Happy Easter 2013

Dear Everyone:

Happy Easter!

easteregg2013


Helen.

Sophia's curves 2013

Dear Everyone:

This painting was done in honour of women
who have curves.  Our society might consider
them to be overweight/obese.

There is beauty however in all sizes.

The painting references my "Like Sophia" poem.
See blog entry for March 21st.

sophia'scurves2013


Helen.

March actress 2013

Dear Everyone:

As you may know I enjoy sketching and painting
models' faces from fashion magazines.

This image is the face of an older actress
as seen in a British fashion magazine.

The image was taken from a black and white
photo of her.

marchactress2013


Helen.

Tropical scene further 2013

Dear Everyone:


This tropical scene, the 3rd in a series,
was painted in honour of folks who head
South for a break from Winter.
Destinations include Mexico, Cuba,
the Dominican Republic and
Florida.

Enjoy.

tropicalscenefurther2013


Helen.

Gratitude poem 2013

Dear Everyone:

Here is my latest poem.

GRATITUDE

I want to retire
I have a day job
I'm 34 years old
But perhaps if I spend all
day waiting to be off work
then I'll miss a good chunk of my life
on automatic pilot
putting in time
Is it popular to wish to leave
the workforce
Perhaps there is another way
Appreciate the present
Finding the positives even gratitude
for having paid employment
I don't want to role model resentment of my job
to my kids
If I live for vacation, sick days and
time off I'm not setting a good example
Maybe I'm one of the fortunate
to be able to earn a living
Certianly something to think on
Join me in gratitude why don't you
There doesn't that feel better
I'm going to stop counting
the days to retirement age.


Helen.

Further March poem 2013

Dear Everyone:

The blizzard ended outside but I kept on
writing poems.

Here is one further poem:


LIKE SOPHIA

As your friend I can tell you that
you have a fetching figure
I wonder... do men stare or
follow you around
Do you always get catcalls
in the street
I can see where a shapely body
might be a burden
You might be tempted to wear
baggy clothes to hide your assets
I read recently that a woman similiarly
harassed started an organization
to address it
Please take pride in your appearance
and don't let anyone take that
away from you
Your figure isn't the slim,
boyish type of fashion models
You have alot of curves
More Sophia Loren than Twiggy
Women might be jealous
Men captivated
Don't alter a thing
Just be yourself
Ignore the attention if it
makes you uncomfortable
Walk head held high into
your very promising future


Helen.

March poems 2013

Dear Everyone:

We had a blizzard yesterday. I stayed
inside cosy and warm and wrote poems.

Here are the results of my efforts.

UNAWARE

Do you know your own beauty
When you look in the mirror do
you see an accurate self-reflection
Wouldn't destiny be cruel if you
couldn't recognize your own good looks
At 90 would you look back and say
"you know I think I was pretty but I
never realized it before now"
Do you listen to compliments or
do you brush them off
Advice to a younger self-
look, listen and breathe
Breathe in your own beauty
Own it
Noone else can own your beauty but you
Appreciate what you've been given
This isn't a dress rehearsal
for your life
Live your beauty fully now
Beauty has its own privileges


THE SOPHISTICATE

You seem dashing
Where did you get your sophistication
you mentionned coming from a small town
Off to Havana to shoot photographs
Do girls follow you around
You don't seem to realize your
charm and wit
I can't tell you
The 30-year age gap is prohibitive
Would my flattery seem unsuitable
I don't want to be inappropriate
You are a much younger man
I can picture you living in
New York or Paris
Stretch your wings and fly now

FRIENDSHIP

You reassured me
Used your own experience and
wisdom to allay my fears
What a generous friend
Generous-hearted
When it is my turn I
hope I can repay the kindness
The universe has been kind lately
We chat and chat heart to heart
You know me warts and all
I can say pretty much anything
about myself without shocking you
When I have an achievement you
are my cheering section
When I am sad you comfort me
Like a diamond our friendship sparkles
Let's polish it and keep it in good order

STARLET

At 20 you have conquered the world
A double threat as an actress and singer
I hear also that you are designing a fashion line
You're just off dating someone equally famous
Fame follows you and dissuades most suitors
Your appearance still has a bit of
the chubbiness of childhood
You haven't grown into a
woman's body yet
Do paparazzi stalk you
It comes with the territory
Bravo in your accomplishments
I wish you well however
you might have to re-invent yourself
over and over to keep the success coming

Helen.

Behemoth 2013

Dear Everyone:

Here is my latest poem. It reflects
my interest in bodybuilding.


BEHEMOTH

You look like a behemoth
Muscles bulging and veins popping
Are you trying to look like Arnold
What discipline and determination went
into crafting this body of yours
Egg whites and steak and not
much else to eat
Except maybe some spinach
Did sweat pour off you as you
pumped iron
Are you training for a contest
Gulping down supplements and
protein shakes
Pose for me
So I can cheer you on and
applaud your efforts
Superman can only wish he
looked this good


Helen.

March bouqet 2013

Dear Everyone:

I enjoyed a return to shooting flowers.

I chose this bouqet because of its
fresh green and soft white colour scheme.

It also fits with St. Patrick's Day
if you happen to celebrate it.

I shot the bouqet poised on a

marchbouqet2013

table in my hobby room which
made for an interesting backdrop.

Enjoy!


Helen.

March zebra 2013

Dear Everyone:

I am truly enjoying sketching and painting
animals -both wild and domestic.

Here is my rendition of a zebra.

marchzebra2013

Enjoy..


Helen.

March elephant 2013

Dear Everyone:

Here is my most recent folk art painting.

This image of an elephant was drawn from
a travel photo in a book.

The elephant wanted a pink backdrop.
The resulting backdrop almost looks like a sun-rise.

Enjoy.

marchelephant2013

Helen.

Nature in One's Own Backyard 2013

Dear Everyone:

These shots were taken in a residential
sub-division. A little slice of Nature surrounded
by houses.

I call the series "Natures in One's Own Backyard".

These shots are a bit subtle. Hope you can appreciate them.

backyard#12013

backyard#22013

backyard#32013


Helen.

Easter I & Easter II 2013

Dear Everyone:

Easter will soon be upon us.

Here are some Easter images.

Who can forget getting Easter chocolate?

EasterI2013

EasterII2013



Helen.

Top model March 2013

Dear Everyone:

This is another face from a fashion magazine
that I have sketched and painted.

This model happens to be Asian.

Enjoy.

Helen.

Firefly poem 2013

Dear Everyone:

This is my latest poem.
It describes a person I
encountered just yesterday.


FIREFLY

You like to be the centre of attention
The meeting stalls as you fire away questions
You prance and pose
Do you have a bit of an exhibitionist in you
Can't decide if it's love or hate
Certainly you are interesting
Do you upstage your friends
Certainly the room zeroes in on you
as you perform in your forward fashion
You move somewhat jerkily
You are a bit like a firefly flickering intently
and drawing the eye to you
Bravo!
It makes you memorable



Helen.