Fall Fair in San Juan Bautista......by Joyce Oroz

Have you been to San Juan Bautista lately? The mission, the beautiful gardens, shops and restaurants are one thing.....the other thing is The Fall Fair! Nobody throws a party like Jan Juan Bautista!

This year they are hosting their 1st Annual Fall Fair on Saturday, October 1st. It and will run from 10am to 5pm. FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT, and more ART treasures than you can imagine.

David Coombes and Christine West (Aromas Hills Artisans) will share a booth loaded with fabulous photos and stationary.

There will be a variety of sales booths with a mixture of arts, crafts and antiques. This will be a great opportunity to pick up some early Holiday gifts and support some local artists.

Darlene Boyd.....Part Two

Today I would like to present another side of Darlene Boyd, AHA artist and sculptor. Teaching art is a big part of Darlene's life, and the lessons are a wonderfully valuable experience for her students. She will tell you about herself and the lessons she has been giving since 1977 to people from age 3 to 83. Here is Darlene.


I began studying art faithfully at the age of 11 and found it to be a very satisfying experience. I am very versatile in my approach, being equally interested in both two and three dimensional expressions. I currently display much of my own work at darleneboyd.com.
I also enjoy teaching art lessons to participants of varying ages and have a California Multiple Subject teaching credential with a Visual Arts Supplement.
Some samples of art lessons that I teach are:


Intro to Drawing........ Students will explore some basic drawing techniques and exercises and exploration of different drawing materials.

Illustrations....... Students will explore further techniques and materials related to drawing and apply it to illustrating.

Painting with Pastels....... Students will learn to draw, compose and create a composition using charcoal and pastels.

Calligraphy .......Students will learn a basic joined-italic Chancery Cursive script which can also be used for personal handwriting.

Acrylic Painting .......Students will learn to do color theory using the primary colors and apply this to a simple composition.

Watercolors
Bold and Free Students will learn and incorporate varied watercolor techniques into some of their drawings, to create visual textures.

Calligraphy .......Students will learn a basic joined-italic Chancery Cursive script which can also be used for personal handwriting.

Georgia O'Keefe: Closing in on Nature Students will explore the idea of scale and enlarging forms to fill the entire format. This will be done using watercolors and/or acrylic paints.

Henri Matisse:
The Art of Cut-Outs Students will explore using cut-out forms and creating balanced compositions by dividing space aesthetically.

M.C. Escher:
Visions of Symmetry Students will learn to create repeated patterns using tessellated systems and forms, using colored pencils and/or color cut outs.

Darlene, what is an 'Artists'-Writers' Workshop?

Artists'-Writers' Workshop curriculum is a progression of art, literature and writing experiences designed to teach the key elements of writing to students with diverse learning styles. Within it, key literary elements are taught in a way that is both inviting and engaging to students with a variety of learning styles. Through hands-on explorations in art and writing and the sharing of quality picture books, students with diverse learning styles are able to comprehend, absorb, digest and apply important literary concepts.

Darlene, where can people sign up for your lessons?

Currently I teach art lessons at client's homes, Country Rose Gallery and Frame in Hollister and Michaels in Gilroy and Salinas. For information concerning my lessons please peruse my website at darleneboyd.com.
I am also active in several arts organizations, such as the South Bay Area Womens Caucus for Art, Aromas Hills Artisans, the Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters Association, and the San Benito County Arts Council.


Ms. Boyd is now the Chief Creative Officer of The ART Experience, LLC studio, nestled in the pastoral mission town of San Juan Bautista, California. She is currently working on figure sculptures in clay for bronze casting. She also creates landscape, floral, still life, portrait and architectural paintings. She finds time to occasionally work on projects in other contemporary media and genres. Her work is currently on exhibit in several California Central Coast venues, including Stone Griffin Gallery at 416 E. Campbell Avenue, Campbell, California 95008. Various on-line galleries showcase her work, such as sbawca.org. Her work is enjoyed by many private collectors, local and international. To learn more about Ms. Boyd and her art please visit her on-line gallery at www.darleneboyd.com, or you are welcome to make an appointment to visit her studio in San Juan Bautista, by calling 831-623-2750.

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." ~ Edgar Degas

Thank you, Darlene, it's a wonderful thing you're doing.

