Everything happens for a reason ...

Each day brings new adventure .. new ideas... new opportunities ... new ways to change our lives ..

We MUST remain POSITIVE .. although its quite difficult at times and through certain circumstances .. there is truly a POSITIVE no matter how NEGATIVE .. things seem to be at that moment ...  I did and it was bought to my attention ... just recently .. not even a week ago.  I was having a really "down" day .. even after always preaching positivity to everyone I meet .. somehow ..its much more difficult when its YOUR LIFE.  Just a couple of days ago a stranger walked in my store .. and as always I started to find out about them .. their visit ... their background.. where they are from ... and what they do for a living etc.  I quickly found out I was in a conversation with a known motivational speaker .. with a positive group ... connected with The Secret .. and its wonderful members .. I found out about The Secret several years ago ... It is a book and a movie .. and very interesting .. focusing on the POSITIVE .. focusing on abundance ..and that there is enough for everyone .. as there is enough for everyone .. We spoke and I quickly realized like myself .. he has a personal relationship with God and he prayed with me .. He gifted me a renewal that day... he changed and renewed my mood, attitude and mental direction.  It was really something I needed at that moment ... and that day ... I am truly focusing on the positive... through this new adventure ... God does works in mysterious ways ..We all have a special purpose in this life.. God makes NO MISTAKES .... ☺️

Everything happens for a reason

WS"Everything happens for a reason ... You hear this statement a lot ... But it is so very true ... 

Shortly after getting married pretty close to 30 years ago now ... My relationship with my mother started to deteriorate ... I didn't realize it at the time but looking back on it now ... It did start way back then .. She was very jealous, bitter and resentful .. But I kept denying it in my my mind ... brushing each incident under the rug ... making excuses ... and just trying to enjoy my new life ... It's pretty sad to admit this and it's worse to know it was my own mother .. 

Just a day or two ago ... an older woman came in my store with very basic clothing on carrying a paper bag ... and I knew by looking at her she didn't have much ... We started talking about the store and the items we carry and the she proceeded to show me her own art ... People like this come in our store all the time as we carry and support at least 40 local artists and craftsman and lots of beautiful local creations.  We buy all kinds of local creations from jewelry, paintings, body products and food items .. So our conversation went on and I really loved my new friend Marilyn's jewlery, trinkets etc.. Especially a gorgeous, very natural looking puka shell necklace and interesting round beautiful wooden box that she told me she paid a quarter for at the thrift shop and that she thought it was a really great find and loved it very much.  Shen then started to tell me a story about how she wanted to give her Granddaughter a gift but had no money.   She then created a beautiful gift for her Granddaughter using a special pendant and gave it to her with great joy and pride ... Only to find this gift in the trash a few months later ... At this point I was pretty much in tears ... knowing that she created this gift with her own two hands cause she wasn't able to buy a gift.  She also told me how she uses safety pins to drill through her shells so that she can string them ... I have created a lot of jewlery with shells and natural items and started with a hand drill and trust me it's very tedious and hard work doing this type of work without the aide of an electric tool.  Marilyn's work is very beautiful and truly creative and shows her deep talent, but more importantly her genuine love.  

Something my own mother slowly deprived me of.   I told Marilyn that I would speak to the owner to see if she would buy some of her creations so that she could make some money, especially the beautiful pukka shell necklace ... I told her I knew that she could get at least $100 for the puka necklace alone ... and if I had the extra I would surely pay her ... She was surprised and I could tell that she would ever expect to get that kind of money for her work ... She then started to pack her stuff up and put her things in her bag and little containers ... I saw her empty the round wooden box thinking she was reorganizing and put the puka shell necklace inside ... She then turned to me and handed me the box with her beautiful smile ... and told me " I want you to have this.. " I was stunned and then really started to cry telling her that she couldn't just give me this ... She said "I can do whatever I want!! and I want you to have this!!! I didn't know what to say but gave her a huge hug!! I told her then I would make her something special of my own creation !!! Oh no you don't have to do that ... I told her back " I can do whatever I want!!" Lol .... 

I gave her another hug ... and she went on her way to collect more shells ... natural Hawaiian treasures found on our beaches ... and using her beautiful God given talents .... ❤️ Marilyn's visit made my day that day ... and I am creating her something special to carry all her creations, supplies and personal belongings in ... and we are going to meet again in the next week or two ... We did share phone numbers !!! She did have a cute little flip phone and we verified our numbers by calling each other right then and there ... She also showed me some pictures of some other family in her phone ... This day I made a dear friend in just a few minutes that I felt more caring and genuine love from ... than I did from my own mother in the last almost 30 years ... not because she gave me something but because she was real and genuine .. Each day we need to remember and cherish as another special day God has given us to help one another and make each other's day !! ❤️❤️

Aloha & A Hui Hou ....

What are YOUR successes??

Someone asked me "What are your successes??" I stumbled for a bit but then I came to realize that we all have successes EVERY DAY... We all start each day with a new CLEAN SLATE ... We need to make it a point to remember ...

