Author Archives: Old as Dirt & Proud of It!

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About Old as Dirt & Proud of It!

Welcome to Older Than Dirt, and Proud of It by Karen Samenow. I named my blog Older Than Dirt because that's where I am in life. You may find art or music, or inspiration included because, I'm an artist, a spiritual medium, and I'm always learning more and exploring. I hope you find us interesting. My focus for this blog is to bring a little levity to well seasoned women. Sometimes it actually may help!
Aug15

Why Ecuador is, “Home”

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I loved the passion with which this blog was written, and wanted to pass along his to my bloggers. It is my hope that you enjoy this description of how we could be living in a different kind of society. Enjoy!

johnandmarylivingitupinecuador's avatarLiving It Up in Ecuador

Mary and I have lived in Ecuador now for almost four years. We’re to the point where we almost feel like foreigners when we travel to the United States to visit family. On our recent trip to Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida we were asked many times if we felt more “at home” in the United States or in Ecuador. Without hesitation Mary and I both answered, “Ecuador!”

But, how can that be? What is it about living in Ecuador that so appeals to us?

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Yesterday morning I was talking with a friend named Ken about this very subject. He said that he tells people that it is impossible to describe the feeling of living here and that one must come and experience the feeling themselves. That is probably true, but we thought that we would try to do the impossible and tell you what it feels like to live in our…

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Aug14

Flippin’ Friday

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Camelian named Phoenix

Chameleon named Phoenix

One of the newest additions to my Grandson, Connor’s personal zoo is his chameleon named Phoenix.  At first Phoenix was defensive, and everyone was afraid to touch him, or pick him up.  So, my daughter went to the reptile store, and asked about the behavior, and how to work with this kind of creature.  Once they found out how to interact with Phoenix, everything has been clear sailing…..so to speak.  He is now getting to know the family, and is less frightened to see a big hand coming into his terrarium.

 

To be named

To be named

The next little creature that has come into our lives is a Blood Python who lives very close to my home.  My son adopted him, and he has the sweetest personality.   Very docile, and at only 8 months old is still small.  He has beautiful markings, and is much fun to interact with.

This snake although a python, will not get large like most pythons.  Maybe five or six feet.  He’s more of a stocky pencil than a green bean.  Stay tunes for more about the Zoo we have going on in our family.

Well that’s it for the week everyone.  I’ve been so busy with back to school, and a few other obligations that I even forgot to post on Tuesday of this week.  My apologies, but things happen from time to time, and it is never my intention to not post.  It’s just a matter of a little balancing, or juggling problem…….with my time!

Aug13

Thursday Time Out For Art

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Summer Abstract

Summer Abstract

This little watercolor painting is something I was inspired to paint when I visited an old  friend.  She had picked some roses, and a few other things, dropped them on the top of her BBQ, and proceeded to do something else.  Once I noticed them, I couldn’t help but paint them.  They spoke to me for some strange reason.

Not long ago, I decided to  fill in some of the empty spaces with doodles.  First it was doodles with a fine point pen, then it was decided to use a paint pen.

Some of the most fun I have is doing something without pressure, and simply mindless!  This is one of those times.

Inspiration for creativity is provided by Zebra Designs & Destinations.

 

Aug6

Thursday Time Out For Art

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Lady in a hat.

Lady in a hat.

Did you ever just start fooling around with an idea, and it turned out totally opposite of what you had planned?  That is exactly what happened to me.  I started with a 1/4 sheet of Yupo paper, and coated one side with clear matt medium.  The matt medium coats the surface of Yupo which is actually a plastic sheet, not paper at all.  I tried painting on it when I worked with water colors, and never could get it to where I loved using it.  So why not try it with acrylics?  Everyone said, coat it with a medium so the acrylic paint will stick.  In reality I coated a plastic sheet with a plastic medium.  I’m not really sure why I had to do that.

Now that the Yupo is coated,  eliminating the spontaneity of the clean plastic surface.  I shot myself in the foot that time.  Would this really stick better with a coating of medium, maybe but I haven’t tested the uncoated Yupo to find out.

Before I knew what was happening…….I sketched out a lady on a couch.

What was I thinking?

Someone has to keep an eye on me because I keep slipping back into reality.  Isn’t it bad enough we have to live in reality, now I have to spend all my creative time in reality also!  I do not like to paint realism, that’s what cameras are for.  I like to live, and paint in an abstract world.

Think abstract, breathe abstract, and paint abstract!  

It’s interesting how you think your going one direction, and the next thing you know you’ve made a severe right turn, and there it is…….

something least expected!

Thursday Time Out For Art is sponsored by Zebra  Designs & Destinations.  Check them out, and the journey they are taking that is filled with ideas, adventures, and art.