Thursday, March 26, 2009

Family Talents and Earth Hour 2009


I thought I'd do something special this post and showcase some of the many talents of my family. My upcoming trip to China has not only made me think of my own mortality, with my obsession with plane crashes and dying but also the mortality of the ones I hold dear. Sometimes I think we all take for granted the ones closest to us, this is just a way of paying tribute to and showing how much I appreciate them and what they have accomplished.

The image above is an Icon my wife is working on. It is called "The Holy Trinity" based on the Icon written by Andrei Rublev in the early 1400's. Right now it is in the "chaos stage" with some of the garments having the first highlight applied. When this icon is completed Cathy will have spent several hundred hours of work on it.


My oldest daughter Amanda, photographed what I like to call "Mediterranean Moon". This image was taken in Barcelona a few years ago. Amanda is a talented photographer who still loves using actual film, although she now owns and uses a Nikon D200, the above image was taken with a Nikon FA. The composition is great, I love how the Moonlight reflects off the Mediterranean Sea, plus it has palm tress in it, I love palm trees.


Last but not least is a work done by my youngest daughter Lindsay, the one that is getting married June 20th of this year. It is a Wolf done using the technique of Scratchboard. Using sharp tools you carve into a layer of white china coated with black India ink, very cool.



This coming Saturday March 28 at 8:30-9:30 pm local time is this year's "Earth Hour". On March 28 you can vote Earth by switching off your lights for one hour, or you can vote for global warming by not, your choice, let your voice be heard, vote Earth.

One billion votes is the goal this year, the vote will be presented at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen December of this year. The meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, this agreement will replace the Kyoto Accord, the most significant international agreement to control green house emissions as the Kyoto Accord expires in 2012.

I will be voting Earth as well as the mall I work at. We are turning off, for that hour all non-essential lighting, actually our local Astronomy club, weather permitting will be setting up some scopes outside one of the mall entrances, kind of grouping Earth Hour and The International Year of Astronomy together for the hour, I will be taking pics and posting on a later post.

I'll leave you now with an animated "Mediterranean Moon". I like this animation so much I am going to place it on my sidebar, actually I will be posting another from one of my readers, so if you have anything you would like to animate and post on my sidebar, send it in to me. I will be rotating the spot for the readers regularly, so send one in.


59 comments:

Don said...

I am amazed that one family has all that talent! Every work of art you showed is exactly that: a work of art!!

The care in every detail sets your children, wife and you apart from the rest of us mortals.

We are definitely switching off the power during the Earth hour. I hope the little chicks can cuddle up!!

myonlyphoto said...

Bob you are not going to die, I think God send you here for reason, you are doing so much good stuff.

About your wife Icon, even though it is in the chaos state in your opinion, it really looks good, and I think it looks better than the one done in our church.

Amanda is great photographer, she should have a blog too. I am speachless about the photo.

Oh and Lindsay, wow a true artist.

So Bob, is there something you want to paint for us too, lol. Looks like the girls got mom's talents, and yours too now that I think about all the moon photos.

Excellent post, and way to go with Earth Hour. I have no choice to sit in the dark as it is exactly Matthew's feeding time, lol, so both of us will be observing the holy earth hour. My husband, will be itching to watch the Hockey Night in Canada, lol.

Bob you are the best, and I am sure your China trip will be fun. Are you taking your wife with you?

Anna :)

Ivanhoe said...

You have some seriously talented ladies around :o)
Reflections are really good for your soul, but do not worry about any plane crash - not gonna happen to you ;o)

Moonshadow said...

You have some serisouly talented women in your life, Bob. How lucky are you!

Got my Earth Hour widget posted. Nothing going on locally. I'm really rather surprised, since we DO have a huge telescope not far from where we live, at Lafe Afton.

Bob Johnson said...

Not bad hey Don, thanks, Hopefully it will be a warm enough day for the chicks, take pictures,lol.\m/\m/

Bob Johnson said...

