Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Four Winds

via

...a man came 

to me

and told me his dream.


via


He had set out to

the open sea

in a small canoe.




via

The waters thundered

and his heart 


swelled with fear


via

until direction from 

ahead of him said:

 Wait for the silence


via

and then 

start paddling. 


There are times in our lives

when voices from

 The Four Winds

overwhelm us.


via

Through them

bursts forth 

the silent hum 


via

determined and still 

to equip us for 

the journey.

pinterest


149 comments:

Unknown said...

Then we can hear the still small voice.
<3

Christel said...

Dear Anita, ....we need only to look inside to find our way...
You show so many of us what it is to have courage, and conviction. Your way has been lit by his path. and you know in your heart where it leads. Always, Christel

Palomasea said...

Wow.
Anita,one of your most brilliant and multi-sensory creations...
Stillness speaks my wise and wonderful friend, yes it does.
Sending you SO MUCH LOVE.
You are a glorious, shining star, most precious friend..
Blessings, and may that still, small voice always be your guide... :)
Love and tight hugs,
- Irina

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

My dear Anita
Always trust your heart.. You will find your way.. This I am sure of.
Your imagination will take you there.
Beautiful post dear friend
Bisous, Penny

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Just beautiful today Anita
The sea and blue.. and aqua.. all my favourite things.. well nearly all

I know sometimes we just need a time out.. when I feel like that i go to the water's edge and just be stlll..it always calms and refreshes me

Have a lovely weekend and thanks for entering my giveaway.. ciao xxx Julie

Privet and Holly said...

In this hurly, burly
world, it's important
to be silent once and
a while and just LISTEN.
I think that is why I love
to visit the beach. It
slows my pulse and
opens my heart and mind.
Exciting things ahead
for you!

xo Suzanne

C'est moi Claudette said...

Listen to that voice for it is telling you something GRAND.
GRAND as in HUGE, BIG, EXCITING. Never loose sight of it Anita. It's all there waiting for you.
xoxoxoxoxo

sparklegem said...

Simply enchanting! I love it.

Fete et Fleur said...

This post...your new header....

It took my breath away. You have an amazing gift my sister!
Thinking of you in this time of transition, and seeing so much happiness in your future. Don't worry, He is with you.

xoxo,
Nancy

hi-d said...

Oh, this is SOOO good, Anita! I have been there and continue to experience these feelings from time to time that you describe. "Change & THE Unknown" can be SO difficult. "Be Still and Know that HE is God."

Love to you! Have a great weekend, my friend!

Heidi

Rhissanna said...

Glorious images. I always come back to see more.

ivana said...

there is a special kind of feeling and insignificance when everything else capitualte, but the beauty and nature itself.

Unknown said...

Beautiful...... thank you :)
<3<3 virginia

Apple Blossom Barn said...

Dearest Anita

Stunning from start to end, so enchanting. I always have a thrill of excitment and expectation when I see you have a new post and I am never disappointed. It is a time of change for you and I know you will embrace it as you are so full of spirit,

Wishing you a peaceful weekend

Denise
xxx

It's me said...

Be still and now that i am your God.....beautiful.......beautiful.........xxx....xxx...xxx...

1 said...

Being still is the most difficult part of the journey. It is hard to stop fighting, when we are taught to fight for what we want. In that moment though, when stillness takes over, your heart, heart and soul often hear what is meant to be heard.
I wish you calm and clarity.

PresƩpio no Canal said...

Many times when I read your posts, I feel that your words are exactly what I am thinking at that same period of my life or what I need to read to go forward.
Yes, you are right, as usual. All the great changes are preceded by chaos and after the storm, we must listen to the silence and find our way. So true!
This morning I was thinking about all this. Sometimes, something that is annoying or bad happens just to shows us the right way or that is time to change and try something different, many times wished by us, but we had afraid to go forward.
Many blessings, Anita!
As we can easily see, specially by this post, you took the right path for you: writing and creating! Well done, Anita! :-) MIlle Bisous!!!

Rattus Scribus said...

Dear Anita,
Your poem reminds me of the Breton Fisherman's prayer that late U.S. President John F. Kennedy used to have on his desk: "Oh God thy sea is so great and my boat is so small." I really have to search for the silence so I can begin paddling, because in truth it feels like I have been paddling in a tempest with little effect for some time now.
Love,
Ruben

lisa Moran, Bilancia Designs said...

Oh Anita....what were we just talking about???
I have goosebumps.
I am in such awe of your talents...it is so hard for me to put into words what I feel when I see your creations come to life...whether it's a beautiful design or something you've written.
We have SO MUCH to talk about when I "see" you next week. I can hardly wait!
All my love to you, birthday girl. :) :) xoxox

The enchanted home said...

Silence is golden. And the older I get the more I realize that taking the time and listening to that inner voice will more times than not lead us to where we are meant to go. We just need to listen and take time to get through the storm to be met with a beautiful and calm peace. Cheers to that!

francis said...

