Following the Links – Finding Gotye

February 6, 2012June 30, 2012 / still a dreamer / 2 Comments

I am frequently amazed at how many talented writers, artists, photographers, etc. are out there blogging, and am equally amazed at how by following a link or two, we find wonderful and unexpected gems.

I was looking at a Fresh Pressed site, photographs taken by Loren Cooper during a blanketing of snow in London and was drawn to one commenter. I visited Inidna’s blog where she had posted videos and information about an Australian musician, Gotye. I’ve never heard of him, but am easily getting lost in his music, and am already considering buying his album. What drew me in immediately is this deeply touching animated video wed to one of Gotye’s songs, Bronte, from his album Making Mirrors. What a brilliant combination of music and story.

The Sistine Chapel in 360˚

January 30, 2012 / still a dreamer / 2 Comments

Here’s a little treat for you. In my restless state, I was revisiting some places on the web I particularly enjoyed, and this is one of them.

Have you ever been to see the Sistine Chapel? I have not, but would love to. If you would, too, then take a look at this fabulous web site where you can view the entire Sistine Chapel in 360 glorious degrees. Your cursor will move the chapel in any direction, and you can also zoom in on any detail. Perhaps one of the most wonderful features of the site is the sacred music that is playing in the background. I was working earlier, (after I’d taken my tour), and just listening to the music while I worked.

This may be the closest I … or you … ever get to this miraculous piece of art. Hope you are inspired …

No Ho-Hum Oatmeal

January 17, 2012August 7, 2026 / still a dreamer / 2 Comments

Are you an oatmeal fan? I actually love almost any good hot cereal, but McCann’s Irish Oatmeal is my favorite. It’s warm, nourishing, and while delicious with the simplest of accompaniments – a touch of brown sugar and a small dab of butter – there are so many ways you can dress it up to make it even more delicious. Plus, McCann’s is non-GMO, an extra bonus.

Here are a few ideas to change your oatmeal from ho-hum to yum. Try crumbling a gingersnap or two and toss that with some chopped pecans into the bowl. Or, add them to the pot when the oatmeal is just shy of boiling for chewier results. That’s also the best time to toss in raisins or cranberries.

Fresh fruit is, of course, always an option. For another delicious take, consider chopped apples and walnuts, raisins, and cinnamon. You can also sweeten the pot by changing the cooking liquid, and use 75% apple juice to 25% water. When I make oatmeal, I do alter the liquid, but I use 50% organic soy milk and 50% water. It makes for a creamier dish, and also adds more protein.

Oatmeal is such an inviting food, and good quality oatmeal doesn’t lose its flavor with additions stirred in. Plus, it’s heart healthy! Something else to consider – oatmeal will stick to your ribs longer the more whole the grain. Eating instant oatmeal will leave you hungry soon after because the oats are chopped extremely fine to speed up cooking, but are also digested much more quickly. I use McCann’s Quick-Cooking, steel cut oatmeal for more heft, but the regular steel cut, while taking longer to cook, will stave off hunger the longest.

Start your day with a steaming hot bowl of oatmeal, and stir in plenty of your creativity!

* Post Updated: 8/7/2026

A DWAA Finalist!

December 20, 2011September 16, 2019 / still a dreamer / 6 Comments

How excited was I to learn that I am a finalist in the Dog Writers Association of America’s (DWAA) national contest for dog illustration! My French Bulldog art has been appearing in Just Frenchies magazine, a quarterly publication for the breed, for quite a few years now, and they recently notified me that I was a finalist. The publisher and editor-in-chief had submitted my French Bulldog artwork to DWAA, unbeknownst to me, and lo and behold … I made the cut.

I’m particularly honored to be among other finalists who are artists contributing to Dog Fancy and the AKC Gazette. That’s some mighty fine company. The winner will be announced at Westminster this coming February 2012, but I understand all the winners are announced prior to the show at the DWAA annual dinner.

This is the kind of thing where I would be beyond ecstatic if I won, but am just so grateful to have been submitted by my publisher AND to have been named a DWAA finalist among many accomplished professionals.

The burning question may be exactly which piece was submitted? And the answer is, I’m not sure yet. But it might be this one.

Note: All illustrations, drawings and photographs are © Jeanne Balsam and may not be reproduced in any format without written permission. Thank you!

Jane’s Carousel – Magic in Brooklyn

December 10, 2011May 15, 2014 / still a dreamer / 2 Comments

If you think carousels are one of the most magical creations of man, raise your hand. Really. Put it up. I thought so. You and me both.

So I expect you will be as excited as I was to learn that Jane’s Carousel gave its first ride on September 16, 2011. The carousel was manufactured by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (P.T.C.) in 1922, and was designated as P.T.C. 61. It was originally installed in Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio, once a prosperous steel manufacturing city. The carousel fell on hard times, and in 1984, Jane and David Walentas purchased the carousel, in poor condition, to prevent it from being sold off piecemeal.

Jane has been lovingly restoring the carousel ever since. Located in Brooklyn Bridge Park on the East River, between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, P.T.C. 61 couldn’t look more magnificent. It is housed in a square, acrylic pavilion designed by Pulitzer prize winning French architect Jean Nouvel. Jane’s years of work and the creation of its location and housing were all undertaken at the personal expense of Jane and her husband. Jane’s Carousel is their gift to the people of the city of New York. And what a gift it is.

However there’s one more truly magical element to this carousel. It’s what happens at night. Once every hour, the carousel starts on its own. Backlit from the center of the carousel, the horses’ shadows are thrown on the walls of the acrylic pavilion. Take a look.

To see the beautiful carvings and detail of the horses themselves, watch this YouTube video. The opening section gives you views from a distance and the dedication by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and others. The film of the horses themselves begins at about 7:45, set to music a real joy to watch.

Jane and David Walentas, thank you for this extraordinary and magical gift. The history of the carousel and all the work that went into its restoration as well as details on visiting and taking a ride can be found at the Jane’s Carousel web site.