Tenthouse

This isn't the Soulpad that sits in my back yard, but it does give me a few ideas .... There's nothing like the middle of a long holiday weekend in the city to inspire the curation of a back yard tent. To be continued lovelies.....

SoulPad

Hello my fellow co creators. Though our recent temperatures belie the fact that it's the middle of May, I have gone ahead with the installation of a Soulpad at the end of the back yard. I have yet to curate the interior of my little meditation room, but when it's presentable, I shall invite you inside.
Namaste dears.

Moms

 .... this one's for you! Happy Mother's Day!

Thursday's Thought

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"You have to have a lot of patience to learn patience."  Stanislaw Lee (Polish writer - 1909-66)
Thank you Toronto Globe and Mail ..... Thought du jour.

Happy Trails

 Thanks to Vistaprint.ca, this piece has become my current business card, but I had forgotten all about
the story on the right side of the canvas. The original was 8"x36", so only a small portion ended up being printed. To see what I'm talking about, you'll have to click on the image. With the arrival of decent summer- like weather today, I was in the mood to share a beach scene, so happy trails to you and to yours.

Silent Sunday

A simple offering to a friend in need or a figure you revere ... it matters not. What does matter is that your intentions and your actions come from a place of love, kindness and selfless admiration for the role that another has played in your life. Namaste dear ones.

Dancing Baby Update

Cheers Evian!

Fit-doll

I rarely reference my days of hard core training and teaching, but the passion has never really left me -  certainly not the way my trim and toned legs and abs have. Today's workouts are short and sweet. I prefer the 'less is more' approach, which means that my time in the gym has to be efficient. I continue to find ways to recruit new muscle fibres while combining core moves with upper and lower body exercises. The plank moves in this video are a perfect example. Check it out.

Source: youtube.com via jocelyn on Pinterest

Treat Yourself

This piece is guaranteed to bring you a hearty laugh - but only if you see it to the very end.

Happy Monday dears!

Spirit Science

Spirit science is not the oxymoron that many would have said it was years ago. In fact, a growing number  of scientists and medical practitioners are now open to an expanded view on the subject. In my daily roam through YouTube videos, I came across a compelling interview with Dr. Larry Dossey from Santa Fe, New Mexico. He has a powerful message about neuro science, and insists that our brains are only in part responsible for who we are. Consciousness and spirituality play an enormous role in the health equation, and it's time we became more open to shifting our beliefs. Watch a little or watch a lot - it's a beautiful message dears.

Sunny Sunday

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That delicate sheen you see on this fabulous wall of vintage pages is actually the result of a sunny day outside ..... and not a moment too soon! Cheers dears.

Really?

Really? Yes. I am posting more puppy pictures in protest of this week's abominable weather. This is the blogging equivalent of going to my happy place when it decides to snow for most of one day, and then, as if 4 grey days in a row aren't enough already, we get freezing rain and drizzle for the next entire day .....  this being April and all, I find these weather antics to be rude and unruly. It's nothing however, that a little puppy love can't smooth over. Cheers dears, and have a happy weekend one and all.

Dog Blog

I could easily see myself posting nothing but animal photos - or as has recently been the case, snaps of my new hairy grandson, Bo. If I spent as much time with
my daughter's Mr. Bojangles as I wanted to, I would get absolutely nothing accomplished in the day. Alas,
I seem to be able to accomplish little - even without the doggie distractions. I defy anyone to take their eyes off this guy when he's in the room, the park - or wherever he gets taken - which is pretty much everywhere. At less than 4 pounds, he is a portable love monkey, who has even managed to win over my grumpy old man yorkie, Rocky. So my dears, thank you for indulging me yet another post about our furry kids. I have my sketchbook beside me, and the wheels are slowly starting to turn ....... to be continued.

Meowch!

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This has been a painful week for health news amidst immediate family and friends who are like family.
The odds are stacked against all of us for completely clear sailing into our twilight years, and in a world of uncertainty, we can all be sure that something will get us all in the end. For now, while so many of us are in the middle, I'm seeking solace and distraction in art. I love how this whimsical kitty averts my attention and takes me straight to my happy place. May you all spend some mindful moments in your happy place this first full weekend of April 2013. Special blessings for those in need.

So Long Gulf Coast

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It always feels good to leave paradise behind and re enter the real world of city living, family gatherings, outdoor hill training, and indoor art making. The cold air is invigorating, and I actually delight in the need for scarfs, jackets, and leather boots. I leave behind fond memories and a different family of friends who've become near and dear. Happy springtime one and all!

Easter 2013

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Wishing you and yours an Easter weekend  filled with sunshine, joy, family gatherings, safe travels, and meals made with love. Cheers dears.

