arteangie

Peace on Earth

2011-12-09T21:04:00.001-05:00

Peace Ornaments

2011-12-06T19:31:00.001-05:00

Peace is in our hands.

Buy a handmade ornament. Give the gift of peace.

Silver-leaf, mixed media, encaustic on recycled large puzzle pieces. One of a kind.http://www.arteangie.com/#!2011-ltd.-peace-ornaments

Occupy Peace Project- NYC

2011-11-21T20:45:00.001-05:00

The 2011 Peace Project Exhibit is moving on....

December 1, 2011, at Aperture Gallery in New York.

Come and witness the change. Become a part of it.

Peace Rises.

Juxtapositions

2011-11-14T23:57:00.001-05:00

Add caption

Funny the irony in things and life...

Focus on Nature.

It's parodies make far more sense, than human kinds fabricated non-sense.

Peace Rises Closing Event in LA

2011-11-14T20:10:00.001-05:00

The Peace Project

The Peace Project 2011, "Operation Rise", launched in LA at the Whole 9, traveled to Long Beach, & Oakland California, for major exhibits.

Peace train heading back to LA for closing ceremonies in California. ( it will go on to NYC)

Please, you have to check out this AMAZING project, with amazing artists and visionaries, this Saturday in Los Angeles, and be a part of a community helping others to Rise up!
Peace and Love XO

Be the change....

Double Dare! Go for It!

2011-11-07T21:07:00.000-05:00

"...To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. To not dare, is to lose oneself."
~Kierkegaard

Restoration Goddess

2011-11-05T00:58:00.001-04:00

The Peace Project~ Long Beach, Cali, 1 Night Only

2011-11-01T22:26:00.001-04:00

Peace Project San Francisco

2011-10-24T19:36:00.000-04:00

You are cordially invited to The Peace Project, "Peace Rises", in San Francisco, Nov 9, 2011.Come see the myriad visions of Peace, by international artists & creatives, and do your part to help Peace Rise again.Be it.~Angie

Bubbling Over

2011-10-24T16:31:00.002-04:00

"Oh for the wonder that bubbles into my soul." ~D.H. Lawrence

Art within Art

2011-10-20T22:46:00.003-04:00

While visiting the Indianapolis Art Center, my daughter and I stood in front of a video installation, and took a digital mobile phone portrait.

Photo #264 from NCHS '81 30th Reunion | Pictage

2011-10-13T23:43:00.000-04:00

Photo #264 from NCHS '81 30th Reunion | Pictage

El Dia de Los Muertos

2011-10-09T21:53:00.003-04:00

ODE TO MACHOour beloved Hemingway gatoEl Dia de Los MuertosIndy Arts Center

The Peace Project 2011 at the Whole 9

2011-09-26T14:38:00.001-04:00

Join the Caravan of Love/ Free Music Download for Operation Rise

2011-09-17T23:21:00.000-04:00

Caravan of Love by The Isley Brothers

ART CAMP

2011-09-15T19:30:00.000-04:00

Photo #264 from NCHS '81 30th Reunion | Pictage

2011-09-13T22:05:00.000-04:00

Photo #264 from NCHS '81 30th Reunion | Pictage

Mix it Up! Creative Mixed Media Classes for Kids

2011-09-08T23:28:00.002-04:00

New classes forming!

I am so happy to be working to create sweet things with the Simply Sweet Shoppe.

MIX it UP! Mixed Media for the brave! Your child will explore art in a new way! Learning about art, new media, new materials, found objects, art out of the box!
ages 9-12
8 wks.
1.5 hr classes starting Sept.21-Nov.9
$120 + $15 material fee.

scholarships available.

www.simplysweetshoppe.com

Cool artsy find!

2011-09-06T23:36:00.000-04:00

I found the coolest shop in Indy. Reclamation. I just did a drive by... I had only been here one week, and KNEW, there had to be others with a recycle kinda vision. So, I bought the funky sofa in the background!!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-01T00:44:00.000-04:00

South Breeze Day Camp 2011

2011-06-14T00:23:00.000-04:00

5 Star Camp... kids get it all, sports, drama, fine art, yoga..

Inspiring Quote

2011-06-14T00:18:00.000-04:00

‎"In a time of deceit telling, the truth is a revolutionary act." - George Orwell

First Day

2011-05-19T23:54:00.001-04:00

The First Day

by Angie Brooks

I knew it was time for my daughter to go to preschool, when she emphatically said to me, “Mom, when I go to school, you can’t come, I am going by myself!” WOW. That got my attention, and felt like a hard prelude to the teenage years of parental rejection, although she was barely 3 and a half.