You my dear are a very talented storyteller .
Those images you always know to find them ......
Soon the free-time will bless your soul and I hope you can sit in your garden and be silent .....
Birthdaypost is on its way ......
Have a happy sunny weekend my dear friend .

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

Yes, I need some time in a beautiful place to clear my head and to listen..to the still small voice. Don't know how or when that will happen...but I feel such a need for it. Bless you, Anita!

Barbara said...

I agree with your husband...sometimes it seems we paddle hard without forward motion. Very frustrating. But we persevere, because what choice do we have? And how else can we accomplish our dreams?
My daughter just visited for a weekend....she walked on the beach, which she says clears her head and she often sees the way forward. When she returned to NYC, good things happened in her business. As she says: at least until next month. :) Life is a constant battle. We can only do our best.
Love to you, Anita!

Anonymous said...

I see what you mean!! We ARE TOTALLY ON THE SAME WAVELENGTH today!!! You KNOW I LOVE this!!! xo

"Create Beauty" said...

This is awesome in its wisdom and wonder my friend.... and hauntingly beautiful.

We must exercise our minds and hearts to listen to only the Voice that speaks truth to our souls...

and let the wind take the other voices away with the sea and silence....

Love you,
Violet

Pia Drent said...

Beautiful.

koralee said...

Love this post...the last quote has been me all week my friend. Lets fly away together to a lovely place ...what heaven that would be. I am telling myself it is Friday and I can do it! Sending you some love today....birthday celebrations here today...and soon you too will be celebrating. xoxo Hugs

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

That is why meditation works for so many people...time to quiet the mind. WE live in this hurry up and get it done world and sometimes just makes you feel like you are going in circles. Why do we feel the need to be so harried??? Thank you for always stopping by and hanging in there with me. I am at a crossroads right now with my blog. I am not sure which direction I want to go. I guess I need to quiet my mind and let the answer come to me. ~Hug, Patti

Deana Sidney said...

It's funny, in my work there are times when things are swirling out of control. To get the reins back, I often stand still for a moment and find that quiet place and then everything falls into place. If you get caught up in the winds... well you swirl along with them.

I love the photos on this post... they capture the sensations of movement and stillness beautifully. YOu are a collage artist my friend!

Christie Jones Ray said...

Oh, dearest....how true....don't we all just need a respite from the "noise" of the world, all the voices, all the nay-sayers...You will find it, and you will find answers. One day at a time, one step at a time...it will be laid out before you, as you trust in our Maker to present it to you in His timing.
You are on your way, my dearest friend.

mermaid gallery said...

we are always so busy....and sometimes need a reason to not be.....being kind to ourselves meaning taking time to just ....chill.....and absorb the world around us.....(on that note, I am taking the day for myself.....and resting my aching body and mind....)

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Hello lovely Anita...It is Friday afternoon here in England and I am having an unusually peaceful day and so it is especially lovely to visit your tranquil place and enjoy this beautiful post with such wise words and beautiful images,
Hope you have a wonderful and enchanting weekend,
Susan x

Rae said...

Lovely! Sending hugs ((( Anita being hugged by Rayanne ))) :)
Happy day, dear!!!

Anne said...

Very true. Its so easy to get cluttered in our life! Beautiful thought and images.

Anonymous said...

Very inspirational post!

hi-d said...

Hello Anita,

I hope you have a restful weekend and can get away soon!!

Do you have any exciting plans this summer? Thanks for stopping by!

Heidi

Stephanie said...

Beautiful! sometimes, we just need to take a step back. Have a wonderful weekend!

Palomasea said...

Came back chez toi to breeeaaathe!
Yes, dear Violet, I agree...hauntingly beautiful.
So beautiful, beautiful...
Loving wishes...
- Irina

The Dutchess said...

Yes..the little voice in our head...Its speaks to me too...and sometimes its Miss Moussie...

This is a very very magical post dearest..

Red Rose Alley said...

Dear Anita,
We all need alone time, don't we? It is where I can see the beauty and appreciate all that is around me. What a wonderful post this is. The waves reminded me of my son and husband. They have surfed the waves all throughout California and other places as well. The great ocean is where they find peace. The colors on this post are beautiful with the aquas. I love this last quote so much that I am going to write it down. Such a lovely, enchanting post.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

Anonymous said...

oh my goodness...

this post...is equisitely compiled...i could read it forever and gaze at those images endlessly...i think i am going to repin those images...i think i have...i know i do...beautifully
done my dear...thank you.

Gem said...

Oooh this post has really struck a chord with me today. Brilliant. I completely and utterly agree. And the chaos will always be worth those changes.
I do love the images you use. So dreamy.
Happy Weekend dearest.
xxxxxxx

Pretty Things said...

I loved this.

DolceDreams said...

Magnificent...as YOU are...
get ready for it all to unfold ~
And find yourself a beautiful place to dream about it this weekend!
Nathalie

georgia ~ gi gi said...

