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According to Greek mythology, the iris is named after the ancient Greek goddess of the rainbow. Iris who was believed to be a messenger of the gods, and to bridge the gap between earth and heaven. -”Florgeous.com”

The iris can represent faith, hope, courage, wisdom and admiration.

Hibiscus flowers are used to symbolize the perfect women or wife. In Victorian times, giving some one a hibiscus flower usually meant that the giver was acknowledging the delicate beauty of the recipient-”Florgeous.com”

I was recently approached with a small request to design an ink rendering of a decorative floral bouquet that will be transformed into a symbolic body tattoo. I was instructed that the design must contain poppies with a slight brush of color.

I was excited for It has been awhile since I had been inspired to create magic on paper. As I gathered my art supplies, I began digging deep into my imagination to envision the design.

The first layer will be kissed with a splash of color.

1 :: I lightly coated the watercolor paper with a thin layer of water. Next I lightly squeezed the dropper of Acrylic Artist Ink and released the color onto the wet surface. With a paper towel and a dry brush , I dabbed at the ink to give it an abstract appearance.

2 :: When the ink was dried I began to build the floral design with a rose.

Very displeased with the design! Not at all what I envisioned! Tearing the sheet free form the pad, I tore it into pieces and began again.

3 :: The poppy is the foundation to build the rest of the design around.

4 :: I begin to finalize the drawing by adding fine details such as leaves and stems. To have the poppies and daisy stand out, I add a brush of color.

Holz-Brucke Wooden Bridge

A 239 foot, 230 ton covered bridge made completely of wood which spans the Cass River in Frankenmuth Michigan, was completed in 1980.

150 passenger authentic Stern Driven Paddlewheel riverboat , the “Bavarian Belle”

Did you you know that in the beginning of the 1820s, the British Royal Navy began building paddle-driven steam frigates and steam sloops. by 1850 these had become obsolete due to the development of the propeller-which was more efficient and less vulnerable to cannon fire.

At the start of the First World War the Royal Navy requisitioned a number of pleasure paddle steamers for use as auxiliary minesweepers.

In the Second World War, pleasure paddle steamers were again requisitioned; an added advantage was that their wooden hulls did not activate the mew magnetic mines. A number of paddle steamers were used as emergency troop transports during the Dunkirk Evacuation in 1940, where they were able to get close inshore to embark directly from the beach-saved an estimated 7,000 men over the nine days of the evacuation.

documentation take-”Wikipedia”

I have always been a fan at watching people interact within their environment that could either be at a restaurant, inside a department stores, or outdoor fairs and events. I have a habit of questioning what they are thinking? Why did they make these choices?

My story takes place at the Allegan Antique Market in Michigan that is held on the fair grounds on every last Sunday of each month starting in April until September. What captivates my attention at this event is the story about the incredible diversity of life that is played out., and my passion for obtaining a beautiful piece of history to add to my already expanding collections of antiques.

The world of antiques is not for everyone but take a moment to Imagine yourself exploring the indoor and outdoor structures that displays tables full objects, or the ground covered in large scale objects made out of wood or metal in the hopes that you will discover a treasure that you can not live without.

As I make my way through the market with my mirrorless camera in hand, I take a moment to watch the people milling about in a slow pace. Their expressions suggest a feeling of awe, contemplation, or any number of emotions that captivates my imagination. Now I begin to think on a different level as to how I can record the emotion and the power of a complete image.

Through the years my technique, subject matter, and my equipment have evolved. Now I am at the cross roads of either applying deeper richer color with a heavy contrast or should it be a true black and white to convey a different sense of scale to the image. During my research I came to the conclusion that some images needs that pop of color to make it powerful shot but created in a rich black and white it develops into a different feel.

I reside in a moderate hilly residential area that has a paved walking trail that encourages individuals to a vigorous physical workout. Once or twice a week in early spring through late fall when the temperatures are warmer I conquer the path with headphones and my Hoka One high top tennis shoes.

In September of last year, I noticed that my next door neighbor enjoys taking a daily hike so I introduced myself, and inquired if she would enjoy having a walking companion. Her name is Teresa and she is a powerful force in her 70’s with a lifetime of expertise, skills, and experience in speed walking. We hit the payment at 7:30 A.M.- four to five times a week or only on the days that allows me to.

The climate change has effected the Great Lakes with the snow totals that are down due the impact of warmer temperatures that hamper lake-effect snow.

Crisp winter weather has never appealed to me for walking outdoors but with the rising of minimum temperatures, and the healthy results of increased heart and lung fitness has influenced my mind.

So I created a list of winter gear that consists of a hat, ear muffs, thermal underwear, leg warmers and hiking shoes.

When I met up with Teresa at 7:30 A.M. I was proudly wearing my new shoes, and draped in winter clothing. During our hike, I found myself clutching my fist and grinding my jaw against the pain in both heals. I was too prideful to convey my injuries to Teresa so I kept up with the vigorous and repetitive movement of hike that caused even more friction and irritation to both heals. When I arrived home and removed my new boots it revealed that I have developed large blisters that made it difficult to remove my damp socks.