Hello all. Today I am moved to blog about a topic I feel near and dear to. That of choosing whether or not to have children, and the labels associated with it.
"That couple doesn't want to have children, that is so selfish."
We have all heard that line before, probably more than once, and to be honest I am of two minds about it. It actually sparked me into action and I did a little online research on the topic of not having children. I found these interesting articles:
* http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/living-single/201206/defensive-about-not-having-children-philosopher-says-we-have-it-all-wrong
* I cannot think of any selfless reason to have a child, if the question refers to a process of reasoning, rather than a biological drive to reproduce, which I assume it does. I used to think that it would help the human race, if a high IQ was possibly passed on. But that is hardly selfless, since ego would be involved, and a desire to have some kind of immortality. This is a desire that is not necessarily going to be fulfilled. What if the child does not reproduce? Why should they, just for a parent's ego to feel it will continue? It would be irrational and wrong to expect grandchildren as a right. So that reason for having a child did not stand up to close scrutiny and I no longer believe it. If, however, we look at 'irrational' motivations for having children, they can be selfless. There is a definite biological drive that seems to go against all rationality, when the pain and expense of childbearing is taken into account. Then there is the love that the child engenders - which is a selfless feeling, where another being's needs become far more important than your own. So there is a selfless element, but it is not a 'reason' in the sense of coming from a process of rational thought. – Mary Hawkes 2 years ago from this discussion: https://www.knowhowcompany.com/en/question/15067/Give-one-selfless-reason-to-have-a-child
Again, I am of two minds on the topic of having children myself. On one side, perhaps the more socially 'acceptable' side (like I care! lol), I have felt what it is like to be part of a large family, to be included in that merriment, and honestly it is pretty awesome. There is something magnificent about brothers, sisters, parents, and grandparents gathered 'round the table celebrating holiday events or just having a normal dinner together every other weekend. It seems something is always happening, never a dull moment. The love you experience just being a part of this kind of time together, being a part of something larger than yourself...a clan you are part of...well it is simply wonderful.
I also had the time a very short while ago when I thought I might be pregnant. For the first time in my life I actually felt ready. Now I have never been a baby person...have never really thought they were cute. Never really wanted to hold one. I've always been much more of an animal person. But for a short while the idea that I could actually be a mother...well it pleasantly shocked me to the core. I was genuinely excited, and genuinely a little let down when I found out it wasn't true. I felt I enjoyed that brief nurturing feeling that I didn't know I had. For the first time in my life I no longer cared much about what becoming pregnant might mean for my physique. I realized that my misgivings about pregnancy in the past, which I had attributed to not wanting to become less attractive, had actually been more related to my situation. My situation was that of living with a person who pretty much played video games all day and sat in cat litter on the floor with a mounting pile of emptied 2 liter bottles of Mountain Dew next to him. Who never offered to help clean anything and lived on Lucky Charms cereal. Someone who I couldn't imagine would be of any help to me in parenting as he was more of a roommate than a partner in any sense. A quote comes to mind, actually, "It is better to be alone than with someone who makes you feel alone." I felt very alone at that time in my life, and the idea of going out of my way to have a child in that situation and raising it all 'alone' seemed outright unappealing.
But things felt very different to me recently as my situation is completely different now and I have a loving partner who would make an excellent dad. I was actually very excited at the prospect of becoming a parent, and a little let down when it was not to be. But the let down was more of an "awwww" feeling than an outright "noooo!" This is because I have other things in my life that are pretty important to me too. We both do.
For instance, my husband and I would love to travel as much as possible. And my child in life is essentially art. Call it a brain child, if you will. Lonely? Hardly. We have wonderful families and friends to hang out with whenever we want to. And honestly, we are pretty content with our lives. We work, play, have balance and essentially nirvana in a nutshell...contentment with our lives and life choices, goals we are working toward, love for each other and the world in general. Speaking of the world in general I will mention here that one argument for not having children is the environmental footprint increasing factor. Now I know many people out there don't believe there is actually anything affected by the population's strain on the food and water supplies. That is fine. I am all for people believing whatever they want. But just know that many other people believe that our wars 50 years in the future will be over water, not oil. A larger family uses more of the Earth's resources, including food and water. Not to mention the larger amount of trash produced, and let's face it not everything is recyclable just yet, and many people choose not to recycle the things they can actually recycle. Just saying. Having perhaps just one child or perhaps none from that standpoint seems less selfish than having many.
There is also the peace of mind of not having to worry about someone's needs constantly who is dependent upon you. Not everyone is cut out to be a parent. Sometimes I think it is less selfish to take your own stress handling capabilities into account. To really know yourself and your limitations, and to honor that person and what might honestly be a lot for them to handle. Personally I find owning cats trying enough. One of them is pretty old and meows constantly for food, even when he has just been fed. I find I spend a good portion of each day caring for him. In addition to not having to worry about meeting a young human's often demanding needs, there is less financial strain, and frankly less chance of messing someone up. I hear parenting is pretty challenging, and honestly I'm not sure I'm up to that challenge. Now I know some of the rewards can be amazing...some of the experiences pretty incomparable, but the truth is my husband and I are pretty happy with our own experiences.
So I guess my summary is...let everyone choose their own adventure. Don't judge them. There are bonuses and negatives to every life choice. Having kids can be a unique and amazing experience, but having each other and traveling can also be a unique and amazing experience. Perhaps the truly unselfish way to live, the best thing we can all do in life is to embrace other's life choices and focus on love instead of labeling. Whether you have a blooming family of many or a meager family of 2 or 3, be happy with what you've got, where you're at. If you're truly happy with your life and who you are working on becoming there should never be a need to make waves. If you find yourself or someone you care about needing to look at other people's life choices and mock or judge them in some misguided effort to bring yourself up, try to get to the root of that feeling. Ask yourself why you or the person you care about is doing that. What is the true source of discontent there? Get to the root of it and from finding that root and awareness, find ways of dealing with that discontentment. This reminds me of a book I am really wanting to read, You're Never Upset for the Reason You Think http://www.amazon.com/Youre-Never-Upset-Reason-Think/dp/0965137112. The truth is, people who are truly content with themselves, who they are, and where their lives are going to be happy with and accepting of others. When we find ourselves discontent and needing to attack, there is something underneath that. Something we should dig up and deal with to get back to our true bliss. But that is another blog for another day...
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
And It Snowed
So yesterday afternoon and throughout the night, our first snow of the season continued. Now being somewhat obsessed with the beauty of the white flakes that fall from the sky (well at least until March, when it's so old..) I feel moved to continue blogging today in homage and celebration of all things snow. I may even have to apologize in advance for the possibility that I might take pictures of every snow storm we have this year and blog about them here. That is how much I love snow. Blame it on me living in a place where snow did not exist for close to a decade. Believe me, you take it for granted until it is never around and then it becomes an obsession, much like (I hear) those who deprive themselves of food often are obsessed with cookbooks. I love the snow, I revel in snow, here are some quotes about snow!
“Is it snowing where you are? All the world that I see from my tower is draped in white and the flakes are coming down as big as pop-corns. It's late afternoon - the sun is just setting (a cold yellow colour) behind some colder violet hills, and I am up in my window seat using the last light to write to you.”
― Jean Webster, Daddy Long Legs
“I love snow for the same reason I love Christmas: It brings people together while time stands still. Cozy couples lazily meandered the streets and children trudged sleds and chased snowballs. No one seemed to be in a rush to experience anything other than the glory of the day, with each other, whenever and however it happened."
― Rachel Cohn, Dash & Lily's Book of Dares
“Snow flurries began to fall and they swirled around people's legs like house cats. It was magical, this snow globe world.”
― Sarah Addison Allen, The Sugar Queen
“With luck, it might even snow for us.”
― Haruki Murakami, After Dark
“Snow falling soundlessly in the middle of the night will always fill my heart with sweet clarity”
― Novala Takemoto, Missin' (Novel)
“I love you because no two snowflakes are alike, and it is possible, if you stand tippy-toe, to walk between the raindrops. ”
― Nikki Giovanni
“Every Autumn now my thoughts return to snow. Snow is something I identify myself with. Like my father, I am a snow person.”
― Charlie English
Snow can be a symbol of transition, of a plateau or place we all hibernate cozily (hopefully with a fireplace and indoors looking out at the snow) before new changes can take place. It can represent the end of an era before a new beginning. It is also a symbol of purity, of blocked (frozen) intuition or emotions that can soon melt and be freed. Snow also represents connection with divinity as the snowflakes fall from the sky to Earth with each flake containing two parts...a nucleus and water vapor attached and falling together from the heavens.
Here is an interesting link about the meaning of snow as it pertains to dreams: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art37347.asp
And I hope it returns again soon, the snow, and that everyone will be safe in it....and enjoy every second of it with every fiber of their being(s)!
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“Is it snowing where you are? All the world that I see from my tower is draped in white and the flakes are coming down as big as pop-corns. It's late afternoon - the sun is just setting (a cold yellow colour) behind some colder violet hills, and I am up in my window seat using the last light to write to you.”
― Jean Webster, Daddy Long Legs
“I love snow for the same reason I love Christmas: It brings people together while time stands still. Cozy couples lazily meandered the streets and children trudged sleds and chased snowballs. No one seemed to be in a rush to experience anything other than the glory of the day, with each other, whenever and however it happened."
― Rachel Cohn, Dash & Lily's Book of Dares
“Snow flurries began to fall and they swirled around people's legs like house cats. It was magical, this snow globe world.”
― Sarah Addison Allen, The Sugar Queen
“With luck, it might even snow for us.”
― Haruki Murakami, After Dark
“Snow falling soundlessly in the middle of the night will always fill my heart with sweet clarity”
― Novala Takemoto, Missin' (Novel)
“I love you because no two snowflakes are alike, and it is possible, if you stand tippy-toe, to walk between the raindrops. ”
― Nikki Giovanni
“Every Autumn now my thoughts return to snow. Snow is something I identify myself with. Like my father, I am a snow person.”
― Charlie English
Snow can be a symbol of transition, of a plateau or place we all hibernate cozily (hopefully with a fireplace and indoors looking out at the snow) before new changes can take place. It can represent the end of an era before a new beginning. It is also a symbol of purity, of blocked (frozen) intuition or emotions that can soon melt and be freed. Snow also represents connection with divinity as the snowflakes fall from the sky to Earth with each flake containing two parts...a nucleus and water vapor attached and falling together from the heavens.
Here is an interesting link about the meaning of snow as it pertains to dreams: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art37347.asp
And I hope it returns again soon, the snow, and that everyone will be safe in it....and enjoy every second of it with every fiber of their being(s)!
Sam watching a bird eat while Figaro sleeps next to him as it snowed outside yesterday. There is something marvelous about being cozy inside with cats watching the snow fall.
More snowy pictures from yesterday
And the snow continued into the night, even more determinedly
The snowy clubhouse and parking lot from our balcony
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My recent snowy blue painting with two lovebirds
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Snowy Thursday Ponderings
It snowed today! And of course it is already melting. But it's the first, official, glorious hint of snow we have had so far this season. I managed to capture a picture or two of the remaining snow before the sun melted it all into liquidy goodness this morning. It was kind of a heavenly gloomy experience looking out through the blinds into the gray morning and seeing the fluffy snowflakes falling again like a long lost friend.
Speaking of friends, my friend Angela K., a fellow artist, found this quote that I fell in love with today and had to share in my blog:
"Artists are some of the most driven courageous people on the face of the earth. They deal with more day-to-day rejection than most people do in a lifetime. Everyday, artists face the financial challenge of living a freelance lifestyle, the disrespect of people who think they should get real jobs, and their own fear that they'll never work again. Everyday, they have to ignore the possibility that the vision they have dedicated their lives to is a pipe dream. With every role, they stretch themselves, emotionally and physically, risking criticism and judgement. With every passing year, many of them watch as the other people their age achieve the predictable milestones of normal life - the car, the family, the house, the nest egg. Why? Because artists are willing to give their entire lives to a moment - to that line, that laugh, that gesture, or that interpretation that will stir the audience's soul. Artists are beings who have tasted life's nectar in that crystal moment when they poured out their creative spirit and touched another's heart. In that instant, they were as close to magic, God, and perfection as anyone could ever be. And in their own hearts, they know that to dedicate oneself to that moment is worth a thousand lifetimes."
By: David Ackert
I agree with every word of it. It is all true. And I could not have said it better myself.
On another note, I was recently attempting to watch A Course in Miracles, the Movie...twice. At times I find the perspectives a bit difficult to wrap my own perception of reality around. I do see how some of them are useful in life though...very useful actually. My favorite quote from the movie is about forgiveness. It talks about how people hold onto resentment toward another person and choose not to forgive them, thinking this somehow hurts the person they are choosing not to forgive:
"Not forgiving someone is like setting yourself on fire and hoping the other person dies of smoke inhalation."
LOL, this is so true. This quote is just awesome. Don't hold grudges people, you're only hurting yourselves. The person you are angry at isn't sitting there feeling your every resentful stab just because you are thinking it. I guarantee they are probably doing yoga, or sculpting something or perhaps even contemplating the meaning of life. The only one you are harming with your inner venom is yourself. When you find yourself thinking an angry thought why not go for a jog instead? Certainly we could all afford to lose a few and live more healthfully in this day and age. Don't just sit there stewing or plotting some likely unfulfilling revenge.. Forgive them and take your life back, take your happiness in living and existing back. Forgive, move forward with your lives, and prosper!
