One Artist Journal

Hello friends and dear readers, I am part of a Blog Hop.  This is not any ordinary Blog Hop, no, no, no; this is my first Blog Hop and it is to tell you about a wonderful artist and friend Orly Avineri.  Orly's book, One Artist Journal, is being released today May 18th, 2012.

The following quote from Orly:
"I am excited to let you know, that my book ONE ARTIST JOURNAL has been released. As you probably guess it's my 'online journal/blog turned book' and it's totally aligned with my imaginings of it, so excited about it (-: I'm happy about the way it came out. It contains my online journal spreads meshed with my writings in a format of a real visual journal, 196 pages, full color, full bleed, explosions of colors, textures, raw expressions, and visual celebrations. It is adorned by Teesha Moore's foreword and Seth Apter's sweet words on the back of the book."

As she stated above, Orly's book is a compilation of her wonderful blog by the same name.  I have subscribed to it for over two years and have enjoyed each thought provoking moment.  I eagerly await each entry.  Some entries are awashed in color with a single thought provoking sentence.  For example:

"Not at all times." (Spread 169:  Sweet and Gentle)

Or:

"Physiological or mental, it’s all the same. It’s carried out by or taking place in my mind." (Spread 164: Dire Conclusions)

Others are have more indepth content, and to see what they are, you have to go and visit her blog or better yet, buy the book.  Orly is not telling  you what to think, rather, she is communicating what was on her mind and in her spirit that day. 

I personally met Orly in April 2011 at ArtFest in Port Townsend, WA.  Our first encounter was at a pseudo Iron Chef Competition where I spontaneously offered a play by play of her creative process as she developed a work of art from the found objects she was provided.  The next day I had the most wonderful class making post cards.  In that class she brought out things from me that I truly did not know existed.  Deep rich colors blossomed on the page and I was mesmerized.

This year I again took another class with Orly, Postcards From the Edge,  and she gave us a challenge that is exhibited on her blog and now in her book; "Create, do not Produce."  Hmmm, sometimes easier said than done.  The challenge as Orly shows through word and deed is not to produce art, she gently encourages you to remove all outside expectations and let your spirit draw you into a zone of creativity.  By turning her Blog into a book, I believe two things have been accomplished,  1.  Orly will be able to reach a wider audience with her message; and 2.  the reader will be encouraged to remove any restriction hindering the true creativity that resides deep inside.

Now let's take care of some business....

Where to find the book:(listed in order of preference)

1. The best way to obtain the book is by ordering through Orly's eStore  https://www.createspace.com/3868179

2. At her workshops in Southern California ( you can sign up for email notification of these workshops on her blog)

3.  Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/One-Artist-Journal-Orly-Avineri/dp/1477401415/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336760543&sr=8-1

Orly will be giving away a copy of her book as part of this blog hop.  To be considered for the drawing leave a comment to her post on her blog http://oneartistjournal.com. Winner will be announced next Friday, May 25th.

As I stated at the beginning of this post, I am a part of a Blog Hop to support Orly Avineri's book project.  Please be sure to visit the following blogs listed below:

Brian Kasstle: http://apaperbear.wordpress.com

Carla Sonheim: http://carlasonheim.wordpress.com

Cindy Woods O'Leary: http://artfuljourneyretreat.blogspot.com

Donna Cetorelli: http://solegarden.com

Dorit Elisha: http://lifeasafiveringcircus.blogspot.com

Erin Faith Allen: http://callofthewildsoul.com

Gina Rossi Armfield: http://sweetsistergina.typepad.com

Glenda Hoagland: http://pilgrimsthoughts.blogspot.com

Irene Rafael: http://irenerafael.blogspot.com

Jane LaFazio: janesville.blogspot.com

jill Berry: http://jillberrydesign.com/blog

Kelly Kilmer: http://KellyKilmer.blogspot.com

Liesel Lund: http://liesel.typepad.com

Monica Moran: http://thecreativebeast.blogspot.com

Pnina Gold: http://pearlandroses.wordpress.com

Rachel Urista: http://rachelurista.wordpress.com

Seth Apter: http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com

Teesha Moore: http://teeshascircus.blogspot.com

Well, there you have it friends.  In life we have to support our friends in anyway we can through encouragement, promotion and love.  So as I make my journey, know that I support all of you.

Be well...Pilgrim.

 

The Work of A Friend

Today's blog post is a little different from anything I have ever done.  It is about a friend.

The friend is Melanie Testa an accomplised artist and quilter.  I was drawn to Melanie because like me she is a breast cancer survivor.  We met last year via internet while we were both going through treatment.

I initially saw her on the program "Quilting Arts" which I watch religiously on Saturdays at 3:30 pm Pacific time.  A few weeks later she was interviewed on the Voodoo Lounge Podcast by Rice Freeman-Zachery.  When I realized it was the same person, I sent her a comment on her blog indicating that I had seen her on Quilting Arts and wishing her well in her recovery.

Melanie responded and we have communicated occasionally since that time.

The book in the picture above, Dreaming through journal page:TRANSFORMING THE sketchbook TO art", was written during Melanie's time of treatment.  This fact touched me very deeply because I had made the decision that while I was undergoing  treatment, I would devote the time to art as a way to keep my mind on positive and creative things.  I made thank you cards for the many friends and family members who assisted me with meals, friendship and prayers.  I took an online art journalling class with my friend Regina Lord and found that through creativity, my healing was really spiritual.

I preordered Melanie's book in December and received it about a week ago.   I immediately read through the pages and fell in love.  In love with the ease of reading; with the conversational tone and with the easy to follow tutorials.  I fell in love with the warmth that exploded from each page and the strength of a person who truly exemplifies the phrase brought alive by Jenny Doh - "Art Saves".

On Thursday, April 26th, I took part in a Webinar presented by Melanie and she used her book as the guide for demonstration on colors, doing drawing exercises to loosen up your hands, the meaning and use of frisket, etc.  It was really interesting.

Why am I writing about this?  First because I felt led to do so, and second even though we have never met, I feel as if Melanie is a kindred spirit.  If you are interested in really learning the mechanics of art journalling, read this book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Until next time, find peace on the journey....pilgrim.

ArtFest 2012.......A Retrospective The End

This picture represents a milestone.  I said a MILESTONE people.  I actually completed a bound book.  Not by punching holes and adding rings, not by stapling down the middle, but by HAND SEWING using and awl, tapestry needle and waxed linen.  Now, there is nothing wrong with the other methods I mentioned, don't get me wrong.

So, why is this so important?  Because it is my third class trying to do this.  I have been book binding chaallenged.  What was the difference you ask?  We spent six hours doing nothing but learning the technique and since I am a slow learner, that is what I needed.  In my other classes, we painted and prepared our pages and then learned the binding technique in the afternoon.  I am a very visual person and need to see you do it slllloooowwwlllly, so I can understand.


My last class on Saturday, March 31st, was "Get Your Sheet Together" and was taught by my good friend, Brenda Beene Shackleford.  She assured me that I would be able to complete a book.  I was very skeptical; but I had to support my friend who was teaching her first class.

BOOK NUMERO UNO:

The class worked together on book 1.  Brenda took us step by step through the process and Lo and behold, I completed the book.  Whoo Hoo.  But wait, it gets better.

BOOK NUMERO DOS:

Oh Yeah, that's right, you got it (can you see me doing the happy dance).  I completed a second book right after lunch.  This time we worked on our own and Brenda came around answering questions and offering advice.

I was having so much fun and pretty proud of myself too.

The first picture is of  BOOK NUMERO TRES
I felt Happy and validated.  I had done something I told myself I could not do.  Now, I want you to understand the key phrase here, "I told myself I could not do it."  So for the past two years, I have been a bumbling idiot trying to learn similar techniques for book binding and failing miserably because I TOLD MYSELF I COULD NOT DO IT.

Now to the good part.  I have been so busy since I returned from ArtFest that I have not had a chance to really work on anything since I got home.  First it was Holy Week and I was very involved in the liturgy at my church, St. Thomas More Community Catholic (shameless plug) in Henderson Nevada.  Then, I had to do my taxes (had to pay so no need in doing them any earlier), and I work from home so I was really busy.  Oh yeah, the good part:

Guess who made this book........ME a couple of years ago using Kente Cloth and a simple sewing technique.  What is the difference?  I was at home by myself, figuring things out looking at youtube instructions.

I was not allowing myself to be intimidated, thinking I was not good enough to be with the other talented artists around me.

Guess who painted and decorated this book......ME again.  This is a book with items of my trip to Paris.  I will show more of it in another post.  When did I make it?  Oh let's try 2004.  I have been taking classes, viewing youtube, reading books to teach me how to do something I already knew how to do and had forgotten all about it.

I know it seems crazy, and I have been laughing at myself for a couple of days.  So what did I get out of this very special time at ArtFest2012?  The privilege to BELIEVE IN ME and for that I will be eternally grateful.  Teesha and Tracy, thank you for offering a place where I could come and meet the likes of Orly Avineri, Brenda Shackleford, LK Ludwig (who was so very patient with me), Jill Berry, Lisa Bebi, Theo Ellsworth, and any other teacher I may forgotten.  Teachers who gently nurtured me and allowed me to "Create, Not produce" (I get it Orly).  Thank you for providing an opportunity to make so many friends that I cannot mention them here, but you all know who you are.  Most of all, thank you for allowing me to finally get the message.....BELIEVE IN ME.



ArtFest.......A Retrospective Part 2

March 30, 2012

Today I attended the class "Postcards To The Edge"  conceived and taught by Orly Avineri.  This was the second year that I participated in a class taught by Orly and I was eager to participate.

The main premise of the class was to "Create....not produce".  Orly has a way of getting the student to dig deep and bring out elements of the creative spirit long hidden.

The method used for creating was interesting.  We used cereal boxes as our substrate and found objects as collage elements.  We painted, made images of our hands and spray paint as we designed cards using prompts given by Orly.

The picture below started out as my least favorite post card; however after working with it and using the Prompt, "This little Piggy...."

As we built layers on our card we made a template from craft foam of our hand.  With the instruction to get as much of your hand on the card as possible, I closed my fingers so that the hand would fit.  When I looked around the room, I was the only one who closed their hand.  The effect was that the molding paste rimmed the outer fame of my hand giving the image of a door instead of fingers.

I went up to Orly for another piece of foam so I could start over and she told me to try and use what I had, there are no accidents and it should be used.

Well, I painted and sprayed the image and it captured my heart because it looked like my hand was waiting to hold and help.  But back to this little Piggy.  When I heard the prompt, the following came to mind:


This little piggie (sic) went to surgery.
This little piggy had radiation...
This little piggy has spent time healing
This little piggy has hope.

I am going to frame this card, I love the colors and the meaning.....This trip to ArtFest is the first trip I have taken since completing treatment for Breast Cancer and so the entire retreat has special meaning for me.

FRIENDS FOREVER.....

This picture is of Friends I met at the first ArtFest I attended in 2010, Brenda, Karen, Jenny and Anita.  For the past three years we have talked in between retreats, shared emails, encouraged endeavors and planned.  When we get together at ArtFest, we share meals, classes and laughter.  Now that ArtFest has ended, we plan to get together once a year and create.

I could go on and on, but I will stop and save the rest for part 3.    Take care dear reader and remember to "Create....not produce."

ArtFest.....a Retrospective

Doesn't that title sound great???? that is what ArtFest can do to you.  Not sure how long it will take me to finish this post, but I am starting today 4-4-2012 with a really groovy title.

This was my third year attending ArtFest and the last because, it has ended.  No more ArtFests as we know it today.  Just writing this seems to unreal and it makes me realize how much I missed out on talking myself out of attending when I first discovered it about 10 years ago (more on that in another post. 

I think I am going to Chronicle a little something from each day.

Beginning with March 29, 2012:

I am calling this "Outside Bistro"

  Lisa Bebi's Vintage Village Colorbook class.  This class opened my eyes to impressionist painting.  This was definitely out of my comfort zone, but was a boat load of fun. We painted copied images, not using precise painting but by glopping paint in the image to give and impressionist appearance.  I am going to try this with some of my own photos. 

This was a good day.  I learned that I did not have to change my water every five minutes.  I learned to let go and just enjoy the process.  I learned that it sometimes takes a while for the painting to grow on you.  Anita Webster my good friend was my table mate and we just enjoyed the day.

This is my Favorite. I it is not finished,
but I love how the colors on the girls dresses pop out.

I do plan to finish this picture because I really like it.  I cannot wait to cut it down to size and coat it with medium and varnish.  I will definitely frame it.






I will be posting more pictures over the next few days; however before I end today the picture below

This is a copy of a trade that I made.  I painted rocks using house paint and matte medium.  I also wrote my word for the year, "Focus".  they were so much fun to make and I am going to make more.

Until next time.....remain on the journey

Let the Fun Times Begin!!!!!

The time has come......ArtFest time is here. 7 am flight to Seattle. Hang out at airport, then shuttle to Fort. I will chronicle my time if I get a chance. If not, I will post on Sunday night. Cheerio and smooches everyone.

ArtFest is almost here

I have to get this thought out.  ArtFest is coming.....I have my plane ticket and at 7:00 am on March 28th I will be flying to Seattle.  I am arriving early because I like to stay a few hours to explore prior to 2 pm when the shuttle leaves for Port Townsend and the Fort.

I am going to take the Monorail from the Airport to see where it goes.  I think I am just going to ride to one end and then make the return trip so I can get back in time.  Since I am a bus person, this should be fun.

My trades are made and boxed up, I have completed the majority of the gifts for dormmates and some special friends.  My supply box will be closed tomorrow morning, no last minute stuff for me.

This is the last ArtFest and I plan to immerse myself in the entire process, I will be taking plenty of pictures so I can remember what wonderful times I have had.  For year I put off coming to ArtFest for one reason or another.  They were not really valid reasons, more fear than anything else.  But....when I treated myself to ArtFest for my 60th birthday, my artistic and creative life blossomed and I have never looked back.

This is not to say I was not creative prior to attending ArtFest, because I was. I have made greetings cards since 1984 with some success.  However my creativity has moved to a new level, I am working with other medium and enjoying the process.  Making trades and sharing the work with others is really major for me and I have become more adventurous over time.  I have participated in ATC swaps and taken on-line classes.  I often worry if people will like my work and that can hinder me.  But I realize that, it is what I think that means the most.  I will know in my gut if something works or not.

Plus, I have a new motto if someone does not like what I give them, they can always through it out.  This keeps me from needless worry.  I sincerely appreciate the effort and artistry of my fellow creative spirits.  It takes a lot to put yourself out there and I applaud everyone who tries.

Artfest is a little over 2 weeks away......I am so excited and humbled.

Water Falls of Life

Run off from Glaciers cause the most beautiful waterfalls

I have been doing a lot of thinking about how I want to spend the rest of my life.  What do I really want to do?  Work, create, travel, sit at home and watch television, volunteer???? There are so many choices and it can at times cloud your mind.

Have you looked closely at a waterfall?  Have you noticed that there are some that gush forth with great force?  Have you seen the ones that start with great force and whittle down to a trickle?  Then there are the ones that are a continuous small stream meandering slowly down a mountain slope.  All beautiful and all having a grand purpose in the scheme of nature.

A slow meander

My life has been like a waterfall, sometimes gushing for with great force, moving hither and yon, so much to do and so little time.  There have been times when events in my life started out with such great promist only to whitle down to a trickle and being abandoned by the side of the road.  Now in 2012 I prefer for life to be a small continuous stream of wonderful adventures that slowly meander through the remaining time I have left, bringing me joy and beauty.  I prefer to enjoy the simple things of life now and start each day with a smile.

Replenishing the sea

 Each Waterfall ends up in a field of water; a lake, the ocean, a small stream.  It replenishes the water that naturally evaporates.  That is what I want to be to the friends, family, strangers I encounter on my journey.  I want to be able to replenish their spirit by sharing my experiences, my laughter, my love of life; my mistakes and my successes.

I want to be a viable part of the Waterfall of Life.

Crochet Project

Crochet Envelope

Ok, I finally got the crochet envelope into my blog.  It took a while but I figured it out.  Now the next step is getting it to Pinterest.  I will prevail.  I shall not be denied.

momoo50's photostream

momoo50's photostream.

 I am trying to learn new things and the only ways is to test things.  It is fun to finally let go and just try, if I mess up I will start over again.  The main thing I am trying to learn is how to get specific pictures from flickr to my blog and then to Pinterest.  That is the project for the weekend.  I will write and let you know how I do.  This is goingto be interesting.

Welcome to 2012

This rainbow represents how I feel about this new year of 2012.  Rainbows appear after really hard rains.  They appear to show promise; they appear to show that the rain was necessary for growth and cleansing; they appear to give hope.

2012 is a year of hope for me.  It is a year go grow and blossom after the hard and at times torrential personal rain of 2011.  2012 is a year of promise; it is a year of cleansing and growth both personally and spriritually; it is truly a year of hope.

I start this year with much thanks.  Thanks for being a survivor; thanks for strength I did not know I had.  Thanks for concrete evidence of how the Lord works in my life.  Thanks for creative opportunities that kept me from going down a road of sadness and gloom.

These simple rocks were painted during an online class I took called crafting your best life.  Each rock show, a quality I found within my being in 2011.  I have to keep these qualities alive and well inorder to move on to the next stage of my life.

Chickens of the World get a New Lease on Life......

Today we have a picture of a very happy chicken.  I am in the second week of radiation therapy.  So far it has been going well.  Not many major side effects except for one.  I have lost my appetite.  It has officially gone on vaca.  I have also lost the taste for Chicken.  My closest friends and family members know how much I love chicken. I am the Bubba Gump of chicken, I can eat it any way on any day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Well, not any more.

The chicken in the picture is dancing because it knows it is safe for a while anyway.  What have I been eating? Oh salads, tuna fish, soup and fruit smoothies.  It is all good and I am amazed at the fact that I do not miss the meat.

I had planned to purchase organic chicken and other meats to be free of all the things they are given to enhance their growth.  The type of cancer I am being treated for is related to the production of too much estrogen.  Since I am way past menopause (it came early at age 43) I did not think I was producing estrogen.  I realized today it was all that chicken made extra big and juicy with growth hormones which include estrogen.  I did research to make sure my thoughts were correct, so it is no joke.  If I had been a moderate chicken eater, I may not be going through this today.  I had the test, I am not carrying the gene, so chicken is the scapegoat for now anyway.

You have to be able to find humor where you can and if it has to be at the expense of my dear friend chicken, so be it. I cannot say if my taste for chicken will gradually return, but for now the chickens of the world can feel safe, because today, if there was just me and one chicken left on the earth, it would be safe.

Thank You Beautiful Lady

For as long as I can remember I have loved my Aunt Vera.  In fact I used to say "when I grow up I want to be just like Aunt Vera."  She is my Mother's only sister and her elegance is mesmerizing. 

Aunt Vera is an artist.  Her work exhibits her quiet elegance and for over 30 years she taught art in the Detroit Public School System.  Each year she worked to help arrange an exhibition for students at the Institute of Arts in Detroit.  She taught her students to love drawing, painting and collage.

We never really talked about art when I was a child, I just watched from the sidelines and could see how much she loved what she did.  She was the first person I knew who actually loved her job.

 On Aug. 4, 2006 my mother died quite suddenly and my aunt and I comforted each other.  Again with her quiet elegance we shared Thanksgiving dinner (it has been a custom for her and my mother to go to dinner on Thanksgiving and the first one after her death was especially hard). One of her paintings hung in my mother's house. When I sold the house, she asked if she could have it back since the spirit of her sister permeated its pores.

May 2007 I moved to Nevada-I just needed a change of scenery.  At Christmas that year I sent my Aunt a card I had made.  She called me and I will never forget the words "Girrrrlllll, you are truly an artist..."  Those words were so special to me---My beloved Aunt Vera appreciated my work.

During the past 4 years we have had many discussions about art and various techniques.  I send her samples of my work (Mother's day cards, Birthday cards, etc) and she continues to praise and validate me.

As I said earlier I always wanted to be like my Aunt, encouraging, loving, artistic and wise.

I love her deeply and will never forget the quiet lessons she taught me.

The picture today was painted by yours truly in October 2010.  My first attempt at still life, I can thank Aunt Vera for the courage to try.

Well I will be a Blue Nosed Gopher!!!!

I said that statement and had to laugh at myself.  Why did I say, "Well I will be a Blue Nosed Gopher?"  I am in the process of organizing my office/art studio.  I have so much stuff, excuse me, Art Supplies and I need to get some order.  I was placing and order for some storage drawers and decided to order a new set of drawers because the ones I have now are pretty rickety.  I found a good price for the drawers and as I was getting ready to click the add to cart button---my brain had the following conversation:

"Hey let's try and remove the wheels, maybe it will be steadier."  Right brain said "Sounds like a pretty good idea to me."  So off I went, moved all of the drawers, turned the cart over and the wheels would not budge.  Left brain:  Let's get something to pry them off."  Right Brain:  'Good thinking" (right brain is always so agreeable).  I run to kitchen drawer and get a screw driver because it is pretty heavy duty and may do the job.  The I look at the screws holding the cart together, "Hmmm, Left brain says, they seem a little loose, wonder what will happen if I tighten them?"  "Let's try", said right brain.

So I take the screw driver and start to tighten the bolts on the top and bottom, as I torn the screw driver the cart gets really steady.  You have to understand I have had this thing for nearly ten years and it has wobbled for that long, not once did left brain speak up.  To make matters work, I have two of them. Today I had decided to get new carts and throw the rickety ones out because I was fed up with them.  The more I tightened the sturdier it got, who knew?  When I finished  I exclaimed "Well I will be a Blue Nosed Gopher" and laughed.  In normal fashion, it takes me a while to get a clue.

I am happy, I love my cart and after I finished this post, letft brain has informed me that we need to do the same thing to the other cart  Hmmmm..... time to get busy.  The picture today is of my now beloved and colorful cart.

I am excited

This is a picture of a page I am thinking of using for the cover of my Art of Giving journal.  I am taking a class faciliated by a very talented and spiritual artist, Regina Lord.  Why am I excited you might ask????? Because except for the Blue Moon ephemera I collaged on to the page, I painted the entire page myself including the flower, thank you very much.

I have been spending the last two weeks working on my pages and I like what I have done.  I did find out that I like simplicity.  I do not like a lot on the page, but I do like what is there to stand out. 

The glossy middle of the flower is a glass bead I found, and I used a stencil for the words gratitude and faith.  Need to add a little journalling, after all it is a work in progress.  More pictures later in the week.  Take care and be creative

7 Months and Counting......

Fort Townsend, WA, picture of some of the buildings at night.  I mailed my registration today.  I am so pleased and excited.  March will be here before I know it.  I have started conceptualizing my trades for this year.  I am calling it "mixed bag" because it will be a smattering of different things.  I have 7 months to get them together so I will work a little at a time.

Life's changes

During the past week I have come to realize that I do not have to write a book to add thoughts to my blog.  What a relief.....I am taking the Art of Giving online class given by Regina Lord of Creative Kismet.  It is a 30 day class an we are creating an art journal.  The class is both thought provoking and a lot of fun.  I will post some of my pages later in the week.  So for today, I am posting a picture of tape that I made from adhive tape and alcohol inks.  With the Popularity of Japanese Washi take increasing, there have been a lot of suggestions to try and make your own tape.  I did and it was fun.

I promised myself in April, that I would spend this summer creating and so far I have been doing just that.  It is time to put all the techniques I have learned throughout the years to good use.  I am also keeping a word of the day journal.  I have the cutest little book called a Mnemosyne (bought it from Jetpens.com) and each morning when I sign on to the computer for work, I right down the first word that comes to mind.  Next I have to go back and decorate the pages.

Art tool I used today that I have had for a long time:  Xyron 150 Create a Sticker machine.  Oh man, I made my own stickers and used them.  Now I need to make more.  Hmmmm this will save me money.

Well, until next time.  Let me know what you are thinking.

I am online - Arthousecoop.com

I am so happy today.  I am online.  www.arthousecoop.com
I participated in the sketchbook 2011 project and my book has been digitized and is available for viewing.  Info needed for review...Glenda Hoagland, theme:  It Must Be...(which is chosen from the on the drop down menu) then enter city - Henderson and State NV.

This is such a treat for me.  I really took a chance and participated in this project.  I was not confident in my ability to fill a book with drawing, so I did a collage of pictures from my various travels, hence the title is "It must be...time to hit the road".  The pictures here are the cover of the book and one of the pages in the book.

Stop by and take a look.  It is time for me to get started on my book for 2012.

I have to do it my way......

I realized today that I really have to stop worrying about what others think.  What do I mean you ask?  I live alone.  I eat dinner at a tv tray and have a large dining room table that sits empty.  This table allows me the space I need to create; my drafting table is just too small.

I became ashamed after a friend made comments about my arts and crafts taking over.  I really felt bad and moved all of my thing from the table.  It looks very pretty, but, it is begging to be used.  I can hear it calling me, "use me to make cards, use me to make books, my molecules miss you."

It was then I realized that I put too much stock in what others think.  I stopped knitting and crocheting for over 10 years because my husband thought it was a waste of time.  How sad.  I stopped making cards because I convinced myself that the work wasn't good enough.  I stopped going within because I thought nothing was there.  How sad.

This is the funny part.  My husband died in January of 2001.  I was sitting the basement one Saturday morning in October and the thought hit me "Hey....there is no one to complain about me knitting..." I turned off the TV went to the yarn shop and bought yarn and needles and have been knitting and crocheting ever since.  I have made some of the best gifts.....

I am in the process of putting my art supplies back on the table.  My cutting mat is in place.  I have the most beautiful plant in the middle of the table and it will stay there.....it brings life to the creations.  Oh I feel so happy to be able to look at my table and see the things that make my heart sing.  I have made thank you cards, completed ATC for the Wild Card Swap and have startd backgrounds for the June Swap.  Gosh am I happy.

So, I am going to use the rest of my life perfecting my way of doing things.....should prove to be very interesting,

until next time......

Time of a Lifetime.......Annual ArtFest Retreat

I was reviewing my posts and find this one that I never published it was originally written April 11, 2011....enjoy

I returned yesterday from my second ArtFest Retreat.  Why do I call it a retreat?  Because it is a time for me to reconnect.  Reconnect to the part of me that loves to create.  This was my second year a ArtFest.  I was a lot more comfortable and was much more observant.  I got a chance (thanks to my creative soul sister Colleen) to see Port Townsend and taste its special flavor.  I had three outstanding classes from three outstanding teachers:  Jill K. Berry - Spontaneous Deconstructed Journal;  L K Ludwig The Big Book and Orly Avineri - The Art of Correspondence.

I have to say that each class brought something new out of me.  Deconstructed Journal class showed me how I could be spontaneous in creating a journal, and I love the technique Pochoir (I could tell you what it means, it's more fun to google it and see for yourself).  The Big Book class allowed me to play with the technique of scraping but it also showed me that I do not like binding books by sewing them. Give me a bind it all any day.  Love, Love, punching them holes.

The last class was The Art of Corespondence and I must say it was the best way to end the session.  The class was centered around making Post cards.  If you look below you will see a picture of one that I made.  You start out with a large sheet of water color paper, use ink, paint and imagination and the result is nothing less than spectacular.  I was thoroughly amazed at what I produced.

I love ArtFest and plan (God willing) to attend again next year.

I changed the page

I did it, I tried to like the cutesy page, but it just wasn't singing to my spirit, so I changed it to the one I wanted in the first place.  I loooooveeee the color spashes in the background.  Isn't life like that really?  Anyhoo, I am happy

Creating through Cancer......

A couple of months ago I changed the background of this blog to reflect my creative side. I looked at it over time and did not like it. I tried to change it but the page for change would not open up. I was really bummed about that. Today I realize that this is the correct page background for this time in my life. It is colorful and cheerful. Over the next few months I will need this as a reminder to be colorful and cheerful.

You see, I have breast cancer in both breasts. It is in the early stages and highly treatable. I will undergo radiation therapy on both breasts at a minimum. Not sure about any other forms of treatment. I had a lumpectomy of the left breast on May 20th and will have a lumpectomy of the right breast soon. This way I can have radiation therapy at the same time on both breasts.

I plan to spend this summer creating; blogging and journaling about my experience. I find that sitting down and letting the creative juices flow is quite exhilarating. In fact it puts a smile on my face. I will be working on Christmas presents, perfecting background painting techniques and just plain having as much fun as possible.

There is no time to feel sad, Sure there are moments when I feel a little down, that is normal. What I refuse to do is let it control my life. I have had a good one and expect to continue in that vein. I have a lot of changes to make in my life over the next few months.....I don't really know what they are at the moment, but I am sure the Spirit will lead me, just like He led me to write today.

The picture today is part of a collection of post cards I created while at ArtFest in Port Townsend, Washington this year. I had so much fun creating and I plan to continue. So, for today, I am going to work on the Family Reunion Souvenier book, complete ATC's for by Badbaby monthly swap and complete the lapghan I have been working on for months.

Until next time......

Where has the time gone?

Where has the time gone???? I have been really busy over the past few months and now time has just gotten away from me.  I decided to change the look of my blog to reflect more of what I do and love today.  Crafts...I have been taking classes, making books, learning to paint, participating in swaps.....just having fun. 

My journey has done a complete about face.  That is not to say that I am not still on a spiritual journey cause I am.  It's that the journey has led me to understand two things...
1.  I have to truly use those talents that I wrote about and said I was going to dig them up
2.  The creative process is truly spiritual.

Why is it spiritual?  Because you go deep within yourself to find that element of truth that is waiting to be released.  I participated in the Sketchbook Project sponsored by the Art House Coop in Brooklyn New York.  Just under 10,000 sketchbooks will be touring the country from March to August.  The link below will take you to the site so you can learn more http://arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject,

I was so proud of myself when I mailed the finished book on Jan. 14th.  I did not make a copy (ok so I forgot) but it will be digitized and shown on the arthouse site later this year.  Next I created 38 pages of the same design for a Fatbook that will be given out at Artfest in April.  Mailed the completed work March 12th (picture to come).  Last night (March 9th) I finished the last of 50 books I made to give as trades for Artfest.

That is why I have been so busy.  Doing something I have never done before and loving it.  I had to let myself go and understand that it does not matter if everyone likes what I have done, it is the process, the mere effort of matching paper, glue, colors in a design that makes your heart smile that makes it all worth while.

I have one more major project to complete by May 1st.  The fiction book project also sponsored by Arthouse coop.  I will be writing and illustrating a book that will tour the country.  So much to do, so much to create.......Look what I found when I did a little digging.

Digging up my Buried Talents

Scripture:  Matthew 25: 14- 18
"14 It will be as when a man who was going on a journey ⁷ called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents; ⁸ to another, two; to a third, one--to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately 16 the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. 17 Likewise, the one who received two made another two.
18 ⁹ But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master's money."

The past few weeks have been extremely busy.  Work is really ramping up with end of year due dates on projects.  I taught two classes in a row for our RCIA classes at church and that required a lot of research and soul searching.  In between all of this I crammed in my 61st birthday....whew  what is a girl to do.

More to the point, I have been struggling with changing the approach to this blog.  Pilgrim is changing folks.  Yes, what was good and relevant for me in 1992, just does not cut it today.  It is not that I don't want to write, and it isn't that I don't want to write use scripture as my source.  It's just that in 1992 I felt I did not have much to offer on my own and the scriptures offered me a great starting point.

As I fast forward to 2010, I realize that my interests and talents have grown.  I have in effect taken a shovel and dug up the talent that I buried.  On this journey through life, I have learned a lot about myself.  The artist, the poet, the teacher, the leader and what I see I like.

So, what do I want to write about?  The real journey...seen through the art I create; heard through the words I speak in class and on paper.  I want to talk about how this spiritual journey has led me to travel and what I have learned along the way.  I want to use this space to get a better understanding of what my life really means to me and hopefully, you dear reader will be encouraged to dig a little deeper, try something you have  dreamed of; and give you the courage to pick up the shovel and dig up those talents long buried and forgotten.

As I write these words a smile comes to my face because I know that I am finally on the right path and it feels good.

The picture today is of a baby blanket I made.  I knitted the squares and crocheted them together.  I taught myself to knit and crochet. It occured to me this week, what a cool thing that was.  Unburying talents....

Today, Pilgrim is happy.

An Up and Down Week

Have you ever had one of those weeks where you wished there was do over button?  Last week was that way for me.  It started last Sunday when I came down with some sort of bug and it was ugly.  I was able to enter my topic for the week and then it was down hill from there.  The topic was choices on Sunday the choice was if it would be a good idea to just find some way to put myself out of my misery.

Monday, still could not eat but had conference calls so had to make the choice to tough it out, good thing I work from home because I was not a pretty sight, nor my normally cheerful self (sniff, sniff).  Tuesday, ahhh,, this is what life feel like.  Feeling a lot better but still not 100 percent.  More conference calls and taught Religious Ed to 15 adorable 7 year olds.  Pretty much had to go to bed when I got home...pretty tired.

Wednesday,  I am now back among the living, made final preparations for MOM's meeting ( I was the lead facilitator).  Ate first real meal since Sunday, baked some chicken.  The meeting went well, but it was home to bed again.  Thursday...Busy day of meetings and conference calls.  How do you spell TIRED.

Friday,  conference call and then emergency assignment that required working on Saturday and Sunday.  Whew!   Needless to say, no blogging, no art work. 

So here we are at Tuesday and I just had a great conversation with myself.  If keep allowing things to get in the way, you will not blog and you will not complete art projects.  Not acceptable.  Not acceptable at all.

I have put things on the back burner for too long.  Things that make my heart sing.  Things that bring me joy and a smile to my face.  Choices, choices that make sense, choices to make time, choices to enjoy life, choices to live in the now.

Some choices we make are easy, some choices we make take time and some choices we make should have been left on the back burner. 

Part of my illnesss came from being overly tired and just plain wearing myself out.  I am not a spring chicken any more.  I have to slow down.  Choices.

Topic for week of 10-25 to 10-30

Hi, the topic for this week is Choices.  Friday's Blog will be a reprint of Aug, 5. 1996.

The choices we make have many ramifications, some good and some not so good.  But, we cannot be afraid to make them.

God Made Learing Simple (Originally written Aug. 1996)

I was on vacation the week of July 8th.  I spent 5 days in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  The first night we stayed in the town of Brimley a small lake community 20 minutes southwest of Sault Ste Marie.  I had a dream and in this dream came the message "God Made Learning Simple."  I didn't have an immediate picture of what that meant; and asked God to make it clear to me.  Life is about lessons; about understanding how to go about doing the duties God asks us to perform.  Our lives should be simple and uncluttered.  The Spirit needs a simple environment in order to guide us.  Think about it, there was nothing obviously complex about Jesus.  There is nothing complex about his teachings; we make it that way.

Here is an example of how learning can be simple.  Have you considered how easy it is to believe the negative things someone will say even though you may have heard thousands of positive things?  When I was in the 10th grade my favorite teacher, Sister Grace Ann, told me that I had talent as a writer.  She was very excited about my abilities.  In the 11th grade a teacher whose name I cannot remember told me that I worked too hard.  Standardized tests showed that I was a "C" student and so I should "lighten up".  What do think stuck with me?  You probably guessed, the comments that I worked too hard.  Isn't it amazing that I cannot remember the teacher's name, but I can remember her negative comments (and she thought she was doing me a favor).

The lesson is simple; throw out the junk.  God does not have a quality control problem.  He only creates masterpieces.  Through a very bad habit of accepting "junk" into our spiritual space, we are led to believe that we are less than perfect.  Jesus took care of the problem long ago when he died so that we could be free.  Free to do the will of God; free to make our own choices.

I am going to spend the remainder of this year learning the simple lessons God has to teach me...How about you?

This lesson from 1996 is very relevant for me today.  I am still learning the simple lessons; I am still trying to unclutter my life.  I am still a pilgrim on the journey.

Pilgrim

Embracing the Truth

Scripture:  Ephesians 4:25 "Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, for we are members one of another."

Thought:  On Tuesday my thoughts centered around the lies I tell myself.  Today I have been thinking about "embracing" Truth.  What does that mean?  What does it really mean to embrace the truth?  How will such a concept impact my life and the people I encounter everyday?  What will it do to me on a spiritual level?

Does embracing the truth mean tactfully telling someone when they have crossed the line instead of a weak "it's okay"?  Does embracing the truth mean speaking up when you see injustice instead of saying "not my problem"?  Does it mean agreeing to disagree when agreeing would cause you to compromise your principles?

I do not have all of the answers.....that is why I am on this pilgrimmage.  I know that part of my charge is to eliminate the former self and take on a new self.  A self that follows the example set by Jesus.  He preached with humility and he told the truth in a quiet manner.  He could discern the thoughts of those who wanted to trap him in some sort of falsehood.  He understood the reluctance of those in authority to embrace His truth.  He also discerns my thoughts and my reluctance to embrace His truth when it becomes uncomfortable.

Do I embrace the truth when a homeless person asks for money and I say I don't have any because I am scared to open my purse.?  Do I embrace the truth when I gossip?  Do I embrace the truth when I accept poor treatment instead of sticking up for myself?

Seems like I have a lot of questions today.  Well I do.  Does embracing the truth mean I have to be super blunt and snarky?  Does embracing the truth mean that I am always right and you are always wrong.  Does embracing the truth mean that my neighbor has to embrace "my" truth?

"My your teeth look yellow today."  It may be true but do I really have to say anything about my friend's teeth?  "Giiirrrlll, did you see the shoes on that man, look like he bought them in 1930."  Is this a necessary conversation?  "Yesterday I prayed for you" when in truth you have not prayed in months.

For me embracing the truth is going to be a lifelong process.  What about you?  Let me know your thoughts.  We are all on this journey together.

Pilgrim

To Thine Ownself Be True....But Know Thyself First

The thought for this week relates to truth.  On my pilgrimmage through life, I have not been as truthful as I would like to be.  Who have I lied to the most?  Myself.

Quotes:

"This above all — to thine ownself be true;"   Polonius, Act I, scene iii in Hamlet

"Know thyself" - Socrates

Thoughts:

On Saturday I attended my third painting class.  Our assignment was to paint a still life. The items were staged the platform are some of the items you see to the left.  I wondered how in the world was I going to do that.

Our teacher assured us that we would leave class with the beginnings of the portrait.  I was not convinced.  I muddled through the landscape last week, this was going to be much harder.

I got all of my tools set up, filled three tubs with water and waited to begin.  We were going to be working with cadmium red and cadmium yellow, alizarin crimson and pthalo blue.  Nice colors, but I am still thinking I cannot do this. 

Our instructor asked us to take out our sketch books (we needed a sketchbook???? Oh no).  I actually used my small note book and drew one image per page.  Let me go back for a minute.

Before we were asked to take our our sketchbook, we were told that we had to draw the images on our paper before we painted them. "Uh, Oh.....I can't draw, no way no how.. I am a good tracer, not a drawer."  I was ready to pack up and go home.  Then the instructor said to draw a circle, square, triangle, rectangle and an ellipse in our sketchbook.  "Ok, I can do that."  She then explained that anything you are going to draw is made up of one of these structures, the bottle is a rectangle for the neck, half circle for the rounded part, ellipse for top and bottom connected by two straight lines.  The base of the wine glass, a triangle rounded out and so forth.

That day I sketched the bottle, the wine glass, the apple, the lemon that looks like a football (I need to work on it) and some grapes.  I drew like I was sitting in my bedroom at the age of 10.  I drew and painted and laughed and grew.

On my way home I thought about a question that has haunted me for years,  when did I start telling myself that I could not draw?  When did I start doubting myself so severely that at every turn, I tell my self "I can't".  I find that on a daily basis I lie to myself, I stopped writing because I told myself I was not good enough.  I stopped making greetings cards because I told myself no one would want them.  I stopped having fun because it was not the "adult" thing to do.

Somewhere along the line, I lost the ability to know myself, and if I don't know who I am, how can I be true to myself.  If I do not know myself, how can I speak the truth to others?  See, I first have to define what is my "truth".  That takes a lot of introspection and it is not always comfortable.

Why did I sign-up for the art class?  My outward explanation is that I wanted to learn how to manipulate and mix colors.  The know myself truth is that, next year I will be attending ArtFest and taking a trip to Orvieto in Italy to explore the countryside and record my thoughts in and art journal.   After looking at the work of other participants, I just didn't feel good enough.  So, I needed to prepare myself by taking a class. Pretty much that is my answer for everything.  I cannot to it until I take a class.  However, this time I am getting much more than I bargained for because, it's making me look in the mirror and tell the truth. I have to ask myself the hard questions and begin to dig deep for the answers.  Who knew all that could come from a painting class?

I combined two famous quotes into one because I have come to realize that at least for me in order to be true to myself, I have to do the work required to know myself.  It starts with telling the truth myself.  It does not matter what others think; it does not matter if they like my work or not; what matters is that I have used my God given talents in a manner that will bring him glory. 

I always pray that God allow me to use the tools he has given me to accomplish the things he needs me to accomplish.  He answered my prayer and now it is time for me to get busy.  Life does not have to be as hard as I make it, instead of living the lie..."I can't."  I have to life the truth...'I can".

Pilgrim

Theme for week of 10-18-10

The theme for this week is Truth.  I have been thinking for quite some time about the Lies I tell myself.  I often wonder where they came from?  How did I fall into the groove of such gross self denial?  So this week as I travel this road of life, truth will be on my mind.

Pilgrim....

It Occurred to Me

Even though I have published a schedule that I really intend to follow, sometimes thoughts come to me that I just have to record while I am in the moment.

This has been a really special year.  Nov. 14, 2009 I celebrated my 60th birthday.  I decided to make the entire year from Nov. 14, 2009 to Nov. 13, 2010 a year of celebration and do things that would bring me joy.  What did I do?  Let me tell you......

March 2010 attended ArtFest for the first time.  I had wanted to attend this event for 10 years and always found some excuse for not following through.  I decided that going to Port Townsend Washington was going to be a birthday present to myself.  I created some wonderful art and the flood gates were opened.  I made lifelong friends and had a hoot of a time.

August 2010, I went to Alabama for the first time.  Visited with my good friends and toured their new home.  It is their retirement dream home and it is simply gorgeous overlooking Lake Tuscaloosa.

October 2010 attending an Acrylic Painting class and participating in Blogging 101.

Nov. 13, 2010...My brother Kenny's 60th birthday.  Kenny died in 2005 after a long illness.  We were very close and  I miss him terribly.  I will celebrate his 60th for one year from Nov. 13, 2010 to Nov. 12, 2011.  I have some really cool stuff planned and I will have his picture with me so his spirit can enjoy the journey.

Life is mean to live, not just think about....

My Blogging Schedule......

My Blog schedule will be as follows: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
On Sunday I will post the theme for the week.
Tuesday and Thursday's blog posts will be about new journey experiences based on Scriptures and favorite quotes related to the theme for the week.
Friday I will answer comments and repost thoughts written early in my journey.

I will be writing my blog posts for Tuesday and Thursday on Sunday afternoon and schedule
them for the week. I will be writing Friday's Blog on that day.

Why repost thoughts written early in my journey?  For may years many of my family members and friends have asked that I digitize and share some of my earlier thoughts on line.  Before this class I was at a loss and truthfully afraid to make the attempt. 

I went to Alabama in August to visit a friend and attend her daughter's wedding.  She called me a couple of days before I was to leave to say that her husband wanted me to copy a couple of thoughts and bring them because he enjoyed them so much.  The Lord truly has a way of opening doors because I had already registered for "Blogging 101" so there would be no excuse.  This is the perfect vehicle for me (my writing Mercedes if you will); I have a map and it is time to go.

A few words about answering comments on Friday.  Answering comments had not crossed my mind (probably again the fear that no one will read or be interested.  I know, I know I am working on that).  I read Barb's schedule and realized it was such a great idea, so I "borrowed" it.  Thanks Barb.

Pilgrim

Alaska....Serenity at Sea

The picture above was taken from the veranda outside my room on the Alaskan Cruise I took in July. The ship floated slowly through the Endicott Arms Fjord providing unimaginable photo ops. The naturalist on board explained that we must be good stewards to protect the fragile ecosystem. As a result, the engines were cut to minimum speed, no announcements were made so as to keep the noise level as low as possible.

