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An Old Story Told by a Cherokee Grandfather to his Grandson
October 22nd, 2012
An Old Story One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogan...
October 4th, 2012
This is my quote for the day. Blessings to those who may happen to read this.
July 10th, 2012
"Life obliges me to do something, so I paint". Rene Magritte
May 15th, 2012
Life is your art. An open aware heart Is your canvas. A oneness of the world is your film. Ansel Adams
Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening Poem by Robert Frost
May 11th, 2012
Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village, though. He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow. My little horse must think it queer To stop witho...
Nalini Pitigala I call her Nali.
May 9th, 2012
In July of 2011, I met Nalini ("Nali") via FINEARTAMERICA. She commented on my work and I commented on her work so then our friendship across the miles began. She lives in Colombo, Sri Lanka. She is very talented in many ways. She does gorgeous...
May 3rd, 2012
Today I found a five dollar bill outside of a tractor store on the sidewalk. I told the owner and he said to keep it. He said "Finder's Keepers" I won twenty-six dollars from a two scratch-off lottery tickets. Recently someone purchased a prin...
April 24th, 2012
What do I care If I go or not go? 'Cause what do they care If I'm there or not there? Will dice be tossed Or straws pulled? Things like this Have no given rules. There's no use listing The pros and the cons The making of lists Gives n...
April 22nd, 2012
Kind words are jewels that live in the heart and soul and remain as blessed memories. (Marvea Johnson)
April 21st, 2012
There is something therapeutic about cleaning out clutter. I was fortunate enough to have a gentleman (Earl) come over to our home for the last two evenings (after he was off from work at the Y) and clean out the garage. I worked hard too but I was...
April 16th, 2012
Upon leaving church yesterday, the pastor shook my hand as always and smiled. I asked him how he was doing and he said "Pretty good for an old fella"... O.K. so that is just something to say, instead of "Fine, how are you?" However, he KNOWS t...
March 30th, 2012
The Legend of Kokopelli Ko-ko-pel-li - ko'ko'pel'le noun, derivation Hopi "kokopillau" Koko=wood pilau=hump GENERAL DEFINITION OF KOKOPELLI - The hump-backe mythical Hopi symbol of fertility, replenishment, music and fruitful harvests The...
Just a bit of news: I deliveered two more paintings to a very nice salon called "Hairworx" in Smithfield at the shopping center on Benn's Church Boulevard. The owner, Jane, likes my Southwestern style paintings. The decor of her very lovely salon ...
March 19th, 2012
I sold a greeting card called "Teddy Bear Looks at Van Gogh". It was to someone from Las Vegas, that is all I know. Even though it was only for two dollars, it doesn't matter. It makes me happy that I helped someone else smile.
February 25th, 2012
have you ever considered the options that you have in life, from minute to minute? i chose not to use capitals. it does not matter. you can still read this. this morning i chose to get up at 5. i don't always do that but i was awake anyway and do...
February 9th, 2012
Bravo for me. I sold a painting (or at least. as of tomorrow, it will be sold). My husband will deliver it to the lady who bought it tomorrow when he goes to work. The title is "Everyday is a Holiday". It is on this website. I would upload it an...
November 11th, 2011
But I, being poor, Have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly Because you tread on my dreams. W.B. Yeats
June 15th, 2011
Painting is another way of keeping a diary.
May 24th, 2011
As most people, I like poetry. When I was a child I though poetry had to rhyme. As you know, it doesn't. I have written rhyming poetry as well as poetry without rhyming words at the ends of lines. I have these bits and pieces in various journals/...
This and That Stream of Conciousness
May 15th, 2011
Painting has been an addiction. If there has to be an addiction, at least I chose a healthy one. I have not completed a painting in months though. Sometimes it feels exhilerating to start a new painting. Nan Engen, If you are reading this, t...
May 13th, 2011
Small Sum for the Lonely A question unanswered... A phrase left open, A blank look of indifference, Or even not looking at all - All these Added together, Never lead to a sum higher than the one I started with - Just me, One.
A Quotation to Encourage Strength in Difficult Times
January 7th, 2011
I am in earnest. I will not equivocate. I will not excuse I will not retreat a single inch And I wil be heard. William Lloyd Garrison
January 5th, 2011
I never thought much about "values" in drawings and paintings until I had art classes a few yrs. ago. I have found that the values, that is, the lights, the mediums and the darks are the MOST important element of a good painting. There are some quo...
This is my true love, my husband.
December 2nd, 2010
This is Don (or Donnie) who is my husband of 16 years almost. OUR anniversary will be Dec. 31, 2010. Yes, we got married on CHRISTMAS EVE. We met in 1976 in Newport News, VA. He was almost out of the Navy. I was still teaching in the public scho...
November 29th, 2010
"It is art that makes life, makes interest, makes importance, and I know of no substitute whatever for the force and beauty of its process." Henry James 1843-1916 American Author
A Message and Quotation for Strength and Determination
July 30th, 2010
I am in earnest. I will not equivocate. I will not excuse. I will not retreat a single inch. and I will be heard. William Lloyd Garrison
July 22nd, 2010
A good artist should be isolated and if he isn't isolated something is wrong. Orson Wells ...anne's comment...i am not sure about this but it is thought-provoking Loneliness is never more cruel than when it is felt in close propinquity with some...
Each Day is Like a Work of Art
July 11th, 2010
Each day is like a work of art An empty canvas waiting For the dreams that Fill your mind. Your talents and your strengths Are like the colors you can use, To paint the pictures of your life ' In any way you choose.
May 31st, 2010
"Don't wait for it [love]," I said. "Create a world, your world. Alone. Stand alone. Create. And then the love will come to you, then it comes to you. It was only when I wrote my first book that the world I wanted to live in opened to me."
My Dad Holding his Painting of Mona Lisa
April 25th, 2010
This is Daddy about 20 years ago holding his finished, framed, great painting of Mona Lisa. He also painted Blue Boy, The Gleaners and other copies of famous masters' works. His exact copies that he painted are amazing. He used oils on canvas. ...
February 19th, 2010
I sold a painting! I received a check in the mail today from FINEARTAMERICA for $51.58. Thank you to the buyer, wherever you are. I was so excited after going to the mailbox. I called everyone I could think of to tell them I sold a painting. Mo...
Creative Excuses for Absenses from School
December 19th, 2009
Note: This has been around for quite a while. I came across this when going through some of my papers. It is supposedly TRUE, as reported by Leon C. Hinton, Burlington. Hinton's friend is a secretary for the Roanoke Rapids City Schools I...
December 4th, 2009
The Legend of Kokopelli Ko-ko-pel-li ko' ko' pel'le' noun, derivation Hopi "kokopillau" Koko=wood pilau=hump... GENERAL DEFINITION: OF KOKOPELLI - The humpbacked Flute Player, mythical Hopi symbol of fertility, replenishment, music, danc...
It Does Not Get Any Better Than This
December 1st, 2009
To say it doesn't get any better than this, almost says it all for me. De'Ione Jenkins and I are at a party that she gave for her fiance' who had just returned from Afghanistan. "Dee" is still gorgeous. The warm hug shows the mutual friendshi...
November 26th, 2009
If you have read my recent blog about Stealing Coconuts, then you will understand the significance of this picture. There were two partners. Here is pictured the man at the bottom of the tree catching and bagging the coconuts. In the previous blog...
Saint Croix Men Stealing Coconuts
November 25th, 2009
I remember this with a big smile on my face. We were vacationing at a resort in St. Croix. The name of the resort was Carambola, paradise if there every was paradise. One morning, we were enjoying the sun and lolling about in hammocks on the ...
November 20th, 2009
They made me look good. They did my hair, The powder and paint, So fair was my face.... Looks are important, Perhaps... But without love, No amount of glamour can take its place.
November 16th, 2009
At a Republican rally back about 30 years ago I met John Warner and Elizabeth Taylor. Here I am pictured on the right. In the middle is Sen. John Warner To the left side is Herman King, a friend. I have photos that I took of Elizabeth Taylor a...
