Archive for September, 2007
September 27, 2007
“You can’t sketch the Monét paintings,” the docent told me. She did not realize what a true statement she had spoken. Shocked for a moment, I replied, “No problem. I can’t even draw a straight line with a ruler.”
Pausing, I told her I only wanted to write the names of the paintings in the museum we would view that day. I remember we had a designated appointment time to tour the museum, however, there were so many other people there I don’t know how anyone could have known who was on time or not.
The only east coast exhibition of Monet’s art, a once in a lifetime opportunity and thanks to the generosity of a friend who purchased my ticket as a gift for my birthday, we both enjoyed our art lesson on Saturday.
Carrying my notebook close to my side, I quickly wrote the names of each painting because I wanted to remember a few highlights of the day at the museum.
After almost a year had passed since we visited the Monét exhibit, I decided to review my notes and count the actual number of paintings we had seen. Imagine my surprise when I realized the total number was fifty. When I see paintings now by Monét, I remember glimpses of those paintings we saw in the Raleigh, North Carolina Art Museum last year, which connect other thoughts of creativity, art and life.
Collecting books, quotes, comics, compact discs, and movies, I happened upon one of Audrey Hepburn’s quotes, “Living is like tearing through a museum. Not until later do you really start absorbing what you saw, thinking about it, looking it up in a book, and remembering – because you can’t take it all in at once.”
Audrey Hepburn is right. Immersed in the Monét exhibit, I felt I had visited and learned about other parts of the world through the eyes of this impressionist. However, the realization of what I experienced in the art museum over a year ago is stronger today than it was in November last year.
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All writings here are copyrighted by Angela Scott. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.
September 24, 2007
The woman gave a handwritten poem to my daughter at the jewelry store where Emily worked. A flat piece of paper, the poem rested on a chair in our home. After several days, I was curious to know the content on the paper.
Since the handwriting was not familiar, I began reading a poem I had never read before. Pondering my own experiences in life and the intent of the author, I believe others may also be intrigued with this poem written by an unknown author.
“A candle is a simple thing. It starts with just a bit of string. Yet dipped and dipped with patient hand, it gathers wax upon the strand until complete and snowy white, it gives at last a lovely light.
Life is so like that bit of string; each deed we do, a simple thing. Yet day by day if on life’s strand we work with patient heart and hand, it gathers joy; makes dark days bright; and gives at last a lovely light.”
Eighty-three ordinary words describing the process to create a candle were used to compare light and life. Perhaps the author was gifted with a long life and felt the need to share wisdom with future generations. Although the poem was written by hand, the words were gleaned from wisdom and polished by lessons learned in life.
Have you ever wondered about the lessons you are learning in life and pondered why we often do not appreciate what we have, until it is lost?
Two years ago I was diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease in one ear. The hearing loss is permanent and the lesson I learned with Meniere’s is my ingratitude for the healthy hearing I took for granted, until two years ago. My hope for you is to take a moment now and express appreciation for at least one thing in your life, before it is lost.
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All writings here are copyrighted by Angela Scott. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.
September 22, 2007
Introduced to Susan Johnson only over the telephone, I immediately knew we share a similar love for Ventriloquism. My hope is to introduce you to Susan and her gift she shares with others, the gift of Ventriloquism.
1. What is one thing every Ventriloquist must do?
Every ventriloquist must practice. It is better if you can keep a regular rehearsal schedule. Maybe on one day you work with one character, and the next day a different one. Practice is key to success.
2. What is one thing every Ventriloquist must avoid?
Stealing material.
I recommend developing your own style. It is okay to get ideas from other ventriloquists. Also, use material that is appropriate for you. This depends on the type of venue you are working in, i.e. schools.
3. Is this Ventriloquist stuff something that is here to stay?
Ventriloquism is here to stay. It has been around for thousands of years. It dates back to Biblical times.
4. Can someone work successfully as a Ventriloquist if they are in a crowded niche?
Ventriloquists are so spread out world wide that a ventriloquist can find his or her niche; they just have to go out and get it.
5. What has Ventriloquism done for you?
It has opened up doors for going into churches and I have become more creative and passionate about what I want to do.
6. What trends do you currently see in Ventriloquism?
Since I do most of my work in the church, Ventriloquism is a growing ministry for many because it is different and a great way to share God’s love and His message.
7. When did you first become interested in Ventriloquism?
It was about twelve years ago when missionaries were home on sabbatical from the Philippines and they worked with kids like I do.
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All writings here are copyrighted by Angela Scott. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.
September 14, 2007
I met Reggie, an Electronics Specialist in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Saturday morning, August 25th at the River of Life Church. One of my friends and I decided to take advantage of saving money as well as supporting Angel Food Ministries. Arriving at the church before my friend, I decided to evaluate this moment of unexpected opportunity.
Enthusiastically greeting each driver as they drove into the parking lot at church, Reggie directed participants in the Angel Food Ministries to the proper location for picking up their boxes of food. Smiling with each step as he approached me, I knew this was a story that needed to be shared.
1. What is one thing everyone interested in serving others, saving money and serving God must do?
There is more than just one thing we must do. The Bible tells us that whatever our hands find to do, do it. And whatever we find to do, we should do it with excellence unto the Lord.
2. What is one thing everyone interested in serving others, saving money and serving God must avoid?
The one thing that we must avoid when serving others is complaining, murmuring and grumbling. We are taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Serving is our reasonable service.
I recommend the following guidelines:
(1) Serve and look for nothing in return.
(2) Serve to be a blessing to others.
3. Is Angel Food Ministries something that is here to stay?
I certainly hope and pray that is the case. It is beneficial to so many. It is quite sad that Angel Food Ministries is such a well kept secret, until now.
4. Can someone serve successfully as a volunteer in Angel Food Ministries and work too?
Absolutely! I am living proof of that. We all make time for those things we feel are important. Serving others is no different.
5. What has Angel Food Ministries done for you?
I take comfort in knowing this ministry gives me another opportunity to witness through serving.
6. What trend do you currently see in Angel Food Ministries?
No matter what the financial background, everyone is interested in saving money. Angel Food Ministries provides great value for the money and continues to be that avenue.
7. How and when did you first become interested in Angel Food Ministries?
I did not take a specific interest in this program. I was asked to help and I did. I simply had a desire to help. Willing to serve, it did not matter to me how I served or what program I served. I also work to lead by example. In leadership, it is challenging to ask someone to get involved if you never get involved yourself. Leadership stands for leading the ship.
www.angelfoodministries.com
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All writings here are copyrighted by Angela Scott. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.
September 11, 2007
Have you ever thought about the impact of one conversation and how many other people are affected as well? Interested in saving money, I signed up for a coupon-clipping and money saving class and that is where I first heard about Angel Food Ministries, the real connection in that class.
Intrigued with Angel Food Ministries, I felt compelled to share this resource through Linda Jones’ answers to 7 simple questions.
1. What is one thing everyone interested in serving others, saving money and serving God must do? Be obedient to the Holy Spirit first and foremost. God will lay someone on your heart to help and when you help them, you are blessed in return. Angel Food Ministries is such a wonderful way to do just that!
2. What is one thing everyone interested in serving others, saving money and serving God must avoid? I recommend the two following guidelines:
(1) Never pay outrageous prices for food that has been marked up to pay for a fancy grocery store.
(2) Never buy for just your family!
3. Is Angel Food Ministries something that is here to stay? YES! We plan on growing the number of people we help monthly.
4. Can someone serve successfully as a volunteer in Angel Food Ministries and teach too? Absolutely, it only requires a few hours a month. I am currently taking a break from teaching at our church school to care for my two granddaughters that are 8 and 21 months old. They contracted RSV after Christmas and could not be around other children. After much prayer, I decided to take a break from teaching and I am enjoying spending time with them.
5. What has Angel Food Ministries done for you? It has inspired me most of all, that a small church in Georgia, knowing it is able to feed people across the country. Little is much when God is in it! It has also allowed me to help families that otherwise would have gone hungry, that had to choose between buying medication and buying food.
6. What trends to you currently see in Angel Food Ministries? We are seeing families buying more boxes of food to pass on to their neighbors and relatives. The needs are greater with times getting more challenging for everyone to put good food on the table; Angel Food Ministries is a must.
7. How and when did you first become interested in Angel Food Ministries? A little over a year ago our church women’s ministry started taking orders and signed our church up to be a distribution site. We saw God working through this ministry and were excited to be a part of it!
www.angelfoodministries.com
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All writings here are copyrighted by Angela Scott. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.
September 10, 2007
Walking briskly through the attendees at the ventriloquist convention, phillip and his camera captured numerous once in a lifetime moments of adults and kids performing with their “dummies.” Never meeting a stranger, he greeted attendees at convention 2007 with enthusiasm. It’s easy to understand Phillip’s expertise with the camera; he’s a professional wildlife photographer for a South Carolina magazine.
Curious about his participation in ConVENTion 2007, I thought it would be interesting to learn more about this photographer and his connection with ventriloquism. As we spoke on the telephone one evening, he told me about his own “dummy” named “Hog-Eye Jones,” an army guy named after his dad because of a unique ability Phillip’s father possessed to see hogs where no one else could. As he recounted the details of the story, I knew this story completed another important connection in the world of understanding ventriloquism, ventriloquists, and their “dummies.”
1. What is one thing every Photographer and Ventriloquist must do? First you must practice. Next, you must practice. Finally, you must practice, again, and again.
2. What is one thing every Ventriloquist must avoid? Not practicing.
I recommend the following rules which have helped me:
(1) Avoid memorizing; and
(2) avoid getting lazy.
3. Is this Ventriloquism stuff something that is here to stay? Yes always.
4. Can someone work successfully as a Ventriloquist successfully if they are in a crowded niche? Yes, be different and keep current with the times.
5. What has Ventriloquism done for you? It has allowed me to make people laugh everywhere.
6. What trends to you currently see in Ventriloquism? Three trends I have observed are: styles in clothes, hair, and different performance backgrounds.
7. What was your first job(s)? Vent Haven contest; National Guard Christmas party, and an Eastern Star Banquet.
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All writings here are copyrighted by Angela Scott. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.
September 8, 2007
1. What is one thing every Ventriloquist must do?
The most important thing a ventriloquist must do is PRACTICE every day! The best way for me to practice is in front of a mirror. Work on manipulation, lip control, memorizing your script, and especially just get comfortable with your puppet! Practice while sitting in front of the TV, a great way to learn how to ad lib. For lip control, I practice in the car without moving my lips! I sometimes sing along with the songs without moving my lips.
2. What is one thing every Ventriloquist must avoid?
Each ventriloquist is different. Individuals who want to become ventriloquists must avoid copying the ones they see.
I recommend: (1) Find out what is right for you. Search for information and talk to people asking specific questions. What are YOU comfortable with? What type of figure do you want to use – a hard figure or a soft puppet? There are advantages to both!
(2) Once you decide, get going! Never let anyone discourage you! Start practicing. You can even practice with your hand! Think about your character. It’s a big decision! Write a bio for your puppet. Ask it questions and get to know it!
3. Is this Ventriloquist stuff something that is here to stay?
Absolutely! Ventriloquism has been around for a long time and will be here for a long time. I go to the ConVENTion in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, and there are over 400 people attending every year, an amazing number of people interested in ventriloquism to attend a convention in the middle of summer! Many young people attend these conventions as well.
Sales of Jeff Dunham’s video last year exceeded expectations. More people watched a ventriloquist in their home than possibly ever before. Dunham appeared on Comedy Central in his own special. No TV station is going to give a ventriloquist a special show unless they believe it will be watched repeatedly.
Dunham’s second DVD will be released soon and Comedy Central will be airing his second special in September 2007. Terry Fator, the winner of the television show, “America’s Got Talent,” is a ventriloquist which is quite impressive because there were thousands of different types of acts. Many families enjoyed great ventriloquism in their homes!
4. Can someone work successfully as a Ventriloquist if they are in a crowded niche?
YES! You need to find what’s right for you. Remember not to copy anyone else. Practice consistently and master your craft.
Have your own characters and your show ready to go! It is easier said than done but it can be done. Many professional ventriloquists work full time in their craft. They worked long hours to achieve success.
5. What has Ventriloquism done for you?
Ventriloquism has allowed me to take what I do professionally and combine ventriloquism with it. I work with children with cancer. I am able to take my puppets into hospitals and outpatient clinics to work directly with these children. Some of the children do not want to talk but many times they will talk to a puppet I bring in. The parents love it as well since they know how much the children love the puppet play.
Certain puppets and I have been able to stay with the children during painful treatments which comforts them. I also carry other puppets the kids get to use. Oftentimes the siblings join the fun as they also have many fears. The puppets occasionally have spent the night in the hospital. For example, I remember a 13-year old girl who had endured an extremely difficult surgery. She was angry and would not talk with anyone. I brought in a six foot dodo bird. She talked to the bird and asked if it could stay with her over night. I happily granted her request. Her mom said her daughter talked through the bird puppet and her talk was happy. In the morning the girl was ready to be herself again.
I also have bald ventriloquist figures and wigs to cover their bald heads if needed. Many of the kids love seeing puppets can be just like them!
6. What trends to you currently see in Ventriloquism?
I see ventriloquism being used in many different areas! I see it in comedy as well as in churches, birthday shows, magic shows, singing, and hospitals.
7. When did you first become interested in Ventriloquism?
I loved puppets when I was a child! When I was earning my Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education and Child Life (working with hospitalized children), I performed a complete program for a nursery school, teaching them about doctors and hospitals. This is when I used my first plastic ventriloquist figure who had a broken arm and a cast I put on the figure. We talked about what it was like going to the hospital. The kids loved it as did the other teachers and parents. It was great.
My first real job was putting together a program for school because it was the time of year for kids to return to school; that concept needed to be explained to the class. I developed a program with a couple of puppets and performed with a buddy which the class, teachers, and parents loved. I now perform an abbreviated program for smaller groups with one girl figure talking about cancer and how it affects life.
It’s great being able to do what I do!
Nancy’s website
www.myspace.com/nancyra
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All writings here are copyrighted by Angela Scott. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.