Bliss

Nonni set this little pig on her stool in the archway this morning – and there he sits. Very cute and quiet. It made me think about how often we don’t sit – just sit and ponder life and everything that goes on around us. In an age of cell phones, computers, blackberries and instant answers, I think we have forgotten how to wait. To just sit and contemplate nothing. When I posted the picture of Nonni swinging – that blissful moment of “Rapture” as Lisa said – it occurred to me that, that feeling was really hard for me to come by these days. I remember how it felt , that wonderful liquid feeling of all over body joy!! I wondered how did I reach that feeling before and where did it go?
As a child we lived on a farm in Tennessee. I adored it there. When I think of feeling that bliss it is there my mind goes to. I did a lot of just sitting there. We had a huge red barn & I would sit up in the loft window and read “Charlotte’s Web”. I could look down and see the story unfold before me. It was bliss. I had horses , another blissful thing for me – I adore them to this day. There was also a view of the mountains – stunning! To this day the first look at a snow covered mountain top or a beach with crashing ocean waves brings that wonderful liquid bliss I long for.
The concept of being present is everywhere today!! It is one of the tenants of Buddhism – to stay present – in the moment. Truly, when we are chasing the past or looking to the future we miss all the things that happen around us! I really believe we have to be present to feel that bliss.
John Lennon said, ”Life happens while your busy making plans.”
Yes it does, while we text , click, chat , run and plan our lives away. The stress in our lives keeps us running and we are not present. How many of us sit up in the middle of the night rethinking the days problems and stress?
So today I am going to be that little pig on the stool. Well maybe not so cute – but present. I’m going to let go of all the problems and stress and breathe my way to being in the present. Maybe just for a little while today… maybe I can find a bit of that liquid bliss. Blessings, Sarah

Love this Picture!!

We had a brief, kind of warm day last weekend!! We took full advantage. Of coarse I took out the new camera - am clueless how I got this shot. I do love how it turned out. Do ya like her huge gloves? LOl - she couldn't find hers so she wore mine!! I think we are both ready for swing weather!! Ommmmmmmmmmm

Hmmmmm lots of things......

I have a Lemonade award to pass on from Snap @ http://twistylane.blogspot.com/ She also gave one to my sister - how fun is that!!Snap is a joyful, amazing woman - I adore reading her blog... always enlightening and lifts my spirits. You should go pet her llama. Thank you hon!!!! Here are the rules for the award:
1.Put the logo on your blog or post
2.Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great Gratitude and/or Attitude.
3.Be sure to list and link your nominees within your post.
4.Let them know they have received this award by leaving a comment on their blog.
5.Nominate your favorites and link to your post....
I would like to give this award to....

Sherry @ http://byrumart.blogspot.com/ - Sherry of my favorite people - she always has such an amazing attitude, she is warm and welcoming. She has encouraged me to keep working at my art!! Which has been a huge blessing to me....Thank you Sherry!!!!

Karmen @ http://karnylife.blogspot.com/ - I have the delight and honor of knowing Karmen in person. She is not only amazing, but sweet and giving to boot! She struggles with Fibro - but you would never know it - her spirit and attitude are a blessing to everyone who knows her!!



Marie @ http://modfarmgirl.blogspot.com/ tagged me - I do love these!! Thank you Marie. Here are the rules of being tagged:

-Link to the person who tagged you
-Post these Rules in your Blog
-Write 5 Random things about yourself
-Tag random people at the end of your post and link to them
-Let each Person know they've been tagged

Here are a few unusual things about me....
1. I love the smell of Carnations, lavender & grapefruit.
2. I adore Fall & Halloween.
3. Creepy crawly things do not bother me much - I kind like them.
4. I love candles. MMMMmmmmm
5. I love amber, turquoise & jade

I will tag......
Tammy @ Light and Shadows Studios
Suzanne @ Periwinkle Studio
Heather @ Ramblings of the Shy and Insecure



I won an amazing pair of earrings from Micki @ http://thearthermit.blogspot.com/...
So beautiful I loooooove them!!!! She also sent along a cute magnet and a lollie - which my daughter ran off with - lol. I really love her blog - she is a total crack up!! Thank you Micki!

