Love is the ability to make connections in multiple ways in our ever changing world of chaos.

Love is not only romantic in nature, it can be seen as ….

• Self-Love
• Family
• Hobbies
• Music
• Values

When I look back through my blog posts, I see there is a pattern of ideas that inspired me to write about my life. Most importantly, I realized they were about things that were near and dear to me. The things that I value most, such as family, the outdoors, others, and self-worth.

Initially, I began this blog by posting a running selfie on the main page. This was something I never would have done before. I started running last year and never stopped. It was something I didn’t think I could do. I always said I was never a runner, but the more I pushed myself, the more I wanted to keep trying. Now, it is something I love to do. This is now my “me” time. I wrote was about a marathon runner named Lenny Maughan and discussed how he created works of art by running. I wanted others to see something important to me, running. I had an appreciation for what someone like Maughan has accomplished, but I wanted people to know that if they believe in something enough, they can become unstoppable. No matter what their goal was. This has been my journey with running. It is something I do for myself. Everyone should find something they enjoy doing for themselves. No, this isn’t selfish; it is necessary.

As I continued to make deeper connections in my work, I noticed that a couple of them revolved around the love for my family. I explained my daughter’s love for baking when a cake she spent all day making ended up on the floor. It was for her Nana, again this revolved around family. We are all very close. My parents live here, and my children see them often. I try and instill the same set of values that my parents taught me. Some of those are always to be honest, and do your best to generous when you can. Having patience is the key to success. An example, my daughter’s experience with the cake. Another connection about “family” I focused on captured special moments that my family and I shared between dawn and dusk. Signifying my love for both sunrises, sunsets, and my husband and children. Though life can get busy, you can even lose sight of one another, make time for each other. Cherish those moments with your kids as I do. They are only little once.

These experiences both capture what it means to love something or someone. Special memories are made by appreciating the little things in life.

———–Family ——————

I know this to be true……

Remember, aside from family, to me, the next important kind of love is self-love. While the pressures of today’s society teach us to love everyone but ourselves, it’s essential to make sure our health and happiness are not left out. We become so busy taking care of others and trying to achieve our goals at the same time. You have realized you are one person, Loving yourself means acknowledging self-power. Remain in pursuit of your passions, influences, or achieve that challenge you have been trying to overcome. These could be physical, weight loss, depression, or even a new career. As I created my Three Transitions blog, it presents multiple self-identities through Art. These are illusions about reflecting upon himself, also finding out who he is. I made a connection with this blog and this topic of self-love. He may have been experiencing multiple challenges within himself to portray such an emotional video.

As I analyzed the Flaming June painting, I reflected upon myself and visualized her struggling and looking for peace. This portrait caught my attention by her sleeping so peacefully. She looked comfortable. I chose to take a more in-depth look, and put myself in her place, sleeping on the terrace with the ocean in the background, letting things go as she sleeps.

The goal in all of this is to allow “Love” to be in everything you do. Love is generosity. Love is kind. Love is acceptance of one another, along with accepting yourself. Love is honest and open; how you should be with family and friends. Love is giving and exploring ways to help others. Love is NOT hateful or discriminatory. Love is patience, listening, and memories. Love is world changing. If we could all learn the value of love, our world would be a better place.

Leighton’s work of Art spoke to me and embraces recent feelings based on current events.

My Ekphrasis about my vision…

A light can signal a sense of calmness.

This feeling is of warmth and peace.

She’s tired, tired of stressing, tired of waiting.

Tired of being afraid. 

If she sleeps she cannot think.

There is no choice but to rest, rest her mind.  

Feeling the ocean breeze, she is at peace.

This sensual comfort relaxes her.

She has waited and worried.

It’s time to sleep, sleep to rebuild.

Rebuild what has been exhausted,

The mind, the heart, the body.

Theres more to come,

She will get through it. 

This reflection is the light. 

Her light at the end of the tunnel.

She prays, she tries to remain strong.

For her family, wishing this was all just a bad dream.

The visual piece I chose to write an Ekphrasis about was this Flaming June painting. This painting caught my eye. I thought it was beautiful. The color of her dress was breathtaking, airy, and transparent. Her hair is falling precisely around her. I felt it ideally in capturing the moment of the picture. It has a bright yet soft tone to it. The sun is shining and reflecting off the water, complimenting her dress beautifully. The woman in the painting looks comfortable, peaceful. When reading my translation in the Ekphrasis and comparing this to the original meaning, it is different. I emphasized the need to be comfortable and relax. This may not be the case. This Painting is a victorian style painting and presents uncertainty. A woman is sleeping peacefully, but no details about what she is dreaming about, nor did I notice that the flower next to her in the painting was poisonous. Perhaps this is symbolizing death. There are many different perspectives on this painting. I just related to it on a personal level. These days have been hard on all of us. Our families, job, and worry have caused more stress and anxiety, causing us to run ourselves down. At least for myself anyway. I felt a sense of calming and relaxation with this painting. The mood seemed to fit, the colors a mix of orange and golden tones and reflecting the sun off the water both create a tranquil aura. Therefore, although this painting may signify another meaning, I used it to my advantage. At first glance, I saw a beautiful woman resting peacefully and hoped I could soon do the same.

A way to connect with one’s inner self

Images by Peter Campus

Three illusions seem to be displaying multiple self- identities. Some of these look real and others an illusion. Peter changes the image of himself various times. In the first image, he may be escaping his self by using violence. By cutting himself with a knife in the back, then piecing himself back together could exhibit a sense of pain. The second image looks as though he is covering his face with a new version of himself. The last photo shows the burning of a self-portrait as if he is trying to illuminate himself completely. As I watched this video, I don’t see a significant story behind his work. However, he seems to be portraying the visual images of his self-worth.

In my opinion, he is trying to show the audience the different emotions he feels about himself through Video Art. Possibly, to identify how he seems himself during this period. This was during the 1970s. His illusions could reflect a time when people seemed chaotic yet, free. Taking a more in-depth look at the first image again, his back is to the camera, and he is cutting through his coat, which resembles pieces of paper by the fold. It is like he is trying to escape himself. The video ends with him taping back together the cuts. This could be symbolizing his scars. Viewing the second image, he is trying to hide who he is with shiny reflective paint. I feel like he is trying to cover his imperfections, maybe something he doesn’t like. It’s almost nauseating, the way it looks 3D, or something similar to it. In the last image, he is burning his self-portrait so that nothing is left, but darkness. I believe he is trying to communicate different feelings or moods about himself, potentially trying to find out who he is or a tragedy he has been through.

When comparing these videos to today’s television, It seems like there was a thought process behind his message. He was able to reveal his different personalities through Art. Tv is mostly about acting. I feel like he was real in this video, he wanted the audience to feel his pain. Also, to appreciate the work that was put into creating this method of self-reflection. There was a broad range of creativity with the different elements used in each transition. I found this video captivating and eccentric.

Watching this was challenging compared to how we watch TV today. This does expand the know-how because for some, this can be hard to figure out. I was only able to do this by repeatedly watching the videos, each time picking up on something different. Even though this is just my view of what I think the meanings of each transition are. Where as, tv is just a natural understanding to me.

I chose Act 1 Scene ii for my analysis. Hamlet is a work of art when it comes to world literature. May even be one of the most exceptional pieces ever written, not to mention the longest. To me, I felt this scene was one of the most important and touching. Hamlet wasn’t given enough time to grieve for his own father before his world seem to crash in front of him. He had to learn be strong, and continue to live in Denmark without his father the king.

I feel this scene shows a lot of emotion. Hamlet is suffering from the tragic loss of his father, the King of Denmark, after just a short while having to accept his mother Gertrude marrying The king’s brother Claudius. There are two significant events taking place in this scene Hamlets grieving heart for his father, seeming to be the only one affected by it, and the celebration of a new marriage. Hamlet himself can’t help but find it hard to accept a man who was once his Uncle will soon become his step-father and who was once his mother’s brother in law would now become her husband.

