Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Destination Creativity Blog Hop

We have a winner, woo hoo!!!! Contest is over, thanks so much for entering :)

Have you heard that Ricë has a new book? You all know who I'm talking about, right?  Ricë Freeman-Zachery, writer extraordinaire! Maybe you saw her hilarious video book promo? Maybe you heard people talking about the book at a recent retreat? Maybe you have already pre-ordered a copy? Or perhaps you wanna WIN a copy? More on that in a minute.

Ricë's new book, Destination Creativity: The Life-Altering Journey of the Art Retreat is all about Art Retreats. She and Earl (her hubby, aka The EGE or the Photographer) spent a year touring the country and attending Art Retreats, interviewing artists and kind of documenting 'the scene.' I ran into them several times, first was Artfest 2010. Naturally I had heard of Ricë, I mean she is a celebrity in my world. So I was more than a wee bit star struck. And yeah, I acted ignorant like I do when I get nervous and don't know what to say. But thank goodness I got to know them better. Cause they are such fun folks!! 
Since Ricë spends so much time interviewing artists, I thought it was high time someone turned the tables and asked her some questions. So how about a little back story.....some of the nitty gritty, never been told details, revealed right here, right now (oh my goodness, I feel like a tabloid writer). Because I dare to ask the questions, tee, hee, hee........and share the answers. Read on for my interview with Ricë.
1. You have such a strong sense of personal style and make/alter/dye many of your clothes. As a 'fashion chameleon' I am curious as to when and how your style developed?
Thanks, Mary Beth! I’ve been obsessed with my clothes as far back as I can remember. My mother and I would go shopping for my school clothes, but not in clothing stores; we’d go to the fabric store and pick out fabric and patterns. But not just A Pattern. Nope. My mother would get one pattern for the bodice, and one for the skirt, and another for the sleeves. I would describe what I wanted, and she would bring it to life. She indulged me totally. My favorite outfit in grade school was an orange corduroy jumper worn over an orange-and-white striped long-sleeved t-shirt with orange fish-net tights, burnt orange patent leather shoes, with an orange plaid poncho my mother made and finished with a rabbit fur collar from an old coat. I ADORED this outfit and would have worn it every single day if I could have gotten away with it. I started altering my own clothes when I was in high school, embellishing my jeans and swapping out the buttons on my workshirts every night. I was inspired by Native Funk and Flash and just kept on going.


2. Prolific is your middle name! How do you find your writing inspiration and do you ever face the blank page syndrome. If so, how do you handle those moments?

Mostly I work on assignment, and those have deadlines, and I’m really good with deadlines. So I don’t have a lot of trouble getting started. I’m *kind of* (snort) anal-retentive about it. But if I have something huge to do--a book, for instance--I get started by setting my own deadlines and working back from those, picking a day to start and telling myself, “OK. Today you need to write just the first sentence, and then you can stop.” Since I really love to write more than just about anything, once I get the first sentence, I want to keep going. I love the process of writing; it’s just that, like most people, I dread getting started on something huge. By telling myself I can take baby steps, I’m off and running. It’s kind of pathetic when you use reverse psychology on yourself, isn’t it?

3. Ok, so who did the driving, you or Earl or do you take turns? What do you do in the car - listen to music, books, work on hand sewing, etc?

Earl drove every. Single. Inch. Of the entire trip. I didn’t even back the car out of the parking space at the hotels. We have music on the iPhone going through the speakers, and I sew whenever I’m not navigating. I love road trips where I can get a ton of stitching done--that’s why I love going to Dallas or Houston--it’s far enough that I can get a lot done, but we’ve done it so many times I don’t have to navigate at all. The truck could drive itself.

4.What's up with all the animals in your car? 
Those are Car Toys. The SUV is so big and empty, we thought it needed some toys. Some are ones friends made for us, and some are those you buy at Kohl’s for $5 and the money is donated to some good cause. You need toys, you know?
5. When did you start with the tattoos and are they your own design? Are you still adding more tattoos?


