BTUtiful

This butterfly was one of the Wings in the City sculptures that were on display in 2011.  I did not go out of my way trying to take pictures of all the pieces, just the ones I really like.

The photo below is my favorite, especially with the current situation, it symbolizes what is good and beautiful in St. Louis.  Have a relaxing and peaceful weekend everyone!

ON MY MIND (MY AMERICAN HOMETOWN)

He looks around, turns to me and asks, "Have you seen the remote?".  I said no and went back to my reading.  "I am so sick and tired of all the coverage of the hurricane," he continues.  By then I realized he wanted to watch something else and not the channel that was showing the aftermath of Sandy destruction.  There was no one else in the waiting area and even though I let him know that I was not interested in "chit-chat", he would not stop talking.  "Eastcoast people are snobs, especially New York," he comments.  I thought it was such an idiotic statement considering the region is suffering from one of the worst disasters.  It was not even a week since the hurricane went thru and this man already felt that the damaged area should be brushed off as if it was just a minor problem!  

I looked up to see who this heartless "bast@#&" was.  He looks to be in the mid 60s, casually dressed and probably is on his way to work.  The service department at the car dealership opens at 800, so people usually get their oil change, wait for it and then head into the office.  We made eye contact and that opens the door to more unsolicitated comments from the man (let's call him JA = Jack-Ass).
JA - "I always thought people from New York are rude and don't know how to speak properly."
TOTA - "Did you have bad experience while visiting New York?"
JA -  "No, I've never been to New York, just heard from other people.  I just think people in the Midwest are nicer and not crazy like those in the Eastcoast and the Westcoast too.  I lived here all my life and I would not move anywhere else." 
(I am actually glad to hear that.) 

Having lived in NYC for 10 years, I know it's true that NYers seemed to be in a rush to keep up with the city's frantic pace, the taxi cabs in the craziness of traffic and all the noise that makes normal conversation impossible.  But for this "JA" to make a blanket statement about NY without having been there and believe that people from the Midwest are all wonderful was simply the lowest level of ignorance.  I did not want to waste my time telling "JA" about all the rude and stupid people I have met since moving to St. Louis or in my travel in the Midwest.  There was no need to educate this "JA" that there are good/bad, rude/polite, honest/dishonest, etc. in any state/region/country.  I decided to go back to my studying for my midterm exam next week.
A woman walks in and the "JA" starts again, "Would you believe that they are still talking about the hurricane?"  The woman said, "It was so sad.  Those people need lot of help and prayers."
I took the opportunity and looked at the "JA", "My family is in New York and thank God everyone is ok."  The "JA" realized he has made an "@&&" of himself, mumbling, "I am glad your family is ok."
The technician came in to let me know that the oil change was done.  The woman said, "Have a good day" as I was walking out.  The "JA" was still busy looking for the remote to change the channel. 
(These photos were taken in 2011 during the Wings-in-the-City event, www.wingsinthecity.org.  The sculpture was named Born in the USA, on display at Plaze Frontenac.)    

PENNY SAVED IS PENNY EARNED - UNTIL THE IRS COMES AND TAKES IT AWAY!

When I saw this scuplture, I thought of my nephew JL collecting pennies as a project at his school. I also thought posting photos of the sculpture is "sort-of" fitting for the deadline of filing 2010 tax returns.
The above scuplture, Penny, was created by artist Richard Brooks. The artist explained, "I remember my grandmother, sitting on her porch swing, telling me how angels toss down pennies from heaven to remind you that you are loved and watched over by something much larger than yourself. I used pennies that were touched by many hands to create my butterflies. The many people touching the pennies are like those touching the lives of those in need. The patina of the pennies shows the touch and generosity of so many."

Mom told me about my nephew, JL, collecting pennies and that Mom has been trying to help JL getting the award as the student who collected the most pennies. The school sent home a bag the size of a regular brown lunch bag. It was 1/3 full when I visited last November. In my luggages, I packed two half sandwich bags, one in each luggage, fill with pennies. I gave the pennies to Mom when I was there and that made her happy that I listened to her request.

The weeks leading up to QQ's visit earlier this month, Mom reminded me each time we talked so I would not forget to send the pennies with QQ on his trip back to NYC. I again did just what Mom requested. I hope the bag is at least half full by now.

My sister, CH, will be visiting St. Louis the first week of May. Then "Da Sistas" will be going to New Orleans. CH is going to attend a conference and I just come along to spend quality time with my little sister. I have not been to New Orleans so it would be fun to explore the Big Easy. Mom already asked me to gather the pennies and give them to CH to bring back to NYC.

PS: If you have not filed your 2010 tax returns by now, you would need more than a few pennies from heaven and a lot of "kindness" from the IRS!

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME - CARDINAL'S EXPERIENCE

The St. Louis Cardinals' home opening game is Thursday, March 31st. Posting photos of this butterfly sculpture is fitting for the start of 2011 baseball season. Summer will be here soon along with the hot and humid temperature! The NHL playoffs will begin in less than 10 days, so I am not really ready for the baseball season (I was never into this slow-pace American pastime activity anyway).

Above - Cardinal's Experience by Artist Daniel McCarthy. From www.wingsinthecity.org, "Painting has allowed Daniel to continue the creative path that he embarked on at a young age. His work is inspired by images from his life, subjects of his mind, love, death, and creation. Strong composition and complex color are his artistic foundation. Dan is a Senior Graphic Designer at CFX, Inc."

"This butterfly, “Cardinals Experience,” creates a visual interpretation of a Cardinals game. On the base of the butterfly, four different scenes reflect the experience of going to a game at Busch Stadium. As the viewer walks past the sculpture, the front of the butterfly conveys the excitement of Cardinals baseball. This creation is one of a kind because it has also been signed by players on the 2010 Cardinals major league roster."

TREE OF LIFE - THE JEWEL BOX IN FOREST PARK

This sculpture is named "Tree of Life" by artist Victoria Whiting. It is located inside the Jewel Box at Forest Park. If we were not looking for this sculpture, we would probably still not seeing the inside of the Jewel Box.

From www.wingsinthecity.org, "Victoria enjoys working in a variety of media to create pieces that combine strong drawing bases with global influences infused with both ancient and modern symbols and designs."

"Trees have always been some of my favorite things in life and in artwork. I have always enjoyed seeing light filtered through the leaves of a tree during the day and especially at sunsets. I remember the feeling as a child of running home as the sun went down while the trees turned to silhouettes. The transformation of the trees at twilight and the colors of the sky made the experience almost mystical. That feeling inspired the colors of my butterfly. As an adult studying art, I learned the symbolic meaning of the Tree of Life, an important symbol in many cultures. These trees often have images of fruit, flowers and winged creatures and symbolize protection, growth and strength. It seemed natural to fill the butterfly with this Tree of Life, full of offerings, hope and strength."

504FLY, HOUSKA DOODLE & LUMINESSA

Above - Houska Doodle Wings by Charles Houska (who else?)

From www.wingsinthecity.org, "Colorful, bold, intense art that commands attention and triggers a smile is the essence of Houska’s work. He has his own pop-art style, using a whimsical cast of characters and bright color. “I paint for light-hearted, happy people of all ages, he says.”

"Inspiration: I have done a lot of work in the past for St. Louis Children’s Hospital and nothing to me is more amazing than to see the bright smiles of children around art. I decided to fill every possible space on the butterfly with a collage of my characters painted in bright happy colors. My hope is to bring instant attention, fun and happy thoughts, if even briefly, to an uncertain world."

Hey Qaptain Qwerty, the sculpture below was probably made just for you! Read on and you will agree that the artist's inspiration is similar to one of your causes. Actually, in two weeks, you will be able to see these scupltures "up close and personal"! Can't wait :)

Above - 504fly by artist Rob Corley.
"While attending Tulane University Medical School and living in New Orleans, Rob began to ponder a use for the colorful beads remaining once the Mardi Gras festivities ended. When away from his work as Executive Director of St. Joseph Health Center Emergency Room, he is encrusting artwork and furniture with beads creating a more permanent way to enjoy the fun. "

Here is an excellent inspiration for Reuse, Reduce and Recycle.

"When I lived in New Orleans, I was always fascinated with the vibrant shimmering beads that were so prized during Mardis Gras, but lay discarded when the festivities were over. It seemed to me that there was no reason for the fun to stop, so I started developing my own art with these beads – a perfect reflection of the folk art soul of the New Orleans I loved.
For my butterfly, the brilliantly colored beads became my medium. The colors and details began to follow wherever my mind led them. Each day I’d add new colors and styles into the mix, and I was excited to see the design unfold on a large, three-dimensional scale. It was even more rewarding to roll it out at the end of the day to allow it to sparkle in the sun.

The name “504fly” is a nod to New Orleans using its area code…504."

Artist Joy Christensen created the above sculpture, Luminessa.
"Joy’s artistic works have been featured on QVC, HGTV, and KTVI, as well as in many national publications (including Victorian Home, Home Companion, and Romantic Homes to name a few.) She painted a 360 degree Art Deco Mural at her restaurant, The Fountain on Locust, and can be heard on the national comedic radio segment, “JOY GRDNIC IN THE STUDIO”.

"I named my butterfly “Luminessa,” because the paint I used absorbs sunlight in the day, and then glows in the dark at night. The process itself was illuminating for me too, as I recently discovered that luciferin, the chemical that produces light in fireflies and fish, was recently used by scientists to develop the first bioluminescent butterfly. And here I thought that I had beaten them to it! Now I’M glowing too!"

IMAGINE (WINGS IN THE CITY 2011)

The above sculpture is titled - IMAGINE. It is one of the four sculptures on display at Maryland Plaza in the Central West End. The young artist is Elizabeth J. Barenholtz.
According to the website, www.wingsinthecity.org, "Elizabeth designed this butterfly for her Senior Project. She has showcased her artistic talent to create graphics and logos that were used in school publications. Elizabeth is a freshman at Lawrence University."

Elizabeth explained, "The inspiration for the butterfly evolved from the song “Imagine” by John Lennon. In order to capture the colorful time period when the song was released, I created a whimsical image for the wings. The butterfly sits on top of a John Lennon record that appears to be spinning, playing the song “Imagine”.
You may say that I'm a dreamer;

But I'm not the only one;

I hope someday you'll join us;

And the world will be as one."

FIRST DAY OF SPRING (IN THE YEAR 2011)

These photos were taken from the lobby at a local hospital when I was there a few weeks ago for an interview to be a hospice volunteer. The renovation was sort-of extreme make-over because for a second there I did not recognize the entrance we usually came in when we visited parishioners staying at this hospital. All the “wings” are now connected and expanded lobby area is filled with comfortable furniture as well as trendy decorations.

Let’s recap and continued where I left off more than a week ago.
Thursday, March 17th – It was a work day and I could not go to my regular “Irish pub” to get a corn beef sandwich and green beer! In the evening, I also had to be at a Board of Adjustment meeting. Last year, I was appointed as official commissioner, moving up from serving as an alternate the previous years. I had to be present for the meeting to have a quorum (five commissioners needed) and the vote (4 out of the 5 needed to either deny or grant variances). I won’t go in the details about the case but it failed (2 Aye v. 3 Nay).

Friday, March 18th – I again attended 8:00 a.m. Mass. I told Fr. Chris on the way out that he inspired me with his homily that giving up chocolate or not watching television for Lent would be too easy, instead we must do more such as praying the Rosary and going to Mass daily. I was so glad Fr. Chris did not suggest that I give up hockey games or not cheering for the Red Wings! (Hint – Fr. Chris is a St. Louis Blues fan.)

Saturday, March 19th – The theme for this month’s evening dance (a monthly social activity for adults with mental challenge) was St. Louis Cardinals. Everyone was asked to wear red (but not Red Wings). I got there around 6:00 p.m. to help with the set up and managed the refreshment tables until around 8:15 p.m. This time I decided to take charge of the munchies (chips and pretzels) instead of the sodas. The last two times, I came home with too many broken nails and freezing hands! One of the guests kept asking me if he could tell me all the Cardinals games he went to. I was impressed with one guest who was on the dance floor with moves that would please Fred Astaire!

Sunday, March 20th – It was a comfortable day and we drove around looking for the “Wings in the City” butterfly sculptures. There are 56 sculptures on display throughout St. Louis. Visit www.wingsinthecity.org for more information about this citywide public art project. Come back and visit TOTA often as I will post photos of all the sculptures in the coming days.

Happy Spring!