Saturday, January 29, 2011
You were there
You opened my heart and let out the secrets inside. You exposed my fears and doubts so I could emerge from their grip. You wrapped me in your arms and filled me with comfort and strength. You were there when I needed you to open my world.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Take the floor
The music awaits. Luring the soul into a subtle sway. Seeping in and enveloping, beckoning movement. The muscles flex and tighten, the blood warms both cell and sinew. The motion takes over and the mind submits. Lightness and power, impact and grace. Flushed and electrified, a spirit given over to the dance. Skin tingles as the heart pounds, pushing on till the body weakens, deliciously spent at the altar of sound.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Simple pleasures
1. A nice long bubble bath with the music low and candles burning
2. Singing Broadway show tunes and power ballads while cruising down the highway
3. Going to the movies for a sappy chick flick with a big box of popcorn
4. Pillow fights and tickle fests
5. Blowing bubbles
6. Puppy kisses when I walk in the door
7. Fluffy towels fresh out of the dryer
8. Fresh flowers
9. A summer afternoon on my deck with a good book
2. Singing Broadway show tunes and power ballads while cruising down the highway
3. Going to the movies for a sappy chick flick with a big box of popcorn
4. Pillow fights and tickle fests
5. Blowing bubbles
6. Puppy kisses when I walk in the door
7. Fluffy towels fresh out of the dryer
8. Fresh flowers
9. A summer afternoon on my deck with a good book
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Perfectly imperfect
Try as I might to control the tide, the water still splashes on through.
Hoping to check every box on the list, there's still always much more to do.
Measuring myself against an elusive image, I fall far short of the goal.
And though at my best I still stumble and fall, I am loved, I am strong, I am whole.
Hoping to check every box on the list, there's still always much more to do.
Measuring myself against an elusive image, I fall far short of the goal.
And though at my best I still stumble and fall, I am loved, I am strong, I am whole.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Pan pastel demo
Tried out pan pastels at Artist & Display this afternoon. It's such a free medium that it forces you to just go with the flow. Also found some interesting spray watercolors that I'm looking forward to trying.Saturday, January 15, 2011
Ready to bloom
Deep beneath the snowy ground lies a tiny bulb. Held within its papery exterior is a brilliant bloom of hope. Carefullly nurtured, it will follow its destiny to bloom.
Gentle stirrings of growth awaken potential from sleepy complacency. Day by day, delicate green shoots push forward toward the sun, shaking off the constraints of soil and stone.
As the tender bloom begins to emerge, it must face the bluster of harsh winds and the trample of careless passersby. Still, the bloom grows stronger and begins to swell until it's glory can no longer be held within.
On that day, all the beauty that has been growing inside will burst open and reveal itself to the world. And as God had planned, the flower will boldly take its place in the garden - brilliant and lovely with petals gracefully outstretched to the sky.
Gentle stirrings of growth awaken potential from sleepy complacency. Day by day, delicate green shoots push forward toward the sun, shaking off the constraints of soil and stone.
As the tender bloom begins to emerge, it must face the bluster of harsh winds and the trample of careless passersby. Still, the bloom grows stronger and begins to swell until it's glory can no longer be held within.
On that day, all the beauty that has been growing inside will burst open and reveal itself to the world. And as God had planned, the flower will boldly take its place in the garden - brilliant and lovely with petals gracefully outstretched to the sky.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
If I had no fear...
1. I would relax and enjoy myself, no matter who I was with
2. I would surround myself with brilliant colors and rich textures that make me feel alive
3. I would always choose fun over to do lists
4. I would flirt shamelessly with the most handsome, sexy and successful man in the room
5. I would travel to fascinating places and drink in the culture
6. I would feel comfortable being anywhere, even if I was alone
7. I would enjoy the most luscious, delectable foods and never think about being on a diet
8. I would always ask for what I really wanted rather than settling for less
9. I would totally enjoy the moment without thinking about the next
10. I would admit to my mistakes and laugh them off
11. I would go ahead and buy the things that truly delighted me
12. I would never question whether I was too old to do something
13. I would never turn down a dare or a challenge
14. I'd totally let go and experience sheer physical pleasure
15. I'd let people know how I genuinely feel about things
16. I'd say no when I want to say no and yes when I want to say yes
17. I'd try anything once
18. I'd always feel sexy and beautiful
19. I'd always play to win
20. I'd share my secret dreams and passions
21. I would start my own business and take my dog to work
22. I would never hesitate to help someone in need
23. I'd be silly and messy and crazy and loud
24. I'd let myself create without worrying about how it turns out
25. I'd encourage others to shine without concern that somehow it might diminish my own light
2. I would surround myself with brilliant colors and rich textures that make me feel alive
3. I would always choose fun over to do lists
4. I would flirt shamelessly with the most handsome, sexy and successful man in the room
5. I would travel to fascinating places and drink in the culture
6. I would feel comfortable being anywhere, even if I was alone
7. I would enjoy the most luscious, delectable foods and never think about being on a diet
8. I would always ask for what I really wanted rather than settling for less
9. I would totally enjoy the moment without thinking about the next
10. I would admit to my mistakes and laugh them off
11. I would go ahead and buy the things that truly delighted me
12. I would never question whether I was too old to do something
13. I would never turn down a dare or a challenge
14. I'd totally let go and experience sheer physical pleasure
15. I'd let people know how I genuinely feel about things
16. I'd say no when I want to say no and yes when I want to say yes
17. I'd try anything once
18. I'd always feel sexy and beautiful
19. I'd always play to win
20. I'd share my secret dreams and passions
21. I would start my own business and take my dog to work
22. I would never hesitate to help someone in need
23. I'd be silly and messy and crazy and loud
24. I'd let myself create without worrying about how it turns out
25. I'd encourage others to shine without concern that somehow it might diminish my own light
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Things that touch my heart
1. The soft pink light in the morning sky at dawn
2. The skitter of sanderlings as they scurry along the shoreline in Texas
3. The look of sheer contentment on Snickers' face when she's curled up asleep next to me
4. Remembering Sean telling me "TJ, there's just no one like you"
5. Ending each phone conversation with my parents by saying "I love you."
6. Having my hair brushed
7. Getting a call from Carol just to see if I'm doing o.k.
8. Singing Silent Night by candlelight at the Christmas eve service with Mom singing harmony next to me
9. The smell in the air after it rains on a hot summer day
10. Gazing at Turtle Lake at dusk when it has become as still as glass
11. Getting photos in the mail with a note from my aunt Pat just because she thought I'd like them
12. Having Sean or Sofia give me one of their beautiful artistic creations
13. Hanging out with the gang at The Dunes and seeing how vibrant and beautiful older people can be
2. The skitter of sanderlings as they scurry along the shoreline in Texas
3. The look of sheer contentment on Snickers' face when she's curled up asleep next to me
4. Remembering Sean telling me "TJ, there's just no one like you"
5. Ending each phone conversation with my parents by saying "I love you."
6. Having my hair brushed
7. Getting a call from Carol just to see if I'm doing o.k.
8. Singing Silent Night by candlelight at the Christmas eve service with Mom singing harmony next to me
9. The smell in the air after it rains on a hot summer day
10. Gazing at Turtle Lake at dusk when it has become as still as glass
11. Getting photos in the mail with a note from my aunt Pat just because she thought I'd like them
12. Having Sean or Sofia give me one of their beautiful artistic creations
13. Hanging out with the gang at The Dunes and seeing how vibrant and beautiful older people can be
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Just for Janie
The story goes that when I was just a little girl, I went to my Aunt Peg's wedding in a red velvet dress and brand new black patent leather shoes. All night long I danced and twirled, constantly looking at those shiny black shoes. Such pure delight. What joy in just being me.That little girl was playful and imaginative. She drew pictures and baked cookies with her mom. She sang out loud and brought red tulips wrapped in newspaper to her teacher. She curled up in a backyard hammock and read books for hours.
Somewhere along the way, Janie grew up and became Jane. Solid, responsible, practical Jane. But in her heart, deep deep down, she knew that Janie must still be there - that joyful spirit with big dreams and the heart of an artist.
Through this blog, I hope to rediscover Janie. By savoring the moment and exploring my creativity, I hope to find that sense of magic and wonder that once was as natural as breathing...to find the sparkle inside that will shine as brightly as those little patent leather shoes.
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