Category: Prattling On

Friday Favorites: Flamingos, witches, and greasy little burgers

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I am busy most of this weekend but tonight is all about Hocus Pocus 2. How can it be 29 years since the original was released? I’m serious, 1993 is like yesterday in my mind and it’s been almost three decades!

Tragedy has a way of shining a light on our most humane tendencies. This story about flamingos sheltering Hurricane Ian in a bathroom at Zoo Miami proves it.

There is no way I’d spend time making apple cider donuts, but I could get behind baking this Apple Cider Donut Cake for my next potluck. Which is next Friday BTW.

Out of Ink podcast has been making me laugh on my commute to and from work all week. Molly Lemon and Bea Baranowska are talented artists and so funny. Further proof that no one does self-deprecating humor like the British. The thing is, this is not scripted, they are just so self-conscious and funny.

If you’re a sucker for roadside attractions and vintage signage, The Retrologist Instagram is right up your alley.

I was catapulted back to the early nineties with this post about Little Tavern, a Maryland/Washington DC mainstay. There was a Little Tavern on Wisconsin Avenue next door to the restaurant where I used to sling pasta, pizza, and pizazz in Georgetown. The tell-tale sign of a massive hangover was walking through the front doors in the morning with a greasy bag of those mini burgers and a giant Coca-Cola.

WIP Wednesday: Spooky Kitties

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Halloween Cat Bunting spans about seven feet... perfect for our built-in book shelves.
Halloween Cat Bunting spans about seven feet… purrfect for our built-in book shelves.

These past two days have felt like an entire week. Fall is such a busy time for magazine publishing as issues are crammed with booze, holiday, and winter travel advertising. I am busy printing, knitting, and bookbinding for Luna Market and other fall and holiday maker markets while my work days have become increasingly busy.

Nine hand-printed Halloween Cat heads are strung on seven feet of black hemp twine. Drawn and carved by hand.
Nine hand-printed Halloween Cat heads are strung on seven feet of black hemp twine. Drawn and carved by hand.

Yesterday was a particularly problem-solving kind of day. I carved this block on Sunday knowing I would come home to a quiet house last night to print, trim, and string this Halloween Cat bunting was just what I needed. Sometimes a little project just for fun is the balm I need to soothe my overworked brain.

This project has me in the mood to watch some witchy movies this weekend.

October is just around the corner and that means lots of celebrations at Chez Vee*.

* Chez Vee (for Van Landingham) is what I’ve named our charming red cottage style home.

Megan Stuart: The Five Question Interview

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Megan Stuart is a mixed media artist and Twisted Garage Art Studio, owner. Megan is a long-time downtown Elgin resident and is an active member of the Elgin community. You will find her volunteering for many art-related events… don’t be surprised if she hits you up to volunteer.

1. Why did you move to Elgin? 

The housing market led me to Elgin in 1989. Humorously, at the time, I was appalled by the costs of a small bungalow in Travis Heights and Hyde Park in Austin. Now, they are sky high! But I do enjoy living in downtown Elgin and have made many great friends here! And I am thrilled so many artists are moving to this area!

2. What compels you to spend time creating?

It makes me happy. I feel a need to create. Some people make music, some write, some dance. I need to create something with my hands. I become completely absorbed. I enjoy the process of making changes and seeing where they take me. My initial idea may wharf into an entirely different idea by the time it is all over. Or several new ideas. And then, it keeps on going. It is very relaxing for me. I also spend a lot of time researching oddball things, so it becomes educational as well!

3. Tell me three things you’ve learned in the past five years.

A lot has happened in the past five years. The pandemic definitely added challenges that we did not face before. Politics have everyone on the defense.

  1. We are all scared/uneasy about something. 
  2. It is so much easier if we help each other, so reach out to someone. Be that person. I knew this before, but it is so important now.
  3. It is okay to end that toxic relationship, even if it is family. Enough is enough.

4. What are you currently making, reading, watching, or listening to?

I am currently working on my Life Trophy series (mixed media) and “pierced” hearts (paper clay). I just finished reading The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott. I am also actively involved in The Elgin Arts Association, the Explore Elgin Arts and Culture event, and the Dia de Los Muertos festival.

5. Cake or Pie?

Cake, chocolate cake!