May 28, 2012
Gun Salute
Old Ironsides is festively dressed for the Memorial Day celebrations. She has fired her cannons in remembrance. It is rather startling to hear cannons fire at not just at 8am and sunset. Sounds like we are being invaded!
May 25, 2012
EDiM #25
EDiM #25: Draw some flowers.
(Click to enlarge).
Hmmm. This did not turn out exactly as I thought it would. Guess gotta sketch flowers more often. I do however love the Irises in the yard. Pen, pencil and watercolors.
Hmmm. This did not turn out exactly as I thought it would. Guess gotta sketch flowers more often. I do however love the Irises in the yard. Pen, pencil and watercolors.
May 24, 2012
EDiM #24
EDiM #24: Draw something cold or cool.
(Click on image to enlarge).
I decided to go the way of something cool. I hear that to be cool, one needs to wear Orange this Spring. Pen and watercolors.
I decided to go the way of something cool. I hear that to be cool, one needs to wear Orange this Spring. Pen and watercolors.
May 23, 2012
EDiM #23
EDiM #23: Draw a souvenir of a place you’ve been. Write a bit about your memories of the place.
(Click on image to enlarge).
While traveling, I collect things that would make great ornaments for the xmas tree. Every winter, we get a chance to walk down memory lane. Love that. Pen and watercolors.
While traveling, I collect things that would make great ornaments for the xmas tree. Every winter, we get a chance to walk down memory lane. Love that. Pen and watercolors.
EDiM #22
EDiM #22: Draw an ear, or two or three or more.
(Click on image to enlarge).
Did not get around to sketching yesterday, so catching up. I tried to draw human ears. I really did. I usually just draw a half-circle and an s-shape, so thought this would be a good opportunity to really draw ears. But after several attempts, gave up. Here is my ode to an ear of maize. Pen and watercolors.
Did not get around to sketching yesterday, so catching up. I tried to draw human ears. I really did. I usually just draw a half-circle and an s-shape, so thought this would be a good opportunity to really draw ears. But after several attempts, gave up. Here is my ode to an ear of maize. Pen and watercolors.
Trilogy Question
I'm interested in the
trilogy trend. So many authors seem to be doing this lately, and I am
conflicted about whether to read the books as they are published, or
wait until the entire series is out.
With the Hunger Games for example, I waited to read the first two until a month or so before the last one was out. However, I read Divergent when it came out, and now I'm regretting that decision. How much of that story will be fresh in my mind when I read the next in the series this summer?
What do you do? Do you re-read before the next one? Do you wait? Or are you able to keep the details fresh, and simply read the books as they are published?
With the Hunger Games for example, I waited to read the first two until a month or so before the last one was out. However, I read Divergent when it came out, and now I'm regretting that decision. How much of that story will be fresh in my mind when I read the next in the series this summer?
What do you do? Do you re-read before the next one? Do you wait? Or are you able to keep the details fresh, and simply read the books as they are published?
Recent Reads
49. Marzi
I love graphic novels, but I did not love this one. This is memoir of a young girl in Poland, and I did find the backdrop of family and culture interesting. But the book as a whole did not suck me in.
50. The Cabinet of Curiosities
I listened to an audio of this book, the third installment in the Pendergast series, and I think it is the best in the series so far. It reads well as a stand-alone book as well, so would be a good intro to the series. I was fascinated by the historical details about the cabinets of curiosities and 19th century New York city. My only complaint is that the book rushes to an ending - almost like the authors ran into a deadline.
I love graphic novels, but I did not love this one. This is memoir of a young girl in Poland, and I did find the backdrop of family and culture interesting. But the book as a whole did not suck me in.
50. The Cabinet of Curiosities
I listened to an audio of this book, the third installment in the Pendergast series, and I think it is the best in the series so far. It reads well as a stand-alone book as well, so would be a good intro to the series. I was fascinated by the historical details about the cabinets of curiosities and 19th century New York city. My only complaint is that the book rushes to an ending - almost like the authors ran into a deadline.
May 21, 2012
EDiM #21
EDiM #21: Draw something that makes you happy, and write about it, too.
(Click on image to enlarge).
Safe, drinkable water right from my taps makes me happy. I believe that water is going to the most critical and expensive resource on our planet in the not so distant future. Pen and watercolors.
Safe, drinkable water right from my taps makes me happy. I believe that water is going to the most critical and expensive resource on our planet in the not so distant future. Pen and watercolors.
May 20, 2012
Free audiobooks
I just found out today about a way to get free audiobooks all summer.
Check it out here. How cool is that? You can thank me with chocolate. Dark chocolate.
Check it out here. How cool is that? You can thank me with chocolate. Dark chocolate.
Recent Reads
48. The Reversal
This is Mickey Haller #3. I listened to it on audio, and really liked it. The narrator, Peter Giles, reads quite a few of the Michael Connelly books, and it is like hearing an old friend at this point. My only complaint is that the book loses steam in the final chapters - kinda like the author was in a rush to tie things up.
This is Mickey Haller #3. I listened to it on audio, and really liked it. The narrator, Peter Giles, reads quite a few of the Michael Connelly books, and it is like hearing an old friend at this point. My only complaint is that the book loses steam in the final chapters - kinda like the author was in a rush to tie things up.
EDiM #20
EDiM #20: Draw a streetlight.
(Click on image to enlarge).
The street lights in my neighborhood are rather boring, so decided to draw ones that can be found in the Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, Turkey. Love the ornate ironwork. Pencil and watercolors.
The street lights in my neighborhood are rather boring, so decided to draw ones that can be found in the Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, Turkey. Love the ornate ironwork. Pencil and watercolors.
May 19, 2012
EDiM #19
EDiM #19: Draw your artspace - drawing board, desk, studio, table - draw where you create.
(Click in image to enlarge).
I have a fab lap desk that I use for reading, writing and playing in my art journals. It moves from bedroom to living rom to porch, following me around the house. I did not realize when I started sketching this page that I would be sketching my hands. Hands are do tough. And I don't really wear purple pants with a green top, but love the color combination. Maybe I should find me some purple pants. Pencil and watercolors.
I have a fab lap desk that I use for reading, writing and playing in my art journals. It moves from bedroom to living rom to porch, following me around the house. I did not realize when I started sketching this page that I would be sketching my hands. Hands are do tough. And I don't really wear purple pants with a green top, but love the color combination. Maybe I should find me some purple pants. Pencil and watercolors.
May 18, 2012
EDiM #18
EDiM #18: Draw a nearby body of water - ocean, lake, pond, river.
(Click on image to enlarge).
Sailing season is finally here. One of my fave local spots are the Boston Harbor Islands. This is a sketch of the Boston skyline as seen from the cockpit of the boat, while moored off Peddocks Island. Pencil, pen, watercolors.
Sailing season is finally here. One of my fave local spots are the Boston Harbor Islands. This is a sketch of the Boston skyline as seen from the cockpit of the boat, while moored off Peddocks Island. Pencil, pen, watercolors.
May 17, 2012
EDiM #17
EDiM #17: Draw some bread and write about it if you like.
(Click on image to enlarge).
You take flour, and add milk, eggs, and a couple other ingredients and you get this heavenly thing, best eaten hot. Bread - leavened and unleavened - has been a staple in many diets for thousands of years. But recently bread choices have gotten so complicated. A sign of the times? Pencil and watercolors.
You take flour, and add milk, eggs, and a couple other ingredients and you get this heavenly thing, best eaten hot. Bread - leavened and unleavened - has been a staple in many diets for thousands of years. But recently bread choices have gotten so complicated. A sign of the times? Pencil and watercolors.
Book Trailers
Sunitha Krishnan fights sex slavery
Sunitha Krishnan has dedicated her life to rescuing women and children
from sex slavery, a multimilion-dollar global market. In this courageous
talk, she tells three powerful stories, as well as her own, and calls
for a more humane approach to helping these young victims rebuild their
lives.
You can hear this courageous woman talk about her work here.
You can hear this courageous woman talk about her work here.
May 15, 2012
EDiM #15
EDiM #15: Draw a traffic sign.
(Click on image to enlarge).
I love signage, and whenever I travel I tend to capture ones that are different than the ones we have back home. Take this one for example. It was attached to a construction area in Istanbul, Turkey. And you gotta wonder - does it warn of alien abductions? Pen and watercolors.
I love signage, and whenever I travel I tend to capture ones that are different than the ones we have back home. Take this one for example. It was attached to a construction area in Istanbul, Turkey. And you gotta wonder - does it warn of alien abductions? Pen and watercolors.
Recent Reads
47. Proust was a Neuroscientist
Every now and then I read a book that blows my mind, and this was one of those. Fascinating, insightful, un-put-downable. I am fascinated by neuroscience and art, and loved every moment of this book.
Every now and then I read a book that blows my mind, and this was one of those. Fascinating, insightful, un-put-downable. I am fascinated by neuroscience and art, and loved every moment of this book.
May 14, 2012
EDiM #14
EDiM #14: Draw your lunch and journal about it.
(Click on image to enlarge).
So, I debated what I was going to eat for lunch today. I was really tempted to eat something that would be easier to sketch - but that felt like cheating. So leftovers it was. Quinoa with a Thai style pork curry. Pen, white crayon and watercolors.
So, I debated what I was going to eat for lunch today. I was really tempted to eat something that would be easier to sketch - but that felt like cheating. So leftovers it was. Quinoa with a Thai style pork curry. Pen, white crayon and watercolors.
Hagia Sophia
I'm finally getting around to uploading more of my pics from Turkey.
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Hagia Sophia is one of my fave sites in Turkey, and considering how much I loved the sites I visited, that is saying something. You can see my pics of Hagia Sophia here.
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Hagia Sophia is one of my fave sites in Turkey, and considering how much I loved the sites I visited, that is saying something. You can see my pics of Hagia Sophia here.
May 13, 2012
EDiM #13
EDiM #13: Draw something breezy - something that blows in the wind - a flag, leaves, your choice.
(Click on image to view larger).
It is a beautiful, breezy day today. Perfect for a quick sketch of the Koinobori on the porch. Pen and markers.
It is a beautiful, breezy day today. Perfect for a quick sketch of the Koinobori on the porch. Pen and markers.
Recent Reads
45. The Thorn and the Blossom
This is a story of star crossed lovers. The book only takes an hour or so to read, and I thought the writing and story was OK. What I loved about this book is the format. It is an accordion style book - one side tells the story from Evelyn's point of view and the other from Brendan's perspective. You can read either story first - and I happened to read Evelyn's first. I do like that book publishers are thinking of creative ways to make DTBs more interesting. This is an example of a book that would loose that coolness factor if read as an ebook.
46. Living Your Yoga
I have struggled with yoga. Sometimes I practice regularly, other times I fall off the wagon and cannot seem to get back on. Decided to get back on in May, and found this book to read to supplement my practice. I really liked it - it is not preachy and gave me lots to think about.
This is a story of star crossed lovers. The book only takes an hour or so to read, and I thought the writing and story was OK. What I loved about this book is the format. It is an accordion style book - one side tells the story from Evelyn's point of view and the other from Brendan's perspective. You can read either story first - and I happened to read Evelyn's first. I do like that book publishers are thinking of creative ways to make DTBs more interesting. This is an example of a book that would loose that coolness factor if read as an ebook.
46. Living Your Yoga
I have struggled with yoga. Sometimes I practice regularly, other times I fall off the wagon and cannot seem to get back on. Decided to get back on in May, and found this book to read to supplement my practice. I really liked it - it is not preachy and gave me lots to think about.
May 12, 2012
EDiM #12
EDiM #12: Draw a button or buttons.
(Click on image to enlarge).
Here are two buttons from my stash of "extra" buttons. You know those buttons that come with new clothes? Well, the clothing is long gone, but the buttons stayed on. Am going to have to come up with a project to use them on. Pen and watercolors.
Here are two buttons from my stash of "extra" buttons. You know those buttons that come with new clothes? Well, the clothing is long gone, but the buttons stayed on. Am going to have to come up with a project to use them on. Pen and watercolors.
May 11, 2012
EDiM #11
EDiM #11: Draw something with wings.
(Click on image to enlarge).
"Pinky" looks rather mean in this sketch. Pen and watercolors.
"Pinky" looks rather mean in this sketch. Pen and watercolors.
May 10, 2012
EDiM #10
EDiM #10: Draw an apple.
(Click on image to view larger).
Well, this is apple-like. Sometimes the simplest objects can the toughest for me to sketch. Think I have many more apple sketch session in my future. Pen and watercolors.
Well, this is apple-like. Sometimes the simplest objects can the toughest for me to sketch. Think I have many more apple sketch session in my future. Pen and watercolors.