OH EM GEEEEEEE, your header is BREATHTAKING! WOW! I just can't express how much I love it!

This post definitely speaks to me tonight! I have a lot going on in my world that I am trying not to let get the best of me!

I do hope you are finding peace and clarity this evening ( and always :)! I know this post gives me comfort!

Sending much love your way
gi gi

Nella Miller said...

Hi Anita, the energy from all these heartfelt comments must fill you with the beauty of friendship...how can you not find your way? N.xoxo

Nella Miller said...

I forgot to tell you, you are a shining light in a stormy sea....N.xoxo

Pura Vida said...

When my children were small we would grab blankets, lay on the grass under the stars and listen to the "sounds of summer"..bugs buzzing, cars in the distance, laughter down the street..and often...just nothing...I'm so glad I taught them to listen to the silence

La Petite Gallery said...

This is so beautiful. It hit my heart as I have a friend who has been in that violent Sea.She is
just trying to get her head together. I hope she finds a warm and lovely spot to clear her head.
Thanks for this wonderland you present, I always feel like a kid, after hearing my favorite radio
program called "LET'S PRETEND"
1940's It was so exiting to me full of wonder, great stories. There was no TV.

Martina said...

Wow, Anita, this post makes me dream up a story! The four winds ... sometimes it's hard to hear the direction from ahead, but, waiting for the inner silence is always a good advice. To act from a place of collectedness and stilness ... Hope your weekend is lovely dear, so much wind and rain over here! xox

Anonymous said...

means the world to me too
anita dear...finding like
minded comrades in this
world is a blessing and
you my dear are one to
me...creative wishes for
your saturday...xoxo

koralee said...

Morning dear one..sounds like your day is going to be lovely! I have lots on my plate but may just take it easy as I have been fighting a soar throat. Hugs and love to you...enjoy your sunshine xoxo

A Tale of Two Cities said...

Be still and know that I am God.... one of my favorite scriptures, and one I need to take to heart more often in the "busyness" of this world. Hope your heart is open to the still small voice.

Sylvia said...

This is beautiful and speaks to me as I am looking for direction and silence ...., but sometimes we gotta lose ourselves to find ourselves and... our way will be found, because perhaps we are on our way, on our path, our road, our own journey ..."This place where you are right now, God circled on a map for you" ...Thank you for comforting me and showing me I am not alone

Jen Beaudet said...

Oh I love this post Anita! Such a lovely feel to it! Have a wonderful weekend! The sun is finally out here! Yay!!!
Jenniferxox

Charlotta Ward said...

Saturday night here in Sweden and I was so captivated by this post. I 'felt' every step of the story - just beautiful!

Have a lovely weekend where you are too.

Big hugs from the top of the world.

xx Charlotta
Space for Inspiration

La Petite Gallery said...

I need to clear my head every time I come out of the super Mkt. The Groc. stores are going higher and higher
yvonne
thanks for the comment

helen tilston said...

Dearest Anita

I hope you go into that room that allows you the peace and quiet you so need at this time. A beautiful post and may the joy in creating it enter into your heart strings. With love,
Helen xx

Denise said...

My dad is a great man of poetry,lyrics,words of all kinds. Years back He majored in speech debate and English lit.He is now 82.Still loves to entreat us with words,mostly from the Bible But you both have so much in .You remind Me of His spirit.One of the wonderful songs He wrote was "Be Still and Know that I am God."Wish I could sing it to you.

Kerri said...

Oh my goodness I love that white dress!!!! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend my friend. I always love to come to visit you and see your pictures and inspiring posts :)

xoxo
Kerri

Suz said...

You amaze me with your thoughts and images. I've been getting here so late. I try never to miss a posting.

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Good morning dear Anita...what came to mind as I read this is...Be still for I am God...Psalm 46.10...There is nothing quite like being still to stand back and process it all...Take Care...Much Love, Dzintra xoxo

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Draffin Bears said...

Dear Anita,

I do love your post today, you have written, how so often I feel.
Yesterday we went for a walk along the beach and you do feel refreshed and alive.
Do hope that you are enjoying the weekend.

Hugs
Carolyn

jerilanders said...

You know what you want; sit in your quiet and beautiful place, contemplate upon it and then forge ahead. Don't look back and be prepared for the journey, which may have a few bumps in the road... but hey, that makes it an even more interesting ride. None of us are getting any younger, so go for it!

You share a birthday with my James.( Now, I am only ONE year older than him.)
Have a spectacular week, thinking of all the great things ahead!

Linda Carole Bloom said...

Love this post, as always, but this blue! I can almost taste it. And the woman in the flowing white dress, your blog is great for my imagination! Love, Linda

Tiff said...

Anita, I was so exited to hear your news... you are so brave, clever and talented... you are on the cusp of a new adventure! You have such courage to follow your dreams, I admire you and wish you the very best for your exciting journey ahead! X

chateaudelille said...

Sometimes the head needs time out to be able to figure it out! I admire your bravery but it feels right as you have so much to explore and create being so talented !bravo to you dear one! Fiona

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Oh such beauty I see in you ma cher! I can see your life is blossoming into a world of creativity and bliss. God bless you on your new journeys mon amie.
Just dropping in to say "hi" and let you know I'm on a break for wedding preparations for Russ' wedding! I'm doing the flowers for them, they prefer silk since they want them done ahead and I have done many "silk" weddings in the past. Much excitement going on here. May 19th is their big day!

Love to you and Ruben... bisous,
Sherry

Jess said...

A lovely post! I'm so glad I came here through Stephanie's blog. Just what I need on this dark day of wind and rain. :)
Jess xx

Bumpkin Hill said...

What a dream, i loved those star fish flloating in the light xx

Fashion-isha said...

Just beautiful and so deep...like the sea!
Have a wonderful weekend!
xo
Sharon

Karena said...

Anita I am always so excited to see your posts, the enchanting images and your word....ahhh!

Sometimes my head seems to be so filled with ideas, thoughts, remembrances, to do's ,and definitely needs to be emptied and filled with a quiet peace.

You put it so beautifully!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Red Rose Alley said...

Dear Anita,
Since you used to be a French teacher, I thought you would enjoy seeing Jess' French post today. I am sure you could relate to it. I was browsing through your very first posts, and I saw the tea cups picture you mentioned about. It was fun seeing your posts when you first started out. Your pictures were smaller and you did alot of writing. It was lovely, even back then. I wonder what ours will look like in four years hehe. Love you, love you.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

Burlap Luxe said...

I was chocked up my dear friend while reading this, it was so moving, moving me from one emotion to another.
Just so beautiful put to poetic photos.

I go to my place often to clear my head and find my inner passion letting god tell me what next.

lots of love to you this fine Sunday.
xoxo
Dore

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Well hello ma cherie, how is your Sunday going so far? Do you also hear the songbirds singing their songs in top of the popping trees? Sun and rain are both here today, I can almost see the flowers and fresh green leaves grow! April showers really do bring May flowers >^.^<
I have been busy with every day life, sooo much. Finally I decided to visualize that lion and stand behind my 7 year old boy. He is the youngest in his classroom, a very, hmm let's say dynamic classroom. From next week on he will go to a different class with the best teacher in the whole school!! We both are over the moon, he started singing in the shower each morning, and giggles all day long. I think we did the right thing!
Anyways, I'm sending you flowers and sunshine to brighTen and lighTen your Sweet Sunday, lovely lady.
I hope your gorgeous wand will find my doorstep soon, teeheee.
Love Saskia xxx

Francine Gardner said...

Brilliant and beautifully written. You portray such an enchanting world

millefeuilles said...

Dearest Anita,

And I have missed YOU! I didn't know whether to smile or cry on reading; "all great changes are preceded by chaos". I am in the midst of an undramatic but wearying chaos and I know deep down that things will come good but right now I am weathering the storm.

My mind is in almost constant effervesence. I have so much inspiration waiting to be put into some kind of reality but I am battling with the frustrating fact that I have precious little time to call my own. On the other hand I am hugely grateful for the gift of my family and I do not wish to be ungrateful. Certainly not.

Please, Anita dear, will you send some of your magic dust my way? I too will be opening an Etsy shop in the very near future. If you have any advice I will be more than grateful to read it.

Big hug from France,

Stephanie

Woolytales Miniatures said...

take your time my dear... i will be here . listen... tomorrow is a special day for you and i want you to know that i am making something for you... will be on the mail this week... a b late birthday!
Love you! i pray for you today!smiles,

Maria said...

Bonsoir!
What a rainy weekend we've had! I visited my father for the weekend, bringing him chicken soup and ingredients for one of our favorite dishes...
Anita, I hope that you are going to have some of that sweet time soon... I know that kind of time is precious and should be taken as needed! It's almost agonizing not to find personal time {like the feeling when you desperately need sleep but still have miles to go}
My husband, Chris, retired from his job last year. He wasn't really ready to leave the working world, he just reallllly needed to get out of that office. He enjoyed his coworkers, liked his "work" but the pressure was insidious! Some days he would come home and look like he went for shock treatment and not to his job!
He's been taking this time to pray and redirect. He has done lots of volunteer work in the meantime.
I feel quite restless right now with the RIDICULOUS tests that came down the pike last week. I posted a few comments below this news story on a passage from our infamous test
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Anita... I wish you His Peace which surpasses all our understanding ~ and can calm all our head noise...

Blessings to you always dear ♥
*Maria

Dawne Boynton Polis said...

An exquisite post! The images are breathtaking! I must follow all the "via"s. And that last quote is exactly what I have been saying to friends all week. It certainly is true, isn't it?
I hope you can find that beautiful place this week, Anita. For me, the Four Winds come through the internet, so I have been off, and out walking in God's Great Greeness!! [ That's not a word, but it should be!]
I ditto Maria's closing lines...
xx
dawne

Anonymous said...

