Intuition and Crazy Dresses Paint Party Friday!

 Paint Party Friday

Blotch Dress made of residual paint blotted off another painting!

Mix it Monthly Crazy Dresses

By nature I'm generally even tempered and flexible.  In my fifty eight years I  remember only feeling the heat of my temper flare a few times. At fifteen when  mother and her sister attacked me with unjustified criticism while drinking wine. I verbally defended myself, then left the house. The frenetic thirty minute walk to my boyfriends place in the dark literally  felt like seconds! The ire felt unfamiliar and replaced my usual bruised feelings.  It wasn't  the first time they bullied me and wouldn't be the last. In retrospect it's understandable that I finally snapped!

Crazy "Head Dress"

Then at  forty when my daughters dad accused her of lying to cover up his own deceit. I became Infuriated knowing  he'd  tampered with her intuition.  Something I had carefully honed for years. I was privy to the truth and my insides burst into flames as I finally took a stand for myself and my daughters integrity! 

Crazy Dress " Eyes on you"

The intuition I nurtured in my daughter has kept her safe over the years. It enables her to read people well! To accurately  size up a new girl at eight who I  kept encouraging her to befriend who would later steal her pencil collection. To knowing the lady she smiled at the other day might be a bit off, long before she started screaming obscenities at her for no reason! As a teen her body would react to those instances that were unsafe. To this day her husband heeds her intuition immediately knowing she is rarely wrong. It's near impossible to keep a secret from her.   She guessed her pink boots one Birthday when we painstakingly attempted to dissuade her intuition by secretly facing a snow storm she knew I'd never attempt.   The only surprise that year,  was where they were hidden! 

From the time she was little I asked lots of questions. Often surprised at her blunt truthful answers. Telling me which dads were mean when moms weren't around to which ones were kinder than they appeared! Her answers  were telling and somewhat of a precursor to dramas that  manifested later. She's always made good choices and I like to think her intuition is an impeccable  predictor!  

If she  surmises somethings off when meeting someone new, it's not long before it's proven correct! Innately she knows and has always drawn good people to her side!  For generation the woman on my maternal side have had amazing intuition, yet Cupcake trumps us all! It's her guide and has been her whole life! Has she been hurt by people?  Absolutely devastated by a few.. her intuition warns her not to let it happen again! 

As a shy child I never forced her out of her comfort zone by making her hug people just because they visited our home. From early childhood I constantly asked her how she felt about many issues. Often surprised by her mature and candid answers. I was open and honest with her and told her I'd never lie to her except on special occasions when I needed to keep presents secret! Eventually she came out of her shell. As an adult she's very friendly yet a great listener!

Over the years I've observed people  totally ignore their intuition when it came to partners and children. How about you, have you let your intuition guide you in the right direction? Or do you prefer to ignore it?

My Perfection Paint Party Friday

Paint Party Friday

and

Mix it Monthy 

Coffee Theme

After reading Carolyn Dubes post a while back on letting perfection steal your joy it made me wonder what my idea of perfection is? I can honestly say my perfection of yesteryear is not   matching with  my perfection of  today. 

Some days it's  simply a good cup of java on my pc while reading blogs. A piece of music that makes me cry.  Other days it's a mesh  of beautiful color splashed on the  page matching my banner.  Or a giggle with my kids!! All pure bliss for me!  Some days things are not so perfect, but I embrace them anyway....because without those imperfections I'd have nothing to compare what is perfect in my eyes!

I actually divorced the concept of perfection many many moons ago. It's an ugly illusion to strive for....the devil incarnate!! With that I realized we all have different perspectives of what's perfect for us! Some like adventure, some are thrill seekers, others love learning, some are creatives, others like a busy life, some like it more peaceful than others!

 
 






Perfection is a very hard animal to keep up to!! It's always one step ahead of you, extremely demanding, and can steal your joy if you let it!! Why do we strive or expect perfection in so many areas of life!  I guess we do expect perfection when it comes to flying  or building planes!!!....  But when do we let go of  the need for perfection?

