Sunday, December 28, 2014

Charles Bukowski " A free Spirt "

Like most young girls I kept a diary: journaling has become a part of my life. I started writing little rhyming poems as a teenager, as an adult I experimented with most of the traditional poetry forms. About ten years ago, I found my own writing voice which is conversational and colloquial in manner. When I first read Charles Bukowski I felt I found a kindred spirt.          http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/charles-bukowski
Charles Bukowski 1920 to 1994
oh yes
there are worse things than
being alone
but it often takes decades
to realize this
and most often
when you do
it's too late
and there's nothing worse
than
too late.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

99 Miles to Philly

 My formative years were spent in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I still miss Philly cheesesteaks. They are definitely the best along with a soft pretzel smeared with yellow mustard from a street vendor.
 A few miles outside of Philly is one of the most beautiful gardens in the United States. Once you visited Longwood Gardens you're sure to return. http://longwoodgardens.org
Today the 1,077-plus acre Longwood Gardens consists of 20 outdoor gardens and 20 indoor gardens within 4.5 acres (18,200 m²) of heated greenhouses, known as conservatories. It contains 11,000 different types of plants and trees, as well as fountains. The Gardens also has extensive educational programs including a tuition-free two-year school of professional horticulture, a graduate program, and extensive internships. It hosts 800 horticultural and performing arts events each year, from flower shows, gardening demonstrations, courses, and children's programs to concerts, organ and carillon recitals, musical theatre, fountain shows, and fireworks displays. It also hosts an extensive Christmas light display during the holiday season.

My favorite time is Christmas when everything is decorated with beautiful ornaments and Christmas lights. I have hundreds of photographs of Christmas trees and ornaments that I've taken while visiting historical homes and gardens on my many travels. I publish them on my artist website so people can use them as greeting cards.
http://joan-reese.artistwebsites.com/art/all/all/all/+holiday+cards

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Red Lion "Dave Fields" Jamming NYC

Cool place to hear live blues rock jamming on Monday nights. Walking down Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village:  great sounds pulled me through the doors of The Red Lion.
Big Ed's Blue Jam was the house band. Throughout the night musicians signed up to take their turn on stage. Most were seasoned performers. A lot of clapping going on when Dave Fields jumped on the stage with his guitar;  now I can understand why.               http://www.redlionnyc.com
Dave Fields is a contemporary blues/rock/guitarist/singer/songwriter. His fourth album "All In" is currently #2 on the RMR  Top 50 Blues chart. My favorite song is Voodoo Eyes.
                                                            http://www.davefields.com

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Newest collection of intuitive paintings by NYC artist Joan Reese

Words taken from my latest review: Joan Reese's original paintings are rhythmic, textured,bold compositions; the colors are dense fiery and vibrant, or soft, transparent and cool. They demonstrate that Reese, continues to work with astonishing talent, passion and energy.http://arttalkinthecity.com/2014/12/13/intuitive-abstract-paintings-by-joan-reese-new-york-artist/

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Who originated the belief, "What goes around comes around"

When someone wrongs me, a friend or family member would say, "Don't worry," "What goes around comes around!" And I would say the same to friends who were hurt from others insensitivities.  I thought it originated in the Bible, but this belief has been around since the 7th century BC. in Hinduism. The belief is known as Karma.  http://joan-reese.artistwebsites.com/featured/3-inspirational-saying-joan-reese.html?newartwork=true

Many western cultures have notions similar to karma, as demonstrated in the phrase "What goes around comes around. "Christian expressions similar to karma include "Reap what one sows" (Galatians:6:7) and "Live by the sword, die by the sword" (Matthew 26:50). 

Wicca teaches the rule of three, which states that whatever energy a person puts out in the world, be it positive or negative,  will be returned to the person three times.

In Hinduism, God plays a role and is seen as a dispenser of its version of karma. Upanishad of Hinduism 7th century BC wrote: "And whatever deed he does, that he will reap."

Generally, western popular culture portrays karma as a more supernatural mystical force then a perspective on causality. This is more similar to Hinduism's concept of karma then Buddhism.

I want to believe, "What goes around comes around," but in this society that seems to promote narcissism and greed. I have my doubts.  I would love to hear what other people feel about this matter.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Digital Paintings Give Old Photographs New Life

One of my favorite past time is spending hours in vintage stores or thrift stores that have boxes of old photographs. One of the owners of a vintage shop told me that he buys the contents of the homes of the deceased. I remember looking through a box; it had photo's of a person's full life, from the day he was born to his last day lying in his casket. I found it fascinating and strange. I created digital paintings from the three photographs below that were from the same box.
http://joan-reese.artistwebsites.com/featured/strong-arm-pulling-rope-joan-reese.html
         http://joan-reese.artistwebsites.com/featured/young-man-with-straw-hat-joan-reese.html
                      http://joan-reese.artistwebsites.com/featured/deep-in-thought-joan-reese.html

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

AMISH COUNTRY - LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA

When growing up in Philadelphia, my family liked taking road trips. One of my fondest memory was visiting the Amish in Lancaster. I remember the farm roadside stands selling seasonal fruits and vegetables, homemade jams and applebutter.  Prices were marked on a sign. When you bought something, the Amish trusted you to leave the money through a slit on top of a metal box.
I was happy to see on my recent visit that they still used the honor system. Apparently it works!
          http://www.kitchenkettle.com/index.asp                                     PaDutchCountry.com

It is fascinating that the Amish is a subculture within a culture that can still survive and maintain its integrity. To us, on the outside, they have a quiet peacefulness about them that we long to have again.
-The Amish population has doubled over the past 20 years, with families of seven to 10 children are not uncommon.
-Amish schoolchildren typically end their formal schooling at the end of eighth grade, and the majority of them attend classes
 a one- or two-room Amish schoolhouse.                          www.SlydeWeaver.com
-Amish women never cut their hair. Unmarried Amish men generally remain cleanshaven. After they are married, they grow a beard.
-The Amish eschew electricity to avoid secular influences like computers, TV and radio. Instead, they might use hydraulics, solar panels, gasoline-powered generators, 12-volt batteries, bottled and/or pressurized gas and other nonelectrical means to light their homes and run their farm equipment, tools and certain household appliances.
--Travel by horse and buggy is the primary mode of transportation. Owning a car is not permitted.
Bicycles are not allowed, either, so many Amish use non motorized scooters. 
It Is a wonderful experience to visit Amish country and there are plenty
of interesting and beautiful places to stay, even at a Amish working farm.
http://www.bird-in-hand.com/places-to-eat/bird-in-hand-family-restaurant-smorgasbord/
www.strasburgscooters.com                   http://www.goodnplenty.com

Monday, November 3, 2014

Morning stroll through a Japanese garden; Evening danced among 5000 Jack O' Lanterns

The Japanese Stroll Garden serves as a model for teaching people about the value of the environment, horticultural design and Eastern traditions through lectures, walking tours, classes and workshops.http://www.hammondmuseum.org/   North Salem, NY 
 Historic Hudson Valley   http://visitsleepyhollow.com/things-to-do/great-jack-olantern-blaze/ 
See more than 5,000 individually hand-carved, illuminated jack o' lanterns in this elaborate walkthrough experience. Meander through an historic, 18th-century riverside landscape and discover a breathtaking display — all made of jack o' lanterns!


The Irish brought the tradition of carving pumpkins into Jack O'Lantern to America. But, the original Jack O'Lantern was not a pumpkin. Pumpkins did not exist in Ireland. Ancient Celtic cultures in Ireland carved turnips on All Hallow's Eve, and placed an ember in them, to ward off evil spirits.

Only a three hour drive from New York City.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Proud Lady of the Trash Cans

Do you remember as a kid taking all the empty soda bottles back to the corner store to collect the deposit refunds?  That was my candy money.
Rain or shine this Chinese lady for over 20 years has been coming to our building collecting all the bottles she could find. She inspired me to write this poem.  This woman earned my respect, she works very hard and I think we can all learn a lesson from her.
Proud Lady
 by Joan Reese

    Asian Lady of many years
    Rummages East Village
    Tenement trash for bottles and cans.

    Yellow rubber gloved,
    She wipes containers clean.

    Garbage bags she fills
    To cash her find
    For nickels and dimes.
       
    Asian Lady of many years
    Hears building super holler,
    "Move your cart."
    She slowly departs.

    Asian Lady of many years
    I offer her a silver dollar.

    Proud Lady gently fans my hand away.

Friday, October 10, 2014

Chuang Yen Monastery- Mahayana Temple Retreat

   Visited two beautiful Buddhist Monasteries in the Catskill Mountains, New York.
The trees were wearing fall colors.  Chuang Yen Monastery is in Putnam County. The exterior design of the buildings is in the architectural style of  Tang Dynasty. The Kuan-yan  Hall was designed by the world famous architect I.M. Pei.  The Kuan-Yin  statue is the world's largest fine colored porcelain statue. Other sites include the thousand Locus Memorial Terrace, Yin-Kuang Hall and more. They offer workshops in Buddhism.
Chuang Yen Monastery   Carmel, NY           http://www.baus.org/en/
     Mahayana Temple Retreat     Leeds, N.Y. 
The grounds are beautiful and have scenic places such as  the bridge of longevity, the lake of setting free, the Buddhist hall, and Guanyin Hall. 
You can stay overnight for a retreat and eat from their garden vegetarian food.
  http://en.mahayana.us/?page_id=13

Friday, October 3, 2014

Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt's homes in Hyde Park, New York

After watching Ken Burns documentary on Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt; I had a burning desire to see their actual homes in Hyde Park, New York. They were amazing human beings and Americans.  I learned a lot by visiting the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library. They had several video slideshows that showed actual footage of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt speaking. They showed photographs from the great depression.  Roosevelt was also widely beloved for his role in repealing Prohibition. The rapid expansion of government programs that occurred during Roosevelt's term redefined the role of the government in the United States, and Roosevelt's advocacy of government social programs was instrumental in redefining liberalism for coming generations.
Franklin D. Roosevelt( 1882-1945) Family Home  www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu  http://www.biography.com/people/franklin-d-roosevelt-9463381#synopsis       
 Eleanor Roosevelt's home        http://www.nps.gov/elro/index.htm                   
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt( October 11, 1884 – November 7, 1962) was an American politician. She was the longest-serving First Lady of the United States, holding the post from March 1933 to April 1945 during her husband President Franklin D. Roosevelt's four terms in office. President Harry S. Truman later called her the "First Lady of the World" in tribute to her human rights achievements. Eleanor became one of the only voices in the Roosevelt White House insisting that benefits be equally extended to Americans of all races.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Company XIV Rococo Rouge


My enjoyable birthday was spent  @ Company XIV
My photo was taken with soprano Shelly Watson, a Rubenesque mistress of ceremony.  It’s like stepping into another world.  A fantasy world created by director/choreographer Austin McCormick, the new Ziegfeld of Off-Broadway. Company XIV invites you to enjoy a titillating evening of decadent divertissement, featuring opera divas, can-can girls, dancing boys, live music, circus, ballet, burlesque, and much more. Sip a delicious cocktail whilst you experience a thrillingly unique fusion of nightlife and theatre.
This luxury isn’t cheap. Tickets range from $55 to $125 and the median drink price is about 14 bucks. But if this suits your budget and if burlesque is your thing, then Rococo Rouge, is a most worthwhile outing. -          http://companyxiv.com          428 Lafayette Street   New York City
 

Friday, September 19, 2014

Catskill Mountains- First Signs of Fall

Good thing I took my winter clothes out of storage. This weekend I donned my first pair of wool socks.  We slept in sleeping bags in cabins in the woods.  It reminded me of when I was a kid and went away to Camp. I attended a women's retreat; the theme was "live your life to the fullest." It was inspiring and a belief I subscribe too.
Catskill Mountains- Attended a women's retreat in Prattsville, NY, we lunched in the town of Tannersville.
                                                             http://www.tannersvilleny.org

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Artists on Atlantic City Boardwalk

Noyes Art Garage Party, Friday Night  9/5/14 in Atlantic City was an art happening.  Artists and art lovers alike socialized; drinking wine and eating cheese and appreciating everyone's work while listening to live jazz. The mayor of Atlantic City, Don Guardian was there. The naked lady was painted during the party in bright colors.
Everyone was looking forward to Saturday's art boardwalk show.
Steve Kuzma a well known New Jersey artist shared his booth with me.    http://stevekuzma.zenfolio.com  I created the hand painted tiles.  They are also for sale in my ETSY shop.  The painted man in the photograph was a model who posed for me in front of the crowning Miss America statue. It is a popular place to have your photograph taken on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

"You are Invited," Atlantic City Boardwalk Art Show

Stop by and say Hi.  Fun day for everyone!
Painter, G. Matthew Dixon is sharing his booth with me at the Atlantic City Boardwalk Art Show.  Check out his paintings: at http://www.jestergraphix.net/SME2014/
The artwork I will be showing are my hand painted porcelain tiles.  They look great framed or on an easel. Check them out on my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SilkScarvesJoanReese?section_id=13776732&ref=shopsection_leftnav_6

The Atlantic City Arts Commission and The Noyes Museum of Art of Richard Stockton College present the Atlantic City Boardwalk Art Show, a revival of the tradition of Boardwalk art shows, which will include artists from various mediums and genres, including painters, jazz music, sculptors, theater shows, interactive art, pottery and more. Free.
A reception celebrating the Boardwalk Art Show will be held 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 at the Noyes Art Garage, where participating artists and sponsors will enjoy light refreshments and have a meet and greet prior to the show. Free
http://artsgarageac.com/tenants/

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Martha's Vineyard rated **** for Picturesque Beauty

For a long time I've wanted to go to Cape Cod and visit Martha's Vineyard. It was well worth the trip.

I never expected such beauty in one place, this has to be one of the most Picturesque places in U.S.A.  No wonder so many celebrities & famous people come here. I would move here & die happy if I could. If you don't see anything else be sure to see the Aquinnah Cliffs. They are absolutely spectacular. There is a great view of them from the lighthouse and from above but to truly see the beauty and the best colors; walk down on the beach that passes right by them. The range of colors in these clay cliffs is so interesting and vibrant. It is time well spent just to walk down the stretch of beach and find a rock to sit on for a bit to enjoy the view of the cliffs and the sound of the sea and the peaceful beauty that is there. If you appreciate nature and natural beauty it is a sight not to miss.


Saturday, August 16, 2014

Asbury Park, New Jersey and Ocean Grove: the perfect weekend getaway

Whenever,  I crave beautiful, peaceful surroundings I stay at a Victorian bed-and-breakfast in Ocean Grove, New Jersey.  It is only one and a half hours from New York City by train or bus but it is a complete world of difference.  There is no alcohol served in Ocean Grove and all the land is owned by the church. They have a cathedral that sits 1000 people;in the summer they have famous music groups that perform. Ministers travel from all parts of the country to give a sermon on Sundays.                  http://www.oceangrovenj.com

When, I want great restaurants, a movie theater, art galleries, wild entertainment, I jump on my bike and ride a few hundred feet and I am in Asbury Park.  So, for me staying in Ocean Grove next to Asbury Park is having the best of both worlds. http://asburyparkwaterfront.com/events.php

Friday, August 8, 2014

Rocketsband Rocks Out On Atlantic City Boardwalk

Atlantic City has something for everyone!
     A beautiful full moon shone over the Atlantic Ocean reflecting on the Atlantic City boardwalk. In front of the famous Convention Center where they hold the Miss American Pageants; a stage is erected for free evening concerts.  It was total enjoyment watching and hearing the Rockets perform. A very exciting, electrifying, talented band who got everyone up and dancing:  check out this video.
     The Rockets have performed multiple times on National Television; VH1, CBS as well as performed the National Anthem for the Flyers, Phillies and 76ers. The notoriety the media has affixed on The Rockets has made them a household name on the east coast. The Rockets 2013 are a 6 piece rhythm machine with multiple front people. Jay Thomas, Derek Petaccio, Chris Taylor and Joey D lead the band with tremendous vocals and an exhaustive stage show while each play guitar also; Simon Wernovsky on drums, Christian Lynch on bass and Pete Macartney on lead guitar and vocals.
                                                               http://rocketsband.com

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Pocono Mountain Air is like Drinking Fresh Cold Lemonade!

Several summers, I spent teaching arts and crafts at a children's camp in the Pocono Mountains.  At the time, I had a motorcycle and I loved driving all the back roads; especially at sundown.  I never forgot the fresh smell of the wooded air and the sounds of the birds and other animals rambling through the woods. While in the Poconos, I discovered I loved kayaking; and had great fun floating down the Delaware River in the summer sun.  Last week I spent a few days there reconnecting with nature, it was great!  http://www.800poconos.com
If you ever complained about how hard your job is you really need to take the coal mining tour in Scranton PA.  It was the most humbling experience of my life. I wish every school age child could understand how difficult it was to be a coal miner. http://www.lackawannacounty.org/index.php/attractions/coal-mine

Sunday, July 20, 2014

An Act Of Kindness is Priceless!

Everyone in life faces hardships. At one of these times in my life when I felt like I was alone in the middle of a ocean storm being pulled down under the waves and about to drown; someone tossed me a lifesaver in the form of a Philly pretzel. I'm sure this man didn't think twice about his act of kindness but I've thought about him over the years and he's been in my prayers ever since.



Pretzel Man
by Joan Reese

"Fresh Pretzel, Get Your Fresh Pretzel!

Punchclock people
Rush across cobblestone streets
Lined with trolley tracks.
William Penn perches atop City Hall.

