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Don't Forget--Big Announcement Tomorrow!



Don't forget--we have a big announcement coming tomorrow! If you've signed up for our newsletter, all the details will be coming to you via email!

~~Angie
By Angela on Monday, February 28, 2011 @ 7:00 AM


for this post



Cupcake Craze


I know that I have a tendency to get on "kicks," as my husband describes them. I go through phases. Fascinations. Whatever you want to call them.

At various times in my life, I have been fascinated with mastiffs, Leonbergers, gerbils, neurology, cardiology, knitting, crocheting, Lee Middleton dolls, Rowe pottery, Criminal Minds, Anne of Green Gables, cake decorating, painting, stenciling, rug-making, sewing, making hats, cross-stitch, bread baking, moving, gardening--you name it. I don't know why I do it--I think it's because I love to learn things, and when I get interested in something, I want to know as much as possible as quickly as possible.

My latest craze is cupcakes. It began innocently enough--baking cupcakes for my book club--but lately it's turned into an obsession. I watch back to back episodes of Cupcake Wars and DC Cupcake. I bought an entire Wilton decorating kit, not to do cakes, but to do cupcakes. I've become an expert on what makes a good cup cake pan. And I've been baking cupcakes--which I can't eat, because I'm dieting, and which my hubby doesn't want to eat, because he doesn't have a sweet tooth. Fortunately, the family across the street appreciates my culinary efforts, and I'm careful not to over load them.

Friday I made some cranberry cupcakes because I knew they'd work as breakfast muffins. Yummy. And yesterday I made some cream cheese cupcakes because I wanted to try decorating with a new piping tip I got at the store. Made a few with cream cheese frosting, took those across the street, and made a new batch of butter cream frosting to decorate the rest. Best of all, I discovered that butter cream frosting FREEZES. So I was able to make a batch and freeze them in my handy-dandy Tupperware cupcake keeper. :-)

Book club is next weekend, and I've been planning my cupcakes for two weeks. Our book is called LITTLE BEE, and I'm making bee cupcakes. I promise to take a picture. :-)

Until then, if you see a cupcake, think of me!

~~Angie
By Angela on Sunday, February 27, 2011 @ 9:25 AM


for this post

 
Blogger Mocha with Linda Says: 9:42 AM  

Cupcakes do seem to be the latest craze. Cupcake cookbooks, cupcake pans, holders, etc. Sounds like you are the perfect friend and neighbor to have!

 
 
Blogger Christine Says: 9:56 AM  

I like to make cupcakes rather than a whole cake. My sister and I get a craving for cake, but after a slice or two it just sits there. We end up throwing out most of it. Cupcakes are the perfect solution. I make a batch and freeze most of them. I use the buttercream frosting which I keep in the refrigerator. When we want cake, I take a few cupcakes out of the freezer, thaw and frost them. Viola!

I can relate to your obsessions. I go through different phases too.

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 10:26 AM  

I have gone through many different interests, too! I view it as expanding my horizon.
My daughter found a wonderful cookbook called "Hello, Cupcake!"
It has a variety of decorated cute cupcakes.
Happy baking, Angie!
Miriam

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 7:05 PM  

In the past couple of years, there have been cupcake bakeries popping up all over the place, too. Guess you feel less like you're sinning if you just have a wee bit of cake in this delightful form. Can't wait to see your pictures of the new creations! Clyde

P.S. Guess what, Angie? I'm going to Ireland this summer! Our choir is touring the Anglican cathedrals ... singing Evensong in four of them, as well as a sacred concert at Canterbury! Afterward a friend and I are going on a tour of the Emerald Isle. After your gorgeous pics from your trip, I'm more excited than ever!

 
 
Blogger Angela Says: 8:28 PM  

OH, I just got that "Hello, Cupcake" book, Miriam, and the one that follows it. Those are adorable creations!

And Clyde, I'm so thrilled for you. You will love Ireland, and I know you're going to be a part of some beautiful music! Bring back lots of pictures!

 
 
Blogger darien Says: 9:50 PM  

I was in a cupcake phase two summers ago when we were planning my parent's 50th anniversary. I wanted them to have a 'wedding cake', but since we were having a barbeque, I decided to make them a wedding cupcake cake. Here's the link to the picture...

http://shoopshoops.blogspot.com/2009/08/50-years.html

I ended up making three yummy flavours--almond, lemon and chocolate--at my home and froze them, then we shipped them across the country to my sister who works in the food industry and she kept them in the freezer at work until the week of the party. I went to her place several hours before the bbq, and iced all 120 of them. I was pretty happy with the production! I'm interested in your best recipe....hint hint.

 
 
Blogger Kay Says: 1:31 PM  

aw, I always think of you when I see a cupcake.

 

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Burrito Bison


You're going to hate me . . . because this stupid game is truly addictive. But there's something mesmerizing about the way that buffalo just bounces and bounces and bounces . . .

To try your hand at it (and murder a few minutes), go here.

~~Angie
By Angela on Saturday, February 26, 2011 @ 7:00 AM


for this post

 
Blogger k_stin Says: 2:03 PM  

At first when I started, I was thinking--"Yeah, this won't be addicting. Looks kind of boring." 30 minutes later...Yeah, maybe it was a little addicting! Haha. Thanks!

 
 
Blogger k_stin Says: 2:04 PM  

p.s. That was a genuine thanks for sharing the fun. Not sarcastic. :-)

 
 
Blogger Kay Says: 2:10 PM  

I played that longer than I wanted to.
I'll tell you what's addicting. These grow games. You have to get everything on in the right order. I've completed them all at one time, but I don't remember how to do any of them.
http://www.eyezmaze.com/eyezblog_en/blog/2009/06/grow_ver3_remake.html#monster

 
 
Blogger Ruthie Says: 2:38 AM  

Thanks, Angie, for another fun but silly game. It's 2:30 am and I'm just now going to bed after playing this game for a long time.

Where on earth do you find such games??!!??

 
 
Blogger Ane Mulligan Says: 1:10 PM  

That's as bad as Angry Birds. Someone recommended that for my iPad and I'm addicted. LOL

 

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Call the kids! Amaze your friends!

Stunts like this make me wish my kids were little again. Because whether or not I mastered this trick, we'd have a lot of fun trying it. :-)

Enjoy!
By Angela on Friday, February 25, 2011 @ 7:00 AM


for this post

 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 7:58 AM  

Oh my! Clyde

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 7:58 AM  

Oh my! Clyde

 

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Cats are Cool



I know I talk a lot about dogs, since I'm close to them, but cats deserve equal time, don't they? This is an amazing video of cat footage . . . and it really makes you appreciate those critters!

~~Angie
By Angela on Thursday, February 24, 2011 @ 7:00 AM


for this post

 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 7:28 AM  

Will have to watch this one again ... did I really see men on horseback Herding Cats??? Or are my aging eyes finally failing me? Clyde

 
 
Blogger Angela Says: 9:07 AM  

If I remember correctly, Clyde, that "herding cats" segment was part of a commercial for . . . something. LOL! Still cute.

Angie

 
 
Blogger Kay Says: 7:52 PM  

I love cats. We always had them when I was growing up. Mine used to crawl under the door like that one in the beginning, until he got too big.

 
 
Blogger Hannah Alexander Says: 12:12 PM  

I herd my cats daily. They have me properly trained. Loved the shots.

 
 
Blogger Hannah Alexander Says: 12:12 PM  

I herd my cats daily. They have me properly trained. Loved the shots.

 

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Echer's Waterfall?



Someone mentioned Echer the other day when we were talking about perspective, and this happened to catch my attention. Of course, we're looking at a three dimensional object in only two dimensions, and we can't walk around it or turn it, but it certainly appears puzzling, doesn't it?

Anyone have an explanation? In any case, it's very cool. :-)

~~Angie
By Angela on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 @ 7:00 AM


for this post

 
Blogger Kay Says: 5:39 PM  

I think maybe the waterfall gizmo is digital. Maybe it isn't even there.

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 7:32 AM  

This reminds me of the opening of "Temple Grandin" with her walking from one side of the room to the other, all while "growing" in size. Another interesting exercise in POV. And, no, I do not understand how it is done. Clyde

 
 
Anonymous Bonnie Lacy Says: 2:17 PM  

I love Echer! This is great!!

 

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Blue Ridge Christian Writers' Conference



If you're able to come this year, I'll be there, Lord willing!

~~Angie
By Angela on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 @ 7:00 AM


for this post



Lovely, Still


I don't know how the movie "Lovely, Still" found its way into my Netflix queue, but I watched it the other night . . . and was blown away. It's adult subject matter, though there's really nothing objectionable about it other than a word or two, but it's one of the most amazing movies I've ever seen. I would love to tell you more about it, but I don't want to give away a single element of the plot because it's mind-blowing.

But it's an amazing film. It stars Ellen Burstyn and Martin Landau, and their performances are spectacular.

Plus, after you watch it, you'll have an new and deepened perspective of point-of-view. :-)

And really, that's all I can say at this point. Look it up. If you have Netflix, it's available on DVD or as a streaming movie.

Enjoy!

~~Angie
By Angela on Monday, February 21, 2011 @ 7:00 AM


for this post

 
Anonymous Margie Mijares Says: 9:14 AM  

I am going to have to check this out. Usually it is my husband or son who chooses the Netflix but I will certainly put in a request for this!!!

