Monday, December 27, 2010
What's Your BMI (Body Mass Index)?
Here's an easy chart from RealAge to calculate your Body Mass Index. Anything over 30% body fat can lead to a host of health issues. All you need to know is your height, weight and waist size. I think it's good to know if weight loss should be considered an issue.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
A White (Day After) Christmas
It's the day after Christmas and we're receiving our first big snowstorm of the season here on the East coast. It's a good opportunity to just relax, recharge and and stay warm inside. I've been going through my reading list here on Blogger and perusing some of my friends' holiday posts. Wow, I am so lucky to have found such a productive and creative bunch to follow! It's especially nice to see what others have written and to feel that holiday connection. There are so many words and images to inspire and sooth my spirit here. Meanwhile, the wind whirls big drifts of the white stuff all around the house. I watch the clock, keep an eye on the build up and wonder how much shoveling I'll have to do to get back to the barn for the dinner time and nightly feedings. Looks like I'd better sign off soon while there's still some daylight and go find my knee high winter boots! For those of you experiencing wintery weather, enjoy it. For those of you with warmer weather, appreciate it!
"To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring." ~ George Santayana
"The snow doesn't give a soft white damn whom it touches." ~ e.e. cummings
"A snowflake is one of God's most fragile creations, but just look what they can do when they stick together!" ~ Author Unknown
"Don't knock the weather; nine-tenths of the people couldn't start a conversation if it didn't change once in a while." ~ Kin Hubbard
"To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring." ~ George Santayana
"The snow doesn't give a soft white damn whom it touches." ~ e.e. cummings
"A snowflake is one of God's most fragile creations, but just look what they can do when they stick together!" ~ Author Unknown
"Don't knock the weather; nine-tenths of the people couldn't start a conversation if it didn't change once in a while." ~ Kin Hubbard
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Holiday Happiness
"HAPPY HOLIDAYS!" IS THE MOST COMMON GREETING OF THE SEASON.
So, what is happiness and how do we get it?
Abraham Lincoln said that people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. It is a simple statement that yields a wealth of truth. Situations constantly change. The way we deal with physical pain, fear, frustration, stress, loneliness and other negative situations, directly determines our state of mind and ultimately our own degree of happiness. Someone once told me; "It's not so much what happens to you, as how you react to what happens to you, that determines your happiness in life".
"We create our own happiness." ~ Walt Disney
"It takes wit, interest and energy to be happy. The pursuit of happiness is a great activity. One must be open and alive. It is the greatest feat man has to accomplish, and spirits must flow." ~ Robert Henri
Reposted from my 1/12/09 Spirit Art Letter.
Abraham Lincoln said that people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. It is a simple statement that yields a wealth of truth. Situations constantly change. The way we deal with physical pain, fear, frustration, stress, loneliness and other negative situations, directly determines our state of mind and ultimately our own degree of happiness. Someone once told me; "It's not so much what happens to you, as how you react to what happens to you, that determines your happiness in life".
"We create our own happiness." ~ Walt Disney
"It takes wit, interest and energy to be happy. The pursuit of happiness is a great activity. One must be open and alive. It is the greatest feat man has to accomplish, and spirits must flow." ~ Robert Henri
Reposted from my 1/12/09 Spirit Art Letter.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Easy Mock EggNog
I just made myself an easy holiday drink and thought I would share my recipe with you here today.
1) ripe banana
1-2) scoops vanilla ice cream
1-2) cups milk
Mix in blender
Garnish with nutmeg
I know it sounds crazy, but I think it is amazing how yummy it tastes and how much it resembles EggNog! Give it a try and let me know what you think!
See all my snowman illustrations available for royalty free licensing from iStock here.
1) ripe banana
1-2) scoops vanilla ice cream
1-2) cups milk
Mix in blender
Garnish with nutmeg
I know it sounds crazy, but I think it is amazing how yummy it tastes and how much it resembles EggNog! Give it a try and let me know what you think!
See all my snowman illustrations available for royalty free licensing from iStock here.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Remember To Be Kind
The Holiday Season is upon us and one of the important things to remember is to be kind. The gift of kindness can be as simple as a smile or a compliment. This quote by Robert Brault , has really stuck in mind ever since I read it. He said; "Today I bent the truth to be kind, and I have no regret, for I am far surer of what is kind than I am of what is true."
