Introducing Bodhi…

Bodhi ~ born 23rd November 2015

My daughter’s latest artistic creation and my newest grandchild ~ a very welcome distraction.

Sonja & Bella: Beautiful Christmas Fairies.

May you and yours share a wonderful Christmas Time and may 2016 bring you not only what you need, but also, at least one thing you dream of…

@FrancesMForde  #FrancesMacForde  #XmasWishes  #ChristmasTime  #Santa&Bodhi  #ManInARedSuit  #Happy2016  #HappyChristmas  #ARTIST:JessicaMcCallum

 

 

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POEM: Umbrella Sea

Concept drawing from ‘Raincheck’ Exhibition © Jessica McCallum 2010.

Umbrella Sea

I look down

umbrella sea

snaking between

shiny metal towers

separate

still me

 

a strong wind

searching for red

among the grey

pushing risk

frisking

steering

toward decision

 

do I leap

air-dance Nike-like

raindrop  steps

merge the blue  

sky-reach

take a chance

with you

 

I am Luke

sky walker

sweet talker

calculated

risk taker

love maker

 

potential heart beaker

 

Frances Macaulay Forde © 2010

#FrancesMForde  #FrancesMacForde  #POEM:UmbrellaSea  #ARTIST:JessicaMcCallum  #EXHIB:Raincheck  #Poem  #Umbrella  #Love  #Heartbreak

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Art as the Spark: Bohemia 2

“Bohemia” by Jessica McCallum

 

Some artwork inspires more than one poem; I’ve already shared the poem published with this painting at my daughter Jessica McCallum‘s exhibition in 2011, but thought you might like to read another one of a few:

BOHEMIA

This is not a painted tapestry

display of exotic influences…

Every prick was welcomed!

Each permanent plunge

through tender tattooed skin

as hearts and flowers fruit and scab,

every coloured defiant stab of free

expression – indelible statements

individually signalling two fingers

smoking satisfaction swirling, up.

 

Frances Macaulay Forde © 2011

#FrancesMacaulayForde  #JessicaMcCallumARTIST  #POEM:Bohemia

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Race Day.

My daughter Jessica McCallum was commissioned to design and make a one-off head piece for her friend Judith in Melbourne – which arrived just in time!

Judith (aka The Adventures of a Voucher Vixen) agreed to the use her photos showing how happy she was with her hat – and just how gorgeous she and the dashing Alister looked!

For all readers who aren’t Australian, yesterday was the day of the great race – the Melbourne Cup.

It’s a day when if they can’t get the day off work, many take a ‘sickie’.  Businesses organize lunches with Sweepstakes, Best Hat or Outfits and a bit of a ‘flutter’ at the TAB, champagne flows with nibbles and no work.  So I don’t understand why it isn’t a Public Holiday!

As is our usual habit, each year, my sister-in-law organised a table at a local Tavern for lunch and a bit of a flutter – the only time I ever gamble.  We enjoyed free champagne, live music, sweepstakes and a delicious lunch all wearing the appropriate head-wear, while judging everyone else’s.

Jessica’s 40’s style original.

My daughter wore one of her own designs and our friend Ann made her own version with mementos and gift ribbons.  The lady from the next table was so impressed she urged Ann to stand up and be judged for the ‘Best Hat’ competition.

Definitely the loudest table, No 32 behind us, kept booing winners and shouting their’s was the best hat etc started to upset the judge.  He sarcastically offered a prize for the best personality (if they’d just shut up and let him get on) but it didn’t deter them!

Ann’s ‘gift’ hat.

The BEST HAT winners were two ladies wearing their primary school daughter’s efforts; both wide sweeping paper brims with color splashed all over and a guy with a ridiculous crocheted bean-ey with plaits in his football team colours.  The competition obviously judged on the most novel…  AND they gave No 32 a bottle of booze anyway!

It was lovely to see so many ladies dressed up to the nines, gorgeous frocks and hats and even men in suits.  Though I have to say I was a little disappointed that some men came too casually dressed for their partners.

The race was exciting and my niece Ashleigh, newly arrived from Canada that morning, won 1st prize in the sweepstakes with the winner “Protectionist”.

Unfortunately, while checking out my photos later, I learned two horses died after the race.  The favorite led most of the way until he hit trouble toward the end of the race. finishing well behind the others.  He collapsed and died when taken back to his stall.  The other horse was spooked by an excited spectator and crashed into a barrier, breaking a leg and had to be euthanaised.  So sad.

Suddenly, the whole idea of horse racing took on dark and malevolent overtones.   Animal Rights people have now made me rethink the day…

 

#FrancesMacaulayForde  #ARTIST:JessicaMcCallum  #JessicaMcCallum  #2014MelbourneCup  #AdventuresOfAVoucherVixen  #Horseracing  #Fascinators  #RaceDayHats  #Fashion

 

 

 

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Kept

For those who didn’t go to Jessica McCallum’s linked pages in yesterday’s post, I thought I would share the other poem written to her second painting in the set.

 

KEPT

Here I am, waiting for your touch,

pulling down the sun – shouting

screaming to be heard above

white noise; direct lines dedicated,

servers on your world wide web.

I feel the electric zings tingling

finger tips to toes, turn my cheek

expecting the slap as you run away…

Frances Macaulay Forde © 2009

#FrancesMacaulayForde    #ARTISTJessicaMcCallum   #POEM:Kept  #ArtAsTheSpark  #JessicaMcCallum  #Love  #HoldingLove  #Poems  #LovePoem

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Finally…

Here I am – back, bigger (larger C drive) and hopefully better!

Still testing, but I’m sitting at my keyboard, and feeling good!

Thanks to all those who checked in while I was ‘away’ or wished me luck.

I’ve made loads of notes for postings to make up for the last 11 days…

Meantime another poem written to my daughter’s art.

KEEP

It takes all my strength to pull this life to me,

To claw and tear my way from one day to another

Not counting, just tearing one more here in the glow

of the sun suffocated by rays of light and warmth

holding tight to ties that bind. I want to keep

these precious feelings and bask in your love forever

Frances Macaulay Forde © 2009

 

#FrancesMacaulayForde    #ARTISTJessicaMcCallum   #POEM:Keep  #ArtAsTheSpark  #JessicaMcCallum  #Love  #HoldingLove  #Poems  #LovePoem

 

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