A great photo Mac. Lots of lively color and street decorations.
I visited Disneyland here in Calif with a few members of my family years ago, and the atmosphere as we walked down Main Street, with all the Christmas decorations and music was really exciting. I think in some cases the adults were more impressed and excited than the kids. (grin)
Christmas greetings from the great Southern Land... Christmas day here already and lunch begins in a few hours..enjoy your time with family and friends and the festive season... good health to all and a Merry Christmas...
That photo, seeing the lights strung overhead, made me think of one I took during the Chinese New Year festival a number of years ago in a small village not too far from where we live now, where they strung lights along the sides of the main street. My wife has a niece who lives there and we stayed in the only hotel in town - had only about 10 rooms, and the bathrooms only had squat toilets. Quite primitive.
Last week Buzz suggested that we both share some photos from Xi'an, the ancient capital of China. I visited China in the spring of 2017 and these are a few selected photos.
This photo is from the museum where they are excavating the terracotta figures. The was taken in the largest of the three main excavation sites at the museum. The excavation sites are all enclosed.
These are a couple of the terracotta figures on display.
This photo shows the Wild Goose Pagoda. Someone was flying a kite.
This is a photo at the city's Drum Tower.
This photo was taken on the Muslim Street, which was a great and interesting place.
Both Gsquared and I have toured Xi'an, previously known as Chang'an, one of China's ancient dynasty capitals. Altough we both have many photos we took there (I have about 35) we decided not to show the same views. It was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road to the Middle East and beyond. I was there about 13 years ago. Some information about the Terra Cotta Warriors:
"The famous Terra Cotta Warriors are a huge collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, buried with the emperor in 210–209 BCE with the purpose of protecting the emperor in his afterlife. These were only discovered accidentally by local farmers in 1974, and the excavation and restoration is still continuing."
A view of the city showing the Drum Tower on the right. I took this photo while standing on the Bell Tower.
I couldn't resist beating the biggest drum there. Was it the drum beat heard around the world?
Inside the Drum Tower is a museum of ancient drums.
The ancient city walls are still intact - army barracks are shown here that accommodated the ancient armies defending the city.
On the Bell Tower, showing the great bell there.
There is also a museum inside the Bell Tower, displaying many forms of ancient artworks, such as shadow puppets. A little history about that form of art:
"Chinese legends state that the first shadow puppet was made more than 2,000 years ago to entertain the Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. He was deeply saddened by the death of his favorite concubine, and lost interest in his kingdom. A minister, seeing the shadows cast by dolls as children played, had the idea to create a puppet image of the departed woman and create a shadow play to cheer up the Emperor. Shadow puppetry was very popular during the Tang and Song Dynasties in many parts of China."
However, the first time I saw a shadow puppet show was at a folk music festival in Upstate New York, called the Fox Hollow Folk Festival about half a century ago. However, I took this photo inside Xi'an's Bell Tower.
Okay, we can collaborate - partner an article. However, that photo of the guys with sledgehammers was taken in the ancient "Porcelein" Port of Ciquikou, part of Chongqing. But such an article should be posted on the Home Page under the Photography and Art or else the Travel forums, because otherwise hardly anyone bothers to look at the articles posted on the Discovery Group or even here on Creative Arts regular articles. Then we can use some of the ones we used here as well - many other eyes will see them.
sometimes the methods of preparing food for consumption can be a little unusual....
LOL!! Indeed it can be. I've seen a good many unusual methods of preparing food from several people who were my neighbors at one time. Sometimes the methods left me with a little angst to dig into it. But, once I did it was truly delicious. (grin)
It's a baloney jumprope, but it tastes like bread.
That is amazing! I thought Mac was joking when he said that was what it was. That is very interesting. What is it made of? Do you bake it afterwards? What kind of bread would it taste like?
Raven Wing, I'm pretty sure Mac was joking. I was definitely joking.
LOL! Thanks for the clarification G. I know there are many unusual things in the different countries food wise, so I keep an open mind. While it sounded kind of weird I wasn't sure if it was real or not, so I gave it the benefit of the doubt.
And it was fun being pranked by you, Mac and Buzz.
Thanks, Kavika. The terracotta figures date from approximately 246 - 208 B.C., when the mausoleum of Qin Shih Huang, the first emperor of the Qin dynasty, was built.
when the mausoleum of Qin Shih Huang, the first emperor of the Qin dynasty, was built.
I've read a great deal about that period, and seen a good many historical movies that cover the Qin Dynasty. The movies are based upon actual historical events and the various countries that were established before and after.
It is indeed a very interesting and fascinating era for China and the associated kingdoms that came into play. I was really intrigued by how much attention to detail was involved in the productions which made them even more interesting. Many of the episodes were filmed at the locations where the actual events took place that are still available. It allows me to see parts of China that I am not able to see in person.
The photos by both you and Buzz are really interesting to see such a part of China's history is still there today.
Although Mao and his Red Army, and the Japanese invaders, did much to destroy or damage historical sites in China, there still are many left, being carefully refurbished and preserved by the more recent governments, and many have been declared UNESCO historical sites. Although I've had the good fortune to personally see first hand quite a few historical sites here, most of them I have taken photos of and posted photo-essays about them on NT, it would take many many years to see all of them. However you can see quite a bit of China, including historical sites, vicariously just by viewing the articles I have posted on Discovery Group, including in the many pages of archives on that group.
As for the historical movies you speak of, they show many of them every day on TV here, but of course using Chinese language and no subtitles, but many are interesting just for the visuals. One of my favourite movies, which I first saw in Toronto with English subtitles, is the Ang Lee directed Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
is the Ang Lee directed Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Indeed that is a great movie, I have watched it few times and always find something I did not notice before. The Chinese and Koreans were very good at recording their important events for history. The architecture and ornate artistry of their palaces, as well as their pottery and paintings that go back into the early days of the Qin and Ming dynasties are just amazing.
Thank you for sharing your many photos with us, it is truly appreciated.
Awesome Mac! Just beautiful. This is an experiment that I would like to see much more of. The subtlety of the varied patters and colors of the painting is a great background for the vivid colors of the Hawk.
Evening Raven. Christmas has gone for us, it is now Boxing Day here. Just gone midnight. Hope you enjoy the day how ever you celebrate it.. peace good health and happiness to you...
Hope you enjoy the day how ever you celebrate it.. peace good health and happiness to you...
Thank you so very much shona, and the same to you and your family.
Christmas Day is just starting here in So Calif. We had a bit of rain last evening, which we really needed, and lots of sunshine today. Yoda Girl and I will be kicking back and enjoying the peace and quiet together here at home.
This is a feel-good story for Christmas. This is a photo of Cleo who spend 3 years in the shelter I volunteer at. After all that time, she was adopted by a family in Ocala. Here she is after 3 months in her furever home holding on to her favorite toy, a stuffed Unicorn. She takes it everywhere with her and sits in from of the washing machines and dryer when it being cleaned.
Sure as hell not I, nor anyone else here that I know. And even though I've been through fresh food markets in many cities in China, I've never seen anything like that. But as I've said many times, "Chacus a son gout".
That was hilarious. The opening was particularly funny to me, when he’s reading the internet and says “what BBC stand for ... big black [then scene cuts to him saying British Broadcasting Corporation]. I was on a cruise a few years back and my stepson and his husband were with us, and one of the mixed drinks we were indulging in was called a BBC. Someone asked if anyone knew what that stood for, and without skipping a beat my stepson’s husband loudly blurts out “big black cock” in front of a dozen strangers. Apparently that is a common abbreviation in the gay community. The bartender who was mixing the BBC was the only black guy in the group, and his eyes about popped out of his head. I think half of us had our drinks coming out our nostrils at that point. I still don’t know what the drink abbreviation actually stands for.
There used to be members here that were active who converted them for me, but I've not seen them around for at least a year if not longer. Anyway, it's one of the very few disadvantages I have by living in China.
Loons … FYI, RW; The Loon is a solitary bird of the wilderness that symbolizes tranquility, serenity and the reawakening of old hopes, wishes and dreams.
The Loon Clan (Maang Dodem) is one of the seven original clans of the Anishinaabe people.
Traditionally, the Loon & Crane clans worked together as eloquent leaders & orators. They were skilled planners, negotiators, & uphold the Seven Teachings.
Ah, but you are SO right - the tranquility and serenity of sitting on my dock at daybreak, with a mug of Gull Lake coffee in hand (2/3 fresh brewed coffee, 1/3 Baillie's Irish Cream) listening to the songs of the loons echoing through the mist from up the lake.....memories never to be forgotten.
I heard them many times when I visited the Cherokee rez many years ago, and it is indeed a sound that you will never forget. While I was just a young girl at the time, I remember the sound just as clearly today as I did then.
As Kavika says, it is a sound that you will never forget, as it is deeply etched into your very soul.
Nothing like the haunting call of a wolf..which to me sound's magnificent.
Hi shona... the call of the wolf is special to me as well, and has a special meaning for me, as my Father is of the Cherokee Wolf Clan. So the Wolf is a very important part of my Cherokee heritage. My Mother was of the Cherokee Bird Clan, so birds of all kinds are also a very important part of my Cherokee heritage.
Add those together with my being full on Scorpio and I am a very fun person, but, also someone who no one really wants to cross.
Woke up to a pack of coyotes playing in my yard last month. Opened the back door and stood on the porch with a Glock in my hand for 30 seconds before they noticed me. Couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger because they were having so much fun. There is a bounty on coyotes around here but I'm not a rancher and don't need the money. Why they were playing in my yard was curious. The nearest neighbor lives a mile away so they had plenty of square miles to play on.
And Thank You Mac for having this article every week. Even though I might not always post it is something I really enjoy. (also being inside is not helping my picture content)
An early cheers to a New Year that has to be a lot better than this one was!
I am prone to using the emoji's now and then if they fit the mood I'm in at the time. Sometimes they can express what I am trying to say better than words can.
When I get in one of those moods I go looking on the Internet to find one that says all I want to say and use that one. But that does not happen often. Being as I am a very simple person.
It rained very hard last night starting around midnight. It has tapered off a bit this morning, but it is still raining now. My garden is very happy. Our trees really needed this.
Same here G. I'm East of you, out Riverside way. We got a lot of rain last night and early this am. It's been on and off during the day, but, raining hard again now. Looks like it will last well into the night. And you are right, the gardens, trees and wildlife all need the rain. Good to get everything washed down before the New Year.
LOL!! That Warrior does not need a rear view mirror, his pony can smell that heard of Buffalo hot on his tail and that is all he needs to tell him to run like Hell! (grin)
I consider that a compelling image. When I look at its eyes for longer than just a glance, but for a moment, I get the feeling that it is sending me a telepathic message, not a bad or evil message, but something beneficial.
Thank you for your personal feelings regarding the Wolf, Buzz. The Wolf is very often regarded as a fearsome predator by many. However, to the Native Americans the Wolf is also considered to the a Spirit Guide, or Spirit Totem, and revered as a protector.
When I look into the eyes of the Wolf they say to me...."Fear not, as I am here to protect you." Perhaps that is something similar to what you feel when you look into its eyes. A feeling of oneness or camaraderie instead of fear. Or something similar.
Very good to see that 5 days into Thursday/Friday, we're still active in the article. Thanks to all who make this a joyful event. Here's my Tuesday addition.
I didn't plan the painting in any particular way other than to end with a strong, balance composition … but I noticed days after it was finished … that there was a fitting title …
Very nice Mac, and well named. Love the vibrant colors. The two shapes at the bottom middle of the front of the painting look familiar. The one of the left looks like a bird, and the one on the right looks like a fish. The one on the let of the Bird shape looks like an elephant. I know...my imagination often runs wild. (grin)
Really beautiful and very well done.
I will also be sharing my various creations throughout the week to ring in the new year on Friday. Hopefully, others will follow as well.
Thanks for your assessment, RW. Abstract expressionism is often referred to as being "poly-referential," an obvious quality in that viewers, depending on the particular work, can find "references," intended by the artist, or, otherwise.
I see the appropriateness of the title. As for this group, it is the best and most successful non-political/religious on this site, and well worth the perpetual activity it gets.
From what I see in the expressions on their faces, she appears confident and patient, whereas he seems just a bit apprehensive and impatient. The frame seems more in line with his feelings, than with hers.
whereas he seems just a bit apprehensive and impatient.
Thanks for the input Buzz. As I saw it in my mind, the Mother is as you say, calm and patient. But, the youngster does not seem that happy being kept bundled and strapped on the Mothers' back. He looks like he wants to get down and go play. As a Mother myself I can relate to that look, not that I ever carried my kids on my back like that. But, the look of impatience is very familiar. (grin)
If this were a Renaissance "Madonna and Child," one could interpret the artist's intent was, to show that somehow, the "Baby Jesus" knew his mission was to be crucified in his thirties to pay for the sins of man.
On the way to my Fine Art/Art History Graduate Degree, I studied the iconography of the Italian Renaissance.
And I thank you very much for such a beautiful comparison, Mac. If I had more advanced experience and knowledge I might have done a much better job with my artwork. I thank you for bringing such a comparison to my attention.
Raven Wing, you could not have done a "better" job with that beautiful artwork. Mac's comparison to the iconography of the Italian Renaissance is totally appropriate, and I agree that it would make a spectacular stained glass window.
Thank you G. I truly do appreciate Mac's comparison of my artwork to stained glass windows. I really do appreciate his input on my artwork, and I learn a great deal from him.
It is now Thursday December 31 2020, New Years Eve. So I will share one of my creations to see the year 2020 out the door, and ready to ring in the new year....2021.
Thanks Buzz. The image shows that we are all connected, and when one suffers it affects us all. It is also a showing of a few of the Native American Spirit Guides.
Evening Raven. Happy New Year to you and everyone. Less than 2 hours to go here and it is 2021. Hope it will be a good one for all of us.. Health wealth and happiness always...
Hi shona....Happy New Year to you as well. While we await the magic hour here to 2021, it is interesting to think of what 2021 might hopefully bring us. I hope that the new year will be a better year for all of us as well.
I wish you all the good things the Creator will Bless you with.
Happy New Year to you as well Buzz! That is a really beautiful photo. Lots of color and an exciting atmosphere. And a year when you could really celebrate. Hopefully, 2021 will bring a more pleasant and peaceful time for all.
I would comment and "thumb-up" if I could open it Vic, but I can't open pictures copied and directly pasted from sites I'm unable to open like google, etc. You would have to save it to your hard drive picture library and then post it from there for me to see it.
The image atop the article is a combination of a painting with an overprinted photo. Just experimenting.
All beautiful paintings Mac.
#2 is softer, relaxing, and sets a very pleasant mood.
#'s 1 and 3 are both very exciting, with vibrant color combinations.
I am very much liking this new style of artwork. They are very expressive of both your imagination and mood.
All very well done!
I like how the paintings wrap around the sides of the canvases. My mother did that with some of her paintings.
Fantasy-astic.
A Merry Christmas!
Main Street USA, Walt Disney World
A. Mac/A.G.
A great photo Mac. Lots of lively color and street decorations.
I visited Disneyland here in Calif with a few members of my family years ago, and the atmosphere as we walked down Main Street, with all the Christmas decorations and music was really exciting. I think in some cases the adults were more impressed and excited than the kids. (grin)
Christmas greetings from the great Southern Land... Christmas day here already and lunch begins in a few hours..enjoy your time with family and friends and the festive season... good health to all and a Merry Christmas...
Thank you for the good wishes, shona, and the same to you and yours.
That photo, seeing the lights strung overhead, made me think of one I took during the Chinese New Year festival a number of years ago in a small village not too far from where we live now, where they strung lights along the sides of the main street. My wife has a niece who lives there and we stayed in the only hotel in town - had only about 10 rooms, and the bathrooms only had squat toilets. Quite primitive.
Awesome, beautiful image.
Thank you, and the same to you and yours Kavika.
Last week Buzz suggested that we both share some photos from Xi'an, the ancient capital of China. I visited China in the spring of 2017 and these are a few selected photos.
This photo is from the museum where they are excavating the terracotta figures. The was taken in the largest of the three main excavation sites at the museum. The excavation sites are all enclosed.
These are a couple of the terracotta figures on display.
This photo shows the Wild Goose Pagoda. Someone was flying a kite.
This is a photo at the city's Drum Tower.
This photo was taken on the Muslim Street, which was a great and interesting place.
Happy Holidays!
Both Gsquared and I have toured Xi'an, previously known as Chang'an, one of China's ancient dynasty capitals. Altough we both have many photos we took there (I have about 35) we decided not to show the same views. It was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road to the Middle East and beyond. I was there about 13 years ago. Some information about the Terra Cotta Warriors:
A view of the city showing the Drum Tower on the right. I took this photo while standing on the Bell Tower.
I couldn't resist beating the biggest drum there. Was it the drum beat heard around the world?
Inside the Drum Tower is a museum of ancient drums.
The ancient city walls are still intact - army barracks are shown here that accommodated the ancient armies defending the city.
On the Bell Tower, showing the great bell there.
There is also a museum inside the Bell Tower, displaying many forms of ancient artworks, such as shadow puppets. A little history about that form of art:
However, the first time I saw a shadow puppet show was at a folk music festival in Upstate New York, called the Fox Hollow Folk Festival about half a century ago. However, I took this photo inside Xi'an's Bell Tower.
And a Happy HEALTHY Holiday to all NT members.
That's some taffy pull the man in the last photo has going. (grin)
LOL. I think it's bread, but maybe Gsquared knows better since he was there.
It's a baloney jumprope.
LOL!!
It could be bread Buzz. I have never seen bread pulled like that, so that is why I thought of taffy.
Well, what you have to realize is that in China, sometimes the methods of preparing food for consumption can be a little unusual....
It's a baloney jumprope, but it tastes like bread.
I have a similar photo. Maybe we should do a Xi'an article. I have several more photos and so do you. Xi'an was a really interesting city.
