G.E. Finale - "Surprise" Art - Tom Acts Up

The Surprise? "Performance Art"!!!

Let me see if I can set the scene in your mind's eye:

     It was Dad's turn in the "Hot Seat" --- Dad is always the last to open his gift --- and Tom, (Donna's Husband, and Brother to us all), quite ceremoniously stands and walks towards Dad with gift proffered.

 Now you must visualize the condition of the hall at this time...everyone has opened their gifts, and the floor is literally STREWN with wrappings, bows and boxes.  A virtual pedestrian minefield. 

Three steps towards his goal, Tom stumbles over heaven-knows-what and FALLS FLAT ON HIS FACE!!! And you can actually HEAR the gift shatter into a jillion pieces!

All the nearest Martineaus jump to Tom's aid  --OMG are you OK???  Physically, he is fine...

But emotionally, Tom is absolutely distraught!  THE GIFT IS RUINED!!!

Tom apologizes profusely to Dad, promising to replace the shattered gift, and returns to his seat with head hung low.

Dad takes the wrapping paper off the box..

This was obviously a delicate item...Tom has written "FRAGEELEE" all over the box.

By this time, we are beginning to get the joke, and when Dad opened the box to find a massive amount of broken clam shells, Tom said:

"It's Indian Wampum.  I thought you could use it at Foxwoods..."

Ok, so we're ROFL, Mom is chiding Tom for scaring her like that (It really WAS a very convincing Fall), and Dad is looking pretty confused about it all.  So Tom tells Dad to root around in the shells to find his real gift.

And it was Wampum, all right.  The legal tender kind.  And a ticket for the "Million Dollar Raffle" to be held on New Year's Eve at Twin River.

Now, how can you beat a Happy Ending like that???

("By winning the dang Raffle!")

Tom, you have added a new dimension to the festivities, and we are more than impressed!!!

It's true... you have 'Neau Talent. You should be very proud, Dear Brother, very proud!

xoxoxo, Sisil

G.E. 20 - An Array of "Not Art" Handmade Gifts

In addition to the "artistic" gifts that are presented during the Gift Exchange, a plethora of 'Techie", "Crafty" and "Edible" items make their way onto the scene.  And this year, a surprise was added to the mix, but you will have to wait for the next post to find out what that is!!!


In the "Tech" realm:  Lenny made a "Powerpoint Slideshow" CD for Tom, and it was ab-fab!
It included photos of Tom's life set to some excellent music (Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind", to name one).

a screenshot from the sildeshow

In the "Craft" category: Jewelry!  Nick made a necklace, bracelet and earrings for Auntie Donna...

It came packaged in a Chinese take-out container.

"How Fun!" (I think that means "Cool" in Chinese)

Also, Jean and Julie exchanged bling: Jean gave Julie 'Mood Bead' earrings, and Julie made Jean a beautiful bracelet (wish I got a pic of these, but alas...screw-up).  Additionally, Jean made a 'Tie-dye' T-shirt for Julie...very nice!

 

And Ashley made really nice necklaces for Jessica.  And Stacy gave Nick a great knitted hat --- it looked like a Mohawk hairdo --- with ear flaps and the ever-essential tie strings (again, no photos - I could kick myself).

In the "Edibles" line:  Patty made a basket of homemade goodies, and included a new Journal (Josie gets a journal every year ---I think it's becoming a tradition).

Mom opening her gift from Patty

Everyone did such a great job this year...accept these kudoes  - you deserve them!

xoxoxo, me

G.E. 19 - Sarah, 'Neau Wonder!

Last (but not least) in the ART catgeory of the G.E., we have Sarah...Wife of Pete and Daughter-in-law of Larry and Rosalie.

This was Sarah's third G.E. as a 'Neau, although she had a pretty good idea of the craziness from attending a few events as a 'significant other'. Gotta give her credit...she chose to marry into the Fam anyway!

And, creatively, she fits like a glove!  Every time we see her, we learn about another talent she has (for instance, she decorates wicked-cool birthday cakes).

Sarah drew Cheryl's name for 2010, and, oh boy!  Check it out!

This Handpainted Cabinet is delightful!!! 

Ah, Sarah...alas, you have "'Neau Talent".  And are we ever happy!
Excellent, Excellent!

Love,
Auntie

G.E. 18 - Michael Celebrates the "Seasons"

My Son Mike was one of those children who exhibited artistic tendencies very early in life...and he always gravitated toward the creative...

...and the slightly wacky.

He drew Patty's name this year, and once again made a woodburned cutting board. (See more by clicking "Our Children and Grandchildren" on the right side of this page).

Adding a Vintage "Italian Cooking" Book was "Dolce su la Pasticcino!"

Another gift...seasoned with love.

Beautiful.

I love you, Mikey!

xoxoxo, Mom

G.E. 17 - No Shock!

And then Brother Larry presents his gift...

...this year, I am the Fortunate One.

Larry's offerings in the past have included model ships, wood carvings, artwork...actually his talents run the gamut! He is patient and pains-taking when he works, and he is a stickler for details.

Two of my favorite "Larry Gifts" are carved dolphins that he made for Mom and Dad. So, you can imagine how thrilled I was to receive this sculpture...

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Woodcarving

The pictures do not do justice. This is exquisite.

Amazing, Larry...truly amazing!

(but...'Neau Shark of course.)

xoxoxo, Sis

G.E. 16 - John ('Nuff Said)

Bro John's work is becoming quite well-known around these parts...and it's amazing how MUCH he has done over the years!

John (I think he likes Jerry's Artwork!)

If you haven't seen what he can do, you are missing something!!!  Take a look at some of his drawings here...click his name under "Family artwork" on the right side of the page.

 John's 2010 Gift was presented to Sarah...

#0351

"Sleigh Ride"

by John Martineau

Another outstanding Job!!!

John, you are my hero!

xoxoxo, Sis

G.E. 15 - James Can Etch A Sketch!

By now you are all familiar with my nephew James and are well aware that he is a gifted human being.

You remember...James won an Oscar this year for film-making...

In addition, James made a terrific etching for his cousin Danny, and Dan was thrilled when he saw his first "adult" gift

#0348

Martineau Family Crest

by James Martineau

Beautiful work, James!

Love You!

xoxoxo, ac

G.E. 14 - Josie Sews It Up

Ah...Mom, Mom, Mom...

Every year she tries something new. One can NEVER be sure what she will do next!

This year, Mom had a gift in mind for Janet, and it involved a needlework technique she was not familiar with...so she decided to learn how to cross stitch. And she decided that I was the one who would teach her how.

THANKfully, she decided this early in the year. Not because she had trouble learning the stitches, but because the dang stitches were so small it took her a very LOOOOOOONG time to finish the pattern.

But finish it she did, and she attached her work to a lovely pillow, and trimmed the whole thing out until it was quite a work of art, indeed.

And Janet loved it!  Who wouldn't?

JOSEPHINE! ... you amaze us every year, and this year is no exception...

Beautiful!

I Love you, Mommy!

xoxoxo, clare

G.E. 13 - (Lucky 13, for me) - Jerry Dunn

Now I get to talk about one of  MY  favorite subjects, my Dear Husband, Jerry.

Jerry has been a "Martineau" for nearly 40 of his 59 years on this planet.  He is "Son" to my parents and has been a source of strength and composure to the family since day one. He is "Big Brother" to all my sibs, respected and loved by each and every one of them, their spouses and their children.

Besides being my best friend, he has been and always will be 'best friend' to this family.

jd has been part of this G.E. craziness since it's inception.  And, despite the fact that he never thought he had any artistic talent, he threw himself into the event with great abandon.  At first, he would buy a gift and embellish it with the recipient's name.  Then he began to build things. (Once he made a footstool for Tom with "NY" upholstery, which was very difficult for him to do-- being a Red Sox Fan).

