Crooked Can

The Orlando Urban Sketchers went to Crooked Can (426 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787). On this sunny mid morning, people were gathering in the grass covered play area to do yoga. Our group of sketchers ordered drinks and bites and started sketching.

Crooked can is in the Plant Street Market which is a local community market located in historic downtown Winter Garden, with 20 vendors featuring natural, organic food and handmade products all inside of one building.

The Market is open 7 days a week, and they are a community of quality and diverse farm fresh products, artisan specialties and local products. There is often Live Entertainment and the patio is pet friendly.

As an added bonus, Eddie Pittman, an amazing artist from my former Disney Feature Animation  days joined  us to document the occasion. Greg Bryla pulled together an interesting composite sketch that takes different elements from various times and locations to build a story in one sketch. What is so great about Urban Sketching is that every artist has their own style and no two sketches ever look the same. In this digital age where many are trying to showcase their life as a glamorous but homogenized selfie, getting to see life through spontaneous sketches can be a breath of fresh air.

If you would like to meet the Orlando Urban Sketchers, stop out on September 28, 2019 for the free Accidental Historian Exhibit Tour and Sketch Walk. Artists will meet at the Orange County Regional History Center (65 E Central Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32801) at 10am and the event runs through 1pm. Join us as we tour the Accidental Historian Exhibition, featuring the Orlando Urban Sketchers' art. Group Sketch walk will follow the tour.

The Orlando Urban Sketchers is proud to be included in the exhibition; The Accidental Historian, at the Orange County Regional History Center in Downtown Orlando. You can tour the exhibit, sketch inside the History Center, and join this unique group of artists for a Short Sketch-Walk on Saturday, September 28th 10am-1pm. - Registration is required - Entry to the History Center is free to urban sketchers participating in the Sept. 28th event.

SCHEDULE:

MEET UP: 10:00 am - at the Orange County Regional History Center main entrance (65 E. Central Blvd, Orlando, FL)

EXHIBIT TOUR: (optional sketch-in the-museum): 10:00 am to 11:00 am

SKETCH WALK: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm - Sketch walk begins at the History Center front garden and continues down Magnolia Ave towards CityArts building(10 min walk from the History Center)

SKETCHBOOKS THROW-DOWN: 1:00 PM We will gather for our traditional Sketchbook-throw down (Show and Tell) and lunch at Harp and Celt Irish Pub at 25 S. Magnolia (next to City Arts)
All drawing levels and skills are welcome. Bring your sketchbook and sketching supplies of your choice, drinking water, a hat and appropriate clothes for the weather.
The event is FREE

PARKING: Parking is available in the garage located across from the public library at 112 E Central Blvd. Also, the Lymmo bus service provides free public transportation from many spots in downtown Orlando. The History Center is handicapped accessible with elevators on every floor. Two handicapped parking spaces are available on the north side of the building on E. Washington Street.
Contact us: uskorlando@gmail.com

What is The Accidental Historian exhibit?
You might be a historian without even realizing it! That’s certainly true of many bloggers, urban sketchers, photographers, and more. In this engaging exhibition, created at the History Center, learn how individuals who are absorbed in documenting the world of today accidentally become some of Central Florida’s finest historians for the future. Catch a glimpse into some of our favorite collections that were created for the now – more than 100 years ago.

The Accidental Historian features both historic and contemporary work and collections, including drawings by the renowned artist and teacher Ralph Bagley and Urban Sketchers Orlando, poetry by Orlando’s inaugural poet laureate Susan Lilley, audiovisual work by food blogger Ricky Ly, historic images by photographer T.P. Robinson, and more.

Visitors to the exhibit can create 19th-century “tweets” and step into a larger-than-life,

Instagrammable photo station, along with other fun features. The exhibit is fully bilingual, presented in both English and Spanish. Related programs range from preservation workshops to poetry readings and a historical food-based demonstration.

Thank you to the Oranges County Regional History Center for including the Orlando Urban Sketchers in the amazing exhibition.

Escaping the confines of the artist studio

On Sundays I teach an Urban Sketching class at Crealde School of Art (600 Saint Andrews Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32792). I have some very talented students in this class and my goal is to just loosen them up so that they can capture a scene quickly and then focus on a few details to help sell the story behind the sketch. The temperatures have finally dropped to a reasonable degree so that we can sketch outside sometimes without baking while trying to finish the sketch.

