It's you I like

Don't get ahead of me here... I am not talking about a Thank You Card.  The obligatory note that your mother made you send out when you got a pair of sox from your Great Aunt Rose or that white card with the word Thanks scribbled across the front.

I am talking about real GRATITUDE and a Gratitude Card!!! Oprah Winfrey talks about the benefits of a Gratitude Journal.  I sell them, so don't get me wrong; there is a huge benefit of using a gratitude journal, I use them, and I know just how valuable the practice is ... but Gratitude Journals are about us... right?  We are thinking about ourselves, what we get from the action of writing down our gratitude.  We are hoping to make ourselves feel better and work better and be better.

But a Gratitude Card, what is that you ask?  A Gratitude Card is a card you send out for no other reason than you thought of a person today and you wanted to remind them you care. A gratitude card is about someone else.  It is about giving someone else a reason to smile.  No strings attached.  Not because they were kind to you but because you are nice to them.

The world changes when we think of others, and the world is a brighter and happier place when we take a moment to be grateful for the people in our lives.  The next time you are reminded of someone.  Take a moment and send them a Gratitude Card :-)

The Swing by Auguste Renoir

 Do you see the people in the background of this picture? A group of men and women enjoying a spring day in France.  I usually focus on the girl on the swing.  I like her pretty dress, and I am sure that I am not the only woman in the world who says to herself, "I wish I could go back in time to life in France in 1876 when people got dressed up and went to garden parties."  A visit to France confirmed this fact.  Did notice picture of the swing? Curators bought a spring and connected it to the bottom to absorb the weight of even the most substantial figure.  Thousands of women, my self included, stepped upon it to imagine what it would be like to have our picture painted by Renoir and perhaps had a photo taken instead.

Renoir is fabulous.  When you look at his paintings, everything is beautiful, everything is delightful, and he ignored the ugly stuff. Renoir once said, "To my mind, a picture should be something pleasant, cheerful, and pretty, yes, pretty! There are too many unpleasant things in life without creating still more of them." I could not agree more.

What are you grateful for today?

Growing up in a Military household required many moves through the years.  In the early 70s and 80s, I did not have the internet and social media, so it was much more challenging to keep in touch with old friends.  I wrote letters and sent postcards while at the same time, I made new friends and learned about new cities, countries, and cultures.  Most of the time, I lost touch with friends. Life, like this, is exciting and sometimes overwhelming.

The advent of Facebook allowed me to reconnect with these old friends in a new way.  While some people are critical of the time we spend on social media; I have found Facebook to be a rewarding experience.

As I began painting again, after twenty years of raising children, posting my artwork on Facebook allowed me to gain confidence, refine my skillset, and receive positive feedback from many people who have known me much of my life.

One of my dearest friends came with me to my first "show," this past weekend, The United Methodist Annual Conference in Collierville, TN, allowed me to showcase my prayer journals and my gratitude journals in addition, to my artwork.  I recognized a man, and his wife, who had a significant impact on my life some 40 years ago.  There is so much joy in reunions such as these. I felt such support and kindness from these friends and everyone around me.

I am grateful for great friends and the relationships I have had, I am grateful for my new friends, and I am grateful for social media.

What are you grateful for today?

I think of nature, and flowers, trees that bloom, there are also steep hills to climb, narrow trails to navigate, and we are not born with a map

Our Christian walk is not a straight path.  It is more of a hike in the woods and, it can be like a walk in the park with many things to enjoy along the way.

I think of nature, and flowers, trees that bloom, there are also steep hills to climb, narrow trails to navigate, and we are not born with a map that lets us know what lies ahead.  We have unsuspected storms and other weather conditions that can make us cold, frightened, and hungry.

The Bible gives us many lessons to help us find our way, and a journal can also help us keep track of this journey and find comfort.  As we write each day, we consider our circumstances, actions, and emotions.   Every one of us has a different path, and we make different connections from one Bible verse to another bible verse.  Our inspirations also come from our spiritual leaders, friends, and other surprising places in literature, T.V. movies, and YouTube videos. As we write, our trail becomes more tranquil.

There is no "right way" to write in a journal, some of us write prose, some poetry, and sometimes we doodle or write a stream of thought allowing ourselves to imagine and vent our emotions.  Keep these journals private.  It is between you and God -  Do not worry about grammar, spelling, political correctness.  A journal belongs to you and you alone.

Rose Elaine Journals is a play on words.  For me, journaling is a "rosy lane"  filled with flowers and pleasant photos and paintings.   Find your journaling path and enjoy the exploration!

Sunflowers: hardy, conspicuous, and tall.

Sunflowers: hardy, conspicuous, and tall. 

Started out small. 

But not today.

Today. It stood erect and proud.

It turned its flower to the sun and basked in the 

warmth, and it grew.

Its proud heritage, his ancestors fed millions, their seeds brought joy, and the oil they produced was unmatched. 

The state flower of Kansas was pleased. 

Penelope preferred blue flowers, although any would do

Penelope preferred blue flowers, although any would do.

She wore flowers in her hair and put them in her room. 

She took walks in the park and picked one or two and carefully carried them home. 

She pressed them in books. 

She put them in vases. 

moreover, sometimes Penelope made flower's faces.  

Sometimes Penelope was silly. 

Balboa Park and the Butter Cup

It is no surprise Balboa Park in San Diago, California, is a National Historic Landmark and named after the Spanish explorer Casso Nunez de Valvoa Balboa. The 1,200-acre land makes room for 16 museums — the San Diago Zoo, The Park Carousel, and a host of attractions and venues.  

The Japanese Friendship Garden, one of 17 gardens located on the land, began with a new idea. In Balboa Park, you will find a Japanese garden outside of Japan.  San Diego and its sister city Yokohama have a unique friendship. Together they provide a beautiful experience. It is here you find a quiet space and elegant beauty. The natural climate of California offers conditions for a coy pond. The flowers, walking paths, and waterfalls add to the daily delight. 

Buttercups bloom among these gardens. It's bright yellow petals, are a sharp contrast to the green grass and leaves growing on the brown dirt below. It causes us to catch our breath. We are captivated by its beauty, reminding us of our friendships and the joy of new friends. We remain grateful!

10 ways to know - She is a Stargazer Lily

• She is optimistic - her positive energy fills the room, and she brings a smile to the face of the people she loves. 

• She is hopeful, and her power of persuasion can spark the creative spirit in any organization. She strives for success; she reaches for the stars, and her future gaze is motivating to others. 

• She is pure at heart, with a dash of sass, and really knows how to strut her stuff!

• Her laughter is contagious!

• She is strong-willed and cheerful.

• She is open to all possibilities.

• She likes pink.

• She can keep things fresh for a long time.

• She is dramatic and bold!

Who is the Stargazer lily in your life? 

The waterfall giggles and gurgles and guffaws

The waterfall giggles and gurgles and guffaws 

It splatters.

It speaks. 

It sparks the imagination, and the relentless reminder of his power is refreshing. 

We are inspired.

We are renewed.

We are uplifted.

The waterfall never keeps quiet, and it's beauty never fades. 

I tend to like a well-coordinated look. I love my shoes and purse to match.

I tend to like a well-coordinated look.  I love my shoes and purse to match. I want to coordinate, match napkins, placemats, and candles with the dinnerware.  I prefer that my house has a cohesive look.  But I do not live alone.  There are four other members of my family, and I have five cats and a new kitten.

My husband and children have distinct personalities. One French teacher put it, after teaching all three of my kids, "It's hard to believe that they are from the same family."  I am proud of this distinction, and it gives my home a vibrant personality.  Sometimes a compromise is hard to achieve. Arguments ensue, making amends can take time, but, there is a lot of love and friendship.

The mixture of personalities, tastes, desires, and goals can be exhausting. Especially if I am in the mood to coordinate a picture-perfect moment. If I do not have every member of my family on board with my purpose.  To avoid these issues, I try to simplify.

This 4th of July we plan to grill hot-dogs and hamburgers, we will have potato chips and paper plates.  I will not stress about the dining room table today. I will not concern myself about place settings or insist that the desert has a red, white, and blue, theme.  I will not try to get the DJ of the family to find patriotic songs to play. while showing a patriotic movie, with the sound off on the Television.  Nor will I try to put a red, white and blue bow on the cats!  This year I will focus only on the fun and joy of living.  I will celebrate and enjoy what each member of the family brings to the table.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Taking time away from the same old 6's and 7's

Taking time away from the same old 6's and 7's has become something I look forward to each summer.  I never take these times for granted as there have been times in my life when I wondered if we would be able to pay the rent and utilities.   In those days, I worked during the week at one job and spent the weekend working retail while my husband built his business, we focused on raising our family and kept the faith.  During our time off we washed clothes and cleaned houses worked in the yard and built a garden.

"Time off" often looks different from one family to another and may change as we grow.  In our young life as husband and wife, when money was scarce, our "Date Night" might be a movie on television.  I can remember how much I looked forward to watching the mini-series about John Adams.  My husband and I cuddled on the couch with popcorn and a coke each week.  Sometimes we would go for a walk or picnic in the park and watch the birds.  We would ride bikes as a family and used the library to find books and videos of interest for free!

Our economic situation improved; we are now able to go away for "working" vacations, we attend conventions and at the same time have enjoyed seeing so much of the United States.    We, now, can stay at hotels, popcorn and coke replaced with dinners out, but taking time off has the same therapeutic effects.

Find a way to rest, restore the soul, and try something new.  My journal, filled with these memories is a treasure chest of joy.  Take a few minutes to be thankful  and write about your "Time Off."

"What did you do today? " The question is asked and answered, "Not much, same old sixes and sevens.

"What did you do today? " The question is asked and answered, "Not much, same old sixes and sevens." my Grandmother would say.  On her scale, one would be rotten and ten extraordinary so,
a six or seven would be nothing worth mentioning.  There can be comfort in the mid-range. There is less stress as we move through our day with or our routines.  The radio alarm clock goes off without exception. Coffee made to your specification and the morning news offers the normal state of affairs.

You probably have a routine, perhaps you are aware, and maybe you are on autopilot and do not consider these daily activities as life fulfilling.  Good habits can ease stress by removing a lot of decisions.  You don't have to think about brushing your teeth and general hygiene.  Perhaps you go to the grocery store the same day every week and make a menu.  Do you exercise, do you meditate or write in a journal every day?  I suspect you take the same route to work and see the same faces as you start your day; perhaps you can rely on a smile and "good morning."

So what if today was just another day.  Nothing special, nothing out of the ordinary, nothing particularly good or bad. 

Can we be grateful for these days too?  I think so!  We allowed ourselves to have room for creative thinking.  We brought order and predictability to our life, and as a result, we promoted a healthy lifestyle.

I will consider "getting out of my comfort zone" at another time, but today, I am grateful for the same old sixes and sevens.

Often, I make plans, consider options, and let the creative juices to flow.

Forsythia by Rose Elaine
Gratitude Journal

I prop myself up in the morning, listen to my radio program, and drink a cup of coffee before I even get out of bed.  It is my time to think, meditate, and allow myself some time before I ramp up for the rest of the day.  Often, I make plans, consider options, and let the creative juices to flow.

If you do not currently find an hour a day to reflect, I highly recommend this practice.  I have found this time will lower my stress, and it gives me the right mindset for tackling the issues that need to be addressed.

Research shows that employees that reflected on their studies 15 minutes a day about their lessons performed 23% better than those who did not reflect.

Jennifer Porter reported in Harvard Business Review March 21, 2017, that we should make time for self-reflection (even if you hate doing it).  Here are some of her recommendations:

• Select a reflection process that matches your preference. Some people journal, like me, others like to walk, bike, or sit and think.

• Schedule a time, as I mentioned, I like early mornings before the rush of the day. 

• Start small; maybe an hour is too long for you, perhaps 10 or 15 minutes would be a great way to begin. 

Purchase your Gratitude Journal: Forsythia (Journal / Notebook / Diary)

Rose Elaine Artist Website

Purchase Rose Elaine Artwork at Fine Art America

I had a man stop me the other day while I was at a show sharing

I had a man stop me the other day while I was at a show sharing the value of my journals. He was probably in his mid 50's, and as we talked, he told me that he had been keeping a little notebook for years. "I go on these fishing trips with family and friends every year," he continued, "And, I write down where I went, and who came with me, what kind of fish we caught, what the weather was like and little stories of our adventures together. Some of these men are long gone and have passed away, but the memories are fresh in my mind. As I flip through this notebook, I remember." The man smiled and said, "I understand what you are doing."

What a beautiful example of how the act of writing things down in a notebook or a unique journal can bring us joy, bring back memories, or help us remember when things occurred.

Do you have a notebook or journal that you use to help keep track of family gatherings?

Today the birds are singing; I hear cars driving past my house and children playing in the neighbor's yard. A dog barks, again, I listen

Today the birds are singing; I hear cars driving past my house and children playing in the neighbor's yard.  A dog barks, again, I listen to the birds while the breeze flows through the trees, causing the leaves to rustle in the wind.   It is pleasant, indeed.  It is quiet, and yet there is much activity.   One neighbor begins to rev up his car motor, and then it stops.  I can hear a saw begin to turn, and men start to speak, some home maintenance; perhaps,  another car drives by, children playing tag, my husband is on the phone with a client, and then as if on cue the leaves rustle in the wind again.
The sounds in synchrony.  Footsteps, a door opens and shuts, a shower begins, and a toilet flushed.  More birds sing, and our wind chimes play music as a gust of wind reminds it of its purpose.

When I turn off the T.V. and radio, I sit and listen to the world around me; I can be mindful.  When I jot down the things I hear, and I can focus on the moment.  For 5 minutes, connected with life, and I am content.

Try this journaling technique today.  What did you hear, how did these noises make you feel?  Did you find a way to relax?

Like magic, plant a seed, and it will grow

Like magic, plant a seed, and it will grow!  But, gardening gives me patients.

In most parts of my life, I get results immediately.  I am fortunate to be able to find food in my pantry, get water from a faucet, coffee when I need it or want to enjoy the beverage.  I can google most anything and get information right away.  Lights come on when I flip a switch - if I am cold, I can put on a sweater if I am hot I can turn on the air conditioner.  I am privileged, and I am grateful.

Today, however, I am thankful for finding things that make me wait.  I have discovered excitement in waiting for things to manifest themselves.  If I plant an avocado seed, within a few weeks, a plant begins to grow.  If I pant orange seeds, I can expect little trees to grow, and the same with lemons, and limes, but these plants do not appear right away.  It takes weeks for the roots to develop and for life to poke up out of the ground.  I patiently water my plants, put them out for the sun to shine upon them.  It is during these times that I am growing as a person too.  Learning to be patient and learning to continue to do what needs to be done without immediate gratification.  Waiting can be hard, but waiting is also worth the time. I am grateful for the things that make me wait.

Rodin's Roses Gives Us Reason to Think

A trip to Paris is not complete without visiting the Rodin Museum, Especially in spring. When roses are in bloom, it is magical. The gardens boast of 2,000 rose bushes and over 100 different kinds of roses. The architect Jacques Sgard designed the landscape. He shares with us a naturalist theme that was popular in the 18th century. A naturalist garden will meet the needs of the gardener by using what nature has already given us. Along the side of the museum, the roses bring us to one of Rodin's most well-known sculptures called "The Thinker." A bronze sculpture, placed on a pedestal, of a man sitting on a rock. The man is resting his chin on his hand as if to be in deep thought. As we look at this sculpture, we think too. Many scholars have used this image to symbolize philosophy — the study of deep questions about life, our existence, values, and reason. As we pray and meditate, we consider these ideas as well. As we take time to smell the roses, let us also take time to be thankful and to think.

Grateful for Painting Journal Entry 5

On a good day, I get to spend a few hours of painting.  It is as necessary for me as breathing and as satisfying as a good meal.  When I don't paint, I notice that my heart rate goes up, I do not sleep as well, and I feel more stressed.   It is fortuitous for me that I can find a way to use my talent, skillset, and passion in my work.  

I am also grateful for the quiet time, the smell of the gesso, the sound of the paint dabbing on the canvas, and the tinkle of the jar of water as the paintbrush swishes back and forth.  It is in these times that I am most relaxed.  When I am in that zone, and the spirit moves me, I paint.

Samir Becic mentions many reasons in his book ReSYNC Your Life why painting is a good habit to begin.  Here are a few that are most important to me:

·       Improves concentration - Focus, you really must sit still and look at something when you paint.  We know that apples can be red but, if you really look at an apple, you might find that a red apple is also brown, burgundy, highlights that are pink or peach or white. The apple has dots or leaves, and it may cast a shadow or perhaps not.  This attention to detail will allow other problems in your life to vanish.

·        Critical Thinking Skills - Really, you must think about it, and when you paint as much as I do, you begin to think about everything as a potential art piece.  Sitting on the back deck, I see trees, flowers, plants growing, and I begin to consider what brush would I use?  How would I replicate that texture, what colors would I chose, and how much paint would be necessary?  Is that painting going to be large or small what angles would I use where I would want the focal point to be? When we paint, we become more decisive, more innovative, and much more confident about using these skills.

·        An excellent way to relax - As I mentioned before the attention to detail allows you to focus on one task and let go of all of the other things that trouble us.  Painting is a lot like meditation in this respect.  It fosters relaxation, and it relieves stress. 

The Robin

“Robins are territorial, and they do not like me,” 

Ray said as he recounts. 

"I had two of them trying to escort me off my lawn." 

A little tiny robin began to chirp; his redbreast thrust out for a fight. 

Chirp, chirp, chirp, and it flew near. 

Ray stood still. 

A half a dozen robins in the backyard are scavenging for food as the sun began to set. 

Ray took a step forward, and the robin began to chirp again and fly and dip and dive. 

A standoff commenced. 

Ray and the robin. 

The robin and Ray. 

I rolled my eyes and went inside. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/198048838

My handwritten journals would be a mystery to you. Simple words, scratches, phone numbers, page number

My handwritten journals would be a mystery to you.  Simple words, scratches, phone numbers, page numbers, and notes from books and segments on the radio and newspapers I read.  Sometimes I write in full sentences, and sometimes I draw a picture or paint.  I have shortcuts and personal "codes" for the lack of a better word.  I might write a title or a phrase that is important to be followed by this -->>>>>>>> which means I want to research this idea or a word or phrase may look like this <<<<<-- love-->>> encased in these little arrows which reminds me it is essential.  Now and then the arrows become beaks of a bird, and a doodle will commence.  A journal is a creative place where I can be less distracted without pings and notifications of a computer or ap.  I do not worry about spelling, grammar, word choice, sentence fragments, and commas!  Researchers have found that by using a pen and paper, you see the following benefits:

• Increased Creativity
• Improved problem-solving skills
• Better memory 
• Critical thinking 
• Improved learning 
• Writing soothes the nerves 

I use both a computer and a pen and paper.  Once I allow myself the time to consider my ideas creatively, with pen and paper, I turn to Grammarly to help me with this blog, for example.  Here, I can focus on the more left-brain activities that are necessary for communication.

Permit yourself to create, to explore ideas, and grab a pen and paper.  Allow yourself to relax, write, scribble, jot, dot, underline, scrawl, scratch doodle, and design.  Have fun!

Poppies grew on the battlefield in a land decimated

Poppies grew on the battlefield in a land decimated by war and near the trenches where the military men had buried their friends and fellow warriors.  A Canadian soldier, John McCrae, took note and wrote a poem to the fallen heroes and entitled it  "In Flanders Feild."  A few years later, Moina Michael, was inspired and wrote another verse called, "We Shall Keep The Faith."  Two days later, Armistice was declared, and Moina Michael had a new calling. She promised to wear a red poppy flower as a sign of remembrance. In 1920 the memorial poppy was recognized by the American Legion.

Each year a few days before Memorial Day, I choose to paint poppies in remembrance. I give thanks. I am grateful for our servicemen and women. 

Iris put on her purple robe, her yellow crown, and popped up to address her kingdom

Iris put on her purple robe, her yellow crown, and popped up to address her kingdom.  It had been a long winter, and her people were in need of a little encouragement.

She did this every year at the beginning of spring.

She smiled. "Sometimes," she said to herself, the world needs a little reminder of what is lovely and fine."

Iris knew that she was little more than a figurehead, but she also knew that when she appeared that life took on a different attitude.

Suddenly people began to smile. There were picknicks in the park and lovers holding hands.  Children started to play outside; the dogs would be barking, and pleasantries, between people, would be spoken as they passed.

Iris stood tall in her purple robe and crown, and as the wind blew she smiled, and she bowed,

Smoky Mountain Spring

When everyone talks about autumn 

The Great Smoky Mountains 

leaves orange-red and yellow 

I dream of spring

after the snow melts, and the budding trees begin to brighten my day. 

Bradford pairs, blue Phlox, forsythia, and Azalea, start to show their colors and the fever hits.  The uncontrollable urge to sing and sit outside and smile. 

Tulips will Tickle your Fancy

Tulips will tickle your fancy.

 at the end, of a long winter day.

Once the grey is gone, and snow melts. The bird will sing its song and wake the flower who had slept for a very long time. 

The blue sky beckons the flower to grow.

The sunshine smiles. Day after day.

The tulip becomes restless and wiggles and stretches and reaches for the world to see. 

Tulips will curtail your cantankerous tone and fill you with renewed joy. 

But be careful. As anyone from Chicago can tell you, spring fever doesn't last forever. 

Is Your Friend like a Ranunculus Flower? 8 Ways You Can Tell.

She is a crowd-pleaser!

She like cool nights or a sunny location when the weather is not too warm.

She brings brilliance to any occasion! 

She grew up wild but is charming and attractive.

She is consistent, and you can count on her to bring you joy year after year.  

She soothes your spirits after a long hard day.

She is comfortable in formal or informal settings.

Rose Elaine's work found on Fine Art America, Amazon.com, Facebook and her website roseelainepublishing.com.