tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11629537657697972722011-09-28T10:39:14.585-04:00I want to create art described by D.Koontz as, "...before the decline of the West, when the purposes of art were celebration and reflection instead of transgression and negation." I want to inspire people in creative goals even though it seems life just gets in the way. I quit posting to this blog after health & family issues took longer to work out than planned. Now a year later, it is time to "shit or get off the pot!" as my Mom says about goals left undone.Sarananoreply@blogger.comBlogger671100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-89317295372179126552011-09-25T21:16:00.001-04:002011-09-25T21:16:34.250-04:00

Here we go. Got some content reloaded from last year when trying to get back here. Made a first draft, over there on the left, of an updated Profile. Today's post is saying that I am, again, trying to share. (seems it takes a cooking emergency, where I need to use all my creativity, to make meals I will stick with combined with a diet I can follow for two or three weeks and satisfy the creative

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-61905738584242472042010-11-29T19:25:00.001-05:002011-09-25T09:46:10.977-04:00

Tonight... a new Spanish Rice which was actually spicy! Casa Dias that were ok, but I wanted the tortillas to be a bit crisper. Along with Foil Wrapped veggies which were good on their own, however the frozen snap peas were TOO soft and cooked for me - the disadvantage of having to put them in the foil wraps in the first place. Frozen veggies are cooked already. The fresh veggie were very good

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-10821214648352635482010-08-19T08:06:00.001-04:002011-09-25T09:46:10.979-04:00

feel so good about yesterday. was a decent day. only crashed for an hour at one point and was afraid the whole afternoon would be shot again, but ended up after a short nap could do the things I wanted. actually got place vacumned, finally, and with Gopi's help later, changed my bed around so it no longer squeaks! hardly had a headache, or at least only a very small one, all day. I think was

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-84518383788065506942010-08-18T07:28:00.001-04:002011-09-25T09:46:10.981-04:00

hope today is better than yesterday. did not take the synthroid early morning at all. could not get new script for lesser amount and decided to just skip it for one day. actually slept and do not feel a headache so much. let's hope that is it. I was thinking the last couple mornings that maybe I had some strange brain cancer on top of the thyroid one! the headache was just too much, even when

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-32093653408918133492010-08-17T07:36:00.001-04:002011-09-25T09:46:10.983-04:00

went to Dr. C armed with all my questions and problems and all he wanted to address was that I had to lessen the amount of synthroid I was taking as too much and that is why blood test was so low. this whole thing with how less is more and backwards confuses me to no end - especially when I am hypothyroid because of it! some of the symptoms are exhaustion and confusion and anxiety... duh...

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-45354187315708362132010-08-16T07:40:00.000-04:002011-09-25T09:46:10.985-04:00

tomorrow meet Dr. Charatz again. HOPING a new amount of synthroid will help with my sleeping, tiredness, and general hypothyroid symptoms - again and this time really work. I think I notice all these symptoms getting worse and just now really bothersome. talked with Ellen about the vit D thing last night and she says she has been through it also. Not quite as regimented as I seem to be doing

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-67816603903638006422010-08-13T07:59:00.001-04:002011-09-25T09:46:10.987-04:00

found out yesterday that I have a huge Vit D deficiency also - like Bhuvi. never go out in sun anymore so, go figure. had to get a bottle of that super D that she has and it cost $40! for 100 pills tho and only take once a week, altho, when I told Bhuvi she said her Dr. realized right away it takes a lot more to get you to where you belong than once a week once you are so low like we were.

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-61032998352042153532010-08-04T08:07:00.001-04:002011-09-25T09:46:10.989-04:00

had to get the blood draw this morning while fasting. got there at 7:30 when they open and there were 10 people ahead of me! geez, louise. so had to wait there an hour as I swear the two techs just hang out taking their time as much as possible. so, got home just in time to eat breakfast and call Dr. W since she did not put on this lab order the test for TSH which is WHY I wanted to take the

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-3064475194001304272010-07-31T08:11:00.001-04:002011-09-25T09:46:10.991-04:00

Frequently used wordsable actually adam after again almost alone already also although am another any anyhow anymore anything around ask asked away back bad because bed been before being believe better bhuvi big bit book both bring business buy call called came car care come coming computer could couple course day days desktop different doing

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-22812112788174124952010-07-16T08:19:00.000-04:002011-09-25T09:46:10.993-04:00

I love to use my horoscope sometimes for fodder to write here off of! Today's seems to be a good one, although parts a little vague just because of my current real time situation... "You don't think it's fair when you are asked to choose between your personal and professional life. But your job is changing and your work may impinge on your private world more than you wish. " it was difficult

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-60034382546020728302010-07-07T21:36:00.001-04:002011-09-25T09:46:10.995-04:00

kosher cous cous first saute in EVOO onions, mushrooms, garlic when a slightly brown, add cous cous and saute until brownish add 2 cups water and two tomatoes, skinned, cut up add parsley and basil, salt and pepper cook about 10 mins until water is gone steamed green beans arugala with sliced avocado, red onion, olives and lemon vinegrette dressing

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-87251302415705604782010-06-24T13:26:00.001-04:002011-09-25T09:46:10.997-04:00

Slow cooked stew. Soaked chick peas, onion, celery, red pepper, cut yam pieces, fresh tomato, skinned and chopped, asparagus pieces with water, bay leaf, salt, pepper, savory spice mix. at end, basamic vinegar and olive oil dressing. first day by itself with oven french fries. next day, served over basmati rice. some fresh garlic would have been nice I think - I had none and only a garlic sea

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-86250708603909662852010-06-23T14:09:00.003-04:002010-09-08T16:01:51.092-04:00

Cabbage, onions, Cauliflower, carrots, and celery sauteed in olive oil. Balsamic dressing added at end. Over basmati rice. alt to taste at end. mango with orange squeezed over as a desert.

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-57994094245294832462010-06-22T16:33:00.000-04:002010-06-22T16:33:49.563-04:00

In general am very happy that I no longer have to go to the day job which was so stressful. Sometimes I think that is what caused this cancer - and peoples' cancer in general - stress and the unseen crap in the air no one wants to talk about - that besides the crap in most of the food we eat. Our company employees seem to come up with strange cancers much more than most of us hear about in others

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-23151497572758577262010-06-21T18:56:00.001-04:002010-06-22T19:06:39.047-04:00

Had a different salad for lunch and it was just boring. I find that the lemon and olive oil is just not making it. The regular salad I had the day before with lettuce and all was good with the dressing, although I took out most of the lettuce. It was just too chewy, not crisp. I find I am really getting sick of lettuce like so many fruits and veggies not "the same" anymore. So, this morning I

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-53115217950907328352010-06-19T13:44:00.000-04:002010-06-19T13:44:18.509-04:00

OK, yes I agree with the title and have been working on getting it more into my life. Have been looking at this "opportunity" to see all my food this way due to this low idodine diet have had to keep too. But, in general, and especially today, I MISS BUTTER!!!! I also miss other things, but butter seems to be the biggest and most FLAVORFUL ingredient to any vegetarian cooking. We won't get into

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-15040903650109339922010-06-11T16:01:00.000-04:002010-06-15T16:02:37.349-04:00

Every day is a different emotion. Mostly been ignoring this all and sloughing it off like it is nothing to everyone. But when alone, I do go through other things. I guess partly because am winding down my 20 year job this week and some worrying about what the "next life" will be, I do not want to think about this other elephant in the room. But more the last few days I have pondered how did I get

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-72851511157599879062010-06-10T22:43:00.000-04:002010-06-10T22:43:07.734-04:00

The old gang has decided to have 2nd Friday at Ralph's house on June 25, so Bonnie can be there, and we all see her. I was not sure I could go since it is two days after small radiation dose and the same day as the body scan. Called Dr. He is so cute. Says I can go for that one, unless I want to use him as an excuse not to go. hahahaha! I replied, "Boy do you know me..." He says, "Yes, I know all

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-4827184531258577732010-06-08T23:06:00.050-04:002010-06-23T18:06:01.275-04:00

