at midnight i am at his front door. the question he asks is why are you so cold? and i say why are you so warm? and he's holding me close and he says i just am and still i can't say it. i follow him into the den quiet steps so his parents won't wake. he holds my hand and when we close the door and lean into the couch all he wants to do is talk but i put my finger to his lips i tell him shhhh. i take off his shirt trace the lines until he pulls me close holds me with such caring looks at me with such caring such open vulnerability i know he wants me to be the one who can break him but doesn't. and when he catches me off guard and says i love you i catch him off guard and say i need your help.
-xiii by david levithan. page 23
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Quotes
"For now, I just want things all safe and familiar. My life may not be perfect, but it is what I have known" (16). A Corner of the Universe by Ann M Martin
Cause when I look to the sky something tells me you're here with me.
And you make everything alright.
And when I feel like I'm lost something tells me you're here with me.
And I can always find my way when you are here.
-When I Look To The Sky by Train
I found forever in your arms
And I know just right where I need to be
And I found forever in your arms
And I know just right where I feel free
- I Found Forever by Fighting Instinct
Cause when I look to the sky something tells me you're here with me.
And you make everything alright.
And when I feel like I'm lost something tells me you're here with me.
And I can always find my way when you are here.
-When I Look To The Sky by Train
I found forever in your arms
And I know just right where I need to be
And I found forever in your arms
And I know just right where I feel free
- I Found Forever by Fighting Instinct
Additional Lit Excerpts
1) "Tinder Heart" by David Levithan [Poem]
2) The Giver by Lois Lowry [Book]
4) A Corner of the Universe by Ann M Martin [Book]
5) "Comfortable" by John Mayer [Song]
6) "Home" by Chris Daughtry [Song]
7) Dear John by Nicholas Sparks [Book]
8) "Be Yourself" by Audioslave [Song]
9) "She's Everything" by Brad Paisley [Song]
10) "That's Where It Is" by Carrie Underwood [Song]
11) Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson [Book]
12) The Gift by Danielle Steel [Book]
13) Bass Awkwards And Belly Up by Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain [Book]
14) The Geography of Girlhood by Kirsten Smith [Book]
15) "Just Like Heaven" by The Cure [Song]
16) "All You Wanted" by Michelle Branch [Song]
17) "Here in Your Arms" by HelloGoodbye [Song]
18) "I Could Not Ask For More" by Edwin McCain [Song]
19) "I Found Forever" by Fighting Instinct [Song]
20) "When I Look To The Sky" by Train [Song]
21) "With You" by Jessica Simpson [Song]
22) "Dark Blue" by Jack's Mannequin [Song]
23) "Hard Days Night" by The Beatles [Song]
24) "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5 [Song]
2) The Giver by Lois Lowry [Book]
4) A Corner of the Universe by Ann M Martin [Book]
5) "Comfortable" by John Mayer [Song]
6) "Home" by Chris Daughtry [Song]
7) Dear John by Nicholas Sparks [Book]
8) "Be Yourself" by Audioslave [Song]
9) "She's Everything" by Brad Paisley [Song]
10) "That's Where It Is" by Carrie Underwood [Song]
11) Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson [Book]
12) The Gift by Danielle Steel [Book]
13) Bass Awkwards And Belly Up by Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain [Book]
14) The Geography of Girlhood by Kirsten Smith [Book]
15) "Just Like Heaven" by The Cure [Song]
16) "All You Wanted" by Michelle Branch [Song]
17) "Here in Your Arms" by HelloGoodbye [Song]
18) "I Could Not Ask For More" by Edwin McCain [Song]
19) "I Found Forever" by Fighting Instinct [Song]
20) "When I Look To The Sky" by Train [Song]
21) "With You" by Jessica Simpson [Song]
22) "Dark Blue" by Jack's Mannequin [Song]
23) "Hard Days Night" by The Beatles [Song]
24) "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5 [Song]
Existing Critique #2
"My Corner of The Studio" by MonetCritiqued by: Jude Welton
The heavily patterned wallpaper and carpet indicate that this is not a studio as such, but the room of an artist. The traditional studios that were used by academic painters had dark walls, helping to create deep shadows; the Impressionists preferred light-filled studios painted with pale colors.
Familiar still-life props hang above the table and lean against it- a sword, pistol, and rifle. A pile of well thumbed books adds a serious air, and a tasseled velvet cap has been draped, with studied casualness, over the table edge. More obvious artist's accoutrements are the box of paints and the loaded palette with several brushes.
The rounded surfaces of the turned table legs have been modeled with light and shade. Monet has created dark shadows that move through mid-tones to white highlights. Within a few years, he would begin to use color to describe form.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Critique #3 Unseen Comfort by Lotus Wilkerson
"Unseen Comfort" -Lotus Wilkerson
This painting is called "Unseen Comfort" by Lotus Wilkerson. The subject matter is unseen comfort from a lost loved one.
It is a painting of a woman crying at someone's grave at night. Standing next to her is what appears to be who she is crying about, her deceased lover's ghost or spirit in a soldier uniform. You can tell the soldier is a ghost because behind him is an angel who is resting his hand on the soldier and shining a light on the grieving woman. In the background, there are other grave stones in the shapes of crosses. The moonlight is shining in the distance. This painting creates a sense of comfort because even though she does not know it, her loved one is right there with her. The flag by the soldier's foot is subtle because one does not notice it right away but suggests that the soldier was fighting for America. The colors in this painting are of the blue tone. Some areas, such as the trees, have a greater concentration of dark value and other areas, such as the angel, the soldier, the moon, and the gravestones, have a high concentration of light value. Because of the concentration of light value, the emphasis is on the soldier and the angel. The girl crying is the main focal point because her dress and hair is dark yet she is surrounded by much lighter hues.
The viewer would interpret this as a women crying over her lover, whom she lost in a war, yet he is right there looking down on her from heaven. The soldier wants to be with her but can only comfort her from a distance now. The viewer would feel sad and sorry for the girl in the painting who seems to have lost the one person she loved. She obviously misses him a lot if she is at his grave in the middle of the night, crying. This piece is very sad yet it is comforting to see that the soldier misses her too.
This painting is called "Unseen Comfort" by Lotus Wilkerson. The subject matter is unseen comfort from a lost loved one.It is a painting of a woman crying at someone's grave at night. Standing next to her is what appears to be who she is crying about, her deceased lover's ghost or spirit in a soldier uniform. You can tell the soldier is a ghost because behind him is an angel who is resting his hand on the soldier and shining a light on the grieving woman. In the background, there are other grave stones in the shapes of crosses. The moonlight is shining in the distance. This painting creates a sense of comfort because even though she does not know it, her loved one is right there with her. The flag by the soldier's foot is subtle because one does not notice it right away but suggests that the soldier was fighting for America. The colors in this painting are of the blue tone. Some areas, such as the trees, have a greater concentration of dark value and other areas, such as the angel, the soldier, the moon, and the gravestones, have a high concentration of light value. Because of the concentration of light value, the emphasis is on the soldier and the angel. The girl crying is the main focal point because her dress and hair is dark yet she is surrounded by much lighter hues.
The viewer would interpret this as a women crying over her lover, whom she lost in a war, yet he is right there looking down on her from heaven. The soldier wants to be with her but can only comfort her from a distance now. The viewer would feel sad and sorry for the girl in the painting who seems to have lost the one person she loved. She obviously misses him a lot if she is at his grave in the middle of the night, crying. This piece is very sad yet it is comforting to see that the soldier misses her too.
Exsisting Critique #1 by Jean-Paul Crespelle
"Poppy Field" by Monet
This painting shows Monet at his most relaxed. It is a charming interlude, full of tenderness and grace. He painted it "en plein air" in the plain to the west of Argenteuil, away from the rupples and reflections of the river he loved. His subject is once again Camille, this time sitting on the grass reading. She wears a feathered hat; a respectable woman of theday could not be seen without some form of head-covering, even on a country walk.
The canvas belongs in spirit with "wild poppies," and is redolent of peace and happiness. It recalls the serenity of the Trouville portraits, but here the handling is altogether lighter and more fluid. Durand-Ruel and other collectors sometimes urged Monet to make his canvases look more finished, but he was interested only in a spontaneous rendering of the moment. This scene is painted, as it were, with the tip of the brush, the sky limpid, the trees barely sketched in- reminiscent of Corot- the young woman suggested rather than expressed as an individual human form. It is a typical example of Impressionism at its peak. One recalls Ce'zanne's dictum: 'Monet is just an eyes, but what an eye. He's the best of us all.'
Shown at the second exhibition of the Impressionist group, the painting was put up for auction at the Ho'tel Drouot in March 1875 but failed to find a buyer. Money problems again threatened to plunge Monet in the nightmare of debt which he hoped he had put behind him forever.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
10 Images
"Winter's Blessing" Judy Gibson; United States
"Winter Sunset" Dubravko Raos; Europe
"Christmas Morning" Ron Bayens; United States
"Island Dreams" Scott Kennedy; United States
"Holiday Nap" Judy Gibson; United States
"Her Favorite Spot" Nancy Chaboun; United States
"Cozy Evening" Scott Kennedy
"Cozy Bears" Scott Kennedy
"Comforting Friend" Arthur Wardel
"Face Off" Christopher Nick
"Cozy Christmas" Susan Rios; United States
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Dialogue from Breakfast at Tiffany's
Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds?
Paul Varjack:The mean reds, you mean like the blues?
Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?
Paul Varjak: Sure.
Holly Golightly: Well, when I get [the mean reds] the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that'd make me feel like Tiffany's...
Paul Varjack:The mean reds, you mean like the blues?
Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?
Paul Varjak: Sure.
Holly Golightly: Well, when I get [the mean reds] the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that'd make me feel like Tiffany's...
Community Project Explaination
For my community project, I hoped to make the cats and kittens of 9 Lives of Norton, a local cat shelter that I volunteer at, a little more comfortable.
First, I sorted and counted plastic bottles and aluminum cans for a cat shelter, 9 Lives of Norton, so they could easily take them to a bottle/can return center to get cash back. I chose to do this because I volunteer at this shelter and I thought it was a good thing to do to help out. People are always donating huge trash bags full of cans and bottles to the shelter. I noticed the bags have been accumulating rapidly recently and I know the shelter can always use some extra money. I asked Tom, one of the main volunteers at the shelter, if I could help out so one Saturday afternoon he showed me what I had to do and I started hours of counting and sorting. By returning these bottles and cans, the shelter would recieve money for whatever they needed to make the cats and kittens as comfortable as possible.
Then, the next day when I called Tom to make sure he got the list of bags I sorted, I asked if I could do anything else to help out. He asked me if I could address letters to the donors of the Adopt-A-Cage program. This program lets people sponsor a cage by paying a monthly fee, in return, the y recieve a picture of the cat in the cage and a short update of the cat. This program is the biggest fund raiser for the shelter and has attracted over 100 sponsors. So I addressed the envelopes that would contain the monthly reminder for each sponsor, which consumed a large amount of time. This did not directly make the cats or kittens comfortable but it did help out Tom, who would have had to take the time to write all the letters himself along with everything else he does for the shelter to make the cats comfortable.
I did my best to help out the shelter so they could make the kitties as comfortable as possible. This project made me see that even if people do not ask for help, they can still need it; sometimes you might have to ask if you can help them.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Comfort Quote
"Being taken for granted can be a compliment. It means that you've become a comfortable, trusted person in another person's life. "
- Joyce Brothers
- Joyce Brothers
Excerpt from "The Pact"
"It had been years since she'd done it, but Emily picked up a thin twig and tossed it at the pane of glass. It landed with a light snap, and bounced back toward her. She picked it up from between her feet and threw it again.
This time, a table lamp flared on and Chris's face appeared at the window. Seeing Emily, he opened the sash and stuck his head out. "What are you doing?" he hissed. "Stay here."
Seconds later he eased open the kitchen door. "What?" he demanded.
There was much she had imagined in this reunion, but anger had never been part of it. Remorse, maybe. Joy, acceptance. Certainly not the look that was on Chris's face right now. "I came to ask," she said, her voice trembling, "if you had a nice time on your date."
Chris swore and rubbed a hand down his face. "I don't need this. I can't do this right now." He turn on his heel and started back into the house.
"Wait!" Emily cried. Her words were thick with tears, but she lifted her chin and crossed her arms tight over her chest to keep from shaking. "I, um, I have this problem. I broke up with my boyfriend, you see. And I'm pretty upset about it, so I wanted to talk to my best friend." She swallowed and look at the black ground. "The thing is, they're both you."
"Emily," Chris whispered, and pulled her close.
She tried not to think of the of the unfamiliar scent of him, something perfumed mixed with something else lush and ripe. Instead Emily concentrated on the way it felt to be next to Chris again. Two halves of a whole.
-"The Pact" by Jodi Picoult. Page 149
This time, a table lamp flared on and Chris's face appeared at the window. Seeing Emily, he opened the sash and stuck his head out. "What are you doing?" he hissed. "Stay here."
Seconds later he eased open the kitchen door. "What?" he demanded.
There was much she had imagined in this reunion, but anger had never been part of it. Remorse, maybe. Joy, acceptance. Certainly not the look that was on Chris's face right now. "I came to ask," she said, her voice trembling, "if you had a nice time on your date."
Chris swore and rubbed a hand down his face. "I don't need this. I can't do this right now." He turn on his heel and started back into the house.
"Wait!" Emily cried. Her words were thick with tears, but she lifted her chin and crossed her arms tight over her chest to keep from shaking. "I, um, I have this problem. I broke up with my boyfriend, you see. And I'm pretty upset about it, so I wanted to talk to my best friend." She swallowed and look at the black ground. "The thing is, they're both you."
"Emily," Chris whispered, and pulled her close.
She tried not to think of the of the unfamiliar scent of him, something perfumed mixed with something else lush and ripe. Instead Emily concentrated on the way it felt to be next to Chris again. Two halves of a whole.
-"The Pact" by Jodi Picoult. Page 149
Excerpt from "Songs of The Humpback Whale"
"At those Coastal Studies cocktail parties Oliver and I go to, we rub shoulders with people who'll give grant money. We introduce ourselves as Dr. and Dr. Jones, although I'm still ABD. We sneak out when everyone is going to sit down to the main course, and we run to the car and make fun of people's sequined dresses and dinner jackets. Inside, I curl up against Oliver as he drives, and I listen to him tell me stories I have heard a million times before- about an era when you could spot whales in every ocean.
"In spite of it all, there's just something about Oliver. You know what I'm talking about- he was the first man who truly took my breath away, and sometimes he still can. He's the one person I feel comfortable enough with to share a home, a life, a child. He can take me back fifteen years with a smile. In spite of differences, Oliver and I have Oliver and I."
-"Songs of the Humpback Whale" by Jodi Picoult. Page 4-5
"In spite of it all, there's just something about Oliver. You know what I'm talking about- he was the first man who truly took my breath away, and sometimes he still can. He's the one person I feel comfortable enough with to share a home, a life, a child. He can take me back fifteen years with a smile. In spite of differences, Oliver and I have Oliver and I."
-"Songs of the Humpback Whale" by Jodi Picoult. Page 4-5
20 add images
List of 20 images:
1.) "Hotel Room." by Adam Wolszczak; Poland: 2007.
2.) "Sleeping Beauty" by Max Bolotnikov; Russian Federation: 2007.
3.) "Barefoot at daisies" by Visnja Skorin; Croatia: 2006.
4.) "Mother Holding Sleeping Baby" by Kati Molin; Finland: 2007.
5.) "Couple Relaxing by Van" United Kingdom: 2008
6.) "Cup of Comfort" by Todd Horn; United States
7.) "Young Woman Standing by Creek" by Moodboard; United Kingdom: 2008
8.) "At the Beach" by Edward Henry Potthast
9.) "Tarde de verano en Skagen" by Peder Severin Kroyer: 1892
10.) "Baby reaching for an apple" by Mary Cassatt
11.) "Chagrin d'Enfant" by Emile Fraint
12.) "Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose" by John Singer Sargent
13.) "Tade de verano en la playa" by Peder Severin Kroyer
14.) "Comfort of Friends" by Shirley deMaio
15.) "Evening Comfort" by Jim Warren
16.) "Sacred Angel of Comfort" by TereseNielsen
17.) "Comfort" by Nullermanden; Denmark: 2006
18.) "Remote Comfort" by Anthony Stewart: 2006
19.) "Cuddle" by Anthony Stewart: 2006
20.) "Starbucks in the Park" by Anthony Stewart
21.) "Comfort" by Carol Theroux
1.) "Hotel Room." by Adam Wolszczak; Poland: 2007.
2.) "Sleeping Beauty" by Max Bolotnikov; Russian Federation: 2007.
3.) "Barefoot at daisies" by Visnja Skorin; Croatia: 2006.
4.) "Mother Holding Sleeping Baby" by Kati Molin; Finland: 2007.
