Just Havin' Fun Doin' What I Do!

Domaci is housed in a beautiful old building that is being lovingly restored and updated!

Fortunate to call Helen a new friend!

Oh yeah, did I mention we did some great henna that weekend?

E. got some awesome bear claws on his back.  The dye came out pretty dark for being on his back! 
We had a lot of paste on there though.  It took quite some time to dry.

The Copleys

So pleased with how this collaboration turned out!!  :)

  How lucky am I to have so much fun while "working" !  Friday August 5th, through Sunday August 7th, I has the pleasure of working with Tim and Mary Pritchard at their gallery in Rogers City.  Yearly, the small town in northern Michigan comes together for their Nautical Festival.  It lasts almost a week with everthing from fireworks and a parade to the art fair and music tent, and much more!  For three days I did henna outside the gallery.  So many interesting people!  And what a great atmosphere.  C'mon, don't the smell of roasted almonds put a smile on your face?

  I started the day off by stopping at the new bakery in town.  Three Heart Bakery (http://www.threeheartbakery.com/ sits right on US 23 across from Hoeft State Park, in the old park store.  What a fantastic job they did restoring the inside and outside!  The romantic in me totally appreciates that they kept the integrity of the building.  The original knotty pine counter is a focal point as you walk in.  The homey smell of warm, fresh bread, draws you in, and the friendly people are what bring you back!

 I made my way into town and stopped in at the Painted Lady.  https://www.facebook.com/thepaintedladyrc?sk=wall&filter=2  The best coffee around!  I wish they had one down here!!  Makes Starbucks taste like cheap swill. 

 I'd then walk my coffee down to Domaci https://www.facebook.com/pages/Domaci-Art-Gallery/123975104306079 and set up shop for the day!  They have some amazing pieces in the gallery.  Many of the artists call Michigan their home.  I had the pleasure of meeting The Copleys. http://www.johnacopley.com/home.htm I love John's work, and he and his wife are just the nicest people!  Salt of the earth!  Can I say that?  Or does it sound too cheesy?  John drew out a cicada for me to henna on his wife's ankle.  (The most unusual request I've had!)  But apparently, a certain sub family of the bug hatches only once every seven years, which has happened to coincide with many of life's major events for her.  I was happy to do it, and pleased with the results!!

 Sunday I had my youngest son with me for the day.  The rest of the family had headed home.  He was such a help!  He did everything from entertaining Mary and Tim's little girl, to explaining the henna process to customers and delivering coffee carafe's to the Painted Lady!  It was nice just to have him with me.  We ended the day by going out to dinner with our gracious hosts.
  
We met artists, farmers, students and fishermen! ~Just to name a few.  Some were there for the weekend, some had been there for a lifetime. Every one with a story. I love to hear peoples stories. You miss out on so much when you don't take time to listen to people. One woman had spent every summer for the past 70 years at her family cottage on Lake Huron! (With a brief time out for the war!) Another friend shared her story of cancer, and inspired me.  I always have on the pink bracelet she gave me, and whenever I look down, I think of her, and my sister.  So much to learn from each other.  People ask me all the time if I like what I do, I love it!  Strangers, I would not have otherwise have been blessed to know.
 

Henna at Taylor Yoga

This Thursday, July 28th @7:30 p.m. I will be doing henna at Taylor Yoga.  This should be a fun night!  A great way to learn more about this new Yoga studio and the art of henna!  Summer isn't over yet, not too late for some body art!!
Taylor Yoga is located at
8935 Telegraph Rd. Taylor MI. 48180
For more info, call 313-292-YOGA
Or, check out Taylor Yoga's fb site!

http://www.facebook.com/tayloryoga

No Henna, BOAT!

Sorry, no henna posts this time!  But it is summer.  And it is hot!!  And I'm selling a boat!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2267570932280.2133381.1338773434

Life is Good!

REMEMBER, the first day, the stain is a light orange!  It will become a dark brown.  I only get to see the light orange.  :(  Send me some pics!!!

A Celtic knot.  The purple color is from the watercolor pencil.  This is with the paste on, and some glitter just for fun!

I LOVE how Bess' hand turned out!  Unfortunately, this is not a good shot.  Taken in poor lighting.  This was the next day and her fingers were already starting to darken up!

  I had a great weekend at Michigan First Art Fest!!  (Formerly Lathrup Village Art in the Park!)  Saturday was a perfect day for the fair.  Upper 70's, blue skies, slight breeze, good music and a comfy spot to do henna.  Shout out to my assistant Brenden.  Loved his company!  I think he also provided entertainment for our guests.  ;)  Smoooooth!  (that's his new stage name)  Coin flipper, napper, guitarist and all around good guy.  He, along with the assistance of his new manager Jackie, will go far!
  I love doing henna with the tent.  People are intrigued!  There isn't a product that they can see.  The atmosphere is inviting.  The faint smell of incense on the wind.  Music playing softly in the background.  A lounge with pillows, "they" aren't quite sure what it's all about, but they know that they just want to come in and sit a while and check it out.  And that's what people did!!  Some would stay just long enough for their henna to dry.  Others would watch while the next person got their henna, fascinated by the process.  Always good conversation to be had and friends to be made!  People of all backgrounds stopping by.  The cop on the night shift stopped by.  An amusing psycho therapist!  An entertaining librarian.  An artist from Grand Rapids.  A schoolteacher from Bay City.  Late in the day a student from Groves High School.  Early in the day an elder care worker, and so many others!  But that is what henna is about.  It's not like fitting a nail appointment into a work day, NO!  It's an event!  It is a time to relax, and share with others and take time to enjoy life.  Enjoy the simplicity of life!  Finding the beauty in every day, and in other people.
  And of course, the amazing staff (Maralee!!) and volunteers at Lathrup Village.  What a great group of people!  They were there if you needed anything.  A super friendly bunch.  I wish I could have spent more time in the beer tent with you!!  Thank you all!

This Weekend, Henna in Lathrup Village!

  Just a quick reminder, I will be in Lathrup Village this Saturday, (12 Mile and Southfield on the east side of the road, in front of City Hall) in the art fair section with the henna tent.  Stop by and see me.  Sunday I will be clowning in the kids tent and painting faces.  Weather looks good.  No tornadoes like last year!!!  Check out the link for details...

http://www.lathrupvillage.org/index.aspx?NID=127

Party Allll Night Long!!!!

 

Wow!!!  What a weekend!  June is always a busy time of year for me.  Clowning and henna at grad parties, birthday parties and senior all night parties make for one busy entertainer.  This past weekend I was booked Friday and Saturday, all night long with henna and multiple clown gigs during the day.  I'm still catching up on sleep!

Saturday night/Sunday morning I was at Harper Woods High School.  I like these kids!  I did the show last year and had the same impression.  It's not a big class, perhaps 120 kids?  But they all seemed to legitimately get along, whether they were jocks, band people or if they hung out in drama club.  I mentioned it to one of the girls and she agreed, citing class size as the reason. Everybody knows everybody. 

All were super polite and had fun getting all kinds of henna!  Lot's of custom work.  Did a Tasmanian devil, Snoopy and Woodstock, along with the crazy guys pictured above who requested the large "rooster".  (btw, good luck at Grand Valley State!)  One liners were a little, eh-hm, questionable!  Teens!!!  Wish I had pulled my camera out more often...I'm so bad at that!

Anyway, thanks to Acme Partyworks (my awesome agent Dan!!!) for booking this for me, again this year.  Looking forward to doing it next year!!

Refresh!

En Gedi, meaning "The Spring of the Goat", is a town on the west side of the Dead Sea in Israel. En Gedi is the place where David fled from King Saul. En Gedi, where fresh water springs erupt from the desert wall and create an oasis of fertile ground for plants and animals. En Gedi has long been used as a place where desert travelers could come and rest, regain their strength, then move back out into the desert.  That's what a Henna Party should be!  A place to come together, relax, and refresh!

Sit Still!!!