 
 
Blogger Diana Says: 9:23 AM  

Thank you for the suggestion. Interesting how it just popped up. I like when things like that happen. :-)

 
 
Anonymous Denise Miller Holmes Says: 1:19 PM  

I just put it in my queue. Thank you for the recommendation, Angie!

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 2:59 PM  

I just added it to my queue, as well. Sounds like something for me in my growing maturity! Clyde

 
 
Blogger DearHelenHartman Says: 8:48 AM  

Wish I'd read this last night as we searched and searched for something interesting to watch on Netflix last night! Can't wait to add it to our list.

 

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Get up and Dance!

If this bird doesn't make you want to get up and "shake a tail feather," then there's something wrong with your feathers. :-)

So cute! And what's amazing is the breadth of this bird's repertoire of moves! He's got more moves than anyone on Dancing with the Stars~!

Enjoy!

~~Angie
video
By Angela on Sunday, February 20, 2011 @ 7:00 AM


for this post

 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 8:22 AM  

Oh my gracious, he even takes a bow at the end. How funny is that? Who says birds don't have ears??? Clyde

 
 
Blogger Terri L. Gillespie Says: 8:53 AM  

Laughing! Laughing! I love when he "vogues" an eagle. A wholesome version of "shaking a tail feather." Where do you find these Ang?

 
 
Blogger Gail Griner Golden Says: 9:02 AM  

love it!!!

 
 
Blogger Kathy Says: 9:21 AM  

I'm ROFLOL. I've never seen anything like this!

 
 
Blogger Angela Says: 9:37 AM  

Isn't it great? I've watched it four or five times, and I laugh ever single time. Too cute!

Where did I find this? I'm not sure, but I think Aunt Irene may have sent it to me. Thanks, Aunt Rene!

Angie

 
 
Blogger k_stin Says: 10:53 AM  

Wow! I didn't know birds could dance. It makes me wonder what he would do with praise music!?

 
 
Blogger Accidental Poet Says: 11:22 AM  

I went and found this video on YouTube and this is what the owner has to say about what kind of bird he is:
Frostie is a 21-year-old Bare-Eyed Cockatoo, otherwise known as a Little Corella, a parrot native to Australia.

 
 
Blogger Vivian May Edwards Says: 8:52 PM  

So, so cute! Love this bird!

 
 
Blogger Kay Says: 11:35 PM  

So cute!
But makes me wonder if birds ever get kinks in their necks.

 
 
Blogger Noreen Says: 9:21 AM  

I like it when he does his version of the famous John Travolta dance move from "SNF"...at about 2:00. :D

 

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Point of View


I had a serendipitous moment the other day. I was listening to a lecture on Paolo Ucello, a Renaissance artist, and the professor was discussing this painting, Sir John Hawkwood. The painting is meant to commemorate Hawkwood's military success in defending Florence, Italy, when he was a hired mercenary.

Anyway, the professor pointed out that the artist used TWO differing perspectives--two different points of view. Often writing teachers would have you believe that you can only use one POV in a novel, and that you must be consistent, but if Ucello had done that, this painting wouldn't work.

Why not?

Look at the bottom of the painting. The point of view is that of an observer--you--standing at the base of a towering statue. You can see the underside of the table, correct? If Ucello had remained in that point of view, all we should be able to see of Sir John Hawkwood would be the soles of his feet and his horse's belly! But no, we look at Sir John as if we are standing directly across from him, from a completely different perspective.

So that's why I never make a big deal out of POV purity--the book doesn't have to be all first person or all third person or whatever. The writer should choose what he or she needs to use, and be consistent with that pattern throughout the book. (Example: protagonist in first person, everyone else in third). It makes a better picture.

Caveat: Obviously, Ucello was a master of his craft, having mastered the principles of perception. So the writer who utilizes differing points of view had better have a firm grip on the principles of POV. :-)

~~Angie
By Angela on Saturday, February 19, 2011 @ 7:00 AM


for this post

 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 8:50 AM  

Your caveat says it all. I am fiendishly trying to remember the name of the artist whose paintings were very geometrical and offered a myriad of POVs. To no avail. But, there, too, the deft hand is fully evident. Thanks for something new to ponder and be aware of in reading. Clyde

 
 
Anonymous Michael Says: 8:29 PM  

(@Clyde-- Does your fiendish musing lead to M.C. Escher, by chance?)

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 8:29 PM  

Very interesting. But does anyone besides me feel a bit off balance looking at the painting? I feel as if the statue or me are falling. {Maybe it's just the vertigo I'm dancing with a lot during this allergy season!)

Clyde--is that painter Magritte? Or Escher? Both do some mind-bending images. I love one of Magritte's showing a horse and rider in the woods. Sometimes the pair is in front of trees, at other times behind, but behind the trees that are in front. Fascinating to check those out.

Thank, Angie. Always interesting.

Blessings,
Mary Kay

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 10:58 PM  

Thanks to Michael and Mary Kay (and Bill Mackie on FB) for the answer to my query. You all get A+ for the day! Yes, it was Escher whose name was eluding me. Clyde

 

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Friday Fun



I don't know how he did it, but that has to be one of the most amazing illusions ever. Look at the judges' expressions . . . wow. :-)

Enjoy! Just don't try that trick at home!

~~Angie
By Angela on Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 7:00 AM


for this post

 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 8:31 AM  

I no longer even try to understand how these illusions are accomplished. Utterly amazing! Clyde

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 8:32 AM  

P.S. Now you can see why I can hardly wait to get my new computer! cot

 
 
Blogger Mocha with Linda Says: 9:02 AM  

That is seriously weird. And kinda creepy.

 
 
Blogger kimgaris Says: 9:47 AM  

Freakishly weird but I love David Hasselhoff expressions.

 

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Mystery Keys


The other day I was on a cleaning rampage and decided to tackle the miscellaneous drawers--you know, the drawers that catch everything. I have them in the kitchen, the office, the dining room, the foyer, my bedroom, and even upstairs.

And as I was cleaning, I noticed that they all contained . . . keys. Keys that are a mystery to me, because I can't remember what they unlock. A diary? The hurricane shutters? A car? The house we lived in in Virginia?

So I came up with the idea of creating just ONE drawer simply for keys. That chore is currently on my mental "to do" list, because I haven't had the motivation yet to go through the house and collect all the keys.

This website, however, has given me food for thought. :-) So what do you think? Do you have that many mystery keys around your house?

~~Angie
By Angela on Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 9:17 AM


for this post

 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 11:46 AM  

That is totally awesome ... in the best sense of those two words. WOW! I love it! Perhaps you can send him your mystery keys, so he can build a table to go with the chair! Clyde

 
 
Blogger Kay Says: 12:42 PM  

Amazing! Now I wish I had a bunch of keys. I've got this table...

 
 
Anonymous Melodee Says: 3:50 AM  

I can't get rid of old keys or old calendars. My husband, the purger, cannot understand this!

 

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Poetry for Writers























Every writer stumbles upon a day--
after vials of blood spilt on the page,
thousands of conjured dreams,
hours spent gazing at empty space,
and notebooks scrawled with notes and queries--

When the sentence arrives and the verdict says
This Book Will Not Do.

And when that day comes, the writer
picks up her stunned heart,
sets the notebooks aside,
grips her pen again,
and trusts that the God of inspiration
will not mind another desperate plea.

Because when a book Will Not Do,
She has no choice
But to slay a few more trees
And write another.

~~Angie
By Angela on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 @ 8:44 AM


for this post

 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 9:23 AM  

LOVE it! Clyde

 
 
Blogger PGS Says: 9:31 AM  

Angie that is so well said--and true. Beautiful!

 
 
Blogger Accidental Poet Says: 10:01 AM  

well done.

 
 
Blogger Gail Griner Golden Says: 10:56 AM  

I've known that pain...well said, Angie

 
 
Blogger David Roth Says: 11:47 AM  

I turned my first rejection letter into a poem.

Well said, Angie!

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 5:01 PM  

You are so talented. Thanks for reminding us--we're not in the rejection dept. alone; nor is that dept. the end of the line!

Blessings,
Mary Kay

 
 
Blogger Mocha with Linda Says: 9:17 AM  

Wow. I could feel this even though I'm not an author.

 

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Temple Grandin

Last night my husband and I watched a rented DVD, Temple Grandin, produced by HBO pictures. And then I went to bed and dreamed all night about writing this blog for you . . .

It's a memorable movie. This photo is of the real Temple Grandin--and I should have known I'd like her because she's obviously a dog person. :-)

The movie is the true story of Temple Grandin, who grew up with autism, and how she persevered to become a writer and a leader in the field of animal husbandry. Her goal has been to provide for the humane care of livestock, and I'm all for that. (Yes, we have dominion over the animals, but that never gives us license to abuse them.)

Claire Danes does a remarkable job portraying Temple Grandin, and the movie is absolutely fascinating, entertaining, and moving. Plus, it's one of those rare "family friendly" films--your kids would like this, and it'd be good for them to understand what autism is. Not all brains are wired in the same way, and just because someone is different doesn't mean they're a freak.

So I heartily recommend this one--and I think you'll love it. Even my hubby, who usually rolls his eyes at any movie without guns and bombs, enjoyed it, and I caught him wiping a tear from his eye . . .

Enjoy!

~~Angie


By Angela on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 7:00 AM


for this post

 
Blogger Debra Says: 8:27 AM  

I saw this movie several months ago and was fascinated. This woman is inspiring - she met the challenges of autism with intelligence and with creativity. I gained a new perspective about autism and the loving families who often walk this path. I shed a tear or two as well as chuckles and laughter. I would recommend this movie as well.
- debra

 
 
Blogger Kay Day Says: 10:52 AM  

Several of my friends have recommended this one. I've got it in my queue.

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 12:44 PM  

One of my daughter's friends has a son who is autistic. This sounds like a good movie for us. Have added it to my NF queue. Thanks, as always, Angie! Clyde

 
 
Blogger Myra Johnson Says: 2:53 PM  

Oh yes, a great movie! We rented it just a few weeks ago. So inspiring! I especially enjoyed watching the DVD extra about the real-life Temple Grandin. And you're right, Claire Danes did an excellent job of portraying her!

 
 
Blogger Elizabeth M Thompson Says: 11:13 AM  

Thanks, Angie. Two of my children (11 & 13) serve as special helpers to a young boy with autism. They are always asking me what Tommy's future will look like. I will be watching Temple Grandin with them this weekend. I'm sure it will inspire us as it did you. So glad you shared.

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 5:06 PM  

Thanks, Angie. I will link your post to my family on FB. One of my grandchildren is autistic and now often signs using ASL, but has progressed to using the occasional word. Of course, bucket of tears shed when mom heard "I love you."

Blessings,
Mary Kay

 

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WHO would have thought . . .




Found an interesting article in the New York Times about a group of sociologists who polled themselves and discovered (gasp!) that they are biased against conservatives!

I'm not surprised. And neither will you be when you read the article.

P.S. And a happy St. Valentine's Day to you faithful readers. :-)

~~Angie
By Angela on Monday, February 14, 2011 @ 7:00 AM


for this post

 
Anonymous Vickie Says: 10:37 AM  

Love the 'wallpaper' reminds me of spring. Cheerful for a Monday morning!!

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 6:07 PM  

And a Happy St. Valentine's Day to you, too, Angie.

It's nice to see one such group realize this. I am a social worker and our national organization was so deeply ingrained this way, I eventually canceled my membership, not wanting my dues to go to political activities and causes I see an sinful and better dealt with in spiritual ways. Seems labor unions are doing the same type of thing to many of their members, too.

Thanks for sharing the article.
Mary Kay

 

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A Man and His Goose


I love this story I read yesterday in the Wall Street Journal. A goose named Maria has developed a fast friendship with an older man, but she faces eviction in the weeks ahead (and thankfully, she doesn't know it yet.)

I trust the city will work something out, but the story of friendship is really touching. Be sure to check out the slideshow and the video, too. :-)

Ah, animals. They feel and think so much more than we realize . . .

~~Angie


By Angela on Sunday, February 13, 2011 @ 7:00 AM


for this post

 
Blogger Mocha with Linda Says: 9:57 AM  

What a sweet story.

And I couldn't believe the city official in the part about the man considering taking Maria and relocating to Oregon: "technically the goose is property of the state." Actually, yeah, I could believe it. Typical stupid comment of a government type!

 
 
Blogger k_stin Says: 11:55 AM  

Great story! I can't believe how she gets jealous of the other geese and how she flies along at the end, like she doesn't want to say good-bye! I hope it all works out. Thanks for sharing!

 

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Fanny pack, bum bags, belt bags . . . they're back!


It's back! The touristy, tacky fanny pack is making a comeback, but this time it's coming back in leather and design.

I know, I've always thought they were tacky, especially when they were stuffed full of . . . stuff. But as a tourist, I've learned that they are great for keeping one's wallet closet to the body. As a dog trainer, I've learned they are wonderful for holding dog treats while allowing your hands to stay free.

And now they're back . . . and a pretty price, though you can bet that will soon come down. Read this article from the Wall Street Journal and take a look at the new varieties in the slide show--I sort of like them (except the one that looks like saddle bags. On my hips . . . . I don't think so.) Still, the new designs seem to be slim . . . not much room for more than a single cell phone. On the other hand, sometimes a cell phone is all you need!

Interesting--I didn't know that "fanny" was a nasty word in the UK and Australia . . . but each culture has its own taboo list. But "bum bag" isn't much better. :-(

Enjoy, fashionistas!

~~Angie


By Angela on Saturday, February 12, 2011 @ 7:00 AM


for this post

 
Blogger Kathy C. Says: 10:10 AM  

I think I have a couple still stashed away from the first time around.

 
 
Blogger Accidental Poet Says: 10:37 AM  

some day I will tell you the story about the lovely family of dear English friends I shocked into silence with the word "fanny" ....

 
 
Anonymous Lynda in Mo Says: 4:25 PM  

I completely reject this idea!! Lol I refuse to wear anything that makes me look like a marsupial! I'll take a cross-body bag any day over this!

