This is another bit of canvas I have worked on. What you see is bits of metal foil attached to the painted canvas with clear glaze.In Andrea's post today she talks about how sketching her Metroheads becomes an act of love for her. As she sketches and really looks at each subject, she feels the love of and for these people, even when at first she might feel a bit reluctant in the subject. As usual, this blog post made me think about how important our work of art can be for all of those around us.
One of the things Andrea said, in this post, how she likes to imagine this love begins to spread to those around her and they will then leave the Metro feeling better than they did when they entered. Now how cool is that? I believe this is exactly what happens. I am not the only one believing this, either. Take a look at this article I recently read. If happiness is spread by being happy, I feel quite sure, love is spread by feeling love.
So Andrea, by doing what she does each day on the Metro is making a difference in the lives of those around her, and they probably do not even know. For those of us who share with each other each day, the reality of happiness of our friends here make a difference. Many of us are probably also greatly aware of the impact of the people we love on our own emotions and even the people we just come in contact with from time to time. Now we can probably be assured our happiness and love in general spreads out to people who are completely unaware of what is happening.
When I go out, even to the supermarket, I make it a special point to be kind and patient with those I come in contact with. I often receive hugs from regular employees of places I frequent. When those people smile back at me, it makes me feel so much better, too. Now, how to make my art bring joy and spread love as this seems to be so very important right now. Do you feel a responsibility to spread love?
Thank you Andrea for this wonderful post. I have so much to learn from each of you! You are true blessings in my life and spread joy to me each day.
Spread some love today and spread it thick! :)
One of the things Andrea said, in this post, how she likes to imagine this love begins to spread to those around her and they will then leave the Metro feeling better than they did when they entered. Now how cool is that? I believe this is exactly what happens. I am not the only one believing this, either. Take a look at this article I recently read. If happiness is spread by being happy, I feel quite sure, love is spread by feeling love.
So Andrea, by doing what she does each day on the Metro is making a difference in the lives of those around her, and they probably do not even know. For those of us who share with each other each day, the reality of happiness of our friends here make a difference. Many of us are probably also greatly aware of the impact of the people we love on our own emotions and even the people we just come in contact with from time to time. Now we can probably be assured our happiness and love in general spreads out to people who are completely unaware of what is happening.
When I go out, even to the supermarket, I make it a special point to be kind and patient with those I come in contact with. I often receive hugs from regular employees of places I frequent. When those people smile back at me, it makes me feel so much better, too. Now, how to make my art bring joy and spread love as this seems to be so very important right now. Do you feel a responsibility to spread love?
Thank you Andrea for this wonderful post. I have so much to learn from each of you! You are true blessings in my life and spread joy to me each day.
Spread some love today and spread it thick! :)
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34 comments:
Thankyou Kim, this is a lovely post that touched my heart. I'm going to spend the rest of the day giving out love :)x
:) Good Jess, Andrea's post sure touched me...I am glad to spread it a little further, now! This is kind of like paying it forward, isn't it?
Love,
Kim
Awesome post, Kim,,,,and appropriate at any time, but maybe even more so during the holiday craziness.
Immediately brings to mind an old book I've read and re-read several times:
'T.N.T. The Magic Of Believing'
by Claude Bristol.
(unleashing the power within)
Years ago, as a junior stylist, I learned from the salon owner where I worked that we as individuals have such power to 'control' the atmosphere around us, and the attutude of not only ourselves, but those whom we come into contact with.
Who can resist a stranger's smile,,,,the random act of kindness, etc.? He taught me,,,(and I exercised it in my own salon) to make each new client feel as they are an old friend,,welcome,,,a part of the place, and the group. A little smile,a touch on the arm,,a "how are you today,,,,could I get you some coffee?" goes miles toward building happiness, acceptance, and loyalty,,,,"spreading the love" if you will.
Not only does it bring a feeling of welcome to the stranger, but brings out the very best in yourself, as you have noted here.
