There are things that cross our path that just make us smile and send our thoughts scampering into times past.
I have been researching and making notes upon notes on how I want to restructure my website. I have actually one back to the drawing board to start over from scratch. During my research into various websites and defining the actual purpose of my website I came across a variety of quotes, that not only made me smile, made my thoughts go scampering into times past, but that reflect me.
Maybe some of these will also do the same for you.
* Work and play are the same when you are following your energy and doing what you want all the time, the distinction between work and play dissolves.
* Within the open unguarded movements of childhood we discover that we truly resonate as long as I can remember I have enjoyed working with paper, glue, paint and found objects. My goal is to maintain the same excitement and uncluttered instincts about making art that I felt in childhood.
*There is an intimacy/riskiness in “showing” ones “art” that is unmatched.
*Every artist should be an exhibitionist.
*I am never happier than when I am making things or thinking about making things. It is an experience I cannot imagine being without.
*If man understood all the great mysteries he would not need the Arts.
Of course the following is probably one of my most favorites. Especially since it seems to reflect my artsy nature in using those things found.
*It has a flat out ring of truth about it and I see evidences of it every day. I like to collect neglected and easily overlooked objects – dumpster finds and broken widgets. To me these objects have a quality of authenticity and a workman like charm that is missing from priceless cargo. My artwork is for celebrating the humble and neglected.
*Is that not great!! I remember as a child taking scraps of fabric and making clothes for my dolls. I also use to take found objects to make doll furniture for them. Trashy Treasures!!
*Everything I am doing as an adult artist is grounded in things made up when I was a kid. I suddenly realized how much I rely on my child self for making of my ideas, my methods and my enthusiasm.
*You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm.
As I pondered and looked at these different quotes, I realize how many people don’t see their creations whether it be food, sewing, scrapbooking, journaling, music, etc as art. But it is. Take time to ponder the things you do. Let yourself go and
Enjoy what you create. Bring out your child like thought pattern and go one step further with it.
Even the most vanilla personality person can find their creations art if they will just allow themselves the freedom to enjoy it.
Today I think I am going to actually create a new twist in my journaling and scrapbooking with the use of an old childhood favorite – water colors. Come on with me and let yourself go and ENJOY that child within you!!!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
WORDS
There is a fine line in what one should or should not say about another. Whether spoken or written.
The rule of thumb is so simple – that it became a power line in the movie Bambie – It came from Thumper’s mother – “If you can’t say something positive then just don’t say it”.
I would suggest that one thinks before they speak and ask the question – Why am I saying this or writing this? What is my purpose in doing so?
The second rule of thumb is even more simple – Don’t speak for God! He does not need you to do so. Unless, you have had a divine revelation – then don’t say what He will or will not do or what He thinks. You may not even know! Or He has told you something that is for you and more than likely not for someone else.
I ran across an article steps to Character building. This step jumped out at me:
Speak humbly. Let no arrogance come from your mouth (1 Samuel 2:3). Don't be cocky. People aren't impressed with your opinions. Take this tip from Benjamin Franklin: "[I developed] the habit of expressing myself in terms of modest diffidence, never using when I advance anything that may possibly be disputed, the words certainly, undoubtedly, or any others that give the air of positiveness to an opinion; but rather I say, I conceive or apprehend a thing to be so or so. This habit I believe has been a great advantage to me." It would be a great advantage to us as well.
The Word of God say: Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. Proverbs 13:3
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21
So my words today are to encourage you to be careful little mouth what you speak and be careful little fingers what you write.
Now, go out there and tell someone how wonderful they are!! Accent the positive and let God do His job.
If you are not getting paid for your opinion - it is probably best to keep it to yourself.
The rule of thumb is so simple – that it became a power line in the movie Bambie – It came from Thumper’s mother – “If you can’t say something positive then just don’t say it”.
I would suggest that one thinks before they speak and ask the question – Why am I saying this or writing this? What is my purpose in doing so?
