Sayonara San Diego

     San Diego, it was great and an incredible experience that I will be eternally grateful for. I'm sure that if we get a chance to visit or return we surely will. So even though we may be experiencing our first week in Japan I think that San Diego deserves it's dues with a little insight into all our new found favorites.

      Dog Park: Fiesta Island b/ it was all off leash with plenty of access to water and grass and
                       responsible owners.
     Mexican Restaurant: El Camino b/ its atmosphere is chill, it's Happy Hour is incredible and it's food
                                       is delicious.
     Art Store: Blick Art Materials b/ it has everything a serious artist could ask for.
     Breakfast Place: Cafe 222 b/ it's just as good as the hype of Hash House and Richard Walkers (or
                                better!) but so much more low key AND you can bring your dog!
      Gelato: Chocolat b/ it's the closet thing to gelato from Italian gelato shops in San Diego.
      Burger Place: Cheap- In & Out. Pricy but worth it- Burger Lounge. I love game meat and ethical
                             meat so this is definitely the place.
      Drinking Spot: Noble Experiment b/ it's incredibly classy, timeless and you won't see the drunken
                              frat boys here. Lion's Share b/ it has great classic handcrafted drinks and for very
                              reasonable prices during Happy Hour. The Tipsy Crow b/ it has great simple drinks
                              and a lounge like feel.
       Hike: Any of the Laguna Mountain trails along the PCT. Dog friendly and you may run into a
                max of 5 people during a day there. SO much better than Cowles Mountain.
      View: From Cabrillo Tide Pools. Beautiful views of the water, the mountains and the coast.
      Farmer's Market: Little Italy gave us all of our necessities, fresh veggies, fruits and eggs as well as
                                delicious crepes, Bitchin Sauce and Joe's on the Nose.
      Other: The BEST thing from San Diego= Bently & Fredrik! Had we never gone to San Diego we
                  never would have had these 2 cuties.

     There are so many amazing San Diego places and events that we will surely miss. There's too many to list. We will never forget the Yappy Hours at Landinis, romping at OB, Christmas Lights at Christmas Card lane or smuggling the dogs into the drive in. Every place has it's own gems and San Diego definitely has more than most. Thank you for the experience and for all those we befriended along the way.

Tips

     Navigating the channels of government employees and rigorous forms with a bit of direction from those with prior experience never hurts. I am certainly thankful for those who have helped us and I can only hope to pay it forward. Here are some helpful tips for dealing with each department:

General: 1) If you can email  along with calls.for multiple reasons. Proof of what was said, sent and
                 done that you can present as evidence when contradicted. Also they tend to respond quicker.
               2) Keep multiple copies of everything. You never know who will want a copy.
               3) Do not assume the offices actually communicate with each other. They often don't and it
                   will be your responsibility to bridge the gap.
               4) You must ask the right questions. The people in these offices answer what you ask and
                  don't elaborate so don't hesitate to pry further.

NAVPTO: 1) Contact them and don't just wait patiently for their email. It may not come so from the
                       beginning have multiple forms of contact. Even if it means nagging everyone in every
                      other office keep trying to get through.  Worse comes to worse walk in.
                   2) Realize passports should arrive in 4-6 weeks. Start contacting them at 4 weeks.

SATO: 1) If traveling with pets give them the specifications as to which flights will accommodate the
             size of your pet, (esp for in-cabin). They (SATO) are required to accommodate your needs.
              This is make it easier and less work for them thus makes it easier for you.

Storage/UB/HHG: 1) Your moves cannot overlap at all. This even includes if one pack is to be picked
                                  up on a day and another is to be packed. They will not tell you this and if you find
                                  out too late if could provide complications.
                               2) Companies are supposed to contact you but sometimes they don't and other times
                                   they just take their sweet time. If you haven't heard from them or if you're pressed
                                   for time be preemptive and make the call.
                               3) Don't assume the movers know how to get to your residence. Be prepared to
                                  give them detail directions.
                               4) Document EVERYTHING! This means lists, photographs, videos because if
                                   you can not prove of it's existence and working condition you will not  get
                                   reimbursed if they break it or loose it.

Other: 1) You can mail items to yourself. We were able to get a PO Box(simply asked for one) and any
          items we were wanting to take with us that the movers either wouldn't move, (food, wine,
          candles, etc), or things we wanted right away but wouldn't fit in the suitcases we mailed to
          ourselves. Best thing is you can submit the receipts to the travel claim.

     There are so many tips and hints I'm sure these are just a minuscule amount but they are ones that we found by trial and error or a helpful friend. Hence it's my thought that maybe others need these too beyond documented sources. Of course every move has its own set of challenges but I hope this can help a bit.

