K. Grace Bears

2011-05-29T20:24:00.001-07:00

Mable

2010-12-13T16:05:00.000-08:00

Flowers and Crumpets

2010-11-22T16:22:00.000-08:00

For all of my flower essence friends out there! We'll meet some day, and we'll all have tea and crumpets!
P.S. - Don't forget that anyone is invited, as long as they play nice, and have a big appetite!!! There will be so many crumpets, and so much brandy!! Oops..I mean...TEA!!

Play in Full Color

2010-09-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

My puppy Mable loves her purple ball that I found for her at the local petshop. She literally won't leave it alone, she has to be close to it at all times! It's like her security blanket. I finally got a picture of her where she wasn't flinging her head around like a crazed little monkey. She still kind of looks like one though! :0)

Side note: She's a Beaglier pup (6 months old). Beagle mixed with Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She's a hound but with webbed feet!

Akara Cakes!

2010-09-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

The other night I made Nigerian Akara black eyed bean pancakes with a special made-from-scratch chili sauce! The cakes are made from mashing and blending a mixture of black eyed beans (mashed beans that simulate a flour are called a 'pulse' in traditional African cooking), onion, garlic, salt and pepper to taste, a dash of olive oil, and optional chilis. Then you dollop some of the batter onto a hot skillet; frying them in red palm oil, or an oil you have on hand which in my case was grapeseed oil. It turned out really delicious and I felt transported by all of the flavors. The chili sauce I made was a simple mixture of around 3 medium red chilis (take most of the seeds out) diced up finely, a tablespoon of dijon mustard, a little bit of water, a few teaspoons of cane sugar, and some diced up tomato (preferably yellow). I also added a bit of basil and thyme. Stir all of these things together in a hot skillet and let it get a little bit thick. Enjoy the smell, because it is awesome! And don't worry about exact measurements...go by the smell, and taste along the way. Then spoon onto the plate and enjoy! It goes great with the pancakes, and a side of fresh corn.

Gao Get Yourself One of These Pears

2010-08-15T06:28:00.000-07:00

In Hebei Province, there once was a mastermind who crafted all of the pears in his tree to grow into little hanging Buddha's. Doesn't this sound like an enticing fairy tale? It's actually a reality for Gao Xianzhang, a farmer from a small village outside of Beijing.

It took him about six years to perfect, or pearfect, this special horticultural technique which was inspired by the book, "Journey to the West", in which immortality can be obtained by consuming imaginary baby-shaped fruits. “It was more difficult than I expected," Gao has reported. "You have to test when the best time is to put the molds on the pears, and when to take them off again. If you leave the molds on for too long, the pears start to rot inside."
Eventually, Gao was able to grow enough of these magical molded fruits to sell at market for a hefty price, approximately eight U.S. dollars per pear. Now Gao is doing quite well for himself, especially compared to the other farmers in his region. Gao has already begun considering what a Western market might expect from a molded pear. He believes Bible characters could be popular, as well as Charlie Chaplin. I can see myself purchasing any or all of these, as long as the pear tasted delicious of course!

Small Beauty

2010-07-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

Along the path in the woods I come across a dangling wonder. A silkworm spinning under the evening sun.

Treats in the Yard

2010-07-17T18:08:00.000-07:00

I just found this photo of me at my grandparent's house. My grandmother took this picture back in October of 1992 after we picked pears from the tree in the back yard! I just had to post it! I was only eight years old here. I can still distinctly smell and taste those delicious pears, which I haven't tasted in commercially sold pears since. Maybe one day I'll have my own pear tree just like Nonna's where I can watch them grow and bee pollinated by insects!

Nonna's Bluebird

2010-06-11T19:27:00.000-07:00

In flight, I spread my dreams from my heart to my wings
they catch the wind and dance about
near clouds, above the seas
they might form a rainbow
or a fiery cry
from a brand new baby.
They might give another bird strength
it needs to fly.
My dreams, my simple freedoms
They are me, I am them.
Just the breeze and my wings...
finally.

*photo and poem for my beautiful grandmother Helen, who passed recently. May she always inspire me to be the best woman I can be

Wild Roses and Soap Bottles

2010-06-05T16:11:00.000-07:00

I found some brilliant magenta wild roses today on a drive to see the prairies. I placed them in an old Dr. Bronner's soap bottle as I had no vase. They sat in the car after having been picked with dust blowing up all around them and the sun blasting down...but they were hearty and took it well. A little wilted for now, but I'm sure they'll firm up now with the fresh water from the spring.

The roses only enhance the text circling the label...from Emmanuel Bronner to ALL...

"All-One our soul, self-discipline the key to love, uniting All-One above!"

And don't they enhance the grasses! Here they are in their home sweet home. I just had to stop for a picture...and to cut just a few. There were plenty more, but I didn't want to take too many.

No More Bootie Attempts!

2010-02-09T07:12:00.000-08:00

I finally tackled the difficulty of knitting socks! I made these soft knitted booties for my sister Eva as a Christmas gift in '09. Wow, the pattern was quite intense as it is filled with cable stitches, but I think it was well worth it since Eva loves to lounge around in them over in France. La dee da!!
I can't wait to find more patterns I'm interested in. Hopefully I'll be able to figure out how to decipher the hieroglyphics that come along with knitting projects. It's always a challenge! My mom bought me some delicious silk/bamboo blended yarn recently, which I might try for socks. I think that would be too luxurious! That reminds me ... I need to get knitting! Perfect time to do so, with the recent heavy snowfall - I might need to borrow Eva's booties!

Adel Leaves A Hero Behind

2010-01-24T13:40:00.001-08:00

Adel saw the kids chatting on the nearby hill, and clumsily loosened grip on her childhood companion. He fell to the ground with a thump, as she skipped off hastily in the direction of her peers to hear of the latest gossip.

This latest drawing is for Illustration Friday's new topic, "Clumsy". We've all been there! As for Adel, her clumsiness had some intentional undertones ...

Bremman and His Bewilderment

2010-01-20T23:28:00.000-08:00

This week's Illustration Friday topic is "Wilderness". Bremman the Bear has wandered far from his cozy cottage into a seemingly endless forest. It's completely wild, and he is beginning to wonder if it's normal to feel heart racing fear and childlike curiosity at the same time ... just as he is starting to wander too far, a strange bird calls down to him telling him it's best to return home.

Teacup Teddy Giveaway

2010-01-13T11:26:00.000-08:00

Meet little Ulla ... completely handsewn and only 3.75 inches tall!

Illustrator and teddy bear artist Louisa Bauer is having a teddy bear giveaway on her sweet blog Mouse Tales. Just click HERE to post a comment on her blog to be added to the drawing! It's so easy! And don't worry, if you don't win the bear, you may just win 2 free prints from her Etsy shop, or last but not least ... you could win a bag of goodies!

Belle is confined only ten minutes more!

2010-01-10T22:14:00.001-08:00

Belle the bear is confined in her chair
She is not free until the plate is clean!
Poor Belle, Poor Belle
What shall she do?
It looks like she must eat up her food!

This week's Illustration Friday topic is "Confined". I thought about being a child again, and all the ways they are confined in order to achieve a level of safety and security. Cribs, car seats, even diapers ... Poor Belle wishes she could eat at the big table with the rest of the family. Only in time ...

Sunday Snack Nap

2010-01-10T09:08:00.000-08:00

Ahhh...Sunday. A time to be with the cabinets full of wonderful snacks. Snack Nap is an illustration I made while considering snacks and their needs. Snack's need to have time to relax so I pay tribute to all they do for us in this drawing.

Illustration Friday - A Time for Renewal

2010-01-01T15:58:00.000-08:00

Illustration Friday's topic this week is "Renewal". A most appropriate time to reflect on this past year, and renew our bodies and minds to start fresh in the new one. My drawing is for Peace and the renewal of the spirit of compassion within us all.