 
 
Blogger Ruthie Says: 1:27 AM  

Nah. You can keep your "hands free bags." Me? I'll take a classic Coach bag every time! (I don't want much, do I?? LOL)

 

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Candle Carving



I want to learn how to do this! I went through a candle-making phase back when I was a kid . . . but mine didn't look anything like this! Amazingly beautiful!

Thanks to my friend Tanzel for sending this video my way! If you want to buy one of these candles, check out their home page.

~~Angie
By Angela on Friday, February 11, 2011 @ 7:00 AM


for this post



And they'll know we are Christians by our . . .



Big thanks to Deb Raney for this link. Now, grab a tissue, call your family around, and watch this one . . .

~~Angie
By Angela on Thursday, February 10, 2011 @ 7:00 AM


for this post

 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 7:27 AM  

This was not a one-tissue video, Miss Angie. WOW! What a heartwarming way to start the day. God's Love wins the game. Clyde

 
 
Blogger Donald James Parker Says: 7:58 AM  

I had seen this before. It was worth a second view. In fact, someone needs to make this into a feature length movie. Thanks for sharing!

 
 
Blogger Patricia Says: 8:18 AM  

LOVE, love, love this!!!! Thank you so much for posting it, Angela.

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 3:34 PM  

Wonderful! We can each impact our own corner of the world.

Blessings, Angie. Thanks for this.
Mary Kay

 
 
Anonymous B Schwind Says: 8:43 AM  

wow , what a way to start my day. Thanks for sharing Angie. I loved your workshop at FCW last year-

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 11:20 AM  

Great video, Angie. I posted it on my FB page today, giving you full credit of course. I'm looking forward to seeing you this week. Thanks again for this.

 

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Ghiberti's Doors

Click on any photo to enlarge.


I have been taking a class (on video) on great artists of the Italian Renaissance. (I'm sure there's a book in here somewhere!)

Anyway, my subject today was Lorenzo Ghiberti's doors, designed for the Cathedral of Florence, more commonly known as the Duomo.

For the first set of doors, the project organizers held a contest for sculptors. Ghiberti won the first contest, and his doors included 28 gilded panels, each depicting a scene from the life of Christ or the authors of the Gospels. Because the artist could not use color--other than the gold of the gilding--the figures had to be truly expressive and tell a picture.

Having never been to Italy (yet!), I've never seen these doors, but the journey is on my bucket list. :-) The sculptors used "simultaneous narration" and told a single story through many scenes in one picture.

After Ghiberti completed his first set of doors, the cathedral folks held a second contest for another entrance. The finalists were Filippo Brunelleschi and Ghiberti, and they were each asked to do a panel on the sacrifice of Isaac.

Both scenes are amazing, but Ghiberti won the job. This set of doors was comprised of ten square panels, and the larger panels literally gave the artist more room for story-telling. (He also included a self-portrait in the work--you can see his head in the detailing on the scrollwork between frames.)

If you begin in the lower left corner of the gold detailed picture, you see God (portrayed as a man) creating Adam from earth. Move to the bottom center and you see Adam sleeping while God creates a lovely Eve from Adam's rib while angels look on in approval. Move to the upper left and you see Adam and Eve at the Tree of knowledge of Good and Evil . . . with the treacherous Serpent. Upper center to lower right depicts a now ashamed Adam and Eve being forced to leave the Garden, which will remain guarded by angels.

Isn't this work amazing?

Notice the photo of the Jacob/Esau story (this is a photo of a copy). Above the arch to the right, you see a pregnant Rebekkah being told that she will bear twins, and the younger shall rule the elder. In the background on the right, you see Rebekkah on her bed of labor, giving birth. Beneath the arch on the right, you see Rebekkah telling Jacob to kill the kid so she can prepare it the way Isaac favors while Esau goes off to hunt. In the right foreground, you see Jacob (with his mother watching) obtaining the blessing of the firstborn. In the center foreground, we see Esau being told by an aged Isaac that he's too late. And the four lovely ladies to the left--we don't know exactly who they are--they could be the Canaanite women Esau married, or the women that Jacob went off to find (Rachel, Leah, and their maids). Personally, I favor the latter idea. :-)

I've always admired artists--probably because I am utterly unskilled in this area, and also because I think what they do is very much like writing. We all begin with a "blank canvas," and we all strive to create something beautiful that will bring enjoyment, edification, and give food for thought. And finally, we all hope our finished work--into which we've invested a great deal of time and thought and labor--is something that will last and bring glory to the God who gives all good and perfect gifts.

Well, enough rambling for now. Enjoy!

~~Angie
By Angela on Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 7:00 AM


for this post

 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 9:01 AM  

I've seen these doors and they are truly amazing. It was difficult to get close as so many were looking at them. I appreciate your post as I now understand even more about them than I did before. Thanks!
Rhonda

 
 
Blogger RumorsOfGlory Says: 9:25 AM  

I majored in Fine Art History and studied those doors as well. Saw them when I spent six weeks in Italy. Going to see them again this fall on my 25th wedding anniversary. Thanksvfor this.

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 3:13 PM  

Thank you, Renaissance Woman,for this lovely tour of Ghiberti's doors plus the stories behind and in them. I'd never have gathered all those details on my own. Yes, amazing.

Blessings, Angie,
Mary Kay

 

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Capital Punishment


I happen to be in favor of capital punishment. Why? Because "Thou shalt not kill" should be translated "Thou shalt not murder," and because God has decreed that when men kill other men--who are created as representatives of God--that they deserve to die.

Gen. 9:5-6: And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man."

Proverbs 17:15: "Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent --the Lord detests them both." [I think this verse applies both to capital punishment and abortion.]

Prov. 6:16-17: "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers."

I was reading MIND HUNTER, a book by John Douglas, about serial killers and criminal profiling, and came across an interesting anecdote. (This book is not for the squeamish). So for what it's worth, here 'tis, quoted from the book:

When the director and cast of THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS came to Quantico to prepare for filming, I brought Scot Glenn, who played Jack Crawford--the special agent some say was based on me--into my office. Glenn was a pretty liberal guy who had strong feelings on rehabilitation, redemption, and the fundamental goodness of people. I showed him some of the gruesome crime-scene photos we worked with every day. I let him experience recordings made by killers while they were torturing their victims. I made him listen to one of two teenage girls in Los Angeles being tortured to death in the back of a van by two thrill-seeking killers who had recently been let out of prison.

Glenn wept as he listened to the tapes. He said to me, "I had no idea there were people out there who could do anything like this." An intelligent, compassionate father with two girls of his own, Glenn said that after seeing and hearing what he did in my office, he could no longer oppose the death penalty: "The experience in Quantico changed my mind about that for all time."

And there's the story. I don't have to look at photos or hear recordings to know that men are capable of atrocious cruelty. I'm not trying to change anyone's mind, I simply found that story interesting enough to share.

And there you have my thoughts for the day.

~~Angie
By Angela on Tuesday, February 08, 2011 @ 7:00 AM


for this post

 
Blogger Mocha with Linda Says: 8:04 AM  

Well-said.

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 8:28 AM  

I've just recently had this topic come up with a new friend. I had no defense for my position of being not only Pro-Life, but also Pro-Execution. I will send him this link, for it speaks volumes on the topic. Thanks, Angie! Clyde

 
 
Anonymous Lynda in MO Says: 9:45 AM  

Okay Angie, all these posts on crime and criminals -- clearly your next book must be related - how about a hint??? Please??

 
 
Blogger Megan DiMaria Says: 11:33 AM  

This is interesting in light of a conversation I recently had with an atheist who claims that moral laws based on "the rules of the Christian God" are no longer necessary. The reason? Because of evolution, mankind has evolved into a nicer, kinder species. Ha!

 
 
Anonymous Linda G Says: 3:00 PM  

I totally believe in the death penalty. We have it here in Oregon, but it is a joke. There are so many automatic appeals that I don't think anyone has been put to death since it was reestablished. In fact a few people have died on death row because the appeals process takes so long.

 
 
Blogger Leslie Says: 3:56 PM  

I am for the death penalty but only for the person who kills another person. Getting the death penalty because you participated in a holdup where someone else killed another person is not justice (yes, its happened).

I think my biggest hang up about the death penalty is that there are innocent people who have been put to death due to negligence or wrong doing on the part of the legal system, so I'm all for the appeal process and thankful it exists.

 
 
Blogger Angela Says: 4:00 PM  

I'm very grateful for the appeals process because, for all the reasons stated above, no one wants to see an innocent man condemned to die. I just wish our courts were more efficient so that the process didn't take so long--some people are on death row longer than their victims were allowed to live.

It's not a perfect system, but it's the best the world has at this time, so I'm thankful for it.

 
 
Blogger Leslie Says: 4:03 PM  

Ok - I take back what I said about someone getting the death penalty because of participating in a holdup - I just checked and Texas only gives the death penalty for murder so I was apparently given some bad info.

 
 
Blogger joanieponytail Says: 11:50 AM  

One of the important reasons to support the death penalty is the benefit to the condemned. It forces that person to face their own mortality. The hope for me is that that will bring them to the cross of Christ and to repentance.

If they are saved, the actual execution has the added benefit of freeing them from the memory of the horror of what they have done.

There was a teenager girl who was testifying at the penalty phase of a trial that had convicted a man of murdering her mother. She said she did not want him to get the death penalty because if he was saved between now and his execution, he would get to go to heaven all that much sooner.

 

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Criminal Stuff


I've been researching my next book, so I'm sorry I haven't been blogging as regularly as usual. I've been reading, reading, reading, playing way too much Scrabble on my iPad, and watching a lot of CRIMINAL MINDS on TV.

All grist for the mill, btw. Still, it doesn't result in much blogging.

But I just got off the phone with my buddy Mark Mynheir, retired cop and novelist. Have you read Mark's books? They're great, and of course they're realistic.

I tell this story all the time at writer's conferences, but I don't think I've told you.

Many many years ago I was teaching fiction at the Florida Christian Writers Conference (a good conference, BTW) and I had an entire back row of men. Many of them asked me to look at their manuscripts after class, and it seemed like nearly every man had a book centered around a Navy SEAL, an Army Ranger, or some other military action hero.

So this young man named Mark comes up and shows me his manuscript--about a Marine. I looked at him and said, "What IS it with you men and the military? For heaven's sake . . . what's your day job?"

Mark rather sheepishly told me that he was a homicide detective.

"A WHAT? Why on earth aren't you writing about that?"

"Because it's boring. I do it all day long . . ."

"It's not boring to me. And it won't be boring to other people. "

That night at dinner we probably made the other people at our table uncomfortable as Mark told stories about dead bodies and crime scenes and I egged him on, wanting more and more details.

Long story short: Mark sold a series of cop novels, and he's been writing ever since. His books are great, if you haven't checked them out. Here's a link to his latest.

And whenever I have a cop kind of question, guess who I call? Tee hee.

~~Angie
By Angela on Monday, February 07, 2011 @ 3:08 PM


for this post

 
Blogger Kathy C. Says: 3:26 PM  

Love Mark's books. They have that ring of authenticity.

I can see you two talking dead bodies over a meal : )

 
 
Anonymous Linda Says: 6:02 PM  

Mark is one of my favs for police novels. And they are NOT boring!

 
 
Blogger Mark Young Says: 9:29 PM  

Mark does write a great story.He has helped me about specifics of search warrants in Florida. Look forward to his latest.

 
 
Blogger Mocha with Linda Says: 8:04 AM  

I've gotten out of sync with my blog reading and missed this yesterday. I didn't know his new book had come out. I loved his first one!

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 3:24 PM  

You two need to post a "Warning: Hazardous Material" sign on your dinner table for squeamish fellow conferees! But how blessed you both are. That he sought you out and heeded your advice. And you getting a police contact, which saves garnering much suspicion when seeking info. about dead bodies and police procedures.

Mary Kay

 

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Megan's Back!



I've been sharing Megan's clips on my Facebook page for some time--she's a unique character, and I love her long, I love her strong! Enjoy!

Angie
By Angela on Wednesday, February 02, 2011 @ 2:53 PM


for this post

 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 8:02 PM  

Nice and simple! Listen to the wise and don't be stupid. (Proverbs tell us a lot about that.)

Love it.

Thanks, Angie.

Mary Kay

 
 
Blogger Ruthie Says: 2:49 AM  

This woman is way cool...and obviously NOT stupid! I wonder what she would say to all the ice and snow we "Yankees" are getting? LOL

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 9:51 AM  

I love her.

She reminds me a great deal of Bill Cosby - her timing, speech, humor, passion - all have a Cosby flavor to them.

 
 
Blogger Bakersdozen Says: 1:51 PM  

Thank you so much for sharing this. I want to show this to my husband when he gets home. You have to love this lady!

 

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Watch this video. And weep.

By Angela on Tuesday, February 01, 2011 @ 2:33 PM


for this post

 
Blogger k_stin Says: 3:37 PM  

Wow. I am totally shocked.

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 12:04 AM  

Probably shouldn't be shocked, but I am. And so saddened that folks help young girls continue to be exploited. Interesting that PPCNJ (finally) acknowledges that this person did not comply with the law. I wonder if law enforcement will be getting involved. Probably not, since it was a sting and no underage girl actually was (mis)treated.

Thanks for sharing this deplorable piece of video, Angie.

Mary Kay

 
 
Blogger Leslie Says: 4:04 PM  

Mary Kay - where did you read/see that PPCNJ acknowledged that the employee did not comply with the law? I'd like to see that article please.

Thanks!

 
 
Blogger Leslie Says: 4:25 PM  

Ne'er mind - found where they FIRED her! :)

 

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About Me

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Location: Florida, United States

In no particular order, Angela Hunt is a novelist, teacher, nana, mother, wife, mastiff owner, reader, musician, student, aspiring theologian, and bubble gum connoisseur. The things that enter her life sooner or later find their way into her books, hence "a life in pages."

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Copyright Angela E. Hunt, 2011