Hi Anita,
Ta banniĆØre est belle! La mer, les vagues sont reposantes!
J'adore tes photos qui apaisent!
Tout est douceur!
Have a wonderful day!
XO

Ines said...

First:

Happy, happy, Birthday, dear Anita!!!

It´s my husbands birthday,too, today. So I will think of you :-)

Some thoughts, I wrote him in his birthday card, too. The water around is is always stormy and wavy- but we really need the calm between the waves... The most people aren´t able to enjoy the rest between work. I love silence- rest- meditation. No TV- no radio- sometimes a good CD with my favourite music- that´s what my soul needs and it´s always a pleasure to feel the silence. Time to regenerate...

Wonderful illustration- I love all your photos and I hope, you have a wonderful day, today with much of love and happines...

Don´t be worry about answers- I am really not able to be at the pc all the time- so I understand, when answers come later.

A big hug- Ines♥

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Happy hAppY HaPpY birthday, bon fetes, Van Harte Gefeliciteerd, ma plus tendre amie!
Sweet Anita, I wish you a most wonderful birthday, may Your day be Special in every way!!
xxxxx and some more xxxxx

fashion-meets-art said...

hello my sweet friend anita,
how are you? hope everything is okay and teaching is funny with the kids :) love your post here: so emotianal and the pictures are in perfect blue colours. love it so much.
wish you a wonderful week!
take care and enjoy it.
kisses to you
maren anita

Can I invite you to my GIVEAWAY ???:

YSL lipstick & Nelly leather bracelet

FASHION-MEETS-ART by Maren Anita

Simplement ... said...

A toi qui sais voir la BeautƩ en toute chose,
A toi dont les murmures romantiques touchent l'Ć¢me,
A toi, qui mieux que quiconque, fait rƩgner l'harmonie,
A toi, si loin mais tout prĆØs de mon coeur,
JE SOUHAITE UN MERVEILLEUX ANNIVERSAIRE ...
Qu'il t'apporte tout le bonheur du monde ...
C'est mon "cadeau" d'amitiƩ.
Je t'embrasse tendrement
Marie-Ange

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Anita
Happy birthday to you
Wishing you a beautiful day

It's hard when our internet down...I know that we were out for 1 day and it really throws one out. The Sistahood is still there dear one...Much Love to you on your day....Dzintra xoxo

YONKS said...

Time for meditation and a visit to your secret place!

A little bird (you) told me it was your birthday today! I wish you JOY.
Much love
Di

Karena said...

Anita I have your Feature, Interview and Giveaway up on my site!! Thank you so much!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

koralee said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET FRIEND....may your day be overflowing with JOY and Happiness...you deserve nothing but the BEST!! You are such a blessing to me...sending you ooooodles of love. Wish I could bring you some flowers and a lovely little bluebird cake to celebrate. xoxoxoxoxooxoxxooxxooxoxxoxooxoxoxxoxooxxoxoxooxxooxoxxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxo

Unknown said...

This is so beautiful! I am so glad I found your blog through Art by Karena.. I will look forward to your inspiration daily.. Your images and writing are divine.
Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com

Greet LefĆØvre said...

My dear Anita,

I want to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY full of joy! This is your day to clean your head and to relax!
Beautiful post today as always! You put so much time and energy in your posts!!
And I wanted to thank you also for your always lovely comments on my blogposts! You are so sweet and kind!
Lots of Birthday kisses dear Anita!
xx
Greet

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

Can't say that I have added a blog to my blogroll after one visit, but I can't miss anything!
Happy Monday!
Teresa
xoxo

Unknown said...

Your header is truly powerful today, and your story as always leads me right back to where imagination lives.

Anita, if you were to take the words from so many of your posts and wrap them into a book, you would have a treasure to send to any publisher. I know that you love to illustrate your words with beautiful photographs. Yet, your words are beautiful standing all alone. All that I know is that when I read your words, no matter what clutter is in my mind when I arrive here, I always leave with a clear mind and a heart back to the place where imagination begins.

Karen

Deborah said...

Beautiful...and yes...the quiet...
where we hear much.
Love to you birthday girl!!

All my heart...Deborah xoxoxooxox

Burlap Luxe said...

Anita,
mon cher ami qui marche avec Dieu, je suis trĆØs honorĆ© de vous avoir comme mon ami.

xoxo
Dore
I posted you on my sidebar!!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Wow...you must have read my thoughts! I so need some quiet time to clear my head! My thoughts are all aflutter! Beautiful post, my friend! I hope you'll stop by and give me your advice on Aromatherapy...I have a feeling you know about that subject, too!

Style Diary Of A Fashion Fanatic said...

