Day 5121: Artist, Hiro Sugiyama & High School Boy heroes

"I Observe": ink brush

  

Want music?

    Click: Ryan Toby, Oh Happy Day.

2GN2S

Hiro Sugiyama Recreates Hokusai’s ‘Great Wave’ With 750,000 Dahlias

sky-view

Once every two years, Brussels turns its Grand-Place into a living work of art. This year, artist Hiro Sugiyama transformed the cobblestones into a vibrant floral display as the Belgian capital celebrates the 24th edition of its Flower Carpet featuring one of Japan’s most-iconic images.

 

The artist spent 8 months developing the design. But on August 13th, working with over 750,000 dahlias, the 1,680 m² (18,083 sq ft) artwork was assembled in less than four hours with the help of over 120 volunteers. The four-day installation runs August 13–16, 2026, and marks 160 years of diplomatic relations between Belgium and Japan.

•With heat on the rise everywhere around the workld, I couldn't help feeling weary for the workers who spent hours in the outdoor heat, the flowers were in water.

   

At Great Lakes National Cemetery near Detroit, some funerals are completely empty. No family. No friends. Just a funeral director, a priest, and a few teenage boys wearing white gloves.

These teenagers are part of the St. Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearer Ministry. Started in 2015 by students at University of Detroit Jesuit High School, the program ensures that no one is buried alone.

At their very first service, the boys carried the caskets of three homeless veterans whose bodies had gone unclaimed at the county morgue. Named after the biblical figure who cared for Jesus's body, the ministry has inspired dozens of students from the all-boys school to step up as "men for others."

Dressed in matching suits, they carry the caskets and pray at the gravesite. "We represent the family that is not here and that is a privilege" said student co-founder Lenny Froehlich.

The experience sticks with the students long after graduation, completely changing how they see people who go unnoticed by the world. It proves a simple but powerful truth: the ultimate service is simply showing up to be present for someone.

  

  

 

A 5+ minute video, Caterpillars in Paris, here.

 

 

Just because ...

Indian paradise flycatcher 

Tuesday's Smiles ... 

 

Hoping you feel all the good things in your day.

  

 

Day 5120: Another Family Birthday! & Story Collage.

"Wink": junk papers collage, ink.

  

Want music?

    Click: Herb Alpert, This Guys in Love with You.

2GN2S

  Another Family Birthday...

"Uncle Skete": old photo, digital collage.

When I think of Uncle Skete, I smile. I really do. His real name was Russel, but I called him Uncle Skete? He was third born in a family of 10 children. He began farming as a very young boy.

"Uncle Skete, old photo 

His Dad gave him young horses to break and use as his own. He drove a horse&buggy 7 miles to Lebanon High School each day.

not sure?, Uncle Owen, Uncle Jerry, Uncle Skete, Uncle Pete & Grandpa

5 years older than Aunt Fern, my Mom's eldest sister, he was out of high school before Aunt Fern started.

Uncle Skete, Aunt Fern, Aunt Pauline, Uncle Owen, Aunt Martha, Uncle Jerry & Grandpa

Uncle Skete and Aunt Fern were sweethearts 

for many years before marrying in 1925.

Wedding day, 1925

Aunt Fern finished her first year of teaching and they were married the next day. She went on to be a school Principal and poet. 

They had one daughter, my cousin, Katha. They were married over 50 years. Uncle Skete was a farmer.  When I remember himI can still hear his laugh as I picture him in this chair. 

after a long day working his farm.

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Young WW (4) with Uncle Skete on the farm, 1977

Special memories of a wonderful man. 

Today is his birthday.

Happy Birthday, Uncle Skete!

     

The Purple Thread Shed - Ali Ferguson

Another Story Collage workshop sample underway. This one uses text from a very gorgeous Domestic Science school jotter. Did you know that clothes are starched for the following reasons? 1. To improve appearance 2. To keep clothes clean longer 3. To prevent stains soaking into fabric 4. To make garments easier to wash 5. To make garments dry more easily. Well there you go then - you’re now ready for your ‘starching’ test - you’re welcome!!

#rulesofstarching #domesticscience #textilecollage #storycollage #thepurplethreadshed #patchwork #needleandthreadworkshops

  

  

 

A 5+ minute video, Proof of Life, here.

 

 

Just because ...

Blood Pheasant

Monday's Smiles ... 

 

Hoping you see all the good things in your day.