"Things"

I have managed to talk the movers into packing my computer last. I begged, I pleaded. I even batted my eyes. So here I am sneaking in one last blog entry. I am Ralph Malph and I still got it. Can't really remember or was it Potsie Weber?

Yesterday only one man showed up to pack us out and he didn't speak English. Right now I am looking over all the descriptions that he wrote on the packed boxes. There are two big boxes marked,"SHORS". Those boxes are the most important. They are my babies and my favorite ones are traveling in my suitcase. They are my shoes in case you are confused.

I have been completely stressed out over the whole event. I have to keep telling myself that all these things being packed away are just things. There is so much more in my life right now and it shouldn't matter if all these things fall in the ocean on the way back to the States.

Right before I got married my house was broken into and all my "things " were stolen. They took everything that I had identified with and placed importance in.

I entered into this marriage without the burden of "things".

It was a blessing in disguise, but it has taken a long time for me to realize it. I still am upset about the sentimental things that cannot be replaced, like my grandmother's costume jewelry and a recipe box that my Aunt made for me with family recipes. I wonder if the crack heads that took it are making Grand-Maw's creole gumbo for dinner tonight.

All the "things" that I have now are being bubble wrapped, taped, and boxed. These are not just my "things" anymore, but ours.

I am feeling guilty for placing more value on them and I am even more scared.

I am also confused about the feelings I am having leaving the people I have met in the past three years.

Am I sad about leaving them or just leaving myself; the person I was while in Germany? I know that this whole experience has changed me. Life will be different back in the States. I am so sensitive to my environment. It makes me wonder if it is possible to ever truly know someone.

When the moving truck arrived early this morning I felt a little more at ease. You see,

Christ is moving us back home.

Our things are in good hands.

Ohio here we come!!

Auf Wiedersehen

Just a little collage of German memories.
It looks like we spent the last 3 years drinking and wearing funny hats. I bet you are thinking we could have done that back in the States.

Our time here in Deutschland has been quite an adventure. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Like I have said before, I am sad and happy at the same time about leaving.

I plan to continue with this blog when we get settled in Dayton.

It will probably be sometime near the end of July.

I hope you all don't forget about me.

I have a feeling Ohio will challenge my creativity, as far as sharing interesting blog posts.

You must not loose faith in me.

I am planning on finding a great big studio with lots of new work to share.

Thank you all for the nice comments over the last year.

I will talk to you soon,

Bis dann,

Mary Beth

Scotland With Friends

We are back and what a great time we had! Scotland was so beautiful and the people were so happy and friendly. Quite a difference from ole Deutschland. ( It doesn't matter. I can say this because we are leaving in 2 weeks.)
We rented a car and drove from Edinburgh to the Highlands. Brian did all the driving with John navigating in the passenger seat, which was really our driving seat. I made a sign for the back window that said, "Caution American Driver". He did a great job, considering he only took out a few sheep and one old lady standing too close to the side of the road. It was her fault.
Mike Meyers was right when he said that all Scottish food was based on a dare.
We all tried haggis and believe it or not, it was pretty tasty. I will be like the waitress that served us and not tell you what it is until you actually try it. I believe they enjoy pulling this on unknowing tourists.
We also went to a distillery and learned all about Scotch; not the sticky tape, but the liquor.
I hope you enjoy this little slide show!
Tomorrow will be my last post, because the movers are coming on Wednesday and they will be taking my computer. I am already starting to go through withdrawl.

Many Steps

Many Steps
Steps
Trodden and worn
Traveled well.
Stepping once again.
Smoothed surfaces
below my feet
remind me where I've been.
Stairs still stare.
Obtainable
for I have you
as
my friend.

We are off to Edinburgh, Scotland.
One last step
before we leave Germany.
Check back Monday the 26th for photos of John in a kilt..........
We are going with our friends, Naomi and Brian.
We might try to stay out of trouble, but I can't make any promises.
Many Steps

Returning The Shoes

Nest
3ft x 4ft
acrylic on masonite
I painted this right before I met John in 2003.
I was looking for someone to share my nest.
This painting hangs above a couch...............
I must warn you the content in the following post may be offensive.
In no means do I mean it to be so, but I cannot contain myself.
I may be cutting off my nose to spite my face, but let me return to the USA without that feature and a loss of sense.
I have come to the conclusion that the term , "Art for the Masses" must be changed to "Art for the Artistically Impaired". This new term is more justified.
The 3 years I have been in Germany I have been working in an entirely different vein. My choice in subject matter has allowed me to develop my technique in painting more realistically. I have been quite fortunate to have this time to explore this and document all the wonderful places we have been.
On the other hand, I have struggled with the fact that my work is lacking in concept. I am aware that it is more decorative than my abstract work and possibly more popular.
I once read an artist’s biography that stated she didn’t create art for artists. I remember being impressed by her conviction. Now I am not so sure.
Maybe artists are the only people that truly understand art.
What exactly is art for the masses and just who are the masses?
The woman with the red kitchen, the woman with the negative space above her couch,
or the woman perplexed because her living room is missing something, but has no idea just what?
She shops for art at Hobby Lobby, Marshalls, or God forbid, those posters stores in the mall. When asked to name her favorite artist she can't help but express her love for Thomas Kinkade.
She carries her paint and fabric swatches in that oversized Gucci bag waiting for that right painting. That piece that will really pull the room together.
You know the type.
In the future I think it might be easier if I include an instructional booklet with each of my paintings.
Perhaps something similiar to those little plastic tabs in the soil of a new potted plant.
They would read," This piece of art thrives best in a well lit room hanging just above your couch. Painted with neutral tones, it will compliment your lack of creative decor and possibly give you that sense of style you've been searching for."
I received an e-mail from my agents the other day asking me if I plan to be an active artist when I return to the States.
I have tried to peddle my work for the past 3 years myself to no avail.
I guess you really never appreciate someone until you walk a mile in their shoes-maybe more.
I am tired of walking in these shoes.
I am returning them because
they have rubbed horrible blisters on my poor feet.

Puste Blume

Puste Blume

I am a blowflower
wishing in the wind.
Ready to fly
while parts of me remain.
Fear not
ungranted wishes.
Hope what flies away.
A new flower
blooms again
soon
another day....

Matisse Window

Matisse Window

Last night I dreamt of a soon to be far away place. A window opened in my soul soaked in salmon sun.

He painted here.............

A bounty of brushwork buildings

surrounded by a seaside swathed in blue.

I was seeing through his eyes

the many colors

speckled and framed by the shutters in my mind.

This photo was taken from an old convent, where we stayed in Nice, France.

You can see Matisse's Open Window here,

http://www.geocities.com/eedd88/matisse_12.jpg

Shameless

Shameless Self Promotion

Friday I was asked to show my work in the first-ever United States Army Garrison-Stuttgart Culture Night.

The guests were German and American dignitaries and the event helped strengthen the relationship between the two communities.

I was so fortunate to participate in such an event.

Sadly, I won't get the opportunity again, because we are leaving.

This kind of thing is right up my alley.

I even got to enter on a red carpet with cameras flashing. I am such a ham-I loved it!

Memory

Blue Rose
16 x20
acrylic collage on paper

As our days in Germany decrease, everything is becoming more meaningful.
For it may be the last time.
I am flooded with so many questions.
Is this the last time I'll see tree shadows across the church down the hill?
Will the many cobblestones I've walked fallback in my mind?
And still
the old man in the window that never waved.
Only a nod
just barely
only once.
I wonder.
I make plans to slumber with future dreams under a canopy of Black Forest trees.
Noticing
Hills of yellow
Hills of green
forever fading toward
a slowly setting sun
even further far away
I ask myself
Is what I see a memory
or just what I see today?

Collage

Collaged tulips in old wooden spools

in front of a well used painting board

Collage

Memories layered

Pressed upon

Revealed

Revisted

Exposing rawness

and layered

once again.........

Marmelade im Schuh

I spent the day helping Manuela with her daughter Karina's birthday.

How many six year old girls do you know that get to have their own pony come to their birthday party for all their friends to ride? I would say she is pretty lucky!

Look at her crazy American neighbors riding her pony. Crazy crazy crazy!

John was bucked off because I think the poor creature couldn't handle all that weight. It was just like having the Mesquite rodeo in our backyard.

Here is the German version of Happy Birthday that we sang to her.

Happy Birthday to you -

Marmelade im Schuh- Marmelade in your shoe

Aprikosen in die Hosen-Apricots in you pants

und ein Arschtritt dazu - and a kick in the ass, too!

Very suitable for a six year old, don't you think?

Four Wise Monkeys

Four Wise Monkeys

12 x 15

acrylic on cardboard

Mizaru-see no evil, Kikazaru- hear no evil , and

Iwazaru- speak no evil.

Did you ever know there was a fourth?

Shizaru- do no evil

I did this today for the cover of my father's latest novel.

He said that I am not allowed to tell you what the title is.

You just have to imagine the text above the brass monkeys.

Also imagine it being on the best seller list.

While your at it, try imagining being as disciplined as those four wise monkeys.

Do you think it's possible to practice all four?

Turning a blind eye, a deaf ear, a buttoned lip, and a bound hand should do it.

If that is so, does being oblivious make you wise?

Pink and White Tulip

Pink and White Tulip

9 x 12

acrylic on canvas

Last Tulip Painting day 1

Day 1

(unfinished)

9 x 12

acrylic on canvas