Department of Design

Houston is Awesome

2014-11-19T15:43:00.001-06:00

I traveled to Houston Texas this past week and I did my very best to do it up right! This trip had several goals: to see my lover, visit with friends and family, see art, and to do research on coffee shops, cocktail parlors and restaurants.

Unfortunately, I didn't do a great job of taking pictures of the vacation, but here are some I managed.

I have priorities when going to a big city. Ones that usually include going to IKEA and Trader Joes. I decided to get my IKEA run out of the way, but needed coffee first. Josh and Waldo met me at Siphon Coffee....

This was Waldo's (not my lover) Macchiato, the falice was 'unintentional' but I had to take a picture.

While at Siphon, My friend Amy, the Guru of Southern Food, popped in and surprised me! We made plans for the next day to drive out to Killens BBQ in Pearland.

Waiting in line for Killen's BBQ! This is at 10:30 am... It opens at 11.

Did I mention it was cold? This is sweet S. She was on a mission for meat.

Yes... This line was serious!

But it was worth it! Those baked beans were some of the best! The ribs were amazing!

While in Houston, I was surfing the NY Times, and an article about Texas was posted. It mentioned the Hong Kong Mall. I decided to go!

All of the Sriracha!

I am not sure if this picture does this produce section justice, but it was really huge!

I left that wild mall with some christmas presents and spices. I headed for the Menil collection! This is one of my favorite museums ever!

I loved this!

And when in Houston, you drive... A LOT.....But at least there are things to entertain you!

And there is Mexica Food: Tacos-A-Go-Go!

More Coffee ... this time Catalina!

And more meat! For my last dinner in Houston, Josh and I went to the James Beard Award winning restaurant: The Underbelly!

An awful picture of the best chicken I have ever had!

Finding my Hustle

2014-10-09T13:13:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago, I gave a presentation at the GCCDS's Friday Morning Serial about Hustlin!

It got great a great discussion going, as all of the Friday Morning Serials do!

I will be giving this talk again, tweaked a little of course, Monday, October 13 at 6:00 at the Bay St. Louis Library in the Seal Meeting room to the Arts, Hancock County's Membership Meeting.

I hope you can be there!

Pocket Pop-up Park and Popcicle Movement

2014-10-04T09:01:00.001-05:00

First Fridays in Down Town Biloxi are amazing!!! The GCCDS, the Women in Construction, and WAMA have teamed together in creating this Pop up Pocket Park and they they have asked me to join up by selling popcicles!!! (And making bean bags)

Here are some pictures of this months park!

Wednesday, October 8, we will be set up on Howard in the alley next to Kress. We will be there all day for Crusin the Coast.

Hustlin and Boyfriends! This week!

2014-09-22T14:47:00.001-05:00

There are two things happening this week in the Ocean Springs/Biloxi area that I highly recommend you attend!

Friday Morning Serial
Every Friday morning, the Gulf Coast Community Design Studio (GCCDS) hosts a community meeting of sorts called the Friday Morning Serial. Some amazing things have come out of these meetings. This week, September 26 at 8:00 AM, I will be giving the presentation : How to Find Your Hustle.

Also this link is strangely mesmerizing!

While we are talking about the Friday Morning Serial, Lolly Barnes of Mississippi Heritage Trust will be speaking on October 3! I have been working with her on a few projects over the past year, and I think she is just the bees knees! Please be sure to come if you can!

Paper Doll Boyfriends
On Saturday, September 27, at 6:00 pm, The Ugly Green House is hosting an exhibit of Dena Cox's series of collages called Paper Doll Boyfriends. Each of the 20 collages features her with a different "boyfriend" and what she imagines that moment in their relationship to be. In addition to the great art, there will be food and drinks available. Cocktail Movement will be serving up the sauce!!!!

Working Towards Dreams

2014-09-03T11:18:00.000-05:00

It has been quiet on the Department of Design blog and facebook for a while. I have been working. More importantly, I have been hustling, getting things done, making things happen and exploring this community and what I want my future to look like.

I have not answered that question, but I know I am heading in the right direction. I am using this blog, not only to document my work and life, but also to figure out how to accomplish my big ideas.

