Number Three Nine Nine
Posts made by an Arty Queen
Quite the document.
Yes, this is post 399 for me ! Wowza ! Still deciding what to do for a celebration of 400 posts on the Queen of Arts blog. I am sure I can rustle up something for a nice giveaway…
We shall see…
Here is my latest art journal page…
“On the Edge” – art journal page, August 5, 2010
Are you like me ? Do you get blue when something comes to an end and you are not quite into a new cycle yet ?
I think I had the Post Vacation/Missing My Peeps/What is My Purpose on the Earth Blues this week.
Kind of normal, from what my friends tell me…
But as a person who has suffered from depression, the blues can be a scary place.
You always fear going down too far…
But I do have to give myself a lot of credit for one BIG thing.
I have learned,
really learned
that being in the present moment,
refocusing on the NOW,
really does make things feel so much better.
What does being in the NOW mean for me ?
It means shutting out the icky messages in my brain that keep saying everything is wrong, that something is missing, that I am not good enough…
and focusing on a task that keeps you present.
For me, this is art making or photography, or dog walking or talking on the phone to a friend, or even housework…
I have been getting better and better at turning to the present moment when the crazy brain gets me.
It really does work to get you through !
Like a runner who needs to build up stamina in her muscles to run the long race,
I am building up brain/heart/soul muscles
to keep me from going too far down the road to Bluesville.
I also get to see/feel/create some amazing things along the way.
Here’s to healthy muscle building, Beautiful Ones !
Happy Friday !
(for More Haiku My Heart Loving, go here – and/or why not join us ?)
Oh yes. I am always sad to see something end. Like you, I've learned (continue to learn) to appreciate the present moment as it's really all we can count on.
ReplyDeleteHappy 399!
Uhoh...I think I was meant to read your post today seeing as I followed that dark path and now find myself sitting at the bottom of a dark well. Hmmm...now to get out again. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE IT !.....i'm right there with you building up brain and heart and soul muscles !!!
ReplyDeletebig extra squishy hugs to you today !
wonderful when you can work through your thoughts like this with lovely journal pages.
ReplyDeleteI;m all for the muscle building from the inside out! Happy 399 - great haiku to commemorate the occasion and wonderful artwork!
ReplyDeletewonderful words. I understand completely about the fear of going too far. I have the same fear. I will try to keep your words close to my heart :)
ReplyDeleteYes, the present moment. For me, housework does wonders for the blues. The next right thing, the next right thing. When you finish your rice, wash your bowl.
ReplyDeleteYes! The present is all we have. Congrats for all the good learning you've done and continue to do, it's something we all need to remember. Happy Weekend, my friend.
ReplyDeleteHappy Happy 399! Here's too 399 more! Love your work. ♥tlb
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 399! Love that Haiku! I was just talking to Rebecca a few minutes ago :). Small world....
ReplyDeleteWhat a clever haiku! Love your painting too...
ReplyDeleteI think everyone does, Kim. I like what Kelly said about the next right thing.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of space before me, and not knowing what I will fill it with, but anticipating something good. Space in the sense of a place to bring something new (a new venture, project, life plan, etc.) into my life. Space is good!
As always, your art is gorgeous!
xoO
Hi Kim!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful journal page!
Your comment about your blues reminds me of what I have recognized for myself as being the inner phase of the inner/outer being cycle. We have times of outer being (seeing family & friends, traveling, etc.) and we have times of inner being (retrospection, creation, meditation, etc.). I've found I have difficulty when I don't honor the transition between the two. Being present definitely helps get you through those blue phases by honoring what comes naturally. Hang in there... you have lots of love & support!
kim. your blue page is wonderful. I love all kinds of blue but not "blues!" stay out of that downward spiral. you are too talented for that ! think of all the good stuff that is blue and what would you do without that color! congrats on 399!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous post! I feel EXACTLY the same.
ReplyDeleteBTW...I can't imagine why I wasn't following your blog...thought I was. Just thought you weren't posting...DUH!
All fixed now tho.
Expect me to be commenting on your life more...we have a lot in common, it seems.
xox
Clever haiku and Beautiful artwork. First I have seen of it. What a lovely surprise. Thank you! So nice to be participating in Haiku my heart Fridays to see all of these.
ReplyDeleteNoelle Renee
love your page.
ReplyDeletelove your reminders.
you are so right.
doing dishes and taking care of my bunny has saved me hundreds of times.
i wish i could find art like you have.
i love your creativity.
i love your swirls.
Blue Lady,
ReplyDeleteother adventures
await you.
Haiku My Heart…with Laundry
WOW, you know how to train brain muscles.. good for you! LOVE your art journal page - creating from the heart is the best thing there is and you did just that! Have a great, sunny weekend!
ReplyDelete"building up brain/heart/soul muscles' -- YES, isn't this what journaling does? Your words are so heart felt and I resonate deeply with using this work to keep the depression demons in their place, also that the shadow side of us gives our light it's shine!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping in at my blog and you have a new fan in me!
-Arty Em
The book that saved me and taught me to see the positive side of most things is Creative Visualization by Shakti Guwain. I highly recommend it.
ReplyDeleteLove your art!!!
I never question how good you are, you just ARE!!!
Hugs,
Lynn
"soul muscles" you inspire me. : )
ReplyDeletexo
i will always be here with a golden tether to pull you back
ReplyDeleteHello, Beautiful Girl,
ReplyDeleteI haven;t had much time for blogging lately, getting ready for the first day of school and all, but I have to admit that I'm in a similar place. Giving up the endless hours I can spend with loved ones and my art in the summer is difficult even though I;m returning to a job that is very fulfilling and fun. I'm not compliaing; i KNOW I'm blessed. But I admit it: I have the blues. I want you to know that you are my inspiration and wellness guru. I think there's definitely something to the whole "brain/heart/soul/muscle: workout theory, Kim.
Big hug to you today, lovey.
Well I know where you're coming from. I am still cared of falling down so far again that I can't get up. Last time it happened was two years ago and since then I rediscovered art which keeps me sane. In fact, after my own blip at the beginning of the week I am coming back by immersing myself in my art - non stop creation. If I'm not making, I'm thinking! Keep hold of the good stuff Kim and use it as your rock. Your journal page is so expressive and at least you recognise when you are teetering so can take action. Warm wishes. x
ReplyDeleteyou, your haikus and your blog always make me feel extra happy!
ReplyDeletei love your haiku...
ReplyDeleteyour celebration of heart and spirit.
your circles...your spiraling blue.
Oh Kim--so glad I came here today. Just dropped my little Leah off at the airport and am in the change/transition space with a side of blues thrown in. Your love and art are helping me to ride this rocky terrain and flex the necessary muscles at the same time. "Missing my peeps"--ya, me too!
ReplyDeleteA strong big hug for you!!
I like the analogy of a runner in a race, building all kinds of muscle is what we do. Dipping your toe in the pond of the blues is OK, experiencing all emotions is called life. Art comes as often from crying as it does from laughing. Live it, feel it. Now is really all we have.
ReplyDeleteHello there!! I have been in this very place for a long time now. I have missed reading your updates, I just couldn't bring myself to this place...longish story, but reading this, you get it. I need to come back to this post over and over. I love your journal page and thank you so much for sharing where you are :)
ReplyDeletelove the analogy "building up brain /heart/soul muscles" Yes.
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