One student showed me an absolutely gorgeous pencil rendering of some shells. It was photo real and highly detailed. The trouble with sketching on location is that a sketch must be done in the time allowed. I tend to judge when a sketch is complete based on how much by butt hurts. Perhaps that isn't a great measure of good art but it is practical.

So many of my lessons are about how to put multiple  people into a sketch. I usually dash off a quick sketch like this to demonstrate the principle while also circulating around and doing individualized sketched that show how "the bones" of a composition might be strengthened. By the end of the course I hope that each student will learn how to manage their time so that a watercolor sketch is completed in the time we have. My tips and techniques are mostly about how to speed up the process and focus only on the details that tell a story.

Each of my students are unsatisfied with what they can capture n a sketch right now and I have to point out that that feeling never goes away if you really want to produce great art. As Michelangelo said, “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.”

Panera and Urban Sketching

On Sundays for the next 6 weeks I am teaching an Urban Sketching class at Crealde School of Art. One of the first venues we explore with or sketchbooks is Panera Bread (2516 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL.) Each class begins with about an hour of instruction in the classroom along with some sketching exercises to apply the new principle taught. Then we head out to sketch on location. Paneras on a Sunday morning starts off rather slow and by the time the lunch hour approaches the place becomes packed.

This allows for a relaxed first hour to sketch the interior setting without worrying about the human element. Then as people file in we sketch people at the tables that were established in pencil. I teach the students to pay attention to how much food was ordered and how full peoples glasses are, to get a sense of how long the person might be at the table to be sketched. People come and go while the sketch is in progress and the goal is to make it seem like a moment in time had been captured. Catching fellow sketchers in the sketch is an advantage because they are on the same time table, lingering rather than rushing to finish eating and get out.

I don't always take the time to do a sketch myself since I circulate and give each student notes that might help them with the composition or gestures that can be caught. I  have a very talented crew of students for the next six weeks and I am excited to share my thoughts on how to capture life in a sketch. One of my students showed me a fordable devise with magnets that can be used to hod a palette and water jar. It is a smart design and I might incorporate something similar into my work flow. By teaching I often find that I learn things  as well.

Seasons: The Musical

Seasons with music by Elaine Pechacek and lyrics by Katie Hammond was first presented at Fringe back in 2014 and I had a chance to sketch that production back then. I remember saying back then that this production deserved to grow and find its way into a much bigger venue. It is now being presented at the Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801.)

Helen (Megan Valle) was young and vibrant and a night on the town ends in a one night stand with Peter (Peter Heid.) Peter is enamored with her, head over heals in love. She has plans to go to medical school but those plans are dashed when she realizes that she is pregnant. Peter like a true gentleman proposes marriage on one knee. She agrees reluctantly to marry.

Hope (Gabriella Hockensmith) since a beautiful balled about fulfilling her dream of becoming a bride. Her mother Mrs. Jones (Rebecca Fisher) discovers around the same time that she has breast cancer. As she is struggling through chemo she sees a blue bird and takes it as a sign  that thing might be alright.

Helen had doubts about her new role as a mom and the newly wed struggled to make their new roles work. I have been researching ancestors lately and often wondered what difficulties they might have had to overcome. Helen and Peters struggles were very real. The play culminates in an overpowering lullaby sing at the beginning and end off life. It is at these extremes that love is pure and absolute. I doubt there was a dry eye in the house. It is impossible to experience this play and not be touched. The song performed by Rebecca Fisher about living each moment and seizing the day was stellar.

The final performance of Seasons: The Musical is tonight,  September 21, 2019. If you have a chance to go you should not miss it.
Tickets range from $15 to $20. 