"A kind word is like a Spring day." ~Russian Proverb "Don't be yourself - be someone a little nicer." ~Mignon McLaughlin Excerpted here from my '09 Spirit Art Letters. |
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
This time of year reminds us all that we have so much to be grateful for. Deep and sincere gratitude is something I don't think, feel or voice as often as I should. Giving thanks throughout the day is a wonderful way to live. Please join me this week in a more conscious attitude of gratitude!
Some quotations on Gratitude:
"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others. " ~ Cicero
"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. " ~ Meister Eckhart
"You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink. " ~ G.K. Chesterton
This text from my November 19th 2007 Spirit Art Letter.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Action Packed Halloween 2010
From October 24th to October 31st my parents and sister Gaile, visited my other sister, Denise and I and our families here in NJ. Living in "the hell hole" as Gaile calls it, they all really miss the change of seasons and especially the fall foliage. You couldn't have hit it at a better time than last week! The color here was peek. I don't believe New England could be any prettier. The temperatures were mild and for the most part, very pleasant. We all had an action packed week which included pumpkin picking and carving . . .
bonfire, family gatherings with great food, picnic lunches, walks in the woods and always great dinners. And as an 80th / 78th birthday gift from us daughters to our parents, an all expense paid, overnight trip to Cape May New Jersey. The trip included more great meals, front row seats to a hilarious play, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), at the Cape May Stage, (where my dad and mom even got picked to participate in the show), a little bird watching and a great private tour through the Cape May County Museum. The next night, an 80th and 78th birthday PIRATE PARTY was fun for all.
After my parent's departure in their motor home, we sisters spent the last day at Grounds For Sculpture,
followed by a trip to Borgota for dinner and some gambling fun. One last picnic lunch on Sunday and it was over until the next time we meet up again. I've put a little slide show together with some of my point and shoot snapshots if you'd like to see more here.
bonfire, family gatherings with great food, picnic lunches, walks in the woods and always great dinners. And as an 80th / 78th birthday gift from us daughters to our parents, an all expense paid, overnight trip to Cape May New Jersey. The trip included more great meals, front row seats to a hilarious play, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), at the Cape May Stage, (where my dad and mom even got picked to participate in the show), a little bird watching and a great private tour through the Cape May County Museum. The next night, an 80th and 78th birthday PIRATE PARTY was fun for all.
After my parent's departure in their motor home, we sisters spent the last day at Grounds For Sculpture,
followed by a trip to Borgota for dinner and some gambling fun. One last picnic lunch on Sunday and it was over until the next time we meet up again. I've put a little slide show together with some of my point and shoot snapshots if you'd like to see more here.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Horse Treats!
I got a cool email from my Stud Muffin supplier today! They just changed their name to: HorseTreats.com and have a new and expanded website that I was very impressed with. You horse lovers out there ought to check it out! I'm thinking of putting a few items from their site on my holiday list. Here's the link and their fresh new logo.
I'm really into horse treats these days! I've been busy the past few months shooting and adding horse stuff to my iStock portfolio. This is one of my royalty free stock images available for licensing.
I'm really into horse treats these days! I've been busy the past few months shooting and adding horse stuff to my iStock portfolio. This is one of my royalty free stock images available for licensing.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up
OMG! I just stopped by and can't believe it's been over two and a half months since I posted anything here. Or anywhere much, for that matter. Except for my daily DrawingEveryday summertime blog, over as of Sept. 1st, and my InspirationEveryday blog, which I conked out on a month ago. What happened? For the last month and a half I literally had dropped off the face of the interenet. I'd seen this happen to others too. One day they were blogging and posting regulars and the next, vanished into the thin air of cyberspace. Well, things got complicated in my life and priorities change. I'll be telling more about my ordeal on my SketchingEveryday blog soon. I still have the very last post of the season to add to my 2010 series. Well, it feels like I might be slowly making my way back, folks. I'll see how I feel about it tomorrow and in the days to come. Wishing you all well, peps. I've missed seeing you online.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
I Got "Lens Of The Day" Today! YAY!
