tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31489924936959346962024-03-05T00:55:16.244-06:00 ~An Artistic Journey~ Connie Cuthbertson
Please join me as I continue on my Artistic Journey sharing my experiences through paint, words and travel. I'm so glad you're along for the ride~Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-43388886483684281372014-05-12T07:32:00.002-05:002014-05-14T07:40:51.345-05:00About "After The Rain ~ Florence"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've been requested by the show committee to send in a short writing about my painting that has been accepted into the Red River Watercolor Society national show. I'd like to share that with you now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBh3bhiD26fmcwtCnLT67Vc899dNhOqk4VdaXRYHbrVe-4C8P00Uq2WzTqrDWgV2M1BT1eDSgT8U73adsmoYehUyjXBb7KZzFMq5_z0ziYZjpKnRu5C1yMCpTbvH-3IcTsx9lM3xrJYY/s1600/Cuthbertson_Connie_After+The+Rain+-+Florence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBh3bhiD26fmcwtCnLT67Vc899dNhOqk4VdaXRYHbrVe-4C8P00Uq2WzTqrDWgV2M1BT1eDSgT8U73adsmoYehUyjXBb7KZzFMq5_z0ziYZjpKnRu5C1yMCpTbvH-3IcTsx9lM3xrJYY/s1600/Cuthbertson_Connie_After+The+Rain+-+Florence.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
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"After The Rain ~ Florence"</div>
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The skies darkened and the rains came the moment I arrived
in Florence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to be deterred I pulled
out my umbrella and headed into the beautiful, old, Italian streets. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The buildings had such beauty, such character, as the rain
washed over them. The colours, rich and warm, intrigued me. I turned a corner
and at the same moment I first saw the Duomo, the clouds parted and the sun
shone through creating the most dazzling light. The colourful marble walls and
sheer size mesmerized me but it was the reflections upon the old paving stones
that took my breath away.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-85604736080735263262014-05-09T13:16:00.000-05:002014-05-09T13:16:41.385-05:00"After The Rain ~ Florence"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've just received notice that my painting "After The Rain ~ Florence" was selected for inclusion into Red River Watercolor Society's 21st Annual National Juried Exhibition!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsMf4g4k2gmZuieb-MJzhTIpvwBqUZh2MJh8mF6SHFoACVHMLfu9aZTlh2o2Z0BKcM2uZknvBxSrjxToVsWdwHQb4wlPcZv4I2ealLQcQnCuRPuQkuAtyGpyvROCM5b_EdNpRKj6eDDo/s1600/Cuthbertson_Connie_After+The+Rain+-+Florence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsMf4g4k2gmZuieb-MJzhTIpvwBqUZh2MJh8mF6SHFoACVHMLfu9aZTlh2o2Z0BKcM2uZknvBxSrjxToVsWdwHQb4wlPcZv4I2ealLQcQnCuRPuQkuAtyGpyvROCM5b_EdNpRKj6eDDo/s1600/Cuthbertson_Connie_After+The+Rain+-+Florence.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
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"After The Rain ~ Florence"</div>
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30" x 22"</div>
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original watercolour</div>
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The show dates are June 16th through July 26th, 2014 at the Hjemkomst Gallery in Moorehed MN. On June 17 nationally recognized artist and juror Michael Reardon will announce show winners during the awards reception.</div>
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What a great privilege it is to be selected for this prestigious show!</div>
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-66757133846218317482014-04-20T16:43:00.000-05:002014-04-20T16:43:21.417-05:00Spring Has Sprung....I Hope!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Here in Canada (and many other parts of the world) we've been waiting very impatiently for spring to finally arrive. This winter has been very long, cold and snowy and I thought what better way to think spring than to paint it. Although there are still a few snowbanks around I've decided the tulips must be up somewhere in the world!</div>
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"Springtime"</div>
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watercolour</div>
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15" x 22"</div>
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Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal. A time for giving thanks. May you have many things in your life to be grateful for. </div>
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Wishing you and yours a very Happy Easter!</div>
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-49624708577077932192014-04-02T17:14:00.000-05:002014-04-03T07:22:38.327-05:00Exploring The Hills On Crete ~ Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This next adventure took me further inland and higher up the mountain. It was larger than the last village and I noticed as I was driving up the hill that there were ruins below the main road so that was where I was headed. I find it interesting how instead of tearing down the old buildings they just kept building up the mountainside leaving their history in tack. I do love sketching crumbling old walls and doors!<br />
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When I first got out of my car I saw 2 women walk by. I smiled and we said Kalimara. (good morning) Turning now to the left I began my descent in search of the ruins I first saw when approaching the village.<br />
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That's when it happened. Another gunshot went off! I couldn't believe it! Surely the people from the last village haven't found their way here!<br />
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The light cast delicate patterns through grape vines overhead and bounced between the old crumbling buildings. At every turn there was another beautiful sight to behold. The further down the hill I went, the more ancient the ruins became. For me, this is inspiration at its finest!<br />
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After a short walk I found the perfect door to sketch. It had a single large plank of wood that was at least 30" wide hanging across the entry. The textures were wonderful! There was also a rusty old gate that caught my eye so I settled in and began to sketch.<br />
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Another bunch of gunshots sounded and I couldn't help but wonder just what was going on. Some sounded fairly close and others off in the distance. I concentrated on my sketches and tried to forget about it.<br />
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After about a half hour a woman walked by. She began speaking in Greek and all I could do was smile and say Kalimara. I showed her my drawings and paints and told her I was an artist from Canada. She smiled and left. It's times like this when I wished I could speak many languages!<br />
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Shortly thereafter a man came along and asked me what I was doing. I explained to him that I was sketching and in broken English he asked me how long I'd be until I was finished. I told him I should be done in about 20 minutes. He then said I must walk back along this narrow road when I was ready to leave. I nodded and he left me to my paints. Of course I would do as he asked out of respect. I was, after all, a stranger here and I could technically be trespassing. <br />
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When I was done sketching I packed up my supplies and started walking up the narrow road as requested. When I turned the last corner I could hear talking and laughter ahead. At first I wasn't sure where it was coming from but then, as I got closer, I noticed there was a group of people sitting in the shade under a canopy of grape vines.<br />
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Looking into the courtyard I recognized the man and woman from earlier smiling at me. He jumped up and invited me in to share lunch with them. I was in shock! Who does this?!!<br />
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At first I felt I would be intruding but then I realized they were waiting for me. That was why he wanted me to walk back down that particular road. I was overwhelmed and of course accepted their very generous offer.<br />
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They seated me at the head of the table, a place of honour, then introduced me to everyone. Sadly I can't recall any of their names but I do remember their relationships.<br />
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The first man to my left was my host's brother. To his left was their mother, who I was told had Alzheimer's. </div>
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At the opposite end of the table was my host's son and to my right was his wife (the woman I'd met earlier) and my host holding their young daughter.</div>
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They began piling the food on my plate and the wine was poured. They explained each of the delicious dishes to me and also proudly stated the only thing they had to buy was flour; everything else they grew themselves. Incredible! There was yummy lamb stew, spanakopita (which was light flaky filo pastry triangles filled with spinach, onions and feta cheese) and other various vegetables. They also had a delicious humas with lots of yummy garlic. I've never eaten so well!<br />
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My host wondered if it was ok to ask me questions. Of course! Anything they wanted to know I would be happy to share! <br />
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The first thing they asked was how I felt about living in Canada, if I trusted my government and was happy how they ruled the country. I told them I love living in Canada and was happy for the most part how the government did their jobs. I also stated that no country in the world was without troubles too, not even Canada. There are good and bad people in powerful positions everywhere in the world but one must trust that when voting time came that the good ones were elected.<br />
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They also had questions about our healthcare system, safety and education. As I answered each question he translated for the rest of the family. I loved every second of our cultural exchange!<br />
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As we were talking I noticed their teenage son carefully reach over and lift a silver strand of hair off of grandma's black sweater, then gently pat her on the shoulder like nothing had happened. He kept on talking and laughing and I couldn't help but feel I've just witnessed something very special.<br />
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Apparently they had a cousin move to Canada from their village 12 years ago and every year he writes to tell them they should move to Canada because life was so much better. My host was the head of the family and made decisions for them all and he was wondering if he was making the right one for them by staying in Greece.<br />
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I said why would you leave here? You have everything you need to be happy. You have a family who love you, a good home, all the food you need and a good job. (he's a police officer) They really take care of each other and respect each other and I know for a fact this doesn't happen everywhere in the world, not even Canada.<br />
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As I said these words you could see the weight of the world lifted from his shoulders. He was so relieved and happy to know he was making the right decision for his family.<br />
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When we were done eating, their little girl was climbing all over me playing with my hat and having fun. I do love children!</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I was introduced to the village priest and later met his 2 sons. He also spoke English and we talked for a while. Everyone was so friendly!</span></div>
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How wonderful it was to sit there in that beautiful courtyard with new friends sharing a delicious lunch and learning about each other's cultures! For me this is the best thing about travelling.<br />
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When the priest left another man stopped by. He was their friend and had just come in from a successful rabbit hunt as today was the season opener. So that's why I heard so many gunshots!! Me and my crazy imagination!!</div>
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I'll be leaving soon on my next great adventure. I depart for Greece, Spain and Portugal later this month and will be posting more stories about my travels here in the coming weeks.<br />
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Thank you for being a part of my Artistic Journey!</div>
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-35520644010163582132014-04-01T17:30:00.000-05:002014-04-01T19:50:07.485-05:00Exploring The Hills On Crete ~ Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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More stories from my time exploring Crete, September 2013.....<br />
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While staying at a B & B in the small village of Xerocampos, I mentioned to the owners that I loved to explore old ruins and small hilltop
villages to gather ideas for my paintings. They recommended a few for me so I packed my car and headed up into the hills.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A narrow dusty road brought me to my first village. It was
very small and almost abandoned. As I pulled the car to the edge of the single
lane road I noticed an elderly man watching me from behind a vine-covered gate.
He obviously wasn’t accustomed to seeing many tourists here and I wanted to let
him know what I was doing.<o:p></o:p><br />
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My knowledge of the Greek language is next to nil so I
showed him my sketchbook and paints to help explain my intent. He nodded and
waved his approval so off I went up, up, up, the narrow alleyways. Around the
first corner a big dog came at me growling and barking wildly. Thank goodness
he was tied up! I considered leaving right then but I thought I’d try to make
it to the old church up on the top of this hill.<br />
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About 15 minutes into my hike I heard several gunshots but
since I was almost to the church I decided to push on. Surely the villagers
weren’t trying to scare me off!! Still, I did have an eerie feeling as I continued
on.<br />
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I passed many abandoned houses with overgrown grape ivy,
beautiful old doors and rusting iron gates.</div>
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One particular house had something extra special about it.
The light filtered through overhead vines that covered a small terrace creating a magical atmosphere.