Weekend Top 6 Picks for September 21 and 22, 2019

Saturday September 21, 2019
10am to Noon. Free. A special tour for interested artists. Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge 450 E. South St., Orlando, Florida, 32801. Orange County, Florida Public Art is looking for artists for a $31,500 commission available for Public Art Project Exterior or Interior Art for New Facilities at the refuge.
Eligibility: International
State: Florida
Entry Deadline: 10/30/19
Days remaining to deadline: 75
REQUIREMENTS:
Media
Images - Minimum: 1, Maximum: 10
Audio - Minimum: 0, Maximum: 1
Video - Minimum: 0, Maximum: 1
Total Media - Minimum: 1, Maximum: 12
View Site Details
Project: 
Back To Nature Wildlife Refuge & Education Center 10525 Clapp Simms Duda Road Orlando, Florida, 32832 
www.btnwildlife.org 
www.facebook.com/BTNwildlife
Project Description
The Orange County Public Art Review Board seeks an artist or artist team(s) to develop artwork for the new Back to Nature (BTN) Wildlife Refuge Center located at Eagles Roost, an Orange County Green PLACE property managed by the Environmental Protection Division (EPD). The Green PLACE program is an Orange County public land acquisition and land management program. This project includes five (5) new buildings that will replace existing portables. The values of nature, history, community and nonurban lifestyle should inform the art.
Background
Orange County, Florida is a rapidly growing metropolitan area of more than one million residents that contains the city of Orlando and a dozen other municipalities. Back To Nature (BTN) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public wildlife rehabilitation facility serving the Central Florida Region. Since its incorporation in June 1989, BTN has been rescuing, raising, rehabilitating and releasing injured or orphaned Florida-native species and educating Orange County visitors about respecting and preserving the environment. The organization hosts an education center, where citizens can view and learn about wildlife.
Site
Back To Nature is located at 10525 Clapp Simms Duda Road on 20 acres of the 232 acres at Eagles Roost conservation land. This project will add a new Education Center that will provide a space for community meetings. A new Visitor Center also will be constructed.
Building and Site
Numerous possible locations are available for placing or integrating art. These are the primary spaces with possibilities for art installation or integration.
· An interior wall (Visitor’s Center)
· Exterior walls (Visitor’s Center and Education Center)
· Front porch of the Education Center and Visitor Center
· Entry sign
· (Common Areas) Walkway
· Approach to the site along the driveway 
Grounds layout, floor plans and elevations are included in the "View Site" feature.
Budget
$31,500 has been approved for artwork.
Artwork
The Public Artist Selection Panel seeks creative solutions for possible locations mentioned above or other locations suggested by the artist. The artwork should be permanent and durable with little maintenance needed in the location to which it will be sited. 
Artwork should reflect the mission of the Back to Nature facility that serves as a rehabilitation center for injured native animals and an educational center for children and adults to learn about nature with help from the resident animal ambassadors (animals unable to be returned to the wild). Many people with impairments find empathy and connection with animals living with impairment.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to professional artists working in any media. Student artists may apply, if they can secure an experienced public artist to serve as a mentor to oversee their work.
Selection Process
A selection panel consisting of the project manager, arts professionals and BTN staff will review artist qualifications and images of past work. Several artists will be selected to provide proposals and will be paid a stipend of $500 each for their site-specific proposal. Final artist(s) selection will take place after review of the proposals. The director of Arts & Cultural Affairs serves as the nonvoting chair of the Selection Panel. 
The Public Artist Selection Panel and Orange County reserve the right to reject any or all applications, proposals, applicants or projects, and to modify or terminate the application process or the selection process for any reason and without prior notice.
Selection Criteria
Artists will be evaluated on artistic excellence, as evidenced by submitted materials, professional experience and compatibility with the architectural design, park environment and values of the center.
Submittal Requirements
· Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs uses the CaFÉ online service for its public art selection process. There is no charge for artists to register with CaFÉ or submit an application.
· Experience with public art projects with a similar budget is not required but helpful.
· Professional resume (teams must submit resumes for each member).
· Letter of interest, outlining interest in the project and a preliminary statement of approach.
· A minimum of one (1) image is required, and the maximum is 12. Images of finished works or conceptual drawings can be submitted. Provide additional information to assure the Selection Panel of what the finished work will look like and that it will be completed and installed as designed.
Timeline
· Release of call to artists: Monday, August 12
· Artist Site Visit at BTN: Saturday, September 21, 10 a.m.-noon
· Submittals due: Wednesday, October 30, midnight MST
· Panel review: Tuesday, November 5, 1-3 p.m. 
· Selected finalists notified: Wednesday, November 6
· Final Proposals Due: Monday, February 3, 2020
· Artwork installation: Winter 2020/Spring 2021

7pm to 9pm Free. Smelly Cat: The All That 90’s Show. Boxi Park Lake Nona, 6877 Tavistock Lakes Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827. Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat, what are they feeding you?
The members of Subliminal Doubt are STOKED to bring you an all-new show featuring A VARIETY of hits from the years 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and even... 1999!

