busy, busy - all day, every day!<br />
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This was my second time having a "Paint-a-Thon" at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wildoatsbakery/" target="_blank">Wild Oats</a>: the first time was in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/517333668439215/" target="_blank">March 2016</a>, and I was set up near the door to the patio (that month's cause was the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoastalHumaneSociety/" target="_blank">Coastal Humane Society</a>, in case you're keeping track). This time, I was set up in the hallway next to the dining room (and the cause was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/artvanprogram/" target="_blank">ArtVan</a>), and it was the perfect place to be! I was in the middle of the action without being in the way, and the lighting was wonderful, thanks to the beautiful atrium and the sunny weather.<br />
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<i>my racks</i></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/wildoatsbakery" target="_blank">Wild Oats </a>is one of the many places that makes Brunswick cool, and I'm grateful that I was able to be painting all day and showing my work at such a wonderful community hub. Plus, the friendly, helpful staff at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wildoatsbakery/" target="_blank">Wild Oats</a> could not have made me feel more welcome! I'd like to extend a special thank you to Valerie (who agreed to host me, who helped to coordinate the event, and who did a <i>great</i> job promoting on social media) and to Jen (who took care of anything else I needed, including raffle ticket pulling duties)- you guys are awesome!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4D4sLWCwe_6JakPHRFQWy9DBeYBp2Y-QoKoHoy0utKNN9gGWv7ZZtsvRGy4r5biYNiNajdjuGHGQdRD8DYAjMnlDOejRwXN9flr8jFtR4vlwTer3sHVOgyp8dc4CpU8xC9Am4U-GtTkea/s1600/wild+oats+e+newsletter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4D4sLWCwe_6JakPHRFQWy9DBeYBp2Y-QoKoHoy0utKNN9gGWv7ZZtsvRGy4r5biYNiNajdjuGHGQdRD8DYAjMnlDOejRwXN9flr8jFtR4vlwTer3sHVOgyp8dc4CpU8xC9Am4U-GtTkea/s320/wild+oats+e+newsletter.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<i>the e-newsletter...thanks, Valerie!</i></div>
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I know that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQVn1LmlyAo&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Wild Oats Bakery and Cafe</a> is famous for their carrot cake (and who doesn't love carrot cake?), so I used that as the inspiration for that day's painting...I give you "14 Carrot Cake"!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3Smcw6ld36Q_XmWAr0Dc_XbKKXfsJJhTF2Ff0jeINp9eSref3jw3b64DHQHx0jAvz3RB49k000ZW33GRtYFH-IC7erEbEvshKDvHQ4tjIqEHADsN4BstQ5Hs9FCPq0Z___VHl3Io76DO/s1600/14+carrot+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3Smcw6ld36Q_XmWAr0Dc_XbKKXfsJJhTF2Ff0jeINp9eSref3jw3b64DHQHx0jAvz3RB49k000ZW33GRtYFH-IC7erEbEvshKDvHQ4tjIqEHADsN4BstQ5Hs9FCPq0Z___VHl3Io76DO/s320/14+carrot+cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"14 Carrot Cake"</i></div>
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The eight hours flew by (as usual), and soon it was time to draw the winning raffle ticket (drum roll, please):</div>
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<i>Jen pulling the winning ticket...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGbt0EeCoNC6q5CJtwZBLI89Ms_smkifcm3Se4VpHVR5Ldegp_U_Rk8zNJLoduE3uptLbK23uZOoL5Qrwg7f0k-Bbvz7cGYqzFq9RvzNuu6pdWz348c9gzaYLzxRLkgfkXmYEeSW6cfST/s1600/amy+ticket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGbt0EeCoNC6q5CJtwZBLI89Ms_smkifcm3Se4VpHVR5Ldegp_U_Rk8zNJLoduE3uptLbK23uZOoL5Qrwg7f0k-Bbvz7cGYqzFq9RvzNuu6pdWz348c9gzaYLzxRLkgfkXmYEeSW6cfST/s320/amy+ticket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>...congratulations, Amy! </i></div>
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Amy Finnen has purchased raffle tickets for many of my past Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon" events, but this was her first time winning! Thank you, Amy, for giving my work a good home (and for your friendship)! </div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/411275009253634/" target="_blank">VANtastic 2</a> was a successful event all around: <span style="background-color: white;">I met some cool people, I had the opportunity to chat with friends and friendly acquaintances, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I sold a ton of magnets, 4 prints, 2 tote bags, and a bunch of raffle tickets...I even sold a painting for $900 (*gasp*) - a new record for me, by far! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_RMCXXwyCVZc6uWsBU_PrVuURHDcUiCOO-HiCgAyAO7ZL6CkZyQvX9p7eplAtyh2cD0izYYgxqa5R5fnnN8li4uOg6UMd0JT72VWd5eOXX_XIG1Zef2xRtkk9K-_Gd3gZFOp9k92E6_j/s1600/sold+strawberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_RMCXXwyCVZc6uWsBU_PrVuURHDcUiCOO-HiCgAyAO7ZL6CkZyQvX9p7eplAtyh2cD0izYYgxqa5R5fnnN8li4uOg6UMd0JT72VWd5eOXX_XIG1Zef2xRtkk9K-_Gd3gZFOp9k92E6_j/s320/sold+strawberry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Strawberry": SOLD!</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Thanks to everyone's support, we were able to raise $181.50 for </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/artvanprogram/" target="_blank">ArtVan</a><span style="background-color: white;">! Woo hoo! What will happen next month? Stay tuned...</span>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161282160432944645.post-5350160773939760442017-05-09T08:43:00.003-04:002017-05-09T08:43:35.031-04:00it's VANtastic<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="2kivt" data-offset-key="2ke5a-0-0" style="background-color: white;">
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-offset-key="2ke5a-0-0">I’m having my eighteenth <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/411275009253634/" target="_blank">Brushstrokes With Impact™ “Paint-a-Thon” </a>(entitled <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/411275009253634/" target="_blank">VANtastic 2</a>)! On Saturday, May 13th, I will be setting up my easel at </span><span class="_247o" data-offset-key="2ke5a-1-0" spellcheck="false" style="background-color: #dce6f8;"><span data-offset-key="2ke5a-1-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/wildoatsbakery/" target="_blank">Wild Oats Bakery & Café</a></span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2ke5a-2-0"> (149 Maine Street, Brunswick) and painting from roughly 8:30am-4:30pm. At the end of the day, the completed painting will be raffled off, and 50% of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to </span><span class="_247o" data-offset-key="2ke5a-3-0" spellcheck="false" style="background-color: #dce6f8;"><span data-offset-key="2ke5a-3-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/artvanprogram/" target="_blank">ArtVan</a></span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2ke5a-4-0">. Raffle tickets can be purchased in person for $5 each or 3 for $10. I will also have a small “pop-up” show of my art at </span><span class="_247o" data-offset-key="2ke5a-5-0" spellcheck="false" style="background-color: #dce6f8;"><span data-offset-key="2ke5a-5-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/wildoatsbakery" target="_blank">Wild Oats Bakery & Café</a></span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2ke5a-6-0"> and 10% of all my art sales (excluding magnets, but including totes) from this show will be donated to </span><span class="_247o" data-offset-key="2ke5a-7-0" spellcheck="false" style="background-color: #dce6f8;"><span data-offset-key="2ke5a-7-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/artvanprogram/" target="_blank">ArtVan</a></span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2ke5a-8-0">. Please contact me via email (maria@brushstrokesbymaria.com) for raffle information. Here's the link to the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/411275009253634/" target="_blank"> Facebook event page</a>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-offset-key="2ke5a-8-0">*cue announcer voice* <i>"But wait, there's more!"</i></span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="6251i-0-0" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><span data-text="true">Here’s a NEW twist (due to popular demand from people who want to participate from a distance): Would you like a print of the painting I will be creating on Saturday? Do you like surprises? For $20 plus $5 shipping, you can get a signed, unframed, 6” x 6” giclee print mailed right to your door! Please allow 30 days for the prints to be made and shipped. The painting won’t fully exist until the end of the day, so I can’t tell you exactly what it will be, but if you’re reading this, chances are, you have an idea of what my work looks like! Prints can be purchased via <a href="https://www.paypal.me/BrushstrokesByMaria" target="_blank">PayPal</a> (<a href="https://www.paypal.me/BrushstrokesByMaria">https://www.paypal.me/BrushstrokesByMaria</a>), and of course, 10% of all print sales will be donated to this month’s cause, </span></span><span class="_247o" data-offset-key="6251i-1-0" spellcheck="false" style="background-color: #dce6f8; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><span data-offset-key="6251i-1-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/artvanprogram/" target="_blank">ArtVan</a></span></span></span><span data-offset-key="6251i-2-0" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><span data-text="true">!</span></span></div>
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mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178858712643220826noreply@blogger.com0