Frederick's First Saturday In February Is Fire In Ice

Brrrrr it's cold outside. Freezing. Oh yes, it's nippy out there. One thing that is good for is... ICE. We had planned a Sunday afternoon brunch at Cafe Nola in Frederick Maryland, for February 2nd. A good day to get away from the throngs of purple people eaters we endured the evening before at Ben's gig. Time to enjoy some quality time alone together. Even though it was quite chilly with snow flurries in the air, we happily drove to Frederick. We LOVE this town, it is our little Portlandia. Frederick is filled with great restaurants, cool shops, and continuously celebrates the arts and music with a passion. I lived there for five years, and only left Frederick to be with my husband, in his area of the world. As a matter of fact we first met at good ole Baker Park where his fantastic band "Hectic Red" was playing a Sunday in the Park show. Awesome night! Someday we may find a place in Frederick again, so till then, we go there often as our prime destination for food, fun, and festivals. It's our Fredlandia.

Always full of surprises, we were met by an ice sculpture sitting on the sidewalk as soon as we stepped out of our car. I handed my phone to Ben and asked him to take a photo of it since I had slippery furry gloves on. This sparkling sculpture was of a snowflake with an eye in the center, just sitting there quietly shimmering in front of the 'Unique Optique' store. The name of the ice sculpture is "Eye See Winter." Smiling, off we walked to Cafe Nola.

We enjoyed our delicious brunch at Cafe Nola feeling all toasty and warm inside. I loved my portobello mushroom burger with greens and tomatoes along with a rare special treat of sweet potato fries. Ben had a breakfast of gooey eggs Benedict with steamed spinach, portobello mushrooms, along with mixed greens. He chose garlic mashed potatoes as his side dish. We savored wonderful cups of herb tea as we chatted and enjoyed our lazy morning... ahhhh afternoon... together. As we left the cafe, we decided to walk off our meal and stroll down Patrick and Market Street to enjoy a few of our favorite little shops. We discovered that shining ice sculptures were all over downtown! So cool. Frederick is like that! Check out that fabulous frozen arctic frog!

"Leap Frog" at Velvet Lounge

I have since found out that the day before was 'First Saturday,' and there is an annual ice sculpture event every February in downtown Frederick. I will have to put this on our calendar for next year! Apparently there were 40 ice sculptures, along with live ice carving demonstrations. The town was alive with dancing and numerous other activities put on by the Downtown Frederick Partnership. (Darn I had not checked into my alternate email address for quite some time, which is where I get such notices. I have got to remember that new password, so we don't miss out again!) The gleaming pot of ice tea was so superbly spectacular!

"Iced Tea" at Voila!

I really wanted to know who created all the luminous ice sculptures. An artist deserves credit for their work. The only information I found was that a man named Ira Dixon from 'USA Ice' had done a live ice carving demonstration featuring a dragon, and a statue of Zeus! Unfortunately when we passed the same area the next day, there was just a pile of broken ice remaining on the ground. You can read about that demonstration here and here. Just click on the photos that are part of the newspaper articles and see the artist Ira Dixon doing his thing with chain saws. Perhaps he made all of the sculptures, although I really do not know. 

There was no information on the Downtown Frederick Partnership site as to who the creators of the sculpture were, and as an artist I think that is important information that should be shared. Hopefully they will make a point of doing that next year. If anybody has any further information about any other artists participation in this project I would love to give them credit too. Whether it was the work of one person, or a group, there was some really wonderful creative pieces in this frosty icy show!

"Light Me Up" at Dream House Shop

We did not walk everywhere in town, so these are the photos we took while on Patrick and Market Streets. Some places only had remains of ice sculptures, although enough intact ice sculptures were left to make it feel like a gallery walk. The whole artsy situation matched our brisk walk in the frigid winter air completely. Just love the radiant frozen lamp above, sitting on a skirted side table in front of a furniture store. Perfect!

I am not sure of the name or location of the above sculpture we found swimming on Market Street, although it is a happy little ice fish. Perhaps he's a friend of my pet fish "Eric!" We were having such a fun time that my honey even bought me a few trinkets from a few of the stores for Valentines day. 

