If Corona is the “crowned” cerveza of Mexico – is it a coincidence that Budweiser coined the “King of Beers”? Well, that is for another discussion, this week it’s all about the bubbly and New Mexico’s award winning Gruet Winery is perfectly positioned to meet the public as they gather in mass for Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta! Their impressive structure located on the east frontage road just north of Paseo del Norte is a treat to experience. Take a tour, have a taste (or a few), reserve a private room for a party – there’s a lot to learn and enjoy about Gruet! The ART of wine-making and specifically “sparkling wine,” has been mastered here in the state of New Mexico by the Gruet family and they’ve  put us on the map among wineries around the world! http://www.gruetwinery.com/family.htm
They say it’s all about our altitude, good soil, warm days and cool nights – the grapes like our climate! Yeah! Everyone likes our climate! We love our enchanting four seasons, crisp air, clear skies…and it seems that grapes like it too!
Anyone who has ever taken a balloon flight knows the connections between balloonists and champagne (oops, we can’t call it champagne even if it is a world class rendition – IF it is not produced in “Champagne.)” That would be FRANCE! I’m not going to divulge the surprises that await those of you who have yet to experience a hot-air balloon ride and the bubbly…suffice it to say, it is a memorable experience for many reasons…
Ok, with the Balloon spirits in the air, I was drawn to the magical, historical connection of the effervescent bubbles to the Balloon Fiesta and wanted to take a visit to Gruet. Albeit a quick visit squeezed into a busy Sunday afternoon, Mom and I thoroughly enjoyed our moment at the bar as we bellied up and tasted a bit of the bubbly. Shannyn explained the history of the winery, a preliminary lesson in wine-making and specifically sparkling versions – she let us know that ”bubbles and balloons – they just go together.”
You’ve seen the t-shirts, “my parents went on this tropical cruise and all they brought me was this lousy t-shirt.” Well, I purchases a bit of the bubbly – specifically the Blanc De Noirs NV – which, to my uneducated palette, was dry but flavorful – not bitter – lovely – and that’s that! Shannyn agreed that it was her personal favorite too! Anyway…I also picked out a light-weight black t-shirt for my husband who elected to position himself in front of Sunday football instead of experiencing this New Mexico prize! The shirt sports a softly grey-scaled, screened bottle and fabulous phrase “Kiss French, Drink American!” Woo Hoo!! I’ll drink to that!!!
What I knew prior to this afternoon’s tasting you could fit into a thimble…now, you can fit it into a shot glass – but I want to return so that I can master the understanding that fills a flute-full! It is a fun and fascinating treat – indulge!

