Canvas Joy

Did I tell you that I've transitioned to part-time status at my "corporate job" and am now working on enhancing a coaching and organizational development consulting business (www.viewfindercoaching.com)?  I'm in my fourth week (but who's counting...) and have already learned a great deal about starting a business and the way I work....  amongst my learning has been to challenge my "should" statements.... like "I should be at this level of performance by this time......," to plan my work and work my plan, and to seize opportunities when they appear.

For those of you in the Maryland/ DC area, this Easter weekend has been picture perfect with sunshine, low humidity, blossoming trees, and hope in the air!  For the next week or so in DC, this is Cherry Blossom Festival and I decided to head down to DC yesterday.  In some respects, I felt like I was "playing hooky," but it felt great to have my bike, my camera, and some friends to share it with.

So, "Freedom...." comes in all shapes in forms....  for me, it was allowing myself the "freedom" to let go of "shoulding on myself," and to take in beauty, and the promise of spring!  I pray that you can allow yourself to do the same!

I welcome your thoughts and comments!

"Remember this always: The living of your own life writes the book of your most sacred truth, and offers evidence of it. "   Neale Donald Walsch     Tomorrow's God

How many of you have ever seen "The Legend of Bagger Vance?" 

In it, Will Smith plays a somewhat mysterious caddy who coaches Matt Damon to find his "authentic swing."  That golf swing that is his and his alone...... in some respects, one doesn't have to "try" to do that swing.....  you are that authentic swing.....  it is who you are by nature, by purpose, at your core......  and when you do find it, you can feel a "flow" that just happens, and feels great!

I just spent a week discovering and indulging in my "authentic swing."  For me, it was a combination of nature, a camera, some good books (yes, many of them remaining untouched for most of the trip......  but they were my loyal companions), and a journal.  As you will see from the recent Hilton Head addition, I spent time in Hilton Head and Beaufort, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia!  Never did I kinow that Savannah celebrates St. Patrick's Day in huge style!!  I was probably one of the few people actually wandering around the city vs. sitting in a bar, drinking green beer!

I was most struck with how comfortable I was, how safe I felt, and how well I was able to entertain myself and was content to just "be."  I rode a bike on the beach for the first time; saw Dolphin and Alligators... and even an Aardvark!  I saw homes from the 1800s and trees whose limbs were bent in amazing beauty (? Angel trees) that only age could provide.  And, of course, took lots of pictures (only some which are posted here).

My greatest learning from the trip was that there is a great difference between "solitude" and loneliness.....  not once did I feel lonely and being alone, felt great....  I recognize, and appreciated that my solitude was my choosing..... and I had friends and family to come "home" to......  that is not always the case for others.

My challenge to you... is to carve out some time from this busy, demanding world, to discover your authentic swing....  to bask in your own company... and to be thankful and happy with it!  It is a miracle beyond description!

I welcome your thoughts and stories!

"Integrity is the ability to listen to a place inside oneself that doesn't change, even though the life that carries it may change."  Mark Nepo.. "The Exquisite Risk: Daring to Live an Authentic Life."

As it snows outside my window, a snow that is predicted to blanket us with 18-24 inches of snow, I find myself going "in:" quiet, reading, comfort food, family, and reflection seem fond companions.  Yesterday we were in Florida, enjoying sunshine, color, and wearing shorts, and today I'm in layers, a hat, (and I'm inside!!)....... 

I was recently introduced to Mark Nepo and love his prose and poetry.  It is perhaps no coincidence that the book and Mark came into my life.  At yet another time of transition (career and lifestyle), living authentically and with integrity seems paramount to me.  Mark states: "the exquisite risk is a doorway, then, that lets us experience the extraordinary in the ordinary.  It is always near."  To live authentically, to discover our dreams and passions, and to believe that we have the power to make them come true......  as I leave the security of the corporate world and move into the consulting arena, I find myself excited and scared to death at the same time.  I went for a hike a week or two ago, to "clear my head."  The first hour was heavenly........  until I got lost, couldn't find the trail, and had no idea which direction to go in.......  thanks to my IPhone (thank you Apple), I used the map and compass to find my way back to my car.

After initial self beatings, I was able to reframe my experience to: "Sometimes the path isn't always clear, and there are obstacles (like mud and water) in the way, yet, if your vision is clear, and you use guides along the way, you do reach you goal!"  Isn't the power of thought amazing??

So, what does this have to do with integrity?  To listen to the wisdom within and to give it voice...... despite the reaction you may receive from others.....  to act courageously, to say what may be unpopular..... yet is true to who you are and what you believe.....  I am discovering that I like myself when I act accordingly...and have the utmost respect for others who can model the way!

If you're in my neck of the woods, wishing you a warm, safe, peaceful, weekend with friends, family, and animal spirits.  If you're not, take a moment and pause......  appreciate the wisdom within........  I am celebrating with you!

Today, most stores are closed, and the day is set aside for celebrating miracles, community, faith, and family.  In Maryland, the weather is cloudy and overcast, yet I'm confident, that in homes, there is warmth, laughter, love and light.  My family is dispersed along the east coast (you have a great picture of my mom on my home page!), and I miss sharing time with them.  Still, my "extended family" is all around me, and I see them in cards, memories, music, shared spiritual reflections, and photographs. 

One dear friend shared a youtube video with me yesterday that I've passed along and wanted to share with you.  "The Lost Generation" is a pallindrome (same backwards as forwards) that was written by a 20 year old woman as a school project.  It will send chills down your spine and you will find yourself praying that her vision of hope becomes a reality.

