Artworks by Diane

Opps! I almost fell off the wagon.

2011-03-28T12:00:00.001-05:00

What I knew previously, turned out to be true. This weekend found my fridge bare of essential healthy eating. If it isn't handy, what do I do? I don't eat a single vegetable for 2 days, I drink a coke, I crave chocolate and I eat too much bread.
Ahhh, much better today. I made my favorite cracker/veggie dip: whipped low fat cream cheese with dill and garlic and salmon. I have some tasty snack crackers and a large container full of fresh sliced celery and carrots.
My biggest problem is finding a good sugar free drink. So far, I am drawing a blank and I am really getting sick of only drinking water.
Just got a used book from Amazon,"Eat to live" by Joel Fuhrman. My Tai Chi instructor and good friend, Glen Hepker insisted that I read it. I trust him completely, so I will read it and I am sure, gain great insight.

The food pyramid and how I am dealing with it.

2011-03-15T20:53:00.001-05:00

  Now that I figured out the 'snack' thing, it is on to real food.
This is the number of servings I need each day from the food pyramid.
3 fruits
3 vegetables
2 non fat dairy
3 whole grains

This is what I have changed:
   Only 100% whole wheat bread NOT ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR
   Switch to brown rice
   No cookies, cakes ,pastries
   No soda's or juices
For breakfast I have Cheerios with bananas or strawberry's on it.
   An orange instead of orange juice
   A wheat english muffin with either
   peanut butter or sugar- free jam
Eat celery or carrots with my lunch.
Add tomatoe and lettuce or green peppers on sandwiches
I eat an apple a day with peanut butter on it

I am not counting how much I eat, I am just forming good habits about what I eat.

I had the BEST dessert at noon. A piece of Angel Food cake with some fat free vanilla yogurt and stawberry''s on top of it.

Artworks by Diane: Preview "The food pyramid and how I am dealing with it."

2011-03-15T20:42:00.000-05:00

Artworks by Diane: Preview "The food pyramid and how I am dealing with it."

5 sugar-free snacks

2011-03-07T11:49:00.000-06:00

So, about my trip to Trader Joe's and Whole foods:

That wonderful granola I talked about earlier IS loaded with sugar....too late, it was fun while it lasted. I had a little left, so I mixed it with a large bag of peanuts, sunflower seeds and almonds; I didn't want to waste it! That by the way, is my number one snack.

I also found some popped popcorn with olive oil at Trader Joe's. It is good and that is my number 2 snack.

At whole foods I found a good variety of natural flavored sparkling water. The one I bought was flavored with natural ginger. Yum, it wasn't Coke but I didn't feel guilty drinking it.

Whole foods also has a nice selection of packaged sugarless cookies. I bought the almond one, also tasty.

The 'on-line' dietitian had told me about Glucerna snack shake. I was skeptical, expecting it to be chalky and tasteless. To my surprise, it is a rich chocolate milk!

So, I am thinking this sugar -free journey is not so bad.

I have a theory

2011-03-04T07:48:00.000-06:00

O.K. I am going to make this simple, because I am trying too hard and that leads to giving up.

But my problem isn't simple: I am very underweight and yet I have to watch what I eat.

After spending too many hours yesterday trying to determine how many calories a day I need and how many grams from each food group, I became angry. I woke up angry too. I usually spend my first hour in the morning reading something inspirational and trying to meditate, or at least clear my mind. But this morning I wanted to find that nurse who told me NOTHING and slap her in the face. Of course I would never do that but screaming at her might feel good. Of course I wouldn't do that either.

This is what I have learned: "Controlling carb intake is the 1st key to a healthy diabetic diet." Carbs are found in sugars, grains and starchy vegetables. So this is what I am going to do.

Make a list of what NOT to eat and then eats lots of everything else!

After reading all of this stuff about healthy eating, and all dietitians seems to agree that sugar is a bad thing, I have a theory:

" I believe that I will gain weight on this new plan and others will lose weight on this plan."If we all eat healthy we will all level off to what weight we need to be.

Gosh, I have so many 'causes' to think and learn about: religion, politics, world peace and now THIS?

I am going to make a chart

2011-03-02T11:40:00.000-06:00

I just had a major hunger attack; when I get hungry it is instant and not good. Normally I would have a bowl of cereal, but the ones in my cupboard have sugar (even rice krispies!) I did the oatmeal thing again, but this time with half of an English muffin with a fruit spread on it; that helped. I must have food ready for times like that; I put some celery slices and carrots in a plastic container for easy snacking.

