Happy Mother's Day

I've had this photo of my Mom on my mind the past several days. Due to my amazing :-) organizational skills, I was able to quickly find it - no small feat, since this was back in the day I still used film.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms.

Soccer Girls

Photos from my last trip to Vegas. It's amazing how creative I can be while waiting. Really love how the colors turned out.
Click on pics to enlarge.

12x24 LO:











Detail of Left and Right pages:

Jonah

Here is a page I created while waiting for the Verizon DSL guy to show up and fix my connection problem. I am lucky to have such great models at my disposal.

National Poetry Month

Did you know that April was National Poetry Month? Read any good poetry?

Now, I'm not really sure why, but I have never been much interested in reading poetry. Was it a bad experience in primary school? Was it a horrible teacher? Was I confused and befuddled? I honestly do not recall. I do know that I read poems when I was young - after all don't nursery rhymes count as poetry?

Either way - onward! I decided that I would read several poetry books during the month as my way to celebrate the event. I checked out several books, and did actually read one. Hey, one is better than none!

Why I Wake Early: New Poems" by Mary Oliver was the book of poems I did read. Not a thick book, but it still took me the entire month to get through. She has some lovely poems in it, and I especially liked her descriptions of what she observes and feels in nature.

I've come to realize that I really like poetry in the form of the spoken word. I've listened to local poets who have made me laugh, cry, and think. The fact that I do not love written poetry bothers me. Not really sure why. Maybe I just need to find the right ones for me.
The search continues.....

Recent Reads

I'm delighted to have gotten some good reading time this past week.

1. The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins
I listened to the audio book read by the author, and was captivated from the start. I learned much, and it was fascinating to hear how he connects much of my feelings about God to rational thoughts. Feel better armed for future discussions on the topic. There were absolutely times that I felt I would be struck by lightning as I listened to the book, but will certainly revisit the book again to really let it all soak in. There is too much to take in the first time. I would highly recommend this book.

2. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
An Oprah book club selection, but that is not why I picked it. I have read rave reviews about this author, and wanted to read his latest work. It's the story of a man and his son in a post-apocalyptic world. I simply could not get into it. He has deceptively simple sentences that convey much, but the story simply did not grab me. What was the point? Not sure, and I was disappointed by the book. Would be interested to talk to anyone who enjoyed the book.

3. Pomegranate Soup by Marsha Mehran
This is my book club read for this month. The story of 3 sisters who flee Iran, and end up in a little village in Ireland. All the recipes and writing about food made me ravenous - I ate constantly during the several hours it took me to read the book. The book has the seeds of a great story - an epic, but it does not deliver. The writing is not very good - in my opinion it is written at a middle school level - and maybe that was the intended audience. The juices of cultural mores, immigration, interracial relationships, etc, were simply not served up in any way that I found satisfying. Too bad really, because I would have loved a good read that gave me insight into this immigrant story.

Gun Control

The media coverage of the Virginia Tech shootings continues. What I think is conspicuously missing in the coverage of this tragedy is that the guy had a legal gun. A legal hand gun.

Okay so he was unstable. But let's be honest. If he was unstable and had to use a knife or a cooking pot, he would not have been able to do so much damage. The fact that he had a gun completely changed the dynamics of situation.

Yes, I've heard all the hype: "guns don't kill people. people kill people"
Why put the blame on guns? Besides we have a constitutional right to bear arms (don't most of us have 2 already).

I do not have a knee-jerk reaction to guns. I know that there are very responsible gun owners out there. And hunters use guns for sport. My real issue is with the fact that hand guns are legal. What are you hunting? Well, people I guess.

On the news today - several people killed in a shooting in a Boston neighborhood.

Why does the media shy away from talking about gun control? Yes, I understand that it's a huge industry with powerful lobbies. But when do we as citizens of this republic stand up and say enough is enough? What does it take? We have a war against drugs. A war against terror. What are these killings if not terror at home?

Glorious Weather & Bad Books

We have had incredible weather these past several days. And just in time too - all that rain was getting me down - though I do love to curl up with a good book.

Speaking of books - it might just be me, but I've always felt that once I start a book, I should finish it. Finish it for whom? I dunno. Just know that I must. It has taken me many years to allow myself to discard a book that does not hold my interest. I mean, it's not like I see the author for dinner on a regular basis is it? But I always feel a little guilty - like I did not see something through. You can take the girl out of the church, but..... I try to be rational with myself - there are so many, many wonderful books out there waiting for me to read, why bother to trudge through one that does not interest me at all?

I just gave up on (notice my language?) " The Double Bind" by Chris Bohjalian. Simply could not get into it. I am certainly fascinated by the concept. What happens in the lives of people who were once wealthy/professional/had a home and love ones that leave them homeless? Who would not be interested? I was intrigued by the real-life story that sparked the novel. But the writing is poor, and the story simply does not hold my interest. So off my night stand it went.

It's not just a myth that the grass is greener on the other side. Sometimes it really is.

Watercolor Journal

Created a new watercolor journal. I love creating and binding my own journals - they are exactly how I like them, and considerably less expensive than store bought ones - though I've never met a blank book I did not like.

Here are some recent pages from the new journal. I have yet to decide what I'll do with the cover - there are so many options.

Color Swatches

A rainy day is a perfect day to play with art supplies.
Here are a couple of swatch pages I created in my visual journal.

Recent Movies

Here are some worth mentioning:

1. Babel
Is it just me? I did not get this movie. Seemed deep. But maybe too deep for me? What was the point? 3 interconnected stories? What did the Japanese story line add to the movie? All stories about people who are in trouble, make poor choices, and yet are redeemed in some way?
I really wanted to get this movie, but am afraid that I missed some essential part I was supposed to understand.

2. Word Play
A delightful, and insightful documentary about crossword junkies. I really enjoyed this movie, and learned about an entire sub-culture along the way. Who knew that Monday puzzles are the easiest? Now I know, and am delighted to say that one of my presents from the bunny was an easy crosswords book, and I am hooked. I see what all the fuss is about.

3. Windsor Castle: A Royal Year
Another delightful documentary that enlightened as it entertained. The film-makers were given unprecedented access to Windsor Castle, and it really is amazing. After watching, I feel rather like an insider - maybe the Queen will invite me over for crumpets and tea.

4. The Producers
While the remake is not as good as the original, the cast of Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Will Ferrell and Uma Thurman, make for an entertaining time. I now have a new image that pops into mind every time I hear "The Chrysler Building" - see it and you'll know what I mean.

Easter Musings

“I know all about Easter", my nephew declares.
"It's all about the EGGS!"

A little pagan in the making.

Had a wonderfully relaxing and re-charging weekend. There is nothing quite like doing what ever one pleases, in the way one wants to do it. I spent a part of my time reading, painting, finding the perfect bag for my art supplies.

Now, it's not just me. There live 2 bagophiles in my home. Actually if you take into consideration the cat's fascination with paper and plastic bags, maybe everyone in our house is a bagophile. What gives? I have no idea. Maybe it's the joy of having everything in its own bag. Maybe it's having things packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Where to you ask? What does that matter? Anywhere. Even if the trek is to the dining room table so as to not disturb the sleeping feline. Strange but true. I 've got a thing for bags. Little ones. Big ones. Plain. Colored. Striped. Leather. Plastic. Cloth. Seems to make no difference. I love bags.

Susan says...

Why do they call it PMS?

Mad Cow was already taken.

Is it just me or does the whole PMS thing get harder as you get older?

I'm convinced that once your body believes that you're close to the end of your child-rearing years, all the fuzzy hormones that flood your system just stop being produced.

No wonder so many women change their lives dramatically as they reach their 40s/50s/60s - we've put up with enough crap for this lifetime thank you very much!!

Quote of the Day

“What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner.”
- Colette

Crocus Sighting

What fantastic weather we had this weekend.
Here are some of the lovely flowers in the yard.

Made My Day

One of the students I taught last year won the local spelling bee and was interviewed by the local paper. She said that I was her "all-time favorite teacher"!!!

That has to be the nicest compliment any teacher can get.

Do you remember your favorite teacher?

Mine was called Mrs Jana. She was hard and tough and took no crap from anyone. And she pushed and prodded and cajoled me (and everyone) to really give it my all. During report card days, other teachers would simply handout the cards and release their students. Not Mrs Jana. She had us all wait (im)patiently while she cleaned up her desk, board, etc. And then after all the other students were out, and crowded around our classroom windows, she slowly started calling each of us by name - very loudly - and discussing our report card for all to hear!

I learned that important lesson from her, and when I taught last year, I did the same on report card day. Each student heard what I had to say about everyone - where they did well, and what I believed they could improve on. I also do not believe in surprises, and every week updated each students grades on my board - so everyone knew exactly where they stood and what they needed to do to improve their grades.

I believe that everyone wants to succeed, but success can mean different things to different people. And I believe that children rise to the bar you set for them. You have to set it. Show them how they can get there. Help, cajole, prod them along the way. Reward and acknowledge hard work and success.

My style certainly created waves, and "scared" kids not in my classes. But my kids and I learned from each other and were better for it.

Naked in Death

By J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts)

"This is the novel that started it all-the first book in J. D. Robb's number-one New York Times-bestselling In Death series, featuring New York City homicide detective Lieutenant Eve Dallas and Roarke.

It is the year 2058, and technology now completely rules the world. But New York City Detective Eve Dallas knows that the irresistible impulses of the human heart are still ruled by just one thing-passion.

When a senator's daughter is killed, the secret life of prostitution she'd been leading is revealed. The high-profile case takes Lieutenant Eve Dallas into the rarefied circles of Washington politics and society. Further complicating matters is Eve's growing attraction to Roarke, who is one of the wealthiest and most influential men on the planet, devilishly handsome . . . and the leading suspect in the investigation."

Completed this audio book on my commute this morning. My first book by the author, and I was pleasantly surprised. There is more meat to this book than just your typical thriller. Parts of the book I found really disturbing. The main character gets nicely developed and I enjoyed the ride. I am requesting the next book in the series today.

Looks like there are 22 in the series.

World Happiness

Would you consider yourself happy?
What makes you happy?
How do you know you are happy?

Happiness is one of those intangibles. And yet we value it so much that it is a part of our constitution. We have the right to "pursue" happiness. How does one do that exactly?

I for one find that the feeling of happiness comes and goes - usually quite unexpectedly. Yesterday for example I was happy that a couple of books that I had bound turned out exactly as I had expected/hoped/envisioned. Is that how we define happiness - when something goes as we hoped/expected? Not so for me. I've found that I can wake up feeling happy for no apparent reason at all.

Here is some interesting data:

The 20 happiest nations in the World are:

1 - Denmark
2 - Switzerland
3 - Austria
4 - Iceland
5 - The Bahamas
6 - Finland
7 - Sweden
8 - Bhutan
9 - Brunei
10 - Canada
11 - Ireland
12 - Luxembourg
13 - Costa Rica
14 - Malta
15 - The Netherlands
16 - Antigua and Barbuda
17 - Malaysia
18 - New Zealand
19 - Norway
20 - The Seychelles

Other notable results include:
23 - USA
35 - Germany
41 - UK
62 - France
82 - China
90 - Japan
125 - India
167 - Russia

The three least happy countries were:
176 - Democratic Republic of the Congo
177 - Zimbabwe
178 - Burundi

Source: University of Leicester

The Power (and Peril) of Praise

Here is a fascinating article about how not to talk to kids.

I have so many stories I could share that prove the point of the article - buy me a drink and I'll tell you all about it.

Here is the article.

Exile

by Richard North Patterson

"Bestseller Patterson's new thriller with its focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been overtaken by events (there's no mention of Israel's unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005 or the recent fighting across the Lebanese border), but the underlying political issues may be enough for most readers to put the real world aside and suspend disbelief. Harvard-trained attorney David Wolfe, a San Franciscan on the verge of a congressional campaign, has his plans derailed when his law school classmate (and one-time lover), Palestinian Hana Arif, asks him to defend her from charges that she led a conspiracy that assassinated dovish Israeli leader Amos Ben-Aron. Inspired by idealism and lingering passion, Wolfe jeopardizes his political future by taking the case. His suspicion that the suicide bombers who attacked Ben-Aron were aided by a security breach leads him to Israel and Lebanon. While Patterson (Conviction) attempts to portray the issues fairly, the introduction of a soap-operaish subplot undercuts his intended high purpose, and the resolution of the mystery is too predictable to surprise." - From Publishers Weekly

Finished this book last weekend, and though I agree with the review that the subplot was a little too trite, I did like the way he tried to address both POV in a fair way. There has been so much blood shed in this land holy to 3 religions. When/how does it all end? In my opinion, everyone is right, and has valid points. But unless people and their governments get off their positions and actively work for peace, I do not see how this "conflict" will end. How many dead would it require to elevate this from a "conflict"?

I heard this morning that MIT is running a contest to solicit ideas on how to bring about peace in Jerusalem by the year 2015 (? not sure if that is the right year). I for one really like the idea of so many minds trying to create peace. Hopefully it happens in our lifetime.

Happy Equinox!

It's that time of year again - the spring equinox.
The first day of spring.
Today is one of 2 days in the year when we have equal amounts of night and day.
As a person who grew up on the equator, I still find the entire seasons thing fascinating.

Some interesting facts.

Bleeding Hearts

By Ian Rankin

“First published in the U.K. in 1994 under the pseudonym Jack Harvey, this routine thriller from Edgar-winner Rankin tells the story of Michael Weston, a fastidious British assassin whose life gets complicated when Hoffer, an American PI, starts to close in on him. The novel opens with Weston's carefully choreographed hit on London TV journalist Eleanor Ricks, but Hoffer is chasing Weston for another assassination, in which the antihero mistakenly shot a young girl. The plot takes a convoluted journey to the United States, to a weapons dealer in Texas and on to a quasireligious cult near Seattle. The nonstop action, copious violence and arcane details about weaponry and forensics will please thriller junkies, but fans of Rankin's masterful John Rebus series (Fleshmarket Alley, etc.) may not find this pre-Rebus book to their taste.” – Publishers Weekly

My first novel by Ian Rankin, and was not overly impressed. I think the only reason I stayed with the audio book till the end, was because the British English (windscreen, rubbish, etc) brought back childhood memories. I know that’s not much of a recommendation, but then I would not really recommend the book.

Loss of Stardust

The world is a little less glitzy with the loss of the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas.

While visiting Vegas in Jan, we were driving by the hotel on the strip, and I said out loud that it made me sad that the Stardust would be destroyed. This clearly perplexed by niece, who asked why it made me sad. Then, she asked if I would cry.

Well, I did not cry. But I will miss that old hotel. I loved the hotel sign - the old style - different era feel. I know the world moves on, and progress cannot be stopped, but does the world really need another new, million dollar casino? I think not.

Here is my fave video of the event.

ESL Madness

Why is it that the English language calls groups of things different names? What a nightmare for an English learner. Anyone else remember having to memorize the madness when you were in school?

What do you call a group of

cattle - herd
fish - school
geese - gaggle
whales - pod
dogs - pack
birds - flock
sheep - flock

and so on.

Anyone know what you call a group of cats?
Check out this link.

Temperamental Weather

Talk about moody weather patterns! It’s been in the high 60s the past couple of days, and today we’ll have a high of 40. Oh, and about 13” of snow expected by tomorrow night!

I feel bad for all the little critters. The robins have been back for weeks (I do not think some ever left), and there is not much food around. We’ve had swarms of blackbirds pick every berry off the holly bushes, and we go through bird feed in amazing quantities.

I’m glad I was able to leave work early yesterday and get out and enjoy the gift of a beautiful day. Delightful.

ER – Season 2

Decided to buy a treadmill recently. Yes, I have a gym membership, but find that it’s much easier to get in a couple of miles when I can watch interesting TV shows – especially when it’s as bitterly cold as it has been here lately. It is delightful not to have to bundle up and brace myself for the cold.

My current favorite is ER. I never got to watch it while it was on, and now am working my way through the library DVD collection of Season 2. Very enjoyable. And I get the added bonus of doing something healthy while watching TV.

Now don’t get me wrong – I am really looking forward to warmer weather and long, rambling walks outside. But if I’m going to watch some TV, why not log some miles along the way?

Not A Mega Millions Winner

It’s a funny thing about the lotto. I do not buy tickets, or even notice them regularly – but how can one miss the media blitz and the hoopla about a 350 Million Dollar jackpot?

So we bought our tickets. And I must say that for sheer entertainment value, it’s a bargain. I mean, on what else can you spend $1, and get really excited about future possibilities? What a rush! I got all worked up, and tried to decide whether I would go in to work and quit, or simply call in to quit. These are the paths my mind goes down ….

I am sorry to report that I did not win, and the work dilemma resolved itself.

I would however not trade a minute of the rush of planning how one could spend all that money. Think about it – what would you do if you won $350M – see what I mean?

Ammachi

My Ammachi (grandmother) passed away this past week.

She was my last living grandparent, and it is strange to have lost that physical link to the past so completely. My parents were able to arrange a flight back to India to get there in time for the funeral, and I'm glad that my Mom got to have that closure. On a call to her yesterday (the funeral was just over), she said that it was strange to be in the house without my Ammachi. I cannot even begin to imagine. Her Mom has been there in that house for as long as my Mom has been alive.

The hard part of death is not that someone dies. It's how bereft the ones who loved them feel.

Creative Cat

Been having a fun time playing with oil pastels in my visual journal.
Here is a sampling.
(click on image to enlarge)

Waiting for Spring













Lazy Morning









Outside My Window

Niece Art

I always have various journals going, and while visiting with my nieces in Jan, I had with me one of my travel journals. I think kids are fascinated by whatever it is that the adults around them are doing, and my nieces found my journal intriguing. Here is some art that the twins created.
(click on image to enlarge)

Prison Break

The wonderful thing about not watching shows on regular TV, is that I don't have to watch all the commercials. Started watching the first season of Prison Break this week - and really like it. It is different and interesting - story about a man who was framed for murder and on death row. His brother commits a crime so he can get incarcerated in the same prison, and he has a plan to bust them both out. The blue prints of the prison layout and his plan are tattooed on his body – in code (very cool concept). An interesting ride, and worth a look.

My only complaint – the women characters are really nothing more than cardboard cutouts and annoying. Oh, and did I mention that the guys have great bodies?

Jellies

Jellies @ the New England Aquarium

I Feel Bad About My Neck:

And Other Thoughts On Being A Woman, by Nora Ephron

This was my book club’s book this month, and though it was a light-hearted, slim volume, it sparked an interesting discussion.

The Book: A quick and light read – not deep or preachy. I like her movies and this is the first work by her I’ve read. I like her style of writing – the book almost felt like a conversation with an older sister over decadent chocolate. In my view her overall message was: Enjoy and appreciate what you have while you have it.

The Book Club: It was interesting to hear how the women in my group think about aging. Sample of topics discussed: how aging is different for us than our mother’s generation, how the amount of time and money spent on maintenance increases as we get older, how body parts start to hurt as you get older (and apparently a miracle pill available), etc.

Something to chew on – what is the root drive behind anti-aging products (other than the $ made by those industries). Is it to really to look younger? Or is the goal to somehow prevent aging, and in that way not get closer to death?

I love the new Dove campaign. Check it out here.

Look Forward Into Your Life

Been playing in my visual journal.
Here's a page I created this morning.
(click on image to enlarge)

The Language of Line

Here is something to try:

"Make single continuous-line marks that express each of these words: angry, joyful, confused, sad, bored, excited, silly and serious. Are your marks similar to mine?"

From "The New Creative Artist" by Nita Leland
(click on image to enlarge)

Levels of Abstraction

Page from current visual journal.
Done is 3 steps on 3 separate days:
1. Lay down an acrylic wash
2. Draw with waterproof pen
3. Color added using colored pencils


(click on image to enlarge)

"Kamleika"

Page from my current visual journal.
Had never heard of people using intestines as clothing - really a beautiful work of art.
@ PEM
(Click on pic to enlarge)



Alutig or Unangan artist
Overcoat, ca. 1825
Alutian archipelago, Alaska.
Sea lion intestine, dyed esophagus

Scrapbooking Reads

Recently read:

1. What About the Words: Creative Journaling for Scrapbookers, by Memory Makers Books
2. The Altered Book Scrapbook, by Susan Ure
3. Imperfect Lives: Scarpbooking the Reality of Your Everday, by Tara Governo

The great thing about libraries is the constant access I have to new books. Every trip to the library is like Christmas morning - yup I do get rather giddy about the whole thing. Recently found these books on scrapbooking. Since I got Adobe Photoshop for Xmas one year, have gone almost totally digital with my scrapping, and I am always in search of new ideas and inspiration.

I find that most scrapbooking books and magazines feature layouts with loads of stuff - usually too frilly or fussy for my taste. Bad photos are bad photos, and my focus is more on my photos than on all the stuff. An interesting idea while reading one of the books was the idea of scrapping the not joyous or happy moments. As a journal keeper, I certainly write about the good, the bad and the ugly, but I certainly do not capture photos of the not fun stuff. Who does? So an interesting idea: layouts that capture the breakup, the fight, the loss, etc. Certainly gives me food for thought.

Sudoku

My latest discovery - Sudoku.

I know people discovered this several years ago, but while on a trip to Vegas in Jan, my brother and his wife got me hooked. And I mean hooked. There is something strangely addictive and rewarding about this game. The game requires no math skills - if you can count from 1 to 9, you have all the math skills you'll need. It's a game of logic.

Went out and bought a beginner book the other day. There is something strangely compelling about seeing results so quickly. I mean, where else in life is the feedback and instant gratification so great? :-) Yup, I'm hooked.

Recharging Batteries

Recently felt like there was not enough color in my life. All the dry technical stuff I deal with at work was not charging my batts. I really needed some COLOR. Know what I mean?

Took myself on back to back dates to the PEM and MFA.

Aaaaah. How soothing to the soul. Felt like the jet stream changed course and brought light and color back into my life. Exactly what I needed. Got recharged, inspired, rejuvenated and creative. Been happily playing with all my supplies since.

If you’ve not taken yourself out on a play/artist date lately, what are you waiting for?
Like the Nike ad says, “Just Do It”.

Cartoon Terrorists?

Could not agree more with this article:

Boston went looney tunes

February 4, 2007

BY NEIL STEINBERG Sun-Times Columnist

So the Boston authorities panic and go crazy reacting to some dumb blinking signs scattered around the city, promoting a new cartoon. Blinking signs that didn't cause a ripple of concern in Chicago or eight other cities.

And it's supposed to be the fault of the network placing the sign?

I don't think so. If I walk through security in an airport, and a guard decides that my Moleskine notebook looks like a bomb because it is small and black and has an elastic band trailing off it, and they arrest me, evacuate O'Hare, divert all incoming flights for two hours, and shut down the whole U.S. transportation system, is that my fault?

Overreaction by the government is routine, but should not be accepted. Yes, these are scary times. But that doesn't mean we've outlawed whimsy. Terror bombs have not, to date, displayed flashing cartoon characters, and it was not irresponsible to set such signs out in public. We're still a free country, sort of, and might just continue to be, if we stand our ground.

