Congratulations!

Congratulations go out to Debbie Rogers of Madison who was watching this morning and called in as the first caller to the studio to win a spot in the January 29th Wine & Paint Night being held at my studio!  Debbie, thank you for watching and responding quickly--I look forward to meeting you.

Thank you to ALL those who called in!  I was overwhelmed at the response!  Come by the studio and gallery for a visit--I would love to meet you.  And keep watching Georgi on Saturday mornings.  I am usually on the 4th Saturday, and you never know what I'll be offering. ;)

Newsflash!

Carole will be appearing on WAFF 48 news with Georgi Bragg in the morning announcing something special!  YOU could be a winner! Don't miss it! 8am-9am UNLESS there is breaking news of some sort.  You know how TV can go...This is another shot from a different appearance.  Carole usually appears the 4th Saturday morning of each month. Usually. ;)

10 Things Science Says Will Make You Happy

Looking over a few blogs today,  I came across a great article on Daniel Pink's blog on keys to happiness and found them to be so true:

1. Savor the present moment!
2. Don't keep up with Joneses
3. Don't regard money so highly
4. Strive for meaningful goals
5. Be highly motivated
6. Smile though your heart is...
7. Treasure family and friends
8. Feel gratitude and share it
9. Let exercise be your drug 
10. Give give give

The whole article/blogpost is worth reading.  I looked up Daniel Pink after my niece mentioned his latest book "A Whole New Mind" that I plan to read soon.  Anyone read it?  Hope these truths are helpful to you as you chill over the holidays and ponder the year past and the year anticipated...Be blessed!

Great Music on Lazy Day

As I pick up the cookie plates, pack up the large coffee pot from my Christmas Eve coffee, I'm listening to a great musician (over my sound system provided by my husband--playing from my iPod!). She is Sandra McCracken.  Check her out and see if her words don't get you thinking and centered.  She is such an incredible songwriter and was on tour with other awesome, incredible artists Sara Groves, Brandon Heath, Charlie Peacock and Derek Webb for the Art Music Justice tour.  The CD "Grvity Love" can be purchased here on Amazon.

Christmas Time

I love making cookies with my daughters every Christmas.  We took time last night to do that and watch Elf--it was fun!  Gus even got into the spirit too.  You'll have to check out his video, giving a bit of dialogue about the whole event.  It is indeed time to slow down and enjoy family and friends and relish in what God gave us as we celebrate Christmas--a Savior!!

And the most wonderful thing to me at Christmas time is MUSIC!  I have attended and been a part of (with my band Sister Grace) about 9 concerts.  The grand finale was First Baptist Church's "Athens Christmas" and it was truly awe-inspiring.  I love going with my Dad to that each year, and it was simply beautiful, ringing in the lovely meaning of Christmas.  Thanks to Ryan Leffel for directing the Celebration Choir--he and they are so talented!  Below is the spectacular scenery in the sanctuary from the balcony.

As far as recorded music, I have discovered some great new albums and enjoyed older ones as well, but I think my favorite this year is Sarah McLauchlin's Wintersong.

Frank Stitts!

One good thing about shopping this time of year is...well, not much.  BUT!  Last night as I headed to the mall, I knew of an event at Williams Sonoma that was going on, and I happened to make it just in time--imagine that!  Frank Stitts came to talk and cook and sign his latest book Bottega Recipes.  I love Bottega so much and this was going to be a treat to meet the chef who has single-handedly brought rich, regionally grown food to our Southern table.  I loved hearing him discuss the local dairy near Anniston where he gets his milk/dairy products, and the farm that he has developed where he has goats, chickens to grow his own sources of food.  I find that a really cool thing, and I love when people take pride in where they live, and take the local area and let it burst with pride, that which can grow and thrive.  We can truly enjoy to the fullest where we live.  I thought it was funny and true, how he very nicely implied that any restauranteur who uses precut, pre-chopped garlic is not...he never said, but he meant that there's no excuse! I agree.  There is no excuse for not cutting your own cloves of garlic for your fresh pasta.  He went on to say that it is is best used within a half hour that it is cut.  I learned alot, and really enjoyed his being in our area.  I felt really excited about my girls night out at Stitts' Bottega after Christmas that I am planning.

Huge Sale on...

Hurry!! There is a huge sale on another of my favorite things this time of year--corduroys at J. Crew.  Today is the day to rack up on great buys.  I think Santa has already chosen a pair for me!  Other items are marked waaaaaay down too. Sharing this info could cost you alot, but that is your reward for checking in here on the Artful Living Blog.  Stay tuned for all kinds of wonderful tidbits of info!