"Every day (or nearly that) Squidoo's Community & Charity Organizer, Kimberly Dawn Wells, highlights a lens that stands out from the crowd, a lens that is unique in topic, approach, personality, tools or timing. Or, you know, just a lens that made her day." ~ Lens Of The Day
Today Kimberly wrote in my guestbook; "Congratulations on your LOTD! Thanks for teaching us how to make such great art with such simple directions."
WOW! SketchingEveryday is my top rated lens and this really made my day. My Summer Sketching Series is now in full swing . . . and I am truly thrilled to see that my Six Steps To Sensational Sketches got "Lens of the Day"! Thanks Kimberly!
Today Kimberly wrote in my guestbook; "Congratulations on your LOTD! Thanks for teaching us how to make such great art with such simple directions."
WOW! SketchingEveryday is my top rated lens and this really made my day. My Summer Sketching Series is now in full swing . . . and I am truly thrilled to see that my Six Steps To Sensational Sketches got "Lens of the Day"! Thanks Kimberly!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Rating Hummingbird Feeders From My Reject Pile
Avoid These Mistakes!
Here is a snapshot of some of my Hummingbird Feeder mistakes, discards and disasters. I'm sharing them with you, so you don't make the same errors! :-D
Going from left to right (clockwise) . . .
Bottom Left:
A. Perky-Pet Brand Hummingbird Feeder - I'm not sure where this came from or when. Pros: Made in USA, Cons: The picture on the box shows the dreaded red-dyed hummingbird nectar which the company still sells! It is common knowledge that at best the dye is totally unnecessary and it may even be harmful to the birds. This feeder would be a nightmare to clean for various reasons. You don't even want to get me started! To tell you the truth, I can't ever remember even opening the box before. And from my experience with flocks of hummers, they prefer the saucer feeders.Top Left:
B. No-Name Arty Hummingbird Feeder -Pros: A gift. Unique. Cons: Made in China. Hard to clean, too many parts, not my type. (Probably goes for 70% of all pretty feeders too.)Top:
C. Best One - Giant Hummingbird Feeder - Pros: Made in USA. A half gallon capacity and eight ports! (See bottom in center of basket.)Woo Hoo! Could last me more than 24 hrs. in an emergency situation. (ie: I couldn't be home to monitor the nectar situation 24/7.) Cons: Hard to clean and fill. Very Heavy when full. Top loop broke off from weight and hubby patched it. Plastic has discolored. Too ugly to put back up. I still have good feelings for this object though and will keep it on hand for back-up.Top Right:
D. The Droll Yankee Window Feeder - Pros: Made in USA, Very cute, Really Close-up Viewing, Fun, time consuming project. Cons: Doesn't hold much nectar. Messy sticky windows from hummingbird poo. Many little parts. Time consuming project.Far Right:
E. Perky-Pet Brand - Oasis Feeder - Pros: Made in USA, Hummingbirds love these feeders! I used them for years and just retired my last few. I have phased them out for several reasons. Cons: The company stills sells red nectar. The little yellow flowers are unnecessary and create a lot more work in the maintenance department. They fall off and get brittle and are a bitch to clean. (Please pardon my French.) Loop on top of hanger is smaller, making connector "S" hooks necessary when attaching to a shepherd's hook.Bottom Right:
F. Aspects Oriole Feeder - Pros: Made in USA, Quality product, Easy to clean. Nectar recipe on bottom of lid. Cons: I can't seem to attract Orioles. They pass through occasionally, but quickly move on. Only four ports. Not optimal for hummingbirds, but would do in a pinch.
Gee. Not Pictured (All in use.):
HummZinger - Aspects - Pros: Many! Cons: Few! - I now almost exclusively use Aspects HummZingers. I have many of their various sizes and models and love them for many reasons. See yesterday's post's photo of a 16 oz. HummZinger. There is too much information to go into today, but I promise to tell you more about them, list their features and rave about the benefits of owning these in a variety of sizes in an upcoming post! Until then, Happy Humming!
Here is a snapshot of some of my Hummingbird Feeder mistakes, discards and disasters. I'm sharing them with you, so you don't make the same errors! :-D
Going from left to right (clockwise) . . .
