Grateful for Music (TY- 30)

I am extremely grateful for music. No matter what my mood is music will alter it, usually for the better. It never ceases to amaze me how music transcends all languages; furthermore, it has been said that “music has charms to soothe the savage breast. ” This phrase was coined by William Congreve, in The Mourning Bride, 1697. Here is the original verse from which it came:

Musick has Charms to sooth a savage Breast,
To soften Rocks, or bend a knotted Oak.
I’ve read, that things inanimate have mov’d,
And, as with living Souls, have been inform’d,
By Magick Numbers and persuasive Sound.
What then am I? Am I more senseless grown
Than Trees, or Flint? O force of constant Woe!
‘Tis not in Harmony to calm my Griefs.
Anselmo sleeps, and is at Peace; last Night
The silent Tomb receiv’d the good Old King;
He and his Sorrows now are safely lodg’d
Within its cold, but hospitable Bosom.
Why am not I at Peace?

Incidentally, William Congreve (1670-1729) was an English playwright and poet. He wrote some of the most popular English plays of the Restoration period of the late 17th century. By the age of thirty, he had written four comedies and one tragedy, The Mourning Bride (1697). (From: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7008439-the-mourning-bride )

Back to the topic of music…in my own experiences with music, I know that when I have been tired,  music re-energizes me. When I am anxious, music calms me. When I am sad, music makes me happy. When I am restless, music relaxes me.

Lullabies have been used to lull babies to sleep. Music has been used to set romantic moments. Music is magical. That being said, music can also stir negative emotions, like fear and sadness. Some music can simply get on your nerves. However, I am certain much of that has to do with preference, as well as, state of being at the moment.

I deeply appreciate music. As we approach the holidays, music plays a significant role in setting the tone of the season and illuminating many joyful memories of holidays of yore. What effect does music have for you? Do you have any favorite tunes for specific times in your life?

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Art Exhibition and Exhaustion

 

I spent most of January creating these incredible acrylic paintings (each is 20 by 16 inches) for my art exhibition in my local library. I am being showcased for the entire month of February. It is such an honor!

All the effort did not go unrewarded as my immune system came to a screeching halt. Exhausted and tired due to running on adrenaline all last month, the FLU caught up to me. So, I listened to my body, because I had no choice and spent most of the weekend recuperating in my sanctuary, otherwise known as my comfy and cozy bed. Hot fluids, a few over the counter medicines and bed rest ruled the past couple of days. As promised, here is a digital collage of my artwork. I hope it brings you as much joy as it brought me when I created them.

More blogging when I feel better. Have a super-duper week!!!

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Gift Of Love Update

In the hands of over thirty individuals, a Gift Of Love has been delivered. These gifts are most likely touching hearts  more profoundly than I will ever know. Back on April 1, 2012 I was inspired by God to create 100 hand-painted paper lunch bags to illustrate the gift of love; and, then share them with others. Some went to friends, a few to family members, but most of them are going to acquaintances and people I have just met just because our paths crossed at that moment in time, which has been my favorite experience.

This week I plan to give out twenty more Gifts of Love, which will bring the total just past fifty bags. Each lunch bag is a work of art and love created with a blend of crafters (liquid) and artist (heavy-bodied) quality acrylic paint. Each Gift of Love is different, but theme of love and hearts are on each one. And, each image tells a story.

Gift of Love #34 has footprints and hearts on it. It tells the story of how love is a journey of the heart that needs to be made authentically without covering up who you are. When we present ourselves as someone we are not, we set up our relationships for failure. It is only when we can bear our heart and soul to others that we are able to attract those who love us for who we truly are creating a strong and profound bond. How are you presenting yourself to others?

Are you trying to impress others as someone you are not or have you permitted yourself to be genuine and true, letting go of all expectations? Are you able to let go of any concern of how others might think of you? It is not easy, but once you can, you will feel uplifted and joy will fill your heart. The only person  you need to please and delight is yourself.

Tugs on my Creative Heart-Strings…

I have this need to just create, create, create…so what is holding me back. Would you believe, posting about it? I spend more time just thinking about what to write, taking pictures or scanning art work, and editing them than doing the wonderful creating that I would rather be doing. Ironic. So, after I post this short blog today, I am going to spend the next few hours creating art and writing. What is tugging on your creative heart-strings at this moment?

Lines Going Straight….Bah humbug!

Untitled ART BOOK 101 Chapter 1.1 (This will be an ongoing work in progress.)

chapter 1 Straight Lines and Stick Figures, Oh My

Lines Going Straight….Bah humbug!

How many times have you said to yourself, I can’t even draw a straight line or stick figure? How am I suppose to create…..(fill in the blank). What is holding you back? Lack of confidence? Fear? Discouragement? It couldn’t be laziness, could it?

First of all, let us dispel the belief that your lines need to be straight and exact. Very few creative projects require precision unless you are constructing a house or a bridge. Now, pick up your favorite writing/drawing tool. Get out a scrap piece of paper. In fact, go ahead and gather as much scrap paper as you can find. Let’s has some fun creating lines.

I am going to have you close your eyes and create lines for at least 60 seconds (yes, a whole minute). Set up your space so you are sitting comfortably. Have your tools in place: paper and pen/pencil/any other art material you would like. Get ready, get set, GO! Now, take a look at your creation. Never mind passing judgment on your creation, focus on how it felt to just put your pen or pencil to paper and allow yourself to freely create lines? This is one of many ways you can express yourself. It is quite liberating.

