Dianna Soisson Art Studio

For You Sally

2014-02-05T09:55:00.002-05:00

The Moment of Grace

It seems that I have not posted anything since last June. I apologize to my readers.

Life has been full of surprises. Too many to share but one in particular that I have been longing for...a career based solely around my art. Soon the family I have been nannying will be moving on to better opportunities in their careers and therefore will be relocating several hundred miles away.

I'm sure that everyone at some point in time has wondered "why this turn of events for me right now?" Well, I am finally trying to get back into my routine of meditation in the morning either with a prayer, a reading, or both. This morning I opened one of my books that contain daily thoughts and lessons for women. I'd like to share it with you. It comes from the book Faith In The Valley by Iyanla Vanzant.

         "Right where you are is where you need to be. Don't fight it! Don't run away from it! Stand firm! Take a deep breath. And another. And another. Stop beating up on yourself: Why is this in my world? What do I need to see? To know about myself through this situation? Breathe again. Now, ask God:
         Blessed and Divine Father, heal me of whatever thought or belief has contributed to the cause of this experience. Bring me the lesson of this experience lovingly and gently. Keep my mind and heart open that I may know the truth. Open my eyes that I may recognize your will. Thank you, God.

        Now breathe. Don't you feel better already?"

         I have finally let go of trying to figure things out but I am working hard at the direction God is pulling me. He has given me the tools but it is up to me to apply them and with grace and dignity.

         Thank you Sally for your compelling e-mail. He place you before me as a reminder to me that I also need to continue blogging my thoughts. He has plans for you, my readers, or myself with my blog.

       Blessings and as always thank you for reading!

Belief and Faith

2013-06-29T16:23:00.001-04:00

It's going to be a very short blog today. A question for all viewers is 'how good does it feel when someone still believes in you and has not lost faith in you?'
Thank you to ally family, friends, and supporters last weekend at the art show in Pennsylvania. Also a huge thank you to the gallery who represents me in New Buffalo, Michigan. A lovely phone call today from the owners encouraged me with their hope, belief, and faith in me.

God bless and as always thank you for reading!

Acceptance....

2013-04-12T11:03:00.000-04:00

     The world is changing whether we like it or not. We exhaust ourselves trying to adjust people's attitudes to what WE believe the truth to be. I have my own morals, values, beliefs, and views on politics, religion, relationships, and everything in between and I stand by them. Does this mean I criticize and ridicule those that disagree with me? By no means. Does this mean I agree with the behavior? Absolutely not. I can accept the person but not the behavior. I love that person as a child of God and must understand that behaviors are just that...behaviors. People don't change, their attitudes and behaviors do.

       I came across this inspiration this morning and I believe it clarifies the answer to the every one's problems of today.

       "Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing or situation - some fact of my life unacceptable to me and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in God's world by mistake; unless I accept life completely on life's terms, I can not be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and in my attitudes."

Think about it and as always thank you for reading and may God bless!

Peaceful, Easy Feeling...

2013-04-06T13:38:00.002-04:00

       After coming to terms that I could not complete my next drawing in time for the CPSA International Contest, I have taken more time for gratitude.
       Last weekend I was able to prepare an Easter dinner for 16 and enjoy every minute of the preparation. I could not remember too much of Christmas after the concussion so I had planned on making this event memorable. I prepared dinner for a family who is taking a rough journey through cancer. We also invited friends whom we have called family more often than friends. Opening our doors and performing the selfless act of giving seemed appropriate for such a Holiday.
       My husband and grown children all pitched in preparing the house, purchasing groceries, and prepping the meal. Two stuffed turkeys, a ham, cheesy potatoes, mashed potatoes, baked beans, green bean casserole, rice and broccoli casserole, homemade rolls, fruit and veggie tray, punch, 5 chocolate peanut butter pies and a chocolate grasshopper pie. Leftovers were sent home with everyone and enough to spare for the week. Homemade turkey soup was made the next day, jarred and frozen for upcoming meals.
       Yesterday was a beautiful day for spiritual meditation and a three mile walk. I put on the walking shoes and the stuck in the ear buds from the itouch and casually strolled with the warm sun in my face. The first song that happened to play was Eagles "Peaceful, Easy Feeling". Contentment ran through my blood as I felt the music fill every cell of my body. Past and present memories enveloped each lyric as I walked through the neighborhood smelling the new spring that is just around the corner. What a perfect day it was for daydreaming!
       I hope that all my readers will take time to daydream in their past and present and praying that a peaceful, easy feeling will accompany them.

