Fall is highlighted by County Fairs. As a kid I loved them especially the farm animal exhibits, so much so, I begged my parents to let me have chickens.  I eventually showed my own Bantam hen and Plymouth Rock Rooster at that fair.  She won first place and he third.  Elkanah Watson earned the title of the “Father of US agricultural fairs.”  He organized the first US fair in Pittsfield MA in September of 1811.  It still is held and now known as the Berkshire Fair.  Not only was it a place to show and share advances in agriculture but he held the first competition for $70 for the best exhibit of oxen, cattle, swine and sheep.  These fairs promoted and spread the love for breeding in the US.

We all know the wildlife painter John James Audubon.  At some point I will highlight his work, for I consider him one of the top ten technical painters in the world.  But today I’m going to highlight the amazing paintings of A. O. Shilling and L. Stahmer.  They painted breeds of fowl livestock, especially chickens to help standardize the look of the breeds.  These oil paintings were commissioned in the mid 1920’s by WATT publishing company (now WATT Global Media) for their Poultry Tribune.  There are now 13 recognized breeds of the American Chicken.

P.S. Please share. The pictures above are a variety of breeds of Chickens from around the world painted by AO shilling and L. Stahmer.

Aries – Seven of Cups

The Seven of Cups is the card of dreams.  This week spend some time day dreaming and imagining.  There are some fantastic ideas up at the castle in the sky.  The challenge with this card is finding the ones you can bring back and materialize.

Taurus – Page of Cups

Last week, the Emperor card of manifestation, wanted you to work on the what is instead of what could be.  This week the Page of Cups wants you to add in some play with the work.  Remember all work and no play makes Jill/Jack a not so well rounded individual.
Continue reading Tarotcast Week of September 23, 2018 →