Friday, January 31, 2014

Mindful Matters

  Some of you may recall that my word for the year is  "mindful". Turns out that by being more mindful, it has come to my attention that my body has been slightly rebelling and I needed to see my Dr. sooner rather than later. I ended up having to reschedule d/t the weather but finally got there this week. My blood pressure has been up for the last few weeks daily so that was my primary reason for going. But then what I thought was just annoying allergies was getting progressively worse. Turns out I have rhinitis and a very sore swollen throat along with a skin condition affecting my ears. Steroid ointment and nasal spray so far are relieving those issues. As for the BP, well, it was so high I was put on a BP med immediately and now have a ton of bloodwork to get done along with several diagnostic heart tests and an ultrasound in the next two weeks. It's a bit disconcerting, however, once all is said and done we'll know how to proceed. Unfortunately heart disease runs in both sides of my family and before this I was the only one not on BP meds. Other than this I eat healthy and don't need to lose a pound so I'm hoping I have those things on my side. Anyhoo, I'd so appreciate your positive thoughts on the outcome. OK, enough said , time for art!!

  These are title pages I have done as prompted by my "Draw Your Awesome Year" class. The pages will all be filled in (hopefully) by the end of the year.







 Many of you know that besides July 4th I celebrate my French heritage on Bastille Day and also LOVE all things Celtic and enjoy our local Celtic festivities during the year (the color of the Irish flag looks more red than orange on the page I see-oh well.)












  The pages were all colored in with my Peerless watercolors and that's probably what I'll use throughout.

  And because I have been so frustrated by the frigid temps and snow I took it out on pages in another art journal :


  It began with random scraps of papers glued on the pages. A coat of gesso was applied over it. I then used Caran D'Ache water soluble crayons and scribbled over . A wet brush was used to blend. I finished it by spattering lots of white paint over it all-my winter frenzy!

 I started on some Valentines too and chose to go with a teacup shape. You can see the first ones in my last post. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone else has been up to this week :)


    "The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or      anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly."
                                                                                                                    Buddha




37 comments:

  1. Good morning, Linda! I am sorry you have not been feeling well and glad that you are addressing the issue(s)! Too many people ignore warning signs. Will keep you in my prayers.

    Love your cute drawing style - those pages are so nicely done! You have inspired me to get out my Peerless watercolors that I bought years ago. That is, when I complete the daunting task of a complete overhaul of my studio!!

    Have a great weekend.

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  2. Health is ALL< without it we can't do this wonderful art, so keep well and I love what you do- every week. Happy PPF.

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  3. Oh dear I hope all goes well and you feel better soon!! Take care Linda and keep us updated!! Try to relax and create some peace until you're healed from the one thing and get a hold of the other!! Lovely pages!

    Big hugs Giggles

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  4. Hi Linda, Looks like we are going through exactly the same thing at the same time. All of a sudden my BP was high in October. It seemed like things were under control but they are not so I am going for more tests next week. So we can support each other as we go through this at the same time. Sending you lots and lots of good wishes and positive thoughts.
    As always I love your journal pages. Your work always has such a bright happy feel to it and this week is no exception. Have a wonderful stress free week and let's keep in touch.

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  5. Linda, your watercolour pages are beautiful.So colorful, sweet and beautifully painted. You are creative such a magical journal. Sending your lots of positive and healing thoughts!!!

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  6. Beautiful art work. Your health problems will hopefully soon be resolved. Valerie

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  7. Loving your fab pages Linda. Am sure your health will be sorted out soon, in the meantime take great care of yourself sweet lady. Happy PPF, Annette x

    http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

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  8. Lovely colors and lettering! Hope you will feel better soon! Take care! <3

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  9. See you have taken out your frustrations about the weather on your art journal too. I did the same today. Hope your health issues will be addressed and solved as soon as possible, and I'm sending many positive thoughts your way!

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  10. Important things first-sending you good health wishes and stress less days. Be well! Your art work is amazing. Beautiful colors. Thank you.

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  11. It is good that you pay attention to your health, Linda. Like you, I was the last one in my family to be on BP medication and now I feel so much better. I'm sending you all my positive good wishes and hugs your way, my friend.
    AND your pages are just wonderful (love the lotus flower especially).
    Warm wishes to you......Jan

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  12. Beautiful compositions, exquisite and beautiful colors, margins creative!

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  13. Linda, I enjoyed seeing all those beautiful and colorful pages. I hope the BP goes back to normal soon.

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  14. beautiful happy pages, awesome for sure!

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  15. love all your journal pages!!! Happy PPF!!!

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  16. I hope you'll feel better soon, take care!
    I like the pages with your frustration, so energetic and intensive!

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  17. Sorry to hear you're not well, Linda, and do hope you get better soon. Loved your pages, of course!

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  18. Hello Linda I too am so sorry to hear you're having such a tough time with health issues, let's hope you pick up fast and smooth from all your troubles! Your art is as always a delight, I love those journal pages you let go in, beautiful and full of color mixed with Winter, wonderful effect!

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  19. Very lovely journal pages, and the last one is my favorite.
    I have BP problems as well, it runs in my family, too. I found that daily breathing meditations help me a lot. You already eat healthy and don't seem to have a weight problem (like I do), so I think this is definitely on your side. It can take a while for the BP to get back to normal, so don't get discouraged!

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  20. great pages! please take care of your health and feel better soon!!

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  21. Love your whimspirations pages, just waiting to be filled up! Lovely! waving hi from the hills of North Carolina ♥

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  22. Sorry to hear about your BP problems. Take it easy and hope you get better soon. Your pages are so cheerful. Thanks for sharing. Hapy PPF

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  23. Sending you lots of healing thoughts for your bp.
    It's so good that you were on the ball!
    I love all your journal pages, and I noticed you've saved a two page spread for travel - go you!
    jane :)

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  24. I'm doing Draw Your Awesome Year too! I love Joanne and I love your pages!! They look great! I really love those art journal pages--beautiful!

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  25. Yes, those health issues are scary, but you're on the right path in addressing them. Do keep us updated on how it goes, okay? we'll be concerned until we know you're doing well.

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  26. Lovely journal pages ~ design, colors are all delightful and wonderful ~ sending lots of 'distant healing reiki hugs' ~ be better soon ~
    carol, xxx
    www.acreativeharbor.com

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  27. As we get older the health issue seem to dominate our life :( Hope the new meds put yours in control and all of the other test just prove precautionary !! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers ♥ Your art is wonderful and you winter weather journal page is perfect for this year!! Take care my friend!

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  28. Oh Linda , you painting on the bottom is so fabulous!! Love all the texture and the room for imagination ♥ Conny Mix It Monthly

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  29. Beautiful pages Linda.....

    Hope you are feeling better soon...

    Lots of love

    Karen xxx

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  30. Hello dear Linda
    Take care and let us know how you get on - I'm sure the meds will sort it all out.
    Lovely pages all ready to go - balloons are a "happy" feeling for me. Love them all!
    Thinking of you my dear friend.
    Hugs and love
    Shane

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  31. Glad your health problems haven't stopped you creating beautiful work. Hope all the tests are soon done, and that some simple medication will see you 100% soon.

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  32. I am so glad you are able to take care of any health issues. I will light a candle of healing energy for you.
    I really like and enjoy your journal pages.
    Nicole/Beadwright

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  33. Oh, I will be thinking of you and sending you good thoughts! In the meantime, keep creating your beautiful pieces - your journal is just beautiful and those tea cups! LOVE them! xoxo

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  34. Wonderful sites, dear Linda. These colors are just right in this season.
    Sending greetings and hugs
    Erika

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  35. That must've been quite a scare with your health. I hope the results of the tests will be okay. It's good that you can still make such beautiful colourful art! Those peerless watercolours have such strong pigment, all those pages look lovely!

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  36. The journal pages are so fun and colorful. I don't like winter - but I absolutely love your winder 2 page spread. You just captured the season in the colors and the abstract painting. Really love it

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Thank you so much for your comments; it's a pleasure to connect with you!