Bottom Left:
A. Perky-Pet Brand Hummingbird Feeder - I'm not sure where this came from or when. Pros: Made in USA, Cons: The picture on the box shows the dreaded red-dyed hummingbird nectar which the company still sells! It is common knowledge that at best the dye is totally unnecessary and it may even be harmful to the birds. This feeder would be a nightmare to clean for various reasons. You don't even want to get me started! To tell you the truth, I can't ever remember even opening the box before. And from my experience with flocks of hummers, they prefer the saucer feeders.Top Left:
B. No-Name Arty Hummingbird Feeder -Pros: A gift. Unique. Cons: Made in China. Hard to clean, too many parts, not my type. (Probably goes for 70% of all pretty feeders too.)Top:
C. Best One - Giant Hummingbird Feeder - Pros: Made in USA. A half gallon capacity and eight ports! (See bottom in center of basket.)Woo Hoo! Could last me more than 24 hrs. in an emergency situation. (ie: I couldn't be home to monitor the nectar situation 24/7.) Cons: Hard to clean and fill. Very Heavy when full. Top loop broke off from weight and hubby patched it. Plastic has discolored. Too ugly to put back up. I still have good feelings for this object though and will keep it on hand for back-up.Top Right:
D. The Droll Yankee Window Feeder - Pros: Made in USA, Very cute, Really Close-up Viewing, Fun, time consuming project. Cons: Doesn't hold much nectar. Messy sticky windows from hummingbird poo. Many little parts. Time consuming project.Far Right:
E. Perky-Pet Brand - Oasis Feeder - Pros: Made in USA, Hummingbirds love these feeders! I used them for years and just retired my last few. I have phased them out for several reasons. Cons: The company stills sells red nectar. The little yellow flowers are unnecessary and create a lot more work in the maintenance department. They fall off and get brittle and are a bitch to clean. (Please pardon my French.) Loop on top of hanger is smaller, making connector "S" hooks necessary when attaching to a shepherd's hook.Bottom Right:
F. Aspects Oriole Feeder - Pros: Made in USA, Quality product, Easy to clean. Nectar recipe on bottom of lid. Cons: I can't seem to attract Orioles. They pass through occasionally, but quickly move on. Only four ports. Not optimal for hummingbirds, but would do in a pinch.
Gee. Not Pictured (All in use.):
HummZinger - Aspects - Pros: Many! Cons: Few! - I now almost exclusively use Aspects HummZingers. I have many of their various sizes and models and love them for many reasons. See yesterday's post's photo of a 16 oz. HummZinger. There is too much information to go into today, but I promise to tell you more about them, list their features and rave about the benefits of owning these in a variety of sizes in an upcoming post! Until then, Happy Humming!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
I'VE GOT FLOCKS OF HUMMINGBIRDS!
I had to take my Macbook Pro to the hospital today. Seems the (old ticker) battery isn't what it used to be. After the Mac Doctor ran some diagnostic tests, my fears were confirmed. A replacement is on order. Until it comes in, I'm tethered to the wall. A hard thing to get used to after 2.5 years of continuous roaming around The Sandarosa while online.
Anyway at the Mac hospital I got talking to a couple of the technicians about two of my favorite subjects, HUMMINGBIRDS and photography. I had to search my sites for the information I wanted to show them, but found it on one of my newest Squidoo Lenses, An Obsession With Hummingbirds. Here you'll find a link to a photographer who specializes in photographing the incredible creatures and even gives in-detail, expert advise on how to do it!! Be sure to check out his wonderful hummingbird gallery too!! I'd mention him by name, however it doesn't seem to be on the site. It's just DyessCreek.com.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Is Your Left or Right Brain Dominant?
WHICH WAY DOES SHE SPIN?
Watch this video and see if the dancer moves clockwise or counter clockwise. If she moves clockwise, you're probably more right brain dominated. You often function using your NON VERBAL, intuitive, creative side. If you see her move counter clockwise, you are in the majority and are more of a left brain dominated, VERBAL, analytical individual.
ACCORDING TO BETTY EDWARDS, AUTHOR OF DRAWING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BRAIN, "The right brain perceives and processes visual information, in the way one needs to see in order to draw, and the left brain perceives in ways that seem to interfere with drawing."
"An individual's ability to draw is... the ability to shift to a different-from-ordinary way of processing visual information - to shift from verbal, analytic processing to spatial, global processing." ~ Betty Edwards
I just got my new, revised, expanded and updated copy of Betty Edwards' wonderful classic, "Drawing On The Right Side Of The Brain"! Betty says learning to draw is like learning to drive or ride a bike. Once it's learned, we don't have to think about it. I decided to go through the book and do the whole class again. (It has been a while.) Follow along with me this summer as I go through Betty's course and sketch everyday.
Watch this video and see if the dancer moves clockwise or counter clockwise. If she moves clockwise, you're probably more right brain dominated. You often function using your NON VERBAL, intuitive, creative side. If you see her move counter clockwise, you are in the majority and are more of a left brain dominated, VERBAL, analytical individual.
ACCORDING TO BETTY EDWARDS, AUTHOR OF DRAWING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BRAIN, "The right brain perceives and processes visual information, in the way one needs to see in order to draw, and the left brain perceives in ways that seem to interfere with drawing."
"An individual's ability to draw is... the ability to shift to a different-from-ordinary way of processing visual information - to shift from verbal, analytic processing to spatial, global processing." ~ Betty Edwards
I just got my new, revised, expanded and updated copy of Betty Edwards' wonderful classic, "Drawing On The Right Side Of The Brain"! Betty says learning to draw is like learning to drive or ride a bike. Once it's learned, we don't have to think about it. I decided to go through the book and do the whole class again. (It has been a while.) Follow along with me this summer as I go through Betty's course and sketch everyday.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Robert Henri's Art Spirit
The Art Spirit
inspires my art and life
Robert Henri's book, The Art Spirit, is a collection of notes, articles, fragments of letters and lectures to students. The book was complied after his death by former student, Margery Ryerson. Henri's highly inspirational material taps into the core of artistic expression and picture making. Learn more about Robert Henri (pronounced hen-rye) on my new page here.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Three Cats In The Yard
I decided that the pictures I posted of Jerry's tomato plants didn't really do them justice and show their size, so today I'm including these two shots.
When I was shooting the plants, the cats came out and wanted their picture taken too. This is Leah. Short for Ugly-a. She's a feral feline that we had fixed and take care of. At first I thought she was ugly, but now I see her beauty.
"A cat improves the garden wall in sunshine, and the hearth in foul weather." ~ Judith Merkle Riley
And Ziggy (our orange house cat, Tigger's brother). He's also a feral we had neutered. He's nothing like his laid back brother. He's afraid of us and like Leah, always stays a safe distance away. He and Leah are real pals and are almost always together.
"The cat has too much spirit to have no heart." ~ Ernest Manual
"Women, poets, and especially artists, like cats; delicate natures only can realize their sensitive nervous systems." ~ Helen M. Winslow
And last but not least, this is Princess. She is my studio cat, waiting at the studio door to be let in. She was here first and thinks all the others should definitely go!
When I was shooting the plants, the cats came out and wanted their picture taken too. This is Leah. Short for Ugly-a. She's a feral feline that we had fixed and take care of. At first I thought she was ugly, but now I see her beauty.
"A cat improves the garden wall in sunshine, and the hearth in foul weather." ~ Judith Merkle Riley
And Ziggy (our orange house cat, Tigger's brother). He's also a feral we had neutered. He's nothing like his laid back brother. He's afraid of us and like Leah, always stays a safe distance away. He and Leah are real pals and are almost always together.
"The cat has too much spirit to have no heart." ~ Ernest Manual
"Women, poets, and especially artists, like cats; delicate natures only can realize their sensitive nervous systems." ~ Helen M. Winslow
And last but not least, this is Princess. She is my studio cat, waiting at the studio door to be let in. She was here first and thinks all the others should definitely go!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Deer Trouble and Jerry's Giant Tomato Plants
We've had to put our hanging plants up on the side deck because we've got a juvenile delinquent problem. A brazen, ravenous, young doe started eating my flowers! I gave up years ago trying to have flower beds out here, but have gotten away with hanging baskets right up next to the back of our house. The deer have always stayed away . . . 'til now. We bought some spray, but I'm thinking it's easier just to move them around everyday. I scared the curious culprit away in the middle of the day yesterday! Any suggestions (besides hunting of course) will be considered. Here are a few shots taken early this morning with my little Cannon Power Shot.
Before I got off on that tangent, I wanted to show you these hu-mung-ous tomato plants that Jerry picked up! I've never seen a potted tomato plant get so huge. I hope the little deer doesn't decide to go up on the deck and give them a nibble.