   Saturday night I worked a prom after~party at Dundee High School.   Although it was 12:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., I still had a good time. (albeit weary and bloodshot eyed!)  However, the following bears repeating.  Henna paste, when wet, smudges and makes a horrific MESS!!!!!  Hello, teenage boys!!  I'm not using a needle and this won't hurt, but it is not basketball, best buddy, wrestling, rampaging down the halls of the school, proof!!!
  There was a very nice, polite, young man, who wanted to get his great grand dads name on his wrist, with flames running up the forearm.  After much warning and instruction, he left the cafeteria in search of some buddies in the gym.  Twenty minutes later he reappeared with muddy goop smeared all across his arm.  This smudgy, muddy, looking mess will grace his arm for the next two weeks, making him look as if he were in a life or death battle with a half crazed, meth addicted, spray tan airbrush artist.  "Can you fix it?" He asked.  REALLY?!?!?
  There is very little you can do.  I've applied a design and left it on for as little as a minute, and have had a stain that lasts 3-4 days.  If it is a fresh smudge, I will take a cotton swab and alcohol or witch hazel, and wipe the area clean.  That can take care of the worst of it.  (although you can still see a faint trace of light orange.)  But if it's been on for as long as 10 minutes...forget about it!

  So, although I love to do senior all night parties, and after prom parties, I feel it necessary to say it again... SIT STILL UNTIL IT DRIES!!!!

Bridal Shower!

Last night I spent the evening at a bridal shower.  The job was a referral, and what fun!  Really, I love what I do!!  I had the opportunity to introduce the art and history or henna to a great group of ladies!  Good conversation, good food, good friends.  It's just what bridal henna should be.  A time to relax and socialize, with just the girls!  Spending a little time panpering themselves.

Above is the brides henna.  She wanted something small but traditional.  The grooms initials are hidden within.  Can you spot them?

Lena will make a beautiful bride!

The group photo.  What a special memory!

                          Thanks too, for introducing me to "cake balls"!  Ohhh, the chocolate!!!

Henna and Yoga!

  I love how things come together.  While driving home from my sons piano lesson, I spotted  "Taylor Yoga".  Hmm.  That's new.  So I stopped in.  I love doing henna at Yoga studios.  It's just a great fit!  I had the pleasure of chatting with Connie, the owner, and it looks like we will be having a henna party there come July!!  If you are in the area, you really should stop in.  Loved Connie.  Great personality,  Great outlook!

http://tayloryoga.com/

Unexpected Beautiful!

We spent the week before Easter "Up North".  My son asked why we go north for spring break while everyone else goes south?  For one, to avoid Tornadoes!!  I must admit, I was hoping for warmer weather, but I did enjoy seeing the pines thinly covered in a blanket of fresh snow.  The following were taken at one of our favorite swimming spots, Ocqueoc Falls. 

 I am fascinated by this tub every time we pass it!  It sits next to an old logging trail, behind gates and "No Trespassing" signs.  Someone went to a lot of effort to get it here.  It's hard to imagine it being more work to bring it to the dump, than to bring it here!  We've been hiking and riding these trails for seven years now, and it's been there as long as we have.  I wonder when they dumped it?  Part of me is aggravated that people would use these woods as a dump, the other part finds beauty in the unexpected sight of a tub sitting in the middle of the woods!  The longer it sits there, the more it looks as if it belongs.  It would be a shock to the system if I were to ride by and not see it.  Now I think how wonderful it would be to take a bath in the middle of the woods!

Hands

I liked this hand design.  It lasted longer since it wasn't on my palm.  Looking at these photos, I realize (again) that I really need a decent camera!

Koi Fish Henna


Finally I've uploaded some photos!  This is the fish I mentioned in a previous post.  I love the way it turned out!  I like a lot of traditional tattoo designs and I was looking for something that would translate well to a henna.  I found it!!

Taken with the paste still on.



The design wrapped around my arm so it was difficult to get a good shot.

This was right after the paste came off so it's rather light.  I did get a nice dark stain out of it.  And it would have lasted much longer had I not gone in the pool last week!

Cookies!

My friend Julie found this AWESOME cookie recipe I must make for my henna tent at the next art fair!!!
http://www.sprinklebakes.com/2010/02/mehndi-inspired-spice-cookies.html

Poppin' In...

  Just poppin' in to say, I just had the henna out, and I put the most awesome coi fish (is that how you say it?) on my arm!  I'm searching out more non-taditional henna designs.  I find I'm attracted to a lot of old school tattoo art.  Love playing with the shading using henna.  Can't wait to upload the pics and show you all!!  Also got to henna a girl scout troop today, thanks for a great time ladies. 

Beautiful Belly!

  I totally enjoyed myself today!  There is a daycare/play place that regularly calls me for gigs whenever they have a customer in need of a clown.  The manager has become a friend.  She is eight months pregnant.  I had a birthday party there late this afternoon and brought a change of clothes so I could stay and henna her belly!!  What fun!  Baby girl must have know something was going on outside because she was moving all around.  I felt so fortunate to be able to henna her and be a part of this special time for momma!!  Here is the finished piece...

The red color is the water color pencil.  This is with the paste still on.
 I love this tree of life design!

Beautiful Friends!

Brenda and I (a.k.a. Sunny and Tookles)

Beautiful is a friend like Brenda who knows you are sick.  Knows you don't want to leave the house and can't lift your head!  So she offers to go to the drugstore for meds so you can drain your head before having to entertain a restaurant full of children!  (and delivers straight to the door!) Love that clown!!!!

Looking for Beautiful

  Everyone wants to feel appreciated!  This past week, I had coffee with my neighbor.  Sounds simple enough, and it is.  But it's the simple things that bring so much joy to our daily lives.  Love is like a boomerang!  If you throw it out there, it's gonna come right back!  Perhaps not the way you imagined and sometimes it may hit you in the head!!  But ya gotta throw it out there.  Soo...coffee with Brenda was on Saturday.  Monday I had some shopping to do.  I picked up an extra bag of my favorite coffee (a local brand of Mackinaw Island Fudge) and a card for Brenda.  I wanted her to know how special she is to me!  Left it on her doorstep.  Turns out, it was just the thing to help boost her day.  :)  That was an extra blessing for me!  Now it's time for anonymous random acts of kindness!! ...and that is how you find beautiful!

P.S.  If you stop by, comment and let me know what you did to find beautiful!

4 Hurons and a Wildcat!

"Life is beautiful!"  And so is my friend!  Congrats to her, she is valedictorian of
the 2011 graduating class at her school.  Life truly is beautiful for her!



Such a pretty foot!  Love this girl, talk about charm!





 


Seriously, the coolest kid on the soccer team!!

   Last night I got to henna the Huron HS tennis team!  What a great way for the team to bond.  We snuck in a little brother who has a ton of soccer spirit!  And a little sister who wanted a foot that was just as pretty as the big girls!   
   Had a question about black henna again last night.  I've blogged about this before, so feel free to check back in the achieves.  Real henna is safe and made from all natural ingredients.  I buy my own henna powder, and mix my own paste with lemon juice, cardamon and lavender essential oil.  I also add sugar, coffee and often a few other things I find in my kitchen cupboard.  Unfortunately, a young man made the news after vacationing in Mexico.  He got a "black" henna.  AGAIN, there is no such thing!  It scarred his skin.  Henna, when applied, is a dark brown paste.  When it is scraped off, it is a light orange.  It then turns a darker brown after a few days.  People selling black henna put a chemical in their henna, similar to hair dye, that can scar the skin.
  Know what you are putting on your skin.  Go to a reputable artist.  Research the artist.  Call them!  Any henna artist worth his or her salt will take the time to educate their client.

Henna, Poker, Mastacholi



  Several weeks ago, my friend Kris hosted a henna party.  She was headed off to Arizona so we had to add some henna...henna tan!  Had a great time.  She's such a good cook too!  Mastacholi for dinner, wine, good music and some new friends after.  Once everyone was hennaed, they brought out the cards.  Apparently, I must look a lot smarter than I am, because I am severely challenged when it comes to card games.  Euchre was the big game in college.  I never did grasp it.  Every time someone brought out the cards at a party, they'd have to re-teach me!  Poker wasn't much different.  They finally gave up and brought out the game "Apples to Apples".  Much more my speed!!!

I really wish this hadn't turned out so blurry!  But you
get the picture.



This was on the upper arm.  I use a hair band to get a
straight line going around the arm.  Then I trace a line
(following the band) with a watercolor pencil.  This ensures
that the design is even all the way around.

I can't wait until summer sandal time!

Love it!

This and the next three photos are a good example of
the stains progression.  This is with fresh henna "mud" applied.

This is the light orange that is visible as the "mud"
starts to flake off.

Just a few hours later and it is already starting to darken.

The next morning I am seeing a nice light brown.  The
following day, I had a dark brown stain.

Going Through Pics!



This is right after the paste is removed. Notice it's a light
orange at this point.  It will darken over time.
 I only had it on for a few hours and got a nice dark stain!

 Pretty feet!



No henna, I just love the pic!  Rocks on our beach!

Getting darker....

festival customer

Have coffee, ready for the day!