Comments (0) | |

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009

Projects can cause seasons to get mixed up

Out of the corner of my eye, all I could see was a kaleidoscopic blur of colorful, shiny and gilded shapes as I quickly walked past all my Christmas decorations. I refused to stop and look because I was on a direct mission. My mission was not only clear, but also timely. It was to locate, identify and move all of my Halloween decorations from our storage area into our home.

At this moment, the colors orange and black pulled rank and politely pushed red and green a little farther back into storage. Christmas would just have to wait its turn. After all, Halloween comes first. Or at least it does on the calendar.

In my world of creating and decorating, I have always had trouble discerning which holiday I was actually celebrating — or about to. In order to show you how to go out and create something beautiful for any given holiday, I have to start planning and executing my designs months in advance of the actual holiday.

Each summer in my mind, I have to take a quick trip from sandy hot beaches and humid days and go to the frigid air of the North Pole in search of Santa Claus. No, not the real one but the one I am creating for that particular year. This process can be very confusing to say the least. This year, it was even harder.

About six months ago, I decided I would create a peppermint-themed Santa for this holiday season. I was so excited. As I began to paint him in all his red and white splendor, I suddenly became terrified he might melt in the oppressive summer heat of Middle Georgia. In an effort to get into a “cool” mood for creating, I would place a piece of peppermint candy in my mouth. And, as you can imagine, it melted also. Between battling the forces of hot and cold, I finally finished my new Santa. To me, he looks cool despite the heat.

Without getting to spend much time with him, I immediately packaged him up and shipped him away to have his red and white likeness transferred onto porcelain plates. In the meantime, I had to also have him readied to become the front of my annual holiday T-shirts, prints and note cards. Needless to say, together we have been a busy pair.

In the middle of all that peppermint mayhem, the representatives from The Children’s Hospital called and asked it I would once again design the T-shirts for their annual Reindeer Run and Santa Stroll. I wanted to help the children so I agreed. But then, I had to go get out the old peppermint candy again.

Without warning, while I have been filming and designing, Halloween has secretly sneaked up on me like an animal does its prey. I had to get into fast motion and get our all my witches, black cats and mummies. Oh, and I had to switch out my piece of peppermint for a kernel of candy corn. Can you imagine? Now you all know why I stay so scattered. It’s because I don’t know which holiday I am really in.

This holiday season is quickly approaching and bringing with it a whole whirlwind of shopping activities. The first is the Junior League of Macon’s annual MarketPlace. I have worked with the Junior League for more years than I can even count. This year I am especially excited because they are moving their shopping extravaganza back downtown to the City Auditorium. It is shaping up to be a great show full of exciting things.

This year marks the 21st annual MarketPlace. It will take place from Oct. 22 to Oct. 25. The hours will be daily from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., except for Sunday, which will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. I will be there each and every day with a daily demonstration at 1 p.m. I will even be baking some of my caramel cake on stage. You definitely don’t want to miss out on that. All my peppermint Santa merchandise will be making its debut at MarketPlace. Both he and I hope to see you there. Call (478)743-0847 or go to www.jlmacon.org for more information.

On Nov. 3, the ladies of the Barrington Hall Garden Club have asked me to present a holiday program at Martha Bowman United Methodist Church from 7-9 p.m. We’ll have a great time and enjoy the light refreshments that will be served. For ticket information, call (478) 474-1462. This is the only “open to the public” presentation I will be having in Macon this year. Seating is limited, so please call today.

Following that will be Christmas Made in the South on Nov. 6-8 and Perry’s Mistletoe Market on Nov. 20 to Nov. 22.

You will find my loyal and cool peppermint Santa and a worn-out me at all of these exciting events. I always look so forward to seeing you all in person.

Please drop by to say “hi” and don’t forget to bring anything you have been creating that is interesting. I would love to see it.

When I finally finished bringing all of my Halloween decorations over from storage, I quickly began to sort and decorate. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my new Peppermint Santa painting propped next to a tall mummy. Looking at the combo, I had to laugh. Thank God I’m an artist and accustomed to juggling all kinds of colors on my palette, because, in real life, I am also swirling around creating with everything from orange and black to red, green and gold all at the same time. Go out and create something beautiful today for the upcoming holidays. They’ll be here before we know it.

MORE FROM MARK

Ÿ Spirits in the Courtyard, a Cherry Blossom Festival fall fundraiser, is scheduled from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Blacksmith Shop. Pull out your pink and black attire and celebrate with live music and a silent auction. Tickets are $25 per person. Call 751-7411 for ticket information.

Ÿ Facebook has all of Mark’s adventures with his new show and other happenings. Be sure that you’ve friended him.

Ÿ Check out Mark’s recently updated Web site, www.markballard.com, for current projects and recipes.

Ÿ Mark is on www.macon.com 24 hours a day. Videos, columns and articles are featured.

Send your questions to P.O. Box 4232, Macon, GA 31208 or call (478) 757-6877.