MorayWatson.com

Padded out

2011-12-06T02:24:00.001-05:00

I've given up on computers! ....... and moved on to an iPad (technically probably the same thing). I've given up on mobile phones and moved on to an iPad (and yes probably technically the same thing).

And given up on Facebook, something about Bono making over a $100 million due to Goldman Sacks selling users private details to advertisers doesn't sit so well with me...... and thats just the tip of the creepy facebook iceberg, so this is pretty much the only source of yoga/art information there is from me.

I have also changed 'feedup' my shared RSS google reader (as google no longer support it for sharing) so now on tumbler which is much nicer (and works well with the iPad). As ever though the views on the articles I link to are more out of interest than personal philosophy so please read it as such. It's a wild time for news stories out there so the devil and the advocate are more important than ever.

The class schedule should be up to date also.

Only one new painting recently (teaching has taken up almost all my time this fall and as it was a commission I sadly can't share any images, but I have a few more on the go.

-m

Amazingly amazed

2011-12-06T01:59:00.001-05:00

What an amazing amount of both flexibility and strength and yet he makes it feel effortlessly light. Enjoy!

Nine Rupies

2011-12-06T01:35:00.001-05:00

An amazing book that I was fortunate enough to have been given a copy of over the summer and I highly recommend it.

Broken silence of a daughter of revolutionary Iran

by Mahru Ghashghaei & Susan Snyder
16-Nov-2011

In 1990, two mothers sat in a modest kitchen enjoying a spring day and the usual conversation of getting to know someone new. It would turn out that their common passions of family, children, gardening and heritage became the pathway to deeper stories of women's issues, self-determination, and personal struggle. Sue was an American Jewish educator, writer and entrepreneur. Mahru was an Iranian Muslim nurse and counselor. Mahru's stories were powerful, and screamed for a way into the world. While their sons grew, Sue and Mahru met often. Mahru told stories; Sue typed and asked questions. Mahru found the American parallels for her experiences and cultural norms. Sue tried not to impose her perspectives and values onto Mahru's experiences, and to find the universal meaning in the deeply personal recollections.
Nine Rubies
Broken silence of a daughter of revolutionary Iran
by Mahru Ghashghaei, Susan Snyder

EXCERPT
A fter 3 years living together in our tiny quarters at the end of the huge mansion, Shazdeh made a new condition. Mom could only keep two girls. Someone had to go. I don’t know why.
It could have been the political situation that limited funds, or perhaps we were just getting older and attracting more attention from the local boys and men. Aki, at 12, attracted attention with her beautiful body and mature, outgoing personality. Ashi was more beautiful than Aki, and very sexy. She was only 9, but she was also a handful and caused many troubles.
I overheard the discussions between my mother and Shazdeh. They were very open with their conversation about aban doning one child while I pretended to play. I don’t think they knew that, even though young, I understood what they were talking about.
Shazdeh said,“I don’t want to lose you. Go find their father. Maybe he can take care of one of the girls.”
The idea shocked my mind:“God,I don’t want to be the one left out.” And I cried at the thought of being separated. I thought, “If she takes care of me, I will take care of her for the rest of her life.” Now I realize how selfish I was, but I did keep that promise.
So Mom started to search for my father. She asked friends from the past and discovered that he had returned from Moscow, perhaps with amnesty from the military, changed his name and opened a small fresh fruit market in Hasan-Abad Square. Hasan- Abad Square, constructed in the early 1300s, had been restored by the Qajar dynasty and featured four identical buildings like an Italian castle. It was a bustling, modern area with paved stone streets, criss-crossed with walkways and lined with metal speed bumps to slow traffic.
Without a job Mom would lose all of her children. She had to make a terrible choice to leave one with the man who ruined her life. She hated to go to my father but without any other help she had no choice. She didn’t trust him, and yet he could be their daughter’s only savior. There was no time to lose, or she would lose her fragile job situation. She was in a rush, and I grabbed her chador, running after her.
We stopped in front of his small store, with fruits and vege tables on the street in boxes. At the doorstep, Rasoul came out and leaned against the wall. This was the first time I had seen my father, because when he left Ardebil I was an infant. I was shocked to see my sister Aki’s face on a stranger, with blonde curly hair just like hers, but also with blue-green eyes and light skin that made him look foreign. It was like he was not even from Iran. I stared at him, collecting the details of his face—his appearance was so similar to my sister who I loved so deeply and yet he was despised by my mom. How could Mom hate this sweet face?
He did not pay any attention to me, not with a look, a hug or a word after four years. In later years, I realized that this was the moment when I formed the notion that there was no emotional bond between a father and his child. Little by little, I realized what I missed as I saw other children with their loving fathers, and I had a lingering sense of rejection.
My mother asked Rasoul,“Do you remember how I saved your life by hiding you and letting you escape? You left me with four children and took everything. When you came out of hiding I had no sign that you were looking for your children, and you would meet your responsibilities. You stole away my fortune, and I have the letter to prove it.”
She was crying and wiping her face with her chador. I was recording all of this in my brain and I can never forget it.
He was leaning against the wall, smoking, and looking as far away as Russia.
“How did you find me?”
“Through my friend, Tahereh.”
“So what do you want from me?”
“Why didn’t you let us know when you came out of hiding?”
“Who needs me?”
“Didn’t you remember you have a wife and three children? Do you know anything about Parviz? Do you remember him? And do you know that our only son, Parviz, is dead? He asked and asked for you as he was dying. But you weren’t there to help the poor child! Didn’t you care for him at all?”
Mom was crying very hard, so I watched Dad to see his reac tion. He was as cold as ice, frozen.
She angrily screamed,“Do you have any God? Do you know God?”
He pointed inside the store, went in and we followed.
“Lower your voice. I never got anything I wanted; what more do you want from me? You always took care of everything yourself, and you were your daddy’s princess, so busy with your God. You are a mariam-moghadas (holy Mariam). The blessed mother didn’t have a husband, so you are the same as her. These children are Haj Ali’s children, not mine. I hated your father. I hated your father’s name and his fame and fortune. He influenced everything. Haj-Ali thought he was the God of Ardebil and raised you the same way. I am so happy I am Godless now—I have no God in my life. It’s your job to take care of the children, to take care of everybody.”
“My father was well respected and always took care of his children, and helped our village.”
“With a father like that, who needs me?”
If someone makes fun of your mother you never forget it, and I transitioned from confused and helpless to scared and angry, wanting to help Mom with no idea how.
Rasoul didn’t show any emotion at all, and said,“You don’t need my support because God and your father’s heritage are always with you.”
This was a pattern with him, to live in the present with no acknowledgment of his past. His life was such a mess that he couldn’t afford to look back into a previous chapter, but simply turned the page. I was confused about how he could be so cold and heartless and still be my father. And I felt helpless to help my mom.
Mom said,“I’m a young woman with three beautiful daugh ters to care for and no resources. People are trying to take advan tage of me. I would never have chosen to see you, but now have to ask you to become the father you need to be. I brought our three children from Ardebil to Tehran and have moved them searching for a corner to be secure. All my resources are gone and I am working day and night to manage with no man in our life.”
He said nothing. He may still have been hiding because of his past relationship with the Tudeh party. There were many like him in prison, and he was very cautious to not be visible or connected to the people in his past.
She continued,“I found a secure place to live with three kids, and have provided a good education for them. Now the master of the house has asked me, because it is so crowded, to give one girl away. He wants Aki to get married, give Ashi away and have only one child with me. Aki is not ready to marry; she is like you with a very bright mind. I would give blood to have her continue her education. Poor Ashi is only 9 years old; she is the most worried and difficult child in our family. She needs a stable home, a moth er’s and father’s love.”
She now looked at me and hugged me, suddenly aware that I was witnessing this conversation.“And look at Mahi, only 7 years old.” She put her head on my shoulder and cried very hard.
“Help me not be separated from my children.”
I imagined him saying he was sorry for the past, that he was here now and would take care of us, and Mom wouldn’t have to worry any more. Instead he said,“I, myself, am not in a stable situation. I have a very messy life. I cannot take all of you, but will take one if I have to, if that solves the problem.” He said it like he was buying fruit.
Mom was surprised by this, and she embraced this idea; at least he would help her with this impossible situation. She announced the horrible decision that she had already thought through a thousand times.
“I need to keep Aki, because she found the job I now have, and will be expected to stay with me. She was our savior and I need to keep this connection. I must keep Mahi because she is still so young. So I have no choice but to send Ashi to live with you. You have to do for Ashi, what my father did for you.”
“Don’t mention your fucking father to me any more! Just bring Ashi to me, and go away from my sight!”
He opened the door and pointed the way out.
I thought,“Who is this cruel dog? I hate him.”
On the way home, Mom was like a crazy woman, crying and running along the walkway that went from one side of the square to the other. She was shaking; it was hard for her to keep the chador in her hand. With one hand she grabbed me and pulled me along very quickly, and with the other grabbed the chador. Mean while she was wiping her nose. I was holding onto her chador not to lose her as she rushed.
She was talking loudly to God,“Do you see what is going on? Where are all the promises my father gave me? Why does all of this happen to me? Where are you? I helped him to escape, gave him money, gave him an address to be safe, and in this special moment when I need him, he rejects me, even though I am still his wife! All men are dogs! I should never have gotten married. I should never have had children. They are so self occupied. Even my father remarried after my mother died. All men are selfish and they want everything for themselves.” She wrapped herself deeper and deeper into her chador.
Everyone was looking at us and I was embarrassed. I tied the chador in a knot around my hand and was running after her, scared and confused. Suddenly, I fell down. Sharp, killing pain shot through my arm. My right elbow struck against one of the metal bumps in the road and broke. It was so painful, my mom and I were now both crying like crazy. She took my hand and cared for me, calming me down.
We got on the bus and finally got home. There she put egg yolk on a bandage and placed it on my broken bone, opened the holy book over it and gave me holy water to drink. She put me to sleep. When I woke up it was a sunny afternoon and Mom was packing. I had been asleep for maybe 18 hours. She said the Qur’an and holy water healed me and made me sleep.
When I woke up it was very difficult for me to move my arm. The stuff she had put on the injured area was like a splint, and my arm slowly began healing with the bones out of place. My arm is still out of place at the elbow joint, as Ashi’s life is still out of place. We were never totally the same again.
Mom went to Shazdeh and told him that she had disposed of one of her daughters. Then we had a very sad private party and she explained the situation to my sisters.
“Girls, sit down here. I need to tell you what is going to happen.”
She then explained her decision.
She said,“Aki is our connection to the Shazdeh’s family, Mahi is so young, and Ashi has to go with her daddy.”
When she heard the news, Ashi started to cry,“Why me? Why me?”
Aki said, “No, Mom, no, Mommy, there must be another way.”
Mom tried to be calm, and said that she loved her.“I will come and see you every weekend, and you can come here during the summer when the Qajars are in Paris.”
Everyone was crying. Ashi became more agitated, started pulling her hair and hitting herself, then went to the corner of the room, covered herself in a blanket, crying softly. Aki took a book and started reading in another corner of the room. Mom started cooking rice, quietly sniffling and trying to hide her sadness. I felt like fainting and went into the garden.
For the next 10 days, it was like there had been a death in the family. It felt like we might die without Ashi or she might die without us. Everyone kept to themselves. Because of my arm, I was mostly in bed and sick. Aki remained occupied with her own books, as she always did, to isolate herself and avoid the real world. Ashi remained secluded and quiet. Mommy started packing Ashi’s things and making sure she would have what she needed. We all wanted to give everything we owned to her, so we begged Mom to pack our dresses and shoes for Ashi too. We were not sure we would ever see her again, just as if she were going to the battlefield. Mom was sleepless. Even when she was not working, we could hear her praying and talking to God a lot.
The emotional trauma of forced separation was far more than the physical hurt of a broken bone.

www.ninerubiesthebook.com

Critical Thinking!

2011-02-24T10:52:00.000-05:00

Fest-i-val!!

2010-08-13T00:38:00.000-04:00

Yes I'm offski to Ed-in-bvurgh, for two weeks. Maria is performing in a few shows but mainly with her duo group 'In this Lonely town'. I've recently just completed the art work for the posters/fliers/Postcards but had loads of photo's from the shoot left over (400 to be precise), here are a few of the highlights.

I'll be back in town after the 3rd of September and all Yoga classes should resume on the 5th (unless it's effected by Labor day).

m

So much more with so much less!

2010-07-29T00:45:00.000-04:00

Always interesting, that the civilizations from the past have more knowledge about the future than the current one('s). And that they all seem to guide us to a greater untapped evolutionary consciousness.

I also always seem to be posting video's, I've actually given up on tv and migrated back to radio you just get so much more with so much less.

Black and tan

2010-06-28T16:03:00.000-04:00

As there is a media 'Black' out of the Gulf oil gushers I feel the need to keep posting information.

Highlife at the Highline

2010-06-03T23:47:00.000-04:00

What have I been up to, being up all night that's what. I've added a few video's from the 'This Ambitious Orchestra's most recent Highline Ballroom show, obviously featuring Maria on piano. Photo's weren't so good but they capture the atmosphere. Enjoy!

Queen's Good Old Fashioned Loverboy performed by This Ambitious Orchestra, 5-30-10 @ Highline Ballroom, NYC. Featuring vocalist Lady Rizzo.

No need for an opinion on this one.... although I have a few

2010-05-26T22:41:00.000-04:00

Is it a bird? Is it a plane....?

2010-05-26T22:40:00.000-04:00

or something more sinister?

As a painter (and specifically a landscape painter) I look at the sky ...a lot. Hoping to gain inspiration from the dramatic colours and expressive clouds..... however over the last year in a half I've noticed some very strange events, almost on a daily basis. I feel the need to mention it here as no-one else seems to be bothered by it, but it bothers me.

Plastic scorn!

2010-04-10T03:23:00.001-04:00

I've been meaning to post something for a while but have been teaching myself (and probably a few students) silly. Also I'm trying to avoid just posting 'things' on the website (which I usually link in the 'MassFeed' anyway) but hay-ho this is a good one. I'm trying to keep up to date with all my class subs.. trying to email if you need a schedule.... there is no try do or do not!

Also more photo's and hopefully a finished painting in the next week or two.

Love

m

In this Lonely town

2010-02-27T09:58:00.000-05:00

Hot off the press, I've recently completed a photo shoot for a couple of upcoming Kurt Weill shows featuring Maria and Andi if your interested in more information please check out the following website Inthislonelytown

The tone is to be dark/German/and Weill

So many Yoga classes so little time for...

