Saturday, December 24, 2011
30 Days Of Gratitude Day 12
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
30 Days Of Gratitude Day 10
I am grateful for serendipitous events that reminds me of what's important.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
30 Days Of Gratitude Day 11
The gratitude I feel today is enormous.
I am so thankful for my family and friends.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
30 Days Of Gratitude Day 6
Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping-stone to greatness.
~ Oprah Winfrey
I don't like roller coasters and as a Taurus, I really like to have my feet planted firm on the ground... however.... life sometimes takes us on little roller coaster rides.... Today I am grateful for the journey of my life and the choices I have made because without those choices I would not have learned what I know today. And what I know today is that we have nothing to fear but fear itself.
~ Oprah Winfrey
I don't like roller coasters and as a Taurus, I really like to have my feet planted firm on the ground... however.... life sometimes takes us on little roller coaster rides.... Today I am grateful for the journey of my life and the choices I have made because without those choices I would not have learned what I know today. And what I know today is that we have nothing to fear but fear itself.
Monday, December 5, 2011
30 Days Of Gratitude Day 4
Today I am grateful for the days that I experience little or no pain.
I think I may have pushed myself a little too hard at the gym yesterday. I woke up this morning, it was cold, rainy, my shoulders, arms and neck hurt. I went back to bed and was thinking about the days months and weeks that used to go by when I worked a the newspaper and not a day went by that I didn't experience that pain. These days, if I wake up feeling that way, I take a hot bath, go back to bed and wait for it to pass and it does. So .... I am thankful that I no longer have that job that was toxic not only to my health but to my soul.
I think I may have pushed myself a little too hard at the gym yesterday. I woke up this morning, it was cold, rainy, my shoulders, arms and neck hurt. I went back to bed and was thinking about the days months and weeks that used to go by when I worked a the newspaper and not a day went by that I didn't experience that pain. These days, if I wake up feeling that way, I take a hot bath, go back to bed and wait for it to pass and it does. So .... I am thankful that I no longer have that job that was toxic not only to my health but to my soul.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
30 Days Of Gratitude Day 5
I am grateful to have the strength to build courage in the face of adversity!
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” - Marianne Williamson.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” - Marianne Williamson.
30 Days Of Gratitude Day 3
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| Carrie, Christian and Andrew |
Day 3 and I thought this would be easy, however, I woke up this morning feeling less than excited about spending Sunday morning alone, drinking coffee. I have to eat before I go to the gym. Yuke! Food in the morning, alone.... bummer. It's Sunday, it's cold dark and rainy. Not a problem if you have someone to stay in bed and cuddle with. I used to look forward to Sundays. I have been rethinking my life lately and these days my priorities have changed. My day revolves around my art and I plan my studio time around the sunshine.... and there isn't any. So let me see... there was nobody to wake up with AND no sunshine. WTF? Okay... no sun... now what?
WaaaLaaaa.... within seconds of deciding I was not even going there in my mind, I got a video text message from Christian, Carrie and Andrew. There is nothing like watching a 4 year old crawl in and out of a life size box that has been converted to a fort to make my day!
So what am I grateful for on this dreary December day? The light of my life. My children and grandchildren. I hear it said often and I will have to agree that my children are my biggest blessing and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't feel grateful for them!
Total Gratitude
that Adriane and Christian
picked me to be their MOM!
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| Chris, Dylan and Adriane on Dylan's 15th Birthday |
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| Sarah, Dylan and Adriane on Dylan's 15th Birthday |
Friday, December 2, 2011
30 Days of Gratitude Day 2
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs;
ask yourself what makes you come alive.
And then go and do that.
Because what the world needs
is people who have come alive.”
~ Howard Thurman
ask yourself what makes you come alive.
And then go and do that.
Because what the world needs
is people who have come alive.”
~ Howard Thurman
30 Days Of Gratitude Day 7
I value compassion, courage and honesty
I am grateful for those in my life that display
Compassion,
Courage
And
Honesty.
30 Days of Gratitude - Day 1
T - Together
E - Everyone
A - Achieves
M - More
I am starting my 30 day of GRATITUDE today and it will end on Dec 31. Yay!
Today I am grateful for all the people on blogs and facebook that spread the love!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
The Sound In Your Mind
I imagine that the geeky Steve Jobs was sitting in his bedroom listening to the same songs in 1969. I saw him the other night on PBS talking about his relationship with Bill Gates, stating that it had been "A Long and Winding Road."
Click on the song title to see the song on YouTube.
