Fleeting – IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is Fleeting. This is a piece from my "Floral/Whimsical Series". Nature is always fleeting, like flowers and butterflies passing by on a summer breeze!

Poise – IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is Poise. This is a piece from my "Meditative Series". My goal was to express a sense of poise and composure.

Subtract – IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is Subtract. When we lose something we love, it feels like a subtraction from the heart.

25 Writers Meme

I was tagged by Stephen Bess to name 25 who have influenced my writing. This allowed me to go into my past to see the path that has led to the present writer. An interesting process.

1. Langston Hughes
2. Barbara Kingsolver
3. Maya Angelou
4. Joni Mitchell
5. Alice Walker
6. Steven Callahan
7. William Carlos Williams
8. Rumi
9. May Sarton
10. Elizabeth Gilbert
11. Gary Synder
12. Sting
13. Elizabeth Bishop
14. Kahlil Gibran
15. Margaret Atwood
16. Pema Chodron
17. Natalie Goldberg
18. Jimi Hendrix
19. John Steinbeck
20. Maxine Hong Kingston
21. Sylvia Path
22. Adrienne Rich
23. Georgia O'Keeffe
24. Fatima Lim-Wilson
25. Maurice Sendak

I have tagged the following bloggers:

Polona
Cergie
Janice Thomson
Devika
Aeroman101
Sandy Carlson
Yoon See
Studio Lolo
Raindog
Jyotsana
Cathy Delaleu
Miguel

Legendary – IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is Legendary. The dragonfly is legendary and mythical throughout the world. In Europe, dragonflies have often been seen as sinister. In East Asia and among Native Americans, dragonflies have a far better reputation. For me they're a sign of a nice hot summer day with a little magic thrown in.

Random Poetry

Kelle Kerr
A love of tradition
you've known it always.
When you drink,
his conversation perfectly delightful.
First keep the peace within–
quo has lost its status.
For the most part, fear
deeply felt good.
Computer Science is no more,
beat him at politeness.



Here are the instructions for creating your own random poem:

Go to "wikipedia." Hit “random”
or click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first random wikipedia article you get is the title of your poem.

Go to "Random quotations"
or click http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
1) Select the first three or five words of the very first quote of the page for the first line of your poem.

2) Then the last three or five words of the next quote of the page is the second line of your poem.

3) Select the first three or five words of the third quote of the page for the third line, and then alternate as above until you’ve made it to the last quote…

Go to flickr and click on “explore the last seven days”
or click http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days
Fifth picture, no matter what it is, will be your poem image. This part is optional.

Intricate – IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Intricate". This is conceptual around atoms as the basic unit of matter and their connection to a very intricate system. I remember learning about atoms in third grade and being amazed. Like my celebrate piece, this could be used as a napkin, wrapping paper or textile design.

Breezy – IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Breezy". Don't you just love those breezy days when the flowers go twirling by!

This part of my "Whimsical Series" artwork that I exhibit and sell. It's titled "Dandelion Dance".

Randomness

If you haven't tried this, it's a must for designers and artists!

1 - Go to "wikipedia." Hit “random”
or click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first random wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.

2 - Go to "Random quotations"
or click http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.

3 - Go to flickr and click on “explore the last seven days”
or click http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days
Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

4 - Use photoshop or similar to put it all together.

My first and second attempt with this process. I found it interesting how both images included stunning scenery and water. Also, the first one was very feminine in nature and the second male-oriented. Let me know if you give it a try.

Instinct – IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Instinct". It's the male Red-winged blackbird's instinct to fiercely defend his territory during the breeding season.

Celebrate - IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Celebrate". I designed this thinking it would make a nice paper napkin for celebratory events; like birthdays, anniversaries, retirement, graduation...what do you think?

Time – IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Time". I debated whether to focus on death for this week's topic, and decided it felt right. In the past month people close to me have lost loved ones who were not into "old age". So, I felt inclined to explore the time we have on this earth. Embrace your life, your family, your gifts. Don't waste your time.

Lyrics

Lyrics are the seeds
Left to find their
Own way into the earth.

Digging,
They split into pieces
Forming words
Of colorful visions

Soft as water
Pure as breath
Fleeting as death.

Not to be forgotten,
They sing through us
Joining the march
Into poetic song.

Chattering leaves
Chiming winds
Moaning passions.

Lyrics,
Are the soul
Of a heartbeat.

© 2008 M.A. Ringgold

Cathy Delaleu is a poet and painter out of Arizona who posted a poetry contest on her blog. I won first place which entitles me to one of her fabulous paintings and a bookmark. This poem was inspired by my love of lyric composition and nature.

Flawed – IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Flawed". And they said the tree needed to be cut down. Yet, it strives...

Climbing – IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "climbing". I once lived in an old house where the ivy was coming in through the window!

Pale – IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Pale".

Warm in the nest, lie the palest blue eggs.

Contained – IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Contained".

 The exilir could not be contained.

Resolve – IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Resolve". These are practices I will embrace this year more fully.

Happy New Year – 2009!

Many of you suggested the very thing I did– using this design for a new year's greeting. This is what I sent to folks... Thanks for stopping by.

Clandestine – IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Clandestine". Sometimes we do things surreptitiously, thinking no one will notice, and yet, we're very visible.

Voices – IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Voices". I studied Afro-Cuban percussion for four years and learned a great deal about communicating with the drums and how each drum has a "voice". When you get some really hot drummers playing together the conversation that goes on is incredible!

Cascade Grandeur

We've been blessed with a cold front and the splendor of snow.

Rambunctious – IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "rambunctious". Snow can bring out the rambunctiousness in us! We had a snowfall this weekend and it's been fun. Well, driving in icy conditions isn't what I'd call fun, but I love the snow.

Similar – IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Similar". I'm fascinated by the fundamentals of design. And how by using similar (repeating) shapes creates rhythm, unity and illusion of space. This piece was created by using three shapes; the circle, line and a geometric shape and by changing either the size and value of the first two, a dynamic design evolved.

Thanks to studio lolo for the interesting prompt!

Balloon - IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Balloon". I've always been fascinated by hot air balloons, and have yet to go up in one. Something to look forward to.

Opinion – IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Opinion". In my humble opinion, Zhuangzi's quote is a good reminder for when we are adamant about being right, "We cling to our own point of view, as though everything depended on it. Yet our opinions have no permanence; like autumn and winter, they gradually pass away". Of course, some die harder than others....

Thanks to the folks at IF, for using my suggestion.

Pretend – IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Pretend". My nephew loves art and is quite creative and I hope he keeps at it. We all must start somewhere! Oh, and if anyone can identify the painting, that would be wonderful. It was hanging in the National Gallery of Art (East Bldg).

Cascadia

so

gently

falling

upon 

open limbs

mist on pines

Wise - IF

This post is in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Wise". I can't take full credit for the Yoda illustration. I redrew it in Illustrator from the original, and made him look a little less frightening and more wise, as we know Yoda to be. The poster is by the illustrator/street artist Shepard Fairey. May the Force be with you Obama!

Vacant – IF

This is post is in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Vacant". The house looked vacant save the paw prints.

IF - Repair

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Repair".  Make your vote count!

IF - Late!

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Late". 

IF- Strings (Theory)

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Strings". I played around with the idea of String Theory. 

IF - Sugary

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Sugary". Nothing like fresh ripe fruit!!

IF - Packed

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Packed". This is what my commute feels like much too often (not so playful, though)!

Relax

Beachcomber

white shell

green circuit board scrap

striped rock

pottery shard

my walk along the shore

Daisy Love

waving

at the sun

daisies

Good Eye...

tie
sitting next to her friend
pocket

Pink in Blue

I hope life is blooming for all of you like this gorgeous magnolia blossom. I'm still working at landing a new position and appreciate your support and little reminders. Be well~

Plain - IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Plain". I'll never forget that life-altering trip in my early twenties, driving across the US from coast to coast and coming upon Kansas and seeing the open plain for first time, I wrote in my journal that it was like "an ocean of land".

Dear fellow bloggers, I will be spending less time with blogging so that I can focus my energy on creating my online portfolio for getting a new graphic design position. I will be posting some and commenting here and there. I will miss the regular visits, but will not be gone forever. Enjoy your journey through the open plains. Peace to all.

Childhood Story

Treasures of Innocence

I remember making clover bracelets
and collecting bees in jars
playing hop scotch at recess
gazing at clouds and stars

Jumping rope was a favorite
and, boy, could I make a mud pie
to taste was to savor it
look, there's a kite in the sky!

Many days spent in make-believe
bringing life to my paper dolls,
climbing my favorite maple tree
how in the wind it howled-

So fast would we clap patty-cake,
as jacks slide across the floor,
if I had a penny for every leaf I raked
I wouldn't have to work any more-

Memories cascading like a waterfall of time,
as I dare to leave treasures of innocence behind.


This is in gracious response to One Deep Breath. This week's topic is Childhood Story. This is a poem I wrote years ago, but thought it fit well with this prompt, and so I share it with you.

Stitch - IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Stitch". Much like a quilt, this was created with love and care, but instead of "by hand" it was stitched together digitally.

Moonstruck

I love it when I
spot you in the clear-blue sky
waxing crescent moon

This is in gracious response to One Deep Breath. This week's topic is Moonstruck.

100% Retro - IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "100%". I guess "retro" is subjective, but for me it's the 60s and 70s. Peace.

Frost

this morning
coated in silvery glitter
leaves try to stay warm

This is in gracious response to One Deep Breath. This week's topic is Frost.

Soar - IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Soar". I hope your art/life soars this coming new year!

Giving

our time together
is a colorful journey
a quilt of memories

This is in gracious response to One Deep Breath. This week's topic is Giving.

Horizon - IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday and the winter solstice. This week's prompt is "horizon". May you embrace the beauty and magic of winter!

Christmas Tree Lighting

Don't send a lame Holiday eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

Celebrating the holiday with my sis, nephews and niece! This makes me laugh so hard ;)

A Kind of Beauty

revealed
nestled in a tree
empty bird's nest

This year I am enjoying the welcome of winter as it reveals things normally unseen - like the beauty in spotting a bird's nest or the subtle hint of brown, red and golden hues. I now understand the metaphor of going inward during the darkened days while finding the beauty within.

This is in gracious response to One Deep Breath. This week's topic is A Kind of Beauty.