The Lighter Side Looks at Art

Hey all,

One of my favorite things to do is look at different kinds of art.  And, of course, here in Europe, I have chances a plenty.  I've been to the Louvre and the Hermitage.  I've seen Rembrandts, Picassos, Rodans, Rubens, Monets and many, many others.

I've been fortunate enough to gaze upon the Sistine Chapel where Michelangelo did his masterpiece, and after seeing her, scratched my head over just why everyone thinks the Mona Lisa is such a great piece of work.

I've giggled over some of the paintings and sculptures in museums and stood awed by the beautiful work done by painters I'd never heard of before.  Traveling is one way to truly learn to enjoy art in all its forms.

Yet there is so much more art out there just waiting to be discovered.  Pieces of art that don't get written up in magazines nor does the History channel care about doing a three piece series on how the painter got his mojo going.  In fact, most of this art people pass by without even recognizing it IS art.

And maybe that's because sometimes you're not sure it is.

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  If I've learned anything in my travels, I've learned art is, too.  So many times I stop and gaze at "art" in the square or park and think to myself, "WTF?"  Or see something truly wonderful and unique and wonder why IT isn't in one of the big museums.

So for today's Lighter Side, I thought I'd pick a few of the pieces of art I've seen that to me, were a little different...but outstandingly excellent, and those that make me blink and say, "What were they thinking?  And why?"  Enjoy!  And remember to click on any pic to make it bigger.

One of the Subway Stops in Paris France.  Is it art or is it a model of DNA?  Either way, it definitely made you stop and stare.

 

This sculpture was down on the waterfront in Barcelona, Spain.  Each time I walked by it, I wondered if kids had nightmares about a giant lobster pinching it's way through the city.  But at least it looked like a happy lobster.

Barcelona had a lot of odd art.  This one sat in the middle of the harbor.  I always thought two things when I looked at it.  1) How many times do the seagulls poop on his face?  2)  Just WTF is he looking at????

One of my favorite "weird" art pieces in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.  Is this art channeling pine cones or is it one gianormous fishing lure?

I still don't know what this is.  I saw it almost every day since it was right down the street from our apartment in Amsterdam.  It was in the window of what looked like a studio.  It's made of fabric that was just stretched.  But art?  What do you think?

 

 This art sat on top of one of the advertising columns around town in Amsterdam.  At first glance it looks like a crab.  But once you look closer you can see it's not.  And just what is that glumpy pile beneath it's "feet"?  Not saying what it looks like to me.  LOL

 

Are they planters, topiaries, or art?  I guess that's up to you.  I just know they were beautiful and different.  These sat just outside the gate to Planckendael Zoo near Antwerp, Belgium.

 

This very strange and odd and different piece of art is part of the open air exhibit from Middelheim Sculpture Museum in Antwerp.  It almost looks alive, reaching for the water, doesn't it?

Another sculpture from Middelheim.  You have to click on this one to appreciate it.  This was one of the true WTF? moments for me.  But I guess if the masters can depict death scenes in marble, this gal can do it in metal.  I guess.  

*singing*  

"Oh, I'm glad I'm not an Oscar Mayer wiener..."

And one last piece of art before I call it a Friday.  This one is another favorite, here in Antwerp.  It's similar to one I've put on my FB page that was in Middelheim.  But the odd thing about this sculpture is it sits outside of an old church.  I mean...I love the art, but outside a church?  In my humble opinion, that's just beyond creepy!!!

So there you have it.  A look at art in all it's oddities!  A few from each country we've been in so far.  Now the question is, what do YOU think?  Is it art or not?  And if you have a piece of art you'd like to share with us, please do.  Put a link with your comment below.  I'd love to see what you consider art and what you think is different, excellent or just plain, "WTF???"

Until Monday,

Hugs,

CJ England

 

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

When it's WRONG in Capital Letters!!!

Hey all,

Sorry about missing Monday's blog.  Everything got away from me this last Sunday, which is when I usually do it.  I hope to make it up to you with today's blog.

Being an American living outside the USA is interesting to say the least.  I'm able to meet new people, learn different cultures, as well as see and experience things in a way I never have before.  Just waking up each morning can be an adventure.

But that doesn't mean I've forgotten about my homeland.  I pay attention to the news, and if we don't get CNN or BBC, I have my online news to keep me informed.  And when I do, sometimes I feel like crying when I hear about the politics going on in my country.

Now, in my opinion, it doesn't matter whether you are a republican, democrat, tea-party or any other political party.  Most of us just want things to make sense.  To be right.  And while I understand there are as many shades of right as there are people, there are some things that are just RIGHT with capital letters.  And if that is so, then there is also WRONG.

And lately, when I hear about the healthcare law in the USA, the WRONG totally and completely overshadows the right!!!!

I don't claim to understand what the new law says in it's entirety.  But there are parts of it that make me want to stay overseas...and one part that makes me ashamed to be an American.

I don't understand how we can pass a law that forces people to have insurance.  I've been dirt poor and it wasn't a choice not to have it.  I would have loved to have insurance.  But, if I had to choose between giving my child his dinner, and insurance, the meal won.  It sounds very good and well to ask everyone to get insurance, but what if a person literally can't afford it?  How can you legislate that?  How will you police it?

I DO understand that a lot of this is in response to all the people who like to game the system.  As a taxpayer, I find myself VERY irritated at the woman who has eight children by seven different men, has no job and doesn't intend to get one, yet sees no problem asking me and all the other taxpayers to pay for her children's education, welfare and healthcare.  

Or there is the guy who comes into the doctor's office literally dripping in gold, working on his IPAD, talking on his expensive cell phone about his latest drug deal, and then hands the receptionist his Medical card. Seriously?  I'm sorry, as a taxpayer I don't want to pay for your illegal moneymaking, your bling or your fancy electronics.

These are both examples of those capitol WRONGS.

But I think the thing that made me sick.  That made me really ashamed of being an American was when I heard that congress voted themselves exempt from this law.

Excuse me???  How can that be?  How can a body of politicians vote on themselves?  How can they police themselves without anyone holding them accountable?  How is this anything but a capital WRONG???

They've been doing it for years.  Voting themselves wage increases while "regular" people are losing their houses.  That's like me going up to my publisher and saying, "You know, I've decided the percentage you're giving me for my books isn't enough.  And since I make the rules, from now on I want 95% royalties.  And oh, by the way, since you signed me into this deal, you have NO WAY OF STOPPING ME!!!!!!" 

How is that right????

Now don't get me wrong (in small letters).  I love being an American.  I still think it's a great country.  But our government is fast becoming corrupt--fat and bloated with it's own importance.  When did the people and what they want and know is right, stop mattering?  Because I'd be very surprised if you could even fill a stadium with voters who think what Congress did voting themselves exempt from a law that EVERY OTHER AMERICAN HAS TO DO is the right thing.

Oh wait...maybe you could fill that stadium.  With the government officials themselves!!!!

Feel the same way?  Want to drop kick our elected members into the next universe?  Tell me all about it in the coments below!!!

See you on Friday with a lighter look at art!

Hugs,

CJ England

 

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

The Lighter Side Goes to the Beach

Hey all,

I had no idea what I was going to blog about.  Since I've been feeling poorly, I hadn't had any major inspirations for my usual Lighter Side.  So I did what I normally do when I'm artistically blocked, I head online to see what there is to see.

And I found something on a site called Guyism.  I honestly don't have any idea what the site is, but the pictures and the article caught my eye when I was on the HuffPost site and I had to see what it was about.

I was so glad I did.  The pics were a hoot and made my day a little brighter.  Like this picture of the two kids.  The caption reads, "Must be Europe."  Perfect! 

Since it's gloomy here in Antwerp today, the sun and the beach is a good getaway, even if it is virtual.  And having funny awkward pics of people made it even better.  I've put a few here to give you a taste, but head to the main sight.  All 50 of them are great and worth a looksie.

"Whatcha got in there?  Hmmm...don't see anything.  Anything at all...

Ultimate Parenting Fail!!!

I'm not sure whether too say these two are creative...or just creepy!  LOL

Ummm...Cow.

 

Another creative...yet somehow creepy photo...

 

I don't know how she's breathing, but this one is creative without the creep factor.  LOL

 

 And finally, why you don't go to the beach with friends and drink until you pass out...

 

Want to see more?  Enjoy the rest of the Awkward Beach Photos at http://guyism.com/humor/50-hilariously-awkward-beach-photos.html  Take a look at them all and then tell us what your favorite picture was in the comments below.

Until Monday!

Hugs,

CJ England

 

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

From Canals to Castles to Churches

Hey all,

Back by popular demand, today's travel blog offering is of our latest trip to one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen.

Ghent, Belgium.

This medieval city is so chock full of history, everywhere you look you can see a lovely old building that just shouts out it's heritage.  We spent a day there this last weekend, and if I have a chance to go back, I will.  It was that amazing.

Ghent sits in the center of Brussels, Antwerp, and another small historical town, Bruges.  From Antwerp, it's only a forty-five minute train ride and while you can spend days here, it is also great for a day trip.

We got into town about 9:00am, and knowing most everything opened at 10:00, we opted to wander a bit and then grab a little breakfast before we jumped into sightseeing.  We found this little cafe just off the main waterway areas--Korenlei and Graslei, and munched on a light Belgium repast of boiled eggs, cheeses, wafer thin sliced ham, fresh orange juice, bread and croissants.  And some jelly that was tart and sweet at the same time.  We think it was gooseberry.  Yummy!

