A year of letting go....

This year,
So much letting go in a few short months. The next step is to create a book. Not just to 'create' it, but, to let go of it. If you are a writer you will understand what I mean. It is a part of myself that is longing to be released. That longing has been building up for so long that it is blocking me in some ways from moving on.

So this is it.
This year. I ran across a website earlier this year and was reminded recently about it. This year I will participate in the challenge to write, on a timetable, and will unblock what it is that has been welling up within me for so long.

Another inspiration is a dear friend who is releasing her newest work very soon. This and the challenge together with so many other little 'clues' are driving the energy behind what is soon to be my own work completed.

How about you? What creative nurturing have you been longing to embark on? What is welling up to be released in the form of art, literature, discovery..... Your inner desire to clear away what is blocking you? Nurture Your Creativity. Let's embark on this journey together.

In Joy,
GypsyOwl

An Opportunity to Make Choices....

Good Morning,

Each day is an opportunity to make choices.
From the choice between coffee or tea, the path to work or school to the more complicated and more significant choices that life in general presents to us.

What kind of music will I listen to today?
What book will I read?
What program will I watch?
What will I eat or drink?
What will I wear?
Who will I talk with?

What are my principles?
What are my preferences?

(sorting the two, help me at the most important crossroads each day)

Where will I venture, travel or explore?
How will I nurture my creativity today?
How will I nurture others today?
What will I learn?
What will I spend time meditating upon?

What will I 'think' about?

How will I feel?

Perhaps not a profound concept in itself, but, do we make choices for ourselves,
Or do we allow ourselves to drift along following others?
Do we follow our dreams?
Or do we even take the time to find out what our dreams are?

An early morning musing about choices.
I believe that I will take each question a bit more seriously this morning after I have some coffee and listen to a little Dan Fogelberg or other 'easy listening" oldies. As I go through my day, I will be staying in each moment and useing my energy to participate in the small and the not so small choices that present themselves along the way.

IN JOY Brightest Blessings,
GypsyOwl

Some of my choices for today..........
Music Today:
Cat Stevens "Oh Very Young"
Dan Fogelberg "Same Old Lang Syne"
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young "Teach Your Children"
Anita Baker "Giving You The Best That I Got"

Art Today: A logo I made for the GO_Kids forum over the weekend.
This still needs some work.









School Today:
Math. Business Math class begins today.
Finish up Geography course assignment index. ( Grade A ! )

Work Today:
Various tasks on my list to work on throughout the day. Primary task is to finish the September update on the shopping page/menu for the website.

Writing:
I am preparing for my very first NaNoWriMo participation.

A few other things: A nap, A call to a friend, and some cooking.

The 'thought' for today, for those moments when things feel differently than I have decided to feel today.....

"Butterfly shaped Stars"
I will imagine that every star in the sky is a butterfly.

What would you 'think' of?

New Beginnings

• It seems that every day is a New Beginning.
  There are so many small and not so small new beginnings all around. With the new season beginning I have an update about the GypsyOwl world of networking, creativity and business.
  
  What began as a few designs and a small art gift shop has grown over time.
  I am pleased that my dreams are manifesting step by step each day. The newest department of the GypsyOwl world is Website Hosting services. Let me back up a bit and list the departments in approximatley the order that they came into existence.
• 
  
  GypsyOwl.com (new website soon)
• 
  GypsyOwl's Studio (you are here)
• 
  GypsyOwl's Studio and Gifts
  Art Workshops (online workshops where I share the techniques I use to create my artwork)
  Get the new FREE software so you are ready for the next workshop!
• GypsyOwl.org
• 
  GypsyOwl's Tree House forum (Private forum)
• 
  GypsyOwl's Tree House JR (a forum for kids)
• 
  GypsyOwl Organization Shopping (a network of members, advertiser's and affiliate's business links)
• GypsyOwl Organization Networking Services (Forums for personal & business)
  
  GypsyOwlCommerce.org (a NEW Hosting Service)
  

I am still a full time student, creating artwork in my relaxation time and having a lot of fun working with people who are promoting their business' and nurturing thier creativity.

The next Art workshop will be announced soon. Get the Gimp Software ahead of time so you will be ready to jump right in for the workshop.

Free Software

GIMP is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed program for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. The terms of usage and rules about copying are clearly listed in the GNU General Public License.

New Beginnings, Starting a new Season of the year, Or of my life.... I am grateful that in the midst of all the changes, endings and 'letting go' events of the past year...I am able to see New Beginnings with Joy and Anticipation.

IN JOY Brighest Blessings, GypsyOwl

I'm OK

I do not have much to say.
Just wanted my friends to know
that I am still here.

It has been busy.
I have been busy.
But, OK.

In case you might be wondering.

Between School,
Building a new website,
creating artwork for the shop
and another project I'm working on now.
And add the daily living activities
and some good old fashion fun..
Time Flys.
Take care of you,
GypsyOwl

Happy Father's Day DAD!!

Dedicated to My Dad.

You paved a road for me to follow
that never had many signs of caution.
You moved away obstacles that fell
in the storms of life's dismay.
You always listened to my story
of dreams and visions that I have.
I never ever felt neglected
You always loved to be my Dad.

As years went by and we grew closer
You'd listen to my life unfold.
Your replies were always blessings
and now you walk on roads, paved with gold.
I'll miss the visits and the widom
that you shared with me along the way.
I'll cherish every lesson offered
And think of you each and every day.

For as my life has been torn and shattered
by others who have missed the mark
You always brought more joy and freedom
And shined love's light into the dark.
May you see from where your journey leads you
That no matter where the master plan
leads me to a new tomorrow
Your in my heart, my mind, prayers and
your name is written in the sand
On the beaches that we walked together
while you lived upon this earth
I will always know that you loved me
And will cherish every memory
Every birth of new freedom that I discover

Because you paved this road I follow...
And moved away the pain of time
and you gave me tools to live without you
along the path of mountains climbed.

Rest in Peace dear father.
No words will ever clearly show,
The way your love in my life is cherished
And how you nurtured me to grow
along this path of life I follow
The blessings never ending
Your death from this world is a promise
Of a new part of your journey beginning.

I Love You,
Your Daughter, me

A Preface to "letting go" and moving on.....

I have not been here for awhile. And it has been an eventful time and a time of "Letting Go" for me. I just thought of this blog that has been neglected and realized that I have avoided posting here so that I wouldn't have to actually deal with any of it on a personal level.

So finally here I am and for a start I will just say that When 'things' happen in my life, sometimes it isn't about me. That seems a bit 'letting go' of ego I suppose. So it is not easy to sort it all out all at once and with hindsight it isn't going to feel like it was really happening around me anyway.

That all said.
On Valentine's Day , my house burned down. There were many blessings that day that I will post at a later time. I have posted about them in another place and will find those posts to put here in a week or so....
A few weeks later, just as things seemed to be working toward being a bit more 'secure', my dearest friend's son was in a horrible accident where a go cart he was on exploded and he was burned very badly. He is recovering well Thank Goodness.
Then .... 11 days ago, my dad died.

This may be the most challenging event I have ever experienced.

So now I will retreat once again for a little while and then return with some progress and some of the elements of the process of "Letting Go" as it is important for me to remember that it is not 'suppose' to be always easy. But, it is 'always' possible to get through anything in life without the need to hinder the healing.

I am healing, I am letting go, I am holding on and then letting go again and again. Moment by moment, one day at a time, all this will one day be a distant memory and I will recall that in the midst of turmoil and emotional imbalance, I was able to pull through with the help of Loving and Caring people who will always be close to my heart.

Counting my Blessings, GypsyOwl

On the fly..... by GypsyOwl 2/08/06

In all the hours of awakened task I wonder sometimes who to ask If hours are measured in the night Or just when they are filled with light...? As sunrise peeks her head or' hills And winter longs for daffodils My heart flys off into the breeze My soul is down on bended knees.

It is easy to spend these winter days, wondering about the long gone spring Instead of finding solace grace And smiles upon a humble face. IN JOy every Blessing Bright And see the unseen tho' it night Because aft' all is said and done The Seasons cycle One by One...

Find the Sunlight in an open field or sit beside your window sill If darkness brings your soul to rest Perhaps it's just this time that's best to be Gently in your quiet soul Knowing that sometimes a goal Is moving faster than it seems Like flying.... flying... in our dreams. As I start my day and wonder why Those dreams have not been seen awake It reminds of a quote I've heard "If you don't know where your going, It matters not which road you take"

So I open my soul to the Highest Power And stop to pray before each hour To realign Intention's Guide To remember that which gives us Wings to fly.... ~By GypsyOwl~ 2/08/06

Infinite Possibilities

This is what they are saying about Mike Dooley's Infinite Possibilities.

"I have "known" for some time that we create our own reality, but you have succinctly put into words HOW to create it... I have explored many paths – Course in Miracles, Caroline Myss, Conversations with God, Kabbalah, Eckhardt Tolle, Buddhism, and others, and Infinite Possibilities is the BEST. And, I think, the most accessible to a really broad range of people. You pack a lot of information into your tapes. It is well worth the money. Thanks. You are a real blessing to the world."

See for yourself....Scroll down to the banner and check it out. ~ GypsyOwl

Big After Holiday Blowout Sale

Big After Holiday Blowout sale extended to January 9th.

Coupon Code BIG5 = $5 OFF Sweatshirts, Tracksuits, and Hoodies (includes Kid Sweatshirts, Raglan Hoodies, and Jr Hoodies).

Coupon Code BIG4 = $4 OFF Greeting Cards & Wall Calenders.

Coupon Code BIG2 = $2 OFF Ornaments and Pendants.

New Products added often - New Designs by GypsyOwl and

Please Welcome our Newest Featured Artist

~ S i l v e r J e s s e ~

http://www.cafepress.com/gypsyowl

Merry Christmas

SilverJesse Collection at GypsyOwl's Studio & Gifts

SilverJesse has created a beautiful collection of Artistic Photography and We are featuring her work at GypsyOwl's Studio & Gifts online shop. Visit the SilverJesse Department at http://www.cafepress.com/gypsyowl for a wide range of beautiful, colorful and inspirational photography. SilverJesse has incorporated her love of florals with crystals to create exceptional reminders of the essence of spirit. Each of her designs is dedicated to attributes such as Courage, Balance, Comfort and much more.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year !

The cute banner that has been driving accross this page for months, has been removed. :) I intent to remember to replace it again during the holidays later in the year. :)

"WE MAKE OUR OWN REALITIES, OUR OWN FATE AND OUR OWN LUCK… that, is how powerful we are… and THAT is how powerful YOU are, and to offset all the contradictory thinking of the masses, YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS KIND OF MESSAGE ......" ~Mike Dooley Infinite Possibilities ©www.tut.co

Create Your Own Artwork !!

I have been creating artwork on my PC with a product called ArcSoft PhotoImpressions. You can Create Your Own Artwork as well. The newest version of the software has never been better. Get started today! Visit the "Create Your Own Artwork" link in the links menu.

For Fun or for Profit ?
Now that you have began to create your own artwork, would you like to start selling your designs right away for FREE? A CafePress shop is right at your fingertips and a Basic Shop is FREE. For more details visit the "Start Selling Your Artwork Free" link in the links menu.

Now you are creating Artwork and have your Very Own Shop !
So now you have your own artwork and your very own shop, would you like to expand on the earning potential again? Free !! I have just the answer. Stay tuned for updates in my Shop Newsletter. To subscribe to the Newsletter go to http://www.cafepress.com/gypsyowl and opt in. December's Newsletter will be released on the First Monday (December 5th) so make sure to sign up by Saturday midnight so you will not miss this great issue including many FREE stay at home opportunities. (NO Selling, NO investment) And plenty of support if you need help with any part of it. (No one will call you, No obligation, No pressure) Now that is the kind of work I like !!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

As the Thanksgiving Holiday approaches I am thinking about all the gratitude I have for my family, friends, business and the educational blessings in my life. When just about 14 months ago, I felt like my world was spiraling out of control, it was actually on a journey to balance and alignment that I have come to believe was long over due.
So why did it take so long for this life to get in balance is secondary to the question of how did I get so off track in the first place. I have come to believe that with all of it's seemingly outrageous moments, painful moments and 'trauma drama' there were so many blessings along the way that are becoming more and more apparent to me now.

I am a walking miracle. I have learned much, loved much and have finally found the source of my creative energy. May You be blessed this Holiday Season with insight and joy, and may your Thanksgiving Prayer be that of Gratitude even for those things that sometimes feel 'wrong', may all your dreams soon manifest themselves to you and may you IN JOy Brightest Blessings. ~GypsyOwl

Healing the Adult within me.

I have heard a lot about talking to and guiding your inner child into healing. I have practiced this method myself and especially like to have my teddy bear help me with this. What I just discovered it that there are also some Adult Inside areas of myself that will benefit from this method of healing.

While I have been taking a week break from classes, I had a long list of things to do that have become a regular between class routine. Organized my desk, check on update for my website and computer, get text books exchanged etc. On Monday there was a storm moving through here and the power went off for over three hours. While it was off, I wandered around with a flashlight only a small bit of light in the northern window.

I found a journal that I had written years ago. I sat by the bleek light of the northern window feet up on the couch house empty I read it. I laughed, I cried, I contemplated.... But, mostly I fell in love with her all over again and talked to her about how precious she is. She often took on other peoples 'stuff' and rarely saw where they had done her wrong. I had to straighten her out on a few points like: It was not your fault, It was not about you, There was nothing wrong with you.... That one knew how you live....he took advantage of you sweetie, It is ok to love.... I won't let anyone hurt you like that again, Hoping he is free of his demons now Your only fault was loving him....you did nothing wrong. and so forth.

When the lights came back on... I wanted to keep reading. I got to see myself looking back, and the strangest feelings came up as if she was someone else as if she was really making the best of what was and her compassion was astonishing. I just love her. And I am grateful that the lights went out so I could see somthing I had not seen before on a journey back in time. I got to see myself in a different light. I learned that there have been parts of myself dwelling unknowingly in the past. I now have a way to help myself heal more, to live more freely as I leave the past behind and move on into a Bright and Loving future.

IN JOy Brightest Blessings, GypsyOwl

New Pendants - New Designs !

New and very popular Pendants have been added to the shop . Great for gifts! There are Two Sections in the shop with Pendants:

http://www.cafepress.com/gypsyowl/940919

and

http://www.cafepress.com/gypsyowl/923254
And Remember that you can SAVE $2.00 Off Pendants, Ornaments, Calendars & Greeting Cards by using the coupon code at checkout.
Coupon Code: h o l i d a y 2 ( From November 1st- November 14th ).

New Artist Discovery ! Art Happening !

I have met another wonderful artist who I would like to introduce to you. Amere Mortal
You can visit her new website or you can visit her online shop. I just know that you are going to love her artwork as much as I do. My very favorite work (so far) is "Heart Strings". I just love the 'HeartStrings' Journal she has created.

Newsletter Technical Difficulties .
the newsletter has not been sent as scheduled. You still have time to sign up for it and receive the November issue. The problem is being addressed and you should be receiving it by Saturday morning.

IN JOy Brightest Blessings,
GypsyOwl

My Inspirations

I am often asked about my artwork "What inspired you". I have given this some thought and realized that each piece has it's own answer.

In general I am inspired by nature, people and other artists. My most recent inspirations are right on my back porch. I have some potted flowers, some visiting butterflies and hummingbirds and an occasional lizard, frog or dragonfly that keep me company. When they are close enough to see their eyes for extended periods of time, it is a sign for me to capture their beauty in art. They pose for me. I recently finished two new designs, a poinsetta and a lotus, these reminded me the beauty I find in florals. ( see them at http://www.cafepress.com/gypsyowl )

I also love landscapes, rocks, trees and water. I am inspired by clouds, the moon and sunsets. I guess you might say that my art is a reflection of what I see in nature, in my everyday life and in the extraordinary way that the Earth and the Universe collaborate in the beauty of living.

Butterflies and Miracles

A friend of mine has an online shop that features all of her wonderful homemade soaps and bath products. It is Wonderful just like her. visit her shop at http://www.butterfliesandmiracles.com

OPT IN for GypsyOwl's Newsletter

November Newsletter Update: Newsletter will be sent early on November 1st.
I am preparing the November Newsletter for subscribers that have completed the OPT-IN box at GypsyOwl's Studio & Gifts. I will submit it tonight and it will be sent early in the morning via the cafepress system. If you haven't yet, go to the shop and sign up for it. If you miss this months Newsletter (it can only be sent out once via the press) please email a request and I will forward a copy to you. To sign up for the newsletter go to http://www.cafepress.com/gypsyowl
then scroll down the sidebar until you find the opt-in box. Enter your email and you are a subscriber. If you miss the November newsletter and would like to email for a forwarded copy of the Newsletter, send your request to gypsyowl@gypsyowl.com .
Please put "Forward Newsletter" in the subject line.

Sale on Selected Items:
Beginning November 1 and ending on November 14; when you order the following items, there will be $2.00 off each item at checkout by entering this SALE coupon Code. Holiday2
Pendants, Ornaments, Greeting Cards and Calendars. There are many New Designs and More coming up every week. Thank you again for all of your wonderful stories of how you have Nurtured your creativity. If you have a story you would like to share, please email it to me and put "Nurture Creativity" in the subject line. This is a cafepress coupon that can be used at any of the cafepress shops. If you are a new member please tell them that gypsyowl sent you.

More information about the software I use to create my artwork will be HERE soon and in the newsletter. I will have a 'how to' book ready soon and it will show all the techniques I use to create the artwork with ArcSoft PhotoImpressions. I am working out some details but will also have more information about how to get the software soon. It will be posted here and at my shop.

Remember to NURTURE your creativity ~ GypsyOwl