Bailey Underwood Lyons
August 25, 2000-June 30, 2008
Uhhh...
3 months ago
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
The Exhibit Chronicles, Part IX
The Winsor Gallery exhibit is tonight and I think, I hope, it will include a painting of mine that has never been exhibited before. It was too controversial for another local art group that I once belonged to, because it is a nude. Gasp!
It's the most innocuous nude possible and could even be a swimsuit if you ignore the belly button. The art group wouldn't allow nudes "because children might see them." And I gather, because parents might be upset.
I remember seeing nude paintings and sculptures when I was in school and giggling about them. It's a matter of opinion, but I don't think they harmed me. And as a grown-up, painting nudes has only increased my awe of what an incredible artist and engineer our God is.
I call this one "Figure Envy" and I think you can figure out the meaning, given that I painted it green. I did this one in art class back when I took them at the Atlanta College of Art, back when the ACA existed. We had figure models on a regular basis and I think I painted this one in the last 30 minutes of class. It was the best one, of course.
If you go to the opening reception tonight and it's there, let me know. I'm curious. Click here for your invitation. Tell them I sent you.
I'd also love to hear your feedback on any of the paintings. Enjoy the show!
It's the most innocuous nude possible and could even be a swimsuit if you ignore the belly button. The art group wouldn't allow nudes "because children might see them." And I gather, because parents might be upset. I remember seeing nude paintings and sculptures when I was in school and giggling about them. It's a matter of opinion, but I don't think they harmed me. And as a grown-up, painting nudes has only increased my awe of what an incredible artist and engineer our God is.
I call this one "Figure Envy" and I think you can figure out the meaning, given that I painted it green. I did this one in art class back when I took them at the Atlanta College of Art, back when the ACA existed. We had figure models on a regular basis and I think I painted this one in the last 30 minutes of class. It was the best one, of course.
If you go to the opening reception tonight and it's there, let me know. I'm curious. Click here for your invitation. Tell them I sent you.
I'd also love to hear your feedback on any of the paintings. Enjoy the show!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Exhibit Chronicles, Part VIII
These next two paintings are similar in theme, but are rooted in two different realities.
"A Pocketbook Full of Posies" was painted from an Ann Taylor ad in a magazine. You may not realize it's a purse without being told, but then it's obvious. I think I added the birds to give it some life and painting unreal birds is delicious fun.
This is also one of my most textured paintings. I used loads of oil paint and it took months to dry. You really want to touch it and consider permission granted. If someone at the gallery says something about you touching it, tell them it's OK and to check my blog.
Click on the painting if you want a closer look at the texture.
The other painting is also oil and floral, but it's based on real roses that I painted at another art student's rose garden. It was early summer and scorching hot. I completed the painting while I was there. I was stiff from staying still that long and in a lot of pain but I loved the end result. And yes, the roses really looked like that and were clumped that closely together.
The opening reception for the show is tomorrow night and you're invited but you have to call to make a reservation. Here's the info. I really wish I could be there but I have another commitment that was scheduled long ago. I hope my blog helps put me "there" in a cyber sort of way. The exhibit will be there for a few weeks and I'll definitely be stopping by to check out the other artists' work.
"A Pocketbook Full of Posies" was painted from an Ann Taylor ad in a magazine. You may not realize it's a purse without being told, but then it's obvious. I think I added the birds to give it some life and painting unreal birds is delicious fun.
This is also one of my most textured paintings. I used loads of oil paint and it took months to dry. You really want to touch it and consider permission granted. If someone at the gallery says something about you touching it, tell them it's OK and to check my blog.Click on the painting if you want a closer look at the texture.
The other painting is also oil and floral, but it's based on real roses that I painted at another art student's rose garden. It was early summer and scorching hot. I completed the painting while I was there. I was stiff from staying still that long and in a lot of pain but I loved the end result. And yes, the roses really looked like that and were clumped that closely together.
The opening reception for the show is tomorrow night and you're invited but you have to call to make a reservation. Here's the info. I really wish I could be there but I have another commitment that was scheduled long ago. I hope my blog helps put me "there" in a cyber sort of way. The exhibit will be there for a few weeks and I'll definitely be stopping by to check out the other artists' work.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Exhibit Chronicles, Part VII
I'm going to show you two paintings in the exhibit, which were done back to back and are linked in theme and emotion.
The first is called "Bella Ballerina" and it's of our puppy, Bella, who just turned a year old. Bella is a Chow, German shorthair pointer, Shar pei, Afghan hound, and Labrador retriever mix (at least according to the DNA test.)
Bella was billed as a "Golden Retriever" but didn't look like one. But her joy and energy were irresistible when my husband and I met her. We had lost one of Goldens, Bailey, a month earlier and the house was so empty. Our other Golden, Bijou was sad and moping. Bella, who was named "Kudzu" at the time, also had the kindest, gentlest eyes I'd ever seen in a puppy.
But what sealed the deal was the "flop" for a belly rub. She flipped over and "demanded" a belly rub. Now! Bailey did the exact same thing, which I captured in the painting below, called "Bailey's Bliss." The belly flop seemed like a message from above from Bailey that Bella was the puppy for us.