The Sound That You Hear In Your Mind
Well I've been feeling a little bad
Cause I've been feeling a little better without you
It's a little like rain but it's a lot like a sunny day
And it's hard to explain but the sound of your name don't make music anymore
It's more of a sound of a love that I lost one day
It's a little too late to start thinking about startin' all over
I'd rather stay where I am I can't take another slam in the mind
I've been feeling a little bad cause I've been feeling a little better without you
But remember my love is the sound that you hear in your mind
I've been running around even laughing at half of the memories
And you're not hard to remember I just have to think of your name
I've been feeling a little bad
Cause I've been feeling a little better without you
But remember my love is the sound that you hear in your mind
Monday, October 31, 2011
Blog Hop - Listen to the Whispers
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| Listen to the Whispers |
I consider Oprah to be one of my most important teachers .... and then I happened onto Kelly Rae Roberts, who delivers the same messages to me in a way I understand even more because it pertained to art. Oprah says to listen to the WHISPERS in your life that come in many different forms. You can listen, pay attention and take action BUT... if you don't pay attention... you will get a THUMP up against your head. And if still you don't pay attention there will be a DISASTER.
On this journey of self-exploration and growth I am now listening to those whispers that are just mine. I have come to realize that I had become accustomed to giving 110% to others while putting myself on the back burner while making myself small.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
~Marianne Williamson
Thank all you ladies who have been flying with me. I have really enjoyed this ride! You know who you are. Well, of course you do... you are all listed below. And for those of you who aren't listed below... click on a few of these links. We are doing a blog hop and these are a group of awesome artists from allllll over the world!
This I know, when you live with an open heart, unexpected, joyful things happen!
Amaranthine Violet http://magic-gypsy.blogspot.com/
Amy Hillenbrand http://amyhillenbrand.blogspot.com
Beatriz Peñas B. http://beatrizbepe.blogspot.com/
Beth Cougler Blom www.sobliss.wordpress.com
Carmen Patti – http://www.carmenpattistudio.com
Carol Bray http://theredpaintedcottage.blogspot.com
Christina Fajardo http://christinafajardo.blogspot.com/
Cindy Jones Lantier -- http://www.lantier.org
Connie Rawlins - www.dabblinginlife.blogspot.com
Dana Brock - http://www.dzynbydana.blogspot.com
Deborah Velásquez-http://deborahvelasquez.blogspot.com
Elissa Brown- http://thefreckledarmy.blogspot.com
Hillary Courson -- http://www.hillarycourson.com
Jacquie Williamson - www.jacquiewilliamson.blogspot.com
Jane Paynting http://inkspiredwings.wordpress.com
Janet Forrest http://tatterednworn.wordpress.com/
Jill Lambert - www.jill-lambert.blogspot.com
Julie Hamilton http://spaark.wordpress.com
Kanchan Mahon - http://Kanchan-Mahon.blogspot.com/
Karen Claverie http://giddyupletsride.blogspot.com
Kari DeSaulnier - http://karidesi.blogspot.com/
Kathleen Conard http://newfromoldcreations.blogspot.com/
Kathleen McKinnon- http://harmonyschoolhouse.com/expressions-blog.html
Kelley Miller www.kelleymillerartworks.blogspot.com
Kelly Corso- http://birdinatreecreations.blogspot.com/
Kelly Hoernig - www.kellyhoernig.blogspot.com
Kim Hyer-http://www.apaperaddict.com/
Kris Lanae Binsfeld - http://cherishdesigns.wordpress.com
Lenore Angela -http://www.lenoreangela.blogspot.com/
Linda Barutha --http://lindabaruthadesigns.blogspot.com
Lisa Michele Products - http://www.lisamicheleproducts.blogspot.com/
Liza Zeni Baker - www.lizazeni.wordpress.com
Lynn Richards--http://alittlebluesky.blogspot.com
Lori Leissner--http://leissnerart.blogspot.com
Lori Moon -- http://lorimoonstudio.blogspot.com
Mary Sterk - http://justmarydesigns.wordpress.com
Megan Schmitt www.schmittenwithwords.blogspot.com
Melanie Douthit www.douthitgallery.blogspot.com
Michelle Dwyer http://www.magnetisedbylife.com/
Michelle Reynolds - http://shellsinthebush.blogspot.com/
Rachél Payne (Rae) http://collectingyourself.wordpress.com/
Rain Hannah - http://honeyandollie.com/
Rhiannon Connelly - http://www.starrybluesky.wordpress.com
Ruth-Mary Smith http://patchworkfamilieshub.blogspot.com
Sherry Richert Belul - http://simplycelebrate.net/cherry-blossom-soup
Shirley Ann http://leonardarenaissancewoman.blogspot.com/
Stacey Chadwick Brown - http://staceybrownarts.blogspot.com/
Susan M. Walls-Beverly - http://www.susanscharmingtrinkets.blogspot.com
Teresa Cash-Czech www.asmilemaker.com
Tina Carlborg - www.tinachicky.blogspot.com
Tonya Love - www.passport2creativity.com
Ursula Smith http://www.EasyScraps.com/blog
Zulma Cadena www.edustory.wordpress.com
Saturday, October 29, 2011
The leopard can't change her spots! I Think I finally Understand!
