ZEE ART STUDIO

THOSE FURRY FRIENDS

2011-08-27T20:38:00.000-05:00

OK, you have to understand where I am coming from. We have two dogs that share our home. They follow me around everywhere. I get up from my chair and they are at my feet ready to follow. I pour myself cereal in the mornings and they are at my feet waiting for that first slice of banana. Time to check my e-mail and they are at my feet again! Zoey will hop in my lap and Yogi will lay under the desk. So I believe...
there is NO feeling in the world greater than hugging a furry friend and feeling that soft, warm fur!!
So when my daughter snapped this photo last night I had to post it on my blog. They look so cute and snugly that I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this shot!
Do you notice something odd in the photo? You can win a million dollars if you find it. (NOT)

FIBER ARTISTS FOR HOPE

2011-08-21T15:46:00.000-05:00

I belong to this wonderful group of ladies which is why I wanted to participate in the 911 Show that I spoke of yesterday.

Fiber Artists for Hope

The Fiber Artists For Hope (FAH) is a group of 58 racially diverse women from all over America, ranging in age from mid 30’s to 70’s. The group formed in November of 2008 to exhibit art quilts that celebrated the election of Barack Obama, the first African-American President of the United States.

FAH’s first exhibition opened on February 9 and ran until March 5, 2009 at The King Street Gallery of The Caftriz Foundation Arts Center of Montgomery College in Silver Spring, MD, curated by artist Susan Walen and professor Mary Staley.

Many of these same artists contributed to Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi's exhibit and book, Journey of Hope: Quilts Inspired by President Barack Obama. (my quilt is in the book)!
Within the professional genre of art quilting, most groups are homogeneous, this is the first group the artists know of that contains such a vibrant balance of races. These artists value the trust they have built with each other and are very excited to express their feelings, present their research, tell their own stories, and most importantly, support each other, once again, in another powerful exhibit about an important social issue.

The group keeps in touch and collaborates through an online group. The quilts can be seen at this link if you missed the show:

http://www.quiltart.com/obama/

RECLAIMING GROUND ZERO

2011-08-19T08:24:00.002-05:00

This is the quilt that I made for a 911 show coming up in Chicago. It is the ten year anniversary of that horrible day that changed the world forever! The size of the quilt is 9"x11". Materials used were cotton batik fabric, recycled clothing, a man's tie, printed text and seed beads.

Here is the link to the show.

http://www.chicagofringe.org/pilsen2011_events.php#american-armistice

September 11, 2001 was a dark day in the United States of America. The attacks changed forever the way we viewed our security and our place in the world.
It greatly affected me by witnessing it live on television that fateful morning. My innocence was shattered in a second! But our effort to rise to the challenges of a new era has brought our country closer together and recaptured the American spirit.
I chose to include two panels of the American flag. Its message is clear!
Red-stands for hardiness and valor
White-symbolizes purity and innocence
Blue-represents for vigilance, perseverance, and justice
This quilt is a tribute to all of the men and women who made it possible for life to move forward. My quilt shows new buildings and new life after ten years have passed. There are people pushing strollers down the street once again. From ashes of destruction America will rise to meet her enemies. WE WILL NEVER FORGET and we will reclaim ground zero!

UNDERWATER FUN

2011-08-11T20:24:00.000-05:00

We bought an underwater camera before our Carnival cruise so that we could play with it for the week. The pictures actually came out pretty good under the water but not on top. These photos were taken in the swimming pool on the ship. It is salt water but you wouldn't know that unless I told you.

I love how the water distorts the photograph. It is very soothing to me. We had a lot of fun together for the week.

BEING A DOG

2011-07-21T08:47:00.000-05:00

While we were watching the USA World cup game against Japan, Yogi Bear was looking at us each time we were jumping up and down and cheering. He finally gave up and went to sleep!!

HOLD THAT CALL

2011-07-17T08:26:00.000-05:00

All of these photos were taken during a trip to downtown Houston. Everyone was caught talking on their cell phones. Can we live without them???

CARRY IT WITH YOU ALWAYS

2011-07-16T09:47:00.000-05:00

I am on a street photography kick right now. I absolutely LOVE shooting this genre. I am going to pledge right now to start carrying my camera with me EVERYWHERE from now on. You see such interesting shots at the grocery store, on the street corner stopped at a red light, and walking the streets. You just never know what you will find.

This week will be an interesting one so stay tuned!!

I'M LIVING ON BLUES POWER

2011-06-28T17:24:00.004-05:00

Lately I have gravitated towards the color blue so here is another posting of "BLUE" thoughts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuqFHc5ewlQ&playnext=1&list=PLB1C137FC5D4D29E5

Blues Power

by

Eric Clapton, Leon Russell

Bet you didn't think I knew how to rock 'n' roll.

Oh, I got the boogie-woogie right down in my very soul.

There ain't no need for me to be a wallflower,

'Cause now I'm living on blues power.

I knew all the time but now I'm gonna let you know:

I'm gonna keep on rocking, no matter if it's fast or slow.

Ain't gonna stop until the twenty-fifth hour,

'Cause now I'm living on blues power.

by Eric Clapton and Leon Russell

These are Dale Chihuly flowers taken in Vegas at one of the casinos. He is such a fabulous glass artist.

COOL CALMING COLOR

2011-06-09T11:35:00.000-05:00

Blue is the coolest color - the color of the sky, ocean, sleep, twilight and the heavens. A pure blue is the color of inspiration, sincerity and spirituality. Blue is often the chosen color by conservative people. Blue is the calming color. Dark blue is the color of truth and moderation. Wednesday's color is blue.

Here are some of the "BLUE" shots I have taken:

LADY LUCK'S COLOR

2011-06-07T18:35:00.001-05:00

Orange Energy

Orange is a power color. It is one of the healing colors. It is said to increase the craving for food. It also stimulates enthusiasm and creativity. Orange means vitality with endurance. People who like orange are usually thoughtful and sincere. Lady luck's color is orange.

I took this photo of fresh flowers in Vegas at the Bellagio Hotel.

Orange is associated with the benign warmth of the sun. A dynamic color to be sure, orange offers thoughtful control. Curiosity is a driving characteristic of orange, and with it comes exploration of new things. I guess that is why artists like this color.

Put some orange in your life when you want:

to spice things up when you feel time is dragging
to become more involved in something
to increase creativity
relief from things becoming too serious

TILL DEATH DO US PART

2011-06-06T10:01:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I was doing my usual morning surf on the internet and landed at the New York Times Sunday website. What is so much fun is to read all the entries in the wedding/celebration section. Check it out for yourself when you have time: http://www.nytimes.com/pages/fashion/weddings/index.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1307369174-hlZYs2JMgcsmGsCRZU4Log

It is a much more liberal account of all the weddings than one you would see here in Houston, Texas. I was also told that to make their column you have to be VERY, VERY important and have LOTS and LOTS of money! Although I am not a wedding photographer I do enjoy shooting them when we are invited. Here are just a few of my photos from my last wedding we attended in January. My nephew Noah and Lauren were married in Austin.

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

2011-06-03T09:14:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that I haven't posted on my blog in so long. Sometimes I just am so busy that I don't make the time to write a few words or pass on some really interesting links. (S*O*R*R*Y) I have been busy taking lots of photographs and posting to my ZEE AT HIGH NOON PHOTOBLOG. You can always check out my work there daily. It is a 365 day blog of posting one photograph each day. I kept up with that since 2007, if you can believe it? http://www.photoblog.com/TWOZEES/

I had a fabulous photo shoot with a family for Easter. Here are a few of the more 'artsy' photos that I took.

TREE FUN

2011-05-07T09:51:00.000-05:00

Having fun with my fish-eye lens I captured this tree and played with it in Photoshop. Do you remember this book by Shel Silverstein? I thought it went with my posting today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TZCP6OqRlE

BUBBA

2011-04-24T08:28:00.000-05:00

My brother passed away this past week. He was my older brother who was known as Bubba. I will really miss him!

RALPH DAVID STEKIN, JR., born in Houston, Texas, on April 29, 1950, to Betty Mae (Cohen) and Ralph Stekin, passed away on April 19, 2011. Ralph graduated from Bellaire Senior High School, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Houston Law Center. He proudly served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Ralph was predeceased by his father, Ralph Stekin. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Betty Mae and Selwyn Dante, his sisters and brothers-in-law, Susan and Dr. Ed Septimus, and Kathy and Perry Zieben, his nephews and their spouses, Dr. Joshua and Ali Septimus and Rabbi Daniel and Amanda Septimus, and by his nephews and niece, Brent Sacks, Lane Zieben, and Avery Zieben. He is also survived by his great nephews and nieces, Mia and Noah Septimus and Talia and Jonah Septimus.