Good Early Morning its Balloon Fiesta 2010!!! And wouldn’t you know that we have had crystal clear blue skies with near, if not, record-breaking temperatures in the 80s and 90s this past week and what did the Weather Channel’s map show tonight but a massive area of green – 25% of the entire country! From New Mexico all the way up to Washington State and every square inch in between the promise of rain threatened!! “Isolated thunderstorms” is the forecast, and as we sat out on the patio this evening without a breath of air moving and the warm mild end of summertime providing a perfect setting for alfresco dining, I sipped my tequila and thought…it’s Balloon Fiesta and the weather nose-dives just in time for all the out-of-towners to wonder “what’s all the hype about the perfect weather in New Mexico?”
Weather aside, I love to chase balloons. Not like on a chase crew, although I’m sure that would be tons of fun to be connected to one balloon and watch its progress and participate in its launch and retrieval…but just willy nilly – get out there and drive beneath them, watch them land, rush to follow another…its colorful, exciting, and full of surprises!
The best, of course, are the special shapes. This year we have 18 new ones joining the Fiesta – making about 90 participating! We have special launches with just the special shapes – “special shapes rodeo” and the “balloon glow” where they are tethered to the field, inflated with the fan-assisted flaming gas units that slowly fill the envelopes and force them to arise, come to life and become the gigantic multi-colored images that they depict, brilliantly glowing in the darkness. The announcer does periodic countdowns to orchestrate them all lighting at the same time. The tremendous blast of noise, as the burners are lit in unison, contributes to the excitement of the scene.
These designs are fantastic. No, that’s not a big enough word – not nearly descriptive enough…these designs are incredible – they are whimsical, complicated, extraordinarily large and impressive. They are funny and powerful, they make everyone go “ahhhhhhhh, whoa, oh my, look at that one…” They entertain, delight, impress, and dazzle even the veteran balloon enthusiasts.
In anticipation of writing this blog on the subject, I Googled designers of special shapes. Before long I was immersed in the many sites that feature the design and fabrication of special shaped hot air balloons. The most interesting to me was Cameron Balloons. Here is the link to their remarkable gallery. http://www.cameronballoons.com/shapes_gallery.html
What was so fun was that there were so many that were familiar. Having been represented here at the International Balloon Fiesta for so many years these special shapes are like a part of our community. Many actually are from our community while others travel from around the world to participate in this most magnificent of ballooning events.
The complexity of the design of these flying objects is truly amazing. They often appear to be quite unable to fly. The appendages, whether animated or representational of building structures, vehicles and all manner of creations, seem to promise certain failure in their sometimes not-so-graceful ascension into the sky. Then one-by-one they inflate with legs projecting, massive forms dwarfing the gondolas and sure enough, the next thing you know, the sky is dotted with fascinating and hysterical shapes that cannot be limited other than by the designer’s imagination and the engineer’s technical expertise. The longtime local favorite, the enormous, gangly, Creamland Cow, is one of those that defy reason when imagining the proposed successful flight of a hot air balloon.
Imagine deciding upon a theme for YOUR hot air balloon…it might be your business’s product, a favorite childhood character, a mascot, a logo, and you take it to a company and discuss your idea with their designers and leave them to their genius. Imagine the designers – presented with an idea, a concept not unlike an architect presented with a building project and the realm of possibilities that race through their heads, transfer to sketches and on to the CAD programs that aid and facilitate the modifications and intricacies of the design through all of its stages. Then the test flight – the moment of truth – when all the art, technology and popping champagne corks come together for the maiden voyage.
Here along the Rio Grande we like the splash and dash thrills of that quick touchdown on the surface of the water and equally as quick blast of hot airs that pulls the gondola, up and away,  safe from becoming an ineffective nautical craft! Out in the desert and the fields of our valley, the pilots are tested as to their soft landing abilities. Make my cocktail on the rocks – not my landing, thank you!
So get your cameras ready, because whether it’s the Space Shuttle or Darth Vader, Wells Fargo’s Stagecoach or the giant Whopper you can bet that it’s going to be a thrill to witness and you will surely find yourself saying “ahhhhhh!”

It seems these days that the least likely things are receiving an extra dose of decorative embellishment – in the form of bling – namely Swarovski crystals…what was once a whimsical collectible to place in a pretty little display case – a mouse, a rooster, a flower or a cactus…these sparkly little creatures and ornaments were sought after by many. Now their bling has been incorporated by designers into all manner of decorative items from rustic Mexicanesque picture frames (Consuelo) to greeting cards, and interior furnishings.
Yes, if hot pink velour wasn’t enough, let’s add tufted buttons of Swarovski Crystals!!! Shown here, the newest trend in going over the top! One can only imagine what will be next…they are probably already studding cars with them…we know they adorn tee-shirts…Might they turn up as courses of studs as body bling? We have piercings of rings and studs of all manner – but just like they race up the leg of a pair of designer jeans – we can only imagine them studding the calves and thighs of decadent , flashy, glitzy bodies!!
Perhaps we should all be investing in Swarovski Crystal for the new design mega trend!!!
Bling Cha-ching!

Yabba Dabba Do!!! Let’s visit the Flintstones – that modern stone age family living in Bedrock. In celebration of their 50th Anniversary I thought we might examine their architecture and interior design.
As you might remember, Fred works at a quarry. The primary architectural materials of the residences in Bedrock are just that – rocks. Rough-hewn slabs of stone comprise the roofs and a tilt-up method for the walls is probably what was used. Porthole-like windows are cut into the thick walls and glass is never in evidence. It always is rendered as a tropical environment with palm trees and such so an open-air environment is probably suitable.
Shown in this image, Betty and Wilma are cutting a piece of fabric. The animated utensils are always amusing as they often talked during their work. Here, bird-scissors are being used – I can just hear him croaking out comments like “ARK…Why did you pick brown? Couldn’t you have selected a better color for your draperies?” The massive boulder and slab table upon which they work is something that probably doesn’t get moved around often. It’s the kind of piece that once you place it – it remains there for the duration.
The stepping stones imbedded into the flooring – probably a carpet of crusher-fine – adds definition to the traffic pattern throughout the home. Although bluestone is a natural stone in parts of Northern America, this image suggests that perhaps dyes were used to enhance the stone…possibly a natural berry stain brings blue to the interior walls and coordinating stone table.
Adding to the use of renewable resources, the rawhide lampshade is a handsome detail paired with the natural wood elements in the lamp base and small table upon which the birdcage sits all give that earthy, organic feel to the space.
The lounge chair looks comfortable enough…wonder if it is constructed from stone or actually fabricated with an early upholstery method?
All in all, the Flinstones can take us back to a simpler time and show us what GREEN DESIGN is really all about!!! Their home would certainly rate a LEED certification of Platinum if not higher don’t you think!!??

