My Lovely Life

"Here is the truth, I swear I was fun"

2012-01-28T10:47:00.000-05:00

so go ahead and run, run, run, run, run!

My favourite song right now, by Kathleen Edwards. I got this "free" on itunes. It was the song of the week and I have decided I love her!

Enjoy.

Keep Sane at the Holidays

2011-12-21T09:00:00.003-05:00

This is the first Christmas season that I haven't been working full time at the holidays and I can't believe how much easier life is when you have a family and are not working Monday to Friday 9-5! There is still stress, don't get me wrong but I don't feel the pressure I did when I was working a traditional job.

This is my list for surviving the holidays.
1. If you work in the day, take a day off and do your shopping in the morning. I have discovered there are a lot less people shopping in the day then in the evening.
2. Get in bed an hour or so earlier then usual. Getting an extra hour sleep will help you feel better and it will improve your immune system and mood.
3. Make lists and more lists. Lists of presents, lists of groceries, lists of baking, lists of stocking stuffers and lists of lists so you can keep track! LOL Scratch off each thing you accomplish.
4. Get outside in the day time and move your body and take some really deep belly breaths, focusing on the present moment. Even one minute of deep breathing and 10 minutes of exercise will improve your stress levels and mood!
5. Do your best to have "one less" - one less alcoholic drink or one less sweet. Do not drink Bailey's if you are Celiac. Okay, last year I forgot that Bailey's has gluten and that is not good for me! I won't make that mistake again! High amounts of sugar and alcohol can have a toxic effect on mood, especially when you are stressed so use moderation! Remember your kids too, if they are eating lots of sugary, geletiny, blue and red and green dye substance don't be surprised if they are wild and hyper and acting out! Be a role model for them.
6. If you feel irritable, avoid or lessen contact with people and places that make you feel worse. Accept that everywhere is busy and that everyone's family is basically crazy. Small doses (instead of large) of things that irritate you can help. Remember, it will pass soon enough.
7. Spend less money and remember what the holidays truly mean to you. Spending too much or putting a lot of items on your credit card will only increase your stress and suffering in the new year. So much ends up in landfills so think about what you buy and where it will end up!
8. Manage or control bad behaviours - that can be anything, shopping, eating, drinking, picking up, fighting, giving people the finger when you are driving! Behave in a way that makes you feel good about yourself and that puts out positivity to the world.
9. Enjoy each moment by focusing on the positive, remembering the good times and/or creating new traditions with your family and friends. There is a strong and positive affect on the brain and on mood when we focus on the positive.
10. Have fun, go skating, play games, make art, play music, roast marshmellows in your fireplace.

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Solstice, Kwanzaa, EID or even nothing, I wish you the very best - love, life and happiness and my deepest thanks for popping by my blog!

Grief and the Holidays

2011-12-17T17:21:00.000-05:00

(photo by me)

Blogger keeps changing my template so please excuse how my blog looks until I can figure it out!

I wanted to write about dealing with grief over the holidays. This time of year can be really sad and unbearable if you have had a loss. Especially when you see so many happy people - it can magnify your grief. I have a lot of clients right now working through grief and I am more aware of it as it is coming up a lot.

The first thing you need is to be gentle with yourself when you are grieving the loss of a loved one. All that really means is to go slow and steady. If you feel overwhelmed slow down, take things out of your schedule and listen to your instincts. Everyone has their own way of dealing with grief and it is all okay. Some people choose to not celebrate holidays and that's okay too. Some people want to be with others, some people want to be alone. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. This is where trusting your instincts comes in handy. Listening to your instincts involves getting really quiet in your mind and body and just listening for your inner voice.

Ask for help if needed and accept help from people who care about you. This is a tough one for people (the asking for help) but I totally encourage it. Sometime your friends or family don't know how to help and you may think they are avoiding you. Letting them know what you need will help you out and hopefully get you much needed support.

Find support. Look to support groups or to people you know that have experienced a similar loss. Talk to a therapist, your family, your friends. Write in a journal or make a collage of your sadness and grief. You need to talk and express whats going on and sometimes it helps to talk with people who understand what you are going through.

Remember that things will get better and you will make it through. I don't say that to minimize grief because I know how huge it can be. Sometimes the only way through the grief is one day at a time, one foot in front of the other.

In memory of Sweet Vicki and Nearing the finale of #AEDM2011

2011-11-29T19:09:00.001-05:00

I'm always amazed by how fast one month can go by and how much art one person can create in a month. Today I used some guache, water and a lot of deep breathing to create a buddha. It was a great day to focus inside myself on the energy and teachings of the Buddha. I hope you enjoy.

On a sad note, the blog world lost a wonderful and creative soul, Vicki from Nolly Posh Dreaming. She fought a long hard battle with cancer and I was amazed and honoured to read her words over the years. She was deeply spiritual and I'm sure she is at peace, smiling down on all of us. I hope her family especially her children, find peace and comfort at this time.

Messy #aedm2011

2011-11-22T17:37:00.001-05:00

Sometimes art is messy and wrong and messed up.... sometimes life is too! That's okay and just part of life. When things are messy and wrong, I just breathe and the tides always turn.

I thought I'd show you some of my mess ups. I was so frustrated with these paintings. I loved them and then I put on the protective finish and it totally effed it up!

Sometimes you just gotta say oh well, and move on.

Here is another version. Honestly, I threw out a few of these because I was doing more then one thing at a time and I kept making mistakes. Multitasking is overrated!

More Art Every Day Month #AEDM2011

2011-11-17T19:44:00.001-05:00

I realized I posted a picture twice! Ops, I guess I liked it. Here is some art I have been working on EVERY DAY! Wow, I love saying that. I have been painting up a storm and enjoying every moment. It is all for sale and I hope to sell some of it at a show I'm doing this weekend. Feel free to contact me if you like a piece or want to do an exchange. I love exchanging art! Enjoy.

More Art #aedm2011

2011-11-14T18:39:00.001-05:00

I have been very busy but not too busy to do art every day. I'm having so much fun doing this challenge and I have been very inspired and impressed by all the artists taking part. Its so nice to pour through artists blogs and see everything everyone is up to.

Check out the Creative Every Day website to see some amazing things.

This is what I have been up to the last few days. The first is a bit of collage, acrylic and melted wax with one of my favourite Maya Angelou quotes: I can be changed by what happens to me but I refuse to be reduced by it. She is an amazing woman that I respect so much.

This is just a little bit of fun inspired by some art of one of my favourite artists Kal Barteski.

I am always inspired by her art and words. This is basically acrylic and gauche with a little pagan saying I like. It is simple and kinda pretty and reminds me to connect with the earth!

Making time for creativity is so important in life. It doesn't have to be art, it can be writing, photography, design, cooking. Let your imagination flow and do something creative.

Art Every Day Month #AEDM2011

2011-11-10T07:58:00.000-05:00

I have been an art Goddess this month. Its like everything is inspiring me and I'm seeing colours and textures and words in a new way. I have been painting up a storm and I'm doing my best to be detached from the outcome. I'm painting for pleasure and enjoyment and trying to keep my mind clear of clutter. Its so nice to be able to relieve oneself from a noisy critical monkey mind!

Here is a bit from the last few days, enjoy.

This is a photo taken by my daughter which I think is pretty amazing. She is quite the photography already! So proud of her!

Art Everyday Month 2011 #AEDM2011

2011-11-06T07:44:00.000-05:00

I'm excited to take part in the #aedm2011 challenge so you will see post a little more art then usual around here this month. I have been working hard in my art to go out of my comfort zone. This is challenging but you know our minds control so much of what we do. There is a real freedom when you can break this habit. Breaking the mind control habit can be done using mindfulness techniques. Don't get discouraged, they take time and patience.

So back to art, here is a little of what I have been up to the past week, enjoy,

Yoga of Speech

2011-11-03T10:57:00.000-04:00

I love it when I read something and it really resonates. Its so powerful that it cannot be forgotten. I read an article a few years ago called the "Yoga of Speech" in the magazine Yogajournal - it was one of those articles that stuck with me and changed how I think about language. It changed how I choose to speak to people.

When you are talking using the Yoga of Speech, it means that you ask yourself if what you are about to say is truthful? kind? necessary? Asking this question can change behaviours and outcomes that are causing you problems in your life. It can change how you are feeling in the moment and what you communicate to another person.

Sometimes it can be hard to engage in the Yoga of Speech when we are feeling a strong emotion such as anger or hurt. It feels so good in the short term to just let the person have it - let them know how you truly feel and let them feel the power of your emotion.

If you are trying to live a life that is more authentic, more positive, less reactive and controlled by emotions then always remember the Yoga of Speech before you speak.

Vlog Seasonal Depression 10/27/11

2011-10-27T14:53:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to post my first VLOG! I hope you enjoy it. I'm discussing how to help yourself when your mood is low. Most people are affected by the change in seasons here in Canada. The days are shorter and darker and the nights are longer. How can you help yourself? Watch this!

Some October Inspiration

2011-10-19T11:10:00.001-04:00

I started this post in the beginning of October but Blogger has been making some changes and I am "challenged" by those sorts of things. Today is a bit of an experiment - lets see how things go.

Some things attacting my attention, Enjoy, you know how I love instagram!

Did you know that today is Love your body day? I was shocked by the stats on this webpage - especially that only 4% of women consider themselves beautiful and that 80% are disatisfied with their appearance.

Do me a favour today? Love your body and yourself okay? You are perfect just how you are. I'm going to practice this too because I am having a lot of mindless, in my head, negative chatter about how I am aging. I've noticed a lot of changes in my physical self this last year and I'm doing my best to just accept it. After all, the older you get, the longer you live and that is worth celebrating.

Mountain/Solid

2011-09-29T12:23:00.000-04:00

Pattaya Buddha Mountain

Of all of my training, the one thing that I have most appreciated is Mindfulness. It is the one technique, theory, understanding that has helped me out enormously over the years. I love teaching about it and I enjoy the practice of it because, quite simply, it works. In a hard moment, it eases suffering.

On of my favourite mindfulness meditations is one I read by Thich Nhat Hanh in his book Touching Peace. It is breathing in "I am a mountain" and breathing out "I am solid".

Try it, right now,

Take a big breathe in to your abdomen and say:

"I am a mountain"

breathe out as much air as possible and repeat,

"I am solid"

Envision yourself as relaxed and even smile slightly. That slight smile and those words send really important messages to your brain.

Mindfulness isn't a "get rid of it" forever kind of treatment. Mindfulness is about make the moment better. Stress and hardship is part of every day life, as is happiness and beauty. Mindfulness teaches us how to get through those difficult moments in a way that makes us feel more confident, strong and effective.

Doing a couple of mindful breaths each day will help you feel better. So go take a nice deep breath! You have a mountain inside of you, I just know it!

Workshops

2011-09-15T10:04:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to tell you about my expressive arts group called Healing Your Experience of Giving Birth happening on October 1/11 from 1-4pm at the Live Well Centre. Check out the poster here . I have had an excellent response regarding this group so I'm hoping it is well attended. There are limited spots available as the room is small. My goal is to make this a beautiful and healing group where women feel safe and heard. In all of the therapy I offer to people, my greatest goal is for them to feel heard, and like they have options available to them. This group is perfect for the woman who is left feeling unresolved emotions about her experience giving birth. It doesn't matter if your children are 1 year old or 20 years old. If you feel stuck in that experience come to this group.

I'm hoping to make this for mother's only as I think it is really difficult to relax and let go when you have a baby in your arms. I may run a separate group for moms and babies at some point soon because I really want women to be able to access this group if they need it.

The stress workshop is next weekend if you are interested in attending check out my Lovely Life webpage or email me at robin@lovelylife.ca . Spaces are limited and this group is FULL of great information and strategies re: stress!

Tips for Coping with Stress

2011-09-10T20:42:00.000-04:00

You no longer have to resort to the above!

I'm really excited to be facilitating a workshop on behalf of Lovely Life this month on coping with stress. I see it as being highly interactive and informative. I'm going to present a lot of information about stress and its affects on a person and I hope that people will leave with a plan of action! There is limited space so contact me at robin@lovelylife.ca for more information or click on our "contact us" at the www.lovelylife.ca website.

Stress is the kind of thing that you have to get really active with. You have to figure out what the major causes of stress are in your life and then get really focused with behavioural changes. It requires taking charge of your thoughts, emotions, your schedule, your environment and negative coping strategies. The amazing thing is that little changes make HUGE differences.

Stress is a killer! It increases blood pressure, weakens our immune system and can increase risks of all sorts of diseases including cancer. It costs Canadian businesses $1.7 Billion per year on average!

I really enjoy working with stress and burnout because I have LOTS of personal experience with it... who doesn't! We live in such a high paced stressful time but we don't have to let it take us over.

Here are my top 10 tips for decreasing stress:
1. Manage time effectively.
2. Plan meals in advance.
3. Engage in a couple of minutes of deep breathing every day.
4. Change/stop negative and intrusive thoughts and replace with happy, joyful thoughts
(takes a lot of patience and practice).
5. Ask for help when needed.
6. Avoid or decrease time with individuals who suck you dry of energy!
7. Focus on the positive.
8. Be grateful for what you have.
9. Practice Relaxation exercises (tense muscles and release).
10. Get 10-20 minutes of physical exercise at least once per week.

Here is a bonus, come to my workshop if you are in the Kingston area and learn more!

Flowers in Mud

2011-09-02T17:15:00.000-04:00

Yeah, it has been this kinda week:

The kind of week where you feel like you are trying to bloom in hardened mud!

I love this picture because flowers don't fight it. They just grow where ever they are planted. The funny thing with mud is, the quieter and stiller you stay, the less likely you are to sink!

When I have a day (or week) like this I try to keep my mind's eye very focused on my goals and my feeling state in the positive. Luckily I have great people all around me that help me when I can't see so clear.

Bloom where you are planted folks and keep your head turned towards the sun xoxo.

#augustbreak day 30!

2011-08-30T21:04:00.000-04:00

I can hardly believe the month is nearly over. I have had such fun with the #augustbreak and Susannah Conway. Thanks for the inspiration Ms Susannah! I saw some amazing photographs over the month and some very nice blogs!

Here is a little of what I have been up to the last few days.

Sneak Peak - #augustbreak day 25

2011-08-25T12:13:00.000-04:00

A sneak peak at some art I'm working on and some other random things....

#augustbreak Day 22

2011-08-22T21:31:00.000-04:00

Such fun, I'm loving the

Here is a sample of what I have been seeing the last week xoxo Enjoy.

#augustbreak Day 15 Life is Pretty Darn Good!

2011-08-15T09:06:00.000-04:00

I'm loving participating in August Break over with Susannah Conway. I'm falling in love with my camera all over again. I'm falling in love with instagram all over again too!

I had such a great weekend away with my bestie, Lydia. Not only is she just an amazing person, but she is an amazing chef and nutritionist and she made me the most beautiful meals and spoiled me rotten. We ate, walked, drank red wine and painted.... in my eyes, that is a perfect weekend.

As a side note, partaking in weekends that you enjoy is key to excellent wellbeing. Taking time to relax and appreciate life will make your life that more amazing.

Okay so here are the images.... remember more images less words!

I hope you enjoyed your weekend xoxo.

#augustbreak Day 12

2011-08-12T16:31:00.000-04:00

I'm loving August so much but it amazes me how you can feel a hint of fall in the air. I slept with my duvet on my bed last night which I secretly love. The sun is shining today and I got to spend some time in the pool.

So here are some shots of what I'm up to for #augustbreak. Enjoy !

#augustbreak August 8th

2011-08-08T08:59:00.000-04:00

I'm loving doing the August break over with Susannah Conway. The blogs I've been checking out are amazing. So many great photographers in the world. It is so inspiring! I got to "shoot" my dear friend's baby, Jude. He showed up at the cottage only 5 days old.

I love new babies. Before you view my photo's I want you to think about it like a sensory experience. Remember a baby you held. How did they smell, feel, look...... so precious and beautiful. Life is truly a gift.

More #augustbreak

2011-08-06T20:05:00.001-04:00

I've been at the cottage this week so I was unable to blog but have some very nice photos on Twitter if you want to follow me there.

Here is a little of the beauty that has surrounded me.

I'm happy to be home and get my life back in routine. I love being away but really missed my dog and cats and I'll be happy to sleep in my own bed tonight. I pick up my fur baby tomorrow and can't wait until he is snuggled right into me.

I hope you are smiling :) Thanks for stopping by!

August Break

2011-07-28T09:53:00.000-04:00

I'm feeling super inspired today which feels wonderful as I was "glutened" on the weekend. When I get gluten in my diet, I am destroyed for a few days. I feel fluish - stomach issues, lethargy but the worst is my mind. My mood drops, I'm negative and uninspired. I find this the hardest because I love life and feel so positive most of the time. I know it is part of the ebb and flow of life and I think it makes me a more understanding, compassionate and deeper person... so it is a blessing in some ways. Celiac Disease has forced me to be a healthier person and for that I am grateful.

I'm super excited to take part in this for the month of August. I have been enjoying (beyond words) this summer off work. Well, I'm working but just part time and it is luxury to me as I spent so many years working hard for others and not being able to spend time with my family. It is a sacrifice financially but it is worth it. My kids are growing up too fast!

So next week (internet permitting - I'm at the cottage) I will start posting photo's for the August break. Here is one to get you started. Any of you want to join me on this?

July Inspiration

2011-07-13T12:02:00.000-04:00

Some visual beauty for you today.....
from my heart....
to yours.....

July reminds us how blessed we are <3

You Matter

2011-07-07T09:43:00.000-04:00

I want you to know

that you matter.

I want you to remember

that you are connected to all things....

your children, your momma, your partner, your dog, the ants, the birds the trees

You are connected to everything.

Separateness is an illusion!

Breathe deep, love deep, heal your hurts.

It is a blessing that you are here,

alive at this spectacular time in the world.

Top 10 Tips for Good Mental Health

2011-07-04T17:19:00.000-04:00

Did you know that every person will struggle with a mental health problem at some point in their life? Even more shocking to me is that women are at their greatest risk of mental health problems right after giving birth!

There is a lot of stigma about mental health but I want to tell you that you are not alone and everyone struggles at one time or another. There are plenty of things you can do that can build yourself up so that you are as resilient and strong as you can be.

1. Take an Essential Fatty Acid (Fishoil/flaxseed oil). There is a ton of research into this and I can tell you that many of my clients have been able to stop medications for anxiety, depression, PMS and ADHD by taking regular EFA's! EFA's protect your cells and make you less sensitive to stressors. They feed your brain!

