Wednesday GUEST Blog

11-2-11 vacant brain
This is one of the interesting activities Ann did in October ~Judy

The World Comes to Iowa


I’m always amazed at the people who come to Iowa, so before I forget, here’s my ground report of the World Food Prize Program. In case you did not read the first part, here it is
http://tiny.cc/0aixx


I decided to stop by the Iowa State Capitol on October 13th after seeing several stretch limos at the Marriott to catch a glimpse of the “pomp and circumstance” of the festivities for the official “Food Prize” ceremony.

First, the attendees (approx 800) were greeted with an array of music by the Southeast Polk marching band. I absolutely love marching bands, so this was an unexpected treat. Then came buses of guests at the midlevel of the grounds and then …. Drum roll please … the black limos and SUV’s started coming at the top level. Wow, I got to see the Prize winners and former Presidents Kufor( Gahna) and Lula daSalva (Brazil) and many more that I would not even know. This is President Kufor.

Here’s something that wasn’t reported, President Lula got out of his limo and greeted a group of guests … wow, what a security nightmare. He was very kind and posed for pictures for five minutes. I quickly went home and watched the ceremony live on IPTV, it was really a first class program, showcasing Iowa and of course, Norman Borlung. Thank you Iowa Public TV.

The following day, I was able to hear both Prize winners speak. Both men are impressive, rising from nothing to the Presidencies of their countries. President Kufor spoke English and President Lula spoke Portuguese, which meant the attendees were given a headset to hear his speech in English. Sweet, this is how it’s done at United Nations.

On Saturday, I made a point of touring the home of the Food Prize, Hall of Laureates. This is a spectacular restoration of the 1903 Public Library building. The Hall celebrates the importance of agriculture in redefining how you feed the world in the harshest of conditions and its’ pioneers: Norman Bourlung, Henry Wallace, George Carver Washington to name a few. Cleary, the Hall is an “all Iowa tribute”. In addition to the paintings, murals, sculptures, the public garden with two stunning statutes of Boulung and John Ruan (major sponsor) are first class.

The Hall is a private building and will be closed to the public until ’12 Summer. So glad I took the time to take a peek. I hear approximately 3000 people came to the two-day open house.I’ll leave you with this quote by President Lula.

“I am happy to receive the World Food Prize in a state where the statues are not of war heroes, but of heroes that fight hunger …. this is the true war that all leaders need to learn to wage. …. hunger is the most powerful mass destruction weapon … hunger kills children, sometimes in the womb of the mother herself.”

Chat Later
That Girl, Ann Marie

Creativity brings smiles

11-1-11 feeling special brain
Creativity comes in all forms Lori..... take my Dad for instance. He started stamping note cards well into his 70's.... and now has quite the reputation for those of us lucky enough to be on the receiving end.

Cards are even more special to receive these days, since not many people take the time to send the old fashion letter or card through the US mail.

This is my special Birthday Card I received this weekend. Notice that even the cat signed the cat!

This picture is from around 1994 I believe, (Dad must be going through the old picture albums) and I know some of you who didn't know Greg back then are probably giggling about his dark hair..... and skinny legs. To me, Greg gets more handsome with his grey hair, while I struggle to keep from looking too much my age.... I least I don't have to act my age- which I get to prove every Halloween.

Here Friday night dinner out, I had my hair sprayed orange as we attended the Hoot and Howl event at Westminster. A fun evening of scary organ music, skits and silly costumes.
More about all my weekend birthday fun will be reported this week, as I catch my breath.

My life isn't complete with out my ART!

10-31-11 artistic brain
Last week I didn't take the time to blog much, sorry.... there are just so many hours in the day- and I need my beauty sleep, unlike some people I know. My excuse was that I was working on several ART projects- one being, getting a good start on my entry in the Winter Fine Arts Show at church (Westminster Presbyterian here in Des Moines). The project is due January 1st.

Well there is much to do in December, just to keep up with all the Christmas preparations, so I knew I needed to get started on the art project as soon as possible. I'm excited to do this large piece: 3 by 4 foot, since I've had the idea in my brain for a few years..... now it is coming together.

Here are some pictures to show my steps to far. Later I will tell you what it is all about- if it comes together as I am hoping it will.

I've been cutting "pixels" (one inch squares of paper I've painted) for several months now.

I hope I have enough to fill the canvas!

This will be an abstract piece- I hope will look a bit like a sunrise. (Not a rainbow)

Although the idea of a rainbow could work too.

I'll have to see how this creativity evolves!

Halloween Birthday Weekend

10-28-11 grateful brain
Ann is off on a 5 day trip, but she sent me this blog to post this weekend...... what a wonderful birthday gift-  Thank you crazy, wonderful, fascinating friend Ann! I'll cherish your words always! ~Judy

PS: OK the secret is out, I am the type of person who gets excited, and jumps with joy when I see a rainbow. One afternoon Ann caught me with her camera.

Hoot n’ Howl, Happy Happy Birthday Judy!


Where do I begin chatting about Ms. Independent … Judy.

The beginning: Drake University, January 2005. The big Drake Europe Trip, Dublin to Paris. I remember Judy coming to class with Greg, sitting attentively in the back row. I’m sure we exchanged a few words but that was the extent of it. This was the year that I also met my good buddies Lexi and Nat Clark (more about them later).

Then the trip: my third with Drake University. Having gone on eight trips, the 19 day journey is a study of not only public policy but of human nature. First, the make-up of the travelers are from all walks of life. Then where they sit on the bus may tell a little about them: the front passengers are normally to themselves with nose to grindstone with an occasional chatter. The back of the bus, party central travelers, singing and drinking their way through Europe, the middle of the bus, those who want to be serious while living vicariously through the chatter of the back. I like sitting in the middle, Greg and Judy sat in front of me most of the way. I can’t say we did anything memorable, but somehow, I kept running into Judy here and there. This is the beginning of a great friendship.

After the trip, we chatted every now and then and got started with the Drake Alum booth at the Art Fair. Then on occasion, we would do something together and then I got to share in Judy’s world.

There’s the Peace sisters, Sue and Carolyn. They are a hoot and when we are all together, we do our own hootin’ and howlin”. Then I met Molly, just as fun lovin’ as Judy, and might I say, a wonderful hostess, cook, wife and animal lover. I love going over to Molly’s, she a great in more ways than one.

Then the family, her dad John, mom Jean, sister Jan and her kids Sarah and Christopher. What a great family and something I’m a tad bit envious of. In 2009, Judy took me see her parents and I instantly fell in love with marine dude John and his lovely wife. I get a kick out of his home made “stampin’ cards” and for John calling me on my birthday. Here’s what he said … in the middle of my big party … he called and said “this is the Charles City police department, I have a report of noise at your house”. It took me a few seconds to realize it was him .. haha … funny funny.

It’s not all “whine and roses” with Judy. While we are like “peas and carrots” we look at social and political issues with two different lenses. At times, I shake my head and bite my tongue and on a rare occasion, I do let loose, respectfully of course.

So on Miss Judy’s birthday, I want to let her know that she has colored in the lines of my life more than she will ever know. Have a great birthday friend, hoot and howl it up this weekend. I love this picture of you!

Chat Later

That Girl, Ann Marie

Visualize this?

10-27-11 dreaming brain
When I saw this video below, the words of the John Lennon song "Imagine" came to mine.

You may say I'm a dreamer



But I'm not the only one


I hope someday you'll join us


And the world will be as one

I know some of my friends will think these ideas are totally silly, but I already have friends who live like this. They have chosen to given up some income.... in order to spend more time with their kids,..... to have more time to cook home meals.......... to have time to enjoy nature. They are some of the happiest people I know.


http://www.youtube.com/user/centernewdream#p/u/1/HR-YrD_KB0M

Guest Halloween Blog

10-26-11 spooked brain
After spending time with Ann over these last 6 years, it is revealing to learn more and more about her challenging childhood. I'm so glad she can enjoy life now, in ways she was not able to in her younger days. We both do enjoy dressing up and acting silly! ~Judy

Happy Halloween


Oh my … Halloween time again or as I call it “merchant’s holiday”. Halloween comes with mixed feelings for me. See we did not celebrate Halloween in Trinidad so on our first trick or treat in ’68, I’m sure I was puzzled on what to do. Other than knocking on doors for candy, our costumes consisted of mask only or paper bags decorated. If my memory serves me correctly, I only tricked or treated for five years. Darn, no pictures of me as a young trickster.

Fast forward 40 plus years, Dad mentioned something to me in 2008 that I will remember for a longtime. He told me one time with brother Glen, they stopped at a store and he wanted a pumpkin. Dad did not have any money for a pumpkin and he felt guilty all these years. So when we went to Washington in 2008, he specifically bought a pumpkin for Glen. I know that cleared him of his guilt. Whew, misty right now. Here’s a pumpkin for my brother from Dad and me!

On the bright side, I attended my first Zombie Walk and boy was it a hoot. To think, 1000 people got made up in the middle of a Saturday to walk a mile. Well I can say, it was well worth it. Here are a few pics of the Zombie Walk. Next year, I’m walking. As I’m writing this, thinking of Jan’s daughter Sarah and her work as a makeup artist. Wow, Sarah and Judy in the art business.

Brush your teeth after eating all the sweet treats.

Chat Later
Ann Marie

In my world-

10-25-11 gratitude brain
In my world today- things are starting out warm, sunny and peaceful!

We planted this tree- well... maybe 10 years ago or so, and it has grown nicely. It is now the only "big" tree in our front yard. Each year I have noted that it is the most beautiful the last week in October. It is an "Autumn Blaze", rightly named maple.