Early July Darwin & Fashion Shows, Living Paintings & Celebrations

July 2nd is the halfway point of 2009. 
To mark 200 years since Charles Darwin's birth and 150 years since the publication of On the Origin of Species, the University of Cambridge will host a major international Festival on July 5-10. **As this page is from 2009, some of these links may not be correct anymore, some of the events may not be annual.

Darwin celebrations continue all around the world this year.

July 4-5 is Beyond Boundaries Live 2009 taking place in Farnborough, Hampshire UK. It's described as the UK's most dynamic lifestyle event for people with disabilities.

There are various sporting events, including rock climbing and beep baseball. Participate in Pimp my Wheelchair and an enabled cooking center. There's a photography competition and a fashion show featuring Sophie Morgan, a painter and a star of Britains Missing Top Model.

July 8th The Pageant of The Masters opens in Laguna Beach CA. Where art comes to life is their tag line. Each evening will consist of, "Ninety minutes of living pictures - incredibly faithful art re-creations of classical and contemporary works with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces." This year's theme is The Muse.

Check out the blog, Twinklings for photos and a good write-up from last year's event. Photo in upper left-hand corner is Edgar Degas’ “Cafe Concert aux Ambassadeurs,” from a feature in the Orange Coast Magazine.
The Festival of Arts: California's Premier Fine Art Exhibition, runs during the day. The festivities end August 31st at the Laguna Beach site.

Every week, Christopher West placed a new blank T-shirt up for auction on eBay. The winning bidder decided the message and the design. West would then wear it for a week.

July 5th, West's T-shirts will be sold in a Final Auction at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie, Amsterdam. You can see the T-shirts and find out more about the project at his web site. (Photo from his site.)

July 11th Kokeshi: From Folk Art to Art Toy opens at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles California. The show runs through October and features a special display of custom painted kokeshi is also featured—and available for sale at the Museum Store—by over 100 well-known international contemporary artists.kip fulbeck: part asian, 100% hapa, a traveling exhibition, is on display at the Japanese American National Museum through October 31st.
LaborFest 2009 has a range of events running throughout San Francisco, CA the entire month of July. The annual labor cultural, film and arts festival was established to commemorate the San Francisco General and West Coast Waterfront strikes, as well as the history and culture of working people.

Kristina Lewis utilizes common household objects such as duct tape, drinking straws, zippers, needles and magnifying glasses. Her work is attractive and provocative. She has a July show at the Oakland Museum Sculpture Court in California.

Doctor Anna Freud Banana and Urban Art make up just two of the exhibitions at the Weserburg Museum in Bremen, Germany. Since the 1970s, Doctor Banana has concerned herself with the scholarly investigation of artistic issues, and her preferred action medium for doing so is: the banana. One of her pieces, from the museum site, is pictured above.
Amelia Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, vanished on July 2, 1937, somewhere in the Pacific Ocean.
July first is Canada Day!
July 4, 1971 Koko the Gorilla famous for learning sign language, was born
July 6, 1957 John Lennon met Paul McCartney

July 9, 1933 Neurologist Oliver Sacks was born. I'm a fan of his books, including The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat: And Other Clinical Talesand the film, Awakenings, which was based upon his experiences. Dr. Sacks discussed the effect music has on the brain on The Daily Show.July 10, 1947 Arlo Guthrie's Birthday
July 12, 1960 The Etch-a-Sketch was released
July 13-19 World Bodypainting Festival in Seeboden, Austria

These are some of the things I have on my calendar for early July. Time to celebrate and commemorate. Time for cake?

What Can YOU Do? Disability Employment Video Contest, Through July 15

The What Can YOU Do? Video Contest is an opportunity for young - and young-at-heart - filmmakers to promote positive change by illustrating that at work, it’s what people CAN do that matters.

Any type of video, max 60 seconds excluding intro/extro credits, can be submitted—serious, surprising, or even funny. So be creative! The point is to make people think and challenge their opinions about people with disabilities and employment. How you do this is up to you!

The contest runs from June 8, 2009 - July 15, 2009, and is sponsored by the Campaign for Disability Employment, a collaborative effort to promote the talent and skills that people with disabilities bring to America’s workforce and economy.

World Juggling Day, Are You Ready? And Would Penn Jillette Approve?

"I can't stress to you how insignificant this is," Penn Jillette was heard to say around and about World Juggling Day 1999.

Be sure to hug a juggler, especially on June 18th, 2011 -- but trying to squeeze in when he or she isn't in action is best.

"It's just musings on something I'm obsessed with. If I were in charge, Juggling Day wouldn't happen."

Jillette wrote the forward to The Theory and Practice of Juggling, and was named honorary Chairjuggler for The Special Day in the final year of the last century.

But whether we personally sanction it or not, World Juggling Day rolls around again. It was June 14, 2014. Celebrate to raise worldwide awareness of juggling. Anyone remember Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari's juggling bit during the opening of Bosom Buddies?

They juggled in the opening of the 1980s show.

A good starter complete Juggling Set has balls, rings, scarves, illustrated instructions and more.

When you go see Penn & Teller, like at The Rio in Las Vegas, you may be lucky enough to see Penn Jillette juggle broken liquor bottles.

Times like these, tough times when some folks aren't doing so well, call for an upswing in juggling or something like it, a new spin, a new perspective. Maybe an escape.

Take a look at Oopsy Daisy Petite Circus Monkey Stretched Canvas Wall Art by Lorena Siminovich Choose other sizes, other animals and scenes by Oopsy Daisy Baby. If you have a child, you know about Oopsy Daisy. (below)

It probably won't make you rich, but at the same time, we don't expect the cops to arrest you for having juggling paraphernalia in your car.

As Jillette puts it, "It's something you can learn really cheap and by yourself. It's a delightful kind of special thing."

Jump right in, start small, improve your skills.

Have you ever seen someone Fire Dancing, spinning a pair of lit fireballs around her head? It's a form of juggling called Poi, the Maori word for 'ball,' on a cord. Poi Spinning for Beginners (also includes Veil Poi instruction for Belly Dancers) Fire Spinning Poi can get you started. Are you a dancer? ...

Tangled Metal: Stainless Steel Hacky Sack Leather And Chainmail - What color(s) will you choose? (Footbag) You don't have to be going to the Renaissance Festival  Ready for some Medieval personality juggling? Put some sound into your action.

If your cats are anything like ours, they may be the family's born jugglers. CHASE'M Catnip Puff Balls 30pk

One of our cats walks around with one of these in her mouth until she finds you. Then she'll drop it so she can play fetch. We put them back in the bag (or another zip bag) so they mix with the loose catnip and get re-energized for later play. It's good bonding for you and your pet, good exercise for them.

Why not break up the pack. Put a couple in a smaller bag and give away as stocking stuffers or presents to a friend? Sometimes if a friend is having trouble with their cat, the problem may be as simple as they haven't given their cat any toys - homemade or not. They're just not spending as much time as necessary playing with their pet. Then the pet becomes bored and destructive.

Snowball Cookies: Get them, Make them yourself

Coincidentally, Penn Jillette has been spotted juggling snowballs on YouTube.

This is one of those times to listen to the tall man.

"I'm promoting juggling because it's ...
OK, juggling isn't important,"
Jillette said.

I am presently refining the designs of my Penn and Teller inspired pieces of jewelry. Be very afraid.

Buzz Saw : Moon Winder Toy : Diabolo

Celebrating Bosom Buddies: Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari

Black and White Polka Dot Wedding Theme


Black & White Polka Dot Wedding Invitations


Polka Dot Weddings

juggling clubs by piutedrive

Browse more Color T-Shirts

Juggling balls by homydesign
Browse Colorful T-Shirts

Physicist Juggling with the Planets by tartanphoenix

Be a t-shirt affiliate with Zazzle.

