artaboutthoughtsjournalfunshop
Monday, May 12, 2008 8:36 AM

In which I dream of a faucet

I haven't been posting much lately. It's not because I don't want to, or have no ideas, it's because I have so much inside that can't get out that I don't even know where to start. I never dreamed in January when I started doing Zen Habits that I would be rethinking everything I do, because the way I do things isn't working any more.

The other morning I had a semi-awake dream of a big faucet in my stomach. And I was turning the handle of the faucet and letting all the stress leak out. Call it detoxifying, destressing, whatever it is, the message was clear and simple. That stuff has to come out, and I can't keep it bottled up any more.

I have made a resolution to start morning pages again - I did it this morning, and boy, was it weird! Lots of random stuff, but as I can't unscrew the top of my head like The Man with Two Brains I have to settle for more conventional means. Normally that outlet would be painting, but that's been really slow to come lately. So... baby steps.

One of the other things that has been helping immensely has been doing yoga as much as possible - I would love for it to be every day, but when the kids climb on me and do combat yoga, I have to take my quiet time when I can get it. I average about 4 times a week, for an hour each time. I like to think I'm squeezing the stress out. This site is super-fantastically wonderful. I want to write them fan mail. While it's soothing to me and I feel I'm learning a lot, I am in no danger of getting this flexible.

Labels:



french toast girl #



Thursday, May 08, 2008 3:58 PM

a letter

(I didn't write this, but wanted to share.)

My Daughter,

My precious one, I see and know the courage lying within your heart. It delights Me to use you and your special gifts in unique ways I have planned just for you. Don't compare yourself to others. My plan for you gives you freedom and ways to tell others about Me. My greatness is not destroyed by any inadequacies of My children. I have given you abilities and talents, and I will use each one in My best possible way. And I will empower you with courage. Know Me, My daughter. Trust Me. I know you intimately by name.

You represent Me! And I am pleased with you, My daughter, My princess. I know you sometimes fail. But I also know the desire of your heart is to show others your love for Me. Do not doubt My desire to have you represent Me - or your ability.

I am working in your life so that you will grow ever more able to be my ambassador in this place to which I have sent you. I give all My children courageous hearts. But some refuse to accept My courage as the foundation for all they do. Let Me be the courage you need to stand for Me.

Lovingly,
Your Heavenly Father, the King

Labels: ,



french toast girl #



Monday, May 05, 2008 9:46 PM

opening

Work in progress.

Labels: ,



french toast girl #



Thursday, May 01, 2008 8:00 AM

Rings

Labels: , , ,



french toast girl #



Monday, April 28, 2008 8:25 AM

Every Day In May

Hey kids! It's time for another round of Every Day in May!

Unfortunately, I will have to be excusing myself from it for this year. I've been spending months, literally, getting my energy back, and most evenings instead of drawing or painting, I'm laying down. I'm building my reserves back up tiny bit by tiny bit, and while I am royally annoyed at how long it's taking me, I know that forcing myself to paint and upload and comment every day, especially during recital month, is going to set me back rather than build me up. And it's frustrating as all get out.

There's a part of me that says, "Come on! You can do it! This is time for your creativity to shine! Paint how you're feeling!" And the other part of me looks at that ridiculously cheerful person and wants to hit them. :) So here's what I will be doing, every day in May:


♥ I will be forgiving of myself.
♥ I will work at a pace I can handle, and will not beat myself up if I can't paint.
♥ I will spend time in nature, and do something healthy and nurturing for myself.
♥ I will live creatively every day.



Two years ago, I got this crazy idea that I would paint every day in May. And post the paintings here on my blog. And invite others to do the same. ♥

Here's how it works:
Commit to create something every day in the month of May
. You can promise to paint for 31 days, or do 31 separate paintings, or take 31 photos, make collages, or write a page of your novel every day.)

They can be tiny.

They can be crap. :)

They can be about anything you want.

. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graphics to link back and use for your own "Every Day" journey:


Feel free to join the Flickr group here: Every Day In May. Go! Share your stuff!

Labels:



french toast girl #



Friday, April 25, 2008 8:12 AM

Tree/bird/art

I received a letter from the lovely Yung Kincer, anatomy teacher at a performing arts school in Montgomery AL, asking permission to make one of my favorite paintings a mural at the school. Of course I said YES!



I think it's a gorgeous reproduction. I absolutely love the idea of more art (especially mine!) in schools, and at a school that already focuses on the arts.... let's just say I'm very happy. Note the framed box to the right, with a little bio. And while the original painting is very small (about 9" x 12"), this is the size I picture in my head. Thank you, Yung!

Labels: , ,



french toast girl #



Tuesday, April 22, 2008 10:01 AM

Earth Day wishes from the fairies



Iris and Lily, the woodland fairies (and their brother) wish you a glorious EARTH DAY!

(There's a story behind these photos, which will hopefully be shared before long. And yes, I made the wings.)

Labels: ,



french toast girl #



All artwork and content of this site copyright © Élena Nazzaro 1993-2007. Support your favorite artists and don't steal!

ART, iNSPiRATiON, AND WHY LiFE iS LiKE FRENCH TOAST.

 

lots of prints

easy reader,
that's my name:


My site was nominated for Best Blog Design!

a little bit o' toast:

In which I dream of a faucet

a letter

opening

Rings

Every Day In May

Tree/bird/art

Earth Day wishes from the fairies

A sneak peek

impossible

What the french, toast?!


good ones:

snowflake

jill althouse-wood

michelle

egotistical productions

allyson

kevin

dada

joe


super hero journal

keri smith

penelope

dooce

 

syndicate me:
subscribe
in a reader

 

 

my art on flickr:

www.flickr.com

 

the rest of the French Toast Phenomenon is here

 

link love:

linkback
linkback
linkback

member
:

Join | List | Previous |
Next | Random

the drawing club

Top Arts blogs

archives:
Six years of bloggy goodness.
November 2001 December 2001 January 2002 February 2002 March 2002 April 2002 May 2002 June 2002 July 2002 August 2002 September 2002 October 2002 November 2002 December 2002 January 2003 February 2003 March 2003 April 2003 May 2003 June 2003 July 2003 August 2003 September 2003 October 2003 November 2003 December 2003 January 2004 February 2004 March 2004 April 2004 May 2004 June 2004 July 2004 August 2004 September 2004 October 2004 November 2004 December 2004 January 2005 February 2005 March 2005 April 2005 May 2005 June 2005 July 2005 August 2005 September 2005 October 2005 November 2005 December 2005 January 2006 February 2006 March 2006 April 2006 May 2006 June 2006 July 2006 August 2006 September 2006 October 2006 November 2006 December 2006 January 2007 February 2007 March 2007 April 2007 May 2007 June 2007 July 2007 August 2007 September 2007 October 2007 November 2007 December 2007 January 2008 February 2008 March 2008 April 2008 May 2008

i believe in:

lightbox

Powered by Blogger