Greece is....

Ancient

Word association.

A word game often played by an exchange of words that are associated together.

Todays word is Greece

What is the first word that comes to your mind?

Colossal
Mythology
Art and Architecture

Olympics
Culture
Philosophers

Democracy and Mathematics

Temples
Acropolis

Zeus
Athena
Parthenon

Togas!

Yes, Greece can trigger a plethora of associations.

And a paradise of images.

Simple Living

To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life.

~John Burroughs

A Session with Emily

Plans to head to the barn early on a recent Saturday for a 10am photo session and an afternoon ride was thwarted by a steady rain which started the night before and continued through the morning.

Remaining hopeful, we decided to delay the shoot for a couple of hours and keep our fingers crossed.

Emily’s big photo shoot at the barn was her first one ever.

When I got there, she was very excited!!! (I guess many things are exciting to a Jack Russell Terrier!)

Yes, Emily is a very sweet and very active Jack. She was passing through New Jersey visiting family on her way to her winter residence in South Carolina.

The barn environment is new for Emily, so you can imagine all the fun things to do and explore here.

There are haylofts to check out, barn cats to chase, open spaces to play and of course showing off her athletic abilities!

After a while, our intentions were answered and the weather cleared.

Surprisingly, Emily really seemed to enjoy her photo shoot.

From classic posing (making sure we get her best side), to listening for her directions, Emily was a true professional through and through!

She was even brave enough to get up close and personal with a very large and a little intimidating horse.

She kept her composure (assuring not to make any eye contact what so ever), and played her role of “barn dog” very well – (Even though “Oz”, our stand in horse, didn’t know how to respect Emily’s personal space – geez!).

All in all, Emily’s demanding photo shoot was quite a success.

Her favorite part of it all was posing with her BFF and constant companion! Yes, it’s all about being loved, wanted and quite admired – oh and cuteness is certainly a plus too!

Thanks Emily.

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Tour of Art

"The Bench"

This weekend set off the third "Tour of Art" in downtown Newton, NJ.

The tour represents artists exhibiting their work amongst the various shops and restaurants along the Main street.

The push is to revitalize the area and to make it an
arts destination.

Attracting art and patrons to the businesses of Newton is a win - win situation for all.
As people come to tour the represented artist:

shops and restaurants can introduce themselves to the public and entice a growing interest.

"Open Window"

Scenes from Poland is a series I have on display at the Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council's Main Street Gallery as part of the tour.

Some 26 sh0p's dotting the business center will feature art of all media, from paintings, to furniture, and of course photography.

"A Celebration"

Most art will remain on display through September 19!

"Walking Home"

Visit http://www.scahc.org/ for more information.

Scapes

This coming weekend at the Arts & Heritage Gallery located in Newton, New Jersey, is the latest exhibit titled Scapes.

Included in the show are all mediums of art including: Oils, acrylics, mixed media, sculpture and photography. The concept of the Scapes Exhibit is to depict a scene, or view of land, sea, city or mind scapes!

Know Hope is my contribution to the show, depicting a sea scape along the Mediterranean on a beach in Tel Aviv. Vivid colors, strong shapes, panoramic scenery and a simple message to all that pass.

Know Hope.

What better place to be reminded of this than the Middle East. Israel has seen conflict from the beginning of time - but through all of this our human condition will still believe, long and express a desire for Hope.

On view until October 3, 2009. www.scahc.org

Summer's Farewell - Asbury Park, NJ

It's still not too late - even though many people feel Labor Day marks the end of summer - to do something you meant to do over these last few months but never got the chance to do!

So that is exactly what I did - I took a day trip to the beach. And a beautiful day it was.

September is truly the best month to visit the beach. Less crowds, mild temps, and of course a sandbox for miles on end!

Asbury Park, located on the coast of central New Jersey, started as a popular seaside resort, complete with boardwalk, amusement rides and a popular vacation get away.

Attracting grand hotels, theaters, and a Casino.

Over the years, other attractions were developed throughout NJ, taking business away from this area. And in1970 - civic unrest.

This resulted in the destruction of many aging buildings and disrepair of the community.

Today, through active redevelopment, Asbury Park is coming back to life!

Trendy restaurants, bars and cafes.
Pristine boardwalk

Artist and entertainment

Clean beaches

Mounted Police

And of course the draw of the clean ocean air and sunshine are just a few reasons to spend a day de-stressing, de-toxing, de-programming at the sea.

Feel the sand, breath in the sea air, watch the rhythm of the waves.

Stimulate the Economy

Stimulate your Soul!