Blessing Of The Day
Definition: Merriam-Webster
blessing
noun bless·ing
: approval that allows or helps you to do something
: help and approval from God
: something that helps you or brings happiness
Why do I write the "Blessing of the Day"?
For the last three years, Monday through Friday, on Facebook, I have written a "Blessing of the Day".
The evolution of the "Blessing of the Day" starts with a sleepy eyed old crone, waking up to the world, looking for a conversation with the universe. "What does the Universe have to say to me today?"
Depending on the mood I go to the heart or the head. The heart always sets precedent and always makes the last decision. Sometimes the blessing starts with a word or even a complete sentence. This starts a progression to go deeper. I then contemplate on what is said and ask more questions if I don't comprehend or need further understanding. As long as I ask, the inspired beginning always takes me to an answer.
My life is a prayer and I believe that the smallest thing we do can make a difference. The "Blessing of the Day" can be a small beginning to a big day.
Some people respond, but some people prefer to read the blessing unnoticed. Some say to me, "How did you know I needed this?" Frankly, your guess is as good as mine; perhaps devine intervention. :-)
Something I have seen or heard, a book, a movie, a song or a dream usually inspires the "Blessings". My dreams many times have been the impulse of my blessings. I am always listening to what the universe has to tell me. And if I feel it's important enough I will write it down for use later. The "Blessing" is never hurried, but sometimes comes very quickly. Many times they come to me loud and clear in a voice unfamiliar to my own.
In a world where it is to easy to be negative and find fault, I hope the "Blessing of the Day", can counteract that energy. The "Blessing" is always brought to you with the understanding we are all in this together. The "Blessing of the day" gives me an opportunity to think about others first thing in the morning.
"Blessings" are very intimate for me and please know that my heart and love for you surrounds it. As you need, I need, we all need to feel included and not alone. We are all looking for guidance. It amazes me how a word of encouragement can change a person's life or be reminded that we are loved and make a difference. I believe in your power and your beauty.
So often we are caught up in a rut with our thoughts. We need to open ourselves to a different paradigm and shift into a positive new way of thinking; trusting that what we hear is what we need to hear.
We all have a higher self that knows better and wisdom is always available if we listen. My wish is these few words a day can shift our way of thinking.
I have always believed what we give away will come back to us and I have always felt very blessed. Imagine, everyone giving a "Blessing of the Day" to others, which would be a beautiful thing. The more you bless the more you are blessed. You have given me much joy reading and accepting the blessings.
I would love to hear from you if "The Blessing of the Day" has made a difference for you. Please leave your comments below.
Do You Have Art On Your Walls?
“Collectors are happy people”~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Do you remember art in your home when you were a child? Did it inspire you or fascinate you?
Do you believe art is important to have in your home?
Are you intimidated when going into an art gallery?
How often do you go to an art museum?
Would you ever consider commissioning an artist to create a work of art for you? What would it be of?
When you go to someone’s home and the owner has quite a collection what do you think? How does the home make you feel?
Do you know what type of art you prefer?
Do you own a favorite piece of art? Why is it your favorite?
Have you inherited a work of art?
How do you think having art in the home affects your children?
Are you a collector? How did your collecting start?
Do you believe purchasing art is a good investment?
Have you ever furnished a room around a piece of art?
Has a work of art ever made you cry?
Do you buy art from the heart or the head?
*Above painting a commissioned piece "Lion's Gate Garden" 36" X 36", oil on museum wrapped canvas. For commissions please contact me at (408) 460-7237 or jvander51@msn.com
*ART20K footage completed 10,996 square inches
*All art from Janet Vanderhoof’s Fine Art Gallery, maybe seen in Janet’s studio at Morgan Hill, CA. You may purchase through contacting my email jvander51@msn.com or phone (408) 460-7237. Thank you!
Commissions Suit Me
Commissions suit me. They set limits. ~Jean Cocteau
I know to some artist’s commissions are a nightmare, but I love them. I love to problem solve and figure out a way to create a piece that makes us both happy. The customer’s input always inspires me and widens my vision.
Recently, I finished a commission to paint a garden. Due to logistics, I had my customer take photos for reference. Currently, she wanted a smaller painting 16” X 20” and later suggested that I do a larger one.
The secret to doing a successful commission is to take a lot of photos and preferably when the sun is in the early morning or later afternoon. Taking photos at noon or close to noon will create harsh light, unnecessary shadows and distort the photos.
Next, I drew a black and white sketch for her approval, as seen below. I will usually edit the photo to help the composition and color. I focused on the stool as the focal point, creating a triangular composition and juxtaposing the stool. We then decided on the size, canvas or paper, museum wrapped or standard canvas, oil or acrylic, a warmer or cooler painting and what she would love to see. Creating became a team effort, allowing me room for my own creativity to emerge; a perfect match.
It must be that time of the year; I have another commission as well to paint a garden. Why don’t you allow me to paint your garden, savoring your memory, as my customer did? “I especially loved the garden stool. It is so well done. I sit there every morning and now I will always have this painting to remind me of my lovely beginnings to my days.” Now that is special and it makes me feel very good to bring joy to others through my paintings.
For commissions information contact me @ jvander51@msn.com or cell (408) 460-7237.
*ART20K footage completed 9700 square inches
Happiness Project
Less is more~Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
“Happiness project” was a new adventure for me, painting a much larger painting than usual, (48” X 48”) and also have the under-painting be entirely bright red. For some reason the red under-painting made the canvas feel larger. Trying to have control in this unfamiliar setting was even more difficult.
I am definitely not a minimalist in a classic way, but when painting I like to use my teacher’s guideline, “when it says what it is there is no need to say more”.
Leaving bits and pieces of the red underpainting created a glow, especially when a transparent hue was used. When taking a photograph, the reflection of the red under-painting vibrated, that is why I took a video of the detail to give you a better view of the color and value.
I was concerned about painting the red out. I found myself asking the question “When is the painting finished?” That one extra stroke can put it over the edge.
When do you think the painting is finished? Have you ever gone to far?
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq89E-TSZ-s[/youtube]
*ART20K footage completed 9380 square inches.
*Painting "Happiness Project" measures 48" X 48", oil on museum wrapped canvas, price $5760.
*All art from Janet Vanderhoof’s Fine Art Gallery, maybe seen in Janet’s studio at Morgan Hill, CA. You may purchase through contacting my email jvander51@msn.com or phone (408) 460-7237. Thank you!
"Guardians of Being"
Every being is a spark of the Divine or God. Look into the eyes of the dog and sense that innermost core. ~Eckhart Tolle
I was commissioned by friends of mine to paint their dog Ollie. I felt it a privilege that they would trust me with such an intimate painting. Painting a pet is similar to painting someone’s child. I found the best way to capture the essence of Ollie" was through his eyes. Isn’t it true that the eyes are the windows of the soul?
As they talked about Ollie, I recognized their deep love for their friend. I also shared my love of my dog, Daisy, a yellow lab. I noticed instantly that our moods quickly changed to delight, smiles, and a deeper connection, relating to each other as dog lovers and owners.
Because dogs are always in the moment, they have the ability to connect us to stillness, being and awareness. Dogs are not caught up in the mind like humans. When we pet and hold our animal it connects us to that being-ness.
My dog Daisy is a love; she loves lying on my feet as I sit in my sacred place. I can tell when my son Blake pets Daisy, he feels instantly calmed, centered and peaceful. My husband walks Daisy daily, which instantly balances him, helps him get out of his mind and into a state of being.
Here is a wonderful video with the Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan and Eckart Tolle, talking about the core of goodness in dogs and how we can benefit from them.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20v_BPVRwX4[/youtube]
Do you have a pet? Do you have a story to share?
*If you are interested in commissioning me to paint your pet, please contact me either by email, jvander51@msn.com or phone (408)460-7237, thank you!