"Bailey's Bliss" isn't in the exhibit, but you can see it at Beagle's Landing Dog Daycare in Stockbridge.
Before I started painting "Bella Ballerina," I had planned to do a final painting of Bailey. But I couldn't bring myself to do it. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Bailey, at least until after I did one painting of the new puppy.
After "Bella" was in the can, I was ready to put Bailey to rest in "Bailey Angel: Someone to Watch Over Me." I used a medium with glass beads to paint the wings and silver paint to give them a translucent appearance. I used angel wings from a Chagall painting as a model.
Underneath the watching Bailey, I sketched scenes of Bailey and Bijou playing in the back yard when Bijou was a puppy. They used to play hard and wear each other out, as Bella and Bijou do now. Bottom left is our house and on the right is the 4Runner we've used for many fun dog trips to playtime and the dog park.
It's been almost a year since Bailey suddenly dropped dead. After my husband went to work that morning, I went back to bed and invited Bailey on the bed to be patted. She wasn't eating well and had even refused her favorite treat that morning. I went back to sleep, with Bailey tucked under my arm. When I got up to take a shower a couple of hours later, I whistled for her to come in the bathroom like the old days, before I got married. She didn't come and when I looked for her a few minutes later, she was still, by the side of the bed. She had apparently died while on her way to answer my call.
Bailey had an undetected case of colon cancer and apparently died of a blood clot. I learned a couple of days ago that one of Bailey's canine friends, Lily, is gone too. Lily was also Bailey's half-sister. Here's a painting I did of Lily that belongs to her human mom. I can picture Bailey and Lily up in heaven together reminiscing about the good times and telling us it's going to be all right.
The first is called "Bella Ballerina" and it's of our puppy, Bella, who just turned a year old. Bella is a Chow, German shorthair pointer, Shar pei, Afghan hound, and Labrador retriever mix (at least according to the DNA test.)
Bella was billed as a "Golden Retriever" but didn't look like one. But her joy and energy were irresistible when my husband and I met her. We had lost one of Goldens, Bailey, a month earlier and the house was so empty. Our other Golden, Bijou was sad and moping. Bella, who was named "Kudzu" at the time, also had the kindest, gentlest eyes I'd ever seen in a puppy.But what sealed the deal was the "flop" for a belly rub. She flipped over and "demanded" a belly rub. Now! Bailey did the exact same thing, which I captured in the painting below, called "Bailey's Bliss." The belly flop seemed like a message from above from Bailey that Bella was the puppy for us.
"Bailey's Bliss" isn't in the exhibit, but you can see it at Beagle's Landing Dog Daycare in Stockbridge.
Before I started painting "Bella Ballerina," I had planned to do a final painting of Bailey. But I couldn't bring myself to do it. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Bailey, at least until after I did one painting of the new puppy.
After "Bella" was in the can, I was ready to put Bailey to rest in "Bailey Angel: Someone to Watch Over Me." I used a medium with glass beads to paint the wings and silver paint to give them a translucent appearance. I used angel wings from a Chagall painting as a model.
Underneath the watching Bailey, I sketched scenes of Bailey and Bijou playing in the back yard when Bijou was a puppy. They used to play hard and wear each other out, as Bella and Bijou do now. Bottom left is our house and on the right is the 4Runner we've used for many fun dog trips to playtime and the dog park.It's been almost a year since Bailey suddenly dropped dead. After my husband went to work that morning, I went back to bed and invited Bailey on the bed to be patted. She wasn't eating well and had even refused her favorite treat that morning. I went back to sleep, with Bailey tucked under my arm. When I got up to take a shower a couple of hours later, I whistled for her to come in the bathroom like the old days, before I got married. She didn't come and when I looked for her a few minutes later, she was still, by the side of the bed. She had apparently died while on her way to answer my call.
Bailey had an undetected case of colon cancer and apparently died of a blood clot. I learned a couple of days ago that one of Bailey's canine friends, Lily, is gone too. Lily was also Bailey's half-sister. Here's a painting I did of Lily that belongs to her human mom. I can picture Bailey and Lily up in heaven together reminiscing about the good times and telling us it's going to be all right.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Exhibit Chronicles, Part VI
You met Roody the cat a couple of blogs ago when he was strolling past my collection of paintings. He's 19 years old and doesn't move too much, so getting an action shot of him is a rare event. I liked the picture so much, I'm posting it again even though your memory is probably better than mine.
When I tried to take a photo of him to paint a portrait, all I got was a lot of sitting poses. If I'd been able to get him in motion then, I would have been thrilled.
My then-boyfriend, now husband, had asked me to paint a portrait of Roody for his daughter's 23rd birthday. There's a lot of pressure when you paint someone else's pet so I wanted it to be perfect. I used a projector to do the base sketch, which is something I rarely do. I just found a photo of that sketch, so I can show you a little of my "process." I rarely do any sketching at all and just dive into a painting with the brush, so this was a little tedious for me. Well, a lot tedious but I still liked the result.
Here is the finished product. I added the purple and yellow, which were the colors of her room. The flag stripes are the reason I named it "Red, White and Roody." By the way, Roody was named after the Rooty, Tutti, Fresh and Fruity breakfast at IHOP. 