Dean at Dusk

2009-11-22T21:30:00.000-08:00

I went to spend some time with James Dean tonight. Seemed a good thing to do, nearing Thanksgiving...and assuming he won't be sitting around a table to enjoy a giant turkey and stuffing. I brought some delicious rotini pasta to leave on his grave. I'm sure he'll enjoy. Oops! I forgot to leave a fork!

Illustration Friday - Blurry Vision

2009-11-13T12:03:00.000-08:00

Last weeks topic for Illustration Friday was "Blur". Here is my quick drawing for that subject! For this shy lady bear, everything is blurry!

Wizard and Anthony

2009-11-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

Susan Sanford, artist extraordinaire, has posted a new challenge on her blog ArtSpark Theatre. Anthony, a sketch character of hers, is seen gazing out of a white box. The challenge is to fill the box with an image, to represent something outside ... like a giant hawk stealing the town Mayor, or a horrifically violent volcano erupting and then finish the caption - "Anthony was amazed when he looked out the window and observed ..."

I have posted my drawing here, with the caption "Anthony was amazed when he looked out the window and observed a wizard pointing in the direction of the nearby forest." Anthony and the walls were drawn by Susan. I drew the wizard standing outside. Thanks for the fun challenge Susan!

And here is Jeremy's interpretation of what Anthony sees out the window! I think this one is pretty clever. What? A bearded twin!

Illustration Friday - Judith the Bear

2009-09-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

This week's word for Illustration Friday is "Pattern". Judith is wearing a dress made just for her, featuring a pattern that she just loves!

Wolves in the Park!

2009-08-18T18:38:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I visited Wolf Park in Battle Ground, Indiana; a Purdue University run facility and wolf sanctuary that has been open since the 1970's. They currently have 14 gray wolves kept on the grounds, a variety of rescued foxes, two coyotes, and a herd of American bison. All but the bison have been socialized to interact alongside humans. Wolf Park is a member of the North American Wildlife Park Foundation and ethology studies are ongoing year-round there by some of the top animal behaviorists in the world.

Here is a wolf being chased away by a bison at Wolf Park. The wolves there are well fed so are not a real threat to the bison, but still instinctually approach the bison out of curiosity. The bison do not seem to be afraid of the wolves, but they still instinctually run the wolves away! This interaction is really fun to watch. Above photo courtesy of Monty Sloan, who is the professional photographer for Wolf Park.

The public can visit Wolf Park to take part in different activities like wildlife walks, and bison/wolf interaction demonstrations. They can also visit during the evening for Full Moon Howl Night, to literally communicate with the pack! I have done this myself, and it was quite special. I love the staff as they are very knowledgeable and well acquainted with the wolves. They go into the expansive wolf enclosure, which contains a lake and beautiful trees and meadows, and the wolves come running over to play! The staff have to remain on guard of course, but the wolves jump and lick their faces and love to have their bellies rubbed. It's really adorable, and makes vet visits very easy for them too!

Here is a picture I was able to take of the wolf Renki while visiting last Sunday. He is the lowest ranking wolf in the pack right now (Placement within the pack can shift, and does if the alpha dog's circumstances change to make it less able to assert confidence and ability). Renki is quite the personality. The staff describes him as incredibly persistent, and keen on pushing the other wolves "buttons". Sounds like a little rascal to me! I noticed that he also likes to show visitors his beautiful smile, and paces in front of the fence to look at each individual.

So who is the leader of the pack, you ask??

Meet Wolfgang, the handsome fellow! Wolfgang is currently 4 years old and seems to enjoy his job as alpha dog very much. He has a knack for pushing the 'buttons' of the other wolves in the pack, but he has a very adventurous spirit and enjoys meeting new people, the staff says.

Above is Kiri, the eldest of the wolves. He is a black wolf, and is currently 16 years of age! He spends his days in Wolf Park's retirement community where he still gets plenty of attention and has a beautiful home - he is not able to roam with the main pack anymore due to his age and the fact that he was never fully initiated into the pack by the dominant wolves. Kiri has a sweet spirit, and holds a lot of fur! He looks like a giant teddy bear when he sits!

Here is a fun moment I was able to capture with my camera through the fence. One of the wolves cooling off in the water! He swam to-and-fro, just to get out of the 94 degree heat that day! It looked enticing to me!

I recently found out about Wolf Park photography seminars, something that might interest people who want to learn more about nature photography. These yearly seminars are held amongst the wolves, taught by Monty Sloan, photographer extraordinaire. The class cost is $195, and sounds like an amazing day! Just take a look at what class participant Gary Borland ended up with below - a gorgeous photograph!

But don't be intimidated ... you are not required to have a fancy camera! As long as you have enough film handy, you're all set! So, click here to read more about this unique opportunity. I'm thinking about going myself! What a treat, to be able to interact first-hand with such important animals. Where else in this world would you be able to stand 'in the ring', with wolves?!

Now on to the rest of the park, and what other magnificent creatures they have ...

This is one of Wolf Park's foxes. Basil is a beautiful white fox with shadings of orange on his coat. He loves to climb on top of people's heads and kiss them all over! I haven't had the pleasure, but I've seen his sweet little face and I love him. Basil is a funny guy - and a real stinker. (Pun intended! I learned from the staff that foxes have musk glands just like skunks do ... and that sometimes when driving at night when you think you smell a skunk, it could very well actually be a fox!) Another interesting fact is that, unlike a skunk's scent gland which can be removed, fox glands cannot, as they are located around the throat area and would likely kill the animal if operated on.
Basil has been through a lot since his days as someone's pet! The person who owned him ended up not caring for Basil's nocturnal ways, not to mention the musky smell, so they dropped him off at an animal shelter. Foxes are enchanting creatures, and their wild ways do not mesh easily with a human's. Basil is better off at Wolf Park - rarely would a human be able to provide a fox with the proper environment for living a happy life. He is currently 13 years old.

Since I LOVE foxes so much, I decided it wouldn't be fair to not post the other two that make Wolf Park their home. Here is Devon, a gorgeous silver-phase female who loves a good belly rub, and a nice lunch of whole, fresh rabbit. The eating habits of the foxes in the enclosure are fascinating, as they each make sure the other fox has a rabbit too, before they eat their own. How considerate of them!
Devon was rescued as a pup and so has spent her life at Wolf Park. She is 9 years old.

Last but not least, here is Ember, Devon's foster sister. She is a red fox, and the shyest of the bunch. She will still eat from people's hands, but prefers to keep to herself. What a little darling! Foxes are so enchanting.

Now for something completely different! Here is one of the coyotes they have! His name is Willow, and he was so full of energy and vigor that he NEVER held still for a shot! I snapped a picture anyway :0)

And yet ... Wolf Park's professional photographer was able to get Willow to pose perfectly! Wow, what a little cutie pie - look at that little ornery face. Actually, they're really sweet animals with big hearts.

And to tie it all together, a photograph of two that have recently passed away ... I end with photos of Echo and Orca, who died this year.

Orca 1994-2009

Echo 1992-2009

Cloudy Vision!

2009-08-17T22:37:00.000-07:00

I have posted new cloud photographs on CloudPrints, my other blog. Check them out here!

Fearless Fawn and Footprint

2009-08-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

I found a delightful footstep of a small deer today while on a wilderness walk. The track sat there, indented in the mud right next to a maple leaf and a small and sour wild plum...(I know, I checked) :0)

Later, on the way out of the forest, I ran into what looked like a statue in the grass! But not at all, she was a sweet fawn gazing at me with a relaxed brow.

I said to her, "Hello precious darling!" and she began nibbling at the green stuff below. What a sweetheart. She ended up bounding away like a gazelle prancing around on a lazy afternoon, and I missed her almost as soon as she was gone from sight.

New Grazing Ground

2009-08-08T02:29:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to announce that as a result of my head being in the clouds lately, I have introduced a new side project/blog that combines my dreamy constitution with nature's innate creativity. Check out CloudPrints to see what I've found! This month's theme is the horse.

That's One Big Tomato!

2009-06-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

We sell fresh organic produce at my mother's health food store, and tomorrow we're going to be receiving crates of these beautiful wonders! I'm not sure if they're heirloom variety tomatoes, but I do know that they're grown locally and from a wonderful gentleman named Gary Childres. He has provided us with some fantastic asparagus, and unforgettably sweet strawberries this year so far. Go Gary!

tomato locally grown produce organic

Sunspots Caught In the Meadow

2009-06-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

I took this picture recently in the meadow across the way ... what a delight to find that upon uploading the photo to my computer, there was not one beautiful sun, but five! I love the symmetry, and the glow of the evening.

Beautiful Wooden Dolls

2009-06-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

Meet Sally and Charlotte, two sweet dolls made completely out of wood. Jointed shoulders, arms, hips, and neck too! The artist's name is Eva Beyerle-Traubinger, and she lives in Germany. Visit her site to see more of her amazing work!

Illustration Friday - Finally I'm Drawing Again!

2009-06-20T12:07:00.001-07:00

For this week's Illustration Friday topic I drew a tornado, destroying life as it weaves across the land. Kind of a dark take on the assignment, as the word for the week is "Drifting". But tornado's have been drifting, jumping, and tilling their way through my thoughts this Spring. Indiana sees a lot of them, and as a matter of fact, we had a few tornado watches just last night!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Plants

2009-06-06T18:58:00.000-07:00

My sister Eva has been hiding a secret! She has a tomato named after her ... called "Eva's Purple Ball", this heirloom dates back to the late 1800's and was first grown in the Black Forest region of Germany.

Isn't that interesting? Eva grew up a Hoosier, but now resides very close to the Black Forest! Hmm ... I wonder if she has been eating this type of tomato where she lives in France! Eva?? Is it true?

I will grow some next year, no doubt about it!

Food Ethics Being Confronted!

2009-06-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

The man who wrote "Fast Food Nation" Eric Schlosser is now in a new film about the meat industry, and industrial farming in general. Directed by Robert Kenner, the movie is called "Food Inc."

What this billion dollar American industry has been doing to our bodies and minds ... can we reverse it? Or take a stand to prevent further harm?

Take a look! And go tell everyone you know about it!

Ready for Planting!

2009-06-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

I had fun shopping for flowers today! I found Delphiniums, my favorite of all!

Here is one of them ... alongside a pretty cluster of Argyranthemum Danas ...

Another Delphinium in a different style! I adore the blueness.

Assortment including Verbenas, Bacopa, Vinca, Sweet Alyssum, and light pink Delphinium in the back.

The light pink Delphinium up close!

Hanging Petunias, with a few pansies down below!

Delphiniums with the flash on!

My flash wasn't on for this one, but I like it all the same.

Need Gas?

2009-06-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

I found this truck while driving to a greenhouse near Indy. I had never seen of such a thing as Lung Gases advertised on an automobile before today. After hacking and coughing from the fumes he emitted, I thought about hailing him down for a puff of clean oxygen!

Sunspots and Rainbows

2009-06-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

The other day at work I saw a beautiful rainbow! Thankfully I had my camera with me to share it with you all. I picked out so many colors in this one, the photo doesn't really do it justice ... but all the same ... RAINBOW!

The Art of a Man - Pini Di Roma

2009-05-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

The splendid art of Respighi! His Pini Di Roma, or Pines of Rome, is a thrilling and festive musical ride I have just discovered. Ottorino Respighi was born in Bologna, Italy in 1879. Here he is pictured with his wife Elsa. He composed Operas, Ballets, Choral, Orchestral, Chamber, and Concerto works. In Pini Di Roma, each symphonic movement portrays the location of pine trees in the city during different parts of the day. Also something new I found out through researching this particular composition is that it was the basis of most of Star of Indiana's 1991 Drum Corps International world championship repertoire - based out of Bloomington, Indiana. Huh!

Rare Ferlin Article

2009-04-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

I found a short article from 1968 about the great Ferlin Husky and his musical career. Click to enlarge and read the whole thing! This is a wonderful find for a crazed fan like me.

My favorite line from the piece is when he is said to be, "the thoughtful and thrilling answer to the common madness of our modern age of anxiety, guilt and self-pity ... He is one of the world's desirable greats."

Amen to that! And he is still going strong. Performing and recording today at age 84 because music is his life!

A Strange Guest

2009-04-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite songs from Christopher Guest's movie "Waiting for Guffman".

I tossed my cookies, and you can too!

2009-04-20T05:34:00.000-07:00

In the newest email from Seth Godin that I received, there's a link to a site which reveals all of the companies that are tracking your internet activity through the use of cookies. They track you in order to determine the type of marketing strategy that would mesh with your needs and interests. I clicked the link and canceled all of the active tracking cookies except the ones from Google.

Click here to monitor the active cookies on your computer, and deactivate them if you so choose.

Shaker Movie!

2009-04-12T21:47:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my long sojourn out west, which went quite successfully. I'll post pictures from the trip soon. I ended up seeing so much more than planned which doesn't say much since the trip was never that well planned out to begin with. I haven't blogged in so long that it feels strange, but I really can't wait to get back to it full throttle. I missed it so, but it was very difficult while on the road. And my new laptop seems to dislike unsecured hotel networks, so internet connection proved to be more frustrating than worthwhile.

Yesterday I thought about posting something about the road trip I took, but it didn't seem right. I wondered what my next post would be and it didn't hit me until a few minutes ago. I came and sat down at the computer and wanted to find a nice Shaker quote to read before bed, but instead I typed "shaker tradition" into the google search engine, and what I found was more than I ever could have asked for. A link to an invaluable website called Folk Streams. This site I found years ago and then lost the ability to find it again! This was meant to be, as they have a 30 minute video on the Shakers that I have been longing to see again ever since the first time I came across it.

It features historical accounts and narrative excerpts from the 1800's, Shaker dances and song, and rare photography of Shaker dwellings and farmland. I am so excited to have found this again.

If you watch and enjoy the video you might also be interested in Ken Burn's interpretation of Shaker religion and lifeways, called "The Shakers: Hands to Work, Hearts to God". You can find used copies online for purchase ... but sadly the DVD is becoming more and more difficult to find in good condition as it is no longer being produced by PBS. I recommend buying it before it becomes impossible to acquire! There is great insight into the Shakers as a people, not just about their fine furniture! :0)

Overnight Spring Blizzard

2009-03-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

After trying several hotels, all of which were completely occupied, I settled into a Hilton here in Tulsa. I checked in at 2 AM this morning, and when I awoke this morning around 11 I opened the curtain and discovered ...

Brrrrrrrrrr!!! That wasn't there before!

I set my new Lenovo laptop up on the desk and began accessing internet. My way of connecting to the world again. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ...

It's still dangerous and snowy outside, that's why I extended my stay to include tonight, but the forecast for tomorrow is looking good. Sunshine! I'll have to play some John Denver when I get back in my car.

The Drive So Far

2009-03-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

I left Indy and immediately found myself in a traffic jam. There were two more to come...

I found a train when I entered Illinois

And saw the world's largest cross in Effingham, Illinois. Made of metal it stands nearly 200 ft tall, and features various speakers which recite the ten commandments at the push of a button. There is also a meditation path around the cross.

On into Missouri, I catch a glimpse of the state motto ... "The Show-Me State" No one showed me anything, but I never got out of my car in Missouri. So I guess "The Show-Myself State" is what I'll call it.

And the St. Louis Gateway Arch of course! Designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen in 1947, it's the tallest monument in the U.S. at 630 feet tall. You can take a tram to the top and peer out of the windows in the observation 'hall'. That is a long way up, I'm not sure I'd be able to actually look outside to the world below. I'm sure I'd feel very uneasy!

And I found the following picture online ... one of the tram cars that goes to the top of the Gateway Arch. Tis so very futuristic looking ...

Destiny's Melding Ways

2009-03-28T16:38:00.000-07:00

I have been extracting files from my old laptop and putting them onto my new one today. Since there's nothing else to do in this hotel room in Tulsa...

The transfers of the files just finally finished completion 10 minutes ago, and so I've been browsing old photos, stories, etc. that I've not seen in a really long time.

I almost fell out of this swirly chair when I opened up an old Word document of a writing exercise I did a few years ago. The concept was to write an essay on "Being a Writer" with the stance that I have been a published author. I used the name A.G. Moore, a pen name I created when I was six years old. I read the essay, which wasn't all that well written, but when I scrolled to the bottom of the document I noticed something strange...

Here's what I had written:

"A.G. Moore resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma and is a contributor to “The Southwest Writer’s Journal”. She holds a Master of Arts in Professional Writing from Saint Josephs College in Maine. Her first novel, “The Swift” has been integrated into the required reading program for Cornell University writing students. She holds private writing classes in Maine every summer for young adults, and is currently working on a screenplay based on the life of Walter Whitman."

Yikes. Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy TUlsa?! Whayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Road Sadness

2009-03-28T16:11:00.000-07:00

Snow and winds still forecast for Texas Panhandle

03/28/2009

Associated Press

Blizzard warnings in effect until Saturday afternoon for parts of the Texas Panhandle have stranded people indoors and left highways closed.

Forecasts predict the northeastern part of the Panhandle to be the most affected Saturday morning, with spots of blowing snow and winds of up to 30 mph. The warning includes the cities of Canadian, Pampa, Clarendon, Miami, Follett, Perry, Booker and Higgins, according to the National Weather Service.

Northbound lanes of U.S. Highways 287 and 87 and east and westbound lanes of Interstate 40 to Amarillo remain closed through at least Saturday afternoon, the Department of Public Safety said. Crews have been plowing the areas.

A spring blizzard slammed into the Texas Panhandle, causing numerous accidents, shutting down major highways and paralyzing the region. It's part of a storm system that moved into the region late Thursday and has raged all over the Southern High Plains, including eastern New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas and Oklahoma.

The National Weather Service is predicting snowfall in Texas of up to a foot and winds gusting to more than 45 mph that could lead to zero visibility and snowdrifts of up to 11 feet before the storm wanes near midday Saturday. The worst of the eastward bound storm should be in Oklahoma later Saturday.

A blizzard doesn't have to have heavy snowfall, said weather service meteorologist J.J. Brost in Amarillo. But that snow must be combined with sustained winds or gusts of at least 35 mph that limit visibility to a quarter-mile or less.

-from DallasNews.com

:(

I'm Stranded in Tulsa

2009-03-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

I'm in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I Drove non-stop today (actually I stopped three times) from 2pm Indiana time to here...2am !!! I'm beat. Can't go any further either, the border to Texas is blockaded by national guardsman keeping people from driving through the 20-foot snow drifts. This weather was as unexpected as is my sudden urge to take flight lessons. I want to get around this snow issue! The local weatherman says this is the most severe snow/sleet prediction to hit Oklahoma in five years, or some such horrible ting to hear when I'm so tired!!!!!!!!! oh dear. I-40 is blocked off...now what??!! JEremyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!

Ahhhhhhhhhh well, at least it's no Dust Bowl.

The Untold Story Of Mr., Mrs. and Miss "What Happened?"

2009-03-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

This photograph that my mom found at an antique store a few weeks ago looks innocent enough. A family holding twin boys, awaiting the arrival of the town train perhaps to venture to the city for a weekend of shopping. But when ye flip the photograph over, there's another 'side' to the story!

Handwritten is the word that says so much and yet so little. "Evidence"
What do you think is happening here? Is someone cheating on someone's husband, are these people stealing babies?

This Tree Is A Woman!

2009-03-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

I see the nice figure of a woman in what looks like a birch tree. She stands tall! Reaches high! Yet keeps her feet firmly on the Earth. I like her.

90 years worth of hands, trousers, piggy banks!

2009-03-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

I found a wheat penny at work yesterday. I jumped out of my overalls at the sight of it looking up at me. I leaned in close to make sure I read the date correctly.

1919

"Yes!" I screamed...I yelped. People came running from all directions.
"What is it?" They asked with concerned faces...
"Only my new favorite good omen!" I screamed in delight.

In God We Trust, it reads.

In this Penny I trust. I'm superstitious. I also love the movie "Somewhere In Time" with Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve. Wonderfully romantic movie. It's haunting, unusual, sad, funny, sweet, strange, timeless ... pun intended.

I love staring into old photographs at antique stores, to try and escape into them. I can sit and do this for hours I tell you. So needless to say, I didn't let go of this penny the whole rest of the day and I showed everyone that came up to me. I don't know if they were responding to the penny and it's magnificence or if it was my enthusiasm they were playing off of. But either way, it made my day completely!
How many penny candies did this penny buy, way back when? How many dresses, combs, loaves of bread??

All I can really know for sure is ... This penny is officially no longer in circulation! As of yesterday! :0)

Check out this clip of Christopher Reeve playing Richard Collier, a playwright trying to time-travel into the past in order to reunite with his long lost love. Rent the whole movie to discover "Somewhere In Time", how one small penny played a role in keeping a man and a woman connected, yet so very much apart.

Sage Box Dream Fox

2009-03-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

I have a small box of my favorite smudge sticks. Juniper, cedar, white sage. I smudge my room before bed, and sometimes in the morning too. Yesterday I lit a stick and set it on my yoga mat while i did yoga, the smoke drifted all around me and it was quite nice. I love the smell! I love the clearing aspect, and how it helps me remember my dreams. Native Americans smudged a space to purify and cleanse, and to thank the Earth. Or used in ceremony to clear away bad spirits or feelings.

Illustration Friday - Subtract

2009-03-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

I made this week's IF topic "Subtract", into a series. I haven't had a whole lot of time on my hands lately so I just scribbled these drawings onto my favorite type of paper while I laid outside today. I figured, when something is subtracted one place, it's usually added another. So my little alien character Bertle is being subtracted from his clan, and added to a family of an ordinary American couple.

Bare, Davis Sing to Celebrate My Headache Finally Leaving

2009-03-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

Skeeter Davis and Bobby Bare singing "Let It Be Me". One of my favorite songs, maybe a wedding song to sing with my future husband if I ever get married. Although I'll be hard pressed to find a man willing to sing it with me. Great song, beautiful and bittersweet.

Only One Week More

2009-03-22T11:47:00.000-07:00

I can't wait!!!! Yosemite Sam is calling!

I Am Going to the West - Connie Dover

LED Performance With Sheep

2009-03-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks to friend Garrett for sending me this. I watched it right away and was blown away! Completely beautiful and amazing, and funny too. Something I could never have imagined possible. Leave it to Samsung and some ingenious Welsh countryside. Take a gander!

I'm Definitely Going to Start Using This Bookmark

2009-03-20T15:14:00.001-07:00

I can't believe what I've just found!!! After rummaging through my old closet I saw a familiar teal folder, when I flipped it over...wow, flashback!

I created this Hall & Oates folder when I was ... 10 ... maybe 12 years old. I still am in love with them. True blue.

I can still remember sitting down and taking such care in sketching Daryl and John for my bookmark. (NO, it's not Beavis and Butthead!!) I used watercolors to paint it, and laminated it so to preserve it forevermore!

And hey now! Stop laughing at that photograph of me. I was a weirdo!

... oh.

Well anyway...here is the song I rocked out to on a daily basis, from the album, "Voices". Before and after school. Hours of singing and dancing around like an idiot.

Oh Daryl....I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On the Desk

2009-03-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

Watching Over Lincoln

2009-03-19T21:47:00.000-07:00

Abraham Lincoln had a watch, a watch he did have he...

I'm just singin' a little ditty, to celebrate the discovery of a secret inscription within the inner shell of Lincoln's personal pocket watch!

The century-old legend was confirmed mid March, thanks to a handy watchmaker at the National Museum of American History who pried the watch face open. No pressure there!

The watch's original maker, Jonathan Dillon indeed had left an inscription. But Dillon himself, when asked by reporters in 1906, couldn't even correctly recall the words he had etched in the watch. He had told newspapers "The first gun is fired. Slavery is dead. Thank God we have a president who at least will try" could be found within the watch, and that not even Lincoln knew about the engraving.

What had he actually written? Let's just say, Dillon's gears weren't in very good working order when it came to his memory. Oooooo. Because the watch actually reads:

Jonathan Dillon April 13 - 1861
Fort Sumpter was attacked by the rebels on the above date
Thank God we have a government.

Fascinating!! This is so thrilling to learn. I picture Lincoln with this timepiece by his side as the country is inflamed in war. The stench of innocent men's lives in the air. And the tears of the wives and children on the home front creating rivulets of sorrow in his mind as he makes meticulous strides to at once bind under centralist rule, our divided country and also please the industrialist heads of the union by suppressing Southern prosperity, all dignity intact. Rough job. Not to mention the fine wire he walked between treating the slave issue with heroic sensitivity while in the political arena, and telling racist jokes behind cabinet doors to friends...hm....shame on the Lincoln not written about in the 210,00 books written about him. Really sick, dude! and Hooray to American Academia, and to all the books written by professors that induce the institutions we know as universities with the same substance known as 'safe for the average american', year after year.

Anyway, it's way past time for bed. I don't even know if this post makes any sense. Oh, and one more thing...for Dillon. Don't thank God for the government when God doesn't take sides, and government does. Also...the rebels may have 'fired the first shots', but the North had long before that been firing bullets of condemnation at any state putting them at risk of not acquiring all the agricultural 'gold' they could get their hands on. That was already marked by that state...Keep yer grubby hands to yerself. but in the end, you won. who knows how we'd be fairing now in America if we let our respective states do the talking...
but then again...where does the Native American fit into all of this. UGHHHH, what a mess.

And those poor boys of war. Regardless of the 'side' they took. Their LIFE was took.
And a sickness will permeate the blood stained dirt of this country until each and every soldier spirit is set free to rest in Peace, not angst or harm or confusion.
I don't care how long ago it was. The casualties from the Civil War exceed those lives lost in all other wars, from the Revolution through Vietnam.

Lest I misconstrue the immediacy of being close to a decade into a war, present time, here and now. Blood spilled on territory abroad...pray for the soldiers and the mission to find a stopping place.

I Think I Died In March

2009-03-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to remember when I died in 2008. I'm filing my state taxes and this particular question has me quite befuddled...

Technorati Profile

Illustration Friday - Celebration

2009-03-16T19:17:00.000-07:00

This IF topic was given a long time ago! Here is my submission even though it is just a basic sketch. Never got around to coloring it or finishing it up.
Celebration of a new bundle!

Illustration Friday - Legendary

2009-03-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

The Illustration Friday topic this week is "Legendary". Since St. Patrick's Day is only a few days away I have chosen to create a drawing inspired by the ancient Irish. This girl is Naomh, a legendary druid storyteller and artisan of magnificent jewelry!

That THING is THIS!

2009-03-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, I imagine it's a little more recognizable now. After three weeks of life, this little guy starts to receive it's distinctive Panda Bear markings!

So...who voted Panda. Two people! We had two winners! Parody answered correctly first, so he'll get a big 'ol stack of hearty pancakes, and Jeff Ircink answered correctly too! So, there's pancakes for him! With lots of fresh Grade A Wisconsin Maple SyruP! Woo! Get your forks ready!

Good guesses though, to everyone who participated.

Here he was a few weeks earlier for those of you that didn't participate in the "What Could This Little Thing Be?" contest.

Sunset For A Lost Friend

2009-03-11T18:53:00.000-07:00

Or should I say from a lost friend? I've been visiting my friend Kathy's grave site in the town where I spent my childhood. A little place called Russiaville, Indiana. Kathy was only in her early twenties when her life was taken from her during a tragic semi accident. The man driving the semi ran a red light as Kathy was taking a turn off the highway. She died instantly. Her boyfriend who was in the car with her died the next day. I dream about her sometimes and she seems quite happy now. But I still think about her and have begun eating lunch near her grave every now and again. I sit and think about her, how I'll never forget her. I know she's moved on to better things, but I feel good about visiting the cemetery. The last time I went there, I ate a late lunch and took photographs...the sky was dappled with clouds...it was blue. As it neared evening I asked my old friend to provide a sunset worthy of her own beauty...

And this is what I found...

A softness in the clouds I've never before seen...

Finally melding with a more dramatic ensemble of color, as the sun tucked itself more snuggly against the horizon...

I love you Kathy. Here's a song.

Shenandoah - The Mormon Tabernacle Choir [Choir]

What could this little thing be?

2009-03-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

I know what this little guy will grow up to be...but do you? Isn't he sweet? Try and guess!

Shaker Pacifist Hymns and the War

2009-03-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

"Dark is the cloud that rests over the nation,
Wild is the war cry that pierces the air.
God's heavy judgments spread wide desolation,
Strong hearts are bound in the depths of despair."

Would you believe this Civil War hymn came to a young girl in a dream? It is true. That girl was Shaker society member Cecilia Devere of New Lebanon, New York who lived from 1836 to 1912. One of the Shaker sisters that roomed with her scribbled this song down after being awoken by Devere singing the song aloud three different times.

This took place in 1862. There would be three more years of war.

Since the Shakers were pacifists they did not participate in battle, but their concern for all parties was apparent and enduring. They hoped to bring peace to the horrific turmoil through prayer and song. Devere's hymn is called "A Prayer for the Captive." I have posted only the first stanza of the song because I cannot, as of yet, find the full hymn. But it's chilling to consider this young pacifist creating a song of such clarity in her sleep, and with a poetic grace and poignancy.

Legend has it that on the day President Lincoln was buried, "A Prayer for the Captive" was sung in every Shaker community with no previous arrangement or understanding. Oooooooo...spooky.

**The painting shown at the top of this post is by 18th century artist Frederic Edwin Church, called "Our Banner in the Sky". Circa 1863. Do you see the banner?

I admire Church's style too much to even explain. Take a look at more of his paintings here. Just type his name into the search bar...and view the wonders he created! Even select some for purchase!

Also, check out my brother-in-law's painting that reminds me of Church's work. Amazing Daniel!

Illustration Friday - It's All So Intricate

2009-03-07T03:07:00.000-08:00

This week's word for Illustration Friday is "Intricate". When must you be any more intricate than when painting someone's face?
Don't ask why the artist is finishing the doll's eyes last. She's got quite a bit of confidence to be able to get away with that!
I did actually start out with the doll bald and naked...but I watched as her little hairdo, dress, and shoes began to take form. And...well...I never argue with where a drawing takes me. :)
I'm done early this week for IF. I suppose I'll try and catch up on old assignments I never completed! Or...possibly not. He. he.

Celluloid Urges # 2

2009-03-06T16:22:00.000-08:00

"You'll talk about it...!
Think about it!
Remember it!"

Billy Wilder's "Ace In The Hole" starring Kirk Douglas

Best line of all time? "Why don't you wash that platinum outta your hair..."
Must. Find. Soon.

Raw Meat, What a Treat

2009-03-06T13:28:00.001-08:00

I love sushi! For my birthday this year I made the decision to try a new sushi restaurant. I picked "Naked Tchopstix" in Indianapolis. There's also one in Broadripple, Indiana and I hear they'll be in Chicago soon. MMMM was it delicious!

The place had a nice ambiance, I think even my picky French brother-in-law liked it! I'm kidding Daniel....don't hurt me!

I got the sushi specialty roll # 43 named, "The Playboy". Oh wow. Amazing. And it came to the table in flames! What a delight. Here's the description of the roll:
"...Shrimp tempura, Asparagus, Tempura chips, Spicy Tuna - Inside. Cooked Shrimp, Spicy & Sweet Sauce - Out side. Then set on fire."

For dessert, the waitress cut my Red Bean Mochi into segments and wrote a special message just for me! How sweet!

Over all, I recommend this place. They were friendly and the sushi was wonderful.
Oh, and Theresa, next time you're in town...we're going! Or we could jet up to Chicago again. Usagi Ya awaits!

Celluloid Urges # 1

2009-03-05T19:40:00.000-08:00

I have to watch Soylent Green. Sci-Fi? I think not.
"Tasteless, odorless crud." is our future, people. Heston said it best.
I curb the urge with a teaser...

The Reverend and The Rainbow

2009-03-04T23:56:00.000-08:00

Reverend Gary Davis was born in South Carolina April 30, 1896. He is one of the greatest blues and gospel musicians to have ever lived. He is one of the greatest musicians in any genre to have ever lived, period. He was known for his own unique fingerpicking style, moving lyrics and electric voice. I get chills when I listen to him. I would give anything to have one moment in the presence of him and his guitar but, alas, I was born in the wrong era.

He and Mississippi John Hurt are two of my greatest heroes. I love them both for unique reasons. I think Rev. Davis has a resonance that transcends the musical realm. It's gospel and it's love. The purity rings out and enters straight into me, leaving me with a profound energy.

And an interesting note...Peter Paul & Mary's "If I Had My Way" was actually based on the song, "If I Had My Way, I'd Tear The Building Down", which was written by Blind Willie Johnson in 1927. But it would never have come to the forefront of the 60's blues-revival scene without Rev. Davis, who popularized it through his own unique stylization of the song.

I found a video clip of Davis on "Rainbow Quest with Pete Seeger", where he sings one of my favorite songs, called "Oh Glory, How Happy I Am".
If you want to skip ahead through all of Seeger's talking, move the video to the minute 2:10

The Show: Rainbow Quest with Pete Seeger

The Lyrics:
Oh, when I was out in the world of sin
I had no one to be my friend
Jesus came and he taken me in
Glory, hallelu
And he taken my feet out the miry clay
He placed them up on a rock to stay
I thank God that I can say
Glory, hallelu

Oh, Glory how happy I am
Oh, Glory how happy I am
My soul is washed in the blood of the lamb
Glory, hallelu

I was out in darkness and I could not see
Jesus came and he rescued me
He claimed me and gave me a victory
Glory, hallelu
And one day while Jesus was passing by
He set my sinful soul on fire
He made me laugh and he made me cry
Glory, hallelu

Oh, Glory how happy I am
Oh, Glory how happy I am
My soul is washed in the blood of the lamb
Glory, hallelu

When I could not understand
Jesus, he give me a lending hand
Led me away to the promised land
Glory, hallelu
Oh, well he give me a horn and he told me to blow
Go in peace and sin no more
He led me away to the upright shore
Glory, hallelu

Oh, Glory how happy I am
Oh, Glory how happy I am
My soul is washed in the blood of the lamb
Glory, hallelu

I know something that's mighty swell
A sweet little story I love to tell
Jesus saved my soul from Hell
Glory, hallelu
Oh, stand back Satan, get out of my way
I don't want to hear not a word you say
I'm on my way to the King's highway
Glory, hallelu
Well thank God I got over at last
Thank God I got over at last
My feet is planted in the narrow path
Glory, hallelu

Oh, Glory how happy I am
Oh, Glory how happy I am
My soul is washed in the blood of the lamb
Glory, hallelu

When I had no home to claim
I begin to call on Jesus' name
He saved me from old Satan's chains
Glory, hallelu
Now I'm fire-baptized and holy ghost-filled
I'm out here to do my master's will
I must keep going, I must keep
Glory, hallelu

Oh, Glory how happy I am
Oh, Glory how happy I am
My soul is washed in the blood of the lamb
Glory, hallelu

"Oh Glory, How Happy I Am"
Words and Music by Rev. Gary Davis

Iceman Cometh

2009-03-04T23:27:00.001-08:00

A little bit of David Hewlett singing before my beddy-bye time. Clip from "Icemen".

Run-In Around

2009-03-04T17:54:00.000-08:00

I ran into an old friend tonight, just wanted to post a big shout out to Ryan! It'd been...what...six years since I'd seen him. Something like that. (he was my 4th grade boyfriend) *shhh

I was going to surprise him at the gym by going in dressed as a wanna-be bodybuilder looking for his advice. haha. didn't have to though. Saw him at the video store while renting movies - and of my rentals, only one stars Patrick Wilson. So, I'm doing good. :)

The Farmer - Late Art for the Subject of Time

2009-03-03T23:04:00.000-08:00

"The Farmer lives through the strength of his land - prosperity always spinning to and from the distant stars that rule him." - Katie the Young One :0)

"It is thus with farming: if you do one thing late, you will be late in all your work." - Cato the Elder

Illustration Friday's topic "Time", was given awhile ago. I didn't complete the task then, so I'm doing it now. Let's just say time wasn't on my side, the first time around.

Bukowski On Writing

2009-03-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

"...unless it comes out of
your soul like a rocket,
unless being still would
drive you to madness or
suicide or murder,
don't do it.

unless the sun inside you is
burning your gut,
don't do it.

when it is truly time,
and if you have been chosen,
it will do it by
itself and it will keep on doing it
until you die or it dies in you.

there is no other way.

and there never was."

Chemical Warfare Training

2009-03-02T16:41:00.001-08:00

I love this site.

Please Don't Hate Me

2009-03-02T00:33:00.000-08:00

I have some wonderful followers. I don't ever intend to offend any follower, or reader. But I wanted to post this video because not only is it funny to me, it's true of most if not all electronics made today. They're just junky pieces of trash meant to waste our time and money. There is a purposeful and all-too-well-planned- out attack that's been going on for far-longer-than-we'd-like-to-think, geared to make us into a country of Consumers. Why did I capitalize that word?
It's all explained matter-of-factly in The Story Of Stuff. An insightful movie designed for adults AND their children (the future-adults!) Everyone who has ever thrown anything in the trash, should watch this short film.

Also, if you enjoyed the video that I posted at the top and weren't too turned off by the swearing, check out more at The Onion, where you'll find vast archives of 'news' articles, and also their video section. After that, check out Ditalini Press' very own team of writers and their interpretation of The Onion style!

Stop Looking At Me Like That

2009-03-01T23:47:00.000-08:00

Seriously. It hurts.

Patrick Wilson. Where dis he come from? I can't even type. HOld on...if I can catch my breath I'll explain. I think this man is a great actor. Ok, maybe I'm misinformed via his good looks.

I can't tell. Hell, not only do I not know, I don't care...

What I do know is that he's a great actor :) And an amazing singer. A delight on both Broadway and screen...a really good dancer. A smart and funny man. (Oh dear, I've lost it now)

I've seen him now in three movies. Only ten to go! (Plus Broadway! Oh, and mustn't forget Angels In America on HBO)

And he resembles Paul Newman very much here!!!

Going, Going, Godin!

2009-02-28T08:10:00.000-08:00

Seth Godin. Marketing extraordinaire. Bestselling author. Masterful speaker and storyteller. Entrepreneur. Business psychologist. Blogger. Good man.

But don't take my word for it, as his Squidoo page states, "Seth's blog just reached its 3,000th post. It is currently ranked by Technorati as the #1 blog in the world written by a single individual."

Pretty impressive.

I'm subscribed to receive his blog updates through email. He posts often, but I never miss a word. I love reading what he has to say. I thought I'd post his latest blog entry entitled, "Personal branding in the age of Google"...

::
A friend advertised on Craigslist for a housekeeper.

Three interesting resumes came to the top. She googled each person's name.

The first search turned up a MySpace page. There was a picture of the applicant, drinking beer from a funnel. Under hobbies, the first entry was, "binge drinking."

The second search turned up a personal blog (a good one, actually). The most recent entry said something like, "I am applying for some menial jobs that are below me, and I'm annoyed by it. I'll certainly quit the minute I sell a few paintings."

And the third? There were only six matches, and the sixth was from the local police department, indicating that the applicant had been arrested for shoplifting two years earlier.

Three for three.

Google never forgets.

Of course, you don't have to be a drunk, a thief or a bitter failure for this to backfire. Everything you do now ends up in your permanent record. The best plan is to overload Google with a long tail of good stuff and to always act as if you're on Candid Camera, because you are.
::

To receive updates from his blog, click here and look on the left panel. Enter your email, click subscribe, and wha-la!

I'm A Star!

2009-02-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Or so I'm told. I received my eBay seller Blue Star yesterday! Woo!!

Plus I can print out a certificate and act all cool...still wouldn't be as cool as this kid...

"Congratulations! You've achieved a feedback rating of 50 and that means you've earned a Blue Star next to your user name. This tells other eBay users that you know the ropes, and you're an established member of the eBay community. You are a star!"

I've been an eBay member for almost six years, so it's about time I've reached 50 sales/purchases. I hopefully will be able to sell more than I buy from here on out! That's the important thing!

Sounds Like Merry Poppins

2009-02-27T16:36:00.000-08:00

Sister Eva and I have been doing yoga together, it's been brilliant! Thank you seesta for leading me through such amazing sequences. It's really thrilling to experience yoga through Ujjayi breath, deep poses, and through the clarity of timelessness that the movements allow.

Two weeks ago, I was experiencing some especially loud popping of the bones. It made me laugh during the yoga (I laugh often - Can't help it, yoga makes me happy) and Eva and I began joking that Mary Poppins had joined us. Now I call the popping sounds 'Merry Poppins'. I know, I'm a weirdo.

But alas! An explanation on a yoga blog I found indicates that this popping of the bones/joints is actually based in expansion of the body into proper form. So as you can imagine, when good 'ol Merry Poppins joins us during session, I'm pleased to hear her joyful and healing voice...

As Katherine Neer points out, "Joints are the meeting points of two separate bones, held together and in place by connective tissues and ligaments. All of the joints in our bodies are surrounded by synovial fluid, a thick, clear liquid. When joints pop, you're causing the bones of the joint to pull apart. As they do, the connective tissue capsule that surrounds the joint is stretched. By stretching this capsule, you increase its volume."

But there are other pops you must be aware of, that could potentially lack such 'merriness'. They might be signs of extreme stress in a particular area. If this occurs the pose should not be forced, or dislocation of a joint may result. (So, please Eva, if my pose is shallow please don't push me too hard! :0)

More often than not, however, the popping joints are the key to expansion. Russell Case, a Mysore Ashtanga teacher explains in an article for Living Mysore Magazine,

"With an increase in volume comes a decrease in pressure. So as the pressure of the synovial fluid drops, gases dissolved in the fluid become less soluble, forming bubbles through a process called cavitation. When the joint is stretched far enough, the pressure in the capsule drops so low that these bubbles burst, producing the pop that we associate with knuckle cracking...

Cavitation is used here as a word because scientists dislike the word bubbles. They prefer cavity. An empty space is created like a cave. The cave is created by vacuum. Inside the cave are gases. Gas is a collection of elements that when arriving to the melting point become lighter than air. If frozen, any gas can become a solid form. So it is heat we are talking about here. The little cave bursts with energy."

Click here if you're interested in reading the full article.

It may be awhile before I have a strict yoga schedule, but my aims is for it! There is no other feeling in the world.

Nocturne In The Mountain Air

2009-02-26T23:22:00.000-08:00

I put on some Chopin this evening. When his Nocturne in E flat major came on I decided to do some sketching. I ended up experiencing a sort of meditative drawing session. The completed work is above.

*March 3rd Update: I just submitted this as my Illustration Friday assignment. This week's topic is "Breezy", so I found it appropriate :)

Mind Blowing Beats

2009-02-26T13:01:00.000-08:00

Today at work I waited on a customer and he was fairly quiet. Until suddenly he burst out, "What the HELL are you guys listening to???!!"

I said, "We just turned the channel."

He said, "To WHAT??!"

I said, "Some sort of Galactic Groooooooooooove......."

He looked at me with all seriousness, then began to laugh and snort. He practically had to reign in his manly dignity after sounding like a little piglet. I laughed too. He left...might not ever be back, seeing as how our music BLEW HIS MIND!

Photo above: Virgin Galactic Spaceship, or as I call it, "The Suborbital Starship Tourist Vessel"...take a ride baby...tickets only starting around 200K

My Newest Illustration - Instinct

2009-02-26T01:30:00.001-08:00

Finally I have made another drawing for Illustration Friday! It's been awhile. This week's topic was Instinct. I call this "Mother Tree Moon".

I Have A Long Way To Go...

2009-02-25T23:28:00.000-08:00

This has been circulating the blogosphere, at least I hear...
I came across it on Inked-In when it was posted by one of the site creators Joseph Hayes. I wanted to post it here too, because not only did it make me laugh a little, but it made me think of other people and their silly ideas and perceptions of what is cool.

My favorite line?

"Hollywood"

HAA!

What's your favorite from this list?

Shaker Reflections - Hymns

2009-02-24T23:13:00.001-08:00

Hymn 28 "Love", 8th Stanza

From: Millennial Praises Gospel Hymns
Published by the Early Shakers in 1813

"Love to love what is beloved;
Love to hate what is abhorr’d;
Love all earnest souls that covet
Lovely love, and its reward.
Love repays the lovely lover,
And in lovely ranks above,
Lovely souls shall live forever,
Loving with eternal Love."

*The beautiful garden photo above belongs to Doug Green of Simple Gifts Farm.

Nonna's Sleeping

2009-02-24T19:46:00.000-08:00

I visited my sweet Nonna (Italian for 'grandmother') last week.
After she went to bed, I took this shot. This is the light that hangs in the hallway, leading to her bedroom. I call the picture "Nonna's Sleeping". She no longer acknowledges me, says my name, speaks to me. She isn't completely present, but when I said hello and took her hand in mine, the look in her eyes said, "Hi deary..."
She knew it was me, and I know we connected on the most significant level. Words aren't always necessary.

Watch Miss America Milk a Cow!

2009-02-22T23:50:00.000-08:00

Wheeeweyyyyyyyy! Mammmmma MIA!

Katie Stam has been crowned the newest Miss America, and she's the VERY first ever Hoosier (Yes, that's what people in Indiana are called) to have won the title in the pageant's 88 year history! That's right! GO KATIE!

She visited Conner Prairie museum last summer, where I used to work. I'm glad she likes the museum! She's doing good so far...

Miss Indiana Visits Conner Prairie from William Fouts on Vimeo.

22 year old Katie will be finishing up her studies at the University of Indianapolis in the field of communications. Her dream is to become a TV reporter and news anchor. Hmphf...too bad. Another one sucked into the media pit.

Goofy Basement Time!

2009-02-22T22:51:00.000-08:00

Woah Nelly!
Tumbling DOWN! O NO!
Ok, you got me. Regular calisthenics... :P

Where is A Perfect Place?!

2009-02-22T21:45:00.000-08:00

If anyone can find the movie "A Perfect Place", let me know. Can't find it anywhere. Soundtrack by Mike Patton...song here is "A Perfect Twist".

"If you're not deaf yet..."

2009-02-21T23:45:00.000-08:00

Mike Patton and Roddy Bottum of Faith No More star in this public service announcement for H.E.A.R. (Hearing Education Awareness for Rockers) - Circa 1990

Just What is Violence?

2009-02-21T21:35:00.000-08:00

Ed Harris. One of the most brilliant actors who ever lived! You can quote me on that. (Yes, I saw him in Copying Beethoven, and No I didn't particularly care for his acting but I blame the director because the entire movie sucked. I actually couldn't get through it, with all the stilted writing. And the cinematography made me nauseous.)

Here Ed Harris demonstrates what the movie, "A History of Violence" is all about.

Sweet Rubie Girl

2009-02-21T20:40:00.000-08:00

Ain't nobody don't get 'long wit my Rubie girl

Cuttin' the Coke

2009-02-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

I love my job. I meet great people. People that recognize me from when I was too young to remember myself. Once my mom's midwife came up to me, and introduced herself. The woman who assisted me out of the womb was standing there...I stared back and I think all I was able to say was, "Thank you!"

I also meet lonely people. Those who talk for hours, following employees around the store. These folks open up about their personal lives, and sometimes in full detail. I learn about dark nights of the soul, depressive attacks, and suicidal psychosis. I learn of sleep tremors and pustules in strange places. Episodes of parasitic proportions. STD's and hemorroids. Sexual displeasure and decreased libido. Moodswings of the colon, convulsions of the memory. Vertigo at home, and candida on the go. All of these and more, and then the addition of the crack-heads.
The dealers who come in for something to cut their coke.

But I love my job! I really do. Because I also hear about stress reduction, restful nights, increased metabolism and decrease in the size of fat cells...improved cognitive function, bowel regularity, better sex and happier homes, higher HDLs and balanced blood pressure. So, as long as we can keep a reign on those crazy kids, we're doing just fine.

Plus, I get to hold giant chunks of fresh ginger root! And walk around the store trying to shake people's hands!!!!!!

I can't find their nuts! Help Richard!

2009-02-21T19:34:00.000-08:00

Ok, Richard...looks like I won't be able to tame any squirrels until I learn to tame the weather. The sky snowed its ass off overnight, and so I didn't get any photos taken of the squirrely. Here's a pic I took months ago...thought you might enjoy it in the meantime. Squirrel tracks, with a bonus feature.

Mike Patton 101

2009-02-19T23:26:00.001-08:00

If this girl wants to cover Mike Patton for her Rock History 101 class, I will not tolerate her pronouncing Mike's band Fantomas, as Fantom O's. What are you? Serving cereal?

Another problem: If I wanted to sit and be educated by you, woman...I'd appreciate you doing a little more than paraphrasing Mike's Wikipedia page. Turd!

Oh, and why they played the song "We Care A Lot" in the background completely baffles me as it was sung by Faith No More's original lead vocalist, Chuck Mosely. They should've considered using an intro that incorporated Mike somehow!

"Peanuts, anyone?"

2009-02-19T11:47:00.000-08:00

I had a dream I went to a beautiful house on a hill at dusk. As people gathered in the drive and began walking up the steep walkway leading to the front door, I whispered around me, "Where are we? Whose house is this?"
No one answered, they just kept talking amongst themselves...I became quite anxious and tried pushing my way past the people more lackadaisical. I kept thinking, "What am I doing here? Was I invited to this party?"
As I entered the home, a large modern-style cabin with a fine series of windows lit from the inside, I saw the homeowner passing out drinks and making merry with guests.
As I looked at the man's face and features I suddenly...somehow came to the realization that I was in the presence of Charles M. Schultz. I smiled and shook his hand, and then left. I still have no idea what this dream is all about. I left the party with a guy that must have felt the same way I did. Not quite sure why I was meeting Schultz, and not quite sure why not.

Here's a quote from the man himself!

"My life has no purpose, no direction, no aim, no meaning, and yet I'm happy. I can't figure it out. What am I doing right?"
-Schultz (1922-2000)

Robe and Mask

2009-02-18T20:53:00.000-08:00

Two of my favorite things.

Man and Tire

2009-02-18T20:44:00.001-08:00

My father.

Cat and Mouse

2009-02-18T20:35:00.000-08:00

Family cat.

Book Cover Design - Help Me Pick One

2009-02-18T18:07:00.000-08:00

I make fake bookcovers in Photoshop for fun sometimes. This particular one was inspired by a dream I had one night. I met and spoke with a man named Cray Clayman. He was an author (published in the dream world only), and he handed me a copy of his book. It was plain white, with black stripes across the edges. The title was "Losing Matter, Finding Freedom". I read some of the book in the dream, and when I awoke I wrote what I remembered into my journal. I also immediately went to the computer to create the exact book cover I saw in the dream...but I ended up making a much more artful one instead. I can't tell which I like better. Help me decide by telling me which is more pleasing to the eye...if you would be so amazingly kind. :)

You can click on the images to view them in a larger size.

I enjoy book design. Both studying it when I'm in a bookstore or library, and practicing/attempting to create my own. I'm going to go make one now. If you give me a ridiculous title...I'd be glad to try and make a cover for it...and then post it.

Things I Learned in Public High School

2009-02-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

I learned that punishment for skipping two weeks in a row of senior year, is 30 minutes in the principles office talking about his Illinois childhood.

I learned never to use sewing scissors to cut paper or materials other than fabric or thread.

I learned as a freshman that in order to get the senior jocks to pay attention to me, I had to spend twenty minutes massaging their shoulders in geography class every day.

I learned that wearing the wrong combination of colors can get you sent home.

I learned that swim class turns pretty blonde hair, green.

I learned that in the midwest, the guys who really know how to party are the ones who drive farm trucks and tractors to school.

I learned that there is no substitute for a great teacher, and that there are too few of them.

I learned that I was being suffocated for every second spent inside the institution that provided me with an education.

I learned that writing and drawing instead of doing homework helped me breathe again.

Ahhhhhhh The McKee to My Heart

2009-02-16T22:12:00.000-08:00

Andy McKee playing Tight Trite Night (written by Don Ross)

Pattonanagram

2009-02-16T18:19:00.000-08:00

I just found an online anagram server! (Anagram: a word, phrase, or sentence formed from another by rearranging its letters)

This means you can bypass lengthy and mentally exhausting 'anagramizations' of words previously done by hand, by typing those words into the server and being presented with the 'anagramical' outcome! It's so easy! I knew there was software available that did the same thing, but I didn't want to pay for it! So this is good news for me.

Click HERE to visit the server. I'm definitely bookmarking that website. The website states something interesting that I'll share here too:
"Did you know that parliament is an anagram of partial men? Or, Clint Eastwood an anagram of Old West Action?"

The more I learn about Anagrams, the more I realize that anagrams really do tell the truth, whether we like to face it or not. Some people say it's a science. Well, it's fun and interesting to boot!

My favorite musician, Mike Patton, had some great anagrams displayed after I typed his name in. They're so fun I wanted to post some here. This picture of him goes well with it I think...

1) Ape Tit Monk

2) Teapot Mink

3) Tampon Kite

4) Man Poet

5) Pink Teat

6) Atom Kept In

7) Ant Poem Kit

8) At Tempo

9) A Kitten Mop

10) Tank Mite

11) Eat Pot

HA! This cracks me up