A Walk in the Park...

Took a stroll in the park this morning.  Had about 3 inches of snow fall last night, there was a lot of ice covered by a new layer of snow so it was crunchy to walk on.  The only only other people who ventured out were some joggers and a couple of dog walkers and me! 

There was such a peace about the place, it reminded me of scenes from Narnia in the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe

 

Scenes enticing you to venture in and take a peak 

I also had the joy of seeing a group of Parakeets.  I was informed by a guy walking his dog that they have been resident in the park for many years, it was great to see their bright colours on such a cold day,

and the blue skies reminding me of summers yet to come....

It's a New Day!

Went for my first walk of the year today, around my local park near my son’s school.  Didn’t see all the usual faces that would silently make their way round, lost in their own thoughts and plans for the rest of the day, perhaps the cold kept them away.

I was last here in around October 2011 which is when I started walking in my neighbourhood It was great to see the changes that take place as the seasons pass, the borders waiting to be planted.

and the last of the berries yet to be eaten

I love their colours

I wasn’t prepared to my legs itching as they did.  Why does it happen when you haven’t walked for a while that intense feeling starts under the skin and if you make the mistake of itching then it gets worse and almost drives you crazy, as it intensifies if you walk, but you need to walk to get to your destination.  I was half way round the park today when it started, I guess that’s what you get for neglecting yourself to the indulgences of the festive season – it has only been a couple of weeks, so back on tract for January!

There is so much to be inspired by, saw this jogger, made me laugh as he reminded me of spider man in his - specially designed material to keep out the cold! (he managed to lap me 2 times - ok... it was 3 times - he was running very fast in his ergonomically designed all in one body suit :), but made me want to renew my walking as it does allow me space to think, and in these busy times we have make the most of it. 

Earlier this week encouraged by Ella’s post I checked out Ann Voskamp and her book 1000 gifts.  

Thinking about things that I am grateful for and how I might express this creatively using mixed media and photography – will be giving it some more thought over the coming week..  

But for now...I love trees and birds serenading me with their song while the fresh crisp breeze brushes against my cheeks... (I feel a poem coming on) .... What are you grateful for today?

 

Try Something New - Week 3 Update

I am astounded at how quick the week went, I thought I'd get this update done as I go into week 4.  I tried to vary the time of my walks to see how I felt, and did an evening and afternoon walk.

I realised I prefered to hear the birds tweeting rather than the traffic, and you notice how many people are on the road and it then doesn't become a peaceful 'alone with my thoughts' activity, so the verdict is that either walking first thing or walking at lunch time when there is a bit of sunshine all helps to make an enjoyable walk.  I am also beginning to feel that 'have to get out urge' rather than forcing myself to get my things together, and when I do get that feeling of not wanting to go out, even with all the preparation, I have to remind myself it's only 10 mins in one direction then back!

This week I took a walk round where my mother lives in Camden.  It  brought back childhood memories of me standing on my mothers balcony which looked onto the main road.

I'd sing songs I made up hoping a record producer would hear me as they drove by....I was determined to be spotted, and sang at the top of my lungs;

I'm only 11,11, 11 but what's the use, use, use of me trying to get in show biz,

wow oh wiz you never see me crying,

wow oh wiz I'll never stop trying.......

I would sing on the balconly mostly at the weekends. Funny I am not sure what the neighbours thought, I never knew if they complained the only one that did complain was my little brother who would tell me what an awful voice I had, (brothers eh)!

My mothers estate backs on to two film studios.  On Monday I was in the process of going for my walk and putting out her recycling in the boxes which overlook the studios in my 'never wear these out on the streets, unless it's dark and no one can see you tracksuit' and who should drive up through her estate to the studio but Gok Wan, who glanced at me as I turned, I had to laugh as he had the look of 'you'd be just right for my extreme Makeover show' on his face.  Anyway...not to be deterred by my momentary embarrassement I strode off, vowing to myself that I would get a decent tracksuit to do my workouts in.

There are a lot of squirrels still to be seen, not sure if they are confused by the mildness of the weather and are eating up all their spring store or if they are still collecting for the winter.

Working on challenges to come....trying to get things organised such as website, goals and dreams for 2012, the thought of making 12 changes in the year that are lasting and will make a difference in my life is quite exciting.  I have been taking part in the Art Every Day Month on my other blog, will be updating some of the work I have been doing for the last few days, and have been doing some more backgrounds.  There is still so much to see in regards to the plant life, lots of bright blooms still on show;

and some rather unusual looking mushrooms growing on the grass..

but the changing of the leaves have been spectacular to see;

Roll on week 4 need to start thinking what challenge December will bring, what do I want to try?  What change do you think you would like to challenge yourself to making? Blessings for the rest of the week.

Week 4 Update
Week 2 Update
Week 1 Update

Try Something New - Week 2 update

Well end of week 2 of the challenge, noticed a few changes in the week. I took a different route this week to keep the scenary interesting, this is the back of wembley stadium (looks like a space ship landed)......

I've been more determined and focused to do things, wanting to make the most of time. I have been working on getting my website updated, and taking pictures of new work. 

