Donna Watson, The Way
I challenge you to make your life a masterpiece. I challenge you to join the ranks of those people who live what they teach, who walk their talk. Anthony Robbins
Last week, as I was making plans for 2010, I thought a lot about the idea I mentioned in my last post – “be still and listen.” I decided that rather than rush quickly through the whole process, this time I would just “be still and listen” for awhile and see what happens to show up.
Almost immediately, I found a link on a blog I was on and landed on Donna Watson’s exquisite blog. I’ve known Donna for a number of years, and we have shared some fun times together. But when I visited her blog, I learned much more about this beautiful woman and fabulous artist and what it means to weave your life and your art together seamlessly to create a beautiful and harmonious masterpiece, and what it means to live an artful life. Donna’s life, home, interests, clothes, collections, books, art, blog, website, and spirit all work together synergistically to become an authentic expression of who she is. Scrolling through her blog and reading the inspiring quotes and seeing her beautiful photography, I found myself slowing down and feeling more relaxed, more peaceful and inspired.
My spirit was in need of a little soothing and comfort that day and I had found the perfect balm. When I left her blog I felt refreshed – like I had been meditating, or had been to a mini-spa! I guess it has a lot has to do with her Asian background, so opposite of my “south side of Chicago” background. Whatever it was, I came away from that experience with a renewed desire to have all of my life areas working at optimum levels so that my life nurtures my art and my art nurtures my life. Maybe it’s balance I’m looking for, maybe it’s harmony. Whatever it is, I know it’s a positive state that can help pull me towards my goals. As life coach Phillip Humbert says, “why “push”, when you can let your systems “pull” you forward?” Pushing isn’t a very peaceful concept anyway – balance and harmony are – and they are also kinder and gentler. BTW: If you haven’t visited Donna Watson’s blog yet, you’re in for a treat. Click here to see it. Now – back to making plans!
Happy Painting!
Thank you DZ for such a lovely post– what wonderful words you wrote about my art, life, and expression of my thoughts, feelings, reactions I try to convey in my art work and blog. I feel humbled by the words in your post and will try to live up to them.
Hi DW – you don’t have to “try” to live up to those words – you are already doing it!
YOU CAN SAY ALL THAT AGAIN….!! although i’ve never come ‘face to face’ with donna, i can agree with you…her authentic self resonates through her writing, findings, art work, and generous spirit of sharing. we’ve had many virtual exchanges, and a few stones have criss-crossed the continent between her pacific coast and my lake michigan shoreline.
if a spark can be calming, she is: to me, you, and to so many many others.
your expression are appreciation are beautifully stated. brava! neva
Thanks, Nancy, for sharing your thoughts about Donna. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.”
Hi Donna,
Interesting posting! I have been curious about Donna’s (hmm….two Donna’s!) work for some time, being that we both live in the Northwest. I came upon the posting on her blog about silence and thought provoking. I had to share the blog with my sister. It’s impressive how Donna’s art extends to what seems to be every part of her life.
On another note, congratulations for being accepted into this year’s AWS show!
Hi Peggy, yes Donna is a fabulous artist and her blog is refreshing and inspiring. It’s fun to find that we share a common bond in the kinds of art and inspiration we are drawn to.
And thank you – I’m thrilled to be part of the AWS show this year.
Donna — I have several articles that your wrote a few years back; I’ve kept them and often refer to them (and others) when feeling in a rut — so this is doubly wonderful to find you via Donna Watson’s blog! The idea of “pulling” rather than “pushing” is great — oftentimes, it is better to float a bit more, thus allowing the pull of thoughts and ideas to flow more naturally. Thank you for sharing that!
Hi Kelly – Thanks for your comments. I like your idea of floating and allowing thoughts and ideas to come naturally. I have forced myself to slow down this winter and to “be still and listen” with the same goal in mind – to let new ideas come. It’s not easy – especially at first, but I am finding that I am “hearing” more, seeing more, and finding more.
I am so glad to find your blog, through Donna Watson’s, who was featured on my pal Alicia’s Altered Bits. Your art (and writing) are amazing; I see you’re releasing a watercolor DVD – I use acrylics and wonder if the techniques would translate… I ever see a workshop I’ll try my best to get there. Thanks.
Hi Patti,
Thanks for your comments! I’ve been on your blog, too and I love it! As far as my workshop and DVD – I paint opaquely so my techniques do work well with acrylics.
Donna’s work and blog have that calming effect on me too. Her work speaks to me of nature, zen gardens, contemplation and harmony. Layers is one of my most favourite blog destinations!
Robyn – Thank you for adding your thoughts about Donna’s beautiful blog. I’ve just visited your blog for the first time and wow! – it’s beautiful and packed with fabulous things to explore as well. Can’t wait to make a return visit!
Hi Donna….
I’m another Donna,…and I’m so happy to have hopped over to discover your wonderful world via Donna Watson’s blog…OH MY…she has such a grand artist eye!! and so many lovely gifts to share. You’ve captured her essence so well in your description…what a beautiful tribute.
I love the song “row row row your boat gently down the stream…merrily merrily merrily merrily life is but a dream.” This offers the image of not pushing or pulling but flowing…gently…down …the stream of life…merrily.
Happy to find your work.
d
Hi Donna,
Thank you for visiting and for commenting. I especially love your reminder to “row, row, row your boat….” I guess I never took the time to discover the meaning of that little ditty. Thanks for that. I visited your site and loved your work. Spiritual in nature; soothing, healing. I was interested to see that you worked with Hospice and have put together a book of poems and paintings – how inspiring. 3 years ago my mother became ill and I cared for her at my home until her death. I couldn’t have done it without the help of Hospice. Hospice volunteers are truly angels – it so nice to meet another angel!