ARC...Artful Reader's Club January Selection

Aloha and Mahalo (many thanks) to Darcy for creating the ARC that combines our love of art + books...please surf on over to her site and enjoy all the FABulous book reviews and creative art reflections.  



The book I selected this month is 

Bring Up The Bodies by Hilary Mantel...

432 pages published in May 2012 and is the second in Mantel's remarkable trilogy. Her first book Wolf Hall was published in 2009...with the third installment 

The Mirror & The Light currently being written.  Mantel is the first British woman to receive the Man Booker Prize for both Historical Fiction Novels.   

There have been many stories written and interpretations debated regarding King Henry VIII"s reign...especially in the recently produced DVD series "The Tudors"...my fascination for historical events led me to Mantel's extraordinary novels. Bring Up The Bodies is written through the eyes of Mr Secretary Thomas Cromwell from September 1535 during the year prior to the execution of Anne Boleyn & "the men she collects about her." 

Mantel takes artistic license with the historical accuracy of events and court life as perceived through Cromwell. However, I found her writing style...including her detailed descriptions of this tumultuous time, place, and characters intriguing.  She used the pronoun 'he' for Cromwell in order, I believe, to keep the reader focused on his particular point of view.  In this passage Mantel describes Cromwell's character..."he has a way of getting his way, he has a method; he will charm a man or bribe him, coax him or threaten him, he will explain to a man where his true interests lie, and he will introduce that same man to aspects of himself he didn't know existed."

And so it is...[a captivating 5-Star read]

I decided to create a Bring Up The Bodies two-page visual journal spread in a 1960's altered book that I will be using for this year's ARC entries.  In many layers of gesso, torn bits of printed tissue & map paper, paint, gelatos, stamps, ink & pumice medium (representing The Tower stones) are images of Cromwell and my interpretation of his tragic Game of Chess...the layers represent all Mantel's rich textures woven throughout the book.

My February book selection is Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (2012)...

and I will be finishing Mantel's Wolf Hall (2009) just because!

Sunset on the North Shore, O'ahu

Hawaiian word of the day...
Aliʻi

Monarch, noble, aristocrat, king, queen, commander; royal, regal, aristocratic, kingly; 

to rule or act as a chief, govern, reign

  

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou 2013 & the Artful Reader's Club

Happy New Year and Aloha to all FABulous Creative Ones...

As you can see, my last post was in Spring 2012...I created this blog to participate in
the FABulous Darcy's PostCard Challenge...then the expedition unexpectedly ended due to unforeseen events...however, I have committed to completing last year's challenge and will post the entire PostCard Book/Story this year...

The Artful Reader's Club is Darcy's 2013 Challenge...it combines two of my Loves
Books + Art...how could I resist!  Please visit Darcy's Site for ARC challenge info.
Mahalo (many thanks) to Darcy and all Creative Ones participating this year. 

The 12 Books I've chosen are found on the bookshelf in the sidebar. 

helu.helu

1. v. To read, count.  Mea heluhelu, reader (either a book, or a person who reads). Poʻe heluhelu, reader (person). Aʻo heluhelu, reader (book); to learn to read.

Sending you all warm island greetings for a Joyous & Healthy 2013...

Spring in Washington, DC

Cherry Blossoms

Netherlands Expedition

1845...

 The Atlantic Crossing

Expedition takes a dangerous turn.

In the treacherous North Sea, on our approach to the Netherlands,

a FIRE below aft deck destroyed supplies.  
Saved Orchidaceae, with minor injuries to hand and arms.  
The "Amsterdam" of the Dutch East Indies Company rescued us from certain peril.

Made land...Mahalo ke Akua. L.

Fire!

L's expedition has taken a bit of a delay due to unforeseen circumstances of a suspicious nature...the fire is under investigation by the Dutch East Indies Company. The Amsterdam was on her way to Batavia in the East Indies when Captain Willem Klump spotted L's ship in distress. L used the medicinal botanics she saved from the fire to dress her burns as well as those of the valiant crew who tried to save their ship. L is using this time to explore magnificent flora & fauna of The Netherlands.
The 'early marsh orchid' resembles the hyacinth plant and grows in the marshy soil.

Dactylorhiza incarnata 'early marsh orchid'

'Apelila 1845

Arrived safely on the spongy, marshy area of the Coast.

Able to secure 'early marsh orchid' that grows here in abundance.

Journeyed to Hortus Botanicus Leiden--magnificent collection.

Suspicions running high on source of fire.

Using botanics on burns--healing.

Your humble servant, L.

Statice
purple tissue-like flower used to resemble orchid blossoms

2012...
Used some Statice that was in my St. Patrick's Day floral arrangement...adhered with heavy gel matte medium.  On the cards this week I used pen/ink/inktense pencils neocolor II's/napkin tissue for smoke & fire effect.

I made two cards this week because I am leaving to attend a Symposium in Washington, DC on Tuesday and didn't know if I will be able to make next week's challenge...

thank goodness I do not have to travel by ocean in a masted ship!

I will be checking in to see ALL the FABulous contributions from you 'creative ones'.
Here are wild orchids I found growing on O'ahu's East side that resembles 'early marsh' one.

blossom and leaf structure similar to incarnata

Last but definitely not least...

a photo I took of the ship used in Pirate's of the Caribbean Movie filmed near my home

This ship gave me inspiration for L's adventure this week.

This be the Queen Anne's Revenge, right enough."
"How do you know?"
"I've seen the name, on the back of the ship."

―Scrum and Captain Jack Sparrow

Sail on over to Darcy's art-and-sole.blogspot.com to see more inspiring 'creative ones'

hua.kaʻi

nvi. Trip, voyage, journey, mission

the expedition continues...

...clearing after the storm

Mānana Island & Makapu'u Beach, O'ahu

Thunder, lightening, rain, hail, waterspout & tornado (yes! an actual tornado)...spread through our islands last week...such unusual events...however with a bit of clean-up and many deep breaths we are all safe and sound.  Mahalo for all our blessings.  The photo above is the view from one of my neighborhood hiking spots. Aloha ke Akua.


Mānana

Island (67 acres, 200 feet high), Waimānalo, Oʻahu. Part of the Hawaiʻi State Seabird Sanctuary. Tuff cone built around two vents, each marked by a crater. Tuff forms when hot magma encounters seawater and the explosion caused by the rapidly expanding steam blows the magma apart, forming a spray of ash. The ash quickly cements to form a firm rock called tuff. Also known as Rabbit Island. Lit., buoyant.

Canada Expedition

1845...  

Arethusa bulbosa (dragon's mouth) & Asarum canadesis (wild ginger)

Malaki 1845

The wind being favorable set sail to North Atlantic

destined to arrive in Lower Canada--St. Lawrence River.

Divine Providence has kept all safe during this voyage.  

I am indebted to the First Nation People

for sharing a unique Orchidaceae--the Dragon's Mouth.

Another specimen collected was an 'awapuhi used as a healing root.

I have ground the roots and attached the substance 

to this correspondence to be dissolved in spring water.

Hope they survive the post.

Yours in confidence, L

2012...

L was encouraged by her visit to Canada...leaving the issues she uncovered concerning the prominent Orchid scholars & collectors behind her (temporarily). The indigenous culture and their use of medicinal plants were so similar to her own Hawaiian practices.  
L is attaching concealed samples of her discoveries for Queen Kailani in case the collected specimens are lost during the Expedition.

Side note:  Arethusa bulbosa (called Dragon's Mouth or Moss Nymph)

Arethusa is named for a River Nymph (the Waterer) of Greek Mythology.  

This beautiful simple orchid is found in the cool bogs of Eastern Canada and has been on the endangered list. 

Used Golden coarse pumice gel (to mimic L's ground ginger roots) and handmade papier with grass pieces...Also my 'faves' inktense pencils with a dash of neocolor II's.  

ʻawa.puhi

n. Wild ginger, a forest herb with narrow leaves arranged along a stalk bearing small yellowish fragrant flowers & aromatic underground roots.

Mahalo to all the 'creative ones' who make this challenge so enjoyable...come visit all the FABulousness at Darcy's art-and-sole.blogspot.com. Aloha.

the expedition continues...

Hail...Hail...!

The islands have had thunderstorms for the past couple of days...however...

This AM I heard tinkling noises against my window...and what did I find?  Hail...Hail..!

I know most who read this may say "so what's the news?"...it rarely rains (slight drizzles) where I live and I have 'never' seen HAIL here in my lifetime...very unusual...

so grabbed my iPhone and took this photo while it was melting...

I feel so very sorry for the Tourists who are experiencing this weather...we are grateful that the weather is still warm, ocean's beautiful, and those waterfalls!! spectacular! in every crevice of the Ko'olau Mountains outside my window.  


Sending my warmest blessings to those who are experiencing far more devastating weather conditions in their neighborhood...my aloha to all.


hua.hekili

n. Hail. Lit., thunder fruit.

Switzerland Expedition

1845...Kingdom of Hawai'i, Isle of O'ahu

'Ike no i ka la o ka'ike,

mana no i ka la o ka mana

Onipa'a

Mahalo ke Akua

(There is a time for knowledge and a time for power)

Steadfast!

Note:  Proverbs from Hawaii's Oral Traditions preserved by

Mary Kawena Pukui published in 'olelo No'eau Bishop Museum Press

1845...Conservatoire et Jardin Botanique en Geneve

Vanda limbata

Malaki 1845

Poli'ahu resides here as she does on Mauna Kea.

The glasshouses hold specimens here due to the harsh conditions.

Alphonse Pyrame de Condolle enlightened me on the players

which my include Charles Darwin.

Mahalo for your wise words.

in confidence, L

(Poli'ahu:  Goddess of Snow...she resides on the snowy peaks of Mauna Kea, Hawai'i Island)

2012...

glorious...

Vanda's enjoying the sunshine,  Feb 2012

Aloha 'creative ones'...when photographing the Switzerland Expedition carte postal I used crinkled papers and white coral to mimic the snowy landscape...oh well! I tried :-)

Please surf on over to Darcy http://art-and-sole.blogspot.com/ 

where all the inspiration resides.

hano.hano

nvs. Glorious, magnificent, noble, honored, stately, dignified, grand, distinguished, honorable

the expedition continues...

Take the Leap

I invite all 'creative ones' to join me and put your feet up 

for just a moment today.

A chance to reflect on all our blessings...

including this Leap Day...

an extra 24hours to share Love, Wonder & Creativity. 

Just because...

Aloha 'Creative Ones'...just wanted to share what greeted me this morning

Nature displaying her Beauty

...beginning to peek out

blossom

Pua. Cherished blossom, pua lei. To blossom forth, makalapua

Cuba Expedition

1845...

The Ghost Orchid...Dendrophylax lindenii

Pepeluali 1845

Tracked Jean Jules Linden, a key player in the orchidaceae expedition, to Cuba.

Discovered a most extraordinary specimen--The Ghost Orchid--in the forests of Sague & Nimanima.  

The rhyzomes are under my protection.

Will continue to investigate connections.

Your most faithful servant, L.

 Invited to the Rabaina Tobacco Plantation

Detail of the orchid roots and crackled paint effect

 Jean Jules Linden (Belgium), Nicolas Funck and Auguste Ghiesbreght went to Cuba in search of 

the rarest orchids for their benefactors.  Who are these so-called benefactors? 

Why are the forests being stripped and decimated to obtain these precious specimens?

The investigation brings L closer to understanding the greed & obsession of these collectors.

L consults the curanderos (naturalist healers) 

and shared information on the healing potential of The Ghost Orchid 

for the welfare of the many rather than the chosen few.


the expedition continues...

2012...

kaiapuni hoʻōla piha

Total healing environment. Lit., complete healing environment.

Ānuenue (rainbow) ending at Tripler Medical Center

Majestic Ānuenue photo taken 23 February 2012
Moanalua Valley

These are a few of my favorite things...

Journal love in the Garden

Wales Expedition

1845...

Pepeluali 1845

Found this unique specimen at Middleton Hall's garden.

Sir Edward Abadam hales from West Indies.  

His name was Adams, now Abadam.

Difficult to locate his collection in Carmarthenshire.

He was reluctant to disclose his relationship with Hilare and Morren.

What are they concealing?

I will investigate.  Yours in confidence, L.

Diolch yn fawr

Nos da

As of this correspondence, Her majesty Queen Kailani is unaware of who Morren is or his involvement in the Orchidaceae conspiracy. 
L is keeping her discoveries of these players 'close to the vest'.

2012...

Tillandsia bromeliad epiphyte

No Rhynchostele cordata in bloom to photograph...

so I thought this looked similar in a spiky sort of way!

Mahalo to Dede at inkiwell.blogspot.com for contributing the brown craft paper (seen in PostCard above) from an envelope that I received this week.  Most of the papers used to embellish are handmade with plant fibers (for 'loverly' texture). 
Please 'creative ones' surf on over to Darcy's art-and-sole.blogspot.com for more 
FABulous  adventures

ʻā.poʻi.poʻi

to attempt to conceal an article rather than share it

the expedition continues...