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!

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

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!

Wednesday - April 22, 2009

Didn't sleep well last night and not feeling well today. Could it have anything to do with the Little Caesar's pizza and hot wings I ate last night? That and the fact that I'm "beyond tired" from all of the fun and festivities surrounding "the wedding" and am in need of some down time. Perhaps all of the above combined?

Walked the yard this morning and am excited to see what's going to bloom next. I have a lot of Lilies and Iris' with buds that are blooming this year for the first time so it is like waiting for Christmas to see what I'm going to get from these plants. I have some blue Bearded Iris blooming and some regular Iris in multi-colors. It's always colorful in my yard and it starts with the Crocus, Forsythia and Daffodils. Next come the Hyacinths, then the Tulips and the Lilies and Iris'. I also have border Lilies that bloom later and the Lilies of the Valley are blooming now...on and on...all and each so very precious and they seem like a gift from God to me personally! Japanese water lilies, calla lilies, stargazer lilies, azaleas, hydrangeas, sage, bee balm, lavendar, hostas, ...and on and on. Sounds like I have a huge yard, doesn't it? I don't. Every space is planted though and it's a sight to see, for sure. Oh, did I mention the large purple Clematis, Lilac, gerber daisies, ...and on and on! Yes...it IS a sight to see. And...along with all of it come the WEEDS...so many WEEDS! I need to get out there in the next few days and pull some as they are crowding in with my little beauties.

Today is my painting group but I'm not going because I don't feel up to it. Friday and Saturday are the days of the Plein Air festival and I need to get my energy up for that as I'm painting on Main Street and want only good to flow from soul to the canvas. Maybe I'll even sell one or two, which would be most welcome!

Okay...much to do today so let me get off the computer. Jen and Elliot moved into their new home last night. Poor Ian was having a hard time trying to figure it all out. I'm wondering if they actually put him in his bed last night or if he slept with them. I'll go with "slept with them!"

Within two weeks there has been a shower, a bachelor/bachelorette party, a wedding rehearsal, a wedding, a house closing AND a move. (Not to mention the out-of-town guests we so enjoyed.)WOW! It's enough to make my head spin. It's all good though and life waits for no one...just jump on that horse and ride it for all it's worth.

As for me, I'm having a cup of peppermint tea and going back to bed. No more Little Caesar's pizza/wings for me. Bring on the raw veggies.

Wishing you a joyful day.

Namaste!

A new day...

I'm feeling great today and more relaxed and comfortable in my own skin than I was yesterday and I'm excited to paint with my group tomorrow and Friday/Saturday is the "Plein Air" event I'll be painting up a storm in downtown Buford across from the new "Variety Theatre" on Main Street!

I bought more art supplies yesterday and am going to try my hand at some watercolors. I took a lot of pictures of clouds yesterday and am feeling the urge to paint some clouds. Today the sky is monotone in the palest blue but what is even more exciting to me is that as I look out my window, I can see the trees are really getting into the Spring finery and greens of all hues delight my eyes.

I need to get into the studio today and make more cards and I will do that this afternoon. This morning, I am all about housework and laundry (so mundane!). Would that I had a housekeeper/valet and could focus only my art. That would be too much fun! I think the housework and other stuff keeps me more balanced. I think when I get to heaven I can paint to my hearts content. Maybe the clouds will come easy as I'll be sitting on one or two.

Actually, speaking of that, I'm reading "The Gnostic Discoveries ~ the Impact of the Nag Hammadi Library" by Marvin Meyer. The jacket says that he is one of the foremost scholars on Gnosticism, the Nag Hammadi library, and the texts about Jesus outside the New Testament. Gnosticism is a term derived from the Greek word, gnosis which means "knowledge." Before the Nag Hammadi library was found in 1945, Gnostics were considered "heretics" by early Christians who thought their way was the ONLY way (scares me to think about it) and they were the ONLY right ones on the history of Jesus and his truths and they either killed or abolished anything that said otherwise, including any knowledge of Gnostics (who were tortured and killed by the thousands). The book has been a source of inspiration for me and I've had more than one "aha!" moment while reading it and it makes me want to read all the other sources mentioned in the book, too. It's pretty heavy reading though and I read a chapter, at most, at a time and then I have to stop and asbsorb and assimilate all the information. After I finish the book, I'll go back and read "The Gnostic Bible" which was co-edited by Marvin Meyer and contains Gnostic Texts of Mystical Wisdom from the Ancient and Medieval Worlds (Pagan, Jewish, Christian, Mandaean, Manichaean, Islamic and Cathar). I find it all immensely interesting.

Phone just rang and it's Jen reminding me I'm going over to help them get it together for their BIG MOVE today! Mostly, I just get to play with Ian while they do all the work. It hardly seems fair, does it!

So, I'm off and running (I'll get to the housework later, I guess...or not! Hope no one stops by to visit unannounced!). Wishing you a happy day filled with everything you desire!

Namaste!

Celebration of Love

Monday morning and I'm glad for the new week. We've all been so wrapped up in wedding preparations and now it's over and the families are all going back to their respective lives and reality is seeping back in and life is settling down and we're on to the next thing.

The "wedding in a meadow" was a beautiful event. The kids were married under a rustic arbor that Elliot and Arlo had made just for the day and it touched my heart in so many ways. It was a beautiful wedding and pretty much what THEY wanted, from invitations to reception. I felt a little left out of the planning process and lost in the middle of it all because I wasn't the one "in charge" and no one seemed to be "in charge" and everyone was wary of stepping on anyone else's toes (a result of "blended families" I suppose) and it felt, for me, out of control but I did the best I knew to do and if I offended someone with what I did or didn't do, oh well...it was never intentional. The most important thing, in my opinion, is that the KIDS were happy with EVERYTHING and so from that perspective, it was a tremendous and wonderful SUCCESS. It certainly was a touching ceremony even if I didn't expect or understand the "readings" which are, I am assuming, an "Episcopal" part of the service and it was a lovely addition to have even more family involved. God certainly shined on those two because the day could not have been any more glorious, full of sunshine and warmth. It was about as perfect a Spring day as one could imagine. (I lifted them up to God/Goddess/All There Is, in my own way when I bowed my head.) The sun was shining brightly, there were sounds of moving water in the background (from a bubbling brook) and birds sang from trees under a cloudless sky. It was glorious.

It seems odd to think of my daughter being a part of another family now. I went to the home of her new family the morning after the wedding to offer help to clean up since they had hosted the reception (since the kids were married on their property) and most everything had already been cleaned up but I did what I could do or was asked. For some reason, it felt a little "frosty" and I am not understanding why but can't worry about it so I am just letting it go (I guess I felt "judged" and I don't know why so that was a bit uncomfortable for me. It was like I'd done something wrong but I don't know what I did, if you know what I mean.). My grandson, Ian, was there, sleeping and it felt odd not to see him or hold him and to step back and let them have "their" time with him. They don't get to enjoy him as often I do so it was the right thing to do.

The rehearsal was interesting because Jenny and Jessica got lost on the way up and they arrived in the meadow an hour and a half after the rehearsal was supposed to begin...but we got through the rehearsal just fine and then got to the rehearsal dinner where Elliot's Mother had prepared a nice Greek meal. Afterwards, my WHOLE family went back to the hotel and it felt so good to know that ALL of my children were under one roof, as well as their Dad. That doesn't happen too often! My room had two queen beds so I had my 3 grandsons and 2 granddaugther's spend the night in my room and it was cozy and comforting to have all of them in my room, if a bit crowded. They didn't seem to mind and I sure enjoyed seeing all of them as they slept so peacefully!

My brother and sister totally missed the wedding ceremony and arrived just as it was all over and everyone had headed up to the house for the reception. Fortunately, Jenny was still in the meadow talking to friends so my brother, Jack, gave her a ride up to the house on his Harley. We've got the pictures to share! I felt badly for my brother because he spent a lot of time, effort and money to be at her wedding and he was distressed to have been late (that's another story...you'd have to know my sister to understand). My sister (who was traveling in a car behind my brother and his wife who were on the motorcycle) had made the jewelry that Jen was to wear in the wedding (and it obviously didn't make it in time). As it was, Jen had to borrow jewelry from Elliot's stepmother to wear (which didn't make me happy) but Jenny was, as she is about almost everything, cool with it. She put it on when Mechelle got there and was happy enough. Poor Mechelle was as distraught as my brother but it is what it is and they missed it so we'll show them the pictures and at least they made the reception and got to see the toast, cake-cutting, etc.

Part of the reason Jenny and Jess were late getting to the rehearsal is that they went to pick up the cakes. Well, unfortunately, the wedding cake somehow fell over in the box (going up the mountain roads, I guess) so it looked like a leaning tower of Pisa when it came out of the box. Jen and Elliot took it all in stride and it still tasted wonderful. It was a 3-layer cake, very simple with their initials and a curl of fresh daisy's as decoration. Elliot's cake was a drum (because he is a drummer, of course) and it was equally delicious and fortunately, suffered no damage. Oh, and the cake knives were left in the box at the hotel so we had to use one of Elliot's Mom's knives for them to cut the cake. At least Elliot remembered the "bridge and groom" glasses when we did the champagne toast. We were getting ready to do the toast and Elliot looked at Jenny and said "where are our glasses?" and then she remembered and Jess went to get them! As I said, NO ONE was in CONTROL of anything but EVERYTHING worked out just fine! Elliot's brother offered up a touching, heart felt toast and then we put Jessica (Jen's sister) on the spot and she offered up a very sweet toast. It was lovely.

I saw my old boyfriend (who I had hoped to never have to see again) and it was okay to see him and I had a nice wall that will never be let down again so it didn't hurt to see him. I was happy he was able to be there to see Jen married as it was always my dream that he would be a part of it so I guess it was a dream come true although not exactly as I had once envisioned it. There was still that little place within me that was holding the hand of her own first love...I guess that's okay...still I was sitting next to the man who was the REAL partner in my life and who I love dearly still).

The best part of everything, for me, was having my son, his wife and two children, my older daughter, her husband and three children, my ex-husband (and friend) and Jenny all TOGETHER in one place and I hugged and kissed them all as much as I possibly could! I also especially loved seeing Jen's grandmother and her half-brother and yes, it was nice to see Reid, too. That was as exciting to me as the actual wedding ceremony (which was much too traditional for my taste but it wasn't my ceremony...but THEIRS and that's what they wanted).

Jen and Elliot were already a couple in my mind as they have a child, just bought a home and have a promise to each other and a life together. The ceremony cemented it FOR THEM and ON PAPER FOR POSTERITY. Elliot was brought up "in the church" so this was all very important to him and his family who are still active in their church. Jen's great-grandfather was a Presbyterian minister and her Grandmother rarely misses a Sunday at the church she has attended for years. I guess the "church" is more-or-less in her blood. I'm sure they will incorporate the church as a part of their lives and Ian's (who was baptised (?) or is it christened (?) in the Episcopal church the Saturday before Easter. I didn't attend but not for any reason other than I was tired because I had a shower for Jenny the same day and the event for Ian was in the evening.).

I, personally, don't align myself with a particular church but with God/Goddess/All There Is (for God is neither male or female in my opinion...God is the "nameless") and don't feel the need for the church for support. However, that having been said, I do attend Church, on occasion, when Spirit moves me and it doesn't matter the denomination because I don't believe the teachings of any one particular church but I go to Church to celebrate God and because the church is a symbol of God's house. I love to take communion for the same reason. However, I feel as close to God when I am working in my garden or walking in nature or sitting in my chair, as I am now because GOD is always with me, no matter when I am, God is right here with me. So why do I need to go to a church to celebrate and worship God? I don't. I have been involved with different churches over the course of my (seemingly long) life and have been a "born-again Christian (Baptist Church when I was 24) witnessing on street corners and praying to bring souls to Jesus so they wouldn't go to hell. I've chanted Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and recited portions of the Lotus Sutra to the fundamental Object of Worship called the Gohonzon when I was learning about and practicing Nichoren Shoshu Buddhism. I've stood, genuflecgted and sat in Catholic churches including the Basilica in Washington, DC (where I took communion even though I "wasn't Catholic"...I told my good Catholic friend that I didn't think God would mind...as I lined up for the wafer and wine) and Catholic churches all over South America (thanks, Kris) and I took my confirmation at 12 years old in the Destin Presbyterian Church. I've read my St. James version of the Bible (which was a gift on my 24th birthday from B.J. Stevens) several times, especially the New Testament. I've read The Bhagavad-Gita, The Tibetan Book of the Dead, The Essential Kabbalah, the Tao Te Ching, studied Joseph Campbell's and Carl Jung's beliefs and on and on...so MANY different views and ways to reach enlightenment and grow spiritually and yet it all comes right back to me...sitting here in this chair as I write...with GOD in me...a part of me. And that GOD within is celebrating the love my daughter feels for her new husband and for her child and her family. It is the LOVE that is the most important part of ALL...for GOD IS LOVE and what more is there? May their love deepen and grow throughout the days of their lives and may they raise their child(ren) in the way that seems most appropriate to them, be it in the Episcopal Church or not and may they always listen to their HEARTS and the GOD WITHIN instead of basing their lives on a canon or what someone else tells them is truth for there are many truths. Okay, so I got off on a tangent there but organized religion makes me a little nervous, especially when one is told "this is the ONLY way..." However, I understand the purpose and the meaning behind organized religion and accept that it is "A" way and necessary for some. God speakes to each of us in a different way and the churches do a lot of GOOD in this world, too so that's a good thing.

Wow, writing this blog today has had me "all over the place." Bottom line...the wedding was beautiful, the kids are now a Mr. and Mrs., family and friends came together to witness, celebrate and share in love...it is ALL GOOD...God is good, my family is healthy, happy and all three of my children have WONDERFUL people as mates who love them dearly and whom they love equally and good lives before them with healthy, happy children. It's all a Mother could ask for her children.

So, to Jen and Elliot...I celebrate your LOVE and wish you joy, happiness ,togetherness, prosperity and health...all the days of your lives.

Wishing everyone a glorious, love-filled day!

Namaste!

I hit the wall running...

Yes...I was doing great until I hit the wall running and was stopped cold. I've been dusting myself off and trying to find my legs again. More on that later.

I succeeded with the fast for 3 days and then had a spinach quesadilla and hated myself for a week, maybe longer. Still beating myself up about it but I'll try again and maybe succeed for the full 10-days next time. I should NEVER have left the relative safety of my own space. I drove to my daughter's (26 miles) and it was 26 miles of unending restaurants of every kind and billboards of food of every kind. Earlier in the day, I had gone to my painting group and I skipped the lunch afterwards even though they were going to my FAVORITE Mexican restaurant. I came home and drank my lemonade like a good girl. Yet that Mexican food was floating around in my brain, taunting me and I had almost made it to my daughters house but at the last turn, there it was, like a beacon of light in the dark night...a brand new Mexican restaurant flashing NOW OPEN. My car turned of it's own violition and next thing I knew, I was sitting in a booth at a table with a multi-colored tablecloth in front of a basket of chips and a bowl of salsa and my mouth was saying "spinach quesadilla" please. Someone else within me (the "naughty" girl) just took over and the FASTer (the "good" girl) in me went someplace else. Such is my life. I try and I try and I try.

Today is Thursday and my son, his wife and my two grandchildren are arriving from Denver to be a part of the wedding. Tomorrow we all head north to Blue Ridge where we'll staying in one of the town's new hotels. It is a rare occasion because ALL of my children and grandchildren will be together in one place because of "THE WEDDING." I could write for an hour or two about THE WEDDING but I've much to do today around THE WEDDING so I'll keep it short. It will be a beautiful, outdoor wedding and I'll post pictures later. The wedding is coming AFTER the baby carriage but what else is new these days? He'll be in the wedding instead of the gleam in his Dad's eye at the wedding! :-)