Words to SONG BY Enga Only Time
November 15th, 2009
Lyrics of "Only Time" by Enya Who can say where the road goes, Where the day flows? Only time And who can say if ...
November 10th, 2009
Help. I don't know where I am going with this. I am almost finished, I think. It neeeeeeeeds something. Or perhaps I need to do more with the sky. Actually I know that. It is a little bizarre. The petroglyph stands out more than an actual petr...
Coming Soon ART EXHIBIT Wayne Portrafka
November 4th, 2009
Coming Soon: Art Exhibit 1 High St. Riverview Gallery Portsmouth, Virginia Wayne Potrafka, artist and curator I will have 3 of my paintins in the exhibit. Art Exhibit starts November 6, 2009 with a reception at the gallery. The show conti...
October 30th, 2009
This is a tracing of a top of a child's small toy box. I would like to do my own rendition of this someday. I like the wolf as well as the bird and other details around the edges.
October 20th, 2009
This shows a copy of a page from the Cultural Opportunies in Isle of Wight section . This is from the yearly published "LIVING in Greater Isle of Wight", a Hampton Roads Community. The magazine has glossy pages, showing an array of local interesti...
October 10th, 2009
This beautiful large painting was in husband's cousins' Scottsdale vacation home. I photographed it. I have always liked this and wish I knew who originally painted it. If you know, please tell me. I could ask Don's cousins but I have not done th...
September 23rd, 2009
I tried to change my headshot this morning from the picture of the smiling girl with a black leather jacket.... to a painting of a colorful cat picture. No luck. Oh well, just wanted to let you know...I tried. O.K. Here is an update. Thanks...
September 22nd, 2009
There is something about the texture of fabrics that appeals to me. When I paint, using thiick layers, or at least glazing is what I love to do the most. So naturally, when I look at cloth or other textiles, the texture as well as the design an...
August 31st, 2009
Pandora YOU ASK TOO MUCH OF ME WHEN YOU ASK NOTHING WHAT SHALL I DO WITH ALL THESE RICHES? I PUSH AND STRAIN TRYING TO CLOSE THEM BACK IN THE BOX THE LID WON'T CLOSE.
August 27th, 2009
Dear Pam and Dave, If you answer this, I will know for sure that you have visited FAA. Sending good wishes. Dave, sorry I missed your birthday. Hope it was jolly & that you have a prosperous, healthy, happy year. Your sis-in-law, Anne
August 25th, 2009
A human being is part of the whole, Called by us the Universe Our task must be to widen our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures And the whole of nature in its beauty. Albert Einstein 1879-1955
Bronze Statue at Obici Hospital Lobby
August 14th, 2009
This is a bronze statue in the lobby at Obici Hospital in Suffolk, Virginia, USA
August 10th, 2009
The person I was referring to in the blog about authors with names which are usually associated with the opposite sex is GEORGE SAND. A romantic French author, her real name was Amandine Aurore Lucille Deipin. I hope I have all that spelled c...
August 9th, 2009
The answer is JOYCE KILMER. For years I thought Joyce was a woman. Joyce Kilmer was a man. My 4th grade teacher did not tell me that. Reminds me of the first name George. Can you tell me what famous writer had George for a first name?
I Think That I Shall Never See
August 9th, 2009
Trees I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against earth's sweet flowing breast. A tree who looks at God all day And lifts her leafy arms to pray. A tree that may in summe...
August 8th, 2009
Quotation Most of Us Already Know The mass of men live lives of quiet desperation And go to their grave with the song still in them. Henry David Thoreau.
August 5th, 2009
This is a picture of our cousins' extra home in Arizona. We visited there. More pics coming soon.
August 2nd, 2009
I did not paint this. Nor did I photo this. It is from public pictures. This signifies my feelings tonight. I want to go somewhere that is peaceful and yet mysterious too, with beauty and images of love. I can see clouds in love with each othe...
July 25th, 2009
-Thinking of the friends I have lost recently. This picture shows a Native American warrior on his horse. We are all warriors in many ways...fighting our personal battles. To have friends and to have dear relatives is to know that sooner or late...
