THE MOST MEMORABLE DAY........

Thursday, July 30, 2015

THE MOST MEMORABLE DAY........

…..filled with so much love and the joy of friendship. A ‘Thank You’ tea given by dear Amy, to celebrate everyone who treated me on my birthday that turned out to be a true celebration of love and friendship. We were greeted by celestial music from Karina Ward, harpist extraordinaire! Oh my……how exquisitely lovely!

Nikka can you believe this? I can’t…..It’s just too wondrous!!!

Nikka’s beautiful dress that she got for the occasion. How perfect! So very girlie and lovely for a tea party!!!

I want you to know that besides creating the beautiful floral arrangements, Amy made every delicacy you see…….

……except for the macaroons…..The ‘savory bites’ in the front of this photo were sooooo good I had three!

I was told this was my ‘special’ cup!

Here are the ‘savory bites’ again….

The sandwiches on the tiered tray were amazing. Amy had cut out little bread hearts that went in the center of each bread slice….Wish I had a better photo to show you.

The glasses with the berries were for water and the ice cubes had blueberries frozen inside…imagine!

Eileen was ready for a proper ‘tea’ with her English Garden Hat!

Awwwww……so happy! Sandie Girl, Miss Judith and Lizzie!

Lets hear it for the tea! Flowering tea buds open when placed in hot water. Jasmine was my favorite.

Perfectly lovely!

Amy even made a delicious Trifle…..

Lisa and Amy are entranced listening to Karina’s sublime harp playing.

At this point, Lisa got sooooo inspired she danced!

Beautiful flowers were everywhere. The peonies were extraordinary!

When guests were leaving, Amy presented each with a charming ceramic teapot filled with beautiful flowers.

How did I not get a good photo of dear Lynne Sims???

Here’s Eileen’s Strawberry Teapot! Perfect for her!!!

The inside of each Peony was dancing with delight!

Can you imagine???….Amy had a customer coming over that afternoon to pick up a large order. How she did everything is beyond me.

Precious Amy and her handsome progeny…Andranik and Marianna with puppy Mia!

Just think, I’ve gotten to enjoy these beautiful flowers all week! A heavenly garden in my home!!! Amy you created an afternoon I shall never forget…One that will linger in my heart forever! Words are simply inadequate to thank you.

Listening to 'Venus Arising'…..the inspiring CD Karina gave me. You can order it on her website: www.karinaharpist.com or www.harpbykarina.com

I wish you a world filled with beauty!

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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.