For me, the ONLY dark spot in all of this and it may yet turn out to be a silver lining is having to see someone I could live the rest of my life and be completely happy never to see again. Yet see them I must and I will and then it will be a memory and I will hopefully never have to see them again. I started to say there are not many people in my life I don't wish to see again but the truth is that there is only ONE person in my life I have a desire to never see again and it is the person I'll come face-to-face with on Friday night at the Rehearsal Dinner. There's no getting around it and believe me, I've tried and tried to think of a way to avoid seeing them but it's not happening. So, this is my greatest challenge, my "opportunity for growth", my worst nightmare...whatever...we'll see. It's got my stomach in an uproar, I can tell you, and it's making me sweat when I think about it. I "pep talk" myself with the old "there is nothing to fear but fear itself" and "what's the worst thing that could happen" and then "what's the best thing that could happen?" Yet, I come up with a complete and total blank and I can't answer even one of those questions. I'm the answers lady and I can't find an answer for my own dilemma. I can't pep talk my own self to the other side of this one and it is making me me crazy. So, what to do? What to do?

I'm going to put it out of my mind for now. I've got a lot to do today so I'm going to make my list and stay focused on what I need to do and not let this "other" pull me off focus. It's like walking headfirst into a wind tunnel....I'll just keep my head tucked down and keep moving my feet, one step at a time and I'll get to the end of this tunnel and walk out into a beautiful day of sunshine, brightly colored flowers and birds singing. I am focusing on watching my grandchildren on Saturday, scattering rose petals, doing cute grandchildren things that make us all smile...watching my daughter in her beautiful dress walk down the aisle towards her handsome fiancee and her future...oh geez, I'm getting the lump in my throat and misty eyes just thinking about it. I'm not going to let the "other" get my day...it's a beautiful, sacred moment and I am going to float into that moment and just enjoy the moment of LOVE and FAMILY and let the "other" take care of itself in the way that is best for all concerned. If it weren't for that "other" NONE of this would be happening and life would be so different so I will focus on that and be grateful. Yes, that's what I'm going to do. I'm sure it's going to be fine. I have so much to be grateful for and that's where I choose to put my focus.

Now...up and at 'em! There's a wedding happening in two days and my beautiful little Sabra and Timothy are probably at the airport in Denver already getting on the plane with their Mommy and Daddy to come and visit and have some fun with the family! It's all good!

I'll write more AFTER the wedding. I'm leaving my computer at home for the next few days and won't even be checking (gasp) e-mail until Monday morning. So, have a great weekend and I'll let you know how it all goes (even the "other" experience).

Namaste!

Master Cleanse - Day 3 - Morning

Happy April 1st! April's showers bring May flowers and sure enough it's raining! Love it.

I woke up around 5:00am and did my "salt water flush" and then started on my morning meditations and learned exactly what I need as I go through my day today. Once that salt water flush started kicking in it was up and down so I've already had some exercise this morning. If you do this flush, be aware that you really need (1)to be close to a bathroom, very close and (2)buy extra soft tissue because you'll be using a lot of it. Those are two important facts that Stanley Burroughs forgot to mention in his book!

In about 15 minutes I leave to go paint with the ladies and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm definitely taking my easel today after my little back experience last week. I'm working with red, orange and yellow today. That's "hold on to my hat" painting although I don't have to wear a hat today because my hair looks and feels great! The painting is dying to get out of me and I keep seeing it in my head so I know exactly what it wants to be so I need to just let it flow out onto the canvas.

Wedding update: I've got some invitations out for the Bridal Shower which is after the christening on Saturday the 11st. I'm going to Loganville tonight to meet with the kids (since they didn't come here last night as I had hoped) so I can tie them down on some details and I can feel it's "all in order." It's just an illusion anyhow...order, that is but from all of the craziness will come a beautiful event. Staying in touch with the in-laws via e-mail and hoping for a beautiful experience for all involved!

Off and running now. It IS a great day to be alive, all is well in my world and I am expecting a miracle today. Sending love and light to YOU and a reminder to be on the lookout for your own miracles!

Much love...

Namaste!