michael roberts photography
(if you think this is gorgeous you should see the rest!)

Blue Ridge Blog

I found the Blue Ridge Blog through Google Images, and I was smitten. Love at first sight.

I've driven through the Blue Ridge area in the summer but never in autumn, and these photos and the blog were so cool, I had to share them.

A land of beauty.

I first learned about Berthe Morisot in an art course in college.

I'd been a fan of Impressionism for years and was really annoyed that I'd never heard her mentioned along with the other Impressionist greats like Monet, Pisaro and Renoir.

What I loved most about Brussels, the last time I visited, was the parks. Everywhere I went, there would be a park.

I did a lot of walking, and got lost a lot because I couldn't figure out anything from the maps at all. But I never minded because I knew that around the next corner I'd see another beautiful spot.

Do you believe there can be creatures that actually look like this?

Magnolias

Heavenly flowers.


Watercolor - perfect medium.

Thank you to Kathleen McGee http://watercolor-art.com/

Magic

Borrowing another stunning image from Turkthetan

Where on earth (or elsewhere) did he find these!

I was visiting one of by favorite blogs - Creativexpressions - and SumbledUpon Turkthetan

Now here is a man who is an artist. What an incredible collection of images and emotional impact.

This one is my favorite of all of them!

What an incredible genius Da Vinci was. And what an amazing artist as well.

Here's one of my favorite of his paintings: Dama con ermellino

Sharing the Beauty

I took that last photo from Creative Expressions blog

What utterly beautiful colors!

Children have rights as human beings and also need special care and protection.





UNICEF’s mission is to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.

A photograph of one of my favorite places.

Last year I was in England and on the Continent for about three months and I got to visit Saint Hill three times -- starting in early April and ending in June.

Boy is that the greatest place.

Living in LA as I do, being able to walk in the gardens at Saint Hill in the very early morning - to hear the birdsong, take in the smell and color and stillness of an English morning - it's heaven.

But it's not just England. There is something so special about Saint Hill. After all, it was Ron's home, and you can still feel s presence there.

I love the medium of watercolor. This one has a very oriental touch to it, doesn't it?

There's something about the way the colors meld with one another that seems so appealing to me.

Beautiful young women from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, learn how to use Dianetics technology under the direction of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers.

What beautiful faces. And how wonderful that they are learning to learn. That's what is needed for them to have the kind of future they deserve.

I love what the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tour is doing in Botswana.

There's a lot more news about this at the Scientology Press Office web site.

Two beautiful girls, on Kin Men Island - a tiny island off the coast of Mainland China but affiliated with Taiwan.

David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center gave a really interesting description of the Volunteer Ministers program in a speech titled This is Scientology.

What's that bird? Photographed last Sunday morning in Los Angeles while on the way to the Celebrity Center brunch.

Scientology Volunteer Ministers in Perm, Russia are delivering marriage seminars based on the Scientology Handbook as part of the Trans-Siberian Goodwill Tour.

It's amazing how effective a simple course based on the Handbook can be in pulling a marriage back together again.

I first learned of the magic of Odilon Redon when I was a college student, studying in France.

I had already fallen in love with all the Impressionists. But when I saw Redon I felt like I was being reunited with an old and very dear friend.

Odillon Redon is another of my very favorite artists. He is a contemporary of the more famous Impressionists but doesn't fit entirely into the same classification.

I find his work magical. This painting is one I can comfortable just look at for a very long time.

It reminds me that the spiritual coexists alongside but is not limited by the material.

This is the first Klimt I ever saw and it knocked me off my feet. I had never seen a painting that so perfectly expressed love, tenderness and passion. It is still my favorite.

Klimt -- one of my all-time favorite artists.

The Youth for Human Rights web site has just been redesigned and all 30 PSAs are there! These PSAs are SO WONDERFUL!

You can watch them all here

Autumn comes early to the Adirondacks.

It is breathtaking, but a little sad as it means summer is almost over.

I saw the most beautiful movie tonight - Memoirs of a Geisha. Breathtaking photography and very true to the feeling of the book, if not exactly to the plot.

Here's a great story about work the Earth Organization is doing

Final Report on The Earth Organizations New Orleans Toxic Clean-Up Campaig

After a successful series of trips into the New Orleans/Baton Rouge/Mississippi hurricane disaster sites, The Earth Organization has now wrapped up its participation in the toxic clean-up campaign it launched there 8 months ago in September, 2005.>>

Bleak but breathtaking.

