tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24484371534991376722024-03-18T21:48:19.083-07:00Diddy-Wa-DiddyJakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261646156554414489noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-78769452684690504882013-07-31T15:44:00.000-07:002013-07-31T15:44:03.052-07:00Curry Zucchini Pickles<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiU0Y1o23cE4KXbitb1FBmsFhfOq1OLCPM0e254H7k8aKVneKFmVJvK990Cg1ed2ck_u6cSGKQnwvPLV8Vzr759CuIOnIDHZRKBpGmvpvRNxICvBS3-Mk5rN5eZSsyL9cjYiEv8Pwwr7l8/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiU0Y1o23cE4KXbitb1FBmsFhfOq1OLCPM0e254H7k8aKVneKFmVJvK990Cg1ed2ck_u6cSGKQnwvPLV8Vzr759CuIOnIDHZRKBpGmvpvRNxICvBS3-Mk5rN5eZSsyL9cjYiEv8Pwwr7l8/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I was handed three large zucchini squash. Hmmmm. Knew the seeds would be large and tough and inside a bit pithy. Would have to figure out how to use the outer parts. This meant cutting centers out and slicing thin ( 1/8" ish ) rectangle shapes. The recipe I worked with is in Complete Book of Pickling by Jennifer MacKenzie, page 106 ( Curry Zucchini Pickles ). My version is a bit different.<br />
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20 cups of 1/8" pieces of zucchin<br />
1/4 cup plus a tablespoon pickling salt<br />
2 tsp curry powder ( I blend my own , next time I will use 3 tsp as the flavor was milder than I prefer)<br />
1/2 tsp cumin seed<br />
1/2 cup sugar ( I used raw organic )<br />
1/8 tsp cinnamon ( I used Vietnamese )<br />
2 and 3/4 cup cider vinegar ( I used Heinz in the glass jar )<br />
1 and 1/4 cup water ( I used filtered)<br />
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice<br />
<br />
1. Cut up the zucchini. Leave the skin on. 1/8" thick pieces. Remove the seeds if using larger squash and the pithy center.<br />
2. In a large non-reactive bowl, ( glass or stainless ) layer zucchini and salt. Weigh down the zucchini with a plate that covers the entire surface. Cover with a dish towel and let stand in a cool room for at least three hours. After that amount of time, remove the plate and check to see if the zucchini has wilted a bit and there should be some juice in the bowl.<br />
3. In a colander , rinse, drain , rinse and drain the zucchini , working in batches. Lay a dish towel on a cookie sheet . Put the now drained zucchini on this towel. Place another towel on top. Leave this for an hour or at least for a half hour.<br />
4. Prepare the canner, jars, and lids. I was able to get seven pints from this amount of zucchini. This filled the large enamel water bath canner.<br />
5. In a dry skillet on low to medium heat, toast the curry powder and cumin seeds. Stir and when you smell the spices come to life, remove from heat and transfer to a bowl or plate to cool.<br />
6. In a large heavy pot on the stove, combine the toasted spices, sugar, cinnamon, vinegar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Boil for a minute. Add the zucchini and lime juice. Reduce heat and simmer for ten minutes or so til the zucchini looks translucent. I found that this took about fifteen minutes.<br />
Pack the zucchini in the hot jars. Leave an inch head space. Pour in enough hot pickling liquid to get to 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe rim . Place hot lid disc and screw band down til finger tight.<br />
Place jars in canner and bring water to a boil. Process for ten minutes. Turn off heat and remove canner lid. Let jars stand for five minutes in the water bath. Transfer jars to towel lined surface and leave for twenty four hours.<br />
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* I added chopped medium hot chile pepper pieces in the bottom of each jar to add a bit of kick ( I hope ). Next time I will also add garlic cloves. <br />
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Will make full report in a few months when I open the first jar.<br />
<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-40979635693702672262012-01-11T07:27:00.001-08:002012-01-11T08:26:53.160-08:00Kelly's 2011 canning list<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmzz7XGvHuzjWFTcq5H69ce1EgvADBf_prkxa2Y9QvG5ezmZ8qIqu3HqFNBI11Jz5AEL0EOqSdPZxy8hzsWmTwKCcskNwVMH7RtU9yASBOjG7ze4lgPjT3nuZHUy0i7lryJ8Vk9LeZ-tc/s1600/Buntin%252C+Cora+11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmzz7XGvHuzjWFTcq5H69ce1EgvADBf_prkxa2Y9QvG5ezmZ8qIqu3HqFNBI11Jz5AEL0EOqSdPZxy8hzsWmTwKCcskNwVMH7RtU9yASBOjG7ze4lgPjT3nuZHUy0i7lryJ8Vk9LeZ-tc/s400/Buntin%252C+Cora+11.jpg" border="0" <br />The previous blog post was a compilation of this woman's daughter, Myrtle Buntin Winchester. This lady is Cora Barker Buntin, my paternal great grandmother. I like to think that her canning gene is within me as well. Cora raised twelve children and lived in Tennessee.<br /><br />I keep a daily farm journal of my gardening , foraging, gathering, and cooking experiences. This has become a gem of information for me as I refer back to each previous year's journal to stay on track of what needs to be accomplished in a particular month and to see where the current year compares. In 2010 , there were three months that were swallowed up in canning of tomato sauces and salsas besides regular daily gardening chores. I regret not even keeping scraps of paper noting how many sauces I canned. There were 150 tomato plants that year and we didn't sell any tomatoes. I canned and dehydrated night and day. In 2011 there were considerably fewer tomato plants and we are still eating sauces from the 2010 marathon. Still delicious. Also from 2010 are many jars of pear butter. I developed three different spiced recipes and that year was a bumper crop of pears. I spent most of that fall canning pears.<br /><br />Here is my list from 2011. I hope Great Grandmother Cora is pleased with the fruits of my labor. I am sad to say that I never met this lady. She was gone before I was born.<br /><br /><br />Apricot jam 88 half pints ( two trees in our yard )<br /><br />Strawberry jam 19 half pints ( I pick these at a farm north of our place )<br /><br />Peach jam 28 half pints ( these peaches came from southern Missouri and there are more in the freezer to be worked up)<br /><br />Blackberry jam 7 half pints ( from our canes, more in freezer to work up )<br />Blackberry jelly 6 jelly jars ( 4oz. )<br />Blackberry vinegar<br /><br />Mulberry vinegar ( from our tree )<br /><br />Gooseberry jam ( from wild gooseberries I pick in our woods ) 4 half pints<br /><br />Boysenberry jam ( from our canes ) 4 half pints<br /><br />Elderberry Grape jelly ( from elderberries on our place + grapes from farmer couple in Arkansas ) 8 jelly jars ( 4 oz. , more in freezer to work up )<br />Pontak sauce 1 recipe<br />Elderberry shrub ( good medicinal )<br /><br />Breakfast Pears 36 pints ( from one ancient tree in neighbor's yard)<br />Pear Mincemeat 13 pints ( an all fruit and spices recipe + rum, cellar it for a year to deepen flavor )<br /><br />Still have raspberries, red currants, blackberries, peaches, mulberries, and gooseberries in freezer to work up into jams and jellies before spring.<br /><br />Pickled Greens 7 half pints ( turnip, amaranth, and nettles, separately. The concept for this recipe is a good one but I wasn't thrilled with this particular recipe. Will create my own recipe and try again this year.)<br /><br />Pickled JalapeƱos 17 pints<br /><br />Pear and Sweet Onion Chutney 4 pints<br />Major Grey Pear Chutney 9 pints<br /><br />Apple Onion ale relish 8 pints<br /><br />Pepper Onion relish 7 half pints<br /><br />Cranberry Onion JalapeƱo relish 6 half pints ( didn't care for this recipe at all)<br /><br />Smokey Three Pepper Cucumber relish 9 half pints ( blue ribbon recipe)<br /><br />Peperoncini 4 pints<br /><br />Picked Sweet Green Peppers 4 pints<br /><br />Bread and Butter Cucumber pickles 3 pints <br />Persian Tarragon cucumber pickles 2 quart jars ( fridge recipe, blue ribbon)<br />Pickled Green Tomato slices and Onions 1 quart jar ( fridge recipe, blue ribbon)<br /><br />Tomato preserves 10 half pints<br />Bruschetta in a jar 10 half pints ( not crazy about this recipe, needs fixing )<br />Tomato salsa 18 pints<br />Tomato sauce 26 pints ( herbs + onions + chiles )<br /><br />* remember the larder shelves are loaded with 2010 tomato sauces and pear butter( three recipes I developed )<br /><br />The above list does not reflect the three large ( rather ) upright deep freezers packed to the point of bursting. Nor does it reflect the dehydrated cherry tomatoes, herbs, and greens stored in glass jars. Nor does it reflect the root cellared crops. Not to mention the barrels of black walnuts gathered from our trees, pecans gathered from our trees, and acorns , also gathered from our trees.<br /><br />The funny part is that this is food for two people. We eat all of our meals at home.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696396713398199474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevF3H0A9FoiEThNPVTMSjM6n4s8zHmUENh0laonuIWIin4EIlWc-G9iEzd4YRXCE67E1oB2pZ58NBbtM7JKr62fAuwjsEpdxMIhR7jCYJfuTaA0V6WWGfsVSAbwIJV8N6qIfTMvdtPyGe/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevF3H0A9FoiEThNPVTMSjM6n4s8zHmUENh0laonuIWIin4EIlWc-G9iEzd4YRXCE67E1oB2pZ58NBbtM7JKr62fAuwjsEpdxMIhR7jCYJfuTaA0V6WWGfsVSAbwIJV8N6qIfTMvdtPyGe/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696396712136636594" /></a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-19971050441164245022011-12-28T15:20:00.000-08:002011-12-28T15:32:53.797-08:00List from mid 1950s<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOT0VNsbxZE8BdwCDP8eb8WuNXznla3SYs8910J47nMgq2W0GleANoCGMJMcu9YGE1TVPLPkEhJEmnmBops3iWxAGn5GVV-5eKvQbbHETW-eqj17jpUctIUreE3rBJ6iUqA0dN5pGwQhgu/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOT0VNsbxZE8BdwCDP8eb8WuNXznla3SYs8910J47nMgq2W0GleANoCGMJMcu9YGE1TVPLPkEhJEmnmBops3iWxAGn5GVV-5eKvQbbHETW-eqj17jpUctIUreE3rBJ6iUqA0dN5pGwQhgu/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691323580128743954" /></a><br />A piece of ephemera from my collection that hasn't a thing to do with the list below. Just something I wanted to share.<br /><br />This list ( and people seem to make them at this time of year ) is from the mid 1950s. It came into my life from my second cousin's family folder. It is a list accomplished by my paternal Great Aunt. A list of foodstuffs that she preserved to feed herself and the six children still living at home. <br /><br />4 and 1/2 bushels of sweet potatoes<br />1 and 1/2 bushels of white potatoes<br />Lots of dry peas and lima beans<br />85 quarts peaches<br />15 quarts pickled peaches<br />69 quarts black berries<br />70 quarts green beans<br />80 quarts tomatoes<br />25 quarts vegetable soup<br />55 quarts apples to bake<br />18 quarts apples for pies<br />35 quarts beet pickles<br />48 quarts cucumber pickles<br />10 quarts mixed pickles<br />12 pints apple jelly<br />32 pints pear preserves<br />10 pints peach preserves<br />5 pints plum jelly<br />14 pints blackberry jelly<br />18 pints blackberry jam<br />175 pounds vegetables in the freezer at the Food Locker in town ( lima beans,3 kinds of peas, okra, cut corn and several pounds of goat meat)<br /><br />I have not compiled my list of preserved foodstuffs for the year of 2011 yet. Am still cooking fruit jams from this year's crops. Numbers are in the journal and soon I shall share.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-35498785179873707822011-12-13T14:21:00.000-08:002011-12-13T14:46:05.244-08:00Farm Report nine days before Winter Solstice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3hqOWMuLJiKCePH2kO4Szu7N0nMk6Gf9lSIJHW0VWBacR7JrCI1tpRpX4B-THgKB57uxcM0IVuOXMORutdYRnUiZSTVFyRFDHPKolKT0VgkvOzMEZeg4ZBfh1howe3FYMYrhccjRfaN9/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3hqOWMuLJiKCePH2kO4Szu7N0nMk6Gf9lSIJHW0VWBacR7JrCI1tpRpX4B-THgKB57uxcM0IVuOXMORutdYRnUiZSTVFyRFDHPKolKT0VgkvOzMEZeg4ZBfh1howe3FYMYrhccjRfaN9/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685742084947034514" /></a><br /><br />carrot crop. planted 31 Mayo. dug 10 Diciembre.<br />scarlet keeper. atomic red. jaune obtuse du doubs. muscade. tonda di parigi.<br /><br />rows of fall greens: torasan komatsuna. cima di rappa. giant red mustard. marzatica. kyoto mizuna. champion collards. golden ball turnip. rutabaga.<br />thriving with a simple plastic blankie when temperatures plunge into the teens.<br />fresh salad greens daily.<br /><br />twenty nine half pints apricot raw vanilla jam<br />results from last week in the kitchen<br />raspberries, boysenberries, blackberries, strawberries, peaches, red currants, and elderberries await alchemic act resulting in jars of jam and jelly<br />therapeutic nourishment for the soul.<br /><br />as winter settles in<br />seed catalogs arrive in the mail<br />research book towers threaten to topple<br />reflection on lessons learned this past growing season<br />hopeful lists of fruit trees and nut trees, different varieties of heirloom vegetables, canning recipes, hoop house, adding bee colonies, saving and sharing more seeds.<br /><br />rain is falling,<br />nine days before winter solstice.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-91644527355507094542011-02-11T06:05:00.001-08:002011-02-11T07:29:43.524-08:00Rabbits, everyday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9sSJceMIXXVQURKJO8W8IWKHOAoOFRgZb_60y92OaUwKJjeIjnxtwB63mMzLtO4gUJUn0JE-EaASR2PNIAcowCredolhJ9PvQCfobydn7YXFZInhPWdBNC-v1CUm4doAbBf_wHTgLTt_/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9sSJceMIXXVQURKJO8W8IWKHOAoOFRgZb_60y92OaUwKJjeIjnxtwB63mMzLtO4gUJUn0JE-EaASR2PNIAcowCredolhJ9PvQCfobydn7YXFZInhPWdBNC-v1CUm4doAbBf_wHTgLTt_/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572433769732653890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGdwMGjkq9pjsJEA1Qk7P1qN_hBo8Q9CcLjFSVEqxisvLf7giYxoMwdbv5ZhDDwydsqs00Ddamn35FjVn70G3U0pwynDNHdW46JbQx5DouBB0DJ4tAoqfsXOsMPeZJkTjGNnEB6zkpTzr/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGdwMGjkq9pjsJEA1Qk7P1qN_hBo8Q9CcLjFSVEqxisvLf7giYxoMwdbv5ZhDDwydsqs00Ddamn35FjVn70G3U0pwynDNHdW46JbQx5DouBB0DJ4tAoqfsXOsMPeZJkTjGNnEB6zkpTzr/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572433757324922866" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyRXqcI_RhAiQiRdMoBGKQLt2pXZ1eha3VBVSUUqs8o9IygEjsfQ4lz8mLgZRuNarD45tR73DsrTFl9ASP9lohJvl2Ulzung2z0o8XqhwymMskiEJcNakRNpuDCIUNwNYUz0dDnfMj4tn/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyRXqcI_RhAiQiRdMoBGKQLt2pXZ1eha3VBVSUUqs8o9IygEjsfQ4lz8mLgZRuNarD45tR73DsrTFl9ASP9lohJvl2Ulzung2z0o8XqhwymMskiEJcNakRNpuDCIUNwNYUz0dDnfMj4tn/s400/DSC_0005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572433749226844194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT08Fkmy0pxoPUwbtHbSxtKSLHZ8WrH5DohVXrCZsrDaBRD-pRjK92Z0ya8f1tbB2IE1lRTDJjo_aFDOdO-qxI1eLFpDyjVjb1J6q56IwAZtfXnclwf8GL7qhuFKe1-JIWd8t5hGluOitF/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT08Fkmy0pxoPUwbtHbSxtKSLHZ8WrH5DohVXrCZsrDaBRD-pRjK92Z0ya8f1tbB2IE1lRTDJjo_aFDOdO-qxI1eLFpDyjVjb1J6q56IwAZtfXnclwf8GL7qhuFKe1-JIWd8t5hGluOitF/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572433742521764834" /></a><br /><br />Lapi ( rhymes with happy) exhausted by its job painting eggs each spring reclined peacefully in chick's gondola, reflecting on past lives and future possibilities. Perhaps a career in vegetable gardening, though being an empathetic rabbit, perhaps nursing would be a good field with job security. Lapi's Dutch uncle had enjoyed the title patron saint (local only) of wounded hares, looked to in times of distress both mentally and physically. Perhaps Lapi could hop into Uncle's boots. Thankfully, Lapi knew whatever new pathway it hopped down it would be loved.<br /><br />In honor of the Chinese Year of the Rabbit and since I was born in a year of the rabbit, I decided to create this small collection of everyday rabbits to be enjoyed and worn all year round. The images come in token (charm )size, pendant size and ornament sizes. In these photos the pendants are shown with nickel plated steel bead ball chain. They will all be available with linen ribbon if you so chose instead of chain. I work with vintage images, paint, beads, ephemera and my hands to create the original artwork which is then printed in an archival manner and safely encased in metal cases and acrylic lens created from flat stock, in Rhett's studio. <br /><br />I will get back to you on where these can be purchased. In the meantime please feel free to leave comments or email me as to where you can find them for sale.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-6315791448839853872011-02-04T05:35:00.001-08:002011-02-04T05:44:58.112-08:00Year of the Golden Rabbit<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAn0hy8rhhRwkA562HfucYH4THjf_tUIXENuEaY6XgE6FTh47Rg5cNqOj9rIk5tLp4EhqmdzZ_MCVzMrkeDlI_vol_xZBRmgfDGmAGSD3_AeNuwZ0WAlpkUVP5M6VsgYglEbiNX0Q8qztT/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAn0hy8rhhRwkA562HfucYH4THjf_tUIXENuEaY6XgE6FTh47Rg5cNqOj9rIk5tLp4EhqmdzZ_MCVzMrkeDlI_vol_xZBRmgfDGmAGSD3_AeNuwZ0WAlpkUVP5M6VsgYglEbiNX0Q8qztT/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569827786681298050" /></a><br /><br />Hand sewn and painted , using vintage fabrics, rabbit hand puppet created on the eve of the new rabbit year by a rabbit ( me ).<br /><br />2011<br />Year of the Golden Rabbit<br />began 3 Febrero 2011, ends 22 Janvier 2012<br />fourth sign of Chinese zodiac<br />rabbit is symbol of the moon, yin<br />(whilst peacock is symbol of sun) yang<br />according to Chinese tradition<br />a rabbit year should be spent in a restorative manner<br />bring calmness to your life<br />breathe deeply<br />center and focus.<br /><br />A lucky red envelope<br />a magic wand of sorts<br />filled with blessings<br />red, an auspicious color<br />to carry red with you<br />wards off evil<br />gathers in blessings<br />red, a lucky color<br />the color to begin a new year.<br /><br />I hand each of you in this new rabbit year a red envelope filled with moon dust to sprinkle upon your head. This magical moon dust will have healing and restorative qualities. Carry red with you this year and sprinkle a bit of lucky rabbit moon dust on others in need. Help others breathe deeply.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-79527906852524131352010-12-15T13:58:00.000-08:002010-12-15T14:31:35.275-08:00Mekong Giant Catfish, CR ( critically endangered )<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6zOEVAXSc8NRUdKk5-t9hnF8LtdbAajhlBrbv_cwOZEyKgL4BYV20icEiQaCO50nAhhK8aIv5fUtYj-xvp4rGIw43FtwktfrFg_9_phIcY9Vf4Ih0vyTV0u7OkIMQKMGHmNbyarosBmP/s1600/GR7F2882.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6zOEVAXSc8NRUdKk5-t9hnF8LtdbAajhlBrbv_cwOZEyKgL4BYV20icEiQaCO50nAhhK8aIv5fUtYj-xvp4rGIw43FtwktfrFg_9_phIcY9Vf4Ih0vyTV0u7OkIMQKMGHmNbyarosBmP/s400/GR7F2882.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551033117216933090" /></a><br /><br />Mekong Giant Catfish<br />Pangasianodon gigas<br />CR ( critically endangered)<br /><br />mixed media, hand sewn and beaded painted leather figure seated on hand made wooden chair<br />photograph by Bruce Mathews<br />in a private collection<br /><br />Mekong Giant Catfish<br />Pangasianodon gigas<br />CR ( critically endangered)<br /><br />In May of 2005, a 646 pound nine feet long giant catfish was caught in the Mekong River by a fisherman. This fish is the current record holder for the largest freshwater fish ever caught. Historically the Mekong Giant Catfish flourished in the Mekong River Basin. This catfish could be found in the freshwaters of the Tonle Sap Lake, Tonle Sap River in Cambodia, and the Mekong River which flows through China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Local fisheries began reporting the disappearance of the species in the 1970s. Current population size is unknown for the Mekong Giant Catfish. The IUCN has qualified the species for Critically Endangered from estimations of past and current catch records over the last thirteen years which show a decline of more than 80% of the population.<br /><br />Continuation of this species will not come easily. Fisheries in the Mekong Basin are on the rise. Loss and degradation of the catfish's habitat are serious threats also. Deforestation along the northern parts of the Mekong River area has caused increasing siltation of the Mekong mainstream. The rapids and whirlpool ecosystem within the "Golden Triangle" is the only part of the Mekong that the giant catfish use as a spawning ground. This portion of the river is slated to be reconfigured by a Mekong rapids blasting project sponsored by the governments of China, Burma, Thailand, and Lao People's Democratic Republic. With the removal of the rapids, navigation of the river channel will be easier for boats. Also the construction of dams along the river, like the Pak Mun Dam in Thailand, the catfish can not migrate back and forth to their historic spawning grounds.<br /><br />Zeb Hogan, an American aquatic ecologist, leads the Mekong Fish Conservation Project in Cambodia. Their goal is to protect vulnerable populations of migratory fish in the Mekong River Basin. One of the supporters of this project is the National Geographic Society's Conservation Trust. As a part of this project, Hogan purchases live fish from Cambodian fishermen. The fish are weighed, measured, DNA samples gathered for genetic studies, tagged, and released back into the water. The record holding catfish caught in May of 2005 that was purchased from a fisherman was a part of this project. Unfortunately, the giant catfish died before it could be released. Optimistically though, this project should keep more endangered fish alive and allow scientists to gather valuable data about migration patterns, habitat use, and mortality rates. Hogan hopes this knowledge will lead to the creation of no-fishing zones and better management of Cambodian fisheries.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-79462557067529772802010-11-24T07:17:00.000-08:002010-11-24T07:32:06.069-08:00Pink-headed Duck , critically endangered<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCwPoirMqxYhpRSWNlKGmJmcGJ1S6A5GmGMzK4f0OTzENuEVifWHUlUKANo9f8WJNL7TyrDnJMuEraDaOIRCMMvhidVCcViaMAMbefFfdFw7qqrPAVtbTuejg0_wF7R39msywOOxnw0Pu/s1600/GR7F2878.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCwPoirMqxYhpRSWNlKGmJmcGJ1S6A5GmGMzK4f0OTzENuEVifWHUlUKANo9f8WJNL7TyrDnJMuEraDaOIRCMMvhidVCcViaMAMbefFfdFw7qqrPAVtbTuejg0_wF7R39msywOOxnw0Pu/s400/GR7F2878.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543136599031472018" /></a><br /><br />Pink-headed Duck<br />Rhodonessa caryophyllacea<br />CR ( critically endangered)<br />12"x7"x7"<br />mixed media , hand sewn and beaded leather figure seated in hand made wooden chair<br />photograph by Bruce Mathews<br /><br />Pink-headed Duck<br />Rhodonessa caryophyllacea<br />CR (critically endangered)<br /><br />Unconfirmed sightings in the 1960s and again in 2004 in remote wetlands of the state of Kachin, Burma ( some call the country Myanmar) and the fact that large areas of Burma haven't been explored by ornithologists are the reasons why this duck is considered critically endangered instead of extinct. The last specimen in the wild was shot and killed in 1935 in Darbhanga Bihar, India. The last known captive duck kept in an aviary at Foxwarren Park, England died in 1945.<br /><br />Historically the Pink-headed Duck's known habitat included northern Burma, north-east India, and central Nepal. Freshwater ponds, marshes, swamps, and wetlands surrounded by bushes, tall grasses, and subtropical forests provided aquatic plants and mollusks to eat and nesting areas. Swamps of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers in northern India have been drained, cultivated, and heavily populated, leading to the decline of the species in that area. Many forests in Burma are being heavily logged causing further stress on any of the ducks that might still be in this country.<br /><br />The male Pink-headed Duck has a pink head and neck which has made it a sought after trophy by hunters through the years. The female has paler pink plumage on its head and neck. Not only does this pink coloration make this duck unlike any other duck, its pure white or pale yellow egg differs from all other duck's eggs by being almost perfectly spherical.<br /><br />The Pink-headed Duck has always been considered as rare.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-32786546814108404442010-06-14T04:35:00.001-07:002010-06-14T04:50:11.187-07:00Our Lady of the Earth<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxUQFtmXF_QEE5FznowHzpoCXhMR2biXqtDGLJ0qVGhTsBVOG11aXbHh0sXL1F1_bp-bm54wbXX7Bu7HTS2iiaDzMVmqYoK77ICZ5ch-qAhm8TCgMKEY67P8O9dZCbHH6rVQG6yMNUbh6/s1600/kelly+johnson+5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxUQFtmXF_QEE5FznowHzpoCXhMR2biXqtDGLJ0qVGhTsBVOG11aXbHh0sXL1F1_bp-bm54wbXX7Bu7HTS2iiaDzMVmqYoK77ICZ5ch-qAhm8TCgMKEY67P8O9dZCbHH6rVQG6yMNUbh6/s400/kelly+johnson+5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482591807814684578" /></a><br /><br />Our Lady of the Earth<br />2003<br />28"x15"x8"<br />photograph taken by E. G. Schempf<br />mixed media, beadwork<br /><br />Our Lady of the Earth<br />Patroness of world's highest mountain peaks<br />Feast Day 29 May<br /><br />The Inka conquered the Andean people in the fourteenth century.<br /><br />The Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro and his army conquered the Inka Empire in 1532. This conquest brought Spanish priests and missionaries along with their faith and the image of Virgin Mary to Peru.<br /><br />A group of native born artists in Cuzco rebelled against the Spanish guild system, establishing an independent art guild in 1688. This guild was known as the School of Cuzco. It was the first indigenous organization of artists in the New World. The Cuzco artists blended European traditions with local beliefs and imagery.<br /><br />In paintings and sculptures, the image of the Virgin Mary took on the attributes of Pachamama, Earth Mother. Her outer garment became a triangular form representing a mountain.<br /><br />The Andean people realized that veneration of the mountains and earth along with the maintenance of earth's landscape were essential to their existence.<br /><br />On the other side of the planet the Buddhist Sherpas of Nepal also respect their landscape as being sacred. The mountains are the sacred abode of deities and the protectors.<br /><br />In 1953 on the 29th of May, Edmund Hillary of New Zealand along with Tenzing Norgay, a local Sherpa, conquered the summit of Mt. Everest. "Well George, we knocked the bastard off!" were Hilary's words to a fellow teammate after descending. The British Queen Elizabeth II later knights Hillary. With the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary's ascent of Mt. Everest, I decided that this interpretation of the Virgin Mary would be rendered in the Cuzco School style. She would quietly remind us to protect mother earth.<br /><br />As transient stewards of this earth, its landscape and environment, we must constantly protect and venerate.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-18513462153370303252010-04-20T05:05:00.000-07:002010-04-20T05:25:51.919-07:00Ghost Dance<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtFI6MSWvWGjU-ZMVZg1D9NEBC0SmlDdyZ_f_xmTZ9wAqx0maC4lB1dEnSuGBlsxMYODnuQyoSRhy2P-4FQ2g9RDup3_xC8HaGCMOmho7mWoSNOPZaMgWVHM_57uz-n_L3y_cxXsb8Yx3/s1600/007_7.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtFI6MSWvWGjU-ZMVZg1D9NEBC0SmlDdyZ_f_xmTZ9wAqx0maC4lB1dEnSuGBlsxMYODnuQyoSRhy2P-4FQ2g9RDup3_xC8HaGCMOmho7mWoSNOPZaMgWVHM_57uz-n_L3y_cxXsb8Yx3/s400/007_7.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462189928027523250" /></a><br /><br />Black-footed Ferret<br />Mustela nigripes<br />Endangered<br />only ferret species endemic to North America<br />mixed media painted leather , hand sewn and beaded<br />2007<br /><br />Since April is National Poetry Month, I decided to share with you my words that are a part of an artist statement written in 2007. This statement accompanied the Endangered and Extinct Intercessors created in 2006 and 2007.<br /><br />( statement written in 2007)<br /><br />Riding the Sixth Great Wave One Stitch at a Time<br /><br />What an armchair journey this has been over the past two years. Extensive and intensive researching of endangered and extinct beings that have called Mother Earth home. It all began for me with the Pink-headed Duck. Well over two years ago I became distressed by the wholesale slaughtering of chickens and then ducks. Listening to a story about duck herders of Thailand on a National Public Radio news program, I was fascinated by this image. I googled duck herders of Thailand and was able to read other stories with images of ducks. I could not pinpoint the species though. Concurrently, I was pondering the direction that this particular body of work would head. I knew that I wanted to continue creating jointed leather bodied Intercessor figures and their ongoing story of aiding humans.<br /><br />The world's chickens, ducks, and migratory birds needed a leader to shepherd them to safety from the evil misguided human species. Whilst thumbing a book about extinct and vanishing birds of the world, I spied the words Pink-headed Duck. Oh! What a name and, I am very fond of the color pink. I turned pages to the chapter on this mysterious creature thought to be extinct. Here was a being that could lead bird populations of the world to safety.<br /><br />Evolution of a theme. Creatures that had suffered at the hands of humans. Endangered. Extinct. Red listed. Each one specifically picked to come teach misguided human species a lesson. And, I would not depict the usual suspects. Species with specific messages from around Mother Earth. An image that haunts me is one of how cattle will circle round a cow giving birth, facing outward to protect. These same cattle will encircle a dead cow, facing inward, mourning. Translate that image to a bestiary of Intercessors facing inward, encircling Mother Earth ( depicted by a globe). Powerful message for misguided humans.<br /><br />Each creature would have a red cross patch on its chest to signify that it is a pilgrim on a journey to teach lessons and cause humans to pause and contemplate.<br /><br />Goal: Put on someone else's "shoes" for awhile. To gain empathy, tolerance, understanding.<br /><br />Lean away so that others may breathe.<br /><br />A sanctuary<br />of EN y EX beings<br />dance<br />a dance<br />a ghost dance<br />or maybe<br />a dance of <br />things as they are<br />but dance<br />they must<br />a dance<br />beyond us<br />a dance<br />around Mother Earth<br />twirling inward<br />twirling outward<br />beings<br />gather <br />to dance<br />in a circle.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-62793375593280948652010-04-11T04:43:00.001-07:002010-04-11T05:07:44.915-07:00Siberian Crane, CR ( critically endangered)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy47JxeSFWgtzOD_IjCDmgP538jaE2cNIsglijz37bQRzRCgVaUj8K3gSlsJAbhwG5BD3PuJt79RHF1bSc7B6r2GF1rWbybTtiHjSmx_X0etXDHXWoKimArnKnAgMRWQ-3ZmtUw_1v4jZ/s1600/GR7F2905.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy47JxeSFWgtzOD_IjCDmgP538jaE2cNIsglijz37bQRzRCgVaUj8K3gSlsJAbhwG5BD3PuJt79RHF1bSc7B6r2GF1rWbybTtiHjSmx_X0etXDHXWoKimArnKnAgMRWQ-3ZmtUw_1v4jZ/s400/GR7F2905.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458845012985758338" /></a><br /><br />Siberian Crane<br />Grus leucogeranus<br />CR, (critically endangered)<br />14"x6"x9"<br />mixed media, hand sewn and beaded painted leather figure seated on hand made wooden chair<br />photograph by Bruce Mathews<br /><br />Siberian Crane<br />Grus leucogeranus<br />CR, (critically endangered)<br /><br />Adult Siberian cranes stand five feet tall and weigh only thirteen pounds. Females generally lay two goose-sized olive green eggs which are incubated for twenty-nine days. Rarely do both chicks live. Siberian cranes are omnivores. Whilst living on the breeding grounds, they will hunt rodents,fish, insects, and gather cranberries. On migration and whilst living on wintering grounds these cranes dig up nutrient rich roots and tubers from the wetlands. The oldest living documented Siberian crane lived to be eighty-three years old.<br /><br />Nine of the fifteen species of cranes worldwide are threatened with extinction. The Siberian crane with a rapidly declining population of less than three thousand is listed as critically endangered. Historically there were three populations of Siberian cranes.<br /><br />The western population's breeding ground is in Russia just south of the Ob River and east of the Ural Mountains. They migrate southward to a single site along the south coast of the Caspian Sea in Iran. The crane's primary threat here comes from human hunters.<br /><br />There is little doubt that the central population has been extirpated. This population once nested in western Siberia and migrated south to India, spending a resting period in Afghanistan. The last documented sighting of a Siberian crane in India during the winter months was in 2002.<br /><br />The eastern population which makes up 95% of the entire Siberian crane global population locates its nesting grounds on the lowland tundra of northeastern Siberia near the Arctic Circle in wetlands, bogs, and marshes. These cranes winter along the lower Yangtze River (Chang Jing) in China. It is here, in China, where the species is threatened with losing its critical wetland habitat.<br /><br />This wetland habitat is Poyang Hu lakes, a maze of small lakes and marshes filled with shallow water, wet meadows, and broad mudflats. During summer floods, this area grows into a single lake which shrinks every year becoming the perfect wetland habitat for cranes and numerous other migratory waterfowl. This critical habitat is in the lower Yangtze River basin in southeastern China.<br /><br />Siberian cranes are threatened in these wetlands by commercial hunters and by farmers who are draining the pools of water, gaining new cropland. A growing human population also threatens this habitat. But by far the most imposing imminent threat to the very survival of this population is the manmade Three Gorges Dam. This hydroelectric dam spans the Yangtze River, upriver from the Poyang ecosystem. Below this dam, plans are to deepen and re-channel the lower river to improve transportation, agriculture, and industry. These changes will disrupt the seasonal flow of the river and change water levels in the lowlands. This dam also threatens other endangered species such as the Yangtze dolphins, Chinese sturgeons, Chinese tigers, Chinese alligators, and giant pandas.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-27207208942466399002010-04-02T04:47:00.000-07:002010-04-02T05:00:15.783-07:00Nuestra Senora de los Dolores ( Our Lady of Sorrows)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMG5hdLgwf618ljDnnIN5TuPg6uCVfKlqctLX4PzhZZKtREVdxtAXWz2GZUgIeKgc4VsMtAD2ep541KCNSoDuLQeBOxtVX_vrY-q7mQBmUzogYAIIrWE8GTTsvqR1bxpgtcwKNzqxz5jEI/s1600/kelly+johnson+11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMG5hdLgwf618ljDnnIN5TuPg6uCVfKlqctLX4PzhZZKtREVdxtAXWz2GZUgIeKgc4VsMtAD2ep541KCNSoDuLQeBOxtVX_vrY-q7mQBmUzogYAIIrWE8GTTsvqR1bxpgtcwKNzqxz5jEI/s400/kelly+johnson+11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455505836147672802" /></a><br /><br />Nuestra Senora de los Dolores<br />Our Lady of Sorrows<br />created in 2001<br />28"x15"x14"<br />photo taken by E. G. Schempf<br />mixed media, hand sewn and beaded leather figure<br /><br />Nuestra Senora de los Dolores<br />Our Lady of Sorrows<br />Feast Day: 15 September<br /><br />Our Lady of Sorrows represents the Blessed Virgin Mary mourning the suffering and crucifixion of Christ. She is usually shown with a dagger in her heart, symbolizing the piercing of her heart with sorrow. This image is based upon the Gospel verse: "Yea, a sword shall pierce through thine own soul also," (Luke,ii,35). Sometimes she is depicted with seven swords piercing her breast denoting her seven sorrows. The first sorrow refers to the prophecy of Simeon. The other six sorrows refer to her suffering during Christ's life: the flight into Egypt, loss of the divine child in Jerusalem, meeting with her Son bearing the cross, the Crucifixion, receiving the body of her Son from the cross, and placing his body in the tomb. Other attributes traditionally associated with this depiction are the cross, nails, crown of thorns, lance, sponge, column, chalice, and washbasin. Our Lady is usually portrayed in a grieving attitude, head covered, usually with hands clasped and tears streaming down her face.<br /><br />In my interpretation, the holy shroud is draped and the sacred heart is hung on the cross. Our Lady is holding the nails from the cross. Painted on the sides of the shrine are novenas in honor of the seven sorrows of Mary.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-63771015589142130332010-03-21T04:46:00.000-07:002010-03-21T05:02:58.948-07:00Arabian Oryx, EN (endangered)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdS0EEcJ-7T-3RDERCAPIJCeVjZyNMIOnp7a858TWa-K4NlMaFCdcGg7VfebVjNr7EE5jeYqimVotS-CvksbXLRIBw3yQSDTZjIDZLdTqeAeUhr7pxZ0vMXxoBixY08lF_IN3flJ3VBIoC/s1600-h/GR7F2888.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdS0EEcJ-7T-3RDERCAPIJCeVjZyNMIOnp7a858TWa-K4NlMaFCdcGg7VfebVjNr7EE5jeYqimVotS-CvksbXLRIBw3yQSDTZjIDZLdTqeAeUhr7pxZ0vMXxoBixY08lF_IN3flJ3VBIoC/s400/GR7F2888.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451053348382371634" /></a><br /><br />Arabian Oryx<br />Oryx leucoryx<br />EN (endangered)<br />15"x7"x7"<br />mixed media leather jointed sculpture<br />photograph taken by Bruce Mathews<br /><br />Arabian Oryx<br />Oryx leucoryx<br />EN (endangered)<br /><br />Around 1800 the habitat of these white antelope was the desert plains of the entire Arabian Peninsula. Nomadic herds composed of two to fifteen individuals followed the rare rains in search of grasses, leaves, and buds. During the heat of the day, the oryx would rest in the shade offered by trees and bushes. Their white coats helped also to reflect the desert's sweltering heat. The lifespan of an oryx could be as long as twenty years. Each birthing after a gestation period of eight to nine months produced a single calf. The jackal, a native predator, preyed on young calves. Humans hunted the adult oryx for their meat and hides.<br /><br />World War II birthed new powerful human guided predators. The automatic rifle and the Jeep. Decimation escalated in the decades after this war until it is thought that the last wild oryx was killed in 1972. The main cause of extinction of the Arabian Oryx in the wild was overhunting. Bedouins killed them for their meat and hides. Sport hunters killed them as a trophy.<br /><br />Thankfully, captive breeding had begun in the 1950s on the Peninsula. In 1962, several individuals were sent to the Phoenix Zoo in Arizona where the breeding program flourished. Oryx were reintroduced into the wild in Oman in 1982. In the following years others found the desert in Bahrain, Israel, and Saudi Arabia to be their new homes. The reintroduction population in the wild numbered 886 in 2003.<br /><br />Sadly, poaching by humans has once again become a serious threat to the reintroduced oryx. Also the escalating temperatures in the desert are stressing these creatures.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-27423094503858132022010-03-10T14:57:00.000-08:002010-03-10T15:12:45.437-08:00Archangel Gabriel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_A2NWYmToYYIDMBCNpgiasS8OVwUDX1Py-XWKP5U2VPslXYjHBNqNIwcQ4BRXZk_QSN91mp63f_MR0zLiiUoozMDsrbsKzeE3gEfkbnYPAkXdCXGvkuaHVA8ODYkSxSW3LHNctTmafmX/s1600-h/kelly+johnson+14.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_A2NWYmToYYIDMBCNpgiasS8OVwUDX1Py-XWKP5U2VPslXYjHBNqNIwcQ4BRXZk_QSN91mp63f_MR0zLiiUoozMDsrbsKzeE3gEfkbnYPAkXdCXGvkuaHVA8ODYkSxSW3LHNctTmafmX/s400/kelly+johnson+14.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447143461373300594" /></a><br /><br />Archangel Gabriel<br />created in 2003<br />21"x13"x11"<br />photograph taken by E.G. Schempf<br />mixed media fabrics, leather and hand beading<br /><br />Archangel Gabriel<br />Feast Day 29 September<br />Patron of telecommunications and postal workers, philatelists, diplomats, messengers, and ambassadors<br />invoked during childbirth<br /><br />Gabriel is one of the two highest ranking angels in Judeo-Christian and Mohammedan religious lore. He is the archangel of annunciation, resurrection, mercy, vengeance, death, and revelation.<br /><br />In the Old Testament, Gabriel interprets Daniel's visions, (Daniel 8: 15-27, 9: 20-27). Gabriel appears next in the New Testament to announce the birth of John the Baptist to Zachariah, (Luke 1: 11-20). Again within the book of Luke, (1: 26-38), he visits Mary in Nazarene which becomes the scene of the Annunciation.<br /><br />It was Jibril (Gabriel) who dictated the Koran, sutra by sutra, unto Mohammed. In Jewish legend death and destruction to the sinful cities of Sodom and Gommorah were dealt by Gabriel. Court testimony of Joan of Arc states that Gabriel inspired her to take up arms in the name of the King of France. As a guardian angel along with St. Michael, he shares the duties of hindering demons from entering churches.<br /><br />Gabriel is usually depicted as a winged, beardless youth with a nimbus. In the Annunciation scene he wears a long tunic. His attributes are a kerykeion ( messenger's staff), lily, a scroll with the greeting to Mary: Ave Maria, gratia plena ( Hail Mary, full of grace), and sometimes a unicorn.<br /><br />I have chosen to depict Gabriel during the Annunciation scene. He stands at the right hand of Mary making the sign of Heaven and Earth with his left hand lowered toward earth and his right lifted towards heaven. This sign implies that he has descended from heaven for a brief visit and also calls on heaven and earth to witness what will transpire with Mary. Gabriel's eyes are also lifted towards heaven expressing his concern that the will of God shall be done.<br /><br />He is clothed in a tunic, chlamys (mantle with clasp at the shoulder), and a diadem ( ornamental headband worn as a badge of royalty).Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-71513394042182738162010-03-03T04:19:00.000-08:002010-03-03T04:41:18.842-08:00Annuncatio<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvRPCcBzjWQ6h_jFhPlCC4s-d7XI-rH3Wsc4JGUaNcVruv37_dxKtBwrnud9_t32Ui7IvSCW3fX-9Cqe4mFYrduyz4_tcgnHehawu-en6ekneADi_Wv90UIh_uUBVDF1moqUnFlJ3niMV/s1600-h/kelly+johnson+15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvRPCcBzjWQ6h_jFhPlCC4s-d7XI-rH3Wsc4JGUaNcVruv37_dxKtBwrnud9_t32Ui7IvSCW3fX-9Cqe4mFYrduyz4_tcgnHehawu-en6ekneADi_Wv90UIh_uUBVDF1moqUnFlJ3niMV/s400/kelly+johnson+15.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444383563408754754" /></a><br /><br />Annuncatio<br />( Annunciation )<br />created in 2002<br />28"x14"x14"<br />photograph by E. G. Schempf<br />mixed media<br /><br />Annuncatio<br />Feast day 25 March<br /><br />The Annunciation has been celebrated since the sixth century. Pope Sergius I set the feast day exactly nine months prior to the nativity of Christ. An existing third-century image of the Annunciation within the catacomb of Priscilla in Rome appears to be the earliest depiction of the event. Biblical and Apocryphal information about Archangel Gabriel's visitation to the Virgin Mary can be found in St. Luke's Gospel, 1:26-38, and Protoevanguelium of James, 11,1-3.<br /><br />I have chosen to depict the Virgin Mary's response, "Ecce Ancilla Domini," Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to thy word.<br /><br />Having dropped her spinning yarn, the Virgin Mary reaches across with her right hand to touch her left shoulder in a sign of acceptance. She sets aside the assignment to weave a veil for the Ark of the Covenant out of purple and scarlet fabric. Her eyes are raised toward the white dove hovering below a blue disk which symbolizes the Holy Spirit in the heavenly realm.<br /><br />I have clothed the Virgin Mary in a red maphorian (long veil worn over the head and shoulders). Red denotes sacrifice. Her gown is blue which represents essential humanity. On the front of the bodice of her gown is a beaded gold circle surrounding the letters IC XC, (the one who is) which alludes to God the Son is in her womb.<br /><br />The lily has come to symbolize Mary's purity.<br /><br />In Russia, people used to set birds free from cages on this feast day.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-26584701122123189582010-02-24T13:36:00.000-08:002010-02-24T13:51:35.563-08:00Popcorn Bag<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji99s-WP1-Egttnf6IgLf6cIVsQ7hPGJmQGC4AlDB_7mqpOlzHlQsXncfHCjzQRlWSXmRZl0KNlAT4RS029nj4L6sh4nUJL6f0P2zobE69sdUJnbMVcAdQkDe8oclrJ1U3_Ldc0xHiVvzM/s1600-h/DSC_0004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji99s-WP1-Egttnf6IgLf6cIVsQ7hPGJmQGC4AlDB_7mqpOlzHlQsXncfHCjzQRlWSXmRZl0KNlAT4RS029nj4L6sh4nUJL6f0P2zobE69sdUJnbMVcAdQkDe8oclrJ1U3_Ldc0xHiVvzM/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441927645824103586" /></a><br />Popcorn Bag ( design 55 pattern )<br />10" tall by 11 and 1/2" wide plus shoulder strap<br />felted wool hand knitted bag<br /><br />It is a one hundred and ten mile round trip to Whole Foods. I make this pilgrimage a few times a year, stocking up in the bulk aisle. To make my trip count, I like to visit Yarn Shop & More in old downtown Overland Park, Kansas for inspiration and to pet and purchase the "pretties". Two examples of knitted bags caught my eye. A cotton version and a felted wool one. This bag was covered with knitted bobbles. Immediately I envisioned one of my charms sewn to the center of each bobble. The felted wool bag would be a showcase for my charms. Perhaps it might plant a seed in the imagination of fellow knitters. I bought the design55 Popcorn Bag pattern.<br /><br />Using Lamb's Pride wool and mohair yarn (mustard and red) and a hand dyed wool yarn from Textiles A Mano (turquoise), I followed the pattern with the exceptions of adding stripes, change of bobble color in one row and length of shoulder strap. I also, after the bag was knitted, went back to beef up each bobble. The turquoise bobbles on mustard row have yarn "rings" round them. Chartreuse and coral. Sewn round each bobble before felting. I hoped this would help these bobbles stand out.<br /><br />There are twelve bobbles per round therefore there are twelve charms sewn on the bag. I could sew a charm to all the bobbles but that might be overkill. Will meditate on this and see how the bag evolves.<br /><br />If you are interested in purchasing this pattern, the designer is Carol Eddington. Her email address on the pattern says: design55@everestkc.net . Yarn Shop & More might stil have her pattern for sale too.<br /><br />If you are interested in purchasing charms, please contact me.<br /><br />Happy knitting !Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-6216101427079849702010-02-21T06:05:00.000-08:002010-02-21T06:26:08.123-08:00Proboscis Monkey, EN ( endangered)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSEbRHitW4su-8fvyYZrr2UJA-Ybmb3JvvnQuqPoYeVEl3Y3rH0v-pfxmDb3x17B9K59vCsXGZavt_PB1WfeYGBCuMFI1moNYM8KBTbL0Tg-W9kXu1ms6pzEghJQZ7HhaQuiXGA8Cttpp/s1600-h/GR7F2894.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSEbRHitW4su-8fvyYZrr2UJA-Ybmb3JvvnQuqPoYeVEl3Y3rH0v-pfxmDb3x17B9K59vCsXGZavt_PB1WfeYGBCuMFI1moNYM8KBTbL0Tg-W9kXu1ms6pzEghJQZ7HhaQuiXGA8Cttpp/s400/GR7F2894.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440698430933539074" /></a><br />Proboscis Monkey<br />Nasalis larvatus,<br />EN, endangered<br />11"x7"x8"<br />mixed media leather jointed sculpture<br />photo by Bruce Mathews<br /><br />Proboscis Monkey<br />Nasalis larvatus<br />EN, endangered<br /><br />"Dutchmen monkeys", as they were known historically by local people on the island of Borneo, live only on this island in the treetops of riverine and coastal forests and swamps. The male monkeys huge noses, which swell and turn red when angry or excited, reminded the locals of the Dutch sailors during colonial times. These Dutchmen and Proboscis monkeys also shared the characteristic of appearing potbelllied. These monkeys have huge chambered stomachs which contain healthy bacterias that aid the digestion of leaves, seeds, and young sour fruits that make up their diet.<br /><br />One of Asia's largest monkeys, the proboscis, who lives in groups, can weigh up to fifty pounds and have a lifespan of thirteen years. After a gestation period of 166 days, a female will give birth to one baby. Twins are rare. Proboscis monkeys have long thick tails which help them balance in treetops and are excellent swimmers due to their partially webbed hands and feet. This ability to swim allows the monkeys to cross rivers which are the crocodile's habitat. Crocodiles and humans are the main predators of this monkey.<br /><br />The population trend for the Proboscis monkey is unknown because their habitat is shrinking at an alarming rate. These monkeys need vast expanses of native forests in order to hunt enough vegetal material for sustenance. Native forests are being logged for timber, burned to clear the land, and replaced with oil palm plantations. Palm oil, a major ingredient of soaps, moisturizer, lipstick, and foodstuffs such as margarine, confectionery, chocolate, and ice cream, is one of Malaysia's top exports.<br /><br />In Sumatra the tigers and elephants are also losing their habitats due to these plantations.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-36892174166844800312010-02-06T13:34:00.000-08:002010-02-06T13:46:29.037-08:00Saint Agatha of Catania<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMk241XAbtzU4h_ehjeYXr4xbUmErHTm9ayMBfToay1jkWGQbzjzacgDiYlT3kBiwNE8qfvKofa4E3qa3LvXcM6b2jZENSAFEscUTx2ODdcSXolTamgcFp7rkerNj3U8RuKwEqwXuDKQPK/s1600-h/kelly+johnson+18.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMk241XAbtzU4h_ehjeYXr4xbUmErHTm9ayMBfToay1jkWGQbzjzacgDiYlT3kBiwNE8qfvKofa4E3qa3LvXcM6b2jZENSAFEscUTx2ODdcSXolTamgcFp7rkerNj3U8RuKwEqwXuDKQPK/s400/kelly+johnson+18.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435247322669034802" /></a><br />Saint Agatha of Catania<br />created in 2001<br />26"x12"x17"<br />photograph by E. G. Schempf<br />mixed media<br /><br />Saint Agatha of Catania<br />Feast Day 5 February<br />Patroness of Malta, nurses, invoked against breast diseases, fires and volcanic eruptions<br />Reliquary photographs by Megan S. Wyeth<br /><br />This noble Sicilian virgin spurned the advances of a Roman senator, Quintianus. Agatha endured many torturous trials as he tried, unsuccessfully, to destroy her virtue. At one point while she was imprisoned, Quintianus ordered Agatha's breasts to be cut off. St. Peter interceded, appearing in her prison cell to apply a "celestial ointment" which restored her breasts. Quintianus was not moved by the miraculous cure to her wounds. He ordered her rolled on burning coals, to which were added broken potsherds. Agatha expired.<br /><br />It occurred to me that in today's world, Agatha would teach women how to honor their bodies, particularly their breasts. She would be a doll wearing a mask. On the back of her head would be part of a phrenology chart.<br /><br />In the 19th century, phrenology, a study of the conformation of the skull, was a popular method of determining mental facilities and traits of character. A rather inexact science which somewhat parallels how our culture treats women's breasts.<br /><br />I chose to depict Agatha's breasts as reliquaries. A reliquary is any vessel in which relics are sealed and kept. Between her breasts over the fourth chakra hangs a medal of St. Peter. On her tray lies a lesson book for women to read in hopes that it will encourage them to take responsibility for their own health.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-917304288125277682010-01-27T08:32:00.000-08:002010-01-27T08:53:32.300-08:00Siberian Tiger, CE ( critically endangered)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1J1yGW5ajMTORn805IQEQYnM_HcXXD_a8rHDOR9vmKRU_Z7gvswlxkpRvxM9raLMUt5od2wajLl1Scr4_mbpShtEU3xWPAEqXduqqUK-Fk2IPfhjRgVaryzp3W-sJlFWe_P-FJKAS6ah/s1600-h/GR7F2877.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1J1yGW5ajMTORn805IQEQYnM_HcXXD_a8rHDOR9vmKRU_Z7gvswlxkpRvxM9raLMUt5od2wajLl1Scr4_mbpShtEU3xWPAEqXduqqUK-Fk2IPfhjRgVaryzp3W-sJlFWe_P-FJKAS6ah/s400/GR7F2877.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431459212628375250" /></a><br />Siberian Tiger<br />Panthera tigris ssp. Altaica<br />CE (critically endangered)<br />photograph by Bruce Mathews<br />11"x7"x6"<br />mixed media sculpture, painted hand stitched and beaded leather<br /><br />Historically the Siberian tiger, ( reverently called "Amba", Great Sovereign, by the Udege people of Russian Far East) inhabited the Korean peninsula, Manchuria, and the Russian Far East. There were thought to be between six hundred and eight hundred tigers in the Russian Far East prior to economic development of the area. By 1940 this estimate dropped drastically to no more than thirty with an unknown number in China and Korea. Approximately two hundred and fifty mature individuals live in the Russian Far East currently but the numbers are declining. Only twenty percent of this declining population can be found within the supposed safe havens of three small reserves.<br /><br />The Siberian tiger can live to be fifteen years old in the wild and possibly to twenty if kept in a zoo. Males can weigh as much as 660 pounds and be almost eleven feet long. Females will weigh between 200 to 370 pounds and be eight and one half feet long. Their orange colouring is paler than other tigers of the world and their stripes are brown instead of black. In the winter their hair can grow to be as long as twenty-one inches, helping insulate them from frigid winter temperatures. Tigers live a solitary life for the most part. After a gestation period of approximately 110 days, a female will give birth to a litter of two to three cubs, though this number can range from one to six cubs. The Siberian tiger's diet typically consists of red deer and wild boar. Their habitat is mixed pine and broadleaf forest.<br /><br />Humans are the predators of the Siberian tiger. In the early 1900s the building of the Chinese Eastern Railway aided in the slaughter of the tiger in Manchuria. Poaching continues to this day, in spite of it being against the law, because of unstable economic conditions, the demand for hides and body parts for traditional Chinese medicine. Commercial logging within the dense forests of the Russian Far East and the subsequent development of the cleared land has reduced the tiger's habitat. Humans hunting red deer and wild boar make it difficult for tigers to exist on their traditional diet, forcing them to range into open grasslands to kill cattle for food.<br /><br />Captive breeding of Siberian tigers within zoos worldwide has been quite successful and their existence in captivity is considered secure. The same can not be said of their existence in the wild.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-85497604785953744462010-01-16T14:26:00.002-08:002010-01-16T14:49:35.093-08:00San Cristobal y Elian Gonzalez<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYVpAM2Se7vnAsp2J0zDqfaP1cqys3txg1EQCr513f7sWL1NPlHEPqB8jTGm4x0FEERzw8ZgehY_YkYN_zJHZEu1sdoHJJKLa4DEYX_rf6enmouLqsTU2diXOmuHaKQECa8Q-GIaRzE5_/s1600-h/kelly+johnson+17.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 272px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYVpAM2Se7vnAsp2J0zDqfaP1cqys3txg1EQCr513f7sWL1NPlHEPqB8jTGm4x0FEERzw8ZgehY_YkYN_zJHZEu1sdoHJJKLa4DEYX_rf6enmouLqsTU2diXOmuHaKQECa8Q-GIaRzE5_/s400/kelly+johnson+17.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427469354080944578" /></a><br />San Cristobal y Elian Gonzalez<br />created in 2000<br />20"x16"x12"<br />photograph by E. G. Shempf<br />mixed media and fiber, hand sewn and beaded<br /><br />San Cristobal ( St. Christopher )<br />Patron of travelers, invoked against nightmares, peril from water, plague and tempests<br />Feast Day: 25 July<br />?third century<br /><br />The only known fact about Christopher is that he was martyred in Asia Minor. A church in Bithynia, now northern Turkey, was dedicated to him in c.450. The rest is legend.<br /><br />Offero, his birth name, was a man colossal in stature. He wished to serve the most powerful king in the world. A follower of Satan until a hermit wearing a crucifix, teaching Christianity, drew him away. Offero was assigned the task of living near a river and carrying people across. One stormy night a small child asked Offero to carry him on his shoulder across the raging waters. The child grew heavier and heavier as Offero reached the far shore. Upon arriving safely on the other side, the child revealed himself as Christ. He gave Offero the name Christopher ("Christophoros" in Greek means Christ bearer) and told him that he had just born the weight of the world on his shoulder. Christopher planted his staff by the side of the river where it instantly became a palm tree. He then set out to preach the gospel in Lycia, in Asia Minor. In Lycia, Christopher was arrested for refusing to sacrifice to Roman gods. After spending time in prison, he was condemned to death and beheaded. It is believed that anyone who sees an image of the saint will not die on that day. Christopher is usually depicted holding the Christ Child and often a staff and is sometimes depicted wading in water.<br /><br />It occurred to me that it must have been Christopher that helped Elian Gonzalez cross the "river" to the shores of Florida.<br /><br />Christopher is dressed in a Baroque manner and wears a silk Cuban cigar band around his waist. Elian is depicted with a square halo since he is alive. A cross is planted on the shore to memorialize Elian's mother, Elisabeth Brotons. The globe that I fashioned has only Florida and Cuba. The maps and text came from an 1890s encyclopedia. Although these words were written over one hundred years ago, oddly they sound quite current. May pins are located at the spots Christopher picked up Elian and placed him. In Christopher's left hand is a safe passage key.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-19019598384787290382010-01-16T14:26:00.001-08:002010-01-16T14:26:43.251-08:00San Cristobal yKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-36968774576669858352010-01-12T19:13:00.000-08:002010-01-12T19:42:21.454-08:00Thylacine, EX ( extinct )<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPImDWsw3K6qrOmHfA9I7un2pUAiuIqP4rfzC_LK4PfD7_CPwKrCsuMsmo5c5zU7fLplSo_9vmLFt7P9VIFzJM_b47mSfNwWBSOvztFJ_qotv-fzQKMhYqeMaiDSPHnd1uslls7_QMDfN/s1600-h/GR7F2887.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPImDWsw3K6qrOmHfA9I7un2pUAiuIqP4rfzC_LK4PfD7_CPwKrCsuMsmo5c5zU7fLplSo_9vmLFt7P9VIFzJM_b47mSfNwWBSOvztFJ_qotv-fzQKMhYqeMaiDSPHnd1uslls7_QMDfN/s400/GR7F2887.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426058292631481506" /></a><br /><br />Thylacine<br />Thylacinus cynocephalus (pouched dog with a wolf head)<br />EX (extinct)<br /><br />12"x6"x7" <br />mixed media sculpture, painted, hand stitched and beaded leather<br /><br />April 1930<br />EW (extinct in the wild)<br />Last confirmed Thylacine in the wild was killed<br /><br />7 September 1936<br />EX ( extinct)<br />Last Thylacine died in Hobart Zoo, Tasmania due to human neglect<br /><br />A prehistoric survivor, the Thylacine, thought to have evolved over thirty million years ago, was the largest marsupial predator to have survived into historic times. Its historic habitat included the entire mainland of Australia and New Guinea, as well as Tasmania. With the introduction of dingos and dogs, both alien species, to Australia and New Guinea, Thylacines had competitors for prey. This competition caused the Thylacine to die out in these locations leaving them one last island on which to survive. Until the arrival of European settlers with their sheep.<br /><br />Mistakenly called Tasmanian Wolf ( because it was wolf-like in shape) and Tasmanian Tiger ( because of its stripes) this hapless creature did not have a chance of survival against humans. Thylacines, nocturnal hunters, were at the top of the food chain on the island, preying on kangaroos, wallabies, small mammals, and birds. Unfortunately humans got it into their thick heads that Thylacines were sheep eating machines. Thylacine's habitat on Tasmania was in open gum forest and grassy meadows, never in the dense rain forest of the western mountains. Their lairs were in rocky outcroppings. As an adult, the Thylacine, would weigh approximately 65 pounds (German Shepherd dog size). A female carried her litter of two or three joeys in a backward facing pouch.<br /><br />Van Dieman's Land Company was the largest of the wool growing operations to move to the island of Tasmania. Gum forests were logged, converting the land into pastures. Sheep were brought to Tasmania in 1824. They were settled into these newly converted pastures as well as the native grassy lowlands and savannah areas, forcing the Thylacines out of their native habitat.<br /><br />Because of the ill-conceived notion that Thylacines were vicious livestock killers, the Van Dieman Land Company put a bounty out on Thylacine carcasses. The government also paid a bounty on each scalp that was brought in. From 1830 to 1909 thousands of Thylacines were killed. Their hides shipped to London to be made into waistcoats. In 1909 the government quit paying bounties.<br /><br />By 1909 it was rare to see a Thylacine and the prices paid by zoos for live specimens rose. Trappers now tried to keep the Thylacines alive if they caught one. It is believed that this last Thylacine was captured along with two siblings and mother by a trapper, Walter Mullins, and sold to the Hobart Zoo in 1924. The mother did not survive very long in captivity and the siblings died during the early 1930s.<br /><br />The story of the incarcerated animals in Hobart Zoo beginning in 1930 is a sad tale. If you want to know the whole story, I suggest you read Robert Paddle's account in his book, The Last Tasmanian Tiger, pg 174-195. The last Thylacine, a female, died because of human neglect. Temperatures in her concrete floored cage during the month of September varied from 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the day to below freezing at night for almost two weeks. One lone deciduous tree outside her cage had lost its leaves offering no shade during the day. The door into her den was bolted offering no escape from the bitterly cold nights.<br /><br />The last Thylacine died during the night of 7 September 1936 unprotected and exposed to the elements.<br /><br />On a final note, the zoos Bengal Tiger died on 24 July 1936, also a victim of neglect. The pair of lions survived another year until the zoo was closed on 25 November 1937. No buyer could be found for the lions so they were shot.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-79312695826369475952010-01-06T04:36:00.000-08:002010-01-06T05:09:24.243-08:00Steller Sea Lion, endangered<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ek9vMn-tUP8-x79pDphdEFZ9Jtg2kXwDy3JtAgyG82ByzBAAnqbnbazwewojV-TKORJMjJ-dCCZ2b0qftqIMau1OzSO4NRb2H1-u-1rSN3IvF9XXU-lwXXQcZls-CgoXl-NZ27_Qjxi3/s1600-h/GR7F2902.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ek9vMn-tUP8-x79pDphdEFZ9Jtg2kXwDy3JtAgyG82ByzBAAnqbnbazwewojV-TKORJMjJ-dCCZ2b0qftqIMau1OzSO4NRb2H1-u-1rSN3IvF9XXU-lwXXQcZls-CgoXl-NZ27_Qjxi3/s400/GR7F2902.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423606049148090866" /></a><br />Steller Sea Lion<br />Eumetopias jubatus<br /> EN (Endangered)<br />mixed media sculpture, painted and stitched leather<br />12"x7"x8"<br /><br />George Wilhelm Steller, a German naturalist, accompanied Vitus Bering, a Russian explorer, on his second Alaskan expedition in 1741. Mr. Steller was the first qualified observer to study and classify these northern sea lions. Thus the name Steller Sea Lion.<br /><br />The world population is divided into two groups, the western stock and the eastern stock. This division occurs at 144 degrees W longitude (Cape Suckling) just east of Prince William Sound, Alaska. The western stock can be found in the North Pacific Ocean from northern Hokkaido, Japan through the Kuril Islands, Okhotsk Sea, Commander Islands in Russia, the Aleutian Islands and central Bering Sea. The eastern stock live off the southern coast of Alaska and south to the Channel Islands of California.<br /><br />Steller Sea Lions spend time on land on offshore islands. Some are called rookeries where the females and pups live. The other islands are called haul-offs. The rest of the time is spent in the water hunting for food. Their main diet is composed of a wide variety of fishes, squid, and octopus. Some of the most important prey species in Alaskan waters include walleye, pollock, Atka mackerel, Pacific herring, capelin, Pacific sand lance, Pacific cod, and salmon. These sea lions have rear flippers that can rotate to help them waddle on land and they have external ear flaps. Their lifespan can be as long as twenty-three years. Males can weigh up to 2,400 pounds and be ten to eleven feet long. Females can weigh about a thousand pounds less and be seven to nine feet long. Females give birth to a single pup after a year long gestation period. Native predators are killer whales ( orcas) and white sharks.<br /><br />Populations have dropped drastically within both the western and eastern stocks off the coast of Alaska and down the continental United States and Canada in the past thirty years. Exact reasons for the decline are not known but researchers believe that increased commercial fisheries are catching large numbers of the Steller Sea Lion prey. Drownings occur also when sea lions become entangled in the fishing nets. Pollock is the major prey fish consumed by the western stock. Current distribution of the Pollock fishery overlaps extensively with the distribution of foraging sea lions and their habitat. Commercial fishing for pollock within these waters increases during the fall and winter which further stresses the sea lions because their metabolic demands are greater at this time. Nursing females and young lean sea lions are most vulnerable during the harsh winter season. When Steller's have to swim further out to sea in search of food they are increasingly exposed to predation.<br /><br />The Eastern stock has its own tale of woe. Open sea salmon farm pens all along the Pacific coast are cropping up in sea lion habitat. Shortages of herring, hake, and pollock as a food source has driven the sea lions to invade the salmon nets. In the past, salmon farmers have shot and killed thousands of marine mammals, including Stellers. Thankfully now the Steller sea lion is protected under the Endangered Species Act though this act does nothing to slow the commercial fisheries invasion of the Steller sea lion habitat.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-38525031274363618232010-01-04T14:53:00.001-08:002010-01-04T15:19:24.752-08:00El Santo Nino de Atocha ( The Holy Child of Atocha )<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsIruW9vlYybaFRAKNz72GfBCulGs_rx5hznxQrXlLz_-gRez5KaCXJAlA1KumaKXtAUkd6j3vI3pHVbFSB1IS1DKbDM9ikiHXmFzcz0IndWXpgDsNxVkPZGC6UZO02xqh57ad0mNVAu-/s1600-h/kelly+johnson+7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsIruW9vlYybaFRAKNz72GfBCulGs_rx5hznxQrXlLz_-gRez5KaCXJAlA1KumaKXtAUkd6j3vI3pHVbFSB1IS1DKbDM9ikiHXmFzcz0IndWXpgDsNxVkPZGC6UZO02xqh57ad0mNVAu-/s400/kelly+johnson+7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423021905477418210" /></a><br />El Santo Nino de Atocha<br />The Holy Child of Atocha<br />created in 2000<br />31"x15"x11"<br /><br />Feast Day: 1 January<br />Patron of those unjustly imprisoned, protector of travelers and rescuer of people in danger<br /><br />According to legend, a child dressed as a pilgrim of the day, carrying a basket of fruit and a staff with a water gourd attached, visited the Christian prisoners of the Spanish city of Atocha during the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula (711-1492). Answering the prayers of loved ones, this child, Christ, took provisions to the prisoners who were forbidden to receive acts of mercy except from children. Miraculously after giving food and water to all of the prisoners, his basket and gourd were still full.<br />The Holy Child of Atocha is traditionally depicted in the pilgrim's robe and cape, brimmed hat with plume and St. James shell, and sandals. In one of his hands he holds a basket of flowers and in the other the pilgrim's staff with gourd. Usually the child is represented seated in an armed chair flanked by vases of flowers and is shown wearing shackles on his feet.<br />In my adaptation, the Holy Child is here to help Leonard Peltier who is imprisoned in the Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. For this job, he wears the traditional garb except exchanging his sandals for Lakota moccasins. The Holy Child carried a painted rawhide container. His staff represents a sundance pole with claws attached to use during the offering. Cloth pendants are tied to the botton of the staff honoring the four directions. The staff also suggests a ghost dance pole.<br />Behind the prison bars hang prayer ties filled with tobacco, feathers, and a Ghost Dance shirt. (Birds are regarded as bearers of messages between the spirit world and a man. They also act as protectors from injury. Feathers act as wings enabling dancers to escape the dying world below.)<br />Lying on the prison floor is a bundle with pebbles and a bullet casing attached. Pebbles are a powerful symbol in one of Leonard's dreams. I found the pebbles , bullet casing, feathers and porcupine quill in South Dakota.<br />Hanging on the wall is an image of the prison on an old postcard. Across it are Leonard's prison number. Below this to the right is an old calling card with the words, "Think of Me".<br />Lakota words, "Mitakuye Oyasin" translates "All my relations." "He Leads the People," "Gwarth-ee-las," and "Tate Wikawa" ( "Wind Chases the Sun") are all additional names for Leonard. The other writings on the wall were taken from Leonard's book "Prison Writings."<br /><br />Significant dates:<br />12 September 1944 Leonard's birth date<br />29 December 1890 Wounded Knee massacre<br />26 June 1975 Incident at Jumping Bull compound<br />6 February 1976 Leonard was arrested<br />1 June 1977 Sentence date<br />Year 2041 Scheduled release date<br /><br />Please read "Prison Writings, My Life is my Sundance" by Leonard Peltier, edited by Harvey Arden.<br /><br />Keep in mind that I wrote these words in the year 2000. Leonard Peltier is no longer incarcerated in Federal Penitentiary in Leavenworth, KS. He is in another facility in another state.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448437153499137672.post-50130169199121015062009-12-12T13:22:00.000-08:002009-12-12T14:06:44.160-08:00Ivory-billed Woodpecker<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CGaGoTyB4S5Ri_8JFF1P6D1UW9XBmJURmUpcnGcZ7O1d0dZrBpqTAPkDQsdjkdvyaH3NvUiwRZ7fauT78J5hU48enb3gP7Orbwy-QnYkPludqwcdS1vI8-M7K26nLsgN-yj1-dAnTpKm/s1600-h/GR7F2910.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CGaGoTyB4S5Ri_8JFF1P6D1UW9XBmJURmUpcnGcZ7O1d0dZrBpqTAPkDQsdjkdvyaH3NvUiwRZ7fauT78J5hU48enb3gP7Orbwy-QnYkPludqwcdS1vI8-M7K26nLsgN-yj1-dAnTpKm/s400/GR7F2910.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414465513509674498" /></a><br />Ivory-billed Woodpecker<br />13" x 6" x 9"<br />mixed media, hand painted, sewn and beaded leather, seated on wooden chair<br /><br />The two largest species of woodpeckers in the world, Imperial Woodpecker (20% larger than the Ivory-billed Woodpecker) are both all but extinct. The Imperial has not been definitively sighted since 1956 in its historic range, the Sierra Madres of northwestern Mexico. Logging of dead trees that host the beetles which are its primary food source and hunting have wiped out this majestic woodpecker. The Ivory-billed Woodpecker's tale could be just as tragic.<br /><br />Ivory-billed Woodpecker<br />Campephilus principalis<br />CR ( critically endangered)<br /><br />The Ivory-billed Woodpecker, two feet long from beak to tail, has a wingspan of two and one half feet. Its bill ( three inches long and one inch wide at the base), is used to scale bark off of freshly dead mature trees, with trunks up to three feet in diameter, in search of beetle grubs, their primary food source. This gigantic bill is also a tool used to excavate holes for nesting and roosting within these tree trunks. Ivory-billed Woodpecker's diet also consisted of persimmons, wild grapes, seeds from poison ivy and magnolia, and various berries. They are thought to pair for life and female will lay between one to four white eggs a year.<br /><br />Once the Ivory-billed Woodpecker could call home million and millions of acres of pristine bottomland hardwood forests within the Mississippi River Valley, vast swamps and river bottomland forests that stretched across the southern states down into Florida, as far west as eastern Texas and northward into the boot heel of Missouri, then eastward across southern Illinois, southern Indiana, and southern Ohio. The hardwood forests of Cuba were ( and possibly still are) the only other place in the world that the Ivory-billed Woodpecker inhabited.<br /><br />Of that vast contiguous forest across the southern United States only small scattered pockets of timber remain. Tiny sanctuaries possibly too tiny to sustain the feeding requirements of this large bird. Timber and agricultural industries still threaten the existence of their compromised range.<br /><br />If the Ivory-billed Woodpecker is extant and has adapted to these isolated habitats, we humans have been given a second chance at saving this species from extinction. Sightings of one woodpecker were made in February 2004 and October 2005 in eastern Arkansas. Intensive survey teams have scoured the Big Woods area, part of which is located in the White River National Wildlife Refuge, looking for the bird or signs of a nesting tree. Searches are also being conducted in the remaining forested mountains of Cuba where suitable habitat remains. The last confirmed sighting of an Ivory-billed Woodpecker in eastern Cuba was in 1987.<br /><br />I highly recommend reading The Race To Save The Lord God Bird by Phillip Hoose from cover to cover.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376408610318291367noreply@blogger.com0