A Mid-Summer Dream

I can't believe we are half way through the Summer already. Well I have been busy, considering all my options for the future. It is such a blessing to have options.  I am a true believer in God's divine order, a faithful follower of God's plan. However, I also believe that God has intricately devised many paths specifically for each of us that he generously leaves up to our own individual free will. Our God is not an oppressive "my way or the highway" type of God;  He is a patient, grace granting, loving provider, who only wants the best for us. Thus, we are all gifted with options. And here I sit faced with many options. I recently read that a good way to pray for your best path is to ask, "which way will bring me closer to life purpose?"

 Ah, yet another question, leading  to those precious options.  Options deliciously hanging on the vine for the picking, like the sweetest mid summer purple grapes. If I had it my way, in my own perfectly purple dream  I would paint, day in and day out. Lending my own flavor or beauty to the world. My work would be in such demand I could barely keep up. I would continue weaving stories using my paint brush and a few tubes of acrylic paint. I would inspire others to dream big dreams; I would fulfill what I perceive my purpose to be and communicate positive energy, encouraging others to love and accept themselves; In my perfect world my work would help heal the world, starting or at least participating in a chain reaction of positive change in world filled with a diverse and broad spectrum of colors & cultures that converge and unite in beautiful creativity. Now that's what I would call a divine option.

Well that's my dream and I am blessed to realize that as far fetched as this dream may sound; I still consider it as a viable option and one that I work toward daily. As I navigate from dream to reality, searching through a sea of options which include pursuing art or returning to corporate sales to make a living, I settle in the knowledge that divine solutions will arrive. I know that through God's unlimited grace, all things are possible.

My mid-summer wish for you is that you also recognize your many God given options and that your soul sails in the direction of your best and highest good. May your dreams and options prosper greatly in business as well as creatively.

 Always follow your heart & follow your dreams and never forget to count your blessings! Oh and of course I also want you live a vibrant colorful life steeped in beautiful creativity; Remember like life, art is what you make it, MAKE IT BIG!     

Artfully Yours,
Lisa M. Cliff 

             

Summa, Summa, Summa Time, Summa Time...

 Time to Sit Back and Unwind!

 

"Sista's Deeply Rooted"

We made it through a long winter and a bashful spring. I am getting ready for my out door art festivals. Starting with the Easton Art Affair, June 21-23, 2013. I have a few other projects coming up but I am really excited about this one. Easton is the perfect spot to see some wonderful art and while you are strolling along you can stop at one of the many great restaurants for a nice glass of wine. Please say a toast to me as I live in my purpose. Stop by my booth, say hello, unwind and see some of my new work. I have been BUZY.

I am watching Oprah Winfrey's master class. I am always so inspired by her and by all that she has overcome in her life. Most folks aren't aware of her troubled childhood. She is like many of us, a rare pearl which started as a mere grain of sand and through the crush of many challenges has gracefully  morphed into this brilliant luminous pearl.

Oprah said she was unwanted as a child and her purpose today, because of this experience is to make people feel wanted, understood, and validated. This is powerful stuff. Each one of us is here for a reason and a purpose. The important life lesson is for us to identify and live within the blessing of our purpose. To continue the journey and assignment God planned for us long ago.

This is the life I am trying to lead. I am living within God's promise and though it might not make sense to many of you, this is the path I have chosen. I have had the big job title, the big house, nice cars and closets full of clothes and still have felt empty. Today, I am on the best and scariest journey of my life. I am obedient to my soul. I have now learned that "less, is truly more." I was the proverbial "Bag Lady" that Erica Badu sung about, "dragging all that stuff like that" but no more. I and streamlining and already feeling lighter. I am cleaning out closets and giving away those things that no longer serve me. My mind is clearing, my soul is rejoicing and my creativity is soaring. Don't get me wrong, I still get scared, but I am truly walking by faith, not by sight.

My intention is to continue to be a positive example of God's sweet grace for my dear family and friends. Living my life within my purpose, a life filled with vibrant color and unadulterated creativity.  Bringing (contributing)  beautiful and thought provoking works of art to this world in my own flavor.

Won't you also commit to finding and living your purpose. The world would be so much better if we all did.

Please come see me up at Easton June 21-23, 2013 and keep checking back to hear some of my other events and adventures in walking by faith, not by sight.      

I have also updated my website, please visit www.blindfaithfineart.com If you're on Pinterest, pin me. Facebook, like me and Twitter, follow me and  if you see me on the street, please simply connect with me, even if its just an. approving smile. I am buoyed by your positive energy.  
  
Life is a blank canvas, fill it with the color of you! 

Peace and blessings and Have a Wonderful Summer
Lisa M Cliff
 

    

A Celebration of Black History Month

And unveiling of my new website

http://blindfaithfineart.com

 

Greetings Friends,

For Black history month I would like to salute two of my favorite writers/ entertainers, Billie Holiday and Langston Hughes. Both of these colorful iconic figures gained popularity in the wonderful Harlem Renaissance. Can you imagine in the most dangerous of  times in the early 1920's and 30's in the height  of racial upheaval;  the mighty migration of hundreds of thousands of  blacks from the southern United States to the north;  the souls of some of out brightest stars find their way to Harlem, New York. Attracting droves of poets, painters, singers , musicians and other creative bohemian persuasions, settling all in one area; where individualism and creativity were openly celebrated.

 I believe that had I been a product of that era, I too would  have risked everything  and found myself pulling up roots and going to Harlem. I can imagine the sweet smell of unloosed creativity, the smoky jazz bars, and hearing the live spoken word of Langston who may have opened the show for the wonderful Lady Blue. I can imagine the excitement and would have been wearing my bad felt hat with the large peacock feather to the side, with my sheer black padded shouldered dress and just in time for open mike, I would have starry eyed but boldly, stepped forward with my tribute to the lady herself, Ms. Billie Holiday.

 

Lady Blu

by Lisa M. Cliff

Lady Blu, a single orchid in your hair

Heart of Harlem's Renaissance

A voice both melodic and intense

She rhythmically and carefully soothed my pain

I deliberately and carefully captured her essence

She sang my heart

I painted her soul

on her very foundation

life took its hard toll

Never forgotten, I will never forget

I painted her blu, She painted my heart

Lady Blu, an orchid crowned in her Hair

Heart of Harlem's renaissance

a  steamy  cool  nonchalance

She rhythmically, carefully sang my heart

and masterfully methodically unsung my blue

Inspiring this painting

to my discerning minds eye

This beautiful melodic  butterfly

The essence of cool I found in you

My dearest Lady Blu

An orchid crowned upon your du

Heart of Harlem's renaissance

soulful steely cool ambiance

Thank you Lady Blu for being the essence of cool

the essence of Harlem's steamy cool blu

Billie Holiday was a beautiful soulful songstress and jazz singer born in 1915. She had many hits on the jazz charts but was duly noted for her rendition of "Strange Fruit" a protest song about the horrific lynching's throughout the South in the early 1900's as well as many other memorable songs such as "God Bless the Child", and "Good Morning Heartache." Billie played in all the hottest clubs throughout New York and also sung with the great Count Basie's big band.  She was a  staple on the jazz scene,  I would call Billie the Anita Baker of our time. She was the voice of women everywhere, singing our songs, revealing our hearts, and helping us to heal. However, despite her many achievements, Billie led a troubled life and found herself caught in the drug fast lane, she left us far too soon.

I also want to salute Langston Hughes, in spite of  increasing racism, Langston a black man, made incredible inroads for that time. After spending time in the navy, traveled to South Africa and Europe. After returning to the states, received a BA from Lincoln University in 1929. Langston went on to write poetry and a number of plays and notable books. His writing was honest and profound, often leaned on the verge of  anger but reflected the frustration for racial injustice from that time when African Americans or Negroes as we were called, were being held in slavery, hunted and killed. For most Blacks there was little time for creativity, it was all about survival. Yet in places like Harlem, St Louis, Chicago and Cleveland, creativity and education of African Americans could not be suppressed.

