By Joann Schmid
His first book, Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race an Inheritance is a memoir that explains how his past experiences shape and mold him. He discusses his search for self identity and traces his generational lineage while on a religious trip to Kenya. The book also includes a transcript from his 2004 keynote speech at the Demotractic National Convention.
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on reclaiming the American dream is much different than his first book and is an excellent read if you want to find out where he stands on a majority of issues. In the manifesto he discusses problems, old and new and provides an extensive set of solutions.
Change We Can Believe In: Barack Obama’s Plan to Renew America’s Promise, his latest book has been described as an instructional manual which outlines his plans and illustrates how he will execute change. After reading it, you will better understand not only the Politian, but the man as well.
Obama’s words read smoothly, and flow with profound insight. Some people say that his works are the best political literature they have ever read.
What an exciting, pivotal time in our history! A friend showed me a picture she received on her phone taken by her sister at 2 am of hundreds of people partying in the streets of DC.
In closing, I am so happy he is now in a position to create real change. Personally, I think he’s the best man for the job. I’m equally grateful that we (as a society) are evolving past ridiculous stereotypes and recognizing greatness when we see it. It will be so nice to have a young family in the white house. A family that can relate to not only middle aged, but young American’s everywhere.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Happy Halloween
It’s always so much fun to get together for holiday related celebrations and parties.
This time of year’s festivities are related to ghosts, so it always gets me to question what they really are, and what they aren’t. Are they spirits or souls? I don’t think their either. They seem to be more like footprints that haven’t completely disappeared yet. They are echoes and shadows, unfortunately unaware of what’s going on around them. I’m not sure if they are alive, or kept alive by the individual’s unseen energy that they attach themselves to.
After several unexplained events in my life, I don’t claim to have any answers, but try to stay open to new ideas and views. Nothing is impossible; just sit down and read any book on astronomy and you’ll quickly realize that the world is a lot more complex than any of us can comprehend. Giant rocks that weigh tons upon tons just floating around are enough to stagger the mind.
This year I vow not to buy three times the candy I really need. I’ll compliment each adorable child on their costume, and be nice to the little greedy ones too. As usual the older kids will be wearing masks of Politian’s. This morning the radio reporter I was listening to said that for the last three years they have been able to predict the outcome of the election by the sales of masks generated towards each candidate. (factoring out Reagan of course.)
Have a fun and safe holiday. Remember, life can turn on a dime. Last winter as I drove along the North Cascades I learned a lesson. Theirs usually a reason the car in front of you is going so slow... it’s called black ice. It must not have been my time because I’m still here tapping away.
This time of year’s festivities are related to ghosts, so it always gets me to question what they really are, and what they aren’t. Are they spirits or souls? I don’t think their either. They seem to be more like footprints that haven’t completely disappeared yet. They are echoes and shadows, unfortunately unaware of what’s going on around them. I’m not sure if they are alive, or kept alive by the individual’s unseen energy that they attach themselves to.
After several unexplained events in my life, I don’t claim to have any answers, but try to stay open to new ideas and views. Nothing is impossible; just sit down and read any book on astronomy and you’ll quickly realize that the world is a lot more complex than any of us can comprehend. Giant rocks that weigh tons upon tons just floating around are enough to stagger the mind.
This year I vow not to buy three times the candy I really need. I’ll compliment each adorable child on their costume, and be nice to the little greedy ones too. As usual the older kids will be wearing masks of Politian’s. This morning the radio reporter I was listening to said that for the last three years they have been able to predict the outcome of the election by the sales of masks generated towards each candidate. (factoring out Reagan of course.)
Have a fun and safe holiday. Remember, life can turn on a dime. Last winter as I drove along the North Cascades I learned a lesson. Theirs usually a reason the car in front of you is going so slow... it’s called black ice. It must not have been my time because I’m still here tapping away.
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Abstract Joke
On my way home from Galenia Summit yesterday, I was driving with irregular speed and direction because I was so distracted by the yellow and orange leaves on the aspens. They were sprinkled all over the hills along with other bushes and ground covers in more deeper shades of red and burgundy. It reminded me of a funny story that a friend of mine told me just a few weeks ago as I stood in his living room admiring a new piece of art in those same colors hanging on the wall in the entry.
