Category Archives: Joy

Thoughtful Thursday Finding your Purpose

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Photo by Dom Gould on Pexels.com

It seems that as human beings we are on a perpetual path of finding our purpose. Why am I here is a very big and important question we ask ourselves. Yet some of us feel the search is pointless because we feel we’ll never find the answer. I’ve been traveling on this path for quite some time now and this is what I’m realizing.

Each of us is absolutely unique, much more than we ever could imagine. And we bring our own uniqueness into the world to share with others. Even though the gift we bring may seem small to us, it can be monumental and life changing to some one else.

I’m also finding that our purpose can change as we grow and evolve spiritually. Nothing is set in stone. You may start with a strong passion for something and travel one path, only to find that your passion fizzles and you embark on a new path with just as much passion as the first. It doesn’t mean you got it wrong, but only that you’ve fulfilled your purpose and are now ready to move on.

You’ll know if you’re on the wrong path when everything in your mind and body just feels off, like something isn’t right. I’ve learned that you need to follow your heart and do what makes you happy. Share your special gifts with the world in a positive way and your heart, mind and soul will feel fulfilled!

Have a lovely day, thanks for stopping by!!

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Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

A New Day Abstract Painting

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No matter how tough a day may be, tomorrow there’s always a new day filled with love and positive energy. But it’s up to you.

This is my newest abstract painting, A New Day. It’s painted on a 8×8 inch canvas panel in stunning hues of pink, orange, yellow and white. It’s accented with gold and a bit of glitter for a new day filled with magic. There’s lots of texture for interest.

If interested, A New Day is available in my Etsy shop.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

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Thoughtful Thursday The Road to Happiness

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Photo by Min An on Pexels.com

It seems that most of us are in a perpetual state of searching for happiness. If I only had that car, owned that house, had more money I’d be happy. But is this truly what happiness is?

For some, the material world and all it’s contents define their happiness. But happiness looks completely different from one person to the next. For me happiness is the scent of warm bread baking in the oven. It’s hearing the wind gently rustling the leaves on the trees. It’s seeing the sunlight sparkle and dance on the waves in the lake. It’s completely losing myself in my art, painting and letting the outside world with all of it problems simply fade away, at least for a little while.

Don’t get me wrong, you can buy “things” that make you happy, but the happiness is short lived. Although these “things” are nice to have, they don’t make you feel alive. They don’t bring that sense of joy and wonder into your heart and soul, filling every cell in your body with true happiness.

So what is happiness for you? What does it smell, taste or feel like? What makes you smile from ear to ear all day long? Have you found happiness or are you still looking for it? Would love to hear your thoughts….

Have a beautiful day, thanks for stopping by!!

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Watercolor Journal Angel Cynthia

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My creative muse is finally showing herself once again. This is my latest angel in my Strathmore 5.5″ x 8.5″ watercolor journal. Her name is Cynthia.

Hope you’re having a super weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

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Thoughtful Thursday Hygge

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Photo by Ioana Motoc on Pexels.com

I’m sure you’ve seen the word hygge in more and more publications. Hygge is a Danish word, pronounced “HEW-guh.” It refers to coziness and peaceful and comfortable surroundings that invoke a sense of inner wellbeing and contentment.

Most of us may start the holiday season on a slow, joyful note and end up completely frazzled, letting out a sigh of relief that we survived. But it would be so much better if we would allow ourselves the time to just be in the moment. Don’t bite off more than you can chew this holiday season by obligating yourself for too many things. It’s ok to say no and take a little time for yourself.

Why not grab a blanket and cozy up on the sofa reading a nice book while sipping a cup of tea. Or relax in front of a nice, warm fire. Imagine how great it will feel to simply slow down and take in these wondrous moments. It will make your holiday season much more Merry!

A few years ago I came across a publication by Stampington, called the Cozy Issue. It’s an annual publication filled with stunning images and beautifully written words that magically drift off the pages. There are no advertisements in it all. It’s one of my favorite reads to get into that state of hygge. You can find the Cozy Issue on the Stampington.com website, I highly recommend it.

Thanks for stopping by!!

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“Hygge is like a compass, steering us towards small moments that money cannot buy you, finding the magic in the ordinary.” ~Unknown

The Cozy Issue Volume 4 – New!
Stampington Cozy Issue 4

Thoughtful Thursday Happy Thanksgiving

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Photo by Sasha Prasastika on Pexels.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

It’s hard to believe that it’s that time of year again. The weather has gotten a little cooler, thank goodness and the leaves are changing. But this is a time of warm gatherings and welcoming family and friends into our homes with lots of love. It’s a time to reflect back on the year and give thanks for all that we have.

More importantly it’s a time for you. This is the time to slow down and take in the beauty around you. Catch your breath and nestle in for the winter with warm soups and hot cocoa. Take time for yourself this season to recharge your energy. Find happiness in the simple, small everyday moments. Allow your soul to linger in the joy and peace of the season.

I want to extend a sincere heartfelt “Thank You” to all of you for your love and support. It’s greatly appreciated!

Wishing you a Very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!

Thanks for stopping by!

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“As we express our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~John F Kennedy

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com

Watercolor Journal Golden Hair Angel

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When I finished painting this angel the first thing that came to my mind was the song by America, Sister Golden Hair. With that being said, I named her Golden Hair Angel. It seemed to be a fitting name, lol. She is my latest angel in my Strathmore 5.5″ x 8.5″ watercolor journal. I didn’t think I would like her yellow hair that much, but it grew on me. What do you think?

Have a great week!

Thanks for stopping by!!

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Watercolor Journal Angel Ariana

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While I loved doing the Color Lovers Challenge, I really missed painting my angels. Before we get too far away from summer and hues of blue, I thought I would post Ariana which I made in my Strathmore 5.5″ x 8.5″ watercolor journal. I love all the blues and violets in this one. What do you think?

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Have a wonderful week!

Thanks for stopping by!!

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Watercolor Journal Angel Ana

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Having lots of fun painting angels in my Strathmore 5.5″ x 8.5″ watercolor journal. I named her Ana and thought I’d try keeping her more simple. Love how the colors blended on her wings.

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Have a wonderful week!

Thanks for stopping by!

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Thoughtful Thursday – The Magic of Autumn

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Photo taken by Maria Vidaurre

Summer is officially coming to an end on September 22nd as we welcome the Autumn Equinox. Here in South Florida, we don’t really experience a change in scenery. The weather cools a bit but there is no major change in season visually.

This was a photo I had taken while hiking 10 miles on the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia with my husband. The air was cool and crisp on the morning we embarked on our hike and the scent of wet leaves permeated the air. Mother nature had graciously painted a stunning canvas of yellow, red, orange and brown for us to enjoy. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking on the trail.

It was a magical hike where I found myself again and remembered what I was made of. There were parts of the trail where I had to dig deep to find courage and endurance to push on. One section had a small brook covered with leaves which were very slippery. Even though I was super careful, I ended up taking a fall but luckily it was nothing major and just ended up with a bruised knee.

The most treacherous part of the trail was a section that was covered with large boulders from an avalanche that wobbled and moved as we crossed them. This part slowed us down considerably and the sun was setting soon.

To say the least, I wasn’t too keen on the idea of getting stuck on the mountain, at night, out in the cold. I much preferred my warm bed that was calling my name back at the lodge. So with all the grit and determination I could muster, I forged on to reach the end of our hike.

As the sun started to set in the horizon, the temperature began to drop pretty fast and darkness was setting in. Just when I thought we wouldn’t make, we came to the end of the trail. I was so happy and soooo relieved. We did it 😅

Looking back on our hike I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. It was quite the adventure and I loved every minute I spent with my husband. Time on the trail renewed my energy and sense of wonder. It was a great recharge for my mind, body and soul.

We’re going on another hiking trip on the Appalachian Trail this fall but it will be at a different section of the trail and a shorter hike. Really looking forward to seeing all the beautiful colors again!

What do you like most about autumn?

Thanks for stopping by!!

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“Notice how autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature.” ~Freidrich Nietzsche

Photos taken by Maria Vidaurre