* Do you ever feel like this?

I've been feeling edgy lately.  Out of whack.  Out of balance.  I was very close to an anxiety attack this morning, which I really try and avoid at all costs.  They are such uncomfortable moments to endure.  Have any of you experienced one?  No fun is it! 

My practice, as you probably already know, it to stay in the moment, to work on one thing at a time and to do it mindfully and enjoy.  Well, that seems to have gone down the tubes temporarily.  My 'slinky' is waaaay out of balance.

Issues with the house, meetings with the builder, problemas to sort out, compromises to make, taxes to pay, FM2s to apply for (requires paperwork to assemble, copies to be made) etc. etc. etc.  My mind has also gone on a creative binge - so many ideas - so little time.  Things I want to get done this year.  Changes I want to make.  There are times so many creative ideas exist in my brain at the same time, it feels like someone pushed the blender button and I'm getting a creative smoothie.  Friends are arriving, ... Miss Perfect came out to visit me.  Had to send her from the room.  Sorry Donna, things just won't be perfect when they arrive.  You are still 'under construction'.   Just the normal, little things of life, but all at once.  This morning, I had to take myself in hand.  On the edge of stepping into the anxiety pot hole, I took myself by the hand, sat myself down in my most comfortable chair, and instructed myself to breathe deeply.  Breathe in the light, and breathe out any feelings of anxiety in my body. 

I sat with Julia Cameron's "Prayers to the Great Creator" and allowed the book to fall open of it's own accord to a page which would serve me well.

This was my prayer for this morning.  I wanted to share, because it could not have hit the nail on the head harder had it been planned.  A moment of serindipity, which I often experience.

Wisdom Gives Patience to my Soul

My soul is a patient traveler.  I am grateful for my patient soul.  Despite the temptation to think and act rashly, I root myself in the goodness of Spirit and act with temperance and wisdom.  I treat myself with gentle compassion when I find myself anxious or panicky due to imagined difficulties.  At all times, in all places, I remind myself that Spirit is the source of my security and that when I rest in Spirit I rest in loving companionship.  In times of loneliness, when I feel misunderstood and abandoned, I allow myself to feel the presence of Spirit, guiding and supporting me, holding me safe and secure despite my fears and misgivings.  I bless the path I travel with spiritual safety.

B R E A T H E

ahhhh ... that does feel better!

* Quiet time with Inspiration

Salma over at Imperfect Stepford Chronicles was asking in her blog if we prayed, meditated or had other rituals.  I was telling her about my morning quiet time and what it entailed.  It always includes some reading from my current inspirational book.  Salma thought it might be fun if I would share some of those books with you ... so here goes.  These are some I have read this year, and a couple I have yet to read.

In the past I have pretty much devoured everything Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, Carolyn Myss, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Julia Cameron, Melody Beattie, Sanaya Roman, Echart Tollie, Gary Zukav, Miguel Ruiz, etc. etc. etc. had ever written.  The first book which I considered 'spiritual' was Living with Joy by Sanaya Roman.  I read that book in 1986 and have never looked back.  Over time the reading a book which inspired me in some way has become part of my morning rituals.  A few of years ago, something in me felt like it needed 'more' ... something deeper ... something which would perhaps assist me with deepening into my authentic self.  I found Thomas Moore and Care of the Soul.  I have a couple of books of his I am going to read this year.  Then, a couple of years ago, it changed again, and I wanted to connect with my 'creative spiritual self' ... so I began to choose different books again.

Here are some of the books I have enjoyed very much this year.

Julia Cameron's "Prayers to the Great Creator" is part of my everyday life.  Each morning I simply allow a page to open.  That is my prayer for the day and my inspiration to think about.  I adore this book.

Sorry for the photo.  I snitched if off Amazon - couldn't find my book.  I really like Mike Dooley's writing.  We are on the same page in our thinking and it makes sense to me.  Enjoyed this book from cover to cover.  Putting some of the ideas which suit me into practice.

Another Mike Dooley.  Helped me with some of my more stubborn 'core beliefs' I am working to change.

Not an author I am in love with having read a book or two of hers before.  This one however is about connecting to our creativity.  What we ache for.  Although she's still not a favorite of mine, I did learn from this book.

An interesting read.  Explores the soul through our creativity.  A book I am taking in small bites and savoring it.

An interesting read about calling love into your life.  I chose to make it generic - all kinds of love.  What I learned was to love myself just a little more than I love anyone else.  How to do that.  Still practicing. Also some fabulous approaches to turning challenges into stepping stones to move me forward.  

A delightful book by a young author.  How our thinking is changing.  Wonderful.

Not a book I could ever tackle all at once, I adore picking it up now and then and reading a chapter, a snippit, a couple of pages.  Bob Brezsney is incredibly brilliant.  An off the wall spiritual, inspiring book I adore.

Another book which incorporates all our creative talents in order to build a deeper, fuller, more joyful existence.  Just what I'm working on!

If you are a Carolyn Myss fan, as far as I'm concerned this is one of her best.  It takes you on a journey to the depths and you can clean your castle on the way.  A lot of well worth it work.

On my list to read next.  It's currently sitting together with the next book you will see, waiting to be read.

My other Thomas Moore in waiting.  If you have read "Care of the Soul" and "Dark Nights of the Soul" you will know he writes in depth and it's wonderful.

My current inspiration read.  I'm taking my time and enjoying every word.  Just what I need at the moment.

"A book is a human-powered film projector (complete with feature film) that
advances at a speed fully customized to the viewer's mood or fancy. This rare harmony between object and user arises from the minimal skills required to manipulate a bound sequence of pages. Each piece of paper embodies a
corresponding instant of time which remains frozen until liberated by the
act of turning a page."   ~ John Maeda

* Creative Swaps with Leena

Well, my darlings ... the note cards I made for the swap have arrived safe and sound.  They can be viewed HERE AT CREATIVE SWAPS.  All the cards which Leena is receiving are being posted on this site .. a little write up with each one indicating the persons name.  Just keep scrolling down .. it's wonderful to view all of them.  So many talented people.  There are forty participants in this swap from some very interesting places in the world.  A list of participants is on the right hand side of the blog page.

I've had so much fun doing this ... I'm going to get involved in more.  I adore working with paper and putting pieces together.

Creativity is not and never has been sensible. ~ Julia Cameron

* A Nicho Party

Yesterday, Wendy and I had a Nicho Party.  To my amazement, Wendy arrived at my door with her arms loaded with 'stuff', paints, embellishments, nichos etc.  That wasn't all.  Her announcement was - "I'll be right back ... I've got another load to bring over."  We made a mess in a big hurry.  The kitchen counters were covered, the bed was covered, half the floor was covered .... what can I say ... I NEED my studio!

 

And so we wiled the hours away.  Had lunch ... Wendy brought a salad I had cooked chicken soup.  We drank strong tea and ate cheese and biscuits.  We played and played ... made more of a mess.  

This is Wendy's side of the table.

As you can see, Wendy's side is much neater than mine!

At on point, Wendy looked at me with this happy face and said "It just doesn't get any better than this, does it?"  She says that alot.  Wendy is in love with life and in love with Mexico.

These photos of the Nicho's are not the greatest - it was too dark.  You can get an idea though.

Wendy's Creation

La Luna.  Much better than my first attempts.  Thank you Carolyn, for the lessons in working with alcohol inks.

I am also working on my "Moonbeam Babies".  I just glued the moon on this morning, so can't stand it up to take a photograph.  Just so you get the idea .... here's a very bad photograph.

"There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all.  Without creativity there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns.  ~ Edward de Bono

* Sorpresas

Such a great day in the surprise department.  I do love sorpresas.  I must say, it was one of my better mail days.  Gifts arrived from people near and dear to my heart.

AM, a dear friend of over forty years, sent me a lovely shopping bag.  AM is one of the women I lived with when we were all in London in the 60's.  She from Hobart, Tasmania in the land of Oz.  Hopefully, and there is talk, AM and another one of the Park Road Girls may be arriving on my doorstep within the year.  How exciting!  Haven't seen them for five years.  Thank you my darling AM.  I'll be dropping you an e-mail in the next couple of days.

Can you imagine receiving three presents in one day?  The next one is from Lynnie ... another near and dear to my heart person.  Lynn is my niece and lives in Alberta, Canada.  Beautiful gardening gloves, just in time for the spring planting season, and a gorgeous, very fun watch which comes with it's own little purse.  You too my dear will be receiving a little note soon.  Keep your eyes peeled and thank you.  I love them both!

 

Some time ago, I had send my friend Carolyn in Idaho a little package of Nichos etc. just so she could 'play'.  True to form, I received a beautiful hand made nicho back from her today.  She is a wonderful artist, and honestly, this is the most gorgeous Nicho I have ever seen.  I think she used alcohol inks - however, I have a request out to Carolyn for a lesson.  Thank you C ... sending hugs.  Not actually a very good photo, sun was too bright.  I'll try again later.

"Every gift which is given, even though it be small, is in reality great, if it be given with affection."
     ~ Pindar

Thank you each and every one.  My heart is smiling.

* HELP! I can't stop ....

creating Mail Art.  Ah well, I'm having fun.  Since I have been ill, and just beginning to feel better, I am so very behind with just about everything.  Yesterday, I did laundry, tried to organize my 'stuff' a little, cooked a huge pot of chicken soup from scratch, made fruit compote AND, couldn't help making two more envelopes to stuff with stuff.

 

"When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do."  ~ Walt Disney

* More Mail ...

More mail art .. ready to fly out the door.  I stuffed two more envelopes last night.  Had fun decorating them.  Monday is the day ....   The envelopes are stuffed with hand painted bark bookmarks, paper cuts, a small nicho, a brightly painted tin ornament, day of the dead ephemera, some loteria cards, and various other small delights.  I had so much fun putting them together.  Oh ... also wrote a short letter to each participant.  I love getting a little note with my mail art.  It allows us to get to know a little about each other.

 

"Follow effective action with quiet reflection.  From the quiet reflection will come more effective action."  ~ Peter Drucker

* A Great Mail Day!

Did I tell you I joined a "Make Every Day a Great Mail Day" group?  I did.  I got tired of not receiving anything exciting in the mail.  This group is a list of people who are also creators of some sort, interested in corresponding and swapping 'stuff' for our art.  Sounded like fun to me.  WELL .... I received two comminque's in one day!  How good is that.  Here are the photos.

No. 1

No. 2

Are they not fun?  So now, I have a couple of packages of mail art to return to these two woman, plus, on the weekend I will make a third to send to one other person.  Here's the two envelopes I have done.  They are stuffed full of little goodies for creating art.

No. 1

 

No. 2

"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." ~ Maya Angelou

* Theme for 2011

2011 lies before me.  A clean slate.  Virginal and untouched.  Ready to be written upon.  Ready for creation. Ready for giving. Ready for receiving. Ready for legends to be written.

My theme for 2011.   "With Intention, On Purpose by Inspired Design".  This will be how I conduct my life.  I will be present, aware and live my life in balance.  Seems to be working so far. I intend to develop and call forth potential and projects which have lain dormant inside me because of fear.  No more!   I will live playfully and with joyful anticipation.  As challenges appear before me, I will use them as stepping stones to catapult myself forward. I will take myself by the hand and step further out of my comfort zone.  I will deepen my spirit and learn to love myself even more.  I will continue to quiet my inner critic.  I will live comfortably with contentment.  I will pay attention to the inspiration and passion inside me and use it for the good of all to create beauty around me.  I will expand my world.  I will live focused on what I am creating.  I will dream, and bring my dreams to fruition.  I will love and be loved.  Above all I will live with joy, and have FUN.

Last year, 2010, I chose a word.  Inspired by Patty over at Nomadic Journal.  The word was AUTHENTICITY.  For the most part I have lived up to that word.  Choosing this word has made me very aware and when in any doubt I choose to be who I am, not who others wish me to be.  It's not always popular.   I have learned so much choosing this word.  I am, in the here and now, more authentic than I have ever been. 

I have plans and ambitions this year.  They are seedlings.  Small green shoots trying to make their way to the light.  It would be so easy for them to be stepped on and killed.  As I nurture these ideas, these new little plants, I will let go of my own fear and allow them to grow, I will keep you posted.  Hopefully, there will be much to nurture.  I simply have to let go of the fear to move forward.  Wish me luck.

Last night there were more fireworks.  The loudest bangs were next door.  These are not fireworks which produce wonderful explosions of light ... these are fireworks that sound like cannons are being fired.  Habibi was a wreck even though I prepared him during the day with Doggy Calm.  In my desperation, and while enjoying a little Baileys on ice myself, I had an brilliant idea.  How about a New Year's drink, Habibi?  He looked interested.  I poured a very small amount over an ice cube and offered it to him in this own glass.  He lapped it up and looked for more.  "You're a lush.", I whispered in his ear.  In less than ten minutes he was flaked out beside me.  Calm, cool, collected with a smile of his face from his new experience.  We both had a good nights sleep.

This morning I decorated the envelope in which the Vintage Swap will be sent.  It was fun.  Here's a photo.

“It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, “Always do what you are afraid to do.”~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

I'm going to give it a shot!

* New Years' Day, 2010

Happy New Year everyone!  Yes, it's 2011.  Hard to believe, sometimes it seams surreal.  When I was five or six, I used to sit under the kitchen table contemplating how old I would be in the year 2000.  For whatever reason, I never went beyond that year.  Now ... well ... time flies does it not.

"Angels swooped into mi casa yesterday, against my warnings I may still be contagous.  Arriving from the US the day before, they came bearing gifts of home made soup, two boxes of exquisite black tea and a marble coaster with a crown on it for me.  Chatting for a little while was so comforting.  Oh how lovely people are.  I thank you both.

I did manage to get my third card made for the vintage swap.  Now I'm busy gathering little arty gifts and stuffing them in an envelope for the hostess.  This is such fun.

I didn't ponder anything yesterday.  I didn't write in my journal.  I don't have my Vision Statement for 2011 formed in my head.   I have not completely decided on a word for 2011, although I'm thinking of changing it to a 'theme'.  A lot of coughing occurred in the night again.  A good nights sleep would be such a gift.

Many fireworks in the neighbourhood last night.  The stopped about 3:00 am.  Habibi was better  because I gave him a good dose of the 'Doggy Calm' tincture (all natural).  He curled up under my arm in bed, and after a short time shaking, calmed down considerably and dozed off and on.

I was still awake at 1:30 am when an e-mail flew in from one of my dear friends in Australia.  I decided to give them a call .. so we had a little chat which is always lovely.

Today, I don't have many expectations of myself.  I'm hoping to get some dishes cleared away, and enjoy another bowl of home made soup.  That's it. 

To all of you who are feasting and frolicing out there ... have a wonderful day.  Enjoy the moment.  Here's to all of us and here's to a grand 2011.  May we all have more that we need and all which we long for. 

"Another fresh new year is here . . . Another year to live! To banish worry, doubt, and fear, To love and laugh and give! This bright new year is given me To live each day with zest . . . To daily grow and try to be My highest and my best! I have the opportunity Once more to right some wrongs, To pray for peace, to plant a tree, And sing more joyful songs!"
-- William Arthur Ward