I am trying to set up a new blog for my art. Can't seem to make it work. Where is mander when I need her?

NYCity Can't believe I just spent five days in the Big Apple. I did all of the things I wanted to do and more. I went to MOMa, the Guggenheim, and the Met. I viewed many of my favorite artworks and can now say, "I saw it for real." I went to the BIG, BIG New York Public Library and was definitely impressed with their reading room that is the size of a football field. I gazed at the zodiac signs painted on the ceiling of Grand Central Station. I walked through Central Park even though it was hotter than H even in the shade. You may not have realized it, but I toasted you with a beer on the 48th floor of the Mariatt Marquee rotating restaurant, the View, on Broadway. I had Turkish food, French food, Thai food, Asian fusion food, diner food, deli food, and good ole sandwiches at the airport. I shopped at Saks Fifth Ave. and was amazed with the structure of St. Patrick's Cathederal. I saw "Billy Elliot" and "Chicago" and give them rave reviews. I even shopped at two designer resale shops on Park Avenue. Whew, waaay to much money. I couldn't believe the amount of peole in Time Square and the horrific traffic. I won't mention the not so good parts. All in all, I had a wonderful time. I feel like I could be a tour guide for Mid Manhattan. I could even tell you what bus to take and what restaurants to eat at. I hope I get a chance to go again.

Another lifetime goal fulfilled. I have my collage in the Wild Raisin Art Gallery located in Fife Lake. Yippee! I took five pieces and intend to take more next week. Remember the collage-a-day? Well, I'm right on target-37 collages. Yesterday's collage was a valentine. You can see it on the Wild Raisin website. Now, hopefully, someone will buy one of my collages. You can buy online. Come on, make me rich and famous. http://www.wildraisin.net/

Update. Yes, I am on collage #20. My collage-a-day has been going steady. In fact, I have done some extra and will have them framed by a professional. I am quite proud of myself! I have been using magazine paper, but last night I used some handmade paper- very thick. It seemed to be a hit. I take my collage to school each day and show my 5th graders. It has put some pressure on me to keep going. So far, I'm having fun, so I don't intend to quit. Well, off to work on today's collage. No, this isn't my creation.

Book # 1 Under This Unbroken Sky by Shandi Mitchell. Yup, back at it again. I don't think my goal will be 100 books for 2010, but I still love to read and I will still read ALOT.

This story is about immigrants from the Ukraine who settle in Canada. It is much like the settling of the US prairie, but with a Canadian setting. The story is about the family's escape, the heartbreak of being in a new country without the language and with all of the injustices. The father, mother, and five children try to make a life on homestead land, but, it seems every step is backward. The father may be free, but he ends up going to jail for keeping grain and has a dispute with his sister who holds the land. Hard times! Steadfast women hold the families together. A view of life comes from each of the children. The story is about the trauma that comes from being pushed from ones home, homeland, customs, language, and support system. This author can really tell a story with hints and colorful descriptions.

Warning- it doesn't have a happy ending.