January is International Creativity Month. Creativity gives us the courage to venture out into the unknown. To discover new possibilities.
Studies show that creativity can increase positive emotions, lessen depressive symptoms, relieve stress, and improve immune functioning. Experts note 40% percent of Americans are struggling with mental health issues because of the pandemic. A good mood activates creativity and negatively has the reverse effect. After experiencing a creative block, I must admit I felt sad. But feeling sad did nothing to inspire me. So I did some calligraphy to lift my mood. Because it seemed so totally unrelated to my art I stopped. A few weeks later I began working on two entries for an upcoming juried exhibit entitled, “Celebrations.” As I worked on the preliminary sketches I thought of the calligraphy. It decided to do a “word portrait” of James Weldon Johnson. I would use the lyrics to his famous song "Lift Every Voice and Sing.” After struggling for four days it finally came together. Next I used a discarded watercolor wash to create a painting of a lighthouse and included calligraphy.
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Last week I worked on two new pieces of art. I decided to mix things up and try something different. Surprisingly it all started with me doing a bit of calligraphy.
I only did calligraphy because I felt stuck as an artist. Despite a creative block, I knew I needed to do something. But what? Although it’s been years since I picked up a calligraphy pen, I decided to give it a try. I was surprised how easily everything came back. Instead of struggling it was cathartic. When it came time to submit art for the juried exhibit, I originally planned on entering a painting I had done of Fanad Lighthouse. The title of the show was “Celebrations.” Since Fanad was first exhibited on March 17, 1817, the painting would be a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. I had some doubts about the painting because it wasn’t an exact rendering of the lighthouse. Then I thought about Black History Month and Women’s History. As I did a few sketches the calligraphy came to my mind. From Bucket List To-Do-List. Americans have rekindled their passion for travel. According to AAA, (American Automobile Association) the one thing people have taken away from the pandemic is the desire to celebrate life’s important moments with the people they love. I shared special moments with my daughter. The highlight of this year was my visit to the island of Oahu. I visited my alma mater, the University of Hawaii. We also saw Diamond Head Lighthouse, Makapu’u Lighthouse and visited the Aloha Tower.
The Aloha Tower was a lighthouse built in 1926 as part of a large-scale project undertaken to provide a modern freight and passenger terminal at piers 8, 9 and 10 in Honolulu. Sanibel Island on Florida’s gulf coast is known worldwide for its beach shells and laid back lifestyle. The beautiful island is one of the most sought out places for periwinkle and other sea sea shells in North America.
I visited the Sanibel Island Lighthouse a few years ago, so I was interested in how the city fared during Hurricane Ian. I was saddened to learn that the causeway to Sanibel was damaged and that islanders are stranded. All the wooden buildings near the Sanibel Lighthouse tower were destroyed. The lighthouse tower is the only structure remaining. However, a storm surge and wind swept away the bottom portion of one of the lighthouse’s legs. A temporary shaft was installed to replace the leg. Much work will be needed to restore the keepers house and other buildings. The city of Sanibel is meeting with experts to discuss the next step in repairs. The 138 year old lighthouse is a beacon of hope for the Southwest Florida community because it survived the storm. Most of Florida's coastline is bordered by beaches, and about 50 percent exists in its natural state.
As the southernmost state on the continental United States, with peninsular and panhandle landforms Florida has a coastline of 1,100 miles. Florida has 30 lighthouses and the second largest coastline in the United States. Florida is famous for exceptionally sunny weather. In 2022 the Sunshine State was hit with Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. I’m breathing a sigh of relief now that the 2022 hurricane season has finally ended. A season of hope and restoration begins. Gasparilla Lighthouse, Boca Grande Lighthouse and Sanibel Lighthouse were impacted by Hurricane Ian. Although the Florida Lighthouse Association immediately released funds to stabilize the lighthouses, much work remains to be done. To learn more and make donations, visit their website. Be selective in your battles, sometimes peace is better than being right. Chief John Shenandoah11/22/2022 Indigenous Heritage Month is a celebration of the contributions and achievements of the people of Indigenous descent and Native Americans.
Native Americans were fierce warriors. They had much at stake. Their land, their way of life and cultural heritage were under attack by the Europeans. However, the Abanski tribe formed an alliance with the French during the colonial wars to preserve their way of life. The Abanski lived mostly in Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. They were some of the most powerful tribes. They settled in villages and lived off corn, fishing and hunting. Although they showed courage during the war their numbers were further weakened by disease. After the war, they were pushed North into New France. The French provided a place for them to live in peace. Today the Abenaki still exist in Canada. In Quebec they have developed a thriving economy based on tourism. The Gay Head Cliffs in the town of Aquinnah on Martha's Vineyard are so spectacular that they make it to the bucket list. The popularity of the colorful cliffs and the Gay Head Lighthouse is nothing new. According to a newspaper article, Charles Vanderhoop, a light keeper, retired on disability due to "visitor-itis!"
Charles Vanderhoop, a member of the Wampanoag tribe, served as assistant light keeper at Sankaty Lighthouse 1912-13 and Gay Head from 1913-19. In 1919 Vanderhoop served at Sankaty Lighthouse on Nantucket. He returned in 1920 as the head light keeper of Gay Head. Three thousand Wampanoag lived on Martha’s Vineyard in the 17th century. In 1620, the Wampanoag taught the pilgrims how to grow food, catch and process fish. They helped the Pilgrims survive their first winters. Indigenous Heritage Month is a celebration of the contributions and achievements of the people of Indigenous descent and Native Americans. Be selective in your battles, sometimes peace is better than being right. Chief John Shenandoah11/19/2022 Indigenous Heritage Month is a celebration of the contributions and achievements of the people of Indigenous descent and Native Americans.
Native Americans were fierce warriors. They had much at stake. Their land, their way of life and cultural heritage were under attack by the Europeans. However, the Abanski tribe formed an alliance with the French during the colonial wars to preserve their way of life. The Abenaki lived mostly in Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. They were some of the most powerful tribes. They settled in villages and lived off corn, fishing and hunting. Although they showed courage during the war their numbers were further weakened by disease. After the war, they were pushed North into New France. The French provided a place for them to live in peace. Today the Abenaki still exist in Canada. In Quebec they have developed a thriving economy based on tourism. Indigenous Heritage Month is a celebration of the contributions and achievements of the people of Indigenous descent and Native Americans.
The legacy of Native Americans prevails in our culture in many ways. I was surprised to learn that the popular quote “Those that lie down with dogs will get up with fleas'' was a quote by Blackfoot. More than half of the 50 states have names with Native American origin: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona to name a few. For a complete listing and the meaning behind each of the states, check out http://www.native-languages.org/state-names.htm Native Americans' voices sing out in the land around us. Their existence in the area surrounding Jupiter Lighthouse dates back to 5,000 years before the Europeans arrived. They lived, loved and raised families. They formed sophisticated political alliances not unlike the monarchies in Europe. The Jupiter Lighthouse opened in 1860 and stands on a shell mound created by Native Americans. The mounds record the evidence of their lives and diets. Archeologists studying the Jupiter inlet area have found tools, pottery, shell and bone tools and adornment. Thanksgiving is a joyous season to shower the world with gratitude and love. Unk
Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate what you have and to look forward to time with family and friends. Prepare for Turkey Day with these simple tips.
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AuthorWhen I am not traveling to or painting lighthouses, I am writing or researching lighthouses. Archives
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