The Artful Girl's POV

walking up to the cabin in the woods

2011-05-14T18:38:00.001-07:00

a friend of mine has a very remote cabin and we went to have a peek today. So rustic, so remote, and very quiet and beautiful. It's certainly a haven for the forest animals, and for him. Cedars lovingly caress the hand-crafted log cabin and obscure the sky; their needles cover the forest floor.

So-called Christian takes over the job of JUDGING FROM GOD!

2011-05-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, I was upset, yes I was mad, over something trivial, and hey, that's my personality! So if you don't like it, I'm sorry, Let's NOT be friends. I said something on FB that offended this person...oh well, if I cannot be me, who can I be?

Here is her response to me saying F____ bomb! on Facebook!

Just want you to know that I am deleting you from my friends list. Your language is atrocious.....look it up. I certainly hope you don't speak that gutter language in front of your children ....or mine. I thought you were such a peaceful soul. Only when everyone agrees with you? If you love your art, it shouldn't matter what anyone else thinks. Just sayin'

So this so-called Christian will now take the place of God and JUDGE me. So be it. I can't be anyone but myself. Sometimes I drop the F bomb! So sorry, let's not be friends.

getting ahead

2010-12-01T18:56:00.000-08:00

If it seems "icky" -- here is a woman who has a great site, check it out.

There isn’t a right way of doing things. There is the way that is right for you. Or really: the way that is right for you in this moment. Better for you is not better in general.

Since this is our safe space to play, everyone here commits to making room for people to have their own experience and their own way. It’s a practice. It’s playing at the practice of practicing playing.-- Havi and Selma

hitchcock halloween haunting silhouette

2010-10-10T22:15:00.001-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cb23c85b3b06d918aa4efae/honoring-alfred-hitchcock-this-halloween

this blog is supposed to have a link with it...but it might not be showing up...why? I don't know.

Isadora Duncan

2010-09-27T11:29:00.001-07:00

On September 14, 1927, dancer Isadora Duncan is strangled in Nice, France, when the enormous silk scarf she is wearing gets tangled in the rear hubcaps of her open car. ("Affectations," said Gertrude Stein when she heard the news of Duncan's death, "can be dangerous.")

Isadora Duncan was born in 1877 in San Francisco and moved to Europe to become a dancer when she was in her early 20s. She had always loved to dance--in her teens, she worked as a dance teacher at her mother's music school--but Duncan was not a classically trained ballerina. On the contrary, she was a free-spirited bohemian whose dances were improvisational and emotional; they were choreographed, she said, "to rediscover the beautiful, rhythmical motions of the human body." In contrast to the short tutus and stiff shoes that ballet dancers wore, Duncan typically danced barefoot, wrapped in flowing togas and scarves. Female audiences, in particular, adored her: In an era when classical ballet was falling out of favor with many sophisticated people (and when the scantily-clad dancers themselves were, more often than not, "sponsored" by wealthy male patrons), Duncan's performances celebrated independence and self-expression.

Duncan lived a self-consciously bohemian, eccentric life offstage as well: She was a feminist and a Darwinist, an advocate of free love and a Communist. (For this, her American citizenship was revoked in the early 1920s.) Meanwhile, her life was a tragic one, especially when it came to automobiles: In 1913, her two small children drowned when the car they were riding in plunged over a bridge and into the Seine in Paris, and Duncan herself was seriously injured in car accidents in 1913 and 1924.

On the day she died, Duncan was a passenger in a brand-new convertible sportscar that she was learning to drive. As she leaned back in her seat to enjoy the sea breeze, her enormous red scarf ("which she had worn since she took up communism," one newspaper reported) somehow blew into the well of the rear wheel on the passenger side. It wound around the axle, tightening around Duncan's neck and dragging her from the car and onto the cobblestone street. She died instantly.

Images I absolutely adore!

2010-09-12T15:29:00.000-07:00

Of course these are all mine...if you didn't know by now. Not trying to be cocky, just stating the facts, ma'am! Taking pictures, shooting, whatever you call it, I saw one ETSY photog call it "eye poetry" is the thing here. See my etsy site, and also my website: www.gloriadelossantos.com, and www.newaarts.org, the gallery that sells my work.

Going to a pig roast

2010-09-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

but first i have to indulge in blueberries, yes, fresh and wholesome and wonderful blueberries. can't wait. inspired to get some great shots before summer shuts down for good this year. now the light is changing quickly so got to go now...more later about the pig roast and will post some pictures. this weekend has been quite, quite exciting in a very good way. A date with the hubster is a real treat which doesn't come along too many times in a year. We lead very busy lives but full lives and for that, I am very great-ful!

Remember the old song, "Going to a Go-go"

2010-09-11T11:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I really don't remember the title, but I am going to a go-go. What is a go-go? Well, I was too young to remember -- ha ha! but it's a "do" an "event" or "happening". I'm going to see the spokane symphony at chewelah peak. Should be very fun. I go every year. Hope you can go as well. Classical music is inspiring, and I love to watch classical musicians. Coming off of seeing Bob Dylan, the stance is different, the hold on the instrument is different, the posture is different. Love it! Music on the Mountain rocks, what a way to spend September 11th!

Just Wondering Upon My Insomniac Life!

2010-04-09T04:32:00.000-07:00

Mounting an art show, having an art show, what do you call it? Whatever it is, it's added stress to one's life. Just wondering when I can say it's done, it's complete and enjoy the rewards of creating an environment. There is an art coach, BTW who will teach one how to 'blog'. Blogging isn't the issue. The issue for an artist is to find the time to do good work, quality work, the best-you-can-do work. Only that Julia woman got to make her blog into a movie. So there, I've said it, anyone can blog.

OK, I digress. The point is I'm up late, I'm trying to sleep and then get worried about what the show will be, what it will look like, how are my cards coming, generating some press articles, and getting the word out there, all of which takes so much time.

Then, I'm supposed to look good as a woman, be hot, slick and ready to rumble! Sometimes the task is overwhelming. But I don't get overwhelmed, I just push it all down and bite my nails! It is a little satisfaction when they peel off, (my nails that is). I was wondering if I should go on artscuttlebutt.com to commiserate with other artists, but I think not. That will only be taking away from studio time!

Mother Nature

2010-01-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

Today, while going my merry way, thinking of the day and what I had planned, something happened unexpectedly. I was driving the Silverado Chevy when I lost control and started to slide down my mile long driveway, which was a sheet of ice.

It was a harrowing experience to say the least. Frazzled with shaking hands, I tried to gain control and stop the vehicle. I should say I'm fortunate and very blessed to be alive. I kept telling myself: "you can do this". I tried all the buttons, 4W Drive AUTO, 4 with the arrow pointing down, and kept sliding until I managed to stop the vehicle. I had to literally crawl on my hands and knees when I got out of the vehicle. Wearing only rubber-soled new balance gym shoes, I had to walk up the 1/2 mile to my house on the snow berms.

When I got to house I broke down and began to cry realizing how close a call it was. I called my husband and told him what was happened, repeating: "I'm in trouble". A simple thing like getting in your car to pick up your child turns into a life or death situation. I wasn't expecting that.

I found out Mother Nature is a non-negotiator. She doesn't negotiate. She lays out the situation, and one had better pay attention. If not, there is a price to pay.

When my hands stopped shaking and I stopped crying, realizing that I might have flipped and gone into the trees or worse, I thought maybe it's not worth it to live on a hill. Maybe I should re-consider living on a hill like this in the winter.

I don't know. I know my husband now has a worst migraine than now that I've told him what happened. I feel sore all over from the stress, yet still have to go out and face the day and pick up my daughter.

With both menfolk out in other places and being alone, somehow I'll get the help I need from a divine source. I know that for sure.

Getting ready for Friday

2010-01-07T18:56:00.000-08:00

Getting up at the crack of dawn...what a saying! But in reality, the crack of dawn is no fun for me, definitely I'm not a morning person and plan to stay that way!

Going to Spokane will be fun I think.

gloriart@hughes.net
Gloria

A great idea

2010-01-07T09:29:00.001-08:00

Well,

It's colder than cold, colder than a witch's you know what in a brass bra!

What ever that means. I'm getting fatter, and that's not good. Went to yoga class last night but was too distracted. Oh well. Hopefully the class will improve. It's a parent/child class and while my baby was great, others in the class not so great.

Have to remember to call Mom as it's frightfully cold in Chicago.

Also, going to try and remind boss lady that I need to come in late on Friday.

My other baby leaves next week for a weekend in LA for a modeling session. It will be a great experience for him!

This is so cool...

2010-01-05T21:24:00.001-08:00

I can blog from any email address! Whooppppeeee! It's great when technology works and it does what it states it's going to do.

Right now I'm getting ready for some needed shut-eye. Wine has got to help!

Work is fine and it's Wednesday, over the hump day.

We're trying to get Weight Watchers started in our ultra-rural neck of the woods.

Yesterday I connected with an old friend I have not spoken to in ten years because of FACEBOOK!

YIKES...10 years...

www.gloriadelossantos.com
www.artocracy.org
www.shopthefrontier.org
www.newaarts.org

see if it works

2010-01-05T21:20:00.001-08:00

well, it was a tough day in the office. Just a lot of talk and face to face with my boss. She's a nice lady, and I'm fine with all the rules and regulations. Sometimes people take advantage of my 'sloppiness' I think.

I'm kind of not a person who gets into rules too much. I can't cause I'll stifle and shut down when there are too many rules. Suffice it to say, I run my shop a little loosey-goosey and that's fine with me!

Don't get me wrong, I do have borders, I have perameters and lines in the sand. But I have always believed that you train people how to treat you.