Our lives should be lived as though we are able to do, be, or create anything we would like ... Because God gave us the power, knowledge and minds to do so ...  

So take each day and be thankful, grateful and excited for the newness that each of our days brings us ..., 

Aloha & A Hui Hou!!! 

I promise......

Happy New Year!!! Happy 2013!!!  
Wow... seems like these years seem go soooooo quickly!! 

Dont ya just love the New Year... full of NEW and exciting beginnings... positivity, creativity, love, courage and ENCOURAGEMENT... !! There are so many New Years changes, commitments and RESOLUTIONS .. that come and go with nothing being done.  I know this because.. I am probably the biggest offender I know!! LOL!! Even this year.. these very past days.. and even starting for me NEW YEARS DAY!!  I'm really not sure what makes us do this.  Some say they are stuck in a rut or just plain really dont want it enough!  Personally, not wanting "it" enough is probably the most accurate but the hardest to accept.  Guess we just have to do like NIKE.... "Just Do it!!"

A Hui Hou!!

Just sayin...

Hmmm... just sayin... 

NEVER take love for granted... is a very strong and meaningful statement...

Everyone has been created differently and uniquely by our Creator and God.. like individual petals of a flower intricately fitting together.. this very fact makes our world a very unique place to live.... with that being said we all should remember that each person shows their emotions and especially our love in different ways... and should NEVER be taken for granted... 

Our lives and experiences take us through many different circumstances, challenges and relationships ... ALL of these together create each of us individually...  it is like the same concept as our own human bodies.. and how all of our organs, veins, arteries are perfectly and uniquely assembled individualizing each of us...

Sometimes we don't all get along because of our uniqueness... and therefore creating jealousy, envy, disappointment, frustration and even anger... but .. its during these times... we must remember what each of us REALLY mean to each other... and what we really represent to each other... seriously.. NEVER take each other's uniqueness of showing love for granted... 

Just sayin... 

Aloha & A Hui Hou.... 

A nice relaxing Sunday.....

Hanging with Herbert.............He actually let me sleep in today.... after getting up at 6:30am first, of course... but then we slept till 10am!!  It was totally awesome... and so comforting to feel fur against us again!!!   He's such a cutie pie!!!  Its only been a week... and we have been thrown into the "perils of puppyhood"!!!  Craziness... chewing, waking up during the night... but its okay.. He really is terribly cute with a perfect personality!!!!!! I'm so looking forward to seeing him grow.. and teaching him new things...He's even already picked up "High Five".. !! We love him sooooo much!!  

Keep checking for updates!!!  Aloha & A Hui Hou!!! 

My Eat, Pray, Love

Okay guys.. I'm about to watch Eat, Pray, Love.  A totally enjoyed reading and also listening to the audio version of this New York Best Seller.  I have heard mixed reviews of this movie.. and it seems even from my own experience.. that when I read a book and THEN see the movie... I tend to be a bit disappointed. 
 

If you are familiar with this story .. its basically a story of a women pretty much trying to find herself traveling through three countries after a bitter divorce.  I find it sad that this women had to go through such a life changing event .... to then go through yet another life changing experience.  But, I guess when you really sit down and think about it .. everything in life.. is "life changing".  But then again... everything in life ........ is changing.!!

Sometimes, I feel like I'm going through so many "changes" in my life.  (see http:www.artfulmamasmenapausalmadness.blogspot.com) But then again... the only thing in life that stays the same .. is CHANGE.  As much as I hate that statement it remains, still,  very true.  As one of my favorite singers states in one of my most favorite songs..
"Can I handle the seasons in my life......." 


 

I guess my Eat, Pray, Love... is praying that I can do just that, handle the seasons of my life.  I have truly gotten back to prayer in my life and I do feel much more secure.  I've always had a very strong faith in God... just seem to stray away and get distracted with life's circumstances. 

I found it very difficult at first.. to pray His will.. not mine.. but I finally came to terms with that.  I have finally let go of my own or at least, most of my own desires and trust God to be in control.  

Well, I finally finished the movie... and it was quite disappointing to say the least...just goes to show you that our imaginations are probably much more powerful that even Hollywood...!!  Its all good though.. it was nice to relax and watch the movie in peace... 

Didn't want to put a damper on this for you.. I was truly excited to see this movie..... especially with Julia Roberts....but .. all in all ... I think she'll always be.....a "Pretty Woman"  in my mind......

Aloha & A Hui Hou........ 

I'm backkkkkk....

Well its almost been another month... not the schedule I intended to keep... "It's just my take... but... I didn't forget about my writing ... just seems that there is quite alot more happenings in my life these days... Honestly, I have been quite busy.. with "life"...but I have managed to complete a couple of portraits... and you can see ... hmmmm.. Meet my new friends "Fred" on the left... and "Duke" on the right!!! I now have several portraits that I need to start production on... I JUST LOVE ANIMALS... Like I always tell people... "Pets are just humans with fur coats!!!" I'm not giving up on this creative side of my life... drawing, writing ... etc. It's what keeps me connected to my inner desires. You see I am always creating in my mind...and when the desire and inspiration hits me ... I HAVE TO ACT... almost immediately!! I guess thats an artist thing...its just how it works with me...I always have a pad of paper, pen and pencils, my laptop and a good book.. by my nightstand... so I am completely ready when I get the required inspiration. I think thats probably why I havent gotten into the big bucks just yet with my creations... "It's all good though.. I really do love to draw, paint, needlework, organize, design.. its just in my blood. Blogging has become another new creative outlet... and I love reading all my creative colleague's blogs and writings as well. You just never know... when it will be "your time!"

I believe I have truly been blessed my talents, my wonderful supportive and even getting more supportive... family... good health and great friends new and old. Life is truly what you make it.. and I don't plan on missing a beat.. I have also been truly blessed by many inspirational people in my life... they are very creative, colorful and extremely talented people that I am very thankful for touching my life. I have recently found out that a very dear and truly inspirational friend, amongst so many people out there, has been diagnosed with the relentless and random disease of cancer. It really hit me like a nothing I have ever experienced. I continue to pray and send positive energies their way ... in hopes of remission... and haulting of this terrible condition. I think of all the wonderful crazy times we spent together... sharing, laughing and crying... and I know in my heart POSITIVELY... that we will AGAIN be able to spend more time together in the future with God's healing and blessings.

With that being said I will conclude in professing and telling ALL of you... to LIVE EACH OF YOUR DAYS TO THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL.... take a chance, BE CREATIVE... try something new ... learn something new... GO OUT OF THE BOX!!! Be kind, enjoy and share each other's experiences..and above love one another ... Like Oprah says "Live your Best Life!!
Aloha.......

New journeys in life...

Well .. here is another day gone by.. and I think things seem to be coming together more.. I am trying to work on a new discipline and blog more.. I really do like this blogging thing ... actually the definition is as follows.. "and online diary, a personal chronological log of thoughts published on a web page." Sounds impressive!! I guess I can be called a "bloggerist?" Is this a word?? I think so .. now..

Today was a day full of interesting learning events.. s

ome great, some not so great. I would like to talk about a wonderful new company that I'm involv

ed in .. a "w

ellness" company. My new business.. "Moms helping Moms to create a healthier brighter future!" Artfulmama's Wellness... I really love the

products and there are so many. All of them healthy and environmentally safe for you and your family.. you may go to the website.. http://www.internetceomoms.com/Artfulmama and explore your possiblities to save money, get healthier, and develop your own personal business.. just by helping others.. do the same.!!

My greatest passion.. besides writing is my artwork.. I so completely enjoy being creative.. and sharing with the world. I have discovered a wonderful website offering a wonderful retreat, getaway.. whatever you m

ay call it.. enjoying nature and indulging yourself in art!!! The web

site http://www.hawaiianartjourney.com offers a truly wonderful authentic Hawaiian experience.. of art, culture and nature compiled with relaxation and restfulness. Please feel free to explore the website and contact me if you have any questions etc.

This weekend I took a beautiful walk through a small town near my home, Holualoa, Hawaii .. browsing and enjoying art and sipping and tasting Kona coffee from many different coffee

farms!! Who could beat it.. coffee and art all in one experience.. at the

Kona Coffee Art Stroll. I visited many quaint little art galleries.. and met lots of beautifully talented peo

ple. I really love these unique galleries!!

I also had the pleasure of being introduced to another excellent organization .. Arts of Kona... who involves artists of all different types and mediums.. to promote the presence of art in our community he

re and Hawaii. The organize various showings of all talents from concerts to art shows and the like. Check out and visit their website.. http://www.artsofkona.org

I hate to end on a real but negative note.. but this morning I was watching my favorite news and everything show.. Good Morning America. I think I've been watching this program for at least 25 years... every morning while getting dressed for work.. or the day, having a cup of coffee or herbal tea.. I try to at least get in an hour of Good Morning America.. today was different.. I was truly disturbed by a story I heard about yet another little girl .. missing then found murdered.. her body found destroyed just a few days after her disappearance. I truly don't know whats going on in this world

! More and more of these terribly awful stories.. are popping up all over.. !! I listened to the mother of this little girl.. and watched her cry for her lost daughter.. she mentioned and it stuck with me, about being too busy .. taking the little things and times for granted.. sometimes its just that we are "just too busy in our heads.." Wow..!! that really hit me.. then she said .. you never know as each day goes by that we could be sitting here.. maybe with our own tragic story. If you have a moment take time to visit the website... http://www.rememb

eringsomer.com and take the time to read the story and send a message of hope and prayers.

So, with this in mind.. please lets all think.. take time with our children and families.. even just the little times.. talking in bed when its dark.. cuddling all together in one bed .. watching a silly tv show.. these times are making most memorable events in our minds.. Try not to get "too busy in your head." Take time for the little things.. love and enjoy your families and children..!! With Warm Aloha.. Good Night... Artfulmama