Maybe now

I think I might have something to say.

Here now days: http://artvalet.tumblr.com

And with a little more meat here-
http://www.artvalet.com/Column/MitchNotes

Friday the 20th

Being Friday, it's Glass Wall Night! So as usual I headed over there at 6:15 in the 82 (i think) Chevy Blazer soft-top to valet park along side $70,000 cars and have cocktail with my Heights 1st Saturday cohorts. Every Friday we camp out at the corner of the bar and sip, talk and smile and nod at the few folks that try to join our group. (we're so snobby)
Was fun tonight but a few folks were missing, one due to a horrible intestinal problem that put him in the hospital, another to an out of town trip. Likely excuse, as if NYC could be more fun than hanging on Friday night. So we catch up, plan ahead and roast each other. OH- one of us has moved on to L.A. Sad but true.

THEN the girls called me. More commonly known as the wives. So I said my goodbyes and headed to CoCo's Sushi Bar on Westheimer near Montrose. They of course were in top form by the time I arrived and were already complaining of how "full" they were - Let's smoke. Didn't seem to be a prob when I started ordering though, and we were all happy and eating again soon. I was a little concerned when the "chef" zipped by me from a restroom stall totally missing the sinks on his way out. Later I was assured that he was absolutely NOT using the restroom for its intended purpose. Okay. Did turn into a busy night but still...

I wanted to stop by the Petrol Station in Garden Oaks (or Oak Forest) but just to pooped to party. Chip, our local cigar aficionado was there rolling his fine cigars and having a party. Ah well, next time Mr. Chip. OR Chocolate as Max likes to call you.
Chip prefers Mocha. Get it? Chocolate Chip, Mocha Chip ... LOL

Cheers!

To write without "I"

Is it possible? To write anything without using the word "I?" Perhaps not. Even in following up with this simple question this blogger would like to say " I this... or I that... ) This blogger does not think it is possible. Mostly. How else can one describe ones thoughts, feelings and adventures without referring to ones self? Don't ask me. Don't know!

OY! Yiddish may come in handy here. Lately MY adventures have been of an artistic note. Visiting such places as Elder Street Studios, Winter St., Coco's Gallery and home (which is awesome) and of course many establishments that honor the libation...Glass Wall, Ragin Cagin, The Petrol, 6th Street, Beer Island (OY), Shiloh (-ONCE), Boom Boom Room ( a fav!), Cafe Adobe (got a great parking spot), Rainbow Lodge (just passed thru, will have to go back) and Onion Creek. SO also attended a wedding that was like a live Austin City Limits best of show! Can't elaborate on that now though, just to damn tired. AND the reason this entry is here is just to prove to "myself" that "I" is not important as for as inclusion in my little infrequent blatherings of wordage. So "I" wish "YOU" a goodnight and sweet dreams! Thank you for reading! ;D

I'm going back

Vancouver
Originally uploaded by Art Valet.

to Vancouver this Summer. This was taken by my sister who I dropped off that last time I was there. She got married and has a boy and girl now! Can't wait to see them! Wonder if I can still get away with wearing that jacket?

Oh yeah the blog!

Whoops! I forgot I should write here once in awhile.. ;D

Well, I'm not going to tonight, so here's a photo from Jeanne and me Saturday night at Gallery M2. Does it look like we shop for glasses at the same place to you? How do you like my real hair?

Cocktail anyone?

I wonder if I should write about cocktails for a change? That is the title of this blog and I don't know that I ever have. Nah, you get the point right? Stole it from the tagline of the movie swingers. Loved the poster of Vince Vaughn (I think it was him) standing all proud holding up a martini glass big as life. That's me in my imagination...

So this morning at 10:30 I get to go to my first company meeting. Sounds like its for the Realtors mostly, but I suspect that I'll be "introduced." I'm a little nervous because I don't like being put on the spot. So naturally I've worked out in my head the thank you speech and all possible (some worst case) scenarios. I'm sure I and the intro will be fine. Especially after I've had a few rounds of it in my head.

I realized yesterday that I was hired as a preventative measure. Is that the right word? My employer was one of my references for my resume when I was interviewing with the PR firms and I she started talking about hiring me right after that. We have been friends socially so that has been a little weird, for both of us. I'm excited, neither of us know yet where my recently acquired skills will fit in with her company, but she has me now. And I love it no matter what I have to do until then. Lots of room to grow and expand my love for marketing.

Best part is she and her husband/partner are art collectors, and even designed their office around displaying art.

Cocktail of the week- A MitchTini! Grey Goose shaken with ice and sugar pour into martini glass rimmed with sugar, garnish with lemon wedge. Optional: a squeeze of lemon in the shaker. Not to much though!

CHEERS!

Hallo

I got a job!
I'm watching "Little Miss Sunshine"
Eating potato chips,
and drinking beer.

A beer. More will come later when we go to our friends for a beer tasting.

Okay then. Cheers!

New Years Eve

New Years Eve
Originally uploaded by Art Valet.

Just tagging my photos and ran across this one from New Years. What's up with the mug Carolyn? I love this photo, really sums up the evening I think well.

Yale St. Arts Market Feb 2007

P2030022.JPG
Originally uploaded by Art Valet.

Hey! Didn't get many photos yesterday, here a few. This one is of Teresa Storch all the way from MA., entertaining us Texas folks. Click her photo to see a few more from Saturday.

Yale Street Arts Market This Saturday!

Here is todays newsletter!  If you'd like to be on the list, go the website and click the join link.
Or follow this HERE!

Yale Street Arts Market Saturday, February 3, 2007  10am - 6pm Info - Location Located inside the 610 North Loop in the Heights area of Houston. Take the Yale Street exit off of the 610 North Loop and go South on Yale (inside the Loop) to the corner of Yale and 19th streets, turn right (west) to the corner of Lawrence St. The market is located on the Wind Water Gallery parking lot. 548 W. 19th Street, Houston, TX 77008 (713) 802-1213 www.YaleStreetMarket.com Event Sponsors Visit Our Sponsors NEXT MONTH- THREE YEARS OLD! March 3, 2007 will be the third anniversary of Yale Street Arts Market.  Come help us celebrate with special guests, entertainment and a Sister Sister y Los Misters performance. And of course the best art in town! Eat Right Exercise Buy Art! Every Month on 1st Saturday! Quick Links... Our Website The Artists Location Photo Galleries Howdy! The Yale Street Arts Market finally has a newsletter! First announcement: Join us this Saturday from 10am to 6pm for some  of the finest art, jewelry, sculpture, fiberart and live entertainment in town.  Heck, that's why I'm always there!  This newsletter may change a bit over time, the goal will be to inform you of specials, new artists and other events, related to the market or the artists' website- www.ArtValet.com.  Please forward this and come see us Saturday!   Cheers! Mitch Cohen Paintings, Photography, Jewelry & Sculpture! At Yale Street Arts Market you will find some of the best artists in Houston.  The white canopied tents lined up tightly lend an old world market feel on the parking lot of Wind Water Gallery.  The artists occupying those tents come from all over the greater Houston area including Humble, Magnolia, Galveston, Brenham and sometimes Louisiana.  The word market doesn't always conjure the image of a mini arts festival, which is what we are all about.  You'll also find the finest quality handmade soaps, candles and live blooming bromeliads.  All the vendors and artists are listed on the website each month, and there is an archive going back to February 2006. All the artwork is original by the artist! See all the artists and vendors online now. Click Here! "The Olive Oil Guy" Market features other "artsy" stuff too... Cinco Ranch resident David Laufenberg doesn't know the meaning of the word retire.  Laufenberg has retired three times and is currently employed full time as a quality assurance specialist in the oil industry; though his passion still lies with his first career, olive oil.  Laufenberg demonstrates, teaches and sell the oils on a local basis at markets and festivals.  Laufenberg retired to Katy 5 years ago from California and  was in the olive oil business prior to retiring.  "I have retired 3 times and just am not cut out for the rocking chair routine.  I just have a passion for olive oil and that is what enables me to continue teaching about it." Laufenberg says. His company is called KDS Gourmet Foods or "The Olive Oil Guy" and is a regular vendor at Yale Street Arts Market in the Heights and offers ten different oils from California. Yale Street Arts Market manager Mitch Cohen says "David always has a crowd in front of his booth, just like fine wine, his olive oil tastings are fun.  Unless I get in line I rarely get to visit with David!"  Selling the best product available from a domestic producer certainly helps.  The fact that the oils are not flavored with an additive or extract is what makes them so flavorful. The olives are pressed with fresh fruit and the oils of the olive and fruit are naturally infused. This process makes the flavors intense and people who experience one of Laufenberg's "Olive Oil" tastings are never disappointed. In addition to Yale Street Arts Market, Laufenberg can always be found at the Downtown Katy market every third Saturday as well as at the twice a year "Heart of Katy" and Annual "Heritage Grand Extravaganza". He also does private "Olive Oil" tastings for businesses and private home gatherings. "The Olive Oil Guy" is the the featured vendor at the Yale Street Arts Market on February 3, be sure to stop by David's booth for a free tasting! "Courtney's Crusade Month" While browsing the many different paintings, photography, jewelry, flowers and sculpture at Yale St, you may notice Cammie's Handmade Soaps.  Anyone breathing can't miss the wonderful aromas wafting through the market from Cammie's booth. Since 2000, the goal of Courtney's Crusade has been to raise awareness in the community on the best ways to combat sudden cardiac death. Courtney's Crusade raises money and places automated defibrillators in public schools.  Cammie told me, " I've decided that I'm calling February "Courtney's Crusade Month" since it's our "heart month".  I'm donating half of Cammie's net profits in the month of February to Courtney's Crusade.  I'll have some info on the charity at the February market. I have also started making felted soaps.  I use raw wool and create felt on the outside of a bar of my soap.  It works like a washcloth on the bar, and since it's wool, as the soap shrinks so does the felt." Hey Cammie, set one aside for me! On The Web Courtney's Crusade Cammie's Handmade Soaps Heights 1st Saturday Experience Small Town Cool Food Pantry Donation Drive- Grace United Methodist Church has been operating a Food Pantry in the Heights for 15 years and currently serves 50-80 families per week. Non-perishable food donations are welcome as well as cash.  At Yale St. Market Artists! Eye to Eye  Roxanne Claire, Matted and framed fine art photography, images from Oaxaca, Mexico, Renaissance Festival, and Heights fire spinning. 432 W 19th Spanish Flowers Restaurant  Artist L.K. Huckabay, Fine Art Photographic Prints taken in Cerralvo, Mexico, 4701 N. Main. Wind Water Gallery  C. Hubbard African American inspired art. 548 W. 19th. See more neighborhood events online here.

Discover what is going on in Houston's local art scene.  Become inspired. Find out the latest events by the artists.  Be amused, informed, and entertained by the Tribe Report- Martin de Vore's humorous and insightful take about Houston's art activities and artists. Any Free Wine? - An anonymous account of opening night from art galleries across Houston. Mitch Notes- Find what Mitch really does with his time! And much more. A place on the web for artists and art lovers! Visit ArtValet.com today! Click Here. Open 24/7

ATTENTION ARTISTS AT LARGE!

The Artists At Large golf T!
Buy it here or shop the entire store here:
http://www.cafepress.com/heights

Enjoy!

Cheers!
Mitch

Ladies and Gentleman, I am proud to present to you....

...Day by Day 24/7

This is my beautiful, smart (much more than me!) funny and talented wife Carolyn!
Please welcome her to the world of blogging, and be sure to bookmark her site, I'm sure it will be a crowd pleaser!

WELCOME MISS C!
http://ahtheluxury.blogspot.com/

Shameless plug

Below are two other columns to check out. Very funny stuff.


You waited.
You pulled out your own hair,
You chewed on your nails until the tips of your fingers bled.
I'm not a poet but...

Your wait is over!
ALL NEW COLUMNS ON ART VALET!!!

Any Free Wine? - If I could find out who this writer is I would just... okay fine nothing - but still. See what someone can get away with when no one knows who you are. An unedited, uncensored account of the "Go Figure" Show at M2 Gallery Jan. 13. Quite funny!
http://www.artvalet.com/Column/AnyFreeWine

Tribe Report- Martin DeVore talks about you, art and everywhere he has been, who he's seen, and how many minutes are left on his phone. Check it! - http://www.artvalet.com/Column/TribeReport

Mitch Notes! It's true! I wrote something! Read all about my secret life and where I spend my time between 1st Saturdays! And some new art websites you do not want to miss. It's just scandalous! http://www.artvalet.com/Column/MitchNotes


Art Valet- Open 24/7
www.ArtValet.com

Mitch Notes

I write on occasion at our website, www.ArtValet.com Here's what I put in today.

___________

Mitch Notes

 January 25, 2007

Mitch Cohen, John Mercado, Gordon Tillman, and Terrence Boggs - flickr.com

What's New?

Happy New Year! Good thing I don't get paid to write this column or I'd have been fired months ago. Been a little inconspicuous lately for some odd reason and just haven't had the "go" to sit down and write. Then again, I can't say I've been out and about enough to tell you much. Then again I'm always out doing something, and you just might think that's enough! So with out further adieux, my notes and whereabouts since October 13, 2006.

I want to start with this website and some of the recent changes and additions. First the Events page now has a form that makes it SO easy to add your own event. It is moderated, but only to keep the rif raf out, I try to check it every day. Gordon Tillman set it up for us. Thanks Gordy! One note about the listings is the end date of shows is also when the listing will automatically delete itself. So go and promote yourself, Art Valet is still a favorite with the search engines. The sidebar links is now the same on all the pages except music. That's next.

FUN! Some fun websites to report to you this week. Starting with your first time. That's right I said your first time and I am not talking about THAT! Your first "art time." www.ArtIsGoodForYou.com is a site set up to tell your story about your first experience with art. I've got something I'll be sending in. There is also a fun set of links on the site all grouped together, and the visitor is encouraged to just pick one at random. Try it! THEN, there's a classified section that may just give Craig's List and eBay a run for there money. It's called www.WhoIsMyArtist.com, and both patrons and artists are invited to describe the artist/patron they are looking for and contact info. I like that one, Carolyn posted something. I might be interested in posting a request for a patron to cover this years living expenses. What kind of response do you think I'll get out of that?

Hmmm. Ah the Heights! As a regular at many of the finer establishments in this 100 hundred plus year old neighborhood, news is afoot. The Squash Blossom Shop in the Yale St. Grill is closing its doors forever. (at least there) Proprietor and good friend Kathy R. is now engaged to marry, and is packing it in and moving to L.A. We're gonna miss you Kathy, you'd better come back and visit! I haven't heard that the other tenants plan to take over the lease so, if you need a large retail space.......call them! The Yale Grill is the old Yale St Pharmacy. It's pretty tasty and they even have a soda fountain! You can usually find me there on Sunday mornings at Max and Michael's table. If you don't see me, at least say hello to Barbara at the cashiers desk! And try the gravy! (Got Gravy? www.GravyBalls.com)

Where you've missed me lately: The Glass Wall, The Shiloh, Boom Boom Room... OH listen, a bunch of us went to the Boom Boom after the Go Figure show and Jackie's husband Wally was at the piano. MAN 'O MAN that guy is good! Friday and Saturday nights, I highly recommend seeing him. And try the Martini Paninis. If you have to ask, just trust me on this one. ... The Heights Library on Heights at 13th St. (we love going to the library, did you know they have wireless now?) The A...uh...that place....damn! Okay on Westeimer almost across the street from Brazil coffee and pretty much next door to Galerie Mado Chalvet is this awesome coffee house/bar! It has a Greek name and I don't. think I've ever seen it because I'm always driving on Westheimer, and if you take your eyes off the road in the Montrose, a Kia or Scion or scooter is liable to run you down. This day Carolyn, Cindy and I were walking though and just stumbled right in. It has vines growing all over the front gates so you can barely see it walking. Aegean? Help me out here will ya? Great place for a happy hour, but I think we'd better show up happy already, seem to recall the beer prices were kinda high. Everything is painted to look like old stone and marble. Fun! Where else.....Katz's Deli and Kenny & Ziggy's too. Had a run of colds in our house and had to get some good ole Jewish food and soup. I'm telling you it works. Just watch out for those fried pickles at Katz's, they can't be good for you.

Okay. I need a break now. But I'll be back to add links and correct my spelling and all that

Cheers! -Mitch

Mitch writes about his travels throughout the vast neighborhood known as the Houston Heights...and pretty much whatever else he feels like!


More about Me
Mitch Notes Archive

Hi

Just can't bare to have that song on the top of my blog so I'm writing a new post!

Tomorrow the Sun will be out after two weeks of rain here in Houston. Woo Hoo!
Might actually get to paint again.

Okay. I'm tired, going to bed. Hello stranger! ;D

M

BOY OH BOY!

If I remember... after my return from the Shiloh... I have a great song for you!

Oh what the hell...

"My crotch,
my crotch,
my crotch is on fire!
"My crotch,
my crotch is on fire!
I'll just lift my legs higher!"

Composed by Carolyn, sung by Carolyn, Cindy & Mitch
Around the fire. Of course.

CHEERS!

PS- I never once suggested my blog was here for meaningful content did I?
Good.

OY VEY!

Google's Gmail is down and I am MAD!

So how is everyone? I got me two wives over here, both are sick and have declared an end to their respective colds with a twelve pack. I opted for margaritas compliments of Mikey & Gordy from New Years Eve. (thanks!) Two wives you ask? "In Texas? What gives you studmuffin?"
Just an inside joke of sorts. Cindy is a good friend of ours and she stayed here for a short spell while in transition to a new place. I think the term arrived then. We're all just friends! Honest! And if you are still fantasizing about two wives, think about it....2 wives, 2 mother-in-laws! Of course they are both awesome women! Okay. This is getting weird and I'm the one writing. I could delete...nah...your comments will carry me thru the Gmail disaster!

I'm going to order up some T-Shirts from Cafe Press:
"I Survived The Great
Ice Storm of '07"

What a joke! LOL you should see the nubcicles we had around our house!

Reader discretion advised...

A very attractive young lady was sitting in a fine restaurant one night. Waiting for her date as she was, she wanted to make sure everything was perfect. So, as she bends down in her chair to get the mirror from her purse, she accidentally farts quite loudly just as the waiter walks up. Sitting up straight now, embarrassed and red faced, knowing everyone in the place heard her, turns to the waiter and demands "Stop That!".

The waiter looks at her dryly and says "Sure lady, which way is it headed?"

Carolyn's Superhero status is a dual deal. Yesterday she was Mr. Freeze and today she is Mystique! Woo Hoo!

Naturally...

I am Magneto

Magneto 73% Apocalypse 72% The Joker 66% Lex Luthor 63% Dr. Doom 57% Juggernaut 56% Mr. Freeze 54% Catwoman 52% Poison Ivy 49% Mystique 48% Venom 48% Dark Phoenix 47% Riddler 46% Green Goblin 40% Two-Face 40% Kingpin 39%

You fear the persecution of those that are different or underprivileged so much that you are willing to fight and hurt others for your cause.

Click here to take the Super Villain Personality Test

OKAY Yo, we have had this website now for awhile and I've been keeping an eye on what isn't working or rather popular. So tonight I edited the sidebar with all the links, and deleted some unused pages, combined a few others. If you have visited it before (or not) tell me what you think? It's easy to change and add pages!
http://www.artvalet.com/Main/HomePage

Thanks

ps- the cat won't give up the remote. that's why i'm still here. guess who's new nickname is monkeyfart? thats right! the cat!

I looked like this a week ago

the one on your RIGHT!

Greetings!

You know, this site for all I knew used to be just about me. Because I was certain in my little world that only two people ever actually came here and read what I didn't have to say. And now thanks to MzMikie! (HiYa Mikie!) I'm all paranoid about what to write! Wait a minute, I never wrote anything of a personal nature here anyway. Hmmm yeh, I'm practically an open book. RIGHT! If you want to know who I am just do a google my name...

Okay enough of that. Tonight I am comforted in the fact that I am not the only person on this planet with a truly twisted, sick, warped and totally inhuman mind. Tonight I discovered that there is in fact one other such person and this person may in fact be sicker than me. The fact that this person had the thought, days or months or even years before me makes me feel more like you dear reader. It makes me feel human again.

See the point of all this mindless dribble here. I feel better now, I'm going to watch the cats watch TV. Cheers!

Top o'the mornin to ya!

Howdy! Haven't been around here much lately. Guess I haven't had a whole lot to say. Hmmm, I still don't! The market was fun Saturday, tho dreary. Phyllis loved that she was the featured artist. I managed to get her in 8 newspapers and I gave her all the copies on Saturday. She said a lot of folks came up to her to tell her they read about her. Her photo was included!

Today we are back on the roof of that restaurant, and should be finished tomorrow or the next day. It's fun now that the sun is shining! I painted a rooster yesterday. This morning I'll clamber up a '30 foot ladder and paint PIT SM I painted the OKED BBQ a few weeks ago, but couldn't find a ladder tall enough to finish the first part. I know it sounds weird, but I'll post a photo here and show later this week. Let's just say no one knows what "OKED BBQ" is.......

Cheers!

Oh right...say something?

This is a blog right?  I keep forgetting I'm supposed to say something
relevant.  Right?  OR perhaps, that is just my interpretation...

Well, whatever it may be...I have something to say.
And I will say it soon!  For now, I'm going to get me some sleep!
Okay, I will "read" myself to sleep.  Tonight I am reading Thunderstruck
A fun book I received for Christmas.

Cheers!

PS- the gnome is anatomically correct, he just happens to have big cheeks :D

Weather Request

I hereby request that this nasty, damp, rainy weather move elsewhere immediately!
We don't need or want it. Plus, its already harder than hell to get people out to an art festival in January, doubly so with wet weather!

So friends, do a rain dance for us! Weather Gods...take pity on us artist types for at least 2 days! Friday and Saturday!

Thank you, have a nice day.

Stir

I just love stirring things up!
Odd, I sent this post last night and it didn't post?
Hmmph.
----
This is a blog right? I keep forgetting I'm supposed to say something relevant. Right? OR perhaps, that is just my interpretation...

Well, whatever it may be...I have something to say. And I will say it soon! For now, I'm going to get me some sleep! Okay, I will "read" myself to sleep. Tonight I am reading Thunderstruck
A fun book I received for Christmas.

Cheers!

PS- the gnome is anatomically correct, he just happens to have big cheeks :D