Flintstones

So, up and at ’em – get out there and do a few laps, push-up, hang-down, run around and do the hokey pokey…Add a little proud warrior and exalted warrior – reach for your toes and stretch for the stars…and toss down a martini for good measure!!! EVERYDAY is WOMENS’ HEALTH DAY!! What on earth are they proclaiming here?

Having hiked the La Luz Trail twice recently, I’m ready to go again!! What an amazing day of scenery, exhilaration and satisfaction, paired with the humility that comes from ascending that magnificent mountain with thousands of horizontal feet and thousands more vertical feet – it is an awesome experience – not to mention all that healthy exercise!!

So let’s get out there girls and do it again!! Design your body! Just DO it – I think someone cleverly coined that slogan!

Having designed this patio two years ago, the next phase of the project begins…an outdoor fireplace and spa area. Here are the candidates for the glass tile surround of the fireplace along with stone and stucco.
Sure the weather now is toasty warm. The hot tub is not as appealing as it might be…but as the nights begin to cool off, those wonderful escapes to the far corner of the yard into the soft, warm, swirling waters of the hot tub are inviting.
But, picture the scene on a cold winter night…tip-toeing across the yard to this magical spa retreat…slipping out of your fluffy robe – a bit of a bite from the cool air before descending into the warmth of the hot tub…ahh…Stars above, soft traffic sounds in the distance, you place your wine glass to the side of the deck, lean your head back and submerge…the hum of the whirlpool nearly mesmerizes…such luxury.
What happens next is the fun part. In anticipation of the extremely cool air that will assault your body as you rise from the warmth of the water, you stay a little longer. Yes, you’re getting pruney, but the thought of that cold cold air is intimidating at the least. No, it’s arresting as you decide to stay put just a bit more.
Finally you know the moment has come and you quickly push your way up and out from the comfort of the bubbling torrent of the very warm water into the very very cold air. Reaching for your fluffy robe you glance at the shower on the wall – ha –“ not tonight” you say as you race quickly toward the house remembering the soft evenings when the refreshing shower washed the chlorine from your body under the stars in the privacy of that intimate corner of the yard…that was then and this is now…seasons alter cases…providing different types of spa fun!
So – let’s design an outdoor spa – for all seasons – NOW!!!

Lots of people have donuts on Sunday. Some people have them with coffee everyday. Police are known to have them any day and with great frequency. Our kids – both big (grown adults) and little ones – celebrate them even on birthdays!

Artist, Susan Roden, has delved into these irresistible low cal/low carb treats (ha!) with the swirl and passion of her luscious pastels. The variations seem to speak to an individual’s identity by which type they prefer—and NOW they can be enjoyed permanently hanging on a wall!

You have your plain donut types…you can pick them out – KISS theory – safe—probably coffee – to wash it down!!! Then you have the powdered sugar – really only a step up from the plain, except it has that sweet dusting that sets is mildly apart— and can actually be quite hysterical when the powder gets all over ones lips and face!! If you love “bling” you can have colorful sprinkles…I guess the chocoholics – that category that has the chocolate frosted donuts (shown here) -are getting close to Regal – but I, having always to guild the lily on even the finest of creations, love the chocolate/cream filled or better yet – the éclairs & napoleons…oooh – can it get too rich and decadent? What type are YOU???

They can say so much as a gift—
”I Love YOU!”
“I Love You More than Donuts!”
“I Love Donuts More than YOU!”
“Happy Birthday!”
“Happy Anniversary!”
“Congratulations!”
“Happy Retirement!”
“Cheer-Up!”

