I'm no Sharon

I come from a very artistic family. My uncle is the resident artist at Mar a Largo in Palm Beach Florida, and works for Donald Trump. His job is to keep the 118-room, 110,000 square foot estate and all it's grandiose artwork in pristine condition. This is in addition to the various and sundry other artistic jobs a man such as Donald Trump would need done such as keeping the gold lettering on his personal Boeing 727 jet sparkling in the sky.

He was also the creator of the cake base for Donald and Melania's wedding cake. It too was layered with 24k gold leaf painstakingly applied by my Uncle's artistic hands.

Before my Uncle had this Title, my Grandfather held the honor. He participated in the initial restorations to the mansion's elaborate murals, fresco's and statues that pepper the interior and exterior of the incredible Louis the XIV style estate.

Then there's my cousin, who can draw, sculpt, create and bring to life the most amazing things in every medium whether it be pencil, paint or styrofoam, and has done so both personally and professionally for many years. Several of his pieces were showcased at the Olympics when they were here in Atlanta.

Then there's my Mom. Her art of choice usually involves sewing, but I'm not just talking about pattern sewing of clothes. She can create a piece of art out of fabric that rivals any Da Vinci painting you've ever seen. These aren't quilts you use on your bed either mind you, but more works of art you display on the wall.

aaaand......then.......there's me. I suppose after two generations of mutations, the artistic gene became brittle and like all good clones, I am a weaker substandard versions of the originals.
Occasionally I like to sketch but what I produce is nothing to speak of. Some people like Sharon can easily turn nothing into something, like an ink blot into a fairy or tiger. Others like A favorite photographer of mine sees the world through the lens of her camera, to produce stunning pictures. She has the ability to capture random moments and make them art worthy. Take a look at her recent "trash the dress" stuff.

I usually like to scrapbook because I can combine colors, textures and fabrics with memories to create a keepsake we all enjoy seeing. But every now and then I get the urge to sketch. Yesterday was one such moment, so I drew what my son requested. I'll be doing animals for a while because that's what I'm in the mood to practice. Next installment will most likely be a dog or cat because I feel like dabbling with fur textures, but don't expect much. I don't claim to be a professional. -wink-

Can someone please tell me how this happened? I'm pretty sure it was only yesterday that you were my little bitty baby boy, so small I could give you a bath in the salad bowl.

Now you're turning 13, and I'm not even a day older. You're almost as tall as me and won't stop growing out of your pants!

I watch you on stage as you sing and dance, and I gleam with pride and joy. I hope you know how proud I am of you, and am so thankful that of all the little boys in the world a Mom could have, I was blessed with you! Happy Birthday my precious angel. Moma loves you!

Clues Through Shoes

I was reading over at Blog Blah Blah and I got tickled. Heather was doing a post inspired by Jellyhead regarding shoes and whether or not a woman’s shoes reflect her personality. The concept of the post? Post your shoes, what do they say about you?

If you’ve read my blog before you may have already met my shoes. They’re a rowdy bunch and live the vida loca in the closet off the master bedroom. There’s many a pair in there and I’m pretty sure some of them are the bastard offspring of other shoes that live there. On occasion, I’m forced to tame the shoes else they might unite and over run the household.

I’m convinced my shoes reflect my personality in more ways than one. First, I have many different styles all for different functions. I also have many of the same style in different colors because I couldn't decide which color to choose, and ended up getting them both. Second, I don't spend a lot of money on any single pair of shoes because they are, after all, only shoes. They don't save the world or cure cancer, but they do however need to be comfortable, yet fashionable. I’m also convinced that choosing just a few to label as favorites would be difficult, and indeed indicative of my inability to make choices. Here’s a few examples for the purpose of this post.

Today I wore my flip flops with the red oriental fabric. They matched my pedicure, and I like the bamboo-ish insole on a hot day.

Here's a sampling of the functional family. Dance shoes, tap shoes and my favorite of about 5 pair of athletic shoes.

I would have to say these reflect my love of dance. I should show my slippers next to balance the active pairs with the lazy pairs, but my slippers are just any socks that happen to be on my feet at the moment.

Next, there's the green suede jingle shoes. I have a million pair of flip flops but these are one of my favorites of the group.

I've got several business shoes but these black sling backs are a staple.

They go with every business suit and even look nice with skirts.

For the festive occasions when a fancy sandal is in order, I'm covered. I go to lots of formals and of course each dress needs the matching shoe. Silver, gold, rhinestones...I've got them all.

There's also plenty of casual shoes for everything else. I got these brown leather wedges for $9 at Walmart the other day.

It's the second pair of these I've had to get in a short time, because the dog chewed up the first installment. In fact, many a pair have gone to the trash thanks to the dog's inability to distinguish between my shoe and the multiple rawhides I've offered in their place. Any the dog doesn't ingest, the cat will. He's especially fond of flip flops.

In fact. As I put the snacks, (er uh, the shoes) out on the floor for photographing, they both came a' sniffin'.

I'll spare you my collection of boots, (ankle and knee high, dressy and cowboy)... as I'm sure you're probably ready to stab your eyeballs out with your fork if you've made it this far at all.

I don't know what all of my shoes reveal about me to you, but in a nutshell I'd have to say that my taste in shoes reflects my broad range of interests. There's a time and place for everything in life, and a matching shoe to get you there.

Feel free to do Jelly's Meme yourself. It's all in good fun in this serious world of ours.

Things that make me go...hmmmm.

The Times

(the August 4, 2007 edition)

China tells living Buddhas to obtain permission before they reincarnate

Tibet’s living Buddhas have been banned from reincarnation without permission from China’s atheist leaders. The ban is included in new rules intended to assert Beijing’s authority over Tibet’s restive and deeply Buddhist people.

“The so-called reincarnated living Buddha without government approval is illegal and invalid,” according to the order, which comes into effect on September 1.

The 14-part regulation issued by the State Administration for Religious Affairs is aimed at limiting the influence of Tibet’s exiled god-king, the Dalai Lama, and at preventing the re-incarnation of the 72-year-old monk without approval from Beijing.

It is the latest in a series of measures by the Communist authorities to tighten their grip over Tibet. Reincarnate lamas, known as tulkus, often lead religious communities and oversee the training of monks, giving them enormous influence over religious life in the Himalayan region. Anyone outside China is banned from taking part in the process of seeking and recognising a living Buddha, effectively excluding the Dalai Lama, who traditionally can play an important role in giving recognition to candidate reincarnates.

Well now isn't that something? Can you imagine the paperwork involved with gaining a permit to reincarnate? Is there a special form or Visa? Do you have to perform miraculous feats of enlightenment to qualify? It would be way easier for all the souls waiting in line to just come to the United States.

Apparently you don't have to be a legal citizen, or follow tax paying laws to live here.

Hmmmm.