I'm no natural at cat paintings, so I had to show you one from my art teacher, Eula Ginsburg. I have two of her paintings and I love them both. I'll show you the other sometime and tell you about her fascinating life. In the meantime, go to her web site and look at some of her other wonderful works. I've asked her to add her comments to my blog, if she's able to find it. So hopefully you'll see them soon.
Reminder, if you'd like to see my paintings and those of several other University of Georgia artists, visit the Winsor Gallery in McDonough. You're also invited to the opening reception Friday. Click here for details.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Exhibit Chronicles Part V update
I found the "sweater dogs" photos I used as the basis for today's "Bad Dogs" painting.
The one on top is the model I think I used.
I found 41! photos in the session, so the bad dogs were very good dogs indeed. I'll include several so you can see what a challenge it was to get a great shot.
Towards the end, notice Bijou (right) left a puddle of sleep drool in her spot. She can sleep anywhere, anytime. Bailey is on the left. Boy, do I miss that dog!
The one on top is the model I think I used.
I found 41! photos in the session, so the bad dogs were very good dogs indeed. I'll include several so you can see what a challenge it was to get a great shot.
Towards the end, notice Bijou (right) left a puddle of sleep drool in her spot. She can sleep anywhere, anytime. Bailey is on the left. Boy, do I miss that dog!
RIP, Bailey. Sweet dreams!
The Exhibit Chronicles, Part V
This "Bad Dogs I: Stay Off the Furniture." The premise is "what if" the dogs did mischievous things while we are away from home. Like...sit on the furniture, eat treats on the sofa and watch TV? I wonder if they are watching "The Dog Whisperer?"
The painting is taken from a series of photos I did of the dogs in their Lands End sweaters. I can't find the one the photo is based on, but one that is both awkward and silly is below. The sofa was red so I changed the color of the dogs' sweaters to blue, which is my right under "artistic license." I added touches like a box of Milk Bones (I used an actual box as a model) and dog-themed paintings on the wall. This was also one of my first experiments with painting sheer fabric or lace. The lace on the front door is not my best effort, but gets the point across. FYI, Bailey is on the right and Bijou is on the left in both photos.
You're invited to attend the opening reception or drop by the Winsor gallery while the exhibit is running. Click here for details. I think there will be at least five artists exhibiting, so if my artwork is not your thing you might find something else you like. If I've managed to get you to think critically and artistically, I've done my job.Sunday, June 21, 2009
The Exhibit Chronicles, Part IV
This painting is gigantic, for me at least. It's the biggest painting that will fit in the back of my 4Runner. It's 4'x3' and it's usually hanging in our living room. I was inspired to start using big canvases after attending Matisse/Picasso exhibit at the MOMA in New York.I started the painting years ago, but I just finished it on Wednesday. The dog on the left, Bailey, died before I could complete this painting so I hung it 'as is' in the living room as a tribute to her. I couldn't display it unfinished, so I added some "light" in the dogs eyes and painted the edges of the gallery wrap canvas in raw umber. I mean to use black, but I didn't have my reading glasses on when I pulled the tube out of my art bag. I liked it anyway and left it "as is."
It's one of a series of whimsical paintings I've done of our dogs. This one is named "Pollen Nation" because the dogs have morphed into two bees sitting on a flower. "The Bs" is a nickname I gave our Golden Retrievers, Bailey and Bijou, because it was more fun to call them "the Bs" than "the dogs."
They'd answer to it too. Or anything with a B name.
"Here, Bs!", "C'mon Bobos", "Bird, are you hungry?"
They'd also answer to each others names so if I called one, the other one came too, to see what was up.
I'm still sad about losing Bailey. She passed away suddenly at age seven. She had an undetected case of colon cancer and apparently died suddenly of a blood clot. But I have many paintings and many memories to remember her by.
Bijou is still around and is frisky at age eight. She tried to interfere with my photographs of this collection and below you can see how she and our other dog Bella ruined a couple of shots. (Actually Bella was tired of her mischief and ready for a nap.) Even the cat, Roody, couldn't resist. And you can probably understand why I don't do much painting at home.
I think Roody was checking out his portrait. And I'll write about the painting you see the video in tomorrow's edition of The Exhibit Chronicles.
If you're reading this, you're invited to the Opening Reception for the artists showing at the If you're reading this, you're invited to the Opening Reception for the artists showing at the Winsor Gallery in McDonough on Friday, June 26th. Click here for details and to make your free reservations.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
The Exhibit Chronicles, Part III
I've named this painting "I Dream of Gardenias." I wrote about my gardenias in a blog just before I picked some to take to my art teacher, Eula Ginsburg, for her birthday. She put them in a pretty vase and of course I had to paint them.
The advantage of taking an art class is your work is always examined and evaluated by the teacher and fellow students. Sometimes I take their advice, but often I don't. Usually the best advice is to "stop" when a painting is done. Artists often over think their works and keep painting when it would best be left alone. In other words, they ruin their own painting.
I've done it a few times, but I'm less prone to it than a lot of artists. I have no trouble stopping and saying a painting is "done" while some never finish their works because they are never satisfied. I don't aim for perfection because to me, human attempts at perfection always fail. Perfection usually equals plastic.
