THIS BLOG IS ABOUT LIVING JOYFULLY

Thursday, January 5, 2017

THIS BLOG IS ABOUT LIVING JOYFULLY

….so what better way to begin the New Year than by reading ‘The Book of Joy’, conversations with the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. The overriding sense one gets is that they are both mischievous as can be and perhaps that’s the secret.

It sure works for Snoopy!

……and the Peanuts gang!

…and certainly Kita who doesn’t mind fooling around any chance she gets!!

With this commitment to remaining joyful I was determined to see the major water damage in the studio as an amazing project helped by angels Dr. Eileen and David.

Actually David pronounced it quite an exciting project and I’m delighted for that!

Hmmmmmm……I think I’ll leave now. Joyfully of course!

O.K., the mail truck was robbed with our mail and packages in it. Kita is hot on the trail….

Gratefully my Christmas gift from Harvard wasn’t taken!

Our first business meeting with awesome Judy was great fun. The Nan Rae staff is growing!

How cute is this! Welcome Judy to Nan Rae Fine Art!!!

It’s a tradition in the Philippines to have 12 fruits for the New Year……...

Yes Lisa, you’re right…….I’m one tired puppy!

Mom is quite the trooper staying until the ball dropped at midnight!

Welcome 2017, may it contain great joy and everything you would wish for!

I wish for you the dearest things

Long summer times and endless springs

A happy heart that always sings
And angels on your pillow  

All the joys that love can give
As long as there is life to live
A peaceful mind to give you rest
And angels on your pillow
  
Someone there at journey's end
Someone who's a faithful friend
Love beginning without end
And angels on your pillow 

Cool breezes when you want a breeze
And blessings always when you sneeze
To come and go the way you please
And angels on your pillow

Lyrics: Peggy Lee

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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.