One Hundred Posts

"I'm Grateful"                           MJP Day 16

This is 100th post on my Dare to Create blog.  My first post was on July 1st, 2013 and titled "When in doubt, begin again."  It was about starting fresh and enjoying the process of creating art.  Right now I happen to be sitting on my back porch reflecting on the journey my blog has documented.  At times I was a consistent poster, and other times, not so much.  I've written about  family, memories, techniques and events.  I've tried to remain consistent with my blog's primary objectives:  To make art and inspire others to be more creative.

This weekend I flew back to Fredericksburg, Virginia to participate in the Historic Half Marathon taking place this Sunday.  I brought a friend with me and am having a wonderful time showing her my beautiful hometown.  I am so lucky to be from such an amazing place full of wonderful sites and people.

The journal pages for today are old ones.  I admit I did most of the work on them a while ago.  But today I added a few more touches and am reminded to feel gratitude for all the blessings I have been given:

- a healthy body allowing me to run, walk and dance
- a loving husband who cherishes me
- amazing friends who lift me up
- perfect children who make me proud every day
- artistic talent and training
- a teacher's heart
- and all I need to live the life I choose.

And I'm grateful for my reading audience.  Thank you for taking precious time out of your day to read my musings.  I'll keep creating - I hope you'll keep reading and will be inspired to dabble in something new!

Be Still and Quietly Listen.

I'm a public school art teacher.  My students range from 6th to 12th grade and they are an active bunch.  I work in a school where students are sent for disciplinary reasons.  Our goal is to help them modify their behaviors while we work on improving or maintaining their grades.  This time of year is a challenge.  We're all tired and antsy, ready for summer vacation.  But we still have work to do.  Time for soft music and some calm drawing lessons.

"Be Still and Quietly Listen"      MJP Day 15

So shhhhhhhhhhh.....................Be Still.....................and Quietly Listen.

Compassion Brings Peace

May Journal Project - - Day 14

"Compassion Brings Peace"          MJP - Day14

Underneath this art is a list of people who have made a difference in my life.  It's a random list of relatives, teachers, friends, bosses and others.  Some are good relationships, some, not so good. But I'm a product of my past.  Everything and everyone has had an influence on my present state of being.

I collect fortune cookie sayings.  I just love the randomness of what you get.  I then save them for inspiration.  The one on this page says:

"Compassion will cure more than condemnation"

Compassion is a powerful emotion,  tough to give and to receive. But when I let it drive my thoughts and feelings I find peace.  Just like I get when I walk by the river.  Peace and calm.

Karen Richards - Dares to Create: I am many colors.

Karen Richards - Dares to Create: I am many colors.: May Journal Project - Day 13 Like a cameleon I change colors often.  I transform myself to either adapt to a new environment or hide in t...

I am many colors.

May Journal Project - Day 13

Like a cameleon I change colors often.  I transform myself to either adapt to a new environment or hide in there.  I've been know to bury myself in possessions but am now trying to free myself of clutter.  In the past I've clothed myself to cover up but I'm now revealing my true self.

My colors change with the seasons, with my geography and with my moods.

Today I am many colors.

Karen Richards - Dares to Create: Wishing on a star

Karen Richards - Dares to Create: Wishing on a star: "Stars"                               MJP - Day 12 Bedtime rituals were an important part of my childhood and I carried these ...

Wishing on a star

"Stars"                               MJP - Day 12

Bedtime rituals were an important part of my childhood and I carried these traditions over when my boys were little.  We'd have dinner, bath time, books, prayers and lots of singing  Many of our favorite songs were about stars like "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,"  and "When You Wish Upon a Star," and the one my mother used to sing to us, "Would You Like to Swing On a Star."  Bing Crosby recorded it back in 1944 - I just loved the song.

"Would you like to swing on a star

carry moonbeams home in a jar

and be better off than you are

Or would you rather be a mule?

A mule is an animal with long funny ears

he kicks up at anything he hears.

His back is brawny but his brain is weak

he's just plain stupid with a stubborn streak.

And by the way if you hate to go to school

you may grow up to be a mule.

Oh would you like to swing on a star

carry moonbeams home in a jar

and be better off than you are.

Or would you rather be a pig.

A pig is an animal with dirt on his face

his shoes are a terrible disgrace

He has no manners when he eats his food.

He's fat and lazy and extremely rude.

But if you don't care a feather or a fig,

you might grow up to be a pig.

Oh would you like to swing on a star,

carry moonbeams home in a jar

and be better off than you are.

Or would you rather be a fish.

A fish won't do anything but swim in a brook

he can't write his name or read a book.

To fool the people is his only thought

and though he's slippery he still gets caught.

But if that sort of life is what you wish.

You might grow up to be a fish

And all the monkeys aren't in the zoo

everyday you see quite a few.

So you see it's all up to you,

you could be swinging on a star!"

                            ~Jimmy Van Heusen

I wish there was a verse about a horse because when I was a little girl I wanted to grow up and be one!