Often, I was pressed for time,,very busy with my own clientelle, but if I'd stop for only a minute to welcome the other stylists' new clients into the salon, make them feel at home,,,it brightened my own day in a way I'd be unable to explain.
Often, it's easy to forget,,but I TRY to bring this same attutude with me where ever I go. Not saying I always manage it,,,,,but when I do,,,,it's a very rewarding feeling for all involved. A true win-win.
So, this book I recommend as a door to the magic of believing, power of love, and the expectation of miracles, however small.
Excellent post,,and the shine and sparkle of the art is very fitting too! (was there another image at the end? I only got the dreaded red x)
I shall run over to Andrea's and see her post too,,,,oh, I just now read the article,,,,excellent. So easy to spread negative vibes also,,,so true! So easy to 'climb inside that box' with the person who is down, unhappy, and spreading misery. May we all stay miles away from that box!
Hi Kim,
I was just surfing the internet and found your blog. I love to see the art work you have done. Its really inspiring. I love all the details that you have written. Anxious to see more art work in your blog.
Take Care
God bless you
Hi Babs,
You are the "expect a miracle" woman, so I am not at all surprised you spread this joy each day. I love the story, though, of how you came to realize the power of spreading the love as you move through your days. The examples you give are so simple and we just need to take the time and I think be aware enough to continue to make the effort.
I am very eager to add this book to my wish list as these are the kinds of books I enjoy. They also have an impact on my art.
The article I thought was really wonderful and so cool how it is a part of good health...and good health leads to good life! What a web this world really is, don't you think? You are going to love Andrea's post. It is very thoughtful and expresses so well her loving, daily commute. Think of the good she is doing in Paris.
Let's do stay miles away from that box and be there for people who need to climb out. I love the image of reaching over the side of a box for someone trying to climb out?
Babs...only one image today! :)
Thank you so much for your beautiful, thought provoking comment.
Love,
Kim
Hello Sabi and Welcome!
I am glad you are enjoying the art here...that is always lovely to hear. Please feel free to join in the conversation ... we love insights.
I am eager to explore your blog later.
Have a Beautiful Day!
Love,
Kim
KIm this is such a great post in conjunction with andrea's post. Spread love. I like that and today when I am feeling unloving I need to hear these words. I do think love is contagious. We all need and desire love. To feel loved gives us such a wonderful sense of belonging. and then we want to go out and spread love ourselves.
Babs, boy I wish I could have been one of your hair clients. You are wonderful. I love your thoughts and attitude.
I hve read numerous books such as you describe. But sometimes I forget the lessons I learn.
ps I love the canvas too. I use those gold leaf pieces and love the way they turn out.
how special your log about reading Andreás log today, I felt the love through her work and often I feel it in work of others like yours, it's the greatest compliment for me when people are touched by litterally touching my work.She has the words fot it and you made it even more special...thanks for reading my blog...I'll be your follower too!
Dear Kim, Andrea's post was truly amazing. I am very glad it led you to me also. Thanks for your words and your support. I shall watch this blog as well. I love following the work of fellow artists!
Take care and visit again soon!
Hi Suki,
Well, I had another plan for today's post, but I often read posts which are new before I begin. When I read Andrea's today, this just kind of came out of me. I have been thinking about this article since I read it, then Andrea kind of pushed me over.
When we lived in a small town in South Texas, I felt so depressed when we would go out. After some contemplation, I decided I would take this in my own hand and at least smile and say have a good day to those I came in contact with in our town. Often when I would do that the people would look at me as though I had three heads or something (I honestly do only have one), but I felt better. After a while I became known as the woman who smiled. It was a difficult town to break, but I continued doing this long after we moved from there and it has constantly made a difference. I am not always happy, but I absolutely always try to see the glass overflowing and remind myself each day of all the things I am grateful for in my day. These things just seem to make the energy around me better.
Like you, I wish Babs could have been my hair dresser, too. Wouldn't it have been great to go in there and come out feeling like a million on the inside as well as the outside?
I am glad you like this little bit with the gold leaf. A friend gave me a bottle of these bits and pieces, so I thought maybe I would give this a go. It is kind of fun to work with, too.
Thanks So Much Suki and I am glad you found some good in this post and the wonderful comments here, too.
Love,
Kim
Hello Yvette,
I am glad you enjoyed this. I feel so touched by so many artist and am eager to watch your blog for some lovely work. The colors you choose are compelling and the work is incredible. It would be amazing to touch your felt...love the heart.
Welcome to our group. I hope you will jump right in and share here.
Thanks So Much for your visit.
Love,
Kim
Heidi,
I look forward to visiting your blog often. Andrea inspires me so much and I just couldn't help but take this and go with it...like a true gift, isn't it?
Come back and visit often.
Love,
Kim
Stunning work!
Love it Looks like the world to me.
You certainly spread joy and love with your work, but most of all with who you are a loving and caring person!
Love >M<
ps will be back tomorrow to read the other post I have missed. Been a bit busy.....
Thank you, Marianne! The world...you should know about that with all of your traveling. :)
What a nice thing for you to say. To bring a smile to someone's face is lovely payment.
I look forward to your return...I completely understand being busy!
Love,
Kim
Dear Kim, what a lovely posting! I seem to get to the conversations after everybody else, being in a completely different time zone. It always takes quite a time to read through all the interesting comments and then remember what you said in your posting!
I will get to read Andrea's after this - but you are so right, we have the power to change the atmosphere, how others feel as we go through our day. Working as a nurse, I found the healing power of love and empathy. Patients in hospital are incredibly vulnerable and I found that if I went about my day, imagining how I would feel, lying there and treating that person as if it were me or my mother, I was able make them feel good about themselves.
Kim, so few people smile at strangers. You are so right, if we spread a bit of love and caring to those we come in contact, we can change that bit of world we come in contact with.
Oh Babs, I would have loved you to do my hair! You must have had a huge clientele
Oh I am sure your work as a nurse has really made a huge difference in how you see this spreading of love. Do you think you can come here to do some teaching of medical people? They could use your techniques. The women in my family are attracted to the medical professions and I have always thought my empathy would make it a very difficult to be a nurse. I would have a difficult time separating from the suffering.
Smile at everyone! That is my motto. I say, "have a lovely day" or good day to everyone, too. I have had people, pause and say, "gee, thank you!" I am happy such a small thing could make a difference, but in a way it is sad they don't hear that more often. You know?
Isn't it a shame Bab's can't open a virtual salon? She would make a million!
Thanks Dianne for your very thoughtful comment!
Love,
Kim
We can all spread our bit of love and peace in as many ways as possible, big and small. There is a spin-off, this is the path to personal happiness and contentment! Thanks for starting this lovely discussion, Kim!
Your painting brings me under the sea to find gold coins spilled from a treasure chest. Treasure Love!
I came to see what new post you have for today Kim, and find you're still spreading love.
Which is a very good thing!
Then I read comments about me. (blushing),,,I would have been so HONORED to have you gals in my clientelle, thank you for those comments.
(and I apologize if I talk too much about myself,,,I really don't mean to,,,I only wanted to pass on what I myself had been taught)
exits humbly,,,,,(but with a big smile)
Hi Dianne,
I am glad you returned. I thought I would leave this post up another day as it is filling me with such a good feeling. You are right, we have to spread love and peace in as many ways as humanly possible...maybe we can begin a trend this little group here! We can become Artists for Peace and Love and spread the joy around the world. :)
Thanks Dianne! Artists like you make it all possible.
Love,
Kim
Well, I had not seen it that way, Chewy! Under the Sea...Mmmm, you have me thinking here!
Good to see you!
Love,
Kim
Yeah Babs, I was feeling so full from the lovely comments on this posting, I couldn't bring myself to muck it up with something else right now. :)
Do not say that...your talking here (about yourself, but most often about ideas or problem solving) is needed here. We love you and need your insights. You have a lot of public experience I do not have, and I find your insights so helpful and heartfelt. It would break my heart if you stopped doing what you do here each posting. I am honored with your presence and kindness!
I can just see us now...a salon where we could go and talk art...share ideas and get our hair cut. It would be a problem...we would never leave and we would probably all want to begin painting there too and end up as the hairy painters! :)
I am honored you feel it was the right thing to leave this in place today!
Love,
Kim
Such beautiful words and sentiments! I do believe that we are capable of spreading our feelings around just by how we behave during our encounters with others. If we share love, love is what will be felt. If we share our pain, then others will feel that, too.
Wonderful post!
Hugs,
Debbie
Hello Debra and Welcome!
I am glad you liked these words I wrote...believe me they were heavily inspired by my friend, Andrea. You would like her words, too.
You are so right, if we share love, we receive love back. I am very vulnerable to the feelings of others...both physical and emotional. I know I am not alone in this and it is great to know I can also use it for so much good. If I can, so can many others. Just imagine what a simple spark of love can create.
Thank you so much for visiting me. I will be visiting your blog very soon, too.
Love,
Kim
Wow, what a great post, both you and Andrea. So much to ponder on !
I don't feel a RESPONSIBILITY to send out love but I do try to live each moment from a place of love and if others pick up on that vibe and it makes a difference for them, then how much more can I ask for?
Life is good. You are wonderful.
Season's Greetings.
Hi Paula,
I am glad you enjoyed the posts here and at Andrea's blog. It is really Andrea who started this whole thing.
Living each moment from a place of love is what it is all about.
Life IS good. You are pretty darn wonderful yourself.
Yes, Greetings of the Season!
Love,
Kim
I think it is great that you left this posting to grow arms and legs! These powerful words need a few days to spread their wings and reach everybody.
I have come to think that if you post everyday, your words can sometimes get lost and loose their power, by being replaced by the next posting. People stop commenting on that post and move to the next. I think it is facinating to see how the conversation develops!
Babs - I know the feeling, I often think, eekkk, I am writing about myself again. The thing is, I love to read about you and how you feel, each little snippet goes to create a facet of the mental picture of who "Babs" is, (for us out there in bloggyworld)
Kim, I hope you don't mind me talking to Babs on your blog? It would be sad if she felt she should censor what she is saying.
Love Dianne x
Dianne, you are so sweet. I also love it when these conversations develop, people return and things get going. I love it when people talk to each other and don't think they have to talk to me. I also love it when people move the discussion forward either here or on their own blogs.
The one thing I want to emphasize here, though, this was started by Andrea! She is the one who made contact with the idea. I just couldn't keep my mouth shut. :)
I love the idea of leaving a post to grow legs...for me sometimes it happens and sometimes there just doesn't seem to be enough to talk about or the time just isn't right. Then there are other times when it seems like I hit it. Not being a journalist or writer, I suppose it is a matter of hitting it when you can. Probably, if I would journal more away from the blog, I could hit up ons a few more good ideas. :)
Dianne, please do feel free to come here and talk to anyone any time. I love it when people respond to each other.
Thank you for all of your support.
Love,
Kim
Kim, I'm so sorry I haven't even taken the time yet to answer your lovely post and thank your for mentioning my yesterday's post here. What a great connection, let's spread love! I just read this incredible quote from Tolstoy:
"And all people live, Not by reason of any care they have for themselves, But by the love for them that is in other people."
And I read the article too, thanks for the link. How interesting! I really do think that, if someone is not a happy person because of educational problems or other what I cal "minor" problems, well then the person still can "decide" to be happy, can train to be happy! I believe we need to believe in this:)
love
Andrea
came back to have another look at your painting with metal, it looks like the universe, something spatial, love it! I'd love to see and touch the texture of the surface:)
Andrea
Hi Andrea,
Thanks so much...it is interesting how this does look so spatial. Clearly I just laid down the foil without really thinking. I didn't even see that quality until I had taken the photo.
I might have to do something about you getting to feel this and see it closer. :)
Love,
Kim
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