Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.
~George Eliot
Although many of us started our autumn celebrations early, today it is official:
Autumn 2012 has arrived!
And here in Kansas City it arrived on the heels of an absolutely gorgeous, cool last day of summer. Not to be outdone, fair Autumn awoke with a sunny, breezy, high-temperature-of-68-degree day. Can you hear that? Can you hear my contented sigh? Ahhhhh…..
There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been!
~Percy Bysshe Shelley
I gave Summer a send off and made ready for Autumn by spending a wonderful evening with my daughter Tori at the 80th annual Kansas City Plaza Art Fair. It is an enormous event with 240 artists whose work range across a very large spectrum of style and medium. It is a visual feast both for the displays of creativity and the people watching. And last night was no exception. The picture perfect weather brought out the biggest crowd I have ever personally experienced at one of these events and it was great fun spending hours being inspired and entertained. The Plaza area is a more upper crust shopping venue with a wide variety of restaurants, several of which provide outdoor food venues during the show. So in addition to the visual feast and the aural feast from the live music there was the actual feast of good food and drink. I had the most tender steak sandwich I’ve ever had (made with filet mignon) and something I don’t often get: Samuel Addams Octoberfest on tap! I picked one of those up early and watched folks wander around before the art show proper started and later chased my steak with a delicious local brew: Boulevard Wheat. Yum!
Almost immediately upon the fair’s opening I was drawn to one specific artist out of the 240 attending and it was from that artist that I made my first ever Plaza Art Fair purchase. Artist Ross Lunz is a New Orleans based artist (and firefighter) who had a booth filled with funky furniture and lights fashioned largely from materials salvaged from Hurricane Katrina. I took a shine (pardon the pun) to his various lights right from the start and knew this one had to be mine. Unfortunately the picture doesn’t show how cool the filaments in the bulbs look. Check out his website, in the furniture section, to see many of the types of pieces he had at the show. He was a great guy and a really creative artist.
The only other thing I purchased was a small print of the image above, photographed by artist Bill Sargent. Sargent’s work was very eye-catching to me, in particular his images of dilapidated amusement parks and old rusted vehicles undergoing a transformation as nature reasserts itself. I bought this image near the end of the night and it was one of those moments that make you shake your head and smile at how interesting coincidence can be. As I paid I was speaking to the photographer and his wife and she shared with me that this picture was taken at a place that had been destroyed by…you guessed it…Hurricane Katrina!
What are the odds that I would be attracted to two different pieces of art at completely opposite ends of the fair that would have a direct connection to one of our nation’s worst disasters? It made me think a lot on the way home about beauty in destruction and about the areas devastated by Katrina. I feel honored to have a couple of pieces of art that will keep those people in mind, not to remember the tragedy but to remember the victims in my thoughts and prayers and to remember the heroic stories that I heard and read about individual citizens who stepped up in time of need to help their fellow man.
I did some more autumnal art purchasing this past week when I learned via Facebook that Lisa Snellings, a long-time favorite of mine, was going to close down her Halloween Shop on October 5th this year (presumably to get orders filled and shipped out in a timely manner). That announcement prompted a visit to the shop where I saw this little beauty. I have previously purchased two other Poppets reading (don’t you just love art that promotes reading?!?!) and knew right away that this would be coming home to spend its days with me.
I love the idea of a trick-or-treater setting aside his or her Halloween basket and mask to get lost in a good book. I think it is fantastic the way that Lisa has crafted this, with the book held so close. What reader cannot relate to that feeling of getting drawn into a book so deeply that before you know it your head is practically resting against the book itself? I so love this. Well done Lisa Snellings! I cannot wait to welcome this Poppet home. There are more RIP-ish, Autumn/Halloween gems over there so head on over to her shop.
As the weekend continues I will be relishing the beautiful autumn weather by hunting for a murderer with Armand Gamache and later Kurt Wallander. I will be going on an adventure with Sean Astin in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld (which seems oddly appropriate given this ending of Tolkien week and that today is Bilbo and Frodo’s birthday…and my Father-in-law’s as well–Happy Birthday guys!!!). I will engage in that quintessential male fall activity of watching football and I will be doing my best to get caught up on all the blog visiting that I am behind on. I cannot think of a more lovely way to welcome in the Autumn.
I hope all of you are reveling in it as well. I will send you off with this beautiful song which feels to me like it has a summer-ending, fall-beginning melody. Happy Autumn Everyone!!!
Loved the Lindsey Stirling video! I’ve also got a Halloween Poppet on the way … all your fault Carl! *grin*
Well I will blame Lisa. And she no doubt would blame the Poppets, so I’m not sure we’ll ever figure it out. 😉
Oh what a lovely poppet!!! I still haven’t got one, it has never been the right time for me. I love going over to her site to look at them all though. My daughter loves them also.
