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
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Kindle Poetry book as a great Christmas book
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 #constantcontact http://conta.cc/vr37t1
'Parked in the Past' by Heather J. Kirk Antique Truck at Gold King Mine in Jerome, Arizona - http://fineartamerica.com/featured/parked-in-the-past-heather-kirk.html via @fineartamerica
Michelle Bachmann was right on target - Gardasil vaccine is BAD news! Deaths, seizures, paralysis, etc. http://healthfreedoms.org/2011/11/28/feds-contine-to-ignore-mounting-gardasil-bodycount/
Stand up every hour to prevent cancer. Finally having to pee every 30 minutes has value! http://abcnews.go.com/Health/sitting-give-cancer/story?id=14876776
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.
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...
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 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
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
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
"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
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.