Geree's Blog from Pichilemu, Chile

No one likes to be told what to do. . .

2011-10-28T19:03:00.005-03:00

Do you ever have days when it seems someone is trying to tell you something? For me, yesterday was a day like that and the message was: No one likes to be told what to do. I don't! Do you? Of course not! No one does! But here is how the message came to me yesterday:

It started when Jim and I were trying to leave the house to start our journey to Rancagua for my first chemo treatment. Dasha Luna kept hovering near the door ready to make a dash for it. I picked her up and carried her down the hall to the bedroom where her friends Zsa Zsa and Suzy Q were already enjoying the sun on the bed. I said to her, 'stay here with your friends for awhile.' but before I could put her down, she pushed against my chest and sprang from my arms as if to say, 'you can't tell me what to do, I will do it myself!' Oooo-kaaay! She doesn't like being told what to do. I get it.

An hour later we are on the bus when a mom gets on with a little girl about 2 1/2 with curly light brown hair and rosy cheeks. She was a real cutie pie. As soon as they sat down a few rows behind us, the little girl began a non-stop chattering monologue. Now, I am a bit weak in Spanish baby talk but I did make out the repeated mantra of 'mio, mio, mio' (mine, mine, mine) and the occasional 'let's go bye bye' in English. Jim and I were enjoying it and sometimes softly laughing together. Her mom never had a chance to speak but we heard her say 'shush' after about 10 choruses of little Miss Cutie Pie Bright Cheek's La La La La song. After being 'shushed' she didn't miss a single La but continued now with a steady cresendo with each La a bit louder and more punctuated. How cute! After a slow and steady progress, she reached a grand finale with a big, loud, and long LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Needless to say we were laughing out loud by then. I said to Jim, 'she's like Dasha Luna, doesn't like to be told what to do.'

Fast forward 10 hours later, we are home and listening to some music by the Rolling Stones. Suddenly, as if Mick Jagger has a message just for me I hear him sing, 'Be my little baby for awhile.' What? I don't think so! 'Won't you be my little baby for awhile.' Oh, well, if you put that way, sure!I get it, no one likes to be told what to do be them a willful kitten, a very little girl, or a fan of the Stones. I get it! NO ONE LIKES TO BE TOLD WHAT TO DO! Thanks Dasha Luna, Little Miss Cutie Pie Bright Cheeks, and Mick Jagger for giving me that important message.

Does this ever happen to you?

Cat Quilt by Constance Freed!

2011-09-06T20:00:00.004-03:00

This fabulous cat quilt, created by my cousin Connie in Alabama, just arrived yesterday! Connie knows I love cats by Laurel Burch and bright and vibrant colors which she incorporated beautifully in this quilt design.
Can you tell I love it?

Thanks Connie!

2011-09-02T00:10:00.002-03:00

Another Wet Day in Pichilemu

2011-08-29T17:57:00.002-03:00

Yesterday we had really hard rain for hours and hours. Mom and Ima's cabana started to leak and they were quickly moved to another.

It was still raining on and off today so we hopped into a Collectivo and dashed down to Claudia's restaurant for another great meal.

Completos in Chile

2011-08-28T00:19:00.003-03:00

More shopping today.

Then we stopped to have Completos: hot dogs covered in chopped tomatoes and mashed avocado.

Resting on Day 3 - Check out their digs!

2011-08-21T22:32:00.007-03:00

We all needed a day to rest so we took it easy. Around 3:30 Jim, Rusty, and I went to Dunamar to escort Mom and Jeanne (aka Ima) to our house for dinner. Those of you who saw the website for Dunamar will recognize their cabana, no?

Since we didn't really do anything today, we thought you'd like to see the inside of their cabana. I love the artworks!

Showing off the heater, can't remember why.
Anne, the co-owner of Dunamar came to install a DVD player. Now they can watch "Lincoln Lawyer" tonight or tomorrow.
The quilt behind us is the prayer quilt Ima sent to me that was made by her church. I love it and it looks fabulous with our new furniture.

Tomorrow we plan to see the art exhibit at the Cultural Center and a shopping trip down Anabel Pinto (street).

Be looking for the next installment manana!

Geree

Thanks Everyone!

2011-08-18T09:52:00.003-04:00

Thanks to all of you who wrote me letters of concern. I really appreciate all of the letters and keep them coming, I need your support.

And, thanks to those of you who said I am strong. I don't feel so strong at the moment but if so many of you think I am, then it must be true.

I am blessed with a wonderful husband who is very strong and supportive and helps me get through this horrible experience. He doesn't let me feel sorry for myself, reminding me that I am alive and we'll have many more years together and that is something to be grateful for. And, I am.

Thanks again to all of you and please write me more often, I need to hear from you,

Geree

My Mom is Coming to Pichilemu!

2011-08-17T18:59:00.004-04:00

Yes, my mom and my aunt are coming to Pichilemu to visit us. They leave San Diego tomorrow and will arrive on Friday. I am so looking forward to seeing them both, but especially my mom. I had planned to visit her this summer but breast cancer got in the way. So instead of my visiting her, she's visiting me! Yay!

(For those of you who don't know, I was diagnosed with breast cancer July 1 and had my left breast removed on July 21. It was a very rapid growing and dangerous cancer and although I was under doctor's care since Sept, watching the nodule that appeared to be benign, I had no time for alternative treatments because it changed so fast. I am extremely grateful to be living in Chile which has a national health care system that quickly responded to my urgent needs. At no time did I feel I was treated differently from the Chilean patients.)

Although I am progressing well, I am already tired of this game. I am in pain and discomfort. Part of the area is numb and part is super sensitive. The area fills with fluid which I have to have aspirated by the doctor every week, and although the procedure is uncomfortable, it feels much better afterwards.

My doctor, who BTW speaks fluent English, feels confident that he got all the cancer cells but is waiting for the biopsy results of the breast tissue before deciding on the chemotherapy I will start soon. He expects that I will have four or more 21 day cycles of chemo and perhaps two cycles of radiation therapy.

My days are spent reading, Facebooking, emailing, and sleeping. I am tired but in good spirits. I would love to hear from all of you so please write when you can.

May this find you in good health,

Geree

Dasha Luna and Zsa Zsa

2011-05-18T13:47:00.003-04:00

Here is our little Dasha Luna with her best kitty cat friend, Zsa Zsa. It is because Zsa Zsa's name sounds so much like Dasha that we added Luna to give Dasha's name a slightly different sound. (It was a little confusing for Zsa Zsa.)
Zsa Zsa has filled the void and has taken over the task of surrogate mom for Dasha Luna. Zsa Zsa does a great job nuturing her.

Dasha Luna and my Travel Plans

2011-05-18T10:58:00.003-04:00

We've had Dasha Luna 2 months today! Seems a lot longer! She is full of energy and sass! She loves to beat up on Zsa Zsa, Suzy Q, Jim and me! Most baby kittens have other kittens to play with, but poor Dasha Luna has no one but us.

In 2 weeks I will be back in the USA! That's right I will be spending the glorious summer of 2011 in glorious San Diego! Come visit me at the Leucadia Farmer's Market and Fuddrucker's while I'm there! And Kearny Komets: Let's meet at the Beachcomber to see fellow Komet Steve Siers and his band! Be there or be square!

My Playful Studio Today

2011-04-09T15:19:00.004-03:00

I am making some new fish and this is the first one. I had some leftover pulp (from a making a bowl that tore apart when I removed it from the mold) and I used the pulp (paper mache mush) to form the mouth, eyes, and eyebrows directly onto the balloon. Next, I'll cover it all with pieces of newspaper. I have never tried this before.

And this is what it looks like now. I am shooting for a friendly looking fish so I'm leaving her toothless. Also, this is a large balloon so I am am papering only one side at a time. The last time I did this, the balloon exploded which I hope not to repeat. Wish me luck.

My Studio/Playroom

2011-04-07T14:58:00.005-03:00

If you have a room of your own in your home, you'll know what I mean about my studio being a playroom. I use mine as my art studio (which for me is a playful place), but if yours is an office, a music room, a sewing room, or even a reading room, you will understand the freedom I feel when I enter my studio/playroom. When I come in here I can let my inner 'artist child' come out and play. I can do anything I want, even make a messy-chaotic-confusion of stuff and just leave it all lying about. (The cats are not allowed in my studio so I needn't worry about them playing with my things.)

When I come in here I play at whatever creative project I have imagined. It's so much fun I don't understand why everyone doesn't do it.

If you don't already have your own room, get one today! And PLAY!

Dasha Luna and Her Friend Jim

2011-04-07T11:59:00.003-03:00

Dasha Luna loves to sit on Jim's shoulder. Hasn't she grown a lot?

Dasha Luna Climbs and Plays!

2011-04-04T17:17:00.005-03:00

Our little Dasha Luna likes to climb! Yes, up my leg! And play with various cat toys too!

She started eating solid food a couple days ago and still enjoys her kitten formula. But now she can lap it up by herself while I hold the bowl. (No more hand feeding for me!)

PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!

2011-03-30T16:25:00.002-03:00

I entered this piece in the contest called: Steppin' Out. Please click on the link below and vote for me!

Thanks!!

Vote for me at:

http://fineartamerica.com/contests/1-stepping-out.html?tab=artwork

Dasha Luna today!

2011-03-29T14:07:00.003-03:00

I think she's growing!

Dasha Luna - Baby Kitten's Full Name-

2011-03-26T21:46:00.004-03:00

Quick baby kitten update: You may have heard that her new name is Dasha. And although we love the name, Dasha sounds a lot like Zsa Zsa (the name of our white cat) and Zsa Zsa gets confused when she hears us say Dasha. So since Dasha came into our lives very near the time of the Super Moon, we added Luna for her middle name so now her full name is Dasha Luna McDermott. I like it even better. What do you think?

Everything is Coming Up Rainbows!

2011-03-25T16:32:00.007-03:00

For a limited time, these 'rainbow' prints are available printed on canvas, only from Fine Art America! Offer ends on 3/31/11, so order yours today.

Only 4 remain of 'Rainbow Diva.'
http://fineartamerica.com/weeklypromotion.html?promotionid=61817

Just 11 are left of 'In Seclusion!' Order today!

http://fineartamerica.com/weeklypromotion.html?promotionid=61819

Only 5 days and 4 prints remain of 'Rainbow Fish!' Printed on canvas on FAA!http://fineartamerica.com/weeklypromotion.html?promotionid=61821

Thanks for looking. Hope you have a rainbow in your future!

Baby Kitten Has a New Name!

2011-03-20T16:14:00.005-03:00

Thanks to everyone who suggested names, they were all great! And, thanks to those of you who are still thinking of good names. But, today we received a name we think really suits her from our Chilean friends Fernando, his wife Karina, and their children Javiera and Little Fernando who suggested the winning name: Dasha, which means 'gift' in Greek. We both love it and think it is purrfect for our little baby kitten.
These pictures were taken about 30 minutes ago and show how well she can get around now! Dasha can almost 'dash' about.

Our New Baby Kitten

2011-03-19T14:21:00.005-03:00

Most of you know that Jim and I are huge cat lovers. What you may not know is that we were down to just two cats, Zsa Zsa and Suzy Q. That is until yesterday when we found this little baby kitten. We guess that she is about 4 weeks old.
We were taking Rusty for a walk along with his friend Rocco from down the street. As we were walking along we heard a very loud strange sound we thought was a bird. But as we got nearer, we could see a little baby kitten in the bushes on the other side of a fence of a vacant house. No mama cat or other kittens were around. Rusty and Rocco were very interested and we all stopped to look at the poor little thing in obvious distress. She stopped screaming when she heard our voices while we discussed what we should do. Finally, we decided we had to rescue her and Jim went inside the yard to look for her family and when he saw no other cats, he picked her up and handed her to me. He took Rusty's leash and I put little baby inside my jacket and we brought her home.

I wrapped her in a sheepskin vest we have for the cats to lie on in winter and put her to bed. Later we went back to see if her mother or siblings had arrived where we found her but they weren't there. She can walk but is pretty shaky on her feet so we are clueless how she got there. This morning I got her set up on a heating pad that is enclosed in a sheepskin cover while she still snuggled in the sheepskin vest. I found a recipe online for kitten formula (1c. evaporated milk, 1 T corn oil, and 3 egg yolks) and Jim, Rusty, and I went to the store for the ingredients. I made it when we got home and she loved it. I no longer have kitten feeding bottles so used a bendy straw and held it so she could suck through the short end.

I took these pictures after she ate and now she is contentedly sleeping in her warm snuggly bed.

She is so sweet. Any ideas for a name? (She's a calico (3 colors) so she's a girl.)

My Bracelets on Auction on Ebay

2011-03-12T16:09:00.008-03:00

The following bracelets made by yours truely are now on auction on ebay. If you would like to check them out please go to: www.ebay.com and search papier mache bracelets and they should come up. Thanks for looking!

The Morning After

2011-03-12T08:42:00.003-03:00

Although Chile was under a tsunami warning overnight we escaped unscathed without so much as a splash, thankfully!
Thank you to those who expressed your concern for us. We really appreciated hearing from you!
Geree and Jim
PS To Ben Gill: California Pizza Kitchen, right?

Black Fawn

2011-03-10T12:21:00.006-03:00

Have you ever seen a black fawn before? Neither have I. A friend sent me these amazing pictures the other day and they are so special I wanted to share them with you. Black fawns are even more rare than albinos, which is probably why we haven't seen one before. These pictures were taken by RJ Verge near Beamsville, Ontario, Canada.

I Sold a Fish!

2011-03-10T11:44:00.002-03:00

Today I went to pick up my artworks from the artshow last month at the Cultural Center. Much to my surprise I was handed $5.000 pesos (about $10) for one of my fish they sold for me. Amazing! This was my first sale here in Pichilemu! How cool is that? Now I just need a whole bunch more sales!

My NEW Bracelets made from Papier Mache!

2011-02-27T16:17:00.003-03:00

I am still making fish, but now I am also making bracelets from papier mache. What do you think? Do you like them? These seven are for me, but I plan to make more to sell, hopefully in the boutique next door to the restaurant where my art is hanging. Wish me luck!

New from Geree's Studio in Pichilemu!

2011-02-20T17:10:00.005-03:00

Both Jim and my friend Jude Mowris suggested that I create bigger fish. So I did. New to two of my larger fish are bottom fins. Not that easy to work with but I like the look. Do you?

I tried using local driftwood from which to hang my fish but I wasn't happy with the way it looked. (It just doesn't have the visual appeal that California driftwood has.) So I made my own hangers from, yes you're right, paper mache! The hanger above was meant for the two blue fish plus the green eel below but the green eel was just too big and got a corner of it's own. I will have to make a hanger for it soon!

When Jude started making her own paper mache fish, she had the brilliant idea of painting the final layer of paper BEFORE applying it to the fish. I loved the idea and tried it on these fish. While the paint was still wet, I raked it with a paint comb and added some stamping. Cool effect, no?

The fish below are not new and are from my last batch but the hanger is new. They may look bunched up, but there is quite a bit of movement so they appear to be swimming.

I have even bigger fish planned although I have no idea where I can find room to hang them!

New Produce Truck in Playa Hermosa

2011-02-11T13:16:00.006-03:00

How long has it been since you last bought fruit and veggies from a produce truck that comes to your door?

I have a vague memory of a produce truck in San Diego but that was before I started school so I have NEVER bought fruit and veggies from a mobile produce man. Well, in this case it was produce men. Two guys (one of whom spoke a little English) came to our neighborhood today! We needed some things but we were putting off going to La Gaviota (means The Seagull) produce stand. It's a short walk but we didn't really feel like going today. So glad we waited because this very cool truck came by instead! Jim flagged them down while I took some cookies out of the oven, then I raced down there. We started buying tomatoes, yellow onions, chili peppers, bell peppers, bananas, beets, green beans, lettuce, a cucumber and green onions. When the neighbors saw us buying stuff, they came over too. We came upstairs and I snapped these pix to show you. And, after the neighbors bought what they needed, one of the men called me down because we had forgotten to take our green onions. Such nice guys! And such great produce. I told the guy who spoke English they needed to come every week and he proudly told me they'd be back every Monday and Friday! YIPPEE!!

Latest Papier Mache Fish!

2011-01-29T12:56:00.013-03:00

Just wanted to share the latest additions to my papier mache fish collection. Special thanks to my mom who generously sent me loads of fun things with which to bling like glitter, beads, and sequins. I had a blast abstracting these whimsical fish. Hope you like them.

My friend and fellow artist Jude Mowris of PA has recently started making her own papier mache collection. She started by reading my little booklet (March, 2010) and asked some very good questions that made me realize that I have changed many things that I had included in the booklet. If you would like to make your own papier mache fish collection and read my booklet, please feel free to ask any and all questions. It just might inspire me to revise the booklet. But for now, it is more fun for me to make them than it is to write about making them.

So until then,
ENJOY!

The Art at the Artshow!

2011-01-09T12:24:00.013-03:00

There are lots of great art displayed in the artshow. Here are just a few examples:
My papier mache fish are hung the length of the front salon, right down the middle of the room!

Here's looking at ya, kid!

My favorites of the show are these wonderful, bright abstractions painted on wood.

Recognize this Vincent van Gogh (below)? (Hint: it was van Gogh's room in the yellow house. I'm not sure but I think the title is, "My Room." Sorry, I don't want to take the time right now to look it up to know for sure.) This reproduction is created with matchsticks. It is my next favorite.

This fabulous pottery reminds me a lot of Robin Desjardin's pieces.

The oil painting below is by Beatriz Hagel.

I love the composition of this mosaic mirror!

My Artworks are in the Show!

2011-01-04T18:18:00.003-03:00

If you read my last post, you may be interested to know that I took most of my proposed artworks into el Centro Cultural today. I say most because I didn't have time to ready the ones in the brightly painted frames and one of the 11 x 14's had a slight mishap when I tried to attach the eyelets for the wire with which to hang it. But the rest were good to go.

You may remember that I was not all that confident that Beatriz would welcome all my artworks, now adding up to 11 framed and 15 papier mache fish. When I walked into her office, she jumped out of her chair and gave me a really big hug and was pleased to see I brought so many things! Whew! (Now it may have helped that I turned her onto a Rolling Stones CD a few months ago and I brought with me three DVDs downloaded from www.youtube.com: The Rolling Stones, of course, featuring one of her favorite songs, I'm So Hot for Her and She's So Cold, The Blues Brothers, and The Stray Cats). But, of course, it could also be that she really likes my artwork and was very happy I brought them in today. I hope the latter. She invited me to come back on Thursday to be there when they are hung. She also invited me to take the belly dancing class she teaches for free.

As I was leaving she said she loved me and gave me another really big hug! She also gave me some invitations to hand out. And now I know the name of the artshow: Colectiva Pichilemu "Mitos y Leyendas" which means Group Pichilemu "Myths and Legends." (It begs the question: am I a myth or a legend?)

I left feeling very happy and relieved that it went so well. And also very happy and relieved to have the worst behind me. It can only get better now.

Artworks for Artshow on the Jan. 8, 2011

2011-01-01T14:09:00.008-03:00

Some of you may or may not know that I have been invited to exhibit my artworks in an artshow taking place at the Pichilemu Cultural Center (formerly known as the Casino) on January 8, 2011. Way back in October, Beatriz Hagel, Director of the Cultural Center, visited me while I was recovering from the horrid flu. I showed her my studio and she loved my latest beach inspired artworks! And, she absolutely loved the papier mache fish I have hanging from the ceiling. I couldn't believe she liked the fish so much and said incredulously, "These?" She said, "Yes! Please put them in the exhibition!" What could I say but, "Okay. But not these, I'll make new ones special for the show."
I waited until I was over the flu to begin making the fish thinking erroneously that I had plenty of time. The Cultural Center is enormous and knowing that my little fish would be swallowed up in the huge space, I ambitiously set out to create twelve papier mache fish. Now, making papier mache fish is quite fun, but it also takes a long time to apply paper, let it dry, apply more paper and let it dry some more. Then create the face and attach the fins and tails, which of course takes a day each to create and another day in between applications to let them dry. Finally, the real fun part begins and that is painting them and adding lots of 'bling.' I blinged them with glitter and sequins and was really happy when they were finished because I had glitter and sequins floating all over the house even though I confined my work to my studio. Lastly, I applied 2 layers of acrylic sealant and they were finally finished!

Not surprisingly, making the papier mache fish took all of November. On November 30th, I ordered twelve frames from a local frame maker: six 8x10's and six 11x14's. He said they'd be ready in a week but I didn't actually get them for three weeks! They were poorly made and in really bad shape! But at least he included non-glare glass. Then I really had to hustle to sand them, paint them, mat the drawings, and assemble the matted drawings in the frames. I just finished today, as a matter of fact. The 11x14's while in better overall condition than the smaller frames, broke apart when I used a staple gun to hold in the picture and glass. One broke completely and I have substituted an old frame in its place. The 8x10's were badly made but at least they held together when I used the staple gun. But, the glass didn't fit all the frames, which I discovered after I had already assembled three of them. I had to disassemble them and fit the glass to each individual frame.

During the process of preparing the frames, I translated the titles into Spanish, at least I hope so. Then I typed up a list of all the artworks in Spanish complete with prices in pesos to be used by the Cultural Center to make their special tags. I also made my own stickers to put on the backs of each framed artwork and also to stick onto the string of each fish.

When I asked Beatriz how many artworks I could exhibit, she didn't really answer me but gave me the impression I could have as many as I wanted. The first show I was in, she limited me to only five so I am still a bit concerned that she'll balk when I show up with 30 separate pieces ( I am also including six 8x10's in brightly painted frames that I already had on hand).

I still don't have hangers on the backs and I would like to seal each one with brown paper. But, this is a holiday weekend so I must wait until Monday to hopefully find the eyelets I need to attach the wire with which to hang them and to get the brown paper and apply the brown paper to 18 frames. That is why these pictures were taken with them on the bed. But, don't worry: I will take pictures of them hanging on the walls in the exhibition. Beatriz wants the artworks delivered no later than Tuesday so I am really cutting it close, don't you think? Wish me luck!! I will need it!!

Happy New Year's Sale 50% OFF!

2010-12-29T15:32:00.002-03:00

Wishing you a very

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Get 50% off all my

prints and greeting cards at:

http://geree-mcdermott.artistwebsites.com!

Sale ends on January 1, 2011 so fly there now!

Just don't leave your flip flops behind.

"Hey! You Forgot Your Flip Flops!" by Geree McDermott, 2010.

Half Price Sale on ALL My Calendars!

2010-12-05T13:46:00.003-03:00

Today is the day

to order your calendars!

(I am, that's for sure!)

Half Price Sale! TODAY ONLY!

Jingle Sales – 50% Off Calendars

+ Free Shipping on ALL $35+ Orders!

Use Code: JINGLESALE73

The Beach! Calendar by GereesGallery
Create personalized calendars with zazzle.com

Ultra Divas! Calendar by GereesDivas
create a calendar with Zazzle

Hot Chili Peppers! Calendar by GereesGalleria
Browse Chile Calendars

Pichilemu, Chile Calendar by GereesPhotos
Browse Beach Calendars

Divas! Divas! Divas! Calaendar by GereesDivas
View more Divas Calendars

Everything's Beachy! Calendar by GereesGallery
View other Beach Calendars

Go Fish! Calendar by GereesFish
See other Fish Calendars

Wave Watchers calendar by GereesGallery
See other Surfers Calendars

New Diva iPhone & iPad Cases!

2010-12-04T18:20:00.003-03:00

From my newest store, 'DIVAS', here are the newest of the new products! Absolutely fabulous iPhone and iPad cases! Perfect for the absolutely fabulous Diva! Great for gifts and great just for you! Found only at: www.Zazzle.com/GereesDivas*!

Cool Blue Diva iPhone case by GereesDivas
Browse iphone 3 cases

Purple Passion iPhone case by GereesDivas
See other iphone 4 cases

Glam iPad Diva Case by GereesDivas
See more iphone cases

Surfer Girl iPad case by GereesDivas
Browse other iphone cases

Cats and Dogs at Christmas!

2010-12-02T14:31:00.003-03:00

What could be better than cats and dogs at Christmas time? Nothing, right? If you love cats and dogs like I do, you'll love these fun designs. All of the designs appear of lots of fun goodies! Perfect for gifts or just to have for yourself! Splurge and order a bunch! Find these designs on greeting cards and post cards too! Enjoy! Found only in The Pet Shop at: www.Zazzle.com/GereesPets*.

Tear Up That Stocking by GereesPets
Create a customized tee shirt at zazzle

Merry Christmas Dog by GereesPets
Browse more Merry Bags

M\erry Christmas Kitty Cat by GereesPets
Create custom imprinted coffee mugs at Zazzle

A Kitty Cat Christmas! by GereesPets
More Merry T-Shirts

Thanks for looking!

Please take a minute to go to The Pet Shop at: www.Zazzle.com/GereesPets*.

Nail Poliash That NEVER Chips!

2010-11-26T10:22:00.003-03:00

Those of you who know me well know that I paint my toenails red every summer. One of the best finds I've made in Chile is the fabulous nail polish. It NEVER chips, unlike the polish in the States. And, I buy the cheap stuff too! The only time I take it off is when it grows away from the cuticle. And, the polish remover is fabulous too. It comes in tiny bottles about the size of the nail polish, but it takes a very small amount to take off the polish so a tiny bottle lasts a very long time. And, it doesn't smear like the American kind. I love it.

The funny thing is, when I went to the States earlier this year, I was wearing Chilean polish on my toes (being the end of summer here in March) and it easily came off with American polish remover. I didn't take any Chilean nail polish with me so I bought a bottle there and it immediately chipped. I hated it! I should have taken it off before I left for home because much to my surprise, the Chilean polish remover wouldn't take it off. It was like using water. Fortunately, it was very chippable and I just chipped it off.

So if anyone is looking for a wonderful product to import to the US, Chilean nail polish and polish remover would make the American women very happy (as long as it is clear that the polish remover won't work with American polish) and make that person a lot of money!

My Calendars for 2011!

2010-11-11T10:25:00.004-03:00

Now is the time of year to think about calendars for next year. You will need one or two for yourself, right? (I like one in each room so I buy at least three: one for the living room/dining room, one for my studio, and one for the bedroom, but then I like my own art everywhere.) And calendars make fabulous gifts (at least those I give them to tell me they love them).

So, please take a moment to look at the following selections for 2011. To see all twelve images, just click on the link below the picture of the calendar.

Each calendar is $21.70 but if you order today, you save up to $30 on your order, so buy a couple.

Wave Watchers calendar by GereesGallery
See other Surfers Calendars

"Wave Watchers" is for the surfer or surfer wanna-be. Cool drawings with hot colors!

A Year at the Beach Calendar by GereesGallery
View other calendar 2011 designs.

"A Year at the Beach" tells a love story from month to month. Sort of like a little soap opra. Very cool. Check it out!

Everything's Beachy! Calendar by GereesGallery
Create personalized calendars with zazzle.com

Lots of vibrant color and beachy pictures in this RAD calendar!

Beach Divas by GereesGallery
See other Color Calendars

Surfer girls (and all girls for that matter) love this calendar of "Beach Divas."

The Beach! Calendar by GereesGallery
More Beach Calendars

"The Beach" is perfect for beach lovers anywhere and everywhere!

Hot Chili Peppers! Calendar by GereesGalleria
View other Chile Calendars

Some like it hot and some like it Southwest. "Hot Chili Peppers" provides both.

Gone Fishing!m Calendar by GereesFish
View more Fish Calendars

For fish lovers (those who like to fish and those who just like fish), this calendar, "Gone Fishing" is perfect.

Pichilemu, Chile Calendar by GereesPhotos
See other calendars 2011 designs.

This calendar of "Pichilemu, Chile" has photos (taken by yours truely, of course) of the beach in Pichilemu. If you'd like to see why I love it here so much, check out these pictures.

THANKS FOR LOOKING. I HOPE YOU FIND SOMETHING YOU LIKE!

More of My Art in Balaustro!

2010-11-08T14:35:00.012-03:00

Last week I hung some of my artworks in this fabulous restaurant, Balaustro. The wall was so large it seemed to swallow the paintings. So the next day I took more artworks in to fill some of the empty space. On Saturday, Ben joined us for lunch at the restaurant so the guys (Jim and Ben) could see my arrangement.

Above are our friends Ben Gill and the owner of la Balaustro, Amelia Pavez. Below is part of the wall with the added artworks.

Above is the other part of the wall with the added artworks and below is Ben waiting for lunch.

Jim is above and I'm below.

I hope you enjoyed seeing the new and improved wall of my art hanging in the Balaustro in downtown Pichilemu, Chile.

My Art is Now Hanging in a Local Restaurant!

2010-11-04T14:39:00.011-03:00

Welcome to one of Pichilemu's finest restaurants, Balaustro! This is where you'll find my oil paintings hanging on the walls. How cool is that?

Above is what this part of the wall looked like before. And below is what it looks like now. Improvement, no?

Above is what the other part of the wall looked like before and below is what it looks like now. I think it looks much brighter now.

Amelia Pauez is the owner of Balaustro and is a friend of my good friend Mariana, who suggested she hang some of my art in her restaurant. Thanks Mariana! And thanks Amelia! She was very pleased with the new look.

I plan to switch out the art every week or so. Hopefully, some will even sell. Summer is coming and with it, a large number of tourists. So wish me luck!

I love the outdoor tables! Perfect on a sunny day like today!

And, all my friends in Pichilemu, please visit Balaustro soon to see my artworks and to enjoy Amelia's fine restaurant!

New Look for Sun & Surf Shop!

2010-08-19T11:41:00.002-04:00

The Sun & Surf Shop just had a make-over and has a totally new look. Please take a moment to check it out and let me know what you think. http://www.Zazzle.com/GereesGallery*.

Rule 4 of Back to School - Customize Your Space! 40% off posters!
Use Code: BTSRULEPRINT

Our Summer Vacation-Print by GereesGallery
Poster printing from zazzle

Summer Posters 40% OFF!

2010-08-17T13:12:00.003-04:00

This is a great time to buy your summer posters to remind yourself of the fun times you had on vacation! Order by Friday and save 40%! Use this code to get the discount: BTSRULEPRINT.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation - Print by GereesGallery
Browse Other Summer Posters

"So Happy Together"Print by GereesGallery
See other poster designs on zazzle.com

"How I Lost My Flip Flops "Print by GereesGallery
See other Flip Posters

Our Summer Vacation- Print by GereesGallery
Browse Other Summer Posters

"Watching the Green Flash "Print by GereesGallery
Poster printing by Zazzle

What I Did on My Summer Vacation! Binders!

2010-08-11T14:17:00.002-04:00

These new binders are the perfect way to collect your summer memories all in one convenient place. Order by Friday and save $8 and get FREE shipping! Available ONLY at http://www.Zazzle.com/GereesGallery*.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation - Photos/Journal by GereesGallery
Create a custom binder on zazzle.com

Our Summer Vacation Photos - Journal by GereesGallery
Make a personalized binder at zazzle

Save $8 On All Binders!

2010-08-09T16:15:00.002-04:00

Here are two of my lastest binders perfect for journal keeping and collecting photos and memorabilia. Order by Friday and save $8 and get free shipping! Only at: http://www.Zazzle.com/GereesGallery*. Check it out today!

If I Could Fly, I'd . . . Journal by GereesGallery
Create 3 ring binders online at zazzle.com

So Happy Together Binder by GereesGallery
Create personalized binders online at zazzle

My Artist's Block Has Lifted!

2010-08-08T18:31:00.003-04:00

Hi-
Some of you may have noticed that I haven't drawn anything since the earthquake in Feb but the block has lifted. I am no longer stalled. Here are my latest designs. More to follow! (That is, after I draw them!)

Jump for Joy! by GereesGallery
Create tote bags from zazzle

Paradise Found! by GereesGallery
Make a customized tee shirt online at Zazzle

"Some of My Favorite Things" by GereesGallery
cheap personalized mug with zazzle

So Happy Together by GereesGallery
See other Beach Mousepads

How I Lost My Flip Flops Business Card Template by GereesGallery
Browse other Business Business Cards

So, what do you think?

Artwork Chosen for Online Article!

2010-07-24T12:48:00.001-04:00

This artwork was chosen to appear in an online article entitled, "Creative Summer Resources." It's a great guide to some fun summer crafts! Check it out at: http://www.squidoo.com/creative-summer-resources.

Sunset Glow-print by GereesGallery
Browse more Bright Posters

2010-07-09T11:59:00.006-04:00

The day before yesterday, there was an earthquake in San Diego. And later that same night, we had one here in Chile. In honor of the dual earthquakes, Jim, Rusty, and I walked down to Punta de Lobos to survey the tsunami damage left after the earthquake in Feb.
These first two pictures were taken long before the tsunami and are the only 'before' pictures I have. Those that follow show the complete destruction suffered there. All the houses and the surf camp are gone.

This little green shack is a new addition by the surf camp.

This was once a house.

This once was the public restrooms.

2010-06-28T22:35:00.002-04:00

Announcing my latest store on Zazzle.com! It is Pichilemu Photos at: http://www.zazzle.com/GereesPhotos. Please take a minute to check it out. And please feel free to leave a comment.

Beach Rocks Business Card Template by GereesPhotos
design your own business cards at zazzle

"Sparkle" by GereesPhotos
View other Beach Mousepads <

"Beach Houses in Playa Hermosa,... by GereesPhotos
View other artwork at zazzle.com

Four Months After the Tsunami

2010-06-28T15:26:00.007-04:00

Today our walk on the beach took us south about 3 blocks where we were surprised to still see so much damage from the tsunami 4 months ago.

I guess none of these should be in a calendar, right?

Geree

Pichilemu Beach Today

2010-06-27T15:48:00.010-04:00

Here is what the beach was like today. What do you think?

Jim enjoyed the walk on the beach. Don't you love his hat?

See any photos that would be good on a calendar? Let me know which if any.

Thanks,

Geree

A Winter's Day at the Beach in Pichilemu

2010-06-25T17:06:00.004-04:00

Yes it is a cold winter's day at the beach in Pichilemu.

Rusty stopped running for a minute to pose for this picture.

Tranquil, no?

No one there but us!

Pichilemu Rainbow!

2010-06-20T21:01:00.003-04:00

Jim took this fabulous photo of a rainbow over the South Pacific from our deck after a week-long rain storm.

A Few Pix of Playa Hermosa, Pichilemu, Chile

2010-05-19T21:39:00.005-04:00

Jim and Rusty took me on one of their favorite routes in our little subdivision.

Below is just a little lane in our neighborhood.

Above: Jim hates litter! The dogs have been making a mess again.
Debris on the beach where Rusty got snared by a trap. Luckily, today the snare came off his ankle and all is well with Rustalater.

Cinco de Mayo con El Dixie Express

2010-05-06T00:12:00.010-04:00

If you weren't at Fuddrucker's at Grossmont Center tonight, you missed a really rockin' good Cinco de Mayo!

They played all my favorites!

And, they wished me a good flight home.

And hoped that I'd return in 2 years as I plan to do!

It was a night I will remember always!

The dancers were great!

The band followed by my mom led the strut!

There was a whole lot of struttin' goin' on!

My Aunt Ima Jeanne strutted her stuff!

And Betty too!

Next Wednesday night will be the night they celebrate May birthdays! Don't miss it! Even if you were not born in May, you will have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIME!

Join the fun from 6 - 8! You won't be sorry!

But I will be! I will no longer be in San Diego!

But I will be there in spirit from my home in Chile!

ENJOY!

Bayside Dixie Stompers Rocked Tonight!

2010-05-05T02:39:00.011-04:00

On my last Tuesday night in San Diego, I was lucky enough to be entertained by the rockin' Bayside Dixie Stompers! I took many great pictures tonight and I want to share all of them!

It was obvious the band was having as much fun as the audience!

The music was great!

The band really rocked!

To my delight, my childhood friend Jan came tonight making the evening extra special for me.

My mom and her friends enjoyed the band as much as I did!

Lee Campbell, made another guest appearance and was fabulous, as usual, performing with spoons!

Kat, the singer, joined Lee on the spoons! Very cool!

Lee always adds something special!

Lee even performed with his unique washboard!

The evening will be one I will remember long after I return to Chile on Thursday! Feel free to join the fun every Tuesday from 6 - 8 at Fuddrucker's in Mira Mesa. You will not be disappointed!

"The Joint was Jumpin'" Tonight!

2010-04-29T00:32:00.009-04:00

Yes, "The Joint was Jumpin'" tonight at Fuddrucker's in the Grossmont Shopping Center.

BTW, "The Joint was Jumpin''' is the name of one of the songs The Dixie Express played tonight and it really describes the fun everyone had!

There was lots of dancing going on!

And the band was ROCKIN'! I think it was one of their best nights since I've been here!

And there was a whole lot of struttin' going on too!

FUN! FUN! FUN! FOR EVERYONE!

I will be there just one more Wednesday night before I am off to South America. Please come by and join the fun next week!

Geree

Fuddrucker's Rocked Tonight!

2010-04-28T00:20:00.007-04:00

Every Tuesday night from 6 -8 The Bayside Dixie Stompers play at Fuddrucker's in Mira Mesa and tonight they really rocked!

Guest musician, Lee Campbell, joined the band playing a hot wash board extraordinaire!

Lee was fabulous tonight playing his very HOT wash board!

And, he plays mean spoons too! The audience love it!

I will be lucky enough to be at Fudd's one more Tuesday night before I fly south to Chile! Please join us next week!

Fudd's Tonight!

2010-04-22T00:28:00.007-04:00

Just a few pictures from Fudd's tonight.

Ken the piano player was ROCKIN' tonight as usual!

This is my Aunt Jeanne.
In the background you can see my cousin-in-law, Debi holding one of her grandkids.

This dance duo goes every Wed night and we saw them Monday night too, but tonight they came dressed in like colors. Very cool, no?

Leucadia Farmer's Market today!

2010-04-19T01:52:00.003-04:00

It was a beautiful sunny day today in Leucadia and the Farmer's Market was great! It was really fun for me and my sister Debra. Here I am doing my Vanna White imitation.

And, my sister Debra with the sun in her eyes.

Today at the Leucadia Farmer's Market!

2010-04-11T23:13:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone!
I had a great day at the Leucadia Farmer's Market today. I was really pleased how well I sold today and it was a lot of fun. I plan to be there next Sunday too so please drop by to see me!

Del Mar Open Air Art Market yesterday-

2010-04-04T16:50:00.002-04:00

It was a slow day in at the Del Mar Open Air Market yesterday and I was disappointed. Next Sunday I will be at the Leucadia Farmer's Market at the Paul Ecke Elementary School. It is east of Highway 101 but you can see it from there and turn right at the next light. I'll be there from 10 - 2 pm. Please come to visit me! It's a big market with lots and lots of vendors! You'll enjoy it I am sure!

This is my display with my sister talking to a customer yesterday.

Reflexology Spa in Del Mar

2010-04-04T15:11:00.002-04:00

The most wonderful thing that happened as a result of going to the Del Mar Open Air Market yesterday was meeting Kelly Conti, owner of "De la Sole Reflexology Spa." It was opening day and she offered my sister Debra and me free treatments! We said, "YES!" And we were so glad we did! It was the most fabulous experience: a full body reflexology treatment. Neither of us knew what to expect and were surprised by the relaxing experience. Debra went first and came back floating!
Above is our therapist Thom(I'm not sure what his title is but he seemed like a therapist to me). In a darkened room with water bubbling from a fountain and relaxing music playing he placed me in a comfortable reclining chair with my feet in hot scented water. He quietly instructed me to close my eyes. He spoke very little during the treatment but the few words he said were in a low whisper. The treatment was like a cross between pressure points and a massage. He slowly and gently touched my head, face, shoulders and neck, then slowly moved to my arms and hands. Then he moved on to my legs and feet. And just when I thought he was finished, he went back to my head and shoulders. What a fabulous treat! He said to take my time surfacing again, but frankly, I didn't want to move; I was so relaxed I could have stayed there all day. But of course, I had to get back to the art market so I forced myself to get up to leave. He saw that I had gotten up and came over to give me a warm bear hug. I loved it all. So I came back to take a picture of him and Kelly.

This is Kelly the ower. If you want to give yourself a treat of relaxation and feel completely stress free, please make an appointment with Kelly. You will be so happy you did. This month it is $35/treatment but Kelly said that if you go this month, you can get the same discount price for a year! But, please confirm this with her when you call because I could be mistaken, I was so relaxed. Regular price is $55. Very much worth the price!!

The phone # is 858.847.0911 and mobile is 858.366.5053. The spa is easy to find at 910 Camino Del Mar (old Highway 101). For more information go to: www.delasolereflexology.com.

Del Mar Open Air Art Market TOMORROW!

2010-04-02T21:35:00.004-03:00

Just a quick reminder that I will be selling my abstract drawings at the Del Mar Open Air Artist Market tomorrow (Saturday) from 12 - 4 pm. The Art Market is on the south side and the Farmer's Market is on the north side of 10th Street. Just cruise through Del Mar on the Coast Highway (Old Highway 101) and look for us on the west side at 10th Street. It's fun! It's interesting! It's the thing to do on Saturday afternoons! And, I would really love to see you there! Stop by to say 'hola'!
Geree

Fun at Fuddrucker's on Wednesday Evenings!

2010-04-02T21:11:00.011-03:00

Whatever you usually do on Wednesday evenings, it cannot possibly be as much fun as seeing The Dixie Express dixieland jazz band that plays every Wednesday from 6 - 8 pm at Fuddrucker's in the Grossmont Shopping Center in La Mesa. They are really rock in a jazzy way!

See the famous Dixie Express Strutters strut their stuff! Yes, you can borrow a parasol and get up and strut too! Kids love to strut so bring your kids! So much fun for everyone!

All the musicians are absolutely fabulous!

Everyone has a wonderful time! And you would be more than welcomed to join in!

Don't be bored sitting at home watching the tube! Come to Fudd's next Wednesday evening and have a great time!

Bring your favorite dance partner and dance every dance!

Don't miss it next Wednesday evening! I'll be there and hope to see you!

Remember, BE THERE OR BE SQUARE! (Something to be avoided, don't you think?)

Geree

Bayside Dixie Stompers at Fuddrucker's Tuesday Evenings!

2010-03-31T03:23:00.008-03:00

HI Everyone!

Here in San Diego, my mom is a HUGE fan of dixieland jazz. And on Tuesday evenings you'll always find her at Fuddrucker's in Mira Mesa to hear one of her favorite bands, The Bayside Dixie Stompers!

They play every Tuesday evening from 6 - 8pm.

The muscians are accomplished and Kat the singer is fabulous!

They put on a wonderful show!

Tonight they got warmed up and just got hotter and HOTTER!

It's fun! It's uplifting! It's a great time on Tuesday nights!

What could be better? TV? NOT!

Tonight they were really HOT! And during the time I am in San Diego, I will be there too. Don't be shy, come by to say HI!

If you're looking for something fun to do on a Tuesday evening, join them at Fuddrucker's from 6 - 8 pm! You will have a great time! Even if you're tired and feeling blue, you can't help but start tapping your feet and swaying to the beat!

BE THERE OR BE SQUARE! (something we all dread, right?)
Geree

Meet Me at the Del Mar Open Air Market on Saturday!

2010-03-30T19:53:00.004-03:00

HI Everyone!
I will be at the Del Mar Open Air Market just a block west of the southwest corner of 10th Street and Old Hwy 101 (Coast Highway) this Saturday from 12 -4. I hope you will come by to talk a bit and check out my artworks.

I will be selling my colored pencil drawings. These are the original drawings (not prints) that can be seen as functional art in my online stores: www.zazzle.com/gereesgallery*; www.zazzle.com/gereesgalleria*; and www.zazzle.com/gereesfish*. The matted drawings are $10 for the 8x10's and $20 for the 11x14's. I will have a few that are framed that are a little more. I am selling at such low prices in order to quickly recoup the cost of my trip from Chile to California. Your purchases will be greatly appreciated.

Beach lovers and surfers are welcomed! Art lovers too! And if you're interested in Chile and the recent earthquakes I will be more than happy to tell you about what it was like for me. Be there or be square! (And who wants to be square?)

Ciao,
Geree

From Pichilemu to San Diego

2010-03-27T03:49:00.004-03:00

I'm back in the States now! It took an entire day to get here. If I haven't already told you about my day getting here, you can read about it now.

I left Pichilemu about 1:45 on Wed. It was a warm, sunny day so I couldn't wear the two jackets that I couldn't pack because I was too close to the limit of 50 lbs for checked luggage and had no room in my stuffed backpack, so I carried both. Shortly after the bus took off I noticed one of my gold bracelets was missing. I looked all over my seat and in my jackets but couldn't find it. I found out later that Jim found it at home, yay! Now I can see in the photo above that Jim took just before my bus left for Santiago that I had only one bracelet not two.

About 3.5 hours later, I arrived at the central bus terminal in Santiago where I started across the lobby with my rolling suitcase. I went up a slight curb with no problem but I didn't see the bump that my suitcase hit and threw me to the floor! How embarressing! Two people came to my aid to help me up. Nothing was hurt but my pride. Then off to catch the bus to the airport. If you are wondering how much it cost, the bus trip to Santiago was $5000 CLP (about $10 USD) and to the airport was $1700 CLP (about $3.25 USD).

The embassy had sent out notices about the condition of the airport after the earthquakes and the latest I received said it was operational. But, I had no idea that we'd be dropped off in the parking lot. We (those who were standing around perplexed) finally decided on a direction and we set off to a collection of tents in the far distance. We were directed inside where there was check in for domestic flights and were finally directed out a door to get to international flights. Then there was another long walk to another tent area where I stood in a long line to get into the terminal. When I finally did get inside and shown the next line to stand in, there was a man at the far end waving his arms at us (myself and another couple) to join him. He was standing with his luggage next to another suitcase and he told us (in english) that he didn't know who the suitcase belonged to. The woman (who I later learned was from Argentina and a retired Flight Attendant) promptly got a security guard over there and then the owner of the suitcase announced himself as he was at a computer with his back to his suitcase! The security guard did nothing but when I got to DFW (Dallas Ft. Worth airport) there was a constant announcement that unattended luggage could be destroyed by security. I guess Santiago had other problems to deal with from the earthquakes.

When I got to the front of the line, the woman looked at my passport, stamped something and sent me to another line. At least this line was the check-in line. When it was my turn and the woman readily took my suitcase without weighing it, I realized they had no scales in this makeshift check-in area. Yippee! I had been worried that I was really close to the 50 lb limit if not a teensy bit over, but when I saw that there were no scales, I gave her my backpack too! Double yippee! If I had known there were no scales, I would have packed my jackets. (sigh)

Then directed to go upstairs to the gate. I went to the stairs but they were blocked and was told to stand in yet another line which was waiting outside the terminal! I finally got upstairs ready to rest and eat something. I sat at the only restaurant open and it was so busy I never got so much as a menu so I got up and went to wait for boarding time. The only security checks I had was a brief hand search and outside in the dark, they searched my purse while we waited for the bus that would take us to the plane.

The flight was packed, I don't think there was a single empty seat. I sat in the middle on the aisle with a baby in the middle and the mom in the other aisle seat with her husband and other little boy across the aisle. That poor woman got very little rest, she was always tending the baby or the little boy all night, and her husband helped as much as he could. But it was so difficult and uncomfortable trying to sleep sitting up, it was a long night.

While we were being served dinner the Flight Attendant admired my shirt and she was impressed when I told her I was the artist. When she came by again, I handed her one of my brochures that promotes my three online stores. The next morning while serving breakfast she asked for another brochure for her friend and she said the shoes were really cute. Made me feel a lot less tired for some reason!

We arrived at DFW around 6 am and went through customs and security where we had to remove our shoes and had everything inspected. The guard looking through my Laurel Burch purse said she loved it. I appreciated that because she must see a gazillion purses a day! I ran into the couple I met the night before and the woman asked about my artwork so I gave her a brochure too. She and her husband were so nice and fun to talk to and were on their way home to Albuquerque (small world, I lived in NM prior to the move to South America). And, on the plane I sat next to a couple from Texas whose son is an art professor at an university and I gave them a brochure too. I felt pretty proud of myself overcoming my shyness about handing out promotional brochures.

I was so tired that suddenly I was falling asleep sitting up with no problem at all, but I kept waking myself up embarressed because my mouth was open. Yuck! In just about 3.5 hours we were in LAX and a few minutes later I was on my way to San Diego FINALLY! It was a small commuter plane that dropped us off on the tarmac and again I was trudging along into an airport. What a joy to find my mom waiting for me at the gate! I made it! Yay!

On the way to her house, we stopped at a little Mexican restaurant where I could have cheese enchiladas! If I haven't said this before, there are no corn tortillas in Chile and no decent Mexican food so I crave it more than any other. Even the woman I just met from Argentina/Albuquerque said she couldn't wait to have Mexican food again.

I tried taking a nap but couldn't, got up and ate a tamale, yes my mom was prepared to feed me what I craved, and then we watched TV which promptly put me to sleep.

I was planning on taking a walk this morning but instead matted some drawings for the flea markets coming up next weekend. Tomorrow my mom, my sister Debra, great nephew Devin, and I are going thrifting (a favorite pastime of ours) and then to Del Mar to check out the Farmer's Market and the adjacent Artisan's Open Air Market. I will be looking to see how well the artists are selling there. On Sunday we will be going to the La Jolla Flea Market/Farmers Market, the Solana Beach Flea Market, and the Leucadia Flea Market for the same purpose. I will decide from these visits at which flea markets to sell my drawings. When I know for sure where I will be next week, I will post it here for all to see. If you're in the San Diego area, please plan on dropping by my booth to say hello, talk a bit, and see my artworks. I am selling at very low prices ($10 - $20) to quickly recoup the cost of my trip from Chile to California and your purchases will be greatly appreciated. Hope to see you there!

Geree

Where I Think I'll Be Selling in San Diego

2010-03-22T11:49:00.003-03:00

I can't seem to get anything to work on Facebook except for this blog being published there automatically so this is how I will respond to the comments.

Joyce- I've lived in Chile almost 3 years exactly. I love it. Very nice country with wonderful people.

Jude- But the quakes in CA are much smaller than these Chilean earthquakes. I can handle CA quakes.

Kristine- I heard the OB flea market was good. But, my mom goes to Fuddrucker's at Grossmont Shoppping Center every Wed night to see The Dixie Express jazz bank play from 6-8. She and her friends strut their stuff and are known as The Dixie Express Strutters. I go with her when I'm in town. I love it. You come too when you're in town, I think you'd enjoy it.

Instead, I found the Del Mar Artisans Open Aire Market on Sautrday from 12-4.It is right across the street from the Del Mar Farmer's Market. It is easy to get in with an email during the week of the event. On Sunday Leucadia Flea Market from 10-2 looks good right now.

I'll blog where I'll be when I know for sure. If you're in town, drop by to say 'hola.'

Ciao,
Geree

Free Papier Mache Fish Booklet!

2010-03-20T22:15:00.014-03:00

While I am in San Diego, I will not be able to forward The Papier Mache Fish Pamphlet when someone purchases it. So for a limited time, while I am in the States and not in Chile, it is free right here on my blog. Enjoy learning how to make hanging fish from balloons and paper for free!

The Papier Mache Project
by
Geree McDermott
The Papier Mache Fish Project is about to begin! First, let's get ready by gathering together the materials we'll need.

The picture above shows almost everything we'll need. Of course, the fish need a body and that is where the balloons come in. I will make three fish so I will need three balloons. I have four plastic containers (recycled water bottles): one for newspaper cut into strips; one for colored tissue paper and one for white tissue paper cut into strips; and one for water with which to rinse my hands (sometimes I need to scratch my nose or open the door with my hands all gooey). For this project I am going to first cover all the balloons with newspaper and then I will cover one in white tissue paper (so when I paint it, the newsprint won't show through) and the other two I will cover with the colored tissue paper. I have some cardboard tubes (recycled from paper towels) from which I will cut some shapes to use for mouths and perhaps eye sockets. There is a sheet of card stock (stiff paper or cardboard works great too) for fins and tails. And, to make it all stick you need Papier Mache Paste (in the margarine tub). The recipe is below:
This recipe makes the best Paper Mache Paste I have ever used, better than even liquid starch, which is unavailable in Pichilemu (the beach resort town where I live; it is located on the central coast of Chile). (I guess we're just not a starched society living the relaxed life here next to the beach.)
To make the paste, bring to a boil 2 cups of water while you mix 2 cups of cold water with 1/2 cup of flour. Add the flour mixture to the boiling water and stir constantly while bringing it to a second boil. Then, remove from the heat and stir in 3 Tablespoons of sugar. That's it! Just let it cool and you have Papier Mache Paste.
To protect your table surface, spread some waxed paper where you will be using the paste. (Obviously, using newspaper will not work because it will want to stick to your fish as you paste it.)
You will probably want to rest your fish while you are pasting it and a convenient device to use is a plastic bowl that just a little smaller than the fish so the fish will rest on the sides without touching bottom. (You want to avoid getting flat spots on your fish.)
If you are not using the tissue paper technique, you will need a few colors of acrylic paint. And you will also need an acrylic varnish (the kind used for crafts) to seal the paint or tissue paper. I plan to make two fish with colored tissue paper and one with paint. And, some sequins and beads make interesting eyes (but paint can suffice).

Now you are probably wondering, when your balloons are covered with paper and wet with paste, how will you dry them? Here’s how! It is so easy. Just get a coat hanger and a few clothes pins. Or, you can get one of these handy dandy fish dryers like this green one (commonly used for socks and such). Then, simply clip the fish by the knot and let them hang for a day or two until they are bone dry and hard to the touch (no soft spots please).

As you can see, The Papier Mache Fish Project requires a large assortment of materials and needs a good amount space in which to arrange the materials and to make the fish. That’s why I usually make an additional three or four fish before I move on just to make full use of the materials before I put them away and clean the space. And, although the paste will keep in the fridge for a few days, it is better to use it when it is fresh. In other words, make a bunch!
This is a great project for kids and crafters, as well as, artists. Invite some friends to join you; it makes a great craft party or after school activity. Or, if you like solo activities like I do, take the plunge alone. Either way, you will have a lot of fun!
But first, start assembling your materials. It may take you awhile to find everything you need. I could find only round balloons here in Pichilemu, but if you can find the long skinny ones, get some because that shape would make some very cool looking fish. Make the paste the day you plan to use it, but remember to let it cool completely before you start.
Part II: The Papier Mache Experience
When you have all your materials assembled, you are you ready to begin your Papier Mache Fish experience! Can’t wait? Yes, I thought so. Me, too!

First, before you get your hands all yucky with paste, make some fins and tails out of card stock or any stiff paper or cardboard. If you haven't any card stock, recycle something from around the house. I tried this the other day: I turned a cereal box wrong side out and pasted two sides together. It is just the right stiffness yet the printing is on the inside so nothing will bleed through the paper or paint. Make some patterns and trace them onto the card stock. To make the tail, fold a piece of paper in half and draw half a tail (like the way we used to make hearts in grade school, remember?). Give the tails and fins a little tab at the place where they join the body. Give the tab a few notches with which to attach it to the body. The picture above illustrates what I mean. You will need a tail, two side fins, and one top fin for each fish. I have enough here for three fish. Fold the tab area over and cut two or three notches so that there are some little feet on each side with which to adhere the fins or tail to the body. See tail below:

Cut or rip your newspaper and tissue paper into small pieces. Here in Chile, tissue paper is sold for art projects in this nifty folder which keeps it from getting wrinkle before it gets ripped up.

Just a few more things to get ready before you dip into the paste are the eyes and lips. I tried lots of different things with which to make the eyes and found that a cotton ball cut into fourths works great. Take the pieces and dunked them into the paste, then roll and shape them into fish eyes. The mouths (not shown) are made from a strip of a cardboard tube (taken from a roll of paper towels). Form it into a circle and secure the shape with a small piece of masking tape.

Now you have everything assembled and the fun begins! Go ahead and start pasting the newspaper to your balloon. Paper it all over about three or four times leaving a small opening at the knot for the tail.
I have tried attaching the fins and tail to the balloon with masking tape prior to papering and pasting, but I find it easier to attach the fins, tail, mouth, and eyes after the balloon is papered because the tape gets saturated with the paste and gets wet and then things tend to slip and slide.
When you have the balloon covered in newspaper you are ready to attach the fins and tail. First dunk the foot area of the top fin into the paste and then place it on the fish's back centered with the knot. Over the little feet on either side of the fin, paste a few strips of paper. Put plenty of paper over all the feet to keep it in place. If it starts to lift at the front or back, that's okay: just paper over the lift and make it part of the fish. Then, do the same for the fins on either side centered with the top fin.
The mouth is a bit tricky. Dunk the cardboard circle (made from the paper towel tube) into the paste and then attach glue-y paper on all sides with some hanging off with which to attach to the body. Place it where you think the mouth should be centered with the top fin. Add as much paper as you need to secure the mouth in place. There are two ways to adhere the mouth. You can either paper the inside of the mouth so it is solid paper, or you can leave the balloon part (the area inside the cardboard circle) free of paper so when the balloon is popped, the mouth will be open to the inside of the fish.
The fish’s eyes come next. Dunk the cotton balls once again to make sure they will stick and place them where you think the eyes should be, again centered with the top fin. Now, choose the eye color from your cut tissue paper and use it to secure the eyes. Use plenty of tissue paper to make sure the eyes don't fall off while you're papering the rest of the fish.
Use both hands to apply and smooth the tissue paper covering the fish in several layers of tissue paper. When you are happy with the results, hang the fish to dry by the knot. I used my handy dandy hanging fish dryer, but a coat hanger with a few clothes pins will work just as well.
Let them dry completely before you pop the balloon. Try to pull the deflated balloon out of the shell from the opening where the knot once was. Or, if you left the mouth open, the balloon can also be removed that way. One fish of mine actually threw up its balloon. That sort of surprised me! If you cannot get it out, no big deal, it just may rattle around it there.
And, now is the time to attach the tail! It's done the same way as the fins. But, the insert tab might be a bit large for the opening so just notch it to fit. Just stick it in and cover with tissue paper until you're satisfied with how it looks. Remember to give both top and bottom plenty of paper to support the tail while it dries. See the tail below:

Now, punch a hole into the top fin using an awl and thread a piece of fishing line or string through the hole. Hang until completely dry.

Now you just need to paint the fins and tails. Make your fish unique by adding some stripes and dots and squiggles. When the paint dries apply the sealant. Now is a great time to sprinkle glitter over the whole fish and add sequins and/or beads on the fish eyes to make them stand out more. Anything goes when you are the creator of your own fish!

Here are the completed tissue papier mache fish all painted and ready to hang around my studio air space. I painted the tails and fins and sealed the whole fish with acrylic varnish. Today as I hung them, I thought, ‘who couldn't want fish floating about their heads?’ I can't think of anyone! Can you?

Although I am rather fixated on fish, this bloated round shape would make great birds, flying pigs, bumble bees, and who knows what else? You are limited only by your imagination. Make some fish (or whatever) and have FUN!

Copyright, Geree McDermott, 2010.

Where to Sell Art in San Diego, CA?

2010-03-18T16:32:00.002-03:00

I have been looking at possible ways to sell my original colored pencil drawings while I'm in San Diego, but have been hitting brick walls. No one from the flea markets have written me back, and Kobey's requires a permit to sell handcrafted items. I don't have the time to jump through too many hoops.

Can anyone suggest a another place where I can sell my matted drawings? I am starting to think about a place on the grass at the beach or park.

If you know a place, please let me know!

Thanks,
Geree

San Diego Bound Next Week!

2010-03-16T01:31:00.002-03:00

Next week I will be flying from Chile to California to visit my mother in San Diego. You're right, the earthquakes and aftershocks really disturb me. They continue daily, and some are very strong. Jim doesn't share my need to get away so he'll remain here with our cats.

I am bringing with me a great many original drawings (not prints or reproductions) making this a working vacation. Many of the drawings I will be selling are seen as Functional Art in my online stores: The Sun and Surf Shop at; http://www.Zazzle.com/GereesGallery*; Hot Chili Peppers at http://www.Zazzle.com/GereesGalleria*; and The Fish Store at: http://www.Zazzle.com/GereesFish*. I plan to sell the matted drawings (8x10 and 11x14 inches) at the Flea Markets in Solana Beach, Saturday afternoons, and in LaJolla, all day Sundays. If I have time when I get there, I will paint some frames for a few drawings, but I'm not bringing any frames with me, just the matted drawings in clear plastic sleeves.

If you like my colorful and vibrant abstractions of the beach, fish, chili peppers, divas, cat and dogs and other fun things, you can start your collection at discount prices. The 8x10's are $10/each and the 11x14's are $20/each. My prices are low so I can sell quickly to recoup the cost of my trip from Chile to California.

Although I have emailed the contact persons for both Flea Markets, I have yet to hear anything from either of them. It's possible that I won't be able to get into those flea markets on such short notice, in which case I will be going to Koby's Swapmeet. I will post when and where I'll be. I hope everyone in the Southern California area who has been following my posts about the recent 8.8 earthquake here in Chile will come to meet me and see my artworks. And if you buy a few, it will help pay for my trip.

I should be at the first flea market or swapmeet on Saturday, April 3rd. See you then!
Geree

Please Help Chile!

2010-03-06T13:52:00.003-03:00

Val and Chris Wilcox, owners of the Pichilemu Institute of Languages at: http://www.studyspanishchile.com/ request your help. Please go to their site to find how you can help. Donations of all kinds are needed in our neighboring villages and towns where the adobe buildings crumbled as a result of the massive 8.8 earthquake we experienced last Saturday. Many of these villages have yet to receive help.

Val wants me to remind everyone that there is nothing to fear in coming to Chile and your tourism would greatly help the recovery of the country and our wonderful city of Pichilemu. Santiago is fine, Pichilemu is fine, surfing is fabulous, and the buildings are in good shape. There is no reason not to come. Please do! You'll enjoy the beauty of Chile and meet the wonderful Chileans who so endure us to their country.

Thanks so much for your support during this time of dire need.
Geree

Post Office Damage and Empty Lagoon after Saturday's Earthquake in Pichilemu, Chile

2010-03-05T16:34:00.005-03:00

Today I found out why the post office was still closed. It's been condemned! They have a little makeshift PO down the street. If you look closely, you can see cracks and places where the plaster has fallen off.

Below is the building next door to the PO. Looks even worse in person. The wall is actually bulging out!

The following three pictures are of the lagoon north of the cove. Last week it was full of water and now it is almost empty. Very strange! I was told that a friend of ours who lives above the lagoon was calming his nerves with a whiskey after the massive earthquake while looking out his window. He saw a huge surge rush in when the tsunami struck and then most of the water drain out.

We never even knew there were rocks there because they were always covered with water.

Thanks for looking and for your interest in what happened here in Pichilemu. Please feel free to leave your comments or email me directly.

Geree

Earthquake Damage in Pichilemu, Chile

2010-03-04T14:43:00.004-03:00

Today was mi suerte dia (my lucky day)! The ATMs were working and I was able to get some cash! And I was able to buy groceries with a credit card. Unfortunately, there was very little to buy, no fresh meat - just deli things. So I bought bread, cheese, ham and a bunch of other stuff we needed like shampoo, toilet paper, paper towels and dish detergent. And I was even luckier to find a collectivo right outside the store where usually there isn't one within 3 blocks. And he was a friend of ours and brought me all the way to our house (the collectivos usually drop us off about 2 blocks from our house on Comercio unless we tip them a little extra). A lucky day for me, indeed. Then, with the cash, Jim and I went to the little store near our house and found pork chops! And fresh veggies and fruit! Yummm!

Below are some pictures I took today of what little earthquake damage I saw.

On a sad note, we saw several vehicles of military heading south to Paradones. And military helicoptors scanning the beach for bodies. What a grisly thought to think that there could be bodies washing up on our beach.

Feel free to leave your comments or email me directly,

Geree

Videos of the Aftermath in Pichilemu on YouTube

2010-03-03T20:56:00.003-03:00

These videos on youtube show it very well. Check them out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sosOWjXfLdo&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFA-45DolVs&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGiaK7okv7A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sosOWjXfLdo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQOc_btSwuQ&NR=1

More Pictures of Pichilemu after the Tsunami and Earthquake

2010-03-03T19:34:00.012-03:00

This is a little bar across from the Plaza (park) and you can see the watermark on the side of the building. This is about 2 blocks from the beach.

This building across from the beach lost a wall seen in the foreground. On the right there are some men who were cleaning up but they seemed rather stunned. They had to stop often just to look around as if they still couldn't believe it.

I know it's hard to see, but straight ahead under the sign are three surfers going out to brave the surf.

The debris that washed ashore.

These fishermen are cleaning up their boats. The guy on the tractor (next to the yellow boat) haul them in and out of the water and probably helped them get their boats back on the sand. Many boats are still on the street.

This is across from the cabanas where we stayed. Next to the sidewalk is a lamp post bent completely flat from where it is attached at the base. The balustrade and most of the white and red do-dads that look sort of like bowling pins (seen below) were sheered off.

Below is the beach walk that fronts the sand. It once had a balustrade on the beach side. You can see the base of it but nothing else is left.

Thanks for your interest is what happened here in Pichilemu. Please feel free to leave your comments or email me directly.
Geree

Pictures of Earthquake and Tsunami Damage in Pichilemu, Chile

2010-03-03T15:37:00.011-03:00

Below are a few pictures of the devastation suffered by Pichilemu from the 8.8 earthquake and subsequent tsunami. I have more pictures but the wifi signal is weakening and I cannot get any more pictures to upload, but I will try again later.
A sad note, our friends Leo and Maria Angelica just dropped by to see how we were and Maria told me that she heard that 26 people were killed here in Pichilemu. I saw a funeral procession while I was in town today but I had hoped that it was from a natural death and not a result of our disaster. Sorry that I gave out wrong information.

As expected, there was a great deal of debris all over the beach and cove areas.
Above is the cabana where we spent the first three weeks we were in Pichilemu waiting for the purchase of our house to be completed. We would lie in bed and watch the surfers in the fabulous waves just across the street. Now there is a steel shipping container smashed into that very same window. Above is the front and below is the back of Pepe Cuervo's restaurant.
Below was once a little snack bar next door to a surf camp. The surf camp seemed to be okay, but this little snack bar was destroyed.

Above is a clean up crew clearing debris that is piled up on the streets.

Below is another of our favorite restaurants. It is well above the beach but suffered lots of glass falling inside as a result of the earthquake.

Thanks for your interest in what happened in Pichilemu as a result of Saturday's devastating 8.8 earthquake and tsunami. Please feel free to leave your comments or email me directly.

Geree

Need to find someone in Chile?

2010-03-03T10:18:00.003-03:00

Our friends Charles and Zandra who live in Temuco are safe and well. They are working hard to contact family and friends who may be without a means of communication. If you need their help, please contact them at: http://www.allchile.net. Good luck!

I assume that with the restoration of power the cybercafes will be open with public computers available so you may be hearing from those you love very soon. I hope so! It is a terrifying time for all of us, but it is some comfort to hear from those you love.

I am going into town in a few minutes to try to use an ATM. We are completely out of money and without power, all the ATM's and banks were closed. We couldn't even use a credit card at the supermercados. I am hoping that everything will be back to normal in town. So, wish me luck.

My Narrative of the 8.8 Earthquake in Chile

2010-03-02T23:08:00.003-03:00

MY NARRATIVE OF THE 8.8 EARTHQUAKE IN CHILE

On Saturday morning, Feb 27 at around 3:35 am Chile experienced a massive earthquake. My husband Jim and I, along with our cat family, live in Pichilemu which is about 150 miles from the epicenter of the quake.
We both had insomnia that Friday night so we were wide awake when we felt the first rumbles and movement. Jim said, ‘Earthquake, get your clothes on!’ As I was struggling into my sweats he said, ‘Get on the floor!’ and I did. The shaking was so strong and violent we could not walk until it was over. And it seemed like an eternity before it stopped shaking and bouncing us around. It was the biggest, strongest, longest, most violent and scariest earthquake we've ever experienced! It felt to me to last about five minutes but I found out later it was only three minutes. They were the longest three minutes of my life. (Midway through the quaking, the lights went out. We didn’t know it would be until Tuesday afternoon before we had power again.) I slipped on my flip flops and he said, ‘No, your real shoes.’ Of course, but I was trying to hurry out of there. But, I knew he was right so I found my shoes and socks and got them on in record time. I was worried about a tsunami so I rushed to the front window where I saw rather flat waves and amazingly, a truck traveling down Comercio (the highway that skirts the beach). I thought to myself, ‘how in world could that truck still be on the road?’ I was about to go out the door when Jim said, ‘Get a jacket.’ Again, I was not thinking of anything but getting out but, I grabbed a sweatshirt jacket and he handed me a flashlight and got another for himself. Our cats were nowhere to be seen and we hoped there wouldn’t be a tsunami and they’d be safe.

When we got out the door and onto our deck our neighbors on both sides were also on their decks talking on cell phones. I assumed they’d follow us up the hill but didn’t see them again that night. We quickly walked the steep three blocks to Maria Luisa and Pancho’s house which is the highest on the hill behind us. We were greeted by neighbors on foot and in cars flocking into their driveway. Their three dogs were excited and upset by so many people they didn’t know, along with dogs they also didn’t know, converging in their yard. At one point the three picked a fight with a big German Shepherd and Jim growled, ‘HEY!’ and they stopped fighting. We knew behind their house is a large backyard that stretches even higher up the hill so we went there and sat to rest on a bench where we could see the ocean. Just as an aftershock shook us, I noticed a big wave forming. It was not a huge wave but bigger than the flat waves we saw before. We both decided it would be a good idea to go a little higher. At the gate leading up the hill, we met a young couple who had been in the truck I saw earlier on the highway. He later demonstrated the difficulty he had keeping control of their vehicle. We also met a woman holding a baby and her mom who were vacationing here. Their family including the woman’s husband, were in Concepcion which is where we believed the epicenter to be. When the woman tried to call her husband, she only got a beep, beep, beep meaning that the signal was down.
I looked at the young couple, pointed up the hill and said, ‘Arriba.’ They nodded once and started walking. I looked back once at the wave and saw it was just breaking and I wondered if it was significant. Later I found out that it was about the same time a tsunami hit Pichilemu, which is about 2 miles north of where we live in Playa Hermosa.

We had to crawl through a couple of barred wire fences and I learn that the baby was quite heavy when the woman handed him to me while Jim held the wire up for her to crawl under. The baby was so good, never woke up or cried the whole time, until at 6:30 when he was hungry. I was impressed that the women had the presence of mind to not only dress themselves warmly, have the baby bundled up warmly, each have a flashlight, plus have a bottle for the baby.

There was a group in front of us calling for their dog and stopped climbing the hill about midway. We continued to the top, stopping when we found a clearing where falling trees would not likely fall on us. We grouped off into three little groups sitting where we could keep an eye on the ocean. It was then that we found that Kimba (pronounce Keemba) one of Maria Luisa’s dogs had accompanied us. Kimba would come visit each of us and then patrol the area and then come check on us again. He would sometimes rest next to us or the others but never slept. Neither did we. He stayed with us until daylight when we all started to descend the hill.

Fortunately, it was a clear night with an almost full moon which illuminated the shore break. We all kept our eyes on the ocean, grateful of not seeing the water recede which would signal a tsunami. It wasn’t uncomfortably cold until the moon began to set. We also lost the light on the ocean but it was an awesome sight to see the moon sink below the off shore low clouds that were hovering over the horizon. I got stiff from sitting on the ground so long so I stood and stretch a little. Jim also got up and I stood in front of him with his arms around me keeping my back warm while I kept his front warm. It seemed like hours before the sun came up. Around 7:30 it was full light and the young couple started back. Jim and I slowly followed with the woman, baby, and grandmama following us.

On the way down, we could see several cars to the south of us that had driven as far up the hill as they could and turned to face the ocean. The occupants were beginning to stir and drive back down.

When we reached Maria Luisa and Pancho’s front yard we found several girls on the ground slumber party style and other neighbors huddled in blankets sitting in chairs around the girls while others were emerging from their cars.

I was anxious to see our house and our cats but Jim wanted me to stay there while he went down alone, just in case there was another quake or a tsunami. I hated to wait behind but I did. Jorge and Miriam, neighbors and friends of ours, came to check on everyone while I was standing there waiting for Jim. Miriam looked very upset, asked how I was, how the house was and where was Jim? She looked relieved when I told her he was checking the house and our cats.

Finally, he came back with a bag of supplies in case we stayed there. But after a cup of coffee for him and tea for me, we talked to the others about going back down, and we decided it was safe to do so. On the way, Jim told me that the room that took the hardest hit was my studio. Then I remember hearing things falling in there, but I keep the door closed at night so the cats can’t play with my things, and I didn’t look in before we left. He also told me that he saw all the cats except Zsa Zsa, our white cat who is the most sensitive of all of them. (I later found her hiding under the covers in our bed.)

In the kitchen, nothing was broken and only a couple of things had fallen out of the cabinet: a little bottle of maple syrup recently sent to us from my cousin Connie and a plastic first aid kit. Amazing! But, my studio was a mess! When I started to clean up, again I was amazed. Only two things were broken: the glass in a picture frame and a vase Jim gave me over 20 years ago. I was sad about the vase until I realized in the big scheme of things it was insignificant. One thing that really puzzled me was a framed that shook apart on the floor but the glass didn’t break. Another puzzle was the little glass drop that had broken in transit from a glass sculpture Connie had sent. Just days before, I put it in a tiny vase on my shelf but I found the glass drop on my desk while the vase was still in its original position. The glass drop had to have hopped out of the vase and the vase didn’t move. Several books had worked their way out to the edge of their shelves but only one hit the floor: a collection of short stories by Edgar Allen Poe. How’s that for spooky?

We still hadn’t found our Zsa Zsa but when I was making the bed, I found her hiding under the covers. She’d come up for a few minutes but spent most of the day hiding under the covers.

We were having such frequent and violent aftershocks that we thought we’d better prepare for leaving again and camping outside if need be. We packed up a lot of gear like sleeping bags, a tent, food, clothing, and toiletries. Then we sat outside and watched our neighbors pack up and leave. What great neighbors! The neighbor to the north gave us all the food she had in her fridge, which was very thoughtful since it would take some time before the stores would be open again. She told us she is a medical person and a wing of the hospital in Rancagua had collapsed and she had to go home. The neighbors to the south offered us their gas bottle but we refused since we had enough to last several days. They told us that a big wave hit Pichilemu and destroyed the park that is a block from the beach.

Jim inspected the house and found no damage at all! It shook us so hard it was hard to believe something hadn’t shaken apart but nothing did. Chileans know how to build houses to withstand earthquakes!

The aftershocks seemed to ease off a bit so we went back inside and spent the night. I woke up with severe vertigo and nausea. Jim felt it too but not as badly as I did. At first I thought it was the stress but Jim said he thought it was a kind of motion sickness. He calls it ‘Shaken Adult Syndrome.’ And it seems correct since my neck has little flexibility (having 4 vertebrae fused together and a titanium plate implanted). Even now on Tuesday, I am still experiencing vertigo. But, it is lessening each day.

I tried several times on Saturday to connect to the internet but the wi fi signal was too weak. But, finally it connected and I quickly sent a short message to my mom and few other people. I tried repeatedly everyday to connect again but never could until today. We were trying conserve the battery of the laptop much as you would conserve flares on a lifeboat. Today when I tried and got connected I was so happy only to be dismayed when I saw the low battery warning. Again, I could send only a short note.

On Sunday afternoon our friend Maurice, owner of the Hotel Bahia (http://www.hostalbahia.cl) came to check on us on his way to visit his mom who lives in a distant city. His hotel had no damage except a large crack on one wall. He said that night he was standing outside his hotel which is a block up a steep hill from the park when his friend said, ‘Look, there’s no water!’ Then a big wave came in followed by a really big wave (about 15 feet), then a third backsplash type wave. He said it was terrible and there was a lot of damage along the beach. We decided to go see for ourselves the next day.

Monday morning we went to Pichilemu and were dismayed by the damage we saw. Our favorite restaurant Pepe Cuervo’s was destroyed. When we first arrived in Pichilemu in May, 2007 we stayed in a cabana for about three weeks while we waited for the purchase of our house to go through.(We luckily found our house the second day we were here.) I wanted to see how it fared. Not well, I’m afraid. There is a steel shipping container smashed into the front window from where we once could lie in bed and watch the surfers.

We stopped by the Senior Center on our way to the park and saw our friends Lia, Lia’s mom who is in the 90’s, Mario, and Guillermo. Everyone gave us big hugs and kisses, happy to see us alive and well. We were happy to see them too and learn that all were okay. But, we were saddened to learn about so many people being killed and injured in other places. Lia told us about an island where all 400 vacationers were swept away and never seen again.

While we were gone, our friend Mariana (http://www.lodemariana.com) came by and left a note. She came by again today and said her cabanas are all still standing with no damage except for one broken window and kitchen things broken on the floors.

There were no lives lost in Pichilemu. The earthquake gave everyone sufficient warning to get to higher ground. The only damage we saw from the earthquake was a couple of fence walls that had fallen over. And, the only damage from the tsunami was along the beach in the cove. We were so grateful no one was killed here and all our friends are safe with no damage to their homes.

I took several pictures and will publish them in a separate post. This narrative has been long enough with just the text.

Please feel free to leave your comments or email me directly.
Geree

Coolest of the Cool Court Shoes!

2010-02-26T18:38:00.003-03:00

Yes, these are the coolest of the cool court shoes by Keds for women and men! And what's even cooler is that you get FREE SHIPPING with your first order. So order a bunch! Use Code: PROKEDZAZZLE to get FREE SHIPPING! Found only in The Sun and Surf Shop in Pichilemu, Chile at http://www.Zazzle.com/GereesGallery*. Find a few pairs you love and order today!

Ladies Beach Walking Shoes by GereesGallery
Browse Ocean Keds Shoes

Serene Feet Pro Keds Royal Hi Shoes by GereesGallery
View other Beach Keds Shoes

Sunny Shoes -Pro Keds Royal Lo Shoes by GereesGallery
View more Sun Keds Shoes

Beach Wave Pro Keds Royal Hi Shoes by GereesGallery
See more Beach Keds Shoes

Envy Keds Pro shoes by GereesGallery
See other Envy Keds Shoes

Zig Zag Pro Keds Royal Lo Shoes by GereesGallery
Make your own Keds sneakers on Zazzle

Thanks for looking! And even more thanks for your orders! You'll love your new Keds!

New Keds Court Shoes for Men & Women

2010-02-25T21:49:00.005-03:00

Zazzle just released a new line of ultra cool Keds court shoes! I have designs for both women and men! I hope you like them and will check out my other designs available only at: http://www.Zazzle.com/GereesGallery*.

These are just a few of the very cool designs I have for women:

Cool Blue Pro Keds Lo by GereesGallery
Make your own affordable custom shoes at Zazzle

Beach Wave Pro Keds Royal Hi Shoes by GereesGallery
Make custom sneakers online at zazzle

Ladies Pink Feet court shoes by GereesGallery
Browse more Lush Keds Shoes

Below are a couple of designs for men.

Zig Zag Pro Keds Hi Shoes by GereesGallery
Make your own personalized shoes online at zazzle

Coolest Court Shoes Keds Pro by GereesGallery
Make Keds online with Zazzle

Thanks for looking and thanks even more if you go to The Sun and Surf Shop, find something you love and buy it!

Exclusive designer Keds found only at: http://www.Zazzle.com/GereesGallery*

California Beach T shirts from Pichilemu, Chile

2010-02-25T15:14:00.004-03:00

Even though I am now a Permanent Resident of Chile, I am still a Californian. I went to lots of beaches when I lived there, mostly in Southern California. So, I suppose it is no surprise that I designed some t shirts and sweatshirt hoodies for some of my favorite California beaches.

I have lots of designs to choose from and you can easily change the name of the beach to your favorite beach anywhere. Also, you have the choice of style and color. Check them out! Available only at http://www.Zazzle.com/GereesGallery*.

Solana Beach Baby T shirt by GereesGallery
View other Waves T-Shirts

Carlsbad Beach Baby Long Sleeved t shirt by GereesGallery
Design a Custom Tshirt at zazzle.com

Pacific Beach Kids Sweatshirt by GereesGallery
Browse Beach T-Shirts

Leucadia, CA sweatshirt by GereesGallery
Create a custom tshirt on zazzle

Malibu kids t shirt by GereesGallery
Many more t-shirts online at zazzle

Vibrant Streaks at Sunset by GereesGallery
Browse other Vibrant T-Shirts

Ocean Beach by GereesGallery
t-shirts made by Zazzle

Imperial Beach, CA t shirt by GereesGallery
Browse other Vibrant T-Shirts

Pacific Beach, CA by GereesGallery
Design personalized t shirts at zazzle

Thanks for looking and even more thanks if you find something you love and buy it!

Geree

Horse Taxis and the Circus in Pichilemu

2010-02-23T20:32:00.004-03:00

Up until a little over 20 years ago, there were no cars in Pichilemu. That's right, everyone had horses, horse carts, or bikes. So, of course, there were 'horse taxis' like these shown below. Today, they are mainly used for the summer tourists. They are really fun to ride in but are considerably more expensive than the Colletivo taxis that cost about 60 cents/person.

And, so it follows, that wherever you have horses you must also have horse poop. Below is the horse poop scooper upper. I followed this guy for about a block trying to snap his picture but he was really moving out. I had to click this picture quick as he only stopped to turn around, having found no poop to scoop on this block.

Every summer the circus comes and stays for three months! So does the carnival. But the thing that is a mystery to me is why they don't open until 8 pm. Even on the weekends! No matinees! All summer there are hordes of tourists here but they cannot see the show during the day. It could be that most Chileans work until about 7 - 8 pm. Most employees get a two hour lunch that extends their work day into early evening. That's why the evening news doesn't come on until 9 pm. Interesting, no?

This is an old fashion circus with a tent! You can see it behind the boleteria. How cool is that?!

New Shoes and a Bag!

2010-02-22T21:10:00.002-03:00

By the way, the drawing I use as my blog image is on auction this week on ebay. Want to see? Just click on:
shttp://shop.ebay.com/gereeofmountainair/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340

Shoes and totebags are some of my favorite things to design and these latest ones are my lastest favorites! Available only in my Sun & Surf Shop at www.Zazzle.com/GereesGallery*.

Fun Slip Ons - Keds by GereesGallery
Make your own shoes online with zazzle

Splendiferous! by GereesGallery
More Splendid Bags

Cool Shoes by GereesGallery
Browse Cool Keds Shoes

My Favorite Shoes! by GereesGallery
Browse more Shoes Keds Shoes

Pichilemu Today!

2010-02-22T15:08:00.013-03:00

My friend Pam recently found me on Facebook. We've known each other since 2nd grade! How fun is that? I love it! She asked for more info about where I live in Chile, so today I took my camera along when Jim and I went in to do some shopping. I am posting the pictures on my blog so everyone can see them. I hope you get a good idea of what it's like here. I plan to go to town again tomorrow, so I may be posting more pictures then.

Above is just a typical street scene on Anabel Pinto.

None of the supermercados have scales at the check out counter so you must get your produce and bread weighed before you go to pay. While at one market they weigh produce and bread at the meat counter, another weighs produce and bread at the security desk, but at this supermercado called Polanco, there is a person (woman on the left) who stays in the produce department to weigh the produce. Today you can see, there was a line waiting for her to weigh their bags.

There are just a few varieties of bread here. Our favorite is the one below called maraquetas and these were fresh and hot from the oven. The guy came out with a big wicker basket and tossed them in. I quickly scooped up four with my hand inside a plastic bag (faster and easier that using the tongs they provide), and the bread was so hot, it burned my fingers. YUM! Jim and I ate some on the way home.

The most common type of bread is the one shown below. It has a name we can't remember but is often called either Pan Amasado or Pan de Horno. It tastes a lot like soft soda crackers so we call it Soda Bread. We only buy this kind if there are no maraquetas.

Remember when you were told 'candy is dandy, but sex won't rot your teeth?' They must have heard that here because the candy is kept in a locked glass case while the condoms are hanging at the check out counter.

Milk comes in boxes, much like the cartons we had in school. They are never refrigerated and last for months on your pantry shelf. It doesn't taste just like fresh, but close enough for me. It comes in flavors too: in addition to chocolate, there's strawberry, banana, and vanilla.

You've probably heard of the 'butter and egg man.' Well this is the 'cheese and egg man' and he also weighs the bread for you.

Usually at this store, one of the Polancos talks into a very loud microphone telling shoppers of things on sale and what's good at the meat market. Luckily for me, he wasn't there today.
Look for more pictures soon, maybe even tomorrow!
Chao-chao (Chilean spelling for bye-bye),
Geree

For Skateboard Divas-Skateboards and Shoes to Match!

2010-02-17T10:49:00.002-03:00

Skateboard Divas just wanna have fun, fun, fun, in the sun, sun, sun, don't they? With these skateboards with matching Keds slip-ons, she can't help but have a fun time in the sun. From The Sun & Surf Shop in Pichilemu, Chile at www.Zazzle.com/GereesGallery*.

Fun, Fun, Fun Keds by GereesGallery
Make your own shoes online with zazzle.com

Live for the Sun Skateboard by GereesGallery
See more Sun Skateboards

Sunny Keds by GereesGallery
Create custom shoes on zazzle

SUN Skateboard by GereesGallery
More Sun Skateboards

Follow the sun for loads of skateboard fun! Order today!

Found only in The Sun & Surf Shop in Pichilemu, Chile at www.Zazzle.com/GereesGallery*.

Yes! More Surfer Sweatshirts Hoodies from Famous Surf Spots!

2010-02-16T19:08:00.002-03:00

Surfers just wanna have fun and surf around the world, no? If you haven't surf around the world yet, get the sweatshirt hoodie for where you'd like to surf next. It's so RAD! These coolest of the cool sweatshirt hoodies are warm and comfortable when you get out of the water. Perfect for winter surfing and those cool summer nights! Wear it! Love it! Surf it! Enjoy it! Wig Out, Dude!

Pavones, Costa Rica Sweatshirt Hoodie by GereesGallery
Browse Surf T-Shirts

Bagasbas Beach, Philippines Sweatshirt Hoodie by GereesGallery
Browse other Surfers T-Shirts

Guanna Reef, Jamaica Sweatshirt Hoodie by GereesGallery
Make custom tshirts at zazzle.com

Padang Padang, Indonesia Sweatshirt Hoodie by GereesGallery
More Sweatshirt T-Shirts

Papua, New Guinea Sweatshirt Hoodie by GereesGallery
design your own t-shirt at zazzle

Sydney, Australia Sweatshirt Hoodie by GereesGallery
See other Surfer T-Shirts

Muriwai, New Zealand Sweatshirt Hoodie by GereesGallery
View other Wig T-Shirts

New Skateboards! Some with Diva Keds to Match!

2010-02-15T10:40:00.003-03:00

From my studio in Pichilemu, Chile here are my newest and coolest skateboards!Wig Out! Found only at: www.Zazzle.com/GereesGallery*.

Whirly Skateboard by GereesGallery
Build your own skateboards with zazzle

And for the Skateboard Diva, here are the coolest Keds to match your new skateboard.

Steppin' Out! Keds shoes by GereesGallery
Make your own Keds sneakers on Zazzle

Live for the Sun Skateboard by GereesGallery
Shop for skateboard decks on zazzle.com

SUN Skateboard by GereesGallery
Browse more Sun Skateboards

Fearless Skateboard by GereesGallery
create skateboards on zazzle.com

Again, for the Skateboard Diva, Keds to match your new skateboard!

Her Favorite Keds by GereesGallery
Design custom sneakers with Zazzle

See more beachy and fun designs in The Sun and Surf Shop at www.Zazzle.com/GereesGallery*.