STARTED THE WEEK WITH A BLAST……

Sunday, December 15, 2013

STARTED THE WEEK WITH A BLAST……

…..of horns that is and the cutest little fluffs I’ve ever seen. Everyone obliged for the photo opportunity!

Then it was time to meet Tomiko for a movie…

….and dinner at Bar Verde. Of course there was a big discussion over the menu. (They don’t have the name plaque on my booth yet.)…..

I’m such a carnivore……(I know, I just had this last week!)

But I must say the scallops were delicious!

While I was having all this fun and frivolity, Kim was gaining ground on the garage……be afraid, be very afraid!

Monday night Lynne came over to pick up her cards and give me an assignment….painting Bamboo on her camera gear….

Let’s hear it for the tree!!!!

And the tree in the lobby at mom’s….(This one’s real!)

Meanwhile….Sandie Girl was doing all manner of adorable Santa ‘stuff’ at work. How clever is this….a coat rack with Santa’s suit and list of all the ‘Naughty’ ones. Yes, that’s Sandie’s name at the bottom!!

More cuteness….Hi Sandie!!!

Then, to make the week complete, the most wonderful card arrived from Miss Judith that I shall keep forever as it just makes me soooo HAPPY! Isn’t this just THE most charming ever!!!!! Love it so………..

O.K., settle down self and continue on….Let’s hear it for the tree at Americana…..

These roving musicians were so much fun….they even played Happy Birthday to a little boy!

When Sandie came over Kita got so excited I thought she’d jump on the table…..

I had to show Sandie Miss Judith’s wonderful card….

And Nikka showed me ‘Flipboard’ which I’m sure you all know all about but it’s news to me. Gosh, this just draws you in and all you want to do is flip, flip, flip!

For now….love from Santa’s house!

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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.