Fun With Reid

Thursday my son Reid flew into Denver. He has spent the past month having a fabulous time at Camp Young Judaea and taking an amazing bus tour through the West. We are enjoying Denver together. Friday we spent the day at the Denver Zoo. Reid loves animals and took some great photos there. In the evening we went to Sloan's Lake Park to play frisbee and watch "Where The Wild Things Are." I really love that there are so many outdoor movies and concerts in the area parks. It is so wonderful to lay on a blanket under the stars on a cool Denver evening.

This morning Reid and I went on a bird hike. We've never done that before and it was pretty cool. A professional guide led the hike and he really knew his stuff. The woodsy area in Castle Rock was lovely to walk through and we saw over 20 varieties of birds, one of which the guide had never seen in that area!

Tonight Reid and I met Cass and Herb to see the Rockies beat the Padres 4-2. So far the Rockies have won every game I have been to (4 for 4). Herb follows the Rockies closely and told us all about every player. Afterwards we walked around downtown for a little bit and chatted. We all had a great time together. World Series here we come!

Contemporary Art Day

Tuesday was Contemporary Art Day! First I visited the art exhibit at the newly restored McNichols Building in Civic Center Park, part of the huge Biennial of the Americas programming going on here at virtually every institution this month. This former Smithsonian library has very high ceilings and fabulous large windows which makes it a great place for an art exhibit. Various contemporary artists from the Americas - South America, Latin America, Mexico, Canada, USA - were invited to create pieces especially for this program with the theme of "The Nature of Things". As with all modern art, the wide open theme brings out the full spectrum of ideas and ways to present it. A few pieces I enjoyed include energetic cone-like formations of various topographical areas of the state incorporating natural elements such as moss, grass and rock, allowing us to simultaneously see the power and the delicacy of nature. Another artist created elaborate, organic, futuristic buildings from dust, yes, dust mixed with some polymers, showing us how readily available materials could be used to build things with. A lot of really fascinating stuff making big statements about our world.

Afterwards I went into Civic Center Park to have some lunch. Vendors set up food kiosks in the park at lunchtime, a great break for downtown workers. I was in Happy-Land sitting outside at a table under an umbrella, listening to live guitar music (which always makes me feel good) munching my really tasty Vietnamese sandwich of smoked tempeh, pickled vegetables, sprouts and cilantro!

Then a visit to the MCA - Museum of Contemporary Art, on the other end of downtown, about a mile walk. This museum has very few permanent pieces, so every time you go the entire museum is different. Their current theme is "Energy Effects". As opposed to conserving energy, a good idea of course, these pieces are put together to explore how art allows us to see the power of energy. Human energy, molecular energy, nuclear energy, planetary energy, electronic energy. A new point of view and a new way to communicate everywhere you look!

I capped off my Happy Day with dinner with my friend Andrea who moved to Denver from Dallas two years ago. She loves it here and we had a nice visit!

Cherry Creek Arts Festival - wow!

Sunday I spent the day with my Dallas friends Marcy and Bob who were in town for the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. This is one of the premier arts festivals in the country, it is extremely selective, and yet there is something for everyone. I was wowed by the variety and the incredibly high craftsmanship of all the artists. Most artists have lots of great ideas, it's the ones who can pull off their concept by creating and communicating with something amazing that stand a chance of making it in the world of selling your art.

My shopping friend Marcy found plenty of beautiful things to buy while Bob and I gave our opinions on which earrings were better. We walked, stopped for lunch, then walked some more as Bob carefully read the map so we didn't miss anything. (As opposed to me who wanders aimlessly and doesn't care if I miss something!) We had a really fun time! Just as we finished in the late afternoon, the weather took a turn for the worse, so we went to see the movie "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" which I have been wanting to see for months. We all loved it (the sequel comes out this weekend). Then we ate a delicious Chinese dinner and called it a super day!

