Burnin' down dah trailer...

Little did I know, when I posted the exploded Happy Face last Saturday (April Fool's!) how prophetic the little guy would be...
After posting I:

• Finished up the housework scheduled for that day.
• Went into work (@ the college Cafeteria).
• Helped pack a dozen or so huge roasters, filled with baked beans, sloppy Joe, and cole slaw to the gym, along with brownies for 400, the super huge beverage coolers marked "ice tea" and "lemonade", and all the assorted trappings right down to the latex gloves - all because that's where we were serving din-din - special event, don'cha know? MCC's "Homerun Weekend". We began serving at 6. That, coincidently is the same time that we normally quit serving. (I should have known then it would be a long night) The deal wasn't all that bad. Lots of familiar faces. Live entertainment - a young woman and her guitar playing for her supper so to speak and asking for requests. I leaned in to one young man, a ball player, passing by my section of serving table, (I had the cole-slaw and brownie detail) and said, "Hey! Go up there and tell her we'd like to hear some Frances Scott Key." He says, "Oh. Gee, I'm not sure who that is." I smiled at him - big smile. "He wrote the Star-Spangled Banner," I replied. "Oh!" Was about all he could manage, back to me, and he hurried on to the beverages. *twinkle* Children there seemed to be having fun! I notice one of those go fish booths set up in a corner - the ones where you throw your line over the blue curtain and go fishin' for a prize. Hadn't thought about that experience in decades. Looked to me like there were an awful lot of Troll-dolls living at the bottom of that 'lake'. That's mostly what they were all catching =) . At any rate, packing up and moving equipment from the cafeteria means one thing in the end; packing up and moving everything back - and THEN cleaning up. OY! I was tired.
• Went back out to home
• Chatted with Opie
• Thought, "Gosh, I'm tired... I... should... go... in... to... b....e....d......." That was the last thought before being rudely nudged to consciousness by 1) the cat & 2) this obnoxious noise, behind me and just outside the place - in the drive way by my car... what the ???
• Pulled up mini-blind to see a Fire Truck(s) with Firemen in the drive, hosing down the trailer house just right south of my house house, said trailer being completely engulfed in flame and merrily burning to da ground!!! 5 a.m. - including the daylight savings time change. Now I'd like to say April Fool's here but I'm not fooling.

See? It made the front page of the local Gazette. Strange weekend, that last one. That suspicious fire (no one living in that trailer - no power even hooked up to it - water lines even, all disconnected...) wasn't the only sensational, and terrible happening. There were a couple more sharing the front page lime-light, too. Jeepers-creepers.

Exploded!

The assignment: Computer generate, using the Adobe Illustrator program, an exploded view of a simple object.

The point was, to demonstrate to all, how much easier computers have made this type of work, for those of us endeavoring.

Ha!

This took, an excruciatingly long amount of time for me, to complete. Partly because, well, I am just learning. So, a fair amount of trial and error went into putting this together. - and - I'm building a portfolio here. So, I'm picky about details you may not even notice, but that, I can see, and that, I know are there. Lastly, this was not the 'simple object' I originally thought it was going to be! The 2 rings with the eight 'teeth' which normally hold the little Happy Face Air Freshener together were a major source of frustration! (Grrr!)

I spent hours and hours and hours at maximum magnification levels lining things up, (losing my place!), grouping shapes and gradients together, (undoing bad stuff!), creating subtle color variations, (ect, ect, ect,...), and, in the end, I printed twice - because, I realized I'd forgotten to add my little signature 'dP'. It's on this version. (Just another detail that most won't see. But I know it's there.)

I do like the end result.

The hours spent become a small matter in gathering and reviewing the lessons I learned in the doing.

Screw the stress of, well, everything that's stressful in my life right now! (I'll not bore you with livid detail, lol!)

Being satisfied with a job well done?
THAT makes me a happy girl!
(even if my semester and my 'id', are looking and feeling more and more, like this particular little drawing!!! =) lol!

Happy weekend to you all!
Love and Hugs- D.~

P.S. I scaled this copy down so it would load up faster. If any of you would like a "nice" copy to print I did save one, complete with printer's marks in a .pdf format. Cheerios!

P.S.S.: Happy (wedding) Anniversary to 'The Queen of Panic!" and her hubby, 'The King of R.E.M.!" LOVE YOU BOTH - BUNCHES!!! And I ain't April foolin' about that!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Irish Blessings
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

find more here and here

For My Merry Friends in Law Enforcement -

Cop Quips: Sense of Humor Police style

So you thought police officers didn't have a sense of humor.... The following were taken off of actual police car videos around the country.

#15 "Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they're new. They'll stretch out after you wear them awhile."

#14 "Take your hands off the car, and I'll make your birth certificate a worthless document."

#13 "If you run, you'll only go to jail tired."

#12 "Can you run faster than 1,200 feet per second? In case you didn't know, that is the average speed of a 9mm bullet fired from my gun."

#11 "So you don't know how fast you were going. I guess that means I can write anything I want on the ticket, huh?"

#10"Yes, Sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I don't think it will help. ! Oh . Did I mention that I am the shift supervisor?"

#9 "Warning! You want a warning? O.K., I'm warning you not to do that again or I'll give you another ticket."

#8 "The answer to this last question will determine whether you are drunk or not. Was Mickey Mouse a cat or a dog?"

#7 "Fair? You want me to be fair? Listen, fair is a place where you go to ride on rides, eat cotton candy, and step in elephant stuff!

#6 "Yeah, we have a quota. Two more tickets and my wife gets a toaster oven."

#5 "In God we trust, all others we run through NCIC."

#4 "Just how big were those two beers?"

#3 "No sir, we don't have quotas anymore. We used to have quotas but now we're allowed to write as many tickets as we want."

#2 "I'm glad to hear the Chief of Police is a good personal friend of yours. At least you know someone who can post your bail."

#1 "You didn't think we give pretty women tickets? You're right, we
don't... Sign here.

lol!
See any favorites?
:D

5 Star Family Fun!

Just saw Wallace and Gromit in the Curse of the Ware Rabbit.
Yep.
May be the graphic artist in me but I stand by my title up there...
this movie was 5 star family fun and maybe even worth the time and trouble to buy one's own copy for keeps!
I LOVED this movie.
Cheerios!
D~

Spring Break!

Whooooo Hooooo!
Maybe I can get something done around this place?
Maybe I can catch-up with my blogger friends?
Maybe I can grab some "ME" time?
Ah... just considering the possibilities...

Sweet springtime is my time is your time is our time
for springtime
is love time
and viva sweet love.
--e.e. cummings

Happy Birthday to Mother

Today is Mom's.
We decided, early on in the week, that lunch would be good.
Thought about a movie but then work flip-flopped on me.
So lunch for sure.
I got the steller idea to call my brother, last night and ask if he knew what today was going to be. That boy sure did!
So I invited him along on our luncheon.
We all met up, downtown, at the Beiroc Cafe. (Pronounced BEER-Rock)
Where we discuss movie options amongst other things.
The nephew (previously pictured right here on Cheerios&HeavyCream) had wished his beloved grandma a happy birthday, earlier in the day and had offered the 5 star suggestion that we all just rent "Walk the Line". =)
Our fear, (later confirmed at the video store) was that it'd be so popular we wouldn't be able to find a copy of it too rent.
Then my brother, bless his heart, pointed to this little advertisement tent, you've seen the like, little specials of events or treats, sitting up 'pup-tent' style on diner tables.
"Why don't you just check this out?"
It's a special showing of an old classic at our towns' historic little Fox Theater - the even is actually a fund raiser for a prospective politician. We think it'd be a fun way to enjoy ourselves in celebration of Mom's B-day. Who cares if we have to wait a day? The price seems right. (I think Mom's even a little bit excited. Kinda like taking a little trip back to yester-year, for her. "1956! That's even a year before [thequeenofpanic] was born!") 1956 - she would have barely been into her 20s. Hehehee. Hope the temps are just as nice as today's 70s....
Also hoping you have a classic week end, too!
(See the pix I scanned. I made off with the little ad. I'm gonna make it into a Happy Birthday Card for Mom! Don't Moms like the homemade stuff best?)
D.~

I was afraid of this...

Problem!?

It's severe upper respiratory CRUD I've been doing battle with for, lo, these passing 3 weeks now, I've lost my voice!
I haven't had laryngitis in decades.
People talk to me on the phone and say, "My word, Dorko! You sound terrible!!!"
(!?)
"Yeah," I sweetly reply, "but I'm just as cute as I EVER was!"
PROBLEM?
I have to give a talk in my Business and Professional Speaking Class this Friday!
And I have no voice.
Maybe I can just type it all out and employ the old follow along with the "bouncing ball" trick, projecting it on screen, at the front of the class. =)
I gave a small verbal report this morning... and it was a real struggle, even with the scintillating subject matter I'd chosen.
Topic this morning you wonder?
How "we" differ in our treatment of animals... last week's Gazette published 2 reports (and 2 very different methods of operandi!) for escapee animals.
Item one, a news release from the eastern edge of Nebraska, told the story of 2 cows making a run for it, somehow managing an escape from holding pens in Omaha, (They have big holding pens there, think of the world reknown 'Omaha Stakes') ... said cows, running wild, through the streets of Omaha, NE. (Can you imagine!?) The Omaha Police Department in hot pursuit, reported that after several attempts to regain control of the situation and capture the cattle, the bovines were unceremoniously shot dead.
(I was kinda saddened by the report. Thought, for a moment that it would have been 'nice' if they (the outlaw cattle) had been recognized for their ingenuity and daring, and given pardon. May be even put out to pasture rather than dressed up for the diner table, but that's just fanciful me.)
Another account last week, detailed the bravado of a Show Doggie of a different sort. Champion Bohem Cest La Vive, the full name for a Whippet, more commonly refered to as "Vivi".
Said article related how search efforts had escalated to now include 12 Psychics engaged now, in consultations with authorities as to the whereabouts of the Westminster Kennel Club winner... and, get this, there's been a $5,000 dollar reward posted... (I'm thinking you have to bring Vivi in alive to collect it though.) The 12 Psychics were mostly stressing a strong sense that the dog was safe and sheltered in a warm area. The hunt for Vivi began when she somehow managed to escape handlers, thus, leading airport personel, both on foot, and in 3 different vehicles, in a run across the tarmacs of JFK International Airport, reaching top speeds of upto 25-30 miles per hour. Vivi somehow managed to nose her way into a marshy area of the grounds and that's where the trail went cold. The end of the report stated that, "Droppings consistent with those of a 30 pound whippet were found near cargo bays." Some of which are heated. Them Psychics might be on to something - the heated cargo bays were being searched as of that reporting!
So! Vivi apparently stopped long enough to drop a load! =)
(Sorry, couldn't resist a snarkism, here...) And provide a bright hope of picking up on her trail, once more! (I know, I know! I'm bad.)
Get-ALong-Little-Doggie! (What ever that means!)
I'm wishing for the best of all possible out comes for Vivi, a whippet. A whippet good...
:D

Running behind...

Running behind sux just as much as being sick sux! =)
I am beginning to feel better ... which is good, because I'm throwing a Baby Shower this Sunday afternoon for that new baby, darling Haley and I so want to get to hold that little bundle of wonderful!
I am not posting, much, because trying to catch up on school assignments is rough when the programs, tools - equipment I need to do the work are specific to this building or that class room lab all on campus.
For instance, I can't just sit down at 10 p.m. any given evening, here at home, and "catch up" on my Illustrator assignments, because they all must be done inside of the "Illustrator" software program - a pricy little bit of computer fancy, which I do not have.
I could download a free 30 day trial of that program to use at home, however I don't have a MacIntosh computer to load the dang thing down to (add another to the list of pricy, little bits of computer fancy that I do not have!) and... (ahem! <-clears throat), we all know the cliche about poor, starving artist... I'm not starving by any sense of the imagination, but I've got a whooper testamony on poor, so, little Miss Artsy-Fartsy me is not likely to get a MacIntosh on my desk this semester nor those remaining in my program pursuit. (insert dreamy, wishful sigh, here)
I just got to follow the admonition of my sweetie, Opie and "tighten up" every chance I get to get it done and remain on task. And find comfort and some balance in knowing that all concientious students face challenges in working through their course - it's that growing learning process we all love/hate.
So. Thems a lot of words to say I'm prioritizing school over play just now... however... ya'll should just KNOW that I still love you. (Beaming Smile!)
I'm pulling a nice little (hand drawn) picture together for Baby Haley. I'll post it and maybe the progression of it on here over the next couple days.
January's birthstone is Garnet, flower is Snow-drops, and since the party is this weekend the color's are Pink, and Red, and White.
The party theme (will be woven into my picture too!) is: Prayers go up, Blessing come down
May it ever be so.
Wishing good stuff for YOU... all ways and always,
D. ~

To My Valentine...

To My Huckleberry Friend -

Today, you know, I thought of you...
Just the way I always do.
Yesterday, and the day before...
of you, I'm thinking, more and more.

Sometimes I think of what has been.
Sometimes my thoughts are more pretend.
I wonder if you think of me?
I wonder what those thoughts could be?

If I could only read your mind,
What kind of thinking would I find?
At times I feel I'm on the brink,
Of craziness with what I think!

Am I crazy to think of you,
Just the way I always do?
Maybe I should call and say,
How much I thought of you today....

I Love YOU so, so, so much!
Big, deep, heartfelt kisses and warm, tender-loving hugs - just for you sweetheart. Just for you!

No-no-NO-no-NO-NO-NO!

Sick.
Watery eyes.
Burning throat.
Hypersensitive respiratory.
Nausia.
Light headed to the point of feeling faint...
Yesterday I was burning up.
Today I can't get warm enough.
Not good.
A teacher suggested that new "Airborne" stuff.
I went out and got me some.
Not sure if it's really making a difference or not - but I do like the way the lemon-lime effervesce feels going down my tender little throat.
eh.
Sweet sleep here I come....
Later, ya'll.

Wanna get published?

Got the great American novel and need HELP(!) breaking into the business of all things literary?
.
Maybe Cyndi can help.
Here's her new website, www.hughesliterary.com.
.
Meanwhile, yours truly has homework, artwork, and a Baby Shower on her "to do" list! :P
(and ... downloading the pieces/parts to a composit work for tomorrow's post!)
C-ya!

Photo-Touchup

This is a nephew.
One of 2 belonging to the Queen of Panic! Heh.
(I begged the pix from him after I saw it up on our IM)
Once I got the photo, I realized I could use some of my new found skills to enhance it a wee bit.
=) Where was this technology when I was on my way to sweet 16?
Ahem...
Well, looking closely, you'll not only see his eyes are blue, but that I got rid of the camera lens lint, too!
.
Lots of love going out to this one, and all who pass this along this way today!
Hugs!
D. ~

Seniority

Here's my Friday...
I get up and get my happy self to class on time. So far so good.
I know I need to do these things: Class.
Homework for 4 different subjects, all due in classroom time, next week.
Bake and decorate a cake, (*for a small fee*), for a friend's Super Bowl party - I've already got the icing whipped up.
Take my friend, Helen, a precotious 74 year old, to the Beauty Acadamy, as promised, for her appointment.
Put in my hours at the work/study job in Brook's Halll (dorm's caffeteria).
.
Everything goes off on schedule, until I pick up the Helen, for her 11 o'clock.
She wants to know if I can possibly take her to the Medical Clinic (after the hair appointment - which will take about 2 1/2 hours). She needs to get some medication from there. They will give her some 'free samples' and since she's not yet successfully negotiated the new medicare tares, snarls, and snares, she desperately needs to get these samples, while the Doc. is still willing to allow it for her. *sigh*
"OK."
Back to School... barely get cookin' with homework assignments and have to pack it in to go get the Helen.
On the way to the Clinic, Helen asks if we could possibly run by her bank - she's so grateful for the rides and favors she'd like to buy me a Wendy's lunch. . . and some gasoline too.
"OK." I say and add, "Your hair really does look lovely. They did a very good job with it today."
Off to 'mid-town' for bank then clear across town to Wendy's.
Nice lunch. Great conversation. . . although my thoughts are wondering here and there over how I'm going to get that cake baked up by the time I've gotta get to work??? ... and how ever am I gonna get all the homework done...in time for classes???
I don't want to worry Helen with those concerns, she's worried enough as it is, over the hundreds of little details that have woven themselves into her life, through the passing decades. Details which still serve to challenge the Lady, some difficulties having become ever more magnified, with every advancing year.
I tell her how much I enjoy our chats and let her know that I've shared one of her stories in a classroom experience, earlier, this semester.
While having lunch, Helen remarks how she really does need to get some things at the store and could I possibly spare some time to take her to the Dollar General and then what ever she can't find there she'll have to pick up at the grocery next door. (?)
I'm such a sucker for the elderly.
"O.K."
2 1/2 hours later and with moments to spare, before I need to be on the job - I'm driving Helen back across town to unload her and her goods at her home. She is partially disabled - paralysis in her feet, etc, etc, etc... it's hard for her to negotiate certain terrain.
There is a big black garbage bag on the dilapidated porch. Helen can't negotiate the distance from her back door to the alley way were the garbage containers live. She'd like for me to take that garbage around the corner for her.
I'd love to do it too.
But, there is no time.
This time I can't say "O.K."
I promise to come back, again, after my shift to take care of that, too.
*Sigh*
Right... never did get gased up and now I'm heading for work, while dang near running on empty.
Yet another thing to add to my list. Looks like my Saturday night is gonna be tight with me playing catch-up after work.
So much for "homework" and my little side business in "decorated cakes"...
They just don't have that much "seniority".
She's got her house dress on and "Chuck" the little dog is 'woofing' and 'Grrr-ing' protectively when she answers my firm knocks on her door, later, after my shift in the cafeterria's kitchen is through. I had over the bad of medications. She forgot them, left behind in my car seat, in the rush to unload earlier, this afternoon. "Oh!" I' ve been callling and calling you - you'll see that when you get home." She says. "I will need this medication in the morning, I'm so greatful you brought it back by!"
"And you know what else...," she says, more than she asks, "We never did get you that gas"
"I know."
"Don't worry about it."
"I'll pick you up for church on Sunday."
"We can maybe do something about it after that."=)
*one*last*heavy*sigh*
It's a privledge and a blessing to serve.
Ya know what I mean?
.
Have a great week's end everyone!
D. ~

Miscellaneous Terms

I found this list of 'terms' flipping through a weekly publication called 'The Big Nickle'. I thought they were a hoot, maybe you will too...

Arbitrator \ ar'-bi-tray-ter\: A cook that leves Arby's to work at McDonalds
.
Avoidable \uh-voy'-duh-buhl\: What a bullfighter tries to do
.
Baloney \buh-lo'-nee\: Where some hemlines fall
.
Bernadette \burn'-a-det\: The act of torching a mortgage
.
Burglarize \bur'-gler-ize\: What a crook sees with
.
Counterfeiters \kown-ter-fit-ers\: Workers who put together kitchen cabinets
.
Eclipse \e-klips'\: What an English barber does for a living
.
Eyedropper \i'-drop-ur\: A clumsy ophthalmologist
.
Heroes \hee'-rhos\: What a guy in a boat does.
.
Left Bank \left' bangk'\: What the robber did when his bag was full of loot
.
Misty \mis'-tee\: How golfers create divots
.
Paradox \par'-uh-doks\: Two physicians
.
Parasites \par'-uh-sites\: What you see from the top of the Eiffel Tower
.
Pharmacist \farm'-uh-sist\: A helper on the farm
.
Polarize \po'-lur-ize\: What penguins see with
.
:P heheheee....

Love at First Sight...

We do wacky things when we're 'in love'... you may have to click on the jpeg to get what I'm being so sappy about... (great-big-cheesy grin!) =)

Sabbath Ps, Please

Today's topic at church: Patience.
(Seems we're going through the P's of the gospel principles this January, as we started off 2006, with some excellent, thought provoking talks on the universal sin of 'Pride')
TODAY: The 1st speaker, on Patience, was a member of my youth Sunday school class. He did a fantastic job for one so young, I was very impressed with his composure, eye contact and easy delivery. He pointed out something in our doctrine and covenants, that also impressed me on the topic, a revelation from the Lord to the saints: "Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not. Let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks: Waiting patiently on the Lord. For your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Saboath, and are recorded with his seal and testament - the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted. Therefore, He giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things where with your have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord." (end quote.)
.

Last week's (Youth Sunday School) lesson title was "The Creation". I had variant degrees of attention given to me and the subject by my students. Heh. At the very end of the class-time I felt inspired to asign homework. I directed them all to "create something & bring it". :P Today's class was much more paticipatory, shall we say. You can see some of their impromptu art work, I've borrowed to blog about, here. A bunch of impromptu. Yes, as always, some remember, some forget, and those that had, remind those that had not... so along with the food-toons, the hanging squid, little yella banana, Fuzzy, Flower and the Paper Sackman puppet, we had some other, fantastic, creations there - which I could not borrow to bring home to scan. There was an oragami paper you could blow up into a box, we had 2 paper aeroplanes and yes, I had them fly 'em, right there in class! We had a very, very nice model of a (hot rod!) car, and a personal favorite - due to simplicity - a scotchtape wad/ball. We talked about what main catalyst of thought preceeded the creations and it came down to "What can I do?" I explained to them that, living gospel principles they'll be asking that question of themselves quite a bit. I know I do. Something, or someone, someplace, some situation will capture my attention and I'll ask myself, "What can I do?" It might come in service to an employer. I might inspect my yard, or house and think to myself, what can I do and come up with a pleasing decor or landscaping project. Perhaps in the garden I'll have those prompting thoughts that get the creative juices flowing. No money? Invited to a baby shower for someone you adore....? :) Stuff, GOOD stuff, begins to happen. Most especially when you've been dilligently feasting upon positive things, like the words of Christ. Even if the situation is dire. People often take affirmative action, in answering that little question to themselves, and then pouring out that resulting, positive energy back into the world. Today's lesson title was, "Because of my transgression, my eyes are opened". Lots of good participation today from all the youth - and when it came down to the close, boy howdy, could I bare testimony on the subject at hand. Experience, they say, has a way of making one question why it has that reputation of being the best teacher. Why not follow after those things in life, which we all know and can recognize as inheriently good, and to be extremely wary of those things which we can all know and recognize as inheriently bad? Still, bad things happen to good people... that's why it's so important to exercise and strengthen your individual FAITH. Many people out in the world 'believing' in a lot of things. I have a sure testimony, born in the trials of truths, in which I can honestly say, I KNOW. Not just "I believe", but "I know". My afflictions ultimately working together for my good. heh.
.
The last meeting of the day was on Preparedness. I was handed the following quote by James E. Faust and asked to read it when called upon: "It is my testimony that we are facing difficult times. We must be courageously obedient. (I liked that - 'Courageously obedient'!) My witness is that we will be called upon to prove our spiritual stamina, for the days ahead will be filled with affliction and difficulty. But with the assuring comfort of a personal relationship with the Savior, we will be given a calming courage." (end quote.)
Turning to John 14:27 we read the familiar words of encouragement from Christ, "Peace I leave you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
.
...in closing my post today, I'm feeling impressed to quote, (again!), words from the current President of the Church. In his discourses, President Hinckley has said: "You are loved by your Father in Heaven, of whose divine nature you have partaken... There is something of divinity within each of you... Every one of you was endowed by your Father in Heaven with a tremendous capacity to do good in the world... cultivate the light you have wihtin you, and it will shine through as a radiant expression that will be seen by others... Cultivate whatever talents you have, and they will grow and refine and become an expression of your true self appreciated by others. (end quote.)
.
There's my active, directive for the year, "Cultivate" & "Shine and gleam", in all things - "Shine and gleam".... (my cautionary it seems would be, "Beware of Pride"... gonna need a whole bunch of elbow grease to git r done up right!
Have a bright week everyone!
D. ~

