Do Not Feed The Artist.

Look at that technique.  I mean really, this is some serious artistic work.  This is one of those pictures that Robert didn't know was taken, but, hey, I've got a blog to write.  Do not feed the artist.

Last night, we ventured all the way to the foreign lands of Shreveport, Louisiana to paint and have a bottle of wine - Painting With A Twist.  This is something you could do in your own home, but you would have to hire an instructor.  It started at 7:00.  I was told to be there by 6:45.  So I told Robert let's leave at 5:15.  He arrives at 5:10.  We actually made headway at 5:26.

Thanks to his lightning fast driving, we got there at 6:50.  Perfecto.  Never, ever, ever, not once, especially on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, trust my perception of time.  He tried to make me say "Let's leave at 4:45...5:00."  But I wouldn't have it - 5:15.  As they would say in 1995 when it was still socially acceptable - "My bad."

If there are things that men have the upper-hand on women it's these:

• Sense of direction.
• Perception of time.

One of my favorite moments, was when we turned onto E. 70th and went down a few blocks. This part of the street had payday advance loans across from a bail bonds next to a Popeye's across from a Church's next to a gas station with bars on the window.  Robert asked me "Where did you take me?"  Home...His face said it all.

Long story short, Tyler needs one of these places.  It's a pretty good deal.  Walking in, I was kind of intimidated.  I can drink, but I'm not necessarily the best painter in the world.  It is seriously step-by-step instructions.  If I can do it, anyone can do it.

The crowd wasn't very large so that was nice, but they sell a lot as well.  The group of girls at the table behind us was pretty rowdy, and funny.  Then something about Forrest Gump and The Doors.  Robert got involved, I was far too busy being artistic.

It's a bar with painting.  It's not something to do all of the time because, well it's more expensive than a bar.  For what you get out of it, it's worth it.  Heck, we even got to wear aprons.  Legit.  This is a good way to hang out with friends through a creative outlet.  Even if you can't paint you still enjoy it and well, the paintings turn out alright.

I didn't get paint on my face.  I was very concerned.

Robert spelled Toulouse right.  Joked that he didn't.  I'll believe anything.

I noticed one girl gave up and just Jackson Pollocked her painting.  Art personified.

This is what came out of it:

Yeah.  Take that art teacher in high school who said I couldn't paint.  I remember that.  I can't remember your name.  I'm sorry.  I still adore the color wheel.  I got a little agitated with the "woo-hoos" on the street sign...and with the "light."  Hence the big white dots, but not all of us can be as meticulous and critical as Robert Jones:

Voilà!  I mean, look how proud and excited.

Seriously, when I get married one day, this is how we're starting my bachelorette party. We're going to paint and drink wine.  Since it will be a bachelorette party, I expect to order more than one bottle of wine because that's not going to cut it for these three hour classes. Even if I'm covered in paint, we're still going out after.

Not in Shreveport though.  I mean, there was a Popeye's across from a Church's.  I don't want to endure a fried chicken brawl.  Randi, Kristen - take notes.

Thanks Robert for being a trooper.  Gold star for you.

No one was harmed in the painting of these light posts.

Remember, friends don't let friends paint and drink alone.

If you or someone you know has a painting problem, don't worry about it.

Do not paint and drink if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.