PHOTOBLOG

2011-04-10T09:36:00.000-05:00

I have been working really hard on capturing meaningful shots with my photograpy. Finally one of them paid off. My photo was picked for the front page of http://www.photoblog.com/. It was quite a surprise to be chosen, too! It was a photo of a flamingo that I took on a class photo shoot a few weeks ago. Normally I am really into street photography because it allows us to freeze one of those moments and study all of the small dramas that were taking place. But this was taken at the zoo without any people in the shot.

ART FESTIVAL

2011-03-30T09:17:00.000-05:00

Hundreds of Houstonians visited the 40th Annual Bayou City Art Festival March 25-27 in Memorial Park. The festival, which transforms the 1.1 mile trail of the park into a unique outdoor gallery, showcases the work of more than 300 artists from across the country. Perry and I were two of those people counted for being there last Saturday. Although I didn't think the art was that exceptional it did motivate me to revise my own mosaic work and apply to show there next year! Here are a few of my photos that I took.

ZOO SHOOT

2011-03-28T10:22:00.003-05:00

Yesterday my photography class had a field trip to the Houston Zoo. I was taking pictures of people rather than the animals most of the time. The genre of street photography fascinates me so much that I am constantly looking for those candid shots to capture. I can't even remember how long it had been since I was at our zoo! This little boy looked at my camera just at the right time!

STORY TELLER

2011-03-26T08:30:00.003-05:00

I have been thinking a lot about my photography and where I want to take it. Currently I am taking an intermediate photography class to try and understand my camera a little better. I am learning about Photoshop, the exposure triangle, and practicing taking pictures that I normally wouldn't shoot. But I feel more like a storyteller than a photographer. I love the genre of street photography because you get to capture moments in time. Instead of words, I am using images to tell my stories. In traditional portraiture, we most often focus on the face of our subject to narrate the shot. But I like to look at the whole picture and capture the story behind the photo. Here are some images I have been taking. Hopefully you can tell where or what I was shooting.

MR. LOYD BROWN

2011-02-21T11:03:00.005-06:00

We recently visited Montego Bay, Jamaica for a day. This is a photo of our tour guide-taxi driver named Mr. Loyd Brown. He was an interesting character that showed us around Montego Bay, Jamaica. It was an interesting day driving through the streets of the city (away from all the tourists) and shooting out the windows of the cab as we sped through the crowded town.

We had an authentic jerk chicken lunch with him at a place called The Pork Pit.

This is how they smoke their chicken. Notice how they use a roof panel to hold the meat down!

We enjoyed Jamaica's local beer.

Loyd enjoyed a grape drink that I had never heard of called "BIGGA". More pictures to follow...

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

2011-02-19T22:00:00.003-06:00

I started my street photography class last night. This is a genre that I absolutely love and really have a strong passion for! I find that candid shots taken when people are not posing tell such wonderful stories. I also like the black and white shots. Somehow they are easy on the eye and allow you to "paint" by number (so to speak) the colors on how you see it. My favorite street photographer right now is Vivian Maier.

Here is a link to some of her work:

http://vivianmaier.blogspot.com/ Please take the time to read her story because it is fascinating! I will be posting some of my work here for you to see soon.

NANO HUMMINGBIRD

2011-02-18T08:23:00.003-06:00

The Pentagon received a $4 million dollar grant to develop a pocket sized drone dubbed the Nano Hummingbird for the way it flaps his wings. This hummingbird is a tiny robotic battery powered drone built to look like a bird for potential spy missions. Its guts are all motors and a video camera. Keep in mind that it is only a prototype but how cool is that? Anyone that knows me can see how much I love hummingbirds!

THE LIVING CAMERA

2011-02-17T08:06:00.002-06:00

Ok, I know I haven't posted in a while. No excuses, just life getting in the way! But this artist is someone I had to share with you. His name Stephen Wiltshire and he is such a talented artist! He has been nicknamed "THE LIVING CAMERA". Why is that you ask? He has the unbelievable ability of painting and drawing detailed landscapes completely from his memory! His work is brilliant as you can see in the following video.

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2MBBxU

After watching the video visit his website: http://www.stephenwiltshire.co.uk/

THE SILENT EVOLUTION

2011-01-04T09:47:00.005-06:00

http://www.underwatersculpture.com/index.asp

Jason deCaires Taylor is an artist who developed a love of the sea at a very early age. Much of his childhood was spent on the coral reefs of Malaysia. He had a fascination with the natural world. He graduated from the London Institute of Art in sculpture and ceramics. This ambitious underwater project is so unusual! He carved cement instead of stone and had to use cranes to lower his art to the ocean floor.

PAPER OR PLASTIC

2011-01-03T15:42:00.004-06:00

Don't you get irritated when you go to check out at the grocery store and they ask you "PAPER or PLASTIC"? What difference does it make?

But Italy's ban on single-use plastic bags took effect on New Year's Day.

This couldn't come too soon, considering that Italians use about 20 billion plastic bags per year.

Environmentalists are pleased with the ban because plastic bags are horrible on the environment, degrading extremely slowly and taking decades to decompose. They are also potentially harmful to marine life and other animals.

In September Treehugger reported that Brownsville, Texas banned plastic bags. The ban goes in effect on January 5th, when customers who forget bags will be charged a dollar for an extra one. Pharmacies, hardware stores and dry cleaner are exempt. Why is that? Either get rid of all of them or none at all!!! USA Today reports that the anti-bag sentiment is spreading. California couldn’t muster the votes to ban bags, but individual cities like San Francisco, Malibu, Fairfax and Palo Alto are already there, and more cities are threatening to follow suit. Our neighbors down south are getting in on the action too. Mexico City banned plastic bags in August of this year.

SO TEXAS, WHEN ARE WE GOING TO STEP UP AND BAN THEM?

SILK PAINTING

2011-01-02T10:23:00.005-06:00

This is a really interesting video about a silk painter and his performance art. It is something that can be admired by art quilters, painters, and performers. I normally don't "get" performance art that is weird or off the wall but this is different. I am now inspired to use my watercolors and work in my sketchbook today. I love the fluidity of the motion of the paint and how it flows over the silk and is absorbed by it.

2011A NEW BEGINNING

2011-01-01T08:56:00.003-06:00

I couldn't help but think that 1/1/11 was a cool way to start off the new year! Numerology sees the number "one" as self, new beginnings, the individual. If you look at 2011, it's the "two" that comes first. "Two" is a partnership. When you add the numbers 2011 you get "four". 2+0+1+1 =4 Numerology says that four will affect everyone all year. Four is square. Four is the box. Four wants everything done right! So we are entering a year where one should build a stronger foundation on which to hold your new year's resolutions!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. - Robert Brault

APPLE PIE

2010-12-30T22:12:00.004-06:00

Seems like I have been on a baking spree lately. This time it is a homemade apple pie. It was delicious! Have you ever tried making one from scratch? The hardest part is making the crust and being able to roll it out to move to the pie shell. The rest is easy... Here is a page all about baking an apple pie:

http://www.myhomecooking.net/apple-pie/

KSZ HAS SA

2010-12-29T08:54:00.006-06:00

I have just been diagnosed with "Sleep Apnea". Last night was my first night with my own CPAP machine. It was so quiet but I know it will take a while for me to get used to sleeping with it. Here is my machine, the newest on the market!

ICON Novo CPAP Machine with Built In Heated Humidifier and ThermoSmart

Here is the mask that I received:

You might wonder if YOU have sleep apnea? Here is all the information one might need to decided.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder which triggers pauses in breathing during sleep. These episodes, called apneas, last long enough so one or more breaths are missed, and occur repeatedly throughout sleep. Sleep apnea is diagnosed with an overnight sleep test called a polysomnogram.

Often, individuals with sleep apnea are not aware of having difficulty breathing. Because of this, sleep apnea is frequently recognized by a spouse or sleep-mate who witnesses sleep apnea episodes. Sometimes sleep apnea is suspected because of its effects on the body copy. Symptoms may be present for years or even decades without identification, during which time the sufferer may become conditioned to the daytime sleepiness and fatigue associated with significant levels of sleep disturbance.
Loud snoring. This can indicate breathing problems or blocked air passages.
Cessation of breathing or choking spells in the night. In severe cases, this can occur over fifty times an hour with each spell lasting as long as ten seconds.
Excessive daytime sleepiness. Daytime sleepiness can become so excessive that working becomes difficult and driving is dangerous.
Frequent visits to the bathroom. Individuals with sleep apnea often find that they require repeated trips to the bathroom throughout the night.
Severe mood swings. Sleep deprivation can affect mental health, often causing moods to shift rapidly from depression to irritability to anger.
Obesity. Although some slim people do suffer from sleep apnea, the majority are overweight or obese.
Low sex drive and a general lack of energy. Because individuals with sleep apnea suffer from sleep deprivation, they often find they lack the energy to perform daily activities, and even lose interest in sex.
Dry mouth and sore throat in the morning. This is caused from sleeping with the mouth open, snoring and gasping for air.
Lack of concentration and forgetfulness. Sleep deprivation affects motor skills and memory.
Morning headaches. Lack of sufficient air throughout the night can cause headaches.

JANELLE MONAE

2010-12-24T10:56:00.002-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwnefUaKCbc I wish I was born to dance like Janelle! I have realized that photography, dance, cooking and baking, singing, sewing, and crafting are all forms of art. At least I got a few of those in my blood! Recently I cleaned up my studio of all the clutter so that I can start a new project this week. YEA!

OLD SAILOR

2010-12-23T10:50:00.002-06:00

This is print of a sailor by an artist named Haerendel. I found it in a really nice wood frame at a consignment shop. But I decided to mosaic the frame and gift it to my husband. He loves sailing and so I thought it would be a nice piece for him to hang in his office. He also doesn't have any of my art on his walls yet! How did he get away with that all these years? ha...

CONCERT FUN

2010-12-22T10:14:00.006-06:00

Avery and I went to see Robert Earl Keen in concert last Saturday night. I am not sure who this guy was that did the opening act. All I heard was that REK had been his idol growing up and now to be opening for him was a dream come true for him. All the photos were taken with my i phone. Of course I wish I had brought my Canon SLR, I am always wishing that I had it with me these days. But my phone camera will work in some situations. REK is the one with the white cowboy hat. Check out his Christmas video of his famous song! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P37xPiRz1sg

I PHONE FUN

2010-12-18T12:38:00.003-06:00

Now that I am using the Apple I Phone 4 the camera is so much better than my old one. I love whipping my phone out and taking pictures of everything and anything. I don't have to wait to use my SLR all of the time! Here is a cool image that I captured last night at a restaurant-bar called "RA". It is actually umbrella like shades that were hanging from a very high ceiling. (you can't tell that from the photo though) I can also use my camera phone to capture delicious food that we might order. Check out the key lime pie. BOY WAS IT DELICIOUS!!

SKETCHBOOK CHALLENGE

2010-12-09T09:33:00.006-06:00

My friend Marie told me about this new project starting in January. I definitely want to participate and thought you might, too!

The sketchbook challenge is a new project launching on 1/1/2011. Follow along with us as we fill our sketchbooks based on a monthly theme that will be announced on the first of each month. Each month we'll announce a new theme on this blog and throughout the month we'll be showing you images from our sketchbooks and talking about the intention and inspiration behind them. Along the way we'll be sharing tips, techniques and tutorials. We hope that by giving you a peek inside our sketchbooks and showing you how different they all are that we'll inspire you to start keeping a sketchbook of your own. And of course if you do, we'll want to see some photos of your book too. You can download the badge here: http://sketchbookchallenge.blogspot.com/p/pick-up-blog-badge-here.html We encourage you to post photos of your sketchbook pages on your blog and then post a link in the comment section of the Sketchbook Challenge blog so that others can look at your pages too! We've also set up a flickr page where you can post photos too. So pick up your blog badge here, go grab a sketchbook, some pencils, pens, markers or paints and get ready to sketch with us!

HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAY!

2010-12-05T09:52:00.002-06:00

Facebook asked that everyone select their favorite cartoon character to post as their profile picture. I chose Mighty Mouse. I loved that cartoon as a kid! I would wake up really early on Saturday mornings just to catch it. CBS packaged the old Mighty Mouse cartoons, along with non-series Terrytoons, as a Saturday morning half-hour, under the name Mighty Mouse Playhouse. It ran as a network show from 1955-67.

CUTEST FACE EVER

2010-12-02T09:54:00.004-06:00

Isn't that the cutest face in the world? I was taking pictures of an antique buffet that we are trying to sell and Yogi decided to lay right in front of it. He wanted his picture to be taken! We were having our downstairs painted and changing out some light fixtures around the house. I think all the commotion was disrupting his normal routine so he was following me everywhere! Here is a picture of the beautiful antique sideboard for sale (if you know anyone looking for one) Antique English Carved Solid Oak Sideboard or Buffet with removable backsplash Age:1800-1899 The measurements are 41" high x 72" width x 24" depth The doors have gorgeous raised carved accents over paneled surfaces! The cabinet on the left features two drawers that pull out for storage. The cabinet on the right has a set shelf plus a pull out drawer with nine separate slots. These will hold your bottles of liquor. (can be used as a bar) In addition there are 3 smooth operating drawers that are well constructed with dovetail joinery and each has very attractive carved facings with decorative knob and brass pulls.

LOTS OF FAMILY TIME

2010-11-28T17:23:00.005-06:00

The kids were all home for the holidays. It was wonderful having everyone here! The boys were outside throwing the football around so I decided to get in their face and take a few shots. Of course they were being awfully silly! Avery found a neighborhood kitty around my sister's house. It was such a sweet cat that we would have taken it home if it were a stray. Unfortunately it had a collar on and its name was SPARKLE.

WATERCOLOR KING

2010-11-15T11:26:00.004-06:00

I know nothing about the technique of water coloring but decided to teach myself. I bought a Cotman Watercolor Compact Set by Winsor & Newton. Decided I wanted to use these instead of Prisms Markers in my journal writing for a while. I might have to ask my neighbor who is a watercolor expert, to give me a few lessons. Then I read about these wonderful KOI waterbrushes. I ordered them from Amazon.com this morning. They are great for traveling because you just add your water into the barrel of the pen before painting. No spilling in the car or anywhere!!!

PUMPKIN LADY

2010-11-14T09:48:00.002-06:00

I am very proud of this capture! I was heading into HEB in Austin to do some grocery shopping for my sick daughter. My husband and I had just gotten in to town and this was our first stop. I normally don't take my camera grocery shopping but I didn't want to leave it in the car. Yep, we had a cell phone stolen in my vehicle and now I won't leave ANYTHING in it!! So since I had my camera around my neck, I decided to ask this ladies permission to snap her picture. I told her not to pose because she really perked up when I asked. She was so proud! I love street photography...

MINIMALIST PHOTOGRAPHY

2010-11-10T08:29:00.003-06:00

Our monthly assignment was to make a minimalistic photograph. That wasn't easy for me! You don't realize how hard it is to take just ONE subject in a shot and make it look minimal. I had taken this shot while on Lake Travis in Austin. It is a buoy sitting all alone in the water. I took out the color of the water so that the buoy would be VERY noticeable.

COLOR IN THE HOOD

2010-11-09T09:42:00.004-06:00

I love walking my dogs in my neighborhood especially when the weather is cooperative! I had my i phone with me so I decided to snap away at some flowers that other people were growing. I thought these were beautiful! Nature always inspires me to be more creative. Notice how the sun is in Yogi's eyes!

"SPOKE"N

2010-11-06T10:16:00.006-05:00

My daughter took all these photographs before starting an art project. She always works from her photographs when making a painting. This assignment was to draw a bicycle. Since she wanted it to be a creative endeavor, she decided to take a toy bike and show it in different ways. This was the photograph choice she decided to use and they are my hands by the way! It looks just like the photograph but it is drawn with graphite on bristol paper. Isn't it amazing?

HEAVEN ON EARTH

2010-10-15T17:45:00.005-05:00

I finally finished my mixed media piece that I started last month. Talk about how different the whole thing went...I think my favorite part are all the Z's that are so subtle in the background. I called this piece "HEAVEN ON EARTH". It is about my family and so I wanted to show how important they are to me. Of course my style is so whimsical that most people wouldn't get it!

