Blue Dome Eats

Yes, I still have Blue Dome coverage. No, I don't own real estate here or have any motive for talking it up other than it's just a mighty, cool place. Since I had to man a booth for upwards of 10 hours per day, I had limited proximity. When the stomach's rumbling and people are stirring,my only choice was to walk over and grab a bite. Luckily, the BD district is full of good eats.

Friday evening we sat down at Joe Momma's. It was after 9pm and there wasn't an empty table in the house. There was a jazz/swing band playing and they were slingin' pizza crust and beer. I ordered the mommmarita pizza which was packed with Mediterranean joy. While their pizza is hard to beat, their calzone is to die for. It's cooked to perfection in their brick oven and brushed with garlic butter right before it hits the table. I'm drooling just thinking about it. Live music, hip staff, and perfect pizza, Joe Momma's is IT!

Lunch on Saturday-Dilly Deli. I believe this place is fairly new and it was sure drawing a crowd. Rightfully so, it can carry it's own when it comes to sandwiches. I had the grilled portabella which was positively pleasing! I'd order it again, no doubt. They also have an incredible dessert selection. They offer cookies the size of your face and some gourmet cakes/cupcakes/chocolate. I sampled the chocolate chip cookies which was baked just right (soft in the center) and the key lime torte (refreshing and light). While I had no complaints about the lunch menu, I kept hearing incredible things about their breakfast/brunch. Next time.

Sunday, brunch at the Blue Dome Diner. This place had plenty of seating and like Joe Momma's, the staff were fun to look at.Overall, the BD district is a hipster magnet (in a good way). They offered up basic diner fare at very reasonable rates. I selected the half omelet which was served with fried taters and a side of french toast (or pancakes, or biscuits and gravy). Thank goddess I order the half omelet, it filled half the plate. The full omelet spanned the plate and then some. It was basically two meals for the price of one. Not the best dine I've visited but not to shabby. The district is budding with potential. Keep your eye on this area and spend some dough there. I can't wait to watch it grow!

Blue Dome Vs. Mayfest

For those of you that don't know, Blue Dome is a grassroots, art festival composed of nonconformist. Mayfest is equivalent to OKC's 'Festival of Arts'-full of beautiful work with giant price tags. Booth rates are expensive and the environment is wholly commercial. In lieu of this contradiction (art v. the man) a group of artist decided they were fed up with red tape and decided to organize their own festival (or so I hear). From this womb, the Blue Dome Festival was born. Located a few short blocks from Mayfest, BD but they're worlds apart. The atmosphere is different, the people are cheery and the crowd was beautifully diverse. I'm sure the traffic through Mayfest was much greater than BD but I wouldn't trade spots. It's all about relationships and connections. THE Blue Dome and its lovely crowd. Some of the artists/ musicians of the BD.They played and the belly dancers in the booth across provided a free show. Our booth was marked by pirates.

And, moving on to Mayfest, shall we? So much for first impressions. No, No, No! "A little negativity never hurt no one?" More finger shakin'. At least the enforcers were good sports. They smiled for the camera.

Ok, so I may have skewed this post a little just to emphasize my point? Oh the power of propaganda! If you want to see some of the art and the Mayfest crowd, check my Flikr.

Overall, BD felt local, involved, like a community. Mayfest was elbow to elbow. People seemed to hide out in their booths and it just seemed like an outdoor strip mall. Maybe I'm biased. Either way, I'm sold on the BD. Not just the festival but the entire district. It's budding with local business and smiling faces. Once I make the jump, don't be surprised if you don't spot me down around the Blue Dome.

Blue Dome Beginnings

Last weekend was quite a blur. It’s tough looking back and trying to dissect it. Thursday evening I got a call from Jamie (one of my BFF’s) announcing that her father had passed. Not that it mattered but this threw a kink in the weekend plans. Since the funeral from Friday morning and the check in for the Blue Dome Festival was also Friday morning, I had to think quickly. I ended up hauling the stuff up to Tulsa Thursday night to make it back for the funeral on Friday. After all was said and done, I made four trips up and down the turnpike! Talk about a whirlwind! Once I got settled in, things were running smoothly. I shared a booth with Chandra, friend and fellow artist. Luckily, she took care of everything on Friday so I could be there for Jamie. I also owe her fiancé, Vince, many thanks for helping us throw it together. The weather wasn’t to bad. I heard it did rain quite a bit Friday but Saturday we only saw some sprinkles. By the last day, the sun was shining and the crowd had thickened. After three nights of libations and merrymaking, I can't say I came out ahead but I sure had a blast!

Blazing Saddles

Last weekend was crammed full. I spent it on the streets of Tulsa-pedaling my wares, following passion. Nothing beats art and good company, rain or shine. There were lots of opportunities for fun and I sacrificed several to participate in Tulsa's Blue Dome Festival. The weather wasn't ideal, but I don't regret my decision. I have gobs of photos from Blue Dome and Mayfest, but time has been limited. Speakin' of weather, check out the Triple Threat, the calm before the storm!

Stay tuned for a full recap of last weekends festivities and some new work!

The Taurus

Happy birthday Taurus! I am forever bound to the Taurus. Both of my best friends, and most of my 'lasting friends' are Taurus. Call it a coincidence, but it never fails. It's in the stars. I can see them and I believe.

In lieu of this sincere, yet stubborn bunch, I'd like to pay homage to my loyal friends. There are to many to list but today includes three of mention. May 12 is a day of birthdays and full of ones worth celebrating. On the top of the list we have Miss Jamie! One of my dearest friends and neighbor since 5th grade-we really know how to brew trouble!The one-and-only, jack of all trades, Doug Hill. In honor of his 56th year, I dined with the Hills this evening. Doug was off cooking duty and Barb bought us some grub from Norman's Taco Truck. Not bad for food with mobility. We also had margaritas and carrot cake! Fiesta!And, lastly, my boss, Carl (dressed in the white shirt). Whether I want to admit it or not, he has done a lot for me as far as shaping my career and future path. Sort of like an unbiased, no strings-father figure. This photo is hot off the press-taken earlier this afternoon. Today our office had a little get together in honor of Carl's birthday, his completion of law school and a send-off for our graduating student employees. The students demanded that we get an office photo. It's the first and only of it's kind, so feel blessed (or not).

I wouldn't trade a Taurus for anything-they're always there to aid me in my battles,(most of them against the Gemini-my polar opposite) and they deserve three cheers! Hip-Hip-Hip HOORAY and the Happiest Birthday!

ps. Casie, I didn't forget you, you're one helluva a Taurus. X0X0!

Spawn

I know I'm always boasting about how busy I am, this and that, always something. But, really, I'm swamped! I put to much on my plate. I'm not complaining but I like to post it here because it give me a nice list in which to refer. It also helps me diagnose where I stand on balancing social and work. Sometimes I feel like I don't have time to breath.

As many of you know, I've been planning a huge birthday bash for both of my parents. It's coming along and like everything else, I'm strapped for time. None-the-less I'm still enjoying piecing this puzzle together. Exhausted and on the verge of a minor break down, I started fiddling with some photos from my dad's childhood and I suddenly felt relieved. I was smiling, and giggling. It's fun looking back. I can't believe how times have changed. The years have been kind to my parents. They're lucky. I'm lucky to have them and here I go...on my sentimental saddle. Enough. Just take look: This photo is just classic-something from Good Housekeeping. Casual Clay- burns the candles from both ends. Mom 'n Dad.Prom-1979. These two have had a long and successful relationship. Sometimes make me wonder where I was thrown off that track.

That's all you get for now- Sneek preview for my VIP's! See more June 5!

Mess Making

This week has been ridiculous. I have been dangerously juggling my social life with preparations for a three day art festival in Tulsa. My studio is mess and still, nothing is really 'ready.' A little peek at a new piece. It's still in the works, slowly progressing. Yet another work in progress. These heads are part of an installation piece I plan on wrapping up before I'm off to grad school. Here, I'm toying around with construction. Also, note the watercolor in the background? It was done by my roommate and it hangs on the wall with the rest of my 'bastard' paraphernalia.' Blue Dome is fast approached and I'm runnin' out of daylight! At the bare minimum, I have a place to stay and if all else fails, I'll have three free days in T-town! Head up! I hope you guys can make it out. We'll be located around 1st and Elgin (as far as I know). It's going to be packed full of artist, fair food-a prime people watching opp. Just keep your fingers crossed for sunshine! No rain dances, please!