2010-02-25T10:03:00.000-05:00

Haven't had much time to paint (the plan was two paintings minimum a month)as I've been teaching myself silly for the past two months.

I have however recently completed a few photo shoots, I'll post images in the next few blogs. One was for Erin Sheilds and her Album release party/show which was quite awkward as it involved me taking live photo's while a. not being able to leave my seat, b. not being able to stand up, c. not being allowed to use the flash and finally d. not being very close to the stage at all. Either way there are a few good ones.

Second series of photo's are for Inthislonelytown, which is a Kurt Weill recital (I'll post details when I know them) They are to be promo photo's for websites, fliers and posters, also dark black and white photography is a bonus any excuse to over contrast is fine by me.

m

Two weeks is a long time!

2009-12-08T12:27:00.000-05:00

As a Yoga teacher and someone with a physical 'job' I always get irrationally nervous about being out of both my regular Yoga routine and teaching schedule. Two weeks is a long time! It may seem crazy/obsessive/possessive even, the luxury of a actually being able to have the time to dedicate to Yoga (on the scale that I do) is almost greedily self-indulgent. Traveling is a pain (literally) in the arse for me, physically I find it extremely difficult to sit still let alone be inactive for extended periods of time.

Have I got my physical being to a state of almost addiction? where the idea of cold turkey (see what I did there) is creating a 'junky' esq reaction from me? or is it just a control issue in which I will be out of possession of my time? Either way I'm rattled about it.

Aparigraha: Nonattachment, non-possessiveness, non-greed, non-selfishness, non-acquisitiveness

'One who is not attached or possessive is secure.'
Yoga Sutra Ch. 2, v. 39

Can you see where I'm going here?

This is ambitious

2009-12-02T14:18:00.000-05:00

A David Bowie tribute night featuring 'This Ambitious Orchestra' and Maria playing Piano at the Mercury Lounge last night.

Not the best of photos but it does capture some of the atmosphere, there are also about twelve videos (I just have to figure a quick way to get them online).

And like Magic here's one ready for you:

On the nail

2009-12-02T12:23:00.000-05:00

This is so on the button for the 'real' state of the economy.

Just eat it

2009-11-29T23:33:00.000-05:00

I found an interesting Buddha related story during the Thanksgiving holidays that I've been musing over for the last few days that I wanted to share. As a three year old vegetarian the story really shook home for me:

'Buddha, a vegetarian, went to a dinner in his honor and the centerpiece was a giant piece of dead flesh. He accepted it and ate it. The attendants were aghast. “You broke your vows,” they said. “It was a gift given with kindness of the heart,” he answered.'

To understand and take on the whole message from the teachings however I can't help but wonder if Buddha (in today's modern world) would not have two minds about the matter, if he could see just how unkind modern factory farming and the abuses that go with it are.

A few years ago my wife and I were in the (deep) US south attending a music festival and I was offered some Catfish which is a bit of a delicacy in the region. We stayed with an amazing couple at the time, but the similar situation left me feeling quite perplexed. As a newbie practicing vegetarian (and Yogi) the offer wasn't quite so straight forward for me. At least one year earlier for example I would have jumped at the chance to eat something so delicious. Should I turn down a gracious host who wants nothing more than to share a favourite meal with us or do I turn him down and let my ego/views spoil a fleeting moment and such a generous offer?

I accepted the meal and enjoyed it (ala Buddha). However the next day I had a terrible upset stomach and vowed never to eat meat again (again), I just can't do it anymore, I've got to a stage that I'm visualising the poor animal and the smell of meat just makes me want to barff. I appreciate Buddha's teachings but perhaps if more people followed the Eightfold Yogi path then something less violated might be served out of kindness.

PS: Turning down my grans Sunday dinners is the hardest

Source

Something to discuss....

2009-11-25T10:47:00.000-05:00

I tend to choose not to 'repeat' information on my site as I feel that sources/information are always more than a little skewed and I would rather (and prefer) if people did their own research and made their own minds up.

This video however is very interesting with regards to the current economic situation and I feel (even if you don't agree) that the current state of affairs is pretty bad for all of us.

Lynch mob

2009-11-19T14:43:00.001-05:00

I just have to post this amazing Yoga related link about David Lynch (That kind of rhymed)

David Lynch Joins Team Yogamentary with New Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Film

The Link headline speaks for itself, but in case you didn't know David Lynch has been practicing (and now promoting) Trans Meditation.

O CDed

2009-11-19T14:00:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I blogged, recently I've completed a CD cover design (with photo's to boot) for a good friend Erin Shields. The Cd should be available in the next few weeks (and I'll follow up with more information later).

So yeah pretty successful in the end. And that's it for my creative process of the year, I have one large painting to complete in the next few weeks and then we're off to Scotland for two weeks. It's quite nice to be in the position of relaxation creatively.

Whats in a name!

2009-10-24T04:00:00.001-04:00

I recently discovered that the meaning of my (rather challenging to pronounce) first name in Gaelic is 'Man of the Sea'..... I find it somewhat appropriate. So much power in words and sounds it's quite unnerving at times..... don't get me started on numerology.

m

Photo's photo's.... and more photo's

2009-10-21T04:10:00.000-04:00

Currently working on a photography commission, I hope to have some images up online in the next week or two, quite exciting really and the photo shoots have all gone well. Upgrading to a full digital 3200 ISO camera has been more challenging that I had previously anticipated. The new camera takes 12Mp images which sounds great (and it is) however the images are SO HUGE and so detailed that final images require a lot more alterations and filtering.... not something I like do do, I prefer a natural shot with high contrast and exposure.

At least the bizarre 65 one day - 30 the next - back up to 75 temperatures seems to have settled down (very bizarre wearing 4 layers of close in the morning and only one 12 hours later) the sky is a bit clearer and the light a bit kinder. So the outside shoot later today should go well.

m

Exhibitions, CD's and classes

2009-10-07T03:23:00.000-04:00

Been a bit busy recently, finished an exhibition with a new gallery in Manhattan called Chelsea 32, and am currently exhibiting with Pro-arts in down town Jersey City till the 23rd of October, feel free to pop along (please double check the opening hours). This exhibit seems to be going well and I've had a lot of positive feedback from the opening party, hopefully the new direction my work is going in will be accepted.

I've decided to work with Inks as well as Acrylics, very interesting medium.... very interesting indeed. The change actually came from a discussion I had with a fellow artist John Howe, I was lucky enough to have had the privilege of meeting him last year and was moved by his use of Inks. Having always been a huge fan of his (and influenced by his work) I decided to follow suit and try them out.
I've discovered (with great wonder) that the inks actually don't get along, they tend to do what ever they like, whenever they like. Getting the right mix of colours to work together feels more like a science experiment than a painting, mostly it's a small scale skirmish but towards the end it can turn into World War 3... hard work, but as ever worthy work and I'm looking forward to getting on with the next one.

Also working towards another CD cover and photo shoot (will post more details later) and have been teaching more and more classes, (my online calender should also be up to date), I'll also add sub-class (if I get the dates in time). All n' all doing pretty well.

PS: I joined twitter... pointless exercise... totally totally pointless!

Up on the wall....

