Joe L. Kincheloe

Joe Kincheloe left his tenured position at LSU-S in 1989. I was enrolled in his and Joe Green's doctoral program in curriculum theory, given in connection with LSU, Baton Rouge. Though I often thought about him these past 19 years, I wasn't in touch with him, but did proudly note and sometimes read his many publications: books, journal articles, book-chapters re education and curriculum theory. He was in the CUNY system (NYC) from 1998-2005...I know he added to the luster of my alma mater. Today Dr. Joe Green phoned to tell me that Dr. Kincheloe had died of a massive heart attack while at a conference in Kingston, Jamaica. He was 58 years old.
Its difficult to imagine a world without him, without his passionate support of an educational system that was intellectually exciting and socially just. I know that my semesters with him changed for the better the way I view the world, how I read, listen and work. He was one of the few teachers I've ever had who made academia an adventure. His classroom was alive and challenging with informed debate, with imagination, with constructive ideas, with a magnifying glass of what is. I wish for every student a teacher like Joe Kincheloe. My condolences to Shirley Steinberg, his wife and partner of the past 19 years.

Voices from the Past

A familiar voice as I answered the phone, but no face to it until he said, "This is George." How great to hear from George and Arline Mascarich, now residing in Salisbury, Maryland.
I cant remember how many years since they left Shreveport for the West Coast, and now they're back on the East coast, but we've exchanged annual holiday cards. George was part of that A.T.& T. group that included the Butterfields, Smolenskis, Martinas and Fosters. Arline has usually included a newsletter so I got some news re Dorio, Serena and Tanya, but its never as good as a long chat. I have good memories of attending Serena's wedding, of enjoying teenage Tanya as house guest when we experienced our "empty nest", of fun partying at East Ridge CC and at the Cunninghams. What a delight to hear from old friends at this holiday season and to hear that all is comparably well.

Making a Choice

Do voters get the kind of candidates they deserve? I attended the debate at LSU-S; it was broadcast on NPR, Red River Radio. The 4 candidates answered questions from the public, from the moderators, summary talks, and I was astounded that I could not work up any enthusiasm for a single one.
Mr. Bowen needed to do some homework; his replies were personal reflections of his philosophy. Mr. Kelley made some good points and was passionate, but his support of the regressive Fair Tax nixed my vote for him. I was surprised that he didn't espouse a Flat Tax (it isn't regressive). Mr. Fleming, whose ads and robo calls I despise, had been coached well and sounded statesmanlike. But his pejorative use of the word "liberal" as well as his support of the Fair Tax backed up my decision not to vote for him. And so there was Democrat Paul Carmouche...his ads weren't great either and he is pro-gun, pro-choice; says he'll caucus w. the Blue Dog Democrats. As a former D.A., I really expected a dynamic speaker who projected a big presence; he spoke softly, sans drama. So he'll get my vote, but how I wish there was a "none of the above" button to press.

A page from the Karl Rove Playbook

I am so tired of the mudslinging in the Carmouche and Fleming campaign ads. Neither has any national political record to run on, but the voters of Caddo have not voiced any doubts re Carmouche's time as D.A., and I haven't heard anything negative re Fleming's medical or business practice. So why can't each just tell us how he'd represent us in Congress? what they think about the urgent issues that this country faces, et al?
As a professed and stalwart liberal, I find neither represents my perspective. I will attend the debate at LSU-S tomorrow evening though yesterday's Fleming campaign robo-call has me swearing that I won't vote for Fleming or any Republican until they burn the Karl Rove Playbook. The caller said she was taking a poll, just one question..so I listened to the supposed long, detailed supposed question that smeared Carmouche as a defender of child rapists. I was so angry, not only at the slander and the way it was delivered, but also at the insinuation that we voters are stupid and would fall for such a ploy. I hope that when Paul Carmouche is elected, that he'll grow in the job, and truly represent people like me as well as the NRA and pro-choice groups; that he'll support stem cell research, education reforms, etc..the Obama platform.

Using PainterX

I recently reinstalled the PainterX program and my Wacom tablet. Both these images were done, from a photograph of a delightful lady that Ira and I met while walking around Qaqutorq, Greenland.

Deck The Halls

Delft Reflection

I recently completed this painting on paper, resolving the problem I'd set for myself of painting an interesting landscape in "portrait mode".
In 2007, early Easter Sunday morning, I was in Delft, listening to the beautiful music emanating from a nearby church. As it was very early, we were the only tour group,(about a dozen people) in this delightful village. The boats were all at anchor or berthed, the shops were still shuttered, few other people were out and about, and the sun shone on this serene setting. As I perched on the harbor wall, I noticed this window with its Delft tiled "fanlight", reflecting the nearby trees, yet unleafed; the perfect metaphor for the perfect moment.

"For Mark and Steve"

This work is on heavy rag watercolor paper that has been sized with acrylic medium.

Inuit choir: NEP80

This group, NEP 80, traveled to the New Church in Qaqortoq from another smaller town. Here, they sing one of their native myth songs to many of us visiting from the Crown Princess.

Those beautiful collars the ladies are wearing are beaded. Each family has its own special patterns. The boots are sealskin as are the church kneelers seen behind the group. The embroidery is very intricate; Scandinavian patterns, I think. I would guess that these ladies do this work during the dark, very cold, long winters. The language barrier was too great to ask if the embroidery, beading, etc. is done within a group, like a quilting bee.

Bye-Bye Birdie

Grandson, Wyn Delano is the lead in Morgan-Wixson Playhouse, Pacific Palisades, "Bye-bye Birdie"......a male teen agers dream: to be surrounded by adoring females. Though, regretfully, I won't be going to CA to see him in this role, I look forward to hearing him sing some of the tunes when we see him and his family in December and celebrate the holidays together. Wyn has his own website, www. wyndelano.com, and is on YouTube.

Exciting Evening

I sure did enjoy last night's TV with the eye-popping hologram and touch screen technology analysis of CNN + the various pundits...my favorite is Carville, the insights of Brooks and Shields and the historians on PBS, the views of the NYC crowds in Times Square via ABC. I'm overjoyed with the results: that Mary Landrieu is still our Senator, that Barack Obama will be our President.
Though I at first liked John McCain, his war perspective, that the answer to tough problems is a military response, plus his pandering to the conservatives placed me in Obama's camp. I hope that Obama's idealism doesn't translate into a Jimmy Carter presidency; that he understands that he can't please everyone and that our country has majorities as well as minorities. Obama's choices of those in top jobs will tell us a lot about his future program. I hope that w. the Congressional majorities, he follows LBJ's lead in doing as much as he can for our country's infrastructure, etc and the arts. I don't care for his medical plan as I believe a single payer system would be a much better solution.

Election Day 2008

Awoke this am to find our street packed w. parked cars. During the summer, this isn't unusual as there's a swim club nearby, but today it was people voting before going to work. How great! At about 9 am, Ira and I walked to our polling place and found many cars jockeying for parking places and lines at the voting booths longer than we'd seen in many a year.
I enjoyed seeing lots of neighbors and former PTA acquaintances that I rarely otherwise meet. We had just a 25 minute wait from time of entry to time of departure, but noticed as we left that lines had gotten longer. We both had marked the newspaper sample ballots with our choices, so that shortened our stays in the voting booth. So many state and parish propositions, amendments!!
I hope there's an 80% or even more voter turnout. Its time to show the rest of the world democracy in action; that we can respectfully, without upheaval, etc., agree to disagree; that in spite of the too many layers between each citizen and governing, that the system still works and that we work to improve it.

Meet Me at Mott and Canal

"Meet Me At Mott & Canal" is the title of my newest painting. This isn't a great photo as the light is bouncing off the lighter areas, but I think it works. About a foot high, two+feet long, the work is on BFK Rives paper; I used acrylics. I really do like using the Nova Color paints...they're smooth and seem to be very colorfast. I'll use either an aluminum rod or a painted wood dowel to hang it.
Do watch your mail for the Deck the Halls at Artspace invitation. For me, it marks the beginning of the holiday season.

DECK THE HALLS & Christmas in the Sky

Only 4 more days to see "Deep Roots", the Clyde Connell exhibit at Artspace. As it comes down on Oct. 26, the space will be prepared for the annual "Deck the Halls" exhibit, a Christmas Sale of local artists' works. There will be paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, jewelry, ornaments, etc. on display and for sale.
Local artists and businesses are donating their works and products to the Christmas in the Sky auction. Pictures of these will be online at the SRAC website. Pictured is the piece I've donated: its 5'x12"x12".

SIGNS

As I sorted through the photos taken on our last voyage, I was struck by the 3 I've posted because of their content. We visited Rye, a charming town w. narrow cobbled streets, old and older cottages and churches, fortresses and town gates, in Kent, It was a port when the Brede River was deeper and the coast was nearby. Its Mermaid Inn was the meeting place of pirates, smugglers and seafarers, drawn by the huge Romney Marsh. The middle sign is a cheeky reminder of the Inn's antiquity.

A reminder that street names and #s are a comparably recent invention can be seen in the first photo of The House With two Doors. The house across from the Mermaid was "The House Opposite" and there was another House with a Seat. I can understand that residing in a place that trades on its history and charm can be a bit much, so I appreciated the sign posted on a house in an especially ancient lane, in the 3rd photo, that poked fun at tourists and tourism.

Manhattan meeting

Imagine my face as this girl from Brooklyn heard over the ship's loudspeaker as we left St. Johns: "The next stop of the Crown Princess will be Brooklyn." Though the previous berth in Manhattan would've been a lot more convenient for us and all the other passengers, Ira and I managed to get to Manhattan in time to meet our daughter, Bonnie, at Mott St. and Canal.
After buying cookies at the famous Cafe Roma in Little Italy, we dined on Mott St. at the Peking Duck. I love watching the chef carve the duck using that huge cleaver. We demolished that delicious bird. We then explored the Bowery, Centre St. area, Chinatown and Little Italy, bought a knock-off and Chinese cookies on Canal Street as we proceeded to Soho and were sorely disappointed that its now gentrifed and has become just another shopping area. I ;just couldn't bear to go to Ground Zero...Bonnie hasn't been there either for the same reason. It was great though to stroll and chat with Bonnie and we returned to our ship reluctantly.
Sailing out of the NYC harbor is always spectacular. Shot too many photos of the skyline, the bridges ( including the waterfall under the Bklyn Bridge), the ferry, South St. and the Statue of Liberty. My favorite scenes though were of Sea Gate and Coney Island with the iconic tall red painted parachute jump and white wood roller coaster,Cyclone apparent, though the sight of so many huge apartment buildings was a surprise. So many memories as I stood on the cabin balcony watching Coney Island fade in the distance. NYC is wonderful, and being w. Bonnie in NYC even more so.

