Sunday, December 8, 2013

JASPER and the CAKE…….

How did it happen?  How could it possibly happen??? I missed Olga’s birthday, then George’s and to make it a perfect trifecta….Martin’s!

030  The make-up cake would have to be very special and chocolate for sure because that’s their favorite.  I had planned on taking it over as a surprise but wise Sandie Girl told me it might be a good idea to phone first.  What a smart friend I have….Sure enough, Friday night they would not be home but Saturday would work out perfectly. 

002 Are you wondering where Jasper fits into all this?

Well, Olga had gone all the way to San Bernadino to a high kill ‘shelter’ to rescue the most amazing black lab….JASPER!  They were meant for each other and for that I have no doubt!

009  Kita found out about it and sent Jasper a note along with a toy and treats suggesting they get together for a play date.  (The brazen hussy!) I couldn’t tell if Jasper was interested as Olga read Kita’s note.

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Remember the saga of Kita’s beds?  How she chewed up all but the last one and disdained that one completely?  Well, I thought perhaps Jasper might like it.  We weren’t sure at first as he went back to his fav cuddle spot….

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But later as we were going downstairs…..one look over the railing and….what joy…..I was soooo happy!

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Nikka says goodnight to Jasper…………

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……and to all a good night!

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Introduction

There is no avoiding the pull of the internet, the blogs, the YouTube imaginings. It's as if we're all 'On the Road' with Jack Kerouac each in our own world of meanderings. When we tell someone to 'get a life' it might be a bit difficult when you're dragged into other people's 24/7.

I've come to realize two foundational principals, there are no accidents and everyone has a purpose. More and more I'm desiring everyone to come into a full realization of their purpose as we all find our way on this little jewel of a planet.

For me, as a professional 'Western style artist', I stumbled into Chinese Brush Painting after a trip in 1980 to Monet's home/garden. Seeing all of his collection of Japanese woodblock prints was an ahh haa moment for me and when I returned to the States I started painting in the Chinese manner and never looked back. The first year was extremely painful for me as I felt that I should be able to master the technique since I was a 'trained' artist. Not a chance ... that just gets in your way.

Now, after teaching close to 3,000 students and having my book 'The Ch'i of the Brush' published by Watson Guptill, I can say that every one of my students does better their first day than I did my first year! Why? Because I insist that they leave their critical parent outside and just enjoy the journey, respecting the work that they do. I never let anyone throw anything away because that just ingrains frustration and defeat.

We really only begin to learn when we stop and figure out how to 'save' a painting. It works every time.I am so proud of my students, their receptivity and eagerness to express themselves is a continuing blessing for me.So, back to finding your purpose. Perhaps it starts with realizing 'it's not about me'. It so easy to want our needs met and to filter everything thru this attitude. When we realize that we're here to be of benefit to every life that we touch the universe really provides the ways and means.

The best part is that it's really exciting to not have yourself on your mind all the time!I'm re-reading a wonderful book about authenticity and in my next meandering I'll tell you about it. In the meantime I'd love to hear about your journey and am here to answer any and all questions about Chinese Brush Painting.