Repeated "Floods of a Century" May Bring Up Discussions of Cloud Seeding

I am not huge on Conspiracy Theories...but I do have a few of my own, and my guess is you will start to hear more about one that has been nagging at me since the last few "storms of the century," and now that we can expect another to follow the hurricane in Los Cabos, Mexico. 

CLOUD SEEDING... 

An article written in March of this year (2014) (linked below) claims it is only actively used by Central Arizona Project for snow, but if they are admitting it about snow after YEARS of experimenting, you can bet it is actively being tested to create rain. 

A quote from the article goes back to when it was proposed in 1987 and speaks of another mantra of mine: UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES - in this case outrageous flooding, which is unhelpful in terms of addressing drought as most of the water is not recaptured. 

              "In 1987, the federal Bureau of Reclamation proposed seeding clouds along the Mogollon Rim during the winter to see if they would produce increased precipitation. But the program died when cities and the state balked at paying their share of the $1.8 million cost.

               Goddard, who was mayor of Phoenix at the time, said there was "great concern about (cloud seeding's) effectiveness and about its unintended consequences" and cited possible flooding or decreased future rainfall. "I'm still concerned about those same things," he said."

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/2014/03/24/arizona-funds-cloud-seeding-programs/6815487/

Heather J. Kirk
Art by Heather J. Kirk www.heather-kirk.artistwebsites.com
Literature by Heather J. Kirk http://www.photographicartistry.citymax.com/Books.html

A Small Change in Behaviour Can Create a Large Change in Destiny

It only takes One Degree of Change to make a difference. 

Thank you for this quote, Water From Rock...

"One day Chris was allowed to go up on the ship’s bridge, stand alongside the captain, and put his hands on the ship’s wheel.  The captain then directed Chris to turn the ship “one degree to starboard.”  Chris said that he turned the ship “one degree to starboard,” but felt nothing happen.  The captain explained that to keep on going in that one degree change of course would mean the difference between ending up in Havana, Cuba, and Savannah, Georgia."

          "What Chris’ story meant for me is that I might read my Bible and pray, or reach out to a needy person, and not feel a thing change in me.  But if I will only keep going in that direction, the next day, and the next, it can be for me like the difference between Havana and Savannah!   

Make a small change in course of direction and stick with it!"

To read the whole devotion, visit:http://www.waterfromrock.org/

MUSHROOM SPIRITUALITY
By Tim Smith On September 15, 2014

 


Heather J. Kirk
Art by Heather J. Kirk www.heather-kirk.artistwebsites.com
Literature by Heather J. Kirk http://www.photographicartistry.citymax.com/Books.html

Do we need to share the blame of Domestic Violence in Sports?

To be honest, the FIRST thing I thought when I saw the #RayRice video was: "Is the #NFL doing enough to protect players from #TraumaticBrainInjury and #concussions?" because I would not be surprised if it plays a part in violence overall as well as poor judgement and impulse control.

Do sports allow dangerous violence - much of which is integral to the game?

Does protective gear go far enough?

Do fans love a rough game, cheer on the most aggressive players?

Do teams put players back on the field too early? Do players hide injuries and symptoms so they won't be pulled from the game?

Concussions and whiplash are PART of football, like it or not. And week after week of hard hits does serious damage, not just physically but mentally and emotionally.

I do not in any way say head injures are an excuse for domestic violence or violence in general, because there are so many players who DO NOT beat their wives or girlfriends, and many people who do not play professional sports DO.

But head trauma and CTE are a dangerous reality of many sports, football and boxing being at the top of the list.

This article is important, well written and honestly quite fascinating - in a morose way: http://www.forbes.com/sites/dandiamond/2014/09/16/does-football-make-you-violent-examining-the-evidence

Heather J. Kirk
Art by Heather J. Kirk www.heather-kirk.artistwebsites.com
Literature by Heather J. Kirk http://www.photographicartistry.citymax.com/Books.html

Thanks to the "Food is Art" group for featuring my piece "Watermelon Salad", copyright Heather J. Kirk. This was taken at the Plantation House Restaurant in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. A refreshing lunch after an amazing snorkel!

http://heather-kirk.artistwebsites.com/featured/watermelon-salad-heather-kirk.html


Check out all the gorgeous yummy food in the "Food is Art" group!
http://fineartamerica.com/groups/food-is-art.html

Heather J. Kirk
Art by Heather J. Kirk can be purchased at www.heather-kirk.artistwebsites.com 
See and purchase Literature by Heather J. Kirk at http://www.photographicartistry.citymax.com/Books.html

What is "Warranted" for Pro Sport Players Who Committ Domestic Violence May Not Be Best or Even Realistic

I am so glad that the NFL didn't go from one extreme (let's pretend domestic violence doesn't happen....until caught on camera) to the other extreme, as sugguested at one point, caught twice and you will never play in the NFL again.