I am loving the granola mix and peanuts that I mixed up. I threw away the granola box, so I don’t know if it has sugar, it probably does, how else could it be so good. It is Kashi brand and has ginger in it, which I know is good for me. I will check it out when I am at Whole foods on Friday.

I am going to make a chart to see how I do everyday. I think I will use a dry erase board, so I can start fresh each day. It will just be a reminder.

The columns will read:

Fruit 3

Vegetables 3

Dairy 2 (milk cheese, yogurt)

Whole grain3

Fat (salmon or tuna, nuts, olives, soy)

I need to find out how many calories I need every day and how many of those calories should be from each of the above groups. That sounds so boring, but I think once I have it on a chart in my kitchen, it won’t take long for me to learn how much to eat of each.

Now the next thing is to write down some meals to choose from and have the ingredients ready.

I have so few hours in a day that are just mine, and when I am free I want to be painting, not cooking.

I have to make this simple if I want to succeed.

Day 1 What I ate, and learned and a valuable link

2011-03-01T11:20:00.008-06:00

Yesterday went well. I had oatmeal for breakfast without sugar. That was not very flavorful. I tried cinnamon on it since I know that cinnamon is good for you, but it didn't really work. Hopefully when my sugar level is under control I can sneak a little sugar in with the cinnamon.

Mid morning, I got hungry and would normally go to my freezer and dig out a homemade cookie or pastry to enjoy with a cup of coffee. Since I removed those temptations from my fridge I put a little smoked salmon and dill seed in some whipped cream cheese. I grabbed some celery and mini carrots from the fridge and a few triscuit crackers and the combination was delicious! (I first reached for a few wheat thin crackers but after reading the label I discovered they have sugar)

I need to find good tasty recipes with simple ingredients, I think that is the key. I came across the DASH diet recipes and they looked very simple and good. The trick is to have the ingredients in the fridge.

On Friday, after a little more research I am going to Whole Foods to stock up on some of the right stuff.

Future posts will not list everything I eat each day, I will focus on what I am learning.

Why am I posting about this?

2011-03-01T11:03:00.000-06:00

These posts will be my way of keeping a record of my progress on the road to healthy eating as well as my way to stay accountable to myself.

My Tai Chi instructor and dear friend has written a book (not yet published). To quote a line from it; "We can choose to make difficult choices-choices which are healthful, yet initially at least, provoke discomfort and necessitate self-discipline.

So again in my life, something bad has been turned into something good. I am going to finally pay attention to what I put into my body!

My journey on to a healthy way of eating.

2011-02-28T20:05:00.002-06:00

I was recently informed that my blood sugar level is high. My Doctor advised me to cut all sugar drinks from my diet. When I saw her ten days later I had lost 4 pounds. ( I did not have 4 pounds to spare.) She sent my to the 'Dietitian nurse' who failed in every way to help me understand how I would be able to gain my weight back without eating sugar. My frustration with the 'unhelpful nurse', forced me to do some research on my own. In my search I discovered a wonderful Dietitian, Laurie Beebe. She has given me so much help and information that I am very inspired to begin my journey on healthy eating.

I have decided to post daily about my journey. I will research and post what I have learned and how I am applying it. Today was my second day of this new way of eating. If you want to learn how to eat healthy too, come along with me and we can learn together.

Log in each day to read my post and comment if you like.

This is going to be good.

How to sell your art on the streets of NY

2010-07-22T10:20:00.000-05:00

Coming from the Midwest, selling my art for a day or two, meant selling at an Outdoor Art Festival. This is a big deal. There is a jury process, you have to apply months in advance and the entry fee is usually $100. or upward. Once you have been accepted and made this investment and commitment, 'no show' is not an option. Rain, heat, wind are not factors. The upside is that these Festival's draw huge crowds and the public is ready to buy.

This is my second summer in NY and I assumed the same rules applied here, yet it did seem odd that the street vendors were everywhere, selling anything. After doing some investigating, I have learned the unique system that NYC has.

Any artist with the desire can set up a table and start to sell, for free. No obligation.

There are a few rules, but I feel safe by joining other artists at busy locations. They tell me what I need to know, like: don't tack any signs to a tree (stuff like that) Hmmmm

First and foremost, you must get a Temporary certificate of authority. (sell tax license) It is free but allow 4 to 6 weeks to get it. This certificate MUST be with you when you are selling.

The BEST part?

When it is 94 degrees with 100% humidity you can stay home! Now what city would ever have THAT kind of weather for 21 days in a row? I'm just sayin........

Let my designs entertain you.

2010-05-13T13:59:00.001-05:00

I have been working on some large abstracts. The designs are compositions of shapes in my head. I call them ‘Continuous designs’, one shape connecting to another visually, yet not a puzzle.

