Quote of The Day

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Self Respect Paint Party Friday

  I made these icads (index card a day) way ahead of any thought of this post!  They were done completely separately at different times with different trains of thought! I had no idea how well they would marry with my words! A very interesting process!
Icad 26 Fitness

I was married young. I left my home with a brand new television as a wedding gift, and the clothes on my back. Later down the road I was given my piano!  Everything else I earned! 
As a child it was a privilege to have a second hand bike, each night it was carefully put away. We valued the little we had and nothing was left out! Every car I've owned I valued, keeping it clean inside and out!! Which got harder once a child came into the picture!!  Still I have always respected what I am blessed to have.
Icad 28 effortless style

I said a prayer of thanks everyday as I walked through the door of  dream kitchen in my former home! I revered it and kept it clean and tidy!  I felt so extremely fortunate that I could own something so beautiful! Many meals were prepared with love. Meals that were not always appreciated the way they should have been. To this day  I am sure to thank anyone who serves me several times, so they know how their love, thought, and hard work preparing is appreciated! 
 One of my least favourite Icads 23 Aura
I separated my laundry  so it was washed properly because I valued our clothing and how we looked. I kept my house and yard nice because I respected what I was so fortunate to own. Kept my clothes folded and hung up because I respected my space and my clothes! I valued the homes that  kept a roof over our heads... we were careful not to chip walls, or carelessly damage any part of it. However accidents do happen, and if so we'd repair and forgive ourselves because we knew our intention towards our dear home  was always good!

When I first bought this place as a single mom I sat in the living room for hours so grateful I had a nice place to finish raising my child. So many thoughts of gratitude abounded as I planned a colour for the walls! 

As things broke down that I couldn't  afford to fix I  was sure to feel grateful for what I did have! Keeping it the best I could. Daily we hear of people put out of their homes due to floods, fire, hurricanes. Each time I feel extreme sadness for them, I also feel extreme gratitude for what I  do have!
Surround yourself with good!! Summer of Color week #3
When friends visited  I put out my best. Cleaning and preparing to show it's best side before they arrived! It's always been a  joy to let my friends know how much I loved and respected them! To really feel the love of my space with my friends in it!
However the one thing I probably never respected enough was myself. Over the years I  often replaced work and serving others, with sleep. I developed early and was always a big looking kid even though I am only 5 feet 4 inches! I was never as big as I thought I was, until I was bigger than I thought I was!! For so many years my wear your feelings on your sleeve were anesthetized with a good meal, or  a doughnut.
Icad #24 escape your past
At ten the day after  I was molested by a distant relative,  I bought the biggest ice cream cone on the menu and ate it all!  When I didn't properly grieve my fathers death because my baby was only six weeks old a layer of bulge  went on!  When I didn't properly grieve the demise of my marriage because it was ugly and scary and my ten year old studied my face with  precision for constant cues that everything would be okay! Another layer was added! I didn't grieve the too many ugly incidents to count, when life was just a mess and my young daughter was at my side. Instead I pushed the pain down and looked to the positive! Layers upon layers of life I squished down now holds me captive. 


Icad 27 Conquer your own storm
I long for the days when I could carry around the weight and all the pressures of keeping up a home. I long for the old me who could still show my home how much I value it! I long for the girl with a strong hip that didn't hurt daily. I long for the young me who should have respected my body and my emotions as much as my house and my job! I should have got mad more, I should have refrained from rewarding my pain, and hard work with food. I should have felt my feelings head on, confronted them and respected them as okay..... 


For the last seven days of this really healthy eating cleanse some of the old greif is bubbling up.... I guess in order to properly release the toxins.... some of the pain will have to be felt too!  
Icad #29 escape shame!
I am not a compulsive eater that gorges, I have had to eat more food now than I have ever been used to. I just have terrible eating habits time wise. Sometimes I  never eat until mid afternoon...and grab whatever is closest in the fridge. Now I start  the morning with a green monster courtesy of Cupcake who makes us all one, and brings it to me.  I continue on with only healthy choices.  It's been great! This is not about weight, it's about health!  Any weight loss will be a bonus!! I am respecting the process...and my support team!

What drastic changes have you made in your life over the years? 



