I got a call yesterday from an old college friend.  It was his 65th birthday and he was planning to give his new medicare card a test drive.    Among  other things we talked a lot about music, especially older pop music...."back in the day" music....captured on vinyl, tape, & cd.  If you've held on to all that stuff over the years but can't remember where you put it all (check the fridge!) there's still hope:  Spotify!  Millions and millions of songs for free.  The best part is that you don't have to wait for the download.  It's almost immediate.  And yes, you can (sort of) "go back" in time.  Strap on the headphones, close your eyes and go back to the Filmore East for Creedence Clearwater singing Green River, to a sleepy Woodstock night to hear Sly and The Family Stone, or to the college dorm to hear Simon and Garfunkel singing Homeward Bound.  My guess is that you'll be up all night.  

For a little taste, click on Paul below.

I bought a nice big book last weekend.... a beautiful book of botanical illustrations and designs that were an inspiration for the Art Nouveau movement at the end of the nineteenth century.  It will surely end up on my coffee table along with a few other cherished books.  I'm glad I got it while I still had the chance!  Today Borders closed 400 stores employing 11,000 people.  And I'm seeing that some libraries are going "book-less".

I guess I can put a Kindle on my coffee table but its just not the same.  I can look at artwork on my computer, enlarged and in great detail, but its not the same as turning the pages of the weighty Audubon's Birds of America, Elephant Folio.    

I think I'll just hold on to, lug around, or pass on a few "old school" books.  Not for the investment value, but just in case the power goes out.   

I'll be up in Portsmouth, NH this Sunday at the new Portsmouth Open Market @ Strawberry Banke Museum.  The weather is supposed to be great.  Come check out some new summer floral items I'll be showing!

http://www.portsmouthopenmarket.com/?page_id=336

Just got home from Baltimore and the Buyers Market of American Crafts.  Thanks to all the galleries and stores who made it to the Baltimore show this week.  Hope to see you again at the next BMAC show. 

Up at the camp in Rangeley this week.  Painting. 

The deck is alternatively sunny and rainy…. but my brushes work in any weather....so I’m painting.... inside and out.  Starting to get some work ready for the fall festivals.... apples and other fall things.  I've also been watching an apple tree in my yard.  I gave it some room to breathe last summer and this year it blossomed!    

Rangeley Lakes 3rd of July Arts & Crafts Show is on for Sunday.   Rain or shine!