Blessings for A New Year!

I use to collect old holiday postcards...while cleaning today, I ran across them and was drawn to place this one here as my New Year post.....She is so lovingly sweet! Happy New Year to all....
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Wild Geese by Mary Oliver

Thank you Karen for the reminder of this one! I am so loving my revisit with Mary Oliver!
Enjoy...
Artfully Yours,
Pattie


WILD GEESE.....

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
For a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about your despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting --
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.

...Mary Oliver

A poem by Mary Oliver

I have been all wrapped up in the making of Christmas and have not been doing my daily Magical Mandala affirmations....Something has been missing from my life and I have determined that NOT listening to my soul has given me a sense of sadness....So today, although I did not do a mandala this poem came to mind, and I share it with all who venture here. May the New Year allow us all to continue on our TRUE journey!

Artfully Yours,

Pattie

The Journey

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice--
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do--
determined to save
the only life you could save.

...Mary Oliver

Magical Mandala...Action

New possibilities spring forth...
they swirl and twirl ...ready to explore...
New opportunities reveal them self...
offering me boldness in my action...
Courage is at my center of gratitude...
my power comes from within...

*** My power from within is swirling and allowing me to explore new possibilities of growth...Riding a wave that once appeared to big to ride...Getting past the fear and the planning stages...releasing the hesitation...Today, I am aware of the creative outlets that are revealing them self to me...With an optimistic attitude I am regaining the confidence to be a little bolder...a little bigger...with my courage and my willingness to take another chance...Today, may you be aware of the courage at your center and use it to ride a wave that once appeared to high, with a little more boldness to pursue your dreams...PUT YOURSELF INTO ACTION WITH A SMALL STEP TODAY!
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Magical Mandala...Hearts Passion

The passion of the heart burns brightly...
It burns with gratitude and love...
The passion of the heart grows and stretches
its creativity from deep within...
The passion of the heart reaches for the stars...
With honor and happiness I fuel my fire...

***As I honor my passion to create, I fuel the fire that burns deep with in...I allow it to grow and stretch toward the stars. It causes my happiness to soar to the stars, it allows me to find a peace that circles around me. When I am aware of the positive side of my creative joy, it allows me to live a fuller life. Today, as you go about your day, give yourself some time for whatever it is that fuels the passion of your heart...You will see what a difference it will make in your outlook about so many different things...when we do not acknowledge our passion the fire becomes weak and we often wonder what it is that is causing our unhappiness....LIGHT THE MATCH...FAN THE FLAMES...FUEL YOUR FIRE!

Magical Mandala...Filled With Abundance

Do not focus on the sense of lack...
Fill yourself with positive thoughts...
Fill yourself with empowerment...
Fill yourself with abundance...
Fill yourself with gratitude...
Appreciate the abundance you have and shift your thinking....

***It is easy to get stuck in the emptiness of feeling like something is lacking...Especially at this the holiday season...There just seems to be that over lying feeling of...NOT ENOUGH...sometimes, it is "NOT ENOUGH TIME"..."NOT ENOUGH MONEY" ..."NOT ENOUGH ENERGY"...Whatever it is doesn't really matter...they are feelings that one must acknowledge...but once you have said HELLO to them...give them a quick pat and then it is best to say GOOD BYE just as quickly...If you continue to focus on them they grow...grow with such a strength that they become weeds so deeply rooted that it takes a great deal of energy to rid yourself of them....So today, as we approach the beginning of the holiday season give your inner spirit a lift and fill yourself with positive thoughts....Allow yourself an extra 5 minutes to feel your power...allow yourself to feel the abundance of love and happiness that you have in your life...allow yourself to make gifts from the heart instead of store bought things...allow yourself to bring your gratitude that can flow right to your heart...So today, may you feel a shift in your thinking, and notice how you can flow the abundance that you do have back to your spirit...
BLESSINGS TO ALL FOR A HEART FELT THANKSGIVING...
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Magical Mandala...Ride your wave

Ride your wave as your tide ebbs and flows...
Rock gently...allow your current to take you forward
than back...then forward again...
your strength will carry you through the currents
with your faith...
Ride your wave...
And listen as you approach your shore...

***Riding your wave is sometimes the most difficult thing that you have to do...When your wave is at its ebb we sometimes become so comfortable there that when it flows we get fearful...afraid that we will be pulled under and never resurface...however, if we allow our self to rely on our strength and our faith in our self than the current is only there to swirl and present a different view for us to see...The flow of our waves brings us closer to our shores of contentment...Today, as you ride your wave, may you be aware where it is that you are...if you are in a ebb or a flow...high tide...or low tide...either way...gently rock there allowing the movement to show you a different view of things that are, and things that are yet to be...and then with your strength hold on to your sails and rock...forward..back...forward..back...and see your horizon...
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Magicial Mandala...Be Aware

Be aware of the morning light and
what it brings to you...
Be aware of the wind and
what it says to you...
Be aware of new growth and
where it leads you...
Be aware of the night and
what your dreams expose to you...
BE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR DAY...

***Be aware of each day...As it exposes a newness of life...it is a rebirth of your spirit...
Be aware of your morning light and what the warmth of it brings to you...Be aware of the wind and the whispers of love that it says to you...Be aware of your seedlings and nourish them so they can lead you...Be aware of the night and what your secret dreams and wishes expose to you...Today, may you be aware of the abundance of time that you have each and every day to show you how much you have to be grateful for...Today, may your gratitude be swirling all around you.
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Magical Mandala...Ask

Ask yourself...Your soul...Your roots...Your spirit...
Ask what it is that needs to come forth...
Ask what it is that needs to open and grow...
Ask yourself...Your soul...Your roots...Your spirit...
Then listen as the winds of who you are answer...

