The Travelling Wilbury

This is my best Legolas impression. Sad, isn't it? It could also be a Yeti impression...

 

Hiya Readers,

How have you been? I've been away for a long while, but don't worry, everything is fine. In fact, life has been verging on wonderful. While I have been away, I have been trying to absorb my surroundings and the artistry that I have been exposed to. It is my hope that you notice an improvement in my artwork. Not only that,  I have also been busy compiling ideas for new posts while I've been gone and have so much artwork to share with you. This blogger turned traveller has stories to tell of the places that I have had the privilege of visiting, the people I have met, and plenty of pictures for you to peruse. Seriously, I've spent DAYS cropping pictures to be able to upload to the blog. Just take a look at this screen shot!

 

It's actually been a little...nay...massively inundating trying to summarise 3 and a half phenomenal months into a couple posts (I've got 26 drafts in the works...Brace yourselves, people!). Part of the reason why I'm so excited to blog about my trip is because I've been dreaming about travelling to these places for years! For instance, I've been able to cross so many places on my 2003 edition of The Life Goals of Jana LaPine. This list also contains classic goals, many of which I do not foresee fulfilling like "26. Get cornrows." and "37. Try out some new hobbies like hovercrafting." For the record, I don't even think I know what HOVERCRAFTING IS! Is that in Back to the Future?

 

Nevertheless, I can't wait to share my experiences with you all!

 

Wait! I haven't even told you where I've gone! Well, I went to...

The Palace of Dalkeith in Scotland (one of many estates belonging to the Duke of Buccleuch)... 

West Sands Beach in St. Andrews, Scotland (Chariots of Fire)... 

The Eagle and Child Pub in Oxford, England... 

Transportation Museum in Glasgow, Scotland...

 St. Andrews Castle...

 Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland...

 Rydal Mount, Grasmere, Northcumbria, England (Poet William Wordsworth's Estate)...

 The Queen's Royal Yacht Britannia docked off the coast of Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland...

 Hill Top, Cumbria, England (Beatrix Potter's Cottage)

 London, England...

 Glasgow, Scotland...

 Edinburgh, Scotland...

 Dalkeith Park...

 Highclere Castle (sigh)...

 Forest Side Hotel in Grasmere, England...

 Edinburgh, Scotland...

 Haddon Hall in Bakewell, England...

 Roslyn Chapel in Roslin, Scotland...

 Edwinstowe, England...

  Bodleian Library in Oxford...

Hyde Park in London, England (Guest Appearance by Mimi A.)...

 The Conan Doyle Pub in Edinburgh, Scotland...

 The path around St. Mary's in Dalkeith, Scotland...

 the steps of Bowhill in Selkirk, Scotland...

the stoop of a shop on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland...

 Nottingham Castle, Nottingham, England...

221b Baker Street (The Sherlock Holmes Museum)...

 

and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England leaving me with oh so many places and stories to describe!

 

You can look forward to blogs on some of these places in the near and I promise if I ever get cornrows or go hovercrafting, I will post pictures for you to laugh at.

 

 

Thank you for not giving up on LaPine Design!

 

Pancakes

*Disclaimer: What you are about to read may shock you to the core because LaPine Design will be posting a recipe within this blog. You have been warned.

I drew these pancakes on a card so my mom could deliver a recipe to her friends. She named the recipe in the card "Adalena's Pancakes" because this is Adalena's favourite pancake recipe!

Despite my severe ineptitude in kitchens the world over, I will now post that recipe for you. But do not be deceived, you may never read another recipe on LaPine Design ever again. Make no mistakes, this blog does not offer culinary advice. In fact, it is probably best that everyone do exactly the opposite of what I say in regards to cooking, baking, grilling, and just to be safe anything regarding food (except for cereal, fast-food, Dr. Pepper, and pre-wrapped candy, all of which I claim to be an expert.).

Here's the accompanying pancake recipe with my artwork:

1 egg

1 cup all-purpose flour*

3/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons shortening, melted, or vegetable oil

1 tablespoon

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

"Beat egg with hand beater until fluffy; beat in remaining ingredients just until smooth.  For thinner pancakes, stir in additional 1/4 cup milk.  Grease heated griddle if necessary.  (To test griddle, sprinkle with few drops water.  If bubbles skitter around, heat is just right.)

Pour about 3 tablespoons batter from tip of large spoon or from pitcher onto hot griddle.  Cook pancakes until puffed and dry around edges. Turn and cook other sides until golden brown. (To keep pancakes hot, stack on hot plate with plate with paper towels in between; place on cookie sheet in 250 [degrees] oven or in warming oven.)  ABOUT NINE 4-INCH PANCAKES.

*If using self-rising flour, omit baking powder and salt."

How someone could make what is written above taste delicious is beyond me.What I just typed may as well have been Russian.

In a way, this recipe reminds me of Phoebe Buffay. Here's why, like Phoebe Buffay with her grandmother's Nesselay Toolouse chocolate chip cookie recipe (Nestle Tollhouse), this little pancake recipe that is cherished by Adalena, has stood the test of time because my mom is a wise woman and has remained loyal to her Betty Crocker cookbook. As much as I love books, I know absolutely nil about cookbooks. I have heard of this Betty Crocker before...apparently she has had some success in the cooking business. "Great Success!"

Yet, we can't give Betty Crocker all the credit because I could attempt to make these for Adalena and I guarantee you, she will not only refuse to eat them, but she will claim that they are not even worthy of being called pancakes.  Instead, I will only draw them and that way, we can all avoid the food poisonings.

If you decide to take the risk and make this recipe, I will forward all follow-up questions and concerns to my mother who knows her way around a kitchen and the Betty Crockers cookbooks.

Recipe intellectual property of Betty Crocker's Cookbook

Lotus on the Lake

So, there's a new boutique in the Fitger's complex that is worthy of being shared with my readers. 

The chic boutique is called Lotus on the Lake. Not only are they the only retailer in Duluth that sells Brighton jewelry, they also sell Trollbeads, Holly Yashi, and Firefly jewelry. There's also a lovely selection business attire and fashionable women's apparel. 

 

This month I have been fortunate enough to be able to provide Lotus on the Lake with some in-house signage.

 

Here are a few of my designs for their products.

This is a sign for Illume candles made in Minnesota.

Lotus on the Lake also sells Deep Steep Body Care Products.

The hand-made ceramic bowls by Wisconsin artist, Bryan Becker are in high demand. They make fantastic wedding, anniversary, and housewarming gifts as they have meaningful quotes carved into the rim. They are a great way to offer a blessing on a couple beyond the confines of a card.

 

Incidentally, Lotus on the Lake also sells cards!

 

You can even "like" Lotus on the Lake on facebook to receive updates and specials regarding upcoming Trollbeads trunk shows.

 

Visit Lotus On the Lake located in the Fitger's complex: 600 E. Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55802 or call : 218-481-7110