Interested in purchasing art work? Please leave a comment with your email address. I'll contact you. Illustration work is available at ASA "Style File."

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Last Laugh for 2010 : Special Thanks for All Visitors and Friends

Hi, Friends~! Thank you for visiting my blog in 2010.
When I started up a blog this February, I was so worried that I could handle it. But with many people's help and cheers, I've come to today.
I do not call you a follower. My favorite say goes...

“Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” ---Albert Camus


My rule of thumb was/is "I respect my visitor fully." So, I chose a letter style to write comments. I've visited all Friends' blogs(*some people do not have blogs). I've replied for any visitor as a precious guest, certainly and courteously with all my heart.

Backstage story. It took several years to make a decision to run a blog since my linguistics professor had encouraged me. I even did not know a word, "blog" until Professor mentioned. What was worse, I was hopeless for a computer. With the caring Professor and other established artists' help, I made a start. Of course,
I sat up till 2 or 3 o'clock in the middle of night and cursed at an "innocent" computer!
But above all, many visitors, Friends, "your" comments lifted me up in my ups and downs. Oh, too good to describe what I felt in language. Yes, beyond language. Friends, you've backed up me.

Now, here, "The Last Laugh!" for you at the end of 2010.
I came across this at a Christmas service long, long time ago. Ever since, I hang it at a kitchen. Have fun and cheer you up!

23 Things to Always Remeber and One Thing Never to Forget

1) Your presence is a present to the world.
2) You are unique and one of a kind.
3) Your life can be what you want it to be.
4) Take the days just once at a time.
5) Count your blessings, not your troubles.
6) You'll make it through whatever comes along.
7) Within you are so many answers.
8) Understand, have courage, be strong.
9) Don't put limits on yourself.
10) So many dreams are waiting to be realized.
11) Decisions are too important to leave to chance.
12) Reach for your peak, your goal and your prize.
13) Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.
14) The longer one carries a problem, the heavier it gets.
15) Don't take things too seriously.
16) Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.
17) Remeber that a little love goes a long way.
18) Remember that a lot love goes forever.
19) Remeber that friendship is a wise investment.
20) Life's treasures are people...together!
21) Realize that it's never too late.
22) Do ordinary things in extraordinary ways.
23) Have health, hope and happiness.

And don't EVER forget, for even a day,
How very special you are!!
Special Thanks for All Visitors and Friends!



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Sunday, December 19, 2010

"Special" Christmas Table Manner to Be Happy...

My motto, "Life is short. Take dessert first," becomes the detailed table manner for a Christmas season. Developed in a way more sophisticated and highly elaborated. Already used among fat cats and proved the powerful effectiveness of this practical table strategy. Thus, highly recommendable for a public use.
(*WARNING: The side effect of this table manner is "Feel earth gravity more and later.")

Anyway, wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!




1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare... You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.



8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate and wine in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!" Have a great holiday season!!

Friends, have a biiiiig fat dinner and enjoy parties!













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Saturday, December 11, 2010

Live Dream or Regret ? --- Art Exhibition for People with Disabilities & Xmas Cards

Life is constantly testing us for our level of commitment,

and life's greatest rewards are reserved for those
who demonstrate a never-ending commitment to life.
As simplistic as this may seems,
it is the common denominator separating those
who live their dreams from those
who live in regret.
---Anthony Robbins
Becoming a professional artist and being a professional is not easy. It incessantly tests my trust in myself and commitment like the say as above. Also, even though I've loved painting and drawing since childhood, probably, if I did not get a disability in the leg, I would not be a professional artist.

At a monthly meeting at KuRingGai Art Society, guest speakers and established artists tell interesting backstage stories and demonstrate wonderful skills. The common factor is their great passion and commitment with art. None of them has ever talked of talents. In my view, a "talent" is an easy excuse to give up pursuing a dream at a very early stage of learning. A member gave me the info of an interesting exhibition.

I popped up
Art Exhibition for People with Disabilities at Boonah Creative Arts Centre within Phillip Mall in West Pymble. Open from this Sat to next Wed.
Mon13th,
Tues14th 10-3pm Wed.15th 10-1pm
The Art Centre offers the programs for people with varied difficulties. Twice a year, they have exhibitions to show students' hard work for fundraising at the same time.

A space was a bit tight, but in all, 48 paintings were proudly on walls! As well as others, many people with disabilities came to the opening--down syndrome, intellectual disabilities and so on. A crowd even poured to an outside. I saw people with disabilities' faces shining up in a heavenly joy. They looked so proud of their achievements for this event. Surprisingly, some works were already sold! All framed works were under $300, very accessible price setting.

Under the enthusiastic leader, Heidi, compassionate and very humble staff are working. One of them, Jo gave us a short speech that began with, "Above all, artist! Artists! And carers, volunteers...." She was grateful for all the related people. When I had a chat with the staff, "I'm learning," all of them said with a nice smile. 6 arts workers and 30 teachers. Up to 9 students per class. Lovely small class!!

Friends, once I assisted people with intellectual disabilities. They are, in my eyes, NOT intellectual disabilities at all. Often much smarter than me, social workers and staff. However, it is true that love and great patience are required for carers to communicate. So, please imagine how wonderful Heidi's team is. Personally, I really love and admire these unknown heros in our society.

We, professionals also know how difficult it is to sell works. But these artists are, indeed, doing very well! In a commercial aspect, the artists already overcome disabilities and compete with us in a healthy manner. Furthermore, they show the great potential and abilities towards the future. Of course, being practical and realistic is important. I do not mean to deny the harsh reality and serious difficulties for the students. But if appropriate assistance is provided for these students, they could be successful as professionals. People can gain self-esteem, income, automacy, independence and social membership.

If anyone is interested in offering help or support, the contact is below.
Boonah Creative Arts Centre, Centacare, Broken Bay
Shop 27 The Phillip Mall
Kendall St, West Pymble 2073
Phone (02) 9499 5675
Fax (02) 9499 5681
email: heidi.mecklem@dbb.org.au
Centacare Broken Bay

This exhibition encouraged me so much and I learned many. I believe in invisible things--love, hope and dream. We can turn them into visible.

OK, Friends, here are my Christmas cards. A bit hectic
after a computer hell and before Christmas. But after Christmas, I'd like to upload a post every Monday like before. Have a wonderful weekend!




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Friday, December 3, 2010

Musicians(sketches) & Christmas Card

Yahooo, Friends! Are you having a wonderful weekend? Thank you for the kind comments that encouraged me to "ANYHOW" access internet. I'd like to tell you my hilarious (?!) tragicomedy on the new computer & Internet access---my longest yard to reach.

The tragedy started just after I bought a wonderful new computer from the shop. I thought, now, I could update the blog and send hellos to blog friends. No, not at all!
The new computer did not detect an old wireless USB adopter from a modem. "An installation CD, that's what I need!" I thought. (I well stored a pile of old boost CDs, but not sure which for the modem).

Stop Blaming On Someone Else!

When I rang up a telephone company, the company blamed on a modem company. Now, when I called the modem company, a receptionist said, "No, you bought it from the telephone company (=Not our business). Therefore, the telephone company must provide you...blablabla" and hang up in a few seconds! How could she treat me so kindly?

Hey, who looks after this wondering sheep?
Actually, the phone company gave me a free modem. Now, do they forsake customers?

Please Never Ignore Customer Nor Pass Hot Potato to Others.
I got back to the telephone company and tried, at least, 5 or 6 persons. All they gave me WRONG ANSWERS.
"Send you a technician, er, take an appointment. Not sure when...," the manager said.
"No! I can't wait! I need a CD, the info to install the connection. Which CD?" irritated Sadami finally yelled at him.
The manager got upset with me and said in an ironical tone, "CD, CD, you(=Sadami) say, what does it mean? I'll pass you to another manager!" ...for nearly 20 minutes no answer.
Another person tried to pass me to a private company. No, I turned it down.

Give Customer The Right Answer
Once again, when I tried my last hope for the modem company. This time, a receptionest showed me a great empathy and straightforward, promised me to send the info by email. Oh, his voice sounded like an angel. He admitted that some constomers left over between a telephon company and a modem company.


Well, I smiled, "
Dash to a public libarary and download the info. Easy piecy!" I drove down to a library with a CD.

What a Hell Going On More?!
No, Friends, not eay at all...! The smile was broken into pieces. Gulp...

A librarian said officially, "USB. A library does not allow CDs." A technical guy said, "Sorry, computers do not have CD burners," but he kindly explained how to do it.
I drove back to the unit and picked up a USB stick.

Then, when I tried to download it, a warning sign said, "administer does not allow..." ???
"The technical guy is in a meeting," they said and "not available today." Librarians could not handle my case and said, "Come back tomorrow."
NO~~~~~~!!!



My Life Savor--The Computer Shop
Eventually, the computer shop saved this wondering sheep. When I broght the new computer, the USB adompter and the info content USB, the guy reconnected my computer with internet in a few minutes.
The final hurdle was to get my pass word again. But the task was quite easy. This time, the telephone company helped me well. At last, I got on internet!!
Yeah~~~~~!!! My dear friend said over the phone, "Oh, poor girl. Have to have wine!" Sure is.

Dear Friends, if you have caring computer shops, they are your wonderful assets. Keep and treat them well. Once I had a laugh, when I read Linda's poor friend who gave a loooong international call to a HP company. Now, I cannot have a laugh any more.

Anyway,
All's Well That Ends Well.
Enjoy my sketches and a Christmas card! Thanks millions, many visitors' so nice comments that helped me get throgh a computer fiasco.













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