Friday Tag... 11 Fun Facts... your it!

I have been tagged by Ella from Ellas Edge  ~ Her questions are fun and insightful. The Rules Are:

1. You must post the rules.
2. Post 11 fun facts about yourself.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create 11 more to ask the ones you tag.
4. Tag however many bloggers you wish.
5. Let them know they are tagged.
6. Have fun!!

11 fun facts about me

1. When I was 11 years old I used to stand on my parents balcony (we lived in a council estate) and I would sing at the top of my lungs hoping a music producer would hear me from his car and want to sign me up to his record label.

2. We used to own a minah bird called Charlie, he would mimic and would make sounds like a dog.

3. As kids we wanted a dog but only had one for a week and we called him Benji, but no one wanted to wake up early and take him for a walk or clean up his mess so that was short lived - having a bird was the next best thing!

4. I love plants, and did an experiment in my 20's to see how much talking and playing music would impact on plants. My Rubber plant and Swiss Cheese plant grew to staggering heights and when they started getting taller than the ceiling I had to stop talking to them!

5. I love marmite (vegemite)! Got a big jar in the cupboard as I type:)

6. When I used to travel to work by train it used to be packed with commuters also rushing to work. I would try to stand by the window and close my eyes pretending the breeze I felt was really a cool sea breeze and the stuffiness was the humidity of the warm caribbean atmosphere - a great way to begin the day!

7. I'm a 'power tools' girl! My dad encouraged us as kids to help out with the decorating, and I have always loved using drills, sanders and anything else that you can plug in or charge.

8. I can do wheelies on a scooter...well, back in the day the wheels were thicker and me and my brother were expert at jumping over walls (...ok small walls) but it was great fun!

9. I am great at organising clutter...other peoples, since becoming a mixed media artist I've found more and more reason to hold onto things, there is so much potential in recycling and upcycling things....I think I need my own studio (help!) ...news on the horizon :)

10.I have a great memory for faces - I never forget a face

11. I used to be involved in musical theatre and in my last musical I had to put on a harness and fly!

And now for my 11 questions from Ella: 

1. What is your favorite movie genre? 
I guess I like romatic comedys, happy endings and lots of laughter, I also like those old spagetti westerns my dad used to love them and we had to watch them as well there was no sky tv in those days, and staring Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef - A fist full of dollars and the Good the Bad and the ugly come to mind...!

2. If you could have your life made into a movie, which actor would play you?  Why?
Angela Bassett, her face is really expressive and she puts her all into her roles

3. Do you believe in magic? 

I love being entertained by magic and trying to figure it out, I like watching Derren Brown, and Dynamo and see how they use illusion and showmanship in their acts........  I believe that life can be magical, special and inspiring, and my belief in God shows me there are so many things that we can't explain or have yet to understand.

4. What is your favorite movie treat?

Maltesers and sweet popcorn 

5. Where do you create?  Elaborate a bit.

My kitchen table, I've created a corner which for now is my studio space.  I dream of when I will have my own room dedicated overlooking the flowers and herbs in the garden and beyond that the mountains...

6. What is your favorite noise?

bird song, my son Sekani playing the piano...

7. Share something that you would love to do, but haven't yet.

I would love to go to an Art retreat and spend some time with inspiring women

8. Do you have a favorite song?

Lullaby of birdland by Sarah Vaugh.  It was also a song I would sing to my son as bedtime song.

9. Who is your favorite author or authors?

Octavia Butler, Ntozake Shange. Ann Petry, Roy Heath and Zora Neale Hurston are a few..

10. Do you believe in ghosts?

No, though there are some creepy places, my father used to talk of seeing ghosts as a child in Jamaica.  I believe in the supernatural and the spiritual realm.

11. Do you wish on falling stars?

No, and don't get to see too many in the UK but apparently the last meteor shower was the Lyrids on  April 21st 2012.  My dad had the record by Perry Como by the same name, he used to play this along with Jim Reeves, and the Rat Pack at the weekends

Now here are a few friends I would like to share the fun with - check out their site 

  It would also be great if you leave an answer to one or more of the questions


Cynthia - Prayer Notes     

Val - discerningchichi
Peaches - Conceive writing
Jo - Jo on Food, & the scent of Chocolate...
Julie - Empty Nest Insider
Debra - Dream Weaver

My questions are:

1. Do you believe in miracles?   

2. What do you do for creative expression?

3. What one piece of advice has stuck with you?

4. What advice would you give someone who wanted to explore their creativity?

5. What would your ideal place to create look like? Images welcome.

6. What are you most grateful for in your life?

7. Share something that you would love to do, but haven't yet.

8. What is your favorite song?

9. Do you have a favourite scripture?

10. What do you do just for 'you' on a regular basis?

11. What was the last thing you remember laughing out loud at?

365 Days of Colour - Flower for the Day - 335 - 341

Majestic

We think of grandure and giving reverence, less we think of whose image we are made in we forget our blessings and settle.  That fire still burning in our hearts gets put out and we live out our lives never realising our true potential, our purpose and our calling.  Was it meant to be just this? - on our death bed we will ask if we never take the leap

Day 335

Reflection

There is no quitting on my watch

Quote 

The art of art… is simplicity. ...Walt Whitman 

Scripture 

Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendour of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendour will not descend with him.  Psalm 49:16-17 

Day 336 

Reflection 

Cherish 

Quote 

Every one of us gets through the tough times because somebody is there, standing in the gap to close it for us. ...Oprah Winfrey 

Scripture 

What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. Isaiah 46:11

Day 337

Reflection 

Know your purpose 

Quote 

People who love art really do need it in the same way they need oxygen. ...Martin Zimet 

Scripture

...God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also .. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Day 338

Reflection 

Move pass the past and look forward to your best year yet! 

Quote 

An artist is not one who has solved life’s problems. He is one who accepts life’s problems. ...Anonymous 

Scripture

...whoever heeds correction is honoured. Proverbs 13:18

Day 339 

Reflection 

Your dreams are important 

Quote 

Everyone needs an identity of their own, not in relation to someone else… someone’s daughter, sister, wife, mother. “Artist” is mine alone. ...Janet Badger 

Scripture 

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved.) Ephesians 2:4-5

Day 340 

Reflection 

What if your you could live a joyful life 

Quote 

Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself and know that everything in this life has a purpose. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Scripture 

He heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

Day 341 

Reflection 

Your dreams are important, support them 

Quote

Trust in yourself. Your perceptions are often far more accurate than you are willing to believe. ---Claudia Black

Scripture 

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your earswill hear a voice behind you saying ‘This is the way’ walk in it.’ Isaiah 30:21

365 Days of Colour - Flower for the Day - 328 - 334

The Garden
You don’t have to have a garden to enjoy plants and growth.  We start with our intentions and our purpose.  The gardens of our mind hold untold secrets and amazing flowers and wild life, hidden behind the wall waiting for a vistor to take in the scenery and breath in the scents.  How we neglect our minds for what is easy and takes little effort...if we only new what lay waiting for us would we still say maybe tomorrow? 

Day 328

Reflection

Be kind to yourself you are growing

Quote One should either be a work of art or wear a work of art. ...Oscar Wilde 

Scripture 

You have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 2:10

Day 329 

Reflection 

What if 

Quote 

Art is the only way to run away, without leaving home. ...Twyla Tharp 

Scripture

 ..whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40

Day 330 

Reflection 

It’s time to take stock of your life 

Quote 

Sufficient to today are the duties of today. Don’t waste life in doubts and fears, spend yourself on the work before you; well assured that the right performance of this hour’s duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it. ...Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Scripture 

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

Day 331

Reflection 

Free yourself, it’s time to be yourself! 

Quote 

One should either be a work of art or wear a work of art. ...Oscar Wilde 

Scripture 

For where two of three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20

Day 332 

Reflection 

You are never alone 

Quote 

We decide what we want to pursue, there is no right or wrong, we formulate our own paths. ...Arthur Maderson 

Scripture 

For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, tat is, through the living and abiding word of God 1 Peter 1:23

Day 333 

Reflection 

Each day is an opportunity to start again 

Quote 

Art flourishes where there is a sense of adventure. ...Alfred North Whitehead 

Scripture 

I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1

Day 334 

Reflection 

Get ready to soar like an eagle 

Quote 

Quiet minds cannot be perplexed or frightened, but go on in fortune or misfortune at their own pace, like a clock during a thunderstorm. ...Robert Louis Stevenson 

Scripture 

It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure Philippians 2:13

A - Z Challenge Reflection 2012

This was my 2nd year taking part in the A- Z Challenge, and it seems to have come and gone really quickly. We had over a thousand people taking part in the challenge and it was run by founder Arlee Bird and his A-Z Team, a big thanks goes out to them! 

Alex J. Cavanaugh (Alex J. Cavanaugh), Amlokiblogs (Damyanti Biswas), Coming Down The Mountain (Karen Jones Gowen), Life is Good (Tina Downey), Retro-Zombie (Jeremy Hawkins), Cruising Altitude 2.0 (DL Hammons), The Warrior Muse (Shannon Lawrence), The QQQE (Matthew MacNish), Author Elizabeth Mueller (Elizabeth Mueller), No Thought 2 Small (Konstanz Silverbow), Pearson Report (Jenny Pearson), Breakthrough Blogs (Stephen Tremp).


This year I decided to write about my experience with Dementia and caring for my mother. It was something I really wanted to do as I often find it difficult to express how I feel without a lump coming to my throat, even more so trying to imagine how my mother feels.  I often swiftly put my thoughts to the back of my mind while I get on with the practical tasks of her care.

What really helped in writing for the challenge was to be able to put things in perspective and face up to how I felt about my situation, show the person behind the label and give you a glimpse into our world. 

There was much love and support from those who commented which helped you to feel that you were not on your own. I would like to thank all those who visited, commented and decided to follow my blog. Its always great to make new connections and form friendships.

It was especially great to visit new blogs and get to read so many interesting posts. I didn't get to visit everyone, but will attempt to this month - looks like another challenge....!  If you didn't get to participate I encourage you to dive in next year, it's great fun and once you start you will be hooked.

Next steps for me....I find these monthly challenges really do encourage you to step out of the box,  stretch yourself and grow while interacting with people from all over the world. In June I will be resuming my Try something new for 30 days - and possibly try some new art techniques. Do let me know what your next steps are and I will come and be your cheer leader....Blessings!

What a Challenge!

If you missed any of the posts for the A-Z Challenge you can see them below.  I will be sharing about the journey with the topic being so close to me about my mother with dementia on the 7th May.   I will let the dust settle and reflect on all the things that came up.  I hope you have been blessed with the posts as much as it has blessed me to write, and your comments have really been encouraging.  Over the next few weeks I will also be sharing some news, I am quite excited about and its been a long time coming....for now blessings and hope you are having a blessed week.

A is for Alzheimer’s, B is for Behaviour, C is for Carer, D is for Dependant, E is for Enough, F is for Fear, G is for Guilt, H is for Health Professionals, I is forIdentity, J is for Judgement K is for Knowledge, L is for Love,  M is for Motherhood, N is for Neighbourhood, O is for Opportunities P is for Purpose, Q is for Quietness, R is for Regret, S is for Strategies, T is for Tradition, U is for Understanding, V is for Value, W is for Websites, X is for Xerox, Y is for Yearn Z is for Zephyr

These posts were part of the A-Z Challenge which took part during the month of April.  I have been sharing about my experience as a carer to a mother with Dementia.  If you would like to know more join the Arts in Health Network and also check out my website for information on some of the work I have done with Creativity and Dementia. Do check back for a reflection post taking place on the 7th May 2012.

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 321 - 327

A straight path

Sometimes it isn’t the winding road which leads to mystery and surprise.  At times the straight path unfolds and brings us treasures beyond our comprehension.

Day 321

  

Reflection 

The hard times in your life will develop the pearls of wisdom... 

Quote 

If art is not to be life-enhancing, what is it to be? ...May Sarton 

Scripture But now, thus say the Lord ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!’ Isaiah 43:1

Day 322

 

Reflection 

Time to start over 

Quote 

Art and works of art do not make an artist; sense and enthusiasm and instinct do. ...Friedrich Von Schlegel  

Scripture 

The Lord’s hand is not so short that it cannot save; neither is His ear so dull that it cannot hear.  Isaiah 59:1

Day 323

 

Reflection 

Be brave, all things are possible 

Quote 

Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes. You are free. ...Jim Morrison 

Scripture 

The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:8

Day 324

 

Reflection 

Don’t worry, it will be alright 

Quote 

Art thaws even the frozen, darkened soul, opening it to lofty spiritual experience. ...Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn 

Scripture

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.  Ephesians 3:17-18

Day 325

 

Reflection 

As a work in progress, go easier on yourself 

Quote 

Fear is the reason for making art. It is a means to freedom. ...Ilya Kabakov 

Scripture 

The needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted perish forever. Psalm 9:18

Day 326

 

Reflection 

There is always tomorrow, you have a chance to start over! 

Quote

Art is the only way to run away, without leaving home. ...Twyla Tharp 

Scripture 

For whatever was written in earlier time was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the  encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

Day 327

 

Reflection 

You are able to do all that you set your mind to! 

Quote 

Sufficient to today are the duties of today. Don’t waste life in doubts and fears, spend yourself on the work before you; well assured that the right performance of this hour’s duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it. ...Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Scripture 

The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Z is for Zephyr

Zephyr - a soft gentle breeze of change 

It came on without warning, there were no loud noises a fanfare just a few tell tale signs.  It blew in as if on a gentle breeze, we all felt it as it brushed past us, noticing slight things but not really seeing as it settled at mums door.  Mum embraced all that she is and met it head on, and defines the world to mean something for her despite the situation.

She dances as it breezes through her memory, some became distant and others drifted in and out like the fallen leaves of autumn, yet, holding no regret she faces each day as new.  She has been a comfort and support as she still holds on to her humour and grace - she is all that she needs to be.

The dementia almost forces us to learn to use our senses in a very different way, learn a new language, see our lives differently.  We have each been called for a purpose, to touch each others lives, dig deeper make more effort, and go that extra mile as the lives of generations are changed.

Words so far....

A is for Alzheimer’s, B is for Behaviour, C is for Carer, D is for Dependant, E is for Enough, F is for Fear, G is for Guilt, H is for Health Professionals, I is forIdentity, J is for Judgement K is for Knowledge, L is for Love,  M is for Motherhood, N is for Neighbourhood, O is for Opportunities P is for Purpose, Q is for Quietness, R is for Regret, S is for Strategies, T is forTradition, U is for Understanding, V is for Value, W is for Websites, X is for Xerox, Y is for Yearn

These posts are part of the A-Z Challenge taking place during the month of April.  I have been sharing about my experience as a carer to a mother with Dementia.  If you would like to know more join the Arts in Health Network and also check out my website for information on some of the work I have done with Creativity and Dementia.

Y is for Yearn

I do sometimes long for things to go back to how they used to when mum didn’t have dementia, to have a bit of what I think is normality.  But if it did, perhaps I wouldn’t have seen so much of her, wouldn’t have got to know her like I have, to listen to her stories as she tells them over and over again of how she met my dad. 

Those stories some how brings his memory to life even though he has been gone for over 20 years but also brings me comfort.  There came a point where it didn’t matter how many times mum told the story as she became animated -  she remembered him calling out to her as she walked by and she turned coyly and asked ‘who me’ – she had actually noticed him before and wanted to catch his attention. We never heard the stories before the dementia and she never danced, but now she loves to sing and dance and calls herself ‘the dancing queen’ after the Abba song.

Yes I do sometimes yearn for a good night undisturbed sleep when I am there, but also I appreciate my life more and it is most certainly richer despite all the ups and downs.

Words so far....

A is for Alzheimer’s, B is for Behaviour, C is for Carer, D is for Dependant, E is for Enough, F is for Fear, G is for Guilt, H is for Health Professionals, I is forIdentity, J is for Judgement K is for Knowledge, L is for Love,  M is for Motherhood, N is for Neighbourhood, O is for Opportunities P is for Purpose, Q is for Quietness, R is for Regret, S is for Strategies, T is forTradition, U is for Understanding, V is for Value, W is for Websites, X is for Xerox

These posts are part of the A-Z Challenge taking place during the month of April.  I have been sharing about my experience as a carer to a mother with Dementia.  If you would like to know more join the Arts in Health Network and also check out my website for information on some of the work I have done with Creativity and Dementia.