Summer '23: Let's Dance!
Henry’s Garden
Summer Time Fun
Spring is winding down and the summer is roaring in!
I can hardly believe summer is here, it’s honestly my favorite time of year. It’s funny because so many people ask “how do you stand the FL heat?” but I've always loved the hot weather. I can remember being a kid when my mom lived in Redwood City, California. She drove a little red Karmann Ghia and I would love getting in the hot car with the smell of warm VW plastic and the slight burn of air in my nose. Yes, yes. I know its not normal! Lol.
Reminiscing aside, we happily survived another busy SoFlo season. I continue to love being in the gallery and studio and feel so lucky we get to work with and for people we love!
Emily and Johanna our Amanda James Gallery and Amanda Johnson Studio assistants made season fun and James and I are so grateful for them! It is so nice to be able enjoy the people you work with.
Gallery Livin’
What’s Cooking Good Looking
We decided that summer 2023 was going to be the time for concerts and live shows after not seeing live bands and shows for a hot minute. We are seeing Ru Paul “Werq The World tour”, The Cure, Culture Club, Black Flag, and Depeche Mode! (Yes, I am a 80’s gal through and through)
We are doing a little traveling around SoFlo and seeing some family and friends in Baltimore. James might have a photography trip up his sleeve and I am planning my lifelong desired trip to Egypt for some time in 2024/25.
In the meantime, I am already back in the studio working on lots of new projects. "The Museum Collection Shoes”, the latest "AJS Couture Collection”, a new line of fabu frocks, new prints for linen dresses, and paintings, drawings, and more!
For those that follow Fifi Christabel, there is a new website with limited edition drops exclusive to FIFI.
Click the highlighted text to check it out!
Star <3
The Star of the Show
Our adopted eight year old chonky cat "Star" has settled in nicely and we love him so much! We adopted him from a couple that couldn’t care for him as the husband lost his vision and kept tripping over Star. They tried putting a bell on him but that didn’t work out as Star is very food-motivated and any movement towards the kitchen and food bowl results in him leaping off in a mad dash to convince anyone to feed him.
The poor guy was in a cage for two months when we found him. It took him three months to really relax and show his character. He wouldn’t even come close to sleeping with us.
Today he is all settled in, sleeps in the bed, loves lots and lots of pets and snacks, although our vet has him on a bit of a diet <3
Henry’s Friends
The Gift of Life
Time does march on and I have come to be reminded that time heals most wounds. I think of my beautiful Mother daily and feel her with me, cheering me on in all that we do, especially in the wearable art collections that she always loved. Right by her side is Mr. Cat and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’m in a place of acceptance. Life has its triumphs, its hurdles, its lessons, and its pains.
I wish you the very best and appreciate your support in all that we do.
With love and gratitude,
- Amanda J.