I have been re-booted…..

I am pleased to report that I feel better than I have done in a long while    Not only are my energy levels back to normal but it feels like my mind and body have been (as one of my friends put it) re-booted……..

“Some of my old memories feel trapped in amber in my brain lucid and burning, while others are like the wing beat of a hummingbird, an intangible, ephemeral blur.”   watercolourI am now very excited about the upcoming course at the school in Portugal (http://www.artinthealgarve.com) on the 2nd of October where we will be focusing on observation and imagination……and using the medium of watercolour to loosen up – `and free ourselves from fear based restraints.

Two minute watercolour sketch…..Like most people throughout my life I have experienced some important turning points.     Usually  events that I could never have imagined….and often events that turn out to be blessings in disguise.       When these events occur, I have found that it’s important to embrace them no matter how uncomfortable they might be.        My recent blip has turned out to be such an event.

“Beautiful is what we see.    More beautiful is what we understand.   Most beautiful is what we do not comprehend”.   Mira Bartock “When you are convinced that all the exits are blocked, either you take to believing in miracles or you stand still like the hummingbird.    The miracle is that the honey is always there, right under your nose, only you were too busy searching elsewhere to realise it.     The worst is not death but being blind, blind to the fact that everything about life is in the nature of the miraculous.”   Henry Miller. We tend to ignore the fact that there is a vast tapestry of energy that exists beyond our five senses…..that there is an unseen order of things.    For me the hummingbird symbolises this.

Hummingbirds are courageous little creatures……migrating huge distances and always drinking from the sweet nectar of life…..We can learn so much from them. 

Watercolour. 

And so  a week from Wednesday I am off to one of  my favourite places – the School in Olhao.   (http://www.artinthealgarve.com)    I will write a blog about the week after I return around the middle of October.

A quick sketch from the Saturday market in Olhao Portugal – watercolour/gouache

A sun drenched wall in Olhao  – watercolour/gouache from sketch bookAnd finally the beautiful olive tree in the courtyard at the School in Olhao.    Have a lovely day and week ahead.

A Bientot

Janet

 

 

 

 

 

New Beginnings.

magical hummingbird….watercolour/gouache – symbolising the unseen magic in the world. It’s been a couple of months since my last post.       I have spent this time relaxing, recouping, painting, writing and contemplating.    

I am glad to report that I am feeling very well,  in  fact better than I have in a long time which has brought me to the conclusion that  my recent medical adventure has been a huge blessing in disguise.      It has given me the opportunity to stop and take stock.

Kara Olivia (my cousin’s daughter) bathed in sunlight and shadow in the kitchen at Ty Gwynn – Crickhowell, Wales.     Such a happy memory.   1994.  I have been blessed in so many ways throughout my life.    For the most part robust health, two fantastic children, many wonderful friends, and of course my work which always sustains me. 

In the bedroom of my London flat I have what I call my ‘memory wall’.      As I lie in bed contemplating these images, I am reminded of my grandparents, parents, children, husband, friends, animals and more.    All the people and animals who have contributed so much to my life…… These images remind me that all the planning in the world doesn’t necessarily give you what you want or expect….rather it’s about living each and every day to the full and not worrying about future or past – or that which we cannot change.      

I have always found that when I get out of the driver’s seat…..wonderfully unexpected things can and do happen.     For me this principle underlies the true magic of life. 

My cottage garden in Crickhowell Wales – a place I had never heard of until my Cousin introduced me to it….and now a place that will forever be paramount in my heart and life. Christeve the Cat allowing a friend to join her on the garden shed roof…..cottage garden Crickhowell WalesIn 1993 when I returned home to the UK and specifically Crickhowell (AKA The Magical Town of Crickadoon) I made the decision to stop driving.      

I will always remember my eye doctor in the States telling me to let him know when I am on the roads, so that he could keep off  them…..true story:)        The fact is that during the 28 years that I drove,  I hated it.      One of the only rows I can remember my husband and I having was over my not wanting to use a stick shift!    My brain simply doesn’t work that way…….

After 1993, I designed my life so that I would not need a car.    In Crickhowell, I could walk to the butcher, baker, candlestick maker, and so much more.   If I needed to get to Abergavenny for the train, I took a taxi.      I walked everywhere and loved it, and of course was very healthy.      I continue to be an advocate for efficient and inexpensive public transportation systems and some walking every day…..

Looking towards St. Edmund’s Church and the centre of Crickhowell from the River Usk. 

Sadly in 2005 I had to move to London (again totally unexpected) for work and to be closer to my Mother in Kent who was not well. 

At the time, I was dismayed to say the least.   I didn’t want to leave Crickhowell.   However, as I look back over the past 12 years since I have been in London, I can see that so many blessings have come about because of this unexpected and unwanted change in my life.       None of us is ever creative enough to know how things will actually work out……

I was reunited with Josie and her many animals. (Josie has known me since the day I was born)…..I learned so much from Josie.   I have met so many people because of moving to London, and have been introduced to many new people and lovely places around the UK and other parts of Europe.

