Wendie's Art N Photo Blog

New Years Eve

2011-12-31T11:58:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years Eve all! Please be safe and know that each of you has a special place in my heart and I'm glad to have you all in my life!

Interview with the Nativity Inn Keeper

2011-12-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

Your name, please.

Ben Cohen.

Occupation?

Retired. I was an innkeeper.

In Bethlehem.

Right.

And in fact it was your inn where Jesus was born.

That’s right. Well, not in the inn itself. Out back.

In the animal shed.

Yeah. I still get a lot of flak for that.

How do you mean?

I mean that people still criticize me for not having room at the inn. They say to me, you couldn’t give a pregnant woman a room? You couldn’t give a room to the woman pregnant with the divine child? Couldn’t even spare a broom closet for the Baby Jesus?

How do you respond to that?

I say, well, look. First off, it wasn’t just me. If you go back you’ll see that every inn was full.

Because of the census.

Census, schmensus. It was the foot races. Bethlehem versus Cana. Also there was a touring theater troupe from Greece. Only appearance in Judea. The city was packed. We had reservations for months.

But Mary was pregnant.

I had three pregnant ladies at the inn that night. One was giving birth when Joe and Mary showed up. She was down the hall, screaming at the top of her lungs, cursing like you wouldn’t believe. Her husband tried to encourage her to push and she kicked him in the groin. Think about that. She’s crowning a baby, and she takes the time to put her foot into her husband’s testicles. So maybe you’ll understand why even if I had a room, I wouldn’t be in a rush to give it up to those two.

But you ended up letting them go out to the animal shed.

That was an accident.

How so?

Joe comes in and asks for a room, and I tell him we’re all out of rooms and have been for months. Foot races. Theater groupies. And such. And he says, come on, please. I’ve got a pregnant lady with me. And I say, you hear that down the hall? I’m full up with pregnant ladies. And he says, this baby is important. And I say, hey, buddy, I don’t care if he’s the Son of God, I don’t have any rooms.

So there’s some irony there.

I guess so. And then he says, look, we’ll take anything. And so I say, as a joke, all right, you can go and sleep with animals if you like. And he says fine and slaps some money on the counter.

He called your bluff.

Yeah. And I say, I was kidding about that. And he says, and my wife’s water just broke in your lobby. What could I do? I pointed him in the direction of the animals.

It’s better than having the baby in the street.

I suppose so, but you know, if the reason they were in Bethlehem was because of the census, then he had family in the area, right? It’s his ancestral home and all that. He can’t say to a cousin, hey, give us a couch? There are some family dynamics going on there that have been conveniently left unexamined, if you ask me.

Joseph had a lot on his mind.

Must have.

So the baby is born, and they place him in the manger.

Which, by the way, I told them not to do.

Why?

Because how unsanitary is that? Do you know what a manger is?

As far as I know, it’s the place you put infant messiahs.

It’s a food trough for animals.

Oh. Interesting.

“Oh, interesting” is right. Let me ask you. So your baby is born, and the first thing you do is put him in an open container filled with grain and covered in oxen drool? Does this seem reasonable to you?

You did have them out with the animals. Their options were limited.

I rented cribs. I asked Joseph, do you want a crib. And he said, no, we’re fine, and then sets the kid in the food box. And I say to him, you’re new at this, aren’t you.

In his defense, he was.

And then someone says, look, the animals, they are adoring the baby. And I say, adoring, hell. They’re wondering why there’s a baby in their food.

On the other hand, the image of the Baby Jesus in the manger is a classic one.

Yeah, I mention that when people get on my case about not giving Joe and Mary a room. I tell them that having a Christmas carol called “Away in a Hotel Room” doesn’t have quite the same ring to it. They never have anything to say to that.

It’s said that a star appeared on the night when Jesus was born. Did you see it?

No. I was too busy trying to convince Joseph to rent a crib.

It’s said it was bright enough to lead the Three Wise Men to your inn.

Well, three men showed up at the inn. I don’t know how wise they were.

How do you mean?

The baby is born, right? And then these guys show up. And they say, we have brought gifts for the child. And I say, that’s nice, what did you bring. And they say, we have brought gold and frankincense and myrrh. And I say, you’ve got to be kidding.
What’s wrong with that?

Let me quote another Christmas song for you. “A child, a child, shivers in the cold, let us bring him silver and gold.” Really? Silver and gold? And not, oh, I don’t know, a blanket? An newborn infant is exhibiting signs of possible hypothermia and your response is to give him cold metal objects? Who ever wrote that song needs a smack upside the head.

You’re saying the gifts were inappropriate.

What’s wrong with diapers? A nice jumper or two? A Baby Bjorn? They were riding around on a donkey, you know. A Baby Bjorn would have come in handy. Have you ever in your life gone to a baby shower where someone says, congratulations on the baby, here’s some perfume. No. Because most people have some sense.

I think the idea is that all the gifts were fit for a king.

Yes, a king who first pooped in my animals’ manger. I would have appreciated a gift of diapers.

Point taken.

And another thing, they brought all these expensive gifts, but do you ever hear about Joe and Mary and Jesus being anything but poor? Or at the very most working class?
Now that you mention it, no.

Exactly. I think what happened is these three guys show up and they say, here are all these expensive gifts we got your baby. Oh and by the way, we happen to know King Herod thinks your baby’s a threat and plans to kill every kid younger than two years of age just to be sure, so you better go. Egypt’s nice this time of year. What? You’re traveling by donkey? Well, then you can’t take all these nice gifts with you. We’ll just hold on to them for now, write us a letter when you get settled and we’ll mail them. And then they never do.

I don’t think there’s scriptural support for that theory.

I’m not saying I have any evidence. All I’m saying is that it makes sense.

After the Three Wise Men, were there other visitors?

Yeah. It got a little crowded. The animal sheds aren’t designed for a large amount of foot traffic. And then that kid showed up with a drum, and I said, all right, fine, we’re done.

The song of that incident suggests the drum went over well.

Let me ask you. You’re a parent, your child has just been born, he’s tired, you’re tired, people won’t leave you alone, and then some delinquent comes by and unloads a snare solo in your baby’s ear. Does this go over well?

Probably not, no.

There you go.

After the birth, did your inn benefit from the notoriety?

Not really. Jesus kind of slipped off everyone’s radar, for, what? Thirty years? Thirty-five?

Something like that.

Right. So there wasn’t much benefit there. I got some mileage out of telling the story about the crazy couple who rented my animal shed, and the visitors, and the drumming, but I mostly told it to friends. Then just as I’m about to retire someone tells me of this hippie preacher in Jerusalem who got in trouble with the Romans. And I say, hey, I think I know that guy. I think he got born in my shed. And then, well. You know what the Romans did to him.

Yes.

Romans, feh. Then I sold the inn to my nephew and retired to Joppa. By the time Jesus became really famous I was out of the game. And then my nephew sold the inn and they put that church there.

The Church of the Nativity.

You been?

I have, yes.

It’s nice. I liked the inn better, of course.

Looking back, would you have done anything differently?

I would have comped Joseph the crib.

That still would have changed the Christmas carol.

I know. But, look. You didn’t have to wash out that manger.

Mission San BuenaVentura

2011-10-04T20:37:00.001-07:00

Mary In the Garden

Mary Close Up

Mary

Mary Close up

Angels around us

2011-07-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

My Angel pictures, taken in Twin Falls, Idaho at the Twin Falls Cemetery

Done in Black and White with spotlight to soften the edges

Enjoy!

In the Huntington Gardens

2011-02-17T19:14:00.000-08:00

Photos I took in the Huntington Gardens

Neptune

PAN

SUN GODDESS

Charles Bukowski at the Huntington Library

2011-02-15T18:46:00.000-08:00

Huntington Library

Bukowski Exhibit

Bukowski's typewritter, old radio stuck on his favorite classical music station and of course his traditonal glass of wine!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T08:53:00.000-08:00

Thou art the grave where buried love doth live,

Hung with the trophies of my lovers gone

No Matter How Bad I Feel, Woodys Is There

2011-02-03T09:23:00.000-08:00

My Favorite comic, no matter how depressed I maybe, this never fails to make me laugh!

My Joker Painting

2011-01-26T21:39:00.000-08:00

Painting of The Joker from Batman by Me

I painted the boarder green just like the Joker's hair would be. This is a gift for someone that is a Joker fanatic! Won't he be surprised....

Phoenix Painting for Christian

2011-01-26T09:06:00.000-08:00

Here is a shot of the Phoenix painting I did for my pal Christian. His housemate liked it so much, he wants me to paint something for his house! My first commission :)

Art Bazaar

2011-01-17T19:01:00.000-08:00

I attended my first art bazaar in Riverside, California this past Sunday. Here are some pictures of my table. I actually sold 2 pieces!!

Below is a shot of my little helper, my niece Naomi. She really believes in me and told someone that one of my art pieces was $2000.00!

West Memphis 3 Update!

2011-01-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere!
JONESBORO, AR (KAIT) – Another step towards freedom was taken Tuesday for three men convicted of murdering three 8-year old West Memphis boys in 1993. The Arkansas Supreme Court ruled unanimously in November that an evidentiary hearing must be held to consider new DNA evidence and a charge of juror misconduct.
Attorneys for the state and the West Memphis Three discussed some of their concerns ahead of a new evidentiary hearing. Circuit Judge David Laser ruled lawyers for all parties need to outline issues to be addressed and a schedule needs to be made within 45 days. Attorneys have until February 18th to file their outlines.

Judge David Laser of Jonesboro, who was recently appointed to oversee the hearing, held a scheduling conference with defense attorneys and prosecutors Tuesday in the Craighead County Courthouse.
“I’m giving this case priority,” Laser said. “I want to get this done as soon as possible.”
Laser ordered a gag order in the case Tuesday, prohibiting attorneys from talking about the case with the media.
The judge also decided that a single hearing will be held for all three defendants, which will save time and money for defense attorneys.
Keep your fingers crossed that Justice will finally be served for the WM3!!!

Facebook

2011-01-02T16:47:00.000-08:00

ok folks I finally gave in and got a Facebook account. You can find me under:
facebook.com/SoCalWendie
I'm new to this so I dont know what else you all need to know, but hopefully I will see you on Facebook.

Be Good Or Krampus Will Get You

2010-12-17T10:25:00.000-08:00

GRUB VON KRAMPUS!!

Happy Holidays from Krampus and St. Nick!

Krampus is the dark counterpart of Saint Nicholas. St. Nicholas rewards good kids with gifts and treats; and never punishes naughty children, parceling out this task to a ghastly helper from below. Krampus, is unmistakably darker; he often appears as a traditional red devil with cloven hoof and goatish horns, although he can also be spotted as an old bearded wild-man or a huge hairy beast. He comes to punish the naughty children, and is often depicted carrying them in chains or in a basket to a fiery place below.

Santa's all well and good, but darker things lurk in the woods. Krampus brings switches and bad dreams to the misbehaving children, threatening more than just a lump of coal....

Although its distant pagan origins are mostly repressed, Christmas gift-giving and its folklore and customs still embody the pre-Christian European winter solstice tradition. In the dark recesses of our cultural consciousness, the link between the Goat-horned Devil and Saint Nick is clear. If we are naughty,the potent holiday devil archetype who rules over this age-old festival season will come
calling!

Upcycled Rice Bag

2010-12-07T18:56:00.000-08:00

Made by me with an upcycled rice bag, tote and fabric

Signed by me

Hand stitched!

New Art

2010-11-24T20:17:00.000-08:00

New Tin Nichos or Mini Shrines

I hand painted these and added the embellishments. They are actual tin nichos from Mexico!

Scared Heart of Jesus

Complete with mini rosary and, scared heart milagro or charm, flowers and a Scared Heart prayer card.

Measures 3 1/2" x 7 1/2"

Virgin of Guadalupe

With fabric roses and a mini angel kneeling in front of the Virgins image. Measures 4" x 6"

See how her eyes are reflected in the little mirror I placed inside

These are going up on my etsy site :)

The Truth Won't Save You Now

2010-11-22T09:13:00.000-08:00

Oh, Mrs. O....

You really have a way with words...

The truth won't save you now

oh oh oh

The sky is falling down

oh oh oh

Watch the vultures count the hours

April trains May bring strange showers

Oh Mrs. O,

We all know

the world is really all in Love!

and Oh Mrs O

Will you leave us hanging now that we are grown up and old?

Will you kill me if I say "I told you so"

We All Know

There's No Winter and

No Santa Claus

And Yes Virginia

All because

The Truth Won't Save You Now

oh oh oh

The sky is falling down

oh oh oh

Everything they ever told us

Shakes our Faith and

Breaks their promise

But you can stop the truth from leaking

If you never stop believing......

My First Collaboration

2010-11-11T19:26:00.000-08:00

Wendie and Jesse Collaboration

My Pal Jesse sent me this mask as a blank canvas and I have finally painted it. It still needs a little touching up but I wanted to share it with you all.

Painted on the mask is the Mexica symbol Olin or Movement. The two colors, one light one dark, are important as Olin combines the humanity of the Sun and the movement of the Earth.

The Friendship Baton

2010-11-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

Friendship Baton from my pal Jesse

You can reach his blog here: http://theartofjesse.blogspot.com/

Here are some questions for you my dear blog followers, I thought it would be fun for us to answer them,

Here are my answers

1 - Too small when you were asked, what you wanted to do when you were big; What did you reply?

    -There were only two things I ever wanted to be as a kid, Wonder Women or Ruler of my
      own Planet
2 - What were your favorite cartoons?
      -G.I. Joe and Transformers
3 - What were your favorite games?
      -Tag or Hide and Seek with my cousins, we always ended up in a dog pile tickling or
       pretending to beat each other up
4 - What year was your nicest birthday and why?
      -I was about 22 and my pal Andy gave me a card with lyrics saying: "One day when my life has
      passed me by, I'll sit around and wonder why you were always there for me. Some say better
     things will come my way, no matter what they try to say, You were always there for me." It let
     me know that he knew how much I care and how I would do anything for him.
5 - What were the things you absolutely wanted to do, and not yet done?
     -Visit Florance, Italy
6 - Which 'was your first love? sports? or what not?
     -My first love was swimming.....and chocolate
7 - Which was your first musical idol?
     - Led Zepplin (thanks to growing up hearing my father play it all the time)
8 - Which was the most' beautiful sought (and eventually received), Santa Claus, Jesus' Child, Saint Lucia, christmas gift?
    - I'm with Jesse on this, my first bike!
OK Followers, its your turn to answer and please help yourself to the Friendship Baton I'm passing to all of you!

Happy Day of the Dead

2010-11-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

Feliz Dia De Los Muertos

Day of the Dead Art work by Me :)

Charles Bukowski

2010-10-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

My Dear Love;

Charles Bukowski

A Terrible Need:

Some people simply search out unhappiness,

they'll scrounge it out in any given situation

taking any whim

any simple error

and then becoming hateful

vengeful.

don't they realize that

there's so little time?

and to mutilate it like this....

there's never

ever

any way

to recover

all that was

WASTED

There is enough treachery, hatred, violence

Absurdity in the average human being

To supply any given army on any given day.

And the best at murder are those who preach against it.

And the best at hate are those who preach love

And the best at war - finally - are those who preach peace

KING OF POETS

Happy Birthday Micol!

2010-10-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Happy Birthday

May All Your Dreams Come True

Happy Happy Birthday

From another October baby

To you!

New Art Work!!

2010-10-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

As promised Dear Followers, my new Day Of the Dead inspired art work. Enjoy a look at these shrines and coffin shrines. If you want to see more pics just email me, these will be going up on my Etsy site

To My Friend, I Hope You Know Who You Are

2010-10-01T09:05:00.000-07:00

As You Have Done For Me

So strong, your calm face

Tears behind your smile

They fall silently

when I am not around to see

not there to empathize

How can I be consoled

when I so want to console?

So strong, you're so calm

always knowing what to say

or when just to be.

Let me be there for you

to understand

instead of being understood

So strong, the strength you have

it amazes me

Never a trace of cruelty

Always so giving of your soul

I wish I could be that strong

to keep your sorrow

at bay with my

tempest weary candle
Take that from me,
Give me that at least.
When you smile,

Your eyes spill light

all over me

I'm sorry mine was never bright enough

to keep or help you out of the dark

As yours has always done for me

Too Early...

2010-09-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

I took these shots in the Twin Falls Cemetery, when I was in Idaho. The headstone below caught my eye and I had to photograph it. Something about the lines and sweet curves gives this memorial such delicacy and love.

I love this shot, it was just begging to be taken in Black and White!

The best part of this memorial was the inscription "Zu Frueh Schlug Diese Bittere Stunde" This is German for

"Too Early This Bitter Hour Struck"

How beautiful and romantic is that?

Words of Wisdom From a Mad Man

2010-08-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

I say just simply this:

Heal the mind.
And then work for the air, the trees, the water and the animals.

And the people? Tough. If you want to live in my world, come and go through what I went through to live in my world. You don't just come get in my world. You have to do something to earn my world. I wouldn't let a lot of those people in my world if I had the say so about it. I don't have to destroy them, all I have to do is just say no. I don't want that in my world.

I don't want that confusion in my world.

You don't have to let those people in your mind.

You let the people in your mind that are helping your mind. And your mind is the only mind.
You are the mind. You are the earth, you are the air, the trees, you are the animals, you are everything. You are the child of god. That's the truth. Period.

Yosemite

2010-07-08T21:59:00.000-07:00

Yosemite National Park

I hope you all enjoy the shots from my trip to Yosemite. As Frank Lloyd Wright once said;

I believe in God, only I spell it Nature.

For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver...... Martin Luther

All things are artificial, for nature is the art of God. Thomas Browne

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. ....John Muir

Every creature is better alive than dead, men and moose and pine trees, and he who understands it aright will rather preserve its life than destroy it. .....Henry David Thoreau

Happy Independence Day!

2010-07-02T08:25:00.000-07:00

Let Independence Be Our Boast

EVER MINDFUL WHAT IT COST!!

This weekend while we are all setting off fireworks, celebrating freedom and being with our loved ones eating BBQ, let us NEVER forget the men and women who make that possible for us. I hope that it never slips anyone's mind that the ONLY reason we are able to enjoy the freedom that we have, is due to the sacrifice made by people who, without knowing us all, are fighting for us and who have laid their lives down so we could sleep safely and peacefully at night.

We have no chance of being free unless made and kept so by those better than you or I; those who are NOT able to sit and have BBQ with their family because they are busy keeping us free, those who will NEVER again be able to be with their families on Independence Day because they have given up everything just to insure that we could have this day to celebrate.

I know that the 4th is supposed to be a happy time, but I can not stop thinking of everyone who passed on defending our country and those who are still out there, in harms way EVERY day.

So this weekend, while you are popping open your beer or eating your grilled goodies, remember those that are keeping you all in the lives you live, undisturbed by it all, while they sweat and bleed for us.

I want to say Thank You to all the men and women of the armed forces, but that just doesn't seem enough. It feels to me like saying "I'm sorry" to someone when a loved one passes away. It seems such a very small thing to do or say to offer some little comfort to those who make it possible for me to not only voice my opinion, but also make it possible to live the life I lead.

SEE LAST YEARS INDEPENDENCE DAY POST HERE: http://socalwendie.blogspot.com/2009/07/independence-and-freedom.html

Heart of Stone

2010-06-19T23:08:00.000-07:00

Yosemite National Park

Who says it is bad to have a heart of stone?

This is a natural occurring "heart" shape on a cliff face in Yosemite National Park in California. I took this picture and just knew that I had to do a post regarding the heart of stone.

Art Squared Entry # 2

2010-04-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

Lord Ganesha and The Mantra of Compassion

Om Mani Padme Hum

pronounced: Ohm - Ma Nee - Pod May - Hum

This chant brings you joy & peaceful vibrations.

Om Mani Padme Hum, the famous mantra of Chenrezig, written in Tibetan script. It is said that all the teachings of the Buddha are contained in this mantra. Tibetan Buddhists believe that saying the mantra (prayer), out loud or silently to oneself, invokes his powerful benevolent attention. Viewing the written form of the mantra is said to have the same effect.

Om, symbolize one's impure body, speech and mind, and also the pure noble body, speech and mind of a Buddha. Buddhism claims that an impure body, speech and mind can be transformed into pure ones of a Buddha, who was once impure and later by removing their negative attributes, achieved enlightenment on his path.

Mani, the jewel, symbolizes factors of method, compassion and love, the altruistic intention to become enlightened. "Just as a jewel is capable of removing poverty, so the altruistic mind of enlightenment is capable of removing the poverty, or difficulties, and of solitary peace. Similarly, just as a jewel fulfills the wishes of sentient beings, so the altruistic intention to become enlightened fulfills the wishes of sentient beings", the Dalai Lama says.
PADME means lotus and symbolizes wisdom. Growing out of mud, but not being stained by mud, lotus indicates the quality of wisdom, which keeps you out of contradiction.
Hum, The last syllabus, means inseparability; symbolizing purity & can be achieved by the unity of method and wisdom.