As for now, here are three things that are going on that I would love for you to be a part of:

1) Popsicle Movement!!!

I have been making popsicles and selling them at events!

There are two events where they will be available this week!

9/5/14 - Finally First Friday in Down Town - Down town Biloxi. I will be at the Pocket Park outside of the Gulf Coast Community Design Studio with the Women in Construction on Howard Ave.

9/6/14 - OS Arts and Antique Market at the Mary C. I will also have my art here!

2) OS Art and Antique Market at the Mary C.

I have been managing this market for a few months now. This has been a wonderful experience! I am happy with the way things have been running.

This month on 9/6/14, I am excited to say that we will have two bands playing: Razzoo (10am-12pm) and Ish (12pm-2pm). Check out one of Ish's songs:

The event is free! Please stop by, and listen to the music!

3) Figure Drawing at the Mary C.

I have been managing the figure drawing group at the Mary C. I have loved it. I have always wanted to draw from a model, and never had the opportunity. There are some really amazing artists in the group and everyone seems to be learning from each other. The group meets every Thursday night from 6-8:30 pm at the Mary C. It only costs $15/session and you can pay at the class or visit the Mary C's Website to order online.

I will be posting more of what I am up to over the next few weeks. Please stay tuned!

Tides & Currents: Contemporary Art Along the Gulf Coast

2014-06-20T07:32:00.001-05:00

I am so thankful to be a part of this amazing show at the South Arkansas Arts Center in El Dorado. There are so many amazing artists in this show and I am truely out of my league. The SAAC is an dynamic facility in a wonderful art supporting town of El Dorado Arkansas. If you are in the area, please visit, even if it is long after this show is down. I promise you will not regret it!

"New discoveries abound as 15 artists from across the south coast return to the Merkle and Price Galleries of the South Arkansas Arts Center for a new exhibition entitled “Tides and Currents: Contemporary Art Along the Gulf Coast.” The collection will be on display through June 28. An artist reception will be hosted by the visual arts committee on Saturday, June 28 from 6-8pm. The exhibition is sponsored by Southern Bancorp and Teague Auto Group.
The exhibition marks the return of many of the artists to SAAC’s galleries with new creations that explore various mediums and the versatility of art. The exhibition includes works in acrylics, assemblages, encaustics, graphite and ink on wood, handmade papers, pottery, sculpture, textiles, and watercolor.
The award winning artists included in the exhibition are Annette Blocker, Susan Carranza, Kat Fitzpatrick, Kerr Grabowski, Mary Hardy, Carol Hutcherson, Adele Lawton, Ellen Ellis Lee, Trailer McQuilkin, Bill Myers, Vicki Niolet, Mary Pickard, Joey Rice, Peggy Tilley, and Jessie Florence Zenor." - SAAC Website

For more information about the show, please check out the post on their website.

Womens Build 2013 is under way in DOD shirts!!!!

2013-10-15T09:33:00.000-05:00

Women in Construction and the Kaiser Foundation have teamed up yet again, this year for the Women's Build 2013 which is setting out to build the new Training Center for the Women in Construction program, which was designed by the Gulf Coast Community Design Studio.

I got to design their shirts! Wahoo.... I haven't seen them in person yet, but they were seen on the news last night! Below is the proof for the shirt. It was based on the traditional storage of tools and the idea of a mandala.

The mandala is a form of meditation that is used in many cultures. The making of it is about meditation. I think learning can be a type of meditation, the practice, the repetition, and that passing through to the rest of your life. For me, building can even be a form of meditation. The design for this became clear to me.

Here is the video!
WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

The Fence and Angled Parking!

2013-09-19T15:03:00.000-05:00

I built this section of fence this past spring.

I have been working hard since it has gotten cool. And some new plants have made homes in my yard as well. Some from a friend's yard, and some I just bought. Here are some pictures.

Shepard State Park

2013-09-19T15:02:00.000-05:00

Today I went to Shepard State Park with my friend Mary.

We painted, and hiked through the park. Here are some pictures of things we saw!

Peters Land Service Business Cards and Tshirts

2013-09-19T14:45:00.001-05:00

Here is a bit more work for Peters Land Service: A business card, and a t shirt.

Eloise Loves Footbal Season!

2013-09-14T16:16:00.002-05:00

She is ready for this weekends games! She is an Auburn fan of course, as well as the Saints, although I hear she also pulls for the ravens.

She does like to watch the sports, (and tail-gate) but she like to play much better! You know where she will be going to college!!!!

Happy Birthday Ganesha

2013-09-14T16:13:00.003-05:00

Ganesha's Birthday has to be one of my favorite holidays. This is the second year I have celebrated with friends of mine, one of which makes the beautiful Ganesha every year. She makes it out of clay, and then, after the celebration is over, they take him to the bayou so he can return to his home.

Ganesha is the Lord of Obstacles, known for both removing as well as placing them. But like most of the Hindu deities, he is not so simple. To learn more about him please check out his wikipedia page.

Here is Ganesha and his offerings at his alter. For his birthday he gets tasty foods, fruits, flowers, candles, and insistence! Lucky deity he is!

Below is Dunga the Great! He is a giant dog!

Peters Land Services' Temporary Website!

2013-09-12T11:46:00.000-05:00

Oh! I have been so busy here at the Department of Design! I have so many projects wrapping up that I will be sharing soon! I almost cannot wait, but I must. There is one project, it is just a quick temporary website for a client. But it is live!

I should say this about PLS, they do good work! Today he will be celebrating the opening of the heritage rose garden at Beauvoir. He researched the roses that Jefferson Davis's wife Varina would have used reconstructed the landscape using the same types of roses she used.

I can't wait to see the gardens my self.

A screen shot of peterslandservices.com

In addition to landscape restoration, PLS also provides Planning and Landscape design services as well as building and maintenance. He specializes in sustainable gardens too!

I will be posting more of the work for PLS soon, as well as work for his bike shop ecoGeno!

Sunday Bread-day

2013-07-28T10:49:00.002-05:00

Today is my get stuff around the house done day! I haven't made bread since I have been back, and decided it was on my list of "chores" for the morning!

I made a Tuscan Loaf which is a simple bread, and has both white and whole wheat. The recipe came from a cook book my dad bought me several years back when I first began experimenting with bread making: The Bread Bible by Beth Hensperger

This is the first free formed loaf bread I have made in a long time, as well as the first bread I have kneaded by hand in years (you know, since I got the Kitchen Aid)

I think it turned out great! MMMMM Toast for lunch?

Pizza Night here at the Ugly Green House

2013-07-26T23:21:00.001-05:00

I have been making pizza for my self regularly lately....for several reasons, mostly because I love good pizza, but most is too unhealthy to eat regularly.

I have learned that if I cook for my self I can have the things I love and still eat in a way that is good for me, and now that I have it down, I might just eat pizza every day!

Those are 4 lumps of dough, made from Mark Bittman's recipe, accompanied by tomato, eggplant, basil and rosemary from the garden. Some sea salt, olive oil, Al's pepper mix, mozzarella, and Parmesan. I know it sounds complicated, but since most of it was in my garden it was really simple: just use what you have.

I have had 2 pizza making surprises. The first is that rosemary is essential, and it goes amazingly with basil. I think this might be a well known fact, but I am just figuring it out.

Second, to get the dough hot enough to cook in our kitchen ovens, the secret is to use a broiler and a cast iron pan! You must preheat the pans in the broiler then place a thin layer if corn meal in the heated pan. Place the pizzas in the pan, like you would on a stone and bake until top is browned to your liking. This is a quick process, so don't let your mind wander too much or you will risk blackened pizza.

Bon appetite! Ahhhh!!! I cannot wait for tomorrow's dinner! Pizza night again!

A New Room for a New Roommate!

2013-05-31T15:34:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, here at the Ugly Green House, I will rent out one of my bedrooms. The house is way too big for just me, and especially now, since I am working from home, it is nice to have someone else using the space. It seems like most of the renters I get are only here for temporary stays and one fell in love. I don't mind the temporary boarders, but I would love to have them more often, I have made some good friends this way. I have been so lucky with my roommates. I have had people I worked with at the GCCDS, and a guy from the Research Lab, and now a woman coming to do community law work for the summer.

