Cafe Dunaway

THE EPHEMERA NETWORK

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:37:00 +0000

A Community Site for Anyone and Everyone Interested in Ephemera

Hudson and Dexter

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 20:41:00 +0000

"Hudson and Dexter" by Michele Dunaway
pencil on paper

Medwyn Goodall "Dolphin Companion"

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:21:00 +0000

2008 Olympics

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 02:17:00 +0000

"2008 Olympics" by Michele Dunaway
acrylic on canvas

Sharing

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:39:00 +0000

"Sharing" by Michele Dunaway

acrylic on canvas

Ice Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:40:00 +0000

"Ice Cream" by Michele Dunaway

acrylic, w/real coffee & vanilla on wood
13" x 13"

Native American, Pencil on Paper

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:16:00 +0000

"Proud" by Michele Dunaway
pencil on paper
12" x 16"

What is 2-1-1?

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:03:00 +0000

Healing Flight

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:40:00 +0000

"Healing Flight" by Michele Dunaway
2008
acrylic on canvas
24" x 65"

Cycle of Life

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 02:21:00 +0000

"Cycle of Life" by Michele Dunaway
2007
acrylic on canvas
26" x 70"

Photorealism - Charles Bell (1935 - 1995)

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:18:00 +0000

"Sixteen Candles" by Charles Bell
1992
oil on canvas
60 x 108"

Louis K. Meisel Gallery

Perceptions, Misunderstandings and Proper Communication

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:53:00 +0000

Look at the two photos below. What do you see?

No, I am not talking about the concept of depth of field in photography. I am trying to illustrate the concept of perceptions. Both photos are taken seconds apart from the exact spot, yet the focus is totally different. The first photo focuses on the hut (shelter) whereas the second photo focuses on the branches and leaves. Imagine Tom, Dick and Harry standing at the same spot and admiring the same view. Oh, did I say “same view”? Would Tom know what images are painted in the minds of Dick and Harry, vice versa?

Perceptions

A common meaning of “Perception”, according to dictionary.com, is “Intuitive recognition or appreciation, as of moral, psychological, or aesthetic qualities”. In other words, it is the output (understanding) of one’s analysis of a situation. The unique feature of human beings is that each individual perceives the “same situation” differently. I shouldn’t even be using the phrase “same situation” because different perceptions would mean different situations for different people. Rightfully, I should say, “The unique feature of human beings is that each individual perceives the event that they witnessed together differently.” And believe me, this is where all the trouble starts.

Misunderstandings

When people perceive an event or issue differently, the result is often one filled with misunderstandings. Let’s analyze how misunderstandings can occur.

There are infinite ways which people can view a situation, and when they do not see eye-to-eye, misunderstandings may result, leading to unhealthy and more importantly, unnecessary argument.

Proper Communication

The way to go about resolving any differences in perception resulting in misunderstandings is proper communication. Whenever you sense that someone views an issue in a different light, approach the subject objectively. This is often the case at the workplace. It is not about you trying to convince the other party about your proposal or making him understand your point of view. As someone who knows that the root cause is differences in perception resulting in the misunderstanding, you can take on the role as facilitator and ensure that there is a two-way communication channel – Taking turns to speak your minds and thrashing things out.

Proper communication is easier said than done. Often, we need parties to be willing to sit down and approach the subject objectively. It’s a pity that “willingness” is a virtue that not everyone embraces, and taking time off to communicate and solve problems objectively is considered a waste of time for these people. Perhaps they are too self-centered, or are too shallow to even think about such issues.

Perceptions, Misunderstandings and Proper Communication

World's smallest works of art..

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 02:09:00 +0000

Born in 1957 in Birmingham, Willard Wigan began his artistic life at a tender age. Suffering from dyslexia and learning difficulties, he struggled at school, finding solace in creating art of such minute proportions that it virtually could not be seen with the naked eye.

“It began when I was five years old,” says Willard. “I started making houses for ants because I thought they needed somewhere to live. Then I made them shoes and hats. It was a fantasy world I escaped to where my dyslexia didn’t hold me back and my teachers couldn’t criticise me. That’s how my career as a micro-sculptor began.”

Hawk

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 16:33:00 +0000

~ HAWK ~

Picture was taken March 22, 2009 as she (or he) flew above my head as I stood in my backyard.

Red Tailed Hawk by Michele Dunaway, Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 22:51:00 +0000

Research Says Doodling Boosts Concentration

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:51:00 +0000

Bad News for Teachers: Research Says Doodling Boosts Concentration | Discover Magazine
Doodling isn’t the distraction it’s commonly thought to be, researchers say–in fact, it aids concentration, and memory. A new study suggests that doodling takes up just enough attention to keep the brain from wandering further afield, explains lead researcher Jackie Andrade.

“If someone is doing a boring task, like listening to a dull telephone conversation, they may start to daydream. Daydreaming distracts them from the task, resulting in poor performance. A simple task, like doodling, may be sufficient to stop daydreaming without affecting performance on the main task” [BBC News], Andrade says.

In the small study, published in Applied Cognitive Psychology, Andrade asked 40 volunteers to listen to a monotonous two-and-a-half minute telephone message and jot down the names of people who had been invited to a party. Half of the participants were asked to shade in shapes on a piece of paper while they listened to relieve the boredom. The shading task was chosen instead of more creative doodling because it was less likely to make people feel self-conscious [The Guardian].

In a surprise memory test afterward, the doodling group was able to remember an average of 7.5 pieces of information from the message, while the control group could only remember 5.8 on average.
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The Calling for 2-1-1 Act

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:49:00 +0000

For the millions of Americans needing help every day – from locating financial assistance during a family crisis, to finding adequate care for an aging parent, to searching for the highest-quality child care – 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember number connecting them quickly to essential community resources. See some of the benefits of 211.

We want our nation's leaders on Capitol Hill to hear our voices. Please join our efforts to obtain critical federal funds for your community. We encourage you to contact your Senators and Representatives to urge co-sponsorship of the Calling for 2-1-1 Act (see S.211 / H.R.211). The legislation will provide federal money to states starting or enhancing a 2-1-1 system.

Encourage your congressional representatives to pass the Calling for 2-1-1 Act by signing United Way's electronic petition (S.211 / H.R.211).
Read about recently introduced legislation. (pdf)

You can also make your views known electronically by logging on to: www.capwiz.com/unitedway/home.

"Cycle of Life" - Acrylic Paint on Canvas

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:20:00 +0000

Acrylic on Canvas Painting by Michele Dunaway
"Cycle of Life" 2007

Pet Concierge Tampa Bay: Things I've learned from Spot or Puff?

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:25:00 +0000

Pet Concierge Tampa Bay: Things I've learned from Spot or Puff?

National 211 Day - February 11

noreply@blogger.com (Cafe Dunaway) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:07:00 +0000

Today, 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares, Inc. is joining over 244 - 2-1-1 centers across the country to celebrate National 2-1-1 Day, February 11th (2-11).

Since the FCC set aside 2-1-1 (July 2000) for general health and human service information and referral programs, 75% of the US population now has access to 211 services. Last year, 211 centers across the United States, answered over 14 MILLION TELEPHONE CALLS from people who were needing help and didn't know where to turn!

Please join in our celebration today by supporting us with the following 2 items:

1.) Tell one person today about 2-1-1 and our services here in our community. Please help us spread the word!!!!!

2.) Today, many United Way and 2-1-1 leaders will be meeting with members of Congress in Washington DC.

We ask that you support 2-1-1 by contacting the LOCAL office of your member of Congress and remind them to become a co-sponsor and help support the Calling for 2-1-1 Act (H.R. 211 or S.211).

"Calling for 2-1-1 Act" would provide federal funding to 2-1-1 services across the United States.

It's because of your on-going support that 2-1-1 is here for those who don't know where to turn when they need help!