Thursday, October 30, 2008

What Does Peace Look Like?

YOU DECIDE

Everyone just wants a little peace, right? Moms want "peace and quiet." Dads want "peace of mind." Our little children want "peace on earth." Our big kids are "peace out."

Like me, on Sunday, you may offer a sign of peace with an out-reached hand and smiling eyes. Also like me, you may display a sign of peace for all to see.

I have a peace sign on the back window of my car. And I have a t-shirt with a simply stated peace sign on the front.

Recently I made a small "peace sign" collection. The first piece was for my son - a peace sign bracelet cuff - with "pax" (Latin for peace) and the peace kanji (Japanese symbol) stitched into the suede.

Here, I offer several options to help you express your interpretation of what peace looks like. Which one suits you best?

Elegant Peace Bracelet


Bulky Peace Cuff


Slick Peace Belt


Simple Peace Earrings


Wired Peace Earrings


Funky Peace Choker


Funky Peace Bracelet


LESSONS IN PEACE (from Wikipedia)

This forked symbol was adopted as its badge by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in Britain, and originally, its use was confined to supporters of that organization. It was later generalized to become an icon of the 1960s anti-war movement, and was also adopted by the counterculture of the time. It was designed and completed February 21, 1958 by Gerald Holtom, a commercial designer and artist in Britain. He had been commissioned by the CND to design a symbol for use at an Easter march to Canterbury Cathedral in protest against the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment at Aldermaston in England.

The symbol itself is a combination of the semaphoric signals for the letters "N" and "D," standing for Nuclear Disarmament. In semaphore the letter "N" is formed by a person holding two flags in an upside-down "V," and the letter "D" is formed by holding one flag pointed straight up and the other pointed straight down. These two signals imposed over each other form the shape of the peace symbol. In the original design the lines widened at the edge of the circle.

Friday, October 24, 2008

NATURE'S SHOW

A poem by Deanna Roux


they come down
like rain
colorful drops

like butterflies
floating
to the ground

light and busy
wind carries
crab-walk by

lovely turns
messy and soaked
don't slip

branches void
vibrant dulls
crunch underfoot

nature's show
closing act
rakes and piles

crispy air
frosty blades
sequel soon

Friday, October 3, 2008

Mud Spun Arts & Music Festival

Columbus Day Weekend – Sun., Oct. 12 – 11am – 5pm

Mud Spun Arts Center, Belchertown’s newest art attraction, is drumming up attention for some local flavors in art, music and food.

Join the fun on Sunday, October 12 from 11am to 5pm. This free festival will be held rain or shine in the front parking lot at the Swift River Commons on Daniel Shays Highway (Route 202).

ART

Come for the art! See favorite local artists’ newest collections and even try your hand in making some art of your own.


LIVE MUSIC

Come for the free live music by in-demand local bands that will put a smile on your face.

Wild-Wood at 2pm - A Northampton band with stunning vocal harmonies, swampy soul, and acoustic wooden instruments melding into a country/folk/pop experience you won’t soon forget. Check them out at here.

Lonesome Brothers at 3pm - Original, creative, pumping, swaying, digging, rocking, blues busting, curve making, straight shooting songs and solos distinguish the Lonesome Brothers from any other band you've ever heard. Check them out here.

FOOD

Come for the delicious hearty food served up by Belchertown’s own Roadhouse Café, including some vegetarian options. When you think Roadhouse Café, think local farmers, fresh ingredients, organic produce, seasonal dishes and fair trade coffee. Think yum.

MUD SPUN ART CLASSES

Mud Spun Arts Center offers classes in clay, jewelry and glass. Fall classes are filling up, so contact Becky Laliberte (413-530-8883) to secure your spot now – or go to www.mudspunartscenter.com to learn more.