Noticing more things about the environment on the walk, birds singing and chattering to each other - they seem to be really loud in the morning.  We have a bakery about 4 miles from us and you get the smell of cakes and biscuits in the air.  I am aching a bit more, but trying to keep a steady pace and stretch after the walk.  Wanting to tie up loose ends and make sure that I am up to date with my tasks that need to be sorted and generally work harder, again having to be flexible in my approach realising I could quite easily talk myself out of the walk, so I still need to make sure I have what is necessary to get up and out each day. 

Feeling like doing some gardening, tidying up and getting it ready for the winter period, we have our garden waste collected each week so I can get rid of more stuff for composting, with all this mild weather need to take advantage of it!   It's Sekani's birthday today he's 16 years old, and celebrations will commence for him on Friday. He has just finished his exams.  Looking forward to week 3 revelations!  Do let me know how you are getting on in your challenges.

Week 4 Update
Week 3 Update
Week 1 Update

Try Something New - Week 1 Update

The end of the first week of Try something new for 30 days and it started off a bit shaky but  I've been determined to keep going.  I really want to see change and so am committed to showing up and not letting myself down.  I've continued to take photo's, spending time praying and planning what the days creative projects will be.

I have had to be flexible, morning was the best time for me to go out but to make that work it means getting to bed at a reasonable time, and preparation.  During the week I get out of the house around 6.45am and at the weekend I was able to be a bit more flexible and get out at 7.30am.  I am still finding my rhythm and I know that this week I will step up my pace and take a different walking route and I should be able to see more of the environment.

In regards to my backgrounds and challenging myself to create a minimum of one per day I've been busy and spent the time doing what I need to do.  At this stage it's just about applying layers, having fun and creative expression, its not about putting restrictions on yourself.

The other thing that really helped me keep motivated this week was putting the challenge in my diary, I had to make specific time for it, rather than it floating in the air as something I would like to do, but something 'I'm going to do', keeping it manageable and realistic is the key!

Other things that have really helped:

Allocating realistic time between 5 mins and 30 mins we all have pockets of unused or wasted time that can be rescheduled, 20 mins for me has not seemed like a chore, but it took a while before I could identify just where I would take this time from.

Preparing for the challenge, I have to make sure that all the things I need are ready, for me its a warm hat, scarf, gloves, so that I can't give myself any excuses for not going out the door. 

Self talk -   During the week when I felt least like going out, I had to encourage myself to get up and reminding myself how good I would feel once it was finished.  The second week is where you have to be particulary observant as it can be easy to slip back into old ways and talk yourself out of taking the steps.

Not being too hard on myself  - When I first started I was convinced I needed to be out walking at 6am in the morning.  On reflection I knew I wanted to have a morning walk, but with it being so dark I didn't want it to feel as if I just came back from a party!  I wanted to walk in the daylight, so the compromise was waiting till the sun had risen and still have time to do some sketching or what ever else I had to do before 8am - when you start it is amazing how much you can fit in. 

Look out for changes - I have also noticed that I feel more inclined to make desserts, I made coconut and ginger pancakes on Saturday and on Sunday made a ginger and carrot cake - both wheat free recipies.  I will share  some images in another post.  It's useful to note anything that you find yourself doing as a result of taking part in a challenge and seeing what additional changes occur.....so exciting!

I am hoping to do a different challenge every month and make a small change to my life, maybe it could be as simple as doing sit ups every day or drinking an extra glass of water....I am looking forward to another week of participation, if you want to grab a button for this month please do.  Equally, if you still wanted to do a challenge but felt that 30 days is too long to begin with, why not do 14 or 7 days. The main thing is to enjoy the process!

Week 2 Update
Week 3 Update

Friday Feeling - Expect the Unexpected

My motto for next week is - Expect the Unexpected!  I took a moment out to reflect on the week,  quite a few things happened and it's funny that once you start writing about it you realise how much you actually got done.  I was able to take some much needed time out today do some writing, stopped for a cappuccino and this is what I got a giant cup that you had to hold with both hands.... Massimo! 

I saw an unexpected sight around 40 horses being led trotting though a street in Hampstead, we had to pull our cars over and by the time I realised what was happening, thought to myself this would make a great picture and got out my camera, they were passing me and I only caught the backside of them.

This is the third week that I have been posting the 365 days of colour (here is an extra one for you today). Some of my assumptions I had about the project were proved wrong, but it is interesting how we can allow negative thoughts to sway our decisions and our creative outputs.
 

After the first week I had some doubts about what I thought I was doing....  I had few responses to what I was posting and I felt the doubt creeping in - that perhaps I should have made it something else, thoughts raced through my mind....(challenges usually involved other people and if no one was commenting, no one was interested).  As the week went on I started to get a few responses from fellow bloggers, it was a blessing to read their comments of encouragement. 

I had momentarily loss sight of the real reason I started and it was to share my love for colour and flowers, and some of the wonderful quotes and scriptures that have blessed me, if other people commented that was an added blessing.  It was supposed to be about giving and the knowledge that in 365 days someone somewhere around the world will have been touched by an image they have seen or a quote/scripture they have read.  The added benefits are that there will be growth, just as in the many challenges we take part in we hope that part of us takes some learning from it.  I can definitely say that the challenges I have done so far have made an impact on my work and  I look forward to seeing how this personal challenge will impact on me, if only one person is blessed it's worth it.  I will create a badge and your welcome to add it to your site and start sharing some of your flower photographs and if you want to share your favorite quotes and scriptures please do.

I also gave a talk on my experience as a carer to a group doing their MA in social work.  I was also able to show some of the creative tools I use in my work and how simple things like a journal made from recycled materials can enable a carer to start expressing their experience and impact on their health and well-being.

 
If you are interested in further information about art and health I manage a Arts in Health NHS network of resource information and regularly update it with information and events that I come across that relates to this area.

Alan's book launch was a success, It is his second book called EKidz in Cyberspace, published and available from Tate Publishing and Amazon

 
There were lots of interesting questions asked about the process of writing the book.  The message of Internet safety for young people is an important one that Alan tackles.  I will be interviewing him to find out about his motivation and passion for writing and hopefully have a competition to win a copy of his book, in the meantime check out his website

Sekani, our son played piano with a friend called Steve Green a very talented musician but who also designs bespoke jewellery and this is just a small fraction of his talent.  He will be working on his website and you'll be able to see some of his work soon. 
 

We're hoping that Sekani will finish the rest of his songs and make an album here is a snippet of Sekani and Steve playing while there was a refreshment break, (please forgive the zooming in and out and the shaking by yours truly, it gets better half way through)!

My mother enjoyed the event, there were lots of helpful young men who kept mum occupied while I took some of the photographs, this is us on the way back home, Alan is driving!
 

. 
Sekani  finished his exams this week (Yay), he's been doing his GCSEs, like a lot of young people at the moment.  It has been quite a stressful month now we just wait for the exam results - he will be 16 years old this year (doesn't time fly, I still keep thinking back to when he was a cute, hold your hand and smother you with kisses and hugs little boy (he was 3 in this picture and I used to wear my hair short then..... am I getting old!))

This was taken in Barbados

Managed to get a couple of walks in, another one of our local parks which is lovely, there are so many other walkers and joggers, I managed to do 1.4 miles - 2 laps, which I will increase next week... small steps to a fitter me!.
 

 I did the outer route

In closing, as I  reflect on the week I have a strong desire to get things finished, a few things in the air and there needs to be closure in order to move on to the next experience, opportunity and adventure.  Perhaps it's time to have a clear out... you never know when something totally unexpected will happen.  Stay blessed!

Unexpected

I noticed how isolated you can get as an artist when you don’t take the time to venture out within the community.  Trying to spend more time on my art means that you spend large amounts of time on your own, so to fit in walking allows me to get out and about.  I had a meeting to go to today and would usually take the car to the station, as its not as cold as I thought it would be, decided to leave it and start my walk earlier.  Spoke to 2 people I didn’t know on the way, felt the rays of sunshine on my face, and had a brisk walk to the station.

The new fingerless gloves I brought worked a treat and my hands were surprisingly warm. For this trip part of my journey involves going into central London, round the corner from where I use to work so it brings back memories.  The train journey wasn’t too bad, got quite busy but because it’s no longer a daily journey it didn’t matter.  I was able to be observant and take note of the different characters that spend a fraction of their day closer to strangers than they would normally!

Meeting done,  I was also looking forward to visiting one of my favourite shops where I get some of my US magazines like Somerset Studios. 

At Blade Rubber Stamps, they have a range of stamps, papers and many other things.  I  brought Green Craft and Cloth Paper Scissors - I brought some supplies as well,  suppose this can also count as my ‘artist date’......

One Way?

I had originally thought that I would start this in December, but the best intentions can often go by the wayside.   I also thought I would change the title to walking thoughts instead of challenge, thinking that it should be part of my every day, rather than something that I have to overcome ‘challenge’ and fight with myself to complete, although in a way it is!  I guess we all have something, or many things that we are challenging ourselves with this year.....

One Way???!!!!!

I wanted to continue my drive for fitness regardless of the weather, enjoy the scenery and use the time to think about the creative work I was doing and take some pictures of the things I observed on the way.  This this sign came to my notice.  I had grown up thinking that there was one way, though an internal dialogue was simmering underneath insisting that other ways existed.  The thoughts of being an artist was discouraged, inside I wanted to try many things meet new people and many places to go see.  Its took me a lot of reflection and searching before I realised I could give myself the permission to break out of the constraints and shine my light into the world! It’s funny what can come out of a simple stroll. 

New horizons  - 

Here is some local graffiti art that I passed on my walk, not sure who the artist is, but if I find out will let you know they have quite a few bits of art dotted around north london.  I have definitely grown as an artist over the last 3 years and more recently since 2010.  I took quite a few on-line courses last year, Art, Heart and Healing, Flying lessons, Believers Truth, Crafting Your best life - Crescendoh, which all opened up a new way of looking at my art and just making that step as an artist.  Will be sharing some of the work that I did both here and on my website.

Standing out....

This was taken on one of my many walks as part of my walking challenge.... Will be posting more images and reflections this week.