This beautiful graphic is an illustration of Beauty and the Beast. The story of Beauty and the Beast is a spin-off of the story of Cupid and Psyche (I was told in school it is supposed to signify that the inellect and love don't coexist easily. I prefer to have it be a parable for "look, don't think," which is a favorite saying of L. Ron Hubbard. In other words, don't worry or fret. Confront what it is you are trying to handle and you are very likely to find a way to do so.

I was so moved by this photo on the Scientology Volunteer Ministers web site. The woman across from her is using Dianetics techniques to help her.

Dianetics is something anyone can learn to help another person. Scientology churches offer weekend seminars that get you able to use the techniques so you can help someone and receive help in only a couple of days and, as a matter of fact, part of the weekend seminar is pairing up with someone and using the techniques on one another.

Clear skies in LA today. More smog than I like. It's nicest here in the winter when the rain cleans the atmosphere, or in the fall when the Santa Ana winds blow the smog into the valley and out of the LA basin.

Children

I keep coming back to children when I talk about Natural Beauty. The young of every species is beautiful.

I hate it when I see parents abusing their kids - not just physical abuse but the way parents sometimes try to dominate and force kids. You would NEVER put up with someone treating you that way.

One thing I love about Scientology is L. Ron Hubbard's viewpoint on kids - they are not some other species. They are beings just like you and me but just in a small body.

All aboard?

This is the new Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tour about to take off for parts oriental. They are boarding the trans-Siberian railway and they're heading east.

11 time zones later they will reach the Sea of Japan.

In between they will help people with Scientology technology from the Scientology Handbook.

I found this story on the Scientology news room. I'm sure there will be many more stories of their adventures along the way.

In June I attended an event where David Miscavige spoke about the Scientology Volunteer Ministers. Mr. Miscavige is Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center, and he often acts as master of ceremonies of international Scientology events. He gave a summary of just some of the actions Volunteer Ministers have taken over the previous 6 months to make life better for their fellow man, and I must say it was pretty impressive.

Even though they are man made, I think there are some beautiful buildings in the world that can still classify as "natural beauties."

One of these is the building that was selected and renovated for the Church of Scientology in Madrid, Spain.

There was a public grand opening with keynote speaker Mr. David Miscavige. I'm putting a photo of the the interior to give an idea and will also tell you about some of the other historic buildings the Churches of Scientology have in subsequent posts.

Ahhhh. Summer flowers!

Last fall's hurricane season was a killer. People all over Florida, the Gulf Coast and the East Coast who are suffering from the hottest summer most can remember are holding their breath, anticipating this year's season.

Scientology Volunteer Ministers from the Church of Scientology of Tampa

David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center, explains the program in his recent speech at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Center called This is Scientology.

I couldn't resist borrowing this gorgeous image from

http://alpenfun.blogdrive.com/

http://alpenfun.blogdrive.com/

I remember the first time I ever saw the magnificent waterfall in Yellowstone National Park. It moved me so much I did my first significant drawing right there -- the first time I ever created any art that was worth anything.

There is something quite spiritual about the beauty of nature.

I am reminded about what David Miscavige said in the speech he gave a couple of years ago called This is Scientology:

"Today we live in a world increasingly obsessed with science. Yes — we can send man to the Moon, explore the surface of Mars, and even survey the galaxy with NASA probes. With advanced computer technology, and satellites circling the globe, we can communicate to anyone, anywhere on Earth, and in an instant.

"Yet with all of that — everything science has brought us — there is a void. In fact, it’s a chasm. And at the bottom of that chasm are the humanities. So, it shouldn’t surprise any of us that with all the high technology of this 21st century, science can’t yet prevent war....

"The answer to this planet’s problems will not be found in the 'material.' Of this there can be no question. For if those solutions can’t prevent war nation to nation, how then can it be expected to answer questions like 'love,' 'happiness' or 'peace of mind?' "

Many of my Scientologist friends are artists --not just "famous" ones but everyday people who hold down regular jobs but are also painters, violinists, brilliant photographers.... it's just interesting how many.

I couldn't resist reprinting this photo of St. Louis Drug Free Marshals swearing in the St. Louis Narcotics Division as Drug Free Marshals.

The picture tells it all.

The story is on the web site of the Church of Scientology of San Diego

Another blog I've taken to reading regularly is the Life and Times blog

He always has a humorous take on life and it's fun just following what he's doing.

Here's one of my favorite blogs to read -- Desi's two cents She's a single mom of twin girls, living on a farm in Oregon.

I love reading about what her girls get into and she has a terrific outlook on life.

This photo is from her blog (and from her farm) and it is blackberry flowers.

Imagine that.

City girl that I am I never thought about blackberries having flowers.

On a different note entirely, over the next few weeks are the first of the Maiden Voyage events will be shown at Scientology churches.

I love these events. Every year for four or five weeks running we get to find out about some of the most exciting news in the Scientology world. The master of ceremonies is usually David Miscavige (and I always love hearing what Mr. Miscavige has to say!)

The Church of Scientology International does a lot to publish news on the Scientology Press Office but that just doesn't take the place of these events where you get to see some of the most exciting news of the expansion of the Scientology religion.

Two beautiful young women who have their priorities straight. These a Drug-Free Ambassadors from Sydney, Australia.

The Drug-Free Ambassadors is a program created by the Scientology churches of Australia and New Zealand. It is modeled after the very popular "Drug-Free Marshals" of the United States.

Scientologists are very active in combatting drug abuse, whether through drug prevention programs like this or through programs that use the technology L. Ron Hubbard developed to help drug addicts in a secular environment.

I have personally seen so much damage from drug abuse I think really important to get to kids before they use drugs, with real information that they can use to make their own choice.

Both the Drug-Free Marshals and the Drug Free Ambassadors are part of the Scientology-sponsored "Say No to Drugs Say Yes to Life" campaign.

I found this beautiful painting on the web site of an artist named Laurel Sherry today. It reminds me of the lake where I spent my summers when I was a kid. I can almost smell those water lilies!

Which reminds me -- it is nearly midsummer and I don't know how that happened because it was just New Years. This year has gone so fast for me.

One thing I look forward to in the summer now is a series of events at the Church of Scientology of San Diego. Actually, all Scientology churches have these events and they are originally recorded aboard the Freewinds, a Scientology retreat in the Caribbean. I look forward to David Miscavige's speeches. Mr. Miscavige speaks at each of the events and usually shares news about the grown of the Scientology religion and activities Scientologists are involved in all over the world. It makes you really feel part of a religious movement that's making a difference.

Beautiful Images - Beautiful Idea

I read this posting just now on Laurel Sherrie's blog. What a beautiful photograph, and what a great idea to use this to fundraise for the Scientology Volunteer Ministers.

Boston Fundraiser

This beautiful photograph is one of a series that is part of a fundraiser for the Boston Scientology Volunteer Ministry

Rev. Robert Castagna is not only responsible for the beautiful images, he is also the director of the Ministry.

The Church of Scientology of Boston services the community in many ways. This is part of a major expansion for the Scientology religion that includes the establishment of new churches such which have recently held grand openings, such as the Church of Scientology of New York, the Church of Scientology of Buffalo, the Church of Scientology of San Francisco, the Church of Scientology of Spain and the Church of Scientology of Johannesburg, South Africa (Mr. David Miscavige -- Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center attended and was a featured speaker at each of these grand openings).

These churches represent a new era for the Scientology religion.

Speaking of Natural Beauty - nothing beats a young person who connects up with his potential, as in this story on the Scientology Volunteer Ministers web site.

Scientology technology can be described as tools for living a better life. All it takes is learning them and using them.

Getting ready for a beautiful summer. My favorite time of the year.

Time for May flowers.

Kirsty Alley on Scientology

Kirsty looks great!

ABC.com has a piece on her today as part of an overall picture story on Scientology celebrities

Scientology Silent Birth

Congratulations to Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes!

Here's a good article on Scientology Silent Birth

'Quiet birth' practice raises a commotion

Actors' Scientology labor custom stirs up questions, but experts say idea isn't anything new.

By VALERIA GODINES
The Orange County Register

No words were spoken during Kim Binford's labor. When she wanted a back massage, she pointed to her back. When it was time to push, the midwife gave the thumbs-up sign.

It was a "quiet birth."

Which meant that nobody spoke during the experience, in line with what Scientologists advocate.

"It was, for me, as a first-time mother, so empowering," said Binford, a Church of Scientology minister from Capistrano Beach. "There is so much force being channeled through one body and it's such a forceful and powerful experience. I felt empowered by it, instead of victimized by it. I had a very quick recovery experience."

Actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' decision to have a quiet birth brought media attention to a custom practiced by Scientologists who want to bring their children into the calmest environment possible. Holmes delivered a baby girl, named Suri, on Tuesday. The baby weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 20 inches long.

Facing growing criticism, Cruise, 43, stressed in a TV interview aired Friday with Diane Sawyer that Holmes could make noise if she wanted to. And he denied rumors that he bought a giant pacifier for his 27-year-old fiancée.

