My Blog

WT hrm . . . ?

walksbyfaith — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:13:52 GMT

So feeling like I have really neglected this web offering; I came to post the obligatory seasonal photo, catch up, whatever . . To my immense frustration, I cannot stay logged in long enough to post anything, the photo upload kept rejecting my photos, had to change my profile from charcoal to blah grey just to see the module editors and so on and so on ad nauseaum. I fully expect I will have to copy this post into the buffer so I can paste it once I login yet again. Additionally there is a post from the little man behind the curtain informing he has assembled a 'crack' team to help improve tribe. Have we not been waiting patiently for the 'improvements' for two-ish years? I can only deduce the promised 'improvements' are limited to the paying customers once again. Don't get me wrong; I am all for memberships paying for the high cost of providing quality service; it ain't cheap to maintain a web presence. However; why would I be willing to pay for a membership when the basic free membership is such a poor representative of decent customer service and functionality? I am frustrated with the promised 'coming-soon' modules which never did, the fact that I cannot post modules from other services here, and the same tired dozen or so 'layout' offerings. I do not especially need Tribe, I have a pro Flickr membership [who's free service is first rate BTW]. I have a Blogger doo-dah, a myspace [sandbox for neglected kiddies], and various other web 2.0-ish tools I like. I am practically the only one who posts on the heartside tribe. So perhaps Tribe as a showcase for my artwork, interests and social connections is no longer an effective or efficient choice. Something to ponder . . .

Zen & the Art of Distraction: or What's on Your MP3?

walksbyfaith — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:47:38 GMT

I was catching up on me pal's blog entries this morning when the age old questions of personal space & tastes, minor but persistent irritants, tact and obligations came up in FeralKid's blog [ http://people.tribe.net/a2e63106-64ee-43b7-9643-4775459021c8/blog/361260a5-9049-4082-bb30-7e4a089e969b ]. Replying to his post prompted me to wonder what others listened to on their mp3 devices for distraction and why. I live in an urban area, albeit a nice enough one. Most of the time I find I am in need of 'mental space' between me and the outside world when I have the occasion to spend time traveling on the bus or sitting in a waiting room, et cetera. {It's an introvert thing}. One of the tools I use is an mp3 player with a respectable storage capacity. Until recently, I used a Palm Lifedrive which I loved the idea of and hated the quirks however; it gave me the ability to have various forms of diversion, distraction and even a comfort or two in my jacket pocket at all times. My Lifedrive even had a respectable battery life as long as I did not try to watch feature length movies, one after the other. Here is the short list of diversions in no particular order; Gregorian Chant - sooooo soothing Beethoven - a deaf genius and magnificent, what more can you say? Enya Enigma - {see gregorian chant} John Williams - one of the most talented & prolific modern composers CSN & (Y) Santana Seger - Rockin Bob with and without the boys in the band Sade Sinatra Dean Martin Harry Connick Mozart Ravel CCR Vox Manhatten Transfer Russel Watson Monk Parker Davis Rollins Shawn Phillips & Shawn Pittman The list is much longer than that and it also included books on CD & audio lectures because I am after all, still a student. Alas the damn thing disappeared on one of those excursions to buy new gym shoes and it is too expensive to replace. So now I have a scaled down version in an off the shelf MP3 + images. Easy come, easy go . . . P.S. You can see for yourself what wacky taste in music I have by launching my YahooMusic [http://music.yahoo.com/launchcast/station.asp?u=1737158889 ] P.S.S. You should know that Y's LaunchCast still does not work with the amazing & talented FIREFOX. The only browser WBF uses. In other words, you have to "choose" some other browser. Hmmmm.... could this be one of the reasons why people download songs to their devices and choose the tools, playlists, et cetera *they* like?

