Day 359 - Ski

I am so tired from teaching skiing all day that I am grateful I was able to finish this painting tonight. 6 drawings/paintings to go and Voila! Alles ist getan!

Day 358 - Help

From griefshare.com

I like this post from griefshare.com as it seems to sum up the year I've explored through this journey. My constant prayer during the year was "Oh God, help me."

Here's the post:

"A woman said, 'Where was God when my son was killed during the war?' And a wise, spiritually mature friend said, 'He was where he was when His own Son died on the cross for our sins.' God knows all about your problems. He wants to help you, but in your anger and resentment, and oftentimes hatred, He cannot help you. It is only when you say, 'Oh God, help me,' in a spirit of humility, that He envelops you with His love, forgiveness, and grace."

God knows your deepest fears, hurts, and needs.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Day 357 - Closing

My year of working through the grief over the loss of my husband is almost at a close. I am reflecting much these last days of 2010. The year has ended, for me, on a very high note. My son is happy and doing great things, I received tenure at my job, I have good friends and family by my side, I published a book and a calendar, and I am off to Germany this summer. Wie ist das! As I finish these last paintings, I am already looking forward to the next project, especially now that I will be visiting Auschwitz this summer. I hope to include my trip in my visual project. Much to thing about and plan. 2011 will be an exciting year, no matter what comes my way.

Day 356 - Eve

It's Christmas Eve and I still have so many paintings to finish! At least I'm done with the sled! Merry Christmas!

Day 355 - Struggle

I am trying to finish my blog, Christmas shopping, wrapping, and all the hustle that goes with the holiday season...on top of the flu. I think it's time to maybe just BE.

Day 354 - Journal

Keep an Art Journal

How do you start an art journal? I have several for different uses. I have one for watercolor, one for drawing and one for quick sketching and notes. I record quotes and sketch moments in time. An art journal is a great tool to motivate you to do larger projects because they are simple and not concerned with detail. I even use my journals to set artistic goals.

An art journal allows you to look, see and be inspired. It's about the experience, not the final product.

Day 353 - Tonight

Tonight I am playing catchup! End of semester was quite a bit of work, but today is the first day of winter break and I am relieved but also sick with the flu! I didn't create a painting or drawing today, but a flash movie for my sister who's son was stuck in London due to weather conditions and didn't know if he'd make it home for Christmas. He arrived by a miracle yesterday so this is for him (and my sister's relief!):

janetoneil.com/mike/mike.swf

It has music and takes a bit of time to load.

Day 352 - Finish

I am almost to the finish line and the race is almost complete...but not yet. I still have several paintings to finish and a few to start before December 28, my official starting date one year ago. This journey of painting, drawing and creating has been an incredible experience but is only the beginning. This week, so close to the finish, has been a turning point for me in many ways. I feel energized about my work, professional development and future. It feels good to be close to the end of the marathon.

Day 351 - Home

From Oprah's "What I Know for Sure":
Former World Bank economist Eleni Gabre-Madhin returned to her native Ethiopia in August 2004 with the goal of establishing the Ethiopia Commodity Exchange, which would allow small farmers to more easily buy and sell products and store their surpluses rather than waste them. Gabre-Madhin's vision is that the exchange, which opened in April 2008, will help Ethiopia feed itself.

In 1984–85, the year of the famine that killed nearly a million Ethiopians, I was an undergraduate at Cornell. At dinner one night, other students started throwing food. And suddenly—shocking myself—I got up on a chair and I screamed, "Stop doing this! In my country people are starving!" In that moment, I knew that I owed my country something.

Anywhere the struggle is great, the level of ingenuity and inventiveness is high.

We spend most of our lives cutting down our ambitions because the world has told us to think small. Dreams express what your soul is telling you, so as crazy as your dream might seem—even to you—I don't care: You have to let that out.

Day 350 - Loser

I never watched "The Biggest Loser" before a few weeks ago on Hulu and am captivated by the people and challenges they face. They are incredible inspirations to me and I love the trainers and how they help the contestants. I know it is a reality show, but it is by far the best one I have seen. Lives are transformed and I can't stop applauding.

Day 349 - Snow

Make it Snow by George Wither

So now is come our joyful feast,
Let every man be jolly;
Each room with ivy leaves is dressed,
And every post with holly.
Though some churls at our mirth repine,
Round your foreheads garlands twine,
Drown sorrow in a cup of wine,
And let us all be merry.

Now all our neighbors' chimneys smoke,
And Christmas blocks are burning;
Their ovens they with baked meats choke,
And all their spits are turning.
Without the door let sorrow lie,
And if for cold it hap to die,
We'll bury it in a Christmas pie,
And evermore be merry.

Now every lad is wondrous trim,
And no man minds his labor;
Our lasses have provided them
A bagpipe and a tabor.
Young men and maids, and girls and boys,
Give life to one another's joys;
And you anon shall by their noise
Perceive that they are merry.

Rank misers now do sparing shun,
Their hall of music soundeth;
And dogs thence with whole shoulders run,
So all things aboundeth.
The country-folk themselves advance,
For crowdy-mutton's come out of France;
And Jack shall pipe and Jill shall dance,
And all the town be merry.

Ned Swatch hath fetched his bands from pawn,
And all his best apparel;
Brisk Nell hath bought a ruff of lawn
With droppings of the barrel.
And those that hardly all the year
Had bread to eat or rags to wear,
Will have both clothes and dainty fare,
And all the day be merry.

Now poor men to the justices
With capons make their errands;
And if they hap to fail of these,
They plague them with their warrants.
But now they feed them with good cheer,
And what they want they take in beer,
For Christmas comes but once a year,
And then they shall be merry.

