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This year’s PAPA festival was much different than the years prior. It was held at  the Civic Space park at 424 n. Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix. Just north of the main Metro terminal. I didn’t see any vending going on at all. No arts or crafts or food vendors. This was my only disappointment. Maybe I didn’t walk far enough into the scene, but I only saw folks getting ready for the parade and lots of kids playing, hula hoopers hooping and people just hanging out talking and laughing. It was very mellow. This year seemed to be geared completely towards families. They always are a family event, but this 2011 had a much different vibe. Last year, 2010, we gathered mostly on Garfield and 5th avenue and around that whole Roosevelt Row area. The galleries were open and there was A LOT going on. It was, however, a little “grungier”, mostly because of the dirt fields nearby and all of the foot traffic through the streets. I, personally, prefer the 5th avenue “grungier” location, but this year’s parade was nice. No matter where it is held, it is such a joy to see all of the people who participate making Phoenix such a fun place to be.

The floats are made out of anything non motorized, like shopping carts, wagons, bicycles, scooters, etc. and the costumes are so brilliant and alive with color. Everyone is open to stopping and having their photo taken and talking a spell. I met some beautiful and interesting folks. I LOVE my Phoenix neighbors! This city is full of creative, friendly, open and beautiful, people. I have lived here for about 47 years, minus a few years that I lived out of state, and this place just keeps getting better. I know that Arizona has been under a lot of fire politically and especially with immigration issues, but the arts will always survive and help the city to come together, with all of it’s differences, and pull through any situation or issue that we are faced with. I truly believe that art saves lives and heals people and places.

Thank you, Phoenix and everyone who participated and attended the PAPA fest and rolled with the changes!

~ I art Phoenix ~

Every now and then I need to get out of my space and out of my own way and head for higher ground. Whether it be someplace far or near. This week I retreated to a friend’s home in Cave Creek, Az. All stress melted away and inspiration and creativity filled my being.It is truly astounding what a difference a day or two (and a night) can do! From the moment I entered this magical fairy land I was overcome with complete blissfulness. Pure euphoria. This environment allowed me to ignite the creative fire within and send me into a gentle dream state. Peaceful flute music played and seemed to harmonize with the desert birds, who were singing their various calls. The weather was perfect and clouds began to roll in overnight. I cannot wait to return, re entry into the big, metropolitan, Phoenix area was a little difficult. However, now that my cup was emptied, there is plenty of room for a refill. This magical desert home is located at the foothills of Black Mountain, so there are a lot of desert critters who hang around. I only saw a rabbit, a crow, hawks, quail, a blue jay, woodpeckers and a few other small birds. Fortunately, I didn’t have to scare off any javelina or coyotes. I heard that the wild pigs are out in full force this season, but just not for me this time!

~ Let heaven and nature sing ~

The magical creatures in the above four photos can be found at ArtbyLoni.com She makes some very WONDERFUL things that you will want to see and own!

Saturday was the most magical day from sunrise to sunset and beyond. It began with a “sunbow” in the sky. The sun shone through a patch of mackerel sky and cast a rainbow in the clouds. It was all beautiful unicorns, butterflies and faeries from that point on. The Phoenix Faerie Festival was in full force by the time we arrived. We were greeted by faeries of every kind, all of them wonderful and kind. Vendors offered their wares of handmade masks, soaps, ceramics, jewelry, incense, dolls, trinkets, faerie fashions and, of course, faeries in various mediums. No faerie gathering would be complete without a Goblin Market, run by Master Castor, where only barter of trinkets are accepted as tender. Face painting, magical music, storytellers, and unicorn rides were also taking place throughout the fair. Arts and crafts were also available free for the makings. An enchanted parade began at the Goblin Market and ended at the Wingspan Stage. We walked under mesquite trees at the foothills of Estrella Mountain Park, stopped to talk to an owl played amongst giant mushrooms. And then it happened….. the full moon rose high in the sky and the bad faeries came out. Queen Mabb’s Bad Faerie Ball is ” A soiree for Goblins, Trolls and Ogres where all manner of things that twindle and beckon with mischievous glee, come out to go bump in the night, dance and play, swirl and sway under the timeless moon and stars.” The fire and glow show appeared in the goblin field after dark, unfortunately we left a little before that happened. There was so much to take in that I have found myself stuck in that magical realm for most of the following day. I cannot wait until next year, as it continues to grow more each year. This was the 4th annual festival. So get yourselves out to the Phoenix Faerie Festival when it comes back around next year! You will be glad that you did. This is excellent for all ages. The little ones were so adorable and there was so much for them to do. Perfect for little faeries and old ogres, as well.

The Phoenix Faerie Festival, is a celebration of the folklore and fantasy of the enchanted realms of Faerie right here in beautiful Arizona. Where all are invited to step merrily into the faerie ring and discover a magical place where legendary creatures of myth and magic become flesh and imagination takes flight.

The Phoenix Faerie Festival, is a celebration of the folklore and fantasy of the enchanted realms of Faerie right here in beautiful Arizona. Where all are invited to step merrily into the faerie ring and discover a magical place where legendary creatures of myth and magic become flesh and imagination takes flight.

Last Saturday Phoenix held their annual parade of the arts (P.A.P.A.) in the downtown arts district. There was dancing in the streets, a huge drum circle, floats made out of anything and everything, fire dancers, hula hoopers, roller skaters, faeries, art cars, costumed  beauties and freaks, in general. All the freaky people definitely make the beauty of the world (thank you, Michael Franti, for pointing that out). It was night full of wonder, beauty and delirious fun. Anyone and everyone can participate in this event, which was held from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. It is closely related to a “baby” Burning Man. We saw the most amazing fire dancing, which is always a highlight for me. I can watch dancers spin and blow fire for hours upon hours. The largest VW bus was also on display which looked like a combination of a fire truck, double decker bus and a VW bus. Music, lights, laughter and dancing filled every corner and in between. Chalk is always available for creating masterpieces in the streets and on the sidewalks. Old and young alike participate and attend. It was just a beautiful scene all together. I suspect that some of the faeries will be at The Phoenix Faerie Festival this coming weekend with their giant mushrooms and faerie attire. That is another event that I am looking forward to attending and will definitely be posting about that after the event. There are so many fun and interesting events in Phoenix and the surrounding areas happening on almost every calendar day. Get out and be a part of it all! There are no limits to what fun you can have in your own backyard.

Even the “angel orbs” came to hang out, you can see them in many of the photos above. I think that is what magic looks like.

~ Peace, Love, Dove ~

Today is the last day of the state fair. We didn’t attend this year, but I passed by it on the way to First Fridays. Although on the last day of the fair admission is free. The admission to First Fridays is always free and always full of exciting, new things. Art, music and laughter fill the air. The free hugs are plentiful because I always see so many friends there. Which is well worth the price of admission!

Our dear friends, Josh and Miray, also known as Duo Vibrato, dressed down and played for change and even though they had to compete with quite a few other bands and musicians there, they were WONDERFUL, as always! A diverse array of music and sounds filled every street.

Another local artist, Jason Alan Davis, had a wild display of large paper dolls with a dream scene he created. The story was absolutely hilarious and fascinating. He offered a paper doll to me if I came by at the end of the night, which I would have LOVED to have and hang in my studio, but I never made it back. They all had a hot date with a paper shredder late that evening. I snoozed and lost. Thank goodness he allowed me to take photos.

The fox girl was amazing. Her fox mask mouth moved as she talked and she looked freakishly real. Unfortunately, I didn’t catch her name behind her foxiness.

Conspire always has vivid, funky visual things going on. Everything is painted….the building, the stage, the old bus and they acquired the ticket booths from a nearby gallery that closed down. I was glad to see that because I was wondering where they went and often thought about having them outside of my studio (just a thought!). My new favorite gallery opened up next door to Conspire, on 5th street, called Galleria De Los Muertos.

I purchased a beautiful Giclee print from an artist by the name of Kyna Tek. I am in LOVE with my new art and I was so happy to see some new phenomenal artists in the heart of my city. I’m still kicking myself over forgetting to get the name and information about a FABULOUS artist that was there, set up outside of the gallery. I will be making some calls on Tuesday ( most places are closed on Mondays in Phoenix…. go figure!).

Of course, the PETA people were there with their shocking displays and information regarding animal cruelty. This time there were people dressed like bloody meat laying in a meat tray, sealed with plastic.

I don’t think anyone is okay with animal cruelty, but the PETA campaigns definitely get their message out. Unfortunately, it is not the way I would like to see it. I think it could be more effective if they would walk around with live animals or set up a petting zoo type of thing. I know that is not the way it is done…. I’m just sayin’!