See full article

Flossing

I know I should do it.
I know that it is good for me.
It's easy to do.
I have loads of floss lying about.
Yet, I simply cannot do it.
What gives?!

My dentist has informed me that I have lovely teeth, and cavities is not my problem. However, if I want to keep these lovely teeth in my mouth I should floss! Guess my ancestors had no problems with cavities, but hard a hard time convincing their gums to hold on to those teeth!
Reminds me of seeing my grandparents dentures in a glass on the bedside table. Was I the only one freaked out by that? What alien life form is this - that takes out their teeth when they go to bed?

Each week I start anew with my resolve to floss. I did today. One day down.
How many to my next dental cleaning? A place I go to get scolded about not flossing. Like I'm five. Sigh.

Lazy Days

Rafiki loves this spot in my study. As he gets older, lying on a heating pad feels good on his old bones. He has certainly taken over my desk. In my next life I want to come back as my cat.
(click on pics to enlarge)































Professional cat on closed course. Do not attempt!

“Next”

by Michael Crichton

“Is a loved one missing some body parts? Are blondes becoming extinct? Is everyone at your dinner table of the same species? Humans and chimpanzees differ in only 400 genes; is that why a chimp fetus resembles a human being? And should that worry us? There's a new genetic cure for drug addiction--is it worse than the disease?

We live in a time of momentous scientific leaps, a time when it's possible to sell our eggs and sperm online for thousands of dollars and to test our spouses for genetic maladies.

We live in a time when one fifth of all our genes are owned by someone else, and an unsuspecting person and his family can be pursued cross-country because they happen to have certain valuable genes within their chromosomes...

Devilishly clever, Next blends fact and fiction into a breathless tale of a new world where nothing is what it seems and a set of new possibilities can open at every turn.

Next challenges our sense of reality and notions of morality. Balancing the comic and the bizarre with the genuinely frightening and disturbing, Next shatters our assumptions and reveals shocking new choices where we least expect.

The future is closer than you think.” Quoted from book description.

I found this a fascinating read – more for the content than the writing itself. Opened up interesting questions of ethics, science, morality and faith. Though Crichton writes about interesting topics, lately his writing has deteriorated. Caused by a deadline maybe? If he would only write as he is capable of, his books would be wonderful.

Recent Audio Books

Been on a mystery kick lately, and Michael Connelly is my current favorite mystery writer. At least for audio books.

1. The Closers (Harry Bosch)
2. The Narrows
3. Lost Light (Harry Bosch)

I like the Harry Bosch series. Am listening to them out of order, but it does not seem to bother me too much. The stories are fun and great for commuting. My only complaint is that he does not seem to be a good closer. His final chapters are a bit of a let down.

Am currently listening to Bill Bryson’s “The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir” – a really funny book. Bryson has a great sense of humor and since he reads this book, it is a real treat. Have been laughing out loud at his stories.

Body Worlds 2

Gunther von Hagen's Bodyworlds 2: The Anatomical Exhibition of Real Human Bodies, is the most amazing exhibit I have seen in a long time.

We went to see it at the Museum of Science this past weekend, it’s last weekend in Boston. 3 hours was not enough time to take it all in. I regretted that I had not seen the show earlier and given myself time to really examine each system individually.

The bodies are preserved through a process called Plastination, and to answer a question I got repeatedly asked – no it is not gross. Far from it. An almost perfect intersection of science and art. The exhibit renewed my awe and respect for the body. We do ridiculous things to make our bodies look better – when really if we thought about all that was going on in our bodies at any moment, we would be in complete awe and wonderment.

I would have loved to spend a visit just watching the audience. Unlike usual visitors, people spoke in hushed voices, and the snatches of conversation I overheard would make interesting short stories. I hope every science class got out to see it.

I find it hard to put into words what amazed me the most. If you get a chance to see the show, I would highly recommend it.

FMI: http://www.bodyworlds.com

Gondolas

Pages for Venice book.
(Click images to enlarge)

12x24 LO:








12x12 details of left and right pages:

Campanile Views

Another set of pages for the Venice book.
(Click images to enlarge)

12x24 LO:








12x12 detail of left and right pages:

Bellini's @ the Rialto

I've decided to create a book to capture our trip to Venice.
My plan is to create the layouts, and then have them printed up into a book.
Here is the first LO of the trip.
(Click images to enlarge).

Here is the 12x24 LO:








Detail of the 12x12 left and right pages:

Read Book

These pics are from an October visit.
Click on images to enlarge.

Here is the 12x24 LO:








Details of the 12x12 left and right pages:













Digital paper and alpha downloaded from Shabby Princess (Moody Blues)

Christmas Day @ Great Brook

Here is a layout I created this morning.
(Click on images to enlarge)

I love how this turned out, especially like the color scheme.
First I created a 12x24 page:








and then cropped it into two 12x12 for the left and right pages:













All digital downloads from 2peasinabucket.com.
Background paper = papier dreams by Rhonna Farrer.

Xmas Pics

I have the cutest nieces and nephews!
(Click to enlarge)

Current Fave Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4

Video Description

Sometimes, a hug is all what we need. Free hugs is a real life controversial story of Juan Mann, A man whos sole mission was to reach out and hug a stranger to brighten up their lives.

In this age of social disconnectivity and lack of human contact, the effects of the Free Hugs campaign became phenomenal.

As this symbol of human hope spread accross the city, police and officials ordered the Free Hugs campaign BANNED. What we then witness is the true spirit of humanity come together in what can only be described as awe inspiring.

Bombay Club

My book club met at Bombay Club in Harvard Square for brunch and to discuss the book, “The Battle for Christmas” by Stephen Nissenbaum.

We discussed the idea of tradition – and how many of them do not go back for more than several generations, and how the term “tradition” adds weight to a practice. It’s always interesting to hear how other families celebrate the holidays. What we keep and what we discard.

My personal opinion is that Christmas (and most other holidays for that matter), have become too commercialized. Not necessarily more so than in the past – no judgment intended. I simply wonder what all that bought stuff (mostly made in China) is covering up. I do not see people smiling as they shop. There is a desperate, angry, tense air to the entire holiday season.

Most people seem to be really upset about having to buy presents – so why do it? Why not do something that feels better and creates a deeper connection? It is tough to swim against the mainstream currents.

2007 Book Club Selections

My book club voted on the books we'll read next year, and this is our final list:

Jan: "Madame Bovary" by Gustave Flaubert
Feb: "I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman" by Nora Ephron
March: "Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers" by Elizabeth Edwards
April: "Margaret Mead Made Me Gay: Personal Essays, Public Ideas" by Esther Newton
May: "Pomegranate Soup" by Marsha Mehran
June: "Specimen Days" by Michael Cunningham
July: "Innocent Man" by John Grisham
Aug: "The Inheritance of Loss" by Kiran Desai
Sept: "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin
Oct: "Sexing the Body: Gender Politics and the Construction of Sexuality" by Anne Fausto-Sterling
Nov: "Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness" by William Styron
Dec: "Thoughts Without A Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective" by Mark Epstein

The DaVinci Code

I really liked the Dan Brown book and was thrilled to hear that Ron Howard was going to direct the movie version. However, the movie reviews were so bad that I opted to wait for the DVD.

Saw it this past weekend, and was really disappointed. Howard follows the story almost page by page – it worked for the book, but the movie needed serious editing. Characters like Silas did not really add any value to the movie – other than to show the murders. Tom Hanks, who I generally like, was like a cardboard cutout. I had heard interviews with both Hanks and Howard a year ago and there seemed to be a lot of nervousness – why? Because the story is about religion and faith?

Great casting, great director, great story – so how did it go so wrong?

Venice

We had an amazing trip to Venice. Beautiful and magical place.
(Click on pics to enlarge).











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