Art on the Lawn Art Show
Just a little note to tell you I'm having an Art on the Lawn Art Show June 30th from 9 am - 4 pm. Everyone is welcome and it's FREE!
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Exploits of a Would-Be Cake Decorator
Last November I gave my daughter a cake decorating class for her birthday. For six months we have been eagerly waiting to learn the magic of turning an ordinary cake into a scrumpdili-icious mouthwatering masterpiece of gourmet art. On Wednesday night we finally got our chance.
I thought it was going to be an easy class. The kind where we basically squeeze icing through pre-made tips to form flowers, letters, dots and squiggles. Then voila! Everyone is oohing and ahhing at our beautifully crafted decadent delights as we blush and say, "Shucks, it was nothing."
Yeah, well that sure didn't happen.
THIS HAPPENED . . .
That's my homework. The cake I'm supposed to take to class next week to decorate with pretty pink rose buds and dainty green foliage. NOT.
I even treated myself to the expensive 8" x 3" round Wilton cake pan so that my cake would turn out perfect, just like my teacher's. I've been baking cakes for neigh on 45 years and this one was straight from the Betty Crocker box. So what happened?
I'll tell you what happened. This cake reflects my creative state of being at the moment - ALL OVER THE PLACE. There's just no hiding the truth, especially when it's flopped on a plate staring back at me.
So I decided to eat it for dinner, bake another one for class and use this crumbly mess as a message. Yep, time to make some clear goals with an action plan to back them up.
Stay tuned for part 2 of The Exploits of a Would-Be Cake Decorator - layering with filling. It already sounds like a lick-it-off-the-body-and-floor yummy catastrophe waiting to happen. I'm in!!!
I thought it was going to be an easy class. The kind where we basically squeeze icing through pre-made tips to form flowers, letters, dots and squiggles. Then voila! Everyone is oohing and ahhing at our beautifully crafted decadent delights as we blush and say, "Shucks, it was nothing."
Yeah, well that sure didn't happen.
THIS HAPPENED . . .
That's my homework. The cake I'm supposed to take to class next week to decorate with pretty pink rose buds and dainty green foliage. NOT.
I even treated myself to the expensive 8" x 3" round Wilton cake pan so that my cake would turn out perfect, just like my teacher's. I've been baking cakes for neigh on 45 years and this one was straight from the Betty Crocker box. So what happened?
I'll tell you what happened. This cake reflects my creative state of being at the moment - ALL OVER THE PLACE. There's just no hiding the truth, especially when it's flopped on a plate staring back at me.
So I decided to eat it for dinner, bake another one for class and use this crumbly mess as a message. Yep, time to make some clear goals with an action plan to back them up.
Stay tuned for part 2 of The Exploits of a Would-Be Cake Decorator - layering with filling. It already sounds like a lick-it-off-the-body-and-floor yummy catastrophe waiting to happen. I'm in!!!
Hearts in Harmony
Valentine’s Day brings stress. Regardless of our relationships status, on February 14th every year our biological chemistry moves into the danger zone. Why? Because it’s one day of the year that is all about love . . . . and loneliness. Relationships and loneliness cause people intense anguish and mental suffering.
Forget about the hearts, candies, cards and flowers. Those are just minor commercial irritations - or delectable surprises. The deeper sore spot is that we're not really happy. Valentine’s Day reminds us that something is still missing in our lives that we thought would have been fulfilled at this stage of the game – boundless, blissful, endless love and happiness.
I don’t need to point out that the material wealth you’ve amassed has nothing to do with your happiness. Nor does your fame, social status, business clout or honorary awards. You already know this. And it’s not about finding that wonderful person to be with in relationship. Single people believe their loneliness will miraculously turn into bliss when the right person enters their lives. And married people think that if they had a different partner or could "fix" the partner they have, then all their problems would disappear.