She needed a furnished room, and I didn't want to give up my guest room capabilities, and have a room sitting empty, so I rounded up a bed and dresser. I pulled some furniture and art from other parts of the house. I bought new sheets and a new blanket. I did it all over a few days too. What do you think?

I think I need a stripe intervention. I can't help buying things striped.

a big sunny window, and the low maintenance mother in law's tongue.

That was my grandfathers drafting desk, an extra chair,
and a shelf set that was waiting around for a need.

Amos Kennedy Prints, now in most rooms of my house. They are just too good!

Paper Doll Show

2013-05-30T12:20:00.002-05:00

I consider my self so lucky to have been invited to participate in the Paper Dolls Uncut Art Show at the Duckett Gallery at the Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center of Arts & Education in Ocean Springs Mississippi.

What a great idea! Paper dolls, they are art to be played with. They are for play!

My work, set up in the gallery!

I did two series for this show. The first I did the tiny houses, with interchangeable flags. (I hope to get those documented and on my website soon. I will post the link when I do.)
The second series, which can be seen in more detail on my website, were a series of little boxes with a vintage photo in the rear. Then I made little scenes that could be changed out in front of the images.

My Paper doll Boxes! The available boxes are for sale at my Etsy Shop.

This was such a fun project. I loved having a theme, or an idea to work off of that came from outside of me. It was refreshing.

It was also so nice to see how all of the other artists interpreted the idea.

by Joey Rice

by Bill Myers

Sue Weidie Findeisen

By Chris Stebly

By Mary Anderson Pickard

by Kerr Grabowski

by Leif Anderson, Matt Stebly, Carol Hutcherson

by Jason Stebly, Ellen Ellis Lee, Kat Fitzpatrick

Bill Myers, Stacy Johnson, Mary Hardy

Carmen Lugo, Michael Walker, Marcella Upton, Regan Carney

Camille Boggs, Mary Hardy, Jessie Zenor, Carol Hutcherson

Steve Shepard, Joreje Lavato, Shane and Sheri Sekul

It is good to be home!

2013-05-20T14:36:00.001-05:00

Oh! What an adventure I have had! And as sad as I am that it is over, I am also so happy to be home! The loveliest things that greeted me, aside from Delores and Eloise, was my garden, and my morning ritual of playing in it while I have my coffee! I was so excited to see how everything had grown in the 10 days I was gone. Here are some pictures!!!!!

Verbena and Petunias

Tomatoes are getting bigger!!!!

Salvia, Basil and Mums

Bedside Table Boquet

Dining Table Bouquet

I will do a proper posting (more like multiple postings) on my adventure soon, I promise! But for now, it is time to get to work! So many exciting things coming up!!!!

My Planter is growin!

2013-05-08T14:37:00.000-05:00

Some pictures of my front planter! I love how wild it is! Oh, summer is coming!!!

22 Cups of Blackberries!

2013-04-28T17:30:00.002-05:00

This morning, my Momma, Mary and I drove out to a wonderful little spot on the beach in Ocean Springs to pick blackberries. They were everywhere, and the scenery was beautiful!

The shear number of ripe berries, brought out the OCD in me and I found my self unable to stop.

When I got home, I had to figure out what to do with all of them. I had some ideas when I headed out to the patch.

The first thing I wanted to make was a Shrub. I am growing a fascination with old fashioned drinks, and shrubs are definitely one of the staples. Shrubs are a drinking vinegar/syrup, usually flavored with fruit and aromatics. You mix them with soda or still water and booze if you so desire. They sounded right up my alley. I will post this recipe after it is completed, that will be in about 2 weeks. Until then, here is a picture of 8 cups of blackberries smashed with 4 cups of sugar! This mixture will be sitting in my pantry for the next 2 weeks. I will add some more stuff tomorrow... but... for now.... just sugar and berries.

One of my favorite things to eat is home made black berry preserves. My usual recipe for preserves is 3 cups of berries, 1.5 cups of sugar, and zest and juice from one lemon. Boil for a while, pour into sterilized jars, and process for 10 min. Some times I add things to my mixture, to spice it up..

