I got an email from my friend Lori Reddy at the beginning of October asking if I would be willing to do a photo shoot of her shortly after she had fulfilled one of her long-term dreams: participate in the Newfoundland & Labrador Amateur BodyBuilding Association (NLABA)’s Figure category of the Physique, Figure & Bikini Championships.
Congratulations!
Not only did she follow-through on her goal with rigorous training and disciplined eating (even turning down my housemate Orinda’s famous chocolate-chip banana loaf!), she placed 2nd in the Figure Masters division, 3rd in the Figure Tall division, and was voted most photogenic overall by Judi Stone, the official photographer for the national bodybuilding competitions. Wow! Here’s a photo from Saturday’s championships. I couldn’t make it as I was teaching intuitive painting at the Festival du Vent, so thanks to Jim Costello for allowing me to use two of his photos.
Lori Reddy (left), Tina Power (middle) and Nathalie Shea (right) Photo by Jim Costello – www.facebook.com/jim.costello2 & www.facebook.com/pages/Costello-Newfoundland-Photography/151239261659907
Who is Lori Reddy?
Although some know Lori as a savvy business person who used to work on Wall St., I’ve known her as a visual artist, musician (she played the flute on the Yagull album that I featured in my Spirit Calling Card videos), and hoop dancer. As you may remember, we painted two murals together – one at Shakti Yoga Mount Pearl (see photos – now a dance studio) and one at Shakti Yoga on Torbay Rd. (see photos -now Yoga Kula Coop). I’ve also organized a few art exhibitions with her, and she participated in the very successful Art To Go online auction that I organized as part of my Vienna Visionary Art Scholarship fundraising efforts. Remember her now?
The Photo Shoot:
Although I’ve trained as a professional photographer (one the many chapters in my lifelong learning journey), people-photography is far from being a passion of mine. I simply don’t have a thick enough skin to hear people criticizing themselves (“I’m so fat…”, “That’s not my good side.”, “Look at all those wrinkles!”, etc.). I much prefer being in nature or traveling with the camera. Trees are simply happy to be …
Sunday, however was fun. And with digital editing, I didn’t even need all those extra off-camera flashes and lighting umbrellas I got rid of years ago.
Plus the pressure was off – Lori’s prize as most photogenic of the 100+ participants there that day is a photo session with a local photographer. Great! I was free, therefore, to do the kind of work/play I enjoy.
My painting back-splash worked well as a photo backdrop (with a few extra layers of white cloth to hide the many paint stains). I wanted white as my plan was to blend photos of Lori with a couple of her paintings that I also photographed that day….
and some of my own art photography (mostly from my time overseas in 2013/14). What you see here is the result of 6 hours of creative work after the photo shoot.
Why this post?
I asked Lori if it would be OK for me to blog about her story and share my photos of her. For me, this is a story of courage, determination, and following one’s heart despite the many challenges and judgements she may have faced along the way. It’s also about reconnecting to lifelong passions – something I’m a big fan of.
I may not be into body building or rigorous exercise of any kind, but I can tell you that there were a few lazy mornings when I just had to remember what she was up to in order not to skip my morning restorative yoga and mini-trampoline dance routine. After all, I no longer walk 10-20 hours a week as I had done most of my life and now benefit from Orinda’s great cooking on a regular basis.
In Lori’s Words:
I asked Lori to write about her experience for you. Not only was this a whole new world for me, but as I said before, her journey itself was inspiring for me in many ways, and so I imagined it would be for you as well.
“I started lifting weights when I was 17 and loved how I would actually get sore – this would tell me that I worked a muscle to the point of it tearing and needing to repair which meant growth. Eventually, I started to buy fitness magazines in order to further research which exercises I could do for certain body parts (I was obsessed with getting biceps initially LOL) and then became very fond of the fitness models that were featured in the various issues – most notably Mia Finnegan and Monica Brant. It wasn’t until 20 years later, at the age of 37, that I considered entering into a competition. I had visited Mexico in February of 2014 for a month, and upon my return I started to put on a little weight from not being as active. I needed a new goal and decided that preparing for the competition in November fit in just perfectly.
