Bliss Outside the Briefcase

It’s been a great few weeks.  I have met many, MANY amazing and interesting people.  If everyone were the same, this world would be BORING.  I’m impressed by those who have laser focus and belief in their passions. Whenever I meet with someone who has unbridled enthusiasm about whatever it is that fuels their lives and spirits, it’s difficult not to get swept up with their attitude.  Their inner light shines; they exude such a positive power – it’s contagious!

Think about this:  How do you project or communicate whatever it is you are passionate about in life to others?  Remember this:  People will recognize (and remember) your positive attitude.

There will always be more to do–more than you have time for. Instead of thinking about what you still want to achieve, focus on acknowledging all you have done.

Here we are, almost a quarter of the way through the year.  Why not take time to write down your accomplishments you’ve done so far?  I’ll bet you will be amazed once you think about it.  To make it a little less daunting, don’t try to do it all at once. Dedicate a page in your journal or create a document on your computer you can add to over the course of the next few weeks. (I recommend writing it all out by hand. It seems more satisfying.) 

If you are stumped, ask a loved one or close friend to provide some input.  Once you see your accomplishments on paper (or screen, as the case may be), you will feel good about yourself and your capabilities. 

Think about this:  we all need to celebrate and acknowledge our accomplishments.  It’s an uplifing experience.

I’ve been remiss posting comments to my blog.  Many things happened in February that took me away from my keyboard, but now I’m back.

The Martha Stewart Experience was awesome.  I’ve made new friends – from across the US and around the world. I’ve seen people grow and blossom from the sisterhood connections, all for the better.   Isn’t life GRAND?

One of the most important Life Lessons I learned from the adventure was how powerful people can become when they converge and focus on a common purpose.  We not only learn to appreciate the talents of others, as different and diverse as they may be, but we also learn to TEAM and pool resources for a common good.

As a result of the Shelter Event in NY, I was asked to donate some pieces I painted for a similar event in Kansas City.  I was glad to do it and hope the items I sent along will be treasured by whoever receives them.  The torte tray, two plates, a portrait and “Monet Style” cup and saucer were all a joy to paint.

Think about this:  How can you apply a talent you have, share with others for a common good?  If you do it with an open heart, the rewards you receive will fuel your spirit.  You will also, unknowingly, fuel others spirits, as well.

“Commit yourself to a dream. Nobody who tries to do something great but fails is a total failure. Why? Because he can always rest assured that he succeeded in life’s most important battle, he defeated his fear of trying.” Robert Schuller

Yesterday I posted a picture of the painting I presented to the director at Safe Horizons.  Here is the painting’s story and why I named it “New Beginnings”:

This painting symbolizes a life full of New Beginnings.

The tree is each and every person who walks through Safe Horizon’s door.  The Tree of New Beginnings grows upward and outward, reaching for heights never dreamed of before.  It’s bright, symbolic of freedom to create something new.  It’s a fresh start, a white board where one is given the opportunity to begin again.  It contrasts with the dark background because the background and the past do not matter.  The focus is on the present and the future.

The container is Safe Horizon.  Like the container, Safe Horizon provides a protective place for people to live and grow; a place where each person can be nurtured, encouraged, understood, cared for, protected and healed.

If you look closely, there are little green leaves starting to sprout. These represent the new life skills and experiences people go through as they transform their lives.  As each person continues to grow, he or she learns new skills.   As these new life skills are nurtured, the leaves on the Tree of New Beginnings continue to sprout and flourish.

Lastly, there are red hearts sprinkled on the tree.  These represent the hearts of the people at Safe Horizons whose lives are touched by those who are creating their New Beginnings.

New Beginnings 20x30" Oil on Canvas

Greetings! I’m back from NYC and it was a fabulous trip! I was surrounded by wonderful, energetic, talented women who gave from their hearts.

Because the painting I painted was a surprise for the director of the shelter, I didn’t post a picture. Now that it’s been presented, I’m posting a photo. Tomorrow I’ll share the symbolism of the painting with you all – the same as I shared at the event and in my presentation.

 Until tomorrow – Cheers!

Today I travel to NYC to meet the Sisterhood of Dreamers into Doers.  I hope I can post to my blog while there.  If not, I will have so much to share when I return. 

As van Gogh once said, “I have walked this earth for 30 years, and, out of gratitude, want to leave some souvenir.”  I have walked this earth for over 50 years and want to leave a souvenir.  My hope is the work that has been done for the women at the shelter will help heal spirits that have been broken; bring hope to those who thought they had been abandoned; inspiration for a brighter today; the power to trust others and God; knowledge there are those in this world who do care.

And now, onward……

“Today, be aware of how you are spending your 1,440 beautiful moments, and spend them wisely.” Anonymous

Well, two days until I land in New York and meet all the Sisterhood of Dreamers into Doers. I am excited! To have been a part of this great adventure has stretched me as an artist. But, more importantly, it’s been a very unique spiritual journey.

I have my inspirational talk ready. I hope I can deliver it without tears. The emotions I’ve felt as the Shelter Event has come together have been so moving and so meaningful, I hope everyone would be able to experience such a flood of positive energy in their lives each and every day. Without Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia embracing the idea for the Dreamers into Doers http://dreamers.marthastewart.com/ coming to NYC, this would never have been possible. My thanks go out to Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Alexis Tirado, Terry Grahl (http://Enchantedmakeovers.org ) , Jolene Macks (http://www.creatingquitethestir.com), Rachel Gaffney (http://www.rachelgaffney.blogspot.com) and ALL the DiDs for these past weeks of inspiration, unbridled enthusiasm, positive attitudes and giving hearts.

“We’ve only just begun…..”

Five more days until the Sisterhood of Dreamers into Doers take Manhattan!  The outpouring of donations, time and talents to the women and children of Safe Horizons has been – almost – unceasing.  They will be so touched and surprised by the warmth and caring……I know I am!

I’m pulling together ideas for the 10 minute talk I will be giving at the shelter event.  The words come straight from my heart.  I’m looking forward to meeting everyone.