life reflecting

Today I am 55!

and I feel every minute of it!

in the Lord

Realizations come to us unexpectedly!

My women's circle adopts a family at holiday time to assist with their needs, food, staples, etc....when getting ready to do my part, I was able to get most things from my own storage. Amazing how much I have and take for granted. I went to the store and picked up a few extra things that occurred to me again how much I have and take for granted....common things used daily: toothbrush, deodorant, kleenex...I am blessed abundantly but stll find myself whining from time to time. Yes, I have my share of problems and needs but they are really quite minor compared to most. Holiday time is the best time to really notice how much you have and how much you can share with others.
Make a mental note each day of what you have that many may consider a luxury!

and my greatest luxury is my art!

today and tomorrow

Believe it or not



today’s tough times


will be tomorrow’s good old days.


Believe it or not


today’s trouble


will build tomorrow’s strength.


Believe it or not


today’s tears


will be tomorrow’s laughter.


Believe it or not


today’s pleas


will be tomorrow’s answered prayers.

with her art



consumed

It's about how you live...

Living a peaceful life begins within.

The war inside the spirit is a losing battle many times.

If a calm and still mind is what one chooses

the heart will follow.

Daily Choices

Finding answers to life hardest questions begins on our knees.

Having real joy in life begins with gratitude.

DO I BELIEVE THIS DRIBBLE I WRITE?

I’m not sure some days. Sometimes I think these flowery thoughts make me feel better but then reality kicks in and it all sounds stupid and naïve. Life is what it is. We take it one day at a time. There are good ones, bad ones and lots of mediocre ones. Each is what we make it. Each is what and how we choose to live it. My dad hasn’t complained once the whole time he’s been in recovery from his stroke nearly 18 months ago. He says you make up your mind how you will feel and live each day. What a gem of wisdom!

 When will it become my way of facing life and living each day?

inside

healing comes from within

i will continue to

search my spirit for weakness

my heart for doubt

my soul for struggle

strength from God will take away all weakness

faith from God will remove all doubt

peace from God will relieve all struggle

less is more-look at the little details

A colorful palette of leaves

Dance in my path.

Blue skies

Swirl on my canvas above my head.

Perhaps joy is close to my heart’s desire.

(the above image is a found painting, only 1 inch square-what is that you ask. simply smear left over paint on paper and then with a small view finder, frame or mat or just a sensitive eye, look for images....surprising what can be found.)



My Journey

saved!

The world rests heavy on my shoulders,

I cannot solve every dilemma.

I cannot bear it much longer.

I fear collapse.

In the safety of my home sanctity I hide.

In the comfort of my God’s love I stay.

In the hope of lifted burdens I pray.

Images for Christmas Sale

These images will become Christmas cards for the 2 Christmas Sales I participate in each year at the Cleveland County Arts Council in Shelby, NC and the Southern Arts Society in Kings Mtn., NC.

Me first is the rule of thumb sometimes

There is the constant quest for balance, quiet and relaxation. It seems my whole being had forgotten how to do this. Maybe just attempting is all we get sometimes. I find myself withdrawing from many things ‘cause it’s just easier. There never seems to be adequate amounts of any serenity at all but I must remind myself, I always have a choice. It may be a hard decision sometimes to choose what I must have to do in order to survive but the choice is ultimately mine to make. It is also necessary to sometimes choose in your own favor and not give in to another’s needs but the attempt can solve the issue. Just know that some days you must be first on your own agenda. Maybe your agenda has been over neglected and now you must set new priorities. Maybe today is the day to put your name on the calendar and to do list.

Now!

Now is the  time

to stop recycling old pains.

Today is prime

for giving up past hurts.

The present is perfect

to release repetitive frustrations.

This moment is crucial

to remove former irritations.

Current life is ideal

for living joyfully and

knowing bad times don't last forever.

follow your heart

how long

my journey is not easy.

i fear,worry, get angry and fail.

i rally, laugh, pretend, and return.

i repeat it all over again and again.

i weaken, tire, and nearly give up.

i pray, try,

 and start over.

i get up once more and do it

AGAIN and again and again!

but for how long?

Journal Page Explorations

Finding yourself in journaling is a great way to figure out what you want, how you want to be, and how to get there. Start with an image or idea or word. Jump in with markers, paints, color stix (my personal fave) and your heart and creativity. Just unleash your soul and see where it takes you. You will feel better and most likely have some "Ah Ha" moments. Just do it!