365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 174 - 180

I am practically half way through the 365 days of colour and it has been very challenging at times as I have had to be disciplined and sometimes as we know we don't want to update or show up, we just want to be.  What has kept me going is that I love the beauty of the images, and I remember where I was for every flower.  Some have come from my garden over the year watching the changing seasons, others while I've been on holiday or while out on my walking challenge.  I've stuck to the aim of providing colour and inspiration via the quotes, scriptures and reflections and it has been a blessing to me.  I do hope you are enjoying the posts and would love to have your thoughts on challenges that you are working your way through.  Have a blessed week.

Day 180

Reflection

Your life can be beautiful

Quote

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.  ....Mahatma Gandhi

Scripture

Do not fear; for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, surely I will help you...Isaiah 41:10

Day 179

Reflection

Some doors are meant to close

Quote

Stop the words now.  Open the window in the centre of your chest, And let the spirits fly in and out.... Rumi

Scripture

My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness..11 Corinthians 12:9

Day 178

Reflection

When you fall pick yourself up and start again

Quote

A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral. ....Antoine De Saint-Exupery

Scripture

...the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved..Matthew 24:13

Day 177

Reflection

You have everything you need for your journey

Quote

Some men see things as they are and ask why. Others dream things that never were and ask why not. ....George Bernard Shaw

Scripture

..We have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His Sight..1 John 3:21-22

Day 176

Reflection

Do not hold on to anger or bitterness, they will destroy you. 

Quote

I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time...Jack London 

Scripture

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble..Psalm 46:1

Day 175

Reflection

What does God say about you?

Quote

I still need more healthy rest in order to work at my best. My health is the main capital I have and I want to administer it intelligently....Ernest Hemingway 

Scripture

Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness..James 3:18

Day 174

Reflection

Just because you acknowledge the pain, doesn’t mean you are weak....Hand it over to God, he cares for you.

Quote

Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart.  Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens. ....Carl Jung

Scripture

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His loving kindness is everlasting..Psalm 118:29

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

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 167 - 173

Day 167

Reflection

What does your heart yearn for, how can you create it in your own life, and what steps do you now need to take?

Quote

The position of the artist is humble. He is essentially a channel...Piet Mondrian

Scripture

Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest..Matthew 11:28

Day 168

Reflection

Lean not on your own understanding but on the word of God

Quote

The best way to predict your future is to create it. ....Unknown

Scripture

Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted..Hebrews 2:18

Day 169

Reflection

Do not accept other people’s definition of happiness; carve out your own truth.

Quote

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do...Edward Everett Hale

Scripture

If we died with Him, we shall also live with Him; if we endure, we shall also reign with Him..11 Timothy 2:11-12

Day 170

Reflection

God knows the desires of your heart, trust him in all your ways and he will make your path straight

Quote

Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born...Dale E. Turner

Scripture

The Lord will fulfil (His purpose) for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever.. Psalm 138:8

Day 171

Reflection

Let go of that which is negative in your life

Quote

Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh, and the greatness which does not bow before children. ....Kahlil Gibran

Scripture

God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work..11 Corinthians 9:8

Day 172

Reflection

Why worry, does the bird worry about its next meal?... all will turn out for good for those who serve the Lord

Quote

Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on yesterdays. ....Ralph Waldo Emerson

Scripture

The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. Zephaniah 3:17

Day 173

Reflection

Exercise patience

Quote

If a man is to be called a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo

painted, or Beethoven played music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well. ....Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Scripture

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the songs of God..1 John 3:1

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

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 160 - 166

Day 160

Reflection

There is so much to be thankful for in your life.

Quote

To control the fire is not to kill it, but to let passion thrive and be seen. There is a beautiful tension in all creation between letting go and forming, the pushing and pulling of colour and sound and everything imaginable. ....Janet Morgan

Scripture

The Young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing..Psalm 34:10

Day 161

Reflection

Don’t hold onto regrets, the choices you made where right for you at the time

Quote

To control the fire is not to kill it, but to let passion thrive and be seen. There is a beautiful tension in all creation between letting go and forming, the pushing and pulling of colour and sound and everything imaginable. ....Janet Morgan

Scripture

Those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles..Isaiah 40:31

Day 162

Reflection

Open up your eyes

Quote

We may run, walk, stumble, drive, or fly, but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey, or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way. ....Gloria Gaither

Scriptures

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;  He leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul..Psalm 23:1-3

Day 163

Reflection

Lift you face to the sun and bask in its’ rays

Quote

Passion should overwhelm reason time and again. ....Alvaro Castagnet

Scriptures

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever..Isaiah 40:8

Day 164

Reflection

Write down one thing you could do better and do it.

Quote

To insure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life....William Louden

Scripture

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust..Psalm 91:2

Day 165

Reflection

Take the time you need to work on you.

Quote

Fear makes us feel small and uncertain, uncomfortable and separate. Fearlessness expands and creates possibilities. ....Helena Tiainen

Scripture

Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them..Hebrews 7:25

Day 166

Reflection

You are braver than you think you are

Quote

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined...Henry David Thoreau

Scripture

In all labour there is profit...Proverbs 14:23

Fireworks Night

With yesterday being fireworks night our usual routine would be to go to our local park and watch the fireworks on display.  Hundreds of people would turn up and you would hear the 'oohs' and 'ahhs' and watch the children run about with their flashing fluorescent tubes which only seem to come out on the night only to run out of batteries 2 days later.

When we were younger I remember the kids with their 'guys' lovingly or not put together with their dads old trousers and shirt, and then placed to lounge on the pavement or their sister's pram as they shouted 'penny for the guy'.  The poor guy would later be loaded up on the bonfire and set alight, the pennies that were collected from passers by used to by sparklers, or sweets.  The crowd would count down to the launching of the first fireworks, amidst the laughter and the smells that wafted on the night of roasted chestnuts alongside onions frying for the burger and hot dog stands.

The night air was cold and uninviting, but we were well wrapped up.  The firework display then seemed spectacular as a child, the loud noises as they whizzed and whooshed, and then the lingering smoke that drifted through the neighbourhood as the last firework fizzled out. At that the crowd would disperse, children happy, looking forward to getting home into the warmth and a hot drink. 

This Saturday we totally forgot about the fireworks display until Sekani reminded us...as much as I really like fireworks we were too settled by that time and decided to enjoy the neighbours efforts.  They had some really pretty ones and I enjoyed it without the hat, gloves and scarf, in the comfort of my own home and got these pictures!  We have Sekani's 16th birthday coming up and he has requested fireworks in the garden!  We might also make an effort to go to Central London to see the new year celebration fireworks as it will be the first time and really welcome in 2012!  How will you be welcoming the new year in?

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 153 - 159

Day 153

Reflection

Treat yourself often, you deserve it.

Quote

The end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time. ....T.S. Eliot

Scripture

Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens..Psalm 119:89

Day 154

Reflection

You deserve happiness, it’s time to let go and shine

Quote

The butterfly counts not the months, but the moments, and has time enough...

Rabindranath Tagore

Scripture

Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father, but through Me’..John 14:6

Day 155

Reflection

Take the time to enjoy the little things in your life

Quote

The important thing is this: to be able to sacrifice at any moment what we are for what we could become. ....Unknown

Scripture

Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?..1 Peter 3:13

Day 156

Reflection

Love knows no boundaries

Quote

Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life....Ralph Waldo Emerson

Scripture

When a man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Proverbs 16:7

Day 157

Reflection

Letting the love in, it’s your time

Quote

One hundred percent of the shots you don’t take don’t go in....Wayne Gretzky

Scripture

The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works..Psalm 145:17

Day 158

Reflection

You will soar like the eagle

Quote

If you can dream it, you can DO it....Walt Disney

Scripture

The greatest among you shall be your servant.  And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted..Matthew 23:11-12

Day 159

Reflection

Bless someone with a smile

Quote

Just as certain selections of music will nourish your physical body and your emotional layer, so other musical works will bring greater health to your mind....Hal A. Lingerman

Scripture

The Lord will protect you from all evil: He will keep your soul..Psalm 121:7

Try something new for 30 days!

If you could change anything what would it be?  Is there something you've always wanted to try? whats stopping you, have you wanted to give up something, been thinking it over but wasn't sure how to get it started.....I saw this video by Matt Cutts recently and I feel really excited about making some changes, the great thing is that its the little steps that we do that make the difference, consistent and sustained action will bring about change.

So what am I going to do?  I've been taking about walking, getting fit, walking challenges 2 - 3 times a week, but this time I'm going to go for it.  A 20 minute walk every day for 30 days in November, I've prepared with the gloves, scarf, hat, extra socks and mini umbrella, so I have no excuse!

The second thing I want to do is create mixed media backgrounds to use with other projects, I am going to allow myself free reign with any medium and spend time playing with some of the things in my art collection that I don't get to see often.

I'll share once a week on progress, and will hopefully have some images that friends and other participants will be sharing.  Please do leave a link to your site.  I know there are others doing the challenge so why not giving it a try. 

Week 1 Update
Week 2 Update
Week 3 Update
Week 4 Update

Picture of the Week - wishful thinking

Started clearing up at the back of the garden and found this.....dreaming of sunnier weather sailing on the Caribbean Sea..... though its been sunny, have had to get the woolly hat and the gloves out!