This weekend I got to do several things I love: visit friends, family and eat great food. The last time I was in America, I was a vegetarian. And I was a veggie for 8 years. So I haven't wrapped my lips around an Iowan Pork Tenderloin in ages. And I loooooove tenderloins. Oh how I have missed them. My cousin arranged for the Waterloo Martini Club to get together at Newton's Paradise Cafe because the word on the street is that they have the BEST tenderloins. Newton's holds a special place in my heart - it's an iconic building in Waterloo and used to be a jewellery store. When I was 22 I moved to Waterloo and with little to do, I would bumble around town looking for cool things to take B&W pics of. The Newton's building was one of my favourite subjects. I can't tell you how exciting it was to step into the doors of what is now Waterloo's funkiest and coolest cafes - it's remained faithful to the architecture and signage. They did an amazing job. And guess what? Their tenderloins ARE the best. My cousin and I shared one and we were both stuffed for the rest of the day and into the night. It was huge. I'm not kidding. Huge.
We also went to another of my favourite places: the Lava Lounge. Ah, the Lava Lounge. There are so many great things about this place: funky Formica tables, great hula girl lamps, cool cocktails and the best jukebox in the state and get this: it's free! The jukebox that is. This lounge is like something out of 60s Hollywood. I love it. They've just opened a new section since I was last there and it has it's own bar, different decor and jukebox. I had a craving for a vodka and ginger beer - so the bartended recommended The Mule. It's a vodka ginger with a hint of lime. Served in a copper cup. With a cool plastic monkey that hangs on by his tail. Who can beat that? Oh my god - amazing. When I go there I feel like I've died and gone to heaven. I need to transport this place back to England. And it's a great place for pics cuz they've got these fantastic vintage beer signs.
All of this funky has brought on a new level of inspiration, which is perfect timing because I'm about to visit my friend, John, in Peoria. He's an incredible engineer - builds cars from the ground up. I'm talking bending the metal, making the steering wheel, sewing the upholstery that goes on the seats which he has built. Incredible. Anyway, if you recall, I've been invited to submit 5 pieces of artwork to the Meller Merceux Gallery in Oxford. Thing is I have to frame then and that's not cheap. So I had a great idea: why not have John help me? Cuz he's brilliant. So today we're going to buy the wood and get started. I can't wait!!!! Not to worry - I'll be sure to take pics so you can see the process. It promises to be exciting! (At least for me, anyway!). So, until next time: ummm...not sure what to say. So, see ya later!
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