A beautiful old wooden door with peeling layers of blue paint told me it had been abandoned
for some time.Though it's now in ruins, I feel it is still a very special place. The open
door was my unspoken invitation to explore further.<br />
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As my eyes adjusted to the dim interior light, the first
thing I noticed was a plate rack on the wall. Broken ceramic pieces littered the floor and on a woven chair seat I noticed a dust covered woman's leather shoe. <o:p></o:p><br />
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It was a small open space and from what I could tell it had
been vacant for several years. Some old torn bits of fabric littered the mantle and a few old rusty olive oil cans lay in the corner. I could see this space had been well cared for at one time but is now a forgotten jewel. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">What happened to the old woman? Where was her family? Was hers a hard life or one full of joy? I would like to have met her.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">In another home close by I came across this abandoned loom. I imagined the beautiful textiles created here after countless hours sliding the shuttle back and forth. I was walking in a living museum and felt I have become a part of her history. The stories in my mind now have a place in what happened here so many years ago.</span><br />
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Another gunshot went off. I was beginning to feel like I was in a movie and I was the crazy woman who wouldn't make the right choice and leave. Ok, now you know that I have a wild imagination! The sign of a true artist I'm told!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDIeWJ0bDmLi7YQPeqXrRIkF-fKGboAhHfA0e6MARSS_W-KmTTubBRoLje6gbhFtVkIwpz27yOrOG9JGCoTLoEfSdAH2TxjhL074-sUjyLRT6J_pLJW6TzxT9_YHwQyp6tISZRhsG1uI/s1600/greece+hilltop+village+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDIeWJ0bDmLi7YQPeqXrRIkF-fKGboAhHfA0e6MARSS_W-KmTTubBRoLje6gbhFtVkIwpz27yOrOG9JGCoTLoEfSdAH2TxjhL074-sUjyLRT6J_pLJW6TzxT9_YHwQyp6tISZRhsG1uI/s1600/greece+hilltop+village+13.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
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I finally made it to the small church. I went inside and found many beautifully painted wooden panels that are still in remarkably good condition. I can see this place has been well cared for.<br />
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Silver Icons were draped across the main panel. These silver pieces are used for prayer requests and the different symbols represent what it was the person was praying for. I love learning about different cultures and traditions.</div>
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This hand carved angel was painted on a thick wooden plank.</div>
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Another gunshot went off and I decided it was time to head back down the hill. Of course I took many more pictures along the way!<br />
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The dog and the old man were there to "greet me" again. I smiled and waved as I pulled away relieved to be leaving the sound of gunshot behind but also very glad I stopped to explore this small village.<o:p></o:p><br />
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I'll share more about my next hilltop adventure and reveal the answers to the gunshot mystery in my next post.<br />
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-20699522574313945352014-02-12T08:54:00.001-06:002014-02-12T13:36:22.128-06:00"Paint In" Memories<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last week I spent some valuable time with a very special group of artist friends. Karlyn Holman and Mary Rice, our gracious hosts, invite us to this "paint in" getaway each year to the remote northern area of Washburn, Wisconsin.<br />
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The paint in of 2014 was extra special as it marked 30 years since its inception. What a gift it is to be a part of this magical week! Thank you!<br />
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The paintings posted here are ones I began last week. I still have some work to do on each of them and will post the completed images soon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUITya-y4ivcyxU7siDI0ccICWad38oVYFEYZV1P500pE1AjQ4HRFcCpW_0C2IGWm0rrbPvq3SY6VhhFaSh3-uDg9JW6SFAbKiHpug_t5h9Vbq4u8mjyUR90L-vsLgSOYo2_aTuoC1jbk/s1600/paintin+work1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUITya-y4ivcyxU7siDI0ccICWad38oVYFEYZV1P500pE1AjQ4HRFcCpW_0C2IGWm0rrbPvq3SY6VhhFaSh3-uDg9JW6SFAbKiHpug_t5h9Vbq4u8mjyUR90L-vsLgSOYo2_aTuoC1jbk/s1600/paintin+work1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Astronomical Clock ~ Prague</div>
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watercolour</div>
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22" x 30"</div>
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During this time we all work on our own paintings and at the end of each day we have a group critique which is when the learning really begins. Listening to others describe their work and how they resolve their painting problems really helps us to think outside of our way of painting and learn new ideas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDoEIKsyEfschrYIvW_tktRYpFUfKfvo_HtlXa27RJGCe-tH7WIe_tmfRENxpFvSPq6UmTj3d0gRZnsE9YEh7dDRqMBBe2dJWzRSgPurbSsSCr-1WRoYVcXKFf4aIedJKE9Td7RAQynA/s1600/paintin+work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDoEIKsyEfschrYIvW_tktRYpFUfKfvo_HtlXa27RJGCe-tH7WIe_tmfRENxpFvSPq6UmTj3d0gRZnsE9YEh7dDRqMBBe2dJWzRSgPurbSsSCr-1WRoYVcXKFf4aIedJKE9Td7RAQynA/s1600/paintin+work.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
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St. Mark's Square ~ Venice</div>
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watercolour in progress</div>
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22" x 30"</div>
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Others also comment and since we all work in very different ways and in various mediums, we hear many interesting viewpoints which is a very valuable way to learn. I highly suggest you get a group together in your area and begin your own special learning and fun time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0lfEr9KWMUQv1m7KgJZgQVCh59esXlNSjgWPw7z1byX0idzbNLXV1KYRhraV4UEDyhyphenhyphenk2muqTyDY-98XUzNjo6msIpGBpam8lU_htKK1fR4g9UG9Mh05z4eNMd9Rr9ephArcfIP-yEc/s1600/paintin+work+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0lfEr9KWMUQv1m7KgJZgQVCh59esXlNSjgWPw7z1byX0idzbNLXV1KYRhraV4UEDyhyphenhyphenk2muqTyDY-98XUzNjo6msIpGBpam8lU_htKK1fR4g9UG9Mh05z4eNMd9Rr9ephArcfIP-yEc/s1600/paintin+work+2.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bugaboo Mountains</div>
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watercolour in progress</div>
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22" x 30"</div>
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Of course it wasn't all about working hard. When we were painting we were also talking about art and about life. This sharing brings us closer and forms a very special bond. We have become a painting family. Wonderful!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60D8S5gBBO4kYLazs2IFsWOLT62IXDtXjO6tW4cTd5amuq_-DPRbb-8wDms6c7tPew29DXWcpGOeTqZ_ip6nYEafi-AZN9Z0zWcJmSmvDP9X1-vv9lLsnfsDBn-VVOsLAN6gsjZnZn9o/s1600/paintin+work+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60D8S5gBBO4kYLazs2IFsWOLT62IXDtXjO6tW4cTd5amuq_-DPRbb-8wDms6c7tPew29DXWcpGOeTqZ_ip6nYEafi-AZN9Z0zWcJmSmvDP9X1-vv9lLsnfsDBn-VVOsLAN6gsjZnZn9o/s1600/paintin+work+4.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a></div>
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Duomo Reflections ~ Florence</div>
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watercolour in progress</div>
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30" x 22"</div>
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This was also the year we said goodbye to a very special and talented artist, Joyce Gow. Joyce has been a long time friend and part of the paint in for many many years. She loved to share her knowledge with others and she really knew the importance of living life with a smile, inside and out. Her laughter and wisdom will be missed and she will be remembered as not only a great artist, but also a great friend. I talked with Joyce a couple of days before she died. She was laughing and talking about how wonderful life is.<br />
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What a gift she was and now memories of her and her beautiful paintings will continue to shine on....<br />
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-23516349726460416272013-12-15T15:48:00.000-06:002013-12-15T16:17:53.661-06:00"Glacial Light"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsaUHDiyc0gDIqsPYw3qMuKY-IQXSwnWH7SOvUPweZIQ7H1P3ZUB5kbS1PO_6TRTWKPummAsbcTEVrmUgHJrPNNkGQV6y6XDoNnQh1yIj_wnv0qdZ07qXhctXBMyxBximQmsbeD9f4_o/s1600/bugaboo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsaUHDiyc0gDIqsPYw3qMuKY-IQXSwnWH7SOvUPweZIQ7H1P3ZUB5kbS1PO_6TRTWKPummAsbcTEVrmUgHJrPNNkGQV6y6XDoNnQh1yIj_wnv0qdZ07qXhctXBMyxBximQmsbeD9f4_o/s320/bugaboo+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Glacial Light - Bugaboos" </i></div>
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<i>-work in progress-</i></div>
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<i>acrylic on canvas</i></div>
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<i>24" x 36"</i></div>
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Here is my latest attempt at capturing the magical spirit of the Bugaboo Mountains in British Columbia. I can't stop dreaming about this amazing place and have been forever changed by its beauty, </div>
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its life force.</div>
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Painting up there on the mountaintop has awakened something deep within and I feel like I must keep exploring this place in paint until I have nothing left to say. Somehow I don't think that day will ever come and that's a good thing! </div>
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Thank you Robert Genn for showing me the Bugaboos. If not for you I would never have experienced the wonder of these mountains! I've learned so much from you through our time there and also from your Twice Weekly Newsletters on The Painter's Keys website.</div>
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http://painterskeys.com/</div>
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Now back to the easel I go...</div>
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-72999152876913411482013-12-14T10:02:00.000-06:002014-01-06T07:39:12.130-06:00Childhood Dreamer ~ Poem<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Every once in a while I have words floating in my head and I must write them down. The following poem is the result of a childhood memory. I've also included some of my favourite photos of frosty crystal magic. Dream on....</div>
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<b>Childhood Dreamer</b></div>
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Snowflakes fall in gentle rhythm</div>
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whirling twirling their way</div>
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across this frozen landscape </div>
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like the children they do play</div>
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They float and glide their way to earth</div>
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in games of dance it seems</div>
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how I would like to be a part</div>
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of this magical crystal dream<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdR9DhkFG7PGiyw39_UB3ETAAqPL_e8YrJIlHMFGKMm6pnbk6p90NlcZpAPO1w-uWYXd2IOkYJylEaxVEV7hs8d6a9_y2sstVIktf7LeutQcj3sDjMGb145sgDcZhBPOM7v1p_GLYvLCA/s1600/willow+frost+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdR9DhkFG7PGiyw39_UB3ETAAqPL_e8YrJIlHMFGKMm6pnbk6p90NlcZpAPO1w-uWYXd2IOkYJylEaxVEV7hs8d6a9_y2sstVIktf7LeutQcj3sDjMGb145sgDcZhBPOM7v1p_GLYvLCA/s320/willow+frost+2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I was young so long ago</div>
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I'd dream of days like this</div>
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to take me far into the night</div>
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on tales of wondered bliss</div>
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Adventures I would have out there</div>
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in crystal flight of free</div>
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pretend to live among the stars</div>
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as I hovered o'er the sea<br />
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And then I grew and realized</div>
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some things cannot be true</div>
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there is a time for wandering </div>
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but growing up now too</div>
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So for a time I did forget</div>
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and lived with grounded feet</div>
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I did what was expected</div>
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no more the child I used to be</div>
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And now my children's children see</div>
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these crystals in the air</div>
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I hear them talk of fabled lands</div>
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of magical places fair<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdT-vg-3UvKK0XYTXjcuqQDaYdoDaL71ek8BCrvDCedupxn9gig1YuZXloWd6MmPY1kHaj2c1d3KwDJwUsAC3RCbr0oHBCaZ9zChu42r5R6fslwKvjKAwIZu15wnokQyBKRgu8iZEZCA/s1600/frost.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdT-vg-3UvKK0XYTXjcuqQDaYdoDaL71ek8BCrvDCedupxn9gig1YuZXloWd6MmPY1kHaj2c1d3KwDJwUsAC3RCbr0oHBCaZ9zChu42r5R6fslwKvjKAwIZu15wnokQyBKRgu8iZEZCA/s320/frost.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I had forgotten but now I see</div>
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what was lost has now been found</div>
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I tell them it is good to dream</div>
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and to listen for the sound</div>
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What sound is that they ask eyes wide</div>
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I tell them quietly</div>
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keep dreaming dreams of far off lands</div>
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they will keep you company</div>
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There is a world outside it's true</div>
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but there is also one inside </div>
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it's here you'll find what you will need</div>
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to be happy, free, alive<br />
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A place of wonder waits for you<br />
where life's mysteries are found<br />
visit often here inside your heart<br />
where adventures do abound<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3s8I5d5UXeRSs8q8_32qSC12uOka7X_YfZZMz1L_p1XC-4-KevROhupGxbUufWJ8k0oqwL9wrV66Rsiag6-INnFb0RMR2t7iA3Ylj6q9_lZy5SGDk02TIC54zBw6WEiOdxExbL-TNUKU/s1600/willow+frost.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3s8I5d5UXeRSs8q8_32qSC12uOka7X_YfZZMz1L_p1XC-4-KevROhupGxbUufWJ8k0oqwL9wrV66Rsiag6-INnFb0RMR2t7iA3Ylj6q9_lZy5SGDk02TIC54zBw6WEiOdxExbL-TNUKU/s320/willow+frost.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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So keep on dreaming dreams so fair</div>
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of crystal lands and snowflake stars</div>
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come here often, feel the calm</div>
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and all your dreams will bring you far</div>
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I invite you now to follow me </div>
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look inward, you will see</div>
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all the childhood wonders wait for you</div>
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dreaming day and night, just be<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pc89gVFbTuO_5g36edBBtBFkweS5T4xiLlWmIEo5m5DhfYVrSIKwcP_kJsVLDM_j-P4Dg00ouLyMmFiunY1mfkuhS94iuud9T7jXJDnzq0NTEmQLa63zjEDp45B_aRrI67sZFzv2Z0I/s1600/winter+willow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pc89gVFbTuO_5g36edBBtBFkweS5T4xiLlWmIEo5m5DhfYVrSIKwcP_kJsVLDM_j-P4Dg00ouLyMmFiunY1mfkuhS94iuud9T7jXJDnzq0NTEmQLa63zjEDp45B_aRrI67sZFzv2Z0I/s320/winter+willow.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And when the times are done for me</div>
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I'll smile as I take flight</div>
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discovering new lands so fair</div>
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on a crystal shining light<br />
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~~~</div>
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I wish you and all you love a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year too! </div>
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Thank you for being a part of my Artistic Journey.</div>
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-14283428124194656832013-11-23T15:54:00.000-06:002013-11-23T15:54:08.526-06:00Prague Impressions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Prague has been on my list of places to explore for a few years now. I'm so very happy I was able to see this beautiful old city in September. From the moment I stepped out onto the cobbled streets I was totally captivated by its beauty. </div>
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Early each morning I would make my way in the dark to Charles Bridge to photograph the sunrise. The first two days were overcast and raining but my diligence paid off with the arrival of beautiful sunlight on the last morning.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GCo9y-jXM5ItUvxwGEK76cHPkPNsBWFEr1UCzFGBJwqIJsGQ_2PIDLtHZp-FtsnpT1uoGx7u1Bx6nNWnTyg2RFmfVlTvIkvGTf5OJBz2dk12bKsim3pZRp6K0rTb4AbvBOD6hggUB_A/s1600/prague+first+light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GCo9y-jXM5ItUvxwGEK76cHPkPNsBWFEr1UCzFGBJwqIJsGQ_2PIDLtHZp-FtsnpT1uoGx7u1Bx6nNWnTyg2RFmfVlTvIkvGTf5OJBz2dk12bKsim3pZRp6K0rTb4AbvBOD6hggUB_A/s320/prague+first+light.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Charles Bridge, First Light - Prague</i></b></div>
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watercolour</div>
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30" x 22"</div>
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Narrow cobblestone streets were lined with beautiful old buildings at every turn. It was very busy in the main square but just a few blocks away I found myself in quiet narrow streets with beautiful filtered light. Perfect for sketching and writing! As always the light was what captivated me most...even on the cloudy days. The way it diffused<span style="text-align: left;"> the scene before me made me feel one with the image...like I was wrapped in a blanket of light. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05rVqFXC3vQFKj-fyYSf-c8KVNY5kZNSfNM95eZkcckppyFITbKfLC7IauujBw-8vQuOd5_mkLNt7nnAnsw1WmW4E-P5WWWyht6yAGaNes-67QW3vOcx8tP2ZZLzS11glaHD2rZSPMQM/s1600/prague+light+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05rVqFXC3vQFKj-fyYSf-c8KVNY5kZNSfNM95eZkcckppyFITbKfLC7IauujBw-8vQuOd5_mkLNt7nnAnsw1WmW4E-P5WWWyht6yAGaNes-67QW3vOcx8tP2ZZLzS11glaHD2rZSPMQM/s320/prague+light+.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i>The Guardians - Prague</i></b></div>
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watercolour</div>
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22" x 30"</div>
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I've been working on these paintings in my studio referring to memory, sketches and photos for information. Standing in the narrow streets as sculpted rooftops decorate the sky above with light pouring through golden windows was more than enough inspiration for me!! I knew instantly I would have to paint them.</div>
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There were many treasures to behold...it was hard not to have the look of a gawking tourist. </div>
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Which I was!!</div>
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It's a city with a history that spans more than 1000 years with times of peace and conflict and has survived it all with a special grace. As I sift through the hundreds of photos I see many that will become paintings one day. A perfect way to spend the long winter ahead!</div>
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-60265260627261550292013-11-09T23:44:00.000-06:002013-11-10T00:01:28.642-06:00Capturing The Light<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"Spirit Light - Bugaboos" is my first studio painting completed from my helicopter adventure to the Bugaboo Mountains. We had the good privilege of having three extremely talented artists guide us in our work. Canada's finest, Robert Genn, Sara Genn and Liz Wiltzen offered their expertise. What an honour and privilege it was to work along side these very special artists. <span style="text-align: center;">Thank you!</span></div>
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When painting Spirit Light in my studio I felt I was transported back up there on the mountaintop. That is the magical part about painting. When creating, everything else falls away and I could again feel the cool misty mountain air on my face, hear the snow crunch beneath my feet...feeling one with nature. Pure magic!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceQaP7jw062WplvgNmcA7AjbmF9g_gzL64a-_XHxRWBs23v5OVMVs6QTp65k4evPO28Zb8mCkEXt1ajOzqcFeG6Twc-tH9Zw1EyaW_oVXUXFK4lZhEqyWO5npgQlMVF7h5PUOvgSQK3o/s1600/Spirit+LIght+-+Bugaboos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceQaP7jw062WplvgNmcA7AjbmF9g_gzL64a-_XHxRWBs23v5OVMVs6QTp65k4evPO28Zb8mCkEXt1ajOzqcFeG6Twc-tH9Zw1EyaW_oVXUXFK4lZhEqyWO5npgQlMVF7h5PUOvgSQK3o/s320/Spirit+LIght+-+Bugaboos.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
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<i>"Spirit Light - Bugaboos</i></div>
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<i>24" x 20"</i></div>
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<i>acrylic on canvas</i></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Here are a couple of sketches I've completed that will be used to create future paintings.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-Finzi3mbm7Hw57ygqXXn393aaE-Pg0FCQeNbtKld2HBKY3y65x_7qHo5Ojbk3B3_WH3ClV-lbw73dnsXrJXYDBl81LaJ6xEgHLNNaMHDFFGBm8wrwv5XPKKKCSN0dXUL0EE4qnj51w/s1600/bugaboo+sketch+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-Finzi3mbm7Hw57ygqXXn393aaE-Pg0FCQeNbtKld2HBKY3y65x_7qHo5Ojbk3B3_WH3ClV-lbw73dnsXrJXYDBl81LaJ6xEgHLNNaMHDFFGBm8wrwv5XPKKKCSN0dXUL0EE4qnj51w/s320/bugaboo+sketch+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXxq3tQIiPakiOZuJa6-gzOV2x3WaiqYTnW1Op62uW6yqd0QFS_51YF-ew-YnTKQGx5odC4AZHmiy7LK3p5Eh152PoJdgxVQEmzkNR2U4jrbcnuG2pbse487WsxWNXhrKt2BNVFOEvg0/s1600/Bugaboo+sketch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXxq3tQIiPakiOZuJa6-gzOV2x3WaiqYTnW1Op62uW6yqd0QFS_51YF-ew-YnTKQGx5odC4AZHmiy7LK3p5Eh152PoJdgxVQEmzkNR2U4jrbcnuG2pbse487WsxWNXhrKt2BNVFOEvg0/s320/Bugaboo+sketch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">My goal as an artist is to have the viewer feel and experience the essence of the place, its spirit.</span></div>
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This is my hope.<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-41649690339839006262013-10-25T22:34:00.000-05:002013-12-17T09:43:37.874-06:00Paintings of Xerokampos and the Libyan Sea <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Today I spent a few hours going through my sketchbooks and paintings I did last month. Every picture I looked at brought back so many wonderful memories. </div>
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I thought I'd share a few with you here.</div>
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I completed these paintings on a beach in Xerkampos, Greece last month. The variety of blues in the water was both a challenge and a joy to paint. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1URzT-YozadzaiQNX6MY5DKhqS5woRmcMENHhVIja8iEAHkXs0tdSiCy4lTr_JpFfQpo_kIOlR0kXFleUcWBYb_8jkqPMvQJHVJ0ydv4I3fkQRPvL1Rm2vsbveaoiA7J6ujy0zgVxHs/s1600/crete+ocean+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1URzT-YozadzaiQNX6MY5DKhqS5woRmcMENHhVIja8iEAHkXs0tdSiCy4lTr_JpFfQpo_kIOlR0kXFleUcWBYb_8jkqPMvQJHVJ0ydv4I3fkQRPvL1Rm2vsbveaoiA7J6ujy0zgVxHs/s320/crete+ocean+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Xerokampos Beach</i></div>
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<i>Acrylic on Linen</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62aK2AjuM52dW4YfztldLg-mehmSSNFEAqZk2NTef_YW_n8JxdVaAQb6zp2HHMfEX9CgQdMkNLQnJxTSpRuXtUTewfw923AXVt9f1qa5JoHnHsK8ib26cXXT9jcQ87VewEBi6xyvnY9M/s1600/Crete+beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62aK2AjuM52dW4YfztldLg-mehmSSNFEAqZk2NTef_YW_n8JxdVaAQb6zp2HHMfEX9CgQdMkNLQnJxTSpRuXtUTewfw923AXVt9f1qa5JoHnHsK8ib26cXXT9jcQ87VewEBi6xyvnY9M/s320/Crete+beach.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Rocky Shores</i></div>
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<i>Acrylic on Linen</i></div>
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On my last day in Xerokampos they were expecting Beaufort 8 winds. Now that's windy! </div>
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I think I saw Toto fly by in a basket!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYem8F5XYz1jzfifYG1wJ94ZnnvfjDNK2AlmtATvP2wzaMPVWzZF7viRFTyavFX86VF4M0WsYVRnAMPdYZGB4n61VwjvLFJnE0dVD5eVGdaCaiLfcqNYjkjD9eJT7D-EprjSQ-VVLnfX0/s1600/crete+water+study+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYem8F5XYz1jzfifYG1wJ94ZnnvfjDNK2AlmtATvP2wzaMPVWzZF7viRFTyavFX86VF4M0WsYVRnAMPdYZGB4n61VwjvLFJnE0dVD5eVGdaCaiLfcqNYjkjD9eJT7D-EprjSQ-VVLnfX0/s320/crete+water+study+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Crashing Wave - Lybian Sea</i></div>
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<i>Acrylic on Linen</i></div>
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In this painting I tried to capture the wild winds. In fact, the winds were so strong that I had to tape down my palette and sketch while I painted so they wouldn't blow away! </div>
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What an artist will go through for the sake of painting on location!</div>
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In coming weeks I'll be creating more art from this trip as well as some from my incredible helicopter tour I had in the Bugaboo Mountains with Canada's finest artist, Robert Genn. It still feels like a dream when I think back to the beautiful vistas and experiences I had there. </div>
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Looking through some of the photos I took on that trip made me realize just how fortunate I've been in my life. Not only have I had these amazing opportunities to paint in such exotic locations in the world, I've had the honour and privilege of painting with some of the world's finest artists who also just happen to be very fine and genuine people. </div>
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Some say I've been lucky to have experienced the things I have in my life. Personally, I believe that by having faith and trusting that I'm in the right place at the right time and being open to the day, opportunities will unfold. </div>
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Also, by surrounding myself with family and friends who believe and support me makes my life full and filled with wonder as I continue on my Artistic Journey....</div>
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-63767726425487322002013-10-23T14:12:00.001-05:002014-05-02T18:21:55.370-05:00"Sisters (Brothers) of Rethymnon" <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The first time I saw these beautiful old doors in Old Town Rethymnon on the Greek Island of Crete the year was 2008. I was travelling with a group of artists searching for things to paint and couldn't resist this as my subject. During my time in Rethymnon I sketched only these doors. Each morning I would sit in the cool quiet narrow street to draw and paint these magical textures. A soft light filtered through the twisted vines overhead casting a rich warm light. It was magical.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiSS3QeQA64eoLxtHO4WD0kbUAL86XSN2ErTa9w_JNE-jJG78KH1MNYobQOd6DVFG95ABv0YxgrEryZue_VAAqfxVrVgAa9lyZnGlNPYFD0J62TNQOz6PqcR65_q7kS-sO7fZKHVHYXg/s1600/P9100085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiSS3QeQA64eoLxtHO4WD0kbUAL86XSN2ErTa9w_JNE-jJG78KH1MNYobQOd6DVFG95ABv0YxgrEryZue_VAAqfxVrVgAa9lyZnGlNPYFD0J62TNQOz6PqcR65_q7kS-sO7fZKHVHYXg/s320/P9100085.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Old Doors in Rethymnon</i></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">On the last morning I was there I could hear someone on the balcony above me. I looked up and saw an old woman wearing black smiling down at me. I waved to her and said Kalimera. (good morning) She returned my greeting and before long she was standing at my side watching me sketch. Soon after her brother and niece arrived. She asked him to translate a question for me. She wanted to know why would I paint these ugly old doors? Ugly?!! I think they are beautiful and full of life! She laughed and then asked if I could return the next morning as she would like to invite me for breakfast. How lovely! But then I remembered I was leaving very early the next day with the group and headed to another village and sadly had to decline. </span><span style="text-align: left;">Her name was Ms. Kostas. </span><span style="text-align: left;">She had a wonderful smile.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMziw6WPmQ-AzOZfip199siuPjrsjwXH6ZsSKtG-YSPGjFwxFt9J2FRkxEYRYYzwHvGDRqVIhBUbau0Fhfm2l-7ucSRuXG3bba74Ra5D7Y-SBZP9-3kAAW7aNoK7EVziyJnEIZRlBn8T4/s1600/sisters+or+rethymnon+first+sketch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMziw6WPmQ-AzOZfip199siuPjrsjwXH6ZsSKtG-YSPGjFwxFt9J2FRkxEYRYYzwHvGDRqVIhBUbau0Fhfm2l-7ucSRuXG3bba74Ra5D7Y-SBZP9-3kAAW7aNoK7EVziyJnEIZRlBn8T4/s320/sisters+or+rethymnon+first+sketch.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>My first sketches of "Sisters of Rethymnon" I completed when I first met Ms. Kostas - 2008</i></div>
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When I returned to Canada I painted a large canvas of these old doors. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJs8dfGqSvL7QPUewH0yDTB0EWqnEaa3Dl03YAJqcyqlUQh6t9fnnv0-2eK6rE_nvcqf01TIkQAFwes6O5ZMXP_UrZRNKPwHbhv9V2GBaJv0BGwQDVShse7fwx_EVtStJG_UCpVdt_zlU/s1600/sisters+of+rethymnon+greece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJs8dfGqSvL7QPUewH0yDTB0EWqnEaa3Dl03YAJqcyqlUQh6t9fnnv0-2eK6rE_nvcqf01TIkQAFwes6O5ZMXP_UrZRNKPwHbhv9V2GBaJv0BGwQDVShse7fwx_EVtStJG_UCpVdt_zlU/s320/sisters+of+rethymnon+greece.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></div>
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<i>"Sisters of Rethymnon" </i></div>
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<i>48" x 36"</i></div>
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<i>Original Acrylic</i></div>
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<i>This is what I wrote about this very special place in 2008</i></div>
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<i>Sisters of Rethymnon</i></div>
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<i>I found these doors in Old Town Rethymnon on the Isle of Crete. As I sat and sketched them </i></div>
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<i>i</i><i>n the light of the early morning I could almost imagine all of the people who have </i></div>
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<i>passed by them </i><i>for more than 100 years. </i></div>
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<i>There they have hung, one green and one blue, different yet the same. Just like sisters. </i></div>
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<i>On the last day I was there enjoying their beauty </i></div>
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<i>small children </i><i>passed by </i><i>on their way to school. </i><i>Some were curious to see my drawings; others caught up in their own world, laughing with their friends, not a care in the world. </i></div>
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<i>The way life should be for the child in all of us.</i></div>
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The following year I returned with a framed print and gave it to her. She gave me a big granny hug which was wonderful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlEDqzXXs0VBlnI23TTzTHmg3d4_pOTodOTvbB7vfM0T4aD0ko5dhRAkpi5_CvDxYc6lKLCvcAVTSHDJpUthFxlmACgDMCl-_7uJvbG3np2DY-y4NuEDC4h7kWxvzyuZwzwslx8QvzxQ/s1600/Ms+Kostas+2009+-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlEDqzXXs0VBlnI23TTzTHmg3d4_pOTodOTvbB7vfM0T4aD0ko5dhRAkpi5_CvDxYc6lKLCvcAVTSHDJpUthFxlmACgDMCl-_7uJvbG3np2DY-y4NuEDC4h7kWxvzyuZwzwslx8QvzxQ/s320/Ms+Kostas+2009+-2.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ms. Kostas hug, 2009</div>
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Last year I was on a new adventure....the cancer variety. It was a time of great challenges and there were moments when I wondered if I would be able to make my way back to this incredible part of the world. </div>
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I dreamed of returning to visit Ms. Kostas and to see the "Sisters" and also to explore more of this amazing world we live on. Dreaming big dreams helped pull me through the chemo. I kept telling myself I would make it back one day soon...and I did. I was able to visit this magical place a month ago. Thinking about it now I have to keep reminding myself that I wasn't still dreaming! </div>
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Three very important things happened. </div>
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Firstly, the doors and entire building had been renovated. I did a double take thinking I wasn't in the right place.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsszZlgkGhFvHa-rr11CopqT4AXf3yEgaWZvG-wF8diI9TntWO7GPQtSUGeoJANZ8IV5Rr68kFHIOPKJoFraOWXCyzJ4wvJtRtgbJZjhOpscXjc5QB6HrDqN5VMyH4DuzdmCXghFf1rI/s1600/crete+sisters+of+rethymnon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsszZlgkGhFvHa-rr11CopqT4AXf3yEgaWZvG-wF8diI9TntWO7GPQtSUGeoJANZ8IV5Rr68kFHIOPKJoFraOWXCyzJ4wvJtRtgbJZjhOpscXjc5QB6HrDqN5VMyH4DuzdmCXghFf1rI/s320/crete+sisters+of+rethymnon.JPG" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>New "old" doors of Rethymnon - 2013</i></div>
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As you can see in this picture they did try to preserve some of their beauty by reusing the iron work above each door but they switched them. I wonder if I'm the only person in the world who knows this! The new stainless knobs and freshly painted wood pale in comparison to what originally compelled me to paint them. The beautiful tree and vines have also been cut down.</div>
