~ A Poetic Dreamers Soul ~

Anonymous Post

2009-05-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

I got an Anonymous message today on a blog I posted back in Dec. ~ A Poetic Dreamers Soul ~: ~~Funeral Procession & Appalling Lack of Respect~~ about a Funeral processions i was in for a friends mother sho died from cancer. Everyone has a right to their opinion..This blog is just mine.. and I have as much right to express my opinion as everyone else does. I respect others opinions and welcome RESPECTFUL opinions back on my blog whether the person agrees with me or not is not an issue. I respect any one who has a passion in what they believe in. I may not agree with said opionion but I respect the passion and conviction one has for it. Now on to the messages and my response.

The message is as follows..

Anonymous - Yesterday I was on a three lane road in Virginia and find no reason why a funeral procession would require the other two lanes to be closed. It's a selfish waste of other people's time. People die every day....and you will too. When I die, I don't expect to stop traffic. Personally, I'd rather do it while I'm alive.

My Response - Anonymous..Since you didn't leave any link where I can comment back to you directly here is my response..

Firstly.. I never said anything about shutting all lanes of traffic on the highway.. that was your take on what I wrote. When on a highway.. the respect is for the lane that funeral procession is in and to traffic merging on and off the highway.. It only takes a few moments to be respectful and let them pass then to merge into traffic. The other lanes on the highway are free to go. You have a very different view of respect then I do if you feel this is selfish. But you have a right to your opinion and that is why I am letting this comment show on my blog.

A second comment I got was this...

Anonymous - I also don't really understand your blog. A blog entertains all opinions,,,not just those you pick and approve of....

My Response - As for your second comment.. I am not here to entertain any one. This is MY opinions, my life and how I feel. Just as you have every right to express yours however you see fit (If you would have left a link to your blog I would loved to have read your view on your life). This blog is for me.. and if any one else want to read it they can.. I welcome it. Life has it's up and down, It's beauty and it ugliness and all that in-between and that is what I capture here. It is not just about certain aspect of my life.. it's what effects me at the time or what I might want to share for myself, family or friends.

I don't know if your will be back to read this but if you are this time please leave a link. I hope you have a wonderful day..

I hope every one else in blog land has a wonderful Holiday weekend..

Candy Give Away

2009-05-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

Debbie from Passion For Crafts blog is having a Birthday Blog Candy Giveaway.. If your interested just follow this link http://passionforcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/05/birthday-blog-candy.html .. All you need to do is link her candy on your blog and leave a comment there and your set. Her site is wonderful so stay awhile and take the time to look around you wont be disappointed.

Happy Birthday To Me

2009-04-17T17:01:00.000-07:00

~~Today is my 35th Birthday~~

I am very proud to say I'm 35

Happy Easter

2009-04-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

~~Spring unlocks the flowers to paint the laughing soil~~

Bishop Reginald Heber

Peace

2009-03-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

~~Peace~~

It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work.

It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.

~~Unknown~~

I made this from a 8x10 canvas collaged with pattern paper and sealed with gel medium. Then I added an image I love.. A very tranquil image of the Tea Garden Bridge in California. The photo was taken by Thea Schrack in 1995. I trimmed the image in brown thin ribbon. I wanted a very natural flow with this project. I added the peace quote (Author Unknown) and trimmed the corner with tiny feathers. I added what used to be a piece for a necklace of two nesting birds on a branch to the center. I trimmed the whole canvas in crushed cork. Keeping with the the antiqued silver of the nesting birds I used silver charms and a skeleton key, along with amber colored beads and glass amber crystals with antiqued small dominoes along the bottom to create just the right finishing touch to the piece. It is exactly as I envisioned it and am very pleased with the end results.

It's Never Too Late To Have A Happy Childhood

2009-03-01T15:19:00.000-08:00

Walk in the rain, jump in mud puddles, collect rocks, rainbows and roses, smell flowers, blow bubbles, stop along the way, build sandcastles, say hello to everyone, go barefoot, go on adventures, act silly, fly kites, have a merry heart, talk with animals, sing in the shower, read childrens' books, take bubble baths, get new sneakers, hold hands and hug and kiss, dance, laugh and cry for the health of it, wonder and wander around, feel happy and precious and innocent, feel scared, feel sad, feel mad, give up worry and guilt and shame, say yes, say no, say the magic words, ask lots of questions, ride bicycles, draw and paint, see things differently, fall down and get up again, look at the sky, watch the sun rise and sun set, watch clouds and name their shapes, watch the moon and stars come out, trust the universe, stay up late, climb trees, daydream, do nothing and do it very well, learn new stuff, be excited about everything, be a clown, enjoy having a body, listen to music, find out how things work, make up new rules, tell stories, save the world, make friends with the other kids on the block, and do anything else that brings more happiness, celebration, health, love, joy, creativity, pleasure, abundance, grace, self-esteem, courage, balance, spontaneity, passion, beauty, peace, relaxation, communication and life energy to...all living beings on this planet.

Bruce Williamson, It's Never Too Late To Have A Happy Childhood, 1987

No Love Like A Mothers Love

2009-02-23T16:06:00.000-08:00

~No Love like a Mother's Love~

There is no love, like a mother's love,

no stronger bond on earth...

like the precious bond that comes from God,

to a mother, when she gives birth.

A mother's love is forever strong,

never changing for all time...

and when her children need her most,

a mother's love will shine.

God bless these special mothers,

God bless them every one...

for all the tears and heartache,

and for the special work they've done.

When her days on earth are over,

a mother's love lives on...

through many generations,

with God's blessings on each one.

Be thankful for our mothers,

for they love with a higher love...

from the power God has given,

and the strength from up above.

Jill Lemming

Photo of My Mom and Me 1983

Under The Weather & Worried About Mom

2009-02-19T04:49:00.000-08:00

I am under the weather right now and headed to the doctor today. Haven't slept much in 3 days. Seems to be getting worse not better. Trying to take it easy.. Just worried about my mom right now. She is in the hospital in ICU. Stable right now.. but some test results are cause for concern. Taking things one day at a time. Please keep her in your prayers and positive thoughts.

My Mom & Me in either Florida or Ocean City

Happy Valentines Day

2009-02-14T14:42:00.000-08:00

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,

while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
~~Lao Tzu~~

St. Augustine Quote

2009-02-10T16:01:00.000-08:00

Since love grows within you, so beauty grows.

For love is the beauty of the soul.

~~St. Augustine~~

All Images Property of Author - Do Not Use With Out Written Consent

Quote

2009-02-06T16:26:00.000-08:00

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all art and science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead.. his eyes are closed.

Albert Einstein

Wurttemberg, Germany - 14th of March, 1879 / Died USA 18th of April, 1955Albert Einstein is known for his services to Theoretical Physics, specifically his "theory of relativity" and E = mc2.

All Images and Words in this blog are Property of Author -

Do Not Use With Out Written Consent

Go Steelers

2009-01-31T16:03:00.000-08:00

I have been a Steelers fan since I can remember..

Just a wee bit of a girl. Thanks to my Papaw and Uncle.

Favorite Player #43 Troy Polamalu

~~Go Steelers~~

~~Here's to a sixth ring~~

Leonardo da Vinci

2009-01-30T17:51:00.000-08:00

"Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art"

~~Leonardo da Vinci~~

All Images and Words in this blog are Property of Author - Do Not Use With Out Written Consent

Regaining Self

2009-01-28T15:17:00.000-08:00

I used to have this romantic sense of self.. if this makes sense. I had a rosy, poetic out look on life.. That's how I always have been. But the last 5 yrs I have lost this. I have lost a piece of my self. I am searching for this.. for this lost piece of my soul. I hope perhaps to find this again as I delve more into my creative side. Hoping expressing this side will bring other deeply rooted yet forgotten pieces to the surface and in turn regain that whole feeling of self. Who knows if this will work but I will keep trying to find the person I am now. I'll work hard at excepting this person and also embrace all the new things I have discovered about myself in the last 5 years. Time will tell.

All Images and Words are Property of Author - Do Not Use With Out Written Consent

New Year - New Perspective

2009-01-27T09:39:00.001-08:00

It's a new year and I want to get a new perspective on life. I want to post here every day. Even if just a quote or an image of mine. So I am going to try from this point on. Whether anyone follows this blog or not. This is for me and any one else who wishes to read. But most for me. I am delving more and more into my creative side that I have a desperate need to express but have repressed for so long. So from today on there will be a little something here from my life, put out here in cyber world. I also want to learn more about making this blog my own. I don't know a lot about web design and things I have tried in the passed just didn't work out. But not going to give up on learning more to make this space even more me. So if any one does read this little piece of me I hope it can touch you as much as the things in my life have touched me.

Photograph of The Suspension Bridge at Mill Creek Park-Boardman, Ohio

All Images and Words are Property of Author - Do Not Use With Out Written Consent

Funeral Procession & Appalling Lack of Respect

2008-12-27T14:26:00.000-08:00

Today I was appalled by the lack of consideration and respect for the funeral procession I was in for a dear friends mother who died of lung cancer. Even with police escort people had NO!! consideration what so ever and broke into the procession come cutting us off ...some so bad that we had to slam on our brakes and try not to hit the car ahead of us. Everything was in accordance with Va. laws that we were doing yet only 2 vehicles were considerate and respectful in the many, many, MANY vehicles that passed us. Such disrespect is disgraceful. No matter if you know the person or not showing respect and sympathy is good manners, not to mention a sign of being a caring human being.

Virginia law states...

§ 46.2-828. Right-of-way for funeral processions under police or sheriff's escort; improper joining of, passing through, or interfering with processions prohibited; use of high beam headlights and hazard lights by vehicles traveling in funeral processions.

Funeral processions traveling under police or sheriff's escort shall have the right-of-way in any highway through which they may pass. Localities may, by ordinance, provide for such escort service and provide for the imposition of reasonable fees to defray the cost of such service.
The sheriff in any locality not having a separate police department may provide traffic control for funeral processions when equipment and personnel are not otherwise engaged in law-enforcement activities.

Vehicles traveling as part of any funeral procession, whether escorted or unescorted, may display high beam headlights and flash all four turn signals or hazard lights to identify themselves as part of the procession.

No vehicle that is not properly part of a funeral procession shall join, pass through, or interfere with the passage of any funeral procession under escort as provided in this section.

(1976, c. 361, § 46.1-224.1; 1981, c. 542; 1989, c. 727; 1994, c. 54; 2001, c. 359; 2003, c. 853.)

To anyone who may read this.... PLEASE!!!!! show respect and abide by local laws when coming to a funeral procession.. If it was your loved one.. wouldn't you want the same respect giving to you. Please... Have consideration and always show respect .....

In Loving Memory

2008-12-13T10:29:00.000-08:00

Peaceful Solitude

2008-12-10T14:58:00.000-08:00

I am very much missing the peaceful solitude you get when you go outside either really early or late when the snow is falling and the ground is blanketed with snow. There are not words to truly describe that peaceful feeling that overwhelms you and you never want it to end. That moment when your thoughts are still and the world seem frozen in that moment. I long for this feeling right now. My mind races filled with so much and I so desire the peaceful solitude that right now eludes me. I will keep striving for this and hope soon it will be with in my grasp.

The Pumpkin

2008-11-24T16:16:00.000-08:00

The Pumpkin

by John Greenleaf Whittier

Oh, greenly and fair in the lands of the sun,
The vines of the gourd and the rich melon run,
And the rock and the tree and the cottage enfold,
With broad leaves all greenness and blossoms all gold,
Like that which o'er Nineveh's prophet once grew,
While he waited to know that his warning was true,
And longed for the storm-cloud, and listened in vain
For the rush of the whirlwind and red fire-rain.

On the banks of the Xenil the dark Spanish maiden
Comes up with the fruit of the tangled vine laden;
And the Creole of Cuba laughs out to behold
Through orange-leaves shining the broad spheres of gold;
Yet with dearer delight from his home in the North,
On the fields of his harvest the Yankee looks forth,
Where crook-necks are coiling and yellow fruit shines,
And the sun of September melts down on his vines.

Ah! on Thanksgiving day, when from East and from West,
From North and from South comes the pilgrim and guest;
When the gray-haired New Englander sees round his board
The old broken links of affection restored;
When the care-wearied man seeks his mother once more,
And the worn matron smiles where the girl smiled before;
What moistens the lip and what brightens the eye,
What calls back the past, like the rich Pumpkin pie?

Oh, fruit loved of boyhood! the old days recalling,
When wood-grapes were purpling and brown nuts were falling!
When wild, ugly faces we carved in its skin,
Glaring out through the dark with a candle within!
When we laughed round the corn-heap, with hearts all in tune,
Our chair a broad pumpkin, - our lantern the moon,
Telling tales of the fairy who travelled like steam
In a pumpkin-shell coach, with two rats for her team!

Then thanks for thy present! none sweeter or better
E'er smoked from an oven or circled a platter!
Fairer hands never wrought at a pastry more fine,
Brighter eyes never watched o'er its baking, than thine!
And the prayer, which my mouth is too full to express,
Swells my heart that thy shadow may never be less,
That the days of thy lot may be lengthened below,
And the fame of thy worth like a pumpkin-vine grow,
And thy life be as sweet, and its last sunset sky
Golden-tinted and fair as thy own Pumpkin pie!

Dreams

2008-09-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

I had a dream the night before last.. To personal and intense for me to write here. However I woke up with a song and a question looming in my mind. The song is by the Bee Gees called

"I've Gotta Get a Message to You"

The chorus is as follows

I've just got to get a message to you,

hold on, hold on.

One more hour and my life will be through,

hold on, hold on.

So, if you could only write one letter to one person. whom, would it be and why?

Not an easy question to answer. It takes a lot of soul searching to answer this question.

I have members of my family that have Alzheimer's and I take after that side of the family a lot. So I always have said if I was ever diagnosed with this that I would take the time while I could and write letter to all those I love so they know exactly how I feel about them and I would also make a video and talk to them. Tell them with my own words how I feel and word of wisdom I want to leave behind. This is the person I want them to remember and the person I was not to mourn the person I will become. I would not be able to control the future but I can leave them with wonderful memories to hold on to long after my mind has left me.

But given only the choice to write one letter at those last moments is a very intense and personal choice. I am not asking any one who might stumble upon this entry to leave me their answer. But more to think for themselves and to reach deep inside yourself for an answer. Your ultimate answer may surprise you.

Have a wonderful and blessed day

Good Words

2008-09-04T17:40:00.000-07:00

A Rant

2008-08-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

I have been working in my current field/job almost 12 years (Sept. 3) at the current location for nearly 5 years and just once I would love to actually be appreciated. I've given a lot to this company and taking more then my share of crap because often I am nicer then I should be. I work hard and I try to do the best I can. But how can you succeed in a position when right from the moment you said "Yes, I will take the position" you were set up to fail. Nothing you do is right even when you are doing what they told you to do. You can't work fast enough, hard enough because no matter how much you kill yourself it is NEVER!!! enough. How are you suppose to succeed .. when you can't get trained, yet your held responsible for all the things that you were never shown how to do. You want to learn.. you want to succeed but they themselves won't help you.. mostly you know it is because even though they are upper management they don't know how to do it either. How can a company survive for so long with such incompetent people running things and the little people who are the reason they get those big paychecks in the first place are the ones that suffer for it. We live in such a back-ass-wards world... and the people who suffer the most are the hard working people who care about what they do and do take it personally. For once in my job I would love to feel appreciated.. to feel I made a difference and the the fact that I do care so much would really matter. But instead I get angry and hurt.. and pissed at myself for letting small minded ignorant people who care about nothing but themselves get to me. I wish I had the answers... I wish I knew what to do... I need this job... I wish I didn't.. but I do... So how do I find a happy medium..? Is it even possible? I know I am doing everything in my power I can do... Is there ever any way to make that be enough... To not let these people take so much from me... If anyone out here in journal land has the answers or found a better way to do deal with things like this.. Let me know.. Cause right now.. I am numb and dreading yet another day tomorrow at work.. Where I get to kill myself yet again... and get to be yelled at and told over and over yet again that it's not enough..

~~Frustrated & Frazzled~~

My Art

2008-08-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some examples of my creative side.. If you like to see more hit the link on the side for my flickr site and see more detailed descriptions of these and other items I have worked on.

~This was first seen in my minds eye and now is reality~

Life without love is like a tree Without blossom and fruit. ~ by Khalil Gibra ~

~A gift for a friend~

There’s a miracle of friendship that dwells within the heartAnd you don’t know how it happens or where it gets its startBut the happiness it brings you always gives a special liftAny you realize that friendshipIs God’s most perfect gift.

~anonymous~

~~A gift for my neice~~

One of the greatest gifts That life can give to anyoneIs the very special love that families share...As years go by,It's good to know that there will always beCertain people in our lives who care.For there are countless thingsThat only families have in commonAnd memories that no one else can make...And these precious ties that bind a family togetherAre bonds that time and distance cannot break.How fortunate we areWhen we have relatives to love us,It makes the world a happy place to be...Few gifts in lifeWill last as longOr touch the heart as deeplyAs the very special giftOf family.
~Craig S. Tunks~

~A gift for my sister~

~A gift for my other sister~

To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time.
Clara Ortega

Does Anyone know who the artist of this image is?

2008-08-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know who the artist of this image is?

This image is very special to me. It is one of the first picture/paintings I can ever remember seeing. My mother gave this image (One like it) to me and I have always felt connected with it. Growing up it has stayed with me and I've even been gifted with a few images of this print from dear friends because they know how much it means to me.

If anyone out there knows the artist of this image please leave me a message.. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much..

~JULY'S ARTSY ESSAY CONTEST~

2008-07-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

I love vegetables..so many to choose from for this month Artsy Essay Contest at Judith HeartSong blog. This months topic is

"An Ode to your Favorite Vegetable"

*or fruit masquerading as a vegetable!

You still have time to try your hand at this months topic just follow this link and read the rules and have a blast. Judith HeartSong: July's Artsy Essay

My entry starts out with a couple of Veggie videos and then ends with my favorite Veggie right now.

But my favorite is:

Orange and crispy, cooked or raw. Carrots are the best of all. Good for bones and eye site health. I love Carrots I can’t help myself. Baby Carrots, not babies at all there just cut and shaped very small. Sweet and crunchy good for me. I even love them with ranch dressing. In a crock pot with a roast or in a pot all by themselves. They are delicious every way. I could eat them everyday.

To learn more about Carrots follow this link: http://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--873/all-about-carrots.asp

June's Artsy Essay Contest

2008-06-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

It's that time again for Judith HeartSong Artsy Essay Contest. The June Artsy Essay Topic will be a photo prompt for some fun in the sun. To see the photo follow this link Judith HeartSong: June Artsy Essay.

Here is my entry I hope you enjoyed..

It’s amazing to be an ant on this wonderful summer day. The sky is blue and the sun shines bright upon me…Moving through the tall deep green grass.. Closer and closer I come to my destination.. I can hardly contain my excitement. I’ve waited so long for this moment, so very long. Just a little further and I’m there. Finally I climb up your strong green stem.. Crawling upon your soft pillow surface.. till I stand upon your white snowy puffs where I can see the whole world. And it’s more beautiful then I could have ever imagined. I stand fast as the wind washes over me. I can not believe it.. The beauty takes my breath away. I can see the rolling green fields that go on forever.. a lush forest so full of life. Fields of purple, red, yellow and blue flowers as far as my eyes can see. There are birds of every shape and size flying to and fro playing and singing merrily. I hear a whoosh and see the bright orange and black wings of a butterfly fly over me, causing me to sway to the rhythm of her wings. Her delicate dance with the wind is mesmerizing. I watch her till she is but a speck in the fields of flowers. This is paradise; this is how life should be. This is where I want to spend the rest of my life atop this beautiful flower, looking at this beautiful world is all her glory and getting lost in a sweet dance with Mother Nature.

May's Artsy Essay Contest

2008-05-27T18:42:00.000-07:00

That time again for Judith HeartSong Artsy Essay Contest this months topic is

"If you could be any animal, Which one would you be...and why?"

If you like to try this months contest follow this link and take a chance and participate

Judith HeartSong: May's Artsy Essay

Once upon a time…There was a long path of soft green grass surrounded by a dense canopy of trees. The sunlight cascades through the branches, the light highlighting every tender blade of grass. A gentle breeze flows through the canopy and embraces a young woman who’s traveling this long path, she is lost and alone searching for a missing piece of her soul. She welcomes the silence around her like a long lost friend. For some time now she has felt an important piece of her soul was missing. She knows not where she is heading but something deep inside her tell her this is the path to find all that she seeks.

With every step she takes she feels the soft pillows of grass caressing every tiny toe, she smiles at the wonderful feeling of the tender blades of grass tickling the soles of her feet. The soft sound of a sigh brings the young woman thoughts back to the present, as she slowly looks up she is face to face with the largest animal she has ever seen. This creature is powerful and noble, he stands 11 feet tall on long strong legs. Skin as grey as a stormy summer sky. His tusks are as white as fresh winter snow. Yet his dark eyes are as gentle and wise as a loving father’s eyes. She smiles and bids the magnificent creature “Hello”. His large ears sway as he tilts his mighty head to see her better. He looks deep into her eyes, then ask her “What is it that you are seeking, Dear child?” . This catches the young woman off guard and it takes a moment for her to speak. “Wise Sir, I am on a journey of self discovery, trying to find a missing piece of my soul”. The wise old elephant smile’s a knowing smile “Dear child, Why do you travel such a long way to find what’s always been right in front of you?”. A look of pure surprise crosses the young woman’s face “Wise Sir, Do you mean you know the answers that I seek?”. The wise old elephant shakes his powers head. “Dear Child, You have always had the answers to what you are seeking, they lie in wait deep inside you, all you have to do is open your mind and heart and you will find all that you desire”. The young woman looks into the dark tender eye’s of the wise old elephant and she smiles “Wise Sir, I’ve been on this journey for so long, yet never once had I stopped and thought that I had the answers that I seek, that I can control my own destiny, That I make the choices to control my life and not to let life control me”. The wise old elephant smiles an even bigger smile “Dear Child, our eye’s are often closed to the power we hold within, only when our eyes are open can we accomplish all that we desire”. The young woman walks close to the wise old elephant and wraps her arms around his powerful trunk “Wise Sir, Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me, I will keep this knowledge with me always”. The young woman heads back the way she came a lot wiser with her eyes wide open and her heart filled with love and friendship for the wise old elephant. 5-27-08 by Kristal

Every since I was little I have had a place in my heart for animals, But one animal in particular has always had a special place with me. The elephant.. I collect them..When I was little I had an Aunt Evelyn and I couldn't say her name so I called her Aunt elephant.. I've had dreams with elephants in them.. Even one of a white elephant..

I feel most connected with the elephant. They are gentle nurturing creatures, yet very protective of those they care about. Family oriented.. Developing bond that last a lifetime. They build strong friendships (Herds) and defend both bonds even to death. They are intelligent, emotional creatures. They have strong communication and leadership skills. These are traits that I see in myself and there is no other animal on this planet that I would want to be then one of the most noble creature that walks the planet earth.

Here are a few photo's and drawings of mine of these noble creatures.

An African Elephant from the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk Virginia.

My Niece and Nephews at the Cleveland Zoo for the first time at a zoo and seeing an elephant (I love that they are waving at each other)

~~Drawings~~

Elephant studies - first one in pencil, second in charcoal and third in pencil.

All writing, drawings and photo's except for the topper photo which is a license free photo are © of Kristal and may not be used in any form without express written permission from me.

April's Artsy Essay

2008-04-27T14:43:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about this months Artsy Essay Contest at Judith HeartSong blog. This months topic is one that has had my mind going this way and that.. The topic is
"Happiness Is....... " This is something so simple, yet so difficult to articulate. So I am just going to write whats on my mind. If you would like to give this months contest a try go here
Judith HeartSong: April's Artsy Essay: "Happiness Is......."

So here is my entry..

Today I found out a friend I worked with Died. He worked in my department overnights and him and I got to know each other pretty well while he was still on days. An ex-marine, gardener, dog lover, an artist, Avid sports fan. He had a good heart, could always make you laugh and ornery as all get out :-). He was only in his early 50's. Much to young to have passed. Even as I write this the tears come but also a smile. I was blessed to have known him, even for the short while I did. He touched my life, he made me smile and laugh. He gave me a precious gift and that was a piece of his soul that I will always cherish. He would want people to laugh and remember the good things about him and not mourn his death but rejoice in the life he had. What made him happy was making others laugh, smile and feel good about themselves. He made the most out of his life and lived it to the fullest. He made a choice.. to be happy and he was.

Since this topic was chosen for this month contest, I have been really watching people. I was in line at a store the other day. There was two young girls in front of me, a woman in her 50's in front of them and at the front of the line was an elderly woman. She was smiling and talking to the 50ish woman about her dogs. Her loving companions. The one young girl turned to the other and said "That why you we have to get our lives together so we don't end up like her, Old with just are dogs" I was stunned and appalled by this statement. All I could think about was how little these two knew about life and for all they knew this woman has led a full and fulfilling life that other could only dream of and in this time of her life she has every right to dote after her loving companions. After the elderly woman left the same young girl made a comment to the 50ish woman she said "That's why I hope I find the right man, and SOON!!" at this statement all I could do was shake my head. So much to learn and so many hard times a head these young girls have to become a little more humble and a lot more wiser. I don't know everything but I do know that you can't depend on anyone to make you happy. Someone can share in your happiness, add to your happiness, But "YOU" have to make yourself happy. They will learn someday. Just as we all have to learn in our own time.

Still thinking about this topic.. Happiness is... I was working at my retail job.. filling shelves, setting features when a customer walking toward me caught my eye. She had her shopping cart full and one item just made me smile. She had a cane, the type that has the spider legs at the bottom for support. But this particular cane was dressed for the day. It matched her outfit perfectly. She passed and I had to stop her and comment on how much I loved her snazzy cane. She smiled at me and as nice as can be said she has three others at home as well and color coordinates them with her outfits. She said she loves to make people smile that it makes her happy. We talked a bit more and I wished her a wonderful day and she continued her journey. I couldn't stop smiling. She took something, in her case a cane which is a necessity for her now and made it fun, made the best of her situation. Now it makes her happy to see other smile and talk to her about it. How fabulous is that :-)

This is what happiness is... Happiness is a choice... it's what we make of our own situation.. It is the choice to get up every day, get dressed and embrace that day, the day that could be are very last day on this earth, to embrace it for all it's worth. To squeeze every ounce of life out of every moment. To feel, to love, to enjoy every hill of this roller coaster of life. So go out, stay in.. what ever you enjoy. Read, watch T.V., create a masterpiece, doodle on a napkin, Take a walk in nature, Sit in a theater and get engrossed in an amazing adventure. What ever brings you joy, GO FOR IT!! The most important choice is to choose to be happy, It's the greatest gift you can give yourself.

Mind Pondering and Birthdays

2008-04-13T03:28:00.000-07:00

Age is just a number and doesn't define who we are. My birthday is Thursday and I will be 34. I don't mind turning 34 in any way. I don't have any regrets in my life. Everything I have done was a choice I made willingly.

I have been thinking a lot about my past. Thoughts pouring back I haven't thought of in years. My late grandparents on my mind as well as my family. It's strange when you reflect in this way. How you can remember places like my Papaw's house. I can close my eyes and see every room, every piece of furniture. I can feel how it felt to sitting on their large porch during a rainstorm and watch the rain hitting the road looking like little people in a hurry on their way. The sound of the chimes as the wind blew on a summer day. Playing in our secret club house we made between the house and garage. Playing a game we called superman with neighborhood kids that we invented. That no matter the day.. there was always grape or strawberry jam on the dinner table. The fact that my grandmother never drank even water at dinner. She felt it interfered with digestion. The Avon bottles she had in all shapes and sizes. We all have at least one of them. My sister showed me hers when I was up last and she opened the bottle and the scent brought me to my grandmother all over again. It was amazing.

I can remember toys I had like my first doll a pink one from fisher price and had a little ball inside that made noise. I found one at a flea market and had to get it. A game of Charley Car.. it was like a pinball but for kids with discs. Wish I knew who made it. I remember getting a dollar in a card and thinking I was rich.. and you know what I was... I was surrounded by family that loved me.

So many wonderful thoughts surround me. Make me home sick and even a little sad. But I am thankful for every one of them. I have many thought in my mind but now is not the time to go into them. Now I want to leave this entry on a high note. So as the week goes and I post again. I will leave you with this quote

~ The richness of life lies in memories we have forgotten. ~ Cesare Pavese

Photo's are as follows - My first picture April 17, 1974 - Blowing out my birthday candle 1977 - The picture right before my birthday party in 1978 I got dirty right before the picture :-) - Mom used to make all my cakes, this one is Strawberry Shortcake 1981 (I also dressed like her for Halloween and mom made the costume)

WHEN I SAY, "I AM A CHRISTIAN By Carol Wimmer

2008-04-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

WHEN I SAY, "I AM A CHRISTIAN"

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not shouting, "I've been saved!"
I'm whispering, "I get lost! That's why I chose this way"

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't speak with human pride
I'm confessing that I stumble-needing God to be my guide

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not trying to be strong
I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success
I'm admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't think I know it all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible but God believes I'm worth it

When I say, "I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name

When I say, "I am a Christian," I do not wish to judge
I have no authority--I only know I'm loved

Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer

March Artsy Essay

2008-03-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

It that time again for Judith HeartSong ~~Artsy Essay Contest~~ There still is time if you want to join in the Fun!! Just follow this link Judith HeartSong: March Artsy Essay and hit the link for the rules and try your hand at this wonderful contest. This months topic in honor of spring finally close at hand is ~~Emergence~~ So with out further ado here is my entry for this month, I hope you enjoy.

~~Emergence~~

The amazing moment

When life blooms once more

From dismal dreariness

Life is reborn

Fighting for survival

Through obstacles unknown

An unrelenting pursuit

A struggle all our own

Not knowing why were driven

Why we must succeed

Fighting through the darkness

Wanting to be free

Driven by instinct

Feelings from deep within

A moment so fulfilling

Never wanting it to end

The battle almost over

You see the rays of light

Striving even harder

For your dreams with all your might

The exhilaration of the moment

When you've achieved your dream

The light embraces you

You're finally at peace

Poem & Photo by

Safety First & Botanical Beauty

2008-03-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

Tue was an eventful day..

Most in a good way but it sure didn't start out that way. I woke up to the sound of crushing metal, shaking building and a scream so shrill it sounded like a cat in heat. I look out my bedroom window and what I saw made me jump out of bed a grab some cloths and run out the door. An SUV rushing to get their child to school decided to try and go around a garbage truck turning left and the SUV decided to try and go to the left of the truck heading toward it. Needless to say it didn't work and they hit the garbage truck on the SUV's passenger side. Spinning 3 times. The mother was pinned in the car and there were also two children in the vehicle. That is what I seen looking out my window was a child, a young girl laying on the ground. Thankfully everyone acted quickly. The kids were not strapped in properly and the girl fell out of the vehicle and thankfully was not thrown. This surely saved the little girl for all of them were reported to be doing fine after being admitted to the hospital. I was very happy to hear that all were OK.

The moral.. No where is worth risking your life or the life of others to get there a moment sooner then you would have if you would have took your time and ALWAYS wear your safely belts and make sure all children are properly strap in as well. Objects and be replaced people can't be. BE SAFE!!!

Well, During this I was unable to leave so I had to reschedule a doctors appointment from 9 to 11 and take care of all that female stuff we just love to deal with. After my Dr. appt. I've been really coupe up lately and need to get out. So camera in hand I headed to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens.

Since it still early there wasn't alot in bloom yet there is still a beauty and peace surrounding this place no matter when you come for a visit. I love slowly walking through the various gardens. Taking in everything my soul can absorb. I took lot of pictures.. Although the best part of the day was sitting by the lazy river that runs through the gardens and see soaring above me two bald eagles. A male and a female mating pair.. although lately they have had there ups and downs. I was fortunate enough to see the female land in the nest and watch the male flying low and floating through the air. They have been there for five years and until this year were doing well. Last year their cam was the most viewed in the world. This year they have had invader to the nest.. One was a great horned owl.. which now live on the other side of the gardens with their own nest and the other was a young female eagle and the male even went away with her for a bit and came back to the original female. Now they are mating often and everyone is hoping for eggs soon. Here is the link to the cam and the gardens.. please check them out.

http://www.wvec.com/cams/eagle.html

http://www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/

Dream Date

2008-02-21T19:30:00.000-08:00

Judi's Artsy Essay Contest this month was about your dream date. To delve deep into your heart and find what you desire weather be a fantasy or something real. My entry (See Last Post) isn't really following the theme as I know most will see it and the reason for this, Well I don't think I am truly ready to express things that lay deep inside of me when it comes to certain subjects. Some day I will.

Everyone will interrupt my poem differently. But the main point of this poem is there is no perfection location, just being with the right person. For me sometimes the things taken most for granted are the most important. I can't say I know anything about the perfect date, because honestly I don't think I have ever been on one. Everything I've ever been on like a trip or something really special a candle light dinner or anything like this.. I have been the one doing all the planning, all the surprising. I am the one pouring everything out and sometimes you don't want to be the one who has to all the time. It has nothing to do with money or material things. It has to do with feelings and it has to be a two way street. I never do anything because I have to, I do it because I want to. But there does come a time where it is hard to give when everything has been taken.