8pm to 10pm $15-$20. Seasons the Musical. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. 445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801. Seasons the Musical spans the course of one year, and is a story about love. This original musical delves into the lives of two couples. Helen and Peter – classmates who reconnect at a high school reunion, and struggle with an unexpected pregnancy. And, Hope and Mrs. Jones - a mother and daughter with a close bond celebrating a recent engagement and grappling with an unwelcome diagnosis. Poignant and touching, this story explores these characters with humor and realism, and will leave the audience wanting more.

Lyrics by Katie Hammond Music by Elaine Pechacek

Sunday September 22, 2019
9:30am to 12:20pm $275 Urban Sketching Class. Crealde School of Art, 600 St Andrews Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32792. Learn to sketch from subject to the environment. Classroom sessions will focus on sketching clothed models and progress towards sketching the model and classroom environment. Learn how to incorporate storytelling into your sketches in our location sessions. These trips to local venues will challenge you to use your sketchbook the way a photojournalist uses a camera. The six-week goal is to produce finished sketches using pencil, pen, and watercolor within two hours. Skill level: Intermediate. 

11am to Noon. $5 Yoga. Lake Eola Park near red gazebo. 

Noon to 3pm Donation based. Music at the Casa. Jorge Mendoza. Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum, 656 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789. Members of the public are invited to visit our historic home museum on a Sunday afternoon to listen to live music and take a tour of our historic home museum and the James Gamble Rogers II Studio by trained docents.

Accidental Historian Install

The Accidental Historian Exhibit will be on display the the Orange County Regional History Center (65 East Central Boulevard Orlando FL) from September 21, 2019 to January 21, 2020. I went in to sketch during the install of the exhibit. I was  intrigued with the fact the eight years of my sketchbooks were stacked like the Tower of Terror inside a glass museum case. The staff tried to just stack the books but it swayed uncontrollably and they had to come up with a plan B. A clear plastic spine was created that supports the high column of books but even with that solution, the tower slumps forward just a bit like an old man reaching for a cane. On top of the tower one sketchbook is open to a sketch of a giant inflatable alligator that was once in front of the History Center thanks to Heather Henson. A laser level stood sentry like a War of the Worlds armored attack vehicle. It stood on spindly legs staring at the sketchbook tower perhaps judging how fragile it looked.

In this exhibition, created at the History Center, you get to learn how individuals who are absorbed in documenting the world of today accidentally become some of Central Florida’s finest historians for the future. You can also catch a glimpse into some of the museums collections that were created for the now – more than 100 years ago.

The Accidental Historian features both historic and contemporary work and collections, including drawings by the renowned artist and teacher Ralph Bagley and Orlando Urban Sketchers , poetry by Orlando’s inaugural poet laureate Susan Lilley, audiovisual work by food blogger Ricky Ly, historic images by photographer T.P. Robinson, and of course a some Orlando sketches by myself.

Visitors to the exhibit can create 19th-century “tweets” and step into a larger-than-life, Instagrammable photo station, along with other fun features. The exhibit is fully bilingual, presented in both English and Spanish. Related programs range from preservation workshops to poetry readings and a historical food-based demonstration.

In my sketch, I focused on the huge open sketchbook in the corner of the room where Orlando Urban Sketchers work was displayed. I am proud that these artists who work together to explore Central Florida with their sketchbooks are now seeing their work exhibited in a museum. Their vision is unique in a time when people tend to shoot homogenized selfies with thoughtless abandon. These artists take the time to truly see the world around them.

Orlando Arts Collecive

The Orlando Arts Collective is a diverse group of artists who enjoy supporting, sharing, communicating, and collaborating with other fellow artists. OAC members are painters, sculptors, photographers, and mixed-media artists.

Members conduct workshops, run critique seminars, curate art shows, participate in other community shows and events, and go on art related field trips together. The group encourages members to participate in art activities, shows and other groups throughout the community, and to share their experiences. Having adventures is one of the hallmarks of the OAC.

They are an IRS-501(c) 3 not-for-profit group, which allows them to conduct classes and work with charities. This also means they have a Board of Directors and annual dues. Even though they have a board they are not a board-centered group. All decisions are determined by a majority of their members. The annual membership is $30.00, which helps to pay for group shows, classes, and guest speakers. Extra fees may be required for participation in gallery shows. The members have shown and participated in various art venues in and around Orlando, such as City Arts Orlando, Mega Con, Third Thursdays, Dandelion Cafe, Pom Poms, and FAVO. The Orlando Art Collective meets on the second Thursday of each month between 6:30-8:30 pm.