Pat’s fairly young, married for just a couple of years, his wife Kerry thought a painting from their 10 month old daughter would be a great gift for him. After all, she thought it might be kind of a fun bonding and learning experience for not only baby, but herself. She went out and bought all the necessary supplies: canvas, water based paint and a small brush so she could add a few grand touches of her own following the incredible messy frenzy.
You know what, that piece looked remarkable. A crazy background with a few bold circles and dots made it look very feng shui. What started out as a joke turned out to be something they actually hung up and displayed in their home!
This isn’t to make light of the hard work it takes to draw or paint. I just thought it was hilarious because she signed it, “Designs for Daddy”
Wonder if they should try and market them? It proves that art is a subjective thing and beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.
My first story regarding artists asked it’s readers who they are, the second post asked, “what do they do?”
This third story sums it all up, “What is art?”
My upcoming posts will reflect whatever is going on, anything that interests us all as a whole. As I told Joe in the beginning, “I’ll be winging it in my first few posts.”
So, how did I do?
Pat’s fairly young, married for just a couple of years, his wife Kerry thought a painting from their 10 month old daughter would be a great gift for him. After all, she thought it might be kind of a fun bonding and learning experience for not only baby, but herself. She went out and bought all the necessary supplies: canvas, water based paint and a small brush so she could add a few grand touches of her own following the incredible messy frenzy.
You know what, that piece looked remarkable. A crazy background with a few bold circles and dots made it look very feng shui. What started out as a joke turned out to be something they actually hung up and displayed in their home!
This isn’t to make light of the hard work it takes to draw or paint. I just thought it was hilarious because she signed it, “Designs for Daddy”
Wonder if they should try and market them? It proves that art is a subjective thing and beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.
My first story regarding artists asked it’s readers who they are, the second post asked, “what do they do?”
This third story sums it all up, “What is art?”
My upcoming posts will reflect whatever is going on, anything that interests us all as a whole. As I told Joe in the beginning, “I’ll be winging it in my first few posts.”
So, how did I do?
Monday, October 6, 2008
Past Time Pursuits
An artist watches everything with a different set of eyes than most. A photographer or painter may look at a dandelion (a weed) and see intricate designs worthy of their attention. For me, as a floral designer I’m happiest when foraging for willow, cat tails and moss. My friends laugh at me as I hold up misc objects and say, “I can use this!”
For a writer, it’s the same. An event happening right in front of you gives you insight for a story idea. For some reason you view something differently, or unintentionally hear a conversation, and feel compelled to pick up a pen or break out the laptop. So, I guess we are all peeping toms of sorts. (That sounds kind of creepy)…
A really good artist can create something for someone that is not necessarily suited to his or her own liking. As long as you make someone happy, regardless of your own thoughts of distaste, you’ve completed your task. If you are like me you struggle with self doubt and fear. Fear of failure, a thought more terrible than imaginable. Fear of success, because everyone will expect more than what might be possible. My suggestion is to throw in the towel and not play this game. I’ve heard that creative people are their own worst enemies. And I believe it.
I see that we have contributors from all over. Does anyone have any news or updates on projects they are working on? I’m agonizing over trying to find an appropriate publication for a piece I’m working on. I’ve learned the hard way that finding a buyer FIRST can pay off better in the long run. Can any other writer relate or am I just blowing off steam here?
No story this week as nothing eventful took place, but fall is definitely here in the Wood River Valley. My favorite time of year, however, the shortest season as it usually starts to snow by Thanksgiving. I have a love/hate relationship with the snow. Last year we got hammered with a few bad storms (fresh powder) which unfortunately brought out the plows around 4am. Scrape… Get the picture?
Good wishes to you all, and to all a good night. Oh Wait, I’m getting ahead of myself here. It’s early October and I unpacked Christmas stuff with co workers all day. Retail sucks, if you aren’t already involved in it, run for your life!
For a writer, it’s the same. An event happening right in front of you gives you insight for a story idea. For some reason you view something differently, or unintentionally hear a conversation, and feel compelled to pick up a pen or break out the laptop. So, I guess we are all peeping toms of sorts. (That sounds kind of creepy)…
A really good artist can create something for someone that is not necessarily suited to his or her own liking. As long as you make someone happy, regardless of your own thoughts of distaste, you’ve completed your task. If you are like me you struggle with self doubt and fear. Fear of failure, a thought more terrible than imaginable. Fear of success, because everyone will expect more than what might be possible. My suggestion is to throw in the towel and not play this game. I’ve heard that creative people are their own worst enemies. And I believe it.
I see that we have contributors from all over. Does anyone have any news or updates on projects they are working on? I’m agonizing over trying to find an appropriate publication for a piece I’m working on. I’ve learned the hard way that finding a buyer FIRST can pay off better in the long run. Can any other writer relate or am I just blowing off steam here?
No story this week as nothing eventful took place, but fall is definitely here in the Wood River Valley. My favorite time of year, however, the shortest season as it usually starts to snow by Thanksgiving. I have a love/hate relationship with the snow. Last year we got hammered with a few bad storms (fresh powder) which unfortunately brought out the plows around 4am. Scrape… Get the picture?
Good wishes to you all, and to all a good night. Oh Wait, I’m getting ahead of myself here. It’s early October and I unpacked Christmas stuff with co workers all day. Retail sucks, if you aren’t already involved in it, run for your life!
Broadening the Range
First of all, let me say that all of the contributors to the magazine are very talented. And a couple of things really blue me away. I wish I could elaborate, but feel we all need creative support and choose not to highlight any one person. Maybe it was something that you did?
Since my blog features more serious writing I’d like to keep things on the lighter side here. I know your busy and don’t have the time to read or surf as much as you’d like to, so I’ll try and keep it short.
Hopefully my posts will not only get you to thinking, but be entertaining for you to read as well. My goal is to try to keep everyone connected to some degree, a little more than once every two months. I encourage all of you readers out there to submit something for the next issue; we have the power to build this site into something bigger than anything we thought possible.
With all of that being said, I’d like to present my story for the week, it’s entitled, “Broadening the Range; what’s an artist?”
It’s difficult to describe the area I live in. Sun Valley is many things all rolled up into one. The winter months are over run with tourists skiing and snowboarding on the mountains, the summer is more of the same, people everywhere, biking, hiking and horseback riding. Imagine all of this, surrounding a small posh city that’s sitting in a secluded valley. Fine dining, wine tasting events and art exhibits galore.
We see our fair share of movie stars spending ridiculous amounts of money along with migrant workers from near by farms just struggling to get by.
Most of us locals end up driving to Twin Falls (about 60 miles away) just so we can shop at more mainstream stores with affordable prices.
It’s our big road trip, once a month. Groceries, clothing, or whatever we need.
A few months back, I don’t recall why, but I found myself meandering around in a high end store here in the valley. I’m not a material person so I normally don’t have any trouble putting down something overpriced, but to make a long story short, I ended up buying something, which was totally out of character for me, that I felt I HAD TO HAVE. You know, you’ve been there.
Now I realize that I need to broaden the range of people I consider to be artists, and include people I haven’t thought of before because any form of self expression should be considered. I’ve added Costume and fashion professionals to my list because ANYONE who can design a pair of blue jeans and get ME to spend $150 on them is a friggin artist!
Who else should we add?
Since my blog features more serious writing I’d like to keep things on the lighter side here. I know your busy and don’t have the time to read or surf as much as you’d like to, so I’ll try and keep it short.
Hopefully my posts will not only get you to thinking, but be entertaining for you to read as well. My goal is to try to keep everyone connected to some degree, a little more than once every two months. I encourage all of you readers out there to submit something for the next issue; we have the power to build this site into something bigger than anything we thought possible.
With all of that being said, I’d like to present my story for the week, it’s entitled, “Broadening the Range; what’s an artist?”
It’s difficult to describe the area I live in. Sun Valley is many things all rolled up into one. The winter months are over run with tourists skiing and snowboarding on the mountains, the summer is more of the same, people everywhere, biking, hiking and horseback riding. Imagine all of this, surrounding a small posh city that’s sitting in a secluded valley. Fine dining, wine tasting events and art exhibits galore.
We see our fair share of movie stars spending ridiculous amounts of money along with migrant workers from near by farms just struggling to get by.
Most of us locals end up driving to Twin Falls (about 60 miles away) just so we can shop at more mainstream stores with affordable prices.
It’s our big road trip, once a month. Groceries, clothing, or whatever we need.
A few months back, I don’t recall why, but I found myself meandering around in a high end store here in the valley. I’m not a material person so I normally don’t have any trouble putting down something overpriced, but to make a long story short, I ended up buying something, which was totally out of character for me, that I felt I HAD TO HAVE. You know, you’ve been there.
Now I realize that I need to broaden the range of people I consider to be artists, and include people I haven’t thought of before because any form of self expression should be considered. I’ve added Costume and fashion professionals to my list because ANYONE who can design a pair of blue jeans and get ME to spend $150 on them is a friggin artist!
Who else should we add?
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Pollinator article- (finished and submitted) Finally...Ta Da
Living in the Sun Valley area gives us the opportunity to get creative with outdoor hobbies, one of which could be a pollinator garden. Creating this type of garden is easier than you may think. It can be simple such as placing a few containers on the patio, or very elaborate encompassing the entire yard. A starter garden can be put together for around $500 and could include a tree, a few shrubs and some fragrant flowers.
Luckily since we live here in the Wood River Valley we have the choice between using native or indigenous plants, both are equally beautiful and can be mixed and matched in most unusual ways.
Not only do these gardens benefit our environment by supporting the natural ecosystem, they also make a rewarding hobby that allows you to witness the lifecycle of a species and enjoy the organic fruits and vegetables they leave in appreciation. The key to Pollinator gardens is to include both nectar and host plants so adults and offspring can find nutrition. The swallowtail butterfly and rufous hummingbird live in our region, but your goal is to attract the species native to your area. You will need to do a little research; reference books and local resources can be of great help. Utilize the internet. New garden websites are appearing to be more user friendly for the pc challenged like me. Select a couple of good sites and bookmark them. If you find yourself on a link entitled “giant butterfly kites” you’ve went too far.
Like the rest of us pollinators need the basics. Shelters can be purchased or you can make one of your own. Make sure you have water available in shallow pieces of decor at all times. Butterflies are sun lovers and will perch on flat rocks so scatter a few around for them. If you create a small mud puddle they can sip from it and the males will use it to collect salt which they need for reproduction. Wild Bees will use the mud for building materials and look for bare areas to develop underground homes; they favor shady spots and need some form of protection from the elements.
Make sure you leave enough room for the plants to bloom when matured, and plant a variety so they will bloom at different times and attract different species. It’s a good idea to select flowering trees and shrubs that can act as supplemental food sources when nothing else is in bloom. Most native trees don’t produce flowers or fruit so trees such as Crabapple, Lilac, Greenspire Linden, Prairie Gem Pear and Newport Plum are an option for the Blaine County area. Native shrubs include the Chokecherry, Woods Rose, Mockorange, Serviceberry and Snowberry, but again don’t forget about more mainstream choices like garden roses, Spirea and Sumac. Also native vines like Riverbank Grape and Oregongrape can grow here successfully as well as Clematis and Honeysuckle. There are too many annuals and perennials to list, but herbs like Dill, Parsley and Rosemary with their pungent odor will also attract pollinators. Experiment with seeds or starts, anything fragrant is worth a try, planting different shapes such as trumpet shaped flowers for hummingbirds encourages more visitors. It's best to offer plants in the same color palette clustered together instead of just one bush. Pollinators can find them easier and have plenty of room to move around in a natural way. Pink, purple, red, blue, yellow and orange seem to be more often seen so shiny pieces of garden décor in these colors may help as well.
Whatever type of garden you choose; I hope it brings you happiness and tranquility. We live here because we like to play and finding new hobbies gives us the chance to learn while having fun.
