VERY BIG DAY FOR NOA!!
Thursday was a very exciting day. After running around all day long meeting with the rotary club, painting a new series I am working on, meeting up with Paul Lavoie and of course beginning the set up for the Night of Artists show at Investors group, the best news of all came via phone at 4 p.m..
Thursday December 9th is the day that CIBC Canada came on board with Night of Artists nationally. After creating a big proposal and sitting and awaiting the reply- the good news couldn't have been anymore exciting. Now as we go national we have some major backers in CBC and CIBC as well as the Ottawa Citizen and the Edmonton Journal. This will only make the magazine that much better!! Wonder what good stuff Friday will bring....

VERY BIG DAY FOR NOA!!
Thursday was a very exciting day. After running around all day long meeting with the rotary club, painting a new series I am working on, meeting up with Paul Lavoie and of course beginning the set up for the Night of Artists show at Investors group, the best news of all came via phone at 4 p.m..
Thursday December 9th is the day that CIBC Canada came on board with Night of Artists nationally. After creating a big proposal and sitting and awaiting the reply- the good news couldn't have been anymore exciting. Now as we go national we have some major backers in CBC and CIBC as well as the Ottawa Citizen and the Edmonton Journal. This will only make the magazine that much better!! Wonder what good stuff Friday will bring....

Tomorrow is NOA at Investors group so today is the beginning stages of planning the set up and making it work out as good a spossible. Should be interesting to see what results come from this.
Yesterday the Edmonton Journal officially came on board and we are currently confirming the Ottawa Citizen and hopefully the Calgary Herald and Times Colonist as well.
The magazine is coming together nicely. Cathy Stevenson and Beth Dunlop seem to have it all under control.
I will be running around Edmonton like mad for the next few days getting stuff ready for a long road trip as I head to Ottawa for almost six weeks as I prepare the NOA expansion shows out east.
I will be going to Dubai in the United Arab Emirate in February as a guest of Sue Foley to witness an amazing concert and see about NOA in the middle east... that would be something eh? I hear those Arab fellas have a few dollars. Maybe I can make a career painting Oil derricks. I'll see what I can line up while i am there. Any suggestions??

Been a while since I posted something... darn computer has a weird virus so its hard to get into this some times. Anyways...Busy as heck as always as we try to expand NOA into Ontario and at the same time keep the show solid in western Canada. Have been very busy also trying to create the Centnennial mural for 2005 that will really make some big waves!

Its all very exciting what lies ahead in 2005.

I am going to try to get back into more of a rouitne with this. So here was my day today...
Spent the morning putting together multiple proposals for sponsors out in vancouver as i try to boost the show on the coast. Had a meeting with Deb Thrall to go over show management for the Edmonton region for 2005. Began hiring bands for 2005... always fun... yikes! Drove my mom to the airport as she left back for the coast where she and my dad are spending 6 months with my sister as she has our families first child (grand child/niece nephew)
Cheryl Bozarth from NOA had her baby a couple of weeks ago now. She is leadin the baby brigade as Summer Bozohora and Michelle Vekved will soon be following... Kinda nice to see the good stuff after a challenging 2004.
Spent the afternoon dealing with new and old sponsors. Have to re-apply to CBC for the west coast. Seems a little odd and will take up valuable time but I will do what is necessary.
Spent the day making contacts in Ontario as we continue to work on show plans out east.
I have a big meeting next week at the Westin as we try to get some more concrete things in place.
Rset of the week is crazy as I line up as much as i can before i head east on Sunday.

So November hits and we are on the verge of some amazing things in 2005. We have begun our NOA sponsor drive and it is looking absolutley fabulous! The magazine this year will definitely make some waves as it should be a fantsatic art and music magazine.
The dates for all the shows are confirmed now and we are just waiting on Ottawa to see if we will be part of the Alberta Scene or not. Hopefully they include us as we have created our own Alberta scene with NOA. If they do not however we will just take our show there on our own terms and be a part of the scene. The artists and musicians in NOa deserve to be there so we will be there one way or the other.
We have some big sponsors coming on board this year and we should be able to put on quite an exciting years worth of shows. My goal is to raise over $100,000 for all the charities and to also sell over $15,000 worth of artwork an the avearge at all the shows.
Almost all artists returned from last year and we also have many new ones that will really make the year very exciting!
I am currently working on mural workshops with lewis for the St. Albert Mosaic Mural. Sunday will be a meeting with the NOA Edmonton group. NOA Calgary is set and the group is fab!

Today Lewis and I held a workshop for the St. Albet mural and will do the same again tomorrow.

More later....

It is a few days before Halloween and I am about ready to make my way back to Edmonton from Ottawa. The shows are moving along as planned and we are beginning to get our sponsors lined up for the 2005 season. We also have many new opportunities lined up and may be having our first NOA art contest on line.
The possibilities seem endless for 2005 and it should be a year like no other. As I make my way back from Ottawa I am continuing to build the foundation for the Eastern Canada shows and look forward to an amazing year where we finally become a national show!

I am currently in Ottawa again still working on the expansion of NOA out East. We are also beginning the final stages for planning NOA 2005. We are no longer accepting new applicants for the shows as there are too many applicants and not enough space. Good problem. We will have our final line up established for 2005 by the end of September. We are also on the verge of our mural Grande Finale on October 17th at the Paramount Theatre in Edmonton featuring Sue Foley- Juno award winner, Rachelle Van Zanten and Mo Lefever. Also Lewis Lavoie and other artists from the group will be there to talk about the mural and what we have on the horizon. Things are looking great for 2005!

I drive home from Ottawa on the 2nd-5th of October.

Well 2005 is upon us - that is the 2005 NOA shows! I am back on line and back at the craziness. We are lining up all the shows and this year we will be national as Ottawa will come into the loop. Its quite exciting to see the growth over the years. We have 90% of the artists returning this year and we also will be adding about another 20 new artists at the end of the month.

I am in Edmonton until Wednesday next week and then i am off to Ottawa and Toronto again for three weeks.All I can say is.... her eis to another crazy beginning of another crazy year!!

I have been out in Ottawa the past few weeks relaxing , doing some new paintings, visiting with Sue and enjoying meeting new connections and selling my artwork at the Byward Market in Ottawa. Its been nice to take a break from the Night of Artists grind and just have some fun with my own art and some R & R. I will be back in Edmonton at the end of the month but until then I will just be enjoying some down time and exploring the eastern part of Canada.
I have had a few galleries decide to pick up my artwork and have afew new potentila locations lined up for Night of Artists as well. Should be a very exciting 2005. The mural is a hit out here in Ottawa as well. So things are still moving ahead while I take a breather.

