I lied- no boots- dull teeth!

I lied folks! I thought I was done being sick! But my body has decided that it likes having coughing fits, and depriving itself of sleep. I have a tough love body. Went to the E.R. again for more awesome breathing treatments, xrays and inhalers.
I feel like I'm ten years old again. "Please great powers of the universe! Let me feel better for Halloween!-If I can't breathe my mom won't let me out of the house to trick or treat!" Did you ever do that as a kid? Whenever you were in a tight pickle or bad situation(of your own doing)- you would quickly find religion,or start praying to the powers of the universe,etc. As a kid I broke a lot of items(I mean a lot!) chairs, windows,toys,garage doors. I was always in the pickle factor! I would always have that one on one with a higher power-"Please great powers that be!I will never do this again-if you just make this go away!" or "Please God get me out of this and I promise-I will never steal another piece of cheesecake again!"
I know you know -what I'm talkin about! You may pretend you don't-but you know!
Same situation- when you were a kid did you ever have that crazy lemonade stand daydream? You know the one... The thinking goes like this - you would set up a lemonade stand with your friend- you would be making good money- ten cents a cup- a few moms buy a cup or two-the strange kid down the road purchased a cup- then the best thing in the world would happen! The biggest limousine in the world would drive up. The richest man in the world would need a cup of your lemonade! Then because your lemonade was so good(and he had so much money).He would pay for his cup of lemonade. But he would not pay you with a dime. Oh noooooo my friends! He would pay you with several hundred dollar bills and a box of awesome toys. Did you ever have these scenarios in your head as a kid? Perhaps you still do as an adult- it makes for a weird work ethic- but my day dreams are great! Talk with you all later.... I hope my ramblings make sense- I'm full of meds and goodies!
Trying to get my energy back-I need it for Halloween! My favorite day of the year! Above is a a piece I did of my grandmother on my mom's side. I made it late last night during another asthma attack. I never met my grandmother, or my grandfather. But I see them both in pictures. In these pictures I can see the way my grandfather looks at her. She was his sweet musical rose.

Air! Give Me Air! Just call me "Inhaler Boy"!

My new name "Inhaler Boy". Welcome to the blog of "Inhaler Boy & Allergy Girl". Forget Jack and Cat. Sorry we have not posted in a few. Been more than under the weather. I have been hiding under it and away from it. I became quite ill and crept into a little dark cave. But now- I feel better! After many days of not being able to breathe, fevers, chills, and nose rag! I am out! It started a few weeks ago. It was hard to pin down- weather change- new cat- lots of painting-chemicals- spray paint, etc. But really- it was a big bad cold. My asthma came back with a vengeance. It hasn't been that bad since my grand days of choose your own adventure books, dancing on my bed to Kenny Loggins, and looking like a total nerd. The days of fourth grade. Heres a pic- it will only be posted for a few days- so enjoy! Yes! My parents didn't love me. Proof- the picture. My parents actually let me leave the house looking like this- Oh yes! I have more of these pics. These were the days of Mike Mayonnaise. A fun nickname! How big are those glasses?



Anyway- my immune system crumpled- due to allergies-chemicals-cat- dust-rust solution-George Bush- dirty filters-OJ Simpson-new haircut- stress eating-(and of course) Britney Spears.

Seriously-my body crashed- starting sucking on my inhalers, couldn't sleep, couldn't breathe. Best example my class at Mystic Paper last Saturday- I thought that I was going to pass out trying to get info to my fantastic, creative, beeswax lovin students. You were a great group and I appreciate it! If for any reasons you have questions that I wasn't able to share in class- please email me and drop a note!

So after several days of coughing, wheezing, doctors, home remedies, antibiotics, and several inhalers.
I emerge! Still have symptoms- but better. Lesley on the other hand- she's starting where I was a couple of days ago. Not good. Coughing, sneezing, sounding like Darth Vader - If I could just find that outfit down below? Hmm...

