What are you doing with your life? - Are you ready for a challenge?

Welcome to the blog, it has been a while and I have been taking time out to come to grips with losing my mother.  I shared in my previous post, and I spent time with my sister, and we went down memory lane.  There is now only the two of just who are now the older generation...

I send love and tender hugs to all those who have lost loved ones, there is nothing that can quite prepare you for loosing someone.  We have to make sure we treasure all the memories and the time we spend with each other.

When mum first went into the first residential care home, I had put a book of her life together and filled it with photographs and some of her likes and dislikes, I spent time this week looking through it and it brought much comfort.  I am glad I shared my experience as she navigated dementia, some of the laugh out loud moments that had been tinged with fear - her walking in with two policemen laughing and joking after going missing for over 4 hours we were worried sick, she came back with tales of her adventure, and I am sure several hairs on my head went white that day.  

Mum loved adventure

In my A-Z of caring I spoke of some of the feelings that I experience, including a feeling of loss, and things not being fair, on the flip side it brought out mums' sense of humor and a love of dancing, art and so much more.

She would called herself the 'Dancing Queen' and teach whoever was interested how to do the Shimmy.  She had two favorite songs - Dancing Queen by Abba, and  One Love by Bob Marley - we had them both playing for her at the funeral - we gave her a good send off.

I now think of next steps for my life - we forget fast time flies.  What things have I been holding myself back from doing that I need to get on with? What dreams have I been sitting on?  What has yet to be fulfilled?

So, what is stopping you?  What have you promised yourself but keep on putting it off, saying to yourself tomorrow?  Tomorrow might not come and there are people out there waiting to be inspired and motivated by you!

What are you hiding from? Whose opinions do you care about so badly that you are holding back?  I have resolved for myself that over the next few months I will go all out, reaching for those dreams and creating a ton of new ones - we are not promised tomorrow, and we don't know what it may bring - see James 4:13-15.

That said, why not challenge yourself, start today, decided what you want to do and follow through - I am participating in the 'Ultimate Blog Challenge' and I will be posting every day in the month of October and sharing some of the work that I do.  Start living your best life, where your dreams however small can come true - live the life you can be proud of - I know that you can do it!

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Celebrating Textiles - Art Exhibition

The Exhibition has been curated by Janice Whittle and her team at the Queens Park Gallery, bringing together a group of artists who love working with fabric and textiles in one form or another.

Check out the video

Mixed Media Art - Amanda Trought

Here is one of my pieces for the exhibition with was inspired by the Boro Japanese style of stitching and I have incorporated hand painted fabric, wood from the Moringa and Cotton tree, which makes use of plants that I grow in my garden.

With Artist Katrina Braithwaite (Middle) and another talented young artist beside her

It was great to meet up with the other artists who had work on display and family and friends who had come to the opening to appreciate the work

Two of the 6 pieces in the Celebrating Textiles Exhibition

The other piece that I have on display is one that has elements of fabric slashing and incorporates beads, wood and painted fabric, it was great to be able to use all the materials and elements I like using in my work.

with artist Heather Dawn Scott

As artist you can spend so much time focusing on your work and completing, that it is always a pleasure meeting up with fellow artists and talking about what inspires and motivates us.

Artists Exhibiting: Irene Banfield, Heidi Berger, Katrina Brathwaite, Ayissa Burnett, Nefertari Caddle, Sylvester Clarke, Lois Crawford, Joyce Daniel, Maria Elias, Margaret Herbert, Zhane Padmore, Ann Rudder, Wolette Selassie, Heather-Dawn Scott, Margaret Trotman, Amanda Trought, Roslyn Watson, Deborah Younglao,

We all appreciate the opportunity to showcase our work in the Queens Park Gallery, which is such a lovely space to exhibit in.

With Curator Janice Whittle

With Curator Janice Whittle and Artist Ann Rudder

The exhibition continues until 18th January at the Queens Park Gallery, Barbados, we hope you can make it and see some of the amazing techniques used in the artwork on display.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Realityarts Podcast - Episode 89 - Celebration

Listen to the Episode below

What is it that you have done that you can celebrate, it doesn't have to be the usual things like birthdays, Christmas and such, but you can go right back to the simple things that often get over looked, like our lives, being able to take in the beauty around us.

As you are listening to the episode think of things that you are able to celebrate and see how it can keep your momentum up as you move from strength to strength and shine your light and be an encouragement in the world.

Let me know what you are celebrating in your life at the moment, share and see how your small actions can open the way for someone else who thought they were on their own.

Please share the podcast, and sign up for the mailing list and receive some of the free downloads that are available.  Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Celebrating Your Achievements - Filling your Well

Picking up my Art Awards

How often do you celebrate your achievements or do you brush them under the carpet?

It is important to regularly celebrate the achievements and accomplishments that you make, it doesn't have to be anything big or lavish, but needs to be noted, so that in those times of doubt you have something to look back on, or you can as it were 'dip into the well' to remind yourself.

Do you quietly allow those momentous occasions to pass you by with other people getting more excited than you?  Do you hope your achievements will gain the approval of others, not valuing the importance of stepping out and knowing your worth?

When I talk about celebrating your achievements there are so many different ways in which you can do it, and the important thing is that you do celebrate in some way to mark the occasion acknowledging the work that you put in to get to where you got.

We can get in the mode of achieving things but not acknowledging them because other people feel insecure,  or are you the sort of person who waits for affirmation from others, and don't recognize what you have done as an achievement.  

Blow your own trumpet!

Not everyone grows up being told how great they are, how much talent they have or that the world is indeed their oyster which means they can have anything their hearts desire.
You can't wait for someone to see your value you have to see it first within yourself.  Why not make something of the hard work that you have put in there are others who would be happy to celebrate alongside you and would be inspired.


I shared some of the recent success I had with some of my work in Barbados.

Angles Walk Among Us - Silver Award 

I received 3 awards (2 Bronze and 1 Silver) in the The National Independence Festival Of Creative Arts (NIFCA) Barbados for 3 Sculptures I created. I shared my successes HERE.  It was great to be part of the exhibition and there were many beautiful pieces of work on display, both professional, and emerging. 

Mixed media art Sculpture - The Dancer - Bronze Award

The Dancer, which received the NIFCA Bronze award was snapped up and made its way to a home in the UK.  I shared my achievements, wrote down the date and how I felt about it in my journal.

The Dancer - in her new UK home

 My work is available for viewing and sale on my website - Realityarts.org  

So why not blow your own trumpet, even for a moment, look at what you have achieved, write it down and give thanks for a new day to achieve something else, and the fuel that keeps you going in those times of doubt when you look back and see how far you have come.  

What about you?  what have you done in your life that you have brushed under the carpet?  what can you celebrate be it big or small? And without knowing it you could be that spark and motivation that someone else needs to celebrate their achievements. 

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

The Relatives Came - to Barbados!

We had a lovely time when my sister and her family came to stay with us a few months ago and I've been so caught up with different things that it is only now that I can get a chance to share some of that time spent.  Their visit reminded me about the book that I used to read to my son entitled The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant  

It is a gorgeous book that tells of a family setting out in their car to visit relatives and spend time with them over the summer, everyone shares the space and makes room for each other.  Cynthia has written quite a lot of children's books and more recently - Little Penguins.

They are both available on Kindle and Hardback and would make lovely gifts for children.

When we were children we would spend time weekend at our cousins, the furthest we went was to visit cousins in Manchester, and I didn't go on a plane until I was 18, unlike now where most children have been on a plane by the time they are 2 years old.  We all look back with fond memories of the times we had and the feeling of not having care in the world.  It is very different now as our kids don't meet up nearly as often and connect more via social media, but you can't beat spending time in person with the folks!

Anyway, my sister and her family came to stay with us and it was great!  We spent time going out and about, relaxing in each others company and laughing.

I indulged over those two weeks. 

 Here is a very delicious yet rich treat I had - Carrot cake at the Waterfront Cafe  it was absolutely delicious, they also do a yummy bread and butter pudding (both of which I shouldn't eat due to the intolerance to wheat and dairy, and I may try to create an alternative on my Raw Foods Fusion Blog).

We walked on the Boardwalk and saw the sun setting.  

You will never get tired watching the sunset, 

and it seems different each time, so beautiful, and we get to enjoy it every day!

We took a drive down to the Crane, again so nice to be by the sea!

Graham Hall Sanctuary was on the list, while the sanctuary part is closed they have a cafe and the grounds are beautifully maintained, and during the afternoon the monkeys move across the lawn to nearby trees 

 It is a lovely place to visit!

Saw the pre cropover celebrations in Broad Street

They had to leave the day of Cropover, though it has changed quite a bit when I first saw it many years ago. I miss the more elaborately designed costumes.

Anyway, they got a taster at least.  One of our final visits took us to the Flower Forest - and I have some amazing photos to share with you.

After the fun and laughter the hugs and the 'see you soon' it was time for them to return to London, the time went so quickly, we tried to value each moment, and continue to remind ourselves that we are not promised tomorrow. Our trip to the UK followed, but I'll share that in another post.

I will also be sharing lots of the images of each visit on my Destination Barbados Blog (under construction at the moment) which is all about my time here, the ups and downs of relocating, there will be lots of imagery as I soak up the beauty of the island......I hope you can join me!

Quote Wednesday - Jordan

You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.. Michael Jordan

Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a painting or photograph that I have created. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life! 

Do something great and share your favorite quote in the comments below. Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings!

Quote Wednesday - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within... Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a painting or photograph that I have created. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life! 

Do something great and share your favorite quote in the comments below. Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings!

Quote Wednesday - Michelangelo

I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free...Michelangelo

Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a painting or photograph that I have created. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life! 

Do something great and share your favorite quote in the comments below. Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings!

Quote Wednesday - Dodinsky

We are like the little branch that quivers during a storm, doubting our strength and forgetting we are the tree deeply rooted to withstand all of life's upheavals.. Dodinsky

Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a painting or photograph that I have created. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life! 

Do something great and share your favorite quote in the comments below. Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings!

Gratitude's and Celebrations Journal - Week 86 - Grow...

Gratitude and Celebration Journal - Amanda Trought

Thank you for joining me for another Gratitude's and Celebration Journal, where I have been making my weekly journey within my journal to create, but to also look at those things that I am grateful for and also take time to celebrate the life that I have been given.  This week is about growing, there are many things that we learn through our growth...

Having spent my time in the journal each week has been a great way for me to discipline myself.  I can often be impatient at my progress and want to 'do it all now'!  The years and experience has taught me that patience and making sure that you do a good job (the best of your ability) are things that you cannot rush.

Mixed Media Art - Journal - Amanda Trought

How many times have you tried to rush something only to end up having to do it over?  My journal is a way for me to learn patience, there is no time frame where all the images have to be painted and each day I have to spend some time developing the image that you then see at the end of the week.  Some weeks other things have got in the way and so you don't see a post.  But I am extremely proud of myself for taking it this far......86 weeks worth of insights, celebrations and paintings.

Mixed Media Art Journal - Amanda Trought

I was reminded these past few weeks about connections and friendships that we can make, and how some people just go above and beyond what they have to do in order to be a blessing.  We have found our new neighbors Sarah and Haddy to be such people, not forgetting Jacob - who gives out such a delightful giggle when I threaten to tickle his belly!

Mixed Media Art - Journal - Amanda Trought

Our lives have a purpose and meaning and we are all interconnected.  What I do today will have an affect on someone else around the world, and therefore we have to treat each other with a bit more kindness (you will reap what you sew) so why not start today.

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal - Amanda Trought

I celebrate and I am grateful for growth, lovely neighbours and the new lessons that life will show me as time goes on.

I am on a creative journey in my journal and hope you come along and join me. Why not start your own journal, keep it as simple or complex as you wish, but do something!

Gratitude and Celebration Journal

Quote Wednesday - Maya Angelou

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel... Maya Angelou

Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a painting or photograph that I have created. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life! 

Do something great and share your favorite quote in the comments below. Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings!

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal - Week 85 - Hope

Hope is something that I can never tire of writing about as it makes it way through our existence.  We hope and wish for better things to come, we look at our day to day and are grateful for that which we receive, it gives us a new dimension to hope.

I can think of many times through my life where I have hoped for a different outcome, wanting so badly for things to go my way, and not understanding the eventual outcome.  My hope that my mum would make a miraculous recovery and the dementia to disappear, or that my brother would be healed from Cancer and live to see old age with his big sisters, while chasing around after his grandchildren, but I have had to reassess the hope that I had with the present I now see.

Hope caused me to look at things in a different light and perspective.  With a slightly different eye and as painful as it sometimes was, situations didn't always play out as you intended them to.  When I looked from an objective perspective it enabled me to see where there was room for change that would allow me flexibility and growth.

I have learnt so much through illness and death of those people around me that I love and thought would be here forever, and I now see the world with new eyes, still hopeful, not taking it for granted, but expectant.  As you reflect on aspects of your life what key things are you learning?

I am grateful for life's lessons, for the hope that we have within us that can change the course of our lives.  I celebrate the life that we need to make more of and those wishes I made as a child and the ones that have come to pass.

I am on a creative journey in my journal and hope you come along and join me. Why not start your own journal, keep it as simple or complex as you wish, but do something!

Gratitude and Celebration Journal