the Procession

On the ride to our Hotel Pakaritampu in Ollantaytambo, I noticed shrines with crosses. Large crosses with Christ's picture and sometimes corn on the cross. When we arrived at the square, they were parading around the square with these crosses, ending up in front of the church.
This was a Thursday and not sure what the ceremony was about. We did hear noise from our hotel at one point, sounding like gunshots and upon inquiring, we were told they were having a festa.
Stopping in front of the church the priest led them in prayer. Although it was in Spanish, I knew by the intonation, they were saying the Our Father and Hail Mary.

Children of Peru

Walking around in the square, I was enthralled by the people. Laying out their wares on blankets, eagerly waiting to sell. I bought some fava beans my sister suggested. I still have them and will use them in some artistic way because I didn't like eating them.
Inside a market, we walked around, looking at vegetables, then chicken - the whole chicken with the heads and feet still on. Walking further inside, I noticed the flys and looking around, dead animals hanging... that was a bit much for me and shaking it off, left quickly.
I saw this happy little girl dancing in the alley. I watched for awhile. Carefree and joyous. She stopped and I took her picture. With children, I always showed them their picture in the camera after I had taken it. It was cool watching their reaction. Children were one of my favorite subjects.

Ollantaytambo - AM

After a wonderful breakfast of a most delicious granola, of which I wish I had taken some home, with yogurt poured on instead of milk and mango.... we journeyed into "town".
We walked up the cobblestoned road along a river. I now got a close up view of the buildings made from their earthen bricks. Corn on the roof, peeking into a restuarant with colorful tablecloths.
Our first purchase was a waterbottle holder - very practical. Inside were woven bags, sweaters, a weaving loom and other "treasures". Mai-Liis searched for treasures for her shrines and found some small woven pictures of shirts that were glued on small paper. Very unusual pieces.
This was the beginning of learning how to "haggle".
Mai-Liis was my mentor here. Not being attached to it and be willing to walk away was key.

Pakaritampu Hotel - Ollantaytambo

After driving through the Sacred Valley, seeing what I considered poverty, we arrived at our hotel.
Paradise. We were in Paradise!
The driver honked, gates were opened, we checked in and led to our rooms. This was very nice. Yes, this was making my heart sing. It was beautiful!!!!
Mountains surrounded us. The grounds filled with flowers.
We ate at the restuarant that was there. I ate a lot of fish in Peru. One thing I learned quickly was that they did not like the dollar to be worn or ripped. If you go to Peru, bring crisp, clean dollars.
The next morning, Mai-Liis got up first and opened up the curtains. She called me to come see... they were mowing the lawn. I wasn't sure what to expect.......
Two alpaca and two men.
Yes, a quiet way to mow the lawn. I imagined how funny it would be to have alpaca in one's back yard "mowing" the lawn... beats hearing those loud mowers and leaf blowers!

The Sacred Valley

After our flight to Lima, we got up early the next morning to fly into Cusco. Greeted at the airport with music and then some Coca tea, we were driven to our hotel in the Sacred Valley.
I was in Peru. The time had arrived and I was feeling great, filled to overflowing with joy.
Kate had gone over our itinerary with us while we sipped our tea. Our driver took the scenic route to our hotel.
I was in awe the whole time, looking at this foreign landscape and people. Houses made from earth, forming bricks, some were drying in the sun. These made up their homes. I noticed on top of these structures, shrines. On top of the roof sat crosses, cows or bulls, small vessles. And corn. Lots of corn drying on top of the roof or on the ground.
Animals roamed free. Dogs, cats, pigs just roaming the street. Cows tied up in front of houses.
Lots of color.
Women walking in colorful clothing, with colorful buddles on their backs. What were they carrying?
Roads are narrow and drivers very aggressive.
I noticed shrines with large crosses. Christ with corn attached to the cross -
It was a long journey, passing Pisac market which we did not make it to and probably for the better.
Arriving in Ollantaytambo, the cobblestone streets, the square... it was all so magical.

