Monday, September 22, 2014

How to keep plants alive in my home...

Although there is a tendency for flowering plants to die under my care, I can't help but keep buying them. Living color is my one true addiction! (Be quiet, that caffeine thing is just a dependence that I cope with by using intentional denial.) Day one:

 
Day two (not shown) had a few new blooms, day three:
 
 
Well it was a good run, wasn't it! That's why I buy multiple plants....
 
So how do I resolve this perennial problem of mine?
Cut them off and photograph flowers - that way they live forever!
Let's do daisies today...
 
 



http://heather-kirk.artistwebsites.com/featured/4daisies-on-stems-heather-kirk.html
4Daisies on Stems copyright Heather J. Kirk
http://heather-kirk.artistwebsites.com/featured/4daisies-on-stems-heather-kirk.html




http://heather-kirk.artistwebsites.com/featured/daisy-blue-heather-kirk.html
Digital Blue Daisy copyright Heather J Kirk
http://heather-kirk.artistwebsites.com/featured/daisy-blue-heather-kirk.html


http://heather-kirk.artistwebsites.com/featured/daisy-crop-bw-threshold-heather-kirk.html

Daisy Crop BW Threshold - copyright Heather J Kirk
http://heather-kirk.artistwebsites.com/featured/daisy-crop-bw-threshold-heather-kirk.html

See more art for purchase: Flowers on Black and Digital Art
Enjoy!

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

It does not go away...have the guts to leave, get help or intervene

It's time we all educate ourselves more about domestic violence and INTERVENE, because many women clearly don't know how to help or extricate themselves. This video show it is not an "every once in awhile" thing. I lost count, but 6 or 7 or 8 times in one year...and progressively rse. Once it starts, it can only get worse and end badly if BOTH parties don't get help.


This Woman Took A Photo Of Herself Every Day For A Year. I Was In Tears When I Saw The Last One.

By sharing photos of one woman’s face over the course of a year, this video conveys a powerful message that needs to be shared. “One photo a day in the...


(*Disclaimer – they did use a model and make up, but that makes it no less real. The Croatian campaign was stared after too many domestic violence deaths.)

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

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."



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

Sunday, September 21, 2014

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

Saturday, September 20, 2014

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


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.


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

Monday, June 30, 2014

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

Thursday, June 19, 2014

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


Monday, May 20, 2013

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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Saturday, March 2, 2013

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.