The small sketches are great, but once enlarged , the adventure begins: The placement of color and texture; and then I see that there obviously needs to be more. Perhaps once the colors are in place the rest will be obvious. Well, yes, but not until many color decisions are removed and added and removed yet again.

I finished this piece late last eve and on last glance, with a frustrated sigh, I knew I was not done. As I drifted off to sleep I asked for help as I often do from God or my Angel or my loving Guides who are now on the other side, maybe my Mom and Dad. (I ask in general from whoever has the time and desire.) Perhaps I just have one ‘Art Guide', If so, I think it is my Dad.

Upon arising and while the coffee drips I see what needs to be done. Maybe not all that needs to be done, but a start.

Once the piece is done, I find great enjoyment in it.

I often think my continuous designs should be on display in Doctor's exam rooms. While sitting on that exam table waiting for the doctor to present himself, trying to hold that little white sheet around your body, I think it would be entertaining to explore the movements of these shapes rather than think about how cold your feet are.

I will be showing more of these designs in posts to come : soon!

New York City and its people

2009-12-17T12:50:00.000-06:00

I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art last Sunday. I took advantage of the opportunity to do some Christmas shopping in their wonderful gift shop.

While waiting for the train back to Brooklyn, a dark green train pulled in (not the usual silver with large windows) There were 2 conductors on it , one came out on the platform to shout out the next stop. ( I had never seen THAT before) But more unusual were the people who jumped off the train laughing and smiling with camera's in their hands turning around to take pictures of the train. Then people like me who were waiting for the train, took out their camera's and took pictures .When the train pulled away everyone had smiles on their faces. They all knew something that I didn't.

When I settled in on the train I had been waiting for, I asked a young man next to me what that was all about. He told me that that train was over 50 years old . At Christmas time they get a few out and make short runs just for the fun of it.

That sounds like a small town event to me,certainly not my image of New York City.

That young man and I had a great conversation all the way home. Back in Iowa, I would have gotten into my car and driven home all alone.

One of the really good things about this city is the people!

So THIS is Joy!

2009-12-16T09:49:00.000-06:00

Last week I was trying to decipher the difference between 'happiness' and 'joy'.

This morning I was reading 'God calling' ( a daily reading), As I was closing the book I checked my calendar and discovered that I had read the wrong passage for this day. I reopened the book to today's date of Dec.16th and read the title: 'What is joy?' Coincidence? I don't think so.

Here is God's explanation of JOY, from the book,'God Calling'.

JOY is the reward of patiently seeing Me in the dull dark days, of trusting when you cannot see.
JOY is as it were your heart's reponse to My smile of recognition of your faithfulness.

Here are some more from other passages in the book:

"The foundation of Happiness is the complete surrender of every moment to God.
The superstructure of Happiness it the JOY of communion with Him."

"Nothing in the day is too small to be part of My scheme. The little stones in a mosaic play a big part. JOY is the cement that secures the Harmony and Beauty in my mosaic."

So there! I couldn't have said it better myself!

2009-12-12T13:04:00.000-06:00

This is the third from my Fruit of the spirit series.

Peace, now that is a good word. That is something we can do something about!

I know it isn't easy, but if you want peace in your life, get out of un-peaceful situations.

Do what you have to do. Set boundaries, avoid 'toxic' relationships, attend AlAnon meetings, move out, leave, walk away, pray, pray, pray!

Everyone's home should be their retreat, their haven, a place of peace. If it isn't, change something. Life is too short not to.

Opps!! I have to go now, I am falling....... falling...... falling...... off my soap box.

Let's talk about JOY

2009-12-10T19:03:00.000-06:00

Here is the second painting from my Fruit of the spirit series.

I love this word. It is different from 'Happy.' Happy is a temporary short lived feeling. JOY is deep, a sense of well being, a word of hope and faith. The angel said "I bring you tidings of great JOY! "

I am trying to think of Joyful times in my life. Certainly not when I was out with the girls laughing and having a good time. That would be a happy time. Joyful is more real, like the birth of a child.

This is harder than I thought. I must think on this a bit. If anyone is reading this, I would love to have a conversation about this word, Joy.

Anyway, I am really 'happy' that I painted this series, it makes my feel 'joyful'

Check back for the third in this series.

Fruits of the Spirit

2009-12-08T11:46:00.006-06:00

These past 5 months since moving to Brooklyn I have been creating some new works. I love working with oil pastel and acrylics, yet watercolor with pen and ink detail is what I have been doing. I don't really have an explanation other than after I finish a piece I move right on to the next. I find them very interesting, the detail adds a richness to each piece.

I have been working in series, the first series I will be posting is from the Bible. In Galatians, Paul lists the fruits of the spirit. There are 12 but I have completed 3. The first one is Love. The final result wasn't at all what I was aiming for and I was not pleased with it. But, as often happens, it has grown on me and now I can sincerely say that I am proud of it.

The three together (Love, Joy and Peace) make quite a statement on a wall, I know because the originals are framed hanging on mine. To see the other two, continue to check in.

That's it for today.

Time to RETHINK a few things

2009-09-29T08:47:00.006-05:00

I have been in Brooklyn for 3 months now. I intended to journal about a Midwesterner's view of the big city. Actually, I have been so preoccupied with this new life style that I feel sort of like a 'New Yorker" already, so I hope I can still write about the new experiences.

First of all, my apologizes go out to ANYONE who may have read my blog entitled, 'Take time for yourself ' dated April 26 '09. A great reminder to myself that you should never preach or tell others what they 'should' do. (Thank you God for the reminder to be humble.)

In that post I said that everyone can take the 1st hr of each day for themselves. Well how about that young mother who needs to get the kids ready for the sitter or for school and still have time for her teeth and hair and hopefully a piece of toast, at least before leaving for work herself ? Sure, she could get up early for that precious 'one hour alone time', but is that wise after only 6 hrs of sleep?

I WAS that mother, how could I have forgotten! Shame on me.

I have a new 'role' in life. I have become a housewife. I have always wanted to be a housewife, but I was that young mother I just talked about instead. Now for the first time in my life I am staying home with the kids. I prepare supper on Mon and Wed. evenings for a a very appreciated son and daughter-in-law. I do the laundry.( the washer and dryer are on my floor and it only makes sense since I am home all day. Besides, I like sorting colors and folding fresh warm clothes. It is civil, it is organized,) I do not have to go to work. I love it. I also love 6:00 P.M. when the kids go back to their home and I am once again a single retired lady. If the kids are crying upstairs, I get to ignore it. I can sleep in on Sat mornings and do anything I desire on Saturdays and Sundays.

About that April post: I said that I did most of my thinking when I walking my dog, Sammie. Well, that was true then, but now the scene has changed a little. Picture this: My sweet little 2 month old Leo is on a harness type thing attached to my tummy (someone out there knows what they are called, but I don't...they do work great no matter what they are called.) O.K. back to the description. Baby is on my tummy, Lucy is either in the stroller, or on her scooter next to me and Sammie (the dog) is on his leash. Sammie wants to smell everything and Lucy wants to keep moving. Streets are tricky. Yes, I am still thinking; but this time is about survival.

I am back to blogging and it feels good.

Keep it simple

2009-07-25T12:22:00.004-05:00

People in Brooklyn have Stoop sales. We call them garage or rummage sales, but the concept is the same; you remove things from your home that you no longer want or need, you put a price on it and then you wait for people to come and buy it from you. Although the concept IS the same, there is one big difference.
Compare these next two scenes.
Last month as I was preparing to move I had a large garage sale. I started preparing the week before, going through all of my drawers and closets, cleaning the garage, taking the items to the garage, finding 'make- shift' tables, putting up a tent in case of rain, pricing everything, going to the local newspaper and paying $70. for an ad, waiting until dark the night before to take everything out to the driveway to display it so that I would be ready at 6:30 A.M. for the early shoppers (who pretend they were not aware that the sale starts at 8:00.)
Last week my daughter-in-law said she wanted to have a stoop sale. We planned on having the sale last Sat. On Friday I was dreading all of the work we would have to do that night. She shrugged the idea of preparing off with a "We can do that tomorrow" I am thinking "WHAT?"
Sat morning at 10:00 we started to hang items on the iron fence around our stoop. She brought down her jewelry box and laid some pieces that she wanted to sell on a T.V. tray. My son found a clothes rack in the basement and we hung some clothes on it. Shoes were placed on the sidewalk. People walked by and bought stuff; all morning long. At 2:00 we decided we were done and put away the few unsold items and my daughter in law put her $75. in her pocket and enjoyed the rest of the day.
Hmmmm, I like the idea; "keep it simple"

Don't underestimate the power of the 'stroll'

2009-07-25T10:22:00.009-05:00

If anyone were to describe me, a statement like this would probably be part of the description:"She walks very fast with her back straight." Let me just stay "Things, they are a changin."

The first few days here, my friend (who drove the many miles from Iowa to NY with me) commented on how slow the people walk. I hadn't noticed, but since then I have become one of them. For me, if I walk fast I just might not get there(because I will die, or at least feel like I am dying) I have discovered the stroll as a means of survival.
In New York everyone walks, and not just a small distance. Three days a week I push a stroller with either my little 2 1/2 yr old Lucy in it with Sammie on a leash or visa versa. We walk 11 blocks to and from the day camp twice a day. On the other days we walk 10 blocks to the park.

When I get groceries I take a cart on wheels and walk 4 blocks to market and return with a cart FULL of "stuff". I am lucky, my flat is on the ground floor, most residents have a flight or 2 of stairs to climb with groceries in hand.

New Yorkers walk and walk and walk. IF you want to take the train (subway) you need to walk to the station. Then you need to walk down the stairs. When you get to your drop off site you need to walk up the stairs and in some cases, a lot of stairs. Then you have to walk to your destination.

Does this sound like a bad thing? It isn't. You just have to remember to Stroll.

2009-07-24T10:01:00.004-05:00

Did I say this was going to be easy?

My intention was to journal my journey from Iowa to New York city. Well, THAT didn't happen! I have been here for 3 1/2 weeks now and I DO have some stories.

As the photo shows, my friend (who volunteered to drive with me and then fly home) and I set out on June 26th and arrived in Brooklyn on the 28th.

Going across Manhattan to get into Brooklyn was not the best idea MAPQUEST ever had. That truck you see in the photo drove down the length of Manhattan starting at Times Square during the Gay Pride Parade. Two little ladies in that big truck stalled in the middle of the celebration; yeah well it sounds funny NOW. We did have quite a view.

Check in regularly if you want to see New York city through the eyes of a person who has lived in small towns in the Midwest her entire life .

That's all for now.

Leaving "stuff' behind.

2009-05-13T08:16:00.005-05:00

Today's art choice is an oil pastel I recently did for my Grandson. His room is all about Panda's and I love that kid so much that it was a joy to a paint, even though it isn't a subject matter normal for me. He loves it.

It feels good to be writing again. Last weekend I was in Minneapolis spending Mothers day hiking in the woods with my kids. There is nothing like being in nature to refresh the soul. The weekend before was 'girls weekend 'at my house. Three of my lifetime friends from South Dakota came for their last weekend with me in this town and house. If laughter is good medicine, we all got a good dose.

Emptying out a house,especially if you are an artist (pack rat) is really a big job. Here is an example: Last night after watching American Idol (don't you just love Danny? He is so nice and cute.) I went to my studio's storage closet to box up some supplies. I have made the decision to only bring my painting supplies to New York. I love anything creative and I have a tendency to stretch myself too thin. I want to spend a year concentrating only on painting. So here is an example of my problem: I love to make greeting cards and journals from my handmade papers and embossing and lino prints etc. I started to box it all up to save in storage until I return and move to Minneapolis. You cannot believe the agony I put myself through. I got everything organized and found myself mourning over the fact that I cannot take it with me. This morning I find myself more disciplined, "I will leave it behind."

I also face the dilemma on what to do with all of my 'non painting' art. I just posted some of it on etsy. If you are reading this and have the time I would appreciate it if you would check it out and pass the word.

I have so much more to say, but out of time today. http://artworksbydiane.etsy.com/

Find time to be alone with yourself

2009-04-26T13:37:00.009-05:00

I just read a great post by Janelle Goodwin, entitled: Solitude. She talks about needing time alone. I want to add some thoughts to that.

Yes, that is very important and sometimes we let the day take control and forget. We all know how important it is to alleviate stress from our lives, yet that is so hard because we have so much we need to accomplish in a day and so many people in our lives to make time for. I have come up with some techniques that work for me.

First of all, I don't wait for the opportunity to be alone, I make them.

I know that once I get into my 'day' I will be unstoppable, that is why I must give myself the first hour of the day. I wake up full of ideas so the best time for me to organize my thoughts and ideas is during my morning prep (hair, makeup,teeth) Then I go to my favorite spot with a fresh cup of coffee and begin with my readings, you know, the day by day inspirational ones. Very often I feel a need to journal about a book or movie or something I just read, just a few lines, it doesn't take long. Then I try to meditate, that is hard, but I do spend time talking to God and then I try to remain silent so I can hear him.

Some of you may be thinking:" That is easy for her, she's retired", but anyone can take an hour in the morning, you just have to get up in time to allow it

Another great time for me to be alone with my thoughts is when I walk my dog, especially if we are in a quiet place. While he is happily running or sniffing, I am using my senses to absorb my surroundings and to listen to myself.

These posts are another time for me to be alone. It gives me time to really think about things as I share them with anyone who wants to read them.

My advise to people who tend to wash dishes or wander around the house while they are on the phone is to stop and sit down and give the person on the line your full attention, enjoy the time, relax, laugh or cry with them .

My advise to people with cell phones, keep them in your purse. Prioritize those calls and only respond to the ones that cannot wait. And for the people who take walks with the radio glued to their ears, you have no idea what you are missing.

That is it for today.

Another discovery on this journey of change.

2009-04-19T08:12:00.005-05:00

My move to N.Y. is less than 10 weeks away. My 'calm, collected self ' is not feeling calm these days. 'Anxious' would probably be a better word to describe how I feel. Anxious as in; "I am so excited about going to N.Y." and "I am disturbed and worried that I cannot get everything done before I go."

My priority this week has been to correct any little flaw in my house so that it is ready to be properly presented to the potential buyers. (Note: I did not say 'next owner' because that thought still makes me sad.)

On to my discovery: I have a huge closet in my attic studio, and I decided that is a good place to start with the sorting process of what to save and what to throw. My discovery is that I can easily part with most of it. Here is one example:

I had 8 spiral notebooks of daily journals about my activities and thoughts during the first year after the divorce (19 years ago). I save this type of thing, imagining that someday when I am old I will read them for reflection and insight. It was very therapeutic then, but I don't have any desire to read it now. It is in the past. As I continued in the closet I realized I didn't need nor want to save most of what was in there.

This idea of getting rid of everything I don't need is contagious. The plan has always been to keep it simple and only take what I need to New York and store what I want to have when I move back and settle in Mpls. The list of what I want to save is getting very small.

The result of this is the feeling of freedom. I want to be rid of the burden of all of this 'stuff" I don't need. By clearing out this house, I am clearing out my life and keeping just the good. I am getting rid of the clutter in my life.

I recommend this idea to others. Think how easy it will be to find stuff !

Read the quote for today, it was perfect for this blog.

I hope to hear from some of you.
Diane

What makes a house a home?

2009-04-15T22:03:00.008-05:00

I just finished watching American Idol. With all of the tragic things happening in the world, this show gives me some much needed enjoyment and relief. It was great to see the contestants so happy that the judges 'saved' Matt, as if they were not even in competition with each other. They have grown so close to each other during this. Isn't it fantastic how much joy we are able to give and receive in this life? People need people. Tonight's show was just the icing on the cake after seeing the 'You Tube' video that has been on the news all day. (Britain's show: 'You've Got Talent', also with Simon Cowell) If anyone didn't see it, I will put the link on this post. Every time I watch it my smile gets bigger and bigger. Watching Simon smile, melts my heart. He smiles with his eyes.

American Idol isn't the only reason I am emotional today. I have been going back and forth about what to do about my house when I move to New York in July. I have decided to put it on the market and today they put the 'For Sale' sign up. Ohhhhh, I am selling a part of me. There isn't a wall I haven't painted, or a space I haven't transformed. I will miss

the small outside terrace that my neighbor and I paved with brick and my flowers and birds and the gentle sound of the fountain. My home is so charming and has given me more contentment than I ever could have imagined, not to mention the wonderful times spent here with family and friends.

BUT, I will create that where ever I go, I will take my home with me. It isn't the house in my life, it is the people in my life that matters. I get to spend a year with my New York family. I am so excited to think of the adventures ahead of me and the people yet to meet. I will grow there, not old, but I will grow as a person and then I will sadly have to leave them because I intend to end up in Minneapolis where my other 3 children live with their spouses and my 5 grandchildren.

What a problem, huh?

Some have said that they envy me for this freedom. I say: "You can do the same when your time comes. Never settle, never stop." I just finished reading Obama's book, "Dreams of my father" I actually didn't read it, I had the audio book and I listened as I drove to Minneapolis for Easter. Barrack read it so wonderfully, he could be an actor. His voice changed with each character, it was fantastic. He was telling about moving back to Hawaii to live with his Grandparents for awhile so he could continue going to American schools. He described his Grandparents routine. Pops (I think is what he called his grandpa) was bored with his job and he and his Grandma, 'Toots' didn't talk much to each other anymore. So Pops sat in front of the T.V. every night and Toots spend her time reading in a different room. The line I remember was this: "It seems they both just decided to 'settle' ''. That is sad.

These posts are going to be about my adventure. So here is the list:

1. Move to New York for a year.

2. Sell the house. (If I don't get my asking price I will rent it)

3. stay tuned.......

The best laid plans...blah blah blah

2009-04-10T08:55:00.000-05:00

What a day I had yesterday.

I was so excited to see an empty square on my calendar, an entire day to spend as I wished. My plan to get my shopping done in the morning was good, I would take the dogs for a nice long walk in the woods when I get home. (My companion Sammie, a little 6 lb. Maltese and my daughters huge black poodle )

I really got into my shopping and was relieved that I didn't have to teach the art class I have been teaching on Thur afternoons since the first session had just ended and we were on a break. I came home with way too many bags, not just grocery's, a frame for my last painting, a couple of tee shirts, some self tanning cream and new lipstick and lotion for my very dry face, and oh yes, the grocery's that the trip was all about. Really, I MUST stay away from Super Target!

I walk into the house,bags in both hands, with 2 hysterically happy dogs barking and jumping their greetings to me and the phone is ringing. It is the art center giving me the news that two students showed up for the second session.........WHAT?! No! I have groceries to put away, I am hungry , the dogs are lonely and need a walk. I tell the art director to give the students some paper and watercolor paint to keep them busy for 15 min. I frantically stuff all the grocery's into cupboards, the microwave and refrigerator to protect everything from Jasper, the HUGE black poodle. I grab some art supplies and Sammie (no way is my sweet little guy going to be cooped up in this house alone with this HUGE poodle any more.) and jump into my car. I close the car door and discover the index finger on my left hand is still outside the door. Weird, no pain.When I opened the car door and removed my hand I discovered that the finger was wedged into the rubber lining of the door. Lucky for me.

Sammie was a little anxious when I first got to the art center so I held him as I started to teach. Within a few minutes I looked at my finger and it was rapidly expanding in size. I had no feeling in the finger, that was a good thing, right? The gals at the center brought me a little baggie of ice, so I rested my left hand on that which freed up my right hand to hold Sammie. When I wanted to demonstrate a procedure to the students I would let Sammie walk around the table. It was really cute when he started to drink the water we were cleaning our brushes with and walk through some wet paint and then walked across an empty canvas with his little green paws.

Next weeks class may be more organized but I am sure the students won't think it is nearly as much fun.

Tomorrows blog will be about the next step on my list. The saga continues on the journey of my next adventure: moving to New York.
1. I have decided to move to N.Y. to Nanny for a year.
2. Should I sell or rent my house?

Of course I will want your opinons so keep tuning in and thanks so much to those who have already commented. I will get back to each of you soon.

Diane

2009-04-10T08:52:00.000-05:00

'Change' can be a good thing.

2009-04-08T09:49:00.000-05:00

This post, and those to come, are for me. But if there is anyone out there who finds that they are in a ‘rut’ and don’t know how to get out of it, you may be interested in my story.

I am about to embark on yet another huge adventure in my life. I am currently making plans to move to New York City, from a small town in Iowa, to live for one year as a Nanny for my 2 yr old granddaughter and yet-to- born, grandson.

The ‘theme’ of this first personal post is change. I will begin with a brief history of my past, but I will continue to journal from where I am right NOW, in the present. I intend to journal my way from here in Iowa to my destination in New York, and how a youthful 66 yr old handles life in the BIG CITY as a Nanny .

This is not the first time I have made a decision that completely changed my life as I knew it. At the age of 51 I moved from my hometown in So.Dak. to a small town in Iowa that I had never heard of, to begin a new career. Now, 15 years later I am going to do it again.

Here is my story and why I consider myself a 'Spokeswomen for change':

When I make a big change, there are many decisions to make. So many in fact, that I find it necessary to make a list and then deal with each; one at a time. I always start with only ONE thing on my list. Trying to project into the future and make every decision at once is too overwhelming. ONE item on the list is 'do-able'. That isn't so scary. I have faith, the next step will be there for me when I am ready. I make no decisions without prayer.

Change is very scary. It is the unknown, it isn't familiar. Change is uncomfortable. I think that may be why many people play it safe and don’t go with change. Thank God, literally, that I am not one of those people. Change has opened my world, and I have grown in every way. Sure, I’ve made some bad decisions, but have come out so much stronger and wiser because of the experiences.

Change brings growth.

Growth provides important lessons to be learned.

Contentment and happiness are the results.

This is the list I faced 20 yrs ago:

End a very lonely marriage of 31 yrs.

Find an apartment.

Move out of the house. (he wouldn't)

Begin college as a 48 yr old freshman.

Plan a class schedule to ensure a graduation in 4 yrs.

Sell the business I owned for the past 21 yrs.

Apply for a teaching position.

Make the decision to accept the offered job.

(difficult choice since I knew no one in the town and was alone)

Rent a U haul

Move

If anyone reading this needs encouragement, continue to log in. Maybe I can help you, or you can help me.

I have started a new list. The first item is done, I AM moving to New York. I am just pondering the 2nd item on the list, but that is for my next post.

Keep the faith and read today's quote.

Thanks for stopping by.

Diane

Can't we all just get along?

2009-03-28T10:14:00.000-05:00

When I began to sketch this piece, I wanted to connect these three shapes through movement. I knew beforehand that these shapes would each represent a different culture. I chose Egyptian, Native American and African because I admire the patterns ,designs and colors that they use in their art.

I believe that it is the women of the world who see war as insane. We just want to get along. We want peace.

These dancing ladies are my visual message to that.

What do you think? Please comment.

I believe in angels, do you?

2009-03-23T08:38:00.000-05:00

This is the first angel I painted, my second is ready to be posted, the 3rd is still on the drawing board, frustrating me to no end...I will get back to that later. First let me begin with why I am painting angels.

I am very interested in life after death and all things spiritual. As I was reading a book written by a doctor working in the field of Hospice; Into the light by John Lerma M.D. I was amazed at the stories some of his patients told of Angels. The details of their appearance was so descriptive that I knew I had to try to capture those words in a painting. Here are a few passages from the book.

2 year old Jacob

After 4 months on life support, little 2 yr old Jacob opened his eyes, smiled really big, raised his arms as if reaching for someone above him. Then he died. His 4 yr old brother Michael told his mother that there was an angel sitting next to her. Then he told her "The angels are in the hallway with Jacob,and he is laughing and doing somersaults."

Matthews story

" You start out with one, and then you get more when you are really sick. During the last three to four days you might have 30 or 40 angels, as many as you need to feel good about leaving your family and going with God. There are different kinds, Some are brighter and bigger, some are smaller, some have more power and they can do different things."

Father Mike ( a priest)

At their highest level of love they are fiercely white. There is a spectrum of light from gold to yellow, blue to green, pink to purple. The colors are so much more brilliant and radiant than earth's colors.

Another patients description

A large translucent,white-robed angel appeared, standing to the right of my bed in a shielding and comforting stance. (Four days before she died she described a new magnificent angel, large and brilliantly blue with white wings.)

Another patients description

Their faces were brilliant and their long blond to brown silky hair blended with their feathers and long flowing robes.

I have also recorded in my journal some of the descriptions of angels, found in the Bible. Here are some from Revelations:

"An angel robed in a cloud,with a rainbow above his head, face like the sun"

"A woman clothed with the sun with the moon under her feet and a crown of 12 stars on her head."

"They were dressed in clean shining linen and wore golden sashes around their chests."

So, full of inspiration with pencil in hand I start to sketch out these angels. My intent for the angel displayed on this post was something very abstract and beautiful. She was to be painted using only metallic paint. After a day of frustration, I realized that metallic paint was not going to work. It does not have any blending qualities, so I ended up limiting the metallic as an 'add- on' to her hair and the stars.

The second angel I painted ; you will see her next week, is not at all abstract. What happened to my abstract idea? Nothing new to me, I never end up with what I start out thinking it will be. That isn't really bad though, sometimes surprises can be nice!

The third angel is another story. She only took about a day to do, and when finished I thought she was lovely. I left it on the easel for a few days view, as I always do. When I went back to look at it the next day, I realized much to my dismay , that her eyes were 'spooky'! I redid her them and her face and now 'she' looks like a 'he' ! I know, angels come in both sexes but this combination I came up with just isn't good. You probably won't ever she 'it' but I will be creating more. I don't believe in quitting on a low note.

This blog site is new to me and I am looking for followers to link to me, so we can get some conversations going. If you stumble upon this, and like it, I would appreciate it if we could 'link' our sites. If you don't have a site, I would still love to hear your comments.

I ask myself, "Do I NEED people to like my art?"

2009-03-19T22:17:00.000-05:00

I have reached that point in life: retirement. I will make art! What if no one likes my art. I NEED to have people like it.
Think of it this way:
If you were born with a beautiful voice you would ,of course, enjoy singing.When people tell you that your songs make them feel good, that is a good thing. It is nice to know that people enjoy what you love to do.
The same thing applies if you are a cook. When you serve a meal, you want them to like it.
So my point is this:
A visual artist is born with the ability to see, imagine and then produce. Creating is not only a necessity for an artist, it is also something we love to do. Our art is meant to be shared. Of course I want others to like it and it is really nice when they say they do.
In answer to my title question: "Yes I do."