What a beautiful post Anita!!!!
How was your weekend? My husband had a business convention from Friday to Sunday afternoon. I missed him and it was a very quiet weekend.
My poor Chihuahua, Aidan, got bit by a tick! His skin has a small infection- it reacted from the tick bite. I feel so bad for him. I've been cleaning it and keeping an antibiotic ointment on it.
I just put a new post up with photos of a new Shourouk necklace I received for my birthday and a photo of the vintage 1960's Nan Duskin coat I bought a few weeks ago. I think you'll really like it!!
I hope you're having a wonderful day!!!!
Your birthday is coming soon!!!!! :-)
Hugs and Love!!!!
Shannon :-)

francis said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANITA
Have been thinking of you all day !
Are you having a wonderful day ?
I hope there were lots of surprises today for you !
Hope the postman brings my surprise soon !
Lots of hugs and a very special
BIRTHDAYHUG .......

Suz said...

Anita,
Oh, my, yes.
Thank you.
Someday we will get together!
Big hugs,
Suz

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I'm stopping back by to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope you are having a fabulous day, my friend! And thanks for writing me such an encouraging note today! I realized today that I've had the wrong blog address in my favorite list. So now it's updated and I won't miss any more of your posts! Sweet hugs to you!

hi-d said...

Hi Anita,

I hope you had a good weekend! OOOOhhh...that is SO exciting about that local shop interested in your cards. Really cool!

The weather has turned to summer these past two days. We are having lots of sunshine, but the rain is to return soon. :(

Have a lovely week!
Heidi

Seawashed said...

Your blog banner exillerates me...Oh the sea...the majestic sea. Lovely lovely. I am guessing you are in Carmel now.

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Anita,
Happy Birthday to you!
My brother's birthday and my husband Pieter today turned 19 years as an American Citizen. Special day.
Love to you,

Mariette

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Oh no not a bug on your birthday...take care dearest...get well soon...love and hugs, Dzintra xoxo

Burlap Luxe said...

Anita Je suis honorƩ de vous crƩer une affiche qui annonce toute la beautƩ que vous crƩez et si bien donner.
Je m'assois et je pense souvent Ć  toi et comment divine, il serait de s'asseoir et de crĆ©er avec vous. J'imagine que vous assis dans votre fauteuil en Ć©coutant ce que la prochaine votre cœur veut crĆ©er.

Je me rendrai bientƓt.
xoxo
DorƩ

Martina said...

Dearest Anita, did you get my birthday wishes yesterday on Facebook? I hope so. I've been thinking of you and celebrated with you in my dreams. Just in case, here is HAPPY BIRTHDAY to YOU again - cheers to a magical and creative new year!
Thanks for visiting me today. Yes, i do sell my art, but at the moment not very actively. I used to work with a gallery in switzerland who sold my art for me, but sadly, it had to close about 3 years ago. Now, i sometimes sell paintings at "salon" events in a friends house or to people who know me. I plan to open a web-shop for the small works, but need to find the time ... Ha ha, hopefully soon, You managed all so well with your Etsy-shop! I NEED to find more time again for my ART!
Have a lovely afternoon dear friend, enjoy all the good things! xox

My Beautiful World said...

Oh the light within teachers us something in every moment. So happy to be here visiting you again, I have enjoyed catching up on all your wonderful posts, Hope you have a great day my friend.

Always Wendy

I Dream Of said...

Anita, you are so talented. Just read your story over at Karena's and I'm so thrilled that you have taken the steps to be able to focus more on your art. I made a similar move recently, and am so happy.
Sending warm wishes for a lovely birthday and a wonderful year for you! - Jeanne

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Hey Birthday Buddy I hope it was a good one and you are feeling better now. Thank you for popping in tonight...I think it will be time to put the heater on soon...hope you are having sunshine and warmth over there...here's
A cheers to us...Dzintra xo

Mapi said...

Happy Birthday dearest Anita.
Hope you have a wonderful day today.
Love and a sweet kiss from the Netherlands
Mapi

Sylvia said...

Happy Birthday, precious Anita! Wishing you all the great things in life and hope this year will bring you an extra share of all that makes you happy.
Keep on creating, dreaming, imagining, and smiling, dear friend!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

In the secret of the quiet place, in the stillness He is there. I've been prayin' for you sweetie.

I know it's hard to step outta that familiar comfort zone to move forward but that's what we have to do to follow our hearts and grow!!!

Grow my friend, blossom into what God has in store for you.

I'm confident you'll find your way dear friend.

Have a beautifully blessed day!!! :o)

Nella Miller said...

Dear Anita, I visited Karena today and am so happy to be part of her giveaway....I am so amazed by your beautiful shoes that you create! They are true works of art, treasures that only come from within the heart of the artist...what I aspire to someday...perhaps when all is taken care of...so many thoughts and ideas to bring to fruition, but they will all come in their own time, this I have learned! Much affection, N.xo

Vintage Home said...

HaPpy biRthDay ANITA! ...I hope for you, that time in the beautiful place ..many peaceful days...colleen

Heather Robinson said...

Anita, I am such a silly goose. I read this post when it first came up and was so blown away by it that I didn't know what to say. Just the pure beauty of it. So I didn't say anything! Not even "merci"! But today I read a bit more about you and your ideas over at Karena's and just had to come back. What joy and inspiration you spread. All over the world.

Happy Belated Birthday from a quiet follower. It seems like there is much ahead for you this year!

All my best from Arles,
Heather

koralee said...

Good morning my friend...thank you for your lovely comment! It is always such a joy to see that you have visited me. Today is yet another wet day here but I am off to school ...stayed home yesterday to mend myself and my voice. Off I go today....make it a good one. xoxox

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

From one birthday girl to another...enjoy the warmth and keep playing...Hugs, Dzintra xoxo

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Hi dear one...

I'm so sorry I messed up so badly... I was in such a hurry to get that up and thought I had all my ducks in a nice little row.... for Pete's sake......I think it's the whole getting old thing. I fixed it all up with a note about the change too.....

xoxoxo

Spencer

Kirsten Steen said...

Oh but that first quote below your header hit me! Chaos and what it produces. I hope the winds have calmed and are giving direction rather than too much...just too much. Have yourself a miraculous day!
Kirsten

Gloria said...

Dear Anita,

I am loving all of your beautiful blues here today! Inspiring!

We do have to find some time to have those quiet moments (to drown out the noise of the world). It is then that we are able to hear exactly what words it is that God is trying to tell us. Usually in the form of reading the Bible.. His Word, the Holy Spirit will minister to our heart to guide us along the way.

I hope your week is a happy one!
xoxo...Gloria

p.s. It looks like you had a birthday. Happy Belated Birthday! I hope it was a sweet one...:)

Ivy and Elephants said...

Hi Dear Anita,
How was your time off? I hope we can keep pushing through and end the year on a high note for the kids! (Now that all that nasty testing is over!)
I am so inspired by you listening to that voice inside and following your heart. Such a beautiful and wise post. I can just see you in your little canoe with God's hand at the tiller.
Big hugs,
Patti

Poppies and Sunshine said...

Anita!!!! I have missed you so. I hope you know I think of you often. I have taken an unplanned break from blogging because of many things going on with life right now. And this post is perfect...I need a beautiful place to clear my head, that is for sure!
I think the last I talked to you, I mentioned my grandma was not well. She had surgery and is now doing much better. Part of my break was to spend more time with her. Work has also been keeping me very busy and I've taken any free time I have to work on my Etsy shop...which is soon to open finally! Sometimes we just need to take a break and focus priorities on goals to get them accomplished. But, I have felt bad to leave such long periods of silence to sweet friends like you. But like I said, I think of you often. How is work and life for you? I hope you are doing well! Sending much love and sunshine to you!
xoxo Shawna

Christmas-etc... said...

That beautiful place can be anywhere... even in the quiet of your very own living room...
Blessings,
Ann

francis said...

Lieve lieve Anita
My sweet friend Saskia just send me a picture of a very beautiful surprise she ordered and received .
Also with a very beautiful card !
Oh my .....I will have coffee at her house soon ....must see that with my own eyes !
Are you doing well
Are you still in peace with your decision ?
I hope so ! I see a bright and shiny future for you !
lots of hugs for you !

Jen Beaudet said...

What a beautiful post Anita. We all need time to clear our heads. The sea is a wonderful place to do it! I hope your week gives you this peace. Maybe a vacation? (A mini one) :)
Take care!
Jenniferxox

Annie Cholewa said...

Hello. I have been visiting here for a long time, ever since the lovely Stephanie at Millefeuilles suggested I should. But I have never commented before. But it seems wrong to enter Karena's giveaway for your beautiful angel without saying Hi. Your blog is beautiful, so much so that I am rather over awed by it x

hi-d said...

Hi Anita,

I meant to mention to you the other day how nice the post from Karena was, featuring you. I learned a little bit more about you. What a great featue she did, and I hope it brings you some new business.

Are you starting to count down the days until you are finished with school? I am so excited for you.

Much love,
Heidi

koralee said...

Hi dear one...how was your school day? My students are wild ...can't figure it out..I am thinking it must be Spring fever or maybe it is the fact that it has been raining for days and days and they need a good run outside in the sunshine...whatever is the cause I am happy it is Friday tomorrow.
Have a great evening...I am off to take my girls for a dinner out...my sweetie is working late tonight and after the day I had I am not ready to cook the girls a meal. xoxoxoxo

Debbi Tehrani said...

I just wanted to say how lovely your blog is!

Ivy Clad said...

Hello friend, beautiful, poignant post. I too could use some time in a beautiful place to clear my head.. (and lungs for that matter).

Waiting for the stillness and silence is a wonderful thing, but hard for the impatient (like me) to do. As a reminder, I love to read and recite the story of Elijah and God's still, small voice to myself and my little ones. Your post reminded me so much of it.

Wishing you peace and serenity,
Keri

Anonymous said...

anita...
i read all about you
on your friend's blog...
which was wonderfully
worded...be bold my
dear...be bold inside
your silent light

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
francis said...

Birds are singing
Sun is shining
Tea in my cup
I am taking good care of my heart !
Just this morning I had this clarifying brainwave .....
some experiences can only be celebrated IN your heart.
That may not be WORLDNEWS but for me it is .
Because I kept the pieces of my once-broken heart closed as possible .
To be able to think this is like a miracle for me .
And I share it with you for I know if anyone can understand YOU are !
Love and hugs for today my friend

Sandra van Doorn said...

it all comes from within; though i am having a bit of a hard time with it at the moment! How are you Anita? how is your art doing?
as always the words and photography in your posts are like a dream ... i absolutely adore your banner! can i live here for bit? xo sandra

Anonymous said...

Anita, one cannot stop by your page and not linger beyond one post. So much beauty.
Thank you for stopping by. Irina is much too kind. Is there a way to email you? I tried replying to your comment but there is a noreply return address. I have that too so I understand.
You may email me by visiting my page and clicking the email envelope on my sidebar or clicking "You've Got Mail" under my header.
Thank you so much, love.
MUAH!
Marcia

Ivy Clad said...

I am sorry to read that you aren't well either. You are right about burning the candle at both ends. I was so busy taking my own advice about working hard that I didn't stop long enough to take care of myself. Thank you for the well wishes. I hope you're quickly on the mend too!

Keri

Petit Coterie said...

What an unexpected journey for a series of mouse clicks to bring me to. Thank you for that. I'll be coming back for more.

C'est moi Claudette said...

Oh mon dieu.
I missed your beautiful birthday dearest friend. I went off to Karena's blog and OMG what a wonderful post, and I never came back.
I know I'm late, but know that I think of you often and hope all is falling into place.
Did I read you were sick?? I hope not.
I love you to the moon and back
xoxoxoxo

wendy said...

The photos were amazing.
I so agree, that sometimes we need to envelope ourselves in the "silence"
so we can HEAR the things we need to

A Magical Whimsy said...

Hello, dearest Anita
I hope you are doing well. You spoke the depths of your heart on this post and God knows the timing of all things. Sometimes I know I am at a stand still in some areas of my life that I cannot change...so I wait...but not always patiently. Then I go through the turmoil of my soul as to why certain things have not changed...then I do hear God's voice which says 'Be still, and know that I AM GOD.' And I think, wow, God sure has had a lot of patience with his children, waiting for them to get still enough to hear Him. Then, I go back to square one, and continue to wait patiently for whatever forward progress I make, even if it is tiny baby steps in the scheme of life and the goals I would like to accomplish. And everything is really okay.
May you have a lovely weekend.
And the photos were beyond glorious...they were ethereal and other worldly.
love and hugs,
Teresa in good old California

Anonymous said...

oh my gosh...
you got photoshop!!!
you are going to
have soo much darn
fun...you won't
know when to stop!
ps...if you need
help learning...
Susan Tuttle has
a wonderful book
out...she also
has online classes.
Sweet Anita...
a whole world has
opened up for you!!!
I am so excited
I may not be able
to sleep!!!

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Thank you dearest for coming to visit me. So happy you enjoyed meeting Coco..
Have a wonderful weekend. I will slip you an email when I return.
Bisous, Penny

Kathysue said...

Anita, Your words always touch my heart. They always make me think, but they go deeper than my thoughts they go straight to my heart♥ Kathysue

fee @ chipper nelly said...

I know I'm (fashionably) late to the party this week but H♥PPY BIRTD♥Y!
keep paddling
fee x

Unknown said...

"i just need some time in a beautiful place to clear my head"

BRILLIANT!!

if i am not at the sea, then it is here ~ in your beautiful world, that i chose to be, to clear my head...

today, my heart lingers on your very well articulated words of:

"there are times in our lives
when voices from
the four winds
overwhelm us"

yes, i have found this to be so true...i sometimes feel as that weary starfish, floating to the bottom, wanting so desperately to find my place in this journey...

your elegant style presents me with surreal and effervescent possibilities to float on ~ THANK YOU dear Anita...
for your timely virtual life raft!

xo, Rosemary

Jennifer Vance said...

I saw this post when you first put it up and meant to make a comment on it.I think it was that very night I had decided I needed to just shut off the computer and lay there and listen for God's voice..in silence.This post gave me that little shove to do that. ;)
Oh,and I just remembered,in your little interview,you said something about making period dresses?I want to know more! :D

Jennifer Vance said...

Yes,I do know you quit your job.I've been keeping tabs on your etsy and tweeting an item when I can,just in case it helps! :)
<3

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dearest!!
You really like my coach and moussie ? THANK YOU for your very encouraging words.
Off to pick up Miss Zoe at the groomers... Back later. You are such a dear...
Bisous, Penny