Hash Brown at Cadillac on 29th...

MSM Trio at Cadillac on Thursday night...

The great turkey fry...one down and two to go...

Getting ready for Christmas Day here at the Gulch...

Miss Marcy at Cadillac on Friday night...

Christmas has come to McKinney...down on the square...

This last weekend was Second Saturday weekend in McKinney and downtown was buzzin'! If you have never been to one of these its worth the effort...

Saturday night at Cadillac...testing a new lens...

Shooting at the Gulch on Monday afternoon...playing with the possibilities...

Quinten Hope and guest performer at Cadillac Friday night...this is an awesome band...

Winter has arrived early to north Texas...but so far nothin but rain rain and more rain...we have already had the day's high though and temps are fallin, and snow to the west of here...my guess: It will be a non-event...

Ah yes...I knew it was to good to be true...we are gonna have a little winter this year...freeze is on the way... sometime in next few days...

From another adventure with Norm wandering around the countryside looking for interesting things to shoot...

No Kidding!

"Patchy areas of fog...some locally dense with visibilities below 1 mile along and east of Interstate 35...will continue through mid morning or 9 am CST. Take necessary precautions if traveling across the eastern half of North Texas this morning. If you do encounter any localized dense fog...always use low beams and allow extra time to reach your destination this Holiday weekend."

The view down the street towards the courthouse this AM...

As we go into this busy holiday season the guys in the little red house wish each and every one of you a Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy time with families, but most importantly drink responsibly and drive safely...

Yesterday was a really nice day here, so Norm and I went on an adventure looking for cool things to shoot...did not find a lot, but some...

Hmmmm...Got film, got beer...looking for food...need sustenance....

Morning ritual: answer phone calls and check blog, drink coffee, smoke...

Somehow I do not think this is the whole story, but might be a good place to start...

Texas is a state steeped in rich traditions...and we take our way of life, our oil and our cattle seriously here...

Saturday nights = party time!

"Shelter from the storm"... the other night...

Found close to Princeton...

Relic from an old barn near Westminster, TX...

Out on Hwy 546...

More from the other day:

McKinney, Texas – November 2, 2006

Art Exhibit “Los Dias de los Muertos - The Days of the Dead” at Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte

Los Dias de los Muertos, the Days of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday honoring the dead. It is not a sad time, but instead a time of remembering and rejoicing.

Celebrate this magical time as Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’ Arte welcomes back artist extraordinaire and gallery friend, Kim Lanus, with a gallery reception on Saturday,
November 11, 2006 from 7pm to 10pm.

Lanus has created a series of paintings that feature “Katrina,” her patron image of Los Dias de los Muertos. In addition to the “Katrina” series, Lanus will also debut several new paintings inspired by the famous Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo.

Lanus’ paintings are created on tin and wood in the old retablos and Italian style of painting. All pieces are sealed for longevity. Lanus’ collectors include former ABC anchorman, Sam Donaldson and President George W. Bush.

The gallery will be swaying to the sounds from salsa band, Watusi World Beat. Co-sponsors of the celebration are BLING!, Cadillac Pizza Pub, D’Vine Wine, Main Street McKinney, Market Street, Market Square Antiques, and Poppy’s Garden Café. Admission is free, so grab some friends and join this lively celebration of the arts and the community.

For further information, contact Galleria d’Arte at 469.742.9509 or visit us online at www.carriegarner.com.

Shooting with Scooby Roo on Monday we found the coolest old rusted out Ford Truck...

Shooting at the old mill with Norm and Leslie last weekend:

Saturday Morning rambling: First of all Halloween is approaching and lets all remember to use good common sense when letting the kids trick or treat ~ a good place to start would be Scare on The Square - in downtown McKinney October 31, 2006 - 4 p.m. - 6 p.m...There will likely be all kinds of ghosts and goblins down there for the little people to enjoy! And its probably a lot safer than a lot of other places they could Trick or Treat...

Kiran and his daughter Kasie and I went over to Cadillac last night to eat a bite and drink a few beers, and I used to opportunity to experiment with some different ISO settings on the digi, and caught the first set of a group called The Neighbors Band - good stuff - go hear them sometime if you have a chance. Its all good when you can go somewhere, eat something, drink a few beers, and crawl home across the parking lot if you have to, and still get some decent pictures...makes for an all around enjoyable evening out...and ya don't even have to drive...

We have a new addition to our family. Kaylee June Marie Simmons is finally here, a little early and not without some difficulties, but both she and mom seem to be doing pretty well for now...

If you're looking for a good time go to Cadillac Pizza Pub!...If you're looking for a fun place to take the family for pizza, go to Cadillac Pizza Pub where kids are always welcome till 9PM...If you're looking to meet some new and interesting people and listen to some great music then go to Cadillac Pizza Pub...If you wanna watch Monday Night Football on widescreen and enjoy some brewskies with friends, then Cadillac Pizza Pub is the place for you...it's McKinney's newest, coolest, place to be...You just never know who you might run into down there...

McKinney, Texas – October 5, 2006

Art Exhibit “Tutto Bene!” at Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte

Gallery owner and resident artist, Carrie Cameron Garner, takes center stage as her newest creations are debuted at an art reception "Tutto Bene!" Loosely translated, tutto bene means “it’s all good” so say arrivederci to your troubles and buongiorno to celebration. The exhibit debuts on Saturday, October 14, from 7pm to 10pm at Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte in downtown McKinney. The full exhibit will be on display from October 14, 2006 to November 9, 2006.

The artist’s newest creations feature Tuscany-influenced images. Working in the oil sculpture technique, each of Cameron-Garner’s oil paintings embrace bold, rich colors and heavy textures. She cites the works of Cezanne and Van Gogh as major influences, as well as close friend and mentor, JD Miller, of Reflection FineArt Gallery in Dallas. Cameron-Garner also credits color specialist Liz Richardson of the William Merit Chase School as integral in developing her style.

To quote the artist, “Art is a passion…it’s my passion…it’s my escape. To watch a painting come to life on the canvas is exciting and almost magical.” Join us in the gallery to enjoy a glass of wine and to listen to the soulful sounds of The Quentin Hope Trio as together we share an evening filled with the excitement and magic of art.

A lifetime resident of McKinney, Cameron-Garner is also a co-founder of the LoveLife Foundation, an organization for at-risk children to which she devotes much of her time as well as to other charitable endeavors. A portion of sales from the evening with be donated to the Art Institute of McKinney Scholarship Fund for at-risk children though the LoveLife Foundation.

Co-sponsors of the celebration are Alternative Furnishings, BLING!, Cadillac Pizza Pub, D’Vine Wine,
Main Street McKinney, Market Street, Orisons Fine Art & Framing, Poppy’s Garden Café, and Vim Studio.

For further information, contact Galleria d’Arte at 469.742.9509 or visit us online at www.carriegarner.com.

Cadillac Pizza Pub is open for business!! Located at 112 S. Kentucky Street in downtown McKinney, Cadillac Pizza Pub features scrumptious brick oven pizza, drinks, and live music. Be sure to join the excitement as McKinney welcomes its newest and HOTTEST spot, just off the square in historic McKinney.

Phone: 972.547.DUDE

More from Firewater...Has been a highly unproductive week photographically speaking...

October DPS Meeting:

We will be getting together on Sunday October 22nd at 2:00. Bring three
prints to share - Chris Regas will be joining us to discuss the classes he
offers and to participate in the photo sharing - Chris is a long time
professional B&W photographer who is represented by Afterimage and has work
in a number of museums across the US.

We will meet at DPS north - in McKinney

Thursday night at Firewater in Dallas...a gathering of the Dallas contingent of TPF...

McKinney, Texas – September 14, 2006

Alternative Furnishings Receives New Shipment....

Alternative Furnishings is proud to announce the arrival of its new shipment of unique, artistic home and office décor, such as architectural antiques and antique furniture. These items are hand-carved and hand-painted by the artisans of old.

Alternative Furnishings is located on the square in downtown McKinney at 100 E. Louisiana Street where you will find unusual antique architectural accents for your home.

As a result of this new shipment, Alternative Furnishings will sell wholesale to the trade as well as retail to the public.

BACKGROUND: Alternative Furnishings’ hours are Monday thru Saturday, 10am to 5pm and by appointment. To schedule an appointment please call 972.562.0716.

Some of the renovation work going on at the old Cotton Gin in McKinney..

A truly strange thing happened here in McKinney over the weekend...it RAINED! I say strange because we have not gotten a lot of that in north Texas for awhile, and drought conditions are rampant throughout the area...so this latest soaking rain was a welcome sight...it also brought relief from the oppresive high temperatures for a few days, something else that was welcomed...

An experiment in terror so to speak, just to prove that before there were digital cameras there were actually people who handmade prints...often times working many hours a day...

“The Living Language of Art”

Internationally acclaimed artist, Jenik Cook, will be celebrated at an art exhibit hosted by Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte in McKinney, Texas. Jenik’s exhibit premiers on Saturday, September 9, 2006, from 7pm to 10pm and will be on display through October 11, 2006.

Jenik is best described as a contemporary artist. She is a painter in the tradition of such visual theorists as Gorky, Kandinsky, and Motherwell. Absorbing and processing a vast range of material, from ancient languages to modern painting movements, her works convey a sense of confidence over her broad spectrum of experience.

Educated in Europe, the Middle East and the United States, and for many years an art educator herself, Jenik is an artist whose work speaks with a direct spontaneity that instantly registers an aesthetic buoyancy in the heart of the viewer. Her work is of a distinctive originality which combines a deep understanding of contemporary artistic techniques and values.

In July, 2005, Jenik was presented the Special Certificate of Congressional Recognition for outstanding and invaluable service to the community. Most recently, Jenik was awarded Italy’s Michelangelo Award for painting. The Michelangelo Award is presented annually to individuals from a variety of disciplines including painting, music and film.

Live entertainment by The Texas Gypsies, coupled with wine and snacks, ensures this to be a very special evening. Co-sponsors of the celebration are Alternative Furnishings, BLING!, Cadillac Pizza Pub, D’Vine Wine, Market Street,

Main Street McKinney, Orsions Fine Art & Framing, Poppy’s Garden Café,
and Vim Studio.

For further information, contact Galleria d’Arte at 469.742.9509 or visit us online at www.carriegarner.com.

OK...its time to start blogging again...have been very lax as of late...



Taken on one my walks around town after dark...Go and visit Jim and his staff and have a great meal with live music on weekends...in the open air...

Well...heres something for us all to keep an eye on for a few days...Tropical Storm Ernesto...looking like its going to be first GOM serious storm of the season...has potential folks!

11 days in a row and counting over 100 here in Dallas area...now the tenth hottest summer on record...and still have half of August and all of September to go...our furkid has found the answer though...she has adopted her position of responsibility until cool weather approaches...

“Windows of the Soul” a huge success at Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte

Though only his first professional art exhibit, Justin Hunt’s paintings were a smash success at July’s “Second Saturday” celebration hosted by Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte on July 9, 2006.

Co-sponsored by Alternative Furnishing, BLING!, D’Vine Wine and Poppy;s Garden Café, Galleria d’Arte welcomed over 450 gallery guests to enjoy Hunt’s “Windows of the Soul” exhibit. The exhibit was a sell out, with Hunt taking many orders for commissioned pieces. Painting subjects featured Willie Nelson, The Beatles, Janis Joplin, and Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash to name a few.

Galleria d’Arte is proud to include Hunt as a permanent, resident artist so a limited number of his works will always be available exclusively at Galleria d’Arte.

The gallery was buzzing with a wide variety of gallery guests –everyone from seasoned art collectors to first-time guests. The atmosphere was alive with super-charged energy and a contagious feeling of good cheer. Experience a “Second Saturday” art reception for yourself; “Blues N’ Booze“is Galleria d’Arte’s next reception on Saturday, August 12, and features original paintings by Jonathon Kimbrell of Napkin Art Studios. Visit www.carriegarner .com, and click on the “Current Event” section for reception specifics.

I wanted to invite you to a gallery opening we are having featuring some of
my Photography work and the work of 15 of my photography buddies "The Dead
Photographers Society"
The event starts at 7:00 on Saturday August 12th
Location: Hue Gallery is located in the old Mansfield Post Office, c. 1892.
130 N Main Mansfield, TX.

Drag races at Caddo Mills, 22 July, 2006...loads of fun...

UPCOMING EVENT

"Click" - An Exposure Dallas premier photography event.

Friday, June 30, 2006
7:00pm - 10:00pm

D'vine Wine McKinney
101. N. Kentucky
McKinney, TX
Admission is free

Photography by Jeff Clow, Wade Griffith, Rachel Knickmeyer,
David Kozlowski, Niels Lund, Shane McDaniel, Rod Morris
and Jason Silverstein

“Windows of the Soul”

It is a rare occurrence when some one so young can creatively touch your soul, but that is exactly what Justin Hunt does.

Residing in McKinney, Texas, Hunt utilizes glass windows and tins as his canvasses. With oil pastels and acrylics, he combines the use of pop culture and traditional images to create entirely unique expressions of art.

Hunt's work ranges from portraits to abstract impressionism. His paintings express a wide range of color and depth, utilizing a variety of different media in his work. Whether on canvas, glass or tin, the familiar images of Katherine Hepburn, The Beatles and
Janis Joplin will speak to you. Experience Hunt's interpretations of familiar images presented in a fresh, new way.

Carrie Garner's Galleria d'Arte is debuting Hunt's creations in "Windows of the Soul" at a gallery reception on Saturday, July 8, from 7pm to 10pm. The exhibit will be on display from July 7 to August 9, 2006 at Galleria d'Arte.

The soulful sounds of The Quentin Hope Trio will complement the evening's celebration of the arts.

The reception is co-sponsored by Alternative Furnishings, BLING!, D'Vine Wines, and Poppy's Garden Cafe, all located in historic downtown McKinney.

The traveling Viet Nam Veterans Memorial was in Dallas this weekend and today a few of us vets went out pay tribute to our fallen brethren and our respects...from here it will go on to Mission and then on to Houston...this exhibit is truly worth seeing, even if you have no ties to that war, but not many my age do not...

Now this is interesting...we are on water rationing here in Collin County, but while walking around in the area of the square this morning I came across interesting sight at about 11:10, at the corner of Church St and Davis...

Collin County is DRY! We are on water rationing...for yards and such anyway...



We need some thunderstorm action around here pretty bad! The real issue here is that it is only June, and this area seldom gets much rain between now and September or October...could get nasty before summer's end if we do not get any rain in the next few weeks...

Had a short shoot with Dawn over the weekend at the Old Mill...and later found out that they will start charging to use the place for photography...so I feel good that I got the shoot done beforehand...seems like everyone wants some of yer cash these days...its a never ending vicious circle...

FOR THE LOVE OF CHILDREN Benefit Event

Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte proudly presents “For the Love of Children” benefiting Children’s Medical Center Legacy. The evening is a celebration of art, wine, food and friendship. The event will be held on June 22, 2006 from 7pm to 11pm.

Poppy’s Garden Café will host the event at 107 S. Church Street in historic, downtown McKinney. The restaurant’s awarding winning executive chef, Jeff Qualls, has created a special menu, and guests will be treated to a variety of wonderful wines from Stags Leap, Chateau St. Jean, Treana and Liberty School.

Live entertainment by The Maylee Thomas Band ensures the evening will be full of melodic pleasures. Ms. Thomas’ soulful style and powerful voice appeal to a wide audience. Your heart and soul will be touched once you have experienced a performance by The Maylee Thomas Band.

Highlighting the evening are original works of art by several award winning, metroplex artists. Carrie Cameron Garner, Susan Hanson, Kimm Lanus, Michael Longhofer, and JD Miller will share their talents and showcase their creations.

A broad diversity of works in oils, acrylics and mixed media will be displayed throughout the restaurant. A plethora of subjects, ranging from spiritual images to cityscapes, landscapes, and still life, are richly represented by these five talented artists. Each artist has been a featured guest artist at Galleria d’Arte in McKinney, as well as being represented in fine art galleries throughout the United States.

This fabulous evening is generously sponsored by M. Merrill Greer, CFPâ,
Senior Financial Advisor, an Ameriprise Plantium Financial Services ^SM practice.

Children's Medical Center Dallas is one of the largest pediatric providers in the nation and is ranked one of the top 25 pediatric hospitals in the country by U.S.News & World Report. As the primary pediatric teaching facility for the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Children's is the only academic hospital in North Texas dedicated exclusively to the comprehensive care of children from birth to age 18. Private and not-for-profit, Children's is licensed for 406 beds, has more than 50 pediatric sub-specialty ambulatory programs and is the only pediatric hospital in the Southwest with a designated Level I trauma center. The 72-bed Children's Medical Center Legacy is scheduled for completion in 2008 to better serve children in Collin County and the growing region. More information about Children's is available at www.childrens.com. News media may subscribe to receive pediatric health news via the Web site's Media section.

For further information about the “For the Love of Children” event, contact Galleria d’Arte at 469.742.9509.

More from the Austin GTG:

Went on a short safari with some other photographers this weekend...more to follow...

Hmmmm...

McKinney, Texas – June 1, 2006

“THE SWEET RIDE”

Hailing from Austin, Texas, Christine Dial brings her distinctive compositional sculptures to Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte. “The Sweet Ride” will premiere at a reception on Saturday, June 10, 2006 from 7pm to 10pm, and will be on display in the gallery through July 5, 2006.

Throughout her artistic career, Dial has been intrigued by shapes, colors, and textures and the manner in which disparate materials can be fashioned into a coordinated work of art. After fruitfully creating three-dimensional woven wall hangings, Dial progressed into more compositional work, combining paint with fiber and industrial materials.

“The Sweet Ride” is the third progression in a genre that has evolved over the last 10 years. In the first phase, Dial designed and successfully sold wearable art pins, using buttons, laminate, fabric, leather, paint, and vinyl.

The artist cites “The Music Box Series” as the second phase in the progression. As a solicited participant in Austin’s annual Arthouse event, Dial created “The Music Box Series” in which she evolved to incorporating more industrial materials such as chains, springs, grommets, crayons and found objects. Simultaneously, Dial began to frame these various works of the series to increase their multi-dimensional effect.

In 2005, after more than 10 years in the genre, Dial suddenly envisioned art pins and music boxes of much larger proportions. Working on a grander scale and conceptualizing the use of more colors and new materials, Dial discovered hubcaps. Quotes the artist, “There are almost as many old, unusual, and imaginative hubcaps as there are buttons.” Using table saws and drill presses, Dial shapes wood that serves as a strong backing, then laminates the wood and arranges the shapes, ultimately applying color and installing the hubcap and other unusual items to complete the sculpture.

“The Sweet Ride” is a truly unique and exciting expression of art. We look forward to seeing you at Galleria d’Arte as we proudly premier Christine Dial’s creations.

Invigorating live entertainment by the renowned The Texas Gypsies will top off the evening, along with great spirits and gourmet treats.

BACKGROUND: Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte is located in historic downtown McKinney and offers a wide variety of art glass, pottery, and jewelry crafted by local artisans. Galleria d’Arte is the host of “Second Saturdays” where art galleries and other downtown businesses celebrate the arts and the community with live entertainment, spirits, and food.

Galleria d’Arte hours are Tue-Fri, 11am-5pm; Saturday 10am-5pm; Sundays and Mondays by appointment only. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call the gallery at 469-742-9509.

More from the weekend: