February 16, 2005

The Artwork of Dan Marks




Occasionally I come across a little-known artist whose work speaks to me. This was the case with Dan Marks' paintings. His gallery is his home where all of his paitings are playfully displayed on the walls of his modest but colorful apartment. Quite a few of his paintings are local to the St. Louis area which prompted me to share his work with friends and family in the St. Louis area. Check out his unique take on color and design!

February 9, 2005

Happy Chinese New Year!




According to the Chinese lunar calendar, we have entered the year of the Rooster. If you were born in the year of the Rooster, this is what the Chinese have to say about you...
1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
People born in the Year of the Rooster are deep thinkers, capable, and talented. They like to be busy and are devoted beyond their capabilities and are deeply disappointed if they fail. People born in the Rooster Year are often a bit eccentric, and often have rather difficult relationship with others. They always think they are right and usually are! They frequently are loners and though they give the outward impression of being adventurous, they are timid. Rooster people's emotions like their fortunes, swing very high to very low. They can be selfish and too outspoken, but are always interesting and can be extremely brave. They are most compatible with Ox, Snake, and Dragon. Click here to read more about the Rooster as a person

I'm not a rooster, so why do I care? Apparently, analysts predict that this will be a year to "crow" about (pun intended). Last year (year of the Monkey) was considered to be a transition year, a year of change and unstability. Now that we have that "monkey off our back" we should be facing a year of stability and fulfillment. The Chinese are predicting a stable financial year; and with their steady increase of power in the world economy, I'd say they've created a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Some Chinese New Year traditions you might enjoy...
- Eating oranges and cookies to sweeten the new year
- Receiving "lee see": brand new dollar bills in red envelopes
- Having sex to try and conceive a baby boy

And there are some traditions which you may not enjoy...
- Cleaning your house top to bottom to wipe away the old year
- Giving your windows and doors a fresh coat of paint
- Leaving your door open at midnight to let the old year out