Time to reflect....by Joyce Oroz

Yesterday I walked through Roaring Camp, a place of noise, crowds and happy energy in the summertime, a peaceful park in the fall. The trains were still, the quaint little "western" buildings empty and my feet alone padded down the pathes. But I wasn't alone. The shimmery pond was full of duck-play, ducks zipping around, splashing and chasing each other. Probably the tribal wedding dance. After a nice walk and some reflection on life's meaning and clutter, I tramped over the covered bridge, took one more look back and than proceeded home to the meaningful clutter. Looking back is nice, looking forward is helpful, but there's nothing like being in the moment.

The Curious Importance of Schnibbles....by Jill Elizabeth

On Bookmarks or The Curious Importance of Schnibbles* of Paper
Jill Elizabeth posted this on August 18th, 2011
What do you use for bookmarks?
Me, it depends entirely on where I am. If I’m at home, I have small (or not-so-small) stacks of old tickets, passes, business cards, and forms of identification scattered anywhere I’m likely to be reading (which is to say, in at least one spot in almost every room). I also keep such things in my purse, my wallet and the car, you know, in case of a reading/place-holding emergency. I love using these things as bookmarks; now not only is my book something I’m enjoying, but so is the reminiscing caused by the bookmark itself. An added bonus, if you will. Hooray, she said!
If I’m in a store and have just bought a book, I will almost always take a bookmark if they are freely offered. Not as many places give you a free bookmark anymore though, which stinks. Ironically, most of the large chains (the only booksellers who claim to be making a profit) no longer offer free bookmarks, while most of the small, independent bookstores (who claim to be increasingly suffering if not being outright pushed out of business by large corporate retailers) still do.

Incidentally, I will almost never pay for a bookmark. Most of the ones that are sold are goofy or over-the-top cutesy things; I don’t need to look at a kitty stuck in a tree or a puppy with overlarge paws while I’m reading, thank you very much. Nor do I need inspirational sayings or quotations or tassles or glitter. I’m good, thanks.
If no freebie is readily available, I will first check my purse or wallet (if I’m still in the store) or the car (if I’m heading off somewhere else to read). I will use the store receipt if I don’t have anything from my usual stack on-hand or if I want to make sure that I don’t seem like a freeloader or book thief. I don’t love using receipts though – the paper is often slippery and then those little suckers don’t stay where they’re supposed to, which is just plain aggravating. If I’m reading a hard cover, I will, in a pinch, fold the inside front cover flap to my page as a marker. And if it’s a soft-cover or a book without a paper sleeve, I will either try to remember the page number in my head (dangerous) or will text it to myself (god bless cell phones).
If I am absolutely stuck, I will use a straw wrapper or gum wrapper, string or a tag torn from some piece of clothing, lint from the bottom of my purse. There is almost always some random shred of something usable that can be found somewhere on hand. WHAT I WILL NEVER EVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES – INCLUDING THE PAIN OF DEATH – DO IS BEND THE CORNER OF THE PAGE. Gasp, shudder. You might as well stab me in the eye. Or intentionally break the spine of the book. EEK, she said! Honestly people, we are not animals – let’s have some respect, hm??
• “Schnibbles” for those of you who are unfamiliar with one of Ann Arent’s favorite words (hi mom!), are small bits of things. This isn’t a “Jill using a big/weird word” moment (see previous post on my feelings on unusual words) – it is a “Jill using a word she’s heard her whole life” moment. Honest.
• http://blog.jill-elizabeth.com/2011/08/18/on-bookmarks-or-the-curious-importance-of-schnibbles-of-paper/#more-1400
Share this Fabulous post with the World:

A former corporate attorney and government relations/health policy executive, Jill Elizabeth Arent walked away (well, skipped actually) from the big-city worlds of corporate and political America and headed for a more literary life (equally challenging, but infinitely more enjoyable) in the small Western New York town where she grew up. For more information, please visit Jill at www.Jill-Elizabeth.com .

Darlene Boyd....Aromas Hills Artisan Exstaordinair

Darlene Boyd, Aromas Hills Artisan and teacher

“I am a sculptor, who also enjoys painting and drawing. I am not
tied to any particular medium, and I thrive in experimenting and
blending many materials. I am interested in forms, surfaces, visual
metaphors and the emotional responses that my art work evokes.
I particularly enjoy teaching art and using these processes both
as forms as self-expression and as a means to heal oneself. ” --
Darlene S. Boyd

Born in Lodi, California, Darlene S. Boyd, a fourth generation
Californian, grew up in the local wine vineyards. She was
nurtured, at an early age, by Constance M. Darden, who gave
studio art lessons for local children in Lodi. These experiences
set many of Ms. Boyd’s expressive anchors and eventually led
her to study art in college. She is a 1973 Honors graduate of
Brooks Institute, School of Fine Arts / Santa Barbara Art
Institute. She majored in sculpture, along with a strong emphasis
in both drawing and painting. She was privileged to have studied
under the notable and esteemed professional artists: Alice Carr
de Creeft (sculpture), Duane Loppnow (sculpture), Ray S.
Strong (landscape painting), Richard Barrett (figure drawing),
Priscilla Bendershore (drawing and painting), Douglas Paschal
(portrait drawing).

