tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297237632024-03-14T08:00:40.684-07:00modern artifactsWithout Art, we are but Monkeys with keys.T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-45186449572138243312011-01-02T19:27:00.000-08:002011-01-02T20:49:40.379-08:00Cover Insets; Jewelry for handbound books<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiz5n7-qULalca39rQGAbfYESN3VKYoAdn3xcTdpi-a7WovWW93dUtpn0cn_mjFGok49-XYAt_Ug0Z_ENhCk4jzaYwhjDUMTRBrFiXjWZivPjul58wRuRm5rfuigyl-yJDKpZ/s1600/memory+cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557806194030460018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiz5n7-qULalca39rQGAbfYESN3VKYoAdn3xcTdpi-a7WovWW93dUtpn0cn_mjFGok49-XYAt_Ug0Z_ENhCk4jzaYwhjDUMTRBrFiXjWZivPjul58wRuRm5rfuigyl-yJDKpZ/s320/memory+cover.jpg" /></a>Placing insets on a cover of a handbound book is an easy way to make it more unique, more personal. Insets do take a bit of planning, but it doesn't take special tools to make one.<br /><br />In simple terms, a cover inset is simply an indentation or window in a book cover into which an object is placed.<br /><br />Here are some of the simple steps and some ideas for making your own book cover insets.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bs-EMv_wrz3o011t8DKaLSRggDV2GEusWbZKZA7wuxq4zU5itb_opvn1HKsPR0oz-t7Hl41QyEauDmzwOWAS4I811xGLr7gR6Ij3aPpvZ2UoPEt3xmwoCKdOkGQHv-JSysMA/s1600/elephant+inset.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557800091162766002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bs-EMv_wrz3o011t8DKaLSRggDV2GEusWbZKZA7wuxq4zU5itb_opvn1HKsPR0oz-t7Hl41QyEauDmzwOWAS4I811xGLr7gR6Ij3aPpvZ2UoPEt3xmwoCKdOkGQHv-JSysMA/s320/elephant+inset.jpg" /></a>In this example, a polymer clay tile of an elephant will be inset into the book's cover. Before any cover stock is adhered to the book board, the tile is positioned and its outside edges traced onto the cover.<br /><br />I generally add 1/16" of an inch on two adjoining edges to the cutout, allowing a 1/32" border space around the inset item. This allows for the space taken up by the cover stock inside the cutout and permits a tight fit.<br /><br />Using a razor knife, the opening is cut out, but only cutting into a depth of about 1/3 to 1/2 the thickness of the board. This takes some practice, but it's easier to estimate by placing your blade next to the edge of the board to see how deep the blade should go to only cut partially into the board.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT5SfnfQqjEKXUBx-5XFALSFqGfhWqZceoarTu6p9enRx7EW6svFWIu90JJyxF1y2YJU-gl1FoyOABg8TVyQsxa_-nM6lYHRDM3FWfrPKJCQkyrKRO_K8tzrOuNS9lOnKE9Wb/s1600/autographs+insert.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 180px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557802991204075394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT5SfnfQqjEKXUBx-5XFALSFqGfhWqZceoarTu6p9enRx7EW6svFWIu90JJyxF1y2YJU-gl1FoyOABg8TVyQsxa_-nM6lYHRDM3FWfrPKJCQkyrKRO_K8tzrOuNS9lOnKE9Wb/s320/autographs+insert.jpg" /></a><br />Using an awl, layers of board board are picked away and removed from the cutout section. The inside of the cutout is smoothed with a wood chisel and a small bit of sandpaper to get it flat all the way across the bottom of the cutout.<br /><br />The depth of the cutout is generally determined by the thickness of the item being inset. In the example on the right, the elephant icon tile was thicker than the Scrabble tiles, requiring it to be inset slightly deeper than the letter tiles.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26Dxp-vB-I-GXxa6mTgLzluCeIRkzicdJkr8mO0xIldKcmuCHl3HDItZJoahmv9-9sivOdOT6fEdkX-pNPpnuQh7G5YWagxn8uIXc5YtDv7F87N_EHJfzeEKmHN6B7IzXeOJG/s1600/autograph+cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 172px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557803770105258642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26Dxp-vB-I-GXxa6mTgLzluCeIRkzicdJkr8mO0xIldKcmuCHl3HDItZJoahmv9-9sivOdOT6fEdkX-pNPpnuQh7G5YWagxn8uIXc5YtDv7F87N_EHJfzeEKmHN6B7IzXeOJG/s320/autograph+cover.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><p></p>After the cover stock is glued to the bookboard, it is pushed into the inset with a bonefolder to allow the inset item to be attached. Cutting an "X" in the middle of the coverstock makes it easier to push it into the cutout.<br /><br />As shown in the example, the autograph book was further embellished with beads strung around the binding posts.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPvMQXm-4Fpwh13Jt1RlOfK6y9DZa809b1Od-je0k7cBxSeMJilpmO1YvC1kaPZCRB3HgBeAFVt2uo6qmfAO1L1mZSm9Od11922u6l2D-ibDffS5SZH-tsiJO5DtF_Jdjow5T/s1600/slide+titles.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557808027417114194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPvMQXm-4Fpwh13Jt1RlOfK6y9DZa809b1Od-je0k7cBxSeMJilpmO1YvC1kaPZCRB3HgBeAFVt2uo6qmfAO1L1mZSm9Od11922u6l2D-ibDffS5SZH-tsiJO5DtF_Jdjow5T/s320/slide+titles.jpg" /></a>A simple way to make an inset object is to wrap a cut microscope slide with adhesive copper tape, holding a home-printed title in place behind the glass. </p><br />In the examples to the right, the tape was treated to Liver of Sulfur to give it an interesting patina.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPn-522ILcvGQgl7OxY3vJW8MXyA7F99MDpFiMzFjcq_-kPuqAqzJJWUC9L4liHMEp3cq_1iuk0tq4zFiSM7Ji-CZdxzHdqDoSH_hMb-1bZqP-L5qlRu6TR0dpsyqgEReNadFm/s1600/memory+insert.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557805929532169026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPn-522ILcvGQgl7OxY3vJW8MXyA7F99MDpFiMzFjcq_-kPuqAqzJJWUC9L4liHMEp3cq_1iuk0tq4zFiSM7Ji-CZdxzHdqDoSH_hMb-1bZqP-L5qlRu6TR0dpsyqgEReNadFm/s320/memory+insert.jpg" /></a><br />As in the earlier example, the bookboard is cut out to the desired size and depth, then smoothed with sandpaper and a wood chisel.<br /><br />Taking a little extra time to smooth out the cutout section really makes a big difference later on. This permits the inset item to rest more evenly inside the cutout section, making it more secure.<br /><br />Some additional ideas for insets include:<br /><br />Cut a window all the way through the cover and glue a thinner sheet of chipboard behind it to create an indentation in the cover. It is advised to start with thinner book board since you'll be laminating an additional layer to create the inset.<br /><br />Use a Dremel power tool like a miniature wood router to remove the board from the cutout section. This works pretty well, but a great deal of airborne bits of book board results. It can be pretty messy and fills the air with paper fiber.<br /><br />Any sort of item can be placed within the inset, but it is advised that it has a flat back side to make gluing easier and more secure.<br /><br />Consider stitching or using other ways (rivets, brads, twisted wire) to hold the inset item in place. If desired, the holders are seen as part of the cover's design aesthetic.T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-2410406540555667682010-03-22T15:08:00.000-07:002011-01-02T21:00:41.340-08:00Triptych: "El Corazon De Sufrimiento"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4TfUjMkHM9FjPoY2n9z6JL2euezw4eGYCkJrTmnUzTz2pZysY4VPwbn2wVz7Fk8CVl41MZY1Db1UEqHmzfKV2BpB8oZQY_ekfOEgnJf18gAKtY6Yid4VxqaGdgmSZM9igZm-/s1600-h/La+Dama.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 173px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451586423602095298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4TfUjMkHM9FjPoY2n9z6JL2euezw4eGYCkJrTmnUzTz2pZysY4VPwbn2wVz7Fk8CVl41MZY1Db1UEqHmzfKV2BpB8oZQY_ekfOEgnJf18gAKtY6Yid4VxqaGdgmSZM9igZm-/s320/La+Dama.jpg" /></a>My triptych mixed media painting "El Corazon de Sufrimiento" was finished in time for the previously mentioned Vox Sacramento art show. It received some good notices from attendees and the press, all of which is a good thing. It did not sell which initially disappointed me. However, after it was returned I was actually pleased to have it for my own to display at home.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXZ05Aa3_rIUAnYOSYFpjQhqqZwAEWaBvCTS_6tuciiATIvzchuGaOr7n4619saJzSbP_WKokeorYsyIZIheFsDDVgO1sy3K9dF0Aptt4HIe5iZRp7gZUTqQbQkI9j167n4d8/s1600-h/El+Catrin.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 182px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 269px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451586060163093794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXZ05Aa3_rIUAnYOSYFpjQhqqZwAEWaBvCTS_6tuciiATIvzchuGaOr7n4619saJzSbP_WKokeorYsyIZIheFsDDVgO1sy3K9dF0Aptt4HIe5iZRp7gZUTqQbQkI9j167n4d8/s320/El+Catrin.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The two small canvases "La Dama Sirena" and "El Catrin Muerte" utilized a few image transfer techniques, collage and encaustic wax applications. The center canvas was similarly finished, but as mentioned in an earlier post included an acrylic painting.<br /><br />The work certainly conveyed what I hoped it could. Love can be incredibly joyous but can bring unbelievable pain. Sometimes simultaneously.<br /><br /><br />Archetypal imagery was used throughout, although those archetypes have been altered and played around with just a bit as well. The inherent narrative was left somewhat accessible, I try not to be too enigmatic.<br /><br /><br />In addition to it all, I got to play around with Mexican pop culture imagery, which I appreciate and am drawn to much.<br /><br /><br />The other aspect of this exercise that was appreciated is that the deadline for a show can truly motivate me to "get the damned thing done" and live with the resultant work. Plan, execute and release.<br /><br /><br /><p></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 426px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 237px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451587390410367490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGD6vrMX1dE0dfuUk5TgrpPLcgQvhgt76eqfiO5A5MZXtJIppzKWCGehG8vkhamQXStRRGa2vofl7roxCBoi3D5fh8Qfe7cmtixDnhF0PsLHDVMZCGr4w5Jeud4x57n_pGiVN6/s400/TripB.jpg" /><br /><p></p>T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-62468458930309756712010-01-17T13:49:00.000-08:002011-01-02T21:01:31.447-08:00El Corazon De Sufrimiento: WIPI'm on the downhill side of a mixed-media piece that will be comprised of three (maybe more) canvases. Not really a triptych in the traditional sense as each canvas could be displayed alone, but when grouped together create a more cohesive, interesting work. <div><br /><div>I'm making it for the Vox Sacramento February Show, "Love: Let Me Count The Ways." Vox Sacramento is a non-profit artist <a href="http://www.voxsac.com/">http://www.voxsac.com/</a> that regularly host unique art-centric events all year. I will post more on Vox later, but I invite you to check them out, as they are a good group of dedicated, art minded folks.</div><br /><div>I'm sending a few things in for this show and this work focuses on the incredible joy and devastating pain that love can bring. As you can see, it is still a work in progress.</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-izhJQLLBbpCj-3vFAmAWD8HHr494IWZDjWXtaDxTn0zS4rutI0j-QqReARa57GMRZmjZUIabbSmP2Q9tmxa3zQG7d5XRtPwW0LWuA5JRcDcPUwDu8ir_u2RFgxQx4OFVjM7F/s1600-h/corazon3.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 220px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 146px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427832542292435586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-izhJQLLBbpCj-3vFAmAWD8HHr494IWZDjWXtaDxTn0zS4rutI0j-QqReARa57GMRZmjZUIabbSmP2Q9tmxa3zQG7d5XRtPwW0LWuA5JRcDcPUwDu8ir_u2RFgxQx4OFVjM7F/s320/corazon3.JPG" /></a></div><div></div><div>The foundation is based on card #27, El Corazon of the Lorteria game. It was painted with acrylics.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_DDyGHZ6KtM6rVb8o1CLKx7htIm8aasErA3XzdwdfQ6HDE6ho4dfOiFxWi0FYkqZ9A37nQTLGN2CeJhxsyrWqbCHt-F2EdJl940DraECok2TjCCx1pMJsYUSYr2nVd-x0F0V/s1600-h/Corazon+4.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 210px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427833214416904018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_DDyGHZ6KtM6rVb8o1CLKx7htIm8aasErA3XzdwdfQ6HDE6ho4dfOiFxWi0FYkqZ9A37nQTLGN2CeJhxsyrWqbCHt-F2EdJl940DraECok2TjCCx1pMJsYUSYr2nVd-x0F0V/s320/Corazon+4.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Collage elements have been added to the foundation image. These elements consist of a vintage photo, a love poem fragment and an EKG of someone whose heart has stopped and then started again.</div><div></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic11TpSrFWts9EOEOGpjqmr6QDPBEyaQfgxQtKj4l7AcTosR0Xq278MhmJ2CSJfDi3mldpATonmKwfH7qDBCD7FH4VvlF9PuArdjUgfPfdxFm7nWwGZixq55z141i0K0N6vPZS/s1600-h/corazon+6.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 287px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 181px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427833833448949858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic11TpSrFWts9EOEOGpjqmr6QDPBEyaQfgxQtKj4l7AcTosR0Xq278MhmJ2CSJfDi3mldpATonmKwfH7qDBCD7FH4VvlF9PuArdjUgfPfdxFm7nWwGZixq55z141i0K0N6vPZS/s320/corazon+6.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div></div><div>A carved wooden arrow has been added to the canvas as well as a few small words near the bottom of the heart image. A few more words will be added to complete the sentence before the entire canvas is coated with encaustic wax.</div><div></div><div>I will post additional photos as I progress on this canvas and begin the other two.</div><div></div><div>I guess better get busy, boys and girls.<br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div>T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-25430142766940768412009-04-12T17:21:00.001-07:002011-01-02T21:02:29.965-08:00Altered Art: Vintage Bottles & Micro Slides - Final Round<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0ARBerVds2woxXkRqorSpIHEOWUKzkDbcmcv6-6hpq31a8bJPWIPY93u47l5jnbSXDbx8RS0a3hK2X9oGGG4ezJgHP6xgDN20FPBNHvmPBRzPp0pzXis2rPnb7XD692h3j9C/s1600-h/Leap+of+faith.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 299px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323966573369287090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0ARBerVds2woxXkRqorSpIHEOWUKzkDbcmcv6-6hpq31a8bJPWIPY93u47l5jnbSXDbx8RS0a3hK2X9oGGG4ezJgHP6xgDN20FPBNHvmPBRzPp0pzXis2rPnb7XD692h3j9C/s320/Leap+of+faith.jpg" /></a><br />After being prompted to present some work by a dear art friend, Jill Allyn Stafford (who is a wonderful collage artist, btw)at an artist's co-op show. VOX Sacramento is a group of dedicated artists in a variety of mediums who put on regular gallery showings in the Sacramento area. Their "GREEN" show seemed a perfect theme for my work using old bottles and other discarded ephemera.<br /><br />However, merely showing an altered bottle wasn't quite up to the standards I imagined they anticipated, so I knew I had to step up my game a bit.<br /><br />The result was a unique way to display the altered bottles on a shelf-like background as seen in these photos.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhp1VUizffNur4k5RyV84jmYfOEZo2P0tz_E8FjASUYMRbinSmM22rGf37jHoMnxEwMvvRvtiy-iijKEDrSqDk_XrkbL0FaaC2I5a7vCH8FTOXUGCP6x9HQ1B_1rjktFhm_DYf/s1600-h/Mother+Nature"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 245px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323967158347439810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhp1VUizffNur4k5RyV84jmYfOEZo2P0tz_E8FjASUYMRbinSmM22rGf37jHoMnxEwMvvRvtiy-iijKEDrSqDk_XrkbL0FaaC2I5a7vCH8FTOXUGCP6x9HQ1B_1rjktFhm_DYf/s320/Mother+Nature%27s+Son.jpg" /></a><br />After these first few were completed, my creative juices began to flow a bit and I think I can improve on these first attempts even more. However, I am pleased with the results and believe that these assemblage works are just the beginning.<br /><br />The upper piece is called "Leap of Faith," and incorporates the use of tape transfers, soldering, a painted and stenciled background as well as the micro slice "charm" which dominates the work.<br /><br />The lower work is called "Mother Nature's Son" and like the other one, utilizes micro slides to even more advantage due to the collages that appear within the slides.<br /><br />There are other things on the work that you cannot see from the photos, but make it even more personally significant.<br /><br />Oh yeah, if you're interested, these are for sale. Email me with any inquiries you may have.<br /><br />I guess it's time to get one of those Etsy shops. All the cool kids are doing it, right?T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-27528277987350397172009-01-10T10:56:00.000-08:002009-01-11T10:38:39.991-08:00Punch Needle - Funk Factor?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhy3cmwviTGjoONcQN3qVWz8uBv5E_BjLT2VNqZ4TeaVoQRe4K8vHpi4cxB7Sl_d6zpRlLb8T30SiQ_rjfqeYVwjJAZEn9fbutXTXTuB4daVoLcnUleCdRQK3jZmJH9GIssf1/s1600-h/Punch+needle+heart.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289743716769910418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 187px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhy3cmwviTGjoONcQN3qVWz8uBv5E_BjLT2VNqZ4TeaVoQRe4K8vHpi4cxB7Sl_d6zpRlLb8T30SiQ_rjfqeYVwjJAZEn9fbutXTXTuB4daVoLcnUleCdRQK3jZmJH9GIssf1/s320/Punch+needle+heart.JPG" border="0" /></a>It was just about a year ago that I was suffering from a killer cold and severe cabin fever. My old friend, television offered no solace and only bored me to the point of anger. Looking for something to occupy some time and concentration I took a trip to Michael's for inspiration. Or at least some distraction.<br /><br />That's when I found a "punch needle" heart design kit, made by Dimensions.<br /><div></div><div>I immediately thought that the resulting project would be useful for hand made cards, small gifty things and inclusions in hand bound books.</div><div><br /></div><div>Like many projects, I finished the first and then let the idea sit idle for a long time. Like, for a year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just before the holidays, I picked up another kit (colorful coffee cups) and finished it. The original idea was to make a smallish picture to hang in a kitchen. But after it was done, the finished product was less than desirable, quality-wise. </div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iRJ7aOYSp1XG_fCUV31784o0WtlOLeLdcwA0GIvSKuaRmyAlLbPlKZrAx0SqoSaYoHmbUvRtU0RLFjixj8pcbFSepYCJGIl96R2e-Ajin5Sek9caLZG-zxDHbuIM9fvncDr5/s1600-h/Java+Punchneedle.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289746321648661058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 295px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iRJ7aOYSp1XG_fCUV31784o0WtlOLeLdcwA0GIvSKuaRmyAlLbPlKZrAx0SqoSaYoHmbUvRtU0RLFjixj8pcbFSepYCJGIl96R2e-Ajin5Sek9caLZG-zxDHbuIM9fvncDr5/s320/Java+Punchneedle.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah, it looked okay, but it was just...I don't know...a little "precious." It was just this side of being too cute, too obviously "crafty" and maybe just a bit too much like something Grandma would hang in her hallway.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now don't get me wrong. I love ALL handcrafted items. I appreciate the work, dedication and skill that goes into making any hand made chotchke. I just don't like to put some of it on the wall. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>The piece has to either be very fine or have a certain "funk factor" present before I will display it.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>I freakin' love paint-by-numbers (PBN) paintings, but there are few that have the desired funk factor. I've got a couple of friends, Kelly Sue DeConnick and Jody Jean Saltz who have the greatest thrift store PBN painting collections I've seen. Kelly Sue's collection of Kimono clad ladies and Jody Jean's religious-themed paintings are amazing. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Their collections truly reflects a high level of funk factor.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>The punch needle stuff straddles that line in my eyes. At least on the stuff I am making at present. Maybe because it's relatively easy to get a minimally satisfactory result or perhaps it's just a little too sweet. The jury is still out, but in the meantime, I will continue to dabble with punch needle which will please my wife since I've invested in some higher end tools to work with. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>In coming up with a more satisfying project, I recalled the fuzzy, touch-and-feel books made for little tykes that my baby sister enjoyed. With that in mind, I've started to assemble appropriate designs to include in a hand crafted version. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>It will contain various animals, maybe 4-5 in total, all bound together using a simple Coptic stitch. The fuzzy pictures will be inserted on heavy pages, the images viewed through a cut-out.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqs0Z36BYmiPR_EB4ooHO9aFUpGSozOgt1qriYn67TBZ5SeZwYGW2PBGk5SuOb-sMqR0BS2YQp5hcBDLvLsKeqzJEBc4evZ2MRyHI48cBMzKjTyT90HOOS_NGW9Tm99EPmcivf/s1600-h/Giraffe+punch+embroidery.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289748959783363650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 284px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 190px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqs0Z36BYmiPR_EB4ooHO9aFUpGSozOgt1qriYn67TBZ5SeZwYGW2PBGk5SuOb-sMqR0BS2YQp5hcBDLvLsKeqzJEBc4evZ2MRyHI48cBMzKjTyT90HOOS_NGW9Tm99EPmcivf/s320/Giraffe+punch+embroidery.JPG" border="0" /></a>The first of the images is of a grouping of funny giraffes and I admit being satisfied with the end result.</div><div></div><div>Having some trouble finding acceptable images for the rest of the pages is proving frustrating. I've decided to just draw my own and go for it.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The patterns are made coloring book style and since the characters are not realistic but more cartoony, it shouldn't be too difficult to make them. I'll update as they come together.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br />In my searches for patterns, I came across a fiber artist that has elevated this weekend pastime above mere craft to true art. <a href="http://www.missystevens.com/index.html">Missy Stevens</a> is perhaps the finest artist working in this medium. Her punch needle embroidery, and other fiber art, is remarkable.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpp4lALLLxdx6OiCkmUPyP-s-NsGgU7o4tI9-xA50VZly55DhtnxYwbAGQLtkeP1gsord5LcLoIFUg03a4l4OZoE0GBk2ju_4RocbVJ1tFuSga5iaZ5tNqMW52soMU7EbsYUk/s1600-h/SeaTree.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289755046859277474" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 244px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpp4lALLLxdx6OiCkmUPyP-s-NsGgU7o4tI9-xA50VZly55DhtnxYwbAGQLtkeP1gsord5LcLoIFUg03a4l4OZoE0GBk2ju_4RocbVJ1tFuSga5iaZ5tNqMW52soMU7EbsYUk/s320/SeaTree.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br />Her work is striking. Her pieces have been featured in numerous books and magazine articles, displyed in craft museums, exclusive collections and sell at high-end galleries. </div><div></div><br />Yeah, no funk factor here. <div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iRJ7aOYSp1XG_fCUV31784o0WtlOLeLdcwA0GIvSKuaRmyAlLbPlKZrAx0SqoSaYoHmbUvRtU0RLFjixj8pcbFSepYCJGIl96R2e-Ajin5Sek9caLZG-zxDHbuIM9fvncDr5/s1600-h/Java+Punchneedle.JPG"></a></div>T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-27713072104637053682008-11-10T23:01:00.001-08:002011-01-02T21:03:32.854-08:00Altered Bottles - Next Steps<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT97t4FCOC87YKLhdkqKcgE1JlBAdtwXl_MrXvjqhLVWmi8PUAh9SuLuVO2D1uAnOotIORD5_xf8F_vr0csI8auSe1CL68YbkBdIcifgrOZ2ukzFH3GO-4f1NixtthalkPNSiV/s1600-h/Jenn+and+Ts+Bottle+Set.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267292102583888402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT97t4FCOC87YKLhdkqKcgE1JlBAdtwXl_MrXvjqhLVWmi8PUAh9SuLuVO2D1uAnOotIORD5_xf8F_vr0csI8auSe1CL68YbkBdIcifgrOZ2ukzFH3GO-4f1NixtthalkPNSiV/s320/Jenn+and+Ts+Bottle+Set.jpg" /></a><br />Jenn Francis and I spent the good part of the day attaching things to vintage bottles. This time, we both upped the ante and attempted to go beyond what others have done with this artsy craft idea.<br /><br />After our initial trials and eventual success in securing shells to bottles and then applying an interesting patina to the solder, we knew that there was more to this than being merely decorative.<br /><br />The easiest and quickest thing to do was to place things; sand, beach glass and smooth river stones inside the bottles. These internal elements provide some stability to the top-heavy finished product but also it looks cool.<br /><br />Jenn then placed a place card holder (an element orginally produced by Seven Gypsies) made from twisted wire. Suddenly, the bottle had function and provided an additional option for adding a written statement of some sort to the thing.<br /><br />I gathered together some microscope slide "charms" (made by sandwiching mini-collages between the slides which are then sealed with copper tape and solder) to add even more visual elements to the bottle.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8-1d5opqPUvXD8oj-II3ghDmORRd2LC6RCgYnBmWbJHT0maaRxt_8rOK5eRXW6t8_D_qp796jCdQsZbCwHpuVTkciFEW-MyYOsZOTxbWR2PNcE4nAcyFUyyngvCebQ6faBB_/s1600-h/Ts+bottle+set.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 221px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267294504004440098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8-1d5opqPUvXD8oj-II3ghDmORRd2LC6RCgYnBmWbJHT0maaRxt_8rOK5eRXW6t8_D_qp796jCdQsZbCwHpuVTkciFEW-MyYOsZOTxbWR2PNcE4nAcyFUyyngvCebQ6faBB_/s320/Ts+bottle+set.jpg" /></a><br />This proved to open the project to many more possibilities for artistic expression, again beyond the merely decorative.<br /><br />After we gathered them together, it was agreed it would be difficult to break up the set...or that to create new, complete and cohesive sets of altered bottles.<br /><br />My next step is to just go into multiples that can be seen as an assemblage made up of individual pieces grouped together.<br /><br />Also, attaching something other than the expected shells is a natural progression. I've tried large pieces of glass and slides.<br /><br />Next steps - more found objects as well as other natural objects.<br /><br />Stay tuned.<br /><br />NOTE: The patina on the solder still needs to be applied to many of the pictured bottles.T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-42572677594680041442008-09-14T22:25:00.000-07:002008-09-14T22:31:30.984-07:00Bad Words: A New BlogSequestering the art and craft goodness from my feeble attempts writing by moving the bad poetry and other text-based junk to my new blog: <a href="http://t2-words.blogspot.com/">Bad Words</a> .<br /><br />Lots of old crap to be moved first and then I'll add newer stuff as it floats to the top.<br /><br />Thanks to the three of you who read this tripe. If you're suffering from insomnia, this may help.T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-74342998997891980772008-06-02T20:18:00.000-07:002008-12-08T15:39:40.965-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zH6ioJIcys0WmnNgc5kjfLSW33vuEwd3g60h-NiR_Ic5wOkmkknHpSjp0H77LO_1-_gJr9nEozHTwZQ1EJ-WYy3pDSFnPA_5qkyE_0rMy5clft66Ro2vuHiFHm9zwu5u_zhK/s1600-h/12224g1.jpg"></a><div><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Summer Day</span></strong><br /><br />Who made the world?<br />Who made the swan, and the black bear?<br />Who made the grasshopper? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RXQn8dxdXooQ6mTHFaxLsOn2bDu0aH1pgC0LVdDKh2H6lOHqRPuFNY4r0ZXBP2H23wI_HS9-U8CXXesZgXDEt5C2FOrGCkvkwW7D_LibponEONhQwvgtLnZGDDSNPoMD_nwZ/s1600-h/summer+day.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207493852994823970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RXQn8dxdXooQ6mTHFaxLsOn2bDu0aH1pgC0LVdDKh2H6lOHqRPuFNY4r0ZXBP2H23wI_HS9-U8CXXesZgXDEt5C2FOrGCkvkwW7D_LibponEONhQwvgtLnZGDDSNPoMD_nwZ/s320/summer+day.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This grasshopper I mean—<br />the one who has flung herself out of the grass,<br />the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,<br />who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down—<br />Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.<br />Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.<br />I don’t know exactly what a prayer is.<br />I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down<br />into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,<br />how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,<br />which is what I have been doing all day.<br />Tell me, what else should I have done?<br />Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?<br />Tell me, what is it you plan to do<br />with your one wild and precious life?</span></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><em>Mary Oliver</em></div><div><br /></div><div><em></em></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">This poem has always spoken to me, but I am again open to such voices whispering and sometimes shouting at me to listen. Having spent time in nature again as of late, I am reminded of the imporantance of such things as paying attention to God's creations and in doing so, commit a kind of prayer. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><br /><br />How many gifts and blessings have been provided me, I cannot begin to enumerate for the count is indeed higher than I probably know. But I am grateful for those who have come into my life and for the love they give and hope I show that love in return. I am grateful for the moments shared and the moments alone during which the common and the unique can be viewed as precious. </span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><br /><br />For these things and all the others that may seem trivial to some, I thank the universe and the spirit found within it. Truly and repeatedly I will tell you, I am a blessed man.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I do not try to equate science to concepts of God. One is spirit, one is of the mind. They are separate and they are one. There is no conflict as I do not try to prove the presence of one with the ways of the other. </span></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">There is truth in both.</span></div>T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-25461158205411948062008-03-12T10:28:00.000-07:002008-03-12T14:02:09.420-07:00The Game of Art<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/2328630128_91846116a5_b.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 217px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 555px" height="603" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/2328630128_91846116a5_b.jpg" border="0" /></a>The “Arts de Mer Cruise” is an annual three-day art and craft excursion on the high seas of the Pacific Ocean that sails from San Pedro to Ensenada, Mexico. Anne Garcia, the cruise organizer, gathers some of the top crafted arts instructors on the circuit who teach a series of workshops to the cruisers on a variety of projects and art processes. This year’s theme was, “The Game of Art”.<br /><br />This year marked my fourth year of involvement with the event and Susan and I treat this as a fun getaway and reunion with dear friends and like-minded art / craft enthusiasts. The workshop I presented was the making of a wooden box using picture frames and bits of wood lath. In essence, we altered the frame to serve as the bottom and lid of the box.<br /><br />The blank wood served as an empty canvas onto which various surface design treatments could be utilized. The lid also provided opportunities for interpretation and design as collage elements and other embellishments could be applied or by using the acrylic sheet that came with the frame, the box’s lid could remain clear, allowing one to look inside. Oh yeah, the interior of the box also offered opportunities for decoration or other treatments.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2327780821_8001361ce5_b.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 277px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px" height="240" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2327780821_8001361ce5_b.jpg" border="0" /></a> As is the case with all my workshops, the students always come up with unique approaches and ideas. I was delighted with the quality of the work and the creativity displayed with each finished project. Shown here are just a few of the many interpretations expressed by the workshop participants. Good work, folks.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2210/2328601098_9330e191c6_b.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2210/2328601098_9330e191c6_b.jpg" border="0" /></a>Although we look forward to each Arts de Mer cruise, we were informed that due to the reassignment of the ship, there won’t be a 2009 cruise. Anne is furiously working on a new event for later this year or early 2009 but until things are more settled with the cruise line, it appears that we may need to wait until 2010 to cruise with this fun crew.T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-894951712142592062008-02-24T21:31:00.000-08:002008-12-08T15:39:41.865-08:00Next Project - Henry Leo's GiraffeGoing to try sewing again. I've needed to use it about half a dozen times lately but need a project to get back in practice.<br /><br />While picking up supplies for my workshop, we spied the pattern below and knew that our psuedo-nephew needed one of these.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7gEeYuvtAIWFBnTiOJ-5jSNhBtrTLLAHWotI1H-geUFloGL_d4k_bOu2Lt-PG0KvcVZlKDgPphWw1O21ITfAPzBYwv4QzP0DwpNYSHkrROuNJlccom-grx78076BU9G77jgp/s1600-h/IMG_0002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170786973683096818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7gEeYuvtAIWFBnTiOJ-5jSNhBtrTLLAHWotI1H-geUFloGL_d4k_bOu2Lt-PG0KvcVZlKDgPphWw1O21ITfAPzBYwv4QzP0DwpNYSHkrROuNJlccom-grx78076BU9G77jgp/s320/IMG_0002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But I also knew that just any old color scheme would suffice, so I found the fabrics scanned below.