Art Changes Lives - Ask Tom Block

"There is within these peoples' souls a tremendous amount of beauty and [conviction] that they can actually make a difference.." - Tom Block, artist & activist

We're gearing up at GG Central for the big festival in our neighborhood. Here are some Tom Block paintings & they have changed lives. (Not just those who bought the paintings, silly!) Here is a press account of his first meeting with one of his subjects.

We're so proud of Tom, yes. He is the producer of this weekend's Human Rights Art Festival sponsored by Amnesty International & also a local member of the Takoma Park-Silver Spring #297 local AIUSA group. Tom has worked long & hard (with many others, to them next week, you know who you are) to bring this off. Human rights activists are no easier to herd than any other group of people. Do not despair about the dark nature of Tom's work; you'll notice the bright color he uses--this is not incidental.

ciao-peace-meow/GG's editor

[images by Tom Block/all rights reserved/used with permission of artist]

To our friends in Takoma Park

We adore all of you--life would be such a bore without TPark. Go here to read all about it. From democraticstuff.com.
bisou, GG Central Mgmt.

Marimekko

The Marimekko Concept store in Silver Spring (Washington, DC area) offers quilt & sewing classes. Starting Monday, 20 October, is a pillow cover making class. There are four classes from 10am-noon & it's for beginners, so no worries. The store is staffed by friendly people & you finish with a new pillow & the knowledge to make some more. Homemade Christmas & Hannukah presents on the horizon? If your schedule can't accommodate Monday mornings, there are other classes available. Stop by to look at the sale & clearance items, as well. [Heila cushion by Marimekko]

bisou, GG's editor

27th Annual Takoma Park Street Festival

GG's editor will be at the always fun Takoma Park Street Festival on Sunday, 5 October. Visit us at the Amnesty International table. Lots of music, dancing, food, & general merriment from 10am to 5pm (rain or shine). Check here for schedules & so on. Take the Metro--it's just a few blocks away. Photo from 2007 festival by Rosie Keller.

bisou,
GG Central Mgmt.

Jazz in Silver Spring

Come & celebrate. It's so much fun!

Meet you at the "Quandary House" for a half-pint later...or at McGinty's.

xoxo, GG

A little Provence, a little Silver Spring

Bread, some Fourme d’Ambert, mixed with a bit of sweet butter, nuts, olives, & a slightly chilled dry rosé make for a lovely late summer’s evening. (It’s still summer as far as GG Central is concerned.) Above is a label from a bottle we enjoyed last summer…nothing fancy, just right.

GG Central’s friend Bibi came to dinner a few weeks ago. She brought a delicious rosé, a Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, ‘Sabine,’2007 (Syrah/Grenache). It’s very affordable, so run out & get some if you can. GG’s editor served rare slices of magret on wild greens, cannellini vinaigrette…The delicious wine (& grand company) kept us at the table long into the evening.

Tonight, a different sort of Provencal evening; some lavender bath gel & a smidge of L’Occitane lavender hand cream. Stress in GG Central continues. The Bach Rescue Remedy is not enough, so we’re calling in Provencal lavender reinforcements. The good work of the L’Occitane Foundation also conjures soothing thoughts.

Though GG has lots of work tomorrow, she’s looking forward to seeing two of her favorite people, Isa & her bambino, le petit P.

Two weeks ago, GG’s editor & Isa had fun watching P. bravely encounter the Silver Spring fountain. That’s him in the photo above, performing with the dancing waters…he’s adorable & already has his maman's panache…especially when he speaks Franglais. GG’s editor delights in the honorific ‘Tata’ to this petit lapin.

GG pouted as she was left behind. GG's editor has decided that as soon as appropriate accessories are in hand (halter, lead), GG can make some field trips. For that, we must borrow a camera!

Sweet dreams, nos amis.

Bisou, xoxo, GG