Saturday, February 28, 2009
My Art Collection - Part 14
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Wright Stuff
(THIS IS A POST FROM LAMB INTERNATIONAL FOR THE WRIGHTS - WITH THEIR HUMBLE PERMISSIONFOR US TO DO THIS POSTING)
We all know and understand the effectiveness of the work John, Julie and family have done in Kyrgyzstan – the country they love so much and have been called to.
This post is coming out with other blog posts all over the country – people who have blogs that know the Wrights. Let's shock them with the provision of financial resources and letters/notes of encouragement to help them return to Kyrgyzstan.
We propose that we raise a minimum of the following:
$20,000 to cover a year's needs on the home front
· Home expenses – the place to come back to
$30,000 to cover a year's needs on the foreign front
· Travel in and out of the country with family 2 x a year
· Travel in the country to the different sites
· Family expenses – including the educational needs of one daughter
· Lodging and meals
http://www.actofkindness.blogspot.com/
AND guess what – you can watch all that is done there on his blog..you will learn to live vicariously in a healthy way by reading and supporting the RIGHT cause. What an opportunity – Will you help?
Let's do it RIGHT FOR THE WRIGHTS!
Blessings,
Lynn and Ruby from LAMb International
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Studying the Ojibwa Creation Story
Kitchi-Manitou saw that on this world there would be seasons and patterns of existence. There would be life and death. There would be joy and sorrow. Some creatures would walk, some would fly, some would swim. He perceived their feelings and their needs, now and forever, and he envisioned how making one life interdependent on the next could provide for those needs.
And because you and I and all others things - both animate and inanimate were created by Kitchi Manitou from nothing but his knowing that it was possible- we will always be part of his spiritual essence.
That is how I was told the universe came to be. It was created because Kitchi Manitou knew it was possible that it could be."
Reflection on Hatred
When I was young, I played cowboys and Indians. I always wanted to be a cowboy. They were such hero’s but my conscience started to bother me about it all. The Indians were so wise to me and actually seemed peaceful. I began to feel like the cowboy was the bully. So I turned to hating the Germans. They were an easier target. It was much easier to hate the Germans, especially with WW2 still in everyones memory. Well once again, I was wrong!
I married a German girl and I fell in love, not only with her, but her family, her culture, her people as it were. Since embracing my wifes Germanic heritage, my life has been richly blessed. When I was conversing with a cousin from Germany I learned that when they played cowboys and Indians, the Indian was the good guy and the Cowboy was the bad guy! Could it be that my “old enemy” was wiser than I?
Now, here I am reflecting on our first nation people. After a life time of worldly pursuit,
I once again stand at a crossroad. I cant help but feel that I belong on the little road that is less travelled. Though the road is tough and hard, it is full of love. Though I am weak, the journey gives me strength. At the end of this road, there is peace and grace. The Lord will be standing there to greet me and I will smile when I see my native brothers and sisters there…beating the drum.
Lord God, please fill me with your wisdom and continue to walk with me I pray. You are greater than google earth and greater than a GPS. You are faster than the highest speed internet , You are stronger than crazy glue and Your warranty never runs out. You are wiser than Phil and more beautiful than Opra. You are bigger than I ever imagined and every time I try to define a box to keep You in….You burst out. Lord God You are far greater than I can even imagine and in this sense Lord, You are a great mystery to me. I guess that is why they call You Gitchi Manito. All praise, honour and glory to You. Lord God I pray for my new friend and mentor Apey-Benasi. Would You continue to bless him Lord and give him the gift of Anishnaabe tongue.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
another visit
The snow was too deep to walk the trail. We should have brought snow shoes!
There are some impracticalities with living so far from "civilization" as it were. The thing is...its a dream. What good wood life be if we didnt follow a dream? Time ticks, things change, I get older and fatter. I need to challenge myself. I need to stop dreaming and just do it!
