tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329965142024-03-20T22:25:05.530-04:00blue sea oasisa place to write, create and see ... what happensCynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-68749606008222396862013-01-07T00:05:00.002-05:002013-01-07T00:05:59.691-05:00New Beginnings, New Word and Breast PocketsNew beginnings not resolutions. A new word, not for the year, but day to day. I've decided the first word will be Finish. Finish things I've begun, there are several. My first "Finish" completed so far is for <a href="http://melanietesta.com/tag/breast-pockets/">Melanie Testa</a>. Click her name to get to her website and scroll down to read her request for Breast Pockets (she has extended the time) and listen to her on the PODCAST there with Rice of voodoonotes.blogspot.com (can't figure out how to put 2dots above the e in her name (aargh!) but her name rhymes with Lisa).<p>
Here are the two I have made. I decided to use papers I've been making (more on this later). There are 3 layers of wax deli paper in each pocket, Golden's gesso (black and white), a piece of round styrofoam as a stamp for the circles. On the pink one I stitched around the outside with deep pink embroidery floss but since the flap was just one piece of paper I just used the pink pen to create stitches (it is a little difficult to see). I also drew spirals in the circles with pink pen and sharpie. The pink doesn't show up very well. The textures also don't show up very well. On the yellow one, I stitched around the edge with gold thread and also stitched spirals in the circles. This flap was 3 layers thick so I stitched around the edge of this flap.
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The yellow one is for a cousin who had a double mastectomy and suffered great pain. I think of her often. The pink one is for every woman now or in the future who will have to deal with this life decision. Back in the 80s, I received the dreaded call from my doctor, the blood drains, the mind swirls and decisions to be made. I had two tiny lumps detected only through the mammogram. Tests, non-cancerous and surgically removed. I only have a tiny scar that still hurts occasionally. While my outcome is different so it is for all woman. Check out Melanie's blog and maybe make a breast pocket for someone you know.<p>
Wishing you some exciting and new discoveries this year.
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-69508920021022295292012-12-31T20:13:00.001-05:002012-12-31T20:13:41.989-05:00Random Acts of Kindness Received todayShopping today for some hair color. My mousy grey hair needs a lift. I remember when all the blonde colors were in the top 3 or 4 shelves but now are on the bottom two rows. I now know what brunettes had to endure when blonde was "in". Standing on one's head to read the boxes or sit on the floor.<p>
Anyway, while searching for the color "Honey Butter", standing on my head in the aisle, a lovely woman noticed the brand (L'Oreal, light ash blonde) I had in my hand. She promptly handed me a coupon from that Company. I thanked her very much. It wasn't until later I discovered it was for a free box up to 9.99. WOW!<p>
Later in the grocery end of the store, I met another woman at the egg counter. I was searching through the Egglands Best egg cartons. It was as if all the cartons had been dropped. Each box I opened was a mess of cracked and oozing eggs. I finally made room for this woman to get to the eggs, pushing my cart off to the side so DH could keep an eye on my purse and free up my hands to continue to look. I explained to the woman the issue with the eggs and trying to help her find a good box. She handed me the one she had and just swapped out one broken egg. She insisted I take it. I thanked her and brought it back to the cart where we checked it out again and sure enough we found more broken ones. She asked if we could check her box again and it was okay. A messy job made pleasant by a lovely person. We wished each other Happy New Year!<p>
May you experience the lovely people out there during your travels.
Happy New Year!Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-79692771101437354662012-12-17T00:14:00.000-05:002012-12-17T00:14:02.049-05:00A visitor
This beautiful creature was in our driveway yesterday. DH and I couldn't believe it and wondered where it came from. It was magical. DH was going over to the wood shop when he spotted this little one. I ran to get the camera. As I got closer, this little being turned its head to look at me. Such gentleness and quiet. I protected it from moving forward under the car as DH backed out of the driveway. I left it to go on its merry way feeling blessed to have had a special visitor. A reminder of little ones loved and lost.<p>
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Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-45739400627943560262012-12-10T21:16:00.000-05:002012-12-10T21:16:49.351-05:00Wayne Thiebaud
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<p>Being true to yourself is a gift to the world.</p>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-4678356817438875982012-12-10T14:18:00.000-05:002012-12-10T14:18:25.485-05:00Human Rights DayHelp spread the word. Visit <a href="http://www.tooyoungtowed.org">HERE.</a>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-50787669339722071272012-12-10T05:23:00.000-05:002012-12-10T05:23:44.238-05:00What love isThis is so lovely and heartwarming.
Have a heartwarming and love filled day.
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Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-24956242484707820402012-11-27T19:32:00.001-05:002012-11-27T19:32:13.637-05:00An AdventureTraveling to Venice (virtually) with Mary Ann Moss and a group of fabulous adventurers beginning December 15th. Want to know more? Click on the link on the right nav bar to join us if you can.
I'm going to be posting my adventure <a href="http://artmarks.blogspot.com">HERE</a> because I still have some projects that mean a lot to me at this oasis. Of course always the more organized I try to be the more confusion I cause myself.
Wishing you all a happy and joyful holiday season.Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-66337677716076860232012-08-16T23:05:00.000-04:002012-08-16T23:05:17.152-04:00Traveling
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We were on Martha's Vineyard last week. Took the ferry from Woods Hole in Falmouth, MA and saw this eagle and nest on top of this warning tower. Amazed at how well this photo came out as fog was rolling in quickly. When the ferry horn blew the eagle flew into the nest. What a great surprising sight. Swam in the ocean and thinking about the shark sightings. Strolled the Main Street shops and ate lots of clam chowder and fish.
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This week we are in Lincoln, NH in the White Mts. This was taken at Lower Falls on the Kancamagus Highway. The water can be very cold but it was comfortable. We waded and lots of people were swimming. It is a gorgeous spot but the sound of the water is thunderous. This is just one of the waterfalls in the area. As when people are gathered there is drama. One young woman was upset as she lost her ring. Saw another young woman slip over a small water fall and disappear behind a large rock. Scared her friend who was beside her. My heart stopped. Then her friend saw the girl further down near more rocks. At first the friend was going to try the same thing and then thought better of it. Thank goodness. As they couldn't climb the rocks to get out of their predicament, an older gentlemen was able to reach their hands and pull them to safety. As people climbed over all the rocks, there was lots of teetering, slipping and ouching going on.
Will have more pictures and a couple of videos soon.
Hope you are having some summer fun.
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-52971873866582711252012-07-05T12:25:00.001-04:002012-07-05T12:25:23.759-04:00Amazing BirdWe have the funniest thing going on here. A silly, happy wonderful bird is singing his heart out. Haven't been able to see him yet, partly because he begins around 1:00 a.m., but we keep looking. Thing is he sings all night long...so amazing. There are so many different songs, we are thinking it is a mockingbird. My Mom use to call them catbirds. We'll know for sure once we get a glimpse. But it is fun having this mystery singer. We are late night people and when the bird starts singing, one of us, giggling, is sure to announce, bird is here. He'll sing one song for awhile and just when you think it is time for something different he'll start a whole different repertoire.
This started over a month or so. We think the bird is male because it was around mating time. This little character sang for 24 hours a day (I am not kidding) for days. We worried: how could he sing for so long without getting hoarse? would he get weak from not eating? We were concerned parents here...hahaha.
Suddenly no singing. He must have finally found a mate. Thank goodness! But a few days ago the singing has returned and around 1:00 a.m. Delightful! He'll sing all night now and then off and on during the day. We wonder if he's flown in from a different time zone and just hasn't caught up with the difference...hahaha...OR maybe he's a night time kinda guy. Whatever, he is a delight!
Hope something in nature is giving you a treat!Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-70540769208436716462012-06-07T14:54:00.000-04:002012-06-07T14:54:26.023-04:00sadness and sago palmsBeen sad here since the death of my nephew on April 9th. Acute cardiac arrest states the death certificate. Can't believe so much time has passed. Seems like yesterday. He was only 38 and has a 20month old son. Remembering and missing my Mom, Dad and Grams. Trying to kick myself back to action. Things to do. Commitments and deadlines.<br />
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We have two sago palms, one in the front and one in the back. They are so cute...5 feet tall or a little less. Nature is magical (can be terrifying as well). Anyway have been documenting the palms as they are wondrous to me. One day these pod like things appeared. Researched and discovered our palms are males of the species. The pods have grown to almost 20 inches tall...amazing.<br />
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This is the how it looked when I first noticed it. Tightly closed and a pastel greenish color.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEDNScxNEWFocGAs5UUV_a2T8nJYAb_ZvhMNqCxpqc40OWde83CjCeqAOke7kQAO-CKPouZFyKhoVZJp_5B6M5nPFrwyPZOKCJu-VUy5p-8a89Lmfd5K9vE9MsjjEYXmJRkiP/s1600/sagopalm_flower_72px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEDNScxNEWFocGAs5UUV_a2T8nJYAb_ZvhMNqCxpqc40OWde83CjCeqAOke7kQAO-CKPouZFyKhoVZJp_5B6M5nPFrwyPZOKCJu-VUy5p-8a89Lmfd5K9vE9MsjjEYXmJRkiP/s320/sagopalm_flower_72px.jpg" /></a><br />
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As the pod grows, the sections open up to release the pollen. They become a deep yellow color. They remind me of pine cones.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfJGrqc8KGpr8mssl-cb8bGeiV6uQhprsDfSoB28FCUmOfUcw7KtI0V7mJDJoc8VTPf9pPnfM6TYthDgFQ4Xxx5JAdh0E3HTcbtv0dZhTbGCx7REYbbL3v2JgpidztgwTQCYZ/s1600/sagopalm_pollination.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfJGrqc8KGpr8mssl-cb8bGeiV6uQhprsDfSoB28FCUmOfUcw7KtI0V7mJDJoc8VTPf9pPnfM6TYthDgFQ4Xxx5JAdh0E3HTcbtv0dZhTbGCx7REYbbL3v2JgpidztgwTQCYZ/s320/sagopalm_pollination.jpg" /></a><br />
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This is what the pollen looks like. Magical...like fairy dust.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTfjCxk8NUGxhWr_c0QUvKAKXrQmaNSwI6ocBmJblDcTZx2T37rls0_AheDXryXAAlEvqcjFOEkXyFM4X84kToiDuNgJ9v6gvRNLzb5dRinA5mLiS8fEFO4-EBUTzYMZO6l-x/s1600/sago_pollen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTfjCxk8NUGxhWr_c0QUvKAKXrQmaNSwI6ocBmJblDcTZx2T37rls0_AheDXryXAAlEvqcjFOEkXyFM4X84kToiDuNgJ9v6gvRNLzb5dRinA5mLiS8fEFO4-EBUTzYMZO6l-x/s320/sago_pollen.png" /></a><br />
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Now the pod is aging and has turned a beautiful sienna color. It will soon fall off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQ6oIMFYWpEEcJ_tBrDyO8wdo8INqA_VkGZyUQHxdYMj0xlQyMp4LRTOVeBI8tPfevo0gi5y_s2Cnf6vcKJAm53urrp-puYoL99t7PPOmmOXMHHB1uIAtWcAG8YnCdZsyov2j/s1600/sagopalm_ending.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQ6oIMFYWpEEcJ_tBrDyO8wdo8INqA_VkGZyUQHxdYMj0xlQyMp4LRTOVeBI8tPfevo0gi5y_s2Cnf6vcKJAm53urrp-puYoL99t7PPOmmOXMHHB1uIAtWcAG8YnCdZsyov2j/s320/sagopalm_ending.jpg" /></a><br />
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This is what the pods look like on the sago palm. There are three on this one and one on the palm in the back yard. Some pruning needs to be done on the palms and that is being done today before the rain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQV0nr72OSU-2NIhOChz9p6iKMTNOSYOfmZypM_ietyVipoz7vR5oXi7XOdhSziVEEwZ6Dpug32W0aE2T7eap-dy0wgEF1cOSVpZi9QbuxcAnsd6N-0Lp6lQLUEDDSej91al3y/s1600/sagopalm_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQV0nr72OSU-2NIhOChz9p6iKMTNOSYOfmZypM_ietyVipoz7vR5oXi7XOdhSziVEEwZ6Dpug32W0aE2T7eap-dy0wgEF1cOSVpZi9QbuxcAnsd6N-0Lp6lQLUEDDSej91al3y/s320/sagopalm_front.jpg" /></a><br />
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I have checked around the community and there are some female sago palms around. Hoping to get some photos of them soon. Supposedly if you are raising these palms, once the pods are open you cut it off and shake the pollen over the female blossom. The female produces seeds which fall on the ground. Great for a landscaper or nursery. Also great for helping me through this sadness.<br />
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Hope you are all still here and being creative. I have been sporadic in visiting your blogs but not leaving any comments. Wishing to get better at it...Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-85767768473751003932012-04-14T09:53:00.000-04:002012-04-14T09:53:53.879-04:00laughing is good for the soulLife is very chaotic here but just had to pass <a href="http://sleepingdogsstudio.net/blog/">this</a> on. Hope it brings a laugh your way.<br />
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The post is dated April 8th http://sleepingdogsstudio.net/blog/Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-55989693678672043972012-03-09T07:21:00.010-05:002012-03-28T23:36:02.107-04:00Postcards Switzerland and CanadaHaving cataract surgery this month. One eye done and I am in awe. Colors are bright and sharp and I can see details like the bark of trees across the yard. I'm walking around with my mouth open. Geez it is wonderful and amazing. Of course it is also tiring looking with one eye still very blurry. I'm surprised at how my brain is actually favoring the clear eye. But need reading glasses more than I did before so life is interesting. Lots of eye drops and relaxation going on. I'm being good as I don't want to screw up anything. Next week the second eye will be done, yay! Thanks everyone for your well wishes. It is greatly appreciated.<br />
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Will be back with Switzerland postcard soon.<br />
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On to Canada...<br />
March is Women's History Month and today March 8th is International Women's Day. <br />
So I decided to look up Canadian Women and I found three women who are amazing, (I seem to use that a lot in this postcard challenge) inspiring and who have and are making a difference in the world. <br />
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The first woman I discovered is <a href="http://www.canadianwomen.org">Indira Samarasekera</a> who is President of the University of Alberta. In this video she is talking about the need for vision, ambition and courage. Her talk is awe inspiring and her personal story/journey is beautiful. She is funny, smart and down to earth. Image on the postcard is from google.com images.<br />
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The second Canadian Woman is <a href="http://www.brocku.ca/canadianwomenpoets/Atwood.htm#biography">Margaret Atwood</a> who is a well known writer and poet. Her website is <a href="http://www.margaretatwood.ca/
">here</a>. Image on postcard from google.com images. I found this <a href="http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/is-not/">poem:</a><br />
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Is/Not by Margaret Atwood<br />
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Love is not a<br />
profession<br />
genteel or otherwise<br />
<br />
sex is not dentistry<br />
the slick filling of<br />
aches and cavities<br />
<br />
you are not my doctor<br />
you are not my cure,<br />
<br />
nobody has that<br />
power, you are<br />
merely a fellow/<br />
traveller<br />
<br />
Give up this medical<br />
concern,<br />
buttoned, attentive,<br />
<br />
permit yourself anger<br />
and permit me mine<br />
<br />
which needs neither<br />
your approval nor<br />
your surprise<br />
<br />
which does not need<br />
to be made legal<br />
which is not against a<br />
disease<br />
<br />
but against you,<br />
which does not need<br />
to be understood<br />
<br />
or washed or<br />
cauterized,<br />
which needs instead<br />
<br />
to be said and said.<br />
Permit me the present tense<br />
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The third Canadian woman is a famous Canadian Physician. <a href="http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/physicians/030002-2500-e.html">Dr. Emily Howard Stowe</a> I found this information on <a href="http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca">Library and Archives Canada</a>. The source for the image of Dr. Stowe can be found <a href="http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/physicians/030002-150-e.php?uid=030002-xx012039&uidc=recKey">here</a>. Dr. Stowe's passion for the rights and health of women and children has made the world a better place. I feel indebted to her and all the other women who have braved obstacles in their lives for the sake of others.<br />
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Maddie received Ruth's postcard forwarded from Cuba and learned of her broken leg. After many calls to find out which hospital Ruth is in, Maddie phones her. Hey Ruth, what the heck! How are you? I’m on my way. You can’t do this on your own. I’m cutting short my stop in Canada and should arrive in Switzerland tomorrow evening. I’ve already spoken with the hotel manager and he will let me into your room. Make a list of anything you’d like me to pick up for you. Just relax and get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow. bye-bye<br />
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Thanks Darcy for this challenge as I discover and are reminded of the treasures of our world including all the artists in this challenge. Click on the link to the right to see more postcards.Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-1922761830276339412012-02-26T18:59:00.000-05:002012-02-26T18:59:44.753-05:00Postcard week 8 CubaI remember the Bay of Pigs although I was really to young and naive to understand what it was all about. Didn't know about a Catholic program called Pedro Pan (Peter Pan) to bring Cuban children to the US for safekeeping while political turmoil was going on over Battista and Castro until researching about Ana who was 13 at the time. She and her sister arrived here during another turmoil, Civil Rights Movement.<br />
<br />
I was studying Ana's work in Art School and her murder affected me a lot. Violent relationships were happening around me. A couple of students at the time were murdered by their boyfriends. The feminist movement in the art world was having an influence on women. But to have such a violent death and an acquittal of her husband is a travesty and so unjust. But it happens everyday, somewhere.<br />
<br />
http://www.coldwar.org/articles/60s/PedroPlan.asp<br />
http://www.artinamericamagazine.com/news-opinion/news/2010-10-12/ana-mendieta/<br />
The images on my card are from google.com These are 3 links on my research of Ana:<br />
http://www.virginiamiller.com/exhibitions/1990s/AnaMendieta.html<br />
http://www.jstor.org/pss/1358840<br />
<br />
cubatransnational.blogspot.com/p/lourdes-gil.html<br />
<br />
Jaruco Caves work found here:<br />
http://books.google.com/books?id=1YWTLSGIaZ4C&pg=PA97&lpg=PA97&dq=jaruco+caves+cuba+with+ana+mendieta&source=bl&ots=Z06WElQM6b&sig=8mEWJt7N3QpsvzhN8MTapey2vKM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=JK5KT4qpNM-Itwfh5vDuAg&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=jaruco%20caves%20cuba%20with%20ana%20mendieta&f=false<br />
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A poem written by Ana (c1981)<br />
Found here: Woman's Art Journal © 1999 Woman's Art Inc.<br />
<br />
Pain of Cuba<br />
body I am<br />
my orphanhood I live<br />
<br />
In Cuba when you die<br />
the earth that covers us <br />
speaks.<br />
<br />
But here,<br />
covered by the earth whose prisoner I am<br />
I feel death palpitating underneath<br />
the earth.<br />
<br />
And so,<br />
As my whole body is filled with want of Cuba<br />
I go on to make my work upon the earth,<br />
to go on is victory.<br />
<br />
<br />
Poet Lourdes Gil<br />
Havana, Cuba 1951<br />
<br />
To Ana Mendieta, Who was Pushed Over a Window by an Artist’s Hand<br />
<br />
Because I knew you as a child<br />
I never believed you had become a woman<br />
a woman<br />
who carved sculptures in the mud<br />
ominous sculptures<br />
drawn in blood.<br />
I saw your rage long before exile<br />
before the orphanage or Carl<br />
before your art transformed the topography of Iowa<br />
before the Grand Prix<br />
before Rome.<br />
I watched you from your cousin’s porch<br />
in Havana (the city<br />
was not yet in ruins)<br />
as you returned home late after detention<br />
<br />
set apart from us<br />
anger a suspended halo over your mouth and eyes.<br />
Anger a formidable presence mushrooming<br />
on the desolate walls of your Sullivan Street apartment<br />
after I found you in New York.<br />
Following, trailing you back to Cuba<br />
transformed into graceful Arawak<br />
