February 2008

The Female Form…

A timeless inspiration for Sculptors, Painters, and the like, the female form remains indisputably beautiful.

Curvaceous at almost any angle,..she is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Her intricate anatomy, …flawless in design, ..is both appreciated and admired.

For centuries, Artists have aspired to capture the beauty of a woman. Stunningly portrayed in various interpretations, ..be it voluptuously ‘plump’, or svelte and slender, …either rendition complimenting her shapely composition. …Unable to deny her allure.

Read the rest of this entry »

Always hopeful for an outdoor cardio session, …today looks promising.

From a quick assessment at a glance outside,…it’s a beautiful day. The sky is blue, the birds are feeding, and the sun is shining…brightly. It looks just perfect…

But as we all know, ….looks can be deceiving…

…baby, it’s cold outside!

Unable to commit myself to reaching optimal capacity, purely from the displeasure at exposure to what I perceive as frigid temperatures, I’m reduced to remaining indoors…

…to reluctantly board my detested Treadmill. ….God I hate it.

My distaste for it undeniable, I cannot, for the life of me, understand its appeal.

Appreciating this mechanical ‘convenience’ for exactly what it has to offer, is all I’m able to muster. It is the capability to continually enable a person to effectively condition their heart…despite all kinds of weather. If fortunate enough to own your own, the luxury of never leaving the house is an added bonus.

But try as I might, I just can’t get into to it. As much as I love to exercise, (…I need that endorphin high), I’ll do anything short of standing on my head to avoid the thing.

Read the rest of this entry »

Todays post is written in a disquieted state of mind. I apologize for that, as it’s never my intention.

I could add this post to my “Animal Health Tip” section of my blog. However, after just experiencing a “What If” moment, I think it warrants its own posting.

I just let my three dogs out for the second time today. I have them all trained on Invisible Fence and they do well. Problem is I misplaced,(…ok lost) a ‘fence’ *collar for a Collie and it never turned back up. I’ve been rotating collars between the two Collies and used my dog “run” for the other…..for the most part.

Read the rest of this entry »

Lazily drifting like fluttering feathers…finally resting in silence…

…With every flake the earth is blanketed in a pristine veil of white.

Another February Snowfall.

Absorbing the beauty of this snow-transformed state, …I marvel at the fact that every snowflake is different. Beautiful to behold and magically captivating, a fresh snow, in all its splendor, seems to silence the world.

Alas, however pure this unanticipated, but seasonably-appropriate whether is, I remain unwavering in my desire for Spring. Encouraged by a recently noticed flock of Robins, I convinced myself it was almost here. I even dared to keep a watchful eye on the Forsythia,…its wiry branches always first to claim recognition of arrival.

Dismally realizing my hopes are delusional, …I must impatiently wait, …without alternative, …for this new blanket to melt.

Read the rest of this entry »

..The Company of a Child.

My mood (and weather) dictate a big pot of chicken soup should be on the menu tonight.

More unenthusiastic than usual about dinner preparation, I reluctantly drag myself into the kitchen and robotic ally begin the ritual.

In no time, the pot is simmering, ….and my periodic ‘taste testing’ is underway. The first go-round comes up short…something seems to be missing. I absentmindedly add a little more oregano. …it needs more time.

I grudgingly fill the hour with household chores, something there is never a shortage of. I let the dogs out, put on some laundry and check my email. Passing through the kitchen on my way back downstairs, I check the soup again. Still not satisfactory, I add a little more seasoning. Basil this time, hoping that’s what its lacking…

As I traipse around the house, it’s unusually quiet…an oddity in itself. …Why is that I wonder?

A touch of melancholia washes over me and I’m suddenly tinged with sadness. Confused at this unexpected feeling of despair, I contemplate its origin.

Suddenly thwarted in my attempts at analysis, a hungry Zack ‘barks’ me out of my trance.

Read the rest of this entry »

I love animals.

I love the companionship they offer, …the unconditional love, …and the never-ending devotion. (…well, in dogs at least anyway…the jury’s still out on the ‘devotion’ attributes of a cat.)

In my home, eight animals reside… five cats and three dogs. For the most part, we all live in harmony..every’body’ knows their place, …and life is good.

However, as with most things in life, there is always somebody or something to upset the ‘Apple Cart’. For me, it’s a little Lhasa Apso…named “Zack”.

Devoted to me wholeheartedly, his behavior, at times, could be less than ideal.

A self-appointed ‘head of the house’ this little tyrant it not only seen, …but exasperatingly heard. He torments my two collies on a daily basis. With a 24/7, relentless, “gggrrrrrrrrrr”, he continually tries to assert his authority. He’s gotten so efficient at this he’s able to produce this growl on his inhaled breath as well. …Breathe in, ‘ggrrrrr’; Breathe out, ‘ggrrrrr’; in,’ggrrrrr’; out, ‘ggrrrrr’ …All. …Day. …Long.

When he’s not being ‘vocal’, rare as that is, he will stealthily wait to cunningly steal a ‘chew’, biding his time till the coast is clear… …never mind that he has one of his own. On completion of a successful mission, he’ll move away…only to sit over his loot, ….hoarding it…Taunting the collies to ‘come get it’, …if they can.

Read the rest of this entry »

… Reluctantly cutting the ’strings’ …One at a time.

It’s always hard for a parent to begin to cut the ‘ties’ that bind them to their children.

As they get older and want to declare and explore their independence, it is a parents concern for their safety,…and a reluctance to let go, even a little, ….that becomes the inevitable glitch.

My youngest daughter is on her way to Missouri to spend her spring break visiting with her sister in college.

Apprehensive at her flying alone, I finally consented, reassured of her safety by more experienced travelers…I admit I am totally green when it comes to flying. Wouldn’t you know it, her flight was delayed and she has been stuck in the airport for 12 hours. Extremely thankful for the abundance of airport security, but nonetheless tense, both of us are relying on banter to see this through.

“Maybe I should blog about this…what do you think?”

“Yeah, you should…’Your favorite daughter is lost in the airport’…”

“You’re not..”

“…Not your favorite?”

“No…lost.”

“…nice save, mom…”

Read the rest of this entry »

Today somebody asked me how my Valentine’s Day was.

I didn’t do anything special, and I don’t really think the day ought to be made into such a big deal. Only one day a year we’re obliged to let the special people in our lives know we love them? ….What about the other 364 days?

I also consider the exuberant amount of money spent on over-priced roses and candy. ….Flowers and “Sweet for the Sweet”…hmmmmm. …’Thanks for this decadent double-layer box of Russell Stover’s Best, honey…be right back while I go try to squeeze into that new little nightie I just got’. …yikes!

What a great idea…Who thought of this holiday ‘tradition’ anyway?

But all ridiculing aside, I can appreciate the thought of ‘honoring’ that special someone. I suppose V-Day serves as a reminder to oneself just how much your ’significant other’ is loved and appreciated. (…to you, pd)

With each Valentine’s Day that rolls around every February 14th, I seem to find myself not only acknowledging this significant other, but also reflecting on the journey my ‘love life’ has taken. For reasons unbeknown st to me, I recollect memories from my youth……recalling, with clarifying detail, …my ‘first’ love.

I was a teenager when I fell in love for the first time and I remember it like it was yesterday..Every feature of his face, …the feelings of ‘fluttering butterflies’ in my stomach at the mere sight of him, ….missing him incredibly when I had to go home each night.

Read the rest of this entry »

(..And always view it through rose-colored glasses…)

My daughter, Jen, in her newly acquired collegiate wisdom, called to offer me some advice the other day after attending her Art History class. Upon viewing the ‘products’ (on-line) of my newly-discovered-sculpting-addiction, she suggested I should, perhaps, add a little ‘color’ to my ‘work’..

“You know, Mom, …you draw in pencil, ya’ know…gray scales ..You tend to like things pretty much in their natural state.. like the clay of the sculptures… I think you should think about painting one your sculptures…you know..challenge yourself. …You seem to avoid color.”

“Hmmmm…interesting. I’ll think about it…” (Whatisshekiddingme?challengemyself?..) “..ok…well…thanks for your opinion, Jen.” (…yikes.)

I know she means well….

..and I also know what she means.

The power of color can dazzle the eye, evoke emotion, create a mood, or simply calm the spirit.

It is, however, something I struggle with.

Read the rest of this entry »

This Post was written entirely by my 14 year old daughter, Laura, who wanted to write for me today. Upon reading this after she wrote it, I can honestly say she has “warmed my heart” (sniffle)…Thanks, Lau…Great Job! …I love you…Mom

Being a child and seeing my mom deal with her everyday routines I usually have no sympathy for her. Honestly I think, in reality what does she have to deal with? But as I sit here and think about everything my mom deals with…you know, sons and daughters should give their parents more credit.

When you think about, parents have to go to work everyday to support and take care of us. If we have jobs it’s not enough to support ourselves now, or if it even is, we still don’t. For example my mom comes home from a long day at work, trying to instruct people on their exercising routines who may not appreciate the help. Getting home from work and just wanting a little bit of free time, maybe writing a blog or just a little sculpting.

When I return from a dreadful school day I would rather have my space too. But, then I don’t seem to understand her wanting her space. I figure again “what did mom even do today?” I seem to just get aggravated and I become really unfair. I want my space I should just realize that my mom needs space too.

Read the rest of this entry »

“Mom, why are you still writing that? Nobody is reading it, ya’ know.” …A question (../statement) two out of my three children have asked me.

“Yeah… I know…”

Hmmm… I wonder for a moment.

Why do I continue to write these blog posts?

Yes, it’s true my visitors are few..(A moment of thanks here for the three that continually do visit..) I would love to attract more, but that does not seem to be an easy task.

Nonetheless, ..I keep writing.

As I ponder this, I come to the realization that writing this blog has become yet another means of creativity for me…a forum to express my thoughts and ideas through the written word. I have come to depend on all of my ‘creative avenues’ more than I had previously realized, …(especially this time of year)….for my complete and utter sanity.

Read the rest of this entry »

Block of Clay: $15.00

Sculpting Tools: $16.75

Armature Wire: $10.00

Discovering an Unknown Skill: Priceless

It just goes to show…you’re never too old to learn……either something new…

or something new…about yourself.

I’m experiencing that very thing. A new ability which I was unaware of and never thought to examine before now. …I’m so tickled that I just have to share it.

As noted in an earlier post, I received a block of clay for Christmas from my children. Having never sculpted before, (with the exception of snow), I eagerly wanted to try my hand. Much to my surprise, (and delight), things just seemed to ‘click’. I’m so excited about this new hobby (..and blossoming passion) that I have discovered. …It occupies my every free moment.

Read the rest of this entry »

We’ve all heard it…

At least a million times growing up…

“Eat your vegetables!”

Well, it turns out Mom was right. Making vegetables an important part of your daily diet may have more benefits than you might have thought. Unfortunately, for some, vegetable consumption did not just remain a “childhood” aversion. A significant number of adults, …(you know who you are),… do not eat vegetables on a daily basis thereby depriving themselves of the nutrients and required fiber vegetables have to offer. While it’s true that all vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, most offer additional health benefits as well.

What follows is a list of a few favorites along with some of their nutritional properties, as well as the health benefits they offer. I will mention, however, that when coking vegetables, some of their nutrients are lost, especially if they’re boiled. Unless you’re going to use the cooking water in a broth of some sort, it’s better to steam any fresh vegetable.

Read the rest of this entry »