As most of you know, I like my second look each month to reflect our host at Art Journal Journey's (AJJ) theme. That means I needed to find something related to Chris's Hot Summer Days and Nights. This post hearkens back to July, 2017 and was part of an AJJ challenge. I believe those of you who have been reading my blog since 2017 will remember this post. It was well received when it was first published. Please enjoy.
The Bleubeard County Fair
This is the time of year when county and state fairs are the rage, at
least that's true in the U.S.. In other countries, they are sometimes
known as agricultural fairs. People flock to them from far and wide.
If you aren't sure what the difference is, if you have an exhibit or
competition of some kind you wish to enter, the county where you reside
is where you compete or have it judged. If it wins the grand prize in
that category, which usually consists of a ribbon only, you are allowed
to enter it in that same category at the state fair.
Now I've never made a secret of the fact that Bleubeard was born in a
barn. He was given to me as a Christmas present by my goddaughter. His
mother, a calico, didn't sandbox train him, so it was left to me, his
caregiver, to do so. So far, this is a true story.
This is the point where the story becomes a tall tail or tale, whichever
you prefer. Today we're headed to the Bleubeard County Fair. Of
course, I had NO idea he was so popular in the county in which he was
born.
It seems they have named a county for him and he is the guest of honor at the Bleubeard County Fair.
We
didn't need tickets because Bleubeard was the guest of honor. Since I
accompanied him, the first place we visited was the area where they kept
his animal friends. After all, the agricultural portion of these
fairs is often more popular than the rides. However, there was lots to
see, so Bleubeard wanted to make the rounds after saying hello to a few
of the animal participants.
We
entered the midway where we found the amusement rides. This one looked
harmless, so we took our chances. Bleubeard wanted to go twice. For
me it was a bit scary, because I'm afraid of heights.
We
stopped at one of the tents where we met Madame Magnolia. She told
Bleubeard's fortune. Of course, we all know what it is, don't we?
Further down the midway was the carousel. Bleubeard indulged me, because I wanted to ride the carousel horse.
Next it was off to the big top, where a virtual 3-ring circus was under way. Bleubeard was delighted to see there were no performing elephants or caged lions, only people entertaining today.
When the performers learned Bleubeard had arrived, the ringmaster insisted he join them center ring for a round of applause.
One more look back and Bleubeard was off to reign king of the county fair.
He
judged the car show, the tractors and other farm equipment, some of
which I couldn't even pronounce, the quilts, the vegetables, the crafts, the jams, and the cakes.
He judged the sheep, cows, and chickens. He ate cotton candy, which got in his
fur, and he had a waffle cone filled with a frozen ice treat. He was
given a box of taffy and was invited to pull taffy they were making, but
he declined, since he was still trying to get cotton candy out of his
fur. By the end of the day, he was one tired, but finally clean, cat.
But he had an absolutely wonderful time at the Bleubeard County Fair. I
hope you did, too!
I created the background using a combination of inks, handmade
shimmering mists, and acrylic paints. I also used a background stamp to
fill in some of the empty spots. For the various children's colorings I
found on the internet, I used a new product I found rather by accident
in my stash.
I
had never used, or even considered using, these watercolor pencils I
got from my friend who was throwing things away from his storage shed.
In
fact, I had to sharpen each one because none had ever been used or
sharpened before. I learned a lot when I worked with these. I needed
to use a teeny, tiny brush, rather than the big fat one I'm used to
using. But, since the children's coloring images were so childlike, I
decided any messes I created when trying to use water with these only
added to the idea this was a cat's tale, not mine. Madam Magnolia was
cut from a gifted Collage Cats sheet.
15 thoughtful remarks:
Sadly all I can add is a comment (really.. I tried often, but the second in my life seems to be always a boring day!).
In my place we don´t have fairs like that but once there was one in Madeley/Perth and I saw life-pigs! And by chance I have pigs today and it IS the second. Does it count?
Awesome pages Elizabeth
I think I knew you in 2017, but I'm not sure I remember this page. It is awesome. I like the bright colors and the images. Funny, I was thinking about fairs for Chris challenge too. I even made a page, which would have been even funnier if I had posted it today. :) Thanks for reposting this because it's one definitely worth seeing again. Hope August has started off nicely for you too. hugs-Erika
Have a good month of August!
...we are off to the county fair on Tuesday.
Wonderful
Very cute!
Nice watercolor pencils. Old set but brand new! :)
Nice post dear Elizabeth about Bleubeard. This time I added two posts from August 22.
Have a good time and all the best
Violetta
What a wonderful description of the county fair. We have the Big E, the Eastern States Exposition. the 4th largest fair in the country. It represents all 6 New England states. Just as you described, rides, entertainment, shops, and food specialties from each of the 6 states. Headbutts to Bleubeard and Squiggles
Lovely post.
Happy weekend and happy August to you.
All the best Jan
Wow! This is a beauty. Each section showing off a fun and way to enjoy the fair.
I so loved Bleubeard's Story. It warmed my heart.
Your Bleubeard is quite the cat! I loved your story -- true and beautifully embellished! And the art is just wonderful.
j'adore ce petit cirque. j'aimerais y faire le clown
These are delightful!
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