Would they deserve it? YES.

Would it change a damn thing? NO.

And, yes my mantra of Unintended Consequences holds true here - a woman whose "fault" it was to get a man kicked out of pro sports would never report it. Why?

(1) Remember the mindset of an abused woman already is one of low self-esteem and wrongly thinking she actually deserves it somehow or did something  to cause it, and

(2) she would either be afraid, be threatened, or actually end up dead.

Yes, education is a much better way to go --- as long as there are real consequences, both in the league and with the law, to go along with it.

Where to get help, where to give: http://www.ncadv.org/resources/StateCoalitionList.php

Heather J. Kirk
Art by Heather J. Kirk  www.heather-kirk.artistwebsites.com
Literature by Heather J. Kirk  http://www.photographicartistry.citymax.com/Books.html

Liberty and Justice for Art - Artist Reception, July 4, 2014

I'm excited to share this upcoming exhibition - It's been a long time since I've shown on Grand Avenue in Phoenix! We've been asked not to share our art - so you will have to come out and see!

"Liberty and Justice for Art" at {9} The Gallery in cooperation with the Arizona Artist Collective.

FIRST FRIDAY: Friday, July 4th, 2014, 6 - 10 pm (Also open 3rd Friday, July 18th, though I can't be there.)



{9} The Gallery has all kinds of exciting things going on...check it out!
http://www.9thegallery.com/

Join us for the Artist Reception, then see the fireworks at Steele Indian Park!

Heather J. Kirk

Artist Reception, July 26, 2014 - Flourish: Artworks Inspired by our Gardens

FLOURISH: Artworks Inspired by our Gardens
VISION Gallery, 10 East Chicago Street, Chandler, AZ

Artists Reception, Saturday, July 26, 2014, 2 - 4 pm.

Exhibition: July 25 - August 29, 2014

Quite a few of my friends in this show as well! Such as Jill Friedberg, Andrea Merican, Leslie Austin and Helen Norsigian Rowles.

See you there! Heather J. Kirk

Heather Arts Newsletter - Florist Open House and Barrelhouse Exhibition

Heather’s Fine Art Photography

Summary

1.   Heather's Art and Note Cards at God's Garden Treasures Open House - May 22, 2013, 4 - 7 pm,
Location: 2219 S 48th St, Suite G Tempe, AZ 85282

2. Fine Art America is hosting an online photography contest. Five winners will have their photos in a national TV commercial. I need 250 votes to move forward.

3. Barrelhouse American Kitchen and Cocktails - including Featured Artist on AZ Culture and Interview on The Morning Scramble

4. Artist and Vendor Opportunity - booths available at The Watermelon Festival

Details:

1. God's Garden Treasures Open House

I am so excited to invite you into our new Design Center!   It’s where the magic happens! Come and see while enjoying great food, chocolates, cakes, music, and even some shopping! Join us please!

Many sponsors including PhotoGraphic Artistry and Publishing!

Date: Wednesday, May 22nd

Time: 4-7 pm

Location: 2219 S 48th St, Suite G Tempe, AZ 85282

•Every guest will receive a gift certificate for between $5 and $50.
•RSVP to be entered into a drawing for $100 Flower Cash.
•Be present at 6pm for a chance to win a One-Night Stay at the Hotel Palomar and Dinner for Two at the Blue Hound.
•Bring 2 friends who don’t already know us, and receive a special gift from us.
•Share with your friends on Facebook Twitter or LinkedIn (ahead of time or that night) with a link to us to get extra tickets for gourmet chocolates, cakes, flowers or drinks! – or use the hashtag #GGTOpenHouse
•Complimentary valet will be provided by American Valet.

2. Fine Art America is hosting an online photography contest. Five winners will be selected to have their photos appear in a national TV commercial.

I need 250 votes to move forward. Will you both VOTE and SHARE with your friends to help me get the votes for all three of my images?   Online Photography Contest - Winners to Appear on National TV

http://fineartamerica.com/contests/national-tv-photo-contest-2.html?tab=vote&artworkid=7049418

http://fineartamerica.com/contests/national-tv-photo-contest-2.html?tab=vote&artworkid=7111284

http://fineartamerica.com/contests/national-tv-photo-contest-2.html?tab=vote&artworkid=7414348

3. Exhibition at Barrelhouse American Kitchen & Cocktails

If you missed the Opening Reception you can still see my art until June 21, 2013. Enjoy lunch, dinner or happy hour!

Artist Exhibition by Heather J. Kirk.
May 11 June 21, 2013
Barrelhouse American Kitchen & Cocktails
2050 N. Alma School Rd., Suite 8, Chandler, AZ 85224

See my Artist Feature on AZCulture: http://www.azculture.com/component/content/article/13/311

Watch my Interview on The Morning Scramble: http://www.youtube.com/azculture

4. Artist and Vendor Opportunity - booths available at The Watermelon Festival

Already featured in Phoenix New Times, Phoenix Home and Garden on-line "Save the Date", Yelp, AZ Culture and more.

The festival is a one-day event happening on SATURDAY JUNE 8, 2013 from 8am - 3pm and will be held in and around Murphy Park in Historic Downtown Glendale. The cost to artists is $75 if you bring your own equipment or $150 if you would like us to provide a canopy, table and chairs. You will need to obtain a Glendale Tax/License permit if you plan to sell items, but do not have to remit tax to the city. The cost of this permit is $20 and i can send you the application.

Here is the VENDOR KIT:
http://azmelonfestival.com/index.php/become-a-vendor/vendor-packet

Learn more: facebook.com/azmelonfest

Contact:
Holly Anderson
Artistic Director, AZ Culture

holly@azculture.com
602-565-7954

Order Books Here
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Finding My Faith, We…a spirit seeking harmony for a world that’s out of sync, etc.

Fantastic note card - you can add your own text on the inside. Click here

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Featured Artist article from Phoenix Home and Garden April 2011

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The #Celtic Concept of #ThinPlaces Inspired My Story about #DominicanRepublic Published in #ChickenSoupfortheSoul #FindingMyFaith

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Finding My Faith - 101 Inspirational Stories about Life, Belief, and Spiritual Renewal

An inspiring and faith filled story by Heather J. Kirk titled Thin Places is included in the newest Chicken Soup for the Soul edition, which releases on October 16th, 2012.

The Celtic concept of Thin Places is where the membrane between Heaven and earth is so thin that we can see through or experience and know something of Heaven or have direct communication with God there.

Heather's story is about her decision to move to the Dominican Republic, the difficulties she encountered there, and the presence of God and the opening of her eyes and her breath that allowed her to experience life differently.

Heather's transformation takes place in the Jardin Botanico Nacional de Santo Domingo, Republica Dominicana. (The National Botanical Gardens of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.) In her story she mentions photos she took and I'd like to share a few here.

Waterlily Wash Peekaboo - Copyright by Heather J. Kirk

Waterlily Wash Peekaboo - Copyright by Heather J. Kirk 

 

 

In the Palm of His Hand #1 - Copyright by Heather J. Kirk

 

 

Single Purple Water Lily #1 - Copyright by Heather J. Kirk

 

 

Without Protection #2 - Copyright by Heather J. Kirk

Heather Kirk: Invite to Dominican Gala and Seeking Sponsors and Auction Donations

My invitation here today has several aspects to it.

A.      To Attend an Event that is very special to me.

B.      To request donations for a Silent Auction – even if you don’t own a business,  I’ve come up  with several creative ideas for ways to participate.

C.      Seeking Corporate (or Small Business) Sponsors for the event – which would get your name before media, professional baseball players, celebrities and a middle to upper class Latino market.

 
A.      I’d like to invite you to join me at this year's Dominican Gala/Gran Gala Domnicana. I'm really excited to be a part of this event because there are so many things that come together in this event that are important to me personally.

1.       Celebrating the dance, music, food and Independence Day of the Dominican Republic.

2.       Youth - This event is a fundraiser for After School and Summer Therapeutic Dance and Art Programs for children and families in poverty, at-risk or victims of abuse. It has been more than 10 years since I had to stop working in Social Work due to my health. I have missed doing something that is purposeful and meaningful to those in need.

3.       Like Denise Ceballos Viner, President and Owner of Bella Q Dance Studios and Gran Gala Dominicana, dance was an integral part of my growing up and part of helping me get beyond my shyness. I believe it, and arts in general, are a powerful tool for transformation! I saw what a difference art can make in the art programs I created while working in inner-city schools: in behavior, self-esteem, and something we seem to have forgotten, in academic success!

I would like to invite you to join me on February 23, 2013 at 6pm at Crescent Crown Distributing

1640 W. Broadway Mesa, AZ 85202, and afterward at 10 pm for a dance party with live traditional Dominican music at The Hilton – Phoenix East/Mesa, 1011 West Holmes Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210.

For more information see http://www.bellaqdancestudio.com/Gran_Dominican_Gala_php.php or Contact me for tickets or purchase on-line.

$45 includes: Traditional Dominican dinner, drinks, celebrity speakers, entertainment and the after-party with a live band!

I’d love to see you there!

B.                  I am in charge of the Silent Auction. That means several things:

1.       My art will be available for bidding on, at potentially a nice price! I have several other artist friends who will also be generously donating.

2.       We are going to have quite a few nice items up for auction – great opportunities to try something new. You can preview her. I’m just starting to post things, so it will be updated several times a week.  http://www.photographicartistry.citymax.com/GranGalaAuctionPreview.html

3.       Yes, you guessed it, I am asking that you consider donating items to the auction. I’ve done some brainstorming, and even if you do not have a business, there are ways you can still give.

Ideas:

- A great bottle of red wine someone gave you – but you only drink white. Or vice versa.- That gift card you got for Christmas to a store you never go to.

- That piece of clothing in your closet, never worn, still with the tags on.

- One show from your season tickets to the theater you got, but you’ll be out of town on that date. *

- A signed copy of a book you have written. Or a signed music CD!

- A few extra tickets in to the ball game, or space in a box.

- A certificate from your seamstress, hair dresser, manicurist, spa or massage therapist who wants to find new clients.

- An item of your own creation: art, notecards, throw pillows, a gift basket you put together.

- Gift certificates to restaurants. *

- A weekend at an in-town or nearby time share that you won’t be able to use. *

- If you have your own business, items or certificate. *

 *Tickets must be for AFTER February 23^rd. Gift Certificates must have at least 4 months on them, preferably 6 months – 1 year.

There are promotional benefits to giving. Contact me to find out more.

C.      And finally, we are looking for Sponsors! We have many levels of giving, from sponsoring a child, to getting a booth, to being a Super Sponsor for a specific need – like flying in a speaker or providing for their hotel.

If you have wanted to break into the Latin market, this is a particularly good opportunity for you. Your name will get before a high-end clientele of Latinos, including Major League Baseball players, political figures, celebrities, doctors, lawyers and educators, as well as the major Spanish language media outlets in Arizona.

I hope you will be interested in joining me in some way in this very special effort. It means a lot to me.

 
I have fliers and applications available for anyone who is interested. Please e-mail: HJKirk@juno.com
Heather J. Kirk

Remembering Warmer days - Santiago DR, June 2012

So darn cold in Phoenix, AZ. 27 degrees last night - HUH? I've been here since 1987 and never remember a slew of nights so cold. So I decided to call up a memory to warm me up.

La Vena Concert (Lenny and Max of Aventura + Steve Styles). Fantastic!

And yes, a bit warm (okay hot...) in Santiago, Dominican Republic at Andy's Ranch.

I weaseled my way into the VIP section. They were hesitant to seat us there, not because  we aren't true VIP, but because it was in the sun. I told them, "I'm white, I like the sun." And though I'm not sure the others agreed about the sun (one Dominican, the other ending up sunburned), we were soon in shadow and ended up with PERFECT seats!

And who else was in the VIP section with us (in the shade the whole time...)? Luis Vargas!

Heather J. Kirk

Let #Jesus Grow Up After #Christmas

Many people who do not believe that Jesus is our Savior still celebrate Christmas. It's easy to celebrate by exchanging Him for Santa Clause or keeping Jesus a little baby and making it into a great big birthday party.

But Jesus did not come to stay a child, but to teach and to become a sacrifice for us, to be our Savior.

We cannot keep Jesus a baby in our lives, or we will remain babies in our faith. We cannot grow and represent Him and fulfill His purpose for our lives until we accept Him for everything He was and is. A baby born of a virgin, God come to earth as a man, the Creator of the Universe and our individual lives, the angry man who cast the money changers out of the temple, and the forgiver of the sins who dined with tax collectors and prostitutes, and the One who meets us after we die and sends us to the left or to the right. and the One who understands we can never do what He asks of us on our own and therefore does it for us, through His Holy Spirit.

Mary knew. Everything about Jesus' life was pre-planned from the beginnings of the earth. Everything about Jesus was prophesied in the Old Testament.

Did Mary know who this incredible, miraculous baby was? Mary knew. Do you?

Heather J. Kirk

The Christmas Highway - Does it ever arrive at my heart?

How do we get ourselves ready for Christmas?

From Isaiah 40:3 "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God," Reverend Tim Smith suggests we "Make a highway for Him into your lives. Your Deliverer comes." (http://www.waterfromrock.org/2012/12/03/monday-december-3-advent-devotional-2012)

It makes me wonder about the path to my own heart.

Is it an open highway or a narrow winding pathway. Or, I must consider, is it an impossible maze or littered with obstacles and debris?
Heather J. Kirk