Wednesday:) Well, What’s Been Happenin’ On The Square?

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.”

― W.B. Yeats

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Magic and beauty and amazing adventures are happening all around us, right before our own eyes, in our own home town. All we have to do is open our eyes. Voila! There it is.

Yesterday was a very awesome day. I got up early for a long walk and to walk the dog. Then, Helene and I made plans to scoot over to Holy Family School to take our donations of snacks and goodies for the little ones. Miss Sondra and the staff are always so appreciative of our little donations and our visits.

The construction for the Community Kitchen and Garden behind the school is coming along. It will be so nice for the community to have fresh home grown vegetables and meals available to them. Cool!

After our visit, we wandered over to the Square for lunch at The Pantry. Oh my goodness. I always get the chicken fried chicken, mashed potatoes/gravy and fried okra. SO much food. We always have leftovers.

Of course, I needed a phot op in front of the mural painted by our friend, Andrea Holmes, on the side of Fair and Square Imports across the street.

Then, off we went to visit Kim Guthrie at her studio on Virginia. She’s always busy at work by her window. Perfect for a photo op and a visit. Her awesome whimsical style has captured the hearts of all of McKinney and beyond.

Another artistic stop at The Last Gallery on Louisiana. We were greeted by another artist friend, Leslee Ortega. Leslee has a brilliant eye for color and composition, and has also mastered the art of painting with coffee. (Yep…coffee. It’s a blast. I love it too.) The gallery has become a fantastic artist co-op that features the finest artists in North Texas. (Most of them are friends of mine, so I’m a little biased.)

It was a great busy day, and what better way to end my day than a nice walk at dusk to capture one of God’s greatest works of art. The evening sunset. (I really need to paint some of these scenes. But, I have SO many. Where do I start?)

Have a great day, my friends.

Friday:) The Fabulous Kim Guthrie Art

“There are no rules. That is how art is born, how breakthroughs happen. Go against the rules or ignore the rules. That is what invention is about.” –

~Helen Frankenthaler

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My good friend and fabulous artist, Kim Guthrie, had a one day art show at The Cove in downtown McKinney this evening. Sherri Murphy and I went down to see her wonderful work. Kim had a unique colorful and playful style that evokes smiles and joy. Her love of art is as bountiful as her talent. She is also fun and funky and silly. Here she is donning her mask with a faux $100 bill to reflect her fun philosophy of “Put your money where your mouth is.”

There were so many amazing works to see. She had a “smiley face” side theme going on for this show. There’s always a creative whimsical style in her work.

That’s Kim under the Big Bad Wolf mask. She’s so cute.

This gentleman was walking home from The Cove with an original rendering of his beautiful cottage home just down the street in the Historic District of McKinney. Sherri beeped her horn as we drove by, noticing that he was taking a selfie of himself with his new acquisition. We wanted a photo too. He was so proud. I’m sure it will find a place of honor right away.

Kim Guthrie has an adorable little studio right in the square where she can be found most days painting and visiting with friends, neighbors and visitors.

Check out her website… https://www.kimguthrieart.com/

Oh yes, HAPPY BLACK RUSSIAN FRIDAY, my friends.

Saturday on the Square and Elswhere

“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.”–

~Tim Cahill

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When it’s a gloomy Saturday evening, the skies just finished pouring rain, and there’s nothing on TV, it looks pretty bleak. Then, my phone rang at 5:48 pm. It was my good friend Sherri Murphy…”Whatcha doin’?” Well, knew an adventure was in my future.

Sherri said that she wanted to run down to the Square and go see Maribeth Jagger’s art show over at The Cove, and would in like to join her. Well, Maribeth is one of the most awesome local artists and instructors around McKinney. I said, “Sure!”

She said she was driving down Prosper Trail Road and would be at my house in ten minutes. I’m glad she gave me some notice. (I’ve been known to call her from her driveway.)

The Square was pretty hopping as we drove through on our way to The Cove. It was so good to see Maribeth and a few artist friends that we haven’t seen in many months. I think we were all smiling. Hard to tell under all the masks. Maribeth had a clear shield, so we could see her smile. It was great to see Steve and Minda Macias. Alex was there too, but no photo op. (Amazing ceramic and pottery artisans.)

After we visited a while, we drove back through the Square to look for the Butterflies on display. Here’s the one in front of Chestnut Square.

We probably visited for around an hour all together, but it was wonderful to go on a short adventure with Sherri Murphy.

I’m still not sure if I’m Thelma or Louise… I guess it really doesn’t matter. We do have fun. Thanks Sherri!

On The Square and Elsewhere ❤️ McKinney

“I always say that I bloom where I’m planted, but I sure have been blessed to be planted in McKinney, TX.”

~ Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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Blessings are to be shared, that’s for sure. It seems like the more you care and the more you share, your blessings multiply tenfold. If you’re anything like me, when you see a great sale at the grocery store, you stock up. OK! Maybe you don’t, but I do. My favorite items to stock up on are items to take over to Holy Family School, over by the Square, to share with the adorable pre-schoolers.

Helene, my partner in crime, and I stock up for a few weeks on snacks, drinks, cereals, baby supplies, or whatever we think they could use. Then, we stop by for a quick drop off about once a month. Miss Sondra and the staff are always so appreciative. Lately, with the distancing thing, we generally just ring the bell and pop the items inside the door and scurry on our way. That’s what we did yesterday.

Since we were so close to The Pantry Restaurant on Louisiana, and it was after lunch time, we stopped by to get a to-go order of their famous chicken fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and crispy fried okra. It’s enough for two meals. (But, we each got one. Yum!)

Right across the street from The Pantry is the awesome wall mural on the side of Fair and Square Imports, painted by our amazing artist friend, Andrea Holmes, so I had to get a photo op. (I do have my mask on. Safety first.)

McKinney is a great town. Now, saving the best for last, here is just one of the amazing sunsets that blesses the end of my day. Just awesome.

Saturday:) McKinney Square and Elsewhere

“It’s been my belief that learning how to do something in your hometown is the most important thing.”

Pete Seeger

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Another lazy Saturday morning. But, then I got a text from my friend Linda Grossman…World’s Greatest Realtor. She asked what I had on my agenda for today. My reply was, “No plans.” I love those last minute impromptu invitations, especially when I have absolutely no plans for the day. She had a few errands to run on the square and suggested maybe we could have lunch. Perfect! She said she’d pick me up. She’s so sweet. She wanted to pick up her wine from Lone Star Wine Cellars and she knows I don’t drink and drive. This way, I could have a glass of wine if she drove.

When we arrived on the Square, it was already very crowded. It was a beautiful sunny day and everyone was enjoying the weather. On our way to lunch, we walked past Kim Guthrie’s Art Studio, so,we popped in to say hi. Kim is such an amazing and talented artist, and her studio is filled with whimsical paintings, cute pet portraits, lovely landscapes, historic McKinney buildings and so much more.

We decided to have lunch at the fairly new El Mejor Mexican restaurant. The food and service was excellent. I highly recommend it.

Our next stop was Lone Star Wine Cellars to pick up her wine. Linda belongs to their wine club, where you purchase their featured wine every couple of months, and whenever you pop in, you can have a complimentary glass of wine. It’s a cool place to hang out with friends or make new friends.

After chatting and sipping a glass of red wine, we headed over to The Martin Place at 1799 N. Graves St. Linda asked my recommendation for the best place to get photos printed or giclees made or framing art work. Mark Martin is the best around.

They still had MAST artist’s paintings and artwork on display.

The hours flew by, and it was a great Saturday on the Square and elsewhere. Mckinney is a cool place to live, and I have the coolest friends to explore it with.

Happy Saturday, my friends.

Saturday on the Square, The Cove, and Artfest

“The best place to be is any place where you are loved.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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We are very fortunate to have so many fine artists and creative people in McKinney. This evening, a few of my friends made plans to go over to Artfest at the Cotton Mill. We bumped into a bunch of old friends and made some new friends. The artwork was beautiful, and the venue at the Cotton Mill is very Artist friendly with original exposed brick and old rustic charm. Brad Donaldson had his amazing resin paintings and furniture, and Jenny’s Bay Willow hats were the highlight. We all tried on hats and posed for pictures. Andrea’s beautiful bird paintings are precious. There were dozens of other fabulous artists and friends.

After Artfest, we went over to The Cove for Wendolin’s fantastic photography exhibit appropriately entitled “Breathless.” Gorgeous underwater photography that left you breathless. So creative, so surreal. Wendolin has a wonderful eye, capturing the essence water and movement.

Good to see my old friend Don Simmons. Another fine photographer in his own right. I love how local artists all come out to support one another.

We scooted over to the busy square for dinner and ended up at Spoon’s Garage. Who was sitting outside with some friends but my old “young” friend Oscar. I hadn’t seen him in over a year. Such a fine young man.

We had dinner and drinks at The Garage, amidst the hustle bustle and noise of the square.

All in all, another spectacular Saturday with good friends, enjoying fine art, fine food and friendship.

Saturday on the Square and Elsewhere

“All in all, it was a never to be forgotten summer — one of those summers which come seldom into any life, but leave a rich heritage of beautiful memories in their going — one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, delightful friends and delightful doing, come as near to perfection as anything can come in this world.”

—L.M. Montgomery

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This morning, I received a call from my friend Sherri Murphy, asking if I wanted to go to dinner and check out the Second Saturday festivities on the Square in the evening. We have some artist friends that were showing their work, and it’s always fun to walk around, even in the summer heat.

I had some errands to run, the bank and a couple of stores. I stopped into Papa Murphy’s Pizza to visit my friend, Karri Munson, the manager. We hugged and chat pied and shared funny stories. She was telling me about their new product, s’mores cookie dough bars, She showed me a promotional band that goes around the container. I kind of thought it looked like a crown, so I decided to put it on and even wear it on my way to Tom Thumb grocery store next door. I said it was good advertising. “Will work for cookie dough.” Silly is my middle name.

Sherri picked me up around 3:30, and we headed to The Pantry for dinner.

After dinner, we strolled the square and stopped in a few shops, and visited friends at The Last Gallery. Kim Guthrie was having an open house and wine tasting at her studio and a Pop-Up show across the street at The Wine Merchant.

Kim’s beautiful paintings were a fine compliment to the fine wines at the Wine Merchant. Sherri and I each bought a bottle of MAMAMANGO wine. Yum!

It was VERY hot out, probably around 100, so we popped into the Red Canoe to check out their ice cream that is made with different liqueurs called Cocktail Creamery. Ted, the proprietor and creator, was kind enough to let us sample several creamery concoctions until we decided on our frozen dessert.

Sherri and I love the new decor and atmosphere at the Red Canoe, formerly Snug on the Square.

The sun was finally falling below the buildings and providing a little shade, and a little breeze was making it more comfortable to sit outside and listen to some music. A talented young singer was performing on the street corner, and folks were gathered around enjoying his amazing voice. Armon Ramirez, the young performer, belted out some Bublé, Elvis, and other classics.

As we sat, listening to great music, with the sun setting, a couple dancing behind us, then we saw the Mounted Patrol sauntering down the street. The perfect ending to a perfect day. I just love the McKinney Square.

Saturday by the Square:) Maribeth Jagger Art at The Cove

“Some artists have a natural talent, and others work at it every day. Then, there are those special artists who incorporate both.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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Last night after my art group at Towne Creek, I went over to The Cove Art Gallery to check out Maribeth Jagger’s show. Boy, am I glad I’m did because her painting were selling faster than ice cream on the 4th of July. My favorite one was still available, so I grabbed Maribeth, literally, and said, “Please put sold on this one for me.”

Maribeth’s’ show will be at The Cove today, Saturday, and finishing up tomorrow. The Cove is located at 402 N. Tennessee, just north of the McKinney Square, over by the library.

The fun part was seeing all these works of art in person because Maribeth posts her daily inspiration and paintings on her Facebook page. It was impossible for me to imagine that she could paint these beautiful masterpieces in just one day, much less to paint one EVERY day. She is such a talent and inspiration.

Her masterfully illustrated journals also incorporate her love of nature and travel. Maribeth is such a talented lady and I am honored to call her friend.

“Some artists have a natural talent, and others work at it every day. Then, there are those special artists who incorporate both.” This is you, Maribeth.

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

If you haven’t seen her art work…. what’s wrong with you? Get over there!

Fourth of July Parade On The Square

Mac Thornberry

“No other date on the calendar more potently symbolizes all that our nation stands for than the Fourth of July.”

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A steamy overcast morning sweltered into a steamy sunny day for the 4th of July Parade on the Square in McKinney. I spent the day with my dear friend Sherri. We got to the Square bright and early, leaving my house at 8:30, found a good parking spot, then strategically parked our lawn chairs on the parade route. Being experienced parade goers, we sauntered over to The Pantry Restaurant for an early morning iced tea and air conditioning until parade time.

I think that I’ve attended almost every 4th of July parade since I’ve lived in McKinney. It didn’t dawn on me until this morning that in 15 years, I either attended by myself or with a friend, never a family member. It’s always fun to see the families lined up with strollers and little ones, waving and giving high fives to passers by. For such a large city, our parade has a quaint small town feel.

A police car with sirens squealing starts off, followed by a fire truck from Station1.

Then, Mayor Fuller and wife Maylee wave from their vehicle, followed by cars from local businesses, floats from the American Legions and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the Rotary and the DAR, and so much more. So many smiling red cheeked faces, sweltering and waving in the Texas heat, all to show their appreciation for our independence and the great country we live in and our community.

And, always saving the best for last, the Mounted Patrol brings up the rear to close the festivities.

Officer Lindsey Paul (closest) said that this was Blue’s first parade and that he did a great job.

It was a fun day on the Square with a great friend. (Brownie face below).

Happy 4th of July, my friends!!!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Tuesday:) Toe Tappin’ Tunes and Terrific Friends

“Sharing a great meal and some good music with wonderful friends is my idea of happy.”

Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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The Hot Club of Cowtown performed at MPAC on the Square this past weekend, and some girlfriends got together for a delicious dinner Saturday night at Miss Pat’s, then off for the concert.

The Hot Club of Cowtown is billed as an American hot jazz and Western swing trio that formed in 1997.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Urk9BMaHE1g

I must admit, I wasn’t sure what kind of music Western swing was, and it was nothing I’ve ever heard before. The trio played their hearts out for their audience and a lot of toe tappin’ could be seen. It was a fun evening with friends.