Tony's cat, Geroge had come to stay with Katie for Memorial Day while Tony and I were in New Mexico. Katie seemed a little lost when George left, even though George spent most of the time in the closet while he was here. So I thought she would be happier with a friend living here. As you can see by the photo, they looked like the perfect fit. Looks Are Deceiving! When Susan brought Rosita over, she explained the process of introducing a feral into a home. I was thinking "What do you mean, introducing her to the other cat will take at least 10 days?" But surprisingly, the introduction went well. She hid behind the toilet in the bathroom for 10 days. I went in 3 times daily to hold her. She hissed at me but she let me hold her. During that 10 day period my son was staying with me and going through a difficult time. At the end of the 10 days he picked himself up, dusted himself off and moved to St Louis and I am proud to say he is now doing very well. The cat ... not so much.
Unexpected issues occurred with the cat. After the 10 day period the cats were introduced and became very good buddies. They played together, ate together and slept together. However, after releasing her from the confines of the bathroom, Rosita never let me touch her again. I would sit on the floor three times a day and throw treats to her and coax her into coming closer and closer. She would bat the treats off of my finger but if I tried to reach over with my other hand to touch her she would jump three inches off of the ground and run. Then the next day it was as if we had never spent that time together and I would have to start all over. She would come up and smell my feet, she even slept on my bed but if I tried to touch her with my toe she would jump.
This went on for five months. There were other problems as well. She would pee on my bed if left alone in my bedroom. Fortunately, like any girlie girl I have lots of blankets and pillows so it didn't go through to my new mattress. It happened twice before I realized I would have to keep my bedroom door closed day and night. I began to feel like a prisoner in my own house. At night while I was asleep with the closed door, she had the run of the rest of the house. I would find earrings, hair clips and assorted other items under the kitchen table or under the couch that she would carry off to play with. I brought home toys from the pet store to entice her but it seemed that the items that smelled like me were her favorites. That seemed strange considering she wouldn't let me touch her.
I was told that getting her spayed would calm her down. A couple of months ago I made an appointment but the vet canceled because they were taking care of all the rescued animals from the Bastrop fire. So two weeks ago I had made plans to get her spayed on Wednesday. Monday morning I woke up to her sitting on my kitchen counter. She looked so cute, so innocent but she knew she was getting away with something because sitting on the counter wasn't something she did during the day when I was up and around. I went over to wash off the counter before making my coffee, while explaining the guilty cat under the table that she was going to be trapped in a cage this week and taken to be FIXED!
Later I was taking a nap with the front door open and the cats were sitting right in front of me watching birds as they often did, in front of the screen door. There was a crack under the door where Rosita would stick her paw out to get dry leaves to play with. That day she pushed a little harder than usual and the screen door opened. In a flash she was gone. I thought well, she isn't in heat and I was seriously thinking about making her an outdoor cat after she got spayed anyway so I would allow her to venture out into the neighborhood. Surely she would decide it was a scary place and decide to come home shortly... if not, she would be home for dinner. She never showed. It felt like having a child run off with the circus after you have tried your best to be a good parent. So much for being a cat whisperer.
I went to bed that night, I didn't have to close my bedroom door, Katie got to sleep peacefully through the night and when I woke up in the morning there wasn't anything broken or torn up. There was no cat hair in my cast iron skillet. Katie cat didn't look at all sad to see her gone, in fact she looked a little more relaxed than she had in a few months. Hummm.... well, I was very sorry that Rosita was out on the streets but suddenly my house felt like my home again.
I learned an unexpected lesson with Rosita. A couple of days ago I saw her in my yard, I walked out to greet her and she ran away. Some alley cats just can't be tamed. Here's the lesson. It pertains to cats and humans. Oprah says to listen to the whispers in your life that come in many different forms. You can listen, pay attention and take action and if you don't pay attention you will get a thump up against your head. And if still you don't pay attention there will be a disaster. Rosita was a thump on the head. She taught me that looks are very deceiving. She looked like the perfect house cat. She was able to act like the perfect house cat as long as I didn't try to get too close. But as soon as I turned my back, she was up to no good. I thought I could love her into being something that she isn't. There's just not enough love on the planet to change who she is. An alley cat. The leopard can't change her spots! This applies to cats and most importantly this applies to people. Pay attention!
Friday, October 28, 2011
KUT Song of the day by "The Preservation!"
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| The Preservation |
Click here to hear to read about them and hear the song on the KUT website----> The Preservation: “Modern Dance” And here you can also download the song "Third Story."
So here is the CD ------------>
I haven't had time to listen to the whole thing, I'm sure it is wonderful.
To date, my favorite song is one they wrote for me called "Sweet Cecelia."
