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 :)

           Linking to Paint Party Friday, Art Journal Every Day, and Creative Every Day.

    "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