Once we were fueled, we hit our first target, the Ghent canal boat ride.  This ride takes you up and down the main waterway so you can see all the historical building from the water.  Our guide, Lynn, was very good and we really enjoyed ourselves.  Here are a few of the pics from that part of our day...

Just after leaving the dock, the waterway with all the old buildings on either side.

 

Heading out of the city center towards the old wall and warehouse district.

 The old city gate.  The old and the new right together.  I thought it an interesting picture. 

 The old warehouse and factory district.  Some are crumbling...others are in good shape.  Still others are now apartments or businesses.

 

Back to where we started.  And yes, for you Brits, that IS a copy of the famous Big Ben clock.  Apparently, it's Ghent's nod towards England and their ties with that country.

 

One last pic for the boat tour.  These are the Ghent famous three towers seen from the boat.  Not the building in front, but after that, the three tallest are, St. Nickolas Church, Belfort (the Belfry) and St. Bavo's Cathedral.  Absolutely beautiful buildings and view.

Once we'd finished sailing the canal, we grabbed our map and went on a walking tour.  Ghent is best seen by walking, and it's compact enough (even though it's the fourth largest city in Belgium) you can walk by all the historical sites in just a few hours.

We had an amazing time.  I took--get this--706 pictures!!!!  A new record.  Thank God for digital cameras!!!!!  But there were so many gorgeous buildings...so many jaw-dropping churches.  And, so many surprises around every corner.  Let me show you a few treasures we saw on our walking tour...

The view of the waterway from St. Michael's Bridge.  One of the best lookouts in the city.

 Another view from the bridge, this one towards the three towers.

 The inside of St. Nickolas' Church.  Beautiful and serene.  I could have spent hours there.

 The Belfry.  A UNESCO heritage site, it was the old guard house.  It now has a museum and a beautiful view of the city from the top.  One of the places I'd like to go back to.

St. Bavo's Cathedral.  Originally built in 942, little remains of the original chapel, but this 1561 founded cathedral house many beautiful art treasures.

 A view of the inside of the cathedral. 

The main claim to fame for St. Bavo's, is this painting by the Van Eyck brothers.  The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb is a beautiful altarpiece.  The original sits protected behind glass and security since one of the panels was stolen in 1934.  We were able to see the real altarpiece, but no photos are allowed.  This is a pic of the copy.

Another gorgeous building.  The Castle of Gerald the Devil.  Seems old Gerald had a habit of going through wives.  He had five all together.  But the problem was, he got a new one by killing the old.  Thus, he became the devil.  Appropriate, if you ask me!!!

Unfortunately, we didn't get to go into any of the museums as I would have liked to do.  But we only had a single day and just looking around town was more important.  But if I have some extra time while here in Belgium, I've already decided to go back and see a couple of the things I had to walk away from.

We ended out tour with a visit to Gravensteen Castle.  Quite beautiful and although it's not restored, just being inside is enough if you love castles like I do.  Check these pics out...

This is the front of the castle.

This is the back, taken from the water.

 

One of the inner courtyards.

 

The wall.

The chapel.  

One of the rooms where guests were received.

 And finally, the Dungeon

I took so many more, but I don't have time to show them all.  I'll leave you with one last picture...one of my favorites.  The view of Ghent from the top of Gravensteen Castle.  And if you ever have a chance to go to Ghent, take it.  Spend the day wandering.  You'll be glad that you did.

Until Friday...

Hugs,

CJ England

 

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

Fear and Loathing In Antwerp

Hey all,

I had a very scary experience yesterday.  Something I didn't expect, yet am always on the guard for.

I was stalked.

I know it sounds dramatic, but it really happened.  I was out exploring a specific neighborhood here in Antwerp called the Zurenborg.  It's filled with beautiful architecture from every style you can imagine.  I'd spent seven hours walking and gawking, completely enjoying myself.  I'd finished up with a beer as I people watched in one of the squares, then looking at the time, I called it a day.

I had about two miles to walk home.  I was tired enough I would have taken the tram, but nothing connected easily to where I wanted to go.  So, map in hand, I headed towards the hotel.

It was an easy walk.  Right along the main drag, so there was no way I would get lost.  And my hotel stands high enough so I could see it once I got close.

About halfway home I noticed a park on the right of the street.  It wasn't anywhere close to dark, but the clouds made things a little gloomy, yet it's a public park.  And I thought it would be a nicer walk than along the street, so I headed inside. 

I didn't get ten steps before my gift was telling me to GET OUT.  I stopped dead and analyzed it.  I'd been drinking, remember.  Was I just being silly or was I really sensing something was off.

It didn't go away, and over the years I've learned the hard way to listen to that inner voice.  I turned around and left the park.

