Daddy's Christmas Angel

Friday, February 15, 2013

Not Satisfied with Your Life, Then Change Something

Morning shows intrigue me, especially when they are about surveys. On the NBC Today Show this morning, they highlighted a survey about what caused people the most dissatisfaction in their lives. In this survey, appearance ranked highest. That started me thinking.

What can you do to your appearance that will make you happier? People are often dissatisfied with their weight. Take the Dr. Oz show, for example. How many diet changes has he shown? There always seems to be a new diet fad. What was important a few years ago--cholesterol levels--is now less important. Eggs were bad; now they are good. Now we need to go on a paleo diet and get rid of all gluten. It's a little confusing. What to do?

Just change something.

Buy a new shirt or dress--something different for you. Perhaps a brighter color or unusual pattern will make you smile.

Change your hair style. Add bangs to update your look. (I love bangs and had no idea they were ever out of style!)

Go to the gym. That's really important. It can change your life in a good way. If you exercise regularly, you won't need to go on a diet. For years, I've taken classes at least three times a week. If you attend a class, that will keep you on a schedule that you are more likely to stick to. Vary the kinds of classes, if possible. I take yoga, tabata, and zumba. I also play tennis.

"Nearing Touchdown" ©MMSikes
My mother always told me that health is everything. If you don't have good health, nothing else is important. Of course, she was right. That's why heading to the gym, or some place else, for exercise is essential.

Not satisfied with your life, then change something. Do what you always wanted to do, but never dared try. Take up skydiving, join a bridge club, take art lessons, join a theatrical group.

Just change something. You'll be glad.

--Mary Montague Sikes

Radio interview with Neal Steele. Hit the play link on Chesapeake Bay Writers home page.


 Insecure Writers Support Group
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Sunday, February 10, 2013

An Artful Weekend

Sometimes choices must be made between art and writing. This weekend was one of those times.

The Virginia Romance Writers was holding an all-day workshop, "Writing Body Language and Dialogue Cues Like a Psychologist," presented by Margie Lawson, a psychotherapist and international presenter. What an outstanding opportunity for writers! However, it was an all-day commitment. Over many years, I have neglected my art in favor of writing. This year, I have resolved to spend more time painting and selling my artwork.

Jorge Diaz explains his method painting sunflowers ©MMSikes
The Metropolitan Richmond Artist Association had a demonstration by artist Jorge Diaz during that same time period. However, the time commitment was much less, only about two hours. I chose the art presentation.

It always amazes me how connected the two disciplines are--art and writing. Diaz started out talking about his connection with Joseph Campbell. Over the years, I've heard many writers speak of a similar connection. Diaz described the art we make as a "reflection of the light we have inside." How many authors have I known who sign books, "Light and Love"? Many.

I enjoyed watching the Diaz demonstration and learning that he often creates a painting with acrylics and completes it with oil paint. Years ago, I did the same thing.

No title yet...
 Petersburg Regional Art Center also had its open house, and I took advantage of the opportunity to work on a painting. Recently, I've started several paintings using pastels as my medium, then I complete them with acrylic paints in my studio. I especially enjoy working with images that represent outer space to me--especially the circular forms of planets. This painting began as I looked at a portion of a fractal image and grew from there.

As Jorge Diaz noted, "Art is a reflection of the light we have inside." I hope my new paintings will be a reflection of that light.

Sometimes choices must be made. We can only hope, they are the correct ones.

--Mary Montague Sikes


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Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Reading and Editing

Do all writers have trouble reading a book without having their inner editor pop in? I do. It is disconcerting and takes away from the story for me. But I can't seem to help it.

I've started to wonder if people are less concerned with grammar and proper usage of words these days. Even television commentators tend to use incorrect English. Does anyone else notice this? Does anyone care?

Words repeated in the same sentence or paragraph stand out when I'm reading. I want to click open the thesaurus and find a different word for that author to use. Maybe I'm carrying editing too far. What do you think?

Thank you, Alex Cavanaugh, for starting the Insecure Writer's Support Group. I'm enjoying meeting new writers as I travel around the group.

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Monday, February 4, 2013

Art and Writing Can Make a Good Match

Sometimes I wonder about the merit of being an artist and an author. Both demand a great deal of time. And, although it's a poor fit for my artistic persona, I've found that both require considerable marketing skills.

Opening Night - MMSikes
In the exhibition currently on view at the Art Education Center of This Century Art Gallery in Williamsburg, I've enjoyed the opportunity to combine my work as both an artist and author by showing the original art created for my book, Hotels to Remember. At the opening events, it was fascinating to hear stories of people's experiences with the hotels I have documented in my book and in the paintings from that book.

Many people related events from stays at the Hotel Roanoke. Several had fond memories of attending Beta Club conventions there. People who enjoy visiting hotels built near old train stations pointed out that at one time the station was visible from Hotel Roanoke. Gallery visitors recognized  many of the classic hotels including The Jefferson, The Homestead, St. Louis Union Station and even The Empress in Victoria BC. I was intrigued by their comments and memories.

London provides musical entertainment. - MMSikes
It's fun to show along with two other painters, Juliet Kirby and Elaine Abbott, a jeweler, Jason Hillegas, and a book and box craftsman, Devon Rawson. The show continues with open houses, Feb. 8, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 9, 1 to 4 p.m.

Sometimes art and writing make a good match.

Signing Hotels to Remember (Elaine Abbott paintings on the wall)


--Mary Montague Sikes









 Pastels - Bright and Free
   ASP-153-1  Saturday, May 4, 2013
            Times: 9 AM to 4 PM   /   Course Fee: $78    Members $69
Instructor: Mary Montague Sikes
Pastels Bright and Free is a workshop celebrating the joy of color that this vibrant medium brings to artists of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. Sikes will offer demonstrations and also work individually with participants. With more than 30 years experience teaching students of all ages, she has found pastels to be a most versatile art medium. Bring your lunch and enjoy a happy, colorful experience!
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