The Weekly Goddess 101 - Diana

Weekly Goddess 101 - Diana

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Diana, Roman goddess of the hunt, fertility and childbirth, bears all the qualities of the prehistoric mother goddess from whom she may have originated -- strong, independent, adventurous, creative, destructive. Diana might seem contradictory -- fierce and loving, creative and destructive -- much like the Hindu goddess Kali; but like this Divine Mother, Diana's opposites create a whole, representing the complete circle of creation and destruction in the world.

The goddess Diana was very highly worshipped in ancient Rome. Her Greek counterpart, fell under the name Artemis. Diana in Roman worship, was known as well as a maiden huntress, protector of all that is wild and free. This is virtually the same context that the Greek Artemis fell under. However, as centuries past and ancient Rome grew, so did the followings of the goddess Diana.
Diana no longer was classed simply as a maiden huntress, but grew to the status of motherhood. By the birth of her daughter Ariadia. Then her path grew as well, to become known as the Queen of Witches.
( This during the famous witch hunts, falling between the 15th and 17th centuries. ) Diana became the mistress of majick. The teacher of spells, healing, and at the same time still holding her status as the protectress of all things wild.

She is praised for her strength, athletic grace, beauty and her hunting skills. With two other deities she made up a trinity: Egeria the water nymph (her servant and assistant midwife), and Virbius (the woodland god). She was the daughter of Jupiter and Latona, and the twin sister of Apollo. Both were born on the island Delos.

Diana was worshipped in a temple on the Aventine Hill and at the city of Ephesus where stood the Temple of Artemis. (At the city of Ephesus Jesus' mother, the virgin Mary, was officially decreed to be the Mother of God). Diana was regarded with great reverence by lower-class citizens and slaves. Slaves could receive asylum in her temples. She was worshipped at a festival on August 13.
Diana remains an important figure in some modern mythologies. In Freemasonry, she is considered a symbol of imagination, sensibility, and the creative insanity of poets and artists. Those who believe that prehistoric peoples lived in matriarchal societies consider Diana to have originated in a mother goddess worshipped at that time, and she is still worshiped today by women practicing the religion known as Dianic Wicca.

Stories of Goddess Diana are told form the beginning of Troy to the Christian Bible of King James in the scriptures of Acts and the gospels of Paul.

"Acts19:27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshipped.

Acts19:28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians."

The multi-breasted statue of Diana at Her Temple in Ephesus displayed her capability to nourish all creatures and provide for them. Worshippers adored Goddess Diana so much that the only way the Christians could rid the people of their Goddess was by assimilating her into their new religion. Thus Ephesus became a place of Mary, Mother of God. The church even invented stories of Mary living at Ephesus and being entombed there.

In Babylonia, and in the nation of Assyria, she was known as "ISHTAR" The Phoenicians called her "ASTARTE". The Israelites knew her as "ASHTORETH".

Diana was also the goddess of the Latin commonwealth where She rule with Her brother Lucifer. Lucifer being a Latin word for “Light Bringer”.

In Italy the old religion of Stergheria embraced goddess Diana as Queen of the Witches. Witches being the wise women healers of the time. Goddess Diana created the world of her own being having in herself the seeds of all creation yet to come. It is said that out of herself she divided into the darkness and the light, keeping for herself the darkness of creation and creating her brother Lucifer, the light. Goddess Diana loved and ruled with her brother Lucifer, the god of the Sun and Moon.

Fascinating and vastly interesting, the mythology of Diana bears qualities that can deepen and enlighten our human experience even today. As you learn about Diana, you will likely find yourself free-associating about your own life and experiences.

***

This last week...I had the stomach Flu...From Hell.

I spent the week in misery and wishing I had evolved into a being which did not require the use or need of food or bowels.

I hated it! Blech!

I am feeling a little better today, and glad for the reprieve.

While doing the research for this weeks goddess, I found that I was thinking about my own inner warrior, and huntress. I am working on the new Fairy World works for the show in April and looking for new ideas to explore in the issues surrounding the world of womanhood through the ages. This weekly spotlight on the goddess is really helping in that effort; I have sketched out a new work including Diana as a Fairy Goddess in my fictional world. I like the way it is turning out. Anytime I can include a woman archer into my work is good...being that Archery is my favorite sport and pastime.

So, I hope that your day is full and bright...I will be finally back to the easel today,

and happily sipping tea, eating crackers...and contemplating my inner warrior as muse.

Be well, and share your love,

Heather

Info for this article was compiled from many different sources.

www.badkittyartstudio.com

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Life above the Fold

BAD! Kitty Art Studio...

(above) one of the collaged A.I.M. magnets from the

(ever growing) collection...

***

So...last night while waiting for the fast food dinner to arrive because I was so tired, I didn't care what we ate for dinner, just that the boys had something other than each other to chew on. The oldest starts asking questions of his way to exhausted Mother (yep, that's me). I am so lucky...

Here is a little of the conversation...

Oldest: "Mom what's a condom?" (he is nine)

Mom: "Well son, it's a tool for grown-ups to use to keep from getting STD's."

Oldest: "what's a STD?" (should have known that was coming, this is when I snapped to and got the brain pan online)

Mom: "Well, it's a sexually transmitted disease. You can get diseases from having unprotected sex, when you are a grown-up, and condom's are to keep you a little safer."

Oldest: "So, where do they go?"

Youngest: "I know, I know...they go on your boy stuff! Right Mom?" (he is eight)

Mom: " Yes, that's right...how did you know that?"

Youngest: " a girl at school told me."

Mom: (now alarmed) " Why were you talking about condom's at school?"

Youngest "She said she found some condoms in her parent's room and was talking about it."

Mom: (now even more alarmed and uncomfortable) "So, did she know what they were for?"

Youngest: "yeah her Mom said they were for not making babies though."

Oldest: "Yuck, babies! Gross."

Mom: " Well they do help prevent pregnancies too."

Oldest: " Mom how do you get a condom on your stuff? I mean...how does it work?"

Mom: (who is now not believing that I am the only adult in the house, and really wishing Dad was around) " Well...uummmm, look son, you are not old enough to need to know this stuff yet, and when you are I promise I will tell you all the things you will need to know, OK?" (I am thinking where is the freaking Pizza already? Save Me!)

Youngest: " I know...you have to swallow them so you can pee it out, is that right Mom? I wonder if they taste better with Orange Juice? You know like medicine?"

Mom: "Well, boys...no you don't swallow them, and I promise I will tell you all about this when you are old enough to worry about sex, right now that is not something you need to think about, and sex is not something you need to know all about yet, except remember how Mom told you about how babies are made? That's sex, and it's only for grown-ups that love each other."

Oldest: " Ok Mom...sex is so gross! Babies...yuck! But Mom... when will I be old enough to have sex?"

