Snow days are a perfect excuse

What can be better than staying warm with a flickering fireplace, a snuggly puppy to cuddle with, a bottle of fine wine and a fresh baked frangipagne tart? Darn if I know. Saving the popcorn and a movie for later and just maybe I'll create some inspired art and get my hands dirty with paint ;) Sometimes really good things can come out of a snowy day.

Beginnings of an Art Journal

My idea of "Art Journaling" is to not have any preconceived idea of how a page will turn out but rather going with the evolution in how you feel or what you want to convey through your art. I love that!

I'm in the process of developing an intuitive feel for the materials I'm using (stencils, stamps watercolor, paint etc.) Experimenting is part of the fun as I discover new methods that please me and appeal to my senses. Overall, I'm happy with how this page turned out.

More pages to follow as I discover new and exciting ways to convey my thoughts and ideas through this wonderful medium. Hope you like it.

A study of sunshine and concentration

Little miss sunshine. The girl that can light your day with a simple smile!

Troy in action with intense concentration to the moment.

My new obsession

If you haven't seen this TRX system before, it's the latest and most awesome fitness apparatus on the market. A one stop and go anywhere workout that is unparalleled for it's many uses of utilizing your own body weight resulting in tremendous core strength. Over 100 exercises for the whole body. I think I'm in love!!! I use this in the gym but also when camping. It stays in my gym bag along with my pink boxing gloves for when I get the heavy bag urge ;)

Yeah for spring!

( Little sampling of a family of Robins)

Three little birdies waiting for a bite to eat.

Mama arrives with a big fat worm. Yum!

Open up mama says as the little ones say me me me!

Down the hatch!





Almost ready to fly on their own.
Good luck little fellows.

It has been a while since my last post. I'll catch up soon. Very glad spring is finally here. Ready to get my hands dirty in the garden!

A new and bold decision

I recently made the bold decision to start practicing with the Shaolin weapons. Never the one for weapons I find it a challenging practice This is the Saber "Dao" of choice for the training in the Taiji Saber fundamentals and form. I'm very excited about getting more involved in the weapons of Chinese martial arts/Kung Fu. I still prefer hand to hand combat for realistic training but started to rethink the Saber for a more disciplined exercise. One that is more structured and quite frankly more beautiful to watch. Wish me luck as the weapon forms/sequences never came easy for me. Also, practicing the Kali/Escrima sticks again. Thanks Rich for the tape with your demonstration and expert lessons. Very informative and useful!! ;)

Moving Along

This is the project that garners most all of our time. Although the economy has taken a nose dive and our schedule breaking ground date has been altered to accomodate everyone else's attitude of wanting to "wait and see" economically, we are still moving along, thankfully. Still planning the design of the outdoor store and furniture mart to entail rustic features. Can't wait until we can get some time off once this development gets to rock'in and roll'in.

Lost chance

1953-2004

Joe Navarro (left) with Danny Inosanto

circa 1983/84

Recently, I've had the exciting opportunity to reconnect with some long lost dear friends. Many of whom I have not seen or heard from on over 14 years! I'm so glad I never gave up looking for them (something I would never do anyway).

As I proceeded to do another set of googling to try and locate my friends, I successfully came across a website called "The United Martial Arts Academy" in Miami (UMAA), I knew my search was over immediately as I first glanced at the home page photo, after recognizing the logo on the t-shirts the students were wearing, it was unmistakable. The rush of finding them was overwhelming! With all the emotions flooding in and the anticipation of a possible reunion I was overjoyed, so much so that my heart was racing and my fingers started to tingle as I pushed the numbers to make the call to the school, all the while still reading the pages of this wonderful Kung Fu academy. As I read with pride and joy all the success they are achieving, I proceeded to the menu that said lineage. As I started to read the old familiar heritage pages of previous masters and the roots of our Kung Fu style, I came across the last entry of my Sifu Joe Navarro, which, I knew would but there, but was not prepared for what I was going to read next. The following words were "after his untimely death". I was suddenly cast into utter disbelief and shock. I went from ecstatic hope of making contact to a sinking sad feeling. Sifu ..."Joe Navarro" had passed away. No! My heart sank like a dead weight into my belly. My teacher, mentor and more importantly friend for so many years when I lived back in Chicago and then Florida was gone. My first inclination was to say to myself "this can't be true!" "How can this be?" "It must be a mistake." Frankly, I'm still reeling from the tragic truth of it all. I went from joy to deep sadness in the matter seconds. I was particularly feeling remorse coupled with the grief. Remorse, feelings of a missed chance to see him again. Knowing that the past 14 years are not only forever lost but are now with no hope of meeting again. Now I must come to grips with the facts and sort them out as best I can. My heartfelt chance of a reunion never to be realized. Not having the hope or chance to reconnect once more in our lives is sobering. The thought of him being gone forever in this life is hard to grapple with. FOREVER, is such a finite word when it comes to death. So hard to believe yet I'm a realist and know we are not immortal. I just thought we would all (from the Lama Kung Fu academy in the late 70's and after) would grow old together. I also never believed we would lose touch for such a long period of time. My only consolation was knowing that I did try to find them over the years but it is a small one at that. In spite of all this grief my heart has been touched and warmed by the outreach of others whom known him and I have the hope of turning this hurt into healing through their help. By reminiscing and reliving the memories has given me comfort. To also know that there was a sincere effort by many to try and find me during that time is heartwarming. There are so many great stories over the past 25+ years and I can't wait to share with all who have come to love this man. Through all of the good, bad, even the funny. Small moments to momentous life milestones that we all we went through at different points along our life's journey before we lost touch. I'm thankful to have the chance to hear about those lost years, whatever they may be so I can fill in the gap of his last years of life.

With all the emotions and feelings surrounding the loss of a much valued mentor, teacher and friend, I was still filled with an unbelievable sense of joy, hope and pride at what he helped foster. A legacy he helped build by being true to himself. He was a teacher first and a consummate lover of the esoteric art of Kung Fu. It was a privilege for all whom had the opportunity to learn from what he knew. It was an honor in receiving his knowledge and experience of this amazing art first-hand from a very gifted and dedicated practitioner.

This sharing of information was readily available for all who were willing to commit themselves fully to the attainment of enlightenment and martial skill. He never held back if he knew it would make the student better. If you exhibited a desire and willingness to commit to the hard practice and were ready to train and develop a disciplined mind, he would pour out his attention in aiding you to be the best you could be. His efforts had no boundaries. His intuition was always spot on and his understanding of the human physiology and psychology helped find within each student a means to help them excel. He always watched each student intently and closely, paying attention to their progress, analyzing their movements and oftentimes instantly understanding what strengths the student possessed, moreover, he had the uncanny ability to understand what was needed in getting that person to overcome their weaknesses in order to help them reach the next level of skill. He would isolate those weaknesses for each individual by addressing it in the most non-critical way that was profoundly productive. He would re-enforce good technique but focus on the needs first and foremost and usually in the most creative ways. If you didn't get something by his example one way he would devise another until you GOT IT! He would never take "no" for an answer nor the dreaded 2 words a student would sometimes utter "I can't". Because to him can't never could so it just didn't exist for him. We are all better for it! He was dynamic and I learned a lot from him. For this I am forever grateful!! He not only taught us how to defend ourselves, he also taught us about human nature as well as the important aspects of carrying the Kung Fu style and traditions forward for new students to learn through proper teaching methods. I hope he knew while he was here with us how much he contributed to others and how appreciative we were to receive his lessons.

Today, even amidst the overwhelming sadness, I'm also experiencing joy and pride. Joy that our Kung Fu family is still unified and pride that Sifu Joe Navarro's legacy continues to thrive, entrusted into the very capable hands of Sifu Henry Regelado. A legacy that has been carried forward from the teaching of one man's acquired learning from years of dedication and practice and study. A legacy that is rich in the traditions of the past from a long line of master teachers to now be carried forward and passed on to the next generation of people, of all ages and cultures. I'm will forever feel honored to have called Joe my Sifu and friend and humbled by the mark he has left for so many of us who knew him. The mark of excellence where the future for us having known him is so much brighter. It was a privilege to have trained under him for so many years. The future of Kung Fu and the lessons he handed down for future generations will all benefit and impact not only our personal lives but our communities as well. What an honor to have known him and been apart of his generous outpouring of himself and his abilities. Unselfishly, abundantly but most of all humbly.

Off to the gym

Lucky me aye! Working out at the fitness center five days a week. Dean is having to attend cardio pulmonary rehab and I get the chance to do some treadmill time of my own. I'm so motivated lately that I actually hired a personal trainer for 2 days a week. He's more like an insurance policy for not making excuses and giving up. My challenge to self....can I get in better shape at 48 then when I was at 24? I think so but you won't be getting any before and after pictures....you'll just have to take my word. I promise I won't cheat with the photoshop liquify filter tool for slimming people. You computer geeks know what I mean, although it is tempting....na, that definitely would be cheating. ;)

Lunch anyone?

Well, I have to say cabin fever is in full swing here and when the temps get to be around 63 degrees in February, we just can't help to put a butt on the smoker! Hey, NOT MINE (even if Dean threatens to sometimes)but a Boston Butt. Nothing like the aroma permeating through the cracks of my office making me wish it was done already.

What a beautiful piece of meat! Yes, pork rules in our house.

It's as southern as southern gets accompanied by black eye peas, mashed potatoes and good ole cornbread. Yum!~ Believe me when I say they really know food down here! C'mon over if your in the neighborhood. There's plenty to go around.

Are you sick of me yet?

Filter used in Lightroom2 were Matt's Utility Gray (which are totally free presets) then I added extra contrast a little highlight recovery and Vignette around edges using a soft feathered circle to add focus to me ;). I then made it a smart object to edit in photoshop CS4. Continued with a little bit of levels and to finish with minor touches here and there with the dodge and burn. This images was not stellar as the focus was soft. I added some sharpening and lightness to the eyes od course onvertin it to B&W. I liked the pose/expression in this photo for some reason or other. I'm thinking maybe this represents how I smile naturally when something is quite funny without looking too posed....okay maybe NOT but I still like it for some reason?? Of course when something is really funny to me my whole face gets contorted. Yeah, I kinda like those too?? I don't think I can fix any of them or lets just say it would be a loooong day of editing! Anyway, I didn't want to trash this so I put a little effort into the final product. Now the question, should I frame or not??? hmmmm.

Hardly any retouching to this image except to a greyscale conversion. I think I like when the face is a little less grey. This is my husbands favorite pose, although, he likes it much better in color.

Totally had fun with this one. Can't remember everything I did except it obviously was cross toned. I like the modern edgy vibe of this preset.

Please indulge me...

I had no other model ..ergo the self portrait. My goal initially was to experiment with my 85mm 1.8 Nikkor lens only to eventually get carried away with the new Exposures 2 plugin from Alien Skin for photoshoppers. This image was filtered using the cross processed function and then an added a "Pale" filter to desaturate a bit of the greens. Of course for good measure the glamour filter never hurts ;). Hey give me a break I'm almost 50 FCOL! So grungish.

Changing it up again

After sitting on it for a while, I started to think the brown cover was to subtle for the black and white feature card inside. I tried out this orange and it really popped! It has a metallic finish and feels very professional. Trying to decide on a logo and cover art. I thought this was going to be easier then this???

I'll keep on trying until I get the feel I'm looking for. My goal is to have a branding that is somewhat modern and cutting edge but not too much where it turns the traditionalist off. I think the word would be contemporary with a hint of traditional.

Captivating

That's the word that come to mind when I see this photo of Anthony. Those gorgeous eyes that seems to be piercing right through the viewer. This is a photo I'm adding to my new portfolio that's currently in the works. I thought the B&W turned out pretty cool. The book will be hardbound and made by Blurb. I've used them before for wedding books and like the products they turn out, their prices are pretty reasonable. Can't beat that!

Yearning to play

Scoots favorite spot in the house. A lookout post for him to see the world outside. He's always ready and waiting for a chance to go outside so he can chase the rabbits into the woods.

Self Promo

A new handout/design for my "Cigale" photography business. The idea I have in mind would include this 5x5 enclosed in a square coco brown wallet packet with the outside having an opaque vellum band with my logo embossed in the center. Additional info as well as my business card are included. I finished the piece by enclosing it in a vellum envelope. The photos are presented to showcase some of my work, which include children, teens as well as engagement photoshoots.

Note: white around border is just for posting purposes

Guest room redo

Bits and pieces of my newly decorated guest room.

I'm delighted with how this room turned out. It all happened by happenstance. The original plan was to integrate a steel blue damask fabric and linens from Pottery Barn but when I cast my eyes on the orange pillows at Belks (with a discount), everything changed. I love it with the browns in the room!

Family Snapshot

What a cool photo of our family in the 60's. I've often wondered how Mom did it with the 4 of us and one on the way? She sure had her hands full!

Photo Restoration circa 1938

BEFORE AFTER Photo Restoration of my Mother (Beverly) and her brother Don

My word for 2009

FEEL:

to undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind;

be conscious of a physical, mental, or emotional state;

an intuitive awareness;

undergo passive experience of;

Every year Ali Edwards blogs about finding the word that gives significant meaning for the upcoming year. I love this philosophy and the idea it evokes as I'm for certain not a resolution maker for a new year. I think choosing a word is empowering and meaningful. Giving purpose to what you want more of in your life as each year presents us with new challenges. I posted this comment on her blog this morning. Check out her blog! I'm sure you'll find inspiration in many different forms.

Last year was full of the unknown. My husband suffered a heart attack in August of 08 and needs 4 operations including open heart. We have one surgery completed and 3 more to go in 2009. The doctors also found a mass in his chest cavity that they're trying to diagnose properly. The fear of losing him was all consuming last year and robbing me of my present joy while I have him with me today. My word is FEEL. I don't want to dwell on the "what if' of tomorrow. I want to feel today and what it feels like to have him with me right here and now. With this word as my focus, I believe, I'm better equipped to put the uncertainty aside as I feel (acknowledge) the moments that arise with gratitude. This way I can ensure I won't miss a blessing that could be right around the corner. I need to remember this word as we meet the challenges ahead of us.

Also, I need to remember it's OK to feel sad or want to cry. This does not mean you lack courage or are weak. To feel this way is a natural expression of feeling as well. If I continue to suppress it, as I so very often do, I can miss the opportunities of joy. By embracing it and dealing with it when it arises I acknowledge that I'm human and that all our feeling are valid and integral to our life and our personal expression of how it's felt within. I just hope there is much more peace and laughter as we head into the uncertainty that a new year brings to all of us.

What's you word?