Purple Heart Veterans Receive Unique Memorial

walksbyfaith — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 15:40:13 GMT

Link [ http://vagrantmemories.blogspot.com/2007/09/purple-heart-veterans-receive-unique.html ] I have been scramblin to keep up this semester therefore; I have neglected my blog. So I'm cheating; Read my other blog . . . . . . and Thank You for your Service

Bleu Gardenia

walksbyfaith — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 22:24:00 GMT

While my unmet friends FeralKid & Gypsy(et all @Zen) busted their butts to make BRC a safe and well run city, I was in an environment almost at the extreme opposite of the spectrum. The Bleu gardenia sortof sums up my state of being. Right at home in the humid state, we had wacky thunderstorms, tornadoes and so forth. One after another for 5-ish days. All the rain we did not get this beautiful summer, we got. I was a photo-shootin nut. Actually got some pics I liked. Well, vacation is almost over, kids are home from their honeymoon and my family is one man bigger. Good thing too; the girls outnumber the guys by about 3:1. WBF 8) ...who is waving from the Office in a lovely sunset.

Not this year in BRC...

walksbyfaith — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 17:25:30 GMT

My friend Feralkid posted that he has arrived in Gerlach safe and sound-ish. YaY! [ http://people.tribe.net/a2e63106-64ee-43b7-9643-4775459021c8/blog/3e78b5bc-e357-44be-b8ca-9569e86c73c1 ] I am envious. I have a raging case of anxiety-driven "go-do"(s). I know all the psychological mumbo-jumbo associated with my present state of mind nevertheless, I quote Freddy Mercury, "Oh, how I want to break free . . ." I feel time slipping by faster and faster but I get a grip and I tell myself, Self: not to worry; Next year in BRC or Ireland or Africa or Copan or Venice or Israel . . . Photo Credit: Foamfinger, aka Sculler

Stress Indicators & Lessons Learned

walksbyfaith — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 20:21:27 GMT

I took a Child Development major class this semester because I could not carve out extra time my walking class demanded so on the second day I had to hot-swap classes. Ironicly the walking class was supposed to reduce my stress. I digress... So during this CD class, we took the old standard Stress Indicator test. You know the one where they rate major stressors with points? I think the first one is death in the family=100, and so on? I have never scored under 300 and that is the score they say is indicative of major health/coping problems within 1 year. True to form, I did not score anywhere close to 300 again. However, I am proud to say I scored about 230 points lower than I have in the past, WooHoooo! So what does this mean for WBF 8) ? Most likely I am headed for yet another major set-back health-wise. The interesting thing about the stress issue is that no matter how hard you work to mitigate the negative affects, you can only do so much on your own. You can exercise, loose weight, take all sorts of supplements, do yoga, meditate, pray et all. They only help so far, then you are left with the consequences of your choices. If I think about consequences and decisions, I am begining to realize every decision is a memory. I can choose to create good memories or horrific ones. For example; recently I chose to do something good for someone else. Not just a nice thing but something which took patience, time, compassion and a sacrifice of something in the material world as well. For my effort at opening myself to operate unselfishly, I have been repaid with lies and manipulation. Is this right in the absolute black & white world of right and wrong? Certainly not. However, despite the added stress of being manipulated and deceived, I still have that lovely memory which I chose to create. The memory and pleasant company will remain just what they are; ephemera. However, the lesson will resonate in my life for a very long time and serve to offset the stress.

Two Weeks Later...

walksbyfaith — Mon, 14 May 2007 16:51:41 GMT

So Burning Man is off, my trip to Ireland is off, my trip out east is off, my weekend in Chicago is off and any hope of a vacation before Fall term ends, is off. Why, you ask? My daughter decided to get married in 2 months instead of 12 months. I'd call that bum rushing everyone including a brother who is in the Navy and will not be home in time. So, I'm a little frustraited. Now that I have vented, I can go back to resurecting my academic credibility. To my Heartside.Tribesters, sorry I have not been around while moving, finals and chasing books for the summer term after it has already started. To FeralKid, Gypsy & the rest of the assorted BM tribsters; Oh for the simple days during spring break where the only thing I had to do was shoot pictures and hang wit you. *wavie* WBF 8)

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity, Jig

walksbyfaith — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 17:30:52 GMT

I could chronicle for you, the bizzare, irrational things that happened whilst I was moving but I'd rather just let y'all know that it is done! I took a walk with a friend yesterday by way of mitigating the aggrivation over things that could not be fixed on the spot. We walked in the next neighborhood over from Heartside where all the lovely urban pocket gardens are. I will share with you as soon as I am finished with the Archaeology class finals. WBF 8)

Horrible Error juju

walksbyfaith — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 02:29:50 GMT

Alrighty then, in my previous post I clearly stated that no "Horrible Error juju" was welcome in the new and improved humble abode. Why then do you suspect that just as I was contemplating hitting the sack in the freshly made bed, the farkin fire alarm goes off, hmmm? Now, for those of you who do not enjoy living in any sort of apartment-ish type dwelling, you probably do not know how disconcerting a commercial fire alarm is. Hideous noise, flashing lights, totally disorienting. I have not been in the humble abode but one full night, as there is the cleaning factor to contend with at the old humble abode, so I had no clue what the fastest route out of the building was. The elevator is obviously not an option. Pure instinct and a well honed sense of direction gets me out without mishap. So rather than hang around, I make my way back to the old humble abode where it is stifling hot but relatively quiet. I guess I'll finish checking the three days of email I have left undone and then head over to the Burning Man tribe to see what mischief they are dishing out to each other. Always good for a grin.

Moving Day

walksbyfaith — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 11:08:15 GMT

The day is here, the new and improved humble abode awaits. I cannot seem to upload photos in my album here, I have run into error messages at every turn including malformed ad coding which was blocked prior to today. My login took three tries this morning and last night I could not get in at all. I got instead a white page with a server dump entitled: "Horrible Error......" I don't need any horrible Error juju in my new place so if I become strangely silent, chalk it up to "Horrible Error..." I have term papers to write and an oral presentation in the next two weeks, in addition to digging my way out of a pile of boxes. However, I have actually seen the email you all have sent me and I am aware I owe responses. Have a lovely day. Update: The ever useful error messages at post... "There were errors processing your request: * Include a Photo: Please upload a valid image file." Um. .png IS a valid image file! k, Somebody fixed something!

Irony: Cultural Commentary

walksbyfaith — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 19:00:56 GMT

I have appreciated this artist's ability to crystallize a thought or attitude I have on a particular subject for hmmm....more than ten years? So Thank you dear Alanis for expressing for me my attitude on the following subjects this week: hip-hop culture, the culture of insult, sexual exploitation, bling, Myspace, hedonism, emotional assault, rationalization, narcissism, Imus, power grabs, social deviancy, manipulation, and the timeless favorite: sexism. P.S. just in case irony is not your strong suit or you are confused about my motivation for posting something so seemingly out of character, yes this is a rare and rather big fork-U on so many levels.

The Handbags

walksbyfaith — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:39:10 GMT

Today as I came in after school, it hit me, I have other things in my inventory besides rugs, duh. I looked at this handbag and realized the only thing I have posted is the weaving and naalbinding. So I will be adding other photos from time to time. This bucket style handbag has an oval shaped bottom, sunflower cotton print liner and the body is made from acrylic yarn. The retro button is reclaimed, actually the yarn and liner are as well.

The Handbags

walksbyfaith — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:36:13 GMT

This is the detail view.

Humility

walksbyfaith — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 13:28:28 GMT

These are the same dafs, bowed low in silent acquiescence.

Surprise!

walksbyfaith — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 14:34:04 GMT

I was bemoaning the fact that FeralKid had such a gorgeous shot of an early bloom and we here in zone 5 had bupkis, these big boys were waiting for me en mass this morning at school. Makes me happy. 2 other shots in my gallery this morning.

Naabinding Student's progress!

walksbyfaith — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 17:28:40 GMT

A few months ago, I got a request to teach naalbinding in the Heartside Art Gallery. My student took 4 lessons, I think? Anyway, I ran across her blog today and W.O.W! She has really perfected her stitches. They are neat and even, [sniffle] I'm so proud of her. Here is a link to her post: http://kindshipincolorandwool.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/01/there_is_no_naa_1.html

First try on the Inkle Loom

walksbyfaith — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 15:45:41 GMT

So I was bored and Jessee taught me "http://people.tribe.net/f4c4175e-f0fa-447e-a679-4b3bc00aa50b/photos"" how to string the Inkle loom. This is my first attempt. I used cotton slump warp. Not a good idea on your first try, unless you like a challenge. Cotton shoelace was my weft. I like weft faced weaving but the Inkle loom produces warp faced weaving. Using the shoelace produced a balance between warp and weft. Not sure what I will make of this strap yet. P.S. Take a look at Jesse's straps, he's a very skilled weavwer.[link above]

Forgot one...Khaki & Sisal Rug

walksbyfaith — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 21:28:47 GMT

Forgot to post this rug yesterday. This rug was very experimental in that I wanted to see for myself what would happen when several fibers were used in combination. I like the way this rug turned out. However, now it must be dry cleaned. Ooops. Heartside Gallery 54 South Division Avenue Grand Rapids MI 49503 Tues - Thurs, 9:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. [closed for lunch, 12 - 1]

New Year, New Toys, New Art...in that order

walksbyfaith — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 20:49:52 GMT

Fresh off the jack loom, my dream come true; Real, honest-to-goodness, rag rugs. [and a digital camera to document my work!] Two rugs sold so fast I did not have time to post them here. These three are finished works and ready to go home with you. All three rugs can be seen in my photo gallery here. Contact me via: Heartside Gallery 54 S Division Ave Grand Rapids MI Tues - Fri, 9:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. [closed for lunch 12 - 1] wbfgr@aim.com HAPPY NEW YEAR Grand Rapidians!

Thanksgiving

walksbyfaith — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 15:16:05 GMT

The trip had all the earmarks of a full blown disaster. However, once I got to my "office" chair on my family's deck and looked out over the little pond, all was right with the world. Having a lovely time, here's your postcard... So then the Scholar Daughter and I went to pick up the Oldest for Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. We passed the phone around after dinner so Grandma could say Hi and chat with the Fam. Then we took the Oldest back home to her regularly scheduled mayhem. The Scholar and I made a day of shopping for her at the mall where my old cafe was supposed to open, into but never did. She bought herself a snazzy skirt while I thanked G*d the cafe never made it into that mall. I can say I have been there but I do not like the mall itself. If I ever go back, it will only be to eat at Rainforest Cafe. The weather here was sublime. Warm-ish, sunny days untill yesterday. Last night it cooled down alot. Today it is raining on the lovely little pond. So it seems the peaceful interlude is over and I will miss the tranquility of the deck chair.

Soldier's Stories - THANK YOU

walksbyfaith — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 16:01:40 GMT

Below is an excerpt reprinted from Military.com. Joseph Beryle is a Michigan native and served as a Paratrooper during WWII. In January 1944, I was picked to attend British jump school. After three jumps from a barrage balloon, two from an aircraft, I received my British Wings. In April, and May, I volunteered for a mission to take gold into occupied France. I was one of three picked from our Regiment. We were moved to airfield at Middle Wallop for training and briefing, from there to an airfield north of Bournemouth where we were briefed on a mission, not told where we would jump and issued heavy waist bandoliers with gold coins. I never was told who the other two men were. We flew for one to two hours and jumped at night and were picked up by the French Underground...[read his story here: http://www.military.com/Content/MoreContent1/?file=dday_0034p1] A Soldier's Story I did my duty in Gaza--and it left me pained but proud. BY MICHAEL B. OREN This is the story of an Israeli who served in Gaza and met a former colleague on the battlefield: Nothing in my 25-year army experience had prepared me for the horror of Jews fighting Jews, nor had any of the knowledge I'd gained researching Israel's wars. The threat which the disengagement posed to the contemporary Jewish State weighed on me as I sat mourning the loss of its ancient predecessors. Then somebody greeted me: "Michael! Shalom!" I looked up into the smile of an ultra-Orthodox rabbi, white-bearded with silvery sidelocks. He pumped my hand for several moments before realizing that I had no idea who he was. "It's me, Amnon!"...[read his story here: http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110007146] And from [http://www.brandonblog.com/blogger.html] THE MILITARY MAN The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's; but he has never collected unemployment either... From Me: I miss him every day. He's a couple of years older than this soldier and he's a SAILOR. He is part of a peculiar tradition on my mother's side of the family; all Navy, 'cept for that one Great Uncle who served in the Army during WW1. He finally listened to someone in the family while serving, he did not come home during his leave, he went rappeling and white water rafting on a continent 5,000 miles from home. Man are we jazzed about that. We wish there were more pictures, LOTS more pictures. The pictures let us know he is ok. However, we in the family know he is ok because he is fulfilling his destiny, at least a part of it. He is also the only male in his family. His siblings may or may not agree with why he is so far away from home but they hold onto the hope that while he is away, he finds moments to remember them and they support his decision to serve his country wholeheartedly. For my part, I have not heard from him in two years. I am ok with that, now. He is a man, not a little boy. The consequences of his choices are his as are the rewards. When he leaves the Navy, he will have the education I could never give him, basic medical care and the ability to further his education in any field he wants to explore. For my part, I hope he does alot of exploring. I hope he exceeds even his own expectations. I wish him Godspeed and love him wherever he is.

Peace and Quiet

walksbyfaith — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 15:49:30 GMT

The non-prof where I work has emptied out, ('cept for the techies) to work on the annual fundraiser. It is so peaceful and quiet. Why can't life be like this more often? I was asked to produce a multi-media tour of some of the Italian provinces for this years festivities. We visited the Italian Rivera, Carnival in Venice and Florence. Stop by the Lab sometime and I'll run it for ya. .....zzzzzatkb

Heros - originated by Kyle's Pottery

walksbyfaith — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 16:11:18 GMT

[ Kyle's Link: http://people.tribe.net/a35a6215-83d4-4519-ac18-f37ec2b3a7e9/blog/cdf3fd98-aeb4-4684-97cc-c8699aafa135 ] I have several favorites from a photo essay on the first "1000 Days". (post September 11, 2001) The photo essay was never actually finished however, it does contain some compelling facts. There are some broken links but if you poke around enough, you will see photos and facts which span the events from September 11, 2001 through June 6, 2004. http://tenofnine.bravehost.com/1000/ - One Thousand Days

Ben Stein's observations

walksbyfaith — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 13:29:53 GMT

This little essay was sent to me by my former Boss. He and I were both confused about the world we found our selves in, seems we are both still confused. WBF 8) I know this is long, but it is worth the read. Think as you read, it’s really not that funny if you think about it. ~ Dave. If they know of him at all, many folks think Ben Stein is just a quirky actor/comedian who talks in a monotone. He's also a very intelligent attorney who knows how to put ideas and words together in such a way as to sway juries and make people think clearly. The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Herewith at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart: I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores. They never know who Nick and Jessica are either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they have broken up? Why are they so important? I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is either, and I do not care at all about Tom Cruise's wife. Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I am a subversive? Maybe, but I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. If this is what it means to be no longer young. It's not so bad. Next confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don' t feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away. I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I ca n put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to. In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking. Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this Happen?" (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And b eing the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?" In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about and we said OK. Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wron g, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW." Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing? P.S. I have no freaking clue who Nick & Jessica are either. However I heard this morning that this Lindsey chickie was liberated of about a mil in jewelry from an handbag sitting on the top of her luggage cart and is now pleading to get the loot back. Seems SHE doesn't live in the same world I do either. And one more thing from wbf; Native American suffering = White man's gambling addiction, 'Nuff said?

Grrls Alive - revisited

walksbyfaith — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 14:23:49 GMT

So way back on May 15 (http://people.tribe.net/d2b30793-cdd9-4a19-9399-f3c89463a093/blog/56932a19-3381-468d-8e77-179059e87b56), I broke my toe but you all knew that. This fine Labor Day weekend while laboring to rid myself of the unnecessary art supplies I collected.... ...WHAM! I did it again. Thank G*d this time I did not break another toe. However, same foot, same spot in the house, not the super-duper vacume cleaner this time but the room divider. So I am ending my summer the same way I started, hobbling around. HoooYaaaa, the girl's alive! WBF 8) P.S. Thank you Mr Murphy & Mr Marcinko