This is a hilarious video that proves art is sometimes 
more effective and powerful
than words!! You won't be disappointed!!
If Animals ate junk food!!

  

45 comments:

My name is Erika. said...

Love your index cards this week. My favorite is the superhero mom and the conquer your own storm. Love your sayings and the colors, makes them all so much fun.

Janet said...

I've made quite a few drastic changes during my life but they're all in the past. I like your ICADs. You're so good at capturing your feelings in art.

Valerie-Jael said...

Love all your cards and the lovely colours. Happy PPF, Hugs, Valerie

froebelsternchen said...

Wow-- stunning index cards this week!
Happy weekend !
oxo
Susi

Ayala Art said...

Cupcake is such and adorable person, what a blessing to have her in your life.
We never know why some terrible things happen in life, but if you are here today, being the wonderful person you are, it means you are stronger than all the bad stuff!
The art is fantastic and so much fun to watch ♥

Laila said...

Beauty begins with giving, that's my favorite. You have written a very strong post this week, and I hope that all who reads it really takes the time to think things over,and perhaps makes the needed changes in their lives. In my late twenties I read a book that changed me. It wasn't the book itself, but what it made me think. Thanks for sharing so much wisdom.

Unknown said...

I loved your post.The gratitude that you have had for the littlest things is heart warming.As far as the things you regret,well all of us have some regrets or the other.I am so glad that you are taking positive steps to reclaim your health and body.I am doing the same and believe me,our bodies are amazing.You give a little TLC and reap huge returns.Best of luck on your journey.Great artwork too.

PaintingWrite said...

I love those index cards - always such great quotes as well. Another great post and I think it is something that so many are guilty of, treating possessions with more care than our own bodies. I smoked for many years (I'll be ten years smoke-free this October) and when I think now of the damage I did to my lungs (which I'm aware of every time we go hill walking and I'm huffing and puffing by the time we reach the top!) I really wish I'd never started but I'm so very glad I stopped. I think it is great that you, Cupcake and Beardo are all doing the cleanse together and supporting each other. It does sound like you're having an emotional cleanse as well as a physical one - it's all good!

mandysea said...

OH now I now what icads are!!!! Ive seen it around, but didn't know what it meant! Ah, and all of yours are amazing, as amazing as your writing. It took me on a journey. I started out my changes with changing each of the words should's to could's.... it really makes a difference :)

Sharon Fritchman said...

Your ICADS are amazing! I love all of them and the stories behind them. right now I am taking care of my mom in her home and she NEVER throws anything out. She takes good care of her things and gets them repaired instead of buying new ones. I remember her vacuum cleaner that she still has from my childhood! Anyway, I am getting off subject - I really love visiting your blog and seeing your creations each week. Thank you for sharing them with all of us at SOC! HUGS!

Rolina said...

Wow, such a powerful post - I can relate and wish you the best for a future of health and happiness.

Love your postcards too, there is such a lot of excellent work in them.

Christine said...

Lovely icads. I would say you are quite the survivor in this tough game of life. Sometimes I wonder how we do it.

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

This is an amazing post, which makes me realize how we sometimes take things for granted. Your candid writing is powerful. I also love all your Icads, especially the boldness of your gorgeous portrait titled "Beauty Begins With Giving." I've made several drastic changes throughout my life, but starting my blog was probably one of the most powerful ones I've made in recent years. I love the tremendous boost it has given to my creativity in both the visual arts and in my writing. It's very therapeutic, has helped me strengthen my confidence, and has allowed me to meet beautiful people around the world like you. Have a blessed week with your beautiful family, my friend!

minnemie said...

Mama... the real super hero! Love it... though I don't really feel like one - where did my cape go?? Yes, the pain resurfaces as we have to face it (again)...ugh... but so necessary for healing of both body, mind and heart - thinking of you during this journey...

Susan said...

Beauty begins with giving is stunning. This was another one of your powerful posts that sets us all to thinking. I also believe as we age we finally become aware of what an amazing thing our physical body is/was and start caring for it and giving it the respect it needed all those years. Happy PPF

bellefrogworks said...