Until I was 45, I had brown hair that was below my waist--I could sit on it--one set of holes in my earlobes, and not even the slightest interest in tattoos. I’d never even thought of getting one. Then I started going through menopause, and, man, did my life change. By the time I figured out what was going on, I had a couple tattoos, very little hair, and a bunch more holes in my ears. Better than joining the circus or having an affair, for sure. I haven’t gotten any tattoos in several years--I had the whole melanoma thing with checkups for two years, and I kind of got out of the habit. 

6. Your favorite road food? Snacks you keep in the car?
We’re not really snackers. [of course they aren't, this is MB talking, because they have amazing friggin' bodies and, well, how did I think they maintained them, duh, stupid question on my part .] We’re pretty disciplined about what and when we eat, but when we travel, we do make some allowances. Earl gets ice cream every now and then, and I will sometimes eat Cheetos, which is pretty much like eating deep fried salt with a shovelful of fat. Sure, I feel guilty for abusing my arteries. Also bloated. And thirsty. But, oooooh, the crunchiness! 
7. I know (for sure) that you love to hit used clothing stores, can you reveal your favorites around the country?

Ha! You know the answer to that one: My Sister’s Closet (all four fabulous locations!) in Phoenix, introduced to us by Jeanie Thorn. Here in Midland, I love BJ’s (yeah, the name always makes me snort, too, especially since the sign for the shop features just the name and a huge pair of lips. For years I thought it was a naughty lingerie shop, which is totally laughable if you know Midland, Texas (they’d have the sheriff shut it down in a heartbeat)). I’d love it if people would take me to their favorites when we travel, but Jeanie is one of the few who’s willing to share. Most people keep their sources pretty secret, you know?

Would you like a chance to win a copy of Rice's book? Oh I know you would! Please leave me a comment below and you will be entered for the book drawing. 
If you want to go ahead and order the book now, you can hit the link below. 
Be sure to check out the other stops on the Blog Hop!  

Thursday, October 6th: Carla Sonheim 
Friday, October 7th: Lisa Myers Bulmash 
Saturday, October 8th: Melissa Manley 
Sunday, October 9th: Deryn Mentock 
Monday, October 10th: Jen Cushman
Tuesday, October 11th: Jill Berry
 And don't forget to visit Ricë's blog here.



69 comments:

  1. your interview of Rice is delightful. interesting about the tats! I surely would like to be the lucky winner of her new book! please put my name in the hat!

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  2. I loved the interview. What a fantastic lady. Count me in on winning her book. Unfortunately, I have never been to an art retreat. Boy, would I like to. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  3. Just love your blog hop for Rice's book!! Wonderful interview and the part that caught me by surprise was that it was menopause time when she cut her hair and started getting piercings and tattoos. Very creative way to move into another chapter in her life. What a great story also about going to pick out clothes when she was young. Our childhood really has such an impact on us! Great interview- and please count me in for your book drawing!!

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  4. What a great post! Loved the question and answer session and i'd LOVE another chance to win this book! Thank you for the opportunity! Hugs! deb

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  5. How clever of you to turn the mic around! Thanks for all the good information on this fabulous couple. I love shots of them together Please enter my name in the fab book giveaway, ok?
    Thanks!
    (hey)Jude

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  6. Thanks for the RFZ interview. I met Ricë and the EGE when they were on that monster trip. They are great people. I must say too that her blog today has some interesting shots of you. I would love to learn about your painting/layering technique!

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  7. Love the story about taking several patterns and making them into one... I used to do that for my kids too. Great interview... fascinating ladies. ~Hobby

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  8. Thanks so much for the interview and the chance to win a copy of Rice's book!

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  9. Very interesting interview - thanks for sharing! I don't have any tattoos, so I wonder what will happen when I reach my 40s! lol. I would love a chance to win her book!

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  10. Loved the interview, great questions that gave us even more insight into this inspiring lady and her man. Would love to win her book!

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  11. Hey.....no BJ cracks! LOL

    What a fun journey they must have had!