A friend recommeded her online coach who I signed up with for my “offseason prep” – offseason prep is the period of time that you spend building and sculpting your body prior to trimming down (which is known as the period “contest prep”). This worked for a
couple of months, but I really felt that I needed to be coached by someone who I could sit down and speak with (my online coach was from the west coast in the US). I then decided to sign up with Kristian Alexander (owner of Inshape Fitness on O’leary Ave. in St. John’s), who is a friend and former highschool mate. Kristian worked with me during the late stages of offseason and then coached me through contest prep in both diet and fitness regimes.
My days looked like this – rise at 4:30, gym by 5:30 with cardio/stretching on an empty stomach. Home, shower, eat, work. Eat, then gym again around noon for weights and stretching. Eat again. Back to work, eat some more. During contest prep I would be back in the gym again in the evening for a second cardio session – then back home to eat twice more before bed. That’s 6 meals in a 12 hour period. PHEW. Small frequent meals meant no snacking and a steady source of energy throughout the day to keep blood sugars from tanking. During contest prep, my meals would consist of egg whites, sweet potato, oatmeal, cod, tuna, chicken and green veggies. No dairy, sodium, sugar, oils…..just bland food. Funny how you look at food as fuel only vs. enjoyment when you are so limited to what you can eat.
The hardest for me was seeing progress SOOOO slowly as I had already been
working out consistently and eating healthy. It was hard for me to shock my system. I also found it difficult during offseason training, as I was putting on muscle mass and gaining some fat as well – I felt HUGE at times. But I kept telling myself, this is what I am supposed to do – and I have a coach for a reason!! Listen to him! I also heard this said numerous times: “trust the process” – this is so very very true.
The other part that I found to be difficult was to not compare myself or my gains (or losses for that matter) to others. People post pics of themselves, their slender lean physiques (washboard abs!!!) on Facebook, Instagram – showing how much progress they have made. Looking at my own progress at times, I would find myself discouraged – why wasn’t I seeing the same results – then I would talk myself out of it and regain focus as to what I should be doing, not what that other person was doing! Communicating with my coach during times like these was super important to help stay on track.
Lori Reddy and Whitney Matthews Photo by Jim Costello – www.facebook.com/pages/Costello-Newfoundland-Photography/151239261659907 – and – www.facebook.com/jim.costello2
The day of the competition and waiting to get up on stage was also challenging. By this point I was anxious, excited, hungry and TIRED. But the moment when my number was called and I lined up with other competitors – at that moment it all felt worth it. I now had a calmness that came over me as the moment was finally here where I was able to display my hard work and dedication to the world and judges. I was smiling ear to ear and thought this is my one moment to shine so give it 200%. And I did.
I placed 2nd in the Figure Masters division, 3rd in the Figure Tall division and won most photogenic overall.
Will I compete again? Who knows. I am taking it one day at a time. Was it all worth it? 200%. I learned so much about myself and the process over the last 5 months that I would not have learned any other way.”
Congratulations Lori!
and thanks for the art & inspiration…
Now on Display at Goodvibe Tattoo Company
/in EventsTattoos: The Old Perspective
I grew up thinking that tattoos were plain ugly – and scary. The word itself conjured up memories of elderly overweight men with stretched tattoos of naked women on their arms or bellies, partially concealed in thick body hair. Or what about those dangerous Hells Angels bikers and sloppy ink jobs done behind prison walls? Hollywood probably had an influence there…
I’m ashamed to say that I used every ounce of persuasion I had to convince my ex not to get a tattoo in the late 90s. When I think back, I see how silly, controlling, and unloving that was. I was basically afraid of all that I believed tattoos represented. I’m glad to report I’ve come a long way since then on my mission to explore and express my love of beauty and the beauty of love.
Tattoos – The New Perspective:
Although I don’t imagine ever getting a tattoo myself (if only because I’m averse to pain), my opinion about them has changed quite a bit. Over the past decade, I’ve seen some really nice ones on all sorts of folks that certainly didn’t fit the murderer profile 🙂 . In fact, I’ve had the opportunity to witness the empowering effects of meaningful sayings and images on their wearers. I’ve also heard moving stories by survivors or those who wore mementos of loved ones on their skin. I probably wouldn’t have connected with these people on the same level if I hadn’t asked about their tattoos. They provided an opening for some truly inspirational conversations. That’s a good thing since I’m really not into small talk.
Truth be told, I’ve also been stunned at the beauty that some tattoo artists have been able to create on their living canvases. For example, I really like the tribal, Celtic, and watercolour styles.
So when I hear the word “tattoo” today, it no longer conjures up thoughts of botched up black & blue scrawls. Instead, I see art, skill, and courage combined to create breathtaking visions of love and beauty that people choose to carry with them every day of their lives. How’s that for a paradigm shift?
Now I’m not saying I like all the tattoos out there. Far from it. For instance, I’ve never been attracted to skulls, monsters, and nightmarish imagery – no matter the art form. I do, however, have a much deeper appreciation of the artistic mastery needed for anyone to draw what appeals to them- after all, that’s what I went to Vienna to work on. I am also saying that I have a much deeper respect for how people choose to express themselves. After all, that’s all part of unconditional love.
Now Showing at Goodvibe Tattoo Company:
Did you get through that long introduction to today’s news? I’m not known for brief posts…
Well, one or two days after I mentally sent out the message into the Universe that I was ready to find other spaces to display my paintings in St. John’s, my hairdresser Tara told me that a new tattoo studio was looking for local artists to display on their walls. After I recognized that my initial hesitation was due to remnants of my old perspective, I decided to look into it. I’m so glad I did.
Here’s what they say:
Well, they already have – through opening their space for local artists to display without taking a commission on sales. Thanks Goodvibe Tattoo Company!
Note: Goodvibe has expanded and the gallery space no longer exists.
Morning Musings
/in InspirationSome Weather!
The wind is howling and the rain pounding against the house in spurts. It’s like waking up in the middle of a surround sound movie theater during a space invasion scene in Star Trek (one of the many movies I borrowed from the library this week). Needless to say, the snow from last weekend (see photos in previous post) is all gone. That’s the way of it in Newfoundland!
I had written that paragraph in my head a few times while lying under my warm duvet this morning, so I finally got up to put it down on “virtual” paper. Turning on the computer before my exercise routine is a dangerous thing to do … Luckily, I’ve finished writing my report cards, so I don’t have to go to school until late morning today; I will still get to my yoga mat and rebounder before work. I feel so much better when I do!
Grateful:
Am I ever grateful to have a warm, solid shelter to live in, with ample room to paint, exercise, enjoy the scenery, share with a like-minded housemate, etc. As winter sets in, my thoughts turn to the homeless and to all those who feel it most. May they be safe, warm, and well-fed this winter.
Feathered Friends:
Oh – that reminds me… our neighbourhood ducks will be waiting for their feeding soon…
Yesterday, we received a special guest at our Fat Block Bird Feeder. I photographed this Northern Flicker through the window while I was standing at the railing on the 2nd floor. I knew that if I went downstairs to the living room, it would fly away. It’s the shyest of our visitors. Months ago, I saw the pair – now we only ever see one. Maybe he’s flying solo now or perhaps they simply prefer different restaurants.
Last Day of Class:
Today is the last day of class for my 37 ESL students. On Saturday, they join the rest of the school for the CAEL Assessment, a standardized exam that, if passed, allows students to register into regular university programs no matter their performance in ours. I will be invigilating the exam and then participating in the team-correction next week. After that, it’s a return to the full-time artist life.
The full moon in this photo is one I photographed in Hawaii in 2011 when I went to swim with wild dolphins. Happy full moon tomorrow – it’s an important one. If you’re curious, read your monthly astrology here. Susan Miller has always been very accurate with my forecast.
Now it’s 7:30 am – time to dance on my mini trampoline and twist and turn on my yoga mat. Yay! Oh, and yes… feed the ducks.
Layers at My Back: Hair & Snow
/in Photography ProjectsI love layers! In today’s post, I want to give a big shout out to both my hairstylist and Mother Nature for the layers of beauty they have created in my life this weekend.
Yay Tara!
First, thanks Tara Tobin, who is now working out of The Head Room on LeMarchant Rd. This is the 3rd salon I follow her to since I first found her 3-4 years ago. She’s an artistically inclined humming pixy who loves playing in my hair. How great is that!? Although I never really see the back of my head, I love all the layers she’s created back there. As you can see, I’ve kept the long wisps at the front that give me the impression that I still have my long hair when I look at myself, without all the trouble of managing it. Here’s the latest evolution of the hairstyle I adopted when I first put scissors into it myself back in Saskatoon (before going to a hairdresser a few weeks later to have it cleaned up a bit… OK, a lot!) – artistic yet feminine, wash & go.
Yay Mother Nature!
On Saturday morning, as I stepped out of my room and looked into our backyard, I was in absolute awe. I had my iPhone in my hand as I was heading to the basement for my morning yoga/rebounding routine. It’s also my music player and my point-and-shoot camera.
I hadn’t gotten through my full routine when I noticed the light changing outside, so I jumped into my snow gear and headed to the back yard with my real camera gear. I had to put that aside for a few minutes as the ducks were already there waiting for their morning feeding, and I just couldn’t keep them waiting any longer. My housemate Orinda buys big bags of duck feed for them in the winter, and the first pair come right up to the back steps the day of the first snow every year to let her know that it’s that time. During the warmer seasons, they stay in Bowring Park where loads of people feed them, but they come down the river in the winter and sleep near here as both Orinda and the neighbour across the river lay out their daily buffet.
I then took a few pictures and just enjoyed being amongst the many birds who come to the hanging feeder.
After a while though, my stomach called me in for breakfast, so I continued my birdwatching (and photographing) from the sofa in the living room. Yup, the lazy way. We get so many birds here everyday, and even more since Orinda discovered David Suzuki’s recipe for a peanut butter based Fat Block Bird Feeder that’s been quite the hit around here. She spreads it on a board and covers it with a net so that the crows don’t just take the whole thing away all at once.
Simplifying Your Life
/in InspirationI may be good at learning all my students’ names on the first day of class and retaining them for the term, but I’ve never been known for my long term memory. There’s no need for concern. It’s always been that way. In this sense, I guess I’ve always been good at de-cluttering the mind from what it no longer needed to make room for the new. After all, I’ve lived in so many places and met so many people – there’s only so much storage space. Even in my preteens I would tell folks that, having moved around a lot due to my father’s career in the Armed Forces, I had to make room in my memory filing cabinet for all the new people and experiences. I guess in that way, I’m pretty good at living in the Here and Now.
Clearing the Monkey Mind:
Alas, clearing the mind from all the busy-ness, nagging concerns, or other spiraling thoughts, however, is something I have yet to fully master. I’m so much better at it than decades ago, but I’m still growing in this regard. Interestingly, that’s the one part of simplifying our lives that I didn’t address much in this year’s workshop. Luckily, others did, and I truly benefited from their reminders.
As you’ll read in the article though, the bottom line to de-cluttering – be it physical, emotional, financial, or time-based – is still unconditional love. The more I learn to love myself, others, and the mysteries of life, the less my mind and life will be cluttered and the more I will be at peace.
those are my wishes for you and the true gifts of simplifying your lives.
Body Sculpting: My Friend Lori Reddy
/in Photography ProjectsCongratulations!
Not only did she follow-through on her goal with rigorous training and disciplined eating (even turning down my housemate Orinda’s famous chocolate-chip banana loaf!), she placed 2nd in the Figure Masters division, 3rd in the Figure Tall division, and was voted most photogenic overall by Judi Stone, the official photographer for the national bodybuilding competitions. Wow! Here’s a photo from Saturday’s championships. I couldn’t make it as I was teaching intuitive painting at the Festival du Vent, so thanks to Jim Costello for allowing me to use two of his photos.
Lori Reddy (left), Tina Power (middle) and Nathalie Shea (right) Photo by Jim Costello – www.facebook.com/jim.costello2 & www.facebook.com/pages/Costello-Newfoundland-Photography/151239261659907
Who is Lori Reddy?
Although some know Lori as a savvy business person who used to work on Wall St., I’ve known her as a visual artist, musician (she played the flute on the Yagull album that I featured in my Spirit Calling Card videos), and hoop dancer. As you may remember, we painted two murals together – one at Shakti Yoga Mount Pearl (see photos – now a dance studio) and one at Shakti Yoga on Torbay Rd. (see photos -now Yoga Kula Coop). I’ve also organized a few art exhibitions with her, and she participated in the very successful Art To Go online auction that I organized as part of my Vienna Visionary Art Scholarship fundraising efforts. Remember her now?
The Photo Shoot:
Although I’ve trained as a professional photographer (one the many chapters in my lifelong learning journey), people-photography is far from being a passion of mine. I simply don’t have a thick enough skin to hear people criticizing themselves (“I’m so fat…”, “That’s not my good side.”, “Look at all those wrinkles!”, etc.). I much prefer being in nature or traveling with the camera. Trees are simply happy to be …
Sunday, however was fun. And with digital editing, I didn’t even need all those extra off-camera flashes and lighting umbrellas I got rid of years ago.
My painting back-splash worked well as a photo backdrop (with a few extra layers of white cloth to hide the many paint stains). I wanted white as my plan was to blend photos of Lori with a couple of her paintings that I also photographed that day….
and some of my own art photography (mostly from my time overseas in 2013/14). What you see here is the result of 6 hours of creative work after the photo shoot.
I may not be into body building or rigorous exercise of any kind, but I can tell you that there were a few lazy mornings when I just had to remember what she was up to in order not to skip my morning restorative yoga and mini-trampoline dance routine. After all, I no longer walk 10-20 hours a week as I had done most of my life and now benefit from Orinda’s great cooking on a regular basis.
In Lori’s Words:
I asked Lori to write about her experience for you. Not only was this a whole new world for me, but as I said before, her journey itself was inspiring for me in many ways, and so I imagined it would be for you as well.
“I started lifting weights when I was 17 and loved how I would actually get sore – this would tell me that I worked a muscle to the point of it tearing and needing to repair which meant growth. Eventually, I started to buy fitness magazines in order to further research which exercises I could do for certain body parts (I was obsessed with getting biceps initially LOL) and then became very fond of the fitness models that were featured in the various issues – most notably Mia Finnegan and Monica Brant. It wasn’t until 20 years later, at the age of 37, that I considered entering into a competition. I had visited Mexico in February of 2014 for a month, and upon my return I started to put on a little weight from not being as active. I needed a new goal and decided that preparing for the competition in November fit in just perfectly.
couple of months, but I really felt that I needed to be coached by someone who I could sit down and speak with (my online coach was from the west coast in the US). I then decided to sign up with Kristian Alexander (owner of Inshape Fitness on O’leary Ave. in St. John’s), who is a friend and former highschool mate. Kristian worked with me during the late stages of offseason and then coached me through contest prep in both diet and fitness regimes.
working out consistently and eating healthy. It was hard for me to shock my system. I also found it difficult during offseason training, as I was putting on muscle mass and gaining some fat as well – I felt HUGE at times. But I kept telling myself, this is what I am supposed to do – and I have a coach for a reason!! Listen to him! I also heard this said numerous times: “trust the process” – this is so very very true.
Lori Reddy and Whitney Matthews Photo by Jim Costello – www.facebook.com/pages/Costello-Newfoundland-Photography/151239261659907 – and – www.facebook.com/jim.costello2
The day of the competition and waiting to get up on stage was also challenging. By this point I was anxious, excited, hungry and TIRED. But the moment when my number was called and I lined up with other competitors – at that moment it all felt worth it. I now had a calmness that came over me as the moment was finally here where I was able to display my hard work and dedication to the world and judges. I was smiling ear to ear and thought this is my one moment to shine so give it 200%. And I did.
I placed 2nd in the Figure Masters division, 3rd in the Figure Tall division and won most photogenic overall.
Will I compete again? Who knows. I am taking it one day at a time. Was it all worth it? 200%. I learned so much about myself and the process over the last 5 months that I would not have learned any other way.”
and thanks for the art & inspiration…
Last But Not Least – Les Mains dans l’art Saint Jean
/in EventsThe whole process is described in my bilingual Guide to Intuitive Painting if you’d like to give it a try. I’m sure I’ll also be offering more workshops in the future – both in French and English. Interested?
Anyhow, I’ll let these photos do the talking – they say so much!
Thanks to the Réseau Culturel de la Fédération francophone de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador for hiring me, to Heritage Canada for sponsoring them, and to all the participants in both Newfoundland and Labrador for all the great memories.
My Cup Runneth Over – Body, Mind and Spirit Retreat
/in EventsHow do you fill your cup ? How do you make sure you’ve taken care of yourself so that you have enough to give or share with others?
As you know, I fill my cup by connecting to Source through painting and being in nature, with or without my camera. I also do so by growing in my understanding and practice of unconditional love. One of my favourite ways to do that in the past few decades has been to attend personal or spiritual growth workshops.
Well, this past weekend at the Body, Mind and Spirit retreat at Lavrock Center in Salmonier, I did just that. I filled my cup to overflowing. What a blessing!
When it came my turn to hold the talking stick during our opening circle on Friday night, I expressed to the 53 other people there how I hoped to gain an even deeper trust that this path I have chosen (have been guided on) continues to support me and others in love, beauty, and abundance. I explained that although my life had continued to be magical after my return from my year studying art overseas, the fact that I had no idea what 2015 held for me had brought back some of my scarcity issues and fears. My heart swelled when Lucy, the organizer, played a song whose lyrics included “Make me an instrument of thy peace” – the mantra that came to me that very morning during meditation. On Sunday afternoon, during our closing circle, I expressed how my fears had been transformed and that I was leaving with a renewed sense of my own power, purpose, abundance, and a much deeper trust in the future that I’m architecting with my every thought and action.
I’ll be sharing a summary of both my “Simplifying Your Life” and “Developing Your Intuition” workshops in upcoming posts. For now, I’d like to talk more about some of the gifts I received this weekend. They say that by giving we receive. That’s very true. Unconditional love is the only thing that keeps filling your own cup the more you give. There’s something to be said too, however, for the power of allowing, receiving, and accepting.
Transformational Training With Tina Olivero:
When not presenting, I had the chance to attend two other workshops. Using my pendulum to guide me (as all of the workshops would have been great refreshers), I was guided to both of Tina Olivero’s sessions: Self Love and Thought Awareness. I totally recommend attending one of her workshops – she offers Transformational Tuesdays here in St. John’s, and there’s a weekend retreat coming up at the end of the month. Tina’s biography (both her life and death experiences) is impressive. Her studies have been in ontology (the branch of metaphysics that deals with being-ness) and she used to train the trainers for Landmark – a program that I have heard wonderful things about. The list goes on. Basically, Tina presents herself as a thought adjuster and helps people to create a future that is in alignment with who they really are. She’s truly an inspiring teacher! Her workshops were perfect for what I had hoped to gain this weekend for myself.
Basically, I was reminded about the duality of human beings – the human part describing the ego and our propensity towards fear and smallness, and the being part describing our Higher Self and the choices for love that are available to us in every moment. We covered a lot in our 6 hours together. I ended up writing 4 words down as a reminder:
Future: something we architect from our thoughts
Integrity: keep your promises to yourself first and foremost
Responsibility: being able to respond from Higher Self at every moment
Perception: Nothing has meaning except the meaning you give it.
Her sessions reminded me of the Master Your Mind – Peak Potentials Training workshop I attended in LA in 2008 with several inspirational teachers. I offer you this video summary I made at the time using my photography; I just noticed it’s up to 9,200 views on youtube. May it make a difference in your day.
Shamanic Ceremony with Alison Normore:
This weekend was also a great opportunity to reconnect with Alison Normore. Some of you might recall that I took an intuitive 26-day road trip across the island of Newfoundland shortly after I moved here in 2011. The only thing set in my schedule were her Munay-Ki Initiation retreat and her New Earth Medicine – Awakening week-long retreat in Gros Morne National Park during the Peruvian Shaman Tour. This past weekend, the whole group participated in a wonderful sacred water ritual that Alison led indoors. It was supposed to be an outdoor fire ceremony, but with the 130km/hr winds, rain, hail and wet snow, I’m glad we stayed inside. Alison also gave me a ride to and from Salmonier and was my only roommate, so we had a nice chance to catch up.
If you’re interested in Alison’s work – she’s got two events this week in St. John’s and more around the island.
So Much More:
There’s nothing like the power of unconditional love. The only way we can be truly loved, however, is to be seen and accepted for we we truly are. These retreats give participants plenty of chances to let go of masks and barriers in order to show themselves. Many expressed their surprise at how much they opened up and how they didn’t feel judged for what they revealed about themselves. Beautiful! Powerful! People don’t always feel safe doing so in society. Once people have tasted the deliciousness of being authentic and have been supported for being so, the easier it becomes to building communities around ourselves that can love and accept us for who we are. Rich!
Apart from that, there was plenty of food, laughter, and fun this weekend. Thanks Lucy for all your work over the years in providing these annual retreats.
Next Body, Mind, and Spirit Retreat – May 1-3 Weekend at The Wilds Golf Resort
Every year, Lucy graciously offers scholarships for her retreats. In addition to the 50/50 draw at each retreat, she raises funds for these scholarships by organizing silent auctions – asking participants to donate items or services that others can bid on. Her sister Clare was the very happy winner of the painting I created for that purpose: “Royal Retreat”, which will adorn her new home.
I am also very grateful that I had a chance to share my art with the participants during the weekend.
Whatever helps you fill your cup, I truly hope you prioritize it on your to-do list this week and every week. You’re worth it. You and those around you deserve it!
Namaste!
New Painting: November Showers
/in PaintingsIt’s easy to figure out what inspired this painting, simply by its name. Being back in Newfoundland, it’s inevitable that I would add to my collection of weather-inspired pieces.
Did you see a smirky face in the painting? When I look at it, I see the spirit of a being that isn’t phased by the weather – its joy is something that is carried inside no matter the environment.
What I really like is how the light catches on the glass beads and transforms the piece as you change your position. That’s hard to show in a photo…
New Painting: “All the Days of My Life”
/in PaintingsI’m also very fond of the archangels, whom I call upon quite regularly.
It would only be natural, therefore, that I have more than one angel painting. I’m adding to the collection this week with this one:
“All the Days of My Life” – 12″ x 24″ – Acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas – SOLD
New Painting: “On a Wing and a Prayer”
/in PaintingsAs an English as a Second Language teacher, I’m often familiarizing students with the meaning of idioms/ expressions. I’m going to go one step further today and share what I learned about the history of the name that came to me so clearly for this painting. Actually, I’ll take it two steps further because I’ll add my own spiritual twist to it.
“On a Wing and a Prayer” – 12″ x 24″ – acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas (no framing required) – SOLD
My twist: