amuse - four21

Fire on the Dance Floor

by Jason Lindblad

Lindblad currently resides in Destin, Florida, and works out of his studio creating traditional drawings, digital media illustrations, painted works, and collage. He uses a process that combines both pen and ink, plus digital illustration to make his unique and stylized works of art. PURCHASE ART ONLINE

TUES - SAT 11AM-6PM | JLEONGALLERY.COM | 850.842.3051 13370 US HWY 98 | MIRAMAR BEACH, FL 32550

a muse four

a mini magazine of things i like, love, and i want to share with others. i hope you like it too, but if you don't that's okay. jim . . .

finding the light

who are you calling a witch?

it’s great to be you

one model... lots of looks

what to do when...

If you are reading or looking through this copy of amuse magazine, you know I love shooting photos. I try to create a story through the images. The stories come from my imagination or directly from the models, random people, or other subjects photographed.

There are two short observations or ministories from this Joe Spedale Photography model/photographer event on Panama City Beach, September 19th, at the M.B. Miller Park County Pier.

I always get excited about going to an event because of the unknown challenges that come with them. With that said, this is how my day went. I left the house after a good morning of graphic design work. I arrived at the location 30 minutes early to see what the conditions are. Or am I just excited? The weather people had been mentioning a high chance of rain all week. When I got out of my car the sun was shining and only a few clouds were in the sky. It is just awesome to be shooting at the beach with grey overcast skies. It’s like a built-in softbox or diffuser in the sky. Many people are enjoying the beach and looking forward to a good day.

After walking around for a couple of minutes, I head back to the car to cool off with the air conditioner and cool off. As the time for the event is now, I sit on the railing looking for others I may recognize from past events or shoots. I see Joe Spedale and say hi. We talked for a few minutes. Another couple walks up to Joe they start talking. Talking about how many people he was expecting, models, and photographers.

We all wait a few minutes which seemed like forever. No additional photographers other than the three of us. Only one male model had been at other previous shoots. The scare of bad rainy weather must have kept everyone else away.

We decided we will go to work with what we had available. The model had been one of Joe’s clients and had some ideas for new looks he wanted to try to get. The other photographer and his wife head to the beach with Joe and the model. I let them know I am going to take a walk and see if I can catch any of the surfers

catching the small waves. We all walk towards the beach together, the shoot begins.

As I am walking in the sand, the sun is beaming on my forehead, sweat is starting to come out and I’m still going to take photos. I see one of the surfers we met minutes before in the gulf with a couple of other surfers. Folks sit on their towels enjoying chips and sodas while kids splash in the water.

What am I going to photograph? I talk to a lady and her daughter. I tell her about the photoshoot group without models today and ask her if she minds if I take a few images of them. I let her know that there is not a charge and give her my card so she can email me her email address and I will send her all the images. She says “that’s nice” and let’s me know it’s her granddaughter, not her daughter. The little girl enjoyed being a mini model while playing with her grandmom. I thanked both of them and hoped their days here were fun.

Capturing them being themselves interacting on the beach was a blast. One of the main reasons I took up photography was to create long-lasting memories of family, friends, and events.

The CoverGirl of this issue came to me on the same beach on the same day. While I was taking photos of the first girl and grandmom this girl and her dad walked by. I said hi to

them and they kept walking past us. I noticed the girl was focused on the birds but thought nothing of it. I had finished the first mini shoot.

I see that Joe and the rest of the folks were by the pier. I head that way to check in to see if anyone else had shown up. They said no but they were having fun with people they met by the pier wanting to know what was going on. I see the little girl and her dad again.

I start up a conversation with the dad and he tells me his girl has autism. And about his recent move to the area from up north the struggles with it. He tells me his daughter loves the birds and the hand gestures are her sign language for “flying.” They both love nature. He tells me “if I wanted to take her photo that would be great.” Her personality shines from within, she didn’t want to leave. I feel she absorbs all that is around her and takes it into her world.

What I got from these two encounters was that in life we are presented with many easy and difficult circumstances. Only empathy, caring, and love can help us through them.

Much love and happiness!

covergirl

finding the light

ruta rose

Sometimes you meet the art before you meet the artist. It was the case when I saw her artwork on Facebook. I fell in love with her use of color, movement, and the creative shaping of objects pulled me into the paintings. Then wait, the lines are moving, or is it my eyes? I thought to myself, Is this done on purpose, or is it just the way she sees the world? I wanted to see and know more. Also, the process behind the artwork, beginning with beautiful drawings which the gestures were amazing.

While at the J. Leon Gallerie’s Shop, Sip N’ Stroll event enjoying the variety of artists’ work I finally meet Ruta. We had the opportunity to talk about her art and our favorite types of art. I told her that her use of light in her paintings reminded me of searching for light in photography. Ruta introduced me to her daughter who is the model in “Blue Screen Madonna”. After some more small talk about where we are from and things we like to do in the area, I asked Ruta if she would like to be featured in amuse magazine. I had one of the past issues in the car so I got it to show her. She said it could be fun and may help promote her work. We scheduled a quick photoshoot at Turkey Creek in Niceville and a couple of those images are here.

Ruta is a member of ADSO in Fort Walton Beach and her work is in many galleries in Northwest Florida. I feel you will enjoy her work as much as I did when I first saw it. She does take commission works for people wanting an original piece of quality art of or for your family. You can see her artwork in progress on Facebook at facebook.com/ruta.and.rose

Get To Know Ruta

1. Where do you find inspiration?

Most inspiring is light. Bright strong golden hour light, that changes everything in to better version of themselves. Gold light veils everything into beauty and tranquility, always complimented by strange,long,dramatic shadows. To me it’s magical hour.

2. What is your favorite color?

Real question is: Favorite color in what !?! My favorite color to wear is black. I think it matches my soul, LOL. To live in : Is gray, silent color hugging, warm, accepting it all, no questions asked. To look at: Ultraviolet, like you can see in James Turrell installations or sunsets at Grand Canyon. To paint with: Olive green, this pigment is so rich and deep it can pass as pitch black or it can be spring green. I love all colors. Every tube of color is endless possibilities of things it can be formed into. I just “melt” in paint aisle of art supply store.

3. Did you like to paint as kid ? When did u start?

Of course I started very young, just like every kid loves to create art. Every kid is good at it, then they get compared, criticized, laughed at and they stop.

4. Does your art help you in other areas of your life?

Art today for me is some what is only reason to get out of bed. Going through rough patch of life for a little while now. It fills my days allows me to create imaginary places, different reality.

5. What does your art mean to you ? How does does it make you feel?

Most of my life I had very little and was confined in somewhat barren places. So I created things and made things , pets, houses, gardens. Pets out of empty match boxes and paper. Houses out of shampoo bottles. Gardens out of dried leaves and flowers. And dresses for my princesses out of drapes hanging in living room. It turned out big “no no” with my mother. Now my art supplies are much nicer. And just recently finished doll house I always wanted to have. Today I can be anywhere in my paintings, working with photography I get to feel places.

6. How others explain your style?

Recently I have abandoned idea of “pleasing the client”. Because of support of my husband, I let myself to paint what I want, what I see. I’m showing how solid objects are moving and vibrating. There is nothing still there like moving water and branches, everything is in motion. Some people say it makes them dizzy. But even horizon of ocean has imperfections. People just need to open eyes and walk outside, and they will see there is no straight line in universe. Just ask astrophysicist!

7. You paint in oils? What other mediums do you like to use?

I studied in art school ink, pencil drawing, print. That’s all my mom was able to afford while I was in school. Little bit of watercolor too. Today I absolutely enjoy oil paints, I’m kind of self-taught, still learning.

