Thursday, September 29, 2005

Elvis!?


:D Leave it to my ol' friend 'Alekx' to ask me if Elvis had attended Jim & Thelma's wedding in Vegas. The subject did come up at the funeral and the answer is ... we still don't know, Jim came from a very quiet family.
My dear cousin Dorothy (90) was an only child and lived up the lane from her cousins during their growing up years. To this day, she is fond of remembering how gentle my great-grandmother was, "I never, ever heard Eurilla raise her voice," Dorothy will say, "Isn't that something? Seven kids and she never raised her voice, ever."
Jim did say that he and Thelma had found a nice little chapel and that several celebrities had been married there, too.
I found out that Thelma, was not only an accomplished dancer, but had a beautiful singing voice, and at one point had been encouraged to sing professionally. She loved to garden and was a member of the china painter's guild, she had created many beautiful plates which she gave to family and friends. Jim & Thelma could not only clear a dance floor, with their smooth stepping, but enjoyed camping together and traveled quite a bit. (Florida, California, Colorado, as well as Nevada)
I told my Uncle Jim that I could see why he fell in love with Thelma and that I felt he was a good example for the rest of us, in that he was LIVING his life, and not seeming to take anything for granted, and that I admired him for doing so. He got serious with me at that moment, and said that he thought a person needed to be active. That otherwise you run the risk of rotting away. That it gets harder, the older you get, to be alone, because one just doesn't get out and socialize like you do when you are younger. He said he'd seen guys retire at 65 and just sit and rot and be dead a year later. He said he didn't want to see one like Thelma have to be alone. I told him that I knew he had something there; that activity, and being anxiously engaged in good causes is a key in this life to gaining all the goodness, and joy, and longevity you can out of it.

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92, physically, and mentally fit, who am I to argue with this wise 'elder' of mine? - especially when the man has been doing so many things oh, soooooooo right!

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The photo was taken by my grandmother, who was the oldest child. We like this photo for several reasons. Love the fact that my great aunts and uncles are children here, seemingly lined up according to age, and enjoying some homemade fun! Jim is the second from the right.

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Aunt Thelma


Aunt Thelma, 97, passed away Friday (9/23).
I just heard about it this morning through a phone call from Aunt Dona.
I'll be meeting Aunt Dona and other family members at the Methodist Church for the service, in the morning and then, school for me.
I didn't know Aunt Thelma too well, she'd only been a member of the family for a dozen or so years.
I met her for the first time, 2 years ago at Uncle Jim's 90th birthday party. She was so nice, and OH! those eyes! You could happily, spend the day there, held captive by those eyes of hers. There was kindness and pleasantness flowing off of her in waves. That's what you felt in her presence. That was the vibe I got from her anyways.
Small wonder that my handsome Uncle Jim fell in love with her. These 2 really caused a stir at the Senior Center!
Most folks thought Jim had something going with Freda, as they lunched together often. Both Jim and Freda had lived and worked in this small community all their lives. By the time Jim got a gleam in his eye for Thelma, he had already logged a relationship history spanning 80 years together with Freda... as brother and sister! Hehehee.
Freda couldn't understand, at first, why folks were asking how she felt about "Jim & Thelma", but more specifically, about "Thelma" - then she figured out that people weren't aware that Jim was her younger brother. She had a great time telling everyone how "fine" she was with this Thelma woman.
Well, when word did get out that Freda was actually Jim's sister, people started asking her for the juicy details of the romance. Uncle Jim, being just as discreet as he is dashing, didn't give Freda, whose none too chatty herself, much detail to dish out!
We know they got together, him and Thelma, because they both like to dance...
and we know the 5 year age difference didn't matter to them either; it wasn't long before they gave the family something to talk about right along with the seniors at the center.
Jim and Thelma took a little road trip in the Spring of 1992 and married in Las Vegas, NV on April 15th.
We couldn't have been happier for either one of them!
What a deal!
Both, blessed twice, with great loves, and matrimony.
Imagine?
Thelma's first husband preceeded her in death in 1988, they'd been married 60 years.
Then she and Uncle Jim, dance...
(I think the running off for a Vegas wedding at the ages of 80 & 85, was near perfect, don't you?)
How long do you think they thought it would last?
I'm thinking they just didn't think about it, they just went for it, and they had another 13 years - together.
I love Jim and Thelma's story.
It'll be an honor to bid her adieu, and wish her sweet, sweet spirit well for now, come mornin' time.

Sunday, September 25, 2005

Bible Gateway

Today's Bible quote from Bible Gateway...

