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I wish you all the very best life has to offer for Thanksgiving. May it be full of good things to eat, good friends and loved ones, creativity, spirituality, gratitude and especially lots and lots of good memories to last a lifetime!
May you take a moment today to hear the message that sings in your heart....and be grateful for all that you have and all that surrounds you...
Blessings to all....
Artfully Yours,
Pattie
Good Morning and welcome to Artfully Yours. This morning I have the wonderful pleasure of interviewing, Anne Marie Bennett, the author of BRIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. A book, recounting her journey, with living with breast cancer. If you have been diagnosed with cancer...know someone who is living with cancer...or could use a positive and heart felt journal to clarify your own gratitude...this is the perfect book to read. Anne Marie is open...honest...and loving with herself and her reader. You will walk away from reading this book with a sense of knowing and seeing a warrior. You will get a glimpse into a way to rearrange your own priorities in a loving and meaningful way.
Grab a cup of coffee and sit down for a moment and hear the wisdom of a cancer survivor.
Pattie: Being a caregiver myself, for someone who is living with cancer, what is the one piece of advice you can give a caregiver?
Anne Marie: The most important thing for a caregiver is to keep in mind that cancer patients ARE NOT JUST CANCER PATIENT. They are still the same beautiful interesting, and loving people that they were before their diagnosis. Sometimes on my journey with breast cancer, I got really tired of people asking "how do you feel today?" Because they were referring to my physical symptoms. I really felt most loved and cared for by the people who remembered who I really was beyond the part about being a breast cancer patient. Here are some examples of questions that people asked me that really helped me remember who I was.....
Have you read any good books lately?
Can you recommend a good movie to watch?
Are you planning any trips later this year?
What does it feel like to be away from the theater (my job) for so long?
Do you have any advice to give me about my son?
How is your spirit?
These questions will vary from person to person, of course, depending on what your loved one's interests and passions are. In the presence of questions like these, I was reminded of my best inner essence. I was reminded that I wasn't just a cancer patient. I felt like I was being seen for WHO I really was.
Pattie: Despite all you went through as a person living with cancer, you remained positive. Do you think this helps with the healing/grieving/accepting process? And how can a person gently allow for the negative feelings while staying positive?
Anne Marie: For me, the grieving process had to come FIRST. Not just grieving, but ALL the emotions that came up for me, especially fear and anger. I couldn't walk on the "bright side" without first naming and accepting and hooring all those darker feeling first. I can sum up the essence of my recipe for th Bright Side Living like this: Feel your feelings, and then change your thoughts. First I gave myself PERMISSION to feel whatever I was feeling, and to accept and even embrace my fears and worries and angers and grief. Not an easy thing, because it is very uncomfortable and sometimes messy! I found that if I just kept doing that, I could much more easily hear the negative thoughts in the background of my mind. And once I could hear the negative, self-defeating chatter inside of me, I was in a grounded position to enter that dialogue from a clearer place and change it. So for me, the part about embracing positive thoughts and gratitude was only possible AFTER I allowed myself my feelings. I find that this is true for me even now, seven years later. No matter what the situation, if I allow myself the ebb and flow of my feelings, I am more able to be clearly rooted in the bright side of positive thoughts.
Pattie: We are all programmed since childhood about our appearance. What advice can you give someone who is losing their hair and/or other appearance changes?
Anne Marie: Yes, I can definitely understand this question, Pattie! My journey took me through several physical changes. I gained a lot of weight, lost my hair (and not just on my head!) got catapulted into early menopause and lost my libido. Trust me, I was not happy about ANY of this! For me, my resistance to those physical changes disappeared the day I realized (about halfway through the journey) that I could not do anything about it! I was on this journey, and this is just how things were. I could waste a whole lot of energy bemoaning the fact that I didn't look like I use to, or I could just relax and go with the flow of it all. It really became almost like a game to me, finding the bright side of any situation especially the baldness. What could be good about not having hair? Well, I saved a lot of money at the drug store, not having to buy conditioner and styling products! Also, I saved a lot of time every morning and there was a great freedom in that, not having to purposely "look good" every day. I recently came across a Deepak Chopra quote: " Happiness is a continuation of happenings which are not resisted>" This speaks to me of the magic of acceptance, which was one of the key factors on my bright side journey.
Pattie: What one thing can someone living with cancer do to help them strengthen their spirit during their treatments?
Anne Marie: That "one thing" is going to be different for each person because each of us is so different. For me, that "one thing" was writing in my journal. Also, continuing to sit at my art table and create collage strengthened my spirit immensely during my treatment. But, for someone else, that "one thing" might be listening to NPR or going to synagogue, attending regular prayer meetings, fishing with the guys, continuing to work at a job they love, making birdhouses in the basement...You get the idea! The most important thing is to stay connected to yourself at all times, so that you know what your own personal "one thing" is!
Thank you so much for sharing with us this morning Anne Marie. During this month of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I can't think of a better person to interview....a better book to read. I wish you continued good health and awareness as your life on the BRIGHT SIDE continues to unfold before you.
Artfully Yours,
Pattie
For more information about Anne Marie’s book, Bright Side of the Road, please visit this page: www.annemariebennett.com To purchase the book, please visit this page: www.annemariebennett.com/how-to-purchase. For more information about SoulCollage® please visit www.KaleidoSoul.com...
I will be interviewing Anne Marie Bennett, who wrote Bright Side of the Road...A Spiritual Journey Through Breast Cancer on Wednesday, October the 21st... Anne Marie, is a Breast Cancer Survivor and boldly and beautifully writes from her heart about her experience.
For more information about Anne Marie’s book, Bright Side of the Road, please visit this page: www.annemariebennett.com To purchase the book, please visit this page: www.annemariebennett.com/how-to-purchase. For more information about SoulCollage® please visit www.KaleidoSoul.com...
This is BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH ...
I look forward to sharing with you some of the insight to this book and how it can guide you or help you with a loved one living with cancer.
Artfully Yours,
Pattie
"As you make a habit of not taking anything personally, you won't need to place your trust in what others do or say. You will only need to trust yourself to make responsible choices. You are never responsible for the actions of others; you are only responsible for you. When you truly understand this, and refuse to take things personally, you can hardly be hurt by the careless comments or actions of others."
~Don Miguel Ruiz
Once again I am pleased to be among the artist that are gracing the pages of Altered Couture!
This issue has a new look....a new feel....and it is something terrific!! The photography is amazing and my altered coolie shoes are gracing 4 pages!! I am one happy...happy...artist!
The Stampington publications showcase so many talented people, so I am always amazed when I see my work gracing the pages....If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing a copy... do yourself a favor and stop by your Barnes and Noble...pull up a chair ...grab a cup of Joe and get lost in a sea of fashion altered by artists....and dream of what you can do with something you have right in your own closet! Also....go to their website....they even have an on line store for supplies.....
Artfully Yours,
Pattie
I will readily admit that I have NOT been doing my journal this past week.....Something came over me....something that caused me to step outside of myself...my inner-ness and connect more with others.....But I will say that I missed it....So today...I will once again let my true voice sing...bringing about messages to myself!! I am careful today to take small sips of reality...sometimes reality is not what it is cut out to be...sometimes you need to check reality at the door...sometimes you need a reality check...so I am finding that if I take reality in small doses it serves me better!! LOL.....I was hit by the quote from Buddha as one of the writing prompts and when I did it the sun was coming out after days of rain.....and I was doing my journal page...exposing myself once again to myself....As I write about my soul today....I am aware of the patchwork that makes it up....scar tissue...wounds healed...some fresh...but that the majority of it is made of HOPE and GRATITUDE! And that my friends....is a very good thing!!
Atfully Yours,
Pattie
I am extremely proud to have been selected to have a previously published article picked to be in this magazine. I am amongst some very fine artists! My heART t-shirts and the article that went with it is honored on two pages!
This is what the magazine has in store for those of you who purchase it next month:
HandCrafted is back with Volume 5 and is fresher than ever. The newest issue will showcase an array of Stampington & Company publications to bring you page after page filled with all your favorite crafting projects (along with instructions). Each article is hand selected by the editorial staff to bring you the best of mixed-media, wearable art, scrapbooking, and stamping projects. Highlights are included from Somerset Studio®, Belle Armoire®, Art Doll Quarterly™, The Stampers’ Sampler®, Somerset Memories™, as well as many of our special publications. Come revisit some of your old projects in hopes to revive that passion that has since been forgotten.
Click HERE to see my t-shirts....
Artfully Yours,
Pattie
I have been doing my pages every day...Some without color...perhaps I have only been seeing in black and white lately....but yesterday, I opened a little...the prompt about kites made me think of Mary Poppins....and then the song...LETS GO FLY A KITE...ran through my head for most of the day....and I thought about how I should continue to have my fist holding tight to the end of a kite!(not allowing the black and white to rob me of color and dreams)...How by seeing things that are right in front of me....I am more likely to see the color that surrounds me....So I toast to the day....to seeing different shapes....to taking a soul vitamin....in order to see the shapes...sizes and colors that surround me...and I venture....I step outside of the black and white that I have been in lately...
Artfully Yours,
Pattie
Today is a day of toasting myself with a big cup of LOVE...self love! How by dipping into the soul vitamin of my creativity daily I can see a better picture...or paint a pretty picture!! I have been working in the yard...getting ready to trim some bushes and I discovered not 1 but 3 birds nests in those bushes that line my yard....So the trimming will have to wait for another month while the families that live there hatch and nurture their new little ones....I eyed these beautiful nests...these found objects of art...bits of paper and string...old plastic...dirt and leaves...all lovingly gathered to make a warm nest to rest and raise a little one or two....I saw these nests with new eyes today....the beautiful work of a busy bird going about its day with a song...and I am reminded to be more like the bird and be a little more comfortable in my own nest...and use my wings a little more....and sing a song that will make the art more beautiful....
Artfully Yours,
Pattie
Here's to a cool refreshing drink when you get hot...hot under the collar...to hot for comfort...HOT...HOT...HOT... You know those days when everything just gets to you....So I remember to take my vitamin C today....COOL....CALM...COLLECTIVE! And remind my self how perfectly imperfect I am!....And how I can swing to the left...swing to the right....stand up...
sit down...FIGHT...FIGHT...FIGHT!!
Artfully Yours,
Pattie
Now, I readily admit that I am not one who remembers my dreams as a rule of thumb...but after being outside all day yesterday I remember dreaming of beautiful gardens...where I could rest peacefully....So, I toast today with that thought....I take a soul vitamin and let the night time magic reappear with the smell and vision of that dream....and the lesson that I learned this morning....To do something every day to help your own growth and to nurture your soul....I myself have been in the paint since 5! LOL....NURTURING!
Artfully Yours,
Pattie
Today, I got up early once again....I like getting up early in the morning when the weather is nice...birds are singing and the smell of the morning is uninterrupted and I am alone with my thoughts....So today...I toast to opening up the day with a cheery HELLO to myself....I recognize ME...and I remember that Soul Vitamins come in all shapes and sizes and colors...it could be digging in the earth that touches me...finishing a project...the smell of freshly brewed coffee...all I have to do is remember to be aware of them.....I wrote the prompt INNER SKY....and how I have been feeling as of late....and how I am beginning to move past and out of the rain...and back to myself...my art...my writing...the ME that I love....and I am reminded today....that ART HEALS!! and I need to be aware of that more often when my inner sky breaks loose and the rain comes....
Artfully Yours,
Pattie
The beginning of a new month....and changing my attitude...adjusting it...popping the cork and taking a long tall cleansing breath.....toasting to the fact that things could be worse...that things are worse for others and looking to the positive side of life.....I did my journal page EARLY....I am posting it LATE as the day got by me.....this morning I was up at 5:30...way to early for the amount of time I did not sleep and I was not very happy about it at first...but then as I settled into the studio with coffee in hand....quietly I listened to the sounds around me....and for a moment or two I was in the woods...smelling the dew...listening to the birds....and my attitude changed...
Artfully Yours,
Pattie
It has been several weeks since I last did a journal page....Life sometimes just has a way with getting in the way!! LOL.....and although doing the journal page probably would of allowed some insight into what I could be doing...should be doing...would be doing instead of being in the middle of twists and turns....I tried to work things out the best I could ... now realizing that perhaps if I had just journaled the path would of been shorter....So today, I got up early...the morning songs outside of the birds and sweetness of the day allowed me to change my attitude...along with paint and pens....allowed me to sip the sweetness as I carefully removed the spiked top of the soul vitamins of that sweetness....Sometimes, you just have to be aware of the goodness despite the chaos....sometimes you just have to allow the bubbles of joy to float and burst around you...sometimes it is just the singing of the birds...the freshness of the air....the opening of the paint that can change your attitude from failure to success....Leaning a lesson today as this month comes to a close...
Artfully Yours,
Pattie
I usually delete FW's that come to my mailbox....mostly because my good husband has so many bells and whistles on this machine that nothing opens up.....BUT....this one came through from 4 different people yesterday....I had to sit up and notice the subject matter 7%...but alas, I am still not one to FW to others....so I post it here....You can copy and send as you choose or just enjoy the words written by this 90 year old....wisdom comes whenever we choose to let it!
Artfully Yours,
Pattie
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Its estimated 93% won't forward this. If you are one of the 7% who will, forward this with the title '7%'.
I'm in the 7%.
Remember that I will always share my spoon with you!
Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves.
| When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend, And then I started to become a woman. And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, God would show you the best in many friends. |
| One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man. Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom. Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities. Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be. One friend will say, 'Let's cry together,' Another , 'Let's fight together,' Another , 'Let's walk away together.' |
| One friend will meet your spiritual need, Another your shoe fetish, Another your love for movies, Another will be with you in your season of confusion, Another will be your clarifier, Another the wind beneath your wings. |
| But whatever their assignment in your life, On whatever the occasion, On whatever the day, Or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back, Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself .... Those are your best friends. |
| It may all be wrapped up in one woman, But for many, it's wrapped up in several... One from 7th grade, One from high school, Several from the college years, A couple from old jobs, On some days your mother, On some days your neighbor, On others, your sisters, And on some days, your daughters. |
I got up early...really early...to be alone for a moment or two with a "POT" of coffee!! (it is one of those mornings where a cup just won't do!!) and I sat down to read A Hand Made Life Zine that came in the mail yesterday, that I have the great pleasure of having an article in.....This Zine is put out by the lovely Robin Olson Mayberry, whom I have been in several swaps with and was blessed when she asked me to write for her zine.....Amazing to me that there are so many wonderfully creatives out there and someone is drawn enough to me and my work that they would single me out to do something like this....It is the sweetest Zine....filled with wonderful articles by different artist....Jim Dubois...Amanda Jolley....Dawn Rice...and of course Robin Olson Mayberry...
A Handmade Life...Issue 4: Creative Community is affordable and filled with inspiration plus!! Give yourself a treat....to order the Zine visit Robin at her etsy site Alchemy studios ...when it arrives pour yourself a cup of....and ENJOY! I have this morning....and it has been wonderful! Thank you Robin...for all your hard work and loving heart!
Artfully Yours,
Pattie
After taking time off to enjoy a VACATION....I fast forward to today....I readily admit, that I did not do my journal while away! Sometimes you just REALLY have to take time off for good behavior...but I am trying to get back into the swing of things today...I toast today to the REAL...real coffee...real paint...real pens...REALITY! And I sip the soul vitamin of safe travels down a U-TURN that I have been thrown...bursting the bubbles of FEAR from that turn one at a time....One of the prompts today talked about trash....but I did not do that one the way it was written, instead I was focused on how much trash people just left lying around at the vacation spot...thinking well, I suppose they hire someone to pick it up...but it was senseless trash...gum stuck under tables (I hate that especially if it is fresh gum that gets stuck to my clothes...when a napkin is readily available) and speaking of napkins...why let them fall on the ground and leave them there...pick the darn things up and throw them away....senseless trash...soda and beer cans left on the side of bushes...why? Lazy? Thoughtless?....I always have a small plastic bag in my purse for just such things if a trash can is not close....SIMPLE! OK...OFF my soap box!
Artfully Yours,
Pattie
As usual I have been keeping up with my journal pages...HOWEVER...I have been watching my little love for several days and he keeps me SO BUSY!! PLUS....I am getting ready to take a trip to Disney World with the husband and the little love....Today, as I did my page I was drinking out of my favorite cup...A cup that was purchased at Starbucks one Christmas...with the words LOVE...LIVE...WISH written all over it....and so I toasted the day with that cup....Taking this vacation is going to be wonderful...but it has been a long time since I traveled with a 4 year old...So I will take a little sip of the NO FEAR each day!!...I have been alone in the studio for at least 1/2 of the day today.....and realize the difference between being alone and being lonely....and I find solitude in the silence...and what it brings to me....
Artfully Yours,
Pattie
PS: SEE YOU IN 10 DAYS!!
