Bloom - Saying It with Flowers

Saying It With Flowers

I thought I would say it with flowers today, and remind you how precious you are!  We often go about our day to day in a whirl and don't have time to take stock of what is going on around us, the people who have been there for us and have been such a blessing.

I thought I would take the time to say it with flowers and remind you that you are a gift and that you have so many beautiful qualities.

I thought that I would say it with flowers today and remind you what a pleasure it is to know you, to call you a friend and to be able to call on you in times of trouble, but also times of celebration!

I thought I would say it with flowers, we can be so busy sometimes that we forget those things that really matter, and can be here today but gone in a twinkling of an eye.  So I hope you now know just how much your love, treasured and adored!

Mixed media collage art on card.

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

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Mixed Media Art Painting - Transformation - Dala

Transformation Series  

Welcome to the series, it is great to have you back again this week to see what else I have in store for you.  This week we meet another character, with her own story and we meet her in what looks like a snapshot of her life..

'Dala sat in her garden surrounded by red flowers and blue skies, and at that moment she felt at peace gazing at the flowers she breathed deeply trying to soak in everything that her senses could pick up.  The delicate aromas, the breeze that made the hairs on her skin dance, and the warmth of the sun that made her feel part of something so much bigger'

A week doesn't go by where I create a painting on what looks like a scrap of paint spattered paper, card or fabric.  I guess it is part of the challenge for myself to be flexible and work with what I have.

It is important to spend how ever long you have creating, whether you pick up a paint brush, or just sort through some supplies, it is a good idea to make a regular practice that feeds the creative soul.

Finding that quiet space that you can get lost in the creative process, and not worry about what something will look like, or as you are creating what unfolding before you.

I play with textures, colors, and when it feels right I stop, or I take the painting in a different direction.  If you check out some of the videos on my youtube, you will see that some start out one way and then totally change.  Feeling comfortable and not getting too precious over the painting helps the flow.  There have been times that I looked back at a video and thought I loved the painting before I totally changed it, but that is all part of the growing process.

She sat in her garden surrounded by red flowers and blue skies

I hope you enjoyed watching the video, check out my others when you get a chance.  Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Word for the Week - Hebrews 13:6 and Happy Mothers Day!

Welcome to Word for the Week.  Today we not only celebrate that we get to live another day, but that we also have an opportunity to be a blessing.

I want to start out by saying HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

I wish to celebrate the life of a beautiful woman, who gave me life, who showed me what sacrifice and generosity was, who cherished, treasured and loved me unconditionally, who gave, blessed, had courage, and still despite living with dementia shows her determination, grace, her beauty and her love.

Mavis Elizabeth Trought

Love you to bits mum!  

I also want to celebrate the lives of all mothers around the world, my sister, sister-in-law, friends, family.  I celebrate my own life and how far I have come, I treasure and nurture myself and know that God has placed a light within me that has to shine, despite and in-spite of the circumstances

The scripture word for the week says says...'So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"

We have so many circumstances where we operate in fear rather than in strength.  Coming through the situation, you learn exactly where you buckled in your weakness, but also where you showed strength and courage.  It is that courage that keeps you going so hold tight! 

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Word for the Week - Happy Monday!

Welcome to word for the week, where the scripture is taken from Proverb 3:24 and reads:

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet

It reminds us to not allow worry as to disturb our sleep.  What is it that you are mulling over and over in your mind that stops you from getting that rest that you need?

  Maybe we need to go to the core of that which makes us worry, strip it back to the bare bones and take a good look.  There are some things that we have control over and others that we don't.  Let us focus on the things in our control, deal with them and the other things have a way of falling into place

I hope that you are spending your Monday nurturing yourself.  It is a bank holiday for many, although I know of a few that have to work today, but whatever you are doing make sure you spend some time nurturing yourself, taking time out to bless yourself in some way.

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Word for the Week - Deuteronomy 31:8

Welcome to the word for the week.  Taken from Deuteronomy 31:8 and reads - 

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

The last few months have been a hard one where we have had to stand with two people who were battling health issues and they past within a few months of each other.  Since we have been in Barbados we have already attended 3 funerals with one just on Saturday.  At each of the funerals, the life of the individual was celebrated and there was a joy for having got to know them in such a short time, obviously tinged with sadness for the family no longer having them around.

One thing that gives me comfort is that the Lord is always with me, I have no doubt, and can testify to many incidents where if not for the Lord I wouldn't be here.  It is that faith that gave me strength when my own brother was ill with multiple myeloma and eventually was take from us.

I want to encourage and lift up those who are going through sickness, longstanding illnesses and friends and family who support you that you are not alone.  Make the most of every opportunity that you have to speak to those around you and tell them how much you love them, share special moments, build the memories, for these are what we can hold on to, and that you can look back on.  Don't leave it to tomorrow, next year or 'when the time is right', for tomorrow for some will never come.

Word for the Week - Psalm 23:4

Welcome to the word for the week, this weeks word comes from Psalm 23:4 and reads:

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.  Psalm 23:4

Life can be filled with many bumps in the road, not every thing will go smoothly.  When I look back on my life and see the many changes that have taken place, the losses of those close to me, times when I thought I couldn't take another breath because the pain of loosing those loved ones seemed so great.

Word for the Week

I came through, I lived another day, I breathed again.  I truly believe that the experiences we go through have gems of wisdom within them.  We have to face them head on at some point in time and look at how we can use these times to impact on the lives of others.

Word for the Week

I feel in my situation that sharing my journey has helped others, talking about the days I wanted to run away as I dealt with the dementia my mother lives with speaks to others who are going through it themselves, we are to share our stories and bless someone else, for we are not alone.

Word for the Week - Photograph and scripture

As we share our stories we grow, others grow, others see that they are not alone - that we are all connected.  

Open your heart, for your story is the lifeline to another, just as you are blessed by the quotes, scriptures or writings of others.  Let your voice be heard and shine your light into the hearts and minds of those who need to hear you around the world

Have a blessed week, I have lots to share this coming week, with some of the events and activities that I have been involved with so do come back, stay blessed and be a blessing.

Word for the Week - John 1:14

Welcome to today's scripture which is from John 1:14 and reads;

 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and Truth

You seek answers, explanations and reasons and signs, the proof is there but you ask the wrong questions.  Everything has been illuminated - a light shining in the darkness, do you really want to know, for the answers may not appear as we think they should....then what will you do?

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the week - Matthew 6:26

Welcome to Word for the Week which has been taken from Matthew 6:26 and reads:

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; Yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?

Sometimes we choose to worry about the wrong things, we spend our times tearing our hair out at how everything will work, what we should have and where we should be rather than taking note of the value we bring with the gifts we have within.  When we worry we focus our attention on the negative.   When we focus on what we can be thankful for the answers we seek are in the midst.

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the Week - Matthew 5:14

Welcome to this weeks Word for the week,  We are fast approaching the last week of the month and when you look back, think about the things that you have done this week to make a difference.

I am the light of the world, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden  I will let my light shine before men, that they may see my good deeds and praise my Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:14

Think about the things you can do, however small that can make the difference in the life of someone else.  To them you are a walking miracle and you inspire them.  Take a look in the mirror for the moment, and recognize the light that you carry within...

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Retreat Away from Home

When you think about a retreat what first comes to mind for you.  I know I think of pampering, spa sessions, not having to cook, and if it is a creative retreat then one filled with art workshops and spending time with like minded others.

A couple of Saturdays ago my local church held a retreat day for the women, both young and old, the children were also welcome as well, and it was great to see every one take part and share their insights.  I was asked to bring along some art materials.  I took some collage, and mark making material to add to the other creative material available.

Talking art journals

The session lasted 3 hours and it is amazing just what you can fit into the time.  One of women (Lisa) gave a talk on making new beginnings, making that start, and it was a very inspiring talk, that reminded me that I should spend more time journalling and also something I have been enjoying for a while Art journalling.  The other thing that stood out for me was talking about timelines, and noting significant timelines during the course of your life, this is something that you could combine really well with journalling. 

