Raphaella's Journey Continued

Grids and Dots: The Abstract Art of Raphaella Vaisseau at Studio V Gallery's Artists of Venice Exhibition Jan-Feb 2012

2012-01-05T16:24:00.000-05:00

Studio V Gallery is a hip, edgy gallery in the Arts District of Venice, Florida at 206 West Miami Ave, on the island at the corner of Nokomis. Owner Victoria Miller is a talented local artist herself. Read more about her and view her paintings on bluecanvas.com.

Her current "Artists of Venice" exhibition opens January 14, 2012 from 6-9pm. My original abstract paintings will be among the art from twenty artists showing work at the gallery through the end of February. I'm pleased to say that in addition to the abstracts, I will be showing two of my signature layered creations of color on color: Ruby (shown on right), and Seaweed. These layered watercolor paintings often take years to complete, with as many as seven layers of watercolor paint applied over another.

Included in the collection of abstracts on display will be a series of grids and earthly shapes, including Grid 6 and Swiss Grid (shown to left).

For more information about my art, or for a private viewing at the gallery during the months of this exhibition, please contact me directly at 941.993.7001.

Come to the January 14th opening (6-9pm) if you can. I'd love to see you there and personally share my art with you. For more information about the gallery itself, contact Victoria Miller at 941.412.6051. Except for special events, the Studio V Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm and Saturday, 10am-3pm.

Review of 2011 and Declaration for 2012 in the life of Raphaella Vaisseau

2011-12-26T16:05:00.000-05:00

Continuing the focus of the past few years, 2011 has been about reducing debt while developing new and more profitable streams of income and streamlining business practices. Intention and focus paid off for me in 2011. It was a good year. I succeeded at building a more solid foundation for my work in the world, enjoyed time with family and friends, and explored more of the beautiful Florida environment where I now live.

As my new foundation continues to support me going forward, I will create more space in my life for creativity, new artistic expression, and expanded opportunities for sharing my art with others to enhance their lives. Again this coming year, I will be expanding and simplifying at the same time.

2012 is a Year of Freedom. As I stand in knowingness and act on my inner guidance, I will step forward into greater expression and fulfillment of my life’s work. I am committed to manifesting my greatness in the form of my art, writing, my being, and my expression.

We are all great. We all have greatness. This year I have become more aware that it’s up to me to let my light shine more brightly than I’ve dared to before. In claiming my own authority, as stated in my ministerial blessing from 1978, I’m confident and more ready than ever to speak up, step out, and be visible. No more waiting until “whenever.” My focus this year will be on being courageous, taking action, listening to my inner guidance, and staying in alignment with my inner being on a day by day, moment to moment basis. My emotions will be my guide.

“Life is supposed to be fun,” says Abraham-Hicks. That’s where I’ll be living in 2012. Joy will be my song.
-Raphaella Vaisseau

I Can Do It! Tampa 2011 - Part Two: Louise Hay et al

2011-12-06T18:44:00.000-05:00

November 11-13, 2011 I attended an I Can Do It! Hay HouseConference in Tampa, Florida with two of my friends Joanie andElaine. (Note: If you missed Part One of my experience of the Conference, read about it here: I Can Do It! Tampa 2011: Part One: Marianne Williamson.)

Wayne Dyer gave the keynote presentation on the first evening in whichhe encouraged us to treasure our magnificence, live from the end, and assumethe feeling of the wish fulfilled. Live from the place as if it were already anaccomplished fact.

Much of what was said served to remind me of what Ialready knew to be true. Yet it was exhilarating to be in the presence of manyof my favorite authors – people who are my role models, people who to my way ofthinking are walking their talk. Louise Hay and Cheryl Richardson have a newbook out, You Can Create An Exceptional Life. They were adorable as they talked about mirror work (positive self talk while looking at yourself in the mirror), and shared hints and tips of how they live their lives. One of my favorite take-away affirmations is one Louise has had in her bathroom (directly across from the toilet) for decades, "I bless and prosper everyone in my world and everyone in my world blesses and prospers me."

Doreen Virtue is always a pleasure to experience. Sweet vessel of light, she works with angels assisting people. You can participate in her weekly call-in show on hayhouseradio.com every Wednesday or listen to rebroadcasts throughout the week.

Saturday evening's keynote presentation was from Gregg Braden, "bridging science and spirituality." He talked of history, assumptions of science, Heart Math and the Global Coherence Initiative and purported that "strong collective emotion has a measurable impact on the earth's geomagnetic field." The main point I came away with from this session is that cooperation is key. Choose love. Choose cooperation.

Carolyn Myss opened Day 3 of the Conference and spoke of prayer and grace. Her prayer is, "God, give me the courage to see You in everybody." And in difficult situations, she prays "Keep me in a field of grace." The graces include 1) a sense of Reverence (my life is holy), 2) Piety (see the divine in others), 3)Understanding (having empathy), 4) Fortitude (courage to do what I know in my heart is the truth), 5) Counsel (not to betray myself), 6) Knowledge (sacred truth, revelation), and 7) Wisdom (wise choices, holy force moving through me).

Debbie Ford was next, and is the author of The Dark Side of the Light Chasers, which I can personally vouch for as a life altering read. I first experienced her transformational work in a televised workshop on Wisdom TV around 2001, so I was very excited about being in the room with her in Tampa. First she shared the opening of her movie, The Shadow Effect. Then she walked us through a few exercises so the participants could have an experience of embracing the shadow, and thus having a breakthrough. Her belief is that "when we fall in love with our dark side, it becomes a part of our light." There is only love, she says.

Already filled with inspiration and insight from the motivating speakers I journeyed on. Joan Borysenko's latest book is about burnout and appropriately titled Fried. She listed stages of burnout and steps you can take to recover. If you're emotionally exhausted, working too hard, have diminished self care, and start isolating, you may be in burnout and this book could help. A take-away for me was to ask myself what revitalizes me and put what I love first. Figure out a way to fit it in. Doing this will increase the total amount of energy that I have. She suggested we be mindful of what the energy of aliveness feels like and do more of that. Ah, more food for the soul.

Last but not least was Marianne Williamson, who gave the final keynote talk. It was with Marianne that my I Can Do It! Conference began on Friday, and I was eager to hear more from her. She began with a prayer to be a vessel of love and then explained, "Just as the absence of light is darkness, the absence of love is fear." She urged us to be willing to see things differently and accept that everything people say to us is either love or a call for love. Interesting, she said, that the word communicate has the word commune within it. Her daily prayer each morning is "for the happiness of everyone I interact with today." Make everything spiritual. If you're going to make a call, make it to be a blessing for the person you're calling. Send love to them in advance. Ask self, "Where am I not as loving as I could be? Where am I not as much of a blessing as I could be?" Then have a change of heart. Say to God, "What can I do for you?" Marianne ended with asking the audience to turn to each other and repeat Namaste as "The love in me salutes the love in you." She encouraged us to do this throughout each day as we walk in the world. So that is my intention. That, and incorporating all of the wisdom and insight I gained in this fabulous 3-day experience with these great teachers into my daily life.

Namaste.
-Raphaella Vaisseau

Apache, My Calico Cat 04-24-1996 to 11-28-2011

2011-11-28T20:11:00.001-05:00

Apache joined me and Muffy, my other cat, in 1996 and we became a family of three. We lived in West Hollywood, California then. A year later, we drove up to Ashland, Oregon to begin my life as a full-time artist. They were the Heartful Art cats, and today is the end of an era. Muffy passed into Spirit during the closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics in 2008, shortly before moving to the Gulf Coast of Florida later that month. Apache passed from my arms into the Heart of God this afternoon. During the past 17 years, my cats and I moved dozens of times and through it all they were by my side and adapted to whatever came next. From Ashland we went to the San Francisco Bay Area. What loyal creatures they are. Big hearts. Faithful companions. Soft fur. Love in a purr. I will miss Apache most in the nighttime when she came close to be with me. I send my love and light for the highest good to both of my beloved felines, but at this time, especially to Apache who is free now in Spirit. Namaste.
- Raphaella Vaisseau

I Can Do It! Tampa 2011 - Part One: Marianne Williamson

2011-11-24T08:03:00.001-05:00

As promised, I Can Do It! Tampa energized my mind, body and spirit. I attended the 3-day conference with my friends, Joanie and Elaine. We stayed at the Marriott, across the street from the Tampa Convention Center where we enjoyed a 12th floor view from our balcony and comfy beds. Happy for our girlfriend time together and anticipating enlightenment, we attended keynote speakers, various conference workshops, and breakout sessions, and rejoiced in the inspiration available to us. After each event, we shared our insights and breakthroughs over salad, oatmeal, or rice curry and vegetables.

My three-day journey began on 11-11-11 with an all-day workshop with Marianne Williamson. Her newest book, A Course in Weight Loss, offered sound advice, practical exercises and plenty of revelations to me personally. I immediately saw the wisdom of embracing healthier eating, and intend to work through the book’s 21 chapters on my own, or with a small group of women in Venice starting in January 2012.

Marianne taught us that “every moment gives us an opportunity to rise to the occasion of our higher selves” and challenged us to consider “any thought that is not love is fear” and “any thought that does not support my perfection is an attack.” Throughout the three days of the conference this theme in different words was interwoven from various speakers as a deeper understanding of the importance of self love.

That first morning in Tampa, as I listened and participated in the Course in Weight Loss exercises, I felt a shift within me. My journey of self-love and conscious healing of my inner child began forty years ago in the seventies when I found a path to spiritual awakening. Yet, here in this workshop with Marianne Williamson, another layer of onion was being peeled; another petal of the perpetually opening lotus blossom opened, and I glimpsed further within.

Already the price of the conference admission was worth it, and I had just begun.
-Raphaella Vaisseau
P.S. Click here for slide show of my 3-day experience at I Can Do It! Tampa, November 11-13, 2011

Shop Etsy.com for Holiday Gifts from Artists Around the World

2011-11-10T10:29:00.000-05:00

Here's a selection of art I've discovered on Etsy.com celebrating amber, gold, brown, metal, wood, glass, and all earthly treasures.

Click HERE to view it live on etsy or click on individual pictures within the Treasury to view selected items. Have fun!!! Of course, I also have my own Heartful Art on Etsy as well.-Raphaella Vaisseau

New Fe Bailey PSA from Tropical Healing: What can you do to reduce plastic consumption?

2011-11-02T19:56:00.000-04:00

Fe Bailey's new Tropical Healing PSA video (below), "What Can You Do To Reduce Plastic Consumption?" states that "we all have the choice, power, and responsibility to reduce plastic consumption." This is something I have been more and more committed to in recent months since I learned that recycling simply isn't taking care of the problem. Conscious people have been carefully recycling for decades, believing we are making a positive difference in our world. Yet much of the plastic we think is being recycled is not. Some is down cycled or simply shipped to third world countries.

I discovered this while listening to an interview with Annie Leonard about her book, The Story of Stuff. Here's a link to one of Ms. Leonard's videos: The Story of Bottled Water.

As this relates to the Tropical Healing PSA below, The Story of Bottled Water also answers the question, What can you do? In the notes below the video is this suggestion: "Before the bottled water craze hit, we took it for granted that public fountains were part of any public building: schools, offices, sports stadiums and parks. Let's bring them back! In the U.S., many state building codes mandate that there be one source of public water for every 1000 people the building has capacity for. Why not subsidize public water fountains as part of local efforts to build green?"

As for me, personally, what I've done (am doing) is using cloth bags for groceries, and I fill glass water bottles to have in my fridge and to bring with me instead of buying the little disposable plastic bottles. It takes an extra effort and planning ahead, but it's working for me and I feel good about it. Next step for me: I will discontinue using plastic merchandise bags even if they claim to be made with recycled bottles, and switch instead to paper bags.

Please share your thoughts and comments about this and your actions and ideas about reducing plastic consumption in your life. Bravo to Fe Bailey and her crew for making this film, and to Annie Leonard for her work on reducing consumption in many areas of our lives. Thank you to both of these women for their proactive contributions to making a better planet for us all.
-Raphaella Vaisseau

Margaret Mead Never Doubt Quote as Reminder of People Power

2011-10-31T08:38:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite Heartful Art creations, always a beautiful gift for teachers, service volunteers, and retirees, and people making a positive difference, this famous quote speaks a timely message.

Contemplate the words of famous anthropologist, Margaret Mead: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

Now, as so many people from so many places rise up to speak their minds, this affirmational and motivational quote is apropos for our time. Margaret Mead's words can act as a catalyst for conversation.

I encourage myself and all of us to listen to each other. Share what we believe. Speak our truth. Kindly. In the way of Gandhi: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." We are the world. We can make a positive difference in our own lives, in the lives of others, and in our world.
-Raphaella Vaisseau

New Recovery Prayer Magnets by Raphaella Vaisseau 30 Days of Get Your Art On - 9.26.11 (RV Day 8)

2011-09-26T20:39:00.001-04:00

I spent my art creation time today (for my 30 Days of Get Your Art On commitment), creating new art for three great prayers of recovery. The most well know is The Serenity Prayer (right), which is celebrated around the world. Although I already have many versions of this beautiful prayer, I was inspired this morning to paint new art for a little 2x3 magnet.

The other two are less well known outside of the AA 12-Step Program. Both are shown here as 3x3 magnets. I painted all three prayers with wreathes of simple flowers and vines, to give the words plenty of room. Most of my Heartful Art is available for wholesale. You might also be interested to know that sometimes organizations arrange to bring my products to retreats and special events on a short-term consignment basis. Let me know if you have an upcoming event you'd like to discuss.