Awesome Fireworks

The Denver Symphony concert, light show and fireworks at Civic Center Park tonight were awesome! I really, really love fireworks, it appeals to both the artist and the pyromaniac in me! Thousands of people turned out on a warm night to celebrate. The park is a mere two blocks from my condo and I was pretty glad I didn't need to park a car in this area tonight. The Capitol is one one side of the park and the Government Building is across the street. This is the building that has fantastic lighting that changed to the music throughout the concert. I happened to sit down by some really nice women who shared their blanket with me and we talked about living in Denver. People here are really friendly!

Finishing Up Teaching

Amazingly enough, my teaching here is finished. The best part about teaching art is guiding children through new experiences, helping those all important brain connections grow as they create, experiment, problem-solve and see things from new perspectives. The second best part about teaching art is that the children keep me thinking and feeling young, as if I am also learning everything for the first time. We finished up our class this week painting wild Matisse patterns, drawing self portraits a la Frida Kahlo, a big challenge for most 6 year olds, and creating imaginative found object circus sculptures in the style of Alexander Calder. It is amazing how much fun kids can have with a table full of containers, yarn, wood pieces, wire, foam trays, egg cartons and popsicle sticks!

A Super Day-After-My-Birthday

Thursday my friend Melissa and I went to see the Rockies game. I've known Melissa a long time and am glad to have gotten to know her better in recent years since I've been visiting Denver. We both really love going to baseball games and this one was so much fun! The game itself was great - the Rockies won 7-4, the crowd was in a celebratory mood and our seats were right by the Coors Field Brewery (good thinking M!). The best part about the game however was the wonderful time I had with my super fun friend. We talked and laughed and cheered - what a great way to spend an evening!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Wednesday marked the beginning of my 48th year on this earth, which makes me 47 years old for those who don't relate well to math. I have not liked the idea of birthdays much since I rolled over number 40, because as I get older the disconnect between my numerical age and how I feel gets even wider. What is old and what is young? Of course this is all outwardly imposed but it still tends to affect us - society has expectations about what you should act like and where you should be in your life at various points. It's not a great system in my opinion, and I admire the many people who break out of it in various ways. Clearly life never goes as you plan it. Relationships ebb and flow, come and go, people live and die, or face death and push it back. The perpetual stresses of money, health, family, jobs, government, the environment, world peace - there is no end to the challenges we face as mere humans.

So, this year I have new thoughts about birthdays. To celebrate another year of my one and only precious life. To cultivate gratitude, and that takes a lot of work, about what is right. To know myself, what I need and what I don't. To get the maximum joy out of the seemingly small things - a relaxing walk in nature, a sweet gesture from a child, a delicious plate of food, an exciting piece of art, a delightful piece of music, a thought provoking book or movie. To show thanks to all the people in my life who have made it what it is. Thanks everyone.

Famous Artists Week 2

My happy little students are learning so much! Yesterday we painted Monet Impressionist paintings. Most children have not worked on a very large piece of paper and dabbing the paint all over was a great experience. We also made lily pads out of colored clay to go on our smaller Monet water paintings. Today we had so much fun studying Andy Warhol, dressing up as hippies, creating our own printing plates and making prints. The children came up with so many ways to layer their prints and create prints with a variety of colors. That's creative thinking in action - give people the knowledge, skills, materials and guidance and then let them fly!

A Treat for the Senses

Saturday Cass and Herb took me to the Denver Botanic Gardens. This place is incredibly relaxing and renewing and just makes me so happy to stroll through. I love that the gardens are diverse and distinctive - I especially enjoy the Monet Pond and the Japanese Garden. Most everything is free flowing, not perfectly manicured, and the scents are intoxicating. Plus, in addition to the beautiful gardens themselves, there are currently 20 monumental Henry Moore sculptures being exhibited throughout the gardens and wow are they incredible!

After the Gardens, my wonderful cousins took me out to a pre-birthday dinner at a cool new restaurant called Root Down. This is possibly the most delicious meal I have ever had. You can tell when a true chef is at the helm. We shared a really great bottle of wine and three "small" plates, which did not look that small to me and tasted truly amazing. I just wanted the flavors to stay in my mouth forever. We topped it off with coffee and the mandatory chocolate birthday dessert complete with candle!