I am now working on our second assignment which is a DADAISM piece. The movement influenced styles like the avant-garde and downtown music movements, and groups including surrealism, Nouveau réalisme, pop art, Fluxus and punk rock. I am going for a fractured look. During class this week we discussed one of our next projects. It will be an assemblage piece which is FANTASTIC! Assemblage is an artistic process in which a three-dimensional artistic composition is made from putting together found objects. I have finally found out what to call myself after all these years. I am truly an ASSEMBLAGE ARTIST!! So stay tuned to see what I come up with.

MIXED MEDIA CLASS

2010-09-26T13:50:00.006-05:00

Last night was the beginning. I am calling my piece "HEAVEN ON EARTH". I gathered all my supplies together and started my first mixed media piece. Thinking that I would use some painters tape I would try for some straight lines on my canvas. Then I started painting even though I knew I would be covering it all up at some point!

CANDY HEAVEN AND HEAVEN ON EARTH

2010-09-25T09:12:00.005-05:00

I don't know why I love candy so much! In fact I could eat everything in this store if I had the time. But lately I have been reading about going RAW and eating only a RAW diet. Then all this would only be "EYE CANDY" to me from now on. The more I read about going RAW the more it makes sense to me. If you know anything about it I would love to hear from you.

I started a mixed media class last week with my sister in law, Bonnie. I will start sharing the process of going through my first project with you. It is on an 48" by 48" canvas and I will use acrylic paint, paper, photos, and anything else sitting around in my studio. I am calling it "HEAVEN ON EARTH", SO STAY TUNED...

FAT QUARTERS, STASHES, AND STITCHES

2010-09-09T08:36:00.003-05:00

Fat quarters, stashes and stitches are part of quilting!

Sherriequilt is an avid art quilter. Her mission by writing this article was to make quilt connoisseurs of all of you.

I wanted to share her words with you!

(Rule No. 1 of quilt appreciation: Don’t call them blankets.)

A good word to throw around with quilters is “stash,” as in: “I think you need that fabric (thread, gadget, $12,000 machine) for your stash. You’d better buy it.” Good stashes are bursting with “fat quarters.” These are quarter-yard pieces of fabric cut the fat way, which makes them cuter, and that’s all you need to know.

A “rotary cutter” is like a razor-edge pizza wheel that slices through six layers of fabric as if it were milk chocolate. All quilters have rotary cutters, so if the quilter in your life wants something new for the stash, you’d better just say, “Yes, you do need that. And some chocolate, too.”

So, basically, today’s quilters (and we are all around you) cut perfectly good fabric into little pieces with their rotary cutters and then sew them back together with expensive machines into colorful “quilt tops.” The top gets placed on top (get it?) of the “batting,” which is the fluffy filler. The “backing” fabric goes underneath it all, and now you have a “quilt sandwich.”

Then the layers are held together with “quilt stitches,” which can form a whole new pattern that overlays the fabric design — unless it’s “stitched in the ditch.”

Tidy and compulsive quilters “bury their tails” instead of snipping them off. (I’m talking about the thread tails; what did you think I was talking about?)

Not being one to follow the rules, I like to let my “tails dangle.” I use glittery gold thread, so dangling tails reflect light and add another design element. So do beads, shells, feathers and just about anything else that can be tacked on.

“Art quilts” have no rules and are made to hang on the wall and to be enjoyed solely as art. They are totally original and often use fabric that the quilter has first dyed — or painted, foiled, screen-printed, rusted, ripped, whatever.

They have a quilt’s basic elements — layers held together by some type of stitching — but you can have an art quilt without a shred of fabric.

I like to use those shiny wrappers from chocolate kisses that come in seasonal colors. Or you could use window screening, net produce bags and balloons all “quilted” together with staples. In fact, many art quilters build up their stashes at the hardware store.

Art quilts can be quirky, humorous, pretty, political, abstract, experimental — just like any other art.

Guest columnist Sherrie Spangler can be reached by e-mail at sherriequilt@yahoo.com and has quilt photos on her blog, http://sherriequilt.blogspot.com/ This article ran this week in the Peninsula Gateway.

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

2010-09-08T12:25:00.002-05:00

Something I am very interested in is Street Photography. I love shooting situations that are part of everyday life. Photos that tell a story about a situation or a person that is caught spontaneously by my camera lens. I ran across this photographers website and though you might enjoy looking at his work. Eric Kim is a street photographer based in Los Angeles. He is currently writing a book titled “Street Photography 101” which will be distributed to the world for free in a convenient PDF format.

http://www.erickimphotography.com/browse/1

SCULPTURES GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT

2010-09-07T12:19:00.003-05:00

http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_16005749 Found this article about an artist named Jeannie Martin. She works with cloth to make her food sculptures look real. Her business is called Fabric Chef. Check it out.

MONDAY TRIATHLON

2010-09-06T21:46:00.004-05:00

We went to Austin for Labor Day weekend to watch my oldest son Brent run in a triathlon. It was actually the first time I had ever watched one (other than an ironman on TV). I remember when I was his age I used to do the circuit of fun runs around Houston. But for someone to actually swim a mile, bike 26 miles, and then run 6 miles... OH MY GOSH!! I am so proud of him. I know he trained really hard for months. I am now inspired to get out there and start working out again. I would like to lose those 20 pounds I have put on over the last 20 years! Here is a link to all the photos if you want to see them. http://gallery.me.com/kathyzieben#100382

GALVESTON

2010-08-29T21:11:00.002-05:00

I rode down to Galveston today with Perry and his parents. Bernice's sister and brother in law were staying there for a few days and we thought it would be nice to drive them down for lunch. Bernice's brother was also there. Had lunch at a place called Casey Seafood. When we went back to their hotel to visit I thought I would take a walk on the beach by myself. I was so tired of sitting! Let me tell you... the smell hits you first and then the warm water hits your toes. I was thinking

"I'M NOT IN CALIFORNIA ANYMORE"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DESIGN-DINING ON THE GO

2010-08-26T09:27:00.005-05:00

These amazing food trucks bring tempting meals and high style dining to the streets all across America. I have often thought of starting something like it where I live. I remember when I was ten I was visiting my cousin in California. There was a doughnut truck that went around her neighborhood very early in the morning. I would get up in time to run outside to buy something from that truck! I was fascinated by this since I had never a food truck like it before.

Cake and Shake

The Rickshaw Dumpling Truck

The Fojol Brothers

Border Grill Truck

Skillet

The Buttermilk Truck

Check out a new show on The Food Network called: http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/great-food-race-trucks/pictures/index.html

MANHOLE COVERS

2010-08-22T09:52:00.002-05:00

You have heard about my obsession with manhole covers in the past. But if you took the time to ever "look down" when walking the streets you would join me on this. Here is one of the more unique ones that I have found lately. It was right outside a favorite breakfast place of ours called The Buffalo Grill. I think the horse drawn stagecoach and pebbled street are really neat!!!

GEOGRAPHY LESSON

2010-08-21T08:51:00.003-05:00

GEOGRAPHY OF A WOMAN tells me that I am now like Israel. How about you?

Between 18 and 22, a woman is like Africa. Half discovered, half wild, fertile and naturally beautiful!

Between 23 and 30, a woman is like Europe. Well developed and open to trade, especially For someone of real value.

Between 31 and 35, a woman is like Spain, very hot, relaxed and convinced of her own beauty.

Between 36 and 40, a woman is like Greece, gently aging but still a warm and desirable place to visit.

Between 41 and 50, a woman is like Great Britain,with a glorious and all conquering past.

Between 51 and 60, a woman is like Israel, has been through war, doesn't make the same mistakes twice, takes care of business.

Between 61 and 70, a woman is like Canada, Self-preserving, but open to meeting new people.

After 70, she becomes Tibet. Wildly beautiful, with a mysterious past and the wisdom of the ages.... An adventurous spirit and a thirst for spiritual knowledge.

THE GEOGRAPHY OF A MAN Between 1 and 80, a man is like Iran, ruled by nuts. THE END.

MICRO SCULPTURES

2010-08-18T20:59:00.003-05:00

This guy is unbelievable! He carefully carves the tips of pencils into amazing micro sculptures! Dalton Ghetti is a professional carpenter who used a razor blade, sewing needle, and a sculpting knife. He only gives his art to friends as gifts. I WANT ONE!!!

http://kronikle.kidrobot.com/pencil-tip-micro-sculptures-by-dalton-ghetti/

DON'T WORRY-BE HAPPY

2010-08-11T21:35:00.006-05:00

How many of you like "ZIGGY MARLEY" music? Yep, only the greatest reggae musician ever! I am inspired to grow some dreadlocks right now.

