PATY'S DEBUT

Wednesday we all had a full day to play so I jumped in my car and went off to discover Viroqua.  I heard it was a nice little town full of what I like to call earthy crunchy people.  I knew I would find more artistic inspiration there.  I had a lovely time wandering the artist galleries and shops and chatting with the owners.  I will be going back with a Couchsurfing guide that lives there next week to see more.

Before leaving town I stumbled upon a two story old junk consignment flea market.  I could have been in there for hours but it wasn't air conditioned and the top floor was getting pretty darn hot by the time I left.  I honed in on two things; a couple of board games for $3 for our crazy vineyard crew to play while gathered around the kitchen table and a magnified lighted make-up mirror that has to be 40 years old.  I picked that up in perfect condition for $2.  YES, I thought, Paty Patriotica can now see her image being born.

Remember Paty Patriotica the Balloon Twister character that I began creating in July?  Well I have not had the time to sit down in calm with my items of make-up wizardry that I have been collecting at various DOLLLARTREE stores (my favorite chain) and create her face.  I have been on the move and without a proper magnifying mirror.  I wear corrective eye wear and need my face enlarged to paint it.  Now I have one.  YEY!

The look on people's faces as they came into the kitchen to raid the frig was hilarious.  I mean...how many people do you know that play dress up in in the middle of the afternoon with full professional clown white?  If the answer to that question is ZERO go out and get some paint (easy to find this time of year as Halloween stuff is just hitting the displays) and have a go at it yourself.  Then have fun as people see you.  They all smiled. :0)

After the face was done I put on the costume.  I still haven't taken the time to alter it but I shall.  The skirt lies precariously on my hips supported by a safety pin.  Rachel whined for balloon puppies so I made her a full liter in red, white and blue and then a big balloon bouquet for Marie.  I was then whisked out the door for some photos for fun, my high heels sinking in the dirt of the slope.  Mike was due to arrive home from work so I kept the character on to greet him at the door with balloons.  He laughed so hard.  You never know what you are going to find when you get home to a bunch of HELPXers with buena onda (good vibe).


DA DA!  Paty's make-up is all set although she can also work without the clown white base which is exactly what happened last evening.  Mike came home as I was peeling cucumbers to make some Japanese Salad.  "Where's Patt?  Hey how would you like to make some cash?"  He asked me to get in my costume and take two bottles of wine over to the local bar where he and his friends were celebrating a co-workers retirement.  I had a message for the guest of honor.  "Happy Retirement from Riverview (Vineyard) to You."  Sure thing, no problem.  How fun.  I was a hit!  Who doesn't love an extra special bit of whimsy?  I will say though that trying to drive with the hat is a bit difficult.  It keeps hitting the interior roof of the car and getting knocked around as I look to the left for oncoming traffic.  I will have to take note of that for future off-site engagements.  HAAAAA

HAVE FUN FUN FUN!  Go and DO SOMETHING NEW.
Send me photos of your painted faces!