P is for passionate.

“I like light, color, luminosity. I like things full of color and vibrant.” – Oscar de la Renta

Passionate for color. Superlative, splendid, stunning color!

Color popped, jumped, and hopped out at me at this year’s Evergreen Summerfest. Here's a bit about the artists and their creations that grabbed me.

Corded creations from Bellas Gifts by Tamra Adducci. She and I had a lively discussion about who between us has the most fabric. I'm sure it's me, me, me! One, because Tamra is younger; reason two, because my first job while still in high school was at a fabric store, where I first started my stash; reason three, because I went from sewing clothes to also making quilts, which requires a smacking big stash; and reason four, because in the 1990’s, I worked for Quiltmaker magazine when the mail-order shop Quilts and Other Comforts was part of the "sisterhood" and where I picked up a lot of fabric on sale at $2 per yard. So, I win! I must have the most fabric!!!

Tamra lives in Arvada, Colorado, my home town!

 

Ceramics from Mary Judy. I’m glad ceramists are branching out from salad bowls and soap holders to fun pieces like Mary Judy makes!

She lives down the creek from me in Morrison, Colorado.

Fun stuff, huh!?!

Fiber hats from Hats Panache by Richlyn McArthur of Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Richlyn used to be a teacher. Ain't it fantastic when someone goes from “working in a real job” to “creating a real life.”

Ricklyn's work inspires me! And I'm not much of a hat wearer!

Mixed media from Heart Bow Press by Peggy Corpeny. Colorful, colorful, colorful! And quirky! And inspirational!

Like Ricklyn, Peggy went from a real job to a real life. Hooray for women with gumption!

Wood turnings from Bark by Woods by Dave Barkley of Dover, Pennsylvania. Brights are my usual eye candy, but this piece flew in my face as I first walked into the fest. 

It covered one outside wall of Dave’s booth, it is big, and it is marvelous!!! I would have loved having it make it’s way into my abode if only I didn’t have a Sarah Susanka-like not-so-big house.

Being passionate about bright colors flows over into my food creations. If it's colorful, into my basket it jumps. This is but one of the colorful dishes I’ve made from "basket jumpers" that I bought at farmers markets this summer. My friend John E. shared the recipe with me in the mid-1970’s. It’s good for dipping or as a topping. Here’s the recipe, and add to, subtract from, and change any it which way you wish!

Pico de Gallo

1/8 cup vinegar

juice of 1 lime

4 ounces extra virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon each salt, pepper, and ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon Mexican oregano

1 or 2 fresh garlic cloves, finely chopped

5 each of 3 types of chilies (such as jalapeno, Anaheim, Hatch, or Big Jim)

2 or 3 medium-ripe avocadoes, diced

3 or 4 tomatoes, diced and drained

1 bunch green onions, diced

1 bunch fresh cilantro, diced

Mix the first 6 ingredients. Add the remaining ingredients and gently mix together with a large, preferably wooden, spoon.

Serve with tortilla chips and crème cheese. And, of course, margaritas!

Being passionate for color is awesome!