Tonight I am finishing packing for my first drive out east since I was 13. I have flown the route many times but tomorrow I will get to SEE Canada!! NOA is going to be a national show in 2005. It is going to be my biggest challenge yet but 2004 proved that there is definitely a way when there is a will. I knew that NOA would not benefit anyone in the group if I simply remained idle in one location. We needed to get across the country so the people that are involved truly get some advantages. I am going away for a month and I plan on relaxing and at the same time expanding my horizons. It should be a memorable trip no matter what. I leave behind my prayers for Debbie and her family who i pray continue to be strong and I know if there is someone who can beat cancer it will be Debbie.

So- off I go with a little bag of dreams and the hopes of opening more doors. I am even going to Flin Flon Manitoba. NOA loves the north no matter what province we are in!

So I finish the last show and I think its time to relax....HA!!!
Off I go again as we continue to showcase the mural pieces and look at creating another one.
On top of that I am preparing to head to Ottawa for a month while I focus on my own artwork for a while.
I am currently marketing my own jazz pieces and at the same time I am beginning a new series based on Leaonrd Cohen's music to be unveiled in September.

I am looking forward to going to Ottawa and seeing what new opportunities await. I will also get to spend some Quality time with Sue and relive my childhood as Ottawa was where I spent three memorable years back when I was 11-13.

NOA continues to grow and we are now begiining the new plans for 2005. Submissions will be coming in soon.

I am sitting in Vancouver 4 days before the show and the sun is shining as a great day comes along. The last NOA show of 2005 and it looks like it will be a GRANDE FINALE!!

Everything is falling into place nicely. I am having mixed emotions as of late though because as great as NOA has been this year we have had many sad moments and another one is currently being faced. We expereinced Holly Crictons son being seriously injured in a head on car collision. Then Bernadette McCromacks father passed away. Then Patrick Doyle's Mother passed away and now we are facing the serious situation of Debbie Boodram- a dear friend of mine and also the first person at CBC to notice Night of Artists and really get us connected across the country- who has just been diagnosed with cancer at the very young age of 38. She has been so instrumental in the growth of NOA in the past 2 years and has also been a wonderful performer in our show.

I love NOA and what it does for the arts and who we have had join us along the way. Debbie is one of those incredibly special people that have been such a builder of our show. Keep her in your prayers. She and her family need our support as Debbie fights against the cancer that has challenged her.

This week will be an amazing week for NOA but my thoughts will be with Debbie and her family.

The end of June has arrived and still one NOA show left on the horizon. I have been a bit wiped out so have been trying to gain my strength back. I had planned to have the artists from Night of Artists in the Works festival this year however due to a disagreement things did not work out with the Works and we were excluded from the festival. Unfortunate but sometimes we agree to disagree.
Nevertheless things are going quite well as the Vancouver show is shaping up incredibly well. July 10th will be a landmark date as it will be our first NOA show in Vancouver.
I am also busy getting ready to launch our NOA centennial mural on Friday July 2nd as well as participate in the two festival in Edmonton that we are very welcome in- the Taste of Edmonton and The ArtWalk. Both events are shaping up wonderfully and we are looking very forward to an exciting summer in Edmonton. I will be once again on the road beginning July 4th as I head west to Vancouver

I have been home for the last few weeks just trying to get my life back in order from being away so much this spring. Still have one more show to focus on so i am still pursuing that. Also I am dealing with the mural launch which we hope to have happen within the next couple of weeks. Never a dull moment. My focus is to finish of the NOA year with bang in Vancouver and then take the next month or two to relax and paint. I soooooo need it right now. Night of Artists will not be in the Works as we had planned due to some rather unfortunate and odd circumstances. Maybe its just as well so I can actually re-charge my batteries a little. It will be nice to have a break.

I am finally home ...sheeeessh!! Its been a long three weeks betweeen Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria. Driving to Vanocuver twice and back took a lot out of me.
The Victoria show was fabulous!! The art was amazing and we more then doubled our last years crowd. Sales as well!

All in all 2004 is a year where we have to be proud of what we have done. i am amazed at what hard work can do if you stick with it long enough.

I must admit I am a bit burnt out but now that i am at home I feel I can recharge for a week or two. One more show left and then looking ahead to 2005. Its hard to believe the miles I have covered since the first show in Slave Lake. Its been a great ride and I love the direction we are going.

Now that I am home I am looking forward to The Works festival and making new projects for the fall. But first... some sleep and a couple of rounds of golf. I think I deserve a break :-).

Still in Victoria getting ready for the big show. Looks like we will have double the crowd thatw we had last year. It just takes time for people to see what we are doing and undertsnd how good it is! I have been doing show prep and at the same time painting in my hotel room which i like to call me little jail cell. It is a small room with a little toilet in one corner and a shower in the other. They both have doors though so at leats its not exactly like a jail cell haha. But at least i am only payin $70 a night... yipes!!! Everywhere else is $100 + a night!
The hazards of doing a show in a toursit community. I only pray i sell some artwork so i can pay for my hotel room... or should I say my bail to get out of this jail cell.

I am in Victoria at the moment plugging away. Did the Corporate Painitng Party last night and it was great once again! The trunout was wonderful and Mc Morrans and Opus did a great job of creating an event for us! Next thing on the agenda is the show on Saturday. I am booting around Victoira chatting it up and its looking like it will be another great show!! I look forward to the evening and showcasing to Victoria/Sidney the second annual NOA event in the area!
I am in need of some rest soon howvere. The travle to Ottawa and then jumping in my car to head to the coast has me a bit out of whck with the time zone change. The body clock is a bit messed up... yipes.

Just flew back from Ottawa/Toronto late last night after an incredibly productive trip. The Royal Bank was wonderful to chat with and they seem genuinely interested in what we are doing. i also met an incredible photographer and also a supporter of the arts- Michele Valberg.
I had a great time hanging with Sue Foley and her Manager Ann Forbes who also was very supportive of NOA. NOA is definitely making its national stage appearance in 2005 in Ottawa!!
A little disappointment on the trip was the scheduled meeting I had with the NAC was a bust. I went to my scheduled appointment only to find out that the person i was supposed to meet had obviously forgotten about the meeting as they were not even in the province. Not a big deal if I was from Ottawa. I could always re-schedule the next few days. However i can't fly out there every week unfortunately so i guess i miss out on this one for now.
I have one day to get some fresh clothes into my suitcase and then I am off to Victoria for a week for the NOA show out there. The Corporate Painting Party is on Monday and should be fantastic!!

