tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41798994979529456042024-03-14T02:28:24.345-07:00The Winged QuillCreativity, finding your muse, free expressionMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-50732968936676857832017-02-15T17:56:00.000-08:002017-02-15T17:56:49.298-08:00Postcards from the Edge, the Middle, and All Around the TownIt's time for the <a href="http://www.muskegonartmuseum.org/" rel="nofollow">Muskegon Museum of Art</a>'s Annual Postcard Salon. This event showcases the talents of artists in West Michigan of all ages; beginners to accomplished artists. In the past there were over 1,000 entries available for viewing. This year artists could submit up to five postcard sized art pieces in a variety of mediums. This is the first year I have submitted some pieces. This was a fun project for me. I tend to like projects that can be completed in a minimum of time; as my interest wanes easily, so it worked out great to have one card completed per day and I think they turned out pretty good...but you should judge for yourself...All entries can be seen on March 9 where they can be purchased for $30.00. For more information on the museum and the Postcard Salon, visit their <a href="http://www.muskegonartmuseum.org/" rel="nofollow">web page</a> or call number listed. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thursday March 9, 2017</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Postcard Salon Reception & Sale</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
5:30 p.m. Reception/7:00 p.m. sale</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Muskegon Museum of Art</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
296 W. Webster Avenue</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Muskegon, MI 49440</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
231-720-2570</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.muskegonartmuseum.org/">www.muskegonartmuseum.org</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Below are two of my of five entries. They are mixed media with acrylic paint, paper, gems and found objects. I wanted to make some fun, whimsical pieces. I used a lot of metallic paints, and iridescent papers as well as store-bought gems to accent them. Unfortunately one didn't photograph well and I also didn't get a photo of the one I liked the best, titled "Alice has the key." A kind of steampunk type card of course. Thanks for stopping by my blog and hope to see you at the Salon! <a href="mailto:mariehelena777@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">Marie</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TjL7Dd4LeJL2QcGNRTnqAIkKjNDumvgyxsj4X1iuuTc8hPY0DaNbTfDvxFHvmv5VIDvzaUpQximIU7uDmUt11_itRB_Xo53BSMDsMsE2ssX_nbPOTTj2Tnunnmck5ZZwE9IQWY3iMu4/s1600/fairy+fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TjL7Dd4LeJL2QcGNRTnqAIkKjNDumvgyxsj4X1iuuTc8hPY0DaNbTfDvxFHvmv5VIDvzaUpQximIU7uDmUt11_itRB_Xo53BSMDsMsE2ssX_nbPOTTj2Tnunnmck5ZZwE9IQWY3iMu4/s320/fairy+fun.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairy Fun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88zpliivxcPzMqOkdB2V2YostrwE4PFh4l6DuxQYksdO2Nm1RqAq978qbNguh2Wz-cvlwLl4JZgKGviDdXlj3ZGIY8aMd9JqKQdcIKbrWl1KWazRGkJzEO8vxL3Nz9gfBltn9r5eiwLs/s1600/Hoping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88zpliivxcPzMqOkdB2V2YostrwE4PFh4l6DuxQYksdO2Nm1RqAq978qbNguh2Wz-cvlwLl4JZgKGviDdXlj3ZGIY8aMd9JqKQdcIKbrWl1KWazRGkJzEO8vxL3Nz9gfBltn9r5eiwLs/s320/Hoping.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoping</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-9486892746883195562017-01-20T14:03:00.000-08:002017-01-24T12:05:12.547-08:00I will still make art....no matter what<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTKDa8JcZaQ-mz8h_ugpj-NbiuZCQzM-OsmAEtp14q-dW-X3xDU0trByXeJ9w22iWtAFH-297vE7DALwsVwFHtnu2dZ9J0130M59Erdd5Bo5rFpShleTCxEzfoQaAMYmfwcqAWUoRaBM/s1600/postcard+art_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTKDa8JcZaQ-mz8h_ugpj-NbiuZCQzM-OsmAEtp14q-dW-X3xDU0trByXeJ9w22iWtAFH-297vE7DALwsVwFHtnu2dZ9J0130M59Erdd5Bo5rFpShleTCxEzfoQaAMYmfwcqAWUoRaBM/s320/postcard+art_001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Over the past few months, my inspiration has taken a hit. It is difficult to
feel creative when you are fearful. Fear mobilizes use, makes us want to shut
down and shut out what we fear. But I have decided that I will not let fear
consume me, nor hate, nor apathy. I will continue to make art, and continue to
strive to be a person who stands up for others and stand up for the freedoms
this country stands for. It may be a small thing to make art to some but freedom
of our imaginations as well as the freedom to express in our own way is deeply
embedded in our national consciousness, and is supported by the First Amendment.
Our free society is based on the principles that each and every individual has
the right to decide what art they wish to have or create. Once the government censors
this, or has the power to censure us from enjoying it, then ours is not a democracy.
The freedom to express for ourselves also requires us to promote and stand up
for the freedom of expression for others. It is at the very heart of our
democracy. So I will stand up for freedom of expression and I will make art.<br />
<br />
Here are some great links for further information and for information about <a href="http://www.fepproject.org/issues/artcensorship.html" rel="nofollow">freedom of expression in the arts</a> and freedom in general: <a href="https://www.aclu.org/other/freedom-expression-arts-and-entertainment" rel="nofollow">visit the official ACLU. site. </a>Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-10877649395432747072016-11-23T19:50:00.003-08:002016-11-23T19:57:53.170-08:00American music, our colorful tapestry. <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywgbIX0dtJyGpme3lPRBF_4dGZNm2MRbu8nvqL3aC3elImhUwNoonhg7Xqr7O61Vl-y_lvKyKnO45Oar7qIrzk_t0TLHLRW_2jlzdCapxpJOdxRl5OtpPzhQTcNZArvhwdNjysjWAEiw/s1600/guitar+collage+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywgbIX0dtJyGpme3lPRBF_4dGZNm2MRbu8nvqL3aC3elImhUwNoonhg7Xqr7O61Vl-y_lvKyKnO45Oar7qIrzk_t0TLHLRW_2jlzdCapxpJOdxRl5OtpPzhQTcNZArvhwdNjysjWAEiw/s320/guitar+collage+A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As this is a creativity blog, most of the time my metaphors
are based on that and of course, bird or swan metaphors (my favorite). Today I have
a new metaphor, that of our musical heritage as a tapestry.......we have all heard or used the tapestry metaphor at one time or
another: “It's like a tapestry —with many colorful threads woven together to make
a whole.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am, like so many others,
whether consciously or not weaving the story of my life from all the things that
have come to me unbidden, and all the things I have chosen, and all of passions
and longing and pains and disappointments, all of this grist for the mill, or
threads for my creative loom and such is the tapestry of our music. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To my thinking this metaphor is also an apt
description of the origins of American music and how it is woven into the fiber of our lives. I love the idea of a
tapestry as something which expresses the connection between people and the
diversity of people. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been thinking
about ways that other tapestries give visual evidence of social collaboration
and interconnections. All of these thoughts about tapestries and social
metaphors have caused me to think also about American music, it’s roots, and it’s
evolution into being as a tapestry which binds people together. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea that regardless of the talent of individual
musicians; in the final analysis, the sum of what has gone before wove like so
many threads into the unique genre we call American music. Music speaks to me
as I am sure it does many others in many ways; invoking happiness, sadness, spirituality,
or love, so I hope you enjoy this look into what makes up our rich, color, creative, and unique blend that in a way becomes a metaphor itself for us, Americans, in all our colorful, unique identities. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
American music is reflective of the rich multicultural society
as a whole. It evolved as people listened to and adopted new musical forms that
they came across. It is a mixture of music influenced by Native American <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Sioux love song" , “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYorIKf5L0c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ghost Dance song</a>” Pawnie</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">) </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>European, African<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">, </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anglo-Celtic traditions folk songs and ballads
(“Barbara Allen” by H.J. Beeker) and work songs ("<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufBNBaKO1fc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gypsy Davy” by Woody Guthrie</a></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">); </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Mexican, Cajun, Scandinavian, and Cuban
as well as many, many others. From jazz (<a href="http://www.biography.com/people/louis-armstrong-9188912" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Louis Armstrong</a>), blues to bluegrass,
rock and roll, rhythm and blues, ragtime, salsa to hiphop, techno, alternative;
the tapestry is an expansive one. This is one of the creative aspects of music,
the blending of forms creating new sounds. The roots of Native American music
have its base in sacred songs together with percussion instruments, flutes or
whistles. The Europeans brought their own spiritual songs as well as secular
musical customs such are hymns, dances, and folk songs. African slaves brought a
variety of musical traditions based on their cultural and spiritual songs and
music forms. African American music evolved into blues and jazz. European music
forms evolved into bluegrass and country music. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
African slaves were brought here on slave ships even before
the Mayflower ‘s arrival in New England. With them came their music; which was
in printed form as early as the Civil War. These songs, with their syncopated beat
like <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Music in praise of a Yoruba
Chief" (Nigeria”)</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,</span> evolved into spirituals work songs <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Sheep, sheep, don't you know the
road" or the </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Quittin' time song")</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,</span> gospel
(“<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGBoP70A7Q0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John the Revelator</a>”). Their use of syncopated beat, was often used along with
variations in the verses and music, which was unfamiliar at that time. This
sound combined with European religious songs <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to form black spirituals and gospel forms. The
first black spiritual was printed in 1862 with sheet music coming five years
later. The songs they sang while working the docks or in the cotton fields
helped to make their harsh working conditions bearable as well as singing
clandestine protest songs, such as the blues traditions, which conveyed the
slave’s troubles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Faster paced African
American music using banjos was performed in traveling minstrel shows which
carried over into films; were very popular in their day with white audiences, but
African-Americans felt this mocked their traditions. Minstrel shows developed
into ragtime in the 1800s with a style of music called “cakewalk” which had
great emphasis on the syncopated rhythm. Ragtime became very popular in cities.
Scott Joplin with his “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMAtL7n_-rc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maple Leaf Rag.</a>” delighted audiences. In the Storyville
section of New Orleans, ragtime blended with blues forms, with the evolution of
jazz. With the coming of the “<a href="http://www.history.com/topics/roaring-twenties" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Roaring 20s</a>” jazz had the excitement and beat the
young people of America were looking for. In the 1930s and 1940’s came the
sound of “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swing_music" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Swing</a>” and the “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_band" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Big Band</a>” era.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hope you enjoyed this post. As there is so much to our musical scene, I hope to make this a continuing post. If you have a comment, <a href="mailto:askformarie@yahoo.com" rel="nofollow">email me</a>. Marie</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sources: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Media in
Your Life. An Introduction of Mass Communication by Folkerts, Lacy, and Larabee
(2008). <a href="http://wikipedia.com/">Wikipedia.com</a>. and American Music, A Panorama by Candelaria, and
Kingman (2007) and <a href="http://youtube.com/">youtube.com</a></div>
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-11778811213333477932016-07-07T15:19:00.002-07:002016-07-07T15:20:01.006-07:00TWQ is back with new artwork<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFrsFH0k_tsUgrjJBxreDCN_lcyFg6IeHQ2qa5kE_-Ds03zvHawVp2mXIKE3ovPQgs05yUNJ9M6KbIgnBN5u16v8F4c6Yd2OQRAtZ1vwTp1vZdGkWu8SDfd30nSYLZ4HAfeQscSLTlbU/s1600/Barbie+and+Joe+Escape+to+the+Isle+of+Bliss_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFrsFH0k_tsUgrjJBxreDCN_lcyFg6IeHQ2qa5kE_-Ds03zvHawVp2mXIKE3ovPQgs05yUNJ9M6KbIgnBN5u16v8F4c6Yd2OQRAtZ1vwTp1vZdGkWu8SDfd30nSYLZ4HAfeQscSLTlbU/s320/Barbie+and+Joe+Escape+to+the+Isle+of+Bliss_001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbie and Joe Escape to the Isle of Bliss-2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just finished putting a final coat of varnish on this piece. From idea to completion it probably took me two years. Its not that it was actually two years of work...I am just a procrastinator. Anyway this piece is 16 x 20 and incorporates a lot of different elements and materials. I used playing cards, cards from a Mexican bingo game, chain, cogs and wheels (of course), femo clay, small gemstones and beads, a broken mirror, and pieces from a camera (don't know if its visible there but the Joker's eye is a glass lens from a camera). Mixed media works are fun but time-consuming. I think I will stick to acrylic painting and color pencil for a while. In addition, I have started work on several manuscripts that have been sitting around for way too long; one for about 20 years. It's done, just needs to be retyped (I told you I was a procrastinator). Thus, I will be signing off on blogging for the time being.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, if you are local (Muskegon County area), please be sure to visit the Bettye Cannon Gallery. The show is titled <a href="http://frauenthal.org/bettye-clark-cannon-gallery-artist-exhibit/" rel="nofollow">"When Thoughts Become Things" </a>and will be there until August 31. I was invited to participate in this show which was an honor. Exhibiting artists are: Bette DelVeechio, Lori McElrath Eslick, Ferrel