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Secondly, Ms. Kostas didn't remember me. At first I was disappointed but then realized I do have new very short grey "chemo" hair since we had last seen each other. I also had to remind myself that it has been 4 years since we last met and her memory perhaps isn't the best. </div>
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(I know my chemo brain memory sure isn't! :)</div>
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The third thing I learned about these doors is the history of how they came to be. </div>
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On my last night in Rethymnon the rain poured down for a couple of hours just before I went out for dinner so I stayed at my hotel and sketched the doors again, the way they looked before. (I have completed so many drawings of these doors I could draw them from memory) The owner of this hotel saw my sketch and asked if I knew the true story about these doors. The only story I knew of them I had created 5 years ago!</div>
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And so the story goes about a father and his two sons....yes, they have nothing to do with sisters after all!</div>
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The history of these doors began during the time the Ottoman Turks occupied Crete in the late 1800's. </div>
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An ageing father with two sons owned this building. Originally there was one door but to be fair to his sons, in 1907 he split the building down the middle and replaced the single door with two doors, </div>
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one green and one blue, leaving half of the building to each of his sons.</div>
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When the Treaty of Lausanne was signed in1923 it was agreed that a general population exchange was held between the Turks and the Greeks and this family then had to move to Turkey and leave behind this building with the beautiful doors.</div>
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Last month, the owner of the hotel told me the grandson of one of the brothers visited with them at their hotel recently and had come specifically to see these doors. He was told stories about this place as a child and wanted to see it for himself. I would love to sit and talk to his family and learn more of their life! </div>
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Who knows, perhaps one day I will!</div>
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I am now trying to make contact with the family to give them a print of the painting I did of this very special place.</div>
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I find it interesting to think that returning here to see these old doors and Ms. Kostas was such an important part of my cancer recovery. I have learned that one must dream big to keep the mind occupied in a positive light. It sure helped me through my chemo treatments. </div>
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I also learned that even though things had changed so dramatically I was ok with this. That is life. Things change. The key to not getting bogged down and feeling disappointed is to embrace the change and be open to new opportunities. </div>
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I'm so very happy I now know the whole story behind these doors. </div>
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So you see, it was meant to be that I stay at this hotel and that the rains came that night so I could learn the story within the story of the Sisters (Brothers) of Rethymnon.</div>
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-1505981882113351102013-10-13T12:34:00.002-05:002013-10-14T12:03:18.018-05:00Returning to Crete<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For the first part of my September adventure I was with a group of artists painting our way around the Greek islands of Lesvos and Chios ending in Athens. We trekked our way through ancient villages and old harbours with brushes and sketchbooks in hand and had a fantastic time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGUe8wZPZ4GW1w-TPCjPIwq5aEx-uNcntzTpcgKEOX2wblj3qqGEhWheT7aC88cuCWySXt-dxv-F77nbYvHzDYT7ccYegoZmZvTfE4pxr37mRvQ3KHsbDnU-kf648EFxDWmzTm6sN440/s1600/Chios+Greece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGUe8wZPZ4GW1w-TPCjPIwq5aEx-uNcntzTpcgKEOX2wblj3qqGEhWheT7aC88cuCWySXt-dxv-F77nbYvHzDYT7ccYegoZmZvTfE4pxr37mRvQ3KHsbDnU-kf648EFxDWmzTm6sN440/s320/Chios+Greece.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Windmills - Chios, Greece</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGo9JB5fA8tz9n1gBbBKoYLBZyPfOjUuhzCQwoZWl8fYWsNXoX1G-pYbchpqn-fw8zZQBrUYvbsTUKScevKrFcOI4tsPB4Tn2kjR6XkApBgn4V5K8gtq_XFRoS7iHvXjThbmARLrDieA/s1600/chios+at+night.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGo9JB5fA8tz9n1gBbBKoYLBZyPfOjUuhzCQwoZWl8fYWsNXoX1G-pYbchpqn-fw8zZQBrUYvbsTUKScevKrFcOI4tsPB4Tn2kjR6XkApBgn4V5K8gtq_XFRoS7iHvXjThbmARLrDieA/s320/chios+at+night.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Chios, Greece - Night Reflections</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKP4OHdPMHpESp_KpIKKoCwqb4_9xs2P9EaibZITbQgXb3CiBew7BQ1zZIumNIgMhjiRrinmcHsGBSl8gCwTyL-Akw6u1egkr6rHMfl9JWZVKsP_ahkfv6TmESYxO41jK464Q0ssFwnKI/s1600/greece+ruins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKP4OHdPMHpESp_KpIKKoCwqb4_9xs2P9EaibZITbQgXb3CiBew7BQ1zZIumNIgMhjiRrinmcHsGBSl8gCwTyL-Akw6u1egkr6rHMfl9JWZVKsP_ahkfv6TmESYxO41jK464Q0ssFwnKI/s320/greece+ruins.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<i>Greece Ruins</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJ02QST6zd7Yz6QYkxqQoCSBJ3DlF0VXPCYaUI9a6nZkyRcLLUOrfytsUgv-ySfe0-M-rFv5XoTfXcYPDziZ0lFCXx4sBErWueVvyHrE21iMRe64jm7ENLOH-nq-9AKDgr_KdT2SSF-k/s1600/lesvos+fishing+boat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJ02QST6zd7Yz6QYkxqQoCSBJ3DlF0VXPCYaUI9a6nZkyRcLLUOrfytsUgv-ySfe0-M-rFv5XoTfXcYPDziZ0lFCXx4sBErWueVvyHrE21iMRe64jm7ENLOH-nq-9AKDgr_KdT2SSF-k/s320/lesvos+fishing+boat.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Old Fishing Boat - Lesvos, Greece</i></div>
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On the 14th of September the rest of the group flew out of Athens and I headed to Crete on my own. I flew into the Chania airport (pronounced Hania) and took the bus downtown to connect with a later bus that would bring me to Rethymno, the old town I would be staying in for a few days.<br />
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When I saw they had lockers available at the bus station, I couldn't resist leaving my luggage to stroll again through the narrow streets and old harbour I first visited 5 years ago.<br />
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Below are pictures I took just a few weeks ago and the paintings I completed of them in 2008.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzS3FJi8Ax7mzd3hh_8N1keN8YgggSng7OXFxJz3H7l7XGMYFjXy0Y6FZwhEYOnqIQo_Xm7-FAuH44Q5lYKm7_dyPRNDN5H4prgbQ3ouxw7w-kVGAnjg0DL-xDB9L61IOWK7gQJpLRIE/s1600/crete+chania+street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzS3FJi8Ax7mzd3hh_8N1keN8YgggSng7OXFxJz3H7l7XGMYFjXy0Y6FZwhEYOnqIQo_Xm7-FAuH44Q5lYKm7_dyPRNDN5H4prgbQ3ouxw7w-kVGAnjg0DL-xDB9L61IOWK7gQJpLRIE/s320/crete+chania+street.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<i>Narrow streets of Chania, Crete</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZc-FCQ_KrZaKw3oOZbKKRTPsNsffVqe5EfDrbMz4bUK4Ppp3-XitPzoKnwkLzbuT8DWmlJ5zTwqQNdVK-ZykLFZjndF3x5CyGH-xBTWauKpZV9AIwwdMaFY_KhwEp50g3DC9-tUe-nc/s1600/a+walk+through+time+greece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZc-FCQ_KrZaKw3oOZbKKRTPsNsffVqe5EfDrbMz4bUK4Ppp3-XitPzoKnwkLzbuT8DWmlJ5zTwqQNdVK-ZykLFZjndF3x5CyGH-xBTWauKpZV9AIwwdMaFY_KhwEp50g3DC9-tUe-nc/s320/a+walk+through+time+greece.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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<i>A Walk Through Time - Original Watercolour 2008 </i></div>
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<i>30" x 22"</i></div>
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It was surreal walking through images I had painted years before. What a magical experience!</div>
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<i>Greek Boat - Chania Habour, Crete</i></div>
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Even my old boat was still there! It was a bit bedraggled but then again, who isn't after five years!<br />
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<i>Boat of Pappous - Original Acrylic 2008</i></div>
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<i>24" x 24"</i></div>
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I'm so glad I took the time to revisit this beautiful town. I would like to have stayed for a few days to paint and sketch here again, but it was time to move on. I wanted to return to Rethymno, an old town filled with winding narrow streets, incredible architecture and old doors with so much character.<br />
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It is the home of "Sister's of Rethymnon", a painting I did of two beautiful old green and blue doors and an old Greek woman named Ms. Kostas. I will talk more of that experience in my next post.<br />
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-27823089871002612282013-10-08T08:44:00.001-05:002013-10-12T12:50:49.622-05:00My Cretan Driving Adventure...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After leaving Rethymno I decided to rent a car to drive to the south east side of Crete. I must admit I was a little apprehensive but the thought of spending countless hours on a bus that would stop for every person on the side of the road for miles convinced me this would be best. I also wanted the freedom to explore some hilltop villages and knew I would require a car for this.<br />
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I was told by a friend that this part of Crete was quiet and not very touristy. A perfect combination for my painting and writing!<br />
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First let me say that when in Greece you must request a car with an automatic transmission....not in North America. That was my first mistake. Then there was some confusion as to when the car would be returned. All I can say is I'm sure the rental agency was glad to see me go! I claim chemo brain for an excuse! It really comes down to doing your homework before travelling. Something I plan to do more of in future travels!<br />
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And so my next adventure begins...<br />
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I drove from Rethymno to Xerokampos, which is not on the map above but is close to Zakros on the right side of this map.</div>
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Overall the roads were in good shape and I enjoyed the drive through the central mountains. I had to ask directions a couple of times but found my way fairly easily. The challenging part with the road signs was on my map the towns were spelled one way, and many of the signs were spelled in old Greek so the words didn't match up. For instance, Lerapetra and <span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;"><b>Ιεράπετρα</b></span>- Agios Nikolaos and <span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;"><b>Αγιος Νικόλαος - </b></span>Sitia and <span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;"><b>Σητεία </b></span>meant the same thing!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-bCvFjtFILPW8SuZm4yfglE_cx_263FYQeTXslx-g53_c8LR-vjCIdhXpMraFiIdRWL06UJYZ9UCXZXWy_knKqLuztEyxXpYABJskhyphenhyphenX_X57-nV2AskwpoOVuG6e3xasxpIr4GjcX6o/s1600/crete+road+signs+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-bCvFjtFILPW8SuZm4yfglE_cx_263FYQeTXslx-g53_c8LR-vjCIdhXpMraFiIdRWL06UJYZ9UCXZXWy_knKqLuztEyxXpYABJskhyphenhyphenX_X57-nV2AskwpoOVuG6e3xasxpIr4GjcX6o/s320/crete+road+signs+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It did make things kind of tricky at times but I am good with a map and not afraid to ask for directions.<br />
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Even though the cars drove on the right hand side of the road, there was one very big difference. The roads are very narrow compared to Canadian standards and at some areas, for instance, around hairpin turns on mountaintops, they are only one lane wide which makes for some extra unwanted excitement! Thankfully on these really bad corners they have installed mirrors so you can see if anyone is approaching. Also, there aren't many guardrails.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_UWahQ7uzn7_zUFNthlNMHNzayzETia0O3y6DPaNunx4DjWKzRxG15UJYt3_KWLgX9kP8fxyS1Lo0BRwmcKSXGkBtswTBYgyrSBoVERYTxv5e24kY8KUUPhebq6pxCSVIZlOFvQZgzU/s1600/crete+driving+adventure.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_UWahQ7uzn7_zUFNthlNMHNzayzETia0O3y6DPaNunx4DjWKzRxG15UJYt3_KWLgX9kP8fxyS1Lo0BRwmcKSXGkBtswTBYgyrSBoVERYTxv5e24kY8KUUPhebq6pxCSVIZlOFvQZgzU/s320/crete+driving+adventure.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Switchbacks to Xerokampos</i></div>
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Another big difference is the fact that even though they are only 2 lanes wide, the centre line turns into a passing lane no matter if there is oncoming traffic or not. So to be safe always drive to the far right of the road with one tire close to the outer edge of the pavement. At first I found myself holding my tummy in when cars would pass by...(not that this would do any good whatsoever!!) but I soon settled into the Cretan driving rhythm and found myself enjoying the ride.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1o8_WaQgKOZXNMgH47F8FUq0xyz8eQbeSTOnv7ZZye6Uj4O8KyVAuEVwMMb-1lJb31kWTRBdVVOMs_pHbt8DvAGdncBx32Z1gGUL_ubW80sNEMBrQJz7wEQQv28DidvNQZg4TU121YU/s1600/crete+driving+adenture+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1o8_WaQgKOZXNMgH47F8FUq0xyz8eQbeSTOnv7ZZye6Uj4O8KyVAuEVwMMb-1lJb31kWTRBdVVOMs_pHbt8DvAGdncBx32Z1gGUL_ubW80sNEMBrQJz7wEQQv28DidvNQZg4TU121YU/s320/crete+driving+adenture+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Narrow mountain highway</i></div>
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Look carefully and you can see a car on the narrow highway above.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqcnNArhyZrUSZQiXUDIdqNPEzzq5fHlU05w_8TWcQH2PQQVdK1nHUBlrMlW0I2JFXeLaioXpBqxgyVzgGTzgmqTKgC_qfgpfO9mZGGpZuxe3dW6fzOVfrNK2h0u949qbV_PkSAmlA30/s1600/crete+driving+adventure+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqcnNArhyZrUSZQiXUDIdqNPEzzq5fHlU05w_8TWcQH2PQQVdK1nHUBlrMlW0I2JFXeLaioXpBqxgyVzgGTzgmqTKgC_qfgpfO9mZGGpZuxe3dW6fzOVfrNK2h0u949qbV_PkSAmlA30/s320/crete+driving+adventure+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then there are the highway decorations, namely goats. Granted they aren't the size of moose but on such narrow roads they get the right of way...they know who's boss!<br />
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Slowly, slowly is the only way to go. The goats have it all figured out...</div>
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-25901738126345821252013-10-01T07:32:00.002-05:002013-10-03T04:20:47.993-05:00Istanbul's Grand Bazaar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Grand is an understatement when it comes to describing Istanbul's Grand Bazaar! With more than 3,000 shops and 61 covered streets surrounding it makes this place a mecca shopping experience. It attracts between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. Wow!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKVImNGid2XAv_RWgiQPm5ww9XzoZI2T4bTx-C02gMmMKZyaVNAnxhFUAA96nCuBRuEQo78KNS6dFIp6t8gg2ZbtD1JJCHewcbBuJOX_I9wwpt8J2afX2NDRs-xYeWAXgrpCuqSPPHFg/s1600/istanbul+grand+bazaar+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKVImNGid2XAv_RWgiQPm5ww9XzoZI2T4bTx-C02gMmMKZyaVNAnxhFUAA96nCuBRuEQo78KNS6dFIp6t8gg2ZbtD1JJCHewcbBuJOX_I9wwpt8J2afX2NDRs-xYeWAXgrpCuqSPPHFg/s320/istanbul+grand+bazaar+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>First impressions of the Grand Bazaar</i></div>
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<i><br /></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0oTkgn09bKa9jS4fMHIyNil_XR1xeLeyFdhbOxGAX8cFz2k_NVYR5mGVnCCqUjyFl6ltzCfmy4S7trrZe57Fy7jjH6VCTeGXQQncZUIvzTqjs-gS96DvsR-p0i2lA6mPEU0EG6QQ1YI/s1600/istanbul+grand+bazaar+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0oTkgn09bKa9jS4fMHIyNil_XR1xeLeyFdhbOxGAX8cFz2k_NVYR5mGVnCCqUjyFl6ltzCfmy4S7trrZe57Fy7jjH6VCTeGXQQncZUIvzTqjs-gS96DvsR-p0i2lA6mPEU0EG6QQ1YI/s320/istanbul+grand+bazaar+10.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<i>Oh the people!!</i></div>
The sensory overload is intoxicating. Not only is the architecture interesting but you can find everything you can imagine within the building and surrounding narrow streets.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQ4sUG64TVWcjKNtiMtlSK9aX-32kJPB91lNw7ydWsIGW5EOmt-5XQUYAzInvIlmhbz3wdfcwS64uA0AVtJihDyogTfbxbfWMm5GVuJL3zy8BQCcq8x3RO0SZV3k5INZbtYHo-hTzNbM/s1600/istanbul+grand+bazaar+lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQ4sUG64TVWcjKNtiMtlSK9aX-32kJPB91lNw7ydWsIGW5EOmt-5XQUYAzInvIlmhbz3wdfcwS64uA0AVtJihDyogTfbxbfWMm5GVuJL3zy8BQCcq8x3RO0SZV3k5INZbtYHo-hTzNbM/s320/istanbul+grand+bazaar+lights.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<i>Lights galore!</i></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Including things I've never imagined! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdq996XPpwZw1e5lPlVeLOuzblKJjm05jkMKgZGYxeEdkLecGbp1csfpUp58-Gg24ccsWDKNO2uIft_YN1wCwX8Vg0bI8Lo2W9Xl5VD2Uypwk-mx6SZe6KUXCKhjHWpHLHK7Hc4exH4Q/s1600/istanbul+grand+bazaar+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdq996XPpwZw1e5lPlVeLOuzblKJjm05jkMKgZGYxeEdkLecGbp1csfpUp58-Gg24ccsWDKNO2uIft_YN1wCwX8Vg0bI8Lo2W9Xl5VD2Uypwk-mx6SZe6KUXCKhjHWpHLHK7Hc4exH4Q/s320/istanbul+grand+bazaar+8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Seeing Eye" icons of Turkey</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1wSkdNvXNkpnG7qe8_r-huDPkT3fzVDuMX8xCOF2Se-HF715BmwDae2uGXpN87HODrNeHll0OfpuohdV208QODv8nekUPHgYCjyjO7a-b83HTaH4G1HoDaHTi6xmdYQiXkOVQTPfEJk/s1600/istanbul+ceramics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1wSkdNvXNkpnG7qe8_r-huDPkT3fzVDuMX8xCOF2Se-HF715BmwDae2uGXpN87HODrNeHll0OfpuohdV208QODv8nekUPHgYCjyjO7a-b83HTaH4G1HoDaHTi6xmdYQiXkOVQTPfEJk/s320/istanbul+ceramics.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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Ceramics next to spices and silk scarves!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbcVGEFt9ZoZ6gij2EhKeBycpqwgGbrP2ZMaF-CqXle15WL_Y7k-rvkIPQpXTnmR6kMZJc0JP7Ux70gpq4fgWAJRTV9kaYwTUsLq1_wb1g8N802dm3zRHPxuQDuYeO3qva-wV3cRC9CQ/s1600/istanbul+grand+bazaar+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbcVGEFt9ZoZ6gij2EhKeBycpqwgGbrP2ZMaF-CqXle15WL_Y7k-rvkIPQpXTnmR6kMZJc0JP7Ux70gpq4fgWAJRTV9kaYwTUsLq1_wb1g8N802dm3zRHPxuQDuYeO3qva-wV3cRC9CQ/s320/istanbul+grand+bazaar+7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Istanbul Spice Bazaar</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4VNiqtKOIyqma44q-e7RRZojlkksSMTjVqmfs9Be0KUQupUzp0QQleDUhyphenhyphendVCgdgnC_Y13utij679ZZ3fCT-MZkYpz5lV4kul2ZJgTc33Q6YSV8igHc_pnSLILla9U0PHlgkWY6hNfg/s1600/istanbul+grand+bazaar+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4VNiqtKOIyqma44q-e7RRZojlkksSMTjVqmfs9Be0KUQupUzp0QQleDUhyphenhyphendVCgdgnC_Y13utij679ZZ3fCT-MZkYpz5lV4kul2ZJgTc33Q6YSV8igHc_pnSLILla9U0PHlgkWY6hNfg/s320/istanbul+grand+bazaar+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">A short walk away is the Spice Bazaar. I'll talk more about that magical place in my next post.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">When walking from the Grand Bazaar only moments ago I came across this Maple Leaf...a reminder of home.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOw0B5TzZ-9_H6k0dbDmHJJhoaDKAoEkwQ_28_IGPTIIuEqQaJ5cEuGShvCM0Sv50-wJc-n3x1vcnWXKsfbJ8LTC8uMTG6zlVANQaErVZs_5r-FyiSKQOnMmkPkNG5GXHOxvakgmBrQY/s1600/maple+leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOw0B5TzZ-9_H6k0dbDmHJJhoaDKAoEkwQ_28_IGPTIIuEqQaJ5cEuGShvCM0Sv50-wJc-n3x1vcnWXKsfbJ8LTC8uMTG6zlVANQaErVZs_5r-FyiSKQOnMmkPkNG5GXHOxvakgmBrQY/s320/maple+leaf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Today is my last day in Istanbul. I begin my journey home tomorrow flying via Copenhagen then on to Canada. I look forward to sharing many more stories in coming days of my incredible journey that has taken me far. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Thank you so much for joining me on my Artistic Journey!</span></div>
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-49082759890071967792013-09-29T12:56:00.001-05:002013-09-29T12:56:58.609-05:00Istanbul ~ Wow!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I arrived yesterday afternoon to Istanbul, Turkey. Wow was my first impression!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7OMtYV00nyotdfO1icOeX9TSjZ7dW2eaAiUl0AGsSeXaA-drTcUGkrGo-d_KbUUd5O3vPd5M9VdsbtCHFBZMWcxl0gW_N_eZ-7gfzclSrvYQe2h8DgCtBslD8svE1hzPS5lLKlWp8fo/s1600/istanbul+view+from+blue+mosque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7OMtYV00nyotdfO1icOeX9TSjZ7dW2eaAiUl0AGsSeXaA-drTcUGkrGo-d_KbUUd5O3vPd5M9VdsbtCHFBZMWcxl0gW_N_eZ-7gfzclSrvYQe2h8DgCtBslD8svE1hzPS5lLKlWp8fo/s320/istanbul+view+from+blue+mosque.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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View from Hagia Sophia museum</div>
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Why here you ask? It has been on my "bucket list" for years now. Any pictures I've seen of this city have captured my imagination and I knew one day I would have to explore this part of the world. The beautiful mosques, ancient history and varied culture has interested me for some time and I am so glad I have found my way here.<br />
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Today I visited Hagia Sophia, a former Greek Orthodox Church, later an Imperial Mosque and now a museum. From 1204 to 1261 it was also a Roman Catholic Cathedral under the Latin Empire.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0W2YG4w-vFwdkWbFk6HOnWTCPkToNiauzpCadD5NfFA9HfbKYPl367LmX5dXTQXWzGT9q5MiOumobrH4bzIGHrWYjoGeAIFGI1IyOAO484ecWEym6cq3XTOrBfLT_r41xTq2apxiIgY/s1600/istanbul+hagia+sophia+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0W2YG4w-vFwdkWbFk6HOnWTCPkToNiauzpCadD5NfFA9HfbKYPl367LmX5dXTQXWzGT9q5MiOumobrH4bzIGHrWYjoGeAIFGI1IyOAO484ecWEym6cq3XTOrBfLT_r41xTq2apxiIgY/s320/istanbul+hagia+sophia+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ExX8cTFgfKD68qf3mZudYP8MImIbRqohABFmJcty0U-cdctAwSCD2l23fxNM4O3i_n52SaWIgsZ8yvvBRHUXW2QJFWNqpiRd0y1qH7XZbbSn_2uL1GEzUKOASiZk_B1alk68kfQP5eU/s1600/istanbul+Hagia+Sophia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ExX8cTFgfKD68qf3mZudYP8MImIbRqohABFmJcty0U-cdctAwSCD2l23fxNM4O3i_n52SaWIgsZ8yvvBRHUXW2QJFWNqpiRd0y1qH7XZbbSn_2uL1GEzUKOASiZk_B1alk68kfQP5eU/s320/istanbul+Hagia+Sophia.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hagia Sophia, Istanbul</div>
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The interior was impressive with vaulted ceilings and bejewelled mosaics now restored to their former beauty but what captivated me the most were the marble floors. Ancient doorways worn from many feet treading on them for centuries. Incredible!</div>
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Worn entry to Hagia Sophia</div>
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Marble slab floor</div>
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My tour guide pointed out the floor. The marble slabs were sliced and perfectly matched from the same piece. Amazing to think this was built before modern equipment and is still being enjoyed today.</div>
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I can't help but wonder about the many thousands of people who have passed by these doors. What was their story? Did they travel far like I have or live just around the corner?</div>
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People from all walks of life have come to see this beautiful space and now too, a Canadian named Connie. </div>
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-40900971102474483092013-09-26T04:41:00.000-05:002013-09-29T16:21:47.704-05:00Time Passages ~ Poem<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I know I only posted yesterday but now that I have fairly reliable wifi here in Prague (and a few rain drops outside) I thought I'd try to catch up with stories, poems and paintings. The following poem I wrote on the Greek island of Chios when I was travelling with the artist group. </div>
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<b>Time Passages</b></div>
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Close your eyes, what do you see?</div>
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Potted plants and olive trees</div>
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Winding ancient narrow streets </div>
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leading where we do not know</div>
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Women in black move slowly, slowly</div>
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Time stands still yet pushes on</div>
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<i>Early morning Chania, Crete</i></div>
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Open your mind, what can we learn?</div>
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To understand all that was a<span style="font-size: 12pt;">nd could be</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">War torn walls of stone still stand</span></div>
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Stairs connect and lead us onward</div>
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Buried truths of long ago</div>
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Treasures now beyond the glass</div>
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<i>Pottery artifacts from the Greek island of K<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; text-align: left;">oufonisi</span></i></div>
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Open your heart and feel this place</div>
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The light so pure, serene surrounds us</div>
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Ancient lands locked in the past</div>
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Line distant misty blue horizon</div>
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No victories could e'er be won</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">When battled with body and not the mind</span><br />
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<i>Distant shores of Turkey</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Open your spirit then you will know</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">These ancient doors and windows are pathways</span></div>
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To move beyond, to learn and grow</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Let not past troubles bind you there </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Live in measure of this moment only</span></div>
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~ The choice is only up to you ~<br />
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<i>Ruins at Itonos, Crete</i></div>
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-62986550964243114502013-09-25T16:13:00.000-05:002013-11-02T21:15:48.213-05:00Lydia Story Continues...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I mentioned in a previous post that I became friends with two Greek women named Lydia and Stella. I did return a third time to paint the ruin stairs near to their home and I also wanted to say goodbye to my new friends.<br />
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I set up my paints, sat down and began. The street was very quiet and I thought they may be resting but about 10 minutes later Stella came out and offered me a cold drink. When she returned she also carried a small wrapped gift. How thoughtful! I am now the proud owner of a mug with the map of Chios and a tasty treat made from the Mastica tree which only grows there on the island. She then asked if I wanted to see Lydia. Yes!<br />
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She went to her home across the narrow street and out Lydia came with a big smile.<br />
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As soon as she saw me she motioned for me to come into her home so I left my paints and followed her in.<br />
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Her house was small and very clean. She seated me at the table and went into her kitchen to get refreshments.<br />
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As she was busy there I looked around the room. </div>
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On the wall above the sofa hung a huge tapestry of an elk and countryside. The dining chairs had embroidered tapestry seats which were covered in plastic....and then I saw it. On top of a beautiful wooden cabinet she had 3 framed pictures. One of her when she was young, one of her mother and also of a young couple who I think were Stella's children. In front of that picture was the one of us together. How nice!<br />
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When she returned she sat down and I said to her how nice it was that she had the photo of the two of us on the mantle. She smiled and put her hand to her heart. She was so kind. I then asked about the other photos and she pointed to the small one of her mama and the other was of her in her younger days. Beautiful!<br />
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She then quickly got up and went into the other room soon returning with a stack of fabric.<br />
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One by one she unfolded each piece. The first three were two small squares with a matching table runner cross stitched with burgundy and rose coloured flowers. Beautiful! The next a large white square of intricately crocheted thread. Such detail! I know the hours that went into making these as I remember watching my grandmother when I was a child.<br />
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The last piece was a delicate fabric so shear I could see right through it. Around the edge and throughout the centre were small embroidered cream coloured flowers. It was stunning. She told me her mama made it when she was a young woman. Knowing Lydia is now 93 meant this was over 100 years old. Incredible!<br />
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She then carefully folded and placed each one into a paper bag, sealed the top with tape and gave it all to me. I was stunned! Oh, no I said. These were her family treasures! I thanked her placing my hand on my heart but she insisted. Pulling the parcel to her chest looking directly at me she shook her head no, then placed it in front of me she nodded sternly. It was clear that I was now the proud keeper of her family heirlooms.<br />
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We both shed a few tears as we hugged. I knew we connected but to have her give me such treasures...I was speechless.<br />
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She then called for Stella to return so we could have a visit together but way too soon it was time to say good bye. I took this picture just before I left.<br />
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Stella and Lydia</div>
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During this entire conversation the only English word spoken was mama. Stella and Lydia knew no English and I nothing in Greek. It's amazing to me how we can make ourselves known.<br />
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Walking back to the hotel I was thinking, what if I hadn't returned? They were both ready to see me again to give me such special gifts.<br />
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It was meant to be.<br />
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This is what life is all about. Not only to be open to the moment, but to search for it. Your life will be enriched beyond anything you could imagine. I will always hold memories of Stella and Lydia close to my heart.</div>
Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-39704992399342599872013-09-10T01:57:00.002-05:002013-09-10T01:57:37.023-05:00Greece and People, a great combination!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Everywhere I look I see something more beautiful and interesting than the last. Not only the scenery but the people of Greece are beautiful and interesting too! I have enjoyed so many conversations with the local people. They are curious, generous and very kind. A great combination.<br />
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Here are a few pictures for you to see this special part of Greece through my eyes.....<br />
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Ancient Window</div>
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Aegean Shores</div>
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Mary and her brothers</div>
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I met Mary and her brothers in a remote hilltop village on the island of Lesbos. Right away she started talking to me in English. She wanted to practice I think. More about her and her family in my next post.</div>
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Now off to view the museum here on Chios. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">This painting/exploring life of mine is quite the adventure!! </span></div>
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-8158365316888350662013-09-08T16:19:00.000-05:002013-10-29T10:37:49.288-05:00Lydia ~ New Friends ~ Chios, Greece<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">Today was our first full day on the Greek island of Chios. We
walked en masse from our hotel to the old town. After exploring together we separated
until lunch to find something to sketch. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNhxMplxUurlZnBqb6x-ED0BzDSuCOS938xBNtAB5aJ84qrfnV_a9oooYFQhsBAPhA1gQqadAv_spqLItcKkxy2h7kUn_V6N2drQiB2rcun6DePp0yhi43qwRiMCNqxu7XAU9pHiLvgk/s1600/Chios+stairs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNhxMplxUurlZnBqb6x-ED0BzDSuCOS938xBNtAB5aJ84qrfnV_a9oooYFQhsBAPhA1gQqadAv_spqLItcKkxy2h7kUn_V6N2drQiB2rcun6DePp0yhi43qwRiMCNqxu7XAU9pHiLvgk/s320/Chios+stairs.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">Chios Stairs</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">I was floating through the narrow streets enjoying the light, sights and sounds that surrounded me. I found the perfect
location. A quiet area protected with a little shade and a small step to sit on
while I sketched a ruin staircase that was a wonder to behold.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">After working for about 30 minutes, an old Greek woman came
out of her home next door and visited a lady across the street. We smiled acknowledging each other. I
liked her immediately. Her sparkling eyes and smile could light up the
world. I found out her name was Lydia.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">Lydia</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">Her friend Stella came
out to see what I was sketching then she offered me a cold drink. Yes!</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #444444; font-family: Arial;"> Lydia then left for a few minutes returning with a pastry box filled with chocolate dipped
cookies and insisted I take a couple. They were so very kind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoaS-XyVuGATqOQt1tlJgmwAGdsvWj3AEoTGXteu3aAdeGrHhA3khbac_ERGdBRfTGpy_fBxDulKxkZqlqlJkMkGS_DiNqFY1s_u7STQcjs5HsWe-1PpMDNMSu89tocFDcMzuaiSaVA8/s1600/Chios+Lydia+and+me.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoaS-XyVuGATqOQt1tlJgmwAGdsvWj3AEoTGXteu3aAdeGrHhA3khbac_ERGdBRfTGpy_fBxDulKxkZqlqlJkMkGS_DiNqFY1s_u7STQcjs5HsWe-1PpMDNMSu89tocFDcMzuaiSaVA8/s320/Chios+Lydia+and+me.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Me with my new friend Lydia</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">Lydia is 93 years young.