I made 2 batches:
To the first batch, I added a teaspoon of cinnamon, half teaspoon of nutmeg, and half teaspoon of black pepper
To the second, I added 4 bay leaves while it was boiling.

I cannot wait to put these on toast!

One Fence. Two Fence. Wood Fence. Wire Fence.

2013-04-17T13:38:00.000-05:00

I am not sure if you know this or not, but I have a pup named Eloise. She is amazingly sweet, and has the best personality, in the WORLD!! (Second only to Delores of course) Well part of what makes her amazing is that she is so adventurous, and loves to explore the neighborhood. She is also very thoughtful and brings me surprises from her adventures. She has brought me stuffed animals, road kill jerky, shoes, roller skates, camellias, and my favorite, the Sunday paper!
I have recently found out that she has several boyfriends (hussy!) and has been eating breakfast with many of them on a regular basis.

Sweet Eloise, With a bone she found on one of her adventures!

How does she get to go on all of these adventures? Well, She jumps the fence.... and goes. This is obviously not ideal, as much as I love her spirit (and "my" Sunday papers). She runs the risk of getting hit by a car or abducted (most likely, because she is so darn cute!)

So here is what I did! I added two fences.... The wood fence first, and nicely, because it is what people see from the side. Then I installed the wire fence, dividing the back yard into two, killing two birds with one stone: shorter distance to fence, and making an area of my yard for a garden... where the dogs cannot reach (and dig up).

The Wood Fence!

What it looked like before.... Notice all of the holes the dogs had been digging. cute, huh!

a tight spot to dig!

I used beer cans to protect the tops of the posts!!!

done!

Of Course, I had to use the metal dog from the old fence!

The Wire Fence!

A salvaged door, found on the side of the road, to be used for the gate.

the beginning of the garden plot

Fruit Salad with Mint, Avocado, and Ginger

2013-03-27T08:31:00.003-05:00

A few days ago, I attended a boat christening (that post is coming soon) and I made a fruit salad from Eugene Walter's cookbook Hints and Pinches. It was delicious. It was made with basil, yogurt, honey, lemon, cinnamon and allspice.

I didn't use all of the fruit I gathered for that dish because I filled up the bowl, but the basil was gone. So, I went through my kitchen, inspired by Gene's recipe and developed a new one. It was delicious!

P.S. If you do not know who Eugene Walter is, please, I am begging you, look him up. I would recomend any of his cookbooks, and his life story, Milking the Moon, is enchanting.

Fruit Salad with Mint, Avocado, and Ginger
A heap of fruit, I used cantelope, strawberries and blackberries.
A handful of mint, finely shredded
1 ripe avocado, chopped
1/2 C yogurt, I used Greek
1/2 t ginger
1t agave syrup

Mix everything together and enjoy!!!!!!

Love is Good!

2013-03-26T10:19:00.000-05:00

Love is good! I am so thankful for it, in my life, with the love I give and receive between friends and lovers, and the love my friends give and receive between their friends and lovers. I am also thankful for the love my neighbors give and receive between their friends and lovers. I am thankful for the love that the people of this world give and receive between their friends and lovers.

I think it is strange that there are people who fear others love. I think it is strange that anyone can say a person's love one person is better than another's love for someone else. Love is personal, intimate, and cannot be judged by anyone else. We can only be thankful that it exists.

Fear and hate are the opposite of love. Even with tolerance, fear and judgment exists. We need to learn to accept and be grateful that love exists where it does. It is special when it occurs, and never should be condemned or diminished by anyone!

Let us, as the United States of America, join together and be thankful for the love that surrounds us, within our own relationships, our communities, and our country!

Cornbread and Buttermilk Ice Cream

2012-09-23T14:04:00.004-05:00

It is a old southern habit to mix your cornbread into a glass of thick creamy buttermilk. I have always loved watching folks do this, but I never tried it. I was not the biggest fan of buttermilk growing up. I still have a bit of an aversion to the stuff plain, but I love what it adds to everything I use it in, like pancakes and biscuits.

One day, I was dreaming up southern ice cream flavors, and one I couldn't get out of my mind was Cornbread and Buttermilk Ice Cream!