Cordel, Don Spezia, Penney Smaardyk, Alexander (Sandy) Kennedy, Marie
Helena Cisneros, Marlan Cotner, Annie Wassman, Jeff King, Sheila
Passenier, Douglas Neuman and Hana Girdvainis-Sawyer. The gallery is run by a great group of people and has been part of the art scene in Muskegon for many years. The Bettye Clark- Cannon Gallery is located on the 2<sup>nd</sup> floor of the Hilt Building within the Frauenthal Center, Muskegon, Michigan 49441. <br />
<br />
Hope you have enjoyed my posts on the Winged Quill as I have enjoyed doing them-Namaste-<a href="mailto:mariehelena777@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">Marie Helena.</a> Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-27680803312375056862016-04-30T12:38:00.004-07:002016-04-30T12:42:35.277-07:00Beads and Baubles and Bling. Oh My! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHBhvJBJl_oN8q3H1YOuY73xGVWNemgDD0oXocQqpkAZUcuuxTaO3We-Ss4znLeZZeGtvaoYdpYz9BKyoZRuj9-yPZdOxZHp_CZ9Gz7pF7txJd1uWHpdqttpbk7KkNZ67uy6xBFdmYMw/s1600/purple+beaded+choker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHBhvJBJl_oN8q3H1YOuY73xGVWNemgDD0oXocQqpkAZUcuuxTaO3We-Ss4znLeZZeGtvaoYdpYz9BKyoZRuj9-yPZdOxZHp_CZ9Gz7pF7txJd1uWHpdqttpbk7KkNZ67uy6xBFdmYMw/s320/purple+beaded+choker.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As my blog is about creativity, finding your own muse and free expression; I try not to be self-serving, but I don't think people will mind if I at least let them know what I also offer in the way of merchandise. Besides, I have been making jewelry now for about 20 years, and there is only so much room to store all of the end products of my creative urges.<br />
<br />
As summer approaches I will be making the rounds at local craft shows besides Facebook but I also have had an opportunity to be part of a very cool project that is going on in my hometown where I will have the opportunity to have my work shown in a more permanent setting. As it is in the works, I can't really say much more, but will keep you updated.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thewingedquill.blogspot.com/2015/01/confessions-of-jewelry-fanatic-with-bit.html">As I have mentioned in a previous post about my love of jewelry</a>, I won't go into detail again here. Suffice it to say, my passion hasn't waned any. I make a lot of retro-Victorian, Steampunk style, as well as more classically styled pieces. I am also pretty adept at re-stringing and re-purposing pieces if anyone is interested. If you live outside the area, and it would have to be shipped, no problem. Shipping is free! <a href="mailto:askformarie@yahoo.com" rel="nofollow">Send me an email for details or questions.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLyfOoSyVib-dvzPrnwazEvKITSz5rYkCPjVQs-6fw_7tMvc8nasni12NF8TQ0DooNiGkksdVeV3IEqtmAC0xPP13EcwoWmGLI7aSbsdz_Q4fl9Rh5wgYUa9m3vlWjuZZbAXAktGJaqU/s1600/fluoritetourmalinedrops.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLyfOoSyVib-dvzPrnwazEvKITSz5rYkCPjVQs-6fw_7tMvc8nasni12NF8TQ0DooNiGkksdVeV3IEqtmAC0xPP13EcwoWmGLI7aSbsdz_Q4fl9Rh5wgYUa9m3vlWjuZZbAXAktGJaqU/s200/fluoritetourmalinedrops.JPG" width="105" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIML-1BhXflG7ltNdqzFHMFR_7z0S-RgtSB9e5rPMCAEhYcB2Qsda8XeSl6ku9inf2PgV_fyPQviLkYCb68pn-1GRXG3mUNQqn37Gmpv_s5RnwxS3tH_iiaLMyNnK-Be8ftwmTxqIC6Y/s1600/adventurineandflourite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIML-1BhXflG7ltNdqzFHMFR_7z0S-RgtSB9e5rPMCAEhYcB2Qsda8XeSl6ku9inf2PgV_fyPQviLkYCb68pn-1GRXG3mUNQqn37Gmpv_s5RnwxS3tH_iiaLMyNnK-Be8ftwmTxqIC6Y/s200/adventurineandflourite.JPG" width="173" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adventurine/ Flourite. Gold-filled beads $65.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I use genuine gemstone beads, imported crystals, gold-filled and
sterling silver accents on many pieces as well as using lead-free
components for the chain and clasps. I order my unfinished materials
from a U.S. company based out of Oregon. I also like to make
nature-themed pieces.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My Retro-Victorian pieces have hand beaded chain, imported crystals and some have Swarvoski crystals. Thank you for letting me share my work with you! -Mariehelena.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1epVzQE-uWDRYzbptFC2nwWwkWZemvxmB_UVW7bzJkYqOeaYUFhSZIc04u8PiP_OdRgLncQYftHQUUOgyhgRmB9LOw9pppTDjVXTYHCKerC-FR3ZM2B44uK0Pqjybnw4FjuGhELeQ-Hw/s1600/Victorian+crystals+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1epVzQE-uWDRYzbptFC2nwWwkWZemvxmB_UVW7bzJkYqOeaYUFhSZIc04u8PiP_OdRgLncQYftHQUUOgyhgRmB9LOw9pppTDjVXTYHCKerC-FR3ZM2B44uK0Pqjybnw4FjuGhELeQ-Hw/s320/Victorian+crystals+necklace.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">W/vintage Crystals $100.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All my pieces are original designs based on Victorian styles
but with an edgy feel to them. I use high-quality, lead-free components from a
U.S based company. All my pieces are original designs made with love<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage crystals $100.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kKckh12CI2Xegue9iS8Q1gTAf9Netme4wPttsYIYQF84JgFIaVg9ZePs8YoaRnXguYE9o-vLuukAlF1IdSG5ufOwC8WhpGP3zLH5g6zTX9rCYtfIq7HVdvalNXp0XjLeIiVSAbkcmSk/s1600/crystalneovictorian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kKckh12CI2Xegue9iS8Q1gTAf9Netme4wPttsYIYQF84JgFIaVg9ZePs8YoaRnXguYE9o-vLuukAlF1IdSG5ufOwC8WhpGP3zLH5g6zTX9rCYtfIq7HVdvalNXp0XjLeIiVSAbkcmSk/s400/crystalneovictorian.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">w/Genuine moonstones $65.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Q5I3WYIkOmM_igXI1Emt75KObsaZ1CzF3gYu-WYK_zYV9yJ9MnKwHrdr5boubWVc5j95CwrXDRz-fFFq5BCPrDFLfD9uNMYk5_9HNoLDmqV-V2ATsGogvnmRgmiWUjJIifD35duXqhY/s1600/vintagepearlnecklace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Q5I3WYIkOmM_igXI1Emt75KObsaZ1CzF3gYu-WYK_zYV9yJ9MnKwHrdr5boubWVc5j95CwrXDRz-fFFq5BCPrDFLfD9uNMYk5_9HNoLDmqV-V2ATsGogvnmRgmiWUjJIifD35duXqhY/s320/vintagepearlnecklace.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage pearls $25.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0FJajYDuwJmu3r_vpEpKJRVxUU9mVRgy1spLFdqnfp8oWUYX8bX3gdX6lhlrDllM4FQZig4h2X24SJo4e8UmME769q-hPAQ_7wCUQIJwdZI4ONbLDzzWJkzKi-L92k3-R6nFtHBmnzk/s1600/pearlbracelet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0FJajYDuwJmu3r_vpEpKJRVxUU9mVRgy1spLFdqnfp8oWUYX8bX3gdX6lhlrDllM4FQZig4h2X24SJo4e8UmME769q-hPAQ_7wCUQIJwdZI4ONbLDzzWJkzKi-L92k3-R6nFtHBmnzk/s320/pearlbracelet.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cultured Pearl/Crystals $45.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHBhvJBJl_oN8q3H1YOuY73xGVWNemgDD0oXocQqpkAZUcuuxTaO3We-Ss4znLeZZeGtvaoYdpYz9BKyoZRuj9-yPZdOxZHp_CZ9Gz7pF7txJd1uWHpdqttpbk7KkNZ67uy6xBFdmYMw/s1600/purple+beaded+choker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHBhvJBJl_oN8q3H1YOuY73xGVWNemgDD0oXocQqpkAZUcuuxTaO3We-Ss4znLeZZeGtvaoYdpYz9BKyoZRuj9-yPZdOxZHp_CZ9Gz7pF7txJd1uWHpdqttpbk7KkNZ67uy6xBFdmYMw/s320/purple+beaded+choker.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victorian Filagree $95.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhdt6d9BCKEnWcIv-q1fYv6G8WhcECGrmkKSRiTylEHhyphenhyphen3ap5_iPK0J2wGyFHZOm4kA8lo6n0njT9OzbQ2_MjxE80JOEsOoKsEGgggeguzXnzdqh0MOtgc2p4U389avFDEH8jMydKpkA/s1600/bluecrystalvictorian.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhdt6d9BCKEnWcIv-q1fYv6G8WhcECGrmkKSRiTylEHhyphenhyphen3ap5_iPK0J2wGyFHZOm4kA8lo6n0njT9OzbQ2_MjxE80JOEsOoKsEGgggeguzXnzdqh0MOtgc2p4U389avFDEH8jMydKpkA/s400/bluecrystalvictorian.JPG" width="362" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Retro-Victorian $45.00</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-66498993875380153082016-03-23T11:55:00.002-07:002016-03-23T12:02:13.240-07:00What Drives the Creative Process? Interview with Crime Novelist, Jerry Otis<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Title: The Gaf Killer: Son of Zodiac, Author: Jerry Otis" class="full-shadow" src="http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/9781626943094_p0_v2_s118x184.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="262" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/">http://www.barnesandnoble.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why do we love to read about the murderers and serial
killers, gangs and mafia bosses? For some people it is trying to look behind
the exterior of the murderer. Why drives them? What are the motivating factors that
them off? Could it have been prevented? These questions may come to mind as when
a person reads a crime novel or short story, or watches the myriad crime dramas
on television and in the movies. Perhaps we may never know, but one thing is
for certain: These dark tales with convoluted and complicated motives behind the
characters fascinate us; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>whether we’re
reading about it in the latest crime thriller or hearing an actual news report.
While many questions remain to the why many are fascinated with them, it is
well known that crime fiction continues to be an extremely popular genre and
seems to resonate with a broad population base. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So with this in mind, The Winged Quill wanted to know: How
does one go about creating the crime novel? To answer this, of course, I wanted
to go to the source itself: The writer. Jerry Otis is an author with two books
under his belt, including <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Frostburg-Lane-Jerry-Otis/dp/1481884018?tag=duckduckgo-ffsb-20">Frostburg Lane</a>, with another in the works, so I thought he would be a great source of
information on the subject. He was kind enough to indulge me in my little quest
for answers. He was also kind enough to share the links to his book on Amazon. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">TWQ: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What inspired you
to want to write about the Zodiac killer?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Jerry: Over the years
I’ve had interest in the Zodiac, starting back when this deranged individual
created havoc and mayhem in the San Francisco area, and surrounding states
during the late 60’s to early 70’s. My original novel/manuscript started out as
a border patrol agent who turned to crime. Then because of my interest in the
Zodiac I switched gears and decided to write a fictional crime thriller based
on, as if, the original Zodiac had a son who carried on where his dad, the
Zodiac left off. There’s a sentence in the book, by the Son of Zodiac showing
how much he admired his dad, the original Zodiac serial killer. A truly deranged
individual who continued to think, throughout the story, that what he was doing
was perfectly normal, and that the ones he kills didn’t deserve to live, doing
you and I a big O favor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">TWQ:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've heard that
many suspense writers like Stephen King does not really start out with a plan,
he just goes with the flow and free-writes linearly as it comes but some writers
use a different process. What process did you use to plan out and plot your
story, if any?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Jerry: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I go
with the flow. I knew about the original “Zodiac” from the late 60’s to early
70’s, who terrorized the Frisco Bay area, and surrounding states. So I did some
research and dug deeper into his scenic. After gathering a fair amount of info
from police reports and some eye witnesses, I went to work writing this book of
fiction, based on, as if the original Zodiac had a son who inherited his
psychopathic traits, and continued on where his daddy left off. The reason I
used “Daddy” is because that’s the way the Son of Zodiac referred to him. In
the book he states, “Only if my daddy could see me now, he’d be so proud of
me.” In his deranged mind, he truly believes that. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">That was the main plot scheme.
I did know the main character, other than the Son of Zodiac, would be a Special
FBI Agent by the name of David Drake, who forms a taskforce, at the asking of
the director of the FBI, and begins a cross-country track-down with three of
his hand-picked Special FBI Agents that he’s worked with before. So in answer
to that question, yes I do go with the flow like Stephen King does, in that
respect. The one thing I did have an idea of, is how the story would end, and
for that tidbit of info, you’ll have to read the book. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">TWQ:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The elements of a
good story which consists of making character and places stand out in the reader’s
mind to make them really experience the story. Once you have a
concept/idea/character, what general direction do you head to from there?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Jerry: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did a lot of
research, before, during and after writing Gaf Killer-Son of Zodiac, as I do
with everything I write. Even down to the street names, freeways, towns, and
characters etc., that were used in the book. Btw, Google maps comes in very
handy when researching street names, city layouts and main roads and freeways.
All the locations in Son of Zodiac are actual streets and communities, or towns
and states mentioned in the story. As in one of Marie’s other questions,
referring “Going with the flow” as luck would have it, when I was about two
thirds into writing Gaf Killer, my proof reader Kimberly Lovoy found a link to
a psychological medical term that’s used in determining just how crazy a person
is, it’s called ‘Global Assessment of Functioning’ or ‘GAF.’ I’d like to claim
I knew about that term before writing this story, but it just happened to be
dumb luck on my part. The reason the Son of Zodiac, went by the name Gaf, has
nothing to do with that medical term used in the mental health world, but after
finding out about that term, I went back and re-wrote a chapter, so I could interject
it into the storyline. So going with the flow was definitely used here. You
have to be flexible. One thing for sure in writing any kind of novel, you’ll
spend months editing your original manuscript. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">TWQ:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do you plot
yourself along?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Jerry: My mind acts like a video camera. I write what I see.
Some ideas come at the oddest times, I thought about the plot a lot while
driving, and came up with several ideas while taking showers. Some people
listen to music while taking showers, I think about different scenarios. I’ve
even woke up from a dead sleep, and an idea came to me, maybe one I had been
stressing over, and in that case, or the times when I come up with an idea
while taking a shower or driving, I can’t get to my desktop and fire it up fast
enough, and make note of it, so that idea isn’t lost and forgotten. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">TWQ:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How long did this
novel take you to write?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Jerry: First of all I want to give credit to Kimberly Lovoy,
my proof reader, who’s now been with me on three manuscripts over a four plus
year period, with her eyeballing my mistakes (I’ll admit it, I’m a lousy
speller) it would be a daunting task, to say the least. With that said, Gaf
Killer was a 3 year ordeal. 2012-2013 wrote manuscript. September 2014 I was
signed by Black Opal Books. September 2014 through July 2015, edits/re-writes
with Black Opal Books. Actually I was still doing some editing up to one week
before its release on August 1st, released nationwide. Then even shortly after
its release, I went back and did some editing on approx 20 pages, had the
publisher make those minor corrections, that reflected in the next copy
ordered. In writing, it’s always in the editing. It takes way more time to edit
a manuscript, than it does to put words to paper, either handwritten or typed,
using “Word.” Btw, before I was signed by Black Opal Books, my manuscript was
rejected by 48 other literary agencies.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 5.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 5.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">TWQ:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many writers
suffer at one point or another from writer’s block. Did you have any problems
with this?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Jerry: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My advice is to
step away and take a break. In my case strum the guitar, or go for a drive, or
get some sleep. After being away for a short time, not for days, you’ll come
back with new ideas, and wonder to yourself, “Why didn’t I think of that
before?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">TWQ:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have any
future books in the works?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Jerry: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m currently
working on another crime thriller called, “David Drake Chronicles – The Love Maids
Case”, which will be released in 2017. I already have the book cover made, and am
deep into the storyline/plot etc. It’s a continuing series, where Special FBI
Agent David Drake and his team of hand-picked Special Agents solve another “Who
Done It?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">TWQ:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What advice would you give for an aspiring writer?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Jerry: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do your
research, and first and foremost, other than editing, editing, editing, learn
how to write a good “Query Letter” (Google that term), so when you do have an
edited, and polished manuscript to pitch, you can start pitching your
manuscript to literary agents, with the hopes of getting signed. Without
knowing how to write a good, one page “Query Letter”, literary agents won’t
give you the time of day. Btw, don’t be surprised if you get rejected, my Gaf
Killer manuscript was rejected 48 times, over a six month period, till signed
by BOB September 2014.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">TWQ:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span>T</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">hank you, Jerry Otis, for taking the time
to sit down with The Winged Quill for this interview.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Jerry: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No problem Marie,
thank you. I enjoy doing interviews. Thank you for this opportunity. Hopefully
I’ve given new writers some insight into how the publishing world actually
works. If I can do it, just about anyone can.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Jerry is also working on a movie trailer for </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> <a href="http://zodiackillersite.com/viewtopic.php?f=90&t=2692">T</a><i><a href="http://zodiackillersite.com/viewtopic.php?f=90&t=2692">he GAF Killer</a>, </i>available to watch here: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.2px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYv6p57TmVk" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.2px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=nYv6p57TmVk</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Purchasing information: </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">T<i>he GAF Killer</i> is available at Amazon: </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B011ZBKG4C" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/dp/<wbr></wbr>B011ZBKG4C</a> </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Barnes and Nobles: </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-gaf-killer-son-of-zodiac-jerry-otis/1122431694?ean=2940151145145" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/<wbr></wbr>w/the-gaf-killer-son-of-<wbr></wbr>zodiac-jerry-otis/1122431694?<wbr></wbr>ean=2940151145145</span></a> </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">To order a signed copy from Black Opal Books: <a href="mailto:sales@blackopalbooks.com">sales@blackopalbooks.com</a><a href="http://./">.</a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When ordering, type Attn: Arwen “THE GAF KILLER-SON OF ZODIAC” in the subject
line. In the body of email: Give Arwen your name, address etc, and she’ll email
you an invoice, then you can pay using the email’s Pay Pal, and Arwen will get
a signed and numbered copy to you ASAP.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">To email him directly: <a href="mailto:writerjerryotis@gmail.com">writerjerryotis@gmail.com</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Hope you enjoyed this post. Hopefully will have more interviews to come in the future! Have an event or something creative you would like to spotlight: Email me directly here: <a href="mailto:mariehelena777@gmail.com">mariehelena777@gmail.com</a>. I am always looking for new and interesting things to post about-Mariehelena. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-32086768372897502432016-02-10T10:28:00.000-08:002016-02-10T14:10:07.179-08:00The Creative Coloring Craze <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
While coloring books for children have been around for many
years, in part due to the democratization of art by early free-thinkers such as
English portrait painter, Joshua Reynolds who founded the Royal Academy of Art in
the 18<sup>th</sup> century and author <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buster_Brown" rel="nofollow">Richard F. Outcault, who penned “Buster’s Paint Book” published by the Stokes Company in 1907 based on his 1902 characterBuster Brown.</a> This was the beginning of the trend to use coloring pages to advertise
products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These books, meant to be
painted at first, grew in popularity at first as educational and therapeutic tools for children. Their
popularity also was helped in part by the invention of crayons in the 1930s.
Most of us know how much children love coloring books, since we were all young
once, we can all pretty much attest to the fact that we loved them as kids.
But while coloring books have been an accepted form of entertainment for
children for all these years, it wasn’t until 2015 that coloring books for
adults became accepted and popular, and popular they are. It seems that this
genre has exploded onto the creative scene. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaR4Owfc22gD5L6jtBeId2_sfUYjT0giuI9I-z0t6tW9SOqSE5I6skGyIyJyFnR9UALvIhy64ue7voXSOWPEpQ_9qhUj4B8l9hssavUxT6JpWxfBhDGjBJC_VCaGsfxDNI-NdjPUMUag/s1600/zentangle+coloring+page+paisley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaR4Owfc22gD5L6jtBeId2_sfUYjT0giuI9I-z0t6tW9SOqSE5I6skGyIyJyFnR9UALvIhy64ue7voXSOWPEpQ_9qhUj4B8l9hssavUxT6JpWxfBhDGjBJC_VCaGsfxDNI-NdjPUMUag/s320/zentangle+coloring+page+paisley.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paisleys from "Color Me" book</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps it is because it was thought that as grown-ups we
needed to leave childish things behind, and coloring was one of those things we
enjoyed as children but as we grew up, we could no longer enjoy such trivial
things as entertainment; it had to be something more sophisticated. Or so it
was thought. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If sophistication is what
was needed for adults to color, then we got it. There are so many choices now
in what are called “adult” coloring books and pages. Some of these books are
immensely intricate, beautiful, challenging, and more than enough to hold the
attention and creative urge. Now you only need to look as close as your nearest
supermarket or department store isle, and there are a multitude of relatively
inexpensive coloring books for us grown-ups coloring aficionados. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Online, I found hundreds (I’m sure there are
thousands) of sources with free coloring pages to download, for adults and
children, as I previously listed some when I talked about mandalas to color. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKv956IAyHCp7BVrenHgdggdOt3sBvzAHwc9eLBXt8p-4_bNvDyLr1hdGTgeF7LwR51gXHT3Uf7xxm2vpXMtFP_mnZahQ7AtZjnYtwww9NF_UUU47I0y6860WB-vhL5JBKDaa4cLeU-G0/s1600/zentangle+coloring+page+owl_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKv956IAyHCp7BVrenHgdggdOt3sBvzAHwc9eLBXt8p-4_bNvDyLr1hdGTgeF7LwR51gXHT3Uf7xxm2vpXMtFP_mnZahQ7AtZjnYtwww9NF_UUU47I0y6860WB-vhL5JBKDaa4cLeU-G0/s320/zentangle+coloring+page+owl_001.JPG" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owl from "Color Me" book</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for myself, I’ve never hid the fact that I still colored
in coloring books and even though I like to create my own works of art as entertainment
and a pastime, I still enjoy coloring. I have included two of my own designs. Feel free to print them off to color, although my scanner is not the best and added some shadowing, they may still work. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIHXbZnCvwjc-w1YewCzI6Nra4fTyV_Hh74feTOE1areQWdlpENEEPkY2oPm4Gif5c7m_nR1eaapswC4UOD1Cx7m788risIT-EdDWmTvlVSP7g9l_Urk294xkeRBrbT5oVviHjuyj-Y0/s1600/Renaissance+Romance+drawing_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIHXbZnCvwjc-w1YewCzI6Nra4fTyV_Hh74feTOE1areQWdlpENEEPkY2oPm4Gif5c7m_nR1eaapswC4UOD1Cx7m788risIT-EdDWmTvlVSP7g9l_Urk294xkeRBrbT5oVviHjuyj-Y0/s640/Renaissance+Romance+drawing_001.JPG" width="470" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renaissance Romance-Marie Cisneros</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I used colored pencils for the pages on this post but you can use markers and crayons of course. If using markers, make sure you put a paper beneath so that it doesn't mark up the next page. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIsiVSXdGxVPRXdGrm78DTiji7R5I0i4iJMdxAJnXgXA295B1WWlaO32w3c9T47ZkTZpWc3IG6H7baL7T4kUzj5S9m0LltkkJRX5IczSKBzPgK25RbXiZBm413sUYBv7Ri-uk6xd3q18/s1600/rainbow%252C+sunshine+and+lollipops+heart_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIsiVSXdGxVPRXdGrm78DTiji7R5I0i4iJMdxAJnXgXA295B1WWlaO32w3c9T47ZkTZpWc3IG6H7baL7T4kUzj5S9m0LltkkJRX5IczSKBzPgK25RbXiZBm413sUYBv7Ri-uk6xd3q18/s320/rainbow%252C+sunshine+and+lollipops+heart_001.JPG" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunshine, lollipops and Rainbows</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I picked up a small coloring book a few weeks ago. I have really enjoyed this simple pleasure. It is relaxing and soothing to the
psyche. If you have not colored in a book since you were a child, I do
recommend picking up one of the latest adult coloring books that interests you,
or download and print some from the internet. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBTK9LiOzUdiat277j-IuC9zKQXRKdXdCRSja9gGvN3rMMuisNsOz9J2gBczG1HokDEAmiPbPXarJE9EA-WItUa2yfY8oKIcGsMZgbcz6qmx-VdrP1eWhzx46SLkR8e-gzqfKY9HQR7E/s1600/Raven%2527s+sun+picture_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBTK9LiOzUdiat277j-IuC9zKQXRKdXdCRSja9gGvN3rMMuisNsOz9J2gBczG1HokDEAmiPbPXarJE9EA-WItUa2yfY8oKIcGsMZgbcz6qmx-VdrP1eWhzx46SLkR8e-gzqfKY9HQR7E/s640/Raven%2527s+sun+picture_001.JPG" width="505" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sun-By Raven Lockhart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Oh yeah, don't forget to buy yourself a new box
of crayons (144 count, so many colors!) Namaste-Mariehelena.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj010d9IGzZ4an6BlDR-ZRdPPQ85ncPU4F_nptbINNMD0JzfKr8tW1TJ6SAo2GLY5CHB4HntKkiAKr39blCPskvRYY1vITHLANZ8SBi4YIGEBSkymZkNhJAqYlaAZ9nUyb4ItX2chyphenhyphenNYLU/s1600/zentangle+drawing+of+hands_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj010d9IGzZ4an6BlDR-ZRdPPQ85ncPU4F_nptbINNMD0JzfKr8tW1TJ6SAo2GLY5CHB4HntKkiAKr39blCPskvRYY1vITHLANZ8SBi4YIGEBSkymZkNhJAqYlaAZ9nUyb4ItX2chyphenhyphenNYLU/s640/zentangle+drawing+of+hands_001.JPG" width="460" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zentangle hands-Marie Cisneros</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are a few sites with free coloring pages and sources. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://coloring.com/">Coloring.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.coloring.com/" rel="nofollow"> The Color.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://crayola.com/">Crayola.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.free-coloring-pages.com/printable.html" rel="nofollow">Free Coloring Pages</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sources: <a href="http://wikipedia./">Wikipedia.</a> The colored pages are from "Color Me" published by Publications International, Ltd. Copyright belongs to listed source. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This blog is for educational purposes only. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-39868580679346809232015-12-08T13:50:00.001-08:002015-12-08T13:50:47.330-08:00Getting Ready for the Holidays<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8voFpdaiVU_DLeIqv8QQpcpnTJHYU1n8c6VTSUPDf3W_Ca0Z3yPGzR9Qvjya5GZAN41jg3eXda_bkkXSG4TsMIbxO4ZkH7f3X-bo5zPIVFDzpsTnE-hfnVLVZzK7cCrWJ1nHpU-Eb2lE/s1600/12-29-2014_047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8voFpdaiVU_DLeIqv8QQpcpnTJHYU1n8c6VTSUPDf3W_Ca0Z3yPGzR9Qvjya5GZAN41jg3eXda_bkkXSG4TsMIbxO4ZkH7f3X-bo5zPIVFDzpsTnE-hfnVLVZzK7cCrWJ1nHpU-Eb2lE/s320/12-29-2014_047.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My tree last year</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A quick update: For most people this is such a busy time of year! Shopping, shopping, shopping, decorating, and spending time with family. I hope though that you take some time for yourself to just...RELAX! Now I am off to clean my house, take care of some business so I can clean my desk off until the new year, make tamales and finally decorate for our annual Christmas family get-to-gether. It's all fun but its also a lot of work, so I'd best be running.....<br />
<br />
<b> SO FROM THE WINGED QUILL WISHING YOU ALL A.....</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">MERRY CHRISTMAS, </span>HAPPY HOLIDAYS,<span style="color: purple;">MERRY SOLSTICE,</span> <span style="color: #4c1130;">HAPPY CHANUKAH, <span style="color: #134f5c;">HAPPY KWANZA!!!!</span></span></b></i></span></span></div>
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-85259639883315259022015-11-25T14:14:00.001-08:002015-11-25T14:17:46.260-08:00To my readers: A heartfelt thank you. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgd9BAoJ2ZUIIrMvqCHNq6uUm6ntfYOx-zQT_yRTFGlHuTuDvt03sHX7nNfT4XVAwsqqPefdyUrnAwAb2PSeGhnsIvWRWuJxclaAlcPA5K3QA5oKzvbkl1RxvqAfdvKQIJxtOWCBwQHtU/s1600/HAPPY+THANKSGIVING+2015.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgd9BAoJ2ZUIIrMvqCHNq6uUm6ntfYOx-zQT_yRTFGlHuTuDvt03sHX7nNfT4XVAwsqqPefdyUrnAwAb2PSeGhnsIvWRWuJxclaAlcPA5K3QA5oKzvbkl1RxvqAfdvKQIJxtOWCBwQHtU/s320/HAPPY+THANKSGIVING+2015.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marigolds that have bloomed through November</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On this eve of Thanksgiving, 2015, I wish to express my sincere thanks to my readers who have been kind enough to stop by and visit my page. I still consider myself kind of a newbie to the blogosphere, having only been doing this for steadily for about two years, give or take. In that time, I have noted readers from many different countries. This surprises me somewhat, but also gladdens me; that they have somehow found my humble little blog.<br />
<br />
I hope you have enjoyed my posts. I have enjoyed the opportunity to talk about things that interest me about art, about creativity and the freedom of expression that fires up the passion for art in all its many forms. I also thank Google that this site is still free. It has given many bloggers a platform and sometimes the boost they needed to take their blogs to fame and fortune (it does happen, I'm told).<br />
<br />
This post is also to serve as kind of notice that from now I will only be posting new articles on a monthly basis; as it has been difficult sometimes to come up with new and interesting posts every week, I feel readers may be better served to have a longer article with more substance than little meaningless blurbs just for the sake of a weekly post.<br />
<br />
So this year, I hope that you and yours are safe, warm, and happy, and can enjoy the holiday with friends and family. Namaste-MarieMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-69240491717514078572015-11-19T12:35:00.001-08:002015-11-19T12:44:41.891-08:00The Art Of The Nude (NSFW)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBE5lixwVX9XSPiKADsL9OTbpJOzPKi4Y6M06Ln5r1a0iopB-j62amG-q2_4vyumiF-qi5NQrGGPxGaHe9FaTP4m43o3cBMTGoId-Ll125yfG2F62O7QoSLLPm2uld12VVUl3TxhmGR9s/s1600/A24930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBE5lixwVX9XSPiKADsL9OTbpJOzPKi4Y6M06Ln5r1a0iopB-j62amG-q2_4vyumiF-qi5NQrGGPxGaHe9FaTP4m43o3cBMTGoId-Ll125yfG2F62O7QoSLLPm2uld12VVUl3TxhmGR9s/s320/A24930.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Bather Arranging Her Hair, Renoir, 1893"*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
People have been painting nudes for countless years,
probably since paint was invented, even though the depiction of nudity, in most
societies is deemed taboo, artists will continue to paint them. Nudity in art,
whether it is rendered in painting, drawing, sculpture or photography; in
general, reflects our accepted social and cultural standards within the current
time frame. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2w-m-HKr5Yrvisol5F8eGTeFKm5jDHPL82M2ZJtuYuCIcZlvNfhyphenhyphenQUs2dJgBK1V-jamEM37O00dF1vcZ-BxqsbWVHRZlkHWrCspcq20McFlPtcRbGDyopZzE6qVRRmyhPG1gyNrtD4Zs/s1600/greek+statue+of+Antinous+of+Belvedere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2w-m-HKr5Yrvisol5F8eGTeFKm5jDHPL82M2ZJtuYuCIcZlvNfhyphenhyphenQUs2dJgBK1V-jamEM37O00dF1vcZ-BxqsbWVHRZlkHWrCspcq20McFlPtcRbGDyopZzE6qVRRmyhPG1gyNrtD4Zs/s320/greek+statue+of+Antinous+of+Belvedere.jpg" width="143" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue by Thorwaldesen**</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Depending on style or medium, an artist can bring out or
exaggerate the features of the human body or attempt to render it as their eyes
see it with settings diverse, oppositional, or apropos to the posing of the
model within the composition. Nudes are not always painted to be sexual in
nature and the viewer should observe the painting as a whole in the context of
a work of art; and appreciate the human anatomy in its totality and depth,
which may also give the viewer an understanding of how the artist’s mind is
depicting the nude or understand how they are seeing the world in relationship
to the painting as a whole; as the nudity is not the main concern in the
painting. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33dgB1AUf8X2-tuZ7pHeBmCHmUrm9bElJazhkcGSml1ArPwZdx-1u7P2aJa1ffowcdbeQCfqfQq7aF4K64d3SpoDIUH0-SYZUe-NAGgKlNunT62UGrJooDFSsEIJANZfRA8rNLvAcmdo/s1600/greek+status+of+the+three+graces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33dgB1AUf8X2-tuZ7pHeBmCHmUrm9bElJazhkcGSml1ArPwZdx-1u7P2aJa1ffowcdbeQCfqfQq7aF4K64d3SpoDIUH0-SYZUe-NAGgKlNunT62UGrJooDFSsEIJANZfRA8rNLvAcmdo/s320/greek+status+of+the+three+graces.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three Graces by Thorwaldesen**</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span class="ya-q-full-textol-n">Men have of course been painting women nudes for
centuries, perhaps as an appreciation of the physical beauty
of the female body and as for erotic art. More recently women have been making some
inroads into the art of the painting nudes. </span><span class="ya-q-full-text">But, both female
and male nudes have been painted and sculpted in many sizes and shapes.
With the intricacies of the human body, there is always a new challenge each
new model.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Early Greek nudes and
sculptures were predominantly of males, perhaps because there was the
perception that the nude male was considered "artistically" more
beautiful with better symmetry that the female body, which is a matter of
conjecture. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgkl64sPMY5GoMlm5R4YvRhpgvCbnS5T77OUlVpi7YkCJ_zoDqXW4uKkWDILgkU5yNHsB3yMFddlAeh0P_2LiJAcasYbiIz9WCHWp5gCmHfbOu7Z1zueWgM7GwTpBqoT-9ym7bYXf8U0/s1600/R-20100127-0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgkl64sPMY5GoMlm5R4YvRhpgvCbnS5T77OUlVpi7YkCJ_zoDqXW4uKkWDILgkU5yNHsB3yMFddlAeh0P_2LiJAcasYbiIz9WCHWp5gCmHfbOu7Z1zueWgM7GwTpBqoT-9ym7bYXf8U0/s320/R-20100127-0017.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"A Seated Male Nude", French 1705-1765*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="ya-q-full-text">My own reasons for painting and
drawing nudes is because I like the challenge of painting the human form as
well as because it still considered a time-honored quintessential art-form. An artist can
both pay tribute to the beauty and intricacies of the human form, both male and
female; and at the same time create a work that embodies a </span>harmonious
synchronicity that is both sensual and imaginative. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16HNBQIrgjPNw3X8cC_d45TMCzze-Xb8ko5ownEzVIPB2SyTbTTg7zg-b6pzP0y0SzcDoQoHOxfSxiCwuISey2G50ggIOIloblIrC9DjCazE-Ayzq7rdqdkqybBOXrO4D21RAiW1THI4/s1600/nudepainting2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16HNBQIrgjPNw3X8cC_d45TMCzze-Xb8ko5ownEzVIPB2SyTbTTg7zg-b6pzP0y0SzcDoQoHOxfSxiCwuISey2G50ggIOIloblIrC9DjCazE-Ayzq7rdqdkqybBOXrO4D21RAiW1THI4/s320/nudepainting2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Reclining Nude, M. Cisneros, 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="ya-q-full-text">I will add more
of my work with nudes at a later date...as I will have to resize the
files in order for them to upload. The painting "Reclining Nude" is
available for purchase. <a href="mailto:askformarie@yahoo.com" rel="nofollow">Email me for a price if interested.</a> To view more sites with artistic
nudes visit: <a href="http://paintings.novica.com/artistic-nudes/" rel="nofollow">Novica</a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="ya-q-full-text">IMAGE SOURCES </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="ya-q-full-text">*"Bather Arranging Her Hair", "A Seated Male Nude," from the <a href="https://images.nga.gov/en/set/show_content_page.html?category=16&set=18" rel="nofollow">National Gallery of Art, open access images. </a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="ya-q-full-text">**Other sources: J.G. Heck. (1998) The Complete Encyclopedia of Illustration. Plates 448 and 447</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="ya-q-full-text">"Reclining Nude" Acrylic on canvas by Marie Cisneros, 2013. </span></div>
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-82576281374429706312015-11-13T13:48:00.001-08:002015-11-13T13:55:08.835-08:00"Women to Watch: 2016" Exhibit (Bettye Clark Cannon Gallery) (Review)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if !mso]><img src="//img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" />
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKOZ4IKBd_2YbPufz0ow9ZycMbeFpT2-4ftsgEO5pkbp9jVnIRgrDirhEGd_C26Lbdvt_MtWYucCw7DnfwgibBqFFTFqxBvPgBs3qjn7ysWh4wmWptTe9fcsVwqAIWAaMbr52qbbKcrQ/s1600/Women+to+watch+card_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKOZ4IKBd_2YbPufz0ow9ZycMbeFpT2-4ftsgEO5pkbp9jVnIRgrDirhEGd_C26Lbdvt_MtWYucCw7DnfwgibBqFFTFqxBvPgBs3qjn7ysWh4wmWptTe9fcsVwqAIWAaMbr52qbbKcrQ/s320/Women+to+watch+card_001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I had the distinct pleasure of being invited to participate in a new exhibit
at the <a href="http://frauenthal.org/bettye-clark-cannon-gallery-artist-exhibit/">Bettye
Clark Cannon Gallery </a>in Muskegon, Michigan
and attended the opening reception last night. What great fun! I had the chance
to sit and chat with some of the other artists who also have their work
showcased at this event as well as enjoy the artwork while sipping punch and
munching on snacks with fellow artist and Facebook friend, Bette DelVecchio, whose wonderful works
are also on display at this exhibit. I also had the pleasure of talking with Polly Doctor,
Special Projects Coordinator who has done a wonderful job in coordinating this
show.<br />
<br />
There is a lot of talent here to
see, if you are in the area over then next couple of months, stop by and see
what the area's women artist are doing. This cozy gallery is in the upper level
of the Hilt Building.
Each artists work was very tasteful presented and very aesthetically pleasing
to the eye, with the artwork well spaced under good lighting that lets you fully appreciate each detail of the art. <br />
<br />
I have three of my mixed media works displayed here, one of which was also
the entry in the Michigan Regional Show. All three of my pieces are available to purchase. Email me if you would like a price on them. The gallery is located at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frauenthal_Center_for_the_Performing_Arts" rel="nofollow">Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts</a>, 425
W. Western Avenue, Muskegon, Michigan.
The exhibit runs from November 12,
2015 through February 29, 2016.Admission is free. <br />
<br />
Next post 11/18-19: "The Art of the Nude"<br />
<br />
Namaste-Marie<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-27274151770392992562015-10-29T18:36:00.001-07:002015-10-29T18:40:34.424-07:00Setting the Mood with colorful Mandalas. (Review)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if !mso]><img src="//img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" />
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ufj6TOiN0zqOWXJzIefBiWDoJCtky5d0zTDSVU14uQW9FBGFr4AxQ31zmRsKpDyNImClc1Wf3dn6RJiSn-tb46w4i8OxR8-769TNp7hbbZTtJzRViTBvB3DxmLC8ohBcV3OA9R6rqos/s1600/Mandala_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ufj6TOiN0zqOWXJzIefBiWDoJCtky5d0zTDSVU14uQW9FBGFr4AxQ31zmRsKpDyNImClc1Wf3dn6RJiSn-tb46w4i8OxR8-769TNp7hbbZTtJzRViTBvB3DxmLC8ohBcV3OA9R6rqos/s320/Mandala_001.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandala" rel="nofollow">Wikipedia</a> describes a Mandala as an Eastern Indian religious
symbol representing the Universe. Its basic form is a square with four
“gates”with the general shape of the letter T, and within this square is a
circle and a central point. Depending on the various traditions and practices, a Mandala can be used
for focusing a practitioner’s attention or for meditation, although the word in
current usage, may also represent a chart, a diagram, or any geometric
repeating pattern. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In general, the traditional Hindu<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mandala is a symbol through the orientation
of the central area and is said to represent alter and temple with the central
point representing the Godhead at the center of all things. Tantric Mandalas
comes from this same source and is drawn or painted to help aid in meditation
or marked out on the ground for ceremonies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eastern Shingon Buddhism shows the Mandala as a
lotus with the center and individual petals as the image of the Buddha.
Japanese Bddhis regard the concentric design of the Mandala to be
representative of the two complementary and identical aspects of the supreme
reality. Tibetan Mandalas is used as a guide for the imagination during
meditation. In contemporary psychological symbology, Carl Jung said a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mandala was the symbolic representation or
“nuclear atom” of the human psyche and the pictures were used for meditation
and to bring a sense of inner peace. The roundness of a Mandala represents
wholeness. <br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I tried my hand at coloring a Mandala a few nights ago. I
had felt restless and bored and wanted to do <u>something</u> but wasn’t sure
what. It was late, so I thought it best not to drag out all of my art supplies.
It was then I remembered I had printed out a Mandala awhile back. I got out
permanent markers and found a comfortable spot to sit and color it in. It took
about an hour to finish the whole Mandala and I do have to say while I was
coloring it in, paying attention to the detail and the symmetry of the design
as I worked on it, that I did find I had a sense of calmness after coloring the
Mandala. While not everybody is on board with the religious aspects of
Mandalas, which is fine, coloring a Mandala is still time well spent as they
are beautiful when finished. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Here are some places on the web where you can find
free Mandalas to print and color in. the first site, called <a href="http://www.coloringcastle.com/mandala_coloring_pages.html" rel="nofollow">The Coloring Castle</a>, although seems to be more kid-oriented, I thought was great because it
was simple to download and print out and they also have A LOT of other free
coloring pages. The great thing about these pages were that they come up as
pdfs that are easy to print, no hassle, no popups, etc.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.hellokids.com/c_19782/coloring-pages/mandala-coloring-pages/animal-mandalas/peacock-mandala">Hellokids.com</a> has pages for both adults and
children that are printable and able to be colored online, which is handy if
you don’t have a printer. The sites states there are “237” Mandalas to color,
and they want you download them, so “buyer beware” on that account. I didn’t
try downloading any of these pages. </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another site for children that offers offer “free” Mandalas
to color is called <a href="http://www.cool-coloring-pages.com/mandalas/" rel="nofollow">Cool Coloring Pages</a>. This site also has it set up where you go to another site in order to download
each individual page, although they do offer a Mandala coloring book for sale. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I offer these reviews as some general information, and don't endorse any of these sites in particular. With the popularity of Mandalas right now, there
are hundreds sites online that offer what they term “free” Mandalas to color.
One should always use caution when using any new sites. While there are
reputable sites, there are also many sites out there who either add annoying
cookies, try and take your money for things you didn’t want, or at worst, put
malware or a virus on your device, so please be careful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think if you are handy, you could probably create some interesting Mandalas on your own by drawing a large circle, marking off equal sections, squares, and draw in symmetrical figures or whatever pleases you to create. No matter your level of expertise, it can still be pleasing to the eye and also give some self-satisfaction and of course, enjoyment. Namaste -Marie Helena</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sources: </div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Wikepedia.com. (2015) “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mandalas.” </i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandala">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandala</a>
</span></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !mso]><img src="//img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" />
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chevalier, J, Gheerbrant, A. (1994). A Dictionary of
Symbols. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Mandala.” </i>New
York, N.Y. Penguin Books. </div>
<br />Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-79754014816919171422015-10-21T19:42:00.002-07:002015-10-21T19:47:03.896-07:00The Power of Poetry (and Percy Shelley)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if !mso]><img src="//img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" />
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rlL-M2wm07pS0FIZOuWysAvP8kjOdE6p4FVcqedvuiCgRql2RdcEtdSnHLAsWzUcrjDrVTAgbHRaitwLLR8Z_DMs0dZT1Mr2tpgBe2Ed8wowltvfWiQrPT1j9dCJhRcQAhfLP4_HR1A/s1600/Paisleys%252C+Posies%252C+and+Percy+artwork_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rlL-M2wm07pS0FIZOuWysAvP8kjOdE6p4FVcqedvuiCgRql2RdcEtdSnHLAsWzUcrjDrVTAgbHRaitwLLR8Z_DMs0dZT1Mr2tpgBe2Ed8wowltvfWiQrPT1j9dCJhRcQAhfLP4_HR1A/s320/Paisleys%252C+Posies%252C+and+Percy+artwork_001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It was only a few years ago that I discovered the poems, sonnets and works of
Percy Shelley. Although he is one of the most celebrated of the romantic poets
of the Victorian age…and I do love the Victorian age, I was never one to read
romantic poetry when I was younger. Perhaps because <br />
<a name='more'></a>I felt the reading of
poetry was more for a young man’s means of winning his sweetheart’s affection
or in small coffee houses where the Avante gard read pithy quotes and
innovative angsty words of passion. But that whole mindset fell to the wayside the first time I read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Selected Poems</i> for the first
time. To me, it had the power to evoke visions of what the ideals of romance were, at least in Shelley's time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="ng-scope"><a href="http://www.biography.com/people/percy-bysshe-shelley-9481527" rel="nofollow">Percy Bysse Shelley</a> was born in </span><span class="ng-scope">Broadbridge Heath</span><span class="ng-scope">, </span><span class="ng-scope">England</span><span class="ng-scope">, on </span><span class="ng-scope">August 4, 1792</span><span class="ng-scope"> and is
considered the epitome of the romantic poets of the 19th century, best known
for his classic anthology verse works, including </span><i>Ode to the West
Wind</i><span class="ng-scope"> and </span><i>The Masque of Anarchy</i><span class="ng-scope"> but also for his long-form poetry, including </span><i>Queen
Mab</i><span class="ng-scope"> and </span><i>Alastor</i><span class="ng-scope">.
