Um, Happy Weekend Again!

photograph by Dorothy O'Connor

Clearly, blogging has not been a priority around these parts lately. That said, it's the beginning of the weekend and some unusual plans are falling into place. It's looking like an art-filled weekend, with a smattering of dog-related events thrown in for good measure.

Ever heard the term 'tableau vivant'? According to Wikipedia, a tableau vivant is "French for "living picture." The term describes a striking group of suitably costumed actors or artist's models, carefully posed and often theatrically lit. Throughout the duration of the display, the people shown do not speak or move. The approach thus marries the art forms of the stage with those of painting/photography, and as such it has been of interest to modern photographers."

Well, Atlanta photographer Dorothy O'Connor is hosting a party tonight during which she will have a model pose in an outdoor vignette that Dorothy has designed and previously photographed. There will be two 20 minute performances during the course of the party. Dorothy's work is amazing; you can find her work at The Composition Gallery in Candler Park. Lucky for me, Smithy and I were invited to the party through some mutual friends.

Next on the agenda, the Atlanta Indie Craft Experience is having one of their huge pre-holiday sales. It's basically the equivalent of 100+ Etsy-style artists selling their wares in one huge studio warehouse. I was already intrigued when I read about it, since my friend Kathy has sold her Spa Boo soaps at previous sales. (Beautiful soap and bath products made with essential oils - check it out !) So, while scrolling through the list of vendors, I stumbled upon Skeledog t-shirts - now I've got to go. There's a Great Dane t-shirt that's calling my name!


I'm ready for the weekend, since it's been a week or more of really and truly going to the dogs. (More posts to follow.) It started with a call to a trainer, ironically followed a day or so later by a jail break by Jack and Ophelia. They dashed through the front door, and did a quick spin around the block, gleefully ignoring my calls to come back. Thanks to the help of quick-thinking Kathy and her diversionary tactics, crises were avoided, and the hooligans were safely captured.

So, also on the agenda for the weekend: breaking out my copy of My Smart Puppy, by the fantastic Sarah Wilson and Brian Kilcommons, a bag of dog treats, and a clicker. We're re- working some real basics, like Come when called. For info on their books see here, and for amazing (and addictive!) message boards see here.

Happy weekend all!

Happy Weekend!

Ophelia and Jack, in their usual lounging positions

It was worth the long wait!!

Starting at 7:15 am this morning, it took nearly three hours in line at my neighborhood fire station to get to the voting booth, but I came prepared with a book (of course!), a snack, and a happy outlook.

Our polling station is tiny, so the line of voters snaked out the door and down the block. I'm delighted to say that I have never seen anywhere near this kind of turnout at the precinct in the 11 years I've lived in the neighborhood. It could easily have been five times the usual turnout, maybe more. Literally everyone and their grandmother showed up today!

Luckily we've had gorgeous weather: low 70's and sunny, so no excuses for anyone. The poll workers did their best to keep things moving, and generally did a great job.

Since I had so much time on my hands while in line, I had a chance to catch up with neighbors, and meet new people. I even got invited to a neighbor's party on Friday night! For the most part, people in line with me were at the least pleasant, some even joyful. It meant alot to me to feel like such a part of my local community. All in all it was great to be taking place in a national event that felt so momentous, and I've been grinning all day.

Change is on the way!