ART APPRECIATION

Our DIL accepted a new position closer to where they will be living during their 12 month remodel process.....wisely eliminating a long commute to San Francisco in favor of only 5 blocks.  Work environments certainly have changed from my oh so many, many years ago, 9-5 work world.

 Her stunning office complex is an artists' delight....clearly art is collected and appreciated.  The following pieces are only a small smattering of items on display.  BUT....the first thing I noticed was the wood paneling....if you look closely you can see that this section is actually cabinets!  This is recycling at its best....the carefully chosen and positioned wood sections came from old torn down San Francisco buildings.

Next my attention was drawn to the carpeting. I loved how the colorful sections broke up the long hallway expanses and were reflected by the glass panels, contrasted by the antique wood walls.

 I began snapping photos immediately but neglected to obtain the name of the artist who created this stunning piece made of fused glass. I managed to slow down my excitment in an attempt to document the art pictured below.

 'Entangles" - oil and mixed media on canvas - Artist:  John Belingheri 

(I missed this title) Medium:  Paper and ink - Artist: Wynne Hayakaw

 Naturally the work stations are outfitted with ergonomic chairs and of course for those that dare.....an 'exercise ball'.

 'Euphorbia' # 4 & 5 - latex and resin on panel - Artist:  Kim Squaglia

 '4 Squared' - crocheted, fabricated metal - Artist:  Tracy Krumm
**this piece was very large....perhaps 10' feet x 6'

 Detail

'Roadside Attractions' - mixed media collage - Artist:  Barbara Kronlins

This is a detail of another large piece, but due to reflection, the full size photo isn't very viewable......but worth seeing in this small section!

Thank you Kelly for the visit to your place of employment.....eye candy for sure!!!

HOTEL ROUTINE

I've had more than my share of hotel stays...and long time readers know I am an admitted hotel snob.  Noooooo, I don't expect to stay in 5 Star accommodations, however after many o'years of traveling the quilting highway, where (understandably) quilt guilds and even some conferences/symposiums select where an instructor stayed....I could tell you some hair raising stories.

Even nicer places can have their issues, which can drive someone like me who has major sleeping problems, well....crazy.  Things like dripping water faucets, a toilet that never stops emptying and refilling, bottom sheets that won't stay on the mattress, a coffee maker without coffee, and the dreaded hair dryer that is missing or not in working order.  AND GET THIS!!!  The alarm clock that some prankster set to go off at 3:00 AM!!!!

Long ago I got into a routine of doing a cursory check before I settled into a room.  I KNOW how crazy that sounds, but honestly it became fun.   I doubled checked on details like those mentioned above and made a room change if necessary.  There's nothing worse than standing with wet hair - no hair dryer and your deadline to get to the classroom approaches!  You get the idea.

Soon I developed a notebook rating system, like you might see for a movie or restaurant.  Based on 5 Stars...but I used icons for each subject instead.   At one event, I remember Ami Simms (I think it was Ami anyway) howling with laughter when she saw what I was doing.

For instance, quality of the TV = 1-5 rabbit ears📺 and taste of the coffee = 1-5 ☕️.  White gloves for cleanliness, and these: 🚽.   🚿.  One of my favorites was a 'bed pillow' ......to rate the bed and quality and number of pillows.   I LOVE to make a nest of pillows when I sleep (or not sleep on those many restless nights I have).  I was in heaven last night with 5 pillows in my hotel.    

I no longer use that old notebook but can smile thinking about it.  It made me appreciate the special accommodations and laugh at the pitiful ones!

I can hardly believe I used to camp.....even tent camp on long bicycle trips....my days of porta potties, no running water, heck no ice maker are totally in the past.  There will not ever be any dorm stays in my future, no Motel Six, or to be honest....lower on the hotel chain than a Hampton Inn.....

What about you?  Hopefully, I'm not the only fussy one out and about?!?

PS - I have 4 bed pillows in my new location tonight and spied two more in the closet...ahhhhhh.