Friday 15 July 2011

Patience....and being unreasonable

How many times have you started something - raring to go and found you self set back by your over zealous efforts?  Last week I tried to restart my training in earnest.  I was going to do 5 laps round the park, each lap .79 miles.. 
  
It worked out exactly 3.95 miles and I was going to do it 4 times a week with breaks in between.  Its been part of my ongoing health challenge, and its a lovely park to walk in first thing in the morning, also spending time talking to God is always a blessing.  I started last Monday, it was perfect, I was exhausted for the rest of the day but I was glad I had made the start, and with that excitement I thought it best to invest in a proper pair of trainers that very evening.

 
  
On Tuesday I jumped into them like an excited child.  I was amazed  the difference it made.  The last pair of trainers was brought 10 years ago!   I felt like I was floating, couldn't believe my other shoes had been so heavy.  It felt so good walking I convinced myself I should do more than planned....this is where the problem started.   By the time I hit 5 laps I convinced myself that one or two more laps extra were in order,  with my shins and knees hurting...I pressed on.  I did too much too quickly and strained my muscles.  I have been unable to train for 5 days, what this taught me was that I needed a big portion of patience, and should have taken it more slower but was caught up in the excitement of new trainers.  The funny thing is, I had made a plan, knew it wasn't going to be a quick fix but a change in lifestyle, and I jepodised it by not giving myself the time to get used to it. 

How often do we approach things  in our lives wanting quick easy results, just like fast food, or the microwave, it can be prepared and done in minutes.  But we know its not sustaining and you don't feel satisfied or fulfilled.

Whilst limping round the park I noticed the bark of particular trees, some of which seemed like the journeys that I had been on....some were very smooth, some unusual looking...

 

 
  
others bumpy,

  

....again almost confirming that our journey in life is not always how we expect it, and sometimes they will be much different than we expect or want, but we should still maintain our course and again with patience will get to our destination..  

 The rest of the week was spent celebrating my nephews birthday...

    
...watching my son training, he's started getting into American football, he's really enjoying himself and I sometimes have to carefully watch his growing football collection....  
  
He's attending London Blitz and they are based in Findsbury Park, which is a really lovely park.    

   
I must remember to bring the trainers next time.  Took my mum and she enjoysed the morning, we even got to taste the delights of a handsome young man called Christopher from Martinique who showed us his handmade churned on the spot delicioius coconut spice handmade ice cream (forgot to take a picture! - I was taken back by the spices!  It's worth going back even for that, he's based in the park if your ever down that way.

 
This week has been spent catching up, tending to admin, and trying some sketches with pen, still doing something every day.  Graphite has always been my favourite, but it's always great to try something different, will post some additional sketches I've done on my other Art blog

  
I got a blog award from  author Michelle Gregory  do check out her blogs she is a very talented writer and I am supposed to pass it on and list 5 books, movies, or tv shows I've experienced in the last year, which I'll do in the blog awards section.  
....and a lovely mention about my 365 days of colour - Flower of the day by Rasz on her blog she has a great piece on upcycling.

As for the weekend and next week I've decided to be unreasonable......I'm not taking NO for an answer, I'm going to be unreasonable with myself, with any limiting belief I hold about why I can't do something or take up an opportunity.....So here is the first three things I'll become unreasonable about.. 
  • I will stop sabotaging my walking efforts by being patient and building up my strength, I will achieve the health I want.
  • I will get my art together and submit to one of my favourite magazines and do whatever is necessary to complete on time...
  • I will de-clutter on a regular basis and have the creative space I desire....
....there is  a whole lot more on the list but this is a start, what can you be unreasonable about this week? 

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 45

Reflection
You have everything you need to go where you want to go – just believe!

Quote
Creativity often consists of merely turning up what is already there. Did you know that right and left shoes were thought up only a little more than a century ago? ...Bernice FitzGibbon

Scripture
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness...11 Timothy 3:16

Thursday 14 July 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 44

Reflection
Everyone needs someone to lean on even you.

Quote
It is wisdom to believe the heart....George Santayana

Scripture
I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken..Psalm 16:8

Wednesday 13 July 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 43

Reflection
You have an important job in this world to do that only you can do...

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

Scripture
Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you...Matthew 7:7

Tuesday 12 July 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 42

Reflection
Abundance will flow, go where the peace

Quote
Growth itself has the germ of happiness .....Pearl S. Buck

Scripture
Those who love Thy law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble..Psalm 119:165

Monday 11 July 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 41

Reflection
Learn the lessons your roadblocks will teach you then move past them.

Quote
When we are enthusiastic we are intoxicated with passion rooted in our true selves and it flows into all we do. ---Linda Saccoccio

Scripture
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last...Revelation 22:13

Sunday 10 July 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 40

Reflection
Love is key..forgiveness and love.

Quote
The world speaks to me in colours, my soul answers in music. ---Rabindranath Tagore

Scripture
He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart... Isaiah 40:11


Saturday 9 July 2011

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


Friday 8 July 2011

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

Thursday 7 July 2011

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




Sunday 3 July 2011

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

Saturday 2 July 2011

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 1 July 2011

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


Wednesday 29 June 2011

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

Tuesday 28 June 2011

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.

Monday 27 June 2011

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

Sunday 26 June 2011

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

Saturday 25 June 2011

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

Friday 24 June 2011

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

Thursday 23 June 2011

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

Wednesday 22 June 2011

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



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
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