30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge...Saying YES to More Fun

While perusing the interwebs this week looking for something inspirational and FUN to jump out at me, I came across a posting by a fellow Muddy Creek Artist Guild member, Renee Brennan, who creates dazzling works in oils, watercolor and, most recently, wool. Her post announced artist Leslie Saeta's upcoming '30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge', taking place in January 2015. 

During the most recent challenge Leslie hosted, in September 2014,  1000 artists in 20 countries participated. The idea of the challenge, she describes in her blog http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/   is about getting into the studio, developing new habits and having fun. If that sounds good, check out below for info on how to get in on the fun.


 Go here, to sign up for Leslie Saeta's  Painting Challenge
http://30paintingsin30days.weebly.com/

 Go here, to see Renee Brennan's work from the challenge.
http://reneebrennanart.blogspot.com/search/label/30%20Paintings%20in%2030%20Days 

I will be joining in on this challenge. Now just to pick a theme.....

Home

Home

Moving Under

Among the Goldies

Sea of Possibility

Thought for the day

The Secret Word of the Day

What's in store for you this weekend?

Expectations

What wonderful things are you expecting this weekend?

We're all in this together

We're all in this together

The Magic of Creating Good Luck

Reluctant Hearts

Some days, it feels especially challenging for me to send loving thoughts to others.  That phrase, "Hell is other people," comes to mind and it's easy to find reasons why I'd rather keep my kind words to myself.

Other people's behavior and words seem baffling, leaving me wondering how to respond. 

It's easy to get caught up in drama. We've all been there and experienced it in one form or another.  One person blurts out some perceived injustice and pretty soon, others join in, adding their own special blend of stuff. Momentum builds and it becomes a whirling mass of toxic, collective misery.  I envision it as small tornado that picks up speed as more people verbalize their particular issue.

It then spins faster, increasing in power and draws even more people in until it has evolved into a full blown Sucking Vortex.

Amidst the fear that I, too, will be sucked into it, I pause as a tiny whisper assures me of something.

     This person needs to let it out.
     I can create a safe space to do this.
     I will be ok.
     Just listen.
     Breathe.
     Realize it will pass.
     Let it go and feel the energy dissipate.

As a kid, I remember seeing one of my favorite Scooby Doo cartoons, where a cluster of floating hearts moved from one character to another, almost like leaves blowing across a lawn. I liked this idea and can now imagine a cloud of tiny, chuckling hearts, moving toward the other person. Sometimes this is all that's needed to help them step gently out of the mess and into a calmer place. Those reluctant hearts can easily become caring ones.