I make these recovery prayers as posters and matted prints as well as these magnets. Browse my main online store for many recovery slogans and inspirations. Words are powerful tools to assist us in getting through challenging situations and to support in reaching our goals. If you are in a 12-step program, these magnets make great gifts for sponsors, family, and friends.

With Summer behind us, we go forward into Fall. I understand that the autumn leaves are brilliantly colored up in the Northern US and along the Canadian border. I do miss Autumn. I long to get a whiff of fresh cool air of a northern fall day and hear the crunch of dry leaves underfoot as I walk. Perhaps next year. Although I do take one day at a time, I'm tentatively planning a visit to Minnesota a year from now, a trip which is long overdue. 2011 has been a fairly good year for me and Heartful Art, with steady improvement toward my goals. If things continue along this path of recovery (on many levels), I believe 2012 will be even better. I hope so. For me, and for you as well.
-Raphaella Vaisseau

Two Mixed Media Art Cards by Raphaella Vaisseau for 30 Days of Get Your Art On - 9.25.11 (RV Days 6 and 7)

2011-09-25T12:35:00.000-04:00

What a week I've just finished! Big wholesale orders, new gallery possibilities, keeping up with inventory from dozens of consignment vendors, plus keeping my word to myself by doing 30 min of new art per day for the "30 Days of Get Your Art On" project.

I'm learning to do the creating new art thing in the morning, so I'm not blogging in my sleep. Leaving it to the end of the day has been challenging. Yesterday I couldn't do it first because Saturdays I am up at 5am to get to the Venice Farmers Market early and have my booth set up before daybreak.

So yesterday I fudged a little. I did my 30 minutes before the end of the day, but I did not stay up an extra hour to scan, post to Etsy, blog, and post links to facebook and twitter. I'm doing that now instead. My day of rest will have to wait a week, or at least until I ship the orders I'm still working on today (and tomorrow, and the next day). Nevertheless, I must say, even though this commitment has added a new pressure to my already pressured life as an artist, I'm loving the creative aspect of making new art every day.

I am gearing up to spending my 30 minutes a day on bigger paintings that have been sitting in various stages of creation in my studio for weeks. Some, I must confess, have been on my studio walls (and floor) for months.

Presenting two new ACEOs from Day 6 "Sticks" and Day 7 "Respect Women" of the 30 Days project. Click here to see all my original artist trading cards in my Etsy store. They are OOAK (one-of-a-kind) and when they're gone, they're gone. Maybe some day I'll start selling ACEO prints but for now, they are all original creations of art. They are the same size as a baseball card, 2.5" x 3.5" and they're affordable and adorable. Of course, they can be framed as wall art, but they're also collectable since artists from all over the world are creating them and selling them on Etsy. Browse the ACEtsy Street Team blog to discover more artists making art cards. Have fun. Buy art. Share it with others.
-Raphaella Vaisseau

My Brother's Birthday and 30 Days of Get Your Art On - 9.23.11 (Raphaella Vaisseau Day 5)

2011-09-23T17:59:00.000-04:00

September 23, 1953 is the day my little brother was born. His name was Rick. Although remembering him is not exclusive to this day, every year on September 23rd, I celebrate his life.

For my 30 minutes of creating art today I continued working on the new grid I started a few days ago. I'll post it again when it's complete.

Meanwhile, here's a print of a flower I painted a decade ago. "Tiger Lily" seems like a nice remembrance flower for my sweet angel brother.
-Raphaella Vaisseau

Sun and Moon by Raphaella Vaisseau for 30 Days of Get Your Art On - 9.22.11 (RV - Day 4)

2011-09-22T23:12:00.000-04:00

"Sun and Moon" is my latest ACEO (artist trading card). It represents my love for our earth, and our benevolent celestial bodies, the sun and moon. A continual source of wonder and amazement, I honor their place in our sky.
-Raphaella Vaisseau

THREE ACEO - 30 Days of Get Your Art On - 9.21.11 (Raphaella Vaisseau - Day 3)

2011-09-21T21:33:00.000-04:00

On my third day of "30 Days of Get Your Art On" I am celebrating the number 3. Here's a little original art card that I painted today and named "THREE". It's watercolor on Fabriano watercolor paper and measures 2.5" x 3.5" in the ACEO tradition.

To me, the number three stands for expression. It represents a quest for discovery, an exploration, a constant learning, growing, and a commitment to experiencing the fullness of life. It teaches us to use what works for us, and let go of what doesn't. The quest it encourages is to keep true to one's path with the intention of knowing ("to know that you know that you know"). Knowing from that true place inside what is right and true for you - for each one of us.

I am more certain every day of something I wrote years ago: "It is in being true to myself that I am of most use to others. It is in expressing the joy of my own heart that I am open to hold and behold the hearts of others. It is in seeing my own beauty that I am able to experience the magnificence of others." - Raphaella Vaisseau

We each have our part to play in the dance of life. As we learn to be true to our own self-expression we gain strength to discover, develop, and express our spiritual gifts.
-Raphaella Vaisseau

30 Days of Get Your Art On - 9.20.11 (Raphaella Vaisseau Day 2)

2011-09-20T22:10:00.000-04:00

Today is Day 2 of creating art for 30 minutes a day for 30 days (Get Your Art On). I'm using the same rules Traci Bunkers listed when she originated this project:

I’ll make art every day for 30 days and post what I have done.
I don’t have to finish what ever I’m working on that day, I just have to work on something.
I have to work for 30 minutes, but can work longer if time permits.
It doesn’t matter what I do for the art making, as long as I work on art.
I won’t feel guilty for taking the time to work on art and I won’t have to justify why I’m doing it.
I don’t have to go into detail in my post about how I did anything or what tools, materials I used (unless I want to).

Years ago I made a similar commitment to myself when I agreed to write for publication for 60 minutes a day for 30 days. I wrote up a contract with myself, signed it, and did it. The distinction "for publication" was intentional so that in this hour I would work only on projects I planned to submit to publishers. Stream of consciousness writing or journaling did not count toward my 60 minutes. It was powerful. By the end of those 30 days I had redefined myself as a writer. I enjoyed doing it, I felt transformed in the process, and I loved keeping my word to myself.

In these 30 Days of Get Your Art On I have an inner distinction as well. I plan to use these 30 minutes a day for creating art outside of my normal activities as an artist in my company, Heartful Art. Integrity will be my guide.

As you can see in the picture, today's project is unfinished. It's a work in progress. I believe it is the beginning of a grid abstract, of which I've done many. (See some of them here.) I never know what direction my art will take me as I layer the paint, since I like to paint from my heart rather than from my head. I've never before photographed (or shared!) a project at this early stage of creation. It will be interesting to see how this painting births itself and how I feel about the transparency of the process. For now, it is good.
-Raphaella Vaisseau

Raphaella Vaisseau joined the Creative Challenge of Traci Bunkers 30 Days of Get Your Art On - 9.19.11 (RV Day 1)

2011-09-19T22:06:00.002-04:00

One thing leads to another. Never has that been more true than now with the internet. From the ACEO Etsy Street Team blog's latest post, I clicked on Ayala Art's link to see her little painting in her Etsy shop and explore her creations, thinking I might add an ACEO to my growing collection of originals.

From there I clicked over to Ayala's blog where I noticed the title of today's post as "my 17th day of 30" - which totally got me curious. I looked around the blog and saw a button for "30 Days of Get Your Art On - tracibunkers.com" - which I clicked on right away.

Voila! Enter the magical world of Traci Bunkers. So intrigued was I that 30 minutes later I was still roaming around in her site, amazed by her artistic expression and technical savvy. I wanted to play along with her and the other artists who are in the game. I signed up, put her button on my blog, and committed to 30 min/day for 30 days of creating art and posting it here. Then I got to work creating.

Here's the result of my Day 1: "Flower Magic" a 4x6 original watercolor painting matted in an 8x10 double mat (porcelain blue core over magenta). I felt the presence of faeries as I painted, and enjoyed the swirls, ease, and flow of the petals and leaves.

It feels so good to just create. To paint. To be a part of an artistic challenge. To give myself the gift of art.

-Raphaella Vaisseau

ETSY - Buying and Selling in an Artists' Marketplace Online

2011-08-30T09:44:00.002-04:00

Have you discovered Etsy yet? I enjoy buying handmade creations of art directly from the artist so I often browse the hundred thousand shops on etsy.com for friend and family gifts or to add to my collection of ACEO miniatures (Art Cards, Editions, or Originals). Also referred to as art cards or artist trading cards, ACEOs are 2.5 x 3.5 creations of art that are traded among artists or purchased by collectors. I do both.

My etsy shop is heartfulart.etsy.com and has only a fraction of art found at my website heartfulart.com. I'm building my etsy store day by day and while I do, I'm enjoying the game that being a part of an online marketplace offers. The more I explore Etsy, the more I discover what it has to offer the handmade entrepreneur (like me). Their online labs provide educational videos, the etsy blog highlights sellers, techniques, products and more, and a new feature "shop stats" provide the sellers with marketing data to assist in getting found among the thousands of shops on Etsy.

And then there's my personal shopping. It's entertaining to browse international shops or discover what artists are creating in towns and cities around the USA. My most recent Etsy purchase is an original ACEO from artist, Micki Wilde of The Secret Hermit based in the UK. The little treasure arrived yesterday, packaged with care. Etsy artists often package their art as creatively as the art itself. It makes it even more fun to know when I send a friend a gift I purchased on Etsy, it will likely be opened with delight. It's not a requirement to make the packaging extraordinary but it is more common than not.

This little ACEO from Micki completes the first page in my ACEO Collection Album (I use acrylic sleeves sold to protect baseball cards in a standard 3-ring binder).

Although some ACEOs are prints, I prefer to collect original art as these nine ACEOs are. The eight artists are from all over the USA and the world.

Start your own collection by entering "ACEO" or "ACEO original art" or "ATC" "ACETSY" or "art cards" in the handmade search field at etsy.com. Or start by taking a look at the ACEOs I have for sale in my Etsy store.

I encourage you to explore Etsy and see where your imagination takes you. It's almost September and the holidays will be here before you know it. Etsy artists await to provide you with the most creative gifts ever! - Raphaella Vaisseau

Sudden Inspiration to Build a Kitty Shelf

2011-08-23T11:07:00.000-04:00

I've been dreaming of building cat environments since I first read Bob Walker's book, The Cats' House years ago. I've been successful at getting various cat trees by the windows in my home, but yearned to build climbing things for my kitties. A few weeks ago I had a moment of inspiration and made a make-shift shelf for Diana who sits for hours and hours in the front lanai watching for lizards. I had two acrylic display cubes leftover from my gallery in Sausalito, and I bought the board and pole for $10 at Home Depot. I had the sisal in my garage. Voila! A kitty shelf.

If you like such things too, you'll probably love this blog, Modern Cat. Two of my favorite discoveries a la Modern Cat are Catpods and Power Towers. Enjoy! - Raphaella Vaisseau

IONS Institute of Noetic Sciences - Resources and Inspiration for Good

2011-07-24T08:12:00.001-04:00

More about the Institute of Noetic Sciences here.

God's Living Church Tops an Extraordinary Week with Surf, Waterbirds, and Garden Flowers

2011-06-12T13:39:00.000-04:00

What a artful week this has been, filled with new stores, art sales, and gallery possibilities, most of which stem from having Heartful Art at the Venice Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings from 8am to noon. The downtown market in Centennial Park in Venice has been exploding with energy and enthusiasm since Linda Wilson took over as our Market Manager at the end of last year.

Twice this week my customers at the market took the initiative to bring their Heartful Art purchases into their favorite stores, resulting in two new locations in Florida that now carry our motivational, life-affirming Heartful Art in their shops: Mrs. Candlewicke's Shoppe at 307 West Venice Avenue, downtown Venice (across from Bank of America), and Angel's Garden, at 1208 North 12th Avenue in Pensacola.

Another customer who visited my booth at the Venice Farmer's Market fell in love with my art. She came to my home studio this week to purchase two originals: Angelica Garden of Light, which she bought for a friend, and Tulips in the Sun, which will enjoy a spot on the wall of her young daughter's nursery. There was talk of more art and commissions in the future as she and her husband begin decorating their new home here in Venice. I am at work on a 30" x 40" watercolor masterpiece with a garden theme to include tulips, anemones, lilies of the valley, and peonys.

This morning I woke early at 5am (that's when I have to get up on market days and my inner clock now thinks it's wake-up time every other day of the week as well), made a cup of coffee and settled in to ready my current favorite light mystery novel by dog-lover author, David Rosenfelt. "Asbury Park has long been a key city on the shore," he writes, "which is how those of us from New Jersey refer to the beach." This got me thinking about the beach. And walking on the sand. And feeling the spray of the gulf on my skin, and hearing the sound of the surf.

As the sun came up and birds began chirping outside, I put down my book and I thought about going to church this morning. I've been meditating daily all week (with Abraham-Hicks "Getting Into The Vortex" cds) and I decided today it would be fun to be quiet, focus on my breathing, and go to Nature's Church.

I gathered up my binoculars, sunhat, and keys and I hopped in my beautiful van (that I love so much) and headed to Casperson Beach. Arriving at 7:30am I was surprised to see only two other humans on this whole stretch of magnificent beach. I'd never been there when the shore wasn't covered with shark-tooth-seeking people with their little wire scoops, bent over, heads down, searching for the little teeth amongst the shells at the waters edge. Having people there doesn't bother me. I enjoy witnessing families enjoying nature together in this beautiful place. However, the silence and emptiness of the beach this morning, sans humans, was lovely.