Then one year, we took up woodburning (we are always trying new hobbies).   

And Jerry found his "artistic passion".
So, now, if he draws your name for the G.E., you can be almost certain you will get a Cutting Board with his artwork on it.

For 2010, Jerry drew my Brother John's name.  Now, how hard do you think it might be to create artwork for one of the most talented artists in the Family???  (I'm here to tell you: "It's TOUGH")

But he did it.  And did it well.  This is the finished product:

#0349

Jerry 'borrowed' his idea from the cover of the September 16, 1961 issue of  'The Saturday Evening Post', on which Norman Rockwell's painting "New Logo" appeared.

In this interpretation, 'John' is creating his own logo for 'Graphic JAM'. 

So, not only has my love been assimilated into 'Neaudom...he has acquired 'Neau Talent in the process.

Don't you think?

Great work, Hon!

I love you!

xoxoxo, me

G.E. 12 - Donna Does It Again!

If you will remember, in 2009 my Sister, Donna (Wife of Tom Amaral) presented my Husband, Jerry, with the most incredible drawing of him in his H.S. Football uniform.

She is also the artist who drew our Brother, Steve, with Jim Morrison.

Well, if it is even possible for her to "out-do herself", she did it this year.

She had our Nephew Brian's name for this G.E.  Brian is an animal fanatic (to put it mildly) who is currently studying aquatic life.  So, Sis got to work (I might say here that she was one of the late starters...she began this project a scant week before 'The Day') on surrounding Brian's likeness with his favorite subject.  This is the Result.

#0345

Once again, let me apologize for the poor photography. This is certainly much more impressive in person!

D...you did it again.  FAN-tastic!

xoxoxo, sis

G.E. 11 - Cheryl - Acrylic Wonder

My niece Cheryl, Daughter of Larry and Rosalie, Wife of Buddy Huntley, Mom of the two youngest "Martineaus" is, as you all know from seeing her work on 'Alldunn by xoxoxocd", an accomplished painter.

You would never know that she only recently took up acrylics...her work is that good!!

She drew Larry's name for the 2010 G.E., and naturally, painted. We are all envious this year...we wanted to be the name she chose!!!  (oh, well, 2011 is coming up - who will be the lucky one???)

This is her gift to her Dad:

#9044

As beautiful as this image is, a photo really doesn't do justice to the actual painting.

Cheryl...you are a great talent, indeed!!!

xoxoxo, auntie c

G.E. 10 - Buddy's Gift is Dunn Right

 Buddy Huntley...

Husband of Cheryl...Son-in-law of Larry and Rosalie...Daddy to the two youngest members of the Martineau Clan...

Among his many talents:  Music.  His band is called "CenterFire"  (check out one of their videos here:)
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000784288358#!/video/video.php?v=510076387934

ANYway...

Buddy drew Jerry's name for the 2010 G.E.

Tough one.  Over the years I have had numerous phone calls BEGGING me for help..."I got Jerry this year...WHAT AM  I GONNA DO???"

This year, no calls.
All I got was a Facebook message from Cheryl asking what kind of wines Jerry and I like to drink...

...and when Jerry opened his gift, this is what Buddy had made for him...

#0343

No, he didn't make the wine...

But aren't the bottles stunning?  They are ETCHED with

"Dunn Right Vineyards"

The Zinfandel says :

"Est. Apr. 8, 1971" (our wedding date)

and the Merlot is dated

"11/27/10"

...the date of the G.E., of course!

But the gift didn't end there...this lovely wine rack was included:

Excellent Job, Buddy!!! 
Beautiful work (and we will treasure the story about the VINeYARDS forever) and a wonderful gift!

xoxoxo, auntie c

G.E. 9 - Dad's Still Got It!

Our Dad (Albert Peter Martineau), is always last to open his gift.  We start with the babies, and work our way through the family according to age...Dad is 87.

In the 22 or so years that we have been 'making gifts', Dad has "made" just a few...but in the last 6 years or so, he has really had some fun, creatively.

This year, he drew Mike's name, and decided he wanted to try drawing again...a skill that he never really had the time to practice over the years.  His inspiration for the drawing he did came from the cover of a book he was reading this summer,

He began work on this in late September, and finished up a day or two before 'The Day'.  (This in itself is kind of incredible, since most of us are still working on our gifts just hours before the Exchange.)

#0347

Indian Head

Way to go, Dad!!! 

I guess the old saying is true -

"Apple, Fall, Tree, Boom"

I love you, Daddy...

xoxoxo, clare

G.E. 8 - Brian

Now that the Graduates have been presented to you, it is time for the rest of the 'Neau's to get their Fame on!

Today we will focus on Brian, my nephew, son of Larry and Rosalie.

Those of you who are followers of "Alldunn by xoxoxocd" on Facebook know all about Brian, and what an incredible talent he is. For anyone who HASN'T seen his work there, here is a very brief recap of some of his past gifts:

Brian is the creator of "Martineau-poly", which he presented to Grandma Josephine a couple of years ago:

...and last year, Brian made this guitar for Buddy (yes, y'all, a real electric guitar!)

Just for fun, I would like to show you the very first G.E. gift that he made
                   (do you remember this, Brian?)

OK, so the photography is not wonderful, but you will get the gist.  Brian drew Uncle Jerry's name for this G.E. (we BELIEVE this was in 1988, in which case he was 7 yrs old) and made this "Hat Rack" - a yardstick painted gold, with clothespins attached to clip the hats on, and Jerry's name painted on the clips.  Photo on the left without hats, right with.

This gift is still in use, still hangs in our bedroom.  (I took these photos just a few minutes ago.)


So, now that you have a feel for what this creative young man has done before...this is what he made this year for Uncle Steve...

It is a "Steve Martineau" action figure.

#0342 "Steve" Action figure

The street signs depict the numerous signs that were, shall we say, 'borrowed' from the City of Providence in years past or have significant meaning otherwise (Concannon Street - where we grew up, etc).  The eagle is Steve's familiar, we think.

But here is the neatest part of this gift.  Earlier this year, I posted some photos of Steve's new 'Harley Davidson' tattoo on FB.  Brian recreated this tattoo, and several others that Steve has, on this doll... 

What a Hoot!!!  Excellent gift, fabulous keepsake for Steve, source of amazement, (once again) for the rest of us!!!

Brian...we are in awe of you!!!!!

xoxoxo, auntie clare

G.E. 7 - Another "Graduate"

Amid chants of Jess - i - CA, Jess - i - CA, Jess - i - CA!!! and much foot-stomping and hand-clapping, my niece Jessica took her place in the "Hot Seat" and received her first 'adult' gift.

Jessica is 13 years old, and she is the daughter of Steve and Precy.

This post will focus on the gift JESSICA made and presented to her cousin Ashley on this infamous 2010 evening.

Baby, you're gonna LOVE this!

#0350

Abstract

Mixed Media

by Jessica Martineau

Great Job, Jessica!!  This is really beautiful, and true 'art'.

xoxoxo, auntie c

G.E. 6 - The Gift Exchange

When our faces hurt from the laughter and our voices are pretty much shot, we head into the next phase of the event...

     

The Exchanging of the Gifts

This segment of the evening is steeped in ritual.  As in Olden Times, the "Hot Seat" is transported from Mom's living room, and it makes a celebrated appearance in the hall.  Occasionally, the "Hot Seat" is decorated in a festive Christmas motif. Sometimes it takes an Autumn Aura.  Once in awhile it actually glows. Last year it came equipped with a seat belt. 

This year, we were told that the "Hot Seat" had met with a fiery demise, and a Memorial Service was held.

But OUR HEROES went back in time and rescued our Beloved "Hot Seat"  (please refer to yesterday's post) and it's reappearance was greeted with (slightly hoarse) cheers and thundering applause.

As in Olden Times, youngest of the Clan has the honor of being the first 'bum-bum' in the "Hot Seat".

Our little Darling Liliana is the youngest. This was her second time as the center of attention, and she smiled the whole time.  Each of the smallest of the Clan takes their turn. They all have their own "presentation styles". Generally the gifts are store-bought at this level, which makes it much easier for the parents!

I regret that I will not post clear photos of our babies, but their safety is our main concern.

So I will begin with one of our "Graduates".  Each Martineau Child has the option of promotion into "Adult-dom" at his or her discretion.  This year, Danny, 14 year old son of Joe and Cathy, took the plunge.

Danny got into the spirit of things right away.  Joining "Adult-dumb" does not mean we act like it!

But today, we will focus on the gift He made for "Uncle Lenny".  If this is any indication of things to come, we are in for a great future!

#0323 Ashland Covered Bridge Sculpture

If you all remember, this is one of Lenny's favorite Covered Bridges, and one he has drawn a time or two. Here is Len's rendition of "Ashland, NH Covered Bridge" as seen on his blog, and also on Alldunn by xoxoxocd Facebook:

Excellent artwork, Danny!!!  We are so proud of you!

xoxoxo, auntie c
Tomorrow...another Graduate...

G.E. 5 - Cinematic Entertainment

In 2009, the Family was delighted by a short video, produced by 'Neau Budget Films.

It was titled "Albert Martineau and the Raiders of the Lost Hot Seat", and was one of the funniest movies I have ever seen.  It would be impossible to describe this little gem to you.  It MUST BE SEEN to be appreciated, and it helps if you know a bit about Our Dad and his favorite sayings.

That said, we were treated once again to a 'Neau Budget Film at this year's G.E.
This time, we laughed for 40 minutes instead of 12, and the performances were, well, Oscar-worthy.

Although I don't have the video yet, and I'm not sure if I did have a copy that I would be allowed to show it to you, I DO have Studio Shots of some of the actors, and I'm willing to bet that some of you will be able to piece together the plot when you see these.

For 2010, 'Neau Budget Films presents

"Star Trek: The Undiscovered Hot Seat"

starring Brian Martineau as Captain Kirk

James Martineau as Commander Spock

and Peter Martineau as "Scotty"

Co-starring Ashley Martineau as Gillian

Jessica Martineau as "Girl on the Bus"

Kevin Martineau as "Annoying Boom-box Dude on the Bus"

and

Josephine Martineau as Herself

with a voice-over by Albert Martineau

This film tells the story of how the Hot Seat was destroyed in a Pyrotechnic Accident in the 20th Century.

 When no Hot Seat was available to answer the probe when it came to check up on it, Earth was ravaged by an angry probe, indeed!  Our heroes go back in time to find the Hot Seat and bring it to the 23rd Century in order to save Earth.

(Well, what did you expect? Huh??)

I sincerely hope that some day I will be able to post these videos for your enjoyment.  They are, in a word, hilarious.

xoxoxo, cd

G.E. 4 - Post-Feast Entertainment

After the sumptious meal, many of us are too stuffed to move, but the youngsters have no such problems.

For your enjoyment, some random shots taken between dinner and the movie...

             Julia                                          and Jessica

(Our girls like to pose for the camera...)

A rousing game of "Ring Around the Roses" keeps even the big kids occupied!

Clockwise from left: Ashley, Cheryl, Jessica, Julia and 2yr old Liliana

(how did SHE get into this game??)

And as the Girls 'all fall down', so does Eric...

That's Nick, leaning against the pole (so HE doesn't fall down?)

AND THEN...

We take our seats for the movie!!!

L-r: David's left side, Julie, Lenny, Precy, Steve, James, Buddy,

Jerry (standing), Mike (in front of Jerry), Pete (talking to Jerry)

((Jerry's my husband...I just like typing his name, ok?))

Brian (the one-antlered moose) Sarah, Ashley, Jessica, Eric,

Cathy and Kevin's face

Next: Installment: Cinematic Entertainment...