Humans vs. Technology....Technology Wins

I've noticed lately that Paul increasingly sounds like a facebook post......uh oh..... I think I'm starting to speak more and more like a blog post....um......I better go...I gotta call a communication therapist...........oh dear....the therapist just TEXTED an available appointment time.....I think we're doomed!

Christmas Present

Santa was very generous to me this year. I got just about everything a gal could want for watercolor painting. Because I like to please all my adoring fans (wink, wink) I'm sharing with you all the first painting I have done with my presents. It's a small little thing, and let me tell you that the photo is better than the painting itself, but I've checked out all the how-to books from the library and so expect perfection in no time. =) Enjoy!

Shining Star

One of my favorite movies is "Stardust". The heroine is a star come to earth. She saves the day when she hugs her hero and does what a star does: "Shine". I've been thinking quite a lot lately of how much joy I feel when I see others shine, as well as the thrill I get when I shine myself. My son Jensen was star for the week. He was so happy. I think we should be stars for a lifetime!
Have you noticed how often the world can dampen our light, or make us feel uncomfortable doing our best and enjoying the best of others. It's not pride; it's uplifting! One great thing about this is that we can shine even when we aren't very good at something, but we still revel in it. Sharing in our joys is one of the best ways to make friends as well ~ honestly loving what makes another person shine. I've made many dear friends by sharing the same passion for an activity or delighting in the same thing.

As an example: When flying home from Florida, I met an incredible man named John. I told him I loved gardening. He smiled and said he did too...then shared that he enjoyed it so much he became a horticulturist. Instant connection! He is the head Gardener for Martha Stewart of all things! We continued talking and I revealed that another passion of mine is gourmet cooking. And what do you know...he used to be a chef! He owned his own business and was a chef at the Ritz in Paris! Amazing! It was one of the most delightful flights I have ever had. I may never see John again, but our shared loves has made him a true friend that I will never forget.

Even when we don't enjoy the same things, I find such joy in watching a person truly shine in what they love. I may not relate to the activity, but I can totally relate to the experience of feeling real happiness doing something I love.
Stars aren't just in the sky or in Hollywood. They are in all of us. And one of the best ways to live a life is to put effort into all we do and shine at it; and then support others as they do the same. Here's to a bright 2011!

It's fun to Deviate

My niece, Aurelia, told me about this cool web site years ago, but I have just now started to really check it out. There are some talented people in this world, that's for sure. This web site allows artists to showcase and even sell their artwork. Some people are well-known and others are beginners. Anyone can post their work here, even Aurelia has joined. So if you want a fun trip into an artist world, go to: www.deviantart.com and have fun exploring. (A few artists you may want to check out: Elena Dudina @ elenadudina.deviantart.com and Anne Stokes @ ironshod.deviantart.com )