And no sooner was I a few steps out and back on the sidewalk, a man in a blue hoody came at me.  Rushed over and into my space.  He looked okay--not scary--and wanted to know if I needed help, if he could give me directions.  

I had the map in my hand still, but I was fine, other than my spidey-sense tingling all to hell.  I thanked him as I backed away, and told him I wasn't lost, I didn't need help.

He pushed a bit, and I think he was trying to tell me he was a part of like a neighborhood watch and worked with the police.  Well, even if he did--which I had and still have serious doubts--I didn't need help and told him so.

Then he asked me out for a drink.  WTF?  He's gone from hero to potential date?  *insert roll of eyes here* I do what I always do...point to my wedding ring and smile.  "Husband."  Usually they grin and back off.  Not this guy.  He responds with, "Me too."  Which I took to mean he was married, but to a female.

Now I'm not only feeling a little hassled, but disgusted, too.  Like both of us being married makes it okay?  Seriously?  I flat out told him no, turned around and walked away.  Last I saw of him he was hoofing it back down the street.

But it doesn't end there.  About five minutes later I realized I'd taken the wrong road, so I had to turn around.  I kept an wary eye out for the guy, just to be safe.  And a good thing I did.  As I was walking down the main street I heard a shout and saw out of the corner of my eye, him trying to flag me down.

Well, hell no!  I grabbed up my phone, and put on my production power walk.  He was too far away to catch me and there were other people around, but when I saw him trying to cross the street to get to me, my stress level hit a new high.

I had Jonathon on speed dial.  He might not be able to save me, but the thought chased through my mind he'd know where to find my body.  Morbid, you think?

And it's STILL not over.  I glanced over my shoulder once, and then again, and finally began breathing a little easier when I saw no sign of a blue hoody.  I kept on walking fast now, because not only was I a little scared, it was starting to rain.

Perfect.

Finally got to a major corner and there was this beautiful little church.  Lots of people around, so I felt better and went over to take some pictures.  I turn around from getting a pic of these dead people and to my shock, my "admirer" is right behind me.  And this time he was driving.

He has now gone from irritating guy in a blue hoody, to creepy stalker dude in a car.   Now I was seriously scared--and a lot pissed off.  If he's a creepy stalker dude then I'm ready to kick his balls to Canada if necessary.  But if he's a regular-albeit stupid-guy who just wants to go out with me, why the f**k won't he back off?  Doesn't he understand he's making it worse?

In this day and age a guy should know that while persistence in finding a woman can be a good thing, chasing her down a street in a car after she's said no several times IS NOT attractive.  And it can scare the hell out of her.  Even if I were single, and he was an Antonio Banderas clone, I'd rip out his eyes, just on principle.

So creepy stalker dude is shouting how he wants to help me.  He wants me to get in the car so he can take me to the police.  I'm being stubborn.  It's raining.  He wants to take care of me.

Now, I'm nowhere near the car and backing farther away as he's talking.  There are lots of people around, including two guys at a tram stop who were watching suspiciously, so I wasn't in any immediate danger.  But I was mad and scared and I was SOOO done with him.

I told him, NO I didn't need any help.  NO, I didn't need the police.  NO, I wouldn't melt in the rain.  And YES, I was very stubborn.  I said thanks but no thanks.  I don't need you.  Leave me alone.  Then, my courage deserted me, and I pushed my way through the crowd and sneaked around the side of the church and watched to see if he'd leave.

He couldn't come after me in the car--I'd gone behind him--so he had to make a big circle around the block and by that time I'd put my speedy feet on and gotten out of there.

I never saw him again.

But, for the first time in a long time I was scared.  Scared to walk down a street alone, even though there were dozens of people around me.

Was he the reason my gift said to get out of the park?  He WAS coming in after me and if he'd been persistent on the street with everyone around us, would he have not taken no as an answer in the park?  

I have to say I've never been so glad for my empathic gift.  God told me to get out and I listened.  And I honestly believe this story could have had a different ending had I not.

So the moral of this blog is two-fold.  

One-- Ladies watch were you are at all times.  Be aware.  If a guy seems nice, be careful.  Ted Bundy was nice and we all know how that turned out.  Listen to that inner voice we all have.  If it says be afraid... LISTEN.  What have you got to lose?  Your pride?  Better that than your life.

Two-- Guys.  Yes,  women usually love to be chased.  But please, keep it light and easy.  Don't push so hard if they say no.  And for God's sake, don't stalk them or chase them down a street.  You could be the nicest, cutest, bestest guy on the planet, but the moment you cross the line, you change into Creepy Stalker Dude and you might find yourself on a plane to Canada to retrieve your nuts!

Whew, that was cathartic.  I guess I needed to vent.  But if one woman can learn from my lesson, I'm happy I could share it.

Until Wednesday!

Hugs,

CJ England

 

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/