I'll leave you with this... If your planning the perfect date... Remember... pour your heart and soul into it... You don't have to do a lot for it to mean so much... Just do it with love.

February's Artsy Essay Contest

2008-02-21T08:31:00.000-08:00

That time again for Judith HeartSong - Artsy Essay Contest

February's Artsy Essay Topic:

"All the better to woo me, My Dear"

To see the full description of this months topic, the rules and hey while your

there try you hand at this months contest go here:

Judith HeartSong: February's Artsy Essay

Here is my entry for this months contest, I hope you enjoy it.

Your sweet fingers caressing my skin
Lightning flashes deep within
Sensations invading my soul
My whole body is out of control

Wanting to feel the fire of your touch
To get lost in the moment where there is nothing but us
Needing this overwhelming connection
That binds us so close together in perfection

Both of us only wanting to feel
All the emotions that are so real
A place where only the two of us exist
Our own little paradise, where we can do as we wish

A place to freely release our emotions
Never denying all the sweet commotion
Treasuring every moment we are together
Wanting this time to last forever

Holding on to each other for all were worth
Never wanting to let go and return to earth
Lost in each others expressive eyes
Not a word uttered as tears fall from the sky

Two amazing people so blessed to be part of one another
Cherishing every moment that they are together
Never wanting to miss a second of each other
Counting the moments till they will again be together

A hunger and desire like there has never been
Is what we both feel so deep within
Counting the blessing that we have been given
This amazing friendship is our slice of heaven

These wonderful days belonging only to us
Spent in the arms of the one that we trust
Lost in a dream never wanting to awaken
Every amazing moment was our to be taken

An unforgettable time with an unforgettable man
Talking and kissing and holding my hand
Taking the time that belongs only for us
Never feeling the need to look around or rush

Not a word to describe how I feel
The closes word is LOVE that is real
A bond like no other that we have formed
Like the lightning and thunder during a summer storm

Always and forever in each others hearts we will be
A love and friendship that will keep growing wild and free
From now until eternity
You will always mean so much to me

Poem by

*** This poem is about the perfect moments, with the perfect person, all emotions***

Just a thought

2008-02-17T18:15:00.000-08:00

You know what I love about art... Art transcends any language barer. Art transcends all obstacles of understanding. Art touches the soul.. brings out emotions. No one persons interpretation is the only right one. Art bring out something different in all of us and no matter how subjected art is, even though everyone doesn't feel passion for all art. Every one can respect the heart and soul that is poured into every piece created, every brush stroke painted, every lined drawn or chiseled, every piece tenderly molded or every pieces painstakingly transformed into what the minds eye sees of its creator.

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." -- Author: Pablo Picasso

In Shock

2008-02-06T06:28:00.000-08:00

I woke up late today... Thanks to turning my alarm off and falling back to sleep.. thankfully I go into work late today. I turn on the computer and wait for it to boot up... I pull up my email and checked it.. a comment from Judi pops up and says "Let me be the first to say congratulations!" I rush over to her blog and low and behold.. The Artsy Essay Contest winners for January were announced. I was shocked to see my name among this months two winners. I never in a million years thought I would win.. But I feel very blessed to have been chosen by the illustrious panel of judges and to share the honor with Indigo, who entry was not only touching and deeply moving.. that her journal help someone improve the quality of their life. . Which is amazing.

Thank you Judi, for blessing us with this wonderful contest. The illustrious panel of judges for taking the hard task of choosing winners each month out of all those amazing entries and talented writers and to the wonderful readers/contest participants who have read my entries and left terrific comments. Thank you, Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Something To Think About

2008-02-05T07:48:00.000-08:00

When I get where I'm going
on the far side of the sky.
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly.

I'm gonna land beside a lion,
and run my fingers through his mane.
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain

(Chorus:)
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
there'll be only happy tears.
I will shed the sins and struggles,
I have carried all these years.
And I'll leave my heart wide open,
I will love and have no fear.
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
Don't cry for me down here.

I'm gonna walk with my grandaddy,
and he'll match me step for step,
and I'll tell him how I missed him,
every minute since he left.
Then I'll hug his neck.

(Chorus)
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
there'll be only happy tears.
I will shed the sins and struggles,
I have carried all these years.
And I'll leave my heart wide open,
I will love and have no fear.
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
Don't cry for me down here.

So much pain and so much darkness,
in this world we stumble through.
All these questions, I can't answer,
so much work to do.

But when I get where I'm going,
and I see my Maker's face.
I'll stand forever in the light,
of His amazing grace.
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
there'll be only happy tears.
Hallelujah!I will love and have no fear.
When I get where I'm going.
Yeah when I get where I'm going.

2008

2008-01-22T09:30:00.000-08:00

Well 2008 has been an interesting year so far and I have been thinking a lot.. so Yesterday while working I decided on the first step to all the things that have been flowing in my mind and that is I started a "Goal Journal".

See I don't believe in resolutions for the new year. Resolutions are meant to be broken and so many people get hurt by them. I wanted to set goals.. not goals with limits of time.. But realistic goals for myself to help make the quality of my life better. Which include body, mind, spirit and soul. So I bought a journal on lunch (I have many but didn't have one with me and I wanted to get started) and sat in my car writing. I filled several pages in purple ink :-).

I think this is a good first step for me and decided like the place I work I will start my new year of goal on the first of February. I know I can do anything I set my mind to. I know I can have self discipline. After all this girl stopped drinking soda, after drinking it since I was little and this April will be 2 full years since a drop has touched my lips-I was a Coca Cola girl. Since quiting I drink more water then I ever have and drink ice tea (Not too sweet can't handle southern ice tea).. and some hot chocolate and chocolate milk every now and then :-).

I know I can do this.. and I know I need to take things one day at a time and one goal at a time or I will get overwhelmed and I refuse to give up. This is the year I take care of me. I put me first (not easy for me to do). It will take time.. put I have a positive outlook and a lot of faith, so I know everything will work out when it should and this is going to be a very good year.

Here is one aspect of my goals.. expressing my creative side. Here are some pictures of a Art Journal I made for my best friend for Christmas. Not bad for a first try if you ask me. :-)

The cover is a 9 x 13 canvas, Textured, Sealed with Gesso and hand painted with washing of Gold, Dioxazine Purple and Naphthol Crimson. The accented with inspirational words, images and small square mirrors. Then the final touch gold glitter paint to bring it all together. Jan. 2008

January 2008 Artsy Essay Contest

2008-01-22T08:52:00.000-08:00

It's that time again..
Judith HeartSong: January's Artsy Essay
click this link if you would like to try your hand at this fabulous ladys Artsy Essay Contest. This months topic..

~~An Ode to Your Favorite Gadget~~

Weave a story about your favorite gadget.... something from the kitchen, the car, the garage, the living room, tool shed or your favorite styling tool. Who knows? It could be anything. Surprise us! Be creative and show us in words or pictures just why your stupendous gadget is the very best. Make sure you spell-check, use colorful and descriptive language, and tell your tale in an engaging way!

Heres my entry

~~Ode to Books~~

The world in the palm of my hands
Or an adventure yet to be written
A plethora of knowledge of by gone years
Or a dream yet to be discovered

A tale of lost love, struggle and pain
A prairie full of simplicity and games
A sky full of stars that fills me with awe
A page turning, edge of your seat, tale of wonder

A swashbuckling adventure full of anticipation and treasure
A story within a story of amazing life choices
A misfit that manages to work everything out
A laugh, a tear, the feelings pouring out

The words dancing and swirling off the page
Enveloping me with emotions of lives past, present and future
Poetry filling my soul till I’m bursting
Joy, love, sadness, heartbreak so real the tears start flowing

White, crisp, empty new pages
Waiting for the stoke of my pen and an once of inspiration
The creative juices flowing though me
Preserved forever for all future generations to see

I am not perfect I have limitation
But on the pages I can be anything I desire
Explore unknown worlds
And have exciting adventures

On those clean, crisp new pages
I can express myself with words my voice fails to capture
Sounds coming from my lips at times
Doesn’t have the impact that you can read on those lines

My love for books grew when I got older
I see a book now and wonder what lies with in there cover
I love new books and old book and all those in between
A special place in my heart lies for home made books and journaling

No electricity needed to make a book work
Just open up the page and absorb what is written
Get lost in those pages simplicity divine
And know how much better off you are since you read the first line

The perfect creation that has survived history
Even in this age of advances nothing will ever replace you to me
No computer or E-Book can ever take the place
Of holding your cover and turning your pages

Please check out Judith HeartSong blog here.

December's Artsy Essay Contest

2007-12-28T15:35:00.000-08:00

It's that time again for Judith HeartSong Artsy Essay Contest

*Be Aware**Please Read*

*I don't mean to offend anyone, this gift was giving in good fun*

December's Artsy Essay Topic:

~The Funniest Gift~

~I Have Ever Given or Received~

There is no explanation needed...

let's light up the holidays with some laughter here

and make sure you spell-check, use colorful and descriptive language,

and tell your tale in an engaging way!

If you like to try go here Judith HeartSong: December's Artsy Essay

One day me and my best friend were on break at work, sitting and talking about the day's events. Now this was the smoking room (I don't smoke but my friend does) so people were in and out a lot. One of our assistant managers came and sat at our table at was listening to our conversation.. it turned to toy's and we got to discussing things we remember and we got to the topic of the Yo Quiero Taco Bell dog.. You know the one where you pushed it and there were four different ones.

Well this some got us all including the manager talking about dog toys and one they should come up with.. now the conversation was on the funny side by now and my manager said they should come up with a stuffed animal like the taco bell dog that humps your leg.. Well my manager saying this was funny enough.. But shortly after this day my boyfriend now husband said he seen this dog at a place called Spencer's gifts.. Now any one who knows this store knows it has a lot of risque merchandise. He told me that is was a Chihuahua that strapped to your leg and humped it with sound effects.. I started busting out laughing and then had to explain to him why I was laughing so hard.

Well I couldn't find one local, so I ask him to pick one up and then bring it with him when he visits from Virginia (I was in Ohio). I was too funny but not the kind of thing you just get any one. The next day I worked I took it into work and got my manager in the break room and we gave him the gift. he had know idea and when he opened it he thought it was the funniest thing he had ever seen. You should have seen the faces in the break room when he turned it on and every was looking , not being able to believe we gave that to a manager. The rest of the day management was playing with the dog in the office and when he took it home his wife got such a kick out of it. It was a weird gift but he appreciated the thought and that we cared and it made him smile and laugh and was well worth it.

Novembers Artsy Essay Contest

2007-11-29T06:22:00.000-08:00

It's that time again for Judi's Artsy Essay Contest at Judith HeartSong Blog

Judith HeartSong: November's Artsy Essay

This months topic is..

~~Sharing the Gift of Thanks~~

If you could thank one person (someone you know or someone you have never met, living or dead) for one extraordinary thing that has mattered tremendously in your life, who would it be and what would you thank them for?

This months topic took me a while.. there are many people that have made a big impact on my life that I could choose and narrowing it down wasn't easy. Also I work retail so it has been a busy couple weeks for me. But here goes.. :-)

I moved to Virginia almost 4 years ago and when I left Ohio.. As much as I would miss my family and friends.. There is one friend that was harder to leave then even my family. My Best Friend Nancy.. we have been friends for I would say more then 10 years now. We met at work through at the time a mutual friend and we hit it off. We started going to lunches and breaks together and soon.. We did just about everything together. Neither of us had found another female friend that was so much like we were and yet we still very much have are own personalities.

She's been my mother when I needed guidance, A nurturing hand. Strength when I've been weak and love and tenderness when I was lost and in need.

She's been my sister.. My equal.. Standing by my side.. friendship and loyalty no matter what obstacles we've encountered. No matter the disagreement in the end we love each other and are there for each other no matter what.

She's been my daughter.. I've helped guide her when she felt lost and alone.. Supported her in her darkest hours as she has done for me.

She's been my confidant.. Keeping all my secrets and no matter what I've done never judging me.. But loving and supporting me.

She's been my conscious.. When I've lost my way and needed to hear the things that I wasn't letting get through that wall we build.

She's been trustworthy always.. never turning on me or stabbing me in the back like many have.

She's been brutally honest with me.. even when I didn't want to hear it.. yet deep down I always knew I needed to.

She's been my inspiration.. my muse.. She has always encouraged me to follow my heart and dreams and to not be afraid of who I am and what I want in life. She has showed me beauty in things I never notice before and pushed me when I needed that umph..

She has shone me that there are truly good people in this world and to always be happy with who I am.. and never be afraid of failing because that just means you've tried and to keep trying and never give up.. for someday everything will be as it should be.

There aren't enough word to say how much I love and cherish my best friend and that even though more then 500 miles separate us.. that is has not changed our friendship and every time I go back home it's like I never left.. I thank god for our friendship.. because that is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received.

Thank you Nancy.. for showing me what friendship really means.. and I am honored to call you family.

Humbling Experience

2007-11-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

They say everything happens for a reason and I truly believe this to be true and today was one of those day. I have had a lot on my mind as of late..(then again I always do) but lately it has been the burdens of life taking a toll. I find myself thinking and dwelling on things I have no control of, things I am trying to get control of and all those things in between and I admit things are weighing heavy on my mind. I feel like I am walking down a long dark corridor, all the doors are locked and there seems to be no end in sight. I keep trying to find my way but the doors just won't budge, so I keep going.. I never give up and just keep searching.. knowing one day I will either find the right door or reach the light at the end of the long tunnel.

Today at work (I work in retail) I was putting away merchandise and my mind was wondering as I filled the shelves. An older man asked me a question about a product that unfortunately I no longer carry, but this question started a conversation. See I learned a long time ago that often, especially around the holidays I am approached my a customer sometimes to ask a question.. but often it is just because they need to talk. I am always willing to listen with willing ear and a tender heart. Often they have lost a loved one and the holidays leave them hurt and lonely, many others are going through personal life altering illness. Mostly I just listen.. sometime a say positive encouraging words.. many times they bid me farewell and I have to leave the floor because I am crying. I gladly carry some of there pain if only for a moment to help relieve some of life burdens from them. But today was different.. This man did need to talk, he is going through a struggle in life which included being kicked out of his home along with 30 other people who lived in his trailer park because some men bought the property to build condos that the average person can't afford to live in. Now his lives in a trailer in the middle of no where, with no heat and little electricity. He sleeps with layer after layer of cloths on, two blankets underneath him and three on top and cold weather has just begun. Even though I live on the coast in Virginia.. it still get cold and at times even snows, so I know he is in for a very long winter. He told me about his life and work, we talked about political matters and just about some of the merchandise on my shelves. I enjoyed the conversation and was very humbled by it as well. I realized that looking back and all the people.. perfect strangers that have come to me for a few moments in time have come in times when I needed to be humbled. I needed to see through someone Else's eye's and even though things may be hard for me.. that I am VERY blessed. I have family and friends who love me.. I have a roof over my head, food in my belly, cloths on my back and my health.. it may no be perfect but so many are worse off the I.

I have to take a moment to send out a thank you... out into the vast universe that we live in and thank all those perfect strangers that have touched my life (or will touch my life) and left an impression on my soul. Thank you for humbling me.. thank you for reminding me of what is truly important in life and I only can hope that I helped if only for a moment carry your burden for you and helped calm your souls and for all those yet to come.. I am here with a willing ear and a tender heart for you always...

Happiness and love to all..

How Fragile We Are

2007-10-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

"Photo Taken by Me©

this past Sept. at the Neptune Festival in Virginia Beach"

How fragile life is... One never knows what my happen from one moment to another. This past friday an Associate I work with got a call at work and left in a hurry.. leaving even her purse behind because her husband had called her. The next morning we found out that she lost her life that night. Not from a car accident.. not from an illness.. But from an argument she had with her husband which led to him shooting her in the head and murdering her and killing himself. Another senseless death out of anger and hate. My heart and prayers go out to her children and family and I pray she has now found peace. I am humbled for I know that no matter how bad things seem in my life their is always someone, somewhere worse off then I am and I am thankful for all that I have been given and for the love I am blessed with.

"How Fragile We Are"

"Sting"

If blood will flow when flesh and steel are one

Drying in the colour of the evening sun

Tomorrow's rain will wash the stains away

But something in our minds will always stay

Perhaps this final act was meant

To clinch a lifetime's argument

That nothing comes from violence and nothing ever could

For all those born beneath an angry star

Lest we forget how fragile we are

On and on the rain will fall

Like tears from a star like tears from a star

On and on the rain will say

How fragile we are how fragile we are

On and on the rain will fall

Like tears from a star like tears from a star

On and on the rain will say

How fragile we are how fragile we are

Octobers Artsy Essay

2007-10-16T22:53:00.001-07:00

For Judith HeartSong October Artsy Essay Contest. Go here to try your hand at this months topic. Judith HeartSong: October's Artsy Essay ~ with a Guest Panel!

This months topic : Describe Your Ideal Day

~~Play Me While You Read~~

I sit alone in darkness with my eye's tightly closed and dream of white light surrounding me, embracing me, enveloping me. It seeps into every pore. Slowly making it's way throughout my body. I can feel it traveling like a current through my veins. The further it travels the more the darkness fades.

I yearn for the light, for so long now it has eluded me. I walk in darkness. My days pass out of survival alone. Sometimes the light seems almost in reach, I can almost feel its comforting warmth, yet most times the light seems to be so far away that it may never reach my soul. I struggle with the darkness fighting to break free. No matter how thick the deep vale is I never give up because I know someday I will succeed.

The darkness will evaporate in a blinding ray of light. The warmth will consume me and my soul will take flight. Creativity will blossom and words will no longer be afraid to soar. The white light of love and happiness is what I shall adore.

In it's warm embrace, the white light sets me free. For the first time in my life I can truly be, who I was always meant to be. With my wings stretched far and wide, I leap, I soar, I fly. Into the great unknown with a life I can now call my own.

~~This is my perfect day ... A day where nothing else matter and I can just be me... something I fight with all the time. A day where I am surrounded with positiveness, creativity, love and happiness. Where being bottled up all the time is not a way of life.. Just the freedom to be me.

September Artsy Essay Entry

2007-09-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

My entry into the September Artsy Essay contest at Judith HeartSong Blog. If you would like to try your hand at this months Essay-Obscure Artsy Word List go here and give it a try.
Judith HeartSong: September's Artsy Essay

I decided to go a different route and created my entry instead of writing one. The first part is a wonderful VISIONARY HOMAGE to nature using mostly natural elements. An AESTHETIC piece of KINETIC Art. I first used a lovely piece of driftwood given to me by my husbands grandfather. I used this as the main body of my piece. I drilled small 5 small holes, two on top and three on bottom and added five eye bolts. Taking three pieces of 14k gold beading wire the same lengths I used rustic metal hearts, crystals, stones, glass beads, shells, small gold dragonflies and FAUX pearls and alternated them to create the strands for the chimes. I attached those to the 3 eye bolts underneath. Then I took a longer strand of the 14k gold beading wire and created a strand for hanging with glass beads and FAUX pearls. I attached that strand to the two eye bots on top and I was finished.. I love how it turned out.. A TOTEM to my love of nature. You can see the results with the photographs I have included.

The second part of my entry I created a COLLAGE of the Artsy Essay words along with artistic pictures all using my printshop program and the photo's included with my program. Here is the final product..

I had a lot of fun with this months entry.. and I hope y'all enjoy them to.

September 11-Never Forgotten

2007-09-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

In Memory

2007-09-08T16:05:00.000-07:00

Madeleine L'Engle is the author of one of my favorite books as a child and still is to this day

"A Wrinkle in Time"

~~Madeleine L'Engle~~
1918-2007

Madeleine L'Engle Camp Franklin, 88, of Goshen, CT and New York City, died Thursday, September 6th. Born November 29, 1918, in New York City, to Charles Camp and Madeleine Barnett Camp, she was educated in Switzerland and South Carolina, before graduating from Smith College. She was the author of over 60 books, including the award-winning

A Wrinkle in Time.

She is survived by her two daughters, Josephine Jones of Goshen, CT and Maria Rooney and her husband John of Mystic, CT; her five grandchildren, Madeleine Jones Roy and her husband Rob, Charlotte Jones Voiklis and her husband John, Edward Jones, Bryson Rooney, all of New York City, and Alexander Rooney, of Mystic CT; and five greatgrandchildren, Kosta and Magda Voiklis, and Cooper, Finn, and Scarlett Roy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Franklin, and her son, Bion Barnett Franklin.

She was a warm, loving and fun mother, grandmother and friend, who will be missed by many. Her influence will live on in her family and many friends, and in her books which have brought countless delight to all who have read them.

There will be a service on Saturday, September 15th at the Church of Christ, Goshen, CT, and a later public memorial service around her birthday, the actual date to be decided, at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to Crosswick Foundation, Ltd, 924 West End Ave, apt 95, New York, New York, 10025. This is just an option, and we encourage you to honor her memory inany way you choose.

In Memory

2007-09-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

"I Think a Life in Music is a Life Beautifully Spent and

This is What I Have Devoted My Life to"

~Luciano Pavarotti~

1935-2007

In Memory

2007-09-05T18:11:00.000-07:00

In Memory of

Miyoshi Umeki

May 8th, 1929 - August 58th, 2007

August Artsy Essay

2007-08-27T18:32:00.001-07:00

Yo-Ho Me fine visitors and welcome to me entry in the August Artsy Essay Contest at Judith HeartSong Blog. I'm going to spin a tale of high sea adventure for this months topic : Squeezing every last drop of sunshine out of Summer.

So sit back ye scurvy dogs and listen to me tale or I'll have to make ye' all walk the plank.

The sun rose high in the hot summer sky. The sounds of the oceans waves lapping against the ships hull is a soothing lullaby. I take a moment and look around at me shipmates. A scurvy bunch is I ever saw one. I wonder to myself what this adventure has in store for us, I guess I will find out soon enough. The Pieces of Eight Pirate ship is a fine vessel.

http://www.piecesofeight.com/

Able to withstand the roughest of waters, but what the ocean holds is a mystery and only time will tell what dangers may be in store for me crew and I.

Some of me crew is already getting out of hand, a wee bit to much ale, if you ask me.

I hear me hearties telling tale's of adventures and booty acquired from pillaging unsuspecting vessels. Echo's of screams "Give me all ye treasure" fill the air.

With are flags raised high our adventure continues while be shipmates keep a eye out for Captain Blackbeard. We've heard tales he be spotted in these waters and has left a trail of blood in his wake.

Captain Blackbeard is well known for taking no prisoners. He is the worse pirate to ever sail the seven seas.

We must protect our treasure at all cost. This bountiful booty can not be allowed to fall into his bloody hands.

Me crew grows anxious as we leave the safety of land behind and sail deeper in these waters.

I look out at the ocean, no matter how many times I be on these waters they never cease to amazing me. The treasures the oceans holds go beyond booty, it holds vast life of infinite numbers.

Arrr, what do me ears hear.. sounds like mutiny afoot. I ask me crew "What be going on here?" . Me grew informs me, we have a thief amongst us. I head to the poop deck where me shipmate be holding the retched thief. "Avast ye scurvy dog, one of me own crew trying to steal me treasure."

'Me think we should have ye walk the plank and send thee straight to Davy Jones Locker"

Just as I'm about to make her walk the plank, I hear a cry from high above in the crows nest. " Avast, Ye 'Earties Captain Blackbeard's ship approaches off the stern, Man the cannon".

Arr, Davy Jones will have to wait... We need all the hands we can get. I hear the wheels of the cannon coming on deck.. lining her up we wait.. loaded and ready for Blackbeards ship to be in range.

Steady, me 'earties... steady. We have one chance and one chance only. The sound of the approaching vessel was deafening. The skull and cross bones coming into view.

Ready, me 'earties.. FIRE!!!!!. The fierce blast rips through the starboard side, pieces flying into the ocean. There is a large explosion and a fire ball reaches into the sky. There will be no survivors today, me 'earties. We watch as the water rushes in.. engulfing the ship and taking the her and all it's crew to the dark fathoms below.. Victory is our's!!!

We celebrate in true pirate fashion.. music,dancing and ale all around.

The sun is slowly disappearing into the ocean and the wind is on our side. I sit watch me crew celebrate a much deserved victory aboard the The Pieces of Eight Pirate ship, Slowly I turn looking out at the vast ocean as the last shred of light can be seen and wonder what new adventure is in store for me crew and I and what new shores will get to explore. But that adventure is for another day, for now we enjoy the moment and get lost in pleasures of the sea.

This entry is for Judi's Artsy essay contest for August if you want to take a shot at participating or just want to read the entries hit the link and check it out, you won't be dispointed.

Judith HeartSong: August Artsy Essay

Here are some more photo's of the wonderful day my family and I had on their visit to Va. on this fun pirate adventure just last week.

August Artsy Essay Contest..

2007-08-15T08:13:00.001-07:00

This months topic: Squeezing every last drop of sunshine out of Summer!!!

So get your creative juices flowing and participate in this wonderful contest that runs from Aug. 15 to Aug. 31st so check it out at Judith HeartSong Blog.

Now ... go get writing.. :-)

Artsy Essay Entry

2007-07-25T08:24:00.001-07:00

This is my entry to the July Artsy Essay Contest at

Judith HeartSong wonderful blog.

This Months Topic: What is your favorite and most inspiring possession? Tell us about it, and if you want an extra creative challenge... tell us about it without naming it until the very last sentence of your essay:):):)

My most inspiring possession

Would have to be something I hold very dear to me.

It affects every thought

Every action I take, It even helps me make many mistakes

It evokes elation, a sense of euphoria

When ever I see something phantasmagoria

It enables me to feel comfort and calm

Even when the weather is fierce and the wind is strong

It helps me coup with loneliness and depression

Even when my head is filled with so many unanswered questions.

It’s gotten me through times of loss when a loved one have passed

Even when the world seems so empty and vast

It’s filled me with amazement and a passion for life

Even in times when the worlds filled with much strife

If I can not embrace this possession of mine

I have a hard time being able to shine

I am lost with out my inspiring possession

It helps me answer all of my questions

My most inspiring possession you see

Is my EMOTIONS that mean so much to me

Link to contest: Judith HeartSong: The Artsy Essay - July

Artsy Essay Contest To Start

2007-07-14T15:30:00.001-07:00

The countdown is on for

Judith HeartSong Artsy Essay Contest and I can't wait.. Anyone who is not familiar with Judith's wonderful blog please check out the link above and get ready for a wonderful adventure. Till tomorrow..

Get your own free countdown at MySpaceGeek.net

I Hope I'm as young as she at 93

2007-07-12T17:35:00.001-07:00

Every weekend she walks to the bus stop and waits for the driver to open the door. Taking her seat she settles in for the very long ride to the store.

She smile and talks to those coming and going during this trip that she so adores. She can't help but wonder who she will meet this time in her favorite store.

Finally her destination is near and she get all her things together. She slowly make her way to the front of the bus and smiles at the driver a head of her.

Leaving she turns and thanks the driver for a wonderful ride indeed. She couldn't be happier to arrive at her store and get all the things that she needs.

She slowly makes her way to the door, where she is greeted with a hello and a smile. Have a wonderful day shopping with us and we hope that you will stay awhile.

With buggy in hand she begins her adventure, making her way down one aisle and another. Smiling and greeting all the other shoppers as they pass by each other.

Loading her bugging with much needed items and a few things just for fun. She talks to the workers as their filling the shelves with stories that would amaze anyone.

After sharing her stories she's on her way with a smile and have a nice day. She walks to the front and pays for her items, leaving a smile on every face along the way.

Back on the bus for the long ride home with new stories to tell those she meets. A wonderful day full friendship and laughter she fondly remembers as she greets all those taking their seats.

Poem By Kristal

7-12-07

**This is dedicated to the wonderful woman I see every weekend shopping at my store. I can only hope I am as young as she if I am bless to see 93.

The Mummers Dance

2007-07-03T11:32:00.000-07:00

Loreena Mckennitt

"Mummers' Dance"

When in the springtime of the year

When the trees are crowned with leaves

When the ash and oak, and the birch and yew

Are dressed in ribbons fair

When owls call the breathless moon

In the blue veil of the night

The shadows of the trees appear

Amidst the lantern light

We've been rambling all the night

And some time of this day

Now returning back again

we bring a garland gay

Who will go down to those shady groves

And summon the shadows there

And tie a ribbon on those sheltering arms

In the springtime of the year

The songs of birds seem to fill the wood

That when the fiddler plays

All their voices can be heard

Long past their woodland days

And so they linked their hands and danced

Round in circles and in rows

And so the journey of the night descends

When all the shades are gone

"A garland gay we bring you here

And at your door we stand

It is a sprout well budded out

The work of Our Lord's hand"

Open Arms

2007-06-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

~~Open Arms~~

"Journey"

Lying beside you here in the dark

Feeling your heart beat with mine

Softly you whisper You're so sincere

How could our love be so blind

We sailed on together

We drifted apart

And here you are by my side

So now I come to you with open arms

Nothing to hide

Believe what I say

So here I am with open arms

Hoping you'll see what your love means to me

Open arms

Living without you

Living alone

This empty house seems so cold

Wanting to hold you

Wanting you near

How much I wanted you home

But now that you've come back

Turned night into day

I need you to stay

So now I come to you with open arms

Nothing to hide

Believe what I say

So here I am with open arms

Hoping you'll see what your love means to me

Open arms

Book Review

2007-05-31T08:17:00.000-07:00

I loved this book and highly recommend this to anyone who loves to get lost in a good story... If you loved "Shadow in the Wind" Then you will love this book.

Here is Amazon.com Review of the book..

Amazon.com

Settle down to enjoy a rousing good ghost story with Diane Setterfield's debut novel, The Thirteenth Tale. Setterfield has rejuvenated the genre with this closely plotted, clever foray into a world of secrets, confused identities, lies, and half-truths. She never cheats by pulling a rabbit out of a hat; this atmospheric story hangs together perfectly.

There are two heroines here: Vida Winter, a famous author, whose life story is coming to an end, and Margaret Lea, a young, unworldly, bookish girl who is a bookseller in her father's shop. Vida has been confounding her biographers and fans for years by giving everybody a different version of her life, each time swearing it's the truth. Because of a biography that Margaret has written about brothers, Vida chooses Margaret to tell her story, all of it, for the first time. At their initial meeting, the conversation begins:

"You have given nineteen different versions of your life story to journalists in the last two years alone."

She [Vida] shrugged. "It's my profession. I'm a storyteller."

"I am a biographer, I work with facts."

The game is afoot and Margaret must spend some time sorting out whether or not Vida is actually ready to tell the whole truth. There is more here of Margaret discovering than of Vida cooperating wholeheartedly, but that is part of Vida's plan.

Margaret has a story of her own: she was one of conjoined twins and her sister died so that Margaret could live. She feels an otherworldly aura sometimes or a yearning for a part of her that is forever missing. Vida's story involves two wild girls--feral twins (is she one of them?)--who would have been better off being suckled by wolves. Instead, their mother and uncle, involved in things too unsavory to contemplate, combine to neglect them woefully. There's also a governess, a Doctor, a kindly housekeeper, a gardener, and another presence--a very strange presence--which Margaret perceives as a ghost at first. Making obeisance to other great ghost stories, there is a deadly fire, a beautiful old house gone to ruin, and always that presence....
The transformative power of truth informs the lives of both women by story's end, and The Thirteenth Tale is finally and convincingly told.

--Valerie Ryan From Publishers WeeklyFormer academic Setterfield pays tribute in her debut to Brontë and du Maurier heroines: a plain girl gets wrapped up in a dark, haunted ruin of a house, which guards family secrets that are not hers and that she must discover at her peril. Margaret Lea, a London bookseller's daughter, has written an obscure biography that suggests deep understanding of siblings. She is contacted by renowned aging author Vida Winter, who finally wishes to tell her own, long-hidden, life story. Margaret travels to Yorkshire, where she interviews the dying writer, walks the remains of her estate at Angelfield and tries to verify the old woman's tale of a governess, a ghost and more than one abandoned baby. With the aid of colorful Aurelius Love, Margaret puzzles out generations of Angelfield: destructive Uncle Charlie; his elusive sister, Isabelle; their unhappy parents; Isabelle's twin daughters, Adeline and Emmeline; and the children's caretakers. Contending with ghosts and with a (mostly) scary bunch of living people, Setterfield's sensible heroine is, like Jane Eyre, full of repressed feeling—and is unprepared for both heartache and romance. And like Jane, she's a real reader and makes a terrific narrator. That's where the comparisons end, but Setterfield, who lives in Yorkshire, offers graceful storytelling that has its own pleasures. (Sept.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Birthday Time

2007-04-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

Today is my 33rd Birthday.. and I don't mind in any way of turning 33.. Age is a state of mind and I feel a lot younger then my age... most of the time :-) Today is a relaxing day and tonight going out and about.. The only thing I miss is being closer to my family.. but they have been letting me know they care by calling me.. I am the type of person.. I rather get a call or a card then a gift.. for it take more time to pick out a card saying what you want to say... It comes more from the heart... although like everyone.. gifts are always a wonderful surprise too..hehehe. I love my family and friends... and I do apprecaite all they do for me.. they mean the world to me.. and this day would be nothing unless you can share it with those you love.

