Art Fairs, Concerts, and Shopping

I've been packing in some summer fun since Wednesday. First, I spent an entire afternoon in Ann Arbor, MI at their annual art fair. This festival is HUGE and planned very well. It's actually four art fairs in one, and many of the roads are blocked off so you can wander from street to street and catch the various venues.

The art fair delights my frugal soul. For the cost of gas and a $3.00 round ticket bus ride from Pioneer High School parking lot to downtown, I was able to wander around the gorgeous shopping district, browse art, people watch, and soak up the University of Michigan's incredible architecture.

Another plus? I went by myself! I could walk at a slow pace, browse each booth as long as I wanted, and dart in and out of the shops on Main Street without feeling rushed. A wide range of art was displayed--etchings, photography, painting, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, textiles--you name it!

I wrote down the artists I loved the most so my husband and I could browse their sites later. This morning, I went to their websites. I purchased two breathtaking 8x10 photographs by one of the artists. I had already bought two large frames with mattes at TJ Maxx. The total cost for two framed, unique, professional art pieces will be $60.00. Not bad!

Earlier this spring, a Groupon deal came through my e-mail for our zoo's concert series. My hubby and I purchased concert tickets 40% off. The Gavin DeGraw and Matt Nathanson concert was last night. We had a great time. The artists sounded amazing. Plus, the zoo has a relaxed atmosphere and easy parking. A perfect date night for us!

Yesterday, I spent a few hours shopping. We have two outdoor malls nearby, but I rarely go to one of them. Well, I found three new stores I'll be returning to for Christmas presents. I love finding boutiques that specialize in eclectic gifts.

I love summer! Sometimes I have to force myself to take time off, but I never regret being outside, doing things I normally don't do.

Have you done anything different this summer? 

Have a fun weekend!!

Tweet

Share

One Goal Friday: July 23, 2010

How are you? What have you been up to?

That's how almost every phone call of mine begins, and since we're all friends here (if you're new, you soon will be friends here too!), I'll start today's blog out the same.



The kids and I strolled downtown Ann Arbor and on the University of Michigan campus this week for the annual Ann Arbor Art Fair. It's huge! The city streets and campus brim with booths featuring artists from all over the world. Live music, free art projects for kids and adults, a trolley, and tons of delicious food booths round out the fair. I love that the city plans so well for the event. Visitors can park at the mall or Pioneer High School and pay a small fee to ride a bus to the venue. The art fair continues until Saturday, so if you're in the area, go check it out!

It's Friday! Time to set and review our goal.
My goal last week was to finish researching my new book and create the scene outline. Well, that goal will have to wait, because my critique partners are super fast! I spent the week tweaking my (almost) finished book based on their comments.

Here are your goals:
Terri: Read through manuscript to see what's still needed
Jessica: Continue sending queries and polishing ms (Good luck!! Fingers crossed for many requests!!)
Abby: Continue playing piano
Diane: Keep going on treadmill
Katie: Add another 12K (Did you finish?)
Wendy: Give mom tons of hugs (Yay! Enjoy your visit!)
CJ: Restore program and data files (Yuck.)
Jen: Exercise 3x's and finish files
Lynn: Tweet twice a day
Tamika: Dive back into ms
Cindy: Write 10k, get up early to exercise, and clean house
Kelly F: 1k/1hr
Erica: Write 10k
Patti: Keep correcting The Rhythm of Secrets, finish teacher crits for memoir class
Quiet Spirit: Write on series of skits with theme of God speaking to us
Julie J: Finish and send synopsis
Nancy: Get "new" room cleaned and organized
Sharon: Write 20pgs of YA romance and write 7 blog posts
T.Anne: Write 10k and catch a nap
CMOM: Spend time with kids
Lindsey: Finish preparing for RWA Nationals (Welcome! You'll have a blast at Nationals!)

How did you do? I'm continually amazed at how productive you are. Even in the middle of summer, you're pursuing your dreams. Inspiring!

My new goal is to do the final read through of my finished book and start querying it.

What one goal would enhance your life this week?

Please leave your goal in the comment section. Newcomers are welcome to participate, and don't worry if you can't stop by every Friday--my blog's goal isn't to add stress but to be a place of support.

Have a great weekend!

Tweet

Share