I realized I had been dragging my feet, because we had been “interviewing” schools for over a year, comparing ABC’s and 123’s, but none never seemed to be good enough for Mommy! Each time we would go check out a school together, she would excitedly think this is it… and I would have to drag her away, as she protested, NO! I want to go to school!!!

After collecting pamphlets from every preschool in all of the local counties, (and some other states and countries!), I looked at the mound of preschool information clutter that had a permanent reservation at my dining room table, and made one last call. Yea! They offered diversity; a bilingual program, gardening, art, yoga, music, cooking…(I wanted to go, too)!

I finally signed the dotted line, got her a physical, and two days later, we drove up to the new preschool, back pack and lunch box in tow. We were greeted at the door, “Buenos Dias”.

She was shown her own cubby and then she led me into the classroom. I showed her where the bathroom was and gave her a quick refresher on manners and hygiene (yes, overprotective Mom). Her eyes were everywhere, she was absorbing the environment, touching the puzzles, and this new exotic foreign land. She said, “The teacher wants us to go outside in two minutes”. She pecked me and eagerly headed to join the other kids in line. No drama.

I suddenly realized I was the only parent left in the room and headed for the door. I looked her teacher in the eye and said, “I am the one who is afraid to go.” She patted my arm reassuringly and responded, “It’s normal.”

I walked out the door, giant tears running down my face, walked to my car, got in and cried a tsunami. Somehow, I managed to drive home, and felt the empty car seat staring at me. There I was greeted by an unremembered heavy silence, drank my coffee alone, no noise, no questions to be answered, no needs to fill. I walked in the yard my shadow was not following me. It was the longest day of my life, waiting and watching the clock.

When I picked her up she came bouncing around the corner, beaming and gave me a big knowing hug as she rattled on about her fun day at preschool.

On the way home, I glanced back at the car seat where my preschooler sat singing The Itsy Bitsy Spider song to herself in Spanish.

I smiled.

We had survived the first day.

Green Packaging and Green on the Go

2011-05-09T23:31:00.000-04:00

I have always recycled. But, now when I go out to eat... I seek out Green restaurants, who offer compostable products. On Mother's Day, the restaurant also recycled their grease for Bio-Fuel...YES! We are much more aware. No straws, No plastic, No styrofoam! You can be Green at home! Have a summer bar-b-que, and make a statement.... No, plates that will hurt our Earth... ONLY compostable! Think twice about the styrofoam and plastic you use!

Go Green!

Green Products- Green to Go

2011-05-09T23:01:00.001-04:00

EcoOrchards environmentally friendly products are made from sugarcane plant fibers (dregs), a renewable natural resource known as Bagasse. Utilizing natural resources means less destruction to our forests and a significant reduction in harmful toxic waste from plastics and styrofoam. Concerns about the health of our global environment are growing faster than ever, and EcoOrchards is committed to reversing that trend.

EcoOrchards goal is to “Save the Earth One Meal at a Time”. We are committed to success with our unmatched products and customer support. Our disposable plates, bowls, trays and tableware products are compostable in as little as 45 days, so imagine the positive impact these products have on the environment.
EcoOrchards environmentally friendly products are made from sugarcane plant fibers (dregs), a renewable natural resource known as Bagasse. Utilizing natural resources means less destruction to our forests and a significant reduction in harmful toxic waste from plastics and styrofoam. Concerns about the health of our global environment are growing faster than ever, and EcoOrchards is committed to reversing that trend.

EcoOrchards goal is to “Save the Earth One Meal at a Time”. We are committed to success with our unmatched products and customer support. Our disposable plates, bowls, trays and tableware products are compostable in as little as 45 days, so imagine the positive impact these products have on the environment.

7Day Plastic Challenge

2011-04-13T23:08:00.000-04:00

One straw at time...create awareness.

http://www.greenplate.org/7-day-challenge/

Think Different

2011-03-10T00:39:00.000-05:00

Toltec Totems and the Four Agreements

2011-02-23T02:19:00.000-05:00

I spent a couple hours on the beach, listening to the waves, receiving the love of the sun, and re-reading a great book, "The Four Agreements".

It's the kind of book you can read over and over, full of ancient Toltec Wisdom...

my take away? Keep on...Keep on being your best- the ancient totems are watching.

EPA Valentine Controversy

2011-02-15T22:38:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am an advocate for the arts and the environment. I wear my heart for both on my sleeve. As an activist, I do many things for all causes that I feel are for the greater good. My daughter recently interviewed a contact from Sierra Club, and is in contact with Ocean Conservancy for her 5th grade IB (international baccalaureate) project. I engaged some teachers at her school who helped write Valentines for the EPA, and other people were not interested, and vocal about how it was pushing a political agenda. This is not a political matter. This is about our air quality. The ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, has opened 5 listening sessions in an effort to finally update the CLEAN AIR ACT. I went to the session in Atlanta, and sat on the front row, listening to the diverse panel, discuss in a common sense, civil way, their ideas and concerns for public health.

I felt privileged to be invited, and privileged to have my child involved. And, wanted to share this discourse on decision making and policy making with my child's class... and the world.

People can and will judge. But, I do not judge making Valentine's for the Veteran's as Pro-War. So, let's all realize, that being engaged citizens is important for our planet, communities, and yes, educating our youth on how they can make a difference, and how the whole process of democracy happens. By accepting that others may have differing viewpoints and values, but nonetheless are offered a forum for discussion at public hearings, with an understanding that by sharing, you learn from others is pertinent to good decision making for any policy making.

Check out the latest issue of the Sierra Club Insider!

2011-02-15T19:23:00.000-05:00

Check out the latest issue of the Sierra Club Insider!

Goddess of Communication is a Junk Mail Challenge Winner!

2011-01-25T18:38:00.000-05:00

Was selected as a winner in the Jerry's Artarama Junk Mail Challenge...

Goddess of Communication!

Saluting all the Goddesses,

doing the good work!

Namaste!

2011-01-16T00:21:00.001-05:00

I believe in the spirit... the human spirit.

Out of the Dark Night- an Angel

2011-01-06T19:09:00.000-05:00

Unto You a Child is Born

2011
Angie Brooks
Mixed Media
24x24

Closing ceremonies for "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Synchronicity

2011-01-05T00:04:00.000-05:00

Eva and I share a tender moment, after her last performance of Synchronicity Theatre's
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever".
Directed by brilliant Justin Anderson

I am so proud of her. She keeps going and going... she loves it. And still is a great student and citizen! (she was just featured in Ocean Conservancy for her philanthropy!) It is a huge committment. For both of us- but, passion knows no bounds.

Now what?

Best Christmas Pageant Ever Delivers More

2010-12-31T21:44:00.000-05:00

Best show EVER! Only 2 more days to see this incredible production!
You will cry, laugh, sing, and be moved...
because, it will change your mind forever about Christmas, and the true meaning!

http://www.synchrotheatre.com/plays/showplay.aspx?ID=82

Eva Makes Waves with Ocean Conservancy

2010-12-15T21:26:00.000-05:00

Druid Hills News

2010-12-06T21:57:00.001-05:00

Check out the Artists Among Us in the Winter edition of The Druid Hills News!
Yours truly. http://www.druidhills.org/docs/dhn_winter10.pdf

Dalai Lama on Spirituality and Creativity

2010-12-04T20:57:00.002-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSDaSwUUS1I

Artists from HomeGrown Gallery- now at Java Monkey

2010-11-09T01:33:00.000-05:00

Check out my art at Java Monkey.
All interests, please contact HomeGrown.
404.373.1147

Winged Goddess Totem

2010-10-28T23:36:00.000-04:00

Mixed Media
11"x14'
Angie Brooks

Eva Sings this Song for Elementary Musical

2010-10-23T01:49:00.004-04:00

Slideshow of Creating Day of the Dead Coffin for Young Blood by Angie Brooks

2010-10-19T19:30:00.002-04:00

"Immortal Goddess" altar by Angie Brooks

Happy Buddha Mixed Media Painting by Angie Brooks

2010-10-12T20:27:00.003-04:00

24x24 mixed media on canvas

Bra for Breast cancer Awareness

2010-10-11T20:36:00.002-04:00

Spirit of 36C

THIS BRA IS AVAILABLE FOR SALE- I WANT TO RAISE MOOLAH FOR THE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS. ACCEPTING BIDS. MINIMUM IS $50. 100% goes to the cause!

Mother Peace at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

2010-09-28T21:24:00.000-04:00

My Mother Peace....going to the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Peace is fragile. But, I believe.

Mother Peace

2010-09-11T19:53:00.003-04:00

When I get a vision in my head- watch out! I am relentless! I have perused every salvage, antique place in Atlanta, and all coasts via online searches. I finally found my Goddess, she just happened, like all things that are real do. ( watch your subconscious thoughts!) I did a u turn when I was on my way to the mart to deal with dealers, levels, elevators (not my fave), and I found a vintage dress form at an antique street fair off Ponce. I got her for $20! I will be transforming her into the Mother Peace Goddess. She will be my scarecrow at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and be on display all of October!
The woman who sold it to me, said after I told her my vision, " thank God for people who are creative and can see things that others can't". :) She made my day!

Think Different

2010-09-08T17:44:00.000-04:00

The Peace Project at the Whole 9

2010-09-03T15:13:00.000-04:00

My painting " Human Race" has been selected to be part of The Peace Project. Read about The Peace Project. Opening show in LA, September 25.
Peace!
http://www.thewhole9.com/thepeaceproject-selected_entries.php

Kind Bars for Kind Deeds

2010-08-30T23:53:00.000-04:00

We won a case of KIND bars for participating in The Great Kindness Challenge. As you know, this was an international day, dedicated to performing as many acts of kindness! A great lesson for children and adults alike...
Shouldn't every day be a kind day?

And I am happy, and the kids were happy to have been a part of this beautiful event...

Goddess Series

2010-08-30T13:54:00.000-04:00

Flow

2010-08-27T19:33:00.003-04:00

I have a beautiful friend, who I have watched as she took off on a journey, fell in love, became pregnant, and just brought her son into the world. My painting can never capture all this, but, the canvas has gone from sketch, to yogi, to buddha, to maternal, to whatever...it just is... cause that is what life is- FLOW...Namaste!

Harper Valley PTA Relived

2010-08-19T20:10:00.000-04:00

Kids in Atlanta Raise $200 for the Ocean Conservancy while participating in Great Kindness Challenge!!

2010-08-16T11:52:00.000-04:00

Kids for Peace in Atlanta Join the Great Kindness Challenge!

2010-08-16T11:43:00.000-04:00

Kids participated in the Great Kindness Challenge on Aug 14, hosting a lemonade stand at Candler Market. They hung out all day in the heat to raise money for the Ocean Conservancy to help in the Gulf!
Kindness Matters!www.greatkindnesschallenge.org

Hands Across the Sand- IMAGINE: You May Say I'm a Dreamer, but I'm Not the Only One!

2010-08-12T23:32:00.003-04:00

A Natural!

2010-08-12T10:55:00.000-04:00

Atlanta Kids for Peace donate profits for The Great Kindness Challenge

2010-08-10T15:18:00.002-04:00

Atlanta Kids for Peace to participate in the Great Kindness Challenge, by hosting "Lemonade for Love of the Gulf", this Saturday August 14, from 10-2, at the Candler Park Market in Lake Claire.
100% of profits will be donated to the Ocean Conservancy to help the environmental recovery in the Gulf.

Come out and join Kids for Peace, and learn how to uplift your world through love and action!

Think Global! Act Local!

thegreatkindnesschallenge.org
kidsforpeaceusa.org
oceanconservancy.org

Very special thanks to our local sponsors in kind: Candler Park Market, Oak Grove Market, Contribute 2 America, and Sign-a-Rama # 3033

A Body Catch a Body Art Exhibit at Picaflor Studio

2010-08-05T23:16:00.003-04:00

Aug.13, "A Body Catch a Body". Picaflor studios. http://picaflorstudio.com/picatemp/atlanta-art-music-culture/gallery-openings/upcoming-gallery-openings/

"A Body Catch a Body" at Picaflor Studio

2010-08-05T23:11:00.000-04:00

Looking forward to my second show at Picaflor Studio...Creative peeps; music, art-and local cool venue and vibe. You can preview what I am showing...
August 13. Friday.

http://picaflorstudio.com/picatemp/atlanta-art-music-culture/gallery-openings/upcoming-gallery-openings/

San Diego/Kids for Peace

2010-08-03T23:45:00.001-04:00

I had goose bumps just reading this Jill... the energy that we encountered, by like minds- with the same vision and beliefs-was beyond words. I thank you so much, because, I needed this oomph to carry on -we often feel alone in our battles to save this or that... but being united on the concept of peace instilled in our youth... enables the future leaders to have the fundamental skills to battle the issues that they will inherit...and we feel like we are creating a legacy of peace.

Thank you for your idea. For your energy, spirit, soul, that walks the walk and backs this!

Thank you for bringing together in your sphere/ leaders/ board members who are aligned in the mission... and thank you so much for being open and sharing with us, your home, your ideals, and your vision- of kids for peace.

Kids are our teachers...

Love u-

Angie

Atlanta Botanical Garden and Scarecrows

2010-07-16T01:23:00.002-04:00

I signed up to create a scarecrow for the annual exhibit the month of October, at the Atlanta Botanical Garden...I wanted to do it last year, but being a newbie to ATL, I didn't have enough cheerleaders.
But, now I do! And I am all for creating Public Arte!

doing the right thing

2010-07-06T00:52:00.000-04:00

Art for the Gulf: All proceeds go to the Ocean Conservancy

2010-07-01T13:31:00.001-04:00

Giclee of Original Oil Pastel by Angie Brooks
11"x14" white matted.
$25

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO OCEAN CONSERVANCY TO HELP RESTORE THE GULF.

Historic Savannah

2010-06-29T20:50:00.000-04:00

Back in time here... beautiful moldings, stucco with a patina, and the corbels and soffits are an architectural jewel!

2010-06-29T20:46:00.001-04:00

Color Consult for Historic Atlanta

2010-06-29T20:45:00.000-04:00

Beautiful results on an exterior color consultation!

High Noon

2010-06-22T19:29:00.000-04:00

High Noon

Ten million hands will touch today
Held high towards the sky
To stand for pure clean energy
To kiss crude oil goodby

We stand as guardians
Against the tide
Of oil and sludge and greed

We hold the wealth
Of tomorrow’s child
In our hearts that begin to bleed

For the thousands that have lost their jobs
For the precious deep blue sea
For all the animals, fish and birds
For the land now soiled but free

Stand we now for all of life
Stand together and be
The answer to the gushing hole
Is the prayers of you and me
Don Orne (original poem for Hands Across the Sand)

Hands Across the Sand; Atlantans in Solidarity

2010-06-08T23:05:00.001-04:00

PEACE

2010-04-30T22:51:00.000-04:00

Bubbling over in Peace....

Choose Your Thoughts

2010-03-17T01:39:00.000-04:00

“The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems” -Gandhi

Fernbank Elementary- Art for auction- Art under the Stars

2010-02-09T14:39:00.004-05:00

Evolution of art...This is an old Georgia historic window that I restored. Then created a work of art that fits on the back side as viewed through the window. The theme is art (obviously), but more importantly, I created this piece for the Fernbank School Fundraiser in mind, to have a piece of art that is aesthetic and historical, modern classic, while teaching in a subtle way. I believe the arts are an integral part of the education of our youth.
If you ask me who my mentors were...I distinctly remember my art and music teacher, Mrs. Ellis.

Faith, Hope and Charity

2010-01-21T17:29:00.000-05:00

Mixed Media
tryptych
8"x10" ea.

Energy

2010-01-06T10:18:00.000-05:00

Oil on gallery wrap canvas 48"x36"

Nature Spirit

2010-01-06T10:11:00.000-05:00

Ketubah Moderne

2009-12-13T01:06:00.001-05:00

Tree of life.... sign of unity and and love.

I love symbolism, and discovering the ancient mysteries.

Buddha

2009-12-08T14:52:00.001-05:00

"Be the change you wish to see in the world" -Gandhi

Ode to Mona

2009-12-02T16:35:00.000-05:00

Ode to Mona
Oil pastel on paper
4''x6''
Angie Brooks

Gift Card Giver Auction

2009-11-30T09:40:00.001-05:00

I donated a piece of art to REDEEMED, An Art Auction for Gift Card Giver this Friday December 4, at 7pm at the Solarium in Oakhurst. 321 West Hill Street.
Over 100 different silent auctions items, cool music by The Spots, and a launch for the Gift Card Giver campaign for the holidays.
RSVP to Gisele Nelson @ 678-576-1598, or info@giftcardgiver.com.

See through Souls

2009-11-13T10:03:00.001-05:00

Media: plaster, metal leaf, paper, acrylic on board and framed in vintage window.
Theme is See Through Souls... my piece represents the elements, nature, layers and interconnectedness of our spirits and the circle of life.

go to www.seethroughsouls.org to bid. This is a fundraiser for the Women's Resource Center for Abused Women and Children. :)
Event is at Picaflor studio on Saturday 3pm-12am. Live music/ art.

Window Art for See Through Souls in Progress

2009-11-05T23:47:00.000-05:00

See Through Souls Artistic Window in Progress

2009-11-05T13:51:00.000-05:00

The creative juices are in full flow...Of course, the long incubation period is part of the entire process. Just like giving birth, creating something that is alive and lives in you by way of your experiences, your thoughts, your hopes, your fears, your past, your present, waiting patiently to come out like an expression of life and love itself. Divine. Pure essence.
I am participating in a group show at Picaflor Studios, titled See Through Souls. Each artist will paint a recycled window, and it will be auctioned off to benefit the Women's Resource Center.
I am in my flow creating.

Madeline's Christmas at Horizon Theatre

2009-10-18T01:34:00.001-04:00

Horizon Theatre Company and Atlanta Children's Theatre present an encore to Madeline's Christmas, a sold out show in 2008, a real must see for the season, and the community.
This will be a delightfully creative play based on the beloved Madeline's children's books, written by Ludwig Bemelman.

"In an old house in Paris that was covered in vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines," begins the story of Madeline. But, this holiday season, Madeline and the girls come down with the flu (let's hope it is not the real cast!) and are bedridden and wondering if they will get to go see their families at Christmas. An unexpected visit from a mysterious stranger (don't talk to them) ends up leading them on a journey and adventure of a lifetime.
The whole family will enjoy this! Cast includes Horizon Professionals, and a great cast of Atlanta's best creative, theatrical, and adorable girls.
Support the Arts!
Show Times: Dec. 12- Jan 3
Weekend performances 1:00 and 3:30, and special holiday week daytime performances. tickets available at Horizon Theatre. $15 adults, $12 children. For more information, group sales or sponsorship opportunites call 404-584-7450
Horizon Theatre is located in Little Five Points. 1083 Austin Avenue, Atlanta, Ga. 30307

Metamorphosis

2009-10-15T13:56:00.003-04:00

I was cleaning my nine year old daughter's room, and I suddenly noticed this change in her environment. The books on the table are those "science" books, and books about the world; geography, history, anatomy, Picasso, that I bought years ago when they were on clearance. The few stuffed animals which are beginning to fade out of view, are being replaced by a music stand, magnifying glass and dictionaries. An interest in composting and playing with worms rather than the plastic Lil'st Pet Shop collection, which is now in the closet, only to await it's re-interest or final destination: garage sale. As I looked at all her pictures, and collection of things that are important and memorable for her and for me, nostalgia set in. When did this happen? My baby is becoming a big girl. She is into music, boys, talking back, friends, You tube, and FNS (Friday night skate). My 'tween has a vintage purse filled with a pretend cell phone, a hacky-sack, harmonica, and a red sequin coin purse jammed pack with quarters. Oh yeah, and a package of whitening bubble gum. (of course, I didn't look!)

YOGA KIDS

2009-10-07T22:48:00.000-04:00

My daughter who is nine, has moved to a new school, transitioned to a new city, embraced her space and place more than anyone. She is amazing. She had straight A's on her midterm. She works hard, makes friends easily. Knows and respects adult love, doesn't flinch when we kiss, and encourages it.
I hope someday she can know the same. I know she will. She is aware and open. (thank you mama)
And now, because she is taking yoga... she is showing me yoga moves... and says, "you have to blossom your butt"!!!
I have to smile, and hold back a giggle.

Artsy Kid

2009-09-29T13:52:00.006-04:00

Artsy Kid

My daughter gets more than her fair share of art. Sure, she has had an easel since age 2, and finger paints were always available, as now are oil pastels, watercolors, collage, and canvas. And, even though I am an artist, I have never pushed it…and I certainly don’t prescribe to the idea of teaching everyone in a class to paint the same image alike. (it defeats the whole context of creativity) But, she gets it.

My daughter, Eva, experiences a different art experience than most. She has to be at her mom’s studio on open studio nights, once a month. She visits other artists cottages, learning about silver-smithing, sculpting clay, fusing beads, and how to glue an abstract shell motif….

She comes back to “our studio” (she occupies the back half) to paint/ sculpt/ scrape at some fossil…eat crackers and cheese, change the cd.

Mind you, as an artist, and single mommy, she accompanies me everywhere and is exposed to art! I take her to gallery openings, and she puts on her little black dress, and heels, and she has to eat pate and sushi. We attend the ballet, she takes ballet. We go to the symphony, and drum circles on the beach. We don’t watch cable daily, because I don’t offer it. (big waste of time and mind)

But, we love movies and music, and PBS. Ah, balance.

Last year, when we were traveling and went on a museum crawl (children’s museum first, of course), we headed into a craft museum at the end of the day, Eva looks up, pointing to a glass chandelier and says, "look mama, a Chihuly!!” The curator lifts her eyebrow, and gives us two free passes for the museum. Eva later, “I spies” the same artist at the Philharmonic when we went to see Cats, and drags me to look at his work, under a plexiglass box. Sure enough, she was right.

I smile, feeling proud of my little Picasso. It is all good.

The old cliche, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, is sort of true.

We are influenced by our environment, and visa-versa. And artsy kids get it by osmosis or observation. And that is nothing but good.

The down side? Artsy kids with artsy mom's get the Renaissance period version of Go Fish!

Convenience and poverty

2009-09-29T12:14:00.002-04:00

I bought a half gallon of 1% organic milk at the local market today for $4.79. I walked home thinking about it. Do you realize that there are people in the world who don't make that in a day? I will have to have my "starving kids from Africa" speech yet again, when my daughter complains about her milk.

Creation

2009-09-27T14:26:00.003-04:00

"The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind." Albert Einstein

SUPPORT INSURANCE INDUSTRY

2009-09-22T17:30:00.000-04:00

Protect Insurance Companies PSA from Will Ferrell

Rain, Rain Go Away

2009-09-21T21:31:00.003-04:00

Unbelievable. My daughter's auditions were canceled. School just sent a memo that they canceled tomorrow because of rain. Obviously, these people never lived in Florida, where you wait and wonder about hurricanes (and they budget them into the school calendar), and a small tropical storm will knock your power out for 3 days, but you are happy that you have a roof. You may lose everything in your fridge, hunker down and become Rembrandt-esque, burning candles and reading or painting by them. You watch the stars, grill everything that will perish, and wait for FPL and the schools to restore and reopen. Storms? Floods? HA! We have school/ work closings ONLY when the whole city/ community shuts down. Not because people do not know how to drive in it. And I thought we had bad drivers in Florida. Near death, yes, geriatric, yes, but impaired by precipitation- hardly ever. Wild.

THOU SHALT NOT STEAL

2009-09-19T00:29:00.003-04:00

I keep finding things ( or not finding) that were stolen...I mean... my shoes? my jean jacket? my favorite dress? My daughters Mp3? Birthstone earrings and necklace she got for her 9th birthday? Foreign money from travels as souvenir, bikinis, bras...
MY laptop with every pic of my child on it? My digital camera? The list is endless...
Some people are desperate. And when they steal, they only create more bad karma for themselves, not for the victim. It is hard to forgive people who are selfish.
but ya know what they can never take? My soul. My integrity.
Stuff is stuff.
So, with that knowledge, I forgive.

Ocean Conservancy International Coastal Cleanup

2009-09-16T14:45:00.001-04:00

HOME

2009-09-06T23:12:00.002-04:00

"HOME IS WHERE YOU HANG YOUR HAT", is one of the ubiquitous old wives tales that I treasure. My hats are firmly placed where my heart has landed. And my Grandmother Betty, was so happy to learn that I was in love, She said to me, "meet a man, fall in love" - I TOLD HER, "I DID...." YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN HER FACE!!!!!
There will never be another her!

PRESIDENT OBAMA'S SPEECH TO CHILDREN

2009-09-06T22:43:00.001-04:00

I believe the parents who do not want their kids to watch OBAMA, the president of our country talk about hard work, perserverance, and the importance of education... should force their kids to watch 8 years of reruns demonstrating the blunders and grammatical errors of GW Bush!!!

Monumental Sunday

2009-09-01T10:36:00.000-04:00

Sunday we went to the Atlanta Botanical Garden and strolled around. (I particularly like the humid greenhouses!) Eva amused herself searching for tilandsia in the tropics and for frogs in the lily ponds. She made a comment on the cigarette butt someone decided to throw on the Monet-esque landscape. Nice. The sinewy, massive sculpture of Henry Moore is still on display through October 31. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org

KIDS AGAINST HUNGER

2009-06-01T09:29:00.000-04:00

EVA volunteered with me at the Kids Against Hunger food drive on Saturday morning...About 120 volunteers packed up over 34,000 meals to be distributed right here in Southwest Florida... now if that doesn't give you goose bumps!

YOUTH CHORALE SPRING CONCERT AT NAPLES PHILHARMONIC

2009-04-30T17:58:00.000-04:00

My baby, Eva will perform her final performance this year with the NAPLES PHILHARMONIC YOUTH CHORALE, Monday at 7 pm, at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts.
It has been a wonderful experience for her, and a goose bump raising experience for me! (She sang with the orchestra at Christmas...I was in the front row... so proud)
Eva is so, so talented..she also performed with the Naples players Kidz act in Willy Wonka about 3 weeks ago. And Gone with a Breeze in the fall.
What a priveledge that she has been honored to be included in such a fine community, and a community that supports the arts...

And I remember when I DRAGGED HER TO BOTH AUDITIONS!!! SHE WAS RELUCTANT...
NOW, SHE DOESN'T WANT TO STOP!!!

I LOVE YOU EVA... FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS...HONOR YOUR TALENTS...Never give up!!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
MOMMY

EARTH DAY EVENT

2009-04-24T21:11:00.000-04:00

COME OUT TO THE EARTH DAY EVENT AT KORESHAN HISTORIC SITE IN ESTERO... A DAY OF GREAT ACTIVITIES, KAYAK RIDES, LIVE MUSIC, GREEN VENDORS, FOOD AND FUN. I WILL BE LEADING THE COMMUNITY MANDALA MURAL PROJECT FOR THE KIDS, AND KIDS FOR PEACE BOOKS WILL BE ON SALE, AND KIDS WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO CREATE PEACE FLAGS TO HANG FROM THE TREES, AS THEY MAKE THEIR WISH FOR MOTHER EARTH AND PEACE. THE DAY WILL END WITH A DRUM CIRCLE FROM 4:00-6:30.
HAPPY EARTH DAY! ;)
PARK IS LOCATED AT 3800 CORKSCREW RD (OFF 41, IN ESTERO, TAKE A LEFT AT CORKSCREW RD.) FROM I-75 TAKE EXIT 123
SEE YOU THERE...

Souls

2009-04-24T21:05:00.000-04:00

"Of all things which we have, next to the gods, our souls are the most divine and most truly our own"
-Plato

Beyond a Room with a View (ode to Chicago life last year)

2009-04-09T00:56:00.000-04:00

It is the first day of spring in Chicago. One might expect little daffodil buds to be emerging from a barren earth, birds chirping, or other usual indications that a rebirth is coming, but this year the expectations of spring are buried beneath a layer of fresh fallen snow.

We relocated from Florida, where the sun shines all year long and there are only two seasons, warm and warmer or green and greener. My only solace today in this winter weirdness (which I chalk up to global warming) is that today the sun is shining.
My daughter cannot wait to go out and throw snowballs from the deck, build a snowman, and make snow angels, whilst I am in denial and dreamily online book marking websites about life in the tropics, complete with plants, humidity and other signs of life, beyond buying ocean spray nasal mist.

I finally leave my laptop giving in to my daughters nagging, and we prepare to bundle up with our multitude of layers. I borrow some nasty foreign
gear and venture out beyond the safe haven of forced heat. I don the ubiquitous North Face down parka that seems to be a wardrobe staple for everyone on this latitude. My friend, who is hosting us in the sub-prime degree transition offers me her “Wellies” (huh? what in the heck are those? Are they a new brand of flip flops?) In my street smart beach manner I decipher that “they” are those tall plastic boots to the knees, to me called, “ugly puddle jumpers.”

Heading to the elementary school yard next door, my open-minded daughter skips happily to the beat of this new adventure as we enter the white, blinding playground. I have forgotten flip flops temporarily and am content that I must dig out my sunglasses. (and that the white parka makes me look really healthy) We throw snowballs, laugh in unison and embark on enjoying the moment as we build a memory, as well as building a snowman-Easter bunny. We make pretend sand angels in the snow, like silly kids, which we will later see from our room with a cold view.

When I look out the window at the snow angels below, I will reflect on this cold, snowy, sunny, spring day, with all its confusing juxtapositions, and accept that even the daffodils will make their appearance in their time. 3/24/08 by arteangie

nbc sandiego- Peace Prize

2009-03-24T21:19:00.000-04:00