Grab some herb tea relax and enjoy some low bush cranberrie pickin

VAA Portrait Demonstration at Sophia's Cafe Neo

TALYAS PALETTE:
WATER BASED OIL PAINTS
WHITE
PHILO GREEN
MAGENTA
CAD YELLOW LIGHT
if needed
CAD RED
BLUE
WATER SOLUABLE LINSEED OIL
FLAT BRUSH #6 BRUSH
Talya paints linseed oil on the canvas then she begins the painting with philo green as the shadows and values and the skin tones are varying mixes of magenta, yellow, philo green, white. She said get the bone structure or head shape right and you have the likeness of the person. Talya works with a strong pigmented palette and just goes for it in a free and confident way. I love her style rich and juicy check it out for yourself http://talyajohnson.com/tali-blog/

I'm not Bragging but this is what I did today

The dogs were barking up a storm so I got up from the comfy warm bed to see what was awry. This young moose was in the front yard eating daises.

What A beautiful day I said to no one imparticular, I think I will go fishing.

So I riggid my boat with the electric motor, took my fly rod, coffee and camera and set out determined to catch a fish.

The sun is coming out and the sky is blue what a rare surprise. But the fish were not jumping or biting.

I saw the loons fishing and planning their trip south. The Swans are still here stocking up on fish before their trip to Florida.

Look at me I got one! After I came back I snagged one right off the dock with my secret bait... susssssh its shrimp.

There is a Season Turn Turn Turn

Monday, Monday and the first day of fall. It's a new week thank God!. Last week was an emotional rollercoaster, dealing with difficult people, my old friend who hates to be told no, has a gallery, successful real estate business, gift shop. I sent her a painting 3 years ago and wanted to be paid for it, instead she threw up to me the sweater she left in my car after I visited her in L.A. 28 years ago (I sent her the sweater back, lo so many years later and said keep the painting). Another bi-polar friend sending me and others over the edge e-mails. Me bending over backwards to do someone else a requested favor without saying a thank you, instead giving me attitude, husband acting manic, grown up kids with car troubles, another step son who needs chauffeuring around, listening to people who think they have all the answers, run away dogs, etc. etc. on and on.
Did I mention the stock market crash? I can say in each instance I handled it with emotional maturity and grace. Still I’m drained.

I surprised my self by actually finishing a painting then I threw sparkles at it.
WHY?!

Today is the first day of autumn a new season a new beginning. To every thing turn, turn, turn there is a season, a time for peace; I swear it’s not too late.

Palinticks

I'm sorry I just couldn't help myself, funny right? While our economy crashes we can all laugh at politics to keep from crying.
The picture of Sarah in a bikini holding a rifle has been deleated in the intrest of good taste.

Almost an International Incident

While waiting to board the train from Denali some Russian tourists decided it would be funny to take down the American Flag turn it upside down and have their pictures taken. Really! I'm not kidding.

Well just as soon as others noticed they started to complain, a family of women on their annual excursion three sisters, Mom and granddaughter walked up to the rowdy Russians and proceeded to give them a good old fashioned lecture on proper flag etiquette, what it means when the flag is turned over. Flying the American flag upside down is a type of SOS signal of dire distress in instances or extreme danger to life or property. The women also reprimanded them on being a proper representative and ambassador for their country. They looked quite ashamed as they should be. I'm so glad the women stepped in because Mr. Purple Heart and Mr. Hells Angels were stepping foreword menacingly cracking their knuckles ready to kick some rooskey ass. Luckily they were all safe in their own train car and safe from the pissed off American men who complained that the cold war never really ended and other macho bull shit. Take note men this is how women solve problems with some good old fashioned finger wagging tongue lashing. I do not condone what the Russians did I am the most patriotic person I know and love my country wholeheartedly faults and all.

Fortunately they got the message and without an international incident.

Wasilla to Denali State Park on the Alaska Railroad or another lame slide show

We are on an adventure. Today we are relaxing, buying souvenirs, having coffee and using the cafe internet, neet. The weather is crisp and the season is winding down. I am taking pictures and documenting our get away and will make a slide show for you. Tonight a family style dinner theatre about the 1900's should be a brawdy good time. More to come....xoxo judy

The Bear River Massacre

South Mountain, Franklin County, Idaho
Size: W. 38" X H. 27"
Medium: OIL
Artist: Judy Vars
I loved doing this painting of a place in my heart, this mountain was part of a canyon where the Bear River Massacre took place one of the most shameful battles in American history.
More than 400 Shoshoni occupied a winter camp that offered ideal protection in Battle Creek Canyon. But they suffered a disaster unmatched in western history when Connor's Force struck at daybreak, January 29, 1863. It was a bloody conflict where even women and children fought fiercely, in the end they were defeated by the troops from California. The unruly troop raped women, burned the huts, stole the horses and left the survivors to freeze to death.

Why do I call this small mountain a place in the heart? It is because it was a landmark on the way to my grandmother’s house in Weston, Idaho. The stillness and loneliness of this place I recalled while painting this scene. The railroad tracks, the wind, the fields, the bees, the hay and a hot August day.
Remembering one frozen January years past driving with my mother to Grandmothers house, we drove for miles and miles not seeing a car, a person or any sign of life; it was so still and so cold so very cold. This scene seemingly unchanged is etched in my memory forever a place in my heart.

Fish Fry & Buy live auction at the Sheraton in Anchorage

I was there at the fancy fish fry auction for the Salmon. It was interesting to see the folks all dressed up in their finery, getting all juiced up on wine and champagne and bidding big money on the Salmon. Mayor Begich was there with other political types also his good looking and nice 14 year old son who bid big money on one of the salmon.

The Rock Star of the night was the Glam Slam the Lure of Our 49th State it sold for a whopping $5,400.00. Cell phones were ringing, people posturing and negotiating it was high stakes and finance. Mine sold at a decent $1,500, they put my face on the wide screens dimples and all (good grief did I ask for all this attention?) Bob of http://www.kwhl.com/ KWHALE said it looked just like it came out of the stream. Anyway it was a blast and I hope to get to do it again.
A Natural Beauty at 50! swims away further upstream to get laid; lay her eggs and finish her cycle.

Incindentely if you would like one of your own just contact me through this blog and we can negociate. I'll be in Girdwood at the Girdwood Center for the Visual Arts tomorrow. (907) 355-2219

You're So Hot! and This and That

For some more Sarah fun visit this blog http://kodiakkonfidential.blogspot.com/
Here is an e-mail from a Wasillaite that knows quite alot about Palin the Pitt Bull http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/kilkenny.asp

Alaskan bloggers got real busy since Gov Sarah got the VP nomination, everyone everywhere googled her. Problem was they looked at one of my older posts 2/18/2007 http://cabinfeverinalaska.blogspot.com/2007_02_01_archive.html and did not read my current blog. Now the country has seen Sarah's acceptance speech and what a charismatic politician she can be. Either way history will be made in about 60 days. Did you notice how the press this morning were blaming the blogger sphere for starting the nasty roomers about her family. What a joke, you did not have to report what the bloggs were saying! But really I don't want to get into political discussions on my blog. From where I am sitting everyone looks rediculous.

I have a new family friend a miniature Yorkshire Terrier he was wandering around the neighborhood lost so we tried to find his owners, we checked to see if he has a satellite chip or anyone put up lost dog signs but as of yet no luck. If I find his people that would be a great ending but for now I am taking care of my little Buddy. He is simply the cutest little dog and has the best personality but likes to run off.

I am working on the first knife painting ever and it's truning out awesome I will post photos in a few days.

Tomorrow is the Fancy Fish Fry Banquet and Auction for the Salmon on Parade http://www.wildsalmononparade.com/. I'll be there.

I Woke Up This Morning in Bizarre-O-World aka The Twilight Zone

After staying up late last night watching Barrack Obamas powerful acceptance speech. I was sleeping in a few extra minutes having a good dream when Peter woke me up with a cup of coffee and saying; Sarah Palin our pretty governor and former mayor of Wasilla, was John McCains V.P. Republican running mate? That was a lot to take in even while sleep was still clouding my brain. Super mom of 5, extremely conservative, enthusiastic hockey mom, very competent, beauty queen, lifetime member of the NRA (I call her miss goody two shoes with dirty bloomers). But now she has the potential to be the President of the Free World! Are living in bizarre-o-world?

Ok, I've tried not to use my blog to vent my liberal political views, someone once called me a closet Democrat, but this is latest has brought me out-of-the-closet. Sarah represents more of the old paradigm, drill for more oil, and drill for more gold, use our resources for greedy gain until there is no more for anyone. Example in the primary election Alaskans were asked to vote on prop 4 which was a bill to protect Bristol Bay and the salmon streams from the toxic poison like cyanide that will be created by the new Pebble Mine. The prop was voted down, I felt as betrayed as when OJ got away with murder. Miss Palin spoke up that day and said she would vote no on the proposition 4 to protect the water saying she trusts the laws already in place. With an 89 percent approval rating she is a very popular lady and most people listen. Don't forget she is onboard with the war in Iraq and her oldest son enlisted.

I wonder if the rest of the US will see it for what it is; a feeble attempt for Republicans to jump on the theme of change and put a woman on the ticket. Did you notice how uncomfortable Mr. McCain looked during her speech and did you see how Cindy was discretely checking out her butt?
Oh please just don’t get me started ……………how bizarre, how bizarre.

My Very Own One-Of-A-Kind Doll, Alaska Judy

While on my journey I connected with a great old sister/friend Linda Kitson, in her former life she was a midwife and a spiritual teacher now she is an artist, which I believe says volumes about her. This doll came today all the way from Gold Hill, Nevada, she is my doll Alaska Judy, she asked to be created and choose her own unique look and style, she is carrying a backpack with sage, sweet grass for smudging, colored pencils, paper and a blanket.

