Shuckers Surprise...

Today we got up and headed to SF (can you believe our gall, after last Sundays traffic disaster?) with Japantown in our sights. Last time we went there we only were able to "window shop" as all the stores were closed. We saw one hardware store that looked soooo unbelievable and Rich found you that they sold his beloved Sushi knifes there. So with bagel filled bellys we headed down the road. First Stop, Soko's Hardware and to our delight it surpassed our expectations. Rich was able to put down the coin and buy his first, ten and a quarter inch, yanagi, carbon steel, single bevel, right handed Sushi knife. She's a beaut! We found all kinds of other treasures, a gift or two and more sushi supplies. Then into the Japantown mall. So much visual stimulation, origami cranes, buddah sculpture, sushi everything and art. We went to a book store, everything in Japanese but wonderful, I found a book of just owners and their cats...the Japanese are silly even when they're serious. I was lost for a while exploring random books, all the while Rich is looking at Sushi books, dahhh. Then off to surprise our camping friends at one of our favorite places on earth, Samuel P Taylor. At the host stand we asked what site our friends the Pyles were staying at...and tootled down the road to find them. We found their site and Mark was out front...he gave me the most confused .....loook....and off we drove, giggling our Asses off! We had to park in "vistor's parking." Then up we walk, six pack in hand and some noshables...Hi, what are you guys doing here. We just stopped by to say HI> They had five/six families camping and we just hung for a bit. Mark and Don were so happy cuz they were Oyster heavy...thrilled to eat some raw and some BBQ'd. We looveeee you guys, thanks for letting us crash your party for a bit! Lob K ps. check out our movie crossing the Golden Gate Bridge...a beautiful day in SF-good luck to those facing Gustov...scary s hit.

An Indy weekend

Rich went to Infineon twice this weekend. Greg (his brother) won tickets for all three days but we had tickets purchased for months on Sunday. So he went with Greg, Mark and Mason (Mark's son) on Saturday. Endorphins are delish and you can't say no to them....so he embraced the situation and went Saturday and Sunday. Plus its more time seeing the "Rum Bum" and oh yeah, there was racing. He came home Saturday, Sun burnt, exhausted and ready to return the next day. We were scheduled to ride the Holloway bus, but it looked alittle tight, so we opted to drive ourselves (our demise) So Sunday we got up early connected with the Holloway posse and headed out. In our car, we opted (read cheap) to stop at Safeway to buy our sandwiches for the day. MISTAKE #1, we got the surelish Safeway person....who had no idea how to make a sanwich and her boss, who begged with her eyes to understand her position and forgive the 30 minutes it took to make are freakin sandwiches...cranky we proceded on...go forth and concure. At Infineon, we joined the crew and went into the Garage...I ended up at Danika's trailer, where she had just returned and YES I saw her back. Then the WAIT...we waited for her to return, to no satisfaction. But we had fun with the group of mis-fabulous that Brian had put together...we checked out all the cars, drivers and crazies. Then it was race time, 80 laps and Danika made it a good run but ultimately lost to the Penske team and Helio...boooooo. What a great day, or so we thought, we found our car and headed out...only to be stopped by HELL trafic. It took us 4 hours to get home, all I know is at one point I punched Rich sooooo hard without apology and yes we survived but it was a crunchy ride home. All the while the Van, with all are friend were leisurely drinking away and having fun. Oh yeah, you are at the Dixon Chili's and we were inching along in HELLLLLLL. Brian, it was fun but the departure has to improve. Love you K and R and PS. Rich's best memory was Mark and Mason, zonked in the back seat Snuuzzzzing after the days (food filled for Mason) day.

Another art baby released to the universe...

Its hard being an aspiring artist. But harder still is asking if others see "your vision"...and ultimately paying for that vision. This time it was all on me. I have finished the piece for my hair salon, after four months of work and I had an appointment today. I packed the piece this morning knowing what the end of the day held for me. Would the owner be there, would he be available, would he listen...would he see the vision? Armondo, owner of Salon 701, is an avid art collector, a savvy connoisseur and dare I say, daring with his art choices in the Salon. So my heart was palpitating in my throat when I walked in...he's there, check, he's available..oh the phone rang..ok now he's off the phone, ok Kris...nows the time: do or die. So I walk up and say that I had a business proposition for him and if he gave me a moment I'd be right back. I run/fly to my car and return. His attitude to me is, "what is she doing...? cold call, who is she..." mind you I've been going to this salon for two years and he helped me when my car was broken into. But I told him I created this specifically for the salon, it conveyed the feel and style of the salon and (a little butt kissing) told him I knew he knew art and could appreciate a struggling artist. Then the final nail was my expectations...I told him that all I could ask is that if anyone asked about the piece to refer me. He was cool at first but really warmed to the struggle of hanging a glass piece verses the risk of putting it on the counter, with the potential for breakage. He enjoyed seeing it in the sunlight but ultimately put it up (out of the way) right under Buddha (giant, like 4 feet high). Then I got a hug and he's not a huggy guy. So all butterflies from my belly gone and I've released my art out to the universe. Its weird, I feel the absence but also a hope for a future where I can do this for a living.

The other piece was inspired by our neighbor, Nelson. He has health issues but tries to stay on track with yoga and meditation. I gave him the piece yesterday and I think he was truly touched....let go and wish!

when I think about Rich's company party, I'm not neccesarily excited...but this year was different

There have been so many political challenges with his work over the past couple years, I was apprehensive for this years company party but we had had a dry run at one of his board members house prior to the event and knew that we really enjoyed Brian and Lisa's company and this year it would be different. They are great hosts, the kind that think of EVERYTHING and between the killah barbarque and pool...the event was set for success. Some times you have to let the work world behind you and recognize that we are all people, people who want to have fun and enjoy an event for the sake of it. And ya know what, we did...stories were told, jokes exchanged, banter and laughs all over delish BBQ and beers. And the best part after the party we stuck around to clean up and ended up sharing more stories and beers with Lisa and Brian, what great people. Ya know whats even funnier is since we have lived in Sac FOREVER you find if you talk enough you find friend overlaps that blow your socks off. Today was the perfect relaxing summer day, bbq, beers, pool time and friends...I feel like today things in life don't need to be so hard, its wonderful when its easy! ps. look at Brian and Lisa's monkeys...they climbed all over Rich in the pool....how fun! ps. Derek, I've got a question for ya....

Serindipity is Grand

Well we started Saturday very laid back reading and chilling at the home front when we got a wild hare and put on some date duds and headed out to second Saturday downtown. We walked all over doing more people watching then art appreciation,,,after not getting into a few possible dinner spots we are down by 16th and J and those who know us know we were drawn to Mikunis like moths to a flame.,,we grab a margarita and start salivating in advance of the coming yummys...Then Kris looks over and in strolls Taro looking sharp(just came from a wedding) Well Kris is practically shoving me to talk to him about the new MIKUNI sign....Well I slug a little liquid courage and dive in.. He was great and I think he really likes the one I did for TARO's,,,gives me his cell # and e-mail and is off to the reception,,,needles to say I am giddy and not sure if I blubbered. So I sent pics to him today and will call in a few days to see if he has had a chance to see them,,,,,WOOOO HOOO. After the great chow we meet up with Anna and Kelly and Cheryl at a dive bar on Folsom Bl. They were havin a few and were in good cheer. Today it was the japanese bazaar and the farmers market...Rattatouilee this week,,,maybe some homemade bread...All in all a good weekend.

Where's Rich....least thats what I've been asking...

Well He's at Mark's. He has been part of the Brain Trust in Mark's backyard adventure. We dug it out but he and Mark have valiantly worked to bring it into vision for Mark. And Edda has put her blood sweat and tears into it too but look at the results:
ps. for those that don't know Our dearest friends Sean and Lori tied the knot today-with all the 80808 luck, I'm sure they have a lifetime of love to experience and share. We couldn't be happier..ps. Lor-missed your Bday again, I really suck. LOVE YOU BOTH!

Mikuni 's sign done!

Got some some in the shop and finished the Mikuni sign,,,now to decide how to sell the idea.....

A trip to Otos and I finally tried gunkan style. Not bad for a first attempt,,next time a little smaller.

Also got Michelle's 2nd version in the kiln...will see how it turns out in the morning.

Kris tried her hand at signage by doing one for her hair salon...Should be gorgeous. Even did a bunch of yard work..Good weekend