Ready to Spring Forward!

There is debate over moving our clocks back and forth but I like springing forward. One reason is because I like daylight 'seeming' to stretch; it gives me the illusion of more time and that automatically inspires me to do more with the time I have.

So I am definitely needing to be more efficient. I just started working outside my studio a couple weeks ago and I'm enjoying the job and being out in public more (lol) but I miss spending so much time with my art and crafty projects. I miss sleeping in whenever I want too but having that steady paycheck really makes up for that little inconvenience. Thank You God for my generous blessings!

How often do you thank God? I've been giving this some thought over the past few days, especially when driving since this is the time I listen to my contemporary christian stations and get to meditate a bit on my day, my life, and my spirituality... ok, I'm not meaning to turn this post into a spiritual discussion (that will be another day) but I remember watching that Oprah episode, how many years ago? where she advised keeping a 'Grateful Journal'. Let's see a show of hands: who saw it? and who started doing it?

I actually did start doing it and it made me feel better; it made me happier because I actually took a moment to think about all the things in life I enjoyed, appreciated, and loved. It also made me appreciate those little trials one must go thru to be more grateful for all those little and big things we sometimes take for granted.

So with the Spring and new beginnings, I'm going to begin doing this again- keeping a Grateful Journal. It's a good thing.. now I sound like Martha Stewart. LOL if you really knew me that comment would be sooo funny!!

Other Spring Resolutions:

• get up earlier to walk on treadmill or elliptical (I recently uncovered them!)
• start writing every day- even if it is only one page! I promised my daughter I would have a certain book complete by summer- ugh!
• spend at least an hour a day reading something beneficial (not janet evanovich- don't you just love her!)
• try to eat 3-4 times a day... I tend to forget and only eat 1-2 times which I understand may be what keeps me from losing more weight - go figure!
• maybe be a little more like Martha Stewart-lol
• attempt to be less hermit-like ;)
• paint every day!

 Here is my latest painting called New Growth... perfect for Spring;)

Go to my shop page to see the meanings of New Growth - thanks for checking it out!

© Copyright 2011 Cyndie Bumgarner
'New Growth' depicts my interpretation of the Tree of Life and the Circle of Life. I believe we are all connected, bound by our roots in/of Mother Nature and Heavenly Father. It is our nature to grow, mature, and pass along our knowledge and understandings...

What are your ambitions for Spring? How are you going to spend your time? and do you keep a Grateful Journal or have another way you keep grounded and happy? I really want to know!

Cool Concept and Little Lovelies

I love running into someone on the street and feeling like I've known them my whole life.
It's such a pleasure to make an instant new friend! It's good to feel a similar kinship in a fellow artist. One of the members in the Madcap Life team (see links for the team to the left) appeals to me. Maybe it's because we're almost neighbors in Carolina, or his willingness to help other members, or his activity in the group... I think what it really is IS his ability to take a piece of wood (already beautiful- or not) and create something more beautiful that people can use and feel against their skin...

it's important for us to connect to nature. Isn't wearing a piece of it around your neck or gripping it in your hand for support a wonderful way to remember Mother Earth, where we come from, and connect?

Meet Hal Papan! His shops are You Wood Like This (and you would like this!) and Stick Staff Cane.

His favorite things to work with?

Peace & Eco Harmony Necklace

wood
sharp tools
imagination (presumably his own)
inspiration

Please check out both shops for stunning jewelry, ornaments, and other treasures AND if you would like a stick, staff, or cane for hiking and walking. Hal says "I use a cane to keep from falling down."

Wooden Spirit Cane- go see the rest!

Hal has created a new treasury called Peak at the Future: Items Under Construction... as a place for other artists to showcase works in progress, custom orders, or custom items. He plans to create more of this kind and I will, of course, keep you updated. (click Follow now)


This is a terrific concept and he deserves kudos!

Show some love to his most recent addition to his treasury list. Here's a sneak peek:

Jughead by 1234Jackie

Natural Perfume by Sweet Anthem

Enjoy these finds. 
Take your shoes off today and feel the earth beneath bare feet! It's a good thing to do!