Thank you to all of the artists, artisans, musicians and all participants of Downtown Phoenix’s First Fridays. It is always such a great time. Next month I hope to get down to the Grand Avenue scene and experience that area. First Fridays expands over a wide area of Phoenix. Another cool part of the art scene is First Friday on Seventh Avenue . I have attended the drum circle there and it was wonderfully high energy. There are just so many artsy, cool places to explore in Phoenix. It makes my heart happy to see what our arts scene has evolved into over the many years that I have lived here.

We went to a birthday party in northern Arizona, last weekend. The house where the party was held was pure poetry. The drive from Sedona, through Page Springs and into Cornville was breathtaking. We spent the morning in Oak Creek Canyon soaking up all of nature’s best before joining the caravan to the party. This little paradise sits alone on a hill and offers the most magnificent views. We watched the rain pour down on Jerome, in the distance. Upon entering the courtyard, there was something magical to see at every turn. The owners are poets and artists (obviously). The world that they have created is inspiring from start to finish. I am more than sure I could visit many times and never see it all. It was difficult to decide on which photos to post, I have a ton of them and they are all delicious! A long, winding stairway leads from the house and up a hill to a ramada, appropriately named “Coyote Temple”. We rested on the big, overstuffed, southwestern  furniture and took in the high desert experience. Hawks flew overhead and the heavens blessed us with the perfect cloud show.

I returned to my Phoenix home overflowing with creative juices. I want to paint EVERYTHING. I always appreciate being invited into people’s homes, especially those that give me a new perspective and unleashes my creative spirit. This whole house and garden experience truly turned me on, igniting my inner fire and setting me free again. We all suffer through creative doldrums from time to time and I find the cure from getting inspiration through other people’s masterpieces.

Gotta’ get to painting today before I spontaneously combust!

I hope these photos inspired you, too.

~peace, love, dove~

Oh, did I mention that I love Arcosanti? Ha! Another day trip with friends last Wednesday proved to be just what I needed to renew and gather inspiration. I have watched this Utopian Community change and grow over the past 30 plus years and it never gets old or dull. I feel so fortunate that it is only a one hour drive from my driveway to theirs. Whenever I need a boost or a getaway, that is where you can find me. Thanks to great friends who are always willing to drive me up there now that I am no longer able to drive (you know, the brain surgeries….. same old, same old story).

Click here to watch the slideshow.

We took a Sunday drive to northern Arizona and on the way we took the turnoff to Horse Thief Basin. After too many miles on the old, bumpy, dirt road we opted for the turn to Bumblebee that eventually comes out on the backside of Mayor and runs into highway 69. It is definitely the wild west along this old road and it would have been easier taken on horseback, though. This drive reconnected me to childhood memories, as I have lived in the wild west for over 45 years, with the exception of a few years in California and wherever the wind blew. The old days still exist in these tiny, old towns although currently it is a haven for off road recreational vehicles and bicyclists. I wanted to put on some cowgirl boots, pull out my gun and have a shot or two of whiskey. But, it was just a passing scene that played out in my head. My thoughts quickly shifted to putting a crisp, line dried tablecloth topped with an antique bottle holding a sweet, desert flower bouquet on the shabby, wooden table on the old, crumbling porch.

Recent rains have brought the desert to life. Wildflowers are beginning to spring forth from the carpet of green that covers the usually brown ground. It was GORGEOUS to say the least. After a short walk and shooting few photos we were on our way to snow country. Such contrast of scenery all in one day!

Oh, joyful earth!

I had an appointment with the doctor this morning and after that was taken care of, my friend and I cruised over to the Cosanti Foundation to take a relaxing stroll through the property. Surrounded by the beauty of the structures and sounds of the bells, we sat under the olive trees immersed in our thoughts. This place takes me completely away from the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnects me with Arcosanti, where my heart always lies waiting for me to return. Whenever I have to make an appointment or run an errand I believe that going somewhere outside of the mundane task at hand always adds spice to the daily grind. It helps to time travel a little and create a beautiful memory along the way. Above, are only a few photos captured, but if you are interested in watching a slideshow with music that fit the vibe of the experience,  you can CLICK HERE.

Remember to take the scenic route the next time you have to go somewhere routine. Your heart will be happy and it will thank you for it!

"Look out of any window
any morning, any evening, any day
Maybe the sun is shining
birds are winging or
rain is falling from a heavy sky -"
******
~ lyrics from "Box of Rain"

This is the view from the balconies from my last stay in Sedona. Breathtaking.
What a pleasure to wake up to breakfast and this view.
Below the suite the view was just as spectacular, next to the creek, covered by trees,
with an occasional family of ducks swimming by. These are memories etched in my soul.