My friend Cyndi Finkle is a Renaissance Woman. I heard about Cyndi for years before I met her and when I asked our mutual friend Tom what was so great about her...he said she was a Renaissance Woman. I looked it up and the dictionary said it was someone who was accomplished in many areas. When I met her, I realized the definition falls a bit short when it comes to Cyndi. There is nothing she hasn't mastered, there are just things she hasn't gotten to yet. She has original ideas in every area of her life and turns those ideas into new creations on a daily basis.
My 33rd Birthday Party at Cyndi & Temple's
Her parties are a phenomenon. Her husband is a treasure. Their daughter Sully Claire...words cannot accurately describe the vivacious whirlwind of personality she is. She's the BIGGEST little person I know. Cyndi is an extraordinary wife, a phenomenal mother, a fantastic chef with her own catering and craft services company, a photographer whose photographs have been in both magazines and shows...and as of late, Art Studio owner. And no matter how much you want to dislike her for all of her accomplishments, you just can't, because she is a kind human being with a truly good heart who is always fun to hang out with.
My favorite photo of Sully...wearing a birthday sweater from me
So, for Number 5: Take an Art Class, I called Cyndi up to see if I could sneak into one of the kids' art classes, thinking that it would be a quick and easy way to check one more thing off the list. And I'd get to spend time with Sully. She suggested Girls' Night Out, a new creation of hers, an evening for women only at her Art Studio. It starts off with champagne, then dinner from the Larchmont Larder, followed by a figure drawing class with a live nude male model. I said yes and sent out an email to some friends. And off we went.
Anticipating the arrival of our male model, we tried to get the giggles out as much as we could during dinner, which was "meat and potatoes" in the best possible way...mashed potatoes and brisket with carrots followed by heavenly chocolate chip cookies at a beautifully set table with fresh flowers and lit candles. Champagne, wine and Pellegrino was flowing as were stories of our art experiences, or lack thereof, in everyone's case but Judy's.
Karen, Andrea, Heather & Judy
Karen looked the most artsy with her really cool giant owl belt buckle, Andrea got most of her crude jokes out before Chris, the model, got there. Heather excited us by talking about her upcoming trip to New Orleans, Judy and Cyndi both told stories of when they nude modeled (!) and I talked about the Forty By Forty project and how it's become the GREATEST thing ever because I end up doing all these cool creative things with different friends every week.
Cyndi's abstract
Chris was awesome, relaxed and good to draw. He didn't mind our quips and was cool with the remainder of Andrea's crude jokes. Gary was a great instructor and wasn't afraid to tell us to erase and start all over, so not all compliments and positive reinforcements. We all got progressively better and Cyndi who had drawn last week, went into abstract art which was cool.
The best part was being creative with friends and not thinking about anything important or stressful...a three-hour vacation from the mind is always welcome. Thanks Cyndi for a FANTASTIC night!
The Cahn Artist
The Wall of Chris
This looks awesome, love it!
Posted by: larder cupboard | 07/05/2012 at 03:36 AM
YAAAY to you Marika for taking this class! I'm so jealous I was unable to join...but standing isn't my strength right now! LOL!
Cyndi is always an inspiration to me, and a reminder that it is quite possible to do it all!! And you are on your way!
I can't wait to hear what you do next. XOXO Patty+2
Posted by: Patty Herwick | 04/26/2010 at 10:17 AM
This looks awesome, as is Cyndi! I worked with Temple and had heard about her forever - and she way exceeded the hype. She's amazing and so genuinely lovely. Sully is the bomb. Great family and it looks like you have a great project!
Posted by: Leslie | 04/23/2010 at 01:11 PM
Hi Laura! I'm just starting to read yours! Love it. And YES, you must go and do the art class....such a fantastic night! Love, M
Posted by: Marika | 04/23/2010 at 09:43 AM
I love the 40 by 40 project and this post! Such a great description of cyndi.
I've been dying to get together a group of girlfriends to do the GNO class, and you've further inspired me.
laura
Posted by: hollywood housewife | 04/23/2010 at 09:30 AM