And lastly here are some randomized quotes I found today that made me either think, feel, or feel some type of something or other. Since I am a quotaholic.
"Let no man imagine that he has no influence. Whoever he may be, and wherever he may be placed, the man who thinks becomes a light and a power." -Henry George (1839 - 1897)
I love this quote. It reminds me of that common feeling we each have on occasion that we are only one person and what can we possibly accomplish in the world. Honestly? We can each accomplish a lot in the world with the power of one. With the ripple effect and concept of paying it forward, we can change the world and make it much better even as an 'army' of one. This quote empowers me...empowers me to be more self aware of my actions and thoughts and why I do or think them.
It empowers me to remember that no matter what my circumstances have been, are, or will be I can always choose to be kind, even in the face of unkindness. I can share that kindness with others and remind them that kindness exists and is always present. And people, when shown kindness tend to show it to others in turn. I can choose love over hate, to create something beautiful and inspiring instead of something that tears others down, I can choose to embrace who I really am and love that person no matter what anyone else's opinion may happen to be. The truth is, what others think is none of our business. And honestly in my experience, worrying about such trivial concerns is pretty unproductive in general. So essentially what this quote means to me in a nutshell is...go forward, embrace each day, think for yourself, and influence the world in your own unique way whether it be a gentle whisper or a lion's roar. Realize your power as an individual.
"Fear not that thy life shall come to an end, but rather fear that it shall never have a beginning." -John Henry Cardinal Newman (1801 - 1890)
Sieze the day, Carpe Diem, follow that voice inside that pulls you to do something, follow your enthusiasm. Make every moment precious and celebrate it. Inspire others and in doing that find your own inspiration for being. Fear not death, but living without truly being alive.
And with that I will close, leaving you with some pictures of stuff and things that somehow relate to my recent life. Have a beautiful, prosperous day!
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I agree with every word of it. It is all true. And I could not have said it better myself.
On another note, I was recently attempting to watch A Course in Miracles, the Movie...twice. At times I find the perspectives a bit difficult to wrap my own perception of reality around. I do see how some of them are useful in life though...very useful actually. My favorite quote from the movie is about forgiveness. It talks about how people hold onto resentment toward another person and choose not to forgive them, thinking this somehow hurts the person they are choosing not to forgive:
"Not forgiving someone is like setting yourself on fire and hoping the other person dies of smoke inhalation."
LOL, this is so true. This quote is just awesome. Don't hold grudges people, you're only hurting yourselves. The person you are angry at isn't sitting there feeling your every resentful stab just because you are thinking it. I guarantee they are probably doing yoga, or sculpting something or perhaps even contemplating the meaning of life. The only one you are harming with your inner venom is yourself. When you find yourself thinking an angry thought why not go for a jog instead? Certainly we could all afford to lose a few and live more healthfully in this day and age. Don't just sit there stewing or plotting some likely unfulfilling revenge.. Forgive them and take your life back, take your happiness in living and existing back. Forgive, move forward with your lives, and prosper!
And lastly here are some randomized quotes I found today that made me either think, feel, or feel some type of something or other. Since I am a quotaholic.
"Let no man imagine that he has no influence. Whoever he may be, and wherever he may be placed, the man who thinks becomes a light and a power." -Henry George (1839 - 1897)
I love this quote. It reminds me of that common feeling we each have on occasion that we are only one person and what can we possibly accomplish in the world. Honestly? We can each accomplish a lot in the world with the power of one. With the ripple effect and concept of paying it forward, we can change the world and make it much better even as an 'army' of one. This quote empowers me...empowers me to be more self aware of my actions and thoughts and why I do or think them.
It empowers me to remember that no matter what my circumstances have been, are, or will be I can always choose to be kind, even in the face of unkindness. I can share that kindness with others and remind them that kindness exists and is always present. And people, when shown kindness tend to show it to others in turn. I can choose love over hate, to create something beautiful and inspiring instead of something that tears others down, I can choose to embrace who I really am and love that person no matter what anyone else's opinion may happen to be. The truth is, what others think is none of our business. And honestly in my experience, worrying about such trivial concerns is pretty unproductive in general. So essentially what this quote means to me in a nutshell is...go forward, embrace each day, think for yourself, and influence the world in your own unique way whether it be a gentle whisper or a lion's roar. Realize your power as an individual.