I challenge you to try this at least once a day!

©AKOrobko

Follow the development of this book on BLISSFUL ART…my other fabulous WordPress blog dedicated to my artwork.

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We Get What We Most Need

Funny how life truly gives you what you most need when you simply relax, embrace love and joy, and live. ~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

Okay, so today was a full day. It started with an internal debate, “Should I get up and go to Aqua Zumba or sleep in; it is going to storm, anyway.” Aqua Zumba won. And, I am glad it did, because it is exactly what I needed to get my day started. Yes, the skies looked ominous and overcast. Yes, class was in an outdoor pool. But, it was not storming.

I had fun and felt great after the physical exercise. At the end of Aqua Zumba class, then the thunder could be heard, but it did not start storming until 5 hours later.  After class, my husband and I were able to jump right into our errands (the bank, the hardware store and the dollar store). We had a nice brunch together and got some gardening accomplished (putting wire cages around the tomatoes). I was also able to get in a power nap in the afternoon before evening mass, which was our church patron’s feast day (the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha).

Today, my friend Kathryn Antyr posted a really great article on her website (True North Arts): What Message Do You Need Right Now? Please, check it out! She is equally inspiring as I am (perhaps more because she has done this longer; I adore her). She promotes so many wonderful ideas. Today she has messages the size of fortune cookie messages that you can print out and use as a prompt for a  journal writing or an art journal experience. I love this idea. I keep a ceramic jar of “Warm Fuzzies” that are filled with my favorite fortune cookie messages and affirmations that I created for myself. Now I am going to add Kathryn’s prompts. This is exactly what I needed today! Thank you Kathryn.

I hope each of you find that you get exactly what you need, too. “What Message Do You Need Right Now?” may be a source for you! Enjoy. Have a great weekend!!

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Simply BLiss-behaving

BLISS-behaving is a term I coined to describe how I enjoy behaving…BLISSFULLY!!! It is fun to BLISS-behave as you are spreading your bliss everywhere you go. It is a positive way to be!

I indulge in happiness and bliss whenever I can even when I may start out feeling blah for whatever reason (the weather or an ailment). As soon as I engage in bliss-behaving, I begin to feel more energetic and joyful. One of my favorite things to do to bliss-behave is to play my favorite music, which is usually upbeat and energetic. Then any activity I do becomes play instead of work or a chore.

Bliss-behaving also describes what I do when I engage others in positive experiences like paying one a compliment, holding open a door, sharing a Gift of Love or simply a smile. It is playful and positive action where love and kindness are spread. And, the more I bliss-behave the more joyful I feel!

What does simply BLISS-behaving mean to you? What can you do to bliss-behave?

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Harmony and Happiness

 

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” ~~ Mahatma Gandhi

Happiness truly begins with our thoughts and when these thoughts are aligned with what we say and do, badda-boom-badda-bing, happiness. How can you not be happy when all three things are in harmony. Reflect upon and examine those times when you have been the happiest. Were your thoughts, words and actions in harmony?

Here is a simple example, when I am working on a piece of artwork or writing, I am thinking to myself this is going to be wonderful…I say to myself, “this is my best work, yet,” as I am working on my project. I am engaged in creating and it evolves into a really wonderful piece, whether it is writing or art. The positive thinking got me to my wonderfully produced piece. The bliss that evolved was from the combination of the thoughts, oral expression and action in alignment. It seems like magic, doesn’t it? “Thoughts become things, make them good ones” (the Universe aka Mike Dooley).

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Stretch

The first thing we do (or should do) in the morning after a good sleep is to stretch ourselves, extend our bodies and muscles in an outward direction. This helps us to increase our circulation and warm up our body. Continued deliberate stretching helps us to become more limber and flexible.

Stretching our minds can have a similar effect. By extending our thoughts and working through various challenges, like trying something new, reading something a bit more challenging, working through a complicated project or problem or any number of ways that require us to brainstorm, analyze, and think critically is giving our minds an opportunity to stretch and extend its capabilities.

The more we stretch or reach with our minds the more ideas that seem to flow. Entertaining new ideas often brings joy. How does your body feel after it has been stretched, a bit more relaxed? Stretching your mind opens up channels of possibilities when you entertain new thoughts and allow your imagination to expand outward.

Have you ever entertained the idea of other uses of various items, such as a paper clip? This is a simple and easy way to expand and stretch your mind. I enjoy stretching myself as an artist and writer by trying new techniques and introducing different materials to my art and writing that could easily be overlooked by traditionalists, such as using old squashed blueberries as a coloring medium, using junk mail in a collage, or using a graphic organizer/concept map to plan my writing instead of using an outline.

What new things can you introduce into your craft? If you enjoy cooking what ingredients or techniques could you introduce or try? As an athlete, how can you kick your routine up a notch or perhaps you could try your sport in a different venue or add another element to your sport (add resistance, do it in the rain or do it the cold)? If you are a teacher, what other ways can you introduce and practice lessons with your students? Each of us have it in us to stretch ourselves, our skills and our talents. Brainstorm some ideas and then give it a try to see if it brings just a bit more joy into your day.

Gifts of Love Update 14

This weekend I spent much of the time painting more Gifts of Love. I was able to finish a dozen Gifts of Love. Below are the images.

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Another drawing winner will be picked tonight; and, announced tomorrow. If you comment before midnight (I will extend it to Pacific Time), you will make it in this week’s drawing for a Gift of Love bag. ♥ 

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