Guest Blogger

While I am off enjoying a week of much-needed vacation, Linh Trieu of Bristow Fresh will be a guest blogger here on The Loaded Trunk. Ryan, my daughter, who wrote most of our travels to India on The Trunk Travelers may also add a piece. See you when I get back!

India on my mind

India seems to be on everyone's mind, on websites (one of my favorites), blogs (another personal favorite recommending books on Indian textiles), jewelry, clothing, you name it. You know when you buy something that you thought was so unique and then you start seeing it everywhere? Well that's India to me, it is everywhere and I love its influence.

After a two-month journey this winter, it is a thrilling confirmation that at least I went, hunted and purchased for The Loaded Trunk alongside many of my peers.

Here are some of my favorite moments:

Mogul Miniatures, Bihar Folk Art and God & Goddess Posters

Lucknow India Craft Mela

The ultimate embellishment

  Just traveling along with the camels

  Kite Festival in Kutch Mandvi Beach

photos by Ryan Jaco

First Year Mark

This July marks The Loaded Trunk's first full year online! What a thrill.

Goreme, Turkey

I have been to several continents, met incredible people and learned more about myself then I ever wanted to at times.

Gaziantep, Turkey where we found incredible tinned copper.

Filled and unfilled and filled the Trunk 

Trekked through India to find these Rajasthani Robes

soon to be on the loaded trunk
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Beginning in June and ending in July The Loaded Trunk will share in celebration with weekly giveaways that will show up on this blog.  

Dao Anh Khanh's studio, Hanoi

Help us Share in celebration and watch for some beautiful giveaways beginning June 29th.

Thanks for helping us get this far.

Road Tripping

Kelly Ludwig – queen of the road, queen of design, queen of the apps. Check out this local Kansas City "gal."

Hark, All art lovers! A not-to-be missed road show by extreme collector Kelly Ludwig, author and curator of Detour Art is finally happening. Three years in the planning and the art is on the road. The City of Lake Charles will host a new traveling exhibition entitled Detour Art–Outsider, Folk Art, and Visionary Environments Coast to Coast. The public is invited to the opening reception. Kelly will be on hand to meet and share her stories. This collection is a feast for the eyes and the soul. I saw part of this show at the Belger Arts Center, it was mesmerizing.

Friday, June 18, 2010
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
1001 Ryan Street  • Lake Charles, LA

Kelly riding her favorite moose?
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Crossroads Carnival

I rarely wander down on First Friday anymore because of its carnival like atmosphere and crowds. Last night my very dear friend and amazing painter, Mark Westervelt had a show at Take2.  It did not disappoint, nor did the carnival-like atmosphere.

 Mark Westervelt, Imparis Puella
from his new works

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exhibit at Leedy-Voulkos Art Center Kansas City 

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 Mohawk kind of evening at Black Bamboo

Arf Arf.

"I am what I am"

To quote Popeye! I recently have been collaborating with a graphic designer to improve the look and feel of The Loaded Trunk. Working alone, it is difficult at times to find my voice. Instead of design, I have found her ability to listen and help me focus invaluable. Linh also has a blog, Bristow Fresh, and she posted some photos of my home that made me see "I am what I am." Click here for a sneak peek!

Print from artist Yelena Bryksenkova.

The Collector

I spent Memorial weekend with a fellow traveler, collector and friend. Her house is an old arts and craft style with lush foliage, a pool and two great dogs, "the boys." We listened to music, laughed and she showed me her newest obsession, Phulkari.

These beauties are a textile junkies dream.

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Cascading roses

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Mary's Arts and Crafts Bungalow

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"The Boys" Parker and Duke

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This is my one of my favorite places. The true sign of a committed collector, the chest filled with Hmong Blankets (soon back on the loaded trunk), Suzani, Mexican bedspreads. Did I mention she is also one of my biggest supporters?