Day 333 - Diversity_2

"If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can make the world safe for diversity. For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal."

John F. Kennedy
Address at American University, Washington D.C. (June 10, 1963)

Day 332 - Diversity

I am working on a series of posters for Black History Month at my school. Here is the first one - a series of about 6.

Day 331 - Right

Do The Next Right Thing

"Do the next right thing" is a great tool for moving past and through difficult situations.

When overwhelmed with life choices, thinking about doing the next right thing, may be the best, first step you can take.

Day 330 - Favorite

A favorite childhood song:

Over the River and
Through the Woods

Over the river and thru the wood,
To grandfather's house we go;
The horse knows the way
To carry the sleigh,
Thru the white and drifted snow, oh!
Over the river and thru the wood,
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes,
And bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.

Over the river and thru the wood,
To have a first-rate play;
Oh, hear the bell ring,
"Ting-a-ling-ling!"
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day-ay!
Over the river and thru the wood,
Trot fast my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground,
Like a hunting hound!
For this is Thanksgiving Day.

Day 329 - Thanksgiving

I wish everyone could have experienced the type of Thanksgiving my family had in the past. It was a series of moments in time that I will hold tight for the rest of my life. After the passing of my husband, things drastically changed, but one thing that didn't was my family and their ability to love my son and me. This year we are celebrating a small Thanksgiving with my sister and her family, my son and his girlfriend. I have no idea why I feel the old anticipation of those former holidays when everyone in my family was present. I suppose I am now extremely grateful for small things and even the smallest things can be the most important to me. My son is one of the funniest people in the world (to me) and his treatment of the holidays (always positive and fun) will make this a good three days "over the river and through the woods". Let's see how the food turns out.

Day 328 - Grateful

From Cheryl Richardson:

This week, set aside at least 30 minutes to think about the ways in which you've changed. How do you approach life differently - in a way that honors you and your relationships? What kind of commitment have you made to your own personal evolution? What behaviors have you let go of and what new habits have you developed to keep your self-care in check? Be grateful for these inner gifts - they are the fuel that will sustain you and carry you through your amazing life.

Day 327 - First

First Thanksgiving

Venison for stew and roasting,
Oysters in the ashes toasting,

Geese done to a turn,
Berries (dried) and

wild grapes (seeded)
Mixed with dough and gently kneaded~

What a feast to earn! Indian corn in strange disguises,
Ash cakes, hoe cakes (many sizes),

Kernels roasted brown...

After months of frugal living
What a welcome first Thanksgiving

There in Plymouth town.

~By Aileen Fisher

Day 326 - Broken

Would you want to work with the completely broken and impossible to fix person? I would.

Day 325 - Average

I was at a seminar today about the Business of Art which I will be teaching my students next semester. One quote the speaker said was this:

"You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with."

I thought about this and realized I just might be a compilation of my student's energy, creativity and enthusiasm. That's a good place to be.

Day 324 - Stop_Start

Something I read last night from Cheryl Richardson said...

Stop all criticism toward yourself and others. Just stop it.

Stop scaring yourself. The moment you realize that you're thinking thoughts that are making you feel anxious or afraid, switch your focus to something positive and be kind to yourself - always.

Start to notice what's great about you, what you do well, or how wonderful you are, and make a point of acknowledging yourself and these strengths on a regular basis.

Support yourself and your healing. Ask someone you trust to join you in making positive changes. Commit to specific actions every week and then hold each other accountable.

Fuel your body with healthy food and with exercise that you enjoy.

Good ideas for healthy living.

Day 323 - Blake

One of my favorite illustrators is William Blake. His "Songs of Innocence and Experience" are genius and his views of Heaven and Hell controversial. I find him fascinating.

The Lamb

Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Gave thee life, & bid thee feed
By the stream & o'er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing, wooly, bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice?
Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Little Lamb, I'll tell thee,
Little Lamb, I'll tell thee,
He is called by thy name,
For he calls himself a Lamb.
He is meek, & he is mild;
He became a little child.
I a child, & thou a lamb,
We are called by his name.
Little Lamb, God bless thee!
Little Lamb, God bless thee!

The Tyger

Tyger! Tyger! burning bright,
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?
In what distant deeps or skies
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand dare sieze the fire?
And what shoulder, & what art,
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand? & what dread feet?
What the hammer? what the chain?
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? what dread grasp
Dare its deadly terrors clasp?
When the stars threw down their spears,
And water'd heaven with their tears,
Did he smile his work to see?
Did he who made the Lamb make thee?
Tyger! Tyger! burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

Day 322 - Still

My niece

From Oprah...What I Know for Sure:
"It's up to each of us to get very still and say, 'This is who I am.' No one else defines your life. Only you do."

Day 321 - Thoughts

Good thoughts create good feelings and regardless of what happens in your life. From Cheryl Richardson

Day 320 - Buddy

This painting is dedicated to my niece's faithful dog Buddy who passed on Friday. He was a family enigma and a best friend to all he encountered. My niece said it best:

"I truly believe that God gives us our pets in order to show us His character. Buddy's love was unconditional, unwavering, and by far abounding in loyalty. Our pet's lives are short as a reminder to us that our hearts are set for eternity."

I love my own puppy with an enduring love and am grateful for each day he is still here. No death is easy to face, but it is inevitable. Coming to terms with your faith and how you choose to live your life is the best way to honor those we lose.

