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Woody's August 2009 Blog began March 2007 ......................................................................... |
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Politics in Kansas (8/27): Good News: On my drive into KC on Monday, I heard the good news on KCUR. Dennis Moore (D - Wyandotte an Johnson County) announced, in Kawrence, Kansas, that he will be supporting the public option when Health Care comes up for a vote. Moore is a member of the Blue Dog caucus. Being a Democrat from a district with a lot of Republican voters he rides the fence on lots of issues. Knowing Dennis from my past years of Kansas politics (he was my congressman) - Thank You Dennis - I'm proud to hear of your support on this crucial issue. Strange News: Lynn Jenkins (R - Topeka) Stuck her foot in her mouth yesterday. "Republicans are struggling right now to find the great white hope," Jenkins said to the crowd in Hiawatha, Kansas. "I suggest to any of you who are concerned about that, who are Republican, there are some great young Republican minds in Washington." Jenkins is the newly elected congresswoman from Kansas 2nd District. It's difficult to believe that she did not realize what she was saying. An apology was issued by her office soon afterward. The cherrished "Foot in Mouth" award goes to Lynn Jenkins. |
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 Indian Market |
Indian Market Opens Today (8/22): It's an easy 50 mile drive up I-25 to Santa Fe for Indian Market. It's one of the best reasons to visit New Mexico. Until I retired from teaching - I was tied up with the start of the school year and could not get to Indian Market. Now - we never miss it. Since 1922, Santa Fe Indian Market has brought together the most gifted Native American artists from the U.S. with millions of visitors and collectors from around the world. The extended weekend of beauty and celebration ranks as the world's largest and most highly acclaimed Native American arts show. The event attracts an estimated 100,000 visitors to Santa Fe from all over the world. Officially it opens at 7 AM - but buyers line up in front of artist's booths to be able to purchase art from their favorite artists. Each year Frani and I "just go to look" while we walk around. 1,200 artists from about 100 tribes who show their work in over 600 booths - so we seldom get to see everything. Indian Market is an opportunity to buy directly from the artists. For many visitors, this is a rare opportunity to meet the artists and learn about contemporary Indian arts and cultures. We try to buy from dealers here in Albuquerque who often refer to the annual event as "Santa Fe Markup". It is the place to find quality - but don't go looking for a bargin. |
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| "Mack Daddy" Defined (8/20): Freedom of speech should have some limitations. I'm all in favor of political discourse so we can decide how to make decisions and proceed as a nation. But recently things have gotten quite twisted. I'm including a link to a ten minute rant by a minister out of Harlem - as an example. The video is being posted on gun advocate sites around the country. This man says he does not advocate violence - he says he is just warning us that "white people" are going to rise up and riot. Is this not "Shouting Fire in a Crowded Theater" ?  click on image to play video
Mack Daddy (a pimp) - A male of superior looks. A player of players. A romantic lady killer with many model looking girlfriends. I
included the definition in case you were not clear about the reference.
Has our political discussion gotten to this low a point ? Can't we do
better than this ? CLICK HERE to hear an interview with James David Manning.
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No Internet Connection (8/19): Presently, I'm waiting on someone from Comcast to come by and hook up a new cable modem. My service had gotten slower and slower - then it shut down. I made another service call to Comcast, they told me that the signal from my modem was very weak. I can't even publish this update to my blog until they get it fixed. Luck would have it, that I got the NMWS newsletter and some important e-mails off before it quit completely yesterday. We've become very dependent on the internet (way too much so). Without it we can't check our bank balances, transfer money, pay bills, connect with friends, see what's on at the movies, renew a library book, etc. How did we ever make it through the day without being connected to the web. We had to get off our fat butts and actually go out into the world and talk to people face to face. At first, I thought my i-mac needed more memory so it could handle more operations at the same time. I've got the 2 GB chip of extra memory - but I need to get on line for the instructions on how to install it. I thought perhaps my wireless system was going bad - but even bypassing the wireless modem did not help the situation. I tried turning the power off, I shut down the computer, re-booted the modems - nothing helped. Now I just wait on Comcast. The cable guy showed up are did a lot of work on the wires. It's good to be back in touch with the world. |
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 Over Our House |
Balloons and Watercolor in Albuquerque (8/17): Early October brings the 2009 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta (October 3rd to 11th). At the same time, the New Mexico Watercolor Society has invited Joyce Faulknor to conduct a week long watercolor workshop for our members. The watercolor workshop runs Mon through Fri from October 5th through 9th. Come to Albuquerque - take a wonderful watercolor workshop and take it the balloons in the early mornings and the evenings. Those balloon evening glows are quite an experience. Cost of the week long watercolor workshop is only $200 plus an extra $40 if you include membership in the NMWS. Join in October and your membership is good through 2010. Besides learning from a great instructor, you will learn from the other students taking the workshop. The NMWS always has our jurors teach a workshop for members at a reasonable fee. Joyce Faulknor juried our Fall exhibition which will open on Friday, October 9th at the Fine Arts Building at EXPO (New Mexico Fairgrounds). For information about the Joyce Faulknor watercolor workshop check the web: http://www.nmwatercolorsociety.org/FaulknorWorkshopRegistration.pdf or contact Donna Dionne ddionne41@comcast.net or 505-873-4229. A deposit of $100 will hold your place in the workshop with the balance when the workshop begins. What a fun week - Balloons and Watercolor - now that's a perfect mix. |
 Painting Crystal |
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 Green Chili Cheeseburger |
Only In New Mexico (8/16): I love really do my Green Chili and even take some on the road when I'm leaving the New Mexico. Yesterday's Albuquerque paper pointed out that researchers have developed a super-flavored green chili. It's suppose to have five times the flavor of chilies grown today. I can't wait to bite into that one. They are currently raising money for an endowed chair of chili pepper research - only in New Mexico would this happen. Also, the state tourism department is starting online voting to determine where the best green chili cheeseburgers can be found. Now that's the best use of my tax dollars by far. I'm going to cast my vote for the Picuris Pueblo Museum and Visitor's Center - if their cafe is still open - they have a wonderfully thick green chili cheeseburger wrapped in a fresh piece of indian fry bread. It's to die for. If they are not still serving then I'd vote for the Pueblo Harvest Cafe in the remodeled Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque. Website voting begins on September 1st and runs through the 30th, 2009. |
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 Sculpture in Albuquerque |
Blossom Packed Up to Travel (8/14): I just finished packing up Blossom, (the painting) she is ready to be shipped to the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson, Mississippi. They want it to arrive no earlier than September 1st , and no later than September 4th. That means I'll have to carry it into Kansas City and ship it from there. Neither FedEx nor UPS have a way of delaying delivery so a package arrives within a certain time frame.  |
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| Property Tax Law Ruling: One of the benefits of buying our home in New Mexico was that the property taxes on our new home would not rise more than 3 % each year. The law limiting increases was passed in 2001. I believe it is a good and decent approach to protect home owners from excessive increases in their tax bills. That may change after the recent ruling by District Court Judge Theresa Baca saying that part of the law is unconstitutional. When someone buys an existing home their taxes are set at the prevailing market value of the house - then they too get locked in at the 3 % limit as long as they live in the house. Yes that means they pay more than the previous owners who were protected from excessive increases but they get the benefit of protection as long as they stay in that house. This tax increase protection is very important, the county I moved from back in Kansas built a NASCAR Race Track and lots of businesses soon moved into the area of the race track. Business growth was fantastic - except that property values in the county shot up. That was great if you were selling your home - but if you stayed your property taxes increased every year. Some older residents who could not or would not move saw taxes on their homes go up 50% or more in a single year. In New Mexico, current law keeps this from happening. I hope the legislature finds a way to keep the current law in place - not just for older folks on limited income, like us, but also for young home buyers moving into their first home. Some stability in tax rates is important for a stable growing community. |
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Timothy Artist Painting Masks at Home in Kansas |
O'Keeffe On Film (8/13): My September issue of New Mexico Magazine came today reminding me that a new made for TV movie on Georgia O'Keeffe will air soon. September 19th is the premiere date on Lifetime Television. "Georgia O’Keeffe revisits the turbulent, 20-year relationship of O’Keeffe (Joan Allen) and her husband, legendary photographer Alfred Stieglitz (Jeremy Irons). The film explores their complex interdependence, in which O’Keeffe struggled to accommodate Stieglitz’s powerful persona while trying to establish an independent artistic path of her own. As O’Keeffe’s fame grew, she increasingly needed new inspiration for her work and in 1929 she began spending part of the year working in New Mexico, which became her permanent home in 1949. There she began to reshape her image into the one we are so familiar with today." source: http://www.artknowledgenews.com
"While Georgia O’Keeffe will have its
television premiere on Lifetime Movie Channel in September, the Georgia
O’Keeffe Museum announced that the film will have its
“live” premiere in Santa Fe, New Mexico on Friday, August
28, complete with red carpet, strobe lights, and stars! The Lensic
Performing Arts Center will be the site of the premiere, and Joan Allen
will be on hand to help the Museum celebrate. In addition to attending
the film’s opening, Ms. Allen will attend an exclusive cocktail
reception at the Museum for high-end ticketholders ($100) before the
film is shown. (Plus an auction of the film props - open first to ticketholders attending the early reception with Ms. Allen) Another reception will be held for the rest of the audience ($20) after the film. "
 Allen As O'Keeffe |
Tiffanie Artist Painting Masks at Home in Kansas |
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 Ready for Mississippi |
Watercolor Entries (8/12): I decided which three watercolors I'm going to enter into the upcoming NMWS Fall Exhibition. I'm sending one landscape, one of poppies and one of my grand daughter Tiffanie holding her dolls. Joyce Faulknor is our juror this fall. She will also be giving a week long workshop in October. I wanted to take the workshop but, I'm headed for Mississippi for the opening of the Mississippi Watercolor Society Grand National Watercolor Exhibition. The exhibit will be at Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson, Mississippi from October 3rd, 2009 through January 3rd, 2010. We plan to attend the opening reception on Sunday, October 4th. CLICK BELOW TO SEE
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 Matthew Monks |
Memories (8/11): Years ago, back in KC, my dear friend and Mentor - Matthew Monks told me that if I wanted to sell paintings then I should paint children an dogs. I recently remembered Matthew's words after my painting of Blossom got into the national exhibition in Mississippi. Matthew was correct about a lot of things. I'm always able to get watercolors of the grandkids into juried shows, and they often sell. I found these photos of Matthew on trumanlibrary.org Goggle can find things even from the 70's as more and more libraries begin to put their archives on line. Today, our docent team is on duty at the museum. We don't have a scheduled tour but we are expected to be on duty in case anyone wants our help. Often I just wander the museum and talk to visitors about the exhibits. It's interesting to find out where they are from and what their impressions of New Mexico are. Matthew Monks at Truman Home in Independence, Missouri >>>
<<< Matthew Monks sketching the White House |
 Matthew Monks |
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 Blossom listens to the news that her painting is going to Mississippi |
New Docents (8/10): Today was the "Welcome Back Tea" for docents at the Albuquerque Museum. More importantly, it was an introduction to our gallery docent program to prospective docents wanting to join our program. This year will be history training for new gallery docents. The second year of training will be in art. It's an intensive training program - but well worth the effort. As I've said before - it's like going back to college but without: tests, papers, grades, and you don't even have to take notes. Our training runs September through May. The first day of training this year begins on Monday, September 14th.  Monday, August 10th, 2009 |
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| Back Home From Taos (8/9): It's only 125 miles from our house in, Albuquerque, to Taos. That's sure an easier drive than the 800 miles I use to travel from Kansas City. After dropping Blossom off at her B & B - Frani and I had breakfast and did some shopping in Santa Fe on the way to Taos. Of course we got to Taos with time to do more shopping on the square in Taos. We drove to Taos for the opening at the Millicent Rogers. The watercolor exhibition at the Millicent Rogers Museum was exceptional as it was last year. This is a wonderful venue to showcase watercolors. This is becoming a true "national" watercolor show - with work from all parts of the country. I'm quite pleased to have my work hung along side so many quality painters. There were a handful of other New Mexico artists selected for the show as well.This is the third year I've been in the Taos National Exhibition of American Watercolor so I've earned signature status. Before leaving Taos this morning, for Santa Fe, we did a bit more shopping at a crafts fair they had in the square. I also shot a few pics in the early morning light. I love to paint cast shadows and the narrow streets of Taos always gives me ideas for paintings. In Santa Fe, we took in the "Mountain Man Rendezvous" behind the Palace of the Governors - more pics of costumed people that may end up in my watercolors. I plan my trips to Santa Fe on Sundays because New Mexico residents get free admission to museums on Sundays. And, I wanted to see the brand new New Mexico History Museum. This new museum is a real jewel. The state has a right to be proud of this wonderful building. The displays and artifacts are something you do not want to miss. Yes, we stopped for a Green Chili Cheeseburger at "Bert's Burger Bowl" before heading home. I'd heard about it on the food channel's program "Diners, Drive-in's and Dives". Bert's Burger Bowl is definitely a "Dive" - the burger was OK but I doubt I'll be recommend the place to any of my friends. |
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 Blossom's B & B |
Driving to Taos (8/8): We are leaving Blossom at her usual Doggie Bed and Breakfast for the weekend while we head up to Taos, New Mexico. Blossom is a frequent guest at Zoey's. She will get a brush and bath, on Monday, before we pick her up. We plan stops in Santa Fe going to and returning from Taos. We want to test out "Bert's Burger Bowl" for it's famous Green Chili Cheese Burger. I heard about it on the food channel's program "Diners, Drive-in's and Dives". You can watch all their broadcasts on the web. Of course, the real reason we are going to Taos - is for a watercolor opening at the Millicent Rogers Museum. Saturday is the opening of the Taos National Exhibition of American Watercolor XIII . This is the third year that I've had a painting accepted into this prestigious exhibition in Taos. Each time it's been a watercolor I've done of the grandkids. This year it's a painting of Tiffanie and Timothy at the zoo. The Millicent Rogers is a jewel of museums, and having a watercolor hang there is a real honor. On the way back from Taos, I hope to finally visit the recently opened History of New Mexico Museum in Santa Fe. It's directly behind the Palace of the Governor's where the collection use to be displayed. It's free to New Mexico residents on Sundays which fits right into our retirement budget. Also, a stop at the Tesuque Pueblo Flee Market might be in order since we are driving right past there. |
 "At The Zoo" |
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Photographing Watercolors (8/7): While I'm painting with my friends at the Unitarian Church, this morning, I'll be taking digital pics of other peoples watercolors. They need the digital images in order to enter the NMWS Fall Exhibition. The entry deadline is August 14th. The prospectus is online at: http://www.nmwatercolorsociety.org/Fall2009Prospectus.pdf The Fall Exhibition will be at the Fine Arts Building at Expo New Mexico (the state fair grounds) here in Albuquerque. The work will be on display from October 10th to the 31st, 2009 - Thursdays - Sundays 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Opening Reception is on Friday, October 9th, from 6:00-8:00 PM. Our Juror/Judge Joyce Faulknor will be conducting a week long watercolor workshop (M - F) October 5th - 9th. Joyce recently published her book "Stunning Crystal and Glass" (North Light Books) which is reaching aspiring artists worldwide. You should really consider taking this workshop in October. It is a fantastic opportunity and very affordable. Participants must be members of the New Mexico Watercolor Society. Cost of the workshop is $235 (and if joining the NMWS, an additional $40 for membership thru 2010). A deposit of $100 (made out to NMWS) is required when registering and the balance of $135 is due on the first day of class (October 5, 2009). A registration form is available online by CLICKING HERE. |
 Blossom with Destroyed Toy |
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 Dialogue vs The Mob  |
Angry Mobs or Civil Discourse ? (8/6): The choice is ours: A major reason I visited Senator Bingaman's office on Tuesday was to calmly voice my concerns on health care legislation. I find the mob mentality very scary. You may have seen them on the news, an angry mob in Texas carrying fake tombstones with Rep. Lloyd Doggett's name on it. Signs with an "SS" symbol on it calling Obama a Nazi. A cardboard version of Rep. Frank Kratovil hanged in effigy outside his district office by "Teabaggers" in Maryland. The Right-Wing Scream Machine is back. Who are they? So-called "Birthers" who think President Obama's birth certificate is a fake. "Teabaggers" who don't want to pay taxes for schools, police, or roads. And they're backed up by insurance industry and right-wing funded front groups who are encouraging Republicans to disrupt healthcare townhalls anyway they can throughout August. Their goal isn't to debate or get their voices heard. Their goal is to stop any kind of civil dialogue. That's not how we should be enacting thoughtful reform. It's important that we aren't drawn into these divisive tactics and discredit our broad-based bipartisan support for real reform. And it's up to us to make sure they don't drown out America's support for the choice of a public healthcare option. Vist your elected representatives, write thoughtful well worded letters - show a real contrast to the crazies out there. Hopefully, the wrong headed tactics they employ will implode to be seen for what it is. The public will see it for what it is and reject them. It's going to be a long, hot August. But we're going to keep our cool and represent the 76% of Americans who support one of President Obama's top priorities -- a public health insurance option. Much of the wording above is from an e-mail from Democracy for America. |
 Links to Watercolor Society Websites CLICK HERE listings supplied by the Ohio Watercolor Society |
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 Stanley Allen present metal to Tuskegee Airman John Allen |
Talking Health Care (8/5): Yesterday, I drove downtown to Senator Bingaman's office to personally voice my concerns about health care legislation. I visited with Stanley Allen, one of the senator's staff. I thought a personal visit would have more impact than a letter or an e-mail. I'm of course an advocate of a single payer plan - but that's not on the table. I understand why Obama is urging his hybrid plan of traditional insurance plus a government option. I just wanted the senator to know that there were normal, well mannered, level headed constituents out here who support Obama's concepts. The senator's office already gets more than their share of phone calls and demonstrations from the crazies - many being bused in. I volunteered to visit Senator Jeff Bingaman's office as part of a concerted but gentle effort to get decent health care legislation to the Senate floor. Bingaman is on the Senate Finance committee where rumors have it that important points are about to be dropped from the legislation. He also serves on the "Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee". I'm not in the least bit worried about where the senator stands on changing health care - he just needs to know that there are voters out here behind him. You can even listen to Senator Bingaman's views on You Tube. <<< I goggled and found this photo of John Allen, a Tuskegee Airman, receiving a Congressional Gold Medal of Honor presented by Stanley Allen, of the Albuquerque office of New Mexico Senator Jeff Bingaman. That's another topic Stanley Allen and I talked about - the poor teaching of history in America. How many school children ever hear of the Tuskegee Airmen or of Andrew Jackson's forced removal of the Cherokee from their native lands. Mr. Allen and I both have a bit of Cherokee blood in our veins. Those Cherokee's really got around a lot.