Dreary Day at the Gallery

Days like this are nice sometimes--wintry, dreary, rainy.  Today I have been working on some charcoal drawings that will be illustrations for my father's book that will be coming out soon.  He landed a publisher last week, so I am rushing to get them done!  Gus enjoyed watching the passersby.  He is the gallery dog now--most of the time in his domain in the painting room though.  He is in av WORKS's window--my husband's business is officially moved in now.  Gus sits in the "snow" that fell on the TVs. :)

Carole's Color Cafe Announced!

See my website and read more about Color Cafe beginning February 5th!  Open to all painters!  Join me in an inspirational time of painting each Thursday.  Bring your own supplies, set up, enjoy Starbucks coffee, fellowship and laughter!  Receive minimal instruction--not your normal workshop experience, but hey, I can't sit idly by when someone needs some help!  Give it a try and see what you think.  Open to any fun-loving painter with a positive attitude! $45 per class or $150 for 4.  Makes a fantastic gift this holiday season!

My Band Sister Grace - Christmas Concert!

6pm Show - Sold out!

8:30pm Show - 60% Sold Sold Out!

Don't miss a fun, festive time with Sister Grace !  We are recording live our Christmas Concert at The Red Caboose on December 13th.  Reserve your spot now for a night to remember.  Enjoy drink, hors d'oeuvres and traditional Christmas carols as well as a few originally written songs too.  Let us share a warm Christmas wish with you!

Call now to reserve your spot!  

256 - 306 - 6201

Another Favorite Thing!

I wanted to share with you Amazon's MP3 Downloader. You can purchase mp3s from Amazon now--just like iTunes, but better, since they are mp3s.  You simply download the mp3 downloader, and it goes straight into your iTunes, album art and all!  I love it!  I purchased the entire album of the Carpenters (2 discs worth of songs) that my sister recommended for $18.99.  Most mp3s cost $.99 or even less.  Check it out! In the photo you can see the downloader window showing where I purchased Faith Hill's Silent Night. Music is everything at Christmas time--I just love it....

The Perfect Gift!

Ahh, Christmas shopping!  The holidays are so exciting but can make a turn for the worse trying to find that perfect gift.  Don't let Christmas turn into something that it shouldn't.  Make it extra beautiful by giving the gift of ART--either a painting from Carole Foret Fine Art Gallery, a commissioned painting by Carole or even better--a workshop!  See the schedule of great workshops on Carole's site !  People love receiving this little gift card for something artsy!  Don't forget the artsy gifts in the gallery--art mugs, hand-made jewelry and crosses, hand-painted ornaments.  Just come on by or order one of these over email, and it will be the best present your loved one will open this Christmas!

What's Been Going On!

November was really exciting and busy with lots of great classes,  my St. Paul show at my sister Claire Kayser's home.  I am so grateful to all of my awesome students and clients.

These are some who attended the Aubie vs. Big Al Wine & Paint Night, and beautiful Melissa Hood was the only Big Al painter.  Like energy attracts like energy and mostly Aubie painters attended.   But we really were open to more Big Al painters!  It was lots of fun!

A few days later, we had our Wine & Paint Night with Shoes!  These 2 gals came from Huntsville to enjoy time painting and socializing.  Didn't they do a great job??

A couple of days later I was in St. Paul, MN with Claire for her first ever home gallery show.  It was fantastic!  There were about seven of us artists--painters, glass artists, potters, writers. jewelers and live music.  We had some great hors d'oeuvres and tasty wine--thank you to Claire's husband Tom and her mother-in-law Marlene for making it so special!

Carol Bruess was on hand promoting her and Anna Kudak's great books: What Happy Couples Do and their latest: What Happy Parents Do.  You have to check out their site.  They are precious gals!

Claire and I had our new brochures ready to hand out to fun gals who want to get away to cool places and paint!  Check out our site CaroleAndClaire.Com for all the details and to download your brochure and registration form!  Start planning your 2009 getaway now!

The yummy beautiful ch0colates....

The gorgeous flowers placed throughout the house....

Jean Basse's beautiful jewelry....I have some of her bracelets in my gallery here in Athens!

Another Favorite Thing...

Another of my favorite things this winter--my new Uggs! I waited a long time to buy Uggs, but after I tried on a pair of my sisters' I love them. I ordered the dark brown ones, and got them in overnight from Zappos , and I've worn them everyday since. I love them!! I usually wear 7.5 or 8, but was advised to order down, so I ordered a 7, and they are indeed perfect. I will be a long time fan of Uggs! My husband says they're Ugg-ly, so that's how I know I have found a great pair of shoes! :) I just hope I don't drip paint on them!

