Carnival has already begun in the Dominican Republic - history and photos

Interesting info - and another first for the Dominican Republic: It is thought that República Dominicana was the first place in the Americas to observe the pre-Lenten carnival custom. The celebrations became an escape of the pressures and rigidity of religious tradition. By the late 1700's carnival had become a major celebration. Then when Dominican Republic won their independence February 27,1844 the celebration evolved to encompass the Independence Day commemorations as well. Finally, becoming what it is today. Beginning the traditional carnival with the pre-lenten celebrations, the climax concluding with the Independence Day observances. Combining both celebrations and making the entire month of February a celebration and time for enjoyment. Source and to see more... http://www.colonialzone-dr.com/traditions-carnival.htmltraditions-carnival.html

In February, Independence and Carnival are celebrated in the Dominican Republic - in honor of which I'll be adding some of my own photos throughout the month.

Photos copyright by Heather J. Kirk

Weight Loss at it's easiest - DR and Drops

Here's the deal. At about age 42 I started gaining weight crazy-fast. A few pounds a month for months at a time. I had been blessed until then, keeping pretty close to my college weight. But suddenly everything changed, and nothing I did could stop the horrible momentum.

Until...



I know you are all waiting for the easy fix...



Until I moved to the Dominican Republic. And though it worked, it was not planned, or an "easy" or inexpensive way to lose weight.

I and others have lots of theories as to why the pounds shed off me on three different occasions after arriving in the DR. But if I knew why for sure, I should have been able to repeat it in the US. Instead, every time I came home I packed those pounds right back on.

But I did find an easy way over a year after coming home, and I want to share it with you. For a bit more information about why I chose this brand, you can see another page on this site: http://hjkirkphotoart.blogspot.com/p/best-hcg-diet.html

Or you can go straight to the company through my link to The Official HCG Diet Plan.




Good luck and get healthy and thin! Heather J. Kirk


P.S. Let me know how it goes so I can share with and encourage others also.

April 22 -23 (Part 1), 2009: First days in Queretaro, Mexico - Taxis can't find us

April 22, 2009. Arrive in the Queretaro Airport at 8:08 pm, and take a taxi to La Loma Dorada (the Golden Knoll / Hill). At first I thought the name was because the area high above town was fairly wealthy, but it turns out that during part of the year the hillside is covered with yellow flowers that turn it ‘golden”. A much more poetic reason. (Though not in bloom in my picture - so clearly not in April.) A 40 minute taxi ride costs me about $15.

April 23, 2009. The house is old Spanish style architecture, with a courtyard and fountain in the center, and many doors leading to the two bedrooms, the kitchen, the living room and an office. There are gardens around the outside of the house, yet inside a locked perimeter wall. Several male renters live in apartments below. Every morning we have fresh squeezed orange juice that is out of this world. A maid comes every few days to clean, do laundry and perhaps make a simple meal. I try to help with the animals every morning and night, but although the birds are exotic and beautiful, they make lots of noise and peck when you feed them or clean the cage, so I let Nancy handle that. When their cages are covered at night they calm down, thank goodness! The dogs are fierce and wild, but I prefer them because of the security they provide. Periodically they escape, but only once did we have to chase them down, as they know where the food comes from and they return on their own.

Nancy always lets me call for the taxi. The first time I didn’t mind, but became more nervous with every call. In spite of them getting used to my voice and saying they knew where to send the taxi, it always came to a different spot. We eventually started standing in the middle of the main road up the hill. Though I will leave out the house number, here is what I had to say. “La Loma Dorada, Retorno Loma de Queretaro Numero X, espero en la Esquina con Paseo Loma de Queretaro.” Yes, I say I’ll be waiting at the corner of two different streets with similar names. If that didn’t work I gave them a completely different house number and street address – which sometimes helped, sometimes didn’t. The first day we go into town and walked around the square – full of restaurants with outside tables, churches, museums, art galleries. Amazing architecture, parks, fountains, families playing, couples strolling, all the park benches full of people watching or talking or reading. I am immediately enamored.

Heather J. Kirk

To Do in AZ - Week of January 30 - February 5th, 2012

January 30th - February 5th, 2012 - Scottsdale, AZ


Waste Management Phoenix Open. Just in case you don't already know - it's the golf tournament formerly known as Thunderbirds. (I'm not fond of the name, but who am I to argue when a sponsor pays the big bucks for naming rights.) Lowest price tickets are $25. Might as well make it a day (if you can find the hours on their website... http://wmphoenixopen.com/tickets/general-admission/



February 3 - 5, 2012, Glendale, AZ



Glendale Chocolate Affaire - a delicious delight for the senses as the Glendale Chocolate Affaire creates a chocolate-lover’s dream! Chocolate purveyors from Arizona and around the nation gather in Glendale for this award-winning festival, which celebrates not only chocolate, but romance and the arts as well.


Location: Murphy Park, 7017 North 58th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301

Feb. 3-5, is Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, 5 - 10 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, Noon - 5 p.m.

http://www.glendaleaz.com/events/chocolateaffaire.cfm



February 5, 21012 @ 1pm - Phoenix Art Museum:

The Gospel According to St. Matthew (Film)


Italian filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini wrote and directed this documentary-style look at the life of Jesus Christ. Presenting Christ as a revolutionary figure, Pasolini, himself an atheist, created one of the most compelling and by many standards accurate depictions of the Christian savior's final years, one that is particularly interesting given the director's separation from the belief. Runtime: 137 min. Tickets to this film are $5, FREE for Museum members.


This film is being run in conjunction with Sacred Word and Image: Five World Religions on view January 4th - March 25th.

http://www.phxart.org/events/index.php



Events Chosen by Heather J. Kirk

Invitation to Queretaro

April 2009

Perhaps a visit to Queretaro, Mexico, in April of 2009 is a strange place to officially start “Calendar Memoirs,” a blog about my 8 months in the Dominican Republic in 2010. But I have put off starting for so long, perhaps I had to reach back to the true beginnings.

Cousin Nancy (my father’s cousin) was special to me for many reasons, but one was that, other than my brothers, I considered her the last living relative of my deceased father. They were very close as children on into adulthood. Nancy and I had many shared interests, and I hope calling myself an intellectual like her is not too presupposing. We both love art, learning, museums, and history within the cultural context.

Nancy and her second husband Hank lived in various countries teaching English as a Second Language, and as an older adult Nancy started taking Spanish classes. Nancy decided to house-sit for a month in Queretaro, Mexico, and asked me to join her for the week following Hank’s return to their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I think there was something comforting in having me with her, as one of my degrees is in Spanish.

Heather J. Kirk

Calendar Memoirs - The Blog I Won't Regret

January 21, 2012: I "read" a new book every few days – the quotations around the word 'read' are because I actually listen to downloaded audiobooks while I check my e-mail, surf the web, work on photos. It helps pass the time and keep me going when I would otherwise get bored, tired (unfortunately too often) or want to quit.

(Yes, that's a picture of a digital bookworm - I sure wish it was cuter.) If you live in the Phoenix area and have a library card from your own city, you can check out digital audio books and download the WMA software here. If you live elsewhere, find out if your city has a Digital Library by googling.

The power of story is my motivator. How fitting then that a few lines from last night’s book are what make me start writing Calendar Memoirs – the blog I’ve been putting off for 6 months, maybe more.

Ask For It: How Women's can Use the Power of Negotiation by Linda Babcock, WMA Audio Book (Or buy Ask for It in paperback - Their first paperback book that led to this one is Women Don’t Ask)

Part Two, Phase 1, Chapter 2 (00:00): “What will you regret? Researchers have found that people experience two different kinds of regret. Regret about things they've done and regret about the things they didn't do. … When asked to identify the biggest regret in their life, people are 2 to 3 more times likely to describe something they didn't do instead of something they did.

So try approaching the question of what will make you happy from a different angle altogether. What will you regret not doing? … Is there's something you always planned to do but never got around to? How sorry will you feel if you never make it happen?“

This quote summarizes the number one reason why I am thankful that I stopped everything and moved to the Dominican Republic on January 19th of 2010. I felt so strongly that I was supposed to go, and even though I can’t tell you exactly what I was supposed to do there, or what I accomplished, I can tell you I will never have to wonder “What if…?”

I also know that many of my life lessons from that time have come months or even a year later. And like many of you, I learn a lot about myself by writing. I created a list called “What I learned about life while in the Dominican Republic” that I’ll share with you in this blog – perhaps a little at time. Those who have seen it feel what I learned has opened their own eyes about their own lives, wherever they are – because oddly, the lessons have nothing to do with the location.

Share with me as I flit from year to year and place to place in Calendar Memoirs. Insight and philosophy based on day to day habits and adventures - what I see and what I learn, hopefully helping you to see your own lives and relationships in new and amazing ways, and of course what I’ve done (a bit of a travel guide – in Dominican Republic, Mexico, Arizona, Chicago, California, even your own town). We’ll take walks, go to art galleries, the theater, see movies, read books, take nature hikes and take photos, visit friends and family and eavesdrop on my life.

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

New Year's Blessing

May this new year bring peace, hope, joy, goodness, and all the blessings God has in store! Heather

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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