I love your rambling thoughts on autumn and the fair and what you bought……it sounds like you really enjoyed your day, and the fact it is autumn now. Plus Bilbo and Frodo’s birthday, which I forgot!!! I just did a post on the Hobbit and fantasy and completely didn’t mention their birthday!
I’ve been having a problem settling down to reading, lots is happening personally, though I am very happy to say I’ve been reading short stories for RIP and the new season of Dr Who is getting very interesting……that’s my Saturday night! lol
happy autumn, Carl.
Isn’t it great? It was truly irresistible. I hope the right time comes for you sometime, and I do truly understand. That is very much the way I’ve felt about the art fair for years and I’m so glad that this year was the right year to support an artist.
One of the things I love on the One Ring dot Net site is their ‘This day in history’ posts where they talk about what events took place on these dates in Middle-earth history. I’m glad Tolkien used real dates as that makes it fun to connect with the story that way.
The new season of Dr. Who is fun. I really liked that first episode a lot and 2 and 3 have been merely fun. I’ll watch 4 tomorrow night on Amazon Instant and it looked from the trailer like it will be a good one.
Happy Autumn to you as well.
love the fall image. I can see myself walking or running down it. Or better yet, horseback.
Peaceful. thank you
Me too. I thought it had a nice Middle-earth feel to it as well and so did nice double duty as a nod to it being Tolkien week and Saturday being the fictional birthday of Bilbo and Frodo.
Ah, what a treat it was to wake up from a fitful sleep to your lovely autumnal post. Of course, that was before a 1 1/2 hour hike at the end of which I discovered my car key was lost, back 1 1/2 hours in a fruitless attempt to find it, and all the rest. Oh well.
I’m in the beginning stages of Louise Penny’s Cruelest Month, which starts with a seance. Even though the setting is Easter, she has created an atmosphere of dark clouds and fleeting footsteps. Absolutely perfect for this time of year!
I’m sorry you had a restless sleep. And of course sorry about the key. I have that worry every time I run and find myself obsessively checking my pocket for my key.
Cruelest Month is really tailor made for this time of the year with the only exception being the Easter setting. It has a great supernatural vibe to it throughout.
The art show sounds like it was fantastic!! And thanks for letting us know about that fantastic artist from here in New Orleans!! I’ll have to look for him. I LOVE that light piece that you got. I have quite a few pieces made from salvaged Katrina wood and other scrap pieces. I’m drawn to it and “Katrina art” is plentiful down here. I think it’s beautiful in itself that something meaningful and beautiful came out of something so destructive and ugly. It’s what this city does…very representative of it’s citizens. Get knocked down and come back better than before 🙂 And I’m in LOVE with Lisa’s stuff in her shop right now!!!! I so wish I could afford to pick up a few pieces right now…but I know there will always be some amazing stuff waiting for me over in her shop 🙂 Everything she touches comes out golden! Happy Fall to you Carl!
You are welcome. It will come as no surprise at all that you were on my mind throughout the whole show once I hit his booth and found out where he was from. I’m happy that you approve of the “Katrina Art”. I was worried that it might not sit well with someone from there, although I personally find it a beautiful statement about creating beauty out of tragedy. I’m very proud to own it.
And yes, Lisa’s October themed stuff is just so great. I wish I had a small fortune so that I could go nuts. It is a pleasure to know that her imagination is so fruitful and that we will have more great stuff to come.
Oh I do love the poppet! I’m so glad Autumn is here…my favorite time of year. Glad you had fun at the art fair. I love going to stuff like that. Enjoy the cooler weather!
I am too, TBM. I was just thinking about that while I was driving in to work this morning with a light jacket on. Love these temperatures this time of year.
I love pulling on a sweater to take Miles out in the morning. Nothing like a crisp morning to get your day going.
I agree. I’ve been enjoying running in the cooler, chilly morning weather.
We did have lovely weather in Missouri this weekend!
I love the art. I’m completely drawn to the old amusement park photo that manages to have a futuristic look at the same time. It’s how I imagined the dilapidated city of the Rusties in Uglies by Scott Westerfeld.
My wife is reading that series right now and seems to really be enjoying it. I’ll have to ask her tonight if she thinks the image looks like that as well. Glad you had a good time on your Missouri visit.
I am so jealous that fall is actually fall-like for you! It’s supposed to be 90+ here for at least the foreseeable future. That George Eliot quote sums me up — if I only had wings right now!
I’m sorry to hear that Cori. The older I get the less thrilled I am with heat and humidity. I swear I’m tempted to pack up my family and friends and move us all a bit farther north where we’ll have more spring like and fall like weather and less summer.
Your love for Autumn is contagious. Well, I love the Fall too, but you help get my autumn spirits moving sooner than if I were left to my own devices. 🙂 for me, Fall starts once October hits…next week. I look forward to color changes, and crispness and unique scent in the air. Inhooe to take many photos.
