Path to Joy 2023 #4: Friends
A true friend is someone who is there for you when he’d rather be anywhere else. Len Wein All “Illustrated Wisdoms” in this 2023 Paths to Joy collection 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, I found nautical and heart stencils [as well as waves] to suggest journeys aimed toward love, atop all kinds of waters. The art was inspired by this Irish Proverb: There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, may they always be! Art is available with and without text. Shop Sandra’s Galleries. What is a friend? The 2020 Paths to Joy post answered, “A true friend doesn’t care if you’re broke … about your past, or if your family is filled with crazies. … They have your back when things go very wrong. They keep their promises and make you want to keep yours. Here are new, special quotes: Friends are people who know you really well and like you anyway. – Greg Tamblyn Friends give you a shoulder to cry on. But best friends are ready with a shovel to hurt the person that made you cry. – Unknown Love is blind. Friendship tries not to notice. – Otto von Bismarck You can always tell a real friend: When you’ve made a fool of yourself, he doesn’t feel you’ve done a permanent job. – Laurence J. Peter The Live Bold & Bloom blog writes, ‘most people consider themselves lucky to have one good friend,” because, “not everyone possesses the qualities of a good friend,” which include: Empathy Protective Listens and hears you Knows when you’re about to snap Won’t let you lie to yourself Keep in mind, an acquaintance is someone we recognize, like a neighbor, a co-worker, an exercise buddy. To have several, true friendships in a lifetime is a blessing. The Mayo Clinic suggests it can be achieved by connecting with: People whose conversations we’ve enjoyed Family members Classmates Also by: Volunteering Attending community events and faith-based activities Extending and accepting invitations More Tips from Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends & Influence People were mentioned in the 2020 post. Here are a few more: Avoid criticizing, condemning and complaining Smile Be a good listener Here’s the book [free] Because developing friendships in preschool and kindergarten helps children develop socially, emotionally and intellectually, here are two [among many] useful resources: 3 Tips for Helping Your Child Establish Meaningful Friendships Long-term Benefits of Childhood Friendships And remember Margaret Walker’s words of wisdom: Friends and good manners will carry you where money won’t go Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. COMMENT. Click here to view TED Talk Legendary duo Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin have been friends for decades. In a raw, tender and wide-ranging conversation hosted by Pat Mitchell, the three discuss longevity, feminism, the differences between male and female friendship, what it means to live well. Length: 15:35 Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Galaxy & IPhone Cases As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more Beautifully protect your phone with an impact resistant, slim-profile, hard-shell case. The art is printed directly onto the case and wrapped around the edges for a beautiful presentation. Simply snap case onto phone for instant protection and direct access to phone’s features. Available for numerous phone styles. Either slim or tough case styles available. Price: $23.50 TO $25 CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors PURCHASE GALAXY PHONE CASES: https://sandrasart.pixels.com/shop/galaxy+cases :IPHONE CASES: https://sandrasart.pixels.com/shop/iphone+cases Thanks for shopping!
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!
Soul Words: Created Family
Cousins are friends who already know how crazy your family is. – Source Unknown Sometimes, Richard Bach’s words prove true, “Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what.” [Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah] Bach also wrote, “The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.”As described in a Rick Riordan novel, “Families are messy. Immortal families are eternally messy. Sometimes the best we can do is to remind each other that we’re related for better or for worse―and try to keep the maiming and killing to a minimum.” For mere mortals, Thought Catalog acknowledges, “You may have purposely severed certain connections because they became too toxic for you, because you finally realized the truth — that blood doesn’t determine whether or not someone deserves a place inside of your universe. Despite what you grew up believing, your family members aren’t always the people who were inside of the hospital room on the day of your birth. Your family members aren’t always the people that your genetics bind you to biologically. Read more If the family you’re born into isn’t the one you need,” Shondaland suggests, Get rid of guilt about disengaging Value the people you have Read more Did you know that there are six types of families? Traditional, Blended, Extended, Single Parent, Same Sex, Childless and the Family You Choose.There are also Nuclear, Step and Grandparent families, each with strengths and weaknesses. Whatever the situation, families can be, “like that annoying itch you can’t scratch. ”Maybe Shailene Woodley is right, “Every family is dysfunctional, whether you want to admit it or not.” If so, remember these quotes, “Caller ID was invented for family screening.” “Siblings are your first frenemies.” “Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” – George Burns “The great advantage of living in a large family is that early lesson of life’s essential unfairness.” – Nancy Mitford “‘Well, that escalated quickly’ is our family motto.” “The capacity for friendship is God’s way of apologizing for our families.”–Jay McInerney The Wanderings & Wonders Shop Enriching and Beautiful Art Click Here