Elf

I am sure many of you have heard of Elf on the Shelf.
I vaguely remember hearing about it many years ago...
but it had never really caught my interest ....until now!!! 
The jist is that the elf reports to Santa every night on the
activities of the children that live in the household. 
These reports allow Santa to determine if the child/children
should be on the "naughty" or "nice" list.  Every morning
when the children wake up they are suppose to scramble
around looking for where their elf has relocated himself/herself
within the household....that is the really fun part.  There are so
many wonderfully creative people out there who have posted
pictures of their house elves (so Harry Potter ish....)  getting
into all kinds of fun predicaments.  My children are in their
20's now....so there really isn't any real discussion about what
list they will be on...."NAUGHTY"...and of course their is
no mad scramble in the morning to find the elves.  One
morning I asked one of my sons (yes, they still live at home)
to look in the frig....as I had set the elves up in there...he did...
but he was looking forward to a favorite food...and was
disappointed to find the elves...although I did get a smirk out
of it!    It is just odd that I have picked now of all times to
begin this tradition.  My reasoning is that I wanted to hand
off to them something that is fun, creative, and that they might
enjoy doing with their children one day.  So I adopted not one,
but two elves....named Tully and Declan O'Brien (very Irish.
and intentional...).  I forgot to mention that you register your
elves and their names on line.  You can even print out a certificate
of adoption and a letter from Santa too....FUN!  As you can see

from my pictures I am having WAY to much fun with this. 

The Secrets of Mary Bowser

     Just read The Secrets of Mary Bowser.  What a great book!  I had picked up the book from Target (they have a pretty good selections in their book club) and once I read the inside cover I was hooked. 

 The book begins and ends in Richmond, Virginia; which is where I am from.....anytime a book is placed in an area I am familiar with I've got to read it as I can easily visualize all the writer is describing and then some.  The book is about a slave who is freed in Richmond, educated in Philadelphia, then returns to Richmond to spy (eventually) for the Union during the Civil War.  Lois Leveen (see picture above) is an incredible writer. 

  My only regret is that I am not in Richmond now - as I would love to visit many of the wonderful buildings still standing; such as St. John's Church, and the Confederate White House (now, I believe it is called the Museum of the Confederacy).  The real bonus to this story is that it is based on some true accounts.  I love a little fiction with my history; especially because we all know that women, and especially women of color are almost missing from American History.  This would make a great read for a book club (if you're not in one - make one, if only for this book!)....then go on a field trip to some of those old stomping grounds mentioned in the book.  If you go....let me know if any mention of Bet Van Lew or Mary Bowser is found anywhere.  Oh, and please post pictures as well!

Sept 11, 2011 - I RAN in the 9/11 5k Heroes run at K bay. Simple enough statement, a clap on the back and congratulations should suffice...right? Wrong....there is so much more to this story.

Originally I registered to do this with a friend. The plan, at least for me, was to walk most of it, and jog occasionally. I agonized over this the night before....I really didn't want to do this, I hadn't even attempted to train for it (unless you count looking up training schedules online). Images flashed through my mind of being the last to cross the finish line and of people pointing and laughing .....or worse of having to ride back in the vehicle that follows the group, because the sponsors wanted to wrap things up and I was still on the course. So I tossed and turned all night, honestly thinking I would bail come morning. Morning came, way too soon by the the way. My alarm buzzed, I cut it off and struggled to go back to sleep. The good and bad me set up residence on opposite shoulders, making it impossible for sleep to come. One was saying....go back to sleep, you deserve the rest....you work hard all week. The other was saying...just get up and go....it will be over by 8 and you can crawl back in bed and nap. Oh, and what a good nap it will be ....as you have accomplished something (and a healthy something at that). The knowledge that someone would be looking for me propelled my backside out of bed.

So I drove across the island, only second guessing the location of this event once, making frantic phone calls to no avail, and eventually (and blindly) following a stream of traffic through the base. Against all odds this worked out for me and I finally picked up my packet and signed the banner (guess it's official....I'm doing this!). As I am sitting there pinning on my number (Yes!....my first number)...and strapping on what looks like a probationary ankle bracelet (my guess is GPS......now I'm wondering how many runners they have lost in the past), I overhear someone inquiring about running the 5K instead of the 1 mile Fun Run they had originally signed up for. No worries, they were told....just pay the additional $10.00. I'm standing there looking around the crowd, trying to locate my friend and her husband, meanwhile an event spokesperson, with megaphone in hand, is giving out instructions for the race. At this point, I am getting a little nervous as I can't find my friend....and the only thing worse than coming in last (per my fantasies of doom), would be not to have her walk across the finish line with me, or not be there to cheer me on. Panic had reached a high point....so I went back to the registration desk to inquire about maybe switching to the Fun Run (logically, if you can move from the Fun Run to the 5K, why couldn't you move from the 5K to the Fun Run). I was told this was not a possibility, I would have to run in the event I registered for (it's not like I was asking for my money back). I had a few choice words for that woman, under my breath of course, but decided to hike up my big girl pants and get on with it.

Next thing I know, a horn was blowing and people were taking off. I gave it a few beats....cause who am I kidding....i would get trampled if I started running ahead of these people...and coincidentally there was a man down when I got to the corner. No time to stop though, he already had help, and I couldn't stop as the first 100 yards of this run was an incline (yep...don't that beat all)....and if I stopped to walk it I would definitely be in the back of the pack. When I got to the top I started walking. Now let me take a moment to inform you of my physical fitness (or lack there of).....I am easily fifty pounds overweight and am so out of shape that the term physically fit should not even occur in this sentence. So I continue on my quest to the finish line, giving myself goals as I go..."you just have to get to that next stop sign then you can walk". When I walk, I walk as fast as my short stubby legs can carry me.....and when I run, I concentrate on my breathing (as the only thing worse than finishing last would be to pass out on the course). Concentrating hard and giving it my all I pressed on....I passed the man running the 5K with his four year old son (yep, you read that right).....I passed the soldier carrying a 100 pound ruck sack on his back (no typo there either)......I passed the woman who was 8 months pregnant (that was my favorite one).....MAN, I was looking good! I approached the gaggle women with their baby strollers (can't you just visualize them).....we fluctuated with me ahead of them, then behind them, then ahead of them....depending on if I was jogging or not. I'm not making excuses or anything, but I think those strollers were rigged, possibly electrically powered to pull said pushers.....come to think of it I don't remember hearing or seeing any babies!!! Eventually I lost out to them, I just couldn't keep up....but they stayed within sight...and even better I knew there were others behind me (besides the too young, too pregnant, and the one carry a heavy bag).

At midpoint there were people handing out water....and littered all along the road were wadded up paper cups.....as if the runners tossed the water over their heads in mid run and dropped the cup. I didn't take any water, despite the fact that I was thirsty. I was worried that with all the bouncing up and down I would need to pee and there weren't any restrooms around....and nothing to squat behind either. I did notice as I jogged around the corner a strategically placed van presumably for taxing those who wanted to quit (or possibly in need of a restroom) back to the starting point. I won't lie, I did contemplate climbing into that van (because the more I thought about the possibility of having to pee....the more I thought I had to go), but didn't. About a quarter mile up the road, the van passed me carrying passengers. As the van passed, I happened to notice the signage on the side. Apparently this van was someones personal business. Now I know you want to ask what type of business (so glad you were wondering)....it was a TAXIDERMY business.... and you know that the first thing to cross my mind was that he was picking up 'road kill' in the form of runners today. THIS did motivate me..... as riding in a taxidermy vehicle which possibly carted dead carcasses around, was not high on my list.

As I approached the finish line, there were soldiers encouraging me onward. Now I know these soldiers probably got in trouble and had to work this event as an extra duty punishment, but I didn't let that dampen my good feelings of being cheered on. I finally crossed the finish line at 48 minutes and 6 seconds.....I was thrilled with my time, and the enthusiasm of the crowd. People were cheering and clapping, several were taking pictures; and you know I was excited about this as I thought I might actually need proof. I couldn't be prouder of myself for accomplishing this. That feeling of pride did stay with me although it got bumped down a few pegs when I realized that all that cheering and picture taking was directed at the Marine behind me jogging with the 100 pound ruck sack. Oh well....

What I have taken away from this day is that I can do pretty much anything if I put my mind to it (and a little terror of being last didn't hurt either). I discovered that there is really no reason for me not to get out and exercise more....because if I can do 3.1 miles in 48 minutes...then surely I can jog down the street. This experience has motivated me and eliminated all my excuses (somewhat). Sometimes, I guess, it is just good to step outside your comfort zone.....bet you'll be surprised by what you can accomplish. Keep running my friends....

So excited......The Project Life kit has arrived!!! I got out of the groove the beginning of 2010, but now I am going to get back on track.....A Picture A Day For Life!!!!! You don't realize just how important and interesting your life is, until you document it daily.

Here is the write up I did for my History of Women in Art class. I was unable to find a suitable piece of art at the Bishop Museum (see last blog).

SERENITY'S WINDOW

I have chosen a work of art titled "Serenity's Window", by Sandra Blazel. I was able to view and briefly talk to Ms. Blazel today, in the Hale'iwa Art Gallery. The gallery is located in the small beach town of Hale'iwa at 66-252 Kamehameha Highway, Hale'iwa, Hawaii.

Sandra Blazel grew up in Hawaii, specifically Manoa Valley on Oahu. The landscapes, beautiful plants, flowers, and trees were all part of her everday world. Ms. Blazel graduted from Puahou School in Honolulu, in 1975; from there she headed to the University of California where she majored in Painting, Drawing, and Graphic Arts. Ms. Blazel has received numerous awards and commissions; and continues to create art today. Sandra Blazel describes the content of her art as "old Hawaii"; allowing all that embodies Hawaii to take center stage in her work.

The painting I chose to concentrate on is titled "Serenity's Window". I chose this painting, honestly, because it was able to evoke an instantaneous emotion from me. I was drawn to the shutters. Just seeing the shutters took me back to my childhood visits at my Grandmother's house (I thought only the smell of Ivory soap could do that). My grandmother had similar shutters on her windows, and while the view didn't even come close to what Ms. Blazel portrayed, I remember looking out the window with the shutters swung open in the same fashion.

"Serenity's Window" was created in 2009. The painting was done in acrylics, one of the artist's favorite mediums. The painting is visually realistic; depicting the scene just as it could be in real life, right down to the shadows of the palm fronds that are cast on the shutters. The dark brown on the wall with the white shutters creates a cozy, warm feeling that a home would possess. The landscape outside is not as vivid and bright, lacking the intensity one would normally expect of Hawaiian waters, this makes me believe that the painting is depicting either early morning, or early evening, when the sun is not sitting as high. Coincidentally early morning and early evening are generally viewed as the most peaceful or serene time of the day, playing into the title of the painting. Taking all this into account, I can almost imagine someone sitting in front of the window with a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine (depending upon the time of day) in their hands, and charging up or relinquishing the stress of the day. Another possible reason for the diminished intensity of the water is that of atmospheric perspective, since the water is seen from a distance, it could possibly lack the intensity it contains when viewed closer. Chiaroscuro is used throughout a good portion of the painting, giving the walls and shutters dimension. This allows the viewer to accept the realism of the painting, as it creates a three dimensional mass that a normal window would have. I think there is a gendered interpretation of the subject, and I say this because there is the feeling of a home, versus that of just a house in the painting. There is also some linear perspective in the painting, which allows the viewer to acknowledge the realism. The slant of the windows and how they are sitting next to each other is a realistic view of someone who would be sitting down and to the right of the windows, it almost makes me believe that there could be a third window we don't see, and someone is sitting in a seat in front of it, and has just looked to their left.

I really loved the feeling that came with this painting, and enjoyed the visit to the Hale'iwa Art Gallery. Sandra Blazel has many other great paintings that can be seen by googling her or viewing Hale'iwa Art Gallery's web page at www.haleiwaartgallery.com.

Lost Artist

I had this paper I had to write for my History of Women in Art class. The paper required that I go to a locale museum, view a painting, photo, or drawing by a female artist. Sounds simple enough, right.

I arrived at the museum super early, no traffic that day. So I entertained myself by taking a few pictures outside of the museum. There was this great stone face, reminded me of Easter Island. Then, as usual I got distracted by the great plants, flowers, and trees here in Hawaii. This tree was amazing, It had this huge fruit on it, like the size of cantaloupes. So, of course I took a few pictures of it.

I finally headed inside as the doors were being opened, and was directed to a docent, hoping to have them help me speed up the process. The docent immediately directed me to a piece of art by Meleanna Aluli Meyer, a beautiful painting of a Ku god, done in blues. Unfortunately it was displayed in a part of the museum that does not allow photography, and the painting was done in collaboration with another artist (Soloman Enos), creating almost a mural. I decided against this as my subject, because of the fact it was not a solo work, and because I couldn't photograph it. I did however write all the information down in hopes that someone else had taken a picture of it and posted it out there on the internet. This was in anticipation of maybe needing a Plan B. I posed my dilemma to the docent, hoping that he could direct me towards something else by a female artist; and blow me away, he said that was all there was. I could not believe this, how could there be nothing else there by a female artist? He did tell me to check out the portrait gallery and maybe there might be something there. I headed up to the third floor portrait gallery, where there were some botanical prints that were acquired by women, but did not positively state that they were drawn by a woman, so I continue on. I discovered this beautiful painting titled "'Ulu". 'Ulu is the Hawaiian name for breadfruit, and coincidentally that was the fantastic tree that was out in front of the museum that I was taking pictures of. I decided that this was a sign, this painting was the one I was suppose to use. The painting was done by Margaret Girvin Gillin (1833-1915) ca 1880. I copied the information written under the painting. "Margaret Girvin Gillin was unusual in her time, for she was successful enough as an artist to support her three children as a single parent. A native of Canada, Gillin studied in France before moving to California in 1869. Her time in Hawaii extended from 1880-1884. 'Ulu (breadfruit) trees are known for their beautiful dramatically shaped leaves along with their edible and decorative fruit. This lovely depiction of an 'ulu branch was originally purchased from the artist by Bernice Pauahi Bishop in 1884, it is therefore appropriate that today it is exhibited here in the museum that honors Pauahi's memory."

So I am walking on clouds now, I have my painting, was able to actually take a picture of it, and based on the information given, I was fairly confident that I would be able to find out plenty about the artist and the actual painting on line. Stumbling upon this painting happened rather quickly, so I headed to another portion of the museum, partly because I was there and I couldn't help myself, and partly because I am always looking for Plan B and Plan C.

The Bishop Museum is displaying three very large Ku wooden idols (probably 6 feet tall, not counting the pedestals) . This is the first time they have been reunited in over 190 years so I wanted to check that out as well. You will never guess what was on one of the plaques in front of the statues......"All three images are made of 'ulu (breadfruit) wood, a kinolau, or body form of Ku. Ku is said to have sacrificed himself for the good of his people during a time of famine. From his remains grew the first 'ulu tree, the fruit of which is a staple among many Pacific peoples." I could not believe it, I knew that I could work this into my paper.

I finally get home, and figure I will do some research on the artist. There is nothing out there about Margaret Girvin Gillin!!!! I spent numerous hours on google, images, and web. I went through college databases, art encyclopedias .....nothing. The only thing out there about Margaret Girvin Gillin, is just the connection to the Bishop Museum, and an auction site that is selling a painting by her. This woman supported her family with her art (not an easy task as a woman in the 1800s and early 1900s), where was all the information on her, and her bodies of work. I find that I am very disheartened by this, and it makes me sad that her and her work can not be readily found on this great world wide web that we all use so much. I don't like thinking that she may vanish from the world of art.

Turns out backup plans are a good thing, unfortunatley none of mine worked out. Had to resort to Plan D.......you will have to stay tuned for that.....

Sleep Porch

The sleep porch.....mostly a Southern thing, I think......a screened porch where you would sleep during the summer when it was just too hot inside. I never thought about it much, seen it in movies, pictured it from the pages of many book's story lines.......but never actually slept on one, until moving to Hawaii. Think our upstairs porch (not screened) is actually called a lanai here in Hawaii.....but I prefer to call it our sleep porch (or more aptly our napping porch!). We have no air conditioning at our house....but we do get great tradewinds; today it was a little stuffy so I headed for the "napping porch" with a good book in toe. I kicked back on the chaise, letting the cool breeze spill over me, and followed (envied) Elizabeth Gilbert as she ate her way through Italy .....sweet dreams indeed!!!