Focusing on the Bear necessities.
Teach Only Love - That is what you are.
~Jesus. ACIM
Prayer Bear. gouache on black 8 x 8
Focusing on the Bear necessities. Teach Only Love - That is what you are. ~Jesus. ACIM
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Rainy days. 8 x 8 gouache on black
Just because it's raining.. bears still linger. A bear got into a woman's van and destroyed it, ripped to shreds, I wonder if insurance covers such an incident, they also get into homes. Imagine a bear walking into your house.. they seem pretty skittish overall but occasionally I see videos where they seem astoundingly brazen. If Arrow can open doors so can bears. I've read they have an incredible sense of smell & why many will be long gone in the woods before you see them - they will smell you. This wee bear is peeking inside, probably wanting in to be dry. The above painting took more than usual consideration. First, I painted the outside of the window with the washi' tape in place, for the black lines/window frames. Then I removed the tape and painted the inside, the plants. The fun part of learning a new process is you can continue to advance to make it better, the next painting. What are you reading? I just finished Robert Crumbs 'Genesis and consider all the work that went into it. I wonder how long the project took... years, probably. I just started C.S. Lewis, signature classics - several books in one, just completed the first and it has me thinking about quite a bit about morality, God and looking forward to the rest. I watched a documentary on C.S.Lewis, amazed he was at one point an atheist. I recall something I read in ACIM: "Many are called but few are chosen." should be "All are called but few choose to listen." It's raining, bears wait to be painted - for the month of Novembear, what will you create today? Teach Only Love... that is what we' are. 8 x 8 gouache on black
We were created by & from LOVE. Created to create! My cherished line from ACIM is: Teach only love - that is what you are. I'd rather be known for teaching love than hate, how about you? Hate is easy and evident with wars since the beginning - look at Caine & Able - killing innocent humans over hate, jealousy, fear... forever. When people say they are fighting 'over' God, it amazes me - how can anyone who knows God think that God wants us to kill each other. What part do they not understand about: Love thy neighbour. One of the 10 commandments.. no, we still have wars because humans hate, not God. Let's not forget Pride & greed, war is a money making machine. I was speaking to someone about a relationship they had been in & they said: They were mean to me. I have no doubts that is how they felt, I've felt & said it myself a few times.. They were mean to me. Time has taught me - chances are, we were mean to them too. We can all be, and have probably been, mean to someone in our lifetime. It just happens. In a bad mood, tired, frustrated, angry, HURT - we can be mean, in an instant. Realizing this has been a gift from God. The sooner you remember & acknowledge - everyone can be mean, the sooner you can forgive (possibly forget) & move on. Everyone is mean' from time to time. God wants us to be joyful, forgive and focus on love. Every day - is a new adventure, challenge & opportunity to choose... be mean or move on. What will you focus on today? I know myself, I have said things that have later made me think to myself - that was mean, usually true (in my opinion) - but still mean to others. I'm learning (& trying- daily, probably forever) to 'not be mean. Sometimes this means just keeping quiet. What's the point? It just fuels more anger & hate and meanness; Pearls before swine. Give it to God & pray it gets sorted, without me being mean' in someone else's opinion. Don't stoop to someone else's poop, especially if they are mean, just because. I don't think it's always meant to be mean', just blunt... but people get hurt feelings, regardless. It's all lessons in LOVE. ALL of it. We all teach & teach all the time. I want to Teach only love. I have said it before & will again now, psilocybin remind me to teach only love; love yourself as I have loved you. I guess that is why for decades they have been referred to as: The Golden Teachers. It's not just me - it is many who feel this way. Psilocybin are used for end of life -to help people accept death easier, see the beauty in everything, including death. Many moons ago a friend told me cannabis helped bring him closer to God, I concur. I am in Awe of Gods creations - natural medicine. Healing the body, heart & mind. Do you know who invented wine? Noah. I sent this to Storm (& giggled): Who was the first follower of Jesus? ....Mary, is mom. heehee It's true. Mary was Love, is love. Mary (taught &) teaches Only Love by asking us to pray for each other. Let this bear be a reminder: Love Bears all things - even mean humans. Pray for them, healing, love & understanding so they might not be so mean. Teach only love - as THAT IS, what we are. Before slumber prayer 8 x 8 gouache on black
This prayer is in ACIM, it's simplicity resonates with my heart & mind & soul... therefore, I painted it. Peace be with you. Created to create. Jesus, How sweet it is to be loved by you! gouache on Black
I have a thing for smiling bears lately. I'm still smiling over the tiny miracle yesterday. I feel loved, thankfully. I am reminded Jesus loves me. My creator loves me! We are loved. There have been times in my life, I have not 'felt loved.. how about you? Not until I learned and found Jesus & embraced him - have I ever felt so embraced. Amen! Teach Only Love - as that IS what we are. We were created by LOVE to be loved and loving! "Love each other as I have loved you." It's ALL about LOVE & creation. It's that simple. Plans in the Bible.
Occasionally, the Bible mentions specific plants which intrigues me, of all the plants in the plant kingdom - why are certain ones mentioned ? Mandrake is one of the first plants - mentioned in Genesis 13:14, other than 'we start in a Garden. Clearly plants are significant. Mandrake was highly regarded, when one woman asked for it & offered her husband for sex in exchange. It is suggested to help women conceive. I looked into Mandrake & it’s interesting history. Mandrake has been used throughout history since- bible times. :) It was believe the plant screamed when pulled from the grounds (as we witness in Harry Potter) so people use to tie a rope to it’s roots & the other end to a dog - who pulled the roots out & did ‘not die’( thankfully) - which was anticipated. It’s a plant that does have many medicinal uses -but be warned it’s one that can heal or poison depending on the amount - Plants teach us life or death lessons all the time. I do not recommend you play around with any plant or mushroom, unless you absolutely KNOW what you are doing, to avoid deadly consequences. It often looks like a tiny human with big roots that resemble a body & legs -this is how it got it’s name Mandrake. I read (can't remember where-sorry) when Mandrake grew under the gallows it became more powerful by the sperm that fell from the victim during his hanging. yuk & yikes. There are a few plants mentioned, some with specific instruction which leaves me wondering why some appear to be preferred over others. I noticed a friend on IG posting a negative comment about the bible & God, it amused me - I’m pretty sure ’ this person has never read the bible. The bible phrase came to mind: Pearls before swine… there is no point even discussing with some - especially a person who knocks a book, they have not even read, any book. If you want to have an educated conversation/debate on any topic/book - at least understand what you are speaking of. It didn’t upset me - perhaps in the sense that I think - IF he read the bible, he might feel better about somethings & understand - the bible is about LOVE. It upset me more, him disregarding God, I know for a fact this human had at one point - several people praying to God - for him... so he is disrespecting God & everyone else who prayed/prays for him. Anyhow, I am not judging, I like this human.. I've felt a bond - created by God - to him for a long time.. if anything, I'll pray he discovers what I have - unconditional love. My life is better because of my relationship with God. Thank God! It’s been no ‘piece of cake’… even reading this blog -you will read & understand my journey with the bible has indeed progressed. The more I learned, the more I’ve read - including the history of the bible- (very interesting) has convinced me of The Word of God. Don’t knock it until you try it! ;). This cute little guy was sure enjoyable to paint, smiling back at me. I wonder what bible plant I'll paint next. In Gods garden there is no such thing as a WEED’. Acrylic on round board 'Moonlight meditating.
Shades of blue. I thought of this painting for a while... one bear or two? Either would do. The quote is from ACIM & will hang in my bedroom reminding me of Gods Love before I fall asleep every evening. & again when I wake - the perfect way to start the day. Thankful for the continued adventure. Painting with one colour is as challenging as using several. I'm going to have a giant mobile of sorts soon, with all these paintings, turning in the breeze. I think, I'll try a painting.. all in pink. Stay tooned. :) Created to create. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
I was craving a glass of something, and considered opening wine but I don’t like to drink by myself or drink alcohol regularly, it makes me dizzy, tired and not really all that “refreshing’ when hot & thirsty. There’s always Kombucha - & the best I’ve ever had happens to be made right here in Haliburton by a fine young man, I’m happy to call friend, Luc’s Brew - you should try it if you like Kombucha, you’ll be hooked! Such an assortment of fresh, tasty flavours you’ll have difficulty choosing- I suggest the sample pack. While enjoying the garden, flowers in the trees.. the lilacs in full bloom & covered with bumble bees, I decided to make lilac lemonade! Seriously easy to make & delightfully delicious! If you’ve not tried it get ready for a taste & smell experience that will make you forget about wine. ***1 lemon freshly squeezed, 4 cups of water & a handful of lilac flowers - or more, the more the stronger the taste of lilac will be. Every glass is