Finding Water - Uncovering a Sense of Optimism

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. - Albert Einstein

That's the quote on the last page of this week's chapter of Julia Cameron's Finding Water. Really I can't think of anything to add to that - it kind of says it all on the topic of optimism.   I'm feeling sort of quiet right now - content, creative, and yes, optimistic - I'm just feeling more visual than verbal right now.  Since pictures are supposed to be worth a thousand words, maybe I'll post in pictures while I'm feeling quiet, lol. I think the 'feeling quiet' bit started for me, because I've had such a hard time getting to post comments. Blogger and Typepad blogs - and even my e-mail - have all been acting up. I had to type in a word verification three times just to leave a comment on my own blog (and I don't even have the word verification option selected - what's up with that?). I'll be around as soon as the computer overlords let me - meanwhile, I'm thinking of you all. I'm feeling optimistic: it will all be flowing smoothly by tomorrow.

Here's my check-in for this week: Did my norning pages 5 times this week - I think that may actually be a record for me - even though one of the days, I only wrote one page instead of three.

For my Artist Date - I scoped out the toys and other goodies in World Market and looked for a shower curtain (didn't find one, but had fun while I was there anyway - they have the coolest wind-up critters and other toys).

I bonked out on my walk though - was tying up my sneakers yesterday, ready to go when the rainclouds burst open. It stopped late last night - but I wimped out today in the face of the cold wind still remaining (well, cold by S. Calif. standards - the rest of the world would probably think it was a spring breeze, lol). I did walk circles around Costco today (huge warehouse-type store, for those outside the U.S.) - though not exactly the kind of contemplative walking I think Cameron had in mind, I felt as if I'd had enough exercise for the day.

Came home this evening, and did this little 4x4 watercolor (the colorful edge in the background, is actually the box the paper came in - I just set the painting on it, and liked the way they looked together, so decided to scan them together). The paper's verging on being overworked, so I made myself stop, but I enjoyed the process - and that's the whole point, I think.

For someone who says she's feeling quiet, I've written quite a bit, haven't I? Well, I'm still not babbling forth quite as much from my stream of consciousness as usual, anyway  :-)

To see other people's posts who are blogging 'Finding Water' - click  here.

Hope everyone's having a happy weekend. I think I'm off to play with paint some more before heading to bed.

Comments

[Paris Parfait]

Such a beautiful rendering of the elephants, Terri! As for commenting on Typepad blogs, they've been having problems. I communicated yesterday with their tech staff about it; they're working to resolve it. I don't have the "captcha" box enabled either, as I find it irritating and too many people have complained it's hard to read. Hope you're enjoying your weekend! Oh and I love that Einstein quote. I have the book and haven't opened it yet. Sigh.

[janet]

That is a wonderful painting of the elephants! And I like the added touch of the box as a border.
It's been cold here, too. Not much rain but windy and cold. I'm a wimp in that kind of weather, too!

[leah]

i *love* this art piece!! love it! beautiful work, tinker, you're doing great!

[artzyjudie]

Tinker I like that elephant art piece too, too much. In fact, I covet it. Would you consider a trade? If so give me a theme, even a medium, and I'll start on a 4 X 4 tomorrow!!!

[Lisa Oceandreamer]

I absolutely LOVE this elephant art work...I have a growing affinity for elephants and all they represent.
I bought the book today, I may not be following with a group but I've decided to start reading it at my own pace and see what works for me. I am on a search for something that I cannot yet define.
Sorry about all the computer woes - it is indeed frustrating.
XOXO
Love,
Lisa

[tammy vitale]

It seems everyone posted today but me - and I come here and you "aren't talking much" and are still way ahead of me. Sigh. But the day was great and now I'm catching up reading and I do love your focus on elephants, so I will leave happy and thank you very much!

[bella]

Oh, I love your watercolor! It's simple and serene. If you click on my blog, there is a link to my secret Finding Water blog. Have a great weekend!

[bella]

http://travelwithme1.blogspot.com/

[miss*R]

is Mercury still in retrograde? If so then that is why all the trouble with commenting & email...
I want the Finding Water book - boo hoo.... it isn't even on our book lists here yet. It will be ages before I can do it.. I am always last *over my poor me, now* :)
love ya Miss*T

[Pacian]

Ooh! Love the elephants!

[Marilyn]

I like your elephants! And thanks for reminding me that World Market (which I still only think of as Cost Plus) has such wonderful toys and trinkets. (We have one here...haven't been there in awhile.)

[gemma]

Hi Tinker...I've had trouble commenting on Typepad....hope it has cleared up.
So glad you are in this book group.
:-)

[kai]

Aloha Terri..
I love elephants, these 2 are magic!! and I love your rambles, it's like a homely conversation with a good friend.
PEace, Kai

[Tammy]

You're too cute Tink! Good for you hanging in there finding that water ;) Your elephants are lovely. HUGS

[pam aries]

Bon Jour , Mon ami! Yes..the elephants are incredible! I wanted to say thanks again for my Pam in Paris art! It is on m,y Paris altar! TYhoughts become thimgs!

[Jana]

I love the elephants!!!!! They are too cool!!!!!!!! Did you give them names?

[tinker]

Thanks for the kind words everyone. No, Jana - I didn't give them names, maybe because they're not mine to name - 'cause they're on their way to their rightful owner, hehe, if you get my drift, Miss Judie. And no need to send anything else (not that I don't love your beeutiful artwork) - but you've sent me a-plenty! It's about time I returned the favor.
:-)

[patry]

Aren't elephants the most amazing creatures?

Love your quote, too. Thanks for being the second kind of person!

[GeL (Emerald Eyes)]

It's terrific to see this lovely watercolor of the elephants that you've said recur to you. I can see why you want to illustrate children's books. I think you already have that talent! (I hope I didn't mix you up with others' I've read about; regardless, it's a heartfelt compliment.)
I joined Finding Water 3 days ago, and am catching up at my own speed like someone else here said.Great quote.

[lisa]

Such a beautiful painting. Elephants are so amazing. I think we have a lot to learn from them. You've really captured them here. I'm amazed by your ability to do that.

You're making me want to read that book!

[Alison Whittington]

That painting is awesome.

[Caroline]

Love your elephant!!!

Hope you are okay and producing lots of art - I've been making more than writing too.

[Greenishlady]

Love the elephants. I, too, have been having very frustrating computer troubles - it's just a gamble that this comment will post. Sorry to have been so absent lately. Finding Water looks like it is really feeding people. Think I'll have to get a copy soon!