July 22nd, 2009
A little blotch was on this photo I didn't notice it until I uploaded this picture on FAA. So that is not a wart or a mole on my face! Just wanted to make that clear. :=) I remember the day my cousin Glenda took this picture in Hampton, Virginia...
July 21st, 2009
LOVED this piece in cousin's home in Scottsdale. Had to show it to you. I wish I knew more about it. Perhaps someday I can paint this well. I can surely try.
Is There a Doctor in the House
July 21st, 2009
I did not post a picture of my left swollen foot. Of course if you insisit, I will. lol. After much ado, I still don't know what's wrong with my foot. This is just my way to let off steam today. MRI yesterday and Nuclear Bone Scan today using up...
July 20th, 2009
Life is but a canvas for the imagination.
July 20th, 2009
On the Shadow, Ellen and Dick Lane's Sailboat
July 12th, 2009
Quotations from Picasso Painting is just another way of keeping a diary.
The Pursuit of Truth and Beauty Einstein
July 3rd, 2009
Forever Young The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives. Albert Einstein 1879-1955 Germany/USA
July 3rd, 2009
Whoever could make two ears of corn, or two blades of grass, to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before, would deserve better of mankind, and so more essential service to his country, than the WHOLE RACE OF POLITICIANS PUT TOGETHER. JO...
July 3rd, 2009
To avoid criticism, be nothing, do nothing, say nothing. Elbert Hubbard 1856-1915 USA
A quotation from Cicero about Flexibillity
July 3rd, 2009
Cicero's View The great Roman orator Cicero remarked that "No fair-minded person would accuse another of being unsteady for changing their opinion." We often fear that others willl judge us as weak or vacillating if we change how we feel about some...
July 3rd, 2009
"What is strong and rigid is snapped and laid low. What is flexible and soft will always prevail." Laozi 6th C. BC My two-cents worth: It is good to be strong. I feel that one can be strong AND flexible too. Also I feel that the interpret...
My Accident I got rear-ended Three car pileup
July 3rd, 2009
Crunched up car, Can't go far. Banged rear-end Hurt my metal friend. My Cad hurt Someone was not alert. NOt me, my friend, I was not at fault, I did the right thing Stopped at a crosswalk. I had stopped To let a lady, who had ju...
June 12th, 2009
This shows a small picture on a page of writing from a locally published special ediition of "LIVING IN GREATER ISLE OF WIGHT." This magazine is for tourists and locals alike, However, it is especially for folks who have not visited this pictures...
A funny thing happened on the way to the Orgy
June 6th, 2009
i was on me way to an orgy in Suffolk. Not UK, but in Virginia...USA Instead, I was sidelined by an art show that piqued my interest. After all, it was at a top rate academy. The deluge of art there was too much almost for a horse to choke.. ...
May 29th, 2009
A Picture of Happy Here is Happy as a puppy. I will write more soon, Don't wanna miss suppy.
May 27th, 2009
I purchased this cloth because I was enamoured with the designs and colors. No, Oh no, I did not paint this... Perhaps I will use this as a key to my inner imagnary door Alas, and paint a picture that I have never done before.
May 21st, 2009
She has been a wonderful, dedicated, loving friend. She would always listen when I called. She always seemed upbeat about her health situation. She helped to take care of Mama when one of the aides did not come. She treated my mother sweetly and ...
May 13th, 2009
Dear Artistic Friends, near and far Times of innocence Times of peace Before finding out the world was not at ease Looking to fifth grade and beyond, When I was still big fish in little pond. I was full of love, life & laugh...
May 12th, 2009
Another Tourney Another Journey Not too far, but far enough, To get off work, It must be rough. 'When I was working' I could not take a day, Or even half of one, Without an Act of Congress Either Dem. or Republican. It doesn't matter, ...
May 6th, 2009
Good news. Over the weekend I had to wait for the outcome of new x-rays from Friday. The first set a week ago showed something suspicious in my left lung area. After walking on cracked glass all weekend ( at least that's how I felt...) I received...
May 5th, 2009
Once upon a time there was a novice who liked to paint Southwestern scenes and symbols. The curator of a local, prestigious gallery liked her work. She, along with 3 other local artists, were invited to display their work for a month-long show.. I...