Yep! I did it! I went there! I also topped it with sorghum and cayenne. So, you ask, how did it taste?

Well, It tasted great! But, the texture of the cornbread was a bit of an issue for some people. It was too much. I thought it could have been a little soggier, but, this is how we learn! I have adjusted this recipe to make it better.

So I started out with this Buttermilk Ice Cream base.

Then I made my Momma's (really Granny's) Cornbread recipe. In Momma's words:

Fry about 4 slices of bacon in a regular size iron skillet while preheating oven to 425 degrees. Mix a little less than 1 Cup of all-purpose flour, 1 full cup of good (stone ground if you can find it) yellow corn meal, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 egg and 1 cup (or more) of buttermilk. Should be almost the consistency of cake batter.

When bacon is done, remove and eat. Pour bread batter into the hot bacon grease and put in the over for 20-30 minutes.

If you already have bacon grease, put a couple of tablespoons of it into the iron skillet and put it in the oven to heat up with the oven. Pour batter into the hot grease the same as above.

I have made this cornbread and realize that I really need closer to a cup and a half of buttermilk and I like my cornbread a little sweeter, so I generally add a bit of sugar, molasses, honey or sorghum. Mom suggests adding jalapenos, or cheese, or cumin! All delicious!

I poured the batter into the hot bacon grease! This is how you make real cornbread!

Cornbread is done! Mmmmmmm!

Ok, so back to the Ice Cream. I put the bacon left over from making the cornbread in the ice cream before i chilled it. I would not do that again! I would chop it up and use it as a topping.

Also, I would add the crumbled cornbread to the ice cream custard, before chilling or freezing. I added it to the ice cream after I froze it, thinking it would be good to retain the texture, but I think that was missing the point of the original concept.

Another option would be to make the buttermilk Ice Cream and to serve a scoop on top of a hot sweet piece of cornbread.

Buttermilk and Bacon

I added the cream, egg and sugar custard to the buttermilk and bacon.

As I mentioned earlier, I topped the ice cream with a drizzle of sorghum, and a shake of cayenne.

Since I made bacon and cornbread, it turned into an entire day of cooking. I ended up fixing up some red beans and rice to go along with it all!!!!

Politics and Owning a Business

2012-09-15T10:11:00.002-05:00

“He who stands for nothing will fall for anything.”
― Alexander Hamilton

I had a conversation about the risk of being public and open about your political views and owning your own business. I am not talking about being in peoples faces at work and starting conversations with your clients/customers, or posting signs and stuff at work. I am talking about posting a sign in your front yard, or posting political views on your personal facebook. He said he didn't want to choose sides because he was afraid to loose business. I can sympathize with that fear, I felt a similar feeling when I (along with my dear friend Julie) made the Back Off My Babymaker shirts.

First off, let me say that my friend has a pretty established business. I just cant see people choosing to avoid him because they don't agree with him or patronize his business because of his beliefs. Do people really care enough to do their research to find another comparable business? With only 37% of the US eligible voters turning out for non-presidential elections and 56% during presidential elections... I really doubt most people will change their choice of doing business and their personal habits for the business owners personal political beliefs.

The most important thing here is that if you are the best at what you do, people aren't going to leave your business because of your personal feelings. This assumption comes from my intuition. I tried to find articles about this subject, and I couldn't find anything off hand. Well I did, it is from FOX news and I dont trust their intentions. Here is the article. It seems like they are trying to psych out the other team to me.

Now I think if you bring your politics into your business the story is different.

One of the most public examples of mixing politics and business in recent news has obviously been Chick-Fil-A and their stand against gay marriage. So many people publicly boycotted the business. But, I think it was the best publicity for Chick-Fil-A. In the same time so many people stopped going(or said they would never go), the other side, the people and organizations against Chick-Fil-A started to flood their restaurants. They drummed up so many new businesses, and even campaigns were serving their little nuggets at events. It is now a symbol! What more could that business want? Mr. Cathy's business now stands for his beliefs. Although I completely disagree with him on his political view, his success at aligning his customer base with his beliefs and profiting because of that is enviable by most business owners.

I say: Stand up for what you believe in!

“Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes. You are free.”
― Jim Morrison