A Focused Journey: Finding a focus on the other side of 50.

I believe everyone’s life has a purpose. We are here to discover that purpose then use whatever gifts were bestowed upon us to make this world a better place. Some of us are fortunate as we know at an early age what that purpose is. Others, well, we go along, often digressing from the road that will take us there. This is me. Now on the other side of 50, I am finding my way back to that road that will lead to my life’s purpose. Welcome to my journey.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 273

There is a touch of creativity flowing here. On my desk is a piece of watercolor paper in which I was trying to get some color on for an ACT. I wanted a light wash for the background so I started with watercolors. I couldn’t get the look I wanted so I added gel sticks but still found myself uninspired with the results. After using spray ink which I knew would be too bright but used purely out of desperation, I tried lightening it using white linen spray ink rubbed with a baby wipe. Still not satisfied I reached for Perfect Pearls Mist in biscotti.

Swap: USA Senders Choice ATC

I had looked through my Pinterest board looking for inspiration and liked THIS heart ATC. I am always amazed how different my completed card (above) is from the one I get inspiration from. Always so very different.

The mixed media collage that was on my desk last week is waiting to be completed, you can see it on my desk off to the right. I added modeling paste and paint but then the inspiration stalled. I look at it, searching for inspiration but nothing comes. So it has been pushed aside waiting, hoping for a surge of …something …anything….

Sunset over Traverse City Bay

I have never shared my passion for photography here. You can see my photos under Friday Finds, a wonderful place where I go to share the small finds of my week. Lately my photography has flourished, taking hundreds of photos, seeing the beauty in the small things throughout my day. I thought this might be a good time to share some of my work.

Field of sunflowers, Traverse City, MI

School has started so I am knee deep in moving my classroom again (urg!!!), getting lesson plans together and sitting through endless boring PD’s (professional development meetings). One good thing, no more Chemistry or Physics, I am teaching Biology this year, my passion.

Peaceful view: deck overlooking Christmas Cove

Having fun peaking in other artist’s desk at What’s on Your Workdesk? Wednesday. Join in! We would like to visit and see what is inspiring you.

13 comments:

jillAugust 27, 2014 at 4:29 AM
The sunflowers are stunning . I'd like to see a flied of sunflowers it must be a lovely sight. Happy woyww Jill #16
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Create With JoyAugust 27, 2014 at 5:02 AM
I really enjoyed your post today Diane - your desk, card and photos were very inspiring!
If you have the opportunity, please share your card at our Inspire Me Monday party - I'm always looking for beautiful art to feature! :-)
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FrancescaAugust 27, 2014 at 6:38 AM
Great desk and all your lovely photos. Thanks for stopping by. confession, re my lattice card , the surround is cut with a die but the lattice is done by hand with strips of paper. Francesca #33
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Diana TaylorAugust 27, 2014 at 6:56 AM
What a busy, productive looking desk - I know only too well how frustrating it is when you can't quite get the effect you want! The ATC is gorgeous and I love the lace with the old text, they give it a lovely vintage feel. Thank you so much for stopping by my desk earlier, I hope you have a great week,
Diana #27
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JAugust 27, 2014 at 7:40 AM
Your photos are lovely, I could just imagine sitting on those chairs on the deck, looks very inviting. Jan x
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Robyn OliverAugust 27, 2014 at 7:47 AM
Hi Diane, happy WOYWW and thanks for visiting my desk. Some lovely creating going on, on your desk....and gorgeous photos...would you like to join in a blog to share your pics....Our Beautiful World have an inspirational word each week - link on my blog. Cheers and have a lovely week RobynO#24
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Lunch Lady JanAugust 27, 2014 at 9:57 AM
Oh tell me about it...the amount of times I've tried to copy something off Pinterest and it might have come from Mars, the result is so different! So I'd say, don't worry about it...it doesn't matter if you can't replicate..do your own thing and enjoy it! The ATC is exquisite btw but my favourite photo of all are the Sunflowers. That is SUCH a funky, brilliant picture - I love it! I enjoy photography very much too but never share anywhere other than here occasionally. I'm going to have a look at your Friday finds!!
Hugs, LLJ 20 xx
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RobynAugust 27, 2014 at 10:38 AM
Gorgeous Sun flowers! I love that tray of metallic paints. I use them often. I'm also a big fan of ATC's. Thanks for visiting!
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MaryAugust 27, 2014 at 11:37 AM
Beautiful photos. Did you use a filter when taking the photos, or did you filter them in PhotoShop or Instagram? I had to giggle at all your attempts at perfection...I had one of those days yesterday. Fab ATC, lots to see. I love it when I am inspired by something and surprised when I see the finished project. Never even close! But always loved.
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fairy thoughtsAugust 27, 2014 at 4:50 PM
I love love love the sunflower picture.... there is something so ...... sunny about them....you know what I mean! busy desk too
thanks for sharing
janet #8
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Felix the Crafty CatAugust 27, 2014 at 5:28 PM
Sunflowers always remind me of the summer and warm sunny days.
Love your photos too.
Have a great week and happy crafting, Angela x 34
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Bridget LarsenAugust 27, 2014 at 8:10 PM
hahaha I wear flip flops in the house to protect my feet from the dust bunnies lol
Bridget #6
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glitterandglueAugust 28, 2014 at 6:32 AM
Lovely work on your desk and the ATC - and lovely photos, Diane. Sounds like an exciting year ahead at school if you can impart your passion to your pupils! All the best.
Thanks for visiting - glad you enjoyed the wedding pics. Folk on WOYWW have been SO supportive as I have lived and breathed this wedding and all it entailed for the past months.
Take care/. God bless.
Margaret #17
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Thank you so much for stopping by. Please share your insights.

THE JOURNEY

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice--
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do--
determined to save
the only life you could

The Dark Night Of The Soul
By Saint John of the Cross
Translated by A.Z. Foreman

Songs of the soul rejoicing at having achieved the high state of perfection, the Union with God, by way of spiritual negation.

Once in the dark of night,
Inflamed with love and wanting, I arose
(O coming of delight!)
And went, as no one knows,
When all my house lay long in deep repose

All in the dark went right,
Down secret steps, disguised in other clothes,
(O coming of delight!)
In dark when no one knows,
When all my house lay long in deep repose.

And in the luck of night
In secret places where no other spied
I went without my sight
Without a light to guide
Except the heart that lit me from inside.

It guided me and shone
Surer than noonday sunlight over me,
And lead me to the one
Whom only I could see
Deep in a place where only we could be.

O guiding dark of night!
O dark of night more darling than the dawn!
O night that can unite
A lover and loved one,
Lover and loved one moved in unison.

And on my flowering breast
Which I had kept for him and him alone
He slept as I caressed
And loved him for my own,
Breathing an air from redolent cedars blown.

And from the castle wall
The wind came down to winnow through his hair
Bidding his fingers fall,
Searing my throat with air
And all my senses were suspended there.

I stayed there to forget.
There on my lover, face to face, I lay.
All ended, and I let
My cares all fall away
Forgotten in the lilies on that day.

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Wednesday, August 27, 2014

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 273

13 comments: