I haven't blogged for a while however my mum is staying with us for a week which has been awesome and tonight I am feeling inspired to blog and share a story. I'm inspired for two reasons. 1. I've been at a Youth Workers conference today. 2. My mum has inspired me.
Yesterday when I came home from work to a lovely table set with an entree, my mum was telling me a story about her interaction with an elderly lady.
My mum was in a Salvation Army store and while she was at the counter, an elderly lady came up to the counter asking the man if it was blue ticket day and passed up a shirt. My mum decided on the spot that she would pay for the shirt for her and told the man to add it on the bill. It was only $2. When the elderly lady went to pay, the man said it was paid for and the lady looked at my mum and said, 'Thank you, today is my birthday.'
My mum, in the spare of the moment, made a random act of kindness to this lady and the coincidence that it was her birthday as well makes it more amazing.
My mum then saw the lady again at a small cafe rummaging through her purse adding up some change. My mum knowing it was her birthday went up to her and offered to buy her a coffee and a piece of cake. The lady politely declined but my mum insisted and so the lady got a cup of tea and a piece of cake and was grateful. She also told mum that her family are interstate.
Mum will never see the elderly lady again. She didn't do it so I would blog about it, or so that someone would owe her a favour. She just wanted to give someone, a stranger, a little joy in their day.
Can you imagine the impact that this random act of kindness had on the elderly lady?
She was alone, buying herself a little gift at an op shop, taking herself out for a tea. Probably feeling lonely, maybe a little sad. Not definitely, but likely.
Here comes along a stranger who bought her a gift and took the time to have a conversation and made her feel important, validated as a person.
I told that story today (at the conference) when we were talking about giving in the volunteering workshop.
Even though I believe in this already, I needed re-inspiring to bring it to the forefront of my thinking. You did this for me and I believe when I told the story today, it also inspired others.
Will it inspire you?
Never underestimate the power of a random act of kindness.
Be the change you wish to see in the world.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
"We're All Mad Here" Art Exhibition @Espionage Gallery March 2013
I am so excited, thrilled, over the moon and MAD about the Alice in Wonderland inspired art exhibition at Espionage Gallery in Adelaide. Follow the white rabbit up the stairwell and celebrate the opening Thursday 14th March with none other than a tea party of course! Opening starts at 6pm.
I am so fortunate to be included with such an amazing list of talented artists. I have seen half the artwork already and I am NOT exaggerating when I say it will blow you away! This is an exhibition you are not going to want to miss!
Don't believe me?
Here are some sneaky peaks....
Espionage Gallery
Suite 1, Level 2
93 Rundle Mall (entrance off Lindes Lane, next to Zu Shoes)
14th March to 1st April
I am so fortunate to be included with such an amazing list of talented artists. I have seen half the artwork already and I am NOT exaggerating when I say it will blow you away! This is an exhibition you are not going to want to miss!
Don't believe me?
Here are some sneaky peaks....
Elisa Mazzone (Paris)
Elodie (Paris)
Caitlin Millard (Adelaide)
Fruzsi Kenez (Adelaide)
Lisa Vanin (Toronto)
Emma Leonard (Melbourne)
Marie Larkin
Rishab Soni (New Zealand)
and a poster with artwork from Earther (Japan)
(my name is about 2/3 down in the middle)
Espionage Gallery
Suite 1, Level 2
93 Rundle Mall (entrance off Lindes Lane, next to Zu Shoes)
14th March to 1st April
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Evaluation and Re-focus
I have spent the past 5 weeks thinking..... thinking..... thinking..... avoiding thinking..... re-thinking.......
As you may have read in my last two Sunday Reflections posts (3.2.2013 and 10.2.2013) life has been hectic and stressful.
Even though housework reduced slightly for me, I was still busy with work, trying to spend time with my little family, trying to do some art and those extra activities like ballet lessons, birthday parties OH and lets not forget SOUNDWAVE for me on Saturday just past (O.M.G it was awesome). And for added measure when I have sat down to write, my old trusty laptop likes to turn off on me so after a few choice words I give up.
The good news is that my partner is working again full time and I applied for and got a permanent job 4 days a week at my work which will be starting shortly. I don't particularly want to work 4 days a week however my contract in an 'acting' position will be coming to an end shortly and I decided to apply for my new job as I can't afford to take chances being fussy about days or being left without word at all.
So even though its March now, I know 2013 is going to be our year. Maybe it won't be as productive as I would like but I am determined to get us ahead. We also have to think about our wedding. Yes that's right I thought I would be planning it last year but those plans were put on hold (although my dress has arrived in store waiting for final payment and my bouquet is on layby).
I guess that brings me back to all of the thinking I've been doing. I haven't been thinking purposely or brainstorming, its just been there in my sub conscience. Possibly I dream it. I guess I've been waiting for my brain to make up its mind and that's mostly in regards to my blog. Clearly I've brought it to the surface today.
I have come to realise that I just simply do not have the energy or time to stick to regular blog posts anymore especially ones that require a great deal of thought or editing.
I have come to realise that even though I WANT to do it all, I simply cannot and my expectations of myself are too much.
Before I totally ignored my blog for the last month, I was totally blog inspired, totally ready to move it to another level, start researching posts, adding in artist interviews that have been on my to do list, ready to write parenting blog posts with substance, ready to join in on weekly link ups, interested in revamping my Sunday Reflections and making that a link up. I added an 'About Me' page, started my blog roll, was about to jazz up the look a bit. I just thought I needed some routine.
But then it hit me. I just can't do it. Not to the extent I was hoping for above anyway.
EVALUATION TIME.... I stopped.... just stopped. What is it I want, what is it I need?
My family is really where I NEED to be. I could spend hours writing a blog post and then miss time with my little girl, especially now that we are apart for 4 long days a week. Or miss essential quality time with my partner. Even if I am watching TV (which I haven't done regularly since having my daughter) I am there. I am present. We are talking about what we are watching. We are talking about different things during the ad breaks. Yes TV is not the best option for 'quality' time but it is better than me being in the study on the computer and him being out in the loungeroom (and I've become hooked on MKR.... whoops).
My ART is really where I want to be. It's really what I want to do. I could spend hours writing a blog post and then not do any art. My life, right now, with work and family and health, I cannot attempt to have two hobbies going at a high standard. Well the standard I expect of myself anyway.
I want to be an artist.
If I can't go to uni or tafe or other art classes I have to put in that extra effort. Who is going to show me? I am. I have to research it. I have to watch you tube vids. I have to experiment. I have to make mistakes. I have to try again. I won't keep people interested in me as an artist if I am not creating new works often.
So what does this mean for my little Neenish Arts blog?
RE-FOCUS TIME.... I'm not stopping. I still want to share my art and all the progress shots. I want to share exhibitions. And occasionally I might write a personal post when I feel like I have time and space to write but I am not going to stick to any regular weekly posts. If I happen to post on a Tuesday I will still link up with IBOT, I just might not be there every week. I might occasionally link up with Camera Chronicles for a Friday Flashback if I find something fun to share. More photos and less text. Art is aesthetic after all.
Thanks for "listening" and also thanks for all of the lovely comments over the last two years. I hope that you will stick around and check out my posts from time to time. It might be once a week, it might be once a fortnight. But I'm not going to get stressed with "I have to write this post today/tonight". It will happen in due course.
Neen xx
As you may have read in my last two Sunday Reflections posts (3.2.2013 and 10.2.2013) life has been hectic and stressful.
Even though housework reduced slightly for me, I was still busy with work, trying to spend time with my little family, trying to do some art and those extra activities like ballet lessons, birthday parties OH and lets not forget SOUNDWAVE for me on Saturday just past (O.M.G it was awesome). And for added measure when I have sat down to write, my old trusty laptop likes to turn off on me so after a few choice words I give up.
The good news is that my partner is working again full time and I applied for and got a permanent job 4 days a week at my work which will be starting shortly. I don't particularly want to work 4 days a week however my contract in an 'acting' position will be coming to an end shortly and I decided to apply for my new job as I can't afford to take chances being fussy about days or being left without word at all.
So even though its March now, I know 2013 is going to be our year. Maybe it won't be as productive as I would like but I am determined to get us ahead. We also have to think about our wedding. Yes that's right I thought I would be planning it last year but those plans were put on hold (although my dress has arrived in store waiting for final payment and my bouquet is on layby).
I guess that brings me back to all of the thinking I've been doing. I haven't been thinking purposely or brainstorming, its just been there in my sub conscience. Possibly I dream it. I guess I've been waiting for my brain to make up its mind and that's mostly in regards to my blog. Clearly I've brought it to the surface today.
I have come to realise that I just simply do not have the energy or time to stick to regular blog posts anymore especially ones that require a great deal of thought or editing.
I have come to realise that even though I WANT to do it all, I simply cannot and my expectations of myself are too much.
Before I totally ignored my blog for the last month, I was totally blog inspired, totally ready to move it to another level, start researching posts, adding in artist interviews that have been on my to do list, ready to write parenting blog posts with substance, ready to join in on weekly link ups, interested in revamping my Sunday Reflections and making that a link up. I added an 'About Me' page, started my blog roll, was about to jazz up the look a bit. I just thought I needed some routine.
But then it hit me. I just can't do it. Not to the extent I was hoping for above anyway.
EVALUATION TIME.... I stopped.... just stopped. What is it I want, what is it I need?
My family is really where I NEED to be. I could spend hours writing a blog post and then miss time with my little girl, especially now that we are apart for 4 long days a week. Or miss essential quality time with my partner. Even if I am watching TV (which I haven't done regularly since having my daughter) I am there. I am present. We are talking about what we are watching. We are talking about different things during the ad breaks. Yes TV is not the best option for 'quality' time but it is better than me being in the study on the computer and him being out in the loungeroom (and I've become hooked on MKR.... whoops).
My ART is really where I want to be. It's really what I want to do. I could spend hours writing a blog post and then not do any art. My life, right now, with work and family and health, I cannot attempt to have two hobbies going at a high standard. Well the standard I expect of myself anyway.
I want to be an artist.
If I can't go to uni or tafe or other art classes I have to put in that extra effort. Who is going to show me? I am. I have to research it. I have to watch you tube vids. I have to experiment. I have to make mistakes. I have to try again. I won't keep people interested in me as an artist if I am not creating new works often.
So what does this mean for my little Neenish Arts blog?
RE-FOCUS TIME.... I'm not stopping. I still want to share my art and all the progress shots. I want to share exhibitions. And occasionally I might write a personal post when I feel like I have time and space to write but I am not going to stick to any regular weekly posts. If I happen to post on a Tuesday I will still link up with IBOT, I just might not be there every week. I might occasionally link up with Camera Chronicles for a Friday Flashback if I find something fun to share. More photos and less text. Art is aesthetic after all.
Thanks for "listening" and also thanks for all of the lovely comments over the last two years. I hope that you will stick around and check out my posts from time to time. It might be once a week, it might be once a fortnight. But I'm not going to get stressed with "I have to write this post today/tonight". It will happen in due course.
Neen xx
Linking up with IBOT
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Sunday Reflections w/e 10.2.2013
Took a week off blogging this week. This is just a quick recap of how the week has been.
With the crazy week I had last week and how drained I felt I decided to let things slide and just concentrate on getting rest when I was home, which included not bothering with any art too, or popping stuff up on my fb page (which depresses me!). Went to work Mon, Wed and Thurs. Could have worked Fri morning but I had doc appts in the arvo so I just took the day off. Got blood tests and xrays done as its likely I will be getting these bi-monthly infusions (to treat crohns) and they have to test me for things like TB, HebB and a list of others before they can start it. Next time I go in I will be seeing a new doctor who specialises in crohns so will talk to him more about diet and some other things. So anyway yeah I went to bed by 9:30pm two nights which I never do and still managed to feel so crappy. I think its mainly from the medication I was on but I don't have to take it now so now I am waiting for the energy to kick in... waiting.... waiting....
My highlight of the week was when my little girl started her dance classes again. She was so excited and being a show off. She hates to be near me and loves to stand near the teacher, I'm only good enough when we dance at home hehe. Another highlight was on Friday night when my girlfriend and her kids came over. We picnicked on a blanket in the backyard whilst the kids played. So enjoyable, laid back and easy.
This weekend I baked cupcakes and cookies and managed to do some art. I cut out my layers for my Alice inspired stencil artwork which I can't paint yet as I don't have enough of the right colours for it but I'm happy that its ready to go. I also started another little 3 layer stencil artwork using one of the photos I took of my daughter dancing. I've got an idea in my head for it that I hope I can pull off. I also did a sketch of a woman sleeping tonight in my sketch book that I'm rather pleased with. I will use this sketch as the basis of an artwork, think I might play with some watercolours and then do another one with charcoal or sharpie outlines... hmmm.
No piccies this week... too tired sorry!
Anyway I hope you have all had a good week, let me know how it was, leave a comment! :)
With the crazy week I had last week and how drained I felt I decided to let things slide and just concentrate on getting rest when I was home, which included not bothering with any art too, or popping stuff up on my fb page (which depresses me!). Went to work Mon, Wed and Thurs. Could have worked Fri morning but I had doc appts in the arvo so I just took the day off. Got blood tests and xrays done as its likely I will be getting these bi-monthly infusions (to treat crohns) and they have to test me for things like TB, HebB and a list of others before they can start it. Next time I go in I will be seeing a new doctor who specialises in crohns so will talk to him more about diet and some other things. So anyway yeah I went to bed by 9:30pm two nights which I never do and still managed to feel so crappy. I think its mainly from the medication I was on but I don't have to take it now so now I am waiting for the energy to kick in... waiting.... waiting....
My highlight of the week was when my little girl started her dance classes again. She was so excited and being a show off. She hates to be near me and loves to stand near the teacher, I'm only good enough when we dance at home hehe. Another highlight was on Friday night when my girlfriend and her kids came over. We picnicked on a blanket in the backyard whilst the kids played. So enjoyable, laid back and easy.
This weekend I baked cupcakes and cookies and managed to do some art. I cut out my layers for my Alice inspired stencil artwork which I can't paint yet as I don't have enough of the right colours for it but I'm happy that its ready to go. I also started another little 3 layer stencil artwork using one of the photos I took of my daughter dancing. I've got an idea in my head for it that I hope I can pull off. I also did a sketch of a woman sleeping tonight in my sketch book that I'm rather pleased with. I will use this sketch as the basis of an artwork, think I might play with some watercolours and then do another one with charcoal or sharpie outlines... hmmm.
No piccies this week... too tired sorry!
Anyway I hope you have all had a good week, let me know how it was, leave a comment! :)
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Sunday Reflections w/e 3.2.2013
Wow what a week.
In short (and lets get the negatives out of the way first)
* Very busy at work, high level thinking and deadlines - but successful nonetheless. High stress followed by gratitude and pride.
* Financial stress, got paid. Didn't even notice. After rent, shopping, loan payments, petrol and paying for the car to get fixed we are left with zilch. Countdown on till next fortnight (when we should have 2 pays - see below).
* Tiredness, so tired, just tired... probably a combo of stress, crohns, medication I'm on. Have docs appointment this week so hopefully can get this sorted.
* Relationship stress, combination of above and some other issues led to an argument but on the other hand has been wonderful in giving me space to sleep in, cooking, coming shopping with me and giving me space to hideaway in my study this arvo.