     As always, God bless and thank you for reading!

Show Me...

2013-03-20T15:08:00.000-04:00

Show me a man who holds his wife close to his side during prayer, in public, and under his roof; a man who gently kisses his wife on the forehead while patiently waiting in-line at the grocery store; a man who spontaneously tells his wife with admiration in his voice, 'I love you', and I will show you a woman who remains by her husband's side, smiles lovingly as she is kissed on the forehead, and without hesitation responds back with a confident 'I love you too!'
I received the best birthday gifts from my husband yesterday...books including inspirations, bible verses, and positive quotes and most of all his time. There is nothing better than finding that someone to share your dreams with. Someone that makes it easy to be selfless and caring. He has made these last few months of recovery bearable. Thank you my love!

Counting My Blessings through Recovery

2013-02-01T22:25:00.000-05:00

       Recovery from this concussion has taught me nothing but positive growth. During the month of January my psyche has journeyed everywhere but clear.
       Accidents and circumstances happen. How we respond to these is what causes pain and confusion. Trusting God and the professionalism of the the therapist initiates our responses and experiences. Only then can we find freedom from our fear of pain and confusion.
       I have been attending three types of therapy for my concussion...physical (for the vertigo), occupational, and speech and language. Six to ten hours a week at therapy, homework and exercises at home, and a loving husband who drives me to every session.
       As for the vertigo, my therapist discovered I have Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Through a certain maneuver of my head, the therapist repositions the crystals in my inner left ear. I follow the directions for the next five days in order to retain the crystals where they belong.
The vertigo has almost extinguished.
       Speech and language on the other hand is stressful on the brain. Loss of words come when the brain tires. Comprehension is minimal. A casual conversation is modified to a slow pace discussion and expressions. I can understand conversations but only comprehend when spoken slowly. When I struggle with finding the "word" I'm looking for I either draw it, use the synonyms on the web or say "I'm looking for the opposite word of ..." My family is patient and we end up laughing because at times it's like playing Charades.
       Occupational therapy has discovered my right eye has been affected by the concussion and makes it difficult to draw without getting dizzy. We are hoping it's temporary but until then I'm using an eye patch. I was elated to be drawing again!!! It has taken more time and focus but I feel very blessed to be drawing again!
       I apologize for not keeping up with the blogging but between therapy and resting (napping) my brain I had nothing left remaining. I thank you all for phone calls, e-mails, cards, thoughts and especially prayers!
       I'm hoping to post a few pics of my homemade eye patches created by some special people soon!

As always thank you for reading and God bless!

Loosen Up

2013-01-01T12:43:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! As we assume with the new year comes promises of resolutions and completing all those loose ends. We become destined into getting caught up before the new year's begins only to find ourselves disappointed and exhausted. As co-dependents and workaholics nothing that we do seems good enough.

On the first day of January as most of us prepare to clean and pack away the decorations, organize the office, bills, and statements before tax time, and dust and clean the house after company has left; let us remind ourselves that we need to be gentle to ourselves and take it one day at a time.

As always, thank you for reading and may God bless!

A Loss of Another Year Can Be Filled with Newness

2012-12-31T21:14:00.000-05:00

       Today has been a bit of a set back. I still get very tired in the middle of the day and seem to have problems with stability due to the concussion.  Today's door of a year is closing but I (or we) can find relief in tomorrow with new friendships, new boundaries, and continuous journeys.

        Our lives are all timeless journeys. The past is connected to the present; the present and future are capable of opportunities for growth and change. It's just a matter of changing our attitude and perspective of those around us. We search for positive stimulation to keep us going. I find it in meditation, friendships, and a lot of the time through the hug of a child. Sometimes it becomes as simple as taking our heart filled with caring and compassion and sharing it with those left fortunate than we.

       I am glad for everything new that comes to me pray for patience for the next few months.

As always, thanks for reading and God bless!

In Search of My Ithaka

2012-12-30T16:44:00.000-05:00

       Ithaka was a beautiful island that belonged to the Greek hero, Odysseus. After Odysseus fought the Trojan war he searched out beautiful lands, waters, and treasures.
       Today when we speak of an odyssey we refer to finding our own beautiful land, water, area to call our own, our treasures, our authentic self, our soul mate. This journey should take a life time. We meet new friends, see profound sights, experience life to it's fullest.
       I have always been in a rush to complete projects and move on to the next hoping one day I will have time to enjoy that cup of tea before rushing off to prepare dinner. This concussion is a blessing in disguise. I have enjoyed a few minutes of reading at a time, savored holiday coffees and teas, and watched huge snowflakes falling out the sliding door wall.
       I am allowing myself to be inspired, enriched, and enlightened by people and events around me. My journey doesn't necessarily have to lead itself outside my home. My journey is within myself as well and how I perceive life.
       My drawing is postponed momentarily and I will use this time to grow spiritually and graciously giving thanks to those around me.

       As always, thank you for reading and God bless!

Nuture Faith, Health, and Love

2012-12-29T15:07:00.001-05:00

       Remember those days when we thought that must have dress, that Farrah Fawcett hairdo, the Atari system, or even the coolest bell bottoms would fix all our problems? Later it became that better-paying job and the ultimate must-have car in order to keep up with the Joneses.

       It was suggested to us, growing up, that it's important to nurture our faith, health, and love. Little did we know that material things provide temporary satisfaction. They don't provide food and proper nourishment for the mind, heart, body, and soul.

       If we strengthen and exercise our health, encourage and practice our faith, share and demonstrate love and generosity, we will gain the ultimate and lasting gratification that we had been searching for all our lives.

       Today I have accepted my concussion as a new path from God. I have exercised my health by using my cognitive hemisphere, spent time in church in deep prayer, and shared and accepted comfort from a loved one.

       I believe that I am wiser today because I know how to nurture faith, health, and love.

Thanks for reading and God bless!

I Believe...

2012-12-28T12:51:00.001-05:00

       Many of my dreams still await in the wings. My hunger, desires, and passions seem to have been delayed by the concussion.
       I will not quit. I may shed a tear from time to time to cleanse my soul and make room for new hope and believing in my authentic self. I will not seek out sympathy, that only adds to my skepticism.
       I seek out for those souls that will continue to help me believe in myself, my passion, my creativity, and my love of spirituality.
       I am drawn to those with kind and gentle wisdom, clarity, solace, and serenity.
       My family is becoming more patient with me as I try to describe where to find an object in the house. My anxiety kicks in as I stumble with my sentences and descriptions.They are understanding that my cognitive area is having difficulty so I take them by the hand and show them.
       Belief is not always easy for me because my thinking gets in the way. It is my faith that allows me to believe.
       If I allow God to take charge and rely on His examples and experience of friends I know that I can trust and believe. Today can be easy.

As always thanks for reading and God bless!

On Wings like Eagles...

2012-12-27T10:23:00.000-05:00

       A little over two weeks I accidentally fell down a small flight of stairs. To those of you that know me understand that it's not uncommon for me to be accident prone.
       There were no broken bones, a couple of bruises and a couple of bumps to the head which caused a serious concussion. Headaches persist, dizziness when tilting the head or lying down, consistent noises and rapid movement are bothersome. My speech has slowed down and reading takes longer to comprehend. It seems the left side of the brain has been affected. All of these are embarrassing since I am very independent but the worst is the occasional loss of my short term memory. My drawing hand has not been reliable for stability and this has taken my fear to an all time high.
       Therefore I will be making an attempt at blogging daily as therapy for both speech and comprehension. Thank goodness for spell check.
       I pray for courage and read my daily inspirations for positive affirmations. Using a dictionary and synonym dictionary help as well.
      "Those who hope in the Lord will soar on wings like eagles." Isiah 40:31

Stretching Beyond Our Comfort Zone

2012-12-07T10:19:00.001-05:00

If we do what feels comfortable and good, do we ever grow? Do our minds grow? If we do not exercise our bodies, do we stay strong? If we remain stagnate within our community, do we grow in emotional maturity?
Settling for average achievement is missing out on the greatest satisfaction of accomplishing something we never thought possible. In order to succeed we must fail. It is those failures that make us that much stronger and wiser.
There have been many activities I refrained from when growing up as a child and even young adult. I feared the laughter from peers, the disappointment from family, the failure, the guilt, the regret, the frustration, and, those of you that know me, the impatience. Having faith in our Higher Power has allowed me to stretch beyond my comfort zone. My faith has taken me to new levels with my art. It has also taken me to a new level of understanding, acceptance, joy, harmony, and gratitude.
Start with baby steps. Try sushi, I found out I love it! Thank you to Elizabeth and Lynda! Begin a blog. If I can do it, anyone can do it. Journal a daily sentence of gratitude. Test a new recipe. Try a half marathon. Take a ballroom dance lesson. I would love to try that! One of these days I will get over my fear of heights and attempt a hot air balloon ride. That will be a HUGE post if it ever happens!
Remember, fear is the absence of faith.
As always, thank you for reading!

A Humble Announcement

2012-12-05T19:44:00.001-05:00

I am very pleased to announce that "Beyond All Boundaries" received third place in the Landscape/Interior category of the 29th Annual Artist's Magazine Contest.
Please enjoy the video of all winners in the contest. Congratulations to all the winners! The work is outstanding.

An Emotional Process

2012-11-20T16:02:00.000-05:00

"Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous." I love this quote by Albert Einstein. As I began this drawing a few months ago I acknowledged the red leaf and thought it to be parallel with my life at the time. As I grew through the emotions of my life's journey - as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and christian, I hit walls. Temporarily pausing to pray, meditate, and contemplate my actions and behaviors. Praying for guidance and handing it over to a Higher Power allowed my "artist's block" to crumble and conceded to the impetuous flow of water and color in this drawing. The red leaf has slowly changed from red to orange to an orange-yellow.

Admitting, amending, and accepting enables our souls to move on. We need to not only ask forgiveness but offer it as well. It is in giving that we receive.

"Forgiven"

As always thank you for reading!

An Authentic Prayer...

2012-11-09T16:09:00.000-05:00

       After reading yesterday's daily thought from Simple Abundance I have come to realize how healthy it is to pray. "Prayer is actually the authentic conversation because you don't have to hold back." We can say anything we want without being judged, without misunderstanding, without our words being paraphrased, without criticism, without emotional rages, and without ridicule.
       How many times have we just needed someone to talk to and relieve some of that stress? I for one just need someone who will listen, not solve my issues, not raise eyebrows, and not laugh, but just "listen". Everyone at some point enjoys going off on their own for a quiet walk or stroll. My favorite places are along the creek, along the beach, and in the woods. Serenity for myself and my God. It's our time for conversation and time for re centering. I have always returned renewed, refreshed and realigned with life. Sometimes I pray for things such as patience, forgiveness, comfort, guidance, or healing and at times I thank Him for the acceptance, the grace, the happiness, the forgiveness, the love, the joy, the peace, and even the hurtful lessons I have learned that He has brought into my life.
       I wish you all a wonderful weekend, a warm hug for those moments that seem unbearable, and a cheer for celebratory moments.
       As always thanks for reading!

A New Season, A New Take on Life

2012-10-08T23:20:00.000-04:00

       After several months of procrastinating I have finally come around to posting on my blog. My life has visited considerable paths this past spring and summer. It seems that every corner of my life has been altered in some way as an artist, a wife, a mother, a nanny, and a Christian. Future posts will expand on each of these as my journey continues.
       As I have been reading, praying, and meditating I have come to the conclusion that when it comes to what is really working in our lives, it is the heart that truly knows. If we genuinely feel and listen with our heart it can lead us in the right direction. Our heart can also tell us when we've gone in the wrong direction and this may be something that sends us into denial. We may not like what our heart is saying but we have choices.
       At times we become stagnant in our lives and welcome change. We dream, fantasize, and hope. Some dreams may need to be put on hold but do not abandon them completely for dreams come true when actions begin and when our Higher Power creates the path for it.
       "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." -Ecclesiastes 3:1

Work-in-Progress....art and life

2012-02-17T10:23:00.006-05:00

Depending on how one looks at his/her life, aging can be formidable. We become afraid of what will be or what if. We follow the secure path, the path that we are comfortable with and then we wonder how we have become so stagnant.

As I began drawing my newest color pencil piece months ago I was intrigued by the new color palette I had unconsciously chosen. This piece is fairly large (but may be cropped) and so the colors emanated rather quickly. I had taken a bold risk without initially realizing it and am enjoying it. Now whether this piece gets accepted is another story but I have no regrets on my color choices. This is my authentic indelible self and am loving the freedom that accompanies it.

Moving on to life itself....remember those days of youth? You trusted your first instincts whether it be choosing a particular color of crayon, flavor of ice cream, or which movie you wanted to see. How wonderful would it be to recreate that inner child or teenager again?

It's been exhilarating throwing caution to the wind (though not my responsibilities) and bringing out those buried dreams! I'm hoping to catch those dreams and bring them to life! One of which is to learn how to drive a stick. My husband's Miata is calling my name! ;) Other adventures to be continued.

Hopefully my readers will be able to do the same.

As always thank you for reading!

Accepting the here and now

2012-01-23T19:48:00.005-05:00

For years I have tried to control my life and those around me and much to my demise I have discovered that the more I fought it, the unhappier, anxious and depressed I became. So, what to do?
I'm handing it up to God, the Universe, the Higher Power and allowing Him to take the lead. I've learned something.....I'M NOT THE BOSS!! As a girl and now a woman, we were taught that the mother is the one who takes care of the children, does the housework, grocery shopping, cooking, gardening and loves her husband! That was then, this is now, which now includes (in most homes) a job outside the house. I don't know about you but to me this sounds to the title of a BOSS. Right?
I am accepting that I can only take care of myself and GUIDE those around me. They in turn have a choice which takes the responsibility off my shoulders and ultimately leads me to a less stressful life. Rather than putting up the pessimistic roadblocks I am learning to observe the positive attributes of the polars.
Swimming upstream all my life has been exhausting. I could never enjoy what was set before me because I was so domineering. Letting go, accepting the past and present, and allowing God, the Universe, or Higher Power to take the reigns is exhilarating.
I'm accepting change in my life. And now I must embrace it!
As always, thanks for reading!

Choosing the Glass Half Full

2012-01-20T14:34:00.004-05:00

Anyone that knows me (especially my family) will tell you that if there is a way to create a crisis or concern out of a situation that I am the president of the club. I over-think the possibilities and build upon that. I expect the worst in every scenario and soon my bruised and scarred soul becomes weak.

I've been reminded (by my husband) that we have choices. God gave us the greatest gift....the gift of will. In every case we have a choice how to react. I can choose to worry and fret about my children or the world economic crisis.But will my uneasiness solve any of the problems? If anything it could end up being a self-fulfilling prophecy.

At least for today I will choose to take the glass that is half full, count my blessings (actually jotting them down would be a good visual) and hand my struggles (real or prematurely fabricated) to God. It would be such a delight to wake up each morning sit with a cup or two of coffee, read an inspiration and move on to the studio knowing that God (the Divine, Higher Power, etc.) will be taking care of all my perplexities.

For today, raise your half full glass of joy and do what makes you happy!

As always.....thanks for reading!

A Time To Breathe

2012-01-19T15:32:00.009-05:00

Though I should be at my drawing table working on my entry piece for the CPSA International Competition, I find myself aimlessly wondering around the house cleaning, organizing or just anything else in order to keep my mind off my son who is in Army basic for 16 weeks.

Don't get me wrong, my art has always been my therapy and has been able to calm my nerves. But this time I can't seem to think about anything but wondering how my son is doing. He hasn't been able to call except to quickly let us know that he arrived and he wrote saying that it will be at least another three weeks before we can talk on the phone. (It has already been two.)

I realize that at the end of 16 weeks he will come home a respectable, honorable and grown man but not being able to see or talk to someone that you have raised for 18 years is painful right now.

Therefore, if my readers don't mind, I may occasionally be posting some insightful thoughts from a book that has been by my side for the last two weeks. It's called Simple Abundance "a day book of comfort and joy" by Sarah Ban Breathnach.

Most women read for pleasure or to gain knowledge about raising children, improving relationships and finances. I have found comfort in reading daily inspirations. I find refuge and temporary shelter for my soul from the everyday discord. Relief is another expression that rises when I read similar feelings coming from other women authors.

The book concentrates on the journey within yourself. Happiness is not found in external possessions but within yourself. It is based upon six principles: gratitude, simplicity, order, harmony, beauty and joy.

Order stood out this week as it probably will for the next few weeks preparing for taxes and preparing the kitchen for painting. I have no control over my children (though a mother likes to believe so) nor do I have control in anything outside my life. Anxiety is my middle name. I need to have some type of control in my life. I don't know a female friend of mine that can think clearly with a sink full of dirty dishes, an empty refrigerator, piles of dirty laundry and a cluttered desktop.

So to clear my mind I'll be cleaning house and when I'm emotionally drained I'll be back to painting.

I wish you all simple lives and as always thanks for reading!

Question For My Readers

2011-11-11T19:42:00.004-05:00

I have received many inquiries about the carousel that my husband made for me. Most of which were... could my husband make them one. Now my question....how much would an artist pay for it? We have totaled the costs of supplies, but hours of labor are more than one would care to pay for. So minus the pencils and printed labels how much is it worth to you? I will not be offended by any price. I realize that by asking for opinions that I am opening myself to criticism. I would appreciate any advice or suggestions.

Thanks for reading!

Ready, Set, Draw!

2011-09-29T19:45:00.004-04:00

After hearing only good things about the Caran D'ache Pablo color pencils I had to see for myself what is so wonderful about these pencils.

They are more expensive than my Prismacolors but I decided to loosen the purse strings and go for it. My order arrived on Tuesday and I was floating on air when I opened the set! The gorgeous rainbow of colors, perfectly sharpened and in order! I felt my O.C.D. kick in before I reached out to slowly move my fingers along the tray and stopped. I had to take a photo! Once I began to draw this tin box would never be the same. Okay.......enough about this compulsion.

These pencils draw like butter! I haven't come close to any pencil in comparison to the Prismacolors and I have to say that the Pablos are there....minus the price. As I get further on my drawing I'll let you know how the color choices are.

Until then, happy drawing and as always thanks for reading.

Trash to Treasure, The Final Project

2011-09-24T20:40:00.007-04:00

Well I finally finished my rainbow storage bin, labels and all. It fits perfectly on top of my flat files and there's still plenty of unused drawers to fill! The flat files were purchased from an office that was going out of business last winter. My husband and I went to the sale and found them in the usual gray color with quite a few scrapes and scratches all over it. Because my studio faces the north side and is quite small I wanted the room to be as light as possible, the furniture as well. I painted the walls in a cameo white and painted the flat files white. My husband made a laminate top for it so it would bare weight more evenly.

So the room is complete with the exception of creating another color pencil lazy susan. It's still in the planning stages but will be posted. I promise.

Now that the "nesting" process is winding down, I'm preparing for the hibernation in my studio for the fall and winter months to come. I've been adding more nature photos to my inventory and am hoping I'll have a few nice ones to keep me busy for the next several months.

A Long Overdue Shoutout

2011-09-22T06:30:00.014-04:00

For the past few years I have taking my originals to a highly recommended photographer who shoots 2-D and 3-D art. I don't trust myself to get my pieces set-up properly let alone knowing my camera well enough to use. Making sure the photo contains the correct colors of my piece is another concern that just heightens my anxiety.

Eric Law of Color & Ink Ltd. is one of the best art photographers around. He runs the business very professionally and always greets you at the door with a warm smile. He becomes very familar with the clients work and notes the colors in their pieces. This enables him to correct the colors in the computer so when the prints are produced they look "spot on" to the original. This is what separates him from all other art photographers. Clients purchasing my prints are just as happy as the clients purchasing the original.

Eric uses a ten ink color printer which produces the vivid colors and smooth transitions that artists works call for. With superior lightfastness ratings, these prints last up to 200 years (providing the prints are covered with UV glass and kept out of the sun).

Color and Ink, Ltd. uses the Epson Stylus Pro 7900 Printer using Epson UltraChrome K3 HDR pigment inks and the highest quality, acid-free archival Epson professional Media.