Sounds like you had a great time with Tori, want a fun treat. I love the pieces you came with especially the print.
And, you have tempted me greatly with Lisa Snellings’ work, but I must resist.
I should think of something to make things a bit more autumnal festive for the kids…hmmm…the wheels are turning. =]
That is one contagion I am happy to pass on, Deanna. 🙂 Its crazy to think that it will be October next week. RIP is flying by, especially as I’m having so much fun with it.
Tori and I did have a lot of fun together, it was a nice unplanned outing.
Look forward to seeing what ideas you come up with to celebrate autumn with your children.
The Kansas City Plaza Art Fair sounds wonderful.
That and the annual Brookside Art Fair in May are each great outdoor art festivals. I feel lucky to have both.
*sigh* I guess I haven’t commented because here I sit still sweating like crazy! I would say I’m envious, but actually I am out right JEALOUS!
As always you seem to always find things that really excite you! I hope that trait stays with you forever!
festivals and artists oh my! It can’t get much better can it? :o)
I’m sorry for the sweat, Deslily! We had a return of warm weather for a couple of days last week, upper 80 degree temps, and I’m glad they passed quickly. High’s of upper 70’s now which gives cooler mornings and evenings. It is so nice to have the windows open and the attic fan on.
I hope that trait stays with me forever as well.
Speaking of festivals and artists, tickets went on sale for next year’s Spectrum Fantastic Art Live event in May. Already snagged my ticket. Can’t wait to go!
ohhhh so are you going to find a book by Whelan and one by Brom for their signatures????
I keep hoping against hope that someone will put out a new Whelan art book. He has so much material that isn’t in book form and I’d love to see a new high quality book, preferably by the Fenners who put on the Spectrum show.
Happy autumn! It’s my favorite season. I like the print you bought at the art fair all those curves in black and white are quite striking.
Thanks Stephanie, It is a really fun image. He had some great pictures showcasing the beauty of old abandoned things and spaces.
I miss fall so much! It hasn’t hit here yet. We had about 5 days of slightly cooler temps, and that was wonderful, but for the last 1.5 weeks it’s been back up in the 90s again. Supposedly it should cool off a little again after this weekend. The problem here is that fall doesn’t last very long. We kind of transition straight from summer to winter, with a month of fall. The leaves might start to turn color a little, and then we’ll have a few windstorms that knock them all off before we’ve had a chance to see any real color. It’s sad. I miss those falls we had in Wisconsin with bright beautiful colors all over the place!
I hope cooler temps are on the way for you Amanda. The way you describe it I am reminded of living in Tulsa. I always felt we were cheated out of autumn and winter, or at least the kind of winter I grew up with. I bet you do miss Wisconsin. I think the weather farther north in autumn and winter is what I think of as my ideal seasons.
We’re just beginning the Fall foliage season here in Western New York. The leaves will be at their peak in a couple of weeks. But global warming has sure changed things. A decade ago, we would be at the peak of the season. Now, with 70 degree temps this week (10 degrees above Normal) everything is delayed. Love your pictures and thoughts about Fall. And, I’m glad the Chiefs won!
The weather has really screwed things up a lot of places this year, George. I’m really curious if we’ll even get any good color here with the drought we suffered for most of the summer. So many trees have died and others are just showing brown, burnt leaves.
The Chiefs/Saints game was sure entertaining from an offensive standpoint, but both defenses are a mess. And the Chiefs were right back to what they really are this week. What an ugly team we are forced to watch each week.
Hi Carl
I was sure I left a comment on this but it appears not – apparently my grey matter is slowly disappearing! That picture of autumn is so beautiful and could practically have been taken from anywhere from this country with all that colour. Unlike the weather you’ve been having we have been suffering quite a bit of rainfall and consequently everywhere is very green – which at the moment equals lots of lovely autumnal colours. I don’t mind the rain but it would be so nice to have received a little more sunshine this year 🙁
Lynn 😀
I’m sorry that it got eaten by the comment goblins! It is October after all. 🙂
I wish we would have some rain interspersed here and there, particularly during the week days where I am at work anyway. It is supposed to rain, storm, much of the weekend here which is not the time when I want it. But then I guess that just means I should kick back and do some spooky reading while the storm rages.
Great post: so atmospheric. Enjoyed the video, and love the photographs. Obviously I’m a bit behind in reading, but it has really only turned truly autumn-like just in time for Canadian Thanksgiving, right before the weekend, so it feels doubly appropriate to have discovered it right now. Enjoy the turning!
I will and you do the same! Our weather is going to get a bit warmer again next week which I am not thrilled about but it won’t be ‘hot’ so I shouldn’t be complaining. I’ve been enjoying the upper 60’s that we’ve had this last week.