***Be aware of the questions you ask of yourself...Be aware of how you address your spirit...In a positive way as your sun rises be aware of the stirrings in your soul...your roots...your spirit... Take those moments of question and listen to the winds of who you are sway and offer up the answers...ASK yourself gently...ask yourself what direction and what nourishment you need to bring your spirits' seedling to the surface and sprout strong roots so you can grow toward your sun and stars...Ask and listen for your answers...If not today...try again tomorrow...
The answers will come.
Today, may you be aware that by asking yourself small questions every day in a positive tone, and then listening...being aware of the signs, your spirit will answer and let you know where to plant your seedling.
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Magical Mandala...Be at peace

Be at peace with the sound of your silence...
Listen....Listen to your spirit as you fly with your growth
Be at peace with the buds as they sprout into the newness of the day...
Be at peace as you soar to new heights...
gently...softly...
swift with the wind...
Be at peace with the sound of your silence...

***Be aware that with growth you must add silence to be at peace with the stretching that takes place. The newness of the seedlings of growth needs the silence for you to listen to the wisdom that your life has to offer up...As the winds change you must be at peace in order to shift and adjust to the newness of the day. Be at peace and listen to your spirit...both old and new sides and be gentle...gentle with your growth...SEE AND KNOW YOUR PEACE. Today, may you be aware that silence does not mean you have nothing to say, but rather it gives you the opportunity to listen closely to what your soul is telling you...May you be aware today of the silent moments that surround your spirit so that it can speak its soft message to you.

Magical Mandala...Burst Open

There is a moment when your must burst open...
When the bud can no longer be tight...
BURST OPEN...
Push your face toward the sun to feel your warmth...
Turn gently to feel your beauty...
BURST OPEN...
Trust that your roots are strong...

***There is a moment when you feel it..the tight bud loosening....Allow yourself to nourish it slowly and it will unravel...as you face your sun and feel the warmth of your truth and your own beautiful soul you become aware of your growth...of your busting open...Be aware that this moment is yours alone and by honoring it you begin to fill yourself up with your true beauty..BURST OPEN with your belief and know that you are strongly rooted to your own spirit...Be aware of your true glorious self. Today, may you feel yourself strengthening enough to burst open with the delight of your spirit.
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Magical Mandala...Parade

This is the time to have your parade...
to dance...sing...and enjoy...
to laugh...expose...and remember.
This is the time to listen to your music...
to follow your stars...
freedom...expression...play.
This is YOUR time...
Lead your parade.

***Be aware that there are many opportunities for you to play...let your heart soar with laughter...let it sing songs of love for you...When you become aware of these times you can expose your child like self and remember your joy...Let your heart flow to a freedom of your own expression...listen to the music of your soul and dance in your parade of self...
Today, may you lead yourself forward to your truth...with your soul music...may you use that music to soar to the front of your parade and lead yourself to your dreams.
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Magical Mandala...Participate

Participate in the weaving...
reach beyond...take your time...
expand and develop...with purpose...
with competence...with will...
with strength...with hope...
with love...with generosity..
with wisdom...
play with the weaving of your life...
and leave room...
room for your growth...

***There are times when it is much easier to allow someone else to make a decision...to give permission...to take charge. Once we start this process we lose part of our strength...we lose part of our souls...our spirit. Be aware to take time to participate in the weaving of your life...pick your colors...pick your purpose...pick your hopes and desires and weave them slowly...steadily into the fabric of your dreams...Today, may you be aware of all the decisions that you need to make for yourself in order to be true to who you really are.
* This mandala was inspired by writer: Joan Erikson

Magical Mandala...Let the Outside In

Bring that which is around you in...
Allow yourself to witness what it can show you...
Let it touch your soul to allow
you to grow beyond your circle...
Let the outside in...
Breathe in the strength..
the beauty...
Renew your spirit

***By staying in the comfort of your space...your mind...your zone often something NEW will throw you off balanced...Be aware to let the outside in...be aware to entwine both the familiar and the unfamiliar...by doing so you open up to so many possibilities. By letting the outside in you will lay witness to a new strength...a new beauty...a re-newed spirit. May you take the comfort of today and let one small new growth come in from the outside to blossom and take a place within your soul to enrich your spirit.

Magical Mandala...Paradise

Let your bird of paradise open...
Let it stir your heart with messages...
of beauty...of belief...of joyous color...
Let your bird of paradise grow strong
and open its glorious wings...
Then let it take flight...

***Take time to watch for your blooms after a rain...Once you open your eyes and look for the growth that your rain afforded you...Let your blossoms stir your heart...turn them over gently in your hands and feel the message....water, nurture and tend to the growth...take your time, there is no hurry to force it to grow to fast...But once you are able .... TAKE FLIGHT!
May you be aware of your blooms, your seedlings of growth, so that you can tend to your soul in order to be able to fly...
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Magical Mandala...Cracking Open

Let the thunder within crack you open...
Let the rain pour out...
Let yourself feel the force and power from deep within...
Let it lead the way to your stars...
Let the thunder within crack you open...
Do not fear your power...
Do not fear the darkness...
Do not fear your rain...

***Be aware that sometimes a huge storm must occur to crack you open...Tears and pain driving very hard...the force and power from deep within that often comes before change is allowed. Letting the thunder crack me open is giving way to the rain of tears...which in the past has made me feel weak and small...this rain makes me feel that a new dawn is approaching and I will soon surrender to the calm and growth this storm will allow me...
May you come to know your storm as something that is given to you so that you can quiet yourself, and become aware that growth is about to happen. It is often the fear and change of growth that allows the thunder to crack us open...A good storm may sometimes make you fearful, but when the rain and thunder is over we see a new day before us. May you be aware of your thunder and may you allow it to crack you open toward new stars....
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Magical Mandala...Welcome

Be welcomed.....to the peace...
Be welcomed...to the calm...
Be welcomed...to the joy...
Let yourself be welcomed....embrace...be aware...
be truthful...be open...
Feel deep the welcome...

Be aware as you change environments or move into different stages of your life....Do not fear such changes, but rather feel the welcome...feel the sudden change of the wind and the slightest shift in your body..in your mind...and welcome it...For if you eliminate the fear and embrace the welcome you will feel an open sense so you can better receive all that is about to unfold around you....May you remember to always feel the welcome!

***I have been visiting friends in the paradise called, Key West, Florida! I have had the opportunity to be welcomed with such a warmth of friendship and love ... these next 9 mandalas were done while visiting with them and the learning that took place while I was there...

FLYING!!

Just a note here too...I am off line to go on a 10 day holiday!!!!!!!! OH JOY! OH JOY!!!!!!!!!
Here is a painting that I did for a baby boy earlier this year....CHRISTOPHER JOSEPH!!!!!!!!
See you next month!!
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Magical Mandala...Unlimited Energy

Connecting with my core gives me strength...the glow from within gives me unlimited energy...I release my tension...I breathe in fresh energy...I give myself power...I strengthen my abilities...
I blossom and grow....

***I am aware today of some tension that surrounds me...So I breathe...breathe deep into my core...I am silent...I feel the calm coming over me and the tension releasing...I am aware of the warm glow of the spirit within...I breathe the deepness that is ME...Today, I am aware that if I need the time to let some things go...I must give myself that moment...It allows me to feel my power...It allows me to remember my abilities...It allows me to blossom and grow! Today, if you feel tension within you...stop for a moment...sit and silence yourself...and breathe...breathe deep into your core...you will feel the warmth coming back...you will feel the power rising up....you will strengthen your growth and blossom......(if you take on 5% of your positive energy every time you are feeling your tension...WOW...before long the tension won't have anywhere to place itself!!)...TRUST YOURSELF!
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Magical Mandala...Inner Radiance

Connecting.....Connecting with my joy...with my paper and paint...
Connecting.....Connecting with my inner most self...
Connecting.....Connecting with my inspiration...
Connecting.....Connecting with my splendor...my part in the Universe...
Connecting with myself allows me to connect with my inner radiance...

*** Today I am aware that I have a great need to create in silence...to be alone in my space
surrounded by my paint, my paper, my pens...I have been given back these moments of joy
and I am feeling a peacefulness that has been missing...I am feeling grateful today for allowing
myself this connection once again. Today, I am aware that this is not a selfish act...that by being
true to myself, by connecting to my inner radiance I am a much happier person. I can create
easier, life seems fuller, the sun shines brighter, and those around me are aware of the change
that comes over me when this connection takes place. So today, I am aware...I am aware that I
am an artist! May you find a moment today to honor your connection with your radiance. May you find a silence within to connect to and find your splendor, your creativity, your part in this big picture of life.
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Magical Mandala...Wings

~softly fluttering in a cool breeze...
~rapidly moving against a harsh wind...
~moving with grace and beauty...
~fragile and yet so strong...
Your wings are always there to carry you to great heights.

***There are days that my wings are quite apparent to me...they allow me to fly almost effortlessly with the cool breeze of my creative mind. There are other days when I am almost not aware that I have them...the wind is harsh and yet I know in my core that they will help me to soar once again. When I am aware of my ideas, my creativity, my spirit I can fly ... fly higher than I ever thought possible. Today, I am aware of the path that these wings take me...I am enjoying the flight...I am grateful for the knowledge that they allow me to see. Today, I know that my wings are there every day...some days I must just remember to fly right into the middle of the storm for that is where the calm is. Today, may you also be aware of your wings...may you remember that they are strong and can take you to all the places that you are dreaming of going all you have to do is BELIEVE and allow your wings to let you FLY!
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Magical Mandala...Center

Look within...look deep...deep within to your center.
Listen...listen carefully...listen to the wisdom of your center.
Search...search within...search within for the answers from your center.
For it is from the center that we start to grow....

***Today, I am quiet with myself...I am looking, and listening, and searching for some answers from deep within. I believe that when I quiet myself and pay attention my answers swirl around me in a circle for me to see...I believe that all the answers that I need are there as long as I take the time to connect with them. Today, my center is open and I am aware. Today, may you take a moment to quiet yourself and look, listen and search your center for your answers...they may not be clear to you at first, it may feel a little uncomfortable at first...but eventually you will hear the sound of your own true voice.
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Magical Mandala...Hanging Heart

I am safe hanging my heart on this limb....I am safe because comfort surrounds me...
I am safe because the leaves of friendship are there to cradle me if I should suddenly slip...
I am safe hanging my heart on this limb...I am safe for I am circled with love...I am circled
with faith...I am circled with belief...I am circled with hope....
I am safe hanging my heart on this limb...I am safe because I am holding on to my own truth.

*** Today, I am aware of the friendship that I have with so many like spirits. I am aware that we are all there to help each other when we hang our hearts out on the limb...When we expose our truths, not only to our self but to others. Today, I am aware that there is nothing so dark that a friend cannot help to shine a little light in our direction...and by feeling the warmth of that light we can perhaps see down the tunnel of darkness. I am aware today, that I am safe, that exposure does not have to be a negative, but rather it can be a beginning to a new day. I am aware today more so than yesterday that I am surrounded by loving, supportive spirits that will cradle me should I start to fall...Blessings to all of YOU...And today, may you also find a moment to be aware of those friendships, and may you circle yourself in HOPE for tomorrow.
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Magical Mandala...Bliss

A circle of bliss...of remembering...of allowing...of following...of creating...of connecting.
A circle of bliss...of gratitude...of joy...of love.
A circle of bliss...of pleasures..of moments.

***This morning I am aware of my bliss...Coming back to my affirmations has been a blessing for me, allowing me to once again tap into the energy and positive joy of my life. When following my hearts desires to the fullest extent every day I have found a peace in starting the day with these affirmations. I am aware that being quiet with myself in the beginning of my day helps me to focus better to what it is that I need to be grateful for. By acknowledging those things, and myself I am able to experience and see all the pleasures of the moments of the day. Today may you be aware of your bliss... may you remember your grateful moments...may you connect a little more with yourself.
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Magical Mandala...Flying Heart

I can feel the sensation of my creativity....It starts with a flutter...it bubbles and stirs...it stretches and glows from within....waiting...then bursting forth with paper, paints, and pens...
I can feel the sensation of my heart flying within me....I am aware...I am grateful...

****I felt it calling me today, and it was almost effortless to create..My hands worked faster than my brain at moments. I dipped the brushes in paint on paper, on wood, on books....It warms me on this brisk fall afternoon...I am happy...I am creating...I am aware...I am grateful!
May you feel the warmth of your creativity and the stirring of your heart taking flight as you give way to it...(I am so much happier now that I have new paper and can do my mandalas with acrylic paint...comfort for me!!)
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Magical Mandala...Starting

It starts in the middle...in the core...in your soul... The energy...the passion...the belief.
It starts in the middle as a bud that you nourish with faith..with love..with your creativity.
It starts in the middle and will continue to grow as long as you let it...as long as you listen...believe and reach...
It starts in the middle.....

***When you listen to your core, your soul, your spirit you will feel a rush of warmth come over you as you follow the direction it gives to you. You will feel a sense of calm as you follow your faith and love for yourself. When you listen...May you listen for a moment today and feel the bud of your love growing as you nourish it.

Magical Mandala...Unlimited Possibilities

There are unlimited possibilities in this one life...being open to love...being true to your energy... reaching out to make your dream wishes come true and believing in your creativity....
There are unlimited possibilities in this one life...BE AWARE OF THE EVERY DAY MESSAGES!

**Today I am aware of the messages that my soul sings, my energy brings to me through my creativity and my dreams coming true. Today, may you be blessed with an open heart to see your own messages.
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Magical Mandala.... Listen

Listen as you grow...Listen to the silence....Do not be afraid to stretch and reach for your roots are firmly planted....
Listen as you grow...Listen to the sounds of your whispers and the magic that surrounds you...
Listen to your gentle spirit...
Listen as you grow...Listen to the sound of joy...

** Today I feel as if I am swimming in growth...I can feel it from the bottom of my feet moving upward...Today I am listening...I am remembering the wonderment of stretching and reaching. Today my spirit is forming new buds...Today, I wish for you sweet remembrances of growth, and feelings of pure joy from it.
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Magical Mandala ..Gratitude

Gratitude surrounds me...it circles my heart....a warm soft glowing familiar rush washes over me as I pick up pencils and pens...
Gratitude surrounds me...I am aware of the strong connection...the difference it makes when I acknowledge and accept my truths...
Gratitude surrounds me...and I am once again on my path of discovery....

(*** there is not a right way or a wrong way to make a mandala...I simply start with a circle and ask the question while mediating on that circle..WHAT DO I NEED TO BE AWARE OF TODAY?
This is a 4.5 inch circle to fit on the page of the journal that I purchased for this purpose, although the paper is thin I will continue with this journal....This mandala was done with Prisma colored pencils. )

Eyes Wide Open...

It is 2:42 AM...Rain is softly falling outside and I have awoken from a sound sleep! My eyes popped open and I knew at that moment what it was that I am suppose to do next...I told myself that I would post in the morning, but my moment said to do it NOW! So here I sit in front of this machine....I have been doing my affirmations for 2 years now...almost every day till several months ago...I know what stopped me, and there is no need to express that because I know. But why I let that stop me has remained a mystery to me. Doing the affirmations has been a powerful source of knowledge for ME about ME. They have allowed me a place where I could talk to myself in such a positive way that I could overcome most of my shadow demons....but I let that slip...I took it away from myself. So today, I give it back....It will be taking on a different form, but it will still reveal what my heart knows as my own truth. For 4 years now I have been making Mandalas. There is something about the circle and the freedom to place anything within that circle that my heart desires...and then to find what it is and let it speak to me. My friend, Cheryl has been making Mandalas this past year on a regular basis, and it has prompted me to get back into them. So this site will now take on that feel of Mandala making...and the thoughts that I have to go with them. I invite you to come along on this adventure....I invite you to share your Mandala Magic here with me...I invite you to comment.
I remember as a child talking to myself and receiving my answers...I also remember people telling me that it was a little "crazy" to do things like that....So I pushed it down deep within...As I got older and kept journals I realize now that they were filled with a lot of questions...not a lot of answers because I did not want to think of myself as "crazy"! NOW I REALIZE...NOW I KNOW...that these are MY ANSWERS...this is my soul, my heart, my core...telling me my truths and by not acknowledging them I do not acknowledge myself. This is nothing new to the Universe...no great rock has been rolled over and something new discovered...This is just ME getting back to ME...and hopefully it will lead you to get back to something you let slip away. (whatever that might be) So my soul is smiling now...I have put this down as my intention...I have acknowledged and accepted it as my truth...My wish for you is that you find an AHA moment (maybe not at 3 in the morning!!) but that you discover and then follow it so that your soul smiles also....I will see you soon with the first of many Magical Mandala Moments....
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Winds of Change...

Here it is fall already..the leaves are changing colors in all their majestic glory here in upstate New York...and I am changing once again with the wind....As you have probably already noticed my daily affirmations have turned to once weekly and then some weeks not at all....At first I was very upset with myself for not doing my affirmation...but then, I realized it is just a matter of change. And change is something not to be feared or dreaded, it is not something that you beat your self up about, but rather you welcome....welcome because something NEW...something BIGGER is about to happen for you. I will be changing with the wind...I will be doing something different for myself and hopefully will inspire you too. I have not quite figured out what it is suppose to be, but my inner soul is speaking to me about that and we are working together to bring forth what it is that I should be doing at this time. Sometimes it speaks in such a soft whisper that it takes me time to hear it...so till it is very clear I will be posting here when I am moved to, (like today!) and it may be with written words...it may be with art...it may be with both...Life is like that sometimes...a series of different things, blown in different directions to bring you to the safety of the spot where you are suppose to be right at that very moment. So, my wish for all today is that you too enjoy...embrace...and acknowledge your change...and that you hang on tight to it, because you just never know where you might land!!
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Partnership...A reflection

This has been a week of many things...I have been finishing projects and working on new ones, but the one thing that stands clear in my mind is the word....PARTNERSHIP....I am aware this week that by partnering with the Universe I open myself up to offering my hand to others and they in return join in with me. It is an act of cooperation....By working with the forces outside of myself I have been aware this week that I can come more quickly to a place of communication and coordination. I have been working on a memory garden flag for a young 17 year old girl who recently died in a car accident...How precious life is...how short of a time we sometimes actually have with people...I asked my sister, to work on this project with me, and although she was quite busy herself, she stepped in and did her part to make this a reality. Making me aware that we all have a part in the whole of things...When we truly align with who we are and what we have to offer, and what can bring others to the table with us, we can connect with a whole heart....We can offer and we can accept. So that is my wish for all who enter here today...I wish for you to extend your hand...extend it to someone outside of your inner self and offer them the choice to join with you in this dance of life. And my question would be: WHO CAN YOU CONNECT WITH TODAY TO JOIN IN YOUR DANCE?
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Acknowledging... A Reflection

Today is a day of acknowledging.... I have been so wrapped up in so many things that I have stepped outside of myself for the past several weeks. I am very aware that I have not been acknowledging my inner spirit...my surrounding...my love..my hopes...my dreams. So, today, I am stepping back...back into myself...It has taken time to look at myself, because it has been difficult to see signs ....WHY? Well it seems that lately I have not been counting my blessings, but rather looking at what I believe is "lacking". Today I am looking deeper...and I am finding my blessings once again....They have been there just covered up by things that needed to be scraped off. I am aware that by looking at my blessings, by honoring them, I honor myself...I also know this will generate more and more to me as I happily go about my day today. So today, I acknowledge my abundance and joy... and the steps that I am taking so that they stay in the front of my life and fly on butterfly wings to me. That would be my wish for all who read this today also....When you are lost in the "lack" of ....try thinking of one thing that is a blessing...then two...then three...Return to your abundance and remember it and they will make your life joyful one small blessing at a time. And my question to you would be:
WHAT ONE SMALL BLESSING CAN YOU FOCUS ON TODAY?

Community...A reflective week

This has been a week of community.....Of connecting with on-line friends and family. This has been a week of welcoming people to read posts and join in celebrations, and of finding more and more connections. This has been a week of supporting one another on this adventure of life with all its twists and turns...ups and downs...highs and lows. This machine has enabled us to have a sense of family...a sense of tribe...a sense of togetherness. Each of us playing our own role within such a diverse group of people. This week has been a sense of community....a circle of friends of feeling included..feeling accepted and feeling nurtured. I am so grateful for all who enter here and leave their presence known to me...I am so honored to be part of something bigger than just myself. So that would be my wish for all today...that you feel the power of this community...that you go one step beyond and reach out of the circle to another who is looking for your support. Today offer up the gift of your hand and your heart to someone within your community. And my question would be?
WHAT ONE SMALL ACT CAN YOU DO TO CONNECT THAT WOULD BE DEEPLY MEANINGFUL TO SOMEONE ELSE?
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Charity/ A Universal Reflection

This really is my post from Friday...and it is also a Universal Reflection.... I finally finished and delivered a piece of art to our local breast cancer coalition for a charity auction. I donate quite a lot of art to support my community and especially anything that has to do with women's issues.
I do this with an open heart and a sincere concern not only for others, but also for myself. For I know that with a swift change in the wind my life could be changed and I might be in the situation of needing the services of these agencies. So, I willing give NOW! When you reach out to help (in whatever way you can) you end up receiving much more in return. I have met and become friends with people that I doubt our paths would of crossed had it not been for these charity events. By doing these donations I also have a more positive understanding of the power of abundance...and the cycle of giving and receiving. The biggest impact on me however is becoming more aware of our connection ... when one person suffers, we all suffer in some way .. as we are all members of this human family. My wish for all today would be that you feel the good that comes from the act of compassion...that you find out first hand how much joy you receive when you give from your heart. And my question would be:
WHAT ONE SMALL THING CAN YOU DO TODAY TO FEEL CONNECTED TO YOUR UNIVERSAL FAMILY?

Inspiration

Today is a day of inspiration....of looking deep within for my answers. My answers to myself about my creativity, my direction and my life. Today I am going over and under my many layers to find my truest light. Today is a day of inspiration...Today I am aware that I must go quietly within in order to begin to forge forward once again. Today I am feeling refreshed and able to move upward and listen once again to the guidance from within. I was up early...connecting...connecting to myself, my creativity and my life. Today is a day of inspiration that is being whispered ever so sweetly to my soul. So that would be my wish for you today...as you go about your day may you be reflective and thoughtful...may you look for signs of guidance for your own true inspiration. And my question would be:
WHAT SMALL MOMENT CAN YOU GIVE YOURSELF TO BE MEDITATIVE AS YOU SEEK YOUR OWN INSPIRATION?

Satisfaction

Today is a day of satisfaction!! A day of feeling in the swing of things...of finishing up projects with a newly renewed joy of creativity. Today I am letting others help with things when they offer without feeling that I am losing some kind of control. Today i am aware of the confidence of my own personal growth...that I am choosing rather than forcing myself to complete my projects. Today is a day of satisfaction!! So, that would be my wish for all who enter here today...may you be aware of the satisfaction that comes from NOT being alone...the satisfaction that comes from allowing others to help us when they offer...the satisfaction that comes from believing in who you are and what you do and allowing that belief to come from your core with ease. Today is a day of satisfaction....so my question would be:
WHAT ONE SMALL THING CAN YOU DO TODAY TO LET GO OF SOME OF THE CONTROL THAT DOES NOT SERVE YOU WELL SO THAT YOU CAN CREATE WITH CONFIDENCE?
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Blessings