Mario's sister, Maria created this video for it. Yeah I know you are wondering why a song about me would be called "Sweet Cecelia".... my full name is Cecelia Christina. That's a good Catholic name, wouldn't you say? Sure enough, out of the mouths of babes, the advice in the song has proven to be good advice. I am almost scared to listen to this whole CD... I may have to start paying attention. The name of the CD even scares me. LOL
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Waking up EARLY and drinking coffee in bed is one of my favorite things to do if I know I don't have to be anywhere. I have a couple of appointments later today to do some graphic art but the BIG art show is behind me.
I am happy to say that my friend Sofia and I had a great art show this weekend. The "Viva la Vida" Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival was really a lot of work but also a lot of fun and we made some money! I was so busy I forgot to take photos and there was so much to photograph. The costumes were wonderful, there was lots of music, food and fantastic art!
Every time I do a show I am surprised at what people buy. I spent days reluctantly working on earrings. I used to sell lots of earrings but as I have gotten older I have started creating large art because my eyesight isn't as wonderful as it used to be. I can only create earrings in my studio in the afternoon when the sun is shining brightly in the window. Well guess what, the earrings weren't the big sellers. But I also know from experience that at another show, they will be and wahlaa... I already have them made! Yay!
So I am feeling grateful this morning that Sofia decided to do the art show with me and that my grandson Dylan came to help me and that her fiance, Jeff came to help her. Being at a show for 12 hours is one thing, setting up and tearing down is another. Will I do it again. Yes!
So here is to another example of why a TEAM is important.
And here is Steve Jobs talking about having a TEAM
Happy Dia De Los Muertos to you all!
Every time I do a show I am surprised at what people buy. I spent days reluctantly working on earrings. I used to sell lots of earrings but as I have gotten older I have started creating large art because my eyesight isn't as wonderful as it used to be. I can only create earrings in my studio in the afternoon when the sun is shining brightly in the window. Well guess what, the earrings weren't the big sellers. But I also know from experience that at another show, they will be and wahlaa... I already have them made! Yay!
So I am feeling grateful this morning that Sofia decided to do the art show with me and that my grandson Dylan came to help me and that her fiance, Jeff came to help her. Being at a show for 12 hours is one thing, setting up and tearing down is another. Will I do it again. Yes!
So here is to another example of why a TEAM is important.
Happy Dia De Los Muertos to you all!
Monday, October 17, 2011
You're my buddy, my pal, my friend
Today my lesson for my children and grandchildren is from Steve Jobs.
Seven Rules of Success by Steve Jobs
Here is my musician grandson, Andrew playing my bass when he was 2 years old. He is now 4 years old and awaiting a new brother or sister.... I am so blessed.
Here's the lyrics to a song by Willie Nelson that I would like to dedicate to my grandsons.
I've Loved YOU All Over the World
You're my buddy, my pal, my friend
It will be that way until the end
And wherever you go, I want you to know
You're my buddy, my pal, my friend
And I've loved you all over the world
You are my sunshine
You keep my life in a whirl
And you love me sometimes
It will be that way until the end
And wherever you go, I want you to know
You're my buddy, my pal, my friend
And I've loved you all over the world
You are my sunshine
You keep my life in a whirl
And you love me sometimes
I'll always follow my heart
Wherever it takes me
And until death do us part
I'll love you all over the world
I'll always follow my heart
Wherever it takes me
And until death do us part
I'll love you all over the world
Wherever it takes me
And until death do us part
I'll love you all over the world
I'll always follow my heart
Wherever it takes me
And until death do us part
I'll love you all over the world
Friday, October 7, 2011
Miracles Appear In The Strangest Of Places ~ Fancy Meeting You Here!
Sunday was an exciting day for me. I had been working on 18 paintings for my art show at Hyde Park Bar & Grill off and on for a few weeks. I was up at the crack of dawn, with not 1 but 3 very strong cups of coffee on Sunday and had the paintings hung by noon, with the help of Anne Ducote, thank you Anne. I came home and continued working on my next show, the Viva La Vida Fest 28th Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration, Saturday, October 22, 2011. After about 30 minutes, I heard this little voice saying "Christina, it is a beautiful day. Treat yourself to a day off, go out and get out and get some sun." I closed my laptop and jumped in my car and off I went to South Congress Ave to take a stroll, do some window shopping and get some ideas for my next painting.
My excellent parking karma on a very busy street was an indication that it was going to be a good afternoon. I walked up one side of Congress, and I do mean up.... South Congress is on a steady slope all the way then I crossed over and came back down the other side. I stopped in a really cool new book store that has one of a kind collectible books and art. Django Reinhardt music was playing, that is always a sign. I talked to the girls behind the counter about her music selection for a little while and then discovered that she had brought the old album from home. She mentioned that she was going to playing in a marching band in the parade that takes place at the Viva La Vida Fest. It was a cool connection. I walked out of the book store and in the silence of walking alone on the crowded street. There was sort of melancholy haze had fallen over me for the
afternoon. I started feeling the let down of having finished a big art project, wondering what is next.
