Articles written by Susan Day Campbell

What is Helium

About me - Susan Day Campbell

As a water media artist for the last quarter century, I have been teaching people to smush, smear, spread and swoosh puddles of water and paint around on a piece of paper. They are able to create something gorgeous and we all set our spirits free. Now, that's

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Creative Writing > Humor Humor: I am a perfect parent: 1 of 60
Mommyhood can try the patience of even the most perfect parent. As just such a paragon of virtue, I can attest to that. For instance, children, when faced with what should be a relatively uncomplicated task, like getting dressed for school, will suddenly find that the most basic of abilities now eludes them. Skills which they... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Greeting card rhymes: 2 of 47
Happy Birthday to an "Old" FriendYour birthday's a dateThat we celebrateWith frolic and foolery sublime.We'll serve you some dishesLike cake, most delicious,While singing our wishes in rhyme.So let's raise our glasses,We mirth making lasses,We'll giggle with rapturous delight.We'll get saucy and happy, Perhaps even sappy,Maki... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Gift Advice Gift ideas for those who have it all: 2 of 14
Gift Ideas for Those Who Have It AllWe humans seem prone to hyperbole, especially when we feel confused, frustrated or just plain tired. "I think you are the most selfish person on the planet!" (Lucy, from the movie Two Weeks Notice) "Well, that's just silly. Have you met everyone on the planet?" (George, from the movie Two W... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Presidential Elections 2008 Assessing Mike Huckabee's "fair tax" plan: 1 of 7
Questions and answers on the "Fair Tax"Q. What is it and how will it affect me?A. This plan was originally devised by a group called Americans for Fair Taxation, and its aim is to shut down the IRS.Q. Hooray! Who wouldn't love that? But how? A. Huckabee proposes a 23 percent national sales tax. Instead of paying taxes on what... More..
Arts & Humanities > Theater & Drama How to get your kids interested in opera: 1 of 7
The way most families get their children interested in opera is by taking them to see professional productions of famous works. Undoubtedly, this is a fine way to introduce children to the art. Sometimes it even works. My children, however, were immersed in it from infancy. I regularly sang in operas and musicals produced in ... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Spring showers: 12 of 56
Capricious spring showers of sunshine and rainTake turns swirling patterns on my windowpane.They sweep through the meadows and gardens with glee,Off'ring cool drinks to flowers and rude squirts at me.It's just such a springtime; it loves to play tricks,Like storms that bombard us, with splashes and licks. . . In our chilly ea... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Gift Advice Great gift-basket idea for an artist: 4 of 17
Great Gift Basket for an ArtistIt should be easy to put together a gift basket for an artist. After all, you already know what sorts of things an artist is interested in, so you just go down to your local stationery or craft store, load up on "artsy stuff" and arrange it in a colorful basket, right? Well, not necessarily.As a... More..
Arts & Humanities > Making Art Watercolor techniques to enhance your experience: 1 of 4
WATERCOLOR ATTITUDELet's face it. As watercolorists, we will never be completely in control. The joy of the medium comes from allowing the paint and water to do their own thing, rather than trying to force them into compliance. When you put water and paint together on paper they'll do all the work for you if you'll let them. ... More..
Home & Garden > Cleaning (Other) Avoid household cleaning: Creative tips: 1 of 4
"There's no need to do any housework at all. After the first four years the dirt doesn't get any worse!" ~ Quentin Crisp * For your own mental health, you should avoid all contact with dirt. Dirt is neurotic. In fact, it's downright deranged. Did you ever notice how "clingy" dirt is? Wherever you walk it clings to your shoes.... More..
Arts & Humanities > Making Art Painting tips and techniques: 2 of 5
Questions To Ask Before I Paint(For experienced novice through advanced skill levels)You're standing in the middle of a sun-washed meadow gazing at a cluster of charming buildings, your easel and painting supplies at the ready. So, now what? How do you know what part of the scene to paint? Should it be up close and personal o... More..