She moved to Fresno with her husband, and family in 1981. She
continued to enjoy teaching art at Bullard TALENT and
Camp Shalom as a Director of Fine Arts, among other venues.
She expanded her exploratory studies of fiber media under the
mentorship of Kathy Wosika, a locally celebrated, Fresno artist.

Ms. Boyd is now the Chief Creative Officer of The ART
Experience, LLC studio, nestled in the pastoral mission town of
San Juan Bautista, California. She is currently working on
figure sculptures in clay for bronze casting. She also creates
landscape, floral, still life, portrait and architectural paintings.
She finds time to occasionally work on projects in other
contemporary media and genres. Her work is currently on exhibit
in several California Central Coast venues, including Stone
Griffin Gallery at 416 E. Campbell Avenue, Campbell,
California 95008. Various on-line galleries showcase her work,
such as sbawca.org. Her work is enjoyed by many private
collectors, local and international. To learn more about Ms.
Boyd and her art please visit her on-line gallery at www.
darleneboyd.com, or you are welcome to make an appointment to
visit her studio in San Juan Bautista, by calling 831-623-2750.

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." ~
Edgar Degas
All images and site content
copyright by Darlene S. Boyd

Green Time.....by Joyce Riley

GREEN TIME

By Joyce Riley







Children don’t need more screen time.
What they need is more green time,
Time to dig holes, time to climb trees
Time to fly kites in the morning breeze,
Time to jump and splash and tug,
And play with rolly-polly bugs.
Children don’t need more chair time.
What they need is more air time,
Time to let their spirits fly.
Come to think of it, so do I.

When does the fair smell like a rose? by Joyce Oroz

The Santa Cruz County Fair opens it's doors Tuesday, September 13 for a fun filled week of food, excitement and fun. The Display Garden of the Monterey Bay Rose Society, located at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Avenue (Highway 152), Watsonville, opens it's garden gates for a week of sweet smelling beauty. If you decide to leave the food shacks and hoof-it up to the cow barns, stop along the way and smell the roses.

The Monterey Bay Rose Society was founded in 1980 and now has about 100 members.

The MBRS presents monthly meetings with interesting programs, publishes an award-winning monthly newsletter, The Bay Rose, with tips and tricks for growing better roses in our area, plans visits to rose gardens and nurseries, and sponsors an annual rose show in the spring. They now meet on the last Friday of each month except June, July, November and December.

Proceeds from Joe Truskot's wonderful book, "Central Coast Rose Manual" go to support the maintenance of the Display Garden at the fairgrounds.

excerpt from Shaking in Her Flip Flops..... by Joyce Oroz

"Robert, don’t tell me you’re out of my favorite enchilada sauce.”
“I’ll check in the back.” He made a sharp right and disappeared into the warehouse. Five minutes later he was back with a jar of sauce and placed it in my cart.
“You’re brilliant, Robert. Thank you.” I pushed on to other aisles while Robert ran to the front of the store and opened the express lane. I finished the shopping list and was ready to pay for my two dozen items. Robert’s “10 items or less” lane was empty so he waved me in.
“Don’t worry, I do this all the time,” he said, just before an older woman wearing thick horn-rimmed glasses and a grumpy face shoved her basket into the back of mine. Her ten bottles of adult beverages, not that I counted, clinked and rattled. She pointed to every item in my basket and counted out loud. She put her hands on her hips and let out a long, smelly breath. Fortunately, Maude didn’t recognize me.
“I heard the FBI is getting involved with the hotel murder,” Robert said, probably quoting the KPIG reporter.
I squirmed, remembering that Maude was standing nearby and forced myself to act casual, but with my face turned away from her froggy stare.
“Why the FBI? It was just a murder,” I said. Robert paused to think.
“Maybe because of the stolen car? I don’t know, but they did say something about illegal immigrants.” Robert looked at the ceiling. “I think that’s what KPIG said, but don’t quote me.” Finally, he dropped the last of my groceries into the second bag. By that time Maude was gnashing her teeth. I hurried off with my two bags of groceries before the old woman could attack me from behind with a bottle of gin.

My Sister, the Tree House and I....by Joyce Riley

MY SISTER, THE TREE HOUSE and I

By Joyce Riley

On our walk through the woods we happened to see
A little, old house in a very tall tree.
“A tree-house, a tree-house,” the two of us chimed.
Then, up the ladder, the two of us climbed.
The house had a porch, a window, a door
And a small rocking chair on a hard wooden floor.
Next to the chair, on a table, there sat
A tea cup, a saucer and a very small cat.
The saucer was empty, the tea cup was dry
And the little grey cat began softly to cry,
“Feed me. Feed me,” we heard it say
So, we gave it the lunch we had packed just that day.
The cat began purring when it had been fed,
Then went to sleep on a lumpy, old bed.
On a very high shelf a radio sat
So, we found some music to sooth our new cat.



Out on the porch we looked all around
Up through the tree top, down to the ground.
There were leaves on the roof and holes in the stair
And, out in the woods, a giant, brown bear.
We stood very still, started to pray
And, after awhile, the bear walked away.
We scooped up the cat, promised never to roam,
And said to our folks, “Look what followed us home.”


Post Script
We never went back trying to find
The house in the woods where, one day we climbed.
But, closer to home, in a very tall tree
Our folks built a house for Sister, and Big Cat and, of course, me.

High Tech at the Fair?....by Joyce Oroz

Let's all support our local fair and save it for future generations!

The Santa Cruz County Fair is gearing up for this years “big show.”
I have the inside scoop on the Harvest Building, the showplace for local organizations like 4H, Future Farmers of America and Scouts. The Santa Cruz Technology Team from Felton 4H has installed a hands-on slider-lights display with monitors. Be sure to drop by between September 13th and 18th, and try it out for yourself. See what our teens are up to these days.


Welcome to the 2011-2012 4-H year! This year is going to be amazing. We have tons of exciting projects to offer, like archery, crafts, rocketry, carpentry, flower arranging and much, much more. And you can't forget all our amazing animal projects, like swine, goats and chickens. This year we're planning new events, community service projects and parties throughout the year.



For people new to 4-H, it's a non-profit youth organization that offers lots of fun activities and gives kids a chance to take on leadership roles. Felton 4-H is the biggest 4-H club in Santa Cruz County, and we always are busy in events like the Santa Cruz County Fair and the Spring Fair. We hope you'll join, because we're always welcoming new members! I hope everyone has a great experience in 4-H this year!

Interview with Kay Walters.....by Joyce Oroz

Today I am talking to a lovely lady, an Aromas Hills Artisan with great artistic talent and an excellent sense of design and color.

Hello, Kay Walters. Please tell us about yourself and how you became an artisan.


I live in north Monterey County with my miniature horses, inherited dogs, and rescued cats.
I have always been interested in glass. Many years ago I was a glazier (replacing glass panels in aluminum frame windows, for new housing projects).
I was drawn to the myriad of colors of glass about ten years ago, bought my first kiln and was immediately captivated.
I started with a small kiln for jewelry and tiny bowls. Of course, that wasn't big enough so I purchased a larger kiln, and then another even larger kiln.

Now I create jewelry, table art, and wall art. I make beaded necklaces with some of my pendants. I am starting to combine other materials with my art. I will be making small table tops.

Kay, can you describe this glass obsession that has captured your heart?


It is the myriad of colors: reds, yellows, greens, cobalt blue, mauve, violet, that light up
my spirit.
It is the joyous process of combining translucents, opaques, dichroics, iridescents, frits,
and stringers, for my inspirations.
It is the magic of the glowing, flowing, fusing process. The kiln melting the glass into a
white-hot taffy-like material, the molecules connecting.
Then! After each individual artwork ever so slowly cools, it presents itself to me;
inspiration for new visions that beg to be brought into the world.
Glass Madness guides my spirit and passion of creating!
Creating glass art has brought out my lighthearted and whimsical side. I am drawn to
the clarity and color of glass and the melting and fusing process.
Each design is individually created for the discerning collector.
Once I am in my creative mind, everything in nature is inspiring, and gives me endless ideas.

Kay, where can people find your beautiful work?

My website is: KayWalters.com e-mail: kaysglassinspirations@gmail.com
phone: (831) 633-3348
I will be participating in the Carmel Craft Fair at the Valley Hills Center in Carmel Valley on Sept. 17.

Thank you, Kay. We look forward to seeing future projects.