Contacting Us in Japan

     In less than 2 weeks we will be in the land of the rising sun and we'd like to still stay in contact with you. To be precise  we fly from the states to Japan on November 25th. Things have all been coming together quickly here and there will be a few more posts detailing all that has gone into the prep side of this move.

     As for contact it is as follows:
                 Email: danny.n.peters@gmail.com ; areneek@yahoo.com ; ardentprints@yahoo.com
                 Twitter: @ardentprints
                 Instagram: ardentprints
                 Facetime: areneek@yahoo.com ; danny.n.peters@yahoo.com
                 Skype:  danny.n.peters@yahoo.com (Danny Peters) ; areneek@yahoo.com (Ashley R                                
                             Peters) - if it's associated with our phone numbers then 6198225837 and
                             6198460169

                 Etsy : ArdentPrints

                Google Voice : 6198460169

 

Our temporary address in Japan is a PO Box until exactly whether or not we will be living on base or off but in the meantime this address will work just fine:

PSC 473 Box 335 FPO AP 96349-0004

     We will be getting Japanese phones and possibly Tango. Of course along with all of these contacts there are also the chat and messaging methods of things such as Facebook and Gmail.  We hope to stay in touch and now you have the means to do so.

Last Show In The States

     This past Thursday, November 7th, Ardent Prints had it's last show in the states until we return from Japan. It took place in the vibrant environment and electric scene of Stingaree through RAW. It was a fantastic show with a professionally edgy presentation. I made many connections and sold quiet a lot of pieces. Thank you all for the support. I'd specifically like to thank all of those who purchased tickets and those who attended for me. I can only hope you enjoyed my work and the show.

     As for Ardent Prints on Etsy. It will be temporarily paused from November 24th-November 27th. Then from November 27th until late December I will have the ability to sell a selection  of my work but not all of it. I may also be able to make some new and custom pieces during this time. By the end of December ALL of the items will be for sale once again. So during our transition to the land of the rising sun don't hesitate to inquire and order. Ardent Prints will be as functional and vigorous as ever.

A Mustache For A Cause

     You all know I'm all about cause and supporting grass roots. So much so that I'd maybe even be willing to do something rather stupid or potentially hazardous if for the right cause. Well after years of being together I have gotten Danny on board with this mentality. Which brings me to his actin for a cause during this month of November. Many of you have heard of the "No-Shave November" to raise awareness to men's health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and depression. Instead of jsut raising awareness we are taking it a step further. For every day he grows his mustache he donate a buck to The Art of Manliness' fundraising efforts and their "Movember". Here's the rules and all the details of this event http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/10/25/movember-2013-fighting-prostate-testicular-cancer-with-mustaches/ . There is a spot for you to come in though! YOU can donate specifically to Danny to raise funds for the cause. If you'd like to do so please click this link and help his MO grow! http://us.movember.com/mospace/8237801

RAW Show: Encompass-November 7th

     I have been accepted into the RAW Art Show titled Encompass. The show will take place on November 7th 6:30-10:30 . It is held at what is normally a club called Stingaree (454 6th Ave  San Diego, CA 92101) in the Gaslamp District of Downtown San Diego. This is an amazing opportunity for my artwork and for the shop Ardent Prints. Also more notably this will be my last art show in the states before our move to Japan! I want it to be amazing and to make a lasting impact as a send off show. Even more so I'd liek you all to be part of it. WHich brings me to the point of tickets.

     Tickets are $15 pre-sale. You can purchase them online (http://www.rawartists.org/ardentprints ). You go to this link, click "purchase ticket" and support the artist AP...because that's me! Another option for pre-sale is to contact me, give me a check or cash and I will get your name on the list. Ticket sale is enormously important because as an artist having a space I am responsible for selling a specific number of tickets. Those of which I do not sell, I am responsible for and required to pay the balance of if not sold by November 4th. 

     This brings to the point that even though I'd love for you ALL to attend in person I realize that many of you live far away or have other obligations. Please show your support, purchase a ticket as monetary support. It will still be greatly appreciated. Tickets are on sale until November 4th.  Tickets at the door are $20 and do not go to support any one artist. 

    As a preview for my work I have created many new pieces and elements. There are a variety of journals ranging in size, paper type( grid, blank,line, etc) from $15-$35 all of which have hand drawn illustrations and prints adorning their cover. There are a variety of buttons with multiple covers, illustrations, sewn patterns and studs, ($2 each or 2 for $3). The same up-cycled Altoid tins are available for $10. All the small(5x7) framed prints are $25 and all the unframed prints are priced as marked. Many of these prints are new and have never been seen before. There are 4 jewelry/keepsake boxes with a rustic charm and cover illustration ($10- $20). I expect for there to be a few large pieces present, still deciding which. Finally in the spirit of the holidays I have created a holiday card on butcher paper style card stock  contrasting color and lack there of with an adorable image of a couple of holiday pups, ($3 each, 2 for $5, 3 for $8). 


     As I said, I really hope you can be there for this event. Even more so I really hope I have your support. Thank you.

25

     Wow and Whoa! It's been way to long since that last post. So many things happening but still no excuse. You may remember that last year I did a summary of all the things that being 23 brought me so thus I thought why not do the same for 24. I think 24 has been even more crazy and jammed pack but I'll let you be the judge of that.
     In the beginning months of 24 Danny was on deployment. Instead Bently & I celebrated a bit on my day. It was during that next month that we made the long, long drive to Ohio for a 6 week stay. This way I saw family for the holidays and there weren't a whole lot of other time commitments. We made sure to stop in Las Vegas, Nevada and Vail, Colorado for gas. The 7-11 in Vegas was sketch whereas the small shop in Vail was nestled in a town that looked like it was taken straight from Bavaria. We stayed the night in Utah as temperatures dropped. Along our drive we barely made it through the mountain pass of Colorado before serious snow and snow chains would be required. Our friends housed us in Boulder, CO and then it was off to Lincoln, NE. The last day was the longest drive compacting 15 hours into 13 but alas we made it to OH! Of course the family was happy to see us and loved Bently. He loved the yard and the 2 feet of snow we got. I'm very grateful I got to spend so much time with my family because in so many ways it was an immense luxury. Six weeks later we made the trek back west, this time accompanied by my dad and instead we took the Southern route.
     Honestly after we got back it was very much so a blur. I made sure over deployment to cram my schedule full with FRG, SOS, and every week meet at least 1 friend for coffee or a hike. Needless to say it ate away the time. By the time I arrived back in sunny SoCal it was less than 100 days till he came back and planning for FRG and myself became in full swing. The only big thing otherwise was I gave up ALL meat for Lent. Those of you who know me or know of my love for bacon, burgers and steak can imagine how this went. I never caved but it confirmed that I never want to be a vegetarian and no a soy patty is not the same as meat. Anyways homecoming day arrives! I'm dolled to the 9 as I woke up prior to 4am. It was great to see the ship come in but it takes forever for them to be able to get off so really it was great when you can physically see them as you exchange goofy waves. It was fantastic and I love that we had some stellar photos from it. It was also incredibly sweet and aww worthy moment when Bently saw Danny again. He never forgot him and had a complete spazz out moment with barks and wiggles.

    The very next day we made our way North for our big adventure. We got to see so many things along the way and made so many memories. I'd love to go back to that beautiful B&B in Albion just North of Anderson Valley where we found some winery inspiration. Shortly after our return we did a Walk For Animals which encouraged us to get a 2nd dog. The very next day we welcomed a new addition to our family, Fredrik! He's been loving his new life and hamming it up. We saw the Broadway musical American Idiot that was handcrafted by Green Day. As a fan I was not an ounce disappointed and had to resist singing along.We celebrated 2 wonderful years of marriage at the Melting Pot of course! It was this June that I began school. Not a completely new path but an addition for future opportunities. While there I met Jeanie Braa, Robert Cromeans, Margret Cromeans, Clinton Norris, and DJ Muldoon who transformed my hair into exactly what I wanted. It was also in June we were a part of a beautiful wedding in Cleveland to witness the love of Mike and Justin.  Danny and I saw Bruno Mars in concert which was absolutely incredible! By far an amazing show and barely spent any time sitting as we danced around for the show along with the 2 encores. It was later in August that we went swimming with sharks! Leopard sharks, so they're harmless but they are still huge, (5-8 ft long). Not only did we snorkel with them but we touch these wild sharks as well! We've introduced Fredrik to the world of hiking which he loves and I think Bently loves having a buddy.
       In September we took a fantastic trip to Death Valley where we were able to see some marvelous sites and record breaking locations. Danny got to sand board and mark that off his bucket list. I got 2 new tattoos, the feather and the infinity-mobius strip. Danny joined my side and got his first tattoo too! We made our way the Julian Apple Festival and the Whaley House. Both of which I considered musts while in SoCal along with the Zoo and petting a penguin at Sea World.  It was announced that we are going to Japan! We made our way back in Ohio to see family before our big move which was filled with love and fun. I think the last big thing during the year of 24 would be the book signing by The Oatmeal. Technically it was on my birthday so I guess it could in 24 or 25 but either way it was great. He's just as snarky as you would expect.
     This year has been amazing and filled with so many incredible, once in a  life time experiences and so many travels. I am so grateful for all that has happened and for those who I got to share it with. I know there are only more good things to come. Thank you for everything and hello to mid-20's.