2009-09-27T14:22:00.012-04:00

This is a last minute painting for the Pro-Arts members show. I had actually been working on a larger painting all summer, which turned out to be 8 inches too large for display. This one was really a last minute ordeal, but I think it worked out for the best. The photo isn't so hot but you get the idea, it's called 'Catching the last of the light' and will be on sale and on exhibit till the 23rd of October 2009. If your in Jersey City please feel free to pop along, the details have been listed in the a previous blog but also email if you have any questions.

love

m

October exhibit

2009-09-17T15:50:00.000-04:00

I will be participating in the always fun Pro Arts annual show, please feel free to come along and see.

BAck injury and painting

2009-07-14T15:41:00.000-04:00

So I hurt myself, doing something really silly Yoga wise. I will probably blog about that later. I just wanted to add the latest painting I'm working on. As ever it is unfinished (I hope to have it completed by the end of the week).

Event... but old now

2009-06-17T15:22:00.000-04:00

I forgot to add this before (it was during my recent .com sabbatical) but I wanted to add the information as it involved a painting being sold. The event is entitled 'Tulips and Pansies and is hosted by my roommate Beth-ann as part of a fund raising event for the non-profit she works for, Village Care. Although I didn't attend the event (teaching at the time) I hear all was well and money was raised and a painting was sold.

Tulips and Pansies 2009

Yoga and the Ocean

2009-06-06T13:24:00.000-04:00

clipping an interesting article which is an interview with Yoga Journal contributor Jaimal Yogis.

Reclaimed .com

2009-06-03T22:27:00.000-04:00

moraywatson.com is back online and back in action. Yep I have ditched the charges, reclaimed the domain and hopped into bed with Google. I would also highly recommend it. I discovered that the web services I previously payed for were actually free and (more efficient) from other sources.

Firstly to explain the purpose of the site, I am not here to make money (cliche I know but it's true). I am here to present the paintings that I paint and the Yoga that I teach as a matter of interest. (hence the need for a free site) Self promotion has never been my strong point and (now I'm old enough) I can safely say it never will be.

Secondly, the site is a blog (cunningly disguised as a website) most of my information will be presented via the blog feed. The reason for the blog approach is to make the transfer of information as approachable/twittery/facebookery/moderny as possible.

Thirdly, this site will be for both Yoga and art. Please don't be disappointed if I spend more time talking about one subject rather than the other.

Finally, I have not and I never have been the late TV actor known as Moray Watson, my apologies if that's who you are looking for. You may want to check out IMDB for more information on this fine actor.

Only human

2009-05-31T13:03:00.000-04:00

after breaking in the new(ish) website with an art related blog, it’s now time for a Yoga one.

So what have I been up, well I have actually been really busy, today is the second day off after a 26 day long stint of subs-private classes and my regulars. How did it go?, well, interesting really, when you have so little time to process every single class (which I tend to like to do and over analyse) while at the same time process my own practice....... intense is a good word for it. I think I spent most of the time high on adrenaline and the rest of the time sitting in a dark corner nursing my hay-fever, twitching only slightly to check my emails.

I usually like to add something to each class from my own practice however by the end of the stint every class/personal practice seemed to meld into one, resulting in a hodgepodge of ideas and Asana. Which can be fun but not always coherent or practical.

What was interesting though is the thought of Yoga as a ‘career’ seemed to fly straight out of the window and the experience of ‘sharing’ really started to ring true, in a way that I haven’t experienced before. The separation of student/teacher blurs becoming an even more rewarding experience. I think I became so used to being in the studios that any kind of apprehension became a waste of time and energy. However at the same time I mixed up classes and dates, missed trains, 2 flat tires and was a little for a class. AND had no energy to paint.

I have to ask what can I learn from this that isn't painfully obvious...

Up top

2009-05-30T13:00:00.000-04:00

Nice one, I have been asked to teach ‘roof top’ Yoga at the Visionare and am really looking forward it. I would highly recommend it if you ever get the opportunity / or if you are interested, it's one of THE most exhilarating and mind blowing New Yorky things you can do!

Currently

2009-05-29T14:41:00.000-04:00

I'm currently working on a rather large painting, here it is at about 45% complete, it's for an exhibition in October, but I am trying to complete it within the next week, my hope is that if I see it on the website ALL the time then it will inspire to completion. The image of the boat is there and so is the paint style/wave movements. Again still very early.

Why am I here

2009-05-29T11:22:00.000-04:00

ok, so the main reason for the move and name change is due to Yahoo. Yahoo decided to ramp up my domain name subscription charge 350% in one year, which (during our current financial position) seemed a tad draconian. I also felt that the web space was underutilised (also I have no need for a 5th email address) and not worthy of the new costs.

lately with Blogger, Twitter, etc... I find that the structure and purpose of my original site had become redundant as well as extremely slow and clumsy to work therefore I have stripped away all that is unneeded and concentrated on simplicity. Clearing out the old and making way for the new can always be recommended.

So here we are all shiny and simply new.

New, so NEW

2009-05-28T00:34:00.000-04:00

Ok coming soon the site your now looking at, I am hoping to update and explain why I'm here in the next day of two.

m

Media control and falling for it!

2009-05-08T15:57:00.000-04:00

is concerned about he systematic media destruction of both Gordon Brown/the Labour party and the GOP (neither of which I’m a fan of) and is beginning to feel like a patsy. Everything seems a little too orchestrated and I agree with it a little too much. I don’t trust the media at the best of times why should I trust them now?

Best job ad ever (copied and pasted for that extra spelling mistake joy):

2009-03-26T15:57:00.000-04:00

Arrange word lists into similar categories - You can Work From Home

Reply to: job-knxuj-1093397192@craigslist.org
Date: 2009-03-26, 4:20PM
Hello everyone,
I am a marketing consultant for many online businesses and I am looking to hire someone with a good grasp of english.
The job is very simple yet can be a bit tedious. However, it can be a good source of income since there is a lot of work for someone diligent and the best part is we can send the work to your email and you can work from home.
What the job entails:
To understand the job you have to first understand what pay per click marketing is. Have you ever performed a search on google? Did you ever notice the ads on the side?
They are called Sponsored Ads. Businesses advertise their products through keywords.
For example, if I sold a product for Diarrhea, I would advertise for keywords like: stomach ache, pain in stomach, dirrhea, cramps, etc.
For each keyword I advertise my product for, google allows me to have a specific title and description for that little ad you see in their searches.
Now most businesses advertise for thousands of keywords and simply put one ad for all of them. This is not how good marketing works.
Someone typing stomach cramps might want to see an Ad that says "Relieve your stomach cramps" instead of "Relieve your diarrhea"
So you have to make different ads for different types of keywords. However, this is simply not possible when you have 10,000 keywords in your campaign.
So the next best thing is to group the keywords into similar categories, such as "stomach cramps" "cramps in stomach" "Crampy pain in abdomen" -- these can have a similar ad while "diarrhea" "loose diarrhea" "runny diarrhea" can be in a separate category.
This is where you come in:
We will provide you will keyword lists for products that are between 5000 and 10,000 words. Your job is to group them into similar categories.
You will be paid per keyword. We will email you these lists and all you have to do is start grouping them into smaller similar categories.
Simple! Payments can be made by check or paypal.
Please reply with why you are well suited for this job.
Thank You,
Trevor

Compensation: $500-$2000/week
Telecommuting is ok.
This is a part-time job.
OK to highlight this job opening for persons with disabilities
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
Please, no phone calls about this job!
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
Original URL:http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/etc/1093397192.html

Completed and Sold

2008-10-10T03:06:00.000-04:00

The posters are all completed and printed (I have added them to the Galleries section. If you happen to be in NYC you may see them hanging around.