Wonderful! We really connected...it was magical.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">They left me to my drawing and then both returned a bit later. It was time for me to meet the group so I began to pack up. We hugged and I left.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">When I returned to the hotel, I printed out her pictures and wrote a
card to Lydia in English and had my guide translate it in Greek for me. I then
walked back to give it to her. It was 8:30 and dark by the time I got there and
was wondering if she would still be awake. I turned up the narrow street and
found Lydia, Stella and her husband and another friend sitting outside visiting
in the warm night air. I walked over to Lydia and gave her the card. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">She didn’t recognize me at first then her eyes flew open wide
and she gave me a big hug. When she opened the card and saw the pictures, she
had tears in her eyes. She told me she would put them in her album and was so
happy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">They invited me to join them for a visit so w</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">e sat outside for an hour laughing and smiling, really
enjoying getting to know each other. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">I am hoping to have time for another visit before our group leaves for Athens. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial;"><i>read here to see what happened on our next visit... </i></span><a href="http://conniecuthbertson.blogspot.ca/2013/09/lydia-story-continues.html">http://conniecuthbertson.blogspot.ca/2013/09/lydia-story-continues.html</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">We hugged and kissed like grandmother and granddaughter. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">I feel as though I have returned home here to Greece yet again…. </span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-40589476585742081632013-09-05T14:56:00.000-05:002013-09-05T14:56:21.304-05:00Lesvos, Greece Adventure<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWguWADxiprjdiGUL-kZvwTLV9fgIy1edEFf3YUP6xhzIWYy5v7uDcmYeSayFVjqmArPyvrm2Syi9Cx5ggbtAWi37Qa_2qqACA4tFCapPKRz2KkT4uX06qciFdtKntgEIw63wDig9jAk/s1600/lesvos+hillside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWguWADxiprjdiGUL-kZvwTLV9fgIy1edEFf3YUP6xhzIWYy5v7uDcmYeSayFVjqmArPyvrm2Syi9Cx5ggbtAWi37Qa_2qqACA4tFCapPKRz2KkT4uX06qciFdtKntgEIw63wDig9jAk/s320/lesvos+hillside.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here I am in sunny Greece on the beautiful island of Lesvos. The scenery is very inspiring and the people are so friendly. Each day we are transported back in time to various ancient villages to explore and paint. I do love to combine history with art and it's a bonus to be making this journey with a bunch of like minded artsy people...and they're lots of fun too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRokbYA80kvnAF_6lkOv4rTjOYp6dZvftCUynPSQ0uf6r-abr9kf0_BKBJkdSQBkzNUaprTDIqcEseqUY1xLuUYUQQjxUHAcfbwm4zg6rK8pRsBW01goHI6cGe7CUr7sEOs3K4ug5MSw/s1600/lesvos+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRokbYA80kvnAF_6lkOv4rTjOYp6dZvftCUynPSQ0uf6r-abr9kf0_BKBJkdSQBkzNUaprTDIqcEseqUY1xLuUYUQQjxUHAcfbwm4zg6rK8pRsBW01goHI6cGe7CUr7sEOs3K4ug5MSw/s320/lesvos+view.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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Ancient window with a view</div>
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Around every corner there are stone walls and stairs just begging to be explored. To see these old buildings and know many have been here for centuries is a wonder to behold....and they're still being used today! I love how they take pride preserving their culture and celebrate their history. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcBZYMrm3LU2RcNyV2Z1n3wv-6ScJaF9bUIQIMlaD00MJw-LndD8v_dHPsjWGMFHYPL329A5m2Kmgwytvf6PHuE2NK-cn64ImdP1X0Jfrp239lTw5HrzTHvVxSDY0_hdy2Ldqu5yQfn8/s1600/lesvos+sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcBZYMrm3LU2RcNyV2Z1n3wv-6ScJaF9bUIQIMlaD00MJw-LndD8v_dHPsjWGMFHYPL329A5m2Kmgwytvf6PHuE2NK-cn64ImdP1X0Jfrp239lTw5HrzTHvVxSDY0_hdy2Ldqu5yQfn8/s320/lesvos+sunset.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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First sunset ~ Lesvos, Greece</div>
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It's truly a gift to be here to experience this great adventure. I'm enjoying every single second I've been given and enjoy making the most of my time here. It's the only way to go through this life!!!</div>
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-19209781941166224052013-08-27T09:27:00.001-05:002013-08-31T07:00:14.134-05:00Heli Painting in the Bugaboos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Have you ever been somewhere or seen something and later wondered was it real? Did I actually see and experience this or am I just dreaming?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxMYMMuf299Q36hSKU5x9_qZLITafDK4Jcno2AaISt1ZTqi1EwD7CYqkMcMmk2b02koQuwcySvA8jtWv-NfF69SmDtj3y9MonGqPwFUng51JrO4D8k7wCs3PYSqCTgNCMkxcuqTakOY0/s1600/Bugaboo+Mountain+heli.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxMYMMuf299Q36hSKU5x9_qZLITafDK4Jcno2AaISt1ZTqi1EwD7CYqkMcMmk2b02koQuwcySvA8jtWv-NfF69SmDtj3y9MonGqPwFUng51JrO4D8k7wCs3PYSqCTgNCMkxcuqTakOY0/s320/Bugaboo+Mountain+heli.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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That is exactly how I feel after returning from my helicopter painting adventure in the Bugaboo Mountains in British Columbia. Each day we were dropped off on different mountaintops to create works of art and to be inspired.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iJmtTUndSjKKwmps7szzxeDbAu0y20pLMjKGHieynR6a-Pu0KI-kwzOlIVchcNK31vLnWgvhq_AW37IaMzYR-2HoNwcCeLKuqAcz2d5oI4FepZRQ68B64Bf2oQsA9xTyVMPh3LYTCJ4/s1600/Bugaboo+Mountains+painting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iJmtTUndSjKKwmps7szzxeDbAu0y20pLMjKGHieynR6a-Pu0KI-kwzOlIVchcNK31vLnWgvhq_AW37IaMzYR-2HoNwcCeLKuqAcz2d5oI4FepZRQ68B64Bf2oQsA9xTyVMPh3LYTCJ4/s320/Bugaboo+Mountains+painting.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Here I am painting on top of the world!</span></div>
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What an incredible experience this has been. Not only was the setting perfect but we had the good privilege of having three extremely talented artists guide us in our work. Robert Genn, his daughter Sara Genn and Liz Wiltzen offered their expertise. Thank you!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzd2692FTwALKYgcG3bCbDLBIPZAUFamPdNwDf18418FeQZLJa1bxEe98ZWzX07FYu5hhXp5Io-rvatPGJO0KSMYbzcGwNpWeUdPq4Yhqtm41de1Pr4E_2r_L97_kufuLyXMB-LWHAO8E/s1600/Bugaboo+Mountains+Robert+Genn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzd2692FTwALKYgcG3bCbDLBIPZAUFamPdNwDf18418FeQZLJa1bxEe98ZWzX07FYu5hhXp5Io-rvatPGJO0KSMYbzcGwNpWeUdPq4Yhqtm41de1Pr4E_2r_L97_kufuLyXMB-LWHAO8E/s320/Bugaboo+Mountains+Robert+Genn.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Robert Genn painting demo</div>
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Robert is a modern day master and to watch him paint was truly a gift. His approach is strong and purposeful and his brushstrokes poetic.<br />
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When I close my eyes now I see mountains, glaciers and turquoise lakes but more vivid still in my memory is the feeling I had when there. Total and complete inner peace. A peace so pure and lasting I know it will be with me always.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOdtG1S_zpVpM5kd7z8P8HwtlCpPWqCWM7_FMN5trdTXHGh2gwNRTwu_ceBr4xhe5mCQKpRJqGBdEsyULXLBI31DAtB7JvLnQ4lVQq3osPBzWjOjRwt4cFiWOq7dJjxrI30cn29uHQ8A/s1600/Bugaboo+Mountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOdtG1S_zpVpM5kd7z8P8HwtlCpPWqCWM7_FMN5trdTXHGh2gwNRTwu_ceBr4xhe5mCQKpRJqGBdEsyULXLBI31DAtB7JvLnQ4lVQq3osPBzWjOjRwt4cFiWOq7dJjxrI30cn29uHQ8A/s320/Bugaboo+Mountains.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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This feeling is what I want to convey in my work as I paint my way along.....<br />
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-55943212095727944252013-08-22T10:57:00.000-05:002013-08-22T10:57:38.439-05:00On the mountaintop!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My wonderful artistic journey continues.......<br />
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I arrived yesterday to the beauty and splendour that is Banff, Alberta.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMubHDAVIaOSqRnxhyOtI3aUnPWVbLM_A7fx615976WYS_GvdD0o5RN-LE-LAqyMpTaWAun35KnFfT9nblE-NPMe9qUAgwQy0BtjNCN6Lp55_xBh80i_JinbVHumWHNBHnDlz-R7RErw/s1600/DSC_3206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMubHDAVIaOSqRnxhyOtI3aUnPWVbLM_A7fx615976WYS_GvdD0o5RN-LE-LAqyMpTaWAun35KnFfT9nblE-NPMe9qUAgwQy0BtjNCN6Lp55_xBh80i_JinbVHumWHNBHnDlz-R7RErw/s400/DSC_3206.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Evening Light</div>
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This is the view from my hotel. Wonderful!! Banff is a beautiful town but very busy too. I am looking forward to the quiet I will experience out there on the remote mountaintops. Each day our group will fly via helicopter to different locations...a great way to get there. I do love to hike but know to get to these places would take me a lifetime on foot. But then again, it has taken me a lifetime to get here now...</div>
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I am connecting with a painting group later today to get acquainted then we are off to the Bugaboo Mountains by helicopter early in the morning. Our group is headed up by renowned Canadian artist Robert Genn. He is a great painter and I look forward to getting to know him and the others.</div>
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I will post my sketches and photos soon. Now to go out and explore along the Bow River...with my sketchbook and paints!</div>
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-17065872652457923762013-07-08T18:38:00.000-05:002013-07-08T18:51:53.861-05:00To Dream ~ Painting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpn-3iuoYP4zx2xtPm6MPnUFaVjg0immweQVKzapJVXpcsSPbHPfOAw1gES4dJBSWs-edMpnvKwTwDYjCj_CrYHSCPfSJe3Nf-UYotyw6e-KwY9h-Wm8wDwG-9XzdaDbOg5EtoRyos6U/s1600/To+Dream.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpn-3iuoYP4zx2xtPm6MPnUFaVjg0immweQVKzapJVXpcsSPbHPfOAw1gES4dJBSWs-edMpnvKwTwDYjCj_CrYHSCPfSJe3Nf-UYotyw6e-KwY9h-Wm8wDwG-9XzdaDbOg5EtoRyos6U/s400/To+Dream.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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"To Dream" </div>
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acrylic on canvas 24" x 36"</div>
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This painting was inspired by the poem that I posted earlier today. This was the first time that I've written and then painted an image to go along with the writing. I really enjoyed the process and know I will be creating more work this way. I found it to be very challenging and rewarding too!</div>
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I've been working on this piece now for almost a month and loving every minute!</div>
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Now to get on with the next. I love this painting and writing life!!</div>
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Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148992493695934696.post-18671339344822442192013-07-08T09:02:00.000-05:002013-07-16T15:42:44.272-05:00To Dream ~ Poem<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9YDL_gv2HYYRGL63Av1mI9FyD5haIIAVSXt7OG8kE91TpHTzZp0zYEW3i6bi6KzToxGX5gjVAqQ2uHp-W-pllFocEtF3q6DTUJGE8J-Aog7_FRRmmwUkH_OHw7Q28IGRW4HuwERYfHI/s1600/magnolia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9YDL_gv2HYYRGL63Av1mI9FyD5haIIAVSXt7OG8kE91TpHTzZp0zYEW3i6bi6KzToxGX5gjVAqQ2uHp-W-pllFocEtF3q6DTUJGE8J-Aog7_FRRmmwUkH_OHw7Q28IGRW4HuwERYfHI/s320/magnolia.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>I go searching for peace <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>at waters edge<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>like a moth to a flame<o:p></o:p></i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>she draws me in</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">and I listen here</span></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black;">the ocean breeze moves through me</span></span></i></b><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>the waves pool around me as</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>I enter this rhythmic dance</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">here I am caught, </span>mesmerized</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
and I wonder here</span></i></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: center; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Within the waves my mind is freed<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Sunlight shimmers its dazzling light<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Receding tide carries me with her</span></i></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>to far off places of the mind<o:p></o:p></i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black;">and I enter here</span></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>I raise a handful of this liquid light<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: center; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>it glistens now<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: center; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>through my fingers <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: center; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>memories trickle down</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I imagine here</span></i></b><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I wonder, will this water </i></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>that now falls from my fingertips<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>make its way to far off shores</i></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: center; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>where only my mind can travel</i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: center; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>My eyes lifted now<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: center; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>to the horizon of thought<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: center; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>this endless ever changing place<o:p></o:p></i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: center; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Where fantasies and memories flow<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>where times of past and days to come<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: center; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>keep tempo with the day at hand<o:p></o:p></i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">and I explore me here</span></span></i></b></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>I visit often </i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in this quiet place of mind</span></i></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">to contemplate, </span>to meditate</span></i></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">breathe deeply, and </span>to dream</span></i></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span> and I understand me here</span></i></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: center; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>When I look deep into the ocean<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>as I go searching <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: center; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>for peace<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: center; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>at waters edge<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I discover me here</span></i></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></span>For the past few months I have had this poem floating around in my mind and now that it is written I am working on a painting that reflects the words. Usually I do this in reverse. Paint first, then write so this is new to me and I am enjoying the challenge. The painting is almost complete and I will post it soon.<br />
<br />
I love the fact that this creative energy for writing comes from the same place as it does for painting. I am always amazed how there is a never ending pool to draw from.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is so much to learn about my art, about the world and also about myself. <span style="text-align: center;">This Artistic Journey of mine is a wonderful adventure!</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Connie Cuthbertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06315373616627516745noreply@blogger.com2