I want to learn how to make a small foot print on this planet. I want to challenge myself to live from the land that the good Lord blesses me. I want to caretake that land, love it, care for it, live on its abundance and give back to it. This land can do that. There are enough dead or rough wood to heat my house. There is fertile land for our gardens. There is fish in the river. We will learn new skills and rekindle old skills. Together, Sue and I will build a new homestead.
I just continue to pray that the timing will all work. I promised not to sell my own house until Deb is finished in June.......drum roll please.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Hello My Friend
daddio
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
My Art - Part Thirteen
This is a piece of art made by my daughter Debbie when she was in primary school. It was part of an "art L'image" presentation where the students learned artistry and art forms. This piece is done with tempra paint and crayon. The art itself is a Thunderbird. The Thunderbird has great significance to our native people. It now has great significance to me.
I especially like this piece because it was made by my daughter and I have a keen interest in Native Art....well done Deb!
Friday, February 06, 2009
My Art - Part Twelve
Is this art? I think its art. Though it looks like a guitar, its certainly not playable. This hangs on the wall in my office. It is signed by Eric Clapton and comes with a certificate of authenticity. To me it represents art. It represent amazing creative talent. This was signed as part of a charity event, so it reminds me of charity as well. An unplayable guitar, hanging on the wall.......its art to me. Its a link to one of the greatest guitar playes that ever walked the face of the earth. Oh and it makes my great friend Mark VERY Jealous. In a sick kind of way...that makes me a little happy...doh I didnt just say that did I?
My Art - Part Eleven
My Art - Part Ten
Thursday, February 05, 2009
My Art - Part Nine
This print is by John Laford who is an Ojibwa artist from Manitoulin Island. It bears the writing and description of "Squirrel Drum Dancer - 102/135 - Jahn Laford 90" John Laford paints in the now traditional "Woodlands" style. We bought this print around 1991 from a friend of John Laford's. This print was unique, as he was experimenting with pastel colors. Typically the colors on paintings like this are vivid and bright. This one is softer. I have learned that this piece was part of a greater collection of "Squirrel Drum Dancers" I saw the collection on the wall at a dentist office downtown while on work. John Laford is a great native artist and I hope to some day aquire an origianl. My friend who knows John has begun to sell hand made paddles with a Laford original on the blade. Some day.....
My Art - Part Eight
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
My Art - Part Seven
My Art - Part Six
My Art - Part Five
Monday, February 02, 2009
My Art - Part Three
This print is called "Mated Pair" and it is an Artist Proof Limited Print by Ken Kirkby. He is a celebrated Canadian artist. You've probably seen his Anukshuk prints. This one is AP16/30.
I love birds. I have always especially liked Geese. Not sure if you knew this, but Geese mate for life. In the city centers, geese dont bother to migrate. Out where I live, they still migrate. The geese migration is like a turning of the seasons. They land in the feild across from me in great numbers and they love to clean up after the farmer.
I love the clouds in this one. I like the emptiness or the solitude of these two birds alone. I get the feeling they are leaving but I could be wrong. Magnificent birds! This print is on the floor in my office, although I'm thinking about bringing it home. I have to either download or re-arrange...not sure which yet.
My Art Collection - Part Two
I like this print because when I asked for my buddy to pick me up a Pacific NorthWest print, I already envisioned this. I like the simplicity and the 2 colors. Red and Black. This print sat in my closet for years because I broke the original frame. I just had it reframed. I think they did a nice job. This print is also on the wall in my office.
My Art Collection - Part One
This is a watercolor by Gary Chick and it was given to me by my boss. I had taken my daughter out to see the Osprey at Guelph Lake and I recounted our adventure to my boss. He knew a fellow that was interested in Osprey and who had painted this beautiful water color. He bought it for me and it hangs on the wall in my office.
This painting reminds me of freedom. I envision this bird flying as only an Osprey can. I see hunger and intent in his eyes as he spots movement and prepares to execute the perfect kill. These birds are truly magnificent to watch. If you ever want to see them, let me know and I'll tell you about a great little blind that watches over a nest.