We're leaving on a midnight train to Georgia...

(ok, it was more like a morning ride in a pickup truck, but you get the idea)

The timing worked out great for Tina, Tanya and I to road trip to Atlanta, to meet Amy and Dave who were vacationing at Amy's best friend Joy's house. Following 4 days of fun in Asheville, we hopped in Willie, Tanya's new Toyota, and meandered through the mountains to the sunny lands of Atlanta. And with the exception of a grocery store run, we didn't leave the Sandifer's palace. It was beautiful and relaxing and absolutely fabulous! What a fun reunion of friends who would normally be hanging out in New Hampshire, but instead of cheap wine and snowbanks, it was blender drinks poolside in the sun. Thanks Joy and Greg for hosting us...it was wonderful!
Who's on gaycation? We are!

Last batch o' Asheville pics

Interactive street mural project. (I added in the red swirly vines)

The first band we saw: The Lions of Jah. Fabulous! Human street statue: put a dollar in his bucket and he dispenses candy. Yay! It's a street fest!
How can you not take a picture of that on a warm summer night? Mmmm.
This was our feast at Tupalo Honey, an organic cafe downtown. Everything was so fresh, so green and grown locally!
Larry took every chance he could to order grits. (I wasn't a believer before, but I'm coming around). Featured next to the cheddar covered grits is one huge (and delicious) sweet potato pancake with granola. This place had peach infused butter--amazing!

Onto our next food adventure: the quest for delicious sushi. Oh yes, we found it. This maki is rolled in mango with a tangy sauce. (The food here was nothing less than amazing, but the experience at this restaurant was a memorable one, thanks to our new drunken buddy, Court, from Florida. He kept making air fists and shouting, "it's good to be alive!")Random table art made by yours truly.

Our search for more sushi continued. Hey, what's this? A Number 9 Roll? Okay! (I took it as a sign from the universe, since #9 is my favorite beer and all, though it may have been a stretch. Still, it didn't dissapoint.)Close-up of the #9 roll...yum!This was quite inspiring. My friend Roy hooked me up with a tour of local artist Ben Betsalel's art studio in the River Arts District. Ahhh...what a beautiful and creative space!Definitely, definitely the best vacation...ever. :) I can't wait to go back!

Asheville, part deux.

More pics from my vacation:

I danced with some of the locals...I was the lucky one chosen from the crowd to assist this (very handsome) magician for the old "ball and cup" trick. My job: hold his balls. :)
This was one of the places we stayed: Bed of Roses B&B. It was a reasonably priced, beautiful stay, complete with a jacuzzi, yummy breakfasts and fancy robes. "Hey Larry...sit on that couch and pretend that you are smoking a pipe."

The community's response to an anti-gay protest: a silver Sharpie and some scrap cardboard. (Note the dude in the back holding the sign that reads "homorepressed" to the left of the bible-reading guy with the megaphone).
"Hey, Larry, do you think I should buy these rad glasses?"
"They make you look like a bug."
Pure coincidence: Larry was standing to the right of the Thirsty Monk sign.
(No, he's not really a monk)
This was probably the best musical find: Ménage.
They were a powerhouse trio of women who rocked the stage!
Get on THIS bus? Okay! This was our ride to the Wailers show; the inside was decked out in red velvet, cool ceiling murals and guitar player! I love this place!

What I did on my summer vacation...

I just got back from the most amazing vacation...ever. Asheville, NC. It's wacky, it's creative, it's musical and alive! I was there for the Bele Chere music festival (where I am going to be a vendor next year, selling my art!), and had the time of my life. I took so many pictures, so I'll have to do this in pieces. Ahhh...it was so amazing!This was the Sky Lounge, overlooking the city

I was able to meet up with my old friend, Roy while in town

New Asheville buddies: Caroline and Hamish

The weather was gorgeous: sunny and 85-90 degrees with a beautiful, light breeze

Color, color everywhere!

Swirly streets! :)

Late night adventure to a restaurant (best fried homemade mozzarella!), where I spotted a wall of Jonas Gerard originals.

The city is famous for its beautiful, well-preserved architechture

This just made me smile. The whole vacation made me smile. A lot. :)