That's for sure.

gloriart@hughes.net
Gloria

509-684-3002

www.gloriadelossantos.com
www.artocracy.org
www.shopthefrontier.org
www.newaarts.org

Waiting on an Answer

2010-01-05T04:23:00.000-08:00

Well, when you submit to a contest, you must wait. I think the poster I created for the Chicago Latino International Film Festival is great. They will pick mine, and I will get the prize, I know it. $1K would be a really nice prize! It's a toss-up...WOW! I keep using that word. Now I will blog, blog, and blog more, now that I can using email!

I'm trying out Feedjit's Twitter blog widget at

2010-01-05T04:13:00.000-08:00

https://feedjit.com/twit/

Alice Neel - My favorite Painter

2010-01-05T03:51:00.000-08:00

I think there is a painter in me, and I'm drawing her out! Pun intended! It's a conundrum, and tonight I'm exploring how much input to let others (my loved ones) give me about my painting. It's a tough call. Sometimes I wish I could paint in silence without any input, comments, jibes, discussion, talk or criticism from others. I don't take it lightly and I think I may have ruined a good painting. Oh well. There is always another one. I finally ordered some great brushes and hopefully they will come soon along with an Alice Neel book who always, always, always inspires me. Maybe a grant or two or three in my future. I know this, and it's from one of my favorite authors, Louise Hay: What we believe about ourselves and about life becomes true for us. I have tweeted this before but it is worth repeating. I found this on my twitter account, gloriart. Love, life and art, what else is there? Oh yes, FOOD!

Oil Painting of Dave - Is it done, or did I botch a good thing?

2010-01-05T03:48:00.000-08:00

Well here are two images which I like best? I don't know. I'm liking the beginning of Dave's painting, but got him involved with the hair. That is, he made comments about his hair looking "Nazi-ish" and I agreed. I don't know if the new hair is better or if the painting (the more completed one) is better. It's a toss-up. With the incomplete one, there is some 'freshness' I don't get with the other one. Oh well, it's all a learning process.

artists who suck at life

2009-12-08T22:04:00.001-08:00

some artists really suck at life. really, really, really, suck. Like ones who threaten litigation against a gallery that does them no harm at all, but was a little late (maybe) in paying them. What a hellish person to complain in this economy! She should be glad she was getting paid at all.

Some artists just don't get it

2009-12-08T21:27:00.000-08:00

This biotch, named alison please don't buy her stuff or support her. She is a dipshit and thinks everyone should k0tow to her. Where does she get off thinking her stuff is the greatest shit ever produced? I can't stand the bitch. she recently left our gallery and this is what she said:

Sgggg (name is protected) -- this person works her a... off for other artists and alison doesn't give a shit.

I will leave the Gallery key under the front door mat on Wednesday. The amount due on Dec. 15 is $148.40. The partial payment represented by Check #1090 (written on Nov. 23 and handed to me on Dec. 5) will be deposited on Wednesday. If I have not received a check for $148.40 by Dec. 15, then I will file in Small Claims Court for the amount due, plus court costs and fees.

Alison A.......s -- (stupid weaver bitch)

how can we have the money to expend on lawyers and all that crap? No one can do that, it's ridiculous, as we are a co-op gallery. This a-hole, alison thinks we all should kow-tow and do everything for her and work our asses off for her, and this is utter bullshit. sometimes i hate my fellow artists as they are cunts, like this alison bitch.

New Artwork for sale

2008-12-31T00:17:00.000-08:00

Working away in the studio. New art here. Now.

A lifestyle change

2008-08-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

Sister sister tells me she wrote a great new diet book. It consists of only 2 pages, and the pages state:
Eat LESS
Move MORE
So that's it. That's all there is. We had a great chat yesterday and it's wonderful to know there is someone out there who really really really wants you to lose weight for your health. I'm trying, but summer only comes once a year and I want to enjoy summer as well. I did lose 20 lbs. and that was good. I do exercise. I wonder what the secret to losing weight is? There is no secret, it's eat less, move more and maybe some hypnosis?

My daughter calls it a lifestyle change, not a diet, and she's 8 yrs. old!

christmas time is here

2007-12-30T17:53:00.000-08:00

to all of you good cheer, blessings and all the best that life has to offer.

Hayven says, "meow, meow, meow, shut up now."

All things ETSY!

2007-12-10T17:53:00.001-08:00

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
gloriadelossantos.etsy.com

Interview with HOME section, Spokesman-Review

2007-07-05T11:43:00.001-07:00

In a more narrative format:
Art form: Photography and Encaustic Painting
Best know for: Painting on X-Ray prints and hand-colored B/W infrared photography
Major art/professional influences/why: I was born and raised in Chicago; attended the School of the Art Institute and graduated from the University of Illinois. My working class background is a major influence. When I think of growing up in Chicago, I think of catching fireflies in the summertime, snow, and Carl Sandburg’s poem, “Chicago”.

HOG Butcher for the World, Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat, Player with Railroads and the Nation’s Freight Handler; Stormy, husky, brawling, City of the Big Shoulders:

Growing up in a city forever colors your soul. It profoundly affects your world view. I love cities; I love the vibration and the manic energy. I love Spokane and all the curious little shops and streets, the ever-changing views, and of course, the energy.

Two words stay with me from my art-school period in Chicago: obsession and passion. I have come to accept the belief that if you are not obsessed with something it’s tough to stick with it. Perseverance is the key for me, to persevere under any and all circumstances. The human spirit will prevail under stressful and dire circumstances, but you’ve got to be passionate about it, passionate about creating art and a little obsessive. I think there is a fine line between obsessiveness and just being annoying.

Passion—is the other thing I think that keeps me going. I have always worked in the creative arena, whether it was teaching computer graphics, working on films in post-production as a 2D artist in California, working in the art departments of newspapers, or working as freelance graphic designer, I have always held creative ‘day’ jobs while pursuing my own art.

Photographers/Professors at the School of Art & Architecture, University of Illinois such as Esther Parada, Joe Jachna and the Chicago surrealists Jim Nutt and Karl Wirsum were big influences.

When did you start making art/or what made you decided to do this art form: I have been making art as far back as I can remember. Once as a seventh grader at St. Maurice Catholic School in Chicago, I failed to complete my “art” homework. My teacher, a Roman Catholic nun, slapped me across the face while exclaiming, “Of all people, you should have finished it!” As corny as it sounds, I considered what she said and came to believe in myself as an artist from that point on. I wanted to attend the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, and ended up in the Fashion Design program. When I realized I couldn’t sew, I transferred to the University of Illinois and obtained a degree in Communications Design with a minor in photography. I loved photography from the moment I picked up a camera. I loved capturing the image, loved working in the darkroom, and was amazed by the magic of darkroom chemicals.

I was in a bad car accident in 1985, and when I saw my X-Rays, realized they were only large negatives, so I went into the darkroom and contact printed them, and started to paint on them with oils.

Process: I love texture and feeling as opposed to the slick smoothness of a black and white photographic print. Trying to go a bit deeper than superficial “decorative” art is what I’m after. A mood, a feeling, a thought captured. With photography-- time, space, and light are captured. That’s a great feeling. When it’s rare, it’s very rare. With painting, there is only one original and that is still special in our modern world of throw-away goods, disposable everything, and cheap mass-produced consumer products.

What's new: I have been painting with encaustics for the last two years, attempting to marry my photography with painting and intermixing the two media. Using collage and words have always been a factor in my art.

What keeps you creating: Passion. Without passion, it’s not going to happen. It also helps immensely to have an understanding mate—which my husband, Dave is. He is extremely supportive. Without that support, I think pursuing a creative livelihood is more difficult. Working as an artist is achievable, but much more difficult. Understanding and emotional support from family and friends is paramount.

What else/burning things you want to add:

I was chosen as the Lavender Festival artist for 2008, so I’ll be at the Lavender Festival in Cusick, Washington, July 6 and 7 taking photos, capturing images of the fields of lavender and getting that ethereal, hand-colored black and white image for next year’s Lavender Festival poster.

I’m inviting everyone to visit North Country Artist Trails this summer; it’s an open-ended artist studio tour of artists in Northeastern Washington, patterned after the Heritage Trails of North Carolina. Our next big studio tours are July 28 and 29, and August 25 and 26. Pick up a brochure at many hotels, visitor centers, and at the MAC in Spokane. Shop the Frontier is another artist-driven entrepreneurial website, www.shopthefrontier.org. All of the artists from North Country Artist Trails will be on the Shop the Frontier website very soon. Watch for it this web-event! We will also have a North Country Artist Trails Art Fest in Chewelah on September 15, so watch for news on that. Visit our website, www.northCountryArtistTrails.com for more information.

Other great websites: www.artocracy.org. Megan Murphy has done a fabulous job creating affordable ORIGINAL art that is down-loadable, an excellent idea for 2D artists.

Another thing: I had a booth at ArtFest in Spokane this past June. An artist across the lane from me had a great banner, it said: Be Original. Buy Original. Invest in Original Art.

IN general, artists are the most educated and poorly paid folks amongst the general population. I think people have to realize that when a lawyer or doctor charges anywhere from $125.00 or $200.00 per hour no one blinks, but when an artist charges $25.00 per hour, everyone has a hissy fit! Artists are their own worst enemies. We have to believe in ourselves, in our value.

Also, art supplies have gone up at least 1000% since 1980 in my estimation. The trend now is for everyone to confirm themselves, believe in themselves, and “love what you do, the money will follow”. This has transpired into a glut of artists. Sometimes I think the only people attending art shows or gallery openings are other artists to see what’s selling and what’s not. When people ask how much a piece of work costs, it’s usually another artist trying to see if their prices for their own artwork are in the ballpark.

All that aside, being an artist is a job you NEVER retire from and I love it!

The Virtual Frontier - Supporting Rural Entrepreneurs

2007-04-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

Some people I know out here are great. That's just it. There are so many people who are just fantastic, and trying to really make a difference in their world. Betty Buckley and her staff are such folks out here in the Inland Northwest. Shop the frontier.org is one such organization--they are trying to make a difference, and THEY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

Go to: http://www.Shopthefrontier.org
Run by the non-profit, Stone Soup, and its director, Betty Buckley, I think it's a fantastic testimony of perseverance, attitude, and economic saavy. Betty and staff do a wonderful job promoting our tiny neck of the woods--and the artists, craftspeople, and artisans that live in this rural place.

Last Friday, I was invited by Betty to attend a meeting with a possible funder--a site visit. I was happy to do so. I hope the funder was receptive to all that Ferry County has to offer, and all that Stone Soup is doing for economic development in this ultra-rural community. If you don't know what Shop The Frontier is, please see their website http://www.shopthefrontier.org
Here is some information from their website:

The Virtual Frontier evolved from Stone Soup, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in 1999 by sisters Jody and Betty Buckley to help rural women in the Pacific Northwest. They designed programs intended to boost rural communities and the women who reside in them. Stone Soup’s mission is to assist women through organizational, individual and community capacity-building projects. For seven years Stone Soup has been providing capacity building grants, training, and technical assistance to organizations and communities in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. Stone Soup’s programs have reached nearly 250,000 men and women. Two invaluable lessons were learned through this extensive work in rural communities: The first is that in order to genuinely serve women in a rural community, one must serve the community as a whole. The second lesson is that entrepreneurial success is the key to moving individuals and communities out of poverty. These lessons have shaped Stone Soup’s focus all across the board--from grant making to the hands-on development of entrepreneurs and the systems that support their businesses. In 2001, Stone Soup began working in Ferry County, WA through a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This grant made it possible for Stone Soup to begin planning and promoting micro-enterprise in small communities. A team of Economic Development and community professionals was formed to brainstorm and solidify the project that became The Virtual Frontier.

To contact Shop the Frontier:
Shop the Frontier600 S Clark Ave #3PO Box 1019
Republic, WA 99166phone:
(877) 807-7278 or (509) 775-3217 for local calls
email: info@shopthefrontier.com

The Four Agreements

2007-04-15T10:44:00.002-07:00

The Four Agreements

If you ever had the feeling that others do things because of you, please read "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. Excellent advice from a Toltec Wizard and Master. The Four Agreements are: 1.) Be Impeccable with Your Word -- Have integrity as to what you say 2.) Don't Take Anything Personally -- My interpretation is this: everyone is in their own world, their own dream! It's not about you, it's about them! 3.) Don't Make Assumptions 4.) Always do Your Best -- funny enough, this one is right from the Boy Scouts of America Cub Scout Manual and promise!

I love this book, and keep it at my bedside. Recently, a friend of mine was having a bit of a problem. She applied to be an artists' model from an artist in Spokane. The artist and my friend were corresponding via email nicely, and all was well, until she told him to look at her blog.
There, (OH HORRORS!) was her age - 43. He stopped writing to her, and she broke two of the agreements, No. 1 and No. 2 (see above).

When she told me the story, I told her, "don't worry, he'll call". Knowing it was not about her, her age, or anything like that.
Here is her email she wrote to me today:

Hi Gloria, I just thought it was funny that I was a bit touchy about feeling 'dropped'. (By that artist who wants to hire a model) I got on line and found a very nice letter from him and yes he is still interested but ran into some major, unexpected house costs (roof sprung leaks). I just wanted to tell you, "You were right" and I'm glad you were.I get back to you when I know my schedule. Looking forward to modeling again.
Love D_________________________________

I think the most satisfying thing about this encounter and the advice I gave my friend was that I was right, and I helped her--it's all about ME! I told her about "The Four Agreements". I'm definitely a big fan of Don Miguel Ruiz. I heard about this book when Ellen Degeneres had talked about it an aritcle I read about Ellen in some popular magazine I can't recall now.

_____________________
Here is my reply to my friend:
Hi D,

Good to hear that. One book I would really recommend for you is: The four agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I keep it by my bedside. It's a very short, good read. and very helpful.

One of the agreements you must make with yourself is: "don't take it personally". Here's what the jacket flap states about Agreement Number 2.) "Don't take ANYTHING personally":
"Nothing others say and do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, and their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering".

So many times, too numerous to count, I was guilty of this, and realized most folks are in their "own world" and really don't take notice of your world, (only if they must intersect somehow, or interact with your world!).

This is too true. IT's all about HIM, and HIS problems, not about you --- hence, don't take it personally!
Love,
Gloria

All About Me

2007-03-25T17:07:00.001-07:00

Kettle Falls, WA – Kettle Falls artist, Gloria de los Santos’ encaustic painting entitled: “Pathos” was chosen for inclusion in the Boise State Women’s Center , Women’s History Month National Juried Exhibition, for the 2nd consecutive year. The artwork will be displayed during March 2007. The exhibit’s reception will be held Friday, March 22, 2007 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. in the Student Union Gallery. This year’s jurors, Jennie Myers, Laurie Blakeslee, and Julie Clemons said in a joint statement, “The quality of work submitted was exceptional, making this year’s selection process extremely competitive. From 92 entries submitted by 28 artists, we selected only 24 works by 15 artists for the final exhibition.”
de los Santos was recently awarded a PDAP 2007 (Professional Development Assistance Program) grant from Washington State Arts Commission to study encaustic painting and photographic processes at the Art Association of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

North Country Artist Trails

2007-03-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

Professional artists and artisans are invited to be a part of the 3rd annual “North Country Artist Trails”.

“North Country Artist Trails”, a program of Colville Arts Foundation, is a folded 4” x 9” professionally designed brochure detailing artist’s studios and galleries located in Stevens and Ferry counties. The website is: www.northcountryartisttrails.com
Mission StatementNorth Country Artist Trails, a CAF program, provides an alternative venue for artists & craftspeople residing in Colville & N. E. Washington State. Collectors & appreciators of fine art now have the unique opportunity of touring working studios & galleries, meeting the artists, while traveling through the spectacular scenery of Northeastern Washington.

North Country Artist Trails will include:
o 1-2 full-color photographs of each artist’s work along with a 3-4-line description, phone number and opening times, along with address, web site or any other pertinent information.
The guide will list studios and galleries stretching from Northport to Hunters, Colville to Republic, Orient, Kettle Falls and other towns via a full-color map.
The guide gives the artist an incredible opportunity to build up a clientele for their fine art & fine crafts—selling directly to art lovers, collectors and/or interior designers.
Membership in the Colville Chamber of Commerce and the International Selkirk Loop’s website

Distribution:
Over 158 hotel/motel sites throughout Spokane, including Museum of Arts & Culture, Felts Field Aviation, Executive Lounge, Westcoast Ridpath Hotel, and Service Stations.
Riverfront Park – IMAX Building in Spokane
AAA Auto Club Visitor Centers throughout Spokane
Service Stations in Spokane
Deer Park, Liberty Lake, Chewelah, Colfax, Green Acres, Mead, Clarkston, and Pullman, WA to name a few towns included in the distribution
Chewelah, Colville, and Ritzville Chambers of Commerce
Spokane International Airport
Many more sites to numerous to list!

Experts predict two significant travel trends will dominate the tourism market in the next decade:
Mass marketing is giving way to one-to-one marketing with travel being tailored to the interests of the individual consumer; i.e., the art lover and art collector.
A growing number of visitors are becoming special interest travelers who rank the arts, heritage and/or other cultural activities as one of the top five reasons for traveling.
The combination of these two trends is being fueled by technology, through the proliferation of online services and tools, making it easier for the traveler to choose destinations and customize their itineraries based on their interests— namely, ART!
If you are interested, please email ncat@hughes.net for more information, or call 684-3002.
To provide an optimum experience for visitors on the Trail, participants must be committed to open their studios at least two days per week between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Opening your studio or gallery more days is encouraged but is, of course, up to the discretion of the individual Artist/Craftsperson.

This year, we’re focusing on the last weekends of June, July and August for all studios to be open. The exact dates are: June 29, 30, July 1st, and July 27, 28, and 29, and August 24, 25, and 26.

Tomorrow is another day

2007-03-25T16:54:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow A. is coming to tan hides and I'm a little apprehensive, but not much. Also, I have finished my taxes. That is a sweet relief. Wonderful. Tomorrow a visit to the Fed-X man and that's it. It's done--taxes are completed for 2006.

Now I can relax and make that art project out of the dead skunk I found at the dump. So cool. Bones and all. Dave said, "Leave it in the shop". It still kind of stank. There was black and white hair still stuck to the bones. I'm going to take some pix and post them here.

Tuesday I go to Spokane, and I'm glad for that. Gotta get it together. D. has his first track meet on Tuesday. I tried to tell him that it's OK to be nervous. He said he wasn't ready, but I assured him to go on and try it. You've got to see the lay of the land, his father told him.

Today was a good day. I try every day to make the best of it, even when I'm loading tons of garbage into bags and smelling the stink of a landfill. H. was sick, she got sick from something yesterday, probably not washing her hands enough. Don't know.

I'm tired of going somewhere every single freaking day. Staying home sounds real good right about now. A good book, and my bed.

Sometimes you win, sometimes you don't win YET!

2007-03-25T16:46:00.001-07:00

Went to the Boy Scouts clean-up at the landfill today when I could have been doing a million other things. Oh well, such is life. The paintings aren't selling at Constant Creations, through no fault of anyone.

There is no blame. Now my knees, back and butt hurt from bending down to pick up trash, piles and piles of trash, plastic bags, papers, styrofoam, cardboard, a dead red-tailed hawk, x-rays, which I kept, a dead skunk's bones, which I kept, and will become an art project of some sort.

I guess this is all avoidance, as I don't want to clean my studio and I'm listening to a singer from Seattle named Flora McGill I found on myspace.com. Very, very good. Nice, clean lovely voice. Beautiful voice. Nice music. I was looking for something a little fresh-- I was getting tired of the same old 'sensual world' that I usually listen to.