So I hope you like my little art piece on the top. I made it special based on the last few days. I will post again later tonight.... more to share... but I just thought- I 'd let you know I'm STILL ALIVE. The one thing about being sick- is when you get better you have a need to kick life in the ass -and then take a big bite of it! So I got my boots on and my teeth are ready! Adios...

Stop! Walk Away! Just Stop!

How do you know when a piece is done? When should you walk away? How many embelishments are to much? How much glitter mist and gold should you add? Do you ever have those days when your artistic voice is off? When you take pieces to the point of no return? That was me yesterday. Everything I touched- several projects- I just didn't know when to stop. You keep adding-adding-until you create a non happy accident. You keep working and then you destroy the part of the piece you really loved, or change the entire feel of the piece.I had this great piece yesterday-I may show a pic- and then I decided to add spray webbing- I miss shot and covered parts that I really enjoyed. As the song said- You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em. Know when to walk away and know when to run".
My point-sometimes you just need to walk away-and come back to fight with it another day. Here are some pics- of two examples for Saturday's Beeswax Collage class at Mystic Paper. Its going to be an awesome class. Black Cats, Witches. and spooky stuff-I say. Have a grand Friday everyone!
Oh yes- Happy Birthday this week Mystic Paper Kim! I hope its a great 23rd Birthday!
Oh to be so young!
Also advice to all-sometimes a little change adds alot to your confidence and perhaps your art- meaning? Get a haircut! I did- I make cooler stuff when I get a haircut! A good well massaged-kinda haircut! Also add a little color! Oh man!It does wonders for the soul when you is lookin good! Trust me.-Mike

Trick Or Treater Banners w-Tint

Trick Or Treater Banners w-Tint
Originally uploaded by Jack & Cat Curio

I posted a few more craft sheets on Flickr! Help yourself - and happy crafting! For those who will be joining me for class at Mystic Paper on Saturday- feel free to print and bring with you. I print many of our sheets on transparency. Awesome look folks!

Halloween Flickr

halloween 45- Jack & Cat Sheet
Originally uploaded by Jack & Cat Curio

Here is an easier link straight to our Halloween Flickr- just click on the photo -and it will take you there! This is one of the Halloween Sheets I created for several projects. Feel free to download & browse! We will continue to add and change out more as Halloween nears. To download the image at Flickr - just go to the image you want- look in the left top corner- where it says sizes- Click and then choose your download!
Thanks everyone!-Mike

Wolfman

Wolfman
Originally uploaded by Jack & Cat Curio

Here is a link to our Flickr account! Just click on the photo! In the next few days we will be posting various Halloween images and clipart to share. Enjoy!- Mike & Lesley

vadar

vadar
Originally uploaded by pinkhare

We just had to share this pic- We found it on Flickr!and no its not Lesley!

ATC Trade & Spooky Ghosts

Ok Folks! Here's the scoop on last night! Mellow & Cool! The temperature outside has finally come down! Last night was nice and cool. We sat outside that crazy Mystic Paper in Mesa- we talked, we grooved, we looked for a ghost or two. Theres several ghosts that haunt the buildings in downtown Mesa. (In case you did not know) Not the crazy kind of haunting like at the San Carlos Hotel in downtown Phoenix. That is one haunted place! They have a poltergeist that will take your lunch and throw it across the floor!Plus you can hear sounds of kids running down the hallway late at night. The old San Carlos Hotel was built on top of an old water well that was also the site of one of the first schools in Phoenix, or Arizona for that matter. Also lets not forget the Spaghetti Factory on Central. Haunted? Oh man haunted. Murder, intrigue, secret tunnel under the street, screams of a woman at night up above, trays flying across the room in the restaurant. Or Casey Moore's Oyster House and Seafood Restaurant in Tempe-old historic house built in 1910. You will almost be guaranteed a ghost visit or two. I've gotten off track- talk to me this month- I know it- I'll scare the Jeebies out of you. Maybe I'll post a haunted history on a different building here in Az for this month. If you agree or want to hear more -shoot me an email. If I get a good response- I'll go with it.
So last night- Mystic Paper- ATC trade- very cool- the theme was Autumn. Heres a few examples of some of the cards I got back. Here is also my card-my own little card- I decided to go with my own version of “Something Wicked This Way Comes”.... by Ray Bradbury. One of my favorite stories. Also last night was a birthday celebration for the ladies of Mystic Paper-Jennifer & Kim. Happy Birthday ladies! Reward yourselves with something this weekend!
I'm off- I'm going to Tour De fat today- in the next hour! Bicycles & Beer! It must be the Irish in me- nothing better than drinking and then riding a bike! Not a car! A bike. A bike in a park-under supervision- while in costume – with friends. Sounds good? Give it a try! Talk soon.....

