Local Artist Does Good

TINA BATES, ARTIST

There’s a new artist in our midst, her name, Tina Bates.  Tina grew up in Pascagoula, MS but moved to Fort Lauderdale FL to attend North East High School of Performing Arts.  Tina lived in FL for 17 years and returned home in May of 2005, five months before Katrina hit the coast.

When you meet Tina, you see the love in her eyes and it over-flows from her heart when she talks about children & art.  Check out Tina’s Facebook page Facebook Page_Art By Tina and you will see what I mean.  She uses every color in the rainbow and angels must give her an inside tract on extra colors only used in heaven because when you see what I see, there are no words here on earth that describe the love that is in every stroke.  

Working as a substitute teacher in the Vancleave school system and as art teacher in Moss Point, Tina touched the lives of students and staff alike.

Tina found another way to share her two loves by volunteering with http://artwithheart.org/. Art with Heart is an organization that improves the lives of high risk youth by using therapeutic tools and programs that promote mental-health and well-being.  This being right up her alley, Tina blossomed and thrived.  Her experiences working with young people in the school system as well as her volunteer work is what inspires many pieces of her artwork. 

A self-taught artist; many of Tina’s pieces are hands on so, small fingers are welcome.  Colors and textures come into play as you visit her makeshift museum that is full of fun and whimsy, but note, they do have messages that are both subtle & powerful.  See the ukelele?  It’s colorful and musical but across the spine reads “Silent Disease.”  This was inspired by Colton, who is autistic and responds through art & music.   Tina is also often commissioned by expectant mothers because of her awesome “Body Casts.”  The cast featured was inspired by a new mother who is a musician.  She captures the mother’s essence and puts it on a personal canvas.  Tina, her husband Kevin and their son Keigan (8mos) live in Biloxi, MS.  For an up close and personal look at some of Tina's work, a few select pieces can be seen at Delo’s Heavenly House of Coffee, Gautier MS.


Vagabondlady063 Out!

Attending the First Annual Gulf Coast Women's Workshop

What a diverse group of women.  I was blown away.  From the moment I stepped into the room, there was a true sense of people helping people or should I say "women helping women"  An enormous sense of community.  Everyone in the room was there to share information they had obtained with anyone who might need it.  The Gulf Coast Women's Workshop, backed by the Steps Coalition:  A nonprofit organization which works for Economic and environmental justice, affordable housing, preservation of historical communities and human rights.  Whew!!! This organization covers a lot of communal ground.  

Starting with a meet and greet.  Women from all walks of life.  All  of different races, creeds, colors, religions and backgrounds working together for the betterment of our community.  And there was food.  You know us women, we can't have a get together without food and OMG, was there food.  Something for everyone.  Me being a vegetarian, I was pleasantly surprised. Usually we get left out, but not this time.  There were also door prizes in recognition of the appreciation of the turnout for the organization.  We were some very happy attendees.

Then the ladies got down to business.  The various topics included Disaster Awareness, Training for youth leaders for Adolescent Suicide Prevention and recognizing People in Crisis.  You can also thank Steps for being instrumental in the Restore Act of 2011.  The Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourism Opportunities and Revised Economy.Restore The Gulf Coast Act of 2011.  Check out the link.

Breaking into smaller groups for a more intimate engagement with the experts, I chose the route to fiscal responsibility.  "Money Management", with Cindi Tarver.  Having only 45 minutes and a room of about 10, Cindi armed us with handouts and took us through the difficult maze of "credit" and fiscal responsibility.  We were full of questions.  It amazes me how ignorant we all are about something that we deal with everyday.  Something that we can't function in society without "credit."  Cindi made us comfortable and never did I see that anyone felt ill at ease when asking the most basic of questions.  As I said we only had 45 minutes so I am sure she was bombarded with questions after the workshop.  

Coming to a close there was a true sense of accomplishment when we were leaving the workshop.  In such a jaded society where sometimes you feel as if you are the only one going "through", it was somehow very comforting knowing that people like the Women's Gulf Coast Workshop and Steps Coalition.org is there armed with information and ready to take action.

Thanks ladies, I was enlightened and empowered!

Vagabondlady063 Out!

Happy 4th Of July (Independence Day)

I remember the first time I heard the preamble.  It was  via School House Rock, an educational mini show in the 70's.  They had many shows,  but this one really resonated with me.  I am sure the people of my generation who saw this mini show can still recite the Preamble.  Maybe not recite it.  They would probably sing it to you.  That's how we learned it.  But learn it, we did.


There are different stages when you have  moments in your life.  You hear something until you actually hear it.  You know what I mean?  You just kind of go with the flow until one day you actually hear it and then you get, the AHA Moment. 


When I was a kid it was a catchy little song, and I sang it all the time.  I really actually only heard it a few years ago. To my understanding and what it truly means, is what I'm saying.  The words are actually very beautiful & powerful.  My friend Mary thinks the Constitution to be perfect as it is, but for me, I believe that it is a living breathing document that is ever evolving as we evolve.  Because it is written by people, people evolve.  Well judge for yourself.  God gave us freewill and here in the United States of America, we have freedom.


Take a few moments to actually read the Preamble.  Take it section by section and ingest it.  Roll it around in your being and savor the flavors that is in this great recipe.  The HUMAN beings who wrote this document left us a great legacy and I for one am truly grateful for what they have put on the table.  


We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.


This next flavor is for my husband the Naval Veteran.  The most patriotic person I know, the flag, the salute, the Office of the President of the United States of America.  He loves it all.  Whitney Houston's rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner, brought tears to his eyes and he truly believes that no ever or will ever give tribute to the song the way she did.  Happy 4th of July Everyone. 


 Vagabondlady063 Out!

What to do. There's always time to lend a helping hand.

A place for everything and everything in it's place.  Stress can take a toll on us physically as well as mentally. To blessed to be stressed.  Here are a few tips from a true beauty. 

Audrey Hepburn's Beauty Tips

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived,  reclaimed, and redeemed; Never throw out anybody.
Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

No truer words were ever spoken.  Today I'm am using my helping hand to help organize what I am told is 2 months worth of files for a local small business.  I'll keep you posted.  


Remember!  There's always something to do.  Lend a helping hand.


Vagabondlady063 Out!

Look what's happening in your local community.

Looking for something to do today?  Delo's makes a place for local artists to showcase their work.Warm and eclectic, it's the place to show or view artwork.  Working all day, measuring, hammering & hanging paintings and sketches gave way to the first wall of of beauty.  Local Artists Lisa Myers, Hallie Meeks and Rhonda Kinzer's work is    both awe inspiring and breathtaking.  They along with others are welcome to showcase their work to the local community and all are available for purchase.  Come on over and support your local artists. Have a cup of coffee and a scone while you soak up the local culture.  Vagabond Lady063 Out!

Delo's Local Artist Showcase

Hallie Meeks

Lisa Myers

Rhonda Kinzer