tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33043922289597616372024-03-12T17:34:50.714-07:00About God & ArtGerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-25286219955355485752013-04-20T10:59:00.000-07:002013-04-20T10:59:52.730-07:00From "The Daily Cross" to "A Door A Day"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAQGmejigrjaXhvaM0FPsZhpNhL4YgRec5jUwDndSMWA-Cdg5TrnW2ewoplRVOhED6LNEdIzKq00Lb-p8haxr8M7WmFIL8Eej-RV9NfvEZQlwVHOxsLagCqjMI-wgwFUrvdJ7VUPIoEY/s1600/DSC00046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAQGmejigrjaXhvaM0FPsZhpNhL4YgRec5jUwDndSMWA-Cdg5TrnW2ewoplRVOhED6LNEdIzKq00Lb-p8haxr8M7WmFIL8Eej-RV9NfvEZQlwVHOxsLagCqjMI-wgwFUrvdJ7VUPIoEY/s320/DSC00046.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Gallery 135 is exhibiting all 366 photographs from my Daily Cross project starting on March 23. Artists nationwide and from ten countries worldwide have been participating and will be on display until the end of April. This project has been well loved and was on display during the season of lent. It also greatly enhanced the Good Friday Meditation Service.<br />
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The Daily Cross project gave me an incentive to watch my surroundings more closely. After the project was finished I longed for the discipline of looking for a perfect object to photograph. So on January first, I started a new project called A Door A Day. Again I am posting one picture every day (this time of a door) on Facebook and I am leaving Sundays open for contributions of friends and visitors worldwide. If you are interested in participating, please email your photograph to liebmanng@yahoo.com and observe the many doors that are already on display at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3986969633355.2133902.1254217281&type=3">A Door A Day</a><br />
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Doors and gates do say a lot. They all lead to somewhere. I hope to convey that Jesus is the door. No matter how the door looks to us from the outside, it is through Him that we enter the kingdom of God.<br />
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Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-66324717596020143282013-01-03T07:09:00.000-08:002013-01-03T07:09:08.337-08:00The Cross in a Beijing Gallery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1357224409817_1920" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">My
third trip to China was phenomenal. The first stop was in Guangzhou,
one of China’s southern cities, where I taught several art classes in
Christian schools. Once again, it was very exciting to see how hungry
the young people of China are for opportunities to express the
redemptive work of Christ in creative ways. I was also delighted when I
found out that the principal of one of the schools, who had befriended
me during an earlier trip, was opening up an artist salon. I was
invited to share at the opening about the special role of the Christian
artist in society. A dozen local artists attended. The discussion that
followed was very engaging – and it definitely challenged my interpreter!</span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1357224409817_1980" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">After
Guangzhou, I flew to Beijing where I set up my exhibit at a gallery in
the 798 “art zone.” 798 is a bit like New York City’s Soho was in the
70’s. Factories that used to make ammunition have been converted into
art galleries. It’s a very cool place with a vibrant atmosphere and
lots of artistic activity.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">The
exhibit featured my "Stations of the Cross" banners and my "Flavor of
Salt" installation. Attendance at the opening was great, with a
half-and-half mix of Christians and non-Christians. There were also
representatives from the press and China’s diplomatic corps. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">On the last day of the exhibit, I gave a
lecture and then took questions from the group. There was lots of
interest in the connection between faith and art.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This all was made possible by George, a Chinese art critic and curator that I met through a mutual friend online.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuqV6tjPfKsA3byodPYEZr3FuKNxzGNN0QUi7eGZhlLd3-aSQQwbyjFB3PwsV2nB8U2nL4LcqvNp_lqbpiSgRrPifwgj54KsoGkl_L-vp4R1y9yZ87IBYE6JZNCF4qo_nmUXYD8uf1C0/s1600/DSCF7321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuqV6tjPfKsA3byodPYEZr3FuKNxzGNN0QUi7eGZhlLd3-aSQQwbyjFB3PwsV2nB8U2nL4LcqvNp_lqbpiSgRrPifwgj54KsoGkl_L-vp4R1y9yZ87IBYE6JZNCF4qo_nmUXYD8uf1C0/s400/DSCF7321.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Stations of the Cross</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJV57OVSnuHkMweNtep4sCWh3WdOY5p0Si2pa1D2vuxfAR97WDR2bbFikVSYtXbzfUoQQuosURhbIRen8vOFPMC5ItA-eDIoxFUlh9W7WFCjfG0SPyqfOpVOGcIBASUxViF3W8xNIm5N0/s1600/DSCF7388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJV57OVSnuHkMweNtep4sCWh3WdOY5p0Si2pa1D2vuxfAR97WDR2bbFikVSYtXbzfUoQQuosURhbIRen8vOFPMC5ItA-eDIoxFUlh9W7WFCjfG0SPyqfOpVOGcIBASUxViF3W8xNIm5N0/s200/DSCF7388.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Flavor of Salt</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XmO5IfOdpnaKSAblsgS6NCE3cNqblEisozXi4ORrr-6c9hhaM3Ecc2mbGnep8TOrixL4kUoU11zRyYmofF5bfi1p0PL72otNJZ6BjDPWCSkRSZoqJB86_9sIGk5Wr2miqc62woRe43M/s1600/DSCF7148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XmO5IfOdpnaKSAblsgS6NCE3cNqblEisozXi4ORrr-6c9hhaM3Ecc2mbGnep8TOrixL4kUoU11zRyYmofF5bfi1p0PL72otNJZ6BjDPWCSkRSZoqJB86_9sIGk5Wr2miqc62woRe43M/s320/DSCF7148.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the lecture</td></tr>
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Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-315098099415820962012-10-14T20:10:00.000-07:002012-10-14T20:10:07.821-07:00A Creche on Main Street<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHG6Eeh3AIJtJn_WoVuRf6Xf89px4Vrha_Ue9F_KziKZMhEz0HqstR455ZFprvWDvmLT4yge8crvXUxgIp2BRYKd2mJbQs-7STe1XW4TtYoyTwcPuwG8Xb4MVU78EzzxBgthnNLUu_O0w/s1600/DSC00008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHG6Eeh3AIJtJn_WoVuRf6Xf89px4Vrha_Ue9F_KziKZMhEz0HqstR455ZFprvWDvmLT4yge8crvXUxgIp2BRYKd2mJbQs-7STe1XW4TtYoyTwcPuwG8Xb4MVU78EzzxBgthnNLUu_O0w/s320/DSC00008.JPG" width="240" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peace on Earth, detail, Luke 2:14</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Garmany is a luxury retail clothier in downtown Red Bank, NJ. James Yarosh Associates Fine Art Gallery uses the display windows of Garmany as public art space and exhibits original fine art by selected artists. My artwork will be displayed in those windows from November 8, 2012 to February 28, 2013.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Since this display will be up through the Christmas season, I decided to create twelve 90"x11" encaustic monotype banners based on the gospel narrative. It is very exciting to have the opportunity to create art with a Christological theme for a public commercial space. Here is a little preview with details from two of the banners.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dNtREVvogV6B_yp63noJEvIfqeGzCcyDWz6VS1y733JUtssJvAmnXF5gHnrFqDg2cLI5u89Dht5nLtlAlGmb6-HGx9jznAnDsHhAnXhG_PkBg9rZcxFPr3-SEGqzBhEqYWDamiZMkUY/s1600/DSC00025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dNtREVvogV6B_yp63noJEvIfqeGzCcyDWz6VS1y733JUtssJvAmnXF5gHnrFqDg2cLI5u89Dht5nLtlAlGmb6-HGx9jznAnDsHhAnXhG_PkBg9rZcxFPr3-SEGqzBhEqYWDamiZMkUY/s320/DSC00025.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Census, detail, Luke 2:1-3</td></tr>
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Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-27674568584168148662012-06-20T13:41:00.000-07:002012-06-20T13:45:34.398-07:00The Daily Cross<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My new book is out! You can choose from a hard cover, paper back or eBook version. Eighty pages.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left; width: 450px;">
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<a target="_new" href="http://www.blurb.com/books/preview/3312576?ce=blurb_ew&utm_source=widget"><img src="http://bookshow.blurb.com/bookshow/cache/P4811607/md/wcover_2.png"></img></a></object><br />
<div style="display: block;">
<a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3312576?ce=blurb_ew&utm_source=widget" style="margin: 12px 3px;" target="_blank">The Daily Cross by Gerda Liebmann</a> | <a href="http://www.blurb.com/landing_pages/bookshow?ce=blurb_ew&utm_source=widget" style="margin: 12px 3px;" target="_blank">Make Your Own Book</a></div>
</div>
<br /></div>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-62697554740774892712012-05-15T07:24:00.000-07:002012-05-15T07:24:17.492-07:00A 60-Second Year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: black;">So
now the year of “Daily Crosses” is complete. Looking back on all the
crosses that I found—in nature, on buildings, and in so many mundane
places—I have this new sense of Christ being everywhere. It’s a great
feeling.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">I
also love how this project engaged my friends and acquaintances from
all over the world who commented on my daily Facebook postings and even
contributed photos themselves. If you’re one of those people, thanks
for participating.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Here
is a video that shows all 366 crosses in one minute. I hope you enjoy
it. I am also making a book for those of you who want to look at all
the photographs at a more leisurely pace. Let me know if you’d like a
copy!</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dypV8uEnUUq5SQ-H9c9EgsPzfro-myhMQdtNR_tkI_6FaLU2h0Y-BN4QPaPESC4ZklAodRZayA9oaD9rsNTCQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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</div>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-77177355625958100152012-03-05T07:39:00.005-08:002012-03-11T18:36:03.969-07:00The Stations of the Cross<p id="yui_3_2_0_5_1331511431447405" class="yiv516295167MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: arial;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzUte1TSDCwZZH0dXOgWrdoapDhJXQUPyduc_gKvb9_nXpE__LVIkQ_JmZ41dVpJWng-o_-_bpgA_4Ogji_Jw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p class="yiv516295167MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: arial;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_5_1331511431447404" style="color:black;"><br /></span></p><p class="yiv516295167MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: arial;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_5_1331511431447404" style="font-size:100%;color:black;">As is appropriate for Lent, the theme of the next <span class="yshortcuts cs4-visible" id="lw_1331511745_0">exhibit</span> at Red Bank Community Church will be the Stations of the Cross.</span><span id="yui_3_2_0_5_1331511431447404" style="color:black;">The Stations have been a traditional theme of Christian art for centuries। Of the traditional stations, only eight have a clear scriptural foundation. Pope John Paul II, however, introduced a set of scriptural Stations in 1991 that align with the gospel accounts. This opens up the Stations as a devotional model to a broader range of Christians.</span></p><p class="yiv516295167MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: arial;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></p><p id="yui_3_2_0_5_1331511431447518" class="yiv516295167MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: arial;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_5_1331511431447517" style="color:black;">I am curating the show and have invited artists from across the country to create pieces based on the scriptural Stations. Through their works, these artists facilitate our contemplation of and connection with the suffering of Christ. So, in addition to having a conventional exhibit opening, we are also going to open up the space for a meditation service on the evening of Good Friday.</span></p><p id="yui_3_2_0_5_1331511431447524" class="yiv516295167MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: arial;"><span style="color:black;"></span><span id="yui_3_2_0_5_1331511431447523" style="color:black;">The piece that I am contributing to the exhibit consists of fourteen long, narrow banners that hang on the wall and gently roll onto the floor. At the foot of each banner is a pillow where visitors can kneel and reflect on each station. I made these banners by painting on a hot box with encaustic paints and then making a mono print on Japanese Kozo paper. You can see this process in the video above.</span></p><p id="yui_3_2_0_5_1331511431447412" class="yiv516295167MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: arial;"><span style="color:black;"></span><span id="yui_3_2_0_5_1331511431447411" style="color:black;">I invite you all to come to the exhibit and consider the great suffering that Jesus endured on our behalf. The exhibit opening is on Saturday, March 31 from 3-5PM at <span class="yshortcuts cs4-visible" id="lw_1331511745_1">135 Monmouth Street in Red Bank, NJ</span>. The reflection service will be on Good Friday, April 6, 6-8 PM. Additional exhibit viewing hours will be held during the entire month of April on Wednesdays 6-7 PM and on Sundays 12-1 PM.</span></p><p id="yui_3_2_0_5_1331511431447529" class="yiv516295167MsoNormal"><span style="sans-serif";font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D;" > </span></p><p id="yui_3_2_0_5_1331511431447531" class="yiv516295167MsoNormal"><span style="sans-serif";font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D;" ><br /></span></p>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-34622867496187557332011-12-03T13:16:00.000-08:002011-12-05T20:24:42.184-08:00Lit<p class="yiv508903979MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv508903979apple-style-span"><span style=" ;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;">In the winter months, I long for light. This is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder—which has a very apt acronym: SAD.</span></span></span></p><p class="yiv508903979MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv508903979apple-style-span"><span style=" ;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv508903979MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv508903979apple-style-span"><span style=" ;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="yiv508903979MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv508903979apple-style-span"><span style=" ;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">This is why December is the perfect time to reflect on Advent, which is when we look forward to the incarnation of Christ, our Light. We decorate our homes with countless lights in an effort to make the darkness bearable. But every little dot of light is really an expression of our hope for the true Light of the World.</span></span></span></p><p class="yiv508903979MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv508903979apple-style-span"><span style=" ;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="yiv508903979MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv508903979apple-style-span"><span style=" ;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">We look back 2000 years to when Jesus came from heaven to earth, which we remember by celebrating Christmas. But that is not the end of the story. Jesus then made a way for us. He taught us the truth and showed us what the perfect light of love is like. He died on the cross to redeem us from our own darkness. And now Jesus lives in us. His light is being multiplied as we become countless dots of light in the world.</span></span></span></p><p class="yiv508903979MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv508903979apple-style-span"><span style=" ;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="yiv508903979MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv508903979apple-style-span"><span style=" ;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">We also have the hope that there will be a time when there will be no darkness anymore, not even a shadow. In the New Jerusalem, the presence of Jesus will be brilliant and eternal. No more SAD! Maranatha!</span></span></span></p><p class="yiv508903979MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p class="yiv508903979MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style=" ;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Currently I have an exhibit at The <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323135901_0">Oyster Point</span> Hotel in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323135901_1">Red Bank, NJ</span>. It is called “Lit.” I am showing light painting photographs. This video premiered at the opening:</span></span></p><p class="yiv508903979MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style=" ;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="yiv508903979MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style=" ;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://youtu.be/Rd-vIhWCcbI">http://youtu.be/Rd-vIhWCcbI</a></span></span></p><p class="yiv508903979MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style=" ;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="yiv508903979MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style=" ;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="yiv508903979MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style=" ;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="yiv508903979MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style=" ;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="yiv508903979MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style=" ;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="yiv508903979MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; "><span style=" ;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); font-size:15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-16566782728133848552011-10-03T17:20:00.000-07:002011-10-03T18:38:33.147-07:00The Flavor of Salt<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><i>“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men". </i> Matthew 5:13</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">A scripture can inspire an artist in quite unusual ways. In this video you can see how this verse influenced me:</span></div><div><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxKprIRKlhOF3CM9lL16nmMpFdncFpGfviZAf8mGEGuLMnzKyyD96ZegMdQV4XnymSBhgCiITwE7G46Az5Yyg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">And here is what salt miners in Poland created: Please open the link below and take a look at the Wieliczka salt mine and the art made by salt miners. I love that even the chandeliers are made from rock salt.</span></div><div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wieliczka_Salt_Mine"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wieliczka_Salt_Mine</span></a></div><div><br /></div>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-18895889734457283942011-09-06T19:38:00.000-07:002011-09-06T20:11:46.019-07:00Tea tasting with friends - and strangers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SM98PR0sMJTpw2MjtR4eNgFEtEWBMhAuX29SsfayuYcNoaa-MBwf_A8HGUCsZBACJ_Z_NSIdMRCSdGGxDc8aCyNvU9hcaHGDdRS-3vtJOS2FH_tvh6KQJHZ9AwJP9a6krQMjb0UjyL0/s1600/DSC01181.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SM98PR0sMJTpw2MjtR4eNgFEtEWBMhAuX29SsfayuYcNoaa-MBwf_A8HGUCsZBACJ_Z_NSIdMRCSdGGxDc8aCyNvU9hcaHGDdRS-3vtJOS2FH_tvh6KQJHZ9AwJP9a6krQMjb0UjyL0/s320/DSC01181.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649445287385759394" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;"><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><b><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><b><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><b><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><b><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><b><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><b><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><b><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><b><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><b><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><b><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><b><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><br /></b></span></span></i></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><i><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><i><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><i><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><i><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><i><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">“Tea is quiet, and our thirst for tea is never far from our craving for beauty.”</span></span></span></i></span><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> - James Norwood Pratt</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">"Don't forget to show love to strangers; for some have thereby entertained angels unawares." - </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Hebrews 13:2</span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">There is something about tea that lends itself to beauty and the contemplation of beauty. The enjoyment of tea involves all senses and is multiplied by sharing it with others. Drinking tea with friends - and strangers - often seems to make time stand still, as we forget our worries and simply experience the gift of creation as it is.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Tea also offers us many ways to experience it, from simple steeping in a cup to the intricacies of a Japanese tea ceremony. And, of course, tea itself comes in so many forms and flavors: black, green, oolong, white. Each one has its own personality and evokes a different mood.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718132" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">It is very important to use high-quality loose tea leaves. If you don't know much about tea, start by visiting a local tea store. You can also find great information online. If you already know about tea, be adventurous and try something new to expand your tea horizons.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718145" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718150" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Also familiarize yourself with the specific temperature and steeping times associated with each type of tea—as well as the different types of pots, timers and other paraphernalia associated with the making and enjoyment of tea.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718145" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718150" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Tea Tasting</span></span></span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"></span></span></span></b></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718155" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Once you’re comfortable with tea, you may want to invite your friends to a tea-tasting get-together. Choose at least three teas that you like. They should be different from and complementary to each other. Write a description of each tea—as well as perhaps a little something about tea generally—as a handout.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">To ensure a comfortable atmosphere for your guests, have everything ready before they arrive. Make sure that your seat is closest to the sink and the stove—and that all utensils are within your reach to avoid any disruption. Prepare a seat for each guest with a spot to put their cup down. Have your kettle filled with water ready on the stove, your strainers in place in your teapots, your measuring spoon placed near your chosen teas, and your timer already set for the first tea.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718166" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Rather than using a matching set of teacups, I prefer to offer my guests a selection of different ones. Their choices will be a great conversation starter!</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Once everyone gets settled, pour a spoonful of dry leaves from the first tea on a flat dish and pass it around so your guests can smell and touch them. Share with them what you have learned about this tea.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Then heat your water to the right temperature, pour it into the teapot with the first tea, and set the timer.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">If you are using a glass tea pot, the steeping time becomes a wonderful display as the leaves unfurl in the hot water, float, and then sink slowly to the bottom—coloring and infusing the water in the process. The Chinese call this “the agony of the leaves."</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718179" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">After the brewing time, remove the tea leaves with the strainer to avoid bitterness. Pour tea for your guests. Ask them to describe the smell and taste. Encourage positive conversation. Repeat the same process with the other two teas.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Don’t forget to take pictures. You are creating a happy memory for your community. You will want to look at the glowing faces later on and remember your tea time together.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></b></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Materials needed:</span></span></span></b></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><b><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></b></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">·</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Kettle or pot to heat water</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">·</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Three different teas</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">·</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Measuring spoon</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">·</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Three teapots with big strainers</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">·</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">One tea cup for each guest</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718288" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">·</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718293" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Timer</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718288" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718293" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">. Printed handout (optional)</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718288" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718293" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">To best experience the pure flavor of your tea, avoid sugar and cream.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><b><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></b></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><b><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">I</span></span><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">deas for tea events:</span></span></span></span></b></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">·</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Have a tea merchant come and do a presentation</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">·</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Invite a lady from the Japan Society to perform a Japanese tea ceremony</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718193" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">·</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718198" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Ask an old-timer from a Chinatown to do a Gong-Fu tea ceremony</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718193" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718198" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">·</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718246" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Have a tea expert teach about Pu-erh at a men's meeting</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718193" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718198" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718190" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718232"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">·</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Have three different paintings and ask your guests to pair them with your three teas</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718190" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">·</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718277" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Serve your own blend of tea at your gallery to those who love to linger</span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718190" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> ·</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Serve English afternoon tea with scones and sandwiches at a women's meeting</span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718190" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; "><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> ·</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">If you’re in a book club, c</span></span><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span" id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718312"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">hoose a tea related to the country the story is set in</span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718190" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span" id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718312"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">·</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Have a picnic with the youth group in summer and do a tasting with iced tea</span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv2136703631MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718190" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">·</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="yiv2136703631apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Do a tea-themed fundraiser at your church</span></span></span></span></span></p></span><p class="yiv2136703631MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" id="yui_3_2_0_16_1315361049718251" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Symbol;"><br /></span></p>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-56130858471653365012011-08-01T03:43:00.000-07:002011-08-01T04:27:34.854-07:00Lost in Translation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUPcGWPK_YfwznOS282UAKYIZuGoEbQoEElOZ1K_SFYWJbkLWGEzCdmUWmQjyIOUOaoJfpcFEYxOp-cxE3-cVgmQQxkQNYsDasXVNyaRMLKUnbg5mbOVri79rqE412ULuZJYrDQqYNK4/s1600/DSC03863.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUPcGWPK_YfwznOS282UAKYIZuGoEbQoEElOZ1K_SFYWJbkLWGEzCdmUWmQjyIOUOaoJfpcFEYxOp-cxE3-cVgmQQxkQNYsDasXVNyaRMLKUnbg5mbOVri79rqE412ULuZJYrDQqYNK4/s400/DSC03863.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635847286083281810" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">My sons invited me to celebrate the Swiss National Day in New York City. Both of them have sweet memories of their vacations in Switzerland. We enjoyed the food and each other's company. This year, Switzerland is 720 years old; and I am proud to have grown up in this beautiful country. As the Swiss national anthem was performed, tears welled up in me. For the first time I truly listened to the words. What a statement of faith!</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">As soon as I got back home, I looked up the translation of the anthem into English. I was shocked to see it had been 'cleaned up,' stripped of much religious imagery. Was it for the sake of rhymes? So I set out to do a literal translation. Here it is:</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">When You enter in the morning's red glow</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">I see You in the radiance of the light</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">Thou, highly exalted, glorious One</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">When the alps grow bright with splendor</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">Pray free Swiss, pray</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">For your quiet soul senses</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">Your quiet soul senses</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">God in our noble fatherland</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">God, the Lord, in our noble fatherland</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">When You enter the evening's gleam</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">I find you in the host of stars</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">Thou, human friendly, loving One</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">In the heavens illuminated halls</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">I can dream with joy and bliss</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">My quiet soul senses</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">My quiet soul senses</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">God in our noble fatherland</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">God, the Lord, in our noble fatherland</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">When You move through the fog's bloom</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">I search you in the sea of clouds</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">Thou, unfathomable, eternal One</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">Through the dark grey shroud</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">Breaks the mild, clear sun</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">Our quiet soul senses</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">Our quiet soul senses</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">God in our noble fatherland</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">God, the Lord, in our noble fatherland</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">When You drive in a wild storm</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">You become both sanctuary and defense</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">Thou almighty ruler and savior</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">In thunderstorm and horror</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">Let us childlike trust in You</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">Our quiet soul senses</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">Our quiet soul senses</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">God in our noble fatherland</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Arial">God, the Lord, in our noble fatherland</p><div><br /></div>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-13352509312641861292011-07-19T15:38:00.000-07:002011-07-22T19:27:45.042-07:00The Art of Tea<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnopcYaD7AoNys87mRnUdVU3smhWH-4HDqyBd3T7CEy5MezyM6a0gqbJBgb_Zq-GCPwdHis64VKur-G_2Q7X_nsAIR6jISsI19dS29kj99Hgsixr7D8f3m5TD1fCCiuR0atBEjjakPVf8/s1600/DSC01151.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnopcYaD7AoNys87mRnUdVU3smhWH-4HDqyBd3T7CEy5MezyM6a0gqbJBgb_Zq-GCPwdHis64VKur-G_2Q7X_nsAIR6jISsI19dS29kj99Hgsixr7D8f3m5TD1fCCiuR0atBEjjakPVf8/s400/DSC01151.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632367177322430738" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">There is something so beautiful about tea. All senses are involved in its enjoyment, and the ritual of preparing it brings a wonderful peace to even the most hectic day.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p class="yiv881443518MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"> </p><p class="yiv881443518MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">My own tea “ritual” begins by choosing the right tea for the moment. Do I want to try one of the new teas that I brought home from China—or do I want to stay with one of my favorites? Do I feel like a strong tea or a mild one? Something smokey or something delicate? </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Once I’ve made my choice, I open it up and savor its earthy aroma already anticipating the taste.</span></span></p><p class="yiv881443518MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv881443518MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">I put the water in the kettle and set about choosing which teapot I will use. With more than 30 in my collection, I have a wonderful selection. I scoop just the right amount of tea into the strainer and put the strainer into the teapot. </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Then, just before the water comes to a boil, I take the kettle off the stove and pour the steaming water through the strainer into the pre-warmed teapot—setting my timer for the right amount of steeping for my chosen tea.</span></span></p><p class="yiv881443518MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv881443518MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">While my tea is steeping, I prepare the spot where I’m going to sit and enjoy my tea. If I’m using a glass tea pot, the steeping time becomes a wonderful display of what the Chinese call “the agony of the leaves"—the unfurling of the dried tea leaves in the hot water. The leaves open up, float and then sink slowly to the bottom, coloring and infusing the water in the process.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv881443518MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv881443518MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">The timer beeps. I remove the strainer, add the lid to the pot, and pour the first cup. The aroma is pleasant, reminding me of the many cups of tea I have enjoyed before, alone and with friends. As I settle in the comfort of my chair, I blow the heat off the cup to take my first sip. Delightful! </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Holding the warm tea cup, I take a deep breath and let my gaze wander out the window into the open space beyond my home.</span></span></p><p class="yiv881443518MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv881443518MsoNormal" color="white" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">I relax. I talk to God a little. I think about whom I might share my next pot of tea with.</span></span></span></span></p></span></div></div>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-60203082549085239992011-07-02T18:00:00.000-07:002011-07-03T20:22:30.110-07:00Discovering a Cross<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I take the camera with me now. Everywhere. Always ready to take a picture of a cross. There certainly are crosses everywhere, but by now my search has narrowed on crosses that are not as obvious. That are unexpected and need a little discovering. Please enjoy the slide show of the June selection below.</span> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzKLkGKOhEtmGQ8ZJcxs7XGqA87ValldzLKYcf0Vl0Y3LmvRIgdOu7MQ0fjDLI-sybaF2sF78RbbVnBOnekQg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-56733003572318118582011-06-12T15:07:00.000-07:002011-06-13T17:09:06.444-07:00Marbling Revisited<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1G4FUtCA5QbKW6XqtFIebptdmSTIYL4aSwLL-1bAAByqek6L3Tj3oAK5aiS32XDMIO5BOgAfqihTeO-uMEmfjBTviWFJCzizyZqyGWkGvBxMPIHT1uIHi0jF1l8CqO74iQSMuVugAqWs/s1600/marbling+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1G4FUtCA5QbKW6XqtFIebptdmSTIYL4aSwLL-1bAAByqek6L3Tj3oAK5aiS32XDMIO5BOgAfqihTeO-uMEmfjBTviWFJCzizyZqyGWkGvBxMPIHT1uIHi0jF1l8CqO74iQSMuVugAqWs/s400/marbling+copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617860715302646370" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXAZZrWnLbD0x14Tw26Nfz5Tbs8Y0hy5v21rPrm2Gn4VEFhf0svCAEzUIoEVMz_BJuB8KIp2I9-9INZiQQ55vLkSJQ44BzTw5sPX-bePLfkRJaqDg23ti1lgJYbhf-u2WVkoztS52r98/s1600/marbling+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_L6hwS16U_QoHDkRa-UyciMGzEvpTuviswsvNZu_rTwB-fQFNWZJH-EbEz5bkj716eHGc7buFYAy6LbLHloL8CWEy9slA3nXkRh50Ski6Sp-_0SdV9FkxfsYnPi4e43pw-usMPmB4Og/s1600/DSC06958.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAQqGI7owS5SLdbiDfQf94mxmiFL-8WHr0xq3d_fMHhfATVnsia-Pdh0nag0bjvKNH5r3n9XOq37y1cFVMY6b7ry0odCNnLJm9uJ3TQjA-xs2Hj374eAsS72dszC8jXk8gP9Vm0UQlI8/s1600/DSC06958.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FKlBPFuQ0ninTSdBYRVDAEtXPKhXDgy8z0q3l6qmaQoEAk2oBM7QYYga0CoMHrOVEUIPtvGOaIu_SaGgFmLWTcZDx0jX3IUqDNuRhUsVyA_ClBCqy5IRy4iBgnDLh9V6x88-UxhfzSE/s1600/DSC09459.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">This weekend I wanted to start working on an encaustic banner project I have in mind, but I am still waiting for the new “hot box” I ordered online to arrive. So, while I was waiting, I decided to experiment with some marbling techniques to make paper banners instead. The photos above are samples of the result.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p class="yiv1133925739MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span class="yiv1133925739apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv1133925739MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span class="yiv1133925739apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My love for marbling goes back more than 30 years. Lenny and I were living together on East 92nd Street, and we really needed money. I had learned about marbling before, so I bought some paper and cardboard and paint and string —and turned our little apartment into a book factory. I sold some of them to Pearl Paint, and Lenny sold the rest on the street. I can still remember him calling out to the passersby “Check ‘em out! The perfect Christmas gift! Handmade books! Check ‘em out!” I still have one of those books. See the first photograph above.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv1133925739MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span class="yiv1133925739apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv1133925739MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="yiv1133925739MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This is one of the things I love about art. I only wound up doing this because my package didn’t arrive. But now, thanks to that </span></span></span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1308003325_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">happy accident</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, I had </span></span></span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1308003325_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">lots of fun</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> and can now consider marbling for my banner project. Plus, I got to recall distant, happy memories of that first year of romance with my husband.</span></span></span></p><p class="yiv1133925739MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv1133925739MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv1133925739MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv1133925739MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv1133925739MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv1133925739MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv1133925739MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p></span></div>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-85903852843614519912011-05-31T03:45:00.000-07:002011-05-31T04:14:31.142-07:00Seeing the Cross<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p class="yiv764014928MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">At first, my “Daily Cross” p</span></span><span class="yiv764014928apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">roject felt merely playful to me. It was fun to bring my camera with me everywhere and search for hidden crosses. I started in my backyard and on walks with my dog. Then I took some photographs on my trips to </span></span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1306838706_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">South Jersey</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> and </span></span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1306838706_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">New York City</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">. It was always surprising where I found them. And there were so many crosses everywhere! Soon my everyday life began to feel like one continuous game of “</span></span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1306838706_2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Where’s Waldo</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">!”</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv764014928MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span class="yiv764014928apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv764014928MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span class="yiv764014928apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">But, in searching for crosses all the time, another aspect of the project began to emerge. I began to think more often and more tangibly about the </span></span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1306838706_3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">redemptive work of Jesus Christ</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">. The project constantly reminds me that Jesus acted physically in the material world to grant us His life. He carried His Cross through the sweltering streets of </span></span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1306838706_4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Jerusalem</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">. He felt real, soul-wrenching pain as He was nailed to and hung on the Cross. He suffered – and He died a horrific death. He did this for the joy that was set before Him: His creation brought to the fullness of its intended good. That's us.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv764014928MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="yiv764014928MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span class="yiv764014928apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Everywhere I look now, I see reminders of this great life-giving love, this beautiful divine mystery. And tomorrow I will be reminded again.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv764014928MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span class="yiv764014928apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p class="yiv764014928MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:white;"><span class="yiv764014928apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p></span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwvxBPnolfiKMSVd2qnHgGU1m1PLjglp-qeaIXMVc6FeyUvCOXfg87-zZLpX4RjUGOAOjBov18E2mOW1VnmyA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-62229413583706635142011-05-03T18:16:00.001-07:002011-05-06T13:48:01.344-07:00Daily Cross<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size:12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">nspired by Debbie Young's "Stations of the Cross</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">” photographs (</span></span></span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.faithartfarming.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: underline; "><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1304706303_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">www.faithartfarming.blogspot.com</span></span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">), I decided to post a photograph of a cross every day for one year on Facebook</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. These are “found” crosses that I encounter in the world as it is: the grill of a car, the string holding together a bundle of newspapers put out for recycling, the grass growing in the cracks of a sidewalk.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size:12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size:12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">As soon as my sister saw me start to post these photos, she asked if others could contribute to the series as well. At first I hesitated, because this was going to be my personal project. But then I decided to go with her suggestion and invite my friends to participate. I am already getting photos from all over the world!</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size:12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size:12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">These images are proving to be surprising, touching and beautiful. So please use the email alert feature here if you want to watch the series grow. And feel free to send your own contributions to me at </span></span></span><a rel="nofollow" ymailto="mailto:liebmanng@yahoo.com" target="_blank" href="mailto:liebmanng@yahoo.com" style=" text-decoration: underline; color:blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">liebmanng@yahoo.com</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size:12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size:12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I am planning to post a slideshow of the crosses at the end of every month. It will be interesting to see what the collection looks like at the end of the year—and what may be the best way to share it with the rest of the world.</span></span></span></span></p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:serif;"> </span><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzsOwLT5Knzawao0bXUCdQa4NbWI3no3mMX6VjbpAh4iLSuCRO87h06EK4uwUTr0VQ-I5JeDCdbH5dI3hkKyg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-44651920051437293102011-04-21T19:56:00.000-07:002011-04-23T16:50:08.841-07:00The Chrysalis and the Butterfly<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"> </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">On April 16, we held an art exhibit entitled “Sinners and Saints” at Red Bank Community Church. We hold two exhibits a year, inviting artists from around the country to participate.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We had lots of great pieces for the show. Canadian Nobel Peace Price nominee Sharon Sargent sent us some of her remarkable courtroom sketches, accompanied by descriptions of each case. The sketches were hung on a clothesline with clothespins to create a piece she called “Dirty Laundry.” The depiction of murderers and rapists on trial fit well with our theme.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The exhibit started off with a great live “light painting” performance by Eva Flatscher and her accompanist Mavis Pan. Brooke Campbell also came down from NYC to favor us with her beautiful singing.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Local artist Sheilagh Casey contributed a really fun piece she called “Christian Training Kit.“ It consisted of a box with a mirror and a stone inside. It invited viewers to look at themselves and then cast the stone if they found themselves to be without sin.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">One of the pieces I did was called “A Gallery of Saints.” It was a series of photographs that I took of members of our congregation and turned them into faux icons by adding a halo of gold leaf. In keeping with traditional portraits of saints, each person was photographed with some symbolic object to represent their identity: a mop, a plate of cookies, a bow and arrow, an apple, a Bible, etc. People were a bit surprised to see themselves depicted as saints—because we know we are far from it. Yet we also know that we are set apart for sanctification because of what Jesus has done, is doing and will do on our behalf.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In the middle of the room, I put up an installation called “Chrysalis.” It was essentially two white mosquito nets sewn together, hanging from the ceiling, forming a triangle with an opening on one side. Viewers were invited to enter it and invite God to change them. Below you can find a brief video of the installation.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Near the end of the exhibit, I noticed a little miracle. Even though there were no open windows in our space—and we are on the second floor of a commercial building with only one regular-sized door downstairs—a little white butterfly somehow managed to land on “Chrysalis.” It was oddly affirming.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p><div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy4aZ7g8KIyDk2VEEcXpLc6-nvdpraiZJTiOroDZKCAq8muHJjIQoJskXpFjbLPaZbDi2jytAuXYrfbP6G26w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-67130783268767425442011-03-06T20:27:00.000-08:002011-03-10T03:30:59.640-08:00IAM hangover.<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Every year when I come back from the IAM (International Arts Movement) Encounter, my head can hardly contain any more input—and my heart is giddy from two-and-a-half-days of intensive stimulation. The IAM Encounter is not just a meeting of artists. Something happens there that is bigger than just the sum of its parts. There is a spiritual synergy—what some might call “ubuntu”—a chain reaction of sharing that taps into our collective potential.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Or, as philosopher of art Adrienne Chaplin called it during her talk, a “lift experience.”</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The culture at the Encounter is one of inclusion and encouragement. Visual artists, writers, philanthropists, dancers, scientists, musicians and clergy come together to share their individual contributions to the re-making of the world as it ought to be. People talk about things like “re-humanizing” and “being generative”—which are really ways of describing the redemptive work that God is doing through people of faith.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Bruce Herman, an artist and lecturer, pointed out the contrast of artistic styles from someone like Damien Hirst (who barely touches his work) to Andy Goldworthy and Wolfgang Laib (who commit such loving attention to theirs). Nigel Goodwin, actor and graduate from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, talked about the love we must show others. He left the stage to comfort an audience member who got all choked up at one point during his talk—directly demonstrating love in action. Mona Storling and her dancers related the story of the woman caught in adultery in a surprising way and with such visual force that it took my breath away.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Makoto Fujimura, the founder of IAM, shared with us his latest project: the illumination of the four gospels in celebration of the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. Li Young Lee read with humility poems that were saturated with love for God. They sounded like new psalms, with humanity meeting God in each line.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">In addition to feasting on all these presentations, I got great joy from seeing old friends and making new ones from all over the world. IAM brings together such fascinating people! And they are so open to sharing about their journeys through the realm of faith and art. I was especially excited to meet a group of believers that are active in China.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Now I am back home, trying to digest it all. I am pregnant with vision—and bursting to create.</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy91YY8WNawQiz5QVN36LDSCCDbqDxpP30inEVbu-M0cEyaqd4VN2okmcQhV5vlDfAVBsKr0w4rOCit-_jkUg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-14484185269196686032011-01-12T11:04:00.000-08:002011-01-12T11:20:41.663-08:00Gathering<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyO1Wf0m39T4fRJ2yBRq-mw_uqNEZvEzSMJYPHAcMA2dVL_Tg9qQF7_UV1ImpzrEO52IXA25ioDUvPp81xdVW8ZBspMwIicdNo-TPOAYDC9UidYp2iUEIUdZQgG7XyhOFX8d2VNXTAVo/s1600/DSC03542.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyO1Wf0m39T4fRJ2yBRq-mw_uqNEZvEzSMJYPHAcMA2dVL_Tg9qQF7_UV1ImpzrEO52IXA25ioDUvPp81xdVW8ZBspMwIicdNo-TPOAYDC9UidYp2iUEIUdZQgG7XyhOFX8d2VNXTAVo/s320/DSC03542.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561380812117015314" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;"><p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;">As believers, we are called to live our lives in Christ. So if our living, breathing and being is in Christ, then our art will be in Him also.</span></p><p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;">This means that the artwork we create does not have to be directly based on an explicitly religious topic to be “about” God and His redemptive work. It can depict a landscape or the human form. It can be representational or abstract. It can be a painting, an installation or any other media. As long as we have our being in Christ, the <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1294858996_0">Spirit of Christ</span> will manifest in our art—which means we can touch the viewer with the message of the gospel and thereby change a life.</span></span></p><p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;">This is one reason I believe it is important to pray before we start working. We want to remain open for God to inspire us, to drop a vision into us for our next work. This time of seeking divine inspiration is essential for the Christian artist. Sometimes, it only takes a nanosecond for us to get a completely clear vision of what we should do next. Other times, we may get a powerful but vague feeling that only becomes clear over a long period of time. But we do our best to seek—trusting in the promise that we will find.</span></span></p><p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;">I often walk around for weeks with several ideas for new projects forming in my spirit. If I am working on a project already, I have to push other new ideas more to the background to be called on when I feel am ready to execute them with God's blessing. But when I have finished a project and I’m ready for the next one, I walk around "gathering" for a while. I keep my eyes and spirit open to any and all input that might possibly be helpful to my next project. It might just be a certain color or shape. It might be an existing work of art by someone else. It may be some mood or idea that I'd like to convey. I might cut out a picture from a magazine or print out an article from the web. </span></span></p><p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;">This is also the time when I think about what physical materials would work best and where could I get them. I may start to buy and collect what I think I’m going to need for the project—even if I’m not entirely sure exactly what the project will be yet.</span></span></p><p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;">If this is a group project, this is the time to share with the group. By discussing the vision, everyone can start getting more inspired and make decisions about what they should do. Discussion also allow you to uncover any weak points in the vision or the work plan.</span></span></p><p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;">Often, the ideas that God gives us are a surprise. He will give us something to do that we could never have thought of ourselves, something completely unexpected. So, as Christian artists, we should always be prepared to gather inspirations for projects that God wants to birth in us by His <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1294858996_1" style="border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-bottom-color: rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; ">Holy Spirit</span>.</span></span><span style=" ;font-family:serif;font-size:14pt;color:black;"></span><span style=" ;font-family:serif;font-size:14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "> </p></span>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-39564000108465170052010-11-26T13:14:00.000-08:002010-11-26T14:34:20.740-08:00Preparing A Place<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtS7B2q_EFUxWepuHwJpF6tBAaXMyP4kZsae70wl9LrHjVUTb1RmgR8s-BWgKn5vKWH7kDyv-0gKZRh54-cGYL0OXPaxo0UWOh0D0flnjC7hRg_Oe7dh1m18SWUyVtNlGp7uAsihwbpxU/s1600/DSC07177.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtS7B2q_EFUxWepuHwJpF6tBAaXMyP4kZsae70wl9LrHjVUTb1RmgR8s-BWgKn5vKWH7kDyv-0gKZRh54-cGYL0OXPaxo0UWOh0D0flnjC7hRg_Oe7dh1m18SWUyVtNlGp7uAsihwbpxU/s320/DSC07177.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543988178268009202" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Bamboo forest in Huang Shan mountains 'feels like a sanctuary'</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Helvetica;font-size:12px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A group of Art and Design students from Beijing who heard my teaching on </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Infinite Creativity </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">contacted me. They asked for some guidance as to how to combine their faith with their art. Currently there seems to be no precedent or teaching on that subject in China. The following is my first of five emails back to them.</span></span></div><div><div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The most important thing to me as an artist is to arrange my priorities and dedicate my work to God daily. Whatever I do, I do it unto God (1 Cor 10:31, Col. 3:17) That way, by the time I get to work on my current art project, I have already practiced communication with God. That communication does not always have to be verbal - it often is like a mental and emotional alignment with God's will - a preparation of a place in my heart for God to lead me through the project.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Then there is the physical place that needs preparation. No matter how big or how small the space is for me to do artwork, it has to be clear of clutter, preferably dedicated to doing creative work. I like my space to be quiet, others like to play music or thrive on the bustling street noise of a city. I like to work in the daylight hours, for others the shine of the computer screen is enough. Whatever your preference, prepare a place in your heart for God, and a place in your room for your work. It should be like a sanctuary where everything is dedicated to God.</span></p></div></div>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-59197385231270315702010-11-06T19:59:00.000-07:002010-11-06T20:15:45.742-07:00Navesink 52: A River Year<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This series of photographs captures a year of changing light and mood looking east out over the Navesink River from Locust Point in New Jersey. All 52 photographs were taken from the same spot just North of the Oceanic Bridge, one week apart from each other. God's creation is just breathtaking.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The photographs are on exhibit for the months of November and December 2010 at The Oyster Point hotel in Red Bank, NJ.</span></div><div><br /></div>Th<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hmvrA6Psb-0?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hmvrA6Psb-0?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-73434647558093039282010-10-30T19:00:00.000-07:002010-11-02T16:26:48.145-07:00Wurzeln 2<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNZnNuAEw63qyFAxTFY6-46l1kPW5KE4fFx_kAQaEPEQtRNBtza4e8gRQNqEIZTE9Im_qMHUqDhSHGsJ9DyTnnpyxn5wfri4pkLV2i4ZJnNLC0uS64sehR3pgFQ9zqOa8YAQwieVhmys/s1600/DSC08254.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jJXiZpF63Wh3rjqbBRJPV4ioZJBZdoRk49-4Iev4Y5cxbujhHGjWJsfSmMZCIuKrVcBDRQWkfrCaFPBlaPJJYRzYBHG1fICBfyXqtSkTL0C_GGStPrH2z4JEAmszWGPg3OGNoTa6TmI/s1600/DSC08341.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jJXiZpF63Wh3rjqbBRJPV4ioZJBZdoRk49-4Iev4Y5cxbujhHGjWJsfSmMZCIuKrVcBDRQWkfrCaFPBlaPJJYRzYBHG1fICBfyXqtSkTL0C_GGStPrH2z4JEAmszWGPg3OGNoTa6TmI/s320/DSC08341.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534031736860586114" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3i1w9rJQX1WJnK4j3EJvKsB_ZEWSIyf9Pfzzn-DfDdBPo3Pti1Fw1QV6X-yfgBwRk_nu-L8xOwLLPvML3zViva8cwRYZnRYzdSkHfnWaHEXB0JbqoXPSYQi0iqBCsrXEXDj-jOZCq8b4/s1600/DSC08296.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3i1w9rJQX1WJnK4j3EJvKsB_ZEWSIyf9Pfzzn-DfDdBPo3Pti1Fw1QV6X-yfgBwRk_nu-L8xOwLLPvML3zViva8cwRYZnRYzdSkHfnWaHEXB0JbqoXPSYQi0iqBCsrXEXDj-jOZCq8b4/s320/DSC08296.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534030871073480178" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY30V5GjXrmNh4A2O-6v61MCKfHqTXbO3GWuBiSxRMkOGyeI_3oXcsb_iTTVWFLgJ8BbPbp6Gz9V4I9XCb6-ATJB2TTbX5DJm5Fy1tumLcL5ohgyktUplXL535krI0wzq5ZL8mqjRDAbk/s1600/DSC08238.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY30V5GjXrmNh4A2O-6v61MCKfHqTXbO3GWuBiSxRMkOGyeI_3oXcsb_iTTVWFLgJ8BbPbp6Gz9V4I9XCb6-ATJB2TTbX5DJm5Fy1tumLcL5ohgyktUplXL535krI0wzq5ZL8mqjRDAbk/s320/DSC08238.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534030411162411570" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; "><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: serif; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: sans-serif; ">It is a Jewish tradition to place a small stone on someone's grave when visiting it. This tradition may have arisen from the fact that graves were once marked with mounds of stones, so leaving a stone continuously maintained the monument of the deceased. It is a way of saying "Here lie the remains of a person worth remembering." It also lets others know that someone came and remembered.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: serif; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: sans-serif; "> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: serif; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: sans-serif; ">Symbolically, it also suggests The Rock of <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1288740194_0">Israel</span>-- whose love is stronger than death.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: serif; "></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: serif; "><span style="font-family: sans-serif; "> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: serif; "><span style="font-family: sans-serif; ">In keeping with this tradition, I created a special installation for this exhibit. I laid down 68 tiles – one for each of the Jews from <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1288740194_1">Limburg</span>, my father-in-law's hometown, who perished during the <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1288740194_2">Holocaust</span>. I also put a container with small stones next to the tiles. A chart associating each tile with the name of one of these people was given to each visitor to the exhibit. Visitors were invited to choose a name and leave a stone on that person's tile to honor and remember them.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: serif; "><span style="font-family: sans-serif; "> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: serif; "><span style="font-family: sans-serif; ">This simple act proved to be very powerful. By providing a physicalized and highly personalized way for visitors to connect with the grim reality of the Holocaust, the installation transformed vague knowledge about a historical event into an immediate, visceral reality. There were a lot of tears. I think this installation was especially important for Gentile visitors, who may have never had an opportunity to relate to the Holocaust on such an individual level.</span></p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif;font-size:130%;color:#1F497D;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-26762120802563251962010-10-18T18:42:00.000-07:002010-11-02T16:22:16.749-07:00Wurzeln 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgx37q0FpZOZ5gi-w3WCdxLbc1n-FamCThYy3_KBgvlsCpQdztObRuqvPJMwCfrWJqdsCtbD47NWeeZ75EOc9E2pKAG0GT9cU5WQb70RFI_X4XT2jvW1fmRmqib9SW1XZigtPkzJwTlBM/s1600/DSC08303.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgx37q0FpZOZ5gi-w3WCdxLbc1n-FamCThYy3_KBgvlsCpQdztObRuqvPJMwCfrWJqdsCtbD47NWeeZ75EOc9E2pKAG0GT9cU5WQb70RFI_X4XT2jvW1fmRmqib9SW1XZigtPkzJwTlBM/s320/DSC08303.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529581903313850098" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkQ3-pLPMk2v-euABxU0THgU1BpDRtQFo_bCZsL6bXN9IYrHmWy3keO8SqvcB1YZMR7L3IxSZcFjjFkUSjm8fVAIl5XvR4e_mO9tg-2tdwcxM26EYt8Lx9WUtLHE12PYWW_uepIS-eus/s1600/DSC08300.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkQ3-pLPMk2v-euABxU0THgU1BpDRtQFo_bCZsL6bXN9IYrHmWy3keO8SqvcB1YZMR7L3IxSZcFjjFkUSjm8fVAIl5XvR4e_mO9tg-2tdwcxM26EYt8Lx9WUtLHE12PYWW_uepIS-eus/s320/DSC08300.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529581898268791602" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;">The concept for this exhibit came to me a year ago. It felt like God just sort of dropped it into my consciousness. I carried it with me for about a year – although I was only able to work on it sporadically until about three months before the exhibit date.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;">The concept came to fruition at the exhibit opening on Saturday, October 16. The title of the exhibit was <i>Wurzeln, </i>which is German for “roots.” And roots were the symbol I wanted to use to express how my father-in-law Lee Liebmann was uprooted as a fourteen-year-old boy in Germany.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;">To express this idea, I wanted real roots from the town where Lee grew up. A family friend was willing to dig up some roots from Lee’s hometown of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#00000000;">Limburg</span> – as well as the village of Ellar where previous generations of Liebmanns had lived for centuries before. Since roots are considered agricultural goods, our friend was not able to mail them to me. So my friend gave them to another friend, who I met when I went to Germany myself in September. I took the roots across the border to <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1288739543_2">Switzerland</span> when I drove there to visit my Mom – and then packed them into my suitcase and brought them with me to the US. The path the roots took actually re-traced the path many Jews took to freedom during <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#00000000;">WWII</span>.</span><span style=" ;font-family:serif;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span style=" ;font-family:serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;">In the exhibit, the roots are simply laying on a glass table. They symbolize the lost past of the Jewish communities in Limburg and Ellar. A single red thread represents the divinely preserved connection from the roots to the family Lee started in the United States.</span><span style=" ;font-family:serif;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span style=" ;font-family:serif;"> </span></p><p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><b><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><b><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">About the exhibit</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family:serif;font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This exhibit is a celebration of the life of Lee Liebmann, a Jewish American who was born in Limburg, Germany and was forced to flee for his life when he was only 14 years old. By celebrating this life, this exhibit also honors the larger story of </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1288739543_4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Europe</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">’s Jews—who, in addition to perishing by the millions in Nazi concentration camps</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">, were also compelled by the destruction of their historic communities to make entirely new lives for themselves in new lands.</span></span></p></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:11px;"> </span></span></span></div>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-47550972145985961622010-09-26T13:19:00.000-07:002010-09-26T17:05:38.475-07:00Blessing Doves<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPvL1xYsrA7tv5XaphTyLgV6LtBmG0nMj2DcVZgMLsA_aa-XORjJYcA8sA3ZjX4CC4awq0HA2YLJ7kh-EObzXbWCAyZhe38cU1mZ67-Jfbp26L71diShHU-qMnsIr1fADoHadTiwbuWs/s1600/DSC07941.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPvL1xYsrA7tv5XaphTyLgV6LtBmG0nMj2DcVZgMLsA_aa-XORjJYcA8sA3ZjX4CC4awq0HA2YLJ7kh-EObzXbWCAyZhe38cU1mZ67-Jfbp26L71diShHU-qMnsIr1fADoHadTiwbuWs/s320/DSC07941.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521376667042445506" /></a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">During the opening of the 9-11 art show in Ansbach, Germany, I met up with my friend Sandra Ceas. Both of us had artwork on display at the show. Sandra was the keynote speaker and I had the honor of lighting a candle in remembrance of those who died on 9-11 and those who died in the ensuing conflicts.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">One of Sandra's ongoing projects is to release white clay doves as a symbol of blessing and peace. She places her doves in unlikely spots, in the hope that somebody will find them. Each handmade dove will be an unexpected blessing to somebody. You can find information and photos about this project at </span><a href="http://www.art4him.net/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">www.art4him.net</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Sandra gave me seven doves to take back to Switzerland. It was such a joy to set them out. Finding the 'right' place for them was special and even exciting. On two occasions, the dove was found and taken within half an hour. I had returned from my walk and passed by the same spot where I had placed the dove. It was empty now. The big smile stayed on my on my face for quite a while. And now, just thinking of it, the smile is revisiting my face.</span></div></div>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-90956892194675995812010-09-02T20:00:00.000-07:002010-09-04T16:41:24.049-07:00Being Filled<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzkHepwSboJYalxM9KAXewN-BszP2--YFj04c_WHy9LCa1ihqlq53b-d74pb_69W9T_YdAEtJUGmdItGD4tRw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>When I got an email from China last night, requesting the visuals I used in my presentation in Guangzhou and Huangshan, I felt very honored. My interpreter wants to use the material for a class called "Teaching with Technology and Visual Literacy." This is one of the videos I used. It illustrates Ephesians 5:18 <i>Be filled with the Spirit.</i></div><div>The Greek in this context does not refer to a one-time event, but rather to a continual infilling. Therefore the correct understanding of this verse is "continually be in the process of being filled with the Holy Spirit." Oil as the symbol of the Holy Spirit flows continually from God -- filling us who are but earthen vessels, to overflowing.</div><div>This was an installation exhibited at RBCC's show called "wind. water. oil. fire." Lauren Bellero made the beautiful ceramic vessels.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /><br /></span></span>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304392228959761637.post-54811673571215010412010-08-21T13:08:00.000-07:002010-08-21T14:41:13.419-07:00God has a plan.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPb-qKsiS7AJOnuVz_u4pN9sXOMgjclloNBKeXtNyt2O0X1MUU4rrdmcxqAv-7hSyGvSjxt4FzyL8OwZyW0ab37mFa04y4DxeMpTceX1BiL_Vc0MxNJuq9u8jb306-Q4kj795JxxMwxDc/s1600/DSC05268.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPb-qKsiS7AJOnuVz_u4pN9sXOMgjclloNBKeXtNyt2O0X1MUU4rrdmcxqAv-7hSyGvSjxt4FzyL8OwZyW0ab37mFa04y4DxeMpTceX1BiL_Vc0MxNJuq9u8jb306-Q4kj795JxxMwxDc/s320/DSC05268.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507981127859089618" /></a><br />The plight of the Jews has always moved me. Even as a child I remember occasions at which I was upset by unfair treatment of a people group that seemed so gentle to me. Growing up in Switzerland, at the border to Austria and not far removed from Germany, I heard stories of people in my village smuggling Jews across the border to safety into Switzerland. That was a relief to my "fairness-barometer." I was born ten years after WWII had ended, but quietly and with wide open eyes and ears, would listen to these stories being told. Eventually, there was a documentary made about my village and its people saving countless Jewish lives.<div><br /><div>God seemed to prepare my heart for my husband who is Jewish. I spent two summers of my early twenties working at a Kibbutz in Israel. But I met my husband later, in America, when I spent a summer as an art counselor in a summer camp.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then I heard stories of my father-in-law who grew up in Germany. He was a young teenager when the war began. I heard of flight, loss, uprootedness, war, death and survival.</div><div>And like when I was a child, I listened to the stories quietly, with wide open eyes and ears. </div><div>Many years later, I was impressed upon by God, to honor my father-in-law by a series of paintings about his life. That is what I am working on now. </div><div><br /></div><div>The opening of the exhibit is set for Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 3 PM at Red Bank Community Church, 135 Monmouth Street Red Bank.</div></div>Gerdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09457030729494866258noreply@blogger.com0