This painting, which I originally named "Blue Gardenias" was about three-quarters done when the class and teacher's consensus was that I should stop. "But I'm just starting on the flower on the left, just the base coats," I protested. "And I need to ground the vase with a table or a pedestal."
Later my mother made the same comment about grounding the painting, pointing to one my great aunt had done, which was displayed on her wall. A vase of peace lilies was sitting on a vague swish of white, and it was definitely grounded.
The others at art class were seeing people's faces in my unfinished gardenia, and commented on the contrast between the abstract flower and the flower in the foreground, which was finished. They also thought it would ruin the feeling of the painting to put it on a base.
I had no particular vision for the painting (I had come prepared to start on the "See, Anemones" painting) so I decided to "stop" when others felt I should stop. Sometimes peer pressure can be a positive thing.
When I brought it home, I got to thinking the vase reminded me a genie's bottle, perhaps because it seemed to be floating in mid-air. Once I gave it the right title, "I Dream of Gardenias," it all seemed to fit.
Was "stopping" the right decision. I've decided. Now it's your turn.
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I dropped the paintings off at the Winsor Gallery on Friday. You can visit the gallery or attend the opening reception on June 26th. Click here for details.
Friday, June 19, 2009
See, Anenomes.. another view
Yesterday's photo didn't turn out as well it as it could -- the sides of the painting were cut off. Here's another view of it in the frame but it's a little dark. If you really want to see it, come to the show!
Art, Interrupted
I am interrupting this art show for a liver update.
I can't get in to see the specialist at Emory until July 23rd. So now I have another month of waiting and feeling depleted. But I'd rather get the treatment right from the start than launch full steam ahead on something that might not work. Maybe I'm putting too much trust in the doctor at Emory, whom I've never met.
OK, I feel better now that I've talked about it.
I can't get in to see the specialist at Emory until July 23rd. So now I have another month of waiting and feeling depleted. But I'd rather get the treatment right from the start than launch full steam ahead on something that might not work. Maybe I'm putting too much trust in the doctor at Emory, whom I've never met.
OK, I feel better now that I've talked about it.
The Exhibit Chronicles, Part II
I have a hard time now doing more than one thing at once. Since I'm getting ready for an exhibit, blogging about my artwork makes sense, so thanks for indulging me. I'll try to post one daily through the start of the exhibit on June 26th.
This next one is very personal, it's a self-portrait! I was about a year old, I guess and the photo that I based this on was taken at a rental house in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. I can't find the original picture to show you (two car accidents have forced me to move my art supplies out of the back of the 4Runner and I haven't been able to find some things since.) The original was in black and white, but painting from B&W photos never seem to bother me. It just frees me to use my imagination and choose which colors I like.
The setting is typical of many family photos from the 1960s: a child getting ready for bath time. (Although I think I had just gotten out of the bath and was watching the water drain.) I even had the trademark Kewpie doll pointed hair in the photograph and I included it in the painting. People don't take pictures like this very much now because it's not p.c. (or they print them on their home computers. ) Too bad, I think they are adorable. And this picture brings back great memories of a wonderful childhood. I even remember some of the bath toys I had as a kid.
Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear, Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair...
I did have some fun when I finished this one. I had it turned backwards and announced to family that I had finished my "first nude self-portrait" and was proud to show it to everyone. They were stunned into silence but had a good laugh when I turned the painting around.
I took the picture below of my nephew when he was a baby. He's now in his 20's. I know I want to paint it someday. Adorable, adorable! (But then, I'm prejudiced.) He has a little boy now who looks just like that.
For your invitation to the opening (free!) click here.
This next one is very personal, it's a self-portrait! I was about a year old, I guess and the photo that I based this on was taken at a rental house in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. I can't find the original picture to show you (two car accidents have forced me to move my art supplies out of the back of the 4Runner and I haven't been able to find some things since.) The original was in black and white, but painting from B&W photos never seem to bother me. It just frees me to use my imagination and choose which colors I like.
The setting is typical of many family photos from the 1960s: a child getting ready for bath time. (Although I think I had just gotten out of the bath and was watching the water drain.) I even had the trademark Kewpie doll pointed hair in the photograph and I included it in the painting. People don't take pictures like this very much now because it's not p.c. (or they print them on their home computers. ) Too bad, I think they are adorable. And this picture brings back great memories of a wonderful childhood. I even remember some of the bath toys I had as a kid.
Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear, Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair...
I did have some fun when I finished this one. I had it turned backwards and announced to family that I had finished my "first nude self-portrait" and was proud to show it to everyone. They were stunned into silence but had a good laugh when I turned the painting around.
I took the picture below of my nephew when he was a baby. He's now in his 20's. I know I want to paint it someday. Adorable, adorable! (But then, I'm prejudiced.) He has a little boy now who looks just like that.
For your invitation to the opening (free!) click here.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The Exhibit Chronicles, Part I
As promised, I will give you a guided tour of my paintings that will be part of an art exhibit featuring alumni from the University of Georgia. Since I can't be there in person, I wanted to tell you the history and the inspiration behind each painting. They look a lot better in person, so if you like them here, you'll probably even like them better when the exhibit opens on June, 26th.