* Friend stress, didn't realise it was one of best friends bday on Fri until she messaged me at 10:30pm! Feeling pretty crap about that. I always think its the 2nd and not the 1st. I didn't even go on flippin fb that day to read anything otherwise I would have seen the reminder!
* Clumsiness, there is nothing much to eat in the house that doesn't involve a whole pile of effort, you decide to cook an omlette, then drop all the remaining eggs on the floor. Yeah that.
The things I have enjoyed this week are
* Watching The Wizard of Oz with my girl last night and just the general daily joy that I get out of her cuddles and kisses.
* Finishing my 'Caterpillar' Alice inspired drawing on Tuesday and baking cupcakes.
* Knowing that my partner has a new job lined up and very soon we will be ok again.
*Visiting Little Adelaide Kate on Friday night. The first catch up so far in 2013.
* Learning new things at work and completing things successfully under pressure.
* That feeling you get when you do a good deed, gave away some Hungry Caterpillar decorations, simple but something that we should do more often. Could have thrown them in the recycling but why when it could save another family some money and time.
* Doing some filing haha boring as all hell but satisfaction guaranteed afterwards
* Making a photo display of my daughter's birthday to take to daycare (especially because all the kids that came are from daycare)
Been feeling pretty sorry for myself this weekend, its so easy too especially when you are physically feeling crap but after writing this and thinking about positives I am feeling a little more spirited.... Time to refocus, get some rest so I can regain my art motivation and bring you guys a lot more arty goodness!
This week's word: tired :(
This week's photo: my 'Caterpillar' Alice inspired drawing
Is it in the air? Did you have an ok week?
In short (and lets get the negatives out of the way first)
* Very busy at work, high level thinking and deadlines - but successful nonetheless. High stress followed by gratitude and pride.
* Financial stress, got paid. Didn't even notice. After rent, shopping, loan payments, petrol and paying for the car to get fixed we are left with zilch. Countdown on till next fortnight (when we should have 2 pays - see below).
* Tiredness, so tired, just tired... probably a combo of stress, crohns, medication I'm on. Have docs appointment this week so hopefully can get this sorted.
* Relationship stress, combination of above and some other issues led to an argument but on the other hand has been wonderful in giving me space to sleep in, cooking, coming shopping with me and giving me space to hideaway in my study this arvo.
* Friend stress, didn't realise it was one of best friends bday on Fri until she messaged me at 10:30pm! Feeling pretty crap about that. I always think its the 2nd and not the 1st. I didn't even go on flippin fb that day to read anything otherwise I would have seen the reminder!
* Clumsiness, there is nothing much to eat in the house that doesn't involve a whole pile of effort, you decide to cook an omlette, then drop all the remaining eggs on the floor. Yeah that.
The things I have enjoyed this week are
* Watching The Wizard of Oz with my girl last night and just the general daily joy that I get out of her cuddles and kisses.
* Finishing my 'Caterpillar' Alice inspired drawing on Tuesday and baking cupcakes.
* Knowing that my partner has a new job lined up and very soon we will be ok again.
*Visiting Little Adelaide Kate on Friday night. The first catch up so far in 2013.
* Learning new things at work and completing things successfully under pressure.
* That feeling you get when you do a good deed, gave away some Hungry Caterpillar decorations, simple but something that we should do more often. Could have thrown them in the recycling but why when it could save another family some money and time.
* Doing some filing haha boring as all hell but satisfaction guaranteed afterwards
* Making a photo display of my daughter's birthday to take to daycare (especially because all the kids that came are from daycare)
Been feeling pretty sorry for myself this weekend, its so easy too especially when you are physically feeling crap but after writing this and thinking about positives I am feeling a little more spirited.... Time to refocus, get some rest so I can regain my art motivation and bring you guys a lot more arty goodness!
This week's word: tired :(
This week's photo: my 'Caterpillar' Alice inspired drawing
Is it in the air? Did you have an ok week?
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