Here we are. Happy Monday! I am starting my new diet for two or three weeks. A low/no iodine diet for thyroid radiation treatment diet. I went  to grocery store yesterday and buying just enough veggies and fruits, since I had rice and noodles and like that, it cost over $80, for one person, for a week! Man, no wonder poor people are unhealthy and fat. Even middle class people actually - if

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-3011357767752581342010-06-07T22:47:00.000-04:002010-06-10T23:09:10.353-04:00

Seems dinner is the hardest meal for me. Seemed to think lunch and afternoon snack time would be the most difficulet but dinner has been the scene for the most break downs so far. I did not want to make stuff I had here as the thought of it all without any butter nor cheese made me not want anything. I gave into six more of those wonderful pretzels I have here. I think I have to get rid of

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-66904762182830172902010-06-04T11:52:00.000-04:002010-06-04T11:52:42.226-04:00

Have not posted in awhile. Thought, again, might just stop altogether as needs to be a constant thing and I am so irregular. Also, so much going on in my life can not think of how to write about it. Started with the 750Words site to do my morning pages and do like it. Abit of a bug with my browser but I have a good work around now. Takes a lot less time than by hand and there is no evidence lying

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-76415529339300853922010-05-16T16:03:00.000-04:002010-05-16T16:03:17.600-04:00

It is Sunday and I just am not feeling well. Friday afternoon, I ate lunch and within an hour wished I could go barf the lunch up but couldn't. It was a very good sandwich too - from a reliable place. Not sure what that was about but maybe just timing as I still am not feeling well and it is two days later. Can not tell if may be hormones - not enough or too much, something in the sandwich, but

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-51368057562705672372010-05-14T06:36:00.006-04:002010-05-14T06:39:56.525-04:00

Yes, the big C word. I think it just hit me. I knew the prognosis. I knew after the surgery the possibility. But, I think I just ignored it all. Was hoping I would not have to do the radiation treatment. That all was fine as surgeon said and just go on with life.... Not... Well, it is still not "bad" as could be, or as bad as some get or even as bad as I had hoped it would not be. Still, three

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-48173367705543002682010-05-11T10:26:00.000-04:002010-05-11T10:26:55.747-04:00

Wouldn't you know it. I get my car washed last night before going home. This morning all proud and happy I get in thinking how nice it is to get the bird droppings off and the latest surprise snow/ice. Driving along, not four minutes later, and SPLAT two new deposits of bird shit on the windshield - again! Wash job not even 12 hours old and while am moving down the street. No wonder people are

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-83985329811374809582010-05-10T06:51:00.000-04:002010-05-10T06:51:08.331-04:00

Nice weekend but not long enough, as usual. Had a wedding 200 miles away to attend. At first had planned to do it all in one day. Luckily my kids convinced me I did not want to do that and had a motel room reserved I could use. In the end I needed it and was thankful for expensive small favors! Just getting ready, packed, driving and attending the wedding was enough for my energy level. Plus,

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-25307307014011149862010-05-08T06:52:00.000-04:002010-05-08T06:52:01.502-04:00

TGIF for real. This first week of work was more difficult than coming back after the first knee surgery. And, today, Friday, was the hardest of all. Woke at 4am feeling some nauseous and small headache. Had a couple flashes during night but in general had slept in between ok. Went to pass urine and took my synthroid, laid there another hour almost and felt worse. Sick? Meds? Too much whiskey the

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-91324920432463670332010-05-07T07:01:00.000-04:002010-05-07T07:01:38.709-04:00

Most of the days are the same. I get some small hot flashes, at times, here and there. Random, unless I have been walking or exerting myself some. Don't get the incredible anxiety I was. Feel more my positive self who can go out to dinner with friends and/or actually function a tad other than work, food and bed. Speaking of bed it is interesting how different each night can be.Tuesday night

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-67494023932755488802010-05-03T07:06:00.000-04:002010-05-03T07:06:38.130-04:00

Monday morning, going back to work. Even though for only six weeks, it seems daunting. Have gotten so used to my schedule at home, like a true retired person, am now realizing my true life desire is to do just this. "Retire" from my normal life. Not get a part time job or anything like that. Truly be at home, retired, from work field and work on my own creative life totally. I can see now where