May 1st, 2009
Happy is pausing to reflect On her care-free childhood The days when her "mama" Took her every place she could. No bigger than a loaf of bread, She always climbed into our bed. The main thing that she liked to do, Was eat and sleep and Run-A...
April 29th, 2009
I am thinking about how thankful that I am that I am no longer ill. A new day is dawning. I feel right with the world. This is a pic.of a one-string guitar purchased at the Children of the King's Daughter's Thrift Store. It cost $6.95. This gu...
Each Day is Like a Work of Art
April 23rd, 2009
Each day is like a work of art. That's yet to be designed, An empty canvas waiting For the dreams that fill your mind. Your talents and your strengths Are like the colors you can use To paint the pictures of your life In any way y...
April 22nd, 2009
Love painting. Love shapes. Love texture, Love escapes, Love me, Love Life is like a patchwork, a mosaic. Life is not linear. We don't know all the pieces of the puzzles yet.
April 21st, 2009
If you sat down right now and started counting, how long do you think it would take to count to a MILLION? Or you could stand up. :+)
Count to a Million Have you guessed yet
April 21st, 2009
23.148 days Yes, a little over 23 DAYS if your started now, counting non-stop, allowing about 2 seconds for saying each number. Now just think: This is not even a drop in the bucket compared to a billion.
April 21st, 2009
Does the picture speak for itself?. Just so you know that I did not spend a lot of money for this guitar with one string. And from the expression on the dog's face, she doesn't care either way. "Just wake me in time for din-din."
April 18th, 2009
Dear Friends, I went to a shipyard party, Got in touch with no old friends, Had to smile at people around, at whomever attends. Am not good at corporate parties but did meet someone fun, A lady who was 6 feet 6, she had snakeskin boots on. ...
April 18th, 2009
How long would it take you to count to a trillion if you started now and counted 24 hours a day? 31,668 YEARS Note to T.L., Yes, and what have YOU been up to?
April 18th, 2009
I saw a poster similar to this in an old country store in Martinsville, Virginia about 20 years ago. However the sign was in black and white. If you read the description on my art page you will know what this is all about. I did this in watercolor...
Gary and Anne Elizabeth at Mabry Mill in Virginia
April 7th, 2009
The picture shows my brother and me at Mabry Mill in Virginia. Often visited and photographed by tourists, this picturesque, scenic area offers more than the well-known grist mill, which is still working. There is a blacksmith shop, outside; ...
April 2nd, 2009
Mr. Chen is a member of FAA. Please go to his site. You are in for a treat. I will let you find it, it will be more fun that way. He sent me two CDs on the subject of his traditional Chinese landscape painting.
March 31st, 2009
This is me all glammed up. It is just for fun, I felt like The Fonz when I posed in a black leather jacket.
March 3rd, 2009
Jump Up Where: St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.... We were vacationing. One day we decided to drive our rental car from one end of the island to the other. We were in paradise. The streets of Christianstad were pictur...
February 20th, 2009
Here is Jose' Silva, from Lubbock, Texas, Founder of Silva Mind Control, which is now called the Silva Method. I am pictured on the right I met him in one of my meetings in Norfolk, VA circa 1980. He was fascinating and friendly. I had list...
February 17th, 2009
Dear Friends, My dear, sweet thirteen year old grey cat Bob, passed away yesterday morning at 7:30. He was the handsomest, smartest cat in the world. At least I think so. If you are a pet owner, you will understand my sorrow. I stayed up with h...
Naked Lady Playing Chess With a Skeleton
January 23rd, 2009
A naked lady playing chess with a skeleton, I wonder who won the game The sculpture was found in a gallery, Don't know the artist's name. The lady was anatomically correct, Down to the last detail. So was her skeleton partner, Whose bones we...
January 19th, 2009
Happy I love you a bushel and a peck A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck You are always faithful Always true I like the way you love me too. You don't ask much, Just a lot of treats A lot of petting From people you meet The...
January 19th, 2009
It is too cold to golf today, I heard my husband say. What a surprise, How big are my eyes, He's not going out to play. I can remember A week in December, When it snowed and snowed and snowed, A golf trip was planned, There was more than o...
Henry David Thoreau Quotation That I Like
January 11th, 2009
If you advance confidently in the direction of your dreams, and endeavor to live the life you have imagined, you will meet was a success unexpected in common hours. You will pass an invisible boundary, new universal and more liberal laws will begin ...
December 23rd, 2008
Dear Art Friends, Today I posted a picture of Maggie. She is an 8 or 9 year old beagle. She was once a frequent visitor to our yard. My dog Happy and Maggie would play. I don't know where she is now. Simply wanting to vent my feelings, I posted...
GIFT Items on echolakeart advertisement
December 18th, 2008
HERE IS AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR MY ART WORK AND GIFT ITEMS ON WWW.ECHOLAKEART.COM Dear art friends, near and far, I haven't sold anything lately on my other art site. I am beginning to wonder if it is easy enough to log in to. You don't need a pas...
December 15th, 2008
Dear Artsy Friends, I must tell you the news, No longer have I the blues. My eyes are bright with glee, It is a delight to do what one likes, And still be paid a fee. Do what you love. There's a power above, That lets a lig...
December 12th, 2008
Cherish Your Visions Cherish your visions And your dreams, As they are the children Of your soul; The blueprints of your Ultimate achievements. Napoleon Hill
November 25th, 2008
Dear Art Friends at Fine Art America, From Anne-Elizabeth and Kokopelli, ...
November 25th, 2008
Born blonde, And free as the wind blows, taking a masterful pose, my Dad painted me. Years flowed, And naturally my hair growed,* But wouldn't you know it, A brunette became me. ======================= At least the pundits will not quip...
Brian said St. Croix was too blurry
November 22nd, 2008
Short and sweet or semi-sweet note: Someone ordered St. Croix as first seen,. My first sale! It seemed like a dream... Much to my chagrin,Brian said it was too blurry. Spent hours doing the photo again, this time with a knowledgeable friend...
November 15th, 2008
I had an MRI the other day. I've had them and know one must not sway. If you move or if you twist, The tech in charge does not like this. So before I went, I made sure That I had no caffeine, and all was pure. Just to be safe and ready to ...
Trivial Insignificant Thought for the Day
November 14th, 2008
Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.
Each Day is Like a Work of Art
November 12th, 2008
Each day is like a work of art That's yet to be designed, An empty canvas waiting For the dreams that fill your mind. Your talents and your strengths Are like the colors you can use To paint the pictures of your life In any way you choose ...
November 10th, 2008
If I were a geek man, I would know what pixels are and what they do and be and show, But all day long I fiddle fiddle fum, wish I were a geek head man. If I were a geek man, I could edit, upload, download and show you what I'v...
What a Lovely Day for Daydreams
October 13th, 2008
Treasure your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul: the bluprints of your ultimate achievements. Napoleon Hill Blessing for the Day: May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, The su s...
September 23rd, 2008
A few announcements: There will be another SMARTS event on Oct. 10, 2008 Time 5-8 Place: : Main Street sidewalks of downtown Smithfield VA AND storefronts adjacent to The Smithfield Station Restaurant on Church Street , Who: fine artists, s...
SMARTS Smithfield Arts on the Sidewalks
September 12th, 2008
Friends, Romans, Countrymen, This Friday, Sept. 12, 2008 there shall be an original art display by ME in front of "Victoria's Rose" and "Girls First" These are delightful boutiques adjacent to the famous Smithfield Station Restaurant on...
July 11th, 2008
Hello friends out there in Cy-Space, I had my lst guitar lesson Tuesday. On my Johnson. Stop all that giggling! My guitar teacher's name is Kipp. " Jingle Bells"...my lst tune... Cool, 'cuz it is 90 degrees here. I am so new at this. ...
I bought a new guitar yesterday
July 2nd, 2008
Dear Friends out there in cyberspace don't know why i did it, 'can't do nuthin' wid it, inspired by a MEGASTAR was at Newport News or as they say Newport Blues a pretty thing it is a shiny black & burgandy GUITAR plus the...