I am in Ottawa right now and just returned from Toronto and a meeting with The Royal Bank. The meeting was very positive and I am hoping to set up a partnership with the Royal Bank and NOA. Today I am meeting with the National Arts Centre in Ottawa as well as Michelle Valberg. Beautiful sunny day in Ottawa. Good things lie ahead!!

I am just tieing up loose ends for the shows in Vancouver and Victoria and then i am off again to Ottawa/Toronto. I am unpacking long enough to do my laundry and then off to spread the word of NOA. Looking very forward to the shows on the coast. Should be a great little adventure!

The amount of emails I am recieveing from artists wanting to join NOA is hard to fathom. I remember when I started this show 7 years ago I had to beg people to join. They would look at me like I had two heads. They didn't understand how a concept that is just based on good people working together could work I guess. Now the train is moving and everyone wants to join the ride. Its wonderful to see and I am just glad the show is bringing in the results that make people want to be a part of it!

I am really enjoying watching artists and musicians rise to new levels! Its truly an amazing thing to behold!

Whirlwind tour completed! Went to Calgary, Vancouver, Victoria and back in 5 days by car! Drove to Calgary Saturday and visited Vicki in the hospital, (She is home and doing well now), met up with Christine and dropped off "pay day" checks for the artists, drove on to Golden and crashed for the night. Got up and carried on to Vancouver where I arrived in time to visit Jake in her new artistic atmosphere and her great new pad on Granville Island. Then we drove off to the NOA meeting. All were in attnedance and it went wonderfully!
Next day had meeting with Kids Up Front! Love Kids Up Front. They are a great bunch. John Dalziel is a wonderful guy to work with.

Then off to the roundhouse to check on the space. No one around to discuss details. So off I went to CBC to discuss show details. Then after that was complete went back to the roundhouse and found someone and hammered out little details for the show. Its going to be a lot of work ....yipes!!

Quickly left there and drove to Tsawassen and jumped on the ferry. off I went to the Island. Had a quick supper then met with Karel! Had a great meeting. Things are going well it seems.

Had a nice rest at hotel and got up early and scouted out Bastien Square Arts marketplace. Then went to CBC for a radio interview. After that I had to sprint to Sidney to meet Krista about the Mary Winspear centre details. Then back on to the ferry. Which was full.... so I had to wait in line for 2 and a half hours....

Met two great ladies in line who love NOA and are planning on comign to the VIC show now!

Then finally got across the great divide and drove to Kamloops where I had to crash ( exhausted). Got up at 6 a.m. and made the last leg home. Stopped in Calgary to check out a gallery- Room Two. Very cool space!

Then on my way home...... I am sleepy... two days and then back on the plane to Ottawa and Toronto for very BIG meetings!!

I am in Golden right now heading to the Coast. Had a nice nights rest in the mountains and look forward to being in Vancouver today. The weather is nice so it should be safe travels. My mind is spinning with new ideas and optimism as the shows wind down for the year. I have some great meetings in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver/Victoria coming up that could change the history of NOA and lead us into a new world completely. I will wait and see but I am cautiously optimistic for the future.

First and foremost though- Two big shows await in Vic and Van.This trip will iron out some of those detailas and then we are away!

wow- I just realized I haven't entered any writing since April 28th... sheesh! Too much work not enough play....
Our shows have been amazing this year. Calgary was an unbelievable event. Over 800 plus people attended and the sales broke records for calgary. I was thrilled with all that transpired. All shows have been unbelievable in Alberta this year! 2005 should be even more unreal. The corporate painting parties have been a hit and could be the next best thing to hit NOA in quite some time.
I am leaving for the coast on saturday as we head into the craziness of the western swing. This is always a bit more of a challenge due to the freshness of the show on the coast. But i think it will be a great success nevertheless.

I am also going to head to Ottawa and Toronto in 10 days. I have meetings with the Royal Bank and also with the National Arts Centre. Wonder where this will lead us??????? Stay tuned!!

Well - the highs of the mural are starting to drop a little bit and now the fatigue of the past two major events is hitting me. I just went to Calgary and back in a day and will be doing that drive three more times in the next 8 days. So it will be a bit exhausting. Especially since the givernmenet decided to gouge us even more with gas hikes!!! Sheeesh! The show in Calgary is shaping up as good as the others and I am once again excited to be heading into the 6th NOA show. Three more to go and then we begin the plans for expansion of NOA in 2005 to four new locations bringing our city count to 12 in total. Also bringing us one step closer to crossing the country and bringing artists together. Although tonight my thoughts are more about bringing my eyelids together. I am so lucky to have had such a great bunch of people to work with this year. Sooooooo lucky and I am thankful. Makes me believe even more so that there is a bigger purpose to NOA then just art...

- yikes- when I started doing this diary i thought it would be easy to keep up. But apparently its not so easy when you have to deal with a billion emails from across the country daily and also organize shows and hang out painting amazing murals with amazing people.

Well- this year is a bit of a dream. 5 shows- 5 amazing experiences... and an amazing group of people sharing wondrous moments. I can't believe my life this year and the incredible things that are finally happening. If there is one thing I want to share with everyone it is this- if you are passionate about what you are doing, and you truly believe that what you are doing can make a difference.... and you are having fun... someday all the pieces will fit. This year is the first year the pieces are fitting the way they should. The mighty mural project is a perfect example of that dream. I have never, ever, never, ever experienced such an amazing feeling as watching the artists come together and share their creativity, their thoughts, their stories, their frinedship and ... the results were even more beautiful. i am so honoured to have so many good friends though this show. NOA is an extension of my family.
Next stops include Calgary, Victoria, and Vancouver. Its going to be an amazing Summer....

Wow

Its 2 a.m. and I have just returned home from the Night of Artists opening night in Edmonton. What a show it was. I have never seen such a fine display by the troops. The fashion segment was amazing and the bands shone. From start to finish I was impressed by all that transpired. We also sold three more mural squares!!! We are doing really well and things are looking so positive for NOA. I can't thank everyone enouhg for all their efforts. Truly amazing!!

Next stop - poetry afternoon. A first for NOA.... who knows what will hapen at that. Shouild be another wonderful adventure!

The eve before set up for the biggest NOA show of the year. Three days of creative brilliance including artists, musicians, dancers, poets, and just about everything you can think of. Not sure who I am kidding when I think I can pull off this weekend show yikes haha. Actually- the people in the show this year are amazing so that is how it will work so well. CBC and the Journal have been wonderful in their support as has CKUA. I am now big fans of all three. Or should I say an even bigger fan then I was before. NOA is finally becoming a known entity in Edmonton on many levels. Still a long way to go but we grow every day.

We had a great corporate painitng party yesterday. Summer did a great job and I look forward to bringing the concept out west. It was amazing what these teams came up with. Absolutely stunning!

We have had great media attention as we have ben on Global, Shaw, Achannel and CTV tomorrow. Not to mention regular plugs on CBC and CKUA.

The mural project is reallly coming together nicely as well. Since I figured that a three day NOA show wasn;t taking up enough of my time I felt we should do this mural project the following weekend. I think my days are almost filling up now. Maybe I can squeeze in a few things in the spare hours between midnight and 6 a.m..

I have decided to re-learn my French actually as we desire to take this show out East to ontario and Quebec. We want to bring the country together through art and I think this show can do it. I also want to be able to speak the language of my heritage and also be able to talk art with the people of Quebec. I just retruned from there and i love the arts scene.
So I guess French class will be taking place at 1 a.m. until 3 a.m.. Now I just need a hobby of some sort....hmmmm

Next stop- THE BIG SHOW .... Here we go!! Ya gotta believe that good days lie ahead. I do believe it and because of that belief... it will be that way!

Just got back from Calgary where we bid farewell to Jake Mulyk as she moves herself and her artwork west to Vancouver. She will be a great addition to the coast NOA scene. Had a great meeting with Barb Radu at Kids up Front who is really doing a fabulous job getting ready for the NOA big event.
The Calgary show looks like it has great potential for a sell out at 800 guests.
The NOA mural project is coming together as well as images are selling across the country. The weekend of April 23rd and 24th will really be amazing!!

The Edmonton show is also shaping up incredibly well. The Saturday night is looking more and more like a sell out. Very exciting!!

I am actually home for the easter weekend which will be nice and i can spend some time with the family. The calm before the strom as the next two weeks will be full of incredible excitement. NOA will be on Global Tuesday a.m., Shaw cable for 24 hours non stop on the 14th, A-Channel morning show on the 15th, CFRN on the 15th, A-Channel again on the 19th... it is just non stop go go go!!

Things are really happening and this years show should be a great success!

Well- another production at the CBC studios in Edmonton that went over really well. performers were wonderful and it was exciting to see all the new art that is being created for the NOA show in Edmonton this year.
I can not believe the amount of work on our plate right now. We have Global Big Breakfast on Tuesday, Corporate painitng Party on Tuesday night, CFRN at lunch on Thursday, Set up Thursday night, Gala Dinner Fridat night, poetry workshop Saturday, Cocktail Gala Saturday and then the Folk Afternoon on Sunday. Not to mention getting all the artwork going for the mural.... yikes!!! The mighty mural project is Huge and will be something to behold when it comes together.

Exciting to see that Maria Miranda and Karel Doruyter are making the trek from Victoria. NOA is really making some good progress this year.
My head is spinning from all the activity that is happening around me. Calls everyday with new opportunities for the group. I can't keep up. So I am going to get some sleep so I am rested as I have to head to Calgary to get that show rolling and make sure we are all set on that front as well.

After being out in Ottawa and Quebec and realizing the love for the arts those cities posses- I have decided to go back to school and learn my french. Phil Alain will become Philippe Alain so when we go to the East with NOA I can speak with the people who love what we are doing out there as well!

Busy busy busy....

Hey all

Just returned from Ottawa, Quebec City and Chicoutomi. Had a great visit with Sue and alos looked at potential venues for Night of Artists Ottawa style. Now I am back home and preparing all the details for NOA Edmonton. Big show on the 16th-18th. We have a mini version at CBC on Wednesday at noon. Its a one hour performance showcasing what will be occuring that weekend.

Then off to calgary Thursday to arrange show details there.
so far all the shows have sold out and Edmontons April 17th gala is headed that direction as well. Already we are at close to 400 people attending! Very exciting!!
Lots to do so I must fly. Just thought I'd drop a quick update notice.

Hello!! Long break again from writing but definitely not a break from working. The Grande Prairie and Fairview shows were both big hits!!! The shows were fun and exciting. Los Morenos was the definite hi-lite of the night . The incredible guitar playing of Mauricio and Marvin as well as Toto and Cassius Khan on percussion - well- it was amazing to say the least! Encores were the call of the weekend!!
Both shows were sold out and the art was a hit as well. Over $25.000.00 of artwork was purchased in the two days.
Now the focus turns to Edmonton as the big show happens in less then three weeks. I am off to Ottawa to visit Sue and to look for more opportunities for NOA. I need a short break after doing 4 shows in 2 weeks. Can't be gone long though as the BIG ONE is on the horizon.
So- off to Ottawa and hopefully new adventures to bring forth.

Great day today! We had a wonderful media launch for the Edmonton show!! CKUA, CBC, The Edmonton Journal, SEE magazine, CTV were all in attendance!
Then afterwards- i received the call from the edmonton Journal indicating that they would be involved as a major media sponsor now with our mural project as well!! Woo hoo!!!
So now we must push on with the tickets sales!! I leave Thursday for G.P. and Fairview as we head into another sold out show weekend!!

Should be fantastic!!!

More later!!!

Where is Phil, where is Phil.... long time since I have updated the reports! Very busy right now and really things are going extremely well. After the first two sell outs we now have a third in G.P. and looks like Fairview is heading the same way. We have a major press conference in Edmonton on Tuesday to talk about the three day NOA event at the Westin. On top of that today Ken Christensen and I went down and did window splashes on a prime location Second Cup downtown Edmonton promoting the show!! Already getting a ton of attention. Calgary we are already over 100 tickets sold for the show and it is two months away yet. Wow!!!

We are getting a lot of attention and art is selling well at the shows. I think people are realizing that NOA art is good stuff and the people in NOA are going to make an impact!!