Beauty

2007-04-08T14:30:00.000-07:00

For Judi

2007-04-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

These are some of the items I collect.. They are all made from Fenton Glass, which I adore. I went to the Fenton Glass Factory several years back and it was a wonderful experience that I would recommend to anyone who loves glass.

Hit the link to take you to their website.

http://www.fentonartglass.com/

Rest In Peace

2007-03-13T12:32:00.000-07:00

You made us laugh..and We thank you

You are greatly missed

A statement from the family of Richard Jeni

Often times, when we are faced with a sudden and tragic loss, there is a natural curiosity – a need to know what exactly happened.

The family of Richard Jeni would like to put to rest any assumptions as to the cause of Richard’s death. Despite the fact that the coroner’s office has publicly stated that a suicide ruling will take two weeks, pending the results of an autopsy, Richard Jeni did take his own life.

Rumors have been circulating as to the cause of his death and have included speculation of Richard being depressed over the state of his career or a physical ailment. His career was not even addressed by his specialists when they were trying to diagnose Richard’s illness. In fact, he had just enjoyed one of his most financially rewarding years to date. He was consistently creating new material for his busy touring schedule, and during the last week of his life, he had meetings scheduled with Chris Albrecht, Chairman and CEO of HBO, to discuss future projects following his last HBO special. In actuality, the past few years had been more prolific than ever. As his agents can attest, prior to his illness, Richard only missed one engagement in over twenty years, and that was due to weather.

The truth is: earlier this year Richard Jeni was diagnosed with severe clinical depression coupled with bouts of psychotic paranoia. One only needs to have a family member or friend with a mental illness to understand that there is nothing rational, predictable, or fair about these diseases. Mental illness is as serious as any physical affliction and can be just as devastating.
He was not down or blue, he was ill. If you knew Richard, you could understand, this was as much a shock to those close to him, as it is to his fans and colleagues. Perhaps Richard’s passing will encourage people to have sympathy, compassion and understanding for those who are afflicted with mental illness. As we are all trying to make sense of this, take time to remember the joy and laughter Richard brought to the countless people he touched during his much too short life.

Dale Chihuly

2007-03-03T12:36:00.000-08:00

The Contemporary Art Center of Virginia

Dale Chihuly is most frequently lauded for revolutionizing the Studio Glass movement by expanding its original premise of the solitary artist working in a studio environment to encompass the notion of collaborative teams and a division of labor within the creative process. However, Chihuly's contribution extends well beyond the boundaries both of this movement and even the field of glass: his achievements have influenced contemporary art in general. Chihuly’s practice of using teams has led to the development of complex, multipart sculptures of dramatic beauty that place him in the leadership role of moving blown glass out of the confines of the small, precious object and into the realm of large-scale contemporary sculpture. In fact, Chihuly deserves credit for establishing the blown glass form as an accepted vehicle for installation and environmental art beginning in the late twentieth century and continuing today.

A prodigiously prolific artist whose work balances content with an investigation of the material's properties of translucency and transparency, Chihuly began working with glass at a time when reverence for the medium and for technique was paramount. A student of interior design and architecture in the early 1960s, by 1965 he had become captivated by the process of glassblowing. He enrolled in the University of Wisconsin's hot glass program, the first of its kind in the United States, established by Studio Glass movement founder Harvey K. Littleton. After receiving a degree in sculpture, Chihuly was admitted to the ceramics program at the Rhode Island School of Design, only to establish its renowned glass program, turning out a generation of recognized artists.Influenced by an environment that fostered the blurring of boundaries separating all the arts, as early as 1967 Chihuly was using neon, argon, and blown glass forms to create room-sized installations of organic, freestanding, plantlike imagery. He brought this interdisciplinary approach to the arts to the legendary Pilchuck School in Stanwood, Washington, which he cofounded in 1971 and served as its first artistic director until 1989.

Under Chihuly's guidance, Pilchuck has become a gathering place for international artists with diverse backgrounds. Over the years his studios, which include an old racing shell factory in Seattle called The Boathouse and now buildings in the Ballard section of the city and Tacoma, have become a mecca for artists, collectors, and museum professionals involved in all media. Stylistically over the past forty years, Chihuly's sculptures in glass have explored color, line, and assemblage. Although his work ranges from the single vessel to indoor/outdoor site-specific installations, he is best known for his multipart blown compositions. These works fall into the categories of mini-environments designed for the tabletop as well as large, often serialized forms that are innovatively displayed in groupings on a wide variety of surfaces ranging from pedestals to bodies of natural water. Masses of these blown forms also have been affixed to specially engineered structures that dominate large exterior or interior spaces.

Over the years Chihuly and his teams have created a wide vocabulary of blown forms, revisiting and refining earlier shapes while at the same time creating exciting new elements, such as his Fiori, all of which demonstrate mastery and understanding of glassblowing techniques. Earlier forms, such as the Baskets, Seaforms, Ikebana, Venetians, and Chandeliers, from the late 1970s through the 1990s have been augmented since the early to mid-1990s with new blown elements. Chihuly and his teams primarily developed these while working in glass factories in France, Finland, Ireland, and Mexico. The resulting Reeds, Saguaros, Herons, Belugas, Seal Pups, and other forms are now juxtaposed with the earlier series, including Macchia, Niijima Floats, and Persians in lively new contexts.

Since the early 1980s, all of Chihuly's work has been marked by intense, vibrant color and by subtle linear decoration. At first he achieved patterns by fusing into the surface of his vessels “drawings” composed of prearranged glass threads; he then had his forms blown in optic molds, which created ribbed motifs. He also explored in the Macchia series bold, colorful lip wraps that contrasted sharply with the brilliant colors of his vessels. Finally, beginning with the Venetians of the early 1990s, elongated, linear blown forms, a product of the glassblowing process, have become part of his vocabulary, resulting in highly baroque, writhing elements. In recent years Chihuly has experimented with Polyvitro to create new interpretations of some of his glass forms.Chihuly’s work is strongly autobiographical. His fascination with abstracted flower forms, for him, reminiscent of his mother's garden in Tacoma, has been discussed in depth in the literature. Likewise, series such as his Seaforms, Niijima Floats, the Chandeliers, and more recently, the Boats allude to his childhood in Tacoma, Washington, marked by his love of the sea and his recognition of its importance to the economy of the Pacific Northwest.

Even in the few instances in which the artist has chosen to respond to earlier historical decorative arts forms, the imagery has personal significance. The Basket series, for instance, developed out of the woven Northwest Coast Indian baskets that Chihuly saw in 1977 with his late friend the sculptor Italo Scanga and sculptor James Carpenter at the Tacoma Historical Society. Over the years the artist has created a number of memorable installation exhibitions, including Chihuly Over Venice (1995–96), Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem 2000 at the Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem (2000), Chihuly in the Park: A Garden of Glass at Chicago's Garfield Park Conservatory (2001–2), the Chihuly Bridge of Glass in Tacoma (2002), and Mille Fiori at the Tacoma Art Museum (2003). These installations confirm the artist's sensitivity to architectural context and his interest in the interplay of natural light on the glass that exploits its translucency and transparency. Recent situations have heightened this effect, since the sites that he has selected within existing buildings have been dominated by large walls of glass. While elements of the earlier installations allude to natural phenomena such as icicles and vegetation, gardens provide the dominant theme in Chihuly’s most recent ones.

Sites that include Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory (2001), the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio (2003), the Atlanta Botancial Gardens (2004), the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew(2005), Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden, Coral Gables, Florida (2006), the Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis (2006), and now, the New York Botanical Garden (2006) enable the artist to juxtapose monumental, organically shaped sculptural forms with beautiful landscaping, establishing a direct and immediate interaction between nature, art, and environmental light. Moreover, Chihuly’s Mille Fiori installations at the Tacoma Art Museum (2003), at Marlborough Gallery, New York (2004), and more recently at Imago Gallery, Palm Desert, California (2006) and R. Duane Reed Gallery, St. Louis (2006), reveal the artist’s progression toward a logical next direction: installations that are gardens themselves. Starting as a massing of churning forms and vibrant colors, the tonality of these installations has changed to embrace a more limited, single color palate, reminiscent of the early Chandeliers.

In many ways, Chihuly has come full circle; now using his mature vocabulary, he captures in these installations the joie de vivre of the plantlike forms of his early neon environments. A dominant presence in the art world, Dale Chihuly and his work have long provoked considerable controversy as part of the art/craft debate. However, with projects such as his recent garden installations in Kew and New York, there can be little doubt that his lasting contribution to art of our times is an established fact.

Davira S. TaraginDirector of Exhibitions and ProgramsRacine Art Museumas adapted from Dale Chihuly 2002, Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton, New Jersey

King Neptune

2007-02-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

King Neptune - Virginia Beach, Va. 2-22-07

About the Statue
Height (statue and base) – 26 feetHead – 6 ½ feet tallShoulders – 12 feet acrossWeight – 12 ½ tonsDolphins (2) – 17 feet and 15 feetLoggerhead turtle – 11 feet (diameter)Octopus – 8 feet
The casting process required:
80 tons of clay25 tons of plaster1 ton of glue7500 grinding and sanding discs

Happy Valentines Day

2007-02-14T03:04:00.000-08:00

"El Labirinto del Fauno" "Pan's Labyrinth"

2007-01-27T19:48:00.000-08:00

Tonight I went to see Pan's Labyrinth. I thought it was a wonderful movie. Not for children or the faint of heart for there is violence but this movie was a combination of heartache and hope... tragedy and triumph.. the cruelty of war and the innocence of a child. This movie was a wonderful movie and if you like the unusual.. I highly recommend this movie.

Quote

2007-01-16T12:30:00.000-08:00

“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and

the winds long to play with your hair.”

Kahlil Gibran

Lebanese Poet and Novelist

Norfolk Botanical Gardens

My Best Friend

2007-01-12T08:07:00.000-08:00

~~My Best Friend Nancy and Her Fiancé Tim~~

We are a part of one another
The yin and yang are we
We need each other
To feel totally complete

Though distance and time now affect us
And we feel the loss deep with in
We are still connected to each other
We still are very best friends

No other friend we trust
With all that lies with in
No other friend understands us
The way we do my friend

A friendship we have grown
Unlike either of us have ever known
A deeper understanding of one another
This has brought us so close together

We’ve been each others confidant
Sharing all those secrets no one else knows
We’ve been each other conscious
When temptation arose

Mother, Daughter, Sister
We’ve been for one another
At times we are the student
Other times the teacher

And through the thick and thin
We’ve never turned are backs on each other
No matter what words were uttered
We were always there for one another

Though we now see little of each other
One thing has not changed
We are there for each other
Best friends till the end of our days

I Love You My Angel
My Best Friend

Kristal
9-28-04

In Memory of Lost Loved Ones

2007-01-03T15:48:00.000-08:00

" Papaw and Grandma King"

Left to Right - Grandma King, Cousin-Christina, Center-Me, My Sister-Holly, My Sister-Kelly, Cousin-Stevie and Papaw King
"Grandma Carpenter"
Left to Right - My sister-Holly, My Mom-Betty, Lap-Me, Grandma Carpenter, My sister-Kelly

"Grandma King"

"Grandma and Papaw King"

"My cousin Clayboy"

Lost so long before his time.. I cherish our memories together

"Grandpa and Grandma Carpenter"

~~I Love You and Miss You All~~

Good Memories of Happy New Years

2006-12-31T18:34:00.000-08:00

I was sitting thinking about New Years past and the wonderful memories I have. On New Years Eve my mother ( Pictured bottom photo center ) would make Kielbasa and Sour Crout ( I would eat the Kielbasa but never the Sour Crout ) and she would set up a spread of various crackers.. Remember when CHICKEN IN A BISKIT crackers actually looked like little pieces of chicken..?

She would made her famous Cheese Ball (Yumm!!) and there would be a plate with varieties of lunch meats and pepperoni and even Pepperoncini Peppers.. Everything was delicious and we would sit and watch Dick Clark's Rocking Eve and watch the ball drop in Time Square.. and after the ball dropped we would all blow noise crackers.. and say Happy New Year.. Mom and Dad would do the traditional kiss and us kids would pop balloons my parents had blown up and put on the floor for us to have fun. It was a wonderful time and continued year after year.. even after my sisters got older and went out with friends.. I always preferred my family New Years Eve. There was even a few years I spent it still at home but online with a dear friend and we would stop talking and watch the ball drop and then wish each other a very Happy New Years ( If you reads this you know who you are :-)

I hold these wonderful memories to heart and miss my family and friends but to you all I wish you a wonderful, blessed and safe New Years.

~~Happy New Years~~

* First photo is of me and my sister with hats my mom made us ( I am in the middle ) and the second one is my sisters and my mom.. those are happy memories.. I am blessed.

Merry Christmas

2006-12-23T23:14:00.000-08:00

~~I Hope You All Have A Wonderful And Safe Holiday Season~~

~~Merry Christmas Everyone~~

Baking

2006-12-21T15:54:00.000-08:00

Tonight I am baking.. one of my favorite holiday traditions...The photo above are cookies I made last year. This year I am baking with a new oven so this should be interesting. Everyone who bakes knows that each oven has a life of it's own and everyone cooks different.. Here hoping all turns out well.

Here is one little thought to leave you with ... Never take those you care about the most for granted. You may never get the chance to make up for it in the future.. Show them how important they are to you today. I am not saying spend a lot of money on them or anything like that. Just take a moment to tell them how much they mean to you and how much you love and appreciate them. It could really mean the world to someone and make a difference to a hurting heart.

Have a wonderful night..

Fall Colors

2006-11-02T10:51:00.000-08:00

Fall Colors in Ohio this past week.
Just wave after wave of fall colors.
It was so beautiful.

The Autumn

Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

Go, sit upon the lofty hill,

And turn your eyes around,

Where waving woods and waters wild

Do hymn an autumn sound.

The summer sun is faint on them -

The summer flowers depart -

Sit still - as all transform'd to stone,

Except your musing heart.

How there you sat in summer-time,

May yet be in your mind;

And how you heard the green woods sing

Beneath the freshening wind.

Though the same wind now blows around,

You would its blast recall;

For every breath that stirs the trees,

Doth cause a leaf to fall.

Oh! like that wind, is all the mirth

That flesh and dust impart:

We cannot bear its visitings,

When change is on the heart.

Gay words and jests may make us smile,

When Sorrow is asleep;

But other things must make us smile,

When Sorrow bids us weep!

The dearest hands that clasp our hands, -

Their presence may be o'er;

The dearest voice that meets our ear,

That tone may come no more!

Youth fades; and then, the joys of youth,

Which once refresh'd our mind,

Shall come - as, on those sighing woods,

The chilling autumn wind.

Hear not the wind - view not the woods;

Look out o'er vale and hill -

In spring, the sky encircled them -

The sky is round them still.

Come autumn's scathe - come winter's cold -

Come change - and human fate!

Whatever prospect Heaven doth bound,

Can ne'er be desolate.

Mill Creek Park

2006-09-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

I felt like posting a little piece of my life back home in Ohio. One of my favorite places in the world is Mill Creek Park in Boardman, Ohio. It amazes me that in the middle of so much choas of people and places you can find such beauty and peacefulness. I do miss being able to take off and just drive through the widing roads.. or walk the long paths or stop and capture wonderful moments like these with my camera.

Photo's By Kristal @ All Rights Reserved.

Two Word Survey

2006-09-26T06:28:00.001-07:00

Two Word Survey..kinda tuff

Body: YOU ... C A N ... O N L Y ... T Y P E ... TWO... W O R DS !

N O ... E X C E P T I O N S !

Not as easy as you might think...

1. Yourself:Seeking Happiness

2. Your husband/wife:Finding way

3. Your hair? Needs color

4. Your mother:Not Herself

5. Your Father?Giving in

6. Your Favorite Item?My Elephants

7. Your dream last night?Chaos Filled

8. Your Favorite drink?Ice Tea

9. Your Dream Car?An SUV

10. The Room You Are In?living room

11. Your ex?Lost soul

12. Your fear?Loosing Parents

13. Where you want to be in 10 years?:Be Happy

14. Who did you hang out with last night?My Husband

15. What You're Not?Not Perfect

16. Your Best Friend?My Nanners

17. Your Wish List Items:Digital SLR

19. The Last Thing You Did?Woke up

20. What You Are Wearing:Night Shirt

21. Your Favorite Weather:Fall Days

22. Your Favorite Book:Poetry Books

23. The Last Thing You ate:Lucky Charms

24. Your Life:Is stressful

25. Your Mood: I’m Hopeful

26. Your body:Needs Work

27. What are you thinking about right now:Being Organized

28. Your Crush:He Knows

29. What are you doing at the moment?Typing this

30. Your fall scheduleEnjoy colors

Just Want To Feel

2006-09-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just want to feel
I don’t want to smile, I don’t want to laugh
Sometimes I just want to feel
I want to bath in the emotions that are real

I want to be swept up in a tidal wave
Of pure raw emotion
Letting it flow through my soul
Washing away all the commotion

Sometimes I just want to feel
The emotions trickling down like rain
Standing still and letting the feelings soak through me
Embracing it as it consumes me

Sometimes I just want to feel
Getting lost in a river of emotion
Facing every rapid
Flowing with the intense motion

Sometimes I just want to feel
The emotions like water all around me
Embracing my body
Taking me to a place of pure ecstasy

Sometimes I just want to feel
The emotions rushing down like a waterfall
Crashing over me
Feeling the pure energy

Sometimes I just want to feel
I don’t want the moment broken
Sometimes I just want to bask in its glory
Like a rainbow over the ocean

©Kristal
9-7-02

The Wonderings Of My Mind

2006-08-09T14:46:00.000-07:00

The wondering of ones mind can be as exciting and scary as they come. Our minds go places we never thought possible.. We realize that we are capable of imagining the most wonderful or the most dreadful of ideas. So many think they are alone in their thoughts and wonderings and seldom realize that we all have those same thoughts and wonderings at one point or another. What makes us unique is how we process and use those thoughts.

I have been thinking about so many things as of late.. Love, Life, Mortality, Career, Hopes, Dreams. What I want to do… What I need to do… Where I want to be.. How to truly be happy. The latter one seems so simple to say and yet so hard to achieve. All these thoughts cascading through my mind and I haven’t been able to slow the wondering of my mind.

The other day I went with my husband’s family to visit his grandmother’s grave it was the anniversary of her death and they wanted to take flower and pay respect to her. While my husbands aunt was fussing trying to get the flowers.. I was overwhelmed with all the emotions I felt coming from the cemetery. I started walking around and looking at many graves.. Those who died having lived a long life and those who’s lives got cut off right in the middle.. and those who’s lives just begun. There were joint graves of couples and single graves.. Graves with fancy grave stones and those which had only a plaque in place. Graves of those who had many visitors and those where it look as though no one had been there for a very long time.

I felt all of these people.. my heart cried out wondering who they were and what their lives may have been like. What great things had they all accomplished.. and who may have been left behind.. tears fell as the emotion in this place washed over me. I continued walking around.. I paid my respect a woman who past not long ago.. dirt still covered her final resting place and she was still surrounded my beautiful flowers. I could feel the sadness and the love.. the sorrow of loss.. But mostly the love. A walk to a grave with stuffed animals and a pin wheel and an angel watching over this tiny soul lost before his life even began.

Walking around my mind went to my parents.. both very much alive.. Which I am very blessed to have them both. Over the last several years there have been many close calls with my mother. Just last year she had a Heart attack, a triple bypass and bouts with fluid building up in her body making her susceptible to congestive heart failure. On top of this she is a diabetic and Bi-polar. There have been many up and downs through the years and I love her very much. She just recently agree to going into assisted living.. which has done wonders for her. She finally agree after the doctor told her that the bypass could have given you ten or more years but not taking care of herself she will be lucky to have two. This finally got through and she is doing much better.. and I just want her to be happy for what ever time she has left on this planet.

That is one thing I’ve learned through all this past years with my mom and my own health issues. That I just want to be happy.. Happy for how ever long I am blessed to be here. Happy and to live life to the fullest and enjoy all the wonderful things life has to off.. which so many are those simple things we take for granted. The things all around us .. The smile on a strangers face as they pass you. The interaction between families’s as your shopping or walking down the street. A child’s giggle. The trees, the sky.. the stars.. The sound of the wind.. and how the breeze sounds as it whistles through the leaves. the birds singing.. The cicadas in the tree’s or the quiet late at night.. when the only things you hear is the sound of crickets in the air. The sound of the ocean and the waves crashing on shore.. The sound of the world so peaceful just as the sun rises or sets. These are the things I want to experience over and over again.. Not any material thing can give you the satisfaction that the simple things can give you.. and most of all.. Love. This is the most wonderful thing in the world love is in all these things.. love is everywhere and love and happiness is what I seek in this world. These are what makes life worth living.. with out these.. it is hard to exist.. hard to function… hard to live are day to day lives with out..

This is all I want in this world… To be Happy and to be loved and to love. Nothing else matters..

Our Deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our Deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant,

gorgeous, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are we not to be?

You are a child of God.

"Marianne Williamson"

The Invitation

2006-07-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
for love
for your dream
for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon...
I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow
if you have been opened by life's betrayals
or have become shrivelled and closed
from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade it
or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy
mine or your own
if you can dance with wildness
and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes
without cautioning us to
be careful
be realistic
remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.
If you can bear the accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul.
If you can be faithless
and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life
from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand at the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
"Yes."

It doesn't interest me
to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up
after the night of grief and despair
weary and bruised to the bone
and do what needs to be done
to feed the children.

It doesn't interest me who you know
or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
in the centre of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you
from the inside
when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.

by
Oriah Mountain Dreamer
copyright © 1999 by Oriah Mountain Dreamer.

Summer Sun

2006-07-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

The summer sun shone round me,

The folded valley lay In a stream of sun and odour,

That sultry summer day.
The tall trees stood in the sunlight

As still as still could be,

But the deep grass sighed and rustled

And bowed and beckoned me.
The deep grass moved and whispered

And bowed and brushed my face.

It whispered in the sunshine:

"The winter comes apace."

Back To Writing

2006-07-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

I took some time away due to personal problems and now I am slowly getting abck to my writing and catching up on journals and photo's I have missed. I am glad tio be back and look forward to posting more as the days pass. I hope this finds everyone well and enjoying your summer.

Take care and posting more soon..

Soul Time

2006-06-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

I'm taking some time off for me and some soul searching. I am having a difficult time right now. I need to take care of me and not everyone else for a change. Right now I am not going to go into details but it's very personal and I will be away for a while. I hope to be back before you know it.. Refreshed and ready to take on the world. Till then fair thee well my friends and have a wonderful summer.

~~Kristal~~

REMEMBER

2006-05-29T03:08:00.000-07:00

“REMEMBER”

An Honor Those Men and Woman Who Have Died For Our Freedom And Those Who Are Still Fighting To Protect It.

Quote

2006-05-23T18:58:00.000-07:00

Could we but draw back the curtain, that surrounds each others lives,

see the naked heart and spirit; know what spur the action gives;
often we would find it better, purer then we think we would.
We could love each other better, if we only understood.

Author Unknown

The DaVinci Code

2006-05-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

I went to see “The DaVinci Code” tonight.. and I won’t go into any detail for those who haven’t seen it yet.. but I will say this.. it would have been more enjoyable if I had not read the book first..

Reading the book brings the characters alive.. It flows… it keeps you on the edge of your seat.. The movie however keeps you wondering what else did they use creative license for.. I found the movie frustrating … There was little character development .. and the movie jumped around.. and many things I found to be key feature in the novel where left out or not elaborated on at all.

I think everyone should decide for yourselves what they think of the movie.. this is only my opinion.. But a suggestion .. if you have not read the book yet.. wait till after you see the movie.. and then you will see how much more you will appreciate the novel itself.

Tapestry

2006-05-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

This is a large tapestry that my dad had bought my grandmother more then 40 years ago when he was over seas in the navy and when both my grandparents passed I asked my dad if I could have it. It always hung in the living room over the couch and very much reminds me of simple, wonderful times with my family.

Leonardo Da Vinci

2006-05-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

Leonardo da Vinci
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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"Leonardo" and "Da Vinci" redirect here. For other uses, see Leonardo (disambiguation) and Da Vinci (disambiguation).
Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci (April 15, 1452 – May 2, 1519) was an Italian Renaissance polymath: an architect, anatomist, sculptor, engineer, inventor, geometer, musician, futurist and painter. He has been described as the archetype of the "Renaissance man" and as a universal genius, a man infinitely curious and infinitely inventive. He is also considered one of the greatest painters who ever lived.

Portrait in red chalk, circa 1512 to 1515, widely (though not universally) accepted as a genuine self-portrait.
In his lifetime, Leonardo — he had no surname in the modern sense; "da Vinci" simply means "from Vinci" — was an engineer, artist, anatomist, physiologist and much more. His full birth name was "Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci", meaning "Leonardo, son of [Mes]ser Piero from Vinci". Leonardo is famous for his realistic paintings, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, as well as for influential drawings such as the Vitruvian Man. He conceived of ideas vastly ahead of his own time, notably inventing the helicopter, a tank, the use of concentrated solar power, the calculator, a rudimentary theory of plate tectonics, the double hull, and others too numerous to mention. Relatively few of his designs were constructed or were feasible during his lifetime; modern scientific approaches to metallurgy and engineering were only in their infancy during the Renaissance. In addition, he greatly advanced the state of knowledge in the fields of anatomy, astronomy, civil engineering, optics, and the study of water (hydrodynamics). Of his works, only a few paintings survive, together with his notebooks (scattered among various collections) containing drawings, scientific diagrams and notes.

hide

1 Early life

2 Professional life

3 Art

3.1 Early works in Florence (1452–1482)

3.2 Milan (1482–1499)

3.3 Nomadic Period - Italy and France (1499–1519)

3.4 Selected works

4 Science and engineering

4.1 Anatomy

4.2 Inventions and engineering

4.3 His notebooks

5 Personal life

6 In fiction

7 Further reading

8 See also

9 References & Notes

10 External links

(image placeholder)[edit]
Early life

Plato (detail of The School of Athens by Raphael), believed to be based on Leonardo's likeness. The pointing finger was a noted feature of Leonardo
The first known biography of Leonardo was published in 1550 by Giorgio Vasari who wrote Vite de' piu eccelenti architettori, pittori e scultori italiani ("The lives of the most excellent Italian architects, painters and sculptors"), and later became an independent painter in Florence. Most of the information collected by Vasari was from first-hand accounts of Leonardo's contemporaries (Vasari was only a child when Leonardo died), and it remains the first reference in studying Leonardo's life.
Until recently, it was thought that Leonardo was the illegitimate son of a local peasant woman known as Caterina; now some evidence indicates that Caterina may have been a Middle Eastern Slave. His biological father appears to have been a Florentine notary or craftsman named Piero da Vinci. Leonardo's mother was married off to one Antonio di Piero del Vacca, a labourer employed by his biological father. According to papers recently found by the Museo Ideale Leonardo Da Vinci in his home town of Vinci, the marriage occurred just a few months after she gave birth to a boy called Leonardo. Even though he was born after modern naming conventions came into use, he was simply known as "Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci", which simply means "Leonardo, son of Piero, from Vinci". Leonardo signed his works "Leonardo" or "Io, Leonardo" ("I, Leonardo").
Leonardo grew up with his father Piero in Florence where he started drawing and painting. He started school when he was 5 years old. His early sketches were of such quality that his father soon showed them to the painter Andrea del Verrocchio, who subsequently took on the fourteen-year old Leonardo as an apprentice. In this role, Leonardo also worked with Lorenzo di Credi and Pietro Perugino.
But the greatest of all Andrea's pupils was Leonardo da Vinci, in whom, besides a beauty of person never sufficiently admired and a wonderful grace in all his actions, there was such a power of intellect that whatever he turned his mind to he made himself master of with ease. [1] ( Vasari)
[edit]
Professional life

Leonardo da Vinci statue outside the Uffizi, Florence
The earliest known dated work of Leonardo's is a drawing done in pen and ink of the Arno valley, drawn on the 5th of August, 1473. It is assumed that he had his own workshop between 1476 and 1478, receiving two orders during this time.
From around 1482 to 1499, Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan [2], employed Leonardo and permitted him to operate his own workshop, complete with apprentices. It was here that seventy tons of bronze that had been set aside for Leonardo's "Gran Cavallo" horse statue (see below) were cast into weapons for the Duke in an attempt to save Milan from the French under Charles VIII in 1495.
When the French returned under Louis XII in 1498, Milan fell without a fight, overthrowing Sforza [3]. Leonardo stayed in Milan for a time, until one morning when he found French archers using his life-size clay model of the "Gran Cavallo" for target practice. He left with Salai, his assistant and intimate, and his friend Luca Pacioli (the first man to describe double-entry bookkeeping) for Mantua, moving on after 2 months to Venice (where he was hired as a military engineer), then briefly returning to Florence at the end of April 1500.
In Florence he entered the services of Cesare Borgia, the son of Pope Alexander VI, acting as a military architect and engineer; with Cesare he travelled throughout Italy. In 1506 he returned to Milan, now in the hands of Maximilian Sforza after Swiss mercenaries had driven out the French.
From 1513 to 1516, he lived in Rome, where painters like Raphael and Michelangelo were active at the time, though he did not have much contact with these artists. However, he was probably of pivotal importance in the relocation of David (in Florence), one of Michelangelo's masterpieces, against the artist's will.

Clos Lucé, in France where Leonardo died in 1519.
In 1515, Francis I of France retook Milan, and Leonardo was commissioned to make a centrepiece (a mechanical lion) for the peace talks between the French king and Pope Leo X in Bologna, where he must have first met the King. In 1516, he entered Francis' service, being given the use of the manor house Clos Lucé (also called "Cloux") next to the king's residence at the royal Chateau Amboise. The King granted Leonardo and his entourage generous pensions: the surviving document lists 1,000 écus for the artist, 400 for Count Francesco Melzi, (his pupil and one of the great loves of his life, named as "apprentice"), and 100 for Salai ("servant"). In 1518 Salai left Leonardo and returned to Milan, where he eventually perished in a duel. Francis became a close friend.
Leonardo da Vinci died at Clos Lucé, France, on 2nd May, 1519 (legend says he died in Francis's arms). According to his wish, 60 beggars followed his casket. He was buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert in the castle of Amboise. Although Melzi was his principal heir and executor, Salai was not forgotten; he received half of Leonardo's vineyard.
It is apparent from the works of Leonardo and his early biographers that he was a man of high integrity and very sensitive to moral issues. His respect for life led him to being a vegetarian for at least part of his life. The term "vegan" would fit him well, as he even entertained the notion that taking milk from cows amounts to stealing. Under the heading, "Of the beasts from whom cheese is made," he answers, "the milk will be taken from the tiny children." [4]. Vasari reports a story that as a young man in Florence he often bought caged birds just to release them from captivity. He was also a respected judge on matters of beauty and elegance, particularly in the creation of pageants.
[edit]
Art
Leonardo pioneered new painting techniques in many of his pieces. One of them, a colour shading technique called "Chiaroscuro", used a series of glazes custom-made by Leonardo. It is characterized by subtle transitions between colour areas. Chiaroscuro is a technique of bold contrast between light and dark. Another effect created by Leonardo is called sfumato, which creates an atmospheric haze or smoky effect.
[edit]
Early works in Florence (1452–1482)

One of his first paintings done in Florence, the Benois Madonna (1478)
Leonardo was apprenticed to the artist Verrocchio in Florence when he was about 15. In 1476 Leonardo worked with Verrocchio to paint The Baptism of Christ for the friars of Vallombrosa. He painted the angel at the front and the landscape, and the difference between the two artists' work can be seen, with Leonardo's finer blending and brushwork. Giorgio Vasari told the story that when Verrocchio saw Leonardo's work he was so amazed that he resolved never to touch a brush again.
Leonardo's first solo painting was the Madonna and Child completed in 1478; at the same time, he also painted a picture of a little boy eating sherbet. From 1480 to 1481, he created a small Annunciation painting, now in the Louvre. In 1481 he also painted an unfinished work of St. Jerome. Between 1481 and 1482 he started painting The Adoration of the Kings (also known as The Adoration of the Magi). He made extensive, ambitious plans and many drawings for the painting, but it was never finished, as Leonardo's services had been accepted by the Duke of Milan.