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-85844922676355188082010-04-29T07:00:00.003-04:002010-05-02T11:10:58.310-04:00

Been thinking about this a lot this week. Watching the John Adams series from HBO. This was thought in regard to watching blowhard men debating how best to "serve" us the same in birth of America as now. Somewhat disheartening.  They should present American History in the way this series is done. Of course can not so lavishly for all events, but the stories of the men and women involved as

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-478596653927744712010-04-28T11:00:00.001-04:002010-05-02T11:02:19.644-04:00

Today I made yogurt again and may never do it again. I remember it being so easy and natural as I have spoken of previously here. No more! This time it took more than an hour to prepare the milk and culture - heating it up and then cooling to very specific temperatures. Then, waiting while it was 10 hours in the cooker - only to open and find liquid milk with no coagulation.  The leftover

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-86103693663978958892010-04-27T09:16:00.002-04:002010-05-03T07:08:13.114-04:00

I thought by now I would be adjusting better to taking the daily medications better than I am. Not the side effects or actual medicines themselves, but the routine - seem to be actually getting worse! The Levothyroxine is ok. Having to take it upon waking, then wait an hour before my coffee, and two hours before taking any dairy is ok. Just ok... don't like it, but am able to go along with it.

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-80174641659242857582010-04-24T10:59:00.008-04:002010-04-25T09:12:57.797-04:00

In general it was a more energetic day than the last one. I even got that paper work done I had been complaining and avoiding all week, setup a second short term disability for the next week and proved insurance does owe me $15. I decided to take another week off for healing and getting used to my new life. The pathology report came from my surgeon. A good one! He removed the whole thyroid and

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-67961840667162768972010-04-22T08:50:00.001-04:002010-04-27T09:21:20.354-04:00

Was watching TV last night when I happened to put my hand/fingers up to my throat right under the chin. Lymph nodes are there and gently stroked/felt them out of distraction. Suddenly realized they were hardly noticeable! They have been largely swollen for ages and they were not. Just little peas sitting where they do. Wow, I thought, they have not been this small in ages. OH! It must mean they

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-78222766718738915542010-04-21T11:01:00.000-04:002010-04-21T11:01:09.276-04:00

What to call a blog is one of my difficult decisions. So many I have just made one quickly with thought of making up a better one later. Then never do... have goal this week of going back into this account, add writings not posted, correcting, and editing, maybe finding a picture or two - not happening yet. Taking the synthroid yesterday was ok. I actually think I felt better in just one day.

Sarananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-59064451453182700392010-04-20T07:00:00.000-04:002010-04-20T07:00:03.712-04:00

Took first synthroid pill this morning. Just now. Wait an hour before can eat anything - two hours before can take any dairy or calcium. For heaven's sake! How do I drink my coffee then? When I go to work again, I have to set aside TWO hours in the morning before I can eat or drink breakfast or anything? Whaaaaa???? This will take some arrangement. Had enough with the fact the hospital or Drs.

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-6533561891152220802010-04-18T08:10:00.000-04:002010-04-18T08:10:59.636-04:00

Today waking was nice. Actually got some real sleep even though sitting up, more or less, rather than lying down. Nice meaning did not have to think about going to surgery or what can happen... already did that! Had a slight pain in chest during night, a tightness, and now that am up and moving think it is just the gas moving around inside. The pain drugs really plug one up and the laxatives are

Sarananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-18219139167122239802010-04-09T22:03:00.003-04:002010-05-02T11:19:36.130-04:00

Am very self conscious about suddenly writing here again... not necessarily doing any art other than having gone back to my commercial job again. that takes all the energy right out of me even though not too busy when I got there. just being there seeing half a floor dark due to layoffs and no one working those cubes... mostly, been thinking about the stuff they do not tell you about when you

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-25641404004664709272010-02-02T10:50:00.005-05:002010-04-22T09:03:54.354-04:00

Recovery has gotten to a point where coming back to regular creative practices. This blog was one and for awhile I thought writing about my surgery recovery did not fit with an "artDreams" theme. However, realized everything in my life is meant to be lived creative and this is MY writing spot so can do what I want. I forget that frequently but this morning I saw this in my local Pennysaver.

Sarananoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-74933189359984732222010-01-17T07:48:00.002-05:002011-09-25T09:47:08.789-04:00

Well, I am ready. Tomorrow is the big day! It seems I have waited so long for this and now it is here, it is rather a let down and now, of all times, the worries set in. The "what ifs?" are attacking. What if a nerve is not reattached right? What if my body rejects the metal of the knee? What if What if What if....Somebody give me drugs and knock me out!My plan with the blog has changed the last

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-74923467305889559392010-01-17T07:45:00.003-05:002011-09-25T09:47:08.787-04:00

I finished the cook book yesterday and gave it to my son. He did appreciate it enough to satisfy me it was a good present. I have kept it for now as still need to varnish it for protection. Getting the proper varnish while housebound may be a trick!Here is a link to a picture of the whole book finished. Past blog entries have more on what or how I did this little book. The blog for the month of

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-6442769891784775672009-11-29T10:29:00.008-05:002009-11-30T16:37:21.330-05:00

I used to say, before computers and internet, that it was the librarians and people who knew where to find out where or what information others needed who were the heroes of knowledge - the ones who would always have job security. Now I see, according to Seth Grodin, on one of his latest blog entries, Getting Meta perhaps they still will be in this new world.

Sarananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-30881699169297766642009-10-16T10:46:00.021-04:002009-10-18T16:06:18.996-04:00

In the past I have written about "grids" ... "repeating elements" ... "living/dying" ..."patterns"... spirals and circles. Somehow, they all relate to me and my art expression. I get them from the universe all the time, via cards and presents loved ones send me and I can soapbox enough to bore you for sure normally, but not today. Today is just for these pics getting taken - period. Having them

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-71991398173022128822009-10-11T12:40:00.006-04:002009-10-18T15:17:56.288-04:00

Man, I am not sure about that title. The title is harder to write than the post sometimes. That is it for now. Even the post will be short as more than anything I want to get this picture here. Spent time in my small flower bed taking out the summer flowers to make room for late fall ones. I had some winter pansies I had to get into ground.As I was picking my annual seed heads to dry and save for

Sarananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-44826889581747264072009-09-30T06:49:00.005-04:002009-10-16T17:12:42.145-04:00

There is a lot of talk lately on one of my online art groups about twitter and it's advantages vs. disadvantages. I think it is not for me as yet. As one member said, you have to have something to market or really want to share/say something out there to make it work for you. Otherwise it is just another crap fun share show...I am not at that stage yet. I can barely keep up here and with all the

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-77892636616487682092009-09-24T09:45:00.008-04:002009-10-16T17:15:05.870-04:00

Today, I wrote in my Morning Pages* about how my new aqua fit class is helping me feel stronger and more flexible. Good... Then, I got into how giving up eating dairy for two weeks seems to lessen a skin problem I have, but not enough to really feel that that is what causes the problem directly. But, still, good... Then, I started writing about how tired I get of spending so much time writing

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-28817745818165321382009-09-17T22:22:00.008-04:002009-10-16T17:18:04.660-04:00

Michael Nobbs has now put up a contest to win one of his drawings. I have three of his Beany's but would love a framed drawing too. (almost feel like a Michael Nobbs Groupie - but hope I have known him too long to get that title!!!)Anyhow, here is my submission for the Analogue Contest.The minute I read his blog on it, I thought of a conversation my Mother In Law and I had a month ago. I was

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-32450805352040994562009-09-09T20:05:00.011-04:002009-10-16T17:19:58.850-04:00

My friend and AWGrad colleague has got me back here again. I have been THINKING too much of what to write here and then shutting down because of the quality and/or time necessary... keeping up a blog regularly is not as easy as one would think...He is, as I have posted in previous messages, always an inspiration. His latest blog post made me say a "HA! wait til you see what I have done in your

Sarananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-16606346967153424932009-08-16T22:39:00.004-04:002009-08-16T23:02:12.280-04:00

Oh, I hope I am not showing my crassness by mis-spelling the title! I am posting this quickly as it is a thought and so therefore becomes a quick blog, no picture, no special title or what... Late on a Sunday evening when I DO have to get ready for work tomorrow.... ugh... IS there such a thing as a "quick" blog? Or is that a "twitter" these days????Today, I went into my blog template and reset

