A Walldog Named Don.

Silver Platters in Queen Anne

Lucky for Seattle, Don Rockwell is teaching us some old tricks. This local "walldog" wants you to join his pack this summer, as he paints “The History and Legends of Gospel, Jazz, Blues and Rock & Roll." This is no small task, mind you. Here's a quick visual-- the canvas is a 12'ft high by 80'ft long wall, and will feature legendary greats like Charles A Tindley, Chuck Berry, and Jimi Hendrix. Tail wagging? Read on. 

I've often wondered about the ambitiously painted, dazzling billboards scattered around the city's funkiest spaces. You can't help but admire the "cool factor" mastered on the exterior of Seattle places like Silver Platters, a music and movie store located in lower Queen Anne.  When I recently connected with Don Rockwell, a Seattle muralist, he opened up my eyes to the underground band of artists called "walldogs" that have been painting the sides of brick buildings, barns and outdoor structures for decades around the country.  Does it seem impossible to join the ranks of these old school artists?  Not so, thanks to the don of the dogs...

Adele's album, painted by Rockwell.

This summer, Rockwell will host a series of "mural camps," where participants will learn the fundamentals of creating a mural from conception to completion.  Rallying at Silver Platters, Rockwell's campers will undertake the enormous task of painting history's greatest music heroes, in an outdoor workshop that is sure to catch the attention of the community and then some. There are three sessions available (each session lasts four days), so check out his website or give him a call if you're interested in joining the creative crew. What an incredible opportunity to learn from a master muralist, make art and try your paw as a "walldog."  I can't wait to see this collaborative effort take shape this summer.  Here's some straight bark from the leader of Seattle's pack: "The only mistake is not trying."  So roll up your sleeves and get out there!

A few links for more information:  

Mural Camp: www.rockwellartstudios.com/MuralCampHome.aspx 

Don Rockwell: www.rockwellartstudios.com/Home.aspx

Silver Platters: www.silverplatters.com

Walldogs: www.muralmuseum.com

Irish Insanity in Chi-town

It's St. Patty's Day, and I'm from Chicago.  I'm also from a good old Irish Catholic family, which typically translates to, "I come from a family that likes to have a good time..."  I come by it honestly.  Honestly.  Until I moved away from the Midwest, I didn't think anything about the fact the city of Chicago actually dyes its river the color "green" in March.  Don't believe me?  Check it out: greenchicagoriver.com.  The whole city goes nuts for this holiday.  I've been raised to go nuts for this holiday.  Here's a perfect example-- one year I convinced my Greek/Italian husband that dyeing our pool green in Southern California was a good idea.  This was after I cooked 40 pounds of corned beef in our 1300 sqft home for our annual party.  Needless to say, I typically pass on this dish this time of year.

From left, off celebrating somewhere: Megan, Mary Catherine (Katie), 
Marguerite (Maggie), Melinda (Molly), Maureen (Mo), Maribeth (Mom)

My name is Kathleen Elizabeth, and my siblings are named Michael Timothy and Rorey Elizabeth.  Most people in my family are named Michael, Patrick, Patricia, John Patrick, John Michael or just Jack, along with a couple Brian's and Danny's thrown in for good measure.  My Aunt Patty is actually named Patricia John-- go figure!  Oh yeah- and I have a younger cousin also named Kathleen Carroll (she is adorable, charming and witty, no bias), which gets me wondering if her middle name is Elizabeth too...  My mom has six siblings: Maureen, Maribeth (mom), Marguerite, Michael, Molly, Mary Catherine and Megan. The "M sisters" all live within a 15 mile radius of one another, and they are mostly Irish twins.  On top of that, they look like one another and sound exactly the same.  Exhausted yet?  I often wonder how my Grandma Patsy and Grandpa Jack survived.  I never wonder, however, why my Uncle Mike moved away. :)  I even have a grandma named Carole Carroll, who was married to my grandpa named John but went by Bill.  It seems like we're lacking creative naming in my brood.  Don't even get me started on my second and third cousins because we'd be counting into the hundreds.

Chris, Sofia & Gus, toasting to you!  Henry Michael, our child who looks Greekish but bears 
the only semi-Irish name of our offspring, must be off practicing his Gaelic dance moves. 

I love my crazy family and miss being home, particularly today.  I won't disappoint, though!  Chris and I have our fridge stocked with all the dysfunctional accoutrements of the great St. Patrick.  And even though my kids carry the last name "Kalafatis," I've raised them to believe they are 95% Irish-- Erin go Bragh!


Great links:
http://www.chicagostpatsparade.com/
http://oldstpats.org/
http://www.greenchicagoriver.com/

Irish Eyes Are Smiling

Happy Birthday, Michael.  Your amazing spirit lives in all of us. xooxox

As a toddler

Snowboarding

Three's Trouble

Uncle Mikey

California Living

Irish Eyes

There will be a mass offered in Michael's memory at Old St. Pat's (Chicago) on Sunday, March 13th at 11:15 am, followed by a St. Patrick's Day celebration. Information can be found @www.oldstpats.org. Huge hugs and lots of love from the Carroll family. xoxoxo