Mom: " When you are 30."

Just then the mohawked pizza guy showed up...and the boys screamed Yea! Pizza's here!

Youngest: (while eating pizza) "Mom, where do lesbians come from?"

Mom:" Eat your pizza before it gets cold honey, I have to call your Dad...he should be home soon, and you can ask him that one OK?"

Youngest: "Ok Mom, can I have some Pop with my dinner?"

Mom: " No, it's bad for your bones honey, here's some juice."

Oldest to youngest: " I wonder where girls put their condoms?"

Mom: "where the heck is the phone!"

***

Heather

www.badkittyartstudio.com

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Synergy and Art

BAD! Kitty Art Studio

(above) The Light at the End

Oils and mixed Media

By; HMBT 2006

(sold)

***

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved."

~Helen Keller

***

My vision is restored, my crappy thinking about what might be...banished for the time being. The light at the end of my tunnel is bright and guiding my hand in my work and daily life. Synergy in the work and the living. I am free from worry at the moment and it feels good and right. I am not thinking about what will happen but rather what is happening now. I am dreaming art, color, texture and meaning. I wake up and can not wait to get to work again. Losing myself in the heaven of creativity and inspiration. I am happy and I am enjoying the fact. I am creating and that makes me feel powerful and full of meaning. I have the life I want and the life I need. I have purpose and reason for being. Life is good when intention and practice combine to create a whole perception of being fully awake.

It is me Universe, it is me standing here again, making the choice to be responsive and willing. I do not fear tomorrow, I am living for today.

Here's to work that charges the soul and excites the flesh.

I can't wait to share some of the new work with you!

Heather

www.badkittyartstudio.com

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Muzility

Put your videos on the Internet at Muzility

I found this service, in my research to find new ways to reach my own clients. I found it to be unique and interesting. Check it out...it might be right for you.

Heather

Mug Shots as Art

Check this article out, I loved the whole concept as I too collect and use in my work candid vintage "nobody" photo's...I think of them, those strange faces looking back, as "anybody and everybody". Some of them are comfortable and some are stiff and staring, but they always move me in a way that new digital photos don't always these days. Here's the link, it's a good read, check it out.
http://www.boingboing.net/2007/01/15/mug_shots_as_art.html

Hope you are having a good day!
Heather

Trust ME! You want to make the chicken dance!

http://www.theclayman.com/dancing_chicken_v1.html

Hit the link, turn on your speakers...

and dance baby dance!

Pump it UP!

:)

Heather

Stanfords Free Education for Entrepreneurship

Title: The Current Need For the True Spirit of EntrepreneurshipLink: http://edcorner.stanford.edu/authorMaterialInfo.html?mid=224

The STVP Educators Corner is a free online archive of entrepreneurship resourcesincluding videos, podcasts and case studies.

I have been studying so many subjects in the Free courses provided to every human on the earth that can access them through freeware at MIT and Stanford University (link above)…I didn't know if I had shared the links to each source as of yet here for you all to take advantage or not, so here they are for you. Just click on the link above to see a wonderful short Video about Social Entrepreneurship by this incredible human.
Enjoy!
Heather
www.badkittyartstudio.com

Hole in the Wall - Minimally Invasive Education.

Dr. Sugata Mitra, Chief Scientist at NIIT, is credited with the discovery of Hole-in-the-Wall. As early as 1982, he had been toying with the idea of unsupervised learning and computers. Finally, in 1999, he decided to test his ideas in the field. On 26th January, Dr. Mitra's team carved a "hole in the wall" that separated the NIIT premises from the adjoining slum in Kalkaji, New Delhi. Through this hole, a freely accessible computer was put up for use. This computer proved to be an instant hit among the slum dwellers, especially the children. With no prior experience, the children learnt to use the computer on their own. This prompted Dr. Mitra to propose the following hypothesis:

The acquisition of basic computing skills by any set of children can be achieved through incidental learning provided the learners are given access to a suitable computing facility, with entertaining and motivating content and some minimal (human) guidance.

Encouraged by the success of the Kalkaji experiment, freely accessible computers were set up in Shivpuri (a town in Madhya Pradesh) and in Madantusi (a village in Uttar Pradesh). These experiments came to be known as Hole-in-the-Wall experiments. The findings from Shivpuri and Madantusi confirmed the results of Kalkaji experiments. It appeared that the children in these two places picked up computer skills on their own. Dr. Mitra defined this as a new way of learning - Minimally Invasive Education.

At this point in time, International Finance Corporation joined hands with NIIT to set up Hole-in-the-Wall Education Ltd (HiWEL). The idea was to broaden the scope of the experiments and conduct research to prove and streamline Hole-in-the-Wall. As part of this, more than 30 such clusters of computers or, as they have come to be known, Learning Stations have been set up in India and outside India. The results, which have been uniformly encouraging, show that children learn to operate as well as play with the computer with minimum intervention. They picked up skills and tasks by constructing their own learning environment.

About the man
Chief Scientist at NIIT, Dr. Sugata Mitra is a long-term educationist and a scientist of international repute. He has over 25 inventions and first-time applications in the areas of Cognitive Science, Information Science and Education Technology, to his credit.

Dr. Mitra is a winner of "Man of Peace Award" from Together for Peace Foundation, USA, and "Social Innovation Award" from Institute of Social Inventions, UK. He was recently conferred with the "Dewang Mehta Award" by the Government of India in recognition for his work related to Hole-in-the-Wall.

About NIIT
NIIT, the global IT Learning Solutions Corporation, is known for its pioneering work in the field of IT education and training. Its strong research orientation has helped it to continuously innovate in the areas of instructional design methodologies, and curricula development that is cutting-edge.

NIIT's vast education delivery network spread across 33 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa and Australia/Oceania, blends classroom and on-line learning. The company provides a comprehensive education environment to individuals and enterprises; offering training that is customized to the varied needs of audiences with diverse backgrounds.

To learn more about NIIT, visit http://www.niit.com/

Goddess 101 - Fortuna

(above) The Goddess Fortuna

by Serenity


Fortuna, Roman goddess of chance. This deity, whose name means "she who brings things," is associated with possibility -- and the randomness -- of the cosmos. She promises riches and abundance and nurtures our individual destinies through the ups and downs of life. She is said to reward those who have joyful intentions with success and prosperity.

Fortuna is usually depicted holding a rudder in one hand, steering our destiny as our karmic path progresses. Other times she clutches a cornucopia (horn of plenty), signifying the wealth that she can bring. She also has a wheel beside her, reminding us that she is the benefactor of life, death, and, of course, the wheel of fortune.


Known as Tyche to the Greeks, Fortuna was worshipped extensively throughout the Roman Empire and had oracular shrines at Antium and Praeneste (now Anzio and Palestrina). At first, she was regarded as a kind of fertility goddess or bearer of prosperity, and later was invoked for good luck - or lamented to, as in the "Ode to Fortuna", the famous opening of Carl Orff's Carmina Burana.


Fortuna, was introduced among the Romans from Greece during the reign of Servius Tullius, and soon became very popular. Indeed, at one period Fortuna was the chief Italian divinity, and the plebeians and slaves held an annual festival on the twenty-fourth day of June in honor of her who could bestow riches and liberty. Pliny wrote that the Chance or Fortune by means of which we acquire so much is a divine power; and Plutarch, in his work on the Fortune of the Romans, attempts to show that the great achievements of that people were to be attributed to good luck rather than to sagacity or prowess. As an example he cites their escape from invasion by the opportune death of Alexander the Great at Babylon, B.C. 323, at a time when he was preparing to overwhelm Italy with his armies.


Temples in honor of the Goddess Tyche were built at Elis, Corinth, and in other Grecian cities; and in the second century A. D. the eminent philanthropist, Herodes Atticus, erected for her a temple in Athens, the ruins of which are believed still to exist.
The western suburb of Syracuse, in Sicily, was called Tuxn, after a temple of Tyche which adorned it.

Among the Italians the worship of Fortune became so popular that her temples outnumbered all others. "We have built a thousand temples to Fortune and not one to Reason," remarked Fronto, the worthy tutor of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Of all these pagan edifices in Rome, but a single one now remains, the temple of Fortuna Virilis, now the church of Santa Maria Egiziaca. It is a small Ionic tetrastyle building on the left bank of the Tiber, a little north of the so-called Temple of the Sun. But the most famous Italian temple of Fortune was at Preneste, an ancient Latin town, now called Palestrina. Here oracles were consulted and fugitives found a place of refuge.
In Great Britain there still exist a number of altars in honor of Fortune, which date from the Roman occupation. One of these, on the line of the wall of Antoninus in Scotland, was erected by soldiers of the second and sixth legions. Another altar, dedicated to the same goddess, was found at the headquarters of the sixth legion at Eboracum, the modern city of York, and is still to be seen at the museum there.
***
Working on my own fate and fortune, I will be at the easel most of the day today.
As well as cleaning up my regular life, that has been suffering under the weight of my creative Muse's take-over of my brain pan and energies.
May the world favor you today in all that you do and say.
Heather
http://www.badkittyartstudio.com/
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The Uberman Sleep Schedule

http://www.puredoxyk.com/
OK the first link is not the Uberman sleep schedule that I have been researching and thinking of trying out...to recapture more hours in my daily life and also to finally have enough time to really start weaving my navel flint into a grand piano. The author of this site is really funny, charming and a Polyphasic sleeper (one of the options I am researching for navel flint weaving)- and she's a MOM too! So here's the link to the sleep schedule and info on the Uberman Schedule and what's it's all about. The Uberman
It has been well researched, and proven useful to some of the worlds greatest human beings...so I thought heck why not? If I choose to try it out, I'll keep you posted on my progress into time warping insanity.

I am looking into ways to increase (create more of) my time, energy, creativity, financial outlook and my spiritual reserves.
I have not made any hard and fast choices yet, but I have made the decision that this is what I am going to accomplish this year. That as they say, is the first rule of manifestation...make a decision and then devise an action plan around that choice. Here's to the choosing! Life is short and full of choices...choose often and wisely. Living like there's no tomorrow, I am off to finish my work for the day...I have started the Fairy World work...I have a demanding work ethic so I must complete my days goal before I can rest.
I hope the day is treating you well,
Heather
www.badkittyartstudio.com
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Great Service and Free Auctions - LiveDeal

BAD! Kitty Art Studio
Check This out!
***
LiveDeal is a great auction site that I use myself to sell my art and anything else I may want to sell. The cool thing is this I also use it to find things like: real estate, rentals, jobs, cars, pets, consumer goods...and the list goes on! Much like Ebay, if you are looking for something you will find it on LiveDeal, but what makes it even better is the fact that listings are Free, I'll say it again...The Stores are Free, the listings are unlimited and also are Free!
(from the LiveDeal about us page)
LiveDeal is a leading local online classifieds site with more than $3 billion in merchandise listed for sale, with presence in every city and every zip code in the U.S. By combining the benefits of classifieds, Yellow Pages and e-commerce, LiveDeal offers the best, most affordable solution anywhere for helping people find and list items for sale. The LiveDeal platform lets people effortlessly interact and transact at the local level, while still being able to post and search items nationally.

Because LiveDeal unites buyers and sellers in local areas with free listings, the company makes the listing, buying, and selling of goods and services convenient, safe and affordable – especially for “big ticket” and hard-to-ship items such as cars, furniture, pets and major appliances. LiveDeal reduces the risk of fraud – a major consideration when buying via a service such as eBay – eliminates prohibitive shipping costs for local transactions and makes “trying before you buy” a reality.

LiveDeal uses patent-pending technology that provides consumers with a local-to-global approach towards buying and selling. LiveDeal lets consumers search or browse for items in a particular city, state or zip code. The site also offers email alerts that notify buyers once an item they seek becomes available on LiveDeal.com.

LiveDeal breaks down the traditional barriers between local buyers and sellers by providing the most flexible, low-cost alternative to classifieds and other online e-commerce sites. LiveDeal offers free listings with optional fees for value-added services. And unlike sites such as craigslist, LiveDeal provides a professional, family-friendly, e-commerce environment that is accessible in over 70,000 zip codes across the U.S. LiveDeal is also different from online auction services such as eBay since it focuses on bringing together buyers and sellers in local markets, avoiding shipping hassles and costs, and giving consumers an opportunity to try before they buy.
***
So, click on the link above to check it out! Ditch the high cost classifieds, advertising, and costs of selling your items and artworks...think LiveDeal instead!


Have a wonderful day,
Heather
www.badkittyartstudio.com

I am Full of it!

BAD! Kitty News from the front...
***
After eating a wonderful Raw breakfast, chock full of good energy and vitamins, and then doing my workout and Yoga...
I am bouncing off the walls!
I am full of Vim and Vigor!
Can someone please tell me what the hell "vim" is?
I gotta put more of that on my shopping list, I think that was the last of what I had in the pantry!
Varrooom, Varrooom!
Heather
www.badkittyartstudio.com

the Art of letting go

BAD! Kitty Art Studio
(above) Fairy World 'Power'
Oils and mixed Media framed
by: HMBT 2006
***
Regrets...I am thinking about regret and what power it has in my life and what I am going to do about it. I am getting ready for another Solo Gallery show as most of you know, another opening for Fairy World...only this time, it's a whole new showing with new works being created for the big opening. I have been getting the ideas together, organizing the next steps, thinking so hard about what I am doing in the moments of my day, I some times think my eyes will explode.

I awoke this morning thinking...darn it! I wish I still had certain works that have been sold from the West Coast tour of Fairy World last year...what the hell kind of critical thinking is that? I mean the first year of the series, I basically sold out the works, and commissioned two more for private parties. That is success! I have had terrific critical review of the series, and the fact that this very large Gallery has asked me to continue the series is a good thing. I have to admit for the last couple of days I have been a little stymied as to how to "get back" into the Fairy World groove and push some new works out that feel authentic to the series as a whole and to my current state of mind. For the first few days of this week I was bemoaning my sales of the original works, because I have been thinking..."those were really good, how will I create more like that?"
Stinking thinking to be sure.

I caught myself again doing exactly that this morning, and I am stopping it here and now by admitting it and moving the hell on. The series is now into it's 2 year (closer to three really) in development, and it's changing and growing...just like me. I don't want carbon copies of what I have already done, I want to take my current life experiences and translate them into the series.

This is a East Coast show...they need to see who I am today, not what was motivating me over a year ago. ARGH! Come on old girl, get with it. Just acknowledging my yucky thinking has set me free to really begin the work. Freeing myself from regret, and forgiving myself for not being perfect is exactly what I need in the moment. I am now really feeling the creative muse swelling up inside my "let's play and paint something great" mind. I am seeing new works (yes more than one at a time) in my minds eye...Thank the Universe...my thinker is NOT broken after all. It was just a case of bad thinking that had built a wall up and was blocking my view.

For the new works I have to get to stepping on creating I have chosen the above painting that IS left from the original series (I kept her because I love her, and she will be going to the show and be for sale) to keep in the studio, front and center...to remind myself of what I am doing and why. Power...it's not about outer control, it's about inner release and control of myself around and about the people, places and situations I experience. I don't mean straight jackets and chain control... Instead I mean it's the Power to respond to life instead of always reacting to it.

Power...exactly what this BAD! Kitty needs to put the peddle to the metal and burn rubber on my present day experiences; to translate that knowledge into fantastic works to inspire a whole new segment of the Fairy World Series.
I am now ready...
to really begin.
May the world be a wonderful place for you today,
Heather
www.badkittyartstudio.com
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A Great Blog From Portland! U Must read...really!

http://catsfromjapan.blogspot.com/
You simply have to love people from Portland, at least I think you do, well OK I have to love COOL people from Portland, the city that I am missing so very much right now, my hometown and place I can't wait to return to...anywho, this Grrrl Rocks and I enjoy reading her blog often...she has not been around lately, but I am hoping she will be back soon! Oh, and BTW she calls herself...bad kitty!
I love it!
Enjoy all,
Heather
www.badkittyartstudio.com

May the Force be with you! Feng Shui for Vitality

BAD! Kitty Art Studio
(above) Fairy World 11 ' The Journey'
Collage and oils on a recycled wood base
By: HMBT 2006
(sold)
***

The Chinese art of Feng Shui has been practiced for centuries and it offers some tips for improving, or maintaining your health and energy levels!

According to the experts, one of the best ways you can encourage your own state of well being is to surround yourself with life energy. Fresh flowers and plants will work wonders for your mind, body and spirit in this tradition and Feng Shui practitioners recommend that you put plenty around the house and yard (or whatever space you've got). Just be sure to keep them healthy. Dried flowers are considered bad for your energy (after all, they're dead) and may allow you to stay trapped in old energy or hold onto old patterns that are making you sick in some way (or at least not letting you blossom). Same goes for dying or wilting plants. Silk flowers, on the other hand, will do the trick, especially if you have an allergy or can't spend weekly on the fresh stuff, but the idea is to surround yourself with life force, so obviously, live plants are optimal.

If you really want to take this up another notch, Feng Shui experts recommend getting a pet. A dog, cat, or whatever other house-appropriate animal will help to stimulate your energy and re-root you. They are champions of people who will love you unconditionally, which naturally generates even more positive energy in your home and in your life. Fish are also great life force enhancers...keeping two goldfish and one black goldfish (all together in the same bowl) in your home (goldfish come in many colors) is said to increase your wealth and protect health. So, if you don't have the room or time for a furry friend, consider goldfish for your pet.

You've heard the saying green with envy, right? Well in Feng Shui tradition, that would be green with healthy, since green is the color of health!

Like many other groups, the Chinese believe that certain colors can promote health and spirituality. Green, in particular is said to soothe and replenish the soul, and they suggest that those who are ailing or simply concerned about health wear it often and place it in key areas of their homes. Likewise, they believe that wearing pink melts anger, donning yellow stimulates the mind and putting on a little something blue promotes tranquility. Note which areas you feel you're lacking (or could use a little help with) and dress accordingly. You may find yourself on the sunnier side of things when the day is done!

In Feng Shui tradition, bathrooms can drain your health and your finances. To prevent this from happening, not only is it advisable to decorate your bathrooms in earth tones ("to figuratively dam the leak" as one expert puts it), but make sure you fix any leaky faucets (inside and out) and always turn the water all the way off! Likewise, put the toilet seat down when you leave the room. You don't want to flush your money -- or your well being -- down the toilet!

Like all things, you need to pay attention to your body if you want to be healthy… and you need to send that message to the universe as well. In Feng Shui tradition, most attributes to a life well-lived have an area of the house dedicated to them. Health finds its home in the left-center section of each room and (if you have a yard) in the left-center section of your property (considered when standing at your front door). Make sure this area is tended to. The health area of your home should not be cluttered in anyway, nor should it be the place you store garbage of any sort. On the other hand, your health center shouldn't be completely empty either! Plants and other green items are highly recommended inhabitants of your health space.

So...Use the force, Luke!
I have been using Feng Shui for years in my everyday life; I also have used it's principles in every garden design (or planting done on the farm) I have ever done in the past. I even use it in my paintings and artistic creations, for the benefit of my wealth creation and the health and vitality of the art patron that will live with the work. It really does work wonders for health, wealth and personal vitality. If you are working to create a healthier lifestyle, trying to save money, or looking for that promotion, consider some of these tips for helping you along that path.
I have so much work to do today for the new Gallery show as well as my private life that my head is spinning from the load, but I have lit my good smelling candles, I am wearing energizing and confidence boosting colors and the toliet seat is down...I think I can safely take on anything today. :)
May you find the force on your side today as you make it through this world.
Heather
www.badkittyartstudio.com
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Information in part for this article provided by author S.K.Smith

One of my favorite reads...the Lingo Slinger!

http://lingoslinger.blogspot.com/
Just trust me and go read her blog, you'll love her like I do!
Heather

HA! This one is right!

You Are 43% Feminine, 57% Masculine

You are in touch with both your feminine and masculine sides. You're sensitive at the right times, but you don't let your emotions overwhelm you. You're not a eunuch, just the best of both genders.

Are You Masculine or Feminine?

What kind of artist? UUmm, Duh!

You Should Be a Painter

You have the vision, patience, and skill to bring your unique visions to canvas. And you're even tempered enough not to cut your ear off in the process!

What Sort of Artist Should You Be?

Really? Wow...

If You Were Born in 2893...

Your Name Would Be: Neyr Ala And You Would Be: The Destroyer of Earth

If You Were Born in 2893

Got Intuition?

You Are 72% Intuitive

You are a very intuitive person. And luckily, your intuition is normally right. You're wise enough to know that relying on intuition alone can be dangerous. When your intuition seems really off, you tend to ignore it - and look at the facts instead.

How Intuitive Are You?

Star Wars Horoscope

Star Wars Horoscope for Libra

You are on a lifelong pursuit of justice and determined to succeed. You convey the art of persuasion through force. You always display your supreme intelligence. You have a great talent in obtaining balance between yourself and your surroundings. Star wars character you are most like: Obi Wan Kenobie

What Is Your Star Wars Horoscope?

A fun tarot test

You are The Moon

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Moon is a card of magic and mystery - when prominent you know that nothing is as it seems, particularly when it concerns relationships. All logic is thrown out the window.

The Moon is all about visions and illusions, madness, genius and poetry. This is a card that has to do with sleep, and so with both dreams and nightmares. It is a scary card in that it warns that there might be hidden enemies, tricks and falsehoods. But it should also be remembered that this is a card of great creativity, of powerful magic, primal feelings and intuition. You may be going through a time of emotional and mental trial; if you have any past mental problems, you must be vigilant in taking your medication but avoid drugs or alcohol, as abuse of either will cause them irreparable damage. This time however, can also result in great creativity, psychic powers, visions and insight. You can and should trust your intuition.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Check it out for yourself! this was shown to me by a friend at Zaadz and I thought it was fun so here you go! Have a good one,
Heather (The scary Moon Card! Bwahahahahah!)

Weekly Goddess 101 - Brigid

BAD! Kitty Art Studio
Weekly goddess 101 - Brigid
(above painting by HMBT in 2004, sold)
***
As the Goddess of the Sacred Flame, Brigid has long been associated with fire.
According to mythology, she was born at the exact moment of day break, with rays of fire shooting from her head like the sun rising over the horizon.
But don't take her title too literally - Brigid also represents a more symbolic kind of torch: the fire of inspiration.
In addition to high-rising flames, Brigid evokes all things lofty - from the physical elevation of tall mountains to the mental elevation of wisdom. She was known for her fierce intellect and extraordinary skills, both of which she was always open to sharing.
Brigid's flame also brings with it a legacy of vitality and energy. Her mythology includes many stories of healing - both physical and emotional. Brigid used her energy to help everyone from lepers to warring families find health and happiness.
Brigid was said to bring beauty everywhere she went. According to mythology, with each step she took, flowers and shamrocks sprung from the ground.
***
I will be using the lessons brought by this goddess today in my day. So busy with so many things to get done, I am trying to not think about it all and just start at the top of the list and work my way down.
I hope the world is a wonderful place for you to be today,
Share your love,
Heather
www.badkittyartstudio.com
Support Living Artists
Buy some art today.

What is your hearts desire?

Numerology and your heart's desire...what number are you?
***
Your heart wants to express your deeper, inner self. Your heart's inner voice influences your choices in life, your career choices, who your partner with, who your friends are, and even what kind of animal or pet your choose.
It's the number that drives you to think and act a certain way.
You may not reveal your inner motivations or desires to others, so what they see may be different than who they thought you really were/are.
Sometimes people hide this part of themselves very well.
Just how do you find the secret number of your heart?

Add up the numerical value of the vowels in your name, total, and reduce them to a single digit.
Vowels are the letters a, e, i, o, u and y.
A = 1
E = 5
I = 9
O = 6
U = 3
Y = 7

Example, Oprah Winfrey:
O a i e y
6 1 9 5 7
6 + 1 + 9 + 5 + 7 = 28
2 + 8 = 10
1 + 0 = 1

Oprah Winfrey's Heart's Desire Number is 1.

What's your number?
Add up the corresponding numbers for the letters of your name the same way as was done above. Then see what it means below.

Your heart's desire is:

1.To be special, unique, crave attention, show off, maybe in how you dress! Be in charge, make bold decisions, even if controversial; sense of self. Your overpowering need is to be independent and to direct your own life according to what you believe. Your dream is to become the leader of whatever field you enter. You believe that your judgement is preeminent over all others. This gives you the confidence to make bold decisions and carry them out. You possess intelligence and wit. You are very insightful and good at evaluating the abilities of others. You are supremely individualistic. You have the talents to succeed. As long as you maintain a balance in your life, allowing others full expression of their thoughts and abilities, you will easily rise to the top of your chosen field and realize your ambitions.

2.To feel emotional, sensitive, seeking harmony, peace, truth, cultivate supportive roles in life; attracted to music, art; need partner to share love. You want peace and harmony in all aspects of your life. You want to devote your life to someone or something. You are extremely sensitive and emotional. You must fight uncertainty and self doubt. To find success you must develop confidence and a willingness to stand up for what you believe to be right.

3.To find creative outlets to channel feelings, talk, have fun, party with friends; explore art, acting, poetry, comedy; tendency to daydream! You love a good time. You are generally happy, friendly and outgoing. You have a gift for gab. You are witty, creative and playful. If you fail to deal honestly with your deeper inner self you may succumb to compulsive talking. art and self-expression are great outlets for you. Your success depends on your ability to commit to your work, and to see it through completion. Because you are gifted with such a sparkling personality, you are tempted to stay on the surface and play with life. The key to your success is a balance between the creative forces and self-discipline.

4.To reach for material power through ambition, determination, intellect, logic; your heart craves love, affection, so show it, express it, don't hide it! You like to live a stable, well organized life. You dislike sudden changes. you have a systematic mind that is reflected in all that you do. You want a family, you are a good parent. Flexibility is your key to harmony and balance in life. You need and want much love, but you are not always demonstrative. You can be rigid and stubborn. You are honest and unpretentious. You detest liars. You have courage to go into the nitty-gritty of any problem and come up with a solution.

5.To try new experiences, new interests, meeting new people, adventure, travel; explore your curiosity and pleasures; save the world, be a hero! Freedom is essential to your happiness. You love change, new experiences, meeting new people, adventure and travel. you have ore curiosity than the proverbial cat. You have a sharp mind and a natural ability with words. You are a born communicator. You can be irresponsible, especially when it comes to finishing tasks. You are a bit of a hero and you want to save the world. You will experience many changes and unusual events, but you learn best through experience. Therefore, your life will be full and you will make great strides in personal growth.

6.To be emotional and caring about home, family, and helping others; to protect those you love; a need to be needed, appreciated. Your attention is directed to helping and caring for those you love. You love your home and family and you work hard to make them both safe and secure. Your desire to help others is so strong you sometimes find yourself sacrificing your own personal needs for someone else's. you are extremely loyal and rarely ever let people down. You want to know that you are needed. You are generous and very forgiving. You have natural ability as a counsel and healer. The 6 is the most loving of all the numbers.

7.To figure things out for yourself through study, knowledge, and insight; penetrate the mysteries of life, understand spiritual laws; need alone-ness. You love knowledge, study and insight. You value the gifts of your mind. You search beneath the surface of things. You abhor shallow judgements or opinions. You have a natural gift for research and analysis. Once you grasp the facts of any subject your creativity and abstract approach lift your thinking beyond the rudimentary to the philosophical. You are somewhat introverted; you may feel slightly removed and even a little distant from others. Your challenge in life is to trust. you are idealistic and have high expectations for yourself. Learn to balance your serious nature with regular doses of fun.

8.To hold wealth, power, material comforts; be a leader with great ideas for ambitious projects; bringing out best in others to realize your vision. You want success in its fullest meaning - wealth, power, and material comforts. You have enormous ambition. You dream big. You are a visionary. You are not always good with the small details of life. Your challenge is to make full use of the complete spectrum of your abilities, as indicated by your other core numbers. Your task in life is to learn to use power in refined and elevated ways, which is directly related to your personal evolution. you have a creative mind and an unusual approach to business and problem solving. Perspective is everything for you. A well balanced 8 is among the most powerful and satisfying of numbers. It is the spirit of a true survivor, able to bounce back and achieve a great victory.

9.To strive for perfection of idealistic selfless love, share your knowledge, to help, heal others, be big brother to mankind, make the world a Utopia! You want to be of service to the world. Your deepest satisfaction comes from knowing that you have advanced the cause of humanity. Your ideals are of the highest order. You are a perfectionist. One of your challenges in life is to strive toward your lofty goals, and at the same time to recognize the good you are doing. You are highly intuitive, but not especially a good judge of character. You are a bit naive. You are gifted with a good mind and a great deal of wisdom, which makes you a natural healer, teacher and counselor. You are attracted to the arts as a vocation. You are emotional and sensitive. You can also be moody and critical. One of your most important life lessons will be to learn to forgive. It is the paradox of your Heart's Desire that you receive by giving. Both your material success and your spiritual satisfaction are made possible through service and sacrifice to others.

11. You have wisdom beyond your years. Even as a child, your understanding of life was considerable, though likely it went unrecognized by others.You are a born peacemaker. You are driven by a desire to settle conflicts and create harmony. You are a healer and a visionary. You long to make the world a better place, and usually will dedicate your life to a worthwhile cause. You are attracted to the world of energy. Philosophy, religion, and less traditional forms of healing are among your specialties. You are almost obsessed with the quest for enlightenment. You are extremely sensitive and possess a high degree of intuition. You are powerfully aware of the the thoughts and feelings of others. Many 11's were born into extremely hostile or turbulent families. Therefore many 11's are scared early in life. You have a magnetic and charming personality. Your intelligence is electric. You are highly charged and intense. The 11 is a Master Number, possessing great potential. It has been entrusted to you as a gift that you are worthy of.

22. Deep inside, you long to create something that will have a lasting impact on the world. you have a strong inner drive to manifest something of major importance. Like the 11, yours is a Master Number, possessing all the intelligence, sensitivity, and electric creativity that such power would suggest. You have the inventiveness of the 11 and the down to earth practicality of the 4. the path you have chosen is not an easy one. You need time to develop and you are unlikely to begin to fulfill your ambitions until after you have reached a certain level of maturity. You will probably try your hand at several kinds of work before you rise to the challenge of your true ambitions. You can be a great leader, with a wonderful work ethic. Your challenge will be to remain humble in the face of your great accomplishments.
*Reference material for this article is from several sources.
***
I am a #11 for my first name, and for my entire name I am a #7.
They both are totally true for me.
Fun, huh? Check out your heart's desire Number and tell me!
I'd love to know. BTW you want to use your entire birth name, not your married name if you are a woman, and to find the heart's desire for your married last name and the importance of that number in and on your marriage, just do that name separately and then look it up, this should be a fun exercise for all!
Just as with the other number exercises we have done in this blog before you do not reduce master numbers (11 and 22) to single digits. If you have any questions, just ask!
Ta-Ta for now, have a great day.
Heather
www.badkittyartdstudio.com

A new Gallery show!

***
BAD! Kitty Art Studio
Thinking Out Loud
***
Why are we Masters of our Fate, the captains of our souls?
Because we have the power to control our thoughts, our attitudes.
That is why many people live in the withering negative world.
That is why many people live in the Positive Faith world.
And you don't have to be a
poet or a philosopher
to know which is best.

Alfred Montapert
***
I am not Average.
I am not Afraid.
I am not Small.
I am not Unlovable.
I am not Leave-able.
I am not Avoiding my future.
I am not just a Gender.
I am not a definition of Anything.
I am not Exploitable.
I am not a Number.
I am not going to ever give up.
I am not just a Human.
I am not a Prophet.
I am not your Messiah.
I am not afraid to be my own God.
I am not unethical.
I am not a liar.
I am not what you think.
I am not Ordinary.
I am not afraid to go First.
I am Me and that is good
and enough.
I am a machine of love
programed for living.
***
What are you NOT?
Write it down, I'd love to hear it.
I got my solo show! I will be showing at the Center for the Arts in Danville in April.
I am very excited and the Gallery is so huge and beautiful, with it's huge and elegant marble staircase, amazing curved windows, interior (and exterior) pillars, expansive space and 16 foot ceilings...I just love it.
The only thing is...they requested not my new works, but a Fairy World show...so I will be painting some new Fairy Worlds to fill out the series which has all but sold out (Nationally & Internationally), save the two works I kept. I look forward to the challenge and the new Fairy Worlds that I will create for the new show. That will make Fairy World my largest, most reviewed and best selling series to date. If you want to see the series you can find it at my website...links are abundant, just hit one. :)
I am crossing my fingers for a sell-out show. I will be on the front page of the newspaper too...pretty cool huh? I think so!
Well, I have sick children home from school today, and a pile of creative ideas to organize, sort, and create anew...here's to exciting new goals in the New Year!
May the world be yours today.
Heather
www.badkittyartstudio.com

My Aim Is True

BAD! Kitty Art Studio
Today a little story...
***

"Always remember, no one can debase you but yourself. Slander, satire, falsehood, injustice-these can never rob you of your manhood. Men may lie about you, they may denounce you, they may cherish suspicions manifold, they may make your failings the target of their wit or cruelty. Never be alarmed; never swerve an inch from the line your judgment and conscience have marked out for you. They cannot, by all their efforts, take away your knowledge of yourself, the purity of your character, and the generosity of your nature. While these are left, you are unharmed"
~unknown
***
When I was a younger, I was introduced to the sport of archery, by my Father. My Father loves bladed weapons, guns and archery and has large a collection of each. When he got into archery, I was 12 or so; I was forced to go to the local indoor archery range, sit on a bench in the back "safety" zone and watch him and all the other men practice. There was never any women there, unless they had come with their husbands, sons, or boyfriends.

I was lucky in a sense...Because my Father asked me one day if I wanted to "try" shooting his big manly bow. I of course could not even pull it back, at the time he was pulling at about 75# on the string. The guy that ran the place was a sweet, good old boy, who was watching the skinny little girl in the most current fashion trends, (Madonna had just hit it big...Big Hair, rubber bracelets, baby doll socks...I know...Don't remind you, yuck! What were we thinking...I hope the 80's never come back into style) trying to hold up and pull back that huge ass bow, I didn't stop the first time because it was hard, I just figured I had done it wrong... so I stopped and started watching the other people in their form and how they loaded and such. I did manage to get the string to pull back about a quarter of the way...Using the proper pull back form. The old guy came around the corner, with a kids bow... same as the big ones just smaller is size, and said "here...Let her try this one." I was embarrassed that everyone knew I was using a "baby" bow.

So, I took the bow...And notched my first arrow, and looked around at the guy who was the best shot in the room, and stood like he did. I watched his body as he loaded, pulled back and fired... Almost all one fluid motion...Each of his arrows went into the target...Six shots so tight....They were all in a space the size of a quarter. What I remember most is watching his eyes...He never took them off the target...Even when he loaded.

I made a couple of feeble attempts....My arrow first falling off the bow, then the second one went flying across the room into another persons target, the third one...The string of the bow, hit my inner forearm and rolled the top couple of layers of skin off in a long patch from my elbow to my wrist, as well as catching the edge of my inner breast. Man that hurt. My Father of course thought it was funny, The old guy brought me an arm shield...And I cried a little bit. He took me up to the line, and said, "when you're ready just try it again." My Father came up and made a big show of helping me re-position myself and told me suck it up. I was shaking, and pissed, and hurt... and focused.
* Inner self said...You want to dance Mutha? Well OK...let's dance.*

My next six shots all hit the target I was aiming for. The next six shots all hit the target in one smaller area. The next six shots were tight and all up in the right corner. My shoulders were killing me. The guys in the room...All rednecks... were starting to cheer me on. That don't happen often for grrrl's in the South... playing with Man toys. They Told my Father..."Man, I think she's a natural!...She's got talent!...Wow, you should get her her own equipment"...Stuff like that...

Then the guy that was the best in the room, I mentioned him Earlier...Quietly came and loaded his next round in the space next to mine. He never said anything to me. He looked me in the eye though... and he loaded and shot... but he did it real slow this time and his form was perfect. The first shot went into the bulls eye. He looked at me in the eye again. And waited for me to shoot. After I figured out that he was waiting to see me shoot...I loaded...Aimed and shot.

I tried to do it like I had seen him do it. I missed the target completely. He loaded, real slow and shot again. The arrow, went into the previous arrow for what's called a "Robin Hood" where you split one arrow with another one, perfectly placed. Now a Robin Hood is a big freaking deal... and they had all kinds of them hanging all over the inside of that place with the archers names hanging off of them, on little white tags... Proudly.

The place erupted in cheers, grins and back slapping. While that was going on, I slowly loaded, I thought about holding my body as the bow holds the arrow...I thought about being the arrow...Going into the bulls eye. It flew straight and true... I hit it dead center. The next three were in the bulls eye as well.

I had begun. What I didn't know at the time was I was shooting next to the best archer in world at the time...He lives in Gainesville FL. and had been passing thru our little town, and had decided to stop and shoot for awhile to relax. I can't remember his full name now, but his first name was Frank or maybe Fred.

I started to ask if I could go with my Father to the range when he went, and the old guy let me keep borrowing different bows when I came...And I got better and better. After I had "proved" to my Father that I was going to stick with it... He bought me a beautiful Bear Tamberlane white and black bow...Just my size...And I got to pick out the arrows...I chose hot pink with black and white fletchings. I wore outrageous outfits...To shoot in...Skirts, heels...Tight mini skirts...You name it...And when I became really good...After about 8 weeks of practice...I started entering local contests. No women were shooting in my area...So I shot with the men.
I won.
A lot.
I am a natural.
I am different.
My Father was proud. I am still a hell of a shot, and I still have my bow... carried from place to place...All these years. I have not shot in months.
I am sure, my aim is still dead on. I like my arrows straight... and the sound of the arrow hitting the target, going with speed and accuracy where I wanted it to go. I am the arrow. I did get to see Frank (or Fred) again...Later at a competition...He smiled at me and gave me the thumbs up when I went to the line with my division. That's when I found out who he was... He was hosting the event. He only ever said one thing out loud to me... "First time I saw you I knew you had it in you." as I collected my first place trophy, in front of a stunned crowd of men that were not getting a trophy that day.
And I was a GIRL.
Not even 14 yet and competing with men old enough to be my Father...Because there wasn't any competition for me in the younger groups, I just smoked em'. My Father and I competed against each other at the range, but not in real life. He was a great shot too, but was more into the gadgetry of it all than the art, the form, the religion. I just love to shoot, I don't need anything fancy. Just give me a bow and some good clean arrows, I'm good to go.
Knowing that I can shoot well, that I have a talent with aim... I can shoot guns, and slingshots, and well... Anything really with good accuracy...From the start...If I had gone into the military I would have been a sniper, Mate Man says... but it's the knowing that fact...that has gotten me here.
It's knowing I am capable of amazing things...If I want to be. Knowing... I could take someone out at 60 yards soundlessly also makes me feel good...not that I would... But I could, that's what matters to the inner me.
I am a quiet warrior.
I am my Fathers Daughter.
Targets are something I use in my artwork all the time.
My aim is still true.
Form is still everything.
Now I hone my spirit, using the target as a symbol for my deadly aim, now when my arrows find their mark and my work is true, and simple and pure of form and intention... I can still hear the satisfying thunk sound
of my intention hitting the mark.
Dead on center.
Bullseye... and my arrows are still straight.
Yours today with full intention,
soul and heart,
Heather
www.badkittyartstudio.com

Weekly Goddess 101 - Lilith

BAD! Kitty Art Studio
Weekly Goddess 101
Lilith
***
Lilith is a strong and sexual female archetype, who unfortunately (but not surprisingly) has gotten a bad rap throughout the ages. That's when happens when a patriarchal society and a threatening female force collide; they turn her into a dark menace to be feared and despised. In fact, her name literally means 'Demon' in Hebrew. But in reality, Lillith is a tantalizing and fiery Goddess who embodies wisdom, freedom, courage, playfulness and passion.

In the oldest reference to Lilith, she is portrayed as a Handmaiden for the Mesopotamian goddess Innana. She stands at the temple's gateway and invites worshippers to enter. The more common myth however is the Hebrew one where Lilith is the first woman in the Garden of Eden. Yes pre-Eve. She was created out of earth and was equal to Adam, which explains why she refused to submit and lie beneath him while having sex! In protest, she took off to the Red Sea Coast. Enter a less equal Eve who - unlike Lilith - was submissive to Adam. She was not a woman "made" from the Earth but from a rib of a man.

On hearing this, Lilith supposedly returned in the form of a serpent to the Garden of Eden and tempted Eve to eat the apple from the tree of knowledge. Ah yes women, the root of all evil. The rest of the myth is well known and was used to suppress women for -- oh, I don't know -- the last 2000-plus years.
by Maryam Henein
***
I have a long awaited, much anticipated, appointment with the largest
(and OMG so pretty!) Gallery in our area today.
I am hoping for a show in the New Year...so wish me luck!
Have a wonderful day,
Heather
www.badkittyartstudio.com

New Work In Progress - Ego Death

BAD! Kitty Art Studio
New work in progress
'Ego Death'
18" X 24"
oils
***
This is my newest work...as I search for meaning in my humble life I have fallen into several pits that threaten to trap me in a tar like form of living.
The biggest Beast by far is my own Ego.
Meditation on the subject of how to have Less Suffering and Torment in my everyday living has led me to come to understand the important role that Ego plays in the discomfort of living at 100%. (see post below for more on this subject)
If I am truly giving 100+% to my life and work, then I must learn to push aside the Ego. Creating room inside my soul for the beauty of success and failure. I must create a space where judgement and fear do not live. I must make room for my true self; make room for the lightness of being.
That is what this work is about.
Making room for the beauty of living a whole life with a whole heart.
This is a work of manifestation; of the life I am leading and the life I am leaving behind.
Here is the quote that inspired the work,
***
"If you want to reach a state of bliss, then go beyond your ego and the internal dialogue. Make a decision to relinquish the need to control, the need to be approved, and the need to judge. Those are the three things the ego is doing all the time. It's very important to be aware of them every time they come up."
~Deepak Chopra
***
This work is done in five colors: Ivory black, french ultramarine, titanium white, Payne's gray and brilliant turquoise. The fine details have yet to be done as I am waiting for the painting to dry before the next layers can go in, because I used a heavy hand and the titanium white it will be several days before I can take the next step and finish it. I look forward to releasing this emotion and lesson into the world.
Live Bold and Free today,
Heather
www.badkittyartstudio.com
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Buy Art Today

Living at 100% plus

BAD! Kitty Art Studio
Self talk topic of the day...
Giving life all you have got, yes...every single day.
***
We learned when we were children that we should always try our best. Yet somewhere between kindergarten and the career world we start cutting corners, saving ourselves and our best work for some other purpose than the one that's here now.

So how can you get back on track? Take a look at how you approach your work, art, relationships, even those mundane every-day moments, and identify when and why you're holding something of yourself back. We all do it, and it's not hard to see why: giving all of your heart is dangerous, terrifying and exhausting. It's also the only way to reveal the true extent of you talents -- to others and to yourself. Don't let fear stifle your best self.

Saving yourself
Believe it or not, a major obstacle to doing our best is our desire to do be great. We set a certain standard for ourselves, and when we're overwhelmed, tired or otherwise uninspired, there's a kind of surrender that takes place. It's a form of self-protection, and the justification goes something like this: if I only put fifty percent into this project, and everyone picks it apart, well I knew I could do better anyway.

We figure if we never give a hundred percent, we can never completely fail. This mindset manifests in procrastination and half-efforts; it often drives people to give up before they've begun. Doing your best makes you vulnerable. If someone detects a flaw in your best work, it hurts -- it means they've found a flaw in you. But the cost of holding back is far higher.

Remember-- you are what you do, not what you privately believe you have the potential to do.

Famous potential failures
The irony here is that the people who have achieved some kind of greatness are the ones who were willing to risk colossal failure. Think Edison shrugged his shoulders after an attempt or two at the light bulb and moved on to something else? What about The Lord of the Rings trilogy? Do you suppose Peter Jackson skimped on effort on his 270 million dollar epic so he would have a ready excuse in the face of criticism? It certainly would have made it easier to brush off a bad review: "No one seems to like it, but for something we threw together, it'll do." Not a chance. These people have to commit to themselves (and to others) that they will give each project everything they are, and that their best will be enough. That's why they're great, and that's why they get results.

Getting by
Many people, especially those who are naturally intelligent and who learn quickly, can often get by at half mast. When fifty percent gets it done, it's easy to save the other half. But even when you're half-efforts exceed the bar, you're still cheating yourself. Satisfaction comes when we exceed our own expectations, not simply meet those of others.

Just be your best. Then push yourself a little farther.

You never know
Your greatest successes will always come when you least expect it. If you still need a reason to give all of yourself to each thing you do, remember that you never know who's watching. Maybe the task at hand doesn't require much of you, isn't paying enough or doesn't have much competition. Who cares? Attack it with everything you have. You'll be surprised at how many breaks come when someone takes notice of some seemingly unimportant project…that you just happen to be approaching with everything you have.

People are no exception. Treat each person you meet with respect, and always put your best foot forward. If you save your courtesy and your cleverness for someone of importance, you'll never know what you're missing. The person who can help you the most may be hiding in plain sight, to say nothing of the solid friendships and lasting relationships you could be missing each time you hold something of yourself back.

Go ahead. Try it. Give all of yourself to each and everything you bother doing. You have nothing to lose but wasted potential, and an opportunity to gain something unexpected with every undertaking.
by A.K. Boyle

***
I have a new work to share this morning, I will go and take pictures soon and post them for you to see. Now I warn you...I have been on a journey recently...I challenged myself to do 10 canvases that were different from not only each other, but also a departure from my recognized style of work. Ten in a row...this will be number 7, and it is for sure, a departure for me.
So stay tuned and let me know what you think...I am a little nervous about sharing this one...it's the dark side of Heather. :) Yes, under all the bright, vibrant colors I do have a dark side...but I still feel really good about the why behind the work and like I said...this is my personal challenge to myself, so I am giving 110% to my current life and goals. Also, this will be my first completed work of the New Year. I have completed 7 works to date (almost) in 60 days.
I am on fire!
Here's to living free and brave...
and at full throttle,
(Varoom-varoom!!)
Heather
www.badkittyartstudio.com