My Painting and a Day (Kind Of) Inspired by Lynne Alexander

Back in December, I wrote about a new artist I found online: Lynne Alexander.

She agreed to my monthly payments and this past Sunday the 12th I picked up my gorgeous birds with a Seattle skyline view.

Here's my painting:



Click here to see a similar one.

Lynne told me that she was showing her artwork at a restaurant in Magnolia, Szmanias and it was where she had eaten brunch. After our meeting, I remember that I hadn't eaten lunch or breakfast yet, so I headed over there for brunch.

Being the single girl with no family up here I plum forgot that it was Easter brunch. No matter, Karen (the lovely hostess and manager at Szmanias) sat me at the bar where I met her husband and Michelle the bartender.

I told them that I ended up eating there because of my meeting with Lynne and that I bought one of her works.

I had a beautifully presented delicious two course Easter brunch and then I headed to Cupcake Royale in Ballard to meet up with a friend.

This is a place we usually meet up for coffee but the irony of choosing it that day was that it was where I first saw the painting I just bought.

In a bit of roundabout way, Lynne influenced my entire day. Who knew?

A personal note about the artist- she is lovely in person, very nice and sincere, and really cares about her art. I also received a thank you note a day or two later which was an extra special touch I hadn't expected.

Need a new piece of artwork or inspiration?

Please visit Lynne's site.

Check back for an official Szmanias restaurant review.

Got Money from the Holidays? Seattle Boutiques are having sales!

Hallelujah!

What: Polite Society Winter Sale
Why: The entire store (Baum und Pferdgarten, Helmut Lang, Ted Baker, Pine IV) is discounted 30-40 percent, with last season’s merch up to 75.
When: Thru Jan. 31.
Where: 1924 First Ave. (206-441-4796).

What: Impulse/Totokaelo Semiannual Sale
Why: Thirty to 60 percent off creations from A.P.C., Rachel Comey, and Steven Alan at Impulse; Mayle’s last collection, Whyred, and MM6 at Totokaelo.
When: Now, not later.
Where: Impulse, 3516 Fremont Pl. N. (206-545-4854); Totokaelo, 913 Western Ave. (206-623-3582).

What: Juniper Winter Sale
Why: Find John Patrick Organic, Virginia Johnson, Souchi, Loyale, and Stewart + Brown marked down 30-50 percent.
When: Starts Tues.
Where: 3314 E. Spring St. (206-838-7496).

What: Tulip/A Mano Semiannual Winter Sale
Why: Nili Lotan, Annelore, and Loeffler Randall, plus shoes by Fiorentini + Baker, Chie Mihara, and Cydwoq all 30-50 percent off.
When: Thru Jan. 31.
Where: Tulip, 1201 First Ave. (206-223-1790); A Mano, 1115 First Ave. (206-292-1767).

What: Promesse Winter Sale
Why: Shave 40-70 percent off Ports 1961, Lauren Moffatt, Imitation of Christ, Alberto Fermani, and more.
When: Starts Thurs.
Where: 128 Central Way, Kirkland (425-828-4259).

What: La Ree Boutique Winter Sale
Why: Fifty percent off M Missoni, Hannii Y, and René Lezard, with clearance items marked down 85 percent.
When: Hop to it.
Where: 11 103rd Ave. NE, Bellevue (425-453-7868).

Fun Seattle Weekend Plans :)

Cheap Beer in Seattle and Woodinville! Sign ME up!

July 24, 2008
WEEKEND PLANS

ROCK OUT- I'LL BE THERE :)
Capitol Hill Block Party
What: More than 50 bands — including Vampire Weekend, Chromeo, and The Hold Steady — provide the soundtrack to Seattle’s hippest summer scene with proceeds benefiting Home Alive and The Vera Project.
Why: It's in my 'hood.
When: Fri. & Sat. Schedule online.
Where: E. Pike St., b/t Broadway & 12th Ave. Tickets online at thestranger.com and available without a fee at Urban Outfitters locations.

WOO HOO!
H&M Grand Opening
What: The trendy yet affordable store finally hits our neck of the woods. Show up with open arms — to grab every tank, tee, and trouser in sight.
Why: It's about damn time.
When: Opens Fri.
Where: Westfield Southcenter (206-246-0019).

FASHION
Diane Kappa Trunk Show
What: Local textile designer’s luxurious fabrics; cheery, crisp graphics; and vibrant colors embolden any room.
Why: Paper napkins are trash.
When: Thurs., 4-6 p.m.
Where: Inside Out, 115 Ave. A, Snohomish (360-563-0767).


MOVIE
Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired
What: Documentarian Marina Zenovich breaks down the trials (literally) and tribulations of the most controversial director of our time.
Why: It’s perfectly legal.
When: Thru July 31. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 2 & 8 p.m.
Where: SIFF Cinema, 321 Mercer St. (206-633-7151).

CONCERT
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
What: The first lady of funk and soul croons her way into your heart and out through your hips at this savage outdoor concert.
Why: You’re an an-i-mal on the dance floor.
When: Sun., 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: Woodland Park Zoo, N. 59th St. & Evanston Ave. (206-548-2500). Tickets at Metropolitan Market, 5250 40th Ave. NE (206-938-6600).