2. Breathe. Practice breathing exercises daily. Deep breaths - even just a couple will make a big difference on your stress levels and get your body, blood flowing better. I try to do a couple of deep breaths when I am driving and stopped at a light.

3. Be Mindful. As much as possible, be in the present moment. Most of us are worrying about the future or ruminating about the past. When you notice yourself worrying/ruminating, congratulate yourself for noticing and come back to your breath and connect to the present moment. Read my post on mindfulness here.

4. Eat Healthy. What you eat has a direct effect on how you feel. If you eat high fat, high processed foods, you are going to feel tired and bloated and unmotivated. Add some fruits and veggies to your diet. Your body and mind will thank you!

5. Communicate effectively. If something is bothering you, speak up in a way that is direct and respectful. Be willing to give a little to get a little. Acknowledge your feelings, don't stuff them down or explode them out.

6. Do something every day that makes you feel good. This is especially important if you are struggling. While you are engaging in your happy activity, allow yourself to be mindful of the happy feelings - feel them deeply in your body and mind. Don't worry about what will happen when the feeling ends.

7. Take care of health problems. See your doctor for regular check ups - mamograms, pap smears, annual physicals, do them all. Prevention is key here! (by the way, I really need to practice this one myself - a real struggle for me)

8. Be Creative. It doesn't matter how, dance, sing, doodle, paint, garden cook. Pick something and express yourself baby!

9. Pray/Meditate. Connecting to a higher power is helpful in making sense of things when they are not going well. Follow your own traditions or explore other traditions. There are tons of ways to connect to God/Goddess. I like lighting candles, incense, meditation, mantras. Sometimes letting go of control of a situation is the best thing you can do.

10. Spend time with people who care about you and are positive influence on you. Avoid people who are negative or mean when you aren't feeling good. Be with people who are like-minded and make you feel better.

If you have a great tip to add, leave it in the comments. I'd love to know what you find helpful. Good luck!

Strawberries and Summer Solstice

2011-06-21T14:11:00.000-04:00

Today has been productive! Today I feel so thankful to be alive and experience so much abundance around me! I'm one lucky duck! I love this time of year - it is absolutely perfect. I kinda feel that way about every season but summer is close to my heart because it feels so short here! Its so nice to be able to buy food from close to home. It tastes so good and its all so healthy!

I have took some great photos of what I have been up to today so that I could share with you.

These are peonies from my garden. For the record, these are my favourite flowers of all time. They are so shabby chic! I long to have my home look like something out of Rachel Ashwell's, however, I have young children so my home is just shabby! One day though, I'll keep dreaming!

I spent my morning picking local, pesticide free strawberries and snow peas. That was a bit back breaking but worth it.

Here they are on my table at home - so pretty and yummy!

and now for the jam..... well its not quite ready but it is boiling as I type this and its smells so good.

I hope where ever you are in the world you are enjoying a beautiful first day of summer - I guess if you are down under you are having winter starting today! Don't worry, I'll be jealous of you in December! I'm amazed at how many people from far away countries visit my blog. Please leave me a comment and say hello! Thanks for stopping by.

Sunday Morning

2011-06-19T08:37:00.003-04:00

I *HEART* Sunday mornings! Truly, they are perfection in my world. My favourite thing to do is sit on my back porch which is nestled between lots of pine and cedar trees. I light candles (citronella to keep away the mosquito's (downside of the trees) and some nag champa incense or sage - which also keeps away bugs but I also love the smell and spiritual properties of both.

I feel like I'm in my own little slice of heaven.

Your feelings are so important and powerful. Kind of a side track to this, I had the honour of seeing Dr. Deepak Chopra speak a couple of nights ago and it was truly an honour to be in the same room as him, listen to him speak and even do a meditation that he lead us through! I think it could be a spiritual highlight of my life! I even took notes - which I didn't see anyone else doing but I couldn't resist! He spoke of the importance of the spiritually powerful feelings: Joy, Gratitude, Love and Equanimity. He said how important it is to feel these in meditation and let them resonate through you and into the world (every living thing is connected).

He reminded me why I love the work I do of helping people heal. I love to see people change and get better. I love to see people who think they only have pain and depression and hopelessness change to seeing their life as a gift, as worth living, that they have a purpose here on this earth. I love watching people realize that THEY have all the control in their lives: Control over their thoughts and feelings and actions! I love helping them make small but powerful changes in their lives (nutrition, vitamins, incorporating joy and challenging limiting and often unconscious beliefs).

I believe people can change but most importantly it matters what YOU believe!

Self-Sabotage

2011-06-10T13:22:00.000-04:00

Self-sabotage is a funny thing that I run into often as therapist. People pay a lot of money to see a therapist who will tell them - "stop doing so-and-so". But they say they cannot stop doing so-and-so. Some therapists will spend many sessions looking at resistance and the meaning behind why the client won't stop doing so-and-so. Each one of us is ultimately responsible for ourselves and the path we take. We can blame our childhoods or our partners or our horroscope sign, but ultimately, we are the boss of our own lives!

That is good news. That means you control how you feel. We often cannot prevent the bad things that happen in our lives (but sometimes we can). We can definitely learn to control our thoughts and attitudes / feelings about the things that happen. That can have a huge impact on our lives. Ultimately, life will be however you think about it. If you think its good, bad, lucky, hard etc, it will be how you see it.

Notice your thoughts - they are mostly unconscious (96%) so this takes some work to dig them out and exam them. Start with little changes in your thinking and you will be surprised by how the things you look for and expect tend to show up!

If you are doing things that are harmful to yourself STOP. I know that seems like a no-brainer but it is hard for even the most experienced people to stop self-sabotaging behaviours. Okay, well, at least try to limit those behaviours. When you limit or stop a self-sabotaging behaviour many feelings and thoughts will arise and you will begin to learn the truth behind whatever it is.

Then you can made good change. Anything is possible!

Smart Thinking

2011-06-02T09:42:00.000-04:00

Your thoughts are incredibly powerful.... they are INCREDIBLY POWERFUL!

The more experienced I become at life, the more I truly understand what effect negative thinking has on our life - every aspect, how we feel about ourselves, how we behave and how we interact with others. It is endless.

I talk about this often with my psychotherapy clients and do a lot of teaching/exploration about thoughts and beliefs and the impact on a person. I always highly recommend that people study and read about mindfulness. It is a concept that is both hard and very simple. I think it is the simplicity that most people struggle with. There are wonderful and free resources on you-tube and itunes to help you study mindfulness techniques. Its all about practice though. Reading and studying the concepts are one thing but mindfulness needs to be practiced daily to be most effective.

Mindfulness is key to thinking smart because it teaches you important and basic things:
1. To notice where your thoughts go (past or future).
2. To bring your thinking back to the present and let the thoughts go.
3. To notice and bring awareness to judgmental (both positive and negative) thinking.
4. To bring awareness to your breath and breathing.

So there you go! Just do the best you can with what you got. Whenever you are struggling, just notice, don't judge, breathe and let it go! Life is short so make each day count!

And don't forget to breathe!

Less Words more photos

2011-05-27T08:20:00.002-04:00

ffsSBLess

New life is always beautiful to me - my daughter feeding a newborn lamb. Below she is writing words in the snow.

In the graveyard. There is beauty in pain and the cycle of life too..... sometimes its the only way to manage grief.

Pure energy love and power.

Apple blossoms on my farm - I wish I could make this photo scratch and sniff.... The flowers are so fragrant!!

This face melts my heart.

This photo isn't really beautiful but it makes me laugh so hard. And laughter is beautiful! What the heck is with my cats eyes!!!! He is possessed but really???? LOL crazy!!!

Open your eyes and heart to the beauty that surrounds you. I promise you it is there somewhere.

Talk Nicely to Yourself!

2011-05-25T11:15:00.000-04:00

Do you know that the average person has 60,000 thoughts per day! Most of those thoughts are unconscious - which means we don't realize we are thinking.

Have you noticed your thoughts? Are they negative or positive? Are they happy? sad? angry? Try an experiment. See if you can notice some of your unconscious thoughts over the next day or two. One way to notice is to pay attention to your feelings. Our thoughts can prompt our feelings so if you notice yourself irritated or sad, ask yourself what you were thinking about? As soon as you are aware of the negative thought, replace it with a positive one that you like and that resonates ie., I'm doing the best job I can, or I am just fine in this moment. Feel it, let it resonate in your body, even if just for a few seconds. Don't forget to breathe......

My experience working with people for so long and my own personal experience tells me that we spend a lot of time thinking negatively. In fact, we can be down right abusive to ourselves. Many people talk to themselves in a way they would never talk to anyone else. So my advice: STOP IT (as much as possible) !

Don't worry - you can't do it perfectly - its not supposed to be perfect. You just have to do the best you can. You will have to commit to changing your thinking often but it only takes about 30 times to start making habits stick so don't give up!

My Top 10 Tips for Living Creative

2011-05-23T10:14:00.002-04:00

Living a creative life can be a real challenge especially if you are super busy with a day job and few kids or pets or a partner. So how do you dedicate time to being creative - to following whatever your heart's desire?