Favorite Things this Winter!

I have a list of things that I'll show you soon, but for now, I MUST share this--it has been a necessity on my hands.  As much as I wash my hands, my hands tend to get dry, but add winter heating in the house, and MAN!  My fingertips suffer.  Then it's Bag Balm to the rescue!  Try it!  I got mine at Limestone Drug a few years ago.  Yes!  It lasts forever....and it's not just for cow teats either. :)

Today's Thoughts....

When I read this devotion this morning from Living Today from the Living Bible, I felt it to be so appropriate for feeling overwhelmed as I'm tempted to feel right now with the holidays rushing toward us like a freight train.  I know I am not the only one feeling this way, so I share....


The punishment you gave me was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws. --Psalm 119:71

Even though Jesus was God's Son, He had to learn from experience what it was like to obey when obeying meant suffering.   If we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.  Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. (My favorite reminder!) Is your life full of difficulties and temptations?  Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, and don't  try to squirm out of your problems.

He knows every detail of what is happening to me; and when he has examined me, he will pronounce me completely innocent---as pure as solid gold!  I have stayed in God's paths, following his steps, I have not turned aside.

Do you remember how the Lord led you through the wilderness for all those forty years, humbling you and testing you to find out how you would respond, whether or not you would really obey him?  So you should realize that, as a man punishes his son, the lord punishes you to help you.  Obey the laws of the Lord your God.  Walk in his ways and fear him.

Become a True Follower!

As some of you realized yesterday, it pays to be a "follower" of my blogs!  Yes, you may follow my blog, but are you enlisted on the sidebar over there?  Add yourself today, and see how the rewards will be wonderful!  They may bring you free things, discounted things or plain ol' good info.  Just sign on and see...

Blog Follower Special!

OK, here is your reward if you signed on as a follower:

 

Come to tonight's Wine & Paint Night for only $20! 

Theme: Shoes!

4 spots left.  

Yes!  There are rewards for those who pay attention to my blog,

 

no matter how random and silly it may seem at times. ;)

Hint: Become a follower today and catch the next surprise!

SHOES!!

Who doesn't like shoes?  This time of year is my favorite because I love boots so much.  When I get back from St. Paul next week I will have my last Wine & Paint Night of the year!  It's going to be Tuesday night from 7pm-9pm with door opening at 6:30 so that people can come in, open their drinks, munch on some hors d'oeuvres.  We'll paint on a very horizontal canvas!  There are about 5 spots available, so if you would like to join me, please call the studio with your credit card number.  It is very safe to leave on voicemail.  OR, you can leave a check in my mailbox outside my door or bring it in on Saturday.  First money, first serve. :)  

This Week's Gallery Hours

Happy Veteran's Day everyone--I hope that you will take time to honor the veterans who have served our country to preserve our freedom!

The gallery will be closed today AS WELL AS the rest of this week until Saturday as we are making some changes and I will be in St. Paul for the Art Open House--I'm really excited about that!  I hope this doesn't inconvenience anyone.

An exciting change that is taking place in my building is that my husband's business avWORKS is moving in!  Expect an even more hi-tech studio experience when you attend a class or book the building for a meeting, etc.  It will be equipped with a theater where you can experience the greatest in learning through training DVDs! Maybe even movie nights--hmm...Won't that be awesome?  So, just a reminder:

STUDIO CLOSED TILL SATURDAY,

NOV. 15TH

One of my new encaustic (beeswax) paintings I did for my show in St. Paul.  I have another one very similar to it in MY gallery in Athens--hint, hint.  It would make a beautiful addition to someone's bar area just in time for the holidays. ;)

St. Paul Art Show - Join Us!

ART OPEN HOUSE
November 15
6 - 9 pm
Home Gallery of Claire Kayser
paintings, pottery, mosaic art, books & their authors, jewelry, culinary arts, live music!
Get a jump start on holiday shopping with gifts that are completely unique and one of a kind - ART!
Grab a friend and come mingle with the artists and creative people and listen to some live jazz! Buy something unique and original for loved ones on your list!

Support artists!

Regardless...

With all the campaigning overwhelming us everywhere we look, it will finally be decided tomorrow.   I hope everyone gets out to vote!

Regardless who wins the election for President tomorrow, let's be reassured of many truths:

That God is still sovereign in our universe--He will ultimately be in control. Still.
That God comes before America.
That our main purpose will still be to win hearts over to God.
That we should still spread God's message to others.
That God loves you!
That our children will still want to spend time with us.
That the kitchen still needs to be cleaned and the beds made.
That paintings still need to be painted.
That your dog loves you.

Why I'm A Conservative Republican

President 2012!

I'm Sharing...

I'm sharing with you my choice for President of our United States of America!

Please plan to look at both candidates (their pasts, their records, their plans)

 as I have, and get out there and vote on Tuesday!

Hopefully, you will conclude what I have about the best choice for our country's future in the way of the economy, jobs, security, and leadership.  Look at their experience, judgement, character, past voting record, stands on moral issues.  It is time for change--not a switch to Socialism, but reform within our current Capitalist, FREE, powerful America.  

John McCain and Sarah Palin!

"Southern Palette" Creativa Painting Journey Coming!

While Claire was in Athens for our show in Birmingham last week, we were able to plan our next Creativa Painting Journey for women. It is coming up spring of 2009, April 16th-19th.

More details will be coming, but the weekend will include a similar itinerary:

Thursday Arrival: 3pm-6pm

Thursday night: 7pm Wine Meet & Greet at Carole's downtown studio

Friday: Paint all day from 9-3 with a lunch break

Friday 4-7: Free time to stroll the square and historical district of Athens

Friday Night: Downhome dinner at Greenbriar's Bar-b-que

Saturday: Paint all day from 9-3

Saturday 4-7: Free time to shop, attend yoga class

Saturday Night: Dinner & Movie and late night Paint Party (cookies & milk)

Sunday: 9am Critique, Pack up work, Java-O-The-Go

Goodbyes

Stay tuned for the fine details and check our site CaroleandClaire.com! This is gearing up to be a wonderfully, relaxing and rejuvenating experience! Springtime in Athens, Alabama is simply amazing. The dogwoods are blooming, things are turning green--it is simply stunning. Plan to join us! Email us/comment if you are interested in being one of the few who can join us. The journey is open to only 10. Get on our mailing list now...

Can't wait to hear from you!

Tonight's The Night!

For sale tonight for the first time since it has been finished (2007) and since there have been numerous prints made of it (sold at AuburnArt.Com), Momma G's will be available to a lucky owner! Momma Goldbergs is the beloved deli in Auburn that has now given birth to one in Homewood, Tuscaloosa, and LaGrange, Georgia.  Any Auburn student knows that Momma G's is where lunch or dinner was.  I can still taste that awesome "Mommas Love"....

SHOW TONIGHT!
THE COMMISSARY DESIGN WAREHOUSE

4984 OVERTON RD.

BIRMGINGHAM, AL 35210

MAP TO THE COMMISSARY 

Auburn 1957 National Champions Salute

More to get you ramped about Auburn--the 1957 Championship team! My father-in-law, Ted Foret is No. 76. Notice him at around 36 seconds into the video. Waaaaaar Eagle!!!

Auburn Show Coming Up!

Check out my site now to get ramped for the "Auburn Influences" show next week in Birmingham.  It has new sound to it!  I and my sister Claire Kayser have been painting our Auburn tails off to get nearly 20 paintings ready.  Claire arrives in the South next Wednesday, then we'll head to Birmingham, Alabama to meet and greet people for the evening of the 23rd from 6pm-9pm.  I hope you can make it!  Below is a painting fresh off my easel that is large!  It is 24" x 48" and would look great over any Auburn fan's sofa or fireplace.  Make it yours next Thursday night!

Fun Birthday

Thursday night, we celebrated my daughter Caroline's 16th birthday at Bridge Street's Ketchup restaurant.  Ever been there?  It's really cool and hip! She and five of her friends sat alone like the cool chics that they are while Todd and I enjoyed our dinner outside on their patio.  It was delicious, and they had a great time.  As Todd and I ate, we listened to a blues singer play his guitar and enjoyed his music so much!

Here is Brother Rick, the blues guy at Bridge Street.  You have got to hear him--he is so talented.  He plays guitar and harmonica--at the same time.  Wow.  Check out his site and read all about him and his schedule of playing, and go listen to him at Bridge Street.

Creative Spirit 2 Ends...

Last night was the grand finale to my Night class of Creative Spirit 2.  I treat my class to a dinner on the last evening, and then we go back to studio and paint for a couple of hours and finish up paintings or begin one last one.  We enjoyed the new Village Pizza just doors down from the gallery, and it was truly fantastic. (You must go if you haven't been already)  

I love my Creative Spirit ladies, and we look forward to reuniting soon--in fact, we planned a drawing class for next month!  Can't wait!

