She went into the city - I'm Backkkkk!

She came to the city - Mixed media Art - Realityarts

Wow, it has been a while since I have posted, I can't quite believe that time has flown so quickly.  I seem to have so many things on the last two months that I got lost in it all and before you knew it we are at the end of September. 

I do enjoy sharing my posts and things I get up to and will be getting my groove back on and showing you some 'how to' videos using different materials and creating out of recycled materials.  I will share in my next post what I got up to and photos and over the next few weeks share my updated blog schedule to keep you inspired and encouraged and taking a chance - stepping out in faith as you embrace your creative self.  I have more teaching and workshops to share, and more!

This is a painting and video process that I did back in August, and it shows 'Lady Peace' entering the city.  We need peace right now around the world and it takes all of us to bring that to a reality.  We have to call out injustices in all walks of life, in all communities, business, society, it cannot be tolerated.

She came to the city - Mixed media art

We each have within us a unique spark, a gift and treasure that is to share with others around the world.  Don't be hating on others, deal with what you have, don't compare yourself to another, you don't know what they went through to get to where they are - but you have an incredible gift, you just need to know how to use it.

She came to the city to spread peace, love, grace, mercy and hope.  Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Dancing to the beat of your own drum - Painting

This painting was inspired by the idea of change as well as experimenting with a limited pallet.  When you are asked to consider what you really want in your life, it can take a while to actually articulate it and the more more you think about it the easier it is to identify those things.  

Laying down the foundation

Some people go through their life never knowing what it is they want, or even like and it isn't until you start to explore you begin to understand what you need to put in place so that you can let go of old stereotypes and patterns of behavior, and really live your life to the full.

I really enjoyed painting this picture, and feel a lot of energy coming from it.  As we dance to the beat of our own drum our lives are no longer governed by what other people think about us, or the box they want to confine us to.  We dance to the beat of who we truly are at our core, expressing our true nature, and shining.

Dancing to the Beat of your own Drum - Mixed Media

What's in the Bag? New painting

I do like bags and if you look through my Pinterest board  I have a wide variety of bags that I like the look of each with its own look to fit the particular occasion.  

I have gone from carrying small ones to quite large ones and I think I have always been one of those people who needs those 'just in case' items.  I usually end up with a back or shoulder ache and so have to cull the contents of my bag, there has to be a balance..

I don't think the trolley route is going to work for me at the moment, though I've brought one for my mum and it comes in handy when I do her shopping and don't want to take the car, there are some nice designs that I have seen around.  My son calls them Granny Trollies, though I have seen a wide range of ages use them, perhaps they are coming back in fashion and I could start a trend,  Have a look at some of the ones I have collected on my Shopping Trolly board.

As a creative, you could even get a plain looking trolley and decorate it with stencils and art work.  I am going to have a look into that, they could look quite funky.

This painting that I recently completed was inspired by the bag and that feeling of joy as you break in a new bag or find one that suits all your needs (if there is one)!  Stay blessed!

Whats in the Bag - Mixed media painting, Amanda Trought

Taking time out

I've taken time out, so it seems, well, its pretty evident.  Not sure what happened, felt stuck, as if I were in a fog and could only see a hands width in front of me.  I didn't know when it started, but it felt like the moment that I had resolved to make changes that there would be some resistance.

I think I had taken to much on my plate, as well as posting I am taking part in the courses - Soul Food and Life book, as well as dealing with the day to day.  I think the challenge would have been fine if I didn't try and do a vlog and edit and post. Keeping it real via the video is what I wanted but it seem to take forever and a day to load a 15 minute ramble, and then the fog came, and I stopped.

On top of all this as a family we have mourned the loss of my brother - Robert, there is no preparation to how you will feel, or how to deal with it all, .  The year has gone quickly, it's weird, and then again feels like forever, the loss still raw in our hearts and minds.  We remember his joy, his sense of humor, his love, warmth, his strength.

I paint, I draw, I create, as a way through.  I remember my conversations with Robert and the things I said I would explore, so many things that I don't want to let anymore time pass before I get to do them, and so I change.  Change is good.  I am still going to make the healthy changes that I said I would, I just won't worry about giving you a blow by blow video update, because essentially I want to pour all of that time into creating. I want to paint, I need to paint, it has become as essential to my heart as breathing is to my lungs, and a way to allow the heart to heal from the loss of the past few years.  Perhaps this is another lesson learnt from the challenge.

