“Do what makes you happy, be with who makes you smile, laugh as much as you breathe, and love as long as you live.” 
            Rachel Ann Nunes

When I first read the today's prompt at Kickin It Old Skool I thought maybe I will have to sit it out today.  I really don't have a favorite movie.  But as I began to think a little harder I realized that it's not the movie that is important to me it's the experience that makes it memorable.  When I was young I loved to go to scary movies on a Saturday afternoon with my friends. I can remember how we would all jump and scream when something frightening came on the screen.  Although we talked for hours about how scared we were, we couldn't wait to go back again the next Saturday.  Jaws was a movie that stands out - again for the experience.  I was with my then twelve year old son and kept hiding my eyes - then saying, "let's go - no let's stay"  I am sure I embarrassed him no end.  But all I have to say, "Is do you remember the time we went to see Jaws?" and we both burst out laughing. Last Christmas I went to the movies with my husband, my son, and his two sons.  I can't remember the name of the movie but I can remember what everyone wore, how much they laughed, and what a good time we had.  Again the experience it was all about the experience.  I am looking forward to reading how other people answer the prompt.  Since we are all different I am sure there will be lots of different answers.  But for me it's not the movie that is as important as the people I am with and the experience we are sharing!  How about you?  What do you like to experience when you go to the movies?

                                   "The artist doesn't see things as they are, but as he is."  Anon.

Each Sunday I begin my week with a quote to inspire me and a question to think about throughout the week.  Last week I thought a lot about my style of painting and what I would like to change.  Then this morning I read this quote and it reflected some of the thoughts that I had been having since my yoga class on Tuesday.  The class is small and I was the only one who was able to attend.  After class we were talking about my very new meditation practice.  I shared that when I am painting water (which I usually do) it is as if I am meditating. I get totally lost in what I am doing and my mind is not racing with all types of thoughts as it so often does.  I am in the moment and my mind is quiet. I had recently learned that many people meditate as they walk so I questioned whether I could meditate as I paint.  I decided that I could consider the time I spent painting as a part of my meditation practice.  This decision shifted the way I felt about other things I was pondering. I paint water all of the time.  I can start to paint something without water and it will end up in the painting anyway.  I was starting to worry that I might not be growing as an artist because I was painting the same thing over and over.  But I've decided that for now this is what I am supposed to paint.  I am going to embrace my paintings and my style and not worry about whether I am growing.  I have a feeling that the more I paint, no matter what the subject, the more I will grow.  

People say they often feel a calmness when they look at my work.  I am naturally a calm person so I am glad that my paintings reflect that.  There are times when I think my work should reflect more energy but then I realize they reflect who I am and what I see. They are a part of me and that is not something I want to change.  

So my question this week is:  Do your paintings reflect who you are and what you see?  I have often had teachers tell me to paint what I see. When I tell them I am, they walk away looking confused.  I don't often see things exactly the way others do.  And that is fine, if what I see reflects who I am not who someone else wants me to be. 

Remember:  When you share your dreams and your talent with the world, magic happens.  Let the magic begin today!  Ginny
                           

I love Friday because that is when I get to participate in Paint Party Friday. I enjoy sharing what I have painted each week as well as seeing what others have created. I always receive such wonderful support from the other artists and it is one of the reasons I have gained confidence in myself as an artist.  This Friday is a little different.  Not only am I participating in Paint Party Friday but I am also having fun with Jamie and Shannon Ridler's  Kickin It Old Skool Blogathon.  Today's prompt was to share our very first blog.

I began blogging in July 2009.  I am not sure how I found out about blogging but I do remember the day when a friend's daughter, who was then in high school, came over and helped me set up my blog.  My very first post was short and sweet.  I was going to include a link but I don't think that's necessary.  I wrote:
                                                    
                                                                       Beginning to Write

Today is the first time that I have posted to my blog.  I hope that by writing in my blog at least once a week ,or more often if possible, I will begin to feel more comfortable publishing things that I write.  I have always enjoyed writing and I have just begun a book.  It has been fun getting started and I hope to continue on this journey.  

It is amazing how those four sentences have changed my life.  From writing, to painting, to taking and then creating my own e-course blogging has been a part of it all.  Blogging has introduced me to incredible people from all over the world.  It has led me to a second career that I didn't know existed until I began to blog. Blogging is a part of my day.  It's where I talk to friends, share things that I have learned, and learn from others. When I look back I realize just how important blogging has become to me.

Each Friday it has become a habit to share with the world what I am grateful for that week. This practice started when my husband was diagnosed with a chronic illness and it has helped both of us concentrate on the positive things that have taken place each day.  This week because of Jamie and Shannon's prompt it is easy to share what I am grateful for.  I am really grateful that I started blogging so many years ago.  Blogging has become a part of my life. I am grateful for the friends that I have made through blogging and for the opportunities it has opened up not only for me but for so many people.  Blogging has truly changed my life and for that I am very grateful. 

Remember when you share your dreams and your talent with the world, magic happens.  Let the magic begin today.
                                                                                                                                          Ginny

I had planned on having this post up earlier today but life got in the way.  But I am not going to let life stop me from blogging every day this month if at all possible.  Today Jamie and Shannon from the Kickin It Old Skool Blog-a-thon asked us to tell ten things about ourselves that people may not know.  So here goes;

1.  I learned to ski at age 50.  I was terrified, it took me three years and lots of my husband's patience but the night I went skiing down Schoolmarm at Keystone was worth all of the effort.  I painted the picture above to remember the event.

2.  I love to paint. I've decided that I am not going to worry about what is right or wrong with something I create.  I am going to enjoy the process and share what I have created.  Hopefully, this will encourage others to do the same.

3.  I love soccer.  Yes, I was a soccer mom and now I am a soccer grandmom but I promise I don't yell too much.  And if I do yell it is always words of encouragement even for the other team.  I love professional soccer too.

4.  I am learning to drive my husband's motorcycle.  This is outside of my comfort zone but I like a challenge. I think it is a good idea in case we are on a trip and I need to get us from place A to B and my husband needs a break.  Plus, it will be really cool to say I can do it.


5.  Several years ago I was writing a book and my computer crashed and I lost everything.  For awhile I did not have the urge to start over but just recently that book seems to be calling my name.  Plus, the heroine is just about to have her life change for the better.  She's probably tired by now of walking down that isolated road not knowing what is going to happen next.


6.  I am a fairly quiet person.  If I am with one other person, I definitely like to talk.  If I am in a small group, I will be the quietest one.  But if I am talking in front of a large group of people I love to share what I know.  What I find the strangest is that when I am making a presentation to a large group of people I can easily have the room laughing.   That never happens in a small group.  


7.  I love to read.  I read mostly novels and I enjoy stories that tell the history of a family with all of their ups and downs.


8.  People fascinate me.  I love to people watch and I love to learn about what people are doing with their lives.  


9.  I am enjoying coaching.  It is such a pleasure to work with women who have a dream or to help them discover their dreams.  I have worked with wonderful coaches and now I feel so lucky to share what I have learned with others.  (Jamie is the one who started me down this path).


10.  I enjoy reality TV.  I am sure that this goes back to #8  It's people watching at its best and worst.  I know that the producers manipulate what happens or what is shown but the people on the show have to give them something to manipulate to begin with.  


I wasn't sure I would enjoy this but I did.  Thanks again Jamie and Shannon.  I am having a blast!

Each Wednesday I share a Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coaching strategy.  Because the strategies are simple and really help to enrich each part of my life I love sharing them with others. This month I am also participating in Jamie and Shannon Ridler's Kickin It Old Skool Blogathon.  So the thought that kept rolling around in my mind was I have to combine the two on Wednesday,  I wonder how I will do that?  I don't like rules and I don't do terribly well if I have to do something - even if I'm the one saying, "I have to"  But when I say, "I get to"  the energy immediately shifts into something that feels positive.  

So this morning "I get to" combine Jamie's prompt with my Kaizen-Muse strategy.  When you reframe or change the thoughts you are having from a negative to a positive the way you see and interact with the world changes also.  Things that once seemed overwhelming become fun or challenging.  Things that are not necessarily fun but a part of life become less of a chore.  I really don't like cleaning up the kitchen after dinner.  But I do it because I get to enjoy the way the room looks and I feel after everything is put away.  

So now on to Jamie and Shannon's question.  What is the weather where you are?  For the next six days I get to enjoy the rain.  I get to wear my boots, carry my new umbrella, and listen to the raindrops on the roof.  I get to stay inside where it is nice and dry and use my new pastels.  I get to do things I might not do if the sun was shining.

How about you?  What do you get to do today that is special because of the weather?

               When you share your dreams and talent with the world, magic happens!  Let the magic begin today.
                                                                                                                            Ginny

It was interesting to see what popped into my head as I answered these questions.  It's a fun way to learn more about yourself and others. If you want to join in Jamie and Shannon Ridler's Kickin It Old Skool Blog-a-Thon we would love to have you.  

Red
1.            What's the first thing you think of when you think of red? A beautiful dress

2.            Closest red thing to you? Weights on my weight bar

3.            What is the last thing that made you angry?  Someone being unfair

4.            Are you a fan of romance?  Absolutely

5.            Do you have a temper  Not very often. But if someone is unkind that angers me.

Green
1.            What's the first thing you think of when you think of green? grass

2.            Closest green thing to you?  A towel

3.            What's your favourite green environment?  My living room

4.            Are you jealous of anyone right now?  No

5.            Are you a lucky person?  I think we make our own luck. Opportunities abound when we take time to notice them.

 Purple
1.            What's the first thing you think of when you think of purple? yoga

2.            Closest purple thing to you?  My yoga mat

3.            Do you like being treated like royalty?  I like feeling special but not royalty

4.            Do you like mysterious things?  Love a good mystery

5.            Are you intuitive?  Yes

Blue
1.            What's the first thing you think of when you think of blue?  The sky

2.            Closest blue thing to you?  A picture

3.            Are you good at calming people down?  Yes

4.            What's your favourite body of water (i.e. lake, ocean, etc)?  Ocean

5.            What was the last thing that made you cry? A book

6.            Are you a logical thinker?  I think so
 
Yellow
1.            What's the first thing you think of when you think of yellow? The sun

2.            Closest yellow thing to you? Flowers in a painting I did

3.            What was one of the happiest times of your life?  When I was a teenager. I had so much fun. 

4.            What's your favourite holiday?  I love Christmas Eve.

5.            What makes you happy?  Lots of things.  My family, my friends, quiet moments, a good cup of coffee, a good book, painting, learning new things

Pink
1.            What's the first thing you think of when you think of pink? Bubble gum

2.            Closest pink thing to you? My sweatshirt

3.            What sweet things do you like? Frozen yogurt, candy, cake, cookies

4.            Are you sensitive? To the needs of others

5.            What is your favourite flower?  I really don’t have a favorite.  I like them all.

6.            Do you have a crush on someone? My husband and I went out to lunch today and I thought he looked really great (just like he did 46 years ago)  I guess you could say I still have a crush on him.

Orange
1.            What's the first thing you think of when you think of orange? Oranges

2.            Closest orange thing to you?  A notebook cover

3.            Do you dress up for Halloween?  No

4.            What gives you the warm fuzzies?  Love hugs from my grandchildren

5.            What would your superpower be?  I would help all of the world get along

Brown
1.            What's the first thing you think of when you think of brown? coffee

2.            Closest brown thing to you?  My desk

3.            What is your favourite type of chocolate?  Milk chocolate

4.            What makes you feel grounded? Yoga, taking deep breaths

5.            Paint the wood or always leave it au naturel?  Definitely natural.  My husband is a woodworker and I have come to love the beauty of wood.

WHITE
1.            What's the first thing you think of when you think of white? Snow

2.            Closest white thing to you?  My dogs

3.            Do you always try to keep the peace?  Yes

4.            Do you like to play in the snow?  I used to.  Now, I love to look at it or walk in it.

5.            Are you afraid of going to the doctors or dentist? Dentist

 Black
1.            What's the first thing you think of when you think of black? Hair I love shiny black hair

2.            Closest black thing to you? My keyboard

3.            Are you sophisticated or silly? I would not say I am either. 

4.            Do you have a lot of secrets? No

5.            What's the new black?  Brown or eggplant  But really it should be whatever you want it to be.

It's day two of Jamie and Shannon Ridler's Kickin It Old Skool blogathon.  Yesterday I  enjoyed seeing everyone's selfie and today I am looking forward to learning more about each blogger as they answer Jamie and Shannon's time capsule questions.

What are you reading?  In the past I was always a really fast reader and read one book at a time but read it in a day or two at the most. Now, I seem to have slowed down and may have multiple books going at once. Right now I am reading The Chaperon for a bookclub I just joined and The Tipping Point on my Ipad because everyone was talking about it at dinner on Thanksgiving and it sounded really interesting.

What are you watching?  I love television.  Right now I am watching Scandal and The Paradise on Masterpiece Theater. I've taped both and I am catching up on episodes that I missed.  I also love reality shows even though I know they are edited to make them more interesting.  I am a big Survivor fan so I watch that every Wednesday night.  When I retired the teachers gave me a Survivor retirement party with buffs and all.

What are you listening to?  I really enjoy Christmas music.  It puts me in the mood for the holidays.  So I am listening to Christmas music except when I paint.  Then I like it to be really quiet.

What are you loving?  I love my family.  Just thinking of my grandsons brightens my day. They are so curious and have so much fun each day.  It is a joy to be able to spend time with them.

What are you wearing?  It's cold here so I am wearing a hooded sweatshirt at the moment.  I love to be comfortable and warm in the fall and winter.  Slippers, boots, scarves, light but warm capes, sweaters, and gloves - they all equal winter to me.

What are you creating? I am creating a coaching business called Special Moments In Time Creativity Coaching. Last December I became a certified Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coach.  I love working with women to help them reach their goals and dreams.  I truly believe that if we are following our dreams each moment can be special.

What are you looking forward to?  I am looking forward to a simple holiday season.  I love the colors and sounds and smells of Christmas. I am looking forward to decorating and listening to Christmas music as we put up our tiny tree. I am looking forward to spending time with family and friends as we celebrate the holiday season.  I am also looking forward to the new year with all of the adventures that it is sure to bring. 

It is always fun answering questions that help us remember what is important to us.  Being aware of what we love to do is the first step in creating the life we want to live.  Thank you so much Jamie and Shannon for perfect questions to start the month of December. 

Hi Everyone!  I am really excited to begin Jamie Ridler's Kickin It Old School Blogathon today.  I think it will be a great way to renew friendships with bloggers that I met years ago as well as meet new people.  One of the things I love most about blogging is the connections I have made with people all over the world.

If you are visiting from Jamie's site, then you already know that we started the month by posting a selfie.  I am one of those people who run and hide when the cameras come out but I've decided to put that fear aside and to start taking pictures each day until I am comfortable with the images I am able to take.  When I first started speaking in public it wasn't easy, when I began positing my paintings on the blog it certainly wasn't easy but I did it. I am actually looking forward to getting over the uncomfortable feeling I have when I post a picture.  So let the picture taking begin!

I do hope that you will visit often throughout the month.  It will be great to get to know you and learn all about what inspires your creativity each day.

      When you share your talent and your dreams with the world, magic happens!  Let the magic begin today.
                                                                                                                                   Ginny