As for ‘Mountain to climb’ well it’s sold, sold it within the first 2 days of the exhibition, as ever I’m a little sad to see it go, I spent a long time on it (9 months) but am happy to see it’s going to a happy home. It can still be seen in the Pro Arts exhibition at Canco lofts for another 2 weeks.

What’s next, well working on an even larger painting (but I have more than a few distractions coming) so it could be a while till it’s completed, I’m hoping it’ll all be done by the 18th of November. I also have an old painting that I may finish in the interim.

InDesign

2008-09-17T03:07:00.000-04:00

Working on posters for David Shenton’s upcoming ‘Sunnyside Blues’ show, in Queens Sunnyside. For more information, please feel free to check out shentonmusic.com

Varnishing

2008-09-15T03:08:00.000-04:00

Finally completed the painting for the Pro Arts studio tour, I’m still a little funny about it but it’s finished. I think I achived my goal of creating a real sense of ‘force’ from the waves and the colour worked out pretty well also. I have updated the Galleries section with information on it.

Exhibition details Varnishing

2008-09-08T03:08:00.000-04:00

Pro Arts exhibition 2008, here are the details for the upcoming members exhibition in Jersey City:

Pro Arts Members Exhibition 2008
Canco lofts, 50 Dey Street
Dates from 27th September - 18th October 2008

Opening celebrations Friday October 3rd, 6-10pm - I will be there at these times please feel free to drop by.

Working

2008-09-06T03:09:00.000-04:00

Yes thats right straight back to work (well kind of) I have a new Yoga position (boom boom) with a company called ‘Wellness 360’ which should begin October 1st, I am quite excited as I will be teaching Ashtanga Yoga classes, which are my preferred class. so I will keep you posted on classes and times.

Also I have been asked to design another CD cover and illustrate a children’s music book, ounce again for my good friend David Shenton. So will update when I have more information.

Back from Scotland

2008-09-01T03:09:00.000-04:00

Just back, we had a great trip, I have added some photo’s to our online page GALLERY, and will add some more later. We met John Howe (illustrator from the Lord of the Rings) which was amazing as a fellow artist and illustrator I found him to be inspiring, interesting, insightful and funny. I have also been convinced to try out painting with inks. So watch this space.

Off to Scotland, but......

2008-08-17T03:05:00.000-04:00

Yep that’s right Maria and I will be in Scotland from the 20th - 31st. Plans are to swank the evenings away during the festival, hang out with relatives, help my dad move and possible have a sneaky trip to the beautiful Isle of Skye.

I do have my concerns about the length of travel, missing classes and having a disrupted Yoga Practice. This is always a dilemma for me, as my practice is pretty integrated to my way of life here in NYC. On one had I find the attachment to it disturbing, Yoga is about freedom and structure to me, it’s just something I do, something I have always done and something I always will. However when I get into a routine (which I happily have been for the past 6 months) it also gets into a habit, and dare I say it an addiction.

So do I break this habit throw caution to the wind and just have a break. Or do I squeeze my practice into the few free moments (and there are only a few hours and usually at 2 in the morning at that) that I can spare. Orrr do I dedicate time to the practice and possibly sacrifice time I usually don’t get with my relatives.

Will keep you up to date!

APW

2008-08-16T03:11:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I haven’t been posting, I have however been preparing for an exhibition for the 3rd of October I will submit just the one painting, but it’s a large painting. I will post an official flyer in the next week or two. You can see some scraps from the table here: Paintbox

I just realised

2008-08-15T03:10:00.000-04:00

I just realised that last updated my website on the 17th of August this time last year, it must be something about this time of year. Website should work just fine now, if there are any problems feel free to contact me.

All Points West

2008-08-14T03:04:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note to say Maria and I had a great time at all points west and will post photo’s on the our website. We had a great time, actually got VIP tickets to the last day (worth it for the toilets) and managed to catch Radiohead and the amazing Andrew bird. Yay for Jersey City.

Success in less then 10 hours

2008-08-13T03:10:00.000-04:00

I Have finally managed to get the ‘Galleries’ section to work (albeit a bit slow) but it’s getting there.

More summer Yoga teaching

2008-08-10T03:04:00.000-04:00

Ok, to say this summer’s teaching schedule has been lean...... would be being kind. The economic downturn as been effecting gyms and classes. Not the end of the world as most of my classes will be back in September.
Bit strange though to be so far and yet so near to Teaching. As I mentioned in June it has it’s upsides and it’s downsides. I really have gotten to know a few more of the students and as ever it is a learning experience, I’m feeling that the classes are getting stronger and the students more receptive (perhaps it’s just that the dedicated are more likely to come in from the warmth of the outside). Either way I have been enjoying the slower schedule.
The most amazing thing though is my own capacity to learn, I find that the smaller the class the more questions I get asked (which really throws my whirling brain off I have to admit, but it is always welcome) I find it’s been feeding my personal need for knowledge also. For example I have had a few Pregnant students which has (forced me to be fair) to research more comfortable positions and change the dynamics of the classes to suit all levels at once (which I can tell you is a challenge). I’m not sure how successful this has been, but on the whole I really am getting more flexible with the classes.
In fact I don’t even think I plan the classes anymore, what I may do is once a week post on this website what Asana/Pranayama I’ve been working on myself and adapt that to each class for the week, create a theme if you will for the proceeding classes.

Exhibition time again

2008-06-22T03:11:00.000-04:00

Currently working on a large painting for an exhibition in Early October, I will update with dates and things closer to the time. I will also update the progress via the ‘paintbox’ page. Other than that nothing too exciting is going on, however a possible trip to the homeland is on the horizon for the end of August (hence the haste with the painting) and a new nephew. Also trying to update the website and make it faster, so if anything isn’t loading, it soon will (looking at you Galleries).

Summer

2008-06-21T03:03:00.000-04:00

Teaching Yoga in the summer is kind of a new experience for me and a bit of a shock. A shock in the sense that as a teacher your classes dramatically drop off due to summer schedules/peoples holidays (even mine) and whatnots (hopefully not due to duff classes).
What is good about them though is you can really get to know students a lot better which is always a learning experience. I have so far been invited to a Buddhist chanting celebration and two Jazz evening this week and learned a heck of a lot more about Jersey city (the City I live in) this week than the whole 3 years I’ve lived here.
Also I have given some very dedicated students some much needed one-one time that they might not necessarily have the time/money to seek out. Which has been a joy for me also.

Anyway not really sure there is much to this post, but I wanted to add a little something, something to my site.

Love

m

a beginning is a very delicate time

2008-05-28T03:01:00.000-04:00

Yay the website is new and improved

Back to work, I am back to the painting, I have an exhibition (group one mind, with ‘Pro-Arts’ here in Jersey City. I have been on a bit of a sabbatical with the old painting recently (last completing a painting in March). I have dedicated my time mostly to CD covers, a music festival and Yoga teaching. Since March I have been teaching with NYSC and Kneaded Bodywork's in NYC and soon to be ‘Steven's Institute of Technology’. Maria played saxophone and sung in Natchez Mississippi and David’s CD cover is going down a storm. So yes finally back to the paintings with an exhibition burning my ass in the direction of hard work.
Will update as soon as I have anything new.