The second rule of thumb is even more simple – Don’t speak for God! He does not need you to do so. Unless, you have had a divine revelation – then don’t say what He will or will not do or what He thinks. You may not even know! Or He has told you something that is for you and more than likely not for someone else.
I ran across an article steps to Character building. This step jumped out at me:
Speak humbly. Let no arrogance come from your mouth (1 Samuel 2:3). Don't be cocky. People aren't impressed with your opinions. Take this tip from Benjamin Franklin: "[I developed] the habit of expressing myself in terms of modest diffidence, never using when I advance anything that may possibly be disputed, the words certainly, undoubtedly, or any others that give the air of positiveness to an opinion; but rather I say, I conceive or apprehend a thing to be so or so. This habit I believe has been a great advantage to me." It would be a great advantage to us as well.
The Word of God say: Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. Proverbs 13:3
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21
So my words today are to encourage you to be careful little mouth what you speak and be careful little fingers what you write.
Now, go out there and tell someone how wonderful they are!! Accent the positive and let God do His job.
If you are not getting paid for your opinion - it is probably best to keep it to yourself.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Through the Eyes of A Child
Yesterday I attended the birthday party of a four year old little girl. I watched the sparkle in her eye. She was so engaged with the balloons, the cake and her presents. She was happy and giggled and would run on her tiptoes. I watched as she took little bites of icing, making it a moment – enjoying each and every bite.
As I looked around, the adults did not seem to have that same sparkle, the same enthusiasm. They did not taste the sweet magic of the icing nor did they seem to hold the same enthusiasm of just being a part of the celebration. They were there out of duty. For me it was a time of celebration and thanksgiving. For this precious little girl was four years earlier the chosen child of her parents. Four years ago was a divine moment that her life was changed from having no future, to having a wonderful future. She has been given the opportunity to become someone. As the party left as fast as it came, I was ever struck by this little girl’s embrace of life, of wonder and of joy. I am often reminded that each day is a blank canvas for us to paint our day on. What will your canvas look like today? Will you see the wonder of the morning – smile at the burst of the opportunity to twirl and dance as if no one watching? Or will you returned to your designated perch and just go through the motions of your routine responsibilities.
Where in life do we lose our enthusiasm and sparkle? Is there a rule that says – no more – you are now an adult? When was the last time you walked in the rain – or stomped in a mud puddle? Or just laughed until you just about wet yourself?
This same little girl was in my home during the holidays and I watched her as she allowed the branches of the Christmas tree to just tickle the tips of her fingers and she jumped and squealed with delight at making cookies. It was so contagious.
So as you look at your life and this new year, let me suggest you take a peek through the eyes of a child.
Go get you some finger paints and create a piece of Art. Enjoy it – smile and laugh.
Make yourself laugh at yourself. What have you stopped doing because you are just too prim and proper?
Twirl and dance – its ok – nobody has to see.
As I looked around, the adults did not seem to have that same sparkle, the same enthusiasm. They did not taste the sweet magic of the icing nor did they seem to hold the same enthusiasm of just being a part of the celebration. They were there out of duty. For me it was a time of celebration and thanksgiving. For this precious little girl was four years earlier the chosen child of her parents. Four years ago was a divine moment that her life was changed from having no future, to having a wonderful future. She has been given the opportunity to become someone. As the party left as fast as it came, I was ever struck by this little girl’s embrace of life, of wonder and of joy. I am often reminded that each day is a blank canvas for us to paint our day on. What will your canvas look like today? Will you see the wonder of the morning – smile at the burst of the opportunity to twirl and dance as if no one watching? Or will you returned to your designated perch and just go through the motions of your routine responsibilities.
Where in life do we lose our enthusiasm and sparkle? Is there a rule that says – no more – you are now an adult? When was the last time you walked in the rain – or stomped in a mud puddle? Or just laughed until you just about wet yourself?
This same little girl was in my home during the holidays and I watched her as she allowed the branches of the Christmas tree to just tickle the tips of her fingers and she jumped and squealed with delight at making cookies. It was so contagious.
So as you look at your life and this new year, let me suggest you take a peek through the eyes of a child.