Making paint pallets out of cardboard

I spent some time sharing how to use some of the materials that I brought, such as the collage material, and the tools that can be used to create texture within your art work.

I shared with some of the women on my table how I used bible and dictionary pages along with other ephemera to create a collage.

For this collage I create flowers out of bible pages and a mixed ephemera loosely adding color to the pages

I then spent some time cutting them out and applying to a decorated background and adding additional colors.  3 hours fly when your having fun and we all got an opportunity to share how we were impacted by the whole session.  We were all spiritually fed as well as creatively.  Once I got home, I was still in the flow of creative experimenting and got to add some finishing touches to my two pieces.

Grounded - Mixed Media Art

Here is another one that I completed, and once home added the white detail to the flowers.  The flowers have been inspired by ones that we were shown on a session with Tiare Smith as part of The Journey Within Year long Art Journal Workshop, which was great!

How does your garden grow?

I really enjoyed creating the flowers, it allows you to be so free with your work, they are easy to create and look so pretty.  I also enjoyed every aspect of the Retreat Day, as it allowed us the time to reflect and refocus and look at how we can give ourselves a fresh start.

For a limited time on Tiare's site through to the end of Valentine’s Day get 10% off workshops and bundles (discount good on Tiare Smith Designs hosted workshop only. Does not apply to The Journey Within). In one of the courses she shows you how to make the imagery with the flowers and more.  Just enter code: IAMLOVE at checkout.  

Why not take yourself on an online retreat and take the time to meet with your creative self and grow.

Word for the Week - Ephesians 5:19

Thank you for joining me for the word for the week, taken from Ephesians 5:19 and reads:

I will speak to others in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.  I will sing and make music in my heart to the Lord and always give thanks to God the father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

We know that words have power, power to totally crush another persons self esteem, or build them up.  While we are making an effort to talk and treat others respectfully we also have to check how we are speaking to and about ourselves.  Take some time today to see how much positive or negative chatter you actually speak over your own life.

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the Week - Isaiah 54:10

Welcome to the Word for today which reads from Isaiah 54:10:

The Mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but my loving kindness will not be removed from you...

While everything around us can be going 'South' we can often forget to be calm and remember that we are never alone.  We have a hope, and we have to hold onto that hope that never fails, that never fails to surprise, step in at the last moment, show up unexpected or just is.  We are loved more than we can ever imagine.

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the Week - Ephesians 5:15

Welcome to today's scripture which is taken from Ephesians 5:15 and reads:

I will be very careful how I live, not as the unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because these days are evil.  I will not be foolish, but understand what the Lords will is....

We are already practically at the end of January and it can seem that time is moving at a faster pace, well, it is!  Each and every day we have that opportunity to live our lives to the best of our abilities, and make each moment count.  If today was your last and you looked back over your accomplishments what would you wish you did more of.  Don't let those moments, those opportunities pass you by, use what you have been given and be a blessing in the life of someone else.

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

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

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 8

Reflection

Be in charge of your words and your deeds

Quote

Dreaming permits each and every one of us to be quietly and safely insane

every night of our lives.....Charles William Dement

Scripture

He makes the whole body fit together perfectly.  As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthly and growing and full of love...Ephesians 4:16

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 7

Reflection

Beauty can blossom in the most unexpected places...

Quote

The world is but the vastness of the soul. The soul is nothing more than love, limitless, endless, all that moves us towards knowing what is true....Amy Tan

Scripture

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others..Proverbs 12:15

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 3

Reflection

How much of yourself have you given away?

Get a life in which you are generous. Look around at the azaleas in the suburban neighbourhood where you grew up; look at a full moon hanging silver in a black, black sky on a cold night. And realize that life is the best thing ever, and that you have no business taking it for granted. Care so deeply about its goodness that you want to spread it around. Take money…and give it to charity. Work in a soup kitchen. Be a Big Brother or Sister. .. You wnt to do well, but if you do not do good too, then doing well will never be enough. 

....Anna Quindlen