North Atlantic voyage

With Justin Wolfson, Lou Ann Lewis, Emmilee and Joe Green, Ira and I enjoyed an 18 day voyage on the Crown Princess. We visited the ports of Dover, Dublin & Belfast, Ququartog, Greenland, St. Johns, NYC and have heaps of photos taken in these ports and while at sea. This group was usually the last to leave the dining room as conversation and discussion were interesting. It was a repositioning trip for the ship: from Copenhagen to Ft. Lauderdale. No jet lag as we lost hours as we crossed the Atlantic and thus adapted easily to the time changes.

DECK THE HALLS

Pictured are 3 of the 5 pieces I'm submitting to "Deck the Halls".

Remember that the actual works to be juried are due at Artspace by Tuesday, Oct. 21. As a Roster Artist, your work will automatically be accepted, but the works must be at Artspace by the above date. There is a limit of 5 paintings, 7 sculptures, 5 photos, 7 pieces of pottery, 15 units of jewelry, et al. for display, though a few more may be submitted to the jury. No giclees will be accepted.

Friday, November 14 is the Opening Night Party. Participating artists will each receive 10 invitations to share w. friends. The exhibit will close Saturday, December 27th.

Robinson Theatre

A NYC friend phoned last week insisting that I just had to see "Vicky Christina Barcelona"; that it was the best film she'd seen in years. So I looked at the Tinseltown, Bossier 6 ads, but no VCB was listed. I searched again on Saturday, and hoorah, Robinson was showing the film. Isn't it great to have a venue for films that the "big guys" avoid.
Ira and I went to the 5:30 show today, and with about a dozen others, several enjoying their Happy Hour drinks from the cafe, enjoyed Woody Allen's take on "what love is and isn't". I treasured the Barcelona setting and shots of the Gaudi architecture, the Miro mural at the airport, the flower and bird vendors on the Rambla that were so familiar. I know why my NYC friend was so enthralled: Woody Allen has a definite NYC perspective in his direction plus his use of narrative to advance the plot and give insight to the characters; the close-ups. It sure is a wonderful film, tho' perhaps not the best I've seen in yrs.

Conventions

Thusfar the news of the thusfar lackluster Republican convention is being generated by the media re Gustav and Sara Palin, rather than the spotlighted speakers. Well! Gustav has come and gone, but I'm still trying to learn who Sara Palin is.
I think the media would be questioning a lack of urban, national and international experience in any candidate, male or female. I wonder whether governing the Alaskan state, w. its particular geography and priorities, can translate into the comprehension of the complexities and problems of densely populated metropolitan urban areas. Much as I applaud McCain's choice of an intelligent woman whom he sees as a Republican "maverick", and a social conservative, I'm still wondering about his choice, though through my eyes, its better than either Lieberman or Romney. I also wonder about the kind of person, male or female, who would put a 17 yr. old daughter and an infant son who will require lifelong care, through such agonizing scrutiny for what essentially is a better job. Does being Vice President trump being a state governor? Would she have the same kind of clout w. McCain that Cheney has w. Bush? Is she a leader, or would she and Cindy become a twosome in hostessing events, spearheading domestic projects, et al? Lets hear more of her views re health care, re our economy and our aging infrastructure, re foreign policy. At least the media isn't commenting on her hair-do, clothing, etc. Hoorah!

Listening to Hillary

I didn't hear Chelsea's intro nor the entire speech, but I was glad I'd tuned in and heard that last half. Hillary's passionate oratory and delivery just soared....so different from those dispassionate data delivery talks at the start of the primary season. "My mother was born before women could vote, but my daughter could vote for her mother as president" thrilled my feminist heart. Her retelling of the Harriet Tubman experience, using "Keep going" as the amen chorus had me recalling days in Dr. Cloud's Southern oratory class as we read the great speeches of the past, and also resonated with the voice in me that breaks through my lows with that same admonition of "Keep Going". And wasn't it something to watch Bill's face as he "kvelled" while his wife spoke...a so much better face than that he showed during the primary. A good night at the Democratic convention

A Red Letter Day

Today our oldest grandson, John Austin Nathan, is on his way to Corpus Christi as a college freshman. Thusfar, he's majoring in Ecological Chemistry(?). It seems that only yesterday, he was just going into his teens....yes! time does fly! He's an interesting, wonderful young man and we are so proud of his accomplishments though we haven't been able to participate in many special times. Good luck, Austin!

dancing at Eliot's Bar-Mitzvah

Its been too ong since I've seen you.

Eliot Organick's Bar-Mitzvah celebration brought together not only his relatives from different parts of the country, but also the local Jewish community and Montessori school friends. That handsome pair, Robert and Talbot Trudeau arrived with their son, Jett; once Shreveporters, Sally and Jack Cotlar said that their 2 daughters are now in Manhattan enjoying their fashion industry work; Susan and David Gross with daughter Sarah were on the dance floor for the hora circle (see above video). Rabbi Kawaler sang Hova Nagila as they got into the spirit of the dance.
At the table next to us was Ray Morris, now 91, who told me that Dr. Shavin sitting next to him w. his wife, Louise, was 101...what great role models for aging well. Carol Ginsburg, Teddy Kranston, the Abramsons too were enjoying Cookie and the Kingcakes' music. Cookie looked and sounded great...today she begins her stint as a 3rd grade teacher at Queensborough....lucky kids! It was great to see Eliot's parents, Allen and Ellen, on the dance floor, also Ellen's mom, Lorraine. Lou Lewis chatted w. us as Justin Wolfson and Aunt Lila shared LSUHC, then Confederate Memorial, memories. It was a great day for Eliot and for all who celebrated with him.

Arts Congress

The last Arts Congress, meeting at Artspace, adopted a solid group of policies, five in all, as the first step in planning for the growth and development of the arts in NW Louisiana. Yesterday's meeting, at LSU-S, adopted strategies to further those five policies. The steering committee that developed these worked long and hard to ensure that they crafted necessary, yet workable strategies for individuals, organizations and institutions.
Discussion included Carol Anglin's enthusiastic stories of her Art in Education dance initiatives with youngsters at Artbreak, Red River Revel, and then Shreveport Symphony, and Neil Johnson's applauding the work ethic and intensity of the core group that has hammered out these trail blazing policies and strategies and the leadership of Paula Hickman of the Community Foundation. Copies of this document will be given to every arts organization so that each can discuss and sign on to this partnership/collaboration.

August Flowers

High temperatures plus high humidity and the fear of poison ivy have kept me out of the garden this summer. When doing a walk-around yesterday, I saw that an orchid plant had sprouted beautiful small lavender blooms. Our potted plants are placed in May, under some old junipers and seem to thrive on the filtered sunshine. When in blossom I enjoy bringing the plant into our spa hut as that's where we have breakfast each morning. I also noticed that the "gardenia" bush puts out a few flowers each day. Their aroma drenches the air around the patio. I'd decided that the ginger plants would have to be moved to a different bed in the Fall, but hurrah! after a few heavier rains, they're starting to bloom and add their perfume to that of the gardenias.

Olympic Thoughts

I've been reading heaps of articles re Beijing pollution; that factories are being shut down, people unemployed so as to get cleaner air for the games. Isn't it beyond belief that the Chinese gov't. didn't, when they won the bid for the Games, spend some of those Olympic building dollars on scrubbers/pollution controls for those factories and to add stringent emission standards for cars? Why was that Olympic Int'l. Committee so very short-sighted not to insist on pollution control...where were the athlete's committes? the IOC has always kept its head in the sand re human rights. and quotes political correctness as a defense.
What a missed opportunity to combat the pollution in this country, caused by their awakening to the capitalist, entreprenurial world. When the games are finished, the plants will return to operation, and the local population will suffer the respiratory ills rampant in our early Industrial Revolution, and we'll all suffer their contribution to global warming. I was in China 10 years ago, before the automobile and factory explosions, when bicycles still ruled the roads, and yet, returned home w. a very resistant respiratory infection. I hope our athletes wear their masks, even in the opening ceremonies as protest as well as health.

Staying Out of the Heat

The hundred degree temperatures have kept me indoors...so has my first incident of poison ivy. This work, painted on Rives BFK, had its genesis in a page from my sketchbook.

Its a look backwards, to my Brooklyn days in the forties. I thought of the many summer days my friend, Jessica and I spent sitting on her fire escape, reading comic books, playing board games, chatting. It was a short ride to Coney Island on the trolley or on the open air cars of the BMT. I recall stretching my neck to watch the daredevils who rode the amazing, hair raising parachute jump, walking on the boardwalk with an army of friends, seeing so many men in uniform, listening the latest music coming through the sideshow's speakers, eating hot dogs at Nathans, enjoying days at Steeplechase, matinees w. newsreels of battles and victory.

In full bloom

Here are the crinum in full bloom. Note that there are more flower buds emerging in the midst of the cluster. I think that if you look closely, you'll also see some bug enjoying the bloom's retention of water.

Crinums Start Blooming

Its really miraculous! Yesterday the crinums in the front flower bed were just a mass of long freen leaves. This morning, five inch thick stalks appeared bearing many large red buds, even one bloom. Though not very long lived, these flowers are spectacular and I know that summer has truly arrived when they bloom.

When Ira and I were in Amsterdam, traipsing in and out of each of the shops in the famed Flower Market, we saw crinum bulbs for sale. Each was two to three times the size of my fist! Our crinums are pass downs and I'm quite sure weren't anything approaching that size, but may be so now. We'd have loved to have bought a few, but our US Ag laws prohibit bringing in any bulbs that are not from a certified grower....I never did find a "certified grower", even in the Keukenhof.

Brian Brushwood

Announced by Josh Porter as a Bizarre Magician, a Blockhead, a Fire-Eater & Human Straw, Brian Brushwood captivated his audience last evening. It was particularly wonderful to watch the wonder and awe in the faces of the youngsters in the crowd. as Brian went through his varied acts listed above. My favorite other than the fire eating sequence was his take as a noir Birthday party performer.

Secrets of the Sideshow

Photobucket Album

Curious, Mysterious and Strange: Secrets of the Sideshow opened last night to a large, enchanted audience. The exhibits shown in the video are magical "madelines" of childhood circus, country fair midways, for me: memories of Coney Island. The show runs from June 28 to August 30. Bring everyone...they'll enjoy it.

Animal Happenings

I glanced out at the patio last evening to see if it was still raining. And on its hind legs, peeking into my studio doors, was a tiny rabbit, no more than 4" in length, chocolate in color, including its pom-pom tail. Before I could grab my camera, he hopped away. This am, without success, I looked closely at the roots of nearby trees to see if I could find the rabbit hole. I imagine that my patio guest is risk taking Peter Rabbit, and that his siblings, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail are staying safely with Momma Rabbit.
And Ira related that our neighbor's cat, Smoky, who loves to climb trees, is again this summer, being attacked by a mother mockingbird as soon as he places a paw into our yard. Ira reported that yesterday, he watched the bird actually strut behind Smoky, squaking loudly, actually chasing him as he headed to his home driveway so as to hide under the truck parked there.

New Works

These pieces are on paper, ranging in size from 22" x 30" to 16" x 22". They are not traditionally framed, but have a back sleeve through which is a bamboo pole; this has each "floating" on the wall.

As I look at these, I say to myself that Yeats line: "The centre cannot hold", and realize that the works express my thoughts of the need for a new, stable, enduring center.

WILLIE'S NEW WEB PAGE

Just received an email from Willie Middlebrook saying that he's put up a new web page: http://web.mac.com/middlebrook. Do go to that page to see what our wonderful friend and mentor has been doing. The web page also includes "history of career" photos and a link to his blog. The photo on the welcome page made me wonder if I'd gotten the right page... a portrait of Willie without his dreads! I sure wish he'd visit again and stay with us a while.

More Birds

Since we put up a feeder near our patio, we've had the joy of viewing lots of bird life, and lots of squirrels too. We enjoy the squirrel's canniness in getting to the feeder, but love how the birds not only use the feeder, but also our cats' food dish. Each day we see a symphony of sparrows, (at least 2 different kinds of sparrow); blue jays, cardinals, mockingbirds, 2 kinds of doves and robins. But this morning was special as we had the company of a wood thrush and a red-bellied woodpecker.
The neighbors' cats for whom we fill that dish, sometimes hide around the corner of our spa house and stalk the birds. They're thankfully unsuccessful in their quest. They also chase the squirrels, sometimes going right up the trees, and again lose their prey. Last summer, one mother mockingbird had it in for Smoky, the one young cat who particularly likes to climb trees. Every time his paw hit Nathan grass, she'd scream and divebomb him until he sought shelter under a shrub or left the yard. None of the other cats were targeted. Smoky hasn't come to her attention this year...he's gotten older and perhaps smarter.

Remember Guernika

I understood what it meant to be an artist when I first saw Picasso's Guernica mural at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. So this trip to the town of Guernika was in a sense, a pilgrimage. The town has been completely rebuilt and the only reminders of that destruction by the Luftwaffe and Italian planes are the Peace Park and the carcass of the original oak . It and the present Casa de Junta (now the seat of the Basque Parliament)were the only things remaining. Many oak trees originating from that tree have been planted. The oak has become a striking symbol/metaphor for the Basques. The world forgets quickly and there are only 2 sculptures that were donated out of the many promised, in the park....note the graffitti on the Henry Moore shown here. The Casa has a video presentation of the bombing, etc. that unfortunately isn't as traumatic in our battle weary world where civilian casualties are taken for granted.

Photos in Web Album

Its taken some editing, lots of time in Photoshop, but at last I've finished placing the photos that Ira shot with his Canon S80, on our recent voyage on the Azamara Journey. So many times on these adventures, I wish that my friends and family were with me to enjoy that moment; thus sharing these photos. Note especially the ones taken of treasures in the British Museum.
There are lots of pages, but I hope they're in a form that'll hold your interest. If not, just click off, or select those that do interest you. Use the link above or click on this:
http://picasaweb.google.com/tamatrnathan/BarcelonaToCopenhagenMayJune2008

Jazz at the Barnwell: The Sidemen

A large crowd gathered on the patio of the Barnwell Center, Thursday evening, June 12, for the 4th in the Friends of Barnwell Jazz Series: two more are scheduled. So nice to see such a cross section of our local population coming together on a summer's eve; and staying and enjoying in spite of a sudden, heavy shower.

The Sidemen are an outstanding group and the applause was loud and long for "St. James Infirmary", "Josephine", Shake, Rattle and Roll, "Europa" et al. I didn't catch the names of every musician, but was delighted with the thrilling riffs of the two guitarists, the cool drummer with a great voice. Johnny Broussard on the sax and Henry Riggins on the keyboard made me feel that I was back at the Village Vanguard. The 2 hour session was just too short; I could've listened to their music for at least two more.

Almeria, Spain

We arrived in Almeria Sunday morning. The shops were shuttered, the streets quiet as we walked uphill to the cathedral. Constructed in 1524, its a fortresslike structure, a very dark interior w. a mix of Romanesdque & Gothic styles. The windows are high in the walls; the domes in the side chapels add light. Our friend, Val, stayed for mass and told us it must have been a special day as the bishop conducted the mass, and one of the statues was paraded in the church and outside in the square w. great ritual.
Ira and I continued our hike up the narrow winding streets to Alcazaba Fortress and Palaces, a less advertised Alhambra, constructed in the 10th century by the Moors, and destroyed by an earthquake in 1487. There are archeological excavations in many places, and the restoration is evident (see middle photo). Its a beautiful place w. many levels w. eye popping views, each having a water feature, lots of greenery, and decorative inlaid
floors. So many areas, niches, places to explore, and fun to do so with the many families from the area that were enjoying
this serene mountaintop.
Almeria has a lovely park along its coastline. Sculptures, play areas, fountains and many benches are
included and there were many large social gatherings, everybody seemed to be talking at one time, at various places
as we strolled back to our ship.

Jazz on the Barnwell Patio

GREAT VOYAGE

Just returned from a marvelous adventure aboard the Azamara Journey. With my friends, Ira and I boarded the ship at Barcelona and wandered for a few hours, before sailaway, along the wonderful Rambla. Lots of mimes and freeze-pose models entertaining large groups, groups of artists selling their works, souvenir kiosks, cafes, flower shops along this pedestrian boulevard. I especially loved walking around the market that's next to the Rambla, looking at carefully arranged meats displayed to whet the appetite, fresh, crisp vegetables and fruits that create a riot of color and though the aromas of the fish stalls aren't great, the beautiful shiny fresh catch of fish and shell fish is visually great. My camera kept clicking.

Our next port was Valencia...yes! that song kept reverberating in my head. As we came into port, I was having breakfast on our balcony, thanks to efficient room service. How I wish I had room service at home. Again, visited a much larger central market housed in an old, elegantly tiled, very light, huge space. Across the avenue was La Lonja, a UNESCO world heritage site that was the Silk Exchange, built in 1483. It looked like a cathedral w. very high quoined ceilings, a lovely garden at its center. My favorite stop was at IVAM, the museum of modern art. There was a fine Joseph Beuys show that included his wooden sled laden w. blanket & flashlight, the Coke bottle in a box, et al. But the big surprise was a Jean Tinguely retrospective. Each of the kinetic sculptures was set in motion by a floor mounted button, and oh! what happened was pure magic.

The local soccer team had won their conference and were being feted w. a special mass as we came to Plaza de la Virgen. Armies of fans had the team colors draped around shoulders, waists, as flags waving furiously in front of a huge mural of the Virgin created w. flowers. And we visited the sleek Arts & Science complex designed by Calatrava. Another city that I'd like to visit again!

Rauschenburg Memory

Last evening, I learned via the TV news that Robert Rauschenburg had died. In the early 90's, Sue Rose and I were in Dallas, visiting Sue's mom in Highland Park. She told us that Rauschenburg was Artist In Residence at the SMU Meadows museum, and had installed a small, but wonderful exhibit of his recent works. We walked into the museum and were delighted to see the artist speaking to a large group of highschoolers. We learned from a teacher standing nearby that this group had dyslexia. Rauschenburg talked about his own dyslexia and how he'd overcome this. He spoke about his method of creating art; i.e.how he would collect while walking, discarded items that he found interesting within a certain area of Manhattan, and then base his piece on one or more of those items.
Many of the works in the exhibit used photo transfers. After his talk, I asked him how those were done, and he was so helpful in talking about various solvents, papers, et al. We also chatted and laughed about his stay at the highly rated hotel, was it River Oaks?, how he'd left the patio doors open only to find that a whole swarm of insects then invaded. I asked about his home on Captiva, and he described his artist's Paradise; that he'd greatly enjoyed his world trek, but was so glad to come home to Captiva. He even graciously signed the exhibit catalogue. A charming man, a superb, ground-breaking artist; he'll be missed.

Robinson Film Center: "In Bruges"

Last May, Ira and I were walking on the cobbled streets of Bruges. So when today we noted that the RFC was showing "In Bruges", we headed downtown. It was our first time in the Center and we were so impressed: by the ease of buying tickets, by the lovely foyer and small lounge, by the so comfortable theater seats and the theater itself.
We enjoyed the film, though I think if I'd counted, the word "f_ _ _ing" was used at least 100 times. We relived our tourist experiences of the ancient, dark Church of the Blood, the magnificent Guild Square, Town Hall, several cathedrals, and St. John Hospital amid other ancient buildings on the canal/river, the swans, St. Elizabeth's beguinage and the park. The acting was superb and the characters well-developed. I really did sympathize with the 2 protagonists, both killers for hire.

Spaceart at ARTSPACE

Poison Ivy Warning

About 2 weeks ago, I stopped at a backyard flower bed to pull up some small emerging weeds. I usually remind Ira to wear gloves, long sleeves when he's gardening as he's highly allergic to poison oak and ivy. I've never had poison ivy, but sure enough, I now have a poison ivy allergy. Dr. Resneck said that when the plant is just emerging, the toxin is strongest.....so BE CAREFUL. After a shot of Kenalog?, a cortisone-based med, I'm no longer itching, scratching, red and blotchy.

HISTORY PAGE TURNERS

Dr. Cheryl White will be the facilitator for a new History Book Club at the Broadmoor branch library. The first meeting will be on July 21, 5:30 pm to 6:30pm. The discussion and lecture will focus on "Her Majesty's Spymaster: Elizabeth 1, Sir Frances Walsingham and the Birth of Modern Espionage" by Stephen Budiansky.
On Monday, Sept. 15, same times as above, Paul Dickson's book, Sputnick, The Shock of the Century, will be discussed. Several copies of these books are on loan at the library. Hope to see you there.

PLANETS: Don't miss it

Last night's reception was rather dazzling w. guests later attending the Robinson Film Center's gala opening or the Symphony's Ocular Odyssey, the latter being part of this arts collaboration. Bill Joyce in a Kentucky Colonel suit! And there were those of us heading for Cinco de Mayo at Festival Plaza. The works, from Nadine Charity's evocative visual poem melding aging w. the Holst music of Saturn toThomas Little's attractive front-window title mural,are extraordinary; I wish we could "travel" it so that we could crow about our exceptional local talent.
Look at Jane Heggen's bright kaleidoscopic painting relating to Holst's Uranus section; Don Alexander's amazing, beautifully crafted work re Mercury that moves, changes; Michael Herold's huge inflated spheres on which are projected a variety of imagery and Laura Noland Harter's sky box adorned w. feminine constellations and peek holes to witness moving, abstract shadows. Mary Louise Porter's sensuosly painted rotating large box set below 4 marvelous paintings evokes the music of Venus, and Bill Joyce's triptych of Mars is a nostalgic work re childhood stories of Orson Welles' infamous Mars radio show and the stories of a planet that had canals and little green men. Its a marvelous show...don't miss it at Artspace.

A Friend's Warning

Yesterday's news stories focussed on the many tornados throughout the South. At noon, while preparing lunch, my phone rang. My friend, Gloria Lessler, who lives in New York, called because she'd just seen on her TV, a report that a tornado was heading to Shreveport. I did put the TV on and listened to the reports of a tornado that had touched down in Canton, another in Siloam Springs, and warnings of one near Carthage. The storms were moving east, but thankfully our area just had a few heavy downpours. This morning's newspaper reported a number of deaths in Arkansas. I am so fortunate to have a friend like Gloria. Thank you.

Last session re: Elizabeth at Broadmoor Libray

Dr. J.Lake managed to make a long list of contemporary books re Shakespeare and religion interesting enough so that I was ready to stop at Barnes & Noble on my way home.

Dr. Cheryl White completed her tale of the life of Elizabeth in her later years. She felt that with the passing of many of those that'd been close to her, that the Queen was lonely; that she was a vain woman whose heavy white leaded make-up covered the ravages of smallpox and age. She spoke of the problem of the queen not specifying an heir, and told the story about her last 3 days when Elizabeth was ill and would not go to bed as she said that when she did, she'd die (and she did).

A History Book Club, with Dr. White as "leader" will begin in July at the Broadmoor Library. The first book to be discussed is one about Frances Walsingham, Elizabeth's spymaster. Please call the library for more information.

Dr. Lake at Broadmoor Library

With witty humor, amazing scholarship, and great storytelling, Dr. Lake showed his audience how the Elizabethan poets and dramatists wooed the royal court and advanced theatrical arts far beyond that of Spain, etc. His reading and interpretation of some Shakespeare's sonnets, Richard 2 and 3, brought applause. I wish I'd had my camera out when he recited the famous, stirring, patriotic John of Gault monologue.
I learned that most of the sonnets were written by Shakespeare during the two years that the London theatres were closed because of the plague. Much to my amazement, I also discovered that his main source of income was real estate, not writing; so many changes throughout the centuries, but not in how artists survive.

Wonderful new jewelry at ARTSPACE

New, exciting jewelry by New York designer, Gloria Lessler, is now at ARTSPACE's Giftspace. The colors are fabulous; and the prices for these one of a kind treasures are just so unbelievably reasonable. Giftspace manager, Tracye Ford is just unpacking these, so get there soon for the widest choice.

Gloria is a fine artist and craftsman, whose work I value highly. I have one of her brass medallions that travels with me wherever I go as it adds zing to my wardrobe. Pictured are two of her marvelous new creations that bring oohs and "where did you find that" whenever I wear them.

New link to grandson, Wyn Delano

I'm so delighted that grandson, Wyn Delano, age 15+, has created his own website at www.wyndelano.com. His picture and various videos are posted as is his resume. You can also view his video explorations at YouTube....just type in the search box: Herowynn.

OPRAH'S GIFT

At the MLK Intergenerational Quilters ARTSPACE opening, it was announced that one of the quilt pieces would be on display only that evening because it was to be packed and sent to Oprah the next morning. Its a spectacular red and white pine cone quilt and will be given to Maya Angelou. She'll treasure it, I'm sure, for its beauty, its warmth and the love, caring, and skill that went into its creation.
All the pieces in Topspace excited the eye with their vibrant color, the variety of forms employed and the eye catching installation. One highpoint of the opening was the performance of the Intercity Row Dance troupe, whose 3 works were tied to the black womens' experience and the art of the quilt. Their dance movements were enhanced and integrated with the artworks environment. The informative talk by Elizabeth Glover, founder of the MLK group, followed by her son's, our Mayor, delightful comments brought great smiles and interest. I especially enjoyed those moments when he had his arms around the entire group of "quilting ladies".

Quilters have outstanding opening night

The MLK Intergenerational Quilters exhibit is colorful and absorbing. It features many older quilts created by the MLK ladies, as well as some created w. a student group through months of Saturdays. Last night's opening featured one magnificent red and white pine cone quilt that will not be on display again as it has been bought by Oprah, to be given as a gift to Maya Angelou. Three Intercity Row dancers performed 3 beautfiul pieces particular to the creation of quilts by black women and received loud applause. Their performances were enhanced too by the electric background of the beautiful pieces. Also receiving resounding applause and chuckles were Shreveport's mayor, Cedric Glover and his marvelous mother, Elizabeth Glover, the MLK Intergenerational Quilters founder.

RELIC Program at Broadmoor Branch Library

These photos were taken at Broadmoor Library by Ms. Cannon during the break of the RELIC program, Session 2, ELIZABETH I OF ENGLAND AND HER TIMES. There were many more participants this week, including a group from Byrd H.S.
The evening's topic was "Years of Hope and Challenge". Dr. Cheryl White, with humor and insight, focussed on the problems Elizabeth faced as a 16th century female ruler. I concluded that Elizabeth would today, be termed a centrist, taking a middle path to soothe her contentious Catholic and Protestant countrymen. She also continued to rule as the Virgin Queen, countering arguments for marriage with a rationale that emphasized her committment to England. Dr. White referred to this as Elizabeth's "marriage game".
Next week's topic is "Life in Elizabethan England" with the primary facilitor, Dr. James Lake. Ira and I are looking forward to seeing you there.

MLK INTERGENERATIONAL QUILTERS

The opening reception for the MLK intergenerational Quilters exhibit at ARTSPACE's TOPspace is Friday, April 4th, 5:30 pm-8pm. The show continues through May 3rd. Don't miss meeting these talented ladies. Not only are their beautiful quilts interesting, but their stories about the quilts, themselves, family, etc. are also absorbing and wonderful. I had the opportunity to spend some time with this group a few years ago, when Willie Middlebrook was SRAC's Artist in Residence. Willie and his team, me included, always looked forward to the hours with the MLK Quilters.

Don't Miss This at Broadmoor Branch library

The RELIC program of LEH started last Thursday evening, 6:30-8:30 pm, at the Broadmoor Library. Drs. White and Lake of LSUS are the expert facilitators for "Elizabeth of England and Her Times". The group will meet each Thursday through May 1.

Dr. White's examination of the early Tudor dynasty and historic conditions surrounding Elizabeth's accession to the throne in 1558 kept me and the large audience riveted as she added myths, tales and her insights about the various characters. Particularly nice for this series is the loan of the four texts related to the course to each of the participants.

The next session, April 3, is titled Years of Hope and Challenge. Dr. White will focus on the dramatic & tragic relationship between Elizabeth and Mary Stewart, as well as Elizabeth's use of the "marriage game" to extend her diplomatic influence. Hope to see you there.

Looking Back at the WAVES

Received this a.m., a marvelous book from my former Morristown N.J. neighbor, Nancy Lynch Castellano: Looking Back at the WAVES: A Chronicle of 90,000 Navy Women of World War II.
In 1944, she enlisted in the WAVES, and did her training at Hunter College in the Bronx, N.Y. She served until her honorable discharge in Feb. 1946. This book relates the genesis of the Women's Reserve of the U.S. Naval Reserve, and some experiences of Nancy and her friends. The photographs, some personal, others from the Lehman College archive, show proud, dedicated young women ready to serve their country. Nancy has collected and presented the data, the photos, the oral histories of these 90,000 Navy women in an interesting and readable format. Congratulations Nancy on a job well done. My sincere thanks to her and the 89,999 other pioneer "sailors".

At Dr. Ren's office

I hope you don't have the need for a retinologist, but if you should visit fabulous Dr. David Ren, do look at four of my floral montage photographs displayed in various office areas.

SNOWY SHREVEPORT

This past Friday, March 7, a curtain of snowflakes descended. Here's the view from our front porch.

In this southern part of the city, it didn't stick, but nevertheless, was a lovely sight while it lasted. The news pictures of snowmen being built in nearby areas were a delightful, rare preview to Spring in the Arklatex. Isn't it amazing that we often experience 4 seasons in a single day!

NEW PAINTINGS BY TAMA

Each morning as I have breakfast, I see the trees in my neighbor's yard. I like the tall tallow and slender crepe myrtles best in winter when they form interesting patterns and contrasts against a cool sky. Rather than working w. the many meshed branching areas, I used rice paper that creased and moved as it was adhered to the background BFK, to mimic the various patterns.
















This piece too has a rice paper skin, but over many small industrial parts. As
I worked on the above piece I was examining my thought processes, and felt that
like the tree branches, they sprouted in many directions, some overlaying others that
then faded. This work is one in which I mapped that experience.