“Fairies in the Forest”

“Spring Sunset”

“Dismal Garden”

^ “Open Jam”

8. Five Favorite Movies?

These are my 5 favorite Movies for long time: Forest Gump (Life is really like a box of chocolate, you never know what you will get) Thomas Crown Affair (1999). (Most elegant thriller ever ) First 50 Dates (Most romantic love story) Some Like It Hot (Delicious get away from every day grind) Spirited Away (anime) (Everyone can relate to fighting for existence and success in strange land)

9.

Type of music you listen to while creating artwork?

For many years CCR, Smokey was my “insulin”. Lately when I work I listen to Indie Rock, Electronica, Electro pop, such as Odezza, Tycho, Parra for Cuva.

< “4th of July” “Past the Sunset”

“Monique”

Love Yourself with a healthy relationship to food

Through EKA EARTH and the foods I create, I am able to share all that I have learned through my journey in kitchens. By sharing cooking I am able to relive some of my favorite memories, and spark that same passion in others. My food focuses on elevating what our Earth has to offer us. I hold space in the kitchen for others to experiment with tastes and textures that truly nourish our bodies and minds. My hopes as a plant based chef, are to help humans understand and develop a healthy relationship to food, their bodies, and all of the abundance our earth has to offer.

“

All the magic of creation exists within a single tiny seed.” -Magi Lune [Ferngully The Last Rainforest]

by

JLindseyacqueline Baliles

Plant Based Chef / Artist

EKA EARTH is a movement, an open ended invitation to all humans, to move forward with a relationship to Earth that cultivates health, longevity, and optimism for future life on Earth and Earth itself.

ONE Body. ONE Earth. ONE Humanity.

upbeet hummus

(i t t as t e s as g o o d as i t lo oks)

Ingredients

• 1 large roasted beet

• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas (drained)

• 2 Garlic Cloves peeled + chopped

• 1/3 cup lemon juice

• 2/3 cup tahini

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp rubbed sage

• Pink Himalayan salt to taste

Ready In 15 minutes Serves 1-12 people

ekaearth.com

As Easy As It Gets!

1. In a food processor or blender combine all ingredients and pulse until desired consistency is achieved. (Usually the smoother the better)

2. Top with your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruits, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil.

3. Serve with root chips, fresh sliced vegetables, warmed pita, or just grab a spoon!

EKA EARTH’S

people, places, and things...

...that I am thankful for: my memories, people who treat you like family, having fun, time spent with you, always learning, the ability to take photos, good food, forgiveness, giving hugs, seeing smiles, and getting up in the morning to have another day on earth. We have lost too many people these past couple of years. And we need to enjoy the people and our lives with the remaining time we have. Much love and future happiness.

opinion piece

WHO ARE YOU CALLING A WITCH?

I bet that after reading the title you know exactly what I’m talking about. No? Let me explain: Have you ever been called a “witch”? Or my favorite one, “I’m not calling you a witch, but you sure are behaving like one!” All of us have experienced the “joy” of being called names once or twice at some point in our lives. The issue is, why does this usually happen after we’ve told someone that they are not respecting our boundaries? It’s like, as a woman, you are expected to comply without complaints. The moment you don’t all of the sudden you are the difficult one.

In the past, so-called witches were condemned for behaving in a way that society didn’t find acceptable. A decision that turned out to be deadly for many of them. I know we’ve made lots of progress in equality and

acceptance. However, women still get paid less than men, domestic violence against women is an everyday thing, and we still have men trying to decide what we should (or shouldn’t) do with our bodies. Many times, we are seen as second-class citizens and are often labeled as “difficult” when we dare to question why.

Crazy thing is, name calling and labels often happens from woman to woman. I get it, we are super competitive – we all want to shine, even if that means that I will absolutely do whatever it takes to dim your light. There’s only space for one Queen Bee, right? The moment we feel intimidated, the claws come out. Sad to say I’ve experienced my fair share of this behavior.

I’ve been told many times from unprofessional female co-workers that I come across as “intimidating” and “aggressive”. My

by Mara Clark

reaction is always the same: “Can you please share an example of when this happened? I certainly didn’t mean to come across that way”. Almost 100% of the times I was either raising my concerns, setting up boundaries, or letting them know boundaries were not respected. The result? I’m a witch. Imagine that.

Respectfully asking to be respected shouldn’t have this result ever. Unfortunately, it does. Genuine relationships allow the freedom to express who you are without guilt or fear. Questioning what you don’t understand or feel comfortable with should be applauded, not criticized. Speaking up and defending your point should be seen as natural as brushing your teeth.

So, next time you are about to assign adjectives to one of your female friends, take

a step back and, for one second, think about why. Is this person really being difficult, or are they simply letting you know that you’ve crossed a line? Are they intimidating or are you intimidated? There’s a big difference.

And to all my fellow witches who still struggle with setting up boundaries: Learn to be comfortable with who you are – you are not for every coven, and it is perfectly ok. Never stop speaking your mind and questioning what you don’t feel comfortable with. You don’t have to be less for others to feel better about themselves; refuse to take responsibility from how others react to your presence.

You have a voice! We are not all wicked…

FROM THE WOMAN ON THE LITTLE DESK IN THE CORNERN

WITCH RIDE 2021

WITCHES OF SOUTH WALTON, INC. CHILDREN’S VOLUNTEER HEALTH NETWORK

Maleficent

mara is magnificent ~ halloween 2021

SHOW SOMEBODY YOU REALLY CARE... BECOME AN ALLY SHOW UP AND SUPPORT THE PERSON OR THE CAUSE.

a m u s e

it’s great to be you

As we get older, do we get smarter or wiser? We should have already learned what it means to be a decent human being? Hopefully, we had parents that taught us right from wrong. If not, at least you should have decided for yourself that you will not treat anyone else differently than you would want to be treated. We are all the same, HUMAN BEING. I have known and seen people who treat animals (cats and dogs) better than they do others. It’s not right and it should not be allowed. Just because you make more money, live in a nicer home, drive a fancier whatever, or have a better education, doesn’t give you the right to be mean. Many bullies were not bullies until they got bigger than the rest of the class. What went wrong? I don’t know. Perhaps when they were little they got bullied and decided when they grew up “someone was going to get it.” That is not right at all. Be respectful to

everyone. Do not let others influence you into doing wrong. Your mistakes will stay within you for a lifetime.

Time to be yourself. Saturday, October 9th, was the day! Everyone was ready to celebrate! Niceville’s Annual Pride Walk was here once again! I arrived at Niceville High School at 8:30 am camera in hand and ready to take photos. There were many people already visiting booths and talking to soon-to-be friends. I start snapping away on a sunny morning. Vendor Fair with food trucks included booths for local organizations/ businesses wishing to promote useful resources for LGBTQIA+ youths, adolescents, and adults. You could register to vote, meet people who are running for office, continue your education, and even get a henna tattoo if you wanted one. I bought a couple of pride buttons : ) They made me very happy!

At 9:00 am participants, media, and I moved to the stadium. The Chair of Niceville Pride, Logan Goodson, announced and recognized the numerous organizations, businesses, and individuals who helped fund and organize Niceville Pride. He encouraged everyone in attendance to support these businesses throughout the year. After, the President of PFLAG Niceville and Faculty Advisor to the NWFSC GSA, Dr. David Simmons, provided an inspirational speech. It was titled “We Walk Together” and it uplifted the attending participants of the event. I took a few candid photos and one big group photo. I then got to go on the 2-mile walk.

Niceville Pride kicked off with their annual

march down John Sims Pkwy. Participants walked from Niceville High School to Walmart and back. Along the path of the march there were stations set up for water, snacks, and the best mom hugs.

After the completion of the march, participants of Niceville Pride and other community members continued celebrating Pride with a reception hosted by Niceville High School. The reception provided water, snacks, fun booths, purchasable retail, a safe place to express your “personal” pride via an open mic support-group meeting, and a silent auction. The open mic stories are the most inspiring. Stories of how their journeys began and the struggles from the outside and at home worlds.