Okay, we can collaborate - partner an article. However, that photo of the guys with sledgehammers was taken in the ancient "Porcelein" Port of Ciquikou, part of Chongqing. But such an article should be posted on the Home Page under the Photography and Art or else the Travel forums, because otherwise hardly anyone bothers to look at the articles posted on the Discovery Group or even here on Creative Arts regular articles. Then we can use some of the ones we used here as well - many other eyes will see them.
LOL!! Indeed it can be. I've seen a good many unusual methods of preparing food from several people who were my neighbors at one time. Sometimes the methods left me with a little angst to dig into it. But, once I did it was truly delicious. (grin)
That is amazing! I thought Mac was joking when he said that was what it was. That is very interesting. What is it made of? Do you bake it afterwards? What kind of bread would it taste like?
Sounds great. Looking forward to them, Buzz.
Raven Wing, I'm pretty sure Mac was joking. I was definitely joking. It was some kind of bread. I didn't taste it though.
So, our comments were the only baloney.
LOL! Thanks for the clarification G. I know there are many unusual things in the different countries food wise, so I keep an open mind. While it sounded kind of weird I wasn't sure if it was real or not, so I gave it the benefit of the doubt.
And it was fun being pranked by you, Mac and Buzz.
LOL. You're a good sport, Raven.
The Terracotta Warriors are one of the most impressive things I've ever seen.
Great photos.
Thanks, Kavika. The terracotta figures date from approximately 246 - 208 B.C., when the mausoleum of Qin Shih Huang, the first emperor of the Qin dynasty, was built.
I've read a great deal about that period, and seen a good many historical movies that cover the Qin Dynasty. The movies are based upon actual historical events and the various countries that were established before and after.
It is indeed a very interesting and fascinating era for China and the associated kingdoms that came into play. I was really intrigued by how much attention to detail was involved in the productions which made them even more interesting. Many of the episodes were filmed at the locations where the actual events took place that are still available. It allows me to see parts of China that I am not able to see in person.
The photos by both you and Buzz are really interesting to see such a part of China's history is still there today.
Thank you both for sharing them.
Although Mao and his Red Army, and the Japanese invaders, did much to destroy or damage historical sites in China, there still are many left, being carefully refurbished and preserved by the more recent governments, and many have been declared UNESCO historical sites. Although I've had the good fortune to personally see first hand quite a few historical sites here, most of them I have taken photos of and posted photo-essays about them on NT, it would take many many years to see all of them. However you can see quite a bit of China, including historical sites, vicariously just by viewing the articles I have posted on Discovery Group, including in the many pages of archives on that group.
As for the historical movies you speak of, they show many of them every day on TV here, but of course using Chinese language and no subtitles, but many are interesting just for the visuals. One of my favourite movies, which I first saw in Toronto with English subtitles, is the Ang Lee directed Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Indeed that is a great movie, I have watched it few times and always find something I did not notice before. The Chinese and Koreans were very good at recording their important events for history. The architecture and ornate artistry of their palaces, as well as their pottery and paintings that go back into the early days of the Qin and Ming dynasties are just amazing.
Thank you for sharing your many photos with us, it is truly appreciated.
More experimentation … painting with overprinted image. Taking it to Friday.
Red-tailed Hawk over Painted Background
© A. Mac/A.G.
Awesome Mac! Just beautiful. This is an experiment that I would like to see much more of. The subtlety of the varied patters and colors of the painting is a great background for the vivid colors of the Hawk.
Very well done!
Interesting concept.
Well...it is Friday, Christmas Day 2020, and I hope everyone enjoys the holiday spirit.
Powerful imagery, RW!
Thanks Mac. I'm very glad you like it.
When I first saw that image, my mind said "WOOO!!!".
Thanks Buzz, I'm very glad you like it.
Evening Raven. Christmas has gone for us, it is now Boxing Day here. Just gone midnight. Hope you enjoy the day how ever you celebrate it.. peace good health and happiness to you...
Thank you so very much shona, and the same to you and your family.
Christmas Day is just starting here in So Calif. We had a bit of rain last evening, which we really needed, and lots of sunshine today. Yoda Girl and I will be kicking back and enjoying the peace and quiet together here at home.
Florida version of a ''White Christmas''.
Now that is a great 'White Christmas". (grin)
This is a feel-good story for Christmas. This is a photo of Cleo who spend 3 years in the shelter I volunteer at. After all that time, she was adopted by a family in Ocala. Here she is after 3 months in her furever home holding on to her favorite toy, a stuffed Unicorn. She takes it everywhere with her and sits in from of the washing machines and dryer when it being cleaned.
What an adorable little pup. I am so glad that she has been adopted and now has a forever home and those who will shower her with love.
It is indeed a very feel good story. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Cute. It's really nice that Cleo has a home.
I can top the food shot with the LIZARD ON A STICK from the Chinese Market in Vancouver, B.C.
© A. Mac/A.G.
People eat that?
Well, no one ever said my "wit" wasn't childish.
I'm glad I made you laugh.
Sure as hell not I, nor anyone else here that I know. And even though I've been through fresh food markets in many cities in China, I've never seen anything like that. But as I've said many times, "Chacus a son gout".
Uhhh..... nope.
And …
© A. Mac/A.G.
Those look edible.
Nice looking fish Mac.
Now, THAT kind of thing is very common here - as at the Chengdu Fresh Market:
I have a friend in Hawaii whose family came from China. He sent me a link to this video recently for a laugh. It is hilarious.
That was hilarious. The opening was particularly funny to me, when he’s reading the internet and says “what BBC stand for ... big black [then scene cuts to him saying British Broadcasting Corporation]. I was on a cruise a few years back and my stepson and his husband were with us, and one of the mixed drinks we were indulging in was called a BBC. Someone asked if anyone knew what that stood for, and without skipping a beat my stepson’s husband loudly blurts out “big black cock” in front of a dozen strangers. Apparently that is a common abbreviation in the gay community. The bartender who was mixing the BBC was the only black guy in the group, and his eyes about popped out of his head. I think half of us had our drinks coming out our nostrils at that point. I still don’t know what the drink abbreviation actually stands for.
I looked it up and found that BBC stands for Bailey's Banana Colada. It sounds pretty good.
That sounds about right. We bought the unlimited drink package so I probably drank at least 50 of them. Still makes me laugh when I think about it.
Damn. It's a YouTube.
I don't know if there is any way to see it other than YouTube.
There used to be members here that were active who converted them for me, but I've not seen them around for at least a year if not longer. Anyway, it's one of the very few disadvantages I have by living in China.
I wouldn't know anything about that.
I wrote a How To for posting a non-YouTube video on NT for the Help, but, it does not tell how to convert a YouTube video.
Perhaps TiG might know. He is our NT resident expert, and there is very little that he does not know how to do with this site. Perhaps he can help.
This is Wilma. We found her at an antique store a few years back. She stands about three feet tall and gets dressed up at holidays.
Hi Wilma
LOL. What does she wear for Hallowe'en? Does she dress up as a human?
What does she wear for Hallowe'en?
Whatever my wife dresses her in. Wardrobe is her department.
I gotta admit. I was a little disappointed with no red glowing nose.
Other than that, very stylish.
As Christmas Day winds down here in So Calif, here is one to see us to Saturday...
The Spirit Goddess of Fire
Absolutely blazing.
Heading into Saturday.
©A. Mac/A.G.
That would definitely look good on a Christmas card.
Very serene Mac. I can imagine the snow hares, deer and other wildlife visiting along the peaceful river. Very nicely done.
A Zhengzhou Christmas winter scene:
Beautiful photo Buzz. I really like the framing as well.
Here's one for Saturday....
Still a great image.
Thanks Buzz. It is one of my favorites. I like the unique wood burl background
Well then, on to Sunday!
© A. Mac/A.G.
I don't think I would try to cross the creek by walking on that log.
Beautiful winter scene, Mac.
For your Sunday morning, something unusual...
That is indeed something unusual, Buzz. A swirling myriad of colors. And the framing is a nice compliment to it all.
And one for a pleasant Sunday afternoon.......
Yes, there is something soothing about it, and interestingly enough, it think it has a lot to do with the frame.
Loons … FYI, RW; The Loon is a solitary bird of the wilderness that symbolizes tranquility, serenity and the reawakening of old hopes, wishes and dreams.
Thought you might like to know.
The Loon Clan (Maang Dodem) is one of the seven original clans of the Anishinaabe people.
Traditionally, the Loon & Crane clans worked together as eloquent leaders & orators. They were skilled planners, negotiators, & uphold the Seven Teachings.
Ah, but you are SO right - the tranquility and serenity of sitting on my dock at daybreak, with a mug of Gull Lake coffee in hand (2/3 fresh brewed coffee, 1/3 Baillie's Irish Cream) listening to the songs of the loons echoing through the mist from up the lake.....memories never to be forgotten.
Listen to their call....
.
Thank you Mac. That is indeed very interesting information. I truly appreciate your sharing it with us.
I believe that there are two sounds that one never forgets if heard in the wild. The call of Loon and the howl of a wolf.
When you were in Australia did you ever hear the sound of a kookaburra in the wild? Unforgettable.
Yes, I did and it's quite the sound.
It is.
I've never heard the howl of a wolf, but we hear coyotes fairly often.
I heard them many times when I visited the Cherokee rez many years ago, and it is indeed a sound that you will never forget. While I was just a young girl at the time, I remember the sound just as clearly today as I did then.
As Kavika says, it is a sound that you will never forget, as it is deeply etched into your very soul.
Morning Raven. I just get koala's grunting and snorting mainly at night. Nothing like the haunting call of a wolf..which to me sound's magnificent.
Hi shona... the call of the wolf is special to me as well, and has a special meaning for me, as my Father is of the Cherokee Wolf Clan. So the Wolf is a very important part of my Cherokee heritage. My Mother was of the Cherokee Bird Clan, so birds of all kinds are also a very important part of my Cherokee heritage.
Add those together with my being full on Scorpio and I am a very fun person, but, also someone who no one really wants to cross.
The wolf is a very important part of the Ojibwe culture. They are protected by the Ojibwe people. No one can hunt or harm a wolf on any of our land.
Woke up to a pack of coyotes playing in my yard last month. Opened the back door and stood on the porch with a Glock in my hand for 30 seconds before they noticed me. Couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger because they were having so much fun. There is a bounty on coyotes around here but I'm not a rancher and don't need the money. Why they were playing in my yard was curious. The nearest neighbor lives a mile away so they had plenty of square miles to play on.
Do the Ojibwe think of the coyote as "trickster"?
Thanks Buzz. Sometimes finding the right kind of frame is the hardest part of the creation.I am glad that you like the frame.
From what yoo see I posted, the loon meant an awful lot to me as well, R.W.
Yes indeed Buzz. The call of the Loon is a very haunting sound, and yet, it is also beautiful and touches the soul.
Oh Lord, either my spelling has withered with my age, or my fingers refuse to follow instructions.
Not to worry Buzz...my keyboard likes to think it knows more than I do as well.
Hope everyone had or is having a great holiday.
And Thank You Mac for having this article every week. Even though I might not always post it is something I really enjoy. (also being inside is not helping my picture content)
An early cheers to a New Year that has to be a lot better than this one was!
(We need a 'cheers' emoji)
That's really very pretty, Ender. Lots of varied colors.
Another emoji we need is a little Elvis emoji saying, Thank you, thank you very much. Haha
I don't know why I am on this emoji kick. I don't even use them very much.
I am prone to using the emoji's now and then if they fit the mood I'm in at the time. Sometimes they can express what I am trying to say better than words can.
My problem is most times I would want to express something, there is not really one for it.
I guess I just have weird emotions...
When I get in one of those moods I go looking on the Internet to find one that says all I want to say and use that one. But that does not happen often. Being as I am a very simple person.
I can exist for several days with a smile after a Chiefs win.
This is what Floridians call snow on the roof.
Snowy Egrets on a rooftop in Stone Creek, Ocala Fl.
It looks like that snow would leave a little more than water.
Well, they are roof trained so they don't spot the roof.
Ah, like Santa's reindeer.
Now that's my kind of snow!
Often, behind snowy Egrets, we find Shoveler Ducks.*
* I made that up but it was just too easy to pass on.
It's a rainy Monday here, and the rain is much needed. But, here's one to liven things up a bit....
Great image.
It rained very hard last night starting around midnight. It has tapered off a bit this morning, but it is still raining now. My garden is very happy. Our trees really needed this.
It just started raining hard again. This is the best.
Same here G. I'm East of you, out Riverside way. We got a lot of rain last night and early this am. It's been on and off during the day, but, raining hard again now. Looks like it will last well into the night. And you are right, the gardens, trees and wildlife all need the rain. Good to get everything washed down before the New Year.
Thanks G. Glad you like it. I had fun with this one.
If I saw that in my rear view mirror I would step hard on the gas pedal.
LOL!! That Warrior does not need a rear view mirror, his pony can smell that heard of Buffalo hot on his tail and that is all he needs to tell him to run like Hell! (grin)
Going to see 2020 on the way out, and the New Year in...
And speaking of Wolves....
I consider that a compelling image. When I look at its eyes for longer than just a glance, but for a moment, I get the feeling that it is sending me a telepathic message, not a bad or evil message, but something beneficial.
Thank you for your personal feelings regarding the Wolf, Buzz. The Wolf is very often regarded as a fearsome predator by many. However, to the Native Americans the Wolf is also considered to the a Spirit Guide, or Spirit Totem, and revered as a protector.
When I look into the eyes of the Wolf they say to me...."Fear not, as I am here to protect you." Perhaps that is something similar to what you feel when you look into its eyes. A feeling of oneness or camaraderie instead of fear. Or something similar.
Very good to see that 5 days into Thursday/Friday, we're still active in the article. Thanks to all who make this a joyful event. Here's my Tuesday addition.
I didn't plan the painting in any particular way other than to end with a strong, balance composition … but I noticed days after it was finished … that there was a fitting title …
The Red Dragon (On a Gallery Wrap Canvas)
© A. Mac/A.G.
Very nice Mac, and well named. Love the vibrant colors. The two shapes at the bottom middle of the front of the painting look familiar. The one of the left looks like a bird, and the one on the right looks like a fish. The one on the let of the Bird shape looks like an elephant. I know...my imagination often runs wild. (grin)
Really beautiful and very well done.
I will also be sharing my various creations throughout the week to ring in the new year on Friday. Hopefully, others will follow as well.
Thanks for your assessment, RW. Abstract expressionism is often referred to as being "poly-referential," an obvious quality in that viewers, depending on the particular work, can find "references," intended by the artist, or, otherwise.
Keep sharing by all means!
You're very welcome Mac. And I will gladly see 2020 come to a close and the New Year begin.
I see the appropriateness of the title. As for this group, it is the best and most successful non-political/religious on this site, and well worth the perpetual activity it gets.
I will post one to see us into Wednesday...
A Mother and Son await the return of their Warrior...
This would be one of your images that would work spectacularly as a stained glass window or ornament!
Thank you for your view of the artwork, Mac. I had not thought of that, but, it is indeed an good idea.
From what I see in the expressions on their faces, she appears confident and patient, whereas he seems just a bit apprehensive and impatient. The frame seems more in line with his feelings, than with hers.
Thanks for the input Buzz. As I saw it in my mind, the Mother is as you say, calm and patient. But, the youngster does not seem that happy being kept bundled and strapped on the Mothers' back. He looks like he wants to get down and go play. As a Mother myself I can relate to that look, not that I ever carried my kids on my back like that. But, the look of impatience is very familiar. (grin)
If this were a Renaissance "Madonna and Child," one could interpret the artist's intent was, to show that somehow, the "Baby Jesus" knew his mission was to be crucified in his thirties to pay for the sins of man.
On the way to my Fine Art/Art History Graduate Degree, I studied the iconography of the Italian Renaissance.
Couldn't resist the comparative urge.
And I thank you very much for such a beautiful comparison, Mac. If I had more advanced experience and knowledge I might have done a much better job with my artwork. I thank you for bringing such a comparison to my attention.
Raven Wing, you could not have done a "better" job with that beautiful artwork. Mac's comparison to the iconography of the Italian Renaissance is totally appropriate, and I agree that it would make a spectacular stained glass window.
Thank you G. I truly do appreciate Mac's comparison of my artwork to stained glass windows. I really do appreciate his input on my artwork, and I learn a great deal from him.
It is now Thursday December 31 2020, New Years Eve. So I will share one of my creations to see the year 2020 out the door, and ready to ring in the new year....2021.
VERY colourful. Interesting how you inserted the howling wolf into the eagle's wing.
Thanks Buzz. The image shows that we are all connected, and when one suffers it affects us all. It is also a showing of a few of the Native American Spirit Guides.
I am very glad you like it.
Amazing.
Thank you very much G. I am very glad that you like it. (smile)
Evening Raven. Happy New Year to you and everyone. Less than 2 hours to go here and it is 2021. Hope it will be a good one for all of us.. Health wealth and happiness always...
Hi shona....Happy New Year to you as well. While we await the magic hour here to 2021, it is interesting to think of what 2021 might hopefully bring us. I hope that the new year will be a better year for all of us as well.
I wish you all the good things the Creator will Bless you with.
Happy New Year to all. This photo was taken of a scene from the 2019 Chinese lunar New Year TV gala.
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Happy New Year to you as well Buzz! That is a really beautiful photo. Lots of color and an exciting atmosphere. And a year when you could really celebrate. Hopefully, 2021 will bring a more pleasant and peaceful time for all.
The rarely seen Pileated Woodpecker
Photo courtesy of Chris Brown
I would comment and "thumb-up" if I could open it Vic, but I can't open pictures copied and directly pasted from sites I'm unable to open like google, etc. You would have to save it to your hard drive picture library and then post it from there for me to see it.