This is my newest painting, See Anemones. (Click on the painting for detail.) It was finished less than an hour (and barely dry) when I took it to Sam Flax on Northside Ave. for a framing. I found a beautiful antique white frame for just $10. The framer charged me another $23 to mount it in the frame. It looks a lot better than my home framing jobs, and if you know me, you know I love a quality bargain. But I'll stop because I'm telling you the end of the story first.
I was inspired by the photo a friend's son had taken at the Atlanta Aquarium. I hesitate to show it to you because it's so beautiful and perfect on its own. But here it is anyway. There was no way I could improve it, but I can tell you how I see it, and that's what art is about isn't it? How I see it and how you see my version of an object. The style is called "figurative painting" because the painting actually represents something real. If you want reality, take a photograph. If you want an to see inside the artist's eyes, look at her painting.
What I saw here was serenity, perfect stillness that comes from life underwater. The sea anemones, the starfish, the rocks and the gravel all meld together in a gorgeous underwater tapestry. The pinks, purples, golds and grays aren't bleak but instead vibrant, expressing an "inner life" marked by the graceful, swaying motion of the anemones.
I don't do landscapes well; I've never liked a single one that I've done. But I don't see this is a landscape or even a seascape, but an animalscape, teeming with life. I've always had a connection with animals that I can express in painting, and I think that's why I loved doing this painting so much.
For your invitation to the opening (free!) click here.
This is my newest painting, See Anemones. (Click on the painting for detail.) It was finished less than an hour (and barely dry) when I took it to Sam Flax on Northside Ave. for a framing. I found a beautiful antique white frame for just $10. The framer charged me another $23 to mount it in the frame. It looks a lot better than my home framing jobs, and if you know me, you know I love a quality bargain. But I'll stop because I'm telling you the end of the story first.
I was inspired by the photo a friend's son had taken at the Atlanta Aquarium. I hesitate to show it to you because it's so beautiful and perfect on its own. But here it is anyway. There was no way I could improve it, but I can tell you how I see it, and that's what art is about isn't it? How I see it and how you see my version of an object. The style is called "figurative painting" because the painting actually represents something real. If you want reality, take a photograph. If you want an to see inside the artist's eyes, look at her painting.
I don't do landscapes well; I've never liked a single one that I've done. But I don't see this is a landscape or even a seascape, but an animalscape, teeming with life. I've always had a connection with animals that I can express in painting, and I think that's why I loved doing this painting so much.
For your invitation to the opening (free!) click here.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Bike Ride Round Three
I almost didn't finish this time. It's was 92 degrees at start time and I was feeling tired at the outset. But I hung in there.
I learned something cool too. Mayor Copeland wants to make McDonough "the bike capital of Henry County." The city has some land behind Alexander Park that will be cleared off to make bike trails. He resumed his history spiel before I could ask "when."
I learned something cool too. Mayor Copeland wants to make McDonough "the bike capital of Henry County." The city has some land behind Alexander Park that will be cleared off to make bike trails. He resumed his history spiel before I could ask "when."
Monday, June 15, 2009
Never Say You Weren't Invited to Anything
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Saturday, June 13, 2009
The Time Machine on Two Wheels
I'd smile, but I might get a bug stuck between my teeth.
That was my thought as I coasted downhill on my hybrid bicycle. There was a feeling of freedom as the stiff breeze created by pedal-motion provided relief to the heat of the day.
I was on a two-wheeled time machine. I felt like I was nine again, riding the 5-speed bike I won in a cereal box contest.
I lived on a quiet residential street that had a horseshoe-shaped curve at the end. The bend was close to a river bank and took a deep plunge right at the U. When I rode my bike, I could coast down that steep drop and have enough speed leftover to coast up the hill on the other side. I would repeat that circle, that ride, over and over and over again.
No roller coaster has ever matched that sensation. Sometimes, I'd dare to ride the downhill part with no hands.
Thanks to the City of McDonough's Wellness Program, I feel like a kid again. The month of June has been devoted to bicycle rides through the city. They continue each Tuesday in June at 6:30pm and last about an hour. The ride starts and ends in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church on Macon Street.
The rides are at a brisk pace, but there are at least three stops built in the course. I have arthritis and several other health issues and could keep up fairly well. Even a few little kids, joined in with their parents.
The first week, Mayor Billy Copeland gave mini-history lessons at each stop. I've lived in the city's historic district for ten years and learned a few things I didn't know.
When I first read about the Wellness Program, I was a little puzzled. Walking in April, yoga in May, cycling in June and tennis in July. Why is the City of McDonough concerned with my health and well-being? Then I realized the brilliance of the idea. If the citizens of McDonough can get moving and get healthier, our area will be even more attractive to businesses thinking about moving into the area.
The city won't get any tax revenue from my bike ride, but they can from businesses and families who move here because they like the idea of my bike ride. A healthier work force means fewer absences and lower medical insurance costs, especially for big companies that are self-insured.
Now my head is hurting because I'm trying to think like a politician. I'll stop now.
More activities will be planned in August and September and I'm looking forward to finding out what they are. And according to the city's web site, the walks are continuing by popular demand. They start every Tuesday morning at 6:30am at Jonesboro and Atlanta Streets and if I can pry my eyes open in time, I might join them.