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-74515658925809961502009-08-10T06:32:00.012-04:002009-08-13T07:05:52.481-04:00

Had an experience with geese this weekend. Started me thinking about my own artistic tenacity. There is a four lane highway at my end of the Bay and it cuts through a large acreage of swamp land, home to all kinds of wildlife. The road has a speed limit of 40mph but that just means most go 60. I know people who won't drive it at all due to it being a "death alley". The one side, next to the more

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-26747543103770216682009-08-04T07:29:00.002-04:002009-08-04T07:36:28.518-04:00

An artist friend of mine and one of my most inspiring associates, has a Flicker site (linked in title above) to one of his latest projects. I am glad to see Michael Nobbs is getting a nice crowd following him and his art teachings. He deserves it.This post is about what I did with this one day at work when I really needed a break. As usual, my resources are limited in the realm of printers and

Sarananoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-53972291765150624702009-08-02T12:14:00.006-04:002009-08-04T07:13:14.410-04:00

Sometimes I think the most difficult thing about blogging is thinking of the Title for the post. Ugh. Almost as bad as writing an Artist's Statement...This morning I finally got to where I could make my own yogurt for the first time in about 35 years. Used to do it, while living in a communal house, for thirteen people, by wrapping the quart glass bottles in towels and keeping in the gas oven

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-89210271797602066502009-07-06T08:42:00.005-04:002009-07-12T07:57:54.149-04:00

I have often wondered what happened to some of the pieces I have created through the years. As one gets older, even if not famous, or prolific, there can be a lot of art "out there." For some reason, many drawings and paintings I have made, waaaaay back, before family, kids, "real jobs" came about are coming back to me. Old friends are connecting again (must be a midlife thing) and each time I

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-49313139171832760882009-07-06T08:20:00.014-04:002009-07-12T07:44:12.854-04:00

In the home garden I once had, I created yard art with items "rescued," most of the time, by local teen friends from the Highway Dept across the street.Buddha in the Tire came about as what else was I going to do with that huge thing I was given one afternoon. I needed a shelter for the garden Buddha. Needed to re-purpose and save a gift from a young friend. Needed to show the teens anything can

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-37584675794348318082009-06-29T07:25:00.005-04:002009-06-29T07:35:33.818-04:00

Have dried and pressed flowers and natural materials I grew in my garden for years. Through the years, moved from just pasting them in to a Pressed Flower journal to actually painting with them - some...Here is a slide show stored in my web albums of the pages I am currently trying to develop. Unfinished work, publicly shown, is normally be a real no no for an artist, but am doing this so to LOOK

Sarananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-60425790548157920932009-06-27T15:06:00.003-04:002009-06-27T15:16:53.730-04:00

I noticed within the last few days a blog entry from Keri Smith regarding grids and her fondness of them. A pic of one of her net grocery bags as example. As a "commercial artist" for a million years, grids and their use for commercial art and publishing are rather boring - to be honest.I have been stuck to grids and graph paper art for too long, but it does not really bother me too much. Gives

Sarananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-64130098964569656202009-06-14T11:34:00.004-04:002009-06-14T12:34:02.153-04:00

Went to a local arboretum yesterday. If you know me, you know, the last few years I have not been much of a "walker". I have bad knees and it is hard to walk far. Yet, it used to be one of my favorite past times. Nature walking, hiking, plein air drawing and painting - taking pics...Anyhow, I HAD to get out yesterday and wanted to see what this place was about. My goodness, it is a nature

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-46668820157997110292009-06-04T07:29:00.005-04:002009-06-14T12:37:13.855-04:00

Thanks for stopping by Owen and leaving a little comment about my blog objective.Yep - you are right, "If writer's write, artists *art.*"Thanks for reminding me.Funny how one can go up and down with attitudes, or around and back again. I've spent time with creative building programs like the Artist's Way and Eric Maisel, then programs with meditation and affirmations, then, just like that, in one

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-34810355380433563882009-06-03T06:46:00.006-04:002009-06-14T12:36:04.462-04:00

