BLOGGERNOT

Halloween!!!!

2009-09-26T18:35:00.000-07:00

Well, The Witching season is upon us once again! Of course if you ask G, he would say that is everyday at our house-hardy har har.

This year we will all be Pirates and I will attempt to throw a party...we'll see how it goes.

Found a great instructional on how to make spider web balloons-sounds a bit too time consuming for something so silly, but the effect is really cool! Check it: http://www.craftycrafty.tv/2008/09/halloween_how_to_make_spider_w.html

Mexican Jumping Beans

2009-08-27T20:11:00.000-07:00

Bought some at the airport for R. Now I can hear them clicking against the little acrylic box in her room. Brings back old memories of my childhood
Some fast facts about MJB's:

They are actually Larvae within the pod
They are nourishing themselves on the innards of said pod
They prefer cool temps-heat kills them
If you cut the pod open, the larvae will weave a silk coccoon to seal the hole up

Really cool stuff.

The Funeral

2009-08-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

Just returned from Colorado Springs where I said my farewells to Grandpa Ernie.

It was a proper Catholic Service and I wrote and delivered the Eulogy.

Meeting family that you've never met and reconnecting with those you haven't kept in touch with can be an eye opening experience-you are virtually strangers with a lot in common.

I didn't really know my Grandfather in his later years, but I did think about him and always felt guilty for not making an effort to keep in touch. He was a brave veteran of WWII with numerous medals and accolades from the beaches of Normandy, The Battle of the Bulge, and the Czech Republic, just to name a few. The things he saw were horrific, I'm sure.

I guess there are those within the family who have held onto feelings of resentment and hatred for a lifetime, but I would say to them and anyone else who is listening, that forgiveness is a much more powerful and healing experience for everyone involved. I can't help but feel that those who cannot forgive will feel the sting of regret later. Hate will only eat a person from within like cancer.

In the airport going home, I met an old Indian Medicine man-a healer. His name is Standing Cloud. We were chit chatting and he finally imparted to me something his spirit guide said to him about life and death. He said that we all are part of the creator and a piece of the creator lives in each of us. When we die, it is only our body that rots, but our spirits go on forever and the spirit chooses to stay and learn it's life lesson or to move on. He didn't know about the funeral until I told him later, and I was quite impressed with his messages, as it seemed that he was sent to speak to me.

I know this will sound crazy to some, but I believe that everything happens for a reason and Standing Cloud was sent to give me a message. It is a simple one, but so true.

The second message: We should all try improving and finding ourselves rather than seeking money and material things that will never satisfy our souls and we need to start teaching this to our children. Thanks Standing Cloud-your timing was impeccable and the experience was quite surreal!

PS Standing cloud was wearing a beautiful, striking ring that he said was made of Buffalo stone-I have never seen it and I tried to find a similar photo of one to show you, but I could not find one as beautiful as his. It was a jet black and snow white-no grays...anyway, his spirit guides name is Running Buffalo as well.

I wouldn't have thought much of it if I hadn't just the day before, seen a white buffalo in the flesh at Royal Gorge........coincidence????

Monterey Bay Aquarium

2009-07-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

These were taken last year or so...R loved it! (The dates on the photos are incorrect)

A couple of the images were edited in Photoscape...I'm loving this program!

Fey Handmade

2009-07-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

Like Etsy, but smaller...great stuff!!!!

The Jonathan LeVine Gallery

2009-07-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

Features some of the best artists today including Alex Gross... The Mandolin....I love this style-so surreal....

Photo of a Roma girl

2009-07-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

My MIL took an awesome photo of R and I decided to edit it to make it look more authentic...what do you think??? I would like to paint this as well!

San Francisco Graffiti

2009-07-13T13:40:00.001-07:00

Beautiful a

nd I love the sign above it!

Ghost in the Machine- Betty Page

2009-07-13T13:20:00.001-07:00

Ghost in the Machine- Betty Page
Originally uploaded by iri5

16mm film!!!!!!!!!!

Ghost in the Machine: Bob Dylan

2009-07-13T13:16:00.001-07:00

Ghost in the Machine: Bob Dylan
Originally uploaded by iri5

Artist Erika Simmons has found a great use for those old casette tapes, movie reels and other materials headed for the landfill!
Absolutely Awesome!
Link to her website: http://www.iri5.com/

Nicola Verlato

2009-06-22T17:40:00.000-07:00

I checked this artist out on the advice of a friend of mine, Lou, who is a very creative artist himself. This guy blows me away! How can you make a painting look 3D???

www.nicolaverlato.com/work.html

Awesome Junk Art

2009-06-18T15:51:00.000-07:00

This may look easy to some, but it definitely is not! This guys work is BRILLIANT!

See more at: http://www.vvdm-gallery.com/PRAS-BRUCE-LEE-PORTRAIT-ARTWORK.htm

Attention Brides to Be---Wedding Blog!!!!

