Thursday, May 20, 2010

Custom Book for Fathers Day at Picaboo - 30% off

If you're undecided about what to get Dad for Father's Day, check out www.picaboo.com

Their books are beautiful and affordable.  Use the Code below when you checkout.

Enjoy 30% Off All Custom Cover Photo Books - Use Code MAY30 at Checkout.

There's still time! 

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Why Expressionology?


Why did I choose the name Expressionology for my blog?  I'll break down the words and the definition(s) and you’ll see why.  I underlined the definitions I related to when considering a blog name.

Expression-ology.

            expression - noun
1 the process of making known one's thoughts or feelings: his views found expression in his moral sermons | she accepted his expressions of sympathy.
• the conveying of opinions publicly without interference by the government : the right to freedom of expression.
• the look on someone's face that conveys a particular emotion : a sad expression.
• the ability to put an emotion into words : envious beyond expression.
• the style or phrasing of written or spoken words : subtlety of expression.
the conveying of feeling in the face or voice, in a work of art, or in the performance of a piece of music : eyes empty of expression | their instruments have a rich variety of expression.

2 the production of something, esp. by pressing or squeezing it out : essential oils obtained by distillation or expression.

            -logy
combining form
1 (usu. as -ology) denoting a subject of study or interest : psychology.
2 denoting a characteristic of speech or language : eulogy.
• denoting a type of discourse : trilogy.

Like breathing oxygen, every living human being has an intense, vital necessity to express him or herself.  Self expression can happen audibly or visually—and a lot of times, both at the same time.   I have had a natural tendency to visually express myself since I was a very young child.  I always drew, wrote stories, created Barbie clothing out of my mom’s discarded material scraps, old clothes, and discarded “stuff.”  I would get excited about the social studies and science fairs at school.  The anticipation of seeing my idea in a tangible form was intoxicating to me.

My parents were divorced when I was 4 (or so), and my biological (soul) sister was 2-ish.  My sister and I lived a lot of our childhood in fear.  Don’t get me wrong, we had one (mostly) stable home with a mother who we knew loved us, showed us, and told us. But none-the-less, the turmoil of having divorced parents and living in two completely different environments, we often felt terrified.  

In one home there was no swearing, church every Sunday (for my sister and I), and NEVER leaving your room without your robe on.  In the other home, there was a revolving door of women and men partying and drinking, barroom fights, weapons, Playboy books, nudity, and the strangest sounds from the other side of the doors.   

    Okay, I’m rambling now, so I’ll just stop.  I’m sure at some point more details will surface.   
    But keep reading… I promise I have a point.

To distract and entertain myself  “quietly” I would often read, write, and create “things.” I started creating things for my sister and me. Once she was old enough, then “with” her.  My sister (who is the polar opposite of me) doesn’t realize the inspiration she gave me then, and continues to so to this very day.  She still underestimates her gifts and her worth.

Besides entertaining myself while attempting to keep a low profile, I felt a great sense of accomplishment with each of my creations.  Although others either didn’t acknowledge  my masterpieces (which was usually the case) or saw my Barbie clothes as just rags wrapped around a doll, I saw beauty, color, style, texture, and a story.  Often times the creation would inspire the storyline in which I played with my dolls that day.

Art takes on many shapes and forms.  It’s no secret that Art heals.  It’s also no secret that Art Saves!!!  I am only one story of how—second only to my belief in God--Art helped save “ME”!  It saved my sanity, and my spirit.  Albeit damaged to some extent, my overall spirit remains intact.  My desire to create and produce something beautiful, fun, or that someone else with cherish or appreciate, gives me tremendous satisfaction.  Is it like that for you?

Not much else gives me a greater sense of tranquility (another favorite word) than creating art.  I am going to muster the courage to share some of me—my stuff--with you.  It may not be to your liking, heck, you might even think its crap.  But that’s okay.  It’s my Bliss and perhaps in some small way it will inspire you to start or accomplish something creative, or have some fun, or at the very least, give you something to laugh about.

One thing I find therapeutic and fun is Art Journaling. I want to start this chapter of my blog discussing visual art journaling.  What is an Art Journal? I will tell you and show you bits and pieces of my journals.  I will offer suggestions about how to start one, materials used, and direct you to further resources (there are TONS out there).  Then we can discuss your process, your technique, and your inspiration.

I am interested in YOU and look forward to sharing this personal artistic expression in the near future.

E2B4CA73644DBF4E4B41D3B20469BCE7

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

10 Ways you are getting ripped off.

Are you like me... trying to save a buck or two whenever possible - and as painlessly as possible?  I love the Consumer Reports site and Yahoo Finance had some interesting articles/links.  From time to time I will upload an article or link I think might interest or benefit you.  It's not very creative, but it may trigger some creative thinking!

I thought this was interesting... if nothing else.

http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/109513/10-ways-youre-getting-ripped-off

I was especially interested in the Shape-Up athletic shoes.  It just so happens I went shopping for these this past weekend.  I suffer from plantar fasciitis and just recently ruptured the entire ligament--ouch!!  Back in the darn ugly Frankenstein boot again.

My Opinion:
I tried on the Reebok and the Skechers.  The Reebok shoe didn't have enough padding and I could feel the air pockets individually.  The Skechers felt wonderful and put the weight and pressure points away from my heel.  The only problem is they look like rubber platforms--ugly ones.  The look, I would just have to get over, but it was the price I had a problem with.  Granted there was a bit more rubber to the sole, but other than that, it's just a plain same-old, same-old, athletic shoe--not worth the $120 price tag.  I don't know if I'll have much choice because of my foot issue, but I won't be happy about it, and I won't buy another of their over priced shoe for me or my family.  Any alternative suggestions?  I would love to know if you or someone you know is dealing with this issue and what they have done to heal and get rid of it.

Thanks,
Tena

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails