The kids marched in the Memorial Day Parade this weekend for their Boy Scout troop. I only had my small camera and they went by so quickly I didn't get many shots. But I was so proud of them. My dad would have been, too. The memorial ceremony following the parade was nice, too. Hard to believe summer is almost here!
Here is Ann's award winning piece, shown with both Ann and one of the judges from the show. You really have to see the detail to appreciate the intricate work she's done. This will be on display in the Loft at the CVA, downtown Wausau, for a month.
My incredibly talented aunt, Ann, is an amazing artist who excels at a variety of media types. Her paintings are beautiful, her wood carvings nothing short of incredible. During her recovery from breast cancer surgery earlier this year, she worked on a carving piece using a big hunk of wood from my father. The wood took shape into a surprising group of faces and arms - something she called "family". Last week, Ann entered the piece in the Center for Visual Arts annual Memorial Show. We all attended the opening cocktail party, and Ann had been notified she'd won something in the juried show, though she assumed it was an honorable mention, the only previous award she'd received through the CVA's shows. We were all so excited when the judges announced that Ann had won BEST OF SHOW for her piece! She won a cash prize - but most importantly, was given a much needed shot in the arm, validation that her work is appreciated. I cried when they called her name. This photo shows Ann accepting the award - I'll post a photo of the piece next.
The girls and I at Arts Alive 2008. From left - me, Ann, Tabby, and Kathy. It was Ann's 40th birthday, so Kathy drove up from Rhinelader. We had a great time!
Arts Alive is an annual fundraiser for Aspirus Hospice - a cause near and dear to my heart, especially after my father's experience last year. I have been on their advisory board for three years, helping to plan this event that honors the life of the late Kathy Ferris, an old friend who deserves all the honors she can possibly receive. She was an incredible woman.
The event includes a three hour auction/cocktail party that I host annually at the Jefferson Street Inn. This year we had approximately 50 pieces of art donated by regional artists. Some were offered in a silent auction, some in the live auction part of the evening. There is live music, food, and a table of specialty beer available for free, always a big hit. Typically we raise between 15 and 20 thousand dollars after expenses - this year should be no exception, with over 400 tickets sold.
Kathy came from Chicago - one of my oldest friends - and stayed to celebrate Ann's 40th birthday. She was here for the whole weekend, and we had a nice time. It was great to see her, and nice to take a break from my hectic life for a change. Thanks, Kath!
Rowan discusses the facts about his new laptop with Simon, who listens intently.
Rowan turned 12 today, so we had the family over for dinner. It was a great day. Looking at the photo I just realized that Rowan is now just about the same height has me. How depressing is that? My little boy - growing up so fast.
.....if NO ONE SLEEPS! Happy 12th birthday to Rowan, who celebrated last night by inviting his closest friends for a sleepover. I offer the kids a birthday buyout program - they choose, a party or cash - and this is the first time he has not taken the cash in a loooong time. Very little (if any) sleep was had, but the kids had a great time and Rowan had a wonderful birthday. Tonight the family comes for dinner for another round of festivities!
I met up with Dana (left) and Julie at City Grill for a cocktail after last night's performance. They did not attend, but had been at a Women's Community Fundraiser earlier in the evening.
As promised, some photos from the last Wausau Symphony & Band concert, complete with scary clowns and more. There I am on the end on the right in the flute section (top photo, obviously). 
