The Area Art Club show was today - a perfect day to attend the 34th annual show. The steaming parking lot was full of cars so the cooler indoor temperature was a welcome relief. Carloads of people kept arriving in spite of record heat temperatures. Cheerful ladies greeted everyone at the door. The display room was lighted perfectly so one's eyes were drawn to the splashes of color in framed artwork on table displays, easels and especially those hung on rows and rows of display panels. Slowly reviewing each piece, one could feel the anticipation and expectation of discovering something new and really special. Art Shows are fun.
My town is filled with artistic talent. Last week's newspaper featured young artists who attend local schools and recently won art awards. They were impressive. The town is also known for its retiree population and it, too, includes an abundance of artistically talented folks. Today's show included a wide variety of art styles and medium - if that is the correct art terminology - acrylic, water color, oil, pencil, photography and mixed media. Some works were as large as murals; some as tiny as a postage stamp. Art shows can surprise you.
Ribbon and certificate awards had been attached by judges. The Best of Show, depicting a flamenco dancer was located prominently. Attendees were invited to 'judge' the nearly two hundred pieces of artwork with one vote for their choice. This 'People's Choice Award' would go to the artist whose work received the most votes at the end of the day. That kinda makes the attendee take some responsibility - and feel important. Art shows can make you feel intelligent and valuable.
I often encourage people to sing out loud or to get up and dance. Today I recommend you not only sing and dance but take yourself to visit an art gallery, too. Whether you prefer oil, pencil or sidewalk chalk, whether you visit the Louvre, Crystal Bridge or a local show, your thinking and your life may take on more color and joy as a result. If you decide to just sit on your veranda, or just go fishing, that's OK, too. It is up to you to choose whether to view the amazing artistry of man in a gallery or the spectacular reality of God's creations in nature. Either way, it is like a visit to the art gallery - in technicolor, 3D or reality. Art can be beautiful.
Nancy yTe \
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
GOOD NEWS - YOU'VE GOT ENERGY
Good News! There is help to stop unnecessary energy drain. Although we are often our own worst enemy in stealing time and wasting precious energy, we can slow the loss by instituting a few tried and true tricks to stave off life's frustrations.
Here is good news. By incorporating this business discipline into personal living,you reap great benefits. Putting off or taking on too many tasks drains time and energy while RSVP ASAP works like a charm. Yes, take immediate action to phone calls, written requests and things that need your attention. Don't put them off. Don't make a note, simply Do It Now.
Quick responses actually save energy and relieve frustrations. Fold the laundry, feed the cat or load the dishwasher, etc. These rote activities with unthinking repetitions are perfect opportunities to think, plan an review the joys of today, tomorrow or a lifetime.
Consider color. Color is powerful. Color is a form of energy. When you observe it or think 'in color,' you absorb its comfort, happiness and serenity. Try it!
In order to ensure energy tomorrow, start today by making up your bed ASAP. Really. Retiring to a neatly made bed brings you better sleep and peace of mind. Each evening, take a few minutes to review your day. Make a note of five positive things you want to remember about the day. This exercise stimulates your memory while warding off Alzheimer's. Now, take a deep breath and sleep in peace.
You'll look better, feel better and be more energized with 7-8 hours of sleep.
Trouble falling asleep? Noise, lights, getting up and worry interfere with sleep. Flip the switch on noise. Need bathroom breaks? Strategically install dim night lights as necessary. Worried? Write it down before retiring. Tense? Try drifting off as you imagine packing your suitcase for a trip to Hawaii or a ski lodge or -- Outer Space.
Prepare to face each day energized and revitalized! I did. And it works!
Nancy yTe\
Here is good news. By incorporating this business discipline into personal living,you reap great benefits. Putting off or taking on too many tasks drains time and energy while RSVP ASAP works like a charm. Yes, take immediate action to phone calls, written requests and things that need your attention. Don't put them off. Don't make a note, simply Do It Now.
Quick responses actually save energy and relieve frustrations. Fold the laundry, feed the cat or load the dishwasher, etc. These rote activities with unthinking repetitions are perfect opportunities to think, plan an review the joys of today, tomorrow or a lifetime.
Consider color. Color is powerful. Color is a form of energy. When you observe it or think 'in color,' you absorb its comfort, happiness and serenity. Try it!
In order to ensure energy tomorrow, start today by making up your bed ASAP. Really. Retiring to a neatly made bed brings you better sleep and peace of mind. Each evening, take a few minutes to review your day. Make a note of five positive things you want to remember about the day. This exercise stimulates your memory while warding off Alzheimer's. Now, take a deep breath and sleep in peace.
You'll look better, feel better and be more energized with 7-8 hours of sleep.
Trouble falling asleep? Noise, lights, getting up and worry interfere with sleep. Flip the switch on noise. Need bathroom breaks? Strategically install dim night lights as necessary. Worried? Write it down before retiring. Tense? Try drifting off as you imagine packing your suitcase for a trip to Hawaii or a ski lodge or -- Outer Space.
Prepare to face each day energized and revitalized! I did. And it works!
Nancy yTe\
Monday, June 18, 2012
DO THE THING
Oh, to be able to get out of bed, step into the shower, don clothes and walk out the door! Where did all that 'normal' go?
The first priority, after hip surgery, is to get back to 'normal' - meaning to feel healthy, mobile, social and happy. To get 'normal,' doctors, nurses and therapists encourage and prod patients into relearning how to sit, stand, wash, eat, dress - all those things accomplished with ease last week.
"You can do it...," they insist.
"Just one more step up - or down...."
"Stand up straight..." becomes a mantra.
Recovery isn't easy but thanks to guidelines and encouragement from family and friends, it becomes reality. Ultimately, it is up to the patient to determine the outcome, to do the work and to succeed. In my case, I reached into my Bag of Tricks and pulled out an old Good Advice standard: Do the Thing and You Will Have the Power.
Do the Thing was one of my motivational seminars. Many years ago, I presented life-skill seminars to adults whose lives had been disrupted and who sought direction to create better, more comfortable lives. Do the Thing has lead to great successes in three easy steps: Think - weigh the positives and negatives in order to Plan your path with confidence, then Act on your decision - and you will Succeed.
With years of practice, Do the Thing has served me well in securing employment, academics, the arts, relationships and life. Just last week, still sluggish from surgery, I invited a group of women to join me for an afternoon - which meant I had to clean house, go shopping, prepare food and act as hostess. It was exhilarating and exhausting just to think about it, but I confidently put Do the Thing into action one more time....
We all enjoyed a beautiful afternoon filled with friendship, MahJongg, food and laughter!
The first priority, after hip surgery, is to get back to 'normal' - meaning to feel healthy, mobile, social and happy. To get 'normal,' doctors, nurses and therapists encourage and prod patients into relearning how to sit, stand, wash, eat, dress - all those things accomplished with ease last week.
"You can do it...," they insist.
"Just one more step up - or down...."
"Stand up straight..." becomes a mantra.
Recovery isn't easy but thanks to guidelines and encouragement from family and friends, it becomes reality. Ultimately, it is up to the patient to determine the outcome, to do the work and to succeed. In my case, I reached into my Bag of Tricks and pulled out an old Good Advice standard: Do the Thing and You Will Have the Power.
Do the Thing was one of my motivational seminars. Many years ago, I presented life-skill seminars to adults whose lives had been disrupted and who sought direction to create better, more comfortable lives. Do the Thing has lead to great successes in three easy steps: Think - weigh the positives and negatives in order to Plan your path with confidence, then Act on your decision - and you will Succeed.
With years of practice, Do the Thing has served me well in securing employment, academics, the arts, relationships and life. Just last week, still sluggish from surgery, I invited a group of women to join me for an afternoon - which meant I had to clean house, go shopping, prepare food and act as hostess. It was exhilarating and exhausting just to think about it, but I confidently put Do the Thing into action one more time....
We all enjoyed a beautiful afternoon filled with friendship, MahJongg, food and laughter!
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