Lol, Anna, you know deep down I know we're not going down, maybe the gravol I purchased will help,lol.

I just found out it is an eleven and a half hour trip to China, from Vancouver, then 2 hours as well from Saskatoon to Vancouver, at least they are non-stop, one good thing.

Cathy is going on a major trip to Italy next year with a friend of hers, if we had lots and lots of money she would go on this trip as well.

Great you are voting Earth Anna even with the hockey game on,lol.\m/\m/

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks Ivanhoe, I'm sure everything will be okay, just found out the flights are at least non-stop, helps a little, should be a great time once I'm there.\m/\m/

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks and cool Moonshadow about the large telescope, have you ever gone to it? Maybe they do have something but haven't advertised, perfect opportunity for something like astronomy with less lights.\m/\m/

Amy Lilley Designs said...

What a talented family you are...BRIGHT SHINING STARS!!!!

all the best,
Amy

Stephanie Barr said...

Coolness. By a strange coincidence, I was showcasing my progeny's (photographic) talent today. You have some very talented family, so you don't stick out like a sore thumb any more. :)

I'll be voting.

Jackie said...

You are a very special and dear man. I always knew this anyway. This post just reaffirms that I was correct.

Wow your wife and your daughter's work is just incredible.

This was a very very thoughtful thing to do.

And I am sure you will be fine flying. LOL...you take all of those space shots and you're afraid to fly?

I understand. I am almost in a state of total lack of consciousness from sedation by the time I actually board a flight.

I do so hope you will have a wonderful time. Oh my China how thrilling!!

My entire crew just left yesterday for Northern Ireland and then they are headed to Italy come next Fall.

It is very scary when so many that you love are all on one flight together.

Oh yes did I mention that I wasn't invited? I will be here in Oklahoma....hummm?????

I really must check on this now that the thought came to mind.

A wonderful post Bob and I am in awe of your wife's talent and patience!!

Jackie:-)

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks so much Amy, and thanks for dropping by.\m/\m/

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks Stephanie, I just read your post, you do have some cute and talented children as well. Great that you'll be voting for Earth.\m/\m/

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks a lot Jackie, lol, it does seem kind of strange that I would like space but not flying, I think flying is cool, you are up high and going fast, it is the falling fast to the ground I hate,lol.\m/\m/

Marvin said...

Wow, what a talented family you have! I like the palm trees also.

Marvin said...

And I hope you are not traveling through Franz Kafka International Airport. Or you will never get to China.

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks Marvin, No stops at the Franz Kafka International Airport, but I do love their uniforms,lol.\m/\m/

Anonymous said...

You've got a fantastic talented family Bob, so much to be proud of.

And hey, relax, you'll be fine. The trip will be fun and your fear will be gone!

Ruth said...

Don't forget my meditation while you're flying, Bob. The plane is inside you and you are flying. Just don't let your arms get tired, float on those currents.

Your wife and daughters, wow. Impressive individually, and all in one family - not fair! There is talent in my family like that too though, so I can relate.

So glad you posted about Earth Hour too, so fun to participate together.

And your daughter's photo with the high contrasts looks awesome animated!! Wow. It reminds me of Egypt.

Daisy said...

Gosh, your whole family is so talented!

Anonymous said...

Hey Bob, You and your family have the gift for working with photography and imagery. I really enjoy your site and the information your send our way. I will vote for Earth - it will be a good time to get out the telescope and watch the heavens.

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks Priyank, China will be something to look forward to so much that I think that alone will make the flying more doable.\m/\m/

Bob Johnson said...

Lol Ruth, seriously I am going to try that, if it works I'll be sure to mention it on my first post over there. Yes you do have a very talented family as well Ruth, it's cool to see how each family member has their very own special talents isn't it?\m/\m/

Bob Johnson said...

Hi Daisy, and thanks for the nice comment.\m/\m/

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks so much Mike. Our local RASC club will be set up, along with me and my scope at one on my mall's front entrances for both Earth hour and a special IYA 2009 event, should be good, I will be taking lots of pics, weather permitting, so far forecast is looking good.\m/\m/

Anonymous said...

I am here to vote for earth. Take a look at mine http://www.winziph.co.cc/2009/03/pilipinas-earh-hour.html

Swubird said...

Bob:

Great post. Love the Icon, the Mediterranean Moon and the scratch board. My daughter did one of those scratch board things several years ago. Her subject was a cat, and we still have it hanging on the wall.

The moon over the Med looks just like a scene I saw in Beirut, Lebanon. It must be the palms. It's a beautiful place. Too bad about all the trouble. I was also in Barcelona. Incredibly interesting places.

Two thumbs up for Earth Hour.

Happy trails.

Anonymous said...

Wow, thank you for sharing the talents of your family. I, like everyone else here, am amazed by all your unique talents. It is really amazing to me.

We'll be voting for the earth hour.

kml said...

How talented your family is, Bob - and with very unique mediums too. Each one is so beautiful - and your pride and love for your family is obvious.

About those palm trees - they are one of my favorites too.

You have too many moon photos and animations awaiting you in the coming years, Bob - you will be safe on your plane trip. But sometimes I think that thinking about these things is good - your tribute to your family is beautiful!

Bob Johnson said...

That's great Winziph, I will be over.\m/\m/

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks swubird, I'd like to go to Barcelona someday, first China,lol. Another vote for Earth, great job!!

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks betchai, and thanks for voting Earth!!\m/\m/

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks so much Kathy, I am very lucky to have what has been given me, I am very proud.\m/\m/

Winziph said...

Extending my appreciation to all who supports earth hour especially with my Filipino Kababayan, Pilipinas Earth Hour

http://www.winziph.co.cc/2009/03/pilipinas-earh-hour.html

Mike said...

Hey Bob - I wanted to drop another comment to let you know how much I appreciate your find site and the good content you offer. As of 4/1/09, I will be dropping the Entercard program as it is being banned by my hosting company. I am bookmarking your site so I can continue to visit and stay in touch with you.

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks Winziph, we all will try to do our part.\m/\m/

Bob Johnson said...

Hi Mike too bad , I have bookmarked your site as well and will continue to drop in.\m/\m/

iceah said...

I love the picture of the moon so lovely c:

Livingsword said...

Hi Bob!

I lovvvve the icon! What an excellent project! I own several icons from Greece and Russia purchase while on vacation etc and they are amazing pieces of art…I love the colours…I have to admit I do wonder at the misconceptions people get about the Triunity of God thru artistic representations…and also from metaphors…

Very cool palm trees! I really like this image…they almost look frosty!

Gorgeous wolf! Another very challenging form of art very well done!

You must be so very proud of all three of them! Just as I am sure they are of you who is also no slouch in the creativity department!

Interestingly I considered writing about Earth Hour at Creation on the Blade but let it pass…we did turn off all of our lights and just had a small CD player going…you can have a lot of fun in the dark…
:)

I am not a fan of the Kyoto Accord as I believe it is a very bad deal however I am a very strong proponent for helping our environment and blog about it often at Creation on the Blade along with nature and animal stories…I would love to get your input on this recent post of mine:

http://creationontheblade.blogspot.com/2009/03/serenity-on-string.html

(thanks for the tacky product placement :)

I really enjoyed the free access pass you have provided with this post…nice to see what is going on behind the scenes of the life of a celebrity blogger…

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks iceah, and thanks for dropping by.\m/\m/

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks Livingsword. My wife is the icon expert, we are evangelical Free Methodist but my wife appreciates the symbolism of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Lol about having fun in the dark, hey I had a great time at my mall, we had tons of people looking through scopes at Saturn and the Crescent Moon, my mall turned off the lights for the parking lot affording us great dark skies, we celebrated the International Year of Astronomy and Earth hour all in one night.

Yes the accord isn't the best, that's why they are looking at doing something different next time.

Lol,I will take a look at your tacky product placement and provide my input later,lol.

Thanks for dropping by Livingsword.\m/\m/

1st Lady said...

You always WOW me!

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks a lot 1st Lady.\m/\m/

Astro-Nuts said...

Very talented family Bob. I knew a little of the things you mentioned but hadn't really seen any of the work, other than yours. Thanks for sharing.

AngelBaby said...

Wow, talk about a talented family. You and your family are really talented. I am so impressed. These works of art are amazing and so beautiful. I would be willing to bet that your children are really talented too. I love the art here is is really wonderful. Thank you for sharing this.

I joined in on the Earth Hour. Yeah!

You have to stop saying you are going to die, just stop it. You are going to be just fine and have a wonderful time.

Love and Blessings,
AngelBaby

Genie said...

Oh! I look forward to reading (and seeing) about how Earth Hour went at the mall!

I love that scratchboard, I'm quite fond of that technique and while I've spent very little on art over the years, I did buy a scratchboard piece that I just couldn't live without.

Your wife's icon is absolutely amazing, so richly colored and beautifully designed. I'd never have known it wasn't finished if you hadn't said so. Whew! What an artist!

And, yeah, that Mediterranean Moon shot is pretty awesome. I'd have missed the reflection on the water if you hadn't mentioned it. That's so cool!

Sher said...

You have such a talented family!! Thanks so much sharing...I love the icon your wife is painting...that's a very difficult and exacting art. Hers will be beautiful--it already is!

Have a great day,
Sher :0)

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks Colin, I do have quite the diversity of talents in the family.\m/\m/

Bob Johnson said...

Great you joined Earth Hour, I probably should let the dieing part go, it does help talking about it though,lol.\m/\m/

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks Genie, Earth Hour went really good, will be posting about it with lots of pics next post.\m/\m/

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks Sher, I thought it was finished, then she showed me what it will look like when it is finished, wow, I will post a before and after shot when It is.\m/\m/

Max Coutinho said...

Hey Bob,

So true: we often do take our dear ones for granted (but every once in a while we do have a reality check, don't we?).

Your wife restores art works? That is so amazing!! :)
This icon is very pretty (well, most icons are).

Your daughter's photo is gorgeous indeed! Some photographers still prefer using film (sometimes I find it more romantic as well).

Lindsay is talented! Look at that amazing art-work!! It is beautiful!

You have a very artistic family, Bob :D! You must be proud!

About switching off the light, last Saturday...Portugal (as a whole) didn't because our national soccer team was playing at that time *nodding*! However my neighbourhood did...(except my father who went to his room and turned on the TV so that he could watch the match, in the dark for one hour *nodding*).

Have a great week, Lord of the Astropics!

Cheers

Cruiselife & Co said...

Amazing talent you have in one household. Like you, I share some of the same passions with my Dad.

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks Max, I am very proud.

My wife doesn't restore, she starts from scratch, that is the amazing thing, there are so many coats of paint to put on yet and the Halos are actually gold leaf, the gold represents Sanctity, purity, the radiance of heaven , ect, many hours of work left before completion, I saw the finished product in a book and it looks very cool.

We had a great Earth Hour here, lots of lights were turned off city wide, but we didn't have any soccer games to contend with,lol.

Thanks for dropping by Max and have a great week.\m/\m/

Bob Johnson said...

Thanks a lot Dr. Lauren, cool when you share the same passions as a family member.\m/\m/

Nature Nut /JJ Loch said...

Bob, what an AMAZING family you have!!! Loooove all the images!!! You are truly blessed.

Jeff and I loved Earth hour so much we decided to continue it. The peace and quiet was GREAT.

Hugs, JJ

Cashmere said...

wow... your whole family is talented and cool.. Amazing.. They must have your genes..;P

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