My room mate and I stood on the veranda for hours taking pictures. We were in absolute awe. There were dozens of waterfalls; lush green pine trees; mountains covered with snow; whales and dolphins following the ship and glaciers with the most beautiful bluish hue.

The black tracks that run down a glacier are the marks that show where two or more glaciers merged.

I truly felt like a pilgrim on this trip while exploring sights I had dreamed of for years. My spirit was lifted that day as I did what one of my favorite Hymns suggests...."Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Pilgrim

Choices.....

"Some choices are easy, such as deciding to each a banana or take a walk; some choices are harder like whether to sell your stocks or wait out the storm." Each day we have to make choices.



Each Tuesday I have the privilege of team teaching 15 second graders who are preparing to Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and receipt of Holy Communion. These children are so fresh and honest. Some fidget in their chairs; some have to resist being a "tattle-tail"; some want to be our helper and others want to be your best friend. Most of all they want to learn.



Today we talked about making choices...the choice between right and wrong and how hard that can be even for a seven year old. Think about it.



I come from a small family. It was just my parents, my brother and I. My brother and I were 364 days apart...we were the same age for 1 day. I was pretty much the "goody two-shoes" of the family mostly because I didn't like spankings. My brother on the other hand would try to get away with as much as possble.



When you grow up in a family with only two children there is a dynamic that can be rather bothersome. The "I did not do it" syndrome." My brother had a great habit of making the wrong choice. Draw on the wall--He did it. Dig into the wooden table with a knife...he did it. Eat Daddy's piece of pie...HE DID IT. There was just one problem, he would never admit it. It would go something like this..."Kenny did you draw on the wall? No, Mommy I didn't." "Glenda did you draw on the wall? No Mommy I didn't." "Well someone did so you both will get spanking." "Kenny did you eat your father's pie? No, Mommy." Glenda did you eat it? No Mommy." "Well some one did...." Are you starting to get the picture.



So, one day, my brilliant brother was batting marbles and broke the storm window. I looked at him , at the window and made one of my most outstanding choices to date. I was not taking a spanking for this one. No way Jose. This was major. I went to the living room, sat down in the most comfortable chair I could find and waited.



Daddy came home first. With all of the gusto and innocence I could muster I pointed and said "He did it, you will see it and when you do, He did it!!!!" That evening my brother got the spanking of his life while I munched on ice-cream and cookies. Ah, the glory of it all. Choices.....



Have all my choices worked so gloriously? No. Have I had to learn hard lessons because of my choices? Yes.



I look into the eyes of my 15 weekly charges and realize that some will remember the lessons we teach them this year. Some will forget and some will simply ignore it as they move through life. They will all at some point have to choose between right from wrong; between happiness and sadness; between obedience and disobedience....



We all have to make these choices every day. I told the children today that when they don't have anyone who can help them when making choices, simply pray. Pray for the strength to make the right choice. I need to follow that advice, how about you?



Pilgrim...

Don't Let Fear and Negative Thoughts Cloud Your Way

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1

7

For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.

Thought:

Saturday October 9th 1:30 pm Pacific Time....Teacher states with glee "Each of you is going to leave class today with a completed landscape of the oceanside." My first thought was Suuuurrrreee I will. Me who cannot draw a straight line will paint a landscape.

Fear sets in, what was I thinking signing up for an Acrylic painting class? I did look good sitting there with all of my "appropriate" tools. The right paint brushes; all of the paints listed on the class sheet. Two buckets of water, masking tape, everything I needed except TALENT.

I almost talked myself out of a great experience. I was about to succumb to the menace that has haunted me most of my life. "I am just not good enoughitis." Not good enough to even try. Not good enough to follow the advice I have given to so many others. Now, is it just me or do people who are so busy encouraging others forget to follow their own advice?

I made the first brush strokes laying down the background color and it looked pretty good, of course I forgot about the rule of 3rd we had just learned but it was fixable. Next came the waves, the outlines of rocks, and my light house that looks more like a bowling pin. I made clouds with my fingers and white caps for waves with a sponge and gesso. I was having so much fun. I was learning to allow my self to play. It did not have to be perfect. I did not have to be afraid, I just needed to "chill out " and let the juices flow.

On my way home I knew I wanted to write on this blog about this experience. I do not drive so I was on the bus proudly carrrying my painting taped to my drawing board. One of the passengers noted my "Masterpiece" and stated how nice it was. That sealed the deal, I had to put this experience on my blog. I wanted a scripture to reflect my thoughts and this morning it came to me, the verse above from Second Timothy. I always tell my friends the God had given us all of the tools we need to accomplish the things we need to accomplish. We just have to use them. We just have to get out of our own way. Time to follow my own advice again....

I could have looked at my first attempt and went "YUK!!!!" I could have said, "Told You so." I could have done the cowardly thing and hidden the painting you see above. But, if I am to live by the scripture written above, I needed to pay homage to my very first attempt at a landscape. I needed to look at it with pride and see where does it need a tweak and a nip and get busy creating.

Gabby our teacher reminded us that in three hours you are just going to learn the basis, you are not going to become Picasso. I just have to enjoy the process, smile with pride and play, play, play.

Glenda

posted by: http://www.pilgrimsthoughts.blogspot.com

How do we receive God's Guidance?

The theme for today's thought is Guidance. Scripture reference Psalm 25:4

"Show me your way, O Lord, teach me your Path."



Thought: "Teach me O Lord what I am to learn, grant me the strength to do what you ask." Over thirty years ago a friend told me to say this short prayer and the Lord would show me what to do. I didn't think of it then as guidance and I was not very good at following the advice.

When things were going good, I just went along my merry way living and running full speed up and down the freeway of life. When trouble reared it's ugly head I would forget to call on the Lord for guidance. I worried myself into an ulcer; made many false starts with possible "solutions" and was pretty miserable.



Once I took the time to stop and breathe (sometimes voluntarily and sometimes through force), the simple words of guidance would come to me..."each me Lord what I am to learn, grant me the strength to do what you ask". Hmmm such a simple concept and yet so easy to forget or more truthfully ignore. You see I also am a bit of a "chicken". What if the message was something I did not want to hear, something I didn't what to do? Ignoring God's guidance didn't seem like a good idea, so it was better not to ask.


"Show me your way, O Lord, teach me your path." Simple concept, yes. Easy, not always. Have I learned to make this simple request more frequently ? Yes, I have. Do I still relapse? Yep. Do I keep on trying? You know it, isn't that what Spiritual growth is all about?