[Quotes from Penn Jillette are from a June 1999 Las Vegas Sun interview.]

Watery colors, pretty jewelry to commemorate Watergate Day

It's Watergate Day. The Watergate break-in was on June 17, 1972. This would eventually lead to the resignation of President Nixon two years later. [Please write/post a comment for information on any of the jewelry you see on this page images and designs (c) ImagineMDD]

Instead of politicizing it, certainly enough people will be doing that, let's stick to the mission at hand and jewelry-cize the word Watergate. Let's celebrate things nautical, the colors of the ocean.

Etsy has a buoyant and bubbly nautical-themed gift guide. Take a look and support those who are creatively producing rather than simply consuming out there.

I love the colors of water and ice. Today I'm featuring just three of the watery necklaces in my Etsy shop.

Waterfall is sleek and dripping with sweet glass beads and gemstones in shades of clear and blue and aqua.

Sometimes you take time to remember Yesterday's Rain. This necklace is long, 32", and has some of the most watery green amazing boro lampwork glass beads I've seen. Looking into these beads is like looking into a terrarium. Just beautiful.

Watch out, there's No Lifeguard On Duty. So pretty and goes with so many things, I had to make a version of this one for myself. Blue and white lampwork glass, Swarovski crystals and turquoise gemstones. A classic color combo and the Toho glass seed beads are such a perfect complement to this long necklace.

Enjoy wearing the calming colors of cool water today or any other day.

Croning Ceremonies for Women 50-60, pride in aging

She Refused to Surrender to Old Age

At what age will a woman be croned? In my research, the age range is from 49 (one’s 50th year) and above. A Crone is essentially an elder, a female leader, counselor, healer.

In some cultures a woman's life has long been seen as having three stages, the Maiden, Mother and finally the Crone. These days, too often older women invisible, pushed aside and forgotten.

Many baby boomers are in their sixties now. Women are reevaluating and challenging former perceptions of age and relationship stereotypes. People are thinking outside the box and rituals are being embraced, reconstructed and personalized, including croning ceremonies. Women are being welcomed into the sisterhood of wise crones, honoring the passage into the third phase of life.

There are countless ways of conducting croning ceremonies. They may be timed to coincide with a significant date, such as a 50th or 60th birthday. Ceremonies range from spontaneous cronings at birthday parties themselves to ritual rites of passage.

Some ceremonies are personal, others are shared. Some are convened by an ongoing group for new crones and others are large rituals at women's conferences and gatherings. Usually the ceremony is conducted by women who have already been initiated into cronedom. Imparted is the title of crone, the woman may take on a special new name. It's a time to make commitments to yourself, the community and the planet.

Instead of desperately trying to hide her age, a woman who participates in a croning ceremony celebrates her age and her acquired wisdom. She becomes a guide and respected member of her community.

Alexandra - Elegant Rhinestone Crystal Tiara Crown

When I went to my friend's croning ceremony there was a glitter covered tiara. The glitter inevitably came off and got on people's hands, etc. They saved the crown and passed it along to friends as they had their ceremonies. I think a better idea would be a rhinestone crystal tiara that's more fitting for a woman who's reached this age. The cost isn't that much and it would be so much nicer.  It's made for weddings, prom and events such as fancy dress parties.

Groups may have other rituals, such as having the new crone walk through veils, celebrating her arrival at clarity in old age, or inviting her to walk through a birthing arch, symbolizing her rebirth. The ceremonies usually include food and festivities, and humor is an important part."

We need to have fun along with the seriousness,” says Neen Lillquist of the Headwaters UU Fellowship in Bemidji, MN, when a woman becomes a crone, “She lets go of mothering and perhaps fears she may have of aging. Her energies are now directed towards spiritual goals, healing, guiding, teaching, and being a living model for younger girls and women.

Please share any other books or resources
on Crones or Croning Ceremonies to add to this post.

Frailty Thy Name Is Woman T-shirt by ndcsbd1

Celebrating the Crone: Rituals & Stories


Crones Don't Whine: Concentrated Wisdom for Juicy Women 

Also available as Nook eBook

"Jean Shinoda Bolen's playful sense of humour and keen insight combine to offer women thirteen qualities to cultivate. 

"Engage in these small practices and you're bound to be a happier person, who's doing her bit to make the world just a little better. Here are thirteen brief essays to turn to again and again, in bad times and good, alone and with others." --Barnes & Noble

Crone Magazine has been growing in readership through the years and there are many celebrants who will help arrange croning ceremonies.

My Generation! The Zimmers!

The Zimmers Schedule and Information

Respect for the Aged Day in Japan, Enjoy music from Young at Heart

Bryant Steet Gallery, Gummi Bears go to Collage

Bryant Street Gallery June Exhibit

The Bryant Street Gallery in Palo Alto, CA had the opening of its June show last night

There was a great turnout

Visitors enjoyed viewing and discussing the artwork

Artist Jeanne Vadeboncoeur talks to art lovers

Obviously a successful event
Those gummies get up and go...
You say Gummy Bears, She says Gummi Bears :-)

For these times where some prefer to cluster smaller pieces in groups on the wall, and others like larger focal paintings to place over couches for instance, this show offers a nice variety of sizes of works as well as variety of style, theme and media.

The show continues for the month of June, and pieces will be on the Gallery's web site soon.

Bryant Street Gallery Artists Reception June 5: Vadeboncoeur, Lake

Palo Alto, CA: Friday, June 5th, 6-8pm, The Bryant Street Gallery had an artists' reception for the opening of their June 2009 exhibit.

It is a two-woman show featuring Jeanne Vadeboncoeur and Miranda Lake. The gallery is located at 532 Bryant Street.

There will be refreshments at the reception and the chance to visit with the artists. Find out more about their inspiration, their methods, their goals and dreams. See and be seen. See what everyone is wearing. Wear something wonderfully gallericious yourself.

Art-infused visits like these often leave us inspired to create things ourselves.

The show will be up for the entire month of June. Calling before you visit is recommended. (650) 321 8155. Gallery hours are flexible.

The gallery is conveniently located within walking distance from the CalTrain station for those of us wishing to take the green choice in transport.

These days when people are decorating, they're thinking about color and expressing a personal style. Fewer of us are rambling down that old department store path toward predictability and cookie cutter living.

Interesting side note that The Bryant Street Gallery will install your purchased objects at no extra charge.

Images of the artists' work will be added to the gallery's site later in the month. Those who cannot make it to the show in person won't miss out.

[Image URH corner J. Vadeboncoeur, LLH corner M. Lake]

Call for entries: Emerging Artsists w/Disabilities ages 16-25 Deadline approaching

The deadline for the VSA national juried exhibition for emerging artists with disabilities ages 16-25 is coming up on June 19th.

Take a look at last year's winners. Work shown is by Emily Eifler.

Information from their site:
VSA arts is seeking visual artists who are interested in participating in the VSA Arts International Festival to be held in 2010.

The exhibition will include approximately 50 artists from around the world and will be showcased at the International Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution.

Revealing Culture will be the most comprehensive survey of international artists with disabilities brought to the United States.

Artists are asked to consider the theme Revealing Culture as it relates to their submission, but a relationship to the theme does not have to be explicit or obvious in the work itself. Applicants from a wide range of artistic practices are encouraged to apply.

Disability is a requirement for eligibility, but will not be disclosed during the jury process. Artists will be selected on the aesthetic merits of their work.

VSA arts will use the exhibition to consider the influence of disability. What connections are established between the artist and the local disability community? How has the experience of disability shaped the artistic process or resulting work—if at all?


Image to the left is by PJ Smalley.

Deadline for entries is June 19, 2009.

The VSA site has an Artsists Registry that includes over 1,000 visual, performing, and literary artists with disabilities. Their site offers several other resources useful to artists.