Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Sticking to the art
From the curator Caroline Cobb Wright:
"Jonathan Brilliant, incorporates materials associated with commercial coffee consumption-stir sticks, straws, sleeves, cups, and lids-to execute site-specific responsive installations, called Stick, Stack, Show." Via Artist Wanted.
Morran
I have know sweet Morran for over 6 years. Watched her grow old in her delight and dignity. Rejoiced in her fabulous vacations. Now there is an amazing portrait tribute to her. She was a beloved dog all over the internet and we will miss her. My heart goes out to Camilla.
Andy Rooney
I really enjoyed Andy Rooney over the years and was sad for his passing. I knew it wouldn't be long until his death when he gave his final goodbye on 60 Minutes. He always stated he wouldn't retire and I just knew he must be in failing health. The network could give him a proper send-off while he was still on the air. It is sad to see the writing on the wall, but I told mom, Andy Rooney will be dead very soon.
He came across like a real, honorable man with a good sense of humor. I liked that his desk was messier than mine, that he kept everything, that he typed on an old typewriter, that his hair was always unkempt and I especially liked that he was a curmudgeon. I liked it that he hated people who asked for autographs because I think following "famous people" and asking for their autographs is ridiculous. I think idolizing TV personalities or movie stars is one of dumbest things we do as a society. I like to watch someone be real on TV because I think that is a rare sighting.
I don't think it is normal for people to be bright and cheery all the time, which is why I have a hard time with the bouncy, bright, giggling personalities on Today in the morning spooning us advice on money, health, appearance. And I ask myself, can't one of them just be a in bad mood, just once? It makes me feel small the first thing in the morning ... watching so many people perfectly clad and couffed while I am in my tattered PJ's trying to drink my coffee. (PS ... this is mom's choice of morning news show ... although the "news" part is just a small interjection between musical numbers and advice from the experts).
This is why we switch over to The View immediately for the 3rd (4th) hour of Today because I don't want to watch any show that has to rename the days of the week with ridiculous substitutes. I like Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar because are smart and have a sharp, cutting edge sense of humor. I like Whoopi Goldberg's clothing choices, just like Diane Keaton ... she has her own style and sticks with it no matter what the critics have to say.
Thank you to my friend who sent these Andy Rooney quotes this morning, it made my day, read while I sat in my old PJ's drinking my coffee. A man with the gift of saying so much with so few words.
I've learned:
That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
That when you're in love, it shows.
That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.
That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
That being kind is more important than being right.
That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
That money doesn't buy class.
That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
That love, not time, heals all wounds.
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
That when you harbour bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness, and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
He came across like a real, honorable man with a good sense of humor. I liked that his desk was messier than mine, that he kept everything, that he typed on an old typewriter, that his hair was always unkempt and I especially liked that he was a curmudgeon. I liked it that he hated people who asked for autographs because I think following "famous people" and asking for their autographs is ridiculous. I think idolizing TV personalities or movie stars is one of dumbest things we do as a society. I like to watch someone be real on TV because I think that is a rare sighting.
I don't think it is normal for people to be bright and cheery all the time, which is why I have a hard time with the bouncy, bright, giggling personalities on Today in the morning spooning us advice on money, health, appearance. And I ask myself, can't one of them just be a in bad mood, just once? It makes me feel small the first thing in the morning ... watching so many people perfectly clad and couffed while I am in my tattered PJ's trying to drink my coffee. (PS ... this is mom's choice of morning news show ... although the "news" part is just a small interjection between musical numbers and advice from the experts).
This is why we switch over to The View immediately for the 3rd (4th) hour of Today because I don't want to watch any show that has to rename the days of the week with ridiculous substitutes. I like Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar because are smart and have a sharp, cutting edge sense of humor. I like Whoopi Goldberg's clothing choices, just like Diane Keaton ... she has her own style and sticks with it no matter what the critics have to say.
Thank you to my friend who sent these Andy Rooney quotes this morning, it made my day, read while I sat in my old PJ's drinking my coffee. A man with the gift of saying so much with so few words.
I've learned:
That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
That when you're in love, it shows.
That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.
That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
That being kind is more important than being right.
That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
That money doesn't buy class.
That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
That love, not time, heals all wounds.
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
That when you harbour bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness, and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Stopping to ask directions ...
I have been blogging since 2004 with no particular subject in mind except to save fun and interesting links I found along the way. Then to share my photography, some of illustrations (Illustration Friday and photography - photoshop (Self-Portrait Tuesday) or work. Always loving to post about typography, other artist, technology. In other words, I really don't have a theme ... it is hard to categorize me. I am all over the board.