Before I got off on that tangent, I wanted to show you these hu-mung-ous tomato plants that Jerry picked up! I've never seen a potted tomato plant get so huge. I hope the little deer doesn't decide to go up on the deck and give them a nibble.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Two More Lenses Added To Squidoo
I've been giving all my old lenses a facelift and have created four new ones so far this week. What a great sense of accomplishment. I'm on a roll baby!
Your feedback and comments are most appreciated! THANKS!!
Check out: Hummingbirds For The Holidays
I also did a major revamp on : Five Steps To Happy Hummingbirds
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Too Much To Share And T.M.I. !
I started looking at my Squidoo Lenses this past weekend and realized most of them had way T. M. I. - TOO MUCH INFORMATION ! So I decided to break them down into more digestible chunks.
I've got two new lenses so far. I hope you find them interesting, helpful and worth your time.
An Obsession With Hummingbirds was inspired by a comment left recently here on my web log.
Simple Sketching Steps contains a new drawing demo.
In Simple Sketching Steps, I also explain my materials and make supply recommendations. My SketchingEveryday Blog starts in one week, so if you plan on following along and doing my sketching challenges this year, make sure you read this short lens and pick up any materials you may need.
I've got two new lenses so far. I hope you find them interesting, helpful and worth your time.
An Obsession With Hummingbirds was inspired by a comment left recently here on my web log.
Simple Sketching Steps contains a new drawing demo.
In Simple Sketching Steps, I also explain my materials and make supply recommendations. My SketchingEveryday Blog starts in one week, so if you plan on following along and doing my sketching challenges this year, make sure you read this short lens and pick up any materials you may need.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
To Internet Hell And Back
I've been to internet HELL and back over the past week. To make a long story short, it all started when I went to renew my domain name, SpiritArt.us. It was ten days before it was due to expire. Turns out my domain registrar went out of business. They were resellers, so I had to go to the main registrar to find my data. With the high rate of scamming and manipulation on the web, beware, of even the big guys. I was slammed in the beginning by the company, did meet with some cooperation mid stream, but then ended up short changed in the end. Thank God for my wonderful technical support staff at ViaVerio Web Hosting !! One by one, hour by hour, Jason, Tim, Oscar, Dave, and James all got me through this. Thanks so much guys! I still have some work to do, but now there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel!
Today's InspirationEveryday quote:
"To be tested is good. The challenged life may be the best therapist." ~ Gail Sheehy
Today's InspirationEveryday quote:
"To be tested is good. The challenged life may be the best therapist." ~ Gail Sheehy
On a brighter note, I became an exclusive photographer with iStockPhoto yesterday. Now I have a bronze film canister and a gold crown by my name. It looks so much better than that old grey thing. I didn't have a photo of me in a crown, so here's the next best thing. It's a shot of me taken by Robert Genn , the Author of "The Painter's Keys" in September of 2005 aboard the cruise ship "Coral Princess" in Alaska.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
THEY'RE HERE!!
I saw the first arrivals today. There are at least two of them, maybe more. I've got three feeders up now and I am in hummer heaven. Be sure to check out my Five Steps to Happy Hummers and get lots of tips on starting (or increasing numbers) of your very own hummingbird colony!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Screaming, Rearing and Charging
I'm sitting here on my screened-in back porch with two hummingbird feeders hanging on either side of the door. Jerry said he had one dive bomb him this morning, but I have yet to see one. I've been working out here for a couple of hours and no customers yet! Oh well, I did take Rudy for a spin this afternoon. He was a perfect gentleman. Rita, of course, carried on like a maniac. I figure when I ride Rudy, I get two for the price of one. Rita gets her exercise too. While screaming like a stallion, she entertainingly demonstrates her athletic ability, rearing, bucking, leaping, spinning and charging. It's quite a workout. More than I'm up for, FOR SURE! :-D
Here's a quick sketch of Rita today. I'm starting to draw more again, in preparation for my summer sketching series... I'm dreading it and looking forward to it at the same time. Hee Hee, Go figure.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Oh Where, Oh Where Can My Hummingbirds Be?!
OK, they're late. I'm beginning to worry. The first males have been arriving here around the 19th or twentieth of April for several years. (I write it on my calendar.) We did have a very cold winter here, but according to hummingbirds.net, they've been spotted as far north as Canada. Oh dear . . . I put up another feeder today by my studio window. Maybe I'm just missing them. I'm on edge and everything that goes by my window catches my eye. I'm even dreaming about the little cuties. Oh well, I'll try to be patient. Today's sketch is one I did in preparation for my studio drawing classes that I did in Florida last week. (And, I have been informed that the course was a huge hit with all the students.) :-D
Thursday, April 8, 2010
An Obsession With Hummingbirds
I will be traveling and giving s few drawing demonstrations next week, so I thought I'd better practice a little today. Not drawing as regularly as I would like, my session started off slow and a little rusty. After a short time however, it became much easier. Here's a few steps of one of today's sketches. No hummers have been spotted here yet, so drawing some will just have to quench my thirst for now. Last year the first one showed up here on April 19th, so it shouldn't be too long of a wait now!
Monday, April 5, 2010
The Hummers Are Here!
I looked at Hummingbirds.net's hummingbird migration map and quickly got a hummingbird feeder out this past weekend. The little travelers have been spotted in my area and as far north as Massachusetts! No need to put out more than a single feeder just yet though. When you see one bird, you can then put up another. Once your spot is established, you can be certain within a day or two you'll be seeing more. Be sure to check out my Five Steps To Happy Hummers site to get your hummingbird season started off with a bang! I'll keep you posted on our arrivals here. Good Luck and Happy Humming!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
A Mystery Project
OMG! It's been almost a month since I posted anything here on my web log. That's my longest break ever! Truth is, I'm working on a project that I'm having lots of fun with right now. I can't share it with you all just yet. I will say however, that our horses are very interested in my recent activities. I'm sure my neighbors and people driving by are thinking; "What the heck is she up to now?".
Friday, February 26, 2010
Insight Of The Day ~ Keep Dancing!
I have been receiving Bob Proctor's Insight of the Day emails for years now. You can sign up and receive an inspirational quote Mon. - Thurs. and a short story on Friday. Today's is a good one. Here's a quote from it. "If you are feeling stuck, and afraid to take the next step, or any step for that matter, you will never achieve the life of your dreams. Life is not always about being comfortable. It is about moving forward, out of your comfort zone." Worth the read here: Keep On Dancing by Veronica Hay
Friday, February 19, 2010
Meet Baby Hope
"Baby Hope, as she came to be called, was put in a cardboard box that someone sealed with duct tape and left on a Philadelphia curb for trash. She was all alone, sealed in a box with no food or water for at least two days before being discovered by a Good Samaritan who noticed a slight movement to the box.
Baby Hope was lucky because when she was bought to PSPCA, a volunteer from Burlington County Animal Alliance (BCAA), a local rescue group from my county with a long history of helping homeless pets in the Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey area, came to her rescue."
Yes folks, Baby Hope's story does have a happy ending! She's one of the LUCKY ONES.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
America's Wild Horses
More Links about Wild Horse Preservation and the BLM Roundups:
From their web site: "In 1971, an unprecedented public outcry moved Congress to unanimously pass the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act, granting federal protection to America's wild horses and burros as “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West, that contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people.”
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
BLM WILD MUSTANG ROUNDUP
The BLM, Bureau of Land Management, (also known as the Bureau of Livestock Management), is currently rounding up wild horses in Nevada. They are removing these animals from public lands because they say there is not enough forage to sustain them. However, the BLM then turns around and leases this same acreage, our own public land, (which was specificly set aside in the 70's by Congress for the protection of the wild horses and a unique ecosystem), to cattle ranchers at outragously cheap rates! It's all for the benefit of the ranchers and the government, not at all for the good of these beautiful wild animals and not for the American People! Somehow I feel that it's not only these magnificant wild creatures, it's also our heritage that they are destroying.
This all happened a month ago. I just found out about it tonight. I will post links as I find them.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
The Secret of Personal Magnetism
An excerpt from Owen Waters' NEW BOOK ~ "Love, Light, Laughter: The New Spirituality"
"When people open their hearts to unselfish, unconditional love, a whole new world of possibilities opens. Rather than spending effort avoiding the selfishness of others, they spend time making sure that the way they choose to serve society is done in the best way possible. When people can trust others to treat each other with love and respect rather than as competitors, then everyone gains.
"When people open their hearts to unselfish, unconditional love, a whole new world of possibilities opens. Rather than spending effort avoiding the selfishness of others, they spend time making sure that the way they choose to serve society is done in the best way possible. When people can trust others to treat each other with love and respect rather than as competitors, then everyone gains.
As heart-centered awareness grows and blooms within society, people’s primary focus will shift away from service to self and towards service to others. When it does, the world will transform out of all recognition.
But you don’t have to wait for all of society to catch up. In both your personal and professional dealings with people, you have a reputation, and it is fed by word-of-mouth recommendation. Build your reputation as someone who tends to give more than is expected of them, and you will find yourself becoming increasingly popular in both your business and personal lives. People respond to heartfelt action and, as they say, what goes around comes around.
Action and reaction are opposite and equal in all types of thought and action. Your heartfelt action, by automatic reaction, will create a heartfelt reality among you and the people who are attracted to your energy. When you operate mainly out of a heart-centered frequency, you will notice that people are attracted to you in all aspects of your life. Friends, lovers, professional associates; everyone will be attracted to your magnetic personality.
Personal magnetism has been one of the great mysteries of life simply because, in the past, so few people have operated from that heart-centered frequency of awareness on a routine basis. However, it’s really no secret. It’s just one of those common-sense facts of life.
The secret of personal magnetism is that the more you unconditionally love people, the more they love you.
You don’t have to make a big deal out of it. You don’t have to stand there like some transmitter beacon, radiating huge amounts of heart energy. Top stage performers do, but you don’t. You can be very quiet about it and everyone will be quietly drawn to you. Everyone of a similar nature, that is. Everyone who appreciates kindness and a truly warm, genuine smile.
In other words, you’ll attract the very best of friends.
There’s nothing more attractive than a warm smile from a person who quietly radiates a sense of unconditional love for themselves and all others."
This was an excerpt from "Love, Light, Laughter: The New Spirituality" by Owen Waters, which is available exclusively at Amazon.com.
www.amazon.com/dp/1932336281
"Posted Courtesy of www.InfiniteBeing.com"
www.amazon.com/dp/1932336281
"Posted Courtesy of www.InfiniteBeing.com"
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Support Haiti Earthquake Response
Your gift to Doctors Without Borders will support emergency medical care for the men, women, and children affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Please give as generously as you can. Haiti Earthquake Response will help save lives. Read more about Doctors Without Borders here.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Photographing At The Zoo
I just found a helpful article on Nikon's "Learn & Explore" section by Julie Larsen Maher. See great shots and learn many tips for making the most of your visit to the zoo from this accomplished animal photographer.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
A FREE WATERCOLOR WEBINAR BY CREATIVE TECHS!
I just signed up for a FREE Watercolor Magic painting course in the CreativeTechs worldwide classroom! See the overview here.
I don't know this woman or her work, but if it's anything like Creative Techs' other GREAT COURSES I've taken, I'm on board! Why don't you give it a try too? Hey, you've got nothin' to loose, right?!
ATTN: - Photographers and Graphic Designers - Check Out Creative Techs' Awesome TRAINING WEBINARS HERE!
I don't know this woman or her work, but if it's anything like Creative Techs' other GREAT COURSES I've taken, I'm on board! Why don't you give it a try too? Hey, you've got nothin' to loose, right?!
ATTN: - Photographers and Graphic Designers - Check Out Creative Techs' Awesome TRAINING WEBINARS HERE!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Freelance Illustration Spots
I had some good fortune on New Years Day. That's when I learned that the deal was sealed on a freelance illustration project with German / Australian award winning web designer, Kai Brach of www.brizk.com. I finished them yesterday and will shoot them in high resolution today. I am happy with the job and really anxious to see the finished results when Kai puts my paintings together with his fantastic sense of design on his impressive website! I'll post a link to the page when Kai launches it.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Photography
"The artist may never feel the urge to grip a camera, but the photograph - black and white, sepia-tinted, in blazing color - is part of her secret cache of loved things." ~ Eric Maisel
"A photograph is a secret about a secret." ~ Diane Arbus
"Sometimes I get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter." ~ Ansel Adams
~ These quotations on photography are from "Affirmations For Artists"