Tag: mindfulness

acrylic painting · art · art journal · art studio · lifestyle blog · minimalism · painting · personal blog

Sunday Expressive Painting

caroline

The Process

Place the acrylic paint colors into my pallet. Then played relaxing instrumental music. I used deep breathing and focus on the intention of painting. I used sketch book paper for the mini expressive paintings. Then I started to paint on canvas using the Expressive art techniques.

Before I closed up the studio, I drew out a scribble of my next painting.

Acrylic paint on sketchbook paper

I used modeling paste medium on this mini expressive painting. I wanted to make it textured and learn how to incorporate it in my painting.

Acrylic on canvas…in progress painting

What’s On My Mind

I have been working on being in my art studio daily, either drawing, watching art videos, or painting.

I have not decided what I want to do as far as if I want to set up a shop, do more vlogging, or just make art with no intention of doing anything other than this blog.

I think I can’t decide because there’s so much going on. I started my new job which has taken off in such a successful way. And I’ll be taking on a new part time job soon. I am consumed by health issues. So do I want the stress of an art business along with working my jobs? I need to work as the medical expenses has been getting expensive.

I have an urge to concentrate on my knitted blanket and cross stitch and embroidery projects. I find those relaxing. The fine arts tend to bring more anxiety provoking because I never know if it would be good enough to invest in my time to sell it.

So what to do? That is a question to answer.

Happy Day

Caroline

Gluten Free Rice Noodles with Salmon and a Salad
dairy free · dinner · gluten free · lifestyle blog · mindfulness · minimalism · personal blog · personal development · recipes · simple life

Gluten Free Rice Noodles with Salmon and a Salad

caroline

This is a gluten free dairy free and soy free meal. It is a meal for autoimmune.

Ingredients

  • Gluten free Rice noodles
  • Sesame oil
  • Lime
  • Cilantro
  • Salmon
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Green onion
  • Black olives
  • Lemon basil dressing
  • Watermelon
  • Cantelop

Boil 3 tbsp water with sesame oil. Add the Rice noodles to the boiling water, cover and cook for 3 minutes. The noodles will break apart. Turn off the heat. Add cilantro and lime juice when it is finished

While the noodles and salmon cooks, make a salad.

Combine the noodles and salmon on a plate add watermelon and cantelop for a side along with the salad.

For the Drink

Ice water

Happy Day

Caroline

art studio · lifestyle blog · minimalism · personal blog · personal development · pets · simple life

Day 17: Your Pet

caroline

These are my paws. My studio and this blog is named after my them. I always call them 4paws when I’m looking for them, especially the cats!

I have a white cat who is mischievous, knocks things off the counter. Broke about 3 items. He’s been living here for 6 months. I love him and don’t get overly mad at him breaking things. My sentimental items are locked in a cabinet, so he can’t easily get to those.

My dog is about 13 years old. It makes me sad she older. Definitely seeing old age in her. She was my aunt’s dog, I took her in after she died.

Then there’s the revolutionist. Always up to something but is too afraid to do it. She’s a sweetheart. She’s all about me. She will cuddle by me, but she’s a large cat and it can become uncomfortable.

And finally my blind cat. She’s my nighttime buddy. She gets excited to jump on my bed and lay on her pillow by me. She loves to be held, well I think she does. Lol. She walks up and down the stairs, will run the white cat downstairs. And she loves playing. Blind yes, but really she has the same behaviors as a cat with eyes.

And I want to share I had 4 other cats prior. I terribly miss them. One was a shy little Maine coon. The other was a stray I took in. Tabby cat. Boy, she didn’t put up with anyone’s BS. Except mine. Loved her dearly. And a black cat, who was my sister’s but he preferred me. He was in love with me. And then the calico. Loved her. She was Miss house manager. She kept me on my toes. My heart breaks without them.

Happy Day

Caroline

Day 11: Eyes
art studio · lifestyle blog · mindfulness · personal blog · personal development · photography · simple life

Day 11: Eyes

caroline

Eye certainly express emotions. As a counselor, there are times, clients will not look at me or anyone for that matter. Fear, shame, guilt, uncomfortable, timid, anger etc.

We are in a society where a lack of eye contact is “normal.” It does not have to be normal. We can change that, but getting social and being more friendly and open to other people. We seem to focus on the differences of others and needing to prove our individual point instead of learning about others’ viewpoints. Social media has contributed to the lack of eye contact and the need to post how “wonderful life really is.” But it’s just that a post, it is a second of some ones’ life captured. But look into their eyes, look into their soul and find out more about a person. That is how we can change.

Happy Day

Caroline

Sunday Stitching
art studio · cross stitch · lifestyle blog · mindfulness · needlepoint · personal blog · personal development · simple life

Sunday Stitching

caroline

Rue Paris…

It has been awhile since I had a time to stitch on this cross stitch.

Today, I took many naps, kept my legs elevated and stitched..it was a nice quiet day.

I found out I am diagnosed with Lipedema and may also have Lymphedema. It’s going to be difficult if it progresses. Which sounds like it will. I’ll be going to medical appointments more often. Blogging may be on hold for awhile. Yet again. Chronic pain really bites! This upsets me and I’ll most likely blog about it, once I feel comfortable to write.

It’s causing me to rethink about my job and how much I take on. I’ll need to make a change. I’m thinking of a few options.

Photos of Stitching

Here’s the update…

Happy Day

Caroline

Day 4: Something Green
art studio · lifestyle blog · mindfulness · minimalism · personal blog · personal development · photography · Your Shopping Wishes

Day 4: Something Green

caroline

Plants. I love a home full of plants. Indoor plants provides a natural look to the decorating but plants are a benefit to our health and home

Benefits of Plants

  • Air purification, indoor plants can absorb carbon dioxide and they help release oxygen
  • Plants release moisture into the air.
  • Plants improve your mood
  • Reduce fatigue, improves stress and anxiety.
  • improve focus
  • minimizes headaches.
  • helps with dry skin

Photography of My Plants

From left to right: cactus, green onions, Christmas cactus

Palm tree- it’s 11 years old

Snake plant

From left to right: ivy, peppermint

Christmas cactus

Both of these are cactuses

Poinsettia tree- I took the plant a few years ago and replanted it in a larger pot. I heard it can be grown indoors. It needs to be in a dark place to get the red leaves, but around Christmas I get a few red leaves even near this window.

From left to right: mini rose, and some kind of cactus (I think)

Cactus

Mini rose plant

Some kind of tree plant.

Those are my plants, they are in my living room, dinning room, and the bedrooms.

I love bringing nature into my home. It’s fun watching them grow and bloom.

If I move, I really would love to have a sunroom to put my plants in.

Your Shopping Wishes

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plant grow light
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potting soil
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pots for plants-looks like a great deal
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Sticky traps for indoor plants to catch insects
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watering can with plant mister

Happy Day

Caroline