Go forth and create!

Hi blog readers and folks that continue to be art supporters,

As summer comes to a close and school restarts, I'm taking this moment to create a post of gratitude, a memento of my favorite summer moments.  I am compelled to share a glimpse at the art, the trips, the family love that happened, that touched me in some way.

 

Here's some art progress in my series:

My life is not cryptically sophisticated, as what is in vogue for the artiste, but philosophically, I'm on a quest for "simplicity on the other side of complexity" 

Here are some art that came across my path that beckoned my attention:

Queen Mother of Reality by Althamer in Socrates Sculpture Park Queens, NY

So appropriate for how I often feel--"pieced together"

A sculpture in San Francisco that beckons homeless people.  Vaillancourt Fountain, San Francisco, California. Built by Armand Vaillancourt. This sculpture imparts a feeling of going nowhere 

Both sculpture above expresses hopelessness. Why is that the subject of so many artist?...It's not the whole truth. So, I look into other forms of artwork. Here's fresh Flower arrangement by Polly Joseph in Joseph Farm Charlottesville, VA.  I love the way this lady arranges flowers (this is but a small example of what I saw)

The explorations that came to be: 

Mini-sailing and fishing trips 

Learning about boats, particularly the Balcutha, San Francisco

Checking out the Manhattan sailing scene and recalling the old days, the Manhattan highlife

From the city jungle to the country jungle: in a rusted old truck where currently a 5 ft long black snake resides

And of course, random fields of sunflowers blooming required random car stops

A little glimpse of my inner family for whom I am most grateful for:

As always Noah is the highlight of summer, and my life.  My fav moments are with him

And there were some heart warming procession that brought tears to my eyes

And portentous signs of blessings and love in the air

We paused in a corner of a rock and swam by a river 

And a here's some honesty.  Summer days had me dealing with obstinate, cluelessly stubborn people, one in particular.  I thought it appropriate to end the photo sharing with a nod to a goat-like friend, an acknowledgement that my life is far from perfect.  (You know who you are and what a pain you've been.) But nonetheless, life wouldn't be the same without you.

A treasure trove of memories, and time flies (but I'm not sure if time exists--discuss).
I attest to the truth that we shape our world how we like and we choose to create feelings moment by moment.  This is an active endeavor.
In the beginning and as the lore goes, the Creator said:  "go forth and *create"!

*multiply in some translations 

Looking back and ....waiting....

I love the preparations for the arrival of our newest family member--physical, emotional, spiritual aspects. I want to share just a little about the physical preparation.

Each woman is different from another. I heard so many advice on should eat this, should eat that. All my preparations in no way makes me a pregnancy expert. But here's a couple of stuff I did.

I took many classes on parenting psychology, Developmental Psychology, birthing and breastfeeding classes in the local community center and community college. I even took a class on Infant and Adult CPR and became certified. I researched everything from herbs, to birth procedures, and have read/scanned many books about raising a baby.

Here's a photo of a couple of books that I read.

The most important focus during the pregnancy is good health. My pregnancy has been very healthy and the other day my doctor congratulated me at reaching the waiting point. I am less than 20 days away from my expected date! I've had no morning sickness. I have no gestational diabetes (despite the copious amount of chocolate consumed), my iron level fluctuates, but mostly has been normal, my skin feels delicious, my fingers tingles and this past week, my legs finally swell up on occasion. I started out in the best physical and cardiovascular shape of my life. And have gained a whopping 50 lbs (which is half of my original body weight). This has been the most challenging aspect of the pregnancy, carrying around half of my original body weight. It was very painful at times but a little yoga and two visits to the physical therapist (who basically gave me prenatal yoga poses) helped. I was a pescatarian prior to my pregnancy and I immediately ate meat (yuck) as soon as I was pregnant, but I believe I needed more protein. My rule of thumb is, drink lots of juice, milk and greens/fruits with every meal. My vitamin intake varies according to how I feel.

Bananas are very useful in muscle cramps!!! and overripe bananas are great in banana breads. (That's empty bottles of Welches sparkling grape juice, non-alcoholic, from ringing in the New Year's Toast)

The space preparation for the baby is more complicated since we are preparing in several directions, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. Yep, this can be stressful, but I'm certain everything will fall into place as needed. But for now only the North Carolina space is fully prepared.

The baby's crib was repainted, and now ready! I love looking at this photo, it makes waiting so precious.

I cleaned, organized, re-organized every crook and corner. Darkened curtains with pretty children motif sewed into the fabric is still on my to do list, and finishing up this mural is as well. I placed the mural on the wall at the foot of the baby's crib so the baby has a colorful piece to look at, especially painted by his mommy.

I have to be careful with the oil paint mediums as some of them are toxic (so now painting without a thinner, just plain oil paint).

I'm taking at least a 20 minute walk each day wrapped up in thick jacket, comfortable shoes, and *ahh!!!* absolutely no make up the entire pregnancy. I'm usually accompanied by these pack of dogs. (That's my mom on the left. She's an RN so I'm happy to be around her during my pregnancy)

Since I can't walk the dogs with a leash anymore, I walk very early in the morning to avoid the neighbors. Today, one neighbor who is a dog lover, walked up to me and gave me some roots of Calla Lillies (my favorite flower). I wrapped them in newspaper, and I can't wait to plant them in the spring.

I have read goodnight books and played music to the baby and I think Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star is the baby's favorite piece. It is a common misconception that Mozart wrote Twinkle Twinkle at the age of four/five. This is the age he was when the original French folk song was written under the name of "Ah ! vous dirai-je, Maman", in 1761. However, Mozart's series of variations on this melody is very pretty.

Let me know if you want a piano note copy of my baby's favorite piece.

Finally, as I am waiting, I'm trying to remain as healthy as possible so I can breath properly during the delivery. So many people are sick!! This is the best remedy for a cold, pregnant or not. Ginger smashed, some lemons, some oranges, and honey boiled in a pot. It's a lovely aromatic tea that I'm drinking as I'm writing this blog.

mmmm....