Romans 8:28-30 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)
Public Domain
28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Do you know what the scriptures say your Gateway is into the Kingdom of God?

Cheerios2Uall ... along with much love...
D.

Friday, September 23, 2005

Red, White & Blue


Red, White and Blue
I'll leave this one open to your own interpretations. . .
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Yes!
Painfully aware that it's another old one.
I thought I could get away with it since October is just around the bend.
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Oh! But ...
You should see the photo-montage I just finished up for the digital imaging class. I learned tons of stuff in the doing of it, and I believe it came out, pretty good, alright!!!
Maybe the teacher will grade and I can put it up next week?
Hope so.
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I found ole "Red, White & Blue" archived as a draft... from JULY, no less!
I wonder what else I got stowed away in here?
*tisk*
I feel another weekend project coming on...
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I'm hoping that I will be busy working at the college, this weekend.
I've been called for an interview today! I hope I get it. 3 good reasons: It would naturally fit my class schedule, It's with the Dorm's cafeteria - so, I'm thinking I'll get one good meal out of each shift I would be working there, and last, but not least, ... I am slam out of money (lol!) & I got 20 days to make the $$$ to pay 90% of the bills coming in. (not lol, over that. no.) The Cafeteria is looking real good indeed!
My friend, Dean Shaner (Dean of Business and Community Education), told me about it. I guess they were short-handed and that was bad enough, and then the lady trying to "do it all" broke her toe! (Poor lady!) I submitted my application and resume yesterday and this morning the call, made me happy all day... ( that, and the fact that I was doing ART, all day, too! ) BEAM!
I just recently reworked that resume too...
In closing, I'll share my objectives with you:

OBJECTIVES:
To Learn: progressing in wisdom through experiences and the knowledge they reveal
To Serve: to ever be, of good service to myself, my employers and my fellow beings
To Honor: by continually giving thanks and a conscientious stewardship over the time, talents, resources and responsibilities I̢۪ve been given
To Endure: maintaining resiliency, through positive applications of endeavor - by seeking out live opportunities when presented with the adverse and the unexpected


Doing my best people, doing my best to - Learn, serve, honor and endure......
Cheerios2Uall!
D.

Sunday, September 18, 2005

Yougottawanna

"Yougottawanna" is one word from a post that hasn't seen daylight yet.
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An ex-erp (excuse me!)
from my "defunct" 9/11 post.....
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"Are you better off now, than what you were four years ago?"
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Possibly more on this latter...
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... With more than just a passing nod, the gospel principles of self reliance, and personal preparedness, - were mentioned from the pulpit again, today.
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Lot's of great things expressed in services today.
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The last session dealt with physical and moral courage.
Extremely interesting topic and an excellent discussion ensued within the classroom.
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Possibly more on this later.
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I am thankful for spiritual and temporal leadership I can confidently, put my trust in!
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I have found the "missing link," which will tie my montage together, in good form, for the Digital Imaging class. YES! ! ! Happy, doesn't begin to describe that feeling...
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Prayers go up
Blessings come down
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Love2Uall!
D.

Saturday, September 17, 2005

Gondola

!?
That's right. . .
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One word, baby!

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"Gondola"
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I found it, along with the accompanying "Gondolier", in my Webster's Dictionary,
sandwiched inbetween the words: 'gonad' and 'gone'.
I believe this could be a word of value, an inspiration, to those embarking on the rebuilding of New Orleans. ("Narlens" - for those of you who speak the eastern North Cacalakie dialect)

... UM, I'm talking about the word "Gondola", here. (NOT: gonad and /or gone!!! *sheesh!* pervy people, got to explain everything in detail, these days!)
Why not consider working with what you have, and building the city below sea level up, to old world 'Venice' style, and practicality?
At least, right there along the coast line, at any rate....?

I mean if a dessert town like Las Vegas can do it, surely New Orleans can work a little somethin', somethin' out....?
Raise them buildings, toss in canals and arched bridges, launch a considerable few water taxi and, and, .....
'K.
I took a homework break and happened to watch a travel journal on PBS.
(Guess where they were visiting?)
I'll go back to my books.
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It seemed like such a genius idea, there, inside my head.

Friday, September 16, 2005

Restoration!


