Art Felt

Music Muse's

  OK - so it's November now - which means it must be time to write a monthly post! Pathetic I know, and yes I will improve, so yes, those that visit, please continue to bear with me!

Yes - I have a new camera (see photo!) I am loving it. I have a way to go figuring out all the bells and whistles, but I have basic operation under control and am LOVIN IT!

Since last posting I have been to paradise and will post about that next. But todays post is about some interesting music finds for me. It has been a week of music, beginning with the ARIAS on Sunday night. These are our industry music awards and I had the good fortune to attend with my husband and got to see some great Aussie artists belt out their stuff. We even had Nicole and Keith their this year which added a bit of WOW factor to the evening.

I just loved Kate Miller-Heidke - her voice is amazing, I think it is opera trained, she had a little of the Kate Bush feel to me. Another great Group that performed and took out an ARIA was Gotye It was refreshing to see an artist so passionate about what he does and actually prepared accept the award.

Last night was a bit of a contrast but an amazing show visually for Justin Timberlake (he has enough world wide fans - he doesn't need a link!) An absolutely incredible light and stage show. But I have NEVER heard such high pitched and constant screaming from fans! (wow do I sound old?) Needless to say 14 year old daughter wasn't bothered by it, unlike her mother who I am sure wore a crease in her forehead the entire night! (OK so maybe I am old). I leave you today with "learnalilgivin" by Gotye

Part Time Blogger

I recently read a blog that had a "what I hate" kinda question. One of the things the writer hated was "friends that said to mention their blog, and then only blogged once a month!"  As I read agreeing with the frustration of happening upon an interesting blog only to find that the updates were few and far between, I realized how over the last few months I had fallen into this category! So, what was my excuse - have had the move - so I guess that excuse no longer cuts it. Soooo with that in mind, no art to show, and really nothing of interest to say - I give you some memories of a trip last month to Melbourne "with the girls". Once a year we make a point to go away for a weekend. This time we felt we were up for a short interstate plane ride. It is funny in the lead up, as the emails come thick and fast - "what should I pack" " What restaurants shall we book" "what should we see" - the excitement builds as we board the taxi to the airport  with our"Leave pass" as one friend always puts it. We all met at a local playgroup when all our eldest children were born. So I guess the common thread is we all have an oldest child of 14. Apart from that, we have had some laughs, supported each other over the years through some stuff, but we are all ready to enjoy the time in a big way. Me and one other have both lived in Melbourne so we were the "tour" guides as such, and boy we covered some ground, saw some stuff, ate, danced sang, and of course laughed. I give you some highlights - the laneways of Melbourne  are just wonderful to explore, came across this fantastic group busking. Loved the colour and atmosphere of Brunswick Street and of course Acland Street St Kilda  where we managed to see a Lama! We also spent some time in some amazing community gardens, one of our gang is a horticulturist, so she particularly enjoyed this. All the plots were so lovingly tended, and the produce traded and shared  between fellow gardeners. I have to say one of the highlights for  four of the six of us was  a very late evening at a nightclub on "80" night! When the four of us entered the club we raised the average age there considerably, BUT we did know all the words! My wonderful husband had organised  entry  for us via a call or two and  we did have trouble keeping our straight and "cool" faces on when we had to say -"our names are on tthe door, we are on "Razzles" list!" A great time had by all, we were  soaked in sweat and hoarse from singing as we exited in the wee hours - THESE ARE THINGS WE MUST DO! Soooo - I leave you with one request, this week, go and so something that makes you feel good!

Celebrate!

In Just 9 months - we have gone from the photo below left, to the photo right! How long we waited to make the move - but at last the move day has come and gone, and with our move we seem to have taken the heart and soul out of our old home! It feels so different amidst the empty rooms. Still alot of boxes waiting to be sorted, and as yet, my studio remains in the old house! But we have moved! Time to take a moment and celebrate.

Celebration number two for the month goes to my baby who 11 years ago entered the world quietly and without fuss - he has certainly made his presence known since, and his presence to me is a present indeed. He brings much joy to my life. Happy Birthday JP!

Now back to reality and unpacking, so one day soon I can actually post some artwork!

Fathers Day

Happy Fathers day - Today we celebrate our fathers. I have two fathers in particular I wish to acknowledge.
Firstly to my husband - thank you for being such an amazing father to our dear children. You remain calm and steady, loving and kind, and a wonderful role model to both of them in all circumstances. I know as they go through life, the lessons and values you instill in them will serve them well. You are our treasure.
Next - My father, who I can count on any time always, even as an adult. How lucky my children are to have the love and wisdom of my father as well. My Father taught me so many lessons. One of the most valuable was to always keep the child within you. He has always managed to do this and we have some laughs always with him.  Today was a very different celebration , as we prepare to move house this week! it is something of a strange move, because it is next door to where we have been living for the past  6 years! We have built a new home and move into this whilst we rebuild our old home. I guess this
is like part one of a two year project. So today was spent ferrying over loads of things you would normally pack in boxes and painting shelves to go over (thanks Dad - I know you want to putty the holes and do two coats, but the shabby chic look does not require it!) As I apologised to my father and brother for having to spend the day doing hard labour, my wonderful mother (see left) said, it was one of the best fathers days, sitting amongst our newly planted garden in the shade ( I know it's winter here, but it had to be mid to hight 20's) hearing the children's excited laughter in our new yard. And I am sure there are weary people all round, but, mother's do know best! Thanks for the yummy afternoon tea Mum.

Bragging Time!

Life is busy - and I'm not just talking about my world here. So much time is spent planning ahead and picking up the pieces of yesterday.  I am always trying to remind myself of how quickly moments pass, and how fleeting time is, in an attempt to be more present in that moment.  Whilst being in that moment this evening I took time to enjoy moments brought to me by my family. For my son, a huge moment that sees him competing in an invitational carnival in discus - amazing considering the last time he threw a discus was a year ago! Finally the very tall genes pay off allowing some extra grip with those long fingers coupled with the focus and determination he does so well with things he is passionate about! I don't have an action shot here, because I made a decision to watch the moment rather than capture it on camera.

For my daughter, I was lucky enough to share in looking at some of the wonderful photographs she has produced for an english major work for school. She is taking photos and writing poems to create a book for submission, and is doing an amazing job. She has been working so hard on it and the shots she shared with me are amazing. Well done ! I am sharing one of the shots below with you. It has been a pleasure to have been in these moments, moments that released me from thinking about the how whys whats and wheres of everything else happening in my overwhelming world at the moment.

Lucky me.

Mothers day

A MOTHER'S LOVE

A mothers love is something
that no on can explain,
It is made of deep devotion
and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish
and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it
or take that love away . . .
It is patient and forgiving
when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters
even though the heart is breaking . . .
It believes beyond believing
when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty
of the rarest, brightest gems . . .
It is far beyond defining,
it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret
like the mysteries of creation . . .
A many splendoured miracle
man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence
of God's tender guiding hand.

By Helen Seiner Rice

 Happy Mothers Day!

Running

The words of the evermore song "running" seem to take on a whole new meaning with each fleeting day at present! I know we all have those periods in our lives when we feel that it's a case of two steps backwards and one forward. Well I am well and truly in about week three as is evident from my lack of posts. The piles of to dos mount up around me until the place takes on a look reminiscent of a new york skyline with skyscraperesk towers creating an obstacle path that leads to the studio! Needless to say, I ain't getting there as much as I need to at present.
As you can see it looks so peaceful there - an inspiring outlook, but one that I am not managing to enjoy just at this particular moment.
I always found the saying "If you want something done, ask a busy person!" to be somewhat true, what I believe at the moment is, that busy person may do it, but it probably means that they have to let something else go! I also believe that the universe will answer our calls if we know what we are really asking and if we look for the answers, and as it happens, I was lucky enough to receive a couple of reminders. One I read on Michelle's blog recently, and one was  was from a dear friend with whom I have shared much and who send many pearls of wisdom my way and will one day put them in a book. It is an oldie but goodie about priorities and juggling, I thought I'd share.

  When things in your life seem almost too much too         
handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough,
remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had
some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very
large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill
it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the
jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and
poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the
golf balls. He then asked the students again if the
jar was full they agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured
it into the jar . Of course, the sand filled up
everything else. He asked once more if the jar was
full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes."
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from
under the table and poured the entire contents into
the jar, effectively filling the empty space between
the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided,
"I want you to recognize that this jar represents
your life. The golf balls are the important things-
your God, family, your children, your health, your
friends, and your favorite passions--things that if
everything else was lost and only they remained your
life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your
job, your house, and your car.
The sand is everything else -- the small stuff.
If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued,
"there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life. If you spend all your time
and energy on the small stuff, you will never have
room for the things that are important to you.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your
happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get
medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner.
Play another 18. There will always be time to clean
the house and fix the disposal."
Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that
really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just
sand." One of the students raised her hand and inquired what
the coffee represented.
The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just
goes to show you that no matter how full your life may
seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of
coffee with a friend."

On that note - I best go and attend to the golf balls and throw a few starfish back into the sea on my way!

Lucky I am surrounded by people to help with the starfish!

The Nominees Are!

What a surprise and  an unexpected one at that to find I had been nominated for the THINKING BLOGGER AWARD By the lovely sweet Ro Bruhn .
Considering I only began this BLOG in February, that is most kind flattery. For me it has been a massive learning curve, and has opened up a whole world for me where I can connect and gain inspiration from other artists.
The fun part is that now I get to sing some praises of those that give me some daily doses of inspiration.
I am nominating.............

MISTY MAWN - this was the first Blog I ever found. I couldn't believe that I had stumbled upon such an inspiring artist, who spoke so honestly and beautifully from the heart. I have one of Misty's artworks on my wall and it also inspires me daily.

ANAHATA KATIN- Whenever I read Anahata's blog, I have this image of an incredibly positive person, a glass is half full kind of gal - her work is such an interesting blend I just want to hold it and have a good close up look at it.

LISA KRAUS - I love the surface of Lisa's paintings the artworks are what speaks to me on this Blog - I love that Lisa showed the process of beginning and working towards the finished artwork.

MICHELLE WARD-  Michelle strikes me as a Can do person. I have on more than one occasion sought her help in the how to of Blogging - she never fails me! As far as making you think, her  Green Pepper Press Street Team  challenges are aimed at doing just that.  Plus, she is passionate about her music.

KATE - I don't know how Kate found me, I am so glad she did though, She is a passionate gardener and creative soul who's words transport you to another world. I have never been a green thumb, but Kate makes me want to try.

AND OF COURSE - I couldn't let this moment pass without mentioning the very inspirational and fellow recipient courtesy of Ro URSULA who has coached me, spent many an hour, is inspiring, a great artist, a hop skip and a jump away AND my dear friend!

Rules are easy:

1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think
2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,
3. Optional: Proudly display the ‘Thinking Blogger Award’ with a link to the post that you wrote.
This is where it all started HERE

Easter

The overload of chocolate usually hits by Easter Sunday evening - all those foiled packages seem to have lost their attraction! Time to hide them away somewhere where they will only be found in an "I've got to have chocolate" frenzy!
I love the Easter Holidays - I love having the four days of holidays with all the family around, I love how in our house they are very low key days. I love that for me it is always a reminder of the importance of family and how lucky I am to have such a precious and caring family.
Today we had lunch with my parents and my brother and his family.
After lunch me, my mother and my son went for a walk to  Berry Island Reserve   which is in my parents neighbourhood and I was reminded of how fortunate I am to live in this city of Sydney. The sky was filled with wonderful clouds shuffled with patches of blue and a fading Autumn afternoon light. It was a perfect afternoon. We skimmed stones in the water, looked for treasures, and we were together, three generations just being. I thought that the weathered rock in a heart shape summed it all up for me today. A special day spent with the most special people in my life - Happy Easter, enjoy being with those significant to you.

I love the colours 

in the sandstone
and the shape
created is just perfect.
If you look carefully you can
just see the
Harbour Bridge
peeking above the
trees. We forget how green Sydney
is.

                             Sydney View From Berry Island Reserve

Weathered Sandstone Rock

Nothing to Show

Do you ever feel like you are avoiding something?
I do, often, particularly at the moment. It might be the call to the tradesman to organise an item for our building, it may be the call to the podiatrist to make that appointment my daughter has requested, it may be entering the studio to start that next piece of art, it most definitely is writing blog entries at the moment. I often blame time, or lack of it, but I know that when I am busy I achieve more than when I am not, so there goes that excuse! So, that brings me to the real reason. I have had the opportunity to explore some wonderful blogs since  gaining my blogger learner plates, and it has been inspiring to say the least. It has also been a little overwhelming to see how many talented and extremely prolific creative beings exist out there in the world, which brings me to the real reason that I have been reluctant to post of late.....I have nothing to show! yep - not a sausage, I have not been creative! or have I? The ever wise Ursula, once again put it all into perspective for me. I have been creating, but not literally. I have been facilitating creativity for those around me at the moment, and I have used  much of the training in colour theory I learned at art school in choosing the colours for our new home! Today, I helped my mother stretch her creativity beyond her comfort zone and explore a different  medium to that she usually works in. I showed my daughter several techniques she could use in her card making assignment for design and technology. I made some exceptional salads at lunch which we enjoyed together as a family reunited as my son returned from camp yesterday afternoon which explains why much of my morning was spent in the laundry! I am grateful for the opportunities I have to share my creativity and for the wonderful experiences it offers me and for the people it connects me with.