P is for Passionate

I am passionate about my creativity, spending time experimenting, creating new things from old and new, capturing the essence of something with paints, pencils anything that can make a mark.  I am passionate about spending time on my blogs, it has become a way of life talking about what I am getting up to, sharing with an on line community my experiences.

I am also passionate about my family, spending time with them, caring and sharing the ups and downs, our relationships and the memories that we create together, my faith, relationship with God and my spiritual walk and taking the time to understand what my specific purpose in life is and that I get the time and the space to think on those things and leave a positive mark on the world.  I came across a great website called It Starts With Us. and they encourage you to make one small difference (15 minutes or less)  each week to the life of someone else,

Take a look at this video and their site for further information. What are you passionate about?

Painting for the day

Each day I will show a completed piece of art or journal page hope you enjoy today's

 Art Journal Page

 Blog Love

I am sharing some love with those who are also taking part in the challenge, it's not everyone whose blog starts with the letter P, but a few of them for you to start with....

Peanut Butter and Whine

Phenomenal Lass

Pensuasion

Playful Creative

Profiling Great Americans

O is for Open

When growing up, I always told my son that he needed to be open to new experiences, to try something new, have a new experience and really live the life he had been given.  Of course I don't want him to be open to try those things that could actually bring him harm, and there has to be a balance.  

It is the living of your life that helps form your view of the world, to see the richness of your environment and learn about different cultures, see the whole of the world and not just the house and the surrounding streets that you were born, and the local shops that you visit.  I know people who are afraid to drive outside the area they live limiting themselves to seeing things in new ways.  Today I celebrate being open and adventurous and look forward to the many things I have yet to experience and see of this world.

Painting for the day

Each day I will show a completed piece of art or journal page hope you enjoy today's

 Blog Love

I am sharing some love with those who are also taking part in the challenge, it's not everyone whose blog starts with the letter O, but a few of them for you to start with....

 

 Oh Frog It

Our Home called Kuantan

Of Shoes and Ships

Out of Gold Stars

One Squiggly Line

 

 

N is for News!

I wanted to share some great news and what better place to share it.

 

A while ago I submitted two pieces of art for selection in an exhibition about art therapy, and they have both been accepted.

Here is a sneak peek at a section of the two paintings.

The exhibition is called Art and Healing and explores how art psychotherapy and creativity can have a positive effect on health and well-being.  There are a range of artists, art therapists and their clients who have use art in a therapeutic way.

Dates for your Diary

19th April - 5 June 2013 - Exhibition in both venues - Street Gallery and London Art Therapy Centre

Thursday 18th April 2013 - Private view - Street Gallery - It would be great if you could come!
Venue: University College London Hospital, 235 Euston Road, NW1 2BU if you would like to come to the private view email arttherapy4all@mail.com to request an invitation.

Saturday 4th May - The Satellite venue will also be having a special event/workshop on Saturday 4th May to request an invitation email kim@arttherapy.com

 Blog Love

I am sharing some love with those who are also taking part in the challenge, it's not everyone whose blog starts with the letter N, but a few of them for you to start with....

Noveltea

Nothing but Truth

Nettiewriting

Not Just Another Mother Blogger

Nicole - The Madlab Post

M is for Memory

We all have the occasional lapses in memory and think nothing of it.  There is an expectation that the older you get its only a matter of time where you will start forgetting.  But this is not the case there are remarkable men and women in their 70's and 80's and above whose memory is still as sharp as a button, (I think that is the saying!).

It is the memory of the moments in our lives that we will pass on to the next generation, those things that captured our hearts, and made us laugh.  We share experiences that made us think, had an impact and brought about change in our lives and we admire those individuals who made an impact on communities, countries, and who were not afraid to stand up for what they believed in.

It is in dealing with my mother who has dementia, that I see how important capturing the memories of my life will be for my son, his children and children to come.  That they will be able to look at photographs of me and say to each other I remember when (Mum, Nana Manda, Gran, Great gran) used to make us laugh and do those wonderful paintings of us (and lots of other wonderful things I hope to be remembered for!)  

I celebrate my life today knowing that I can continue to create and share memories with my son as he grows up.  What would you like to be remembered for?

Painting for the day

Each day I will show a completed piece of art or journal page hope you enjoy today's..

 

 Journal Page - As Time Goes By

 

 Blog Love

I am sharing some love with a random selection of those who are also taking part in the 2013 A-Z Challenge, it's not everyone whose blog starts with the letter M, but a few of them for you to start with.....

Margaret Almon Mosaics

Melissa's Imaginarium

Melanie's Stories

M3 Blog

Mommatwo

 

L is for Loving

Love is something that we all want to receive and to have a display of affection is nurturing.  There are also plenty of examples of the effects of lack of love and physical contact on mental health and well-being. We show others in our approach and by what we say, being patient and gentle demonstrates to them that we love and care for them.  

Some people really put themselves down calling themselves all the names you could think and some that you can’t, but we have to love ourselves and show that love in order to be able to love someone else. I celebrate the love I have in my heart for others and myself, and hope to treat others how I would like to be treated, with care.  What loving qualities do you see displayed in your life, how could you be more loving to yourself?

 

Painting for the day

Each day I will show a completed piece of art or journal page hope you enjoy today's..

 More than tangled 18"x15"

 

  Blog Love

I am sharing some love with a random selection of those who are also taking part in the 2013 A-Z Challenge,it's not everyone whose blog starts with the letter L, but a few of them for you to start with.....

 Little Box of Books 

Life at Rest

Living in the Light

Lynne Lives

L D Wolf - Spunk on a Stick's Tips

K is for Keystone

Definition...

the wedge shaped stone piece at the apex of an arch which is the final piece placed during construction and locks all the stones into position, allowing the arch to bear weight...

There are many situations over our life time where we are the only one that could have done/said/produced what was needed at the right time and place, and impact on a situation in the way no one else could have ever dreamed.  We underestimate our gifts and talents, selling ourselves short, without realising we are all part of the puzzle.

I feel that we are all called upon to be the key to a situation or circumstance at some point in our lives and provide that much needed support.  And that support can also come in many different forms, it can be the smile and hello you have for that elderly person who hasn’t spoken to anyone in weeks. The friend you listen to without judgement and really ‘hear’ them, the child whose work you praise and they go on to be the artist they were meant to be or that phone call or card in the post from you that came at just the right time when the recipient was feeling at their lowest point.  It is very easy to give someone support without even realising its impact, that could well be the thing they think about for the rest of their lives.  

I celebrate my life today, that I can ponder on all those who have impacted on my life and who have led me down the path I currently find myself on.  But more importantly to God who is the foundation and the keystone of my life.  How can you be more mindful of your impact and actions today?

Painting for the day

Each day I will show a completed piece of art or journal page hope you enjoy today's.. 

Art Journal Page - The Light Keepers daughter 

 Blog Love

I am sharing some love with a random selection of those who are also taking part in the 2013 A-Z Challenge,it's not everyone whose blog starts with the letter K, but a few of them for you to start with.....

Ketab Book Girl 

Kellie Netherwood

Kathy McKendry

Kitty Tales and Bunny Whiskers

Kat A Pillar

J is for Jewel

Sometimes we don't realise what we have sitting in our own back yard, those precious jewels that need dusting off or showing light. In our striving we overlook these jewels insisting that we need and want what is on the other side.

Jewels are precious and shine, they make us feel precious and valued, our lives need to reflect care and love that we want to receive so looking closely at the resources we have now in our very midst that may lead to the very jewels in our lives.

Today I celebrate all those jewels in my life and my ability to see the jewels that shine in others.  What have you overlooked in your life that needs dusting off and allowing to shine?

Painting for the day

Each day I will show a completed piece of art or journal page hope you enjoy today's..

 

 

 Art Journal Page - She was a Treasure

 Blog Love

I am sharing some love with a random selection of those who are also taking part in the 2013 A-Z Challenge,it's not everyone whose blog starts with the letter J, but a few of them for you to start with.....

Jillapalooza 

Just Add Ginger  

Just Your Average Man 

Jodie Alexandra 

J L Campbell 

I is for Inspirational

I have read many books and heard many speakers talk that have been inspirational and have motivated me to want to do more with my life, to make a change and impact on others in a positive way.  Where people are inspired you see change, growth, innovation, improvements - new ways of doing things.  There are also many quotes that have inspired change that have come out of experiences and reflection.  

I think we are all born with the capacity to be more and do more, dig deeper.  I celebrate my life today for some of the things I've been inspired to do, that have encouraged others and I pray that I continue to step out.  What has inspired you?

Painting for the day

Each day I will show a completed piece of art or journal page hope you enjoy today's..

  Mixed media on Watercolour paper - 11"x8.5"
 

 Blog Love

I am sharing some love with a random selection of those who are also taking part in the 2013 A-Z Challenge,it's not everyone whose blog starts with the letter I, but a few of them for you to start with.....

In Which We Start Anew 
In Between  
Ink in the Book
Images by Bil
Is Anyone There

H is for Hope

...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint Isaiah 40:31

This is one of my favourite scriptures that lifts me up regardless of what is going on around me.  If you do not have hope what reason would you have for getting out of bed, there wouldn't be any point to your existence.  

I feel that the contributions that you can make to life, environment and the world are important and the positive influence you could have on the lives of those around you mean something, you are here for a reason and a purpose   Do you hope that you will wake up the next day or take it for granted?  There are some around the world that hope for food to feed their families, and many in war torn areas hope for peace, for an end to whatever situation they are facing. 

Once you have hope a way can be made, be it in the hands of others to be convinced to take action or motivating people around the world and getting together to effect change.  This hope is what we spring board from and take the actions to be a blessing to others.

I celebrate my life today knowing that I have hope for many things in my life, that I will see a positive change in the world as more people gather together to take action for a better world for the generations to come.  What are you hoping for?

Painting for the day

Each day I will show a completed piece of art or journal page hope you enjoy today's..

 

  Mixed Media - Journal Page

 

 Blog Love

I am sharing some love with a random selection of those who are also taking part in the 2013 A-Z Challenge,it's not everyone whose blog starts with the letter H, but a few of them for you to start with....

 

Home is where the Mom is 

Heartfelt Balance, Handmade Life 

Happy Hootenanny

Hanging Out and Hanging In

Home to Italy

 

 

 

 

 

 

G is for Growth

Growth is part of a process and we assume after a period of time  there should be some changes.  On Saturday I talked about being fruitful and part of producing fruit is a result of growth taking place, the quality of the fruit is something else!

As a mixed media Artist, I never assume that I know all there is to know about art, I am still a work in progress and appreciate that there are still many things to learn - new techniques and equipment that I have yet to try.  I therefore think it is vitally important to make an investment each year in my learning and development.  Along the way I also do a lot of reading and interacting with other artists, for with each encounter I want to learn something new, gain a new insight along the way which I can apply to my life and essentially grow.  Taking part in this challenge is always a learning experience and is something that has made me more confident to blog.  I celebrate my life today and I am thankful that learning is important to me.  I will continue to invest in my growth.  Can you identify areas of your life where growth has taken place?

Painting of the Day - 

Each day I share some of my newly completed work!

Mixed media 11"x8.5"

 Blog Love

I am sharing some love with a random selection of those who are also taking part in the 2013 A-Z Challenge, it's not everyone whose blog starts with the letter G, but a few of them for you to start with...

Going the Distance

Growing Up Victoria

Golden Lilly Crafts

God Has No Problems

Grace Grits and Gardening

Celebration - Creating in Faith

We don’t usually celebrate on a daily basis and its generally left to those special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or weddings, but I think that we should be celebrating a lot more things.

This month I am taking part in the A-Z April Challenge which you would have gathered if you have been here before, or not if this is your fist time. I decided that my focus for the month of April would be celebrating life, looking at those parts of my life that I am thankful for, the qualities I overlook and take time to acknowledge them.  We have such a fast paced lives we generally tend to forget just how much we have achieved and that we need to be thankful for our lives.  So today, I ask you to join me in a celebration  to acknowledge how far you have come but not only that, whatever your current circumstances, you have the opportunity to experience something different today.

A celebration of the breath we take, for being alive and being able to sit in the sun with the gentle breeze blowing against our cheeks. Yes today I celebrate the love that God has for me, that he loved me so much that he gave his only son. 

Today you get to impact on the world, what will you do, how will you appreciate what you have today, what can you do to work towards the dreams, plans and goals you have.  How will you celebrate and acknowledge your life this coming week?

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take delight in you, he will quiet you with his love.  He will rejoice over you with singing Haggai 3:17