The birthday gift of the scanner was the most awesome gift I've received in quite sometime. It has helped me out a great amount, already, with school projects. ... and... intermingled with that, a personal project of the heart, is even closer to completion than it has ever been before!
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For years I have been packing this picture of my Paternal Grandparents around with me. I've kept it in an ill-fitting frame, for protection from any futher damage, because it is my most favoritest picture of the 2 of them in the whole wide world, it shows them, standing together, looking relaxed, and happy, like they are just getting home from church, on a Sunday morning; and you can see it is quite damaged. "Someday" I'd think... maybe I will be able to find a way to restore the image.
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I am happy to announce that someday is here!
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Check out the before and the 'after I've been working on it - getting it ready for a school project' ...versions of the picture.
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I am EXTREMELY happy.
I'm not totally done with my protect, a photographic montage, (mine will have the family tree theme), but I am totally happy with the rich, near MIRACLE, blessings of our 'modern' era...
which...
-are almost as humbling as the rich, near MIRACLE, blessings we can attribute to the eternal realm.... Love, people ... and LOVE somemore!
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Have a glorious weekend!
Dorko

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Test Today!

Ya!
I'm a bit nervous, doncha know?
Like everyday aint test day around this old world. *sheesh!*
I'm hoping I don't die and if I do...
I'm thinking of this little e-mail joke to get me through:
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Three friends from the local congregation were asked,
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"When you're in your casket, and friends and congregation members are mourning over you, what would you like them to say?"
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Artie said, "I would like them to say I was a wonderful husband, a fine spiritual leader, and a great family man."
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Merle commented, "I would like them to say I was a wonderful teacher and servant of God who made a huge difference in peoples̢۪ lives."
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Don said, "I'd like them to say, 'Look! He's moving!'"
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Ahem! Better keep "moving" Hehehee!
Have an Excellent "hump-day"
...and to all friends in the Carolina's, may Gods' speed and protection be over YOU, much love and fervant prayer are flowing out to you, that you'll weather the storm alrigh - that all will be, truly, well with you.


Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Net Muchies

I squeezed a few minutes in to blog a post on 9/11 and my feelings after Sunday services, yesterday morning before classes ...and ...and ...and BLOGGER ate it.
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I know I should fight fair and not call names... but...
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Blogger is a Booger! (sometimes!)
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Cheerios 2U!
Dorko

Friday, September 09, 2005

King of Beasts

Another "old" piece.
This one is undated, however, I know it was 'soooooooo high school', because of the note on the bottom, from my teacher.
He joked, "Sunday mornings, eh?" :)
Yesterday we did lines, again and then filled them with elipses and circles.
We were trying to draw porportionally correct circles and elipses to convey cylinders.
Perfect circles are VERY difficult to draw with the free hand.
I've heard it said that Leonardo DeVinci could do it.
*sighs* [I cannot] ...practice, practice, practice ...maybe someday!
I wanted to post my home, & class work, but our instructor had us turn it all in.
I think it's very cool that he keeps insisting for us all to leave the formative lines in this preliminary sketch work we're are doing.
[I've always rather liked drawings that left some the mechanics or raw guide points in 'em] Anywho... next Friday, I hope to record a few of the things I turned in, here on the blog.
Have a decent weekend!
Dorko

Monday, September 05, 2005

Testimony revisited

Testimony revisited.
This is something I'll be doing on a regular basis!
The Holy Spirit speaks to us in different ways: thoughts, feelings, impressions, sometimes we become aware of a pattern that, in turn, increases our understanding, or points us in the direction He would have us to go.
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Week before last, as I was preparing my talk for the Sunday meeting, I poured over scriptures, and church materials from the general authorities. One point brought up, repeatedly, was that, a testimony is something that you have today but you may not have it always. Testimony can be elusive & fragile; you have to recapture it every morning of your life. You hold on by study, by faith, by prayer. A testimony can either increase or diminish, depending on you. When I looked up Testimony in my Bible Dictionary, it referred me back to 'Covenant', which makes sense, as this same word is sometimes rendered 'testament'. And you cannot have a testimony of truth, sacred, and holy, without communion with the spirit backing that up! Bearing one's testimony can help strengthen and lift another - as not all have testimony, still, it can be given to those without, to believe upon the testimony of others' words. I've come to believe 'testimony' to be an important aspect of Christ's teachings, after all, it is what HE went about doing, isn't it?! How often did Christ bare testimony? Wasn't this the very thing that supported him in the wilderness, when he was being tested?
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I decided that this would be an expendable part of my talk.
You know, the part where testimonies can be as elusive as moonbeams and as fragile as an orchid.
Shouldn't everyone understand by now that, if you don't use it, (or pursue it) you'll lose it?
Then, preparing to leave my room, I tripped.
I fell.
I fell down, being fat and sassy, it was an easy fall!
That doesn't happen every day and that got my attention!
Actually, slow-motion, flung me, to the floor of my room, & I, I, I felt stunned, and a 'tick' disoriented! OH, to be sure, I'm OK. Easiest fall I've ever taken! (A hanger! I got hung up by a hanger!) I landed on some folded clothes & some pillows, I'd recently laundered, and which needed to be put away. In short, I fell directly over, unfinished business! YES! I'm certain there's a metaphor in there somewhere. :)
I picked myself up, smoothed out the dress and hair and went on to church.
While the 1st counselor was wrapping up his opening remarks I noticed something unusual, he tripped, and stumbled slightly, leaving the lectern.
Then comes one of my Sunday school students; a lovely girl by the name of Ashley. Ashley was sporting a new pink (her favorite color) arm cast, new, since the previous meeting. Ashley had gone against the grain of her Grandfather's better judgment, and wishes, and had been "looping" her horse. "Grandpa said, 'I knew you were in trouble when I could see all that daylight between you and the horse.'" Ashley fell, and, in describing the X-ray experience, she had this to say, "Ouchie-Ow!"
Next, Helen, self-disciplined in historical studies, spoke of an early member of the church who, although privileged with a sure testimony, and considered to be a great witness of the gospel, had fallen, lost his testimony and endured many, many years bitterness and hardship. She took great pains to mention that this person had never, and did never, (to their dying day), recant their witness of truth, NO! But- still they had fallen, away from their personal adherence to the gospel, in stark disagreement with the brethren, a sad, lonely life, with great struggles, steeped in many regrets, had been their end condition.
By the time I rose to speak, I'd recognized the pattern; I no longer felt, that mentioning testimony as something which needs to be nurtured on a regular basis, was an expendable portion of my talk. No-nono-no-no. It was to be a primary theme!
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Yesterday's fast and testimony meeting at the church was extremely moving. I was running ahead of time for once, and have decided that's the best - I must resolve to do better in getting myself around a little faster on Sunday mornings. (Easier to spot treacherous hangers when I'm not in such a flurry of hurry!) The meeting started with one of my favorite hymns, Lord, I Would Follow Thee. The first verse goes as follows:
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Savior, may I learn to love thee,
Walk the path that thou hast shown,
Pause to help and lift another,
Finding strength beyond my own.
Savior, may I learn to love thee --
Lord, I would follow thee.
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Then came announcements, and church business, presided over by the branch President, who ended his remarks with a report on what the church is doing to aide in the Hurricane relief efforts. He added his testimony: that within the church, and the Christian community abroad, there are 'watchmen on the tower', who sound the voice of warning.
How thankful we can all be for that!
Unfortunately, some heed that voice, and act accordingly, and some do not. How much better off are we individually, and with our families, having every needful thing, and goodwill flowing out into our communities, when we harken unto wise and reasonable council? Doing so helps to keep us from harms way, and when calamity does happen, having had our awareness raised ahead of time, doing all we can do, to prepare ourselves before the storms come, how much lessened is the impact? How much easier do we to suffer the hardship, and then mount recovery and growth efforts? When we've done all we can to prepare ourselves, our families, and in turn help our neighbors daily, when real need arises, were not left floundering, stunned and disoriented.
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Of course, many of the testimonies borne yesterday, were mindful of "Katrina", people expressing concerns for loved ones in harms way. No one feels good about the poor, the sick, the elderly somehow being caught up, unable to heed the warnings to evacuate the area due to lack of means, ability and aide. No one feels that is acceptable in the least! Least of all an individual with a sure testimony. Is that not the essence of the gospel, to look after the poor, and disadvantaged? [See James 1:27] It's heartbreaking to note that in the centuries we've had to advance 'civilization,' the poorest of the poor, still suffer, terribly - even in the richest, of the rich, and most powerful countries in the History of the world - 'free' or otherwise occupied!
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Second verse of the opening hymn:
Who am I to judge another
When I walk imperfectly?
In the quiet heart is hidden
Sorrow that the eye can't see.
Who am I to judge another?
Lord, I would follow thee.
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My heart and prayers have been drawn out for days for them, and I've prayed, literally, for YEARS now, for the healers - for those brave souls in the medical and emergency responder positions that work the hard hours, making the tough decisions, which hang them, literally, and daily, in the balance of life and death!
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Third verse of that opening hymn:
I would be my brother's keeper;
I would learn the healer's art.
To the wounded and the weary
I would show a gentle heart.
I would be my brother's keeper -
Lord, I would follow thee.
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I have a testimony that Jesus is the Christ. He LIVES! Trying his commands in my life has done nothing but strengthen me and build my testimony futher. I know I have His Spirit to attend me. I bare testimony that, truly receiving, the gift of the Holy Spirit into your life, to companion, comfort, lead, enlighten, and enable you to see beyond your human limitations, and current boundary lines, is the most precious and sacred gift we can have in our lives.
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How do you get that gift?
It is obtained only by adherence to the principles of the gospel, not by following the paths of the world. Purity of thought, and a sincere heart seeking the Savior's guidance daily will lead to a testimony of the truth of Christ's Gospel as sure and permanent as that which Peter possessed ... After seeing the transfiguration of Christ, and hearing the voice of God testify to His divinity (Matthew 17:1-5)
How do you get that gift?
One will never know it by indulging in sin; if we live only to gratify our passions and appetites we cannot expect the sacred, and the holy to manifest in our hearts, and minds - let alone flow outward into our homes, and families. The scriptures warn, "My spirit shall not always strive with man." (Gen. 6:3) His spirit will not dwell in unclean tabernacles. And you cannot have a testimony without the Spirit of God. . .
Still the question - How may I know?
Jesus has answered it, as he has shown the way in every aspect of life. And he gave a simple answer: "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." (John 7:15, 17) There you go, an answer t0 the question - a clear-cut statement. . . "If ye will do the will, ye shall know." And, "to know God, and Jesus Christ, whom he has sent, is eternal life." [see John 17:3]
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Fourth and last verse of that opening hymn:
Savior, may I love my brother
As I know thou lovest me,
Find in thee my strength, my beacon,
For thy servant I would be.
Savior, may I love my brother -
Lord, I would follow thee.
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God's work and his glory is to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man.
Eternal life is the greatest of all the gifts of God.
Who among us, will serve?
Can we not all be, even in small, daily measures, about our Father's business?
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(And if you've not gained a testimony of the Godhead, can you not at the least see truth in the wisdom of the ages?)
Cheerios2U all!
Dorko

Saturday, September 03, 2005

Laughter = good medicine...

That's right!
Laughter is still good medicine, and I'd like to give a shout out, to my buddy Burfica, for posting this wonderful, classic, e-mailed story on her blog "Don't Eat the Tomatoes" which made me laugh and laugh and put a nice spin on my mindset which I know will last for the remainder of the day! Btw, Burfica, I'm gonna copy & paste that out to the Queen of Panic!, that story is right up her alley! You may have already seen the story if you've been on line for a while, but go there and check it out, people. Big, big smile!

Friday, September 02, 2005

Drawing I

This is truly Drawing I, and I think it'll be good for me. Yesterday's class had us doing 4 projects which drew (pun intended!) from one another. Scriptorians will remember that man learns "line upon line. Precept upon precept." [Isaiah] Anywhooo... Project one was to practice, and in the doing, warm up, by drawing straight lines using different body, paper, and pencil grip positions. I did these standing up and sitting down, with my "Standard grip", a newly tried "under the palm" and the "pinky grip" which was strange and something I'm still trying to get a grip on. Hahaha. Here are the lines. (no rulers allowed!) I was pretty happy I'd occasionally practiced this on my own through the years of doodledom.
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Next came a discussion on Horizon (eyelevel - eyelines), Perspective(s), and vanishing points. We did work from a one point perspective and drew cubes which were to be both above and below the eyeline.
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Still with me? LOL! Then we really opened up and got inside the space in the box with 2 point perspectives. Remember, Art Teachers want you to work big, and so the newsprint paper we had is double the size of the printer I have, so not everything will show, like my vanishing points which I honestly have labeled VP1 and VP2 on my paper here. :) like the good kid I am! lol
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The last thing and the still unfinished thing, which is therefore the homework thing, is a sample drawing of 6 or so cubes from around the house. Stuff like a Table, Chair, TV, Washing Machine, Tissue Box, if it's a cube, draw it but be sure to leave in our search or guidelines (perspective lines) per the teachers request. He wants a raw lined version and then a duplicate of the item with more details lightly sketched in. I got somebody's water jug drawn in class before I digressed to drawing a statue of a Goddess clutching bunches of grapes into a cubist form, along with the barest hint of the desktop stereo we were listening to. Artist goove on the creative vibe doncha know? I'll finish up the assignment here over the weekend and yeah, I'll scan it a second time so I can record my progress here. .
Hope everyone of YOU have a great weekend.
. . .

1 Corinthians 12:31

... covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.