The scene continues with Claudius realizing how upset, Hamlet is and both him and Gertrude agree its best that Hamlet stays in Denmark and not return to school. He then expresses himself in a soliloquy. Hamlet is angry and unaccepting of what is happening in his life right now. He feels depressed. In his moment of expression, three guards rush in Horatio, Bernardo, and Marcellus, explaining that they have seen a ghost.

I used this clip of the scene because I felt is depicts the scene perfectly. Hamlet is mourning the loss of his father and is holding in his true feelings as he is trying to take in this new world around him. He is dressed in all black and while the stage is dark. Claudius is beaming with power in his bright coat and explaining the need to move on from the loss of his father. This shows the tragic structure in both stage presence and the characters. Everyone on stage seems tense, except for Claudius. Hamlet is broken- hearted, and both Claudius and Gertrude seem to lack sympathy toward what Claudius says is ” our son.” While I feel this is a modern version of this play, the costume of Claudius still reflects the English Renaissance. I believe there is a difference between just reading the scene and watching it. There are a few more details in watching this. Claudius explains the need to move on and accept his father’s death. By the actor’s emotions, which are very real, the character acting as Hamlet is not ready for that. I picked this particular scene because I feel this actor displays real emotions, especially during his soliloquy.

“A Hard Day’s Night”

Watching this movie was actually very entertaining. I am familiar with music from the Beatles but, I never had a significant interest in their music. I know, shocking, right? The title of the movie “Hard Days Night,” in my opinion, is one of the best songs.

This appears to be a documentary, but also a reality of what the day in the life of the Beatles entails. After watching this movie, they allow themselves to be “real” for the camera. I feel a lot of movies/documentaries are staged, and maybe that’s why I enjoyed this one. Comparing when this was filmed in 1963 to now there is a dramatic difference and not just appearance, given the fact that this film is in black and white. Their personality shines through in this film, and just how much these men mean to each other is displayed. Jokes are made, newly written songs are heard. Basically, this interprets a Rock and Roll adventure of John, Ringo, George and Paul’s life.

“Moonlight”

If there were ever a movie that portrayed such explicit emotions, it would be this one. I have never even heard of this movie before. This move caught my attention because I thought it was based on a true story. Director Barry Jenkins and screenwriter Tarell McCraney admit that some of the aspects of the film relate to their own personal experiences. This film does an impeccable job or cutting this movie into three different elements of Chiron’s life. This is the main character in the film. Chiron is an African-American boy living with his mother in a rough area of Miami, Florida. Throughout the film he is on a journey to finding himself. All the while living with a mother who is addicted to drugs, no father, and discovering that he is gay. Each major act of this movie is broken down by his younger years, his teenage years, and then his adult life. He endured tremendous hardships, even ending up in jail. This, in the end, did make him a stronger person both physically and mentally. He was able to accept who he was and reconnect with his only lover, and friend, Kevin, who betrayed him to keep his own identity hidden. During the beginning and end of this film, a man named Juan takes Chiron in and helps him. When he can’t go home, he comes to Juan and his girlfriend. Juan was the father figure he never had; not the best as he was a drug dealer, and Chiron followed in his footsteps; even resembled him growing up. Between the hard childhood, bullying for his sexuality, and jail. Chiron proves he is strong and able to become himself and not be a figure of what society perceives him to be.

The scene in the movie that I focused on was extremely dramatic and heartfelt. It takes place at a kitchen table, and it is Juan and Chiron sitting at the table. This is moving and displays a lot of emotion as it is the scene where Chiron is finding out his sexual feelings. He was being bullied and called a “faggot” He asks Juan if he is one, Juan replies “no,” that while he may be gay, he isn’t that and explains what that means. At such a young age, Chiron also makes the connection between Juan being a drug dealer and his mother’s supplier.

Throughout this scene, there are close-ups of each character’s face. It is bright, and cuts are still and focused on a feeling. Thoughts are captured, while waiting for emotional responses. There are establishing shots as well. During these scenes, the main focus is on each character in their deep conversation, which captures your attention, and you feel as if you are sitting there are that table with them. The scene is clutter free and simple. There is such importance in a conversation with a child this age that I feel it creates a comfortable surrounding. The bright pink unfinished walls stand out but the rest of the background in blurred so the focus is on Juan. The angle of the camera is even as if you are the boy looking up listening to what he has to say. It’s tranquil except for when they both speak in quieter tones. I feel this is one of the most capturing moments of this movie.

Isn’t it amazing how such a simple thing like the sunrise or sunset can change your mood? What if you forget to appreciate those moments in life that fall in between? When we pay attention to the colors, they can be so captivating, calming, and peaceful; memories can do the same. You can connect with the colors and how they reflect off of the water or surrounding area. I find when I need to relax, watching the sunset in the evening reminds me to appreciate nature for what it is and the blessings in my life, and that I am grateful for all my daily adventures.

A hazy sunset seems to be in a soft-focus in the back while the birds and seagulls in the poles are in focus. Also, the line of boats in the water in the background is lined up perfectly. The clouds appear darker in tone, smoky with gray coloring, and the reflection on the water is breathtaking with just a hint of color to this whole picture. This was a quiet evening by the sea.

Dawn is breaking, a mixture of gold and yellow slightly reflecting on the water. I feel like the sun looks painted in this photo. There is a sense of good morning welcome with part of the sidewalk being exposed as if running toward the sun is the only option at the moment. For me, it was, beginning my day with a fresh start from a previous bad day. This photo shows that “mood” is everything. Having a positive attitude and goals in mind will get you closer to where you want to be.

Another adventurous day has come to an end. The sun is showing its last moments of color as it falls behind the memories that were created on these thrilling rollercoasters. The dark palm trees in the back give a final touch of the day of fun. This picture reminds me of what a postcard might look like if sent from Florida, not a cloud in the sky and the beautiful orange lights of dusk.

Miami is a city of congestion and fun most of the time. However, here, the simplicity of an early morning sunrise reflects Miami’s calm before the “wild.” This photo was taken from a hotel the morning before our cruise ship departure. With the excitement of vacationing, comes a new appreciation for this beautiful city. The water resembles sheets of glass, with light from the sky and cars on the road in the background balancing just enough orange and pink tones.

Nothing says wrapping up a weekend with an evening sand volleyball game. Just before sunset on a Sunday evening. The kids wanted to show off their volleyball skills in a kids vs. parents sand volleyball game. This is not a strong sport for me! Without capturing the complete view of the sunset, you can still see the ray of colors in the background with a hint of reflection on the sand. This soft lighting is the perfect setting for a brother and sister to enjoy whats left of this day together.

We can capture some of the most critical moments in life during a sunrise or sunset. The colors that are painted across the sky enhance photo of that particular moment or memory. It is essential to appreciate physical differences a camera can catch with color and details. While some may be professional photographers, who see photography as an Art, others just enjoy capturing a special moment.

I chose to make a playlist of songs that are inspiring and a way to think about someone or something close to me and how they can relate to heaven. A couple of these songs are very emotional, and I can relate to them on different levels. I consider myself a sensitive person, and I make connections with songs. I enjoy all types of music, but these particular songs have meaning to me. It could be the lyrics, or it could be the way the instruments are being played that makes listening, relaxing. I believe in faith and the peaceful thought of loved ones in heaven or looking that way for help. All of these songs relate some how to “heaven.”

My Playlist of Songs….

Country- Carrie Underwood, “Jesus Take the Wheel”

This Carrie underwood song can relate to someone feeling overwhelmed and stressed. It presents a tragic even and needing help to get through it. The tone of this song is mostly sad and has emotional lyrics. She shows a tremendous vocal range, and it’s published in A major tonic. I feel this song has a moderate to slow tempo. The consonance of this song is pleading and captivating at the same time. You can hear the various instruments being played, such as the violin, guitar, and drums. Her chorus is turning to Jesus to guide her and give her answers. This is one of my most favorite songs.

Rock- Led Zeppelin, “Stairway to Heaven” 

Led Zeppelins “Stairway to Heaven” is known as a rock legend. This song tells a story about a woman who thinks that just because she has money and can buy whatever she wants, she believes she can buy her way into heaven as well. This song seems to have a couple of different tempos as the song starts very slow and light, mostly instrumental with the acoustic guitars and flutes opening the song in a very quiet tone, leading into the piano and drums with bass. The dynamics of this song is a crescendo. The instrumental sounds in the beginning, drive up to a louder vocal and use of instruments, creating a strong and somewhat sharp dissonance of these musical tones.

Traditional – Charlie Puth, “See you Again.” 

Charlie Puth (featuring Wiz Khalifa) created a masterpiece with this tribute to Paul Walker. He was an actor who died in a car accident. This song is to commemorate him passing away. It was made for friends of Paul Walker. The song is heartfelt and narrates the image of being able to see him again in heaven. It explains the bond between both family and friendships. This is a sentimental song and creates many sad emotions along with emotions of hope. A steady flow of these harmonious notes create a peaceful consonance, especially opening with a piano. I feel like you could say when the rap starts this takes away from the melody of the piano and brings some tension into the song. Here is where the rhythm takes place.

Blues – Eric Clapton “Tears in Heaven.”

Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” is one of the most heartbreaking songs I have ever heard. There is so much power and multiple emotions with just Eric and his guitar. The lyrics of the song are dedicated to the passing of his four-year-old son. This song reflects the pain felt by Eric. I would say the tempo of this song is moderate. The Consonance is easy to listen to, the influence of the lyrics make this a touching low-key melody.

Country- Justin Moore “If Heaven Wasn’t so Far Away.”

Here we have Justin Moores “If Heaven Wasn’t so Far Away” This song is about wishing there was a way to get to heaven to see everyone who has passed on. You can hear the vocals, the piano, and guitar. His vocals carry the melody. I feel like you can relate to this song on many levels, no matter who you are. We have all lost someone in our lives relevant to us. This song would have an effect on the “listener” rather than the hearer. If you were to focus on the structure of this song, you would see the reflection of feelings about essential memories.

Rock- Guns N Roses “Knockin on Heavens Door”

Finally, Guns-N-Roses “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” presents lyrics that make you think. Why would someone be knocking on heavens door? I think this could be because of the dangerous world we live in. When you don’t feel safe, you may think something terrible will happen to you. In this song it appears, that is what happened to someone. They are seeing darkness and no longer need the badge and gun. I feel like the dissonance is this song is what makes it sound amazing. While some may think the tone is unpleasant as the vocals get higher, more emotion in inflicted. The chorus is repeated continuously with few new lyrics. The motive for the meaning is at the beginning of the song. I also think the harmonies are beautiful, they show vocal ranges from low to high and then even more elevated. As far as the structure it doesn’t change much, having only two, four-line vocals.

I chose this poem because I have a love for children, especially children who may not feel loved and appreciated. Also, those who feel lonely at times.

Recess

BY MARIA HUMMEL

This is the sound of the bell. It rings,
full of brass and the end it brings
once for the children, once for the child
who sits alone. His eyes hurt and mild,
he waits, holding his things.

Time should hold no meaning
for him yet. You don’t learn
how to play; you forget. But he knows a while
well, and longs for the clang of the bell.

A bell is a room of nothing.
No, a dome with a hidden swing — 
a will, a sway, a tone, a peal,
the beginning of song. The wild
crowd nears, passes, laughing.
Here is the sound of the bell.

I want to begin by discussing the structure of this poem. It is a narrated poem and the language structure uses metaphors. The bell ringing is being used as a symbol of pain for one child and an escape for others. It describes the feelings of a lonely child not looking forward to this sound. The bell is a time for play. To me this where a particular child is feeling lost and left out. While the other children cant wait for the sound of the bell, to them its freedom, laughter, and fun. To this one child it means an empty space with no one to play with. When it states “time should have no meaning, you don’t learn to play, you forget,” to me this means children should be carefree and have no worries about what the day holds ahead. But, instead he dreads the time of feeling alone. He has forgotten the feeling of fun and friends and feels isolated. When the narrator says, “he longs for the cling of the bell” this child is wanting to feel accepted again; to be with others like him, to laugh again, to play. To not feel alone anymore. The narrator wants the reader to feel sadness, and to possibly connect with the child in this poem. I feel like it could also be to raise awareness that there are many children who may feel this way, and we should all pay attention.

“My Centered Space”

When you think of architecture you think of how something is structurally built. Now combine architecture and a safe place to stay. This would be described to me as domestic architecture. Within the walls of my living space, creates a sense of calming, love, value and safety. My Home provides a very centered space. Literally, the way the rooms are divided has bedrooms that surround the center of the home. The two rooms on one side are comfortably sized for each child. The main area in between is very open and warm. If I want there to be more light, I can allow for the outside light to filter through both sets of my windows. At the same time, if I want a more cozy, dimmer area, I can create that mood as well. I love how each room surrounds the living room pretty perfectly. There are two bedrooms where my children are on one side of the family/living room and our bedroom is on the other side; It doesn’t seemed crowded or confined. I think it is perfectly sized and unique for each of us. Both of these spaces are connected with arches. Kind of ironic, that when you think about inner space and different feelings these areas create it can make a simple area so important. To walk through each of these brings you into the the living room and this is our centered area that joins all of us together.

This was an example of domestic architecture. Now, I want to discuss another place I inhabit regularly, that is a warehouse building. The function of this space is to create an area for gymnastics. When you picture a warehouse that is filled with gymnastics equipment it becomes a smaller area of space and looks like work. To just focus on this huge area of space can cause a sense of overwhelmingness. There is only one area of division so two separate areas. One being a fraction of the rest of the building. The ceilings are very high and there are large windows all over. This makes the place extremely bright. If you were to speak your voice would echo. When I’m in this large area of space I feel even though it is very empty and open it can be very inviting. The larger the area the more children this space would hold. There aren’t very many artistic qualities when it comes to this area; simple yet spacious and bright.

When comparing these two interior spaces, they are drastically different yet both create a sense of togetherness. My home is significantly smaller, which creates a comfortable secure atmosphere. The warehouse definitely serves the purpose of openness. With this being moderately plain, having more space available makes it welcoming. Both areas also reflect outside light beautifully.

Of course, if I had to choose one space I like over the other it would be my home. While I feel Horizon is my second home sometimes, nothing beats the security of an area you know best.

” I will call it La Florida” (Ponce De Leon)

Here at Gilcrest Park, in Punta Gorda, FL you will find a sculpture of Ponce De Leon near the Harbor. I took these pictures during my evening run. I have always looked at it, but never stopped to read about it. Knowing the story of Ponce De Leon, and his mission to find the fountain of youth, I thought a fountain would be a nice touch. This monument of Ponce De Leon was dedicated to the park on March 27, 2005.

This sculpture was donated by the Royal Order of Ponce De Leon Conquistadors. An organization dedicated to the preservation of the Spanish Heritage of Florida and in charlotte county.

This representational sculpture signifies how Florida got its name. Ponce De Leon was the first Spanish Explorer to discover Florida. In the search for new land and gold, he set off on a voyage through the Bahamas, heading toward Florida. When he first arrived, it was near St. Augustine. Then continuing his travels, he landed in Charlotte Harbor. This sculpture of Ponce himself is the reason we call the area in which we live “Florida.” He named our state Florida, because at the time of discovery, it was Easter. Which in Spanish culture means, flowery festival and is associated with the Easter season.

This sculpture of Ponce De Leon is considered to be a sculpture in the round. This is a freestanding piece and not attached to any background. Because this is three- dimensional, You can view this figure from any angle as there is space all around the sculpture. However, it is best to see it facing him to get the full effect. I feel this statue of Ponce De Leon holds extreme value in the city of Punta Gorda. It is in the perfect location, surrounded by beautiful greenery and water. This is considered part of our history, and it is an honor to have such a beautiful replica of Ponce De Leon at Gilcrest Park. This has a broad base but, I would say the actual sculpture of the body could be life-size. I know that this draws the attention of many people walking nearby. They take the time to take a closer look at the sculpture and read about its history. This would be especially beneficial to a tourist or someone new to the area.