I walked alone for almost an hour, enjoying the sound of the surf and the feel of the cool wet sand sinking beneath my feet as I walked. I spotted a fairly large crab scurrying around watching me. It took refuge within the roped off area of a sea turtle's nest, knowing I couldn't go near. By the time my walk had ended, a dozen more humans had arrived. And yes, they had their wire scoops and were busy looking for sharks teeth.

On the way home from Casperson Beach, I stopped at the Venice Rookery, the reason for bringing my binoculars with me to "church." It's a small island in a pond behind the DMV where nesting water birds are protected by the Audubon Society. I don't have a good enough camera to capture the beauty of the nesting birds, but other bird lovers do. Here's a link to Steven Scott's photonaturalist blog and his pictures of birds at the Venice Rookery. My favorite image this morning, through my binoculars, was an adult great blue heron watching over a new hatchling. Adorable.

Filled with the beauty of spirit, nature, birds, sun, sand, and life in general, I returned home to continue my morning meditation by watering the gardens surrounding my home. I enjoyed the Anole lizards watching me and running from the water spray as I moved from plant to plant. I cleaned out the bird baths, and I and drank in the color of the blossoms on the garden flowers with my eyes. I enjoyed knowing the water I was showering on the plants, trees, and bushes would sink down into the ground where their roots would be nourished. All the while being mindful of my breathing in and breathing out. Just me surrounded by the beauty of our natural world.

Choosing to go to God's Green Church was a wonderful way to start the day, and a perfect way to end a magical week of art success, meditation, and opening possibilities.

May your blessings abound.
-Raphaella Vaisseau, www.heartfulart.com

NOTE: If you're so inclined, you can vote for the Venice Farmers Market in the American Farmland Trust's "America's Favorite Farmers Market" contest. Here's a link to vote. If you're voting for our market, simply enter 34293 in the Market Map at the bottom of the page, click GO, and then click on the icon that pops up on the map of Venice, Florida. (There's a place to make a comment about why you're voting but you can vote without writing anything if you prefer.)

Paint a Picket to Help Create the Safety Harbor Art and Music Center (SHAMc)

2011-06-08T19:49:00.001-04:00

Here's another opportunity for amazing creative fun in Safety Harbor on Sunday, June 26th from 9am to noon. Todd Ramquist, Kiaralinda, and friends are creating a Safety Harbor Art and Music Center. Their latest fundraising event is to paint pickets for a fence. Read more on the flyer and at THE WEBSITE.

You can pick up your SHAMc T-shirt that day, and a hand-made wire heart as well.

Follow the progress on Facebook and/or the BLOG.

Mail donations to 706 2nd St. N., Safety Harbor, FL 34695. Please make checks payable to Safety Harbor Art and Music Center or SHAMc.

Join the fun. Go do this. Bring your friends.

Laughter awaits.

Much love,
Raphaella

Raphaella visits Sarasota's Marie Selby Gardens at last!

2011-05-20T22:40:00.001-04:00

A few blocks from downtown Sarasota lies the beautiful property that is Marie Selby Gardens. The history of Marie Selby and her beautiful gardens can be found on their website by clicking here.

The garden fence that borders the property looked so small from Mound Street, for years I would speed on by to go to Whole Foods on 1st, or head for Main Street to buy French bread and croissants, or go to the Burns Court area for lunch, to see a film, or an art opening. Plus, knowing the entrance fee is $17, I let almost three years go by without a visit to this beautiful place.

Now that I've been there I must emphatically tell you the $17 entrance fee is worth every penny. I, for one, can't wait to return for another day of writing, photography, poetry, art, and inspiration. It's that kind of a place. When I lived in Los Angeles, I often visited Huntington Gardens in Pasadena for the same reasons. In Minneapolis, it was the conservatory at Como Park or the beautiful Minnehaha Falls. In San Francisco, it was the redwoods of Muir Woods in Marin. In Miami, my parents and I often visit Fairchild Gardens. We plan to go again in June. Flowers and green living things, in sunlight or in the rain, always inspire me to create more beauty with art and words of my own.

My friend Patty, an artist and musician who moved to the Gulf coast of Florida around the same time as I did in 2008, bought a season's pass to another museum in town and had a guest pass for Selby Gardens for the month of May. Luckily she invited me to join her. The weather this week has been glorious, so when she called yesterday to remind me it was the day we planned to go, I put aside my work, grabbed my camera and off we went.

Approaching noon, I was hungry when we arrived so we found the garden cafe and treated ourselves to an amazing wholesome lunch. We stopped briefly at the poi pond to enjoy the ducklings, and then we walked for hours, thrilled with every turn at the beauty unfolding before our eyes. Click here to see photos from our day in paradise. Let the images be inspiration for your life and your art, whatever that may be. And walk with me in spirit as you sense the beauty in this place.
-Raphaella Vaisseau

Mothers Day 2011 in Miami - Three Magical days with Mom (and Dad)

2011-05-10T11:31:00.000-04:00

It's so great that I live in Florida, close enough to my parents to drive over to spend time with them. It's a 3-1/2 hr. easy drive across the Everglades where I am always delighted to see the natural habitat of alligators, egrets, and Florida panthers.

I had so many Heartful Art orders to fill and get in the mail before the trip, I got a late start getting on the road after the Venice Farmers Market on Saturday. Alas, through a rainstorm with nary a car on the road through the Everglades, I made it to their house by 8pm.

By then we were all very hungry for dinner at PF Chang's. Even though the parking lot was mobbed, the handicap parking place right outside the front door was empty and waiting for us. We were blessed with kindness by the maitre d', had lovely conversations with the other families waiting in line, and eventually were shown to a booth in Ceasar's section. We enjoyed our fabulous meal and talking with our waiter Ceasar (who is in pre-deployment training on his way to future dreams of being a Navy Seal). My Dad, a veteran Marine, and our family always enjoy the chance to applaud our service personnel and wish them well.

On Mothers Day morning I went outside to greet the day and was blessed to be welcomed by a mother duck with her five ducklings. They were sweetness personified! It's a simple life when we get together these days: Breakfast on the patio, read the paper, talk about life and old times, have lunch, take a nap, share some more, give presents to Mom, cook dinner (meatballs with scalloped potatoes), play cards (Dad won), watch a movie (King's Speech - we all loved it), sleep, and do it all over again. Click here to see a few photos on Flickr.

I've been bringing my webcam on my visits so we shared a Skype call with my daughter Cate and her family in Minneapolis, and also with my sister Kathy and her daughter's family in Jordan. The video calls and the entire three day vacation was lovely. I cherish my Mom (& Dad), and I'm so appreciative of every moment we are together. Next month I will journey again to visit them for Father's Day.

I wish you and your families treasured times such as these. Bless you.
-Raphaella

See Raphaella Vaisseau's Heartful Art in this ABC15.com video clip with Heidi Doyle from Polka Dots & Popsicles

2011-05-07T14:49:00.008-04:00

Polka Dots & Popsicles is the dream child of Heidi Doyle and John Braden and is located in the San Tan Village Mall in Gilbert, Arizona. Call (480) 963-1101 for more information.

Raphaella Vaisseau is the featured vendor this week at The Venice Farmers Market

2011-05-06T12:02:00.000-04:00

Find Raphaella Vaisseau's Heartful Art at Five Sisters, A Spiritual Journey - South Dade, Miami, Florida

2011-04-21T08:14:00.000-04:00

Elizabeth Zosman first found my Heartful Art in 2007 online at wholesalecrafts.com. At the time I was still living and creating art in California at my Heartful Art Gallery in Sausalito. I was thrilled to discover her beautiful store was minutes away from where my parents live in Miami, so on my next trip home, my parents and I all packed in the car to go see this magical place for ourselves.

I learned there really are five sisters - they are her five daughters. The recent article (included here) by Bella Kelly of the Miami Herald, shares some of what they're up to. During my visit, I witnessed a buzz of shoppers, milling around with stacks of items in their hands. I had brought more of my Heartful Art to show her, and waited respectfully until there was a pause in the line at the register.

The shopping trend continued over the years where others have failed (fourteen stores on my list of vendors have closed their doors during the past two years), I believe, in part because of Elizabeth's knowledge of spiritual and metaphysical things, and in part simply because of her presence, and the ambiance she and her daughters have created there.

On my last visit before the new year I arrived at an unspecified time on a Sunday afternoon. Elizabeth was not there so I happily browsed and shopped while waiting for her return. After some time, it occurred to me I might ask the sales assistant at what time she expected Elizabeth to return. I never did get the opportunity to ask, however, because the lines at the register were ten deep and continued that way for over an hour.

Having been in retail for many years, having had my own gallery in Sausalito during what we now refer to as the prosperous times before the economic downturn, seeing these long lines at the register in 2010 was a feast for my eyes to say the least. I watched in amazement as I wished to myself that I carried my camera in my purse to document things such as this.

Every time I visit Five Sisters I am touched by Elizabeth's generosity, kindness, and wisdom. When you are nearby the art and warehouse district of South Dade near The Falls in Miami, do yourself a favor and visit Five Sisters. You can find my Heartful Art magnets, posters, matted quotes, and art there along with crystals, jewelry, clothing, books and many other uplifting things. Elizabeth also offers classes and events to support and nourish you on your spiritual journey.

Five Sisters is at 8805 SW 132nd St., Miami, FL 33176. Their hours are 11am - 6pm M-Th, 11am-9pm F-Sat, and noon - 5pm on Sun. The phone is 786.250.4170.
-Raphaella Vaisseau, Heartful Art

Raphaella's 64th Birthday - April 14, 2011

2011-04-15T10:37:00.000-04:00

I had a nice birthday celebration all week long, with friends and family sending me cards and gifts and singing birthday songs on the telephone.

I also appreciated the gifts I received from nature, especially the birds (pelicans fishing on the shores of Siesta Key, an osprey in the cypress tree eating a fish high up on a branch, an egret in the lotus pond) as well as gaining new personal insights on living in appreciation.

On my actual birthday, my friend Joanie and I lunched at Sharky's. While snacking on bean and cheese nachos, we shared appreciations with each other and enjoyed a tropical afternoon in Venice. My cat, Diana, especially appreciated the flowers Joanie gave me.

I'm 64 and loving life still as a grand adventure. I look forward to whatever creations life will unfold as I walk through the year ahead.

Here's a creation of my own that I completed this week - a commissioned abstract painting called "Mirror Lake" (a companion piece for "Redwood Forest" which the collectors purchased a few years back). Whereas Redwood Forest, also an abstract, is an up-close look at the trees themselves, Mirror Lake is seeing the forest from a distance through the mist of a morning fog.

Thanks for being a part of my life. I appreciate you.

Henry David Thoreau quotation on an inspirational magnet by Raphaella Vaisseau

2011-04-04T17:25:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite Thoreau quotes is this: "Above all, we cannot afford not to live in the present." When I was ordained as a minister in the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness in 1978, a portion of my ministerial blessing was about "giving in to the moment I'm in,” thus allowing my spiritual gifts to awaken (one of which is creativity). I took the blessing seriously and worked at understanding what it is to live in the present. Meditating helped. Practice is key.

Later, when I became a full-time working artist in 1997, I began to create little reminders on magnets (and posters) of words and quotes that inspire me and others. I decorated the words with my art and still look at them every day as I do my work and live my life. I practice continuously to live in the moment I’m in.

I’ve noticed that even while walking on the beach, I sometimes become aware that my head is down and I’m absentmindedly looking for shells on the sand beneath my feet while I’m walking. Then I remember, and lift my head. I take a deep breath, and take note of where I am. I look up and see the clouds in the sky. I feel the warmth of the sun on my skin. I notice the other people around me. I listen to the sound of the waves crashing on shore, and the birds calling out to each other as they glide overhead.

I feel a kinship with Thoreau when I walk. His words remind me to appreciate the beauty that surrounds me and to live in the present, in the here and now. In every moment. Again and again.

April Fools Surprise - a Snake at my Front Door

2011-04-01T14:02:00.000-04:00

Diana (my cat) loved it, we were both scared of it, and luckily it slithered out the screen door on its own.

Walking for Life

2011-02-16T20:33:00.000-05:00

While in Arizona over Christmas, I got in the habit of walking an hour a day with my friends, Anja and David. It felt so great I continued the practice when I returned home to Florida. It's a healthful addition to my daily life. Some days I walk around the neighborhood if I feel I don't have time to drive to some spectacular destination (there are many of them here where I live). One day I walked from my house to Staples and returned a cable I didn't need. Another day, when it was cold and raining, I walked up and down every aisle in Home Depot. Both journeys filled me with a sense of accomplishment. I didn't get stopped by weather or some made up rule that had me want to walk someplace beautiful or not at all.

As I'm continuing with my daily walks, I'm discovering much about my environment and my surroundings. Now I'm always on the lookout for where I might find an adventure nearby where I might be going that day. This morning I had a breakfast meeting near Stickney Point, so afterward I walked on the hard white sands of Siesta Key. The picture (of Venice Beach from the South Jetty) is from another day when I had an errand to run in downtown Venice. You can see my whole walking path in the picture: from where I'm standing on the jetty and around the curve of the beach to the end of the high rise condos on the shoreline. The water was such a beautiful emerald green the other day I had wished I had brought my camera.

