Jefferson Starship, Red Octopus, "Miracles"

Last night in Tampa...Beautiful weather, Bloody Mary's, Pecan Pie and Jefferson Starship...
Gary, where were you? I will have to say...that pecan pie was fabulous! A big thank-you to
Melanie & Stan for their southern hospitality!  Good-bye, Tampa!

Shopping in St. Pete

After the "Painting with Fire" workshop, Peggy, Melanie, and I spent a day in St. Pete.
We had lunch at the marina and went to FloridaCraft. They were having a wonderful pottery exhibit, "Role Models".

Mardi Gras Celebration in Tampa

A special treat during our visit in Tampa, FL was the celebration of Mardi Gras. We had a four course meal including wines with each course. The chefs cooked as we ate. They gave us the recipes.

The meal was fabulous! The first course was the Grit Cakes w/ Shredded Cajun Chicken with a
Louis Jadot Beaujolais, the second course was Shrimp & Crab Etouffee over Rice with a Benzinger Chardonnay, the third course was a Cajun Surf & Turf, Sauteed Okra, and Roasted Potatoes with
Marques de Caceras Crianza Rioja, and, last but not least, my favorite, Banana Fosters Crepe Cake
with Santa Rita Secret Red Blend...this was to die for!

                       Chef Alan...a man after my own heart...can cook & has a sense of humor

         

Nice Winter Break in Tampa

The "Painting with Fire" Intensive in January came at a perfect time for a winter break. We stayed at the home of Stan and Melanie in Tampa, Florida. They have a beautiful home made for entertaining.
They were perfect hosts, and I felt comfortable from the moment I arrived. Melanie and I share a love of folk art. She had several neat pieces surrounding their pool. Of course, this area was perfect for the end of the day, "Happy Hour". We gathered here in the afternoons to enjoy Stan's fabulous Bloody Mary's and share stories. Sometimes, God sends a special blessing...you meet "kindred spirits" and your soul feels refreshed.

"Painting with Fire" Teacher Certification Intensive

Peggy Martin and I had a great time at the Painting with Fire Intensive in St. Pete, FL
Gary, Peggy, and I stayed with Gary's cousin, Melanie, and her husband, Stan, in Tampa.
The Intensive was two days, but we went down on Tuesday and stayed through Sunday.
We also re-connected with our friend, Brenda McCoy, who is working with Barbara Lewis
at the Painting with Fire Studio.  Here we are at the workshop...