"Fear not that thy life shall come to an end, but rather fear that it shall never have a beginning." -John Henry Cardinal Newman (1801 - 1890)
Sieze the day, Carpe Diem, follow that voice inside that pulls you to do something, follow your enthusiasm. Make every moment precious and celebrate it. Inspire others and in doing that find your own inspiration for being. Fear not death, but living without truly being alive.
And with that I will close, leaving you with some pictures of stuff and things that somehow relate to my recent life. Have a beautiful, prosperous day!
My new orchid plant that I opted to get instead of another Halloween costume I will wear once a year
First snow of the season with lightly dusted car and roofs
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My new snowstorm painting!
Friday, October 12, 2012
Rainy Friday Thoughts
Here are some quotes that spoke to me on this rainy, chilly Autumn day:
"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." -Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1862)
"So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbably, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable." -Christopher Reeve, From speech at Democratic National Convention, August 1996
"You must have a room, or a certain hour or so a day, where you don't know what was in the newspapers that morning...a place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are and what you might be." -Joseph Campbell (1904 - 1987)
I have been waiting for a day like this for some time now. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy sunshine...to the max. It is empowering and gets me moving and being productive. But there is something to be said for a gray rainy day, with it's somber yet beautiful contrast to sunshine. Especially one with Autumn's early chill in the air. That day is today.
What will I be doing today? Painting, of course. And listing some of my new abstract paintings. I am kind of in love with abstract art at the moment, but unable to commit to it as textured pieces and surreal landscapes still call to me too. Today, after I list some new pieces I will be going out with my husband to grab some more paint, stopping at IKEA to couch hunt, and hopefully painting late into the evening, possibly with a little gaming happening too.
For some fun and randomly interesting stuff, here is my Online Elemental Forces of Creation Oracle Reading for today. I love this site and go here often. It is free and does a 3 card reading for you that I find enjoyable and helpful. My 3 cards today were:
Fire: Energized
Juiced with your inner firepower you are vibrantly alive and run an abundance of life force energy. When you follow your passion and find ways to engage yourself, you energetically engage life. How can fire assist you to become energized and enlivened?
Water: Nourishment
Water is an essential nutrient for sustaining life. The land, plants, and people wither and die when they go too long without water. One of the best ways to nourish yourself and others with water and the emotional realm is by feeling appreciation. The rich energy of true appreciation is an uplifting gift to the soul. Drinking lots of good water is especially nourishing to the physical body. In what ways does water want you to nourish yourself or others?
Spirit: Desire
Spirit brings you to your next level of growth and development through your desires. Your desires are the pulsation of spirit through you. You need to learn to listen to your inner voice around your desires, and not the calling of the outer world. Sometimes your desires are different than what the outer world says you are supposed to desire. Each of us has unique expression, therefore unique desires. The simple act of listening to your individual desires takes courage, and often bringing the desire into being takes you to your next level of personal development. How is spirit calling you through your desires? Are you listening deeply to your unique calling?
Check out this site if you want your 3 cards today (free, no spam, no signing up for anything): http://naturalrhythms.org/2.0/wp-contentuploads201112/
On another random note, I love white dogs! I hope to own one someday so I can jog in the snow with it (and hopefully it won't get lost in the snow).
Have a beautiful Friday, all.
"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." -Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1862)
"So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbably, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable." -Christopher Reeve, From speech at Democratic National Convention, August 1996
"You must have a room, or a certain hour or so a day, where you don't know what was in the newspapers that morning...a place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are and what you might be." -Joseph Campbell (1904 - 1987)
I have been waiting for a day like this for some time now. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy sunshine...to the max. It is empowering and gets me moving and being productive. But there is something to be said for a gray rainy day, with it's somber yet beautiful contrast to sunshine. Especially one with Autumn's early chill in the air. That day is today.
What will I be doing today? Painting, of course. And listing some of my new abstract paintings. I am kind of in love with abstract art at the moment, but unable to commit to it as textured pieces and surreal landscapes still call to me too. Today, after I list some new pieces I will be going out with my husband to grab some more paint, stopping at IKEA to couch hunt, and hopefully painting late into the evening, possibly with a little gaming happening too.
For some fun and randomly interesting stuff, here is my Online Elemental Forces of Creation Oracle Reading for today. I love this site and go here often. It is free and does a 3 card reading for you that I find enjoyable and helpful. My 3 cards today were:
Fire: Energized
Juiced with your inner firepower you are vibrantly alive and run an abundance of life force energy. When you follow your passion and find ways to engage yourself, you energetically engage life. How can fire assist you to become energized and enlivened?
Water: Nourishment
Water is an essential nutrient for sustaining life. The land, plants, and people wither and die when they go too long without water. One of the best ways to nourish yourself and others with water and the emotional realm is by feeling appreciation. The rich energy of true appreciation is an uplifting gift to the soul. Drinking lots of good water is especially nourishing to the physical body. In what ways does water want you to nourish yourself or others?
Spirit: Desire
Spirit brings you to your next level of growth and development through your desires. Your desires are the pulsation of spirit through you. You need to learn to listen to your inner voice around your desires, and not the calling of the outer world. Sometimes your desires are different than what the outer world says you are supposed to desire. Each of us has unique expression, therefore unique desires. The simple act of listening to your individual desires takes courage, and often bringing the desire into being takes you to your next level of personal development. How is spirit calling you through your desires? Are you listening deeply to your unique calling?
Check out this site if you want your 3 cards today (free, no spam, no signing up for anything): http://naturalrhythms.org/2.0/wp-contentuploads201112/
On another random note, I love white dogs! I hope to own one someday so I can jog in the snow with it (and hopefully it won't get lost in the snow).
Have a beautiful Friday, all.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Grateful Life
Today is another gorgeous Fall day. The weather is pretty much what I would call 'ideal'. Probably a little on the cold side for many, but it feels nice to bundle up a bit and feel a chill after summer. Before diving into painting today (and for the record I'm hoping to attempt a rainy palette knife painting and some more abstract pour paintings soon), I decided to do a blog since it's been a while and I'm feeling the blogging today.
Here are a few random quotes I am loving today:
"Life is an adventure in forgiveness." -Norman Cousins
"Everyone has his burden; what counts is how you carry it." -Joe Brown and David Brown
"People are all over the world telling their one dramatic story and how their life has turned into getting over this one event. Now their lives are more about the past than their future." -Chuck Palahniuk (1962-), Invisible Monsters, 1999
So far it has been a beautiful Autumn. That Autumny feeling has set into the air and things seem magical. I am enjoying being an artist every day. I saw a quote from someone recently that was to the effect of "every day I wake up and am thrilled to be an artist". I could not agree more. It is a never ending journey of learning new techniques for me, trying new things, figuring out how to best express images in my head that day. Should I use texture to bring out the petals? Which colors am I feeling for the piece. Should I do it on one canvas or 3? It is the journey of learning new techniques for me that makes art so exciting.
Since it is a good practice to do (actually every day if one can), I am going to blog my list of things I am grateful for in life today here. I highly recommend doing this to lift your spirits if you are down or just as a best practice for general happiness and a healthier life. It is great to do every day, if possible as it puts you in a state of productive thought.
Things I am grateful for in my life today:
1. My husband, a wonderful companion in all ways, who is the epitome of beauty inside and out
2. Our home, which reminds me of an artist's loft (I like to pretend it actually is), and is spacious and clean with a view of the snowy mountains
3. My cats, who love unconditionally and follow me everywhere. Fluffy balls of goodness, they are.
4. My art, which is always with me in my mind and heart no matter where I go, which gives me a source of expression and joy that doesn't compare to much else
5. My parents, whom I have grown closer to over the years, who make me laugh so much and allow me to be completely myself with them and love me for it
6. My husband's amazing family, who are warm and inviting and have become truly my second family. Who I love spending time with
7. My friends, who are beyond fun to hang out with. They are incredible people that fill my hours with laughter, joy, and sharing, who I cannot get enough of.
8. My plants, whom I adore. I water, fertilize and love them, and they in turn reward me with green vibrancy and occasional blooms that reflect the essence of life itself.
9. Feeling free because my credit card debt has been fully paid off for almost 2 years now and has not revisited
10. Finding out my credit score is awesome!
11. And lastly, today I am grateful for maturity. I am grateful for growing up because it allows me to make better choices in life. To seek peace instead of battles, kindness instead of selfishness, reflection instead of anger. It is this type of thinking that leads me more and more to a place of calmness, happiness, and serenity in my life.
Here are some recent paintings I have finished, and my Etsy site is here, should you want to visit: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaintedRainGallery I hope everyone has a beautiful Autumn!!
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| Red Autumn |
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| White Blossoms on Plum Gold |
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| We Could Have Danced All Night |
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| The Jade Tree |
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| Lavender Serenity |
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| Red Winter |
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| Blue Serenity |
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| Two Trees |
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