Why does there have to be
So much fighting…
So much hatred…
Politics.
Religion.
In a world where
you can be anything,
Be Kind.
It’s really not that hard.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
(pink rose from my anniversary bouquet)
world
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
My son, Nick, challenged me to try something different in watercolor as a painting for him. He requested something like “space” or planets or the world. Well – that’s a pretty wide open request, so I asked him to show me some examples of things he liked, and he sent me a few ideas.
I really loved what he had found, so I used one as an example to try to recreate it Jodi-ish. This painting is done on 10×14″ 300 lb Arches Cold Press. I used Winsor & Newton Cobalt Blue, Cadmium Yellow and New Gamboge, Windsor Violet, and Burnt Sienna watercolors. I also used liquid frisket to mask off some white spaces I wanted to be certain to preserve.
I’m excited to mat and frame it for him!
In full respect and disclosure to the original artist, to view and/or purchase the original art print that inspired this, prints are available here at a home decor shop called Artollo. It appears the artist is Elena Romanova, who goes by Fairy Somnia, and I am a new total fan of this young lady from London! Her loose, impressionistic style is my favorite way to paint. I hope she appreciates the shout out and my admiration of her work.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
“Imagine what our real neighborhoods would be like
if each of us offered,
as a matter of course,
just one kind word
to another person.”
-Mr. Rogers
Over the holidays, Hubby and I made a visit to our local Pittsburgh Smithsonian-affiliate museum – the Heinz History Center.
One of the highlights for me was the special exhibit of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood – one of my favorite childhood television shows.
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was filmed in Pittsburgh for three decades from 1968 – 2001. The compassion, patience, morality, and advocacy for important public causes Fred Rogers taught is embedded in my heart and soul.
As I viewed the exhibit,
reminisced about the home of X the Owl and Henrietta Pussycat,
gazed at the castle of King Friday XIII, Queen Sara Saturday, and Prince Tuesday,
and was transported by Trolley to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe,
I dreamed of a World neighborhood where kind words were spoken…..
and love was shared….
and this song stayed in my head…..
“It’s You I like.
It’s not the things you wear.
It’s not the way you do your hair.
But it’s You I like,
the way you are right now,
the way down deep inside you.
Not the things that hide you…
Its You
I like.”
Can’t we all get along?
Can’t we all accept each other?
Thank you Mr. Rogers.
Your wisdom transcends time, age, color, race, gender, identity, religion, ethnicity.
It’s You
I
Like.
Cheers & Hugs
Jodi
Let’s build a bridge
Pittsburgh, PA – The City of Bridges – 12/5/15
Let’s build a bridge
that will float above the fog,
that connects confusion,
destroys division,
fastens friendship,
links love,
joins jurisdiction,
unites understanding.
Let’s build a bridge
of peace.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
It was one of those days…
It was one of THOSE days…
I got up early…
I stayed up late…
I never got a shower until 7pm…
And that was because a friend was coming by at 7:30…
You see…. I work from home (most days anyway) – Gotta love that!
But some days (when you are a work from homer), you wonder – – – errr – – – maybe I should say “I wonder”…..
“What did I do to make a difference today?”
“How did I make an impact on the world… for the greater good… today?
(Thanks Nikole for making me consider that everyday – no matter the “burden” 🙂 )
But you know what? As I sit here at 12:30 am (knowing I committed to getting up at 4:10am to go to the gym with Nick at 4:20am!)
(Uhmmm – and I wish I could say that is a habit – but this will only be the third time!)
I think I did…. make an impact today…
Although I never left the house, I still think “I was exactly what the world needed today” in my interactions (aka “where I went”)
I feel good about the work I accomplished.
I feel good about my family.
I feel good about my conversation with a friend tonight.
Yep – Brian Andreas (whose Story People work I adore!) – and anyone else that has kindly read this far…
I think I did….
…help where I could…
…and was exactly what the world needed… today.
We’ll see what tomorrow brings – and what magic it holds.
Cheers and hugs,
Jodi
the creative life in between 