Home Sweet Home

I am back after being away from home for over two months. The reason for my absence is that my mother was having some problems and I went to Michigan to find out what was going on. It turns out it was a brain tumor, a glioblastoma multiforme, or GBM for short. A few months ago I could not have pronounced glioblastoma multiforme, but now it flows out of my mouth quite fluently, along with prescription names such as decadron, dilantin , temodar, and zofran.
It is the same brian cancer that Ted Kennedy has. Suddenly I have entered the dreaded "C" world. I have been reading numerous books , changed my mothers diet, joined yahoo groups for support and have questioned doctors numerous times already since her Feb. 9th diagnose. If I would have listened to one of them my mother would be very ill right now. I am quickly learning one must be very educated on your illness and fight in order to stay alive. I hate to think that some people have to go it alone when they are ill.
I thank all of those that emailed and sent prayers my mothers way. I truly think they helped because she is doing well despite, surgery to remove the tumor( they took 95% out), chemo wafers being put into her brain, 6 weeks of radiation, and 5 weeks of a chemo treatment of temodar, which thankfully is a pill not a drip medication. She also had 6 weeks of Occupational therapy, Physical therapy, and visits from an RN weekly. The therapy she received in their home...and the women that came where wonderful and very helpful.
She is a brave woman and is taking on this illness with a positive spirit.
I have been home a week and once I get my parents situated, and get acclimated back in my home I will be posted some of my new art. As always my emotions of what is happening in my life shine through, and some of the pieces I have recently done relate to what I have experience in the past few months.
I have only done about 4 paintings since I left, I have had no time, so I think once I start that you should see an explosion on work emerge from me. I have missed my outlet.
Peace ~

WON'T Be BLOGGING FOR A WHILE

Due to a family emergency I will not be posting my art or blogging for a while. I hope to be back soon. Thank you for following my blog, as soon as I can I will be back posting.
Please say a for my mother who is going through a very difficult time right now. Thank you.

Peace

Fleeing #88 Peace of art a day

Fleeing

about 8" x 8" on textured wood
acrylic

#88

Civilization is advanced enough to go to the moon, invent the internet, cure diseases....YET we still haven't figured out how to invent PEACE.
Hmmmm.....guess we really aren't that civilized after all.
How would you invent peace?

Love and "untitled" Peace of art a day #86 & #87

"Love "

acrylic on textured wood

about 8" x 8"

#87

#86

"untitled"

acrylic on textured wood

about 8" x 8"

Both of these are available for $40 a piece

"Nothing can bring you peace but yourself; nothing, but the triumph of principles. "

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time; the need for mankind to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Mankind must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love."

— Martin Luther King, December 11, 1964

Reach for Light "Peace of art a day" #85

Reach for light

Mini/aceo art

ink

#85

To read some poetry for peace , check out this site I stumbled upon....peacepoem.net

Peace for Gaza "Peace of Art a Day" Project....Studio's ready and I am back!

"Peace for Gaza"

#84

acrylic on wood board
This is the first painting done in my new basement studio....which took much longer to get set up than I thought it would~
I knew for days what my first painting would be about...the people of Gaza are suffering and the there have been protests throughout the world, yet Israel continues in their slaughter.
What Israel is doing to the people of Gaza right now is monstrous! And the fact that my country does not stand up to Israel but instead actually supports them in this act of terror sickens me. I just can hope that next week when Obama gets into office as our next President he will speak out for Peace in Gaza. Gaza's population is 50% children...and many innocent citizens many of which are children are being killed.....why? Is this how Israel thinks peace will be reached? I know if someone bombed my community and killed many of our children or my own ...I would just fight more...all they are doing is spreading the hate.
The United States gives billions of dollars of your/our tax dollars to Israel...so in a sense my money/your money bought the weapons that are killing the children of Gaza...how does that make you feel? I feel like giving the tax man the finger and saying "NO MORE" ...I want my taxes to go to good things...how about schools, roads, health care...etc...and for PEACE programs...and humanitarian aid.
How much money does Israel get from the US?

Peaceful Meditation #83 "Peace of Art a day" Project

"Peaceful Meditaion"

mini.. aceo ink #83
My time is very limited and I would love to have some quiet time to meditate and reflect daily, but it seems I rarely have the time. So this morning, before my son awoke, I took just 10 minutes and I sat and looked out at the mountains....and just relaxed. I am not really sure how to meditate. But my goal first is to just fine the time to just be still and let myself relax .
And you know ....I did have a peaceful day (:

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”
Buddha quote

The Peace of Buddha #82 "Peace of Art a day "

"Peace of Buddha"

mini aceo -ink # 82
I have been learning more about the other religions of the world lately. It amazes me that they teach different languages in High School, Spanish , German, maybe Chinese now -a -days. They also teach....well not much....geography. I can honestly say my knowledge of geography came from my own curiosity and learning . But one thing lacking is the knowledge of religions.

Our country seems to fear children learning about other religions...as though if will have them all running off and joining these other religions. Look at what is happening in the world today, religion plays a huge role in the wars of today as they have throughout history, but what do most people know of these other religions? Not much ....but I for one want to know, what exactly does a Buddhist believe, who was Buddha, How does Judaism differ from Christianity, what does a Hindu believe, What is the religion of Islam and more. This year I am going to learn more about my own faith as a Christian and explore what the other religions of this ever shrinking planet believe. I think in order to have peace in the world we must understand one another, and understanding our basic belief systems based on religion is a good place to start.

I watched an interesting video on YouTube yesterday about Buddhism... Here's the link if you would like to watch it...it's an hour long. It was very interesting, I also ordered a book on bookmooch about the Buddha yesterday.

I did the small paintings above after watching the video. As soon as my studio is done I will be painting again and working on my wood sculpture.

Peace ~

This is a piece I did a couple of years ago after cutting up all our credit cards...I thought , hey , these are colorful so I made art to remind us of why we cut them up. We were motivated to cut them up and change our spending habits by Dave Ramsey. He offers life-changing financial advice as host of the nationally syndicated radio program, The Dave Ramsey Show, heard by nearly 3 million listeners each week on more than 375 radio stations throughout the United States. The 3-hour live radio talk show focuses on life, love, and relationships, and how they happen to revolve around money.

I thought it was a good time to post this piece of work, since it is the New Year and maybe you have decided that this is the year to get out of debt.

If you are a couple, it is good for both of you to read the book separately and use it as a way to discuss money. Anyone in a relationship or that has ever been knows how sometimes discussing money issues are difficult.

This New Year we celebrated the end of our credit card debt. We just paid off the last of them just days ago! It feels good not to owe any credit card agency...and we never will again! Now we do have some other debt, but now we will be working on them, until all we have is our mortgage.

Now the quotes on my art are:

"Wealth quickly gotten dwindles away, but amassed little by little it grows." Proverbs 13:11

"...the borrower is servant to the lender" Proverbs 22:7

"Possessions gained hastily at the outset, will in the end not be blessed" Proverbs

and " CUt them up and Have PEACE" quote by me.(:

Up at the top on the devil it says..." you have been Pre-Approved!"

The hand in the right hand corner is releasing the Visa..with a bird on it. I theme you will see in a lot of my work...with the message to let it go...and move on.

Money problems as you can see from the quotes are not a new thing...these came from the Bible.

Now many people think, " well I need my credit card, how can I shop online, or while traveling , or for renting a car....etc..." well, if you just get yourself a debit card, you can still do all those things, and you are spending the money you have.... not betting on the fact that you will have money later to pay for it all. It is just like betting in this economy ...when your job might be one that could be cut .

When you don't owe money there is a freedom that comes over you. You have more peace knowing that you aren't working and always getting behind,,,you finally feel like you are in the race and can win.

All we purchased was two of Dave Ramsey's books , but there are other tools he sells as well, but they are not necessary .

Good Luck...hope you find financial peace this year~

The Dave Ramsey Show

Listen to Dave Ramsey on the Radio or your computer

Read his columns

A Happy New Year to you all!

"I've got Peace on my lips"

5" x 7" charcoal on canvas board

#81

I will be back tomorrow posting art...I have enjoyed my respite from it for a bit. Christmas was wonderful ...I had the most beautiful tree this year, cookies were made, candies, presents and lots of great meals. I think with the peace of art a day I may have to add for my own benefit, exercise daily, after all the sweets and good eats.

I spent yesterday reflecting on the past year, I wrote down in a journal all the good things that happened in my life last year. I then started thinking of the things I would like for this year. Many are personal goals but I can share a few....one is , of course continue on with my "peace " art. ....to be more grateful for the wonderful things in my life....to exercise more (:, .....to cross country ski more ( of course we have to get more snow for this one to happen)..... to organize my home ....and lots more!

My studio is almost finished, we put a coat of paint on the walls tonight....so tomorrow I will be organizing my studio , and should be able to be painting in it by tomorrow evening! I am so much looking forward to having a place for everything.

I hope that this year brings peace to you all in your lives and throughout the world. We that want peace have a lot of work to do in the next year. I am looking forward to working with my fellow Etsy PeaceNiks in getting some things done...(:

I have not Given up....just taking a Holiday Break

.............I will be back at my "Peace Project " after the 1st of the Year. We are still finishing up the drywall in my new studio basement space...so things are torn up right now.
PLUS...with a four year old....I am trying to make this a very special Christmas for him, been busy getting candies, cookies and packages sent. Putting up our tree tonight and transforming our home into a Christmas Cabin.
I hope you all have a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS and /or HANUKKAH !

Celebrate Peace "peace of art a day Project"

Number 80

"Celebrate Peace"

Number 81

"Gotta have it"

Some quotes to think about:

"I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent." -- Mohandas K. Gandhi

"Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime"
Ernest Hemingway

Have a peaceful day!

Candlelight Vigil Mumbia Victims

Number 79

"Child vigil for Mumbia victims"

This painting was inspired by a photo I saw of children holding a candle light vigil for the victims of the Mumbia attack. How can we have peace when so many still hold enough hate in their hearts that they would plan and act upon such a horrible act?

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. " MLK

I can just hope the the people of India do not respond to this hate with hate.

This small watercolor painting ( 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" ) is up for auction on Ebay. 50% of the sale will go to a peace organization...Operation Shanti

about this nonprofit:
To directly improve the lives of exploited, at-risk, destitute children and the forgotten, suffering elderly, enabling them to become "beacons of light" and share the same gifts of peace, goodwill, and generosity with others for the rest of their lifetimes. We help the poorest and neediest children and elderly, and the forgotten destitute, with the basic human needs: food, shelter, medical services and educational assistance.

See the auction here...starting at $10

Mini Peace Art "Peace of Art a Day "

"peace in your heart"

number 73

"Jdimytai Damour"

This is the man who died in the name of consumerism at Wal-mart on Black Friday. Unreal...I am still shocked that this happened. Is any THING ....worth a mans life?

""Anything that you cannot relinquish when it has outlived its usefulness possesses you, and in this materialistic age a great many of us are possessed by our possessions. We are not free." The Peace Pilgrim

Number 74

"Peace, love and Change"

CLICK TITLE to go to auction for this mini (2 1/2" x 3 1/2" ) painting...starting at $10.....50% of the sale will go to Oxfam America.
Forty percent of the people on our planet now live in poverty, struggling to survive on less than $2 a day. Oxfam America is an international relief and development organization working to change that. Together with individuals and local groups in more than 120 countries, Oxfam saves lives, helps people overcome poverty, and fights for social justice.

number 75

"The boy who cared"

Please take a moment to hear what this sweet child requested as his last wish. He inspired me to contact our local homeless shelter to help.

number 76

number 77

"Peace Eyes"

Number 78



I am in the middle of setting up a real studio for myself in my basement. I have been working for years all over the house, living room, kitchen, dining room table, but since starting the peace of art a day project, I have accumulated a lot of art around my house so ...it's time for a studio. Right now I have moved my painted , wood, etc... to my new space, but there it sits pretty unorganized at the moment, so until I get it all set up and can work again, I will be doing some watercolor art...large and minis, since I can still do those and not make too much of a mess. I have gotten behind too with my art a day, but once I am set up I have no doubt I can make up for it.







If you purchase any of my art through December I will be donating 25% of each sale to our local homeless shelter. Times are tough right now, we all need to reach out and help one another.











All the art posted here today are 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" on 110lb paper done in watercolor.

Marcelo Lucero ..."peace art" Number 72

"Marcelo Lucero"

Marcelo Lucero is shown here in this painting celebrating his birthday...the day we celebrate life. The women behind him celebrate his life in remembrance. He died November 8th at the hands of 7 men who took his life because he was Hispanic.

We need to change...we can not continue to spout out hate, and not see the consequences. Our country has always been made up of immigrants and that is one thing that makes our country so

great is that we are made up of many nations, and races.

To read about what happened in this hateful crime

HOPE "peace of art a day" number 71

"Hold On to HOPE"

scrap wood free standing sculpture

13" x 5"

Hope: Hope is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life. Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.

I don't know about you but right now I am holding on tight to hope...hope for my family, friends , and neighbors that things get better for them soon. People in my family have lost a homes , several their jobs, businesses have been lost and yet we are still moving on. We along with many in the nation got behind in our mortgage not long ago...we have caught up now and things are looking better. But I have friends worrying everyday whether or not they will have a job next week or if they will have enough to pay their bills. Is everyone else feeling this?

We need to hang on to hope. Easy to say , but oh so hard to do especially when you are worried about making the mortgage , putting gas in your car or putting food on your table. But we need to try to think positively that things will get better. In the mean time, if you know someone that has lost a job, a house, or a business ...help them out, if you can.

And with the holidays coming, if you can.... drop some food at your local food bank, or toys at your Church or community center. There will probably be a lot less giving this season...since so many have so little to give...but even if it is one thing, a lot of little things add up to one big thing.

Let's just all hold on tight to hope together and try to weather this economic tsunmi that has hit our country.