All of which reminds me that at any given time, there are people and places in this world that we have no knowledge of, but will ultimately play profound parts in our lives.    

And that’s where I am right now….at another new beginning – I can feel it in my waters:) 

watercolour/gouache from  SW France – from one of my many sketchbooks. And so who knows what the future will bring.?….The answer to that is – none of us!    

Maybe the magical hummingbirds know…….watercolour/gouacheWishing one and all, no matter where you are in the world, a lovely September. 

A Bientot

Janet. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taking a break…..

“People say that what we’re all seeking is the meaning of life.   I don’t think that’s what we’re seeking.  I think what we are seeking is an experience of being alive, so that our life experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonances with our innermost being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive.”     Joseph Campbell 1904-1987

watercolour/gouache – magical hummingbird I will be painting, writing, celebrating life and enjoying the company of dear friends during the next few weeks……

watercolourOnce again I have been reminded through the untimely death of a good friend of the importance of making the very best of every moment we have.

watercolourNot to put off what we really want to do….but rather to take on life’s new adventures with a sense of excitement.

watercolourNot to wait for the perfect time to do something, because there never is a perfect time…just today.

watercolour/gouache“Follow your Bliss” – another quote from Joseph Campbell.

For thirty years I have adhered to this way of being.       It doesn’t mean that I have received all my ‘wants’ but rather that my ‘needs’ have been met in ways that I could never  have been creative enough to imagine……..

watercolourAnd so today I follow the example of the magical hummingbirds, soaring above all the madness and drinking from the sweet nectar of life……..:)

watercolour/gouache

A bientôt

Opening the senses…..

‘Our five senses are like openings through which we receive all the perceptions that are then transformed into concepts and ideas’.    Buddhist Offerings. 

Hear the bird song and see the beauty…..

Touch the flowers and the trees

Smell the air

and taste the sweet nectar of life. 

Have a lovely weekend.

A Bientôt

August – the lazy hazy days of summer….

‘Remember to be gentle with yourself and others.    We are all children of chance and none can say why some fields blossom while others lay brown beneath the August sun.’   Kent Nerburn – American author.

The Brecon Beacons, Wales – rapid watercolour

Some magical hummingbirds for a Monday morning – watercolour

A Bientôt

Happy Hummingbird Monday.

Wishing one and all a happy hummingbird Monday:)

http://www.janetweightreed.co.uk

A Bientôt

A World free of barriers and division…….

“Unfettered wings span beyond prosaic frontiers.    

Hummingbirds send forth a spiritual grace guiding us into a world of boundless imagination and enlightenment.  

A world free of barriers and division – a wellspring of unity.”   Janet Weight Reed. 

I will be away for the next few days.   Back here on Tuesday.

Peace and love.

http://www.janetweightreed.co.uk

A Bientôt

Gentle colour and hummingbirds for Monday morning…..

It’s that time of the year when many people start to yearn for spring and sunshine…..and in that yearning we often forget that animals and birds around the Globe are also starting to prepare for a new season and long journeys.

The tiny hummingbird is currently enjoying warmer climes…..but it wont be too long before it prepares for its long migration. 

 

These magical little creatures seek out colour in the form of beautiful flora and fauna which gives them the rich nectar they will need. 

 

Although at times our immediate environment might seem devoid of colour – it is always there waiting to bring energy and life.    

We just have to be aware of it, and open ourselves to the unseen magic in our world. 

A Bientôt

Sending Magical Hummingbirds to my friends in the Philippines.

Through social media and Axlephiin Publishing, which I am very proud to be part of, I have come to know many people from the Philippines.  

I have learned that it’s a country that produces highly creative and talented artists, with a clear respect and love for the arts in its many different expressions.  

My friends in Manilla, say that the city is OK, and life is going on as per normal, however there are clearly other parts of this beautiful Archipelago, where there has been total devastation from the giant typhoon which hit yesterday. 

Sitting in the Ring of Fire, an area notorious for earthquakes, volcanos and typhoons, the Philippine people are used to disruptions, however, even for them, this most recent natural disaster, was huge. 

Hummingbirds are courageous and resilient, qualities that I know the Philippine people posses and will show in the coming days. 

 

Wishing everyone a peaceful and loving weekend. 

A Bientôt

 

 

The Purple Cat and Friends.

The Purple Cat,  (watercolour) whose name was Tushy, was one of my all time favourite studio cats. 

Sometimes people ask me ‘why a purple cat’ and I always respond with ‘Why not?’

I love animals, especially big and little cats.

They know how to live….When they can find a sun spot, they relax and enjoy it.  (watercolour)

This Pink Cat, is dreaming of beautiful hummingbirds:)  (watercolour and black felt tip pen)

Speaking of which….may the Magical Hummingbirds be with you today. 

A Bientôt