1. Make time at least once a week (or every day) - write it in your daytimer and do it. Don't worry if you don't "feel" creative. Make the time and start!
2. Get Quiet. Turn your brain off for a bit. Practice some mindfulness. Quieting your mind allows for your heart to speak.
3. a) Listen to your heart. What is it telling you... to write, to draw, to play music. b) do what its tell you and don't judge!
4. Go to a museum, concert or poetry reading. Being around others who are creative will increase your own creativity.
5. Hang out with mother nature. Walk in the woods, have a bonfire, lay outside on a blanket at night and watch the stars or fireflies. This is one of my personal favs!
6. Check out the web (but limit your time). There are so many creative folks out there. Here are some of my favourites: Jillian, Connie, Redhanded, Laura and Kal These blogging folk always make me want to do something creative!
7. Check out the library. Don't judge me but the library always makes me feel creative! So many books with advice telling me what to do!
8. Peruse the art store (or your own stuff). So many colours, paintbrushes, additives ohhhhh, very exciting! Limit what you spend though unless you are endlessly rich - then go to town!
9. Write, paint, colour in your art journal. Wowwww. Have no expectations, just experiment with the colours you like, the images you like, different techniques.
10. Live healthy - drink water (most people are dehydrated and dehydrated = sleepy), eat raw foods (ie, not processed), take Essential Fatty Acids, vitD or vitB! Check out my BFF Lydia for tips on how to eat for your health. Its hard to feel creative if you don't feel well!

Make time for creativity today! Enjoy!

Beauty

2011-05-21T08:41:00.000-04:00

I'm completely inspired by the beauty of my little corner of the earth. I'm not letting the fact that it has rained for 6 days straight upset me. I'm taking my vitD and walking my dog despite the rain. Check out my tips below about what to do to manage the effects of blue mood!

Back to beauty for a moment: There is a beauty that internalizes within a person when they can accept the reality of life..... that sometimes it rains for many days but even in that rain there is a beauty.

Here is some of the beauty I have seen around me.

Noticing beauty around you is a great way of bringing gratitude to your life and connecting to your surroundings. Beauty is personal too and there are no mistakes. Whatever you love and are attracted to is okay. I love the country but I can also be really inspired by the graffity and lines and steel of a big city.

Find beauty in your life today - even if its raining!

Rainy Day Advice

2011-05-17T09:12:00.001-04:00

Many people are affected by the weather especially in the winter months. At this time of year we expect tons of sunshine and outdoor time. Its one of the most beautiful times of the year in Ontario. If you live in this area you are aware that we have had pouring rain for 5 days straight! If you are like most people, you are feeling a bit tired, maybe a bit down and uninspired.

It is normal for people to be affected by the weather because we are creatures of the earth! When the weather is gray and rainy, for long periods of time, you need to pull out all your techniques to keep you feeling good!

Here is my list for the top things to do when the weather is gray and rainy:

1. Take a hot bath or shower (especially if your body aches).
2. Take extra Vitamin D and Essential Fatty Acids. Both of these have a positive and immediate affect on the brain.
3. Do something inside that you love and that creates a positive emotional response ie, read a good book, make art, bake, play games.
4. Get some exercise. I personally love my nike app and it is super easy and quick to do inside.
5. Pay attention to negative thinking and insert a positive thought instead. Do this with a half smile on your face. Half smiling sends important messages to your brain and can change negative feelings.
6. Pull out your journal and write or draw or dream about things you want to accomplish. Put one of those things into action!
7. Socialize - call or skype a friend or family member. Connect with people you love. Play a game with the kids or cuddle up with them on the couch.
8. If you have a dog take him for a walk. You won't melt in the rain! Grab an umbrella and rubber boots and go. Unless of course, your dog doesn't doesn't like the rain instead go back to #7 but cuddle your dog on the couch!
9. Laugh. Put on a funny movie, check out funny videos on You-tube.
10. Do some yoga - stretch, touch your toes, be gentle on yourself.

Its always good to remember that the weather will pass eventually (unless of course you live in Vancouver). How we think about things affects how we feel so choose your thoughts carefully!

Celiac Awareness Week

2011-05-16T10:04:00.002-04:00

Being diagnosed a year ago with Celiac disease was life changing for me. My son was diagnosed first and I realized through his testing that I had the same thing. I did some testing after him and went gluten free and felt about a million times better, no exaggeration! There has been a ripple effect in my family. My mom and one of my brothers are also likely Celiac but have not been officially tested. Their health has also improved by going gluten free. Celiac is highly genetic. If one person in your family is diagnosed with Celiac, your odds increase to 1 in 4!

Unfortunately there is not good medical testing in Canada at the moment anyways. They need to do a biopsy of your stomach and it often tests negative even if a person is positive. The best way to know is to change your diet to gluten free if only for a few days and then add gluten products back in. Once your body is clear of gluten, adding gluten in will let you know fairly immediately. You should have an immediate response with bloating, stomach pain, mood changes or joint pain. My son and I did our testing with an amazing Doctorate of Natural Medicine and Accupunture, Lizette Lacoursiere. You can find her here. She was amazing with my son and helped him tremendously. He is like a different child since changing his diet and lessening gluten and harmful dyes.

One thing I still crave is a good cupcake. Thank goodness for Sue's Gluten Free Store because she has amazing cupcakes. You adjust to being gluten free, it seems overwelming at first and I still have my days - especially when it comes to feeding my kids, however it is worth it.

Here is one final link I really like - its geared to men but it really makes me smile. I think Australia is ahead of the game in terms of taking Celiac Disease seriously! Go Australia!! Check it out.

Near Miss: aka Blessings!

2011-05-16T09:39:00.000-04:00

This is my dog Marley:

Calling him my dog, really doesn't do it justice. He really is my third child in a furry form. I love this little guy and he loves me back like crazy. He sleeps at my feet each night, he follows me around and bugs me constantly, he chews my paint tubes all over my carpet. He is a naughty dog for sure! But I love him anyways, no matter what mischief he gets into. He looks at me with big brown eyes and I melt.

He usually doesn't venture off too far from me so I was surprised today when I was putting my laundry on the line and he took off - right towards the highway. This always makes me incredibly nervous because it is a highway with lots of trucks and cars. And people drive way too fast (slow down people!). He went right out into the middle of the highway. I was breathless. I really didn't want to go through this again.

It kind of went to slow motion there on in. I stopped breathing and I prayed (I do this very naturally) and I accepted the reality of whatever the situation would be. I saw the dump truck and I saw my dog and for whatever reason, the driver put on his breaks and he stopped. I couldn't believe that he stopped, what truck driver would do that for a dog.

So Marley has another day thanks to some dump truck driver who breaked for him.

Words to live by

2011-05-09T14:02:00.000-04:00

I'm going to be few on words and more on pictures today. Sometimes, one just needs some quiet.

Listening to Your Instincts

2011-05-06T12:26:00.001-04:00

I come from a long line of women who claimed to have certain abilities. My great grandmother read tea leaves and my grandmother read symbols. I can still here her Cape Breton voice say "there's gonna be a death" should a bird fly into the window. My own mother just "knows" things. They call that clairsentience.
I could not hide much from her growing up. She had an uncanny ability to read my face. I myself read tarot and animal totems for many years now but the thing I always trust most is my instincts.
    When I was very young my mother instilled in me the importance of trusting my gut instincts. This has served me very well in my life and the lessen is this: I am no more "gifted" then anyone else. I'm just skilled in reading my guts, my body, my emotions. Anyone can do this with practice and awareness. Each of us have the ability but it is like a muscle that has to be exercised.
     I am well aware that many people ignore their instincts and instead do what they "should" or what others want them to do. In the long run, this only causes a person a wealth of mental health problems such as depression and resentment. You must listen to the quiet whispers inside yourself. They speak your truth.
    You can learn to listen by first taking time each day to be quiet, to be in mindfulness, to make your mind and body as inactive as possible. I do this by breathing, sometimes saying a mantra (helps my mind not to wander) and always, always, have a half smile on my face. Scan your body and see what information is there for you. There are tons of free meditations and mindfulness breathing on the net - itunes, you-tube etc. In all of my training, mindfulness has had the most impact on my personal life. Your mind will wonder and you may become judgmental - just let it all go and get back to your breath or mantra!
    Your gut instincts need to be respected and listened to. If you are unhappy or stuck go inside yourself and find out what the message is that you need to receive. Listen to the whispers inside yourself. They are very wise and know what is best for you.

New Home

2011-03-08T21:38:00.001-05:00

Guess what? I have a new home. You can find me at Lovely Life, right * HERE *

I'd be so grateful if you would stop by!

On Being Brave

2011-02-27T10:23:00.000-05:00

I woke up in the middle of the night from an anxiety ridden dream in the heat of a night sweat. I've only had a few night sweats in my life but since I'm in my 40's I know they are a sign that something deep is changing in me. I don't think that it is coincidental that coming into my midlife I am making such changes. I want to change everything and most importantly:

I have decided to be brAve

brave in my words

brave in my heart

brave in my life

brave in my art

brave in my photography

brave in my relationships

brave in trust

brave in my intuition

That means learning to calm myself, learning to go with the flow learning to be brave when I face fear. The fear is of my own making - it lies within me. If I make it then I can break it! LOL.

This image is my interpretation. I did this the day after my nightsweat-anxiety sleep. I feel much better now.

Tuesday

2011-02-22T13:29:00.002-05:00

Tuesdays generally get a bad wrap. There is nothing really exciting about Tuesday - its better then Monday but not as good as Friday. Lovely Life has made Tuesdays into Gratituesdays just because Tuesday really should be more exciting! We can always use more gratitude in our lives. Before you read any further mentally tell me one thing you are grateful for?

..... wonderful, I love it!

I'm working hard this beautiful Tuesday on putting together an e-course on postpartum depression. Lets talk about it people!

I'm also finishing up a few loose ends. This image is of my latest painting. I used the instagram app so these colours are not true to the original. But I like how it looks photographed:

Here is a closer look at the words "You are stronger then you know". Love it.

One final thing. I just love when the universe sends me a little love. Check out this heart in the snow/icy fields of my property. Life really is about how you look at it. xoxo

Have a wonderful gratituesday!

Post Partum Depression

2011-02-19T22:43:00.000-05:00

One of my personal goals is to get people talking about postpartum depression. This is an issue that we do not talk about it yet it affects 1 of 5 new mothers. I think probably its higher then that. Women with postpartum depression often suffer in silence. You don't have to suffer in silence. Listen to this:

You are not alone. Be brave and talk about it.

Retreat

2011-02-17T10:43:00.001-05:00

I'm on a bit of a retreat for the next couple of days. I'm taking time to be inspired, to be rejuvenated to be open to possibilities. They are endless. And the exciting thing is I'm not leaving the comfort of my home. I' chillaxin' at home with a dog on my left, a frisky kitten on my right and something creative or relaxing in between and on my lap! I'm going to drink tea, paint and write. Most importantly, I'm gonna dream.....

I made a great connection right here. Check out Kaye-Lee. She is rocking my world and has me very inspired and she lives in MY neck of the ~~woods~~ cyberspace! How fun is that. It is always great to meet likeminded individuals who have a plan to spread positivity and healing in the world. Not only that, guess what? Kaye-Lee totally understands boys and men.... yeah?! exciting. She has an whole ecourse on it. Since I have at very least 2 men in my life that I never understand and who definately don't understand me, I might need to take it!!

So for today, this is what I'm enjoying:

A little Buddha time!

A little time in nature:

Enjoy your day! All you have is this present moment - breathe and enjoy xxoo

Because I'm Inspired!

2011-02-15T20:04:00.002-05:00

A little (day after) v-day love for you from me xxoo ps, I love my i-Phone!

Its official!

2011-02-13T08:26:00.000-05:00

I am officially self-employed.

OFFICIALLY SELF-EMPLOYED!

That was me saying it a little louder! I have just had the longest leaving of a job ever. There are things that have been very hard about it. I'm a routine kinda girl. I like to know what I'm doing and that my paycheque magically appears in my account every other Thursday at 12:01 am so long as I put in my hours. Although some times I deal with change quite easily, it is the stuff that is deep inside me that I find most unsettling to change. The stuff that pushes up against my deeply embedded beliefs about how the world works. The part of me that is scared to go against the grain.

This is BIG. I don't come from a family where people just go after their dreams (without having a responsible full time job to fund it). But I've had enough of living like that. I have this understanding about life and our time here and I don't want to waste any more of it. So I'm not.

I'm going to write and paint and organize my home and have retreats and work with my great business partner (who really needs to update her blog LOLL), no pressure Tina! Don't feel sorry for her, she is laying on a warm beach while the rest of us freeze! Lovely Life is going to rock!! We have been plans! We are going to take on the world and make it a much more balanced place!

For now though, I'm on hiatus! I'm taking a week to paint, photograph, write, and meditate and of course walk my dog and pick up my kids from school. As an aside, one of my dreams for the last 6 years (since I've had kids in school) is to be able to pick them up at the end of day. I feel so blessed that I can do that. I love seeing their smiley faces and I love how the dog anticipates them running out of the school doors. He gets all happy and wiggly... if you know what I mean!

I guess today life is pretty darn lovely!

New Year New Life

2011-01-03T09:32:00.000-05:00

2011 is going to be completely and utterly awesome! I have been working hard on my goals and taking action every day. The action part is KEY. I can dream up all sorts of ideas but my life tends to get in the way and I don't take action. I don't act on all my great ideas!

But not this year! This year I am taking the reigns of my life and I'm really following my heart and my instincts. I'm doing everything I want AND I'm picking up my kids at the end of the school day! Yes. I never knew one of my dreams would be as simple as picking up my kids after school. Small things make me happy.

I start my day with gratitude and a meditation and then on to my action list! I have this excitement in me for currently having my life as a blank canvas. I'm starting to paint in a few things but I want LOTS of open spaces to dream and create and love and manifest. I feel a powerfulness inside myself I have not felt in a very long time.

I hope you will come visit me more here and over here . I hope all your dreams come true this year. You can make them happen. Dream them and put your action plan into place!!! Dream Big Folks!

Fearless

2010-12-28T23:21:00.000-05:00

I decided to pick a word to describe how I want to live my life in 2011. The word FEARLESS keeps coming up for me. I've never picked a "word of the year" before but was inspired to do so last year after reading about it on a few of the blogs I follow.

Fear-less is a funny word if you think about it. We can't really be fearless and it could be dangerous to live without the feeling of fear. It is an important feeling that prompts us to take action when we are in danger. However we can take fear so literally and think because we feel fear we must stop what we are doing.

I love the quote "Do something each day that scares you" by Eleanor Roosevelt. She must have been one amazing chick! I'd love to have a convo with her about what that sentence meant to her.

I think she might tell me that it means to go for it! Do what I need to do! Follow my heart and my intuition! Don't let fear stop me. And you know what? I plan on living as fearlessly as I possibly can! I know I'm going to feel ~~buckets~~ some fear but that is okay. That actually means that I'm moving in the right direction! And that is forward, into my life!

Holiday Blessings

2010-12-22T11:35:00.003-05:00

I had a beautiful fire last night in honour of the solstice. Me and the kids and dog laying around the fire and even roasting a ~~bag of~~ marshmallow or two.

I triple arm pump LOVE this time of the year. Not the holidays or rush necessarily but more the quiet and gentleness of the last days of December and early January. I enjoy digging deep inside myself and setting goals and mulling over what I have accomplished or not accomplished over the year. I like to think about how I have been as a mother, wife and friend. Have I been present? I mean really present - with all of my be-ing present? Have I been kind? gentle? caring? or overly judgmental and frustrated and impatient?

I love planning out my year ahead - not in a controlling, rigid manner but more like allowing myself to dream and create the reality that I want. This year is extra exciting with my new venture into Lovely Life . I have lots of creative things planned including some groups and some art therapy offerings and even some intuitive painting classes (one of my favs!). The lovely life blog will be up and running shortly and you will find things listed there.

For now, I wish you a lovely new year and a wonderful holiday season!

2010-12-10T22:23:00.002-05:00

I am turning 42 very shortly and I'm not sure what it is about the number 42 but it has made me very thoughtful about my life. If I'm lucky I will live another 42. I was thinking that probably, I am half way through my life. Half way through my life.....

MY LIFE.

So I had this realization that for the last 42 years I have lived my life for other people... thats not all bad or anything. For instance I have deeply enjoyed my children and my husband and my family and even my work but I realized that mostly for 42 years I have put others wishes before my own. I have been responsible and practical. (And a little on the unhappy/bitter side at times).

In honour of my birthday, I decided it was time that I throw practicality to the curb. That I dream and live in the present moment and in full colour! I realized that my life is my life and if I want to be healthy and practice what I preach I need a life makeover.

So you know what I did?

I RESIGNED BABY (from my day job that is) !!!!!!!

And as the old saying goes - when one door closes another opens. In my case, about 5 more doors have opened. Thank you universe, I truly appreciate my wishes being granted.

I am going to lean forward into my life, into the next 42 years, one beautiful moment at a time.

Trust

2010-11-16T21:53:00.000-05:00

I have been having some fun with art journalling the last little while. I think because it is so easy to keep the journal by my bed and then lay in bed and sketch and dream and make wishes. I am loving art journalling because it feels free and I trust the process. I let down my defenses and give up fighting and its just me, a mechanical pencil and my thoughts.

I'm thinking a lot about trust these days and its finding its way into just about all corners of my life. When I get ruminating or worried thoughts I stop myself and say "trust". Its kind of becoming a mantra for me. I have lots of big changes happening in my life and it is so exciting. Its like I'm standing on the edge of something unknown and I'm about to jump. Yeah, there is ~~a dump truck full~~ a little nervousness about this but mostly it is pure joy and excitement. I trust the process. I trust what is. I TRUST.

A Lovely Life

2010-09-20T10:20:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to share a bit of what I have been working on with my good friend Tina. Tina and I have been friends a long time. We are the kind of friends that just naturally collaberate and brainstorm and create when we get together. Don't you love having friends like that? The kind that push you and inspire you and hold you accountable to your word! Over my life, I have been blessed with really good friends. I love having friends, I love the closeness of good friendships. They really are invaluable in terms of having a good life. Good friends = good life < or shall I say > a lovely life.

Believe

2010-09-12T20:04:00.000-04:00

I love the word believe.

I think about that word often.

I try to:

Believe in love,

believe in peace,

believe in joy,

believe in good

believe in dreams

believe in purpose

believe in art and creativity

and music and movement

believe in others inherent worth

believe in my own worth.

BELIEVE

Following the whispers of Bliss

2010-08-29T20:34:00.000-04:00

I have been thinking a lot about following my heart. Letting my heart lead the way in life is something I value but rarely follow. It always seems there is something else I need to do before I focus on myself or my dreams. I believe that small things build up so I do my best to find little ways to create my life as I like it.... it adds up in the long run.

These are some of the ways I have followed my bliss the last couple of day
* lemonaide & business planning with a friend
* walking my dog
* cuddling my kids
* watching my kids excel at sports
* making the painting above
* sitting on my patio drinking coffee and writing in my journal
* really looking at the moon in all its fullness
* paying attention to my breath.

How have you found bliss in your life the last while? And if you haven't, do something blissful for yourself today!

Composting

2010-08-24T22:13:00.001-04:00

My blog has been sadly neglected as I have been taking care of the business of composting. Not the typical left over fruit and veggies in the garden, but the kind that Thich Nhat Hahn talks about in his book "Touching Peace".

Yes, I have been working on the the compost of my life garden, sorting through scraps and leftovers seeing if I can find any nutritional value so that forward movement might be possible.

You know how sometimes resistance is futile? We fight or avoid our realities often making things worse for ourselves. My experience says that if I hang on, accept what is growing in my life garden whether or not it is weeds, flowers or veggies, it often works out much better for myself.

I'm glad to be back at it, living my life to the fullest, following my dreams, creating my reality. We only have one life and it is a gift!

The call of the fall

2009-10-17T18:55:00.004-04:00

I feel like I could dig my heels into the earth and demand that summer not go.... but the beautiful amber and gold trees beckon to me..... we wish our turn, they sigh, whispering ever so quietly into my ear.

Okay, okay, I love the fall too. It is truly lovely in my neck of the woods. And I have been having a super busy fall. I love the energy of the fall: it is active and busy and wrapped up in warm sweaters sipping tea with honey. It makes me want to create and dream and make things happen.

And I L O V E Halloween. I've been perusing the second hand stores looking for bridal gowns that will soon be cut up to make zombie psycho brides out of my daughter and myself... why should she get all the fun!

I've also been enjoying my new baby... his name is Marley.

How cute is he?????? Please, tell me all the ways you enjoy your autumn. What are you dreaming up into your life?

Are you wondering where I am???

2009-09-03T22:04:00.010-04:00

Thanks for leaving and comments even though I haven't been around. I have been having all kinds of fun this summer. Lets see where to start:

some rollerblading

sitting by the lake

painting girlie

enjoying sunrises and sunsets

painting encaustic

spreading peace

connecting to the earth

I have had a summer full of love, abundance and happiness. I am extremely grateful and I'm so excited for the fall. Lots of changes and growth is happening in my life. I'm spreading my wings and flying as high as I can! I will fill you on the way, hold on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are exactly where we are meant to be

2009-07-10T21:19:00.003-04:00

Just loved this video made by Dancing Mermaid . The song is called Exactly by Amy Stienburg. You can find the video here .

Vimeo won't let me copy it to my blog - so that is too bad but I understand because its not nice to steal people's work! Please take the time to listen to it, it is so lovely and really touched me. I like the idea that we are breeze.... that we appear out of basically nothing. Imagine, two wee cells get together and here you are and here is the miracle of life.

Life is precious and can be taken away in a minute. You may not think it true, but someone loves you very much and would be devasted if you were no longer around.

YOU ARE EXACTLY WHERE YOU NEED TO BE......

Peace*Love*Free

Summer Days

2009-07-05T10:02:00.010-04:00

It is hard to take a picture with an interested cat wandering around. This is Angel. He is having a hard adjustment to his dear friend Smokey dying (his human friends are also having a hard adjustment). He is also not too happy with Twinklebella... the new kitten that keeps jumping on his fluffy tail!

This is a journal/collage/painting. Finished in beeswax. It says "There were tears in her eyes again." I like how it turned out.

This is another painting I finished recently. I have it added to my etsy site because my personal goal is to get more Goddesses out into the world! I'm experimenting with new colours to give my paintings more of a folk feel.

<>I'm also having some fun enjoying the sweeter, longer, warmer days of summer. Roller blading in a skirt is too much fun! I haven't roller bladed in years. Even my daughter got into it. She is wearing my roller skates from 1980! I think I got them for my 12th birthday! They are still in great condition and, let me tell you, they did a lot of laps at the roller rink where I grew up! I wish roller skating would come back in style! It was so much fun.

Peace & Love :)

Joys of June

2009-06-14T22:14:00.007-04:00

Meet our newest family member, Twinklebella, or Twink for short. She is a little sweetheart and helped our family mend the pain of losing our cat Smokey. He was struck by a car out front of our home and it was one of the hardest days I have ever had in my life. Breaking the news to my children was almost unbearable. My daughter cried for 4 days straight. That's when we broke down and found Twink. She is helping us to heal the pain of Smokey's death. He was a lovely cat and brought us much joy. We loved him dearly. Twink is pretty sweet too and we are enjoying her immensely!

I hung out here this week at an amazing art show, Art among the Ruins. This house is on an old Mill and the energy is amazing! The art was equally amazing! I did not alter this photo and I am amazed by how everything looks purple!

I'm going here this weekend with my BFF. 2 glorious evenings, three days of yoga, facials, macrobiotic food, heart to hearts, writing, lake swimming and maybe some art. I have never done this before and I'm really excited. This is our 40th birthday present to each other. Our birthdays were in December but we thought we'd wait for better weather.

I found this little sign in the garden - made by my daughter. She blows me away some times. I'm glad she feels powerful. All little girls should feel powerful.

May Flowers

2009-05-24T21:43:00.006-04:00

May is one of the loveliest months! My home is filled with beautiful scents of both lilacs and apple trees. These are two of the loveliest weeks of the year. I enjoy each moment that the trees are blossoming. The summer is so hopeful isn't it? I'm ready to relax, put my feet up. I'm trying to figure out how I can get out of working for the summer! Haha, a grrl can dream!

I haven't been spending near enough time on my blog! It is completely neglected! I have been busy doing all sorts of things.... definitely too much time spent working and cleaning and running kids all over the countryside! I have been getting in a little time for myself and for some art.

Here are some things I'm working on:

Always room for a Goddess:

I may have to put some of these on my etsy site as I have way too many encaustic paintings to hang in my house.

Things are so good, I can't complain. I'm reading some great books and working really hard at living my life to the fullest. I've been wrestling with those crazy gremlins who like to tell me how I should be living my life. I've duct taped their little mouths and I'm working hard at making my life be exactly what I want..... Its all good!

Nature Love

2009-04-20T22:19:00.003-04:00

This is what you get when you crack open a walnut at just the right spot. You get a little love blessing from nature.

How cool is that?

Where did you find love today?

Happiness

2009-04-05T22:01:00.003-04:00

I love this song, this video, everything about it. The song is by Abra Moore and I discovered it posted at Vicki's blog quite a while ago. I think Abra must be Australian but I'm not sure. I haven't been able to find the song on itunes so unfortunately I haven't been able to buy it! The art is by Lisa Cole. Her blog is so inspiring as well. I think it is the combination of the art and the music that stirs my soul in a deep and primitive way.

Oh so dreamy. I get lost in this song. I hope you enjoy it.

Three Cheers for April!!!

2009-04-01T21:30:00.011-04:00

Oh my poor bloggy is neglected! I have been so super busy doing things, going place, talking to people etc! Let me share with you some of the places I've been.

I've been to Ottawa for March break. We went to the museum of civilization. The picture is of the totem pole/native exhibit. It is pretty remarkable.

We also went to the wave pool!

I've been to the sugar bush and hand fed the chickadees. Have you ever hand fed birds???? Oh it is amazing! ....

The girls ate pancakes with fresh maple syrup....and also hand fed the birds.

I've also been protesting the seal hunt. How is that Canada still allows for this? All in the name of wearing a fur coat..... eiiiwww, please don't wear fur!

My work has been super busy too and I'm trying to organize and educate and book appointments and resolve conflicts.....

I haven't had much time for art but I still feel incredibly creative. I have been journalling and getting to better understand some of the parts of me I have been neglecting lately. I will try to post more about this on the weekend. Thanks for stopping by! Blessings.

March Madness

2009-03-09T22:16:00.007-04:00

My whole weekend has been spent immersed in art. I had my art show Saturday and it went wonderfully. Quite a few people came through and everyone was extremely supportive. I even had an offer to buy one of my paintings to hang in a pre and post natal room at a Family Health Team here in my town. I'm pretty honoured about that but not sure I can give up my painting. It really is one of my favourites - it is the mermaid that I believe you will find if you scroll to the very end of my page. I'm going to give it some thought should they follow up with me. Why shouldn't I share it with the world?

Sunday was spent with me engrossed in more encaustic painting.... That is a new painting at the top of this post. I love it so much right now. I love going out to Julie & Amber's studio and hanging out and painting.... The time goes by so fast. I'm really grateful to Bridgette at Contemplating the Moon for sparking my interest in encaustic. Her blog is so beautiful and I love her paintings... so inspiring.

I will post a couple more for you to see. I might even put one up for sale on my Etsy shop - which has been horribly neglected since the new year.

Thanks for stopping by!

International Women's Week

2009-03-04T22:12:00.006-05:00

I am truly honoured to be showing my art this week in an exhibit in honour of International Women's Day. The lovely Julie Davidson is putting it on in her studio. (for the record, I LOVE Julie!) She is one of the kindest, nicest people I have met in a very long time! She has been teaching me so much about encaustic painting and I'm so grateful to have met her and have the opportunity to learn this new medium - that I absolutely love!

International Women's Day is important to me primarily because I am a woman and I am the mother of a daughter, and a son and I want both of them to grow up in a world that is fair, equal and safe. Too many horrible crimes against women and children are taking place - even while you read this blog post - women and children are suffering... mainly because they are female or because they are weak or vulnerable. This is not okay.

Did you know that I work in a female dominated profession but the majority of positions of power in my occupation are held my men? hmmmmmmm.....

I'm proud to call myself a feminist. And, well, I'm on a rant now, How about I get back to the purpose of my entry and that is to show you more pics of the art show. There are some amazing artists involved! Be safe where ever you are ..... blessings.

A Book of Spells

2009-02-24T21:40:00.004-05:00

I had the pleasure of attending "A Book of Spells" last weekend. It is a story written and told by Jan Andrews and Jennifer Cayley. They combine the story of their 20 year relationship with two of Sara Maitland's fairytales.

I have always enjoyed listening to stories and I particularly enjoyed listening to these women tell the stories and the way in which they wove in the story of their relationship to the fairy tales. You have to hand it to anyone who can make their relationship last so long because it takes a lot of work and a lot of commitment.

The play stirred up something in me..... I hesitate to say it.... my mother issues. Oh Goddess Bless me, not again. I feel like I have worked on my "mother issues" for a number of years..... For now, I'm not going there!

A Beautiful Day to Make ART

2009-02-15T18:21:00.011-05:00

First, I must admit, I have an amazing husband. Not only did he take care of the kids yesterday while I was out getting my hair cut and coloured (see below), he watched them today while I did a full day art retreat on encaustic....

CAN YOU SAY GLORIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!

So next time I complain, poke me! haha.

I had the most terrible, stressful, awful week at work. Not the kind of stress that is usual or typical, but the kind that sticks too you when the week is done. I really dislike taking work home with me because it seems so unfair and unbalanced! I even dreamt of fires after spending too much time before bed watching the video's of a burning Australia over at Vicki's blog.

So I was glad to be able to loose myself in wax, texture, colour, smells. I think I was mindful the whole day. Just in the moment, focused, aware. I feel so refreshed, grounded and balanced. I tried to focus on art for the work I am doing on a book on Post Partum Depression. I struggled a bit with the idea of focusing on a topic but I am glad I did. I think it will be worth it.

And I always need to make at least one goddess painting. This one is embedded with a lino print Goddess that I made a while back.

My new haircut and colour. Well, its hard to see much of it here but I love it!
Thanks for visiting my blog!

SHE is quiet

2009-02-08T15:46:00.003-05:00

I'm here, just quiet is all. I have been doing lots of thinking and less talking. Which is okay. Sometimes, I find I need to be quiet and thoughtful but not say much.

This is line with yoga's philosophy of speaking:

Is it necessary, kind, the truth?

I would put that in bigger letters except my template won't let me...

I had the opportunity to speak a truth recently. I spoke without much thought, I spoke with great emotion. I did not think much about the outcome of my words because I just really wanted to speak my truth at my perceived injustice.

Sometimes, the world doesn't like when you speak a truth and when you jump on one side of something, many people will forcefully jump on the other side, lash out, want to cover their ears at the truth.... just human nature I guess.

I had some serious threats against me which left me feeling very vulnerable, small, unsafe, scared, alone. In my despair, something happened. I listened to that part of me, most sacred, most knowledgeable. I spoke to my closest friends who assured me, who let me be in my darkness without rescuing me. They encouraged me, while I struggled out of the "muck". Thank you friends, you know who you are.

It was a transformation. In the midst of this, I watched the Dixie Chicks "Shut Up and Sing Documentary". Wow, those Chicks went through a lot. I love them even more since watching that documentary.

It was a synchronicity that confirmed a lesson. When you speak out, you must be prepared and strong enough to handle the backlash. Will you sell your integrity to appease people? or will you stand in your own truth regardless of the pressure to please others?

As women, we constantly get the message to be quiet, not bring too much attention to injustice or to ourselves. Do I want to pass that message on to my daughter? my son? the people I work with? or do I want them to be empowered and strong?

I will likely give some thought before I speak for the next little while but I feel I am stronger, more prepared to face difference, threats.

I came across this quote, which I really like. Compassion heals all.

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned..... Buddhist Quote

Learning Encaustic Painting

2009-01-25T22:38:00.006-05:00

I went to a wonderful workshop on encaustic painting today. I have been wanting to learn this style for over a year so I was very happy to find someone in my small town who was willing to teach me. You can find her here. I had a few technical problems with my camera but I have a few pictures to show you.

Here I am working on a piece that became a mermaid. I really enjoyed working with this medium. The hours flew bye and it felt very meditative. I was totally in the zone... you know the one I mean... I loved the flow of the melted wax, the brilliant colours and the hiss of the blow torch.... yes, the hiss of the blow torch. It was extremely exciting to use it to fuse layers and melt colour. My fear of the blow torch is now a thing of the past!

I will show you the finished "Love Heals" piece later this week. I love it and I can't wait to hang it on my wall. This pic is not too far off the finished product.

And there is more!!!! But you have to wait until I photograph them. I'll try to do that some time this week. So, I give encaustic painting two thumbs up! You must try it!

Art by the Girls

2009-01-19T19:02:00.005-05:00

Here is my daughter's painting. Don't you think it is really amazing? She calls it Blossom Bird In a Tree. How talented is she! I think it is amazing that we share a love of art. We spend a lot of evenings working on paintings together and I cherish it.

My grandfather (died 1986) was an artist and I had this dream last year that he was sitting in a old lawn chair watching us paint and he was smiling so big at us. He died when I was 18 and never met my daughter. Having him as an artist was both a blessing and a curse: A blessing because I was exposed early on to art and its importance. A curse, because the art was reserved for the men in my family.... I never felt encouraged to explore art. I never even felt safe to express my desire to make art. My desire was to be kept quite because I was not a "real" artist. To me, the dream of my grandfather was a sign that he approved, and in fact, watches over our creative process with much pride. I'm so glad I gave up that bullshit of what a real artist is long ago - a definite plus of being 40! It makes me happy, so I paint! Isn't that the best my creative friends?!?!?!?!

Here is my most recent "Reach for the Stars" Mermaid. Sorry about the picture quality. I suppose I should have edited it on Flicker first, oh well! Enjoy!

Snow and Tobogganning

2009-01-18T22:41:00.010-05:00

It seems like I predictably sit down to write Sunday night! I would love to blog more and I'm going to try. I have all sorts of wonderful and exciting things going on to share but the time seems to slip away.

First thing to share is this pic of me and my daughter toboganning down the hill. It is a B I G hill and we seemed to go very fast. That is my son at the bottom of the hill! I'm sure I will regret tobogganning tomorrow when my muscles complain but it was so much fun. We had so much snow here the last few days but it has at least warmed up to a balmy -10c.... much better then -30 a few days ago!

Here are some pics of the beauty of the snow. My kid's swingset is nearly buried!

My little man:

My little woman. Please bear with me - my children are at the age where all pics come with silly faces!

I have a new painting to post too but for some reason, my memory card, is missing so it will have to wait until another night. She is a lovely mermaid and I can't find her image anywhere! Okay, that means you must check back soon. I also have a picture to show you that my daughter made. It is truly amazing! She amazes me so much.

Since I can't find a pic of my newest piece, here is a pic of my Henna tattoo that my friend did for my 40th birthday in December. Amazing huh! All natural and organic.

Hi World, how are you?

2009-01-11T23:00:00.007-05:00

I have just had the loveliest of weekends.... the kind that rejuvinate and fill the soul up full. The kind of weekend where you fall into bed full of happiness and exhaustion and sleep so deeply that you awaken fully refreshed. And because I'm a high/low kinda person, I had my lows too but not bad depressing lows. More the kind of lows where you gain deep awareness about your soul path and the reasons for incarnating this time around... this all relates to my daughter and her 8th birthday.

She had a magic theme and we had a bellydancer come and give a lesson, she also does henna tattoo art and the girls had a riot with this (so did I!)

Here is Lisa, showing off her goddessy moves. I love watching her dance, it truly is magical.

I also got to enjoy this beautiful wolf moon..... powerful indeed. In fact, I was in my hot tub tonight.... one of my most luxurious possesions and the moon was incredible. It was so cold but the hot tub was 105F and I warmed up pretty quickly. The snow was glistening on the trees and on the ground and the sky was clear and beautiful. I feel deeply connected when I'm in the hottub looking up at the sky. Isn't the night sky amazing? Truly?

I got to spend a lot of time with friends this weekend

* breakfast with my Yummy Mummies!

* Tea and phone with Miss Lydie!

* Tarot, tea, brie and hummus with Deb and Joanne. My tarot reading was wicked tonight - they were all amazing... fun times coming.

My weekend has just about ended now and I feel refreshed and ready for a busy week. So many good things are happening. I can't wait to be able to post some video's. I'm still working on it but I think the only way to do it is through you-tube. We will see. Blessings to you on this lovely evening.

Hodge Podge of Stuff!

