Sunday 19 June 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 19

Reflection
Celebrate the new life you will be starting today

Quote
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful
beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who
am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?”
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve
the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel
insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we
unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
---Marianne Williamson

Scripture
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry and He will say 'Here I am'
Isaiah 58:9

Saturday 18 June 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 18

Reflection
We all need somebody to lean on

Quote
Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark,
in the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not-quite, the not-yet,
the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish, in lonely frustration
for the life you deserved, but have never been able to reach. Check your
road and the nature of your battle. The world you desired can be won.
It exists, it is real, it is possible, it is yours. ---Ayn Rand

Scripture
We all know that God causes all things to work together
for good to those who love God, to those who are
called according to His purpose...Romans 8:28

Friday 17 June 2011

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!

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 17

Reflection
I have not yet reached my destination....

Quote
We shall find peace. We shall hear angels.
We shall see the sky sparkling with diamonds....Anton Chekhov

Scripture
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me
Philippians 4:13

Thursday 16 June 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 16

Reflection
As I listen to my creativity I am lead to God
Quote
Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile
can be the source of your joy. ---Thich Nhat Hanh

Scripture
Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do.... John 14:13

Wednesday 15 June 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 15

Reflection
Through the use of a few simple tools, my creativity will flourish
Quote
Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy;
they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom....Marcel Proust

Scripture
He who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly, and he who sows
bountifully shall also reap bountifully...11 Corinthians 9:6

Monday 13 June 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 13

Reflection
My creativity heals myself and others
Quote
Use your health even to the point of wearing it out. That is what it is for
George Bernard Shaw

Scripture
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me
Psalm 23:4

Sunday 12 June 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 12

Reflection
My creativity always leads me to truth and love
Quote
Come to the edge. We can’t, we’re afraid.
Come to the edge. We can’t. We’ll fall!
Come to the edge. And they came.
And he pushed them. And they flew.
Guillaume Apollinaire

Scripture
The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever...Psalm 121:8

Saturday 11 June 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 11

Reflection
Think about a family member you could honor

Quote
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. ---Mark Twain

Scripture
...we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us...Romans 8:37

Friday 10 June 2011

Friday Feeling...


I have been thinking back over the past few weeks at what I've managed to do creatively, I seem to be in that in-between stage of deciding what the direction should be for a number of things....  I'm sure as I dwell and reflect and pray the answers will come.

I have continued to sketch and journal, as doing something every day is essential to your health and wellbeing! I met up with a friend and we spent a couple of hours painting, it was great to work in the same room as someone else as I usually work on my own.  We are going to try and make this a regular feature to our week.....


I spent a lot of time at the computer connecting with other artists, there is always something interesting to see creatively online by all the talented artists out there.  This week I was inspired by Karenika, she seems to fit an amazing amount of creativity into her day - very inspiring!

Drove up to Bedford to the The Birds of Prey Centre with Alan and Sekani (I had given them a flying and handling experience for Christmas)  It was lovely to get out of London for a few hours and see some of those beautiful birds.




I managed to miss the deadline for the sketchbook challenge on my Art blog, but I will still write up what I did for the post, and then start this months suggestion.  I have also been preparing for a series of talks for Social Workers which look at the experience of the carer.  Whillst my mother continues to deteriorate with the dementia, she is holding on to her humour, laughter and zest for life!  To help me cope with the role I developed a memory book and other tools which look at different aspects of her life and means that whatever setting she is in others are able to interact and  help her talk about her memories and things that she has done with the family over the years.  I am still putting them together and will be sharing these over the next few weeks.

The 365 days of colour that you have been seeing posted is primarily to enable me to share the images of some of the wonderful flowers I had photographed that I see on my travels or plant in the garden, I also come across a number of quotes and scriptures that inspire me, I hope they do the same for you. Honeysuckle and Jasmine are two of my favorite plants and I finally got round to buying a couple, they are steadily establishing themselves in the garden. 



I also managed to get out the last of the seeds that I had in my collection which will hopefully produce some pretty flowers mid August/September.


With the wet weather we have been having it has brought an increase in the slugs and snail population, these ones here are the prettiest in the garden, making acquaintances!



and the spiders seem to be trying to find refuge in the house!

....this one was massive (honest).... the picture doesn't do it justice!

As I have also been trying to get more exercise, I started walking again with a group of women once a week, it helped me motivate myself knowing that there were going to be others taking part, and that this time was just for me! I managed to do 6 laps round the field, and planning to increase the amount each week:) This morning I went to my local park and walked 1.4 miles!  It's been a fine morning and it's amazing how many other people young and old were doing exactly the same thing (some were moving quite bit faster than I was and these were the elderly ones!)

Tomorrow, Saturday 11th June  is the launch of Alan's book eKidz in Cyberspace, The address is EEC Centre, 9 - 23 Marsham Street, Westminster, WC1P 3DW UK if your anywhere near your most welcome to come along.  It starts at 6.30pm until 9.30pm.  There will be refeshments served at the start of the event.


Finally, I have been messing around with photoshop and have managed to teach myself some new techniques.  I wanted to be able to incorporate some of my photographs with my art work, and I am getting the hang of things.  I've got Susan Tuttles book which is handy as the techniques use photoshop elements.  I am quite pleased with my attempt, and know that with practice I will get better at using all the functions.  Hope you have a blessed weekend, and looking forward to seeing and hearing what you will be getting upto for next week!

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 10

Reflection
I am allowed to nurture my artist
Quote/Poem 
A man travelling across a field encountered a tiger. He fled, the tiger after him. Coming to a precipice, he caught hold of the root of a wild vine and swung himself over the edge. The tiger sniffed at him from above. Trembling, the man looked down to where, far below, another tiger was waiting to eat him. Only the vine sustained him. Two mice, one white and one black, little by little started to gnaw away the vine. The man then saw a luscious strawberry near him. Grasping the vine with one hand, he plucked the strawberry with the other. How sweet it tasted. ---Zen poem
Scripture
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy...Matthew 5:7

Thursday 9 June 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 9

Reflection
I am willing to use my creative talents
Quote
Happiness is to take up the struggle in the midst of the raging storm,
and not to pluck the lute in the moonlight or recite poetry
among the blossoms......Ding Ling, Chinese Author
  
Scripture
The steps of a man are establised by the Lord; and he delights in his way
..Psalm 37:23

Wednesday 8 June 2011

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

Tuesday 7 June 2011

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

Saturday 4 June 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 4


There’s no inner landscape in the invisible world of our souls and hearts but is full of the most melodious and nourishing and wild freedom. And everyone should go there, to the wild place, where there are no cages, where there are no tight rooms without windows and without doors. Everyone should go to the free clearance places in their own hearts.   John O’Donohue

Friday 3 June 2011

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

Thursday 19 May 2011

Blessings in the post

I wanted to say a big thank you to two very special artists for their generosity.  I recently recieved two gifts in the post.  The first was from Diane Salter who sent me a copy of her Zine, Creativie Snippets - finding tiny inspirations.  It's a lovely little book and has got some great ideas.  She also sent a couple of ATC's based on Red Riding Hood.


The second was from Cynthia of Prayer notes who sent me a collection of book marks, and fridge magnet from a giveaway she was running.

With the rise in technology and the internet, it is always great to connect with each other by 'snail mail' the anticipation of hearing the post falling through the door, seeing the envelopes and postmarks from far-away-lands:) and the excitement as you open them up and see the contents! 

When you get a chance check out the links and have a look at both Diane's and Cynthias work, you will be blessed and inspired.

Tuesday 17 May 2011

Taking time to Listen


Met an elderly man in the hardware store recently, he was about 85 years old. We were both looking for something they didn’t have, as we both stared at the shelves in worlds of our own he apologised for being in my way. I laughed and said it was alright and that started us chatting. His wife had died 6 years earlier and he shared how much he missed her, how he like ‘most men’ and these were his own words, didn’t appreciate what he had when she was around. He signed, as he stated that she spoiled him and would do everything for him ‘oh how I miss her he said’.....the old saying ‘you never know what you got till it’s gone came spilling out my mouth and he laughed, ‘yes your right’ he said.

He asked me what I had been looking for I told him I was picking up a few bits for my mother who I look after. We talked for around half an hour dodging the other customers that walked past us, time was irrelevant we were in the moment. I learnt of his past, fighting for justice, a rebel with a cause in South Africa, fleeing to London, and talked about his childhood sweetheart he was forbidden to see and every now and then since his wife had died he wonders how she is and whether he should get in touch with her.

He then turned to me and told me I was a treasure, and how lucky my husband must be....would you like to get a cup of coffee in the cafe next door? I rain-checked and promised the next time that I saw him we would sit and chat.

How much time do we give to others to listen to what they have to say?  He hadn’t spoke to anyone for a whole week, people just didn’t have the time and I was for him a breath of fresh air, just as he was for me – I was on automatic as I got on with the chores of the day until I met him!  Being called a treasure reminded me of the light we all carry around with us that we can choose to let shine or turn it off as we get burdened with the pressures of life.

Making the most of every opportunity and relationships that come our way we need to seize life with both hands and live it to the full. When I get to 80 or 90 years old I want to be able to look back with fondness at all those memories, and those times that I stopped what I was doing and listened.

Friday 6 May 2011

April Reflections

April has come and gone and now a new month is upon us with promises of the unexpected, new opportunities, revelation and understanding.


Looking back on April saw my participation of the A-Z challenge on both of my blog sites. After I had committed to the challenge I wondered just exactly what I was thinking to commit myself to writing 52 posts!  It was a struggle and part way through I wanted to give up, especially when life threw some unexpected curve balls!

Moving onwards, I decided to focus on what I wanted to get out of my participation in the challenge and this included improving and being more consistent in my posts, find interesting creatives and blogs, and most of all I wanted to finish!  I dug deep, kept my eye on the finish line and persevered posting 2 and 3 posts when I fell behind, and appreciated all the comments that I got with my posts.  I have connected with some amazing writers and artists, and feel more confident in my writing and more focused in the things I want to achieve with my creativity.  I also was given award above by Elizabeth 

Since completing the challenge I took a break from blogging and just spent time with family and painting. I have been going for long walks which is especially nice since we have had some lovely weather. 

Took a trip to Regents Park and also used it as an opportunity to take some photographs; it was a sunny but breezy day, when we came back I was exhausted.  I’ve also spent the time creating a supply of handmade books among other things. It’s great to get back to the supplies and reacquaint myself.


If ever there was a challenge needed it's now, we need to shake ourselves up a bit and look outside our window. Outside your front door there are amazing things happening, people getting involved in a range of things some that you would never even imagine. Taking part in challenges allows you to stretch and grow and see your situation and life in ways that you may never have dreamed of. It gets you connecting with people from all walks of life and you come out with a renewed outlook...Whats your next challenge going to be?

Saturday 30 April 2011

Zenith

Zenith.... the highest point; peak; acme: the zenith of someones achievements

I did it! finished, got to the end. 

For the whole of April I have been taking part in the A-Z Blogging Challenge with over 1000 other bloggers - a big thank you goes out to Arlee Bird and the team.  Our challenge was to blog the letters of the alphabet daily except Sundays.  I chose to give myself the additional challenge of posting to my art blog which meant that I had to do 52 posts altogether.  While doing the challenge I was also grieving the loss of a friend and fellow artist, Barbara Noel, and attend her Home going service.  We are in the process of adding images of her art work to a blog, if you click on her name it will take you straight there to see some of her work, and watch a video about her talking at her degree show in 2010.

After the first few posts I realised I should have done some in advance as life seemed to be getting in the way, but I was determined not to drop out.  I had wanted to develop my writing and my discipline in producing work and being more creative.  It got to a stage where I had to do 3 posts a day, the thoughts of leaving out some letters came to mind but then I felt I would only be cheating myself so I got on with it.  It is a big relief to be at the end but I am also glad that I did take the time, that I did persevere, that I disciplined myself and showed up when I needed to and made it to the end.  I can look back and be proud of myself. 

In anything we do we have to put our all into it, for we don't know who we will be blessing by our words, actions and creativity. 
I hope that my actions have been a blessing in the same way that I have been blessed by many supportive words from people who have commented and those who have signed up to my blogs, and the many blogs that I have been able to visit, and will continue to visit.

You Tube Video

I uploaded a video I created using Stupeflix a video editing online package, it's only a short thing and doesn't contain my newer pieces of work..  It's really useful resource if your ever thinking of creating your own. With anything if you want to do more you will need to pay for one of the other packages.  One more letter to go in the A-Z blogging April Challenge, there is a reflection mega post on Monday to wind everything up and get feedback of bloggers experience.

Friday 29 April 2011

x-rayography

Came across a really interesting site about the work of artist Albert Koetsier and his use of X-rays in art, whilst not new, it is part of the history of photography that started almost two hundred years ago.  There are some beautiful images in the gallery, definitely worth a look.

Wall Art

Every now and then you can come across some really inspiring work by other artists that brighten the local area.  Not sure of their names as I couldn't find it on the art.  They can be found in Chalk farm, London, and in Brent



Local artists at Respect Festival in Brent

Thursday 28 April 2011

Victory

We are coming to the end of the A-Z April Blogging challenge, with the last day being on Saturday.  I feel like I have done a marathan twice and the finish line is in front of me.  I wanted to give myself the additional challenge by writing to two blogs this and my art blog and can safely say it has been a great experience.  Only two more days to go!  If you took part, how did you get on?


I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12-13

Understanding


Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...