Very busy so i must carry on. I will try to get my groove back with the updates. I think its better that i keep the groove going with the shows then worry about the updates but if I can do both... all the better!!

Well- due to my busy schedule and the first two shows occuring my updates have lagged. However- I have great news to report!
The shows in Slave lake and Manning were both a hit! Both events were technically sold out and the evenings were simply amazing. Wendy McNeill, Dawson Walker and Lorna Wildgoose, Chris Wynters, Carla Boisvert and Blair Kennedy, The Croakin Four and the Crokin Frogs all put on a great show. Over $12,000 worth of artwork was purchased in two days and the charities raised really good numbers in both locations. The communities loved the shows and I was thanked by many people for bringing such a wonderful event to the community. It was not me that made the event wonderful though- it was the incredible artists we had, the music, the charities and their effort and the amazing sponsorship. WOW- if every show is like this we are in for an amazing 2004.
Hope to see even more people out at the remaining 6 shows on the tour. Next stop, G.P. and Fairview!!!

We have now begun the Mural Project. Its about to become a reality. Lewis and I went and began the first steps yesterday and so another chapter begins. I have been running around like mad now that my health has pretty much retrurned and this weekend the tour begins with Slave Lake and manning. It is quite exciting as our 7th year of NOA opens up with incredible optimism!! Our magazine will be completed today as well so the first ever NOA magazine will be released with exciting days ahead as people begin to read more about what we do!
Onward upward I say! Here is to the beginning of a good year!

Well- good meeting today with the Edmonton group. Things are moving along nicely. Went to one of our great musicians CD releases tonight- Wendy McNeil! The northern folk are in for a treat as she brings her charismatic performance to Slave Lake and Manning. Wow is all I have to say!
I am still fighting that darn flu bug but I am mobile at least. Three more days to be back to regular self so I will be healthy for the northern tour.

Well- I am back at it again. That's a good thing as I really had no choice. I did the 12 hour trek to Manning and back with a stop in Slave Lake along the way. I left yesterday at 4 p.m. and made it back by 8 p.m. today. So I can still get to bed and fight this darn bug. Manning is looking really solid. Amazing for a first year show. It looks like it could very well be a sell out!!! Slave Lake is getting better everyday. I am still really optimistic. We are at about half capacity heading into the final week. I think it will all come together nicely. If every charity we worked with was that committed to the cause and had that big of a committee every show would be sooooo much easier for this tired dude. But that's OK. Its getting better every year. Manning in its first year just might be the one that shows a great new way to approach things!
less then 6 days to the beginning of the 2004 tour!!!

Well- I was able to somewhat function again today so immediately I got as busy as I could. I spent the day struggling through picking up grid wall and goods for up north. Had a great article written in the Journal. I did two interviews with the Fairview Post and the G.P. Herald Tribune. Then as my energy slowly climbed I managed to get into my car and due the mandatory trip I had to make to Slave Lake and Saturday to Manning as the shows begin next weekend. Things are looking very positive. I am hoping for a strong start to the tour. I hope this 10 hour tour of driving doesn't bring back the bug... arrrgh.
The ads have now started on CKUA and will run on and off now for about 5 weeks. CBC ads will be starting soon as well. We are now in show mode. Coming to a town or city near you!! Here is to 2004.... Its a year of new beginnings!!!

It has been a rough week health wise for me so I have not been able to do anything that I wanted or needed to do. Its very frustrating but at least I believe I am getting healthier now. I have had to cancel meetings in Calgary and in Northern Alberta simply because I could not even physically get into my car as I was feeling so horrible. However Thursday afternoon I felt good enough that I was able to go pick up some grid wall for Jeanne Crandall, Shireen Douma and Michelle Vekved. I also was able to meet with Max from Redengine and did a photo shoot for a feature article in the Journal for NOA. Had a few calls I handled yesterday and then quickly back to bed in the hopes of shaking this. I HAVE to drive to Slave Lake and Manning on Saturday so I am hoping I am better soon.

Sorry for the lack of updates. I have been hit hard by the cold flu bug and am barely able to make it off the couch. Its been 5 days now of this and I am run right into the ground. The magazine proof is supposed to be ready today. Should be exciting to see. I'll have to pour myself into the car to get a look at it. I have a Rotary Club guest speaking adventure tomorrow as well as a presentation to Kids Up Front board members in Calgary and a meeting with a team builder who may get some good quality painting party connections for us. Problem is right now I can;t speak. And I am not sure if I can even drive. I am in full rest mode today. Yesterday I was still trying to do work and I think that I only got worse health wise.
I hope I am better by tomorrow because it could be a very valuable day for the show with the various meetings I have.

Hmmm
I am a little sicker today but can;t really take a break as too much to do. Had a meeting this a.m. with a great new publicist- Laura Dreger. She will definitely be a spice to our show. Also went to the Red Strap market and re-adjusted the display and brought it up front so it is more noticeable.
Then met with a wonderful bookkeeper for NOA that will make my life soooo much easier. Deb Thrall- amazing woman and a wonderful supporter of our shows. Her efforts to help out always blow me away.
Tomorrow- Lewis and I take on the mural project. Off we goooooooo.....

As the shows start to arrive my time is less and less available so my entries into my diary have fallen off a bit. I am finally at home after three days in Calgary and then straight up north to Slave Lake. Lost of travel lots of sleeping on couches and friends spare rooms. Thank God I have Been blessed with good friends or this show would make me soooo broke. Although sleeping on couches does not allow me the good sleeps and unfortunately I have gotten sick today. But I will push on. Lots happening as show deadlines approach. Serious marketing begins. Radio ads will be starting, interviews are beginning to be solicited. Lots of positive signs of good days ahead. Posters are being placed in northern Alberta and the hype is rising as we had plenty of corporate support in northern ALBERTA. Its shaping up pretty darn good in Victoria as well.
I must sleep so I can survive the next few months...

I am still in Calgary and will probably be here until Late Wednesday or early Thursday. Spent Tuesday confirming last minute sponsors via email and also writing articles for the magazine. I had a meeting with Barb Radu at Kids Up Front. Then we went and met a school who we may help out doing a large mural. The school is a really positive environment for kids that are from challenging backgrounds. I'd love to help out if we can.
Then had a GREAT meeting with the NOA crew in Calgary. They are all poised and ready to go and promote the big show. I really think this year will be the best show ever in Calgary!
So- another day in Calgary to go then home on Thursday.

Spent Monday running round Edmonton picking up tickets, setting up the boxoffice, gathering last minute sponsors, and addressing some organizing of the various events. Drove to Calgary in the afternoon and spent the evening working on the magazine with our designer. As deadlines arise stress increases but we are achieving our goals!

Sunday- the day of rest hahahahahahaha. I better smarten up then!
Spent the day discussing the magazine with Cathy. Sending off emails in regards to sponsors, getting meetings ready and preparing to sell tickets for all the shows. I am also booking some bands and finalizing some of the last details on some shows before we go to press. Heard good news from Holly on Matti as he continues to progress. Still a long ways off but every day he is moving in the right direction,
Had great chats today with Vi and also Cathy of course. We are getting very close to the shows and we are really on track in all ways. I hope we carry it through all the way to Vancouver.

Well.... made it home from the coast. Lost of interesting things happened and things are looking very positive - out on the island especially. We have some really exciting things happening sponsorship wise and the community is showing much more interest this year. Sidney is very much an old school community so new ideas are always a tough sell. There are some that really turn their noses up at what we are doing and some that are thrilled at a new idea finally coming to their community. Its not because they don't like it- just because its different. Once we get past a few shows on the island they will understand that different is good and it will only make things more interesting out there. If we all did the exact same art shows the world would get pretty darn boring fast! I really look forward to converting some new followers in the Sidney area.
Back at home now I am focusing on getting the magazine ready for print and chatting with Cathy our amazing designer.

Had a great meeting with Jay D Waxman at the Vicki Gabereau show. He showed a lot of interest but he doesn;t have the final say on whether they will be doing a story on us. However he does have the ability to lead us in the right direction. Maybe not this year but as the show grows tyou never know. I also had a great meeting with Kids Up Front in Vancouver. Steadily we move ahead! I am preparing now to catch the ferry and head to Victoria where I will be doing some more work with the Vic artists and discussing the shows and such!

I am currently in Vancouver and have a meeting today with the Vicki Gabereau show. The later today have a meeting with Kids Up Front. Yesterday was crazy as I had to do so much running around getting ready to come out to the coast as the magazine deadline approaches. Then the flight here was so bumpy - yech.... I hate flying when you feel like you are going to die haha.
Anyways- its raining here and I'm still loving it.
Yesterday my mural of Grant Fuhr made the front page of the B section of the Edmonton Journal. My mural and Grant Fuhr hanging out together. Looked very cool!

So- my next three days are jam packed with adventure as I try to make some good things happen on the coast!

I missed the last couple of days for entries as I have been on the road. I left Saturday for Calgary and had a great day off for valentine's day. I went to say an amazing show featuring Sue Foley, Tal Bachman(hit song "She's So High"), Haydain Neale (Jack Soul) , Rusell Decarle (Prairie Oyster) Shari Ulrich,Alanna Levodovski, and Lynn Miles. Wow... Sue Foley was my favorite of course ;-) however I love all of them. What a night. Sunday I was at and at em in Calgary and set up work at the NOA gallery in Calgary, met with Cathy and went over the magazine details and got some promotional work done. I delivered grid wall and postcards to Calgary and like the loser that I am I proceeded to smash one of the grid wall right into the canvass of one of Theresa Edwards paintings BAH!!! Luckily it was her FAVORITE painting so at least I went for the best!! Arrrrgghhhh
Drove to Banff on Sunday night and saw the show again with Sue Foley. Wonderful night ! Really enjoyed sitting and chatting with such amazing talented people. They were all so down to earth and very good people. It was a great adventure sitting in the green room hanging with musicians that have done sooooo much. Learned the pros and cons of the industry and also learned that there are so many good people in this world. This group of musicians are now a group that I will really pay attention too and watch what they do next!! Really like Haydain Nealle and Russell Descarle. Two very decent guys.
Drove back from Banff at 6 a.m. this morning and quickly set up another complete solo show at Zenari's and am now off to the launch of my mural of Grant Fuhr. I will be incredibly swamped the next ten days as we scramble to get the last few details added to the magazine and get it off to the printers. The first NOA magazine is about to be launched!!
Then off to Vancouver Tuesday to do show stuff out there and firm up everything on the coast!

Well Friday came and went. Lots going on for sure!!
Went to west Ed Mall early and recieved payment for my mural. Then went to mail off all the invocies to all the sponsors. Had a meeting with the Edmonton Journal about their sponsorship. Went out and bought 14 grid wall for the artists in Calgary! Went out and got tickets printed for Los Morenos on March 28th!! Talked to Sonia at CKUA about our ads for the shows. Set up meetings in Vancouver. May add Mocking Shadows to Vancouver tour. Looks like we may be adding a latin dance ensemble for Victoria as well!
After all the craziness I went to watch 8 talented musicians perform at Blue Bird North. Including- Sue Foley and Tal Bachman. Great night all around!!
Saturday is Valentines day and I am off to Calgary!

Holly also had good news on the Matti front and his coma/accident injuries. I hope he continues to go in the positive direction. I love those "good" emails!

I have been very busy today but today is dedicated to Holly's son once again and we need your prayers still...
Here is an update from Holly for all of you. Today is Matti's day- send your thoughts and prayers his way...

Holly's email:
"Matti's brain is not swelling anymore, the main problems have been with his physical injurys causing complications now. Today is day 14 of the coma. he knows we are in there with him, you can tell because when he isn't in a deep sleep he will grip your hand and twiddle with things (with his left hand). I am hoping that as his body gets a chance to heal a bit he will start to come out of the coma.
I am fine, I have been lucky enough to stay in outpatient residence right downstairs in the hospital and have had all kinds of support from friends and family I have been reading everything on brain injury and have also had quite a bit of experience from my rehab travels, I am preparing myself for the worst and will consider every step over that as a blessing. I think that if we are prepared to deal with the serious outcome that brain injury can present we will be the most help to Matti, I can say this right now because I'm having a strong moment, believe me it is so up and down but I think i am basically a realist and will deal with whatever i have to."

Today was my mural set up day. Up at 6 a.m. and loading the mural up on to the flatbed truck and off to the launching pad. First time I had ever seen the mural put together. I think Grant Fuhr is going to like it. I am really happy with what i did.
After that I shipped off all the invites, posters, and tickets to the north. I did some more sponsorship hunting and co-ordinating. Did some mural planning and worked with Paul a bit to create a mural hand out. Things seem to be falling into place - especially for the north -Edmonton and above....

Calgary looks like it could be a bit of a chore but I'll fight through it. I have a meeting next week with Jay D Waxman from the Vicki Gabereau show. Should be very interesting. I am hoping for a big move ahead for NOA!!
I am taking a break and going to an Oiler game tonight. Then tomorrow back to the grind and to sponsor hunting for Edmonton.

Crazy day crazy!!
Running like mad today. I was making posters early this a.m.. Then I was putting together invoices and tickets/invites to ship up north. I had a TV slot today with CTV. Summer did her painting party with the media and it was great!!! Wow what a wonderful job she did!! This painting party will be a great thing!Graham Neal from CTV had such a good time that he painted for about 2 hours longer then I thought he would. It put me waaaaay behind schedule for the day. Went to Red Strap Market to check up on our NOA display. Went to meet with my printer. Did a phone interview with the producer of the Vicki Gabereau show. May be on national TV next week! Went to Lewis' place and got my mural ready for transport to the big launch. Watched our interview on TV- it was great!!
Had a meeting with NOA artists and distributed the tickets and invites!!
Spent the late night writing out sponsors...
Now to bed as I have to hang my mural at 7 a.m. tomorrow morning...

Its late at night- early a.m. and i am finally completing the day. Met up with the Westin today about sponsorship, set up ticket sales at Tix On the Square, spoke with Ilan about CTV interview, checked out my new prints for proofing, put together all the tickets and invites for up north, creatd two posters for up north, learned how to use Corel draw, met up with Lewis and Paul and discussed lettering my mural, and other then that- didn't do much today....
Still in Edmonton until Saturday. Lots to do before that day arrives!!

Well- I managed to get up early and paint away today on my mural at Lewis' homestead and I have now completed it!! So now I can get back to 100% focused on NOA. I spent the evening discussing with Cathy the NOA magazine. I also worked on some poster designs, set up some meetings and also did some writing for the magazine.
Tonight I am going to put together all the invites, poistcards and tickets for all the shows and ship them off to their respective cities!
We are officially rolling now!!
Had our first request for tickets for NOA Edmonton for 2004 by email tonight as well!

Good stuff is about to happen!!

Got up today and went straight to the mural!! Worked from early morning to late night. Need to get it done beofer Monday as NOA stuff comes back to priority as all the people I deal with are back at work.
All the invites and tickets for Alberta are ready and its time to start letting people know- the shows are here!!

Time for all the fun to begin!!

Thursday night was my solo art show in Calgary. It was well attended and had lots of great feedback! No sales as of yet but the show stays up for another 7 days. I spent Thursday running around setting up my show and doing last minute photocopying. Got an email from Vancouver and Have a possibility now to be on the Vicki Gabereau show!!
Show ended at midnight and even had the Art Gallery of Calgary people come by! Had a few drinks with them and then shut down for the night. Friday a.m. I got up early and drove back to Edmonton where instantly upon my arrival I had two phone meetings. One with Kids Up Front in Vancouver and one with Ilan Cooley our sponsor hunter.
Then I went downtown and met with Alex at the Second Cup and he wants to really suppport NOA this year as a sponsor and plans on doubling, tripling or quadrupling his sponsorship!
Nice to have that kind of support!
Then I went straight out to Lewis' place where I painted my Grant Fuhr mural until 2 a.m.!!
Its really coming along! Lots of fun and I have to have it done by Wednesday so its quite a challenge trying to do my mural and also do the NOA stuff. Somehow I'll make it through!

Today was a day of not so good news. It has been a tough emotional week for NOA on a "Real" life level.

Today.... Bernadette McCormacks (Calgary NOA) father passed away. Please keep her and her family in your prayers as they go through this challenging time. Our thoughts are with you Bernadette. Your Dad is in a beautiful place. He will always be with you and will always be watching over you.

Also please keep Holly Crichton (G.P. NOA)and her family in your hearts and prayers as her son still struggles at the U of A hospital from his terrible car accident.

And Patrick Doyle(EDM NOA) has discovered that his mother in England has terminal cancer.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families....

Wow- another long crazy day! Started off with a phone call from Carnegie Hall where I am looking at doing a crazy N.O.A. event in 2005. Yes that's right... I am crazy!! But they are actually into it thus far! Then I had a great phone meeting with Scotiabank Victoria and they are not only a major sponsors but it looks like they are going to bring a large crowd of people with them to the event. Did some dealings with Calgary sponsorship. Confirmed that we have the Edmonton Journal on board for this year. So Edmonton Journal; and CBC. Good mix!!
Picked up all the tickets for distribution for Alberta today. So tickets can officially go on sale next week!
Packed up my vane and headed south to Calgary where this afternoon I set up my 18 piece, all 3 feet x 4 feet or bigger - art show. Looks good in the venue I have chosen. After the set up I went to support cathy at her solo show. Beautiful new work she has done! Very exciting!! Now I am at my favorite couch in Calgary. Need some sleep as tomorrow is my solo show. I forgot all my dress clothes in my haste today so I should look like a real artist tomorrow. Maybe I will wear my toque for effect!

Well- amazing day today!! Two artists went out and lined up $5000 worth of sponsors in one afternoon in Slave lake! They simply approached over 30 businesses and did an amazing job in finding the support we needed. The show is now officially a success before we even sell a ticket!
I spent the morning loading and packaging up art stuff and then went out and painted a mural all day long of Grant Fuhr. It looks like I will get to meet the Hall of Famer as he will be there to unveil my mural!! Wow!!Also discussed the mural project more with Lewis. Paul sent off all the invites today for printing! Can't wait to see them!
Now I am back home getting ready to go to Calgary again to look for sponsors and to also set up the last few paintings of my show and put on my show. Also I am going to meet with Cathy and go over some of the magazine stuff!

Carnegie Hall called me today.... hmmmm. I let them know that NOA was interested in possibly renting their space months ago. Now they are getting back to me about something... wonder what it is????

No new word on either Holly's son or Bernadette's dad. I am praying they will both recover.

Well- its 1:40 a.m. - to me its still Monday ... but I guess its Tuesday now. Drove to Calgary for a meeting with Kids Up Front today, then went and set my show up at Ben Venuto's in Calgary. Then confirmed the CBC sponsorship of our Mural project with Debbie Boodram. Drove back home to Edmonton and immediately went out to Paul and Lewis' place and proofed the invites for all the shows. Then we set up my mural so I could see what the heck i had done in 8 chunks of 4 x 8 sections. It actually came together pretty good! Now to make it look sharp! Then Lewis and I discussed for a couple of hours the NOA mural project. Then I came home to discover Bernadette's dad (Calgary show) was in the hospital with bad heart problems. Bad last few days for families in our show.
Spent an hour addressing emails now off to bed as tomorrow I must paint my mural and then get back to Calgary!!

Sunday- day of rest. Not really though. Spent the day out at Lewis's and Paul's place going over the postcards, invites and anything else we could line up. Trying to get things set up so we can get moving with the promotions. Busy as heck but once this is done we can breath a little easier and we can focus on just promoting the shows. Spent the evening trying to figure out how I will get my art to Calgary tomorrow as my van transport has broken down. Looks like I may be able to squeeze it into my car. I hope so as I HAVE to be in Calgary tomorrow no matter what! So next update will be from Calgary as I once again am on the road again!

I went to visit Holly at the U of A hospital where her son Matt is in Edmonton today. He is in rough shape as he is currently in a coma and Dr.s aren't sure yet what degree he has been injured. But its a difficult situation for everyone and all we can do is pray that Matt recovers. I saw Holly and Sandy as well as Derek- the good friend of Matt who he was riding with at the time of the accident- and his family. I really felt for Derek as you could really see on his face the concern for his friend.
In true Holly form- even in a time of such difficulty she stops and hands me over 8 sponsors she lined up for the show in G.P. just prior to the accident. She never ceases to amaze me. We sat and chatted about how these challenging times are really a reality check. Problems that seemed so difficult before suddenly don't even have any relevance at all. Holly and her family are a great inspiration to me. I pray that their strength , hope, faith and positive attitude will allow them to rise above this challenging time and it all works out in the end.

Friday was a mixed emotions day...
The day started off with a blizzard and I met with a new bookkeeper and also with a new publicist. NOA is getting to be a massive project so more delegation must be involved. Spent the day co-ordinating venues, adding a new artist to the show in Manning, and confirming details on my solo show. Also spent a few hours working on my BIG mural for the Grant Fuhr Arena.
Then the bad news arrived...
Late Thursday night Holly Crichton- one of our amazing artists and most amazing person - learned that her youngest son matt was seriously injured in a head on car accident in Northern Alberta. His condition is not good but it is also not known how severe at this time. Its amazing how it takes something like this to put everything back into perspective again. All our prayers are with Matt and his family right now. Nothing is more important with NOA right now then what the Crichtons are facing. Please keep them in your thoughts and in your prayers....

Well- survived the flu bug and was back at it today! Met with Lewis and we went and scoped out the venue at West Ed for the centennial mural project. Its a big project ahead of us. But could be even bigger payback in the long run! We discussed things in great detail and also met with Debbie Boodram at CBC. Things definitely have potential!! Have been dealing with little blips here and there and at the same time trying to find time to do my mural. Tickets are now on sale in Slave Lake and in Manning. G.P. and Fairview start next week as does Calgary and Edmonton.
Friday looks busy as I am ading a publicist to the mix in Edmonton and am hoping to find new leads for Painiting party participants. At least I have my health back now which is good.

All this traveling and running around has caught up to me as I am very sick today. Maybe I have the chicken virus??? Anyways- more sponsors coming in slowly in different parts of the country. We are doing quite well actually. I am in Edmonton - home sweet home- but it feels like the north pole today as it is about minus 1 million degrees!! Combined with the chicken virus it makes it hard for me to be productive. We are almost set to go to press with the invitations. These are sooo sweet! Cathy has really done an amazing job!
Must go back and lie down.. must get better arrrghh....

Up early today and off and running. Sat with Cathy and went over changes to the invites, discuss important deadlines and celebrated her new job that she got today!!! Yea Cathy!! Left Cathy's and went out and got posters and invites made for my own solo show in Calgary on February 5th at Ben Venuto's. Then went to the NOA Gallery and talked shop with Christine Leinweber for a couple of hours. Left Calgary at 1 p.m. and trucked on back to Edmonton. Of course the roads were nasty... I am sure it will clear up now though as I am done driving for 4 or five days. Hectic day as we are trying to get the last few BIG corporate sponsors on board for this years show in Edmonton and Calgary. No rest for the wicked....
Spending tonight emailing back and forth info to cathy for invitations. Good news from Denise in Edmonton and Michelle in Slave lake - sponsors located! Also Ilan has lined us up a TV interview for Summer to do one of her corporate painting - spiritual painting classes on CTV Wednesday! Should be another late night as lots to do and the hour glass is running quickly....

Late night or early morning. I am in Calgary now and am about to relax after another long day. Met with Cathy Stevenson and discussed the NOA magazine - which is looking amazing!!! I am also trying to get ready for my solo show at Ben Venuto's on February 5th. Lots of promoting to do! Man... 8 NOA shows, my own solo show and a mural to complete all before the end of the first week of February haha ewwww.
I went and saw Ann Vriend and Jen Kraatz while in Calgary. Great show in a cozy location- Karma. Lots of talent in the room. Met Doug from Canada Disc and chatted with Chris "Skippy" Sturwold. Discussed ways to create more advantages for musicians.
NOA gallery in Edmonton got a face lift today. Good job!!
Hopefully the weather stays good and I can get back home to Edmonton tomorrow.

Well returned from Slave lake late last night. Fought through a snow storm heading up north and also heading back. I think the snow gods want to make sure I never relax on my NOA travels.
I had a great meeting with Karina Pillay-Kinney and Michelle Vekved and Shireen Douma. The three of them showed a lot of energy and desire and it makes me confident that Slave Lake will be a good show. Also I signed on another local musical group- Carla Boisvert and Blair Kennedy!

Other good things- I have Alicia Simms and Crystal Schmidt helping now with the sponsorship. Should prove very successful! Today I must work on my mural, finish going over the invitations with Cathy and then head to Calgary for another battle with the snow gods on the highway.

Today is the first day of my documenting the growth of Night of Artists. I will try to give an overview daily of the good the bad and the ugly- and the pretty, the happy and the exciting!!
I look forward to sharing the growth of NOA with our followers and I thank all of you who support the arts and our show!! When Night of Artists is througout North America it will be all the people who believed in us in our infancy that will make this all a reality!! www.NightofArtists.com