Today is Sunday...and I have not posted here since Tuesday....I am accustomed to doing my affirmations every day, but things change, situations change and thoughts change. Some are good...some are not so good! My studio space is full...I have projects looming in front of me to complete within the next few days...I have been sharing my space daily with my good husband which is throwing me a little out of whack! I have had highs this weeks and lows...all which cause one to get a little out of balance, to think and rethink...and then think some more! It makes me spin around and around with what I do, why I do it...and how I do it!! But today was a different day...It was a new day...It is the beginning of a day that makes me COUNT MY BLESSINGS! Here I sit this morning in this strange setting with someone else in my space...in this setting where I have so much work to do that I do not often know where to start and where to end...in this space where I create and dream and cry and laugh...In this space where I see the fruits of my labor and where I plant my seeds. In this space where I COUNT MY BLESSINGS...Today I am so aware of them as I get into my paint, my paper ... my joy and dreams. Today I believe in them and know that if I do not honor them I will be but a shell of who I really am. It would be a step backwards...So today, I COUNT MY BLESSINGS ...I am so aware of the love, the support, the belief in me and for me...Today, I am aware that this week was about learning that...seeing that..and growing with that! So that is my wish for you today....If you too find yourself thinking and rethinking what it is that you do and why....sit for a moment..for a day...for a week and see what it feels like NOT to do it...and you will be COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS when you allow yourself to get back into the swing of things. I certainly am...
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Melancholy...

Today is a day of feeling melancholy...of reaching for something but not achieving it. This has caused me to retreat, back up and question myself. It would be easy to stay here and wallow around in the negative space. I could be alone and create a spinning of negative thoughts that could drag me down...down...down... BUT instead I am choosing to surround myself with laughter and love! I am listening to my voice of wisdom for better answers for myself. I am allowing that wisdom to guide me to the care that I need today and to reach out to something new, some new star, some new direction. My wish for you today would be that you also listen to your wisdom so that you can make a habit of turning yourself around when things do not go as you had hoped they would. So my manta today is: Tomorrow is another day to begin again!
And my question for you would be:
WHAT ONE STATEMENT CAN YOU SAY TO YOUR SELF TO HELP YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN YOUR INNER GUIDANCE AND THE VOICE THAT LEADS YOU ASTRAY?

Aware...

Today I am aware...I am being observant...I am paying attention to my surroundings and connecting.. Today i am aware that I have not been connecting to all that is around me lately. Today I am stirring feelings of celebration and joy. I am aware of the fresh breeze and the smells of fall in the air..the sound of geese as the fly overhead and the movement of the branches and the plants. Today I am aware of the fullness of life. Lately I have been so involved in my thoughts of business, of creating and of every day living that I have not been paying attention to the rhythm of life around me. To the change it is bringing. So today I connect and I am aware that although I am alone in my studio for my creativity I am not alone at all....
I am part of the whole...and I must be aware of that in order to be part of it! So that would be my wish for you today, that you take a moment to pay attention and become aware of the life around you...to the sun/the breeze/and the birds. And my question would be:
HOW CAN YOU KEEP THIS AWARENESS ALIVE FOR YOURSELF DURING SOME POINT OF YOUR DAY?
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Permission!

I was up late... till 2:30 AM and then up early 6:00 AM...which really doesn't make for much sleep!! My head is spinning...with deadlines..with ideas..with submissions..with more ideas...with gifts that need to be made...with gifts that need to be sent out! My head is spinning with personal issues..breaking old habits...forming new habits...eating right..eating wrong...drinking to much coffee...not drinking enough water...doing this...not doing that! So this morning it was QUITE apparent what it was that I had to say to myself...YOU ARE HUMAN! You are not the bionic woman..super girl...or any other person! I am just ME! And with that I have given myself permission this morning to be just that! To allow myself to do some things and not others and then not beat myself up for not doing it. Sometimes I just bite off more than I can chew and then I get crazy cause I have to figure out a way to get it all done when all I really want to do is take a nap!! So today, I have given myself permission to be HUMAN...to allow myself to smile or cry..laugh with joy to work on somethings, but let other things slide back...to finish projects and THEN start another....Permission to let myself JUST BE! And Permission to know that it exactly how it should be RIGHT NOW and TRUST that! SO,that would be my wish for all who enter here today....May you cut yourself a little slack if you are getting a little down on yourself for doing to much, or for not doing enough...BE HUMAN...what you are doing is JUST RIGHT! And my question would be:
WHAT ONE THING CAN YOU GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO LET GO OF, RIGHT NOW, IN ORDER TO BE A LITTLE GENTLER WITH YOURSELF?
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Vision

Today has been a day of vision...of seeing the paint, and the projects...the path and the steps to get there with both my heart and my eyes! I have finally admitted to myself that I have taken on to many projects! Yes...I admit it! But with that being said I also, have said that I would not take any more on! Now....I just signed on for another one!! So...today, I am REALLY putting into motion how to complete all that is on my list for this month...I know that if I stay true to my vision and I keep a clear mind and heart that all will be completed in record time, and I will be wondering in the end what it was that I was fretting over! Why is it that instead of just getting to work, we fret over the outcome of it before we have even started it?! So, today, I am clear as to what I have to do, and how many days I have to do it in. I am clear that I can take on this other project because it speaks to my soul...This would be my wish for you today...that you too see your path with your heart and your eyes..clearly and with love for your creative self. And my question would be:
WHAT SMALL STEP CAN YOU TAKE TO START TO PUT YOUR VISION INTO MOTION?
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Reflection

As I sit here and reflect on my week I am aware that I have been a day behind this week! I was off balanced at the beginning of the week with all that was going on in my life that caused me to question people, places and things..but as the week progressed I found that I could handle it all as long as I held onto the love in my heart and the grace of forgiveness...letting go of the questions that I could not possibly answer because it is not in my nature to even think about doing such harm to another person. I am very aware that I DO NEED time alone...silent time, reconnecting time, time to look within for my answers without the sound of anything but the beating of my own heart. And as the week progressed I found some of the smallest things that caused deep smiles allowing them to overtake any troubles that I was feeling and allowing my creativity to soar. I am taking great steps to not only expose myself to myself, but also to others and by the end of the week I saw a glimpse of it within the pages of a national magazine, and this made me so aware to continue to be diligent to the steps that I am taking to connect...connect to myself and connect to other creative souls and those who stand on the edge. So today, as I reflect I am allowing all of this to wash over me, and soak in! I am feeling bright and ready to go on to the next step...for this adventure is taking place with one foot directly placed in front of the other...slowly..steadily..and with passion. My heart leads the way. So that would be my wish for you today, as you reflect on your week...May you rise above any hurt that you have felt and may your heart lead you safely on your way toward the stars. My question for you would be:
WHAT CAN YOU ALLOW YOURSELF TO LET GO OF SO THAT YOU CAN PROCEED FORWARD FROM YOUR HEART?
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Diligence

