Quote of The Day

Thursday, September 03, 2015

29 Faces in Sept 2015, Ready or Not

 I'm happy to be again participating in the 29 faces
 of September challenge this month.
" Miss Monster" envelope art is better in person! Love the colour and whimsy, makes me smile!
Sadly we are a very entitled society here in Canada! Nothing made that more clear than the recent  four day power outage some endured during a huge B.C. storm. Apparently the largest power outage in the power company's history. Ours was out thirty three hours but we managed quite well. We made the best of the inconvenience! That's all it was, since we still have a roof over our head and nice beds to sleep in! Some didn't!
The Thinker doesn't let much get by her! Face #1 29 faces of September

Weddings were ruined, events were halted, trees fell on many homes and cars, still a few new millennials complained  about putting on makeup in the dark after two days without power. The media helped stir that pot too! People also ranted about the power company unable to make repairs quick enough and their website crashing. Cupcake was appalled by their selfishness in a dire situation. The pettiness was beyond our comprehension. First world problems seem slightly narcissistic. Especially when linemen have to leave their own families in the dark to brave the wind and rain hours on end, night and day in attempt to remedy the situation as quick as possible.
Mr Intelligent  face #2 is always thinking of a better way to do things!
With all the refugees and displaced people in the news at the moment complaining about  a few days without power seems so insensitive.  This summer many  people have lost homes and power due to excessive forest fires in our Province. It's been tough with drought conditions and severe water restrictions! It could be so much worse than a few days without our often taken for granted modern conveniences! Yet people continued to whine online, but don't hesitate to take to the wilderness to  camp at their own convenience!
Miss Unsure  face # 3 Her confidence waxes and wanes as she makes decisions!
 We felt  compassion for moms with young children, and the elderly, who seemed last to complain!  It may be difficult  for some  to replace their spoiled items. For the most part everything stayed frozen in our  freezer. We managed to get ice and pretend we were camping while eating yummy sandwiches  for dinner two nights in a row. Had it continued longer we'd have fired up our BBQ. We tend to be more prepared for these things than some.  We will be even more prepared next time!
Miss Selfish  face #4 doesn't really care who's inconvenienced as long as it's not her!!
It was a lovely quiet time to connect and laugh together.
Hard to hear all the blamers out there blaming the power
company as though Mother Nature conspired with them
to put the lower mainland in darkness!
We enjoyed these gorgeous flowers while the power was out! Credit Pepperpf
Had coffee and timbits purchased at a store with power.
 Regular Sunday plans continued during daylight, minus grocery
 shopping.  By mid evening power returned, we rushed with glee 
to wash work pants  do laundry, and enjoy a home steeped tea! 

Monday this wonderful surprise snail mail
came from Lee at All about Art and Me
The envelope decorated with the lady and those 
fabulous buildings! Inside was that fabulous little 
art piece on the bottom right! I love her art! My photo
does not do it justice. Hope she has a better
photo to put up on her blog. Both Cupcake and I 
squealed when we saw it. Again Thank you
so much Lee...for this sweet gesture! Lee 
can be found on instagram  as Leekrek
The next day these beauties arrived from Amazon.
So excited to try these babies and listen to Lucinda
a tribute to her dads beautiful poem Compassion!
You can watch Lucinda talking about the collaboration
of her music put to her dads poem, and watch
how her now deceased father reacted 
when he first heard it here

Are you good in a crisis? Are you prepared or
scrambling around in a panic to make things work?

42 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

Wow, 4 days with no power, that's long - glad you survived it with humour and ingenuity and were able to use the time well. Great art as always, hugs, Valerie

Ayala Art said...

WOW, I didn't hear about that storm!! We used to have regular blackouts for years! I was expecting many this summer too but only had one so far, they last 3 to 9 hours, pretty annoying, but we always find something to do.
I'm glad you all are fine.
Wonderful art!!! ♥

Faye said...

Love the wonderful faces you've painted, Sherrie. Loss of electricity can be challenging. Once we lost power for a week and the house got down to 45° F. That's cold but not freezing inside. I hate to lose power because I am on a well so no power means no water.

Lynn Cohen said...

It seems your faces are aptly named to fit your true story. And so well drawn and colored I might add! Yes, we are a spoiled and privileged nation! My heart broke numerous times this week seeing boat loads and trains filled of people rushing, fighting to escape and get to a safe haven. And the ones who died along the way, the dead little boy on the beach. Drought, fires, storms, earthquakes, are we prepared? Not really. We live as if we'll be ok until it finally catches up to us. I guess I'd find the flash lights, candles in a drawer. Some filtered water in the fridge. Warm blankets. Enough food for several days. Anything worse, I better hope my town is prepared to help us all out!
Darn you, always making me think!
Glad you got your electricity and heat back on. You live in a happy houseful of loving helpers! You'll always survive! Xoxo hugs!

Abigail Davidson said...

Sweet pieces, especially The Thinker -- beautiful color combo!

sirkkis said...

Your wonderful faces are great and love all of them.
Colours are strong as their characters. Superb!
Have a happy weekend xx

PaintingWrite said...

We have similar power cuts up here quite often - being so remote it does take time for the power companies to get the lines up and running again. Thankfully S is a seasoned camper and has all the necessary gas stoves etc to see us through until the power comes back - you're right it is amazing how much we take for granted until the electricity cuts out - I think the world would descend into chaos if ever we lost power for good. Seeing the haunting image of that little boy washed up on a Turkish beach truly puts into perspective how truly privileged we are in the west and how much we have to be thankful for when people are fleeing for their lives from problems the west helped to create and then lose their lives in the bid to escape. Truly tragic.

kat said...

There's always so much to see and enjoy here! What a storm you must have had, that must have been a challenge all that time with no power, thankfully it happened now in warm September and not in the Winter months!
In times of panic, I just try to go along with it and accept whatever problems arise, making the most to get by. Nothing too major has happened in my life thankfully, just hiccups I'd call them.

Nordljus said...

That's a long time without power. I'm glad you managed so well. We tend to take these things for granted, and are quite spoilt to have it all always available, but it's possible to do without for a bit if we have to. As you say, you just have to make the best of it.
Great faces, I like their individual characters, and your descriptions. Have fun with your new Inktense!

Sunshineshelle said...

So pleased you are ok, you are precious although complaining comparing it to others in dire circumstances seeking just safety for their families, if our governments have as much compassion the problem may be solved :( Your art just blew my mind by the way, and know you will put your new materials to good use!

Anonymous said...

Oh, that's a long time to be without power :(

I like all the faces, but today my favorite is Miss Monster :D

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

People are selfish in today's society. There were some problems with water contamination this Summer, so we couldn't drink it or cook with it for about 3 days. I immediately pulled out a huge pot my mother gave us several years ago and started boiling water to fill pitchers. However, we thought it would be good to purchase a case of water bottles for my wife to carry in her car, since she does home visits as part of her job. Water was gone within an hour because people were overstocking. When they got water back that afternoon, there was a sign limiting the cases of water people could purchase to prevent the earlier issue from happening. Anyway, I love your portrait of the thinker. Happy PPF and Blessings, my friend!

froebelsternchen said...

gosh.. such a long time without power?! Horrible!
Your faces are all fabulous!
Happy PPF!
oxo
Susi

Ginger said...

So good you were able to make the best of a bad situation! It is all about perspective when you're in the midst of things like this. Lovely faces - that is quite a challenge to take on a face daily for the month. Looks like you're definitely up for the challenge!

Christine said...

Sorry to hear about the power outage, even a few hours is tough, so spoiled we are. Right now my heart goes out to the Syrian refugees. I think I am a survivor type but it is surely no fun in crisis. Nice art.

Linda Kunsman said...

going without power after a storm can be very trying-I know. We have had to endure several-the worst one lasting almost 5 full days during a VERY cold October. We made the best of it -what else can one do? The worst part for me and poor Annie (dog) was just trying to keep a bit warm and not be shivering so much. Fabulous variety of faces!! I admire those of you creating a face a day. What a beautiful and thoughtful gift you received-that is some envelope art! And those new Inktense-I'm sure you'll have a blast with them. I don't have any so I'd love if you would share your thoughts and art about how they work for you.

Unknown said...

Inspiring post once again. These situations all boil down to attitude, how one is able to face the situation. I wish more folks would have your presence of mind (as would the power company)and be joyous under such circumstances. unfortunately, as you can attest, some people aren't happy unless they are complaining!
Oh your faces and their names, so true and which gives me a much needed laugh.Exceptional work this week, in spite of it all!

Unknown said...

Growing up we went through periods of time without running water or electricity. Sometimes when I get in the shower I thank God for hot water. I still do my fair share of complaining. I'm a work in progress. LOVE your paintings this week and glad to see you are well.

DVArtist said...

Hi Giggles!!!!! I have missed you sooo much. Your art always brings joy and happiness. Your words always inspire and bring to attention the real things that matter. Of course your first piece of art is my fave.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Nicole/Beadwright

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Gorgeous faces and great buy! :)

Beth Niquette said...

I am amazed that news of these things hasn't come to the United States. We, too have had terrible fires and people who've been mis-placed. We haven't had the power outages you've had, though.

I am aware that firefighters from Canada came to help fight the big fires in Washington and Oregon--and we are all grateful. I wish we would have been told about what has been happening in your neck of the woods.

I hope things are a LOT better than they have been. ((hugs)) to you and to all our friends in Canada.

Janet said...

First let me say, I love the faces you did here...most especially the guy! And Lee is one of my favorite artists. Her style is so unique and so incredible. Lucky you for receiving something from her.

As for being prepared, since HB and I live in earthquake country we have to be prepared. And we used to camp a lot so we still have most of our gear. Being without power for a few days is much better than losing your entire home in a disaster.

My name is Erika. said...

I always look forward to your bright and whimsical pieces, and this week was no exception. Sometimes it is a sad state of affairs to think how some people react to even the smallest disturbances in their lives. But, I suppose too that is just part of human nature....there are a lot of people with narrow views of the world. Have a great weekend!

peggy gatto said...

Totally love your faces!!!

sheila 77 said...

The first and the last photo really caught my attention. Miss Monster is fabulous with her lovely curved back and her pink background. Inktense blocks and Inktense pencils, 72 of each! - heaven in two tins. I have a few of the pencils and they give a magical deep colour.
Miss Selfish face looks very like some one I know, both physically and in attitude, very clever of you to do that, Giggles. And of course I love all your other colourful and characterful paintings in between, who wouldn't.
As for your writing, those of us of a certain age can remember every day life which millennials cannot imagine or think to endure but then we were perfectly happy and now a hot shower every day is still so precious and enjoyed.
Thanks for another thoughtful blogpost which makes us think, through your lovely words and art.

GlorV1 said...

Ooh I love your faces. I really like the thinker. I'm using my IPad while my computer is at the shop. That was a lot of time w/o power. Happy you and your family are okay. Enjoy the weekend holiday. Take care.

Kate Robertson said...

Fabulous faces. Glad to hear you had a good time being disconnected. People do get in a tizzy over such things. Glad you had some good times during it.

Hugs,
Kate

Joyce said...

Cute, colourful faces you have created. We had a flood over my way in Australia last week. My home was not affected too much, but some homes near the water were seriously flooded, but i didn't have a power outage like you did, but like you say you make the most of the situation. You are going to love those Inktense blocks - hope you use them to make more faces.

bellefrogworks said...

We went for about 10 hours without power one night and I played flashlight chess with my grandson. He beat me of course. The thought of several days without power is a bit scary here in hot South Carolina. I so appreciate the utility workers who got the power back to us. There are many selfish whiners in this world Years ago when I worked for a physician I found that the people who had a stuffed nose complained way more than people who were seriously ill. I absolutely love your faces and your captions were great. You have a big heart and you bring light and color to this world

Laney said...

Love your faces. Mr Intelligent is my favorite! So glad you and your family were OK in the storm. I really hate it when the TV news stirs things up!

artbyjune said...

I love your faces! The bearded guy especially...the beard feels so curly and real! Sorry about hour power cuts. I hope you are all back to normal now.

Ariel said...

Glad to know that the power has been restored Sherrie. Once we too had an outage here for almost one week. It was in November. Except for the terrible cold nights we too had a great time, especially my kids who learned to play with shadow puppets-:) How contentthe little ones are with the basic things when the grown up whine and complain about the little luxuries that they have lost!
Great faces and great attitudes-:) Sadly I don't have time now to do this project.Maybe next year
Hugs
SusaN



denthe said...

It sounds like it was quite a storm! Four days!! Wow, that's a long time. I guess how bad it is all depends on what your situation is. When it's really cold and you have to go without heat for 4 days that is hard, a lot harder than when it's still warm outside and the days are long. And when you have a business that you depend upon it can also be very hard to deal with, especially if you don't know how long it'll take. Complaining about it usually doesn't help, but I can imagine people getting annoyed. It's the sad truth that we've become quite dependant on these modern conveniences.....
I love the names you give to your faces, and they all fit so well. Are there really 72 pencils in that box!? Wow, you're gonna have a blast! I love Inktense pencils, although I don't use them as much anymore lately. The colours are so vibrant, and they're easy to work with. Have fun!!

pauline said...

I'm not surprised you dealt so well with the power outage, and I'm glad you're all ok. Yeah, I don't understand it either, how people get all worked up when we're 'inconvenienced' with no power. We've gone days without it too - in the dead of winter - and although it's a pain in the ass not to be able to shower as often as we're used to, we can still eat, we have a roof over our heads, we're safe inside, we're warm... the privileged nations tend to forget that so many people out there have no power - EVER. So yeah, I'm with you. Love the art. And oooooh, those InkTense pencils. Yummy. I'm sure you'll love them. xx

Unknown said...

Fantastic portraits. I am glad you all are ok and took storm so positively. Big hugs

JKW said...

Love these faces. Keep going. Wow, what a GREAT power company. ONLY 4 days out. Fantastic. Ours is out for weeks at a time. I would move where you were immediately if I could. Blessings, Janet PPF

Gloria j Zucaro said...

Your paintings this week are fabulous! Being without water and toilet useage is somewhat of a problem here when there is no electric. But I love candles and the silence is so amazing without all the hum of appliances. You are right, I have never had spoiled food as other people"claim" Even if a little "unfrozen" I never open the freezer door and the food is fine. Have a wonderful "Grateful" week.

Irene Rafael said...

It is so good to have perspective in the midst of life. Love all that you have shared here today.

Julie Lee said...

Wonderful, characterful faces. I so love your colour choices and how you capture personality so brilliantly in your work. We do take our conveniences so for granted and think so little about our brothers and sisters who are suffering fear, pain, hunger and homelessness. Those fleeing Syria have been so prominent in the news, yet we still complain about the least little inconvenience or disruption to our privileged lives. As you point out, we have a roof over our heads and the ones we love are not in danger of drowning in a desperate bid for freedom. Thank you for reminding us that it is possible to cope if we are positive and resourceful and that we have so much to be thankful for. xx

Lisabella Russo said...

You have such a wonderful attitude. I'm glad the power has been restored. Love your faces 3 and 4 especially!

Unknown said...

Belle le tue facce!!! Adoro i colori vibranti!

Kim Dellow said...

Wonderful work and fabulous faces and I love Miss Monster! Yikes on the storm! Hope all is ok now. Thanks for linking up to Show Your Face and sorry I'm late coming around to comment! Thanks for the shout out too. Kx

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