Before anything, I want to remark how sad it is to watch what happened at the Capitol yesterday. I cried. I expect scenes such as those to happen in third world countries, such as my homeland of Brazil. When it is right here in the US, it is shocking. I continue to pray for peace and order. I continue to look for the miracles that are sure to come after so much tragedy.
“I am realistic – I expect miracles.” ―
I miss you guys. I feel I have been away for months and it has only been one week 🙂 It is my busiest time of the year at work, with audits and other deadlines.
On the personal side I am helping a friend with her laundry. She has more laundry every 2 weeks than my sister and I both combined have for 2 months. And what is up with washing heavy winter sweaters after each single use? Do people normally do that?
My washing machine has started to make a funny noise. I guess it has never seen that much action. Perhaps I don’t wash my clothes enough. 🙂 ok, ok, I am going to listen to Mother Teresa and stop complaining.
“Give, but give until it hurts.” ―
The mosaic studio is still not open. I have not managed to do any mosaics at home. I am reading through some mosaic books I have, including one I got for Christmas, and coming up with ideas and be ready when it reopens.
The piece below was done at the studio about a month ago. A friend was throwing out 3 old paintings and offered them to me to use the frames. I thought they would be perfect to make mosaic on. I used one for my mother’s gift. The second is below and the third one is still in my mind.
This piece was not going to be a flower. When I was about to start, I took a second look at the fading flower that was already there and decided to use it as a starting point.
I am very happy with the result.
“To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it.” ―
“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” ― Marcus Aurelius
“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.” ―
“In the silence of love
you will find the spark of life”
―
I lived in Egypt during the start of the 2nd Gulf War. Democracy is so fragile that it needs to be protected. Perhaps this debacle will end the Trump cult and we can return to normality.
Your mosaic is beautiful. Happy New Year – it is always darkest before the light.
“Trump cult” is the perfect term for this lunacy. He created such a division that it will be very hard to recover from, but I have faith still in humanity. May we unite and recover.
I agree: “it is always darkest before the light” – I remain hopeful 🙂
Thank you so much and have a blessed 2021! ♥♥
Can you imagine what it was like after the Civil War? At least they didn’t have social media…😄 We will all recover and the next generation will wonder what the fuss was about!
That is a crazy thought! The way this country is going I do fear a civil war.
It is hard to think of life being internet. I do hope that once Trump and Covid-19 are under control we can resume life again.
Wishing you a blessed weekend! ♥♥
I think it is going to be good again and we will cherish our democracy. Have a lovely weekend, too.💕
It will! ♥♥
The takeaway I got from the past 4 years was that the party out of power can rage, have tantrums, condone sedition in the form of illegal secession (CHAZ in Seatlle), and burn cities to the ground. And the media calls it peaceful, and the politicians are not held to account. Yet, when the other side does it, it’s a constitutional crisis.
Funny how that works.
Let’s not forget the theatrics for Brett Kavanaugh. Remember that? Every woman *has to be believed*? Kristen Gillebrand, Mazie Hirono, Elizabeth Warren, et al, were all on board. But then a strange thing happened. Tara Reade, an ex Biden staffer, accused Joe Biden of sexual assault and none of the aforementioned were vocal. No one cared.
Funny how that works.
This is tribalism, and it has to stop. People see what they want to see. Or, as Paul Simon had written “A man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest”.
What we really need is to be principled in how we vote, and how we hold people accountable, and not be influenced by the R or D next to the candidates name(s). After all, a crime is a crime no matter who committed it.
Rant over and completely soothed by the beautiful works of art that you have created.
Hi Rob
Peaceful ranting is allowed. We are only humans. And no matter our specific view on the subject, we are all tired.
I want to keep my blog politics free, but how can I not mention my sadness of the latest events?
As you said “a crime is a crime no matter who committed it” – I couldn’t agree more.
To me, any protest using violence is not acceptable no matter who is protesting and what is being protested.
As far as “every woman has to be believed”, that makes no sense to me. Everyone has the right to be heard, man or woman. To believe anyone without listening to all sides and without facts is dangerous.
I don’t see color in people or in politics. I don’t choose a party, but I reflect on topics. I never cared for Trump even before he got involved in politics because of what I know of him in NY. His arrogance was a turn off and his love of power always scared me. With that being said, I never cared for Hilary Clinton or Joe Biden either. I so wish that there were better candidates. So, my vote was not for Hilary or Biden but against Trump. I do understand why people voted for Trump, and respect people’s view and choice.
I can only speak of my experience in these 36 years in the US and it saddens me to see how divided the country. My choice is empathy, union and peace.
Thank you for finding beauty in my work – it makes my heart sing.
Blessings to you! ♥♥
Thank you for your response, Ana. I always try to remain civil when discussing such matters. I think that what we’re seeing is the disparate reporting from the media. People get frustrated when one side is reported differently from the other. That’s why I brought up the Kavanaugh hearings. I voted for Trump for much the same reasons last time – as an anti-Hillary vote. I thought that the Bush/Clinton dynasties were very corrupt and didn’t want to perpetuate their reign, so I voted Trump. I also like the idea that he poked his finger in the eyes of the elite. I do get that he has a loathsome personality, too. This time I was going to vote for Tulsi, but for some reason, the DNC refused a woman on stage for that last debate between Biden and Sanders. I really like her, especially her position on war – end the wars and bring the kids back home.
I hear your words and understand your point of view. For many years I have thought that the USA needs to concentrate more on domestic issues and the rift between us. I lived through domestic terrorism during the IRA/Loyalist ‘troubles’. It was a ludicrous division of people with very similar DNA, funded by illegal smuggling and worse. As you say, a crime is a crime no matter who committed it.
Very, very pretty mosaics. Well done.
Hugs
Thank you so much David! Wishing you a blessed New Year! ♥♥
Missed you, too! This flower is amazing! When you are ready to sell your work, please let me know! You are incredibly talented in so many ways, and thinking about this past year, I cannot thank you enough for being such a powerful instrument of encouragement and support. BTW, happy New Year!
Hi Stacy, you are so kind!
I am just so glad that I was able, in some small way, to provide encouragement.
I hope that you know that you count on me to be there again in 2021!
When I am back at the studio I will be making a little Crouton for you 🙂
Wishing you a blessed New Year! ♥♥
Absolutely beautiful that flower. You are so talented.
Yes is was unbelievable what happened and extremely sad.
Let’s hope for better times to come.
Thank you so much Ute!!
Crazy sad times here! I can only hope and pray for better times ahead. I have to believe that it will get better 🙂
Many blessings to you! ♥♥
Your mosiacs are beautiful!! And I love the quotes! Thanks for brightening my day after the horrible events of last night!
Thank you so much Joy! I am glad we can still find reasons to smile and be hopeful!
Wishing you a blessed weekend! ♥♥
I read this post, then searched the news. Anger and rage do not prevail. God bless America! 🙏
And the mosaic flower is simply devine. I love the frame too very fitting. 💚
Hi Cassa,
It was a terrible day for America! You are right, anger and rage are not the answer!
Thank you for the compliment and good thoughts!
Wishing you a blessed weekend! ♥♥
💚
Oh Ana Star I was sad😢 and am too.. such a tragedy and deplorable! where is Wayne when we need him.. oh yeah, with Louise now..so we will have to fill it and be the ray of light.
Ok, that’s crazy, I wear the same wool tank all night and day.. i rotate between 2 and never wash them and I don’t have B.O. or I’m not around anyone to know.. so who cares. 🤣 Love your mosaic picture.. such a gift of the day. welcome back! ❤️ Cindy
Hi Cindy
Such a sad day! We need all the help we can get. Agreed, let’s be rays of light to one another!
I was starting to think that I don’t wash my clothes enough, but everyone that I ask is of the same opinion: those heavy sweater don’t need to be washed after every use. And don’t get me started on the number of pajamas I am washing…
Thank you for welcoming me back 🙂
Wishing you a blessed weekend! ♥♥
i know right!!!!! You are a light to me and I always appreciate that. LOL!!!! We could go on and on here but we best not air our dirty laundry to everyone here or who knows what could happen.. You thought that woman decorating your office for the holidays was bad…. Maybe they would want to start dressing us and then we’de really be in trouble. Well, unless they’re paying for a whole new wardrobe and doing our laundry.. 🤣
You’re so welcome and thank you.. I appreciate that.. You too.❤️
Agreed – no dirty laundry here!
