Random thoughts are piercing my brain and I need to let them leak unto this post; like letting the blood ooze out of the cranium to relieve pressure from a swollen brain.
I’m 25 years old but all I need right now is to play on a swing set.
Relationships are like an absence in the teeth; love the infection, spreads from the mouth to the brain killing the brain due to over analysis, comparison, self torment and confusion.
Sometimes I just let myself rot.
If you let me, I’ll be good to you. But I’m only human; made only of flesh, bone and blood. You resist; I tremble and am afraid. What do I do to warrant this rejection? So, now I have to pretend that I don’t like you so I can keep you interested, all the while looking over my shoulder to make sure that you are still watching the performance. Can’t it be that for once we just skip this lover’s dance? Instead, you continue to make me dance to the point my feet fall asleep and I am truly exhausted.
That’s it for now, I have writer’s block, not sure how I what I should do for this blog. Much love internet world! ❤ Happy Wednesday!
Happy Friday, world of internet readers! Today, I am excited for the weekend and I wanted to post a cheerful, fun, excited post to my fellow weekenders! Through out the week I have been saving clips and pictures to share with you guys so I hope you enjoy them and at least get a small chuckle from them!
Lately, I’ve been feeling rather blue and sullen . It’s like I have some kind of green sticky slime all over my skin that no matter how determined my scrubbing, I never seem to get the “ick” off. At times I feel cursed, while at other times I feel like maybe the slime is materializing from my own doings. Either way, it doesn’t really matter how it got there. As goes the wise ancient saying, “it’s not that you suffer, it’s how you suffer”. So, let’s look at my situation; I’m being swallowed daily by a relentless, sticky, slimy parasite that seems to be draining me of my life so it can get stronger. What is one to do when the proverbial sponge isn’t scrubbing the skin clean? One must learn that if you can’t cleanse the outside of the body there is no choice but to cleanse the inside of the body. The parasite can sit there trying to enter my skin, but I must take care of myself from the inside out so the parasite drops off. Diving into spirituality has helped me to cleanse my spirit, mind and heart. Listening to kind music, such as Jewel’s, “I’m Sensitive”, has been a small blessing as well. Continuing to nourish my body helps, and drinking generous amounts of water. Walking in nature and interacting with my pets has been a purging all in itself.
Depression; is the ugliest kind of parasite. And I believe that is the name of my parasite. But it is also people in my life who I feel are also parasites, suckling off of my blood for reasons unbeknownst to me. Jewel subtly begs, “Be careful with me. I’m sensitive and I’d like to stay that way”. I wish I could paint these lyrics unto a neon colored banter and then hold it up for the entire world to see. In a way, asking the world to “take it a bit easy on me”. But in away that is insulting myself. Why should I be pampered? When I face challenges in life I always ask, “Why me?” I ponder for a minute and then think to myself, “Why not me? I can handle it”. I guess all pain inflicted from someone else, really is just inflicted from myself. I think it’s okay to arm yourself with a shield once in awhile and say to yourself, ” I will not let anyone get through my shield and I will not let anyone hurt me”. I AM WARRIOR AMY, CONQUER OF THIS MIND, THIS HEART, THIS BODY, THIS SOUL. NO ONE GETS TO HURT ME BECAUSE I WILL NOT LET THEM. I AM A FIGHTER AND I WILL WIN THIS BATTLE VICTORIOUSLY! WOOOORAAAAA!!!!!! 🙂
Today, I came across a beautiful quote, “Be in love with your life. Every minute of it”. Brilliant. I need to say that quote to myself every morning I wake up!
In other Amy News… I was looking through my jewelry box this week and came across an old folded up paper. I opened it up and vaguely remembered it. On the paper was a gorgeous poem written by a man in the 1920’s. I have no idea where I obtained this poem, I mean literally, I have no idea if I got a hold of it in Hawaii or San Diego. But I’ll share it with you now even though I do not remember this paper’s origins:
“Desiderata
–written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920’s–
Not “found in Old St. Paul’s Church”!– see below
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be a greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world if full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is a perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”
And that is all the paper has to offer. A beautiful poem from a wise man, long ago, basically boasting about the great balance that must be maintained through out life. It is a sweet ode.
Another little gem I found, was this morning, a model opposing “Forever 21’s” problematic body image of women. https://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/model-chrissy-teigen-says-forever-21-has-a-body-image-problem-203647387.html I couldn’t agree more with this articles take on the brand. I really wish to fight self worth issues that women face on a daily bases. Whether women are put down relating to “barefoot and pregnant” issues, “get your butt in the kitchen and fix me a sandwich” issues, “your body has to look exactly like this model to be considered beautiful” issues, sexual issues, victim issues… all of it. But I haven’t figured out yet how to help women. But I’ll get it figured out.
I suppose that is all I have to offer on this day in Virginia Beach. Much love from my computer screen to yours and please take care! ❤
In ancient Egypt (ancient Thebes to be exact; modern day Luxor) there was a place where queens lived called, “The Place of the Beauties” . I thought it only apropos to name this blog post, “The Place of the Beauties” because it will serve as my ode to some of the worldwide women I admire. There are hundreds of women, if not thousands, of women I admire; but the ones I chose for this post are women that anyone can have access to. They are women of folklore, mythology, cinema and real women surviving and struggling for their lives and that of their families or other women. Here is my place for some of the world’s “beauties” to be honored… not a place that acts as a playground for spoiled pharaohs… but an electronic shrine to women who are fighting, surviving, inspiring… everywhere in the world.
The Place of the Beauties
Here are the Beauties in all their glory in no specific order:
Linor Abargil
1. Linor Abargi:In 1998, an 18 year-old Linor Abargi from Israel, was crowned Miss World in a World Pageant. That’s not why she made this list. Only six weeks prior to being crowned, then Miss Israel, was brutally abducted and raped in Milan, Italy while attending pageant business. But that isn’t why she made this list either. She makes this list because of the work and travel she has since done because of a beautiful passion to heal victims of rape. She has traveled all over the world, doing motivational speaking to rape victims but also to create awareness of rape survivors. Her documentary, “Brave Miss World” is intense, inspiring, heart wrenching and eye opening. I advise that one watches this documentary with a strong constitution and a box of tissue. It is blunt and it doesn’t hold back on rape accounts and stories.
“Brave Miss World” documentary
Christy Turlington
2. Christy Turlington: You may know Christy Turlington as an international super model. Of course that isn’t why she made my list of honorable women. She made it because she is an advocate for maternal health through the humanitarian advocacy; “CARE” (Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere). She is also the ambassador for “Product Red”, which is a global fund to raise awareness to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. In Turlington’s documentary, “No Woman No Cry: Every Mother Counts” the humble super model visits slums, villages, and low income areas to show what women with no money must go through just to bring their child into the world. It is of course inspiring and heroic, but also touching and sorrowful. It reminds the watcher even in the 21st century how dangerous child bearing still is and even more so for women in under developed countries and even for poor women in the richest countries. This documentary is a must see for everyone; especially for women.
“No Woman No Cry”
Shot from “Penelope” movie
3. Penelope: Third on the list is a little bit silly but no less important for it deals with a women’s self image. This is an issue that is near and dear to my heart because of course, as a woman, I deal with tremendous grief and agony when it comes to my own self image. The media portrays women as walking, talking, living Barbie dolls, and Honey, that just ain’t me. It’s not only not me, but no real woman out there except for maybe the occasional freak of nature super model, looks like a Barbie doll (not mentioning plastic surgery junkies). The 2006 film, “Penelope” tells the old folk legend of Penelope, a girl who is born with a family curse, which is a pig’s snout for a nose! Comedic, right? True, it is a funny scenario but there is an underlying message… true beauty is the highest beauty of all. So, what is true beauty? A face, a nose, a pig’s snout? Never! A woman’s laugh, a woman’s working hands, a woman’s shed tear for another, a woman’s belly swollen with a baby, a woman’s wisdom… that’s some of what makes true beauty. A kind word, a woman reaching out, a giddy giggle, a woman’s eyes full of life… there is no super model, flower, painting or Barbie, who can match that kind of beauty. Look at yourself, right now. Grab a mirror and look into your face. What do you see? Imperfections? No. Erase the “IM” part of imperfections. You see “perfections”. Look at your eyes. Think about all they have seen through out their existence. Look at your lips… think of all the lover’s they have kissed and all the cheeks or foreheads they have laid upon. Keep going. If you can’t do this with your face because you don’t want to grab a mirror than look at your hands right now; all the meals they have made, soil they have waded through, all the children they have touched, all the hands they have shook, all the art and beauty they have created… maybe a forehead they have petted. You’re beautiful. Learn to love yourself because that is the best love of all.
“Penelope”
Fictional characters, “Molly Gunn” and “Ray Schleine”.
4. Fictional characters, from the movie “Uptown Girls”: I love the movie, “Uptown Girls”. It shows that two completely different females, of completely different ages can unite and heal each other. I chose characters, “Molly Gunn” (played by my beloved Brittany Murphy; I absolutely LOVE her) and “Lorraine “Ray” Schleine” (played by Dakota Fanning) because at the end of the movie they break down their walls, and try to heal from the damage that is caused by the losses of both of their fathers (I wish I had watched this movie around the time I lost my own father). Through struggle and acceptance of life’s obstacles they achieve transformation and happiness. Now how is that not beautiful and honorable?
“Uptown Girls” movie poster
I hope you have enjoyed this list. I have my own personal beauties who I come across in real life; women who I look up to and honor for one reason or the next but I wanted my list to be one that anyone can assess on their own and be able to research and come to their own conclusion if any of these “beauties” are heroic to them. I will probably add more “beauties” in the future because there is no way my list could stop at four. But I wanted to steal only a little bit of your time today 🙂 Have a good one… and much love from this side of the screen to yours. ❤
Since when has Valentine’s day been like Christmas? I have expensive gifts to wrap, cards to make, things to bake and a new outfit to wear and am nervous about doing my hair. I remember in high school V-Day was a joke holiday… now that I’m older it’s an actual HOLIDAY! But I like it so I guess it’s okay! 🙂
Even if you don’t have a Valentine… treat yourself with friends or alone. There’s no reason not to celebrate!
Below is a fun recipe for V-Day! Weather you make these for this year or the next these are sure yummy Valentine’s Day treats!
Music can quench a thirst that leaves us feeling full but never drunk. You can never have too much music, you can never overdose on it yet it takes you to a higher place. Weather the music be country, church hymns, rap, pop, rock ‘n’ roll, international or girl anthems, music is a human connection, an emotional expression and a language completely of it’s own. I would like to share with you some songs on various playlists I have made up over the years, on my iPods, smart phones, lap top, desk top… wherever they’re stored, I want to bring them to you! Some songs on my playlists are inspirational songs, some are songs of stories, some are anthems, some cryptic, some fun and some run unspeakably deep because I can relate to them so much. Most of these songs I’m going to share are positive and I’m sure you have heard of them but hopefully I can introduce or at least reintroduce you to one song. If there is a great song or songs that are meaningful to you please share in the comments below! Thanks!
Amy’s Playlist
Inspiration
(Not necessarily religious)
1. “This Is Your Time” Michael W. Smith-
This song was originally written to honor slain Columbine High School Victim , Cassie Bernell. It is said that when one of the shooters pointed a gun at her, he asked her if she believed in God. Knowing she would be shot if she admitted her faith, she responded “yes” and was shot dead. Numerous songs have been written about her including Flyleaf’s song, “Cassie”. In 2010, the parents of murder victim, Chelsea King, used, “This Is Your Time” as an ending song to their daughter’s memorial service. I remember at the memorial service, bag pipes blared (in the song’s ending) as thousands of San Diegans raised sunflowers (Chelsea’s favorite flower) upward to the sky to pay tribute to Chelsea. This song always makes my heart ache but it is hauntingly poetic and beautiful.
2. “Note to God” JoJo (and cover by Charice)-
This is an important song, firstly because it is eloquently beautiful and poetically brilliant but also because of a heart touching performance that goes with it. Pop star, JoJo, first released the song on her 2006 album “The High Road” (“Note to God” was written by Diane Warren, one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE music writers). But in 2009, on “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, 18 year-old, Charice, a pop singer from the Philippines, KNOCKED it out of the park! Prepare yourself for goose bumps.
3. “Skinny Love” Bon Iver; (also done by Birdy and also done by Bella Ferraro)-
I first came across “Skinny Love” in 2010 when I downloaded Bon Iver’s album, “For Emma, Forever Ago”. I LOVED it. Then I heard Birdy’s version and I appreciated the simplicity and nostalgia of her cover. Then I saw X Factor. A young 16 year old, Bella Ferraro changed the song for me forever. The reason that comes to mind as to why her version beats out all the rest is because her’s was just sweeter and truer. I don’t know how but it somehow was those two things but also it was also purer and more powerful. It greatly helps that her voice is gorgeous and she is just so young, not just age wise but she is so innocently young!
Link to X Factor audition
4. “Hands” Jewel-
I admire and truly love folk/country/ pop singer, Jewel. As well as successful albums, she has also put out books of poetry (“Chasing the Dawn” and “A Night Without Armor”) that are absolute MUST READS! On another note, “Hands” has literally helped me out of sorrowful moments of my life by shedding small streams of bright light into a dark world I was being held captive in. “I will not be made useless, or idle with despair”… simplistic, bold, powerful, beautiful and full of truth and wisdom. With lyrics,”I am never broken” and “In the end, only kindness matters” how can it not serve as a helping hand to pull you out of your darkest moments (Pun not intended).
Fun
(Uplifting and light hearted)
1. “5 Years Time” Noah and the Whale-
Noah and the Whale offers up cheerful, sleek indie songs but “5 Years Time” is truly their best ever! With such unorthodox approaches to this song, such as playing a recorder (the instrument) to whistling and clapping through out the song , all truly makes this song one of a kind. It’s fun, cheery, cute and makes you want to hit the zoo with balloons (you’ll find out why when you listen to the song).
2. “Birthday” Katy Perry-
How can I make a “fun” music list and not have a Katy Perry song included? And what’s more fun than celebrating yourself everyday, not just on your birthday? Perry teaches that it’s okay to be weird so celebrate your oddities, every day of the week!
If you need a song to inspire you to work out, this is it! But with that aside, this song is relateable, self-empowering and infused- no, dripping wet with adrenaline. I love Shinedown and they rarely miss to impress. I’ll give you an excerpt of the song,
“I’m on the front line
Don’t worry I’ll be fine
the story is just beginning
I say goodbye to my weakness
so long to the regret
and now I see the world through diamond eyes”
BOOM, baby!
Relate
(Lyrics taken from your own thoughts)
1. “What I Cannot Change” LeAnn Rimes-
This is one of those songs that makes me wonder if someone isn’t stalking me, jolting down my every emotion and every experience unto paper and than turning them into main stream songs. This is a great song to listen to if you are feeling melancholy and down in a rut. “I will learn to let go of what I cannot change”, this beginning to the chorus makes me think of strength and bravery in letting go of what you cannot control, accepting uncertainty and realizing your own strength. It is incredibly brave and empowering, accepting the things you can’t change and letting go of your disappointments and expectations of what should have been.
2 “Lessons Learned” Carrie Underwood-
“There’s some things that I regret,
Some words I wish had gone unsaid,
Some starts,
That had some bitter endings,
Been some bad times I’ve been through,
Damage I cannot undo,
Some things,
I wish I could do all all over again,
But it don’t really matter,
Life gets that much harder,
It makes you that much stronger,
Oh, some pages turned,
Some bridges burned,
But there were,
Lessons learned.”
Once you accept that change is sometimes out of your control, remember that they are now lessons learned.
3. “Sad Song” Christina Perri
I’m not sure if this is really a song you should listen to when you are feeling down but it is a song I can completely unequivocally relate to. A lot of the time, I feel myself in dire need to explain myself because, I didn’t express myself correctly to someone, so song sort of explains it for me. The lines:
“And all you need to know is
I’m so sorry it’s not like me,
It’s maturity that I’m lacking
So don’t, don’t let me go
Just let me know that growing up goes slow”
are lines that I feel should be a disclaimer tattooed to my forehead. “Beware: she doesn’t always know what she’s doing or means what she expresses”. This is a song about being misunderstood, miscommunication and feeling horribly guilty about hurting someone. We’ve all been there.
4. “Virginia Bluebell” Miranda Lambert-
“Virginia Bluebell” is another lovely song that reminds you to come out of what ever funk you’re in and raise your head up to the light. I really get comfort from listening to this song when I am feeling blue. (No pun intended?) Lyrics below:
“Carrying the weight on the end of a limb
you’re just waitin’ for somebody
to pick you up again
shaded by a tree, can’t live up to a rose
all you ever wanted
was a silent place to grow
Pretty little thing
sometimes you gotta look up
and let the world see
all the beauty that you’re made of
cause the way you hang your head
nobody can tell
you’re my Virginia bluebell
my Virginia bluebell
Even through the snow
a flower can bloom
you just need a little push
spring is coming soon
umbrella in the rain
they’ll roll off your back
better watcha you can; realize what you have
Put a little light in the darkest places
put a little smile on the saddest faces”
I love Virginia Bluebells, they are such a beautiful flower. I think the flower that really inspires me the most are the sunflowers; they let the light guide them. They look up towards the sun and follow it where ever the light takes them. If you’re feeling blue, remember to cheer up buttercup, don’t be a bluebell with your head hanging low, raise your head up and be like the sunflower, with your face towards the sun.
I was moved by a story out of Ohio, that you may have already heard, about a high school trying to cope with two suicides (both suicides were separate and unrelated). The feedback from the high school students trying to deal with the loss of their fellow peers has been remarkable. A few anonymous students stuck every single locker in their high school with a post-it note that had words of encouragement written on them. How can that not warm your heart? Some kids are just wise beyond their years.
Hubby wants a snow ball fight? I’ll give him one by catching him off guard as I continue it inside… Mwahahaha
It’s snowing in Virginia Beach! Having been raised in San Diego, and living in Honolulu the past four years, this is a momentous occasion for me! Honestly, with the way I think, even if I had seen snow fall a million times, this would still be a momentous occasion for there is no artist or beauty like Mother Earth! And in case you’re wondering, YES, I have seen snow before! But!!- only a couple times before 🙂
I love gathering inspiration and motivation from anywhere and everywhere! Even from cinematic films! Sometimes the movie doesn’t even need to be a jaw- dropping Titanic-type movie for me to be moved, sometimes even a sweet up-lifter is much appreciated, especially in low moments.
Below, I have complied a list of films that have made me think, made me emotional, made me see the world in a wondrous light or have put a smile on my face. I hope you take the time to check out these amiable movies on my “Light Hearted” movie list!
Light Hearted Movies:
1. “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”-
This movie goes onto my list because it was cute, creative, original and it was about something everyone wants (usually), transformation. Change for the better. No longer choosing to be stuck at square one but making that leap of faith to try something different, something you have never done before. Beautiful. Simple but the message was lovely.
New release, can find it pretty much anywhere
2. “The Secret”-
In all actuality, this movie did not blow me away. But I know it influenced so many of my friends! At one point it felt like EVERYONE was talking about this film. They made a lot of strong and assertive points: Think about you want, not what you are lacking. Give the universe your longing, give it your desires instead of producing negative energy. Good point but the rest of it just didn’t vibe with me. It goes on here because it has changed people’s lives.
On Netflix as of January 2014
3. “DisneyNature: Wings of Life”-
This movie touched my heart and lit a light in my soul. It was GORGEOUS! “Wings of Life” is a Disney nature film but to call it a nature film or a wildlife film just isn’t giving it the justice it deserved. As a disclaimer: I am one of thos nature freaks who will stare for hours into a deserted bird’s nest so if nature isn’t a great beauty for you, it may not your think but I speculate that even if you aren’t a nature lover. you will be AMAZED by this film. It isn’t dry or trite. It is spectacular!
On Netflix as of January 2014
4. “Watch Nature: Animal Odd Couples”-
I can’t lie, this film made me cry. But I always get teary eyed over inspiring animal movies. I consider this film a MUST SEE. especially is you are an animal lover. From this film you will learn about, yes, animal relationships that they have with each other (e.g. in one of the stories a goat led a blind horse around a farm as a sort of seeing eye dog… or seeing eye goat…) but you will also learn about life in general… it will get the wheels in your head turning, so to speak. I highly recommend seeing this film!
On Netflix as of January 2014
5. “Yoga Is: A Transformational Journey”-
Wait! Don’t skip this one if you’re not active, or curious about yoga. I have done yoga, BUT I believe that even if you haven’t done yoga or it isn’t your cup of tea, it will still be worth seeing! This film is actually a documentary chronicling a woman’s journey in India and how she discovered yoga. This documentary was truly inspiring and definitley motivational, in the sense it indulges you to go out and buy a yoga mat but also in the sense it gives you motivation to change your life for the better. And what could be better than that?
On Netflix as of January 2014
6. “Moving Art”-
This movie isn’t for everyone. In fact, it may turn out that I am the only person who enjoys this movie, HOWEVER, it was rated really well on a website that my husband was looking at the other day. These is no narrative, commentator, no talking at all. It’s a film that shows pictures of nature, moving to classical music. Incredibly simple, very slow but I enjoyed it none-the-less so maybe you will enjoy it as well. There are four different films under the “Moving Art” title: “Moving Art Forests”, “Moving Art Flowers”, “Moving Art Oceans” and “Moving Art Deserts”.
On Netflix as of January 2014
7. “Katy Perry Part of Me”-
I saved this one last because I didn’t want my movie list to suffer prejudice because of this pick. Don’t roll your eyes at this one because even my husband liked this film (even though he found it difficult to admit). I am a Katy Perry fan, songs like “Firework”, “Roar”, “Part of Me”, “Birthday” and dozens of others are just too good not to fully appreciate. Her message is clear: it’s okay to be weird, it’s okay to be different, you are still special and deserve to be loved. Why don’t more musicians praise this message to their audiences? As for her “Teenage Dream” , whip cream flowing out of canisters hooked to her breasts, alter ego… don’t ask me what I think because it’s beyond me. This film starts off with fans (most are very young) explaining in private videos how Katy Perry inspired them to just be themselves. Right then you realize that the film is off to a good start. It is very candid regarding her divorce from then husband, Russell Brand…. but you’ll still enjoy it. It’s raw, inspiring, moving, triumphed, exciting and at times gritty (e.g. when her husband texts her he wants a divorce she has several melt downs, like collapsing into tears right before she is to go on stage. A must see film.
On Vudu and Amazon Instant as of January 2014
I hope you enjoyed this compilation of inpiring, motivational and light hearted films! I strongly recommend these movies, so if you eve find yourself, soul searching, pondering or bored, check out my list because they are worth seeing!
Snow in VB, baby!!
Now time for a weather update: It is snowing so hard right now that the streets are blanketed in a fresh dewy ice quilt and let’s keep in mind that this is Virginia Beach, the last time it snowed here was four years ago and I don’t even think it was sticking to the ground and by tomorrow we should have 2-4 inches of snow so I am understanding why the sidewalks and road or littered with salt and why the city got the snow plows ready!! Now to collect snow in a bowl, add cream and vanilla and have some snow cream; great idea by the hubby! 😉 Also enjoyed an epic now ball fight during the duration of me writing this post!
I loved this and totally want to try it! Here is a must read article that I found on Yahoo! This woman from Australia did a “Grateful Project” and it completely changed her life! Very awe inspiring and very motivational!
Today I have been skimming through internet pages and have been coming across some pretty astounding and gorgeous pieces of art so I thought I would share it with you. Please visit http://www.pinterest.com/saltriveramy/ to view some of these amazing works of art! Below are some beautiful pieces that I wanted to share as well:
(None of these are my own artwork! Enjoy!!)
There’s a settle simplicity that these paintings have in common yet they are striking and deep. It’s like you can feel the artists through the paintings. In the first painting I can almost swipe my finger through the lit up puddles pooling at the bottom of the street.
Now what I am about to say is completely off topic, but forgive me for I own a scattered brain… One of my favorite novels is, “A Movable Feast” by Ernst Hemingway. I mention this now because over this past year I have gained a lot but have lost a lot as well. But when you are deprived of something I believe you eventually gain something in it’s place. When you overcome loss, you replace grief with growth, change, understanding, love, and appreciation. When you lose, the result is to mature, to age, learn acceptance and develop methods of letting go. I can’t form my words eloquently like Hemingway can so I will let him explain to you, on my behalf, of what I mean by “loss”:
“You expected to be sad in the fall. Part of you died each year when the leaves fell from the trees and their branches were bare against the wind and the cold, wintery light. But you knew there would always be the spring, as you knew the river would flow again after it was frozen. When the cold rains kept on and killed the spring, it was as though a young person died for no reason.”
― Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast
Loss hurts, but remember that even as the ocean erodes the shore, the waves sculpt the rocks into something that they never were before. Create out of loss, create something that was never there before. Shakespeare once wrote, “Give Sorrow Words”. Simplistic, yet striking and deep. Give sorrow words, or give it a face made out of paint, or a voice sung from your own throat, or a feeling that is laid upon a listening ear … Maybe an observation of the changing seasons.
“Don’t Curse the darkness, light a candle” – Unknown
Joie De Vivre ! 