No Words Needed

Yikes! I haven’t posted anything in nearly two weeks! I wish I could say it’s because I’ve been busy working a new job but sadly, that is not the case. Nope. It just seems I’m having trouble putting my thoughts into words. Yikes, again. All is not lost, however. I’ve found an alternative to words. I’m making collages. I recently completed my first on canvas and I’m pleased with it, even though it’s far from perfect.

Is any work of art ever perfect? In any case, it’s time to move on to the next one!

Selecting images is the first step. I like to use dark, dramatic images and I’ve had great success finding these in old magazines. Awhile back I picked up a couple of issues of Life magazine from the late 60s  at Raccoon Forks Trading Company. Yesterday I combed through them and found some great shots.

The downside to my new “hobby” is that I need supplies, but I can get canvas and adhesive at the Art Store at a decent price; maybe I’ll treat myself this weekend. Think positive. Stay busy. Create something.

A Sane Black Friday

I went to Black Friday at Market Day. No giant box stores. No parking in the back 40. No strollers filled with exhausted, screaming toddlers.  ”Made in China” tags nowhere in sight. You wouldn’t have found me shopping anywhere else on the biggest retail day of the year. Judging from the steady, but manageable crowd, it was a big day for the artists and vendors at Market Street Media Foundry. This was the last Market Day event until spring; the old warehouse location is charming, but minimal heating makes winter Market Days impractical.

I hadn’t attended a Market Day since August and noted a lot of changes and additions. More rooms are open and the architectural salvage collection has grown. There are old doors and windows, and a smattering of interesting pieces of furniture. There’s a curious collection of antique stoves. There’s also the new Raccoon Forks Trading Company, a store located within the building.  They are still working to meet city codes. Until then they can’t advertise, but it appears they will be handling the salvage items in addition to the used furniture, antiques, and other items in the store. The store is open daily, unlike Market Day, which is an event held on the last Saturday of each month. For November, the group decided to hold the event on Black Friday instead.

Many of the regular Market Day vendors were there along with some new ones. Continuing interior work means vendors are now located in one main area. Moonchez was outside in the chilly air making havarti pesto grilled cheese sandwiches, while vendors, some wrapped in blankets, visited with customers. Merchandise was, as always, top-notch. Original art was discounted for the holiday and sales appeared to be brisk. I found the perfect gift for a friend. Despite the chill in the building, the mood was festive.

After Market Day, I enjoyed lunch at the Jasmine Bowl. I’m no food writer, so I’ll stop right there. I will however, direct you to Jim Duncan’s great review in the current issue of Cityview.

It was a pleasure for this holiday shopping Scrooge to find Black Friday deals at such a relaxed pace. I’m already looking forward to next year.

For Jim’s review of the Jasmine Bowl, please go here:

http://www.dmcityview.com/2009/11/26/food/fooddude.html

Market Street Media Foundry; 118 SE 4th St., Des Moines; 515-771-7602

http://marketstreetmediafoundry.com/

Raccoon Forks Trading Company; 118 SE 4th St.; Des Moines; 515-288-0865

Jasmine Bowl; 2128 Indianola Ave.; Des Moines; 515-284-0077