Celebration of Blessings

Autumn Gold

The last three months of the year seem to be my favorite. They are filled with celebration and fun, and yet be the most stressful times of the year too. I enjoy the changing of the leaves, full of bright colors and a cooler breeze that encourages outdoor activities. The kids seem to enjoy the creative ideas of dressing up, be it scary or humorous for Halloween treats.

There are more days out from school, and kids seem to look forward to the mini vacations. Thanksgiving rolls around and families come together. Folks engage in cooking scrumptious desserts to accentuate an incredible and delicious meal of turkey or ham, potatoes, beans, salads and so much more. People seem to share, smile, and think about others too. It’s a moment in the year to reflect and actually evaluate the gifts acquired throughout the year. For me, it helps me to focus less on my troubles or struggles and appreciate the growth, changes, and achievements that my family has made that have made me a better person.

This year, I am so proud of my daughters and the choices they have made and the love they share with my grandchildren. I am so grateful to my parents for guidance and love they continue to offer unconditionally. I can add more to the list, and I am grateful for that in itself. This time of year can warm the heart even if the temperatures are falling along with the leaves. I know I have observed many of Scrooges and Grinches this time of the year, but it’s my choice to choose how I want to celebrate. I like the warmth from within, when the temperatures can be cold, so I’m thankful for the blessings I have been given and want to share beyond the last month of the year.

That last month of the year, my grandson counts the days from Thanksgiving to Christmas for that school break again. Folks come out and about shopping and decorating for the season. Even with the economy and unemployment, folks seem to want to please as they struggle financially. Some folks can become extremely creative with gift ideas and crafts to share with love ones. People give toys, food, and other things to those less fortunate. It’s a time to be with family also and again share a moment of Thankfulness. I know I get detracted with holiday stresses, but I believe Dr. Seuss stated it well in the story, HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, when the Grinch had not stopped Christmas from coming, and the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. “Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!”

Blessings to all!

From the Heart

I was asked the other day, “Why Creativity?”
Well, let’s define creativity first. It is the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create significant and meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination; according to the dictionary.
It’s an everyday quality that I truly believe everyone has and processes to make life more meaningful. I appreciate the state of being creative with photography and writing, but I also use that skill in problem solving daily issues.

Niagara Falls

The Heart of Creativity

Concepts to hold,
Stories to be told,
Originality of thought,
Expression caught,
Illustrations to share,
Ideas to bare,
Discovery will peak,
Something to be unique!

SGW

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Creativity Brings Awareness

Crew: Here to Help

There are so many ways to be creative, and I am amazed how one’s innovative ideas or projects can touch the lives of others. During the month, the month of October, I know many saw “Pink” and I have heard that some felt overwhelmed by the color. But I can say as a Breast Cancer Survivor, being told you have cancer can be even more compelling. I remember hearing the diagnosis, my mind racing to reflect on unfinished business, and the whys. I became scared of the unknown expectations of treatment, and the experience was blinding to other things going on around. It was as if I had become frozen in time while others went on living. I know there are many that continue to battle and hold on to the hope of one day saying those words, “I’m a survivor.” From my gratitude, fighting the battle, the color “Pink”, well, it has become one of my favorite colors. I have become appreciative to various opportunities to be creative, to be expressive, to give back and fight with prayer, hope, and fund raising to support others affected, encourage better treatment, a cure and even prevention. I so enjoyed the opportunity to participate as a crew member for the walkers of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer this month. I observed the various staff or groups of crew members who worked the rest stops use creative themes to get the word out, inspire the walkers, and promote a positive message of awareness of Breast Cancer. It’s a disease, like so many, that affect not a person, but the family and community. Becoming more aware doesn’t mean that one becomes aware of cancer but aware of how to support, not only the various charities that help financially, but those affected by this cancer or any disease. The month of October, with all its pink, was to bring awareness on how to be able to communicate and assist them or their family in meeting their needs from the moment of being diagnosed, during the battle, and life as a survivor. It can be lonely, friends and family are saddened, unsure, and some stay away. I’m sure it is more of “a lack of how” to offer support and communicate that keeps them away, but to the one struggling and battling, it can be confusing and distressing. I can share, when someone took the time to call to check up on me, listened and allowed me to vent, provided a meal while I was going through treatment, or even expressed gladness to see me when I was out and about, that kind of support gave encouragement and strength. Positive emails, book suggestions, and cards were uplifting. So, when I see “Pink”, when someone gives financial support during these struggling economic times, so I can be a crew member or a walker for a foundation that supports Breast Cancer or even a hug from a family member or friend that seems glad I can participate…Well, then I’m proud that pink is getting the awareness out.

Pink

As Avon Walk for Breast Cancer states, I am IN IT TO END IT! I am in it to end a lack of support to those in need, I am in it to end others feeling overwhelmed and lonely, and I am in it until there is a cure or even prevention to this cancer and other diseases.

