Showing posts with label Art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Art. Show all posts

Friday, December 03, 2010

Art and Arfs

Artists can color the sky red because they know it's blue. Those of us who aren't artists must color things the way they really are or people might think we're stupid. ~Jules Feiffer

The art show was a little bit of a letdown this year -- they only put items out on the first floor and, while ALL of DD's stuff was shown (as opposed to last time when only two were up), there wasn't a lot to see.

We got there really early and ended up getting in and out almost before the show officially began, which was good, because by the time we left, the little art center was PACKED like a can of sardines.

In any case, and without further ado, here are DD's pieces of art.

Her barn (which was the first thing they did, and which she hurried through -- I think she learned her lesson, though, because her other items were fabulous):



This painting of fruit really looks amazing. While it's not perfect, you can really see her effort in the shiny spots on the fruit, etc. I was impressed:



Lastly, her glass mosaic. She was the only one in her class unafraid to grind class, so she did it for everyone (and has the nicks to prove it!):



In any case, we were able to get there, look at everything and still get to beginning agility on time.

Agility this week was a little crazy, though (Is there a full moon? New moon? Planets aligned funky?). We had dog fights both nights. Weds, the little Yorkie with aggression issues was grouchier than usual. I wasn't running in the class (my knee is not doing well ... another story for another day) so, I was in charge. I just love him to death, I really do, which is a good thing.

There was one run, though, that really just entailed taking very few steps and sending the dog out, so I decided to try it. DD sat down next to the Yorkie's mom (well, aunt really -- her sister hasn't been able to come lately), and when Dakota's run was over, she called her.

Bad idea.

Though this Yorkie doesn't mind Dakota for the most part, THIS time Dakota stepped on him and it set him off. DD threw her hand down in between them to keep Dakota from being bitten and got bitten herself. No blood, but her hand is bruised and he broke the skin. HOWEVER, before anyone gets up in arms -- she wasn't badly hurt, and was more concerned for the dogs. After class, she even gave the Yorkie lots of love... because he's reactive (was attacked BADLY by dogs as a puppy), but always has so much remorse afterward and would never intentionally bite a human. He's a work in progress... and we love to work with him. Besides, if DD decides to work with dogs as a career (and right now, that's in the running for certain) she's going to get bitten.

Last night, we have two dogs who are both there to get over their issues with other dogs. Unfortunately, one of them got away from her owner and ... of course... went charging over to the other one who had spent the class barking at her. I guess she'd just had it. I was closest, so leaped up, pulled them apart and then stood between them (her owner had her leash by now). Neither dog was hurt, just slobbered on, but we really don't usually have this many problems.

We won't talk about how I hurt my knee again. I jumped up without thinking. It's instinctive to try to keep the dogs safe.

Never a dull moment. And, I'm just praying my knee holds out for the next three weeks...

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I'm obscenely behind on visiting blogs ... I feel like I say that all the time, but I have such a strong desire to visit with you all. I hate missing. I'm gonna give it the old college try today (the plan is to stay home ALL DAY). Of course, DH is home and sick (he has a wicked cold), so who knows what the day may bring.

Please know I'm thinking of y'all!

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You Are a Perfectionist



You can see the big picture, but you sometimes find it overwhelming. You need to break things down into small chunks.

You act quickly but not impulsively. You think through your actions, even if only briefly.

You are a big dreamer. Your head is in the clouds with your latest scheme, and it's sometimes difficult to get you back down to earth.

You are content and harmonious. You've made your peace with the world.



Hmmm.... about 75% corrrect (the last is wrong, sadly).

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Saturday, April 11, 2009

The Best of Times, the Worst of Times...

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain

Ahhh... SPRING. How I love thee, and hate thee...

I love the colorful birds at my feeder. The goldfinches are bright yellow again, and I can look forward to the red-winged blackbirds and orioles returning.

I love green growing things and the promise they make as the begin to push up out of the thawing earth.

I love the thought of flowers and butterflies and home-grown tomatoes.

I love the bright sunshine, longer days and warm weather.

I love leaving my windows open and airing out the house.

I love being able to walk around barefoot.

...

I do NOT love the mud.

I do NOT love the black flies who are beginning to awaken. They are out now, but only the males who hatch first and do not bite. They are the advance guard, warning us their mates--their vicious, nasty, biting little mates--will arrive soon.

I do NOT love having to bring my bird feeders in at night to keep them out of the clutches of our bear.

I do NOT love ticks on the dog. My Dd has every issue known to dogdom and can't use chemical flea and tick repellents. I use an all-natural one that smells amazing, but it only repels, it does not kill, and it just isn't as effective. So, yes, Dd has already had her first embedded tick.

I do NOT love the waiting period between thaw and being able to plant. Our growing season for "tender" plants officially begins on Memorial Day.

....

Despite my love/hate relationship with the season, I wouldn't skip it for anything.

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You Are a Drawing



You appreciate things that are simple and elegant.

You believe that complexity is mostly used to mask flaws.



You believe that art is about leaving more to the imagination.

The best art isn't overly showy or flashy. It subtly beautiful.



Very true....

Many moons ago, I dated a man who was the director of a local corporate art gallery -- they had mainly modern art, which still confuses me. I went to a showing with him and brought a friend who really loved art. I can remember standing in front of an abstract with the two of them saying things like, "I see anger..." and I finally piped in and said, "I see dots."

*G*

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