He has put away, one of the two he purchased from the Terressentials shop and we will pretend I never saw it! (Oh it's a lovely little carpet style bag with tassel! Shhhhh!) Gosh I love that store! While we were there I noticed that they had a large line of organic personal care products on their shelves. Not one to believe packaging and labels, when I went home I looked them up on the EWG (Environmental Working Group Skin Deep) site. Turns out Terresentials has the purest ingredients of anyone I have ever investigated! They are right there with Dr. Bronner products! Oh my! They are locally made in Maryland too! I will be back to their store very soon to get some personal care products for sure! I do not care if they are expensive either! Once you have been diagnosed with cancer, you realize the importance of not having synthetic chemicals on your body! I am very excited about Terressentials commitment to excellence! I love finding out about the good stuff!

From a lovely little shop across the street, 'Urban Cottage', Ben picked out a new glass juice prop for  'The Queen's Table Blog' that has crowns embossed around the glass as part of the design. Beautiful! Looks rather like ice sculpture too!

It was exciting to see what the next shape of ice sculpture would be as we traveled down the sidewalks! The sculptor probably had to work with the stores requests for shape and subject matter. I have to say that the word sculptures like the bank and the college were not that interesting, although they were probably difficult to execute perfectly. I really got a kick out of the bright shiny penny sculpture above with it's humorous sign.

"Two Hearts Are Better" at Molly's Meanderings

The intertwined glowing hearts above and the romantic icy Eiffel Tower below were perfect for the Valentines Day theme of February. We were certainly feeling the love from this way cool town.

"I Love Paris" Stay's  Cool at Visions

"Igloo Furnishings" at Salvaged

This is just a typical afternoon well spent in our little Fredlandia. Strolling down the street we even ran into the owner of a Bed and Breakfast in town where we stayed recently. That gorgeous post is coming up soon! So look out for that dreamy place! The only thing that would make Frederick better is if they had the mighty classic rock bands "Hectic Red" or "Technicolor Motor Home" perform at one of their summer festivals this year! They are the best bands in the land! So says the Queen! Well here I am modeling  for Ben the new flower for my winter hat that he also bought for me at Terressentials this fine winters day. Hey! What's that lady in the red dress doing behind me? Pointing her frozen in time mannequin toes? In the meantime my friends, enjoy all the sweet little shining glittering moments of your everyday events with loved ones! Sometimes in the land of ice and snow... the ice is good.

Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel And Restaurant: What An Amazing Venue For A Christmas Wedding

I get excited when I accompany Ben Sherman Classical Guitar to weddings that are held at lovely venues like the Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel and Restaurant. I love to experience these elegant locations that the bride and groom choose as the place to express their love. The Antrim 1844 is a stately brick Mansion that was once a Plantation consisting of 2,500 acres. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the grand home sits nestled on a 24 acre location that is west of Baltimore, at 30 Trevanion Road in Taneytown Maryland, just 15 minutes from Gettysburg Pennsylvania. 

We have visited the Antrim before and enjoyed the superb 'Smokehouse Restaurant' which presents a deluxe six course gourmet dining experience! The food prepared by Chef Michel Gettier is worth getting a reservation for, so you too can partake in a delightful evening. Enjoy the Mansion's first floor of rooms while you wait for your table in the Smokehouse. The discerning wine lover can sip some wine from the award winning wine cellar.

Additionally there are ten other buildings on the property, filled with finely appointed rooms lavishly decorated in Victorian furnishings for your overnight stay. Isn't that incredible! That's a total of forty rooms and suites available which includes the main Mansion. Guests also get the traditional breakfast and afternoon tea for spending the night at the Antrim. I suggest you check out the map of the grounds and its amenities on this page.

Now let's get to that December wedding in which Ben Sherman is once again playing classical guitar music to set the ambiance of this historic setting. The Mansion has decked its halls in all the finery of Christmas past! As you can imagine this is a fantastic time to be having a wedding at The Antrim! Let's have a look around!

Attention to detail is evident everywhere you look! Pine garland hangs from every chandelier, mantle, stairwell, painting, and mirror. All draped in the live greenery that smells so good, I overheard a number of people commenting on the pine scent that filled the air!

The Mansion is filled with wonderful antiques, fine furnishings, and sumptuous linens. Still there are touches of whimsy that give such large rooms a cozy home like feel. One of the themes in the Mansion decor is Nutcrackers, and you will find them guarding both sides of the front door entry. Two more large nutcrackers stand upon the hall buffet, and if you look up, there is one sitting atop a grandfather clock.

Then a first floor Mansion room that holds a display of fruits and cheeses during the cocktail hour, contains wreaths that each have a different three dimensional scene inside. A bit like circular doll houses. Below is just one of those charming homespun wreath designs. 

A cozy pub room sits at the rear of the main house, with a fox hunt theme called The Pickwick Pub.

Outside of the pub is a cheery holiday staircase continuing the hunt decor.

The weather is mild on this day and the wedding party had no problem having their photos taken outside. So let's go see the gorgeous bride as she is being photographed beside the main house. I love getting a chance to photograph the bride too, so I took a couple shots as well. What a background! I just love the mistiness in the atmosphere!

What you do not see in the photo above is the scene in front of the bride. A lovely classic garden. I attended another wedding during the summer months where the wedding ceremony was held in this formal rose garden.

Here are a few more photos I took of the bride and her wedding party.

I love the December colors and faux fur cape.

A nearby water fountain statue.

There is a separate building on the grounds to hold special events like wedding ceremonies, receptions, and corporate events, called The Garden Room. Let's go inside where a wreath adorns each panel of windows surrounding the building.

Here we find Ben Sherman Classical Guitar is prepared and warming up before the guests arrive for the ceremony.

Elegant Christmas and wedding decor is evident as well in this light filled garden view building.

Now as the guests arrive for the wedding ceremony, Ben Sherman is playing classical prelude music and will continue with music for the processional of the wedding ceremony. Click on the player below to listen to a music clip of Mr. Ben Sherman performing on classical guitar, "Gymnopedie No. 1" by Satie.

Ben Sherman Classical Guitar continues playing after the ceremony as the newly married couple, wedding party, family, and guests leave the room. Above is a music clip of Ben playing "Scherzino Mexicano," by Ponce.

The guests are on their way back to the beautiful main house for cocktails where Ben Sherman will play a mix of classical guitar and modern classic tunes. Award winning musician Ben Sherman is also a classic rock, and jazz musician, so he can lend a wide musical variety as the wedding guests start to relax and get their festivities started.

Entering the drawing rooms your eyes immediately go to the beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Warm and inviting, these formal rooms contain antique sofas, chairs, and upholstered benches. You can easily settle in to enjoy a sculpted marble fireplace view, and the traditional holiday decor. All the while listening to Ben Sherman's sophisticated guitar music, while you carry on a conversation with friends.

Afterwards the guests will return to the Garden Room to eat a delicious meal set with fabulous table linens. I especially loved the opulent material that was used for this wedding along with the dramatic winter white and cream table decor. You can click on any of my photos for a closer view.

During the cocktail hour the wedding guests mingle between the rooms and grand staircase of the front hall. Some guests in the Drawing room areas made song requests of Ben Sherman, which he happily accommodated when possible. All this while the amazing Antrim 1844 hors d'oeuvre's were being served throughout the main floor of the Mansion.



Listen in and hear Ben Sherman play the song "Horizons," by Steve Hackett.

I was very impressed to learn of all the buildings that are part of the Antrim 1844 property and wanted you to see one of the other buildings known as the Smith House, which is seen from the front porch of The Garden Room in the photo below. Go to their website to learn about the other historic buildings that you can stay and enjoy overnight with top notch accommodations.

In accordance with that fanciful taste that seems to be in abundance at the Antrim Mansion, just check out this Santa in this most marvelous ornate antique display case sitting casually in the corner of the room. Love!

It's time for us to pack up my camera, and the music gear, to let the party continue at the dinner reception at the Garden Room. The bride, the groom, friends, and the family, have all graciously thanked Ben for the classical guitar music he provided during the wedding and cocktail hour. A truly lovely family, and group of friends. We couldn't help but notice that the bride and groom full of smiles, took a few spins around the reception hall together, before being announced to the waiting guests. See the love that is glowing into the night from their joyful celebration.

We wish them both much happiness in their marriage and uniting of open hearts. Ben and I know the value of a loving partnership that gets you through all the hills and valleys of life. A blessing to enjoy upon waking to each new day! Below is a clip from a song Ben Sherman wrote and is performing called, "First Light." Enjoy.



Should you know of any one requiring the musical talents of Ben Sherman Classical Guitar for a wedding or special event, please click on the photo below to be taken to Ben's official web site for more information. 
Spread the music and love.

Telesma's Resurrection Concert

It was the triumphant return of Ian Hesford from the great beyondo! 

A time of celebration! A time of gratitude. A night of incredible music and entertainment! That is what happens when you are in the same sacred space as the band Telesma. This night was supercharged! I had spoken of this event In a recent post when I talked about one of my images being used on the Telesma's 'Resurrection' concert poster. So I thought I would share a few photos from that evening. Since Ben had a gig and was unable to attend, my daughter and I decided to have a girl's night out. We began with a great meal at 'Kettle Hill' in Baltimore, which is a few doors down from the evening's music venue 'Rams Head Live.' This restaurant reminded me of the furniture store 'Restoration Hardware' in style. I enjoyed the rustic look of the dining room we were in, although personally I just wish the old photos on the wall were of landscapes or historical buildings, instead of sports scenes. I think they could have left the sports photos in the large bar area, but since one of the owners is a former Oriole, I guess the sports theme is to be expected. It is tastefully done, and that is far better than the plethora of sport theme bar/restaurants that clog the world these days. Other than that, the service was fantastic, the food tasty, and quite affordable. We were so happy to find that the food is locally sourced, and we thoroughly enjoyed our glorious fresh salad veggies, and fancy sparkly water! We would definitely eat here again. It was just like old times for my daughter and me, as we used to share an apartment in a town that had great restaurants. Now my daughter rarely gets to go out without her two babies these days, so it was nice for her to have some personal time for such a fun night on the town. Even if it was with her momma!

As you may recall, the event was celebrating Ian Hesford's return to the very stage he had died on 3 months previous. As far as the doctors are concerned, he is a walking miracle. His heart was not working for ninety minutes! Through the grace of two people in attendance that night who jumped up on stage and gave him CPR, to the various doctors and nurses who cared for him during the critical moments, everything that was needed came into being. They also used a technique on him where they cool the body down, so to preserve the brain. The only thing Ian lost was his memory of 1 week prior. He woke up in the hospital with all his friends surrounding him wondering what had happened. You can hear an informative radio interview with Ian and Joanne Juskus, discussing Ian's cardiac arrest, including an interview with a doctor who confirms this miraculous story.

We were pretty excited to be able to be there for Telesma and Ian's return to Rams Head Live. The evening began with a power circle of the band on stage along with the visionary artist of the evening Adam Scott Miller. Ian was the last to walk out and join the circle, everyone cheered, then we all observed a quiet moment of gratitude between the band members. It was very moving to witness that connection and reverence.

There was an air of magic and joyful smiles on faces. The gift of life is very powerful, and everyone was feeling the vibe. And so the tribal-techno psychedelic rhythms begin...

the belly dancers appear....

the people gather and dance....

the musicians enthrall us all evening long...

and we all felt the love.

At the end of the night the two souls who came up on stage and saved Ian's life 3 months ago were asked to come up on stage again, but this time to join the band and dance! I just love happy endings....

You can read a detailed account and documentation of Ian's Miracle Resurrection and Recovery, in a Baltimore Sun Article Here.

American Visionary Art Museum

Come take a trip with me to a land of no boundaries, and no rigid pre-conceived ideas about art. I promise you will have fun!

You are going on a great googly-moogly trip to funky fun-town!

Let's ride down the river of free imagination. Let's get surprised, 

and fill our heads full of wonder and awe. Play, play, play!

Allow the shiny happy things in life to shimmer and shine their way into your heart. Watch and run through the sparkles and rainbows that scatter in all directions from this 'Universal Tree Of Life.' This is just like the Queen's own room of natural rainbows, gotten from stringing all manner of crystals in every window. The sun and earth together can make magic happen! So can you! Feel your lightness!

Yes just let your mind go. Be free to think silly thoughts and smile loudly! Now how often do you see a nest full of people? We are in a wonderland of ideas made manifest. 

We are happy like wax lips!

Yes, there are real peeps in that nest.

Where in the mad hatters world are we my dear? We are at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore Hon! There are no rules here...no boxes...and no formally trained artists.

Since they don't allow cameras inside the buildings my photos are taken in their outside spaces, which happen to have a few funtastical sculptures that I can share with you. I do wish I could have shown you the beautiful blue bottle covered hearse in the Jim Rouse Visionary Building. Elvis would have adored it!

Feast your eyes on this eight foot mosaic egg! The Queen loves eggs... and sparkly things...so I really wish for this sculpture to be in my castle! I just want to hug it! Gorgeous from every angle and when the sunbeams hit it look out! The mosaic design is based on the photos taken with the Hubble Telescope of our beautiful galaxy.

The museum sits next to Federal Hill where crowds come to watch movies on this wall with the giant hand over the big movie screen. Imagine that the hand is going to reach down and pluck someone right out of a movie scene. Bwah-hahahaha

It's time to go and see the crazy funkyfide art that lives inside The American Visionary Art Museum. Oh there is that egg again! Can't get enough of it!    Speaking of Galaxies, the show inside AVAM right now is called  'All Things Round - Galaxies, Eyeballs, and Karma!'  You have to visit the AVAM website as it is a wonderment in itself, plus you will get a peek at some of the things going on in the museum.

After going through all the levels of the museum we were hungry! So we went to 'Mr. Rain's Fun House' for lunch located on the top floor of the museum. Since it was a very warm October day we decided to eat outside on the patio over looking Federal Hill and the giant whirligig kinetic sculpture that constantly spins and moves in the breeze.

Oh My! The food is just as fantastic as the exhibitions of AVAM! Let's eat! While we waited our server brought us some soft pretzel bites and honey mustard. This Philly girl was extra happy when they brought us a second round of these fun little delights!

Wowie Zowie the food here was soooooo good! This is no museum cafe folks, 'Mr Rain's Fun House' is a really awesome restaurant!
Our first course was Butternut Squash Soup. Mmmm a fall favorite!

Then came one the best sandwiches I have ever eaten! I am getting hungry just looking at this salmon fillet sandwich again! Look at that bread all full of holes. So good!

Ben had an Asian salad and veggie sandwich combo.

Of course the art work does not stop at the restaurant door. They have big funky bottle cap n' pearled animal-like heads hanging out on the walls of the patio Fun House for your viewing pleasure.

Ben and I usually share a dessert and this was a yummy work of art!

As we stare deeply into all the mosaic walls covering the AVAM's exterior walls, we think we are so glad to have taken this trip through time and space and arrived at such a place of artistic freedom. I may love the 'old masters,'  but I also know when it's time to indulge my inner child! This museum is the perfect outlet for a zany zippy toothy grin-fest! You certainly will remember the pieces of art that immediately made you say, "How cool is that!"

If you are ever in Baltimore a trip to AVAM funky fun town should be a priority. The museum is filled with all kinds of inventive pieces from tramp art to phantasmagorical paintings. It is located between the Inner Harbor and the Federal Hill area at 800 Key Highway. There is also a fun spirited museum shop called Sideshow that will keep you busy looking at all the loony and kitschy gifts.

Just watch that Egg... there may be other worldly beings transporting through this galaxy gateway to check out the joint during your visit!

PQ found this universal message in the parking area. Spread the Love!