Weekend Reflections

It is that time of the week to share reflections - whether watery or window ones.

The seeking of reflections is a tad more of a challenge than that of shadows - but bother are so enjoyable.

We were out shopping this week and I was able to get a few window reflections.

Be sure to visit other participants here.

Wishcast Wednesday

Today at Jamie Ridler Studios, Jamie once again asks us a deep question, one that takes time to answer.

What do you wish to know?

There is knowledge and there is knowing. There will always be knowledge I would like to gain, new ideas, new methods of teaching, new art techniques to learn. But the knowing - that is different. It is feeling that knowledge deep inside, and using it help.
To really know someone, to really understand why people behave the way they do, to look past their masks. Especially with children, I wish to know what will help them achieve to their potential. I want to know why we can't help many of these children sooner.
There are so many things left to learn and know - and I want to keep learning and using that knowledge to help and to grow.

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 and Support wishes by visiting other participants, It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."





Be sure to visit the other wishcasters here.

ABC Wednesday - T is for Thoroughbreds

This week at ABC Wednesday, T is our letter of focus.

With the Belmont Stakes being run this weekend, I thought that I would look at thoroughbreds. They are magnificent, beautiful athletes.

"The Thoroughbred as it is known today was first developed in 17th and 18th century England, when native mares were crossbred with imported Arabian stallions. All modern Thoroughbreds can trace their pedigrees to three stallions originally imported." (for more information refer to Wikipedia's article that also looks at the weakness of this animal and the dangers of racing)

The Belmont is the third race in the run for the Triple Crown. The Kentucky Derby is considered the race in horse racing and it the crown jewel of the three. The Preakness was the second.

Once again there was no Triple Crown winner. Secretariat, one of the last of the Triple Crown winners, was an exceptional thoroughbred. Look out for the movie this summer on this remarkable horse.

Be sure to visit the other great paricipants here.

Sunday Weekly Wrap-Up

Today I had fun at the local garden centre photographing flowers. I wanted to have a wide range of blossoms close-up and thought this would be a good spot - and it was. With certain photo memes I taken part in weekly, I was falling behind in photos. Macro Flowers and Weekly Reflections were 2 I have been sporadic with. I am hoping to remedy that.

(2 of my favourite shots:)

This weekend we entertained the middle grandchild, age 7. She stayed over Saturday night and we did lots! It was enjoyable, especially when we dipped into the paints. I was working on some ATCs and I gave her blank cards to paint. She had fun - creating butterflies, flowers and clouds. She also painted me some angels as she knew I liked them. It was such a blessed time - she was so involved in her creativity! She loved taking her work home this morning and showing her parents!

I have quite a few ATC swaps I have signed up for, so I have been working a way at them. They are so relaxing (usually - unless an idea just won't gel). You can be creative, except in a smaller format.

Reptile and Amphibian Swaps:

Favourite Childhood Books Swap:

Dragonfly swap:
Dots and Spots Swap:

ABCs of Art

This week's letter of focus is H and I have chosen H for Handmade!

All my cards are handmade and many times I use handmade paper.

When we create gifts for others that are handmade, we share a piece of ourselves. We use our hands, our hearts and our heads.

The tribute for my Mom that I created Thursday was handmade with love.

Last week was also the Full Moon , so I was involved in creating the Full Flower Moon Dreamboard. Those are very valuable exercises to complete - they really do guide you through the month ahead. Check at Jamie Ridler Studios for more information.

I'll leave you with a quote from Jamie's blog which is so powerful.

"There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do.”
Freya Stark

Shadow Shot Sunday

Time to share our weekly shadows - such fun it is to seek shadows in the world around. the sun was bright and hot already this morning. It has turned into a gorgeous day! So off we went yard saling! Got some great bargains and some interesting things to use for crafting and art.

The shadows are from our yard as I only had a few minutes before we were to go out.

These plant shadows look like a giant bug!

Be sure to check out the other great shadow chasers at Hey Harriet!

Full Flower Dreamboard/ Tribute/Theme Thursday

Today is the Full Flower Moon and once again Jamie Ridler encourages us to create a dreamboard to put out our intentions for the month to come.

As Jamie says: "What’s possible for full-flower you? What colours shine? What dreams flow freely? What pours out of your heart and into the world?”

Today is an anniversary, a sad one - two years since my Mom passed away. I have decided to use it as a launch to a hundred days of caring for myself and nurturing my creativity.

I have already begun an elimination diet and am feeling more energized.

My goal is to replace bad habits with better ones and to dance, create, play - to use every day as an opportunity to be healthier and happier.

 

Theme Thursday

Today at Theme Thursday, the theme is beauty.

My first thought was to look up quotes and there are so many. Here is my favourite:

“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched,
They must be felt with the heart.”
~Helen Keller

I wanted to create a tribute today for my Mom and I could not think of a better one than on the theme of beauty. She had a beautiful soul and was the kindest person you could ever wish to know . When I found this picture of her at 21 I knew this was the centre of my piece. She was stunning! I love you Mom!

Visit the other participants of Theme Thursday here.

Wishcast wednesday

It is time once again to answer Jamie's prompt (of Jamie Ridler Studios):

What do you wish for your space?

Foremost, I wish for a space that is clutter-free and inviting, a space that allows us to relax and be comfortable.

I also seek my own creative space, that is a haven for art and creativity.

Knowing what I seek, now I must achieve that!

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 and support wishes by visiting other participants. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Visit other wishcasters here.