Ganesha is the Lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth. Ganesha's head symbolizes the Atman or the soul, which is the ultimate supreme reality of human existence, and his human body signifies Maya or the earthly existence of human beings. The elephant head denotes wisdom and its trunk represents Om, the sound symbol of cosmic reality. In his upper right hand Ganesha holds a goad, which helps him propel mankind forward on the eternal path and remove obstacles from the way. The laddoo (sweet) he holds indicates that one must discover the sweetness of the Atman. His fan-like ears convey that he is all ears to our petition. The snake that runs round his waist represents energy in all forms.The lotus flowers, and swastika painted on his hand are symbols of spiritual knowledge.

Art Squared Entries

2010-04-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day of the Dead Alter Piece

I LOVE the Day of the Dead and it comes through in some of my work. I decided to do an entire piece dedicated to the DotD for the Art Squared Show I entered. This show is taking place at the:

The Market at Serendip

36 N. Liberty St. Powell, Ohio 43065

A little more info on this piece, besides the Sugar Skull, starting at the upper left hand cornor, is the Mexica symbol for flower or "Xochitl", on the upper right hand cornor is the Virgen of Guadalupe and patron saint of Mexico, the lower right hand cornor hold the Mexica symbol for movement or "Olin" and finally on the lower left hand cornor is the sacred heart, a symbol widely seen on mexican art. I also have scattered "Loteria" card around the piece. Loteria is a game similar to bingo but played with pictures and is traditional in Mexico. Finally I have included a poem written by the ruler poet Nezahualcoytl (Hungry Coyote) during his life in 1431-72

"I am honored, I am made glad. With sweetness my heart is filled. My soul becomes drunk. I so long for the place of the flowers."

The place of the flowers to the Mexica is something akin to Heaven.

Peep Show

2010-03-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

Just for a laugh,

Enjoy the Peep Show!

Ok you all can make fun of me, but this always gets a laugh outta me! Just a little something to make you all laugh and forget it's not yet Friday

Dr Seuss

2010-03-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

I was thinking of Dr Seuss last night and decided I needed to do a post on him. I remember Dr Seuss books as being some of my first books. This is the man I credit for helping to fuel my love of reading. He taught me great lessons that have endured to my adult life such as "A person's a person, no matter how small". and "I know, up on top you are seeing great sights, but down here at the bottom we, too, should have rights." Most importantly he taught me "all the turtles are free, as turtles and, maybe, all creatures should be."

Dr Seuss was there as I wrote my papers in college, reminding me "So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads.". It was true, the less wordy I made my papers, the higher the marks.

He let me know that it was ok to enjoy my solitude and encouraged my independence. "All alone! Whether you like it or not, alone is something you'll be quite a lot!"

The good doctor also helped my love life, when I thought I was too weird to be understood or loved by someone, he told me ""We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love."

I think some of the most important lessons I learned from Dr Seuss were how to be respondsible for myself,
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
and how to treat all living things, even those that can not speak. "I speak for the trees for the trees have no tongues." You're in charge of the last of the Truffula Seeds. And Truffula Trees are what everyone needs. Plant a new Truffula. Treat it with care. Give it clean water. And feed it fresh air.
Grow a forest. Protect it from axes that hack"

Perhaps the best quote I can remember is:

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter

and those who matter don't mind.”

West Memphis Three and Johnny Depp

2010-02-23T09:03:00.000-08:00

In the courtroom, watch the balance of the scales

If the price is right, there's time for more appeals

The strings are pulled, the switch is stayed

The finest lawyers' fees are paid

And a rich man never dies upon the chair

Those of you who follow this blog know that this case is one near and dear to my heart. The case of the West Memphis 3, who were convicted because of a modern day "witch hunt" which persecuted three boys who dressed in black, listened to heavy metal and lived in poverty; which made them unable to mount a proper defense for themselves. The town was gripped by Satanic panic and was quick to grab any scapegoat they could, even if it ment sending three (albeit misfits) young boys to jail.

This case has drawn many famous names along with the thousand of us regular folks who believe these kids got a raw deal.

Johnny Depp will appear on CBS's '48 Hours Mystery' on Saturday to advocate the release of the "West Memphis Three." (Can he be anymore perfect?) Depp is not alone in his belief that the men were convicted on flimsy or fabricated evidence. He joins stars like Eddie Vedder, Winona Ryder, Eddie Spagetti, the Dixie Chicks and Disney teen star Demi Lovato in insisting the men were actually found guilty for their fascination with heavy-metal music, Stephen King and the occult.

"I firmly believe Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley are totally innocent. It was a need for swift justice to placate the community," Depp says on Saturday's show. "Damien Echols is on death row to be killed by lethal injection."

In 2003, Winona Ryder hosted a benefit exhibition at a Los Angeles art gallery, featuring artwork by Raymond Pettibon, Shepard Fairey and Marilyn Manson stating "They are in my hearts every day, and I will never give up until they're out." During the gallery opening ceremony, Ryder announced her belief that the verdicts of the West Memphis Three were based on "rumors, prejudices and superstitions," and called for DNA testing and new trials.

"I just felt what happened to those kids could happen to anybody I know or even myself , wearing the wrong clothes, listening to the wrong music, having the wrong books in your collection, and most importantly, living in the wrong community. I feel like if that case had come up in Seattle where I live, those kids would never have been in jail. But they live in a small community where they wanted that case closed, they wanted some culprits, and they wanted them fast and these kids were a scapegoat." By -Eddie Daly/Spaghetti

Last month, 'Sonny With a Chance' star Lovato tweeted her support of the ongoing cause. She wrote, "Can everyone just take a second to read this please. www.wm3.org A truly worthwhile cause. Show your support!!!" Minutes later, she added, "FREE THE WEST MEMPHIS THREE!!!"
What a shame the ignorance and prejudice by not only the community but most importantly the sham of a judge called Burnnet, perpetuated itself until the shameful fiction resulted in the convictions of three innocent men that have now spent 16 years (and counting) in prison. And yet when faced with the forensic truth and especially the juror misconduct, their tactic is to delay delay delay instead of righting this wrong at long last by saying enough of this nonsense is enough.
If these men are kept in prison any longer it is a sad statement to our Justice system
AND if Judge Burnett is elected to Senate, rewarding his biased and FALSE imprisonment of three 16 year old's who are now 32, where is our JUSTICE?
Depp's appearance on '48 Hours Mystery' airs Saturday, Feb. 27 at 10 p.m.

Frida & Diego

2010-02-11T21:52:00.000-08:00

My Painting of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera

Here is a painting Frida did of herself and Diego

Painting of Frida and Diego by Diego

Below is the picture of Frida Kahlo (1907–54, Mexican painter) that I was looking at when I decided to paint her and Diego. I've been a big fan of Diego but Frida has always been there too. She's always been a prominent figure in my life for several reasons; my aunt is a journalist and lives in, Coyoacán where Kahlo's work is exhibited at the Frida Kahlo Museum, her birthplace and subsequent home in suburban Mexico City. My aunt is a big fan and always showed me her work, bought me pictures and books all my life. When I visit her she is always sure to take me by La Casa Azul which is what Frida called her home.

At 21, Kahlo fell in love with the Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, whose approach to art and politics suited her own. Although he was 20 years her senior, they were married in 1929; this stormy, passionate relationship survived infidelities, the pressures of Rivera's career, a divorce and remarriage, and Kahlo's poor health

Something about them just made me want to paint them. I hope you enjoy.

Edgar Allan Poe

2010-02-09T19:40:00.000-08:00

My New Painting..Edgar Allan Poe as a rag doll!

Were I called on to define, very briefly, the term Art, I should call it 'the reproduction of what the Senses perceive in Nature through the veil of the soul.' The mere imitation, however accurate, of what is in Nature, entitles no man to the sacred name of 'Artist.' ...EAP

Literature is the most noble of professions. In fact, it is about the only one fit for a man. For my own part, there is no seducing me from the path...EAP

I LOVE Edgar Allan Poe, I remember reading him from when I was just a wee youngster and I've never stopped being a fan. I believe as he did "I would define, in brief, the poetry of words as the rhythmical creation of Beauty." He created so much beauty and is such a big part of my love for poetry. I decided that he needed to be a rag doll complete with his bottle of Amantillado and a Raven. This is all done with Acrylic paint on canvas.

Do you see a resemblence?

That pleasure which is at once the most pure, the most elevating and the most intense, is derived, I maintain, from the contemplation of the beautiful. ...EAP

So dear readers,to quote the Mad Hatter, "Why is a Raven like a writing desk?"

The answer...Because Edgar Allan Poe wrote on both!

10 Things That Make Me Happy

2010-02-08T08:30:00.000-08:00

Ok so I got this award from my blog pal Jesse, check him out here: http://www.theartofjesse.blogspot.com/

He's pretty awesome and very encouraging so please enjoy when you pop over to see him. The idea he had on his blog was 10 things that make you happy, so here are my 10 things in no particular order:

1. Making Art, any kind, photography or painting or making cigar box purses or necklaces.

2. Getting and leaving comments on my favorite blogs

3. Hearing from my friends, a call, an email, a comment on my blog or the ever so rare and wonderful hand written letter!

4. Listening to Music

5. Giving my art to people as a surprise

6. Hugs

7. A cup of coffee or tea and a good book

8. My chinchillas giving me kisses, they are my little grey rays of sunshine

9. Laughing so hard you have to catch your breath

10. The ocean, seeing it, hearing it, smelling it, it all comes from being a spoiled Cali gal

Ok folks, those are my 10 things, how about yours?

Mr Postman Brought me Peace

2010-01-30T16:23:00.000-08:00

I received this beauty in the post late last night when I got home. Sal didn't tell me it had come as he wanted it to be a suprise. I was so happy, like a kid on her Bday I opened it right up :)

It's a token of gratitude from the Amazing Jennfier Float! (you big sweetheart you!) Just for me being me and us being pals and keeping in touch. It as so sweet and truely made my day especially since I just had my wisdom teeth pulled (I know 30 is late for that ok?).

Look at that great detail of music notes!

http://gallerygirljen.blogspot.com/ for more. Well I've had an idea breawing in my little witches head for some time about a piece for Miss Jen and I think I will begin work on it right away. I was trying to finish the piece I am currently on, but you can't fight the muse when the muse is pulling you one way!

It's Been Awhile

2010-01-16T14:53:00.000-08:00

Hey all, I know it's been a few days since I have posted anything on here, but I have been very busy. No worries, it's the good kind of busy. I've been working on some painting and using some new medium in my paint so I'm very excited and seems I can't keep my hands off a canvas. I hope to have a piece done tonight. Thank you all for you kind words on my blog and here are some shots of necklaces I made as holiday gifts.

Close Up Shot of the charm on left. The light kind of washed some of the color off the beads in the pic on the left, but on the right is a better shot of the true color

Soldier's Angels

2010-01-08T08:27:00.000-08:00

Hey all, I decided to post this information for those who might be interested in joining this great organization.