5.) "Couple Relaxing by Van" United Kingdom: 2008
6.) "Cup of Comfort" by Todd Horn; United States
7.) "Young Woman Standing by Creek" by Moodboard; United Kingdom: 2008
8.) "At the Beach" by Edward Henry Potthast
9.) "Tarde de verano en Skagen" by Peder Severin Kroyer: 1892
10.) "Baby reaching for an apple" by Mary Cassatt
11.) "Chagrin d'Enfant" by Emile Fraint
12.) "Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose" by John Singer Sargent
13.) "Tade de verano en la playa" by Peder Severin Kroyer
14.) "Comfort of Friends" by Shirley deMaio
15.) "Evening Comfort" by Jim Warren
16.) "Sacred Angel of Comfort" by TereseNielsen
17.) "Comfort" by Nullermanden; Denmark: 2006
18.) "Remote Comfort" by Anthony Stewart: 2006
19.) "Cuddle" by Anthony Stewart: 2006
20.) "Starbucks in the Park" by Anthony Stewart
21.) "Comfort" by Carol Theroux
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Pets of The Homeless. Narrative #5
At least the days are getting warmer now. I love to sit and enjoy the warm sun with my best friend. The nights are still cold and windy so I try to keep him warm as best as I can. I haven't left his side since I was very young, I feel like I've known him my whole life. He is my best friend and I don't know what I would do without him. I found him one day long ago just sitting by the corner of this building with his scruffy look and his dark eyes that look like they've been through too much. I didn't know him at the time so I approached cautiously.
To my surprise he wasn't scared at all. He just held out his hand and gently stroked my head. I haven't felt the feeling of a human touch in so many months. No one wants to pet you when you're a dirty dog on the street stealing food from trash cans in the alley. Except for my friend here, he didn't even think twice about it, he looked passed the dirt and my scrathes and rubbed my head like my owner used to.
The last time I can remember my owner petting me was right before he left. He pat me on the head and said, "Take care of yourself, Pal." Take care of myself? I was only a puppy, only a few months old. When he was driving away from me, I just sat and stared, hoping that maybe he would realize that he can't leave a little puppy to fend for itself. I sat hoping that he would come back until I saw the last rays of sun disappear behind the horizon. I was all alone in this feild a few feet away from a busy street. I was scared and hungry, I couldn't remember my way home either.
Before I knew it, I had made a new best friend. We did everything together and ever since that first day I have felt completely and totally comfortable, for the first time in a long time. I haven't felt this safe or loved all my life, I don't think. He always makes sure I get as much, if not more, food than he gets for himself. And he tries the best he can to keep me clean, although he can't do much without running water. But I don't mind, if he doesn't care that I'm just a little too dirty, then I don't care either.
When I'm with him, I feel comfortable. I know he won't judge me for being dirty dog or yell at me for snooping in the trash for some food. I don't ever want to live in a house again, living with my best friend is better than anything I could imagine. For a dog that has absolutely nothing, I have everything I ever needed.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
"Comforting Friends" Narrative #4
She gets like this sometimes. Just starts crying and doesn’t know why. She doesn’t want to but she can’t stop. It makes me sad to see a friend be in so much pain. I think about back when we were younger, we felt so free, so alive. Everything seemed so new to us; we had the time of our lives growing up together. But those days are gone and here is where we are now.
Maybe it’s because of her dad having cancer. Maybe she doesn’t want to think about life without him. Maybe she doesn’t want to think about her mother without him. Maybe she’s not ready for him to leave yet. Maybe she’s just scared.
I rub her back as she sits and cries. She won’t say why she is this sad. She won’t say anything. I’m left to guess what horrible thoughts are running through her head that make my best friend feel this way. I feel useless. I don't want to say so I just sit quietly like I have a million times before.
I think of the summers that we stayed up late and stayed together all day. We were inseparable. We found enjoyment in everything we did, we always had so much fun, and we never had to worry about a thing. I wonder if it’s these days that she’s missing. She crying because everything is so screwed up right now. Her childhood is slipping away and everything that came with it. Her innocent, her sense of wonder, her seemingly never ending bubbly attitude. She’s felt too much and been through too hard of times to go back to all of that now.
It might be that she feels lonely. But she has me. And she has a boyfriend. Even though they have been dating for quite a while now, he isn’t there for her as much as she would like him to be. Or as much as I would like him to be. He doesn’t understand even half as much about her as I do. He doesn’t know what she’s been through, or who she really is. He’s not the one she calls in the middle of the night when she can’t sleep, but only cry. He could care less about her problems; he has his own, and he can’t be bothered with her’s. Maybe she feels that she’s been forgotten by him. Maybe she just doesn’t even care about that.
Her whole body trembles as she takes a deep breath. I’m here for here and she knows it. She turns to me with eyes full of tears, I stare helplessly back at her. I open my arms for her and she leans in for a hug just like she has a million times before.
Sometimes comfort is just knowing that someone is there for you.
Friday, May 9, 2008
websites
websites:
1.) http://www.personal-prints.com/acatalog/BEST_SELLERS.html
2.) http://www.art.com/asp/display_artist-asp/_/crid--24515/Judy_Gibson.htm
3.) http://www.mainepuzzles.com/Puzzles/Cozy-Christmas-Jigsaw-Puzzle
4.) http://www.angel-fine-art.com
5.) http://www.solsticearts.com/
6.) http://www.artselects.com/
7.) http://artinaclick.com/
8.) http://www.123rf.com/search.php?word=comfortable
9.) http://www.artistrising.com/
10.) http://www.worldofquotes.com/topic/Comfort/1/index.html
11.) http://thinkexist.com/quotes/with/keyword/comfort/
12.) http://deviantart.com/
13.) http://askart.com/
1.) http://www.personal-prints.com/acatalog/BEST_SELLERS.html
2.) http://www.art.com/asp/display_artist-asp/_/crid--24515/Judy_Gibson.htm
3.) http://www.mainepuzzles.com/Puzzles/Cozy-Christmas-Jigsaw-Puzzle
4.) http://www.angel-fine-art.com
5.) http://www.solsticearts.com/
6.) http://www.artselects.com/
7.) http://artinaclick.com/
8.) http://www.123rf.com/search.php?word=comfortable
9.) http://www.artistrising.com/
10.) http://www.worldofquotes.com/topic/Comfort/1/index.html
11.) http://thinkexist.com/quotes/with/keyword/comfort/
12.) http://deviantart.com/
13.) http://askart.com/
"Arms Of An Angel" lyrics
Sarah McLachlan - "Arms Of An Angel" lyrics
Spend all your time waiting for that second chance
For the break that will make it ok
There's always some reason to feel “not good enough"
And it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction, oh beautiful release
Memories seep from my veins
They may be empty and weightless,
and maybe I'll find some peace tonight
In the arms of an Angel, fly away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here
So tired of the straight line, and everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
The storm keeps on twisting, you keep on building the lies
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference, escaping one last time
It's easier to believe
In this sweet madness, oh this glorious sadness
That brings me to my knees
In the arms of an Angel, far away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
In the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here
Spend all your time waiting for that second chance
For the break that will make it ok
There's always some reason to feel “not good enough"
And it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction, oh beautiful release
Memories seep from my veins
They may be empty and weightless,
and maybe I'll find some peace tonight
In the arms of an Angel, fly away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here
So tired of the straight line, and everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
The storm keeps on twisting, you keep on building the lies
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference, escaping one last time
It's easier to believe
In this sweet madness, oh this glorious sadness
That brings me to my knees
In the arms of an Angel, far away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
In the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Narrative 3: Dreaming by the Fire
"Dreaming by the Fire"
Ahh, time to rest at last. As I snuggle up comfortably in front of the warming fire, surrounded by the new toys and indulging in the Christmas aroma I think about my busy day. Christmas is always the most fun filled and most tiring day of the year. I love playing with the joyful kids and all their new Christmas presents. Their faces are lit with joy when they open each neatly wrapped present. I already know what everyone is getting because I was up late the night before, helping their mom wrap every gift. I love pawing each toy to see what it will do and if it will move. I jump back away from a mobile toy and hit it again, this time more cautiously. The kids love this and squeal with laughter every time I do it. Then they come over and pick me up tenderly. They gently stroke the top of my head; this feels so good, I close my eyes and being to purr.
I am still purring as they hand me to their mother with grace. It always amazes me at how gently they handle me. For such loud and rough kids, I would assume they wouldn't be as careful, but they always are. As their mother happily takes me into her lap, I curl into a fluffy ball as she strokes me. I am so comfortable right then. When it is time for her to start preparing dinner, she picks me up and replaces me on the couch with care. This spot is not as warm as her lap so I gracefully jump down on to the warm soft carpet and nestle between the toys, drifting off into a wonderful dream.
By the time the anticipated guests arrive for dinner, I am fully rested and cheerfully greet them with a series of meows while I excitedly rub against their legs. They pick me up and cuddle me as they step into the kitchen. I love this newly arrived family because I remember them from when I was just a newborn kitten. They are the people who adopted me one cold winter evening and gave me, as a Christmas gift, to my current family. I remember being very anxious before meeting my new family for the first time, I was nervous because I wasn’t sure if they would like me. I think it was the little red ribbon around my neck that won their hearts; they kept repeating how cute I was and constantly thanked their relatives for giving them such a generous Christmas present. This must be the reason why I love Christmas so much!
As everyone settles down to eat, I happily replace myself at my favorite spot in the house, right in front of the fire. I listen to the casual chatter of a Christmas dinner and once again, drift off to sleep. I couldn’t ask for a better Christmas present than this wonderful day. I can’t wait until next year when I get to repeat this whole day all over again!
Ahh, time to rest at last. As I snuggle up comfortably in front of the warming fire, surrounded by the new toys and indulging in the Christmas aroma I think about my busy day. Christmas is always the most fun filled and most tiring day of the year. I love playing with the joyful kids and all their new Christmas presents. Their faces are lit with joy when they open each neatly wrapped present. I already know what everyone is getting because I was up late the night before, helping their mom wrap every gift. I love pawing each toy to see what it will do and if it will move. I jump back away from a mobile toy and hit it again, this time more cautiously. The kids love this and squeal with laughter every time I do it. Then they come over and pick me up tenderly. They gently stroke the top of my head; this feels so good, I close my eyes and being to purr.I am still purring as they hand me to their mother with grace. It always amazes me at how gently they handle me. For such loud and rough kids, I would assume they wouldn't be as careful, but they always are. As their mother happily takes me into her lap, I curl into a fluffy ball as she strokes me. I am so comfortable right then. When it is time for her to start preparing dinner, she picks me up and replaces me on the couch with care. This spot is not as warm as her lap so I gracefully jump down on to the warm soft carpet and nestle between the toys, drifting off into a wonderful dream.
By the time the anticipated guests arrive for dinner, I am fully rested and cheerfully greet them with a series of meows while I excitedly rub against their legs. They pick me up and cuddle me as they step into the kitchen. I love this newly arrived family because I remember them from when I was just a newborn kitten. They are the people who adopted me one cold winter evening and gave me, as a Christmas gift, to my current family. I remember being very anxious before meeting my new family for the first time, I was nervous because I wasn’t sure if they would like me. I think it was the little red ribbon around my neck that won their hearts; they kept repeating how cute I was and constantly thanked their relatives for giving them such a generous Christmas present. This must be the reason why I love Christmas so much!
As everyone settles down to eat, I happily replace myself at my favorite spot in the house, right in front of the fire. I listen to the casual chatter of a Christmas dinner and once again, drift off to sleep. I couldn’t ask for a better Christmas present than this wonderful day. I can’t wait until next year when I get to repeat this whole day all over again!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Connecting with the Community Idea
My concept is comfort and I'm not quite sure about what to do for my community project. I was thinking about doing a survey/questionare about what makes people feel comfortable and say how they have or would comfort someone in need. Or maybe ask people to represent comfort through pictures
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Sobbing Soldier Narrative #2
Sobbing Soldier Narrative #2
I held Nick close, trying to comfort him. We were both terrified of the past and dreading the future. The best we can do is pick up our gear and trudge onward, desperately hoping to make it back to base alive. As I tell Nick to not worry, that everything is going to be all right, I think of his wife back home and their baby on the way. I’ve seen pictures of her and can’t imagine how Nick can stand to be away from her. I can’t tolerate to be in this wretched mess, I comfort Nick as best as I know how: we will survive this hell. The best way to make it through is to constantly reassure yourself; think of the reason you’re there, and the reason you are going to make it out alive. The one thing that gets me through every day is my girl back home. I have a picture of her in my back pocket. Late at night, right before I drift into an uncertain sleep, I often study the torn and wrinkled photo. It’s wonderful summer day and she is wearing a sweet little white dress with a red ribbon wrapped around her untamed auburn curls. She has a slice of half-eaten watermelon in her hand, and the juice is dribbling down her hand and arm, but it doesn’t seem to bother her one bit. She looks up at the camera with delight and excitement in her eyes; her bright smile seems to melt away all my fears. As Nick regains his composure, I close my eyes in attempt to recall her laugh and automatically think of her letters to me. I don’t have enough pockets to carry all of them with me so I only have the most recent one at the moment; this is sitting in my back pocket also. I pull it out of my pocket, my only escape: this little piece of paper. I reread the short letter quickly; eager to get to the beautiful farewell that tears my eyes every time. And then, at the bottom, there it is, like it is on every letter: “I love you, please come home soon.” I fight back tears, trying to be a strong soldier, but this is one thing no soldier can protect himself from. I’ll never stop being amazed at how my four-year-old girl knows exactly what to say. And this is the reason I’m going to make it out alive.
I held Nick close, trying to comfort him. We were both terrified of the past and dreading the future. The best we can do is pick up our gear and trudge onward, desperately hoping to make it back to base alive. As I tell Nick to not worry, that everything is going to be all right, I think of his wife back home and their baby on the way. I’ve seen pictures of her and can’t imagine how Nick can stand to be away from her. I can’t tolerate to be in this wretched mess, I comfort Nick as best as I know how: we will survive this hell. The best way to make it through is to constantly reassure yourself; think of the reason you’re there, and the reason you are going to make it out alive. The one thing that gets me through every day is my girl back home. I have a picture of her in my back pocket. Late at night, right before I drift into an uncertain sleep, I often study the torn and wrinkled photo. It’s wonderful summer day and she is wearing a sweet little white dress with a red ribbon wrapped around her untamed auburn curls. She has a slice of half-eaten watermelon in her hand, and the juice is dribbling down her hand and arm, but it doesn’t seem to bother her one bit. She looks up at the camera with delight and excitement in her eyes; her bright smile seems to melt away all my fears. As Nick regains his composure, I close my eyes in attempt to recall her laugh and automatically think of her letters to me. I don’t have enough pockets to carry all of them with me so I only have the most recent one at the moment; this is sitting in my back pocket also. I pull it out of my pocket, my only escape: this little piece of paper. I reread the short letter quickly; eager to get to the beautiful farewell that tears my eyes every time. And then, at the bottom, there it is, like it is on every letter: “I love you, please come home soon.” I fight back tears, trying to be a strong soldier, but this is one thing no soldier can protect himself from. I’ll never stop being amazed at how my four-year-old girl knows exactly what to say. And this is the reason I’m going to make it out alive.
Traveling Soldier
Traveling Soldier-Dixie Chicks
Two days past eighteen
He was waiting for the bus in his army green
Sat down in a booth in a cafe there
Gave his order to a girl with a bow in her hair
He's a little shy so she gives him a smile
And he said would you mind sittin' down for a while
And talking to me,I'm feeling a little low
She said I'm off in an hour and I know where we can go
So they went down and they sat on the pier
He said I bet you got a boyfriend but I don't care
I got no one to send a letter to
Would you mind if I sent one back here to you
I cried
Never gonna hold the hand of another guy
Too young for him they told her
Waitin' for the love of a travelin' soldier
Our love will never end
Waitin' for the soldier to come back again
Never more to be alone when the letter said
A soldier's coming home
So the letters came from an army camp
In California then Vietnam
And he told her of his heart
It might be love and all of the things he was so scared of
He said when it's getting kinda rough over here
I think of that day sittin' down at the pier
And I close my eyes and see your pretty smile
Don't worry but I won't be able to write for awhile
One Friday night at a football game
The Lord's Prayer said and the Anthem sang
A man said folks would you bow your heads
For a list of local Vietnam dead
Crying all alone under the stands
Was a piccolo player in the marching band
And one name read and nobody really cared
But a pretty little girl with a bow in her hair
I think this song illistrates comfort because both the soldier and the pretty little girl find comfort in eachother. They write to eachother to ease the pain of being apart and the fear of the war.
Two days past eighteen
He was waiting for the bus in his army green
Sat down in a booth in a cafe there
Gave his order to a girl with a bow in her hair
He's a little shy so she gives him a smile
And he said would you mind sittin' down for a while
And talking to me,I'm feeling a little low
She said I'm off in an hour and I know where we can go
So they went down and they sat on the pier
He said I bet you got a boyfriend but I don't care
I got no one to send a letter to
Would you mind if I sent one back here to you
I cried
Never gonna hold the hand of another guy
Too young for him they told her
Waitin' for the love of a travelin' soldier
Our love will never end
Waitin' for the soldier to come back again
Never more to be alone when the letter said
A soldier's coming home
So the letters came from an army camp
In California then Vietnam
And he told her of his heart
It might be love and all of the things he was so scared of
He said when it's getting kinda rough over here
I think of that day sittin' down at the pier
And I close my eyes and see your pretty smile
Don't worry but I won't be able to write for awhile
One Friday night at a football game
The Lord's Prayer said and the Anthem sang
A man said folks would you bow your heads
For a list of local Vietnam dead
Crying all alone under the stands
Was a piccolo player in the marching band
And one name read and nobody really cared
But a pretty little girl with a bow in her hair
I think this song illistrates comfort because both the soldier and the pretty little girl find comfort in eachother. They write to eachother to ease the pain of being apart and the fear of the war.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Critique #2: Sleeping kittens
Narrative #1: Father’s Christmas Train
Critique #1: Cozy Cabin
Lyrics: “I Feel Home” by OAR
Critique #2: Sleeping kittens
Narrative #1: Father’s Christmas Train
Critique #1: Cozy Cabin
Lyrics: “I Feel Home” by OAR
Declaration
I chose comfort for my concept.
Mostly one would think of comfort as a physical feeling of being cozy and completely content. For example, when you curl up under a nice warm blanket near a peaceful fire.
This is comfort but there is also a completely different form of comfort, an emotional form
Being loved for who you are and being able to be yourself is also comfort.
Most people would find this kind of comfort at home with family or around close friends.
Comfort is the feeling of knowing that someone cares.
If you're having a bad day, comfort is the feeling of reassurance and consolation.
I think of comfort as all of these things. Everyone should have a special place where they feel comfortable or a special person who they feel comfortable around.
Mostly one would think of comfort as a physical feeling of being cozy and completely content. For example, when you curl up under a nice warm blanket near a peaceful fire.
This is comfort but there is also a completely different form of comfort, an emotional form
Being loved for who you are and being able to be yourself is also comfort.
Most people would find this kind of comfort at home with family or around close friends.
Comfort is the feeling of knowing that someone cares.
If you're having a bad day, comfort is the feeling of reassurance and consolation.
I think of comfort as all of these things. Everyone should have a special place where they feel comfortable or a special person who they feel comfortable around.
"Home" by Chris Daughtry
2 Verses from "Home" by Chris Daughtry
I'm going to the place where love
And feeling good don't ever cost a thing.
I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm going to the place where love
And feeling good don't ever cost a thing.
I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
"Father's Christmas Train" Narrative
"Father's Christmas Train"
Christmas is of course my favorite holiday. As I lay playing with Johnny’s new toy, with him reading his book on my back, I know this is home. This is everything that makes me feel alive and cozy at Christmas time. Under the tree are all the wonderful presents that Johnny has already opened hours before. The Christmas tree is decorated with all my old ornaments, and Johnny’s fairly recent decorations are dangling from every branch. The fireplace is gently warming our feet and my old companion, Chip, is resting beside us under the table. Hanging above the fire place are our mittens from the night before. The sweet scent of the Christmas breakfast that my wife is preparing drifts in from kitchen. A pancake and bacon breakfast has been a tradition of ours since Johnny was born.
Johnny and Chip have woken us up at the crack of dawn this morning. As Johnny excitedly bounces down the stairs, my wife and I groggily get dressed. Johnny is half way done opening presents even before the first cup of coffee is poured. My wife and I both know for a fact what Johnny is eagerly searching for. He opens every box he gets his hands on. A number of times, he has been hovering right over The Box but instead picks up a different one. Finally he has found it, a good sized, red box tied neatly with a white ribbon. It is too heavy for him to move so he just decides to open it right there. We are overjoyed as we sit on the stairs, anticipating the look on his face as he discovers what he has received. And there it is, the expression we’ve all been waiting for: Johnny’s eyes light up and a massive smile spreads across his face. We both laugh as he unloads the contents in the box and enthusiastically begins constructing his new gift. He is having trouble with the complex design so I offer to help and we both work together as my wife begins the breakfast.
Finally the mission is complete: the toy train set is assembled and operating. Johnny excitedly watches as the train circles around the Christmas tree endless times. When my wife peeks in from the kitchen to check on us, she smiles as both her boys are lost in this Christmas bliss. She asks if we got what we wanted for Christmas and we simultaneously answer, “Yes.” When she turns back to the kitchen, she smiles to herself. As I lay playing with Johnny’s new toy, with him reading his book on my back, she knows this is home.
Christmas is of course my favorite holiday. As I lay playing with Johnny’s new toy, with him reading his book on my back, I know this is home. This is everything that makes me feel alive and cozy at Christmas time. Under the tree are all the wonderful presents that Johnny has already opened hours before. The Christmas tree is decorated with all my old ornaments, and Johnny’s fairly recent decorations are dangling from every branch. The fireplace is gently warming our feet and my old companion, Chip, is resting beside us under the table. Hanging above the fire place are our mittens from the night before. The sweet scent of the Christmas breakfast that my wife is preparing drifts in from kitchen. A pancake and bacon breakfast has been a tradition of ours since Johnny was born. Johnny and Chip have woken us up at the crack of dawn this morning. As Johnny excitedly bounces down the stairs, my wife and I groggily get dressed. Johnny is half way done opening presents even before the first cup of coffee is poured. My wife and I both know for a fact what Johnny is eagerly searching for. He opens every box he gets his hands on. A number of times, he has been hovering right over The Box but instead picks up a different one. Finally he has found it, a good sized, red box tied neatly with a white ribbon. It is too heavy for him to move so he just decides to open it right there. We are overjoyed as we sit on the stairs, anticipating the look on his face as he discovers what he has received. And there it is, the expression we’ve all been waiting for: Johnny’s eyes light up and a massive smile spreads across his face. We both laugh as he unloads the contents in the box and enthusiastically begins constructing his new gift. He is having trouble with the complex design so I offer to help and we both work together as my wife begins the breakfast.
Finally the mission is complete: the toy train set is assembled and operating. Johnny excitedly watches as the train circles around the Christmas tree endless times. When my wife peeks in from the kitchen to check on us, she smiles as both her boys are lost in this Christmas bliss. She asks if we got what we wanted for Christmas and we simultaneously answer, “Yes.” When she turns back to the kitchen, she smiles to herself. As I lay playing with Johnny’s new toy, with him reading his book on my back, she knows this is home.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sleeping Kittens Critique #2
Sleeping Kittens
This piece is called “Sleeping Cats”. The photographer of this photo is unknown. The subject matter of this photograph is comfort.
The piece is a photograph of two fluffy kittens. It is a close up of their sleeping heads. There is a comfortable and cozy content. The two innocent fluffy kittens create a perfect harmony and the juxtaposition of the kittens makes them seem so comfortable. The bottom kitten resting his head on the top kitten’s paw is subtle because one doesn’t notice it at first. This is a sensory photo because the furry kittens pertain to the sense of touch, which also makes the texture of the photo seem fluffy and soft. The photo consists of light values and the tone is also light. The colors used are mostly white with light browns, grays, and some black. There is emphasis on the top kitten because his whole face is shown and his colors are more consistent and blended than the bottoms kitten’s lighter face. The viewer would interpret this as two comfortable kittens sleeping peacefully after a day of playing.
The kittens’ closed eyes make this piece seem peaceful and relaxing. Their fur makes it seem comfortable and warm. An obvious narrative would be that after a long day of playing, the kittens snuggled up for a cozy nap. The viewer feels warm and happy when they see this because the kittens are so comfortable and innocent.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Cozy Cabin by Judy Gibson (Critique)
Cozy Cabin by Judy Gibson
Judy Gibson painted this painting called “Cozy Cabin.” She uses pencil to capture the spirit and grace of home. It is an American painting for she has lived in Paris, Texas all her life.
Judy Gibson’s painting is an example of realism because it’s representation is meant to be accurate. There is perfect harmony of all the objects that would remind one of comfort, such as the blankets, the dog, the fireplace, and the books. The way that all the furniture is in juxtaposition contributes to a sense of comfort. The focal point is the fireplace because all the furniture is arranged facing it and it is the brightest object in the room. There is emphasis on the fire because it is glowing and casting shadows. The scene outside the window is subtle because one might not notice it at first. The earthy tones, such as red and brown, create a comforting feeling. Also, the warm colors represent comfort.
This painting makes one feel cozy and warm. The mood is peaceful and relaxing. The moon reflecting off the water outside the window creates a tranquil feeling. The painting narrates that one would comfortably relax and unwind in front of the fire. The coats and fishing poles near the hooks in the corner suggest that after a day of fishing, someone might sit by the fire with his dog to unwind. The books and blankets indicate that someone might sit and read in front of the fire to relax.
Judy Gibson painted this painting called “Cozy Cabin.” She uses pencil to capture the spirit and grace of home. It is an American painting for she has lived in Paris, Texas all her life.Judy Gibson’s painting is an example of realism because it’s representation is meant to be accurate. There is perfect harmony of all the objects that would remind one of comfort, such as the blankets, the dog, the fireplace, and the books. The way that all the furniture is in juxtaposition contributes to a sense of comfort. The focal point is the fireplace because all the furniture is arranged facing it and it is the brightest object in the room. There is emphasis on the fire because it is glowing and casting shadows. The scene outside the window is subtle because one might not notice it at first. The earthy tones, such as red and brown, create a comforting feeling. Also, the warm colors represent comfort.
This painting makes one feel cozy and warm. The mood is peaceful and relaxing. The moon reflecting off the water outside the window creates a tranquil feeling. The painting narrates that one would comfortably relax and unwind in front of the fire. The coats and fishing poles near the hooks in the corner suggest that after a day of fishing, someone might sit by the fire with his dog to unwind. The books and blankets indicate that someone might sit and read in front of the fire to relax.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Comfortable-John Mayer
A verse from
"Comfortable"
By John Mayer
I loved you
Gray sweatpants
No make up
So perfect
Our love was
Comfortable
And so broken in
"Comfortable"
By John Mayer
I loved you
Gray sweatpants
No make up
So perfect
Our love was
Comfortable
And so broken in
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
I Feel Home-OAR
I Feel Home -O.A.R.
There are few things pure in this world anymore,
and home is one of the few.
We'd have a drink outside,
maybe run and hide if we saw a couple men in blue.
To me it's so damn easy to see
that true people are the people at home.
Well, I've been away but now I'm back today,
and there aint a place I'd rather go.
I feel home,
when I see the faces that remember my own.
I feel home,
when I'm chillin outside with the people I know.
I feel home, and that's just what I feel.
Home to me is reality,
and all I need is something real.
Feelin alright, headin out tonight,
maybe out to a dark driveway.
I say now some feel bored,
and some are lookin for more.
Well, we all just decide to stay.
We got nothin to do, and I look at you
I see something that I know and love.
And with the crack of a smile we all stay a while
we know from home there aint nothing above.
Well in the end we can all call a friend
well that's something I know as true.
And then a thousand years and a thousand tears
I'll come back to my original crew
Because to me throughout eternity
there's somewhere where you're welcome to go
I said it's something free that means a lot to me
when I'm with my friends I feel home.
I feel home,
when I see the faces that remember my own
I feel home,
when I'm chillin outside with the people I know.
I feel home,
and that's just what I feel.
Because home to me is reality,
and all I need is something real
Home to me is reality,
and all I need is something real.
I feel home.
There are few things pure in this world anymore,
and home is one of the few.
We'd have a drink outside,
maybe run and hide if we saw a couple men in blue.
To me it's so damn easy to see
that true people are the people at home.
Well, I've been away but now I'm back today,
and there aint a place I'd rather go.
I feel home,
when I see the faces that remember my own.
I feel home,
when I'm chillin outside with the people I know.
I feel home, and that's just what I feel.
Home to me is reality,
and all I need is something real.
Feelin alright, headin out tonight,
maybe out to a dark driveway.
I say now some feel bored,
and some are lookin for more.
Well, we all just decide to stay.
We got nothin to do, and I look at you
I see something that I know and love.
And with the crack of a smile we all stay a while
we know from home there aint nothing above.
Well in the end we can all call a friend
well that's something I know as true.
And then a thousand years and a thousand tears
I'll come back to my original crew
Because to me throughout eternity
there's somewhere where you're welcome to go
I said it's something free that means a lot to me
when I'm with my friends I feel home.
I feel home,
when I see the faces that remember my own
I feel home,
when I'm chillin outside with the people I know.
I feel home,
and that's just what I feel.
Because home to me is reality,
and all I need is something real
Home to me is reality,
and all I need is something real.
I feel home.
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