Tonight at 7:00, I’m at the Barron Arts Center in Woodbridge for Poets Wednesday. The poet tonight is Chris Rockwell, a favorite of mine.
He’s leading a poetry workshop and then reading his own work. I’m very excited about this!
~Melissa
The Jersey Girl
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I hate to start out another blog post reflecting on how busy I’ve been, but yet again, that is the case! Readers, I know you’re busy too…especially with this holiday season upon us. But, hopefully it is a “good busy” for you, as it is for me.
Here is a quick list of things happening in and around NJ that are my current equivalent of “Doorbells and slaybells and schnitzel with noodles.”
Holiday Music!
Driving to and from a very busy itinerary these days, I’m happy to tune in and listen to the holiday music on Magic 98.3 (WMGQ). They’ve been playing holiday music since just before Thanksgiving, and it’s helped me get into the spirit this season. When you’re in the mood to jingle bell rock, or chill out with Frosty, Magic 98.3 is ready too.
Barron Arts Center
After finally getting to check (a really large and back-logged stack of) my mail yesterday afternoon, I saw that one of my favorite NJ poets, Chris Rockwell, is going to be at the Barron Arts Center in January! I absolutely love that venue – it’s simple and has a lot of history, and when you attend an exhibit or see a show there, you really feel a special connection to the art and artists.
The Punk Rock Flea Market
Last weekend, friends from PA invited me to go with them to the Punk Rock Flea Marketin Philadelphia. There, 300 vendors sold anything from old records and clothes, to original art and music, to food and furniture. It was a cross between a traditional flea market and a craft fair. It was a blast. After the show, I learned that there was a similar event held last spring and will likely be one again this spring. If you love flea markets – whether you’re punk or not – you should check it out. (There will be a more detailed follow-up or two about this event and some of the artists we encountered there on Notes on the State of New Jerseysoon.)
Keep busy and have fun!
~Melissa
The Jersey Girl
What should I do?
Every school year is busy for me, but for some reason this year schoolwork seems to be keeping me busier than usual! It seems like there is less time than ever to find time for writing. I’m thinking that if, perhaps, I got the iPad 2 I might be able to post a little easier on the go.
Anyone blogging from an iPad out there? How do you like it?
Even with a full-time (and then some!) schedule at school, I can always find time for good food here in New Jersey. In the last few days, I’ve visited some of my preferred casual dining spots like the Wasabi House in East Brunswick for my favorite Tapple Roll (tuna, spicy mayo, and apple – yum!) and the Americana Diner in East Windsor (Jersey is known for our diners, after all).
The Americana Diner in East Windsor (photo from http://www.americanadiner.com)
Later this week, I’m looking forward to visiting the grand opening of Elan’s Catering, a new wedding venue in Lodi – and I’m sure there will be plenty of great food to sample there! Then next week brings a relaxing evening at the Barron Arts Center in Woodbridge for a performance by Tom Brislin. Can’t wait!
What are you up to?
~Melissa
The Jersey Girl
Today’s Picture Perfect photo is one I took while at an art exhibit, at the Barron Arts Center in Woodbridge, showcasing beautifully crafted hooked rugs with a New Jersey theme. The entire feature about this exhibit will be posted shortly. In the mean time, please enjoy this photo of a rug called “SUNSET at the JERSEY SHORE” that was hooked by Debbie Walsh of Cranford, NJ and designed by Norma Batastini…
Hooked rug, "SUNSET at the JERSEY SHORE" by Debbie Walsh
Walsh is happy to share a little background about how her rug was made and where she found the inspiration: “This rug is based on a photo that I took of my two daughters at the beach in Wildwood Crest many years ago. I began hooking this rug at a rug school at the Chalfonte Hotel in Cape May. Some mixed media materials have been used in addition to hand dyed wool.”
~Melissa
The Jersey Girl
The Jersey Girl 