LOVING FRIDA, Shining Star: January 2012

Monday, January 30, 2012

Two Cellos

I just had to share these two very talented guys. They were first introduced on the Ellen show and then Elton John discovered them and helped pave the road for them to eventually becoming very famous. They are getting there. Awesome work by the two. The first one is Prelude Shostakovich and it's just beautiful. I love the version of Welcome To The Jungle and they also do Viva La Vida. Woo hoo! I couldn't get it aligned to the center, sorry about that. Oh I just did. Yay!

Beautiful music. Haven't had time to post, but thinking of you all.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

PAINT PARTY FRIDAY-Mission Van Gogh # 4

Hi everyone. Welcome to my Paint Party Friday # 46. I've been slacking on posting because it's been a busy time as of late. Right now I'm trying to get the house clean, plus my studio and there are other things to do as well.

Hopefully you are not getting tired of my Van Gogh's, as this is the fourth piece with eight more to go. My Mission Van Gogh will be completed once they have all been posted. When this mission has been completed, it will be time to tackle "Mission Pablo Picasso." This year I guess Impressionism is the route that's been taken. Of course Frida will always be first, and she will pop in from time to time as well.

Thanks Eva and Kristin for hosting your fun and learning blog. I'm a better person because of it. So here we go with Number 4.

Acrylics

What a difference in comparison. Who can paint this person and even come close. Go ahead, you can hit me with the paint brush, splatter paint all over me, but for some reason though, as I was painting his self-portrait, I became lost in his eyes. A sadness for this man filled my heart.

Now the Master's work:

Painting, Oil on Canvas

Van Gogh organized an exhibition that was held in November or December 1887. The formulation ‘I’ll gladly do all I can to make a success of what was started in the dining-room’ (l. 94-95) seems to imply that the exhibition had now closed, which is why we have dated the letter to around December 1887.

Vincent Van Gogh's self-portrait

1-4

It seemed to get harder and harder as I painted his self-portraits.

What a man! What a master!

It's been a lot of fun trying to paint his paintings. I don't regret any of them, just wish they could have been better. That's what we artist's always wish for though, isn't it? When I am done there will be 12 of his portraits that I've painted. I think it will have been one of the hardest things I've done.

HAPPY PAINT FRIDAY!

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

GOD BLESS.

Paris: December, 1887

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Haiku HuMp DaY-Bread baking

Here I find myself at Helen's for Haiku Hump Day. Stop by and leave your Haiku for Wednesday.

Fresh from the oven

The aroma fills the house

I'm in scent heaven

HELEN (be there or be square, tee hee)

I bake bread whenever I get the chance. Love the way it smells when it's baking and how fresh it tastes when done. Homemade is best. Being old fashioned is what makes me really happy, besides painting of course.
Have a great Hump day. (tomorrow :))

Monday, January 23, 2012

Journal Page

Just a page from my journal. Her title is: "In My Life." Because in her life she can be who she wants to be, go where she wants to go, and do what she wants to do.

Oh the night is here

I'm finding my way to you

In this starry night

I have been counting syllables but I found this great website that does the count for me. I'm being lazy but it's a big help. I am really liking Haiku. I just wonder why I couldn't understand it in my English classes. My instructor would be proud of how I am learning this wonderful world of expression. http://howmanysyllables.com

Tomorrow I plan on cutting my hair a little, putting color on it, re-take pictures of my paintings for Fine Art America with the 14 megapixel camera and re-uploading them. Then I need to download all the 2011 pictures from my computer to a DVD. I also plan on making reservations for an outing for hubbers and me. Our anniversary is coming up on Feb. 14 so I want to be sure we can get in ahead of time.

Okay I will see you on Friday, unless I'm back before that. tee hee. Have a great Tuesday and thank you very much for stopping by and leaving comments on my wee blog. It always means a lot. Take care.
Viva La Vida!

Sunday, January 22, 2012

What a great Sunday!

Woke up early this morning, stretched and said it's a BEAUTIFUL morning. (my word for the year). It was and is a beautiful day because it's my dear FATHER'S birthday. My Dad, the special man who was always there welcoming everyone into his home. The person who would take the shirt off his back to help someone, anyone.

So today I will make his favorite dish called "Albondigas." Little meatballs in soup. He also loved tortillas, so that's on the menu as well. I'll be quick in this post because I've said it before all my life, and every year I've been blogging, my DAD was the best with a beautiful heart.

I thought I would do a HAIKU for my daddy.