I will share with you some of the pieces as I finish them, and I am quite excited by the some of them. This painting is called Together...it is about our relationships

Together - Mixed media

Together - Though time and dimensions may separate, you will always be in my heart. Came from the same source to lead different lives, you were a strength and a support from the start.

We have to invest in our relationships and make the most of every opportunity, and knowing our purpose live as if it were our last day on the earth. 

Blessings always!

We have raised £1530 for Myeloma UK, if you want to donate you can do so HERE

New Art - The Other side

A new piece of art I thought I would tell the story behind it.  You can make up your own filling to the story. It will be available as a print should you wish to purchase a copy

The Other Side - Mixed media art

 She pondered, what would it be like on the other side, I've heard so much about it.... gazing across the water she breathed out, pretending to be in control of the waves

To be free like the bird to be able to soar, she saw herself, letting go of her insecurities she knew that she would be able to take the step..

A step that so many had taken before her and would continue to do so after she had gone.  So she uncurled her wings and let go.

If you want to see more of my work click HERE

Soul Food - New work and Zen Doodles

I thought I would share some of the work I have been producing from the Soul Food course I have been doing....

In the session led by Heather Santos - 'letting go of perfect', I used a piece of art that just didn't seem to be working and creating a new painting.  I drew an outline of a figure I wanted to use and then went about adding the necessary paint.

I was pleased with how she eventually turned out.

Sarah Hand showed us how to make paper mache shadow boxes

Shadow Box

It has been great so far to be able to work with such a vast array of creatives, in a supportive and encouraging environment.  I would definitely do both of these again and have collected a few boxes that I would love to alter.  I am finding my pace and looking forward to sharing more as the weeks go on.

Finally, do you doodle?

I was fortunate to have one of my Doodles featured in the book Zen Doodle: Tons of Tangles.  Well, North Light Books are producing another book called Oodles of Doodles and they want you to submit your doodles or tangles to the Zen Doodle competition by March 14th, there is no entry fee so get a move on!  Check out Create Mixed Media 

You can also enter in the following ways:

email them at info@createmixedmedia.com
Instagram — email them at info@createmixedmedia.com via your Instagram account
Pinterest — tag them in the comment @CreateMixedMedia
Twitter – tag them in the comment @CMixedMedia

Reflections on the A - Z Blogger Challenge 2013

 

Another action packed, fun filled, stress and laughter inducing, insightful, touching and meaningful month was had in April.  Whilst I am relieved that the A-Z blogging challenge has finally finished, it feels like there is a big hole left - which will be quickly filled visiting those blogs that I didn't get to see..

I will start out by saying a big THANK YOU to Lee and all the team of Ambassadors and Co-hosts that helped, supported, cheered by the side lines as we rolled out our posts and left encouraging comments.

For my challenge I had decided that it was to be a celebration of life, I listed a range of encouraging words that I would talk about, we often don't get to celebrate our achievements, shining the light on our gifts, staying motivated to keep going.  Being a creative can be an isolating journey but its the collaboration and connection and network that you can find to participate in that makes it so rewarding.  On top of the encouraging words I decided to push myself and complete a series of paintings and journal pages, it became challenging towards the end but I am so glad I kept on going.  It was great to be able to visit so many more participants and I was able to share the links of some of the other participants whose blog began with the letter for the day, there are still a few to visit, but I can take my time now.

Two highlights happened in April I was able to share the news of being chosen to participate in an Art and Healing Exhibition  (running until 5th June 2013) showing the ways in which art can be used to impact on health and well-being.  And the other highlight was meeting up for the first time with Hilary from Positive Letters, - she came to the opening of the exhibition, and I shared this in my Relationships post.

All in all it was an enjoyable month, I really glad I participated for another year, many connections were made and I look forward to keeping in touch with new found friends.  If you were thinking of joining in and didn't  I recommend that you get ready for next year, you will not look at your blog in the same way and definitely get more out than you put in.  I am looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead and look forward to seeing you on the journey!

Z is for Zest

Zest 

Great enthusiasm and energy.  The quality of being exciting or interesting, the outer part of the peel or an orange, lemon

I love life, knowing that I can make a difference.  We have the opportunity to make the world that we live in more beautiful, not just for the privileged few, but for all.  We have just one life to live and we have to grab it with both hands and shake it from time to time.  We have been given so many opportunities, and experiences that our life has to mean something, impact in a good way, going on to help others grow and develop.  We shouldn't be satisfied with hiding behind closed doors letting our talents and abilities shrivel up, but really appreciate each day, hour and minute, making it and being the best we can.  

I am amazed at how quickly this month has gone by, with this the last post for the A-Z April 2013 Challenge, I will probably do a reflection post over the next few days about the experience, will just let the dust settle a bit first.  It has been great being able to visit so many blogs, still got a few to go....

I celebrate the zest I have for my life and all that I can do to bless others.  What is it in your life that excites you?

 

 

 

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

 Work in progress - One of the largest paintings I have worked on measuring 36"x40"

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 Z, but a few of them for you to start with...

Zoe Cottage

A-Z Chuck Allen

A-Z Challenge - Third Age

A-Z Word Practice - Jocelyn Charette

A-Z Mommy

Y is for Youthful

Millions of pounds are spent each year by people trying to grasp onto their youth, either through the nip and tuck or buying products with the promise of youthful skin and banished wrinkles.  We abuse our bodies through lack of healty practices then want the quick fix that the industry can offer.  Trying to cover up or cutting away the outward appearance to appear forever young.

For me, what is important is to take care of our minds and bodies so that we prevent what comes through lack of care, and that we take each moment as special - making the most of every opportunity.  Life doesn't stop because you reach a certain age, you can look back and with wisdom launch yourself in your next adventure. I celebrate my life today for still being able to laugh and see the joy that is left.  How is your youthfulness expressed? 

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 Y, but a few of them for you to start with....

Your All-Write Nanny

Ya Gotta Laught about it

Yes, Virginia, there is life after Retirement

YA Writer and Hobbit in Training

Yum Food Blog

X is for Xylem

Xylem 

The tissue in plants which carries water and nutrients upwards from the roots and also helps to form the woody part of the stem.

The Xylem makes me think of how I would like to be, as an artist, and woman, coming from solid ground rooted in my belief knowing that I was made for a purpose.  Using all my gifts and talents to be a blessing to others, nurturing and nourishing them with my words and my art, carrying words of wisdom and encouragement.  Not swayed by how the world can sometimes see us or those who are insecure and fear life itself.

To be able to impact positively on someones life, to see them grow and mature to know that I used every day living on purpose, stepping into the life with fearless passion, love and understanding.

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

 

 Teabag Treasures

 

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 X, but a few of them for you to start with....

 

X Marks the Spot  

I could only find one X, the rest are a selection of W's

Wanderboomer

Wilderness 

Whispering Thoughts 

We're living a Full Life

W is for Wisdom

I watch my son grow up just as my mum would have done me and my wish for him is to be wise in the decisions that he makes, the company he keeps and the actions that he takes.  There are so many sayings that I promised myself I wouldn't use that I used to hear as a child and sometimes only the old sayings will do as I sigh exasperated at how much he thinks he knows.  'If you can't hear you must feel' is a treasured one that has been handed down which equates to you have decided not to take my advice in this situation and so you will suffer the consequences.

As I have got older I celebrate and have valued the wisdom of the older generation that has helped shape and inform my life, I know there were many things that I could have done differently, and with wisdom I have tried to teach my son knowing that the more independent he becomes he is going to want to learn from his own mistakes.  What one piece of wisdom helped shape your life growing up.

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 - unfinished
 

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 W, but a few of them for you to start with....

A Writer Weaves a Tale 
Wanna Buy a Duck 
Writing and other life lessons
Walnuts n Pears
What Shall We Blog about Today

 

V is for Vision

When you think of your life right now, is it how you imagined it would be 5, 10, 15 years ago, have you seen the changes that you put in place come to pass today.  Time seems to move faster as you get older or is it just me? and you try and pack so much in to make the most of the time you have. 

You took much more for granted in your younger years and thought you had a never ending supply to dip in and out of at will.  As an artist I have a vision of where I want my career to take me, things I'll create and collaborations that I will make.  I see my son one day starting a family, pursuing his career doing more with his writing and piano and we see the dreams that loved ones have unfold as time goes by.

I celebrate my life today that I can still dream and take steps to achieving those things that dwell in my heart, that I can reach out and inspire and motivate others with words and images.  Are you where you want to be, and what steps do you now need to take? 

Painting for the day

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

 Sketch - playing with pastels

 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 V, but a few of them for you to start with....