This is my affirmation for Thursday...and I did not actually do it till 1:00 in the morning! Yes, you read that one right...that would be 1 AM!! Yesterday, I was not connecting with myself very well in the morning..I finished up a project and sent it off in the mail...went to the DMV and listened to tales of others...I slept most of the afternoon away, and then found I was not to happy about that!! It was late in the evening when my creativity made itself known to me...Late in the evening when it was quiet and a light rain was falling making beautiful music and providing a delicious breeze. As I worked on a large project, I started to connect...connect to the diligence of my evening. I was smiling deep cores of happiness, both for having myself in paint and for seeing myself in print. Feeling a wholeness for the steps that I am taking...Working in the studio, you become very aware of the fact that art is both a personal and a solitary event! So when asked why I send things out for consideration to magazines or juried galleries, I had to think about it for awhile...was it ego? was it bragging? was it fame?...As I diligently worked into the wee hours of the morning, I became very aware that I focus on details to complete my whole! To share with others, and connect in some way other than to myself with my art! To bring smiles to someones' soul, the way the paint, and the paper bring smiles to me. So as I finally connected, I realized that I was being diligent...to myself, to my whole, to my creativity and I felt a comfort wash over me allowing me to finally drift off to sleep. So that would be my wish for you today, may you focus on your small details, so that it can help you complete your whole. And my question would be:
WHAT SMALL DILIGENT STEP CAN YOU HONOR TO GIVE YOU AND YOUR CREATIVITY COMFORT?
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Smiles...

Today I am aware of how easily one can get caught up in the cycle of DRAMA! So much that we tend to forget about our happiness and what makes us SMILE! I am so aware that many of the happiest people I know are dealing with, and handling some very serious things in their lives right now. And yet, they delight in the love around them...Living their life fully by allowing the smallest of treasures to light them up and causing them to smile. So today, I am following that path...I am aware of what makes me smile from the inside out...I am gathering all those wonderful things and bringing them to the front of my life. I am taking my happiness and I am SMILING from the top of my head to the tip of my toes! That would be my wish for all who enter here today. May you find the thing or things that make you so dizzy with happiness that you can't help but smile! It could be as simple as a deep clean breathe or as complex as the birth of a new idea. And my question would be:
CAN YOU TAKE 5 MINUTES EVERY DAY TO BRIGHTEN YOUR LIFE WITH A SMILE?
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Peace

This is my affirmation for Tuesday....
Today I am holding onto peaceful thoughts...I am listening to the birds sing their sweet songs and the sound of the wind as it picks up before the beginning of a rain storm. Today, I am holding onto this serenity and drawing myself into it with a quiet moment that I have been given here and there. By allowing these moments I am aware that I can look at what has been going on around me and find the lessons they have to show me. By moving myself in short movements of time to a more peaceful state I am present with my life today, and I appreciate every moment of it. So that would be my wish for you today also, that you look within, even for short moments, and find a place of peace...Find a place to put whatever negative is going on and look for the lesson it has to show you. The lesson for me today is just to allow my heart to stay open, and to look at the picture as it really is, and not to let the woulda, shoulda, coulda's over take me! My question for you would be:
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO BRING PEACE TO A SITUATION THAT IS WEIGHING ON YOU?
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Contemplation...

Today is a day of contemplation....I am coming off a weekend that has been a series of WHY'S and WHAT IF'S. So this morning I am looking inward, past the hurt, past my logical senseable self...I am unraveling and sorting out my thoughts. When you are dealing with WHY..WHY ME?...WHY HIM?...WHY WOULD ANYONE? You usually cannot come to an answer and swimming around in the WHY'S just racks up all the muck that is hanging around. A rational and senseable person cannot unravel the actions of someone who is unrational and unsensable! It really is just that simple. So today, I am focusing on my own connection to myself, to my family, to my loved ones, to my creativity. Today I am letting go of the WHY'S...Today I am aware that I can handle anything as long as I continue to handle it with grace and love! There are always going to be things that happen..either to us, or around us that cause us to be off balanced, but when we search within our self we will find our peace with things that do that. My peace today is knowing that healing comes...understanding sometimes does not. But LOVE and caring and standing beside people with out stretched hands and hearts will help both of us heal. So my wish for you today is that you too look to the connection between your soul and your loved ones...and my question would be:
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO LET GO OF THE WHY'S IN YOUR LIFE?
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Reflection

SHE'S BACK.............
Have you ever had one of those weeks...you know when nothing looks right...nothing feels right...and the creative juices feel as if you are stuck in a big pile of mud?! As I reflect on the week that has just passed I am so aware of the lull that I have been in! I did not do a single affirmation this week........Now, I could choose to beat myself up about this (which I probably would of done in the past!!) Or I can look within and see what really is going on with me! I am one who usually has so many ideas running around in my head that I do not often know which one to start on first. But this week has been a week of adjusting to change..change within my body...change within my soul...change within my space. All of the change is GOOD..but adjusting to it has been a challenge! (I am a creature of extreme habit!) So this week, I have taken time to let myself nap...let myself rest...let myself regroup and recharge! This week I have let myself surf the web more..connect with fellow artists more..support others while supporting myself...This week I have allowed myself to start to build a foundation under my castle of dreams...This week has been a week of joy and love for myself and for others..(even though at the time I just thought that perhaps my affirmations had come to an end!) So today, as I reflect on the past week I know that this was a time for renewel for me...a time to grow a little more...to reach a little higher...and to believe a little deeper. It has been a week of allowing myself to rest and be comfortable in that resting. So today, as I write this reflection I am feeling refreshed and ready! I am anxious to get back to what my heart calls me to do. So, that would be my wish for you also...may you reflect on your change and the joy that it will bring to you when you allow it to happen. And I ask you this:
What do you do when you get your feet stuck in the mud...and how can you make it a time that is GOOD for you instead of beating yourself up?
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Reflection...

