The Galactic Catholic Universe Photo of the Day

The Galactic Catholic Universe Photo of the Day

The Galactic Catholic Universe Photo of the Day

The Galactic Catholic Universe Photo of the Day

The Galactic Catholic Universe Photo of the Day

The Genuine Southern Museum

I have been on an art museum kick lately. I could say I ALMOST love art museums more than live music, but that would be crazy talk.  So I'll just share a few inspirations here.

I dragged a happy friend with me this time up to the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson. By the way, we stopped and had lunch at the Best Mexican restaurant in Hazlehurst, MS.

The main exhibit was part of the Vogels modern art collection, but really I think the MS museum got shafted on the pick of the pieces. My pull was the museum's collection of Southern artist's work. Particularly Mississippi artist's that have donated work to the museum.  Eudora Welty's photographs are always haunting. I would love to visit the pillars of this long gone mansion.

One painting was named 'Voyeurs'.  I have been thinking about that one for a bit, it's quite like those waiting to see the Catholic Church come crumbling down, little do they know, only they will fall.









Another interesting piece was one painted with enamel.  It looks light the type of paintings I like to paint with a struggle between light and dark.  Although, I would have no idea what to do with enamel, I would probably get it every where.

 One grouping was by Claudia DeMonte was called the 'Luxury of Exercise'. Fittingly she tacked small metals of symbolism and worship to the ever popular exercise sneaker.

My favorite piece of artwork at the museum is a small illustration, a anamorphic drawing of a fellow holding a clover by Edgar Parker. I just find it completely charming.  It reminds me of Frog and Toad dutifully raking the leaves for each other. (Look that one up!)

I was so happy to have a friend come with me, but I could tell she didn't get as excited as I do staring at artwork.  I could do it all day and be joyful that I could offer up the foot pain for seminarians, and it still wouldn't feel like a sacrifice.




The weekend before last I visited my ever favorite New Orleans Museum of Art and saw some of my favorite pieces by Degas and Monet.  Here is a study for a larger project of Degas's. I wish I had a copy, I am fascinated by bronze.






And the last painting I will show is the awesome painting loaned to New Orleans for the Super Bowl win by the Saints. 'The 5th plague' by Turner.  You can see the cardboard cut out of the Lombardi trophy next to it!

The Ironic Wakeup Call

You know what they say, "What you put into it, is what you get out of it!"

The Soldier of Christ

Happy Birthday Pope Benedict XVI!

I love you!

The Black Image of Mary

The New Orleans Museum of Art had the most amazing art exhibit open today. 'Beyond the Blues' is a collection of pieces of African American artists throughout American history from the Amistad Research Center.  One of my favorites was a depiction of the adoration of baby Jesus. I think it is by Rohan Crite (1910-2007).  What is shown is only part of it.

She is so beautiful in this image. I learned about another artist that a fellow blogger mentioned recently. African American Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937) painted many biblical scenes including the one Mary and Me mentioned recently for the Annunciation.  Tanner did not choose to depict black subjects but instead held with biblical and classical images in his work.  I was excited to see his work that is almost impressionistic, but shows the spirituality of the moment even in what is not explicit in the image.
Tanner's Annuciation

When I visit the works of exceptional artist's I am always so moved at the greatness of God working through man.  

Alleluia He is Risen, Truly He is the Savior of the World!

Happy Easter!!

Here are some cute pics of the most beautiful nephew ever!!  Mom on the left and Dad(William Jr.) teaching William 4.0 how to compute.  He was born in August!!

Me taking care of business while they were away!! Just Kidding, these big machines scare the crap out of me!

The Authentic Farm Experience

Home on the Range or Bugs, Poop and more Bugs

This is the story of my daily life on the farm while Mom and Dad are visiting my brother and sister-in-law and the new addition to the family.  They are gone for the week of my vacation/Spring Break and I miss them bunches, but at least I have the summer off. That said, I'd like to make a very opinionated observation on dirt and farms.

I have some acquaintances that claim to really know farm life.  I have never seen them in dirty boots or even dirty clothes covered in hay.  I guess I am bragging when I say I have several pairs of boots so old and so worn that it's time they leave the farm for good.  I have clothes I keep at Mom's house just so I won't get that damn hay and alfalfa in my other things.  I even have prayers I say each time I encounter all the gross, gross bugs that always come when there are farm animals around.

Have you guessed I like the city yet?  It's not so bad because it teaches you duty and organization to remember to do everything, but it sure is a lot of work.  Thank goodness we don't have pigs!! They stink really bad and I would probably refuse to take care of them.

On our farm are dogs, cats, chickens, horses and various tropical and domestic birds.  The chickens are fairly new to the place.  They produce eggs at least, but now I am probably grossed out on eggs for a awhile after collecting them all.

I love all our dogs though!  I used to be more of a cat person until I became allergic. We have several puppies of all different sizes.  The smallest is a tiny poodle that fits in one hand and she's full size and the biggest is an Irish wolf-hound that is the normal huge size for Irish wolf-hounds.  My favorite puppy is of course my charismatic Boston terrier.  

I first met Boston terriers when we took one in from an aunt and now we have another rescue one from another lady who moved.  These dogs are so devoted and sweet.

The only thing is that the dogs around here know exactly when any movement begins in the house and they won't stop calling you in the morning until you tend to them first.

Beyond the Bugs to the Beauty

There are great things about being out in the country.  It is so peaceful and easy to speak with God.  Where I am at night all of the stars shine in the night sky.  My favorite constellation has always been Orion shining at me in the early morning on one side of the sky and high in the sky in the evening.

Right now it is spring.  The pollen has turned all of the vehicles in town a lime shade of pollen yellow.  The water oaks are sprouting bright neon leaves.  The sweet olive trees are budding and scenting the breeze.  The huge black bumble bees stand still in the air when you pass their fruit tree territory.

The grass is starting to grow again in great tufts that the dogs find and chop on, then coming back with grass sees clinging to their fur.  It's nice to walk in the afternoon sun and anticipate the sweltering heat of mid July that warms you in an instant.

The birds that flock through Louisiana on their journey back home take a break at the bird feeder my father has set up.  They are numerous and happy as our blue Macaw tries to call out to them or anyone in the house, shouting Hello! or calling whistles to annoy the dogs.

It's too bad I have to go back to work on Tuesday, so I'll miss the quiet.  Sometimes it's nice to be with Christ in peacefulness and nature as I prepare to celebrate Easter.