Soldiers' Angels

is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and their families. Founded by the mother of two American soldiers, we are an international, volunteer-led organization supporting America's men and women in uniform. With over 30 different teams and projects, our nearly 200,000 volunteers assist veterans, wounded and deployed personnel and their families in a variety of unique and effective ways.

http://soldiersangels.org/index.php?page=join-or-adopt

There are several ways to help, from donations to different parts of the organization that may need help. I do 2 things:

1. I "adopted" a deployed soldier and send a care package once a month and letters to him once a week.

2. I am part of a personalized letter writing team that sends letters to different soldiers every week. You can get up to 3 names and send letters every day I think if you like to be a part of it. I requested 1 name every Monday and Friday. You send 1 letter to the name, that's it!

Our Motto is "May No Soldier Go Unloved"

These guys and gals are our first team and line of defense. They help us all to sleep a little easier and the least we can do is show our appreciation for their sacrifice. So help out if you get a chance, nothing is too small to do. Join me in making sure

NO Soldier Goes Unloved

Peace or Annihilation

2009-12-30T21:02:00.000-08:00

My New Painting

Hope for Peace in 2010

I did this as a Christmas Gift for my cousin Fred. I used spray paint and acyrlic and of course the ever popular Sharpie for the lettering. The words are from A Perfect Circle song, Annihilation

From dehumanization

to arms, production

for the benefit of the nation

or it's destruction?

Power is power

the law of the land,

those living for death

will die by their own hand.

life's no ordeal

if you come to terms.

Reject the system

dictating the norms

From dehumanization

to arms,production

to hasten the nation

towards it's destruction.

it's your choice

your choice

your choice:

peace, or annihilation?

The lyrics are something similar to what I always tell my cousin. I want his generation to be better, to care more and maybe one day we can have the peace we've always sought. Peace through reason and understanding rather than seeking peace out with war. I recently received a letter from a soldier in Afghanistan. (I am part of a letter writing team that sends personalized letters to deployed troops) The words he wrote only confirm my feelings:

"Killing people is by no means fun, even if they are terrorists, and it seems to me to be a very short term answer to a potentially very long term problem. The only hope for this country are it's kids. They have to be safe and educated. If we lose the kids, we lose the war. It's unfortunate more people don't realize that."

If we lose the kids, we lose the war. That applies to everyday life in any part of the world. No matter what the war that is being fought maybe, against hunger, poverty, lack of education. The world needs to realize that we should war against the problems, not war againt the people.

POST # 100!!!

2009-12-15T08:22:00.000-08:00

Wow I can't believe it's aready been 100 posts! When I started this blog, I never thought I would actually be able to keep posting weekly. This post is dedicated to the person encouraged me to start a blog:
“There is nothing better than the encouragement of a good friend”

jennifer@nolaagallery.com

http://www.gallerygirljen.blogspot.com/

Check out her art, it's full of color and whimsy. I have several pieces by her that seem to cheer up my living room. She's amazing and her work is great. So....

Thank you Jen for getting me to do this blog and helping me to focus more on my art!

Love the art in yourself, not yourself in the art

New Shots from Woodlawn Cemetery

2009-11-27T17:36:00.000-08:00

Faded Memories and Beauty

2009-11-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

When I saw you today

My heart strings yanked your memory from

the overlooked and disregarded shelf of my mind

And though it was dusty, it was still there;

All the laughter of our school days,

Like faded construction paper.

The old pictures of us,

long yellowed with age,

The cobwebs could not hide its beauty;

or the scent that enveloped me

the way your hugs used to

Smelling like the ocean and sprinkled with sand.

It all made me wish I could go back,

Every time I have failed to stop myself from glancing behind,

You have been there.

Though now we both no longer feel the same inside

and whatever feelings we had for each other

have long since died

You have your new life and friends now

As I have mine

I know we can never go home again,

but

You will always have that place in my mind

On the shelf filled with

Faded Memories and Beauty

Work in progress:

By Me

We Are Happier Together

2009-11-13T08:04:00.000-08:00

Though no one else remembers the past that scared our hearts

I know,

And you will never forget.

And that will be enough, I guess.

At least together we can have truth

Which no one else seems to share.

I know how you lived,

Alone, Broken, Lost

And I know you hate self pity.

You know me,

Wounded,

How I was never enough (or so I was told)

What does it matter if it was never true

When her ruler measures me still

We are both so damaged

You and I

Yet through the fragments

We found laughter in each other

Even if Laughter makes the sadness worse when

it inevitably comes

Just like it's so much darker when a light goes out

Than if it had never shone.

You toss your head and laugh

For that second I am with you,

Everything is perfect

We are happier together

We radiate light

Keeping sorrow and darkness at bay as long as we can

Hold tight; Against the shadows to this moment

And your breath

By: Me

Truth

2009-11-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

Something told to me by an old convict who spent his life in prison:

"You can do alot better in the Truth. The best game you can play is No Game; because the Devil always trick himself. Control must be in order and order must be in Truth. And when in Truth you can face the problem as it is, not through distorted judgements. We alone effect ourself. There is no one, no we, unless we make it, redeem it and come back in grace with Truth. One lie and forever and Truth goes on and on without you. People that lie have no honor. Keep your honor and you keep your soul."

I Will Remain

2009-11-04T08:02:00.000-08:00

I must not Fear.
Fear is the Mind killer.
Fear is the little Death that brings total obliteration.

I Will Face My Fear

I will permit it to pass over me and through me.

And when it has gone past me,

I will turn to see Fear's path.

Where Fear has gone there will be nothing.

Only I Will Remain

The Scream by Edvard Munch

Words by Frank Herbert

Depression and Fear Are Gone

2009-10-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

What Now?

I was devastated when they said my depression had lifted. What shall I do now, I wondered, when opportunity accosts me in the street?
Depression had always been my escape route. ‘I can’t do that’ I would mournfully sigh, reaching for my bucket of Prozac ‘I’m depressed’, and opportunity would bother me no more. But the depression has lifted. The ace up my sleeve has been ruthlessly removed. I am completely fucked! .....Andre Jordan

‘I’m leaving’ said The Fear, dragging his suitcase into the hallway.
‘Does this mean I shall be fear-less?’ I asked.
‘Not quite’ said The Fear, ‘Apprehension has decided to stay’.
I smiled, wished The Fear well, and watched him nervously open my front door.
‘Maybe see you again’ he almost smiled, as he headed for the waiting taxi.
‘Maybe’ I said, not wishing to be rude.
And then he was gone.
I closed the door, took a deep breath, and smiled [apprehensively]....Andre Jordan

What I've learned

I know how you feel Andre! But I guess it is like the alcoholics say, One day at a time. Sure Fear is gonna come visit every now and again, but at least he won't be the doubtful guest he always was; staying too long, eating your food, reading your books and ruining your art with his ever watchful stare. Even when you tried to avoid him or tried not to see him, there he was, like the person you never want to sit next to on a plane. And though you held your breath and tried not to stare as Fear made his way down the aisle, deep in your heart you just knew - you just knew - a matter of course, that he’d sit next to you. But now you realize that you can get up and change seats, and leave Fear behind. Fear will wave at you from where he is, sitting with his best pal Depression, but they won't join you, not unless you wave them over and invite them to be by your side. Fear and Depression will be there, but only for the next poor soul who wants to take comfort in their company.

Simon Kenton Cemetery

2009-10-24T22:10:00.000-07:00

One of my first cemetery pictures.

Simon Kenton Cemetery, OH

I just love the way the dog is looking up at him with such reverance and loyalty.

Simon Kenton tombstone, the epitaph is amoung one of my favorites;

In Memory of Simon Kenton,

His Fellow Citizens of the West

Will Long Remember him as

The Skilled Pioneer of early times,

The Brave Solider and

The Honest Man

Happy Birthday Micol

2009-10-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Micol....Have some cake! Hope your day is great!

Your birthday's a time for careful reflection

About your life, and its future direction.

You see where you've been when you look at the past;

Most of it's great; you had quite a blast!

You wonder what's coming, what life has in store;

Will it be just the same? Will there be a new door?

Remember this, as you blow out the last candle:

Life holds no challenge that you cannot handle.

By Joanna Fuchs

It’s your birthday time again;

It’s true; there’s no denying,

Another year has come and gone;

You know that I’m not lying.

So for you, the birthday person,

Here’s what I want to say:

I hope this birthday’s the best one yet,

In every delightful way.

So happy birthday to you.

Have lots of birthday fun!

May your birthday wishes all come true,

Even if you have a ton.

By Karl Fuchs

WOMAN

2009-10-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

She wanted to be a blade

of grass amid the fields

But he wouldn't agree

to be the Dandelion

She wanted to be a robin singing

through the leaves

but he refused to be

her tree

She spun herself into a web

and looking for a place to rest

turned to him

but he stood straight

declining to be her cornor

She tried to be a book

But he wouldn't read

She turned herself into a blub

but he wouldn't let her grow

She decided to become

a Woman

and though he still refused

to be a man

She decided it was all

right

Poetry by Nikki Giovanni

Photos by me

Damien Echols Defense Fund Art Benefit

2009-10-14T11:24:00.000-07:00

DAMIEN ECHOLS IS INNOCENT & WE NEED YOUR HELP

On October 25th an exclusive silent auction of artwork will be held with work from 30+ prominent artists from the NYC contemporary art scene. The goal of this benefit is to raise much-needed legal funds for the final push to free Damien Echols.

Echols is an artist and writer who, at 18 years old, was wrongly convicted of murder in 1994 along with Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley, and all became known as the West Memphis 3. Echols was merely a goth-metal kid in a conservative small town who was targeted for being different. Both the trial and investigation were characterized by egregious misconduct on the part of the authorities. Echols alone received the death sentence. The 1996 HBO documentary on this case,Paradise Lost, calls this miscarriage of justice a “new Salem witch trial.”
We—a cross section of artists, museum curators, gallery directors, musicians, and actors—believe in the innocence of Damien Echols. We have put this benefit together as a group of individuals with a common purpose. Unlike other fundraisers that raise money for blanket causes, or institutions, this benefit seeks to save the life of one person, a fellow artist. After 16 years on death row and as many denied legal motions, the Arkansas State Supreme Court will again consider Damien's lawyers' latest motion for a new trial.
Crucial new evidence of the WM3's innocence has been uncovered, including crime scene DNA that absolves Damien, Jason and Jessie and points to other persons. Some of the country’s leading pathologists have found that much of the forensic evidence presented to the juries that helped convict the West Memphis 3 was false and not consistent with the cause of death or wounds found on the bodies. And recently, sworn affidavits were presented to the ASSC detailing serious misconduct during Jason and Damien's original trial by the jury foreman.

