Intrepid bargain hunter, Jo Anne Lauzer of Vancouver, B.C.’s Secondhand Savvy discovered Bohemia Gallery, yet another fantastic source for fashionistas who want to make a statement–whether at Burning Man, a costume party or just everyday zany. Celebrate your bohemian side!
Bohemia Gallery
3243 Main Street (at 16th)
Vancouver, British Columbia
(604) 874-2781
From: New York Times, Seattle Times, The New Yorker, ABC News.
Blue is the new black for tuxedos. Adam Sandler’s latest movie “Blended” is a flop, despite the presence of darling Drew Barrymore. The hottest thing to come out of the cold is Norwegian writer Karl Ove Knausgaard. Americans are over scheduling themselves to feel more important. Actress America Ferrera demonstrated grace under pressure when some nut case got too close for comfort at Cannes.
Actor Josh Charles, of The Good Wife (on CBS) wanted to be released from his contract so the show’s creators decided to go the Matthew Crawley route (Downton Abbey) by killing him off. Shocking, of course, but they wanted to stir things up. I’m sure all his fans wish Mr. Charles the best of luck.
Now, about Oprah:
O’s April cover features her drastically Photoshopped in a 1970s flip wig, bulges removed, slenderized, with almost gamine-like legs, and looking 25 or 26 instead of 60. Oprah’s ability to manipulate reality has always fascinated me but what struck me is the cover’s irony.
Oprah constantly lectures about the importance of being “authentic,” yet anyone who watched her in “The Butler,” or during recent TV appearances knows she’s not thin, not even close. For a while O was celebrating her shape, however plump and puffy, and I respected that. However this cover screams disingenuous.
Olympia artist Becky Knold’s latest contemporary works “Atmosphere, Land and Water” will be on display Feb. 14 through March 16 at Salon Refu, 114 N. Capitol Way, Olympia, WA 98501. Gallery hours are Thurs. through Sunday noon to 6 PM.
Mrs. Knold’s works, along with other talented locals, will also be featured in the Arts Olympia–sponsored exhibit and sale “Art from the Heart” Feb. 14 through 16 at the State Capitol Museum Coach House, 211 W. 21st Ave. in Olympia.
My Italian artist-friend Dee Andreini, who lives on an orchard-vineyard estate in beautiful Occidental, California, creates dreamy romantic paintings reminiscent of Thomas Kincaid, only better in my opinion. Many of her themes celebrate California’s lush wine country and natural beauty. Dee is hosting two shows at her art studio, 1990 Facendini Lane, Sebastopol, California, June 1-2 & June 8-9 (Sat-Sun) from 10 to 5. See samples of Dee’s works here.
Olympia, Washington based artist Rebecca “Becky” Knold, whom I recently discovered through my husband’s association with her talented writer-husband John, creates amazing designs that capture true joie de vivre. She calls it “contemporary art with soul,” and I’m proud to say I now own one of Becky’s sculptures, a zany bohemian “madcap.” Visit Becky’s website for details.
“What surprises me most about people’s skills is how poor their writing and grammar are, even for college graduates.” Eleonora Sharef, co-founder of HireArt.
Sharef was referring to job applicants, but I also see an enormous tsunami of “indy” or “self-published” writers who lack writing and grammar skills. These knuckleheads have proliferated because it’s easy to become a “published” writer via vanity presses, POD publishing and eBooks.
It’s shocking and unacceptable, and why I couldn’t stomach our local writers’ group after two meetings. With the exception of a local newspaper reporter and a young wannabe novelist, no one in the room had a clue about the basics of writing nor did they have any desire to learn. Heaven forbid anyone would fact-check, proofread his/her work or spell correctly. That’s for amateurs!
One old fellow, who they cheer on and applaud for some incomprehensible reason, has self-published 33 books of unreadable, unsellable drivel! They’re an oozing mass of co-dependent, lazy, talentless numbskulls. And there are millions more out there in Cyberspace! Scary!
In light of current events, I can’t resist citing this passage from Michael Dibdin’s (R.I.P.) marvelous book “And Then You Die, an Aurelio Zen Mystery” (page 56):
“You knew where you were in a Catholic culture: up to your neck in lies, evasions, impenetrable mysteries, double-dealing, back-stabbing and underhand intrigues of every kind.”
Just found this on a UK site. Got all of them right except for boatswain. And they forgot forte. Click here.
Zooey! Get a load of John Patrick Shanley’s searing op-ed on the pope’s resignation in Monday’s New York Times.
Even though I’m married to a Catholic I agree with Shanley. High time someone spoke up. Not that it will do any good.
Bravo to Pope Benedict XVI for realizing when it’s time to call it quits! I salute his courage and wish him a wonderful retirement.
I do wish that the Holy Father’s actions would set an example for people, especially certain entertainers, who can definitely afford to retire but go on and on and on–well past their pull dates (Tony Bennett and Pat Boone, are you listening?)
MADCAP MARY 