I’ve Joined…

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Multi-petal flower doodle

Creativebug.com.

Since taking a (trial) Lisa Congdon art class in watercolor, I’ve made drawing and painting part of my morning ritual. I don’t know where this will lead me (maybe my second self-published children’s book as author and illustrator?)…but I know I enjoy the process.

Subscription options for Creativebug.com are below:

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They offer a multitude of art classes:

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When you consider the cost of classes at your neighborhood art academy or fabric store, this is a steal: unlimited classes all month for $8!

Free Spirit

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Waiting on my white gel pen to finish this piece.

 

Another way to look at your day’s purpose (and string of those leads to a life’s purpose) is to be mindful of your “vibrational frequency.” Yes, that might sound like hippie-speak, but consider it. (What’s wrong with being a Flower Child or Free Spirit, anyway?)

I read Light Watkin’s blog and this is how it inspired me:

If you’re into positive thinking and purpose, think about the present moment in terms of the vibrational frequency you’re putting “out there” (into your world). Are you giving off positive vibes? Or are you complaining or worrying?

When we talk about people giving off “vibes,” we’re often addressing their general energy, not something that said or did specifically. We have all felt someone’s energy as positive or negative before that person said a word.

Appreciating your present moment in terms of energy can get you out of your head (when you’re worried or upset about a specific event). Sometimes, it can be easier than identifying your current thought and catching yourself thinking non-productively. Am I giving off good vibes? Easy to answer. And thus, easy to change.

 

 

 

Bliss of Solitude

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Pitcher doodle

 

Nature teaches us how to be quiet and calm.

 

*from William Wordsworth’s poem, “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”

My favorite lines are the last three:

Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

 

True Freedom

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Day 24 of 31 Day Painting Challenge*

We believe the “right” amount of money will afford us freedom.

We believe that being 100% safe will make us free.

But what will really give you freedom is complete acceptance of reality and even looking forward to your “fears” coming true.

When you practice dread, you practice imprisonment.

When you welcome everything, you liberate yourself.

 

 

*creativebug.com (Lisa Congdon)

…Yoda Would Not Approve

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Day 21 of 31 Day Painting Challenge (Lisa Congdon – Creativebug.com)

Too often, we confuse “anger” with power. Anger is fear-based. It is never necessary.

Intelligent, creative action can only arise from calmness.

Whenever I give a knee-jerk reaction, I almost always regret it. Yet I’ve never regretted deleting the impassioned email or biting my tongue until I can address the issue calmly.

Try this: Next time you are offended (which is just your perception of offensive behavior, by the way), do not react. Think about the action or words. Decide if they are true or not. And react calmly (e.g., “Interesting. No, I do not agree.” Or, “I think you might be right!“)

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