Date: October 25, 2009 6-9PM
Place: Maccarone
630 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10014
http://www.maccarone.net/

PH: 917-753-6187

Your Extraordinary Mind

2009-10-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

Burn Bright

2009-10-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

My candle burns at both ends;

It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and
oh, my friends
It gives a lovely light!
Edna St. Vincent Millay

At the center of every bright flame,
there is always a touch of blue

Sometimes our Light goes out,
but is blown back into flame by another human being.
Each of us owes deepest thanks

to those who have rekindled this light Fire is beautiful and we know that if we get too close it will kill us,

but what does that matter?

It is better to be happy for a moment and be burned up with beauty,

than to live a long time and be bored all the while.

That is what life is for,

it is better to be a part of beauty for one instant

and then cease to exist,

than to exist forever and

never be a part of beauty.

I do not agree with him,

myself, I would rather have half the happiness and twice the longevity;
but at the same time

I wish there was something I wanted

as badly as he wanted to fry himself...Don Marquis

I've had an idea or rather a vision

It is a vision of every human being

bursting with Fire and with mystery

I write of indefinable and brilliant flames

That will forever burn bright.

The Light I see is there in you.

I see it in every one of us,

and will Always.

I hope it never takes Death or a rape

for you to see this Light

In those around you.

Forbid it should demand such a price

Let me pay the price for you instead.

Thank You Mr Rogers

2009-10-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

My First (and still the best) Therapist

"If only you could sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person."

"When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone."

Ok you all can mock me and I fully accept your scorn; but I LOVE Mr. Rogers. I always say he is the best therapy ever. Because of him I am obsessed with cardigans. When my family took a trip to D.C. back in the 90's, I made them go to the Smithsonian so I could see Mr. Roger's sweater. One of my pals even gave me the book: The World According To Mr Rogers

"I hope you're proud of yourself for the times you've said "yes," when all it meant was extra work for you and was seemingly helpful only to someone else."
Here are some tips by Mr. Roger's
"Forgiveness is a strange thing. It can sometimes be easier to forgive our enemies than our friends. It can be hardest of all to forgive people we love. Like all of life's important coping skills, the ability to forgive and the capacity to let go of resentments most likely take root very early in our lives"
"There’s so much more to everyone you will ever meet than will ever meet your eye.”
"Some days, doing "the best we can" may still fall short of what we would like to be able to do, but life isn't perfect on any front-and doing what we can with what we have is the most we should expect of ourselves or anyone else. "
"The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self."
"Who we are in the present includes who we were in the past."

My favorite quote by Mr. Rogers that I still say to myself. I love watching the end of the show sometimes to hear him say:

"You are special, by just you being you. There is no one in this whole world like you. And I like you, just the way you are"

Sigh, it's sad to remember that it was Mr. Rogers who told me this instead of my parents, but thank you Mr. Rogers. I think without you my self esteem would be in worst shape.

"The world needs a sense of worth, and it will achieve it only by its people feeling that they are worthwhile."

I wish some of the people I have known, friends and family, would adhere to Mr. Roger's idea of what love is:
"Love isn't a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun like struggle. To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now."
Thank You Mr. Rogers

Calvary Color Shots

2009-09-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

From fields where glory does not stay and

Early though the laurel grows

It withers quicker than the rose...

And round that early laurelled head

Will flock to gaze the strengthless dead

And find unwirthered on it's curls

The garland ...AE Housman

The Grave is but a covered bridge,

Leading from Light to Light

Through a brief DarknessI can not see what flowers are at my feet,

Nor what soft incense hangs upon the boughs,

But, in embalmed darkness guess each sweet scent Art is long and Time is fleeting,

And our hearts though stout and brave,

Still like muffled drums are beating

Funeral marches to the grave

New Necklace

2009-09-25T08:19:00.001-07:00

Here is a shot of the new necklace I just finished for Spirit Jump

Below is just a little about the charm I chose. The meaning behind the charm are things I believe people in a difficult situation need

The charm is of Durga the Hindu god. Goddess Durga is the mother of the universe and believed to be the power behind the work of creation, preservation, and destruction of the world. Since time immemorial she has been worshipped as the supreme power of the Supreme Being. Another meaning of "Durga" is "Durgatinashini," which literally translates into "the one who eliminates sufferings." Thus, Hindus believe that goddess Durga protects her devotees from the Evils of the world and at the same time removes their miseries

Durga stands on a lion in a fearless pose of "Abhay Mudra", signifying assurance of freedom from fear.
Durga holds several weapons in her many hands.
-The conch shell in Durga's hand symbolizes the 'Pranava' or the mystic word 'Om', which indicates her holding on to God in the form of sound.
-The bow and arrows represent energy. By holding both the bow and arrows in one hand "Mother Durga" is indicating her control over both aspects of energy - potential and kinetic.
-The thunderbolt signifies firmness. The devotee of Durga must be firm like thunderbolt in one's convictions. Like the thunderbolt that can break anything against which it strikes, without being affected itself, the devotee needs to attack a challenge without losing his confidence.
-The lotus in Durga's hand is not in fully bloomed, It symbolizing certainty of success but not finality. The lotus stands for the continuous evolution of the spiritual quality of devotees amidst the worldly mud of lust and greed.
-The "Sudarshan-Chakra" or beautiful discus, which spins around the index finger of the Goddess, while not touching it. She uses this unfailing weapon to destroy evil and produce an environment conducive to the growth of righteousness.
-The sword that Durga holds in one of her hands symbolizes knowledge, which has the sharpness of a sword. Knowledge which is free from all doubts
-Durga's trident or "trishul" is a symbol of her as the remover of all the three types of miseries - physical, mental and spiritual.

My New Painting

2009-09-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

Che Guevara
My painting of Che Guevara. I know he is a very controversial figure, some people think he is a hero, others consider him a monster. What I admire about him was the courage of his conviction. He followed his heart, even in the face of adversity. His is the story of an obscure Argentine doctor who abandoned his profession and his native land to pursue the emancipation of the poor of the earth. He said "I came into close contact with poverty, hunger and disease; with the inability to treat a child because of lack of money; with the stupefaction provoked by the continual hunger and punishment, to the point that a father can accept the loss of a son as an unimportant accident, as occurs often in the downtrodden classes of our American homeland. And I began to realize at that time that there were things that were almost as important to me as becoming a famous or making a significant contribution to medical science: I wanted to help those people"

In 1956, along with a handful of others, he had crossed the Caribbean in the mad mission of invading Cuba and overthrowing the dictator Fulgencio Batista. He is quoted as saying "The feeling of revolt will grow stronger every day among the peoples subjected to various degrees of exploitation, and they will take up arms to gain by force the rights which reason alone has not won them"
Guevara displayed such outrageous bravery and skill that he was named comandante, the insurgents entered Havana and launched what was to become the first and only victorious socialist revolution in the Americas. His famous last words were rumored to be "I know you are here to kill me. Shoot, coward, you are only going to kill a man. " Che felt "I don't care if I fall as long as someone else picks up my gun and keeps on shooting.” I hope you enjoy my "Rag Doll" painting of Che

“Let me say, at the risk of seeming ridiculous, that the true revolutionary is guided by great feelings of love.”

One of Che's famous Quotes hidden in the smoke of my painting "Hasta La Victoria" meaning "Until Victory"

I am not a liberator. Liberators do not exist. The people liberate themselves.

"If you tremble indignation at every injustice then you are a comrade of mine"

Do You Remember Woodsy Owl?

2009-09-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

GIVE A HOOT, DON'T POLLUTE!

No matter how bad I feel, this comic always makes me laugh. I have it hung up at work so it can cheer me up when I need it.

Truman Capote

2009-09-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

American Author;

Literary Rock Star

Diva

Truman Capote, what more could be said about him than the above lines? I find him to be a genius of the written words, mostly for his simplicity. I've always thought him to be incredibly courageous for daring to be who he was. He once said of himself "I'm about as tall as a shotgun and just as noisy". He was braving for being openly gay and not conforming in a time when society wasn't as accepting as it is now. (Though I do not believe that society has evolved much from old prejudices and ways of thinking as we would like to believe; though that is a topic for another time. My personal favorite quote was

"I don't care what anyone says about me as long as it's not true".

A brief history for Truman is that he grew up lonely as a kid, befriended Harper Lee at a young age and went on to write what he called "non fiction novel" In Cold Blood and in doing so was often credited with pioneering the "true crime" genres.

Answered Prayers is the novel he never finished and the parts that were published cost him many friends who were unhappy with Truman's protrayl of them under thinly veiled characters. Truman was again lonely. I found this passage in Answered Prayers to be particularly poignant:

"I didn't say good bye to anybody, just left; I'm the type, and a type by no means rare, who might be your closest friend, a buddy you talked to everyday, yet if one day you neglected to to make contact, if you failed to telephone me, then that would be it, we'd never speak again, for I would never telephone you."

Ah Truman you are right when you say that the above mentioned type is not rare at all. People like that wander in and out of people's lives sometimes breaking hearts and souls with your silence. Still, though I've never met you, I miss your genius

" A conversation is a dialogue, not a monologue. That's why there are so few good conversations: due to scarcity, two intelligent talkers seldom meet"

Pic I took of Truman resting place

Spirit Jump

2009-09-10T21:08:00.000-07:00

Here are some necklaces I did for some brave gals in need of a Spirit Jump

Teresa's Blue Dolphin and Shells and Ribbon Spirit Jump Necklace

Melissa' s Purple and Shell Angel and Flower Necklace

Darlene's Purple "May There Always Be an Angel By Your Side" Necklace

Crystal's Pink Hope, Faith and Butterfly Necklace

Emily's Pink Dream Necklace

My Painting of My Pals Old Band

2009-09-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

THE BAND

WHATCHA ALL THINK?

I think Andre Jordan wrote this about me

2009-09-08T14:41:00.000-07:00

Since I am such a big fan of cemeteries, this called out to me, I changed a few things, you will notice as you read to fit moi :)

Grave Girl (or Woman)
I found her sitting on a gravestone.
She was talking to herself and cutting up handwritten letters with the biggest pair of scissors I had ever seen.
‘Hello’, I said.
‘Hello’, she smiled, nimbly snipping away.
‘Whom are you talking to?’
‘Everyone’ she smiled, waving her arms around the cemetery.
I smiled. ‘And why are you destroying those letters?’
‘I am not destroying them,’ she insisted, ‘I am just cutting all of the words out. I love words’
‘But why are you cutting all of the words out?’ I asked.
‘Because they are in the wrong order. And some of them,’ she theatrically sighed, ‘have been incorrectly spelt. What is your favourite word?’
‘I don’t know,’ I said, wishing I could think of something magnificent. ‘I quite like oxymoron’.
‘Oh that’s a great word’ she laughed, ‘Isobella Monkton’s favourite word is cantankerous’.
‘Who is Isobella Monkton?’ I asked.
‘Isobella is over there,’ smiled the girl, gesturing towards a broken-nosed marble statue covered in ivy. ‘She sadly died in 1842’.
Whilst the girl was clearly loopy, I found her manner quite delightful, and so, not wishing to offend, I half-waved in Isobella’s direction and continued our conversation.
‘What is your favourite word?’
The girl carefully placed her giant scissors by her side and paused for a moment.
‘Oh I have so many favourites. It’s really hard to say, and it all depends upon my mood. Currently my favourite word is melancholy’.
‘Melancholy,’ I sighed. ‘I’ve been melancholy all my life. In fact I was going to say melancholy but I thought you might be frightened by such a word and so I said oxymoron.
‘Why would I be frightened of the word melancholy?’ asked the girl, clearly perplexed.
‘Well,’ I tried to explain, ‘whenever you say words like that, people are a bit shocked. They don’t know what to do with themselves. The moment they hear such words they form an opinion of you – normally a misguided opinion of you. It’s like telling someone you once had the depressions, (Take note here that your dear blogger Wendie does in fact suffer from depression) or your favourite pop group is The Smiths. (Note, that I, Wendie, do NOT like the Smiths, let's substitute The Cure here)
The moment you say it, you can see their faces change. Fear consumes them and they either want to stop talking to you - pretend that you’re no longer there - or they want to run away’
‘I love The Smiths,’ cried the girl, laughing for the first time. (let's substitute The Cure here again)
‘Me too,’ I gushed. ‘What’s your favourite Smith’s song?’ (Cure Song)
And then it happened. The most wonderful thing in the whole wide world happened. In a cemetery. The girl began to sing.
"I found myself alone upon the raging sea, that stole the only girl I loved and drowned her deep inside of me"
Oh it was wondrous. Truly wondrous. I wanted her to go on forever. I wanted her to never stop. But the girl said she had other things to do and she needed to be alone for a while because ‘cutting out words and putting them back in the right order takes a lot of concentration’.
I said I understood. I would bother her no more.
But I was devastated. Truly devastated.
Would I ever see her again? Did she feel the ‘stuff in the air’?
I didn’t even know her name? There was so much I should have said.
So many things I wished I’d asked and now it was too late.
I had missed my one and only chance.
I closed the cemetery gate, lit a cheap-cigarette and slowly made my way back home.

Oh Andre, did you find me one day at one of my many favorite haunts? Did you see me taking pictures and rubbing or kissing the gravestones that I found particularly sweet, touching or beautiful? Do you see me sit quietly, sometimes talking to my newly found, yet long deceased friends? Do you like watching me put flowers down on the graves of those I don't know, just so I can feel that connection? Am I like a Cemetery Fairy finding peace and love and tranquility where others find sorrow? Were you there when Bukowski and I shared a small bottle of red wine I brought with me for just that occasion; me sipping it and pouring him a bit into his grave? Are you there when I leave notes for my beloved Bela Lugosi? Do you see me photographing myself on top of his grave? Did I look happy?

The Hallways of the Always

2009-09-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

In The Hallways of the AlwaysThere Are Things Known And Things Unknown
And In Between

Are The DOORS

One of My Favorite Shots

2009-08-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

My Grief Lies All Within

And these external manners of Lament

Are Merely Shadows To The Unseen Grief That Swells with Silence
In that Tortured Soul

Pics by Me

Words by W. Shakespeare

Spider Webs

2009-08-25T18:15:00.000-07:00

Oh what a tangled web we weave...

Don't We All Know Someone Like This

2009-08-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

Maybe this is you, I know I can relate

How I Feel

2009-08-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

Where Would You Like To Go?

2009-08-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

The Question We Should All Ask Ourselves

By Andre Jordan

He is just great, we share the same sense of humor.

Check out his site at : http://www.abeautifulrevolution.com/

For Shannon

2009-08-12T20:12:00.001-07:00

West Memphis Three Update

2009-08-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

UPDATE ON THE WEST MEMPHIS THREE RULE 37 HEARING

A quick recap for those unfamiliar with this case:

Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley were convicted with Damien Echols of the 1993 murders of three West Memphis boys-- Stevie Branch, Christopher Byers and Michael Moore. It has since come to light through evidence that the West Memphis 3 could not have committed the crime in question. The evidence supporting this is so strong that the PARENTS OF THE VICTIMS believe in the innocence of the WM3 and have been vocal about their support of their release, feeling that the real killers must be brought to justice. Stevie Branch's mother has been seen wearing a FREE THE WM3 shirt, along John Byers (stepfather of Christopher Byers) who was once one of the most vocal AGAINST the WM3.

Jessie Misskelley’s local attorney, Jeff Rosenzweig, started out the proceedings by asking Judge Burnett to rescue himself, arguing that Burnett’s running for a partisan political office violates his client Jessie Misskelley’s due process. (Jason Baldwin’s attorney from San Francisco, seconded that emotion.) Burnett protested that he’d love to drop this whole thing in someone’s lap but it’s his duty to finish this and besides, he hasn’t filed to run for anything yet. This sorry excuse for a judge (remember now, they are supposed to be impartial) who has jumped at the chance to use this case to further himself. has PUBLICLY announced plans to seek a state Senate seat. Yet now expects us to believe :
"I don't have any biases, and your motion is denied,"

Kicking off the final round of Rule 37 hearings is Dr Werner Spitz, a legend in the field of forensic pathology who can literally say he wrote the book on it—Medico Legal Investigation of Death, still the largest textbook in print. Spitz has been a forensic pathologist for 56 years and performed 60,000 autopsies. Dr. Spitz is forthright, his testimony unequivocal and if you try to put words in his mouth or get to him freestyle about what might have happened on May 5th, you might lose your hand at the wrist. Judge Burnett got a little of that action when he tried…
Dr. Spitz is absolute in his conclusions regarding the cause of the death—all three drowned—and the wounds on Michael Moore, Stevie Branch and Christopher Byer: they are the result of postmortem animal predation.

The wounds as seen in Dr Frank Peretti’s autopsy photos were not inflicted by knives of any kind, certainly not the ones pretended to be evidence at Damien Echols and Jason Baldwin’s trial.
It’s time we finally learned the truth. John Philipsborn went over at least a score of autopsy photos asking Spitz what could have caused these parallel lines or what made these irregular indentations with a deeper puncture at the top and Spitz’s answer was always that they were consistent with the claws or teeth of carnivorous animal or aquatic life nipping from underneath. Spitz pointed out how easy it was to see this unmistakable bloody foam on Stevie Branch’s autopsy sheet in photo 330/48R. Yeah, too bad Dr. Frank Pertti (so called expert for the prosecution) a board certified, qualified medical examiner didn’t discover something so obvious.
And while we’re talking about what Dr. Frank Peretti isn’t… Spitz offered that the medical examiner needed to take all the injuries as a whole to reach his or her conclusions, not focus on individual ones and try to figure out what an anomaly happened-- that’s when Frank Peretti made mistakes… Big Mistakes.
Or when a not qualified, not board certified Medical Examiner tailors his conclusions to back up a false and coerced confession of a 17 year old who wasn’t even present at the crime scene, who merely regurgitated what the cops told him to say so that they’d let him go home like they promised to.
Let me break it down thusly:
None of the wounds on the boys are consistent with wounds that would have been made by the knives presented at Damien and Jason’s trial, especially the serrated one used in Fogleman’s infamous “grapefruit” presentation.

None of the wounds back-up Peretti’s conclusions and testimony.
I saved the biggest shocker for last: None of the wounds resulted from satanic ritualistic activity.
All of the state’s so-called experts testified at the two trials arrived at their conclusions based upon the ludicrous “confession” coerced from Jessie Misskelley all day long on June 3, 1993, audio taping a scant 44 minutes though they owned a video camera at the WMPD. We know now that not one thing in Jessie’s “confession”is true (since he wasn’t there to begin with) because some idiotic detectives that can’t differentiate a knife wound from a raccoon bite concocted the entire scenario. What a shame their ignorance and prejudice perpetuated itself until their shameful fiction resulted in the convictions of three innocent men that have now spent 16 years (and counting) in prison. And yet when faced with the forensic truth and especially the juror misconduct, their tactic is to delay delay delay instead of righting this wrong at long last by saying enough of this nonsense is enough.

If these men are kept in prison any longer it is a sad statement to our Justice system

AND if Judge Burnett is elected to Senate, rewarding his biased and FALSE imprisonment of three 16 year old's who are now 32, where is our JUSTICE?

Sharon Tate Revisted

2009-08-10T13:30:00.000-07:00

Rest In Peace

Sharon Marie Tate

A True Beauty

January 24, 1943- August 9, 1969

Thy End is Truth And Beauty's Doom and Date...Shakespeare

If you have followed my blog, you might remember my earlier post of Sharon Tate. (If not, check out my blog history and read the post if you so choose) I thought that I would pay my respects to her yet again on the 40th anniversary of her passing.
As Truth And Beauty Shall Together Thrive Forever In You

And You Shall Thrive In Our Hearts Forever

She was so beautiful, I really do not know what I could add to what I have previously said about her. There is such a "freshness" to her. I never really understood how someone could look "fresh" until I saw Sharon's pictures.

To Quote Bob Dylan "Your Breath Is Sweet As Wheat, Your Eyes Are Like Two Jewels In The Sky. Your Back Is Straight, Your Hair Is Smooth On The Pillow Where You Lie

This is how I remember you, Sharon, when I think of you, I think of your elegance.

The Original Malibu Barbie

Now Boast Thee, Death

In Thy Possession Lies

A Lass UNPARALLEL'D ...
W.Shakespeare

I took the shots of Sharon's final resting place at Holy Cross Cemetery.

PS. A bit of synchronicity, this is the 69th post on my blog, the same year Sharon was taken from us.

Flower of Industry

2009-08-06T21:37:00.001-07:00

IN BACK OF THE REAL

A flower lay on the hay on

the asphalt highway

-the dread hay flower

I thought- It had a brittle black stem and

corolla of yellowish dirty

spikes like Jesus' inchlong

crown, and a soiled

dry cotton tuft

like a used shaving brush

that's been lying under

the garage for a year

Yellow, yellow flower and

flower of industry

tough, spikey ugly flower,

flower nonetheless,

with the form of the great yellow

Rose in your brain! This is the flower of the World

Photos by me, poetry by Allen Ginesburg

Cineri gloria sera est

2009-08-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

Cineri Gloria Sera Est

Glory Paid To Ashes Comes Too Late

Nietzsche Is My Homeboy

2009-08-03T20:52:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite thinkers ever!

NIETZSCHE on Truth:

WE HAVE ART IN ORDER NOT TO DIE OF TRUTH

-Choose between comfort and truth for they are mutually exclusive. If you want to choose the pleasure of growth, prepare yourself for some pain.

-All Truth is simple...is that not doubly a lie?

ON FAITH:

-Faith is not wanting to know what is true.

-A casual stroll through the lunatic asylum shows that faith does not prove anything.

- The "Kingdom of Heaven" is a condition of the heart- not something that comes "upon the earth" or "after death"

- I can not believe in a god who wants to be praised all the time

- Is man one of God's blunders? Or is God one of man's blunders?

On LOVE:

-Love is blind; friendship closes it's eyes

-Whatever is done for love always occurs beyond good and evil

ON LIFE:

-Hope in reality is the worst of all evils because it prolongs the torments of man

-He who has a Why to live can bear almost any How

- To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering

-Fear is the mother of morality

-In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES BY MY HOMIE

-If you gaze for long into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you

-Perhaps I know best why it is man alone who laughs; he alone suffers so deeply that he had to invent laughter.

-The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently.

You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, the only way, it does not exist.

For Art to exist, for any sort of aesthetic activity to exist, a certain physiological precondition is indispensable: Intoxication

Spanish Style

2009-07-30T21:21:00.000-07:00

Spanish Inspiration

Odd Fellows Cemetery

2009-07-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

I took this shot this weekend at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in California. I think it was the name that attracted me the most, but the cemetery is beautiful in it's own way. The grounds are so dry that the leaves from the trees crunch underfoot like in the fall. It's like walking through a dessert with small oasis of green that are freshly planted graves. Tell me what you think

Something I Wrote Long Ago That May Still Hold True

2009-07-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

The People Who Know Me

And just who would that be? How well do I think anyone knows me? The answer is simple; No one knows me and no one cares to really know me.

The only time people care is when I happen to upset their happy seemingly unknowing world. Please do not patronize me, saying you care about me, worry about me and the minuet something happens that you don't know how to deal with, you turn tail and run.

People don't know that sometimes the last thing you want is to be left alone. And yet that is all people seem to know what to do with me when I am upset. No one so much as attempts to stay around or get me to talk. I suppose it's all too convenient to just walk away and tell themselves that they tried.

It seems most people are just waiting to hear "Go Away!" so they can say "Oh, you want to be left alone? OK bye." and run out without ever trying to figure out what is actually wrong or another way to help.

People do not even stay long enough to prove themselves friends. I can not count the nights I spent consoling my friends when I really would have liked to be elsewhere, but never the less I did it. I stayed when they said they wanted to be alone, all the while silently pleading with their eyes. I did it for them, but does anyone do it for me?

No one says "No, I'm not leaving, even if you want me to, because you need to see that I care and that I want you to be OK. I'm going to ride this out with you, like you do for me when I am upset. No matter how much you cry and scream, you won't scare me off and when this is all through, I will love you just the same. I will still see you as the person you have always been to me. No matter how bad things seem, I will help you get through it."

Does anyone ever take the initiative to call me or see how I am doing? Does anyone ever press past the typical "I'm fine" response?

NO!

People could, but that doesn't mean they will.

I get so angry, the least people could do is try. Do people seriously think that it is easy for me to listen to their asinine stories and fake interest? It's not, but I try.

There is no number for times I've heard "You are so funny!" To which I respond "I'm being serious". No one seems to take me seriously. Perhaps it is that they do not want to believe how serious things can be with me. Everyone just wants me to remain their fall back crutch, the person they go to when something is wrong. Yet no one seems to want to reciprocate the actions, feelings, concerns, not any of it, or at the very least, not enough. I do not believe this is selfish, it is simply wanting the same courtesy extended to be that I give.

I have decided to give no more. It's not worth it. Most people are not worth it. There really isn't anyone you can trust but yourself. Only you know how you are feeling and only you can deal with it.

In the end, no matter what poems or songs say, everyone is alone. Everyone deals with their problems alone. Everyone dies alone.

I have been saying for years that I have no friends, that I hate most people and I'd rather be alone. It's not easy to be this way, but it is easier. I've been disappointed too many times by people who say they are "friends" to count on anyone. It is easier to take yourself when you don't have people you thought you could trust running for the hills whenever you feel upset, or thinking something is wrong with you. It is easier to turn inside and deal or ignore and continue on when all you have is yourself.

If in the end we are all alone, then I have a head start, for I have been alone all my life.

Griffith Memorial

2009-07-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

GRIFFITH MEMORIAL

In honor of the man who gave Los Angeles a park, an amphitheater, the Greek Theatre, and our beloved, recently renovated Griffith Observatory.

Colonel Griffith J. Griffith (horrible name I know) purchased Rancho Los Feliz (near the Los Angeles River) in 1882. He donated 3,015 acres (12.2 km2) to the city of Los Angeles on December 16, 1896 which became a city park.

Griffith was kind of a bad ass though, and in 1903 an incident resulted with his being tried and convicted for shooting and severely wounding his wife. When released from prison, he attempted to fund the construction of an observatory, planetarium, amphitheater, a girls camp and boys camp in the park. His reputation in the city was tainted by his crime, however, so the city refused his money (what his money wasn't green enough?). So much for "paying your debt to society".

In 1912, Griffith designated 100 acres (0.4 km2) of the park, at its northeast corner along the Los Angeles River, be used to "do something to further aviation." The Griffith Park Aerodrome was the result. The aerodrome passed to the National Guard Air Service. Air operations continued on a 2,000-foot (600 m)-long runway until 1939, when it was closed.
From 1946 until the mid-1950s, Rodger Young Village (was a public housing project, set up to provide temporary housing for veterans returning to the Southern California area following the end of World War II.) occupied the area.
Today that site is occupied by the Los Angeles Zoo parking lot, the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum, soccer fields, and the interchange between the Golden State Freeway and the Ventura Freeway.
Film pioneer D.W. Griffith (no relation to Colonel Griffith) filmed the battle scenes for his epic Birth of a Nation in the park in 1915. Over the years, a number of films were shot in the park.
Griffith set up a trust fund for the improvements he envisioned, and after his death in 1919 the city began to build what Griffith had wanted. The amphitheater, the Greek Theatre, was completed in 1930, and Griffith Observatory was finished in 1935.
Griffith is interred at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. I felt after all he did for Los Angeles, it was the least I could do to take a few shots of his memorial. Thank you so much Mr. Griffith, we can finally see the stars in Los Angeles without being hindered by bright lights and smog!

San Pedro Sunset

2009-07-14T19:31:00.000-07:00

Dalai Lama

2009-07-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOUR HOLINESS

Truth cannot shine if we fail to accept truth or consider it illegal to tell the truth.

Responsibility for working for peace lies not only with our leaders, but also with each of us individually.

Peace starts within each one of us.

When we have inner peace, we can be at peace with those around usNo matter how new the face or how different the dress and behavior, there is no significant division between us and other people.

It is foolish to dwell on external differences, because our basic natures are the same.

Providing for equality under law, everyone is entitled to equal rights and freedoms without discrimination of any kind.
Peace and freedom cannot be ensured as long as fundamental human rights are violated.
Similarly, there cannot be peace and stability as long as there is oppression and suppression.
It is unfair to seek one's own interests at the cost of other people's rights.

I believe that at every level of society - familial, tribal, national and international - the key to a happier and more successful world is the growth of compassion.
We do not need to become religious, nor do we need to believe in an ideology. All that is necessary is for each of us to develop our good human qualities.
Ultimately, humanity is one and this small planet is our only home, If we are to protect this home of ours, each of us needs to experience a vivid sense of universal altruism. It is only this feeling that can remove the self-centered motives that cause people to deceive and misuse one another.

Whether we are concerned with suffering born of poverty, with denial of freedom, with armed conflict, or with a reckless attitude to the natural environment everywhere, we should not view these events in isolation. Eventually their repercussions are felt by all of us. We, therefore, need effective international action to address these global issues from the perspective of the oneness of humanity, and from a profound understanding of the deeply interconnected nature of today's world.
At birth, all human beings are naturally endowed with the qualities we need for our survival, such as caring, nurturing and loving kindness. However, despite already possessing such positive qualities, we tend to neglect them. As a result, humanity faces unnecessary problems. What we need to do is to make more effort to sustain and develop these qualities. Therefore, the promotion of human values is of primary importance. We also need to focus on cultivating good human relations, for, regardless of differences in nationality, religious faith, race, or whether people are rich or poor, educated or not, we are all human beings. When we are facing difficulties, we invariably meet someone, who may be a stranger, who immediately offers us help. We all depend on each other in difficult circumstances, and we do so unconditionally.
We do not ask who people are before we offer them help. We help because they are human beings like us. -Dalai Lama

As a child I attended a private Catholic school (I know, I know, I'm sorry too). I never agreed to calling the visiting Cardinal "Your Excellency" but I think I would use the words quite freely with his Holiness The Dali Lama. One of the greatest minds the world has ever known

Independence and Freedom

2009-07-04T18:26:00.000-07:00

next to of course god america i

love you land of the pilgrims' and so forth oh

say can you see by the dawn's early my

country 'tis of centuries come and go

and are no more what of it we should worry

in every language even deaf and dumb

thy sons acclaim your glorious name by gorry

by jingo by gee by gosh by gum

why talk of beauty what could be more beautiful

than these heroic happy dead

who rushed like lions to the roaring slaughter

they did not stop to think they died instead

then shall the voice of liberty be mute?

Alone Again

2009-06-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

ALONE AGAIN

One Day You Asked Me

"Which Is More Important;

My Life Or Yours?"

I Said Mine

And You Walked Away

Never Knowing,

That

You Are My Life

I Watched You Go
Hoping One Day You Would Decide
To Look Back
And Knowing That When You Do
I Will Still Be There

Enough

2009-06-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

Words,
perhaps advice
perhaps in jest
Echoing in my head.
For all those I have known
Have confirmed the things I haven't been and haven't done.
There is one word that seems to be the center of it all
"Enough"
I've heard it so much,
"You are not-
Emotional, Pretty, Thin, Social, Happy, Smiling, Forgiving, Self Worthy, Compassionate, Confident, Patient"
It seems I have failed in becoming what was intended of me.
I'm sorry.
I was never
"Enough"

Pray For Us Sinners

2009-06-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

Queen of Los Angeles

Hail Mary,

Pray for us sinners,

Now and at the hour of our Death I love this shot! It seems to just depict Los Angeles perfectly for me. The palm trees, the history, the Catholic influence. Perhaps the reason the image calls to be is that reminds me of my childhood. I attended a private Catholic School and we always celebrated Mary as the "Queen of the Angles". The phrasing was perfect with this image, Queen of Los Angeles.
Her face appears so serene. I must admit that depictions of Mary were always my favorite of all the religious works I was forced to endure. And I will also say this, the true meaning behind the Rosary was to meditate (much like Buddhist) and be at peace , so I did enjoy that also.
Do you suppose she's looking at me thinking "Why do you always say you used to be Catholic?"

