The best advice I ever received about love!

I Love Valentines! Remember in grade school the decorated box on the teachers desk where we put all our Valentine cards for our friends. I still have some of them:) Happy Valentines Day Everyone!

Although my Uncle John is no longer with me his words of wisdom are only a thought away.  A man I had been dating was complaining to me about how far he had to drive to get to my house. Out of this situation came the best advice about love my Uncle John ever gave me. He said, "If a man does not put your comfort before his own you should have nothing to do with him."  My Aunt and Uncle were happily married for 53 years. I feel my Uncle knew what he was talking about. He told my Aunt everyday of their marriage how much he loved her.  After my Aunt was diagnosed with cancer she went out shopping every day and my Uncle never understood why; until after her death. When Uncle John went up to the attic, he found boxes and boxes of clothing that my Aunt bought for him: underwear, T-shirts, socks etc. She left a letter, in it she wrote, "I don't want you to be alone," consider marrying again and she named the woman who she thought would be a good wife for him. 
He never took her advice.  My Valentine wish for you dear reader is that you experience a love which endures the test of time.

Show your Love with a unique gift!

Valentines Day is almost here!  Remember that special lady in your life.

Nothing says "You're special" like an original hand-painted silk scarf. 

Complementary gift wrapping,

Free Shipping and a 5 x 7 greeting card from my latest collection. Order ASAP for prompt delivery.

                          https://www.etsy.com/shop/SilkScarvesJoanReese?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Cancun, Mexico: Americanized!

     A great place to relax!

 1980, was the first time that I went to Cancun. It was the beginning of the big boom of modern hotels and tourism. Wow, things have changed, I felt like I was in downtown Miami beach but Cancun's ocean is azure blue and much warmer this time of the year.

Don't expect any bargains, they know all the US prices. A good thing: they have a great public bus system, you can take the R1 or R2 in the hotel zone and get to anywhere you would like to go. There are plenty of taxis if you feel like bargaining with the drivers. The best place to buy souvenirs and sunglasses is at the downtown Walmart. Also, you will get the best money exchange rate downtown Cancun opposed to your hotel or the airport.

I took the DOA bus to Playa Del Carmen: a two hour ride. Larger than Cancun, sweet beach area filled with tourist shops.

A 30 minute boat ride takes you to the small island of Isla Mujeres.  I love the fact that people can get around the island either by motor scooter, golf cart or bicycle. A great place to go snorkeling!

I stayed at an all inclusive adult boutique resort called the Golden Parnassus Resort and Spa in the hotel zone. A great view of the ocean means a lot to me, and I had one. The service was great, the food was good and the accommodations were pleasing. If you just want to kick back and relax, drink and eat good food I would recommend staying at the Golden Parnassus Resort and Spa.

Piano Man And Pole Dancer

"Colin Huggins"is a classical pianist who performs in Washington Square Park. He recently teamed up with "Carolyn Chiu" a yoga pole dancer. What a spectacular show! For more information on Colin read my blog post: http://joanreesearts.blogspot.com/2013/12/washington-square-park-piano-man-new.html#more 

Carolyn Chiu's primary focus is to spread the art of vertical dancing as a respected, graceful performance, demonstrating health, fitness and balance.

Carolyn derives her training from a variety disciplines ranging from ballet to yoga, break dancing to cheer, lyrical to burlesque. In 2008, while studying at Parsons, she discovered the world of Pole fitness. Distilling several disciplines into one, Carolyn found the ability and freedom to express herself.

In 2009, Carolyn launched a pole photography studio in New York City, “Poleography.com”. In 2010 she joined with LI Dance Fitness, where she launched her Chinese pole program; an innovative and creative combination of the art of gymnastics and the zen of yoga. All based around the pole. In that same year, Carolyn took the title of, “Hong Kong Pole Fitness Champion.”

http://yogapolestudio.com/instructors/

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.

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

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

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.

High Fashion Gift Ideas: Hand-painted Silk Scarves

High Fashion Gift Ideas: Hand-painted Silk Scarves

FASHIONABLE HOUSEWIVES OF USA

Latest Fashion and Celebrity News and Gossip blog

                                                       https://www.etsy.com/shop/SilkScarvesJoanReese

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.

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

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.

http://www.biography.com/people/eleanor-roosevelt-9463366#synopsis

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

 

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

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.

What is Your Favorite Flower?

http://joan-reese.artistwebsites.com/featured/summer-flowers-joan-reese.html

I'd rather have flowers on my table 
than diamonds on my neck.
 ~Emma Goldman

"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/

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.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha's_Vineyard

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g29528-Martha_s_Vineyard_Massachusetts-Vacations.html

http://marthas-vineyard.com

http://www.capecodchamber.org/what-to-do

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

Rocketsband Rocks Out On Atlantic City Boardwalk

Atlantic City has something for everyone!

http://www.atlanticcitynj.com

     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

Inspirational Saying for Today

Please share, if you would like to send someone you care about a special blessing.

http://joan-reese.artistwebsites.com/featured/3-inspirational-saying-joan-reese.html?newartwork=true