Linda also gave me a Mother Peace reading, It was so enlightening and inspirational, I gleaned so much helpful information from that reading, like do mirror work for my self esteem issues, ie; I love you, you are beautiful, and It's OK to be alone that I am a creative solitaire, people don't need to understand my need to sometimes isolate, it society's restraints that make me feel that something is wrong with me or my desire to be alone. I am learning to love myself and will do whatever it takes I have it in me! I have been trying to hold things together in my life while handling inner and outer achievement, but am forcing too much. Keep my goals in mind and stay focused on loving myself and expressing through my artistic creations. Get to work make it real, initiate with fire influence others, choose a symbolic name, create captivating art. The last card the Star: Let your beauty shine through accept transformation. With the divine female presence. Your ego is her ego, you are she, you are the Goddess, Love Itself.

WoW! Does it get any better than that?

Blessed Be
Alaska Judy

Alaska Judy standing next to her most infamous creation the cross eyed plagiarizion of Mona Lisa.

p.s. sorry about the music it will stop when August is over.

It's Still My Birthday Uh Huh, Uh Huh

When Peter asked me what I wanted for my birthday I said, A PARTY! and a party is what I got. Peter cooked 6 racks of ribs with a Santa Maria dry rub there was 3 chickens with lemon line herb rub, roasted corn with garlic butter, 3 ti tips Santa Maria style, tatter salad and all the trimmins. It was a real meat fest.
So many of our friends showed up and brought me gifts and cards full of good wishes, love and humor. We took alot of pictures but I will not post them in the interest of anonymity.
For the fun of it I wore my Harley Davidson shirt the one I bought off my sister, with the tattoos on my arm making me look like I was all sleeved out. So many people were fooled it was hilarious, like you never noticed before that I had my arms covered in tattoos, too funny.
When everyone sang Happy Birthday and brought out my cake make from 56 cupcakes in the shape of a palette with new brushes on top I was overjoyed. I recommend everyone have a birthday party every now and then "it's a good thing."
Tonight it's John Prine at the PAC.................................................

TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY! This is My Sentimental Journey

Pic-O-the-Day - Pioneer Peak and Clouds

Today I went plenn air painting with Sharen Harris http://www.sharenharris.com/ we had a good time and I picked up on a few tips for painting outdoors. This is the scene I was painting at the Mat-Su Visitors Center it's called Pioneer Peak. I learned painting outdoors can be a very humbling experience, the clouds and mountain changed so quickly and the colors are trickey. But I love It! Tomorrow Gridwood and Friday Salt Lake City, I'll be comin soon.......

Louise Hay and Barbara Streisand - My Heroes

The other night I watched an interview Tavis Smiley did with Louise Hay a beautiful 81 year old woman she reminds me of my Grandma Blanche. What an inspiration back 20 some odd years ago I read her book and listened to her morning meditation and evening meditation regularly. She started out blessing everything including the toaster and the shower and repeating affirmations over and over until they were engrained in my DNA. My group of like minded friends some gay, some not, would get together in the morning and read and discuss her book "You Can Heal Your Life" in fact some of my friends went to California to help Louise in the work she was doing with people suffering and dying from AIDS.

Fast foreword twenty plus years and see a gorgeous woman obviously living every word she preaches; laughing joyfully and enjoying being in the moment.
Twentyfour years ago she was 57 and today she is 81 still going strong and helping people. She has been on Oprah lately to discuss the movie that has been made from her books and philosophy. While looking for Louise Hay in U-Tube Land I found this absolutely fantastic video and the song is a great choice. I love Barbra Streisand with all my heart and I love Louis Hay as well - I appreciate their words of healing and encouragement.
Peace, Love, Joy and Best Wishes
Judy

Pics-O-The-Day - Fireweed, Outsider Art, Lilly Pads, Loon and Firefly

Pic-O-the-Day - The Eagle of the Lake

This morning when finally the sun came out I scurried down to my dock to paint water lillies. The painting was going badly so I decided to take out my boat, camera and get some good pictures. The loons were feeding their young one and making alot on noise they seemed quite nervous.

Ah Hah, there is the source of their aggrivation the eagle watching from on high.

RAIN, RAIN RAIN and I Can Change

It's rained more this summer than any other time its been steady for more than two weeks. Everytinng is so soggy and moldy. We get only a short summer anyway, it's not fair.

When I asked my other mother Vilate if I could stay at her home in Salt Lake and she said "you are as welcome as rain." So perhaps I will bring the rain to the desert. I'd love a good thunder and lightning storm. They are rare here in Alaska. I miss crickets, dark hot summer nights, my family.

I changed my blog template to blue it contrasts my art and photographs nicely, don't you think?
Oh Shit! I lost all my links to my other blogger friends and artists and me with no back up, thats what they meant by "you will lose any customizations you have made to your blog." Be patient with me it may take me some time to get it together.

Today I followed my list and worked very hard on everything except making art even Joy my shedding dog got a bath. There are so many things asking for my attention, still I can only really do one thing at a time and only what's in front of me.

If this damn rain would go away I might get out and paint the water lillies off my dock.