Actually, since I hate choosing what to wear in the morning to go to work, I would love to have someone to choose it for me. Hopefully, someone with a sense of style.
I keep wearing the same thing, even with a closet full of clothes.
Wishing you a blessed weekend! ♥♥
A uniform with style.. 🤣. I do the same! at least I finally cleaned my closet so I can see. ❤️
That looks SPECTACULAR!! Hey, how did your Mom like the dog?
Thank you for the enthusiasm! You make my day!!
The dog was for dad, but I suspect my mom will take it from him. They both loved it! Everyone that knew Pamela sees her in that mosaic 🙂
Many blessings to you! ♥♥
I felt as horrible yesterday as I did watching the BLM riots. Crazy on both sides. Using our minds in an exchange of ideas is much preferred. Beautiful art as always, Ana❣️
Extremism, terrorism, vandalism, that is all terrible, no matter the reason or excuse for it. It will never be the answer.
Empathy and willingness to listen to each other is key. At the end of the day we are all brothers and sisters wanting to live safe and happy.
Thank you Rob!! Wishing you many blessings! ♥♥
Nice blog
Thank you Shristy! Blessings! ♥♥
Your welcome. Thanks for your blessings.
I love this flower. Makes me happy just looking at the pics.
As for the latest unfortunate events, I am sorry.
Stay strong. You are wonderful and precious.
Thank you so much Kat!
Always strong! Weakness is not a choice 🙂
Many blessings to you! ♥♥
Your mosaic is exquisite! I agree with Kerry… democracy is indeed fragile. However, if enough people stand up to protect it, it will prevail.
Thank you so much Magarisa! Hoping and praying for more unit for the greater good.
Wishing you a blessed weekend! ♥♥
A blessed weekend to you too!
Beautiful mosaics and I love your writing style (and quotes 💚). I’m glad to have found you. I shared the same sadness this week. We’ll all pray and hope together for a better future. ❣️
Thank you so much! I am glad that we found each other 🙂
Thanks Heaven we are able to hold on to our faith, and believe in the power of prayer!
Many blessings to you! ♥♥
Amen! Stay blessed and safe! Faith is everything indeed ❣️
I had a suspicion you were a fellow Brazilian! 🙂 But I didn’t want to assume. Beautiful work, and it’s really sad what happened there. Democracy is under threat, and it’s a crying shame! Stay safe! This too shall pass!
Hi Jay,
It is great to meet another Brazilian here 🙂
Sad times everywhere. Hopefully it all will pass soon.
Thank you for the support! Blessings! ♥♥
I really loved the little quotes you included every once in a while, your piece is beautiful and extremely meaningful and inspiring, I hope you know how talented you are. I’m not from America, but I heard about the capitol thing, and I really hope that you guys hang in there. All of you are so strong <3
Hi Shermaine,
It has been a really hard day for America yesterday. I keep hoping for peace and unit.
Thank you for the visit, the compliment and the good thoughts!
Many blessings to you! ♥♥
Very nice <3
Thank you K E, Blessings to you! ♥♥
Definitely more than a flower…i like the brick design in the background as well. Very beautiful ☺️☺️
Thank you so much! I think the brick idea made the flower pop – thank you for noticing it!
Blessings! ♥♥
Nice blog.
Definitely more than flower. 🙂
Thank you! I am so happy you agree 🙂
Blessings! ♥♥
You’re welcome. 🙂
Beautiful mosaic pieces. Love the quote by Osho.
Thank you so much David!
Blessings! ♥ ♥
Well, the flowers ARE beautiful. Flowers give me hope. As I hope, I also hope for the best for the U.S. to heal and make it back. Much damage has been done.
Hi Muriel,
Thank you so much for the visit and for the good wishes.
We really need to repair this fractured country!
Blessings to you! ♥♥
Sensational! You are extremely talented.
Thank you Stephanie!
Blessings! ♥♥
Lovely!
Thank you! Blessings! ♥♥