September 24, 2007
Visual Journal Pages I
My visual journals allow to me to play and create anything I want. Whatever captures my interest. Where ever the creative juices take me.
A quote I take to heart - "Allow yourself to make bad art".
A quote I take to heart - "Allow yourself to make bad art".
September 23, 2007
September 22, 2007
Menopause
- The Musical
Saw this show last night. Absolutely delightful. Been ages since I've laughed so hard for so long. If you have not seen it, and it comes to your town, run out and get tickets.
Saw this show last night. Absolutely delightful. Been ages since I've laughed so hard for so long. If you have not seen it, and it comes to your town, run out and get tickets.
September 18, 2007
Beautiful Photo Book
I would highly recommend "Work: The World in Photographs" by Ferdinand Protzman.
"Work is a subject that is both worldwide and personal. It is a shared endeavor at the very core of our identity. From the glamour of a Parisian fashion show to the grit of an African diamond mine, there are countless ways to make a living. The book illuminates scores of them—many in never-before-published photographs—offering revealing glimpses into various eras and cultures and engaging the reader with entertaining text and informative captions."
September 17, 2007
Patriots Debacle
Those of you who read an earlier post, know how disappointed I was with Michael Vick. Well, that is nothing compared to the news about the Pats cheating. Even now, I sit here shaking my head as I type this.
The victory last night was a resounding thrashing of the Chargers, but, I gotta say that their successes are now tainted. Did they win because they were cheating all along? It really is too bad. Once you realize that someone is not trustworthy in one area, then everything they do is up for grabs. How can you trust anything you hear? And if in fact there is enough evidence to justify the current penalties, why is BB not suspended? Lots of questions and no satisfying answers.
Though it is sweet to watch Randy Moss. He makes very difficult things look easy.
The victory last night was a resounding thrashing of the Chargers, but, I gotta say that their successes are now tainted. Did they win because they were cheating all along? It really is too bad. Once you realize that someone is not trustworthy in one area, then everything they do is up for grabs. How can you trust anything you hear? And if in fact there is enough evidence to justify the current penalties, why is BB not suspended? Lots of questions and no satisfying answers.
Though it is sweet to watch Randy Moss. He makes very difficult things look easy.
Quote of the Day
"Pain is weakness leaving the body."
- from a very accomplished gymnast who is the daughter of a co-worker.
- from a very accomplished gymnast who is the daughter of a co-worker.
September 14, 2007
Podcasts
I have an iPod mini, and have had it for about a year now. The strange thing is that I've only ever used it for music. So for every audio book I've listened to, I've had to schlep around a box of CDs in the passenger seat, and swap out CDs as I finish them.
Now, I know this is not rocket science, but it honestly never occurred to me to use my iPod to listen to books and podcasts. Well, got that resolved this past weekend, and have been having a ball. I'm always on the search for good podcasts, so let me know if you have one you'd recommend.
Oh, and I was in the Apple store the other day and really love the newer ones. Might have to upgrade soon! :-)
Now, I know this is not rocket science, but it honestly never occurred to me to use my iPod to listen to books and podcasts. Well, got that resolved this past weekend, and have been having a ball. I'm always on the search for good podcasts, so let me know if you have one you'd recommend.
Oh, and I was in the Apple store the other day and really love the newer ones. Might have to upgrade soon! :-)
September 11, 2007
Recent Reads
Vacations give me a chance to wallow in my reading, and a couple of books I've ingested lately are:
1. The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai
My book club book for August. I absolutely loved this book. Desai's writing is lyrical and non-linear. Her story of the various losses that impact her characters is told with gentle empathy. The loss of love, family, culture, faith, roots, etc. Simply brilliantly done.
This is not an easy book to read. I was not able to simply blow through it. I found that I had to take pauses every several chapters to let it all sink in.
2. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Another book I loved. Have you ever read a book sparingly, and slowly, so as not to finish it too fast? This was one of those books for me. I was grabbed by the first line. And oh what beautiful language. I loved the characters and was not prepared for the ending. Simply delightful.
Isn't life grand when you are surrounded by wonderful reads? I so agree with the quote " a reader never goes to bed alone."
1. The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai
My book club book for August. I absolutely loved this book. Desai's writing is lyrical and non-linear. Her story of the various losses that impact her characters is told with gentle empathy. The loss of love, family, culture, faith, roots, etc. Simply brilliantly done.
This is not an easy book to read. I was not able to simply blow through it. I found that I had to take pauses every several chapters to let it all sink in.
2. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Another book I loved. Have you ever read a book sparingly, and slowly, so as not to finish it too fast? This was one of those books for me. I was grabbed by the first line. And oh what beautiful language. I loved the characters and was not prepared for the ending. Simply delightful.
Isn't life grand when you are surrounded by wonderful reads? I so agree with the quote " a reader never goes to bed alone."
September 9, 2007
Recent Audio Books
Listened to 2 audio books last month - both very different in style.
1. Life's a Beach by Claire Cook
Classic chick-lit. Light and fluffy. I think Amazon's review of 4.5 stars is grossly exaggerated - I would give it 2 stars at most. Could not imagine reading this book, but it was not a bad listen for commuting.
2. 3 Weeks with My Brother by Nicholas Sparks
Billed as a travel essay - which it really is not. This is a well written memoir that gives us insight into the life of the author. The trip with his brother is the back drop, for the real story - his life, loves and losses. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
1. Life's a Beach by Claire Cook
Classic chick-lit. Light and fluffy. I think Amazon's review of 4.5 stars is grossly exaggerated - I would give it 2 stars at most. Could not imagine reading this book, but it was not a bad listen for commuting.
2. 3 Weeks with My Brother by Nicholas Sparks
Billed as a travel essay - which it really is not. This is a well written memoir that gives us insight into the life of the author. The trip with his brother is the back drop, for the real story - his life, loves and losses. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
September 7, 2007
August 29, 2007
Moon Walk
The moon has featured prominently in my life recently.
Yesterday morning, S and I had a breakfast picnic as we watched the lunar eclipse. It started around 4:50am and lasted for almost 2 hours. We drove to the park, but there was a huge cloud bank in the way. Moved over to the golf course and were treated to the most spectacular sight. I drew sketches of what I saw - will post the page later. When the moon dipped behind houses, we moved back to the park to continue watching. It was a beautiful morning. Chill in the air. Huge moon getting eaten. And then sun rose behind us. The eclipsed moon dipped again behind a cloud bank towards the end, so we missed the last bit - but no complaints here. There was only one other family out there watching. Amazing what wondrous things happen while most people are asleep.
The huge moon was distracting again later last night on our way to dinner. I'm amazed that there were not more accidents as motorists got lost in the sight. And then this morning (it's dark again by 5:30!), the moon lit up my walk. It was a one bunny day. To be honest, there might have been more bunnies about, but I was blinded by the lovely lantern in the sky.
Yesterday morning, S and I had a breakfast picnic as we watched the lunar eclipse. It started around 4:50am and lasted for almost 2 hours. We drove to the park, but there was a huge cloud bank in the way. Moved over to the golf course and were treated to the most spectacular sight. I drew sketches of what I saw - will post the page later. When the moon dipped behind houses, we moved back to the park to continue watching. It was a beautiful morning. Chill in the air. Huge moon getting eaten. And then sun rose behind us. The eclipsed moon dipped again behind a cloud bank towards the end, so we missed the last bit - but no complaints here. There was only one other family out there watching. Amazing what wondrous things happen while most people are asleep.
The huge moon was distracting again later last night on our way to dinner. I'm amazed that there were not more accidents as motorists got lost in the sight. And then this morning (it's dark again by 5:30!), the moon lit up my walk. It was a one bunny day. To be honest, there might have been more bunnies about, but I was blinded by the lovely lantern in the sky.
August 27, 2007
Summer Music
The Summer Music Series in Lowell is one of the gems of the town.
It's a perfect way to have a picnic, enjoy lovely summer evenings and listen to awesome music.
We recently checked out 2 concerts:
One of them was my first Indigo Girls concert. The place was packed with people of all ages, and I liked their music - turns out I know some of their songs. Melissa Ferrick opened for them - she was good, but not as great as when she is in her angry/rocking mode. Met up with friends A&M for a fun picnic and a great night under the stars.
I discovered Koko Taylor several years ago - a chance encounter with an NPR show. I love her music. What a voice. Koko's concert left me feeling a little strange. I guess I had no idea that she was 77 and it felt uncomfortable to sit and expect her to entertain us. It's funny how people don't age in your mind when you don't get regular updated. Her band really rocked, though it was strange that her manager gave false information about her. Shemeika Copeland opened - a young woman with an incredible voice that will only get better.
It's a perfect way to have a picnic, enjoy lovely summer evenings and listen to awesome music.
We recently checked out 2 concerts:
One of them was my first Indigo Girls concert. The place was packed with people of all ages, and I liked their music - turns out I know some of their songs. Melissa Ferrick opened for them - she was good, but not as great as when she is in her angry/rocking mode. Met up with friends A&M for a fun picnic and a great night under the stars.
I discovered Koko Taylor several years ago - a chance encounter with an NPR show. I love her music. What a voice. Koko's concert left me feeling a little strange. I guess I had no idea that she was 77 and it felt uncomfortable to sit and expect her to entertain us. It's funny how people don't age in your mind when you don't get regular updated. Her band really rocked, though it was strange that her manager gave false information about her. Shemeika Copeland opened - a young woman with an incredible voice that will only get better.
August 24, 2007
What's up with Vick?
The 4 most recognizable QBs in US football are (in my fave order) Brett Farve, Tom Brady, Michael Vick and Peyton Manning.
Vick is exciting to watch - he makes things happen. When the news broke earlier this year about dog fighting on his land, I bought into his denial - it was not me; i have no idea of what might have happened on far flung corners of my land, etc. Why? Because I did not want it to be true. I could not believe that he would be that stupid. Well, he fessed up this week. What an idiot (for doing it, not for fessing up). There go his endorsements and he's very likely to do jail time. This is not something he's going to be able to shake off. There is sense of disgust directed at him.
How do I feel? To quote Armand in "Birdcage".... betrayed, bewildered......
Vick is exciting to watch - he makes things happen. When the news broke earlier this year about dog fighting on his land, I bought into his denial - it was not me; i have no idea of what might have happened on far flung corners of my land, etc. Why? Because I did not want it to be true. I could not believe that he would be that stupid. Well, he fessed up this week. What an idiot (for doing it, not for fessing up). There go his endorsements and he's very likely to do jail time. This is not something he's going to be able to shake off. There is sense of disgust directed at him.
How do I feel? To quote Armand in "Birdcage".... betrayed, bewildered......
August 22, 2007
God-father-less
My god-father passed away recently.
I had always thought that I was his only god-daughter, so was surprised to learn when I visited him in May that he actually has 3. One is my cousin, and one a total stranger - a lovely person I met for the first time. There might be others I have yet to learn about.
Though I thought of my uncle often, I never really gave much thought to having a god-father. I am surprised at how much I miss having one.
I had always thought that I was his only god-daughter, so was surprised to learn when I visited him in May that he actually has 3. One is my cousin, and one a total stranger - a lovely person I met for the first time. There might be others I have yet to learn about.
Though I thought of my uncle often, I never really gave much thought to having a god-father. I am surprised at how much I miss having one.
Dragon Boats
Am usually not in town for the Lowell dragon boat races. It's not as large as the one in Boston, but still fun. I don't realize how often I am the only person of color around, until I find myself surrounded by them. Delightful.
We took my nephews to their first ever dragon boat race. They kept looking for fighting dragons :-) Luke is quite the photographer - he kept stopping so he could take a photo - too cute.
We took my nephews to their first ever dragon boat race. They kept looking for fighting dragons :-) Luke is quite the photographer - he kept stopping so he could take a photo - too cute.
August 21, 2007
Recent Reads
Been reading art/creative books lately, seeking inspiration.
I tend read and re-read creative books - and always learn something new. Ideas seems to seep in and pop out in the most amazing ways.
1. The Art of Photographing Children: Techniques for Making Better Color, Black and White, Handcolored, and Digital Pictures by Cheryl Machat Dorskind
2. Artists' journals and sketchbooks : exploring and creating personal pages by Lynne Perrella
3. Charles Evans' watercolours in a weekend by Charles Evans
4. The complete guide to altered imagery : mixed-media techniques for collage, altered books, artists journals, and more by Karen Michel
5. Creating books & boxes : fun and unique approaches to handmade structures by Benjamin D. Rinehart
6. Digital scrapbooking in easy steps by John Slater
7. Keys to drawing with imagination : strategies and exercises for gaining confidence and enhancing your creativity by Bert Dodson
8. New directions in altered books by Gabe Cyr
9. Sketch & color by Paul Taggart
I tend read and re-read creative books - and always learn something new. Ideas seems to seep in and pop out in the most amazing ways.
1. The Art of Photographing Children: Techniques for Making Better Color, Black and White, Handcolored, and Digital Pictures by Cheryl Machat Dorskind
2. Artists' journals and sketchbooks : exploring and creating personal pages by Lynne Perrella
3. Charles Evans' watercolours in a weekend by Charles Evans
4. The complete guide to altered imagery : mixed-media techniques for collage, altered books, artists journals, and more by Karen Michel
5. Creating books & boxes : fun and unique approaches to handmade structures by Benjamin D. Rinehart
6. Digital scrapbooking in easy steps by John Slater
7. Keys to drawing with imagination : strategies and exercises for gaining confidence and enhancing your creativity by Bert Dodson
8. New directions in altered books by Gabe Cyr
9. Sketch & color by Paul Taggart
August 13, 2007
Quote of the Day
“I read and walked for miles at night along the beach, writing bad blank verse and searching endlessly for someone wonderful who would step out of the darkness and change my life. It never crossed my mind that that person could be me.” -Anna Quindlen
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