Vive Le Nerd

Views from the Bald Patch

Valerie Nunez and the Flying Platypi

Victoria's Blog  

Views of an Optimist

U is for Update

Since I wrote asking everyone to pray for my brother in my post called Understanding, who has Multiple Myeloma a couple of months ago I thought It would be helpful to give you an update.  Your prayers and thoughts for the family are still needed, and I appreciate all the comments that have been coming through and encouraging words.

Robert found out a couple of weeks ago that the cancer had spread all over his body, he was not responding to the previous chemo and they have since put him on another drug.  He found this last drug helped with his energy levels and he was (up to last week) feeling more like himself.  As part of the treatment he has to have a week off and during these weeks finds that he is extremely tired, and obviously some of the side effects are beginning to take its toll.  He has been having some trouble with his left side and nerve damage and there is a lot of weakness in his left hand.

As his big sister, even at our age I guess I still want to make things better for him as my younger brother, and feel so powerless at not being able to make it go away.  I also recently found out that I was not a match.  We shared so many adventures and fun times when we were children, and there are many more adventures I hope to share with him.  

More than 1 in 3 of us will get cancer, and those not affected directly will know someone who has it or know someone who has a loved one who is effected and it is up to us to take a stand and do what we can to raise awareness, funds, and do our part.  Cancer Research UK are running over 230 Race for Life events over the UK and Macmillan Cancer Research are also running a range of different events to raise awareness and much needed funds. I encourage you to do your part however you can where ever you are.  I also thank you in advance for your much needed prayers for Robert and the rest of the family.  Blessings, Amanda

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 U, but a few of them for you to start with....

 Uber Random

Unconventional Librarian

Under the Tiki Hut

Unless I write it down

Under the Trolls Bridge

T is for Treasure

 Treasure

A very valuable object, a much loved or highly valued person, a quantity of precious metals, gems or other valuable objects.

Generally most people walk around without realising what treasures they are or have within them, what a blessing they have been when they interacted with someone who needed that very thing that was said to them, or shared just when they thought there was no way out.

You have so many treasures locked up within you that if you could get a glimpse you would be overwhelmed.  The word of encouragement that you sometimes give, the compliment or smile that reaches people in places deep within their hearts that you don't even realised.

Those ideas and dreams you've been sitting on are all treasures waiting to be birthed, all trying to get your attention, yet you just haven't seen them.  It can sometimes seem far easier to see the treasures locked up in someone else than it is yourself.  It's time to dust yourself off and turn the spotlight within and unearth all those hidden talents waiting to be expressed into the world....what are you waiting for?

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 T, but a few of them for you to start with....

Transitional- Woman 

Tahoma Beadworks & Photography

Today, I think

Tom Gillespie

Totally Emily - Blogging for Beginners

 

S is for Sensitivity

Sensitive -

quick to detect or be affected by slight changes, appreciate the feelings of others

There are times where being sensitive is taken as something to be ashamed of and the individual might be criticised with the label 'they are too sensitive'

In our relationships we have to be sensitive to the needs of others and we hope that our needs will also be considered.  This avoids causing upset and hurt and allows relationships to build.  We should also be sensitive to our environment, not only just leaving it in a good state for the next generation, but being mindful of how our actions impact on the environment.  We can be sensitive to the changes in the seasons, coming out of the winter our evenings are much lighter, the sunny weather and warmer temperatures always reminds me of times of growth.    I celebrate my life today that I can be sensitive to the needs of others and do not regard it as a sign of weakness.  How has being sensitive affected you?

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 S, but a few of them for you to start with....

 

Silvia Writes

Sweetbearies Art Tips

So Random

Stills of My Life

Skating Buffalo

R is for Relationships

We had the private view for the Art and Healing exhibition which brought together a range of artists, art psychotherapists and clients.  My painting is about the relationship I have with my mother as her carer, but the other relationships we have to have to fit the role that we perform at any given moment.  My painting sums up for me how I compartmentalise and manage the many roles in order to have some continuity with situations and relationships that can seemingly change from one moment to the next. 

It was great to see so many people come out and it was a lovely surprise to meet for the first time fellow blogger Hilary from Positive letters, Inspirational Stories   We have been connecting online through our blogs and it was great to meet her in person.  I have really enjoyed her blog and it is also very informative.

The relationships that can develop from connecting on line is something quite special, and my journey as a blogger has been made richer by the many friendships I have been able to make.

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 R, but a few of them for you to start with....

Rhonda - Laugh Quotes

Refractions and Reflections 

Row does A-Z

Rainbow Hues  

Rossandra White