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!

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

"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!

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

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!

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

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.

Musicians(sketches) & Christmas Card

Sketches, Animals and Christmas Card

Hi, Friends, thank you for a long waiting! This week, I upload recent work, sketches and a Christmas card. I'll show you my Christmas card every Monday.(My new computer is on the way. Until that, could you please keep patience!)

Our lives are surrounded by other lives. Watching animals is heart warming and very interesting. In the first sketch, a little girl and a pigeon were at a fountain. Pigeons are good garbage collectors in a town, but their droppings are an agenda for a council. "Live and let live" is not easy.


The second work is for a pelican, an important character for the text. I often closed my eyes and imagined how it flew with dignity...

Regarding pets, I'm a dog lover. The dog was taking a nap at a cake shop. I could not resist sketching her. Customers and pedestrians looked at me. But once, I get on work, nothing can stop me.

Too strong sunshine? Friends, please remember, we, Australians are getting into summer!Among mammals, Little Sadami loved deers and would go to a park to watch them. Unfortunately, I have an experience; a deer kicked me--oh, dear! I've been painting this fawn since primary school. How many times did I paint it?

Yet, I still learn something new, when I draw the fawn.

I believe that animals and incests do have souls.Life is beautiful... I'm always filled with awe and joy.

Oh, yes, talking of a deer, Santa Clause has reindeers. Well, our Santa Clause and his reindeers might be suffering in air pollution. An immediate action is critical.

But above all, peace on the earth...

Otherwise, we, humans need to learn "live and let live" even from animals.

Sketches, Animals and Christmas Card

Colourful Indian Festival Parramasala 2010

Hi, Friends, I sketched Parramasala 2010, the annual Australian Festival of South Asian Arts. Despite the rainy days, a good crowd poured on streets.

 Probably the most fun was to enjoy dancing and traditional music on a stage from flamenco to Indian music. We, audience really enjoyed sophisticated  movements and interesting music.

I could not take a place at the front raw and watched the dancing from the back. You get why my quickies show dancers' backs many.

I looked at dancers, not much at papers and tried to move a hand. Impressions are the most important for me, not meticulous.

People around me often looked at my quick sketches from a great curiosity.

Honest, sketching dancing is not easy, even though a very much fun. I've never tried any flamenco dancer or dancers in general for these months. Forget a reluctance! I just did it. Don't be a wimp!

Friends, all what we need is a "guts and challenging spirit."
Beautiful movements tell stories, often romances.

Lovely! I wish I could move my two legs quickly. Well, practice, Sadami!









The stage was set in a pagoda. We watched and listened to Indian traditional music. I had no idea of languages. But Indian background people could respond to players even though the musicians picked up very old songs--made nearly 20 years ago. It amazed me that these Immigrated Indian people still loved the songs and remembered them well. Wow, it touched me so much.




Instruments are, too, very old. Can you guess? One violin-like instrument is "800" years old!! Oh, how many musicians passed it to others?

Silently the violin has looked at people's joy, sorrow, agony etc through music. Haaa....(<--sigh) my life is a star dust. Another fun was challenging Indian food. Yum!! Yum!! A bit spicy--very sensational and hot for me. Smells are so fascinating and impressive. I've become a big fan for Indian dishes. I'll try more from a next time.



Market was held everyday at Town Hall. There, the big symbol, which looked like a soldier, was so popular. Anyone wanted to take photos of it.
You can get how big it was from the sketch.

Music, dancing, market, plays at a theater, a cricket game and a finale was fire works. Honest impression is...nothing different between us, human beings. Behind these cultural differences, I found same emotions.
My findings made me smile at anyone in the festival.
Friends, happy painting and thank for reading!

Colourful Indian Festival Parramasala 2010

Children Picture Book Illustration Process

Finally, this computer needs be "hospitalized" at a computer shop. Yet I have an urgent need... sigh...hopefully, I can leave it at the shop this week. (* If my respond is slow, please keep patience.)

OK, this week topic is a picture book illustration. In order to illustrate a text, interpretation skills of a manuscript is vital. Visualizing an author and an illustrator's images or bridging between imagination and reality is not an easy task.

A basic process is below.
1) given text, image creation
2) character & situation settings
3) story board and dummy book--called, "Rough" in Black and White.
4) colouring -- this stage is called, "Colour."

A picture book illustrator gives a manuscript life. To achieve it, an illustrator maximizes all what she has such as memories, emotions, experiences etc, etc. Above all, in my view, an illustrator needs to fall in love with a given story.

Besides, memories, emotions and experiences, I use my linguistics and sociology background fully. Linguistic text analyses organize a well-considered page structure. Sociological research collects data and evidence to create accurate settings that convince readers a theme well. Particularly, text analysis skills make a good information flow throughout a story.

Illustrators illustrate everything--even something invisible such as emotions and illusions. My admiring illustrators and fine artists all have wonderful drawing skills. For me, a drawing skill is alpha and omega, which responds to any media. So, life drawings and daily sketches are my great assets and devices to produce images.

Sometimes, people seek me advice to be an illustrator. Technically, "Drawing skills are fundamental and critical," is my answer. And regarding other areas mentioned above are all up to an individual efforts.

So, I'm a life long learner.
Friends, happy painting and drawing!

Children Picture Book Illustration Process

Sketch Part5 Children, Artist as Guardian of Time

Friends, thank you for waiting. Your kind comments and encouragements give me energy to keep on. Now, I upload a make-up post on "children," our living angels. My secret definition of an artist is a guardian of time.

"Time flies like an arrow," we say without caring what really it means. As a sketcher and portraitist, I seize a moment on paper.

Personally, I love sketching kids eating something, a happy hour. Their shining faces brighten up our society!

When I go for sketch outside, children ask me to draw their favorite monsters, dragons, cars or even draw them.
The boy asked me to draw him with a very funny posture.
"Are you sure? Do you really want me to make this??""Yes!! I want!" I kept laughing while sketching him.

The boy showed off the sketch to his friends. Ever since, he and his older sister always come and play with me.

...but till when they will remember that funny work. I never get bored to watch moving children. Playing around children are genius to figure out games that always impresses me. Kids repeat movements and have fun over and over again. Do you realize? Picture books often repeat sentences and phrases to please young readers.

This girl playing with a balloon did it for thousands times, even though her mom looked sick of it?!

Oh, children's creativity and unique point of view are wonderful!! I learn lots from children.

Their beautiful face expressions and interesting movements are much like rainbows. Be quick. Otherwise, they will be gone.

Indeed, some of my models are now young men and beautiful ladies. The other day, a handsome young man talked to me. I could not believe my eyes and lost words.
"Are you so&so??" said Sadami.
"Yes," the young man gently smiled at me.
Amazing. Taller than me(*170cm)! I felt time.

One day, they will all make departures... I thought of dandelions...

In a given life, I want to make lots of, lots of watercolors that directly and indirectly record time.

By the way,
the computer's start up is the problem. Sometimes, the screen blacks out and makes beeps. But the start button is pushed for the second time, it works properly. ...???? While this analogue girl applies computer company's recommendations to the machine, I struggle saving all important programs and information into CDs for just in case. Lots of work. After that, hopefully, I'll visit a shop soon.

So, I can reply for you. Feel free to leave any comment.
Let us enjoy drawing and painting.
Thank you for supports and cheers.

Sketch Part5 Children, Artist as Guardian of Time

!!Computer Out of Order?! But Special Thanks for Friends.

Hi, Friends, in a big trouble. My computer does not work. So, please turn a blind eye, if I could be late to answer for comments. Please turn keep patience for my next post.

I was about to upload more "Sketch Children" or some animals or flowers.

But the computer does not start. Finally, it starts and gets frozen. On and off. Gulp. I'm not sure any computer shop will be open at a weekend. Sniff, sniff. Sadami, hang in there!

I'd really appreciate your backups and cheers. I've started a blog since this February (* in fact, my linguistics professor recommended it several years ago. A computer-hopeless and coward Sadami was reluctant). I uploaded acorns for the first post and dreamed to be an oak tree...

This week, I could find more than 100 people are regularly interested in my blog. Amazing. I've never expected this success. Further, many people's kind comments that touch my heart. My joy is beyond language.

As I have a difficulty in walking, this internet approach gives me an idea for people with disabilities to enjoy art and communication with others all over the world!
I have a dream. In the near future, I'd like to do something for people with disabilities so that anyone can enjoy creative activities. I hope, one day, to be an oak tree that will rest others in a cool shadow...

Ooops, 3 o'clock, in the middle of night. Not sure tomorrow, this computer will work for me. I'll take a rest.

I hope I can upload a post on time = next Monday. But if not, please await it.
In these simple words, "Thank you," I'd like to put special thanks.
See you soon. Friends, please take care.

*Anyhow, the machine worked and uploaded some images! Thanks for cheers!! Yes, this girl will "go beyond" and step into a bright future on an open field.

(* Hi, Linda.W.Roth, this is my very old work, but I like it. I assume Linda got why I had talked of it. Thank you for making me remember the work. I will enjoy still life as well as figures.)

!!Computer Out of Order?! But Special Thanks for Friends.