Image Is Everything

Imagery is a very powerful influence on how we view ourselves and others. Being judged by our bodies, as unfair as it is, it happens. My peace comes from not trying to control the views of others, but having peace with the view I have of myself. What I come to understand that the opinions of others do not hold weight, unless we believe them to be true. It cannot be said enough about who we allow in our lives, what we watch on TV or images in magazines. Negative energy can damage the soul! I was reaffirmed by someone I admire recently who told me, “fly is fly, being chubby does not matter”. Well let me tell you, for years I believed that being thin was in. I felt UNLOVABLE; I did not want to be intimate with a man because of it. I was disconnected and ashamed of what I saw when I looked in the mirror. How many of you can relate? The LOVE hate relationship I had with myself is a reflection of what I thought was acceptable in society. Reading magazines, watching TV, most of the images I see are not a reflection of what I look like physically. The images in the media, not many of us look like them. Today it is about who is perfect. It’s the curvy women with no stretch marks. Also, we see the man who is tall and physically fit with muscles and bronze skin. Images of perfection range from teeth, to breast, to large butts and it can make us fixated on our own imperfections. This can make anyone who does not fit society’s image of beauty struggle with who they are.

That is why I began a challenge. I started taking media in with douses, including social media. I began personal inventory of what I thought was beauty and not what society seen as beauty. On this long journey I learned self acceptance and that being a size 14 is not so bad after all. This became especially true after visiting the art gallery in D.C. this past spring. Pablo Picasso, a fellow Scorpio like me, had an exhibition of his famous art. What I learned is Picasso had quite an appetite for women. Whenever he had a new LOVER, he painted pictures of her, like an obsession. One of his LOVERS was a full figured woman whom became his inspiration for several paintings. I was in awe of how beautiful the paintings were that I began to appreciate myself that much more.

In the exhibition I saw beauty like I never have before. The art inspired me to LOVE myself deeply, to allow my sensual nature to come alive like the women on the walls of the Galleria. Throughout the gallery I saw pictures and paintings of full figured women. Most of the images were nude and the women were soft and sensual. Looking at the art work, I envisioned myself. I saw my body as a work of art. Scanning the room, I appreciated all beauties as I embraced my own! From size 2 to 20 we have LOVE who we are with courage. Being honest with our own short comings is how we heal. LOVING ourselves as we are is how we find peace on our path to LOVE. Image is everything. Depending on who is looking, the perception varies. What is most important is the perception you have of yourself!

Art. Fun. Wine. Again.

As spiritual beings, it is important that throughout our life we find things that make us happy. Well, one of the things that makes me happy is painting. What I find funny is I did not realize I was so passionate about painting and art until I decided to join Reiko at her paint studio in D.C. This time our focus was on the amazing Vincent Van Gogh. Van Gogh LOVED flowers and vases and that inspired my portrait. How do you paint like Van Gogh? While one of my girlfriend’s portraits came pretty close, mine on the other hand was a long shot. And I was okay with that too! The fun in creating the life we want is learning the art of no expectation. Accepting whatever may happen and having peace with the outcome. Going into the studio my heart and mind was open to I simply having fun! I was thrilled to be able to spend time with friends, listen to good music, drink some wine, and create! Below are photos from the night. Hope you enjoy!!

Are you doing new and fun things in your life? Tell me, I would LOVE to hear. Blessings!

Fun. Art. Wine.

I believe as I have said before that we are all artist. When creating the life we want it takes imagination, connection, being a free spirit, being LOVE, and a willingness to take some risk. Looking at life from the perspective of a painter, our lives are the canvas and as artist we have the power to hold the tools.

I went to Reiko painting studio in Washington DC for art and wine. My friend sent me the invite and I said yes instantly! I remember the mood was set with great music picked by Reiko, also she had tasty snacks such as crackers and cheese! And the blush wine calmed us and allowed everyone to be in "create" mode. I learned about great creative artist named Jackson Pollock who took a risk and was the first to simply drip and let paint run on a canvas. I learned in my own life I can create a life that is original, inspirational, and innovative. Reiko had us sketch what we wanted to paint on piece of paper first. I instantly began to write words and give them life. As I began to create I felt more and more connected to my work. My deep passion for art came alive. I do not see my myself as a good artist such as a painter or someone who draws well. What I know for sure is that we must not limit our selves based on what is not our strengths and be ready for many lessons! Like an artist I can be a little weird, difficult to understand at times, simple, yet complex. I have a LOVE for culture, people, Spirituality, and see beauty in everything! Let your life be your personal canvas! Create. Create. Create.

Below are some wonderful photos from Arts and Bubbles with me and my girlfriends. If you are in the DC area you have to check Reiko out. Her website address is: www.funartwine.com. She is a super young artist with a beatiful spirit! Hope you enjoy. Blessings!