You can reserve YOUR spot in Creative Spirit 3 beginning January 20, 2009. Is God calling you?

Thank you to Leslie who shot this photo of us after dinner. :)

New Workshop Schedule!

If you haven't already picked up your October issue of Southern Living, then do!  There is a feature on Carole Foret in the People and Places section.  She is honored to have been chosen to be a part of such a well-respected, loved magazine.  She is blessed!

NEW WINTER WORKSHOPS!

download the pdf

NOV. 4: Wine & Paint Night - 7PM-9PM - Paint Aubie or Big AL. $75

NOV. 6: Acrylic Painting - 10AM-2PM - Techniques in Composition, Color Mixing, Principles of Design. Complete one painting. Lunch break and hors d’oeuvres. $195

NOV. 18: Wine & Paint Night - Shoes! $75

DEC. 2: Acrylic Painting - 9AM-2PM - Large Canvas. Techniques in Composition, Color Mixing, Principles of Design. Complete one large (24x36 size) painting. Lunch break and hors d’oeuvres. $275

DEC. 9: Acrylic Painting with Palette Knife - 10AM-2PM - Techniques in Composition, Color Mixing, Principles of Design. Complete one (16x20 size) painting. Lunch break and hors d’oeuvres. $195

DEC. 16: Acrylic Painting for Christmas Gifts - 10AM-2PM - Small canvas painting for those special people on your list. Complete 2 small canvases. Lunch break and hors d’oeuvres. $175

2009

JAN. 13: Acrylic Painting - 10AM-2PM - Large square canvas. Techniques in Composition, Color Mixing, Principles of Design. Complete one (18x18 size) painting. Lunch break and hors d’oeuvres. $250

JAN. 15: Art With a Twist - Huntsville Museum of Art - Wine, painting at the museum!
Join me! Call to reserve: (256) 535-4350 ext. 228

JAN. 23 & 24: New Year New You Acrylic Painting Retreat
Friday Night: 7PM-9PM - Wine & Cheese Meet & Greet,
Carole demonstrates
Saturday: 10AM-4PM Acrylic Painting. Techniques in Composition, Color Mixing, Principles of Design. Complete two paintings. Lunch break and hors d’oeuvres. $450

To All My Loyal Readers!

You can claim to be a "follower" of my blog over on the right if you scroll down.  Show yourself--I would love to know who you are!

To all of you who are looking for new workshops--I am in the process of planning and I need your feedback!  Please answer this poll and let me know what type of schedule is best for you, and I will try to plan my new workshops accordingly.  Thank you--you are the reason I can do what I do!  Be blessed....

The Winner IS...

Lisa Payne!  Lisa won 50% off the November 4th Wine & Paint Night after responding to the coupon in my newsletter within about 5 minutes!  Congratulations, Lisa.  And thank you to all of you who responded a bit later.  Keep reading through my newsletters and wait for the next surprise in the next one.  I love all you clients-come on in and paint with me!  Join my newsletter now if you missed this special coupon.  You can do that on the sidebar to the right in the red box. 

There are about 2 spots left in the October Wine & Paint Night...Remember you must turn in your tuition in order to hold a spot.  OK?

My band Sister Grace is holding a Benefit Concert for our dear friend LeAnna Bennett who has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. A beautiful, kind, loving mother of 2 has needs beyond her means right now, and we want to help her by praising God through this storm. LeAnna's spirit is amazing and is wrapped in love and comfort from the only One who can grant such peace.

She will plan to share in that the evening of the concert. We welcome 2 other praise bands from our church, Mike Cole's Band and 5 For 3. It will be a night of sharing and celebrating! There will be light desserts to enjoy too! Please make your plans to attend!

Benefit Concert

Tuesday Night, September 30

7pm

Love Offering Accepted

Beasley Center at

First United Methodist Church

Downtown Athens

The Corner of Marion and Bryan Streets

Upcoming Shows

If you haven't seen the newly renovated Commissary in the Liberty Park area of Birmingham, Alabama, you are missing out.  It is a beautiful haven of designer vignettes and a wonderful art gallery!  Lee Ann Bridges and Judy Butler have done a fantastic job creating a wonderland of beautiful design. Claire and I are honered to be a part of the gallery and we look forward to our show and Wine & Paint Night.

The schedule:

Thursday night, October 23, Art Opening of "Auburn Influences"
Friday night, Wine & Paint Night- Taking Reservations Now

Contact the Commissary for more information:

Lee Ann Bridges
The Commissary
4984 Overton Road
Birmingham, AL 35210
205.747.0814
bhamcommissary@aol.com