This is the reflection from the week...although I do so LOVE the poem that Royce posted on the Restless affirmation! It gives me great strength to have read that!! This week has been a series of maps and discoveries. Of being very aware of my knowledge and my skills to do...or not do certain things!! Of being guided by my desires and seeing the tasks...the colors and the words...but most of all the changes that need to be made. And of making certain changes that although are hard and testing me, I know to be the right thing to do and for all the right reasons. This has been a week of making myself find comfort within and around me while balancing both work and play! This has been a week where I have felt like myself for great periods of time and yet unfamiliar with myself at other times. Change is a matter of adjusting and connecting. So I have taken this week to be very much aware of the adjustment to the rhythms and to the guidance that I receive from my spirit. I am growing...I am expanding...I am full of positive energy...all I have to do is allow it to take over and my true being explodes with color.
So, as you look over your week the question to ask is this:
What is it that I have learned about myself this week that brings me closer to my truth?
Wishing you a delightful day of pondering!
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Restless...

This is my post for THURSDAY! Thursday was a day of restlessness! So restless that I did not complete my affirmation page...did not complete my post...I had commitments outside my studio and yet like a child all I wanted to do was "play" when I had outside work to do instead. So, I was a little fidgety and unable to focus due to the fact that I had to be out and about instead of in the studio playing...but yet, when I got to be in the studio, the feeling was still there. After my commitments were done for the day I tried to settle into my studio...but...because I had to delay this play I was still in restless mode! When we connect to our higher self we can find the rhythms of our work and play...so that is what I did for quite some time yesterday. I connected...connected to what I wanted to do..what I needed to do...and where to start! Allowing myself to find the perfect time to use my energy for work and then for my creative time. Schedules that do not belong to us sometimes force us to be a little more creative with our time. So yesterday was a day of being restless...because I was on someones schedule rather than my own. So I connected to my guidance to fit all the pieces together. Allowing myself to blog without guilt and finish things as my spirit guided me.
So my question is this:
What do you do to balance work and play so that you are not to restless?
Today, May you connect and find a peacefulness with your work and your play! It took awhile, but I finally made the cross over that worked for me!!
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Comfort

Today has been a day of finding comfort...Today I am looking in a different direction for my comfort...I am trying to clean up...clean out...shape up and shift different things in my life. I am feeding my spirit with different positive messages to keep me on this unfamiliar path. I am aware that sometimes you just get into a rut with doing things a certain way, or not doing things as the case may be. Some times you have a habit that needs addressing, but you don't address it because it is uncomfortable. So today, is a day of finding comfort as I venture into breaking habits and change. Today I am fluffing pillows..putting tops on paint.. picking up, using energy that I normally put into other habits so that I form a new pattern..Today I am finding comfort in different spots, in different ways in and around me. May you also find support, comfort and nourishment for your spirit with honor and appreciation.
So I ask you this today:
What kind of change do you need and how can you support and comfort your spirit in one small way when making a change?
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Desire...

Today is a day of desire! Personal desires of all shapes and sizes. Today as I change and think about this site and what I want from it for myself and for others I am very aware that it is desire and inspiration! I receive more personal e mail regarding this site, than actual posts here..I am told that the posts are inspiring and have touched them in some kind of way. For that I am so grateful and honored. These pages have been stepping stones on a path of knowledge and creativity for me...these pages have given me guidance and instruction to myself and my tasks at hand. Today I am aware that by posting these affirmations I am filled with the sense that they are a gift from the universe to myself and to others. How many times have I said.."if I had only known THEN what I know NOW"? Well if I could have a nickel for every time I've said that I would be a very wealthy woman right now!! But, I am aware that a learning process is necessary for you to get from point A to point Z... If you could just skip over everything in between there would be no lessons learned. And it is all about the lessons...the insight into how you handle things, and how things handle you. Today I am aware that I gave to my children and now I am giving to my grand baby some of the guidance that I think I could of used to help me over some bumps and turns. And I am aware that these pages are a way for my desires to inspire others, the way people have inspired me. With guidance and instructions to set me on this path there have been people who have helped "spark" the desire to be present in my life. Perhaps you remember this inspiration that sets you into motion..or maybe you had no help, but wished you did....Take a moment today and ask yourself these questions: What are my desires? And how can I use them today to help myself and to help others?
May your day be filled with your hearts desires, and may you offer some up to someone else.
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Creations

Today was a day of creations...Today I was feeling my creativity and creating my path in all sorts of ways. Completing things that had me stopped in my tracks, and doing things that were just pulled out of nowhere! Do you know that feeling? The one you get when you have the "right" idea, and it just flows through you! You give out a little sigh of relief as it flows and you think..."why didn't I think about that before?'..Or my favorite.."that was easy"! My creativity flowed easily through my hands today...making me aware of my creations..making me aware that some things come to me in there own time, because perhaps I over thought it...perhaps I was blocking it by making it harder than it needed to be..perhaps the time just wasn't right for me to be working on it. There are so many reasons for the whys...but today I have answers and I am moving forward!! Today I know that sometimes I may not be able to achieve my goals unless I attain the knowledge...the skill...and the understanding to make it possible...and sometimes I just have to stop by the side of the road and rest and smell the flowers in order to see my path.
So my friends...My question to you today is this........
When you are following your path and there are times when you cannot see the road what blocks your view? And what small step can you take to point you where you can see your options again?
Artfully Yours,
Pattie