The Last Supper (1498), painted in Milan
[edit]
Milan (1482–1499)
Leonardo spent 17 years in Milan in the service of Duke Ludovico (between 1482 and 1499). He did many paintings, sculptures, and drawings during these many years. He also designed court festivals, and drew many of his engineering sketches. He was given free rein to work on any project he chose, though he left many projects unfinished, completing only about six paintings during this time. These include The Last Supper (Ultima Cena or Cenacolo, in Milan) in 1498 and Virgin of the Rocks in 1494. In 1499 he painted Madonna and Child with St. Anne. He worked on many of his notebooks between 1490 and 1495, including the Codex Trivulzianus.
He often planned grandiose paintings with many drawings and sketches, only to leave them unfinished. One of his projects involved making plans and models for a monumental seven-metre-high (24 ft) horse statue in bronze called "Gran Cavallo". Because of war with France, the project was never finished. (In 1999 a pair of full-scale statues based on his plans were cast, one erected in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the other in Milan [5].) The bronze intended for use in the building of the statue was used to make cannon, and victorious French soldiers used the clay model of the statue for target practice. The Hunt Museum in Limerick, Ireland has a small bronze horse thought to be the work of an apprentice from Leonardo's original design.
When the French invaded Milan in 1499, Ludovico Sforza lost control, forcing Leonardo to search for a new patron.
[edit]
Nomadic Period - Italy and France (1499–1519)

Virgin of the Rocks (second version)
Between 1499 and 1516 Leonardo worked for a number of people, travelling around Italy doing several commissions, before moving to France in 1516. This has been described as a 'Nomadic Period'. [6] He stayed in:

Mantua (1500)

Venice (1501)

Florence (1501–06) known sometimes as his Second Florentine Period.

Travelled between Florence and Milan staying in both places for short periods before settling in Milan.

Milan (1506–13) (known sometimes as his Second Milanese Period, under the patronage of Charles d'Amboise until 1511)

Rome (1514)

Florence (1514)

Pavia, Bologna, Milan (1515)

France (1516–19) (patronage of King Francis I)

In 1500 he went to Mantua where he sketched a portrait of the Marchesa Isabella d'Este. He left for Venice in 1501, and soon after returned to Florence.

Mona Lisa (1503–1507)
After returning to Florence, he was commissioned for a large public mural commemorating a great military triumph in the history of Florence, by the Grand Council Chamber in the Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of government of the Florentine Republic (Zollner p.164), [The Battle of Anghiari]; his rival Michelangelo was to paint the opposite wall [The Battle of Casina]. After producing a fantastic variety of studies in preparation for the work, he left the city, with the mural unfinished due to problems with getting paid by his employer and more importantly by his choice of technique, which instead of the fresco technique he experimented again (as in the Last Supper) with oil binders hoping to extend the time to manipulate the paint (Zollner p172-178). The incomplete painting was destroyed in a war in the middle of the sixteenth century. Not only Rubens but artists in the modern era have produced their own studies [based on Leonardo's original sketches.].
Most evidence proves that he began work on the Mona Lisa (also known as La Gioconda, now at the Louvre in Paris) in 1503 and continued to work on it until 1506, working sporadically on it well after that (Sasson p.22). It is likely to be Lisa de Gherardini del Giocondo, wife of a silk merchant, Francesco del Giocondo. Commissioned by her husband to commemorate the birth of their second son as well as moving to a new home (Zollner p.240). He most likely kept it with him at all times, and did not travel without it. Much is attributed to the importance of this painting, primarily why it is the most famous painting in the world. In short, it was famous at the time of its contemporaries for many different reasons than it is now. Leonardo da Vinci's use of sfumato (the smoky effect he has on his work) transcended convention of the time, as did the sitter's angle, contrapposto, and the birds eye view of the background. For the most part it has become famous for all of the above and for the insurmountable amount of media attention it has received, in other words, it has become famous for being famous.
He painted St Anne in 1509. Between 1506 and 1512, he lived in Milan and under the patronage of the French Governor Charles d'Amboise, he painted several other paintings. These included The Leda and the Swan, known now only through copies as the original work did not survive. He painted a second version of The Virgin of the Rocks (1506–1508). While under the patronage of Pope Leo X, he painted St. John the Baptist (1513–1516).
During his time in France, Leonardo made studies of the Virgin Mary for The Virgin and Child with St. Anne, and many drawings and other studies.
[edit]
Selected works

The Baptism of Christ (1472–1475) – Uffizi, Florence, Italy (from Verrocchio's workshop; angel on the left-hand side is generally agreed to be the earliest surviving painted work by Leonardo)

Annunciation (1475–1480) – Uffizi, Florence, Italy

Ginevra de' Benci (c. 1475) – National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., United States

The Benois Madonna (1478–1480) – Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia

The Virgin with Flowers (1478–1481) – Alte Pinakothek, Munich, Germany

Adoration of the Magi (1481) – Uffizi, Florence, Italy

The Madonna of the Rocks (1483–86) – Louvre, Paris, France

Lady with an Ermine (1488–90) – Czartoryski Museum, Krakow, Poland

Portrait of a Musician (c. 1490) – Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, Milan, Italy

Madonna Litta (1490–91) – Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia

La belle Ferronière (1495–1498) – Louvre, Paris, France

Last Supper (1498) – Convent of Sta. Maria delle Grazie, Milan, Italy

The Virgin and Child with St. Anne and St. John the Baptist (c. 1499–1500) – National Gallery, London, UK

Madonna of the Yarnwinder 1501 (original now lost)

Mona Lisa or La Gioconda (1503-1505/1507) – Louvre, Paris, France

The Madonna of the Rocks or The Virgin of the Rocks (1508) – National Gallery, London, UK

Leda and the Swan (1508) - (Only copies survive — best-known example in Galleria Borghese, Rome, Italy)

The Virgin and Child with St. Anne (c. 1510) – Louvre, Paris, France

St. John the Baptist (c. 1514) – Louvre, Paris, France

Bacchus (or St. John in the Wilderness) (1515) – Louvre, Paris, France

[edit]
Science and engineering

The rhombicuboctahedron, by Leonardo, as it appeared in the Luca Pacioli's Divina Proportione, 1509.
Renaissance humanism saw no mutually exclusive polarities between the sciences and the arts, and Leonardo's studies in science and engineering are as impressive and innovative as his artistic work, recorded in notebooks comprising some 13,000 pages of notes and drawings, which fuse art and science. These notes were made and maintained through Leonardo's travels through Europe, during which he made continual observations of the world around him. He was left-handed and used mirror writing throughout his life. This is explainable by the fact that it is easier to pull a quill pen than to push it; by using mirror-writing, the left-handed writer is able to pull the pen from right to left and also avoid smudging what has just been written. He wrote his diaries (journals) using mirror writing.
His approach to science was an observational one: he tried to understand a phenomenon by describing and depicting it in utmost detail, and did not emphasize experiments or theoretical explanation. Since he lacked formal education in Latin and mathematics, contemporary scholars mostly ignored Leonardo the scientist, although he did teach himself Latin. It has also been said that he was planning a series of treatises to be published on a variety of subjects; none ever were, though.

The Vitruvian Man, Leonardo's study of the proportions of the human body.
[edit]
Anatomy
Leonardo started to discover the anatomy of the human body at the time he was apprenticed to Andrea del Verrocchio, as his teacher insisted that all his pupils learn anatomy. As he became successful as an artist, he was given permission to dissect human corpses at the hospital Santa Maria Nuova in Florence. Later he dissected in Milano at the hospital Maggiore and in Rome at the hospital Santo Spirito (the first mainland Italian hospital). From 1510 to 1511 he collaborated with the doctor Marcantonio della Torre (1481 to 1511). In 30 years, Leonardo dissected 30 male and female corpses of different ages. Together with Marcantonio, he prepared to publish a theoretical work on anatomy and made more than 200 drawings. However, his book was published only in 1580 (long after his death) under the heading Treatise on painting.

Studies of Embryos by Leonardo da Vinci (circa 1510)
Leonardo drew many images of the human skeleton, and was the first to describe the double S form of the backbone. He also studied the inclination of pelvis and sacrum and stressed that sacrum was not uniform, but composed of five vertebrae. He was also able to represent exceptionally well the human skull and cross-sections of the brain (transversal, sagittal, and frontal). He drew many images of the lungs, mesentery, urinary tract, sex organs, and even coitus. He was one of the first who drew the fetus in the intrauterine position (he wished to learn about "the miracle of pregnancy"). He often drew muscles and tendons of the cervical muscles and of the shoulder. He was a master of topographic anatomy. He not only studied human anatomy, he studied the anatomy of many other animals, as well.
It is important to note that he was not only interested in structure but also in function, so he became a physiologist in addition to being an anatomist. He actively searched for models among those who had significant physical deformities, for the purpose of developing caricature drawings.
His study of human anatomy led also to the design of the first known robot in recorded history. The design, which has come to be called Leonardo's robot, was probably made around the year 1495 but was rediscovered only in the 1950s. It is not known if an attempt was made to build the device. He correctly worked out how heart valves eddy the flow of blood yet he was unaware of circulation as he believed that blood was pumped to the muscles where it was consumed. A diagram drawing Leonardo did of a heart inspired a British heart surgeon to pioneer a new way to repair damaged hearts in 2005. [7]

An armoured tank designed by Leonardo at the Château d'Amboise
[edit]
Inventions and engineering
Fascinated by the phenomenon of flight, Leonardo produced detailed studies of the flight of birds, and plans for several flying machines, including a helicopter powered by four men (which would not have worked since the body of the craft would have rotated) and a light hang glider which could have flown. [1] On January 3, 1496 he unsuccessfully tested a flying machine he had constructed.

The interior of Leonardo da Vinci's armoured tank
In 1502 Leonardo da Vinci produced a drawing of a single span 720-foot (240 m) bridge as part of a civil engineering project for Sultan Beyazid II of Constantinople. The bridge was intended to span an inlet at the mouth of the Bosphorus known as the Golden Horn. Beyazid did not pursue the project, because he believed that such a construction was impossible. Leonardo's vision was resurrected in 2001 when a smaller bridge based on his design was constructed in Norway. in May 2006, the Turkish government decided to construct Leonardo's bridge. It is expected to be finished by October 2006.
Owing to his employment as a military engineer, his notebooks also contain several designs for military machines: machine guns, an armored tank powered by humans or horses, cluster bombs, a working parachute, etc. even though he later held war to be the worst of human activities. Other inventions include a submarine, a cog-wheeled device that has been interpreted as the first mechanical calculator, and a car powered by a spring mechanism. In his years in the Vatican, he planned an industrial use of solar power, by employing concave mirrors to heat water. While most of Leonardo's inventions were not built during his lifetime, models of many of them have been constructed with the support of IBM and are on display at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum at the Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise [8].
[edit]
His notebooks
Leonardo's notebooks were on four main themes; architecture, elements of mechanics, painting, and human anatomy. These notebooks - originally loose papers of different types and sizes, distributed by friends after his death - have found their way into major collections such as the Louvre, the Biblioteca Nacional de España, the Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan, and the British Library. The British Library has put a selection from its notebook (BL Arundel MS 263) on the web in the Turning the Pages section. [9] The Codex Leicester is the only major scientific work of Leonardo's in private hands. It is owned by Bill Gates, and is displayed once a year in different cities around the world.
Why Leonardo did not publish or otherwise distribute the contents of his notebooks remains a mystery to those who believe that Leonardo wanted to make his observations public knowledge (He was a perfectionist, and didn't want to share until the knowledge was presented and arranged as beautifully as possible). Technological historian Lewis Mumford suggests that Leonardo kept notebooks as a private journal, intentionally censoring his work from those who might irresponsibly use it (the tank, for instance). They remained obscure until the 19th century, and were not directly of value to the development of science and technology. In January 2005, researchers discovered the hidden laboratory used by Leonardo da Vinci for studies of flight and other pioneering scientific work in previously sealed rooms at a monastery next to the Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata, in the heart of Florence.[10]
[edit]
Personal life

St. John the Baptist
Leonardo kept his private life particularly secret. He claimed to have a distaste of physical relations: his comment that "the act of procreation and anything that has any relation to it is so disgusting that human beings would soon die out if there were no pretty faces and sensuous dispositions", was later interpreted by Sigmund Freud, in an analysis of the artist, as indicative of his "frigidity" (Gesammelte Werke, bd VIII, 1909–1913).
In 1476, while still living with Verrocchio, he was twice accused anonymously of sodomy with a 17 year-old model, Jacopo Saltarelli, a youth already known to the authorities for his sexual escapades with men. After two months in jail, he was acquitted, allegedly because no witnesses stepped forward, but actually on the strength of his father's respected position (Saslow, Ganymede in the Renaissance: Homosexuality in Art and Society, 1986, p.197). For some time afterwards, Leonardo and the others were kept under observation by Florence's Officers of the Night - a Renaissance organization charged with suppressing the practice of sodomy, as shown by surviving legal records of the Podestà and the Officers of the Night.
Leonardo's alleged love of boys was a topic of discussion even in the sixteenth century. In "Il Libro dei Sogni" (The Book of Dreams), a fictional dialogue on l'amore masculino (male love) written by the contemporary art critic and theorist Gian Paolo Lomazzo, Leonardo appears as one of the protagonists and declares, "Know that male love is exclusively the product of virtue which, joining men together with the diverse affections of friendship, makes it so that from a tender age they would enter into the manly one as more stalwart friends." In the dialogue, the interlocutor inquires of Leonardo about his relations with his assistant, il Salaino, "Did you play the game from behind which the Florentines love so much?" Leonardo answers, "And how many times! Keep in mind that he was a beautiful young man, especially at about fifteen."

Leonardo's servant and assistant, Caprotti il Salaino by an anonymous artist (1495)
Gian Giacomo Caprotti da Oreno, nicknamed Salai or il Salaino ("The Little Unclean One" i.e., the devil), was described by Vasari as "a graceful and beautiful youth with fine curly hair, in which Leonardo greatly delighted." Il Salaino entered Leonardo's household in 1490 at the age of 10. The relationship was not an easy one. A year later Leonardo made a list of the boy’s misdemeanours, calling him "a thief, a liar, stubborn, and a glutton." The "Little Devil" had made off with money and valuables on at least five occasions, and spent a fortune on apparel, among which were twenty-four pairs of shoes. Nevertheless, il Salaino remained his companion, servant, and assistant for the next thirty years, and Leonardo’s notebooks during their early years contain pictures of a handsome, curly-haired adolescent.
Il Salaino's name also appears (crossed out) on the back of an erotic drawing (ca. 1513) by the artist, The Incarnate Angel, at one time in the collection of Queen Victoria. It is seen as a humorous and revealing take on his major work, St. John the Baptist, also a work and a theme imbued with homoerotic overtones by a number of art critics such as Martin Kemp and James Saslow (Saslow, ibid., passim). Another erotic work, found on the verso of a foglio in the Atlantic Codex, depicts il Salaino's behind, towards which march several penises on two legs (Augusto Marinoni, in "Io Leonardo", Mondadori, Milano 1974, pp.288, 310). Some of Leonardo's other works on erotic topics, his drawings of heterosexual human sexual intercourse, were destroyed by a priest who found them after his death.
In 1506, Leonardo met Count Francesco Melzi, the 15 year old son of a Lombard aristocrat. Melzi himself, in a letter, described Leonardo's feelings towards him as a sviscerato et ardentissimo amore ("a deeply passionate and most burning love"). (Crompton, p.269) Salai eventually accepted Melzi's continued presence and the three undertook journeys throughout Italy. Melzi became Leonardo's pupil and life companion, and is considered to have been his favourite student.
Though Salai was always introduced as Leonardo's "pupil", the artistic merit of his work has been a matter of debate. He is credited with a nude portrait of Lisa del Gioconda, known as Monna Vanna, painted in 1515 under the name of Andrea Salai.[11] The other portrait of Lisa del Gioconda, the Mona Lisa was bequeathed to Salai by Leonardo, a valuable piece even then, as it is valued in Salai's own will at £200,000.
Both of these relationships follow the pattern of eroticized apprenticeships which were frequent in the Florence of Leonardo's day, relationships which were often loving and not infrequently sexual. (See Historical pederastic couples.) Besides them, Leonardo had many other friends who are figures now renowned in their fields, or for their influence on history. These included Cesare Borgia, in whose service he spent the years of 1502 and 1503. During that time he also met Niccolò Machiavelli, with whom later he was to develop a close friendship. Also among his friends are counted Franchinus Gaffurius and Isabella d'Este, whose portrait he drew while on a journey which took him through Mantua. (Michael Rocke, Forbidden Friendships epigraph, p. 148 & N120 p.298)
[edit]
In fiction
Main article: Leonardo da Vinci in fiction
With the genius and legacy of Leonardo da Vinci having captivated authors and scholars generations after his death, many examples of "Da Vinci (sic.) fiction" can be found in culture and literature.
Leonard of Quirm, a character in the Discworld series of novels, is based largely on Leonardo da Vinci.
Interest in Leonardo has increased recently with Dan Brown's popular novel The Da Vinci Code (2003), and its movie adaptation released on May 19, 2006.
[edit]
Further reading

Michael J. Gelb (1998). How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day. Delacorte Press. ISBN 0385323816 (paperback).