Wonderful post. We all have some, usually unhealthy, way of dealing with our inner pain. And we all have pain. My "change" is ongoing - I always felt inferior to almost everyone - needed to start thinking about others instead. God has helped me heal in so many ways - but as long as I am here I am a work in progress. You are such a lovely person - and I am glad you are not shrinking from the pain by resurrecting unhealthy habits - unhealthy for the body - yes - but particularly unhealthy for the soul. The cards are the perfect illustrations for this post.

Linda Kunsman said...

what a colorful, meaningful group of art pieces! I am in love with "beauty Begins With Giving"!! What a wonderful way to cleanse things -especially with group support. As you said, it's such a good thing for well being and health-mind and body. I guess the biggest change I made was to be strong and stand up to people who thought they could walk all over me, and I also learned to just let go of toxic people and energy. It has made a significant difference in my life. Happy PPF dear Sherrie!

Maarit at Violets Corner said...

A very strong post this week, it's so thought evoking. All the feelings we hide and the choices we make, but I believe that gratitude for the good we have is a perfect start. The index cards give an extra dimension.

Love and hugs
Maarit

Faye said...

I love the Summer of Color art. Your piece on respect was insightful. Thanks for sharing your own experiences. I am concerned about the lack of respect that the younger generation is showing to persons in authority. It borders on anarchy at times, which would be a very scary place to be. I grew up poor so I know the joy of receiving that second hand bike or hand me down clothes. Even though they were used, they were new and exciting to me. Not sure I could drink anything green, but good luck to you in that.

denthe said...

Beautiful colourful art again this week. Love your found words on the icads. I think it's good that you are doing this cleanse now, for your body as well as your mind. I think we all have some issues from the past that we regret, but I try very hard not to think "I should have", or "what if?" The past is gone and you can't change anything about it now. What you can change is what is happening at the moment, and that's exactly what you are doing now. I think it's very brave of you to tackle these "leftovers" from your past, and I'm sure you will come out of it even stronger than you are now. Be gentle for yourself and don't blame yourself for not taking care of you in the past. There's a right time for everything, and it seems now is the time for you to take care of you! Keep going, you'll get there!

kat said...

Oh you sound like you're going through a lot and bringing up lots of your past, that can be good and healing, I agree with Denthe, be gentle and no use blaming yourself for what you didn't do...I'm sure you did a lot of good too, just look at that wonderful daughter you have now who is so caring towards you! You must have done a lot of good for that!
Enjoy your beautiful days now and fill them with joy and all that makes you feel good, that goes for food too, so many tasty foods that don't have to be rich and fatty...amazing all these super sites full of healthy and tasty ideas!
A great post my friend and that video is so cool, my boys loved it too, they are really into graphical art so loved all the effects!

Gloria j Zucaro said...

Your cards are wonderful, full of truth and light. I too endured some of your life gifts and have always tried to "put on a happy face"! Because even though I have had some heartbreakers, I AM very fortunate. This week I am starting somewhat of a cleanse, too. No prepared foods. Just fruit, veggies, proteins and fats. I wish you peace and joy.. because that is what you have always tried to give to all others.

Viola said...

Such an open post about yourself, I love that you say "thank you" for beeing blessed.
But yes, why cannot we be more ourselves, to get rid of guilt, shame, better, best etc..
we are good enough, aren't we! I love to hear that you have become so healthy. I am not right now, these days, but I'm coming back for beeing healthy again. Sugar is too much all over, and the more sygar we eat the more we will have!
what a good quote: I was never as big as I thought I was, until I was bigger than I thought I was! :))
Hugs to you too, from me :)

Julie Lee said...

Your index cards are so beautiful and profound too. Your words are wise. I really admire your honesty and I do hope that you will be kind to yourself now and nurture own body and spirit - both deserve your love. My heart goes out to you. Eating disorders are so often the result of very deep pain. When I was young I developed anorexia nervosa as a result of destructive and abusive experiences. I am so grateful that I came through this bad time and that I now have a lovely family. Cupcake must be such a blessing to you. xxx

Katie Jeanne said...

What a powerful post this is, Giggles. I have chills. If you were standing here in front of me, I'd give you a big hug. I'm so glad you're taking care of you.

GlorV1 said...

Great colors on the index cards. Love your art.:)

Indira said...

Deeply touching. And your art is very moving.

Joanna said...

Such an open and honest post, my heart goes out to you. I wish you strength in your plans towards a healthier and happier lifestyle - it's so hard to break the habits of a lifetime but you have the desire and the determination to do it.

I popped by to see your SOC piece for this week - it's so cute! I love all those purple and yellow critters! Your ICADs are fabulous too (I'm joining in with ICAD also, what fun!).

Anonymous said...

Your cards are full of hope, trust, wisdom and beauty. They are just like you.

JKW said...

Whoa you were ahead of the game with these beautiful cards. I love the different words of wisdom. Now:'Shoulds' are only what you think 'other people's thoughts' are/were. . not your reality. Do away with 'shoulds' the past is just that gone/dead/not relevant. We only have today (a present). You would not be the beautiful person you are (and thankfully a big help to others) if all those 'shoulds' you wish had taken place. (((Hugs))) and Blessings, Janet PS. Cupcake reminds me of the song "Mrs. Brown, you have a lovely daughter."

Carol said...

Your art this week is amazing and full of emotion and meaning. It goes well with your post. Your words are very thought provoking this week. About 3 years ago I decided to get healthy and really concentrated on it. It felt good and I felt good and looked good. Then last year after my back injury I started to slide backwards. unable to exercise the way I had been and then the healthy eating habits I had developed slowly slipped away and the pounds slipped back on. This month I have made an effort to start eating healthy again and to develop an exercise program that I can do with my back injury and get the me I want to be again back. Thanks for the boost ♥♥♥

artbyjune said...

I posted a comment. But I think it got lost! I said I enjoyed your very lively writing style giggles! Honesty comes thru in your prose style. Lovely colourful cards! Hope this posts OK now.

Saskia said...

Thanks for sharing this story and lovely work!

Smiles, Saskia :)

Lisabella Russo said...

What lovely and moving artworks and words! I too am trying to be healthier, it's a challenge, I'm glad your family is there for you.

Jo said...

you are brave, strong, full of wisdom and grace. Love your ICADS. This is the first in 3 yrs that I'm not doing them. Big hugs to you, my friend.

Kristin said...

I adore you! xoox

Mimi Lenox said...

You know...when I come here I'm always deeply affected by your incredible strong artwork. Today is no different. But I found myself being drawn into the story of your home, and the walls, and the safety and joy you felt there. I wanted you to feel that again. And I know you will.

Sometimes I forget how beautifully you write.
Thank you for inspiring me today.

Mimi

Carol Rigby said...

I love your colourful ICADS. It was most interesting to hear your story. It's good to hear you have support from cupcake and beardo. good luck with the green breakfast.

Annette P.-L. said...

Wonderful work! I really love your index cards!

Karla B said...

Amazing post, my friend. I think I've made so many drastic changes in my life or maybe it was life that has made drastic changes in me.Well we are here to challenge and be challenged. This is the meaning of life!Delightful post, my friend!

Unknown said...

Beautiful and inspiring post and art works! Thank you for sharing!

pauline said...

love so many things about this post, my friend... "beauty begins with giving". Yes. Love it. Your index cards are fabulous. So much fun stuff there. And your story makes so much sense. Haven't we ALL used a chocolate sundae or a bag of chips at one point or another to stifle our shame, or fear, or hatred? I love your words about how you wish you had gotten mad more often. I find women (in general) tend to swallow the anger rather than express it. Thank you for sharing all of this, girl. You help other women find their own wings - of that, I am certain. xx

Unknown said...

I think your ICADs are a good way of dealing with your past. Art truly does heal. Your words are so true and have meaning for many of us. I know I am going through some changes but having difficulties getting a handle on them.

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Love what you did with the SOC colors. Reading your blog posts every time makes me think that you need to write a book. So much wisdom. :)

Kim Dellow said...

Your shares are amazing and your story is epic. So much has happened to you and so much that you have had to face. I'm glad you are able to tell your story and make such amazing art and I hope that it brings you joy to help you work through the pain.

Thank you for linking it up to Show Your Face last week and I'm sorry I'm late coming around to leave some blog love! Thanks for the shout out too. Kx

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