He was also married to Mary, well known as the author of </span><i>Frankenstein</i><span class="ng-scope">. He grew up in the country happily fishing and hunting, until
going away to school at the tender age of ten years to study at </span><span class="ng-scope">Syon</span><span class="ng-scope"> </span><span class="ng-scope">House</span><span class="ng-scope"> </span><span class="ng-scope">Academy</span><span class="ng-scope"> where he spent the next two years. He then transferred to </span><span class="ng-scope">Eton</span><span class="ng-scope"> </span><span class="ng-scope">College</span><span class="ng-scope">, where being smaller and younger, was severely bullied, both
physical and mentally, by his classmates. Shelley soon retreated into his imagination.
Within the next year, he published two novels and two volumes of poetry. A
phenomenal feat for one so young! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="ng-scope">Why does Shelley still have such power to move our emotions even today? </span>Perhaps because Shelley could show Romanticism at
both its extremes:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The joys of love and
being in love as well as its dark despair and loss. These themes were there in
Shelley’s dramatic if short life as they exist in ours. His works were
enigmatic, inspiring us to the greatest heights as well as the depths of
brooding and restlessness. He was a non-conformist and rebelled against the
authoritative control. He had an innate understanding of nature and its
seasons. He was a visionary in the words of love and loss; and channeled the
untamed spirit of our hearts. This is how he lived his life, and to which we
owe a debt of gratitude for the body of work he gave the world before his
untimely death at the young age of 29 in 1822. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although well known for other powerful works, his poem <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Love’s Philosophy,</i> is the one that spoke to me. I fashioned this piece of artwork based on this poem. It is
called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Paisleys, Posies, and Percy.</i> In
it I made use of re-purposed discarded objects (the frame), small beads, cut-out
flowers, ink and parchment paper, craft paper, small rhinestones and gold and black paint. The piece was only big enough to write
the first stanza, so I have included the entire poem here for you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNK_eeeMj3uPHlvNDdwlDFvFORzz-dloaO2RGS0xQKZpY7-OmDAWPMZ-RSZAAzlXQUCpCNTGlsf97L1B36baf9Wmrj3_u214GG1r-_a4d1GPiNQGtNGB1grkShJzg0hNixLEjH9IQjk8/s1600/Paisleys%252C+Posies%252C+and+Percy+artwork_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNK_eeeMj3uPHlvNDdwlDFvFORzz-dloaO2RGS0xQKZpY7-OmDAWPMZ-RSZAAzlXQUCpCNTGlsf97L1B36baf9Wmrj3_u214GG1r-_a4d1GPiNQGtNGB1grkShJzg0hNixLEjH9IQjk8/s320/Paisleys%252C+Posies%252C+and+Percy+artwork_001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paisleys, Posies, & Percy, 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
LOVE'S PHILOSOPHY</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The fountains mingle
with the river</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And the rivers with the
Ocean, </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The winds of Heaven
mix forever</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
With a sweet emotion;
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Nothing in he world
is single; </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
All things by a law
divine</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
In one spirit meet
and mingle, </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Why not I with thine?—</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
II</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
See the mountains
kiss high Heaven</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And the waves clasp
one another’ </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
No sister-flower
would be forgiven</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
If it disdained its
brother; </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And the sunlight
clasps the earth</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And the moonbeams
kiss the sea;</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
What is all this
sweet work worth</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
If thou kiss not me?-Percy
Shelley</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you
for letting me share this with you!-Marie Helena. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percy_Bysshe_Shelley" rel="nofollow">More information on Percy Shelley. </a></div>
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-2108994180176361872015-10-13T21:34:00.000-07:002015-10-14T15:10:44.966-07:00Summer's Gold<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheX9O7VxN6TMieCK3DPqUeSvLXslH1A5wkrju7LscysDoLuVElAKnvAR236XcSp_JD75q1N5ukoFEOrh-vp8NZFD-r1ME8ewI2kqVbc851XzDHaTjWVUO07CiRMJjYEBRZGoqkwsQf_kI/s1600/IMG_20150928_174829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheX9O7VxN6TMieCK3DPqUeSvLXslH1A5wkrju7LscysDoLuVElAKnvAR236XcSp_JD75q1N5ukoFEOrh-vp8NZFD-r1ME8ewI2kqVbc851XzDHaTjWVUO07CiRMJjYEBRZGoqkwsQf_kI/s320/IMG_20150928_174829.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marigolds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
My apologies for the lateness of my post. I had every intention of getting back to the business of blogging in September, but things being what they were......enjoying our brief Michigan summer, catching up house projects and learning how to do my blog on an android tablet, it was not to be. I have been dragged kicking and screaming into today's mobile technology with auto-correct, emojies, and using the hunt and peck method of typing. It's been a challenge for me because I was so comfortable with my old desktop. But I'll adapt.......eventually.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHtruLP93UofkhBOt1f0B-cBZeKiW9mOY1wKVBMsFMTzelhD68CToLmfe84nzzy2KzcvQynnkojRZaT75cWwdAhD5zFjh1xYGGsEo3pdrdgT3eGZAcY54v6zbOIvNXIBqiQ-DP5aHMmE/s1600/mixed+media+work+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHtruLP93UofkhBOt1f0B-cBZeKiW9mOY1wKVBMsFMTzelhD68CToLmfe84nzzy2KzcvQynnkojRZaT75cWwdAhD5zFjh1xYGGsEo3pdrdgT3eGZAcY54v6zbOIvNXIBqiQ-DP5aHMmE/s320/mixed+media+work+B.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michigan Regional Entry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Artistically speaking, the summer did bring some interesting things my way. I was fortunate enough to have a piece of artwork accepted into the 87th Michigan Regional Art and Show as well as a 3D work accepted into the Art in The City show. I named this piece <i>Thoughts Of Freedom In Copper And Blue.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i> The Michigan Regional Art Exhibit is a well established show in Michigan, being the longest running art show in the state. This year there was a record number of entries of over 775 with over 200 entries being accepted. After this selection, some that weren't chosen were selected for the Art in the City Exhibit. <a href="http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/muskegon/index.ssf/2015/06/see_the_prize_winners_of_the_m_1.html" rel="nofollow">The best of show at the Regional went to David Huang of Sand Lake for <i>Luminous Relic </i>#133.</a> While mine didn't place, I was ecstatic that I had an entry. This was the first time I had entered an art show and having two being shown in galleries at the same time. At long last I felt like an artist.<br />
<br />
The second work was shown at <a href="http://muskegonca.com/Home" rel="nofollow">The Red Lotus Gallery</a> as a 3D work, titled <i>Mercury's Shoes-Steampunked! </i>This gallery in downtown Muskegon is located in a historic building, and is very charming with a friendly staff.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKhDJfD9FQn6WsUVL-ZwO2uGIj-PniVOEhyphenhyphenBxDx6fsrMLrCOonkG5QKlKmFbR_nbmzQ2L2tC6260HVDwSSw1VXFkzFIxNMTiOP2XbMgw04zBfvr03qVRGoRd-M2hwOFx-BOHe-EuYetY/s1600/IMG_20151008_190117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKhDJfD9FQn6WsUVL-ZwO2uGIj-PniVOEhyphenhyphenBxDx6fsrMLrCOonkG5QKlKmFbR_nbmzQ2L2tC6260HVDwSSw1VXFkzFIxNMTiOP2XbMgw04zBfvr03qVRGoRd-M2hwOFx-BOHe-EuYetY/s320/IMG_20151008_190117.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art in the City Entry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As you can see by the top photo, I also tried my hand at growing marigolds. These are one of my favorite flowers, not for their scent but for their bright golden yellow and orange-red blooms but are also useful in making a healing balm good for insects bites or rashes, something that comes in handy when the Skeeter's are bugging us in summer. They seemed to like the Sandy soil out in the front of my house.<br />
<br />
The two works mentioned can be purchased. If you're interested, contact me for<br />
pricing and shipping information.<br />
<br />
Please have patience with me while I work out the bugs<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1wTfU7lCdaDImZnOOc-AkWaaO6GxFnGv1V8gPje_xmPBjcnXIpYItE_izptrw-Z-E6NYLXc4LrtcxXooVnTSrUapLsPg64eKG6t73WAOUBV3XJoeREQRhLimOozKUss9-Y5J6M1Fgiw/s1600/14443448591491155859224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Th</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1wTfU7lCdaDImZnOOc-AkWaaO6GxFnGv1V8gPje_xmPBjcnXIpYItE_izptrw-Z-E6NYLXc4LrtcxXooVnTSrUapLsPg64eKG6t73WAOUBV3XJoeREQRhLimOozKUss9-Y5J6M1Fgiw/s1600/14443448591491155859224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1wTfU7lCdaDImZnOOc-AkWaaO6GxFnGv1V8gPje_xmPBjcnXIpYItE_izptrw-Z-E6NYLXc4LrtcxXooVnTSrUapLsPg64eKG6t73WAOUBV3XJoeREQRhLimOozKUss9-Y5J6M1Fgiw/s1600/14443448591491155859224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-15771637287636018792015-05-21T15:01:00.001-07:002015-05-21T15:01:37.319-07:00TWQ is taking the summer off to enjoy the summer. See you in September!After having difficulties with my modem, trying to keep up with house repairs and yard work, I found it becoming very difficult to do my weekly posts. This also left me with little time to go out and enjoy our Michigan summer (which is pretty short). Thus I came to the decision that having posts that are wishy-washy or hit and miss was not in my best interest or anyone reading my blog. So...long story short, I am taking the whole summer off and will start back in late September hopefully with some new and interesting posts. So to my readers out there, get off those cells phones, go out and enjoy nature, go to art shows, and visit your local crafts-people for those wonderful creations that are abundant at shows this time of year. Namaste-Marie HelenaMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-11063660931272223902015-05-07T14:01:00.000-07:002015-05-07T14:07:25.098-07:00From the Gallery: Art and Jewelry Sale<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_mB9qyCNMWhVwj0Gc8034nUl_S2FKuPa6XnUa95_FlnNpoVfQv_c1HmwKgfctjc4LjuS4R3JrX3BCKx1WjblwM5F52flrCOoQgFHJHxSTBb812PS2db8MgzQa67mp2HDUkjXMFeF5XA/s1600/1-12-2015_005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_mB9qyCNMWhVwj0Gc8034nUl_S2FKuPa6XnUa95_FlnNpoVfQv_c1HmwKgfctjc4LjuS4R3JrX3BCKx1WjblwM5F52flrCOoQgFHJHxSTBb812PS2db8MgzQa67mp2HDUkjXMFeF5XA/s320/1-12-2015_005.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers in Carnival Glass, 16x20, $500</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While the intent of this blog has been to celebrate creativity and artistic freedom of expression, I would be doing myself an disservice if I did not also include myself and some of my work, which I wish to make available to others. While I enjoy painting and creating jewelry, for my own use and enjoyment, I also enjoy it when people like appreciate what I do; and that for an artist sometimes means selling their art. I do not find selling the fruit of one's labor a bad thing. For over two years I ran an online shop on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=etsy_exact&utm_campaign=Search_US_Bing|Branded|Etsy|Brand|Exact&utm_ag=A1&utm_custom1=1912e99a-3f93-8428-930f-000049b5291b" rel="nofollow">Etsy</a>. Now after having to close it up recently, I have lots and lots of my hand-crafted jewelry, fine collectables and artwork that is taking up my tiny home, thus I felt it was time to really make an added effort to make them available to a wider market. I often take my jewelry to summer craft shows, but have decided that I need another way to get the word out.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EgIWLYjykF0CZI-gok9-n20mE2H-9eUI3NF_LNyUfPp_CBeXcLfK5gWnXdL2eq14y0qy73YYdf7XsZV2JxKCqOFJNTiUtMsDaUvk8IEzfcxBrh0TknBnGpiwC59bI__xdg1nkLZ4GTA/s1600/4-19-2014_003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EgIWLYjykF0CZI-gok9-n20mE2H-9eUI3NF_LNyUfPp_CBeXcLfK5gWnXdL2eq14y0qy73YYdf7XsZV2JxKCqOFJNTiUtMsDaUvk8IEzfcxBrh0TknBnGpiwC59bI__xdg1nkLZ4GTA/s320/4-19-2014_003.JPG" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Butterflies, 8x10 print, $30</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QPA6oauLBBO4HAVaya2wTNnxBBdmpcxe-7cHnJV6UPsj6PLrxXwQZjTFPM5WBuXmcfLxcCPRTe1KwoGEADxG70q6V9OPUfc8jl2BxvsPIC2b-BObaO2ux0g7v_r7j4K_QIPdd-MuS0g/s1600/bees+and+light+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QPA6oauLBBO4HAVaya2wTNnxBBdmpcxe-7cHnJV6UPsj6PLrxXwQZjTFPM5WBuXmcfLxcCPRTe1KwoGEADxG70q6V9OPUfc8jl2BxvsPIC2b-BObaO2ux0g7v_r7j4K_QIPdd-MuS0g/s320/bees+and+light+painting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Of Bees & Light, mixed media, 10x14 $300</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In addition to selling at local markets in the Muskegon County area, I am available for doing in-home private jewelry and art showings as well as kind of "Bling Fling" home jewelry parties. You can also book a party where kids and teens can make a fun jewelry item or an arts and craft projects. My grandchildren love it when we make crafts. A "Bling Fling" is a great way to learn a new craft while you get together with friends and family. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7r9ALHbX8YcO7UrDKfC85-jgSmDsO9R8FJsLdwjmIujPBb94NN1vH-PZEkhr60pSu4ftMqS5dhErm0A72WPP5foi_DkRtCoLnDUtm8MvYtGGn44evcdcxo3cI709JkszHxxkl2bOrc8/s1600/12-29-2014_008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7r9ALHbX8YcO7UrDKfC85-jgSmDsO9R8FJsLdwjmIujPBb94NN1vH-PZEkhr60pSu4ftMqS5dhErm0A72WPP5foi_DkRtCoLnDUtm8MvYtGGn44evcdcxo3cI709JkszHxxkl2bOrc8/s320/12-29-2014_008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steampunk fairy-dust earrings, $35.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
