"The real things haven't changed.  It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures;and have courage when things go wrong." - Laura Ingalls Wilder

Why is it that some days throw us 'curve balls'.  Lately it seems I've had a run of really good things happening and really bad things.  However, I am an optimist and a positive personality, thus I don't ever care to dwell on the bad only the good.  Call it 'living in my perfect little bubble world' as I call it, but that is what works for me.  I am lucky to be surrounded by good friends, great family, a beautiful country to live in, amazing horses and the list could go on and on...
So in these days of bad things happening, the really, really good things are picking me back up and I am so excited for some possibilities in the future...for now, I will continue to keep on painting hard and enjoying every moment of this beautiful fall weather!!!!
Hoping you have a great day, too AND remember to always count the good things in life and be grateful for what you have!

"....To get where you want to go, you must keep on keeping on." - Norman Vincent Peale

TIME
This summer I promised myself I wasn't going to work as hard, that I was going to take more time off....well, I tried - I did do some fun things took some great bike rides, enjoyed some beautiful sunsets, did a few weekend travels, BUT I still feel like summer has passed me by and I didn't do enough fun things!  Can you relate?
So now as fall is approaching, kids are in school, I'm finding myself still busy, but getting into some sort of routine, still longing for more time off to do some playful things.....
Today I opened the book "Vein of Gold" - by Julia Cameron and got stuck on the chapter called TIME.  Here are some of my thoughts from my quick read today:
What we really should do is make ourselves a priority, and our time our own.
You are married to your creativity, not just out on a first date.
There has to be some comfort here.

What I really gathered from this chapter is...that in life, "little bits" (like little bits of time to create, little trips, little moments) are better than 'no little bits' of anything!

"Being Proud, Feeling Blessed"

I usually don't like to ramble on about myself, my accomplishments, bragging etc but as I host an annual open house at my studio this weekend, I must say I do feel a little 'proud' and a  little 'blessed' - the turnout and the sales have been great!
It's been a wonderful weekend with people stopping in to see art - real art.  Some purchases and some commissions are always a good thing, but it's the 'thanks for being here' and the 'I love your space' and comments  that keep me going!
So, as I wrap up this weekend tomorrow - I have one more day - and then I'm taking a day off, I continue to tell myself that there is a reason I do what I do!  Thanks for your support!