I walked another block and experienced what could be a scene in a very heart warming movie. There on a bench, rolling an American Spirit cigarette was one of my favorite people on the planet, Billy Doss. Truly, miracles appear in the strangest of places. I had not seen Billy in at least 3 years, he lives 100 miles away down IH35 (a road neither of us like to travel) If I had had dared to dream of one thing I wanted for the day to shake the blues away, running into Billy would have been #1 on that list. This was another lesson in "When you hear a whisper from the Universe... LISTEN."
We sat on the bench for a while and talked then went to listen to some
music at Guerro's and then to El Gallo for some Mexican food. I took him
to my house, he immediately noticed that a piece of vintage tile work
that he had given me was hanging between the kitchen and dining room and
very much an inspiration for the decor of the two rooms.
Lost Without My Computer
I am still trying to figure out the significance of all of my applications crashing one by one right at the moment I read on Facebook that that Steve Jobs had passed away. I expected that my computer would start acting right after I restarted it 3 times. Nothing. So I took my computer to my computer tech, went home and worked on a couple of projects before I realized I am broken without my Macintosh so I packed up and came over to Tony's to use his computer.
Since the weather has been so nice I finally got out and started working in my yard. I started creating and hanging my bird houses along the fence of my narrow side yard so I can see them out my kitchen and studio windows. Well, the good news and the bad news is that it is raining today.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
There's a New Star Burning In Our Sky Tonigh ~ In Memory of Steve Jobs
It was 1987, I was 32 and a single mother of two children. My life as I knew it had just crumbled and as we all know that leads to serious soul searching. I had always wanted to go to college but life had gotten in the way. Now my determination wasn't just about me, it was about my children. I had no husband and I was a terrible waitress. It seemed that a higher education was the only choice I had. I knew I wanted to be a graphic designer (at the time the title was commercial artist) I looked into going to UT and Austin Community College. Then someone told me there was a really good Commercial Art Department at Texas State Technical Institute in Amarillo. They had a computer lab with Macintosh computers unlike any other. I was sold. But wait, that meant that I had to move back to a Amarillo and not just Amarillo, extreme north Amarillo. By the nuclear plant, Pantex. Well as Steve Jobs said "It is all about connecting the dots." I was going to have to go way off of my beaten path to get to where I wanted to go. Not only was I going to have to move to Amarillo, I was going to have to leave my 8 year old son with his father in Austin.
So there I was a 32 year old student, living in family housing with my 9 year old daughter. The campus was on an old army base so family housing was a duplex where the officers lived. It was a block away from the computer lab so I spent every waking hour at the computer lab. I laugh when I think about what I was able to do on that computer now. I was determined to make use of all the fonts and colors available. Little did I know that a man my age had invented this work of artful magic in his garage just 3 years before. At that time (1984) I had a Calico computer that I had bought at Target, it was basically a word processor that the kids played games on.
So yesterday was a sad day. Oddly enough as I was multi-tasking on my Mac, working in Photoshop, sending emails, reading Twitter and chatting on Facebook I learned that Steve Jobs has gone to the big computer lab in the sky. One by one all my applications on my computer stopped working except the internet and none of them are working even now so as soon as I finish this post my computer is going to my own personal computer genius, Sammy so he can fix it for me. What would I do without my Mac all day every day?
Sometimes it seems that bright stars burn fast and bright for a shorter time than most and then move on. I am hoping that Steve will be sending us ideas from the beyond. Thank you Steve for sharing your genius with us and I would also like to thank my computer lab professor Steve Cost for sharing his genius as well.
So yesterday was a sad day. Oddly enough as I was multi-tasking on my Mac, working in Photoshop, sending emails, reading Twitter and chatting on Facebook I learned that Steve Jobs has gone to the big computer lab in the sky. One by one all my applications on my computer stopped working except the internet and none of them are working even now so as soon as I finish this post my computer is going to my own personal computer genius, Sammy so he can fix it for me. What would I do without my Mac all day every day?
Sometimes it seems that bright stars burn fast and bright for a shorter time than most and then move on. I am hoping that Steve will be sending us ideas from the beyond. Thank you Steve for sharing your genius with us and I would also like to thank my computer lab professor Steve Cost for sharing his genius as well.
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Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.
And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.
They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything
else is secondary.”
"If today was the last day of your life would you being doing what you are doing today?
We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create
something that will."
~ Steve Jobs Feb 24, 1955 - October 5, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
Sometimes you have done all you can do....
