July 2021 - House Painting, Bossa Nova Gig, Climate, Covid, Celebrations
Happy Summer,
The last two weeks have been booming for me with two house painting jobs – just straight painting. Both jobs include three rooms, halls, ceilings, closets, and patching. One is a Tosa house for a new owner. I’m painting on top of previously painted wallpaper in several rooms. At least there is AC and TP on hand. HAHA. I’ve learned to ask. I’ve painted on new construction jobs. So new that they didn’t have plumbing. Not even a port-a-potty. What an experience. I had to haul water to clean brushes and drive 3 miles to use a McDonalds bathroom. The guys on site went ‘out back’ somewhere.The other house is occupied and has not been painted in over 30 years. Lots of sorting and organizing to prep the rooms, so we’re doing it in steps. They each have their challenges. My arms have been getting a workout.
I was thrilled to be hired to play piano for a Brazilian Luau - nearly 3 hours of non-stop bossa novas! That is a dream job in my world - Jobim is one of my favorite composers. I know a LOT of Latin tunes but I wanted to dig deep to find more authentic stuff. I added several songs to my playlist and then found 6 more the day before the event. The party was a private dinner for 50 guests with Chef Ana at Cavas. I do all the social media posts, graphics, menus, and most of the photos > CavasMKE on Instagram. The Luau was to take place out on the river deck, which would have been so romantic. But due to crazy weather (the night of the tornados!) they relocated to a nearby community room. I was very relieved. I would have melted in the stifling humidity. The group was loud and lively and really enjoyed the 5 course dinner and drink pairings. I was happy to be wallpaper for the event. Two guests from South America sat right next to the piano - I was so happy that they were quite complimentary about the music. Luckily the storms didn’t hit until later that night. I love watching wild weather roll by. When the sirens went off around 1:30am Tom and I were still awake. So, responsible adults that we are, we stood out in the yard and watched. The wind and rain were mild by us, but what a smashing thunder & lightning show!
It’s one thing to appreciate the awesome power of nature – but the off the charts weather and climate events experienced around the world are terrifying. We were so relieved that our family in Germany are all fine. Several live close to the area of catastrophic and deadly flooding. Climate change is real and mitigation should be a top priority. It is an existential threat. As is the continuing pandemic - which has a simple, free, and easily accessible solution that too many people still refuse, often in the name of ‘freedom’. This misguided ignorance is astonishing to me. Yes, if you are young and healthy your risk may be low. But a shot virtually guarantees that you will not die or be hospitalized. The virus will spread until a majority finally decides to get vaccinated. The Delta variant is much more contagious - and we already know what will follow. Needless deaths and severe illness. We can stop it.
To end on a happier note, July was a month of fun with friends and celebrations, including a wedding, my father in law’s 80th birthday party, lunches, live music, and art workshop planning. I fear that the live events with big crowds are in danger of being curtailed again, so I was very happy to enjoy these occasions. I’ll be sticking more to outside and distanced activities again. And probably masking up indoors. Tom has a full calendar of gigs including several stints with Cold Sweat and the Brew City Horns at State Fair and Summerfest. He’ll be doing strolling magic at Greendale Village Days on Aug 15. If you are looking for another fun line up - Konkel Park has concerts, movies, trivia nights, a beer garden and other entertainment. Enjoy what you can.
Keep hanging in there. Stay Safe. Be smart.
Anita
ArtByAnita / FusionFotoArt / PianoByAnita / WebsitesByAnita / Instagram
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Tom & Me / Dad & Moose / Evening primroses magically open at sunset! / Art show at Liberty Financial Group, Brookfield / Mom, Suzy & Steve
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Brazilian Luau w Chef Ana / my keyboard / main course / flyer design
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Petra's German feast w moms / Paint jobs: add lavender, remove yellow
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Anita Burgermeister, eclectic independent artist in Milwaukee ~ creator of fine art, photography, faux finishes, murals, websites & more. Sharing musings or news about creative people & events in art, music, magic, dance, dining, film, writing, city life & more. Hope you enjoy and read often!
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