For sales I can offer free shipping and handling for with a small fee for insurance (usually $5.00 to $10.00) and can ship anywhere in U.S.A. For shipping outside the U.S. shipping and handling charges would be added and based on weight and value of item (insurance).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_0fZNMeGFuWwWBY1-6bGqMVSPtU5NbY2bfcp6xdQe3iQA_-7FSwmlWfwicfwc9M6TeaE1dyyCTI-1CeGnLva4U1gqfYVUPcDZ2SoY8ZET4ejge67lyIxI2rR37zSa5LNDQ3V1GXj7m8/s1600/12-17-2014_357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_0fZNMeGFuWwWBY1-6bGqMVSPtU5NbY2bfcp6xdQe3iQA_-7FSwmlWfwicfwc9M6TeaE1dyyCTI-1CeGnLva4U1gqfYVUPcDZ2SoY8ZET4ejge67lyIxI2rR37zSa5LNDQ3V1GXj7m8/s320/12-17-2014_357.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polka-Dot Fantasy Glass pendant, $35.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwkYO-vwfQoBpciVOkzDvcXV8pcMvC8LZVE_ST17xic1GsBHXsU_YcFEKOBKlSo9H-7pVv6PhpWIOf-OoNNXMrjDSZMQ-9GnSCfCGJkcCvgoMIfXoF_F9SDxXoOEnQuVEkc-VCsJvAGQ/s1600/12-17-2014_310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwkYO-vwfQoBpciVOkzDvcXV8pcMvC8LZVE_ST17xic1GsBHXsU_YcFEKOBKlSo9H-7pVv6PhpWIOf-OoNNXMrjDSZMQ-9GnSCfCGJkcCvgoMIfXoF_F9SDxXoOEnQuVEkc-VCsJvAGQ/s320/12-17-2014_310.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gothic-Victorian, Made to Order, $65.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
For payment, right now I am able to accept only check or money order and will soon be able to accept Paypal. Unfortunately I am not able to accept credit card payments at this time. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you are interesting in purchasing any of my hand-crafted jewelry, accessories, decor or art, would like me to send you a brochure, or would like to have a home party or home showing, please contact me at <a href="mailto:mariehelena777@gmail.com">mariehelena777@gmail.com</a> or on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marie.cisneros.9" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a>. <br />
<br />
More about what is pictured:<br />
<br />
Flowers in Carnival Glass is 16 x 20 unframed acrylic on canvas, painted 2014. To have this matted and framed, add $150.00 (additional shipping charges would apply.)<br />
<br />
Spring Butterflies is a permanent marker on heavy, acid-free paper, 8 x 10. For matting and framing, add $25.00. <br />
<br />
"Of Bees and Light" is a mixed media and acrylic approximately 11 x 14 mat board, for matting and framing, add $$50.00. <br />
<br />
Thank you! Namaste-Mariehelena.<br />
<br />Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-55393251844280447062015-04-30T16:04:00.001-07:002015-04-30T16:06:20.500-07:00Birds of a feather: Why did Gould, Havell and Audubon love birds so much? <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if !mso]><img src="//img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" />
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJE6FlAOHi4w3s9hyphenhyphenDBYd_RtIx0JMZCuL-V10gqDjLq2xTzDkdx3FPIwF5T2eBUoc5GuHXbdXSIz44osMLpxjA9UsY6HympYlesS9IPnG-SELADqTHq4XH0hou5gRRPgsFsiEpf47uXg/s1600/3b52381u.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJE6FlAOHi4w3s9hyphenhyphenDBYd_RtIx0JMZCuL-V10gqDjLq2xTzDkdx3FPIwF5T2eBUoc5GuHXbdXSIz44osMLpxjA9UsY6HympYlesS9IPnG-SELADqTHq4XH0hou5gRRPgsFsiEpf47uXg/s1600/3b52381u.tif" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Mockingbirds & Thrushes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well for one thing, these wondrous feathered creatures have
inspired humankind for thousands of years. Also birds keep us connected to
nature, densely populated city. Even though, many of us live in towns, large
and small; you only have to look out your window to see some bird species living
right along beside us. I even captured a photo of a large tom turkey finding
little juicy tidbits in my yard last week. We are constantly reminded we live
as part of the natural world and its creatures. We love their song, from the
call of a bluejay, the soft hooting of an owl at night, or the call of ducks,
wild geese or even swans overhead, they enthrall and delight us. So it is no
wonder, to me, anyway, why these bird lovers spent so much of their lives
studying, drawing and chronicling species of birds. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gould" rel="nofollow">John Gould </a>was an English ornithologist who lived 1804 to
1881 as well as an accomplished and critically acclaimed bird artist. Along
with his wife, Elizabeth, and other artists, such as Edward Lear and William
Hart,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he published a number of
monographs on birds with illustrated plates. In Australia,
he is been considered the “Father of bird study” and the Gould League is named
after him. </div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFteZUnszz9x0AhnOEr1q7psQxY5uvsaEWtRabylKFi2T4d-DQpGMZ3cxERJgpf3u4GksTvx-3Nc6zoxQ0ve-5_rok1_4tuajDbwvXPjtzuyrb41cUwK31GnjgzqIcfBsrRc96FHRAqI/s1600/3b52391u.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFteZUnszz9x0AhnOEr1q7psQxY5uvsaEWtRabylKFi2T4d-DQpGMZ3cxERJgpf3u4GksTvx-3Nc6zoxQ0ve-5_rok1_4tuajDbwvXPjtzuyrb41cUwK31GnjgzqIcfBsrRc96FHRAqI/s1600/3b52391u.tif" height="320" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indigo Birds, Engraving</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He worked closely in his position as an ornithologist with
many of the country's leading naturalists and was often the first to see new
collections of birds given to the Zoological Society of London. His notable
contribution to the world of science is identifying “Darwin’s
Finches” which played a key role in Darwin’s
Theory of Evolution and is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>referenced in
Darwin’s seminal work “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">On the Origin of Species</i>.” When <a href="http://www.biography.com/people/charles-darwin-9266433#!" rel="nofollow">Darwin</a>brought his specimens to the Geological Society of London, he brought the bird
specimens to Gould. One of Gould’s major works, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Birds of Australia</i>,” has over 600 plates and is comprised of
seven volumes; and 328 of the species described were new to science and named
by Gould. Other works were “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Bird’s of
England</i>” and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Birds of Europe</i>.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPl09JCe3e9y8e9y2Ip1IIrkqBxQmTzJY_xkcchoQM2wycnms85cwpNHeF_UQyYrOPbrfqnZG8Z-b3zgNvM-06RuAaKvF-PdFnzWKG3iH5u8zuEkdOQn20iIiUN4IfLi6X-8gWwPYxNw8/s1600/bird+drawings_004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPl09JCe3e9y8e9y2Ip1IIrkqBxQmTzJY_xkcchoQM2wycnms85cwpNHeF_UQyYrOPbrfqnZG8Z-b3zgNvM-06RuAaKvF-PdFnzWKG3iH5u8zuEkdOQn20iIiUN4IfLi6X-8gWwPYxNw8/s1600/bird+drawings_004.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Rosella Parakeets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Artists created the lithographic plates from Gould’s rough
sketches which he made on paper. A <a href="http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-a-lithograph.htm" rel="nofollow">lithograph </a>is a form of printing process
whereby drawings or paintings, etc., are printed and reproduced; this final
product is thus known as a lithograph, and considered an authorized artist or
craftsman copy of an original work and are usually signed or numbered. Creating
a lithograph does not require the print-maker to first etch the image into
metal plates and prints can be made on a stone table or metal plate with the
images from duplicated using this method. Gould would quickly make rough
sketches in an attempt to capture the distinctive features of each species
usually working from the newly killed specimens or nature (so sad). He would
then oversee his artists throughout the entire process from rough sketches to
the finished drawings, which were worked by engraver, William Hart into colored
lithographs. In the introduction to the books, Gould could firmly state then
that these works were completely hand-colored and also noted that one should be
greatly amazed by the fact the there was almost 280,000 illustrations in the
present book! One would have to agree that this is an astonishing feat. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The name Audubon is synonymous with birds. <a href="http://www.repfineart.com/reproduction-oil-paintings/john-james-audobon" rel="nofollow">John JamesAudubon </a>(born Jean-Jacques Audubon in the French colony of what is now Haiti)
lived from 1785-1851 was our most notable American ornithologist, naturalist,
and painter. He is most well known for the expansive studies and explorations
he conducted to record all known American birds. He has contributed a wonderful
legacy in his detailed depictions of birds in their natural habitat. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Birds of America</i>, published
1827-1839, is his major work. This book with its colored plates is undoubtedly
one of the finest ornithological works ever made. In it, 25 new species were
identified by Audubon. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After coming to America
as a young man, mainly to avoid the Napoleonic wars and not being suited to the
career in the naval field as his father had hoped, he continued his studies of birds
being assisted in taxidermy as well as scientific methods of research by the
naturalist and physician Charles-Marie D'Orbigny. Audubon continued his bird
studies and even formed his own nature museum. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Audubon felt a keen affinity for birds from early childhood.
He was encouraged by his father to pursue his naturalist instincts. He took
note of their delicate movements, as well as the softness of their feathers and
their beauty. He felt their forms “perfect” in their “splendid attire.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an avid ornithologist he would take note of
their migration patterns and how some would return with the seasons. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After he was able to raise the capital, he completed his
work <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Birds of </i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">America</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">” </i>which is considered the greatest
picture book ever produced and the finest aquatint work. Within it, were
hand-colored, almost 500 life-size prints of American bird species which were
printed onto large paper sheets from engraved copper plates of various sizes,
arranged as if one was taking a visual tour and for their artistic effect and
contrasting interest. Color was applied painstakingly by over fifty workers.
The original edition was engraved by <a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/257284/Robert-Havell-Jr" rel="nofollow">Robert Havell, Jr</a> in aquatint. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquatint" rel="nofollow">Aquatint</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is used in intaglio printmaking, whereby
marks are made on a copper or zinc plate holding ink. This plate is then passed
through a printing press with paper, thus transferring the ink to the paper. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Up until about a year ago, I had never tried painting
animals or birds. I always said I didn’t have a knack for it. When they were
young children, my daughters would ask me to draw animals for them, but they
were definitely laughable. My deer looked like dogs….and my dogs looked like
rats…or something indescribable. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kVgAz09PcxP-75hqDJjmt9Y269vcDnWizfXX4DKqWeOGsfT_zmPDC9o7hTz_InamhKFSqCJLqdUHCT23HEdUWgDTXEEi-CEs37fSnvtNJYeB-t3x0pUVegj1aQWG5pc1svCa4A9GC1k/s1600/mallard+on+mural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kVgAz09PcxP-75hqDJjmt9Y269vcDnWizfXX4DKqWeOGsfT_zmPDC9o7hTz_InamhKFSqCJLqdUHCT23HEdUWgDTXEEi-CEs37fSnvtNJYeB-t3x0pUVegj1aQWG5pc1svCa4A9GC1k/s1600/mallard+on+mural.jpg" height="253" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mallard Duck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two years ago at Mother’s Day, knowing that my mother was
very fond of wildbirds, I decided to try and paint a bluebird for her. It
didn’t turn out too bad and she loved it (thanks mom). And if you happened to
see my church mural on an earlier post, you can see my efforts with a few
waterfowl. I am definitely no Audubon, Havell, or Gould, I do find painting
animals, birds, flora and fauna very enjoyable. I think it is not difficult to
understand why birds captivated the hearts and minds of the ornithologists and
painters. They still do. So don’t be surprised if you see more wildlife and
bird painting and articles on this blog! Namaste-<a href="mailto:askformarie@yahoo.com" rel="nofollow">Mariehelena</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !mso]><img src="//img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" />
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Other sources: Wisegeek: clear answers for common questions, Wikipedia,
Reproduced Fine Art </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Graphics sources:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mountain Mockingbird and Indigo Bird by Robert Havell, Jr.
(1827-1838). Color engraving. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
Department, Washington, D.C.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lithographic print. (circa 1940) Eastern Rosella
Parakeets by John Gould.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Author’s
private collection. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-58179556869936931352015-04-29T17:25:00.000-07:002015-04-29T17:25:00.723-07:00This week's post will be posted on Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5th0qmCPs_UobvJJTjoakK5w0rylCgXL1RhmElgruUxmIu9v-Ut8ynVsnzvKpTrZKwwyRSo-_FRFoVfDl2vUnbbfFr_mM7qa7AHgH-VHkaRDu5p26Q2hVipzar4rRtp-KUUIJicDpFk/s1600/3-19-2014_006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5th0qmCPs_UobvJJTjoakK5w0rylCgXL1RhmElgruUxmIu9v-Ut8ynVsnzvKpTrZKwwyRSo-_FRFoVfDl2vUnbbfFr_mM7qa7AHgH-VHkaRDu5p26Q2hVipzar4rRtp-KUUIJicDpFk/s1600/3-19-2014_006.JPG" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
Sorry folks, my short little post has turned into a long article. Please check back tomorrow! It'll be worth it. I promise. Thanks for visiting! Mariehelena Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-85077198953542740762015-04-23T11:32:00.000-07:002015-04-23T11:32:11.261-07:00Why it’s important for an artist to have a portfolio<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJzRetSya1J94BID91oK00ljQ6nkke9CuacXjsa8mX-8p6llonWHh2zegsOEOou4QtXUMqVZESw27dg50gkaphVDw-nx6XhzSiRDt4rB9CnxJ55o84NmysGEaTNQNWDZke7U5hCoMDJQ/s1600/12-17-2014_324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJzRetSya1J94BID91oK00ljQ6nkke9CuacXjsa8mX-8p6llonWHh2zegsOEOou4QtXUMqVZESw27dg50gkaphVDw-nx6XhzSiRDt4rB9CnxJ55o84NmysGEaTNQNWDZke7U5hCoMDJQ/s1600/12-17-2014_324.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Cellist" study, 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although I have been prolific through the years when it
comes to drawing and painting; one thing I never seemed to take the time to
do..until recently that is, is to organize my work into some semblance of order
of genres, medium, etc. I have found it to be rather time-consuming, although
rewarding. It helps me see whether or not I have progressed in my craft as well
as giving my potential clients a feel for my work. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For someone who works as a freelancer, a portfolio is vital
in order to show their best artwork and hopefully showcases their particular
style or method of work. A portfolio can also be used by artists to show
employers their versatility and creativity by showing samples of their current projects
or work. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
In the past, portfolios were typically on hard copy and placed into books
but now with so many web-based and internet programs, many are digitally based,
which can be quickly sent by email or uploaded to potential clients. There are
many, many websites offering formatting and other tools to help you create your
portfolio; or of course for a fee, do it for you.<br />
<br />
While I have opted for the do-it-yourself method, I am listing a few of the
websites I visited that I found may be helpful.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I liked <a href="http://artistportofolio.net/">artistportofolio.net</a></span> because it has an easy way to create a portfolio that works with Google docs as well as having a huge list of artists around the world. You can create a bio and photos of your work on the site. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">If you’re looking for cases to put your work in
for a hardcopy version, the site called <a href="http://www.portfolios-and-art-cases.com/" rel="nofollow">Portfolios and art cases</a> had quite a
few to choose from.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">One of the best sites I found for listing where
to find portfolio-making sites with templates as well as sites where you can
promote your art is <a href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/01/free-artist-portfolio-sites-list.html" rel="nofollow">Artpromotivate</a>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</span></span><br />
While I had hoped to announce a new stand-alone website for my own little
blog this week, unfortunately this will still in the planning stage, and has
been put on hold indefinitely. Ah well.<br />
<br />
I leave you with a really cool quote from William Blake that I feel
epitomizes what I want for this blog….”No bird soars too high if he soars with
his own wings.” Namaste-<a href="mailto:askformarie@yahoo.com" rel="nofollow">Mariehelena</a><br />
<br />
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-69150078015218034732015-04-08T14:52:00.001-07:002015-04-23T13:52:04.640-07:00The Winged Quill is flying the coop (but not for long)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUnFZW-B8KBrlHDQWz6zfMtNPgJsX_ObDmjeY1BDWzBCU8AFdyMwtZHk9h-Fu8kKHyqJj1kTKxLJ2HwIyvjVut8uQbGKEEiJkJXV1mcUbhVvSDVq2gSgDLf3HbAQgD5ay_GLB6vI7iLc/s1600/wild+geese_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUnFZW-B8KBrlHDQWz6zfMtNPgJsX_ObDmjeY1BDWzBCU8AFdyMwtZHk9h-Fu8kKHyqJj1kTKxLJ2HwIyvjVut8uQbGKEEiJkJXV1mcUbhVvSDVq2gSgDLf3HbAQgD5ay_GLB6vI7iLc/s1600/wild+geese_001.JPG" height="261" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Wanted to let my readers know that I will be taking a short stay-cation and to work on some exciting new projects in the works for The Winged Quill....but don't let that ruffle your feathers, I will be back in two weeks for more updates, reviews, photos, and much, much more.<br />
<br />
<br />
I leave you with this wonderful little poem written by my
great-aunt Elsie Hasty Norton to her husband who had passed away.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lloyd</b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I heard some wild
geese calling</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
As they flew across
the sky, </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I looked, but could
not see them</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
For they were flying
high, </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
They do not need a
compass</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Tho’ with storms
they’re often </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Tossed, </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
But fly straight to
their haven</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And are seldom ever
lost, </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
My heart is like the
wild geese</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Always calling for
you dear, </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
But you have gone
ahead of me</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And cannot see or
hear, </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Someday without a
compass</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Tho’ with storms of
life I’m</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Tossed, </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I hope to find you
waiting, </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
For without you
here---I’m lost.* </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
By Elsie (Hasty)
Norton</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
1896-1973</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Besides being a talented poet and very nice lady, Elsie Hasty Norton
was very creative. One of my most cherished memories was visiting her,
where she would always have homemade treats and conversation. But most
of all she would let me stand on a chair and gaze wondrously at the
whimsical memory box on the wall, which held a small-scale house front
where one could look through it's curtained window into the library with
the fireplace glowing and and overstuffed chair just waiting for the
right little fairy-size person to sit by its fire and read their
favorite book. It was magical and perfect.<br />
<br />
She married
my great-uncle Lloyd Dallas Norton who was also a World War I veteran
and passed away in 1966. Elsie passed away in 1973. She also had the
distinction of being related to Abraham Lincoln (exactly how I am not
sure) and my mother tells me her nephew used to give lectures on the
subject to school children around the country. <br />
<br />
For everyone on spring break right now........have fun, stay safe. Namaste-<a href="mailto:askformarie@yahoo.com" rel="nofollow">Mariehelena</a>. <br />
<br />
*Copyright to this poem belongs to its perspective owners and is used here for information purposes only Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-79153948050584105912015-04-01T15:25:00.001-07:002015-04-23T13:52:16.615-07:00How to Successfully Harness Your Ideas<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPWOVAD-VHGbJQa26wM0-zk0f_3GnT0eZGey5Lr0Vxx7B4aGm5XXVWKvDxzi_sPGpkjXpeK5coR7CT4XGuXFnLCi2g1UAeoCgsKAoFXAta5XYmpdqsvwxCThfTzFYBHkBS13H6bi-Zck/s1600/5-2-2014_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPWOVAD-VHGbJQa26wM0-zk0f_3GnT0eZGey5Lr0Vxx7B4aGm5XXVWKvDxzi_sPGpkjXpeK5coR7CT4XGuXFnLCi2g1UAeoCgsKAoFXAta5XYmpdqsvwxCThfTzFYBHkBS13H6bi-Zck/s1600/5-2-2014_001.JPG" height="320" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Untitled artwork, using freeform idea</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether you’re a writer, poet, artist or other creative
type, sooner or later there will be times you just can’t think of anything
creative. The mind goes blank and the block sets in. We’ve all been there,
staring at the blank sheet of paper or the white canvas. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But sometimes it is not the lack of ideas that is the
problem…it’s having too many. While this may not seem like much of a problem
all things considered, as the whole occupation of writing or art hinges on
ideas and creativeness. Being inundated by too many ideas can be just as bad as
staring at that blank sheet, because all that lack of focus could work to
create procrastination and probably even a lot of anxiety if you can’t make
your deadlines. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I tend to suffer from this malady myself. I have stacks and
stacks of notes about some great idea or a new piece of jewelry to make or
piece of artwork. While it’s wonderful to have that creativeness part of me;
the part of me that requires that I actually sit down and DO it, is much harder
to harness and rein in. But luckily over the years I have learned to manage my
time and my energies better. I have also learned some patience with myself,
especially when it comes to creating art. I have found that if I don’t push it,
most of the time it will all come together in the end. If it doesn’t, then I
just move on. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I have put together a few tips that have helped me, I
hope you writers and poets and artists find them helpful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Find
something that stands out about your idea. Is it bold, bright, or new?
These are the types of ideas that will stand out, inspire or motivate
people. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Sometimes
an idea just has to have time to mature, so have patience. Some ideas have
to come into their own time. I have designed jewelry that for a long time
didn’t seem to be selling, but then for some reason they just took off and
started selling like crazy! </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Take
some time to relax, go for a walk, take a hot bath, etc. to get away from
clutter, or stress of work to get the creative juices flowing. If you
write, be sure to write out your ideas as soon as you can. Like Mercury,
inspiration can be fleeting and swift. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Make
deadlines for yourself. Yes I said it: Have a deadline. Seems
counter-intuitive for the creative mind but having a deadline gives it
perspective in real-time. If you think you have all the time in the world,
you’ll never get anything done. You will also spend less time on ideas
that are counter-productive. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Look
over what ideas you have already in the mix. Which one has the most
potential for being finished? I have had to do this with my manuscripts
and stories. I had many unfinished ones, and in order to get something
finalized, I had to decide which one was closest to being finished. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Find
some trustworthy friends to bounce your ideas off of before submitting
that proposal or movie script. Better to hear it from a friend that it
needs work. True friends can usually be trusted to tell you whether or not
your idea is good or bad. </li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hope these ideas help the next time you get writer’s block
or if you suffer from too many ideas problem! Namaste-<a href="mailto:askformarie@yahoo.com" rel="nofollow">Marie Helena</a></div>
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-76108813689406077632015-03-25T12:35:00.000-07:002015-03-25T12:39:09.373-07:00Three Pairs of Shoes: One Worthy Cause<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if !mso]><img src="//img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" />
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpVjJTc9oBCPdF5fm34YmMz8AOS_tA4N2jfF2d1DzAwrzKGAKM-ZtwrhES33Y2xposuRnGxhiEshLhYyf8Yy6H3636QU32XuRu70sO6MNNeufmHI_tBClohgJF31M93CP7qV8YKq3ocM/s1600/designer+shoes_017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpVjJTc9oBCPdF5fm34YmMz8AOS_tA4N2jfF2d1DzAwrzKGAKM-ZtwrhES33Y2xposuRnGxhiEshLhYyf8Yy6H3636QU32XuRu70sO6MNNeufmHI_tBClohgJF31M93CP7qV8YKq3ocM/s1600/designer+shoes_017.JPG" height="249" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steampunked shoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A couple of weeks ago, I happened to read about a charity
event going on right in my neighborhood at the <a href="http://www.watermarkcenter.com/920conferencecenter/" rel="nofollow">Watermark Center</a> in Muskegon on April 25, 2015, called “Heels for Meals,” this gala event is to raise money for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/AgeWell-Services-at-Tanglewood-Park/437324050531" rel="nofollow">AgeWellServices.</a> In addition to being a very worthwhile, I thought the whole idea of
combining shoe fashion with the concept of wheels was very creative as well as bringing
awareness to the community of the ongoing need for bringing meals to those
unable to prepare their own meals. This event hopefully will raise the needed
funds and encourage more attention towards this issue. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I thought it would be fun to create something for
this event. I offered my services to help make some of the displays. Here are
the three pairs I designed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first pair were my daughter’s witness competition shoes
she wore in several events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thank her
for letting me glitter them up. I named them “Ella at the Ball.”<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqpNcYi8XTnP5iPSnBs_wks2YrUAtTWMSn8Bhy8B61c5ad4KGnoLaB4uNeMgV12IdqSbMDZoFnaEHUELYa6yb3jzEw3hNGdjMlK88vBkQUeewp0OKez_KJ_6t5IU2ZnJZFxxkpkmaXlQ/s1600/designer+shoes_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqpNcYi8XTnP5iPSnBs_wks2YrUAtTWMSn8Bhy8B61c5ad4KGnoLaB4uNeMgV12IdqSbMDZoFnaEHUELYa6yb3jzEw3hNGdjMlK88vBkQUeewp0OKez_KJ_6t5IU2ZnJZFxxkpkmaXlQ/s1600/designer+shoes_001.JPG" height="309" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella at the Ball</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other two pairs were purchased at Goodwill Industries.
The yellow pair caught my eye right away. These reminded me of something from
the 50s or 60s, so I went with it and made them into “Sunshine, Lollypops and
Rainbows” from the Leslie Gore song of the same name(RIP Leslie) with gold
glitter, laser ribbon, and “lollypops.” The last pair were my favorite because
they are “Steampunk”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> They had to have wings, of course. </span>Not sure what I
would name them, maybe “Steam Stomp” or something. Anybody got any ideas for
that? </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz0ZlMu4Etb0p4HWod5psnl_fxTiCo1JUBc1r10fnHTrAzlQm-QWjXx-zY4dfaqaP5-cipbHOjk53nF6F0Y0qcNTMnCrGc9jHyfA9rtv5fM2NtfBCAp6gIg-7OxacL_sBCbmts6i0zXQ/s1600/designer+shoes_006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz0ZlMu4Etb0p4HWod5psnl_fxTiCo1JUBc1r10fnHTrAzlQm-QWjXx-zY4dfaqaP5-cipbHOjk53nF6F0Y0qcNTMnCrGc9jHyfA9rtv5fM2NtfBCAp6gIg-7OxacL_sBCbmts6i0zXQ/s1600/designer+shoes_006.JPG" height="284" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunshine, Lollypops & Rainbows</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meals on Wheels serves individuals in their homes who are
unable either purchase or prepare their own meals. This name refers to
home-delivered meals programs, although<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>not all of them are actually named "Meals on Wheels". Those
served are usually housebound and many of the recipients are elderly. Many of
the volunteers are also elderly but able-bodied and able to drive wheeled
vehicles. There are Meals on Wheels programs in the United
Kingdom, Canada,
Australia, and
the United States.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hopefully I will be able to attend the event. It looks like
it will be a fun evening. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/AgeWell-Services-at-Tanglewood-Park/437324050531" rel="nofollow">For more information</a>, call 231-733-8645. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have a comment, question, please <a href="mailto:askformarie@yahoo.com" rel="nofollow">contact me</a>. Namaste! - Marie Helena </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-56927869075313447592015-03-18T15:26:00.002-07:002015-03-21T07:10:30.128-07:00What makes you an artist? <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wm9ndRhfWFxkvqZOdIhSktef4jKxrKY4jg0McbjCxoyrTEEasYWFHhn8Z0_NksaFuSSsw4FKzm-13c3nflHDKjMo6lxOUUfX49-unS380HGXYdoFpmSx6XsW3iG8tI_8E_K3KiT8cJg/s1600/12-17-2014_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wm9ndRhfWFxkvqZOdIhSktef4jKxrKY4jg0McbjCxoyrTEEasYWFHhn8Z0_NksaFuSSsw4FKzm-13c3nflHDKjMo6lxOUUfX49-unS380HGXYdoFpmSx6XsW3iG8tI_8E_K3KiT8cJg/s1600/12-17-2014_005.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"jeweled girl", 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can’t really remember when I decided I wanted to be an
artist, probably around age 12. It was what I told people what I was going to
do when I grew up; either that or a nurse. Things being what they were, like
having to go out and make a living, I opted for the medical stuff, working a
variety of positions within that field for over 20 years. The two careers are
seemingly worlds away from each other: The medical field with its exactness and
science, and art with its ideal of freedom of expression; although having
knowledge of anatomy helps when drawing figures. Even though I love all things
medical and “sciency”, my heart still yearned for art. I never stopped drawing
in those years, it just too a backseat to the other more important things in my
life; especially raising two daughters; being the sole bread-winner until they
graduated high school. But I never considered myself an “artist”, just somebody
who could draw or design clothes or jewelry, or make crafts. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It wasn’t until recently that I seriously started to pursue
becoming better at my art by trying new techniques and studying how to improve
on it. While I still consider myself a novice, I have at least acknowledged to
myself that I could call myself an artist, not just someone who draws or paints;
not so much because of the fact that I have managed to sell a few pieces; but
by the fact that art and beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. When we
can achieve something that is creative and pleasing to the eye-either our own and
hopefully someone elses; if it makes us happy to create it; or that it has the
power to move the viewer emotionally or conveys a message; one is indeed an
artist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So for all you creative people out there: Wherever the wings
your creativity take you, soar free; soar happy, for you are an artist; whether
or not anybody else acknowledges it for the world needs more creative people. Namaste-<a href="mailto:mariehelena777@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">MarieHelena.</a> </div>
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-59138735290497093942015-03-11T15:35:00.000-07:002016-03-17T09:32:40.731-07:00The Extraordinary Art of the Celts <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if !mso]><img src="//img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" />
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsewYvmwC8AFxbrwk-bRJH0gjc0kyCAThXZs-f73JWJSERGLyYnuuncNXanTKGAcbHk2hjcmytuJsX0BEIc7rNJKA1whTUcnin0gvB6VUNSTvcVHrugXYpmqbCMLlcnLXLxYHE1IsP_A/s1600/celtic+horses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsewYvmwC8AFxbrwk-bRJH0gjc0kyCAThXZs-f73JWJSERGLyYnuuncNXanTKGAcbHk2hjcmytuJsX0BEIc7rNJKA1whTUcnin0gvB6VUNSTvcVHrugXYpmqbCMLlcnLXLxYHE1IsP_A/s1600/celtic+horses.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celtic Horses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was such a gorgeous sun-shiny day here in my neck o’ the
woods (along the lake in Michigan)
that I had a hard time sitting down and writing my blog! My instinct was to
soak up the sun. But finally I got down to the business of getting my resources
and photos ready to post. Phew, found out I had a LOT of material on the Celts
and Ireland but predominately Scotland and their “ilk” After I started hauling
out all the books, artwork, jewelry and ephemera I had collected in my journey
to know all that was about my Scottish heritage, it became clear to me that it
would take a lot more posts (and maybe another blog) to cover the subject to my
satisfaction. So here is a taste of the Celtic world and the Isles in honor of
Saint Patrick’s Day next week.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little bit about the Celts: When we here the word “Celt”
most of us associate it with the Emerald Island, Ireland. The word is derived
from the Greek word Keltoi and actually refers to the larger dominant
pre-Christian culture of Europe and northern
Mediterranean regions. Evidence from archeologists<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tell us that the Celtic society and culture
first appeared around 500 before the common era at the headwaters of the Danube.
