Monday, January 31, 2011

365 Days, Day 237

When I woke up this morning my girlfriend asked me, "Did you sleep well?" I said, "No, I made a few mistakes"

(Steven Wright)

On some nights, he has nowhere to sleep, on others he suffers from insomnia. "That's just how it is," thinks the warrior. "I was the one who chose to walk this path."

(Paulo Coelho)

I have taken to having a small naartjie (between the size of a golf ball and a tennis ball) next to my glass of water at night. In the early hours of the morning I awaken with an overwhelming hunger. For years I have just ignored it. But one night when I lay wide awake, I thought about the naartjie I had brought upstairs during the day. I peeled it in the dark and ate it. End of the hunger pangs.

Tomorrow is an early morning - we are off to London where Ariél has an interview. I shall lurk about whilst she is in the interview, perhaps have a cup of coffee and read my new library book about Reiki. I shall take my trusty night-time naartjies with me in case hunger rears its horrible head while I am lurking.

Sarah also has an interview in London, later in the day!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

365 Days, Day 236


In a quantum universe, magic is not the exception but the rule (Arjuna Ardagh)

Don't lose the wonder in your eyes

It's right there when you smile...

If we go back, for a while

Let me go back, for a while

To that magic time

(Van Morrison)


Magical Prayer

From beneath me arises the energy of the Earth, my home and my foundation.

From above me pours down the light of the Sun and the enchanting Moon.

To my right hand flows the strength to control and direct, the power of magic.

To my left hand comes the skill to divine and to heal, the source of blessing.

(Author unknown)

I am going to wave my magic wand and make everything better.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

365 Days, Day 235


In teaching you cannot see the fruit of a day's work. It is invisible and remains so, maybe for twenty years (Jacques Barzun)

He's not pining, he's passed on. This parrot is no more. He has ceased to be. He's expired and gone to meet his maker. He's a stiff, bereft of life, he rests in peace. If you hadn't have nailed him to the perch he'd be pushing up the daisies. He's rung down the curtain and joined the choir invisible. This is an ex-parrot! (Monty Python)

That's the thing with magic. You've got to know it's still here, all around us, or it just stays invisible for you (Charles de Lint)

In Brighton today, we noticed a ticket warden observing a car and then he took a photograph of the car with a little camera. Up until that moment we hadn’t really looked at the man: he was an invisible person in a uniform. By doing something that we considered out of the ordinary, he lost his cloak of invisibility.

I have found that in general cleaning staff are ‘invisible’ to the public. At the Mall the cleaning staff expects to be invisible and looked a bit taken aback when I smile and say good morning.

One year when I taught HSS at school, in the exam, I put in a question for bonus marks: Name any two of the cleaning or maintenance staff at the school and their roles. Out of almost 200 students, only one student could name one of the cleaning staff. I received criticism for putting that question into an exam paper: as I had not told them to prepare for this question. It brought home my point – that to many of us, we regard certain roles or people in those roles as invisible.

Sometimes, it is glorious and desirable to be invisible and blend in with the crowd (especially on the days when you are having a bad-hair day and have not put on your lippy and hope that you won’t meet anyone you know – and then proceed to meet loads of people who know you).

At other times one resents being ‘invisible’…

So tip for the day: to loose the cloak of invisibility - do one little random out of place thing. Smile at someone… take a photograph of the roof…take your ex-parrot for a walk…dance in the rain…laugh out loud…talk to a stranger…

* * *

Today’s Art Journal Prompt:

Art Journal Prompt for DAY 15

Use black ink and bleach on your art journal page

Friday, January 28, 2011

365 Days, Day 234


Nothing shows a man's character more than what he laughs at (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

The person who knows how to laugh at [her]self will never cease to be amused (Shirley MacLaine)

I laughed today. It was one of those days where I never quite completed anything I started (although I have made a complete stew).

Things I laughed at:

Myself for being grumpy (not enough sleep after Lily howled for much of the night and Ariél only got in at 4 this morning after work) + (mouth was feeling bruised and sore) = until I had my morning coffee (and a lone lost Happy Hippo) – then I had to laugh at myself for being a grumpy old bat (!)

Ariél’s anecdotes– because she relates them in a very amusing way

A man in his car in the parking lot at Tesco (not sure what he had up his nose, but it wasn’t normal)

Lily (see Whimsical blog http://whimsy-deidre.blogspot.com/) couldn’t stop laughing – what a ridiculous dog!

An employee in Tesco who was dancing whilst carrying a huge box

* * *

Today’s Art Journal Prompt:

Art Journal Prompt for DAY 14

Feature humour on your art journal page

365 Days, Day 233



I had my blog all ready written to paste in... but then could not access google from my pc. It has taken me more than 1/2 to try and get it onto Ariel's pc to paste arrgghhh!!

In the hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet (Albert Schweitzer 1875 - 1965)

The enlightened give thanks for what most people take for granted....

As you begin to be grateful for what most people take for granted, the vibration of gratitude makes you more receptive to good in your life (Michael Beckwith)

Gratitude is the realisation that we have everything we need, at least in this moment (M J Ryan)

While I was giving Reiki to Ariél this afternoon, I thought how much I love spending this time with her, even though she is usually fast asleep. Which led me to thinking that I have so much in my life to be thankful for, which I tend to take for granted. So today’s blog is dedicated to giving thanks for my Life.

I am grateful that:

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

365 Days, Day 232

If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales.

If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales

(Albert Einstein)

In this pocket you will find

A teensy, tiny tooth of mine.

So while I sleep where dreams are made,

Let's see if you can make a trade

(Author Unknown

My tooth was extracted today. I have walrus teeth!

I wonder if Erin, our tooth fairy, will come all the way here and visit me tonight? Probably not, as I did not bring the walrus tooth home. I shall put the essence (or just the memory) of the tooth under my pillow tonight and see what I find in the morning… I will keep you posted.

I am hoping for a good night’s sleep.

* * *

Today’s Art Journal Prompt:

Art Journal Prompt for DAY 12

Feature WINGS on your art journal page

No Roarke and Gina news today…

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

365 Days, Day 231

The worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them; that's the essence of inhumanity (George Bernard Shaw)

Learn to get in touch with the innermost essence of your being. This true essence is beyond the ego. It is fearless; it is free; it is immune to criticism; it does not fear any challenge. It is beneath no one, superior to no one, and full of magic, mystery, and enchantment (Deepak Chopra)

Our soul, our true self, is the most mysterious, essential, and magical dimension of our being. In fact, it is not a separate reality, as traditional Western thought views it, but the cohesive force that unites our body, heart, and mind. It is not a ghost trapped somehow in the physical machinery of our body but the very essence of our being (Gabrielle Roth)

I had this little whisper that my theme for the day should be essence. Now that I researched my quotes about essence, I have no idea what to write!

What is essence?

Vanilla essence is the first thing that comes to mind. And then almond essence, which tastes very good in icing on cupcakes.

Or it is the purest form of something…

I have a tired puppy on my hands, Lily is squealing because she is out of routine and wants to go to bed now. So I am going to take her to her bed.

How’s that for an excuse for not writing anymore!

* * *

Today’s Art Journal Prompt:

Art Journal Prompt for DAY 11

Feature prints on your art journal page

Have chatted to Gina about dresses and cakes… but I don’t know very much because it is a secret!

Monday, January 24, 2011

365 Days, Day 230


Our time on this earth is sacred, and we should celebrate every moment.

The importance of this has been completely forgotten: even religious holidays have been transformed into opportunities to go to the beach or the park or skiing. There are no more rituals. Ordinary actions can no longer be transformed into manifestations of the sacred. We cook and complain that it's a waste of time, when we should be pouring our love into making that food. We work and believe it's a divine curse, when we should be using our skills to bring pleasure and to spread the energy of the Mother (Paulo Coelho)

It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting (Paulo Coelho)

Sarah has prompted me to create a ‘sacred space’ in my room. I haven’t really had my ‘special place’ in the home where we are now. Our definition of what is sacred to us can evolve and change over time. Right now I need quiet, tranquillity and a sense of serenity in my sacred space. I have a desire within me to make the space into something beautiful and meaningful to me.

I found these ideas the kinds of items one could add to a sacred space:

Mementos: personal items that are meaningful to you

Talismans: symbols of peace and safety

Visual art: your own, your friends', postcards of famous works

Photographs of loved ones and special places

Statuary: traditional symbols of divine and protective energies

Stones and shells that hold memories from special places

Candles and incense

Colour, light, texture, fabrics, carpets, mirrors, fountains, chimes

Plants, flowers and other living things

Musical instruments and favourite calming music or ambient music CDs

Personal divination tools such as the I Ching, The Tarot, the Runes

Sacred texts or words of wisdom — from any and all faiths

I might add some of these. So far I have my golden Buddha with prayer beads around his neck (from Maro when she went to Greece years ago when I taught her children), I have my chakra crystals, my rose quartz and the Labradorite that Hazel gave me before we moved here, and a candle. I now have the chimes that you can see in the photograph. Tom bought them for me.

I need to add a plant, and I might add the framed Reiki principles that our Reiki Master gave us. I will know what feels right when I place it there. I will imbue the sacred space with love and light.


* * *

Today’s Art Journal Prompt:

Art Journal Prompt for DAY 10

Feature WAX in your art journal page

Gina’s ring: is not going to have an emerald, it is to be a sapphire. I get the news via the grapevine! It is going to be a very small wedding.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

365 Days, Day 229

The creative process is a process of surrender, not control (Julia Cameron)

When you feel you are being moved by the creative spirit, you are in fact being moved by the divine feminine (Teri Degler)

Be brave enough to live creatively. The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. You cannot get there by bus, only by hard work, risking and by not quite knowing what you are doing. What you will discover will be wonderful: Yourself (Alan Alda)

I have no idea what I am doing!

Little by little I am gathering my bits together and creating. My art journal progresses (to be honest I don’t always keep up to date with my art journal prompts from day to day - I have a catch-up day). I unearthed my tin and its lid, expecting them to be delightfully rusted after more than a week buried in the veggie garden. Disappointingly, they were not as rusted as I had thought once I had scrubbed away the sandy residue. However they have their own character now that I will work with.

I am being moved by the divine feminine…? Am I? Today wasn’t moved by very much at all – had a lazy day at home. I have a really sore tooth, so haven’t really felt like doing much today.

I want to feel the obsession grab me once I get my teeth into a project. I remember making my amphora and spending every available moment creating them: pouring the slip into the moulds, opening dry ones and being delighted with what lay inside, sanding, carving, polishing. It became an obsession. The end result of which I have left behind in the city of my comfort.

The Divine Feminine. There are six feminine archetypes: Goddess, Queen, Priestess, Warrioress, Lover, Wise Woman…

Right now all I want to do is have a warm bath and do to bed, perhaps to dream about being a Divine Feminine persona. But for the moment I will have to be satisfied with just being… me.

* * *

Today’s Art Journal Prompt:

Art Journal Prompt for DAY 9

Feature collaged houses in your art journal page

Much excitement for us at the news that Roarke and Gina are going to get married! In October. Gina’s mom (a jeweller) is making her ring: silver and an emerald I believe. I always said I was going to make my daughter-in-laws wedding dresses… But I guess I live a bit far away…

Saturday, January 22, 2011

365 Days, Day 228

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be (Lao Tzu)

In the end these things matter most:

How well did you love?

How fully did you love?

How deeply did you learn to let go?

(Buddha)

We saw Black Swan today. It was a very intense, powerful and somewhat disturbing film. What made the strongest impressions on me was the theme of letting go of control, to embrace wild abandonment and living in the moment. By letting go, we become what we might be.

If I have to be brutally honest with myself, I realise that my life is rather controlled. I like control more than I care to admit. I like to be in control of myself and the situations I am involved in. I like perfection in [most] things. Part of me – the Black Swan - likes things that have imperfections.

So… new beginnings: learn to let go more. Learn to embrace freedom of the moment more often; I don’t have to be perfect, I am allowed to make mistakes and do things with wild abandonment. More passion for life!

Let go. Release your inner {Black} Swan…

* * *

Today’s Art Journal Prompt:

Art Journal Prompt for DAY 8

Let go of fear and take a line for a walk across your art journal page

Friday, January 21, 2011

365 Days, Day 227

Eros will have naked bodies; Friendship naked personalities (C. S. Lewis)

Acting is standing up naked and turning around very slowly (Rosalind Russell)

A train of thought got me to today’s theme. I was outside with Lily, who was so-to-speak naked. It was somewhat fresh outside this morning. Actually it was bitingly cold. And the thought of being naked outside set me on my train of thinking. I was standing outside chuckling to myself remembering various ‘naked’ incidents. Embarrassing stories ensue… hehehe

When I used to make wedding dresses from home, Kyle and Roarke would often greet the brides-to-be at the gate in all their naked glory (the twins' nakedness not the brides) and then continue with their favourite game of sliding down the stairs on a huge mattress that Ada had made for them. I only vaguely remember them being naked, but was reminded of this when years later I met up with one of ‘my’ brides who said she had been put off having children at the time, by seeing the little naked humans shrieking and laughing. She now had three children of her own, and understood the naked shrieking and laughing.

Ariél once went to the theatre in Johannesburg without knickers! She was all dressed up in her princess dress, when en-route to the theatre we somehow (don’t remember the details) discovered that she had forgotten to put on knickers. She WAS only about four at the time. Ada insisted that we stop at Woolworths and buy her some knickers.

I bought Kyle and Roarke some body art crayons when they were little, to decorate their arms and legs and faces. They took it a step further: they drew all over their entire bodies and probably each others’ bodies. What fun to have a twin! We have photographic evidence of this.

There are some naked and semi-naked skinny dipping stories, but I won’t tell those now!

Oh, when Nicki, Chris and I were in Spain a few years ago we went to the naturist beach. Afterwards I felt that some bodies are best left clothed. There was the pink polony incident which I can’t possibly mention here and the very well-endowed very skinny man who followed Nicki and I into the surf of whom we were terrified, which I shall also not detail here! (We were not quite as brazen as most of the beach goers, we maintained some of our dignity and remained partially clothed)!

I do like the naked female body as an artist. I love its soft feminine organic lines. Much of my work has featured the female body. Another whisper to explore my own sensuality?

* * *

Today’s Art Journal Prompt:

Art Journal Prompt for DAY 7

“Message in a Bottle”

Write a message in a bottle from yourself in January 2011 to yourself in January 2012 and attach to your art journal page

Thursday, January 20, 2011

365 Days, Day 226


Anyone who says you can't buy happiness has forgotten about puppies! (Wilfred Lampton)

Transform your thoughts and embrace love as a way of life. Your souls dance is one of great joy and by acknowledging its beauty you foster the awakening spirit and create positive outcomes in all aspects of life. The essence of being alive is to live like you mean it and transform limiting beliefs. By doing so you inspire the heart which will in return guide you along a path of bliss to a happy and passionate life (Micheal Teal- Poet, Philosopher and Shaman)

If you want your life to be a magnificent story, then begin by realising that you are the author and everyday you have the opportunity to write a new page (Mark Houlahan)

Lily helped me tidy out Ariél’s wardrobe today, as you can see form the photograph she was extremely helpful! To be fair, this was taken later on in the throwing out exercise. Prior to this moment, she had been chasing colourful bundles of socks and knickers around and flinging them into the air and chewing them – quality control!

Earlier this morning when I went into Ariél’s room and looked out of the window with Lily in my arms, her low growls (Lily’s not Ariél’s) alerted me to the fact that there was a very cheeky squirrel on the pillar. Cheeky-Squirrel had made off with the whole tube of peanuts intended for the wild birds and was sitting on the pillar eating them. When I opened the window and asked him what he thought he was doing. He just looked up at me and said, I am eating the nuts you left for the taking, human! Cheers! And with that he flung his stash over the wall and with a mighty leap, leapt over to freedom. I sent my blessings after him and hoped that he enjoyed his exciting little discovery. I imagined how his heart must have beaten against his rib cage when he saw the whole red bag of nuts ‘glinting’ in the weak sun.

Today’s page of life was a happy day full of little surprises: (sleeping Lily and Squirry) were two even before lunch. Another was not a surprise, but a reminder of Ariél’s writing talent, as she transformed Kyle’s adequate Cover Letter into a special little piece of writing that is sure to gain attention. This evening, Tom arrived home from France laden with delicious smelly cheeses and and some not very exciting (to me) wine.

A supper of salad and giggles was a good ending to the day. And so I come to the end of another page of my magnificent(?!) story.

* * *

Today’s Art Journal Prompt:

Art Journal Prompt for DAY 6

Burn some paper in your art journal page



Wednesday, January 19, 2011

365 Days, Day 225

There's nothing like a mama-hug (Terri Guillemets)

If you're alone, I'll be your shadow. If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder. If you want a hug, I'll be your pillow. If you need to be happy, I'll be your smile. But anytime you need a friend, I'll just be me (Author unknown)

If you're angry at a loved one, hug that person. And mean it. You may not want to hug - which is all the more reason to do so. It's hard to stay angry when someone shows they love you, and that's precisely what happens when we hug each other (Walter Anderson, The Confidence Course, 1997)

Today I hugged a tree. I could feel the energy even though it was a quick hug. I have decided I need to do this everyday when I walk in the forest!

Crunching along the frosty grass – each little blade of grass individually coated in it little white covering, I thought that each blade realises that it is uniquely important in this huge fairway of grass. From a distance you only see green. Only on closer inspection do you notice the individual blades. Within the life of the blade of grass there is a unity with the whole. The same applies to us. We are important little individuals who will be missed by those with whom we share our lives. We are part of a huge ‘field’, a part of the Universe. We have our important little roles in life and we need to do these roles with diligence and love, even the menial tasks (this one is for you, Ariél!).

