Finding Miss Paisley

Friday, July 8, 2011

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Fruits of Avoiding Homework

This is a mixed media piece that I have been working on as part of my commitment to 30 days of art....and homework avoidance.

Life Lessons the Beach Taught Me

Life has cycles-low tide and high tide-neither lasts forever.

You have to walk slowly to find the very best shells.

The shells you find are meant just for you.

Sometimes you just have to get in the water, even when it's cold.

When you catch a wave-ride it.

When you think you're in too deep, look for a sand bar.

Sometimes you can't avoid the undertow.

Eventually the sun burns through the clouds.

Sunsets happen every single day.

Sand is part of the deal.

Sandcastles always get washed away, but the fun is in building it anyway.

There is beauty even in the rocky places.

Don't shake your towel downwind from other people.

Inactivity is just as important as productivity.

Joy is easier to find in barefeet.

Simplicity is the way to go-too many toys weigh you down.

Eventually, you have to go inside.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Overlooked Beauty

These photos are of beach sand magnified. They are just a reminder of the beauty we often overlook . Today, I am looking for the tiniest sources of beauty and joy in my surroundings.

Risk

"We have to take risks. We can only truly understand the miracle of life when we let the unexpected manifest itself." ~Paulo Coelho

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Gentleness by samosvoja

There is nothing stronger than gentleness.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Your Declaration of Independence

Today is a celebration of a declaration of independence for my country. There are oh-so many connotations to the words: declaration and independence. But the one that seems the most prevalent is freedom. Freedom from being under someone else’s rules or authority.

But here is the thing: Declarations are merely the first step of the process of freedom.

When a declaration is made, the declarer must stand her ground. She must oppose opposition and distraction to her declaration(s). In order to determine a proper declaration, one {from the heart and} based in conviction {and not mere emotion} consider the following two elements:

1. Make it based upon your own choices.

And not derived from the choices and opinions of others. While it can be tempting to react in the heat of the moment, or to consult with friends for affirmation, be as sure {as you possibility can} that your declaration(s) are based in your own choices and preferences. Especially since in making a declaration, you will determine the necessary actions for the desired outcome.

2. Evaluate the situations and people you allow into your life.

Write your own story. You willfully decide the elements of your story. Vital elements include the way you spend your time and the people you allow in your moments. Who and what is important to you will be reflected in the hours {and angst} of your dailies. Resist default modes of thought and action. Meaning do not allow yourself to become deluded into believing that you are required to include specific people in your life; or that you must endure certain activities in your life “because you have to” … Because is not a reason.