Sunday, November 30, 2008

November 30, 2008


Most often the end of the year is filled with holiday preparation and little time for non-holiday creativity. Anticipating the need for extra time, I decided not to paint for the month of December freeing several hours a day towards sewing, baking, etc.

Never the less, December is a breath away and I started a new project; writing and illustrating a children's book. The subject of the book is my dog Sophie and already I have most of the first book planned out with ideas for a second. The book is to be called, "The Adventures of Sophie". I am experimenting with combining pen and ink with photographs but are still at the illustration phase.

Peace Always

Sharon

Saturday, November 29, 2008

November 29, 2008


Before I start my diatribe about "Black Friday" let me openly omit that I, Sharon Lee are not by any stretch of the imagination a shopper. Having said that would someone please explain to me the attraction of shopping on Black Friday? Of course I know that stores offer "incredible" sales but as in the case of the stampede murder of a Walmart employee in New Jersey, it seems to me, an outsider, that the stores are building up shopping tension by limiting the hours of sale from ridiculous early morning hours to a few hours later.*

My mother and sister are both Black Friday shoppers. My next door neighbor is a Black Friday shopper. I have never shopped then nor see myself in the future doing so.

Perhaps shopping on this day gives shoppers the holiday jolt, signifying the beginning of a season of giving, parties and baking. Maybe suffering through grabbing arms, being smashed by shopping carts, being overheated in a mall carrying a winter coat and packages reminds people that they are alive.

Sorry guys I just don't get it. From a person who shops online

Peace Always

Sharon

Friday, November 28, 2008

November 27, 2008


I live in a small rural enclave that hosts artists, musicians, dancers and writers. A good portion of this population of creative types were reared elsewhere, in most cases larger cities or its surrounding suburbs.

Yesterday I was visited by Elizabeth a fabulous artist who is part of a multi-generational family of quilters. She told me of a close neighbor, John who just published a book (Riding on the Edge: A Motorcycle Outlaw's Tale), and though I did not know he was in the process of writing a book I was in no way surprised.

Whether inspired by our surroundings or the escape from what had been our "hood" the mountains of central Pennsylvania are bursting with creativity.

Peace Always

Sharon

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

November 25, 2008


The Waitress
acrylic on canvas board
1994

Tomorrow begins the cooking marathon for the biggest meal of the year. In honor of all those who stands elbow deep in dishes, I wish you cooking times with a minimum of stress on your legs, back and neck. Be creative and cook with good feelings.

Peace Always

Sharon

Monday, November 24, 2008

November 24, 2008


Photo of Sophie in Scotia Range by Sharon Lee

Sorry but another day to grouse, cold and frustrated with my daughter's VW bug. Remember long ago when Volkswagons could be worked on? Isn't that why all the hippies of long ago had those cars and held onto them for ever? Well no more.

Tried to change the tires from street to snow only to discover that the car is too low to be jacked up without creative thinking and the wheel-tire remover tingy doesn't fit the Beetle's miniature wheel.

Currently 27 degrees here in central Pa with a big snow a'comin. After three hours of screwing around with my daughter's car in a cold garage I'M COLD!!!!!!!

Peace Always

Sharon

Sunday, November 23, 2008

November 23, 2008


After spending two and 1/2 hours in a cold garage replacing a headlamp bulb on my daughter's Volkswagon Beetle about all I can think of warmth and the season of summer.

"May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night and a smooth road all the way to your door.”

Irish Blessing

Peace Always

Sharon

Saturday, November 22, 2008

November 22, 2008


Photo by Sharon Lee

Officially or not, winter is here in central Pennsylvania. As an outdoors person much of my day is spent layering clothes, going outside to either manage wood or hike, coming back inside and warming up only to start the process again in a short while. Today the temperature stayed in the upper twenties with a few scattered snow showers. Embracing, pretty and cold at the same time.

Peace Always

Sharon

Friday, November 21, 2008

November 21, 2008


What's for dinner, dear?
2005
acrylic on canvas
24" x 30"

This year my daughter is hosting Thanksgiving in her first apartment. I am expected to prepare the food, this time at home but serving it 12 minutes away. Tomorrow, Meagan and I will chose a menu, taking into consideration everyone's dietary requests/restrictions. This year I had hoped to skip the bird as I am a vegan. Actually all guests had agreed to this omission though some not enthusiastic. However a few days ago my parents decided to join us for this meal and it was decided to re-include the turkey.

Peace Always

Sharon

Thursday, November 20, 2008

November 20, 2008


Photo by Sharon Lee

This morning I woke to a ground cover of snow. Not enough for snow play but it covered the mud and added color to the monochromatic trees.