Happiness has nothing to do with which side of the relationship fence we’re on. Single, married, separated or divorced, happiness is about you, not him, her, them or me. Valentine’s Day is just an uncomfortable and sometimes painful reminder that we want to love and be loved so badly. We want that black hole void inside to be filled with sunshine and white light. I've been there, I know how much the emptiness hurts.
This aching inside a message. It's our deepest yearning to be in harmonious relationship with all of life. It’s a good thing, sort of. The pain, also known as apathy, malcontent and fear, is telling us to keep reaching. We think we are reaching for partnership, happiness and even good health, but what we are really seeking is inner peace.
In a state of inner peace we have no desires, no yearning and no emotional, mental or psychological pain. Even physical pain has no significance. Inner peace is the state of being where magic happens. We’ve all been there at least once in our lives. We've all experienced a miracle. Inner peace is the place where we stop seeking love (we stop seeking anything) and recognize that we are love and have so much to give the world.
So this year don’t beat yourself up because you don’t have a partner or you want to exchange the one you do have for a better, newer model. And don’t make Valentine’s Day the scapegoat for your discontent in love, life and relationships. Instead, ask yourself, “How do I achieve inner peace?" This is the question that will move your mountains.
Forget about the hearts, candies, cards and flowers. Those are just minor commercial irritations - or delectable surprises. The deeper sore spot is that we're not really happy. Valentine’s Day reminds us that something is still missing in our lives that we thought would have been fulfilled at this stage of the game – boundless, blissful, endless love and happiness.
I don’t need to point out that the material wealth you’ve amassed has nothing to do with your happiness. Nor does your fame, social status, business clout or honorary awards. You already know this. And it’s not about finding that wonderful person to be with in relationship. Single people believe their loneliness will miraculously turn into bliss when the right person enters their lives. And married people think that if they had a different partner or could "fix" the partner they have, then all their problems would disappear.
Happiness has nothing to do with which side of the relationship fence we’re on. Single, married, separated or divorced, happiness is about you, not him, her, them or me. Valentine’s Day is just an uncomfortable and sometimes painful reminder that we want to love and be loved so badly. We want that black hole void inside to be filled with sunshine and white light. I've been there, I know how much the emptiness hurts.
This aching inside a message. It's our deepest yearning to be in harmonious relationship with all of life. It’s a good thing, sort of. The pain, also known as apathy, malcontent and fear, is telling us to keep reaching. We think we are reaching for partnership, happiness and even good health, but what we are really seeking is inner peace.
In a state of inner peace we have no desires, no yearning and no emotional, mental or psychological pain. Even physical pain has no significance. Inner peace is the state of being where magic happens. We’ve all been there at least once in our lives. We've all experienced a miracle. Inner peace is the place where we stop seeking love (we stop seeking anything) and recognize that we are love and have so much to give the world.
So this year don’t beat yourself up because you don’t have a partner or you want to exchange the one you do have for a better, newer model. And don’t make Valentine’s Day the scapegoat for your discontent in love, life and relationships. Instead, ask yourself, “How do I achieve inner peace?" This is the question that will move your mountains.
Art Makes YOU Beautiful: I know the secret....
A painting REFLECTS YOU and your energy.
How does this make YOU beautiful?
Simple. Every time you look at a painting you see an aspect of yourself. If you choose art that was created by a person with a beautiful spirit, her energy is embedded in the paints she uses, the canvas, the image and even the sweep of the brush. The painting that is born of her deep inner beauty radiates that energy into your home and seeps into your spirit. This allows you to connect to the Higher Source Inner Beauty from which all heart-centered artists channel and create, and thus raise your own vibrational level. And as you know, outer beauty is merely a physical display of the beautiful Being you are inside. We don't always show this side of ourselves to others because of the walls we put up to counter the conflict and chaos we meet with every day of our lives in the outside world.
You can enhance your external beauty merely by being surrounded in beautiful artwork.
Art Uplifts your Spirit, Feeds your Soul and Magnifies your Natural Beauty while Adorning your Walls.
Anything else you need to know can be found here:
Abbey of the Glen
She's a mystical earth spirit who makes her home in the meadows of our imaginations and the hearts of our yearning. The woman with ethereal beauty and a practical mind - Faerie Tale marries Mother Earth.
She leaves a dash of magic everywhere she goes and lights up the forest of confusion, doubt and darkness with the love that genuinely radiates from her heart. She lives inside each and everyone of us.
What message is she bringing you today?
Independence
Yesterday I was quite impressed by what the Trump family had to say on the Oprah show. Impressed by the clear evidence that they are truly a family. A family that loves, honors, respects and enjoys being with each other.
The kids were all happy, healthy and flourishing. Each of them exhibited a strong sense of independence and the desire to live their best life while giving back to the world in their own unique way. And they all expressed a sense of appreciation for what they have and they didn't take it for granted.
Sure, it's easy to justify a wealthy family's mind/body/spirit abundance by saying, "Anyone can be happy and healthy when they are born into money." But that's not necessarily true. There are plenty of people who have been handed everything on a material plane, and yet can't pull it together mentally, emotionally or spiritually. Wealth comes with its own set of personal challenges for individuals and families just as does poverty. If you need an example, compare any of the Trump offspring's level of gratitude and self-actualization to that of Paris Hilton.
An unfathomable number of teens today believe that happiness comes from being independent. They believe independence comes from disconnecting from family, disrespecting their parents in an effort to look grown-up and "cool" to their peers and alienating siblings in order to be the only shining star in the family who attracts all the attention - positive or negative.
Yet, if our youth today were truly as smart as they think they are they would realize that independence isn't something found "out there," wherever "there" is. It's not "found" in London, L.A. or New York. You don't suddenly have "it" when you get a university degree, your own car, an apartment or a job that pays your rent. And it certainly doesn't come from a need to prove yourself. That's called bondage.
Independence comes from a sense of self that is gained through strong family values. CONNECTION not disconnection, alienation or abandonment. Independence is a sense of peace within and an acceptance of everyone. It's not about proving to yourself or others that you can make it on your own. Total independence separate from all others is a falacy anyway. We are all inter-dependent, relying on each other and the universe to provide us with the basics of air, sun, food and shelter, fuel for heat and transportation, technology for instant communication and so much more. We also inter-depend on each other for friendship, support and help in times of need.
The reason the Trump offspring have such a strong sense of Self is because they were raised with solid work ethics, respect for their parents and healthy family values. I didn't hear any cries of victimization from the Trump kids on Oprah yesterday and they've had just as much or more drama in their lives as teens who were raised in "normal" families.
I'm not saying Donald and his gang don't have flaws. And yes, they presented their best selves to the millions of viewers who were watching. But here's the thing. It worked! The Trumps showed families around the world how to be a family.
Our truly wise teens who can expand their world view and step INTO a sense of honest connectedness with mom, dad, sister and brother will be the first ones to gain that real sense of independence they are so desperately seeking. It's not about running away; it's about coming home. Coming home to your Self. No matter how far you travel or how wide you search, true independence is only found in the spirit of community, which is really just an expanded view of family. And family is just an expanded view of Self.
So when it comes right down to it independence isn't about going it alone; it's about thriving in harmony with others.
The kids were all happy, healthy and flourishing. Each of them exhibited a strong sense of independence and the desire to live their best life while giving back to the world in their own unique way. And they all expressed a sense of appreciation for what they have and they didn't take it for granted.
Sure, it's easy to justify a wealthy family's mind/body/spirit abundance by saying, "Anyone can be happy and healthy when they are born into money." But that's not necessarily true. There are plenty of people who have been handed everything on a material plane, and yet can't pull it together mentally, emotionally or spiritually. Wealth comes with its own set of personal challenges for individuals and families just as does poverty. If you need an example, compare any of the Trump offspring's level of gratitude and self-actualization to that of Paris Hilton.
An unfathomable number of teens today believe that happiness comes from being independent. They believe independence comes from disconnecting from family, disrespecting their parents in an effort to look grown-up and "cool" to their peers and alienating siblings in order to be the only shining star in the family who attracts all the attention - positive or negative.
Yet, if our youth today were truly as smart as they think they are they would realize that independence isn't something found "out there," wherever "there" is. It's not "found" in London, L.A. or New York. You don't suddenly have "it" when you get a university degree, your own car, an apartment or a job that pays your rent. And it certainly doesn't come from a need to prove yourself. That's called bondage.
Independence comes from a sense of self that is gained through strong family values. CONNECTION not disconnection, alienation or abandonment. Independence is a sense of peace within and an acceptance of everyone. It's not about proving to yourself or others that you can make it on your own. Total independence separate from all others is a falacy anyway. We are all inter-dependent, relying on each other and the universe to provide us with the basics of air, sun, food and shelter, fuel for heat and transportation, technology for instant communication and so much more. We also inter-depend on each other for friendship, support and help in times of need.
The reason the Trump offspring have such a strong sense of Self is because they were raised with solid work ethics, respect for their parents and healthy family values. I didn't hear any cries of victimization from the Trump kids on Oprah yesterday and they've had just as much or more drama in their lives as teens who were raised in "normal" families.
I'm not saying Donald and his gang don't have flaws. And yes, they presented their best selves to the millions of viewers who were watching. But here's the thing. It worked! The Trumps showed families around the world how to be a family.
Our truly wise teens who can expand their world view and step INTO a sense of honest connectedness with mom, dad, sister and brother will be the first ones to gain that real sense of independence they are so desperately seeking. It's not about running away; it's about coming home. Coming home to your Self. No matter how far you travel or how wide you search, true independence is only found in the spirit of community, which is really just an expanded view of family. And family is just an expanded view of Self.
So when it comes right down to it independence isn't about going it alone; it's about thriving in harmony with others.
Worthy Priciples to Live By:
Principle #3: Before you say anything to anyone, ask yourself;
1. Is it true?
2. Is it kind?
3. Is it necessary?
So much time and life essence is spent in drama. What's it all for? Do people think their lives are less exciting without self-created drama? Is it a way of trying to "feel" again after becomming deadened from too much sensual stimulation, violence on tv, abrasive music, profane language and life outside our heart centers?
It takes discipline to quiet our need for external stimulation. But without reaching deep inside and connecting to the peace within, we are forever being thrown this way and that on the emotional roller coaster where someone else is pushing all the happy-sad buttons.
Cell phones are a great thing, but next time before you text, decide what unspoken need you are trying to satisfy. Then ask yourself if what you are writing is true, kind or necessary. Will it create a lot of energy-wasting drama instead of the love, deep peace and inner joy you may truly be seeking? If so, this is the point where your decision to choose another action or non-action could be life-changing for you and everyone you involve in your dramas. Give yourself a health boost and send a prayer, blessing or invisible hug to someone instead of that next text.
1. Is it true?
2. Is it kind?
3. Is it necessary?
So much time and life essence is spent in drama. What's it all for? Do people think their lives are less exciting without self-created drama? Is it a way of trying to "feel" again after becomming deadened from too much sensual stimulation, violence on tv, abrasive music, profane language and life outside our heart centers?
It takes discipline to quiet our need for external stimulation. But without reaching deep inside and connecting to the peace within, we are forever being thrown this way and that on the emotional roller coaster where someone else is pushing all the happy-sad buttons.
Cell phones are a great thing, but next time before you text, decide what unspoken need you are trying to satisfy. Then ask yourself if what you are writing is true, kind or necessary. Will it create a lot of energy-wasting drama instead of the love, deep peace and inner joy you may truly be seeking? If so, this is the point where your decision to choose another action or non-action could be life-changing for you and everyone you involve in your dramas. Give yourself a health boost and send a prayer, blessing or invisible hug to someone instead of that next text.
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