First Friday, Artsy Fartsy Fairy, & Zombies

So last Friday was First Friday in Phoenix! This First Friday was also playing host to a zombie artwalk. We set up our usual vendor table. This time however we had the lovely Artsy Fartsy Fairy team of Shirley & Melody set up next to us. Artsy Fartsy Fairy is the brainchild and creation of Shirley Varkoly-Seay who is one hell of an altered artist. She hunts and gathers(like most of us) at flea markets,thrift stores, garages, and antique booths. Then she creates fantastic and amazing items. Everything from calendars to treasure boxes. You might have caught her cool table at this year's Art Unraveled. She will also be set up at Mesa's Second Friday, tonight!
Anywho-we set up-if you build it-they will come! Yes you did folks! You came, you saw, you bought, you shared, we talked, we shared, you bought, we talked some more. We saw zombies. That was the night. A great big night! We sold art pieces to couples, singles, artists, punkers, skaters, zombies, friends, moms, dads, and travelers now taking our pieces to New Orleans, Australia, New York, and all over here at home. Thank you everyone who came and saw us that night. Please keep in touch! Thank you also to Shirley & Melody for your awesome conversation and great attitudes! The dust bath was great! It's always good when you can share a good Phoenix dust bath with friends. That night was also Lesley's Birthday. I love you! I love you! I love You! Happy Birthday Cat! Chicken & Waffles forever!


Secret Society Beeswax:

Artsy Fartsy & Us:

Art Pieces:


Friday Night Zombie:

Happy Birthday Jennifer!

So I heard that this last Wednesday was Jennifer's Birthday. Jennifer of the infamous duo team at Mystic Paper! I heard she turned 22! Happy-B-day Jennifer!

Mystic Paper! Mystic Paper!

That is correct-"Mystic Paper" kids. That cool, little funky scrap/altered art/ mixed media madhouse in Mesa is having another one of those crazy Second Fridays & ATC live trades tonight! Yes tonight! We will be there with our ATC cards (if all goes well) and we will have a small vendor table outside-next to our favorite "Artsy Fartsy Fairy"!Hello Shirley V.! Also I got to mention! I will be teaching another beeswax class at Mystic Paper on Saturday, October 20th! Spooky witches & black cats is the theme! But you can certainly change that to your own spooky or non spooky needs! We will be playing and a making several small little canvas boards and one big mother board! Playing with levels and working on imprinting with the fine smelling wax!It should be a spooky and pre-Halloween fun event! Here is a pic or two of what we will be working on!

Happy October & Happy Halloween!

So its been a long time since we posted! I know... A long,long,time! Sorry-been so busy! We will do better! For the month of October it will be posting mania! Trust me-like you have never seen the likes before! I will post like I talk & think - quickly,loud,fast,and deep sounding. Anywho- October is here! Hands down our favorite month of the year! It has been crazy with school, teaching, artwalks, allergies, animals, asthma attacks, get togethers, birthdays, and I'm sure much more ahead!
So everyone- there is so much that I need to inform and discuss- I will post many little posts here this morning-instead of one really long one! Cool? Awesome!