I am listening to his music while I am trying to organize my "NEW" studio. How cool is that for me to say? It is awesome having my own space to piddle around in, do what I want and that is just mine!!! I can't wait till it is all set up and I can start creating art!!!

I wanted to show you some of the work in progress photos. I am waiting to post the after pictures when I am ALL done organizing the room. (it could take a while)

BOY JUMPING

2010-08-06T12:08:00.002-05:00

I recently returned from a mini vacation in Santa Barbara. Got my batteries recharged while enjoying the marvelous weather they were having. One day Phyllis and I visited the Santa Barbara Mission. I captured this photo of a young boy leaping over his parents. They were having so much fun that I decided to snap a photo of it.

PEACH PIE

2010-08-02T14:04:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I decided to try and make a peach pie. Have I done this before? NOOOOOOOOO But how hard could it be? Pick a recipe and follow it, right? But I used one recipe for the crust and another for the filling depending on the ingredients I had in my house. I think it turned out pretty good! Too bad you can't taste my pie but my husband said it was "DELICIOUS"!

WHY BLOG

2010-07-18T08:12:00.004-05:00

A study done by the University of California in 2009 found that putting your feelings into words can significantly reduce stress levels. SEE, what I am doing here is good for me!

Ha...

Something else I love to do is draw in my art journals. Here are three pages I have done lately. So pick up your markers and create something of your own today.

POLLY WANT A CRACKER?

2010-07-17T11:36:00.003-05:00

We attended a wedding at the Ft. Worth Zoo last month. During the reception they paraded around different animals and birds. Here are photos I took of two different ones: I think the parrot would make a cool quilt! I just signed up to take a class at the upcoming International Quilt Festival that is held in Houston November 4-7 th. I hope I make the class because it will teach me how to use my photos to make a quilt. That is the next technique I want to learn. Today I am sewing the sleeve and label on my Hoffman Challenge Quilt. I can't believe I am done with this project. Now I will go back to the one I started years ago during Hurricane Ike. Photos tomorrow...

STIFF

2010-07-16T16:29:00.003-05:00

This morning I thought I would have to turn in my Hoffman Challenge quilt with curls at the bottom. Thank goodness for Quiltart. I posted about the trouble I was having and someone recommended "VIAGRA". (that was a joke) But seriously I bought this stuff called "STIFFY". It worked perfectly.

RAINY MUSINGS

2010-07-07T22:32:00.002-05:00

Main Entry: rainy Pronunciation: \ˈrā-nē\ Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): rain·i·er; rain·i·est Date: before 12th century

Gee, when will the rain stop? I think we are in for a long summer of it with all these tropical depressions they are predicting. Rainy days are fun at first. You can get things around the house done and catch up on all your TV programs. Maybe manage a quick trip to the grocery store so you can get the ingredients to bake cookies or make an awesome dinner. After all, driving in rain is fun if you only have to go a short distance.

But then the boredom sets in.

What do you do on a rainy day? My Hoffman Challenge quilt is almost finished. I can't believe I am so close to mailing it off. I still have to make the sleeve and will do that by next week. I can't share what it looks like but I will tell you that I am calling it "PARADISE LOST". It was my attempt in thinking about the Gulf oil spill and how devastating it has been!

WINDOW WASHER

2010-07-03T10:21:00.002-05:00

Months ago I entered a photo contest that was being held by our local community magazine. The July issue came out yesterday and guess what? Yep, my photo of the window washer won a 4th place. The only problem is they called me Katy instead of Kathy. Oh well... You can see all the images if you click the link here:

http://www.westubuzz.com/photocontestwinners.html

QUINCEANERA QUILT

2010-06-18T08:44:00.007-05:00

This is an amazing internet site that I belong to: (http://quiltart.com/ ) Although I haven't been a member since the beginning I do feel a connection to all the wonderful people who belong to this amazing group! While attending Turtle Camp in Wooster, Ohio with Susan Shie, I mentioned that I was going to participate in the 15 year challenge thrown out by Quilt art. We decided as a group to each make an individual square but each contribute something on them all. Here is a photo story of us doing just that. Bonnie, Marsha, and I had fun learning how to air brush while Susan supervised and then put her touches on each of ours. I loved air brush but it isn't something I would feel comfortable with doing in my home. You really need a good ventilated area in which to work and we don't have basements in Houston!!

Susan supervising me!

Susan adding detail.

Marsha using the air brush.

Bonnie adding our first color.

My quilt before adding other colors. Finished quilt with beading.

Detail shot

Susan and I were the only ones who finished our projects and submitted them for the Quiltart Quinceanera Show. Here is the link so you can see this amazing show. Of course mine is at the very end! http://www.quiltart.com/15/

LET'S CONGA

2010-06-10T09:00:00.002-05:00

Attended a wedding recently and here we are dancing the conga. The conga line is a Cuban carnival march that was first developed in Cuba and became popular in the United States in the 1930s and 1950s. The dancers form a long, processing line. It has three shuffle steps on the beat, followed by a kick that is slightly ahead of the fourth beat. The Conga, a term widely believed to be derive from the African region of Congo, is both a lyrical and danceable genre, rooted in the music of carnival troupes. The conga dance was originated by the slave people who were taken from Congo Africa as slaves in Cuba. They started the dance while they were chained together.

IN THE KITCHEN WITH A SHIKSA

2010-06-08T09:02:00.005-05:00

This morning while on Facebook, I ran across someone's page called: The Shiksa. I know that most of my non Jewish friends would have no idea what that meant. So I thought I would explain that term and set you in her BLOG direction. Most Yiddish dictionaries describe “Shiksa” as simply a “non-Jewish woman.” Today, the term is generally used to describe a Gentile woman who is in a relationship with a Jewish man. In other words, if you’re a non-Jewish girl, especially one married to a nice Jewish boy, you are most definitely a Shiksa (especially to your in-laws!). Visit her website and you will find some great recipes.

http://theshiksa.com/blog

A BOWL OF CHERRIES

2010-06-03T21:50:00.002-05:00

You know the movie "FOREST GUMP"? Well, the expression: "LIFE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES", didn't have it just right. I captured this photo of a bowl of cherries and immediately thought "MY WAY IS CORRECT"!

DOODLE

2010-06-01T10:20:00.003-05:00

The Wikipedia definition of a doodle is a type of sketch, an unfocused drawing made while a person's attention is otherwise occupied. Doodles are simple drawings that can have concrete representational meaning or may just be abstract shapes.

Stereotypical examples of doodling are found in school notebooks, often in the margins, drawn by students daydreaming or losing interest during class. Other common examples of doodling are produced during long telephone conversations if a pen and paper are available. I love to doodle in my art journals. Here is an example of that:

If you are interested in trying out some online doodling check out this link:

http://www.scriblink.com/

THERE IS A WISDOM IN THE WAVE...

2010-05-30T09:52:00.003-05:00

This is the story of a Jewish surfer, born on Galveston Island, who raised 8 sons and one daughter in a 24 foot camper. http://www.alohadoc.com/love.htm

A PAINTING FIEND

2010-05-29T08:03:00.005-05:00

My daughter wants to be an artist. Her every waking moment is consumed by:

SURFING
CALIFORNIA
PAINTING
PHOTOGRAPHY
SNOWBOARDING
PLAYING GUITAR

She aspires to be successful! I took this photo of her holding the paint palette after a night of working on a picture. I call her my painting fiend.

You can dance
You can jive
Having the time of your life
See that girl
Watch that scene
Diggin' the painting queen!

(thanks ABBA)

SHOCKING BEHAVIOR

2010-05-28T08:12:00.005-05:00

Someone actually gave this 18 month old a cigarette to smoke! The article said that he will throw a tantrum if he can't puff 40 a day! Now he is two years old.

Check out the article here:

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2987307/First-shocking-pictures-of-smoking-toddler-Ardi-Rizal.html

DAN ELDON

2010-05-25T08:51:00.002-05:00

http://www.daneldon.org/site/?page_id=2

Many of you know that I keep an art journal. This morning on the site I belong to called http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Blissfully_Art_Journaling/ posted a link to some of Dan Eldon's work. You must visit this site to learn about this fabulous young man's life. Although he is no longer with us his journals show the extent of his creativity! His passion was extinguished way too soon. He was one of the first photographers to arrive in Somalia when all of the devastation began. It was his work that brought Somalia to the attention of the world.