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170787875626229010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJikkfvc1_BQxhsOaTqTu7z8seZGt0eJVIzwiMxdCve8q5sPWLMVkNxFC6nxgD5gsm6zo8TDaZeAsBOC66xmC6GN7M2IQL74Z9hom-l3VJSdnaMRs72zBNoOuxOuMrqLnj63VC/s320/IMG.jpg" border="0" /> I've got until July of this year to finish. No problem, he says. Hopefully it will look something like a giraffe and not a three-legged horse. With horns.T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-53938621671425084442008-02-24T12:26:00.000-08:002008-12-08T15:39:41.978-08:00Altered Art Boxes - Loteria and Le JeuTwo samples for the upcoming Arts de Mer Cruise. The theme this year is "The Game of Art."<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170646558317288674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gXOWun1qDD4uuHK-si_l5Q2-ZEWlDLOxMz31b1x1I4pWHzx-REkTVRKQHQ4fF611S8zp7D_daClOVsam8Zx3snAop6jumHtLA3M0E-WtTkG1LM9132SCjO8P1ErxhT7eSU5r/s320/DSCN2497.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />I've got at least one more to finish as well as building a few in stages for demo purposes. Having a good time with these. </p><p>You will notice a change from the original "Loteria" box. Re-worked it completely, actually.<br /></p>T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-84521319249112895512008-02-09T23:05:00.000-08:002011-01-02T21:06:37.588-08:00Loteria Box - "Altered Art"This March will mark the fourth year of teaching a short workshop on the Arts de Mer cruise. Mary Jo McGraw, Tim Holtz and Robin Knutson will also be presenting their cool stuff as well.<br /><br />The theme this year is "The Game of Art" so in keeping with the theme, my workshop participants will be creating a box that can be used to hold game pieces, playing cards, ATC's or whatever else strikes their creative fancy.<br /><br />The initial project was a paper-based box project, but given the time constraints involved and the complexity of proper box making, I changed course last month and began to look at various objects trying to determine if it could be altered into a box-like structure.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXbHYnUYQBEGtHfdp8bPsP8JErK_xe7uLvG4FmTwNxMzbY6SMvL5K-_dClR-ybt4gevC8Kfy-vdN7wQ2jux6-exQ703fTaIlgphTOaARk-FFuAFfb3ZU-lW0g9NWr9cH81sWj/s1600-h/DSCN2339.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165248258292668066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXbHYnUYQBEGtHfdp8bPsP8JErK_xe7uLvG4FmTwNxMzbY6SMvL5K-_dClR-ybt4gevC8Kfy-vdN7wQ2jux6-exQ703fTaIlgphTOaARk-FFuAFfb3ZU-lW0g9NWr9cH81sWj/s200/DSCN2339.JPG" /></a>While in IKEA recently, I spied a pile of smallish picture frames and the project came together immediately.<br /><br />The frames are stripped of everything except the actual wooden frame to serve as the box's top and bottom. The sides are made of wood lath, carefully cut to fit within the frame.<br /><br />Chipboard, thin luan ply or mat board is fitted into the frame to serve as the box's lid and bottom. The lid should be collaged or enhanced before the rest of the box is painted.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95P-akKvLpauRw4durMT1VkKRFmYS6341p45GgxJ2CfZOYi_k1Aoi8MfG37sEhMSPE5s3pag69kvNUdQ1SEmzi9G23aRhTrppDtA9zuYulJOp5pwBop2OTqD1RfO_pJEVBI6V/s1600-h/DSCN2342.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165248266882602674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95P-akKvLpauRw4durMT1VkKRFmYS6341p45GgxJ2CfZOYi_k1Aoi8MfG37sEhMSPE5s3pag69kvNUdQ1SEmzi9G23aRhTrppDtA9zuYulJOp5pwBop2OTqD1RfO_pJEVBI6V/s200/DSCN2342.JPG" /></a>Once dry, the box may be painted, finished or otherwise embellished as desired.<br /><br />In keeping with the cruise's theme, I've used images from the Mexican game of "Loteria."<br /><br />I love Loteria images and could almost see them used as a kind of Tarot, as each image seems to have a story to tell well beyond the label each one is assigned.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYJSUZgRZ2_fl25CzGFsrJwxriUX0XHbmKrTOKwmd6DLIqDCgCLjBpHi92Y96NXIwLsGOzXD-HrLqNaUsMnspjbu5iQ81QBNGyfgWwLCuoTrzoQQmWg-zJOGew_lZbzyPTW7b/s1600-h/DSCN2347.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165248279767504578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYJSUZgRZ2_fl25CzGFsrJwxriUX0XHbmKrTOKwmd6DLIqDCgCLjBpHi92Y96NXIwLsGOzXD-HrLqNaUsMnspjbu5iQ81QBNGyfgWwLCuoTrzoQQmWg-zJOGew_lZbzyPTW7b/s200/DSCN2347.JPG" /></a>The legs of the box are made of chess pawns.<br /><br />I'll probably touch up the finish as I got a little carried away with the "distressing" and I may place wee handles on each side of the lid. We'll see.<br /><br />I've got to make a couple more samples in differing heights, but it is late and my muse is already snoring loudly in my ears.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsq5Pwbk-lj6jDu_iad1FW4Tff-nz9i1NebWMAucsbmtkt2mlBTiukt4DscnAP3SAS0DFupW3eH0CDC9IulGLJJ0tnL1nk7hFPIHBaoCeZLDK4TPL1K4Vcog-n9M2M_oNgKsT/s1600-h/DSCN2348.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165248284062471890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsq5Pwbk-lj6jDu_iad1FW4Tff-nz9i1NebWMAucsbmtkt2mlBTiukt4DscnAP3SAS0DFupW3eH0CDC9IulGLJJ0tnL1nk7hFPIHBaoCeZLDK4TPL1K4Vcog-n9M2M_oNgKsT/s200/DSCN2348.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsq5Pwbk-lj6jDu_iad1FW4Tff-nz9i1NebWMAucsbmtkt2mlBTiukt4DscnAP3SAS0DFupW3eH0CDC9IulGLJJ0tnL1nk7hFPIHBaoCeZLDK4TPL1K4Vcog-n9M2M_oNgKsT/s1600-h/DSCN2348.JPG"></a>T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-49256043278657792022008-02-02T12:09:00.000-08:002008-12-08T15:39:42.551-08:00Miss you, Dad<span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#000099;"><strong><em>Harley Clifford "Lefty" Tyson: Sept 5, 1928 - Feb 8, 1998</em></strong></span><br /><br />It will be ten years in a week that my father died. Last night, I dreamed of him. It was another one of the vivid dreams that I've been having lately and I recalled almost all of it upon awakening.<br /><br />I remember talking to him as he reassured me in that "everything's goin' to be fine," tone he was good at delivering. He was generally right, not always, but usually his optimism was on target. I've done my best to adapt that outlook.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9u6FS1MZFzJWFlX_b5ZD1frTx4QCcj1QesKIGOjtNTFoIqXoXu0vpaRZ07_0Nr4v4CWh9qUMw77adr6gLrg2QE3t2B9_dIunc8DqDFP8jd5NnRDq7cBQpIVIprGegw66OW9x/s1600-h/Dad.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162989188944253378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9u6FS1MZFzJWFlX_b5ZD1frTx4QCcj1QesKIGOjtNTFoIqXoXu0vpaRZ07_0Nr4v4CWh9qUMw77adr6gLrg2QE3t2B9_dIunc8DqDFP8jd5NnRDq7cBQpIVIprGegw66OW9x/s200/Dad.jpg" border="0" /></a>In this dream he hugged me strongly, warmly and kissed me on my forehead. I always thought that Dad had the strongest arms and he was unashamed to kiss his sons. As he turned to leave, my brother arrived and noticed I was crying. I told him about seeing Dad.<br /><br />He turned to follow him and I warned him that "Jim, it's only a dream, but you better hurry if you want to see him." He thanked me and caught up with him for a bit before returning to tell me, "Yeah...only a dream. But, shit, it was good to see him."<br /><br />Not much else remains of last night's dream, but I do realize it is the second time I've seen and talked to him in as many weeks. Life is a bit stressful right now, so it's no wonder I've turned to him for comfort.<br /><br />Thanks, Pop. I think things will be okay...just need to get through this rough patch.<br /><br />He wasn't a perfect man, but he was truly a man. And a truly good-hearted one. He loved life, the smell of lakes, fairness, ugly little dogs and the sound of old fashioned, twangy Rock-a-Billy. He hated Democrat senators, intolerance for the weak or down and out, strong wind and concrete that wouldn't set up.<br /><br />He lived long enough to see me marry Susan, but didn't make it to my birthday. Mom sent me a birthday card after his death with his signature on it. He apparently had signed it before going into the hospital for the last time. As some of you know, it is one of my true treasures.<br /><br />Not all that sure about heaven and such things, or that we'll see loved ones later on. But I do know that he's here (pointing to my chest) and will be until I discover if the rumors of an afterlife are true or not.<br /><br />Miss you much, Dad. You'd like the new house and my bird feeders.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">EDIT: After posting this picture, I am amazed how much my brother Jim, looks like him. I also have his mouth, but it's only evident when I shave my beard which I haven't done in years. I think I look a little more like my Mom's side of the family overall (especially my rascally Uncle Bob, Mom's baby brother) , which is not a bad thing at all, either! I had good lookin' parents.</span>T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-41958582093516234602007-11-07T06:48:00.000-08:002008-12-08T15:39:42.877-08:00Suzi Blu - The WWW Artist's Life.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2sMou621o9NM_mo6FkF7_ztOmlle5hJsiCLZNyrrduAlWtbtWHLI80Jek8U_HSWSM7FQSyx0FKi_YPAxCvrULWpgdpZA2wIWiJPlW0vMmiAj3CGCmOsd7q-LoSlG7RDyY9XN/s1600-h/suzi+blu+portrait.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130116701755795122" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 163px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 245px" height="255" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2sMou621o9NM_mo6FkF7_ztOmlle5hJsiCLZNyrrduAlWtbtWHLI80Jek8U_HSWSM7FQSyx0FKi_YPAxCvrULWpgdpZA2wIWiJPlW0vMmiAj3CGCmOsd7q-LoSlG7RDyY9XN/s320/suzi+blu+portrait.jpg" width="168" border="0" /></a><br />I'm a little late to the party on many fronts, and certainly in regards to <a href="http://www.suziblu.net/">Suzi Blu.</a> I've just discovered Suzi via a friend's blog and I was immediately taken with her enterprising chutzpa and on camera charm.<br /><br />Ms. Blu is a self-promoted mixed media artist who has painted and videoed a way to make a living with her art. She sells her mixed media paintings on <a href="http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZsuziblutubeQQhtZ-1">eBay</a>, maintains an online <a href="http://www.suziblu.blogspot.com/">journal</a> and offers short art and journaling video lessons on her YouTube channel, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/suziblutube">Suziblutube</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoB5xScRkBOrIvr1q-VP9NvggAKAfHPnES2kzIvUNo_Tky6e2bAReB5ENz4Q5YidKbBhDtHIS02V8qTuNqHeOhZkUwCdyCDDeNa2m7ZJ0LynGbi7LIHE21zhQb2v9Tt96_FlDn/s1600-h/Blu+Collage.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130117427605268162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px" height="296" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoB5xScRkBOrIvr1q-VP9NvggAKAfHPnES2kzIvUNo_Tky6e2bAReB5ENz4Q5YidKbBhDtHIS02V8qTuNqHeOhZkUwCdyCDDeNa2m7ZJ0LynGbi7LIHE21zhQb2v9Tt96_FlDn/s320/Blu+Collage.jpg" width="215" border="0" /></a>Her art is charming, some of it a little cute for my taste (not all, some), but I just admire her whole approach to living the artist's life.<br /><br />She claims that she wants to be the "DIY Internet Queen". And I think she may hold that crown at present.<br /><br />Good for you, Suzi Blu. Long live the queen.T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-230005742792449512007-10-21T10:23:00.000-07:002008-12-08T15:39:43.395-08:00Henry Leo: September 9, 2007<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;color:#000099;"><strong>From: Fraction, Matt</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;color:#000099;"><em>Ks in labor since 7 am, spirits high, epi just kicked in, 100% effaced, 7 cm dilated, kid should be here later tonight.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;color:#000099;"><em>Sept. 9, 5:19 pm</em></span><br /><br />I've been wanting to write something about the birth of Henry Leo for some time. He is the son of Matt and Kelly Sue, two people who have entered our lives in an unconventional way and who have not surprisingly found a place in our hearts. Not surprising once you meet them. Spend just a few minutes with either of them and you'd understand.<br /><br /><br />These are special peoples. And we love them. But I wasn't exactly sure what to say, until now.<br /><br />Because they live smack-dab in the middle of the country and we live on the left coast, our contacts are mostly electronic. Once a year, there's the opportunity to share the same air, but it's not enough. Again, once you met them, you'd understand.<br /><br />I once told Susan that Kelly Sue is the kind of woman I wished could have been another sister. After Susan met her and spent time with her she disagreed. "Kelly Sue's the <em>daughter</em> you never had," she revealed.<br /><br />And it struck me that she was so right. It's not that I wanted to be KS's surrogate father, it's merely that she is the kind of strong-willed, intelligent, creative, talkative, beautiful and funny sort of woman that would have been the perfect daughter for me. If I would have been lucky enough to have one, I would want my daughter to have been seasoned with several pounds of KS's genes.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;color:#000099;"><strong>From: Fraction, Matt</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;color:#000099;"><em>Much love to you guys - </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;color:#000099;"><em>more soon</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;color:#000099;"><em>Sept. 9, 5:31 pm</em></span><br /><br />Taking that a little further, I imagined that her amazing husband would have been the perfect son-in-law. Creative, supportive, intelligent, talented, a protective and loving and caring partner to his wife, inquisitive, good looking and able to hold his own during a debate - these are the kinds of things I would want my daughter to find in her husband.<br /><br />I know I've said some of these things before, but I don't mind repeating myself when it comes to people and things that matter to me. I repeat myself often, just ask Susan, my patient wife.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKr3MHoxjYS9xKNEh2iqo1xrOPiCtyaGxZzOZBHOeu4kU1EFgIPNiDiG_GAWTDo42W_2w4mNrDrzyCn4tpD5n4qiIQupoBlX8GjjPy-VPFN2js9FAMcM6skBjUKM3_k47-cys/s1600-h/Birth.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123858402683188114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="276" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKr3MHoxjYS9xKNEh2iqo1xrOPiCtyaGxZzOZBHOeu4kU1EFgIPNiDiG_GAWTDo42W_2w4mNrDrzyCn4tpD5n4qiIQupoBlX8GjjPy-VPFN2js9FAMcM6skBjUKM3_k47-cys/s320/Birth.jpg" width="203" border="0" /></a><br />And so it was that in the afternoon of Sept. 9, 2007 I got a text message from Matt that Kelly Sue was in labor since the morning and that their son, Henry Leo would no doubt introduce himself later that day.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;color:#000099;"><strong>From: Fraction, Matt</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;color:#000099;"><em>Henry leo 7 lb. 11oz. 19.25" Mother & son totally awesome. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;color:#000099;"><em>Sept. 9, 11:16 pm</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;"></span><br />I've saved those text messages and look at them now and again, refilling the mind of our reaction, (immediate tears and cheers) and how happy, incredibly joyous we are for...<em>Henry</em>.<br /><br />Yeah, we're happy for KS and Matt, that should be assumed from the outset - but I'm really pleased that Henry has been blessed with amazing humans for parents. Pardon the gushing here, but that little fellow has got some good things going for him from the beginning.<br /><br />No silver spoons, but platinum parents.<br /><br />He won't be spoiled (at least by them) but he will be listened to. And taught how to speak to and see the world with a voice that cares and with eyes that see beyond the obvioius.<br /><br />He'll be taught to think for himself and encouraged to create.<br /><br />He'll learn respect for those who deserve it, insight into those who do not, tolerance for those different from himself, understanding why those differences exist, and compassion and love people for what is inside.<br /><br />He will also love dogs, learn to trust cats - some of them anyway, and always seek out new things and new ways of interacting with the world.<br /><br />He'll learn to laugh, mostly at himself.<br /><br />He'll read comics and his mother won't throw them away, unless they're old issues of "ANT".<br /><br />He'll probably raise hell, ignore his parents when he's 16, get early bad grades in math (if that part of his brain is from his father) but do better later on because he is determined to do so (if that part of his brain is from his mother), wreck their car (not an original prediction, but I support it), leave his putrid socks in the hallway and generally be a kid who learns that "play" is as important to life as work - but balanced with responsibility.<br /><br />To Matt and Kelly Sue, congratulations and solar flare warm hugs to you both.<br /><br />To Henry Leo, welcome and count your blessings little fella.<br /><br />To all three, we hope to see you soon because we miss you terribly...and love you even more.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOe9FF3fCJV3i3f46YXIUTrx_OXe8_aeOyrH5zDLXsgyxnojMiFN-l66U6utAhMcEv7YnaSGA6mMndKt0y4gc-synqLvOvOUh4y82X-RKs8MG1b6n0favTDYLb90P9x7ZYOAo/s1600-h/DeFraction+Family.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123859055518217122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOe9FF3fCJV3i3f46YXIUTrx_OXe8_aeOyrH5zDLXsgyxnojMiFN-l66U6utAhMcEv7YnaSGA6mMndKt0y4gc-synqLvOvOUh4y82X-RKs8MG1b6n0favTDYLb90P9x7ZYOAo/s320/DeFraction+Family.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#993399;">Photos by Laurenn McCubbin, used without permission. I hope she doesn't mind.</span>T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-35363523954482542432007-10-09T21:59:00.000-07:002007-10-09T22:09:25.872-07:0010 Years and CountingMy wife, Susan, and I will be celebrating our 10th anniversary this week. The other day we were talking about the last 14 years we've known and loved one another.<br /><br />The anniversary will be a quiet time, just us at dinner, enjoying one another's company. I told her if anyone asks how long we've been married, I said we should simply tell them, "30 years."<br /><br />"Why, because it seems like that long?" she retorted.<br /><br />Looking down and then back up to her face in all seriousness, I said, "No, because it should have been that long."T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-15447887888462132932007-04-30T11:43:00.000-07:002008-12-08T15:39:45.212-08:00If Art speaks to you, talk back.<em><strong>“Yay, let’s hear it for ART COLLECTORS!”</strong></em> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvcJu38e7G1sQ0-5Fp1-z_tM6tv-Qg5gwdCJj5-A9xupKJHC8bkR873sIh0NILf81SroyEOi3GT0lfbJqXMTE6ABewYgvk9ZW7CaazB44Db1A48G9tDQYfadF7aKFgjQtZ-6j/s1600-h/Seascape.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059296456055359778" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 235px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px" height="155" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvcJu38e7G1sQ0-5Fp1-z_tM6tv-Qg5gwdCJj5-A9xupKJHC8bkR873sIh0NILf81SroyEOi3GT0lfbJqXMTE6ABewYgvk9ZW7CaazB44Db1A48G9tDQYfadF7aKFgjQtZ-6j/s200/Seascape.JPG" width="223" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We heard this as we were leaving <a href="http://www.artwalkinfo.com/index.htm">“Artwalk”</a> the annual art festival held in the Little Italy section of downtown San Diego this weekend. No doubt, the tip-off to the commentator was the arms full of paintings and prints.<br /><br />The art collector cheerleader was a fellow artist keeping watch over her booth, and the cheer went up from other artists and spectators. Though the shout out was nice, it certainly wasn’t necessary.<br /><br />We just like art. It looks good on the wall and most of them make me smile, feel or think. Art that somehow speaks to you should do one or more of those things.<br /><br />Our “art collection” is not extensive but expanding in styles, subject matter and sheer numbers. We’re striving to rid the house of all litho’ed posters and similar pieces by replacing them with original works or limited editioned, signed prints.<br /><br />None of the work is overtly controversial. Some of the wood block prints are of Dia de los Muertos skeletons and I’ve got some allegorical works but nothing too political or overly shocking. It’s not that I don’t like shocking, but I’m not so sure I want to wake up every morning and look at it. The mug staring me back at me from the mirror is shocking enough.<br /><br />“Piss Christ” didn’t necessarily offend me or cause me to blanch, and I can actually appreciate it on one or more levels, but I think I’d rather have a plein aire hanging above the fireplace.<br /><br />But that's just me.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcGUHF6pC5RKR38v_RM2sQX7gcBVzvKtNj6mnY1pPWGOslR4cPPuMg_voS12rMo5eR-cvO39Jfo8BoeD7Nms9kX0FvyEOmk5mTFPShpqd0VxYOBMHZhCnlvx1RH5OSmTrFShz/s1600-h/RAVEN.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059295253464516818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcGUHF6pC5RKR38v_RM2sQX7gcBVzvKtNj6mnY1pPWGOslR4cPPuMg_voS12rMo5eR-cvO39Jfo8BoeD7Nms9kX0FvyEOmk5mTFPShpqd0VxYOBMHZhCnlvx1RH5OSmTrFShz/s200/RAVEN.jpg" border="0" /></a>It was maybe 4 years ago that I first saw <a href="http://www.kirstenfrancis.com/">Kirsten Francis'</a> work while a part-time printmaking student at the <a href="http://www.artscollege.com/index.htm">Art Academy of San Diego</a>. The mythological and allegorical elements of her wood block prints grabbed a hold of me and actually inspired me to start a series of crow imagery. I was pleased to see her work at the festival and really pleased to pick up one of the prints I had admired a few years ago. Kirsten’s been doing this for a while which is doubly surprising when you find out how young she is. Her considerable talent truly belies her age and foretells a long, creative career.<br /><br /><br />Plein aire paintings make me feel good. They seem to calm my spirit and dammit…I just like looking at them. <a href="http://members.cox.net/gulewich-art/Picture%20Gallery.htm">Michael Gulewich’s</a> paintings immediately created that sense of peace when we walked into his booth. His settlings are familiar to me as I have traveled to many of the places he paints. Although he paints larger pieces, these three small paintings are little moments of serenity. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XSEbrKkI9pOjnWtP1b-BQnbBtnsgjlk1wNQwP2Xd4DiCi-r0M7cspPxwKJr3-8_cuGlsWpwNv8ZHa-8XW0A5xzZLwkMTQ0bKmNtmLc3vrf9oz63CSt0AyuplqMDo4gRZ0PRZ/s1600-h/gulewich+plein+aire+trio.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059295609946802402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 365px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px" height="106" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XSEbrKkI9pOjnWtP1b-BQnbBtnsgjlk1wNQwP2Xd4DiCi-r0M7cspPxwKJr3-8_cuGlsWpwNv8ZHa-8XW0A5xzZLwkMTQ0bKmNtmLc3vrf9oz63CSt0AyuplqMDo4gRZ0PRZ/s200/gulewich+plein+aire+trio.jpg" width="259" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My favorite piece purchased was a simple but striking painting of a dove. Artist <a href="http://www.edarambula.com">Ed Arambula</a> is proof that life <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxVM7QvWWW0CqOp-ZMKQIWdkdGnd_JrOafHGwE2pIqbssB5vwRyGB9w9HpvCLJhKL4EU3flPeH7F_oJnm6cjkag03179y2XpQh2DiYHx5v0iqRjTonLmaft9QAsKIDdGPxNtV/s1600-h/Dove+on+a+wire.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059295962134120690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxVM7QvWWW0CqOp-ZMKQIWdkdGnd_JrOafHGwE2pIqbssB5vwRyGB9w9HpvCLJhKL4EU3flPeH7F_oJnm6cjkag03179y2XpQh2DiYHx5v0iqRjTonLmaft9QAsKIDdGPxNtV/s200/Dove+on+a+wire.jpg" border="0" /></a>is unfair. Most of us would be happy if we were relatively good in just one art form or could render an image in one style or another. Ed however can do it all. Ed not only paints in various styles (from contemporary to figurative to expressive to impressionistic) but the talent-greedy bastard also sculpts. He’s probably a good cook, plays three instruments and sing too.<br /><br />Maybe his feet smell.<br /><br />Hopefully.<br /><br />In all, five modest but appreciated works made it home. They will join the others that either hang on walls, sit on shelves or are otherwise displayed with love. Do yourself a favor, buy some art this week. Your soul will thank you and an artist (an endangered species for sure) will survive until the next art festival.T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-55761113413596889302007-04-16T17:08:00.000-07:002008-12-08T15:39:45.464-08:00Tampon CraftsI truly believe that this is the perfect example using what's close to you when creating your "art".<br /><br />If you ever get tired of making things out of popsicle sticks or pipe cleaners, try tampons.<br /><br />Yeah, tampons.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ybSH-JSWp4mKwt2OpHEaaFS4YFdDMjo98AVxUwMXbHGJVHBvhI1fMyn3-abMUR66xN4w9wjksGfzll7ZrHAZeGakVifYLgOwT-R8rTIo_9ACLMMKSMSgFWsk6S3YIJqCseL3/s1600-h/ghost.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054182896478011090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ybSH-JSWp4mKwt2OpHEaaFS4YFdDMjo98AVxUwMXbHGJVHBvhI1fMyn3-abMUR66xN4w9wjksGfzll7ZrHAZeGakVifYLgOwT-R8rTIo_9ACLMMKSMSgFWsk6S3YIJqCseL3/s200/ghost.jpg" border="0" /></a>This spooky ghost is a perfect example of <a href="http://www.tamponcrafts.com/">Tampon Crafts - For any time of the month</a>.<br /><br />A little glue, two google eyes and faster than you can say "Boo!" you've got a Halloween decoration anyone would be proud to display. I think these would be perfect for Cub Scouts, don't you?<br /><br />Other, more complex projects can be found on the website including a Menorah, a New Year's Eve ball and one of my favorites, the Blow Gun. There's even "You Tube" footage of the thing in action.<br /><br />I would also be remiss if I didn't mention the Heart Earrings. They are very special.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP41jw7fbLlZDV1dD6D5gV1Ww4EKl2QurJt87mq1deSctK07YMIROcJRVl0TflBOmYls1rmeX8BIQ5tokUh08WWII8_09NtstpVngwbKGuWixj9zVe7cl4s9z60t7nWljDRjJK/s1600-h/snowflake_05.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054185477753356002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP41jw7fbLlZDV1dD6D5gV1Ww4EKl2QurJt87mq1deSctK07YMIROcJRVl0TflBOmYls1rmeX8BIQ5tokUh08WWII8_09NtstpVngwbKGuWixj9zVe7cl4s9z60t7nWljDRjJK/s200/snowflake_05.jpg" border="0" /></a>No part of the tampon goes unused. The applicator tube lends itself to myriad ideas and I don't want to rag on these folks but I think the creative souls behind the website have opened the door barely a crack to the possibilities of this media.<br /><br />Not only for each holiday season, I think they should have a project for each month. God forbid if they would ever miss one.<br /><br />Perhaps they could do things like "tampon toys" too. I envision little trees, villages and frontier forts with cannons. Think "Lincoln Logs" but with an emphasis on Mary Todd.T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-51536737717470332212007-04-03T22:35:00.000-07:002007-04-03T23:01:24.189-07:00Art Festering<div><br /><em>Artfest?</em><br /><br />Art camp. Yeah, that’s what it’s like. Only there’s no little nose pickin, socially awkward, geeky little kids to deal with. We were all geeky grown ups.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.zettiology.com/">Tracy</a> and <a href="http://www.teeshamoore.com/">Teesha</a> Moore produce a very unique art workshop event each year they call <a href="http://www.teeshaslandofodd.com/">Artfest</a>. Each year is a little different and it is now in it’s 7th year to be held at <a href="http://www.parks.wa.gov/fortworden/">Fort Worden State Park</a> located in Port Townsend, WA. <a href="http://www.ptguide.com/">Port Townsend</a> is a Victorian seaport located on the Olympic peninsula, not real close to anywhere. An hour and a half from Seattle via highways and ferries, it almost seems secluded in a “no Starbucks in these here parts” kind of way. Well, there is one located at the local Safeway supermarket and there’s a McDonald’s but the locals prefer proper espresso in a chipped demitasse, thank you very much.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/443223608_411114901e_b.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 249px; CURSOR: hand" height="182" alt="" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/443223608_411114901e_b.jpg" border="0" /></a>The workshops that are offered are generally one to two day affairs, just enough to whet an appetite but long enough to provide basic foundation skills for future study. The <a href="http://www.lkperrella.com/">teachers</a> are respected experts in their respective fields from artist jewelry to artist books to painting to printmaking to assemblage to deconstructions.<br /><br />This year I chose to take <a href="http://www.lobue-art.com/">classes</a> rather than teach. It was a brief respite from the real world as Susan and I took a break from laundry, lawn work and long commutes. I really enjoyed the change from teacher to student.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/443223620_7c6c4a0405_b.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 195px; CURSOR: hand" height="252" alt="" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/443223620_7c6c4a0405_b.jpg" border="0" /></a>Susan focused on creativity exercises and book arts while I brought my attention to dimensional work. Certainly, three short days is not enough to assume any proficiency but if nothing else, it recharges the artistic juices as you share the air with like-minded spirits and creativity is the order of the day. Fortunately that energy seems to be lasting until I reach the threshold of my own studio in a few days.<br /><br />After getting home, I had to immediately repack the bags and hit the friendly skies again for the work that pays the mortgage. As I dragged my sorry ass onto the plane Monday morning, I longed for the smell of cedars, the greenness of ferns blanketing the wet hillsides and the feeling of doing something important for no one but myself. Jobs may fill the belly, but art feeds the soul. It really does. </div>T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-268078184971275122007-03-05T18:07:00.000-08:002008-12-08T15:39:46.514-08:00A Lifetime Ago...Once in a while I will be reminded of things I did and people I knew from many years ago. Even though they may be missed dearly, for one reason or another, those things and those people are part of my past and not my present.<br /><br />As mentioned on occasion, I performed as a mentalist for a good portion of my life. For a short while, I did this professionally. And every once in awhile, I would stage "spirit theater" or seances for special gatherings, friends and clients. And again, for one reason or another, I don't do the mentalist thing much anymore.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJa0u44p9FKMtK_YhWf6zfxM-PVbzbWbdbraWmvvDF1OM0EDtWJli-8VtrVdvCzrvncS5bLkGcD2TXsus8RBpmm0emZFiwknyQRDh9qr3qQ3PUSDw_OvrYAAqAGQfKojVz1eUi/s1600-h/seance2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038804931441165218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 245px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px" height="160" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJa0u44p9FKMtK_YhWf6zfxM-PVbzbWbdbraWmvvDF1OM0EDtWJli-8VtrVdvCzrvncS5bLkGcD2TXsus8RBpmm0emZFiwknyQRDh9qr3qQ3PUSDw_OvrYAAqAGQfKojVz1eUi/s200/seance2.jpg" width="215" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFhjAFUyraHkrPqEI36n1BNdlnxLEc9aAVlLd-tjHQ8JmKD8CdAf1ej9WcUx13dvXe5uj8DBmyrsaG9YVjSwJNZAJeBq7XwuxDNzQPRFDSB9Eusm-be-z_t67px-Ezn1iXEGg/s1600-h/seance+hands.bmp"></a>In that time, I would write articles for some of the magishing trades, including a quarterly magazine dedicated to spirit theater, entitled "Seance" published by Scott Davis. Scott was an enthusiastic and supportive follower of all things theatrically magickal. One of the issues focused on me as a performer and an elaborate seance I scripted and staged which was entitled "An Evening with Anna Hastings."<br /><br />The script told of two lovers, separated in life but rejoined in the afterlife. Very sappy, very corny, very melodramatic and very commercial. The seance was relatively successful as a bit of spirit theater performed at fancy schmancy parties in Los Angeles, Newport Beach and Hollywood.<br /><br />I was honored that Scott would dedicate an entire issue to me since I never held that I was very good at this stuff. But, that's another entry altogether. However, in all, it is a damned good issue and is often referenced by other, much more talented and creative magical practitioners.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MzHdJyjU189FlDTX0M57jQ2BJY25ztQurjXhND81UfzeU7FpAKNqJjBTGir3XEGTIEMviPXmCKSQtN4NsUmD4DOtCDwA4DJ4rSHUVoKxnHo58UD_YEfHCf-7C-zyzc65Lhs0/s1600-h/casper_flying.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038838204552807346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MzHdJyjU189FlDTX0M57jQ2BJY25ztQurjXhND81UfzeU7FpAKNqJjBTGir3XEGTIEMviPXmCKSQtN4NsUmD4DOtCDwA4DJ4rSHUVoKxnHo58UD_YEfHCf-7C-zyzc65Lhs0/s200/casper_flying.jpg" border="0" /></a>The magazine had a moderate following and was certainly Scott's labor of love for several years. Anyone who has or had an interest in unusual and theatrical magic presentations referred to or hunts down old issues of "Seance". There really wasn't anything like it before and nothing like it since. In some professional circles, "Seance" magazine has become as legendary as "The Jinx" or "Magick" magazines of old. It was a bright, mysterious light in the darkened room of spooky magic.<br /><br /><br />But eventually Scott said all that he and his writers apparently had to say on the subject so he closed publication in the early nineties. Likewise, I lost touch with Scott as I moved onto other pursuits and places in my life.<br /><br />So it was not but a few weeks ago, that I came upon a reference to the magazine on a magic history website. It mentioned that the rights to the magazine had been purchased by another publisher and that all of the issues were being bound together into a single volume. The combined material would have a new foreword written and publication would be limited to 1000 copies, a true collector's item. All copies had been sold within a year of publication.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDMXwUTyNGJOa5N1yME-gggZnEX0MLd30ZIDjOB6J779LCiwE0D3RUNyxNGExzXQuXJWKhj8Z65HF-MuIXIASuW2-4-6g5Lkcv_ZpzKT0Pp2S57yHPbsy-JkxqNgpRqA-LMgU/s1600-h/Seance+book.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038642087756137346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDMXwUTyNGJOa5N1yME-gggZnEX0MLd30ZIDjOB6J779LCiwE0D3RUNyxNGExzXQuXJWKhj8Z65HF-MuIXIASuW2-4-6g5Lkcv_ZpzKT0Pp2S57yHPbsy-JkxqNgpRqA-LMgU/s200/Seance+book.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Since I had gladly submitted the material to Scott almost 20 years ago willingly and with many blessings, the only regret I had when I found out about the book was that I didn't have an opportunity to buy a copy. My regret turned to discovery after turning to eBay, where I found occasional copies being sold for many, many dollars.<br /><br />Last week, I bid on a slightly worn copy for more money than I should have spent...and won. It will be delivered to me in a few days.<br /><br />I'm not sure how I will feel about seeing and reading it, however. Will it be like meeting a former lover for who you've always carried a torch? Or will it be like looking at pictures of your high school prom which cause you to shudder because at one time, you thought leisure suits and white belts were the hottest thing? Ever?<br /><br />If nothing else, it will be interesting to look back and reminisce a bit and recall the spirits of times and events that seemed so very important and probably were on some level. I know I won't be haunted by those memories, but certainly enchanted. I'll probably read the book a few times, laugh at the audacity of inexperience and naivete and then give it to a friend. I may even think of the young girl to whom the seance was secretly dedicated, <em>Donna</em> Hastings, the very first girl I ever kissed as a very young lad. I'll let you know.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglG2aQA6DLMTA_ZaC8_B6S7vKrznGLAlSLcF-Fq0xaNFcHIt6jxNjW23-k2NPTY3DnzpGJV4T4xd6nuU_8J8Y51fqyxF9FxKpjO-ccXJFk6_AsALmWX3tIFHs1y0v34Y8sG6t0/s1600-h/cemetery_cherub.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038936026727941058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglG2aQA6DLMTA_ZaC8_B6S7vKrznGLAlSLcF-Fq0xaNFcHIt6jxNjW23-k2NPTY3DnzpGJV4T4xd6nuU_8J8Y51fqyxF9FxKpjO-ccXJFk6_AsALmWX3tIFHs1y0v34Y8sG6t0/s200/cemetery_cherub.jpg" border="0" /></a>And if I decide to host a seance to bring back the spirit of Anna Hastings, you're invited. You can be the 13th guest...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />P.S. I recently found out that "Seance" has been reprinted beyond the 1000 copies originally sold a few years ago. Current price is $75.00 each and is available at only the finer magic shops in your home town.T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-58296302441652937422007-02-27T05:57:00.000-08:002007-02-27T06:13:49.200-08:00It's too late now, but...I've been wondering if I shoulda had kids. Or a kid.<br /><br />There have been times, many times that I was really glad I did not. But now that the years are bumping into me, I have begun to wonder. Again.<br /><br />This is totally self-indulgent, I know, so please forgive.<br /><br />In the last year or two, I've actually looked into adopting but dropped it without discussion with anyone, including Susan, as an idea that was probably selfish and desparate to begin with. The topic would come up in a round about way, and in the end decided that if it were to happen, it should have been at least 15 years ago.<br /><br />I've been told I would have made a good father. Probably. Hopefully. But it's a waste of time and a bit selfish and self-focused to ponder that for too long. Maybe I am writing this to let it go? Hmmm.<br /><br />Some of my younger friends are having or trying to have babies. I am really happy for them if it happens. It makes my heart sing when I hear of it. "Joy" is a good word.<br /><br />To their little ones, I'd love to become a surrogate uncle if I could and I'm sure the parents will appreciate an easy mark for a baby sitter now and again. The only downside of allowing me to be a baby sitter is that they will be spoiled beyond reason. Fair warning.<br /><br />So, young friends, have them babies, okay? There's some Uncle-ing to do!<br /><br />And forgive an old man if he gets a little weepy around babies.T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-79586224041967082922007-02-16T09:53:00.000-08:002009-04-15T13:33:18.487-07:00Put Another Candle on my Birthday Cake!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYk5SfrVgK2_fMgqPitrgJuX2Jxsk5GLFuHD5BbjXEnQaO3AbRiQWU_IlHEyIibg280R_zddtfn5vBDcXxZHuXAvq72VcVvGPtYZ2NfCaNaqeqKMVCjAE67mf4lRLCQ_FKvlv/s1600-h/sheriffjohn02-3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032197168548239266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="186" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYk5SfrVgK2_fMgqPitrgJuX2Jxsk5GLFuHD5BbjXEnQaO3AbRiQWU_IlHEyIibg280R_zddtfn5vBDcXxZHuXAvq72VcVvGPtYZ2NfCaNaqeqKMVCjAE67mf4lRLCQ_FKvlv/s200/sheriffjohn02-3.jpg" width="249" border="0" /></a><br /><br />To all the Sheriff John Deputies out there who are sharing this day with me, let's sing the "Birthday Cake Polka" together.<br /><br /><em><strong></strong></em><br /><em><strong></strong></em><br /><em><strong></strong></em><br /><em><strong></strong></em><br /><em><strong></strong></em><br /><br /><em><strong>Birthday Cake Polka </strong><br /><br />Put another candle on my birthday cake<br />We're gonna bake a birthday cake<br />Put another candle on my birthday cake<br />I'm another year old today<br /><br />I'm gonna have a party with my birthday cake<br />Come on and take some birthday cake<br />Put another candle on my birthday cake<br />I'm another year old today<br /><br />We'll have some pie and sandwiches<br />and chocolate ice cream too<br />We'll sing and play the day away<br />and one more thing I'm going to do<br /><br />I'll blow out the candles on my birthday cake<br />and when I do, a wish I'll make<br />Put another candle on my birthday cake<br />I'm another year old today<br /><br />(repeat above choruses)<br /><br />Happy birthday to you<br />I'm another year old today. </em><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0t12XggLiMVF54IRmIKy5E4b78yW8koBv3YmCAyWRxv18XHmzAZeUQnzQqaacwS_dyHw63zDSSjwCC30zY_IdLsYNb3l9-4SvilB4haF-n0NX5EDX_RpZPb1QgMbBHa20Btj1/s1600-h/sheriffjohn02-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032197628109739970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px" height="150" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0t12XggLiMVF54IRmIKy5E4b78yW8koBv3YmCAyWRxv18XHmzAZeUQnzQqaacwS_dyHw63zDSSjwCC30zY_IdLsYNb3l9-4SvilB4haF-n0NX5EDX_RpZPb1QgMbBHa20Btj1/s200/sheriffjohn02-2.jpg" width="200" border="0" /></a>A few years ago, I received a letter from John Rovick, KTTV's <a href="http://www.tvacres.com/child_sheriff_john.htm">Sheriff John</a> and my lunchtime companion when I was a little tyke. The letter was as gentle, kind and warm as I hoped he was when I watched him, constantly in the 1950's and early 60's. After I read it and remembered that time, I felt very, very old. But appreciative. He was especially appreciated when I was a very sick little boy and spent much time under doctor's care or in bed.<br /><br />It made me think of much simpler times, filled with an innocence that was held in earnest and without embarrassment. I thought of my brother and the days and nights we shared in those days. Truly, those days were and remain a blessing beyond description. He is and was a great brother and I love him dearly. One of the best birthday presents I could get is to be able to spend more time with him. Well, I am grateful for the times we do have and the phone calls that come without reason.<br /><br />Sheriff John, nay, Mr. Rovick, was kind enough to send a cassette of the "Birthday Cake Polka" he would sing each show to all those who sent in their names to the television station. As I woke up this morning, that silly song began to play in my head. I also remembered that as a young boy, I thought it odd that someone would have pie and birthday cake at the same event.<br /><br />When asked if I felt any different today, I said to a friend, "No, just as worn out as I did yesterday."<br /><br />Honestly, I am doing pretty well. Back at WW and the inches are shrinking...slow but sure. Also working out and taking care of this old husk a bit better these days. I may look like hell, but I feel a wee bit better than that.<br /><br />To all the other members of Sheriff John's Lunch Brigade, Happy Birthday to You! Let's have some pie and sandwiches! And happy birthday to me. I am many "another year old today".T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-6814671130765669092007-02-14T07:50:00.000-08:002008-12-08T15:39:46.885-08:00A Simple Valentine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBRPNy1rmR1Knj5KV7Xqn91P_bNErUXWHLddmZapctkVrfjJoCiDDdR46yP0w5InMyks7_CHNrhAKLeIfhehI8GNQRDEbaGrbRBXSWr7ftMUweQHHuWhFF-0PdvwiXYo81ww3/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031420413014070594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBRPNy1rmR1Knj5KV7Xqn91P_bNErUXWHLddmZapctkVrfjJoCiDDdR46yP0w5InMyks7_CHNrhAKLeIfhehI8GNQRDEbaGrbRBXSWr7ftMUweQHHuWhFF-0PdvwiXYo81ww3/s200/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a>"I love you," he said.<br /><div></div><br /><div>He thought it inadequate to tell all he had to say. He wanted to say more, tell her how deeply he cared.</div><div><br />But it was enough, she thought.</div><div><br />Well, he recited his poetry and picked up his socks. Mostly. Some of the socks went missing for weeks and she hated it when he did his own laundry because he did such small loads. </div><div><br />That was enough, she thought. But there were other things.</div><div><br />He made dinner each night. And made extra so that when he traveled, she'd have some home cooked meals. He snored, but he made good chicken marsala.</div><div><br />He made her laugh. A lot. He listened to his gawd-awful music much too loud and couldn't carry a tune in a large pail, but he made her laugh everyday.</div><div><br />He liked to feed birds and grow flowers, both of which he did for himself. He tracked dog poo into the house, but his "garden of birds" was a place of solace, peace and beauty.</div><div><br />He kissed her for no particular reason. And rubbed her back without being asked. Both of those were nice, real nice.</div><br /><div>And he lowered the lid on the toilet. </div><br /><div>Yeah, that was it. He lowered the lid after he peed. She got hot just thinkin' about it.</div>T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-29705502263070848742006-12-20T17:05:00.000-08:002006-12-22T18:25:14.615-08:00A sunny spot<a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/324994497_ce2cd53222.jpg?v=0"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/324994497_ce2cd53222.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></a> I am not sure how to end this topic but I do have maybe a few closing comments. Last Friday, a florist package awaited us on the front porch. Inside was a rosemary bonsai from <a href="http://www.kellysue.com/blog/">Kelly Sue</a> and <a href="http://www.mattfraction.com/">Matt</a>, two of my most favorite people on this planet. Kelly Sue is a surrogate sister and Matt is my surrogate brother-in-law. They are very special people and we love them greatly.<br /><br />The note inside read, “Rosemary for remembrance”. Their thoughtful gesture and the lovely miniature tree brought appreciative tears. How I wish they were in the room to embrace and thank personally.<br /><br />Saturday morning, Susan and I headed to the local UPS distribution center to pick up a package that needed an adult signature before delivery. Thinking that perhaps a friend sent us a bottle of nice wine or other adult beverage as a Christmas gift, I was surprised when a smallish box was handed to me. Looking at the return address, my cheerful manner changed as I held the package even tighter.<br /><br />While inside, Susan asked me who it was from, to which I silently waved her off. Once we were near the car, I told her, “It’s Heidi.”<br /><br />Her cremated remains had arrived sooner than we expected and it is not surprising that after I opened the package to reveal a small redwood box that we cried once again. Unlocking the box was done after much fumbling with the small lock and I let out a soft, “oh!” when I saw the tiny plastic bag of gritty, white sand bearing her name written in black Sharpie.<br /><br />“Honey…that’s not Heidi,” Susan reminded me. And though I knew it to be so true, I also had to pick up the packet, turn it over in my hand and feel the desiccated bone fragments crunch beneath my finger and thumb, just to find out if there was any recognizable sense of Heidi within the bag. Of course, there was none. It is merely a 4 ounce packet of desiccated bone fragments.<br /><br />Yep, she’s really gone ladies and germs. Heidi has left the building. I really knew it, but apparently, I had to see, hear and smell with my own instruments, thank you.<br /><br />Each morning for the last week, I have tip-toed past the area where her bed used to be so as to not disturb her. Before leaving for work, I think of making sure she is fed and watered. When I talk to Susan, I have to consciously stop myself from asking, “How’s fuzzy britches?” Coming home, I've found myself listening for the tinkle of her collar and upon hearing similar sounds, look to see where she is. Being mindful of this little dog became a part of my everyday existence. Heidi was a part of our identity, a bit of what each of us were. And now a portion of that is gone.<br /><br />As we continued to drive, completing various chores, we spent the day sharing short memories of Heidi, how she came to be in our lives, (saved from Doggie Death Row - "DEAD DOG WALKIN'!") the times she made us laugh, (most every day) the times she pissed me off (I still hate stepping on dog poo in the middle of a rug - imagine that) and how she truly seemed to give more than what we gave to her (exquistely timed paws and heads rested on your lap - dog ESP, I swear). I thought of her final hours and her innocent suffering before the end came to her in the form of a peaceful, but very potent sedative. While we may have smiled and laughed more than once during our talks that day, the overall mood was one of melancholy and missing a loved one.<br /><br />On Sunday, I found a bright spot in the family room for the bonsai and small box. They both rest on a shelf together near where Heidi would sun herself and rest her weary joints during the daylight hours. In a few weeks, I want to take her dusty remains and scatter them at a few significant places that hold meaning for us and that little dog.<br /><br />I know I will save a little for the garden in back and I know I will scatter some to the wind as I thank her for being such a good dog, for loving us so easily and teaching us things such as being truly happy to see one another after even a short absence, that begging for treats or belly rubs works if you can do a trick and look up with soulful eyes, barking and growling only in dreams is an acceptable way to interact with the world, sleeping in the sun is an honest endeavor, a gray muzzle is not only noble but inevitable so just deal with it and waiting for a well seasoned piece of roast chicken is often worth it.<br /><br />I want to thank all of the friends and strangers who have offered so many kind words of sympathy and understanding. Each word was felt deeply and is appreciated beyond description. To <a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/73/198558414_f650e0fad9.jpg?v=0">Kelly Sue and Matt</a>, again, thank you...and give <a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/126/318845498_feef87e627.jpg?v=0">Captain Applejack</a> a big hug from both of us.<br /><br />Good night, <a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/23/27374477_662ec147cb.jpg?v=0">fuzzy britches</a>.T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29723763.post-87125415090424247202006-12-10T13:36:00.000-08:002014-06-02T09:41:17.466-07:00My dog is dying<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgh6eSN_kQNfsbU9y4gXeQGek516wAT_GQwhdH5b8QHms6vZCGxPBO9_B3EeRHoTIwKHLq6_jUjgkCXBlCDXlW9VpIfdgI2om5b9x0cwA21L6MteqhIkLG1wuWfpjhD8W9Zbg/s1600-h/Heid+Cropped.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgh6eSN_kQNfsbU9y4gXeQGek516wAT_GQwhdH5b8QHms6vZCGxPBO9_B3EeRHoTIwKHLq6_jUjgkCXBlCDXlW9VpIfdgI2om5b9x0cwA21L6MteqhIkLG1wuWfpjhD8W9Zbg/s200/Heid+Cropped.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5007269889488523954" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a>Hard to write too much at the moment, but I feel like sharing some of this with many of you.<br />
<br />
Heidi, The-Wonder-Dog is dying. She is in a great deal of pain, discomfort and confusion. Nothing we can do right now except make her as comfortable as possible and make it through the day and night to see how she does tomorrow.<br />
<br />
It is very likely that we will take her to the vet to put her down, to ease her pain and let her go to wherever good dogs go.<br />
<br />
Dammit, this is hard. I know, I know, everyone has had a good dog that dies at some point. But I really don't care. This is my dog and it is my pain that I feel.<br />
<br />
Susan, of course is in as much pain or more. Heidi was her constant companion, and maybe even the child we never had. Susan and Heidi spent many days together when I was away, working in the Bay Area for almost 2 years. They bonded even more than Heidi and I did. I might have been the one who brought home the kill from <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">McDonald's</span>, but it was Susan who was sought out for comfort and succor.<br />
<br />
Yeah, Heidi was our surrogate child and <em>fuck you*</em> if you think that's stupid or silly. If it seems that way to you, then stop reading and keep your comments to yourself...this post will mean nothing to you.<br />
<br />
I've heard it said that a pain shared is halved. If that is true, then I cannot imagine what it would be like to carry this alone. For either of us.<br />
<br />
It is amazing how these little creatures can sneak into your heart, create a warm space to reside and be part of your daily thoughts and important characters in fanciful dreams. It's amazing how they seem to rely on us for just about everything, when in reality we rely on them for so much.<br />
<br />
I'll edit this later. Just thought I'd share for a bit. Maybe it helps.<br />
<br />
<br />
ADDED 12/11/06: As the day progressed, Heidi's condition worsened. She was displaying signs of dementia, her back legs stopped functioning and she began to soil herself repeatedly. When she lay there and whimpered with each breath, there was no waiting until morning to handle it.<br />
The phone call to a nearby 24-hour Urgent Vet Care was easy. The drive over there with the knowledge of what we must do and what outcome would result was not. Hard, wracking sobs mixed with rain-slicked roads made the trip a bit treacherous, but Heidi's soft moans kept me focused to get there as soon as possible.<br />
The wonderful staff at the Vet hospital was immediately <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">accommodating</span>, understanding and kind. After a few brief forms were filled out and consolatory remarks expressed from everyone, Heidi's suffering was ended. It was peaceful and as graceful as these things can be. <br />
The number of times that Susan and I cried, sobbed or just paused in grief-inspired reflection last night is lost to me. For the last month, both of us have wiped a tear after witnessing some other sign that her time was nearing the end. It seems that all we need to do is to recall her fuzzy face, sweet ways or observations such as that she never barked, except in her dreams, and the heart stabs return.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5vP1AYxmOQIYR-WhduK5y-sLBG_9mu4erwJnWeismh1rcL1-Aw8ajK_2iU4OjR73Z90MYOIkde1l3IPgFC2ZF8XniNOQpusWtKG5OjGfJhyphenhyphenQyzGCoE3nqoCmdY4YKO96Kqlg/s1600-h/Heidi+Asleep.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5vP1AYxmOQIYR-WhduK5y-sLBG_9mu4erwJnWeismh1rcL1-Aw8ajK_2iU4OjR73Z90MYOIkde1l3IPgFC2ZF8XniNOQpusWtKG5OjGfJhyphenhyphenQyzGCoE3nqoCmdY4YKO96Kqlg/s200/Heidi+Asleep.jpg" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5007271229518320354" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" width="211" /></a>Certainly, most dogs are good dogs and have their own charming dog-ways. It's just that Heidi was <u>our</u> good dog and now she is gone. Our home will be a little less human with her not in it. <br />
I'll add more in a bit. I need to thank this mongrel of extremely questionable parentage for doing so much for us. I should mention that whenever folks asked us what kind of dog she was, it was generally, "pure bred pound terrier" which seemed to satisfy just about everyone who asked. To be honest, there was no telling what various breeds were added to the soup to create Heidi. All I know is that it resulted in a very fine companion and sweet natured family member.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">*Many years ago, we had a new neighbor that stated the obvious when she said something like, "Oooh, you don't have kids - so your dog is your surrogate child I guess - <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">harrumph</span>!" Standing in the street with her and another neighbor (Alison, who loved Heidi, too) I answered, "yeah...and your point is what?" Alison was so flustered that she merely said, very loud, "Gawd...what a bitch!"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">The creepy new neighbor lady turned away suddenly and went back inside to suck on her wine bottle. Okay, that's not kind. I apologize. So maybe it was vodka, but I really think the old bat was drinking most of the day away. I'm a little sensitive when it comes to the child - pet comparisons. Geesh, I'm not a total nut, I know the difference between the two, for goodness sakes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">One you gotta send to college, the other gets rabies shots.</span>T2http://www.blogger.com/profile/08537826536383680549noreply@blogger.com16