2009-06-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

My new friend, Erin, is getting married and has a blog trailing her adventures in planning a handmade wedding-It can't be easy! Check out her Blog at: http://eringetsmarried.com/
She also has an awesome Etsy shop selling her beautiful photos! Rains on the Plain: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6745893

GREEK FESTIVAL

2009-05-24T23:05:00.000-07:00

In Marin...a really good time, good company and good food. I love Gyros and R loves to dance as much as I used to. Beautiful day spent in Marin- Thanks Mandy & Ted!

SHOWER BEHIND GRAMMA?

2009-05-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

Or whom or whatever.....This is a really cool idea for a personalized gift!

JOB HUNTING

2009-05-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

As we all know, it sucks, but I feel the need to reiterate. Really.
Nearly 8hrs sifting through hundreds of positions I don't qualify for, competing with teenagers and MBAs.
Between a screaming, rambling, 2yr. old with the poops, the 5X a day plus spent killing my once flawless hands in hot dishwater, and-oh yeah, 5 minutes sucking a bug off the ceiling with the vacuum, my day was quite full and quite annoying.
Some days you just have to write off as a loss

PIGGY SEX

2009-05-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the sows clitoris is located inside of her vagina?
Did you also know that the boar is the only animal other than the human male, that stimulates the females breasts during intercourse?
Weird

New To Me- Artist

2009-05-16T18:50:00.000-07:00

All I can say is WTF? This is too cool , ultra real and incredibly time consuming sculpture... http://www.marcsijan.com/pers/Sculptures/page/index.htm

Sorry

2009-05-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

It's been too long....remember, NOT a Blogger?
Now on twitter trying to get some feedback on my artwork. Check out bustedboutique there.

Halloween , as much as I planned, was uneventful. We took R trickortreating, we came home, had packs of kids come to the door, and then it rained and everyone went home. BOO

XMas was low budget and in Kansas with my family where it sporadically snowed, rained, and got hot all in the span of 2 weeks.
The New Year came and went.......... Can't remember what we did

My BFs mother passed away....Love ya toni, You will be missed
Baby R is now toddler terror R...
I am looking for work, but it looks bleak-Thanks Bush Administration!

Have some ideas for home business....update ya later. The kid is choking on a hot dog.

FYI on Field of Screams, Morgan Hill , Ca.

2008-10-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

This year is a "Haunted Hayride" called Mutant Creek. Last year it was a haunted maze that you walked through. Much better back in the day...

First off, the story line was disjointed at best. The actors and makeup were very decent but there weren't enough actors! Especially at the end... anti-climactic

We went with a group of 4 people which i always recommend (the more the merrier), but it was still falling short with a few exceptional effects-including olfactory- eww, but in my opinion NOT worth the $20 ticket price ... maybe $10 would be more reasonable.

I could have taken my baby ... it was that MILD.

To be fair, I am a bit immune and my cohorts had a good time, but even they agreed it could have been better!

Tonite I am off to the haunt at Great America.....I hope it doesn't disappoint-J

R at the Pumpkin Patch/Scarecrows in The Park (Downtown SJ)

2008-10-23T15:14:00.000-07:00

House Decor for the season

2008-10-23T15:06:00.000-07:00

Well, this is a good start, but I will add more every year! BTW, the jar is yellow food coloring in water w/ eyeballs. I did not originally intend for it to resemble urine, but that just makes it look nastier. Also, thanks to mom and dad for the contributions (laughing skull, gargoyle, etc..)

Now you know where I get my ideas!

I WON!!!!

2008-10-22T18:05:00.000-07:00

The pumpkin head is made of 5 layers paper mache over a trash bag filled with newspaper, then paper mache clay (celluclay) mixed with a little joint compound, and lastly paint, etc... not bad for the first time !

Well, I have been busy this Halloween season! Decorating the house, working on my scarecrow for the downtown San Jose Scarecrow competition, and trying to convince my friends to go to some of the local haunts for some Halloween fun!

I haven't been too successful with the latter, but I did finish "Lumpy" the scarecrow and got 1st Place in my Category (individual/family)!!! I am sooo cool. Anyway, it wasn't a huge deal, but I got 3 free movie tickets and a certificate and I am ready to post the pics which were taken with my camera phone so they're not great, but here goes........

2008-09-23T00:08:00.000-07:00

Down with OPP

Fake Smile on CommandAHHHH Cali!

Miles, Daniele, and R

Watcha think?

2008-09-22T23:49:00.000-07:00

This paint job could have been smoother, but the surface was rough, as I used an old birdhouse for the project. This is part of the found object aspect. The text reads "Miles and Daniele, June 20 2008, In sun and shadow forever."
They seemed very pleased with it... now on to the next project!

2008-09-22T23:35:00.000-07:00

Retablo Project

2008-09-22T23:23:00.000-07:00

Here are the photos... this is a blending of retablo /shrine/day of the dead made as a wedding gift for Miles and Daniele.
The broom is there because they actually jumped the broom during the wedding ceremony. This is a found object, hand painted (freehand) and I made the figures out of polymer clay. Some images are sideways!!!!
The wedding was held outdoors at a Buddhist retreat.... very nice. We got to stay in a yurt!

My art project

2008-09-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

FINALLY...I just finished a piece that I started as a wedding gift to Miles and Daniele. Well, their wedding was in June, but I finally finished it! If you are not familiar with retablos or Day of the Dead, then it may not mean much to you. It is a more modern combo of the two and I will post photos soon.... give me your opinion...

John William Waterhouse: Magic Circle

2008-09-14T16:14:00.001-07:00

John William Waterhouse: Magic Circle
Originally uploaded by freeparking

One of my favorite artists....He did a lot of paintings after greek mythology as well.

nigiri sushi cupcake sampler

2008-09-14T15:56:00.001-07:00

nigiri sushi cupcake sampler
Originally uploaded by debbiedoescakes

Ok, not scary, but me love sushi long time.....

pot o'gross stuff

2008-09-14T15:52:00.001-07:00

pot o'gross stuff
Originally uploaded by debbiedoescakes

This cake rocks... check out Debbiedoescakes on flickr

Brains... Delicious Brains

2008-09-14T15:50:00.001-07:00

Brains... Delicious Brains
Originally uploaded by gwendygay

More Halloween fare.

Old Lady Finger Breadsticks

2008-09-14T15:49:00.001-07:00

Old Lady Finger Breadsticks- Gross & Disgusting Party
Originally uploaded by gwendygay

OOOOH, thee are too cool!

This is why I hate clowns...

2008-09-05T17:19:00.001-07:00

The Visit1
Originally uploaded by mitejen2000

NIGHT TRAWLER

2008-09-05T17:18:00.001-07:00

NIGHT TRAWLER
Originally uploaded by rsconnett

Love it!

Scary Painter

2008-09-05T17:11:00.001-07:00

070707 scary
Originally uploaded by Flo's Diner

You gotta love this artist...

Halloween Doll

2008-09-05T17:08:00.001-07:00

Halloween Doll
Originally uploaded by Preston-

Oh Yeah!

Scary Doll

2008-09-05T17:04:00.001-07:00

Scary Doll
Originally uploaded by Super Carter

Oh GOD, this is creepy. I am inspired to make my own Scary Doll for Halloween!

scariest doll ever

2008-09-05T17:02:00.001-07:00

scariest doll ever
Originally uploaded by bodytothesouth

Ok, as a child I was afraid of some of my dolls. Enough to lock them away in my closet. But this doll is Frickin Scary.
I can't wait for Halloween!!!! Anyone else out there a Halloween Freak?

RadioHead Concert

2008-08-25T23:21:00.000-07:00

Attended the RadioHead concert in Golden Gate Park on Friday. Was not impressed. It was music to kill yourself by. They obviously had a loyal following, but it made me realize that I am just too old for a crushing crowd like that.
Give me Manu Chao any day! They rocked the house and the crowd was much "friendlier", even if the music was harder. That sounds strange, but really, it's true. Or maybe it's just that I expect a better vibe in SF than I should.

Enjoyed 2 small plastic cups of wine for $18 and some Hawaiian Poke too! Yahoo.

My G & R

2008-08-20T18:13:00.001-07:00

IMG_0776
Originally uploaded by winileeds

The flower girl and her sidekick

2008-08-20T18:12:00.001-07:00

IMG_0735
Originally uploaded by winileeds

The Cake

2008-08-20T18:11:00.003-07:00

IMG_0730
Originally uploaded by winileeds

The Newlyweds

2008-08-20T18:11:00.001-07:00

IMG_0763
Originally uploaded by winileeds

BORED

2008-08-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am a stay at home mom, and sometimes it is really tedious.

Just had a birthday and my G got tickets for the Frida Kahlo exhibit in San Francisco which was great but too crowded. It is hard to appreciate a piece when 20 other people are crowding you. I think they could have done a better job setting it up, but that's just my opinion. Had some good dim sum afterward and came home. Thanks G!!!!

Also attended a beautiful wedding-everything was awesome in beautiful Capitola last weekend. Great people, great food, great times! Will try to get pics out to ya soon! Luv, j

Camille Rose Garcia

2008-08-03T23:47:00.001-07:00

Camille Rose Garcia
Originally uploaded by atomicmonk

I just love the nightmarish feel of her paintings, which speak on the "failures of Capitalist Utopias." She is also from Southern California!
Check her out at www.camillerosegarcia.com

TuTu Monkey meet Artist Tara Donovan!

2008-07-31T17:47:00.001-07:00

Tara Donovan
Originally uploaded by t_a_i_s

Reminds me of snow drifts...

Thanx for the welcome, and if anyone stumbles onto this site, you can find her on ETSY!
Now, check out Tara Donovan (link listed under "Hot links"), an artist who uses discarded stuff to create incredible installations... who knew styrofoam cups could be so beautiful? And it's not just cups!

Photo of My Angel

2008-07-29T14:16:00.000-07:00

Ok... just read my future Sis in Laws blog and felt compelled to post an old pic of my BOJ (bundle of joy). J

Why Not?

2008-07-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

Why? Time to get with the times. Who knows, maybe someone out there will find this interesting. Maybe I can touch a life...

Not... because I'm not a blogger. Not yet.

I'll start you off with a cool link that sings to someone like me. Check it out if you want to do your part saving the planet while supporting the arts. -J