Michael H. Hart (1992). The 100. Carol Publishing Group. ISBN 0806513500 (paperback).

Jean Paul Richter (1970). The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci. Dover. ISBN 0486225720 and ISBN 0486225739 (paperback). 2 volumes. A reprint of the original 1883 edition.

Frank Zollner & Johannes Nathan (2003). Leonardo da Vinci: The Complete Paintings and Drawings. Taschen. ISBN 3822817341 (hardback).

Fred Bérence (1965). Léonard de Vinci, L'homme et son oeuvre. Somogy. Dépot légal 4° trimestre 1965.

Charles Nicholl (2005). Leonardo da Vinci, The Flights of the mind. Penguin. ISBN 0-140-29681-6.

Simona Cremante (2005). Leonardo da Vinci: Artist, Scientist, Inventor. Giunti. ISBN 8809038916 (hardback).

John N. Lupia, "The Secret Revealed: How to Look at Italian Renaissance Painting," Medieval and Renaissance Times, Vol. 1, no. 2 (Summer, 1994): 6-17. (ISSN 1075–2110)

Works by Da Vinci

2006-05-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

"The Last Supper"

" The Virgin on the Rocks"
"Vitruvian"
"Mona Lisa"
"Hands"
"Self Portrait"

"La Scapagliata"With all that is in the media about the Da Vinci Code I thought I would post some of DaVinci's greatest masterpieces ... One of my favorite works by Leonardo DaVinci is the last one

"La Scapagliata"

Me Time

2006-04-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

Taking more time for me.. Dealing with Moving and some health issues.. will be writing more soon..
Till then -Fare Thee Well

"Norfolk Botanical Gardens"

4-12-06

Happy Easter

2006-04-16T03:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter
Everyone

As I am off to celebrate Easter (Though I have to work)
On Sunday and My Birthday Monday. I wanted to take a
Moment to wish y’all a safe and wonderful holiday.

Smiling Rock

2006-04-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

~~Smiling Rock~~

Norfolk Botanical Gardens

4-12-06

Soul Journey

2006-04-12T15:51:00.000-07:00

Today I took a soul journey.. I have been very stressed for a while now due to many things going on in my life right now at home and work and I was in desperate need for some me time. I kept going back and forth in my head about where to go and decided to follow my heart not my head.. So I went to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens.

This is only my second trip there… But what better time to go to the gardens then in spring. So off I went.. I got some water and sunscreen and was on my way. When I got there it wasn’t busy.. some Walkers, Families, Grandparents with their grandkids and some couples young and old.. Here to enjoy the day and also hoping to catch a glimpse of the nesting Bald Eagles.. Who have successfully hatched 3 young eagles. They are growing and if you go to the gardens you can watch them on a live cam. However don’t expect to get close.. they blocked off their nesting area so they can have peace while they raise their young and also for are protection as well.

When I got there I decided to take the paths to the right.. most were going to the left.. But I went the way I was draw to go. I walk along the river they made which runs all around the gardens .. you can even take guided boat tours. I was headed through the Rose Gardens (not yet in bloom) and I spied an artist with brush in hand and easel ready to capture her imagination. I continued my walk.. taking photo’s of anything that captures my soul and taking in the wonderful feeling of nature. I come to an area of paths.. in front of me is two sets of paths.. one with a wood walk way to the left and another with no walkway just a path through the wood to the right. I took the path to the right.. and here is where my journey truly began.

I was alone on this path.. surrounded by nature.. listening to the birds chirping.. bull frogs croaking.. This path leads near the waters edge and walking along I am welcomes by some new friends who for most of my journey were my guides.. They were turtles.. I was amazed.. Through out my journey today I seen about hundred turtles.. All shapes and sizes.. leading me on my path.. about half way through I meant a very wise turtle. I stood there and had a long conversation with her. She was an older very wise turtle and a very good listener. She knew I was on a long hard path in life right now and that I am searching for my true happiness in life. She new the answer to what I seek.. But a wise person (or animal) knows that you can’t tell someone the answers.. they much find out for them selves.. but you can help guide them and show them things they may not have seen on their own. After a little while we both knew it was time for me to move on and I said thank you and ask her kindly if she minded it I took a few pictures of her.. she kindly obliged me and even posed and I was on my way. All along the path the turtles keep showing me which way to go and I followed never asking why.. after all they were being so kind and I never wanted to seem rude :) Where the turtles where not able to be there were other friends to help me along my way a.. little muskrat, an old fish and then the turtles lead me the rest of the way until I was no longer walking by the waters edge .. then another friend took over to lead me as far as he was meant to and this was a beautiful crow.

These friends took me on a wonderful, relaxing souls journey which I very much needed and I spent more then 4 hours walking and taking photo’s all over the gardens. It was a wonderful day filled with lots of knowledge I will carry with me. We are all connected in this world and we can learn much if we not only open our eye’s but our hearts and minds too.

The Photo’s above are of my new friends and others taken all over the Norfolk Botanical gardens today that I will be posting as days come. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed taking them.

P.S. Thank you Judi through your words and adventures reminding me to keep my eye's, heart and mind open to nature and the world I have always felt connected with. Thank you my friend..

All Photo by Kristal @ All Rights Reserved

~Robert Frost~

2006-04-11T12:27:00.000-07:00

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought
and the thought has found words

Robert Frost

Quote

2006-04-07T18:40:00.000-07:00

“Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: It takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility”

William Wordsworth

Warped Mosaic

2006-04-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

Mosaic created using flickr toys

Through My Eye's

2006-04-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

Everyone see the world differently.. sometimes the simplest things can fuel someone's imagination.. can bring out their creativity.. can open up a new world to others through their eye's. We are all unique.. we are all strange and unusual.. that is what makes us so wonderful.. Wouldn't life be boring if we weren't.

Spring Forward

2006-04-02T03:03:00.000-07:00

That time a year again.. when we loose an hours sleep but we gain more daylight hours.. spring is here.. and summers just around the corner. I hope you all enjoy the sunshine and have a wonderful day.

So True

2006-03-26T20:05:00.000-08:00

What greater lesson

Can a Human Being learn

Than to guide his words and actions

To be considerate

Of the needs and feelings

Of all the other occupants

Of this World

From the book - A Heart Full Of Love

Signs

2006-03-16T15:13:00.000-08:00

I have had a mind full the last several days.. There is so much going on and so many choices to make. I have been in emotional overdrive and was having a hard time this morning getting moving to get to work.. it was a cool morning and the sky was overcast and thick with clouds.. there was no seeing past them.. I was driving and I noticed something.. Even though the sky was full of dark… dreary clouds.. there was something wonderful shining through.. I wish I would have had my camera to show you.. it was a rainbow.. it had not been raining.. it was just beautiful. I am a believer in signs.. there are signs all around us we just have to be open to them and accepting to there meaning. Today this rainbow was there to tell me.. “Even those the days seem long and dark and things don’t seem like they are going to get better.. Even though there are hard times ahead of you and you may be scared about what the future holds. That it all will be worth while for brighter, better day are ahead waiting for you” I very much needed this sign.. it has helped me relax and lets me know I am doing the rights things.. that choices I am making are the right choices. That my path however bumpy is the right path and my destiny awaits me to write it.

The House Of Clouds

2006-03-16T14:59:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth Barrett Browning
The House Of Clouds

Poem lyrics of The House Of Clouds by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

I would build a cloudy House

For my thoughts to live in;

When for earth too fancy-loose

And too low for Heaven!

Hush!I talk my dream aloud -

I build it bright to see, -

I build it on the moonlit cloud,

To which I looked with thee.

Cloud-walls of the morning's grey,

Faced with amber column, -

Crowned with crimson cupola

From a sunset solemn!

May mists, for the casements, fetch,

Pale and glimmering;

With a sunbeam hid in each,

And a smell of spring.

Build the entrance high and proud,

Darkening and then brightening, -

If a riven thunder-cloud,

Veined by the lightning.

Use one with an iris-stain,

For the door within;

Turning to a sound like rain,

As I enter in.

Build a spacious hall thereby:

Boldly, never fearing.

Use the blue place of the sky,

Which the wind is clearing;

Branched with corridors sublime,

Flecked with winding stairs -

Such as children wish to climb,

Following their own prayers.

In the mutest of the house,

I will have my chamber:

Silence at the door shall use

Evening's light of amber,

Solemnising every mood,

Softening in degree, -

Turning sadness into good,

As I turn the key.

Be my chamber tapestried

With the showers of summer,

Close, but soundless, - glorified

When the sunbeams come here;

Wandering harpers, harping on

Waters stringed for such, -

Drawing colours, for a tune,

With a vibrant touch.

Bring a shadow green and still

From the chestnut forest,

Bring a purple from the hill,

When the heat is sorest;

Spread them out from wall to wall,

Carpet - wove around, -

Whereupon the foot shall fall

In light instead of sound.

Bring the fantasque cloudlets home

From the noontide zenith

Ranged, for sculptures, round the room, -

Named as Fancy weeneth:

Some be Junos, without eyes;

Naiads, without sources

Some be birds of paradise, -

Some, Olympian horses.

Bring the dews the birds shake off,

Waking in the hedges, -

Those too, perfumed for a proof,

From the lilies' edges:

From our England's field and moor,

Bring them calm and white in;

Whence to form a mirror pure,

For Love's self-delighting.

Bring a grey cloud from the east,

Where the lark is singing;

Something of the song at least,

Unlost in the bringing:

That shall be a morning chair,

Poet-dream may sit in,

When it leans out on the air,Unrhymed and unwritten.

Bring the red cloud from the sun

While he sinketh, catch it.

That shall be a couch, -

with oneSidelong star to watch it, -

Fit for poet's finest Thought,

At the curfew-sounding, - ;

Things unseen being nearer brought

Than the seen, around him.

Poet's thought, - not poet's sigh!

'Las, they come together!

Cloudy walls divide and fly,

As in April weather!

Cupola and column proud,

Structure bright to see -

Gone-except that moonlit cloud

,To which I looked with thee!

Let them! Wipe such visionings

From the Fancy's cartel -

Love secures some fairer things

Dowered with his immortal.

The sun may darken, - heaven be bowed -

But still, unchanged shall be, -

Here in my soul, -

that moonlit cloud,

To which I looked with Thee!

Almost Perfect

2006-03-11T17:28:00.000-08:00

~Almost Perfect…But Not Quite~

"Almost perfect... but not quite."Those were the words of Mary HumeAt her seventh birthday party,Looking 'round the ribboned room."This tablecloth is pink not white--Almost perfect... but not quite."

"Almost perfect... but not quite."Those were the words of grown-up MaryTalking about her handsome beau,The one she wasn't gonna marry."Squeezes me a bit too tight--Almost perfect... but not quite."

"Almost perfect... but not quite."Those were the words of ol' Miss HumeTeaching in the seventh grade,Grading papers in the gloomLate at night up in her room."They never cross their t's just right--Almost perfect... but not quite."

Ninety-eight the day she diedComplainin' 'bout the spotless floor.People shook their heads and sighed,"Guess that she'll like heaven more."Up went her soul on feathered wings,Out the door, up out of sight.Another voice from heaven came--"Almost perfect... but not quite."

~Shel Silverstein ~

From the book
“The Light In The Attic”

~Moral of this Poem~

Do not search for perfection …..for life is not perfect and just think about all you will miss if your always looking for perfection.. For you won’t see that sometimes the imperfect is exactly what we need.
By Kristal

P.S. What inspired this entry is while at work today and just taking in all those around me.. the stress levels.. the rushing .. how tired so many looked.. how they are letting life run them instead of them running their lives. I am just as guilty as those I watched today.. I am trying to find the place where I don't try so hard to do everything that needs done and take things one step at a time. I will get there

A Bit of Spring

2006-03-07T15:00:00.000-08:00

~~ A Bit of Spring~~

"Celebrating Spring"
By
Laura Lynn Watchorn

Darkness fades...comes the sleepy sun. Day arrives...Spring has begun. Birds chirping...greetings of Springserenades the day...with songs they sing. Flowers of color...kissed with dewstretch out their limbs...feeling brand new. Butterflies dancing...on the morning breezeenjoying their life...being carefree. All come together..."Nature's Cabaret"Celebrating together...this new Spring day.

Photo Mosaic

~ A Poetic Dreamers Soul ~

~~Anonymous Post~~

~~Candy Give Away~~

~~Happy Birthday To Me~~

~~Happy Easter~~

~~Peace~~

~~It's Never Too Late To Have A Happy Childhood~~

~~No Love Like A Mothers Love~~

Under The Weather & Worried About Mom

~~Happy Valentines Day~~

~~St. Augustine Quote~~

~~Quote~~

~~Go Steelers~~

~~Leonardo da Vinci~~

~~Regaining Self~~

~~New Year - New Perspective~~

~~Funeral Procession & Appalling Lack of Respect~~

~~In Loving Memory~~

~~Peaceful Solitude~~

The Pumpkin

~~Dreams~~

~~Good Words~~

~~A Rant~~

~~My Art~~

~~Does Anyone know who the artist of this image is?~~

~~~JULY'S ARTSY ESSAY CONTEST~~~

~~June's Artsy Essay Contest~~

~~May's Artsy Essay Contest~~

~~April's Artsy Essay~~

~~Mind Pondering and Birthdays~~

WHEN I SAY, "I AM A CHRISTIAN By Carol Wimmer

~~March Artsy Essay~~

~~Safety First & Botanical Beauty~~

~~Dream Date~~

~~February's Artsy Essay Contest~~

~~Just a thought~~

~~In Shock~~

~~Something To Think About~~

~~2008~~

~~January 2008 Artsy Essay Contest~~

~~December's Artsy Essay Contest~~

~~Novembers Artsy Essay Contest~~

~~Humbling Experience~~

~~How Fragile We Are~~

~~Octobers Artsy Essay~~

~~September Artsy Essay Entry~~

~~September 11-Never Forgotten~~

~~In Memory~~

~~In Memory~~

~~In Memory~~

~~August Artsy Essay~~

August Artsy Essay Contest..

~~Artsy Essay Entry~~

~~Artsy Essay Contest To Start~~

~~I Hope I'm as young as she at 93~~

~~The Mummers Dance~~

~~Open Arms~~

~~Book Review~~

~~Birthday Time~~

~~Beauty~~

~~For Judi~~

~~Rest In Peace~~

~~Dale Chihuly~~

~~King Neptune~~

~~Happy Valentines Day~~

~~"El Labirinto del Fauno" "Pan's Labyrinth"~~

~~Quote~~

~~My Best Friend~~

~~In Memory of Lost Loved Ones~~

~~Good Memories of Happy New Years~~

~~Merry Christmas~~

~~Baking~~

~~Fall Colors~~

~~Mill Creek Park~~

~~Two Word Survey~~

~~Just Want To Feel~~

~~The Wonderings Of My Mind~~

~~The Invitation~~

~~Summer Sun~~

~~Back To Writing~~

Anonymous Post

Candy Give Away

Happy Birthday To Me

Happy Easter

Peace

It's Never Too Late To Have A Happy Childhood

No Love Like A Mothers Love

Happy Valentines Day

St. Augustine Quote

Quote

Go Steelers

Leonardo da Vinci

Regaining Self

New Year - New Perspective

Funeral Procession & Appalling Lack of Respect

In Loving Memory

Peaceful Solitude

Dreams

Good Words

A Rant

My Art

Does Anyone know who the artist of this image is?

~JULY'S ARTSY ESSAY CONTEST~

June's Artsy Essay Contest

May's Artsy Essay Contest

April's Artsy Essay

Mind Pondering and Birthdays

March Artsy Essay

Safety First & Botanical Beauty

Dream Date

February's Artsy Essay Contest

Just a thought

In Shock

Something To Think About

2008

January 2008 Artsy Essay Contest

December's Artsy Essay Contest

Novembers Artsy Essay Contest

Humbling Experience

How Fragile We Are

Octobers Artsy Essay

September Artsy Essay Entry

September 11-Never Forgotten

In Memory

In Memory

In Memory

August Artsy Essay

Artsy Essay Entry

Artsy Essay Contest To Start

I Hope I'm as young as she at 93

The Mummers Dance

Open Arms

Book Review

Birthday Time

Beauty

For Judi

Rest In Peace

Dale Chihuly

King Neptune

Happy Valentines Day

"El Labirinto del Fauno" "Pan's Labyrinth"

Quote

My Best Friend

In Memory of Lost Loved Ones

Good Memories of Happy New Years

Merry Christmas

Baking

Fall Colors

Mill Creek Park

Two Word Survey

Just Want To Feel

The Wonderings Of My Mind

The Invitation

Summer Sun

Back To Writing

Soul Time

REMEMBER

Quote

The DaVinci Code

Tapestry