Piggy Painting Party

First of all, do you know how hard it is to get very busy people together in one spot?  Here was the plan: Relax on Friday, get take out so I don't have to cook, paint pigs.  I decided to make Cosmopolitans because Sharon likes those and we had decided to call in an order to El Comalito, which is a new Salvadoran restaurant around the corner from my house.

Meanwhile, Sharon had to cancel due to a family thing, but I decided to forge on with the Cosmos.  Not having a clue what goes into a Cosmopolitan, I Googled it! I came up with a recipe which called for cranberry juice (Naomi brought that), Triple Sec and limes (I bought that), Vodka (Lisa brought that), and an orange peel garnish.  

Ann, Lisa, Naomi, and I loved the food from El Comalito!  We tried a lot, including, quesadillas, enchilladas, fried yucca (like a potato -- I loved it), fried plantains (very sweet), beef empanadas.  A couple of the dishes came with rice and beans, some with salad.  It was a feast.  Therese showed up as we were finishing.

Oh -- the Cosmos.  Ann was surprised I was using the pitcher and glasses from my glass collection.

I was using the recipe for four drinks and it called for one Cup of vodka.  So we all took a sip at the same time and, as one, we said, "Kaff, kaff, it's good!"  I guess there was a bit too much vodka ... I really did measure it.  But we had a good time!

Tomi hadn't shown up or called and I didn't know if I should worry because her elderly parents are living with her.  She had already told me that she was babysitting her 75 pound "grand puppy" and she couldn't stay long because her parents are afraid of the dog.  It was the one year anniversary of Tomi's son's wedding and they asked if she would take the puppy while they had a second honeymoon.

Halfway through the painting, Tomi called.  She had fed her parents and was about to come over when the dog got his tags caught in the bottom of the dishwasher.  So, of course, he ran away -- dragging the bottom basket with dishes -- all over the house.  I'm thinking it was pandemonium followed by one big mess.  

But on to the pigs!

I often leaf through the Oriental Trading Company's catalog to buy stuff for work -- such as children's craft items.  Anyway, I have been seeking something I could make and donate for sale to the Sleighbell Fair at church.  And I came up with:

What the heck is that?  Above is a detail of the package

Isn't he cute? I got 12 ceramic pigs!  I figured a decorated piggy bank would be a great thing for a Grandma to buy!  This guy (and the 11 others) is painted white which I did one night while watching "Lillyhammer."

Here I am mixing Pig Pink

Below is Therese just beginning her gorgeous pig.  She brought puff paints which were amazing.

Therese is the creative genius who creates and produces the plays at the Eric Carle Museum.  She is the only one authorized to reproduce his artwork in costumes, sets, and props.  She includes puppets, dance students, and lots of creativity.

And here is what Lisa, Naomi, Ann, Therese, and I came up with!

I don't know if you can tell whose is whose, but we had a great time!  I had so much fun just relaxing, eating, talking, and painting.  Naomi is passionate about having the next pig painting party.  After all, there are still five more to go!