Tuesday 30 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 91

Reflection
Some doors are meant to close

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

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

Monday 29 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 90

Reflection
Live life to the full every day, don’t take anything for granted.

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

Sunday 28 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 89

Reflection
The more you step out, the more You will understand...

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

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

Saturday 27 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 88

Reflection
Everything is unfolding perfectly

Quote
Our self-expression is meant to be a manifestation of the silence of our hearts. ... Matthew Fox

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

Friday 26 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 87

Reflection
When you fall pick yourself up and start again

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
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him: Matthew 7:11

Thursday 25 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 86

Reflection
It will get better

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

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

Tuesday 23 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 84

Reflection
You have everything you need for your journey

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

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

 

Sunday 21 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 82

Reflection
Your life can be beautiful

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

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

Thursday 18 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 79

Reflection
You are a blessing to many...

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
...Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance... James 1:2-3

Wednesday 17 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 78

Reflection
Keep going, your getting close, doors are opening..

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
Your Father knows what you need, before you ask Him... Matthew 6:8

Tuesday 16 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 77

Reflection
You inspire others by being 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
You too now have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one takes your joy away from you... John 16:22


Monday 15 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 76

Reflection
Rejection is a part of life, don’t dwell in it, move on, don’t give up..

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
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you... and I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes... Ezekiel 36:26-27

Sunday 14 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 75

Reflection
The answers are there, you need to ask the right questions....

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
Behold I sand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me... Revelation 3:20

Saturday 13 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 74

Reflection
Some friendships don’t last a lifetime

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

Scripture
Thy faithfulness continues throughout all generations; Thou didst establish the earth and it stands....Psalm 119:90

Friday 12 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 73

Reflection
All things are possible.....do you believe?

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

Scripture
The Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught... Proverbs 3:26

Thursday 11 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 72

Reflection
You are blessed more than you know...

Quote
Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike. ... John Muir

Scripture
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them, if I should count them, they are more in number than the sand... Psalm 139:17-18

Wednesday 10 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 71

Reflection
Everyone needs time to renew and recharge their batteries

Quote
This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind…. Let it be something good. ... Unknown

Scripture
Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; and He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain watering the earth... Hosea 6:3

Tuesday 9 August 2011

Change is as good as a rest.......


Taking a break from the London weather, and it seems the unrest that has been occurring over the past few days.  It has been over a week since we arrived in Indiana to see Alan’s family, his niece Yolande and her three children, and his sister came down from Huntsville, Alabama.  I wasn’t sure whether to blog over the next few weeks as  it was a tossup of staying away from electronics or carrying on as normal.  I thought it would be nice to share the week’s events and we are seeing some lovely places.


It’s been a bit difficult keeping up with my daily art practices, with the moving around.   I’m getting in the 365 days of colour as usual, but I guess it’s been because I don’t have access to my usual supplies.  I did bring my inktense watercolours and planned to purchase some of the equipment I wouldn’t normally be able to buy.   


I managed to stop in at Michaels, even Wal-Mart has some good deals on paints...


The folk art paints are really rich; it’s been great using them.


We always marvel at the sizes of the food that you can get in the US.  I have been eating a lot more healthily and ordering salads.  We went to the Cheese Cake Factory and I ordered a salad, what came looked like they used 2 heads of lettuce (and then some) to make along with dressing, and some other things, had to get a ‘box’ to take what I couldn’t eat home, it was enormous, not like the little salads we have back in the UK.


Next stop was the NCAA Sports hall and trying out hand at different sports activities, it was very informative and a lot of fun!  


We also passed by the Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the Colts, and we had a great tour, looking around the grounds, seeing where the press sit, and learning some of the history about the venue.  


Sekani was excited, but kept it so contained as if he visited the stadium every day.  Later he said he was doing somersaults on the inside:)  


When we finally got home there was a black-out and armed with torches and candles we told ghost stories and the kids got frightened.....

Brianna, Maya and Ayana are all very musical and they promise that they will be showing off their amazing voices by recording some videos on youtube and share with the world, I will be sharing at some point what I managed to capture on my phone.  They harmonise with ease and like I tell Sekani like him, they have ridiculous talent at such a young age.


The Indiana State Fair was all I imagined and more, it was a good taste into the flavours of Indianna, we stopped off to see loggers do their thing, livestock etc.  The rain came down and paused some of the activities but many kept going.  It’s unfortunate that we didn’t get to see the place at night.  There were lots of scary rides, lots of things deep fried, (deep fried butter? Oreos?...you name it it could be done!


Sekani and Brianna on the flying machine...

Deciding to spend a few extra days was a great idea as me and Alan we were able to visit the Jazz Kitchen where we saw Bill Lancton and MG6 jazz musicians who were very good and enjoyed a cocktail;   


Sunday was spent at the Capitol City church picnic, we had a lovely time and it ended with a water fight.  People had come prepared with their water guns and water balloons and everyone got a good soaking. This is the pastor being chased, the young people seemed intent on making sure that he got soaked.


Our stay with Yolande has been lovely, and her girls are lively and generous with their space.  They have been lovely hosts and showing us around Indiana. Alan's sister came back from Huntsville to collect us and  we move on to our next destination which is Chattanooga.  From Indiana it is a 6 hour drive, back in the UK I never contemplated driving that distance before but I guess for the Americans it’s a way of life.  I am going to make the most of my magazine. 


