The Goddess Returns

I got a surprise tonight. In my desperate search for the box containing the coffee pot (I needed my caffeine) - I opened several boxes almost completing all of the kitchen items - I finally found the box with the coffee pot.

To my surprise it had someone very special guarding it, "The Goddess".

For those of you who do not know the story of the goddess I will try and update you in few words. When I moved from New Jersey to Dallas in 1995, my friend Carl, placed The Goddess in my car secretly (I found in Getzville NY). After finding the Goddess - I took pictures of myself and her on the road trip to Dallas (Similar to Gnomes). Then I sent the Goddess back with a scrapbook of pictures to Carl in NJ, then Carl moved to NYC - the Goddess resided on 14th Street for some years until she moved back to NJ with Elisabeth B., then she moved to the Fort Worth area when she moved back to TX (picking up a few scars from the move), then moved again to North Richland Hills with the entire Beene family (of which Carl is now visiting while looking for work in Dallas)...then when Carl was helping me pack - slipped the Goddess in with the coffee pot and now she resides at 1820 Lubbock in Fort Worth.... I wonder how long she will stay? hmmm.

Copyright 2006 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

Unpacking at 1820

Today was a day of progress in the endless unpacking.

These two pictures are of the living room. Things to notice - the new TV stand (Thanks to Friends who gave me IKEA gift cards), the tradition of baby crawling on the floor (John-John is his name in case you wondered).
From this angle you can see the drafting table in the bay window area, it gets really good light and I will be excited to work there. Also notice my Jim Frederick sculpture from the Humanity Show.
Now you have still alot of work to do in the rest of the house. This is the bedroom, with way too many clothes - so a trip to the Salvation army will be in order.
This is a view from the room that is next to the livingroom and looks into the office. You can see my computer is working! and lots of paintings lined up.

The you have "The Gallery" room which had all 330 boxes of "stuff" - I am making a dent in the boxes and have already cleared out 60 boxes.

The landlord was my cable working, the kitchen floor tiling finished, and hopefully on Jan 2nd my dryer will be hooked up (needs new plug) and my lan line phone will have dial tone.

Copyright 2006 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

LIVE FROM HOUSTON

Added some photos - these are the two trucks that left 4400 W University in Dallas with all my "stuff" bound for Houston.



While I was driving I took this picture of a row of trees that I see - I just love to look at them and think they will inspire an artwork or two.

Now I have arrived at 1820 Lubbock Street - my new residence in the Old Historic Sixth Ward.

Well I have internet access and a few minutes to rest and blog...not much time but a few. My computers are hooked up and working. Tomorrow I hope to conquer the TV, Cable, Tivo and DVD player; in addition to having the dryer hooked up if all goes well with the landlord.

Not much really to report, other than I am sore all over, my feet hurt from walking back and forth so much. But I am making progess slow but sure, one box at a time.

Jim - welcome back to Dallas!

signing off for tonight from Houston - Billy

So long Dallas

This is a placeholder because I am shutting down and packing my computer. If all goes well I will be able to post some pictures on Friday evening. I will haev pictures of the packed apartment, the going away party, the actual move, the ride to Houston, the unloading and the first night/day in Houston. WOW... it is hard to believe that it is here and happening. Bittersweet in that I must leave my great base of extended family here --- love you. But I have always found that your true friends remain no matter where you live.

And I am leaving in the midst of the chaos - Burt is moving to a new condo, Jim is moving in with Robert, and Denise is joining Direct Energy. I wish everyone the best in their seperate journies and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Billy

Christmas and DIFFA

We had a great Christmas morning with sleeping in late, waking up to the smell of bacon and the usual homemade breakfast, after a day of scratch-offs and gifts - I spent time working on my DIFFA jacket. I used patches that my brother Mark had collected. They are from places all over the US and the world. I am close to finishing, but have a few ideas I would like to do before I turn it in. I leave in the morning to go back to Dallas, to move to Houston. I have a 6am flight, so it will be a very early morning.

The Front

The Back

The sleeves

Copyright 2006 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

Merry Christmas Digitally

This is the image that I created using the words "Merry Christmas" which I wrote several times. This final image was created using 25 different versions.


These are 4 versions before getting to number 25 - the final image. Merry Christmas to all, and to all good night.

Copyright 2006 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

Twas the day before...

Today was a relaxing day. We started with the usual breakfast at the local breakfast place called Akels. Then home to rest. After which Dad aproached me about going to Michaels since there was a coupon for 50% off and discounts on framing. He had mentioned he wanted me to go with him so he could get 3 of the prints that I did, that they now own, could be framed and they could hang them in what is now the "Miller Gallery" with artwork from my mother, Dorothy and myself.


Little did Dad know that Mom & I had already bought frames & Mats for xmas and planned on framing it the next day. Well that prompted a pre-opening of some gifts. After opening the frames and mats, Mom said she wanted to open the box that has been sitting in the house for over a week now. It was the painting that they wanted that was first on my blog - called "Piriformis", here the proud collectors are in front of their new art. Mind you they decided to hang it horizontal (not the way the artist intended, but it still works).
Then Mom decided to cook the roast beef today for dinner, so she got to open another gift. A gift to the Chef! a electronic thermometer - it was ironic that we were on a phone call with Uncle Skip and Ina a few hours ago talking about the "standing Crown roast" and Ina's new thermometer - same as my mom was to receive. Early she was telling how she needed to check it the old fashioned way, and the oven was off 100 degrees.
After



Here is the finished Roast! Yum Yum.

After finishing dinner, I played a round of Jewel Quest. Thanks Ma Fred for turning me on to that. The rest of the day was visiting with the Kuhfahls, hanging pictures in the house, and napping, a few calls from friends in Dallas (Carl, Steve & PH).

Hope everyone has a great Christmas eve. And Santa if you are reading, do not go to Armando's house becuase he is burning a fire in his chimney.

Copyright 2006 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

Myrtle Beach - The Fog & Family

It was a rainy morning, but then the clouds parted and the sun came out. After finishing some last minute Christmas shopping with Mom, we headed for our annual trek to the beach. Upon arriving we found it to be quite foggy. I was reminded of the fog the was recently at the Fredericks homestead in Missouri.


I took these pictures while I was transfixed with the limited sight, the smell of the ocean, the sound of the waves, the cool breeze on my cheek.
The
The beach at this time of year is usually deserted... and this time we were not disappointed. But do not let that fool you there is plenty of life going on. Tiny sea creatures, birds, the evidence of human tracks on foot and automobile...and even a sign that this time of year is the breeding of sea turtles.

An finally, a picture Mom asked me to take - some holly that was growing in a bush near the dunes. Quite fitting for being here in December.

Back to the house to wrap gifts, eat more turkey leftovers, write out my Christmas cards (late again no surprise). It has been wonderful to get emails from my uncle Dennis (we laughed and laughed). But I think of all the family that we have scattered around the country - Dennis and his family Karen, Chesley, and Josh in Florida, My Aunt Tiny & Uncle Don in Florida or visiting my Cousins in Upstate New York - Tammy, Ken, Krystal, Kaitlyn, and Chrissy, Greg, Devyn; Uncle Skip and Ina in Tennesse, with my cousins families in Tennessee and Vermont - Andrea, Len, Zachery, Sarah, Hanna, and Ricky, Sarah, Lindsey, Bradley, Earl, Dustin, Marhia, Aaron, and Shelly, Mark, Maxwell, Cameron. Then we have Aunt Jean and Carla in Concord, Ca with Cousin Larry somewhere in the National Park, and Cousin Linda, Wayne, Jason & Jessica with her family on the island of Hawaii - and Aunt Sandy and Cousin Michael in Buffalo, NY.

And then there is my extended family of friends - too long a list to mention by name. and my blogger family of friends that I have met through keeping this journal of events for the last 491 posts ! almost 18 months.

Copyright 2006 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

Just Visiting

Spent the day shopping today. Recieved wonderful messages via phone, text messages and emails from friends in Missouri, Minnesota and Texas. Spent the evening with John & Jan Kuhfahl - in many ways it was like watching "The View" - we sat in the living room talking about a various subjects from Donald Trump & Rosie O'Donnell, Hillary Clinton, Soliders in Iraq, Jesus, technology, who is the next host of the Price is Right, The Rain, Colonoscopies, The Wind, The Turkey Dinner, Generational differences, The Move, Houston, Golf, and lots more.... no radio, no tv, just good conversation while it rained, some coffee and some pumpkin pie !

Millers Myrtle Mac & Cheese

Arrived safe and sound in Myrtle Beach. The new house is so much larger and comfortable then the apartment they had previously. Here are a few pictures of how the place is decorated for Christmas.


Now, do not be jealous Jim, but Mom made the famous Mac & Cheese. You know that I can not wait to fry up some left overs. (Sorry Trainer Cliff, I know that this is pushing the limit!)





The bubbling crust was so good with the pork chops and vegtables that we had. Dad did not know but he has wireless - which is allowing me to blog from the living room as we watch Jeopardy and The Wheel. Mom is making another treat in the kitchen "Thingamajigs". A tasty treat that Trainer Cliff would say no to - pie pastry, sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Yummm.

Lots of shopping to do tomorrow. Mom will be making Turkey dinner and friends, Jan & John will be dining with us.

