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Cuppa Tea

By Kieran
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 How about a cuppa?   Artwork and original poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, as an ode to the cup of golden brew It's a wet rainy day, today February 8th 2040, as I put away my paints. My study is warm and cozy, my life blessed. Ain't got no complaints! There's a gentle familiar tap on the door, it's my next door neighbor. I glance at the clock. Oh my, it's 5 pm - time for a familiar flavor! "Wretched weather" he says, as he hangs up his hat, to no one in particular. "Nothing that a good cuppa can't put right, nothing fancy. Just the regular" The tea is just the excuse. He cracks a smile, no words need to be spoken. We've known each other donkeys years, now that she gone he's heartbroken. "How's the painting?", he asks politely, but his eyes tell of a different pain. We talk of the good old times; he lights up reliving our youthful days again. "Another cup?, I ask, knowing we had just gotten started. "You make...
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Lychee

By Kieran
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 Ode to Lychee   Original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026. This was a study in painting textures. Just when I thought I’d seen it all, along came the lychee Slightly larger than a grape with flesh that is crunchy ‘n juicy Wrapped in a rough reddish skin, it is native to South Asia. Take just one bite to experience a floral citrusy fantasia! For millennia it was the fruit of choice of the Chinese Emperor. A trip to your grocery store is all you now need, dear adventurer  It makes a cool refreshing drink to beat the summer heat I prefer to scarf down a handful fresh ones. Oh, what a treat!!
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Ugly Duckling

By Kieran
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 Beauty that isn't evident at first Original artwork and pensive poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, inspired by the children's tale of the ugly duckling. Oh how I cringe each time I hear it being callously being said Someone has a face that only a mother can love. All I see is red Just because someone is different doesn't mean they are inferior Remember the beauty we first see is only skin deep, the exterior! And that kind of beauty doesn't translate to being a good person The kind who sees from the heart to be with you when things worsen You feel the presence of that true friend across time and space. If you find such a person then you've found a true font of grace!
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Fluidity

By Kieran
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  Fluidity Original artwork and whimsical poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026 on fluidity For today’s artwork I chose to study fluidity in life. Letting the water tell a story starting with the knife! One can literally taste the watermelon, fresh and juicy. Ah, first let’s wet the whistle with something boozy The clock has witnessed it all but holds its peace. Happy to stay in its lane, to serve just as a timepiece Time to go to the cellar for a new bottle of single malt! While I let the artwork speak to you on its gestalt
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Surfer Dude

By Kieran
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 Surfer dude Original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c), 2026, inspired by an enlightened conversation I had this morning at the De Anza Flea Market. I learned that "hang ten" is the quintessential surfing maneuver where the surfer rides on nose of the board with all ten toes hanging over the edge. It is considered the epitome of surfing requiring precise balance, speed, and positioning within the pocket of a wave. The game of life throws it’s fair share of curve balls  Where some see excitement, others see only brick-walls Take barreling through Mavericks on just a tiny surf board Pros make it look easy, drop into the flow, reap the reward For me, the inexorable specter of the inevitable wipeout  Keeps me grounded. Terra firma , is all I can think about  So I ended taking a photo to capture the thrill of the ride And used my paintbrush to portray the magic of the seaside
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Eight Ball

By Kieran
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 Lessons of Eight Ball   Watercolor painting and inspirational poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, as I continue to explore light and shadow in glass objects To be " behind the eight ball ", means you are in a precarious situation Sounds familiar? Instead of options, you feel frustration and vexation The phrase comes from billiards when sinking the 8-ball means victory. It's the last ball to play but the cue ball's position is contradictory!! Without a clean look, the specter of failure could easily immobilize you! When the going gets tough, the tough get going, not time to feel blue. You size up the situation, using experience to choose the best way out Fortune favors the brave. In life acting decisively is what it's about
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Colored Glass

By Kieran
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 Glass of different shapes and colors Original painting and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, as I continue exploring light and shadow in glass Volcanic obsidian was probably the first glass used by early man. It had a sharp hard edge that came in handy as a tool for caveman! During making of ceramic, ash and sand fused under very high heat Sparking the glass making industry; ‘twas highly sought by the elite. Blown glass in 1st century BC Syria, was highly prized by the Romans  Glass making flourished in the Renaissance becoming Bohemian. Stained glass in cathedrals painted elaborate stories in color and light Familiarity with glass, all but makes us forget glassmaking at its height
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