Hurricane Gustav

Gustav already turned into a category 3 hurricane, literally over night, and as soon as it hits the open waters of the Gulf, it can strengthen even more. It already claimed many victims and is only at the beginning of its raging course.

With this hurricane on the way, Louisiana is already in a state of emergency. Right now, the predicted path is pointing straight at them, but that can change in the blink of an eye and it could head straight towards us as well. Louisiana in particular, is still recovering from Katrina. I don't know if they could take another hit like that. It could be devastating.

I wish this hurricane would hit no where and just vanish in to thin air. That is wishful thinking, I know. I just pray, that where ever it hits, it will do little to no damage.

What Did You Say?

Does this sound familiar??? :-)

A husband read an article to his wife about how many words women use a day... 30,000 to a man's 15,000.

The wife replied: 'The reason has to be because we have to repeat everything to men...'

The husband then turned to his wife and asked: 'What?'

I can so relate to this. Don't get me wrong, my husband is an extremely good listener, except when he is caught up in work, or TV. At those times, I have to repeat what I said, or asked, as well.

I usually know, when he is preoccupied and already anticipate, having to repeat my words. When there is another reason why he didn't hear me, I get an explanation.

Yeah, my husband is a good communicator. I have learned and still can learn a thing or two from him!

Save On Buying A Home

Even though, there are so many houses on the real estate market, there are people making money of it. Yup, the real estate brokers and agencies.

These days, every penny you can safe counts. The first savings as a buyer would be, not to have to pay those fees. I hear you laugh and say that is a pipe-dream. You stand corrected!

The arvada colorado real estate brokers cost you nothing, while you are still assured of the best service a home buyer can get.

Whether you are a buyer, or a seller, you won't get broke with this real estate broker!

Our Little Heart-Breaker

Our little Kc is such a rascal and a huge flirt as well, haha.

The kids stayed with us over the weekend, since there was a tropical storm heading our way and they were advised to leave their home and go to a safe shelter.

Little Kc was up early and kept us company in the office. We leave the door open when we are in it, but close it off when we are not, so he won't get into any mischief.

He knows very well not to play with the door. Although he loves to close it, we forbid him to, in order not to get his little fingers crushed. Of course, he tries anyway.

Yesterday morning, he tried it again, in spite of several warnings. I looked sternly at him and said: "Oma is getting very angry with you!"

He examined me closely, saw I was serious and then..... puckered his lips, ran towards me and gave me a kiss. Aawwww, that melted my heart. The little brat knew it too. He turned around and thought that had done the trick and he found the 'pass-word' to play with the door.

Hah, no go! Again I warned him with the same sentence and again he puckered up and gave me a kiss. He didn't try to play with the door anymore after that. I suspect he thought it would be wiser to listen. I am glad he did, because he sure came close to winning me over. :-)

Oh dear, I suspect we got a little heart-breaker on our hands!

What's To Understand?

I thought this was such a good one.

UNDERSTANDING WOMEN (A MAN'S PERSPECTIVE)

I know I am not going to understand women. I will never understand how you can take boiling hot wax, pour it onto your upper thigh, rip the hair out by the root, and still be afraid of a spider.

Odd isn't it? We, women, do all kinds of crazy things to look pretty. Things that are painful, yet we do them over and over again. Waxing is one of them. We may not like it and we may not look forward to it, but we are able to set our fear aside and do it anyway.

And then along comes a little mouse, of which I am not afraid. Or, in this case, a spider. Of which I am VERY afraid. Guess who is screaming and preferably standing on the chair?

Maybe if those things added some value to our appearance, we could face them. Grin.

Jabbing Couple

I hope this one will have you in stitches. It sure provoked a good laugh out of me. :-)

Wife Versus Husband

A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word. An earlier discussion had led to an argument and neither of them wanted to concede their position.

As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats, and pigs, the husband asked sarcastically: "Relatives of yours?"

"Yep", the wife replied, "in-laws."

I don't think I could have kept a straight face, hearing a reply like that. No matter how angry I would have been, it would definitely have provoked a smile. Okay, maybe a half smile.

It may have taken me a while to come back at it, but my reply would probably have been along these lines: "Let's invite them for dinner. We don't see them nearly enough." :-)

Have A Seat

Most of our furniture is slowly but surely approaching the point of replacement. Unfortunately, there is a list of other things that are more prevalent. Maybe for the best, since our oldest grand son is roaming around and climbing up on any piece of furniture he encounters, if we would let him, haha.

It will also give us some more time to decide whether we want to go classic, traditional, or modern. Either way, Bernhardt Furniture would certainly suit our wants and needs. I like the option of the complete upholstery line. We could choose any kind of fabric for the couch or lazy chair, that would fit our interior best.

Seeing all that beautiful new furniture makes me want to go ahead and buy some. I know, patience is a virtue. I can't wait to have it. :-)

Sweet Revenge

Here is a funny one, although I have to admit, the lady is deviously smart, haha.

WOMEN'S REVENGE

'Cash, check or charge?' I asked, after folding items the woman wished to purchase.

As she fumbled for her wallet , I noticed a remote control for a television set in her purse.

'So, do you always carry your TV remote?' I asked.
'No,' she replied, 'but my husband refused to come shopping with me, and I figured this was the most evil thing I could do to him legally.'

It may feel good at the moment to take revenge, but all we are actually doing is stooping down to a level, we should not go at all. Besides, vengeance is not ours.

Just think, would you like to be treated this way? I wouldn't, although I can understand she is hurt by her husband's refusal to go shopping with her. In my opinion, he should have.

Love is giving and sacrificing. :-)

Outerwear Qualities

My husband used to do a lot of surveying. That meant, he could find himself going from rough terrain to swamp land, in no time flat. One of the most important parts of his outfit had to be sturdy, water-resistant, flexible boots.

He could have benefited a lot, from the comfort and protection of the steel toe Timberland Boots and shoes. With any type of work that has to be done outside, the boots assure a good grip, even when the weather decides to throw a fit.

I am grateful my husband is no longer a subject to the elements, where it concerns his work. I do know that if he was, I would insist on him having the best, the safest and the most durable outerwear, without loosing out on his comfort.

Something to consider anyway, since we plan on going hiking this fall.

Experienced Attorney

I am still sorry for our kids having been robbed. I so wish, they would catch the thieves and bring them before a judge. Mainly, so no one else will be a victim of their practices, but I also hope it would open the eyes of the robbers, before they have to reap what they sow.

I do not like to have to engage a lawyer. It usually means, that things are bad wrong and gotten out of hand. There are times though, that we can not do without a lawyer and we are grateful they are there for us.

Presented with the choice, a Lexington Kentucky Attorney is one of the best you can get. They are specialized in all kinds of different areas and extremely experienced. It is needless to say, that would be the route to go. I would not hesitate to make use of their services, to see justice done.

I hope I never have to. :-)

More Wisdom

Even though comedy may seem a bit out of place on my blog, it is a form of art. It is painting funny pictures by drawing in, and on, every day life situations.

I can only admire people, who see the humor in every situation. :-)

More wisdom of Larry the cable guy......

1. How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand.
2. OK, so what's the speed of dark?
3. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
4. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
5. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
6. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
7. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?
8. Why do psychics have to ask you your name?
9. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, 'What the heck happened?'
10. Just remember - if the world didn't suck, we would all fall off.
11. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
12. Life isn't like a box of chocolates. It's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your butt tomorrow.

The Blue Collar Comedy Tour consists off 4 comedians, who make the tour. They are Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, Ron White and Larry the Cable Guy.

Each one of them has his own unique, but hilarious outlook and jokes and should you get a chance to see them, live, or on TV, grab it. You will regret having passed it up.

Poor Kids

It is so sad. While the kids were over here, following instructions to find a safe place to stay during tropical storm Fay, someone took advantage of a bad situation and made it worse.

Upon their return home, the kids discovered they had been robbed. Son-in-law's only entertainment, an X-box, was gone, along with his games. He had gotten it for his birthday last year, from friends and family, who all pitched in.

Their DVD player was gone, along with all the movies they had collected over the years, and the video-camera as well. The last was a Christmas present and had some footage of our grand babies on it.

It is doubtful the robber(s) will be found and impossible to replace the things they lost right now, since they were not insured.

We are grateful though, it is only material stuff and can be replaced. It could have been much worse!

Karel Appel's Economical Impact

Karel Appel and some other young painters, set up the Dutch Experimental Group in Amsterdam in 1948. That same year, on November 8, The Cobra group is founded in Paris and consists of Dutch, Danish and Belgian painters.

In February 1951, Cobra had it's first exposition in Paris. Appel however breaks with Cobra in 1952 and a year later develops a friendship with Martha Jackson, who holds the first American exposition in her gallery in New York, two years later.

A documentary film is made about Karel Appel as an artist in Paris in 1961, by the Dutch film director Jan Vrijman. It is called The Reality of Karel Appel, with music by Dizzy Gillespie and Karel Appel himself.

In 1964, he completely renovates the Château of Molesmes, near Auxerre in France and in the 70's he even records music compositions in collaboration with Chet Baker, Merrill Sanders and other musicians and singers in San Francisco.

A series of paintings are exhibited in 1982 at the Boulder Center for the Visual Arts, Colorado.

The Paris Opera commissions Appel in 1987 to conceive and design the ballet Can We Dance A Landscape?, which also is performed at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Next Wave Festival, New York, in 1989. That same year a mural is made with children of Hiroshima, for their city.

The ballet Can We Dance A Landscape? is performed at Het Muziek Theater, Amsterdam, in 1994. A year later, commissioned by the Dutch Opera, Appel creates the scenic concept for Mozart's The Magic Flute.

At Karel's 80th birthday in 2001, the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam; the Cobra Museum, Amstelveen and the Haags Gemeentemuseum, The Hague hold exhibits showing his works.

In 1999, the Karel Appel foundation was founded. The purpose of the foundation is 'to preserve the artworks, to promote public awareness and knowledge of Karel Appel’s oeuvre and to supervise publication of the Oeuvre Catalogue of the paintings, the works on paper and the sculptures.'

The foundation is established in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Paintings and pictures Copyright © Karel Appel Foundation.

The 'Itty"

It is so funny to hear more recognizable words come out of our oldest grand son's mouth. He is pretty capable of making known what it is he wants.

The other day, he was in our bedroom, looking around, pointing at things and making asking sounds. I had to tell him what he was pointing at, it was called. Not for long he pointed at the guitar, which is leaned up against our dresser. He looked at me and said out loud: "Itty!"

Even though he could not yet pronounce the word guitar, he knew very well what it was. I was so proud of him. Maybe Opa can teach him how to play the 'itty', when he gets older.

And how to spit, of course! :-D

Playing Together

It is so endearing to see how the boys get along. Even though they are still small, both enjoy each other's company.

Leo observes almost every move lil Kc makes. He is totally fixated and watches him closely. Kc tries to give Leo toys to play with, brings his pacifier, or bottle and strokes his head or leans over to give him a kiss.

The other day, Leo was in the playpen, laying on his tummy and looking around. Kc sat down in front of him and pushed his little hands against the mash. Leo tried to grab it, which prompted Kc to push his entire face against it. Both boys were having a ball, laughing and smiling.

It was such a sweet picture and of course, silly Oma forgot to snap a shot for posterity, sigh.

Hissy-Fits in Circles

Our little Leo is definitely trying hard to make some head-way. Laying on a blanket on the floor, he rolls himself on his tummy and pushes himself up on those little arms, looking around curiously.