Goodbye Buddy. I for one believe God will give us our pets in heaven (what makes us happy), so see you then.

Day 319 - Dad

Happy Birthday Dad. November 14, 1915. Miss you and Mom so much.

Day 318 - Psalm

I will be embarking on a new project in December when this blog is almost complete - The Psalm 23 Project. I will be exploring Psalm 23 for almost a year in art, writing, a web site, flash movies and through a blog. There ish healing through the Psalms, especially in the 23rd. It has provided comfort for those suffering and in pain and I want to find new ways to visually interpret the words of David.

I look forward to the new venture, but there are still days to illustrate here.

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord" (Psalm 40:1-3)

Day 217 - Glee

So I watch Monday's episode of Glee ("Never Been Kissed") on Hulu tonight (such is the life of one without cable) and thoroughly enjoyed it. The message I got out of it was don't say anything derogatory about someone's looks, faith, gender, beliefs, race or abilities even if you think they will never know you said it. Keep your words and thoughts positive and uplifting. TRY to understand another person even if you don't agree with them. Live your faith. It is difficult to do at times because we can get caught up in gossip, rumor and just plain frustration (have you ever driven on Jersey highways during rush hour?).

I hope to put this message into action into my own life. I am pretty good about negativity, but want to hit some home runs on this one.

Artwork to follow.

Day 316 - Countdown

Working on my Christmas Cards.
There are only 49 days left to paint, create and meditate on the past year. I am amazed at what has transpired. Life is good right now in spite of difficulties. I read a great verse this morning...<< Jeremiah 29:11 >>

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

That pretty much sums up my thoughts today.

Day 315 - Opportunity

Assess what you would like to change and turn your frustration into an opportunity for growth. Read this quote in a magazine today and loved it.

Day 314 - Complicated

Worked all day on a web site that was so complex I'm spinning. At least I will be able to teach all this good stuff next semester. Tomorrow more...

Day 313 - Simple

In this time of unemployment, money issues, and economic dreariness, there are simple things we can do to make life more enjoyable and a little brighter.

Here is a list of a few things I thought of:

Creativity just for fun
Cooking a simple, but filling and delicious meal
An afternoon nap
A glass of wine with a friend to catch up
A coffee date
Scrapbooking
Reading a magazine all the way through and not feeling guilty
A TV show or movie just for pure entertainment value
A workout video that is just fun to do
A visit to The Library
Reading an art book just for the pictures
A pedicure
Chocolate
Snuggling
Walking the dog leisurely

I think life can improve greatly if we give ourselves permission to do one small thing each day that brings us joy.

Day 312 - Difficult

Work-wise, a very good day. Personally, very difficult. Thank goodness, "after all... tomorrow is another day."

Day 311 - Twenty

The Top 20 Things Oprah Knows for Sure


Oprah's What She Knows for Sure all-time top 20:

1. What you put out comes back all the time, no matter what. (This is my creed.)

2. You define your own life. Don't let other people write your script.

3. Whatever someone did to you in the past has no power over the present. Only you give it power.

4. When people show you who they are, believe them the first time. (A lesson from Maya Angelou.)

5. Worrying is wasted time. Use the same energy for doing something about whatever worries you.

6. What you believe has more power than what you dream or wish or hope for. You become what you believe.

7. If the only prayer you ever say is thank you, that will be enough. (From the German theologian and humanist Meister Eckhart.)

8. The happiness you feel is in direct proportion to the love you give.

9. Failure is a signpost to turn you in another direction.

10. If you make a choice that goes against what everyone else thinks, the world will not fall apart.

11. Trust your instincts. Intuition doesn't lie.

12. Love yourself and then learn to extend that love to others in every encounter.

13. Let passion drive your profession.

14. Find a way to get paid for doing what you love. Then every paycheck will be a bonus.

15. Love doesn't hurt. It feels really good.

16. Every day brings a chance to start over.

17. Being a mother is the hardest job on earth. Women everywhere must declare it so.

18. Doubt means don't. Don't move. Don't answer. Don't rush forward.

19. When you don't know what to do, get still. The answer will come.

20. "Trouble don't last always." (A line from a Negro spiritual, which calls to mind another favorite: This, too, shall pass.)

Day 310 - Perseverance

"Once you decide what you want, you make a commitment to that decision."

"Trust in this: You'll handle whatever shake-up the next moment brings when you get to it."

"Whatever your goal for this year, you can get there—if you're willing to do the work."

"Use what you have to run toward your best—that's how I now live my life."

Day 309 - Aging

We watched Benjamin Button again tonight (the first time for Greg, the third time for me). I just love the movie, especially the story. It is one of redemption because of aging. Even though I've cried each time I saw the end, I still find it a hopeful story of love and seeing through the barriers of growing old. Just beautiful.

Day 308 - Twice

Beets are coming!
In Oprah's column "What I know for sure", she talks about treasures to be enjoyed. She said to ask yourself to think twice before buying anything. "How will it fit in with what I already have and am I just caught up in the moment?" "Can it be of real use to me or is it something beautiful just to have?" For someone like Oprah with unlimited funds, this may not be an issue, but her wisdom is sound. Think twice before making unnecessary purchases - life is so much more than stuff.