Getting ready to do some painting, trying to fight tiredness, which is boring, and going to do some painting.

Bags and bags of garbage will infiltrate my dreams tonight. Huge stinking bags of garbage. AT least it's a lot better now, if we don't have another 'event', which is government-speak for windstorm! Landfill, but I call it a dump.

Appeared in the Statesman Examiner February 27 07

2007-03-01T06:54:00.001-08:00

PO Box 375 Colville WA 99114

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Dear Editor,

I disagree with the letter from Evelyn Romo of CVPAA who claimed their organization was the only organization to “sponsor professional artists”. She should have stated “sponsor professional performing artists”. Colville Arts Foundation has strived to present many professional visual artists in our community, and worthwhile visual arts exhibits and displays. Working with the Colville Chamber of Commerce, who has been extremely supportive, we have worthwhile programs such as “Art Around Town” placing art in different business venues to give more visibility to our local PROFESSIONAL VISUAL artists. Also, the only 3-county self-guided arts tour, “North Country Artist Trails” presents a dazzling compilation of professional visual artists in the 3-county area to tourists and locals alike.

In its 5-year existence, Colville Arts Foundation has garnered very little support, yet we continue to believe in the arts, continue to support artists and performing artists. I beg to differ with Ms. Romo about the performing artists. Recently, a blues concert was held at Orient Elementary School with over 200 people in attendance. The Fat Tones were clearly professionals. Last year there were professional performing artists from The Blue Door Theatre in Spokane, (improvisational artists and actors), at Colville’s now defunct “Art Burst” (its demise due to a lack of attendance and support!). Art Burst’s performing and visual arts venue was an incredible effort by Dot Javorka and Jan Beardsley and many others, but its demise is a sad reflection of the lack of support. In 2004, Colville Arts Foundation sponsored Jason Webley, a professional musician from Seattle.

As the administrator of a generous Washington State Arts Commission grant, we are pleased to have “Tears of Joy Puppet Theatre” from Bellevue visit Orient and Valley Schools. This event is sponsored by Orient/Inchelium/Valley Arts Consortium. There are professional visual and performing artists in and around Colville but they are tough to find out about. This particular visit is sponsored by the Washington State Arts Commission.

I support all the arts, as an artist myself, but have found it necessary to go outside this community to present my own art, as the Bible states, “a prophet is not honored in his own hometown”. I hope we (as supporters of the arts) are growing in number and will have a voice--someday. Maybe we’re just a bit ahead of the curve.

Two years ago, Colville Arts Foundation lost its art gallery space, and if not for Colville Woodworking and Stained Glass and the library, there is NO community venue to display local PROFESSIONAL Visual artists’ work. Hence, the aforementioned, “Art Around Town” which valiantly conspires to display local professional visual artists’ works.

Please support the arts in any way that you can! In general, artists are the most educated and underpaid of the population. As Stuart Wilde, a metaphysical writer stated his book, The Little Money Bible, “We don’t remember the businessmen of Rome or the various generals that fought the Trojan wars. Even the kings and queens of old are fairly uninteresting. What we value is the art, the architecture, and the feelings of bygone societies. What they believed in, what they did, the art they left behind—the Colosseum, Versailles, paintings, books—those are the things that have meaning, and so they last.”

We have the Spokane Symphony’s Woodwind section visiting Orient and Kettle Falls Elementary Schools. It doesn’t get any more professional than that.

What Stevens County needs is an arts council, a clearing house for performing and visual artists, a clear indication of its support for the arts. A local arts agency that can attract performing and visual artists, and support the local artists performing in and around Colville and the whole of Stevens County—providing venues and exhibition halls for dancers, actors, musicians and visual artists. It’s sad that we do not have such an entity.

Sincerely Yours,

Gloria de los Santos
Colville Arts Foundation Director
Visual Artist

Jackson Hole, Wyoming The Cowboy State

2007-03-01T02:01:00.000-08:00

Jackson Hole is amazing. I loved it there, lots of good energy. I hope to go back real soon. This is an encaustic I completed at the class I took at the Art Association there. It's an amazing town. Although it was so cold, -25 F at night, and -10 during the day. I saw elk, bald eagles, and the Tetons are amazing. That's only on the way to the airport. Wonderful place.

Student Art Show Set at Stevens County Historical Society

2007-03-01T01:53:00.000-08:00

A May Student Art Show is set for May 1st at the Stevens County Historical Society. The art work is by students only in the Orient/Inchelium/Valley Arts Consortium. It will be on view for the month of May. May is proving to be a busy month, as MCT is at Orient the first week of May so I'm going to need help on this. They want the show installed by May 1st.

I will have more details later, but suffice it to say that it will be up for a month, and we can schedule a reception for the students probably on May 10th or May 11th.

Ideally, all 2D work will be mounted and/or framed or matted. 3D work, I'm not sure of the setup yet. Their board of directors met, and it is sure thing.

Another request I received is from the Grand Forks Art Gallery in B.C., which would like some student work for a student show beginning March 15th. If you have anything for this show, let me know.

If you would like to help out with any of these two projects, please let me know. All art by consortium students is valid to be in the show, whether they have completed it at school or not.

Bad Weather - February 28 Winter holding on

2007-03-01T01:38:00.000-08:00

I'm not kidding, a lot more snow last night and the channel 6 isn't even putting the Today Show on cuz they want to report all the traffic accidents, roll-offs and trecherous driving conditions. Glad I don't have to go to Spokane today, and praying tomorrow will be better. The temp is around 35 in spokane. The weather is freaky. Winter holding on strong.

A Wonderful View

2007-03-01T01:34:00.000-08:00

Well, I do write when I'm upset with someone, that's for sure. Recently, I got an email from an acquaintance that told me to please accept an apology for pulling down a posting about an art class. I don't know if he pulled it down, because he doesn't like the teacher, and there is some kind of lawsuit going on between the two parties.

A long time ago, an acquaintance told me, "I'm like Tess, I don't mess."

I think that's a good way to be. Never get into the middle of someone else's mess, unless you are ready to get messy too!

Up Late At Night

2007-03-01T01:28:00.000-08:00

Working on my show at Constant Creations, in Spokane, here are the details.

NEXT SHOW: Constant Creations, located at 524 W. 1st Avenue, Spokane, WA
Please come to the opening reception on Friday, March 2nd, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Spokane, WA – Kettle Falls artist Gloria de los Santos’ encaustic paintings and hand-colored photography will be on display for the month of March at Constant Creations, 524 W 1st Avenue, Spokane 99201. Phone number at the gallery: (509) 747-8600.

A reception for the artist will be held Friday, March 2nd from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Her show at Constant Creations is titled, “Encaustic Musings and Other Works”. The show is part of Spokane’s First Friday Visual Arts Tour.

de los Santos has displayed her work nationally and her encaustic painting titled, “Pathos” was chosen for inclusion in the Boise State Women’s Center, Women’s History Month National Juried Exhibition, for the 2nd consecutive year.
She was recently awarded a PDAP 2007 (Professional Development Assistance Program) grant from Washington State Arts Commission to study encaustic and photographic processes at the Art Association of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Check out my Slide Show!

2006-12-31T01:01:00.001-08:00

Children at Christmas

2006-12-12T05:41:00.000-08:00

Wondering what to write, looking at art, seeing art, getting my son up at 5.30 am for high school!

Thinking of the painting show here that I gave away for the Colville Christmas Tree Extravaganza! What a wonder. I love to paint with encaustics.

Some Noted Pictures of Family Life - Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T13:50:00.001-08:00

Thanks and Giving. A great combination of words.

Today, I am thankful. I am thankful every day for family, for friends, my toes, my hands, my tongue.

I'm grateful I live in America, I'm thankful that I have job serving others.

I'm thankful for my wonderful husband, who cooks like a dream!

Cooking with Dad

2006-11-23T13:50:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of my husband cooking at Orient, Dylan's last year at that school. Dylan is the young man standing right next to him. The kids look on, the cook, Diana in the background. Very wonderful family event at the School. I'm so glad I have these pictures.

Terry Ross & Shoshana's Holiday Show

2006-11-19T21:51:00.000-08:00

A Great Website to Check OUT:

http://www.shopthefrontier.org >> nothing to do with the article below, which will appear in the following publication in December, 2007:

http://www.ncmonthly.com

Fabulous Felt—The Non-Woven Fabric
Fiber Artist Terry Ross
By Gloria J. Geary

What is felt? Although those flat colorful squares in Wal-Mart’s art supply aisle come to mind, felt is so much more. When I look at the perfectly round, yellow 4” ball of felt that my cat enjoys, I think of Terry Ross. Terry is the maker of all things felted. She is a “hand-felter”.
Hand-felted fabric is a wonder. It’s widely used around the world. The felting process has been around for eons and has ancient ties to Mongolia—where it is still used today for boots, clothing, yurts, and much more. The fabric can be made flexible, hard and stiff, or almost transparent, depending on the need. Felting is gaining new devotees, because of its waterproof quality and versatility. It’s also very malleable.
How It All Began
Ross always loved to work with her hands and learned to knit and sew as a girl from her grandmother. She hopes to have some quilts in Shoshana’s December art & craft show in Northport. (Additional information about Shoshana’s show is in the “Happenings” section.) Some years ago, a friend of Terry’s had a flock Karakul sheep, an ancient breed. Terry learned the process of harvesting the sheep’s wool from this friend and has continued ever since. The friends formed a community of women who would share a potluck dinner and felt together. With felt as the media, everyone created something unique to their sensibility. Ross began to make felted cat and dog play balls, pinwheel pin cushions, and other items.

Today, for her own felting endeavors, Ross maintains a small mixed flock of sheep which provide her with naturally colored wool in earthy tones--gray, creamy white, and tan. For her more colorful projects she buys colored wool. Ms. Ross has sold her work in shows like The Custer Show in Spokane and the Lavender Festival in Pend Oreille County. Terry explains, “I enjoy the proverbial two-way street, in that I’m not a commercial consumer and I like to buy things from people who actually make the product.” She elaborates, “I like to think we’re creating a community of like-minded people—I like to support that.”
If you have ever accidentally washed a wool sweater in the washing machine, you were felting by proxy (even though the outcome was not what you wanted!). Felting is created by pounding and scrubbing wool, using water which acts as a lubricant. With friction the fibers of the wool move back and forth, causing "barbs" to form in the fabric. Heat along with the water cause the outer scales in the fiber to open, and soap allows the fibers to slide easily over one another causing them to become entangled. The constant agitation of the material creates a tight bond between the fibers and the process is irreversible—hence the aforementioned sweater you washed that is two sizes too small, forever! Yet, in Terry’s masterful hands, the process is intentional, and so is the outcome.
In Terry’s felted world, it’s a multi-layered affair. She marries other fabrics with her hand-felted fabric to create unique dolls or other items. Father and Mother Christmoose are as you might guess, dressed like Santa and his wife, using recycled fabric. Terry’s “mooses” stand approximately 22”. There are Fishermooses, and other creations such as catnip mice and dangly-legged cone people. Her short, fat, felted cone people sometimes sit on shelves for relaxation. They arrive in Angel, Santa and Elf personas. Look for Terry’s unique perspective on all things rustic—the rustic look is her personal preference in her designs.
For more information, call Terry at 722-6482. Her work will be on display at Shoshana’s 11th Annual Christmas Show, Thursday, December 7th – Sunday, December 10th. Hours are: Thurs. 3 – 7 p.m., (preview), Fri. Noon- 5pm, Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday noon- 4 p.m. Shoshana’s is located in Northport, one block off Center Street. In Northport, look for the signs right after the Matteson House B&B. Make a right turn on 6th street, a right on South and Shoshana’s is the 3rd house o n the right.
Gloria J. Geary is an artist, photographer and writer who recently received a grant to study in Jackson Hole, Wyoming at the Art Association of Jackson Hole.

To be Brash or NOT to be Brash

2006-11-19T21:43:00.000-08:00

I just hate wimpy women. Just do. Just hate them. I've been called lots of things, and one thing I was called by my dear hubby was "brash". I guess that's what pissed off Michelle, who is ultra-sensitive, or hyper-sensitive. Not that I have a such a thick hide, but I'm not a wimpy, weak woman. I like to think of myself as strong and always have an opinion. It's tough to be around wimpy women.

The image here is "Evening Sun", and it's an encaustic painting that I sold -- it was a great one, I paint these little paintings, 5" X 5" X 3" deep, and they are so much fun. Many thanks to Constance, of Constant Creations, where I hope to have a show of my work in the new year.

"Evening Sun" was sold, and I must say, Constance is NOT a wimpy woman by any means. I hate wimpy women! Seems women are their own worst enemies. Live and let live, a cliche, for sure, but please, don't be so thin-skinned!

"Evening Sun" is one of my favorite paintings, and I'm glad it sold, and is adorning someone else's home now!

www.shopthefrontier.org for more of my work, to buy my photographs or paintings!

The Dis-Ease to Please!

2006-09-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

I have this disease to please. I really do. It's not funny, but I'm into self-healing. I know there's a book by that title, and believe me, my husband told me, "BUY IT". I loaned it out from our local library, and did read some of it, but I do need to read it again.

Yesterday, when a parent-volunteer at the school where I work part-time said to me, "Someone told me you would know what to do with the cookbooks". These are cookbooks left over from the last parent-volunteer who ran the PTA--a not-well-thought-out-so-called-fundraiser! I said to this person we'll call Belinda, "What poor soul told you that?" She replied, "Ruann". I said, "well, where are they now?", (feeling that disease to please come upon me, I started to think: 'if you do something three times, it becomes your job'). With this in mind, I replied, "well, they (the cookbooks) can stay in the office, and if someone wants to buy them, Crianna can accept the money". All the time, walking up the stairs to the teacher's lounge where the cookbooks were, and talking to the back of Crianna's head. Crianna is the always-sick, always-complaining so-called secretary who uses the job to run her life (constantly yakking on the phone to friends, appointments, etc.). As Belinda and I discussed the cookbooks, I announced, "anyway it's against my religion to be in the PTA". One of the bus drivers was in the office as well, and Ruann and her husband were sitting taking a break in the adjoining room, and overheard me. Ruann's husband guffawed and said "what religion?" I replied, "the gloria religion". Knowing full well that I was talking to two fundamentalist Christians (Ruann and her hubby) plus a Seventh-Day adventist (Belinda). But hey, they always use that as an excuse, so why can't I? The bus driver, who is my neighbor, overheard me and laughed out loud! We all had a good chuckle, and so be it. It was a direct hit on the SDA Belinda, who always uses that as an excuse, she can't do anything on the Sabbath, and can't allow her kids do anything on the Sabbath, except when it suits them!!!

I need to take care of myself, my needs, and be a lot more selfish. It's paramount to everything about me. I have enough to do. One way is to do it with humor! Crianna needs to do some work anyway, yesterday, I gave her an order about some art supplies to get a P.O. for, and she refused to do it. Well, I'm not shelling out any more funds from my pocket and then having to wait a month for reimbursement. NO WAY!

I'm in the healing process from the DIS-EASE TO PLEASE!!! YES!

The Thrill is Gone

2006-09-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I have a lot to do, and a lot to say, but how to do it all? Is it keeping me up nights wondering? I have a Boy Scout function this weekend, and I have to get ready for that, after hearing last night that the Scoutmaster won't be there, as his business is taking him to Maui.

So, we'll get it together and hopefully be able to swing it somehow. The kids are getting to bed way too late, causing fitful and frightful mornings. Crying, tail-dragging, that sort of thing.

When I asked Hayven whether Calista was her best friend a last week, she replied, "only if she keeps things sanitary." I laughed so hard I thought I would burst!

This is a picture of Colville taken yesterday on a beautiful day from the car.

The Violent Struggle Part B

2006-09-18T09:24:00.001-07:00

This photo depicts the bloodbath. The skunk was wounded by our dog, and he did try to get away, poor thing! That terrible garlging/barking sound was enough to wake the dead!

Well, the aftermath is that the skunk was thrown over the hill. I felt like a detective searching for the signs of struggle and the blood trail. And believe me, there was a blood trail!

Grateful that Dylan was there and I didn't have to do the deed, I would have shot it, but would have closed my eyes while doing it!!!

Here are the "blood trail" pix! City folk may think we're cruel, my mom, for instance didn't want to see pix of the dead skunk! "EEEWWWWW!" she said!

But we country folk know that skunks will just make trouble for you. Methinks the skunk was on his way to the compost pile, filled high with corn cobs, moldy lettuce, and other goodies skunks love.

Kudos to my super dog, Bandit, who lost sleep and flushed the varmint out! I do wonder why the skunk thinks it needs to spray and why it has the most unusual colors in nature!

The Violent Struggle

2006-09-18T06:55:00.000-07:00

Today at 5 a.m. a skunk visited our home; or rather, had a violent struggle with our dog, Bandit. A horrific dog/cat/animal strangling-barking noise awoke me at around 4:50 am, followed by Bandit barking non-stop. When I thought I'd better go down to see what was the matter, I shouted at Bandit to stop barking--this usually does the trick and I go back to bed. He didn't stop barking this time. Then he continued around to the front of the house, as if saying, "follow me" and barked at the meek little black Toyota Corolla parked in front of the house. In my sleep-fog, I realized he had cornered some kind of beast under the Toyota. The motion sensor lights were on. I rushed into the house to get a flashlight. Of course, the batteries were low, so I couldn't see much, and then I saw a tiny black head under the car, a skunk. It was hardly moving. I threw some rocks under the Toyota to scare it off, brushed rocks under the car with the broom, and still it wouldn't budge from under the car.

I got brave enough to jump into the Toyota to move the car, forcing the animal to get out from under the car. Moving the car back, it did--and almost went onto my front steps. I watched it in disbelief for awhile while Bandit continued to bark at it, keeping a safe distance so as not to get "sprayed". Finally, I went into the house and awoke my son to get up and help me. I realized by seeing the limping animal, that Bandit had somehow wounded it--that was the sound I had heard earlier. I told Dylan to shoot it (since it was already wounded) and he vanished into the garage to get the shotgun and ammunition for it--half asleep.

My mother got up, and said "he's half asleep". I said, "well, he better wake up". Dylan had no shoes on and peered out from the front door window slit with the gun in his hand. I was shouting at him from the front where I had a clear view--but he just peered out. I realized he couldn't see the skunk. I shouted at him, "it's right there at the foot of the stairs". He opened the door and shot it, but didn't get a good shot at it.

I rushed in to get my camera. I told him to go out from the kitchen door (on the side of the house) and shoot it from the front. I was in front and could see everything, having moved the Toyota. He complied, and rushed out in front while I was in the house trying to find batteries for the digital camera. When I came out, the skunk somehow managed to crawl under the Jeep, so I had to jump in the Jeep and move it! Then the smelly beast was finally exposed and half-dead. Dylan had got a shot it, but shot its butt.

Finally, Dylan had a clear shot, and the deed was done. Now I have to live with the god-awful smell of scared skunk in the house, the mud room, but worse, the Toyota! The smell was the worst thing I've ever smelled, onions and just infiltrated every fiber of my house. I gagged and tried to vomit, but couldn't. Not only that, but the insane smell of onions, skunk and horrible skunk poop is everywhere on me! Off the the shower for me! Or, is it my imagination?