Many stories were shared, about successes within themselves and how to enjoy living being yourself too.

I hope you can see the happiness and joy in the faces of all of those in attendance. I plan to be back to photograph and support the cause next year. I attended the Pride Prom in the Arts Wing of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center with Mara and Jessica. As supporting allies we had a great time dancing, eating snacks, and having fun. We felt like living pieces of art in the art gallery while making new friends. It was a blast!

The following morning I couldn’t wait to see and edit the images I captured of the Pride events. To see all of these people having a great time made me feel good inside. Plus I love

having the chance to share with others who may not have been able to attend due to people who don’t approve or understand why you are the way you are. I hope they decide to research the organization to find out what others have learned. I hope they can become an ally, be supportive to the cause, and much more.

You can join the PFLAG Niceville Support Group Meeting, every second Sunday of each month via Zoom. This meeting is for all LGBTQ people and their friends, family members, and allies. You can join from anywhere in the world! To receive the Zoom Meeting link for the support meetings, please email the group at info@pflagniceville.com

proud to share the rainbow

Being an ally is many things to me. Some of those things are listening, showing up, supporting when you can, helping others, and sharing things we all have in common as good humans. PFLAG Niceville is the local chapter that I am most familiar with and you can be part of it too. PFLAG envisions a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

“share the love and accept the smiles”

Larraine DeLoach

one model... lots of looks

one WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Happy people. Those who are genuinely happy and content. Brings me peace and joy. It’s inspiring to me to be around someone who doesn’t need more in their life. Who isn’t always needing or wanting more. It inspires me to be more content and to focus less on me.

three

WHY DID YOU WANT TO GET INTO MODELING?

Ever since I can remember I’ve been told that I’m photogenic, and I always have had an eye for fashion. Even as a teenager I had to be in the latest trend. four

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE COLOR OR FOOD AND WHY?

Hmmm, favorite color is probably black. I have way too much of it but it’s so easy to wear just about anywhere. Anytime. My favorite food, chocolate chip pancakes by Kodak. Oh it’s my new fav and I eat it throughout the whole day. No syrup needed.

five

IF YOU COULD DO ANY TYPE OF MODELING ANYWHERE WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I’d want to go back to San Diego. I really enjoyed everything SD had to offer and I really enjoyed the modeling and Photography community. People were loyal and respectful of your time and talents. Generous souls with a lot of passion! Some of my best photos were shot there. So Grateful.

two

WHAT IS YOUR BEST FEATURE?

I get compliments on my eyes a lot, but I’d say it’s my legs. Long and powerful. I have walked many Runways and ran in Half Marathons, so yeah, my legs are the winner here.

Jessie Ritter

singer/songwriter

The first time I had the pleasure of seeing and hearing Jessie perform live was August 28th, 2019 at Baytowne Wharf at about 6:30 pm. It was a steaming hot summer afternoon by the bay in Sandestin. I had my camera and was wanting to capture images. Usually, at Baytowne there are great people-watching, fun events, and nature to photograph. This day I heard a lady singing country songs which made me think of my dad’s parents from Alabama. Her personality and passion projected to the audience of a handful of tourists and me.

The crazy thing is I first saw her at the Beachcomber Music Awards a couple of nights before. I didn’t get to see her perform because I had to get back to Niceville, family first. She swept the 2019 Northwest Florida Beachcomber awards taking home eight titles including Musician of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Original Song, Best Country Artist, Best Singer/Songwriter, Best Solo Artist, Best New Artist, and Best Female Vocalist. A great night for her!

Here is a section of how Jessie welcomes you to her website jessieritter.com. “Hey there. I’m Jessie. I sing and write country music. ... I love family. I love Jesus. I love people. I seek sunshine and simple life. These things make my songs sound just like me. All I have to share is my heart. I hope you’ll take time to listen to its beating.”

It’s refreshing to see “real” people being themselves in real life. Most recently Jessie, her husband, and their brand new baby were at Al’s Beach Club with Jessie performing on stage. I bet being a new mother she will have more song lyrics with all the experiences motherhood brings. If Jessie Ritter is playing close to you or even online be sure to check her out. Country sound with a little bit of pop is definitely in her voice and most likely in her heart. Enjoy supporting the arts!

listen!

HOME By Jessie Ritter Download 2020 single “Home” online at jessieritter.com

“I wrote this song when I went back to visit my childhood family farm for the first time in twenty years. This is my story, about my loss, and the change I had to go through. But I think you’ll find your own story here as well. I think we all long for the home that no longer exists.” -Jessie jessieritter.com

I do not know if their love started on the rocks, but it has lasted for many years. And there are many of us who are glad they got together and have stayed by each other’s side all this time. We wish a happy anniversary to a country boy in the Air Force and a Newfie gal. We love you two, and we always will! From all of us - your family and friends!

HAPPY 65TH ANNIVERSARY

friend

Be a friend Make a friend

Be a friend long as you can Not just in the beginning But until the very end Friends remember the best Friends forget all the rest

Everybody make mistakes Remember nobody is perfect It ok to say, “I’m sorry“ To ask for forgiveness

Try not to judge others or to cast the first stone Those of us that do, may end up alone

You may never know when your time on earth is done Maybe, it has only just begun?

I don’t want to know my when Know what comes next If I did would I rewrite my life? Would I change my text?

I don’t know what to expect I’m sure there’s something

Not the end Something to consider Another journey to begin

Be a friend again and again

really not sure yet? > no clue yet

amuse NEXT ISSUE

w h at ch a think?

DID YOU LIKE THIS ISSUE?

I can’t believe that this is the fourth issue of amuse and I'm already brainstorming, writing, and taking photographs for the next issue. I hope you enjoyed reading it and let me know what you would change or additons you have in mind.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE IN ONE OF THE NEXT ISSUES?

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OR LESS OF?

There was a lot of love in this edition. Weddings tend to bring out the emotions in us. I’m thinking more art and other fun stuff in the next issue. What about you? Think about it and let us know what you think.

I may be able to make it happen. Ideas include art, food, crazy couple photos, your face here photos, and many ideas that haven't popped up in my head yet. I want to include more writings of other people... short poems or song lyrics, who knows? E-mail me your thoughts or poems and we can consider them. Send it to: info@nwfla. com with the subject title "amuse me".

LET ME KNOW AND THANKS. Yes... I am asking you 'cause I have learned that if you don't ask, nobody does anything. Share some of your thoughts or comments by e-mail at jim@ iamjimclark.com

DID YOU LEARN ANYTHING OR JUST ENJOYED FLIPPING THROUGH THE PAGES?

A magazine can be fun to create but it does take time to put it together with the way you want it. Creating a flow and incorporating the style that matches your personality and includes things you like as well. What’s going on in your world? Let’s talk about it. CONTACT call 850.357.0088 and leave a message E-MAIL jim@iamjimclark.com FACEBOOK facebook.com/amusedestin

Capturing the moment when you don’t expect it is motivating. If you are having fun with the models while taking photos, joking around, and acting silly: not work, it’s fun.

Call me at 850.357.0088 to discuss your next photo session, a fun portrait or candid event coverage.

[ uh-myooz ]

verb (used with object), a·mused, a·mus·ing.

1. to hold the attention of (someone) pleasantly; entertain or divert in an enjoyable or cheerful manner: She amused the guests with witty conversation.

2. to cause mirth, laughter, or the like, in: The comedian amused the audience with a steady stream of jokes.

amuse ~ to occupy the attention with something pleasant. That which amuses is usually playful or humorous and pleases the fancy.

words related to amuse tickle, gratify, wow, please, delight, cheer, charm, regale, interest, gladden, divert, panic, grab, crack up, put away, knock dead...

3. Go to page 21 to see the amuse word of this issue. Who do you think about and what do you as one?

dictionary.com