Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Kindle Poetry book as a great Christmas book

Kindle book "We...a spirit seeking harmony for a world that's out of sync" by Heather J. Kirk.

Makes a great Christmas gift.

http://www.amazon.com/We-spirits-seeking-harmony-ebook/dp/B005783Y44/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

Heather J. Kirk, Photographer, Author, Graphic Designer

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Kindle's Lending Library

Heather's book available in Kindle's Lending Library! use your Kindle and search the lending library: "Heather Kirk We"

"We...a spirit seeking harmony for a world that's out of sync" by Heather J. Kirk.

Heather J. Kirk, Photographer, Author, Graphic Designer

"We..." book free promotions December 20, 2011 only

Free promotion day for Kindle book "We...a spirit seeking harmony for a world that's out of sync" by Heather J. Kirk. Makes a great Christmas gift. Can, of course, be purchased on other days.
http://www.amazon.com/We-spirits-seeking-harmony-ebook/dp/B005783Y44/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

Heather J. Kirk, Photographer, Author, Graphic Designer

Thursday, December 1, 2011

This week's tweets - November 30, 2011

Dick Van Arsdale Guest Artist at AAA Gallery - Heather's Arts Newsletter

'Parked in the Past' by Heather J. Kirk Antique Truck at Gold King Mine in Jerome, Arizona - via

Michelle Bachmann was right on target - Gardasil vaccine is BAD news! Deaths, seizures, paralysis, etc.

Stand up every hour to prevent cancer. Finally having to pee every 30 minutes has value!

Heather J. Kirk, Photographer, Author, Graphic Designer."We..." an e-book at: photographicartistry.citymax.com/BooksFind her art at: Artist Websitesand HeatherJKirk.com

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Calendar Memoir - Movies, food, dance theater and the IRS!

Okay, it's time to do what I've promised for the last few weeks. Calendar Memoirs is way to share with you the things I've enjoyed - so you can enjoy them also in the future!

Wednesday October 5th, 2011: As a professional art installer, I hang Michel Sarda's photography exhibit. He was Herberger Gallery's curator last year, and this is his retrospective show, Spirit of Arizona. The show goes through October 30th.

Friday October 7th, 2011: I attend Michel Sarda's art opening and book signing event at Herberger with Junjie Verzosa, we go over to Artlink's A.E. England Gallery across from ASU's Downtown Campus in Phoenix's Heritage Square to see Stories of Us: Celebrating the 2 Year Anniversary of the Artlink Galleries. Take the light rail or try to park in front, after making three dangerous left turns around the block and across the rails. Address: 424 N. Central at Taylor.

It's a pretty building right on Central - glasss all around to see the art from the outside as well. Public bathrooms due to the park (Civic Space). I like that part! Live music was playing and I took pretty pictures of the infamous public art flying thing (saguaro bloom / UFO / basketball hoop cyclone.) Her Secret is Patience is the work of Janet Echelman, Central Station, Phoenix.





Junjie's piece is my favorte in the Stories of Us show (curated by cory Weeks). I like it not just because Junjie is a friend, but he takes two classic pieces and makes them his own - a child's portrait (from the eyes up) looking at Bouguereau's Madonna of the Lilies and another Madonna with Child.





See his two Madonna pieces in the center of Junjie Verzosa's website:





William-Adolphe Bouguereau became my favorite artist after learning of him while doing the interior layout and cover design for Mantoshe Singh Devji's book The Virgin in Art.

Also on October 7th, I e-file my taxes and find that someone else has filed before me using my social security number. I spend the weekend figuring out how to deal with this...




Sunday, October 9th: I watch a movie on TV (yes, a rare movie on non-cable): The Miracle at St. Anna - a 40 Acres and a Mule production. A great movie with signature Spike Lee cinematography and editing. Since Buffalo Soldiers (all black batallions) have been written out of WWII history by not incuding them in WWII movies, this story re-writes history (honestly) by putting them back in the war. Yet it is fiction - and ironically this fiction has maddened Italians, because they feel their history has now been rewritten.




I recall seeing a pre-screening of Spike Lee's first film "She's Gotta Have It" when I was at Indiana University. I remember how clear it was from Lee's first movie that he would change film history. I can recall specific scenes, burned intmy memory. It was the first time I saw film as visual art and not just story. How cool it would to meet him - but what could one say that was not cliche or that he had heard a million times before.