Sometimes I get carried away with my political views but I try not to go there very often. Lately, I have been a downer about the economy and my close, personal struggles finding my new path. I hate it when I do that and am really trying not to go there. Now, with Pinterest, many of my new internet finds get pinned over there. It seems many folks share more on Facebook than on their blog. There are so many blogs out there blogging about stuff I thought I found 2 years ago, it all feels like a repetitive remix right now. I want to stay fresh, relevant and valid! Fun! Interesting! So for those of you who read my blog ... I am asking a favor. Tell me the direction I should go with this blog. More of this or that? Less? If there are any other suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment.
(PS ... I have never used a survey app before ... so I am really interested to see how this works ... or if it does work) ;) xoxoxo and thank you!
Sometimes I get carried away with my political views but I try not to go there very often. Lately, I have been a downer about the economy and my close, personal struggles finding my new path. I hate it when I do that and am really trying not to go there. Now, with Pinterest, many of my new internet finds get pinned over there. It seems many folks share more on Facebook than on their blog. There are so many blogs out there blogging about stuff I thought I found 2 years ago, it all feels like a repetitive remix right now. I want to stay fresh, relevant and valid! Fun! Interesting! So for those of you who read my blog ... I am asking a favor. Tell me the direction I should go with this blog. More of this or that? Less? If there are any other suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment.
(PS ... I have never used a survey app before ... so I am really interested to see how this works ... or if it does work) ;) xoxoxo and thank you!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Advanced Style
I really, really, really love this blog,
Advanced Style. These orange outfits for fall are outstanding.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Gratitude
Being grateful for every day, film by Louie Schwartzberg via Ted.com and Susan. Thank you, Susan! I am still crying!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Snuggling with Sophie
For the first time in 30+ years, we are not having Thanksgiving at our house. Relief and a bit strange. Graciously invited to our neighbors. Trying to take some of the pressure off mom. She will be directing me and I will try and cook the turkey ... a chocolate dessert. Dressing? Maybe that is asking too much of my cooking skills.
Mom is in the background, watching recorded 'Castle' and snuggling up with her heating pad, while Pica and Pixel snuggle with her. Sophie won't let me work. When she thinks I paying more attention to the computer than her ... she lets me know about it. Cutest little distraction!
Mom is in the background, watching recorded 'Castle' and snuggling up with her heating pad, while Pica and Pixel snuggle with her. Sophie won't let me work. When she thinks I paying more attention to the computer than her ... she lets me know about it. Cutest little distraction!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Adding color
I saw these wonderful shapes in the backyard and decided they needed some (color) attention! ;)
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Speaking sand
Tara brought me some sand from RODEO BEACH in California for my sand collection. The sand is not grounded into a fine granules, but rather, really, really tiny rocks. A really small version of the ones you would pick up and put in your pocket. I was looking at them with the magnifying glass ... and you can see tiny veins in some of them.
Isn't is fascinating to discover each beach or area has it own sand breakdown and own rocks and shells? There was a beach on the Oregon coast that had the most unusual, really thin, flat, gray rocks because of the constant grinding from the strong surf. I have a jar full of white, thick-outer-shell sea shells from Scotland ... I has assumed they were so thick because of the very cold water there.
I wish now I had collected sand/dirt from all the places I had lived in the world. Like this beautiful golden sand in Gozo or the Silver Sands of Morar, Scotland. I am very surprised not to find a website or some obsessed person that hasn't defined what kind of sand and seashells you would find on every beach in the world. I looked. Or at least a breakdown of a bunch of beaches.
Beaches around the world and Seven of the world's most interesting beaches.
Beauty in every grain sand photographed by Professor Gary Greenberg.
In St. Thomas, there was a beach that was mostly made of Apple Blossom Shells Seashells. I remember not wanting to walk on the beach in fear of crushing them. I didn't take too many, now, I wish I had.
"Caribbean Pink Sand Beaches is the result of the colorful red shells of tiny sea creatures called "foraminifera". These tiny creatures live beneath rocks and inside caves. Their red shells are broken up by the surf into fine, soft pink colored sand."
"Where does white coral sand originate? Believe it or not, from a colorful green fish! The Parrot fish use their beaks to scrape off coral rock. The fish digest algae and expel the algae as fine white sand. One fish can produce tons of soft white sand each year."
David gave me a Victorian Viewing Jar a long time ago. It is filled with tiny black and white seashells. So tiny you can hardly see them with the naked eye. I also keep my treasured little Apple Blossom Shells in there. I think the black and white seashells could be Zebra Shells or Nerites, maybe Bumble Bee Seashells or Black Moon Seashells.
I have a Green Turbo Sea Shell, that I am in love with.
World's Smallest Seashell Collection!
I wish now I had collected sand/dirt from all the places I had lived in the world. Like this beautiful golden sand in Gozo or the Silver Sands of Morar, Scotland. I am very surprised not to find a website or some obsessed person that hasn't defined what kind of sand and seashells you would find on every beach in the world. I looked. Or at least a breakdown of a bunch of beaches.
Beaches around the world and Seven of the world's most interesting beaches.
Beauty in every grain sand photographed by Professor Gary Greenberg.
In St. Thomas, there was a beach that was mostly made of Apple Blossom Shells Seashells. I remember not wanting to walk on the beach in fear of crushing them. I didn't take too many, now, I wish I had.
"Caribbean Pink Sand Beaches is the result of the colorful red shells of tiny sea creatures called "foraminifera". These tiny creatures live beneath rocks and inside caves. Their red shells are broken up by the surf into fine, soft pink colored sand."
"Where does white coral sand originate? Believe it or not, from a colorful green fish! The Parrot fish use their beaks to scrape off coral rock. The fish digest algae and expel the algae as fine white sand. One fish can produce tons of soft white sand each year."
David gave me a Victorian Viewing Jar a long time ago. It is filled with tiny black and white seashells. So tiny you can hardly see them with the naked eye. I also keep my treasured little Apple Blossom Shells in there. I think the black and white seashells could be Zebra Shells or Nerites, maybe Bumble Bee Seashells or Black Moon Seashells.
I have a Green Turbo Sea Shell, that I am in love with.
World's Smallest Seashell Collection!
Rednose Studio
I am a devoted fan of Rednose Studio on YouTube
Animation created by 3 groups of twenty participants at the 2011 AIGA Austin Design Ranch that was held in Hunt, TX
Red Nose Studio Angies List Cover Artist
Animation created by 3 groups of twenty participants at the 2011 AIGA Austin Design Ranch that was held in Hunt, TX
Red Nose Studio Angies List Cover Artist
Frozen droplets
Frozen droplets on the maple tree, want to capture them before they melt. You can hear frozen leaves dropping from the Sweet Gum, crackle.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Falling into winter
The sun is shining down of fallen leaves and I couldn't help myself. I had forgotten I had some of these at the beginning of the summer.
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Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Outrage
Instead of applying for jobs, this morning I have been venting my outrage over Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac compensations to my representives, to FHFA and Banking, Housing, & Urban Affairs, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
Update: I am really impressed. Patty Murry (I am sure NOT HER, but her staff) responded to my email right away. Not with a "form" response, but with a response addressing my particular complaint. WOW. Someone is listening! Thank you, Patty Murray.
"That is why I joined with my Senate colleagues to send a letter to Acting Director of the FHFA, Mr. Edward DeMarco, asking for details relating to the compensation packages of FHFA's executives. A copy of that letter is attached."
Update: I am really impressed. Patty Murry (I am sure NOT HER, but her staff) responded to my email right away. Not with a "form" response, but with a response addressing my particular complaint. WOW. Someone is listening! Thank you, Patty Murray.
"That is why I joined with my Senate colleagues to send a letter to Acting Director of the FHFA, Mr. Edward DeMarco, asking for details relating to the compensation packages of FHFA's executives. A copy of that letter is attached."
Monday, November 14, 2011
Captured tears
I know this is not a great photo. Try as I might, I could not capture a great macro in low light of water collected in the throat of these tiny flowerets (Brazilian Verberna).
When I noticed it, it felt like the floweret was crying because it was the end of them for a season.
How can someone so far away know me so well? It happens in the magic of the internet, in the world of blogs, thoughts and shared art. Thank you so much Maggy, for such a thoughtful gesture. It means the world to me. ;)
Brazilian Verberna in the summer. And this is a shout-out to my friend, Bill! Great to hear from you.
When I noticed it, it felt like the floweret was crying because it was the end of them for a season.
How can someone so far away know me so well? It happens in the magic of the internet, in the world of blogs, thoughts and shared art. Thank you so much Maggy, for such a thoughtful gesture. It means the world to me. ;)
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Trong G. Nguyen
The entire text and individual chapters of various books written word for word on grains of rice. A re-interpretation of the library. Via Lost A E Minor.
ADVANCED STYLE
Ari Seth Cohen's ADVANCED STYLE! My mom's kind of place! There are women out there like my mom who doesn't leave her bedroom without looking perfect.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Minding my manners
I was just about to complain about what a frustrating week it has been then I read my horoscope ... "If things get annoying, focus on what's really important. Mind your manners. Only complain to someone who can do something about it. Stand up for yourself."
So instead, I am going to share the weather. We have a cold front moving in ... fast-moving clouds are "Seattle gray" leaving the interior of home, dark ... coldness working its way from my feet, up my leg. (Time for fire?) Blustery wind ripping beautifully colored leaves from the branch... sending them in swirls, around and around, first up then twirling down. The crows are sitting on a layer of the wind, suspended, bobbing, teasing nature. Something to watch with joy. Except I hate the thought that tomorrow most trees will now be bare with lovely pools of color collected beneath them.
I wish I had not waited for work email yesterday and instead taken a walk in the sun. To see golds and reds glowing from within.
While waiting for work email, I played around with an old idea of making my own Playing Cards.
An airplane is passing overhead, and for an instant I dream of where I would be going if I were buckled into a seat, peering out the window to see Edmonds below.
I have been gathering and re-stacking wood for winter. But the rest of my house is falling into a nasty abyss ... time for some serious house cleaning?
Mom is still pretty ill and that is worrying me to no end. We had a house guest for the week. She is pretty tired today.
The dogs need a bath. Constant scratching is getting to me. I just bathed them last week. What gives? A new strain of flea?
If the fall leaf photo doesn't turn out exactly as you wished, throw a filter over it and make it look like a painting.
Am wondering if make art a part (of your life) e-course will help me out of my creative slump?
Found some very cool sites this week: Cssizer is a simple tool to let you edit the design of an html page in real time (As you type). Animated buttons, CSS3 Shadow Box, make a cool pattern and get the CSS code at Patterinzer, have been listening to 30 Days to Learn HTML & CSS at Free Tuts, trying to figure out Google+.
Finished up our last makeover session last night with Rick ... was more work than we first thought. But really fun. I was hoping to get some paying work from it ... still scheming. ;)
And as promised, the rain has just come. Thanks for listening.
So instead, I am going to share the weather. We have a cold front moving in ... fast-moving clouds are "Seattle gray" leaving the interior of home, dark ... coldness working its way from my feet, up my leg. (Time for fire?) Blustery wind ripping beautifully colored leaves from the branch... sending them in swirls, around and around, first up then twirling down. The crows are sitting on a layer of the wind, suspended, bobbing, teasing nature. Something to watch with joy. Except I hate the thought that tomorrow most trees will now be bare with lovely pools of color collected beneath them.
I wish I had not waited for work email yesterday and instead taken a walk in the sun. To see golds and reds glowing from within.
While waiting for work email, I played around with an old idea of making my own Playing Cards.
An airplane is passing overhead, and for an instant I dream of where I would be going if I were buckled into a seat, peering out the window to see Edmonds below.
I have been gathering and re-stacking wood for winter. But the rest of my house is falling into a nasty abyss ... time for some serious house cleaning?
Mom is still pretty ill and that is worrying me to no end. We had a house guest for the week. She is pretty tired today.
The dogs need a bath. Constant scratching is getting to me. I just bathed them last week. What gives? A new strain of flea?
If the fall leaf photo doesn't turn out exactly as you wished, throw a filter over it and make it look like a painting.
Am wondering if make art a part (of your life) e-course will help me out of my creative slump?
Found some very cool sites this week: Cssizer is a simple tool to let you edit the design of an html page in real time (As you type). Animated buttons, CSS3 Shadow Box, make a cool pattern and get the CSS code at Patterinzer, have been listening to 30 Days to Learn HTML & CSS at Free Tuts, trying to figure out Google+.
Finished up our last makeover session last night with Rick ... was more work than we first thought. But really fun. I was hoping to get some paying work from it ... still scheming. ;)
And as promised, the rain has just come. Thanks for listening.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Monday, November 07, 2011
Sunday, November 06, 2011
Friday, November 04, 2011
Paperlux - bendable paper
This could the neatest thing I have seen for some time....
"For the November issue of Novum Magazine, German design studio Paperlux created six versions of bendable magazine covers that playfully invites people to interact with it: ‘Small, colorful triangles are punch cut from the cover, so that you can bend, fold, and ripple along the geometric lines’. Here’s an issue you will be leaving on the coffee table for your guests."
Via Lost At E Minor
Novum 11/11 – Making Of Cover from Paperlux on Vimeo.
"For the November issue of Novum Magazine, German design studio Paperlux created six versions of bendable magazine covers that playfully invites people to interact with it: ‘Small, colorful triangles are punch cut from the cover, so that you can bend, fold, and ripple along the geometric lines’. Here’s an issue you will be leaving on the coffee table for your guests."
Via Lost At E Minor
Novum 11/11 – Making Of Cover from Paperlux on Vimeo.
Thursday, November 03, 2011
I own a color
I bought "Nikko Blue" to support UNICEF. So very cool! "So we want to name each and every one of these colours for at least £1 to raise money for the children's charity UNICEF."
