grounded

I am grounded in the earth.

Breathing in, I am rooted and calm.

Breathing out, I release.

Breathing in, I gather back all scattered energies and I am calm.

progress~

funny thing about PROGRESS,

"two steps forward, and one step back"

one step back - hmmm, . . . i used to think that this phrase sounded so negative, and so frustrating. to work so hard at getting two steps ahead only to have to fall back a step; it seemed that progress was always a step away. this phrase kept me awake last night until i came to the realization that it didn't mean that at all....

"two steps, forward and one step back"

one step back = momentum

the step back, as frustrating as it might be, is only a catapult of momentum to push you forward those next two steps.

PROGRESS is constant movement; no matter the direction, forward or back, it is motion!

motion is good. yes, there is a time to be still, but not in the wake of progress. so maybe we take a step backwards, but only to take TWO steps FORWARD!

(*if the storyline in this painting continued, i think the girl would be taking two steps forward)

2011

Intentions for the New Year!

1. COMPASSION

(*after undergoing 3 surgeries in three months as the result of being bit on the leg by a brown recluse sPider, i have the utmost compassion for anyone suffering! i have been astounded at the cost of medical services, BUT SO GRATEFUL that they were available to me!

. . . i plan to raise money for individuals in need of reconstructive surgery)

2. ADVENTURE

(*you could say life is an adventure, but what better way to experience the magnitude and greatness of the outdoors and our CREATOR than to venture into the wilderness of the wild, wild West . . . maybe a little less wilderness and a little less wild, but i am definitely geared up

. . . for ADventuring west with the best trail-blazer i know, my DAD)

3. GRATITUDE

(*like i said, 3 surgeries in 3 months, will make you grateful for your two legs and the mobility that those two legs provide

. . . i plan to RUN a road race in gratitude and thanksgiving for the mobility that i have been re-given!)

a word about intentions~

january 1 st . . .

the word "resolution" is a bit daunting considering that

statistically only 46% of us who make "resolutions" for

the new year actually keep those resolutions for longer than 6mos.

. . . so, following my YOGIC PRINCIPLES,

i resolve this year to not set resolutions but intentions, something

that i admit is challenging enough in a single yoga practice,

believe me, try maintaining an intention of patience while

holding Utkatasana (chair pose) for a minute!

but this small moment of silence at the beginning of a yoga class

has a powerful way of not only keeping my mind focused through

the poses, but somehow seems to creep into my thoughts and

actions for the rest of the day.

In Sanskirt, the word for intention, sankalpa, is

a promise you make to yourself

about what you intend to do, be, say.

one word phrases

that become your mantra for your practice, day, year.

. . . ah, isn't that refreshing!

welcome 20 11

(*p.s. don't forget to eat your turnip greens & black-eyed peas today!)

closing thoughts~

DECEMBER 30TH,

the year is closing, but the next is about to begin.

a "good-bye" to the year is necessary so that we can say

"hello and welcome" to what's next to come!

growing up in the SOUTH, it has always been tradition in my family

to acknowledge the beginning of a new year with celebration and

anticipation of LUCK and prosperity by eating greens and

black-eyed-peas, and of course, somewhere between the

celebrationand feasting there is mention of setting resolutions

for the new year. . . though in actuality, the setting of

resolutions and implementing those resolutions is decidedly

ignored.

(*this year will be different.)

so, what is a resolution and how did it become tradition

to make resolutions for the new year anyhow? . . . according to

Merriam-Webster, resolution is defined as

"a formal expression of opinion agreed upon;

a firm decision to do or not to do something"

the tradition of making resolutions for the new year apparently

started with the Babylonians, who needed

a reason and means for borrowed farm equipment to be

returned for the sowing and harvesting of the new year's crop.

they also believed that the new year was a chance to start over

and change bad habits. beliefs that many of us embrace today.

but how do we set goals that aren't too lofty

that we fail before we even start, or goals that are too easy

that we don't leave room for real change or growth to occur?

i think the best resolutions start with sincere enthusiasm and a little grit!

Merry Christmas-

Merry Christmas

and

blessing of jOy, PEACE,

and health in the New Year!

~Margaret

Fine Art in Brentwood~

Come to the 15th Annual

Fine Art in Brentwood

Show & Sale

( "Barn and Haybales", acrylic on canvas)

Friday, Dec. 3, 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Saturday, Dec. 4, 10:am to 6:00pm

Sunday, Dec. 5, 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Brentwood Academy

219 Granny White Pike, Brentwood, TN

*30% of each sale is tax deductible. No sales tax charged.

**more information about participating artists and show details can be found

on the web at www.fineartinbrentwood.com

or by visiting "Fine Art in Brentwood Show and Sale" on Facebook