As I think about the approaching New Year, I also reflect on this quote from Joseph Campbell:  "We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us."  My prayer for all of you, regardless of who or what surrounds you today, surround yourself with memories of loved ones, of reaching out in service to others, of simple pleasures of a hug, a smile, a "thank you," of the miracle of music, of nature, of hope and gratitude for what is possible.

Each one of us is more powerful that we dare to believe.....  on this day of miracles, believe that you can make a difference....  you do to me!

Blessings to all!

"The store was closed so I went home and hugged what I own."  Brooks Palmer

How I wish I heeded this advice!  "Black Friday....." the day when people forget about the simple pleasures of food, family, warmth, and gratitude and rush out to beat others to that one or several sale items! While I wish I could say I resisted the tremendous pull to the stores, I didn't and found myself awake and out of the house by 6:30am.  And, yes, I wasn't the only one!  I landed at Walmart at around 7:30am and have never seen the parking lot as full as it was today!  The good news is that it did require me to burn off a few extra calories from yesterday.... in having to park at a distance.  The register lines were full and people seemed content to stand in line with "all the money they 'saved,' while texting or reading messages on their cell phones.

Alas, I didn't find that one item that I had rushed out to get and was once, again, reminded that we can be so easily manipulated!

I've been spending a lot of time thinking about creating my future vs. "reacting" to it....  moving toward something vs. running away from something.  Whenever I can align my time and energy with what I'd like to move towards, I find I am most happy or content.  I think I'll spend the rest of the day doing just that......  writing, reflecting, exercising, and being grateful for "that which I already own."

Wishing you many blessings this Thanksgiving and always!

Joy

Thanks to those of you who came to the Friends Holly Fest yesterday and stopped by to say "hi" and "Wow!"  Since this was my first time showing off my work, it was great to have such support, and great to see "strangers" affirm the quality of the canvases and the clarity and composition of my work.  Why is it that we sometimes don't believe those closest to us and need outside people (consultants or "strangers") to provide the ultimate validation????  Many thanks to Joan and Ken Drews for allowing me to share their space and witness their wondrous work and success!

It was a long day, yet a fun one and I enjoyed sharing memories of Italy with those who stopped by to reminisce, as well as laughing at those who just wanted to pause, get lost in the picture, and imagine/ wish themselves there!  I am ever thankful to my husband, Robin, who was my stable and steady business partner.  He was gentle, poised and positive with the customers and with me!  He's my rock and my advisor and I love and admire him more and more with each passing day!

So, as we approach Thanksgiving, please accept my heartfelt "thanks" for allowing me to share with you my "joys," whether they be in travel, photography, inspiration, and hope.  I pray that you recognize the many reasons you to have to be thankful this holiday season, and that you get to share quiet, fun, and relaxing moments with those you love.

In gratitude,

Joy

So, for many, this would seem like nothing, however, for me, the ever hopeful adventurer, this just made my day!!  Thank you to all who have visited...... I'm excited about my first debut in 2 days!  I now have calendars, a portfolio of my work, canvases, and my "Seasons" Book that combines inspirational quotes and stories with photography. 

Today, I'm showing a DVD I made which combines pictures and music.....  it never ceases to amaze me at how much "joy" it brings me to know that others may smile, forget their woes, and gain a sense of hope that we can "create our future."  As we approach Thanksgiving, I am ever thankful for having this opportunity to share my "joy" with you!

Blessings to you all!

This was a question asked of me recently on my facebook posting..... what a perfect question!!  If I had "planted" the question, I couldn't have made it more perfect!  So, my response has to be "exactly!"

The quality of giclee canvas photographs is that they do look like paintings... the texture, the vivid colors..... as customers have told me: "the pictures come to life!"  I've been interested in photography and photographs for most of my life... yet, seeing my prints on canvas converted me......  and allowed me to think of myself as an "artist."  Yes, I know........  I should have been thinking that long ago...... (self concept continues as a work in progress......), yet, this medium gives "joy" and pleasure to behold....

I pray that it can have the same impact on you!

As always, would love to hear your thoughts!  ... and hope to see you at Holly Fest (Friends' School, North Charles St., Baltimore      ) next Saturday!

Just returned from a fabulous week in Santa Fe, New Mexico!  It was sunny, clear, in the 70's during the day and in the 40's at night..... just that perfect temperature to keep the windows open while you drift off to peaceful slumber.  Yes, new pictures will be coming soon, but the reason for my writing is to describe my morning last Monday.  I had downloaded an article on where to take pictures in Santa Fe and decided to head out early on Columbus Day to catch the early morning sun as it played with Santa Fe's immaculate and colorful architecture. 

Lest you think my version of "early" is before 5am (that was Sunday when we went to Balloon Park to catch the last morning of the Albuquerque Balloon Festival... too windy.....  :-(   ), I was up and out by 8:15am or so.  My mission:  "What's here to celebrate?"  It was a beautiful morning, I was dressed in layers and had by camera in hand, ready to shoot away at whatever caught my fancy.  Yes, I found some awesome art (sculptures, paintings-- all seen from doorways and windows as nothing was open), and some wonderful architecture... but what impressed me the most... was my attitude of: "looking for what's here to celebrate?"  What an awesome way to start your day... thinking... what am I going to encounter that is worth celebrating?  Have you ever noticed that when you set your mind to a certain intention, that intention becomes a reality??

Certainly, much has been written on the subject of intention (Wayne Dyer, Lynne McTaggart), yet, for some reason, it hit home for me as I walked around, with the explorer's eye, and no certain agenda or destination, to see what I could find.  I was alone (my husband is not an early riser.....), yet blissfully happy and content to be with camera in hand, admiring what nature and man created.

So, my challenge to you.............   can you greet each day with the same attitude......  what will be here to celebrate?  I look forward to hearing what you find!!