I remember Dad

Jolly Joyful Jubilant

Happy Birthday Dad

Dad with his Mom, my Grandma Mary

Dad in the Merchant Marines during World War 2. Old picture. He was a cook/baker in the huge underwater vessel where he lived with numerous other buddies.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR DAD! I'll always be looking for you.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Kindle cover-up

Well it is 7:36 pm as this is typed and am heading to bed with my Kindle. Husband worked today and didn't feel like doing anything except watching the cooking shows and being lazy. We had KFC leftover from last night, so that was dinner.

During the day the TV and it's cooking shows were on, so it was left on. A little sewing was done. Sewing is not my cup of tea, but the Kindle needed a cover so that it can be tossed in my handbag should it be needed when out on errands. Didn't want it scratched. So this simple little bag was made out of a beanie cap. Say what? tee hee

The beanie cap was covered with material and velcro was added to keep it shut.

Easy as pie. This is all one needs to avoid scratches on the screen.

I actually think it came out "beautiful." (my word of the year)

Here it is completed

There's my Kindle waiting to go inside. Look at the sewing....all crooked.:)

Here is the velcro on the inside of both sides.

Here it is inside the bag. That red beanie cap, my husband gave it to me with gloves and jacket about 30 years ago and I still have it. Don't know what happened to the jacket. It wouldn't fit anyway, but the gloves are still with me too. In fact they are in my car as this is being typed.

This bag does the trick

No scratches on the Kindle

Not a penny spent.

(short practice on Haiku)

I hope everyone had a wonderful day and that tomorrow you have an even better day. It is now 7:58 pm and my nice warm bed calls for me. Sayonara and Viva La Vida!

Wordle and word for the year

This wordle was done 3 years and 3 months ago on Wordle. I see that people are doing these wordle things lately, only now they call them word clouds, and I wanted to share this with you. It was done for Chorizo below, and the words that I thought were on her mind when she was here with us a family.

Chorizo's word cloud-3 years ago

All of her thoughts "in my mind," were of us as a family, hence the words you see: ma, pa, family, care and so on.

I started thinking of how excited I was when I discovered this web site 3 years ago and how making these squares with words was a lot of fun. It was a big thing then and again everyone is doing it. So went back and checked if the site was still there and decided to have it "pull" words out of my blog and make a wordle from it. This is it.

The one word that kept sticking out at me was "Beautiful" and so I decided to choose this word as my word of the year. The reason this word was chosen is that each day is meant to have great pleasure and excellence if possible and satisfaction in the daily things we do. Beautiful is something that will "delight" the senses as in: This will be a beautiful day.

If I were to wake up each morning and say these six words,

"This Will Be A Beautiful Day," then perhaps it will be.

So my word for the year is BEAUTIFUL!

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY!

Friday, January 20, 2012

AT LAST

Rest In Peace Etta James

1/25/38-1/20/12

Thursday, January 19, 2012

PPF-Mission Van Gogh #3

HAPPY PAINT FRIDAY #45

Thanks Eva and Kristin for hosting. So the days move on, and here we are in week two of 2012. Is it not unbelievable how the time just is here today and gone tomorrow? So much to do, so little time left to do it in. I just finished a painting for my brother's b/day on 2/14. I'll post it sometime during the week or maybe next month for his birthday.

This next portrait of Van Goghs self-portrait threw me for a loop, as you will see by the end result. After trying to change it numerous times and only making more mistakes, I left it as is.

I do thank you for stopping by my little blog.

Here is my submission for this week, continuing with:

MISSION VAN GOGH #3

This is the final result and as you can see, it was a difficult journey on this particular vg self-portrait. It was uncertainty from the beginning when I seen the direction it was going. It's not a bad portrait but it certainly doesn't look like him. That said, satisfaction has been achieved in doing something planned and completed.

Numbers 1, 2, and 3 Mission Van Gogh

HAPPY PPF TO EVERYONE. STOP BY AT PAINT PARTY FRIDAY TO VIEW OTHER PARTICIPANTS. THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY.

Early Morning

It looked beautiful outside this morning. I was carrying my husband's lunch to the truck for him and this beautiful sky beckoned my camera. It's so beautiful to be able to enjoy this God provided spectacular sunrise. It is going to rain today, so the weather people say.

This morn I was stunned

By the surrounding glory

It had to be shared.

Hope you all are doing good, I am doing so much better from the dizziness. Oh it's still there, but it doesn't affect me all the time. I'm good to go!!

I've had to buy a new camera with at least 12 mega pixels. The mega pixels could have been higher but that's all that was needed so that's what was bought. A couple of my paintings sold on FAA and I had to retake the pictures of them. I did, and re-uploaded them and they were fine according to customer service and would be shipped out to the buyer.