I thought that blogging often would be an easy thing to do ... not so
much ... for so many reasons. I discovered my laptop is not allowing me to upload
photos. Bad timing... I was getting ready for my art show at Hyde Park Bar
& Grill starting this Sunday. I had so many wonderful moments to share along the way, painting, waiting for paint to dry, putting on another layer. Each stage of the process is always magical. This time I surprised myself, I actually had all 18 of my paintings
ready by Wednesday! Deborah came over and helped put hangers on them yesterday and I was done! In that process I had moments of perfection and moments of happiness and I believe
that is all I can ask for.
As for being able to share visuals .... I think I need to buy a new iPhone that has a better camera than my present camera phone. For now, I don't feel I have it in me to write anything wonderful. I am feeling grateful for all my online artist friends who have supported me along this journey and I am going to share the first thing I read this morning from "The Brave Girls Club." I don't even have to ask how the Universe knew I needed to read this first thing this morning.
A message from your friends at the Brave Girls Club - www.bravegirlsclub.com
Dear Thoughtful Girl,
Sometimes all that you can do is wait for it to feel better, wait for a bad day to be over, wait for things to work themselves out. Sometimes you have done all that you can possibly do, and then you just have to wait.
Patience teaches us tremendous lessons and rewards us with tremendous gifts. Patience makes us grow in ways that nothing else could. Patience is hard to embrace, and practicing patience is hard to do. Most things that have lasting value come through doing difficult things.
If you are in a time, beautiful friend, where you have done all that you can do and now you must just wait, take heart. Don't give up. Don't give in to the hopelessness, sorrow or bitterness that could and does consume some. Keep your heart open, keep believing what you believe. Keep your thoughts toward where you are headed, and how you WANT to feel, toward what is ahead. Do you best to learn in the moment. Do your very best. Things will turn around, just like they always do. Life will work out, just like it always does. You will be through this before you know it.
You are so very loved.
xoxo
As for being able to share visuals .... I think I need to buy a new iPhone that has a better camera than my present camera phone. For now, I don't feel I have it in me to write anything wonderful. I am feeling grateful for all my online artist friends who have supported me along this journey and I am going to share the first thing I read this morning from "The Brave Girls Club." I don't even have to ask how the Universe knew I needed to read this first thing this morning.
A message from your friends at the Brave Girls Club - www.bravegirlsclub.com
Dear Thoughtful Girl,
Sometimes all that you can do is wait for it to feel better, wait for a bad day to be over, wait for things to work themselves out. Sometimes you have done all that you can possibly do, and then you just have to wait.
Patience teaches us tremendous lessons and rewards us with tremendous gifts. Patience makes us grow in ways that nothing else could. Patience is hard to embrace, and practicing patience is hard to do. Most things that have lasting value come through doing difficult things.
If you are in a time, beautiful friend, where you have done all that you can do and now you must just wait, take heart. Don't give up. Don't give in to the hopelessness, sorrow or bitterness that could and does consume some. Keep your heart open, keep believing what you believe. Keep your thoughts toward where you are headed, and how you WANT to feel, toward what is ahead. Do you best to learn in the moment. Do your very best. Things will turn around, just like they always do. Life will work out, just like it always does. You will be through this before you know it.
You are so very loved.
xoxo
Friday, September 16, 2011
Arrival? Nope... still on the journey.
"Mastermind group" sounds a little scary so I prefer "dream team." It sounds a little more relaxed and less L. Ron Hubbard.
I thought that by this time in my life, I would have reached a magical, peaceful destination. Instead I have come to the realization on a very deep level that it really isn't about reaching the destination. It really is about the journey. And I am going to pass through a lot of situations that look very similar until I learn that lesson. There is still so much healing to do. Here is my lesson for the day.
On that note, you should crawl up in your favorite chair (or bed) with a cup of tea and click below and watch this video. I think it may change my life... and Brene Brown is funny.
Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability
Friday, August 26, 2011
Believe
Thoughts become things... Therefore I am choosing the good ones! I have an alarm on my computer that goes off every morning to remind me to light a candle, say a prayer and commit to my dream.
Before my mom passed away, she told me that she wanted me to have her Virgen de Guadalupe because of her four children that were still alive, I was the one who had many health issues. She worried about me constantly and she thought I would need the saint to watch over me. Needless to say, I feel the presence of my mother watching over me so I was thinking who needs a statue in the house? I thought it was cool but had no idea where I would put it. Then my brother became very ill with a brain tumor. I don't remember ever praying with such intent, even when I was sick. I constructed an alter in my living room just to remind myself to pray and my mother's Virgen de Guadalupe became the focal point of my living room. I sort of laugh at myself now because the statue has become an such an important part of my daily ritual. I love the response when someone new walks into my house and does a double take of my little blue Catholic lady standing tall above all the family photos on the alter. I can see that look on there face of "Wow! I didn't realize Christina was so religious!" Then after I tell them the story, they sort of check out the photos to see if the little lady is watching over them. The photos change from time to time and there are other special nick nacks that are special to me on the alter. But mainly, there is a presence of peace around my alter that is a constant reminder that there are those that have gone before us who watch over us. I am glad to have the spirit of my momma with me always.
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| My mother's Virgen de Guadalupe, who now lives in my living room. |
Before my mom passed away, she told me that she wanted me to have her Virgen de Guadalupe because of her four children that were still alive, I was the one who had many health issues. She worried about me constantly and she thought I would need the saint to watch over me. Needless to say, I feel the presence of my mother watching over me so I was thinking who needs a statue in the house? I thought it was cool but had no idea where I would put it. Then my brother became very ill with a brain tumor. I don't remember ever praying with such intent, even when I was sick. I constructed an alter in my living room just to remind myself to pray and my mother's Virgen de Guadalupe became the focal point of my living room. I sort of laugh at myself now because the statue has become an such an important part of my daily ritual. I love the response when someone new walks into my house and does a double take of my little blue Catholic lady standing tall above all the family photos on the alter. I can see that look on there face of "Wow! I didn't realize Christina was so religious!" Then after I tell them the story, they sort of check out the photos to see if the little lady is watching over them. The photos change from time to time and there are other special nick nacks that are special to me on the alter. But mainly, there is a presence of peace around my alter that is a constant reminder that there are those that have gone before us who watch over us. I am glad to have the spirit of my momma with me always.
Day Dreaming
These are words to "May This Be Love" one of my favorite Jimi Hendrix songs. I request the song every time I go see my friend Marvin plays because this song takes me to that place that is only felt when I am creating art or listening to my favorite music. This one line in the song sort of goes along with what I have been feeling for the last couple of weeks about my art and my livelihood.
More often than not I feel that I don't have someone completely believe in my dream or more to the point, I don't have a dream team. I keep hearing this term over and over by all the successful people that I am paying close attention to and learning from. There is an enormous problem that keeps occurring to me... if I don't have a partner who is in it for the long haul, if I don't have artist friends, if my two children live out of town, where do I turn? This is a question I am just beginning to feel comfortable even asking. I am sure that is why I keep hearing it over and over. I have heard it said on Oprah, I listening to a CD set called "Cracking The Millionaire Code," and the said it, then last week Kelly Rae said it in her e-coarse and then tonight I heard Marcia Weider from Dream University say it. I am starting feel comfortable in knowing that I am deserving of a dream team. I am deserving of being supported. I have identified the limiting belief that I have been living with since 1986 and I am turning it around and shifting my behavior. I am becoming very clear about what I want and I am really starting to believe in myself on a level that is very new to me. Instead of filling my days with helping others with their dreams, which is what I have been doing for YEARS, I am scheduling activities that will move ME towards my dream. What a concept. Here is what I have learned... My dream team doesn't have to be in the same town or even the same state. In fact most of the support that I receive is out of state. So what? Dah! Email, cell phones, blogs, facebook, Etsy... what else do I need?
So back to the song.... it takes me to a serene place. A place of being in love and feeling loved. I was reminded after going to see my friends Danny and Marvin play two nights in a row that women go to hear music to dream. We want to hear love songs even if we don't have a lover, we dream of one or have fond memories of lovers in our past. Men on the other hand like to go hear the best guitar players. Lyrics are just lyrics. It is a reminder of why we may need dream teams. We need good lyrics and a great guitar player on every team.
I ordered the movie "Who Does She Think She Is" because in the first week of my e-coarse with Kelly Rae, she posted a film clip. I will have to say, the movie made me a little sad because it told my story of being a woman, a mother and a struggling artist. Struggling... why? Because I am a woman and just for starters 82% of the student population in art school are women but only 40% of the artists in galleries are women. I may have to come back to this later when it doesn't stir so much emotion.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Working On My Blog.... All Weekend... Really?
I keep bringing up the e-course I am taking but I am feeling much like I imagine my grandson is feeling today on his first day of high school. Meeting new friends, discovering all the things they have in common as well as the diversity and mostly discovering a world you never imagine existed.This blogging thing is very new to me and that is odd because I have had a bog forever but is is sort of like having the bass guitar I have setting in my living room that I never play. I have had several friends ask how to subscribe and here it is. Very simple: At the TOP LEFT CORNER of the page you can click on "Follow" and it will take you to a stand alone page, click "Follow." That seems to be the easiest way to follow. Or ...On the right side of the page it says "Follow me by email." Type your email address there and it will send you a confirmation email. Or....You can click on the little orange RSS Feed button on the right Under the heading of "Follow My Blog" that says "Posts" and you sort of have to wait a second and a menu comes up to subscribe by RSS. This is for folks who follow lots of blogs and have them sent to their RSS feed.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Synchronicity
| Synchronicity— n | |
| an apparently meaningful coincidence in time of two or more similar or identical events that are causally unrelated | |
Okay, so timing is everything. I don't think I was ready to soar before now. The synchronicity involved in my decision to sign up for "Flying Lessons" is more than perfect. I read somewhere that when you are on target, synchronicity happens. I have been somewhat focused on my art my whole life, but I sensed that this year was time for me to soar in my art biz. This transformation didn't come without growing pains. My new "Luna Chick Series" evolved from a place of deep healing and that, my friends, is another blog.
