This post could be subtitled, "The Real Reason I Haven't Finished Baking Christmas Cookies." Yes, I am prone to procrastination, even in the busiest of times (or perhaps especially in the busiest of times) and today was no exception. The kitchen was a mess, presents were waiting to be wrapped, and cards waiting to be written, yet I was calmly making a journal page. I guess I could blame it on my friend for sharing such a great quote on Facebook, because it really is so wonderful. I could also blame it on Jennibellie's latest tutorial on making a journal page in 15 minutes, which I also decided to watch today. But I think it was a little voice inside me telling me that it really is OK, and maybe even necessary to give ourselves permission to sit down, relax, breathe, and contemplate during this busy, and let's face it, sometimes stressful time of year.
The idea came to me to use this quote which I'd seen earlier and wanted to remember. In this time of so much violence and heartache in our country, and in our world, I found these words so reassuring and inspiring -- healing words to live by and remember now and throughout the coming year.
Thank you to all who have visited my blog this year and commented with such kindess. Best wishes to all of you for a wonderful holiday season and a very happy new year.
Yes, we all can use those healing words of peace, shalom right now! Thank you for sharing them with us!!! HPPF!
ReplyDeleteyou make it in the right way in my mind... we first have to look after our souls.. and if we have to relax ..we have to do it.. making art oder crafting is the best way to come to your inner path and to your soul...
ReplyDeletewhat is more important than this! Finding inner peace!
if all people would find a way like we creative souls find it..
there would exist much more PEACE at all !
Have a wonderful relaxing time --very merry christmas-
NAMASTE!
Thank you for visting me and thank you for setting the ART JOURNAL JOURNEY button here on your fantastic blog!
xxx Susi
Beautiful and so peaceful! You did just great to take that time for you! Wishing you too a very peaceful and happy Christmas! xx
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your words and your lovely journal page. We all need to take time to sit and think and breathe. It is part of the creative process. It is also a gift that we can give to ourself each day. I hope you have wonderful holiday season.
ReplyDeletelovely words and a lovely illustration. You may not have made the cookies but you made something else lovely instead - and we all got to share it! Happy Holidays.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful journal spread, so perfect for the season. Happy Holidays and Happy PPF!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful image, and exactly what so many of us need to see and think just now.
ReplyDeleteWe all need these peaceful reminders. Lovely page. I will have to check out that video you mentioned
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work! Happy Christmas to you and yours! Valerie
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely journal page and reminder for all of us to relax and enjoy some peace. I'm procrastinating as well, but maybe now I'll just think of it as my peaceful time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful piece.
ReplyDeleteLove the subtitle, too! :)
♥♥♥
Happy PPF and Happy Holidays!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
beautiful quote and lovely, symbolic dove. good for you for taking some time to breathe and create!
ReplyDeletehappy holidays!
What a great quote. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteI love that you did this instead of the stressful to do list! I get such a strong feeling of peace when I look at your piece! I keep heading to the studio to avoid wrapping and now the kids are starting to take over doing it- win win!
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie, a wonderful quote with your bird of peace. Thank you for your comment on my blog today. I can definitely relate to putting off those Christmas chores. I was cutting all my cardboard debris into ATC sizes this morning for about an hour even though I have cards to write and one more package to mail. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
ReplyDeleteI love the Dove! (Eh, part of enjoying the season is the creating while you have lots of other holiday things to do!) Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, this a a beautiful and serene painting with a much-needed message. It really is important to rest from our frenetic activity and allow ourselves to reflect on and express what is in our hearts. I hope you have a peaceful and joyous Christmas. -Terri
ReplyDeletethis is so soothing and peaceful, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful page, Debbie...better than Christmas cookies, at least for your waistline! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy PPF and Happy Holidays.
Rita
This is really beautiful Debbie! Thanks so much for sharing ♥ ♥
ReplyDeletebeautiful journal page Debbie!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful page with a great quote! And of course both are essential: art and cookies! Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteAmazing Artwork !!
ReplyDeleteLove your painting and inspiration.
Take a look into mine
http://ashbeezone.wordpress.com/category/talent-underground/art-attack-zone/
}{appy }{olidays !!
This is lovely - I think you are totally right - it is ok to relax and in the end the cookies don't need to be made. I too struggle to relax at this time of year! Have a great Christmas x
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! Good for you!!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your page... the beautiful words, colours and of course the wonderful dove.
Happy Holidays to you and yours
Karenx
Lovely quote and painting. I haven't made my cookies yet either. Slowly, slowly, like the turtle who gets there in the end. Merry Christmas and Enjoy!!!
ReplyDeleteGood for you to just sit down and take some me-time. We all need that from time to time. The quote really is beautiful and so true, and you made a fantastic journalpage with it. Hope your Christmas will be lovely, and your new year filled with creativity and fun! ♥
ReplyDeleteYes we do need to take the time to nourish our souls in order to keep our energy going in a positive direction. Beautiful journal page. Happiest of holidays to you!
ReplyDeleteWe definitely do need time to rejuvenate, especially when things are crazy around us. Beautiful journal page. Happy Holidays and Happy PPF!
ReplyDeleteA lovely journal page and quote!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a relaxing and peaceful Christas, Debbie! Happy PPF.
It's great that you take a break and created this page. So peaceful. Am sure you feel calm too. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYour soul decided your journal page was more important than cookies. :) Lol! Some might argue though. Great page!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Wishing you a very festive Xmas and a happy and arty 2013.
ReplyDeleteoh what a wonderful reminder to enjoy life!!! love this journal you are working on!!! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!!!!
ReplyDeletethe dove of peace fits so perfectly with what you are saying. Blessings, Janet PPF
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful Page! And I love your quote!
ReplyDeletewonderful .. thank you to link this to the peace theme over on
ReplyDeleteART-JOURNAL-JOURNEY
xxx Susi!