The 5 Reiki principles that I take with me everyday are-

[Just for today]:

Work with diligence

Do not anger

Do not worry

Be grateful

Be kind to others

I am loving having my ‘chickens’ around me [Ariél, Kyle and Sarah] (just missing my last little chickens, Roarke and Gina). I enjoy the role of being mum! I have another guinea-pig for Reiki – Sarah has patiently lain down for a session and wants more.

We had a long wonderful walk this morning. Poor Lily was quite exhausted by the time we got home.

* * *

Today’s Art Journal Prompt:

Art Journal Prompt for DAY 5

Play with Masking Tape on your art journal page

My words for 2011 are: Beginnings, awakening

Visually I see doors and nests…

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

365 Days, Day 224


We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities (Ralph Waldo Emerson 1803 - 1882)

The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself (Anna Quindlen)

Today I have stayed in my comfort zone.

I have added a tree to the other half of the journal page (not shown above) which also has the torn diary page. It has been day of regular housework, preceded by a lovely walk in the forest with Kyle, Sarah and Lily.

I am in a space or a phase of life where I am content not to hurry, to let things slowly unfold, to accept things cheerfully. I know that under the soil, where I have planted my whispering seeds, things are starting to germinate. When they begin to flower I shall be stepping out of my comfort zone. I look forward to this process. I need to grow and change; otherwise my roots will stagnate and disintegrate.

While I am growing quietly underground, my soul has the spirit of adventure; it is checking its private charts to plot and plan the route. Some days there is no plot or plan and I just sail on the wind: which is also just right for me.

I am trying hard to give up doing things perfectly and trying to please other people in order to begin the work of becoming ME.

Today’s Art Journal Prompt:

Art Journal Prompt for DAY 4

Feature your “WORD for 2011” on your art journal page

I am going to be thinking about this one in my quiet time tonight or tomorrow morning… It could be a phrase rather than just one word… I really hope that some of you are doing this journal with me or just chose your 2011 word/phrase. Will you share your words with me?


Monday, January 17, 2011

365 Days, Day 223

People also leave presence in a place even when they are no longer there (Andy Goldsworthy)

The difference between a theatre with and without an audience is enormous. There is a palpable, critical energy created by the presence of the audience (Andy Goldsworthy)

I hate tests. It's a really lousy way to judge a person's ability (Bill Paxton)

I put a flower in my hair, took my cupcakes and Big Yellow Shoes and made my mark. It may not have been the mark they are looking for, but my presence was left after my interview.

I failed the maths test though – I had no idea how to work out the Vat on net amounts and gross amounts. I have heard these words but do not know what they are. So I had to leave blank spaces on my page! If I had had more time, I could have drawn them something interesting…

I enjoyed my interview with my little captive audience. I felt like a magician when I took the Yellow Shoes out of the box at the end of the interview.

Having said that, I do not think I am what they are looking for. Pity, I could have been a good ‘mum’ to have around, to look after them.

* * *

A tree* (see today’s journal prompt) represents grounding, putting down your roots, connecting to Mother Nature. It can represent your ancestry lineage. Or it can just be something you observe.

I wish I had time to say more, but the ironing awaits!

Today’s Art Journal Prompt:

Art Journal Prompt for DAY 3

Feature a *Tree on your art journal page

Sunday, January 16, 2011

365 Days, Day 222

Creativity often consists of merely turning up what is already there. Did you know that right and left shoes were thought up only a little more than a century ago? (Bernice Fitz-Gibbon)

Arithmetic is being able to count up to twenty without taking off your shoes (Author unknown)

Today I designed and made yellow shoes. And baked 22 cupcakes. I still have to ice them.

I am nervous for the Maths test prior to tomorrow’s interview! But shall work on my attitude!

Today’s Art Journal Prompt:

Art Journal Prompt for DAY 2

Feature a chequered border on your art journal spread

Saturday, January 15, 2011

365 Days, Day 221

Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old (Kafka)

Art is not a thing; it is a way (Elbert Hubbard)

To draw you must close your eyes and sing (Pablo Picasso)

I have come across this really lovely idea for art journaling - to get us all going on our art journals. Each day I will post an Art Journal Prompt for the next step in your journal. Each day can be a teeny bit of a work on a double spread page or you can start a new page whenever you like, but just follow the prompt for the day. See box* at end of today’s blog entry.

Today I bought some yellow fur and some icing sugar and butter. Tomorrow I am going to make some Big Yellow shoes from the fur and I will add some bells. I am also going to bake some cupcakes… (!?) Watch this space.

How lucky I am to have my gorgeous Ariél on hand to see beauty, so I never grow old!

Now before I close my eyes and sing, I will give you today’s Art Journal Prompt:

Art Journal Prompt for DAY 1

Feature an old DIARY / CALENDAR page on your art journal page