One day a week or so ago when it was particularly windy, the pelicans were all close to the jetty with their huge beaks open like scoops on the water, gobbling up fishes who were swept into their waiting mouths by the current. There was so much excitement, it felt like the pelicans were having a party. I did manage to get a picture of that with my phone.

On Monday nights I have a Landmark Seminar (Invented Life) in North Sarasota, so the past two weeks I've headed up early. First I stop to buy French bread and croissants at C'est La Vie on Main Street, and then head over to Saint Armands Circle to walk around and enjoy the shopping possibilities there, including a new shop (The Artful Giraffe) that sells my very own Heartful Art creations.

The adventure continues. Sometimes I walk with friends, most of the time alone. Either way, every step I take is a gift to myself. Not only in the positive impact this new practice is having on my health, but in the beauty I've seen and the exhilaration I've felt in all my senses just by looking up and out and exploring more of the world I live in.

-Raphaella Vaisseau, www.heartfulart.com

Give Joy with "Heart of a Party" for Valentine's Day

2011-01-31T22:36:00.000-05:00

I believe a painting of a heart can remind us to tune in and listen to our own inner beings, and remind us to trust our own hearts above all else. Valentine's Day is soon approaching and this small original painting is a sweet reminder of how joyful love is. It's called "Heart of a Party" and it's a 4" x 4" original acrylic on canvas. The sides are painted as well, so no need to frame. It sits on a dresser or bookshelf, or may be displayed on the wall in a kitchen, bathroom, or hallway - wherever you and your sweetheart would want to see it every day.

I love Valentine's Day. It's a day to celebrate love in so many ways. Love between couples, love for friends, children, the earth, God, ourselves. It's hearts and flowers and chocolate, and dinners out with candlelight, wine and sweet conversation. It's a day of romance, poetry and coming together.

Wherever you are this Valentine's Day, and whomever you are with, I wish you love.

Review of 2010 in the life of Raphaella Vaisseau

2010-12-31T12:01:00.000-05:00

Rather than a Year of Expression that I declared twelve months ago, 2010 has been a year of inventiveness, perseverance, flexibility, and appreciating what’s good in my life and in the world. This year has been about reducing debt, eliminating ineffectiveness, increasing streams of income, enjoying the support of business alliances and establishing new ones, and valuing family and friends. All of what I’ve put in motion in 2010 will continue for the next few years as I build a more solid foundation for my work in the world. Artistically, I intended to explore and manifest new expressions, but did not accomplish more than a toe in the water of what I want to create in art and writing. As my new foundation supports me going forward, I hope to have more space in my life for creativity and new artistic expression. I look forward to expanding and simplifying at the same time.

A highlight of 2010 was continuing the conversation of Landmark Education seminars in Sarasota. Not only does this work provide opportunities for breakthrough in self-enlightenment, but the community itself is a group of interesting, intelligent, evolved human beings I thoroughly enjoy getting to know. I also continued my studies of Abraham-Hicks, NLP, and hypnosis, all of which I enjoy very much and will continue to study in the future.

On a lighter note, being a kitten foster mom for little rescued ones was a source of great comfort and joy to me this year. In a time when survival seemed to take so much time and effort, their little faces and furry bodies were an oasis of sweetness and beauty, reminding me to continually look for what’s good, pure, and life-giving.

Winterhaven Festival of Lights - Tucson, AZ 2010

2010-12-27T12:34:00.000-05:00

Anja, David, and I walked the streets of Tucson last night to experience Winterhaven's Festival of Lights. My pictures are mostly blurry light streaks, but I found Warren's slideshow on Flickr and it captures the magic of the evening. Enjoy!

Getting Ready for the New Year - Beginning New Fitness Focus in 2011

2010-12-26T23:28:00.000-05:00

Here's me in Mexico on Rosarito Beach in 1990. It's one of my favorite pictures of me for more reasons than that I was slim, happy, living in Malibu and loving life during this time. Twenty years and many memories have passed since then.

It wasn't until I moved to Ashland, Oregon in the late 90s that I started putting on weight. It might have been for any number of reasons. Who knows why? I had a breakthrough in my thinking about cooking and buying fresh healthy food in 2005 when my friend, Anja, came up from LA to spend the summer with me in Marin County. I had another breakthrough in 2006 after an event at my gallery with a life coach. Another chunk of resistance released and I started craving exercise. I logged on to peertrainer.com and loved the online camaraderie. I lost 33 lbs. over the next 6 months.

After the gallery closed on Oct 31, 2006, I entered a 3-year reinventing my business phase, and it became a challenge for me to keep up the enthusiastic fitness program. I moved to Venice, Florida two years later. Now I am ready to begin again. I've found a new online site to support my goals: livestrong.com. Today is my kickoff DAY ONE. I'll keep you posted. I'm setting my sights on a much healthier, happier, physically fit 2011. Keep seeing me there.

Sunrise in Arizona

2010-12-22T21:44:00.001-05:00

My good friends, Anja and David recently retired and moved from Los Angeles, CA to Marana, Arizona. Today was the first morning of my Christmas visit with them. I woke up early in the morning, in time to witness the sunrise. It was spectacular. The slideshow of the whole dramatic event is here on Flickr. Today we visited the Tucson Museum of Art and artisan shops across the street. Tomorrow we journey to Tubac to visit the Tubac Center of the Arts. Anja and I have explored roads, towns and cities together for over thirty five years, from New York to LA, Denver to Sausalito, and many in between. It's always an artful, thought-provoking adventure of discovery the result of years and years of friendship, love, support, and acceptance.

Shock the Monkey - Todd and Kiaralinda celebrate 50th years with a BIG Deal Whimsey Twins Party

2010-11-24T12:00:00.001-05:00

Joanie and I traveled to Safety Harbor on Sunday to celebrate with new friends, Kiaralinda and Todd (of Whimsey fame). It was their double 50th birthday party celebration. And it was super fun. Meeting new people, seeing art everywhere (on people, as food, in the gardens, on stage, in the air) ... click HERE to view the slideshow of the grand event. I was inspired. I am inspired. I am grateful ... for friends, color, art, laughter, craziness, courage, eccentricity, beauty, great food, new experiences, and so much more. Happy Birthday Kiaralinda and Todd. Thank you SO MUCH for being who you are, continuing to raise the roof on life, and for including me in your life.

Thirty-Five Years of Devotion to Spiritual Inner Awareness: 11-15-1975 through 11-15-2010

2010-11-15T10:05:00.000-05:00

I'm celebrating today. It was 35 years ago today, on November 15, 1975, that I experienced a dramatic spiritual awakening and consciously began my journey of walking the path of soul transcendence. It's taken many forms over the years, and my personal devotion to my continued inner spiritual awakening has not wavered since then.

Celebrate with me in whatever way feels right to you - prayer, glass of wine, dance, sing, take a walk in nature, think of me, congratulate yourself on your own chosen spiritual path, do nothing, or ... whatever works for you.

Enjoy! With Love and Blessings, Raphaella

"Vines 2" watercolor on paper by Raphaella Vaisseau wins Merit Award at Venice Art Center Show juried by R. Andrew Maass

2010-11-08T17:37:00.000-05:00

The Venice Art Center, located at 390 Nokomis Avenue S, Venice, FL 34293 is having a "Show Us Your Best" Members Only Show, opening this Friday, Nov. 12th and continuing through December 10th, 2010. My painting, Vines 2, won a Merit Award from juror (and musuem professional) R. Andrew Maass. Join me for the opening reception Friday from 5pm - 7pm. Call me at 941-993-7001 if you'd like directions.

The original watercolor painting (on paper) is 22" x 30" (not including a maple wood frame). Limited edition giclée prints, numbered and signed by Raphaella Vaisseau, are also available via special order (up to full size).

There was a Vines 1. It was much smaller, in hues of blue, and was painted with my signature layering of color on color. It was sold to a collector in Los Angeles before the age of digital photography and archival prints. It was for my love of that painting that I was moved to recreate the form and movement of vines reaching for the sun in this painting. Enjoy!

My Sister: Conundrum, Gypsy, or Fairy Tale Princess

2010-10-24T11:04:00.001-04:00

Thinking of my sister this morning while making breakfast, the word conundrum popped into my mind. Curious, I went to my laptop and called up the definition on freedictionary.com. It means either “a riddle in which a fanciful question is answered by a pun,” or “a paradoxical, insoluble, or difficult problem; a dilemma.” Since she’s my sister and not a problem to be solved, I’m choosing the “fanciful question” option.

Many times I have thought about who she is and why she makes the choices she does. I think of her sometimes in a state of frustration (mine), and other times with acceptance, appreciation, and love. There were times growing up, especially in high school, when I was embarrassed by her words or actions. Other times, such as being a child with the best big sister in the world, I blessed the ground she walked on. At night she would make up stories to tell me as we drifted off to sleep. Not stories she’d read, but new stories she created then and there. She looked out for me and later, when my brother was born, looked out for him too. She seemed always intent on giving me and my brother the best moment to moment experience of life.

As I began my spiritual awakening in my 28^th year (after my Saturn return), I re-evaluated my relationship with my sister. As I learned of devas, spiritual beings, fairies and the like, and experienced the light, love, and sound of my awakening heart, I realized I had misjudged my sister and called to tell her so. I wrote a song about her too, and titled it “Wildflower,” the name she used to sign her poems. She seemed a gift from another time and space, not unlike a “mistaken zygote” from Clarissa Pinkola Estés’s book of archetypes and myths, “Women Who Run With the Wolves.”

In my current studies with Abraham-Hicks and Landmark Education, I am learning that I have a choice to see only the good in people and situations. I’m striving to put aside any misguided attempts at fixing her (nothing’s broken), teaching her (it’s not my job), and instead, choose to simply love her. The way she is, right here, right now, doing whatever it is that’s going on at the moment. When I remember my job is not to judge, or get tangled in her life, and remember my only job in her regard is to see the good in her, I make lists of her positive aspects: What do I love about her? What is it about her that stirs my soul? When I think of her, I put aside thoughts of confusion or judgment that may arise, and focus my thoughts only on the good times, the magic we’ve shared, the joy she’s brought to my life by her presence in this time-space reality.

My sister is all of these things: a conundrum, a fanciful question, a fairy creature, a gypsy, a fabulous storyteller, a teacher of children, a writer, a free spirit, a poet, and simply magical. As long as I stay away from trying to figure her out, fixing her, or rescuing her, I can step back and simply love her for the beautiful person she is, wherever she came from.

The Season begins in Venice, Florida with Dinner at Sharky's with Friends

2010-10-08T09:31:00.001-04:00

John and Stan are back from Ohio for the Winter, Elaine (from Rhode Island) is visiting my new friend Joanie (recently moved here from Boston) and the five of us met at Sharky's for dinner last night. Although it was a super windy evening, and a bit cool too, being by the sand and surf with good food and friends was a nice way to kick off The Season in Venice. After dinner we walked out on the pier for the sunset, then met a parrot and a baby raccoon.
Click on the picture for slide show of the whole evening.

Three of My Favorite Things

2010-10-06T10:18:00.001-04:00

Three of my favorite things: My art, foster kittens, and the people who love them. This adorable family has adopted four VCC rescued kittens and commissioned several original paintings of mine. Here's the latest one: Sea Turtles.

Although the original is sold, prints are available. Enjoy!!!

"Breathe in Breathe out" for Yoga practice destressing breathing meditation by Raphaella Vaisseau from Heartful Art as 2x3 magnet to 20x35 banner

2010-09-22T17:22:00.000-04:00

Life can be as simple as breathing in and breathing out. Our breath can be the simplest of meditations in and of itself. A person can practice anywhere at any time by pausing to notice the rhythm of breathing in and breathing out. Inhale, exhale. In and out. One breath at a time. Slow it down. Breathe deeply. Relax. This focus on breathing can be an exercise in remembering to keep things in perspective. Keep it simple.

Meditation and breathing exercises are known to reduce anxiety and stress through relaxation. Yoga, a healing system practiced for more than 5,000 years, is a combination of breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation. Whether you are a student of yoga, a person interested in health and fitness, or a person under stress wanting to take better care of yourself, paying attention to your breathing is beneficial.

Sometimes a person needs a reminder to relax, slow down, breathe deeply, and keep things in perspective. Loved by yoga students, yoga teachers and all who practice meditation, stress reduction, or are interested in health, fitness, and well-being, this "Breathe in Breathe out" poster is just that - a good reminder, and beautiful as well. Raphaella's opening flower painting, like a mandala, can further inspire your journey to relax, slow down and go within. It's shown here as an 11 x 14 LG POSTER. It is also available as an 8-1/2 x 11 MED POSTER, a 5 x 7 SM POSTER, a 2 x 3 MAGNET, frameable MATTED PRINTS (quotations with mat - ready to frame) in 5 x 5, 5 x 7, and 8 x 10, and a 20 x 35 vinyl indoor BANNER for the wall of your favorite yoga studio.

My three little Italian Artist Foster Kittens helping in the studio

2010-09-21T20:27:00.000-04:00

It's finally cooling down in Florida so I can paint outside in the lanai again and have my windows open for the breeze morning and night. This little foster kitten is Mona Lisa so she likes to hang out with me while I'm creating art. Her brother Michelangelo likes to help out as well, and Leonardo sits quietly and watches us all.