I'm back..........

from my magical trip to Peru.
I awoke this morning in my own comfy bed feeling like I was the most blessed person. It was a most wonderful experience traveling to Peru and I had a great traveling companion. I did not travel with my husband due to his fear of flying and also the time of the year. I haven't uploaded my pictures yet, but I have plenty to share.
I highly suggest a trip to this country: Machu Picchu your main destination. Pure Magic.
We encountered a country that was warm and welcoming. They are a beautiful people with generous smiles.
I have seen with new eyes. It is not a dream. I am not "removed" by it as if looking through a magazine or watching on tv, but I have experienced and seen first hand their way of life and by our standards, it is a hard one... and they still have the big, generous and grateful smiles. I think I have made many Peruvians happy. My companion and I really like to shop!
This trip has touched my soul in so many ways.
On the flight to Houston to connect with the flight to Peru and meet my friend, I was lucky to have a window seat. Actually I had all 3 seats to myself :-)
Seeing our mother earth, Pachamama, Gia, or whatever name you choose, from the air, caused the child-like sense of awe to fill me. This was the beginning of what was to come.
I love this earth. It holds so much beauty. Unfortunately it also holds some unpleasantness. It was difficult to see comparisons - the earth's natural beauty and that which I see as eye-sores.
Arriving in Lima and being there for the short time before moving on to Cusco, I found it hard to breathe the air. It is a city that holds a lot of pollution. Their gas is equally expensive - compariable to NY, costing even more.
As much as I loved this trip, it is good to be home. It is good to sleep in my own bed, although the bed in Second Home was very, very comfortable...... it is sleeping next to my husband that I missed the most.

Art and Travel

My artistic journeys will soon become enmeshed with my travel journeys! I am leaving for Peru on Tuesday morning (very early!)
Very good timing astrologically it seems too:

New horizons
Valid during several weeks:
During this time you should attempt to broaden your horizons in every way possible - through study, new and unfamiliar experiences, travel or by meeting people from totally different backgrounds. Strive to make even the most trivial encounter a positive learning experience. The same function can be served by doing things that are different from your normal routine. This is not the time to retreat to your home, except for reading or study, as mentioned. If you cannot get interested in a new mental activity, recognize that you are still eager for new understanding and satisfy this need by breaking out of your everyday mold and getting out into the broader world. Travel would be a good way to do this, if you can arrange for it at this time of year. But you should go somewhere where you can also learn something.
The interpretation above is for your transit selected for today: Sun in the 9th House 9, activity period from 28 April 2007 until beginning of June 2007.

I will be back on Thursday May 10th. I'll have lots of pictures to post. If anyone "out there" has any packing recommendations, send them my way.
I do want to bring my pigma pen and a small sketch book/journal.
I am intending to travel light - a carry on getting there. I have a day pack that I will carry on coming home and check my baggage.
I am very excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Precious faces

Today was our reception and it was so wonderful. It was a great turnout. Most of the kids and their family came and it was great to see them enjoy the experience. I had some wonderful feedback with the event, my photos and the program. I was so grateful for these warm and inspiring compliments. Watching the excitement on these kids faces... priceless!

Bigger than my fears

Courage is a special kind of knowledge. It's the knowledge of how to fear what should be feared and how not to fear what should not be feared. A brave mind is always impregnable. True courage is the result of reasoning. You're more important than your problems.
You're bigger than anything that can happen to you. Great things are accomplished when you believe that what's inside of you is superior to your circumstances. What you have outside you counts less than what you have inside you. Nothing external to you has power over you.

This came in my email from the daily guru. Important to remember that last line. I added the extra emphasis.
Today is the art show. Cancelled from last week due to the weather we had. LOTS and LOTS of rain here in NY. Today is beautiful. Sun is shining and it should be in the 70's.
Life is good.

Me and the Universe

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too... Whatever you can do.., begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.
Begin it now".
Goethe
It is commitment that moves me and the Universe to conspire together. It's actually pretty funny what happened yesterday. I have my hiking boots for Peru but needed something else. No way was I going to wear these to the airport. I needed something comfortable, easy to slip on and off but also enclosing my foot. I found a pair of earth shoes but could not find them anywhere but online... unless I wanted to travel. I didn't. So I am mulling over this for a few days, wondering if I should just order them online and if they didn't fit just send them back. In my mailbox, I get Notes from the Universe... and sometimes these messages are so friggin right on...like yesterday's. It said "Buy the shoes, Doreen" of course there was more to it, but I did. I ordered them.
Now for another commitment. Teaching. I have an opportunity to teach in a different venue than I am presently teaching in. Taking it up a notch! I am making the commitment to do this and I am observing the flow of synchronicity surrounding this commitment! Amazing!
The following is from www.tut.com

Fascinating, isn't it, Doreen, how there are those who decide upon living in abundance... and the next thing you know, they're swimming in it.
There are those who think about being more creatively fulfilled, and as if by magic, all the right steps, connections, and inspirations present themselves.
And then there are those who simply want more friends, laughter, and song, and their life becomes a celebration.
Mind you, I didn't say everyone. Some want these things, they even want them real "bad," but they simply don't put themselves within my reach by physically preparing the way, acting "as if," or "buying the shoes."
Buy the shoes, Doreen - The Universe

Isn't life Grand?!

Done!

I finished mounting the art and photos. I have the 3 dimensional work to put into the case on monday and hang the boards. I like what I have. The photos look great. I think there are 18 boards. I forgot to take pictures, but will on monday before I bring them over. For now, I feel great, extremely satisfied. It has been an intensive week and I can relax.
I am getting really excited now for the reception.

I've been preparing the boards for the show. I should be finished with them tomorrow. First we go to the accountant.
I laid out 3 boards ready to mount the work and photos. I like the way it is coming out and it was nice spending time today putting this together. I finally got to match up names with faces because of the photos. These kids are the cutest! I've got some great shots.
John picked up the invitations. Some will be mailed out, some given to Debbie. They are not exactly how I wanted them, but they will do.
I do love the rest of it. I'll put up some photos of the boards tomorrow after I take some pictures.
John had pointed out to me how great the space was that I get to work in. I can go into this room and not be bothered. It was so peaceful working today. Listening to music and doing what I love. I really love doing this and it makes me want to put together a book of these kids, projects, the quotes.
It was brought about because Lola wanted the kids to be part of Youth Art month but the space was limited and it wasn't appropriate. Instead, the idea came about to do it in April because Ginny said it was the month, maybe a week, of the Young Child. Unfortunately we never got it off the ground and Ginny passed on. So last year I did it in memory of her. Every time I put the "Follow your Bliss" guote on board, I think of her.
This year, I did snowmen with the kids. Ginny loved snowmen and with that board I put a quote on the effect we have on children.
I have put in many hours of work this week. Between the mural, the exhibit and tax prep... I am looking forward to my vacation.

Fun Flowers for Spring!

Our textured flowers completed our 10 week session and now it's time to put it together. I have so enjoyed working with these kids. The group expanded with the last few classes with about 27 kids coming. Now it is time to put the work together with the photos and quotes. I will work on it this week along with getting prepared to do the library mural. I only get to work 3 days for the mural but can work til 4. One day I'll hang the show and one day I will actually have off! Then my full attention will be on Peru!

Kelly's world

I have a student in class. I see her as an assemblage artist - although creativity in general seems to come very easy to her. She doesn't hesitate and overthink things...She loves to play. You can see the joy in her art. She loves to rummage through my closet, picking and choosing things that I normally would not allow other students to do. Mostly because I am afraid of avalanches!
This is what I love about working with children. They are not afraid. They can see possibilities that I would never have thought of.

crafty chica :-)

In one of my emails today was this inspiring link http://www.myspace.com/craftychica
wow. how does one go about doing all that on the web? From there you can see her website too. Very inspiring. Cool crafts too. I have one of her books on making shrines.

Youth Art Month

March is Youth Art Month. We celebrate this in our town by displaying children's art in the Town House and Library. I am the chairperson on the Council for the Arts that coordinates this program. It's our 27th year. There are 11 teachers from public and private schools that participate from grades K-12. It is an amazing program with amazing teachers that bring out the talent in these students.
Although it is work and can be challenging at times, I am honored and priviledged to do this.
Yesterday, as I looked at one students work, I was transported back in time to when she was a student of mine in elementary school. Now she is a senior in High School and her work graces the cover of our invitation and program. There are many of these students that have passed through my classes, watching them go from playdough to canvas. It is such a joy to see how they have grown and how their artistic talent has blossomed. I'm honored to have played a small part in their lives.
Kudos to the art teachers who have worked hard in putting the art together.
The art is fabulous!

More Space

I had to laugh at this one today ~ me to a T:

Here's the Story of the Day:
More Space
convinced she can do everything she's ever dreamed of with just a little more space

and then this came too:

Thoughts become things... choose the good ones! ® © www.tut.com ®
Or bantering some gibberish, Doreen, when showing off your new spacious, organized studio for People Magazine.

Space, I guess is the theme of the day, so I'll clean my artroom and make some space!

