portraits

 These are the paintings I did last yr from 2 early 1900's black and white photos.

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Mike Ianuzzo from Imagine it framed got all my prints framed or wrapped for the art walk. He did a really nice job on the framed print as always. He is retiring soon and the shop is for sale. I'm hoping someone as talented as he is steps into the space.

all mirrors

here are all the mirrors together . I did the Art Walk last night. Had over 100 visitors in 3 hours and served up the torte all evening . My friend Andi played the keyboard and it was a beautiful evening all around. Gorgeous day today.

One more mirror

Just finished this one and am getting ready for the Art Walk tonight. pulling out anything I have here that is painted . Made 3 tortes to serve and just hoping we don't have rain tonight. But... If we do, we have umbrellas!! The first photo I was half way there. It ended up looking like a carousel mirror or carnival mirror minus the distorted reflection.

Orange blossom torte recipe

After separating 9 eggs, beat the yolks in a small bowl till thick and lemony . Then add 1 Tablespoon lemon juice . set aside

Whip whites til soft peaks form, Gradually add 1 cup sugar and continue beating till stiff peaks form. Always be sure to use completely clean beater. Cannot have any yolk on the beaters when doing the whites or they will not set up ..... same goes for separating the eggs. if even a drop of yolk goes into the whites, start over. I always use a separate little bowl to separate one egg at a time in case of an accidental breaking of a yolk in the process.

gradually fold the yolks into the whites and , gently using a spatula from the outside of bowl .... fold in. 

now fold in 1 1/2 cups flour gradually. then gently fold in 1/2 cup melted butter along with 2 ounces of melted white baking chocolate. I melt these together in the same bowl in the microwave 30 seconds.... stir and continue another 20 seconds .... then let stand , cool a bit before adding to flour and egg mixture. 

 Then turn the batter into two 9 Inch round cake pans that have been lightly greased with butter and sprinkled with flour. Bake at 325 for 30 minutes or till test as done. Remove, cool on racks for a 10 minutes . Cut around sides of pan and turn cakes out onto cooling racks . Then I chill in fridge . After they have chilled a few hours or overnight. Slice each layer in half making 4 layers. Spread each with a thin layer of orange marmalade , then a thick layer of filling. Including the top layer. Frost with whipped cream made from whipping till firm:  1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla and a few tablespoons of sugar to taste. Not too much sugar. Shouldn't be too sweet. The filling takes care of the sweet tooth.

Cake : 9 eggs
           1 cup sugar
            1 Tablespoon lemon juice
            1 1/2 cup flour
            2 ounces white chocolate
            1/2 cup butter
             orange marmelade
             orange slices for garnish


Filling: 1-8ounce pkg of cream cheese, \
             2 sticks of butter creamed
             1/2 cup sour cream
             1 cup powdered sugar
             2 teaspoons grated orange rind
             1 teaspoon orange or lemon extract

Frosting: 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
              a few tablespoons sugar to taste
              1 teaspoon vanilla

My favorite cake to make for lots of company. serves at least 20 people since you can slice this torte in thin pieces . Slices easily and looks as good as it tastes.

bathroom remodel

I primed the wood in the bathroom this morning before getting to work on mirrors in my studio. We are re- doing the hall bath in a very old funky house. Had to use Zinsser " Cover Stain " for the priming. It's an oil based stain blocking primer much like the original KILZ. So ..... I have a teeny weeny little bath that is the main house bathroom . We are putting a new tub ,toilet and vanity in ( all are space saving units ) We are spending a total of 3,500 max on everything including the plumber. I'll be mudding soon and tiling. Awesome tile and we got a really cool little sink for in the corner from IKEA .


I'm off to paint mirrors now.

Mirrors

 This mirror is one of 2 very heavy old mirrors that were originally gilded and gaudy . I'm working on the 2nd one today.

30 X 24 inches . The matching mirror won't be a match when I get done with it.

I'm finishing up a couple more mirrors today. Did the finish coat on this large mirror the other day. I like to pick up old mirrors and give them a little more than just a place to hang. The right little punch of color for a room that is kind of stodgy. Every entryway or little powder room needs some bright reflection

Doro Wut and Injera

Here is the final product. I actually had some Teff Flour for the Injera this yr. . I bought it at the little organic food stand on the corner . Their are people farming Teff right here in Oregon now. The other dish you see is the Doro Wut, which means Chicken ( Doro ) and red sauce ( Wut ) . It's the national dish, served with hard boiled eggs that have been serrated to absorb the sauce for flavor. You use the injera bread to eat with. No silver ware. I've always felt so cloddish around my graceful ethiopian friends and relatives. they seem to have graciousness, poise and the gift of hospitality in their blood.