Patti Gibbons Art

Have you ever worked so hard and so long where one moment you just can't stand it anymore and you feel like you are going to lose your mind, explode and run out the door screaming? You got it. That is where I am, but all that is left is to pack the car early in the morning, drive to the show, set up, and hopefully enjoy the weekend. There is a rumor of snow on Sunday, which could make things difficult and slow both sales wise and driving, but I have experienced many storms the first weekend of December, the date of this show that I have done for years. I am bringing higher end art this time, along with fabulous Victorian papers, and my cards and ornaments, as well as a few of my vintage Japanese cardboard houses and those little elves. I bought a large lot of them to sell and use for display, but sadly they did not arrive in time. The USPS isn't too fast these days and I tell you, mail early. Five days and no package from Ohio. It has been a rough few days, especially hav...

I came home today to my house smelling aromatically of turkey soup. Wendy had started a pot for me, and the warm homey smell made me realize how priceless this moment was. And, the most precious part of it -- I had done nothing. It was a gift. As I was finishing it off and straining and chopping I thought about our friendship that has spanned a space of some 37 years. In 1969 I was transplanted from Long Island to the Catskill Mountains. Wendy had also moved from Long Island, but a few years before me. The kids were very different that those I knew at St. Frances de Chantal, it took me a long time to make friends, and I did not have that many. My father was a teacher in one of the local elementary schools that fed into the Jr High and High school, and he quickly got a reputation for being a hard, strict, and sometimes mean teacher. Many of the kids hated him, and as they moved up into the High School they would torture me about him. I snapped a few times, and as a result beat up...

I am sooo busy that I have not had any time to write, or do much of anything else.Thankfully Larry made most of tonight's dinner, otherwise I would have gone without. Having a guest in the house also forces us to be more civilized and take time out to nourish our bodies. I am almost done with my ornament order. I still have lots of odds and ends to finish up for the show, and only three nights left to do it. My student worker is coming over for a few hours tomorrow, so she will help with some of the things. I am trying to not take a day off until after the show so that I can relax rather than work. It I take a day off this week, all I will do is work my day away. I keep saying, "it is what it is" and be grateful for the order that I have rather than perseverate about what I don't have for the possible sales that I will or will not have at the show. Over the years I get better at not being so stressed out about it. I will check back in tomorrow with hopefully somethin...

I have been working all weekend getting ready for the show that is advertised in tonight's photo.It is a great show, with fine quality work and a minimum of wood and dried flower crafts. If there are wood crafts, they are handmade pens and clocks. If they are dried flowers, it is one vendor and they are exotic works of art. I love the vendors and the customers at the show. If I could find more like this I would do them. Out of all the local school shows, this is the BEST as it is run by an arts organization, and the clientele tends to be art sensitive. The weekend is over. I have school work to do, and I am hoping that the predicted freezing rain will give me a bit of a delay. It would be a lovely gift. In fact, it would be an even nicer gift to get off so that I have a relaxed day in the studio, and maybe, MAYBE even get some time to myself. Now that is a novel thought. Will report back tomorrow, patti o weather

I am writing quickly as my high school best friend is flying in from California and arriving soon to stay with me for the evening, and possibly for her week long visit here. Her brother is gravely ill with cancer in the hospital, and she needs a place to stay. I welcome her into my home; I have been part of her family for the past 35+ years, and I am honored to be able to give back to her family in whatever way I can. I visited her brother today. I dreaded it. Memories of watching my father die of cancer, of a dear friend who died in her early 30's from cervical cancer, and more recently, dealing with my own daughter's fight with the disease Gary was my girlfriend Wendy's older brother, the brother I could legally flirt with. We sat through many holiday meals together, and have kept in touch on and off over the years. Cancer is cruel, but my other friend reminded me that death is not the end all, rather it is the uniting with the beauty of the spirit that is our creator, in...

Larry, Meredith, and I had a lovely dinner together yesterday, and for the first time in a long time I enjoyed cooking for a good part of the day. The dinner was absolutely delectable, and we were blessed with love, friendship, and a wonderful meal. It was a mellow day, her house a visual treat, filled with items which she has collected from her travels around the world. We listened to world music, looked at art books, sipped on wine and champagne, and chatted. No disasters, no pretense, no stress. I did not sleep that well on so much food, and was up early this morning. I refused to go out and do much of anything on Black Friday, save for a quick trip to the PO and to a friend's house for an hour or so. Most of the day I spent working in the studio on my orders, listening to music, nice and toasty warm. Larry took some photos of my studio after he photographed Kip's bowl, which can be seen on my Catskillpaper blog .He was playing around with some flash techniques, so I begged ...

I had just written this entire blog, and it got lost in space. GRRRR. I guess it is a practice in saying what I had to say in less words. I got this photo forwarded by a friend. Normally I don't "capture" images from the Internet, but on forwards I figure it is part of the forward. I cannot give credit to the photographer, as there was no info to do so. I love the images of animals..animals love unconditionally, they kill only what they need to eat, and they don't abuse their young, and they usually don't shit where they eat or sleep. Something that humans need to learn. Yesterdays drill was pretty much as I expected. Lots of noise, cops in riot gear pointing big guns, and some of us even got screamed at with obscenities. Just another example of using fear as a control factor. After some research on the Internet, (and you can do your own) I discovered that there is a very very small percentage of violence that ends in death in schools per year, as compared to the ...

I have decided that the world for the MOST part, is run by incompetent people. From the top on down, I am constantly amazed at how little those in power have in terms of people skills, intelligence, common sense, and empathy, to run the country, the government, and yes, to run our schools. Case in hand. Our school is the only one in the area who has to go into work the day before Thanksgiving. Once upon a time we too had off, but over the years it has morphed into our "Superintendent's Conference Day". I am OK with that. It is part of my job. But this year they have really hit an all time low. The day before Thanksgiving, they are doing a "mock hostage or school disaster" where the police, swat teams, etc. will run around with their fake weapons, shooting blanks, screaming in people's faces, and generally acting like boys playing war games. And we, the teachers and staff, are the victims. Perhaps such drills are necessary, but I am tired of being bombarded w...

I find myself having a hard time writing this blog tonight. It is coming upon the holiday season, and we are trying to figure out how to get Megan and Alanna home for Christmas. I don't want for much in my life, in fact, I think I have too much. I would trade it all to have my children healthy in mind and body; it saddens me when I know otherwise. I am glad I will have my daughter one more Christmas. I pray that she will beat the statistics....and be one of the 35-50% who live beyond 5 years with LMS. We make every email, every conversation count. I cannot stand when we disagree, or when I say something that hurts her. I have learned to make amends, something which has been hard for me. I want very little this Christmas. One thing that I ask, is that if you want to do something to make a difference in the world, make a donation to the National Leiomysarcoma foundation , or buy a bracelet (they are a mere 2.50). With funding being cut right and left by our government, we need to dig...

Larry was appalled when I told him that I photograph while driving. He told me it was dangerous, and I looked at him like he was even crazy for questioning it. Heck, I can take pictures AND put on lipstick at the same time Larry! Here are a few photos of my ride to work the other day. I realized it had been a while since I had taken the camera out, and I wanted to immortalize the leaves still being on the trees in mid-November. What is up with that? Here it is, past mid-November, and some of the trees are just turning, many still have their colorful yellow and red leaves, while others stand buck naked among them. I can only guess that this strange weather has confused the shit out of the trees, as it has us, though I can't say that I don't mind the show of color for the past month and a half. Larry raked some of the leaves, but he was reluctant to do the entire yard as there are still huge maples behind us that are tenaciously holding onto their leaves. The city has already bee...

Today is Larry’s birthday which marks another weekend of celebration. Larry and I have birthdays a week apart, and we typically celebrate it for a 10 day stretch. People wonder how two Scorpios can cohabitate without killing one another. I suppose over the years we have become immune to each other’s poison, and know when to step back, leave, or just plain hide. We do have a lot of fun, and when we’re hot, we’re HOT, and when we are not, we know that a cool down period is necessary so that we don’t burn up into a little crisp. Fighting is not fun as we both are intense; me in a louder, more aggressive manner, and Larry being the silent but deadly type. He can hold a mean grudge, while I let it all out in a cathartic but sometimes dangerous storm. We do laugh a lot, and that is what I remember most. We have laughed so hard that we cried, or made those funny SNORT sounds. Laughter is the best medicine for a marriage. Tonight’s art is a card that I made for “Lars” for his birthday...

Here is LINK to the recent newspaper article about my daughter Megan. She was one of four veterans interviewed in an article about veterans who have returned from the war in Iraq. Some of you read the Meganaid blog on occasion, some of you may have never been there. I started the blog when my 23 year old Iraq veteran daughter was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer last year. Though Megan is currently in remission, she is still undergoing visits to the doctor for a number of ailments. No 23 year old should have so many problems, but she does. We are both strong women, but it pains me to hear her tell me how tired she is of doctors and tests. There is nothing I can do but be a good shoulder to cry on, ears to listen, and someone to echo her laughter. We talk nearly every day, something we never did before she was diagnosed. We have become very close...again, out of what appears to be bad, has come many wonderful things. I am glad that the veterans and soldiers are starting to openly t...

I felt like this cat, especially at the end of the day when a student decided to play "tough chick" in my room. I was in no mood for confrontation, for aggravation, for instigation, or any other kind of "tion". Perhaps I was a bit over the edge, but I let it fly. I don't get paid enough to be abused, and in no uncertain terms I let be known. I am a kind and nurturing teacher, and usually kids are begging to get into my class. Today someone was begging to get out. FINE. The card is part of a series of cards of mostly dogs that I just made, and have not posted anywhere for sale. Interested? Drop me an email. I just got home from a screening of a film about the poet Stanley Kunitz by local film maker Toby Carey. By chance Carey found out that they both spent their childhoods in the same house in Worchester, and Carey made a documentary about him, with some of the footage taking place four days before Kunitz died at 101 years of age. I know little of Kunitz's po...

After not sleeping much since Thursday!! I could not even blog last night. My biochemicals are out of control, not helped by a bad drug reaction, now hormones, and by 9:30 I was wiped. Of course I fell asleep, (I always do..) and slept for several hours before I was wide awake. The past few night's bonus was night sweats to boot, and Larry uses me as a heater when he is cold, and then has to scoot away when I become a furnace. I can't wait until this phase is over. I feel like the walking dead. I look OK however, and no one would know how burnt I am. Today grades are due, I have Jess coming over to work, and there is a movie at the local arts society that Larry wants to see. Off to begin the day.......till later, Patti PS photo Larry took in my friend's barn of a light for this past New Year's blog. I thought it apropos again!

After the massage at the Emerson, we headed home to change for dinner. I wanted to dress up as we were headed to a restaurant which I had never been to, but heard about for years. The Depuy Canal house is a fabulous historic site, build in 1797. The restaurant is renowned for its cuisine. Larry had eaten there before he met me, and had never been back. A few years ago I had dessert in the basement, as there is a small, more casual eatery called Chefs on Fire. It took a while to get a drink, but the service for the rest of the food was adequate. The borscht was wonderful, as was the salad we ordered. Larry ordered a fish I never heard of for his entree, and mine was beef tenderloin. My meat was cooked to perfection, but the breaded cauliflower was cold, and the polenta was BURNT!!! I could not believe they served it. After a bite, I had to call the waiter over to send it back. I kept the meat, which I had to nibble on alone while I waited a good 10 minutes for the rest of my dinner. Lar...

It is hard to write a review. I always want to be nice and say everything is good, when in fact, sometimes it ISN'T. I think it is a habit of mine which I have had for a very long time. As I have gained wisdom, however, I am more inclined to call a spade a spade. Being sensitive, if there is bad, I balance with good, if it is excellent, then it is a no-brainer. My trip to the Emerson was delightful. It was a sunny, cool, early November day. Some of the trees have forgotten to turn color, especially some of the maples. There are many trees that have lost their leaves, while others still think it is late summer. We arrived to be astonished that the woods and mountains surrounding the spa had a dusting of snow. It was quiet and peaceful, the only sound being the cars traveling Route 28. I had been to the Emerson once before, when the new spa had been opened. It needed a few finishing touches, but it was lovely. Yesterday we arrived, and checked in at the desk. Oh. We are told that we ...

My birthday started out with a severe drug reaction from a medication I was given to try for my foot/hip pain and also deals with anxiety. Though I was reluctant to go on any sort of medication again, and I have been treating my pain and mood swings and anxiety through supplements and taking really good care of myself, I felt I should give it a shot. I was told it had very little in the way of side effects, did not affect weight or sex drive, and was a promising drug. Oh my God. It was the worst reaction that I have ever had from any drug I have ever taken. (remember I was a teen in the 70's-in Woodstock NY no less, hahaha)I became manic, heart racing, speeding my head off, my muscles were twitching. I only had taken it for two days and by yesterday morning I knew I was in trouble. I got online and discovered horror stories of withdrawal and drug reactions from this drug, Cymbalta. I know it has been a miracle drug for some, but I also know that the doctors hand these sample...

It is late morning. I have been doing some research online, sipping on the coffee that Larry has kept refilled and hot on my bedside table. I am moving slowly, taking in the day and relaxing. A few phone calls have trickled in wishing me Happy Birthday. I actually took the time to enjoy talking on the phone and bask in the well wishes. I have had a hellish week, topped off by starting medication which I am immediately stopping due to adverse reactions. I have not slept in a few days, and feel like I am crawling out of my skin. Instead I am going to the health food store, getting more supplements, and starting a collection of meditational CD's, DVDs, books, and need to take a yoga class that will be easy on my broken body. After work yesterday a group of my coworkers met me out downtown for some laughter, snacks and drinks. I have a supportive group of friends I love and cherish dearly over the past 16 years. Afterwards, I met a few more friends with their dates for dinner at one of...

I think when I am undergoing great stress, I find relief in my humor. It has saved my ass in the classroom, it is saving my butt right now as we speak. Because of the nature of the situation, I cannot disclose certain facts out of respect for my family. My heart aches, but I know there is little I can do or control, and have to believe that there is a reason for everything. So back to my humor. I meant to write about this a while ago, as it has been bothering me. We have these automatic deodorizers in the faculty bathroom at work. They are on some kind of timer or have a sensor that periodically releases a spray of scent into the air. Very cool I think, EXCEPT that every time I go in there, and pick up my skirt, or pull down my pants, it goes off. I hear a distinct spray and smell whatever the scent is wafting over me. At first I though it funny, but now I am getting neurotic. I dunno..maybe it has a motion sensor that sets it off, and by golly, I am going to find out what it is. Inqui...

Lately I have been blogging a lot on my laptop. I take it into bed, plug it in, fire up the heating pad for some aching or cold part of my body, catch up on a few emails, and write my blog. Occasionally a friend will be online and IM me, and we will chat in between paragraphs. Occasionally as I prepare to write, I draw a blank, and think, what the hell do I have to say that is so important? Then I think about a few of the amazing/appalling/disgusting/scary/sensual things that happen to me in the course of a day, and I type away. Today was ALMOST the last part of my series of doctor's visits that one must endure in the name of "preventative maintenance". In light of the health history of my parents AND children, I do keep up with my doctor appointments on a regular basis. A few weeks ago it was the mammogram, where someone I never know is handling my breasts and squashing them between plates in various angles. Today was the "internal" exam. I had fit it in betwee...

Perhaps someday it will be safe for me to tell all of my stories. Some of them no one would believe. Stories about family, the government, the Public School System. I know more secrets that I care to admit, and being the trustworthy can't-take-the-Catholic-out-of-the-girl type, I keep my mouth shut. Mostly out of respect for others, but let's face it, I don't want to be ostracized from my family any more than I already am, and I need to keep my job, and don't want the CIA hauling my ass or other's asses off for saying too much. I have had a wild ride today. Too many crisis, too many injustices and too many futures at stake. And throw an intense therapy session in to boot. Yowza. The wonderful thing is, I am learning how to stand strong, hold my own, speak my mind, while doing it with grace, dignity, and love. And to take a long hot bath, have a glass of wine, and all but tell the stories..which I KNOW you are all dying to know. Maybe you will buy the book. Oh and ab...

It is Monday night, and I am alone. Larry is teaching, and I relish these nights when I come home and the only responsibility I have is to feed the cats and myself. After Larry leaves, I decide to work for a few hours in the studio while the light is still good. My favorite and most productive time is when there is still light. I have a large picture window that faces the west. I get lovely late afternoon light, and if I am lucky, a Hudson Valley sunset to muse upon. My studio is 1/2 of our 2 car garage, has a hip roof, windows on three sides, an excellent efficient gas heater, A/C, gallery style off-white walls, and tons of ephemera and paint to keep me in art for a very long time. Larry has left me soup in the fridge, but since I am free I call up a friend to meet for a glass of wine and some sushi at my fave place, Kyoto in Kingston. We have a great time, and I come home about 9, and decide that I am going to give myself a treat: blog in bed, and then watch another Episode of Rome v...

Last night Larry and I watched Little Miss Sunshine which was a good black comedy. We got some really good chuckles out of it, which is always a good thing. I am liking this Netflix set up. As soon as I watch the second episode of Rome, I will be shipping them back for the next two movies. I don't have to worry about them being late, or having to run out to get a movie. (think of the pollution and gas that is saved!) I have unlimited computer viewings, so for shorter videos, I can bring my laptop upstairs with me. Not the greatest, but heck, it is free, and instant gratification, so why not? I was awake earlier than I wanted to be this morning, as I usually wake up right before dawn. Rather than get up, Larry bought me coffee in bed, and for the first time in ages, I read a magazine while sipping my fresh brewed java. About 1/4 of the way into my Mary Englebreit magazine, right about when I started to get ideas and be inspired looking at other's work, I realized that today was ...

I was alone last night, a FRIDAY night and not in a great mood. I just had a massage, was feeling divine, and all it took was one phone call to set me into a state. I was pissed. So I was sitting home alone, and decided that NO WAY am I sitting home alone on a Friday night. I called Bardet whom I had not seen in a few weeks, and off we went to a "Community party". The party had people that my friend had not seen in ages, PLUS there was a band and she SO loves to dance. Before I knew it, I was alone again, only sitting at a bar. I did see a few people I knew, which was fine, but I found myself in not a terribly social mood. After a while Larry showed up, and I dragged him to get some food at the tapas bar across the street. We made it through the evening without damage, and went home.Too crabby to write, I went to bed. Crabby Patti. Alanna reminds me that it is a sandwich on Sponge Bob. Crabby Patti. Humph. I awoke to a cold day, the first one all fall. Last weekend while I wa...

This Halloween I rather innocently dressed as Cat Woman for school. I had bought some ears (which were too fuzzy for Cat Woman), pulled out my leather pants, donned a long sleeved black shirt, and put on a metal studded belt. Oh, and I wore high heeled boots, which I should have NEVER worn with my back in so much pain. Ok, so I don't really look like Julie Newmar of 60-70's Cat Woman fame, but with a little tweaking, I could. But not in public school. I also had a black eye mask, but it drove me nuts, so I spent the day without it. Pictures courtesy of my students who had a blast taking photos. We had some really good costumes in school this year, and I printed 8 x 10's of them along the wall outside my art room. It was fun to be a kid again, dressing up, and even wearing my costume into the store. And thanks Judy for reminding me that at ALMOST 50, I can still get my freak on. Patti-O-Freak 2007