Wishcasting Wednesday

Today at Jamie Ridler's blog, Jamie asked this question:

What change do you wish for?

Each week Jamie poses a very challenging question that guides you to consider ways to achieve your dreams.

This week's question is a good one. Especially as we are nearing the end of 2012, it is a time to reevaluate where you are with your wishes and dreams for this year.

As I looked at some of my dreamboards from this year, especially the last 3,  I know that the issues of health have been dominant. I have tried to exercise, cut back on some things, drink more water,. But not much has been achieved. The pain from my knee and hip has at times made me not feel like doing anything. I tried celebrex for 2 weeks, but yesterday had to stop as my stomach has been so painful. 

What I really must change is my attitude. I need to see living healthy is a must, a way of life, a way to improve the quality of my health and life.  I have to focus on doing and not on the pain.

As Jamie says:

" You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog . Support wishes by visiting other participants.  It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together.

Wishcasting Wednesday

Jamie Ridler hosts the weekly "Wishcasting Wednesday", where she poses a question to respond to,
This week she asks:

What do you wish to create?

 As I thought about the question, I realized that as I near the end of summer holidays and gear up for the beginning of school, I know that I wish to create a caring classroom where everyone loves to read and write.
This year I will have a Gr. 2/3, the first split I have had in years. I need to create a place where children can succeed at their own pace and feel special.

Be sure to visit here.
As Jamie says:
"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog. Support wishes by visiting other participants.  It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Wishcasting Wednesday

Today at Jamie Ridler Studios, Jamie asks a very intriguing question:

If anything was possible, what would you wish for?

I haven't participated in Wishcasting Wednesday for a number of weeks, but I always check out the question and ponder it throughout the day. Maybe it was the image below (I actually have a pig with wings in my small collection of pigs!), but I knew I had to respond.

If anything was possible;
 I would  retire now and pursue art and writing full time.
 I would explore the world, without fear, and learn more about different cultures.
I would become more politically active.
I would dance more and sing and enjoy life more.

As Jamie says:

"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog . Support wishes by visiting other participants.  It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Wishcasting Wednesday

Once again Jamie of Jamie Ridler Studiios, asks another penetrating question.

What do you wish to experience?

This year I chose "Carpe Diem" as my word of the year. I turned 60 in January and felt I needed that phrase to ensure that I experienced as much as possible all year. I have been slow to embrace it though, at least on a daily basis.

I want to experience many new experiences this year, to relish in new firsts. I want to embrace life and experience as much as possible, using all my senses to savour each experience.

As Jamie says:

"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog . Support wishes by visiting other participants. It's that simple. There is great power in wishing together." So true!

Wishcasting Wednesday

It is once again Wishcasting Wednesday and Jamie Ridler asks us:

Where do you wish to be fierce?

With over 30 years in education, I know that I am becoming more and more fierce about mental health issues and abuse in elementary age children.

Children should have happy, carefree lives. So many come to school with huge burdens that prevent them from learning. There are so few resources for these youngsters. If we do not step in sooner, then we will have adults who are damaged and a heavy burden to society.

My greatest wish is that care and resources are provided much, much sooner for these young children that will enable them to have a much happier life.

As Jamie says:

"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog . Support wishes by visiting other participants. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Wishcasting Wednesday

Today Jamie Ridler asks us another of her penetrating questions:

What do you wish for the world?

There is so much strife, killing, inequality, fear and unhappiness. Every day there is news of war and riots and killing. I am always struck by the lack of respect, equality and peace around the world. Two few have too much and flaunt it. Too many have too little and suffer for it.

I would wish that those few with so much would share their millions with the poor and displaced of the world. I would wish that all people would co-exist with respect and sharing.

I would wish that there could be a transformation in how we live.

All religions have a form of the Golden Rule - do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It is time we all follow that rule!

As Jamie says:
"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog. Support wishes by visiting other participants. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Be sure to vist other wishcasters here.

Wishcasting Wednesday

Trouble with my computer has limited my time online and blogging. I have missed that. After report cards are finished this weekend, we are planning to replace it! Yeah!

But the question Jamie Ridler posed today for Wishcasting Wednesday was nagging me all day. In fact, I had to get up at midnight to answer it! It is an important one, and one I plan to focus on for 2012.

What do you wish for your health & wellness?

The major wish is to lessen the pain that I experience everyday. The pain from the arthritis in my knees and hips has increased and I am limited in what medication I can take. I have names of several professionals and I have made appointments to get help.

The next wish is to lose weight. (This will help the arthritis as well.) I want to dance more regularly.

The third wish is to meditate and try yoga. Hopefully this will lower my blood pressure and stress.

As Jamie says:
"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog . Support wishes by visiting other participants. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Wishcasting Wednesday

Today at Jamie Ridler Studios, Jamie asks us:

What is your deepest wish?

(I love this image from Jamie's post today!)

The first thing that struck me was that I wish my 60's to be happy, healthy and productive. I wish for joy, peace, and contentment. A simple wish but one that will require me to work especially on my health.

As Jamie says:

"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog. Support wishes by visiting other participants. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Wishcasting Wednesday

Today from Jamie Ridler, comes the question:

What is your greatest wish?

Each week Jamie poses a question that has us look deep into our hearts and minds. This week is no different.

As I thought about it, I realized that what has been on my mind a lot recently has been my upcoming birthday and what the years ahead will bring. Turning 50 was not difficult - I was getting remarried that year and had much to anticipate.

Turning 60 though is different. I had hoped to be retired and healthy. I am still teaching and probably will for another year or two at least. I have been battling health issues for awhile and am so tired.

So for my greatest wish - to enter my 60s with a positive outlook, with health, creativity, friendships and love, and a passion for living and making a difference.

From Diane Ackerman, comes a quote that resonates with me:
"I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well."

As Jamie says:
"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog. Support wishes by visiting other participants. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Wishcasting Wednesday

Today Jamie Ridler asks another penetrating question:

What do you wish to make time for?

I think that, more than wish, I need to make time for:

creating daily

weekly dates with my hubby

taking care of me

getting together more regularly with family and friends

It is so easy to let life take over and let the excuse of being tired prevent me from doing so many things. I just need to do those things first and put me and my needs first on the calendar.

As Jamie says:
"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog . Support wishes by visiting other participants. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Wishcasting Wednesday

Wishcasting Wednesday is a special place to share our dreams and wishes in a very supportive community. I have missed it lately - not just the wishing, but the support.

This week Jamie Ridler asks us:

What do you wish to do one day?

If I could envision my perfect day it would be one where I am able to create in my own studio; I have time with my husband and friends; I read a bit and I volunteer my time somewhere. I would also be teaching art to children, which is really my biggest wish.

As Jamie says:

#You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog. Support wishes by visiting other participants. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Wishcasting Wednesday

Today at Jamie Ridler's Studio, it is once again Wishcasting Wednesday and Jamie asks :

What do you wish to say NO to?

A very interesting question! I would much rather say "yes" to new things. But, as I have been reading "The Artist's Way" with Paula's group, saying no to negative affirmations is a constant theme. It is so important to say no to those voices that tell you you can't do it, or you're not an artist, or you will fail. So, I want to say no to those internal voices and replace them with positive affirmations.

I also want to say no to negative emotions that can drag you down: guilt, fear, and especially worry. Focusing on each day and looking at the positive will help banish those negative emotions.

I want to say no to procrastination and wasting time, and to clutter.

Last week, we arrived home from our vacation to find that Jack Layton had died. He had lost his battle to cancer too early. As someone said, he was the greatest prime minister we never had. As I listened to the wonderful eulogies at his funeral, I heard many of his words of wisdom.

"Don't wait for perfect conditions - you can wait forever. Make the best with what you have."

"Always have a dream that is longer than a lifetime."

"Be loving, be hopeful, be optimistic."

"Make time for what matters most."

"Don't let anyone tell you it can't be done."

"Dream no small dreams."

So, for this last wish, I want to say no to dreaming small dreams. I look at Jack and at 61, he lived every moment to the fullest. His was a life well lived. What a wonderful role model!

As Jamie says:

You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog. Support wishes by visiting other participants. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together.

Wishcasting Wednesday

A day for wishing - Jamie Ridler has posed a new question:

What inspiration do you wish to follow?

My inspiration these days is the great community online of such awesome artists and bloggers who are so open and giving and inspirational. Where ever I look I find ideas, gorgeous art, inspiring stories. Everyday is like a new treasure hunt - you never know who or what you will find.

I also find such inspiration in the memes I participate in and groups (check my sidebar for links)I belong to:

The Artist's Way Group, hosted by Paula

Full Moon Dreamboards and Wishcasting, hosted by Jamie

ABC Wednesday, Shadow Shot Sunday, Sky Watch Friday, Creative Every Day.

Thank you to all those who support with lovely comments, who give of themselves and their art so generously and to the hosts who provide such incredible groups!

I wish to continue seeking and finding inspiration from these wonderful people!

As Jamie says:
"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog . Support wishes by visiting other participants. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Wishcasting Wednesday

Today Jamie Ridler asks us a very interesting question:

What door do you wish to open?

At first I thought I had no door to open, that I had expressed all my wishes lately. But then the image of myself, standing on the outside looking in, came to me. I realized that this is a feeling I have had most of my life - with my family and later at school and at work. I am friendly with people and I have a couple of close friends who live far away. Moving here 6 years ago was difficult and I still feel like the new kid on the block.

So, the door I wish to open is the door of friendships and kindred spirits. I want to enter that world of laughter and caring and sharing and joy.

As Jamie says:

"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog . Support wishes by visiting other participants. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Wishcasting Wednesday

Time once again to cast wishes. Jamie Ridler poses a question each week to encourage us to wish and seek support. This week she asks:

What do you wish to nourish?

As soon as I read the question, I knew that what I wish for is to nurture and nourish my creativity.

While reading a post by Camilla, I was struck by her use of the term her "artist baby" and how we need to be gentle with it. I can so relate. I am taking baby steps towards being an artist and I need to nourish this growing state.

This week I began a journaling course with Christy Tomlinson called "She Had Three Hearts". I am excited by it and learning so much already.

I am also working through "The Artist's Way" with a great group of women. Paula is hosting that and that is a learning process as well.

As Jamie says:

"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog . Support wishes by visiting other participants. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Wishcasting Wednesday

It is that time of the week when Jamie of Jamie Ridler Studios asks us a question. It always has us searching deep. This week's question was a bit easier:

What do you wish to try?

A simple answer this week - I want to try photoshop. I want to be able to take my photos and digitally enhance them. There are so many cool things that can be done on the computer and I want to learn many of them.

As Jamie says:

"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog. Support wishes by visiting other participants. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Wishcasting Wednesday

Each week Jamie Ridler asks a very pointed question, one that gets us to look inward and seek out our deepest desires.

This week it is no different. She asks us:

What do you wish to ask for?

As I thought about it this morning, several things flitted through my mind. But, the wish that dominated was that I wish to ask for a kindred spirit, someone to share things with, to laugh with, to do things with.

Since moving here 6 years ago I have met many people through work and church. I am friendly with them, but it doesn't extend much past church or school functions. I miss my old friends but the distance is such that we can't see each other often. Yes, I have a loving husband and we do many things together, but a woman friend is quite different and I miss that.

I tend to be shy, to hang back. I don't push myself on people. As I get older it seems to be more of a challenge to really connect with people on a deeper level. Hence the term "kindred spirit" (from "Anne of Green Gables" one of my favourite books). So I ask for a kindred spirit!

As Jamie says:

"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog . Support wishes by visiting other participants. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Wishcasting Wednesday

Today Jamie Ridler has asked a very interesting question for "Wishcasting Wednesday:

What do you wish to make progress on?

The wishes the past few weeks have focused me on what I want to achieve this summer. This question turns that around a bit. I really want to make progress in a number of areas:

health - we have started swimming this week at our local outdoor pool. I can't believe how out of shape I am/ It will take a few weeks to get back the ability to swim lengths. But I will see progress if I keep going. I am determined to go back to school in September fitter and at least another 10 pounds lighter.

art/creativity - I am trying to create every day in July. There are so many challenges to take part in and they are pushing me to make art everyday. I am also taking part in a group working through "the Artist's Way". I hope I will see progress in the discipline of working every day and a development of skills.

clutter/organization - I am determined to make progress in downsizing both my teaching materials and books and in the house in general. I am starting to make progress in my backroom aka art studio. By the end of July I want to be creating upstairs!

As Jamie says:

"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog . Support wishes by visiting other participants. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Wishcasting Wednesday

At Wishcasting Wednesday, Jamie Ridler asks another probing question:

What do you wish to a break from?

As the school year comes to an end, I am so glad to be coming to the end of alarm clocks, paperwork, annoying parents, misbehaving kids, making bagged lunches.

I will be taking a break from school routines and will be looking forward to solidifying healthy ones.

I will be taking a break from daily stresses as well.

I wish I could take a break from daily physical pain - it is always with me. I hope to seek alternatives and be more active.

As Jamie says:

"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog. Support wishes by visiting other participants. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Wishcasting Wednesday

Once again Jamie of Jamie Ridler Studios asks us a question for "Wishcasting Wednesday":

What do you wish for this summer?

This past month I began a 100 day renewal - good health practices, more creativity, decluttering. For this summer, I want this to be my focus as I get on track for better health. My wish for this summer as well is to be wide awake to every opportunity for experiencing new things and to meet new and old friends.

A Jamie says:

"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog. Support wishes by visiting other participants. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."