This Mother's Day weekend, I went from the Houston Zoo to uptown in the Post Oak Hotel. The zoo event was Saturday, a company employee appreciation celebration. I even had an unorthodox audience. Never have I had African wildlife looking on. For that matter, neither have I had wild birds screaming around me while working but I loved the change of venue. Sunday was a commemoration of all the mothers. A marathon, six hour performance at the magnificent Post Oak Hotel in uptown Houston. I must admit, among the posh and opulence of the atmosphere, I felt much like a hillbilly. Just a side note: One observance I made which is common among many events I attend- Live bands, in particular at this mother's day event, seemed to take a 30 minute break every 15 minutes. Do the math- they were "on break" longer than they actually performed; much longer. We cartoonists, work very hard at such events and with a long line of patrons, we get few breaks. I know the band also works but I'm not talking about Bruce Springsteen here. This was a small, easy going, group of three musicians who play light (very light) jazz. Why are they on break so much? I normally don't complain about what I do because I'm fortunate enough to do something I like and the benefits are way out of proportion to the work I've put in at other "careers". It does, however, bring to the top of my mind the future of my engagement's. I cite my conclusion about the band because I view it as just another incentive to take control of my own bookings which will allow me to set my own rules regarding pay, breaks and tips. In the meantime- onward and upward!
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This weekend on Cinco de Mayo, I was at Karbach Brewery in northwest Houston but oddly enough the event wasn't in commemoration of Cinco de Mayo and neither was it a Karbach Brewery event. It was an employee appreciation picnic put on by Christian Menefe Law firm and Karbach Brewery was the location. I was hired by Twist it Up Entertainment and I shared a tent with a face painter,
In the photos above, you might notice the sign in the background pointing the way to the restrooms which I hope wasn't and indication of what the host thought of my work. This was in River Oaks at the grand opening of Parker Joes, a children's clothing store. We were in the shadow of high rise luxury apartments and next door to us was a fine dining restaurant. It's not unusual for me to be invited to draw at River Oaks communities but I always find pleasure in going every time.
I do have one question, though. Notice the plant by the front door of the restaurant on the right. If a five star eating establishment serves such expensive meals, I would think they could keep there plants from dying. "Super fun", said Ruth at Johanson and Fairless law firm. A rare midweek gig in honor of Professional Administrative Assistance Appreciation Day, otherwise known as Secretary Appreciation Day. The entire office of secretaries, paralegals, clerks, receptionists and all around office people, were lampooned. The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show was the event and The Great Southwest Equestrian Center was the venue. Aside from having to watch my steps to avoid stepping in mounds of horse poop, it was a thrill.
Recently I was invited to draw at the American Heart Association's 100th anniversary gala and at $300 a plate, it was no cheap affair. The theme was 20's night and I drew in the speakeasy part of the Northgate Country club. Ironically, one of the patrons innocently pointed out a characteristic of my drawings which I didn't notice until she told me. Personally I think it's a bad habit of mine and in order to advance in my artistic skills, I should modify this particular inclination. I won't say what it is because I'm not in the habit of pointing out my bad habits to everyone. The point is, helpful comments from non-artists about my work can sometimes help me.
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