 For years  I aimed to present perfection in  the way I dressed...which kept me in dresses and heels most of the eighties with my hair set and sprayed daily!   I kept my house and car pretty immaculate with rarely a cup out of place. Super mom and wife  I needed perfection because I NEVER felt I was good  enough. Even being a Jill of all trades  master of none, I still felt inadequate! 

When illness struck, pperfection crashed! Some relationships died, some were revamped. Creativity knocked at my  door. I welcomed it with open arms.  After a short relationship we fell in love and decided to marry!   I'm now trying to live my happily ever after..... with perfection parked  at my front door ringing the bell. I refuse to let it in! 

Unfortunately inside the house lurks PERFECTIONS cousins...PRIDE, GUILT, SHAME, at times holding me hostage for all the things that never get done, all the things I can't do, all the things I  fall short of... I do except perfection as a song of my past, now enjoying simple things!

Picture credit Dream Goddess

Dream goddess attempted to make an Angel Food Cake for My Goddess Birthday celebration. It went flat after she accidently dropped it......

Photo Credit Dream Goddess

She used her amazing quirky  humour to make light of it!!
It's quite cute too, if I might add, and 
  I still hold the title of "Butt Ugly Cake!" maker in a google search,

because  she started again...!!! 

 Although it wasn't an Angel food cake

as first planned! 

 It was gorgeously delectable  and perfect in every way! 

Just like my beautiful Goddess friends!

Left to right, I'm the Love goddess, then Earth goddess, 

Gypsy goddess, Faery Goddess, Dream goddess and our Nature goddess

2014 Picture credit Dream Goddess!

On Wednesday I turn 58...and find it almost unfathomable that I am nearing 60!

 And although I have many imperfections including a hobble,  I am perfectly ME!

With really wonderful people in my life that I am so grateful for!

Including you!

What does perfection look like in your world???

Wish I knew! Paint Party Friday

As a woman I tried to be everything 

to everyone for several years! 
Had I known then what I know now......

Color is not accurate on this card made for Nature Goddess.  Face#12

I'd have cut a lot more corners! I'd have done a lot less cooking and a lot more creating! I'd have simplified drastically. I'd have cut  stress by buying pre-made items for parties, transferring it to a pretty dish letting people assume what they will!! 

Face #13

Better boundaries, while  listening to  people problems, would have served me well back in the day!   Drama kings and queens tended to cling to me like white fuzz balls on a black sweater,  sucking me dry of empathy energy! I should have stopped wearing deodorant, or worn garlic clove necklaces to ward them off!  In  years past I've learned...certain people tend to repeat their drama over and over in different scenarios!! They're addicted.. if it continues, wean them off you ASAP!! 

Keep all  negative ones NEGATONIANS  at bay!

Face #14 #15

I'd have spent less time on the phone. In today's world that would be face crack, instagram and texting...all big addictions that I'm pretty sure will cause permanent eye  and neck damage. I should have used that time wiser. Scheduling "Me" time for daily creativity.... instead of staying up all night to complete redecorating and sewing projects. 

Face #16

I should have refused to be a part of any family drama, and tried harder to keep hurtful things they said out of my head!

I'd have told my younger self to NEVER  get involved in a three way.... fight!! Never let anyone drag you into their arguments as an arbitrator or otherwise...it's best to stay clear...nothing takes you down faster than being the go between....you will ALWAYS be used as their scapegoat. No doubt they'll misquote you too!!

Face #17

I'd tell younger women.....

Cleaning  floors BEFORE company arrives is fruitless....

 Most likely you'll  NEED to clean them shortly after anyway, 

especially when kids are involved!! 

 I've yet to come and visit my friends floors! 

Just ask yourself, 

"Could a baby crawl safely on these floors?"

If so, you're good!

Face #18 Dancer

Prioritize  only what is most important at the time! 

Don't feel guilty if you have a new baby and don't get dressed all day.... 

give yourself some slack....If you have been up all night with a teething child, 

cancel visits and appointments until you feel more rested  normal, 

if that's even possible.  Treat yourself kindly!

Face #19

Dust will always be there, don't waste too much time on it...If you need to leave it longer than normal to find time....DO IT!! Never allow uninvited guests "dropper inners"....nothing worse than spontaneous company to interrupt your plans, whether it be creativity, housework, or your "ME" time!! It's rude not to call first! Don't answer your door!!..unless your guest is accompanied by a maid! You might not want to miss out on a little house keeping help.....!!

Face #20

NEVER feel you have to answer a phone call, or a door....and NEVER explain yourself. You are entitled to your privacy...whether you want alone time with a family member,  to rock your baby, have a headache or play a game of scrabble...that is YOUR choice!! For heaven sakes don't feel guilty!!! It's completely wasted energy! Your home is your castle safe haven!

Face #21 Some may think you a witch! Oh well! Let them! 

Don't volunteer for EVERYTHING....you are only ONE person...helping is awesome but if it takes you constantly away from really important parts of your personal life and things you love  it's not worth it!! All the same people tend to repeatedly volunteer....sit on your hands once in a while!! Let others have a turn!

You do NOT have to accept every invitation.... only those invitations you know you'll enjoy and love!! The best response is " Sorry, that doesn't work for me." Most people won't ask why...but if they do, just repeat..."it just doesn't work for me" Always give yourself an out by saying, "let me get back to you." For years I accepted invites I lived to regret.. now I give myself time to process it properly before accepting!

How many times have you been at a function and thought, "why am I here, I'm not having a good time?"

Never let a friendship be too one sided. Being generous is an amazing quality, however if the relationship is totally one sided....consider moving on to something more balanced! Some people are in our lives for a season. I tended to take so many people under my wing to help them, without expectations. Now I realize I should have sought a better balance..for my own sake!

 Last of all, "Be The Queen of your life!" Treat yourself like you treat your best friend or your children.....and for petes sake, "shut  that darn sabotage Gremlin up",  he's a big fat liar, because you are perfect just the way you are!!!


What is your best advice for a woman trying to be everything to everyone?

My contribution for paint party friday and 29 faces of September!

My First Video, 2013 Shoe Series!

   2013 
Shoe Series Completed! 

Shy one shoe....;0)My very first video... 

featuring an original folk song "Iron Bird" by Beardo!

He wrote it for Cupcake when she was away in London

on business a few years ago!

Grab your tea or coffee and stay awhile! 

 Or not..... I won't be offended!

Oh my, what a week! Creative interruptions and mishaps. 
If  I didn't respond to your email last week 
I apologize I had every intention to.

 Between the hairdresser, a birthday celebration, 
 costco, shopping with my daughter 
and a few other necessary jaunts,

I was spent, and needed a few days to recover!! 

Yesterday I had a brainstorm to make a slide show of all my icads!  

 After  I moved a few things around on photobucket

 I discovered I'd became a magician...yep...all the icad shoe photos

from the  last two months of posting had disappeared...Forcing me to

dawn my puzzle masters hat to get them all back up 

 in some semblance of order on my blog!

What a feat, since foolishly I hadn't  numbered them. 

I remembered where some of them went,

 the others I just guessed. It was like playing a game  of memory!

To say I was disappointed was an understatement!! 

Especially since moments before I was feeling 

so  proud of myself for sticking with this 

challenge for two  full months!

 

I think I even inspired my daughter! Who has been fabric!

painting real shoes for hubby and herself  lately! 

Beardo spotted these shoes that he wanted for work, 

but didn't like the color. The price was a tenth of what

 his normal work shoes are so Cupcake offered to paint them!

This is closer to the true color! The guys at work were

so impressed with his blue shoes one of them took this photo!!
You can see the seed nut doesn't fall far from the tree!!

 

Last year Cupcake painted herself these teal colored sandals that 

held up beautifully!! She's wearing them this summer too! It's

 hard for her to find comfortable sandals with a soft material

 lining that can stave off moisture! So at the end of the season I

found another pair she can paint when these ones wear out!

While shopping Cupcake strutted around in marked down 

dirt cheap, very high end, comfy brown shoes 
similar to the ones above! She insisted I  visualize them 
in pink and black.So I made them an icad instead! 
I look forward to seeing them done up!

 After I got over the initial shock at how thin flimsy  the new school

 index cards were I thoroughly enjoyed creating new cards weekly!

These last few icads complete my Shoe series!

I'm sure many of you are relieved!

I'm kind of sad  and will miss them,

but have a few new things on the horizon.

I painted all my cards with acrylic paint, then

 added the quotes digitally so I could preserve the 

originals without words! 

Possibly using them later down the road.

  This challenge has really opened my spectrum.

Now  I plan to gesso and paint the back of each card,

 then adhere the quotes that way!
I'd like to redo a few that I despise too!

My daughter recommended I put my series into photo album. 

Originally I was going fix them to a binder ring

but feel hesitant to punch a hole in them....

Any suggestions of how to preserve
 and display them nicely?

Sorry, very long post with 
nothing very sage to share this week!!

Did you ever join an art challenge that took you in a new direction?? 
This is my contribution to Paint Party Friday and icad Challenge!

Careful What You Wish For Paint Party Friday

Visit more artists a Paint Party Friday

A box I painted for cupcakes coupons  inspired by a few admired artists!!

My Cupcake is an avid couponer. There is quite the art to it! You need memory, organization, tenacity, and diligence  to coordinate the process. Very few people do it to the extent she does because they aren't detail oriented enough! It's not for everyone, but boy there can be a lot of money made doing it!! She has done a two hundred dollar shop for literally pennies!!( It's not as lucrative in Canada as it is in The United States either) It entails waiting for things to be on sale at their lowest price before the coupon expires! When you walk out of the store with a very long receipt, several bags of sundries/food, with little to no money changing hands it can be a poker players high! But, it IS a gift!!

I am such a people watcher and admire all the unique body shapes!

I have always been frugal, watching sales, knowing all the best prices, but I have NEVER been a couponer! Doubt I ever will be! Cupcake sent me out twice with coupons and I screwed up! The first time I left them in the car, with no intention of heading back to the car with my bad hip, the second time I lost them in my purse.

If by chance I became a couponer it would be a nightmare for everyone! If I HAPPENED to remember I had a coupon for something, I'd be digging in my vortex of a purse for five or ten minutes, making the line behind me wait, only to find the coupon is scrunched up beyond reading recognition.  Then be informed by the cashier that it was outdated!!  I am definitely NOT, the, "have it in an envelope, place the new  perfectly cut coupon, on the item, in an orderly fashion, on the conveyer belt, kind of person!" I'm more the," I know what's cheapest, look at the prices as they're being rung in, stop you  if your wrong, recheck my receipt in the car, kind of gal!"

I've been creating all these characters in a fresh journal  I just started!

Anyway, about a year ago we heard this really coupon friendly economy grocery store was coming in near our home, just a mile or so past our local grocery!! Cupcake was so excited knowing she'd have so many chances to coupon free items there!! Which we have. Just  so happens they have some  nice produce there too....which takes a bit of business away from the roadside stands we normally buy from!

This is my attempt at some characters I often see others create... I was hoping to find my own style with them!

We were happy to have the discount store with no frills, but when we want those extras I'd pop to our local grocer which carried Cupcakes favorite delectable slices of gourmet chocolate cake,( instead of baking a whole cake and having that huge temptation screaming at us) and other items we can't find other places!!  Convenient, within walking distance of our home, not too busy, easy for me to find everything I need with my bad hip, it was a place I enjoyed popping into. Except for being slightly pricey, with a crabby deli manager who refused to slice my deli meat from the center instead of the fatty ends, I loved that store!!

Sunday I was in the area  to see the windows papered up. IT'S CLOSED, permanently. Having been there well over a decade it was so sad to see it go.  I sat in my car, sadly stared, thinking, "Be careful what you wish for!" The employees there had just ratified as a union shop, weeks later they found themselves out of a job. So for those workers hoping for better  working conditions and pay, it backfired. For Cupcake who was so excited about the competition coming in with way lower prices, it's backfired. So before you wish for something, keep in mind how everything and everyone will be affected. I love to shop local, I don't use as much gas, and it's the right thing  to do. It's supports my community. Now I have to find another place to buy perogys darn it!! Or I could go back to making them.....I think NOT!!

Painted in acrylics then added a digital color edit!

How about you have you ever wished for something that backfired? If this were the game family feud,  I'd  say  "marriage" would be the number one answer! But really what have you wished for that wasn't the best for you or others?


For more about  my  crazy couponer go  here!!