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Complements Always Welcome: Lynn Schmidt, an art teacher in Alabama sent me this message: "I am from Alabama and on the board as their technology chair. I am supposed to redesign their website. So in doing my research I realized that all of the "Art Ed" websites stink. LOL. anyway NOT yours I am happy to say there is one art educator whose taste in not just in his mouth....YOU. Thanks for renewing my faith in art education in our country." Have a great day,
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A Man and His Dog  Woody and Blossom Relaxing |
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 Cheesecake Squares |
Watercolor Show (8/3): Yesterday, was the opening of our watercolor exhibit at the Jewish Community Center. We had a nice turn out and the art looked especially good. There were plenty of things to eat as well. Frani's Cheesecake Squares went over as usual. We even had wine for the artists, patrons and visitors. This was a non-juried show so any NMWS member could exhibit the paintings of their choice.  Watercolor Opening Refreshments |
 Music to Enjoy Art By |
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 Watercolors Get A Critique |
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 WW II Poster |
Woody's Soap Box (8/2): On August 1st - The Post 9/11 GI Bill went into effect. This is major progress , and it's about time. With this legislation - most veterans can get financial support for education and housing if they have at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. This even applies to National guard members who served 90 days in the war zone. After WW II, hundreds of thousands of returning service members were able to attend college at government expense. They got a good education and hundreds of thousands of families moved into the middle class. They bought houses in new neighborhoods and purchased cars - the entire economy benefited from that GI Bill. It should give families and our entire economy a real boost. My Mentor, Matthew Monks, went to school on the GI Bill. He and thousands of other returning vets gained an education on government expense. I believe the new Post 9/11 GI Bill is a major piece of legislation. This is one improvement that congress should be congratulated for. I've put some links below about the new GI Bill: http://www.gibill.va.gov/
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2009/02/16/gibill http://www.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/new-gi-bill-overview What's Next ? Why not free college for everyone ? I would sure be in favor of that. New Mexico pays full tuition, to state colleges, to any graduate of a New Mexico High School. It's paid for through proceeds from the lottery. Imagine what it would do if we gave everyone who wanted a higher education a chance to get one. Wouldn't that be a major step toward eliminating poverty in the US ? |
Learn to Back it up Damn it !!  I lost my address book again today My last back up was in May When will I ever learn ? |
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 Friend Painting on Friday |
Back to Painting at Last (8/01): It's hard to believe that I waited six weeks to get back to working on my watercolors. I finished the one on the right this morning while painting with friends at the Unitarian Church. We get together on Fridays to paint together and critique each others work. I started this painting while up in Taos in mid June and waited till today to get in out again. I'm not too sure about this particular watercolor. It's a bit of an unusual approach for me. The splotches on the adobe surface of the church are cast shadows from trees outside the area depicted in my composition. I know that but it's not readily apparent. Perhaps I should have shown a branch peeking into the picture frame. <<< Fran Painting (not my wife): When Fran finished her watercolor, I photographed it for entry into the NMWS Fall Exhibition. The deadline to enter is August 14th - you can obtain a prospectus at: http://www.nmwatercolorsociety.org/Fall2009Prospectus.pdf
I'll be shooting pics of paintings (for digital entries) at the Unitarian Church, next Friday - August 7th for anyone who is not comfortable photographing their own entries.
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 Ranchos Painter |
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 Alternate Spaces |
Watercolor Exhibit Opening Tomorrow: Members of the New Mexico Watercolor Society hung an exhibit at the Jewish Community Center off Wyoming last Thursday. The opening is tomorrow (Sunday) from 2 to 4 PM. This is another one of the NMWS Alternate Spaces exhibits. Any member can hang and the work is not juried. There will be treats at our opening Sunday. Frani is fixing her fantastic Cheesecake Squares for the opening. Art openings must have artistic foods as well as the art on display. Our daughter-in law should get credit for the recipe - that's where we first got it. Western Federation of Watercolor Societies: WFWS now has a website. I designed the site and will maintain it for the society. Our next annual juried exhibit will be in Salt Lake City (May 2010). The web address (URL) is http://www.wfws.org/ You must be a member of one of the eleven local watercolor societies in order to enter this annual juried exhibition. You may enter "only" through the delegate for your local society. Entry deadline is Nov 15, 2009. A contact list of all local delegates is listed at: http://www.wfws.org/Delegate.html I'm the delegate taking entries for the NMWS. We will host the exhibit in New Mexico in May of 2011. Utah Watercolor Society is hosting in 2010. The San Diego Watercolor Society hosted the 2009 exhibition. With well over 1000 entries from all over the west - this is a tough show to get accepted into. But, it's a feather in your cap to be selected. I got a watercolor into the exhibit in 2007 when Colorado hosted. |
 JCC Exhibit |
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