Artist Trading Cards hit the Mainstream in Dick Blick's 2010-2011 Studio Catalog

2010-09-02T09:59:00.000-04:00

Artist Trading Cards, or ATC for short, is the brainchild of Zurich artist M.Vänçi Stirnemann who originated the concept in 1996 and created the first trading party in 1997 in Switzerland. Originally intended to be traded by artist to artist in person, this mini art form has morphed into a world-wide phenomenon with beaucoup variations and ameliorations. On Etsy.com, the handmade marketplace online, they are often referred to as ACEOs ("Art Cards, Editions and Originals") because they are primarily for sale rather than traded artist to artist. Plus, they include prints rather than being all original, handmade works of art.

I have my own collection going on and prefer to buy only originals. However, I have mistakenly purchased prints from time to time. Click here for an interesting discussion of originals vs. copies by two creators of ATCs. I create and sell my own as well, but, sadly, I haven't yet found any artists willing to trade them with me. I love the idea of artists trading little miniature paintings with each other. Many of the artists on Etsy, including myself, who create ACEOs belong to a group called the "ACEO Etsy Street Team." Browse this wonderful blog for links to many miniature works of art.

I was pleased to find a two-page spread in the 2010-2011 Dick Blick Studio catalog featuring ATC supplies for artists. Log onto www.dickblick.com or call them at 800-828-4548 for your very own copy of this BIG catalog of art supplies. Happy Creating!!!

ABC NEWS NOW - New "Little" TV shows like "POD" "BELIEFS" and more

2010-08-31T15:49:00.000-04:00

I've turned to ABCNEWSNOW on Fios channel 108 in Venice (click here to see if it's available where you are) by accident a couple of times this week while looking for hurricane updates and happily discovered a new concept in TV programing with short segments promoted as "good to know." So far I've seen short programs called "Beliefs" "Pod" (6 min, 10 min, 20 min) and many others, with interviews of Michael Beckwith, Pema Chödrön, hot new bands, advice on organizing computer disc space with external hard drives and offsite backups. Amazing.

It reminds me of Wisdom TV from the early 2000's which offered 24-hour programming of New Age Expos, full seminars by authors such as Shakti Gawain, Wayne Dyer, and in the place of commercials were little meditations, health tips, and new thought people sharing their definitions of wisdom and other words. One of my favorite Wisdom TV programs was "Conversations with Remarkable People" hosted by Chantal Westerman. Her guests included Robert Bly, Robert Muller, and other fabulous people. Wisdom TV was heavenly. I have several 9hr videos recorded which I view from time to time. I treasure them even though they are showing signs of wear from repeated viewings.

Currently we have hayhouseradio.com which is similar to Wisdom TV but different in that it's primarily authors and guests who are published by Louise Hay's Hay House Publishing. Nothing wrong with that. I religiously listen to the weekly Abraham-Hicks shows aired on hayhouseradio.com. However wonderful this online radio programming is, it's not the same as the brief years of Wisdom TV broadcasting.

With Hay House Radio, combined with the new programming from ABC News Now, we might be getting closer to offering new options in media programming. Maybe it's a new trend and other networks will follow suit. I love that the programs are super short - probably because they can be viewed from mobile phones.

Here's their sound bite: "ABC News NOW is an entire network devoted to better living with smart, empowering info you can use everyday From high-tech to high fashion, going green to keeping lean, ABC News NOW is always GOOD TO KNOW." Check it out and enjoy!

Support the Thoreau Society: Buy Heartful Art Gifts of Magnets and Posters with Henry David Thoreau Quotations at The Thoreau Society Shop at Walden Pond

2010-08-30T09:18:00.000-04:00

Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1866) was an American author, philosopher, and naturalist who was part of the Transcendentalist movement. He is best known for his "Civil Disobedience" essay, which he wrote after spending a night in jail for not paying the poll tax; and for his two-year retreat to Walden Pond, detailed in his second book, Walden, or Life in the Woods. Established in 1941, The Thoreau Society is the oldest and largest organization devoted to an American author. The Society has long contributed to the dissemination of knowledge about Thoreau by collecting books, manuscripts, and artifacts relating to Thoreau and his contemporaries, by encouraging the use of its collections, and by publishing articles in two Society periodicals. The Thoreau Society Shop at Walden Pond has been offering Raphaella's Heartful Art magnets, posters and prints for over ten years and now they are for sale in their online shop as well.When planning your holiday gift list, be sure to include the inspirational quotes of Henry David Thoreau and the colorful art of Raphaella Vaisseau on Heartful Art magnets and posters. Browse Heartful Art's online store as well, click the search box and enter "Thoreau" and dozens of products will appear. They are all available at the Shop at Walden Pond. Call them at 978-287-5477 to order or if you don't see what you're looking for.

Let Go and Let God inspirational art print by Raphaella Vaisseau in Femail Creations Catalog - Gifts to Celebrate & Inspire

2010-08-27T18:14:00.001-04:00

I am so happy to have my art in the Femail Creations Gift Catalog. Raphaella's art print "Let Go and Let God" is a wonderful present for persons in recovery, people celebrating a birthday, or anyone wanting to feel the sweetness of spiritual surrender (including yourself).

Bravo Hisashi for Great Cat Pictures on Flickr

2010-08-27T15:18:00.002-04:00

L1050065.JPG,
originally uploaded by hisashi_0822.

I love kitties. They are all adorable. Thanks to hisashi_0822 for this great photo.

SpiritMama Flickr pics of Monarch Butterfly Hatching

2010-08-27T08:31:00.001-04:00

My friend Waxela owns SpiritMama and sells her creations on Etsy. Like Mambo the Clown, a handmade, 18" one-of-a-kind art doll. She also makes cake toppers and bamboo clothing. I met her years ago at an art and music festival in Ashland, Oregon.

She took some amazing pictures of a butterfly hatching and taking its first flight. Here's what she wrote about her experience on her blog:

"I spent my childhood summers catching insects, frogs, turtles, salamanders, toads, minnows, and the occasional snake. I still have some of that curious little explorer in me, so when I found a tiny monarch caterpillar a few weeks ago I was delighted at the idea of watching the amazing metamorphosis happen before my eyes. I was a diligent caretaker, bringing fresh milkweed leaves to my growing caterpillar every day. The payoff happened on the morning when I woke to find the chrysalis about to break open. I took it outside, and this is what I saw..." - Waxela, SpiritMama

Check out SpiritMama's Flickr slideshow of a monarch butterfly hatching here and her blog here.

Home made pizza on the menu tonight :)

2010-08-24T16:52:00.000-04:00

Here's a picture of my little mini home-made pizza from a few weeks ago. I'm having an encore tonight. It is as delicious as it is cute! Wish you were here to share it with. I'll be thinking of Venice, Italy while I eat my pizza in Venice, Florida. And, I'll give a toast to you wherever you are.

Two Minutes of a Florida Sky - Blissful Sunset Bathes My World in Color

2010-08-20T21:13:00.000-04:00

I almost missed it. Luckily I saw the hues in my yard out the window and went outside just in time to have two minutes of visual bliss.
Click images for more.

Lotus Blossoms and Yoga

2010-08-19T21:57:00.000-04:00

My art is so popular with people who do yoga that I'm inspired to get in the groove. I did attend one sunrise session on Venice Beach last fall with my friend, Susanne. And, years ago, my friend Anja and I did the "Salutation to the Sun" in the mornings outside Peter M.'s motorhome on our cross-country folk-singing tour en route to a concert in LA. I didn't know it was yoga then, but I enjoyed the ritual.

Present day. I've been searching the web and the library for books to enlighten me. Like, what does it all mean? Today I met the owner of Yoga SRQ on Pineapple in Sarasota and she gave me a coupon for a free week of yoga which I'm going to use next week. More on that magical occurrence later (meeting her and stumbling upon her yoga studio). Know that it was a fortuitous meeting which led from one thing to another. Like I said, more on that later.

In my search for information about all things yoga, I felt an overwhelming urge to paint a lotus blossom. I did a google search and voila! I discovered something wonderful: the water lilies in the lily pond by the library at lotus (click here to see my Aug 4 post) !!! They have the little seed pods. I was so curious when I was photographing them because I hadn't ever seen the little pods before. They are so beautiful. I'm excited. I can't wait to begin my artistic journey into the world of lotus.

- Raphaella Vaisseau

Peace Heart and Other New Posters by Raphaella Vaisseau

2010-08-18T22:58:00.000-04:00

I've recently created new larger versions of 5x7 posters already online, such as these favorite sayings: Speak your mind even if your voice shakes - Maggie Kuhn; Think big, pay cash - Ralph Waldo Emerson; Listen to Girls; Think Happy Thoughts; and Too Much of a Good Thing is Wonderful - Mae West.

And here is the "Peace Heart" poster which created itself it seems to me. I had been doing something else and didn't realize the word "peace" was still grouped with the background of another painting. Once I saw the word on top of this beautiful heart, I loved it immediately. I hope you enjoy it as well.

I'm continuing to focus on completion, happiness, and clarity. To that list, I'm adding the essence of Fresh Starts and New Beginnings. (I should mail myself a copy of "A Life Wish" to celebrate.)

I'm organizing paperwork and digital files (I have a little Seagate FreeAgent external hard drive to facilitate this process). I'm finding projects to complete and discovering infor mation I thought was long lost. Each action helps to build on the next. Through it all, the Florida sun is shining and my foster kittens (and my two cats) share love and beauty with me. The little foster kittens are recovering from spay and neuter surgery and await the arrival of their new adoptive families. I love them and take a dozens of pictures a day.

Heart in the Sky - photo by Kathy Bergan

2010-08-17T14:37:00.000-04:00

My sister sent me this picture from her cell phone today. It's a heart in the sky! Nice (on so many levels).

Clarity and Lavender Fields in Provence

2010-08-16T22:09:00.000-04:00

Clarity. My new favorite word. I see clearly. Life is free from obscurity and easy to understand. I have clarity in my vision. Ahh. I like it.

I was thinking today of the Lavender Fields of Provence and envisioning them pulsing with an aura of golden light. And me standing on the road with my bicycle and a person of mystery. We are enjoying the day, enjoying the view, enjoying each other in this far away place. It's fun to see myself there in my visions. Here ... at the 12th century Senanque Abbey north of Gordes (photo by Jordi Brió).

Lavender fields are often bordered by golden bands of grain. That fits with my vision of the pulsing golden aura. But wait. Maybe that's inside of me.

Standing tall now. Happy. Alive and well. On an adventure with my mystery person. Traveling the world. Enjoying life. In Joy. Seeing clearly. Loving life.

- Raphaella Vaisseau

Contemplating Happiness

2010-08-15T23:02:00.000-04:00

In my organizing and dusting bookcases I came across a book by Richard Carlson "You Can Be Happy No Matter What." I've never read it but there is was on my bookshelf. I've been contemplating happiness for weeks in preparation for the upcoming Landmark Education Seminar by the same title, starting in September. This might be a good time to read a chapter or two.

His opening paragraph goes like this: "Happiness! It's something that all of us want but that few of us ever achieve. It is characterized by feelings of gratitude, inner peace, satisfaction, and affection for ourselves and for others. Our most natural state of mind is one of contentment and joy."

-Raphaella Vaisseau

Watching, Reading and Writing

2010-08-14T23:05:00.000-04:00

I've been making a conscious effort to select lighter fare for my viewing and reading material. The other day I watched a 1999 movie with Diane Lane set in 1969: A Walk on the Moon. The sets alone were worth the ride, taking me back to the days of my youth when my family took summer vacations to cabins in Northern Minnesota. The cabin in this movie, however, was near Woodstock, NY. Nostalgia was rampant for me in the inner turmoil of the characters, the dynamics of the relationships and the visual reminders of my childhood and my own hippie days gone by. I loved, loved, loved it. The movie and my memories.

I found a book by Jennifer Weiner, "In Her Shoes" that was a far cry from the mysteries and suspense I have always preferred. It took a bit of getting used to because, instead of the fast escape into a world of an action thriller, the conversation of the book was familial, emotional and pushed some buttons inside me. Although not always easy to read, it was real. Through the pages I felt a sweet kinship with my sister and how our lives have weaved in and out through the years.

Both the movie and the book inspired me to stay the course to explore new books, movies, experiences, and see what opens up for me in the process. For one, reading and watching "slice of life" books and movies inspires me to write more.

My homework for this half of August is completion. I've taken on little things to finish (since the big things seem too big to complete at the moment). Easy things. Then perhaps, one day soon, I'll once again set the course to finishing the many books I have in process. For now, it's one step at a time. Breathe in, breathe out. Clean the linen closet, make a sales call, fill an order, make the bed. One thing at a time. My gift to myself each day is to write a short piece to share with you here in this blog. We all have stories to tell. Each one valuable to the whole.

- Raphaella Vaisseau

The Sun is Back - I'm so Happy

2010-08-13T21:21:00.001-04:00

How did I ever live in Oregon where the rainy/cloudy season lasted three months? (No offense to all the lovely people who live in the Pacific Northwest.) This past week in Florida we had only FOUR days with cloudy, overcast skies and I was sure I was under the influence of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - wait a minute ... SAD is depression in the WINTER! It's August! Oh oh. Must have been something else.

The rain I didn't mind so much. Thunderstorms are energizing. However, the incessant gray was a challenge for me this week. But, hooray! Today I was again in Florida bliss, loving the colors of the grass and flowers outside, and loving the light shining through my window on my art while I worked.

It's Friday night and I'm getting up early for the Farmer's Market tomorrow. Have a great weekend, everybody.

The Beauty of Nature's Artwork

2010-08-12T22:06:00.000-04:00

I've been watching this plant grow over the past year, busting out of it's little pot and spilling seeds all over the ground making baby plants and creating a whole little garden on a tiny plot of earth by my front door. More photos are on my Flickr page.

-Raphaella Vaisseau

Dance as if no one's watching - An Irish Proverb and more

2010-08-10T22:11:00.000-04:00

I've been wanting to redesign this magnet for years. Likewise, the longer version (which is more of a popularized modern-day version).

It rained in Venice again today. Making art that looks like sunshine and happy days was a lift to my spirits as the overcast skies continued through the afternoon.

I also painted a new abstract version of Namaste for a client in Hong Kong. Perhaps these new paintings will brighten your day as well.

All Nature's wildness - a quote by John Muir

2010-08-09T22:12:00.001-04:00

Thunderstorms in Florida seem louder than anywhere else I’ve lived. It’s like the sky is closer here – twenty feet up instead of twenty miles. I have no idea if that’s real or an illusion of sound. I’ll probably get used to all the racket the longer I live here. For now, I’m enjoying it and marveling, once again, at the power of Mother Nature.

I haven't experienced a Florida hurricane yet. I hear we have a few days warning for that, unlike an earthquake.

I've been in a major earthquake (Northridge, Jan. 17, 1994). A frightening experience, to say the least. The sound of glass breaking all around me, and the gushing water from the toilet that had been dislodged from the pipes - all the furniture on the floor, doors blocked. Oh my.

My house was not nearly as damaged as my daughter's. She was closer to the epicenter. Days and months of aftershocks continued that experience. Earthquakes (the little tremors that made the lights shake) had been kind of "fun" up until then. After that day, I gained a new respect for power of nature and forevermore, I take preparedness seriously.

One summer day in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a waterspout (mini-tornado) hit our beach blanket at Lake Calhoun and lifted my daughter and her friend up and deposited them down on the sand again about 30 feet away. That was the most direct hit I've had at the hands of Mother Nature. I watched it form across the lake and travel on the surface of the water on a path that looked like it was aiming right for us. It picked up a sailboat on the shore before touching down on our blanket. Sand was drilled into my scalp. The entire beach population fled like wild banshees running for our lives.

Ah, memories. John Muir's quote (above) captures Nature's majesty for me. Having lived in the SF Bay area for over eight years, I walked in the redwood forests of Muir Woods many times. It is a cathedral of a place where I always felt a communion with this man's spirit. John Muir founded The Sierra Club and was responsible for preserving large nature areas and western forests. He petitioned Congress for the National Parks Bill (which passed in 1899), establishing both Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. Read more about John Muir here (including a visit with Ralph Waldo Emerson in 1871). I remain eternally grateful for his gift of preservation of our earthly wilderness lands as well as his expression of beauty, passion, and love in his writing.

-Raphaella Vaisseau

The Old New Age

2010-08-08T13:07:00.000-04:00

My friend Anja is organized. It’s one of the things she does well. It comes natural to her. It’s deliberate and doesn’t seem to be an effort. She’s a writer and has kept journals for decades. Newly retired, she’s continuing a process started a few years back to transcribe and organize her journals. Inspired by her, I took out a few of my own journals and leafed through the pages. Interesting. I found a journal this morning that I started two days after my spiritual awakening (which occurred on November 15, 1975).

Yesterday I stumbled upon the “Chrystalized Ahava528 Water” video (see 8-7-10 post). Throughout the day, I thought about my journey as an awakened being. In the beginning, in 1975, I thought the New Age was bursting through into reality instantly. Every day was like a lotus flower blooming in my heart, revealing greater spiritual understanding, and revealing the mysteries of the ages to me.

Gradually, as ten years passed, I came to think the New Age would manifest within individual people and not en masse. I lived my life with consciousness and continued my inner unfoldment, but I gradually dropped out of the New Age scene. I moved away from active outward communion with awakening beings, believing all beings awakening, conscious or not. I focused instead on my emerging art business. In 1999, while living the artist’s life in Ashland, Oregon, I attended a weekend festival and camped out with the other artists and festival goers and was amazed to experience the New Age was alive and well in the hearts and minds of the young people. A year later I moved to the SF Bay Area and opened my Heartful Art Gallery in Sausalito which felt, for the six years of its existence, that it was the perfect blend of the outward manifestation of my inner spiritual awakening.

Now, another decade has passed, and the mysteries continue to unfold, both within myself and in the outer world. I am pleasantly surprised to notice the attention to frequency and sound in the mainstream society. I think about how it was for me to live as the essence of the blooming lotus flower in those early days in the late 70s when I lived at Aurora Ashram with 18 like-minded souls on a spiritual journey. I’d like to recreate the freshness of thought and enthusiasm for possibility I had then. Sometimes it is easy for me to slip into the cliché of “been there, done that” when I hear about people discovering things we were doing thirty years ago as if it were new today. However, rather than stand in separation, I’d like to join in the celebration and participate again – on more than an inner plane. I’d like to, once again, embrace wonder and joy as a constant state of being. As I approach the coming days, I open my heart and mind to a fresh, new experience of the New Age now manifesting.

-Raphaella Vaisseau

Crystalized Ahava528 Water - raising the frequency through the 528 hz played on crystal bowls in water

2010-08-07T21:22:00.000-04:00

Filmed in Israel, lake Kinneret, in the Sea of Galilee ...

For more videos, visit ahava528 on youtube.

Kelly Light's Ripple Project - Artists and Donors Help the Animal Victims of the Deep Water Horizon Gulf Oil Spill

2010-08-06T17:37:00.000-04:00

So far Kelly Light has facilitated over $9,000 in donations to help animal victims of the Deep Water Horizon Gulf Oil Spill. "We don't have to feel helpless. We can help. Our small actions together will ripple outward," Kelly says.

Artists (me included) donate sketches which Kelly posts on the Ripples blog. People buy the art by making a donation to one of the four nonprofits listed below the instructions for making the donation. Read the whole blog to see how it works. Some of the art requires a $50 donation and some a $10 donation.

Two of my ACEO paintings sold yesterday and two more are still available .Click HERE to see the post and buy one for the cause. I plan to donate more ACEO originals in September if the project still continues. Every penny goes to the animals.

To read more about how it all began, read the School Library Journal's July 20, 2010 article by Debra Lau Whelan, "Children's Illustrators Help Save Gulf Oil Spill Wildlife Victims."

I'm honored to play a small part in this important rescue project. I appreciate Kelly Light's vision (and her time) to make a difference in our world. Bless the art, the artists and the donors who are in turn blessing the animals of the Gulf. Thanks, Kelly!

Happiness Flow Chart - Are you happy? by Alex Koplin of H/34

2010-08-05T16:45:00.000-04:00

This simple happiness flow chart says it all. It's the creative work of Alex Koplin. Enjoy!

Lily Pond at the Jacaranda Library in Venice, Florida

2010-08-04T22:54:00.000-04:00

I've been driving by this beautiful lily pond for months and finally had my camera in the car and took a few moments to contemplate the splendor of the place.

Lilies, beautiful lilies. I was in Giverny and walked around the pond where Claude Monet painted his beautiful art: Water Lilies in 1906, and Bridge Over a Pond of Lilies in 1899. A much quieter place than this. Yet, I can touch calmness here.

It's something I love about living in Florida: that anywhere, at any moment, even in my back yard, I am touched by awesome beauty. The storm clouds last night looked like the sky in my painting, Lavender Clouds garden.

Today, I was updating my website with all my magnets in FRENCH!!! While files were uploading, I gazed out my studio window and feasted on the lush, green scene in front of my eyes. Even the weathered privacy fence behind the shrubbery looked like a piece of art to me. The banana tree has recovered from the freezing cold of last winter, and the landscape crew keeps the grass and bushes nicely trimmed. Ahhh! I am blessed.

A Prayer for Us by Raphaella included in a New Book by Susanne M. Alexander: All-in-One Marriage Prep: 75 Experts Share Tips & Wisdom to Help You Get Ready Now

2010-08-03T11:05:00.000-04:00

Susanne M. Alexander is a Relationship and Marriage Coach, and President of Marriage Transformation, LLC, based in Cleveland, Ohio (marriagetransformation.com). Her newest book, All-in-One Marriage Prep: 75 Experts Share Tips and Wisdom to Help You Get Ready Now, is 430 pages of thought-provoking discourse offered by experts "passionate about creating excellent marriages."

In the chapter, Becoming Parents and Rearing Children, and in the essay, "Find and Discuss Your Hidden Parenting Beliefs" by Sandra Dye, couples are encouraged to uncover hidden parenting beliefs as a preparatory step to marriage. She offers a survey of parental thinking and beliefs for couples to use as self-discovery and then as a catalyst for determining the parenting style both are most comfortable with.Of course, couples are encouraged to continue examining and discussing parenting beliefs over time as "new life experiences and new stressors tend to open up your belief systems, making room for meaningful changes."

In the chapter, Growing in Love, and in the essay, "The Journey of Love and Marriage: Know the Stages and Set Your Priorities," Rita DeMaria, Ph.D. offers a wealth of information about the journey of relationship, not just the initial love stage. In her writing, she identifies seven stages she uses in her work with couples as a senior staff member and Director of Relationship Education at Council for Relationships in Philadelphia. She offers tips, recommendations, topics for consideration, and helpful practices such as encouraging couples to nurture romance between them through every stage of their building relationship.

In the chapter, Creating a Partnership, and in the essay, "Gender Equality in Marriage" Susanne M. Alexander coaches couples to consider new perspectives and choices when discussing what roles and responsibilities each will have in their future home. "It may take time for a man to accept that sharing housework does not diminish his masculinity," she writes, "and doing housework is not a 'favor' he is doing for his wife. A woman may also take time to understand that repairing an appliance does not make her less feminine, nor is it a 'favor' she is doing for her husband.You are both simply doing the acts of service that move your family forward."

In the chapter, Preparing As Individuals, and in the essay, "Creating an Intimate, Loving Relationship," Margaret Paul, Ph.D. writes about, "When we are loving to ourselves, we are loving to others" and "When we are loving to others, we are loving to ourselves." So true. One of my little magnetic creations, Loving you is blessing me, can help us all remember that.

I'm honored to have my song blessing, "A Prayer For Us," included in the final chapter of this important book. Written years ago as a relationship blessing, the song has been included in many marriage ceremonies. In the third-person form, "A Wedding Prayer," it was read by the father-of-the-bride at the wedding of Jimmy Carter's grandson in 2001. They found it as a framed artwork on the walls of my Heartful Art Gallery in Sausalito, California. For permission to include it in your ceremony, contact Raphaella at 941-993-7001 or by e-mail at raphaella@heartfulart.com. In Heartful Art's online store, it's available for purchase in either form, A Prayer For Us, and A Wedding Prayer. As a mailable poster in three sizes (5x7, 8-1/2x11, and 11x14) or as framed art for the wall (8x8 and 8x10), it's a nice engagement or wedding gift to accompany Susanne M. Alexander's book, All-in-One Marriage Prep: 75 Experts Share Tips and Wisdom to Help You Get Ready Now.

Another of my blessings (again, in two versions) that makes for a treasured wedding gift for your family or each other is, "It's who you are that I love" and "It's who you are that we love." Originally written as a baby blessing, people started buying it for their older children and then for each other, thus the many versions. I dubbed it the "Parent's Blessing for Grown-Up Kids" because I believe it's what we all want to hear from our parents no matter how old we are. And, as a spouse-to-spouse and partner-to-partner blessing, it affirms unconditional support and loving for each other.

I hope you'll buy and give this important book to couples considering marriage. Although, as Susanne herself states in the chapter, Appreciating Diversity, "The selections do not even come close to covering the full range of diversity and religious or cultural complexity in the world," the book is packed with valuable tips and advice for individuals and couples to apply to their own situation. When I was privileged to be in the room with the Dali Lama one afternoon in Minneapolis, the question was asked of him, "Why are there so many religions?" His answer, as I recall, was simply, "Because there are so many people. One religion could not possibly fit every person." So too, the prospect of creating a lasting and fulfilling relationship that produces a marriage worth having must be tailor fit to each situation. Each couple can use the wisdom of the experts in this book to contemplate, discuss, and build on, and create the marriage of their dreams.

Susanne M. Alexander is the author or co-author of All-in-One Marriage Prep: 75 Experts Share Tips and Wisdom To Help You Get Ready Now; Can We Dance? Learning the Steps for a Fulfilling Relationship; Marriage Can Be Forever—Preparation Counts!; Pure Gold: Encouraging Character Qualities in Marriage; Happy at Home, Happy at Work; and A Perfectly Funny Marriage cartoon book. She has conducted workshops for individuals and couples in the United States, Canada, and China. You may contact her at 800-501-6682 or Susanne@marriagetransformation.com.

2010-08-02T15:30:00.000-04:00

Oprah Quote

2010-07-17T20:11:00.001-04:00

,
originally uploaded by macaroononastick.

Law of Attraction meets Attitude of Gratitude - by Oprah via macaroononastick on Flickr :)

Kitties in the Can

2010-07-16T09:52:00.000-04:00

These little darlings have been with me for ten days now. They're six weeks old and what a treat they are to have in my life.

I'm a kitten foster mom for Theresa Foley's non-profit spay-neuter rescue organizations: The Key West Cat Society and the Venice Cat Coalition.

Join our Facebook page: the Sarasota Kitten Club to be in the conversation all revolving around saving cats and kittens in Florida (and simply loving them). Buy a T-shirt (my art is on the T-shirt), send a donation, send love. It all goes to help the cats who love us back unconditionally and add countless moments of joy to my life.