We've  hit Kentucky and a really heavy thunderstorm which has slowed us down a bit.  Will keep you posted about our adventure, as we've had to detour to Huntsville and leave for Chattanooga in the morning, then on to Orlando, Florida, and we’re really trying to pack as much in as possible before we have to come back.  For each experience I am trying to stay as open as possible, flexible when things don't quite go to plan but making the most of every opportunity that comes my way.  Stay blessed as always!                                                         

Monday 8 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 69

Reflection
You are unique, a miracle – don’t ever compare yourself with anyone else

Quote
Love the earth and sun and animals, Despise riches, give alms to everyone that asks, Stand up for the stupid and crazy, Devote your income and labour to others… And your very flesh shall be a great poem. ... Walt Whitman

Scripture
In righteousness you will be established; you will be far from oppression, for you will not fear... Isaiah 54:14

Saturday 6 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 67

Reflection
What story do you need to tell, don’t let it go untold

Quote
There is no such thing in anyone’s life as an unimportant day. ... Alexander Woollcott

Scripture
I, the Lord, do not change...Malachi 3:6

Friday 5 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 66

Reflection
Forgiveness is the key

Quote
Every production of an artist should be the expression of an adventure of his soul. ... W. Somerset Maugham

Scripture
....He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things... Acts 17:25

Wednesday 3 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 64

Reflection
Release the barriers between you and you!

Quote
I will not die an unlived life. I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire. I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me, to make me less afraid, more accessible, to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing, a torch, a promise. I choose to risk my significance; to live so that which comes to me as seed goes to the next as blossom and that which comes to me as blossom, goes on as fruit. ... Dawna Markova

Scripture
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you... James 4:8

Monday 1 August 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 62

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

Quote
Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.... Harold Whitman

Scripture
Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you... 2 Corinthians 13:11

Saturday 30 July 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 60

Reflection
Make a decision to do 3 things to get you closer to your goals...

Quote
I believe the lasting revolution comes from deep changes in ourselves which influence our collective life. ... Anais Nin

Scripture
You shall remember the lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth...Deuteronomy 8:18

Friday 29 July 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 59

Reflection
Take time to be with you today

Quote
Build Yourself Wings. Fly straight ahead. Walk a straight line. Visit. Leave a special sign on the door. Make a gift of words. Mark your path with books. With clothes. With food. Join two distant places. Two rocks. Two people. Bridge a river. Build a city of sand. Raise up a mound. ... Milan Knizak

Scripture
...he who trusts in the Lord, loving kindness shall surround him. ..Psalm 32:10

Thursday 28 July 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 58

Reflection
What one thing can you do differently today?

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

Scripture
Salvation is from the Lord ....Jonah 2:9

Wednesday 27 July 2011

Inktense Blocks


I just recently received a sample pack of Inktense blocks, it's a 6 pack but it was most welcomed. I am a big fan of the pencils and when I heard about these I desperately wanted to try them out. I was jumping up and down when I got the packet - my son giving me his amused look, he regularly sees me get excited about art materials and books. Wasting no time to try them I started with a quick drawing treasuring each block.


You can used them in a variety of ways, directly as the block, there are special applicators you can use so your hands don’t get dirty, you can improvise as see fit or whatever goes on your hands you incorporate in your shading. The colours are rich and vibrant, just like the pencils.


You can use them as a paint and either apply the brush directly on to the block or you can use a knife to shave some off into your palette. Derwent have devised a mini grater that you can use, and this is a great way of just using what you need. When you use a palette, if the paint dries you just add water and you can use it again, nothing goes to waste!


I also tried the blocks on fabric. I’ve been looking at how we recycle fabric and found my son’s old school trousers then covered it in Gesso, it was a really great surface to work on - I will show you the process in another post.


This piece was painted with the ink blocks after being primed with Gesso and then ironed, the ink is permanent. I can then decide what I am going to use the piece for.


All in all Inktense blocks are gorgeous to use. They are creamy, vibrant, permanent and have a multitude of uses and they maintain their vibrancy. If you are able to get yourself a set I definitely encourage you to try them out.

 

Tuesday 26 July 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 56

Reflection
Your body is a temple – look after it

Quote
Enthusiasm is a kind of faith that has been set afire. ... George Matthew Adams

Scripture
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight...Proverbs 3:6

Monday 25 July 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 55

Reflection
What’s the plan for today

Quote
One of the first things to do is learn to accept, and to expect this Power to flow through everything we do. ... Ernest Holmes

Scripture
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty... Psalm 91:1

Sunday 24 July 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 54

Reflection
What is your true purpose

Quote
You can’t erase a dream, you can only wake me up. ... Peter Frampton

Scripture
Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yes, our God is compassionate...Psalm 116:5

Saturday 23 July 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 53

Reflection
What goals and dreams do you see cropping up year after year unfulfilled, what are you going to do about them?

Quote
Why should we all use our creative power? Because there is nothing that makes people so generous, joyful, lively, bold and compassionate, so indifferent to fighting and the accumulation of objects and money. ... Brenda Ueland

Scripture
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness... 2 Peter 1:3

Friday 22 July 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 52

Reflection
Tend to your dreams

Quote
This we know: all things are connected, like the blood which unites one family. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life. He is merely a strand of it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. ... Chief Seattle

Scripture
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden...Psalm 68:19

Thursday 21 July 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 51

Reflection
Do not fear your inner truths they are part of the puzzle that make up your beautiful life

Quote
Each one of us has a fire in our heart for something. It’s our goal in life to find it and to keep it lit. ... Mary Lou Retton

Scripture
.....'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.... Mark 12:31

Wednesday 20 July 2011

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 50

Reflection
He will never leave you or forsake you.  You will never be alone, accept that you are loved more than you could ever imagine.

Quote
Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while...Steve Jobs

Scripture
..the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation... 11 Peter 2:9

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