Art History with Vincent

Dear Theo: The Autobiography of Vincent Van Gogh edited by Irving Stone

Van Gogh was a remarkable artist in the 1800's. I became interested in him after reading Irving Stone's biography, "Lust For Life". I am currently reading a book of letters by Van Gogh, also compiled by Irving Stone, that Vincent wrote to his brother, Theo.  In it he refers to many artists, both masters and contemporary struggling artists as himself, that he admired.  In order to understand Van Gogh and his artistic walk, I decided to compile these artists. Some I could not find, but others, thanks to the modern convenience of the internet, I was able to easily locate. I hope that others that appreciate the genius of Vincent will enjoy the journey through his letters as well.

Vincent writes:

"Last week I was at Hampton Court to see the beautiful gardens and also the palace and the pictures. There are among others many portraits by Holbein which are very beautiful."

"This Meryon, even when he draws bricks, or granite, or iron bars, or a railing of a bridge, puts in his etchings something of the human soul, moved by I do not know what inward sorrow."

"In Millet, in Jules Breton, in Josef Israels too, one also finds even more in evidence this precious pearl, the human soul, expressed in a nobler worthier tone, more evangelic if i may call it so."


I will be adding to the list as I go through the book and hope you will join me as I take a personalized lesson from one of the greats!


Here is a comprehensive list of Van' Gogh's letters.

GoodReads: A Fun Place to Keep Track of Your Books!

Hunter of Peace, Mary T.S. Schaffer's Old Indian Trails of the Canadian Rockies by Mary Schaffer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This true account of Canadian woman adventurer, Mary Schaffer, was a loving tribute to our country's natural beauty. She, her female companion and their guides travelled over peaks on horseback in the turn of the 20th century searching for the Indian legend, the Maligne Lake. Her writing is rugged and beautiful as is the land she traversed. She writes humorously as well, as she recounts the pack horses that became their friends.
This version also contains her 1911 Expedition to Maligne Lake which she took to survey the lake along with her sister and young nephew.
I bought this book while on the shores of Maligne lake. it is an awe inspiring place and reading her account, I imagined the pristine majesty that met them before tourists and bookstores came.

View all my reviews

I remember clay

I used to the rub the cloth of my pajamas to help me fall asleep.

I used to rub the indentations of old chicken pox scars until they bled.

He ridiculed my attempt so I left the odd, yellow, innocent replica of a buffalo skull or so I thought.

He Obeyed...

Joyous day in the church today. A young man became a Christian today. He is the son of a couple that are very faithful in the church. When he was at home, he came grudgingly with them.

He eventually moved out on his own and stopped attending. A couple of months ago, he started attending of his own volition. He showed up at services even when his parents were away on holidays.

After a strong Biblical lesson this evening on the meaning, necessity, nature and result of repentance, he came to the front to show that that after hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ, he believed it, for himself. There was no doubt that he understood repentance after sitting through the lesson. He made a public confession that he believed that Jesus is the Son of God then he was baptized for the remission of sins.

As he stood in the waters, waiting for the moment, his mother tearfully moved closer to capture the event on film.

Stacked and then Some

I thought I could resist and stick with the idea of only buying books when I want to read them, but I fell victim to another book sale.

1. Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. I was reminded about this book when someone said she had top billing (hah,) in the play.
2. The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton which is a popular money managing book even after 22 years. I borrowed it from the library a few months ago but someone else put it on hold so I couldn't renew it. I only read the first few chapters but it had some good ideas and presented it in a story form.
3. Leo Tolstoy: His Life and Work by Paul Birukoff, who was a friend of Tolstoy. The sale only had Volume one. Volume two is when it gets really interesting though, as it talks about his religious views, in which I know we are at variance, because at the end of his life he did not believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
4. Then, drum roll or tuba blast, a book that could be revolutionize my book reading experience called The Book Group: A Thoughtful Guide to Forming and Enjoying a Stimulating Book Discussion Group edited by Ellen Slezak and foreword by Margaret Atwood. Could this be done on-line ?

What were the last books you purchased??

Just Window Shopping

Fun courtesy of Polyvore

An Artist's Way?

Ever since I started back on medication for being bipolar, I have not felt creative but maybe it is just an excuse.

It certainly does help when you are posting everyday and constantly aware of that which makes you smile and might interest or amuse others.

Lately, I have been reading The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron which is a workbook on how to be unblocked creatively. In it she tells you to write everyday but privately which I have been doing pretty faithfully. Another activity is to have an artist's date every week on your own, one in which you go out and do whatever you want for about 2 hours.

Yesterday, my Husband and I went out for supper and afterwards decided to go and browse through a bookstore. I was drawn to the many magazines they have and I came upon Artful Blogging. It certainly is a beautiful magazine and as I read of one woman that had taken the Artist's Way workshop, I thought of how much fun I had while blogging.

Could I still have it in me?

Courage To Conquer

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the 77th Annual Convention for Toastmaster’s International. In being there, I partook in the vision of the originator of Toastmasters, Ralph C. Smedley. In 1924, he was the Director of Education for the Young Men’s Christian Association, the YMCA. He saw that the young men at Santa Ana, California needed training in public speaking.

The vision that Mr. Smedley had for those men 84 years ago in Santa Ana is now being realized by almost 235,000 members, men and women, from across the world. The vision as written today is, “Toastmasters International empowers people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. Through our member clubs, people throughout the world can improve their communication and leadership skills, and find the courage to change.”

The winner for this year’s World Championship was La Shunda Rundles. She gave a stirring and sassy account of her battle with Lupus with the help of her Mother’s firmness who taught her to speak through her fears.

Katherine Morrison, my favorite International Speech Contestant,spoke of overcoming the bullying that she encountered in school. Through the belief and encouragement of a teacher,she found she had the choice of what to believe about herself. She overcame her self doubts to earn a PhD in Public Health from the University of South Carolina. She placed 3rd out of the 10 contestants. Her stage presence exuded strength especially when she strutted off the stage with her doctoral hood draped over her shoulders.

Pamela Wallin, Canadian journalist, former Consul General in New York city, an Officer of the Order of Canada, received the Golden Gavel Award this year. This is given to non-Toastmasters who have achieved excellence in communication. She spoke eloquently of the impact of others on her life beginning with growing up in a small town in Saskatchewan, Canada which taught her the valuable lessons of community and civility.

I learned that people are not only conquering their fear of public speaking but other fears as well. The president of Toastmaster’s, Jana Barnhill, gave an inspiring speech of her victory over her fear of heights. She was in a small plane when it was caught into a storm at night. It tossed them about for 2 hours before they crash landed. The finale of her speech was a video of her skydiving. The theme she chose for Toastmasters in the coming year is “The Courage to Conquer”.

Another woman next to me at the dinner table told me of her own battle with the fear of heights. Through will and determination, she is attempting to become a 46er. These are people that climb the 46 Adirondack Mountains in the New York state. She has climbed three of them so far.

“Didn’t you panic?” I asked her. “Oh, yes. They had to drag and push me across this last precipice. I only had 100 feet to go to get to the summit. Then when we got there I refused to go back down.” I knew she had to get down somehow,..she told me that there happened to be another route down that particular mountain, a very steep road. They all had pretty achy feet after that but she did it with the help of her friends.

I volunteered to assist people off the stage for the Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is where distinguished Toastmasters and Districts are recognized; it is like the Academy Awards for Toastmasters. I watched as a blind woman, then a woman with leg braces walked across the stage. No doubt there were countless others whose handicaps were not obvious to me. Okay, the blind are still blind and the lame are still lame but now they have confidence. The look on their faces told me that they achieved their dream. They have changed.

What about me? I gave this speech after less than a week’s preparation. It usually takes me four because. I have been too afraid to make a mistake or fall from the mountain. I thank God for Toastmasters because with their help and with His help, I am beginning to believe in the vision too. I see a competent, confident and courageous person climbing a summit today.

I want to add to this, a thank you to my blogpals for their interest in my life. You have helped me to believe in myself.

Thank you.

On to the Next One

I was watching a travel show with my family a couple of evenings ago. It was about Switzerland. I am very afraid of heights so even watching the footage from the mountain tops made me feel uneasy. The finale was a shot of a mountain where you had to actually travel through an ice cave to get to the top. The travel host said you had to be careful not to walk too fast for the air was thin.

I said to my family how I would feel if I went on such a trek. My Middle Daughter said, "You would want to go up every mountain after that."

That is how I am doing now. I am up high where the air is thin.

Sainted Women

fragile folds in robes
immortally marbled
by ancient sculptors

A Kite

I read a book a while ago written by W. O. Mitchell titled "A Kite." It was about an old man over 100 whose life is seen as an analogy of flying a kite.
I had tried flying a kite before as a child but was never able to even get it up in the air. Yesterday, we were at the farm and my Mother-in-Law found a kite in the basement. She carefully led us to a safe place to fly it, away from power lines.

As a family, we took turns flying it. My Husband went first, doing well but handing it over to his Son so he could enjoy the feeling. My Son kept the kite soaring for a long time although it was his first time. I was amazed at how artfully it flew under his guidance. My Middle Daughter kept the kite high in the air although not as high as my Son. When it came down, it gently touched the ground.

I couldn't keep my eyes off the kite, thinking of the story of the old man. I had to try it myself.

I let the line out quickly, thinking how easy it was. It seemed to be flying very high from my point of view but suddenly it plummeted to the ground. My Son came to help me wind the string back up. I asked him what I did wrong. He replied that it was the speed with which I let the string out and that I could play with it by tugging back at the string then letting it out.
He told me that he had caught his fingers in the string but I had never noticed becaused he didn't panic as I might've but gently took the line in his other hand so the string could relax and he was freed.

Oh...

Nice Surprise

Your Social Anxiety Level: 40%

You have low social anxiety. Of course very unfamiliar or strange situations make you uncomfortable. But you can pull through and handle almost any social occasion with grace.

Are You Socially Anxious?

A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

I started a reading program during my recuperation.

I finished A Midsummer Night’ Dream as I enjoyed the morning in bed. I chose this book because my Middle Daughter was studying it in her Language Arts class and we read the first scene together.

She ran off to finish it with her classmates and teacher while I struggled behind. It was a difficult read for me 60% of the time. The parts where I caught on were like a joyous dance, “Hey I am getting this!”

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a play within a play. The plot revolves around a love pyramid of four young Athenians: Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius and Helena. It took me awhile to get this pyramid straight but it got more confusing once the fairy king got involved with his own problems which he tried to rectify with magic love juice.

This story is a classic love comedy with enthralling twists for any age and era. I especially like the fact that I read it because of my 16 year old. She wrote, as a class project, a journal from Helena’s perspective. I can’t wait to read it.

An Update

Hi Everyone,
It was Revision's 3rd Anniversary on Feb 19th! I haven't left the blogging world even though I haven't been posting lately.

Right now, I am in the hospital and have been here for the last three days. Life without medication will have to wait. I am doing well though, so don't be like me and worry...

Love ya!

I've Been Tagged !

1.WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
I was named after my Dad's favorite aunt...


2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
This morning...



3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Not sure, it is getting more like chicken scratch every year...



4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Turkey...



5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yep...



6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Definitely...



7. DO YOU USE SARCASM ALOT?
Alot? What is a lot?


8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Nope.



9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Only if my life depended on it!



10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Muffets. (Have you heard of this one?)



11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Yes.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Getting there...


13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
I like them all.



14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
If they are an introvert or extrovert.

15. RED OR PINK?
Both, together...


16. WHAT IS THE THING THAT YOU LIKE LEAST ABOUT YOURSELF?
Fearfulness.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My parents.


18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
It would be nice.


19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Red nightgown with gold trim and mocassins.


20. HAVE YOU EVER RE-GIFTED?
I don't think so.


21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
I am kind of oblivious to the outside world right now but my Son is in the backgrouond, watching tv behind me.


22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Maybe purple?

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Citrus, lilac, roses,

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My Daughter.


25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
You bet. I would really like to meet her next time I am in town.


26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Uh...soccer but I am not a real sports fan of any type.


27. HAIR COLOR?
Dark Brown


28. EYE COLOR ?
Dark Brown


29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Nope.

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Mexican.


31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS ?
Scary movies with happy endings?


32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Bee Movie

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
See #19


34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Both.


35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Kisses.


36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
See #13


37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Hmmm...


38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND
Hmmm...


39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Bible, of course, the Book of Luke.
And Ball of Fire:The tumultuous life and comic art of Lucille Ball


40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Uh...my hand...


41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT?
Nothing...


42. FAVORITE SOUND?
My children getting along...


43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Its got to be the Beatles in this house...


44. WHAT IS THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Europe.


45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Oh yes...


46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Hey, I gotta protect my identity........



47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
Yours!

Dreams Do Come True !

glumbert - Connie's Got Talent

Friends, I am feeling well...

Click to enlarge!

Your Hidden Talent

You have the power to persuade and influence others. You're the type of person who can turn a whole room around. The potential for great leadership is there, as long as you don't abuse it. Always remember, you have a lot more power over people than you might think!

I did this quiz so long ago that the link has been removed...
But tell me anyways, what is your hidden talent?

12 Things to be Thankful for...

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

12.

8 (or under)MeMe

Emily has me thinking of...

8 things I am passionate about:
Bible
the church of Christ
Family
Friends
Scheduling/Organizing
/Being Balanced
Books
Blogging

8 things I want to do before I die:
Love More
Be merrier
Overcome Bipolarisms
Overcome my worrying nature
Be a competent speaker
Understand more
Be a Kokum (ie Grandma in Cree...some day...)
Be a Highly Effective Person

8 Things I say often:
Eh?
What?
Pardon me
Uh
I don't know
Sorry

8 books I've read recently:
Bible
Seven Habits for Highly Effective People by Steven Covey
Klee Wyck by Emily Carr
Dr. Swarthmore by Alexander Scala
...uh
what?

8 songs I could listen to over and over again:
Everything's Alright from Jesus Christ Superstar
Pilate's Dream from Jesus Christ Superstar
Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple (tell you about it later...)
I Don't Know How to Say Good-Bye by Andy and David Williams (tell you about it later...)
I Can See Clearly Now by...uh

8 things that attract me to my friends:
Spiritual
Good listener
Sense of Humor
Compassionate
Genuine
Honest
Understanding
Think I am someone special

8 People who should do this "MeMe":
Mompoet
RDL
Aurora
Kai
Sarah
Imran
Wandi
J. Andrew (in 31 syllables)