Copyright 2006 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

Sunsets and Strength

Well I saw the most beautiful sunset tonight. It is such a blessing to have a moment with one's self and nature. In many ways it could be viewed as a metaphor for my time left in Dallas.

This is an ornament that I received at my group of friends Holiday Party and the ornament exchange we had. It has a meaningful story to go with it that I will not share here...but in the spirit of paying it forward - I send strength to my friend, Jim.

This is Cliff, my trainer. We finished our time here in Dallas and took this picture to show what we accomplished. 30 Pounds lost since Oct 1st, still aways to go but a decent start.

The day was filled with work, boxes, dinner with Friends, eggnog and coffee, Starbucks with Friends, funny storys, more packing, blogging and now bed.

Dear Ma Fred -
Keep Jogging and I will too !

Dear Jim - remember that painting is the best type of communication that there is. XXoo Hugs and more - Billy

Hi to Pa Fred (keep blogging) and Virgil! Molly & Gracie and the rest of the Freds.

Myrtle Beach --- here I come!

More Packing...more love.

Sometimes it just seems like the packing will never end. Getting closer though. Had a busy day of packing and getting things arranged. Carl was here with me most of the day as we packed and packed.

Armando came over in the morning with Cliff's handy folding cart and we moved some boxes that I had from my old job out of storage to go through - I got rid of half of the stuff. We took the bed headboard and footboard to the dumpster, and they crushed it right then. We did not stay around because we were sure it would break the dumpster. Then we headed to his storage unit to drop off the back seats from Jim's Honda, then a hearty breakfast at Market Diner.

Then we headed to Oakcliff, where we picked up my art and cards from Nodding Dog and said good bye to Darren. We stopped at Artisans Collective, and saw Ted, picked up a painting and then headed home. Of course Ted, says hi to Jim, and sends his love and support, and to call if anything is needed.

Then more packing... and packing... finally we took a break for dinner and we were joined by Burt, Armando & Cliff - we eat at Black Eye Pea and had a nice time. Everyone asked if anyone had heard from Jim - everyone said no, but several had placed calls or emails. I mentioned what I read on the blogs. Karen sent a message to everyone asking if anyone had heard, she had called several times. The answer is no. No one has heard from Jim. Don't think that will stop us.

More packing and getting closer to being done --- almost 90% done --- a few more boxes of clothes, the computers, and miscellaneous stuff. Then it is about concentrating on my friends... and seeing my family for Christmas.

Hugs & love to all - especially the Freds... xxoo
Billy

EYE

Today was a day of packing. It is difficult to talk about the emotions of moving. You relive many memories with each box that you pack, things that you find stored away that you have forgotton. The picture to the right was taken at friends, Chris & David's home, a bulb on their christmas tree. It reminds me of an eye. The picture below is of some of the 142 boxes already packed - - another 25 to go before we need to make another trip to get more. Also sold a digital art painting today, "Trees", has found a new home for the holidays.


Dear Jim -

Not a day goes by that I do not think of you. Not a day goes by that I run into someone who asks about you. They all ask me to pass on their love and support to you.

I can not begin to say that I know what you are going through, but the one thing I hope is that you will read this and know that you do not have to go through this alone. You have many people that love you and want to help you.

Love you --- find the Strength.
Xxoo
Billy

I'm Bi

Today was a big day. I had not had an eye exam in 5 years - so I used a gift certificate that I won at the MAC's Blue Yule show for a Eye Exam and Gift Certificate towards new frames at Uptown Vision. They are a great place for art as well as glasses. See Dr. Bill or Dr. Ellen - tell them I sent you.

So after a number of exams - it was determined that I needed bifocals!

So here are some pictures of the two types of glasses that I settled on one pair is black, the other brown.

Busy day with work and Carl came over and is packing - this is the big weekend to get most of that done.

I get my glasses at the end of december.

Copyright 2006 William H Miller All Rights Reserved.

Versions

I created this version extending the possibilities. It was a busy day at work, and I was exhausted. So much so, I didn't work out, just stayed in.

Sometimes you just need a little me time.

To my friends that read this --- as the 28th gets closers not a day or hour goes by that I do not think how blessed I am to have you in my life, and how much I will miss you when I move to Houston.

Copyright 2006 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

A little different

I created this by exploring, pushing myself in ways that I might not ordinarily go. Jim Frederick taught me that. Get out of the ruts we tend to take our artist selves and explore. Do something different, do something that makes the viewer say "That doesn't look like your work" -- and why not ? We are the creator, we are influenced by some many things in this world. Why should an artist not explore something outside them selves.

so -- a little different.

Starbucks Coffee was attended by Karen, Robert and Armando (and self)...glad to know Jim's website is up and running again... glad to know they made it safe and sound to Missouri.

Copyright 2006 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

The Now!

Dear Jim and Friends...
Amazing how time passes so quickly.
The beginning of this year seems like a distant memory already. 2006 will soon fall away to a few moments remembered.

What are your memories from these last 365 + days?
How do you measure a year, this year?

The end of the year is a wonderful time to set aside a few moments for personal reflection on the past seasons and to create dreams for the future.
What did I learn about myself this year?
What lessons can I take forward?
What will I let go of in order to evolve?
Am I any closer to understanding myself and my journey?
And what the heck am I supposed to be doing here?
Where am I going?

And now that you are doing that reflecting you hear a voice in your head calling you – yelling actually –

“Hey you! Get out of your head and be here in the now!”

You’d think that was some godly voice, and in a way it is.
It’s your inner spirit.
Not wanting to focus on the past (which has happened) or the future (which you can not control) - BUT THE NOW!

Oh yeah – that’s what I learned this year.

BE IN THE NOW!
Play and have fun,
because you’re going to get there (wherever there is) anyway,
and you might as well enjoy it!

So play and have fun, love and be loved, paint and create just because you can and cherish all the greatness that surrounds you and find beauty and miracles in the things that other people miss or take for granted.

--- so if I had snow right now --- I would make a snow angel... (so I will just pretend, becuase the mind does not know the difference between what it sees through its eyes and what it sees in its' mind eye) --- so create that NOW you want before it becomes just a memory.

P.A.C.E. - Positive Attitudes Change Everything
Dream Big / Dare To Fail
Be In The Now

Today

Today was a busy day.

Cookie Bake 2006

These are the great ginger cookies made by Burt.


Timmy and Burt..ahhh...


Cookies that Timmy made ... (Jim Lenss made smiliar ones only clumps.)


Master chef Cliff and Armando made famous butter finger bars! - Yumm


Here is the cookie bake group for 2006 -- we had Refrigerator Cookies made by me (the verdict is still out, Timmy likes them, Jim wants to use them as tire leverage in case he gets stuck in the snow. We had lots of other cookies, including the Frederick Fudge -- but then we had the food, Chicken Soup, Bean Soup, Clam Cowder, Swedish Meatballs and more.

Copyright 2006 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

Blue Yule

Ornaments were everywhere today at 5pm when the doors opened at the McKinney Avenue Contemporary for the Blue Yule. Ornaments were not around long as they early birds got snipping quick purchasing much of the ornaments before more people arrived in 30 minutes. One such ornament was my Glitter Duck, which Steve Syke was going to buy but arrived too late and it was gone in the first 10 minutes.


The Santa versus Jesus feud continued and this year it was a draw --- although Armando's ornament drew lots of attention (Santa was toxic waste/poison) --- my rebuttal ornament was that Santa's First Gift was Jesus.
This is Armando's face at the end of the evening and still un bought was our two ornaments --- guess they are off to the Land of the Misfit Ornaments.




Copyright 2006 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

Exquisite, funky and unique

Here are some of the ornaments I designed for this year's event called -

The Blue Yule. The Opening reception is tomorrow, Sat. Dec. 9, 2006 from 5:00 to 7:30pm.

The MAC hosts its 10th Annual Blue Yule Holiday Party & Ornament Sale, where local artists donate hand-made ornaments for sale.

The Blue Yule is a holiday tradition: the food is good, the music lively, and the ornaments are exquisite, funky and unique. This is my 4th year to participate. Tickets available at the door, $10.

Come and see how Armando had Baby Jesus kill Santa this year...previous years Santa was stabbed, hanged, and burned... and Armando wonders why he does not come to his house.

MAJESTIC

This is amazing - if you ever wonder why art is so spiritual check out the progress of my friend, Jim Frederick's painting of the largest work of art that he has done to date. The painting is called Majestic.... and you can see why.


http://www.stevefrederickphoto.com/events/majesticbeginning/

http://www.stevefrederickphoto.com/events/majesticthemiddle/

http://www.stevefrederickphoto.com/events/goodbyetomajestic/

These photos were captured over 3 weeks of work at his parents home in Washington, Missouri. His dad, Steve Frederick, is an fantastic photographer and you should check out his other work as well.

Back again

I spent the last few days in Toronto, that is why you have not heard from us. The Marriott Renaissance that I staying in was attached to the stadium.
I also spent some time shopping at the Eaton Centre - this was the crystal Christmas tree.
These are pictures from the set up of my last show of 2006 at the FMPAT - Flower Mound Performing Arts Theatre. My show of all digital work is displayed opposite the show of Forever Plaid and runs through December 23rd.

Copyright 2006 William H Miller All Rights Reserved