Positively Cloudy

 by Mauverneen

"I've looked at clouds from both sides now
from up and down and still somehow
it's clouds illusions I recall..."                ~Joni Mitchell

Yesterday

Yesterday, the clouds were superb. So many white, fluffy shapes floating across the sky. It was a day I wanted to lie out in the grass and do nothing but watch those clouds roll by. 

A lot of people are fascinated by clouds. It's mostly as children that we find shapes in those clouds. Do many adults still do that? Do parents still do that with their kids? Look for poodles and elephants and faces in those shifting masses? 

Cloud flowers

The white fluffy clouds eventually turned to rain clouds and we had a little rain overnight. A rain we badly need. Unfortunately, those clouds blocked the view of the full moon. Ah well. Two sides to those clouds - up, down, pretty, threatening... Like everything else we have to take the bad with the good. Makes us appreciate the good a little more. 

Clouds at sunset

 These are from the air

Have a Positively Lovely day, and the next time you see some white fluffy clouds passing by, stop and take a minute or two to appreciate their beauty. It's free entertainment!

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

                                       However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!

  Interested in photo prints? Contact me! maureenblevins@yahoo.com

See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html

and visit my website: http://mauverneen.com

POSITIVELY PAINTING

 by Mauverneen

I have always liked watercolor paintings and always wanted to be able to paint with watercolors, envious of those who do it beautifully and make it look so easy. I have tried several times over the years. Never could get the hang of it. But every few years I try again. Recently, I've decided to try yet again,  And...I may be getting it! Finally!

Inspired by some handpainted cards, I keep watching videos on technique, how to.., and just watching paintings being created. It's been helpful - and inspiring! I've been trying to spend a little time each morning practicing. I've only been at this a couple of weeks, using a cheap watercolor set, like the little kids use in school, to practice with. I feel ready to give it a shot with some 'real' paint - out of tubes. And maybe try to create an actual 'painting'. Thus far I've been practicing a lot of shapes. And techniques. Small stuff. I'll show you a few. Leaves, flowers, blending...

I'm still going to need lots and lots of practice, but, by George I think I've got it! At least, I think I do. I'm trying to work my way up to something that actually takes up a whole sheet of paper. Maybe today?

Have a POSITIVELY marvelous Tuesday - and  Don't give up!

Trying to make some flowers using different techniques

Working with shapes. 

Top is a small pic I did months ago. Bottom is one from the other day. I think it's better.
What do you think?

My inspiration pieces. Barbara Eberhard makes these cards and donates the proceeds to Hospice. https://barbaraeberhard.com/be-kind-cards

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

                                       However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!

  Interested in photo prints? Contact me! maureenblevins@yahoo.com

See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html

and visit my website: http://mauverneen.com

POSITIVELY SUNDANCE

 by Mauverneen

I woke up this morning prepared to find some uplifting words of positivity for this Positively Tuesday. Then I saw the news that Robert Redford has passed away. I feel sad, and yet...

He left a wonderful legacy. His movies, that he either starred in or directed, like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, A River Runs Through It, gave us joy and entertainment. He helped found the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival. Sundance Resort that he developed is a gorgeous piece of earth that he cared about. Even though he sold it before he died he mad sure he had the "right people" as buyers who committed to responsible development and land preservation, assuring that over 1800 acres will be preserved through protective covenants. 

I've been to Sundance resort, I fell lucky to say. I've been fly fishing and I've had dinner on a mountain. 

So, Mr. Redford, rest in peace, and Thanks for the Memories.

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

                                       However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!

  Interested in photo prints? Contact me! maureenblevins@yahoo.com

See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html

and visit my website: http://mauverneen.com

POSITIVELY FOR HISTORY BUFFS

 by Mauverneen

With a little editing, I can make my photos look the 'real' thing

First of all I apologize for not having a post last week. I completely forgot it was Tuesday! Having a holiday (Labor Day) on a Monday will do that. 

I had a fun and busy weekend. Did a wine walk with friends on Saturday and on Sunday I headed over to 'Military Days' in nearby Lockport. I try to go every year. The park is filled with encampments, vendors of military memorabilia, clothing, medals, books - you name it! And food. Lots and lots of food. And Entertainment. And mock battles, from the Civil War to WWII. All in all, an amazing living history lesson.

If you ever have something like this near you, I recommend checking it out. You might learn something and you might have fun. I certainly did!

Many different camps...

The participants spend the weekend in the encampments, living as they did back in that time.

Displays of the types of equipment that company/country used

Food Glorious Food

You can buy old uniforms

Mock battles - this one WWII

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

                                       However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!

  Interested in photo prints? Contact me! maureenblevins@yahoo.com

See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html

and visit my website: http://mauverneen.com

Positively ...

by Mauverneen 

  "Be joyful / though you have considered all the facts." Wendell Berry

I came across this line the other day - I don't remember where - but it intrigued me and I immediately thought 'Yes! The perfect thought for today's world.' And a good line to remember when things begin to pile up. We all have those seasons of comfort, when life is smooth and everything is hunky-dory, as my mom used to say, and then we have those seasons of grief and pain, when NOTHING goes right and everything hurts. 

"Be joyful / though you have considered all the facts." It doesn't mean to ignore the facts, to pretend the bad things aren't there, it means to keep a brave face, to try to look beyond the current discomfort, to try to keep a positive outlook. Some days, I'll admit, it's harder than others but it helps to have someone in your corner whispering encouragement in your ear. "Be joyful / though you have considered all the facts." 

Wendell Berry is an American novelist, poet, essayist, environmental activist, cultural critic, and farmer and may just be my new hero. He is the author of several books, which are now all on my to-read list. In fact, I may have to stop at the library on my way to the dentist for my two root canals. I know something to read will get me through the aftermath of watching my bank account balance go down and that the pain in my jaw is for my eventual good, and thank goodness the weather has cooled off since I have to live on soup for a few days. 

Those are the facts. But see? I'm practicing the joyful part.

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

                                       However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!

  Interested in photo prints? Contact me! maureenblevins@yahoo.com

See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html

and visit my website: http://mauverneen.com

 

Positively Hokusai

 by Mauverneen

Sometimes, when you can't get away, a day trip can almost feel like you've had a short vacation. 

Last week I met a friend at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL to see Hokusai and Ukiyo-E:The Floating World. Billed as a "multi-faceted exhibition experience" it did not disappoint. 

Hokusai is the artist who created "The Great Wave off Kanagawa," more commonly known as "The Great Wave." The first section of the exhibit delves into his life and works, and additional portions of the exhibit contain paintings and woodblock prints by the masters of ukiyo-e, including original works on loan from the Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art in Genoa, Italy.

I learned not just about the artist(s) but also a bit of Japanese history.

Moving through the separate rooms and exhibits takes one through a collection of works of local landmarks done in the ukiyo-e style by local artist Richard Lo, a life size street scene, a fun room of Manga and Anime history and backdrops, a kids area, where one can create Japanese inspired crafts and even a woodblock, some costumes used by Warner Brothers, an outdoor garden, and on weekends, Edo Eats - a taste of Japanese food. And of course a gift shop with all sorts of temptations.

My friend and I spent several hours there, immersed in the beautiful culture. Check the website for times, special rates, and all that good stuff. And if you go, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

                                       However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!

  Interested in photo prints? Contact me! maureenblevins@yahoo.com

See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html

and visit my website: http://mauverneen.com

Positively Poetry

 by Mauverneen

It's here! My new book. Titled Poetry and Pixels, it's a selection of my photography and my poetry. It took a while to put together. Picking out the photos was especially hard. Mostly because I have sooo many and secondly, I wanted something to fit the poem it accompanies. And I had to get several proofs before I was satisfied with the quality of the photos. At one point I realized I had the same photo in there twice. That would never do, so it was back to searching my files. 

I've never really considered myself a poet, but realized one day that I actually have written more poems than I thought. Truth be told, I don't really consider myself a writer, either. A photographer? Maybe, since I was rarely seen without my camera hanging around my neck. I was always stopping to take a picture of something or other - just ask my kids. It's easier now, with a camera phone, so I still stop to take lots of pictures. Of course, everyone these days has a camera phone so we all stop to take lots of pictures. And it's fun to share!

I like looking at other peoples' photos, especially ones from their travels around the globe. I like looking at old photos. I like going through art galleries and photography exhibits. AND I like reading. I like writing. I am just as awe stricken at a well written book as I am at an exceptionally good photo. I'm striving to be good at both of those endeavors. It's not easy, it takes work, but I would never discourage anyone who wants to, to not try. You owe it to yourself. 

Here's a couple of snippets. Hopefully, you'll want to see more! Have a Positively Poetic Day!

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

                                       However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!

  Interested in photo prints? Contact me! maureenblevins@yahoo.com

See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html

and visit my website: http://mauverneen.com

Positively Blogging

 by Mauverneen

Today is National Bloggers Day! Hooray for me and Kudos to all my fellow bloggers out there!

It's hard sometimes coming up with something to write about. A new idea. A good idea. ANY idea. 

Let me get another cup of coffee, maybe the muse will come sit in my chair while I'm up, maybe a UFO will land in my back yard, maybe someone sprinkled some magic pixie dust in that coffee and every sip will fill my head with new and voluminous inspiration. No such luck. Thinking is hard work sometimes. 

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

                                       However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!

  Interested in photo prints? Contact me! maureenblevins@yahoo.com

See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html

and visit my website: http://mauverneen.com

I KNOW That Bird!

Poetry And Pixels

Positively Tuesday

 by Mauverneen

It's Tuesday. No complaining. Find something nice to say. Bite your tongue.

It's Finally raining - At least it's not raining!

I did something fun today - what can I do that's fun today? 

Take a walk. Take a run. Take a hike. Take a nap.

Dream. Dream big. Plan a trip. Stay home and do nothing.

Read a book. Watch a movie. 

Start a project - finish a project. Admire your handiwork. Compliment someone's work.