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| Rene's Red Guitar By Christina |
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| Painting by Christian Ethridge |
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| Red Guitar Butterfly Blues - SOLD |
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| ACEO By Christina |
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| Luna Chick By Christina |
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Pay Attention To What Your Heart Is Drawn To
Video By Goose42
dream whirling... from goose42 on Vimeo.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Loving My New Flying Team!
When two people or more people gather in his name and PRAY
for the same cause there is MORE POWER.
I am praying for a Dream Team!
Martin Luther King said "I have a DREAM," not I have a plan.
He found thousands who had the same dream.
Week # 2 of Flying Lessons with Kelly Rae Roberts
Last week was crazy busy getting ready for an art show. This week I feel that I am going to be very creative because the jewelry mojo was turned on full blast last week during crunch time before the show. I have been collecting beads and wonderful findings on Etsy over the past year but I just couldn't make myself set down and create the jewelry. Amazingly when I finally sat down and did it, I enjoyed it and I got a really good feel from Sherry and Amanda that it will sell. Nothing like a couple of girly girls to let you know that your jewelry really does rock!
I had been on a spiritual journey this year, spending hours writing in my journal and then taking those thoughts and prayers and turning them into mixed media art. Mixed media art takes me to that place of meditation where I unravel my myths and stories. I have unraveled some really deep myths and stories through my Luna Chick series this year. I traveled back into my youth and that lead to unraveling information from my New Mexican heritage. I has been quit a journey!
I had been on a spiritual journey this year, spending hours writing in my journal and then taking those thoughts and prayers and turning them into mixed media art. Mixed media art takes me to that place of meditation where I unravel my myths and stories. I have unraveled some really deep myths and stories through my Luna Chick series this year. I traveled back into my youth and that lead to unraveling information from my New Mexican heritage. I has been quit a journey!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
I Have So Much To Read
Whew..... really there are so many creative souls out there and I am learning so much! I have a list of books to read. Looks like I need to get an iPad!
Taking Flight: Inspiration and Techniques To Give Your Creative Spirit Wings
By Kelly Rae Roberts
Learning by Heart-teachings to free the creative spirit
by Corita Kent & Jan Steward
Point Zero-creativity without limits
by Michele Cassou
Art at the speed of life
by Pam Carriker
Collage Couture
by Julie Nutting
The Artistic Mother
by Shona Cole
Collaborative Art Journals
by L.K. Ludwig
The Handmade Marketplace
by Kari Chapin
I'd Rather be in the Studio
by Alyson Stanfield
Fearless Creating
by Eric Maisel
Taking Flight: Inspiration and Techniques To Give Your Creative Spirit Wings
By Kelly Rae Roberts
Learning by Heart-teachings to free the creative spirit
by Corita Kent & Jan Steward
Point Zero-creativity without limits
by Michele Cassou
Art at the speed of life
by Pam Carriker
Collage Couture
by Julie Nutting
The Artistic Mother
by Shona Cole
Collaborative Art Journals
by L.K. Ludwig
The Handmade Marketplace
by Kari Chapin
I'd Rather be in the Studio
by Alyson Stanfield
Fearless Creating
by Eric Maisel
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I opened my computer daily to a message from a beautifully, powerful, positive woman who gave step by step instructions to accomplish my goals. I hit the ground running and at about week 3, after redesigning my website, blog and twitter pages, I realized I wasn't close to being ready to be licensed. The cool thing is that everything she taught me was stuff I already knew. It is just going to require turning up the energy and tweaking what I have already been doing.
She affirmed all those spiritual beliefs I live by. She teaches that a dream team is required.
T.E.A.M.–Together Everyone Achieves More
I knew that but somehow felt defeated because I don't have a life partner who shares my goals. But I learned that I don't have to be business with or married to my dream team, in fact, my dream team doesn't even have to live in the same city with me. As soon as that wall went down I realized that there is a community of women across the country that support each other in their artwork. They teach online art classes, have weekend retreats and they chat daily about ART daily! What a concept. You mean I have been doing this all alone for and I could have had a dream team all along? I got an email from a friend in New Mexico with a great idea for my Luna Chicks.The other day I read this post on chat from one of my artist friends, Lori. I have heard this concept a million times but I am finally starting to pay very close attention: