“The Secret Ingredient”
I like to cook and bake.  One of my favorite breakfast foods to make is pancakes. I have a recipe I use that I like.  Because I’m mildly lactose intolerant I add Lactaid milk instead of regular milk.  I like putting strawberry jam and cinnamon on the pancakes.I make pancakes for breakfast sometimes.  
We had a pancake mix recently that my girls used to make Japanese pancakes.  They didn’t  use the whole box.One of my daughters decided to make the pancake mix for breakfast.She followed the recipe on the box and ate them.  
Yet after, she told me they didn’t come out as good and sweet as my pancakes that I make from scratch.  
It warmed my heart. 
I told her, “There’s a secret ingredient.  It’s Love.”  

Ok, so it’s not a secret. 

We all know that when we put love into what we are doing it makes what we’re doing that much more special.  ?

Lisa G.

“Le Cadeau du Cheval“

Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!

Soldier Portraits

Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families who have sacrificed so much.”

For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org.

The Year 2020

Clear vision

2019 was a full year, which included ups and downs.  Some little ripples, and some big ripples. 

I left one part-time job to then start a full time job.  

I then chose to put time into my book project, a dream to fulfill.

I’ve had experiences that made me realize how important it was to have time doing things to take care of myself.  One idea was to take time to be grounded and have a moment of peace with myself. 

Our lives can feel so busy.  We need to take time to be calm and still to rejuvenate.

I enjoy going for walks in the morning or evening… although  I go without headphones or music.  I do that so I can be in the present and notice nature around me on these walks. 

I also have taken the chance to participate in a Tai chi class on Thursday at my workplace.  The movements are slow and fluid.  The movements make me feel good.  They are calming.

I have loved horseback riding my whole life.  There’s a movement and flow of energy that goes between a rider and their horse, as they move together in rhythm.  

In times of change we can feel unbalanced or thrown off.  Thus a we need to find a balance, and to feel grounded.  Practicing techniques to ground oneself/body can empower one.

Years ago, I took riding lessons each week.  Over time my riding did improve.  

During one ride, I was told by my riding instructor to canter in a two point position, like a hunter rider.  I had done a two point position at walk and trot many times before. 

I asked for a canter.  I was just off position a little and sat back in the saddle.  My instructor said, “Again” confident I could do it.

I continued at a canter and adjusted my feet to the right place.  My horse looked back at me as if to say, “when you’re ready let me know.” I gathered a little mane in one of my hands, to fill a little security.  I felt, “I’m in position.”

Then we went. We galloped down the long side of the ring.  

I was steady as I ever was.  I was “Just right” in my position.  So much so that I felt empowered and strong.  Halfway down, I noted I’m still good, so I let go of the little piece of mane I had.  We continued on. As we got near the corner of the arena, with light hands and steadiness,  I asked my horse to adjust for the turn. We went smoothly through.  

It must have looked as good as it felt. 

My instructor and a student watching cheered me on.  “Go Lisa, Go!”  

It was so good.  

That steadfast feeling and strength made me feel like nothing to knock me over.  

I was truly steady amidst movement.  

Best, 

Lisa G.

Art  News

“Le Cadeau du Cheval“
Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!

Soldier Portraits
Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families who have sacrificed so much.”
For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org.

Jackson Pollock’s Mural: The Story of a Modern Masterpiece

To watch this wonderful video click here.