the legends you inscribed on the Jaruco caves.<br />
Because I saw your rage<br />
I found it difficult to laugh<br />
when you told stories<br />
of the orphaned years in Iowa<br />
and ripped the past apart into a joke.<br />
I saw the violence you carried ‘round your neck<br />
like Sisyphus his stone.<br />
And though I was shocked beyond belief<br />
the morning I heard about the brutal crash<br />
—your body falling<br />
scorching flash of indigo and red<br />
in the pitch dark<br />
your naked, interrupted body breaking up<br />
into a clump<br />
a thunder noise over the deli’s roof<br />
your last sculpture spread on humid tar—<br />
I cannot say<br />
the end<br />
was entirely unpredictable.<br />
<br />
I saw the violence.Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-64980300559218057892012-02-17T04:19:00.001-05:002012-02-17T04:23:51.468-05:00Postcard week 7 WalesThis week we've been traveling in Wales. A lovely, magical and challenging country. Music, art, literature, poetry everywhere. I thought I might do something about Dylan Thomas but I was over thinking it and moved on. Discovered a website about the Celtic language and it was fascinating but was mind boggling although fun. I kept thinking the page looked like someone was typing with their fingers on the wrong keys. hahaha. Then I found a page about Love Spoons and that was it. The website for the Love Spoons is <a href="http://www.thelovespoongallery.com">here</a>. They first appeared in the 16thC as a courting gift rather than giving flowers. (My thoughts went to the idea that a carver made one for his sweetheart and you know how it goes...everyone loved it and wanted one.)<br />
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I downloaded a copy of one of the spoons. It is the perfect size for the postcard. I was going to paint it the color of wood but I liked how the color printed slightly pink/purple and decided to leave it. I printed another spoon as I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with them. I took the daffodil off the second one and put it on this spoon and liked it. If you visit the love spoon website, you'll see there are many different designs and can be made using different symbols with different meanings to represent how you feel about your loved one. I love totems and totem poles and this reminded me of that.<br />
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Ruth and her husband Barry celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in January. When she saw the spoons at a local carver's shop, she knew she had to buy one for Barry. There lives have been so hectic this year that Ruth really wants some time for Maddie, Chester, Barry and her to get together for some fun. A break of sorts from their work schedules. It is difficult as both Maddie and Ruth have fashion shows this year and they are feeling the anxiety of time.<br />
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The hearts = love, the vine = growing love and the flower = affection. The daffodil is the national flower of Wales.<br />
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Maddie, I loved your chocolate card...can see a lovely long skirt and scarf in it. found the love spoon at t local carver's shop. Barry and I just celebrated 50yr. anniversary & couldn't resist buying him this spoon. Some are very ornate but he loves simplicity. I know you and I have shows we are working through but seriously the four of us should meet for some fun. I'll call you when I know my next stop and we'll plan something. Belgium is beautiful. Wales is lovely. Ruth<br />
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Lots of wonderful creations and stories by other postcard challengers <a href="http://art-and-sole.blogspot.com/p/postcard-challenge-2012.html">here</a>.Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-61125883339688660822012-02-12T22:19:00.000-05:002012-02-12T22:19:06.904-05:00Postcard Week 6 BelgiumHi All, busy week but posting 'kinda' in the nick-of-time. Thanks so much everyone for visiting and leaving wonderful comments. So greatly appreciate your thoughts. Will get to visit those that I haven't yet this week.<br />
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Here are my cards from Belgium and the back side of France from last week. Belgium was exciting to search on the internet. My first thought was chocolate but also thought the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mambo1935/152382691/">'Manneken Pis'</a> was hysterical. I thought this link the best picture of such an innocent. The stories/history are so common with Art that seems to incite great emotions and actions either violent or mischievous. The little sculpture seems to be revered by the people and is dressed for various holidays.<br />
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However, I went with my initial thoughts of chocolate. This drawing is with walnut ink, caran dache neocolor crayons, gesso and marker. When I scanned the card in, it appeared washed out to me so I opened it in PhotoShop Elements and applied Ink Outline Effects and it sharpened the image. I like it but the chocolate covered strawberries at the top aren't as plump and juicy. sad...<br />
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Anyway, Maddie is having a grand time devouring chocolates and visiting all the cafes and chocolate shops with her sketchbook in hand. I'm sure she'll have a sketch of the little boy fountain included. hehehe.<br />
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Maddie apologized to Ruth for her chocolate fingerprints. But she wanted to get her card off to Ruth before she started off to another chocolate shop.<br />
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This is the back of my France postcard. Thought I'd try using PhotoShop Elements to type this time. Still experimenting with how different my characters should write to each other.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7f9CuM_c27lfNeQCu8rOxMQT_U75PZSIxCeQWwYdcUT0Py8v5Iullrn8XQlM1FWO4Ek5duay-mlt5Btt1ta8xoGs8_OmuNHxA7qJVIms3OC3P3_WmLugb3Du4I_yDWjeuH7_J/s1600/postcard+%25235+France+side+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="190" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7f9CuM_c27lfNeQCu8rOxMQT_U75PZSIxCeQWwYdcUT0Py8v5Iullrn8XQlM1FWO4Ek5duay-mlt5Btt1ta8xoGs8_OmuNHxA7qJVIms3OC3P3_WmLugb3Du4I_yDWjeuH7_J/s320/postcard+%25235+France+side+2.jpg" /></a></div>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-1824611622659158752012-02-04T19:22:00.000-05:002012-02-04T19:22:48.166-05:00Postcard Week 5 FranceTaken me awhile to figure out Photoshop Elements to enhance my postcard. I just bought a Bamboo tablet with Photoshop Elements, Painter and Color Nik(?) I think it is. Anyway has taken me awhile to install everything. The image I have is a bit washed out so I wanted to enhance the colors. I think it came out nicely and I have a little hair left. So much for whining....<br />
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The book I’m using for my postcards is a 2006 weekly calendar spiral bound book of Tuscany and Provence that a friend gave me as a gift. It has amazing images of these two areas scattered through the book. There are four of the lavender fields of Provence. Two images have “Our Lady of Sénanque Abbey” in the background. I thought this would be perfect for my card for France.<br />
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While looking for images of the lavender fields and wanting to find out what this architecture was, I found these 2 websites with amazing images of the fields.<br />
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<a href="http://www.provenceguide.co.uk/home/vaucluse-in-provence/discover-vaucluse/don-t-miss/lavender.aspx">This one </a>has a video in the right navigation bar that is beautiful and on the left is one of the photos I’m using with the name of the Abbey. I’m so so excited!<br />
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<a href="https://nsfwords.wordpress.com/2011/06/27/lavender-fields-forever/">The second one</a> I found on google.com images. More stunning images. Makes me want to take a trip there. oh if only!<br />
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Of course, it is perfect for Ruth who is much in need of a quiet and thoughtful retreat. The stunning beauty (I’m imagining this for Ruth in February even though the lavender doesn’t really bloom until August...artistic license...hehehe). Ruth will get plenty of rest, relaxation, inspiration and time to sketch her designs for an upcoming show. She’s thinking of Maddie on her tour of the Silk Road and hoping all is well there. She had a call from Chester, Maddie’s husband, who said he’d heard from her via a note she gave to a young couple to call him and let him know she is doing well and having a grand time. However, her cellphone is useless for calling and other communication is overwhelmed with many tourists and noise.<br />
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Here is what Ruth has to say to Maddie. I'll upload the back later. I've had my fill of the computer at the moment. Of to have some wine.<br />
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Maddie, looking forward to seeing images and hearing about your adventure on the Silk Road. It is so beautiful here in Provence. The lavender color and scent are intoxicating. I've met several of the monks at the Abbey who are gracious and generous with their time and explaining about their beautiful surroundings. Peaceful and yet so grand. I'm in heaven. Let's make a date for the four of us to get together. I'm sure our sailors would be happy to see each other. Thinking of you, RuthCynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-90759695193229603862012-01-27T03:41:00.004-05:002012-01-27T20:55:12.781-05:00Postcards Week 4 - China24 day Silk Road & Classic China Tour for Maddie this week.<br />
Maddie, the fabric designer, is in 7th heaven. China has always fascinated her and through good fortune, from an old friend she once worked with, is able to go on this trip with all expenses paid. She cried and she laughed. While she tells Ruth about some of her travel plans, she doesn't tell her of some of the dangers she'll be in. Traveling through the desert, some travel, the tour guides say, are better on bicycle rather than walking. "When was the last time I rode a bicycle?", she wonders. Of course the camel ride should be most interesting. Her husband is concerned but knows it would be useless to talk her out of this. On his own, he has contacted the tour guides and received every detail of the 24 day tour. He's told Maddie that "if he doesn't hear from her at every stop, he's sending in the military". Although she thinks it so sweet to worry about her, deep down she's a bit nervous herself. Making sure she has enough thyroid medication and pain medication included in her bag of essentials.<br />
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The silk piece that Maddie is sending Ruth is from a piece of silk my sister sent to our Mom from her tour in the military. It was made in a factory in Hong Kong, Standard H.K. It is a beautiful red that is very shiny but doesn't show up very well. There is also some red embroidery (stems and leaves) that don't show up very well either. Actually I'm not sure if it is embroidered or if it is actually woven. It really is beautiful.<br />
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I drew the map from one I found on google.com images. (Image was posted from <a href="http://www.chinafacttours.com">this</a> website. I wanted it simple and something that Maddie would have wanted to copy for her friend. She's made another one to fit in her journal and she'll be able to record her adventures on the map as her journey progresses.<br />
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Her postcard reads: Ruth, you'll think I'm crazy but I could not help myself. Camels & cars. In Xi'an Terracotta Warriors & Horses, Bell Tower, Drum Tower and the Xi'an Ancient City Wall. We are even going to see ancient camel footprints. Hope you like this piece of silk for your collection. Forgive my stitching. Bumpy bus ride & primitive tools. PRAY FOR ME! Maddie<br />
Saw "Raise the Red Lantern", 1991 Directed by Yimou Zhang, on the flight over. WOW!Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-35885699308498856442012-01-24T23:11:00.000-05:002012-01-24T23:11:47.782-05:00Looking at things upside downWas in the grocery store today and saw this little girl, maybe 4/5yrs old. She was bending over looking at things upside down. At first I chuckled with delight and then I wondered when was the last time I did that? Why not do that in the store? I bet all the cool things that are in the grocery store would be great fun to see upside down. I refrained. For one thing I'd probably fall over and a second thing, I had just come from the eye doctors and my vision was still blurry from the eye drops so everything was already looking different and I knew I'd reeeally fall over. When my vision returns to its natural state I'm going to look at things upside down but in my house holding on to a chair and in my yard. Loved this little bit of fun and insight to change my perspective on things.<br />
When was the last time you looked at things upside down?Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-22380978552083365282012-01-20T16:35:00.003-05:002012-01-20T16:45:05.197-05:00Postcard 3 from BrazilThis one was a toughie. Searched and searched. Lots of ideas that went nowhere. Tried to find a local Brazilian restaurant and found one...yay! But discovered it was closed. Then went for blogs from or about Brazil and happened upon this one by Constantino Gastaldi of Brazil <a href="http://dyckiabrazil.blogspot.com/2011_06_01_archive.html">“Dyckia Brazil”</a> and found the “Dyckia fosteriana-fosteriana Star of Brazil” plant. Although the plant looks prickly and dangerous, it definitely spoke to me. My first thought was HAT! and Ruth was in her glory. Upon scrolling down the blog, I discovered this lovely color and flower called “Aechmea recurvata” and couldn’t resist it. According to the blog, this flower grows on treetops in Southern Brazil near the Uraguay border. Had fun cutting, pasting, drawing, painting. I sketched the star plant from the computer and printed out the vermillion flower. Cut the background off and pasted it down. Gessoed around, drew over with a ballpoint pen (what Ruth had handy) and painted with watercolor to enhance the image. Since there isn’t much room on the back I decided to write around the flower. <br />
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Maddie, I visited a local gardner, with the delicious name of Constantino, who was delighted that I wanted to sketch his plants he so lovingly cares for. Envisioning a new creation in velvet, satin and feathers. Spent the entire day sketching and making notes. Tomorrow the shopping for fabrics begins. Haven’t had much time to tour. Maybe this gardner has some free time...hubba hubba. So lovely to be naughty sometimes. RuthCynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-3132934641607591502012-01-19T15:09:00.000-05:002012-01-19T15:09:51.656-05:00Mapmaking and Saving a humpback whale videoJust finished listening to a webinar with Jill K Berry who has written "Personal Geographies Explorations in Mixed-Media Mapmaking. Something I've been interested in for a long while and purchased her book. Seemed so timely given the postcard challenge with traveling. She was going to leave some other mapmaker artists and resources on her blog. Discovered this video there and was awed and touched. Visit Jill K. Berry's blog <a href="http://jillberrydesign.com/blog/">here</a> to view this AWESOME video of the saving of a humpback whale. A very special moment in time and a gift from nature. I'm filled with joy today.Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-2496259215022930622012-01-16T02:04:00.001-05:002012-01-16T02:10:41.715-05:00Postcard Week 2 Spain in blackThanks everyone for all your amazing and supportive comments. I'm enjoying visiting everyone's art and reading your stories. It's like having a mini library with lots of beginning adventures.<br />
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Decided to go with the black background for my 2nd postcard. The black represents more of Maddie's experience with the festival. Although, I'm going to put both in my book. Also, with fabric design there could be many different background colors...now I'm happy.<br />
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On another note...here's an amazing video by none other than Mary Ann Moss. I laughed and cried it is so special. Lots of cats, aprons, art, joy and laughter. Very inspiring to me. Check it out when you have a moment. The date of the post is January 14.<br />
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<a href="http://dispatchfromla.typepad.com/">http://vimeo.com/35071774</a><br />
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Looing forward to our next country and character adventures.<br />
cynthiaCynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-64519007170399157792012-01-15T02:16:00.000-05:002012-01-15T02:16:14.305-05:00Spain and the SardineIn researching festivals in Spain, I came across the "Entierro de la Sardina" translated the Burial of the Sardine which is in February the day before Ash Wednesday. Well, I thought this story very funny but also there is an edginess to it. You can read about the version I decided on <a href="http://gospain.about.com/od/carnivalinspain/p/entierrosardina.htm">here</a>. I also found some images of a festival <a href="http://www.demotix.com/news/259176/burial-sardine">here</a>. The Spanish painter Goya did a painting with the title of this festival and it is very eerie. There is also some controversy has to how the festival began. I liked this version because it made me chuckle but doesn't denigrate the others.<br />
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Since Maddie is a fabric designer, I thought I'd try that direction. I was getting too fussy with the fish (the other side of this one is silver and looked too fake...hahaha) so I turned it over to use my initial "what does a sardine look like sketch" and decided to use it. I also think I'd like the background to be black to represent the "male tearful 'widows'" instead of blue. Or maybe just leave it as is.<br />
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Maddie's note to Ruth reads: Dear Ruth, Madrid is beautiful. Festivity everywhere! Of all things today "Burial of a Sardine" Viewing it all from my balcony. Colors, music, costumes, revelry. Did some sketching of a large sculpture of a sardine. What a great way to be remembered! What a great way to go out...ha! Giant party. Sending you something for your hat.<br />
Creating, MaddieCynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-70969558251056639002012-01-09T23:19:00.000-05:002012-01-09T23:19:50.132-05:00Postcard Week 2 is SPAINExciting and colorful country. Doing research and I've caught onto two ideas and I am laughing myself silly. Can't wait to get started. I'm surprised at myself. Going to be a fun week. Well, it will depend on where the process leads but I'm hopeful. hahahaha<br />
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Found a site full of great ideas for projects with your camera. It is called <a href="http://content.photojojo.com/diy/etch-photos-on-glass/?utm_source=Photojojo+Newsletter&utm_campaign=731249fc05-Glass_Etching1_09_2012&utm_medium=email">Photojojo</a> They have some amazing projects. This one is for etching your photos on glass and looks so unique and interesting. I'm still figuring out how to use our new camera so it will be a project I'll check back on.Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-49252899647470488582012-01-06T15:27:00.000-05:002012-01-06T15:27:20.658-05:00Postcard Challenge 2012The first postcard for the challenge is from Austria. My two characters are:<br />
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Madeline aka Maddie Hatter<br />
53 Daily Court<br />
Jasmine, FL 30339<br />
Maddie is retired. She is a Fabric Designer.<br />
and<br />
Ruth Van Voss<br />
1220 Flash Terrace<br />
Journey, New Mexico 43300<br />
Ruth is retired. She is a Hat Designer.<br />
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They met at a banquet, in Boston, MA, for their husband's Ship Reunion. The men served on the same ship...more to follow.<br />
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Ruth travelled to Austria for inspiration for a new project she is working on. "Just because one is retired doesn't mean they stop their love of creating" she told Maddie. Maddie totally agrees with her and says "she'll never stop creating her fabrics". They laugh...<br />
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Inspiration is Gustav Klimt and Austrian Lace. Think maybe my images should be larger here, what do you think? Actual image is a slightly darker and richer than photo. Also funny keeping the two characters straight...who's who.<br />
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Ruth's message reads: <br />
Maddie, Thought of you as I travelled the art and fabric sites. Eye candy everywhere. Purchased lots of goodies for you. Will send them before I leave. Excited to return to my studio.<br />
My best, Ruth<br />
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Loving the project, Darcy. Thanks.Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32996514.post-82577525857859672122011-12-31T17:13:00.000-05:002011-12-31T17:13:47.303-05:00Fabric Fortune CookiesFound tutorial here for the fabric fortune cookies. Sooo excited. Go to <a href="http://brassyapple.blogspot.com/">Brassy Apple's blog</a> Scroll down a few posts. She's done some amazing ones. Can't wait to try this.Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075934675565513807noreply@blogger.com0