    Here I am on the verge of 50 (and I'm good with that) and still no desire for a tattoo... heck, I get tired of my jewelry & clothes too quick to even think about something I want to "wear" forever, LOL But I am always interested in why people choose the specific ones they have.

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  12. Great interview! Very fun checking out your blog as well.
    Thanks for a chance to win the book.

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  13. Anonymous10:31 AM

    I would love this book.....great interview.

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  14. Oh, I would love to win a copy of this book. Financially I am unable to attend an art retreat, so this would be a real treat. Thanks for the chance to own this new book. :D

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  15. I haven't read any of Rice's books but after being entertained by the interview, I certainly want to! Thanks for the chance to win one!

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  16. Barbara L.10:57 AM

    I enjoyed the interview and would love Rice's book. She is a hoot!

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  17. Art and Travel my two fav things..... can't wait to read the book....

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  18. Hi Mary Beth! I just found your blog through Seth's blog! Oh I love blog hopping! Your blog is wonderful and I am off to explore...and continue following too.

    What a wonderful interview. I have to say that I too would have asked about "road trip snacks" since that is what keeps most of us going on our trips :)Your personal comment to that was priceless! I will be thinking of Rise and EGE the next time I reach for my bag of Pirates Booty!

    Oh, please add my name to the giveaway! I have never been to an art retreat (I am a newbie artist) and I get all my inspiration through visiting and learning online from amazing artists like yourself. Thank you.

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  19. I've never been to an art retreat and can't wait until I can attend my first one. Thanks for the interview on Rice. It's nice to hear about the woman (and gorgeous Earl) behind the book.

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  20. Great interview! The blog hop has been so much fun- thanks for giving me yet another chance to win this book.

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  21. Thanks so much for sharing the interview. I'm really looking forward to reading the book!

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  22. Great interview with Ricë! She and the EGE are always a blast! I would love to be entered into the drawing, thanks for the opportunity.

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  23. I have 3 of Rice:'s other books and would love to add the new one to my library! Also won your encaustic earlier this year - it's happily in my kitchen where I can see it every day. Love it!

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  24. Rice says Hi! I loved your interview of Rice and the bit about the cheetos had me laughing. I would love to read Rice's book and thanks for the fun interview.

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  25. Great interview, thanks! And thanks for the opportunity to win the book :)

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  26. I loved your interview and the questions you asked. I'd love to win this book because I've never been to an art retreat. Thanks for this generous giveaway!
    Linda Harbin
    MidwestieLady

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  27. Great interview- they both msut be fascinating people. And what a really cooltrip!! Count me in!.

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  28. Anonymous6:51 PM

    I love the interview with Rice. She is always interviewing everybody else so it was a treat to read about her.
    I would love to win her book Destination Creativity..my hat is in the ring.
    pat q

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  29. I love reading about the life and times of Rice! I have the other book and would love to have this one.

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  30. Loved reading your interview and seeing the photo! Fun times! (I also loved her description of her favorite childhood outfit. What a great Mom she had!)

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  31. I had the fortunate opportunity to meet Rice at the Art Is ... Petaluma retreat last month. After previewing my sister's copy of Rice's book, I've regretted not having purchased one too. Thanks for the insightful interview and the fabulous giveaway.

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  32. Thanks for the interview. It is always interesting to get a peek into an artists creative world! Thanks also for hosting the giveaway!

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  33. I'd like to win! Love their selection of car toys! :)

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  34. Great interview! Of course I would love to win a copy of Rice's book. Love the blog hopping idea because I get to peruse blogs I would probably never have known about before. BTW, found you through Carla Sonheim's blog.

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  35. This book has such a different subject matter...seems like browsing thru it would almost be like going on a retrea!

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  36. I arrived here through the Destination Creativity blog hop. I've enjoyed reading your blog. I love your artwork. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book!

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  37. Enjoyed meeting Ricë and Earl last week in Portland at Art&Soul. We dressed him up in feathers, jewels, leopard print leggins and a blond wig for a "Project Runway" competition on opening night. Hysterical! (And he LOVED it!:)) If I'm the lucky one, e-mail me here:
    durovchic(at)comcast(dot)net.

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  38. Wow - loved the interview. I would love to be the lucky winner of the Destination Creativity book!

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  39. Very exciting opportunity to win such a beautiful book. Thank you for the opportunity. xx

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  40. Thanks for doing the interview and the competition. Art retreats out our way seem few and far between, and its hard for mums with young kids to go. I can see myself reading this book and trying to set one up! All the best!

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  41. just discovered you through Carla's blog. This is great and though I have never been to an art retreat--it is now on the Bucket list. Maybe this is my lucky day.

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  42. This book looks amazing! Love to win.

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  43. How fun is Rice! Nice interview.

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  44. Well I don't need to say that I'd abolutely adore to own a copy of the book as I really want to come stateside to a retreat and how better to decide which one suits me!!!
    Thanks for the chance,
    JoZarty
    in Liverpool, England

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  45. Rice has such a wonderful personality, you did a great job
    interviewing her. Thank you for the
    opportunity to be on the book drawing

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  46. Love that you turned the tables-great interview!

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  47. Thanks for the chance to win this interesting sounding book-
    Linda

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  48. Great interview with Rice; I feel like I learned much more about her! I was so interested to read about the big change that took place in her life and appearance at a significant point in her life. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of her new book.

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  49. What a great interview! Thanks for switching it up and interviewing Rice and for the opportunity to win her book.

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  50. Yum Cheetos, have to be bad once in awhile. Thanks for the car toy idea. My Minnie Mouse will be getting a ride in my Mini Cooper soon. I'd love to win a copy of Rice' new book, have her others. They're all good reads! Thanks

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  51. Thanks for the great interview. You have really made Rice and her book come alive.

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  52. Interesting review. I just came over from the Voodoo Café after listening to Ricë's interview of you. It was great--so pleasant to listen to you talk about what you do and love.
    best from Tunisia,
    Nadia

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  53. Love to have a chance to win...thanks so much!

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  54. Thanks so much for this fabulous interview. I would love to have a copy of this book! Please count me in. Thanks so much for a chance to win!

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  55. Anonymous8:43 AM

    Love the interview, what great insight. What a wonderful post. I am very interested in reading her book. Thank you!

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  56. Anonymous9:22 AM

    I purchased your book and it would be great to win this one! Thank you for the chance!

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  57. I would love a chance to win this book.

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  58. I really enjoy blog hopping and would LOVE the book!!

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  59. I would love to win this book! I think it was a great subject to write on! I can't wait to get a copy and if I were to win it, now that would be the BEST! Loved your interview!

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  60. What a fun interview and fun lady Rice is. I would love to win a copy of her book

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  61. I loved your interview with Rice. I've been looking forward to the book coming out and would love to win a copy. Thanks for doing the giveaway!

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  62. Great interview and such a fun hop. Wishing I could go to an art retreat, but I can't travel right now. Enter me in the running for the book, could arm chair travel then.

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  63. great interview! I have never been to an art retreat - but i hope to in the future.

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  64. What a great idea... thanks for participating and it would be too cool to win the book. I am loving the Blog Hop. Kudos and hugs from Alaska. kareninkenai

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  65. What a great interview, and what a wonderful giveaway! Here's hoping I get to be the recipient of this creative book.

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  66. Wendy1:50 AM

    hi, fun interview! I would love a chance to win her new book. Have one of her other books and it's great.

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  67. What a great blog hop with so many talented artists! I love Ricë's books - would like to add this one to my collection! very interesting to learn more about her with your interview. thanks for the chance to win. Cheers.

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  68. Hi, thank you for the interview and letting us know some interesting tit bits about Rice. I'd love to win a copy of the book - thanks for the chance!

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  69. Hey great interview Marybeth! I already have rise's book (bought it with my own money!) and it's a very good read.

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