I did a few yoga sessions too at the Hazlehurst House. Lovely. I want to say here and now I want the bike rides to continue by popular demand. If you like them too, speak up!
My exercise forays in the city of McDonough haven't always been so pleasant. I was struck by a van while using a crosswalk on Zack Hinton Parkway and Turner Street in 2006. I was just using my two feet as transportation that day. The top of my right tibia was crushed in like a pothole. Surgery, plate, screws, pain, physical therapy. Ouch.
I used to run with abandon through the streets of McDonough. You might have even seen a blond lady with a ponytail running with two golden retrievers throughout the city. That's me. Or that was me. I haven't run lately and only one of the goldens is still alive. And now I usually confine my outdoor exercise to one block around my house.
But on the last two Tuesdays, I was set free again. I felt safe. Tim from Epic Bikes checked out my long-parked bike to make sure it was still roadworthy. McDonough police (including Chief Dorsey) were on hand to lead the ride, direct traffic and make the route for the riders safe. At the halfway point, the McDonough fire department greeted us with a cooler filled with chilled bottles of water--from Moye's. Everyone was rolling out the red carpet, so to speak.
High gas prices and concerns about safety halted my solo rides on the Arabia Mountain trail near Stonecrest Mall. It is wonderful to be able to ride again, close to home, in a group of about three dozen, and totally without fear.
Both weeks, we rode past the spot where I was hit three years ago and lay on the roadway, writhing in pain.
I didn't even think about it as I pedaled by. I was having too much fun.
That was my thought as I coasted downhill on my hybrid bicycle. There was a feeling of freedom as the stiff breeze created by pedal-motion provided relief to the heat of the day.
I was on a two-wheeled time machine. I felt like I was nine again, riding the 5-speed bike I won in a cereal box contest.
I lived on a quiet residential street that had a horseshoe-shaped curve at the end. The bend was close to a river bank and took a deep plunge right at the U. When I rode my bike, I could coast down that steep drop and have enough speed leftover to coast up the hill on the other side. I would repeat that circle, that ride, over and over and over again.
No roller coaster has ever matched that sensation. Sometimes, I'd dare to ride the downhill part with no hands.
Thanks to the City of McDonough's Wellness Program, I feel like a kid again. The month of June has been devoted to bicycle rides through the city. They continue each Tuesday in June at 6:30pm and last about an hour. The ride starts and ends in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church on Macon Street.
The rides are at a brisk pace, but there are at least three stops built in the course. I have arthritis and several other health issues and could keep up fairly well. Even a few little kids, joined in with their parents.
The first week, Mayor Billy Copeland gave mini-history lessons at each stop. I've lived in the city's historic district for ten years and learned a few things I didn't know.
When I first read about the Wellness Program, I was a little puzzled. Walking in April, yoga in May, cycling in June and tennis in July. Why is the City of McDonough concerned with my health and well-being? Then I realized the brilliance of the idea. If the citizens of McDonough can get moving and get healthier, our area will be even more attractive to businesses thinking about moving into the area.
The city won't get any tax revenue from my bike ride, but they can from businesses and families who move here because they like the idea of my bike ride. A healthier work force means fewer absences and lower medical insurance costs, especially for big companies that are self-insured.
Now my head is hurting because I'm trying to think like a politician. I'll stop now.
More activities will be planned in August and September and I'm looking forward to finding out what they are. And according to the city's web site, the walks are continuing by popular demand. They start every Tuesday morning at 6:30am at Jonesboro and Atlanta Streets and if I can pry my eyes open in time, I might join them.
I did a few yoga sessions too at the Hazlehurst House. Lovely. I want to say here and now I want the bike rides to continue by popular demand. If you like them too, speak up!
My exercise forays in the city of McDonough haven't always been so pleasant. I was struck by a van while using a crosswalk on Zack Hinton Parkway and Turner Street in 2006. I was just using my two feet as transportation that day. The top of my right tibia was crushed in like a pothole. Surgery, plate, screws, pain, physical therapy. Ouch.
I used to run with abandon through the streets of McDonough. You might have even seen a blond lady with a ponytail running with two golden retrievers throughout the city. That's me. Or that was me. I haven't run lately and only one of the goldens is still alive. And now I usually confine my outdoor exercise to one block around my house.
But on the last two Tuesdays, I was set free again. I felt safe. Tim from Epic Bikes checked out my long-parked bike to make sure it was still roadworthy. McDonough police (including Chief Dorsey) were on hand to lead the ride, direct traffic and make the route for the riders safe. At the halfway point, the McDonough fire department greeted us with a cooler filled with chilled bottles of water--from Moye's. Everyone was rolling out the red carpet, so to speak.
High gas prices and concerns about safety halted my solo rides on the Arabia Mountain trail near Stonecrest Mall. It is wonderful to be able to ride again, close to home, in a group of about three dozen, and totally without fear.
Both weeks, we rode past the spot where I was hit three years ago and lay on the roadway, writhing in pain.
I didn't even think about it as I pedaled by. I was having too much fun.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Savior of two girls who limp
Twitter is a strange mess.
Little blips of opinion, drudgery and nonsense described in 140 characters or less.
Occasional flashes of brilliance and inspiration.
If you've read this far and you're already lost, bone up here, then return to this blog.
People "follow" people they like, then "follow" the people they follow.
After all, if _______ thinks __________ is interesting, I must see what __________ has to say.
I've been adding a lot of names to my "follow" list lately. My follow-a-thon began when I looked at the profile of Entertainment Weekly columnist Michael Ausiello, and poured over the list of people he felt he needed to follow.
I think what's so appealing/intriguing about Twitter is knowing I'm (probably) reading the actual words of people I like or admire. And if I respond, they read my words. And sometimes tweet back!
You can communicate directly with someone famous without having a bodyguard intervene.
I'm also following people I can barely stand, like Joy Behar JoyVBehar, or Twitter kings like Ashton Kutcher aplusk, just to see what all the fuss is about. I like to have a balanced diet of information, even it includes a few brussel sprouts.
I noticed Rainn Wilson rainnwilson, an actor from the TV show "The Office" was appearing on an awful lot of "follow" lists, so I added him. I don't watch the show, but he's famous enough that I know who he is, and I have friends who are fans.
The first tweet I saw on his page made me lean forward and refocus my eyes:
rainnwilsonNice! RT @giannajessen Faithful, Savior of a girl who limps, comic, mysterious, Lord.
RT, by the way, means "re-tweet", which I learned on the tutorial above.
The original tweet was in response to this question:
rainnwilsonWhat God IS or ISN'T in 10 Words or less.
I recognized the name Gianna Jessen immediately. A survivor of a late-term abortion, she is now a singer, pro-life speaker and marathon runner. I've seen/heard several of her interviews.
You can't help but be moved by her story and her testimony.
I thought of her on Sunday, when the news broke of the murder of an abortion clinic doctor. This is how she responded to the story:
giannajessen i've just heard that george tiller (late term abortionist) has been shot. i oppose murder of any kind, and i survived an abortion @ 7 months
giannajessen my cat was sitting on my lap and yawned and wheeew! stinky. very stinky. those mice must cause really bad cat breath.
Little blips of opinion, drudgery and nonsense described in 140 characters or less.
Occasional flashes of brilliance and inspiration.
If you've read this far and you're already lost, bone up here, then return to this blog.
People "follow" people they like, then "follow" the people they follow.
After all, if _______ thinks __________ is interesting, I must see what __________ has to say.
I've been adding a lot of names to my "follow" list lately. My follow-a-thon began when I looked at the profile of Entertainment Weekly columnist Michael Ausiello, and poured over the list of people he felt he needed to follow.
I think what's so appealing/intriguing about Twitter is knowing I'm (probably) reading the actual words of people I like or admire. And if I respond, they read my words. And sometimes tweet back!
You can communicate directly with someone famous without having a bodyguard intervene.
I'm also following people I can barely stand, like Joy Behar JoyVBehar, or Twitter kings like Ashton Kutcher aplusk, just to see what all the fuss is about. I like to have a balanced diet of information, even it includes a few brussel sprouts.
I noticed Rainn Wilson rainnwilson, an actor from the TV show "The Office" was appearing on an awful lot of "follow" lists, so I added him. I don't watch the show, but he's famous enough that I know who he is, and I have friends who are fans.
The first tweet I saw on his page made me lean forward and refocus my eyes:
rainnwilsonNice! RT @giannajessen Faithful, Savior of a girl who limps, comic, mysterious, Lord.
RT, by the way, means "re-tweet", which I learned on the tutorial above.
The original tweet was in response to this question:
rainnwilsonWhat God IS or ISN'T in 10 Words or less.
I recognized the name Gianna Jessen immediately. A survivor of a late-term abortion, she is now a singer, pro-life speaker and marathon runner. I've seen/heard several of her interviews.
You can't help but be moved by her story and her testimony.
I thought of her on Sunday, when the news broke of the murder of an abortion clinic doctor. This is how she responded to the story:
giannajessen i've just heard that george tiller (late term abortionist) has been shot. i oppose murder of any kind, and i survived an abortion @ 7 months
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,”
says the Lord.
Romans 12:17-19
"I think all of us should have a respect for innocent life. With regard to the freedom of the individual for choice with regard to abortion, there's one individual who's not being considered at all. That's the one who is being aborted. And I've noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born. I think that, technically, I know this is a difficult and an emotional problem, and many people sincerely feel on both sides of this, but I do believe that maybe we could find the answer through medical evidence, if we would determine once and for all, is an unborn child a human being? I happen to believe it is."
-Ronald Reagan, Presidential Debate, September 21, 1980
giannajessen just stepped on a scale. praying my way into outfits is always helpful.-Ronald Reagan, Presidential Debate, September 21, 1980
giannajessen my cat was sitting on my lap and yawned and wheeew! stinky. very stinky. those mice must cause really bad cat breath.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Doing the math
I went to art class today. I painted some of the gardenias that were in our garden.
OK, I know the photo is a little crooked, but I'm letting things slide today. I don't feel very good.
Everyone else in the class is in their 70's and above and I was the least chipper one there, except perhaps the lady who just got back from New York and may have been exposed to the swine flu.
If I start feeling that sick, I'll let you know.
I rarely paint, except when I'm in class. At home, there a lot of things to drag out and set up and I worry about the dogs swallowing a tube of paint.
Bijou actually stole a tube of Burnt Sienna once and chewed the top off before I caught her. She's the reason I have Animal Poison Control stored on my cellphone. It's 888-426-4435.
It seems like I have an unlimited store of artwork to post here, but I have a lot backlogged and some that I haven't even photographed yet.
I've been taking classes for seven years and paint an average of one painting a class, so that makes about 112 paintings or drawings I've completed. Only eight of them are actually hanging in our house.
I budgeted for two sessions this year of eight art classes, which means I'll probably paint only 16 days this year.
That also means I'll have another 16 or so paintings to hang, give away or put in the garage.
I used to show my work a lot in Henry County and entered several competitions. I never won anything. The favored pieces were flowers that look like photographs and roosters that look like roosters. Mine don't fit that category, and I really don't want them to.
I did have a couple of pieces in a gallery once, but it closed before they were sold. The gallery owner liked my profile portraits of a model in my art class:
Right before I took them to the gallery to be displayed, the frame of another painting cut a half inch gash in the canvas of the one on the left.
I was just sick about it. But another coat of paint sealed the repair.
Crisis averted.
I even had the fun of attending a gallery opening reception. I can't remember the names of the other artists I met, but I remember there was a double rainbow that night and everyone forgot about the artwork for a few minutes and ran out to see it.
Now, for the first time in five years, I'm going to display some paintings in another McDonough gallery. It's an exhibition of artwork from University of Georgia alumni from Henry, Clayton, Rockdale and Spalding Counties.
I hadn't bothered with the gallery before because there are paintings of landscapes, fruit and flowers that look like photographs in the window.
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Some people wonder why artists charge so much for a painting. I haven't kept a running total of the cost of classes and supplies, but the tab would easily run into the thousands.
No one questions how a doctor can charge $110 for a five minute exam. It's the years and experience behind those five minutes that count.
Painting is more than a skill; it's an art. You're actually taking away a piece of the artist's soul if you buy a one-of-a-kind original painting. At least it should be that way. And it's hard to put a price tag on that.
I haven't thought of bartering a painting for a doctor's bill, but I did give my neurologist one of my paintings as a "thank you" gift last year.
Ironically, it's based on a photograph I took in Mexico five years ago.
No one is going there now. No one is buying paintings either.
But art is all around.
It's free to look. Just open your eyes.
And you can even "travel" to Mexico without getting sick.
OK, I know the photo is a little crooked, but I'm letting things slide today. I don't feel very good.
Everyone else in the class is in their 70's and above and I was the least chipper one there, except perhaps the lady who just got back from New York and may have been exposed to the swine flu.
If I start feeling that sick, I'll let you know.
I rarely paint, except when I'm in class. At home, there a lot of things to drag out and set up and I worry about the dogs swallowing a tube of paint.
Bijou actually stole a tube of Burnt Sienna once and chewed the top off before I caught her. She's the reason I have Animal Poison Control stored on my cellphone. It's 888-426-4435.
It seems like I have an unlimited store of artwork to post here, but I have a lot backlogged and some that I haven't even photographed yet.
I've been taking classes for seven years and paint an average of one painting a class, so that makes about 112 paintings or drawings I've completed. Only eight of them are actually hanging in our house.
I budgeted for two sessions this year of eight art classes, which means I'll probably paint only 16 days this year.
That also means I'll have another 16 or so paintings to hang, give away or put in the garage.
I used to show my work a lot in Henry County and entered several competitions. I never won anything. The favored pieces were flowers that look like photographs and roosters that look like roosters. Mine don't fit that category, and I really don't want them to.
I did have a couple of pieces in a gallery once, but it closed before they were sold. The gallery owner liked my profile portraits of a model in my art class:
Right before I took them to the gallery to be displayed, the frame of another painting cut a half inch gash in the canvas of the one on the left.
I was just sick about it. But another coat of paint sealed the repair.
Crisis averted.
I even had the fun of attending a gallery opening reception. I can't remember the names of the other artists I met, but I remember there was a double rainbow that night and everyone forgot about the artwork for a few minutes and ran out to see it.
Now, for the first time in five years, I'm going to display some paintings in another McDonough gallery. It's an exhibition of artwork from University of Georgia alumni from Henry, Clayton, Rockdale and Spalding Counties.
I hadn't bothered with the gallery before because there are paintings of landscapes, fruit and flowers that look like photographs in the window.
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Some people wonder why artists charge so much for a painting. I haven't kept a running total of the cost of classes and supplies, but the tab would easily run into the thousands.
No one questions how a doctor can charge $110 for a five minute exam. It's the years and experience behind those five minutes that count.
Painting is more than a skill; it's an art. You're actually taking away a piece of the artist's soul if you buy a one-of-a-kind original painting. At least it should be that way. And it's hard to put a price tag on that.
I haven't thought of bartering a painting for a doctor's bill, but I did give my neurologist one of my paintings as a "thank you" gift last year.
Ironically, it's based on a photograph I took in Mexico five years ago.
No one is going there now. No one is buying paintings either.
But art is all around.
It's free to look. Just open your eyes.
And you can even "travel" to Mexico without getting sick.
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