Tuesday, April 28, 2009

what kind of jeopardy?

i've been mulling this over for days now trying to decide if i should post this. quite frankly....i don't see how i can't post it.

let me begin by saying if you are easily offended by body part names.......stop reading now. if you choose to read this post and become offended......i apologize.........here goes............

i'm required to take periodic classes to update the skills needed to do my job. some are interesting.....some not so interesting......but this last one......well........it was different.

it was a series of speakers teaching a mixed group of public officials the skills needed to interview and prepare a case for the child victim of a sexual assault.......not a very pleasant subject but everyone needs to be on top of their game to help these children. our class began at 9am with a court prosecutor that gave us some useful info on what to ask, who to ask, how to present our case in court, etc. ok.........that was good. next speaker was one of my personal friends that works in computer crimes. she spoke on her specialty................internet sexual predators........she's one of the officers that pretend to be a child online to hunt down these sick individuals. i'd heard her speak many times before but did pick up some tips on a few new trends. next speaker talked about how her agency interviews these child victims and offered their services to our agency. then lunch..............alright! a much needed break and food to boot!

we spent an hour eating and networking with the folks from the other agencies. it's always good to have contacts. ok........call to order.............our last speaker of the day is up. we're all full and tired and a little sleepy. they dim the lights (not good......did i mention we were ready for a nap?) and here on a full size movie screen is a VERY intimate picture of a vagina. everyone kinda slides down in their seats and tries to become invisible. our last speaker is one of the doctors who perform the exams on our child victims. she goes on to explain all the medical terms.....what they look for......what's normal......what's not...........now, unfortunately, we've all seen this kind of thing before......but it's one thing to be a first responder and handle the situation based on our training and another to sit around in mixed groups seeing these pictures and listening to case histories........ not so good.........but hey.........it's the last speaker...........we're almost outta here! and THEN..........the doctor says............ "now for a little test to see if you were paying attention"........... and low and behold......up on the screen pops "vagina jeopardy"...............say what???? .......and were we allowed to volunteer? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! we were called on.............ahhhhhh........i'll take vulva for $400 please....................
welcome to my world........................

Sunday, April 26, 2009

shadow shot sunday #1

i really like these photo challenges. it encourages you to think outside the box. this one is for shadow shot sunday. i'd been taking shots all week trying to find one i'd like to post when on my way into court friday i saw this. i had to shoot this one too.

if you haven't guessed.........it's a radio tower.
enjoy your sunday.
































Saturday, April 25, 2009

protect(ion)

this week's photo hunter theme is protect(ion).......keep your hands out of your pockets............no concealed weapons allowed!





Wednesday, April 22, 2009

cathy rose

cathy rose is such a talented mixed media artist. this piece speaks to me on so many levels.............."fly girl" check out her other pieces at the volakis gallery website.

Monday, April 20, 2009

PhotoHunt: Purple

my first photohunt pic...... the theme............purple.
this one was fun..........wind was gusting so i had to chase the umbrella across the yard to get this shot.




Sunday, April 19, 2009

miss prickly and friends

i inherited this cactus from a friend. i've never been much of a cacti person and i'm clueless as to what to do with her. she's been sitting outside my woodworking shop all winter.....she's huge........and thrives on neglect. with the new growth on top it looks like a community of little cactus people with arms outstretched in welcome. i'm not going there..........she's already taught me a lesson in respecting her space. i really need to move her away from the door 'cause i'm always backing out ....arms full of whatever i'm working with and......ouch! well....you get the picture............

Thursday, April 16, 2009

random acts of gardening



"when richard reynolds began planting flowers secretly at night outside his tower block he had no idea that he was part of a growing global movement committed to combating the forces of neglect, land shortage and apathy towards public spaces"......so says the review of his book found on his blog. what he does is called guerrilla gardening......basically.....it's random acts of gardening.... done covertly. i love that!
may 1st is international sunflower guerrilla day.........grab a pack of sunflower seeds and help beautify a neglected spot in your hometown. and be sure to check out his blog where groups from all over the world post pictures and videos of their guerrilla gardening.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

alphabet for life

Accept differences. Be kind. Count your blessings. Dream. Express thanks. Forgive. Give freely. Harm no one. Imagine more. Jettison anger. Keep confidences. Love truly. Master something. Nurture hope. Open your mind. Pack lightly. Quell rumors. Reciprocate. Seek wisdom. Touch hearts. Understand. Value truth. Win graciously. Xeriscape. Yearn for peace. Zealously support a worthy cause. - renee stewart

Saturday, April 11, 2009

mistah rabbit

mistah rabbit is wishing you a happy easter and hoping you find the egg with the best prize!
i'd settle for a mocha coffee................

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

reclaim2fame

oh these are just toooo cute! mixed media sculpture by will w of reclaim2fame. check out his etsy shop here.









Sunday, April 5, 2009

jealous ranting yelper

i ran across this picture i saved from an email. it's just tooooooooo funny. "whatever spiteful fools may say, each jealous ranting yelper, no woman ever went astray,without a man to help her." - abraham lincoln

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

my talented friends

i'm going to begin this by saying i know if i really, really, wanted to return to school.....i'd find a way. i never got to finish my art degree because of........well......life. i have some friends that have returned to school and i am sooooooooooooooooo jealous! i stay involved by attending gallery talks and showings but each time i go it sure tugs at my heartstrings! i went to see some new works this monday nite. check out these pieces by my friend, beth........

the color green (envy!) doesn't suit me...............i need to do something about this...................someday................