Biking in Boulder

Thursday I spent the afternoon in Boulder, about 45 minutes northwest of Denver. After a delicious lunch of tofu yellow curry on funky, zen, hippie Pearl Street, I biked a few blocks down to the Boulder Creek Trail. This is the most beautiful bike trail I have ever seen. It runs along a gorgeous, babbling creek and the trees and greenways are magnificent. The trail runs about 5 miles through the center of town. I stopped many times along the path not only to take photos but also to admire the beauty and take in the casual and fun ambiance that is Boulder.

I would have biked into the evening but I was due in Westminster for yummy homemade pizza topped with fragrant backyard herbs at Cindy and Dennis's house. I met their lovely 14 year old daughter Tasha, and we all had a very pleasant time together. Thanks guys!

So Great Being with Cass and Herb

Tuesday I spent most of the day with my wonderful cousin Cass who lives in Castle Rock, a little less than an hour south of Denver. Her mahjong group kicked my ass, but it was fun to play anyway! Afterwards we took a nice hike in her scenic, hilly neighborhood. Cass and her husband Herb and I had dinner on their porch and as always, there was tasty wine and interesting conversation. What a relaxing day!

I've been eating vegetarian since I got here, and I feel great! Now my version includes fish and seafood, which is not true Colorado vegetarianism, but it is a big step for me. With Whole Foods just down the block and several other specialty organic stores as well as the weekend farmer's market close by, it is easy to find tasty, fresh food anytime. Most restaurants offer a large selection of vegetarian choices as well. Coloradoans are a healthy and fit bunch!

Famous Artists Class

Every weekday morning this week and next I am teaching nine children about famous artists. I developed a class where each day we become the artist of the day through drama, art history and hands-on projects. We are having a super time! We have painted the blue and red periods of Pablo Picasso, sculpted negative and positive spaces like Henry Moore and created some pretty crazy surrealism like Salvador Dali.

We also worked on stained glass windows like Marc Chagall, in our case made from plexiglass and tissue paper, and painted with thick, swirly paint like Vincent Van Gogh. The kids are fascinated with the lives of the artists and I try to put some interesting stories in so they will remember it better. You can't beat Van Gogh cutting off his ear for dramatics!

Gays Just Wanna Have Fun

Lots of excitement in my neighborhood this morning because today is PrideFest! The annual Gay Pride Parade sashayed down Colfax and both the crowd and the parade were wild! Some people wore not a whole lot and some should have worn much more. In the parade there were lots of shirtless guys, a few shirtless girls, drag queens, black leather outfits, rainbow accessories (you just don't want to know where some people put their rainbows), motorcycles, classic cars, some political stuff, music ("it's fun to stay at the YMCA"), dancing, roller blading, and lotsa hugging and kissing. People were throwing beads, candy and all kinds of stuff - it was a blast! Gays know how to have fun!

This evening my old friends Cindy and Dennis Sanger came over for dinner. I haven't seen them since graduating Wash U in 1985. Cindy and I were art majors together and we also lived on the same street. Dennis was an engineering major and we knew a lot of the same people at school since I dated a few geeks, I mean, engineers. Amazingly they look pretty much the same as 25 years ago - must be the Colorado air! We had a lovely time catching up and chatting about life. I am happy to have two more friends in Denver.

Two Weeks Already!

Another week, another class gone by so very quickly! The past few days we painted fantastic still lifes, worked with thick and thin paint, sponge painted and much more. All the kids learned a lot and had a really fun time. That's my goal!

In some ways I feel like I just got here. The time goes by so quickly when I am teaching classes, it is really my passion. I enjoy having some free time to walk, ride, read or just think. I truly believe everyone should spend some time alone, whether you like it or not. It will be transforming.

I took a bike ride to Confluence Park where the Platte River is overflowing due to the large snowmelt this year. It's still really nice to ride along, and sometimes through, the water. Now this is what a bike path should look like! (Take note Dallas and Plano.) Tomorrow is the Century Ride where 3600 people ride 100 miles all around the Denver area, including up and yes, down, Lookout Mountain. Since I'm not quite up to that, I'm opting for the Westword Music Showcase, 7 hours, over 100 local bands, 15 venues, lots of beer.

Art and Red Rocks - both are magical

Painting class is going well. This week I have 15 great kids, ages 5-7. Yesterday we painted tempera paint landscapes using primary and secondary colors and today we had a blast exploring the properties of watercolors. They could not get enough of the magic of watercolors spreading, running into each other, overlapping and creating unpredictable, beautiful art. Everyone was equally fascinated with the way oil pastels resist watercolor, above.

After class today I went to Red Rocks, another one of my favorite places, to see "The Princess Bride". They show movies there all summer long on a giant screen. I had a nice little walk around the incredible rocks before going into the amphitheater. It was fun being part of the crowd, everyone boos the king, cheers the heroes and recites famous lines with the characters in the movie, "that's inconceivable!" Being out in that cool Denver breeze, under the clear, starry sky, surrounded by huge, amazing rock formations... this place is magical.

Inspiration

Monday night I went to a "Linchpin" Event here in Denver. For those of you not familiar with this buzzword, it refers to fans of Seth Godin's blog, books and well-packaged daily advice all about being indispensable, unique, an agent of change and doing work that matters. Godin has been around a long time, I read his marketing books 20-plus years ago when I was in the wonderful (hah!) world of advertising and I really get a lot out of his blog and daily emails. People in various cities, Plano being one, Denver being another, have organized these get togethers and used the blog to get the word out.

In any event, I figured if I showed up to this thing and made a total idiot out of myself, well, I don't live here anyway so I have nothing to lose. As it turned out, there were about 25 people, almost all of whom seemed totally cool, intelligent, and interesting to chat with. I usually feel a little uncomfortable talking at networking type events but I think since I haven't had too many people to talk to lately, it felt good to talk, especially with this group of like minded people who are all doing something a bit different than the norm. When I got home I felt very inspired and energized to stay on the path of your passions and push that proverbial envelope, even when it's hard.

Here I am in Denver Again

I arrived in the beautiful city of Denver late last Saturday after an easy yet long drive. Sunday I spent the hottest day of the year here so far at the Chalk Art Festival in trendy Larimer Square and at the Capitol Hill People's Fair, a large music, art, food, causes, funky weird stuff (chainmail bikini anyone?), you-name-it festival in Civic Center Park.

I've been thinking about the transience of chalk art. The artists spend days planning and creating their masterpieces which are promptly washed away after the weekend. I liken it to an experience - where artists share their talents, spread their beauty and the viewer is expected to pay attention and learn something, expand their thinking, because this will be their only opportunity. This transience even applies to things not thought of as art, but really are an art, like business acumen. Give your experiences and knowledge to others so they can learn something and better our world!

Monday I plunged right into teaching painting to eleven 4-7 year olds in the afternoons and spent most of the rest of the time unpacking, buying food and other necessities, and basically setting things up here. I am renting a third floor condo which I am dubbing the "Bachelor Pad". It has lots of manly brown furnishings, a kitchen boasting a couple of plates, a pot and a pan (what more do you need?!), a balcony where you can chug your beer and spy on people walking down the street and a rooftop deck with a pretty decent view. The Capitol Hill location is right next to downtown - a bustling, eclectic area.

Wednesday after teaching I hauled my bike down three flights of stairs to take a short ride on the Cherry Creek Bike Trail, a lovely scenic, wide, paved path that runs mostly along a creek. It was really beautiful riding outside in the cool late afternoon air. Denver is second only to Portland as the city with the most miles of bike trails. The people here are fanatical bikers!

It started raining Friday and won't stop until Monday. It is downright cold this weekend, temperatures in the low 50s. Yes, I can hear the whah-whahs from here! Although I would have liked to do something outside, I had an inspiring day today in the Denver Art Museum, one of my favorite places here. I spent some time in the fabulous sitting areas in comfy chairs perusing the loads of art books pertaining to the type of art on that floor. For me that's like being a kid in a candy store!