Good farmers in the country nurse
The poor, that else were undone;
Some landlords spend their money worse,
On lust and pride at London.
There the roisters they do play,
Drab and dice their land away,
Which may be ours another day;
And therefore let's be merry.

The client now his suit forbears,
The prisoner's heart is eased;
The debtor drinks away his cares,
And for the time is pleased.
Though others' purses be more fat,
Why should we pine or grieve at that;
Hang sorrow, care will kill a cat,
And therefore let's be merry.

Hark how the wags abroad do call
Each other forth to rambling;
Anon you'll see them in the hall,
For nuts and apples scrambling;
Hark how the roofs with laughter's sound,
Anon they'll think the house goes round;
For they the cellar's depths have found,
And there they will be merry.

The wenches with their wassail-bowls
About the streets are singing;
The boys are come to catch the owls,
The wild mare in is bringing.
Our kitchen boy hath broke his box,
And to the dealing of the ox
Our honest neighbors come by flocks,
And here they will be merry.

Now kings and queens poor sheep-cotes have,
And mate with everybody;
The honest now may play the knave,
And wise men play at noddy.
Some youths will now a mumming go,
Some others play at Rowland-hoe,
And twenty other gameboys moe;
Because they will be merry.

Then wherefore in these merry days
Should we, I pray, be duller?
No, let us sing some roundelays
To make our mirth the fuller.
And whilst we thus inspired sing,
Let all the streets with echoes ring;
Woods, and hills, and everything
Bear witness we are merry.

348 - Skating

Some of my favorite childhood memories are of skating. I can still skate pretty well and hope to do so this winter. The trick is to find a good outdoor pond. Even though there are tennis courts where my beloved pond once was, I still refer to it as Bowden's Pond. I can always go home again in my thoughts.

Day 347 - Simple

Keep Christmas Simple...Ideas from Cheryl Richardson that I really liked

Be an anonymous elf to those who feel forgotten.

Write down the things I would like to let go of (judgment, fear, sadness, etc.) on paper. Rip them up and toss them away.

Holidays are holy days of love, light and hope. Make a point of smiling at everyone you see and send thoughts of good will.

Simplify, simplify, simplify! I cut out EVERY thing that is not necessary. Minimal decorating. Bake only a few kinds of cookies, instead of 10. Say no to things. Suggest a "get together" in January instead of trying to cram everything into December.

In the spirit of Christmas and the New Year, reflect on something new that you would like to bring to light this year.

~*~

Day 346 - Anxious

New Living Translation
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Day 345 - Winter

Favorite poem:
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

by Robert Frost (1923)


Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Day 344 - Camus

In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me lay an invincible summer - Albert Camus

Day 343 - Waiting

It is always difficult to wait for answers, things, experiences.

<< James 1:4 >>

New International Version
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Day 342 - Catchup

I fell behind in my painting and creative work, but this weekend I caught up!

Day 341 - Chickens

I love to draw, look at, collect, and paint chickens. No idea why.

Day 340 - Roots

I love these two quotes. I am fortunate to have come from strong roots.

I want to show how strong I am from my roots.
Edward James Olmos

I wanted to share my life story and honor my roots. I am very proud of my family and mother.
Rocco DiSpirito

Day 339 - Problems

Purposeful Problems - from Cheryl Richardson

"Bad times have a scientific value. These are occasions a good learner would not miss." --Ralph Waldo Emerson

A problem may cause a setback, hurt feelings, enormous amounts of frustration and stress, or feelings that are so overwhelming that it makes the situation appear insurmountable, but in the larger scheme of life, if you handle them right, they rarely cause irreparable damage.

Second, I've learned that where "things" are concerned, I'm better off spending my time and energy on the solution rather than rehashing the specifics of what happened.

Finally, the most important lesson of all has to do with finding the power in the problem - an opportunity for growth.

This week, when faced with a problem, use this simple recipe:

1. Stop! Take a step back and enjoy a deep breath. Remind yourself that your sanity and character are far more important than the situation at hand. Rant and rave if need be, stomp your feet, or vent to someone who cares, but do so for only five minutes. Then, move on to #2...

2. Ask yourself "What needs to happen to straighten this situation out with the least amount of damage to anyone?" If you're not sure of the answer, ask for feedback or ideas from others (even those not involved). Then, stay focused on dealing with the solution rather than the symptoms of the problem. What can you change?

3. Finally, look for the gold. What are you being challenged to learn or practice. Does your current problem require you to use a whole new level of creativity? Are you being given a chance to practice patience? Is there an opportunity for you to care more about people than getting the job done? How is this problem providing you with the perfect opportunity for the evolution of your soul?

Day 338 - Prayer

My brother-in-law is not feeling well, so my day was spent praying for his health, recovery and comfort. The Chhristmas/holiday season is a good time to reflect on what is important.

Day 337 - Kind_2

"Choose being kind over being right and you'll be right every time."
-- Richard Carlson

Day 336 - Kind

GOD'S WORD Translation
"Be kind to each other, sympathetic, forgiving each other as God has forgiven you through Christ."

We need more kindness.

Day 335 - Hurrier

"The Hurrier I Go, the Behinder I Get"

I've heard this saying numerous times throughout my life and if you think about it logically, you should be getting ahead if you are proceeding in a speedy fashion. I think what it really means is that if we hurry through a task, we will create poor results and then we have to redo and redo until we get it right.

Have a plan, make a list, prioritize and do the top two things on your list first and then let go of the rest. Stick to the list and make sure you take your time completing the most important tasks for today. The turtle always seems to win the race in my book.

Day 334 - Diversity_3

“There never were in the world two opinions alike, no more than two hairs or two grains; the most universal quality is diversity”
Michel de Montaigne (French Philosopher and Writer. 1533-1592)

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.)