Gloria Viorge - Red Dress Print

Gloria Viorge - Just Faces Unibrowed 32 Viva La Vida Print

I'm still getting used to the new digital Kodak camera I bought (who apparently filed chapter 11 yesterday or today). I like their cameras because they are easy to use with the software provided.

So now it's time to go check the habaneros that are outside in the dehydrator drying. The trays need switching to a different level.

I'm running a dry spell in blogging. You get to a point where one just runs out of things to blog about and sheesh, it's only the first two weeks in January. Tee hee. One realizes that there are so many things to do during the day that spending so much time on the computer can interfere with duties to be done. In other words, limiting my posts to a few a week. Maybe 3 a week or so.

Time to go clean house, plan the dinner menu, feed the little critters, paint a little in my journal, put some socks on because it is too dern cold. Take care and have a wonderful day. I'll and check back later this evening on your posts.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Haiku Hump Day

HAIKU HUMP DAY

Colors of bangles

Laying quiet in boxes

Hoping for escape.

Happy Haiku Hump Day! Click on the link at the top to join Helen in
Haiku Hump Day. Thanks for stopping by.

Ruby Tuesday 2

RUBY TUESDAY 2

These hanging red pots

Both with sparkles of color
reaching out to me.

HAPPY RUBY TUESDAY 2 TO EVERYONE.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Artists in Blogland

Here is my painting for Challenge One on Artists in Blogland.

It's a mother looking at her child's soulful eyes. The child appears to be looking at her mothers hat in wonderment.

So that's my contribution, hope you like. Have a great week everyone.

Soulful Eyes

Friday, January 13, 2012

Zumba Time

Went shopping and bought this DVD for the Wii. It's called Zumba. It hasn't been used yet, and it's been here for a couple of weeks. This is a semi-preview of whats on the DVD. Just can't seem to get in the exercise mode. It looks like a lot of fun and dancing is definitely fun. Trying to find a way to work towards it and make it a daily regimen.

If one could just get going with this exercise and moderation of food, one would definitely be getting fit. Did we say that? Yes we did, now get on it
G L O R I A!! Stop talking and do it. I really don't like being told what to do, but one knows it's for one's own good. I could Haiku about it...but that's not enough.

If I Zumba now
Can you promise I'll be fit
Don't break your promise

One can start slowly and progress with each day....if one must.
So this is what is next on the agenda. It's either Zumba or treadmill. I can't run-bad knees, my bike went flat, plus it too hurts my knees, don't want to sign up for a year's contract outside the house, plus how do I get out of being lazy as I've become???? What do you think? What would you do?

Tee Hee and that too is in moderation.
Have a great weekend.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Paint Party Friday-Mission Van Gogh # 2

Paint Party Friday #44. Whoopee! Hi everyone and welcome. Please stop by Eva and Kristin and visit the other participants.

Thanks Eva and Kristin!

I'm posting early because we are off to dinner and more, to celebrate, sort of.

Van Gogh painted this self-portrait called "Self-Portrait with Dark Felt Hat in 1886. During this time he was in Paris living with his brother Theo who he was very close to, and was feeling and looking a little better. He also began using more color in his paintings during this time. It's a lot of fun trying to paint this man whose life was filled with so much turmoil. I find myself getting lost in his world and feeling his presence.

Here I have my version of his self-portrait.

Mission Van Gogh #2

As you can see by his self-portrait below, he has used more color like reds, etc. I actually forgot to put color on his cheeks.

I wish I would have taken pictures during the painting process, but involvement in what I was doing kept me seated at my work desk. Hope you enjoy.

HAPPY PAINT FRIDAY.

Today on this twelfth day of January, (Thursday) was my birthday. My husband bought me a beautiful card, and also a gift card for Beverly's, where there are a lot of art supplies and more. I haven't spent it yet because I have to make my list. A nice dinner, cake and ice cream and good thoughts are on the agenda. I've entered another decade.You might say I'm riding over the hills on my horsey now, but surely don't feel it. It's definitely time to do it all. This next decade there will be more accomplishments made. Looking forward to it.

Tee Hee to Mee.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

My Food Posts

Since food for thought Thursdays has cancelled, I've decided to continue on with my usual from the past posts on food, etc. Today it's about oranges and lemons.

Oranges, lemons make a pretty picture. Our trees have given us quite a bit of fruit, and after giving a lot to friends and to a center that I donate too, there are still some left for drying, juicing, etc. This is a yearly thing and you probably saw it last year as well. Here the oranges sit in a bowl after slicing.

Lemons too get sliced and ready to dry.

This stackable dehydrator that my dear dad gave me long ago gets used every year, and my dad is right there with me, letting me know that he is glad I utilize the gift he gave me. It's a Ronco brand and it heats evenly so that the fruit dries faster. At least it seems that way. I dry Habaneros in here too, and then when dry, I crumble the Habaneros in my spice grinder for later use.

Here the oranges and lemons are dry. I'll let them sit out for a bit and then jar them for later reconstitution.

They can be eaten as is or used in cooking or other and even as decorations. Sometimes before drying I sprinkle sugar and cayenne on the oranges and they are great this way.

On another note regarding Mission Van Gogh. Remember last year when I mentioned I would be painting a portrait of Van Gogh's self-portraits? Click here: http://glorv1.blogspot.com/2011/11/my-mission-for-next-year.html

When commitments are made, excitement kicks in and getting started is at the top of the list. So I did get started immediately and just couldn't paint just one painting a month. Just to let you know that I'm done with all twelve. I have posted number one and this Friday will post number 2. With this mission completed, I now have to look for another mission with the wood I have sitting outside. So I'm signing off to go finish reading a great book that Cheryl mentioned. I downloaded it and have been enjoying it for a day now. It's quite interesting with a lot about Diego and Frida.

It's called "La The Lacuna." Thanks Cheryl. In fact, I'm on my way to bed to read. Ta Ta!

Take care, have a wonderful day and thanks for popping in.

My blog books have arrived

The two blog books have arrived. This is section two from July 1, 2011 to December 30, 2011. 138 pages in total. They are done in sections. Section one from January 1 to June 30, 2011 was received in early July. It's very satisfying to receive these books, because they are well done. This life will go on even after she is gone. What a wonderful trip.

The next one below is for participation paintings on:

Paint Party Friday.

A total of 58 pages. The book has been titled:

Gloria's Blog Viva La Vida- My Paint Party Friday Contributions.

There is credit given to Eva and Kristin for hosting PPF, in the acknowledgments section, but the picture taken of the acknowledgment section was too blurry. It was uploaded anyway so you can try to see it.

(One can't blame the camera when one doesn't know how to take pictures.)

A total of 58 pages. The book has been titled:

Gloria's Blog Viva La Vida- My Paint Party Friday Contributions.

The date on this book below, is from March, 11 to the last Friday of 2011.

How cool is that.

Here's some of the pics in the book.

It's always so exciting when they come in the mail. Another section of what goes on in this life and around in print.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Haiki HuMp DaY

Who could ever forget the greatest Fab Four. Not me, that's for sure. I have all their albums and beyond. They made an impact in our lives that will last forever, as did some others. Looking at my photos and old posters, I decided to do my Hump Day Haiku on these four guys who brought us some wonderful days afore. This picture is from a poster I have. Thought I would share it. Don't forget to link up with Helen over at her blog.

Then There Were Two

When times were unsure

A hard days night turned peaceful

Listening to them

Monday, January 9, 2012

Ruby Tuesday 2

Hi and welcome to my post for Magical Mystical Teacher's

Ruby Tuesday 2.

Apron strawberrys

Looking ripe and eatable

Don't mind if I do

Thanks for hosting Ruby Tuesday 2. Stop and visit the other participants. Thanks for stopping by.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Gotta love that WOOD!

My husband surprised me the other day. He was out back chopping down a very old tree that just would not blossom any longer and had seen it's day. He took the stump to the dump and raked up his cuttings. I went out there to see how it looked without the tree and as soon as I stepped outside and saw what he had left for ME in the patio, I jumped with glee.

Picture this: Me, Gloria with my arthritic knees and dizzy spells running or at least trying to run to the backyard where he was at, which is pretty far in my mind. There I was though, like I was Jerry Rice on TV, arms outstretched, as if I was running that football (our yard is 68 x 300) to embrace him and thank him. After almost tripping I reached him and yelled thank you, thank you!! I hugged him, and said: Now will you sand them for me? Tee hee. Not really, I plan on doing that.

Actually I'm going to just barely sand them and leave a lot of that beauty as is. The bark will come off the sides and they will be sanded all around the outside. If I had known that he was going to do this for me, the Van Gogh Mission would have started on this wood. It's going to take a while to get this wood ready so a lot of things will go on in my mind as to what to do with them. If you have any suggestions, please give me hints on what I can do. Already, clocks are spinning around in my head, or outside art, oh so many things. Just wanted to share my wood with you.

I've decided to start posting my Mission Van Gogh series, on a weekly basis instead of one a month. So I'll be posting number 2 on my Friday's PPF. Stay tuned.

Okay, see you next time. Isn't it wonderful entering this 2012 year!! Yes!!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK.