A Painting Giveaway!

" TREES INSPIRED BY QUOTES "

PAINTING GIVEAWAY!

In the spirit of birthday week, I'm announcing an ORIGINAL PAINTING GIVEAWAY! It's also a way of showing my gratitude for the support I've received online, especially on facebook, during my 30/30 challenge.

It is quick and simple to enter.

If you are on facebook:

#1) Go to: Sandy Sandy Spiritart and LIKE MY PAGE if you haven't already. 

#2) go to the album: TREES INSPIRED BY QUOTES, click on the images and leave me a short comment on at least 3 of the (available) paintings you would like to win. (It would be nice, but not necessary, to hear why you select the ones you do.)

#3) To get an extra entry, share a link on your facebook timeline to my TREES INSPIRED BY QUOTES album.

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If you do not have a facebook account:

#1) Become a follower here if you are not already one.

#2) go to the album: TREES INSPIRED BY QUOTES, click on the images and leave me a short comment on at least 3 of the (available) paintings you would like to win. (If facebook doesn't allow non-members to post, just comment here with 3 titles of those you would like to own.)

#3) To get an extra entry, share a link to this post on your blog and please let me know you did it.

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ORIGINAL PAINTING GIVEAWAY

 will be held at 11am, EST, March 20th, 2013

(The same day as my Animal Spirits book giveaway.)

Thanks again my friends.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

X ♥  O

"Saying thank you is more than good manners.

It is good spirituality."

~ Alfred Painter

Lessons From The Fox ~ SOLD

In-Between Times

5.5" x 7.5" original watercolor on Yupo paper, matted to 8" x 10" - $85.

acid free, white core mat with a foam core backing in an acetate sleeve

ready to fit into a standard 8" x 10" frame.

• SOLD

A magical creature of the night, fox is

usually most visible to us at dawn and dusk;

the in-between times, when the veil

between the physical and metaphysical

world is the most diaphanous.

Insulated From the Cold

5.5" x 7.5" original watercolor on Yupo paper, matted to 8" x 10" - $85.

acid free, white core mat with a foam core backing in an acetate sleeve

ready to fit into a standard 8" x 10" frame.

When it is cold, the fox wraps itself

in its thick insulating tail.  

Likewise, individuals with fox totems

will find the ability to insulate

themselves from anything that seems cold,

especially relationships.

These are some of the paintings that

have come through me during the

past couple of weeks.

If you would like to find out more about

animal totems and the messages they offer,

be sure to sign up for my

Animal Spirits Book Giveaway.

Wishing You Many Blessings,

Sitting Pretty - Camouflage, Patience and Observation ~ SOLD

Sitting Pretty

5.5" x 7.5" original watercolor on Yupo paper matted to fit a standard 8" x 10" frame

Sold •

Do you have animal totems? Or should I say, do you believe in animal totems? Since I got very little response to yesterday's post, I was wondering if anyone here is interested in the subject at all.

Regardless of the lack of interest or feedback online, the fox has still been with me all this month. Although no real life individuals have showed up here at The Sandarosa, I find myself being lured by fox's charm and now have two more of these watercolors in progress. I want to make a collage of my foxes like the one for the 30 in 30 Challenge when I'm done with the set. A nice comment on my Animal Spirit Lens today sent me there for a long overdue visit. Although I've learned a lot about photography and Photoshop the past four years, I fear that delving too deeply into the world of stock photography has had a toll on my watercolor art and marketing. The fox is a very suitable totem for me at this time because of all the industry shake ups that are presently going on in the world of micro stock. Current events leave me questioning my path, evaluating options and altering my career path yet again. Sound familiar anyone? It hasn't got me worried though, because I know that when one door closes, another always opens. Fox is here to remind me of the virtues of camouflage, patience and observation.

I started painting on synthetic Yupo paper about fourteen years ago, but switched back to regular cold press Arches in an effort to consolidate my style. Profoundly influenced by last month's challenge, Yupo paper has been the vehicle of choice for my paintings so far in February. After all this time, some of the  Yupo pieces I've done in the past, remain some of my favorites. Here are a few from my archives. What do you think of them? Your critiques are appreciated.

Be sure to visit my last post and leave a comment if you are interested in having your name added to the drawing for a free copy of my Animal Spirits book.

Thanks for reading and please share 

my book giveaway with your friends.

Best Wishes,

Fox Medicine - SOLD

"Nature is my medicine."

~ Sara Moss-Wolfe

Fox Medicine

5.5" x 7.5" original watercolor on Yupo paper, matted to 8" x 10" - $85.

acid free, white core mat with a foam core backing in an acetate sleeve

ready to fit into a standard 8" x 10" frame.

• SOLD

A special thanks goes out to Sally Vennel

for the use of her fox photography for painting reference.

Fox medicine teaches us about camouflage, observation and ingenuity. If fox has come into your life, pay attention. It may be a time to step back, regroup and plan a new strategy. Kicking off spring, I am having a book giveaway! To be eligible to win one of my Animal Spirits books, just leave a comment here on this post.

An Awakening to the Presence of Animal Spirits is a simplified guide book with full color illustrations that feature over sixty popular animals. Enjoyed by nature lovers with an open mind, the text and images help readers to become more aware of animal totems and the messages they offer us daily. 

Every time you comment on a post on this blog between now and the closing, you get another chance to win! The winner of this drawing will be generated by random.org at 12:00, noon, EST this Spring Equinox, March 20th, 2013 and is open to all residents of the USA and Canada. 

Thanks for reading my blog and adding your comments.

Lets all get to know each other better in 2013.

Have a great day and please share 

this giveaway with your friends!

Friends and Family to the Rescue!

Jerry and I went to our first post-op appointment at the surgeon's office on Tuesday. Getting me into a vehicle was quite a time consuming ordeal and included using a wheelchair, walker and crutches. I have since become more coordinated in the chair, but maneuvering and closing doors to keep my Tigger cat out of the studio (he chases Princess) can be tricky. Tigger is still either scared of the leg or mad at me. Also could be jealousy, because I know he would love to take Princess's job away from her as my private duty nurse. Jerry said that after I fell, even when I left in the ambulance, Tigger wouldn't come up from the basement and just kept crying all night. Poor guy. I sat and watched TV with Jerry in my recliner for the first time for a little while last night. I was happy when my buddy finally came and curled up beside me. He even let me pet him for the first time. He's such a sensitive guy. 

Brother-in-law, Brent, got me this nice chair from the Elk's Club to use as long as I need it.

Seeing the foot with sutures and the X-rays with all the screws, plates and wire for the first time on Tuesday was shocking and emotional. With 5-6" sutures on both sides of my multi-colored somewhat misshaped ankle, all I could think of was that it looked like something from Tim Burton's  Corpse Bride. My handsome young surgeon has assured me that it looks very good and it's all going to be OK.  He says I will be able to walk fine and ride again. All I can say is, I'm glad to be living in this age of modern medicine! Years ago, I would have had to be in traction, probably for months! Me in traction, really people, can you just imagine it!?

Poster artwork © 2005 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Five years ago, almost to the day that I first fell off the ladder, on  March 23rd, 2007, Rita pitched me into a tree while riding out in the Wharton State Forest. I broke my arm - the head right off the humerus. No, it wasn't humorous, but I was fortunate that it was my left arm and I carried on pretty much from the beginning, almost in normalcy. I could still paint, sit at the computer, feed myself, get around, go outside and visit my horses, (whom I now miss terribly). With a shattered ankle, it's not that easy. Yesterday I spent the entire day alone, in bed with frequent waves of tears and depression. I felt so uncomfortable, helpless and immobile. Everything hurt.

Today my sister, Denise, came over. She has been an angel, helping me maintain a somewhat respectable level of personal hygiene. She helped me get cleaned up and washed and styled my hair. She reorganized the studio again so I could work at a table from the wheelchair. She fed me lunch. Most importantly, she  talked some sense into me. "We are not Human Doings, we are Human Beings", she said. "You've got to try to relax. Contrary to our upbringing, you don't have to be doing something all the time!" Those words really woke me up, changed my perspective and hit home. I think I turned the corner right then. 

On Easter Sunday, Jerry found these items on our front porch. I believe they came from my drum circle friend, Lou, but as of this writing, that is still unconfirmed. I am so thankful for all the numerous emails, cards and encouraging phone calls. They really go a long way to keep me in a better frame of mind.

These Native American items are reminding me to relax and connect to the Universal Mind.

With the support of my husband, friends and family, I now know that I can get through this. Jerry has been a saint; taking such great care of me, the house, the cats, all the wild critters, the horses and his job. My blacksmith came to trim the horses' feet today. While Rudy was being done, I watched Rita from the window. She kept running out of the barn, listening and looking up towards the house for me. It was the first time I wasn't there with her for the farrier, but Jerry said she was very good. Poor Rudy was awfully stiff though and had a hard time lifting his legs. I usually lunge or ride him two or three times a week to keep his old bones moving. He starts off stiff, but works out of it quickly.  The exercise really makes a big difference with him. It would be nice to find someone who could come and lunge him for me a couple of times a week. 

My parents are coming up from Florida next week to assist. Bobbie and Nan have stopped by to help with studio reorganization, housework, meal preparation and general spirit lifting. I have talked on the phone to local and long distance friends and family everyday. My friend, Irvane, has sent me a greeting card brimming with love and encouragement every single day this week!

Bobbie vaccums the studio while I helplessly look on.

On Wednesday, I was really blown away by a very unexpected and welcome surprise that came in the mail. It was from one of my favorite blogging buddies, Robin Larkspur of Wiccan Writes.

A "Horse Trivia" book and a "Beautiful Origami" kit with instruction book from Robin.

These thoughtful gifts were accompanied by a touching card and a very encouraging note. The horse book is delightfully entertaining and the origami set is just fascinating. I am "chomping at the bit" to get started with it. 

The stork sample looks like a hummingbird to me. (Still no signs of them here yet.)

There are so many interesting creatures in the 80 page origami instruction book! This completed stork came with the kit. I'll probably start with one of these.

Look at all the pretty papers to choose from!

With fifty sheets of beautiful paper, maybe I can even convince some of my friends to come over and try some origami with me! Hey if you are local, give me a call, I'll be here.

Considering our early, warm spring, I'm surprised that I have not seen any of my hummingbirds here yet. Jerry hung two feeders from the studio porch, positioned so I can see them from my bed. I am almost certain my little "Yard Dog" will be here this weekend. Last year he showed up on April 14th. I will sound the bells and spread the word when they arrive! Please think of me, and pay attention to  what you are doing. Be extra careful and have a SAFE and enjoyable weekend everyone!

Song for a Wolf - Our Guardian Spirit

 

I've been here by myself, quietly studying and relearning Adobe Dreamweaver (software for building web sites). The version I have been using on my old G4 Apple computer for many years is so ancient, I decided it was time to "bite the bullet" and cough up the $$$ needed to buy new software, compatible with my new OS and machine. The first step was retrieving nearly 8,000 files from my hosting site and finding them a new local home on my iMac. Going through some of my old Spirit Art Paintings and files truly rekindled my enthusiasm for Native American spiritual beliefs. As often happens to me while on the computer, one thing led me to another.  Before long, I was searching the web for spiritual inspiration and guidance.

Among many others, I came across some great words of wisdom from Chief Dan George, "(July 24, 1899 – September 23, 1981). He was a chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, a Coast Salish band located on Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He was also an author, poet, and an Academy Award-nominated actor." I found this story here.

Song For A Wolf ~ Chief Dan George

"I wanted to give something of my past to my grandson. So I took him into the woods, to a quiet spot. Seated at my feet he listened as I told him of the powers that were given to each creature. He moved not a muscle as I explained how the woods had always provided us with food, homes, comfort, and religion.
He was awed when I related to him how the wolf became our guardian, and when I told him that I would sing the sacred wolf song over him, he was overjoyed.

In my song, I appealed to the wolf to come and preside over us while I would perform the wolf ceremony so that the bondage between my grandson and the wolf would be lifelong.
I sang.
 In my voice was the hope that clings to every heartbeat.
I sang.
 In my words were the powers I inherited from my forefathers.
I sang.
 In my cupped hands lay a spruce seed-- the link to creation.
I sang.
 In my eyes sparkled love. I sang.
And the song floated on the sun's rays from tree to tree.
When I had ended, it was if the whole world listened with us to hear the wolf's reply. We waited a long time but none came. Again I sang, humbly but as invitingly as I could, until my throat ached and my voice gave out.

All of a sudden I realized why no wolves had heard my sacred song. There were none left! My heart filled with tears. I could no longer give my grandson faith in the past, our past.
At last I could whisper to him: "It is finished!" "Can I go home now?" He asked, checking his watch to see if he would still be in time to catch his favorite program on TV. I watched him disappear and wept in silence. All is finished!"

 ~ Chief Dan George
Chief of the Salish Band in Burrard Inlet, B.C.

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 "Wolf is the embodiment of protection and wisdom and according to some native legends, the tribe's greatest teacher. Being the most intelligent and expressive of all the canines, it lives in a close-knit family group where every member knows their place. Because of this, wolf is often seen as kin to man in that our priorities of family and cooperation are similar. When a wolf howls, its ancient melodies can connect us to a primal power and spiritual energy, also known as original memory. Helping others to understand life better and to find their calling, wolf will bring you the strength to become the teacher as well as the student. As you establish a connection with your own inner leadership, wolf medicine can help cultivate healthy bonds with friends and family." ~ Sandy Sandy Spiritartist ~ Animal Spirits book

 

"If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys." ~ Chief Dan George

The Secret of Personal Magnetism

An excerpt from Owen Waters' NEW BOOK ~ "Love, Light, Laughter: The New Spirituality"

"When people open their hearts to unselfish, unconditional love, a whole new world of possibilities opens. Rather than spending effort avoiding the selfishness of others, they spend time making sure that the way they choose to serve society is done in the best way possible. When people can trust others to treat each other with love and respect rather than as competitors, then everyone gains.

As heart-centered awareness grows and blooms within society, people’s primary focus will shift away from service to self and towards service to others. When it does, the world will transform out of all recognition.

But you don’t have to wait for all of society to catch up. In both your personal and professional dealings with people, you have a reputation, and it is fed by word-of-mouth recommendation. Build your reputation as someone who tends to give more than is expected of them, and you will find yourself becoming increasingly popular in both your business and personal lives. People respond to heartfelt action and, as they say, what goes around comes around.

Action and reaction are opposite and equal in all types of thought and action. Your heartfelt action, by automatic reaction, will create a heartfelt reality among you and the people who are attracted to your energy. When you operate mainly out of a heart-centered frequency, you will notice that people are attracted to you in all aspects of your life. Friends, lovers, professional associates; everyone will be attracted to your magnetic personality.

Personal magnetism has been one of the great mysteries of life simply because, in the past, so few people have operated from that heart-centered frequency of awareness on a routine basis. However, it’s really no secret. It’s just one of those common-sense facts of life.

The secret of personal magnetism is that the more you unconditionally love people, the more they love you.

You don’t have to make a big deal out of it. You don’t have to stand there like some transmitter beacon, radiating huge amounts of heart energy. Top stage performers do, but you don’t. You can be very quiet about it and everyone will be quietly drawn to you. Everyone of a similar nature, that is. Everyone who appreciates kindness and a truly warm, genuine smile.

In other words, you’ll attract the very best of friends.

There’s nothing more attractive than a warm smile from a person who quietly radiates a sense of unconditional love for themselves and all others."

This was an excerpt from "Love, Light, Laughter: The New Spirituality" by Owen Waters, which is available exclusively at Amazon.com.
www.amazon.com/dp/1932336281

"Posted Courtesy of www.InfiniteBeing.com"

Power Animals

I just joined a group on Facebook called: GRATITUDE For Angels, Guides, Goddesses & Power Animals. On the group home page was a post by Lynn Guy from Australia that really got my attention. Lynn talks about going cross country on a motorcycle and being forewarned of danger by a cloud animal, namely a Thunderbird. That got me frantically searching for this photo I had taken years ago of the same creature.


Animal totems don't necessarily have to be actual living creatures, but can come in many forms to those who are willing to keep an open mind and pay attention. See more about animal totems and my book about the same here.