Island Art and Hobby Art Exhibit.

Island Art and Hobby Art Exhibit at 117 Main St. Gloucester, Ma

All Paintings and drawings are priced below $200.00

The artists participating in this month’s Artist Collaborative Wall are Bruce Ware, Samantha Richards, Maryanne Brewer, Eileen Patten Oliver, James Oliver, Greg Mark, Jim Darcy, Bonnie Sylvester, Paul Frontiero

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https://www.facebook.com/pages/Island-Art-And-Hobby/103650526391864

Oh, What a Tangled Web We Weave….

All of this lying is exhausting.

I feel like I was pretty prepared for parenthood.  Many of our friends had children before we did, I had taught young children for several years before thinking about having my own, and I read lots of books.  What no one…not one single person…told me, was that I would soon become the most extraordinary pathological liar to ever set foot on this earth. 

I lie so much, I can’t even begin to remember my lies.  I’m not alone in this.  My husband lies too.  For that matter, you’ve all lied.  Any of you with children, nieces, nephews…..    I guess, upon reflection, it isn’t the lying that bothers me. We OBVIOUSLY all do it for their own good.  It’s the fact that no one told me to be better prepared so that my lies wouldn’t be so stinkin’ lame!  

My husband and I were thoughtful in our decision to have children.  We kind of discussed religion, what our maternity leave plans would be, we chose names, we discussed parenting strategies, but no one…not one single person….told us to get our lies in order.  Our lies became necessary so suddenly that we didn’t have time to compare notes.  Whack!  Damn.  Busted.

It’s the freakin’ holidays.  Lies, lies, lies.  What started so innocently with, “Santa brings presents to all good boys and girls on Christmas Eve” soon became reckless, half-ass lies that didn’t even make any sense.  Those little buggers began firing questions at us so quickly…when we were weak and alone…that we couldn’t keep up.  At first it was just Christmas.  How do reindeers fly?”, “How does Santa get around the world so fast?”, “Will Santa die?”, “Why don’t the dogs bark when Santa comes?”, “Can we MapQuest Santa’s house (seriously!)?”, “Where do Santa and Mrs. Claus shop for their food and stuff?”, “Does Santa have any people friends… or just a bunch of elves?”, “Does he pee in people’s houses along the way?“…..   Endless freakin’ questions. 

And…they’re no fools.  They always ask me while I’m driving.  When I can only half pay attention.  When I’m distracted and vulnerable.   And… they’re so fresh.  They ask my husband and then ask me.  Or me and then my husband.  If reindeer use magic carrots to fly then why did Daddy say that Santa sprinkles them with magic dust?”  Efff!!!  Smart little brats.  Of course, we don’t help the matter by using GPS to track Santa and his sleigh on Christmas Eve.  Or by making special videos from the Portable North Pole Station customized just for our children including behaviors that they’re working on improving and gifts that they have asked for.  Or by taking the carrots that the boys left out and using a vegetable peeler to scatter scraps on the deck. Or disguising dog poop as reindeer poop (we didn’t actually mean to do that, but we didn’t tell them differently when they assumed the scat belonged to reindeer.  They were too excited about the poop, to break their hearts.”  All of the things we do (for their enjoyment) perpetuate more and more and more lies.  Such an intricate web of lies that they’ll probably want to file for emancipation once our lies are discovered.  Who could blame them?

But it isn’t only Christmas.  It’s Easter too.  Like this week.  “Where does the Easter Bunny live?”, “Why is the Easter Bunny so much bigger than normal rabbits?”, “Why does the Easter Bunny walk on two legs instead of hopping on four legs”, “Is his wife as huge as he is?”, “If Santa has a sleigh, what does the Easter Bunny have?”, “Does the Easter Bunny work alone or does he have, like you know, bunny elves?”, “Rabbits don’t even lay eggs….I don’t get it.”  That last one isn’t a question…more of an accusation and an attack on my poor ability to lie.  Little punks.

And then….the Tooth Fairy!  For the love of God.  “What does she do with the teeth?”, “Why does she want them?”, “Does she just go to the bank and ask for money?”, “She doesn’t rob banks does she?”, “Don’t you think its weird?”  (Ummmm….YES!!!  But I’m your mother and evidently it is  my job to spin this lie or else I fail at parenting.   So lie I will.

It is exhausting.  I know, and I’ve always said it to be true, that my children have been more than the normal dose of inquisitive.  They’re not the “believe it because we said so” type of kids.  They want answers ALWAYS.  Normally, I enjoy that.  I have answered no less that 3,482,093 questions about ocean animals since they were born.  And, I’m happy about those questions, but….   These efffing holiday questions…they are a whole different beast!    They take skill…they take finesse….they take panache….most importantly, they taking comparing notes with your significant other.  We have failed miserably.  But yet, they still believe.

