2009 Outlook: Delve Deep!

Art Journal Page - "the time is now"

November 2008

(made for an Artist's-Way-style challenge on NING)

As we turn the page on 2008 and prepare to begin anew,
~ allow me to share an uplifting thought ~

The economic downturn has effected each and every one of us, if not personally then it has most assuredly impacted someone that we love. Housing foreclosures, unemployment, sacrifice and loss. Life lessons have been learned and we will be forever changed. And that is not always a bad thing.

We are reminded that it is our relationships, not things, that are important.

Now is the PERFECT TIME for:

~ reflection
~ learning
~ delving deep

~ self love

~ patience
~ finding creativity
~ adaptability

~ resourcefulness
~ discovering strengths

and most of all,

~ reaching out to uplift a friend because
a trouble shared is a trouble halved

I have earned an MBA and a PHD in the "school of hard knocks" over the course of my lifetime. Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing since it has shaped me into the person I am today.

If you have major obstacles in your life right now, I want you to know that I care. You are in my thoughts and I believe in you!

“Every moment of your life is infinitely creative and the universe is endlessly bountiful. Just put forth a clear enough request, and everything your heart desires must come to you." - Mahatma Gandhi

SALTWATER REFLECTIONS

pic taken from the Music Pier

I recently posted in a forum that I want to start working on a "personal reflection" journal, though I've never made anything like this before. If I could share, for other first-timers, the one thing that has helped me to get started - it would be to do some real soulsearching and come up with a particular subject that brings up E-M-O-T-I-O-N-S! ... and you will see how quickly the excitement and the IDEAS begin to flow.

scott & me - 1958

Yes, there was a lightbulb moment for me because I am currently in the process of assembling a collection of photos on flickr, in a set titled "Ocean City Memories." When complete, it will span FIVE DECADES of happy times with family and friends at this popular south jersey beach resort!

Another great idea, to help get you started, would be to create a "techniques journal" or altered book like my friend Eileen Grobeck (cookala) has been working on over at flickr. Link to her project here.

I will post the progress here along with any special techniques I've used. I also plan to post the books, blogs, posts and people (starting with Eileen) who have inspired this "maiden voyage WITHIN." (could be a title lurking in there somewhere!)

THE BACKSTORY: "Beginning in the late 19th century, my great-grandparents and other relatives, had summer homes in nearby, Margate.

Google "Lucy the Elephant" to see a grand example of their Victorian era memories of that town!

lucy

a vintage beach scene

Two tidbits. (1) Twenty years after the fact, my parents learned that they played in the sand as children on the same beach at 2nd street. And (2) not only did my uncle meet my aunt on the boardwalk as a teenager, my brother met my sister-in-law when they stayed with friends at the same rooming house... 32 years ago (and counting)!

The tradition continues to this day with my (5th generation) nephews who STILL spend a few days each summer with my brother in August!

Something tells me, god willing, they'll be bringing THEIR children here!"