Nature's brilliance

A bit of brilliance..

Remember when summer seemed to last for months and months? Now it seems as if it only lasts a week or two.

Remember when it was the "old folks" who sat around talking about how time flies? Now it's me wondering when I became one of them

For some it comes naturally to be brilliant, for others it takes a while.

Impressive Impressions

This wall hanging measures 38" x 45"








"From the top of her head, to the toes on her feet...
This Latin lady just can't be beat!













Linda says, "My favorite part is the foot!"

It never ceases to amaze me what people can do. This beautiful quilted wall hanging was created and sewn by Jo Hathcock. It was based on one of Linda Carter Holman's most popular images - "Blue Vase and Pomegranate."

Where, oh where have I been?

In case anyone has been wondering, where Oh where has Red Shoe Writer been? I just have to say I've been away.
Not away from my computer - not at all
Not even away from my desk - nope

I've been aWAY too busy to blog!

My job requires me to write - usually at least once a day. But recently I've been learning a whole bunch about rodeos. We have one coming to town and I've been brushing up on what I know about bull riding, barrel racing and what is now known as tie-down roping. (the politically correct term for calf-roping)
I remember attending the annual rodeo when I was a kid. I kinda liked to think of myself as being some sort of cowboy - yep, cowboy. I had the hat, two six-shooters, boots and a bandana around my neck. Not a sissy cowgirl, a real cowboy. I never could make my way up on a horse, though. In the end, it seemed I liked the outfit better than anything else about being a cowboy.
Guess I was more girly than I thought......

It's all a balancing act...

Life feels precarious sometimes....like ants on a wire, it becomes a balancing act. One never wants to travel too far in one direction or another. And yet, it is necessary sometimes in order to continue our climb - onward and upward - life goes on.

Something inspired

Inspiration can come from all sorts of places. This lighted glass brick was inspired by the back of an envelope that accompanied one of Linda's cards. Made from pieces of stained glass smeared with silicon and bits of my dna - it is still one of my favorite mosaic creations. It seems I haven't the creative energy to do mosaics of late. I'm not sure if it is because those creative energies go into my writing, or if it is sheer laziness.
Does anyone else have a similar problem?

It's Just Human Nature.....I Guess

This week I was lucky enough to sit in on a presentation that included many photos of early American art - mostly that of the American West. Works of Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, Charles Banks Wilson as well as many others are on display at the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa - just about an hour away from where I live. Can't say I've been there - well, maybe once - a long time ago - I think.
It made me wonder why I don't visit places such as that more often.
I remember while living in Minnesota how early on, a friend of mine said, "We all think it is great that the theatre, museums, clubs [ect.] are all available within a few miles. But how often do we go? Almost never."
I thought - "Not me! I will go to those things" and I did - but not with the frequency I imagined.
Why do we take for granted that things - or sometimes even people - will always be available at our convenience?
Just human nature, I guess....

Extreme Close-up on Life

Sometimes it is good to get a close-up view on what is around us.

Memorial Day is typically a time when people reflect. Cemeteries are filled with people remembering their loved ones. But shouldn't every day be a day of remembrance? Not just for the ones we've lost but of the life that surrounds us.

If we live our lives on "auto-pilot" we are likely to miss out on the beauty in our own backyards.

Photo by Dillon

Hot and sultry

One of the things I missed during the time I lived in the North was a good old Oklahoma thunderstorm. Tonight the air is thick and laden with humidity. Red and yellow blotches on the weather map indicate the possibility of not only the thunderstorm I desire, but of a tornado.
According to local folklore, a tornado will never hit my town.
So far, the legend has been correct.
This is certainly no time to wish for change.

More of Destiny

Just received several issues of a new local magazine - Cimarron Corridor. It has a most fun, colorful cover page - although some may say I'm a bit prejudiced. Yes, I must admit that I am. The cover features Linda's painting named "Destiny" (see pic on blog several weeks ago) and the magazine has a story about her and her work written by.....moi!
I know it is never proper to boast, but I can't help but feel a little proud to have my byline on a featured article (three whole pages!) about one of my favorite subjects (no - I'm not talking about "me" this time).
I just hope the locals - as well as those who may pick up a copy while visiting Cushing - enjoy reading the piece and take the time to look at her website www.carterholman.com

Now if I could only get Oprah's attention.......anyone have any ideas?

Too busy to be in the moment

Next weekend is Memorial Day weekend. Traditionally known as a time for families to reunite and remember - and the kick off day for summer vacation.
Sometimes I long for the days when summers seemed to last a lifetime....the hot days, cool nights, and the sleepy hum of cicadas whispering in my ear....
So many times those things go by without so much as a notice.
Instead it is the mantra "Too busy" that I hear. Oh to know how to be in the moment - every moment!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! To those who have them, those who don't, those who wish to, and those who won't. There's nothing like being a mother. It is the most rewarding job, but can be the job most taken for granted. Of course, that is one of the good things about having a mother - knowing or believing she will always be there for you - that it is just a "given."
A mother's love continues to give - long past the time she may drqw her last breath - how great is that?

*Image copyrighted by Linda CarterHolman

Where oh where did it go?

Where did 2, 3, 4, and 5 go? It was May 1st and now it is nearly May 7th. We've all heard the saying "time flies," but where does it fly to?

Away? Out the door? To someplace where it isn't as much fun?

If only I knew where it is that time goes....then I could just pick some up on my way home to ensure I'd have plenty to share with my family and friends....

*Image copyrighted by Linda CarterHolman

May Day! May Day!

I remember as a child making cone-shaped paper baskets to fill with flowers picked from our yard. Dandelions or daffodils, little old ladies seemed to love them.

Photo by Dillon Holman

Blooming pot

Remember to bloom where you are...

It brings to mind the childhood song, "I'm a little teapot, short and stout. Here is my handle, here is my spout..."

And in this case, "When you tip me over blooms will sprout...just tip me over and pour them out!"

Some of the prettiest blooms come from the most unlikely places.

*Image courtesy of Dillon Holman

Destiny

We all have our own destinies. As to what they are, we may only know in hindsight. Unless, of course, we tap into the All-knowing - which can give us true insight as to who we are and where we are going.

*Image copyrighted by Linda CarterHolman

Put on a happy face....

We all have different faces we wear for different occasions or situations. I used to think it was hypocritical, but then I grew up and realized I was just multi-faceted.

*Image courtesy of Linda CarterHolman

Happy Earth Day To You!

Today is Earth Day. When I was young there was no such thing as a designated "Earth Day." I guess we thought every day was earth day simply because we were here and it was here. As I get older, I have come to the conclusion neither should be taken for granted.

*Photo by Dillon Holman

Spring in our step

There's a spring in my step these days....

Ah, spring.

It brings smiles to the faces of the winter-weary. Bursts of color emitting from the boughs of trees and at the feet of children. From cherry blossoms to daffodils - it is indeed a splendid time of the year!

*Photo by Dillon Holman

A different perspective

It is always good to get a different perspective on things. Don't you think?

*Photo courtesy of Linda CarterHolman

A bit of a taxing day...

Anyday can be a taxing day - but none quite like today. April 15 - a blessing and a curse. A blessing for those who receive and a curse for those who owe.

Proving once again there are always two sides to a coin.

Bucking Bonnie

Sometimes life gives a jolt to make sure we're paying attention. But if we keep our wits about us, we may not only enjoy the ride, but look good doing it.

*Image copyrighted by Linda CarterHolman

It was a dark and stormy night...

Nature's sedative -

The intoxicating smell of rain on the horizon
The rumble of thunder accompanied by a light show in the distance
Culminating in the steady beat of rain

Makes me sleepy just thinking about it...

Lessons from the fish bowl

Sometimes opportunity comes about by simply being at the right place at the right time.



*Photo by Dillon Holman

Beauty sleep

A good night's sleep changes the complexion of everything.

"Sleep, my pretty...." whispered the witch of the west in The Wizard of Oz - proving even the ostensibly most wicked may have some words of wisdom from time to time. From the look on her face, however - she, like many of us, failed to heed her own advice.

'Tween Monday and Friday

Some folks talk of manic Mondays, others say thank God it's Friday - but to me, it's the 'tweens that seem to make the difference.

Hummingbirds

Red on red and another...

Hummingbirds - one of life's delicacies...not to be eaten, but indeed relished.

*Photo by Dillon Holman

Getting it right

Every painting tells a tale.

Are they sisters? Is the one in the foreground feeling a little forlorn? Who made their outfits - each the same yet different? Is the one on the left a yodeler? Does it annoy the one on the right just a little bit?

Perhaps.

I dare say if you ask three random people what they see - I'll bet you get three different answers.

Isn't that the way it is in life? We all have our own perceptions of what is.

*Image copyrighted by Linda CarterHolman

Inspiration

Everyone needs a little inspiration from time to time. Today mine is an LCH card that reads: "There is a vitality, a life force, an energy that is translated through you. There is only one of you in all of time." ~Martha Graham

I'm sure there were days my mother felt that was a very good thing - on all sorts of levels.

New Moon Rising

It is only Tuesday and yet it seems like Monday was several days ago. I hear it is almost a new moon. I decided a long time ago that new moons are not my favorite.
I still feel that way.

Introduction and greetings!

Greetings!

Allow me to introduce you to my favorite artist: Linda Carter Holman. Linda has been inspiring people - including myself - for over 35 years with her colorful and unique paintings.

To see a sampling go to http://www.carterholman.com/

Let me know what you think - I'd love to hear from you.

The Red Shoe Writer

*Image copyrighted by Linda CarterHolman