Go get you some finger paints and create a piece of Art. Enjoy it – smile and laugh.
Make yourself laugh at yourself. What have you stopped doing because you are just too prim and proper?
Twirl and dance – its ok – nobody has to see.
Friday, January 2, 2009
CONCLUSIONS
As 2008 left almost as fast as it came, I realized that there were still unresolved issues that I had drug from year to year thinking that this would be the year that would make the difference. I don’t know why we think that each year has a magical wand that will either wipe away or bring to pass the scenarios we so want to have.
The Media gives us a run down on who has died, what has failed and the doom and gloom we can expect in the next year, rarely telling events that we have experienced.
In 2009 we will be focusing on many answers to those looming questions that this past year has left us with – What will the new President do to “fix” us? Will we ever see the stock market back to some normalcy and will there be any car dealers left out there to sell us those cars we all seem to need to get about?
As always before there are wars and rumors of wars. Talk of the Anti Christ raring his head up and how we have failed as Christians and maybe we should actually think about trusting and believing in the Lord Jesus Christ “more”.
I have come to the conclusion that we don’t give Jesus enough trust and we certainly don’t take the promises of the Word to heart. If we did I think our conclusions would be a lot different.
Not long ago a good friend has come back into my life. We have shared our scenarios we have encountered along the journey. There is no doubt that this has been a God ordained time. In a recent conversation some very interesting truths came out. I don’t think we were actually looking for these truths, but one discussion lead to another, there were some truth nuggets that had been rooted deep within. As I ponder things as I do, I realized that much of my emotional and spiritual make up seemed to follow to roots that had been over looked. With these nuggets of truths, I see a refreshing in my journey.
As 2008 concluded for me, I know it was not a bad year. Lots of new scenarios began and a lot of old scenarios are continuing on into the new year.
Here are some of my conclusions as I end 2008 and embrace 2009.
Work In Progress – The Word of God is clearly true: “What He has begun in me He is going to finish it. So why sweat those areas that have not been perfected yet. I am a continued work in progress!!
New Beginnings – I look to a fresh new year, fresh new beginnings and give those who come across my path a fresh new look.
Forgiveness – Abba Father is all about forgiveness – I am going to be about it as well.
Embrace – Those who are a part of my life. Welcome – Those new to my life.
And finish my Website!
The Media gives us a run down on who has died, what has failed and the doom and gloom we can expect in the next year, rarely telling events that we have experienced.
In 2009 we will be focusing on many answers to those looming questions that this past year has left us with – What will the new President do to “fix” us? Will we ever see the stock market back to some normalcy and will there be any car dealers left out there to sell us those cars we all seem to need to get about?
As always before there are wars and rumors of wars. Talk of the Anti Christ raring his head up and how we have failed as Christians and maybe we should actually think about trusting and believing in the Lord Jesus Christ “more”.
I have come to the conclusion that we don’t give Jesus enough trust and we certainly don’t take the promises of the Word to heart. If we did I think our conclusions would be a lot different.
Not long ago a good friend has come back into my life. We have shared our scenarios we have encountered along the journey. There is no doubt that this has been a God ordained time. In a recent conversation some very interesting truths came out. I don’t think we were actually looking for these truths, but one discussion lead to another, there were some truth nuggets that had been rooted deep within. As I ponder things as I do, I realized that much of my emotional and spiritual make up seemed to follow to roots that had been over looked. With these nuggets of truths, I see a refreshing in my journey.
As 2008 concluded for me, I know it was not a bad year. Lots of new scenarios began and a lot of old scenarios are continuing on into the new year.
Here are some of my conclusions as I end 2008 and embrace 2009.
Work In Progress – The Word of God is clearly true: “What He has begun in me He is going to finish it. So why sweat those areas that have not been perfected yet. I am a continued work in progress!!
New Beginnings – I look to a fresh new year, fresh new beginnings and give those who come across my path a fresh new look.
Forgiveness – Abba Father is all about forgiveness – I am going to be about it as well.
Embrace – Those who are a part of my life. Welcome – Those new to my life.
And finish my Website!
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