Watch the birds. Watch the squirrels. Watch your neighbor's chickens. Any of those will bring a smile to your face. 

Call a friend. Write a letter. Snail mail someone a card. Happy birthday, get well, no reason.

Watch a sunrise. Watch a sunset. Lean back and just watch the clouds roll by.

Take some time for yourself. You deserve it. 

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

                                       However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!

  Interested in photo prints? Contact me! maureenblevins@yahoo.com

See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html

and visit my website: http://mauverneen.com

I KNOW That Bird!

Poetry And Pixels

 

Positively Raining

 by Mauverneen

Sunday I took my books, my notecards, and some photo prints to an art show. It rained. A wonderful friend loaned me a small tent for the day. Small but enough to cover my tables! And I had a big umbrella to keep myself dry. 

The rain kept people away no doubt, but the number of people who came to walk through the gardens and admire the art surprised me. Most everybody had umbrellas. The toddlers were adorable in their yellow slickers and yellow boots. I tried to find myself a yellow slicker a couple years ago and had no luck. Kids get all the fun stuff. 

It was a pleasant rain, not too hard, and no wind. It was nice to see people walking in the rain, enjoying the rain, enjoying life. 

Tonight it will be raining, not cats and dogs, just dogs - hot dogs! I'm going to a 'Weiner drop'. Hundreds of wrapped hot dogs are being dropped from a helicopter at the local Baseball stadium. Should be POSITIVELY fun!

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

                                       However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!

  Interested in photo prints? Contact me! maureenblevins@yahoo.com

See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html

and visit my website: http://mauverneen.com

Positively Saint Swithin

 by Mauverneen

Happy St. Swithin's Day! 

Who? You may well ask. We haven't heard too much about St. Swithin here in the states - if you've heard of him at all. He was the reverend bishop of Winchester in England (you may have heard of Winchester Cathedral) sometime during the Middle Ages.  

Saints are usually known for their miracles and good works, and although his reputation is of a kind man, dedicated to serving the needy, apparently the only miracle attributed to St. Swithin during his lifetime was the repair of a basket of broken eggs someone dropped. His notoriety came posthumously. Important people, like bishops, were often buried in tombs inside churches. Swithin requested to be buried outside however, "where the sweet rain of heaven may fall upon my grave". Legend has it that after his remains were moved indoors, there was a great storm and it rained for weeks.  

A tradition was born. Whatever the weather on this day, it will be so for the next 40.

"St Swithin's Day, if it does rain
Full forty days, it will remain
St Swithin's Day, if it be fair
For forty days, t'will rain no more"

No one takes it seriously, not these days anyway, and no statistics back it up, but it's a bit of fun to keep track to see how close the prediction might come. 

I keep thinking about those eggs though. What with the price of them these days, maybe we can somehow ask St. Swithin if he might like to be the patron saint of a new cause. 

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

                                       However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!

  Interested in photo prints? Contact me! maureenblevins@yahoo.com

See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html

and visit my website: http://mauverneen.com

Positively FUN

 by Mauverneen

Are we having fun yet? It's said Time Flies when you're having fun. So we must be, because time is flying. Have you noticed? Although the days are longer for a few months, they seem shorter. Not enough time. Not enough time. I read somewhere that over the next couple of months there are three days where the earth will spin faster. Why? And how do they know this? https://www.livescience.com

The Fourth of July was this past weekend. There were picnics and cookouts and pool parties and fireworks. Lots of fireworks. Fun. Not so fun for some.  

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Not just little girls, or young girls, but older 'girls'. Women. Women wanna have fun. Everybody wants to have fun. And we should. 

Everyone's idea of fun is different. Parachute out of a plane? Climb a mountain? No thanks. Hot air balloon ride? White water rafting? Yes please. And it can change. What you once thought was fun as a kid may not sound so fun now that you're an adult. But the memories? Ahh. They can bring a smile and we say "Boy, that was fun."

We all need a little fun. So give it some thought - but not too much - Find the time and go do something fun! 

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

                                       However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!

  Interested in photo prints? Contact me! maureenblevins@yahoo.com

See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html

and visit my website: http://mauverneen.com

Positively Tuesday Reboot

by Mauverneen

July already! July 1st, to be exact. The Half way point. I haven't posted here for about a year. I think it's time I restarted. I guess I needed the break, but it's time to start being positive again! At least on Tuesdays!

After a week or so of hideously humid weather, this morning was glorious! Look at that blue sky! It's such a pleasure to step outside and not break into a sweat, to be able to sit it the shade and revel in a cool breeze. 

Here's the deal: We all try to banish negative thoughts and words from our Tuesdays. I'll share some photos, stories, positive quotes to help get us through the day. I would appreciate it if you signed up for my Positively Tuesday blog. It only comes out on Tuesdays and I send you no other emails. Never. 

On Saturday I had the pleasure of being part of an author fair. Two of my cohorts from my writers group were also there. We had a fine time checking out the other authors and visiting with each other. Holly Coop, poet and Sue Mydliak, paranormal novelist.

Hope to see you here next Tuesday!