Studio

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As I ponder re entry to our Canadian home, and the area I will designate as my art studio, the vintage typewriter I procured last fall at a flea market will be front and centre. My $20 investment was upgraded to mint condition as a surprise on Christmas morning, so I will finally be home to take it for a spin. Have a creative week dear ones, and travel safely as you gather with family to celebrate Easter.

Beach Party

This party's almost over! Just a chance photo shoot at Vanderbilt Beach in Southwest Florida, but soon it will be nothing but a fond memory.
Many days of sunshine, friends, great meals and good times, but home is where the family is. Easter is early this year, so between  now and Good  Friday, there is much to be done. Enjoy your weekend dear ones.

Top of the mornin' to you!

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If St. Paddy's Day and visions of green aren't enough to put you in the spirit for spring, then check out this cabin. While you're here, why not stick around to get caught up on my Pinterest boards by clicking on the banner? Enjoy the eye candy, and have a happy day!

Meet Mr. Bojangles

This adorable Brussels Griffen/Pug mix is my new hairy grandson. He weighs about 6 pounds at 3months of age, and will likely double his weight when fully grown. He's quite the little poser, and has been helping himself to Rocky's ( my 13 year old Yorky) toys and beds and chairs. They will get to meet each other in a few weeks when we return, so stay tuned for the Rocky Horror Picture Show. What do you get when a cross old terrier meets a moving ball of energy who steals all the toys????

Soul Search Sunday

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Henri Matisse once said, "Don't wait for inspiration. It comes while working." Carl Jung said, "Simple things hold the secret." All anyone needs is a simple inspiration that unlocks the process of over thinking about so many things, and releases just ONE idea to run with at a time. Good luck fellow creatives and blogging buddies. Thanks for your daily inspiration!

Promise of Spring

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For you my lovelies, a little eye candy to take your mind off the ever changing weather patterns of springtime. As well, a little reminder that this Sunday at 2 AM, our clocks will jump forward by one
hour. Hail to the extra hour of daylight, and the promise of spring!

Holy Basil

Source: flickr.com via jocelyn on Pinterest

I am impressed enough with the miracle herb, holy basil, that I want to share its story with you in the event you're looking for a new supplement to address your body, mind and spirit. As a member of the mint family, holy basil is closest to the sweet basil we use in cooking every day. It is one of India's most sacred herbs, and after 3,000 years, it is still revered as a powerful antioxidant, anti-fungal and anti inflammatory agent. Its ability to quiet the body's reaction to stress by lowering cortisol allows it to support both the adrenal system and the immune system while boosting brain function and elevating mood. Need I say more? My preferred brand New Chapter for Holy Basil.

Full Moon Turmoil?

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This is the perfect visual representation for today's topic: Can the phases of the moon affect human behaviour? This query is right up there with some of life's big mysteries, so rather than pontificate the point with my limited knowledge on the subjects of the universe, matter and astrology, I will humbly add that I believe some of us could very well be sensitive to the atmospheric changes that pull on the particles which science has proven to exist in the atmosphere. Notwithstanding the recent discovery of the Higgs boson particle, and somewhere in the middle of modern physicist's theories and folklore, there lies a field of probability that leans towards science and math. According to regular astrologists, the recent full moon was more potent because Mercury was in retrograde. (search me). I do know that my own emotions have been more shaken than stirred lately, so I am now feeling more sympathetic to the possibility that we are not separate entities at all. By that I mean that like the universe, we consist of a bundle of particles and water -  functioning in an energy field. It is this connection to the universe, though grossly understated and simplified, that makes it plausible, and perhaps possible for us to be impacted by events and changes in the earth's magnetic pull - and beyond. (Cue the Startrek soundtrack dears.)

The Great White North

In the time it takes to watch this video, you will have been transported, transformed, and charmed. A great Canadian comic comes face to face with mama bear and Mother nature.

Silent Sunday

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Create peace in your mind and body by observing your in and out breath for just a few repetitions. At that point, your thinking brain will likely interrupt the silence, and remind you of the challenges inherent in shutting down the ego. Be patient, and know that as you return to stillness and non-thinking, you are quieting down that sense of overwhelm and reviving your system with new found energy.
Namaste.

Zen Garden

Insight Saturday

" The Tibetan Buddhist tradition teaches us to view all sentient beings as our dear mothers and to show our gratitude by loving them all. For, according to Buddhist theory, we are born and reborn countless numbers of times and it's conceivable that each being has been our parent at one time or the another. In this way all beings in the universe share a family relationship."    - Dalai Lama

Dharma

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It is said that the spiritual law of dharma applies to each and every one of us. That is to say, that we each have a unique purpose or talent that defines and drives us. I'm still waiting to look up to the clouds and see the wisp of a word that might give me a little hint as to what passion could possibly drive me as much as my first love - fitness. While the hard core days of training, teaching and owning a gym are behind me, it's safe to say that working on the inner self offers so much more fulfilment than trying to perfect the outer self ever did. I also like that there's no wrong way to be creative, and I find that there's inspiration everywhere. Much of it comes from fellow bloggers, and I am always grateful for your comments and support. Namaste friends.

The Road To Awesome

Take a moment to enjoy some pint size words of wisdom - courtesy of Rainn Wilson's "Soul Pancake."

Love

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The love you put out there comes right back to you.

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Happy Trails this week my blogging buddies. May you find the perfect photo opportunity if not the juxtaposition at least one heavenly body in an unexpected setting .....  some pictures are worth a thousand smiles.

Simple Thursday

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Look for a little light in your day dear ones.

Meow!

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Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday ....... silly humans!

Thoughtful Thursday

When I spotted this photo in the lineup, I decided to remind myself of the healing properties of the gemstones I added to the piece. Jade's prosperous energies can be used to bring money into one's life by inciting a positive attitude towards (green) money. Jade supports a vision of being creative and productive with monetary abundance. It can also be carried around as a protective amulet.
Carnelian, an ancient Indian stone, gives energy, calms one's temper and protects from bad vibrations while it instills empowerment and strength.
Go forth and conquer your fears dear ones .... this isn't the dress rehearsal.

Miracles

Words have power. In scientific terms, they say that positive words when spoken, vibrate at higher frequencies than their negative counterparts. Theories like this really resonate with me, and therein lies the joy when creating something with both meaning and function. May you be awake for the miracles in your life!

Soft Sunday

My recent adventures in jewelry creation involved items from Toronto's premiere ribbon store, Midori.
I got leather and fabric cords, pom poms and tassels. The kazuri beads come from Kenya and have the most wonderful iridescent glazes. The resulting necklaces are whimsical and weightless, but still meaningful. I love the idea of wearing words that mean something, and as for the Kazuri story, click on the link to see how disadvantaged Kenyan women are creating hope and opportunity with each unique and beautiful bead.

Sacred Text

During a recent visit to the nearby Dollhouse store in Toronto, the miniature leather book I got when I checked out inspired this upcycled Forever 21 necklace. I already posted several Xmas themed assemblages that resulted from a visit to the same store. There's something about the world of miniatures that gets the creative mind wandering, and while we used to be outfitting actual dollhouses, I have no problem making up excuses to buy cute stuff from the dollhouse store. Have a wonderful and creative weekend dears.

Wednesday Wisdom

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Thank you for visiting the Zendoll Workshop my dear blogging friends. Your comments and support mean the world! Namaste dear ones.

Monday's Muse

Source: stampington.com via Val on Pinterest

If there's one thing I like to acquire to inspire, it's new washi tapes. While I did manage to find several new designs to spruce up my collection, I never imagined doing an installation of this magnitude. This is definitely the mother of all displays, and a total feast for the eyes! Cheers dears!

Spirit Sunday

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You don't have to be a spirit junkie to show up with the belief that positive forces are collaborating on your behalf for the highest possible good. Abundance seldom shows up when you are focussed on lack and other negative issues, and if it did, you might still be standing in its way. In order to get out of your own way, you might first have to admit that some of your thoughts are fear or anxiety based. The real work starts when you decide to let that go, so you can invite healing into your life. The 'letting go' of old resentments will guide you through a transformative experience and into a state of grace and flow.
Easier said than done, but with more clarity and a focussed plan, you just might be headed for a trifecta of magnificence!

Studio Thursday

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The organic feel of this studio space is a true inspiration. May 2013 be filled with creative inspiration for all of us!

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The spirit and curiosity of the child-like mind are a thing of beauty. Remind yourself to allow enthusiasm into your day - and especially into your heart. Set your course this year with an intention to observe and follow what truly makes you feel alive.

Holiday Highlights

I have always loved decorating for the holidays and wrapping gifts. There is simply no wrong way to express one's creativity at this or any other time of the year. In between the family gatherings and kitchen duties, there were a few bursts of art making - during which time I decided to make several mini assemblage Christmas scenes using goodies from the local dollhouse store. Danielle won the gift wrapping award this year with her pom pom obsession and vintage peeps. The party's over at our house though and the Xmas tear down is as imminent as our travels.
May you and yours move forwards into the new year with peace in your hearts and an abundance of  good health and hearty laughter. I remain grateful for your visits to Zendoll Workshop, and all the support and encouragement I receive from your kind comments.
Namaste friends!