I had some sweet orange essential oil and dropped a few drops everywhere, to no avail. Found some insense and put several burning sticks everywhere in the house. Dylan threw the dead skunk over the hillside, but with the smell, it's like it's still right in the house.

Swaneagle Harijian Tremblay

2006-09-17T12:03:00.000-07:00

This is a story about a woman living here in Rural NE WA state. She's an activist, and I hope you enjoy her story and her art.

It was published in the September issue of the North Columbia Monthly.
Do Artists Have a Social Responsibility?
Swaneagle (Tremblay) Harijan

By Gloria J. Geary

Swaneagle Tremblay is an artist with a mission (pictured left with a crocheted mask she uses in her performance art). One might label her as an activist-artist, but labeling is something that transcends her persona; she’s not easily categorized. The Danish philosopher and theologian Soren Kierkegaard said, “Once you label me you negate me”. Yet, she is, by her own description, “an odd woman”. Swaneagle willingly lends her voice to disenfranchised people. Also, she is very passionate about being a force in the world for indigenous people. When she speaks about the atrocities in our world today, she is extremely articulate and knowledgeable about her subject.

Her art is a response to those atrocities and injustices she sees all around her. Other people and other artists may shy away from the tough issues of our times. They may look the other way when they encounter injustice or racism. Swaneagle does not. She faces the tough issues of our times. And, because of her multi-racial children, she has experienced racism first-hand, with her children teaching her many valuable lessons. Their courage and determination is commendable in the onslaught of unsound race relations that is the “norm” for our country today. Some might argue that racism is non-existent at best or subtle at worst. Swaneagle is cognizant of the dominant majority culture and how the world is shaped by the hand that rocks the cradle. The deeply xenophobic culture that is America today is disturbing to some people, but to this self-described “hippie”, it is especially disconcerting. As a mother, artist, and activist, she feels very deeply about the issues in our country. Our country is defined by how it treats the most marginalized and vulnerable citizens.

With the advent of the first wave of “back to nature” homesteaders from the idealist 60s era, many “hippies” moved to Northeastern Washington state in the 70s. Here they found cheap land, people of like-mindedness, and the freedom to live “alternative lifestyles”. As long as they weren’t bothering their neighbor, all was well. Swaneagle, born in Spokane, rejected her Christian name of “Mary Kay” and through a series of profound events in her life, which included a stint in jail for “civil disobedience.” She announced her new name, and with it, her new goal in life which was/is: “peace and justice for all living beings.”

Her art reflects her deep convictions and beliefs on women, children, Native Americans and racism. Much of the content of her art reflects the image of white mother/multi-racial child, or a woman alone surrounding by tipis. The art is auto-biographical, depicting a white mother/multi-racial child living in the eco-system of this region. Other artworks are directly influenced by her time living in the southwest with traditional elders such as Pauline Whitesinger and Roberta Blackgoat. One piece from this period depicts a lone Diné Woman headed from a tipi towards her hogan (The hogan is a sacred home for the Diné (Navajo) people who practice traditional religion. Every family -- even if they live most of the time in a newer home--must have the traditional hogan for ceremonies, and to keep themselves in balance) in the distance. At first glance it looks like a serene, typical Western Art Scene, until one looks a little closer to see the helicopters hovering in the background—signifying to the viewer an intense conflict. The name of the piece is: “Witness Peace Camp.”

Or, the drawing with white mother/brown child in the forest, surrounded by trees that look like they were recently cut down/harvested, and the viewer realizes the scene is not a happy one. The forest is clearly a pine forest, and reflects clear-cutting practices. This artwork is titled, “What Will We Leave for Our Children?”

Another piece depicts a woman in the desert near a large Saguaro cactus, with a single teardrop falling from her eye, and her bleeding heart in one hand—this piece is titled “Border Agony”. Sugary Valentine hearts also form a type of fence in the background symbolizing the deaths of over 4,000 people attempting to cross the Mexican/U.S. border since the implementation of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) on January 1, 1994.

Drawing ever since she could hold a pencil, Swaneagle’s only formal art training consisted of several art classes she attended at Santa Barbara City College in the late 1960s. Swaneagle began doing political art in 1980 when she created a piece about he attempt of the AAMAX corporation to desecrate Mount Tolman near Keller, WA on the Colville Reservation by mining the mineral molybdenum, used in the formation of alloys.

Swaneagle met a woman named Noguns—a powerful frontline Hippie mother who told her about the Gandhian action against the Seabrook Nuclear power plant in New Hampshire. She explains, “Traveling east, I studied Gandhi for several months and then participated with two other people in the civil disobedience that put myself and the organizer, David Slesinger in jail for 4 months.”

In her own words, Swaneagle describes the processes that have shaped her life and ideals. “In l982, David Slesinger organized the nonviolent response to the Seabrook nuke after the citizens of Seabrook voted four times to stop it from being built. It was constructed anyway. I had just participated in voting to ban out-of-state nuclear waste from being imported to Hanford. It was an overwhelming “NO” vote, but the Supreme Court overturned the wishes of New Hampshire State citizens. I felt the need to participate in direct, nonviolent action. I did not bargain for a 6-month sentence (reduced to 4-months with good behavior). While incarcerated, my art became very political as I was witnessing the suffering of women from Haiti and El Salvador facing execution upon deportation. It was also during my confinement that I learned that 75% to 90% of uranium used for nuclear weapons and power came from Native American lands where the tailings piles were never covered. Then I learned about the struggle at Big Mountain, AZ from Noguns when she came to visit me in jail. The experience irrevocably altered my life. Before doing civil disobedience, I was shy, afraid to express my opinion. But when I was presented with a bouquet of a dozen microphones held by reporters as I prepared to commit my crime of conscience against the Public Service Company of New Hampshire, Seabrook's main share holder, I became uncorked and have had no trouble speaking truth as I know it to this day. Though I am silenced in many ways due to the positions I take, I no longer fear speaking out.”

Swaneagle elaborates, “Shortly after returning home to Onion Creek, I left the area with my two young children to attend Evergreen State College where I did further studies on nonviolence, enrolled in the Native American studies program as well as studied performance art. In l984, I began traveling to Big Mountain, Arizona in response to a call put out by traditional Hopi and Diné Elders for non-Indians to bear witness to their spiritual resistance to forced relocation enacted by the U. S. government and Peabody Coal Company. The human rights abuses were so blatant that I truly believed this would be the civil rights movement of the 80's, but I saw that the press participated in a blackout. When the mainstream media did report on this serious situation, it was called “The Hopi-Navajo Land Dispute”. But the truth was the dispute existed between the Federal Government, the Peabody Coal Company and the U.S.-backed tribal councils against the traditional peoples of both tribes. I have been doing what I can ever since to keep people educated, but the blackout is so successful that few people know that there are traditional people speaking their own language, herding sheep, growing corn, weaving rugs and living as self-sufficiently as possible. In retrospect, it will be seen as the greatest human rights violation of the 20th century within U.S. borders. Of 16,000 people already relocated, over 8,000 have died already. It is shameful. Yet, Pauline Whitesinger is still out there living her ancient way of life against all odds. She is my life’s greatest teacher.”

Swaneagle expounds on her ideas about art, “Artists have an obligation to make human conscience tangible and visible. Artists have always had a deep connection to conscience and are often among the first to be disappeared in dictatorships. Art transcends the barriers of language. It reaches people where words often fail. I call my art “spiritual” as it comes from my own experiences of extreme marginalization--because my family disowned me for never marrying and having mixed-race children. This has kept me in visceral contact with the suffering of other voiceless people as well as exposed me and my children to the cross-cultural plea for solution that is emerging in places of resistance all over the world. Writers such as Alice Walker, Anna Castillo, Leslie Marmon Silko, Barbara Kingsolver and others express these multi-cultural communities essential for survival in these fractious times. Our children need to be part of inclusion that contributes to healing of the planet and their very future. My children are part of this Rainbow reality in the diversity of their friends and the new cultures being shaped out of dire necessity. The damage being done continually by the invader dominant society is being reversed, thrown aside in very healthy and creative ways everywhere the human spirit rises above death and destruction to keep thriving. Hanging on to oppressive, vengeful methods only spells doom for all life. All of us have an obligation to instill compassion, kindness, love and responsibility in ourselves, our children and our communities. All of us, everyone, is hurt by war, culture, and greed. By remaining silent in the face of atrocity, we undermine our children's chances at a decent life. I have a right to define who I am as a human being. Though I have been accused of being a “cultural thief” because of my name, I maintain my efforts to reclaim my pre-Christian ancestry in Ireland that also honored the earth where people were named after the elements, flora and fauna. All names having meaning that dominant society strips away—this is a colonial attempt to demean those who do not conform to narrow structures that perpetrate abuse. In taking my name in a Wiccan ceremony where the old was thrown into a fire and the new taken on, I also made a lifetime commitment to human rights. I have no way of knowing my Irish culture directly, but I can shape what it means to live responsibly with integrity. Just in doing this I am attacked by a variety of people who really are in pain themselves. I must heed my heart in resisting war, genocide, ecocide and enacting a livable future. It is my sacred duty.”

Swaneagle’s politically-charged artwork is available for sale. She also sells the incredible weavings of the Diné women from Big Mountain, Arizona. Please contact her at 732-4875.

Freezing Corn

2006-09-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

Corn is fun, corn is fun to freeze. When farmer Bill gives you 75 ears of corn, you've got to something with it. I froze it, like good old country women have been doing for eons. Something I heard in the movie "Runaway Bride" which played last night on NBC. The announcer/character of a radio program in the small upstate NY town, Corey Fleming said, "Thank God you have the sense to live in a small town." This says a lot about America. Small towns, I think are better in oh-so-many-ways. Some people, yes, all you city dwellers out there, don't understand, and that's OK. Maybe you never will. I'm not saying I don't miss the city, because I do. I have lived in the two biggest cities in the world, Los Angeles and Chicago, so I know whereof I speak!

