Patricia Brundage - Captures that Moment in Time

"The love of nature draws me outdoors.  The thrill of seeing a bird in flight, the beauty of a flower or a deer feeding in my backyard has drawn me to photography as a means of capturing that event or moment in time.  The challenge is to present the subject to its best advantage by carefully selecting the best background and composition available without disturbing the surrounding environment.  A review of my portfolio has shown that my favorite subject is floral, but the challenge of capturing a bird in flight comes in as a close second.  I also enjoy the post processing of the image and showcasing it through the use of PS, NIK or Topaz filters and then choosing the correct paper to print it.  In summary, I enjoy capturing a wide variety of subjects, the company of good friends during the search and the pride in the result.  Being able to share my passion keeps me in the constant pursuit of a new and more unique images."

-- Patricia Brundage

Patricia's photographic techniques brings the subject to another level. By capturing that moment in time, the image is alive. Life becomes still and that one moment is held in one place forever. The clarity, the preciseness, the crispness eludes to the perfection of Mother Nature. The life of each flower, each scene is held in the palm of Patricia's hand, literally.

The camera, an inanimate object, becomes Patricia's canvas with pallet and brush or her paper and pencil as she creates her works. The control of this object is an art in of itself combined with Patricia's eye for seeing and envisioning in a split second of time the masterpiece that was placed right in front of her. As if she has a connection and is one with Mother Nature and her creations allowing each masterpiece to be captured in that moment of time being forever held in safe keeping.

Capturing the brilliance of colors,

the velvety softness of flowers' petals,

the defining of each tree and their leaves,

the mist that hangs like a sheer curtain over a window is a technique, an art that all photographers try to master. Patricia has that uncanny ability to accomplish it and it is shown in each of her works. No one piece is better than the other.

When seeing her work a gasp will come over you. Questions will begin to rise to the surface. . . .and you can get the answers to those questions by joining us for Patricia's Exhibit Reception on Thursday, November 21st beginning at 6:30 pm when you will meet Patricia. Ask her those questions. . . .she will answer them.

Do join us! It is the night of Walnut Beach Art Stroll.

Also, a Food Drive to benefit St. Gabriel's Food Pantry will be taking place as well and we ask that you please make a food donation - - Donations may be dropped off at participating Art Stroll businesses. It will be good to see you - Thank you for joining us!

PEACE

CHRISTMAS

Main Entry: Christ·mas
Pronunciation: \ˈkris-məs\
Function: noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English - Christemasse;

from Old English - Cristes mæsse, literally, Christ's mass
Date: before 12th century

The Christmas Story

Long ago, about 2000 years, King Herod ruled Judea (now part of Israel.) God sent Archangel Gabriel to a young women who lived in the northern town of Nazareth. Her name was Mary and she was engaged to marry Joseph.

Archangel Gabriel said to Mary: 'Peace be with you! God has blessed you and is pleased with you.' Mary was frightened. The angel said to her 'Don't be afraid, God has been very kind to you. You will become pregnant by the Holy Spirit and give birth to a baby boy and you will call him Jesus. He will be God's own Son and his kingdom will never end.' Mary was very afraid but she trusted God. 'Let it happen as God chooses.' She replied to the angel. Gabriel also told Mary that her cousin, Elizabeth who everyone thought was too old to have children, would have a baby boy whom God had chosen to prepare the way for Jesus.

Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah. Elizabeth was very happy to see her. She knew that Mary had been chosen by God to be the mother of his Son. An angel had already told Zechariah that Elizabeth's baby would prepare people to welcome Jesus. He was to be called John. Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then returned home to Nazareth.

Joseph, learning that Mary was with child was deciding not marry her; however, while Joseph slept an angel appeared in a dream and said: 'Don't be afraid to have Mary as your wife.' The angel explained that Mary had been chosen by God to be the mother of his Son and told Joseph that the baby would be named Jesus which means 'Savior' because he would save people. Joseph accepted Mary as his wife.

At this time, where Mary and Joseph lived, it was part of the Roman Empire. The Roman Emperor Augustus wanted the names of the people in the empire, to make sure they paid their taxes. He ordered everyone to return to the town where their families originally came from, and enter their names in a census. Since Joseph’s family was from Bethlehem, he and Mary had to return to Bethlehem, traveling about 70 miles from Nazareth. Mary's baby was due to be born soon, so they traveled by donkey, they being fortunate ones to be able to.

Upon arriving in Bethlehem they had problems finding somewhere to stay because many people had come to register their names in the census. Every house was full and every bed was taken in all of the inns. The only shelter found was a stable or cave with the animals. In this poor place Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Son of God. In those days it was the custom to wrap newborn babies tightly in a long cloth called 'swaddling clothes.' Jesus' bed was the manger that the animals ate their hay from.

In the hills and fields outside Bethlehem, shepherds looked after their sheep through the long night. As the new day began, suddenly an angel appeared before them and the glory of God shone around them. The shepherds being frightened heard the angel say, 'Don't be afraid. I have good news for you and everyone. Today in Bethlehem a Savior was born. You will find the baby lying in a manger.' Many more angels appeared, lighting up the sky. The shepherds heard them praising God singing: 'Glory to God in highest, and peace to everyone on earth.' The shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph. The baby Jesus was lying in a manger as they had been told. When they saw him, they told everyone what the angel had said and everyone who heard the story were astonished. Then the shepherds returned to their sheep, praising God for sending his Son to be their Savior.

When Jesus was born, a brand new bright star appeared in sky. The Wise Men in faraway countries who navigated their travels by studying the stars saw the star which confirmed what they learned - a new star would appear when a great king was born. They set out to find the new king and bring him gifts.

Different Schools of Thought: There are three different schools of thought about the birth of Jesus. Was Jesus really born on December 25th or was he born March 25th, in the Spring (Spring Solstice is March 21st); or was the December 25th date in line with the Roman pagan tradition of celebrating the New Year or Re-birth – the Winter Solstice?

Accordingly, there is a celebration on March 25th called the Annunciation - the announcement by Angel Gabriel to Mary that she was with child and she was to give birth to the Savior. At this time, it is believed that conception had taken place known as the “Virginal Conception.” This should not be confused with the “Immaculate Conception.” Even though Mary’s parents conceived her in the conventional manner, Mary’s soul was immaculate, so pure and without original sin.

Today, many believe that life begins in the womb at the time of conception and that the celebration of birth is at that time, hence Jesus was born on March 25th, the Spring. But if you believe that birth is at the time the child is physically removed from the womb, then Jesus was born nine months later on December 25th. And we must not forget the Roman pagan celebration of the Winter solstice or the New Year/re-birth. Interesting? Wouldn't you say so?

Miracles: Even though there is a controversy as to the December 25th date, it doesn’t matter. The meaning behind it is what is important - giving of oneself, caring about others, loving not hating, understanding and having tolerance towards other’s beliefs, living in peace and harmoniously with each other. Miracles do happen, no matter how small or how big every day of our lives.

Each of us has experienced miracles throughout our lives. One I can speak of just happened recently.

A young service man was trying to get home for Christmas. Where he was stationed the weather was perfect; however, where he was to arrive the weather was dangerous, (the winter storm Albert was ravaging the east coast and northeast.) When he arrived at the airport in North Carolina to switch planes, he found his flight cancelled. He was upset to say the least. The flight crew that was to fly his plane was stranded in Philadelphia for two days because of the storm. He was trying for hours to find what can be done, even thought of renting a car to drive home – in the storm. However, as he was waiting contemplating on what to do, a woman had come up to him and had given him a gift card thanking him for his service to our country and for what he is doing. He found a woman who was on his flight to North Carolina standing by a reservation desk. They spoke. It was a small miracle - a flight was available for them to come directly to Connecticut instead of their destination to White Plains. The small miracles continued - the woman had him move ahead of her. And before he knew it, word had spread through the line, moving him forward to the front so he was the first to board the plane! When he boarded the plane, he found a fellow serviceman and they sat together. The flight attendant had come to them and asked them to follow her. She placed them in First Class! He arrived around 2:00 a.m., on the 21st of December.

It is a story of how miracles that are so small we don’t realize that they even happened. We think we went with the flow or how nice those people are to us. But isn’t that what the Christmas Season is all about? Heck, the Season’s of Giving is all about; not the brightly wrapped gifts under the tree. It's about the gifts we give out of the goodness of our hearts – the woman gave the service man a gift card thanking him for his service – the woman let him ahead of her in line – word spreading in the line and each person allowed him to go ahead and finally, the flight attendant sitting him in first class. The true miracle in this story was the flight that became available for him to come home directly to Connecticut.

May everyone realize the small miracles, and large ones too, each and everyday because if you do, you will experience Christmas and the Season’s of Giving every moment of every day!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! PEACE and BLESSINGS to everyone during the most wonderful time of the year!

LET EVERYONE KNOW...

...DUE TO THE INCLEMENT WEATHER

OVER THE WEEKEND

DO COME AND VISIT!!

YOU WILL FIND THAT PARTICULAR GIFT FOR

YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER MAKING HIM/HER VERY HAPPY!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Don't We All Have Sugar Plums Dancing In Our Heads During The Seasons of Giving?

SoBoBo knows:

“…As we lay asleep all snug in our beds,

We have visions of sugar plums

dancing in our heads…”

No matter what race, religion or ethnicity we are, at the times our traditions and beliefs are being celebrated during the Seasons of Giving we all have visions of what we hope to receive as gifts. It doesn’t matter how old we are…a sugar plum for a couple could mean a diamond ring for their engagement…a sugar plum for Dad could be the jig saw he has been eyeing at the hardware store…a sugar plum a child is wishing for is the new bicycle without training wheels…or even a sugar plum for someone could actually be a sugar plum to enjoy the sweetness of the holiday season…

So, when we think of how to satisfy others’ sugar plum cravings during this holiday season make sure to stop at SoBoBo Art Gallery where unique meets sublime and choose from the array of art created by local artists and artisans. You will find paintings by Matt Roe, Frieda Howling, Cindy Rifkin, Joan Fresh; Mixed media collages by Jan McLean and Allan Dudek; Drawings by Caitlin TurnerWoods and Carla Kern; Jewelry by Kira Nelson and Dawn Lombard, Sam Rawls and Lara Sendich, Ruth Starcher and Keelin Britt, Barbara Brill and Marcie Wright, Analiese and Shelly Saber; Mary Anne Lagana hand sews jackets, Nancy Boccuzzi hand knits shawls, sweaters and scarves, Patricia Shea hand makes felted hats and handbags and Patricia Burling hand weaves rugs and thrawls (throws that can be used as shawls), Lisa and Louis Strauss hand tools leather accessories made from Tilapia skins; Sculptures by Michael Brotschul and Julia Ambrose, Jon Westberg, Marian Doherty and Kayla Gibbons. Prints by Luke Lynch, Genna Riggi and Frieda Howling and there is so much more!

Your are always welcome at SoBoBo!

The energy is alive at SoBobo! Creating excitement & joy,

it is awaiting to be shared with you!

Come, and experience the anticipation of

the Seasons of Giving for yourself!

SoBoBo’s hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 7:00 pm. Monday through Wednesday is by appointment only (call 203-906-8945 to make an appointment.) Visit us at 17 Broadway – Walnut Beach, Milford, CT.

SHOP AT HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Always Wishing Everyone the Best of Everything!

Anticipation, It's Making You Wait...

Do you remember when you were a child how you wished you could be a grown up? You wanted to be an adult so you could do certain things? Or you wished for the weekend to come fast, or you wished for the last day of school to arrive quickly? And of course our parents always snuffed our anticipation for these wishes to come true by telling us, "Don't wish your life away!" "Stay a child as long as you can!"

Well, whether we want to believe it or not...the Holiday Season is fast approaching us! Don't wish it to be upon us so quickly so it can be done and over with for "it is the most wonderful time of the year" to make this Season one of ANTICIPATION for everyone, including yourself!

In every culture there is a Season of Giving.

Each person can sense the anticipation,

feeling the excitement in the air.

It is, perhaps, the only time age-old traditions are still followed

and new traditions are formed.

"Seven Principles of Kwanzaa"

Beliefs become restored. Senses become more in tune,

sharper than before. . .anticipation. . .

"Ramadan - EID - Celebration of Ending the Fast"


. . .The Biblical stories, legends, and myths all become real

Chanukah

for that one moment in time. . .anticipation. . .

. . .Magic comes alive. . .anticipation. . .

(A list of countries and the name they use for Santa Clause)

United States of America and Canada - Santa Claus; Brazil - Shengdan Laoren; Chile - Viejo Pascuero; Dutch - Sinter Klaas; England - Father Christmas; Europe - Saint Nicholas; Finland - Joulupukki; France - Pere Noel; Germany - Saint Nikolaus; Hawaii - Kanakaloka; Holland - De Kerstman; Hungary - Tel-apo/Mikulas/ Winter Grandfather; India - Santa Claus, Baba ; Italy - Babbo Natale; Japan - Hoteiosho; Lithuania - Kaledu Senelis; Morocco - Black Peter; Netherlands - Kerstman; Norway - Julenissen; Peru - Papa Noel; Poland - Swiety Mikolaj; Russia - Ded Moroz; Scandinavia - Julenisse; Spain - El Nino Jesus; Sweden - Tomten/Jultomten

. . .Everyone's heart opens to give and to receive kindness and love;

the want of sharing the abundance by extending

one's long-arm-of-tolerance across the boundaries

Celebration of Jesus' Birth

- accepting each other for whom they are

and what is believed in becomes real.

A brief, yet poignant, moment that does last a lifetime,

if and when it is allowed.

We can even consider the first day of school after summer vacation a holiday to celebrate! School will be starting in about three weeks, oh! the anticipation parents must be feeling right now about the freedom they will have once the kids are back at school. The best way to explain the anticipation parents feel is to watch it...(click on the link) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFsTPx5UrbA We mustn't forget the anticipation the kids are feeling about seeing their friends, about playing football, basketball, and soccer, and about school activities.

"Trick Or Treat' is what we say as we begin to count the days until October 31st, Halloween - Oh! and the excitement of dressing up as something scary, something pretty, or someone famous! Heck with the plastic pumpkins to collect the treats! Use a large shopping bag, you can get more! Actually, the shopping bag will break. Better yet - use the re-usable shopping bags! They won't break and they will hold a lot!!

The anticipation as we wait for the door bells to ring - no one is there when we answer, the toilet paper draping over tree branches, and the dreaded eggs on your car or house (we pray "please, let them use silly string!)

. . .Anticipation begins to overwhelm us as we 'Give Thanks' on Thanksgiving Day. We make sure we use the same traditions handed down from generation to generation - "Don't forget Great Grandma's cornbread & sausage stuffing for the turkey!" "Mom's pumpkin pie will definitely be the perfect dessert!" Everyone is coming to our house this year, we need more chairs, we need a bigger table, we do have enough tableware...and anticipation continues to build. . .

. . .And the Holiday Rush for some of us begins! The Day After Thanksgiving, "Black Friday" for the retailers; for the average person, we need to get all the deals - must be at this store at 4:00 am to make sure to be in the store first to be one of the first 50 to get the iPod at a whopping discount. And it seems it's the beginning of the end...RUSH, RUSH, RUSH.

I wonder?!?!?. . .what it would be like if we, as is done in other countries, start celebrating the holiday season about two months before. Just imagine how ANTICIPATION would build when it is realized that the perfect gift could be found at one's leisure; that there is time to stop and enjoy friends and family; that attending all of the open houses you are invited to would actually happen!

Back to reality, RUSH - RUSH - RUSH, ANTICIPATION!

...Anticipation...Picture in your mind's eye how your children, nieces, nephews, cousins, parents, brothers & sisters, friends and that person you are a "secret friend" to at work - will react to that special unique yet sublime gift you took the time to choose for them. Think about what they want and that you fulfilled their wishes. Feel in the pit of your stomach the excitement as you envision each reaction. Can't you just feel the ANTICIPATION as each gift is opened? It's almost like going over a hill fast in your car and your stomach flip flops - a roller coaster ride.

Enjoy the happiness you brought to them as you practice the gift of giving!

Anticipation. . . A new year approaches. Celebration begins! . . . anticipation. . .as the ball drops at Time Square. Another year of milestones made - births, weddings, graduations as well as the sadder side - job loss, foreclosure, extreme budgeting to make sure survival wins - has passed. We look to the future with hope, happiness and harmony pushing fear aside.

A new beginning! A better tomorrow!

Change will happen, bringing us closer!

May all be blessed with the anticipation of knowing -

- the best is yet to come!

Anticipation...Is Making You Wait. . .It's keeping you guessing!

Many Blessings!