Whew! What a ride this thing called life can be! So much happens so fast it feels I'm on a roller coaster and the ride dips, turns and climbs and it is exciting, scary and exhiliarating all at the same time.
My new job is wonderful and I am enjoying the energy of the people and the activity and the goodness that I am seeing. It is a non-profit organization and slightly different from some of my other jobs. What is heartwarming is seeing first hand how people dig deep into their pockets in an effort to help others. It renews my faith in humanity.
Working in an office of all women is also something new for me and although most of the women are younger than me, we all manage to work together as peers. The "monthly thing" is a memory for me but being around so many younger women I am reminded why it is called "the curse!" I walked in to see one of the ladies almost curled up into a ball clutching her stomach with cramps. Oh, I do remember those days and am so glad that part of my life is over.
We welcomed a new addition to the family on September 10th and he came in at nine and a half pounds, face up and eyes wide. This one is a silent observer and his eyes were focused and he was alert for so much longer than most newborns. I was reminded of my brother who in his last day of life was just looking around the room and when I asked him what he was looking at he said he was "just looking!" I believe our new little Ethan may carry some of the spirit of my brother in him. Ethan is my seventh grandchild and I call him "lucky number seven." I am amazed how quickly I fall in love with each of them. He is already wrapped tightly around my heart and I adore the little fellow whole-heartedly and pray for a happy life and a bright future for him. With all the love coming at him from so many directions, I can only believe he has a wonderful head start because love is the key to everything in life, from my point of view.
We have experienced a divorce which was heartbreaking and sad and a period at the end of a sentence. No, let me take that back. It is merely a semi-colon because my daughter-in-law will continue to be a big part of my life as I will always love her and appreciate her love for my son and for birthing two wonderful grandchildren for me. Thankfully they don't live close so I didn't feel the pain of it all as severely as I would have if I had to be around them more often. Yet I know how it feels to suffer through a divorce and it is always challenging. I wish them both well and whether I feel it is a mistake or not is irrelevant because it is their life to live and I am a mute (can you believe it?) and non-judgmental observer knowing that the ways of the heart are completely unfathomable at times, in fact, most times.
Because my Mom was all alone in Florida, I brought her up here (to Georgia) to live with me last November. My life changed radically and it was a huge, huge, huge (can't emphasize HOW HUGE) adjustment for me but something I felt I needed to do. I could not have foreseen, when I made the decision to bring her to live with me, how it would affect me. On the one hand, I felt like I was doing what I was supposed to do for so many reasons yet on the other hand, I regretted my loss of independence and solitude so it has been a big adjustment for me and not an easy one. I enjoyed my life and my ability to do whatever I wanted to do whenever I wanted to do it and I had so much more time for creativity. Yet, my heart said I needed to do this and I am growing from the experience and learning more about my own self. It's all a process. I am glad she is here and not alone. I left home when I was 18 and never looked back except with relief that I was gone. Still, it is undeniable that there is always a bond that can't be broken and sometimes it is necessary to step up and do what needs to be done.
We were getting into a routine when I finally got the job that I am loving. On the same day I started work, Mom got sick. I thought maybe she was fudging since I would no longer be at home all day with her but turns out she was really sick and by the second week I was working, we had to put her into the hospital. She was in ICU for several days and then in the hospital for a few more until they moved her to a rehabilitation center near my home. Now, after almost three weeks, she is stronger and feeling better but still not able to meet her own personal needs. We are hoping the rehabilitation will get her to that point so she can come back home to live. I am sure we will need to have help come in during the day but this is all a one-day-at-a-time experience and we'll see how it works out.
Since she's been gone, I've had my house torn apart because I've been painting my bedroom. WHAT A PROCESS! It took me two months to think about it and now almost three weeks to get it done. All that's left is to paint the ceiling, put up the border and then put it all back together. I've been sleeping on the couch with my best pet friend, Wizzie and life has been slightly a-kilter, to say the least. I have learned much during this process and can assure anyone and everyone that the next time house painting needs to be done, I will hire a professional.
I had no time to devote to it last weekend because on Saturday, I had to shop for Mom,, who needed some new gowns and "dusters" which meant a trip to the Mall. I didn't realize it was a "one day sale" weekend and I could hardly find a place to park and the lines and crowds were a challenge. Saturday evening I met friends for dinner and a lingerie party for a friend who is about to jump back into marriage (no, I couldn't talk her out of it...she is "in love!"). Sunday, I met another friend for lunch and then we went to the Rehab Center to visit Mom. My friend, who is a friend from high school, touched my heart with her desire to visit Mom. She took care of her Mom and Dad both and is now taking care of an Aunt so she knows a bit of what I am going through and I'd say she was more giving than me and I could learn a lot from her. It was wonderful to see both of my dear friends and I was feeling resentful of my own SELF (my own selfish self) for wishing I could just be in my home painting. After lunch and the visit with my Mom, I went to visit my daughter and stayed until midnight (which means I didn't get home until 1:00am)and went into Monday feeling like a zombie. It was worth it to be able to hold baby Ethan and play with Ian. I cooked dinner for the family and then cleaned the kitchen so I felt like I'd helped in some small way.
Yet those events with friends don't come by twice and I didn't want to miss them so I've spent another week on the couch and another week looking at the mess and the paint cans, brushes, all the other painting supplies and wishing my room were done and back together and my home in order once again. Maybe this weekend? Yes! My daughter sent me a text yesterday asking me to watch my grandchildren on Saturday and I had to say no although I wanted to say yes. It was a difficult decision for me because I 1)hate saying NO to her and 2)hate missing time with the grandkids. Yet if I don't get the painting done on Saturday, I won't get the bedroom back together on Sunday and I'll roll into another week with everything in disarray and I don't think I can do that and feel good about it. So, I said NO, which was unsettling but necessary.
So, a new job, a new baby, a divorce, a Mom in the hospital and a house in disarray. Yet this weekend, I'll get the house in order and then life will fall back into order. Or will it? Perhaps it's just a "dip" before the climb again? Mom should get back home next week and we'll start the readjustment all over again. It's never boring, is it?
My first few weeks at work I felt like I was running on empty. It's a long commute and by the time I get home, I am feeling exhausted and feeling "my age." I want to just go to bed immediately and I'm glad I don't have a family to look after or a significant other to give time to because quite frankly, I just don't have the energy for it. I honestly don't know how others do it.
I miss the "time" and "space" to paint and write and this is the first time in a long time I've felt good enough to just sit and write and it feels WONDERFUL! I am hoping things will settle down at some point in the near future and I will be able to devote a Saturday to a blank canvas, my jar of brushes and let the energy pervade my soul to create. Somewhere within me is still "an artist in transition." I didn't know how poignant that statement would be when I started this blog a year or so ago. That's life though, isn't it? We are always "in transition" or at least my life seems to be. It's never boring and I am grateful for every minute and for every breath I take and give thanks to GOD for this wonderful ride. Buckle up, find the smile, raise the arms and say "Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"
Showing posts with label artist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label artist. Show all posts
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Another door opens...August 16, 2010
I start a new job today and I am beyond excited. I signed the paperwork on Friday the 13th so that day is lucky for me! I feel like a kid leaving home for the first day at school. I went shopping yesterday and bought a new lunch bag. It felt sweetly poignant.
Being an artist is a marvelous and wonderful use of my time but it didn't provide the financial rewards I need to survive so heigh ho, heigh ho, it's off to work I go. The painting is from my "Through the Door" series so I thought it would be appropriate for today.
My job search has been extensive, long and time consuming but I prayed about it and as I feel I live in Divine flow, I knew the perfect job would appear at the perfect time and it has. I learned from my last job that sometimes there are opportunities for growth we can't know until we are in the middle of the experience. Sometimes those "opportunities" are a little uncomfortable but that is what makes us stretch and grow and become more of who we are meant to be.
I am in for a wild ride this morning and although it's only 27 miles to work, I expect it will take at least an hour with the morning traffic being what it is but I'm okay with it and will use my time in the car to "get my mind right" as I take this new road (literally and figuratively!). I am having a Robert Frost moment as the road is diverging once again. We have an intersection here called "Spaghetti Junction" and there are overpasses and underpasses and it's a mish-mash intersection and exactly where I pick up 285E. Traffic is ALWAYS backed up on those over/under passes but I am expecting it and that's half the battle of keeping my cool on the road! I am also a defensive driver so I keep enough space in front of me that I can stop (and this makes some other drivers mad but I do what feels right for me on the road and they can go on around me if they are not happy with my 10+ over the speed limit).
My biggest regret is that I won't be able to go to Pacifica, California this year for the Fog Fest and to visit my friends. It will be at least a year before I have enough vacation time accrued but again, I suppose this is as it should be. (Divine Flow!) Wahhhh! See you next year Colsy!
I will be working in an office with only women which should be interesting. Lots of estrogren and I understand the age range to be 20's to 60's with me being on the upper end of the range (bringing my sageness to the table). I have worked in an all-woman office once before and it was fun so I'm expecting nothing less from this one.
Wishing you a beautiful day. I have a job! Amen! I have a job! Amen! I have a job! Amen! Bring it on God, I'm up for it!
Namaste
Namaste
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009 - HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
Remembering five wonderful fathers in my life this day! My own Dad, my ex-husband, my son and my two son-in-laws! God bless them!
Well, it's been a pretty exciting couple of weeks for me and I've been so busy I haven't had the time to sit down and blog and I've missed it! I am still an Artist in transition but the total transition will have to wait a few more years but in the mean time, I'll paint whenever I can and make my cards, angels and motivational moments as time permits but I have a new focus to take up a very large percentage of my time and I intend to give it my best effort.
After 7 months of unemployment I am "gainfully" employed once again and excited to be working full time again. I'm excited because this is, hopefully, my LAST project and I am delighted to be working with good people and I hope I will be a good influence and a good employee. I'll do my best, that's for sure.
Working will enable me to get a little more financially secure so that I can get the things I will need when I do art full time, which is retirement which is about 5-1/2 years from now. My goal now is to be able to save enough to do my rafting trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon next year. There are adventures ahead for me and helping these good people attain their goals and vision will allow me to do the same for my own self. I feel like God had put me where I am and I am grateful for his goodness!
I'm still in the midst of my "Artist's Way" workshops and a lot of good is coming from the weekly meetings. I'm glad I've still got this going on for another 9 weeks because it will help me to keep myself focused on my art as well as my livlihood. What I have found is that I need to be more organized to accomplish all that I want to accomplish in a day.
I was called Thursday a week ago to come in for an interview, which I did. She called and I showed up! I didn't hear anything on Friday but on Monday, they called me back for another interview and before I left, they offered me the position and I was to start the NEXT MORNING! I didn't even have time to get my head wrapped around it before I dove in. Such is the way of my life. I didn't even think twice, I just say yes and then I praised God all the way home for bringing us together.
It was a bit of a crazy week for me and next week will be even crazier because I'm IT and the girl who I am replacing left on Friday so I've got to start getting things figured out for my own self next week. I will and I'm looking forward to the challenge.
There is no such thing as job security any more so I don't know if this job will last a week, a month, a year or the whole 5-1/2 years but I will take it one day at a time and do my best each day and if it goes the full 5-1/2 years, wonderful and if it doesn't then I know something else will come along but I will do everything within my power to help them be successful. I've worked for two "Entrepreneurs of the Year" and I've got a gut feeling that the man I'm working for now has that same potential. He's very smart and he has a vision AND he seems to be a good family man and that's important to me, too. My family is the most important part of my life so I enjoy working for someone who feels the same way.
I missed painting with my group of artists last week but I am not regretting no longer being able to paint with them. I am, instead, feeling very grateful for the time I had with them and will perhaps see them in the future in some other way. I want to stay in touch with my painting friends, for sure.
Things are pretty good in my life right now. I finally put the "RBJ" "thing" (I don't even know what to call it) to bed...that relationship is now buried and I have a big wreath on the mound that says "Thank you for my lessons learned." Am I looking for another relationship? Nahhh...not yet. I've so much to do right now and there's barely enough time to get through my day and I don't know where I'd fit a relationship in to my schedule. I'm fine without it. I know some people who can't seem to survive without having someone in their life in that capacity. Fortunately for me, I'm not one of those people. I do pretty well on my own and whenever I get lonely, I just grab my grandkids and go have some fun.
Saturday I picked up my 3 Alvarez angels and took them to see the new Ben Stiller movie, "Night at the Museum - Smithsonian" and we had a good time and some good laughs. We ended the evening at Dairy Queen and they walked out with "blizzards" and long spoons! I filled them with candy, popcorn, soda pop, hot dog, popcorn shrimp, french fries and ice cream! I'm a good MIMI! I don't go it often so what the heck. A little sugar never killed anyone, did it? I enjoyed listening to them laugh at the movie and my granddaughter's laugh makes me want to giggle myself! She's such a joy to me!
Well, much still to do but I did want to pop in and say hello and bring you up to date on what's going on with me. Every day, I expect a miracle and I'm never disappointed! Everymore I wake up and thank God for one more day!
I'm so grateful the drought is over and I'm watering as I write (sprinkler) because it was so hot today! This has been a wonderful (and long) Spring and the gardens have been a joy. I still have lots of lilies blooming and now the Glads have started blooming and I have some pink and red ones in a vase in the house. God is good.
It IS a great day to be alive in America! Look for, expect, your miracles, too...I'm sure there are many in store for you!
Sending love and light to all of my wonderful friends. I love you all so much!
Namaste!
This picture was taken on June 11th when I went to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens with my dear friend, Sam. We had a blast and I love this found and this is one of the remaining Dale Chihuley's that remains at the Garden. I LOVE IT! It was a wonderful day and I felt blessed to be able to celebrate the birthday of a special friend in such a wonderful way!
Well, it's been a pretty exciting couple of weeks for me and I've been so busy I haven't had the time to sit down and blog and I've missed it! I am still an Artist in transition but the total transition will have to wait a few more years but in the mean time, I'll paint whenever I can and make my cards, angels and motivational moments as time permits but I have a new focus to take up a very large percentage of my time and I intend to give it my best effort.
After 7 months of unemployment I am "gainfully" employed once again and excited to be working full time again. I'm excited because this is, hopefully, my LAST project and I am delighted to be working with good people and I hope I will be a good influence and a good employee. I'll do my best, that's for sure.
Working will enable me to get a little more financially secure so that I can get the things I will need when I do art full time, which is retirement which is about 5-1/2 years from now. My goal now is to be able to save enough to do my rafting trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon next year. There are adventures ahead for me and helping these good people attain their goals and vision will allow me to do the same for my own self. I feel like God had put me where I am and I am grateful for his goodness!
I'm still in the midst of my "Artist's Way" workshops and a lot of good is coming from the weekly meetings. I'm glad I've still got this going on for another 9 weeks because it will help me to keep myself focused on my art as well as my livlihood. What I have found is that I need to be more organized to accomplish all that I want to accomplish in a day.
I was called Thursday a week ago to come in for an interview, which I did. She called and I showed up! I didn't hear anything on Friday but on Monday, they called me back for another interview and before I left, they offered me the position and I was to start the NEXT MORNING! I didn't even have time to get my head wrapped around it before I dove in. Such is the way of my life. I didn't even think twice, I just say yes and then I praised God all the way home for bringing us together.
It was a bit of a crazy week for me and next week will be even crazier because I'm IT and the girl who I am replacing left on Friday so I've got to start getting things figured out for my own self next week. I will and I'm looking forward to the challenge.
There is no such thing as job security any more so I don't know if this job will last a week, a month, a year or the whole 5-1/2 years but I will take it one day at a time and do my best each day and if it goes the full 5-1/2 years, wonderful and if it doesn't then I know something else will come along but I will do everything within my power to help them be successful. I've worked for two "Entrepreneurs of the Year" and I've got a gut feeling that the man I'm working for now has that same potential. He's very smart and he has a vision AND he seems to be a good family man and that's important to me, too. My family is the most important part of my life so I enjoy working for someone who feels the same way.
I missed painting with my group of artists last week but I am not regretting no longer being able to paint with them. I am, instead, feeling very grateful for the time I had with them and will perhaps see them in the future in some other way. I want to stay in touch with my painting friends, for sure.
Things are pretty good in my life right now. I finally put the "RBJ" "thing" (I don't even know what to call it) to bed...that relationship is now buried and I have a big wreath on the mound that says "Thank you for my lessons learned." Am I looking for another relationship? Nahhh...not yet. I've so much to do right now and there's barely enough time to get through my day and I don't know where I'd fit a relationship in to my schedule. I'm fine without it. I know some people who can't seem to survive without having someone in their life in that capacity. Fortunately for me, I'm not one of those people. I do pretty well on my own and whenever I get lonely, I just grab my grandkids and go have some fun.
Saturday I picked up my 3 Alvarez angels and took them to see the new Ben Stiller movie, "Night at the Museum - Smithsonian" and we had a good time and some good laughs. We ended the evening at Dairy Queen and they walked out with "blizzards" and long spoons! I filled them with candy, popcorn, soda pop, hot dog, popcorn shrimp, french fries and ice cream! I'm a good MIMI! I don't go it often so what the heck. A little sugar never killed anyone, did it? I enjoyed listening to them laugh at the movie and my granddaughter's laugh makes me want to giggle myself! She's such a joy to me!
Well, much still to do but I did want to pop in and say hello and bring you up to date on what's going on with me. Every day, I expect a miracle and I'm never disappointed! Everymore I wake up and thank God for one more day!
I'm so grateful the drought is over and I'm watering as I write (sprinkler) because it was so hot today! This has been a wonderful (and long) Spring and the gardens have been a joy. I still have lots of lilies blooming and now the Glads have started blooming and I have some pink and red ones in a vase in the house. God is good.
It IS a great day to be alive in America! Look for, expect, your miracles, too...I'm sure there are many in store for you!
Sending love and light to all of my wonderful friends. I love you all so much!
Namaste!
This picture was taken on June 11th when I went to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens with my dear friend, Sam. We had a blast and I love this found and this is one of the remaining Dale Chihuley's that remains at the Garden. I LOVE IT! It was a wonderful day and I felt blessed to be able to celebrate the birthday of a special friend in such a wonderful way!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Painting in a Plein Air Festival
Today is the day! If you live in my area, please come out and check out the artists who will be painting in this Festival (myself included!). I'll be set up across from the Buford Variety Playhouse (which is having it's first scheduled event tonight, too!)
It's supposed to be in the 80's today and sunny! Hoo-ray! I'm so excited. I bought my canvas yesterday and there was a 40% off sale on artist's easels so I bought a handy-dandy lightweight, in a case with a should strap, plein air easel for only $29.95 (plus tax, of course!). I took it out of the box and set it up as soon as I got home and couldn't believe how easily it sets up and breaks down. I think it was a very good investment.
Canvas was on sale for 50% off, too. I guess it was my lucky day yesterday. I bought twice as many as I'd plan to buy but paid only the price I'd planned to pay. Great how that worked out. I bought a few more tubes of paint and some brushes, too. I add sand to the paint and it really wrecks my brushes so I found some low cost but good brushes that will work just fine and I can save my more expensive brushes for other paintings.
I'm so excited as this is my first Plein Air festival and there are both money and other prizes to be won AND, even more exciting, my painting will hang at Tannery Row Art Gallery through the month of May and are available for purchase! This is a picture of one of the paintings I did at my painting group.
Isn't that full of energy and pizazz? I add sand that I brought back from St. George's Island in Florida to the paint and it adds a nice texturizing effect. I love the energy of St. George's Island and since my paintings are all about energy and the interconnectedness of everything and everyone on an energetic level, I wanted to incorporate that energy into my art. It's earth, sand, sky, beach, ocean, sun...all in one little painting. Can you feel it? I know you can see it but can you feel it? I can feel it with my eyes open when I look at this painting which is what I guess artists try to do for others. When I close my eyes and vision, I can see with my soul what I can't see with my eyes. But when I paint, I offer others an opportunity to see what I see with my soul. Lovely, isn't it!
It's supposed to be in the 80's today and sunny! Hoo-ray! I'm so excited. I bought my canvas yesterday and there was a 40% off sale on artist's easels so I bought a handy-dandy lightweight, in a case with a should strap, plein air easel for only $29.95 (plus tax, of course!). I took it out of the box and set it up as soon as I got home and couldn't believe how easily it sets up and breaks down. I think it was a very good investment.Canvas was on sale for 50% off, too. I guess it was my lucky day yesterday. I bought twice as many as I'd plan to buy but paid only the price I'd planned to pay. Great how that worked out. I bought a few more tubes of paint and some brushes, too. I add sand to the paint and it really wrecks my brushes so I found some low cost but good brushes that will work just fine and I can save my more expensive brushes for other paintings.
I'm so excited as this is my first Plein Air festival and there are both money and other prizes to be won AND, even more exciting, my painting will hang at Tannery Row Art Gallery through the month of May and are available for purchase! This is a picture of one of the paintings I did at my painting group.
Isn't that full of energy and pizazz? I add sand that I brought back from St. George's Island in Florida to the paint and it adds a nice texturizing effect. I love the energy of St. George's Island and since my paintings are all about energy and the interconnectedness of everything and everyone on an energetic level, I wanted to incorporate that energy into my art. It's earth, sand, sky, beach, ocean, sun...all in one little painting. Can you feel it? I know you can see it but can you feel it? I can feel it with my eyes open when I look at this painting which is what I guess artists try to do for others. When I close my eyes and vision, I can see with my soul what I can't see with my eyes. But when I paint, I offer others an opportunity to see what I see with my soul. Lovely, isn't it!I wanted to share one of my garden shots with you, too. I just learned that I can add photos to this blog. Isn't that a miracle (duh, to me!)!!!! Now, I'll really have some fun with this!
Above is one of the blue Iris and the one beside it is white and it opened yesterday. I went out to take pictures but realized I'd left my favorite camera (a Vivitar) at my daughters when I was over there Monday. My other camera wouldn't work so I just figured that I didn't need to be taking pictures but just enjoying them. So, that having been said, it's time for me to walk my yard as the sun is up and then pack up and get ready to go to paint!
Wishing you a joy-filled day with health and happiness.
Namaste!
A
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Awaiting the birth...
Of an English Iris...I've been walking the yard this morning, checking on all my little "babies." I noticed the white Iris is opening and another pale blue one has opened in the front lily bed. I ave such anticipation around the garden and each flowering is a moment of joy for me. I guess I'm easily pleased but when you think about it, there is such magic in the garden.
Only a short time ago, there was nothing but dirt, leaves, discolored pine bark from last year and only hope sitting there in my gardens. Slowly, as the ground warmed, small shoots of green started appearing and then, seemingly overnight, everything came alive and has started the dance of the Spring. I revel in that dance and in the magic and the hope and the glory that I know is God. I found a quote someplace that said "Nature is God's canvas" and it is so true, to me.
I'm off to Michael's here in a moment to buy my canvas for the Plein Air event this weekend. I've got a really good feeling about it and hope my expectations are met and although I don't know exactly what it is, I KNOW that something life-changing is going to occur as a result of this experience.
I've been feeling sad because it is apparent that I am not going to be able to support myself with my art, at least not at the rate I'm currently working. That means I have to go back to work in an office, which I am so loathe to do and had hoped to be able to make a go of doing what I truly love. Part of me is a little fearful about it because I'm not a spring chicken any longer and I'll be in competition for jobs with those who have many more years left in the work force that I and if I were doing the interviewing, I doubt I would hire me, simply because of my age and because I am "over-qualified" for most of the jobs out there since I've been at it for so long. I'm two and half years away from when I could retire for crying out loud and I started working when I was 12 (in a restaurant) and have worked for most of my life in an office environment (once I got out of the restaurants). That means I've already been working for almost HALF A CENTURY (almost). Isn't that enough? Why can't I just paint, make my cards and chakra bags and earn enough money to pay my mortgage and other bills and still have enough left over to buy art supplies?
I'd always believed Dr. Dyer and Dr. Campbell when they taught to "follow your bliss and the rest will follow." What am I doing wrong? I am following my bliss but not sure I can hold on long enough for "the rest to follow." I am a single woman with only myself to care for ME. I have no nest egg, no husband or 2nd income to back me up so I'm IT with a capital I and a capital T. I'm IT. I just want to work in my garden, paint, make cards, visit with my kids and my grandkids and travel a bit. Is that so much ask? I've grown accustomed (since my last job went under thanks, in part, to CF'S half-witted, lackadaisical, drug-infused sales efforts) to working in "comfortable" clothes and wearing flip-flops and Crocs instead of high heels and shoes that hurt my feet. I don't want to get dressed in suits, put on make-up every day, and drive in traffic to a job that bores me to tears and I am watching the clock for 5:00pm so I can do it all in reverse, get home and get out of my clothes. And I'm not going to do it just yet.
Thanks to SUI, I've the gift of a little more time to work on making a living following my bliss. to that end, I'm off to buy canvas today. This afternoon, I'm going to finish making 50 cards and 20 Chakra stones bags. I've got my Motivational Moments cards inventory sufficient. I bought three baskets, one for the note cards, one for the chakra bags and one for the Motivational Moments bags (why is it that everything (except my paintings) are in bags? Must be something to that and I'll think about that later). Somehow, I am going to offer those baskets up this weekend (if it's by my easel or with a sign pointing to my house where I'll have a table set up and maybe my Sister down there watching it and working it for me). I'm going to prayer over them and then lift them up and I need $500 coming in my door this weekend (at the least!). Maybe I'll get lucky and someone will fall in love with some of my paintings? Anyhow...I know that there are some $$$$ to be manifested this weekend and I just need to figure out the best way to do it. Any ideas?
Okay, I'm tired of whining and ready to take some action. Going to buy canvases. Thanks for listening.
Have a great day yourself and I'll let you know when those baby Iris and Lilies break into bloom!
Namaste!
Only a short time ago, there was nothing but dirt, leaves, discolored pine bark from last year and only hope sitting there in my gardens. Slowly, as the ground warmed, small shoots of green started appearing and then, seemingly overnight, everything came alive and has started the dance of the Spring. I revel in that dance and in the magic and the hope and the glory that I know is God. I found a quote someplace that said "Nature is God's canvas" and it is so true, to me.
I'm off to Michael's here in a moment to buy my canvas for the Plein Air event this weekend. I've got a really good feeling about it and hope my expectations are met and although I don't know exactly what it is, I KNOW that something life-changing is going to occur as a result of this experience.
I've been feeling sad because it is apparent that I am not going to be able to support myself with my art, at least not at the rate I'm currently working. That means I have to go back to work in an office, which I am so loathe to do and had hoped to be able to make a go of doing what I truly love. Part of me is a little fearful about it because I'm not a spring chicken any longer and I'll be in competition for jobs with those who have many more years left in the work force that I and if I were doing the interviewing, I doubt I would hire me, simply because of my age and because I am "over-qualified" for most of the jobs out there since I've been at it for so long. I'm two and half years away from when I could retire for crying out loud and I started working when I was 12 (in a restaurant) and have worked for most of my life in an office environment (once I got out of the restaurants). That means I've already been working for almost HALF A CENTURY (almost). Isn't that enough? Why can't I just paint, make my cards and chakra bags and earn enough money to pay my mortgage and other bills and still have enough left over to buy art supplies?
I'd always believed Dr. Dyer and Dr. Campbell when they taught to "follow your bliss and the rest will follow." What am I doing wrong? I am following my bliss but not sure I can hold on long enough for "the rest to follow." I am a single woman with only myself to care for ME. I have no nest egg, no husband or 2nd income to back me up so I'm IT with a capital I and a capital T. I'm IT. I just want to work in my garden, paint, make cards, visit with my kids and my grandkids and travel a bit. Is that so much ask? I've grown accustomed (since my last job went under thanks, in part, to CF'S half-witted, lackadaisical, drug-infused sales efforts) to working in "comfortable" clothes and wearing flip-flops and Crocs instead of high heels and shoes that hurt my feet. I don't want to get dressed in suits, put on make-up every day, and drive in traffic to a job that bores me to tears and I am watching the clock for 5:00pm so I can do it all in reverse, get home and get out of my clothes. And I'm not going to do it just yet.
Thanks to SUI, I've the gift of a little more time to work on making a living following my bliss. to that end, I'm off to buy canvas today. This afternoon, I'm going to finish making 50 cards and 20 Chakra stones bags. I've got my Motivational Moments cards inventory sufficient. I bought three baskets, one for the note cards, one for the chakra bags and one for the Motivational Moments bags (why is it that everything (except my paintings) are in bags? Must be something to that and I'll think about that later). Somehow, I am going to offer those baskets up this weekend (if it's by my easel or with a sign pointing to my house where I'll have a table set up and maybe my Sister down there watching it and working it for me). I'm going to prayer over them and then lift them up and I need $500 coming in my door this weekend (at the least!). Maybe I'll get lucky and someone will fall in love with some of my paintings? Anyhow...I know that there are some $$$$ to be manifested this weekend and I just need to figure out the best way to do it. Any ideas?
Okay, I'm tired of whining and ready to take some action. Going to buy canvases. Thanks for listening.
Have a great day yourself and I'll let you know when those baby Iris and Lilies break into bloom!
Namaste!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Painting with the Ladies
I made it to the group painting session at Anita's ArtsCool today and it was a total blast. I enjoyed meeting the other artists and watching their process as I was going through mine. Just getting out the door was an adventure and I went through the house like a mad woman getting my stuff together, leaving drawers open and items out that should have been put away but I was in a tear to leave and I had worked until past the "very last" moment before leaving. I always seem to believe a minute has more than 60 seconds or that an hour is longer than it really is because I am always "just a minute or two" late for EVERYTHING. Story of my life.
I got up at 5:00am and started my morning meditations and then my brother called so I talked to him for a while. Back to my morning meditations and when I finished around 8:00am, I came in and started working on my flyers again. I had made two, one for the Artist's Way workshop and another for the other three workshops I am planning. After doing some printing, I decided it would be more cost effective to put all of the workshops on one page instead of two so now it has to be redesigned again. I haven't done that yet. What I spent my time on, for the most part, was a redesign of the order form. I finished that up around 9:50am knowing it would only take me 5 minutes to get to Anita's ArtsCool from my house.
I started getting my stuff together. Pulled a painted canvas out from under the futon to overpaint since I don't have a blank one available. Then, into my drawers for the paints to take with me. I had to completely pull out the bottom drawer of the cabinet I keep my paints in because it's under my work table. I left that drawer laying out on the floor next to my work table. Next, which brushes should I take? Where to put it all? In a grocery bag...nah, too amateurish. Dug through the closet to find my trusty, roomy old black leather briefcase from my consulting days and was happy to find everything fit nicely. It was under a stack of other things that are now laying outside my closet door in a heap. Oh my gosh, forgot that I was planning on coloring my hair this morning while doing my morning meditations (trying to be a multi-tasker just didn't seem to work for me this morning) so I started looking for an appropriate hat to cover my sad-looking hair. On the top shelf of the bookcase I keep in my closet for extra folded clothes is where all my hats are located and wouldn't you know it...the one I wanted was on the bottom of all the other hats so there's also a pile of hats on the floor outside my closet. My room is now a collection of "piles" of "stuff" that needs to be put away.
By now, Wizzie knows something is going on and he's following me around like the puppy dog he is because he's wanting to take a walk but it's raining so I take him out to the front porch and put him on his tether to let him stay outside while I'm gone. He has water and a bed there and he'll be dry and comfortable and can go off the porch to relieve himself if needs to instead of peeing in my house because I was too busy to take him out for a walk as I should have and I wasn't looking forward to piles of stuff AND a wet mess to clean up when I got back home.
Next, I go looking for my IPOD as I love painting to music and find it where it should be, wonder of wonders and threw it in my bag. Then, I grab my stuff and out the door I go and I'm only 10 minutes late. By the time I got there, I was frazzled and 15 minutes late but no one had even started painting yet which was a good thing. Before I got out of the car, I took a moment to go into total relaxation and breathed deeply five times before opening the door and walking in with a big smile on my face and my black cap on my head so no one could see my hair with grey roots showing prominently, canvas under my arm and "professional-looking" briefcase in my other hand filled with paints, brushes, etc. I probably looked like it was something I did every day! No one knew I'd left a trail of destruction in my path just to get there.
Anita introduced me to all of the ladies, who were very friendly and then I found my spot and laid out some newspaper and put down my canvas on a flat surface. I pulled out my IPOD, strapped it on my arm and pressed MENU and nothing happened. So, the battery is dead which means NO MUSIC as usual and I had a brief moment of panic because it is the music infusing my soul that allows the connection between the "oneness" and my canvas. Oh well, I take that as a sign that I wasn't MEANT to listen to my IPOD so that leaves me the opportunity to communicate more with others as I paint. I believe it was Divine intervention that I not cut myself off from everyone else and pull from their energy instead and it worked out beautifullly. Thank you, God!
I SHOULD have used an easel because two hours of bending over the table to paint created a little problem for me that I felt AFTER I left at 1:30pm. I had so much fun there and did a couple more moments of deep breathing and closed my eyes and started letting the energy of the room, the people and the moment seep into my soul so I could create. There was nice background music playing which was a joy to me since my IPOD was dead. Now, all of the artists got busy. Some were using watercolors, some acrylics (like me), some were using oils and one lady was doing a painting on silk. It was a very interesting process and I could easily tell how beautiful it will be when finished.
The painting session was supposed to last from 10:00am-12:00pm but we painted until around 12:30pm and I think I was one of the first to start my cleaning up process so the time is flexible from what I can tell. Afterwards, there was a delightful critique session. One of the local artists who has a rather large following came to oversee the critique and she was set up in a director's chair directly in from of a large easel. We'd all put our work on one of the tables if we wanted a critique and another artist acted as facilitator and put each piece of art on the easel, one at a time in front of the "Director Artist" and then she offered her critique first before the floor was opened to anyone else who may have some suggestions regarding the piece on the easel. By now, there were about 15 artists in the room, all women. Lots of Yin energy in the room and it was lovely.
The critique portion lasted for about an hour and it was very exciting to me to be a part of it all. My painting was well received and it made me feel good to hear other artists say nice things about it and I received one very good suggestion which I will incorporate into my painting next week when I go again. I wasn't too emotionally attached to it and was open to any comments from anyone there as they all certainly know a lot more than I do about this process. I just PAINT for the love of being in "color" and "energy" and I was proud that a fairly good piece came out this morning in such a small amount of time.
I enjoyed myself immensely and was happy I finally got around to going to the sessions. Anita invited me months ago and today is the first day I went and I will go again and often. I look forward to getting to know the ladies better as time goes on and my finances permit me to participate. It was one of those times I couldn't think of anything I would want to be doing more. I want to manifest more opportunities like this for myself and believe the "Universe will provide." If I never went again, I would have such a wonderful memory tucked away inside of that I can pull on that now when I need a "happy thought." (I actually have a very large cache of these type of thoughts!) This was a very talented group of women and I was just happy to be there with them, creating right along with those who were so much better and much more experienced artists than me. I learned that everyone is a little insecure about their work and how it will be received, not just ME! It was an "eureka" moment, for sure.
Afterwards, the artists usually go to lunch together but I didn't want to participate today as I was feeling a bit unsettled about how I'd left everything at home. I stopped at the new Dillard's Bar-b-que and got a rib sandwich to bring home (thank you, Sister!) and eat in peaceful silence. As soon as I walked in I let my Wizzie into the house and he was so happy to see me that it warmed my heart. I swear I love that dog of mine as much as I love any other member of my family and he ALWAYS loves me no matter what I do (like not taking the time to give him a proper walk this morning). I often joke and say that if I knew "then" what I know "now" about having a pet, I'd have gotten a dog instead of getting married! Maybe it's not really a joke? Ah, but then I wouldn't have gotten the three wonderful children and six grandchildren that make my life full and rich.
I sat down at the table and ate my sandwich, giving Wiz the two rib bones which he enjoyed unabashedly. I was happy to share with him. As I was sitting there eating, I felt the stab of pain in my back and thought, uh-oh. Now I'm paying for bending over the table for over two hours while I was painting. Instead of cleaning up the piles and messes I left in my wake this morning, I took two Advil, turned my electric blanket to high, stripped down and crawled into bed thinking I'd have a little nap before tidying up my house. Just as I dozed off the phone rang. It was my daughter Jenny calling to schedule time for next week to talk about her wedding WHICH IS IN THREE WEEKS. I took that call and turned over to snuggle back down and just as I dozed off the phone rang again. It was my daughter-in-law in Denver calling to talk about the plans for the wedding WHICH IS IN THREE WEEKS. Plan? Hell, I don't know. I'm so out of the loop on the planning of this wedding it's like I'm hardly a part of it. That changes NOW! I hung up the phone from her and turned over to go to sleep but my mind was in gear thinking of what I need to do around the wedding.