If you live in Sarasota County or nearby areas and are interested in adopting one of these babies (or others), please call me at 941-993-7001. - Raphaella

Heartful Art Studio Moves Indoors for the Florida Summer

2010-07-09T22:33:00.000-04:00

Florida is hot in the summer. Reading my friends' facebook pages, I'm gathering it's hot all over the country these days.

I realized today that, because of the heat, I wasn't getting to paint as much as I like because my studio was set up outside in the lanai. By 9am on any given day, the heat and humidity maxed me out. Today I was inspired to create a solution. I carved out a 5' x 6' space in a corner of my bedroom, laid down some indoor/outdoor carpet to protect the floor tile, and created an indoor studio.

I'm excited about my new space. I have so many new galleries and shops around the country wanting original art (woo-hoo!) that I have a lot of creating to do. Now I have a more comfortable place to create.

I'll probably move back outside in the fall and winter months because I love painting outside when it's lovely weather. Hey, maybe I'll create Studio 2 and have both. Sounds like fun to me.

"Feel Good for the Sake of Feeling Good" - quote from Abraham-Hicks seminar

2010-06-30T11:15:00.000-04:00

I have my phone alarm set for all the times that Abraham-Hicks are scheduled to have a seminar broadcast on hayhouseradio.com and this morning was one of those times. Today's broadcast was a seminar from Chicago on May 25, 2002. I LOVE these seminars and always gain new insight while listening. This one was all about the benefits of doing "virtual reality" which is spending a few minutes visualizing a place, feeling good there (not trying to fix anything while there) and that's it. "Get in, feel good, get out" as Abraham would put it.

Twice a day my phone alarm rings to remind me to take five and do these visualizations. I thought of Paris today and walking down des Champs-Élysées. However, the memory of an actual day doing just that when I traveled there some years ago came rushing into my mind along with the feelings I'd felt then. I knew that wouldn't work for the practice of the exercise because I was bringing reality into my virtual reality place. So, I picked a new place. I went instead to my tried and true Serengeti and feasted my eyes on a beautiful lion with a full mane who turned to look at me as I gazed upon his beauty.

That felt so nice and reminded me of my little foster kittens who are consistently a source of love for me. It's interesting, as I'm writing this, and you are reading this, you might get the impression that the practice of doing a virtual reality exercise (as taught by Abraham-Hicks) is something to do when you're feeling down to help make you feel better. Au contraire, it's a place to go to simply practice the vibration of feeling good and to practice vibrational alignment with well-being. The idea is that by doing so, you get so good at feeling good and so good at recognizing the vibration of feeling good and so good at making the feeling good vibration dominant in your life, that you can maintain that vibration, which is the vibration of allowing, no matter what is happening around you.

Practicing virtual reality is just another game of life which I love. I wish you moments of feeling good for the sake of feeling good. Be well.

Abraham-Hicks Publications re Allowing vs. Earning

2010-06-12T10:29:00.000-04:00

We would like you to release the word "achieve" or "earn" from your vocabulary and from your understanding, altogether, and we would like you to replace those words with the word "allow". You're wanting to allow your Well-being, not achieve it. It's not something that you need to earn. All you have to do is decide what it is you would like to experience, and then allow it in order to achieve it. It isn't something you have to struggle for or try for. You are all worthy beings. You are deserving of this Well-being.

--- Abraham

Excerpted from the workshop in Detroit, MI on Saturday, July 8th, 2000 #468

Our Love,
Jerry and Esther (abraham-hicks.com)

Memorial Day special - United States Marine Corps Hymn

2010-05-30T18:47:00.000-04:00

I first created this poster in honor of my father and his comrades who served in WWII in the bomber squadron VMB611. It's a poster and is available in two sizes: 5x7 and 8x11 and will be two for the price of one through the end of June 2010 in honor of all veterans of all wars. The links will bring you to my website's online store. Simply mark the quantity you want and I'll send you twice that number. Or call us at 941-993-7001 and complete the sale offline for 50% of website price and discounted shipping. Bless you and your families.

My Cat, Diana ... justifying her existence

2010-05-29T20:37:00.000-04:00

There's an Abraham-Hicks seminar I remember where they were talking with someone who made the comment "I am worthy" and Abraham said they didn't need to justify their existence. Then Abraham told the story of Party Cat who jumped in Esther and Jerry's window during a seminar and laid down in the center of the room and flipped over on his back like my Diana. They asked Party Cat what he was doing and the answer was, "this is about as far as I go to justify my existence." I always think of that when I see my Diana laying on her back and it reminds me I don't have to earn my being alive. I am alive. I am who I am and where I am. That's it.

Morning - by Raphaella Vaisseau

2010-05-25T09:06:00.000-04:00

Subtle Wisdom, Success and Giraffes

2010-05-23T10:37:00.000-04:00

"When you talk about what you want and why you want it, there's usually less resistance within you than when you talk about what you want and how you're going to get it. When you pose questions you don't have answers for, like how, where, when, who, it sets up a contradictory vibration that slows everything down."

--- Abraham

Excerpted from the workshop in San Antonio, TX on Saturday, January 29th, 2005 #448

-----------------------------------

For the past three months, I've been involved in a discussion of Success with a Landmark Education seminar and workshop in Sarasota. The discussion revolved around the questions: What is success? What are the standards of measurement of success? Where did these standards come from? and, finally, What is success for me?

I've enjoyed the conversation immensely. I've come away from the three months having discerned that what I want is to fully embrace the powerful creator that I am. The "how" seems to be revolving around the question at any given moment, "Who am I being?" The "why" is all wrapped up in my main goal in life: to be the best I can be, to polish the golden chalice that I am and fully express the gifts within so that they are made manifest for others to see and experience. For me, success is being free to fully embrace, express and experience life, self, art and relationship with wild abandon.

Magical Egret pays a visit to Heartful Art

2010-05-04T09:15:00.000-04:00

While on the phone with my agent yesterday, this beautiful creature paid us a visit. It followed my voice from room to room as I went to find my camera. Even though our studios are in a bird sanctuary and we see many lovely birds in flight and on the ground here, the visit from this egret was particularly magical.

Ted Andrew's "Animal Speak" includes egrets in the chapter on herons, saying the "waders" are a group of birds who are "symbols of balance, and they represent an ability to progress and evolve." Also, heron people go deeper in their exploration of life, must be able to stand on their own, and follow their own path, without the pressure to keep up with others.

Whatever this bird was communicating to me, whether expecting food or delivering symbolic information, I accept the experience as magical and for a few moments in time, this bird and I were one. Sharing the magic. Loving the diversity of life. - RV

Heartful Art poster at Minneapolis Yoga Studio ... fun discovery by my daughter

2010-04-26T13:01:00.001-04:00

Here's a link to the poster she saw: "Breathe in Breathe Out"

Tulips of Grace by Raphaella Vaisseau, in honor of my Daughter and Mother's Day

2010-04-22T20:24:00.000-04:00

My most recent tulip painting reminds me that I first started painting tulips because they were my daughter Cate's favorite flower while she was growing up. We lived in Minnesota then. Tulips were the first sign of Spring. Their stems would burst through the icy ground, sometimes still snow covered. The tulip buds would blossom like a song happy to be sung.

Over the years I've painted many tulip garden paintings and still they remind me of the hope of Spring and my daughter's love. Mother's Day is coming soon and my thoughts turn to mothers everywhere. My Mother has a gallery of my tulip paintings as well. I guess for me, tulips and Mothers go hand in hand.

Cetacea by Theresa Foley - a Key West novel

2010-04-03T18:21:00.000-04:00

Theresa Foley (of cat rescue fame), is my friend, my teacher (writing and hypnosis), and also a published author of five books, including Cetacea (my personal favorite), Love Prevails, and 3 collections of short stories by Key West authors. I've added Cetacea to my website or you can buy it on amazon.com. If you like Key West, dolphins, mystery books, and/or people making a difference, Cetacea is a good read. If you really love Key West, you may want to get all five of her books. Enjoy!!!

New paintings by Raphaella Vaisseau debuted at Tringali show

2010-03-31T18:38:00.000-04:00

photo by Nancy Chapman, reporter for Englewood Edge online newspaper

AP Economics Writer, Martin Crutsinger reports Retail sales rise 0.3 percent in February

2010-03-12T09:37:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Retail sales posted a surprising increase in February as consumers did not let major snowstorms stop them from storming the malls. The advance, the biggest since November, provided hope that the recovery from the Great Recession is gaining momentum.

The Commerce Department said Friday that retail sales rose 0.3 percent in February, surpassing expectations that sales would decline by 0.2 percent. Read full story on NPR

FACES - Etsy Treasury curated by Raphaella Vaisseau of Heartful Art

2010-02-13T00:02:00.000-05:00

I'm happy to share my latest ETSY Treasury with you. It's a collection of artists I've discovered while browsing the many shops of artists creating art from all over the world. Enjoy!!!

Dallas-based M3 Girl Designs making "The original, interchangeable, bottle cap necklace"

2010-02-09T17:59:00.000-05:00

I just learned of these girls, Maddie and Margot Bradshaw, who started their own company and a year ago reached the $1 million mark (see video). Here's their website. Their facebook group page is "Snap Caps by m3 girl designs" - check it out, be inspired.

Connee Chandler shares her lessons of Abraham-Hicks PLUS Yahoo Groups

2010-02-05T16:25:00.001-05:00

There are two yahoo groups I've discovered for those of us who are studying the Abraham-Hicks material: The Abe List and Abe Quotes. I've read Connee Chandler's posts on both sites and was inspired today to find out more about her. I discovered her website and was pleased to see many resources including her lessons, transcribed workshop notes and more. Check it out if you are so inclined.

Whimzey - the magical cottage and studio of Todd Ramquist and Kiaralinda in Safety Harbor, Florida

2010-01-30T17:46:00.001-05:00

"Whimzey" - A self-described multi-colored, ever evolving, fantasmagorical gingerbread cottage and studio. Whimsical animal yard sculptures create the "Whimzoo", 500 bowling balls border flowerbeds, and it's home to the Bowling Ball Art Museum.

I was so enthralled when I found this town and its amazing magical houses in December, I'm planning regular return visits to see more and experience the ambience. View my Flickr slideshow of my latest journey there with friends. Kiaralinda was in her yard and invited us in. What a blessing!

To discover more information and pictures, visit Kiaralinda.com.

Potato Herb Soup - from the San Francisco Farmers' Market Cookbook

2010-01-16T20:53:00.001-05:00

My second venture into the world of homemade soup. This time I found Potato Herb Soup and it was delightful. I am so happy about this. In reflecting on the experience today I guessed that as a younger cook, when I thought of home-made soup I thought of a big pot of chicken or turkey parts simmering in broth with a whole bunch of vegetables. Not my favorite image or soup. I've never liked vegetable soup, minestrone, beef barley, etc. etc. But I LOVE cream soups in restaurants.

Discovering that I can actually make the soups I love is very, very good news. Click on the recipe picture for larger view - in case you'd like to make it yourself. Bon appétit!

After lunch I went to hear the Venice Symphony play Broadway standards like Summertime, Whistle a Happy Tune, Bali Ha'i, and many others. The sound of an oboe, timpani and flute were especially magical to me. Deborah Berioli, a guest soprano, added her magic to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

Wandering through "Wisdom for the Soul" - Larry Chang

2010-01-15T21:20:00.001-05:00

Three years ago I bought Larry Chang's compilation of quotes "Wisdom for the Soul" at the International New Age Conference in Orlando. The subtitle claims "Five Millennia of Prescriptions for Spiritual Healing". I'm not sure why, but I took it off the shelf this afternoon and found myself flipping through page after page as I made my way through the day. My favorite inspiration of the day (in the chapter on Flexibility) is by Laozi (a/k/a Lao Tsu) from the 6th century BC:

The seed of mystery lies in muddy water. How can I perceive this mystery? Water becomes clear through stillness. How can I become still? By flowing with the stream. - Laozi

Twenty six centuries later, here's a magnet inspired by the Abraham-Hicks seminars. It reminds me to go downstream and keep my mind on happy thoughts. Wisdom never gets old.

Other favorite quotes of the day include a Swedish Saying, "Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow" and a Chinese Saying, "That the birds of worry and care fly about your head, this you cannot change. But that they build nests in your hair, this you can prevent."

I'm on vacation from worry. I'm focusing instead on looking for reasons to feel good. How about a kitty face to gaze upon ...

Rain and Freezing Cold for Punta Gorda Art Show

2010-01-13T21:51:00.000-05:00

As fun as the Safety Harbor show was in December, the Punta Gorda show last weekend was not. The vendors were troupers as we set up at 5:30am hoping the rain would stop and the temperatures would rise. I kept my focus on looking for the blessing in the experience and dancing around my booth to keep warm.

The rain stopped by Sunday but it was so cold the few people who came to the show shivered down the center lane and went home to get warm. I'm looking forward to the Venice show Jan 23rd and 24th to get me back in the game. Meanwhile I'm heading back to Safety Harbor next week to check out retail possibilities there. Wouldn't it be nice if I found a little spot on Main Street to have a new Heartful Art Gallery? Wouldn't it be nice if like-minded artists or crafters wanted to create that too and joined me in the search? Let me know if you have a similar vision.

14 More Heartful Art Posters Are Now Online

2010-01-08T11:51:00.000-05:00

I created dozens of new 8.5" x 11" posters last summer but just uploaded 14 of them to my online store this morning. I'll have the rest of them and the 5"x 7" versions uploaded soon as well. I'm at work on a whole new line of Heartful Art to keep you inspired and loving life. Stay tuned. Be happy.

I love life

2010-01-07T10:24:00.001-05:00

Alice Walker said, "I thank the Creator for the optimism of my Spirit." That's the thing I love about life -- the continual spark of new beginnings: year by year, day by day, moment by moment. This week at the "Causing the Miraculous" seminar (Landmark Education), I worked on organization as the topic I wanted more from. Consequently, this week has been abound with clearings, energy, creativity and finding things as I create solutions to reclaim order in my home and life.

I also made a commitment to create and post 10 new creations of art between now and our final class, January 25th. I have three in the works already and look forward to finishing them so I can post them online for you all to see. I'm feeling the stretching and expansion of the new year and loving it.

Stay warm, everyone. Inside and out. Even though it will be freezing cold this weekend in Florida, I will be outside all day Sat and Sun sharing my art with the world in Punta Gorda. Burrr. Ahhh. Life is good.

2010 - Year of Expression

2010-01-01T10:15:00.000-05:00

Personally, I declare 2010 to be a Year of Expression. For me, this will include new artistic expression and the creation of new art and publishing projects; expressing myself with friends and associates (being seen and heard); and embracing opportunities to step out and explore, travel, discover and say YES to life. I intend to dance through life this year, make new friends, nurture the friends and family I have and love, and seize opportunities to leap beyond what I’ve known so far and create miracles in my life and in the lives of others.

I intend to continue my studies of Abraham-Hicks, Landmark Education, NLP, hypnosis, writing, art and language, while paying attention to my vibrational focus and the words and thoughts I choose for my expression. Know that I appreciate you and value your presence in my life. You are amazing.

Review of 2009 in the life of Raphaella Vaisseau

2009-12-30T21:40:00.000-05:00

A year ago I declared 2009 to be a Year of Discovery during which I would continue to assimilate the new attitudes and understanding of seeing the good and focusing on the best feeling thought I can in any given situation or circumstance. At times during this year keeping this focus was a full-time job for me. Yet I persevered and I am reaping the results of my improved focus. With all the practice, I continue getting better at it every day. Most recently I’ve discovered how important it is to pay attention to the words I use and the stories I tell. I’m creating a new future so I’m telling new stories. I’ve been doing a lot of studying -- mostly with Abraham-Hicks, but also with Landmark Education, writer's groups, study groups, NLP and hypnosis. It’s all paying off. I’m committed to continuing my studies in 2010 and look forward to even greater expansion.

Kittens have been a big part of my life in 2009. I became a Kitten Foster Mom in March. Since then I have had a continuous blessing with the little ones coming to me for a day, a week or a month while they look for their forever families. I adopted Diana who is a beautiful addition to my family. For more about the kittens I foster, take a look at the Key West Cat Society / Venice Cat Coalition blog I created for them.

The other big news of 2009 in my life is the adventure of traveling to arts and crafts shows around Florida and setting up my Heartful Art booth for sales. My first show was in October here in Venice. My first road trip was to Dunedin, FL in November, and I fell in love with Safety Harbor, FL when I went to a show there on Dec. 13th. Exploring other cities, discovering new things about life in Florida, and meeting all the people who come to the shows brings me much happiness. I am grateful to have a new mini-van to make all the extra traveling safe and fun. I hope to expand even further in 2010 to attend shows on the East coast of Florida as well.

I SO appreciate my beautiful little house here in Venice, the fabulous friends I have (both old and new), my cats, my family, my art and creativity, Heartful Art, my customers, my car, social security, Facebook, Twitter, my cell phone, technology, and the joys and challenges of living life as a grand adventure that’s really, really fun! Onward, I say. Onward into the future.

Safety Harbor, Florida - One Cute Town !!!

2009-12-24T15:19:00.000-05:00

One of the things I like the most about my new life here on the Gulf Coast of Florida is packing up my van with Heartful Art and traveling to neighboring towns for art fairs. After the Venice Farmer's Market on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, I traveled to Safety Harbor, Florida to explore the town in preparation for the Arts & Crafts Fair there the following day. I arrived with plenty of daylight left to wander the streets, and I'm so glad I did. I discovered Safety Harbor to be a charming little town where shops and homes were decorated in festive colors and adorned with objets d'art. It occurred to me that every one in this town must be an artist! Murals were everywhere -- even on the Fire Station and the Post Office. I found an amazing place to treat myself to dinner: Green Springs Bistro. Check out the slide show on my Flickr site for photos and more information.

ReDEFINING The DREAM and Mobono.net

2009-12-18T12:39:00.003-05:00

I found this beautiful video by following a tweet of my friend, Stephen Marcus, which led me to Mbono.net which led me to the YouTube page for ReDEFINING The DREAM. All the words below are theirs. Enjoy the video, explore Mbono.net and check out the Facebook group: "One Billion People for Higher Consciousness" ... have fun, dream big, love everything.

How do we use the Law Of Attraction to effect change on a Global scale?
How do we keep our minds focused on the Possibilities, in spite of the problems?
If we take the time to contemplate what change looks like, what freedom, equality, peace, justice, perfect health, food and shelter for all, looks like, we can begin now to write a new script, we can begin now, individually and collectively to ReDEFINE and in so doing, ReDESIGN the World we wish to live in.
It is up to us to ReDEFINE our future now.  
It is up to us to ReDEFINE everything!!!!!!!
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" Mark 11:24. Begin by watching this 24 verse affirmation of gratitude, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech, and Bob Proctor, (The Secret).
www.http://redefiningthedream.com

TUBFRIM - helping the children of Norway

2009-12-18T08:38:00.006-05:00

I first learned of TUBFRIM in 1998 while living in Ashland, Oregon. The local Sons of Norway there collected used postage stamps and sent them off to Norway to help raise money for the children. I loved that it was such a simple way to participate in making a difference. I've been saving my postage stamps ever since and once a year I package them all up and mail them to Norway.

Postmaster Ditlef Frantzen in Nesbyen established TUBFRIM in 1928. The aim was to collect and sell used stamps and use the proceeds to aid the eradication of tuberculosis among Norwegian children. TUBFRIM is owned by the Norwegian Health Association (Nasjonalforeningen for folkehelsen). Today the profits are used to help handicapped children and youth in Norway, and to finance the efforts to eradicate tuberculosis.

If you'd like to join in the fun, send your stamps and used phonecards to TUBFIRM, N-3540 Nesbyen, Norway. You can also mail them to a participating Sons of Norway lodge in the U.S.A.

Gingery Carrot Soup from the SF Farmer's Market Cookbook

2009-12-11T10:05:00.003-05:00

Wow! Inspired by the ginger sitting on my counter from last week's trip to the Farmer's Market, I found a recipe from the San Francisco Farmer's Market cookbook for Gingery Carrot Soup. Keep in mind, I've never made homemade soup before. I didn't have the right quantities but I was motivated to create something healthy for a cool winter day. I chopped up onions, carrots, a potatoe and the ginger and cooked it in chicken broth for 1 hr, blended it together and OMG! what an amazing meal.

Abraham Rampage for Telling a New Story (Jerry and Esther Hicks)

2009-11-05T09:07:00.005-05:00

Source says to you …
• You are worthy beyond description
• All is well for you
• Well-being abounds
• There is abundance flowing to you

Telling a new story (practice telling a new story) …
• I am abundant in nature
• Well-being is always coming to me
• I am often understood by the people I’m interacting with
• I am loving this life that I’m living
• It’s fun to expand and grow
• I love the contrast of my environment which helps me to continue to identify new things that I want
• Often I’m not a vibrational match to everything that I want but I can feel the difference and I know how to lean in the direction of what I want
• My life just gets better and better
• I’m surrounded by people that are like me learning about life
• It’s really fun to be in this physical body and expand
• I get the sense of who I am
• Often when I’m really not paying attention I can feel the source within me just sort of wrapping non-physical arms around me and through me. I can get that non-physical hug (so to speak) from the inside out
• Sometimes I can just feel the well-being of my being
• Sometimes I get glimpses of what’s in my vibrational escrow
• I’m really enjoying how my life is beginning to unfold
• I’m noticing that the people around me are enjoying their life also
• I’m feeling a freedom from detaching myself from what they’re thinking or from what they’re wanting from me
• I’m doing such a good job of living my life
• I’m starting to realize the reason that I came forth into this physical experience
• Things are coming easier and easier
• I’m beginning to understand how the universe flows
• I’m beginning to understand the vibrational world
• I’m beginning to leverage my time more by pre-paving more things
• I’m becoming more of a mental being
• I’m not reacting to so many things
• I’m lining up more
• I’m sensing to the energy
• I’m feeling strong negative emotion – sometimes things really rub me the wrong way but that’s a good thing because that means something’s out of sync with what I’m wanting
• I’m getting more intuitive about people - I can feel when they’re leveling with me, I can feel when they’re not
• I can feel when it’s to my advantage to interact with them and when it’s not
• I’m becoming more intuitive
• My senses are out there in advance
• I’m doing a better job of pre-paving
• People like me
• I’m doing well everywhere I go
• Good ideas flow to me constantly
• I always have a good time
• I have fun wherever I am
• There’s cooperation around me all the time
• New ideas are flowing to me constantly
• I never get enough of this physical experience
• I love living life
• I’m feeling so vital and alive
• I love the people that are surrounding me
• I love the variety of people
• I can see the diversity of the talents in the people that are around me
• I realize what a wonderful team that we are – working together
• I’m appreciating the people of this planet more and more
• I love the cooperative nature that we are all about
• I love knowing that we are all casting our vibrational boats
• I love knowing that there is no injustice
• I love knowing that everybody gets exactly what they are offering vibrationally
• I love knowing that I’m getting exactly what I’m offering vibrationally
• I love knowing that I don’t have to hold anybody else responsible for the way my life’s unfolding
• I love getting into this appreciative mode because the better it gets, the better it gets, the better it gets
• I’m eager about this life experience
• I want everybody to have the fun that I’m having in this life experience
• I’m not bothered by those who aren’t having fun because I know the potential for fun is there for all of them
• I love being the clear example that I am
• I love offering my vibration deliberately
• I love watching all of the universal factors line things up
• I love how circumstances and events come into alignment to give me evidence, post-manifestational evidence of how I’m doing vibrationally
• I love knowing that it doesn’t matter what’s going on right now because I can keep telling a new story
• I love knowing that it doesn’t even matter how good my story is right now – it might not even be close to the best story I can tell but I love knowing that I can continue to tell a better and better story
• I love knowing that the cooperative universe will keep matching my better and better story
• I love knowing that I have the option to focus
• I am the center of my universe
• I love knowing that it’s a vibrational universe
• I love knowing that the Law of Attraction is utterly consistent and will never bring me anything that’s not a vibrational match
• I love knowing that everything that I get is because of something that I’ve been saying chronically
• I love knowing that I can morph the story, I can tell a different story
• I love the cooperating universe that will continue to give me evidence that I’ve changed the story that I’m telling
• I love knowing that I never get it wrong and I can’t get it done
• No matter where I’m standing there will always be new data that’s coming
• I love all of the people that are surrounding me that are playing the same game that I’m playing
• I love knowing that they’re not in charge of me, that they can’t control me and I’m not in charge of them and I can’t control them
• I love knowing that we are all here as vibrational entities
• We are all here as extensions of source energy
• We are all much more in harmony with each other than we are not in harmony with each other
• I love knowing that every particle of the universe has that which is wanted and that which is not wanted
• I love knowing that every person with whom I interact – there are things that I like about them and things that I don’t like about them and it’s up to me to fixate on the part of them that I want more in my life experience
• I love knowing how cooperative many of them will be
• I love knowing that even the most tuned in, tapped in, turned on person I can extract from them something less than tuned in, tapped in, turned on because I am a powerful creator
• I’ll get from everybody whatever it is that I focus upon
• I am responsible for my experience
• I get the complete credit for everything that’s happening to me
• I love the stability this time-space reality but I love even more the stability of the eternal nature that is is me
• I love my expansion
• I love where I am
• I love where I’m going
• I love where I’ve been
---------------------------------
All quotes are copyright Abraham-Hicks Publications. Visit the official Abraham site at: www.abraham-hicks.com/Abraham-Hicks Publications, P.O. Box 690070, San Antonio, TX 78269 Telephone: +1 830-755-2299 Fax: +1 830-755-4179
Excerpts from The Well-Being Mexican Cruise, January 2008

Spontaneous Support and Friendship

2009-11-04T17:38:00.002-05:00

Two Sundays ago some friends from church went out for lunch following services. That's really nothing new, but this time something in our conversation sparked an idea to have the four of us get together for mutual support, inspiration and encouragement. We've met twice now and it's clearly a divine intervention for each one of us.

It's not a writer's group, but I'm working on my writing. It's not a healing group but we're learning techniques to move and heal our energy. It's not Toastmasters but we're all inspired to be confident public speakers. It's not a prayer group but we're saying and singing prayers.

Wow. What it is is a whole lot of fun.

Favorite Author, Ted Andrews passes into Spirit

2009-10-26T21:18:00.002-04:00

Ted Andrews passed away Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009. His work and his writings have contributed so much to my life and my awareness of animals and animal communication. His work has blessed me countless times. I am so very grateful for the gift he made of his life here on Earth. Here's a link to my favorite of his books: Animal Speak. To explore more of his writings and his life, check out his website, Dragonhawk Publishing.