Conqueror Worm??

2009-06-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

Ok for those of you who know me or follow this blog, you know that I have an unusual sometimes morbid sense of humor. You also know that I love cemeteries and Edgar Allan Poe. Therefore, when I came across the shot below, I had to take it. How often do you get to see a chicken in a cemetery in the middle of Downtown Los Angeles? I know chickens like worms, so it truly make sense that they'd enjoy a nice fat cemetery worm. That in turn made me think of The Conqueror Worm.

"The curtain , a funeral pall,

Comes down with the rush of a storm,

While the Angels, all pallid and wan,

Uprising, unveiling affirm

That the play is the tragedy, "Man"

And it's hero, The Conqueror Worm."

The moral of this story though dear readers, is that the worm is not really the Conqueror if it gets eaten by the chicken. It is the Chicken, who sups on worms fattened by human remains, (in an extended way, eating us,) who is the Conqueror. In the End, the chickens have their revenge on mankind.

Something to think about, that might be enough to make you lay off chicken huh?

Angels Among The Trees

2009-06-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

Fair Youth Beneath The Trees, Thou Canst Not Leave

Thy Song, Nor Ever Can Those Trees Be Bare

Never, Never Canst thou Kiss,

Yet Do Not Grieve;

She Cannot Fade, Though Thou Hast Not Thy Bliss,

Forever Wilt Thou Love, And She Be Fair!

Thou Shalt Remain, In Midst Of Woe

A Friend

To Whom Thou Say'st,

"Beauty Is Truth, Truth Beauty,- That Is All

Ye Know On Earth, and All Ye Need To Know."
Photos by Wendie, Poetry by John Keats

Gandhi World Peace Memorial

2009-06-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

Ashes of Mahatma Gandhi
I took these shots at The Lake Shrine in California; that is the only place outside of India that the ashes of this great thinker reside

"You must be the change you want to see in the world""Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. "" I believe that a man is the strongest soldier for daring to die unarmed. "

"Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.

"My religion is based on truth and non-violence. Truth is my God. Non-violence is the means of realising Him"....

That may be one of my favorite quotes by Gandhi. While I can not claim to be as wise or patient, a friend of mine reminded me of my own Non Violent way of social protest. When I was in school (college and high school) anytime I was forced to fill out a form or test that asked for "Race" I would always mark the "Other" box and write in "Human" Of course the test givers never appreciated it, but I never changed it because my answer to them was "Human is a race, are you saying it is not? or Are you saying I am not Human? Why should my race matter in a test?" The test givers, I believe, to avoid lawsuits, usually just stammered a reply. I stood my ground, and the only race that was ever listed under my name, was the only one I feel should matter:

"Human"

For Gabriel

2009-05-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

Our Angel Gabriel, we could not keep.

We knew you were tired

Now rest in peaceful sleep.

You Rode Off Into The Sun

But I Love You Anyway

The Hard Life

2009-05-22T21:43:00.000-07:00

Dionysus

became one of the most important gods in everyday life. He became associated with rebirth after death. His other great lure was his idea that under the influence of wine, one could feel possessed by a greater power.

He was the god of fertility and wine, later considered a patron of the arts. That's my kind of god!
Wine is the God's best gift to mortals, shining wine. All songs go well with it, and all dances, and all sensuous lovemaking. It drains all the troubles from men's hearts....Panyassis 475 BC

Butterfly for Lisa

2009-05-19T18:41:00.001-07:00

Butterfly having a snack at The Lake Shrine,

He was pretty brazen and flew right in front of me to get to these flowers. My camera didn't seem to bother him a bit.

Apparently, he was a hungry little sucker because he was after several flowers. Can you see him peeking out?
I love this shot! I him just as he was about to take off. On to the next flower for him..

Butterfly Camouflage

There you go Lisa, your Butterfly Magic for today

Mikey's Sprit Jump!

2009-05-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

Below are two pictures of a Spirit Jump I did for an extremely brave little 3 yr old soldier battling Cancer. Let's hope this boosts his spirits! I know I still love Sesame Street, and who doesn't like getting mail? You can see my easel and some of my messy Art making area
CLICK ON THE SPIRIT JUMPER BUTTON TO THE RIGHT TO GO TO THE SPIRIT JUMPER WEBSITE!

Moment of Zen

2009-05-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

Your Moment of Zen

Thai Memorial, Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Buddha Meditating Below is the gesture of fearlessness and protection, representing spiritual power. This mudra is most often seen in standing Buddhas. The Thai "Wai" Greeting.

Below; the greeting gesture is also accompanied with a slight bow. The various positions and gestures can be very graceful and expressive, show respect, authority, submissiveness happiness and obedience. The different levels of position of the joined hands shows different degrees of respect. The higher the joined hands are held in relation to the face is an indication or more respect or reverence. The wai is also used to say '' sorry '' or '' thank you ''

Close up of Spiderwebs

My Work for lifting Spirits with Cancer

2009-05-06T07:49:00.001-07:00

My Work Area

Glass Bead Deity Necklace

Courage Dog TagAnother view of my necklace for Tara

I recently became part of this organization called "Spirit Jumpers" that links those with cancer and recovering from that horrible illness with artists who send a little something to "jump" their spirits. I think it's a great idea, who doesn't like to be thought of and when you are sick, how great would it make you feel that someone you don't even know is fighting for you and sending some love your way? My Spirit Jumpee is Tara and here is a bit about what the necklace entails.

I decided to make a glass bead necklace with several deities and symbols that I find inspiring. Also the clasp is a magnet, which is said to be beneficial against aliments. The main deity is :

Ganesha~ He is the most widely worshipped Hindu god. He is worshipped at the start of any action or venture because he is the Lord who removes obstacles. He also represents wisdom and prosperity. His hand is raised in a blessing and contains the OM symbol.

Ankh~ The Ankh is an Egyptian symbol that represents life, immortality and death. Also represents balance, male and female, zest for life, joy and energy. It is also the associated with Imkotep who was the god of medicine.

Endless Knot~ Buddhist symbol. It overlaps without beginning or end, symbolising the Buddha's endless wisdom and compassion. Also signifies the interplay and interaction of opposing forces in the dualistic world of manifestation, leading to their union and ultimately harmony in the universe. Since all phenomena are interrelated, the placing of this symbol in a gift is said to establish an auspicious connection between the giver and recipient. The recipient is goaded toward righteous karma, reminded that future positive effects have their roots in the present. This is a representation of a link with our fates, binding us to our karmic destiny.

Cross~ It is frequently a representation of the division of the world into Four Elements, or the Four Cardinal Points, or alternately as the union of the concepts of Divinity the vertical line, and the World, the horizontal line.

Buddha~ It is a symbol of the end of suffering and true peace. A source of happiness and serenity. The Buddhist philosophy that we must strive for perfection and control over our personal cravings to work for the good of all, for peace and tolerance in the world so we can begin to come to a state of nirvana; in which the soul is freed from all suffering and is a state of perfect bliss.

And of course, the Courage Dog Tag, because we all need a little courage, just like the Lion in the Wizard of Oz taught us. Plus I think a Dog Tag kinda makes you feel like a soldier, fighting your won battle like we all must do.

Let's hope Tara likes them, keep your fingers crossed for me!

Ernest Hemingway

2009-05-02T19:38:00.000-07:00

I have seen you beauty, and you belong to me now.....and if I never see you again...You belong to me..
And I belong to this notebook and this pencil.

Above lines from: A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

I ran into a older man at a watering hole the other night who reminded me much of Ernest Hemingway. I said to him "Has anyone ever told you that you look like a handsomer version of Hemingway?" He said "No, but thank you honey!" he seemed over joyed that I made that analogy. He told all his buddies who were with him, all well into their 60's, "That gal told me I looked like a handsome Ernest Hemingway." He smiled and seemed so happy the rest of the evening.

I was glad that I could so easily bring a little happiness to him with just a few lines of conversation, much like Hemingway can make my night with just a few written lines. Where would my life be without The Sun Also Rises, or A Moveable Feast, The Garden of Eden...I could go on and on.

I love him so much I have a framed picture of him in my living room. It depicts a very young Hemingway and everyone always asks "Who is that?" to which I answer "One of the loves of my life" In fact I used to say that I would never marry anyone who had not read The Sun Also Rises!

I feel like I belong to pencil and notebook too sometimes, but I can only hope my writing has a fraction of the beauty his has.

Oh Ernest, thank you thank you for all your wonderful work!

Solitude

2009-04-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

In my solitude you haunt me

With reveries of days gone In my solitude you taunt me
With memories that never die

I took these shots at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, and it took me awhile to decide what would go well with these shots. It just came to me while humming "In My Solitude" by Billie Holiday in the shower. I thought the words fit these shots perfectly.

Spider

2009-04-21T20:18:00.001-07:00

My Spider and excerpts from

"The Spider and the Fly" by Mary Howitt written in 1829"Will you walk into my parlor?" said the Spider to the Fly..

"Oh no, no" said the little Fly "to ask me is in vain. For who goes up your winding stair can never come down again!"...

"Sweet Creature!" said the Spider "you're witty and you're wise, How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!"....

How very soon this silly little Fly , Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by; With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,

Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue- Thinking only of her crested head-poor foolish thing! At Last, up jumped the cunning Spider and fiercely held her fast.

And now dear little children, who may this story read, To idle, silly, flattering words I pray you never give heed;

Unto an Evil counselor, close heart and ear and eye,

And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.

So what does all this talk of spiders and flies have to do with you? Be warned, my sweet bloggers, and know that spiders are not the only hunters and bugs are not the only victims. Take what transpired to the fly to heart, or you might well find yourself trapped in some schemer's web!

Tell me what do you think of my Spider?

Nature

2009-04-18T09:39:00.000-07:00

How Often We Forget All Time, When Lone

Admiring Nature's Universal Throne;

Her Woods-Her Wilds-
Her Mountains-The Intense Reply of Her's
To Our Intelligence
Stanzas By Edgar Allan Poe
My Photography

The Raven

2009-04-16T21:05:00.001-07:00

The Raven...By Edgar Allan Poe, Photography by Me

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,

By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore..

Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore-

Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!

Quoth the Raven "Nevermore"

But the Raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only

That one word, as if his soul in that one word did he out pour...

To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom's core

"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil!-prophet still if bird or devil!"..

Leave my loneliness unbroken,...

Take thy beak from out my heart and take thy form from off my door!"

Quote the Raven, "Nevermore!"

And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting...

And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming

And the lamp light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;

And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor;

Shall be lifted-nevermore!

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Fairies

2009-04-15T18:58:00.000-07:00