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

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Creative Colors

Colors

Autumn, the season between summer and winter when the ripened crops are available, the breeze blows in cooler, and accumulation of color surrounds.   I appreciate the coolness in the weather, the various Holidays of Halloween and Thanksgiving, but most of all the colors.  The sunrises and sunsets seem to enhance the glow of red, orange, yellow, and brown.  Hiking to an overlook to see the whole image of colors, the fall foliage, gives me inspiration to be creative.  This time of the year, I become inspired to decorate, create a costume and even bake.

It’s a time for the trees to prepare for winter.  As the days get shorter, the trees seem to indicate praise, as I see it, for the experience, the growth from spring and summer to go out before winter in a joy of color.  It gives me the feeling of hope, that this is not the end even with winter around the corner, but the colors give respect to the light reflected and the brightness to the trees’ substance that all will return, spring will come with newness.

 

 

Autumn

Harvest the Moment

Visually Bright,

Saturated Hues,

Plentiful Colors,

Illuminated Season,

Enlightened Celebration!

SGW

Recycling of Creative Ideas

Enhancing the Old

I know everyone has heard the phrase, “Out with the old and in with the new.”  There are times when something does not live up to its purpose, being out-of- date, too slow, or the cost of repairs cost more than a newer model.   Before tossing, remember there is another saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”  There are times too when something old can provide new or additional meaning to develop ideas to move forward.  Could it be that creative ideas are recycled, and the enduring ideas over time had more to offer than a product?

I needed some ideas and started searching through old pictures taken with an older camera.  I was one of those folks that thought a newer camera would give me better pictures, so to speak.  I was amazed at what I found.  With the matter of angles and lighting, I had done pretty well with that old camera, but what I discovered, I had captured some memorable times with family and friends.

What I discovered was I have those moments when I get caught up in the product, the achievement, the competition of the matter and forget the purpose, the results, and the reward of the moment.  There are so many sayings posted today giving excellent advice to slow down, absorb your surroundings, and appreciate right now, before it’s gone in a second.

I think, those creative ideas that I search for to complete a project, to improve a skill, or enhance productivity are stimulating motivators to pursue a dream, but there needs to be a balance with the old that helped and supported the foundation to carry on the weight of the new.  There needs to be several pillars of support that treasure each moment of the creative journey of life.

 

Renewed Notions

It may be a theory in time,

Accomplishments in history,

A dream in each season,

A way of life to learn,

Meant to be developed,

Its value to be respected,

An endless journey to behold,

To one another, passed on, it’ll grow.

SGW

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Believing Gives Strength to Creativity

Morning Reflections

With each sunrise I observe, it always gives me the peaceful reassurance that new opportunities are on the rise.  There are times, I have had a new adventure that came knocking on the door, and other times, I have had to use my creative imagination to develop and unlock the door to optimistic opportunities.  The key has been with me, never to give up on hope.  To believe and absorb the wonder of the artistic splendor that is shown as a new day begins.

Each day brings on new challenges, new definitions to experiences, and new adventures to explore.  I have my days when things seem scattered like an unfinished puzzle, and moments when a piece seems to be missing, but stepping back to appreciate the newness of a sunrise gives hope that I will creatively find that piece as the sun begins to glow and completes the picture I set out to dream.

Journey to Living

Opportunities develop out of storms,

To cope, to struggle, makes new skills,

Treasures gained, the trust of a friend,

Faith, hope, and love are strengthened,

A better me in the development.

 

The storms of life may seem tough,

Pressures to restore may seem scary,

Feeling… too tired to make the climb,

Faith, hope, and love are strengthened,

A better me in the development.

 

Experiences, confirmation to living,

Some troublesome with a lesson,

Some pleasant with a gift to treasure,

Believing in the passion of dreams,

A better me in the development.

 

The heart has known hurt,

The body has known failure,

The mind has known forgetfulness,

The soul has known loneliness,

Yet, I develop into a better me.

 

God’s touch has been soft,

God’s reach has been comforting,

God’s hand has been strong,

God’s grace has been lifting,

God develops me into a better me.

 

Laughter has given strength,

Crying has drained the weakness,

Each day has been a journey,

Each moment of reconstruction,

Developing me into a better me.

 

I absorb and map the circumstances,

Calmly rejoice for who I am today.

I will witness results of my creativity,

Empowering me to move forward,

Developing me into a better me.

SGW

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Essences of Creative Living

In my arms, I snuggled you,

In my arms, I breastfed you,

In my arms, I cuddled you,

In my arms, I thanked the Lord,

For a blessing has been born.

 

I gave you unconditional love to last,

I gave you guidance on your path,

I gave you my time, all that I had,

I gave you smiles when you were sad,

For a joy you had become, my child.

 

I released you to understand freedom,

I released you to grow in life’s education,

I released you to pursue your dreams,

I released you to seek your meaning of love,

For a proud parent, I’d become, my young adult.

 

As you grew in height, I grew in experience,

As you grew in friends, I grew in trust,

As you grew in thoughts, I grew in acceptance,

As you grew into me, I grew into my parent,

For all the gifts shared, I am thankful!

SGW

Each experience in the journey of living adds an essential contribution to being creative in life.  As days and even years pass, time has been filled and developed with opportunities, to imagine, and express an original thought that can grow in the cycle of sharing.  It’s astounding how creative some of the natural things are in life. Lately, I have had the opportunity to observe and reflect on the beginning of many of my creative adventures.  In my opinion, however viewed, my family has aided to the motivation of becoming the person I am.  Through love, laughter and tears, in my view, I have been one of those that have been fortunate to have a supportive family that strives to provide inspiration, encouragement, and joy.  They had and continue to guide me to follow my dreams, aided me with strength when I have fallen, and defended me to grow into the vision I believe.  Those gifts they shared came with unlimited rewards.  It was only the matter of taking responsibility, nurturing the gifts, and allowing them to be shared through me to others.  My creative inspiration comes from being grateful for truth, love, devotion and acceptance to grow from the heart.

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Labor Day

What is the "American Dream"?

To build on being creative, one must construct upon the history or should I say the traditional ideas, rules, and social patterns that are relevant, fulfilling and will provide development and productivity.  There must be continuous assessment and acceptance to change that which has become futile.  To continue what has a purpose for the best interest of others and change that which has become inadequate, hinders, or becomes an obstacle to the growth of our economy and the American workforce.

Today, I am celebrating, like so many, Labor Day.  It is more than a calendar date for fashion etiquette, end of the summer or just the first Monday of September.  In the late 19^th century, it became a federal holiday that was established to observe and pay tribute, to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of the American worker, the “workingmen’s holiday”.

Growing up, I had observed and listened to the various stories my parents and grandparents shared related to taking pride as a worker and being a part of the principles that it was honorable to labor, to work.  Even during difficult or hard times, they still seemed proactive to promote the fundamental dream, which anyone that worked hard and took pride and responsibility in their job could accomplish for their families, the “American Dream”, would become the backbone to achieve and provide for their children, a better future.

There is something to be said about history.  So many traditions, rules and social patterns continue without modification that have either out grown their purpose or may had only been a temporary fix, but continue to influence a perspective that may not be serving its purpose today and have become more of a hindrance to the growth of jobs and the economy.

During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was remembered by the working force, for his words, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”  Businessmen and Bankers did not view the President favorably.  President Roosevelt introduced The New Deal Program.  It was directed to bring back hope and encourage people to regain faith in themselves as the working force and the foundation of the “American Dream.”

Today, we face some of the same economic challenges of yesteryear, and have again witnessed the influence of bankers and the anger their actions and decisions can provoke in the labor force, so on this holiday, I want to recognize and give tribute to the working force that struggles against the deterioration of jobs, remains determined to provide for their families, and willing to take responsibility and voice the importance of why Labor Day was established.

Will not say “good-bye” to summer

Viewing the Season

Not today, I’m not going to think about summer is coming to an end.  I want to reflect on the moments shared with others and the laughs that have lifted my spirits.  Those warm days with a mild breeze, birds flying overhead and breathing in the freshness of grass cut.  The summer joys of gathering around the tantalizing aroma of the grill while it cooked my favorite meal and the taste of homemade ice cream.   Those strolls on the shore, after a day of play in the waves, feeling relaxed while waves softly wash my feet and there seemed to be magic in the air.  The serene evening of sitting on the screened porch while crickets are keeping temp as they play.  The travels and trips to see family and friends has been something to treasure from summer, also, the experiences have given me an optimistic hopefulness to writing and see things more creative.

So, I will not say “good-bye” to summer, but will welcome autumn and the joys of new experiences to be shared as I look forward to hikes, changing of the leaves, cozy-hoodie weather, bonfires, photographing color and whatever comes my way that can inspire and evolve creativity!

Seasons May Disappear in the Wind

Capture the sunrise; allow the newness to unfold,

Graciously accept the blessings with the setting sun.

Embrace the moment that was meant to be shared,

Each season is changing and disappears in the wind.

Dream with passion, for it can sparkle like the stars,

Guidance and strength; lean on the Guardian of Hope.

Rise to embrace, the challenges as they develop,

Find the gift embedded, rich like the red sky of night.

SGW

Visualize with Creativity

The tunnel of summer trees, green and deep are making it difficult to see far down the dirt strips of the road.  Spanish moss hangs low from the branches, giving it an eerie aura that not many have traveled these parts.  The sun rays break through with blinding beams just before it sets.  I’m blinded and confused in the twist in the road, unsure of what’s coming or where I’m going.

Visualized Path

To form a mental image in my mind, visibly see the image as it would grow into a story, which I was drawn into as I turned each page, to me, that’s what, comes from visualizing with creativity.  I enjoy closing a good book, sitting back and thinking I certainly knew that character.   Taking a trip, visiting a place I had read about and feeling like I have been here before and I had from the story.

That’s the incredible thing about books; there are so many genres, that there is something for everyone.   A trip to the past, a conflict at present, or a leap into the future, there is always something.  That is an adventure I find less youth experience today with the various computer games, movies, easy short cuts to get information without truly reading.  What happened to those rainy Saturdays, when I couldn’t go outside, so a good book was the comfort of the day?