Thoughts on Painting

      My facebook friends have been tormenting me lately with exclamations of "Just finished wrapping the LAST gift, now time to relax and enjoy the season!" or "finishing the last of my decorations on the house....lights up, cookies baked, presents wrapped!!" I'll try to keep this next statement profanity free......are you KIDDING me??? I have just started thinking about getting my lights out of the basement, and just started browsing through the piles of catalogs scattered around my feet, creating tripping hazards at every turn. If I did fall and break my leg on said catalogs maybe I would get a reprieve from the pressure of the holidays. Probably not, but it's a nice fantasy. So what to do about finding the perfect gift, for not one but for 20 different personalities, not even including teachers? 

      I have browsed through many of the catalogs and realized that after 46 years of buying my mom and dad  and siblings "the perfect gift" I am running out of options for unique, one of kind presents from any type of retail chain establishment. I have nothing against big business. I am a big fan and buy most of my items from big box stores through the entire year. Where else but Costco would I buy 24 rolls of Bounty Paper Towels, which I go through once a month with my painting, for such a great price?  As far as gifts go, I've done the sweaters, the popcorn makers, the ice cream makers, gloves, really nice gloves, purses, really nice purses, and the list goes on. Which is where buying from local artists has saved the day in the past few years, and this year too. So here is my rundown of great local shopping that I did locally over the weekend:

Friday night I went to the Timmons Gallery in Doylestown with my husband, where we were entertained by a strolling violinist. Rich showcases the largest collection of artists in Bucks County, in a beautiful two story stone building packed with artwork that I would love to have in my home. Rich and Julie serve really good champagne, and yummy appetizers, and are gracious hosts. By the time we left the parking lot was packed, with people parking on the street and streaming in. Rich and Julie have more Friday night festivities planned through the month, so if you're in the area you should make it a point to stop by. His miniature paintings show runs through the month and he offers free shipping on everything.

Last night I went to a beautiful show in my friend Susan Forker's barn. Susan makes beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry. She integrates vintage jewelry and quotes and phrases from old books  (that she preserves in glass drops and bobbles) that she searches throughout the year for in old bookstores around the area. Here is a link, so you can get a visual of this fantastic work: http://www.joeyfivecents.com/   She also shows at many different venues throughout the Philadelphia area so check her schedule to find an event near you. 

Another favorite local shop of mine is The Studio in New Hope. Terry has beautiful, affordable art as well as handmade candles and just an eclectic mix of collectibles that you can't find anywhere else.  Her pugs are usually there to greet you at the door and she has lively events throughout the year, from concerts to book readings. Check it out if you are in New Hope.

So, these are a few of my favorite places locally to find unique gifts for people who fill my life with joy and love. I hope you enjoyed this little tour through Bucks County. Now, I had better get started on hanging those Christmas lights and baking those cookies!