Have had a big disappointment in my creative life the last week. But it is OK. Not the first and, as we all know, not the last. Was going to be featured in an article for a large online magazine but job made a stink about a "professional conflict of interests" and now I can not do it.Must find something in the next couple days to perk me up and get me going again!Would normally just ride it out

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-41653610224617410172009-05-31T22:55:00.005-04:002009-06-14T12:05:19.515-04:00

As the title says, it was a busy weekend. Got the usual chores done, shopping and laundry...Also got some more pics uploaded to my web albums from the days I did the WWII drawing/murals. Seems so long ago... but needed them up there for showing.Creative Sharing Note of weekend: Watched the movie Gypsy Caravan. LOVED it! Best "live music tour" movie I have ever seen. I don't see many really as not

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-70428719069717536762009-05-27T15:59:00.000-04:002009-06-14T16:11:06.568-04:00

Suddenly got a good deal, over the internet, for printing 100 postcards to advertise my art again. Have wanted to send old friends and clients "something" to tell them I am alive and creating after all this time in corporate. Was waiting for a deal, then waiting until I had the "right" piece to send, then waiting until I was really out of the day job, etc etc... always waiting, when this offer

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-63200439193269720302009-05-25T18:11:00.006-04:002009-05-26T07:47:41.874-04:00

Spent some of the weekend staying with my Mother in law who's husband was in WWII and who's eldest son, my former husband, was in Vietnam. Neither actually were killed during their war, but, both had emotional residue from their service. My former husband had issues which dominated the rest of his life. I knew him before and after and I lived with much of it. ...the less said the better in this

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-1382790522973898612009-05-16T13:52:00.003-04:002009-05-16T14:02:50.176-04:00

I was referred to this TED talk awhile ago but just got to listen to it today. Am so excited by it, I had to link to it here to keep for my own posterity if nothing else.However, for anyone interested in creativity, making art, showing up at the page... this is a MUST listen too!Elizabeth Gilbert on Nurturing CreativityI wish I could embed it here for you but can not figure how to do that as yet!

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-34184529400178495042009-05-15T22:48:00.006-04:002009-06-14T12:38:14.948-04:00

Here's a picture of my latest "artwork". Not one of my "masterpieces" but what I have worked on for awhile. A piece of muslin found in the stuff my daughter left at my place when she moved on with her boyfriend to Lost Angeles. (mis-spelling intended)This is a drawing she startd on muslin in high school, as a project, but never finished. She was never one who might embroider or do this kind of

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-78982850434542546452009-05-11T06:55:00.004-04:002009-06-14T12:31:08.272-04:00

Have not drawn too many portraits the last few years. Finally finished one for a dear friend of mine. Her grandchildren all at the same age around six months. She suddenly realized she had photos of them all that age and wearing a hat! A nice portrait and size for hanging on the wall in a hall. I greatly appreciated her getting me back into drawing again.

Sarananoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-4656996808924309882009-05-07T20:19:00.007-04:002009-06-14T12:32:29.444-04:00

I wanted to have a point to writing a blog, or maybe a couple points...My calling my art work "artDreams" has been around for a long time... but that can always be a generic goal or "object of my ART". With this, I can get away with no real work towards it because of day job and life getting in the way... So here are a couple quick goals with this blog:1. semi-daily reporting of the creative "

Sarananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-52987677763782619372009-05-05T21:15:00.005-04:002009-05-11T20:22:21.703-04:00

Realized, today,I need to write something more than what has been in my head "pretending" to write or journal or post or whatever we call free flow writing these days.But, with the date staring at me there - how long it has been since I actually took time to write - I feel I have to do NOW.... write whatever is going on... no pressure.... no problem.... just write.At the same time, I think

Sarananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1162953765769797272.post-28222227200325298112009-04-28T20:01:00.002-04:002009-05-11T20:16:13.658-04:00

Starting a new blog. The one I started last year was just not right for me. I started it in an angry mood to have one in which to rant about this consumer world, but did not post enough.I need to have a blog with which to use to develop a positive and creative influence in my life.With the google album feature, I dream to share words, pics, and my art in the web albums and this blog.See my

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