I stopped in to a meeting and sketched while members were learning new techniques in a printing workshop. Everything was provided and there were some unique results.  At the end of the table one artist apologized because he had evicted me from a painting workshop at the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens one year because I was sketching as I listened. I laughed and said there were no hard feelings.

Also on the table were ceramic tile hearts which were for a mural that is now up on the side of Lamp Shade Fair which is a 65-year-old business on 1336 N. Mills Avenue, Orlando, Fl. The ceramic hearts were created by artists from around the world and will be arranged into a rainbow coming from the open hand of a Banksy-inspired silhouette of a young girl blowing a kiss.

Robin Maynard - Harris

In 2005 Robin Maynard-Harris's mom, Libby, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Both of Robin's grand parents were also diagnosed with breast cancer. They had mastectomies, chemo and then lived really long lives. So they thought, "OK Lets do this." Her mom had a mastectomy, chemo and then eight months later as they were finishing up treatments,the doctors saw a small spot that they were concerned about and they wanted to do a 4 month checkup. When they returned they said it looked like the spot had grown on her lungs.

Robin took her mom to Moffit Cancer Center for a second opinion. She paid more attention to what the doctor was doing rather than what he was saying. He said, "Do the things you want to do." Robin said, "Can we talk about this for a second? What kind of time frame are we talking about here? " Her mom wasn't concerned as much about a time frame. Robin insisted, "Well I am, so you can leave the room or do you want us to leave?" The doctor said to her mom, "On average a woman in your condition can live a long time." Robin said, "A long time for an oncologist and a long time for a daughter are probably vastly different." He said, "3 to 5 years." Her mom joked, "Well good, there is nothing average about me." Robin was devastated by the 3 to 5 years.

On the drive back from the doctors Robin asked her mom what she wanted to do with the time she had. Libby wanted to go on a cruise to Alaska. Her mom lost her job at the American Cancer Society  do to "Inabilities to fulfill her duties due to cancer treatments." That is a harsh and angering irony. Robin was justifiably angry about the American Cancer Society. Her mom said to her, "I taught you how to live and now I am going to teach you how to die. You can't be so angry.  You need to do something positive." Libby died just 6 weeks after the 4 month check up. She never got to take that trip to Alaska. Right before she passed, she insisted that Robin get a mammogram. They found an early stage of cancer and she had a lumpectomy the same year. Her mom had saved her life.

Robin founded Libby's Legacy right away. The goal of the organization was to send stage 4 cancer patients on that trip to Alaska and to advocate for them when they lost their jobs which would mean no insurance. In 1983 when they moved to Florida, Robin got in a mini bike accident, and almost lost her leg. Her mom said she could no longer ride. Before Libby passed, Robin said, "You know mom, life is short." Libby relented and said "You can get your scooter or motorcycle." So, Robin got 2 Vespas and a Harley Davidson. To raise money for Libby's Legacy she started an event called Scooters for Hooters which raises money for Libby's Legacy which has started giving mammograms as well. In 2008 about 53 services were given away along with 1 cruise. In 2009 125 services were given and they diagnosed their first patient. Her name was Zenaida.

Zenaida worked for Orange County as a temp and she made too much for medicaid and not enough for insurance. Robin took her all over and couldn't get her help. She was blown away. She had 19 pages of notes. She called the American Cancer Society and they did nothing. She went to the hospital and they said, "You know we can't." She called  all over and couldn't get help. After 3 months of not succeeding, she was sitting at her desk at the sheriffs office and realized that this was a sign that she needed to do more to bring about change. She resigned, handing in her two months notice. Her last day was the day Zenaida had her double mastectomy. Now 9 years later Zenaida is a regular volunteer for Libby's Legacy.

The Women's Center of Radiology is just a block from Pulse. They have given away over 7000 breast health services where 141 women and 1 man were diagnosed. 189 children have a mom because she doesn't have hers. !0 cruises have been booked to Alaska. Scooter for Hooters has raised almost a million dollars in 10 years. They are starting a new event called Treasure Your Chest which will be a scavenger hunt on Wall Street. Another event will be called Florida Squeeze Um. They do fun things that involve drinking and fun along the way. The 10th Scooters for Hooters fundraiser had to be canceled in the wake of Pulse. After the shooting the Women's Center had to close down for 10 days because Orange Avenue was shut down for all the FBI vehicles as they  processed the scene.

Pulse used to do fundraisers for Libby's Legacy. They did a poker tournament there. Robin danced there. Had the shooting happened 10 or even 5 years earlier, it could have been her or her friends or anybody she knows. The beauty of Pulse was that everyone was welcome. One of Robin's best friends and all her sorority sisters who are straight as can be, were there the Friday night before the shooting. Woman can dance and there is no one hitting on you. It was an open club for everyone. It was such an open and loving club, not just for men, or women or Latins. It was all inclusive.

California Gwen a Tribute to Katie Perry and No Doubt

Pam and I decided to take Sprout out to a hot concert at Waterford Lakes Town Center (413 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828) The stage was in front of Wahlburgers in the shopping center parking lot. Monica Leamy is the lead singer of Subliminal Doubt, a full band tribute to No Doubt and Gwen Stefani. Also featuring our alternate persona,  Katy Parody and the Teenage Dreams: A Tribute to Katy Perry.

Storm clouds were looming on the western horizon but the rain held off as the Subliminal Doubt gave an energetic performance. Monica even recruited some back up dancers to give a stadium worthy performance. Attendance was unfortunately spotty. A bounce house was set up in the far corner of the parking lot and a little girl stood directly in front of the stage dancing and clapping.

Actually since this sketch was done Monica and her lead guitarist Jonathan Leamy got married. AS they say, the family that plays together stays together. I have bumped into this tribute band multiple times, even when I least expect it, as I search out sketch opportunities. They are a fixture of the Orlando scene. Sprout never stopped wagging his tail. That is a great review coming from an excited old pup.

This band will be performing Smelly Cat: The All That 90’s Show at Boxi Lake in Lake Nona on September 21, 2019. The show is from 7-10pm. Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat, what are they feeding you?
The members of Subliminal Doubt are STOKED to bring you an all-new show featuring A variety of hits from the years 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and even... 1999! Expect a fun time.

Blog Con 2019

I stopped by Full Sail University to see the opening of this year's Blog Con. Ford sponsored the event and several vehicles were parked outside the entrance. In the parking lot a woman had her arm stretched out in front of her holding her phone which she was  talking to. She was clearly recording a video of herself reporting about Blog Con. I have tried to sketch at Blog Con every year since 2009. It is a chance to see what is happening in this relatively new field of digital communication. This year's theme was "Tell Your Story." The Full Sail Live auditorium was packed. Blog Con had sold out.

Rachelle Lucas a Freelance Spokesperson, Writer, and Videographer was giving the key note talk. I sketched her as she waited to go on stage. She spoke about getting a trip to Dubai and being nervous about going to the Middle East. With world tensions so high she feared that she and the people with her might be dragged out into that desert to be shot. The trip however was lovely. She showed an Instagram photo of herself in a bathrobe sipping a cup of champagne. It looked like the ideal relaxing vacation. However the reality behind that image was something else. She had welts all over her arms and legs from mosquito bites. That was why she was in the bathrobe. 

Rachelle talked about walking through the lobby of the hotel with several gentleman carrying the campaign. Two older gentlemen seated in the lobby, I imagine them looking like the two guys in the balcony of the Muppets show, winked and nodded their heads. Had they seen the cameras set up in the hotel suite their imaginations would have gone wild.

Rachelle's primary point was that social media like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter are platforms to help drive traffic to the place where the WHOLE story can be  told which is her blog. It was rewarding to hear that for once I might be doing something right since I use those media in the same way. 

She pointed out that telling stories is as important in society as the basics of survival. Stories have been passed down through the generations, filling history books, offering insights into our culture. They are central to humans communicate. We engage with others through stories, and storytelling is a lot more than just a recitation of facts and events. As human beings, we are automatically drawn to stories because we see ourselves reflected in them. We inevitably interpret the meaning in stories and understand ourselves better. It was helpful to be reminded that the simple act of sharing ideas every day has meaning and value.

After her Key Note, the  crowd was divided up into different groups. Someone would hold up a sign saying something like, Foodies and all the foodies would gather around the sign. I always feel like the odd duck out since what I do does not fit neatly into any of those categories. I'm not a mommy blogger, a foodie or a lifestyle blogger. Though I am starting to use digital sketch tablets, I'm not a tech blogger. I feel too old school to fit into the modern digital categories. I have so much to learn and Blog Con was a fire hose of information. Someday I hope to master the business of telling stories.