Luckily since we live here in the Wood River Valley we have the choice between using native or indigenous plants, both are equally beautiful and can be mixed and matched in most unusual ways.
Not only do these gardens benefit our environment by supporting the natural ecosystem, they also make a rewarding hobby that allows you to witness the lifecycle of a species and enjoy the organic fruits and vegetables they leave in appreciation. The key to Pollinator gardens is to include both nectar and host plants so adults and offspring can find nutrition. The swallowtail butterfly and rufous hummingbird live in our region, but your goal is to attract the species native to your area. You will need to do a little research; reference books and local resources can be of great help. Utilize the internet. New garden websites are appearing to be more user friendly for the pc challenged like me. Select a couple of good sites and bookmark them. If you find yourself on a link entitled “giant butterfly kites” you’ve went too far.
Like the rest of us pollinators need the basics. Shelters can be purchased or you can make one of your own. Make sure you have water available in shallow pieces of decor at all times. Butterflies are sun lovers and will perch on flat rocks so scatter a few around for them. If you create a small mud puddle they can sip from it and the males will use it to collect salt which they need for reproduction. Wild Bees will use the mud for building materials and look for bare areas to develop underground homes; they favor shady spots and need some form of protection from the elements.
Make sure you leave enough room for the plants to bloom when matured, and plant a variety so they will bloom at different times and attract different species. It’s a good idea to select flowering trees and shrubs that can act as supplemental food sources when nothing else is in bloom. Most native trees don’t produce flowers or fruit so trees such as Crabapple, Lilac, Greenspire Linden, Prairie Gem Pear and Newport Plum are an option for the Blaine County area. Native shrubs include the Chokecherry, Woods Rose, Mockorange, Serviceberry and Snowberry, but again don’t forget about more mainstream choices like garden roses, Spirea and Sumac. Also native vines like Riverbank Grape and Oregongrape can grow here successfully as well as Clematis and Honeysuckle. There are too many annuals and perennials to list, but herbs like Dill, Parsley and Rosemary with their pungent odor will also attract pollinators. Experiment with seeds or starts, anything fragrant is worth a try, planting different shapes such as trumpet shaped flowers for hummingbirds encourages more visitors. It's best to offer plants in the same color palette clustered together instead of just one bush. Pollinators can find them easier and have plenty of room to move around in a natural way. Pink, purple, red, blue, yellow and orange seem to be more often seen so shiny pieces of garden décor in these colors may help as well.
Whatever type of garden you choose; I hope it brings you happiness and tranquility. We live here because we like to play and finding new hobbies gives us the chance to learn while having fun.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Thought of the day
A few minutes ago I finished a guest post that is going to be featured on another site, although I’m excited about it I fear my own blog will suffer and would like to extend an invitation to other artists to submit work here on my URL.
Not only do I want to showcase artists work here, I want it to be a place of support for them. I’m not internet savvy, nor do I understand rich keyword searches, but I’d like to expand this site. Any suggestions? Volunteers?
Most artists try traditional jobs and can make quite a bit of money, but are left unsatisfied and if you’re like me you eventually return to the familiar. I struggle from check to check just like everyone else while yearning and chasing the dream.
I think about building a self sustainable house off the grid where I can make writing a part of my everyday life. I’m quite the little crafter and gardener, so I could knit my own blankets and grow my own vegetables. Along with my traditional hobbies, I also like to bird hunt and fish. (Compliments from my dad) So I’m set!
It sounds easier than it is.
Not only do I want to showcase artists work here, I want it to be a place of support for them. I’m not internet savvy, nor do I understand rich keyword searches, but I’d like to expand this site. Any suggestions? Volunteers?
Most artists try traditional jobs and can make quite a bit of money, but are left unsatisfied and if you’re like me you eventually return to the familiar. I struggle from check to check just like everyone else while yearning and chasing the dream.
I think about building a self sustainable house off the grid where I can make writing a part of my everyday life. I’m quite the little crafter and gardener, so I could knit my own blankets and grow my own vegetables. Along with my traditional hobbies, I also like to bird hunt and fish. (Compliments from my dad) So I’m set!
It sounds easier than it is.
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