Arts – Blondie Birdie

“A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others…”

November 11, 2019November 17, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning and Happy Monday, everyone!

It’s a short work-week for me as I have Wednesday through Friday off- and for good reason! Troy and I will be venturing back to Boston on Wednesday to see Hozier perform at the Wang Theatre (and reuniting with my dear friend Steven, who is currently on tour with him-) and then the remainder of the week will be spent resting, recuperating, and more than likely redecorating my apartment for the holidays. Sadly, it’s time to put the Fall decor away and swap it out for some Christmas stuff, instead!

But, needless to say- having to be at work today and tomorrow instead of getting a jump on my mini-vacation has me going a little stir crazy.

I was filled with similar energy yesterday, as well- despite it being cold and gray outside- and I took the afternoon to locate something I had only recently discovered while scrolling through one of those “bizarre things to do in your area!” clickbait advertisements/articles (which actually ended up being pretty helpful!)

I had never known about the “Tin Man of Goshen” or the Three Sisters Sanctuary– but once I read about it- I knew I had to see it for myself. The land, over eight acres at this point- is an ever-evolving art installation filled with huge metal sculptures, intricate glass work and straw figurines.

I had started my adventure at the sanctuary on my own after finding it tucked away off the road side- but Troy surprised me by making an appearance shortly after my arrival, as well- and together we explored the winding installations. It was lovely- made even more so by the fact that we were the only two people there apart from some workers who were tending to the land.

As always, I took plenty of photos. You can click to enlarge any of the images below!

It was really, really neat- and unlike anything I expected.

A little later on this week I’ll have another Autumnal/Thanksgiving-inspired recipe to share before I head off to the city for a couple of days of wild, early-Winter fun- and the full recap of that adventure should be up by Friday if I’m not too exhausted!

As always, enjoy the start of your week, everybody! Stay warm and stay strong!

Friday will be here before we know it!

– Ashley –

2 Spooky 4 U

October 25, 2019November 3, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning and Happy Friday, everyone!

After battling a 24 hour stomach bug for most of yesterday (I still managed to get a lot done despite feeling pretty awful at random intervals throughout the day,) I’m looking forward to getting some work done at my office today, retreating to my family’s home for a quiet night in with my mom and my dog- and heading to bed early! I need to get my strength up for Halloween next week, after all!

This past Wednesday night- some friends and I from work decided to get into the spooky season spirit with a beloved New England tradition- and we stopped by Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island for their annual Jack-O-Lantern Display Spectacular.

The trail, which winds through a waterfront section of the zoo- features thousands of intricately carved and painted pumpkins, Every year also has a different theme (decades, pop culture, historical moments, etc.) that artists base their designs around. This year it was the different seasons- as well as side themes of notable conservationists and a nod to Stan Lee & Marvel.

You can see some of the photos I snapped below. Click to enlarge any of them for a better view!

I had an absolute blast, and the weather held up nicely so it was great to take some extra time to really look at everything without freezing.

Before leaving, we made sure to grab some hot apple cider and kettle corn popcorn for the road- and then it was all the way back to the Valley for me!

Next week, the posting schedule will be a short one given that Halloween falls on Thursday- but I’ll have some of my favorite things from this past month up to share with you all on Tuesday- and a look back on this most wild and fun of Octobers as a whole with my “In a Nutshell” post!

But until then, enjoy your weekend ahead! I’m off to get some work done!

– Ashley –

Late Night Watch…

August 9, 2019August 18, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Evening and Happy Friday, everyone! We made it to another weekend!

Today’s post is, obviously, being published much later in the day than usual- and for good reason. I pulled a (near) all-nighter last night that was simply sensational and worth the current groggy, foggy feeling I’ve got going on. I’m going to sleep beautifully tonight!

After dodging some late-afternoon/early-evening thunderstorms and micro-bursts in the Valley yesterday on my way home from my office- it was off to another delicious and beautiful meal with Troy at Galaxy in Easthampton– which is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to hang out and stuff my face.

And, I won’t lie- I got a little tipsy-topsy on the most delicious rum and coconut cocktail ever. I’m going to miss all the Summer-themed drinks come September/October!

Hours later, long after I sobered up and well past midnight- I headed around the corner from my apartment to drop by and visit friends who were hosting an all-night art/photography exhibit in Bank Row in Greenfield.

Over the weekend, someone(s) ripped down and destroyed stunning portraits that were hanging downtown of local legend, drag queen- and absolutely wonderful and talented human being- Joe Dulude II. The portraits were bright, fun, and livened up the area- and their destruction caused a lot of distress to those who know/knew Joe and are familiar with the work he does for, and the joy he brings to the community.

Last night, as a sign of resilience- multiple portraits of Joe in drag (all done by the same incredible photographer who had taken the ones that had been vandalized) were projected on the side of the former First National Bank where the originals had once hung. The impromptu art installation lasted all night- wrapping up this morning- and when I stopped by at nearly 1 a.m. the party was still going strong.

It was wonderful to see everyone, talk, laugh, admire the photos- and say hello to other night owls that were passing by. It was such a positive outcome for such a negative and destructive act.

Next week on the blog, I’m talking Summer Slam, makeup, and recapping an upcoming visit to one of my favorite New England stops during the Summer!

Here’s wishing you all a wonderful weekend ahead. I’ll see you all again on Monday!

– Ashley –

“If you leave the light on- then I’ll leave the light on…”

August 2, 2019August 9, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning and Happy Friday, everyone! We did it! The week is pretty much over!

Have you ever had a day/night that was so perfect- just a whirlwind of excitement, unexpected moments, picturesque scenery, incredible company and, if you’re lucky- a fantastic soundtrack to back all of it up- that when the night is over you can’t sleep because you just don’t want any of it to end?

I’ve had a few nights like that throughout my life- but this past Tuesday night was definitely one of them and a really wonderful way to wrap up July.

I’ve never been to MASS MoCA before- which is now a good 45 minutes away from me as opposed to the 2+ hours away it was before I moved. So, when Troy extended an invitation last week for me to come see Maggie Rogers perform there this past Tuesday night- I jumped at the chance. The weather was going to be beautiful (I’ll get to that momentarily) and there’s really nothing quite like spending a beautiful Summer night listening to good music in a new place and with someone you absolutely cherish who can make you laugh ’til it hurts. It’s magic.

The drive to MASS MoCA took us through a portion of the Mohawk Trail- which was absolutely incredible. I’m pretty sure I stayed glued to my window like someone who had never seen rocks and trees before but it was breathtaking and exploring more of it is definitely on my “Summer 2019 Bucket List” now.

The stage/show itself was set in an outdoor courtyard looking area of the museum- between a series of wings of contemporary art. It was a really unique setup that provided great surround sound as we settled in and watched the opening band. It *also* provided a pretty good few of a storm that was starting to roll in from the distance.

By the time Maggie took the stage, we had what looked like a heat lightning storm looming overhead. It didn’t look/feel dangerous- almost like fireworks- but we had been warned that if things started to take a turn for the worse, the show would be delayed until everyone got the okay to return to their designated seating/standing areas.

Sure enough- the storm got worse mid-set, and we were told we’d have to take refuge in the museum until it blew over. We were ushered into one of the wings just as the torrential downpour started- with way more severe lightning.

But, we’re not quitters- we never have been- and we used the time to walk around the wing of the museum we were being kept in (so I essentially got to see some art for free- always appreciated!) before the Powers That Be deemed it was safe enough to go back outside. Maggie, bless her heart- was a trooper and finished her set spectacularly even with some light drizzle and fog. It was incredible.

And even though I was feeling pretty tired while working from home on Wednesday morning- and certainly looked a little haggard pre-coffee- it was without question one of the best nights of 2019 thus far and I’m so, so thankful to Troy for bringing me along for the experience.

While I didn’t have my “professional” camera on me (it’s so heavy!) I did manage to snap some photos throughout the chaos with my phone. You know the drill- click on a photo to enlarge!

I’m thinking of heading to MASS MoCA on the next rainy day to see the rest of the museum since I was so captivated by the wing I had been hiding out during the storm. I’m itching to see what else there is to check out!

But for now- I’m off to get started on my work day. Tomorrow afternoon I’ll be hosting my usual 12-4 show on Indie617 before I head on over to Salem for a performance and prepare for a little post-show pampering Sunday morning!

See you all again on Monday. Have a great weekend!

– Ashley –

A Day at Green River Festival…

July 15, 2019July 25, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning and Happy Monday, everyone!

I’ve taken a personal day from work today. Originally, I had plans with some friends to head down to the Cape for the morning/afternoon- however our schedules and respective obligations caused a delay and the trip is now postponed until further notice.

Today also happens to be the anniversary of my dad’s passing- which is always a pretty difficult day to get through- so I’m opting to keep busy and spend the day with my mom so we don’t have to be alone in our memories and grief. We’re going to do some shopping and dining out in my neighborhood- which I’m excited for.

I’m also low-key recovering from stopping by the Green River Festival yesterday and roasting under the sun for a few hours. The festival, a 3-day music/art/cultural celebration- is only a couple of miles away from my new apartment- so parking and reaching the festival on foot were no problem at all. It was a beautiful and sunny Sunday afternoon- and while I’d heard of the festival in the past- I’ve never had to opportunity to go and enjoy it for myself until now.

I saw some fantastic performances, ate some great food, and shopped some local vendors in-between ducking into the shade and snapping some photos.

If you’d like to see bigger versions, simply click!

My favorite find of the day came courtesy of Taproot Threads, based out of my town. All of the artwork featured on their pieces is hand-drawn, and printed on fair-trade garments with water-based ink. The material is soft, lightweight and cozy- and I’m wearing this t-shirt today when I go to spend time with my mom!

Look at how lovely the illustration is up-close!

It was such a great day, and next year I may try to go for all three days (Friday-Sunday. With my work schedule this year, yesterday was the only day I could pull off!)

With many local businesses now going into post-festival “recovery mode”- I anticipate it will be quiet day around the neighborhood. The perfect opportunity to rest and relax.

But I need coffee and I need it now- so I’m off! Here’s wishing you all a good start to your work-week. I’ll be back on Wednesday!

– Ashley –