May 9, 2012
Recent Reads
41. State of Wonder
This is the second book I have read by the author, and I have to admit that I had some trepidation since I so did not like Bel Canto. I was delighted to discover that I really liked this book. It is an interesting read, and some of the themes include big pharma and drug development, first contact, relationships, and fertility. The idea of women being able to biologically have babies until they are well into their 80s left me cold. While I understand that some women might want to prolong their reproductive years, I sincerely doubt (and hope) that as a whole, women (and men for that matter) want to prolong things that long! Lots to think about with this one.
42. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
I have been meaning to dive into reading this author - so many of his books are on my TBR list. Then I found out that he has a memoir that focuses on running. As a beginner runner, I am constantly looking to understand why people seem to love this sport so much. I listened to the audio book mainly on walks - though on one run too - and found it interesting.
43. Creative Ways with Books and Journals
While I really like the journal photography in this book, it was not what I was expecting. It is probably good for beginners who are interested in learning how to bind their first journal. There are some amazing books on this topic, and this one did not add much to what I had already learned.
44. Game of Thrones
GRRM has been on my TBR list for ages, and after watching the first season of Game of Thrones on HBO, decided it was time to jump into this series that everyone is raving about. And have to say that I loved it. I had to keep putting it down so I would not blow through it too fast. There is love, and honor, and deceit, and loyalty, and jousts, and war, and family, and duty, and obligation, and arranged marriages, and war horses, and kings and queens and traitors, and the Others. And oh, yes, dire wolves and dragons. A world to get lost in. You'll need to keep a map and the family trees handy - there are so many characters it can be tough to keep them all straight otherwise. Oh, and my fave characters are a dwarf, a bastard and two head-strong girls. I actually gasped when certain unexpected things happened - and I mean really unexpected. I have the next book in the series standing by, but am thinking I might want to spread the books out a bit so I don't finish them too soon. Know what I mean?
This is the second book I have read by the author, and I have to admit that I had some trepidation since I so did not like Bel Canto. I was delighted to discover that I really liked this book. It is an interesting read, and some of the themes include big pharma and drug development, first contact, relationships, and fertility. The idea of women being able to biologically have babies until they are well into their 80s left me cold. While I understand that some women might want to prolong their reproductive years, I sincerely doubt (and hope) that as a whole, women (and men for that matter) want to prolong things that long! Lots to think about with this one.
42. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
I have been meaning to dive into reading this author - so many of his books are on my TBR list. Then I found out that he has a memoir that focuses on running. As a beginner runner, I am constantly looking to understand why people seem to love this sport so much. I listened to the audio book mainly on walks - though on one run too - and found it interesting.
43. Creative Ways with Books and Journals
While I really like the journal photography in this book, it was not what I was expecting. It is probably good for beginners who are interested in learning how to bind their first journal. There are some amazing books on this topic, and this one did not add much to what I had already learned.
44. Game of Thrones
GRRM has been on my TBR list for ages, and after watching the first season of Game of Thrones on HBO, decided it was time to jump into this series that everyone is raving about. And have to say that I loved it. I had to keep putting it down so I would not blow through it too fast. There is love, and honor, and deceit, and loyalty, and jousts, and war, and family, and duty, and obligation, and arranged marriages, and war horses, and kings and queens and traitors, and the Others. And oh, yes, dire wolves and dragons. A world to get lost in. You'll need to keep a map and the family trees handy - there are so many characters it can be tough to keep them all straight otherwise. Oh, and my fave characters are a dwarf, a bastard and two head-strong girls. I actually gasped when certain unexpected things happened - and I mean really unexpected. I have the next book in the series standing by, but am thinking I might want to spread the books out a bit so I don't finish them too soon. Know what I mean?
EDiM #9
EDiM #9: Draw a brown paper bag.
(Click on image to view larger).
This is my first time participating in the EDiM challenge, and I find it an interesting experience to simply sketch what I'm told to sketch. On the one hand I chafe at the restrictions, and on the other hand I find that I don't have to think about what to sketch. I just do it. Pen and watercolors.
This is my first time participating in the EDiM challenge, and I find it an interesting experience to simply sketch what I'm told to sketch. On the one hand I chafe at the restrictions, and on the other hand I find that I don't have to think about what to sketch. I just do it. Pen and watercolors.
May 8, 2012
Check this out
You know me, you know that I'm a huge Depp fan. And I like Portman. So was delighted to find this My Valentine video.
EDiM #8
EDiM #8: Draw an egg carton, with or without eggs in it.
(Click on image to enlarge).
Pencil and watercolors.
Pencil and watercolors.
May 7, 2012
EDiM #7
EDiM #7: Draw a spoon and journal a little about it.
(Click on image to view larger).
I seem to have ice-cream on my mind. Maybe because I am keenly aware that my freezer is out of Bear Claw, my fave kind. Pen, pencil, watercolors.
I seem to have ice-cream on my mind. Maybe because I am keenly aware that my freezer is out of Bear Claw, my fave kind. Pen, pencil, watercolors.
May 6, 2012
EDiM #6
EDiM #6: Draw a holiday card.
(Click on image to enlarge).
The summer solstice is a one of the biggie celebrations in our house. Pen and watercolors.
The summer solstice is a one of the biggie celebrations in our house. Pen and watercolors.
May 5, 2012
EDiM #5
EDiM #5: Draw something sweet.
(Click on image to view larger).
I've got a sweet tooth, so simply looking at all the other participant entries has had me salivating all day. If one scoop is good, three is better. Pen and watercolors.
I've got a sweet tooth, so simply looking at all the other participant entries has had me salivating all day. If one scoop is good, three is better. Pen and watercolors.
Brain rewiring
I am fascinated by the brain, and love learning about how our brains work. Once thought to be static and unchanging beyond a certain age, neuroscience has shown us the incredible plasticity of our brains. At all ages. Check out this interesting TED talk. I find it serendipitous how many of the items on the last slide are in line with my Every Day in May goals.
May 4, 2012
EDiM #4
EDiM #4: Draw a present you have received. Why is it special?
(Click on image to view larger).
How to pick one from so many? Especially when some of the best gifts are intangibles. Decided to sketch this bookmark, which was a gift from my sister. It reminds me of the many adventures we have had together, which always make me smile. Pen and watercolors.
How to pick one from so many? Especially when some of the best gifts are intangibles. Decided to sketch this bookmark, which was a gift from my sister. It reminds me of the many adventures we have had together, which always make me smile. Pen and watercolors.
May 3, 2012
EDiM #3
EDiM #3: Free choice. Draw anything you like.
(Click on image to view larger).
I for one love getting two for the price of one, so imagine my delight when this sketch works for both EDiM and TSBC. (The Sketchbook Challenge theme this month is Fruit and Veggies). Felt like the background needed some oomph, so out came a henna stencil to the rescue. Ink and watercolors.
I for one love getting two for the price of one, so imagine my delight when this sketch works for both EDiM and TSBC. (The Sketchbook Challenge theme this month is Fruit and Veggies). Felt like the background needed some oomph, so out came a henna stencil to the rescue. Ink and watercolors.
May 2, 2012
EDiM #2
EDiM #2: Draw something that represents a new year's resolution of yours.
(Click on image to enlarge).
In lieu of resolutions, I choose one word each year. My word for 2012 is LIGHT.
I still remember the first time I saw a prism split white light into a rainbow of colors. I was a wee one, and thought it quite magical. I now know how this happens, and even after decades of science education, I still think it is a magical thing. Watercolors and collage.
In lieu of resolutions, I choose one word each year. My word for 2012 is LIGHT.
I still remember the first time I saw a prism split white light into a rainbow of colors. I was a wee one, and thought it quite magical. I now know how this happens, and even after decades of science education, I still think it is a magical thing. Watercolors and collage.
May 1, 2012
EDiM #1
Hello May. I've set several goals for the month of May, which I will share at the end of the month. One of them is to participate in the Every Day in May sketching challenge. Quickly bound a new journal which I hope to completely fill this month.
(Click on image to view larger)
EDiM #1: Draw or paint a landscape. Day one and I am already out of my comfort zone! Oh boy. It is raining heavily all day today, so decided to use a photo I had taken while in Turkey a couple of months ago. I loved the Cappadocia area, so thought I'd do a quick sketch of the Three Sisters. Pencil and watercolors.
EDiM #1: Draw or paint a landscape. Day one and I am already out of my comfort zone! Oh boy. It is raining heavily all day today, so decided to use a photo I had taken while in Turkey a couple of months ago. I loved the Cappadocia area, so thought I'd do a quick sketch of the Three Sisters. Pencil and watercolors.
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