Fire Cider
Every since happiness heard your name, it has been running through the streets trying to find you. – Hafiz Have you ever juggled a bunch too much? Ahh! My November has been so crammed, I look forward to free time next week, when my first Fire Cider will be ready. Yep, I dread the taste. The concoction contains hot peppers, onion, ginger root, horseradish and more. But, after steeping in cider vinegar for a month, the brew is said to: Boost immunity Help digestion Reduce inflammation Lower blood pressure Clear congestion Reduce cholesterol Increase energy Ease arthritis I learned to make Fire Cider in my Urban Gardening workshop, sponsored by Phipp’s Conservatory. Here’s a recipe and more information. Have you ever tried this tonic? Might you? Let me know. Comment below! Okay, I did promise to stop mentioning Artisan Bread. Then, I learned it was the original pizza dough [Neapolitan]. Because enjoying pizza can be a kind of tonic, — soothing and satisfying — click on picture to watch the makings of Bob’s Artisan Bread Pizza. [8 minutes]. Click here or on image to view. [8 minutes] Wanderings & Wonders Collection The inspiring and beautiful work in my Fine Art America collections is available as prints, framed and on canvas as well as on journals, greeting cards, weekender bags, shower curtains, puzzles and much more. Shop Here Thanks for your support! Sandra Gould Ford NOTE: size and placement of the art and words]can be changed as well as background colors.
Path to Joy: 1st of 12 – Keep Life Simple, Honest and Real
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. – Leonardo da Vinci Years ago, I found an old book of inspirations called The Treasure Chest. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” This letter launches “Twelve Paths to Joy,” my adaptation using visual meditations I called Illustrated Wisdom. This Post’s Featured Art, “Simplicity,” A Visual Meditation What I like best about the picture The gleam of the gold paint. The lines circling upward. Why The shining gold brightens and adds vitality. The lines look like paths that trip the light fantastic with leaves and flowers growing along the way. What does this picture teach? Because the intent was to envision life lived simplistically, to me: The dark borders suggest night, a time of rest within which large, gold stars shine. The gold sprays look like galaxies where countless stars cluster. The dark shows possibilities that cannot be seen by daylight. The curlicue lines teach that many dances are possible. The spirals say life can have carefree moments. The flowers remind to appreciate life’s beautiful, natural and simple gifts. The green dots represent seeds. They teach that opportunities can be abundant and grow from tiny packages. How can these insights lead to joy? The picture reminds me to: Relax, Enjoy the times when life dances, Find delight in peace and contentment, in keeping life simple, honest and real. The ‘Paths to Joy’ are adapted from The Treasure Chest, an old book I found years ago. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of special delight is using paints markers and ink to illustrate meditations inspired by this wisdom. The technique is adapted from the book Visual Journaling, Going Deeper Than Words, by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox. In this “Twelve Paths to Joy” series, permanent markers, ink, colored pencils, crayons, metallic, water color, acrylic and tempera paints are applied to 98-pound, 11 x 14-inch, mixed media paper. The doodling and dabbling, scribbling and splashing provides a process for stepping away from life’s hustle and bustle while creating pictures guided by the heart [rather than structured by the mind]. Along the way, Peaceful and inspiring spaces are opened Choices are clarified Important insights are gained The body, mind and spirit are relaxed and refreshed To see more of my art and purchase prints, Visit: SandraGouldFord.ImageKind.com