My Grama's Soul

Simplicity at its best. XO JO

"O.K. God--you take care of the quality.  I will take care of the quantity." Julia Cameron At this point in my life.....I am just stuck!  There, I have said it...and am going to have to do something about it. I don't like being in this spot.  This last year of my life has been so very unsettling, with my huge move and downsize, Brad's serious surgery, and my son's death; it seems as though true JOY is just out of reach.   This isn't a case of the "blues or depression"....I'm still getting on about the business of life.  The passion is gone.  Things I once loved doing, blogging, painting, making jewelry just being creative in some manner have all fallen aside and piled up behind my wall of "being stuck". Friends tell me that this will pass since I have certainly had a lot going on...but I DON'T LIKE BEING STUCK.  Since I believe there is a direct connection between spirituality and creativity...in fact they ...

I have not been in the blogging world for quite some time now.  I have missed it and I have occasionally visited various friends here.  It does seem that this summer's events have really put a damper on who I normally am.   As most of you know....we moved in late July....a downsize which we love..but was SO VERY MUCH WORK.  Unpacked in about 5 weeks.  I mean everything...pictures on the walls everything organized for living. THEN....on August 26th my wonderful soulmate had some very serious colon surgery.  We are not "spring chickens" any longer so recovery has been a slow process for him.  And, it seems, for me also.  LOL LOL Perhaps there is a tad bit of depression going on....but I plan on snapping out of it and getting back with the business of life. Speaking of which.....tomorrow is my birthday.  Nothing big planned, although we are going to be going on a little trip for a week or so with our traveling frie...

I am a firm believer in displaying the art you, yourself, make.  It doesn't matter whether it is fabric art, painted art, mosaic art, jewelry art, junk art or any other kind of art you can think of. By having your personal pieces around you it gives you inspiration to create additional pieces.  It doesn't matter whether the piece is great or mediocre ...... JUST PUT IT OUT THERE SO YOU CAN VIEW IT... I may have shared these pieces before.....made from old junk wire found in my Father-in-Laws tool box....incorporated long beads I made and other pieces of junk earrings.  Milagro....made totally from recycled material (sounds so much better than......junk.....doesn't it?). Each time I pass this little display in my home it encourages me to think creatively.....I often can't go to my studio to work then and there....but it does get those "juices" flowing.   How about you.....do you display your creativity around your s...

Do you feel like you make a connection with someone when you blog?  Sometimes I do....at other times I don't. Perhaps it is because I have been blogging so infrequently as of late....it seems that my "blog creativity" and motivation are on the back burner at the moment.  I have not been visiting any of my favorite blogs to leave a comment of encouragement or just to say hello.   I received a wonderful email from my friend Mary the other day....it certainly lifted my spirits and I thank her for it....but it still was not enough to "scratch the itch" for blogging.   For now....I'm just going with my feelings...doing other creative things and taking a little rest from the computer.  Thanks to all of you who still check in occasionally...perhaps in my own small way...I DO CONNECT. hugs and sending a little Spring to all of you..... first three photos are mine.....last photo is an artists rendering of petunias....WHICH I THIN...

REGINA BRETT'S 45 LIFE LESSONS AND 5 TO GROW ON ~~~ Life isn't fair, but it's still good. When in doubt, just take the next small step. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't take yourself so seriously.  No one else does. Pay off your credit cards every month. You don't have to win every argument.  Agree to disagree. Cry with someone.  It's more healing than crying alone. It's OK to get angry with God.  He can take it. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present. It's OK to let your children see you cry. Don't compare your life to others'.  You have no idea what their story is about. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.  But don't worry; God never blinks. Life is too short for long pity parties.  Get bus...

Do you often leave things undone?  I know I have.  For most of my life I had a hard time finishing projects.  I don't know if it was because I had to have it perfect or if I was just procrastinating or if I had a slight case of ADD.  Probably the latter if I had to guess.  Anyway....when I reached my late 40's  and early 50's I made a pact with myself to not leave one unfinished project after another. One way I managed to do this was by NOT starting a project unless I was absolutely passionate about doing it.  I find I have many interests and my thoughts can often be blown about like the wind...but if I commit to finishing just ONE THING I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT.....it makes it that much easier to finish the other projects I want to tackle. Do any of you have ideas about keeping yourself on track and finishing......unfinished projects?  Please let us know here. Hugs, Jo Photo:  Flikr 

  "Motivation is when your dreams put on work clothes." Benjamin Franklin Changes are in the wind for us........my beautiful partner and I are ready to down size a little. Smaller spot......smaller town.......fewer expenses..... less stress. We are just kicking tires for now.......but I know we will make it happen.  We are both retired and ready for a lifestyle change....we'll still travel and see this wonderful country of ours....but hopefully our home base will be a little less work and a little less costly. I say..........We are ready.......hopefully you'll follow along on the ride....no matter how long it takes. Hugs sweet friends, Jo photo:  Art Worth Hanging UP ~ Ben Sillvermann Jeff Rogers ~ Flikr