Be in AWE

"In awe -"
 

a google search of the defininition of the word awe states:

"a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder"

or another definition . . .(by the way - I really, really like this definition):

"an overwhelming feeling of reverance, admiration,  fear, etc.,
produced by that which is
grand or sublime or fearful . . ."

How can you argue with something that is grand or sublime?
Those are such good words.

And each day that I awake -
I try to think of all that I have.
All the blessings that I am fortunate enough to enjoy.
And I don't mean the things.
Although "things" are wonderful -
and I am lucky and fortunate to have the things I need to be comfortable.
I have a roof over my head, comfortable furniture, clothes to wear, food to eat, a car to drive.
And I am grateful for those things.

But I am more grateful for those things that are "unquantifiable".
My ability to hear music - all sorts of music and to feel the rhythm to dance and my ability to raise my voice in song;
my ability to see all of the colors and miracles around me;
my ability to read and grow;
the miraculous movement of the earth - the growth - it's lifecycle;
my children and the miracle of life;
my family - near and far;
my friends and my support system.

I am in AWE.

Yesterday - hurricaine Sandy wreaked it's devastation across the East Coast.
And I find myself, once again, in awe -
 but this time the awe created comes more from fear.
The feeling of helplessness for friends that are far away and that were in its path.
To my knowledge - these friends are all ok.
But there are those that are not.
And some of the comforts of life have been taken away from many.

But I feel awe as I reflect on the power of thought and prayer.
And I am sending prayers out to all that were affected by the storm.

And although, the awe I feel over this storm is based in the more "negative" side of awe -
I choose to feel the "awe" that is based in the feeling of reverance and admiration.
For aside from the devastation - many have been spared and the power of the human spirit has once again triumphed.

Prayers and thoughts go out to all . . .

Amen.



More Upcycling

It's late Fall.

The weather is changing.

What I cook for dinner is changing with the seasons.

It's time for comfort food.

And in my world -

that means soup.

Lots of thick and hearty homemade soups.

 

Now when I make soups,

I use a lot of things like

stewed tomatoes and beans.

And because I am a lazy cook at times -

those items usually come in tin cans.

 

Depending on the soup,

once it is all assembled and simmering away

I look around and find my kitchen counter covered with tins cans.

Sometimes just one or two -

sometimes a lot more.

And although Oregon has a great curbside recycling program for all those cans -

I still feel a little guilty when I throw them out.

 

After a trip around pinterest and the web -

I found all sorts of upcycled ideas for tin cans.

TIN CANS!

Seriously - these are some awesome projects!

 

And now - I find myself wondering what other ways I can

upcycle tin cans.

I'm in trouble now . . .

I LOVE these - I mean really, really love these! Especially the contrast of the cans with the bling!

You know you've been looking for a more efficient way to store your yarn.

What a great desk organizer . . .

But this organizer is my favorite. I could so use something like this on my work table - although i would probably paint the cans rather than cover them in fabric!

Another great organizer. Love!

No need to explain - it's a great idea.

Who needs to buy an expensive cake plate? Make one out of recycled can and plates.

Finally - a way to store plastic bags, or tissues, or ???

And do these not make adorable planters? And talk about affordable. I love this idea, too.
 

So there you go -

 

Now before you throw away that next tin can -

take a minute and think about how it could be upcylced!

And if you have any other ideas - be sure to share!

Dream big with god nothing is impossible

 

When I was a young girl,

I learned a song that I sang at church.

I don't remember much of it - but I do remember a line that said,

"And with God, Nothing is impossible."

 

I believed this, I think.

But at that age -

I just took life as it came and it all seemed good.

My goals were pretty basic -

graduate from school, have a date to the prom (and there is a good story with that), get to sleep in on Saturday mornings,

 

As an adult -

the desires are a little bigger.

But as I put this theory to the test -

I'm beginning to think that there is some truth here.

 

So I am going to keep dreaming BIG.

Because I have decided that little dreams don't really suit us.

 

So what are you dreaming about doing?

What big, giant, momentous things do you think about and want and desire?

 

Let's all make a pact to keep our dreams big  -

but more importantly - Let's choose to believe that we deserve them. . .

 

Just a little thought that helps me keep going these days.

Work In Progress

After yesterday's whine fest . . .

We now return you to our regularly scheduled program.

And just in case you were wondering -

although many of the looming questions I am dealing with have not been answered,

I am feeling much better today.

I am back to feeling strong (sort of) and believing that I will make it!

So, it's all good.

 

And now to the real purpose of today's post -

here is a sneak peek of a work in progress.

 

Last Christmas, I had a table set up at a local business for a Holiday sale.

A lady bought a small piece.

OK - that's great.

And that is all there is to that story . . .

 

until -

about a month ago.

I received a phone call.

The lady on the other end told me about purchasing the small piece at the holiday sale.

She was remodeling and expanding her family restaurant.

Would I be interested in doing a painting for the restaurant?

Of course!

 

We made an appointment for me to drive to the restaurant and see the space.

I was somewhat unclear as to what she was wanting -

but was excited to work on a new order.

 

I arrived at Chennai Masala in Hillsboro, Oregon.

They were undergoing a major remodel and expansion.

I looked at around at the colors and the space.

When we spoke - she let me know that she was looking for 12 paintings.

12!

This was a much bigger job that I thought.

12- 3 ft x 3 ft paintings to hang above each of the tables.

And the other catch?

They all needed to incorporate traditional East Indian motifs with my own personal spin on them.

And lots of bright colors!

OK then -

 

This is a big project.

And if you paint at all - you know how long it can take to complete a 3 ft x 3 ft painting.

So the pictures you are seeing are definitely a "work in progress".

Detailing is still needed -

but this will give you an idea of where this project is headed.

And maybe, when these are delivered -

I can treat myself to some chicken tika masala and some warm naan.

 

 

Soon to be a brightly embellished peacock

Cool flower design

leaf motif
 

Stay tuned - I will post more pictures as this project advances - including some of the finished designs with all of the detailing.

Namaste