What might one of these luscious pastel donuts say to YOU???? Susan will ship them framed in an elegant gold finished wood with creamy mats—standing off pastel surface—starting at $155.00 plus $15.00 domestic, insured shipping!

We have a delicious selection of the original pastels at PATRICIAN DESIGN’s website at:
http://www.patriciandesign.com (search Roden) and you may also visit Susan’s blog at:
http://susanroden.blogspot.com

This chocolate temptation is sure to bring a smile to many faces that we know!!!

Brazilian Filet Lace

It is interesting how many of the buying public gravitate to handmade art pieces often from other places. Folk Art and other indigenous art forms—often functional in nature, are very popular. The more we move into the technological age the more we seem to gravitate to having handmade things in our personal environment.

When we travel, we can’t get enough of it. However, we don’t cultivate this in our own country. There are a few fine artists in the fabric of artists threading through our country who command tremendous attention and profits for their creations, others eking out a living at art shows around the country, and some entering the global exposure of marketing through the internet.

Sure, some kids learn to knit or crochet, but not in great numbers that would constitute an industry. We are the industrialized nation—and move in the stream of invention and creativity that speeds through our multi-dimensional technological world. We have lead the way. In so doing, we have abandoned the traditions or creating functional art. Yet, so many of these handmade items bring handsome price tags in our market.

These Brazilian Filet Lace table toppers arrive tailored in useful sizes for table cloths and table runners. If rinsed of the rigid starch, they can be used as shawls and scarves. Dual purpose for these colorful, versatile, functional art pieces. Having never been to the beaches that are dotted with the communities that continue this beautiful fiber art tradition, we receive them after at least one other layer of mark-up. Many items that filter into our marketplace from around the world pass through many hands and many layers of pricing.

It is with this in mind that it seems that cultivating an environment of respect and appreciation for functional art in many forms could be profitable enterprise if marketed directly without the many layers of handling and pricing. Cooperative gatherings of artisans bring pride to a community and profits to the people. This seems a purposeful plan to pursue.

It might sounds like a program to cut-out the middle man—and perhaps it will carve out new niches of navigating this world of commerce where more often producers/artists offer their work directly to the public or at the very least though an outlet/gallery/co-op internet site that directly represents them and their work.

At PATRICIAN DESIGN we continue to support local artists along with handmade items from elsewhere and even complimentary production pieces. This combination allows us to observe the interests and priorities of our market and make recommendations to our local artists for additions to their collections or modifications to their offerings. We often come across things and remark that we wish someone locally were doing this work. With enthusiasm for the opportunities and positive results from the efforts, the pursuit of finding our roots in functional art and the creation of new traditions will bring satisfaction, pride and profit.

Last week, on the long return flight between BWI-ABQ my tray table looked like this…Always packing extra peanuts for the long flight – even though SWA is quite generous with their little nut packets and the other cookies and crackers that they provide for free…Shown here a relaxing double rum on the rocks, the current SPIRIT magazine (love this magazine – well formatted and always full of interesting stuff!!) and at the end of the cocktail hour(s) a topper of colorful, sweet and nutty chocolate covered peanut M&Ms!! Just wrote to SWA and asked if they had ever considered adding them to their in-flight offerings…kids of ALL AGES would love them and they go with the original slogan “Fly for Peanuts!” So this is my thought for the continued improvement of the best airline in the sky!

Last Saturday was a looong day in Santa Fe – a wonderfully organized day however, as everyone gathered early, visited with old friends and colleagues that often only see each other at these annual gatherings, and spent the day listening to and interacting with Michael A. Thomas, the President Elect of the ASID (American Society of Interior Designers). He was fun and informative and an incredible asset to our profession and industry as a whole. Some professions require more hours and others even fewer than our 8 per year, but it is to be commended that passionate people put these things together for the good of the whole! Thanks to all who were responsible for this beautifully orchestrated day – right down to the much appreciated cocktail hour!!!

How many of you have to attend CEUs??? Sometimes they are very much fun and informative – most of the time actually – this being one that was tough to deliver – contracts, ethics, and not very sexy stuff – Micheal did an excellent job!!  Thank YOU!!

It was in this very class that I was persuaded to begin to blog!! Cheers!

Patti