Monday, October 10th, 2011: I try to call the FTC (along with about 10 other government agencies) and get amd that they're offices are closed at 3:55 pm. "Nice hours," I think. I later realize my calendar with the teeny-tiny print has made me miss another holiday - this time Columbus Day. But my chiropractor's office is thankfully open - the amazing Dr. Edward Judge. After 3 days of migraines (both euphamistically and literally) the releif is welcomed.




Tuesday, October 11th: I don't bring a single thing to my Water from Rock Bible Study's potluck dinner - and only feel slightly guilty for eating everyone else's wonderful food. I had just read Rev. Tim Smith's eVotional about the healing powers of fire on the pine forest. Intense heat is needed to reseed and grow the forest. I need to believe this - desperately - because this IRS / Identity Theft issue is really starting to get to me.




Thursday, October 13th, 2011: I see the movie Ides of March with my friend Cinda, a scriptwriter, then go to eat at Macaroni Grill and uber-analyze a movie that neither one of us found satisfying. Yet it did bring up many themes to dsicuss.




I then ask about her own screen play. I ask how her trip to NY went and if she was able to meet the producer she had hoped to. "No, Spike Lee didn't make it to the party, but my friend will get it to him."




This kind of thing happens to me all the time - weird conincidences. Almost prophetic thoughts. I wish I could use it for profit somehow...but it will probably have to just remain entertaining.




Friday, October 14th, 2011: Linda Ingraham and I rush to Sophie's French Bistro to make it in time for Happy Hour - it ends at 6 pm. Crepes, quiche and pomme frittes (french fries - in French). I give in and try the Peachtini.




We then head to Herberger Theater to see Center Dance Ensemble - There is a Time to Dance. The first half includes performance by various dance troupes. A solo called "Trapped" choreographed and danced by Martha Hernandez is fantastic - performed flawlessy and humorously. It is based on Corintians 12: 20-22 "...there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I don't need you'..." But the dancer endeavors enthusiastically!




Sadly 1/3 of the audience leaves at intermission as their young freinds have already danced and will not perform in the second half. The second half is the main attraction. "The Attic" is a profound, deep, sad and moving dance interpretation of The Diary of Ann Frank. It makes me want to read it - knowing that like when the dancers drop to the floor, and the diary just ends without another entry - many have died and we must remember how it happened. Then I look around the theater to recall - all the youth have left.




You have until Sunday to see it!





Heather J. Kirk, Photographer, Author, Graphic Designer."We..." an e-book at: photographicartistry.citymax.com/BooksFind her art at: Artist Websitesand HeatherJKirk.com

Friday, October 14, 2011

Confirming the Question

A friend writes in response to my adjusted Blog Introduction. Thank you Nancy!

I think part of living is to always be asking questions – even of God. That’s a sure sign our minds are still working and in my age group that isn’t always true! You lead a most interesting life and you’re blessed with a beautiful talent. Enjoy! I find that answers always evolve eventually but they aren’t always what I expected and that makes life interesting.
Nancy S.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Amazing Friends Ask "How Can We Help?" An example to follow...

A close family member recently became very ill and my mother asked me to contact some friends. When I stopped by and shared the news, first they listened, then asked "How can we help?"

I didn't know how to answer that question in the moment, but the offer created peace. If we needed something, I knew where to comfortably go for assistance.

But the offer didn't stop there, they began to offer ways to help. This is a fantastic way to be of help - because someone is under stress or shock it's hard to think of what you need.

Here are some things they came up with: Pray and contact the pastor, e-mail friends (they took notes on the situation to make sure they got the information right), keep an eye on the house, take people to or pick up people at the airport.

In addition to asking how to help the people affected, they also wanted to know what they could do to help me personally.

What a fantastic example of how to be a true friend to someone in need.

My favorite way to help me in the moment: "Can we send you home with some 'Prozac"?" Code for double fudge brownies!

Thank you! For the brownies, for the offer to help, for thinking up ways to help even when I could not, and for a wonderful example to follow.

Heather

Monday, October 10, 2011

Changing Banks is a Process - Take it Slow

In my October 7th Blog "When it Comes to Money - Lets Strive for a "C" in the School of Life!" I expressed changing banks is always an option - but do your research. So I've done mine as well, and want to share what it takes to do it right. To be blunt - it takes a few months.

In this electronic instant money world, most of us have automatic deposits and automatic withdrawals. That means finding the right balance for awhile - having money in two different banks while you handle the details can be tricky.

And hopefully you make entries in your checkbook - so you know what amounts have not cleared yet. I know too many people who check their balances every day on-line, and think that's what they can spend. Then they are shocked when they are overdrawn the next day and are hit with huge fees. Outstanding checks need to be accounted for, plus a cushion, when you withdraw money and put it into your new bank.

Changing automatic payments to a new account may require you to write a check for the in-between month. You'll want to write it from your NEW account - so make sure you have enough money in that account to cover your payments. Ah yes, all you who hated math and said you would never have to use it in real life - sorry, you do!

Here's a fantastic step-by-step resource on making the change to a new bank - after you do the research and decide whether or not it is actually worth it. www.defendyourdollars.org/pdf/steps-moveyourmoney.pdf

In fact, Consumer Union's Defend Your Dollar seems to be a great resource on many financial issues.

Heather J. Kirk, Photographer, Author, Graphic Designer."We..." an e-book at: photographicartistry.citymax.com/BooksFind her art at: Artist Websitesand HeatherJKirk.com

Friday, October 7, 2011

Home Ownership Rates



Did you know that home ownership at its PEAK in the US was 70%? Guess what it is now...at the bottom of this terrible market and underwater mortgages. In spite of what you hear, many people are staying in their homes and paying their mortgages, and are happy to have a home. Others have opted to rent a house or an apartment or move in with other family members. Have you guessed yet? Home ownership is now at 65.

An interesting article:
Latino Homeownership Up 2% Despite Record Low Housing Numbers

Heather J. Kirk, Photographer, Author, Graphic Designer."We..." an e-book at: photographicartistry.citymax.com/BooksFind her art at: Artist Websitesand HeatherJKirk.com

Thursday, October 6, 2011

When it Comes to Money - Lets Strive for a "C" in the School of Life!

We all remember the Bell Curve from our school days, right? A few people get A's, more get B's, the majority get C's (highest part of the curve), it goes lower again with D's and finally (hopefully) the lowest number of people receive F's.

I think we should look at the number of home loans graphed against interest rates pretty much the same way - actual loans as well as availability of loans. Really high interest rates and we have a low number of loans becuase consumers don't want to be tied in to 30 years of unmanageable interest payments. Really low interest rates creates a low number of loans on the other end of the bell curve. Why? Because banks don't want to be tied in to receiving low interest income for 30 years. "In the middle rates" is where the lenders and borrowers come to agreement, hence the most loans being available AND agreed to.

SO...if loans are not being offered by the banks now because interest rates are so low, why on earth do we think that if the Fed lowers rates even more, banks will finally start lending again? As of October 6th, the news says with the new .1% drop you can now get a 3.9% 30 year mortgage. Don't bother to run to your bank and actually try and get that loan though.

I know, I know - those big, bad banks trying to make a buck... but we forget that banks are businesses. They have overhead (rent, electricity) and employees to pay. So if they know that a large portion of their money being tied up for 30 years making only 4% interest will not allow thm to pay their bills, pay thier employees and stay in business...they hold out on mortgages and they find other ways to make money and stay in business. (And keep people employed.)

Forgive me for the elementary econimics lesson, I'm almost done - but htis is important. It's wher eyou come in!

Banks as just like the grocery store, like an architect or a landscaper or an artist. They offer a product or a service that we choose either to buy or not to buy. The business sets a price they can survive and make a profit with, the consumer decides if they think the product or service is worth that price. You either buy or you don't buy. If enough people don't buy, then the business doesn't make money at that price. They will either have to lower their prices, change thier products offering or business plan, or eventuallygo out of business.

When one big bank started charging new fees for using a debit card there was alot of uproar. But did people act on that anger, or just complain. We are such a fatalistic country for a country that is so set on success. "One bank does it and all the rest will follow. There's nothing we can do. So I guess I'll stay with the bank and pay through the nose."


If the price isn't worth the service (of having an account, having a debit card, or using a credit card) then people need to let the banks know. How? Don't use the debit card or credit card (such torture I know). Or go in and talk to the bank's customer service staff. Many banks will waive monthly fees if you have three services with them. Or you can change banks. Yes, you have that choice.

You could also decide that the service you recieve is worth the price. A valid choice for many, but not all. (Before changing banks, see my blog called "Changing Banks is a Process - Take it Slow")

Here's some good news - capitalism is alive and well (and not a dirty word, by the way.) Within three days of the news of the fee for debit card use I saw a community bank advertising how they don't pick your pockets. They are poised and ready to pick up the slack when people start leaving the big banks, searching for banks with better terms.

Don't beleive it when the media tells you banking is an oligarchy - that a few banks make all the decisions. You have choices. Those choices may not have an ATM on every corner or a commercial on every tv station, but you do have choices. Community banks, credit unions, your mattress. Debit cards, credit cards, paying cash. Staying in your current house (even if you are under water - a roof over your head is a good thing), renting, buying a foreclosure (and putting some work into it).

Don't get me wrong I know there is a problem. I also know people who have tried to refinance have felt they either wasted a whole lot of time for very little decrease in payments - or they didn't qualify. But if it's worth it to you, you will do the research to find out what its best for you.

Be a good consumer. "Vote" with your money, so to speak. Whether you are buying a hamburger or a checking account - let the businesses know what it is worth it to you and at what price. Also, be a good citizen. After you've complained to your freinds write your congressman or congresswoman!

Below is a response from a public servant I like. Now let's just hope people and banks can come to agreement on a good old-fashioned bell curve. Strive for a "C" grade people. Agreement! and something we can all live with.

David Schweikert - District 5 Representativeof Arizona
Helping Homeowners Event - Click here for information and Invitation



For more about Schweikert click here. There's a survey that it appears you need to take before gtting to his site. But you can actually skip it by clicking to the side of it. But if your own Representatives want to know what you feel, it's a very good sign. Tell them!


Heather J. Kirk, Photographer, Author, Graphic Designer."We..." an e-book at: photographicartistry.citymax.com/BooksFind her art at: Artist Websitesand HeatherJKirk.com

Monday, October 3, 2011

Just Enjoy the Show

Sunday October 2nd, 2011 – Tempe and Scottsdale, Arizona

Somewhat paraphrased: Peace is not just the absence or lack of something – no war, no more problems. If peace depends on the absence of trouble, peace is only temporary. We live in a broken world, and new problems will start the very next morning. Instead, peace – Shalom – is both a prayer and the presence of something: freedom and confidence. Freedom from fear and confidence that God is in control. If you choose to believe that everything that happens, every detail of your life, is in God’s plan, has a purpose and can work ultimately for good, then there is peace – in spite of your problems, and even in the midst of war.
- Grace Community Church – Dr. Daryl Delhousaye,
Text: John 14: 25 – 31



It’s not unlike the movie I saw later with friends, Money Ball. We can choose to never be satisfied, never win enough games unless you win the “final game” – the pennant. In that case only one team wins in a single game in an entire season of baseball. Not much fun – we could skip all the hot dogs and apple pie, summer picnics and ice cream after the games. In fact the last inning is all that would be worth watching – worth living. Fast forward through your entire life, dissatisfied every step of the way, and then be “shocked” when you can’t remember how to celebrate; or there is no one around to celebrate with. (It’s a metaphor.)

Or you can, as the final song the main character's daughter sings suggests, “I’ve got to let it go and just enjoy the show. You’re such a loser dad. You’re such a loser dad. Just enjoy the show.*” Yes, yes, another metaphor. Another way to say the more common metaphor, “It’s not whether you win or lose – it’s how you play the game.

Personally, I’d like to both win AND play well along the way, maybe we all would. And we’ve got to admit, playing well increases the likelihood of that happening – though of course it’s not a guarantee. Still, there are principals in sports that apply to life, like “Practice makes perfect.” So why do so many of us try to get by on sloppy or lazy work and act surprised when things turn out poorly?

The main character played by Brad Pitt was often stressed out , angry or frustrated. Yet only once did he drink alcohol as a coping mechanism. I liked that. (Eating though – well, that’s another story.)

I’m not a Brad Pitt fan. (I’m maybe one of five women in the world who don’t find him attractive.) Nor do I feel he is a particularly good actor. I like baseball even less. Still, once the story started to make sense, I really liked the movie and felt Pitt portrayed the wide emotional range of the character quite well. Women who aren’t sports fans – don’t worry that it’s about baseball. All viewers – don’t stress over or even try to make sense of the beginning. It will all come together soon enough.

There are two fantastic, high energy scenes that make the whole movie worthwhile. Both include interplay between the characters Billy Beane (General Manager / GM) and Peter Brand (economics intern and assistant to GM). First entails a long group, (non)discussion in which Billy comes in to the recruiters table and announces who they will pick for the team. It’s long, hilarious and the interplay is perfectly timed. Same goes for the second, in which they do some wheeling and dealing over on the phone with other teams. It seems to all come together, until they realize their one mistake. The resulting scene also is well done, yet melancholic.

Now let me skip back to before the show. While buying tickets, a man purchasing tickets next to me asked if Money Ball was full. When he was told no, I told him I was still going to race him for the best seats. I guess he knew I wasn’t quite as quick as he when he told me, “When you get in there after us, just don’t sit behind us."

At the candy counter, another man excitedly asked me, “Do you know who you were talking to?” (Of course the answer is no – I just talk to whoever, sticking my nose in other people’s business when I feel like it.) He told me ended up being the 1976’s basketball Rookie of the Year. (Sorry, still don’t know who he is…) But because he was "too short” (6’ 9”) for the center position he was not expected to go early in the draft. His college coach, who had recently become a Phoenix Suns coach, decided differently. “Too short” for the position, he did so well because of skill and speed.

This story fits the theme of Money Ball as well – drafting on talent (or statistics) and not 100 other superficial or emotional reasons that we base our decisions on every day, in real life. The funniest example in the movie was not wanting to draft someone because his girlfriend was ugly (with some interesting logic behind this). But when we are done laughing, think about how you have judged someone today – and repent! Then just sit back and enjoy the show.

Later in the evening…
I got a shocker when a friend I’ve known for more than 15 years unwittingly gave a one sentence evaluation of what she believes my persona to be. I had told her three of the women where I live regularly gossip about a new male neighbor. She said, “I didn’t know you had friends there. I just imagined you going from your condo to your car, not talking to anyone, and being your usual introverted self.” I didn’t argue, just said that even in a place where most people go from their condo to their cars without talking, in ten years I have talked to a few people.

I chose not to get hurt or offended . But I was shocked that someone I’d considered a best friend for many, many years didn’t even know me. It can be helpful to know when others see us differently than we see ourselves. Yet, the same person told her husband that I am the person she has the most fun with. Before that, he trusted me to keep an eye on her when we travelled – to keep her out of trouble. Now, he’s not so sure he can trust me! (I assured him he can.) It did give me some context to think it all through, instead of losing my peace about it. (I also checked with another friend who said, “You? You’ll speak to homeless men in the park. I wouldn’t worry about it!” ,

John 14: 27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” NIV Version.

*Song by Lenka titled The Show, with the last lines changed. Buy Lenka.

Heather J. Kirk, Photographer, Author, Graphic Designer."We..." an e-book at: photographicartistry.citymax.com/BooksFind her art at: Artist Websitesand HeatherJKirk.com

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Colbert's Call to be Christian

My brother posted the following quote from Stephen Colbert on his Facebook page that quickly garnered a bunch of 'Like's.

"If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don't want to do it."
- Stephen Colbert

Since Colbert is both a comedian and a political pundit, we have to assume that he is exaggerating something (that we as a nation don't give to the poor - look up the numbers, we do) and making a dig at someone (no surprise that his target is the Republican Party).

But let's just step away from all of that, and instead of choosing to point our fingers at the other guy (the other political party, our leaders, the government,, the rich, the poor, the whoever) and realize he has a profound point to be made when it comes to each and every individual.

A Christian nation must include Christian individuals. Each person reading Colbert's quote should ask themselves, "Am I personally giving? Do I care about the poor?" If the answer is, "I'd like to, but I just can't right now..." then we have forgotten the "unconditional" part of God's love, and our own call to be generous.

In spite of what some televangelists would have you believe, Jesus and the disciples were not rich. And they gave - if not of their money (though some did, like Matthew, the former tax collector), then of their time, talents and love.

Let's forget for a moment to point our fingers at the rich, and imply only they should pay their "fair share", what about you? (And yes, I have to ask myself the same.) Are you giving your "fair share" when it comes to helping the needy?

I know that the word 'command' is a dirty word in a democracy, but if the commandment is to love - what's there not to 'Like'!

Heather J. Kirk, Photographer, Author, Graphic Designer."We..." an e-book at: photographicartistry.citymax.com/BooksFind her art at: Artist Websitesand HeatherJKirk.com

Friday, May 27, 2011

Grace that Amazes

With my mind on the "May 21st debacle" and a seemingly unending series of tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, and so on, I try to turn things around in my mind to make some sort of sense. I found myself saying to someone recently, "After seeing videos of intense tornadoes, I can see how it would appear to looks like the hand of God reaching down from Heaven to blot out the earth with his forefinger - but that would have to be a judgemental God, not the saving God I know."

I have chosen a few videos carefully. The adrenaline rush experienced by those either unwittingly or purposefully recording a tornado sound often too much like excitement. It must be the case, as fear and excitement often are physically experienced in the same way. The first shows the compassion, the second grief - both honoring. The third, gorgeous photography of one of the most menacing "clouds" most have ever seen, or ever hope to see.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUTQI52Vhg8&playnext=1&list=PL81FD3F279A7BDB1B

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJvO0nHIB68&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=iv&v=RW2y76xRaLs&annotation_id=annotation_55720

Tuesday night at Bible Study, Dr. Rev. Timothy Smith (http://www.waterfromrock.org/) made some important points in exploring the concept of grace (in contrast to judgement), and I'd like to share them here.

Psalm 103:8 states, "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love."

We often clump those two words together, mercy and grace, but they are two ends of and amazing spectrum. Rev. Smith explained, "Mercy is when God withholds deserved judgement or punishment. Grace is when God gives to us good things that we do not deserve. True grace, t he grace of God, not only implies un-merit (we have nothing to earn or deserve His gifts and goodness, but actually implies de-merit - we are completely unworthy of the gifts, to the extent of being at fault, yet He gives us His grace anyway. The greatest example is Jesus saying, while He is being killed, 'Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.'"

What do these natural disasters have to do with God's gifts and grace? First, that it seems unreal that so "few" people actually die (at least in the United States). A six mile swath of tornado destruction seems like it 'should' have done more. Yet more than 100 people did die. What of them? That's why our "own personal May 21st" is important - to be ready, joyfully, instead of fearfully, to meet a God of grace at any moment.

"We sing Amazing Grace, but does God's grace still amaze us?" (Dr. Smith)

Heather J. Kirk, Photographer, Author, Graphic Designer."We..." an e-book at: photographicartistry.citymax.com/Books Find her art at: Artist Websitesand HeatherJKirk.com

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Our own, personal "May 21st" - except, the real one...

Okay, so the world did not end on May 21st - we all pretty much knew it wouldn't! In fact the Bible says it will come like a theif in the night (not announce on every tv/radio station and on billboards).

What bothered me most about the hype was that the question did not turn to the obvious, especially as it gave Christains the opportunity to make the Rapture real, instead of some big farce about a few fools.

Nobody knows when our own personal "last day" is. Are each of us ready today to meet God joyfully!?!

An entertaining video that addresses the way we live our lives is found at

Stethoscope
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYI_aOyCn9Y

Heather J. Kirk, Photographer, Author, Graphic Designer."We..." an e-book at: photographicartistry.citymax.com/Books
Find her art at: Artist Websitesand HeatherJKirk.com

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

My business cards

Many of you have noticed how amazing my business cards look and feel over the years. Yes, it has to do with my graphic design, but the quality of the printer means an awful lot as well. That great fiish is "Satin Matte" Check out Overnight Prints for all kinds of printing: Business Cards, Postcards, Flyers, Brochures, Letterhead , Greeting Cards & Envelopes Overnight




Here's a sneak preview of the newest cards I just ordered.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Condo shopping in Punta Cana, DR

A nice little spot on HGTV about condos for sale and the choice a man makes. Punta Can is a lovely, lovely area - I spent almsot a week there with a very good Domnican friend. They have some good shots of that amazingly, perfect color of turquoise blue ocean - a color unique to DR that takes my breath away.

http://www.hgtv.com/video/dominican-republic-relocation-video/index.html

Enjoy! If anyone wants to go, I can be hired as a personal tour guide or a moving consultant! Heather

Playa Blanca Restaurant Bar Area Punta Cana


















Table and Sea Play at Blanca
Restaurant in Punta Cana
Beach and Vegetation Playa
Blanca Punta Cana Resort


Two Seaweed Mounds on Punta Cana Resort Beach



Heather J. Kirk, Photographer, Author, Graphic Designer."We..." an e-book at: photographicartistry.citymax.com/BooksFind her art at: Artist Websitesand HeatherJKirk.com

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Gardening at Night Artist Reception

Artist Reception, Thursday, April 21, 2011, 7 to 9 pm

Solo show by Heather J. Kirk, Gardening at Night runs concurrently with Shemer “House of Fun” group show.

The Shemer Art Center & Museum
5005 East Camelback Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85018

April 20 – May 25, 2011: Regular Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00AM - 3:00PM, Thursday Evening 6:30 – 8:30PM
602-262-4727

Photographic Artist Heather J. Kirk of Scottsdale surrounds herself with flowers – at least on the walls. In spite of her love for all things botanical, she can’t seem to grow a real garden. In the fertile ground of her mind and assisted by technology, her garden grows, as she photographs flowers, sometimes still attached to the rest of the plant, sometimes cut off, cut apart, rearranged or turned into virtual hybrids; flowers that will not wither, cultivated to perfection in the dark hours of the night. Heather's website is www.HeatherJKirk.com and she can be reached at HJKirk@juno.com.

The Shemer Art Center & Museum is located in a historic home nestled in Arcadia. It’s dedicated to the promotion, education, and growth of Arizona artists and providing the community with a unique and inviting atmosphere to enjoy and learn about visual art through exhibitions, classes and programs.

Confirm on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/heatherjkirk#!/event.php?eid=215287778483307


Heather J. Kirk, Photographer, Author, Graphic Designer."We..." an e-book at: photographicartistry.citymax.com/BooksFind her art at: Artist Websitesand HeatherJKirk.com

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Night Bloomer on Limited Time Promotion

I'm planning to put a piece of art on limited time promotion every week or two. They will always be canvas wraps and a nice size. This one, titled Night Bloomer, is 20 x 24 for $80, and available through April 16, 2011. http://fineartamerica.com/weeklypromotion.html?promotionid=62800 Heather Heather J. Kirk, Photographer, Author, Graphic Designer."We..." an e-book at: photographicartistry.citymax.com/Books Find her art at: Artist Websitesand HeatherJKirk.com

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Misssing Middle Bar (art) Promotion

One of my favorite pieces! Promo from the Colorful Reconstruction series at http://fineartamerica.com/weeklypromotion.html?promotionid=62293 A discount of $215 for this 30 x 40 piece on canvas with a 1.5" wrap. Heather J. Kirk, Photographer, Author, Graphic Designer."We..." an e-book at: photographicartistry.citymax.com/BooksFind her art at: Artist Websitesand HeatherJKirk.com

Great deal from Constant Contact

This link will get you a free 60-day trial and if you choose to sign up a $30 credit for both you and me. Constant Contact is an e-mail newsletter program that resolves issues of you being labeled or blocked as aspammer, even though you are not!! Click on the title or copy and use the following URL: http://www.constantcontact.com/features/signup.jsp?rc=-1463047066&sru=1102343548262&fc=f&cc=community_purl&pn=ROVING

Heather

Heather J. Kirk, Photographer, Author, Graphic Designer."We..." an e-book at: photographicartistry.citymax.com/Books Find her art at: Artist Websitesand HeatherJKirk.com

Friday, March 4, 2011

bonding through sneakers

Last night I watched the movie (DVD) Children from Heaven. In this Iranian film (English subtitles or choice between Farsi and French languages) a brother and sister are forced to share one pair of sneakers. Through their secret and their stuggles a sweet bond grows, though it stays real - with the same frustrations all siblings cause one another. Though I'm not sure why, I was surprised and reminded that chilren are children, the whole world over. We are not all that different in the end.

From our omnipresent view we begin to see that thier struggles may indeed bring great blessings, even when they themselves connot yet see it.

I think, "I wish my life were like this movie" - not in the plot itself, but that I could get prophetic glimpes of how each trial might make me stronger or bring me amazing opportunities I would otherwise not be prepared to face or prevail over. I wish I could see what was happening on the other side of the city, or the other side of the world, "chance" encounters or a "random gift", like shoes being accidentally thrown out, and know for sure that difficulties could create beauty in life and in relationships. I want to learn how to accept those "misunderstandings" with the eyes and the creativity of a child.

(Children of Heaven is available through Netflix)

Heather J. Kirk, Photographer, Author, Graphic Designer."We..." an e-book at: photographicartistry.citymax.com/BooksFind her art at: Artist Websitesand HeatherJKirk.com