2009-01-04T08:40:00.005-05:00

I have so much going on and it is all good! Don't you love when that happens? I finished reading "Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper" by Sark. It only took me 2 days to read this book! I am an incredibly slow reader so that is amazing! I take forever to read usually but I ripped this off no problem. Now let me tell you, if you have ANY interest in writing, this is the book for you! I feel very inspired to finish my book because of reading this book. She is so open and encouraging. I just love her. She has many books and I highly recommend that a woman have at least one of her books - like Succulent Wild Woman. They are so empowering.

Okay, so that gets to one of my goals for the new year. I am going to try to write for 5 minutes every day! Thats all, only 5 minutes! I should be able to squeeze 5 minutes into my day? To be honest, I avoid working on my book.... and I really don't know why? I love my book, I have been working on it for four years! My book is my ticket into a new career and it is my ticket to being ME, fully ME, living my life true to myself. Its funny how we sometimes sabotage ourselves with the things we love. I have worked so hard on it but it is a kinda "coming out of the closest" sorta book. It is making me feel so vulnerable and putting myself out there, like I have never done. It means being strong, confident and visible. It means standing out in the crowd. It means, I am an expert on something.

I am quite content to stay under the radar normally. It is comfortable, non threatening, safe BUT .....

**************** NOT TRUE TO MYSELF *******************

And this year, I intend to be true to myself and that is scary. But, fear is just an emotion and I don't have to be ruled by my emotions. So regardless of my own fear, I am going to do this. I'm putting it out in my blog, because that will remind me to stay true to myself and you readers will be my witness!

One last thing is I want to upload some videos but I'm having a hard time. I have followed both Connie & Renee's instructions with no luck. So feel free to leave me advise or instructions. Thank you!

I've become aware of something

2008-12-29T12:47:00.008-05:00

Something that has to do with how I wake up most mornings.... My first feeling and thoughts are anxious. My thoughts are something like "I don't want to wake up yet", "I want to avoid my life" etc... Thankfully, I realize it in the moment and I can change my thoughts fairly easily. It is a real gift of studying yoga and mindfulness that I have learned that thoughts are just thoughts, they are not me and who I truly am at my core. As quickly as they come into my head, I can let them leave too.

Instead I put myself back in that moment and focus on my gratitude for that moment in time, the feeling of beautiful soft sheets and a warm and feathery duvet and maybe the sun shining through my easterly window, gently touching my cheek.

My "anxious waking-ups" seem to be worse this week. Okay, its only Monday so it is a little early to say. But I have seemed to noticed it more over the last week I guess.

I anticipate this to be worse because as of next Monday I am back to work full time again. I have to wonder if I am creating my own anxiety? I have thoughts like "I can't do it", "what will I do with my kids", "who will watch them", "are they safe", "when can I get groceries and cook and clean". "when will there ever be time for me again?" With thoughts like that, no wonder I feel anxious at times. Some of it is needless worry and out of my control. Some of it is the struggles that all working mothers face. I always say that I don't want to struggle with these issues but I must be creating them for myself on some level.

Do I really believe things should be easy for me? Do I believe I can be successful? creative? intelligent? or is there another part of me that believes I'm a failure, incompetent, that I need to be perfect and nothing less? Our beliefs are so powerful and they are often unconscious. I plan on delving into my deep beliefs over the next month or so and you may be reading about them here. I need to get at the core of why I'm resisting making my life my own... why I resist ease.... why I resist joy.... why I resist following my heart. This is MY life and I plan on making it the best that I can, one moment at a time. I would love to hear your ideas for making your life your own..... what inspires you? what motivates you? how do you follow your heart?

It only gets better

2008-12-28T10:17:00.007-05:00

What a lovely year it has been for me. I think this has been one of the best years of my life, but then again, I tend to say that every year. Even the hard years, I seem to learn the most and get the most out of them.

We had baby lambs over Christmas this year which is a surprise. They don't usually come until the end of January or so. This pic is a precious moment as my daughter got to hold the freshly born lamb - one of twins - they were still wet from being born. This little lamby (and twin) died the next day and I must say, I was heartbroken. I cried my heart out and I couldn't shake the sadness. I couldn't even write about it until now. Most of the lambs for some reason, have died this year. Maybe because of the cold or because they are so early, not sure but it is so incredibly sad.

I think because my daughter was a twin and her twin died, that I personalize it... its like reliving my own losses - but in order to heal more deeply, this is how our psyche's work. We dig a little deeper into the muck of ourselves and we never know how the "muck" will present itself. Believe it or not, the best way out of the muck, is not to struggle or avoid it. Instead see what it has to show you and allow your feelings and once you do that, you generally are out of the muck, at least for a while. Okay, did that make any sense???? LOL

So even though hard things have happened, I still think I have had a fantastic year. I feel more alive and more creative then ever. I feel deeply connected to my life and to the people and animals I love. I'm looking forward to spending some time, deep in my own thoughts, sorting out what my goals will be for 2009. My main goal is going to be to rid my life of fear and move forward in new ways, ways that scare me. This is the perfect time for all of us to think about what we want to let go of and what we want to create. Now is the time to grow our lives and tend to the seeds so that they may grow beautiful fruits. It is also the time to let go of what is not working or what we have grown out of. I'll let you know what I'll be working on shortly.
This is a picture of my Goddess shortbread cookie that I made. Me and kids have a tradition of making cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve. This one did not go to Santa, I have saved it and will maybe put it out for the birds and fairies that live on my lovely farm.
And another picture of my little sweeties making cookies.

Okay my lovelies in cyberblogland have a wonderful day and remember to make those goals, work hard toward them and make your life how you want it.

A Silent Night

2008-12-24T09:42:00.003-05:00

I love the song "Silent Night". It always touches something really deep in me. Something that makes me feel connected to the stars, to babies, to spirit, to life. I'm not a Christian so this always surprises me especially because I always get emotional when I hear this song. I especially love when Stevie Nicks sings it. I have always loved Christmas Eve, it reminds me of beautiful music, incense and prayer (meditation as I call it now).

Some of the sadness in me regarding Christmas has to do with how my life has changed. I live so far from my family now and all of my grandparents are deceased. I love this picture of me with my grandmothers. It was taken at my brother's wedding in the mid-90's (check out my short hair Connie!). Even though my early life with my family was not the greatest, it was predictable and there were traditions, such as spending Christmas Eve with my Grandmother (right side) and Christmas day with my Grandmother (left side) or vice versa.

Now that I have my own family we have our own traditions and part of me always wishes that I could share my own childhood tradition with them. Due to the distance that is mostly impossible but we do the best we can. We have very little family here. My in-laws are close by and that is it. I am grateful to be able to share some family time with them.

I think I mostly took my grandmother's for granted. I never really realized how much they cared and loved me until later in my life. I never realized how much I would truly miss them (and my grandfather's too) until they had passed on. Thankfully they have both visited me in dream state and I'm grateful for that.

I always remember to be grateful at Christmas for the lovely blessings I have received in my life. I have so many things to be grateful for - I will have lots to eat and drink and there will be many presents under the tree. I will get to spend Christmas with people who care about me and I will hold my family close to my heart. I hope that you receive all you need this holiday season and remember that there are lots of people who love you and hold you close to their hearts.

Winter Weepies

2008-12-19T18:17:00.008-05:00

I am so emotional the last few days! I don't know if it is just because I'm PMS'ing or peri-menopause or something hormonal. I think it is the season and the whole energy. I don't feel sad, I just FEEEEEL, I FEEL everything it seems. I could cry at just about every song on the radio, every single holiday song, and don't even get me started on commercials!!!

Why is it that sad things always happen at Christmas? Is that even true or am I making it up? I know this is actually balanced because many wonderful things happen at the holidays too. People seem more kind, more generous, more compassionate. Why do so many people die/leave the earth at Christmas? I know energetically, it is the time when spirit often chooses to leave as the veil between the worlds is thin. I hate hearing stories of children or young people dying at this time of year. Yet, it happens.

I think it has something to do with winter solstice. A time of turning inward, reflection, gratitude, a time of acknowledging the place of death and darkness in the circle of life. A time of shedding away the old so that new things may grow. Winter solstice is the darkest night of the year (for this half of the earth). One of the things I love about winter solstice is that we are reminded that in death, there is life. When things seem hopeless and final, deep in the earth, in the roots of trees and plants, in the wombs of wild animals, there is a shimmer of new life and we start the whole cycle over. I guess it is the time to be in the dark, no matter how uncomfortable we may be there. It is natural and part of the cycles.

The new year signals my return to work full time. I feel kind of bitter sweet about this. Part of me is looking forward to it and part of me feels like I'm not on the path I want to be on. I'm grateful for this path as I have learned the most wonderful of things on it and I am ready for change. I have put it out to the universe and I'm taking action..... now we will see what manifests with the season. I am looking forward to the quiet of January, the darkness of the days and a warm fire in my fireplace. Blessings to you at Winter Solstice.

Creative Tuesday

2008-12-09T22:21:00.005-05:00

I have one Creative Tuesday left to myself before my kids are home for Christmas break. Then, I'm back to work full time in January. I can't believe how fast this year has gone. I have truly enjoyed my time to myself on Tuesdays... And i'm working at manifesting some more of this because it is just too glorious to give up!

time to

create,

envision,

meditate,

slow down,

give birth... to myself....

Today I worked on on a couple of paintings. This is one of them.

I also had an amazing tarot reading. I just LOVE my Osho deckThis is a great reading and I loved the layout as well.

Okay, if anyone happens to stumble across my blog, thanks for reading. Be blessed wherever you are!