Sunday, February 24, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Life recharged.....again!
This last weekend was an opportunity for me to appreciate, sense, and enjoy the woods again. While Andrew and I were only getting wood not more than a 1/4 mile off Hwy. 199, when I am out of sight of the highway I can feel and understand the wildness of the outdoors. Wilderness and the out-of-doors is a medium for magic, much like water is for electricity. In this world of control, wilderness is a place of magic, a place where we are not in control.
The evening was a time of twilight mirage, a time where we can imagine without needing to prove our visions and revelations. A time to see without believing, a time to believe without proving.
The evening was a time of twilight mirage, a time where we can imagine without needing to prove our visions and revelations. A time to see without believing, a time to believe without proving.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
It's OK, my Carbon Credit footprint savings have been offset by Andrew's new, used (oxymoron) PU.
Hey, if countries of the world can buy and sell their alloted carbon credits, I guess, that I, as a citizen of Earth, should have some entitlement to do that too.
It's a 2004 Dodge Ram 4X4 Diesel with EVERYTHING, except butt-warmers. In spite of this, I did say that I'd offer to pull him out of any tight spots he gets into with my ZAP.
We went up to cut wood and even in 4 wheel drive backing up with a full load of wet wood (easily 3,000 lbs.) it didn't even rev up past an idle. His ashtray probably has more horsepower than the ZAP.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Getting wood in Andrew's truck
In case there's any question, I'm the one in front without the 'girlish' figure.
Jim
Monday, February 11, 2008
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Friday, February 08, 2008
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
Bigfoot lives, at least my foot does
Just another great day with the love of my life!!!!!!! No, not Bigfoot. But, this does look somewhat interesting, doesn't it? Hey, be glad, it's not my bare arse!
HB and I went to Cave Junction to eat lunch and took the Wimer Road back. But, we had to turn around because of too much snow.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
An autobiography I wrote for the gallery newsletter.
Since I am the Artist of the Month at the Harbor Art Gallery I was requested to write an autobiography and submit two digital images of my work.
Every piece of art that I create reveals a history and conceals a mystery; a history of myself, and a mystery of what I, as the artist, am trying to express. Art for me is a feeble attempt to capture in a small degree the beautiful surroundings in which we live, and I, all too often take for granted. I believe that the creation of art allows me to speak from the very soul of my being; the unrealized, unspoken yearnings of my artist’s soul crying for expression.
Some people ask me if I’ve lived in Del Norte County all my life, and I must answer in all honesty, “no, not yet.” I’m 52 years young and I plan on putting in another 52 years. But, yes, I am a ‘lifer.’ I have been married for 28 years, and we have two grown sons. I took a short foray, of twenty years, in other occupations that culminated in me being where I am today. At one point I thought I wanted to be a professional photographer, and so attended Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara. As a Del Norte denizen I have worked as a commercial fisherman, logger, and just about every other north coast job. Through an on-the-job injury recuperation period I found that I had a knack for making signs, that led to creating signs for businesses here in Crescent City for about 12 years. And, besides, it was fun.
A.H.S. (After Hooper Signs), I went to Humboldt State University and graduated with a degree in Art Education and a Multiple Subjects Credential. I am now a 5th grade teacher at Joe Hamilton Elementary School. Painting and art are relegated for me to being when the inspiration, motivation, and aspirations choose to collide. For the most part, it comes together, or rather, rises to a crescendo as soon as school gets out in June, and I paint like a person deranged until the feeling is satiated. My favorite art medium? Whatever makes a mark on my canvas or garage door. Whatever it takes for me to feel that it’s “right.”
Carpe diem,
Jim Hooper
Every piece of art that I create reveals a history and conceals a mystery; a history of myself, and a mystery of what I, as the artist, am trying to express. Art for me is a feeble attempt to capture in a small degree the beautiful surroundings in which we live, and I, all too often take for granted. I believe that the creation of art allows me to speak from the very soul of my being; the unrealized, unspoken yearnings of my artist’s soul crying for expression.
Some people ask me if I’ve lived in Del Norte County all my life, and I must answer in all honesty, “no, not yet.” I’m 52 years young and I plan on putting in another 52 years. But, yes, I am a ‘lifer.’ I have been married for 28 years, and we have two grown sons. I took a short foray, of twenty years, in other occupations that culminated in me being where I am today. At one point I thought I wanted to be a professional photographer, and so attended Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara. As a Del Norte denizen I have worked as a commercial fisherman, logger, and just about every other north coast job. Through an on-the-job injury recuperation period I found that I had a knack for making signs, that led to creating signs for businesses here in Crescent City for about 12 years. And, besides, it was fun.
A.H.S. (After Hooper Signs), I went to Humboldt State University and graduated with a degree in Art Education and a Multiple Subjects Credential. I am now a 5th grade teacher at Joe Hamilton Elementary School. Painting and art are relegated for me to being when the inspiration, motivation, and aspirations choose to collide. For the most part, it comes together, or rather, rises to a crescendo as soon as school gets out in June, and I paint like a person deranged until the feeling is satiated. My favorite art medium? Whatever makes a mark on my canvas or garage door. Whatever it takes for me to feel that it’s “right.”
Carpe diem,
Jim Hooper
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Santa CRASHED!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been mentioning to Sandi that I wanted to sleep on the deck some night. Last night she called me on my 'bluff.' It was a perfectly clear night with no wind. There were a million stars out and a very bright moon. I saw meteors, listened to far off barking dogs, and slept very warm. There was frost on my bag, but inside it was warm and toasty. I feel I need to do things like this to really appreciate a nice warm bed and stove. It makes me feel alive!
Dec. 1 marks the first day of crab season, and I can't remember when there was such nice weather. Usually it's raining, blowing, and storming and everyone feels sorry for the miserable conditions that usually come with the season opener. We had our first crab last week, and it was every bit as good as we remembered. We're ready for more!
What a great day! I got to go fishing with Rachael and Andrew today and maybe Christmas Tree hunting with Randy and Claudia tomorrow. It's shaping up to be a great weekend. Sandi and I just got back from doing some Christmas shopping and it's always amazing the things you can buy at the stores. All kinds of new things. Case in point; do you there is a winery called Cleavage Creek Winery? It doesn't have a picture of a geology formation on the label either, it's the 'real deal.' Some of the money from the sales goes toward Breast Cancer research. I think that it is a very noble purpose considering it's just a bottle of wine. I don't even like wine, and it make me want to give my full support to it. Also, I think that it would be a very uplifting experience to be able to take part in supporting this cause. I may even buy two bottles just to show to show that I'm doing my part and assisting in the cause.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Luck is a relative thing.
We need more laws.
On a recent trip out of town I learned some new things, and thought that in some instances there should be more laws on the books, not less. We were staying at a place that had a pool, and, of course there were people of all ages using the pool and doing the whale-thing lying by the pool. Me included. There were some younger people trying to impress some other younger people with either their swimming suits, or their bodies, I wasn’t really sure. There were even some older (and I mean older than me, older) men that were trying to do the same. Unsuccessfully.
What I’m getting at, is, I think that a man should have to show a photo ID to buy a Speedo swimming suit. Or maybe, stand behind a cardboard cutout of someone that looks good in one and if you have anything showing that protrudes from the cutout they can't be sold to you. Chances are this would eliminate about 99% of random purchases. Or, maybe, actually try in on in the store and see what you really look like in front of a mirror before jiggling out on a pool deck. Or, maybe, mandate a two week waiting period before the transaction can be completed. Somewhat like gun sales. Maybe they should only be sold to those over 21 and no older than 22. I don’t think those things should just be issued indiscriminately to just anyone. They should only be issued to…...well, I don’t they should be issued to anyone. I only have two emotions when I see something like this, either I’m totally embarrassed for the guy or the opposite extreme, I can’t stop laughing. Women wear things like this, but I think that they’re called one-piece swimming suits. I don't think the above ideas should apply to women. When you see some over-weight guy stuffed into something that would only have fit him when he was like twelve years old, something has to be done.
Then, while we were waiting in the airport for our flight we heard a voice a little louder than usual come on over the intercom, “IF THE MAN THAT LEFT HIS HEARING AIDES ON THE TOP OF THE URINAL CAN HEAR ME, YOU CAN PICK THEM UP IN THE TERMINAL OFFICE.” My bet is that the hearing aide is still in the office. I can just imagine the kid that found it, “Look, mom, it’s my lucky day, AGAIN!!!”
On a recent trip out of town I learned some new things, and thought that in some instances there should be more laws on the books, not less. We were staying at a place that had a pool, and, of course there were people of all ages using the pool and doing the whale-thing lying by the pool. Me included. There were some younger people trying to impress some other younger people with either their swimming suits, or their bodies, I wasn’t really sure. There were even some older (and I mean older than me, older) men that were trying to do the same. Unsuccessfully.
What I’m getting at, is, I think that a man should have to show a photo ID to buy a Speedo swimming suit. Or maybe, stand behind a cardboard cutout of someone that looks good in one and if you have anything showing that protrudes from the cutout they can't be sold to you. Chances are this would eliminate about 99% of random purchases. Or, maybe, actually try in on in the store and see what you really look like in front of a mirror before jiggling out on a pool deck. Or, maybe, mandate a two week waiting period before the transaction can be completed. Somewhat like gun sales. Maybe they should only be sold to those over 21 and no older than 22. I don’t think those things should just be issued indiscriminately to just anyone. They should only be issued to…...well, I don’t they should be issued to anyone. I only have two emotions when I see something like this, either I’m totally embarrassed for the guy or the opposite extreme, I can’t stop laughing. Women wear things like this, but I think that they’re called one-piece swimming suits. I don't think the above ideas should apply to women. When you see some over-weight guy stuffed into something that would only have fit him when he was like twelve years old, something has to be done.
Then, while we were waiting in the airport for our flight we heard a voice a little louder than usual come on over the intercom, “IF THE MAN THAT LEFT HIS HEARING AIDES ON THE TOP OF THE URINAL CAN HEAR ME, YOU CAN PICK THEM UP IN THE TERMINAL OFFICE.” My bet is that the hearing aide is still in the office. I can just imagine the kid that found it, “Look, mom, it’s my lucky day, AGAIN!!!”
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
America's favorite TV show, even before TV.
This will put your minds at ease. These are not the 'fires of hell.' But, I wonder how much philosophic debate has gone on simply staring at fires.
One of my favorite poems
This poem is one of the few things I have left from my youth. I had a poster of it hanging on my bedroom wall. Now that same poster is hanging on the back wall of my classroom.
Desiderata
-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --
Not "Found in Old St. Paul's Church"! -- see below
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Desiderata
-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --
Not "Found in Old St. Paul's Church"! -- see below
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)