Wishcast Wednesday - Who do you wish to send love too?

I could write pages here I think. There are so many wonderful people who deserve this wish. But I think I will limit myself to a few who I feel deeply need some extra loving today. So..... I wish to send love first to Kate - my sweet 21 year old daughter. She is a bit lost in her life at present... keeping herself separate from me and those who love her. I have had to step back and let her be apart and not enable her. Which has been painful and very difficult. I know she will return to the fold - in time. So Mama's love to Kate.
To my sister Anne. I have watched her handle her husband's battle with cancer, all the ups and downs, joy and deep sadness with such amazing grace. Here's some extra love for you hon!!!
To Renee and Audrey who's amazing strength and bravery amazes me! Both struggling with cancer, they lay it out there for us in such honest and straight forward ways! What a gift they are to all of us!! So here is a little gift for both of you - some love coming your way!
To my friend Rebecca whose life is a crazy firestorm at the moment!! She is brave and strong and needs a soft place to land - free of judgment and attitude. Here is a big, soft pillow of love for you hon!!!
Love you all, Sarah

Morning Bliss Cereal

Morning Bliss Cereal
I found this wonderful recipe while working for an amazing preschool – Stepping Stones. Terri @ http://yogalilaville.blogspot.com/ – who managed the program made this for us almost every morning. It is amazingly filling and very healthy for you. It lends itself to all kinds of flavor combinations. I have added a few – not so healthy things - sorry Terri. I usually buy these things in bulk – so here is an approx mix ratio. These are all whole grains and you can get them at most health food stores and some grocery stores.
Mix these together 1/4 cup of each of these grains…… rolled oats, quinoa, flax seed, wheat berries & barley = 1 ¼ cups total
In a large pot add 3 ½ cups of water , ¼ cup raw or reg. sugar, 2 TBSP. cinnamon and a ½ cup of raisins or other fruit (dried fruits or apples work well here). Set to boil then turn to med low so it simmers. It will need about an hour or so until the grains are soft but not mushy. You can store this in the fridge for several days. It reheats beautifully!
Terri topped this with flax seed oil ( I don’t – upsets my stomach) & brewers yeast. You can add walnuts, yogurt, fresh fruit, honey, milk, soy milk…. almost anything. I’m very fond of yogurt on mine – or blueberries!!! Enjoy….Sarah

New Halloween tags!

I posted some fun little Halloween tags on Ebay today. These are all my original artwork although the black ink work is printed - the color is new on each piece. Each will come with a little jute tag! If you double click on the pic you can see the details better. Thanks for popping by my blog!!!!

Playin' with my new camera....

So I have decided I loooooove the camera! I have also decided I really like macro pictures. So I thought I would share what I've been up to this week. Tooo much fun!

Seven more things......

Gail - whom I adore not only her but her wonderful art, tagged me with an unusual seven things about me....http://artbygail.blogspot.com/. Thank you my dear!!!
1. I have lived in 8 states.
2. I collect and propagate African Violets.
3. I wear Crocs most of the time.
4. I was once offered an apprenticeship to train whales at Sea World.
5. I love avacados.
6. I have played Trinculo in Shakespeare's "The Tempest".
7. My sister, Barb is a published writer and screenwriter and I'm trying to get her to start a blog.



Tammie - From whom I just purchased an amazing set of her photography cards...LOOOVE them!!!! She is also a fellow North Westerner & sweet ta boot!!! Has given me an award - thank you so much Tammie!!! http://miztlee.blogspot.com/

Seven things that I love...
1. I love Yoga and dance
2. I love the woods - all the cool shade and color, earthy smells and critters.
3. I love the beach - tide pools I adore them.
4. I love Mariachi music
5 I love Mexican food .. yummmmmmmy
6. I love conversations with women!!
7. I love teaching children!

I will tag a few for both - am breaking the rules here - so consider yourself tagged and awarded....
Lynda @ http://hauntedswampdesigns.blogspot.com/ - I love her ACEO's - amazing miniture work - I am very fond of her too!!!
Brialee @http://ravenfaescreations.blogspot.com/ - I love her work and am just getting to know her - I'd love to hear more!!
Laurel @ http://studiololo.blogspot.com/ - I just found her blog & love it her artwork is wonderful - I wanna know more about her too

A Look in My Sketch Book.

One of the things I love about everyone's blogs is the chance to look into their creative world. Seeing someone's work place/studio/kitchen table fascinates me!! I love seeing Wips(works in process) - see what people work on first and last in a piece.


I have also noticed a few folks have opened their sketch books for a look inside. I think a sketch book is like a microscope into the creative process. In mine, many I do never get beyond that first sketch - some sit for months before I rediscover them! Some inspire me to go right to the colored pencils. The one thing I really hate is - when it comes out so charming on the sketch page - but I can't recreate it on my good paper. So - I'm gonna be brave and open my sketch book for you. If you double click on the image you can see a larger clearer view. Here are a couple I have been toying with this month.....

Wishcast Wednesday

Jamie @ http://starshyneproductions.blogspot.com/ asked us to share - Where do we want to go? Hmmmm - that's an open question...
I wish in no particular order...

1. A Yoga retreat in some warm place.
2. The beach with tide pools & a comfy little beach house.
3. To the SouthWest to see my sisters and their families.
4. The British Isles on a summer walking tour.
5. To New Orleans - I adore the city!!
6. To NC To see my daughter Julia.
7. To Canada to meet and visit with Renee

Wordless Wednesday

Here he is - my Unicorn!

Well..... here he is - my first sculpture in forever!! He is 4 1/2"s from horn tip to base, made of Fimo (polymer clay) and sheep's wool. He is all done by my hand no molds. I think I will list him on Ebay - although I'm not quite sure what to charge for him! He really was so much fun to do!!!

New Wip... sculpting a bit....

It's been a very long time since I took out my clay and did anything serious with it. So.... with my little bit of tax money (after the camera) I bought myself some Fimo clay and sat down today to play. I have always loved doing unicorns - so here is the first WIP of my first one. He needs a mane and a bit of paint here and there - we shall see how he ends up.

Whoo Hoo - New Camera!!!

A picture of my violet - which I adore!
I've been absent on the blogs this weekend! We rented a car Sat. and tootled around town - very fun for all!! Chinese food too! Yummmmmmy! Given we don't have a car and generally walk everywhere, when we do rent one - it is a huge treat for all!!!

I have been waiting for this year's taxes to come in so I could fill a huge desire for a new camera!! We have been struggling along with a VERY old camera - with horrid pics. My DH, Jim digs, buys, trades and sells mineral specimens and I couldn't get any decent pictures of the details - some of them extremely small!! I have been unable to do any artwork larger than my scanner. I purchased a Canon SX110! We are so pleased with the results!! I can now list a few things I have been holding and Jim's wonderful "rocks". Here are a couple of pics!!! Geode with amethyst,florite & quartz on cassiterite.

Remnants of our Valentine's Party!!

I do so love preschool parties!!! The kiddos come in with bright shiny faces - waiting for the fun to come!!! I only have a couple of kiddos on Friday's (which is nice BTW) so we did it today when most everyone was here!!

We do the classic exchange of valentines- which they all loooove!! Me too!!! Today we made cookies as a group - always a messy, sweet affair(lots of tasting going on - no eggs)...... chocolate chip/M&M cookies....mmmmmmm! Once cooled they are smeared with frosting - as are most of the kiddos by the time they are done. We break out the baby wipes - which causes squirmy bottoms as faces are washed off. Then it's on to our art project - I adore foamies that stick!!! Stories read and cups of milk emptied - it's off to play in stations (toys, computer, listening & reading center, art center, puzzles and manipulative's). So here are a few pics - they though it was silly of me to take pictures of their backs - but I don't post pics of them on line. They stood like statues so we could share our projects, cookies & bags with you!!

There was some serious giggling going on in between snaps!!

So.... Happy Valentine's everyone - from the Cottage Garden Preschool!!!

Whoo hoo.....OWOH .. We have a Winner!!!

With the help of my sweet daughter Nonni - we have chosen a winner for our OWOH offering - "Riding Lessons". The winner is.....................



Joanie @ http://joaniebolognie.blogspot.com/
Congratulations Joanie!!!!

Joanie, you have 24 hours to email me with your information - or I go on to number 2.

Thank you all for your amazing comments - you've made my year!!!
Huge thank you's to Lisa - what an amazing idea - what a joy to participate! Thank you for all of your hard work!!! Sarah

What do I wish for myself?

Jamie @ http://starshyneproductions.blogspot.com/ - asked us this morning what do we wish for ourselves? Thank you for asking Jamie!!!There is a question... as we care for all of those around us. What do you wish for yourself... have you stopped today, this week, this month, this year and really asked yourself - what do YOU wish for yourself? Have you lost dreams, pictures of yourself in the busy world you live in? I'm not asking - about the health of your family, the finances or the world - I'm asking about you!! Is there joy in your life daily, do you sing, love, dance, walk, read, create, meditate, breathe deeply, praise? Have you found you bliss.. your true North? Take a minute or 30 today - really think about what you wish for yourself!

A for myself,I wish for balance - a lifelong struggle and joy! To create and keep the boundaries I set for myself. When I get too busy to create I'm not a happy woman! I need to walk and meditate, laugh and sing - to keep Sarah happy! When I allow others to direct my days, I loose myself. Some days of coarse have to go that way, when you love you give and some days are given away to others I love - and happily so - given away. Some times I get only a little part of a day to find my center - that's ok too - as long as I remember to stop and take that time. So... I wish for balance.
What do you wish for yourself? Sarah

Authentic Knowing - By Lisa Ballico

Renee @ http://circlingmyhead.blogspot.com/ always offers up the most delicious things for the soul!! Today was no different!! I am passing this piece by Lisa Ballico @ http://raihndrops.blogspot.com/ along for those of you that have not found these amazing women yet. This profound work touched me in so many ways - I think you will find that it does you also!! Enjoy!!! Sarah

Authentic Knowing

living is different to being alive
guiding is different to leading
curing is different to healing
making is different to creating
desperation is not faith
faith is not blind
hierarchy amongst realms is a fallacy
hierarchy amongst humanity is a lie
there is always choice
letting go is the greatest proof of love there is
energy is energy, perception of energy is what differs
sadness is not depression
some questions have no answers
with possession comes responsibility
no two humans alive on this planet share the same definition of normal
angels, ascended masters, gods, goddesses, guides are all aspects of the
ONE divine source
losing is not failing
transition is not death
religion is not spirituality
religion is not faith
you are not me
knowledge is not wisdom
i am that i am

~~ Lisa Ballico ~~

Dragon's Eye

Here is the finished piece! It's an ACEO. I haven't decided where to list it yet. I'm thinking about doing a larger dragon - maybe a complete head. Hope everyone is having a peaceful Sunday!!

Wip

I'm working on this dragon's eye. As I was working on my Earthy pieces I thought they might make good dragon scales - so thought I would give it a rip!! So here is the first wip. We shall see where it goes from here....

My "Studio" -Take a Peek...

I do so adore looking at where everyone does their art!! I can't say I have a studio per say - but I guess I have a workspace. It doubles as a classroom, dinner table, craft spot etc etc. I love this old farm table - it's been lovingly refurbished by one of my preschool Mom's Rebecca! Heavy and huge & it has a leaf in the middle that pops up.
I also bartered this wonderful dresser from her. Which is stuffed with art supplies!





I thought I would show you what my son, Fox (10) is up to these days - as he is always drawing or sculpting something. We go through huge amounts of Sculpty clay here - lol. Not to mention reams of paper. This is his "Anubite - minion of Anubis" - he is into Egypt at the moment!!!

Thank you!!!

Just a quick note of "Thanks" to all of you who have stopped by and added a post to my One Heart One World giveaway!! Thank you for all of your wonderful comments!!!It has been a joy to pop into your blogs. What amazing people we have here!! I have monopolized the computer - much to my family's whines - but it's been sooooo much fun to meet you all!!! Can't wait to see who wins!!!! Hugs, Sarah

Another one - WOW

Am feeling a bit overwhelmed - but deeply touched that I've been tagged with an award again!! This time from a dear friend Gail @http://artbygail.blogspot.com/ for a Lemonade Award for "Positive Attitude Blogs". Thank you Gail I adore your work - but feel very blessed to be considered your friend!!! Thank you.
If you're on the list below and wish to pass on the award:

1. Display the logo on your blog.
2. Nominate up to 10 blogs that show great attitude.
3. Link your nominees with your post & let them know via comment that they're lemonaded.
4. Link the post to the person who gave you the award!
Here are a few blogs that show such amazing "Positive Attitude" I adore reading them and look forward to getting to know their wonderful owners better! They inspire me!

Gypsy @ http://gypsy-warrior.blogspot.com/ - She is the essence of an Old Soul!! Beautiful in spirit and a daily inspiration to me!!

Sherry @http://byrumart.blogspot.com/ - I adore her and their art!! She is one who has kept me working - even when I didn't feel worthy!! I consider her a friend - and am blessed for it!

Renee @ http://circlingmyhead.blogspot.com/ - What can I say - Renee is an inspiration to me in a hundred ways!! Although I have only recently met her - I feel she has been a friend for a very long time!! I am blessed to know her!!!

Julia @ http://eastofthesunart.blogspot.com/ - I love reading her blog and gazing at her amazing art! She has such grace and it clearly comes through in her art and her words. She inspires me to be a better artist!!

Jane @ http://janeaugenstein.blogspot.com/ - Another I have recently met - but feel a connection with - I love her blog!! It is filled with her beautiful pictures and words!! Her pictures and her spirit inspire me!!

Karmen @ http://moonwillowstudio.blogspot.com/ - I am blessed to have this wonderful woman not only as a friend online but here in my town too!! She is the reason I stepped out and started seriously doing my art!! Her friendship means the world to me!! Her spirit never fails to amaze me!!

Mae @http://tatteredcowwings.blogspot.com/ - I love her work and honestly she cracks me up!! It is a gift this girl has- she makes us laugh!!!

Anne (my sister) @http://aginglite.blogspot.com/ - What can I say - she amazes me! She inspires me to reach higher and work harder! Her grace and love are always present! Well... I love her!

Crystal @http://funkyfairyshoppe.blogspot.com/ - Another local gal who I am blessed to know!! Her strength,grace and amazing dedication never fail to amaze!!! She is amazingly talented too.

Heather @ http://witchhollowprimitives.blogspot.com/ - Heather is an amazingly old soul - grace and caring all wrapped up in an amazing artist! She has inspired and encouraged me along my art path - but more than that she has been an amazing friend!

Wow Two Awards!!

Here is the first...Sherry at Byrum Art..http://byrumart.blogspot.com/tagged me back with a lovely Art blog award! Sherry is someone I not only adore - but have huge respect for! She is always there for me encouraging and cheering!! She and her husband Ron have set the standard for artwork and selling online!! I'm touched and honored that she likes my work!!!! I will do a quick 7 - as I wrote the heavy stuff before...
1. I adore ice cream - preferably Coffee.
2. My other favorite treat - a latte - with Creme d Menthe.
3. I love to read - almost anything!!
4. I love the smell of leather in a saddle shop.
5. I love beach glass - blue and green are my favorite.
6. I love the sound of crunchy Fall leaves under my feet.
7. I love the smell of the ocean or the desert after it rains.

I will send this award to.....
Annie @ http://chickadeeprimitives.blogspot.com/ I really enjoy her blog - she is a free spirit - looove it!!
Jamie @ http://creepycreations.blogspot.com/ I looove her art!
Mae @ http://tatteredcowwings.blogspot.com/ - because I loove her art and - she cracks me up!!!!!

One Word Wednesday! JOY

I Was Given an Award!!

I have been given my first blog award!!! From Gail @ http://artbygail.blogspot.com/ I adore her art - her horses and ravens are amazing! She is more importantly (to me), someone I look to for good advise & consider a treasured friend!!! She has a soft and gentle spirit that is a constant example to all those who know her. Thank you hon - I'm honored!!! So I need to offer up seven things that I love. Sarah

1. My husband Jim, my children & my sisters. My dear friends here and online. I have met soooo many wonderful folks online!!!

2. Music – I adore a good sweeping soundtrack. I think we should all have a soundtrack to our lives!!! James Horner’s soundtracks seem to strir me deeply (Braveheart, Man without a Face)!! Listening stirs my imagination!! I love anything I can harmonize with. I enjoy most anything that isn’t rap.

3. Fall…Autumn.. Halloween!!! My very favorite time of the year!! I adore the color, the snap in the air, sweaters, school starting, harvest- I love it all!! I’m a Halloween artist & adore the holiday!! We celebrate big in our family!!

4. I love to walk and dance. Walking is my meditation, when I’m stressed or bent walking will bring me back to center. I would rather walk than any other kind of exercise. Although we don’t have a car, the walking is not a burden – I love it! I recently took up belly dancing… I trained as a dancer for 14 years – when I was younger. I had forgotten how very much I loved to dance. I love the belly dancing – Jim doesn’t mind so much either – lol!

5. I love that feeling you get when you reach a point in a piece you are working on, that you know it’s going to honor the vision you had in your head!! Or when a piece you have created gives someone else joy!! I also love looking at what others create – wips are wonderful – to see how others process works!!!

6. I love words, word puzzles, word play, Latin and Greek roots, “Free Rice.com” wonderful word game that donates rice for all the ones you get right. I adore Shakespeare. I know...I am a geek- lol. I’m ok with that!!

7. Nature – the mountains and the ocean, well water of any kind. The changes of the seasons, watching wild animals and birds, plants growing. Wild crafting and identifying wild plants is a joy to me. I adore the ocean – it calls to me often and loudly. We are a ways from the sea – but have a huge lake only blocks away – it works for me.

So I would like to pass along the joy... here are a few of my favorite art blogs - so many to choose from....
Karmen @ http://moonwillowstudio.blogspot.com/ - I adore her art and consider her a friend and mentor!! She is a joy & a blessing to me!!

Renee @ http://circlingmyhead.blogspot.com/ - Although she is not an artist in the painting sense - she is a writer that can paint emotion in amazing ways! I adore her and wait daily to see what she will post next!

http://backattheranchjewelry.blogspot.com/ I love her Southwest jewelry - am a cowgirl art heart.

Karen @http://moonlightandhares.blogspot.com/ I have just found her - but her art and illustrations are amazing - a joy to the eye!

Sherry and Ron @ http://byrumart.blogspot.com/ . I am blessed to know Sherry! She is beyond dear to me!! She has encouraged me and kept me spirits up!!

Josie @ http://skeletoninmycloset-itsdarkinhere.blogspot.com/! Her work always amazes!! She tickles me with her creations - check out her latest kit - giggle!!

Heather @ http://witchhollowprimitives.blogspot.com/ Another friend who has encouraged me in my artsy walk! She is sweet and always there when you need her!! I adore her & her Halloween art!

Seeking Input!!

I have a couple of ACEO's (2 1/2" x 3 1/2" miniatures)that I need input on listing. Everyone who looks at these sees something different. I'm curious... what do you see? I find them soothing to look at. When I doodle - this is what it frequently turns into. I added color this time. So... please tell me what they look like to you and what you think I should name them. I am ever so grateful!!!
Sarah

Pimping my Sister - lol!

I'm so excited - my sister Anne has started a blog!! http://aginglite.blogspot.com/
She is an amazing woman and I'm very proud to pimp her site. She has a Master's in Gerontology, has published a wonderful book for women & is a motivational speaker!!! She is deeply committed to bringing a better lifestyle to women. You can read all about the amazing things she is doing on her blog!
She may not say so but she does stunning pen and ink art!! She owns several fur kids and a couple of beautiful horses. Not to mention my wonderful niece and nephew!!! She is my inspiration to get fit and stay that way! Hugs Anne!!