But small towns are less stressful, even though, living out in the sticks, I cannot order in pizza or chinese food! But today, I'm proud to announce that I "put up" 75 ears of corn, sliced off the cob, fresh from Bill's farm, where he says, "I don't spray my corn with anything". So, that would make it organic around these parts!

Fresh, wholesome goodness, how many times have you heard those words?

LA NANCY D Visits Orient

2006-08-26T15:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I'm biased, but I do think she took a great head shot! But then again, what can you expect from someone living in la-la-land so long? Of course, she took a great head shot. A great chick deserves a great head shot! I'm so glad she's coming to visit us here in the boonies! It will be so fun! Watching the documentary with the producer/writer, and being a part of something way bigger! Watching the film, and also celebrating my October people birthdays with my big sis will be lots of fun. Here is her pic and bio, hope you make it to Orient at the end of October for Lalo Guerrero: The Original Chicano!

The following is her bio, and yes, she looks a lot younger! But then again, so does everyone in LA!

Nancy De Los Santos is a Los Angeles-based writer with a number of credits including the MOW Gotta Kick It Up! for The Disney Channel, and scripts for both the Showtime drama series Resurrection Blvd. and the PBS series American Family. She’s co-writer and co-producer of The Bronze Screen: One Hundred Years of the Latin Image in Hollywood Cinema, a feature documentary that aired on Cinemax/HBO. She teaches a course based on the documentary at California State University, Fullerton.
She is the co-producer and co-writer with Dan Guerrero, of a documentary on the life of legendary Chicano troubadour and composer, Lalo Guerrero. Lalo Guerrero: The Original Chicano, will air on the PBS network this fall as part of the new series, Voces.
Nancy is the Associate Producer on the feature films Selena starring Jennifer Lopez and Edward James Olmos, and My Family, Mi Familia starring Jimmy Smits.
Born and raised in Chicago, Nancy began her career as Assistant Producer and continued as Producer for Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel’s film review program At The Movies. She received her degree in Radio, Television, and Film from the University of Texas at Austin. She holds a Masters in Communications from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.
Nancy De Los Santos has written for Hispanic Magazine and Latina. She is a member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the Writer’s Guild of America, West and the Latino Writers Committee.

Los Angeles Documentary Producer Visits Orient Elementary School in October

2006-08-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

Orient, Washington -- From October 23rd-26th, Nancy De Los Santos, producer and writer of the newly released documentary film, Lalo Guerrero, The Original Chicano, will be presenting an informational hands-on arts workshop on the Mexican cultural celebration, “Dia de los Muertos,” (translation: Day of the Dead) which is held every year on November 1st, for Orient Elementary School students as part of Orient’s arts and music program. Ms. De Los Santos’ visit is funded in part by a Washington State Arts Commission Grant. Lalo Guerrero, The Original Chicano, co-written and co-produced with Dan Guerrero, will also be screened on Friday evening October 27th at 7:00 pm, at the Orient Elementary School Gymnasium. (For more information on the documentary film and the filmmakers, visit their website as http://www.originalchicano.com/)

The screening is free and open to the public, with a suggested donation of $2.00 for adults, and $1.00 for students under 17 years of age. Ms. De Los Santos will give a short talk on documentary production, and what skills are needed in filmmaking and careers in filmmaking today. She teaches a course based on the documentary at California State University, Fullerton. We are honored to have Nancy visit our school, and share her love for filmmaking. Orient Elementary wishes to invite the community and anyone interested in a career in documentary filmmaking to attend the screening and join us for this special visit.

Born and raised in Chicago, Nancy began her career as Assistant Producer and continued as Producer for Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel’s film review program At The Movies. She received her degree in Radio, Television, and Film from the University of Texas at Austin. She holds a Masters degree in Communications from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.

The film will be aired on PBS stations throughout the country beginning in September. Ms. De Los Santos has extensive experience in writing and producing for television and feature films. Her filmography includes the TV series, "Go, Diego! Go!" “Gotta Kick It Up!” and “American Family.” She is the Associate Producer on the films Selena, and My Family. She also co-produced and co-wrote the documentary film, The Bronze Screen: 100 Years of the Latino Image in Hollywood Cinema, which aired on HBO.

Bobcat Boosters, Orient's PTA, is planning a Mexican-themed dinner that evening from 5 pm-7 pm, the cost for dinner is donation-based.

Time to Drive

2006-08-26T14:47:00.000-07:00

Driving everywhere it seems these days, the hot, hot, dog days of summer. The Northeast Washington Fair is up and running, with cows, pigs, sheep, dogs and cats on display. Sometimes it seems a bit overwhelming! There is so much to see, and that's a good thing. The kids are back to school next week, and whew! What a summer it was. Beginning the administration job again at the school, and that will be a fun year, I hope. Seems I've been driving a lot, to town and back, and then to another town and back home. Pick up this child, drop off a child, go to a drawing class in Colville for six days. Whew! Glad that I have my old faithful Toyota. She is so great on gas, manuvers well, and is small! She fits in tight places and she'll always be a friend.
Well, got to go now, as it is my open house weekend! WHOPEE!

Letters I've Written

2006-08-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

Never meaning to send... love that tune! Love art, and going to EUROPE! Still and all, Europe is the way to go, the best place to see the art of antiquity, the incredible paintings of the masters, and everything that is art.

This is where it all began, perspective included. The Fibonnacci sequence, Leonardo, all of it. I'm not really interested in Orca whales frolicking off the San Juan Islands, although that's very nice. In my lifetime, I hope to visit the Mona Lisa in person, soak in the culture, life, love, and ART that is Italy and France.

Drawing Again

2006-08-20T21:34:00.000-07:00

Taking drawing seriously is a tough business. Try standing all day at an easel. It's not for the weak. Although you might get a nice drawing out of it. I felt like I was back in my college days. Whew! I'm really dating myself. It was good to really use charcoal to its greatest advantage. I don't much like the drawing, but the thing was, it was worth a lot more than $25.

That was quite insulting that the owners of the restauranat where we were drawing (they rent the space too!)--told us "kids" that he would buy a drawing the one he liked, the best one, for $25. Well, mine wasn't for sale. I told one woman, you know, if you pay yourself $10. per hr. that comes to at least $160. per hr. figuring on an 8-hr. day!

She replied, "well, not when you've got a barn full of paintings". I felt sorry for her, as women to tend to de-value themselves and their work. I thought it was quite demeaning, when the teacher stated so emphatically that some of her students sell their paintings for $20K.

It was kind of insulting. Like I really need a ZZ Top look-a-like with a baseball hat to judge my drawing and offend me by telling me that it was only worth $25.00.

I have to say something tomorrow to the class, as I thought it was a class, and NOT a competition. It was extremely rude to make the class into a competition. Not to mention the folks that came by with their inane comments and stupid photos of past paintings they did in the previous classes.

Talking to my friend Jane, I wondered out loud to her, "why do women de-value themselves and their work"? Me, included of course.

My faithful friend and husband, Dave always tells me this in so many ways. Sigh, that's why I love him. He always tells me that I'm better than I think I am, and I should charge accordingly!

Grand Forks Summer Showcase: "Crossing the Line"

2006-08-09T04:10:00.000-07:00

NEWS RELEASEfor immediate releaseJuly 14, 2006Contact: Paul Crawford, Director / CuratorGrand Forks Art GalleryPhone: (250) 442-2211E-mail: gfagchin@direct.caWeb: www.galleries.bc.ca/grandforksThe Grand Forks Art Gallery Presents - Crossing the Line – A Regional SurveyExhibition Opening Saturday July 29th 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Artists will be in AttendanceExhibition Runs from July 29th through August 26th

The Grand Forks Art Gallery is proud to present the exhibition Crossing the Line, an exhibition featuring the work of 13 artists residing and working in the Boundary region of British Columbia and North Central Washington State. This annual exhibition is intended to act an ongoing survey of this regions diverse and varied visual arts community.
This year in an effort to better reflect our region the Grand Forks Art Gallery has extended an inviting to a selection of artists living and working in North Central Washington State exploring a wide variety of medium’s including painting, photography, sculpture and ceramics. The artists featured in this summer’s exhibition include:

From North Central Washington: Chris Kroupa from Curlew who is represented in the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Ellen Picken from Republic, Gloria de los Santos from Kettle Falls, Charlene Payton-Holt from Republic, Gary Belcher from Orient and Elinor Distler from Colville – From Grand Forks and the Boundary: Ken Flagel, Shirlie MacLean, Doris Albert, Doolee MacDonnell, Ingunn Templeman, Melon Durrand and Dustin Lacroix a recent art school graduate and past winner of the Richard and Beverley Reid Scholarship for graduation students.
Our hope is to have this develop into an ongoing series of exhibitions and exchanges exploring the contemporary arts scenes of both Washington State and British Columbia and in doings so help build bridges between our two arts communities. It sad to think that this once strong and vibrant bilateral artistic relationship has become less and less over the past 20 years as the physical barrier between our two nations becomes that much more pronounced.

These North-South artistic and cultural associations are not new and the exchange and flow of culture is as old as there have been people inhabiting these lands. From the early exchanges and the established trade routes used by the First Nations, to the movement and explorations of the Spanish and the fur trade through the move Northwards to the Gold Fields, this history of these cultural exchanges is well documented. It has only been in the last twenty years this bilateral exchange has slowed to a standstill and the barriers imposed by the arbitrary border along the 49th parallel have become more acute. It’s a shame to think that since 9-11 the barriers both physically and emotionally have made this division even greater and the border more impenetrable. Sadly it is the residents who inhabit the communities along the 49th parallel who suffer the most.

It is our hope that though exchanges such as these, the Grand Forks Art Gallery will come to represent a true snapshot of the history, development, uniqueness and diversity of this regions artistic vision, its past and though exhibitions such as this it future.
For further information, please call the Grand Forks Art Gallery at 442-2211
Or visit the Gallery at 7340 – 5th Street, Grand Forks, B.C. (Under the Blue Awning)

The Art Gallery

2006-08-09T04:05:00.000-07:00

Grand Forks, B.C. is a great place. Love that town. Love it even more because I'm showing my work there now. Which is a lot of fun. Went to the opening, saw a lot of friends, met some nice people, and all was well. Met some folks from "Shop The Frontier". A great organization.

Paul Crawford and his staff at the Grand Forks Art Gallery were very nice and helpful. They had great food as well.

The gallery is great, great atmosphere. Wish the show didn't have to end, but all things must pass.

Looking forward to the next show. Here's a picture I took of a patron looking at my work on the wall. Don't know who she is, but she looks interested.

Art is THE WAY

2006-07-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking that artists look at other artists' work, or do they? Do they consider other artists' works? Do they visit other artists' studios to see how they're doing, to see what they're selling? My studio is a pack-rat's haven. That's NOT a good thing. But I'm trying, at least you can see the beautiful paper-bag floor the hubby did a few years ago.

It's absolutely marvelous. But I've found I'm NOT my own best salesperson. I really have to psyche myself up to 'sell'. Not a natural born salesperson. Selling other people's work is fine, I have no problem with that.

Wish I could hire a manager/salesperson. Sigh.
Seems the only folks coming up to my studio are OTHER artists wanting to know how/why/what/ and how much she's selling it for???

North Country Artist Trails

2006-07-30T14:36:00.000-07:00

Well, folks are stopping by to see the artwork, see the studio and get "stamped". That is, when someone visits a studio, they receive a unique stamp and if they can collect 6 unique stamps from six different studios, they'll be able to get their stamped card into a drawing for origina art. This wonderful feat will happen on September 1st at Studio Five!
It'll be fun, it'll be educational, and always a surprise.

This cyanotype here is from a collection that I began three years ago.

Cyanotypes are fun to make in the summertime, and summertime is not complete without producing a few cyanotypes. It's supposed to be BLUE not ORANGE. I just hope you're looking at a tru-blu Cyanotype.

The Boy Scout Trip New Chapter

2006-07-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

After witnessing a blowout on that rocky mountain road, I caravaned with some other Scout folks to Priest Lake, ID on Saturday. A long, hot drive, but it was relatively cool in the morning, with a lot more heat to come on Sunday, when I returned home. Going through beautiful Loon Lake, we took the shortcut to Priest River, locating ourselves at the Beaver Creek Campground on Priest Lake. There, Hayven squealed with delight as we swam in the lake. We setup our tents, with the help of the two oldest boy scouts, Eli and Cedar. Fun! The campground was completely filled up, so our tents would have to be right next to each other making for a familial coziness! We awaited the first boys scouts completing their 30-mile hike through grizzly and black bear territory. It was a long wait! Finally, at 5 pm, Dylan and Marshall showed up, Tim, Marshall's father having picked them up at the trailhead. The logistics of the trip were quite complicated to say the least.

Mary acted as camp cook for that first night at the Beaver Creek Campground in Nordman, ID and I was her helper. Finally, we heard that Jason had a flat tire on his boat trailer, and that some boys stayed with him. His wife, Laurie, had some blisters on her feet, but was OK. The boys straggled in: Jake, Justin, and Garrett. We waited and waited until at 7pm, as everyone wondered where the rest of the boys were, finally, Jerry showed up with his wife Ruth, and a very badly sprained wrist. Cary was with him. They had taken a wrong turn and ended up 1 1/2 miles down the wrong trail. Matt was with them.

All was well, everyone accounted for, and we could have our delicious spaghetti dinner, with chocolate cake for dessert!

Dave and the Drywall

2006-07-14T05:57:00.000-07:00

Here's how Dave looked after drywalling our "mud room" two years ago! Look, hon, it's DONE! Remember your past projects and how much you've improved the place. IT looks great, and it's getting better all the time!

What a Wierd Strange Trip it WAS!

2006-07-14T04:59:00.000-07:00

Driving the Boy Scouts. My son, Dylan is in a Boy Scout Troop, and that's nice, but sometimes, it requires the patience of Job and a lot of guesswork, emotional and physical stamina--on the part of the parents! I offered to drive them to the trailhead of the planned "50-mile hike". Getting there was an ordeal when I woke up, got the kids up, and the two boys (Dylan and his friend Derek) noticed the Jeep had a flat tire! They quickly changed it, with help from Dave via the telephone, and we were off, albeit one-half hour late!. Getting to the Union Hall in Kettle Falls, we sorted through the gear, got ready and off we went. Hayven went with Mary to spend the morning with her and her two daughters, one of which is Hayven's age: Cassie.

Later, we made several stops, picked up a boy, dropped off a car, and made our way to Colville National Forest's Sullivan Lake Campground. At the Ranger station, we sorted through the meals and placed them in bear-proof plastic traveling bins. On to the trailhead. Connie was driving in her big white Chevrolet Van, with eight adults, and Jerry with himself and two other scouts, Marshall and Garrett. Another hour into the woods on a very narrow forest service road and we were there. The sheer dropoff was quite stunning, the scenery extraordinary.

After eating a brown bag lunch prepared by Mary, THANKS MARY--Connie headed off with her daughter, Johanna, and I in Jerry's Chevy pickup. A little more than one-half of a mile down the narrow mountain road, Connie's tire back left tire hissed and BLEW! She kept driving, unbeknownst to her. I beeped and beeped the horn behind her to no avail, she kept driving--oblivious to it all, as the tire got lower and lower and started to shred. Why didn't I flash the lights? Because I didn't know where they were! IT wasn't my vehicle, and not having driven manual transmission for three years, had to re-familiarize myself with the process!

I kept beeping the horn. I thought, "either they know they have a flat and she's trying to make it down the mountain to the ranger's office, or they can't hear me". It was the latter. The music her teen daughter was playing was so loud, she couldn't hear me beeping. Finally a piece of the tire shredded and flew off and she saw a piece of blackness fly up, and thought it was mud!

She finally stopped as the tire started to smoke. She had felt the bump, but thought it was the rough mountain road. I stopped the pickup behind her, but didn't know where the hand-brake was. I started to roll into the back of her van--not good, as her daughter screamed "put the brake on!". I couldn't find it! Finally, somehow I stopped, right before I went in a ditch and hit the back of her van.

The Chevy Pick-up was inches away, I had already got the lug nuts off the rim of the shredded tire (after much heaving and hoing!), and we were in the midst of reading directions, when suddenly--another car came up behind ME! A white car from Idaho. Two good-looking guys stopped, got out, helped us change the shredded tire to the spare "donut" tire and also moved the truck--that was almost in the ditch. They were on their way to Canada, and their wives were teed off that they took this mountain road, as you had to travel soooo slow and probably they were as petrified driving on the 'edge' as I was!

Fortunately through a lot of prayer and positivity, we made it back to COLVILLE AND LES SCHWAB!

Some of my Favorite Quotes

2006-07-10T19:07:00.000-07:00

Psychotherapist Anthony de Mello puts the responsibility squarely where it belongs: "It's an illusion that external events have the power to hurt you, that other people have the power to hurt you. They don't. It's you who gives this power to them."

or, how about:

"Painting isn't a question of sensibility; it's a matter of seizing the power, taking over from nature, not expecting her to supply you with information and good advice." (Pablo Picasso)

Googleing

2006-07-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

Just wondering if the CPC and the ADWORD I created for the "trail" will work--who knows? It's quite a puzzlement. Living is a puzzle, it seems you figure it all out (one aspect that is!) to find another aspect of your life is shutting down.

Wierd...just wondering if others have that same experience. Maybe it's all a wash--in the end we all end up with the same faculties, the same everything.

Feeling quite diabolical today, and have to force to get out of this funk...but I do have a lot to be grateful about. No one is going to read this stuff anyway, so it's kind of therapeutic for me. Also helps me to realize what a great speller and typist I am!

Wonderful Day

2006-07-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

Today, just regular stuff. Getting ready to hit the "trail". Clean up the studio, get everything out of the studio, THROW IT ALL OUT. My pack-rat-i-tis is coming on strong today, but I'm fighting it.
At least I got my website cleaned up. Dylan's going canoeing with Boy Scouts tomorrow, and Dave is leaving. Tomorrow will be busy, but manageable. Just have to remember to use the Hamilton on-ramp when driving Dave to the airport!

Tried and tried to 'ftp' this blog, but it didn't help -- so I've resorted to using blogger.com's free blogspot. Who knows? Maybe I'll be the next blogger on TV. An e-celebrity! Fine, big, audacious hairy GOALS!

That's me, always on to the next dream!

2006-07-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

Hi world,

all is well.

no, it's not.

A friend kind of day

2006-07-10T00:26:00.000-07:00

It was a great day today, just enjoying July, set up and playing her tune, like Cat Stevens used to sing. Enjoyed having some friends over, who I've been meaning to invite for six years! Yes, folks, it's been six years since we've moved to the great Pacific Northwest from LA. I had told a friend that we moved on Independence Day, July the fourth, and he replied, "Yeah, your independence from LA!"

Yes, my thoughts exactly. Making art is a full-time job, but I just read a great quote from our crazed friend, Vincent Van Gogh, "I have realized that loving people is the greatest art". (I'm paraphrasing here!

Little Hayven enjoys having friends over and so do we. We had au-gratin potatoes, two kinds of pies, Apple and Cherry-Peach, and delicious Chicken, roasted on the grill and cooked to perfection! Gary and Cher brought over a great salad with red, ripe raspberries in it!