On Gratitude and other stuff...

I listed an ATC/ACEO the other day - I had such fun making the sparkly wings and little polka dot flowers! It's called Lucky Stardust.I read some things I found interesting today: “It is now known by neuropsychologists that art, prayer and healing all come from the same source in the body. These activities are associated with similar brain wave patterns.”

I found this very interesting because I have always noticed that when I am making a lot of art, some of my recurring health problems abate; specifically, and most obviously, my eczema. While I started being plagued with eczema for physical reasons – I was a bartender for 3 months in 1989-90 and washed my hands constantly as well as dipped them in bleach water to use the clean up cloths – I was never able to get rid of it entirely and now it pops up whenever I am stressed. Sometimes it emerges almost instantly during stressful situations – it’s very odd. Anyway, I put my theory to the test when I got married – I made a whole bunch of jewelry the week before so that I could get a manicure and pedicure and look good for the wedding – and it worked!

I think there is a lot we don’t know about the body and the mind-body connection. It seems clear to me that it’s not that some theories aren’t scientific; it’s that scientists haven’t yet discovered the science behind them. What do you think?

Another thing I read today: “Women, especially, often tend to succumb to the societal script that says that everyone else’s needs must come first…(when in fact,) a healthy family is a mutual collaboration with a commitment to the well-being of each individual, including mothers. In “Gift from the Sea,” Anne Morrow Lindbergh says, “Only when one is connected to one’s inner core, is one connected to others.”

I mention this because the article this came from was talking specifically about making art and finding the time to make art. I often feel guilty because the house falls into chaos when I am on a roll at the work table and I often just reluctantly jump up and make my daughter dinner and leave my husband to fend for himself. I find myself feeling defiant – you know that feeling when you think you’re kind of wrong but you really want everyone else to think you’re right? You know, “Don’t you dare question my priorities, I have a right to take time to do this!” But inside you’re really thinking, “Maybe I should rededicate to June Cleaver/Donna Reed type housekeeping and do this if there’s any time left over.” or “I’m just not trying hard enough.”

I guess I wish my Inner Core was a better housekeeper. Sigh…

On a brighter note, I listed some more doll parts the other day and they’re flying out the door! I always feel so accomplished when my eBay stuff sells. These little hands are incredible. The fingers are totally bendable! I’m so glad I kept a few out for myself to try, otherwise I’d be out of luck!

Ever since Rexy was sick I've been fighting the worst cold and/or allergies! I would think it's just a cold - considering the basic symptoms - but, every time I go out to the car it is covered in yellow pollen. I don't even know where it's coming from. Thankfully, though, her sickness has abated and we're left with just some light coughing at night. I want to thank everyone for their kind words and thoughts. They really meant a lot to me. Here's my girl:

Which brings me to something else I read today. Gratitude Journals. I love this idea. I thought I would use my blog as one. The idea is that each day you write down 5 things you are grateful for. I will try to have 5 things I'm grateful for on each post.

1. My sweet, funny daughter who runs to meet me when I pick her up at school

2. My sweet, funny husband who makes me feel cherished and loved

3. Kleenex (hey, I have a cold!)

4. Spring flowers - it's so amazing that things keep popping out of the ground when I'm sure they must have died

5. Art - it gives my life richness and helps remind me what is important and meaningful to me outside and inside of my roles in everyday life

Note: Everything I referenced here today came from articles in the inaugural e-zine from Go Make Art entitled "Transformation." It's $10, I wasn't sure if it was worth it until I realized how many notes I was taking! There's also a nice article in it by Claudine Helmuth about focal points in your art.

Another Rexy photo - I call this the "Art" pic! I was having fun playing with Photoshop Elements as you can see. I guess it doesn't look quite as manipulated as it is when you see it this small. She's wearing her Seattle Seahawks jersey (#8 Matt Hasselbeck - yes, I'm a closet football geek - not my husband!) and every time she sees the little Seahawk emblem she beams and says, "Touchdown!"

Happy Tuesday, everybody!