My favorite and most well known poem of Langston Hughes was one of the inspirations that called me to write.  As I moved forward in my artistic quest , like many other tortured artists, I questioned if my dream of painting for a living would ever be realized. This poem captured my feelings as if I wrote it myself.

A Dream Deferred

By Langston Hughes

 What happens to a dream deferred

Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun

or fester like a sore

and then run

Does it stink like rotten meet

Or crust and sugar over-

syrupy sweet

maybe it sags like a heavy load

Or does it explode?

I often wonder if Langston, like me, allowed doubt to creep in at times; I did feel like my world like a raisin would explode but by faith, I continued forward.  I am so appreciative of the work, spirit and commitment of our fore sisters and brothers from that dark time. For those that suffered tremendously and in spite of the most horrible circumstances, presented some of the most profoundly brilliant work in America. The following is another Langston Hughes poem. It's beauty brings tears to my eye.

My People

By Langston Hughes

 

 The night is beautiful,
So the faces of my people.
The stars are beautiful,
So the eyes of my people
Beautiful, also, is the sun.
Beautiful, also, are the souls of my people.

Thank you Langston and Lady Blu for your strength and grace under fire. Langston died in 1967 of natural causes and our dear sister Billie Holiday lost her fight with drug and alcohol in 1959.  Two icons that have made an indelible marks on our country. Rest in peace my friends, rest in peace.

Let's make it a point to teach our children and honor Black History every day, ok? Will you join me. We share a deep colorful culture that has and continues to shape and affect the entire world.  Black, white, red or yellow, we are all deeply intrinsically connected by God's grace.  

Speaking of God's Grace, I also want to take this time to announce my new web site which is blindfaithfineart.com. I tried to take it up a notch, separating the images by theme and I added a few poems. My intention was to "warm" up my web presence by creating  an inviting interactive site that would also be an artistic experience.  Of course all the art is original and is FOR SALE, most prices are clearly listed; all you have to do is contact me via email with the works title, I will call you back within 24 hours. I accept VISA, MasterCard and American Express.  As an emerging artist, I am always on the lookout for collectors, with this in mind I also offer lay-a-way so that you can pay over time.  Some of the work is also available in affordable  limited edition prints.  

There is also a contact us page where you are welcome to leave comments. Feedback on the site itself is also welcome. The one thing that I eventually want to do is change the name to LisaMCiff.com, however, in the mean time, please check me out. There is also a "Tell a Friend" button on the home page that allows you to instantly share my website with others,  Please Do Share!

Remember, art should be a reflection of your personality, it should speak to your heart;  It is an investment and should reflect your tastes, sensibilities, values and styles; Art should add colorful dimension and bring life to a room and warmth to your home.  My intention with every brush stroke is to infuse positive energy into every work of art. To create work that will contribute to making our world beautiful and to  continue to make art that will remind us all of our own inner beauty and shared humanity.

Why don't you add richness and warmth to your home by investing in a "Lisa Cliff  Masterpiece" today!

Thanks again for visiting my art blog. Your interest and support means so much to me. Until next time and from my soul to yours,

 "Namaste" (Be Well)

Lisa  M. Cliff

 

 

Happy New Year, Commit to Find Your Bliss in 2013

(swinging into a new year of bliss)

Welcome to the New Year. Hopefully you are like me and excited about the possibilities this new year will bring. Below is a poem that I penned recently its called “Dwelling in the Possibility of Bliss.” It really does reflect my current frame of mind. I truly believe that life is about a series of pre-destined opportunities and philosophical choices. Our choices, although they may some time seem random and un-affecting can turn these pre-destined opportunities into long term life changing new paths. You see it’s not just the big life cycle decisions that make the difference, like whether to take or quit a new job or enter or leave a relationship.  It’s also some of the smaller decisions that can lead to greater paths. That is why I first consult “My Source” in everything I do, through prayer. When faced with decisions to move forward, go back or be still, I always pray first. I ask, “which way will bring me closer to my higher purpose?” Then I simply get still, attentive to the still small voice. Then I proceed by “dwelling in the possibility of bliss” confident that whatever decision I make will be blessed. With blind faith, I understand that there are no coincidences or random acts. I expect goodness to follow me. I know that life doesn’t always go my way but I believe there is a reason, season and lesson in everything.

The dictionary describes “Bliss” as “a state of extreme happiness. I was surprised that the great poet and playwright, William Shakespeare has used the word “bliss” in context at least 20 times. As in the next example “O what sympathy of woe is this, as far from help as Limbo is from bliss.” I do not claim to know Shakespeare but I do know “bliss” and I believe what he was trying to convey with these words in the tragedy of “Merchant of Venice” is how sad it would be to live a life of  indifference, never to achieve real happiness. I find my bliss in many ways, through love and family but my passion is truly painting and writing poetry; and this is ultimately about communication. Art is about trying to communicate a compelling message or story.  My wish is to communicate through art, messages of hope, faith and positive energy. This is the ocean that I choose to swim in, where I find myself and find my bliss. It is my place of self actualization. I am on a never ending journey as vast as the sand in the sea; color, images and words represent vast possibilities for me. The act of creating is exactly within my wheelhouse and I try and live in a constant state of positivity.  I could not imagine a life without art.

For this new year, 2013, I want to implore you again to find that which brings you to your place of bliss. Whether it is art, music, volunteering, leadership, or gardening. Whatever it is that makes your heart sing, just sing it with gusto. Claim your bliss and set aside time to nurture and swim in it.             

Dwelling in the Possibility of Bliss

By Lisa M Cliff

When all around me are losing their heads

Hindered by a constant state of dread

Finding myself caught in a brief moment of fear

Then I go inside myself to organize what I hear

Through all the chaos, chatter and confusion

Realizing beyond the facade, is just an illusion

Bliss quietly whispering my name

Reality is a figment of how it’s framed

And then consciously choosing to rise above it all

When bliss rings the bell, I must answer the call

A slave to possibility, a prisoner of hope

An opportunity to push bliss’ envelope

Yes, I choose to dwell in the possibility of bliss

Where inspiration and imagination kiss

Where fairy tales and dreams come alive

Where ingenuity and intention survive

Yes, some may call me Miss Polly Anna

But uber possibility is my Nirvana

And I would prefer to be called “Bliss”

A state of mind in which to reminisce

And look forward to, return and be

Where bliss and creativity run free

When all around me are losing their heads

I consciously seek my bliss instead

Choosing to dwell in the state of possibility

Where blissful dreams come alive and fly free

A few ago weeks ago I participated in Career Day at a local elementary school. I spoke to 1^st and 2^nd graders about creativity and pursuing art and poetry. They were so funny and inquisitive. I showed them two paintings and a copy of my book, “An Umbrella in Case of Rain”. I spoke to 4 different classes and told them that by using their own imagination and creativity, there would be no limit on where they could go, see or accomplish. When I asked for questions at the end of my segment, I got the gamble of questions including what my age was and how much money did I make. But I also got some really interesting questions. One child asked if I was successful. I paused then told the class to look at the picture and tell me how the picture made them feel, they yelled out “happy”, “joy”, and “makes me smile”. Then I told them, “Yes,” I was successful, because I accomplished what I was trying to accomplish; which is to make people smile and feel happy. In another class another child holding my book and had pointed to my picture on the back of the book and asked “Are you famous?,” without hesitation I told him, not yet but I am working on it. What I meant by that is “famous” for me, represents living my dream of making a living creating art and having my work become collectible such as some of my favorite “famous” artists like, Charles Bibbs, and Jonathon Green. “Famous” for me is also inspiring others to pursue their dreams; encouraging them to find their true bliss and “success” is the manifestation of dwelling in the possibility of bliss. I count both of these as part of my life’s mission and purpose. I truly am “working on it.”

Please join me on this journey by sending your prayers and positive energy my way and thank you to everyone that may have encouraged me and/or purchased my work over the past few years.

For this new year of 2013, I wish you many happy adventures, colorful experiences and boatloads of love.

Lisa M. Cliff

P.S. As a reminder my work is still hanging at the Art Mix Gallery/Studio at Easton Town Centre- upstairs near “Bar Louie’s.” My work will be there every weekend in January 2013 along with several other very talented artists. Please stop by and say hello and if I am not there, leave me a note. Come and enjoy the wonderful art, compliments of the Easton Foundation.   

If You want to make God laugh... tell em your plans

There’s a profound joke that says, ‘‘Ever want to make God laugh…tell ‘em your plans.” I heard this joke a number of years ago and although simple, it has helped me keep a lot of things in perspective. In fact it helped me to walk by faith, not by sight. To not get stuck on my own “plans”, to be open to God’s providence and wisdom. Many times I seemed to walk blindly through mine fields, stumbling here and there but always landing wiser and stronger on my feet. When I began to embrace the metaphorical blind fold with its many seemingly uncontrollable disadvantages, and surrendered to blind faith, I began to navigate life so much more spiritually and effectively. Now I go through life expecting the changes that come with walking in God’s will. I know he has a big plan for me and I want to achieve it all.

Last month after 20 years of successfully growing the Glory Foods brand, I am now a free agent. This change was also not unexpected but still came with the labor pains of letting go of a child in which I helped to birth; Well the Glory Foods baby is now in new hands and today I am birthing my own baby, in what I hope to be a full time career in art. Communicating through Art truly is where my heart lies. Painting and writing poetry makes my heart sing. I feel like I am on the right track and I know it will take all of my continued patience, diligence and commitment to fully realize my dream.

Another profound life change is that I lost my little 90 pound lap dog, Kee Kee to cancer back in September. Kee Kee was a 12 years old Rottweiler and was the closest thing to a child I have ever known. I know some people do not understand deeply meaningful relationships that some of us have with our pets. They give unconditional love, companionship and purpose. I miss my little Kee Kee terribly but I am so appreciative of the 11.5 years I had her. Kee Kee was an unexpected gift from my  ex husband,  we had  her for about 5 years when we went through divorce and despite my initial protests she seemed to “choose” me to stay with. I think she knew before I did, how much I needed her. Over the years Kee Kee helped me to celebrate, grieve and appreciate life over all. She was literally my road dog, with a keen sense of judging character. If a person (especially men) didn’t pass the Kee Kee test, usually they didn’t make it to the second round. She was my little confidant, my “pretend” cooking student, (she loved all my culinary creations) and my “little lover bunny” giving the best hugs. I would also refer to her as my artistic muse; she would sometimes sit at my feet in my studio while I painted, even after it got painful for her to climb the steps, she would peddle downs the steps anyway. She was my sweet little best friend and I pray that I will see her again one day in heaven. 

Creatively, I am busier than ever, I am showing at the 200Columbus Gallery in Columbus at Easton Mall in Columbus for every weekend Nov. 23 until Dec. 31. Our opening reception is Dec. 8, 2012  from 6 to 8pm. We are upstairs near "Bar Louies." I showed last weekend at Winterfair at the Ohio State fairgrounds from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2”. I am also working on designing book cover for a good friend’s book and I am also delving into “color consulting” for construction projects. The construction opportunity will inspire me to delve further into abstract and landscape art and hopefully will lead to even greater opportunities to expand my work in business settings as well as working with interior designersrs.

This all goes to show when surrendering with blind faith, God will show up in bigger ways then you could ever imagine. In little pets that love you unconditionally, in marriages that end, in career changes that lead to amazing places; all things transpiring for the good of all concerned. Leading you toward your destiny.

This blog is dedicated to my late beloved Rottweiler, Kee Kee and all those who are blessed to be taken care of by loving pets.

Also want to send blessing to creative dreamers, may your every dream come to fruition. I want to leave you with this really truthful and impactful pearl of wisdom that I heard on Oprah this morning, it is from the Gnostic Gospel of Thomas, it goes like this:

“If you don’t bring forth what is inside you, what you don’t bring forth will destroy you. If you bring forth what is inside, what you bring forth you can save you” 

Please honor yourself by releasing and bringing forth all you have to offer.

Happy Holidays, and don’t forget to come see me at Easton, I need your positive energy and prayers as I move forward on my journey.

Talk to you soon

Lisa

Nappa Valley, In Praise of the Grape

My how time flys, back in September I spent 8 days in the magical city of Nappa Valley, CA. What a heavenly location, rows and rows of beautiful purple and forest green grape vines, rolling hills, wineries, and wonderful food & art. It was like being in another country, relaxing and inspiring. It was 8 days of the best wine tours and tastings I had ever experienced. The views were intoxicating and puzzling at the same time. You had the lovely green plushness of the vineyards throughout Nappa and the dry coarseness of the San Francisco hills. Beautiful brilliant sunshine and clear skies over the Nappa hills and mysterious cloudy grey fog over the Golden Gate bridge. An artists' true paradise, dazzling to the eye.

I also found some wonderfully unique art galleries in Sonoma, Yountville and Nappa but hit the jackpot with "Thelma Harris Gallery" in Oakland. A very impressive art gallery that specializes in contemporary African American art. The gallery was located in a cozy eccentric area of Oakland, neighboring high end ice cream shops, restaurants, and other unique specialty shops. If you ever make it into Oakland it is a must visit for appreciators of fine art. Yes, of course I left my information, and I plan on following back up with them very shortly. Say a prayer that it works out for the good of all concerned.

Anyway the Northern California area was ripe with inspiration and good vino, including one of my long time favorite but little known types of wine, Gewurztraminer which I found out is pronounced with a "v" instead of a "w."  Gewurztraminer is a white wine on the sweeter side, a little sweeter than Riesling but not as sweet as a Moscato. Castle Di Amorosa in Calistoga, CA makes a delightful varietal (yes I became a light weight wine snob, darrrrrlllling). Anyway Chatue St Michelle is also a very popular Gewurztraminer that I know you will like that can be found in Columbus and probably everywhere else. 

Next on my long list is to create my own Nappa Valley inspired art creations. I can't wait to immortalize my vineyard memories and impressions on canvas. For most, a bunch of grapes represents a refreshing fruit snack, for me and my vivid imagination, a "bunch" of grapes represents "abundance." a field of grape vines represents, God's generous abundance. Which is what my wish is for all of you, may God bless you generously and abundantly above all you could ever ask or think. Praise to the grape! That sweet little purple nugget of heavens nectar.     

Hey also want to let you know that I will be showing my work next at the much anticipated "Winterfair" on November 30 through December 2 in Columbus, OH at the Ohio State fairgrounds I hope you all can come out for all your Christmas shopping needs.

Until next time,  Walk by Faith!!!

Hope and Love in Savannah, GA

Hello dear freinds

Please sit down and grab a tall glass of sweet tea and let me tell you about my recent travels.

A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit Savannah, GA for the first time. It was absolutely beautiful, steeped in history and culture. I went for a romantic beach wedding of a friend. Very romantic but Hot even at 10:00 am. I was hopping to discover some authentic low country art while there well, I didn't get a chance to visit very many galleries, however, I did find some great art down on River St. The one amazing thing that I finally did,  I confirmed the belief that the sun does shine brighter and the sky is much bluer in the South. No really, its true. The sky in the South is a beautiful vibrant confectionery blue unlike any where else and with the backdrop of Savannah it was picturesque.

It's funny where you find inspiration, sometimes in the most unexpected places, well I surely found it under the sunny Savannah sky. I am here to tell you that "The ATL" aint the only gem to be found in GA. Savannah with its wonderful old mansions, charming Southern neighborhoods and tree lined streets is wrought with natural beauty. River St is the main attraction. It reminds you of the New Orleans French Quarter; boasting night clubs, restaurant, galleries, gift shops and cobblestone streets.

Although the charm of the city was very attractive, where I found my inspiration is in "Savannah's urban forest' which is basically everywhere, trees all over the city; there are these wonderful tree lined streets where the branches reach and lean right over the street, dripping with gorgeous Spanish moss. It is my beleief that trees are the holders of secrets, I read that many of these trees were planted in the late 1890's. Graceful and lucious, I plan on doing a whole series of paintings with these trees as the back drop. I have always loved the natural setting of the outdoors, in fact my "Divine Grace of the Sun" series features the colors and feeling of a long and brilliant summer day. I am not done with this series because it brings me so much joy, and what I plan on doing is incorporating trees in that series, then transitioning into a new series that I will also call something like "Urban Heaven." I am sure the name will change but naming a series, is like naming a business it helps me to put structure around my idea, yet allowing me the freedom to flow creatively within a concept. Anyway, the new series will reflect trees as the main event and will feature warmer colors like deep reds, burnt oranges, and moss greens. Of course, the trees will have that strange yet wonderful Spanish moss, I feel I can really explore/exploit the moss in many creative ways.

Another interesting experience I had in Savannah was I found a neat little antique shop right across from the SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Designs contemporary art gallery. The place was an old warehouse; very charming filled to the brim with almost too much stuff, including bags of jewelery, crates of of record albums, furniture stacked upon furniture; some very interesting unique stuff. If it was 90 degrees outside, it was 98 degrees inside this place. Right as I was about to leave I found an old vintage hat box full of dusty old black and white photographs. My mind starting spinning as I rummaged through the various plastic baggies of old photos, looking at the hairdos, clothes and cars. I grabbed a handful not even considering price until I go to register until the cashier told me  that some were as much as 3 bucks each. Really, there were thousands of them. I gave her the bunch and told her I only wanted 10.00 worth of $1 shots, she could pick. Of course she took her sweet time going through each one till she finally found 10 that she would part with. By now I am dripping in sweat and frustrated but I was determined to take some authentic history home with me. It was fun to imagine what was going on in the lives of these complete strangers way back when and I wanted to capture their essence.  I thought it would be neat borrowing some of the old time imagery from the photo for use in my current day work.

As far as the wedding, it was at Tybee Island right on the beach; it was a beautiful sunny day, which included your typical southern pop-up shower. At first I felt bad for the bride and groom that their lovely day would be rained out and I stopped to get an umbrella. When we got to the beach, the clouds slowly began to part away giving way for that hot demanding sun. I thought about my book, "An Umbrella in Case of Rain"  I just had to smile when I realized that I didn't need my umbrella for the rain but I did need it for that unforgiving sun. It was then a new inspiration hit me. Like the little Travelocity gnome that takes pictures of himself in every new and exciting location, I will too! The umbrella represents God's protection which I take with me every where any way, now I will keep a photographed record of it. Anyway the wedding was simply wonderful and quaint, it was off to the side among beach goers and the open ocean, that they said their "I do's." it was lovely.

As I said earlier, it is funny where one finds inspiration. I want to encourage you to find your inspiration by following your creative bliss. Whether it is writing, painting or sewing. You have creativity in you, everyone does. Grab a pencil and paper and just start drawing or listing creative ideas that you'd like to explore. I implore you to get a journal and commit to write in it daily, even if it is only a word or two. Then periodically go back and review, put your faith into action and go forward with some of the ideas. I have so many journals that I keep in the house, in the car, at the office, in my studio and I even keep a smaller one in my purse. I want to capture every God given thought and action and feel as if I have a responsibility to follow through with them, whether in a poem or in a painting. I have found this process has been good for my creativity and spirituality, because many of my entries are also prayers. For the sake of sharing, I found an old journal that I started in 2008 and randomly chose a selection. I found my very own definition of hope, here are a few lines:

"Hope is a God given gift to set a positive and loving mindset of expectancy. It is a reminder that we as people, are not yet done. Hope and change go hand and hand, like sisters. Hope gives you the determination and inspiration to face change, to look positively toward the future...hope is the reward for patience, hope is the opposite of worry, it is grounded in God's love for us"

Wow, sometimes it is good to hear from my old self, this was from 4 years ago and it still applies today. Please allow me the opportunity to add one more nugget of "Hope" for today; Hope is art manifested in me. I am asking you to now please explore your creative self and manifest hope in you too. 
     
With sincere thanks, peace and blessings until next time
Lisa M. Cliff

PS, Don't forget your umbrella!

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