He has been doing that for a while already, so nothing new there. Lately, whenever he sees something that captures his interest, he wants to get there. He moves his little leggies vehemently, trying to get to where he wants. So far, it only resulted in him going around in circles and throwing a hissy-fit, because he gets frustrated.

Aww, poor little man. I so would love for him to be able to crawl around. Okay, okay, patience is a virtue. He will get there, pertaining to both ability and destination.

I will be one of the first to applaud him! :-)

Some Wisdom

I don't know if you have heard about Larry the cable guy? He is impersonated by Daniel Lawrence Whitney, a Southern comedian and a real redneck, and was one of the four comedians of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour.

His wisdom is plain and simple. Actually, I can't help but laugh at the simplicity and truth, he makes so obvious. Enjoy reading some of his wise remarks and opinions. :-)

The wisdom of Larry the cable guy......

1. A day without sunshine is like night.
2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.
3. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.
6. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.
7. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.
9. Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have.
10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.

Check back again soon, he has some more statements, that will have you in stitches.

Cherokee Lake Living

Isn't this a beautiful view of Cherokee Lake? We would love to live near a lake and have been fantasizing about it for quite a while.

Having a house on a hill, waking up in the morning and having a cup of coffee, while looking down on the lake and admiring the view. I think Cherokee Lake would be the perfect place for us.

Just imagine, not only having such a wondrous lot for your house, but everything surrounding it is build with nothing but getting the maximum out of what nature has to offer and still meeting, or exceeding, all the specification.

Enhanced and innovated living, while being one with nature. Oh boy, Cherokee Lake is the place where all our dreams come true.

Talks and Grins

Little Leo loves to 'talk'. He puts his entire little body in telling you, what is on his little mind and grins from ear to ear, when he gets your feed-back.

Last weekend, while I was holding him, he was sharing some of his thoughts with me. He produced all kinds of sounds and coos, to which I replied, of course, as if I knew what he was babbling about. No, I didn't, but that cute face and big smile indicated, he was having a ball. Yep, me too, haha.

He seemed to enjoy me echoing his sounds. That went back and forth for a bit, until I decided to throw in a sound of a different kind. I made the 'Ooooo'-sound and Leo fell totally silent. He was fixated on my mouth and observing every move I made. The sound that came out of it, left him in awe.

His mouth formed in the right shape to produce it, but apparently he didn't know how. I stopped torturing the little critter and said: "Aaaaa", a sound which I know is part of his vocabulary. Big grin and he responded with A's, E's, coos and smiles.

One day he will surprise us by saying: "Ooooooo-pa and Ooooooo-ma". :-D

Are You A Friend?

Have you seen those commercials, how friends are there for you, when you would get into mental problems? Or the one where friends confront you, when they see you are doing wrong? Actually, there are few friends who care enough to stick with you and dare to confront you, out of love.

I got this in the mail and after reading it, I can only say that this is so true.

FRIENDS VS. SOUTHERN FRIENDS

FRIENDS: Never ask for food.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Always bring the food.

FRIENDS: Will say 'hello'.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will give you a big hug and a kiss.

FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. and Mrs.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Call your parents Mom and Dad

FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Cry with you.

FRIENDS: Will eat at your dinner table and leave.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will spend hours there, talking, laughing, and just being together.

FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.

FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will kick the whole crowds' back-ends that left you.

FRIENDS: Would knock on your door.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Walk right in and say, 'I'm home!'

FRIENDS: will visit you in jail
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: will probably spend the night in jail with you.

FRIENDS: will visit you in the hospital when you're sick
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: will cut your grass and clean your house, then come spend the night with you in the hospital

FRIENDS: have you on speed dial
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: have your number memorized

FRIENDS: Are for a while.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Are for life.

Friends don't always have to be living nearby. We have many wonderful, caring and loving friends, who live scattered around the world. We may never meet them and don't always talk on the phone. However, when needed, they are there. In prayer, dropping little notes, leaving comments and if they don't hear from us for a while, they check up on us.

Friends are a great blessing!

Karel Appel's Work

Karel Appel had his first exposition in 1946 in Groningen, The Netherlands.

He was extremely productive and created many works of art. He develops a new style in 1947 and uses wood and found objects in relief and introduces elements of narrative representation.

In 1949 his painting, a fresco called 'Questioning Children', caused controversy. It hang in the Amsterdam City Hall, but was covered up for ten years.

After Karel Appel moved to Paris, he established an international reputation by works and travels to Mexico, the USA, Yugoslavia and Brazil. He became particularly noted for his mural work.

He spends 2 summers in Italy, where he learns the technique of ceramics. He makes a series of sculptures in terra-cotta.

In 1955 Karel was asked to paint a 100 meter-long brick wall called Wall of Energy for the exhibition entitled "E'55" (Energy '55) in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

In 1956, he is commissioned by the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam to make a mural for its new restaurant, Appel uses stained glass for the first time and that same year he makes six stained glass windows for the Kruis Church in Geleen, illustrating the Genesis.

Two years later he creates a painting that functions as a mural in the restaurant of the UNESCO building in Paris.

During the 60's and 70's he develops all kinds of art, using different techniques such as painted murals, marble and ceramic tiles, glass-in-concrete-reliefs and stained glass. He even incorporated objects in his paintings, which would lead to his colorful sculptures later on.

He creates a mural in Peru in 1976 and that same year a book is published, Encre à deux pinceaux (Two Brush Paintings), in collaboration with Hugo Claus, who made the poems for it.

The diversity of his works resulted in many creations all over the world. Paintings, murals, drawings, graphic works, and many other works of arts, sprung from his creative mind. Most of his work can be found in Dutch museums and the Karel Appel Foundation.

Paintings and pictures Copyright © Karel Appel Foundation.

Little Angel

It is so funny how our little Kc manages to express himself. After having sat on my lap for a while, he got up, but was rubbing his eyes. It was quite obvious he was tired. I managed to find his pacifier and held it up, showing it to him.

He looked at it and took off, down the hall. I followed him somewhat puzzled, to see where he was going. In front of the bedroom door he stopped. He put his little hands on the door and tried to push it open. That didn't work, so he looks up at me and goes: "Uhhh???"

"You want to go nite-nite?", was my response. I didn't really think he would, but opened the door anyway to see what it was he had in mind. He walked right up to the bed and tried to climb in.

"Okay, I got you!"
I took of his shoes, laid him down and stayed with him for a bit. After some fun, giggles and pointing around the room, he let out a deep sigh and... fell asleep.

Our little rascal looked just like a little angel. He is one! :-)

Snickering Away

Leo, our little six month old grand son, is rolling over now and is in the process of trying to sit up. He is still very unbalanced, but I don't think it will take too much longer before he sits up by himself.

He is just the happiest little baby I have ever seen. The little guy is always in such a good mood. He smiles, even when he is crying and the only times he fusses is, when he is hungry.

He loves to stand up and look at and grab our faces. He smiles from ear to ear, when being talked to.

Yesterday, Opa was holding him and talking to him. Leo grinned so big and suddenly clasped his little hands, pulled them to his little tummy, bowed his head and bent over. It really looked like he doubled over with laughter, or was snickering to himself.

This occurred a few more times during the day. Sometime soon I hope to catch that on camera. I could just eat him up.

Okay, this little guy got me wrapped around his tiny little finger as well. :-)

About Karel Appel

Karel Appel was a very diverse artist, mainly known for his colorful paintings and sculptures.

Christiaan Karel Appel was born on April 25th, 1921 in Amsterdam. He was the son of Jan Appel, a barber, and Johanna Chevalier and had 3 brothers.

At the age of 14, he created his first painting, a still life of a basket of fruit. On his 15th birthday, his uncle Karel Chevalier, who was an amateur painter himself, gave Karel a paint set and an easel. He also gave him some painting lessons.

Karel attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Amsterdam, from 1942-1944. He was very much influenced by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Jean Dubuffet.

Due to some controversy about his work in the Netherlands, Karel moved to Paris in 1950, where he traveled a lot all over the world and lived between New York and Florence, Paris.

Karel Appel suffered from a heart condition. He died on May 3td 2006 in his home in Zurich, Switserland, and was buried on May 16, 2006 in Paris, France.

Paintings and pictures Copyright © Karel Appel Foundation.

See also:
Karel Appel's Work
Karel Appel's Economical Impact

So Comfy

When all the family is together, talking and walking around, little Leo on a blanket on the floor and little Kc playing and running around, it seems it gets a little too much for lil' Kc at times. He gets tired and a looks for a place to chill. And what does he do? He comes to me, haha.

Last Sunday, while I was sitting in one of our lazy chairs, he got a little cranky. His Dad picked him up and sat him on his lap, but that was not Kc's plan. He climbed down, walked up to me and stretched out his little arms. Of course I couldn't resist, so I picked him up and set him on my lap.

He leaned back in my arms, holding his cup, taking a sip every now and then, and was totally relaxed. I couldn't help but smile, looking at those little leggies. They told me even more that he felt safe and was comfy.

His legs were stretched out and crossed. :-)

A Safe Place

I love being an Oma (dutch for grandma). I think it is true, that the times spend with the grand children are so much more enjoyable, because we don't have them around 24/7. I know that I try to make the most of it.

It's not just for my pleasure. I also would like for them to be at home and when they grow up, to know they have another home to go to, besides their own. A place where they can come, rest and feel comfortable. Where they can get guidance, reassurance, comfort and leadership. Or just to hang. :-)

It is what I tried to achieve with our girls and like to continue with our grand kids.

Home, a safe place for everyone.

Smiles and Blessings

Yesterday, we had our daughter and grand babies over. Actually, I went over there this morning and they all came back home with us and stayed until late in the afternoon.

It was fun and enjoyable, but oh boy, those little critters keep us busy constantly. The only little break we got was when both were taking a nap. I have to admit, I am whooped.

Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining by any means! I love those little rascals and would not want to have it any other way. Each time they smile, or laugh out loud, is a blessing.

It is well worth being tired. :-)

Hand Kisses

Lil' Kc has been playing and keeping his Oma busy for a while, when all of a sudden he turns around and walks towards the front door. He stops halfway, looks at me and waves.

"Are you going bye-bye?"
He waves again, a smile on his face as I wave back. I blow him a hand kiss and he puts his hand to his mouth as well. He leaves it over his mouth though and I show him how to blow a hand kiss.

Again he puts his hand over his mouth and waits. Another demonstration, and all of a sudden he takes his hand off his mouth, stretches out his arm and comes running up to me. He places his hand on my mouth for me to kiss and when I do, he laughs out loud and runs back to the door.

This goes on for a few times, until he goes to the door and tries to open it. Oh yeah, he can reach the door knob and turn it. A good thing we keep the doors locked.

No doubt, he will figure that out soon enough!

Here We Go Again

I am weary. Each time, when things finally seem to calm down and life may get a little less stressful, another fire flares up.

Our youngest daughter's car shows signs of hick-ups and needs to be examined and repaired. That leaves them without transportation and another bill. On top of that, her husband got fired from his evening-job. We don't quite know the reason why, but it's another burden and concern.

It is always something else. There does not seem to be given any time to stop and smell the roses. Unless I take the time to stop. I am allowing it to get me weary. I need to stop, count our blessings, and increase my faith. God will provide. He always has and always will. :-)

Have a very blessed day!