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!
Path to Joy: 9th of 12 – Where the Stars at Night are Really Big and Bright
I believe very much in the idea of kindness. … It lies at the core of beauty. – Jan Morris One of my happiest memories is of driving around the big island of Hawaii with a Swiss woman who taught me to sing, in German, “The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas!” My goal was to surprise a darling friend made during those six weeks on Hawaii’s eastern side, in the rainy jungle. Karin rehearsed me over and over, insisting that I get the Germanic pronunciation right. Two days ago, I asked my German friend to remind me how to write those words. Thorsten EMailed back at 2am Hamburg time: Die Sterne in der Nacht sind groß und hell, tief im Herzen von Texas! Twenty-plus years after circling Hawaii’s gorgeous coast, I think of the 9th Path to Joy and how we can all be stars in our own worlds while shining big and bright in the lives of others. As Bishop Desmond Tutu said, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” Benevolence is good will, good wishes and wanting good for others. Beneficence is the joy of putting those intentions into action. Seek joy and stay safe! PS Jan Morris’ full quote is: I believe very much in the idea of kindness. I think kindness is the answer to all our problems. It lies at the core of beauty. Source: Battleship Yamato This Post’s Featured Art, “Beneficence,” An Illustrated Wisdom “Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” Howard Zinn 1922-2010 What I like best about the picture I like the starbursts that, on second thought, look like fireworks. Why Ever since I first saw the Leonid Meteor Showers [behind the screen of a drive-in movie] and saw those shooting stars sprinting across the sky, I’ve understood how spectacular and uplifting unexpected lights in the night can be. Fireworks displays have the same effect. They’re such gifts to the eye the heart and the spirit. They’re so uplifting. So joyful. What does this picture teach me? Shooting stars are natural parts of the universe, just like kindness. How joyful if our lives glittered with lots more. How can these insights lead to joy? I think these words answer best, If you light a lamp for someone else, it will also brighten your path. — Buddha NOTE: These ‘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. THE ART: For information and to purchase the Paths to Joy art, visit Sandra’s Galleries.
Path to Joy: 6th of 12 – Peace and Good Will
Peace is joy at rest. Joy is peace on its feet. – Anne Lamott Can vigilantes be part of a healthy, flourishing society? For me, the answer is in Ahmaud Arbery’s story. His death reminds that a cure is needed for another kind of COVID-19, the self-appointed judges and juries who then execute other human beings based on verdicts reached in their own minds. This Paths to Joy series has so far been built on values of simplicity, money, words, friendship and generosity. On the 6th Path, individuals can become cures for the Lynch Virus, the dis-ease killing the possibility of safe and harmonious communities. Wouldn’t you agree that when people choose peace, light expands [rather than darkness, distrust and destruction]? Couldn’t a brighter world then grow when individuals approach each other with good will, opportunity-by-opportunity, as best we can. How? Enjoy this beautiful video. Join the song. Sing along with Vince Gill. This Post’s Featured Art, “Peace and Good Will,” A Visual Meditation What do I like best about the picture? The stars in the darkness. Why do I like these things? To me, the stars in the darkness are the presence of light, hope, peace and guidance through turmoil, chaos, danger and [blindness] the inability to see. What does this picture teach me? I can sow light, hope and peace like seeds. How can these insights lead to joy? There is the parable of one who wanted to change the world. Failing that, they tried to change their country, their community then their family. Finally, they understood the only change possible was themselves, so that by individual [my] choices and actions, one [I] can bring peace and good will into the world. NOTE: These ‘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. For information and to purchase the Paths to Joy art, visit Sandra’s Galleries.
Path to Joy: 3rd of 12 – Words
Make yourselves nests of pleasant thoughts. None of us knows what fairy palaces we may build of beautiful thought — proof against all adversity. Bright fancies, satisfied memories, noble histories, faithful sayings, treasure houses of precious and restful thoughts, which care cannot disturb nor pain make gloomy, nor poverty take away from us. John Ruskin 1819-1900 According to neurosurgeon and spiritual teacher Don Miguel Ruiz, each of us live in worlds built by our words. In 1903, James Allen published a pamphlet using Proverbs 23:7 as the title, “As a man thinketh.” The little book opens with, “A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts. As the plant springs from, and could not be without, the seed, so every act of a man springs from the hidden seeds of thought … Act is the blossom of thought, and joy and suffering are its fruits.” Over a century later, Allen’s little book remains among the top five reads for those who motivate and inspire. Download a free copy of As A Man Thinketh. This Post’s Featured Art, “Words,” A Visual Meditation. What I like best about the art: The blue rings that build what I see as a cone-shaped beehive. Why I like the image: I like the serene blue structure because it represents the mind, which can be a beehive of activity. According to Laboratory of Neuro Imaging at the University of Southern California, the mind generates about fifty thoughts each minute or 70,000 per day. I like this beehive because it shows loving, uplifting [butterflies] thought-words rising to the surface. What the picture teaches: Though the golden planet Saturn travels through cold, dark space far from the sun, its fascinating rings teach me to: Set limits on words, spoken and thought, especially about myself and Establish boundaries for the influences of others The insights gained: Yes, life has its shadows. African proverbs and Winston Churchill are credited with saying, “If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm.” Author and teacher Sally Kempton adds, “It is hard to fight an enemy who has outposts inside your head.” Joy is a word composed of concepts like happiness, peace, satisfaction, contentment, lightness of being, brightness, smiles, embraces and engagement in nurturing, nourishing, uplifting activities. When these kinds of words and actions are part of life, they pave a path to joy. These ‘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. Shop Sandra’s Online Art Gallery
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