When we had no trouble finding a parking space yesterday just a few blocks from this year’s Salem Art Fair, I knew that Oregonians are indeed heat-weenies. And when Laurel started to complain about how hot it was even before we’d passed through one of the semi-voluntary gates, I knew that I was married to a true Oregonian (albeit one born in Illinois.)
The $5 suggested admission fee this year is semi-voluntary because it would be easy to walk around the barrier. However, some pretty fearsome Girl Scouts were manning, or rather, girling, the gate. I wasn’t about to chance incurring their wrath.
Right away I saw something that I wanted to buy and take home. Unfortunately, I couldn’t see how it would fit in our Prius. Too bad. I like flaming art. Especially on a 102 degree day. (I grew up in a part of California where that’s par for the summer course).
Being a horse lover who worries more about things than she wants to, Laurel seriously considered getting the “Sit loosely in the saddle of life” plaque. She worried about whether it would fit with our other decor, though. So it's a possible purchase when we return this evening to enjoy Dirty Martini. The music group, not the drink.
A few art fair booths had a “No photos” sign posted. I don’t understand why. Am I going to run home, print out this picture, and then reproduce this un-reproducible chair in my (non-existent) workshop? It was beautiful. And comfortable.
The artist didn’t seem to mind my taking a photograph of her work. I said, “It would be cool to have a whole house filled with colorful furniture like this.” She replied, “Let me show you some photos of my home.” As she thumbed through the album, I kept thinking, “Cool.”
The Salem Art Fair is mostly shady. No excuses, Oregonians. The Fair is on from 10-6 tomorrow (Sunday). Get on down to Bush Park and enjoy the best outdoor art fair in the Northwest. Even on a warm day.
There’s natural art in the shapes of the 
old oaks. I love looking up at them. Hundred degrees and large oak trees. I felt like a boy again, back in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
While Laurel considers a purchase of wearable art, another man waits for his own female companion. A familiar scene. I’d say, “Great, here’s another clothes booth. While you’re browsing I’ll check out the men’s section. Oh, I forgot! There aren’t any men’s clothes here.” Or, at any other booth. Isn’t there a federal law against sex discrimination?
Lastly, I’ll continue the tradition of me sharing my most common view of the Art Fair.
I too am married to an Oregonian (native) who can't handle the heat. Weenie! :-) She and our daughter escaped to the coast for a respite from the 3-digit temperatures. I went for a 3 mile hike at PeeVee Arboritum (sp?) in the heat. Then went blueberry picking. That made me appreciate the migrnat workforce (legal or illegal). There is no way in Hell I would do this day in, day out, all day long! Still, I've enjoyed my cheap blueberries.
Brian, I just wanted to make sure that you knew I read your blog. Stay cool!
Posted by: Eric | July 25, 2006 at 10:30 AM
Blessings upon you for your blog devotion, Eric. Know that those who read my blogs are rewarded by the Great Blogness.
I am not allowed to reveal the exact nature of those dispensations, but have faith that whatever good, true, and beautiful comes to you throughout the day, this is the result of reading my blogs.
Yours in egoless humility, Brian
Posted by: Brian | July 25, 2006 at 11:01 AM