By the first century it had encompassed what is now Spain, France, Belgium,
Germany, Central Europe, the Balkans and of course the British Isles. After the
10<sup>th</sup> century, their culture receded surviving predominately in Ireland,
Wales and the
Highlands of Scotland. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1V51hEyrud_tC78G6s9wlwS576Ci2jxASUXKG8h7zUMDXoEMTV3s1L1N967oe-UUG0qxT68BJt6S46Rgrn0v2jW_8NQe_6DEhO2zH4wuMF2IcEtr-vmgQ2leiINW3BTrve40rBtCgp9g/s1600/celtic+snake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1V51hEyrud_tC78G6s9wlwS576Ci2jxASUXKG8h7zUMDXoEMTV3s1L1N967oe-UUG0qxT68BJt6S46Rgrn0v2jW_8NQe_6DEhO2zH4wuMF2IcEtr-vmgQ2leiINW3BTrve40rBtCgp9g/s1600/celtic+snake.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stylized Celtic letter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Celtic refers also to the family of languages spoken by these
early inhabitants of Europe with Irish-Gaelic being the
oldest surviving form of spoken Gaelic in the world. With the coming of
Christianity in the isles, Irish arose as a written language circa the 15<sup>th</sup>
century and it is the oldest and longest literary vernacular tradition outside
of the known classical world. Once spoken by millions, it is now a living
language of approximately 25,0000 people. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLHZsIAJwTS94CKxFdazjvKjAcdBvF4wjRu7ckxTHe9J5jMB1DglSjBzGY9vA1G72pQgBmUwwk-FgM7V0XYN0OjiPvhoCAuIZuxJeQqJQQpn3yftDmQtlIKtITOTq4GQ0yemV8UcsUVc/s1600/celtic+art_007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLHZsIAJwTS94CKxFdazjvKjAcdBvF4wjRu7ckxTHe9J5jMB1DglSjBzGY9vA1G72pQgBmUwwk-FgM7V0XYN0OjiPvhoCAuIZuxJeQqJQQpn3yftDmQtlIKtITOTq4GQ0yemV8UcsUVc/s1600/celtic+art_007.JPG" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Necklace with Book of Kells Dragon Motif</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And of course, (you wondered when I would get around to the
art right?) Celtic also refers to a form of European art. Our earliest source
for Celtic art was the wonderful distinctive expressions found in the pottery
and metalwork artifacts from the Hallstatt culture which blossomed around the
eighth and nine centuries b.c. the La Tene period in 450 b.c. was known for
beautiful and intricate designs. In spite of its traditional insular viewpoint,
Celtic art successfully bonds previous elements of the past Irish
iconographical traditional Celtic vision and the assimilations of
Romano-Christian culture, producing what is considered to be the crowning
achievement of Irish Celtic art. Early Celtic art reflects a mystical world
view where people could transform into animals, as humans were not separate
from them, and where the boundaries between the spirit world and this world
were oftentimes blurred. Their abstract and decorative art is reflective of
this, becoming literal and figurative. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6FDQ6jUjGlLtyDQ6icjAJ3CwyUn9OigO-WChWLoquKe4bbg4ExbHjBXfOhSwQxnmO0gMrPUQwuQg_LSU7RllHE7tn_ci8cmCflFOrcb0qSe2accPL3YH8irzeWI-AbxmvfdPGe6Z6L0/s1600/book+of+kells+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6FDQ6jUjGlLtyDQ6icjAJ3CwyUn9OigO-WChWLoquKe4bbg4ExbHjBXfOhSwQxnmO0gMrPUQwuQg_LSU7RllHE7tn_ci8cmCflFOrcb0qSe2accPL3YH8irzeWI-AbxmvfdPGe6Z6L0/s1600/book+of+kells+art.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eight-Circled Cross From Book of Kells</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This Crowning Glory of the Irish-Celtic world is known as
“<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Kells" rel="nofollow">The Book of Kells</a>.” It is one of the most famous and valuable illuminated
manuscripts. The original book is housed at t he Trinity
College Museum
in Dublin, Ireland.
The Book of Kells was written circa 800 a.d. Scholars believe it took over
seventy-five years to complete as it was handwritten on and hand-painted on
vellum (calf-skin that is previously tanned and stretched paper thin.) The Book
contains the four Latin gospels inscribed in the Insular Majuscule script.
Excepting four pages, each one is richly illuminated with flamboyant
exuberantly colored birds, animals, faces, and figures, some in a very humorous
fashion entwining the letters. Combining vivid colors, sometimes grotesque
beasts and whimsical fantasy figures shows that the monks who created it were
capable of delightful<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>expression. (who
know those monks had a sense of humor!). This truly magnificent achievement is
considered to be one of the finest examples of illuminated art in Europe.
In 1990 <a href="http://www.tcd.ie/" rel="nofollow">Trinity College</a>
allowed for a limited number of replicas of the book to be published. Each of
these exact facsimiles cost $14,800 each. With the assistance of the <a href="http://www.michiganirishamericanhalloffame.org/">MuskegonIrish-American Society</a> and the Friends of Hackley Library, a copy was purchased
and placed in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the <a href="http://www.hackleylibrary.org/" rel="nofollow">Hackley Public Library</a>
on their one hundredth anniversary. It is held in a specially-made black box
very similar to the type of medieval boxes that would have previously held such
a priceless artifact. At that time, it was the only known facsimile edition of
this book to be on display in a public library in North America.
(I do not know if this current information). I have been lucky enough to live
close to the Library and have had the honor of viewing the book on many
occasions. At one time they turned a page per day in order to enable people to
view the art on its pages. The book has 680 pages. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_cWYTfjrFSCBolc6jH1JqHtMWt7soimz2XUCbuzZcauQwKdgBdI7C0txRmxgRL-bSDK8TTZ9ztUPGlVQUA_4gtxi9jWT0XSVIF6rOu6tnaeFvZePWAGxr15SPp2ba32-KiKOe-HNZ2g/s1600/saint+patrick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_cWYTfjrFSCBolc6jH1JqHtMWt7soimz2XUCbuzZcauQwKdgBdI7C0txRmxgRL-bSDK8TTZ9ztUPGlVQUA_4gtxi9jWT0XSVIF6rOu6tnaeFvZePWAGxr15SPp2ba32-KiKOe-HNZ2g/s1600/saint+patrick.jpg" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saint Patrick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And what would an article on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick%27s_Day" rel="nofollow">St. Patrick’s Day</a> be without
making mention of the patron saint himself? Probably just another day to drink
beer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saint Patrick was born in Scotland
(yup, not Irish folks) in 385. He was captured, taken to Ireland
and enslaved. It was during this time that he turned to God for comfort and
strength. After six years, it is said that God came to him in a dream telling
him to return home to Scotland.
After escaping and returning to his family, the Irish country-land still
haunted his dreams. Eventually he became a priest, then a bishop doing his work
in Rome. He was then sent back to Ireland
to spread his message of the Gospel, and because he could speak Celtics, he was
able to communicate with the Irish in their own language. Druidism was the
spirituality widely extant in the Isles but Patrick and his followers preached
all over Ireland,
many times being imprisoned or facing death to spread their belief system. The
traditional of using shamrocks stems from his manner of explaining the trinity
to the indigenous people. He was said to be a gentle, patient man, known for
his humility and humbleness, shunning material wealth for the quiet life spent
in quiet prayer. His feast day of course is March 17<sup>th</sup>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ61cXF19Hp_j83r6HbEsqHtVUHNEnxpo6gy5mc0BwHgWIhItSQ2ntZo7CZFCMvx85mZJsSIMbvQmSb6P9Q138pnTEWiIrhZxYqhuLYiM6qGj0rugz5SNdoByyu8efaQT29GyolmpA-S8/s1600/celtic+art_008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ61cXF19Hp_j83r6HbEsqHtVUHNEnxpo6gy5mc0BwHgWIhItSQ2ntZo7CZFCMvx85mZJsSIMbvQmSb6P9Q138pnTEWiIrhZxYqhuLYiM6qGj0rugz5SNdoByyu8efaQT29GyolmpA-S8/s1600/celtic+art_008.JPG" width="167" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Luck of the Irish be with you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So whether you like to drink green beer, enjoy a steaming hot bowl of Irish Stew or spend a quiet day of solitude in remembrance of the Patron Saint who brought us this day, to all those Irish-which is everybody next week: <i>sláinte mhaith</i> (good health to you in Gaelic). ( A copy of the the following hangs on my door all the year long). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
An Irish Blessing</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
May the blessing of
light be upon you</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Light without and
light within. </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
May the blesses
sunlight shine on you</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And warm your heart
until it glows like a great peat fire, so</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
That the stranger may
come and warm himself at it, and also</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
A friend. </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And may the light
shine out of the two eyes of you, like a </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Candle set in two
windows of a house, bidding the wanderer </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
To come in out of the
storm</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And may the blessing
of the rain be upon you</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The soft sweet rain,
may it fall upon your spirit so that all </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The little flowers
may spring up, and shed their sweetness on the air. </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And may the blessing
of the great rains be upon you,</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
May they beat upon
your spirit and wash it fair and clean, </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And leave their many
a shining pool where the blue of heaven </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Shines, and sometimes
a star. </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And may the blessings
of the earth be upon you, </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The great round
earth; may you ever have a kindly greeting </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
For them you pass as
you’re going along the roads, may the</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Earth be soft under
you when you rest upon it, tired at the</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
End of the day, and
may it rest easy over you when, at the</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Last, you lay out
under it; may it rest so lightly over you, </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
That your soul may be
out from under it quickly, and up, and</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Off, </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
and on its way to
God. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvtu7_ar9Rnp30MVKb7nZskVr9sdq9KkL0MG3V6WRHgdH-UlVx7l5lKspsmIJCNjqtzn8RmcrgXYPrQPS1Q53UiyRSSTkNttPkzZhsaptZO8BtKmAH_zyOjE7RK7JVPLgfIa_g5NMS0I/s1600/celtic+triskle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvtu7_ar9Rnp30MVKb7nZskVr9sdq9KkL0MG3V6WRHgdH-UlVx7l5lKspsmIJCNjqtzn8RmcrgXYPrQPS1Q53UiyRSSTkNttPkzZhsaptZO8BtKmAH_zyOjE7RK7JVPLgfIa_g5NMS0I/s1600/celtic+triskle.jpg" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celtic Triskle </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For more information, see: Celtic Art: From Its Beginnings
to the Book of Kells (Ruth and Vincent). NY. Thames and Hudson
1989. The Story of the Irish Race by Seumis MacManus (1921). Ordinary People.
Extraordinary Lives: Inspirational Stories of the Saints.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Photos: Stock. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179899497952945604.post-61734236830365257802015-03-04T17:11:00.001-08:002015-03-04T17:19:20.749-08:00How to Find Great Art in Michigan<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if !mso]><img src="//img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" />
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWlBu_KMEg-XIIyvjFLuiT6LywOEKCEosDbeX7gKcaMtBUSjDPh08MYsZCm3HrbasB3e4tRGnQyphrq-SRxs6MI-pKcNqDF0Q7653q0x-83CDtUUbE_EtXehy9G5dWHlcz8ro0L4ekmo/s1600/macinaw+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWlBu_KMEg-XIIyvjFLuiT6LywOEKCEosDbeX7gKcaMtBUSjDPh08MYsZCm3HrbasB3e4tRGnQyphrq-SRxs6MI-pKcNqDF0Q7653q0x-83CDtUUbE_EtXehy9G5dWHlcz8ro0L4ekmo/s1600/macinaw+bridge.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mackinac Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The winter of 2014-2015 has been an especially grueling one in Michigan. Sometimes it seems we only have two seasons these parts; cold and colder. But the summers in Michigan are great, especially for arts and crafts! While this list is by no means complete, here are a few well-known Michigan venues and promoters of the arts and artists. Take heart, Michiganders, Spring is on its way......or so they tell us.<br />
<br />
1.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><a href="http://www.michiganartistsgallery.com/" rel="nofollow">MichiganArtists Gallery</a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Billed as one of the best galleries in Leelanau
County, this gallery in Suttons
Bay, Michigan is well known in
the region for their contemporary folk art with work by contemporary mixed
media and folk art, landscape and still life artists, photography, jewelry,
wearable art, pottery, ceramics and much more. Their website states they were
named “one of three essential art venues in “100 Best
Art Towns
in America” for
the Grand Traverse area. It was also five times voted "Best Gallery in Leelanau
County."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is located in Suttons
Bay and has been in business for 16
years, is open the year around with events and special exhibits the whole year
around. Be sure to check out their colorful website. Their address according to
the web is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>309 N. St.
Joseph, PO Box 272,
Suttons Bay, MI 49682</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><a href="http://www.michigan-artisans.org/" rel="nofollow">MichiganArtisans</a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michigan Artisans is a group of area artists, designers and
musicians who create unique hand-crafted goods as well as original music all
within the great state of Michigan.
Michigan Artisans support local businesses and offer quality goods regionally
made. Their website states they focus on “on artisans and musicians from our
region, and offering the general public access to these vendors and musicians
online and in person.” They are located in the old Germack Pistachio building
at 1400 E. Fisher at Detroit's
Historic Eastern Market. Their site states they are undergoing a transition for
2015 and new owner is Ms. Wendy Reezer. It states they will be open during the
transition stage, but to call for hours of operation at <b>313.355.4316</b>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><a href="http://www.michiganartshows.com/" rel="nofollow">MichiganArt Shows</a>.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michigan Art Shows promotes community events in the
state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their goal is to bring together
those interested art with a wide range of artists. Their webpage has
information for three upcoming art events happening around the Michigan
area from May through September. Palmer Park art fair, Royal Oak Clay, Glass,
and Metal Show and the Funky Ferndale Art Fair. The website lists info
including applications for venders.<br />
<br />
Got comment, question, or would like to purchase a link, <a href="mailto:askformarie@yahoo.com" rel="nofollow">email me</a>. Namaste! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202266532690544215noreply@blogger.com0