365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 39

Reflection

You have an important story to tell.

Quote

To be at peace with ourselves, we need to know ourselves.... Caitlin Matthews

Scripture

Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth... Matthew 5:5

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 38

Reflection

Feel the fear, acknowledge it, name it, understand where it’s coming from,

then move on

Quote

How do you expect to arrive at the end of your own journey if you take the road to another man’s city? .....Thomas Merton

Scripture

 Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory...Ephesians 3:20-21

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 37

Reflection

You are loved much more than you realise

Quote

It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult. ---Seneca

Scripture

The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night... Psalm 121:5-6

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 33

Reflection

Out with the old and in with the new, when it’s time to let go, just let go...

Quote

Conditions for creativity are to be puzzled, to concentrate, to accept conflict and tension, to be born every day, to feel a sense of self..... Erich Fromm

Scripture

....He who began a good work in you will perfect it...Philippians 1:6

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 32

Reflection

Miracles happen when you least expect them

Quote

Creative minds have always been known to survive any

kind of bad training... Anna Freud

Scripture

You shall recieve power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you... Acts 1:8

Friday Feeling - Opportunity

The first of the month, what are you hoping for this month? Looking back on the week to see how things can be improved is important for me. There have been a few things that have made me stop and think and the one that has resounded with me is 'opportunity'.

We can talk about all the things we want to do, should have done, goals and dreams that we have/had, but if the opportunity came up would we be ready. What are we doing with our time in order to prepare for those moments? Sometimes the opportunity is not packaged as we want or expect, but being ready means that you are able to step into it, or even consider it and your options.  As an artist, if I don’t paint or do something creative or get on with doing the work I know needs to be done on the business, even some of the boring stuff  -  I won’t be ready when the time comes....I am still expecting the unexpected!  There is the saying 'opportunity knocks once, but failure and doubt lean on the doorbell!' 

In regards to some of the things I did this week, I managed to complete 4 pieces of mixed media work that were at varying stages ..

I was determined to get them done and had to focus on one piece at a time rather than working at all at once - both methods have their benefits for me and my space.  I'll be uploading them on my website and you will be able to buy prints and cards.

My friend Laura had given me an oval frame in one of our weekly creative sessions I started laying down collage material, then the pink paint then the image started to form and this is where I’ve got so far...

I am really enjoying painting this one, and I am using water soluable oils, waiting for it to dry to move onto the next stage.

I’ve also been making my own stamps, out of foam.

I will share how and what I made them from, I’m quite pleased with the results, what's good is that you can make any design you want, and this method was really cheap to do.  I look forward to making some more.

I have also been experimenting with painting on fabrics, got some cheap t-shirts these have still got some designs to be sewed on the front, but here they are so far!

Journalling is something I've always done but stopped for a while, picking it back up and decided to try out the two pages spread 7 day journal so will let you see an example at the beginning of next week. If you want to see some examples by other artists check out Karenika and Judy Wise

Finally I have been reviewing some of the courses I’ve done over the past year and how I’ve applied the learning from them in my work. The last course I did was Soul Restoration 1, back in January. There is another course running on on 26th July so check it out. You go on an amazing journey of discovery. I can’t recommend it enough, there are so many insights and ‘ah ha' moments, you will definitely be blessed. The journey you go on is a love one, you are always dipping in and learning new things about yourself and equipping yourself with the tools you need to unravel and understand those layers we all have. Soul Restoration 2 is also in progress, check out this video about it.

The weeks to come for me are about striving forward, breaking down the barriers, and most importantly doing lots of creative work!....imagine the possibilities!  What are your plans going to look like?

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 31

Reflection

Celebrate the miracles of where you are, where you’ve been and where you are going...

Quote

It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are... E E Cummings

Scripture

...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 29

Reflection

Make time to play it is as essential ingredient in your growth

Quote

Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal....Ralph Vaull Starr

Scripture

If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you. John 15:7

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 28

Reflection

Your life is precious, there is no one in this world who can do the exact things you do, in exactly the way you can do it, you are unique.

Quote

The worst bankruptcy in the world is the person who has

lost his enthusiasm...H.W. Arnold

Scripture

No man hath seen God at any time.  If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us.. 1 John 4:12

Note: I accidently deleted this so this is a replacement for day 28, the reflection is the same, but the scripture and quote different.

Reflection.....Scars

Last week came and went very quickly and while I plan my course of action for this week I think its important for us to think about what we achived with our time looking back on the week that was.  I have been getting up very early to not only spend some time praying and talking God but also tapping into my creativity while the house is still and all are sleeping. It's a wonderful time and on some days I can catch the sun in the garden and hear the birds as they fight over the fat balls and sunflower seeds left for them.

At the beginning of last the week with all the rain brought in the spiders, this one I promise you was massive, and seem to have a weird shaped body!

They seem to gravitate over my creative space in the corner of my kitchen....was this the unexpected I that was coming my way..... a small part, I realised I no longer scream as loud when I see these spiders anymore!

I also managed to visit a garden centre near my mothers in North London,

It is deceptive in size, and houses some beautiful plants, it has a lovely feel and at the back it has a mini pond with fish and water loving plants, it's an oasis and the staff are lovely!

On the way home were the guys prunning the trees back, not sure why they do it in June but I guess they grow quite fast and will be springing back come September.

Or perhaps they forgot to do it in spring and trying to catch up with themselves, I do love trees their welcomed shade in the scorching sun, and hearing the rustling of the leaves in the cool breeze..... What areas of your life still need pruning in order to make room for new growth?

Went on my usual walk, did 2 laps which is 1.54 miles, taking it steady, and increase my efforts this week to 3.08 miles.  They have finally placed the boarders with flowers and they are looking really pretty, as they establish and grow out a bit they will start to fill out the spaces.

Still not eating wheat, feeling so much better, though my son still loves pancakes - the American style ones,  so made a batch one morning.

In trying to get more organised, there are many things that have to change and some things that have to go altogether.  I am trying to look at everything with fresh eyes and ask myself, 'do I really need this or can it go to a better home'?.  What usually comes back is 'ooh you can make something really neat with that, or that would look good in assemblage art', and now everything has potential in being used in mixed media art in some form.  As much as I love trying new things there has to be a limit and you have to be tough on yourself, and maybe ask yourself the reasons you are holding on to stuff (unless of course I can get me a studio and all my supplies can go in there!).  This got me thinking about the things that we hold on to that come from pain, that hurt is usually a scar, we can have many different type of scars. 

When I was 6 years old  I use to walk along the wall in the picture, minus the hedge.  The wall seemed massive to me and I was proud of myself for conquering it -  when your smaller things look bigger. One day I was happilly walking on it as usual and I fell and cut my shin on my left leg in two places.  I cried, felt angry and slightly scared that it would happen everytime I walked on the wall.  The wound on my leg healed, but the scar to this day, over 30 years later still remains.

There are so many experiences that we have as children that we carry as constant reminders, something someone said, or an incident and they can often be carried into adult life and impact how we view the world.  

The experience on the wall didn't stop me from climbing on walls and I never went round with the attitude that all walls are bad, but it did remind me that sometimes we hold on to the emotion of the experience and the way the 6 year old Amanda dealt with it then is very different to the way the adult Amanda needs to deal with situations, it is no longer a huge wall anymore, it is the little wall it is now, holding no power over my future decisions. 

Think about the things that you have been holding on to from way back, that impact on your today, think about the lesson that you can learn and what you can decide to let go of and finally and clear out.

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 27

Reflection

It’s time for change, step into the new life that is waiting, let go of the old habits and confining behaviours, it’s your time

Quote

I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain... Frank Herbert

Scripture

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God...Ephesians 2:8

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 26

Reflection

Listen, can you hear your soul singing

Quote

Works of art are landscapes of the mind. ---Ted Godwin

Scripture

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you  Matthew 6:33

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 25

Reflection

You always have a choice

Quote

All art, whether it pleases us or not, helps to add colour, excitement, joy, or sadness and, most often, a sense of awe to our life’s experience. ---Henry O. Dorman

Scripture

The righteous cry and the Lord hears,

and delivers them out of all their troubles..Psalm 34:17

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 24

Reflection

You are where you need to be at this very moment in time

Quote

Each day comes bearing its gifts.  Untie the ribbons.....Ann Schabacker

Scripture

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword,..able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart... Hebrews 4:12

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 23

Reflection

Start celebrating your new life right now!

Quote

Insist on yourself; never imitate. Your own gift you can present every moment with the cumulative force of a whole life’s cultivation; but of the adopted talent of another you have only an extemporaneous half possession. Do that which is assigned to you, and you cannot hope too much or dare too much... Ralph Waldo Emerson

Scripture

Heaven and earth shall pass away; but My words shall not pass away...Mark 13:31

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 22

Reflection

I am willing to create

Quote

Let every man or woman hear, if you never hear me again, remember this, that if you wish to be great at all, you must begin where you are and with what you are. He who would be great anywhere must first be great in his own Philadelphia...Russel H. Conwell

Scripture

Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you: He will never allow the righeous to be shaken ..Psalm 55:22

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

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 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

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

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