Inspiration: A Dead Tree

                                          Inspiration :

                                        A DEAD TREE

           I took a walk today.  I  was looking for some small stones for a project....I had already found two of the three I needed when I happened upon a dead tree, gray branches beside it on a heap.  My first thought was "maybe that tree should be removed and the spot cleared."  But the more I looked, the more I realized there was more to the story!  I will now try to show you a picture of the dead tree from a distance:

     

The more I looked at the tree (which I had thought was useless now that it was gone), the closer I got to the tree, I could see it in a different way.

Growing beside and all around the dead branches was another tree--a species I had not noticed before, all  entwined in the dead tree, 

all GREEN, fresh, clinging to the dead tree as if for support in its quest for life!  I will try to show you a close up picture:

Suddenly it seemed this dead tree full of life is a metaphor for life!  For a long time I have meant to start a scrapbook that features my grandparents, parents and myself.  But then, I thought, who would care to read it..

explore it

laugh..or cry?

Would it just be tossed aside after I am gone, appear in some antique shop someday?

The dead tree inspired me to think of the possibility that a grandchild or great grandchild might fall heir to the scrapbook one day and

actually

cling to its branches

looking for strength,

hope,

roots...

Maybe someday I can be there for that person in a very important way, even as the dead tree was there for the new tree which is trying to survive! 

Apparently, the tree has a duty..even after death...to stand tall and hold up the young!  I came across a great quote today, by coincidence (if there is such a thing): 

" Your proper concern is alone the action of duty, not the fruits of the action. Cast then away all desire and fear for the fruits, and perform your duty."~ The Bhagavad Gita

Once again I will vow to start that scrapbook!

                                 New Encouragement Card~ Card #2

While I still have a few of card #1 left to leave in public places (See previous post), I have created a new ACEO sized card.  The original was created with a real feather...You will see how the card finally appeared.  It is 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" and was inspired by a movie I saw recently.  It is a short quote, but one which could stick in one's mind for a long, long time.

Again, each one is put into a clear cello sleeve of the same size.  I will leave them in public places to be discovered.  It is my hope that people will pass them on so others can discover them.

Card # 2

On the back of the card it tell people to enjoy it, then pass it on.  It directs them to this blog if they want to make comment...

It is my hope that the little cards help a little in someone's daily struggle.

        

Words We Don't Often Hear

"You are beautiful!"  These are just some of the words we do not often hear.  We may never have heard them, even if childhood when it was likely the most true...

  I decided to start a bit of a campaign to encourage people with words.  I created a card about the size of an ACEO (Art Cards Editions and Originals are 2 1/2" x 3 1/2").  I cannot draw but a sketched a little onto the card and added text.  I put each of 5 of the same ones in a little cello sleeve of the same size and plan to leave them in public places where people will find them.  I hope they encourage people.  On the back it says for them to pass it on and if they want to comment they can comment on this blog.  I will try to upload a pic of the first one in the series "You Are Beautiful!"

Thanks for looking!  I hope to create more in the "You Are.." series and report back on how it goes.  Feel free to comment or to make your own little encouragement cards to leave in public places...

I Follow My Heart...

I read a quote somewhere....but I don't know who the author is.  It said: " I follow my heart, literally.  My heart gives me directions via morse code hidden in its beats, and I follow them."

This accurately describes what I have done.  Followed it wherever it led, whether it lead to a dead end or to the stars!  Followed it through obstacles, walked on hot coals for it, cried for it.  But wherever it led me I learned things - things that helped me move to a brighter path.

The heart - the battery that keeps us up and doing.  We must care for it... so we live another day.

New Card Inspired by Occupy Wall Street..Protesting in Proxy

The card was inspired by the Occupy movement, but has a bit of "cattitude"..What if you wanted to go to the protest but wanted to go anonymously?  Other than wear a Guy Fauks mask, what would you do?  You would send someone in your place--if you could rouse him from his nap...

Thus, a favorite cat is wearing the mask and thinking about going to the protest...but you realize cats can think...and think..and think...fall asleep and think again.  At any rate, it is in the works!  The cat saw "V is for Vendetta" and is really getting into wearing the mask around the house...

Proves you never know...

The card I mentioned yesterday was purchased yesterday by the person who gave it a heart.  She also thanked me and said the card inspired her!

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." --Marcel Proust

New Card for Any 12 Step Program...or Just to Say Sorry...

I was inspired to create this card as I planned to present it to a local store that sells items related to recovery as well as other items.  It was fun making the little man and I was pleased with the results.  The first person who looked at it on Etsy gave it a heart and that made me happy.  Sometimes it is the little things that make all this creating fun and rewarding!  Every day create something!  Every day learn something! Grow!