Phooey.

I just spent the last 45 minutes looking for a picture of the dear lady who passed away last week and ... well... phooey. Can't seem to find the one I was looking for. She was young, vibrant in purple, standing around down at the horse corrals, her youngest daughter all decked out in riding regalia... I found some of those photos... but not THE one. Hrumph!? I couldn't have invented it could I? I mean I'm too young for alzheimers... ok. maybe I am suffering from half-heimers.... Looks like I need to organize my photos too. dang.
.
New project on the drawing board. I started it just the other day, waiting at Wrightstone for Dr. Rick. (He was out to lunch) I have decided to finish it up today... or at least get fairly close to being done. I'll post what I have so far after church today. Right now I got to read over the Doctrine lesson & review those scriptures.
.
L-8-R! =)

Reasons Why I Can't be Your GF Right NOW...

1. After 9 months of 'courtship' you have not disclosed your true marital status to me, (despite my frequent requests which became boarderline begging, for you to do so) for all I know you could still be married to your 3rd wife! Are you? Still married 'on paper' to no. 3? (It's a mute question, of course - and one of the last I'll ever ask, because your non-answer IS my answer to this question - it's not likely that I'll be looking to you for any 'other answers', to any other thing in my life, henceforth...) I think that what you really need is a gf who doesn't care - I'm sure there's plenty who'll turn themselves out - there for you.

2. I'm trying to lead a drug free life for as long as I possibly can. You just told me that going a day with out any alcohol scares you silly. You seem to have totally forgotten that just the opposite - being with someone who's alcohol dependant - TERRIFIES me. I understand that you need to be heavily medicated due to your disabilities. I don't think you understand, that, to the 'sober' partner, a relationship with an addict, is sometimes like being seated at the tea party with the mad hatter and the March hare - nothing makes sense & this goes on and on until things get downright scary because you begin to loose sight of any possible means of escaping the insanity. How vibrant and viable is the life when you get to questioning what is really good and true and what isn't... how much of what is exchanged - is the substance influencing? I mean, even Alice was allowed to leave wonderland and come up for some 'reality air' - after a time.

3. You've not lived up to your own promises to me. Most especially the promise to communicate with me. I began this relationship with you because you outlined 4 specific principles to serve as our guideline which happened to be exactly what I've been looking for in a mutually exclusive, and loving relationship with a man - he doesn't have to be perfect but 'my man' does have to try to live up to his own ideals and his agreements with me.

You said:

• God will be at the head of 'us'
• we will love each other
• we will talk openly and honestly about any and all problems between us
• and lastly, we will not cheat - which, we further defined, as maintaining some respect and a certain gentil loyalty to each other, "even if" we should ever decide to go separate ways.

4. I am at risk for being guilty of this myself, but, I must say here: We both have a way of 'Fault Finding' that I believe will be ruinous (to us both) in a long term relationship. To make it work we'd have to unwaveringly adhere to that 'communication promise' and I just don't see that happening with either one of us!

5. Everytime I've prayed about this relationship - Everytime I've prayed about you and me, about me leaving everything I have (which is what you've basically asked me to do) to be with you, God has told me, "No."

Which, confusses the heck out of me, because for some reason I can't explain, I still feel strongly that I need, that our Heavenly Father wants me to maintain a loving and postitive contact with you, I strongly believe, even now, that HE has put us 'together' - for His own purposes... whatever those might be... (God help me, this "No" should have been the first thing and only thing I've paid attention to - have I made a collossal mistake, in allowing myself to get too emotionally embedded with you...? I know, that if I do not pay very close attention to the whisperings and the promptings of the good spirit here, that there'll be hell to pay someday... I am sorry, darlin', I can't be something I'm not for you - ! I can't leaving everything I've worked so very hard for - just to move closer to you, to take care of you - when you won't conclusively define that you are open, legally - never mind 'otherwise' - to having a close, personal relationship & I can not, I will not, be one of your on-line whores!)

Grieving...

Alekx from Nitrogen Narcosis and Burfica from Don't Eat the Tomatoes have lost their Mother.
I am grieving the loss with them as I was very, very, very fond of their Mom. She was of great help to me, as a young woman, when I got it into my head that a move, out of the blue, to Arizona would be a grand idea. This woman showed me many kindnesses and much love, and in many ways served as a maternal, mentoring figure to one so young and foolish and so far removed from her own.
Rest peacefully dear lady.
You did a lot of good here.
Much love, appreciation and good cheer will be a part of your legacy all ways and always.
D. ~

Drawing II

I know.
I was "pokey" this Friday and never got an original Art Piece downloaded...
Here's a very old one, of Stevie Nicks, (from a newspaper clipping).
I was a teenager and Fleetwood Mac was hot, hot, hot - when I did this.
I never did finished it.
I haven't done much by way of portraitures.
I would like to change that.
Kinda wish I could have taken Drawing II this semester, because that's where they were going - straight to Portraits!
Hrumph.
Have to do the best I can at my own speed for now I guess.
Hope everyone has a Rockin' good week!
Cheerios2U all!
D. ~

Artist Gone too far!?

That's right! Some Artist can just go too far! Here, I got this e-mail today - YOU decide...

Classes

Maybe posting them here will help me keep on track...? lol
I got to Business Math class this morning and found out I'd already skipped it once!
Apparently the class is on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I just penciled it into my 'day to day' calender as Thursdays. *sheesh* Dang rosters! the course catalog abbreviates that scheduling as 'T R' ....so.... you can see where one might be thrown off course. (Ha-ha) Funny thing is that I got it right last semester. This week that little tid-bit of info just never did come to mind. See? I said when I started this Blog that the nick-name Dorko, covers a multitude of 'sins'. =)
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Mondays: Business and Technical Presentations
Tuesdays: Business Math; Typography; Illustration
Wednesdays: Business and Technical Presentations; Desktop Publishing
Thursdays: Business Math
Fridays: Business and Technical Presentations
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Then I'll be going to a Work/Study, serving in whatever capasity they can use me at the dorm caffeteria - doing everything from dishes to monitoring the students' meal card scans. I'll be busy there, Monday through Saturday with Tuesdays off. Tuesday's full, with a 12 hour schedule of time, spaning from my 1st to last class of that day. I plan to use the time inbetween classes to work on project in the Mac Lab. Meanwhile hoping that plan pays off!
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Time for lunch, now and afterwards, to consider what to throw up for a Friday Art Work... ???
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Looking forward to the weekend, aren't you?

What is life?

What is life?
It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.



It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset. ....................................~ Crowfoot

2005-NPR's memerable moments

Loved this web page... lots of interesting stories.
I like NPR, because you can click the 'listen to' button while you whislte away at other work.
Some I heard when they were coming up during the year.
I haven't listen to them all.
One I missed that held some facination for me was the one on the quilt made out of KKK robe/material. (seeMrs Parmeter's Klan Quilt - under the hidden treasures sidebar)
Bit of a mystery in that one... which, of course, invites one's imagination to 'fill in the blanks'.
Interesting that someone made a cover up, out of meterials used by a secretive society, for covering up their horrific, mis-deeds!

Hummingbird Art...

Yes. More guest art.
This one is the most energized of my nieces and nephews.
I refer to her as my little Hummingbird because she is so quick and beautiful.
She's half way to 7.
She started reading at 6 5.
She helped me put butterfly decals up on a wall a couple weeks ago and talked me out of one or two to take home with her, in the process. =)
Love that kid...
Here's her orginal and then a copy that I played photoshop on.
You can almost see the creature running - can't you???
Have a galloping good weekend everyone!
D. ~

Musings....

1. FOOD - I had a Turkey sandwich on whole, honey wheat, washed down with a tall glass of chilled apple cider. I ate this as a late night supper last night. What a flavor combination. If I was a restauranture (sp?) I'd offer that, along with a portion of my 7-8-9 layer salad as a meal deal. BTW, my last layer salad was simply YUM! and had the following:

Washed, torn and spun romaine leaves
chopped thinly (1/4" or so) celery
thawed (formerly fresh-frozen) green peas
2 green onions - chopped
crumpled, dehydrated homegrown and vine-ripened tomatoes
a handful or 2 of dehydrated wild cherries
shredded carrot
cooked, crumpled bacon
chopped boiled eggs
shredded mixed cheese - cheddars, colbys, Monterey jack
I left the dressing choice upto the individual as I took this as my contribution to a dinner held elsewhere.

I call it my 7-8-9 layer salad because it always varies depending upon what I happen to have on hand when I make it up. This one had a flavor combination which really popped. I had about 4 servings of it as left overs from the dinner. I gave a portion or 2 to an elderly friend and happily saved the remainder for myself. The flavors were even better the day after! So I thought I'd make a note of this one.
I don't know where I'll get wild cherries this summer, the one's I had came to my by way of a friend from Trayer, KS - one I don't see much of these days since we're working at other places and endeavors now. I do know that I'll be having tomatoes in a garden this coming season. If for no other reason than to rebuild my supply of the stock I've dehydrated and kept in the fridge.

2. I'm starting a new e-journal on the machine today for all the daily hum-drums that I don't/won't post here. I noticed that I have folders marked 2001, 2004, 2005. I got this computer in 2000 - a day after Thanksgiving 'Special' at the local Wal-Mart store. I figured it was a must have with my desires to go back to school. I returned to my 'Hometown' of McCook in the summer of 2001. This machine remained packed away until I settled into the home that I'm in now and that move happened in December of 2004.
(I will neeeeeeeeeeeeeever, EVER, move my household between Thanksgiving and Christmas again! EVER! Most people would think weather to be the reason why not, BUT - as I live and breathe people, I tell you it's the stress that's over the top! Now, it didn't help any that my Mother, living 2 1/2 hours away from where I was at the time, was hospitalized 3 days before the big move with reports indicating 'spots' on her lungs. I Thank God that she's still 'Doctoring' and still with us and that she, too returned to McCook, last spring. I thank God for the un-seasonably mild weekend he provided for that last move of mine, He gave us 70 degree days! His Grace is truly Amazing! And - I Thank God for His Providence in this home, which was my Grandmother's home. It holds so many wonderful memories for me. It's big enough for all my 'stuff', lol, I am typing away on the machine, here in what used to be her sewing room. I've adapted it for a small office/study area.)

3. The Journal Jar. I am back to it. Shortly after I started this blog I mentioned my journal jar. Still, I have not kept up with the journal jar ideal. I am making a fresh attempt at it this year. You all can play along if you'd like. The idea is this jar is stocked with colorful slips of paper containing all sorts of thought provoking questions and directives. They are to jog your memories and get you telling or writing down your personal stories.
I will be drawing a slip of paper out of the jar and making my personal notes in response to the idea, question, or directive, on that piece of journal jar paper.
I heard, some people use this as breakfast / dinner conversation with their children.
I've trotted it out on Thanksgiving Holiday once when we had a large gathering to dig out some good stories from relatives and in-laws... the results were hilarious, and sweet - laughter, laughter, laughter & that feeling of togetherness amid family that is a true treasure of more value than anything else I can think of in the world today.

Today's journal jar directive:
"DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST HOME/APARTMENT AS A YOUNG COUPLE."

Oy! I've been 'coupled' before but never married... so I've got to think about how I want to go with this... do I describe my first home/apartment I had of my very own - sans other family members? ...or do I describe my first home/apartment I had in co-habitation with a love?

Food for thoughts indeed!
I'll chew on it and get that review down here tomorrow.

May we all enjoy good flavors throughout this week.
D. ~

The Future...

The Future lies before you,
like paths of pure white snow.
Be careful how you tread it,
for every step will show.
...............Author Unknown ~

Guest Art...

I've been visiting with family members... which is why I have not been posting for the last couple of weeks.
The creative vibe runs through my family and is translating to the generation coming up.
I gathered up a few drawings from my nieces and nephews, pictures for me, created during their visit here - so I decided to digitalize and keep their works and feature them as guest artists on the blog.
This piece is by the 'little lord of leaping'. I used to call him that because the child never walked as a baby-boy - he ran, jumped, hopped, skipped and yes, leaped, everywhere he went. :) He has slowed down, a bit, now that he is going into the double digits (12).
This masterpiece was done on the back of a bowling alley score sheet inbetween the little lol's turn at knocking pins.
He explained, "The moon is golfing and that's one of those funny golf hats and he hits the star in the eye with the ball and his eye pops out and he says 'ow! my eye!' and the sun has one of those monocle thingies and that's Saturn with braces and a butt-chin." I'm not sure now what the little thing is above Saturn, I think it maybe the eye-ball, also saying 'ow!' =)
Gotta love youthful imaginations and the images they inspire.
Hoping we can all see the universe through the eyes of a child - from time to time - in this new year coming, and that peace, joy and prosperity will attend you (Right along with the Sun and the Moon and the Stars!).
**************** Note from Evan, the Artist:
"The thing above Saturn is not the eyeball, it's PLUTO, and he's saying 'AW!' Because he's afraid that he's going to be the next golf ball!"
See? I thought there was more to it! Thank you for the correction, Evan!
****************
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This scripture from Galatians has been pressing upon my mind this passing week:
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance, against such there is no law.
If the above 'fruit' is manifest in your hearts and in your homes I'd say you, my friends, are on a good, and well balanced track; and if winds of adversity, or change blow your way, you will fare well and remain strong - even standing as a strengthening force for others in times of trial.
I met with my spiritual advisor this morning.
I made the appointment yesterday, as I remembered, I had yet to attend to my end of year tithing settlement.
I've come to understand, that it is rather important to me, as a matter of obedience, faith, and humility - to inventory, evaluate and declare myself regarding tithes and offerings at the end of each year... honest accountability is a good thing for the soul.
I also needed to pick up the reference materials for the gospel doctrine course of study for 2006.
I will be reading through, studying, and God willing, teaching, principles from the Old Testament. . . so many truths and great blessings, standing there in, for the children of men to benefit from. Even if you're not the 'religious sort' one can benefit from the wisdom of the ages.
My mind made the link from my morning appointment with the Branch President to the tail end of the Old Testament which teaches of the Lord's law of the tithe (Malachi 3:8-12) and His great blessings which He visits upon those who are careful to observe it.
Malachi 3:10 - 'Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.'
And vs.11 - 'And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.'
Sounds good to me. I was thinking of putting in a serious garden this spring and can't think of a better endeavor-partner, in the whole-wide universe to have, than God. Praying providence in every needful thing for me and you in the year ahead.
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May you do good work and may your harvest and blessing be plentiful in 2006!!!
.
(P.S. Watch out for 1st quarter, golf swinging moons!)
.
D. ~

Restoration - Life Renewed

I decided to go with the Alekx suggestion in naming this piece.
(I've got a request in to Aunt Ursula for a German translation of the above title)
I couldn't wait til next Friday to post it.
Too much excitement in the air!
I'm busy all week with People and Parties and Pot Lucks and catching up on housework-fun, so I'm not sure how much I'll be able to catch up with all of you blogger friends of mine... there are some post you've done that I want to revisit... any who... here's a scan of what the finished Still Life looks like - complete with simulated frame and matting. I've left it big in case some of you want to click / enlarge on the pix to look at details or for those of you who would like to download and print a copy for keeps. Just remember, you may have to resize it to print it and, please, feel free to enhance to your heart's delight. (i.e.: change the coloring on the "matt" / "frame" etc...)
_______________________________________________
Sabbath thoughts:
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Church was wonderful today!
I loved the special music presentations by the primary (children) and young women's groups. Excellence - just made my heart sing (and my eyes water!) to hear them.
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There will be a big celebration at the end of this week going into Christmas (pot luck and a special, televised, Church Broadcast) as it coincides with the anniversary of the birth of Joseph Smith, Jr. and hence the 'restoration of the fullness of the gospel' through the coming forth of the book of Mormon. One very simple scripture, quoted from that volume, stands out in my thoughts yet this evening... from the book of Jacob 6:12 - "O be wise; what can I say more?"
Plain and simple, huh?
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Christmas, for me, will be extra special - falling on a Sunday this year. Services at Church will match it (the great music continues on!). I'm only sorry that we'll just be there for morning worship services - no Sunday school classes - which is appropriate. As the best, ultimate place for Christ's gospel of self mastery and selfless love is played out at home against the back drop of loving family bonds.
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The Gospel Doctrine lessons I teach the youth seem to be going ok, at least in content and format! Heh! =) [They keep trying to convince me they'd do even better with cookies!] Hehehee.... someday....
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Last week's talk was about the importance of being good citizens, I was trying to relate that concept directly to the youth both temporally and spiritually... about how being a good citizen out in the world ties back to being a good citizen in the kingdom of God.
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Then I came upon this statement, in the teacher's manual, by Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve (a modern day Apostle) :

"In The Church we often state the couplet, 'Be in the world but not of the world'... Perhaps we should state the couplet... as two separate admonitions. First, 'Be in the world.' Be involved; be informed. Try to be understanding and tolerant and to appreciate diversity. Make meaningful contributions to society through service and involvement. Second, 'Be not of the world.' Do not follow wrong paths or bend to accommodate or accept what is not right... "
"Members of the Church need to influence more than we are influenced. We should work to stem the tide of sin and evil instead of passively being swept along by it. We each need to help solve the problem rather than avoid or ignore it."
(in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 100-101; or Ensign, May 1989, 80)
. . . That's a lot to think about right there. . .
Then, today, our lesson was on the importance of family and on gaining inspiration to strengthen the one you have.
I Loved this quote from the President of the Church, Gordon B. Hinckley taught: "When you are married, be fiercely loyal to one another. Selfishness is the great destroyer of happy family life. If you will make your first concern the comfort, the well-being, and the happiness of your companion, sublimating any personal concern to that loftier goal, you will be happy, and your marriage will go on throughout eternity." (Ensign, Dec. 1995, 67)
.
I told the youth that, one could do well to substitute any member of the family and 'relationship', for companion and 'marriage', in that quoted ideal - even their siblings - and ultimately, their personal happiness would enjoy a great increase.
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I've kept coming back, again and again, to these quotes. I'm guessing I really need to...
Mater of fact I've had an example play out right before me, THIS WEEKEND, on how miserable one can be in the face of potential happiness - by taking the selfish role.
(I won't horrify you with the details!)
I believe that there are some "keyes" in those quotes, somewhere, for me (anyone really) - to use for good purpose.
Most likely I need to 'tighten up' on that encouraging part. The part about being progressively more active, aware and kind - rather than passive, selfish and hard... I pray the Lord guide me in these things.
It's an infinitely better use of ground, and far more difficult for weeds to grow, in a full, thick bed of flowers, no?!
"O Be wise, what can I say more?"
Enjoy the Bouquet of Blessings your family and community brings to you!
Wishing you all renewed life during this course of the 'Season of Joy'!
Merry Christmas! . . . and much love, to all who pass this way!!!
D. ~

P.S. - If you dare click the link and then 'listen' to that Christmas Story, told by John Henry Faulk, have some tissues ready - just in case!

18 Hours in

December 4th, 2005 - Yea! I'm almost done! Sorry if it took you awhile to pull up the blog. I left it on the big side in case anyone wants to click onto it to enlarge. (That's really the best way to see the work I've put into it so far) I'm thinking of inventing another, darker, bloom on the right side of the bouquet. That side is tricky b/c it's in the direction of the 'light source'. I'm also thinking about smoothing out the table cloth on that side and with a little value rendered into the lamp - I'll be able to call it good. I got some happy accidents going in there, too... just gonna hint at the possibility of a sheer curtain behind the lamp, all I had to do was pull some high lights out of the graphite smudge with my eraser to do it.
I'm figuring I have about 18 hours into it at this point. One of my friends squawked a bit over the hours I said here - until I reminded them that it's a BIG drawing. (For me anyway. I'm more accustomed to 8x10s)
And, I know, my old buddy, Alekx was right - I never should have buried my talent for as long as I have! It gives me such great joy to create beautiful things. =) PLUS, I'd be a lot faster had I been out drawing stuff, lo, these many years, rather than with-drawing into 'my little cave,' for want of a better term. *tisk* Oh, well - I certainly feel like kickin' it out now! Hehehee!
I was really into it yesterday.
I could feel myself practically champing at the bit to get it done.
I made the terrible mistake of not saying anything to my art teacher when I had the chance, on Friday, and I never did get a hold of him to open up the classroom I needed. Saturday) Otherwise - I would be done by now!
I went a head and pulled it out of my sketchbook to make it easier to scan and bled all 6 scan sections together - for blogger viewing pleasure - and my own record.
I've never taken inventory of my work in progress before. I think it's been kinda neat to record what happened at the end of each work session.
By the time this draft hits my blog, the completed drawing should be protectively framed, and hanging on a wall some where sweet.
Hope you all have a sweet weekend.
Cheerios!
D. ~
12/16-2005 - It is finished. I double matted (Rita's frame shop was running a special) and put it into the cheapest frame I could find from Wal-Mart - which is, indeed, pretty flimsy-cheap. BUT - Hey! It's in something hangable and protective. =) I left the original work at the Wrightstone Building in care of Dr. Johnson. I'm working on a post for next Friday that will be suitable for download... a Christmas gift to any of my blogger friends who would like to have a printed copy for themselves...? I'm feeling the Spirit and it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas - Merry Christmas, God bless us everyone!

Aunt Helen

Aunt Helen passed away over the weekend.
She'd made it all the way up to 89 years and 9 days old.
I attended her funeral today, where I was suprised and delighted, to see her older sister, my Aunt Freda! Her daughter Janice as well!
Appearently Janice thought it was important for her mother to attend and put up enough of a fuss for Roger (the son/brother - not living in a care facility) to okay everything with nurses and such, load up their considerable gear, wheelchairs, walkers and whatnot (Whew! How well, I know what that's like. Roger and his wife said something to me about trouble getting all to fit in the trunk of their car. =) That was a determining factor which actually crossed my mind when I bought the car I'm driving now. Before Caddy I was into bungie cords - but I digress...)
Uncle Jim, the one I mentioned a couple of months ago, was there, and so was a cousin, Dorothy, who rounded out the attendees from that generation of relatives - the 90 and older club. Aunt Doris couldn't make it back from MI. Her long term love interest, Chuck, is battling a brain tumor.
Aunt Helen made quite an impression on me in my youth. I may not have known her as well as some of the other cousins who've lived here continually. However, I remember that red hair and wide open spirit! She was known for a quick wit and smile to ride along with it, always with the light of intelligence and good humor twinkling in her eyes. She used to send me birthday cards. In the mail! When I was a wee tot! YOU know how special mail to a young child is. Children never ever get a letter or card just for them. But I did. From my Aunt Helen. I think that thoughtful act on her part may have started me off on my own fancy for dispatching cards by mail from time to time.
Aunt Helen was always lean and active. I've heard it said that no one could out pick her in a tomato patch. Absolutely no one!
She worked for a number of years in the circulation department of the local paper, the McCook Daily Gazette, they too, appreciated her quickness and dedicated work ethic.
Parkinsons and the advancing years exacted a heavy toll on Aunt Helen these last few years. Her hearing and recollections of faces to names faded along with her once hearty laughter. However, She maintained a smile that could light up a room!
I wish I could have stayed with my family and heard the stories they all had to tell...
*sighs*
I was required at my semester finals - immediately following the church services.
(That was tough! But I know Helen would want me to continue, going and doing good in my life, ... after all, that's what she did with her's.)
Peace and God's speed to your soul, dear Helen!

Dr. Johnson

Some of you expressed curiosity over my Drawing I instructor, Dr. Johnson.
Here's a recent photo that ran both on College e-zines and in the local, Gazette.
The Wrightstone building serves the College in a gallery capacity as well as providing classroom space. The door directly behind the guy (Wayne) on the right, is a room I've dubbed as the "Mad Mac Lab". I feel rather like a Mad Artist in there, with some of the stuff I've concocted this semester! I'm thinking about putting them together in a flash file... got to make it through this week of FINALS, first! =)

McCook Community College Art Instructor Rick Johnson (left) gathers with members of the Lester Jack Olson family recently to celebrate MCC art show featuring Olson’s works. Pictured are: (second from left) Kelly, Jeri and Sandra Powell, Delmar Ebert and Wayne Twyman (PHOTO BY MICHELE GILL).

A quote that stuck with me from worship services yesterday:
"Seek that (the good things) which man, can neither give, nor take away."

Listen to what I found on NPR! An hour long Christmas concert from the World Cafe! If you're in the Christmas mood, but a little rung out with all the traditional music, usually heard this time of year, try that link and then click "Listen" ... you can putter around and listen to some great, "live" recordings at the same time!!!

AAAaaaahhhaaaaahhh-A!

^ Primordial scream.
Think: Led Zepplin's Immergrant Song
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FINALS LOOM
STRESS bearing down on me,
WOLVES.... CIRCLING!
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and then,
and then,
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...I visit a few of you lovelies out on the net...
you've left the gift of "Joy" on your door posts for any who would partake...
and reminded me of mine own!
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Learning, brings me great joy
Art in general, but most especially, that which pours out of me, brings me, great joy
Endeavoring to magnify talents and to walk uprightly, in obiedience to that God which gave sweet life, and the redeemtion there of, unto me, brings me, great joy
This pursuit of happiness IS NOT wasted effort... the path may not be easy, but the joys the journey will bring, are so worth it!
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Hark! Is that a Fogleberg tune floating at the edge of my tenuous hold to sanity?
Me thinks it tis... 'Joy in the Journey' ...no, that's lyric, and I'm mixing it up to boot! The title is 'Along the Road' that's the tune.
.
yes.
.
yes.
.
yes.
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My 'virtual tea leaves', just now? ->

Reading No. 15

"Take no remedies if your heart is clear."
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People, my heart is clear.
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Now THAT's a joyful noise!

Here's the words to that tune I just named, (The one now, firing off in my head!):

Artist: Dan Fogelberg
Album: Phoenix <-(LOVE that LP!)
Title: Along The Road

Joy at the start
Fear in the journey
Joy in the coming home
A part of the heart
Gets lost in the learning
Somewhere along the road.

Along the road
Your path may wander
A pilgrim's faith may fail
Absence makes the heart grow stronger
Darkness obscures the trail.

Cursing the quest
Courting disaster
Measureless nights forebode
Moments of rest
Glimpses of laughter
Are treasured along the road.

Along the road
Your steps may tumble
Your thoughts may start to stray
But through it all a heart held humble
Levels and lights your way.

Joy at the start
Fear in the journey
Joy in the coming home
A part of the heart
Gets lost in the learning
Somewhere along the road
Somewhere along the road
Somewhere along the road.



=)
DORKO!

Progress Detail 2

Another 6-7 hours into it.
My art teacher said, "It's beautiful" - high praise.
(Sorry about the 'missing square', but again, because this is a 2 foot by 1 and a half foot drawing, I had to scan twice match them up, bleed and then merge 2 images together to show you what I did today -[12/2])
Progress was slow on this section due to the fine detail on the book and eye-glasses.
"Implied line" is tricky.
(where you imagine a line to be but you don't really put one in there)
It can be extremely challenging, for instance, there were a couple of times when I was using 2 hands to draw - one to steady the other - lol! Never had to do that before, but there were a couple places that needed one very, very fine, well placed line, to do the trick and I didn't feel risking a squiggle, off my mark, would make me very happy.
I think the effects are well worth the effort in the long run. Especially since teacher pointed out that the book and glasses will be the composition focal point - so I needed to be mindful of that eye travel.

I am liking the piece more and more as I push it to completion. =)
I expect that the lamp will be the easiest part - once I get the rest of the flowers in the basket this'll almost be a done deal.
Hope you enjoyed the progress report.
By the time I post this draft the completed picture should be matted and in a frame.
That's the goal.
Hope your goal is a safe, enjoyable weekend!
Cheerio!
D. ~

Swipe files

Every artizan keeps swipe files.
I was talking to a classmate and they said, "My whole house, practically is jammed with swipe file!"
I had to agree. "Same here, I got file drawers, magazine stacked, notebooks jammed!" (I broke down and started buying holders for them a few years ago - but now that I'm living on the barrowed funds of student loans I'm thinking re-cycling Cheerios boxes to house magazines and artsy notebooks, would be a great way to go!)
They are pure reference, things that caught the eye or captured the fancy.
We were instructed early on in both the Digital Imaging class and the Graphic Design to start compiling a swipe file (I mentioned this in yesterday's post).
I downloaded some images I'd been sent in e-mails that had been obviously, (and humorously!) photoshop enhanced. Even though I turned in the file to teacher, I can add to it up to tomorrow, so, I'm still looking to pad up that file if any of you think you'd have something good soxed away somewhere? =)
At any rate.... we laughed and laughed when I handed a few of these around the 'Mad Mac Lab' and so I thought I might post the ones I still have on computer file here on the blog, too.
Gotta love the richness, texture and good natured fun someone else's imagination - spilling out into the world - can add to our own day to days!
Four Candles is one Opie sent to me that I couldn't just print off and stick into the file so I'm linking it. Hope the link works and you like it as much as I did! =)
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This one came with the message that "This is a pix of 2 identical dolphins. If you see any differences in the 2 you may be stressed and in need of a vacation"
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Then we have the penguins. This came with the caption to "Do the brave thing .... and then run like hell!" (I think it's the spectator penguin with the little purse that cracks me up the most here.)

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I must admit the pix titled "Smart Turkey" took me a moment or 2 to figure... hiding out under the lampshade, pure turkey genious! hehe...

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Last, but not least - we see a pix that came titled as 'East Texas Bird Dogs' I took editorial privildge in saving a copy to my swipe file and renamed this one East Texas Bird Dawgs. Hehehee!

Happy 'Hump-Day' everyone! =)

Just one more thing...

Yep. That's all I need - just one more thing to deal with going into finals week! NOT!!!
I've discovered the computer lab's equipement loads and runs much faster than mine. (rolls eyes heaven-ward - considers a rant .... na, no time! ) So! I stayed after BSAD1020 yesterday padding up my Digital Image swipe file, to be graded, naturally. I came away at around 4:30 - 5 p.m., plenty of time for a late lunch, early supper, and back to Wrightstone for Graphic Design.
I
nearly
froze
to
bits
between Walsh-Brady
(er, these are the names of buildings, sorry)
and my car!
So I went to Wendy's dollar menu board by drive through and then directly home to munch and to put on more clothes! Heh. And I thought I was fairly well dressed when I'd left the house that morning!
The Temp. guide in the car read 14 degrees... I'm thinking "yeah, hang a big fat MINUS sign in front of that." The local news came on while I was finishing up the chicky nuggets and confirmed that we were sub-zeros in windchill at minus 4. um-hum.
I check messages, tick mark a call or 2, off my heart and mind, and gather all my G.D. trappings... be nice to get to class early - missed last week due to school closings. .. .. . but NoOo!
I get the grand idea to swing the car up to the mailbox out at the highway on my way out to class. I roll down the window to retrive the scant letters in there (Thank-you Burfica for the Christmas card & pix of kiddo!) and... swinging the Caddy back on route to Wrightstone... and... the dang window refuses to roll up!!!!! Just one more thing to deal with! Grrrrrrrrrrrr at myself for not thinking! Yea!!! At myself for 'extra clothes'!!! (Still, I nearly froze the left side of my body into a solid block, by driving on. Hehehee.)
Stupid power windows, worked at the drive through earlier because the car was warm then... the car was a fridgidare by the time I got back in and had the lame idea to check the mailbox... old power windows are tempermental -especially in zero temps.
There's my big Tuesday update... going with the extention cord and space heater plan RIGHT NOW to try to "fix it". I DO NOT want to drive around with that dang window down during this cold snap! I was seriously enough, disgruntled, and let's not forget, "chilled," - last night, to spur me on to some intense, problem solving drills NOW! ... wish me luck, please!
ok.
now where's my hat and gloves gone to...???
:D

Joy to the world!

The extra-special benefit of regular church attendance during the month of December is the singing!
These next four Sunday's will be packed with Christmas hymns, flanking the sacrament hymn, each week.
Yesterday, we were few in number & ever more blessed to have been faithful in our journey to worship.
Jack Frost had iced every twig on every tree, every fence line, he even got any and all weeds sticking up through the snow. It was truly a winter 'wonderland' to behold on the drive into town.
The opening song yesterday carried on that elation for all creation I was feeling - Joy to the World!
As I partook of the sacrament - I was mindful of His great goodness, and humbled, almost beyond expression at the thoughts that always come to me with the sacrament, the love He has offered me - I Stand All Amazed - was the sacrament hymn, and how fitting! I quote the 2nd verse, "I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine, That he should extend his great love unto such as I, Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify. Oh it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me! Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me!" -- end quote.
I also marvel, that the great creator of all, would instill into me a little, tiny bit of His divinity, a little, tiny bit of creation's talent, and the eyes to see, to glimpse from time to time, the majesty and miracle of it. I am so very grateful for His gifts to me.
As the branch presidency opened the meeting to testimony I was reminded of my baptismal covenants and ever thankful that I know what they are! To come into the fold of God, and to be called His people, to be willing to bare one another's burdens, that they may be light; yes, and to be willing to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in the need of comfort, and to stand as witness of God at all times and in all things and in all places that I may be in, even unto death. God's promises in the baptismal covenant? That ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life -- (which is the greatest of all God's gifts) The act of baptism in the name of the Lord, is "as a witness before Him that ye have entered into a covenant with Him, that ye will serve Him and keep His commandments, that He may pour out His Spirit more abundantly upon you." What a deal! =)

I had forgotten that, being the first Sunday of the month, this would be a Fast and Testimony meeting - so I was not fasting, but fueled up on those Cheerios and skim milk, again. Still, I felt impressed to stand and bare my testimony - what an honor and a privledge it is to have one... to be able to emulate the Saviour who did just that throughout his earthly walk - stand, and bare His testimony.

The closing hymn, yesterday was - It Came upon the Midnight Clear

It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth To touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on the earth, good will to men From heav'n's all-gracious King."
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.

Still thru the cloven skies they come With peaceful wings unfurled,
And still their heav'nly music floats O'er all the weary world.
Above its sad and lowly plains They bend on hov'ring wing,
And ever o'er its babel sounds The blessed angels sing.

For lo! the days are hast'ning on, By prophets seen of old,
When the ever-circling years Shall come the time foretold,
When the new heav'n and earth shall own The Prince of Peace their King,
And the wholeworld send back the song Which now the angels sing.

Wishing a JOYFUL week to all who pass this way today!!!
Dorko

Still Life

I started a new still life in Drawing I.
Thats what you see here.
I've barely begun.
I thought you might like to see the process... now remember I'm rusty, so it's taking me longer than ever to get the information down.
(That's artist talk for "draw the thing!")
Took me 3 hours just to get the main sketch down. . . but then, like anything else in this world, if it aint right to begin with nothing will make it right in the end.
I figure I have about 6 hours draw time into it at this point.
When I begin to render details, I prefer to work left to right, across the page - b/c I am right handed and I don't like smearing the details, with my drawing hand, once I've got them happily in there.
I spent a considerable amount of time trying to get this thing onto the computer, big problem is that it's a big drawing. (24"x18")
I scanned it 6 times and tried to bleed the scans together.... but found some pretty wide variance in pigmentation from scan to scan.
Thought I'd mention that as another reason it looks a little messy moving from left to right.
I'm posting the bottom 3 scans and a detail of the lower left side which I think is coming along nicely.
Feel free to click on the picture to see an enlargement. I just did, and it really is better - getting down the angle of the book and those glasses is what took the majority of my time in class today.

I'm thinking I'll post some of the progress, as I go along with it - or at least the finished work.
Hoping it'll be good enough for a mat and framing, as I love the sceen - a grandmother's specticles and opened, German bible, are set before a bouquet of flowers, on a table attended by a fancy lamp with a glass shade. . .
What, if anything, do you think would be "a name" for this piece?
Have a well drawn weekend, ya'll! =)
Cheerios!
D. ~