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Sweet Remembrances

12/9/2020

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The last time I  saw  Susan she was  three  years  old. 

She lived in my hometown and was Julia,  my  best friend’s, little sister. I was thirteen  years old when my  dad died and we left the town where he taught at the  local college. Mother  got a  job out of state and I lost touch  with both sisters. Years  later, Julia and I reconnected, followed  by my reconnecting  with Susan. We became Facebook friends and were in touch almost daily.  Her creativity, compassion for others, and  energy, were a breath  of fresh air. 
On October 9 this year, Susan passed unexpectedly. When I  saw  her  daughter’s  post on Facebook, announcing her Mom’s death, I  was heart sick. Even now, thinking  of it gives me  a lump  in my throat. 
A few days ago, I found  the Christmas card  Susan sent me last year.  
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This is so much more  than  a Christmas card to  me. It is a reminder to take the time to let  people know  how you  feel. Susan’s card will inspire me to send physical  reminders to  let others know  they  matter to me, and why.
Years ago,  I  read  that sincere compliments are so rare, we remember them  for a lifetime. At my age, a physical  reminder is helpful. In the age of everything quick,  reactionary  and electronic, a personal note is especially treasured. This year may be the perfect time to send a hand written note to  loved ones to  let them know you  care.  
Stay safe and share your love and light. No day is  promised. 
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Half of Eight is Zero

12/4/2020

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One of my most powerful lessons on creative thinking was my aha! when I realized that half of eight was O!

I was in an arithmetic class in elementary school and as I looked at the number 8, I realized that "half of eight equals 4" wasn't the only right answer! This discovery thrilled me and I immediately raised my hand to share this with my teacher and the rest of the class. The teacher was neither impressed nor pleased. She was visibly annoyed.

By the time I got home, my dad, a calculus professor at an engineering school, had received a call. He sat me down at the dining room table to have a conversation. His face was expressionless (my dad had made a considerable amount of money in the Korean War playing Black Jack and unlike me, had an enviable poker face).

He told me that my teacher had called and given her perspective, quite negative, on my discovery, and he asked me to explain mine. 

"Well, I just realized that half of eight can be zero," I said quietly, my head down. 

"Can you prove it?" he asked, and I saw a grin cross his face. He knew I could!

So I drew an eight, and covered the top. 0!

My dad was not angry. He was pleased! And as I looked at the 8 I realize it could be an E or a 3! And if I turned it on its side, it could be an m or a w! 

It was then that I realized being creative in school might not be well received. Over the years, many teachers wanted me to memorize and regurgitate. Thankfully my dad, a Calculus professor, wanted me to think.

My life would have been very different if he has scolded or reprimanded me as my teacher had. I have often wondered over the years as I've worked with young people, how many times their creative ideas and potential contributions have been squelched. Seeing things in new and different ways adds such joy to life. 


Just this morning my daughter Mycala came up with an idea that i could see changing everything in her life, and have a humorous and joyful impact on others!  I've been smiling since and thinking of how blessed I was to have support in my life for looking for more than one right answer!
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Celebrating Autumn’s Golds

11/18/2020

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Sassafras
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Aspen
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Poke
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Maple
Writing for NaNoWriMo is going well but I miss playing with colors! Love autumn’s golden palette!
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Collecting Firsts

10/20/2020

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I started Collecting Firsts years ago, when I  was weary of the  same house, job, drive to work, etc., and I decided if life was  going to be more varied  and vibrant,  it  was up to me to take a more creative   and proactive approach. It  never occurred to me that my ‘first’ plague was in the future, or the first time watching my  youngest daughter struggle with Covid 19. 
On  a brighter note, as she began to slowly  recuperate, inspite of on going  after effects, she asked me if I’d like to  participate  in the virtual Baltimore 26.2 mile crabby walk. At 70, I knew it would be a challenge as it was my  first, but wanted  to support her, so  I agreed. 

On Saturday,  October 10, we completed our required miles and yesterday  our t-shirts and medals arrived so  we opened them together  on a Zoom call! 

We’re planning to do  the turkey trot  on Thanksgiving Day and run a marathon in the  spring. Setting goals together has helped to make this bittersweet year a little  more  bearable. Even during a pandemic, there are ways to  collect firsts. I hope you are all setting goals and making wonderful memories. 
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Playing with Papers

8/21/2020

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Creating Herbal Collages

8/10/2020

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"I just love this new look you've been creating, it's got all the details of a good botanical illustration AND it's super artistic and original. Go you!"
~ Paula Swenson-Zografis

~ Paula Swenson-Zografis, Artist-Illustrator
Lives in Vila Nova De Ceira, Coimbra, Portugal

​Creating collages has been my main distraction during this pandemic. It has kept me productive and occupied. My youngest daughter fought the virus for over a month and thankfully, is now recovering. My oldest daughter was married a couple of days ago and I wasn't able to attend the wedding. Turning to gardening and art has been a comfort and therapy. 

​So far, I've created 105 collages!

A friend recently asked for more information on  the process so I've included the steps below. 
Most of the plants I sketch are from my gardens. Planting and watching them grow is one of most  rewarding parts of the process!
There's a saying - 
"When the world wearies, there is always the garden."
​I don't think it's ever been more true than in 2020. 

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The next step it so paint them. When I did my course on Enhancing Your Life with Herbs, I painted over 200. It's a six week course and I've delivered it four times, always taking in fresh cuttings to pass around the class so they could experience the fragrances, textures, color and at times, the flavors. Unfortunately, since our class will be on Zoom this year, we won't have that opportunity. Having the illustrations will be even more helpful this year. 
After I create the paintings, the next step is the tedious, but satisfying job of cutting them out. 
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Painting the papers comes next. The papers can be used as backgrounds, or torn or cut to create images. Using the best quality paints ensures the colors are intense and vibrant!
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Finally, all are combined to create my collages!
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Comfort Journals

4/8/2020

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A post from last year. Seems like an appropriate time to repost.
​Sending prayers and comfort to those who have lost loved ones. 


In February a dear friend's mother died. I created a comfort journal to help her process her loss and give her comfort while remembering her loved one. Since then I have made several more but this is my favorite - probably because her mother's favorite flower was the rose.  The comfort journal provides quotes, writing prompts, and a list of ideas for self care. I asked her a few questions about her mother so I could customize it - her favorite color, flower, song, etc. If you have a loved one who has lost someone dear to them and likes to journal, you might want to make a comfort journal for them. 
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The Power of Youth

1/10/2020

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As we enter 2020,  it's interesting to look back at the evolution of styles from the 1920s.  
The Inside Out fashion exhibit is no longer on display  
​but the information and lessons are still  relevant.  


from the

INSIDE OUT
​
building the silhouette
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This post is a continuation of blog posts from March 2, 2018 and the original post from February 10, 2018, highlighting the exhibit "from the Inside Out building the silhouette".  
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My earlier posts featured garments created for women who wanted to look older and more mature. Fashion reflected a full figured woman with wasp-like waists, cinched with corsets and contrasted with bulging bustles made of wire and muslin. This later softened somewhat to a more relaxed hour glass silhouette. Necklines were still high, sleeves and skirts were long, and layers and layers of fabric continued to restrict movement and encourage modesty. 
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Map of My Amazing Life

9/19/2019

 
This showed up as a memory on Facebook and prompted me to repost. I've had it out since January  and in these challenging times, it's kept me focussed and provided peace of mind. 
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It's that time of year! This has been our of sight, out of mind since the move in July. My course prompted me to look for it and display it again. It's helpful to reflect on what I cherish, what I want to create in my life and business, what I want to surrender and release, and why I know these things are meant to be. Hope it prompts you to do a map of your amazing life! I love the ocean and roses. Create your map with things that are personal to you!
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Goal  Setting - Last quarter - 2019

9/16/2019

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I love vision boards and goal settings, but if they aren't visual and engaging, I lose interest. I started making maps years ago and they keep me on task! Circling completed tasks gives me much more satisfaction thank checking off linear lists. If you are a creative, you may want to try this approach.  The limbs  from the  my tree are based on my  values. These have changed over the years, but always  include health, relationships,  creativity, and learning  and education.
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 Gratitude is alway at the base of my goals.  If  we don't appreciate what we have now, we'll  never be content. Leave a space for seeds - people, places and/or things that may -  or may not - flower and grow. Also included a space for  completely unexpected opportunities! One year I took a trip to Paris and bought a house - both completely unplanned when I made my draft goal map! Life is over flowing with possibilities. Leave a space for them! 
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    "My mission is 
    to help others see and cherish the beauty, 
    romance and treasures within and around them 
    that are often dismissed or completely overlooked."
    



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    Mikell 

    Mikell is a writer, artist and professional treasure hunter, finding the greatest treasures in the wonderful people who enter her life!

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