tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10310775294516998722024-03-13T13:32:07.085-07:00Walk with Nature...Talk with ArtExplore > Discover > Imagine > Express...
Join me as I celebrate connections ~ with Mother Nature ~ Human Nature ~ & Creativity! Each day arises with endless possibilities to continue developing our personal sense of place... and recording and expressing that captures all thoes treasured moments. Carpe diem!!Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-79041579458612365652012-12-31T13:16:00.000-08:002012-12-31T13:16:00.098-08:00Wrapping up 2012<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7k9KKqG_yAn2n3VYgW0ka79QArNdgjZy34p2aZ9SlbqCHLZfWMFu0ycz4P_LitfbTZSjwuS4rRig7vww-n56EpdqQVPRkaLYsjsfcI83j3wdvR2ejXCMw_-abnhW6iKuUcnt8nyGytQ9/s1600/wrapping+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7k9KKqG_yAn2n3VYgW0ka79QArNdgjZy34p2aZ9SlbqCHLZfWMFu0ycz4P_LitfbTZSjwuS4rRig7vww-n56EpdqQVPRkaLYsjsfcI83j3wdvR2ejXCMw_-abnhW6iKuUcnt8nyGytQ9/s320/wrapping+11.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrapping up 2012 collage eakf</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Retrospective </span></b>-</span> (from the latin <i>retrospectare</i> "look back")<br />
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It is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>New Years Eve 2012</i></span> and as I sip a nutmeg laced eggnog I welcome the time to practice looking back to move forward with this retrospective ritual.<br />
Holding a retrospective ritual is a very old idea. It has served the human species well, as stories of hunts are retold around campfires and stories of child rearing are shared as baskets are woven. It has survived this long because it works. It is a fundamental vehicle to discover, share, and pass along the learning from experience (aka- <i>wisdom</i>).<br />
A calender year's end brings the desire to honor & celebrate the old year, made up of many individual "moments" and larger important events ~ all "the stuff" of our lives. So in my rearview mirror of 2012, I see that I have accomplished many of my creativity goals - from small step daily practices to a few larger challenges. I also actively followed the advise of my word for the year which was <b>"Attend"!</b><br />
It is rewarding to realize that focus and commitment can yield results. For me this year has been one of creativity growth and I celebrate that as I now look ahead to continue the journey.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"A journey of 1000 miles must begin with a single step" </span>~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> Lao Tzu</span></i></span><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What do you see in your rearview mirror ?</span></i>Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-80522709265455514552012-07-27T08:13:00.000-07:002012-07-27T08:13:06.651-07:00Mind the Gap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Introduced in 1969 on the London Underground - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Mind the Gap"</span> signs & audio serve as a caution of a possible larger than normal gap (space) between the platform & train in certain areas of the system. Over time, this phrase has been adopted in Metros around the world.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I use it here to help me begin to bridge the gap in time since my last blog post, and to establish a new energy as I blog forward. Of course, life & some Art continued to happen during the "space", with the most significant piece being my decision to retire from teaching in the formal education system. As of June 4, 2012, I am retired ( Oh my !) I admit to mixed feelings here, as I will miss the wonders of a classroom, BUT am very ready to give up plan books, grading, testing, and early morning alarm clocks !!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I now stand at a crossroad with new thresholds before me, and am excited to have time to develop "back burner" ideas and head in the direction of my dreams...... hope you stay posted.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Where are you on your path ?</i></span>Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-16521838100496284852011-09-23T09:46:00.000-07:002011-09-23T09:46:48.838-07:00Freizeit ( free time )<u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Vacation</span></span></span></span></b></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">-</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">n</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> an intermission of activity, employment, or stated exercises, as for recreation or rest</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">; </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">a holiday.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10v1Ih3aOHOLWXyqolELk0Whl-R_BXvB33LtJJjfE27xlgFeiZGxap-laPKNQS5uvsuF7ZEYvWKZ11rNfmXggR4mavTXUxJXqRuuINKhA4eSMglUgQs0GxNzdopBUpr9tZPoYAHshmftF/s1600/elissa+paper+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10v1Ih3aOHOLWXyqolELk0Whl-R_BXvB33LtJJjfE27xlgFeiZGxap-laPKNQS5uvsuF7ZEYvWKZ11rNfmXggR4mavTXUxJXqRuuINKhA4eSMglUgQs0GxNzdopBUpr9tZPoYAHshmftF/s400/elissa+paper+art.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watercolor sketchbook page Aug 2011 ~ eakf </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> S</span>ome thoughts on the value of spending time "unplugged". ~<br />
By vacating "the routine" and for a time not answering to a schedule, the calender, the clock .... and having little to no connection to phone, computor, or TV, can be rehabilitating for mind, body, & spirit. It becomes a refreshing time for renewal & discovery (maybe even some re-definition too).<br />
At first it is a bit disorienting (kind of a withdrawal) because we are often so much more pressed into the places of our routines than we realize. But then, there is this wonderful release ( <i>eine fliegen frei</i> ~ a free flight ) from pressure -- like a lifting from heavy weights and growing wings at the same time.<br />
I spent such time this August while on vacation on Florida's East Coast. Leisure reading, sketchbooking (above page example), beach walking, along with some fine dinning marked the time. We also enjoyed 4 days of family time when our sons joined us , and tho the pace picked up - we stayed "unplugged"with our activities.<br />
I am once again back into routines, work schedules, etc., but find myself able to tap into the insights gained during that centering experience to maintain some balance. Mainly, it is about releasing the inconsequential while keeping the important as you walk through each day. So, if an opportunity opens for you to "be unplugged" for a time ~ <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">give yourself that gift.</span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"> "Rest is not idleness and to lie sometimes on the grass</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"> on a Summer Day listening to the murmur of water,</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"> or watching the clouds float across the sky, </span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">is hardly a waste of time" </span></span></i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">~ John Lubbock</span><br />
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Today is the Fall Equinox ~ a change of season ~ Happy Autumn !!!Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-26908392484432652862011-07-27T15:10:00.000-07:002011-07-27T15:18:46.067-07:00Roots N' Shoots Color<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UgdybMJR6KA0WVOwtUciOhSaWjg0GK_rzxUH1UZjJ6cKAeyhnIoUPED5uNXFSLjC2N_HefHsamffGjySh9hVUkhMvIJexWxAEzy4yhjtUU0yWAfjiHCYjKJPYn0grIkympYV541NJvMH/s1600/P1010440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UgdybMJR6KA0WVOwtUciOhSaWjg0GK_rzxUH1UZjJ6cKAeyhnIoUPED5uNXFSLjC2N_HefHsamffGjySh9hVUkhMvIJexWxAEzy4yhjtUU0yWAfjiHCYjKJPYn0grIkympYV541NJvMH/s200/P1010440.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>What once was white ..... </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">"Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth......"</span></i></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">~Budda</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHPnKKeeNSaUYTqG0iWQZg5hPFw_cAWsKiX5KdvyoIPqSSy5ySwmzA6h69UIGmKkfvIaE05aUXHeLiuV_T9fQiqkcNa3g8UPD0ebc4Zq__KV7eEOVuTIaSOJHqL8qxvqBYtQFfv5QmgBc/s1600/P1010435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHPnKKeeNSaUYTqG0iWQZg5hPFw_cAWsKiX5KdvyoIPqSSy5ySwmzA6h69UIGmKkfvIaE05aUXHeLiuV_T9fQiqkcNa3g8UPD0ebc4Zq__KV7eEOVuTIaSOJHqL8qxvqBYtQFfv5QmgBc/s200/P1010435.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>.....dye baths at work </i> <i> 2010 eakf</i></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> find it interesting to watch how all manner of things trend & cycle. Currently, I am following the surge/expansion in Fiber Arts ~ both in how fibers & fabrics are produced, altered, or prepped, as well as how they are then incorporated into Art.<br />
For one thing, I am happy to see the renewed interest in using natural dyes (<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Earth Hues</span></i>) and the integration of fibers & fabrics into innovative mixed media explorations. I like that artists (from all walks) are crossing old lines between Art categories, and continually improving/developing techniques while still preserving original foundations of same. A look at natural dyes and their history helps illustrate this nicely. (There are a number of great new books out on this)<br />
We know that pigments from the earth (and it's kingdoms) supplied the first "art mediums" and that over time, as now, man - the innovator - learned more & more about culling colors from Nature's bounties. As children we all had clues to this, as we returned home with grass stained knees after a visit to the playground or berry stained fingers from a"pick your own" field adventure.<br />
I have enjoyed altering colors of both paper & fibers off & on over the years; most recently this past fall, when I did a unit on natural dyes at school. To watch the students react to seeing a bag of papery dry onion skins become a dye bath that turned white cloth into subtle but lovely golden to rosy hues was very rewarding. Then to incorporate those materials into an art work - even better!<br />
So, even if you have no desire to begin to forage & harvest roots & shoots (and petals, nuts, fruits etc) ~ next time there is a bit left in the coffee or tea pot ~ what say you put it in a container, add heavy paper or a cut of cloth & see what you get ...... then ....... see where it takes you!<br />
~ and always remember ~<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">"As the sun colors flowers, so does Art color life"</span></i></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">~ John Lubbock</span>Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-21457143641625074402011-07-06T10:47:00.000-07:002011-07-06T10:56:05.917-07:00Ripples & Reflections <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"A water surface of glass</span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"> Mirrors the surround</span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"> Stirred by a web foot" </span></span></span></i> ~ <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Haiku eakf </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIndGjBHc7SmUYYrIsaJ67EJLQuzciOjX4LAQm3OYdXCxT_yLU6agPuf-ftCtsCgwhaU3KRiTA7lxvYfJCYTlzSnRF5iAjhzjsATUyvL7ZOBY3jw72bVyW82hByM2C9zJ-dNF-2r03cGqx/s1600/P1010468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIndGjBHc7SmUYYrIsaJ67EJLQuzciOjX4LAQm3OYdXCxT_yLU6agPuf-ftCtsCgwhaU3KRiTA7lxvYfJCYTlzSnRF5iAjhzjsATUyvL7ZOBY3jw72bVyW82hByM2C9zJ-dNF-2r03cGqx/s400/P1010468.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflections Woodlands photo Billy '05</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>ime spent at a water's edge has to be one of the great pleasures. Seaside, lake or river matters not, as it is the water itself that calls us ~ like mythical sirens ~ to it's beauties & mysteries.<br />
Water provides refreshment, recreation, relaxation (think of waterfalls or crashing wave music here), meditation, and inspiration in our leisure time.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>A</i></span><i>nd then there are those </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: cyan;"><i>COLORS</i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> !</span> Kind of mystical because we all know that as a substance, water is clear (colorless) and yet ~ some kind of magic happens ~ some mix of elements from under it's surface and around it's shores with the addition of Solar power from above ~ and we have the awesome spectrums of jewel tone blues to greens of the Caribbean to the icy Arctic's laser bright whites, silvered grays and deep indigos.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">B</span>ack to the surface, and viewing it as a canvas for contemplation, we are drawn to the beautiful water patterns made by reflections & movement. Who of us hasn't tried our hand at skipping a stone across a pond just to see the ripples & rings we create? Or watched in fascination how wildlife in & on the water interact with it's surface? Picture the Pelican soaring in V-formation over the ocean and then diving to shatter the crest of a wave or the majestic swan gliding gracefully across the lake, leaving wonderful pattern in it's wake.<br />
So many opportunities for <i>"Reflections"</i> of the contemplative kind are also offered to us at a waters edge. A chance for careful consideration of things around us by gazing straight at a thought, listening carefully, and noticing the edges & the ripples of ideas and concepts.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> "Four ducks on a pond</span></span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: lime;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> A grass-bank beyond</span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> A blue sky of spring</span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> White clouds on the wing ~</span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> What a little thing to remember for years.."</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> ~ William Allingham </span></span></span><br />
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Where is YOUR "Pond"? What kind of "Ripples" do you create?<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Take time to sit and wonder.........</span></span></i>Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-25685439181396062552011-06-29T17:07:00.000-07:002011-06-29T19:26:59.376-07:00Dragonfly Power (aka The Power of Influence)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><i>"Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may not remember; involve me and I will understand"</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><i></i> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">~ Native American Proverb</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAv4KhlwHfHhPpLUaBIcjvNmcHTf9dYgWzaEQPvB1sXEy6O4f0L_EzS78rDDwQWZuSU9-gG03aqzroAHn2lHsPExDqRnBibHbNFZehboNXRo5yrYMRo3VItROO71xG14XEbs9i7bwpABLP/s1600/Dragonfly+Totem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAv4KhlwHfHhPpLUaBIcjvNmcHTf9dYgWzaEQPvB1sXEy6O4f0L_EzS78rDDwQWZuSU9-gG03aqzroAHn2lHsPExDqRnBibHbNFZehboNXRo5yrYMRo3VItROO71xG14XEbs9i7bwpABLP/s200/Dragonfly+Totem.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zen Odonata 8"x8" scratchboard eakf</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">E</span>arlier this week I enjoyed the very special experience of re-connecting with a powerful influence from my past. The desire to do this began in 2007 during my 12 week journey through <u>The Artist's Way</u> ( J. Cameron). In week one of this course, you are tasked to use "Time Travel" exercises to explore your past for both the positive & negative influences on you as a creative. Once identified, you are then encouraged to send a thank you note to a long-lost mentor.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>OK</i></span> ~ So the name instantly on top of my list was <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Kay Walking</span></span></i> <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Stick</span></span></i>, one of my Art professors in college. I was lucky to have Kay for more than one studio course, and from day one she was magic for me. She is of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, and her style, her Art and her heart all reflected that communion with the Spirits ...... and, like a Totem ( mine is <i>Odonata</i> ~ the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #b4a7d6;">Dragonfly</span></span>), she empowered me.<br />
She had the capacity to push & pull so much more out of me than I knew was there ( in those early days of being creative). I still often "feel" her hand literally pulling me back by the collar when I got too close to my easel and therefore fell into my intense-detailed mode (a NO NO left brain place).<br />
In 07, I researched to see if she still lived and where, but it was only a few days ago that I finally composed and sent her an e-mail. I had NO expectations to hear back - after all I was a student of hers 35 years ago !! Imagine my extreme delight when she answered with a lovely ( so her style ) e-mail. Oh, did I mention that over these last 35 years she earned a Doctoral degree, taught Art for 17 years at Cornell and has her Art all over the country ? This "connection exercise" has been rewarding and energizing, and I am thankful that I finally did this.<br />
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So ~ <b>Who is in your Hall of Champions? What sources have given you creative power?</b> I would suggest that it is time well spent to reflect a bit on this, to re-connect with positives from your past, and be in communion with the Spirit. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May the force be with you........</span></span></i>Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-70798780690470372872011-06-21T07:57:00.000-07:002011-06-21T08:07:40.328-07:00The Wedding of Heaven & Earth<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">"What ever you dream on this night will come to pass."</span></span></i></span></span> ~ <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">William</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Shakespeare</span> <u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">A Midsummer's Night Dream</span></u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrYW8InDgSSqrsq2EYmxKYaujjRMiiP-eEVrCaA9yLaTv1CgVys2aM_dQaVB7_uhbjCspa2B_mp2b-KsGwYpxL2nwc4urpuGsjcMjKnqMieN37KdA0O2-AaCIHF8rTegrIAcy6pdq4dNO/s1600/stonehenge2sat_428x269_to_468x312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrYW8InDgSSqrsq2EYmxKYaujjRMiiP-eEVrCaA9yLaTv1CgVys2aM_dQaVB7_uhbjCspa2B_mp2b-KsGwYpxL2nwc4urpuGsjcMjKnqMieN37KdA0O2-AaCIHF8rTegrIAcy6pdq4dNO/s400/stonehenge2sat_428x269_to_468x312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stonehenge @ Summer Solstice</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A</span>wed by the great power of the sun, civilizations have for centuries celebrated the first day of summer. <i>Sol + stice</i> from the Latin words meaning "sun" and "stand still" reflects the observation of lengthening daylight, and a big bright sun high in the sky.<br />
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Back to the idea of Primitive Wisdom ( previous post ) it is again early man who, in trying to make sense of his world, gives us interesting insights for this celestial ocurance. Ancient pagans (world wide) found this day to be a reason to celebrate ...... light, love & growth. Notable revelers in the west were the Celts, Slaves & Druids and from the east, the Chinese, each with unique festivals/ practices & rituals. Common to each, though, were the presence of big fires, dancing, garlands of flowers & herbs, and food & drink.<br />
It was the Druids' who dubbed the day as <i>"the Wedding of Heaven & Earth"</i> with the most spiritual location being at Stonehenge; other pagans called the Midsummer moon the <i>"Honey Moon"</i> for the mead made from fermented honey that was part of wedding ceremonies performed at the Summer Solstice ( leading to todays idea of June Brides having good luck ), while across the globe, the Chinese were honoring Li, the goddess of Light. Most believed that their celebrations and the use of big bon fires would help to increase the sun's energy which was so critical to early mans survival.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>S</b></i></span><i><b>o in the spirit of the day</b></i>... I wish you all enlightenment, and joy and encourage you to <i><b>dance</b></i> or look into the heart of a flower and appreciate the power of the sun.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">~ Happy Solstice and Sweet Dreams.</span></span></span></i></span>Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-49126850383598696962011-06-11T08:53:00.000-07:002011-06-11T08:53:27.914-07:00Primitive Wisdom<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e69138;">"It came upon my mind to clear</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e69138;">........."</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">- Anne Gillis</span></i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZL48xB8kGJcV25wpBblAtSPOYb9wl4b4V5vgKU_OPiGd2QqmQxOKi3urcsMR8dKH2jeveNqYy1kQGqjDrkRE_VV1CRlptTKvHq5BQoa7ehXHQolAIzYcQ7szovdOej_qA-ELlqglHexyv/s1600/ancient+echos+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZL48xB8kGJcV25wpBblAtSPOYb9wl4b4V5vgKU_OPiGd2QqmQxOKi3urcsMR8dKH2jeveNqYy1kQGqjDrkRE_VV1CRlptTKvHq5BQoa7ehXHQolAIzYcQ7szovdOej_qA-ELlqglHexyv/s200/ancient+echos+I.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Ancient Echos I ~ watercolor sketch 2011 </span>~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> eakf</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e69138;">~ that to go forward we must first go back !</span></span></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">W</span>hy are we often drawn to the past ~ seeking to unlock the mysteries of the ancients & their ways ? What were their lives <i>really</i> like ? and perhaps, most importantly, how did they "make sense" of the wonders & perils of the world around them ?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What Primitive Wisdom did they call upon ?</span></span></span></i></span><br />
In researching this and drawing inspiration from the early marks of man still found (globally) etched & stained into cave walls & rock faces ~ <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">like ancient echos</span></i></span> ~ a new series of ATC's are now in the works.<br />
One significant "primitive wisdom" insight for me kept emerging in the idea of "Listening Deeply".<br />
Seeking answers & direction in any area of one's life is all about listening deeply to ........ a higher power, our true inner selves, and the ecological web (including fellow man). So this series of ATC's, though simple & primitive, will hold that message. Have you tried your hand at ATC's yet ? Are you ready to "trade" ? :) Either way, I'll sign off today with another thought provoking echo from the past ~<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f6b26b;">"Wisdom begins in Wonder "</span></span></i></span> ~ SocratesElissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-17522001362590545802011-06-01T08:26:00.000-07:002011-06-11T09:02:57.315-07:00Creativity Windows<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Creativity is a lot like looking at the world through a kaleidoscope..."</span></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">~Rosabeth Kanter</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sYn_AyGlUg8fCKI31HU_oZY0psqH-98XCI-gGVAsvO1poCp9E8za_qaavxrJdZr9OhesUhzwyD0yQG-RodsvJyMneDME0N2HO6zLZFfinb8rEhXRF-mCXJXDCsRdlkkNQAKQNlIJcL6C/s1600/IMG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sYn_AyGlUg8fCKI31HU_oZY0psqH-98XCI-gGVAsvO1poCp9E8za_qaavxrJdZr9OhesUhzwyD0yQG-RodsvJyMneDME0N2HO6zLZFfinb8rEhXRF-mCXJXDCsRdlkkNQAKQNlIJcL6C/s400/IMG.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ATC's - 2011 "Nature Sings" edition eakf</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he idea of looking <i>through</i>; <i>into</i> or <i>out of </i>something has always intrigued me. Physically~ windows or portals provide us these opportunities while also allowing light to pass through. Metaphorically, it is a quick step to the ideas of illumination and visualization as linked with creativity and all those times of inspiration, serendipity and "ah ha's". </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I welcome all opportunities to explore both new windows of creativity as well as revisiting those views familiar to me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Recently I attended a demo & hands on session about ATC's ( Artist Trading Cards). This was not a new window for me as I first tried my hand at ATC's in 2007 during my 12 week study of </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Artist's Way </span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">by Julia Cameron. Was fun to again play with creativity in that form.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ATC's are essentially miniature Art works with the only guidelines being a standard size of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 2.5 X 3.5 in. and that they are produced for personal enjoyment or "trading" with fellow artists only. Otherwise it is a wide open window. My personal preference is to work in a series and produce editions (usually sets of 12). The set featured above is from my dragonfly power series, which is nature inspired. I am also working on an edition from my coffeehouse series, which is a look at Human Nature.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Why don't you give it a try and then let me know if you wish to trade :) For sure, I encourage you to take advantage of all "Windows" in your life as to not miss any "Views" !! </span>Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-6650902541752906102011-05-20T09:23:00.000-07:002011-05-20T09:34:17.338-07:00Sweet May Mornings<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">"</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">W</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">hile earth herself is adorning this sweet May morning..."</span></span></i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">~ W Wordsworth</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A</span>lready half way through this sweet month of May. Busy - busy at school with end of year events, grades, portfolios etc. <b>BUT</b> - still able to enjoy so many perfect days. Landscapes all abloom, beautiful weather ( tho we could use some rain at night :) ) and so many Beatrix Potter mornings in our backyard habitat. As our perennials emerge and flower theses past few weeks, we have also planted our annuals for both added color and to help nurture our pollinators. At our feeding stations we are going through seed and nectar much faster then norm and are rewarded by evidence of a number of nesting pairs. We have witnessed fledglings & juveniles for Cardinals, Purple Finches, and Downy Woodpeckers for sure. It is so interesting to watch as these babies learn the" how to's" of their species. One of the funniest sightings is to watch the young finches try to land on and feed from the nectar feeders ...... not only do they teeter precariously as they try to perch, but their thick seed cracking beaks can not "sip" any nectar - yet they keep trying. Another sweet sighting was a "dad" Downy actually feeding a fledgling on the suet feeder. Dad would grab some seed & suet, soften it up and then feed junior.<br />
Watching from my kitchen window or sitting quietly on the back porch and feeling connected to all of the life in the green space - even for just a few minutes - is such a source of joy as well as an immediate stress reliever. Then there is the inspirational value, which shows up in both my writings and my Art !!<br />
I offer you these words from an old Welsh verse and encourage you to find some joy "amid the woods"~<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f1c232;">"An angel mid the woods of May~</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f1c232;">Embroidered it with radiance gay~</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f1c232;">That gossamer with gold bedight~</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f1c232;">Those fires of God - those gems of light. "</span></i></span>Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-44350543772087973642011-04-22T08:26:00.000-07:002011-04-22T08:28:46.057-07:00Metamorphosis & Earth Day<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">M</span></span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">etamorphosis</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"> ~ </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">from the Greek word for "transformation" ~ is a biological process of marked changes in form & physical appearance from the immature to the adult. This often happens in stages like the complete metamorphosis of</span></span></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"> </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Lepidoptera</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">.</span></span></span></u><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoj7V6xtpYgQOzldMwAJMd_UPic6uyY56RZhKOAmpQ5S3t9HN4KnH1co-nXJUfmpB4s418g3gIAHEYlx3UniZErzuBWng8E2mnPSeMpQV7UzJD8KIAAo7lYucPsLhPKIChQYEh3SDsOLPS/s1600/220px-Black_Swallowtail_Papilio_polyxenes_1700px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoj7V6xtpYgQOzldMwAJMd_UPic6uyY56RZhKOAmpQ5S3t9HN4KnH1co-nXJUfmpB4s418g3gIAHEYlx3UniZErzuBWng8E2mnPSeMpQV7UzJD8KIAAo7lYucPsLhPKIChQYEh3SDsOLPS/s400/220px-Black_Swallowtail_Papilio_polyxenes_1700px.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Yesterday, April 21,2011, was a marker day :) Not only did it mark 32 years of marriage for me, but also it marked the completion of a metamorphosis. Yes, a BEAUTIFUL & fully formed healthy looking Black Swallowtail butterfly emerged from it's crysalis !!<br />
This little adventure of a shared Nature journey began on Sat. April 2 when I found a caterpillar on one of the herb plants I had purchased that morning in our local Farmer's Market. As the bird activity in our backyard habitat was very high, I decided to breakout my Classroom Observatory setup and nurture the caterpillar inside. Was rewarding for me to observe the stages - from "very hungry caterpillar" to crysalis formation, and now butterfly birth.<br />
My mantra of "Walk with Nature, Talk with Art" has been fully satisfied once again with this little experience...... AND I consider it a special gift that butterfly emerged on the earlier side of typical timeline so that it could grace my Anniversary with it's beauty!!<br />
Today is Earth Day 2011 with a theme of<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"> "A Billion Acts of Green"</span></span>and my butterfly release was one of mine. May you each find a way to "morph"today - be it reaching a goal, completing a project, increasing your knowledge, or adding to the reduction of your personal carbon footprint in some way !!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Happy Earth Day</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"> </span>~ <i>walk with nature, her paths are peace</i> .Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-67074970177997487802011-04-06T14:09:00.000-07:002011-04-06T16:24:17.151-07:00Village Lanes & Farmer's Markets<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"From dewey lanes at morning,</span></span></i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ve6RMudY44VNTmiNCp9JfYsLelaEhF_TatLWwYyh9NoQ5WUoB8wgHM1dCXQydgoAZPwQkvg-QqUtWe9NPiUVAHtBN5fYCqZwyfwMRKPibsxTyZ9e4wwfslsPs_QopxCm5ze8u4KjMARJ/s1600/village+lane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ve6RMudY44VNTmiNCp9JfYsLelaEhF_TatLWwYyh9NoQ5WUoB8wgHM1dCXQydgoAZPwQkvg-QqUtWe9NPiUVAHtBN5fYCqZwyfwMRKPibsxTyZ9e4wwfslsPs_QopxCm5ze8u4KjMARJ/s400/village+lane.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Village Lane </i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">watercolor on 140lb.paper ~ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>eakf</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">the grapes sweet odors rise, </span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">at noon the roads all flutter</span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">with yellow butterflies......."</span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1888)</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> A</span></span>s we leave March and enter April, I revel in more things spring ~ the joys & wonders of.........<br />
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During our recent visit to Hill Country, we happened upon a number of open air markets ~ both Farmer's & Arts, and thoroughly enjoyed strolling through all. It was, however, a bit frustrating to see (but not be able to purchase) many of the delicious looking freshly grown produce because we were on the road. So-o-o....... when our local Spring Farmer's Market started up again ( this past weekend) I was there early with my basket in hand ! The weather was kind & I enjoyed catching up with some of my favorite vendors & checking out the new ones.<br />
The market basket came home full, with fresh salad greens & fruits, some new "limited edition" handmade soaps ( vanilla orange) and some potted herb plants among other things. The bonus was discovering that my new fennel plant had a swallowtail caterpillar on it !!! Now the question was to plant or not to plant? Due to the high bird activity in our backyard habitat, I decided to resurrect my "classroom butterfly observation" container and nurture the caterpillar through it's stages inside. Today is day 4 from purchase and caterpillar has more than doubled in size :) & there are new shoots on the fennel plant so things are win- win right now.<br />
Connect this story with the fact that on Saturday I am involved in the official Grand Opening of our new Nature Center with the theme being <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">"Celebrating Butterflies"</span></span> </i>and you can feel the serendipity. I do find it so interesting how things often tie together ~ if only we look for the threads !!<br />
So as I continue my love affair with "things spring" and focus on celebrating the beauty of <i><u>Lepidoptera</u></i> ~ my wish is for you to stroll down your own Village Lanes and find joy in the wonders of Nature.<br />
Till again.......Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-78224284327896973522011-03-21T09:14:00.000-07:002011-03-21T09:14:57.634-07:00Welcome Spring<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">"Slayer of the winter,art thou here again ?</span></span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">O welcome, thou that bring'et the summer nigh!" </span></span></span></i></span> ~ <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">W.M.Morris</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlO1PbGOA0S9yZBge9fwYaPzQesVeD9FfyS0zRIhE_D4gRY2p4CfpALoASGr3EgQUfQ11RlwkY-yGyIxPMYcr6Q6HiyP9ShnK0wCVVvFQH9ZvRPpF6vebAYnJUF5a7U82ikrBg2hPft_Mg/s1600/Magnolia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlO1PbGOA0S9yZBge9fwYaPzQesVeD9FfyS0zRIhE_D4gRY2p4CfpALoASGr3EgQUfQ11RlwkY-yGyIxPMYcr6Q6HiyP9ShnK0wCVVvFQH9ZvRPpF6vebAYnJUF5a7U82ikrBg2hPft_Mg/s640/Magnolia.jpg" width="419" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signs of Spring 5"X7" watercolor sketchbook page - eakf</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Y</span>esterday, March 20, 2011, was officially the first day of Spring :) ~ one of the 4 temperate seasons,welcomed as the transition from winter to summer, and typically linked to ideas of rebirth, renewal, and re-growth.<br />
At this time of the year, the axis of the earth increases it's tilt toward the sun yielding longer & warmer days triggering the messages of new growth and new life in Earth's flora & fauna. A "Signs of Spring" hike is a great activity right now.<br />
Metaphorically, Spring embodies ideas of fresh starts, new possibilities, and renewed hopes/ dreams as evidenced by the many Spring festivals & celebrations around the world. Creatives respond to the season with beautiful paintings, poetry, photography, prose and on........<br />
I, for one, have just returned from a wonderful & inspiring Spring break in the Hill Country of Texas, and am eager to incorporate those experiences into my art.<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">May you, too, gain energy from Spring's beauty and message of renewal !</span></span></i>Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-10208011546430507422011-03-14T07:33:00.000-07:002011-03-14T07:59:11.525-07:00el Sol<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmPvyHcTpyl9tyvYcRRnHhUxAycXpZGdjCU7lzcQkZJvMGLZ_k8DDpV9kS8L-u59rpKupyrWd3XF2r8pqt_nucv_wof3vltPf56x91BGvaZmaRP2B6hcmFzF1znoC3iK_B8zPDX8naq6W/s1600/IMG_NEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmPvyHcTpyl9tyvYcRRnHhUxAycXpZGdjCU7lzcQkZJvMGLZ_k8DDpV9kS8L-u59rpKupyrWd3XF2r8pqt_nucv_wof3vltPf56x91BGvaZmaRP2B6hcmFzF1znoC3iK_B8zPDX8naq6W/s400/IMG_NEW.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rise N' Shine <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> watercolor on 140lb. cold press / eakf</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">"How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains"</span></span></i></span></span> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">John Muir</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">T</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">his weekend we "sprang ahead" to accomplish DST 2011 (daylight saving time). So what is it about sunlight that has us wanting to "save" it ? The origin of DST stems from a suggestion made by our very own Benjamin Franklin in one of his essays</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(<i><u>An Economical Project <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">-</span></u></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">1734</span> ) ..... and would you believe that energy conservation was the objective !!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In reality what happens is that we transfer, in effect, an hour's worth of daylight from early morning when only milkmen and <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">roosters</span></i> are awake to appreciate it, shifting it to then push back sunset (at least as far as our timepieces are concerned), giving the masses more usable daylight.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Admittedly, loosing an hour of sleep the night we advance our clocks, isn't fun ~ but the benefits of seemingly longer days, especially now that Spring is bringing milder weather and the beauty of all her awakenings, far outshines a few lost </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Z-Z-Z-'s. Personally I embrace the warmth of the sun and the extended time to savor it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><i>Carpe</i></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><i> </i></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><i>diem</i></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><i> !!!</i></span></span></span></span>Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-14606773296276055052011-02-27T14:58:00.000-08:002011-02-27T15:11:35.652-08:00Making Connections<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIKZPh-DCQvPEaritdZdSrTulzTG1WLKtK2vm9qD2SPrQeq_m8dDbDIwSxvLVVm4aDMSZj-iWNcaCQG_mMNFSHGdXok7xNj9xcm0AuFdXxW44NUicR8qJazpMW5AjyTTMWykLrrWWnnC2/s1600/P1020685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIKZPh-DCQvPEaritdZdSrTulzTG1WLKtK2vm9qD2SPrQeq_m8dDbDIwSxvLVVm4aDMSZj-iWNcaCQG_mMNFSHGdXok7xNj9xcm0AuFdXxW44NUicR8qJazpMW5AjyTTMWykLrrWWnnC2/s320/P1020685.jpg" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our Red headed Woodpeckers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #93c47d;">"The Earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the Earth. Man did not weave the web of life ~ he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself" </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"> </span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"> </span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">inspired by Chief Seattle 1850"s</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">February is National Wild Bird Feeding Month and the GBBC (Great Backyard Bird Count). The GBBC is a joint project of Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audu</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">bon Society where Citizen Scientists from across the Nation can participate by conducting a watch/count for a specific time frame and reporting the highest numbers of bird species observed in that time. Data is then submitted to the Cornell Lab database for use in comparison studies of bird populations over time. This year the GBBC was from Fri. Feb.18-Mon. Feb, 21. The connections I experience with Nature during the GBBC are much deeper than the more casual watching that I do year round in our backyard habitat, perhaps because of the intensity of the watching necessary for this project. The binoculars are up the entire watch time and you tend to "look" in more places/ spaces than usual, so as to not miss a thing. Consequently you observe SO much more. We participated last year as well and so we now have begun our own "database". We enjoyed our usual cast of characters, including our resident species and our Winter visitors. The highlights for this year included on Day 1 - A Great Blue Heron "fly over"; Day 3 - A Sharp-shinned Hawk hanging around for about 20 minutes ( when there was not a sighting or peep from any of our birds !!) and Day 4 - the sighting of a new species for us of a Yellow-rumped Myrtle Warbler.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Making connections means to unite, or "be in close relation with" and for me, my desire to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #93c47d;">Walk with</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #93c47d;">Nature</span></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> often and in many ways gives me the opportunity to respect the web.</span><br />
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</span>Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-4305636905124004392011-01-14T09:01:00.000-08:002011-03-21T16:45:30.175-07:00The Art of Nature<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f4cccc;">"Sunrise, sunset</span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Sunrise, sunset</span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Swiftly fly the years</span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f4cccc;">One season following another</span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Laden with happiness and tears"</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f4cccc;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvYJpKm8kWHwkhgrwiGsG8Yvs9j5HhKDcioYx-EDf_zbaX6YWnQ19FfJXMR3b4eUE1Q-wsHB61N_pDiuua5sfFVAYuYRX1cre8QT0nacFm_TEfWWlfG_goYj80HdouU6ye8QmjSu2rCZh/s1600/P1010370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvYJpKm8kWHwkhgrwiGsG8Yvs9j5HhKDcioYx-EDf_zbaX6YWnQ19FfJXMR3b4eUE1Q-wsHB61N_pDiuua5sfFVAYuYRX1cre8QT0nacFm_TEfWWlfG_goYj80HdouU6ye8QmjSu2rCZh/s400/P1010370.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall sunset - 2005 The Woodland's , Texas / NJF</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Fiddler on the roof</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>n each of it's moods and through out it's daily & nightly hours, the 'heavens' provide an amazing source of beauty & inspiration ! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, catching a sunrise or sunset (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">often heading to or home from work) is the big prize of being a skywatcher. No two ever alike ~ each with it's own unique palette & set of scenes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will never tire of looking up, day or night, to see what sky show is playing. I also delight in the knowledge that I keep good company with <i>MANY</i> others who have been moved to create by skywatching. ( Think Van Gogh; da Vinci & Michelangelo for a start ) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I end week two of this new year ~ I continue to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">...</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Explore </span>~ <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Discover</span> ~ <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Imagine</span> & <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Express</span> ... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">care to join me? </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What are your creative goals & inspirations ? Not sure ? <i><b>Just Look Up & Enjoy !! </b></i></span></span></span></span>Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-5368196633699004152011-01-05T09:58:00.000-08:002011-01-15T07:15:09.182-08:00Awaken the sleeping blog ~<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkN6DiiVqVZuU4i9582S5zyn9dh25XK8EGp44Cakh1NfQ3fHSDYy_Zhl6wiijnZatC5zSIrCR2zNmESMAJWMfyiDKae_NXOHXFqnuSqH8I1fwwQ0gnkZyRL0-GkJrvhjz5GplcB7OERRu/s1600/P1000069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkN6DiiVqVZuU4i9582S5zyn9dh25XK8EGp44Cakh1NfQ3fHSDYy_Zhl6wiijnZatC5zSIrCR2zNmESMAJWMfyiDKae_NXOHXFqnuSqH8I1fwwQ0gnkZyRL0-GkJrvhjz5GplcB7OERRu/s320/P1000069.jpg" width="240" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh my</span> ! What was only to be a little blog nap turned into a <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #b4a7d6;">Rip van Winkle</span></i> sleep !! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">New Year</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(2011)</span> and high time to awaken this sleeping blog. M</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">y thoughts at this time of turning - old to new - are formed by questions & meditations ...... <i>"Where is the meaning?" ...... "What will I do/ be/ see in this New Year?" ....."How will I know what & where?"</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I turn to Aguste Rodin's ~<u><b>The Thinker</b></u> ~ a long time favorite sculpture ( and artist ) of mine. I was fortunate to visit the Muse'e Rodin in Paris (1976) and more recently to stroll through the Rodin Sculpture Garden at Stanford University (2006). On the pedestal of Stanford's Thinker is carved the question " Where is the meaning?"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>The Thinker</u></b> ( originally titled The Poet ) shows a man in deep meditation and is often used to represent philosophy. So with him as my January muse ~ I go forward mindfully to set goals, to learn something new EVERY day, to be inspired by Mother Nature and other simple things and to joyfully share my creativity where ever possible.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>May this New Year of 2011 be Wonder-filled, Full-filled, and Peace-filled for all of us.</b></span>Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-75848479534681189462010-03-15T08:47:00.000-07:002010-03-15T08:58:46.059-07:00A Season's Dawn ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlXKmNIHmYkG0xN6MjYBBO4lLmqsgfsHSmLSaFeleKEVmJ8KxuhVFhGo8VABKhR9OQl5zAA0YScp1mLA_ajIIZmWYrQ4KhDG6KVo-m7Jj1CcvkZIM_i2ioVF4EzCSwfNXEHdKwrpRWABn/s1600-h/P1010086-0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlXKmNIHmYkG0xN6MjYBBO4lLmqsgfsHSmLSaFeleKEVmJ8KxuhVFhGo8VABKhR9OQl5zAA0YScp1mLA_ajIIZmWYrQ4KhDG6KVo-m7Jj1CcvkZIM_i2ioVF4EzCSwfNXEHdKwrpRWABn/s400/P1010086-0001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">True to the wonders of</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Mother </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Nature </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">, here we are at 6 weeks since groundhog day ! This past weekend we have started to "save daylight" and this coming weekend we celebrate the <i>Vernal</i> <i>equinox </i>~</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">that twice a year short period of time when the sun is exactly vertical to earth above a point on the equator.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Four times a year we have a solar herald to a season with 2 solstices and 2 equinoxes.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">If the winter solstice signals the birth of the sun, then the spring equinox exclaims the birth of the earth. A resurrection of nature from the deep sleep of winter, where all around life breaks new ground with bulbs, shoots & buds bursting forth. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Yesterday I spotted my first dragonfly ~ my totem ~and last week I had to shoo a few honey bees away from my classroom door. ( My classroom is in a portable ) Last week, also, a group of my 8Th graders and I did some sketchbooking of signs of spring in the grotto area of our school campus, such a joy! </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">So I encourage you to join me and stop, look, and listen to the dawning of spring ~ a time of rebirths in us and around us, and mindfulness of the present. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"> Seek and celebrate!</span></i></b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">"If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come"</span></i> ~</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Chinese Proverb</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today is the final day (day 4) of <b>The Great Backyard Bird Count</b>. I have just completed today's watch/count and submitted it to Cornell's site :) A very interesting and rewarding experience for sure.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We chose to watch for 30 minutes each day and we purposely varied our watch times. Neil joined me in watching on Sat. & Sun. and each day saw action but with differences in species and numbers. Our total number of species observed and reported over the 4 days was <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">14</span></span> ~ ranging from our most prevalent Chipping Sparrows to our beautiful Woodpeckers and our lone Hummingbird :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Also interesting is tracking the ongoing Nation wide results posted by the Cornell site. As of now, the state of Texas leads in both number of birds reported ( over 350,000 ) as well as number of species ( @ 302). Will be interesting to see the final tallies, probably ready by weeks end.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I encourage you to put out some seed, grab a pair of binoculars and really enjoy watching our lovely feathered friends. It is definitely one of those "pockets of bliss" opportunities available for free everyday.</span>Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-81145189264731265712010-02-12T08:46:00.000-08:002010-02-12T08:50:43.980-08:00Backyard Habitat Musings....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaPLz7D-Ch3lYJCPbokecd6HUOQwOp_WSGotH8_3mTtkNcUvepZZsR_pgFKN9urFU6t31gZWQLBqtIjoBJ2lMtX6pPHuM2_T9WexwCrb8WvvAqyecdHI6sIP1CyjCuRoQjYW-cChSDVL4/s1600-h/P1030255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaPLz7D-Ch3lYJCPbokecd6HUOQwOp_WSGotH8_3mTtkNcUvepZZsR_pgFKN9urFU6t31gZWQLBqtIjoBJ2lMtX6pPHuM2_T9WexwCrb8WvvAqyecdHI6sIP1CyjCuRoQjYW-cChSDVL4/s320/P1030255.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Did you know that February is National Bird Feeding Month? ... and today is day 1 of the 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> <b>(GBBC).</b></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are participating this year and are excited to be part of this internationally growing number of citizen naturalists. The research is sponsored by Audubon and Cornell and it is amazing how much good information can be collected by "regular folk" :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have just completed my watch/count for today and will submit the report to www.birdcount.org. Neil will join me in the timed watch/count over the weekend, and after Monday (day 4) we will be done. I will post our final observations next week.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our picture (actually from this time last year) features the American Goldfinch who comes here for winter and LOVES the thistle seeds that are in those feeders. This year we added a bigger thistle feeder to our habitat and it is once again full of these beauties.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not a hard way to pass some time -- </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>watching in wonder and enjoying the music of bird song.</i></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anticipating Groundhog Day - tomorrow - has me "musing" about </span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">S</span></span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">hadows</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">those shapes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> (sometimes very realistic; sometimes very odd) cast by any solid object obstructing light. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Remember that childhood summer fun of playing shadow tag? Rules were, you could ONLY tag a shadow - no contact with shadow-maker or you were out! Life now still has me chasing shadows in my art. Very important to render a cast shadow well both in space and tone. Often shadows ( placement of the darks and lights) can make or break a drawing or painting. Final fun fact for tomorrow is the actual origin of the groundhog folklore. It originated with the German immigrants in Pennsylvania. Back in Germany, the farmers had relied on the common badger "to see or not see" his shadow as a forecaster of springs arrival ( and therefore best crop planting times). Once here in America, the German farmers found no badgers - but found an abundance of groundhogs - hence the switch.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, along with much of the country, I eagerly await Punxsutawney Phil's prediction.</span>Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031077529451699872.post-2962652006181830792010-01-27T12:29:00.000-08:002010-01-28T21:58:53.419-08:00Backyard habitat musings....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihoJWRKWv2EiRHRw2EmHAe58xK6QdX1c3q-oLE2YzPXbG1NmKxq1qmfnP9kHQ72qogxN3N21VK6yP3b4xG2tVhsmLQae1duRNPAJ-OUZnQmhs-Vjf_3tOyH1RVcEtPZR5CGYPRFFEuS3p/s1600-h/P1010130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihoJWRKWv2EiRHRw2EmHAe58xK6QdX1c3q-oLE2YzPXbG1NmKxq1qmfnP9kHQ72qogxN3N21VK6yP3b4xG2tVhsmLQae1duRNPAJ-OUZnQmhs-Vjf_3tOyH1RVcEtPZR5CGYPRFFEuS3p/s320/P1010130.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin"</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">~ William Shakespeare</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I think of this quote daily as I watch Natures comings and goings in our backyard habitat. At this point we have a well established bird habitat, with five different feeding stations, offering a full menu including a variety of seeds, fruits & nuts, suet & nectar. We also have 4 birdbaths spread around the backyard. With the existing trees and plants, and the green space behind our property, we have created a great little spot for wildlife watching. It is amazing to me that after watching ( and tracking with journal entries ) we can almost predict the best times of day to see intense activity. It's almost like the birds have a meal schedule ( much like humans ) :) We enjoy our yearlong residents , who faithfully show up daily for a meal ~ but are very excited when we have a migratory or seasonal visitor. Right now we have our thistle feeder full and very active with the beautiful American Goldfinches here for winter.</div>Another fun first sighting recently was a Mockingbird perched on the suet feeder having a snack! As our state bird, I see them all around all the time, but we had never observed one at any of our feeders until this sighting.Elissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048098819260133530noreply@blogger.com0