held up to smell before each sip - it’s addictive, my decanter for today has just been made! I believe we just need an alternative sometimes & not having the alcohol keeps me refreshed longer & healthier. I expect miracles daily & they arrive daily! I tell you, I have the sweetest tiny bird with such a tweet (I’ll ask a friend what it is, he knows from the sounds) I thought Storm was pranking me. It’s so loud & tropical sounding and just out on the patio.. the next time I heard it I went to investigate & couldn’t believe what I saw. Years ago (when legal to do so) my mom brought me back a pufferfish from one of her vacations, I’ve had it hanging up for years - this tiny bird is using it for a nest!! Lol I watch it bring sticks and insert them in the mouth - how frigging sweet! I’m grateful to witness this tiny bird creating a home in a fish! Absolutely already a painting in the works (mentally). I’ll try to get better photos. He's out there now - demanding attention! Another miracle I witnessed, thanks to Poppy.. last night she growled & kept at it - it was about 2 a.m. I thought it must be a raccoon… then I lay there with my eyes open & was amazed at the light show before us... FIREFLIES! So brilliant & so many you would have thought someone was flicking a bunch of flashlights on and off! We watched for at least an hour until we fell back asleep - it was the best light show I’ve seen in a long time, I thanked Poppy for waking me up to witness one of Gods many miracles. Poppy is another miracle - the sweetest tiny body with the biggest love for me! Another miracle… a friend emailed from California, he read acupuncture is helpful for TN & even researched places in Toronto for me to visit & offered to pay - above the incredibly kind gesture, I was reminded I have wonderful people in my life & each one sent by God, that I am positive of - even if they are not aware. hee hee I wonder what miracles I’ll experience today - I know they are on the way. ACIM todays lesson: You will no longer doubt that only good can come to you who are beloved of God… Amen. One Love.
We are all connected. I recently read: ...ours the minds that join together as we bless the world. Now, isn't that a lovely thought? I think so. When I read I like to makes notes on words that inspire... most, if not all of my books have pencil notes in them, why I no longer lend out my books. Sometimes these little notes turn into tiny paintings or cards. Usually, I will leave them in the book I was reading or put them in my tiny studio for tiny reminders of positive thoughts. I find these little visuals can help me remember entire chapters or what was most important from what I recently read. Mostly, they are tiny reminders for life & to focus on love, life & joy. I think everyone, in their own home/wrk place should surround themselves with tiny reminders of love. Post it notes of love. These zen kitty notes are some of my favourite.
Have a joy filled day. Time with God.. & dogs.
I spend much time on the outdoor sofa -basking in the sun. Soon after I sit, I am joined by others…. usually just Ginger & Poppy but occasionally everyone wants to sit on the sofa with mom - in the sunshine. Cartoonish in style, the idea & feelings flowed naturally. Scruffy facing inwards made me smile - that's Scruffy - being Scruffy. November in Ontario is the time of year where you can still feel the heat sitting in the sun, so we take what we get- soon we know, we’ll be surrounded by snow. I made this to sit on a shelf near a plant & remind me of some of my favourite moments - just ‘being. When I’m knee deep in snow - I’ll remember it won’t be long before spring will arrive as it does and more basking shall be had. The wicker' on the sofa took the longest but was a meditative process that was quite enjoyable. Spending time with God watching clouds and dragon flies surrounded by LOVE is an ideal way to spend a day.. perhaps with painting & throwing the ball in between. Thankful for the company of dogs, grateful for each day & cuddle. I remind when visiting - wear dog hair friendly clothing… just incase they decide to snuggle someone else. We are pleased with how it turned out.. I’m making Daisy separately & will place her in front of the sofa - now sitting on my shelf. Created to create! Let me come to where my treasures are, and enter in where I am truly welcome and at home, among the gifts that God has give me. ~ACIM I hope all have a terrific weekend, basking in some November sunshine. This painting was as enjoyable to paint as it was watching all that inspired it! My Dogs... my girls.
They are a never ending source of amusement & joy. Each with a distinct personality, all lovable and at times slightly aggravating, to me & each other. Arrow constantly teases ginger and chases her for her 'baby'. When not tormenting Ginger she runs circles around Daisy whom she loves, always wanting to be with her big sister - luckily, due to her endless energy, her big sister is losing weight during play. I've spent the past few days cartooning I think I'll stick with it a while. Recently, close to where I live someone shot two dogs, and then tried to hide it... What kind of human behaves like this? & then tried to hide it.. I've worried about my dogs getting shot since I moved here as it's not uncommon to hear gunshots. I've trained them to stay close to home, yelling at them if they venture into the bush away from sight. Shooting a dog is equivalent to shooting someones family member & should be treated as such. Growing up in Toronto, I always thought gun violence was in the 'city', yet here surrounded by all this beauty - hearing shooting you realize theres one less deer, moose or bear to be seen & it appears you an also shoot 'just for fun'... don't let anyone tell you gun violence is only in cities. I really hope they find out who did this and they are punished for causing such suffering. I'd like to promote a product today! If you have arthritis - this ball is light weight, easy to throw and the girls LOVE it, it's also easy to find if it lands amongst the leaves. Chuck it- kick fetch! They love it- I love it, and it's tuff when the two of them can both pull at it for hours on end. There's no excuse not to play with the dogs! Winter will be here soon enough & they need the exercise. Arrow prefers all 'chuck it' balls as the orange is nice & bright & small ones are hard rubber & bounce but we have lost a few in the woods - I guess we'll have to wait for spring thaw. Today it's a beautiful sun filled day! From Letters From Stoic: And if God is pleased to add another day, we should welcome it with glad hearts. That's how I feel every morning, thankful for another day, especially when I get to spend it tossing the ball with the dogs... they make my heart glad. Painting them made my heart glad too. Do what you love! ...And love will come wherever it is asked. ACIM Farewell. As you are aware - I love Fungi! I'm pleased with this newest piece.. it really looks like fungi sitting on the shelf & it will last all winter long. We just got a sample of winter as in hail, it went from hot & sunny to a thunderstorm, downpour and hail within in a matter of minutes. Our house has a metal roof - the other night during a powerful storm - it was if the hand of God ran across the top of the house. The hair on my arms raised & an electrical sensation washed over the house & me.
It was exhilarating to say the least. A message from God - I'm here, don't forget it. Amen. Many messages have been received, especially this week. I was feeling blue the other day and a dragonfly smacked me on the ear (whispered a quick message) - it made me laugh out loud. I was thinking of something looking down and the next thing I was looking up thinking of God, watching it take off into the clouds. Thankful for the 'love tap' & reminder to LOOK UP. Later the same day - a hummingbird flew into my house! The door was open and he did a little detour, took a rest on my light fixture looked at me, it was very relaxed... then it flew over to batman who hangs from the ceiling and hung on his rope too - it made me laugh out loud. He was guided out with a butterfly net and went straight to the feeders. Messages from nature - winged angels come in all shapes & sizes. I read a quote last night and then have seen the words several times already, today - a message again & I even got a history lesson late last night, I learned Canada is a 'sovereign' country- we are all Queens & Kings! We should all remember who we are - children of God. In a beautiful country, on a amazing planet... We don't throw stones at each other. Evolution (for most of us) has taught us to communicate with our words. Throwing gravel, garbage at Trudeau? This is not how Queens & Kings behave. Throwing stones - who wants to throw the first stone - asks Jesus. Who among you is perfect? Not me. Racist slurs? This is not the Canada I know & love. I understand, I too am disappointed with several events lately & will admit, I feel left out by 'Trudeau' - so much for being for all Canadians, all vaccinated Canadians. That being said, I would not throw stones or call him names. It's not an easy job - it's difficult on his family as well and he didn't start or ask for Covid. Is this directions we want to go? Not me. It's such a mixed up, messed up message - 4th wave- but let's have an election? I get it, still... I try to rise up - there's enough anger already - love conquers all. When you're seeing yourself as limited - this is what I read last night: Let me behold the Son of God today, and witness to his glory. Let me not try to obscure the holy light in him, and see his strength diminished and reduced to frailty; nor perceive the lacks in him with which I would attack his sovereignty. ACIM lesson 250 I had to look up sovereignty. That's when I learned Canada is a sovereign country. God asks us to 'Love Thy Neighbour'... Skin colour, race, personal opinions, class, religion & even vaccination status' shouldn't matter. "To BE is to become creative & bring forth the beautiful." John O' Donohue Lockdown begins for Ontario today. Boxing day- boxed in.
Playing with paint & pondering the end 2020 a year of death & isolation due to Covid -19. for many... not me. 2020 was one of the best years of our lives & I acknowledge it - to thank God.. Forever grateful for Gods timing in particular. Grateful- Full of lessons I did not plan on learning, some good & some bad, some involving humans, a GERM... ALL helpful for a brighter wiser 2021. I enter 2021 grateFULL by the grace of God - I can breath & am feeling anything BUT boxed in - I broke the box & draw outside the lines - in the forest! I like purple... did you know no flags have the colour purple. Do you know why? I do NOW.. I go into 2021 all the wiser with a new appreciation for purple. Check out After Skool: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYB-pmNs4VQ Time to smudge my house for the new year with some lovely Cedar & PAINT something Illuminated. |