Paths to Joy 2023, Introduction
Embrace the healing power of these three things: Music, the Ocean, Stars — Source Unknown All “Illustrated Wisdoms,” the featured art in this 2023 “Paths to Joy” series were created by splattering viscous Dylusions shimmer spray on 11×14, 98 pound, Canson mixed media paper, then spritzing with water to see how the colors would run and gather. When dry, the above quote was evoked by “feathering” with water washes and tempera paints, meant to suggest the power of the oceans and of music. The final work was creating the darkness in upper right corner so that the stars could be seen. My understanding of this Illustrated Wisdom will change as the art reveals itself in new ways. What do you see? Write me. Three years after Succeed and Soar first presented the twelve “Paths to Joy,” the theme is revisited, with more enriching resources. The goal: No matter the troubling energies disturbing the world outside us, sanctuaries can be created where joy can flower within. Separate but a complement to “Paths to Joy” will be a four-part, “Re-Creating Eden” series. For those with interests in writing and reading, “Wordsmith Stars” and “Word Witty” will continue. There’ll also be three “Story Talk” posts where novels I’ve read are explored for author technique and craftsmanship. The one Succeed and Soar series that is done, with much joy, are the Select Short Videos, which will present brief, beautifully-produced stories ranging from heart-warming charmers to a mystery that’s both amusing and macabre. Lots to look forward to, including next week’s post. where Thrive! presents a tiny fruit with huge health benefits. In the meantime – and throughout the year – remind yourself of these five things daily [from Heartfelt Holistic Healing], I am amazing. I can do anything. Positivity is a choice. I celebrate my individuality. I am prepared to succeed. Succeed and Soar! This Month, Shop Sandra’s Art on Face Masks As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, yoga mats, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more When will we ever get back to plain, old flu season? In the meantime, safety is a great policy. Why not do so with style and pizzazz? This Face Mask is #8 from Succeed and Soar’s 2020 Path’s to Joy series. The face masks produced by Fine Art America are: 100% polyester Two ear loops with adjustable grommets for comfortable fit Sizes: Adult Large, Adult Small,/Youth Large Styles: Flat or Pleated NOT surgical mask grade See more details with item Price: $17.00 CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Purchase this face mask. Shop All Posters and Art Collections HERE. Thanks!
A Winter Story
Consider A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles. — Anonymous One of my delights is finding and presenting special, short videos. So, be sure to click the New Years greeting above. This month’s is a heartwarming story about kindness and community coming together. Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting art to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thing and inspire. Shop Sandra’s Art on Puzzles Art also available as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more. Each item is individually made, just for you. REEIVE FREE 3×3 Sticker {$5.75 value] from the Paths to Joy Gallery Just send a picture of your puzzle under construction by January 31st. This puzzle is a poster from the Contemplative Art that illustrated Succeed and Soar’s Path’s to Joy series. Puzzles are made from premium 0.2” thick paper stock Include a semi-gloss coating that makes the top vibrant Arrives in a puzzle box with artwork printed on top for safe storage Puzzle pieces are unique shapes 18×24-inch 500-piece puzzle is $40— 20×28-inch 1,000-piece puzzle is $44.50 CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Purchase this puzzle. Shop All Collections HERE. Depending on Browser, Puzzles may be a stand-alone category or listed in Lifestyle Section. Thanks for shopping!
Chocolate
Consider There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate. – Linda Grayson What are flavonoids? They’re six compounds found in some fruits, vegetables and plant products like wine and tea. Flavonoids regulate cellular activity and help the body function more efficiently. They are powerful antioxidants that fight harmful molecules and the free radicals that cause oxidative stress. Flavonoids may also help the body reduce inflammatory reactions to allergens, germs, toxins and other irritants. What delightful food contains flavonoids? Chocolate! The darker the better!! Among Life Hack’s “20 Health Benefits of Chocolate” are: Reduction of damage to nerve pathways caused by Alzheimer’s disease Lowered blood pressure Calmed coughing [safer than codeine with its undesirable side effects] Beyond the belief that chocolate’s theobromine and phenethylamine could be aphrodisiacs, Organic Facts list of “Ten Amazing Benefits of Chocolate,” includes: Reducing heart risks Managing diabetes Increasing intelligence [because flavanoids ‘boost blood flow to the brain’] Medical News Today also describes chocolate’s benefits as well as side effects like weight gain, sugar-based tooth problems, bone health and, possibly migraines [more study needed]. Read more. While indulging in chocolate, remember: enjoy in moderation, buy from quality sources, exercise, brush and floss, and the darker – the higher the chocolate content — the healthier. Succeed and Soar! Chocolate Recipes To control the ingredients, Adriana Harlan shows how to make 84% dark chocolate from scratch. How to make your own dark chocolate, including ganache. Eleven Healthier Ways to Enjoy Chocolate, includes: Chocolate Date Cookies Chocolate Protein Balls Healthy Salted Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffle 20 Best Healthy Chocolate Recipes, includes: Chocolate Avocado Mousse No Grain Chocolate Chip Cookies Healthy Fudgesicles Shop Sandra’s Galleries This puzzle is a poster from the Contemplative Art that illustrated Succeed and Soar’s Path’s to Joy series. Puzzles are made from premium 0.2” thick paper stock Include a semi-gloss coating that makes the top vibrant Arrives in a puzzle box with artwork printed on top for safe storage Puzzle pieces are unique shapes 18×24-inch 500-piece puzzle is $40— 20×28-inch 1,000-piece puzzle is $44.50 CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Purchase this puzzle. Shop All Collections HERE. Keep in Mind All information offered here is meant to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. With a Masters Degree in Fine Arts, Sandra Gould Ford is an artist, author, educator and former steelworker who intends to lift hearts and spirits, our awareness and humanity. Know that information explored here may be time sensitive and could have been updated. This material prescribes neither drugs nor therapies. Further, this brief post cannot cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic responses, adverse effects or appropriateness for any individual. This presenter uses her best discretion in sharing resources. She recommends readers do the same, including consulting appropriate professionals [including doctors, nurses and/or pharmacists] to make sure this information fits personal circumstances. Blessings and Good Health.
Soul Words: The Present Moment & Mindfulness
Winter Solstice Traditions 2-Minute Video Click here to View The Present is the point at which Time touches eternity. C.S. Lewis December 21 is Winter Solstice. Viewed from Earth, the Sun ‘moves’ from the constellation Sagittarius to Capricorn. Above our planet’s equator, the year’s longest night is experienced. In some places, the sun won’t even ‘rise’ [for 40 days in Murmansk] , which requires making our own light, especially inside. For 2022, Succeed and Soar promised healing, uplifting “Soul Songs” at the eight celestial turning points. This year’s octad concludes with: Mindfulness. Each of us is magical. We can time travel, experiencing our pasts and possible futures. These journeys can bring joy and security. Otherwise, as Anthony James said, “Remind yourself: You can only deal with the present moment. Everything else is a memory, a hope or a fear.” The Mayo Clinic describes Mindfulness as, “a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment.” Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now added, When you make the present moment, instead of past and future, the focal point of your life, your ability to enjoy what you do and with it the quality of your life increases dramatically. [free The Power of Now download] Mindfulness benefits can include: Higher brain functioning, increased immunity and less anxiety [see Positive Psychology] Also, less depression, improved memory and stronger relationships [see Very Well Mind] How to pause and use all five senses to live in the here and now? WikiHow offers these 14, steps with pictures. ENLIGHTENING, SHORT VIDEOS: Let Go of What’s Keeping You from This Moment [1 minute] Mindful Breathing for Anxiety [4 minutes] How to Get Into the Present Moment in 10 Seconds [5 minutes] The Neuroscience of Mindfulness [9 minutes] Succeed & Soar! The Wisdoms Collection Shop Enriching and Beautiful Posters Click Here to Visit
The First Five Pages
Consider There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they’ll take you. Beatrix Potter This Wordsmith Stars post reminds that agents and editors must choose a special few manuscripts from thousands received each year. How do they decide? Here are insights I’ve gained from the Associated Writing Programs Conference & Bookfairs. As explained in the video below, agents and editors hunt through piles of submissions every week looking for quick reasons to say, “No.” Erin Cox began her publishing career in publicity, then became an agent and publicist. Of selecting a book, she reminded that agents often receive material no one has seen except the writer’s mother and, perhaps their writing groups. Of the first five pages, she asks: Do I want to read the next five pages? David Graff had been an editor at Crown and became an independent editor. He advised writers, “to make sure material is as ready as possible.” Graff added that the first sentence and the power and the authority of the writer is what grabs. What market and readers demand is suspense. Of those opening pages, Graff reminded that every novel is a mystery novel. There really has to be a sense of a major question being posed from page one. If you can thrust the reader into the midst of something, suggesting what could happen, then you could have a reader or an editor miss their subway stop because they’re engrossed. How? Writers Relief offers five valuable ingredients for those first five pages, including skipping a prologue, focusing on characters, showing where the story happens and more. Write me with your story goals or questions. Succeed and Soar! Shop Sandra’s Galleries Buy Sandra’s art framed, on canvas, as posters. Also on totes, weekenders, tee shirts, journals, caps, baby onesies, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more. Purchase this puzzle. Shop All Collections HERE.
Run for Your Life
Consider You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it. – Margaret Thatcher One of my delights is finding and presenting special, short videos. This month’s is about the Galapagos Islands Marine Iguanas. While they live on rocks above the ocean, babies hatch inland. There, racer snakes await the once-a-year feast of newborns. While the predators can’t see very well, they can detect movement. Of this infant’s first moment, the narrator says, “If the hatchling keeps its nerve [stands still], it may just avoid detection.” Here are comments from the millions who’ve seen this BBC Earth series clip: I watched this so many times, only to realise today that it’s real. I always thought it was a made up story it’s absolutely amazing the snakes are so fast, I have never seen snakes [slither] this fast in my life. It is quite literally a scene out of someone’s worst nightmare. Whoever shot this recorded pure cinematic legendary genius. Absolutely enthralling. It’s crazy how the newborn iguana instinctively knew to stand still even though there was a snake passing by right in front of it. This left me more on the edge of my seat than any blockbuster I’ve seen in the last few years. Life itself truly writes the best stories. The footage, editing and music of this video was absolutely on point. Shop Sandra’s Art on Greeting Cards Also available as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more Each item is individually made, just for you. This photograph was taken in the Rocky Mountain woods near Aspen, Colorado. About the gorgeous, quality Greeting Cards: Impressive 5×7, 100 pound stock Outside: Semi-gloss, protective UV coat Inside: matte white finish Your own, personal message can be printed inside cards [up to 500 characters] Single card $4.95 Box of ten: $2.55 per card Box of 25: $1.95 per card CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Shop the Celebrate Winter collection HERE. Thanks for your support!
Food Combining
Consider Your diet is the foundation on which everything else is built. – Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed. In preparing this post, I was reminded that our mouth, stomach and intestines exist to gather fuel and eliminate whatever doesn’t nourish. With the many tasty delights awaiting during a food extravaganza like Thanksgiving, understanding digestion could help. Ancient Nutrition describes ‘Food Combining’ as a way of eating that takes the ‘stress off of the digestive system by eating simple, appropriately portioned meals consisting of foods that work well when paired together.” Some foods require different enzymes and take longer to digest than others. When the stomach receives varied foods at the same time, processing delays and digestive difficulties can arise. The Living Proof Institute reminds that, “bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, … feeling digestive discomfort or fatigue after eating isn’t normal. In fact, after you eat you should feel energized, refreshed, and ready to take on the world,” which can happen more easily when, Fruits are eaten alone Proteins are eaten with leafy, green [non-starchy] vegetables Keeping digestive juices at full strength by avoiding liquids during meals Read more As suggested in Succeed and Soar’s first Thanksgiving post,, “Traditions change. Now, some celebrate Friendsgiving.” Should food cornucopias prove too tempting, one Thanksgiving over-doing remedy could involve letting the digestive system recover while giving the body an internal tune up like the Seneca Fast. It involves eating fruits one day, drinking teas the next. Enjoy vegetables the third day. The fourth and last day, nourish and restore with vegetable broths. Here’s more detailed information: Seneca Body Detox Cleanse Seneca Fast [which includes some interesting comments-questions] Free, Food Combining charts Natalya Frolova, Registered Nutritionist Monotrophic Meal – One Food at a Meal is The Ideal The Divine Way to Combine Informative videos: How Food is Digested – Length 02:24 Food Combining Basics – Length: 08:41 How Long [Different] Foods Stay in The Stomach – Length 02:20 Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. Sandra’s Art on Greeting Cards As well as shirts, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, journals, blankets, clocks and more. This photograph was taken in downtown Pittsburgh’s Trinity Cathedral, the beautifully-decorated aisle offering peace, grace and serenity.About the gorgeous, quality Greeting Cards: Impressive 5×7, 100 pound stock Outside: Semi-gloss, protective UV coat Inside: matte white finish Your own, personal message can be printed inside cards [up to 500 characters] Single card $4.95 Box of ten: $2.55 per card Box of 25: $1.95 per card CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Click on pictured item to purchase. Nine gorgeous images have been added, including lovely naturescapes. Shop the Celebrate Winter collection HERE. Thanks for your support! Keep in Mind All information offered here is meant to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. With a Masters Degree in Fine Arts, Sandra Gould Ford is an artist, author, educator and former steelworker who intends to lift hearts and spirits, our awareness and humanity. Know that information explored here may be time sensitive and could have been updated. This material prescribes neither drugs nor therapies. Further, this brief post cannot cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic responses, adverse effects or appropriateness for any individual. This presenter uses her best discretion in sharing resources. She recommends readers do the same, including consulting appropriate professionals [including doctors, nurses and/or pharmacists] to make sure this information fits personal circumstances. Blessings and Good Health
Voting
Don’t let the truth get in the way of making a deal. [Or, gathering votes.] — American Greed [here’s the program] Succeed and Soar exists to encourage lives lived well. These posts avoid politics. Because current campaign advertisements have spooked me worse than the movie Silence of The Lambs, I ask, Why: Aren’t people who would lead uniting us behind positive, uplifting goals? Must we learn about candidates through advertising, which can mis-lead? [Example: Ads in the 1950’s said cigarettes were healthy when tobacco companies new better.] Can’t people who would govern begin with strong backgrounds in community service? Is the press and news media handling elections like the Kentucky Derby, the Masters Tournament or the Superbowl? Shouldn’t the 4th Estate provide verified information and insights instead of point spreads? I believe, as Abraham Lincoln said, the United States is currently Earth’s best hope of creating a second Eden, when we address what Condoleezza Rice called our “birth defect,” slavery and disenfranchisement in their various forms. To become a country that’s a shining example of human potential: Ramsey Solutions says, “Vote Wisely: Demand Honesty and Integrity.” Here’s how. The point is: How can we expect people who will cheat and lie to win elections be good leaders? Some misleading, mean-spirited ads I’ve seen should disqualify those candidates. Scientific American offers these ways to be a better voter: Vote with an eye toward the common good Broaden news and information sources Read more Consider insisting that 2024 local, state and federal candidates demonstrate they can unite us in making our communities and country tops in advancing justice, freedom, living wages, quality housing, excellent education and outstanding health care for all Aren’t these goals that can bring us together? Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. More Thoughts on Voting Vote and encourage others because: One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors. — Plato, Greek Philosopher It isn’t about who is the majority in Congress. It’s about, are people educated and enfranchised and resourced enough to participate in the government that purports to be of the people, by the people, for the people? We’re missing the people part—and not because people don’t care, but because we’re not doing our job as a country, as a culture, to make democracy work. — America Ferrera, Actress and Political Activist Bad officials are elected by good citizens who don’t vote. — George Jean Nathan, American Drama Critic and Magazine Editor Reviewed May 4, 2024
Soul Words: Paradox
As a man thinks, so he is. — Proverbs 23:7 From October 31 to November 2, Earth reaches the seventh of eight celestial turning points, in some cultures called Halloween, All Hallows, Samhain or Day of the Dead [See Succeed and Soar “Scorpio Season” post]. Nights lengthen. Days chill. Seeds go underground, preparing for winter. The Sun shines less from the constellation Scorpio. Ancient sages saw the moment between Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice as a time for engaging life’s depths and facing its paradoxes, the notions, ideas and experiences that force the mind beyond normal limits of thought. They are: Contradictions – Statements or ideas that oppose one another Ambiguities – Circumstances open to more than one interpretation Enigmas – a person or thing that’s mysterious, puzzling and/or difficult to understand’ What can be done when the heart, mind, body or spirit struggles to make sense of inconsistent words and deeds? To deal with uncertainty, confusion and discord, Conversant recommends affirming personal priorities and “getting clear on your purpose,” including use of the “polarity grid” at How to Manage Paradox. The Center for Creative Leadership acknowledges that, “conflicting demands and either/or tensions are the norm for many.” One solution is finding balance through “Duality Mapping,” based on the I Ching belief that “everything in the world consists of two opposite elements[yin/yang] that are partially conflicting and partially complementary.” Read more. Check out these videos How to Handle Paradox [5:10 minutes] How to Solve the Liar’s Paradox [4:50 minutes] Succeed and Soar! The Steel Genesis Collection Images from the last mill in Pittsburgh, once “The Steel Capital of the World” Click Here to Visit
How to Pitch Your Story
Consider A piece of writing’s purpose is to express oneself, convey information, persuade … earn money. – Richard Martin, AuthorsCast.com David Graff had been an editor at Crown Publishing and was working as an independent editor when I attended his “The First Five Pages” panel at the Associated Writing Programs Conference. In contacting an agent, Graff said the query letter should answer these questions: What’s the book about? Who’s the book by. Publishers want to publish authors (people). What other books are like yours? What tradition is your book in? Who would read your book? What “groups” will be interested? What about the book is new, interesting and fascinating, making it different from similar books (perhaps through your voice or humor or unique vision)? Understand: The query letter should be shorter than 200 words. Those words must entice an agent/editor to spend a year of their life on your book. Drafting a query letter can be a good way to envision the book. But the book needs to be well planned if not finished before querying an agent. This post’s videos provide great information. That said, all advice offered here should be considered: General Tips. Agents’ web sites will present their specific requirements. Shop Sandra’s Gallery Buy Sandra’s Art framed, on canvas, as posters as well as puzzles, shirts, infant onesies, phone cases, ornaments, journals, blankets, clocks and more. Each item is individually made, just for you. Purchase this puzzle. Shop All Collections HERE.