Happy Easter.  Happy lying to you and yours.

Here are some of my favorite Easter Photos from 2 years back.  Finn went all Roller Derby Death Match on the other poor kids….probably due to the fact that his parents lie to him too much.  Somehow he thought that the egg hunt was a race.  Did I tell him that it was????  Who the hell knows?

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 Rockport’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Sista’s Grilled Lamb Chops with Creamy Dill Cucumber Dipping Sauce

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Grilled Lamb Chops with Creamy Dill Cucumber Dipping Sauce

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This recipe was created several years ago, on a whim, using ingredients I had on hand in my pantry. The combination of  flavors from the herbed marinated grilled chops are perfectly balanced with the Creamy  Dill Cucumber Dipping Sauce.  To say they are incredibly tasty is a huge understatement! These Grilled Lamb Chops have become the highlight of our Easter meal.  I guarantee that they will disappear from the serving platter in minutes, and strongly recommend setting some aside for yourself if your the one cooking Easter Dinner!

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For Grilled Lamb Chops with Creamy Dill Cucumber Dipping Sauce click see more Continue reading “Sista’s Grilled Lamb Chops with Creamy Dill Cucumber Dipping Sauce”

Time Flys When You’re Having Fun- The Farm Turns Five With Huge Specials All Week!

It’s hard to believe it was five years ago today that I stopped by to interview the boys the day before they opened to photograph the joint and announce the opening. Look at ’em now!

Hey Captain, we are coming up on our 5 year anniversary on Tuesday. We are running these specials all week, you mind blasting them out?

Ryan

Monday-$4.99 pulled pork sandwiches and kids eat for free
Tuesday- 5 year anniversary!! 1/2 off all food
Wednesday-Trivia and $5 burgers!!
Thursday-Wing night, 35cent wings. Karaoke at 9:30
Friday-Live music with Lockjaw smile Bruins playoffs!
Saturday-Prime Rib Special
Sunday-$5 mimosas and bloody Mary’s Easter!image

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Chickity Check It!- 18 Haven

You Need To Check Out This Gift From Eoin Vincent
The mission-
This blog is to share and document the collection of photos and designs from the Ken & Elizabeth Vincent Estate and Vincent Advertising.
http://18haven.com/about-18-haven/

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Monday April 14th , 2014 Cape Ann Weather

Marine Forecast…
Small Craft Advisory …
Mon S winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt. Seas 2 to 4 ft. Areas of fog. Vsby 1 nm or less.
Mon Night S winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. Seas 2 to 4 ft. Patchy fog. Vsby 1 to 3 nm.

Today warm front lifts north of our region , then mostly sunny skies temps soar into the mid to upper 70’s except cooler at south facing beaches .. Highs in Gloucester around 66-72° .. With a strong southerly to south westerly wind 15-25 mph and gusty . Monday night increasing clouds with Lows in the 50’s .. Continued strong south to south westerly winds 20-30mph with higher gusts …Tuesday rain heavy at times after 1 pm , temps mild in the 50’s with strong south west winds in excess of 30mph at times .. 1-2″ rains expected .. Tuesday night turns colder with rain possibly mixing with sleet or wet snow flakes ending Wednesday morning ..lows Tuesday night in the 30’s to lower 40’s and very windy…
Water temps 44°
UV INDEX 7

Hourly Forecast ….

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ROTARY MEET & GREET ON APRIL 17

ROTARY MEET & GREET ON APRIL 17

 The Gloucester Rotary Club will host an informational Meet & Greet on Thursday, April 17, 6-8pm at Cruiseport Gloucester (lower level), located at 6 Rowe Square on Gloucester’s harbor front. Members of the community interested in learning more about Rotary are invited to this casual gathering, where they will meet other Rotary members, enjoy light refreshments, and hear a brief program about Rotary.

The Gloucester Rotary is a group of Gloucester businesspeople who develop and implement service projects to help our community. For more information about the Gloucester club, go towww.gloucesterrotary.us or like us atwww.facebook.com/RotaryGloucesterMA. 

The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

 

Steak Tip Pita and Crispy Fish Taco At Passports

Don’t Forget To Sign Up For One Of Gloucester’s Best Dining Values- the Passports Wine Dinner- 4 Courses/4 Wines- $50

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GloucesterCast With Guest Ryan Pinkham and Host Joey Ciaramitaro Taped 4/12/14

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GloucesterCast With Guest Ryan Pinkham and Host Joey Ciaramitaro Taped 4/12/14

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Topics Include: Tech Mogul Ryan Pinkham, Pleasant Street Tea and Coffee Co, Content Developer For Constant Contact, Northeastern Coop Program, Constant Contact Social Media Blog, What Makes A Good Social Media Campaign and What Are Some Of The Mistakes People Make, Sista Felicia Using Social Media, Coveted Yarn, Always Try For A Win/Win, Not Pitching 24/7, Blue Lobster Marketing, Marshall’s Farm Stand Farm Animals, Selling An Experience, The Franklin, Katrina’s Bang Bang Shrimp, Magnolia Spring Art Show, Minglewood Tavern, Lobster Land, Lobster Pool BYOB, Tacos Lupita Roast Pork Burrito, Dogs On The Beach Controversy, Trash Barrels On California Beaches vs Carry In/Carry Out, Burnham’s Field Neighborhood, John McElhenny, Steven Colbert Gets Letterman Job A Week After Suey Park Controversy, Landlines/Web TV and People Under 30, What % Of People In Gloucester Still Pay For Cable, 01930, Gloucester MA

The GloucesterCast Has Been Been Invited To Be A Station On Stitcher Radio On Demand!

Check It!!!
Listen to Stitcher
Subscribe to The GloucesterCast Podcast by Email Free

About Our Guest Ryan Pinkham:

Read His Useful Social Media Tips Here At Constant Contact 

Ryan Pinkham


I’m interested in helping small businesses and non-profits recognize their full-potential through marketing and social media. I want to hear your story and learn the creative and innovative ways that you’re marketing your business. I’ve worked in small businesses my entire life and now I’m excited to work with them!

A Beautiful and Moving Tribute to Carol Gray, Retiring Sawyer Free Library Director

Carol Gray  Bruce Tarr Mary Weissblum John Ronan©Kim Smith 2014John Ronan and Company (Senator Bruce Tarr, Paul McGeary, Mary Weissblum, and Scott Memhard) Reading John’s Very Humorous Poem About Carol

Carol Gray husband ©Kim Smith 2014.

The library was packed with Carol’s colleagues, friends, and well-wishers, all with hearts full of thanks and gratitude for her guiding hand throughout the library’s recent years of growth and development. Everyone spoke of Carol’s extraordinary dedication, tireless work ethic, and positive spirit during this period of great change and challenges.

Sawyer free Library ©Kim Smith 2014

Bruce Tarr Scott Memhard ©Kim Smith 2014

Carol Gray Bruce tarr ©Kim Smith 2014.JPGSenator Bruce Tarr Gave a Beautiful Heartfelt Speech

Thank you Carol ~ we are all going to miss you in your role as the Sawyer Free Library Director, but are so happy for you that you will be able to spend more time with your  growing family!Carol Gray ©Kim Smith 2014

mary weissblum catherine ryan ©Kim Smith 2014JPGMary Weissblum and Catherine Ryan

John and Sandy Ronan ©Kim Smith 2014Sandy and John Ronan

Linda Bossleman Shelia  ©Kim Smith 2014

Mary Weissblum © Kim Smith 2014Shelia and Floria ©Kim Smith 2014Shelia Blake and Floria Crowell

I’ve shared this story with friends, but thought our GMG community would like to know how Carol’s positive can-do spirit has touched a life. My Carol Gray story is just one example of thousands!

Continue reading “A Beautiful and Moving Tribute to Carol Gray, Retiring Sawyer Free Library Director”

Gloucester Strong Day, Monday April 21

Gloucester Strong Day, Monday April 21

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We’ve got the best fun in town!

In honor of Patriot’s Day and marathon bombings, let’s connect as a community and beautify common areas downtown. Sample projects include: mulching memorial gardens, sweeping downtown curbs, cleaning parks, planting downtown flower boxes.

Mobilize a group of people to help make Gloucester more beautiful!

What to bring:

  • Work gloves, trowels and other gardening tools
  • Rakes, brooms, shovels
  • Bottle water, snacks
  • Purple “Barney” Bags for litter
  • Can-Do attitude!

9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Art Haven is the coordination site.

3:00 pm

Cookies and juice at The Hive to celebrate all our work.

Questions? Contact Rebecca Borden

President & interim Executive Director

Cape Ann Art Haven 978-283-3889

www.ArtHaven.org

www.TheHiveCenter.org

Sista Felicia’s Marshmallow Peeps Easter Egg Suprise!

PrintscalDon’t you just love when inspiration strikes! Last week while shopping at Scalafini Bakery I noticed one of my favorite childhood Easter treats on the shelf for sale. The creative wheels in my head started turning and latter that afternoon I surprised my nieces and their friend Karlee Lorden with this Marshmallow Peeps Easter Egg Surprise! …And for the record it took 10 guesses before the girls guessed the correct filling inside the chocolate egg! They had a great time taking turns guessing during dinner time!

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Can you guess what’s inside?

Click see more for the answer and Step-by-Step recipe details… Continue reading “Sista Felicia’s Marshmallow Peeps Easter Egg Suprise!”

GMG FOB’s Share Marshmallow Peeps Photos!

 

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Happy Palm Sunday everyone!

This week GMG Cooks are having some in the kitchen creating all kinds of delicious sweet treats using Marshmallow Peeps…There is still plenty of time to send us your photo ideas and join the GMG Cooks Club!

This weeks “GMG COOKS” are Brenda Grace Laino, and Joanna Numerosi and her handsome sons Salvatore and Liaebenedetto Numerosi  !

Brenda Grace Laino Writes~This is our DELISH Bunny Peeps Carrot Patch “Dirt Dessert”

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Sista Felicia ~ Love this dessert using Oreo Cookies, cake, whipped cream and pudding…always a crowd pleaser!

Joanna Numerosi Writes ~ This is what Salvatore and Liaebenedetto Numerosi  did with our peeps!!

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Sista Felicia ~ Nice job boys! It’s great to see the kids having fun creating in the kitchen!

Yes this week I will continue to post your Marshmallow Peeps photos so keep sending them in!

 

 

 

 

John Henry Twachtman Studio in 1913

Renowned American painter John Henry Twachtman (1853-1902) spent the last years of his life depicting Gloucester scenes. In this photo, his studio is called the Grace Hazen Studio, later that of O'Hara, with the Harbor View Hotel in the background.
Renowned American painter John Henry Twachtman (1853-1902) spent the last years of his life depicting Gloucester scenes. In this photo, his studio is called the Grace Hazen Studio, later that of O’Hara, with the Harbor View Hotel in the background.

Favorite Clam Chowder in New England? | Poll Skewed a Toward “The Other Cape” Needs An Adjustment

HiddenBoston, a great Boston Restaurant Blog is running a poll on best clam chowder.

Uhmmm people don’t drive from upstate NY for The Causeway’s Clam Chowder for nothin’ homie!

I voted.

Had to give some consideration to Halibut Point as well.

I think we oughta give the obviously skewed to the “other Cape” poll a little smack down on GMGonomics. The GMG Army is made aware of injustice and we rise up and inform the uniformed in polls what the reality is.

Here’s the GMGonomics 101 equation for those who may need a refresher-

FOBs are informed on these pages + GMG Army takes action = Votes are placed and the correct local joint gets recognized.

Vote here (no email registration required)-

http://www.hiddenboston.com/questions/clam-chowder-new-england.php

#Holla

http://www.goodmorninggloucester.com Do you get it?

Community Stuff 4/13/14

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The Fishtown Horribles Parade Committee would love if you could help promote our event that we will be having this May, Saturday May 10th with rain date of Saturday May 17th.  this year we have added a chowderfest which will allow the public to choose the winner with an award being presented to the winner.

hope you can help us out and spread the word as last year was a great time for all that attended and a success for us, the committee.

as a friendly reminder, all proceeds go to defray the cost of the Parade held on Thursday July 3 2014.

Many thanks in advance.

David Harvey

Chairman, Fishtown Horribles Parade Committee

PS:  hope you could make it in person this year as last year all had a blast.

Spring Curbside Leaf Collection

The spring curbside leaf collection is scheduled for the week of April 14 – 18th. Place leaves in paper leaf bags or loose in marked barrels. Collection is on your regular trash day. Please remember NO PLASTIC BAGS!


Castle Manor Inn To Open April 17th!

Hi Joey,

                I’m working with Laura at the Castle on social media contacts and we were hoping you could help us plug our reopening.  We are all starting to work in our offices if you’d like to reach us, but the most important info I want to send you is that our establishment will be open next week on the 17th.  The Inn and the Sea Glass Restaurant at the Castle are all ready for a new hot season.  We are open to the public for breakfast Thursday thru Sunday and Dinner Wednesdays – Sunday.

                Thanks in advance from the Castle Manor Inn, 141 Essex Ave., Gloucester 978 515-7386.

I truly hope this info is useful and that you are able to help us.


Hey Joey –

Any chance you could help spread the word about this new fundraiser for GFAA?

Really appreciate your help!!

Twin Lobster Half Marathon #1 Bib

Support the Gloucester Fisherman’s Athletic Association!

Description:

You’re #1!
… or at least you could be!
Now’s your chance to win the #1 Bib for the Twin Lobster Half Marathon in beautiful Gloucester, Massachusetts on June 1, 2014. The highest bidder will win the coveted #1 Bib for the half marathon – and we’ll even throw in a complimentary race entry to sweeten the deal! 100% of the proceeds from this auction will be donated to the Gloucester Fisherman’s Athletic Association. Hurry, don’t miss your chance! The online auction ends on May, 26, 2014 at 9pm!

http://www.yukanrun.com/Twin-Lobster.html

If you’re not lucky enough to win the auction, you can still make a donation to support the Gloucester Fisherman’s Athletic Association!

Pickup/Shipping Instructions:

The #1 Bib will be presented to the auction winner on the morning of the Twin Lobster Half Marathon scheduled for June 1, 2014.

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