Binford sees all the media attention as an opportunity to educate the public about what should be a peaceful experience for both mother and child. The 29-year-old has two children, son Oakley, 4, and daughter Portia, 16 months. Both of them went through quiet births.

Binford said "that it is almost an impossibility" to truly have a "silent birth."

"I'd like to meet the woman who can pull it off silently," she said, laughing.

"You have a woman going through this incredible experience, so much exertion. There will be noise. We want to make it as gentle as possible so it can be a positive experience."

According to the Scientology Web site, "Chatty doctors and nurses and shouts to "PUSH, PUSH" and loud or laughing remarks to "encourage" are the types of things that are meant to be avoided."

Scientologists believe in "engrams," a moment of pain and unconsciousness. Any words spoken during an engram can affect the person later in life, Binford said.

"A baby doesn't know. A baby can't judge if something is positive or negative. It is just recorded into their mind," Binford said.

Binford and her husband, Myles, trained in the Bradley method, which encourages a natural birth without medication. Scientologists do not have a policy on pain medication during the labor. That is a decision between the mother and her doctor.

The idea of a quiet birth isn't anything new, said Lorrie Walker, a registered nurse and certified nurse midwife. Walker, who has more than 20 years' experience, delivered Binford's children.

Walker says that 90 percent of her patients request a quiet birth, meaning that there is low lighting and as stress-free environment as possible.

"That is my highest request. They want it calm and quiet and just peaceful," she said.

The benefit of a quiet birth, Walker says, is that it keeps the mother in a tranquil state of mind.

However, if there is an emergency, talking is necessary, she said.

"Then families have always understood that we need to do what we need to do ... (Scientologists) have never tried to hinder me in my professional duties. If there is an emergency, you don't have to sign for the nurse to start an IV," she said.

Suite 101 has an interesting article on Scientology anti-drug programs.

"People in many walks of life know that Scientologists are themselves drug-free individuals, but few know of the impact that Scientologists as a group are having on the worldwide drug problem. In fact, Scientologists are intimately involved with assisting youth and adults to free themselves from the harmful effects of drugs, and lead healthy, drug-free lives.

"For example, as a public service, parishioners of the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles established the "Lead the Way to a Drug-Free USA" in 1989. This coalition, to this day, sponsors the Drug-Free Marshals – a campaign that deputizes children as "Drug-Free Marshals." As deputies, the children adopt a pledge to engage in activities that keep themselves, their friends and their families drug-free.

The whole Scientology section on Suite 101 is excellent and I recommend browsing it to learn more about the subject.

For information on other Scientology programs that help the community, I recommend visiting the Scientology Effective Solutions site and the Scientology Volunteer Ministers web site.

"The Ultimate Adventure," Chick Corea (Concord)

Inside Bay Areahas this review of Chic Corea's latest album, being released this weekend:

Muses come in all forms. Chick Corea's current one comes in the shape of L. Ron Hubbard, the creator of the self-improvement movement known as Dianetics and the founder of the Church of Scientology.

Corea, a 12-time Grammy winner and recently named NEA Jazz Master, first mined the Hubbard oeuvre for inspiration on 2004's concept album "To the Stars." Regardless of what one thinks of the controversial author, as well as such famous followers as Tom Cruise, "To the Stars" was certainly a solid effort that featured Corea leading his reunited Elektric Band.

"The Ultimate Adventure" is certainly a trip. The pianist, who helped change the face of jazz as a member of Miles Davis' groups in the late '60s, blends flamenco melodies, North African grooves, Middle Eastern rhythms and straight-ahead jazz improvisation on this new album, which follows the career retrospective "Rendezvous in New York." Corea will support this record with a concert Saturday at Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley.

Scientologists Seek Legal Status in Bulgaria

I found this article in Google news today. It comes from the Sofia news agency:

31 January 2006, Tuesday.

The Church of Scientology has moved to seek legal recognition in Bulgaria, a representative of the religious organization has revealed.

Martin Weightman, human rights director of the Church's European office, has revealed that they had already talked to a member of the Bulgarian government.

Weightman told Sofia-based Darik radio that a "good dialogue" has been held, and that the Scientologists were willing to cooperate with the local authorities.

Bulgaria has once turned down a request to register the Church of Scientology, in 1991.

But Weightman said that registration appeal was not made by the Church, but apparently by unidentified supporters.

Now that the legislation has changed, the Church hopes to face no hurdle in the procedure.

Scientology Church in the UK Taking Action Against Proliferation of Drugs

There is an interesting press release at http://i-newswire.com/pr54326.html about actions being taken in the UK to combat drug use.

There is more information on this campaign on the web site about Scientology activities in the UK.