Snow Flurries by Raymond A. Foss

There were snow flurries in the air today
early for my liking, snow flurries coming*
n small singular spirals, falling through the air
spun by their shapes, the tug of the wind
sitting in the office, watching them tumble
by my window, pause in the conversation with client
marvel for a moment at the ballet before me
forward scouts for their brethren to follow
later in the season when fall yields to winter
soon enough they will come, in legions

Peace Always

Sharon

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

November 19, 2008


Thought Bubbles
2008
acrylic on organic cotton canvas
38" x 38"

Each time I finish a painting I bring the piece to the local photo studio, have it photographed and recorded on both tiff file and slides. I use the slides for submission for juried shows and the tiff for any computer entered shows, website, blog, as well as the basis for any printed materials of this image.

The painting "Thought Bubbles" was a series of random events, dreams or silly thoughts that I had while I was painting it (August-September 2008). Behind the disks I tried to create layers of "fabric" patterns such as a quilt or Matisse painting.

Peace Always

Sharon

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

November 18, 2008


Vince Redhouse
Photo by Rick Brandt

As often as possible I bring my dog to my closest neighbor's house for a doggie play date, releasing some of the excess energy my Border Collie mix has in her system. These times remind me of play dates for my daughter when she was young and the play date's parent and I would gab about serious, or silly topics until the kids started to argue signifying the end of the "date".

Much the same with my dog Sophie and my neighbor's dog Bella.Today the dogs were having a good go at it and playing hard while Ben The neighbor) and I discussed Thanksgiving. I was stating that while I enjoyed the feast feeling of the holiday it seemed to be contrary in practice to the life I aspire to live. My friend reminded me that Thanksgiving was a traditional feast replicating the original Thanksgiving when Native Americans brought food to the immigrants and had a feast. I asked the question "What if it wasn't meant to be consumed at once?"

Maybe the food was to be prepared and preserved for the long winter, venison and birds to dry and salt, corn that would still be viable in February, Apples that lasts until March?

Just a thought.

Peace Always

Sharon Lee

Sunday, November 16, 2008

November 16, 2008


Photo by Sharon Lee

My daughter has been fortunate enough to be invited to join in a new dance company with a director who is connected and highly motivated. The choreography is interesting and complex, the costumes always seem to be the right amount of clothes and colors.

We only got to see a partial program as this was their first professional run through to see what the company is looking like three months down the road. Having a child in the arts is fabulous while a the same time frustrating and a bit scary.

Dance is beautiful and a lovely expression of emotions, politics, culture, etc. At the same time making a living in the arts, any aspect of the arts can be challenging and frustrating. I've always encouraged my daughter to follow her dream but now that she's older I don't ignore the impracticality of living life in the arts but discuss things as real as possible.

Peace Always

Sharon

Friday, November 14, 2008

November 14, 2008


Tonight my intention was to go to a talk at Penn State by Urvashi Vaid, Author of Virtual Equality: The Mainstreaming of Gay and Lesbian Liberationand influential LGBT activist. Unfortunately my car's gas meter read "E" and funds are low so I had to forgo this opportunity

.Just ten days after the disappointment of the prop 8 proposal to ban gay marriages, I hoped to gain from this discourse some direction as to what to do concerning achieving civil rights for all. It is a real shame that the same election that voted in a candidate that supports civil rights would take some away. I understand that "gayness" is an uncomfortable fact of life for many people. The interpretation of religious doctrine can be slanted for or against to suit religious leaders. While I sympathize with those who for "religious reasons" do not approve, what about logic? Logically a collective body of people (the population of the United States) will only be able to focus on a few issues at a time.

With an economic crisis and the unhealthiness of our planet, and our young adults in the military in harm's way, why waste energies keeping civil rights away from anyone. It may not have been the original intention of the United States but as she matures into the most diverse country on our planet can we expect to live any other way? Whether you support the gay lifestyle it is important to always support civil rights.

Give to every human being every right that you claim for yourself. ~Robert Ingersoll

Peace Always

Sharon

Thursday, November 13, 2008

November 13, 2008


As my body, including my eyes age I question the impact this has and will have in the further on my artwork. Claude Monet best known for his wonderful depictions of water lilies suffered from cataracts in his later years and as a result the colors of his work changed and his work became more and more abstract.

After struggling with vision for many months I purchased my first pair of bifocals bringing focus and details back. As the year has progressed my glasses have become scratched once again taking away the sharp focus I had when they were new. Soon I will be replacing the lenses and start anew with fresh sharp focus.

Peace Always

Sharon

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

November 11, 2008


Most of my life I have been trying to wrap myself around understanding poetry. My first book was a second edition "A Child's Garden of Verses" by Robert Louis Stevenson. Prior to my ownership both my mother and her father had scribbled with crayon and wore the pages thin.

Today thanks to the magic of podcasts I heard a simple wonderful poem entitled "November" by Thomas Hood, written in 1844

No sun - no moon!

No morn - no noon

No dawn - no dusk - no proper time of day.

No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease.

No comfortable feel in any member

No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bee.

No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds!

November!

Peace Always

Sharon

Monday, November 10, 2008

November 10, 2008


I just finished and self framed the piece, "Nativity (Side View)". The frame was cut down and re-glued from a frame that was given to me years ago. The Nativity Show that this will be in is part of the Bellefonte Victorian Christmas Show and house tour.

Do you think it'll fit in???

Peace Always

Sharon Lee

Saturday, November 8, 2008

November 8, 2008


Although I have been vegetarian for 28 years and vegan for two, I always have accommodated the meat eaters and served turkey for Thanksgiving. This year I've decided to make a stand and omit all animal products from this tradition annual feast. I'm a decent cook and have rarely heard comments of meal dissatisfaction, yet it is a scary transition to make.

I'm actually looking forward to this meatless Thanksgiving as I do not have to handle meat as well as smell dead turkey in my house for the few days that follow. For me this Thanksgiving will truly be a cause for celebration and a meal of fellowship with family and friends.

Peace Always


Sharon

Friday, November 7, 2008

November 7, 2008


Pardon Me Are You Bi-Polar?
acrylic on organic cotton canvas
38" x 38"
2008

One of the questions I get most often asked about my art work is: "What does it mean?" Usually I will give an answer but as time goes by the original meaning becomes less clear and a new meaning can be imposed on a painting. Generally I am uncomfortable in "explaining" a piece of art in that it takes a bit away from the viewer-painting relationship. My experiences are not like anyone else's and even well explained will lose a bit in the translation.

This current painting I will omit any discussion of meaning and stay focussed on how it was painted.

For those person(s) in the painting you know who you are and you know what this means.

Peace Always

Sharon

Thursday, November 6, 2008

November 6, 2008




I belong to a photography group (Photo of the Month) on Flicker. Each month we are "assigned" a different subject. The interpretations are vastly different and I look forward to see how each subject is portrayed.***This month the subject is "blur". The irony of "blur" is that I often have a photo that is or has a blur in it. The problem is what makes the "blur" important to the photo and how is this not just a blurred photograph.

Today during my walk in the woods I tried a variety of things: throwing leaves, following my dog, Sophie and moving the camera quickly while snapping a photo. Nothing has worked yet-this subject is much more complicated than I initially thought.

Peace Always

Sharon

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

November 5, 2008


Last night I was hopeful and proud as well. Here is a transcript of Barack Obama's election victory speech in its entirety:

Hello, Chicago.

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.We are, and always will be, the United States of America.It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Sen. McCain.Sen. McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.I congratulate him; I congratulate Gov. Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady Michelle Obama.Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House.And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me. I am grateful to them.And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe, the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best -- the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.To my chief strategist David Axelrod who's been a partner with me every step of the way.To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.

It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.This is your victory.And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.

I promise you, we as a people will get there.There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.

Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed:

Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot.

Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved.

Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome."

Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.

Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes, we can

.Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

November 4, 2008


If you haven't already get out and VOTE!!!!!

Peace Always

Sharon

Monday, November 3, 2008

November 3, 2008


The Nativity
1996
acrylic on cabinet door with plastic hula skirt
18" x 12"

Every year the holidays bring interesting open houses filled with crafts, arts, music and entertainment. Even for the non-religious, such as myself, it is a joy to participate in a celebration filled with traditions and the spirit of faith and hope. In the neighboring town of State College, PA there is an annual show of Nativity sets made from a variety of sizes, mediums and styles. There are almost 400 Nativities and with a background of Carol sing-a-long. it is a wonderful way to explore inspirational art.

Peace Always

Sharon

P.S. Don't forget to vote

Sunday, November 2, 2008

November 2, 2008


Yesterday a local artist called to ask if I would participate in her annual "Nativity" art show. She had ready answers to my questions, convinced me it would cost little and other well respected artists that I personally knew were also participating. She recommended I look to the dictionary for "nativity" in search of inspiration. I did so but kept coming back to the actual birth process.

Above is the sketch I made for this painting which will be relatively small (8" x 6"). I cut and assembled a mini stretcher, cut a piece of organic cotton/hemp canvas and tomorrow I will gesso and begin.

Peace Always

Sharon

Saturday, November 1, 2008

November 1, 2008


Feathered Pipe Ranch, Helena, Montana
Photo by Sharon Lee

By chance yesterday I discovered that a brilliant yoga instructor, Mary Dunn had passed on. I had met Mary briefly during a yoga retreat in Helena, Montana. For years I had heard what a wonderful teacher she was. Honestly I have to say her reputation did not do her actual presence justice. Mary had a beautiful mellifluous voice that forced you inside the pose giving me the stretch to hold poses longer and further than I had before.

One morning of the retreat I got the opportunity to share grub with Mary and found her to be very down-to -earth and as lovely inside as she was outside. Yesterday with tears streaming down my cheeks I read her blog written until 4 days before she passed.

The world is a better place for having Mary here though way to brief.

Peacce Always

Sharon