THE NEWEST CRAZE

2010-05-24T16:45:00.004-05:00

How many of you know about the jelly bracelet craze going on right now? They are called SILLY BANDZ and if you take them off your wrist they open up to be different shapes. Oh to be 10 again! Check out the website: http://www.sillybandz.com/

CLOWN SCHOOL

2010-05-22T09:59:00.011-05:00

Most of you know that I have been a professional clown since 2002. This article about my fellow clown friend, HI-LO, was published in the Greater Houston Weekly paper By Marene Gustin.

Published: 05.17.10
Remember the Cole Porter song “Be a Clown” from the Gene Kelly/Judy Garland 1948 flick “The Pirate?” Be a clown, be a clown, All the world loves a clown. Act a fool, play the calf, And you’ll always have the last laugh.Well, even if you don’t recall that ditty, you may still be a secret clown, an Emmett Kelly wannabe just waiting to burst out of the clown closet with a red plastic nose and baggy pants. That’s pretty much what happened to Larry “Hi-Lo the Clown” Barber seven years back. And it could happen to you, too. “My dad always liked playing little tricks and jokes on the kids in the neighborhood,” the 71-year-old Barber recalls. “So I picked it up and started entertaining the children myself.” But Barber didn’t pursue his love of making children laugh. Like so many of his age, he went on to school, married and worked more normal jobs. He was in the medical industry for a while, went to law school at night, and then wound up as an attorney in the energy business. But at the age of 64 he found himself retired, single and living in Houston. And then, one day, as fate would have it, he walked into a Fiesta market and saw a clown. “I’ve always wanted to do that,” he told her. To which she responded, “You know there’s a clown school here in Houston.” And that was the beginning of Hi-Lo the Clown. Cheerful Clown Alley #166 (think of it as the local clown union) hosts a clown school every year. Barber attended, seven years ago, and he’s been clowning around ever since as Hi-Lo the Clown. The nonprofit organization recently hosted the 25th annual convention of its parent group, Clowns of America International (yes, you read that right). Hundreds of clowns showed up for lectures, demonstrations and just general clowning around. But don’t get the idea that clowning is easy. “I’m not going to say it’s not hard work,” Barber said. “There’s a new European trend called Light Face with some clowns, but I prefer the full makeup and costume stuff. And that takes a lot of time to do. And once you get that on, the minute you walk out your door you have to be the clown. You’re always on when you’re in costume. And even at my age I can’t stop. Once you’re working you may do a five- or seven-hour gig, and you can’t disappoint the children. You have to keep blowing balloon animals and making faces.” Barber does mostly volunteer clown work, he’s what he calls a “caring clown,” the ones who visit hospitals and nursing homes. Although he says there are a few clowns in Houston who make a living at the art, doing birthday parties and corporate events, most clowns do it to make extra income or just for the love of clowning. “I have a friend,” he said, “who I don’t think really likes clowns, anyway, he accuses me of wearing lipstick and just jumping around. But there’s a lot of education and training to being a clown. Look at some of the great clowns, Red Skeleton or Lou Jacobs, they are just amazing.” Lou Jacobs, for the uninitiated, was the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus clown who invented the midget clown car.
This is BOO and TAPPY
So, if all of that sounds like something you’ve wanted to do all of you life, than you are in luck. Cheerful Clown Alley #166’s 28th Annual Clown School is gearing up for the summer. Come fall you could be a card-carrying member of Clown Alley #166, red nose, big shoes, tiny car and all. “It’s just the most rewarding experience,” Barber says. “I was at a hospital entertaining a sick little girl and we left her room and a girl came out and said that was the first time she had smiled in months. That’s why I don’t want to stop.” All the world really does love a clown. http://www.cheerfulclowns.com/

MEET JON STEWART

2010-05-20T08:27:00.002-05:00

Meet Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz (aka) Jon Stewart

The wildly zeitgeisty Daily Show host

On January 11, 1999, a nervous 37-year-old comedian who could have passed for a college student settled into a host’s chair that was too high, wearing a gray suit that looked too large. “Honestly, I feel like this is my bar mitzvah,” he told actor Michael J. Fox, the guest sitting opposite him. “I’ve never worn something like this, and I have a rash like you wouldn’t believe.”

The rookie was Jon Stewart, and he was making his debut as the anchorman of Comedy Central’s two-year-old The Daily Show.

Stewart’s comedic streak and verbal agility was evident at an early age. “I was very little, so being funny helped me have big friends,” Stewart explained. Stewart played on the varsity soccer team and gained a reputation as a funny guy. Stewart graduated in 1980, reportedly third in his class, and was voted “best sense of humor.” He attended the College of William and Mary in Virginia played varsity soccer. Stewart scored 10 goals for William and Mary, but his hopes for a pro soccer career were dashed by injuries. Toward the end of his career, he blew out his knee. Having started as a chemistry major, he switched to psychology after two years. “Apparently there’s a right and wrong answer in chemistry; whereas in psychology, you can say whatever you want as long you write five pages,” Stewart quipped. After graduating from William and Mary in 1984, Stewart returned to New Jersey and kicked around at a number of odd jobs. He sold his car and moved to New York to try stand-up comedy.

By 1998, Stewart had done standup. He’d done movies. He’d done TV. He’d published a best-selling book. He’d had—and lost—a show. But he had never really found his niche until, at age 37, he replaced Kilborn on The Daily Show in 1999. After a slightly bumpy beginning, Stewart began to lead the show away from its celebrity focus. He came into his own with the show’s arch and sardonic coverage of the presidential election grandiosely labeled “Indecision 2000.”

The show quickly drew the eyeballs of political junkies and earned a Peabody award, one of broadcast media’s highest honors. “It was in the year 2000 that Jon Stewart officially became a public intellectual,” says Robert Thompson, who directs the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University.

Then came September 11, 2001. When Stewart came back on the air nine days later, he opened with a somber, halting speech that addressed the sudden absurdity of his jester role as well as its importance. “They said to get back to work, and there were no jobs available for a man in the fetal position,” he said. “We sit in the back and we throw spitballs—never forgetting the fact that it is a luxury in this country that allows us to do that.” Stewart choked up, tears in his eyes, and turned to the significance of carrying on:

“The view from my apartment was the World Trade Center. Now it’s gone. They attacked it. This symbol of American ingenuity and strength and labor and imagination and commerce and it is gone. But you know what the view is now? The Statue of Liberty. The view from the south of Manhattan is now the Statue of Liberty. You can’t beat that.”

It was a long way from the Bitter End. It was, actually, a beginning: the unwitting kickoff of Jon Stewart as trusted national figure. With the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the show became a place where viewers came not just to laugh but to be informed. The guest list grew weightier, expanding to include the Iranian-American religious scholar Reza Aslan, the late David Halberstam and newsmen Bill Moyers and Ted Koppel. “When all the news guys were walking on eggshells, Jon was hammering those questions about WMDs,” recalls Thompson. “That’s the kind of thing CNN and CBS should have been doing.”

The Daily Show continues to blend the fake anchor shtick with fake news skits, “reported” by zany correspondents such as Samantha Bee, Wyatt Cenac, Jason Jones, Aasif Mandvi, Rob Riggle and John Oliver. Where once Stewart could be as clownish as his reporters, he now plays calm. He still curses and goofs around, but he never strays far from being the trusted voice of authority.

I found this information on the website: MOMENT MAGAZINE

JUST DON'T SAY THIS

2010-05-19T09:55:00.003-05:00

YOU MUST have a good camera-YOU take such good pictures!

This is one of the most ignorant and insulting things you can say to a photographer. I guarantee you that any photographer you say this to is thinking that you are an asshole.

The implication of this statement is that the camera took the photo, not the photographer. This is akin to telling your favorite singer that she sounds great, and she must have had a good Mic. Or that the grill is why that fabulous steak you just ate tasted so good.

By extension you are implying that anyone could take the same picture, given the same equipment. This is, of course, nonsense, for the same reason that you could be dropped into the best equipped kitchen in the world and still manage to burn water. Or that you can set yourself up with all the latest power tools that De Walt has convinced you that you need, and yet your home improvement jobs still look like they were done by a blind 10 year old.

We don’t really blame you for this belief, because this is what all the camera manufacturers want you to think so you all rush out and buy that super expensive equipment. Ads like the Nikon ones featuring the idiot Ashton Kutcher being an idiot…and yet his trusty camera saves his dumb ass are no accident.

The moral of the story is this: just don’t say this.

KILLER KAT

2010-05-18T10:57:00.003-05:00

Ok, what's up with cats that can run loose in the neighborhood especially when we have to leash our dogs? This morning on my regular walk with the pups we ran across this weird cat. I say weird because its legs are longer than a normal house cat. I have noticed it before this morning but it had always kept its distance. NOT TODAY!

This cat hunched up its back and followed us about twenty yard down the middle of the street before attacking Yogi. YES, it stood up on its hind legs and went after his head and neck. Of course I screamed "NO" but it didn't listen! After it came in for a second attack it ran away. I couldn't believe it. It reminded me of those Halloween characters of the black cat with its back raised up high. GEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

I reported it to the president of the association where we live. Tomorrow I will be armed with pepper spray.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOOBA

2010-05-16T20:46:00.003-05:00

Bernice celebrated her 79th birthday on Friday. Glad we were there to help her eat cake!

FEELING THANKFUL

2010-05-13T17:47:00.003-05:00

My father in law, Gene, was able to come home from the hospital today. He had to start his kidney dialysis last week. We knew that it was in his future but didn't expect it to happen so suddenly. That is the way we were told it begins. One day you are doing fine and the next day your body starts to fail you. Unfortunately he will have to continue this new routine for the rest of his life. Hopefully that will be for many years to come! This is Gene flanked by his two oldest sons. They were enjoying a preseason ASTRO'S game about a month ago. I am feeling very thankful!

ART CAR PARADE

2010-05-11T08:49:00.008-05:00

The Houston Art Car Parade was last weekend. I was there, front and center, taking lots of photographs of people, cars, and anything else that was weird! This was my favorite car with all the matchbox trucks and cars on it.

Candy Land Car

Jackson Pollack Car

Dan Akroyid was the Grand Marshal of the parade

Guitar Car with an Elvis impersonator driving it.

KEMAH BOARDWALK

2010-05-07T08:34:00.003-05:00

We decided to drive down and visit the Kemah boardwalk on Saturday. I hadn't been there since Hurricane IKE so everything had been built back up and more. For my birthday I received the newest Canon Powershot. What an awesome little point and shoot. Here are some of the photos I snapped. I was also trying to shoot from the hip without looking in the frame. Some were decent but most were not. I NEED PRACTICE! The Art Car Parade is tomorrow. I will try sneaking more shots... I read in the paper that Dan Akyroyd is the Grand Marshal. That is pretty cool...

NEW MOSAIC

2010-05-05T07:32:00.003-05:00

We finally hung my new mosaic by the gate at our new house. There is a hand waiting to hold something. My hunt is on for that special object.

PLASTIC AND WOODEN BEADING

2010-05-02T19:23:00.003-05:00

My religious school class made Mother's Day necklaces this morning. They were made out of plastic beads of different shapes and sizes along with plastic cording and wooden beads. The wooden beads came from a car seating pad that fell apart one day. I saved all the beads because I knew I could recycle them somehow. Well, today was the day! They were even able to use a sharpie and write special messages to their moms on them. It will be a surprise next Sunday when they give them away! SHHHHHHHHHHH, don't tell...

FABULOUS FIND

2010-04-30T10:03:00.003-05:00

This is a wooden sculpture that I found at a local resale shop. It was carved by someone in Kenya. I fell in love with her the minute I saw her. I put her in my kitchen window. She is known as The Goddess of the Kitchen. I wish I knew more about African art and what she really stands for.

DRIVERS LICENSE

2010-04-26T09:14:00.003-05:00

On my list of errands today I must renew my driver's license after 10 years. I hate standing in line at the DMV office. DON'T YOU???? Of course the first item on my list is the dentist at 10:00. Even though it is only for a teeth cleaning, it isn't my favorite place to go either! Maybe I should book a massage for myself to round out the day! Ha...

I am still continuing to bead my Quincennera piece. I hope they will let me send in a new image of it for the 15 x 15 challenge.

HUMMINGBIRDS, MAGIC IN THE AIR

2010-04-24T08:37:00.003-05:00

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/hummingbirds-magic-in-the-air/web-exclusive-video-behind-the-scenes/5470/ This is a PBS documentary video of behind the scenes filming hummingbirds. They soon discovered that they are not "angel like creatures" but are VERY fierce and strong birds. You know how much I love hummingbirds and this was such an interesting video about camera usage and lenses that were used. What they captured was amazing!!!

WASHING THE DOG

2010-04-19T08:32:00.004-05:00

The other day I decided to give Zoey a bath. I am lucky because right outside my kitchen window is a hose, drain, and a crate to sit on. The only one NOT HAPPY is Zoey! Notice Yogi is keeping his distance. He got lucky that day.

DO YOU KNOW EVERYTHING?

2010-04-18T07:54:00.002-05:00

Name the one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends.
What famous North American landmark is constantly moving backward?
Of all vegetables, only two can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons. All other vegetables must be replanted every year. What are the only two perennial vegetables?
What fruit has its seeds on the outside?
In many liquor stores, you can buy pear brandy, with a real pear inside the bottle.. The pear is whole and ripe, and the bottle is genuine; it hasn't been cut in any way. How did the pear get inside the bottle?
Only three words in standard English begin with the letters ' dw' and they are all common words. Name two of them.
There are 14 punctuation marks in English grammar. Can you name at least half of them?
Name the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form except fresh.
Name 6 or more things that you can wear on your feet beginning with the letter 'S.'

Answers To Quiz: 1... The one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends: Boxing. 2. North American landmark constantly moving backward: Niagara Falls. (The rim is worn down about two and a half feet each year because of the millions of gallons of water that rush over it every minute.) 3. Only two vegetables that can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons: Asparagus and rhubarb. 4. The fruit with its seeds on the outside: Strawberry. 5. How did the pear get inside the brandy bottle? It grew inside the bottle. The bottles are placed over pear buds when they are small, and are wired in place on the tree. The bottle is left in place for the entire growing season. When the pears are ripe, they are snipped off at the stems. 6. Three English words beginning with dw: Dwarf, dwell and dwindle... 7. Fourteen punctuation marks in English grammar: Period, comma, colon, semicolon, dash, hyphen, apostrophe,question mark, exclamation point, quotation mark, brackets, parenthesis, braces, and ellipses. 8. The only vegetable or fruit never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form but fresh: Lettuce. 9. Six or more things you can wear on your feet beginning with 'S': Shoes, socks, sandals, sneakers, slippers, skis, skates, snowshoes, stockings, stilts.

EGG ART

2010-04-16T09:01:00.007-05:00

My friend Judy sent me an e mail full of egg art. It was so funny that I wanted to share it here.

HAVE AN "EGGCELLENT" DAY!

TURTLE CAMP

2010-04-14T07:54:00.004-05:00

My sister in law, Bonnie and I just returned from attending Susan Shie's Turtle Camp.

http://www.turtlemoon.com/index.html

It is held in Wooster, Ohio in her home studio. It was six days of fun, creating some fabulous art quilts!! We learned different techniques on how to use an air pen and perfect our writing skills. We also tried airbrushing which isn't as easy as you think. What I enjoyed the most was painting with Jaquard paints on cloth. I think I found something I really enjoyed. Now I have a way to transfer all those journal pages I am creating and turn them into quilts. (i have lots of time and now subjects to get me started) Marsha came from Georgia and was full of interesting stories of how she grew up. Here I am with Susan in front of all the art we created during the week.

EXCITEMENT

2010-04-06T08:34:00.003-05:00

How do you spell E*X*C*I*T*E*M*E*N*T? Let me count the ways! Tomorrow I start my first adventure away from home to attend a quilt camp. Not just any quilt camp but a TURTLE CAMP. Yep, I am going to study with Susan Shie. Here is a link to where I will be going:

http://www.turtlemoon.com/

Anyone who is a quilter knows this fabulous artist! I first started to correspond with Susan after we became members of THE OBAMA QUILTERS GROUP that showed for the inauguration for President Obama. The exhibit was called PRESIDENT OBAMA: A CELEBRATION IN ART QUILTS.

Before I leave I just wanted to share a photo of my courtyard. I have been really busy planting all my flowers in pots since I don't have a yard anymore. Zoey and Yogi have helped, too!

THE YEAR YOU WERE BORN

2010-03-31T09:30:00.001-05:00

Click and read the news for that year.
http://www.infoplease.com/yearbyyear.html

REMEMBER THE "SAFETY ARM"

2010-03-30T09:47:00.000-05:00

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were. When they were growing up; what with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning.... Uphill... Barefoot... BOTH ways. yadda, yadda, yadda And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way in heck I was going to lay a bunch of stuff like that on my kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it! But now that I'm over the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a dang Utopia! And I hate to say it, but you kids today, you don't know how good you've got it! I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have the Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go walk to the library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!! There was no email!! We had to actually write somebody a letter - with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox, and it would take like a week to get there! Stamps were 10 cents! Child Protective Services didn't care if our parents beat us. As a matter of fact, the parents of all my friends also had permission to kick our butts! Nowhere was safe! There were no MP3's or Napsters or iTunes! If you wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the record store and shoplift it yourself! Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio, and the DJ would usually talk over the beginning and mess it all up! There were no CD players! We had tape decks in our car. We'd play our favorite tape and "eject" it when finished, and then the tape would come undone rendering it useless. Cause, hey, that's how we rolled, Baby! Dig? We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called, they got a busy signal, that's it! There weren't any freakin' cell phones either. If you left the house, you just didn't make a call or receive one. You actually had to be out of touch with your "friends". OH MY GOD !!! Think of the horror... not being in touch with someone 24/7!!! And then there's TEXTING. Yeah, right. Please! You kids have no idea how annoying you are. And we didn't have fancy Caller ID either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your parents, your boss, your bookie, your drug dealer, the collection agent... you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister! We didn't have any fancy PlayStation or Xbox video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like 'Space Invaders' and 'Asteroids'. Your screen guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination!!! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen... Forever! And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE! You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on! You were screwed when it came to channel surfing! You had to get off your backside and walk over to the TV to change the channel!!! NO REMOTES!!! Oh, no, what's the world coming to?!?! There was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning. Do you hear what I'm saying? We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled little rat-finks! And we didn't have microwaves. If we wanted to heat something up, we had to use the stove! Imagine that! And our parents told us to stay outside and play... all day long. Oh, no, no electronics to soothe and comfort. And if you came back inside... you were doing chores! And car seats - oh, please! Mom threw you in the back seat and you hung on. If you were luckily, you got the "safety arm" across the chest at the last moment if she had to stop suddenly, and if your head hit the dashboard, well that was your fault for calling "shot gun" in the first place! See! That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy. You're spoiled rotten! You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1980 or any time before!

STREIT'S MATZO TOUR

2010-03-26T15:14:00.002-05:00

With Passover coming on Monday night, I thought you might enjoy taking a field trip with Martha Stewart, to the Streit's Matzo Factory in NYC. The whole process of making matzo must take place in 18 minutes! That is fast work!

RODEO FUN

2010-03-25T08:50:00.003-05:00

We had fun riding the bus to the livestock show, walking the midway, eating carnival food, and watching the largest rodeo in the world! The entertainment was THE BLACK EYED PEAS. Here is a link to one of their songs:

PUP STARS

2010-03-20T09:41:00.001-05:00

http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/pup_starts_pQzvpXwRmLmKj042THLHyO I wish I could do this with my dogs! How could you NOT love this face?

MY LIVING WILL

2010-03-17T09:16:00.002-05:00

MY LIVING WILL Last night, my adult kids and I were sitting in the living room and I said to them, 'I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug.' They got up, unplugged the Computer, and threw out my wine.

Have a great day

KREATIV BLOGGER AWARD

2010-03-13T19:35:00.003-06:00

My friend KS OWENS awarded me with the Kreativ Blogger award!

Now as part of the award I have to do seven things:

(1)Post the image of the award. (2)Thank the person who gave it to me! Thanks so much, KS! (3)Link to the person who gave it to me: http://ankira.blogspot.com/ (4)Tell you seven things about myself that you wouldn't know.

I just moved back to Houston after 20 years.
I have three wonderful kids.
I love resale shopping.
I have two dogs and one cat.
I enjoy gardening.
I love reality TV.
I like to bake for people.

HANDSOME MENS CLUB

2010-03-11T12:39:00.002-06:00

This is really funny if you missed it after the academy awards! Jimmy Kimmel with a bunch of stars. http://www.hulu.com/watch/133041/jimmy-kimmel-live-handsome-mens-club

REDNECK FIRE ALARM

2010-03-09T13:15:00.002-06:00

REDNECK FIRE ALARM You never have to change the batteries!!! I'm putting one in every room of my new house! Safety First!

MOVING DAY

2010-03-08T09:51:00.003-06:00

Things have really been hectic around my "NEW" house! We moved last week and I have been unpacking box after box. I am exhausted but extremely happy. Today I must concentrate on getting the boxes out of my kitchen area. We are buying a new table and we must have room for it when it is delivered. I am sitting in the kitchen now listening to the rain hit the skylight above me. That is a new sound for me to hear since we didn't have any skylights in our old home. Discovering new sounds and corners in my home are keeping my senses in check!!! Glad to be here working and REALLY GLAD not to have to drive back and forth hauling my stuff anymore.

DEFEAT

2010-02-28T18:58:00.003-06:00

While watching the last day of the Olympic games of 2010 I decided to draw about the Canada-USA hockey game. Unfortunately while I was drawing the USA lost in overtime. It was a really exciting game that kept me on the edge of my seat up until the very end. The closing ceremony is about to begin. What an amazing ride the athletes in all of the sports had this year!!! Thanks for the wonderful entertainment!

ZEE ART STUDIO

THOSE FURRY FRIENDS

FIBER ARTISTS FOR HOPE

Fiber Artists for Hope

RECLAIMING GROUND ZERO

UNDERWATER FUN

BEING A DOG

HOLD THAT CALL

CARRY IT WITH YOU ALWAYS

I'M LIVING ON BLUES POWER

Lately I have gravitated towards the color blue so here is another posting of "BLUE" thoughts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuqFHc5ewlQ&playnext=1&list=PLB1C137FC5D4D29E5

Blues Power

by

Eric Clapton, Leon Russell

COOL CALMING COLOR

LADY LUCK'S COLOR

Orange Energy

I took this photo of fresh flowers in Vegas at the Bellagio Hotel.

TILL DEATH DO US PART

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

TREE FUN

BUBBA

PHOTOBLOG

ART FESTIVAL

ZOO SHOOT

STORY TELLER

MR. LOYD BROWN

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

NANO HUMMINGBIRD

THE LIVING CAMERA

THE SILENT EVOLUTION

PAPER OR PLASTIC

SILK PAINTING

2011**A NEW BEGINNING**

APPLE PIE

KSZ HAS SA

I have just been diagnosed with "Sleep Apnea". Last night was my first night with my own CPAP machine. It was so quiet but I know it will take a while for me to get used to sleeping with it. Here is my machine, the newest on the market!

ICON Novo CPAP Machine with Built In Heated Humidifier and ThermoSmart

You might wonder if YOU have sleep apnea? Here is all the information one might need to decided.

JANELLE MONAE

OLD SAILOR

CONCERT FUN

I PHONE FUN

SKETCHBOOK CHALLENGE

HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAY!

CUTEST FACE EVER

LOTS OF FAMILY TIME

WATERCOLOR KING

PUMPKIN LADY

MINIMALIST PHOTOGRAPHY

COLOR IN THE HOOD

"SPOKE"N

HEAVEN ON EARTH

MIXED MEDIA CLASS

CANDY HEAVEN AND HEAVEN ON EARTH

FAT QUARTERS, STASHES, AND STITCHES

Fat quarters, stashes and stitches are part of quilting!

Guest columnist Sherrie Spangler can be reached by e-mail at sherriequilt@yahoo.com and has quilt photos on her blog, http://sherriequilt.blogspot.com/ This article ran this week in the Peninsula Gateway.

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

SCULPTURES GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT

MONDAY TRIATHLON

GALVESTON

DESIGN-DINING ON THE GO

MANHOLE COVERS

GEOGRAPHY LESSON

MICRO SCULPTURES

DON'T WORRY-BE HAPPY

BOY JUMPING

PEACH PIE

WHY BLOG

POLLY WANT A CRACKER?

STIFF

RAINY MUSINGS

WINDOW WASHER

QUINCEANERA QUILT

LET'S CONGA

IN THE KITCHEN WITH A SHIKSA

A BOWL OF CHERRIES

DOODLE

2011A NEW BEGINNING