Nuns and Mermaids

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{¸.*´ (¸.*`¤~I have to say, this photo above cracked me up. The accompanying story as well. From Boston, The Equinox Fitness Club ran an ad using this image. Wonderfully creative in my book........The Catholic Action League of Massachusetts told the Herald the ad “portrays a callous contempt for the sensibility of Catholics." Ya know, I hate to say it, but someone on the 'Action League' needs to get a
little 'a c t i o n' and lighten up. Catholics have a sense of humor!!

I was raised by nuns. I did the full term, 12 years of Catholic school. I actually enjoyed and it and it may well have provided me with a sense of humor being raised around people who took everything so seriously.
Some of the nuns I had could have used sex.
Way too uptight. Then again, they obviously took the abstinance thing pretty seriously back then!

As an overly curious child who was dubbed "The Gerber baby" in the delivery room because I was stretching my neck around looking at everything, I found 'nunnery' intriguing. Facinated to observe them every day.. always wondering........
What did they wear to bed?
What kind of hair did they have? Did they really have hair?
Did they wear underpants?
What did they eat? Nun food? Like Purina made "Nun-Chow" or something other-worldly just for them!!!
They were from an alternate planet of prayer. I didn't really think they were like people because the eyes I saw them through, they didn't really come across as 'people'..........they were "THE NUNS". Walked in groups, safety in numbers, like a pack.

Back when I was in school, a kazillion years ago, you must remember, nuns wore full length black thick hot dresses of multiple layers. Wore big chunky rosary beads tucked on their waist that would rattle back and forth when they lunged towards you throwing dusty erasers and heavy soled black leather shoes in Florida's intense heat. Sweating was martyr-like and good for the soul. Pain. Most played the guitar.

That's where I got further confused. Somewhere along the line, after a few too many Kumbyahs, I got it into my head I too wanted to play the guitar. The only people I saw playing guitars back then other than Glen Campbell in his baby blue sequined jackets and eyes that glittered were, you guessed it..........."the NUNS"!
Sister Patril, the Flying Nun, Maria, the Sound of Music, The Singing Nun, the one that sang that Dominque song that continues to resonate in my head now and then. All Nuns. All gutar players. You see where this leading.......
So, I thought that to play the guitar, the prerequiste was to be a nun. Boy, was I confused....

Ones life asperations change, thank heavens! After a magical afternoon at Weeki Wachee Springs, near where I grew up in Florida, I decided to become a mermaid. Yes, a voluptuess water creature!
Again, a sexless profession.
So, now at 47 and neither a nun or a mermaid, I can respect both. I am glad I was raised the way I was, it's given me a foundation. One I often find I use as springboard for the realities of life as the artist I became. Maybe I always was this artist even as a child that hid behind the living room chair making private forts with chennile bedspreads and dolls. Either way, my imagination was alive then and it is now.
I just got to be me.

Pat

•• Change ••

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{¸.*´ (¸.*`¤~Last night we had incredible wind here on the hill. Sometime during the night big fat rain woke us. Change is brewing. We're to have thunderstorms and high wind move through which is supposed to bring accumulating snowfall. Then again, this is Indiana and we generally don't get too much snow. I'll believe it when I see it!

What I do like is the concept of weather bringing about change. This is how it works in my universe. The bells and chimes across our property are busy and all this stirred energy is bound to change other things as well. Last nights State of the Union...........what a joke! At least it's the last for Bush. A lame duck president signing autographs, acting like a rock star. Guess everyone is entitled to their 15 minutes of fame. He had to embrace the very small sector of popularity he could find. The very few who admire his train wreck administration were gathered applauding a horrible excuse for a leader. His far flung right wing ideals that cater to the rich, overlook the poor and further isolate gay people. So much for uniting. He is the quintessential divider!

Change..........357 days.

With calendars and countdown clocks made to remind the public of how many days are left in his sorry reign, you have to know even people who voted for this "wet dream" are ready to see him exit. I am!

My life as an artist under his wreckess mis-administration seems to go from bad to worse. I have friends loosing their homes and studios and the rest of us wondering how to hang on. I never had this problem or lack of optimism with a Democrat at the helm. I'm looking forward to getting my life and career back next January!!

So, with the winds of change brewing, I look to Hillary or Obama!! I'd be fine with either one.
♥
Pat

Warming up here!!

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{¸.*´ (¸.*`¤~Okay, well, it was below zero overnight and its around 7 now, so it is getting warmer. Thinking thoughts of warm sun on my face and back as I garden. Missing my herbs and flowers and time on the back deck sunning with kitties. Soon. The grocery stores have pots of spring flowers positioned inside the front door that make me feel the season of growth is around the corner!

Studio will be buzzing today as I make more TattooDreams and we photograph work for my etsy site! I sold 2 boxes in one day and that felt great. Love to keep that momentum going. I feel I'm connecting with my customers and their feedback of my work is encouraging. A local co-op here in Bloomington wants a month long show of my work. Feels good.

This is not the body of work I take to shows. This is:http://www.heckerdesign.com
This seperate body of work really liberates me to experiment in ways I've come to enjoy. It's fun to have 2 very different bodies of work going simultaneously. Studio is somewhat of a mess, but it shows that stuff is happening!

Here's to a most magnificent weekend!
♥
Patricia

Thursday

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{¸.*´ (¸.*`¤Thirteen degrees here in sunny Bloomington. A light dusting of snow on the frozen tundra. It's been one of those weeks that I find myself reflecting and appreciating those close. We lost a dear friend unexpectedly this week. A sculptor who we'll greatly miss. He had a wicked sence of humor, cerebral when needed, sensitive, creative and mindful of the interconnectedness we share with nature. We seldon expect death unless someone is ill. He wasn't, so no one was 'prepared' for this loss. It further illustrated to me the importance of time spent with those we love and to never take it for granted. I just assumed I'd see him again at another show.

The photo I choose today is of my little Fripples........he's a little puff of a guy we love dearly!

Like I said, the sun is shinning in Bloomington, and it's a new day!

Namastè,
Patricia
♥

Friendships

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{¸.*´ (¸.*`¤I have a wonderful life! I am gifted by some amazing people that have lifted me up, made me laugh and helped me continue to learn about myself and how I fit in in this world. Sometimes I remind myself that just because they aren't nearby, it doesn't make them any less 'there' or 'present' in my life. These friends I have, by and large, have come into my life through art. By being at shows, by being envoloved with the NAIA. These relationships built on laughter, tears, common ground and common struggle have lifted me up. Sounds corny, but true. I treasure each one as an independant force that is unique and to me, a gift.
Art is so many things to me, my income, lifeforce, outlet of expression and connection to people I honestly treasure. ♥

Off to the studio........2" of snow coming tonight!
♥
Patricia

♥♥♥LOVE IS IN THE AIR♥♥♥

There's just something about this time of year that makes me love the lead up to Valentimes Day. I try to forget the
overly commercial aspect and focus on the bright colors and lively nature of this holiday of love. It's actually one of my favorite holidays! Has been since I was little. I love pink and red together, love the flowers and hearts and that it's about love. Love of your mate, friends, pets............LOVE!
Does it get any better than that?
So, here is one of TattooDream boxes with charming red feet. It's full of love and good thoughts.......if you find you really need this box to become yours or a gift, feel free to visit my etsy site (link is off on the right side of my entry). It is there you will find other TattooDream collectibles!

Have a most awesome day!! A frozen day here. I'm off to make soup and head to the studio!
♥♥♥
Patricia

Day of the Dead Altar

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{¸.*´ (¸.*`¤~Day of the Dead, also called "Dia de los Muertos," is a holiday which is celebrated in Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, and other areas in Central and South America populated with a Latino ethnic background. The Day of the Dead is also celebrated in areas of the United States such as California, Texas and many other areas, in which the Mexican-American heritage exists. This is an important social ritual that Latino people see as "a way of recognizing the cycle of life and death that is human existence".

Although this celebration is associated with the dead, it is not portrayed as a morbid or depressing time, but rather a period full of life, happiness, color, food, family, and fun. The main symbols of this holiday are skulls and skeletons.

People celebrate this holiday in their households, as well as in the cemeteries. In their homes, between Oct. 31st and Nov. 2nd, a time called "Todos Santos", offerings of food and drink are prepared for the dead. "Ofrendas" (offerings) are often set up in the home on an altar displaying portraits, personal goods, clothing, favorite foods, and possessions of the deceased family member.

This holiday is believed to "welcome the souls of the dead." The souls are said to return each year to enjoy the pleasures that they once had in life. They are thought to return to be with their living relatives for a few brief hours each year in this world, but come as spirits who have returned from another world.

November 2nd is the official date for Day of the Dead, although it is celebrated between October 31st and November 2nd. These dates correspond with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. This correspondence results from the Catholic Church's efforts to "find similarities between the indigenous and Christian beliefs." This celebration has a complex history that has been transformed through the years. This is my interpretation of a Day of the Dead altar. It was an installation piece within my recent gallery exhibition at the Waldron Art Center in Bloomington this past fall.

I dedicate it to my Mother who died in 1975.

♥ Sunday Morning ♥

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A wonderfully quiet Sunday morning. Foggy and 31º. Milo and Fripples were snugged in bed with us loving the attention and warmth. Oreo, our newest tiger is adjusting well. He's far younger and therefore more playful than our other two, but a beautiful addition to our family. His little kittyisms make us laugh. He loves to play in his water bowl and has cetain toys he licks incessantly. Cats are so much like people. Not that we lick our toys mind you......but all have such unique personalities. I love their independance and ability to adjust no matter where they find themselves.
Their adaptability is to be admired!

I share with you, a sweet photo of our Oreo by the wood stove. He's magestic, isn't he?

Namastè,

Patricia

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"Chocolate Support"

Good Afternoon!
Today marks my first month of posting my work on etsy. I'm very happy with my sales and the feedback I've received from buyers and fellow etsians. Most of my sales have gone overseas to people I would have never met or had see my work if it weren't for this international portal. I'm glad I found it and happy to be showcasing my TattooDreams there.
Today my work is featured in the Main Showcase. This viewing has brought me one sale so far and I hope more through out the day.

I posted this picture frame this morning.
Some days chocolate is a food group!
♥
Namastè,
Patricia

In my studio......

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{¸.*´ (¸.*`¤~••This is me taking a break in my studio. This was taken before I rearranged my work tables. Before me is an assortment of my painted shapes prior to assembling them into the wall reliefs I create.
See my work on my website:
www.heckerdesign.com

Patricia

♥ Purple Hill ♥

♥ Foggy and grey here today. Will take to the studio to continue work on the new boxes that arrived. Jon will work on photgraphing them this evening so I can have new images up tonight. He's really good at capturing these pieces. There's something about this work, my love of pattern and the crispness of black on wood that keeps me engaged. It's funny, since my art has always been all about color. Anyone who knows me will tell you that. I live in a purple house, have purple glasses and almost every wall inside my home is a different color......now this void of color soothes me. It's odd and interesting to me and I continue to let it take me where it will.

After a wonderful breakfast of heart shaped waffles and a peppermint mocha from my loving husband/barista/photographer........I'm fueled for another productive day of making art!

I leave you today with an image of our home, Purple Hill. ♥

Namastè,
Patricia

Switchplates and LOST oh my!!

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Kinda grey and dreary here, but that won't stop me from a day of major creativity! The studio woodstove is warming as I speak and the atmosphere out there invites me to play! UPS brought some much awaited supplies to my door this morning, so I'm going to be busy! The positive comments from etsy artists and buyers have me fueled and ready to create some new boxes. Last night I added some TattooDream switchplates to my etsy shop. We have handmade switchplates on pretty much every switch in our home. Some mine, some by other artists. What a fun way to add a little bit of affordable art to the most mundane little surface. Instant fun!

In the evenings my sweetie and I have been watching the dvd's of LOST lent to us by my brother and sis-in-law. Hubby and I are LOST nuts and these previous shows have us catching the subtle details we missed prior to owning a dvd player. We got one for Christmas this year and are really enjoying it! A little tequila, a little LOST. A little tequila, a little LOST....gee where ever did the evening go?

Today I'll pop in a photo of a few of my switchplates. Please be sure to check out the rest on my etsy site linked through here. This evening I'll add a few more things I'm finishing today.

Off to the studio!
Love and later...

Pat

Winds of Change

Last night unimagin-able winds blew through here. We were under tornado alerts most of the evening. Gusts reaching 40mph!I love wind and like to believe these were indeed 'winds of change'. As we slowly see new political power emerge, I eagerly await a change in the course of American politics. The present 'mis-administration' has taken our country on a course of violence, fear and financial instability that will take a long time to heal and fix. I was happy to see the outcome of the New Hampshire polls. Go Hillary! The thought of having Bill back in the White House is a slam dunk for me. A 'two for one' if you will. May she blow away the Republicans with her intelligence and resolve!

Today will be spent in the studio making art. Time passes quickly when I'm out there. For the most part, I don't answer the phone, only the intercom to the house. I become absorbed in whatever I'm doing. So off I go.

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The sun is out today and it feels good!

Pat

Tuesday

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{¸.*´ (¸.*`¤~Still learning my way around how to edit and move things here on my blog.
Sold another piece on etsy. Such wonderful customers who appreciate the
work I've made. While not being at art festivals, interacting with those buying my
work first hand, this is a great alternative. It allows me to create a body
of work that will probably not be seen at shows with me. A good place for experimentation........
maybe someday all this will let me find a path to the journey of painting......

One never knows where the path of creativity will take them. It has no roadmaps or
directions, and must be journeyed with intuition as your compass. Getting lost
along the way, hitting roadblocks and detours is all part of finding ones destination......
if there really is such a thing to be found!

Sharing with you on this rainy Bloomington day another piece of my TattooDreams
work. This box recently sold to some dear friends in lovely New Mexico,
the Land of Enchantment. Thank you for your support and love!
Sit back with a cup of tea and enjoy.

Pat

•Crushing Silence•

•Crushing Silence•

All I live for is now
All I stand for is where and how
All I wish for are magic moments

As I sail through change
My resolve remains the same
What I chose are magic moments

Because ships are safe in the harbour
But that is not what ships are made for
The mind could stretch much further
But it seems that is not what our minds are trained for

We call for random order
You can't control Mother nature's daughter

Ships are safe in the harbour
But that is not what ships are built for

The witch hunter roams
The scary thing is that he's not alone
He's trying to down my magic moments

As we sail through change
Ride the wind of a silent rage
And sing laments of magic moments

Author Unknown

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{¸.*´ (¸.*`¤~It's 2008 and this is my first attempt at my own blog. I've blogged on My Journal, but this feels more like 'mine', so here I go. What will transpire here is anyones guess. I may use this as a space to promote my work or just share my thoughts. Time will tell.
I will use it now however to promote my latest crafty adventure and that is getting active with etsy.com.
For those unaware, etsy.com is an on-line art fair if you will. Work on etsy is handmade and purchased by people all over the world. The international and friendly nature of fellow artists and the buyers is amazing! I've sold 13 items in less than a month, mostly to overseas collectors who would have never seen what I was doing without this amazing portal.

My site on etsy is http://www.tattoodreams.etsy.com

I hope you'll check out my work there and have fun.

Wishing peace and prosperity in 2008.

Patrica Hecker