Full Cold Moon Dreaming

One of the things I love about the web is the synchronicity of it. An interesting little thread leads to another stimulating post and to still more. Ideas flow. Curiosity reigns. Creativity often hidden, blooms and flourishes!

Last month, I came across Jamie Ridler's site and was introduced to her Full Moon Dreamboards. I LOVE the Moon, especially when he is Full, (and talkative) and tonight he is especially beautiful. And "Dreamboards"? Very intriguing! This felt like a creative endeavour that was worth trying, one worth reviving this little inactive site so I could participate!

So many beautiful and varied submissions did Jamie receive for the Full Frost Moon that there were oodles of ideas on how to proceed. But what would work for me? A trip to the art store was in order! (Any excuse.)

Intending to buy bristol board, I came away with a large 11x15 watercolour pad and the same size art book. Confused as to which side of me won out: the artist wannabee who received the artbooks and watercolour pencils; or the practical gal who couldn't fathom where to store these (to be) completed posters but knows where a pad or book could live; I realized that a perfect win-win situation was found and all of me left happy!

My first Full Moon Dreamboard:

With Christmas in mind, thoughts wrap around my tree to clarify this month. Full Moons are the perfect decor. Nutcrackers stand guard and make me smile as I start to bring out my own collection from their long stretch of storage. Books call to me to be read: "Pick me, pick me!"

The second full moon in a month is relatively rare and is called a Blue Moon. So I am looking forward to the next FMD, to using the phrase on New Year's Eve "once in a blue moon" as often as possible and to singing along with Dino!

Thanks to Jamie for this fun idea, and to everyone for the motivation to join you in Full Moon Dreaming.

FLOURISH!!!!!!!! - My Word for 2009

Do you set New Years Resolutions?

A few years ago, a close friend and I decided that instead of setting resolutions, we would chose a word for the year. This word would represent the theme or perhaps the goal for the year. It might be a verb or an adjective, maybe even a noun that had meaning for the chooser. We did that both of the last two years and each year we promptly forgot our words.

Late in 2008, I saw a blog discussing the Word of the Year concept and decided to try it again and this time to remember my word for more than a few days! In December, over lunch, we choose our words. My friend chose RE-INVENT, her husband chose INQUISITIVE and I chose FLOURISH!!! To ensure I remember and embrace my word, I have written it in my agendas, very colourfully and with silly flare, since FLOURISH is that kind of a word!

What does FLOURISH mean to me?

The dictionary defines it as:
intransitive verb
1: to grow luxuriantly: thrive
2 a: to achieve success: prosper <a flourishing business> b: to be in a state of activity or production <flourished around 1850> c: to reach a height of development or influence
3: to make bold and sweeping gestures
transitive verb: to wield with dramatic gestures: brandish

Those definitions feel right and like what I'm aiming for - to thrive, to prosper, to grow. Flourishing also implies health and fitness to me. It suggests colour and boldness. It involves action. I have always been a bit concerned about words like growth, abundance, expansion etc as they can include getting larger physically and that I definitely do NOT want that. Flourishing to me doesn't include growing in girth since to flourish you must be fit, healthy and strong. Those are traits I want to improve upon and build.

The only concern I have had, regarding my word and 2009, is that I need to spend time this year doing research for two projects I want to accomplish. This will involve a lot of reading. Reading at times feels like sitting on my fanny doing nothing, inactive. Flourishing evokes taking action. However for a plant to flourish, it must have a strong root system. Reading and my research are like building my root system - necessary to thrive and flourish later. So it still applies! :)

I am very excited about my word. FLOURISH!!! I see 2009 in a bright light now. I expect it to be colourful, happy, healthy, playful, filled with pizazz and music. Laughter, love and living life to the fullest are part of flourishing as are action, accomplishment, contribution and celebration!

Have you chosen a word?

What is it?

Know Limit

One of my favourite artists is Marcus Pierson and one of my favourite pieces of his work is "Know Limit".

His work is very unusual in that it contains words as well as images.

I fell in love with this one when I saw it. (Discovering the gallery with Pierson's artwork, and this piece in particular, happened in a most synchronistic manner, making it all the more memorable and impactful to me. A story for another day!)

Unlike some of his other pieces, I knew that this one was THE ONE I had a proper home for - on my office wall. It could talk to me there. It could inspire me. It affirmed some of what I have already experienced and accomplished. Some, as I know I can do more. The words continue to ring true. They encourage me. They remind me to know and PUSH my own limits. Such amazing creativity his paintings (limited editions) and his sculptures display!

 The words are: “Like everyone else I was told my future had no limit. While it was true for some, for myself - I knew better. So instead I simply set out to find it. And once I had, to push against it and try my best to move it. More like a bull than an eagle, just stubbornly plodding along. Looking back now, I can't believe what I've done, where I've been. So I say to you these two simple words; not no limit - but KNOW LIMIT.”

Do you have any artwork that reminds you of your potential within?