I've scheduled the time with Jenny and Elliot for Tuesday night. We'll talk about menu's and decorations and logistics. I scheduled time to drive up to the mountains on Saturday to Elliot's Dad's place (a 2-hour drive) so I can see the "lay of the land" and talk to his folks about the "plan." they are getting married on his property which is called "the Briar Patch" and is a beautiful piece of land in the North Georgia mountains between Blue Ridge and Blairsville. We've got to have a "plan" and since I work best under pressure I know that by the end of the evening on Tuesday night, THE PLAN will be in place. I am not going to let myself get crazy around this as I want to enjoy and savor every moment of it as it's the last wedding I'll get to be a part of as a MOM. I still can't believe my baby is getting married nor has it sunk in that she's no longer my baby. My other two children I can relate to as adults but not my baby. I wanted to keep her under my wing for far longer than she was willing. Is it that way for all Mother's?
With my job situation being what it (or isn't) I haven't been able to participate in this wedding as much as I would have liked financially. I'll do what I can do which is help with THE PLAN. I'm grateful that her "other" family (and that's a story for another day) who has offered some financial assistance as it has really helped her make her wedding what she wants it to be. In the midst of all the wedding plans, they are also buying their first home together. What craziness all at once! Two of the most stressful things a person experiences in life and they are doing them both at the same time. Strong, young adults they are and I am impressed by them both. I guess that's one way to only have to be totally crazy once! Fortunately, Elliot's Dad is in a better position than Jen's parents (us) and he's helped them with the house. Her grandmother has helped her with a whopping gift that has helped in ways she doesn't even know and the beautiful dress has been paid for by "the other" Dad! It's all going to work out fine and I'm sure it will be a touching, beautiful, loving event enjoyed and remembered fondly by all of us and THE PLAN will work beautifully.
So, with all of that having been said. I'm leaving the mess, the grey streak in my head and taking two more Advil and going back to bed (turning off the ringer on the phone, too) and see if I can't wake up feeling refreshed and pain free so I can use my evening to pick up behind the Sabra that was in a tear to get out this morning and have one of the most fun times of her life! It was worth it.
Tomorrow night, I'm going to a lecture at the Fox Theatre by Dr. Zahi Hawass, the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities" in Egypt. The lecture is entitled "Mysteries of Tutankhamun Revealed" and promises to be a wonderful evening. I've seen Dr. Hawass on several PBS and Discovery Channel programs and I am delighted to have an opportunity to see him speak in person. The "Treasures of Tutankhamun" exhibit is at the Atlanta Civic Center now and I viewed it and bought my tickets to see Dr. Hawass on the same day. I was a little disappointed in the exhibit only because it wasn't as extensive as the exhibit I was fortunate enough to see about 20 years ago when it was in San Francisco. They were running tours 24 hours a day and my husband and I had tickets for a week night at 1:30am and we were happy to have gotten them. It was an amazing experience and the exhibit included a lot more artifacts and jewelry than the current one in Atlanta.
Originally, Dr. Hawass' lecture was scheduled for the Atlanta Civic Center but because he had an emergency out of the country, it was rescheduled for a week later and changed to the Fox Theatre which delighted me as I love going to the Fox. It's a marvelous relic of days gone past, and an Atlanta landmark. Being there reminds me of one of my first memories of being in Atlanta and realizing it was a whole new world of wonder, far from the fishing village I moved from with a one-room library and no cultural activities AT ALL unless you include charter boat fishing as a cultural activity. We moved to Atlanta when I was 15 and my class took a field trip there to see an Opera (in Italian, no less). At that time, I was just a little hick from a very small town in Florida and Atlanta was a BIG city and the FOX was a cultural experience that opened my eyes to a whole new world. The Fox theatre is a magical place, built in the pre-crash 1920's and it's ornate and gloriously fabulous. I highly recommend seeing it if you're in Atlanta.
Every day is an adventure and something new and wonderful seems to happen for me every day. It's a wonderful world in which we live and there is so much to do and see if we only take the time. It's easy to get wrapped up and bogged down in life's "little messes." but I choose to keep my options open. I know that when I do my morning meditations AS I SHOULD then I can expect a miracle in my day and most days, many more than one miracle will occur for me. I expect a miracle and I'm never disappointed. Ask me about my sister coming by and sharing her love with me this morning in a way that was totally unexpected and totally appreciated. It started my day of miracles. And...it's not over yet! God is good!
I hope you are having a good day and looking for your own miracles. I have no doubt they are there for you. I'm sending a bubble love and light to all. A special bubble goes out to Anita's friend Rosemary who had surgery this morning and I'm lifting her up for a speedy recovery.
It IS a great day to be alive and all is well in my world.
Namaste!
I got up at 5:00am and started my morning meditations and then my brother called so I talked to him for a while. Back to my morning meditations and when I finished around 8:00am, I came in and started working on my flyers again. I had made two, one for the Artist's Way workshop and another for the other three workshops I am planning. After doing some printing, I decided it would be more cost effective to put all of the workshops on one page instead of two so now it has to be redesigned again. I haven't done that yet. What I spent my time on, for the most part, was a redesign of the order form. I finished that up around 9:50am knowing it would only take me 5 minutes to get to Anita's ArtsCool from my house.
I started getting my stuff together. Pulled a painted canvas out from under the futon to overpaint since I don't have a blank one available. Then, into my drawers for the paints to take with me. I had to completely pull out the bottom drawer of the cabinet I keep my paints in because it's under my work table. I left that drawer laying out on the floor next to my work table. Next, which brushes should I take? Where to put it all? In a grocery bag...nah, too amateurish. Dug through the closet to find my trusty, roomy old black leather briefcase from my consulting days and was happy to find everything fit nicely. It was under a stack of other things that are now laying outside my closet door in a heap. Oh my gosh, forgot that I was planning on coloring my hair this morning while doing my morning meditations (trying to be a multi-tasker just didn't seem to work for me this morning) so I started looking for an appropriate hat to cover my sad-looking hair. On the top shelf of the bookcase I keep in my closet for extra folded clothes is where all my hats are located and wouldn't you know it...the one I wanted was on the bottom of all the other hats so there's also a pile of hats on the floor outside my closet. My room is now a collection of "piles" of "stuff" that needs to be put away.
By now, Wizzie knows something is going on and he's following me around like the puppy dog he is because he's wanting to take a walk but it's raining so I take him out to the front porch and put him on his tether to let him stay outside while I'm gone. He has water and a bed there and he'll be dry and comfortable and can go off the porch to relieve himself if needs to instead of peeing in my house because I was too busy to take him out for a walk as I should have and I wasn't looking forward to piles of stuff AND a wet mess to clean up when I got back home.
Next, I go looking for my IPOD as I love painting to music and find it where it should be, wonder of wonders and threw it in my bag. Then, I grab my stuff and out the door I go and I'm only 10 minutes late. By the time I got there, I was frazzled and 15 minutes late but no one had even started painting yet which was a good thing. Before I got out of the car, I took a moment to go into total relaxation and breathed deeply five times before opening the door and walking in with a big smile on my face and my black cap on my head so no one could see my hair with grey roots showing prominently, canvas under my arm and "professional-looking" briefcase in my other hand filled with paints, brushes, etc. I probably looked like it was something I did every day! No one knew I'd left a trail of destruction in my path just to get there.
Anita introduced me to all of the ladies, who were very friendly and then I found my spot and laid out some newspaper and put down my canvas on a flat surface. I pulled out my IPOD, strapped it on my arm and pressed MENU and nothing happened. So, the battery is dead which means NO MUSIC as usual and I had a brief moment of panic because it is the music infusing my soul that allows the connection between the "oneness" and my canvas. Oh well, I take that as a sign that I wasn't MEANT to listen to my IPOD so that leaves me the opportunity to communicate more with others as I paint. I believe it was Divine intervention that I not cut myself off from everyone else and pull from their energy instead and it worked out beautifullly. Thank you, God!
I SHOULD have used an easel because two hours of bending over the table to paint created a little problem for me that I felt AFTER I left at 1:30pm. I had so much fun there and did a couple more moments of deep breathing and closed my eyes and started letting the energy of the room, the people and the moment seep into my soul so I could create. There was nice background music playing which was a joy to me since my IPOD was dead. Now, all of the artists got busy. Some were using watercolors, some acrylics (like me), some were using oils and one lady was doing a painting on silk. It was a very interesting process and I could easily tell how beautiful it will be when finished.
The painting session was supposed to last from 10:00am-12:00pm but we painted until around 12:30pm and I think I was one of the first to start my cleaning up process so the time is flexible from what I can tell. Afterwards, there was a delightful critique session. One of the local artists who has a rather large following came to oversee the critique and she was set up in a director's chair directly in from of a large easel. We'd all put our work on one of the tables if we wanted a critique and another artist acted as facilitator and put each piece of art on the easel, one at a time in front of the "Director Artist" and then she offered her critique first before the floor was opened to anyone else who may have some suggestions regarding the piece on the easel. By now, there were about 15 artists in the room, all women. Lots of Yin energy in the room and it was lovely.
The critique portion lasted for about an hour and it was very exciting to me to be a part of it all. My painting was well received and it made me feel good to hear other artists say nice things about it and I received one very good suggestion which I will incorporate into my painting next week when I go again. I wasn't too emotionally attached to it and was open to any comments from anyone there as they all certainly know a lot more than I do about this process. I just PAINT for the love of being in "color" and "energy" and I was proud that a fairly good piece came out this morning in such a small amount of time.
I enjoyed myself immensely and was happy I finally got around to going to the sessions. Anita invited me months ago and today is the first day I went and I will go again and often. I look forward to getting to know the ladies better as time goes on and my finances permit me to participate. It was one of those times I couldn't think of anything I would want to be doing more. I want to manifest more opportunities like this for myself and believe the "Universe will provide." If I never went again, I would have such a wonderful memory tucked away inside of that I can pull on that now when I need a "happy thought." (I actually have a very large cache of these type of thoughts!) This was a very talented group of women and I was just happy to be there with them, creating right along with those who were so much better and much more experienced artists than me. I learned that everyone is a little insecure about their work and how it will be received, not just ME! It was an "eureka" moment, for sure.
Afterwards, the artists usually go to lunch together but I didn't want to participate today as I was feeling a bit unsettled about how I'd left everything at home. I stopped at the new Dillard's Bar-b-que and got a rib sandwich to bring home (thank you, Sister!) and eat in peaceful silence. As soon as I walked in I let my Wizzie into the house and he was so happy to see me that it warmed my heart. I swear I love that dog of mine as much as I love any other member of my family and he ALWAYS loves me no matter what I do (like not taking the time to give him a proper walk this morning). I often joke and say that if I knew "then" what I know "now" about having a pet, I'd have gotten a dog instead of getting married! Maybe it's not really a joke? Ah, but then I wouldn't have gotten the three wonderful children and six grandchildren that make my life full and rich.
I sat down at the table and ate my sandwich, giving Wiz the two rib bones which he enjoyed unabashedly. I was happy to share with him. As I was sitting there eating, I felt the stab of pain in my back and thought, uh-oh. Now I'm paying for bending over the table for over two hours while I was painting. Instead of cleaning up the piles and messes I left in my wake this morning, I took two Advil, turned my electric blanket to high, stripped down and crawled into bed thinking I'd have a little nap before tidying up my house. Just as I dozed off the phone rang. It was my daughter Jenny calling to schedule time for next week to talk about her wedding WHICH IS IN THREE WEEKS. I took that call and turned over to snuggle back down and just as I dozed off the phone rang again. It was my daughter-in-law in Denver calling to talk about the plans for the wedding WHICH IS IN THREE WEEKS. Plan? Hell, I don't know. I'm so out of the loop on the planning of this wedding it's like I'm hardly a part of it. That changes NOW! I hung up the phone from her and turned over to go to sleep but my mind was in gear thinking of what I need to do around the wedding.
I've scheduled the time with Jenny and Elliot for Tuesday night. We'll talk about menu's and decorations and logistics. I scheduled time to drive up to the mountains on Saturday to Elliot's Dad's place (a 2-hour drive) so I can see the "lay of the land" and talk to his folks about the "plan." they are getting married on his property which is called "the Briar Patch" and is a beautiful piece of land in the North Georgia mountains between Blue Ridge and Blairsville. We've got to have a "plan" and since I work best under pressure I know that by the end of the evening on Tuesday night, THE PLAN will be in place. I am not going to let myself get crazy around this as I want to enjoy and savor every moment of it as it's the last wedding I'll get to be a part of as a MOM. I still can't believe my baby is getting married nor has it sunk in that she's no longer my baby. My other two children I can relate to as adults but not my baby. I wanted to keep her under my wing for far longer than she was willing. Is it that way for all Mother's?
With my job situation being what it (or isn't) I haven't been able to participate in this wedding as much as I would have liked financially. I'll do what I can do which is help with THE PLAN. I'm grateful that her "other" family (and that's a story for another day) who has offered some financial assistance as it has really helped her make her wedding what she wants it to be. In the midst of all the wedding plans, they are also buying their first home together. What craziness all at once! Two of the most stressful things a person experiences in life and they are doing them both at the same time. Strong, young adults they are and I am impressed by them both. I guess that's one way to only have to be totally crazy once! Fortunately, Elliot's Dad is in a better position than Jen's parents (us) and he's helped them with the house. Her grandmother has helped her with a whopping gift that has helped in ways she doesn't even know and the beautiful dress has been paid for by "the other" Dad! It's all going to work out fine and I'm sure it will be a touching, beautiful, loving event enjoyed and remembered fondly by all of us and THE PLAN will work beautifully.
So, with all of that having been said. I'm leaving the mess, the grey streak in my head and taking two more Advil and going back to bed (turning off the ringer on the phone, too) and see if I can't wake up feeling refreshed and pain free so I can use my evening to pick up behind the Sabra that was in a tear to get out this morning and have one of the most fun times of her life! It was worth it.
Tomorrow night, I'm going to a lecture at the Fox Theatre by Dr. Zahi Hawass, the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities" in Egypt. The lecture is entitled "Mysteries of Tutankhamun Revealed" and promises to be a wonderful evening. I've seen Dr. Hawass on several PBS and Discovery Channel programs and I am delighted to have an opportunity to see him speak in person. The "Treasures of Tutankhamun" exhibit is at the Atlanta Civic Center now and I viewed it and bought my tickets to see Dr. Hawass on the same day. I was a little disappointed in the exhibit only because it wasn't as extensive as the exhibit I was fortunate enough to see about 20 years ago when it was in San Francisco. They were running tours 24 hours a day and my husband and I had tickets for a week night at 1:30am and we were happy to have gotten them. It was an amazing experience and the exhibit included a lot more artifacts and jewelry than the current one in Atlanta.
Originally, Dr. Hawass' lecture was scheduled for the Atlanta Civic Center but because he had an emergency out of the country, it was rescheduled for a week later and changed to the Fox Theatre which delighted me as I love going to the Fox. It's a marvelous relic of days gone past, and an Atlanta landmark. Being there reminds me of one of my first memories of being in Atlanta and realizing it was a whole new world of wonder, far from the fishing village I moved from with a one-room library and no cultural activities AT ALL unless you include charter boat fishing as a cultural activity. We moved to Atlanta when I was 15 and my class took a field trip there to see an Opera (in Italian, no less). At that time, I was just a little hick from a very small town in Florida and Atlanta was a BIG city and the FOX was a cultural experience that opened my eyes to a whole new world. The Fox theatre is a magical place, built in the pre-crash 1920's and it's ornate and gloriously fabulous. I highly recommend seeing it if you're in Atlanta.
Every day is an adventure and something new and wonderful seems to happen for me every day. It's a wonderful world in which we live and there is so much to do and see if we only take the time. It's easy to get wrapped up and bogged down in life's "little messes." but I choose to keep my options open. I know that when I do my morning meditations AS I SHOULD then I can expect a miracle in my day and most days, many more than one miracle will occur for me. I expect a miracle and I'm never disappointed. Ask me about my sister coming by and sharing her love with me this morning in a way that was totally unexpected and totally appreciated. It started my day of miracles. And...it's not over yet! God is good!
I hope you are having a good day and looking for your own miracles. I have no doubt they are there for you. I'm sending a bubble love and light to all. A special bubble goes out to Anita's friend Rosemary who had surgery this morning and I'm lifting her up for a speedy recovery.
It IS a great day to be alive and all is well in my world.
Namaste!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Messages from God - 03-24-09
I woke up at 4:15am but decided to sleep in a while so I didn't actually get up and started on my morning meditations until around 6:30am. By then I had a cup of coffee in hand and my mind was slowing becoming more alert.
I lit my candles and incense, did my deep breathing and pulled the energy up and down until I felt ready to do my morning reading. The messages this morning were:
1.(Spirit)I need to look at things as they are rather than how I want them to be and that I am ready to perceive on different levels and from different perspectives. I related that the the Angel I've been working on for someone whose daughter recently transitioned. I've been trying to force the energy instead of letting it flow so I needed to hear that message. Once I assimiliated that into my thinking, I was able to get it laid out and now I'm ready to put it all together for her. It just "came" and now I'm ready to finish it knowing that it IS what it IS supposed to be and carries the energy that is most important for her at this time.
2. (Mind)Release/Detachment. This was a reminder that I need to "let go" and move forward. I must be ready to accept the pain that may come from the loss of the old. For me, this message was about toxic relationships. Sometimes I find myself in a relationship with someone I care deeply about but being around them is not always for my higher and better good. Sometimes I deserve more than I am getting from a relationship and although I want to cling to it, I realize I would be better off just stepping away. I've decided to do that with someone I've loved for many years. The message to see things as they are rather than how I want them to be is important here, too. It is time to let go and move forward. Without letting go, I cannot move forward so it is time to release and detach and I'm willing to accept the pain of the loss knowing I gave all that I could to make it a working relationship.
3. (Physical/Body)Exercise and build new worlds. I need to pay more conscious attention to the exercise that my body needs and wants. This is a time for me to take action and if I do so, important experiences will result.
These were the perfect messages for me to hear today. After I wrote my affirmations, re-read them and posted them in my calendar to refer to later, I started the productivity part of my day. Here it is almost 3:30pm and the morning and afternoon have gotten away from me because I've been so absorbed in what I was doing.
I had to redesign my flyer for the Mind/Body/Spirit workshops I'm doing because I saved and overwrote the original file and then Print Shop wouldn't open the file, nor would Adobe although I thought I'd saved it in PDF format. This was one of those challenges and in redoing it, the final outcome was better than what I had originally and I am very happy with the results. I made several phone calls and answered e-mails and wrote to art galleries in the area attaching the flyers for the Artist Way workshops and the Mind/Body/Spirit workshops. Within 15 minutes, one of the owners of a local gallery called me and relayed her recent experience about her own message received from God. She's going to close the gallery (which I was very sad to hear) and focus on mind/body retreats. I suggested that perhaps we could do something together in the future and suggested a location for a retreat which is close enough to drive to from Atlanta for a weekend but far enough away and in the mountains to offer a setting of serenity.
I received another call from a woman who is an artist and runs an art school here in Buford. She suggested that I come with her to a "Power of Positive Thinking" session on Wednesday after we get together to paint. I will go as I am always open to learning something new and because I want to network with others of like mind. I may even be an asset to the group because of my experience in the New Thought movement.
I did some other administrative things surrounding my art and now, I think I'm going to take a nap as I have just a small niggling headache and I think it's because I've been straining my eyes this morning. We artists have to take care of our eyes and because I can, I'm listening to my body which is saying "take a break!" It's been a good day and it's only half over!
It IS a great day to be alive in America and all is well in my world. Remember to LISTEN as well as talk when communicating with God! Sending wishes of the same for you!
Namaste!
I lit my candles and incense, did my deep breathing and pulled the energy up and down until I felt ready to do my morning reading. The messages this morning were:
1.(Spirit)I need to look at things as they are rather than how I want them to be and that I am ready to perceive on different levels and from different perspectives. I related that the the Angel I've been working on for someone whose daughter recently transitioned. I've been trying to force the energy instead of letting it flow so I needed to hear that message. Once I assimiliated that into my thinking, I was able to get it laid out and now I'm ready to put it all together for her. It just "came" and now I'm ready to finish it knowing that it IS what it IS supposed to be and carries the energy that is most important for her at this time.
2. (Mind)Release/Detachment. This was a reminder that I need to "let go" and move forward. I must be ready to accept the pain that may come from the loss of the old. For me, this message was about toxic relationships. Sometimes I find myself in a relationship with someone I care deeply about but being around them is not always for my higher and better good. Sometimes I deserve more than I am getting from a relationship and although I want to cling to it, I realize I would be better off just stepping away. I've decided to do that with someone I've loved for many years. The message to see things as they are rather than how I want them to be is important here, too. It is time to let go and move forward. Without letting go, I cannot move forward so it is time to release and detach and I'm willing to accept the pain of the loss knowing I gave all that I could to make it a working relationship.
3. (Physical/Body)Exercise and build new worlds. I need to pay more conscious attention to the exercise that my body needs and wants. This is a time for me to take action and if I do so, important experiences will result.
These were the perfect messages for me to hear today. After I wrote my affirmations, re-read them and posted them in my calendar to refer to later, I started the productivity part of my day. Here it is almost 3:30pm and the morning and afternoon have gotten away from me because I've been so absorbed in what I was doing.
I had to redesign my flyer for the Mind/Body/Spirit workshops I'm doing because I saved and overwrote the original file and then Print Shop wouldn't open the file, nor would Adobe although I thought I'd saved it in PDF format. This was one of those challenges and in redoing it, the final outcome was better than what I had originally and I am very happy with the results. I made several phone calls and answered e-mails and wrote to art galleries in the area attaching the flyers for the Artist Way workshops and the Mind/Body/Spirit workshops. Within 15 minutes, one of the owners of a local gallery called me and relayed her recent experience about her own message received from God. She's going to close the gallery (which I was very sad to hear) and focus on mind/body retreats. I suggested that perhaps we could do something together in the future and suggested a location for a retreat which is close enough to drive to from Atlanta for a weekend but far enough away and in the mountains to offer a setting of serenity.
I received another call from a woman who is an artist and runs an art school here in Buford. She suggested that I come with her to a "Power of Positive Thinking" session on Wednesday after we get together to paint. I will go as I am always open to learning something new and because I want to network with others of like mind. I may even be an asset to the group because of my experience in the New Thought movement.
I did some other administrative things surrounding my art and now, I think I'm going to take a nap as I have just a small niggling headache and I think it's because I've been straining my eyes this morning. We artists have to take care of our eyes and because I can, I'm listening to my body which is saying "take a break!" It's been a good day and it's only half over!
It IS a great day to be alive in America and all is well in my world. Remember to LISTEN as well as talk when communicating with God! Sending wishes of the same for you!
Namaste!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday unfolding...
I've been up and busy since 4:15am. I completed my "morning work" and then worked on my book for a while before going online and checking my e-mail. I had an e-mail from Facebook so clicked on the link and added a friend and then starting a search for "artist's groups" in the area and was so heartened to see a LOT of groups in the area. I joined a few, posted a few notices about the upcoming workshop I'm facilitating and looked at what other artist's are doing. It was enlightening and inspiring.
As always, my morning meditations have me "fired up" and ready to go and I'm having to rein myself in and FOCUS because my mind is sprinting in too many different directions.
So...deep breath, relaxing, centering and focusing on this blog!
I didn't create this weekend because I was fortunate enough to have young energy to enjoy. Three of my grandchildren spent Saturday and Sunday with me. I took them to Buford Dam and had a picnic on a sandy bank, under a tree, by the Chattahoochee River. It was a warm, Sunny Spring day and I let them roll up their pants and get their feet in the water. We took a hike and they hugged a tree (my grandson, Ayden who was having his 10th birthday asked me if this meant he was a real "tree hugger" and made me laugh!). We thanked the tree for it's loving energy and I had them close their eyes on more than one occasion to "see" what they felt without "seeing" literally. Children are so wonderful to be around because they are spontaneous, uninhibited, honest and innocent. I enjoy sitting back and observing them just "be" because as adults, we sometimes are so busy doing that we forget the joy of just being. I didn't mind not creating this weekend because their energy is such a gift to me.
On Wednesday I am going to paint with a group of ladies. I've been trying to get over to paint with them for months but am going to MAKE it happen this Wednesday. I am only familiar with one of the women as an aquaintance but she is very interesting to me and is a professional artist as well as a business owner promoting the learning of art in several different media. I know I can learn from her and the others in the group and hopefully I will add an integral, positive element to the group, too.
Thursday night I am going to see Dr. Zahi Hawass speak at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta and I am soooooooooo excited. He's talking about the mysteries of Egypt and I have decided that my next trip (after my Colorado River rafting trip) must be to see the pyramids. I'd love to hear from anyone who had already had the experience and know how it affected and changed them as a person.
I can see it is going to be a beautiful day and part of me wants to throw on my "yard" clothes and get out there and pull some weeds and work on my beds. I was gone a lot through the winter and now that it's Spring, my yard is calling. Yesterday, I noticed the dogwoods starting to bloom and my lilies and other perennials are starting to peep through the ground. I planted a Thundercloud Plum tree last Fall and already it delighted me with pink blooms and now the red leaves are starting to grow in. The tops of the tall trees are greening and buds are popping out on everything. This is such an exciting time of year to me. My hyacinths are glorious and the scent divine and the daffodils contine to delight.
Okay...FOCUS! I got an order out on Friday and that felt very good to me. I designed my invoices, two marketing flyers for the Mind/Body/Spirit workshops and the "Artist's Way" workshops and finished the artist's bio (well...at least it's a good start...and I've already shared that with you).
Spoke to my CPA on Sunday (the man works 365 days a year, I think) and looks like I will be able to help with the upcoming wedding (my daughter) and finance some weekend art shows. I understand the meaning of "starving artist" but know it's a process. I am reminded to take things step-by-step and lay a good foundation and then all will fall in to place. Life gives me all that I need to be happy and everything comes to me at the proper time. I believe it.
My youngest child is getting married on April 18th and it will be a sweet, intimate event in a natural setting. They are getting married out-of-doors and it will be sweet and simple and a real celebration of love. Fortunately, all of my children seem to have the perfect mates and God is good. When my children are happy, I am happy! I express my gratitude to God daily for their happiness and health.
So, moving in to my day now with a full plate open to all the goodness that is coming this way! It IS a great day to be alive and I am expecting a miracle today. Sending a bubble light to everyone! Smile often and keep a grateful heart.
Namaste!
As always, my morning meditations have me "fired up" and ready to go and I'm having to rein myself in and FOCUS because my mind is sprinting in too many different directions.
So...deep breath, relaxing, centering and focusing on this blog!
I didn't create this weekend because I was fortunate enough to have young energy to enjoy. Three of my grandchildren spent Saturday and Sunday with me. I took them to Buford Dam and had a picnic on a sandy bank, under a tree, by the Chattahoochee River. It was a warm, Sunny Spring day and I let them roll up their pants and get their feet in the water. We took a hike and they hugged a tree (my grandson, Ayden who was having his 10th birthday asked me if this meant he was a real "tree hugger" and made me laugh!). We thanked the tree for it's loving energy and I had them close their eyes on more than one occasion to "see" what they felt without "seeing" literally. Children are so wonderful to be around because they are spontaneous, uninhibited, honest and innocent. I enjoy sitting back and observing them just "be" because as adults, we sometimes are so busy doing that we forget the joy of just being. I didn't mind not creating this weekend because their energy is such a gift to me.
On Wednesday I am going to paint with a group of ladies. I've been trying to get over to paint with them for months but am going to MAKE it happen this Wednesday. I am only familiar with one of the women as an aquaintance but she is very interesting to me and is a professional artist as well as a business owner promoting the learning of art in several different media. I know I can learn from her and the others in the group and hopefully I will add an integral, positive element to the group, too.
Thursday night I am going to see Dr. Zahi Hawass speak at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta and I am soooooooooo excited. He's talking about the mysteries of Egypt and I have decided that my next trip (after my Colorado River rafting trip) must be to see the pyramids. I'd love to hear from anyone who had already had the experience and know how it affected and changed them as a person.
I can see it is going to be a beautiful day and part of me wants to throw on my "yard" clothes and get out there and pull some weeds and work on my beds. I was gone a lot through the winter and now that it's Spring, my yard is calling. Yesterday, I noticed the dogwoods starting to bloom and my lilies and other perennials are starting to peep through the ground. I planted a Thundercloud Plum tree last Fall and already it delighted me with pink blooms and now the red leaves are starting to grow in. The tops of the tall trees are greening and buds are popping out on everything. This is such an exciting time of year to me. My hyacinths are glorious and the scent divine and the daffodils contine to delight.
Okay...FOCUS! I got an order out on Friday and that felt very good to me. I designed my invoices, two marketing flyers for the Mind/Body/Spirit workshops and the "Artist's Way" workshops and finished the artist's bio (well...at least it's a good start...and I've already shared that with you).
Spoke to my CPA on Sunday (the man works 365 days a year, I think) and looks like I will be able to help with the upcoming wedding (my daughter) and finance some weekend art shows. I understand the meaning of "starving artist" but know it's a process. I am reminded to take things step-by-step and lay a good foundation and then all will fall in to place. Life gives me all that I need to be happy and everything comes to me at the proper time. I believe it.
My youngest child is getting married on April 18th and it will be a sweet, intimate event in a natural setting. They are getting married out-of-doors and it will be sweet and simple and a real celebration of love. Fortunately, all of my children seem to have the perfect mates and God is good. When my children are happy, I am happy! I express my gratitude to God daily for their happiness and health.
So, moving in to my day now with a full plate open to all the goodness that is coming this way! It IS a great day to be alive and I am expecting a miracle today. Sending a bubble light to everyone! Smile often and keep a grateful heart.
Namaste!
Friday, March 20, 2009
333
3 is commonly accepted as a sacred number and as I walked in the door from mailing my first MAIL ORDER package, the clock in the kitchen read 333. More than once, I have awakened at 3:33am and it feels like such a gift. Some may think getting up at that time is crazy but those early morning hours can be very productive hours for me, especially spiritually and creatively. So I am heartened that the clock read 333 because that is a very good sign.
I worked hard on my flyers, artist bio, set up the template for my invoice, went to the post office (twice), and sent and received a dozen or so e-mails. I am so excited about my "Scrappies" art cards and 25 of them went off at the Post Office today and I sent them with loving energy knowing they will do their good and perfect work.
Communication is so important and so many of us are e-mail only communicators and mail is used solely for marketing and paying bills. I thoroughly enjoy getting a card or a note through the mail and I enjoy sending cards. I suppose that's why my "Scrappies" note cards are so special to me. I am sharing my art and my love at the same time when I jot a quick note to a friend.
I've set a goal of making a minimum of 25 cards, four days per week. I only managed three days this week but there were administrative tasks that needed to be accomplished, as well as research for my workshops.
I spend at least and hour to an hour and a half in the mornings doing what I call my "morning work" and I'll talk more about that in another blog.
For now, I'm happy because 333 has come up for me today, more than once. A good sign. A very good sign, indeed.
I worked hard on my flyers, artist bio, set up the template for my invoice, went to the post office (twice), and sent and received a dozen or so e-mails. I am so excited about my "Scrappies" art cards and 25 of them went off at the Post Office today and I sent them with loving energy knowing they will do their good and perfect work.
Communication is so important and so many of us are e-mail only communicators and mail is used solely for marketing and paying bills. I thoroughly enjoy getting a card or a note through the mail and I enjoy sending cards. I suppose that's why my "Scrappies" note cards are so special to me. I am sharing my art and my love at the same time when I jot a quick note to a friend.
I've set a goal of making a minimum of 25 cards, four days per week. I only managed three days this week but there were administrative tasks that needed to be accomplished, as well as research for my workshops.
I spend at least and hour to an hour and a half in the mornings doing what I call my "morning work" and I'll talk more about that in another blog.
For now, I'm happy because 333 has come up for me today, more than once. A good sign. A very good sign, indeed.
Writing my Artist's Bio
Today I am working on creating my artist's bio. I researched online and then sat down to "let it flow." This is what came this morning...
Artist Bio of Sabra L. Ray
I am a multi-dimensional artist. I paint using acrylics and began painting as a result of a series of workshops that I co-facilitated on the Chakras which are subtle energy centers in the body. I also make paper and have designed a line of custom note cards called “Scrappies” using my handmade paper and inspirational or motivational quotes. I have also created a set of “Motivational Moments” consisting of 30 cards, one for each day of the month. Each card contains a powerful positive affirmation meant to set the focus and tone for the day. I write poetry and short-stories.
I believe that everyone has an artist, of some kind, within them that only needs to be awakened. My interest in the mind, body, spirit connection has led me to this truth. I facilitate workshops that assist others in finding that inner artist, inner peace and knowledge of the subtle energy systems of our body to promote health, happiness and peace. We can all use the power of our imagination to create what we want in our life so being an artist is not just about putting paint to canvas or pen to paper but living life to the fullest and seeing the beauty in every moment of every day. I try to help others to find their way home to their own Self and to see the beauty within that wants to be expressed and shared.
I have asked myself, many times, “What is my purpose?” I took many wrong turns in trying to find my answers and hit many a barrier before I finally realized that my purpose, is to grow spiritually. Dr. Wayne Dyer, Louise Hay, Shakti Gawain, Carl Jung, Deepak Chopra, Ernest Holmes. Joseph Camplbell and many others have helped me along my path and made me realize that to truly grow spiritually, I need to help others. I try to do this through my art and my workshops.
I live and work in a 60-year-old bungalow in the Historic downtown area of Buford, Georgia with my best pet friend, a black and white Shih Tzu named Wiz. I love to travel and some of my favorite journeys were to Guatemala, Peru and Mexico where I spent a week on a whale watching expedition in the Sea of Cortez. Visiting Macchu Picchu and other places in Peru was a life changing experience and I am still absorbing the energy of that trip. In Guatemala I was fortunate enough to stay at a Catholic mission, Santo Tomas La Union and to travel with Father Hazelton high up into the central highlands to observe as he performed ceremonies in K’iche for the indigenous Mayan’s. In my travels, I was exposed to Aztec, Incan and Mayan cultures and their art and spirituality has influenced me deeply on all levels of being.
It will probably be changed a hundred times before I'm through but if I am to do things "step-by-step" I'll call this step one. I also created flyers and registration forms and set up my calendar and overall, it's been a very productive morning. Now, it's time for me to get into the studio and create for a couple of hours before moving on to more mundane things like laundry, vacuuming, walkign the dog and getting ready to go to my daughter's to babysit for my beautiful grandchildren tonight.
Life is so beautiful and I am feeling very blessed today. It IS a great day to be alive and all is well in my world. Wishing the same for you! Namaste.
Artist Bio of Sabra L. Ray
I am a multi-dimensional artist. I paint using acrylics and began painting as a result of a series of workshops that I co-facilitated on the Chakras which are subtle energy centers in the body. I also make paper and have designed a line of custom note cards called “Scrappies” using my handmade paper and inspirational or motivational quotes. I have also created a set of “Motivational Moments” consisting of 30 cards, one for each day of the month. Each card contains a powerful positive affirmation meant to set the focus and tone for the day. I write poetry and short-stories.
I believe that everyone has an artist, of some kind, within them that only needs to be awakened. My interest in the mind, body, spirit connection has led me to this truth. I facilitate workshops that assist others in finding that inner artist, inner peace and knowledge of the subtle energy systems of our body to promote health, happiness and peace. We can all use the power of our imagination to create what we want in our life so being an artist is not just about putting paint to canvas or pen to paper but living life to the fullest and seeing the beauty in every moment of every day. I try to help others to find their way home to their own Self and to see the beauty within that wants to be expressed and shared.
I have asked myself, many times, “What is my purpose?” I took many wrong turns in trying to find my answers and hit many a barrier before I finally realized that my purpose, is to grow spiritually. Dr. Wayne Dyer, Louise Hay, Shakti Gawain, Carl Jung, Deepak Chopra, Ernest Holmes. Joseph Camplbell and many others have helped me along my path and made me realize that to truly grow spiritually, I need to help others. I try to do this through my art and my workshops.
I live and work in a 60-year-old bungalow in the Historic downtown area of Buford, Georgia with my best pet friend, a black and white Shih Tzu named Wiz. I love to travel and some of my favorite journeys were to Guatemala, Peru and Mexico where I spent a week on a whale watching expedition in the Sea of Cortez. Visiting Macchu Picchu and other places in Peru was a life changing experience and I am still absorbing the energy of that trip. In Guatemala I was fortunate enough to stay at a Catholic mission, Santo Tomas La Union and to travel with Father Hazelton high up into the central highlands to observe as he performed ceremonies in K’iche for the indigenous Mayan’s. In my travels, I was exposed to Aztec, Incan and Mayan cultures and their art and spirituality has influenced me deeply on all levels of being.
It will probably be changed a hundred times before I'm through but if I am to do things "step-by-step" I'll call this step one. I also created flyers and registration forms and set up my calendar and overall, it's been a very productive morning. Now, it's time for me to get into the studio and create for a couple of hours before moving on to more mundane things like laundry, vacuuming, walkign the dog and getting ready to go to my daughter's to babysit for my beautiful grandchildren tonight.
Life is so beautiful and I am feeling very blessed today. It IS a great day to be alive and all is well in my world. Wishing the same for you! Namaste.
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