Sips n Strokes

Jackie and I have been in desperate need for an escape from the drama and craziness that's been going on lately. Luckily, one of Jackie's coworkers suggested getting a group together to go to Sips n Strokes. So they picked out a painting that everyone liked (a cute little holiday elf), and we signed up.

I was really looking forward to going. I'd been telling Jackie for a while that I wanted to find an artistic outlet. (I still think I'm going to start drawing again. I used to love it so much!)

When we stopped for dinner before our class, I told Jackie that I was really nervous. What if my painting looked awful? What if the kids there painted better than I did?

I decided that if it was a monumental disaster, I would say I was just channeling Picasso or Pollock.

Ready to paint!

We got to the place and waited in line to pay. I was looking at the artwork on the wall, and they have an entire section of nothing but naked women. I asked Jackie why we didn't sign up for one of those classes...

Anyway, we got our canvasses and our pallets and walked into the studio, where you get your paint. They already have it labeled so you know how much to get. One pump of red, two pumps of green, and so on.

We got our aprons and found our seats. We also had our drinks with us: Zaxby's sweet tea!

Wendy LoVoy, the founder of Sips n Strokes, ended up being our teacher! She told us that she'd seen a bunch of folks jack up their paintings, but they never let anyone go home with an ugly one. That made me feel better!

We started by outlining our elf in yellow paint; then we made a granny apple green for his hat, mixed up his face color ("a dot of red, a scoop of yellow, and a whole lotta white!"), and painted in his clothes. We also added dots and spots to his hat and the background.

A work in progress

The hardest part was the darn holly leaf on his hat, but it turned out OK. We practiced painting the leaves on the table. (You can see my practice leaf on the table in the picture below.)

Throughout the class, we all held up our paintings so Wendy could check them out. She sent her assistant around to help the folks that needed it. She told us that we were the best elf painters she thought she'd ever had!

The finished product!!!

When it was all said and done, I felt so proud of myself. It was so cool to watch my blank, white canvas transform into a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of art. Wendy was such a wonderful teacher! She explained every step and had a great sense of humor. She was so much fun!

I had a great time painting and spending time with Jackie's coworkers. We totally plan to go back! It's a great opportunity for couples to spend time together and try something new!

Some Friday Funnies...

So I just got done with a mad dash round of cleaning before Jackie gets home from St. Louis.

I don't know about all of y'all, but I need a break from all of the craziness that is going on. I'm sure each of us has someone somewhere somehow causing drama in your life. So please take this second to forget about all of that and just enjoy some pictures:

I can see the family resemblance.

Amen!

So very true! Can't wait to watch this movie!!!

Nothing says Christmas like "the soft glow of electric sex in the window."

Never thought about it that way...but I guess it's right!

I hope you have a great weekend and a fantastic holiday!

An Effect of Textbook Writing: Less Blog Writing

I feel like I need to attend a BBA meeting. (You know, Bad Bloggers Anonymous.) "Hi, my name is Bruce, and I have a problem..."

The reason that I've been MIA lately is that I've just been swamped with work, work, life, work, life, and... general craziness. I have so many great ideas and stories to share with y'all, and maybe next week I'll be able to get around to blogging them.

Here's the cover of the 1st edition.

I'm currently working on wrapping up a textbook I'm coauthoring with Dr. Jennings Bryant and Dr. Susan Thompson. We're currently working on the 2nd edition of their book, Fundamentals of Media Effects. A couple of months ago, they brought me onto the project to help them write the last few chapters. I've also helped with editing some stuff and coming up with photo ideas.

It's been a great learning experience for me, not only about the textbook writing process, but I've also learned a great deal from the chapters that I've written. I guess it's true when they say the best way to learn something is to have to teach it to someone else.

One interesting tidbit of information is that Dr. Thompson actually taught my undergraduate media effects class using the original version of this book. Then in graduate school, I had the distinct pleasure of a year of close learning with Dr. Bryant. I wrote my Dexter paper for him. (It's the one that I presented in Las Vegas earlier this year.)

I'm still a little awed by the fact that not only will I be published, but that my name will be on the cover of a book! With Dr. Bryant and Dr. Thompson! (pinching myself)

The Lord opened up this opportunity for me, and I am so truly, deeply grateful for it.

And in case I don't get to blog again before Turkey Day, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with those that you love and love you unconditionally in return.

Here's something to remember this holiday season: