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/

                    http://joan-reese.artistwebsites.com/art/all/lyrical+abstractions+paintings/all

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.

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

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

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.