Model magic

Clay was the material we used today. I let them play around with model magic - different colors and then they could add some pipe cleaners, beads, eyes. They mostly went for flat, pressing the clay into the board. Some piled it up, piece upon piece. I expected them to mix the colors more than they did too.

It'a all about love.

This was our project for Valentine's Day.
I gave them the tubes which I have been collecting and the mat board pieces that Igor gave me.
Pulled out all my pink, red and white beads and chenille and there you have it! Added these foam stickers at the end. They sure love beads.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAKE!!!!YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

A blur but I love the pink hands.

Valentine Collages

More of those mat boards put to work...
Valentine's Day collages.
It's all about LOVE !

Art class -texture collage

Some photos of yesterdays class. I love the intense concentration they have while working and observing the choices they make. They are so free in their approach, but also very deliberate.

I can fly!

Another fun project was taking their pictures and making some fanciful art from them. You can be anything you want........

Pillow art

The kids painted on some fabric that was given to me and I sewed them up into pillows. Yesterday they embellished them. Not something you'd want to put your face to, but a lot of fun to make.

Art class - Boxes

Getting used to the new set up with "my pictures". Here goes.

These are the boxes the kids worked on in class. They really got into them. Fun to watch them work on them, gathering stuff. Helps me clear out the closet too.

New Year and new projects

A new year with some new projects. New Beginnings.
A mural for a library in a school. Metal project. But I also need to complete some projects. It's time to finnish up some old stuff. According to numerology, this is a 4 year for me:

Numerology Four Personal Year: Form and Focus
The Four Personal Year in Numerology represents organization, continued development, and focus. You may feel a bit restricted in some ways this year, but keep in mind that rewards from your applied efforts lie just ahead. You are asked to be resourceful and to expand your preconceived limitations. This is a foundation year, so you may actually complete many of the "loose ends" (uncompleted projects) in your life.
You are also creating a solid personal inner foundation. You may want to do some weeding and feeding in the belief department! Write a long list of all the beliefs you have about yourself. Make one list for the positive beliefs and one for the negative beliefs. See how many you can come up with.
Look at the negative beliefs first. Ask yourself if they continue to serve you. If so, keep them on your list. (We will get to them in a minute.) If not, acknowledge that you thought of them, make a decision to let those thoughts go, and then cross them off your list.
Now acknowledge the beliefs that you really like about yourself! Next to these beliefs write a examples of where you see these qualities in your life. Celebrate them and give yourself some acknowledgment since these beliefs are part of your solid foundation.
Address the beliefs that you view as negative. Look for a common thought throughout them. See if you can narrow these beliefs down into one or two negative beliefs. Next, write a present tense positive affirmation that turns this statement into a positive attribute. The purpose of this statement is to support you in changing your belief. This becomes your new affirmation. If you are unfamiliar with working with affirmations, Affirmations - Your Passport to Happiness by Anne Marie Evers is a book to get you started.
After a time that feels good to you, tackle another limiting belief by creating another affirmation. You are essentially restructuring the old beliefs that no longer serve you by transforming the energy that holds the old beliefs in place. Notice throughout the year that your inner foundation is strengthening with the new beliefs. You'll find that your new beliefs are much more accurate in relation to who you truly are today.
Take some time to also examine your environment. This is a good time to eliminate clutter, clean house, and rearrange the spaces in which you live and work. Let go of the things you have outgrown. Feng Shui can assist you in this process. An easy and helpful guidebook is, Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life, by Karen Rauch Carter.
You may also want to invest in some new "tools" to help you make progress in your life. No matter what field of endeavor you are undertaking, there are tools that can make the job more enjoyable, easier, and more efficient. Your Four Personal Year is about creating your foundation. Building a foundation requires lots of digging, building forms, mixing and pouring concrete, removing forms, and filling in the dirt. If you've tired of using only a shovel and wheelbarrow, consider upgrading to a tractor, power saw, nail gun, and cement mixer! As you create the foundation of your life, what "tools" would you like to invest in?
Continue to practice self-love. Find things you can do that engage yourself in nature. Exercise and contact with nature will help sustain your foundation. Also pay attention to your diet and what you eat. A healthy body supports a sound mind.
Finish up a projects that you started a while back. Completion, patience, and persistence are very important this year. Consider adding physical things that can give you additional support in you home, such a a new desk or better lighting. Remember to maintain the balance from your Two Personal Year and express the joy and enthusiasm that you discovered last year.

I've already invested in new tools. A new computer and printer. A new phone. A new coffee pot. Now all I need is to CLEAN OUT THE CLUTTER IN THE ART ROOM!! (wish me luck)

Christmas Past

All I want for Christmas is to laugh and eat and hang out with my family.... a week off to play with art and go exploring. Maybe into the city, go to Awakenings (cool store) and shop for a new computer.
Looking through my pictures, this one brought back a fond memory. The adventures of the flat selves. Fun stuff.
A new project for the new year is working with metal and fiber. I've decided to go back to working on some canvas but in a more experimental way.
And prepare for Machu Picchu in the Spring!!! That is so very very exciting.
Now off to see family.
Merry Christmas.
Love and Peace in the New Year.

My inspiration

My Chicken Cacciatore was a success. Besides being inspired from reading Julie and Julia by Julie Powell, Jake is an inspiration to cook as well. Jake can cook. He's one of the most creative people on this planet. Besides being able to write, draw, sculpt and play music... he can also create some amazing dishes. The key is using spices. (I discovered chinese 5 spice while making the pumkin/peanut sauce with shrimp and scallops.)
The key to my Chicken Cacciatore was marinating it in red wine. Trader Joes had chicken thighs that were deboned too. I love Traders. I also used a bit of balsamic glaze in the sauce. I let is sit overnight, letting all the flavors meld and it was perfect for Sundays dinner.

Creative cooking?

Creativity moves into the cooking arena. While eating at one of the very nice restaurants in town not too long ago, I had an idea. I love good food. I also like someone to cook for me. Here we are eating this dinner that I could very well have made myself and spending more than I had anticipated, that I came up with this idea of a cooking game. ( Trying to outdo one another with each meal)
My husband usually has dinner for me on Mondays as I come home late from teaching Yoga. Candlelight dinners! It inspired me to return the favor for when he has to come home late after a football practice or game.
I'm not that great of a cook. But I can read and follow a recipe (somewhat).
I'd rather spend the money at Trader Joes at this point and spend time at home eating a delicious meal with my hubby. AND I don't have to leave a tip.
My first recipe:
Pumpkin-Peanut Curry Noodles with Five-Spice Sheared Scallops and Shrimp.
I saw Rachel Ray cook this and I knew I had to make this.
Don't let the name of the dish scare you. It wasn't hard to make at all. Shopping was the hardest part. What the hell is Five Spice?? I had to leave one store to shop at another where I found it, but then they didn't have the Patak curry paste. But my sister did!
It was a very gratifying Halloween Treat.
And I felt good about it - an accomplishment. The same feeling I usually have after making a piece of artwork that came out better than I expected.
Art and now cooking?? Will wonders never cease.....

Halloween Window Painting

Halloween Window Painting... another year done! It turned out to be a pretty decent day too. Weather held up and it wasn't too cold. I think everyone had a great time and that is all that matters... it make it all worth the time and effort.
Got a chance to meet Joe too :-)

Creative for others

Although it is not my own art, it was a big creative project. It's Halloween Window Painting. Over 300 children came out to paint windows in town. These are some of my favorites and I have not gotten a chance to see all of them. I love how the cat crackled.
It's a lot of work and glad it's over - I can have some of my life back!
In art class, we've been making masks. I made a 6x6 for fun too. Didn't get to finish it though...
I have so much in my head. Hopefully I can get some of it materialized today.

Painting the World

In art class friday, we made characters. I gave them the option of making them for Halloween or not. Some of the kids are getting into cheerleading, so that was their focus. But Jacob painted the world. I laughed when he said he was going to paint the world. "Hey, that's my job! You want tho help?" The class got a big kick out of this as we began talking about painting the world....
I have a special fondness for this Jacob as he reminds me of my Jacob. Imagination exemplified!

Painting furniture for now.

I started the desk yesterday. I stared at it long enough before picking up the brush. Once I did though I was on a roll until I had to leave for class. Pictures will have to wait.
Worked a little more on the kitchen hutch. Not so sure I went with the right picture because it doesn't go, colorwise. But hey, maybe that will all change too.
I am very happy painting furniture. I could do this forever.

a boy and his dog

This is a picture of Jake and Rauch'n. One thing I saw was how much love is between them and how good Jake is with his dog. It is a lesson in unconditional love. It is a good lesson and one we could all practice more of with humans. Why do we find it easier with animals? But I say look at how someone treats their pets and it will tell you a lot about them.... their soul.