A Hot Minute

Sooooooo, it's been a hot minute since I last blogged.  Truth be told, I needed a break.  Time out.  

To Pause

 Rewind.........

and here I am again.

Refreshed

Invigorated and ready to go!

Again.

To be perfectly honest, it was good for me to step away from everything for a while.  If you need time out.

Take it.  


Life for me in the last year has been a world wind.

Ups

downs

turn-a-rounds

relocation

separation

divorce

and all that goes with it.

Important, life changing stuff.  And so with that being said, I move on.  Happy in the knowledge that I emerged like a butterfly from a cocoon.  Beautifully and wonderfully molded from the intensity of the struggle.

Wiser

Stronger

Determined

But most of all,

Winning!

Thought Of The Day

“Often the strongest blades were pounded the hardest, or scorched the most severely; We judge them by their strength and sharpness, not by their prior rough experiences. With our comrades it should be the same. A good blade is rarely forged in a velvet box.” 

― Orsov

From Strength To Strength

Last year was a year that came wrapped in challenges and surprises.  Some of them good and some of them I wish I could forget.  Along the way though, I have grown stronger, wiser and that much more grateful, especially for the little things. Little things like watching the sunrise or watching a movie with my dad and son.  In actuality, these are not little things at all but the real substance of life and our most cherished memories.

My Dad (left) and Brother

 When My father fell gravely ill the latter part of 2013 I finally understood how precious and fragile our lives really are.  We are all here but by the grace of God.  My dad is doing better now but I am forever changed by his near death experiences and stories.  I am convinced that there are lessons to be learned in everything, even in the painful moments that are hard to get through.  It is because of those moments that we can appreciate happy moments and joyous occasions.  This year I will savor the good times,.... and when bad times come I will take away whatever I can learn from it.

Happy 2014 lovelies and all the best for the new year!

Cherio

What's Driving You?

I don't know if growing older has anything to do with this but my whole outlook on certain things in my life has gradually shifted.  When I was in my 20's, all I wanted to do was succeed.  I was so driven and I still am today, but what drives me is what has shifted.  In the past I wanted to silence the haters and make a few people eat some much deserved humble pie.

I wanted to serve it to them personally if you know what I mean.

Over the years though, I have learned that if negative energy/emotions like revenge or hate is what is driving you, then when that energy is expended you will be left without focus or drive.  Thank God in my case, passion for what I do is what keeps me going.   There was a time though when my reasons for wanting to succeed was not 100% passion.

Today as I move forward I can truly say that I am done with that. That period of my life is over. I search my heart and there is no trace of malice or pain against anyone.   And not because I have Not experienced pain, hurt and disappointment.  It is exactly BECAUSE I have had such experiences that I am not bitter.  I choose to do this for me.  To concentrate on anything else is not only distracting but it is giving my power to someone or something else.  I can't have that. When I have to hustle and grind it out, though I do have people that love and support me, ultimately it is my faith in God that truly sustains me.  I have proven over the years that people come and go but God will Never leave me or forsake me....I think I am gonna keep rollin with that...

Cherio!

Carpe Diem: Darn it!

So lately I've been pulling my hair out  just a tad bit frustrated with myself.  I have so much I want to accomplish and though I know that I am making progress, it is not near as fast as I would like to proceed.  Like warp speed fast.....now that would be perfect!  I tell myself that I'm learning patience and that this is for my further maturity and development.  All true.  I gotta tell you though, the waiting part bites!  The experience of accomplishing a dream/ building a career is like the scariest roller coaster.  It is the most exciting thing I have ever done,  I never know what will happen next.  The highs and lows, the woo hooos, and arghhhhhhhhs however all makes for an unforgettable journey.

Weeks ago I wrote a post entitled  8 Tips To Spend Your Time Wisely and since then I have been really doing my best to get the optimum out of my day.   It's the only way I am going to see the progress that I so desire.  In time I know my earnest efforts will pay off, they are already doing so............graadually.

At the end of the day I would much rather die happily and thoroughly spent than recalling a lifetime of missed opportunities, fear and regret.  No my friends, that is definitely not for me.  I am going to embrace my life.......like give it a bear hug and a kiss.  After all it's the the only way I know how to live and be happy!

Touched By An Angel

Wanda Mcphee

Two months ago my grandmother whom I love dearly fell critically ill and we almost lost her.  That was a sobering time for not only me but my family on the whole.  You see my grandmother, Sarah, is the matriarch of the family and is the best human being I have ever known.  She is kind, loving, encouraging, funny, nurturing, selfless, smart, wise, forgiving and I can keep on going with the adjectives.  All of them positive, all of them true.  This woman inspires me like no other.

Wanda Mcphee

So when "Grammy" as we affectionately call her fell ill it was as if someone had pushed the "pause" button on my life.  Everything stopped and all that was left was raw nerves and heart ache.  There were so many thoughts going through my head.  I tried to find the positive in it.........nothing.   Finally a call from one of my sisters made all the difference.  My grandmother told her to cheer up and let everyone know (in case she didn't make it) that she had lived a good life and was looking forward to seeing her friends and loved ones who had gone on before her.  She was happy and excited to go to heaven. 

She had experienced a vision prior to falling ill in which she saw heaven in all its splendor and vividly described it to my mother.  She saw lots of people she loved  there and was overwhelmed with peace, love and joy.  In the vision she had stood at the gate wanting to go in so badly but an angel told her that it was not her time yet.  And it wasn't.  Though she is experiencing severe complications from diabetes at the moment she still continues to live life courageously and with joy.  She is thankful for every moment, even if some of those moments are painful.   I am not sure how everything will unfold with Grammy but I know that she will be all right even if this is her time. Her faith and love for  God and the testimony of her life gives me that confidence.   I will see her again.

Cherio!

                            

                            

A lesson while Painting

Have you ever been psyched to do something, I mean really do it this time.  You get your game face on and jump head first into the project/challenge only to discover seconds later half way through that what you're trying to do is just too hard!!!!!   You think to yourself "I don't want to do this anymore.......what the heck was I thinking!!!" Well, such was my experience two days ago.

I had always wanted to do a series of watercolor prints with inspirational quotes.  These were going to be very spontaneous and heartfelt freestyle paintings. Just me, some paper and my watercolor paint.  So, there I was staring at a blank piece of paper thirty minutes in and not a thing comes to mind to paint.  That is, no ideas worthy of painting.  After almost forty five minutes had passed I decided to just doodle....maybe this would free my artist block.  

Some of my doodles and random drawings

I just started making random patterns and drawings without thinking about it.  Two hours later I had five pages of squiggles and curly Q's and I was feeling very frustrated and unproductive.  Disappointment was pointing its long bony finger at me and I was buying in. 

I was about to throw in the towel, tear it to pieces, and stamp on it when I found inspiration in the oddest of places.  My son's PS3. .....on the couch......where I nearly sat on it.  It suddenly occurred to me in that moment that I had endured fifteen hours of torturous labor without an epidural and presently raising a teenager who is helpful, well mannered and loves God.  Heck, if I could do that, I could do anything. Besides, I am not a quitter.  

You know what I did next?  I went back to those  watercolors with fire in my eyes and a "Lets do this!" attitude.  I painted without any expectation or self judgement what-so-ever.  I did my best, and this time that was enough.  And you know what else? It was soooooo relaxing and so much fun!  You have to try this.

Look at how my doodles look framed!  Try it!  If you are not confident drawing shapes or figures, just try doing washes of watercolor on paper.  You'll be amazed at what you can do. Just picture it:

Walmart..........watercolors $4.00..........watercolor paper $4.00

Reward?  Priceless.  

Love. Straight From The heart

If there is ever a time I thank God for being born female, its just before and on Valentine's day.  And its not for the reasons one might think.    

What makes me grateful to be a woman on Valentines day is not having the pressure and anxiety that most men feel to go beyond what they did the previous year.  To be more romantic, to buy a bigger/ better gift and to wow everyone, not just his wife or girlfriend. Especially if the gift or flowers is delivered at work.  In a lot of ways its like a competition with drastic consequences if you mess up. The gift has to be spectacular or the poor guy finds himself in the dog house, on the sofa, or enduring "the silent treatment."  Either way, there is a serious lopsided dynamic happening here that women do not experience.  

Now, I am not endorsing the inactions of inconsiderate men.   Those of you who year after year fail to let your lady know just how special she is to you, shame on you.  I suggest you get your act together and start making changes.  Like right now.  Am no Dr Phil but one thing I do know is that everyone wants to feel loved and appreciated.  If you show your spouse more love and affection, your relationship will become deeper and more fulfilling.  As a direct result, you will be a happier man and there will be peace in your home. A woman needs to feel that she is heard, loved and appreciated in her home.  Its the greatest gift you can give her.

Contrary to the commercials and marketing rhetoric, love is not measured in chocolate, red roses or karats.  Love is measured by our actions.  Our actions speak much louder than our words ever could.  I truly believe that true romance is in the little things we do for each other.  Like when your man offers to cook, do laundry or take the kids to the park just to give you a little time to relax.  Or how he remembers your likes and dislikes and tries his best to only do what you like.  Thats love. 

Some of the most romantic experiences I've had with my husband were unplanned and spur of the moment.  Like the time he stopped a public transit bus after it had already pulled off just to "kiss his wife bye" and then get right back on.  And, over the years he has surprised me with river rocks, beach glass, wild flowers, shells, sand from my favorite beach in the Bahamas and so much more.  He's a hardcore city guy and not at all outdoorsy like me so its that more special to me that he would go to these lengths to make me happy. Although I do receive expensive gifts from my husband sometimes and despite the fact that he enjoys spending money on me, I am glad that he knows that I love him.  Not the stuff.  

And Thats Amoire.

In Pursuit of Happiness And Good health

Though I am usually a pretty calm and laid back person, there is one thing that can causes me to become unglued, and that is a health scare.  I literally go from zero to panic mode in two seconds flat.  Since I am a very strong person spiritually and emotionally, this is very perplexing and out of character for me. What is this weird gravitation to self diagnose on the web for every blister, bump or pain I get.  Am I the only one doing this? 

A few years ago I had developed a very bad case of carpal tunnel syndrome, at the time I had no idea what it was so of course I googled the symptoms. Big mistake.  Google basically informed me that I had Parkinson's disease and I was convinced that this was true.  I was inconsolable.  Thank God I was alright after a few days but since that episode there has been other occasions where yet again I did the same thing.  Am I not a woman of faith? This is one habit that needs to be permanently kicked to the curb! 

Yesterday I had an epiphany or what Oprah refers to as an "Aha moment".  I had a pain and was googling it as usual.  This time though, in the midst of my search it occurred to me that I could either choose to believe that I was in good health or look for reasons to prove I wasn't.  It was only then that I truly got it.  If Life is what I make it then I choose to be happy and in good health.  I am going to laugh more, sing more, and dance more.  And, instead of promising to start exercising tomorrow, I will do it today.  Now where did I put those dumbbells....

The Best Therapy Ever...

Its been a couple of days since my last post and I have been feeling under the weather, even somewhat melancholy. Its been a slow week as far as business is concerned so what's a girl to do. Well, I decided to paint the blues away. At first, I hated everything I painted, lol, the face was wrong, the nose too crooked, the colors too muddy. Pretty much everything was wrong until I realized this is supposed to be fun. duhhhhh. Anyhoo, after that I just stopped painting faces, relaxed and let the paint talk to me, lol, whatever that means. It sounded good though. Simply put, I had fun.

Picture This!

Some times its the simple things that makes us appreciate life most. Today I got out of bed after battling a cold for the last few days and I realized that I felt much better. No sneezing, coughing, aches or pains to speak of, its amazing how I appreciate feeling well again. Just yesterday I was lying down thinking of all the things I wanted to do once I felt a little better so here is one of them. Photography and digital collage! Yes, I said it, maybe not deserving the exclamation mark for some but for me its very exciting stuff. It sends shivers up my spine when I think of the fun I could have with a digital camera and my faithful Mac computer.

Last year I had challenged myself to create digital collages that expressed my faith in God and inspired people. As a result of this, I created what you see here and many other prints that you can find at: wandadmcphee.etsy.com

All of these prints started with a piece of photography that I shot while I was up and about or I set up the shoot based on a specific idea I had. Once I had the photo I took it into Photoshop and then added textures and filters. I also imposed and blending other images and colors into the original photo. Although some of these pieces I did are a bit advanced to someone who is new to this, you can get great results too by just taking a great photo and converting it to duotone. (two colors only in image) A lot of my prints are done this way and I just love the way this adds an element of mystery and interest to photographs. At the moment am working on a few ideas for new prints, I will post these as soon as I finish them. In the main time, get your feet wet, dust of your camera and take some photos. Not only do they make great Art framed on your wall but you can sell them as well to wholesale photography sites on the web.

Well, what else can I say but, lets do this!