A Rosy Outlook

Flower Power

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:51:00 +0000

"When you have only two pennies

left in the world,

buy a loaf of bread with one,

and a lily with the other."

–Chinese Proverb

Growth Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:58:00 +0000

At the risk of sounding less than rosy, I'm going to tell you about my morning.

That it began at 3:30 with the percussive sounds of my radiator, which took it upon itself to warm up the entire Northern Hemisphere as well as my apartment.

That the stifling heat wasn't doing my raw, chapped hands any favors.

That the tea my acupuncturist prescribed me for the eczema flare-up doesn't taste as good as my daughter once described her own concoction (a lollipop dragged across a muddy brick).

That I had committed to attending said daughter's publishing party at school today.

That during our commute in 30-degree weather, I wondered at least half a dozen times why I ever decided to leave Florida. And also bemoaned that I'd have to wet my hands more than usual (gloves are no use at this stage) to make soup that's a crucial part of Amanda's diet.

Well, that's one version of my morning.

The other one is that while lying in bed at 4 a.m., I remembered some really tender moments with people I love.

That it was kind of nice not to wear two pairs of socks indoors.

That a shaman of a violinist named Adriel Williams – whose business card features none other than a bold crocus by Gabe Kirchheimer – moved me to tears on the subway platform.

That flowers again made an appearance when a friend gave me a precious and completely unexpected birthday gift – a notepad from Punch Studio.

That another friend's gratitude list inspired me to write and share my own.

That, in addition to questioning my change of address 11 years ago, I also asked my Higher Self what I could do today to support my body's natural healing ability.

That, at the publishing party, I got to read my daughter's story about the rewards of intense effort, a most welcome lesson on this "hot and cold" day.

That making soup was the perfect way to marinate ideas for this entry and that it motivated me to make some blood-strengthening beet juice for myself.

That I remembered I'm not alone in my sensitivity to winter and that, although my hands still hurt when water hits them, they are doing better with the "muddy brick" tea.

And that my paperwhite bulbs – a gift from yet another generous friend – must have liked the extra heat and took it upon themselves to bloom today, of all days.

Seeds of Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:46:00 +0000

"Mama, what's the point of Pinterest?" Amanda asked me last week.

"Well it's fun, and that's a pretty good reason right there."

"Okay. What else?" asked my seven-year-old, who has her own board full of rainbows, chihuahuas, and bunk beds on my page.

"I'm getting to know some of my friends better and making some new ones," I said, recalling that three of them over a period of three months had urged me to try the site that "allows you to organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web."

"Oh, I know!" she said. "You also get to figure out what you like."

The wise child took the words right out of my mouth.

Like "offline" vision maps, or treasure maps, as they're sometimes called, the pin boards offer clues to heart's desires, and they're also pretty good trip planners and botany instructors (I'm ready for my quiz on ranunculus and frangipani, Professor Nomenclature).

Words of wisdom and humor abound as well, and if you're crafty, you'll find a cornucopia of good ideas. And did I mention the colors? Mamma mia!

Can Pinterest be addictive and actually thwart creativity?

by Tena Holmgren

Like anything not used in moderation, it could be problematic. But overall, I'm seeing positive effects on creativity. For example, this picture Amanda pinned inspired a fun and simple art project now hanging in her room. And the photo above, which I took in Shakespeare's Garden last spring, has been making the rounds on the boards of fellow gardening fans, which moves me to create and share more images like it.

What moves me just as much, maybe even more, are the "pintimate" and often poetic revelations on the boards. To share photos you admire or create is to share your soul. And to encourage others to do the same.

Roots of Compassion and Resilience

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:05:00 +0000

The cool lady in the shades is one Maria Ana "Nini" Luna, otherwise known as my mother. She's not only responsible for my being here, she also has a lot to do with the optimism and resilience I've cultivated in my 41 years on this planet.

After a rough day at school, she'd gently remind me that tomorrow would be a new day, which might be completely different than the one before. I wasn't always receptive to that notion, but, boy, have I called on that wisdom many times as an adult to put a "bad" day or moment in perspective.

Whenever I assumed something about a friend, she encouraged me to look at things from the friend's perspective and see if there was more to the situation than I was noticing. I frequently call on those lessons in compassion and tolerance when having heart-to-heart talks with my own daughter.

My mom has helped me cultivate (and resuscitate!) a few plants along the way, too, and modeled healthful habits (kale-beet juice, anyone?), so while I've certainly enjoyed the birthday spotlight today, I'm happy, if not compelled, to share it with her.

Very Pinteresting

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:11:00 +0000

Source: flickr.com via Alice on Pinterest

Color Therapy

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:16:00 +0000

The Lake at Central Park

This is what I call green and serene. I've "pinned" it along with other favorites on my virtual vision map at Pinterest. Come play with me! And all the other avid collectors and creators of beauty.

10 Blogs, Books and Songs That Inspired Me in 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:09:00 +0000

1. The fantastic, funny and phenomenally talented Aimee Myers Dolich of Artsyville taught me the magic of Three Little Words, and her exuberant art makes me do a happy dance.

2. Arizona-based Connie Hozvicka is liberating students right and left with her retreats (hello, Sedona!) and online painting classes. Prepare for BIG change when you work with this passionate and compassionate artist, teacher and yogini.

3. Ironically, Heather Plett's blog is one of her creations I experienced the least. I was too busy appreciating her magnificent mandalas, nourishing newsletters, stunning nature photos, inspiring e-books and intriguing e-courses for "edge walkers" like herself.

4. If you've never experienced the spiritual and creative nourishment of a women's group, Sacred Circles: A Guide To Creating Your Own Women's Spirituality Group will make you want to join or start one – even if you're a man! :) Another helpful resource to round out your life is MillionthCircle.org.

5. Seriously...I'm Kidding had my sister and me laughing out loud over the holidays. Ellen is the "light" in enlightenment with her modeling tips, "coloring book" of household appliances, and the secret to life. Spoiler alert: it's kale.

6. Reading Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul is a form of play in and of itself. I especially like Stuart Brown's description of our different play personalities like the joker, the kinesthete, the explorer, the competitor, the director, the collector, the artist/creator, and the storyteller. Which one(s) are you?

7. I enjoy just about anything from Sanskrit-chanting Snatam Kaur, but Anand (Bliss) is a favorite. A close second is Mul Mantra, followed closely by the very danceable Hari Har.

8. I dare you not to make or feel something wonderful while listening to Chan Chan, a sensuous cut from the Buena Vista Social Club.

9. The combination of hammered dulcimer and Sarah McLachlan-ish vocals on Ananda is a haunting and memorable one. I paint and write to it often.

10. Just when I think I can't love Native American flautist R. Carlos Nakai any more than I already do, I discover Beyond the Edge (World), his transcendent collaboration with William Eaton. May this song and the above recommendations take you beyond the edge of creative bliss in 2012!

A Rosy Outlook: Let in More Light

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:53:00 +0000

Whether you add a lamp to a dark room, gaze at a candle or surround yourself with sunny people, 'tis the season to invite the Light. Especially if you live in the Northern Hemisphere!

Wise Words

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:09:00 +0000

"Start where you are.

Use what you have.

Do what you can."

–Arthur Ashe

Verses

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:59:00 +0000

A quiet mind

An awakened soul

A beautiful life

A Rosy Outlook: Appreciate Roses in Their Many Poses

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:11:00 +0000

About a month ago, I heeded the gentlest of nudges to e-mail my gratitude list to two long-distance friends.

Having no expectations, I was thrilled when they reciprocated and then ecstatic when one of them initiated the practice with two relatives.

Besides being a fun way to catch up with each other – sometimes in exquisite, multisensory detail – the lists have added a touch of grace to difficult days, magnified and multiplied joyful moments, and invigorated our friendship. This is good stuff! And it only takes a few mindful minutes each day.

While I'm waxing grateful here, I want to thank you for your comments and e-mails. You've contributed to my growth as an artist and coach more than you know, and I hope you and your creativity are thriving too!

Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:18:00 +0000

What lessons is nature teaching me right now?
What do I need to let go of?
What helps me do that with grace and integrity?

Sounds Good

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:17:00 +0000

I L-O-V-E this precious video from Cariad Harmon. It's perfect for painting or as a soundtrack to your next photocrawl. To purchase the song and hear more of her debut release, visit CD Baby.

Wise Words

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:33:00 +0000

“Nature has been for me, for as long as I can remember,

a source of solace, inspiration, adventure, and delight,

a home, a teacher, a companion.” –Lorraine Anderson

Gentle Commands

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 10:55:00 +0000

Treks in the City: The New York Museum of Conan Art

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:25:00 +0000

by Leo Artajo

If Conan ever needs to find work again, he can add "muse" or "art model" to his resume. This is just a sampling of what fans created in his honor last year, and today's the last day you can see them at the Time Warner Center. Sorry about the short notice! If that's not an option, you can view more of my favorites on Facebook and hundreds more at TeamCoco.com.

"An Epic Painting of Epic Proportions"
by Jaimie Trampus

"Thoughtful Conan" by Brandon Steele

"Conan in Lines" by Bridget Haley

"Coco Tribal Mask" by Stephen Kinsey

Color Therapy

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:29:00 +0000

Wise Words

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:04:00 +0000

"Take your busy heart to the art museum

and the chamber of commerce

but take it also to the forest."
–Mary Oliver

Painting reminds me...

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:17:00 +0000

...mistakes are adventures.

Wise Words

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:23:00 +0000

"For me, beauty and healing are the same."

–Aviva Gold, Source Art in the World

Painting reminds me...

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:55:00 +0000

...less is more.

Wise Words

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:57:00 +0000

"Have the courage to follow your heart

and your intuition. They somehow already

know what you want to become."

–Steve Jobs

Gentle Commands

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 10:16:00 +0000

The sequel to "Love What Is."

Verses

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:19:00 +0000

The other day

I spent an hour

in the heather garden

reading Mary Oliver poems

and the world is better for it.

Color Therapy

noreply@blogger.com (Alice Braga) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:21:00 +0000

I love me some deep purple.