Art saves sanity!

depleted

seek filling

broken

seek repair

bound

seek release

confused

seek understanding

cell by cell she fades away

barraged by intrusiveness

privacy invaded

quiet and space interrupted

time stolen

misunderstood

Looking within

with butterflies in her eyes

she follows the master creator's lead

Autumn Riches

Seasonal bounty
covers my path
in gems of ruby, topaz, and garnet.
Fall textures
create beauty
with rough acorn caps,
jagged sticks, and
fluffy skies.
An amazing palette
excites my senses and
soothes my spirit
with one cool crisp day.

self help/self defense

How to gain respect 101

• set your own rules (it is your life)
• don't answer contacts that are not emergency for at least 2 hours before bedtime (most know I need a couple of uninterrupted hours before bed to have a chance of sleeping)
• set your own schedule (return calls, texts, emails, etc at your convenience)
• put your immediate needs first (Learn THEY CAN OFTEN WAIT-they did before answering machines, texts, voice mails, and emails)
• choose what, when, where, and for how long you need your space (Schedule yourself on your calendar every day' even several times a day if necessary to maintain sanity and function)
• ignore nonsense from anyone failing to respect your needs ('cause they obviously forget your needs if you don't remind them in someway)

This has rung true for me as of late. I am always too available, too accesible and too willing to drop my own needs to be there for others. The favor is seldom returned.

I know this is not the usual perky uplifting thoughts but I THINK MANY (ESPECIALLY WOMEN) need to think on this.

Life can be a struggle.....

Gifts of Solitude and Solitaire

gifts

                                Gifts come                                 

 from all sources,

in all sizes,

and in unique ways.

Always notice them,

acknowledge the giver,

and give thanks.

More Gifts from the Sea

my soul is one

with the gifts from the sea

my spirit is redeemed

by the breakers rhythm

my heart is steadied

by the ocean's cycle

my body is revived

by the constant sound of waves

stretching to infinity

vast and spacious

golden water from the sun

prayers to the creator

mesmerizing waves

soft sand

ceaseless riches from the sea

signs of life

never the same

always

yesterday

today and

tomorrow

sound of surf

smell of salty air

glistening shells

rise and spill

life is good

Every year!

At the beach for many years now I have re read Anne Morrow Lindbergh's GIFT FROM THE SEA.Several years ago, I began studying its principles through a journal with both words and images.The next few days I will share from this year's journey.

Return to Life and Giveaway!

My week away in the paradise of Kiawah Island SC was so needed. Much time to relax, think, write, read, and paint. If only I could find that bit of peace everyday in life. I have discovered that simplicity (more on that later) is the way to do it. By paring down activities, things and people to manage, and stuff, you can allow a simpler existence to lead you daily to peace and comfort.

Someone said "Vacation is when you go away and don't come back". I WISH! Someone else said, "Vacation is when you vacate your life for a period of time." This is more truthful. I do believe you can find a few minutes out of each day to do this as well. I highly recommend it for sanity's sake. Let go of fatigue. Release all worry, fears, drama, and irritants. Finding respite is a daily quest and must be practiced diligently. Artists may have an advantage here. They can escape through words, music, images, and such.

The beach's restorative ability is amazing. A tired body finds new strength. A frazzled mind finds clarity. A burnt out spirit finds hope. A hurting soul finds healing. A blocked heart opens up to new possibilities.

A lone shell sits in the wet sand.

Open to possibility.

True it can be tossed and battered in the surf

but it can also find new purpose and beauty in a new home.

Don't forget my giveaway starts and runs all week. See the explanation at this page,

http://creativeinspirations.blogspot.com/2010/10/great-idea-giveaway.html

Just leave a comment with your snail mail addie and I will send you a nice little surprise.

Kiawah Escape!

Will be out of town for a week at my treasure island-Kiawah Island, SC.