My America: Blue Ribbon Rondelle, Q. Cassetti, 2013, Trumansburg, NY, Adobe Illustrator CC

Just as I thought... the minute Grassroots is done, we are on the downside of the midpoint of summer and things change. Case in point, it is sweater weather today. Last week's heat inspired a reinactment of Saint Bartholomew's martyrdom ( he is shown in paintings and sculpture, holding his skin--most noted imagery is from the Sistine Chapel where the face of the skin was that of the artist, Michelangelo). If only. Problem with summer is there are only so many layers and that is it. Then you are stuck just being hot and relying on cold water and false breezes to get you to a place of quiet. It is good having a break--not only because change keeps us lively but also for the folks that do the hard work after the festival to break down all the stages, the stores, the kitchens, the tents and pack them all away in storage facilities and trucks for the next festival in the Grassroots or Big Splash line up. This is serious business--with all sorts of logistics I cannot even begin to fathom.

Alex and I had a nice bunny route drive yesterday with me driving. However, this morning he drove and I was delighted. We are going to have a little time looking at photography programs today to figure out where he might want to apply.

I am musing over America. How can I make messages without being over the top or tacky. Tacky seems to be an easy route...and tasteful is harder as it has to be a bit smarter. So, in the thinking, I am making "parts"--medallions, medals, brushes and textures. I am jumping into making some different bullets, some semi automatic rifles (what a world that is all about), and birth control pills. I want this work to be as approachable as the Ulysses Fair, but with messages beyond. This should take some time.