365 Days of Colour - Flower for the day 286 - 292

Roots 

We can put down roots in many places, form attachements and links, make sure you they are built on a solid foundation and use discernment, wisdom and understanding.  For what once seemed like a really great idea today with all the support, can tomorrow look like the worst idea you ever had.  Knowing the why, what and the who of your decision needs careful consideration.....

....a tree is known by its fruit

Day 286

Reflection 

You can create abundance in your own life, the imagination is a preview of what is to come... 

Quote 

Art can only be truly Art by presenting an adequate outward symbol of some fact in the interior life. ...Margaret Fuller 

Scripture 

Know therefore this day and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord He is God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath; there is none else  Deuteronomy 4:39

Day 287

Reflection  

What steps do you now need to take? 

Quote 

We’re all stumbling toward the light with varying degrees of grace at any given moment. ...Bo Lozoff  

Scripture 

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires..Titus 2:11-12

Day 288

Reflection 

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

Quote 

What you call freedom is still nothing but choosing how to steer straight into the heart of what chooses you. ... Kate Gleason 

Scripture 

We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.  Ephesians 2:10

Day 289

Reflection 

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

Quote 

It seems strange that some artists fear a blank canvas, when it has been a major contributory factor to great paintings. ...David Louis 

Scripture  

I am the Lord; I will speak and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass...Ezekiel 12:25

Day 290

Reflection 

Expect the unexpected... 

Quote 

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

Scripture 

If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed..John 8:36

Day 291

Reflection 

All is well, all is at peace. 

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 

Righteous are you, O Lord, and your laws are right.  Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.. Psalm 119:137, 140 

Day 292

Reflection 

Let go of that which is negative in your life  

Quote

I work in a meditative manner. My visual language is pulled from my unconscious and I express in my work what I cannot express with words. ...Pat Gentenaar-Torley 

Scripture 

So that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.  What shall man do to me?’  Hebrews 13:6

A - Z April 2012 Challenge - Get on Board!

I decided to take part in the April AtoZ Challenge again this year, it feels like only yesterday that I completed the last post in April 2011 and I thoroughly enjoyed it, met some really great individuals through their blogs and felt that I had grown somewhat from the experience.  See my post reflections.

As a newbie you should definitely check out the Sommer's hints and tips for preparing and pace yourself, writing as much before hand as you can to give you the opportunity to visit as many blogs as possible.  As you can see there are over 1100 people taking part and you will connect with some very inspiring individual, it was an online feast!   All you have to do is add your name to the list!

Think out of the box as to what you will write about, maybe choose something that your interested in.  Over the next week I will be sharing my topic and try to get myself physically as well as mentally prepared for the challenge

You will definitely have an amazing amount of fun taking part and you might even surprise yourself in the process.  Check out the FAQs page.  You can go see some of the participants and check out their pages and their advice.  I definitely recommend that you step out of the boat and dip your feet in, you will definitely come out the other end with a different perspective on things!  Sign up below and start thinking about what you might blog about!

Stay Blessed and be a blessing!  Amanda

Some more useful information.....

2012 A to Z Challenge Sign Up List

The brainchild of Arlee Bird, at Tossing it Out, the A to Z Challenges to post the 

letter of the alphabet every day during the month of April, with Sundays off 

for good behavior. Since April 1 falls on a Sunday, that will be the day we 

start with A. Whether you go with a theme or freestyle, your post must match 

the letter of the alphabet for that day. Add your name to the list, grab the badge 

, and when the Challenge begins, start by visiting the blog immediately after 

your own. Set a goal – we recommend five blogs a day, more if you are able. 

For more information and to stay on top of developments, we recommend you 

follow the A to Z Challenge Blog and the hosts: Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out, 

Alex J. Cavanaugh, Stephen Tremp at Breakthrough Blogs, Jenny Pearson at

 Pearson Report, Matthew McNish at The QQQE, Tina Downey at Life is Good,

Jeremy Hawkins at Retro-Zombie, DL Hammons at Cruising Altitude, Shannon

Lawrence at The Warrior Muse, Elizabeth Mueller,Damyanti Biswas at Amlokiblogs, 

Karen Gowen at Coming Down the Mountain, and Konstanz Silverbow at

No Thought 2 Small. We also have a Facebook page,, email address 

2012azinfo@gmail.com, and the Twitter hashtag is #AtoZChallenge. 

This is a great opportunity to discipline yourself, grow as a blogger, and make 

new friends – come join us! 

Please enter code carefully so that it is accurate.  If you enter your link incorrectly please 

notify us so we can correct it.  You can find our emails in the CONTACT US tab on the 

A to Z Blog.  If you do not plan to participate in the Challenge during April or your purpose 

is to lure visitors to an advertising site, please do not enter a link as it will be removed

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 279 - 285

Misunderstandings 

Say what you mean and do what you say.  They say that actions peak louder than words and it is vitally important that when we promise ourselves that we are going to do something creative that we stick to our word, no matter how small, no matter how little time we have.  Being able to find the necessary time to nurture our creativity is far more important than folding the laundry!...

Day 279

 

Reflection 

The hard times in our lives helps us to grow 

Quote 

Art is not a pastime but a priesthood. ...Jean Cocteau 

Scripture 

For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even unto death

Day 280

 

Reflection 

We can start over and begin again, everyday 

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 

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 11 Corinthians 4:18

Day 281

 

Reflection 

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

Quote 

Grace has been defined as the outward expression of the inward harmony of the soul....William Hazlitt 

Scripture 

....the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate, and will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him 11 Chronicles 30:9

Day 282

 

Reflection 

There are still questions to be answered 

Quote 

I think the thing to do is to enjoy the ride while you're on it.  ...Johnny Depp 

Scripture 

As far is the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 102:12

Day 283

 

Reflection 

Tell your story 

Quote 

Art knows. Art sees beyond. Art points us in new directions that make us think and question. ...Warren Criswell 

Scripture 

Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4 

Day 284

 

Reflection 

What are your preconceived ideas about yourself... 

Quote 

Whether we name divine presence synchronicity, serendipity, or graced moment matters little. What matters is the reality that our hearts have been understood. Nothing is as real as a healthy dose of magic which restores our spirits. ...Nancy Long 

Scripture 

He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber...Psalm 121:3

Day 285

 

Reflection 

What direction are you heading to? 

Quote 

There are no words, no paints to express all this, only a beautiful dumbness in the soul, life speaking to life. ...Emily Carr 

Scripture 

I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

Be a Blessing

Sorry for the long absence, was missing in action, and felt snowed under with work, courses, and a whole host of other things that can sap you time.  I decided to give myself the time that I needed to reflect, and review.

I just did this mini video to remind myself that the many gifts and talents we are blessed with are to share with the world, despite how we are feeling in the moment there is always someone who is feeling worse and we are called to try and inspire and encourage each other. I hope you are having a blessed day what ever you are doing.  After much mist and a chilly start here in London the sun has come out, so I will be going to get my quota of vitamin D and get back on track.

Got lots to share over the coming weeks, will be resuming posting the rest of the 365 days of colour, been doing a few courses to share, new art work and more!  The video below was so easy to put together it would be great to see your efforts....


GoAnimate.com: Water Cooler moment - Be a blessing by Realityarts

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 272 - 278

Maturity
....Comes over time. As children we cannot wait to grow up, pretending that we are older.  When we do get older with all the responsibilities we appreciate when we were without a care in the world, we tend to the aching muscles and the not so 20:20 vision as we peer over glasses to read the fine print and we talk to the younger generation about the things they need to appreciate as they go through their season to gain maturity...


Day 272

Reflection 

What matters most right now in your life?

Quote 

As artists, we must learn to be self nourishing. We must become alert enough to consciously replenish our creative resources as we draw on them- to restock the trout pond, so to speak. ...Julia Cameron 

Scripture 

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him  2 Corinthians 5:21

Day 273

Reflection 

What is not working right now in your life?.. you can change it 

Quote 

A fine artist is one who makes familiar things new and new things familiar. ...Louis Nizer 

Scripture 

Thou wilt make known to me the path of life; in Thy presence is fullness of joy; in Thy right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11

Day 274

Reflection 

It’s time to focus on what really matters most 

Quote 

When I dare to be powerful… to use my strength in the service of my Vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.  ...Audre Lorde 

Scripture 

And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee  Psalm 9:10

Day 275

Reflection 

You have a choice, don’t let doubt creep in and tell you otherwise. 

Quote 

The grace to be a beginner is always the best prayer for an artist.  ...Julia Cameron 

Scripture 

Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord He is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. Deuteronomy 4:39

Day 276

Reflection 

It is time to make a change in those areas of your life that are not working. 

Quote 

Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast!  ...The Queen to Alice in Wonderland 

Scripture 

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven  Matthew 5:3

Day 277

Reflection

It is never too late to make a change 

Quote 

Art validates us beyond what anyone else can do for us.  ...Anne Copeland 

Scripture

You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

Day 278

Reflection 

It may seem hard at the time, but you can stand up for what you believe it. 

Quote 

One looks at life as a gift, a painting of lights and darks, each defining the other, not a series of good and bad things. Giving thanks, and often, frees the spirit and makes the heart secure......Fay Bohlayer 

Scripture 

Honor the Lord from your wealth, and from the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10

365 Days of Colour - Flower for the day 265 - 271

Laughter

Is sometimes the best medicine we could have.  it can bring relief to a tense situation and also massages the internal organs, what better way to give yourself some much needed love

Day 265

Reflection 

Some doors are meant to be opened, walk through them, stop trying to break down the ones that are closed 

Quote 

Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it. ...Bertolt Brecht 

Scripture  

Truely, truely, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life..John 6:47

Day 266

Reflection 

Make a place for your dreams, and cherish them 

Quote 

You can’t be afraid of stepping on toes if you want to go dancing. ...Lewis Freedman 

Scripture  

Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.. 1 Corinthians 15:57

Day 267

Reflection 

Your blessings are waiting for you 

Quote 

A path is only a path, and there is no affront to oneself or to others, in dropping it if that is what your heart tells you.  ...Carlos Castenada 

Scripture  

And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.. Ephesians 2:22

Day 268

Reflection 

You are a beautiful work in progress 

Quote 

Art seems to me to be a state of the soul more than anything else. ...Marc Chagall 

Scripture 

...there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God..Romans 13:1

Day 269

Reflection 

Some things we cannot change, but we can change our response to them 

Quote 

Don’t be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps. ...David Lloyd George 

Scripture  

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

Day 270

Reflection 

Peace is possible in your life 

Quote

There is no better opportunity to receive more than to be thankful for what you already have. Thanksgiving opens up the windows of opportunity for ideas to flow your way....Jim Rohn 

Scripture  

He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.. Proverbs 28:13

Day 271

Reflection 

There are so many wonderful things in your life right now and they are meant for you to enjoy 

Quote 

Art is the triumph over chaos. ...John Cheever 

Scripture  

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised)  Hebrews 10:23

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 258 - 264

Fun

When was the last time you really had fun, let go and allowed yourself to enjoy the moment?  Think of three things this week that will bring the fun back into your life.

Day 258

Reflection 

When you feel like quitting, reach out to your support network

Quote 

All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward. ...Ellen Glasgow 

Scripture 

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, not mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.. 1 Corinthians 2:9

Day 259

Reflection

Don’t allow the past  to keep you from moving forward

Quote 

Everyone wants to ride with you in the limo, but what you need is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down. ...Oprah Winfrey

Scripture

...he who trustsin the Lord loving kindness shall surround him,..Psalm 3210

Day 260

Reflection

You can have a joyous life 

Quote 

Art has many avenues; love is carried through many vessels. Your oceans are your colours, your ship is your brush and your treasures are in your heart. ...Moncy Barbour

Scripture

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.. Luke 6:37

Day 261

Reflection

The future is waiting for you, don’t be afraid to live in your present

Quote 

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

Scripture 

God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him...Hebrews 6:10

Day 262

Reflection 

You can get up again and flying like the eagle 

Quote 

I want to thank anyone who spends part of their day creating. I don’t care if it’s a book, a film, a painting, a dance, a piece of theatre, a piece of music. Anybody who spends part of their day sharing their experience with us. This world would be unliveable without art. ...Steven Soderbergh

Scripture

The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27

Day 263

Reflection 

Go on, let go!

Quote 

You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition....Alan Alda

Scripture

...The holy Scriptures...are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.. 11 Timothy 3:15

Day 264

Reflection 

The doors are opening, are your ready to walk though 

Quote 

How can a man’s life keep its course if he will not let it flow?  ... Tao-te Ching

Scripture

Truely, truly, I say to you , he who believes has eternal life..John 6:47

A Bit of Play

 

Art and Creativity are essential for our health and well-being, I have been spending a lot of time in my art journals - making them and creating some smaller pieces of art

With the course that I have been doing since January nearly halfway through run by Kelly Rae Roberts and Beth Nicholls, it has been getting me to look at the very heart of my business, the why, who, what, where and when.. 

What I am reminded of for the week to come is that ALL of me needs to be taken care of, the business is essentially the heart of me and what I want to express into the world.

We have had a range of inspiring contributions and there is an amazing amount of talented and supportive participants on the course.  I have been doing a lot of searching, developing and writing and know that when you do feel off, or out of sorts you need to listen carefully to that still voice, it can be a reflection of the change that needs to happen or that is currently taking place..

We have to be gentle with our hearts through the change!

Remembering that all parts of us need to be cared for.  I was blessed to have a massage last week, this week I will be doing some more walking, talking lots of photographs, spending time with family and tending to my overall health so that I can continue to flourish and be the whole person I am called to be. 

Remembering that you are blessed - stretch yourself, what are you going to do with your week? 

A Walk in the Park...

Took a stroll in the park this morning.  Had about 3 inches of snow fall last night, there was a lot of ice covered by a new layer of snow so it was crunchy to walk on.  The only only other people who ventured out were some joggers and a couple of dog walkers and me! 

There was such a peace about the place, it reminded me of scenes from Narnia in the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe

 

Scenes enticing you to venture in and take a peak 

I also had the joy of seeing a group of Parakeets.  I was informed by a guy walking his dog that they have been resident in the park for many years, it was great to see their bright colours on such a cold day,

and the blue skies reminding me of summers yet to come....