Today I got to share the process of making collage hearts with a fabulous group. I have to say all the creativity going on around my table was so great to watch and everyone's hearts were so individual. I am most grateful that I get to share the properties of art making! I think everyone left feeling, satisfied, relaxed and happy.

I am not going to tell tales, yes it is really hard to start a new painting. It is even harder to keep going once I have started, I am a bit of a procrastinator. But once I do find my groove the only thing that stops me are all the other "life" things that I am committed too, my beautiful children, study, husband, work, domestics.........

I never know how long my paintings will take but it is nice to know that at least there is one on the easel to touch base with. Painting helps me to find my equilibrium, my centre. I can guarantee you that this will not look the same at the end of the processes, it always astounds me how quickly a painting transforms especially when you just let it happen. It is a mystery to me where they come from. I hope you all find a chance to do something creative today.

Good morning, I did a yoga class yesterday that touched on the concept that the grass isn't greener on the other side if we just water our own grass. Watering our own grass means nurturing and growing our souls. It's important to not just show gratitude for what we have but to also give back to ourselves, wether that be a yoga class, time reading a book or maybe being creative..........what gift will you give yourself today?

Samantha from Late September posted this lovely photo of "Spiritual Warrior" on her Instagram account. I love my art hanging on her shop walls. 

I am not sure if it is meant to take a painter over 12 months to finish a painting. Spiritual Warrior has been a journey, as with most of my art, I really do not know where she came from. The painting started on it's path with my beautiful friend Kiera. Kiera wanted to paint and so with I as her teacher we started on our sessions which covered so many things. The beauty of creativity is not just the paint and materials but also the therapy it provides, the ability to let go and show your vulnerability on the canvas, to be non - judgmental. It can help you to tap into your intuition not just on the canvas but expanding into everyday life. In my teachings I also coaxed how to detach from what is happening with the painting and let it evolve. So as Kiera painted so did I, side by side - connection was what we found, not only together but with our materials and within ourselves. Spiritual Warrior is a 12 month story of - grief and loss, sadness Motherhood, nature, joy, yoga, love and Dharma - Life Purposes. The paining was aptly completed while I was on Power Yoga's, Modern Day Yogi Project an amazing 6 weeks of self study, yoga and health. Spiritual Warrior is not around for long but you can see her soon at the beautiful Sam's shop, Late September in Glenbrook. 

The lead up to Christmas has been wonderful, the tree has been decorated, Christmas craft has been coming home from school and I made a big decision not to send Christmas cards. Sending cards is something I have done forever, and somewhere along the line I realised I felt obligated to do it rather than something I enjoyed  doing, effectively it had become another task to tick off the Christmas list.  So I made LOVE cards instead, with a 2015 wish on the back, they are a little pice of art  that I can add to Christmas gifts and give as "Thank you's". Oh and the beautiful Sam from Late September sold one of my paintings and there is one last mixed media workshop for 2014! 

Here is just a little sneak of my new painting. I have stalled a bit on it, however I am not frustrated by that, it will pick back up at the right time. 

"Trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit".
Moliere

Around here lately, there has been painting, beach walks, wall paper discoveries in Bondi, found hearts and home time. Small moments make special memories, even without realising. 

Around here lately, there has been a messy studio, walks on the headland, crazy cockatoos in Manly. I found a pineapple in my bag after our Fiesta night and we had some much needed rain! Happy weekend.

 Letting go is hard but done kindly can be valuable, work with what is working and not was isn't. be Brave to transform and change what you know isn't right.

The above pictures show two paintings at three different stages. A blossoming of the paintings took over once I could detached myself from trying to control the outcome.