Sunrise and Rainbows...

IT has been far too long since I posted on my blog. My bad! The amazing realization I have had lately is that time rushes by with only a mere thought or two that I should have something to share and post on my blog. I question- is my life as interesting to others as it is to me? I am going to spend the next couple of weeks sorting through the events of this last year and bring in to share many of the sunrises and rainbows in my life from 2011.

"BoW Wow,Meow: Art Fundraiser for the Kauai Human Society

Please join us for "Bow Wow Meow: Art Fundraiser for the Kauai Humane Society" on September 3, Old Kapaa Town Artwalk, 6-9pm. Featuring animal art, bags and tee shirts and jewelry by artists Amy Vieira, Kim Van Antwerp, Pam Woolway, Schar Freeman and R. Eve Solomon. Music by Lee Richardson and Kevin Wheatley and fire dancing by the Fire Kitties. A portion of all sales go to benefit the animals at our local Humane Society animal shelter. for more info www.alleykatart.com, kat@alleykatart.com or 808 651-1766


'Animal Fiesta' by Amy Vieira, Acrylic on canvas

Grassroot Artist

"Future is Female" ©schar freeman '98

I find that there are no coincidences in this life for the day this article was published one of Mother Earth's greatest shake ups happened. Our greatest Mother shook and overtook with the sea many lives on half the planet. Japan experienced a historical 8.9mg Earthquake, generating a magnificent and devastating Tsunami hitting her coastlines within thirty minutes after the quake. The wave then raced across the Pacific Ocean effecting many shores along the hundreds of islands, and mainland coast riming the Pacific Ocean with minimal injury and damage.

"Future is Female" was painted in 1998. The inspiration came from a dream I had regarding the importance of women coming together at the ocean edge to pray, teach and regenerate the universe and the greater order of things. in ceremony.

A couple months ago I was contacted by Shelia of Stylish Home
for an interview regarding my shops at Etsy. Her idea has been to interview various artist regionally, and then submit her articles to local media. This sounded like a wonderful opportunity for promoting many circles.; Etsy, Stylish Home and Kauai artist Leslie Hagan and myself.

I sent along a few photo examples of my artwork and the "Future Is Female" was selected for the article. Curious connections at least for me and perhaps some of you reading.

Grassroots art grows on the web was published this week in our local newspaper on Kauai. Unfortunately one part of this circle was broken as Garden Island editing of her article failed to make mention of StylishHome.com. GI also misspelled my main shop ScharArt.

Big mahalo and thank you to Shelia for a wonderful article. Mahalo to the folks at Garden Island Newspaper for supporting this article!

Book Release

In the Spirit of We’Moon ~ Celebrating 30 Years

An Anthology of We’Moon Art and Writing

February 25, 2011

5-7pm

Banana Patch Studio, Hanapepe, Kauai, Hawaii

In the Spirit of We’Moon artfully showcases the core strength of We’Moon—the powerful art and writing from hundreds of women worldwide that is published in the datebook each year—and includes new insights from founding editorMusawa and other writers who share stories about We’Moon’s colorful evolution.

Featuring Kauai Artists, Lilian DeMello, A.Kimberlin Blackburn, Lisa Seed and ScharCbear Freeman.

Also featuring Betty LaDuke, Robyn Waters, Meinrad Craighead, Rose Flint, Joanna Macy, Vicki Noble and over 400 other beloved contributors from 15 countries.

Come meet the Kauai artists and listen to the story of We'Moon birth and growth.

In the Spirit of We’Moon – Celebrating 30 Years – An Anthology of We’Moon Art and Writing

• Hardcover • 8” x 10” • Full color • Printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink •

• $36 retail • ISBN: 978-1-890931-68-1 • Release date January 4, 2011 •

––––­­­­––––––

Mother Tongue Ink publications feature creative work by women, celebrating earth-based spirituality and visions for a changing world. Since 1981, MTInk has published We’Moon: Gaia Rhythms for Womyn—the well-known eco-feminist datebook, astrological / moon calendar and daily guide to natural cycles—with art and writing from the growing edge of international women’s culture.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow!

Rainbow over Hanapepe River

Happy New Year! This year began with a bang of sorts for me as I fell ill with a tenacious Intestinal Bacteria. I had to be rushed to the hospital in an ambulance( first time ever) and spent four days with vital fluid being returned to my body via intravenous.

Doctors and I could not figure out just where I picked up this bacteria but we attributed it to the massive rain and runoff. Somewhere I touched something and hadn't washed my hands before transmitting food to my mouth. I hadn't gone in the ocean due to the brown water advisories so must had been while beachcombing picking up shells.

I am so grateful for the fantastic care that our local small hospital, KVMH provided and the quick response of the doctors.

I see this as a symbol of this year to come for me: take good care of myself and live a healthy lifestyle with gusto!

Indeed there is a pot of golden opportunities at each end of the rainbow!

Happy Holidays!!

Kookie and I wish you Happy Holidays

This is the time of year to think of others and share in the joy of the season. I have a Christmas Story that took place for me on the Eve of Christmas, 1958...I was almost 8 years old.

This was a year of great struggle for my parents raising five children. There were not many services available today back then to assist families. My parents were desperately trying to manage with very little. My father had been laid off right before Thanksgiving. We had a hundred pound burlap bag of potatoes that my dad had retrieved from the side of the road. Apparently had fallen off a truck loaded full. We didn't have much else to eat. We ate potatoes in every shape and form for weeks. I remember my folks arguing and showing the stress. They were sad.

On Christmas Eve as my Dad drove past a closed up tree lot with one lone, piddly tree. He climbed the fence and stole the tree. Well there were two police in their car who saw what he had done and followed him home. They didn't press any charges on my Dad. They felt the only crime that had been committed was that this family, with five beautiful children, were without a Christmas tree or presents to go under them. They let us keep the tree. It was one of THE most beautiful trees I remember in my childhood. We decorated it with handmade ornaments and some ornaments from Christmases past.

Early Christmas morning there was a knock at our door, with a loud "HO HO HO".... the two police officers were standing there, in their Santa Hats, with arms full of gifts for all of us. I remember crying big tears of joy while I thought to myself...I will never ever in my life forget the meaning of Christmas!

To this day every Christmas I give a family in need with a little money and presents for the children, in the spirit of the season!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

May there be peace, love and joy shared
with family, friends and strangers in need!

Salt Pond Kitties

"Bootsie" Sentinel of Salt Pond
click on photos to enlarge

There is an overwhelming population of feral cats on this little island in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. How to remedy this situation is beyond my concept at this point. For the last seven years I have been one of the committed feeders of two colonies located at the edges of Salt Pond Park on Kauai.

There is the morning feeder, Dorothy whom has been feeding these kitties for over thirteen years. She willing shares that there are several kitties that are ten years or older...the "originals" she fondly refers to. She has them all named. Dorothy is in her 70's.

"Mama Pinkie" over 10 yrs old

Tom and Debbie share the evening feeding with myself. They also are the couple responsible for catching and releasing hundreds of kitties for the last four years. After the kitties have been spayed by our Human Society, who donate the cages and traps to catch them , they then donate Veterinary services for neutering these feral kitties. After caring for them during recovery, Debbie and Tom release them back into the colony.

The population with this colony was working well, as we all managed to keep the colony numbers right around 20 kitties. Then about four months ago, people started dumping not one or two kitties, but LITTERS and pregnant mama kitties.

The colony quickly grew to over 40 kitties with half not neutered. Debbie and Tom worked diligently capturing dozens to have neutered. The ear is clipped as to recognize those ones fixed. They were both warriors of the evening, gathering up as many as four at a time to take to the Human Society for their alteration, and care for them over night and release back to the colony the next day. Mahalo nui loa Tom and Debbie for your LOVE and caring of these kitties!

"Georgie and Tuffy"

A couple of weeks ago this all began to change. An emotional solution was unfolding. The Salt Makers of Hanapepe posted this.

This is what I drove up to for the evening feeding. Kitties in a disarray of confusion. All dishes and containers of water were removed. All shelters and palettes-gone too!

A gathering of folks involved met with the Human Society and it was decided we had to remove the entire colony, stop feeding and capture to bring to the Human Society. Because many of these kitties had been in the colony for several years they were tame. so maybe for some it could mean adoption, but, sadly for most, it means an end to their life.

There is not one solution to this growing problem. Feral cats and feral chickens are a part of this island. People need to be more responsible for their actions with the animals they have and do not want. Dumping an animal is punishable with a $500 fine. IT takes only a minimum of $5 to have your animals spayed at the Human Society.

IN MEMORY OF
Big Boy Samba
1995-2010

Spakwus Slulum "Eagle Song Dancers"

"Eagle Song Dancers" are a coastal, canoe culture people from Vancouver, British Columbia. They share their culture with songs and dances, using hand crafted drums. Spakwus Slolem, (translated,"Eagle Song Dancers), are members of the Squamish Nation. Geographically located in what is called the Lower Mainland of British Columbia

Bear, Raven, Wolf, Eagle and Salmon are some of their cedar wood, hand carved animal masks, they dance to tell the stories of the Ancients of their land and culture.

After a gathering of thoughts regarding the economy on our island KPC decided to change admission tickets to:

Under 12, Over 65 FREE
All Others Buy one $20, get ONE FREE!!

Salt Pond Sunset, Kauai, Hawaii 2010

As the sun closes day
thoughts linger in vibrant guava hues

My prayer sent beyond
the sky and sea

Let us all be with good will
and fill our world with peace.

schar 9-11-2010

Relay For Life

April is one of THE most important months in my year. The other months are the months each of my sons were birthed. But APRIL is the month, that great challenges and changes seem to occur throughout my life.

It was the month , TEN years ago, that I finally made my life-long-dream move to beautiful Kaua'i. Achieving this move to the heart of the Pacific Ocean changed my location and fulfilled a dream. Moving here increased the nature of my health and my well being, as well became an incredible inspiration for my artwork.

April 1986 was the month and year I had first been diagnosed with cervical cancer. I was only 36 years old and in the midst of a cumbersome divorce from my love of my life!

So every April since my move to this welcoming island I RELAY !

RELAY here on Kaua'i is a celebration of life for 12 consecutive hours. We begin at 6pm and relaying all through the night, until 6am. There are great festivities with music, great local food , education , and support. The Luminaria ceremony is very moving and emotional.

If you click on the link RELAY for LIFE 2010 you may make a donation for my support or to purchase a Luminaria in memory or support for a loved one in your family who has been touched with the battle of cancer.

♥Mahalo nui loa for all the prayers, HOPE, donations and the fantastic support and love for Relay 2010 and for all the years past!

Misty New Day

Fresh and new day
a misty rain gently falls.
Inspiration from a calmer sea
and the colors of the morning awakening!

This painting is an oil pastel on sanded paper painted Plein aire

Crashes and stuff like that...

"White Orchids in Purple" Acrylic on Canvas

I have been away from posting and blogging as I had a major computer crash and then my computer died. I have since purchased a new system and plan to be back on a regular basis posting new artwork and stories of this island.

I have learned to do my backup faithfully and have been enjoying going back through years of files. Although this does take much time there have been some wonderful moments of re-discovery.

"Jayme Sun" oil pastel on sanded paper

I am working on a new painting for my son's 40th Birthday that will be March 26th. "Jayme Sun" is a painting I did for him on his 38th Birthday. I will post photos of the progress soon.

May this day and each day forward bring to you and yours pure aloha!

I'd Rather Be In Hawaii

I am being featured in this wonderful idea by Felicia Kramer on her blog:

I'd Rather Be In Hawaii

Felicia through the years has tried many times to get to visit Hawaii and for one reason or another has not yet visited. She had a bright idea to feature five artist who are living and creating in the islands. She also has provided a wonderful give-away for all who visit with a comment on any of the interviews.

Enjoy the adventure and visit to the islands!

♥♥Kookie and I wish you Hau'oli makahiki hou!!! ♥♥

As 2009 comes to a close I find myself, as many might reflecting on this last decade. The most significant change during my personal past decade was after yearning to live in the islands most of my memories (since I was 8 years old). I finally gave away or sold most all possessions and moved to the island of Kauai to live the rest of my life! I had visited early 2000 and completed my move on Easter 2000.

These past ten years I found myself referring to this as my own personal resurrection. Living on this island during the past ten years have taught me the pure aloha nui loa(very much love) and malama pono(take good care) that Kaua'i offers.

This is truly a Paradise in the Heart of the Pacific Ocean! I endured many trials and tribulations regarding my health as well as others well being that are dear to my heart, but felt a community filled with aloha come to comfort and support in times of need and sorrow, comfort and much joy. Mahalo nui loa to all my ohana and friends who are a part of my life.

Kookie came into my life almost three years ago when I rescued him from the Human Society Shelter. He is my best buddy and a good companion. He has learned to walk on a halter and leash so he can go for adventures outside. This morning we went to the beach. He was so curious at that big water but didn't manage to leave the car. Maybe next trip. He also wants you all to know this is a non-alcohol year for him and celebrates only with non-alcoholic bubbly!

It is wonderful to enter into yet another decade. I am very grateful to my Creator! Twenty-Ten marks my SIXTH decade on this earth! January 9th I will celebrate my BIG 60 Birthday! I am very excited to see just where all the lessons will guide me for this next decade to come!

♥♥Kookie and I wish you all peace, good health and plenty aloha shared with much laughter and joy!!♥♥

♥Mele Kalikimaka♥