Monday, August 31, 2009

Dust of Snow

by Robert Frost

The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.

Mostly Mozart Festival


Mostly Mozart Festival, originally uploaded by jamieshelman.

Onstage seats! 
Lincoln Center, NYC

Mostly Mozart view by you.

View from stage

From our vantage point, facing the conductor, every facial expression and nuance was visible, including the over the top sense of drama by the pianist, every key touch and raise of the eyebrows added dramatic tension.

Mesmerizing performance!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Shop till you drop with a nickel left by Dylan Thomas

Chelsea Hotel by you.
Chelsea Hotel, NYC
Found a nickel on our windowsill every morning, don't know who left it, D.T.'s ghost? 

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Indoor Couture

Indoor Couture

Waiting out hurricane Danny in-style...

Friday, August 28, 2009

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Sun tea


Homemade Lapsang Souchong sun tea, made in our Va Va Gherkins jar on the back porch.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Hamster bras and thongs


Hamster bras and thongs, originally uploaded by jamieshelman.

Some more stuff you don't need but just got to have!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Fist Bump


Fist Bump, originally uploaded by jamieshelman.

Back from NYC, fist bumping with Obama on the Vineyard, more to come, we're on his tail...

Thursday, August 20, 2009

NYC


NYC, originally uploaded by jamieshelman.

In NYC, drunk on Mozart, croissants, and pastel macarons, we'll be back after we float gently back to earth...

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Summer Pile, Martha's Vineyard




Spread it out, blow it up, buy Stretch Jeans...

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Cats on bikes

cat cyclist by you.

Cat Cyclist
by jamieshelman

Due to the overwhelming demand for art featuring cats on bikes I've recently added a new gem to the shop! Part of my new series of cycling cats (see more here) inspired by the Tour de France and my love of bikes and cats. A signature style and raison d'etre, sure to strike a chord even with SUV driving dog lovers.  Lance said it's not about the bike, I'd say it's not about the cat, or is it?....
Meet the competition:



Cat riding bike by rosiesnumberoneboy.

This illustration comes from a little book called 'Where have you been?' by Margaret Brown. Published in 1952 by Scholastic in the USA. The pictures are by Barbara Cooney. Uploaded by rosiesnumberoneboy


Cute but where's the modern flair, the stylistic ingenuity, stop playing it safe Margaret! "Where have you been?" To a bad art school...


Cats on Bikes Alfred Mainzer (Eugen Hurtong)

This vintage postcard found via CardCow.com
I must admit the expressions, high drama and sense of danger are priceless in this work, note to self- the imminent threat of death by cycling always makes for an intriguing work of art, especially when there's baby cats in carriages with the wheel ripped off (those reckless maniacs!) and only the cats are worthy of human status, the pig is still a pig, the cats achieve deity!


I found this cycling cat mouse pad over at zazzle (note it's also available as a t-shirt, yes!) and is a definite Christmas stocking stuffer! I'm assuming the cats have such an incredible sense of balance that they don't even have to open their eyes, those cocky bastards!


'the black cat' - vintage poster by Jane Diamond.

This vintage poster found via flickr by Jane Diamond freaks me out! It borders on being racist, Uncle Ben? It's apparent that he does have a great sense of balance and athletic ability- note the coasting position on the cruiser pegs, nice!



Another maniac cat set loose on a high wheeler, all to common place ... 


So when you're searching for your next artwork of a cat on a bike don't F around go straight to the source! You know who knows.

Perseid Meteor Shower Tonight!


perseid, originally uploaded by jamieshelman.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Giveaway Mon Amis

psst Dancing Cat Giveaway this week over at OhMiska
Stop by and say hello!

Monday, August 10, 2009

5 Things to Prevent F.O.R.D.


F.O.R.D., originally uploaded by jamieshelman.

Don't end up like F.O.R.D. (Found On Rug Dead) 5 things to eat daily that could stop a F.O.R.D. from entering your life...

1. Garlic (raw- 1 clove, chopped and swallowed whole- don't chew stinky poo!) Immune system booster and good for your heart and vascular health.
2. Local Honey (the more local the better- squeeze a bee!) Good for allergy resistance and immune boost.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar (1-2 tablespoons in a glass of water) Good for arthritis, said to decalcify the joints! Plus helps to regulate blood pH balance.
4. Dark Chocolate (the darker the better- high Cocoa content- think Lindt 85% Dark 1 ounce or less) Good for heart health and mood- known to change neurochemistry.
5. Ginger- Candied or powdered in cereal, aids in digestion and inflamation. Think Gin-Gins!

(6. Cinnamon) - Good for recovery from exercise and immune system. Good in oatmeal or mixed into your cereal!

Remember no cinnabuns, no sugar, no ginger beer- keep it plain and simple and eat these raw!

I know there are many more foods to prevent a F.O.R.D. (blueberries, salmon etc.) but these are simple and easy to incorporate daily, non-seasonal and available year round!

psst F.O.R.D. is just sleeping...

Tamara Shopsin


August 9, 2009 - The New York Times
August 9, 2009 - The New York Times


Loved the cover of The NY Times Sunday Book Review. The speck of brilliant orange of the Oriole combined with the grey tones of the old photograph of Teddy Roosevelt makes both more interesting than either viewed alone! Check out more of Tamara Shopsin's work here 

Saturday, August 8, 2009

We heart Julia Child


, originally uploaded by jamieshelman.

Currently watching The French Chef re-runs on PBS - must be Julia Child weekend! Saw the movie Julia & Julie last night with a packed audience, laughing and crying - emotions of all colors, even anger at a poorly aimed projector that left the characters headless for an ensuing 5 minutes and set the audience fuming in what felt like the beginnings of the French Revolution!
Having read both Julia & Julie and the Julia Child biography My Life in France (I would highly recommend!) it was fun to watch Meryl Streep capture the jubilant spirit and passion of Julia, with many enthusiastic Bonjours and much tottering around intoxicated by life!

If only all of life's problems could be solved with a home cooked rotisserie chicken or the perfect souffle, a book deal and a major motion picture contract! Cest la vie!

Bon appetite!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Bop!


Bop!, originally uploaded by jamieshelman.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

The Visitor


The Visitor, originally uploaded by jamieshelman.

Another hot and humid day here on the Vineyard, last night we watched the fog roll in off the ocean and across the fields up island, reminiscent of mountain fog. Pray for dry weather and crisp cool mountain air!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Modern Chair Cats


Modern Chair Cats, originally uploaded by jamieshelman.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Star Gazers


Star Gazers, originally uploaded by jamieshelman.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Love Mane



So Euro-chic
ick!

Tres chic on le biciclete


Tres chic on le biciclete, originally uploaded by jamieshelman.

Ink and gouache on paper, 2009
Find this little cat here: 

Tres chic on le biciclete
by jamieshelman

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Parisian Beauty


Parisian beauty, originally uploaded by jamieshelman.

Ink and gouache on paper, 2009

Too many bon bons... happy fat! Find her here:

Parisian Beautyby jamieshelman