Reading want ads on a damp wooden bench.
Stuffed belongings
In mother's "telling" birthday gift
Two blue suitcases.

Left home, never going back!
Felt like just another plate
At the kitchen table.
Sofasurfing at seventeen.

"Fresh Pretzel, Get Your Fresh Pretzel!"

A voice in my ear,
The Pretzel Man smiling,
"Young Lady you look like you need
A fresh pretzel today."

He gave me one,
Smeared with yellow mustard
Just the way I like it.
"Have a good day," he says.

Punchclock people
Rush across cobblestone streets
Lined with trolley tracks.
Pretzel Man hawking,

"Fresh Pretzel, Get Your Fresh Pretzel!"

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Bagpipes@ McSorley's Bar

While watching TV in my 7th Street apartment in the East Village, I heard the sound of bagpipes.  It was a familiar sound coming from the oldest Irish Ale House in New York City, "McSorley's."
I grabbed my camera and shot this video to give you an idea why people from all over this world visit McSorley's when they are in NYC.
Took this photo on Veterans Day 2013.
McSorley's Old Ale House has been a gathering place, a watering hole, the subject of art and literature and even a supreme court controversy. Established in 1854 - McSorley's can boast of being New York City's oldest continuously operated saloon. Everyone from Abe Lincoln to John Lennon have passed thru Mcsorley's swinging doors. Woody Guthrie inspired the union movement from a table in the front - guitar in hand, while civil rights attorney's Faith Seidenberg and Karen DeCrow had to take their case to the Supreme Court to gain access. Women were finally allowed access to McSorley�s in 1970! Enter the sawdust strewn floors and history patched walls for a trip back through time. Share the McSorley's experience with the spirits of 150 years!

Friday, July 4, 2014

Time Mends a Broken Heart

This is a photograph of the heart sculpture that is on the Atlantic City boardwalk. I finally came across words that I felt added my feelings about the photograph.
Heartwalk is made up of wooden planks salvaged from four boardwalks in New Jersey and New York after they were damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 - one of them being Atlantic City's own Boardwalk. The other wood is from Sea Girt, in Monmouth County, and Long Beach and the Rockaways, in New York.
Heartwalk was originally designed for an annual Valentine's Day heart competition in New York's Times Square - and the piece, by Brooklyn's SITU Studio, won the 2013 contest over designs from about 10 other finalists.
Heartwalk, which has an internal-lighting system to light it up red at night, went from Times Square to public displays in Brooklyn and Queens before it found its permanent home in Atlantic City late last year.
http://joan-reese.artistwebsites.com/featured/2-inspirational-saying-joan-reese.html

Friday, June 27, 2014

Smokey Mountains Seen Through my Camera.

Chinatown, New York is about a 10 minute walk from where I live in the East Village. I always check the weather and when there's a few good days coming up, I sign up for a tour that's leaving Chinatown.  One of my passions is taking photographs while I'm traveling. My last  trip was to the Smokey Mountains: I took about 3000 photos. For more information on the places I photographed go to my travel page on my blog.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

"Cleo" Lady of Magic

Poem inspired by a mystical lady in my life.
ICED
Poem by Joan Reese

Lady of magic, Aunt Cleo
worked her charms the best!
Talismans and love potions
brought wandering husbands home.

Neighborhood believers
appeared when rent was due
buying lucky numbers
before they laid their bets.

At the drivein movie,
Bev, a class senior, caught 
me kissing her boyfriend 
in the back seat of his Chevy.

Bev swore to even the score,
by spreading dirty rumors.
Aunt Cleo heard me crying,
"Not to worry, I'll stop her." 

With Bev's class photo,
her name written in red,
submerged in ice water,
Aunt Cleo lit a blue candle chanting,

"In doing this I freeze
Bev's anger and hold it still.
As the mighty oceans flow,
let there be goodwill!"

I smiled to myself
when seeing Bev in school,
knowing that in our freezer
Aunt Cleo's magic froze Bev's fury still.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Amazing Underground Waterfall

On my recent trip to the Smoky Mountains in  Tennessee I visited Ruby Falls. Ruby Falls, a thundering 145-foot waterfall is located deep within Lookout Mountain and has been thrilling visitors for over 80 years. Entertaining hosts take you into the cavern by elevator and lead you along a paved, level pathway. Thrill to the unique formations and the sheer beauty of the sparkling waterfall on this fun-filled and educational visit. They have a mountainside deck with a panoramic view of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley below. — at Ruby Falls.