Love -m

Ode to a cold

2008-02-15T03:03:00.000-05:00

I have had a really bad, drawn-out, painful, tiring, draining and end of the world educing cold all week and haven’t been able to do ANYthing. So I tinkled around with the piano and wrote a little piece called ‘Ode to a Cold’ the recording isn’t great and if you listen closely you can here me sniffing (no kidding) and for some reason I just can't play consistently with it's being recorded. So yeah this is probably the first piece of music I have ever written so any critic would be welcome, you may crush my soul, but it will be a welcome crushing.

Love

m

Dichotomy of the Muse

2007-12-07T12:25:00.000-05:00

Been inspired by a book called 'the Opium Wars', by W. Travis Hanes III and Frank Sanello, which is about two trade wars actually between China and Britain resulting in China being completely addicted to Opium (it's funny how I am reverting to books for inspiration, modern society just isn't making the cut) That and mosquito bits! And Thunderstorms, and Byzantines art. This painting below is 99% finished, I have been working on it for about a month semi-detached from the rest of the world so out of shear frustration I have been back to the seascapes:

Yarg not another re-vamp

2007-11-27T03:02:00.000-05:00

Once again I am re-doing my website, could be necessity, could be seasonal boredom, either way hopefully the site should be faster and more streamlined. Trying to get a few more paintings finished this year, we will be in Scotland for the last two weeks, so hopefully as my teaching schedule is relatively free I will get them finished.

New CD cover completed

2007-11-18T03:12:00.000-05:00

I have updated the Galleries section with the final designs for a small project I have just completed before the Holidays.

Yarg not another re-vamp New CD cover

2007-11-10T03:12:00.000-05:00

Teaching going well...... need more classes

2007-11-07T03:02:00.000-05:00

Ok so my teaching seems to be going from strength to strength, I seem to have (and hope to have) hit a plateau of good classes. However I only have a handful of classes so the need for more is omnipresent through out my painting days. Where off to Scotland in a few weeks so nothing new career wise is going to happen or be on the horizon till January, which is kind of a blessing ad a curse all at once.
Yeah the Yoga teaching really seems to have improved, I seem to have had a revelation since going on our trip to the Pocono mountains. Staying in a Yoga retreat (of sorts) eating organic food and drinking well water seems to have had a clarifying effect on all things teaching. It’s not that I learned anything new about myself or my teaching style, more I was reminded of what I was taught in the first place. For some reason I find the cold darker days 100x more inspirational and introspective, that I feel my creative side grows and is nurtured by both the changing of the season and the colours that are presented to me on a daily basis. This carries through to the Yoga teaching as I meet more people and gain more experience I seem to grow both as a teacher and as a student, willing to learn within the class room while teaching. Although I new this, was taught this by my amazing teachers, it seems to have been something that has been lost from my teachings in the summer and spring months. It really is amazing how I have come so far with both my style and confidence in the class room, but basically what I’m saying is I finally feel that what I’m doing, what I’m teaching, what I’m learning is finally going in the right direction. I just need some more classes (4 to be precise) and my bank balance will feel the same way.

- love m

ok, I

2007-10-05T03:01:00.000-04:00

am announcing the art exhibition which I am apart of and been rabbiting about for ages, held right here under the 'healthy' Autumnal skies of New York. I know most of you might not be able to make it, but I thought I would let you all know so no-one thinks I just spend my days in strange positions and upside-down (only about 75% of the time really). But also to stop you from being pissed at me for not letting you know.

Place:
Canco lofts
50 Dey Street
Jersey City, NJ

Time:
Weekends Friday - Sunday 11-5 p.m.
through September 21st - October 20th

Why?
Well, good question I haven't really been part of an exhibition for a few years so now seemed like the right time to do so. I have four pieces in this exhibition, all seascapes of sorts, here is a link to the images

http://gallery.mac.com/moray.watsongallery

The exhibition is also being held in one of THE most amazing spaces I have seen in years, in fact it takes me back to my arty-farty Art school years. Very cool.

More:
To those folks who fancy a fall fling with some arty types there will be a Members Party on the 5th of October all are welcome, there are 44 featured artists, so will be intense. But interesting.

love
m

For the fall 2007

2007-09-15T03:13:00.000-04:00

Exhibition in the Fall
Another Photo shoot and CD cover
Yoga with Steven's Institute of Technology

New start

2007-08-21T03:00:00.000-04:00

August 8 2007
ok, here we go, I stupidly wiped ALL of my old news, so time for a new beginning, I will update as soon as possible. All the other pages should still be in place

PS: going to have fun with the new mac templates!

first foot forward

2007-08-17T03:13:00.000-04:00

Back to work, I am back to the painting, I have an exhibition (group one mind, with ‘Pro-Arts’ here in Jersey City. I have been on a bit of a sabbatical with the old painting recently (last completing a painting in March). I have dedicated my time mostly to CD covers, a music festival and Yoga teaching. Since March I have been teaching with NYSC and Kneaded Bodywork's in NYC and soon to be ‘Steven's Institute of Technology’. Maria played saxophone and sung in Natchez Mississippi and David’s CD cover is going down a storm. So yes finally back to the paintings with an exhibition burning my ass in the direction of hard work.
Will update as soon as I have anything new.

Love -m
PS: the Yog will be the place for old news from now on.

Stupid

2007-08-08T03:14:00.000-04:00

ok, here we go, I stupidly wiped ALL of my old news, so time for a new beginning, I will update as soon as possible. All the other pages should still be in place

Exhibited-ed-en-ing, eh!

2007-08-02T02:59:00.000-04:00

Exhibited-ed-en-ing, eh!

New event on the horizon, an exhibition of some things I have painted (and not just doors and walls) will be in the offing in the near future, will let you know when, where and how.

Love

m

It’s finally over

2007-07-29T02:59:00.000-04:00

Crikey, it's 5am and I've just finished the last Harry Potter book, how did that happen?

Awful

2007-07-01T02:58:00.000-04:00

I don't know what's more awful! The inane twittering, the negative bitchy men or the story itself ................. perhaps this modern day media Cerberus will divour itself and crap out another 'fox' puppy!

Dead Revolution

2007-06-27T02:56:00.000-04:00

posting two video's from Ed Harcourts last album (which I would highly recommend), Mainly so I can find them also(as I don't think they where ever released in the US), but also to share some wonderfully creative music videos.

Love
m

What-er, what is it good for

2007-06-22T02:55:00.000-04:00

Passing on some interesting information with regards to water!. This information isn’t necessarily new, but it is important. So I am going to share and filter some information direct from ‘the Laughing Lotus’ website (the mother ship of all Yoga studio that I trained with in New York city) with regards to buying, selling and drinking water from plastic bottles.

love
m

WHY we will no longer be offering bottled water…

As we become more aware of the connections bottled water has to serious environmental issues, we are taking steps towards good environmental stewardship.

There are a few important things to understand about bottled water in terms of what it means for our health and the health of the planet:

1. Plastic is made of toxic chemicals. It leaches into the water.

“In simple terms, plastic is a petroleum-based mix of monomers that become polymers, to which additional chemicals are added for suppleness, inflammability, and other qualities.”

Many plastic drink containers are made with (PET) polyethylene terephthalate. Small amounts are released into the drinks. Studies have shown PET is carginogenic.

Harder plastic water bottles are made with Bisphenol A (BPA)

“Scientists are discovering it can wreak stunning havoc in the body.”

“Most alarming, these chemicals may disrupt the endocrine system—the delicately balanced set of hormones and glands that affect virtually every organ and cell—by mimicking the female hormone estrogen.” (Also you should know that nearly all cans contain a plastic liner made of BPA.)

2. Plastic never biodegrades, well practically, it’s with us for well over a hundred years.

It just breaks down into smaller pieces. Clear water bottles have to be made with new plastic (you can’t get a clean, clear plastic recycled plastic). With each recycling the materials degrade, and are more likely to leach into the substance it contains.

3. Plastic is polluting our oceans and waterways.

There are 46,000 pieces of plastic in every square mile of ocean. Marine life is suffering and the plastic is entering our food chain.

So the point is we don’t want to encourage the making of more plastic!!

4. Water it is the ecological basis of all life. Just as we have a right to life, to being alive, we have a right to water.

By buying water we participate in the privatization of water and promote its status as a commodity when it should be a public good, available to all.

Water is mother nature’s gift to us which we must take care of by being good water stewards!

My new hero

2007-04-23T02:55:00.000-04:00

Hay Weehawkin!

Sleep Qucomolito, sleep!

2007-04-17T02:54:00.000-04:00

Thank you 'Saturday night live', thank you ......... you really feel my pain!

I love a good ‘shat’ in the morning

2007-03-22T02:53:00.000-04:00

not one, not two, but three Shatners, I love William Shatner, talk about a man who can do no wrong, he even managed to have his own TV show with the word 'hooker' in the title, a crusader Pushing envelopes!

I have been having a few flashbacks to some odd times in my life recently. I grew up watching the cheesy old star trek TV show and I'm starting to wonder if it may have coursed irreversible damage to who I am today. For some reason I keep doing William Shatner impressions. To all 'would be singers' out there who think they suck (or know they suck) this man gives you hope.

The final part of my 'YouTube' trilogy (be-warned there might be prequel's)

immersed

2007-03-20T02:51:00.001-04:00

This is kind of an odd blog for me to make as I don’t really talk about Scotland so much, but for some reason I felt the need to share this video. It also kind of backs up my moan from an earlier blog concerning the weather. I have been missing the cloudy and moody weather of Scotland lately (although it is winter here) it is actually very difficult to actually see 'the sky' so I went walking in the annals of the internet and 'youtube' to find some inspiration (and not just for the ‘Wwooow-bodyform’ adverts for Aaron like usual, UK readers cringe with delight).
The video below is of the Edinburgh skyline, time-lapsed to show the wild and crazy sky that can be seen on an almost daily basis. You get the idea of the drama and the passion of movement, the dramatic and extreme light changes that influenced my childhood so much. The romantic tenure of my past really seems to have haunted and immersed my mind, my paintings and my Yoga practice of late.
Many times I’ve sat upon Arthur's seat and watched the rain clouds float by as the colours of green and blue merged into warm browns and on into the darkness as the sun sets over the distant hills. Many an evening I sat and watched the moon from my humble tenement window as the golden yellow sandstone buildings shine pale in the light against the dark overtones of the Gothic city streets. So excellently encapsulated by the Philip Glass music, it really does capture something that is unique to Scotland and Edinburgh that makes you actually miss the damp and cold.
Maybe it’s time for a trip back.........

it also captures that strange mystery cloud that emanates ominously like the 'eye of Sauron' over in Fife!

m

First Yoga related Blog

2007-03-20T02:51:00.000-04:00

Somehow, by accident I accidentally removed my Blog, originally entitled ‘Burp’. Am quite upset about it as my iWeb program is rather temperamental to change, which is as a Yoga teacher very frustrating. As I tend to welcome change rather than eradicate the effects/feelings/and general sense of newness that comes with change.
Or is this me failing to find the need for change and the computer making the decisions for me, should I actually be welcoming the change of blog......... well yes and am embracing it.
This is the phoenix rising from the ashes of my old Blog, reborn into a Yoga journal. And that’s just what it will be a Journal of My Yoga practice and my Yoga experience, laid Bared out for all to see.
It’s time for me to get philosophical and lay out some words of wisdom, far to old for the rants and far to tired to be irritated, time to get down to work.

It’s people!

2007-03-06T02:50:00.000-05:00

Soylent green is made of people!

You have got to be F****** kidding me!

Human Genes in Your food

I like the quote (and there are a few) "If these pharmaceutical crops end up on consumers' plates, the consequences for our health could be devastating"

Scarier still, I have been reading the 'Daily Mail'

DOOO-DOOOOO-DOOOOOOOOO

2007-02-08T02:49:00.000-05:00

the number you are calling has not been recognised!

major unearthly rumblings a foot, I am having to get a mobile, urch, can't even say it, a mob... .belch....mobil........vomit.........I'm getting a mobile...........................AARRggggg ............................... turning green,......................................................
......................phone,
so in retaliation I have chosen the most god awful and disgusting green coloured phone out of protest! If I have to succumb to modern life, I'm going to go down with my friggin ringer off.. and in a style of my own!

Anger, Frustration........... Dognabit

2007-01-07T02:49:00.000-05:00

I have read a lot of crap in the news this week so much so that I’m now in denial that the world beyond my own vision is real, this really takes the biscuit!

and once again under FDA seal of approval! aah the FDA were will it stop, ridalin for Hamspters, skin care for snakes?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6236231.stm

Posting the whole thing to save confusion and further annoyances

US obese dogs to get diet pills

The world's first weight-loss drug for dogs has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Slentrol, made by the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, is intended to significantly reduce the appetite and increase fat absorption in canines.

The FDA's head of veterinary medicine said the drug was a welcome addition to animal therapies because of an apparent increase in dog obesity in the US.

Americans own 65 million dogs and almost 40% of US households have one.

According to the FDA, veterinarians generally define a dog that weighs 20% more than its ideal weight as obese.

Surveys have found that approximately 5% of dogs in the US are obese, and another 20-30% are overweight, it says.

Slentrol is expected to be available in the spring and should cost between $1 and $2 a day, a Pfizer company spokeswoman said.

Side effects

The liquid drug appears to reduce the amount of fat a dog can absorb and also triggers a feeling of fullness, according to the FDA.

However, the prescription drug can also produce side effects, including loose stools, diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite.

As with humans, obesity can lead to diabetes along with heart and joint problems.

The drug will appeal to dog owners who want a fast and simple way to slim down their canine pets, Bonnie Beaver, a professor in veterinary medicine told AFP news agency.

"It's easy to say we will feed them less and exercise them more. Well, we know how well that works for us," she said.

o ah, hahah,ha..............ha .................*@#% off

Want my blogging opinion do ya?, Just walk them you lazy bastards!!!!!!!!!!!! The dogs health is the owners responsibility, if they can’t deal with it, then they shouldn’t be allowed to own one. This should not be allowed in any civilized society.

enough, enough, enough......................................... never heard such rubbish

Another New Years resolution

2007-01-02T02:48:00.000-05:00

Positive thoughts for the day, almost every day in 2007, starting here

Day 1

yay for C town in Jersey City, you no longer smell!!

However there is always a yang

Negative thought of the day:

Day 1

What was that smell!!

Paintings

2006-01-31T02:47:00.000-05:00

Ok, getting down to it, I am working on a series of 4 paintings based on the Bhagavada gita, right now I am working on one entitled 'Arjuna: facing the waves of battle'. It's ok, for some reason all my colour has turned pink, which at first was annoying, but now it really is starting to form a kind of 'mist' of torment (that I didn't originally envisage' The idea and description for this painting would be, Arjuna's first real sense of the horror of Battle, as he begins to panic and pray at the imminent loss of humanity and his inability to decide on his reasons and motivations to fight. He finally gains a sense of realization and spiritual awakening in the process.

Flicking the bean

2006-01-17T02:46:00.000-05:00

It has been brought to my attention recently, a secretive game, known only as the 'bean game', which was developed and played in secret rooms, coveted only by those from the upstate New York and the lesser known hill of Copdafeel in Canada. This, said game, is a tad on the addictive side. Firstly I should point out this is a card game, not a video game, not board game, not a game involving magic, bean-stalks or even ogres, but a simple game involving colorful (sorry UK people I have finally succumbed to, cough, to the natives Language) bean orientated cards. As a result I have grown a slight unnatural interest to all things 'bean' related, (the game and AA's extra garlic Chili). O' how I now want just one more wax bean card to gain three gold pieces, but I only have 2 stink beans and 1 red bean, O, how the bartering goes on, too and fro with the great skill and with ease of wit, sowing your seeds, in spite and malice. Right up my alley!

anyhoo, I thought I should add a little 'taste' of the house right now, as I have pulled a muscle in my back and am unable to do anything for long periods of time without groaning, moaning and, o, wait..... um that's every day, but now at least I have an excuse, excruciating PAIn. PS: also to Rich, thanks for Dinner, my back gave out and I had to go to bed. Crap (!!)

PS: Livia is in heat and her singing and wanton wails are driving us all up the wall, she will be soon appearing in a slightly off broadway one woman play, a Harry Potter rip off (that's one name drop for those google stat's, snigger) entitled 'Livia Augustus and the Gibblets of fire'

Friday the 13th, good day to post.....................

Yoga Teaching Schedule

2006-01-01T15:17:00.000-05:00

I'll add Subbed classed when available but private tuition wont be added so please contact me regarding and further times and available dates at yogamoray@gmail.com.

Studio details:

NYSC Hoboken South
59 Newark Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
201.656.4800

NYSC Exchange Place
147 Plaza Two

Harborside Financial Center

Jersey City, NJ 07311
201.332.8200

Wellness360
817 Broadway
Second Floor
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 646.278.1171

Brick Haus Fitness
163-5 Newark Ave
Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone: (201)830-3172

Stevens Institute of Technology
Castle Point on Hudson,
Hoboken NJ 07030-5991
Phone: 201-216-5116

Private Yoga tuition

2006-01-01T13:18:00.000-05:00

Tailoring classes to individual needs and tastes. Private classes include basic stretching, personalized Asana practices as well as integrating Pranayama techniques (breath work) to help sustain a well-balanced physical well-being and state of calm in the busy city of New York. Yoga helps to increase your flexibility and posture while reducing daily stresses.

Open to all levels who are interested in developing a deeper yoga practice (both spiritual and physical), as well as to those who are new to the practice and would like to further pursue yoga through group classes.

-benefit of 1 on 1 teaching, so students don’t miss the fine detail and the health enhancing possibilities of yoga
-in-depth knowledge and experience
-tailored to fit your schedule
-Work to your budget
-working from a convenient mid-town studio
-60 or 90 minute classes available
-adaptive classes; as you progress so will the teaching and style

Please email for:
-Private Lesson in Midtown studio
-Private lesson in your Manhattan home
-Group classes available upon request

Class Schedule Here
Location: Manhattan and Jersey City
Contact: yogamoray@gmail.com

Yoga Resume

2006-01-01T13:17:00.000-05:00

Yoga, as a practice and a way of life:

Originally studying Photography and painting, Moray also views his physical practice as an art-form. He has recently moved to the U.S. and is pursuing and nurturing his practicing of Yoga in New York City. Moray has been practicing the Asanas from the age of 14. In 2005, he completed his 200 hour Yoga teaching certification in ‘Hatha Vinyasa Yoga’, graduating from the Laughing Lotus school of Yoga, taught by Dana Flynn and Jasmine Tarkeshi. More recently, Moray completed an intensive training in the physical aspects of Ancient Ayurveda Yoga, with Sarah Tomlinson at the Ayurveda Institute in New York.

With over 4 years of teaching experience Moray hopes to inspire and encourage new people to discover the joys of all aspects of Yoga while helping existing Yogis improve and expand their understanding of the practice.

He now immerses himself in the physical, philosophical and disciplinary aspects of both Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga. While also incorporating the philosophies and practices of Iyenger, healing techniques and restorative aspects from the science Ayurveda and energizing strength building of Kundalini.

Yogamoray@gmail.com

Click for Private Yoga teaching information

Studios I'm currently working with:

NYSC Hoboken South
59 Newark Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
201.656.4800

NYSC Exchange Place
147 Plaza Two

Harborside Financial Center

Art Resume

2006-01-01T13:16:00.000-05:00

Moray Watson attended Edinburgh College of Art in Edinburgh, Scotland, where he focused on design, painting, illustration and photography. He has successfully had gallery exhibits within the UK. Moray’s art merges both classical and modern by merging his unique interpretation with original techniques (predominantly self taught), incorporating experimentation and personal expressiveness. His acrylic paintings are a combination of textured effects, color systems, washes, frescos and relief lines which are displayed in a passionate, emotion-fueled and yet delicate way, full of movement inspired by the subject matter. His works are both atmospheric and expressive, exploring the effects of light and colour. Moray’s main inspirations come from his love of seascapes and sailing, which influence the structure and the emotional effect of his work.
Although his main focus has not always been Fine Art, he has enjoyed a variety of colorful working environments from owning his own framing business and gallery to becoming a certified Yoga instructor. This in turn has helped him avoid the conventions of fine art education. After moving to the United States he has further developed his painting style and taken his creative adventure in a new direction incorporating inks and glue, taking his existing style further. While trying to encompass the viewer in his recent works he attempts to maintain an individual almost spiritual experience throughout.

Moray was formally Resident Artist at Projections (Scotland Ltd.), in Edinburgh, a member of Pro Arts in Jersey City where his working studio resides. He has worked on numerous commissions in New York and the United Kingdom.

Exhibition highlights:

Online, Fine art America, (2005-Onwards)

Jersey City, Pro Arts, “Members show” (October 2007-2009)

New York, Chelsea 32, “Summer Breeze exhibit”, (July-August 2009)

Edinburgh, Projections Gallery, “International Fringe festival”, (August -Sep 2001-04)

Edinburgh, Creative View, “Out of the Blue Exhibit” (September 2001)

Edinburgh, Edinburgh University, “Autumn show” (September - December 1998)

Edinburgh Fine Art Library, “New Scottish Talent Exhibition”, (May - 1995)

For more information please feel free to email, or check out these other sites:
moraywatson@gmail.com
Fine Art America
Pro Arts
Web Galleries
Deviantart

Contact Information

2006-01-01T10:03:00.000-05:00

For any Yoga information or questions please feel free to contact email:

yogmoray@gmail.com

For all art information regarding commissions/exhibitions and photography please email (it makes life so much easier):

moraywatson@gmail.com