mantra monday and photo-a-week

thank you all for your well wishes over the past few days. they must be working because i'm slowly improving and it no longer hurts to breathe which is a good sign. with being sick this past week, i didn't really do too much except to rest where i could and just go with the flow which happened to be the inspiration behind this week's affirmation card.

MANTRA MONDAY

it's often better for us to quit expending all our energy on fighting the current when we can just 'go with the flow'.

acrylics on 5"x3½" CANSON acrylic paper© Serena Lewisclick any image to enlarge

if you would like to join us in creating your own weekly mantra/affirmation card, please feel free to visit the mantra monday picture link under 2009 happenings in the sidebar.

PHOTO A WEEK MONDAY

a few days ago, we had a sun shower! it's always felt strange to me to have the sun shining brightly while the rain falls....somewhat surreal. this particular sun shower left a double rainbow in its wake.

when i let cody out to do his business the other morning, i noticed this huge spider web that was created overnight.

a closer view at the intricate workmanship

i tried to get a close up of the centre but there was a lot of glare with the morning sun being so bright and strong

if you would like to join our photo-a-week challenge, you will find the link in 2009 happenings on the sidebar.

i hope you all had a fantastic weekend and i can't wait to see everyone else's photos for this week.

love, light and peace

it hurts to breathe

i'm dealing with the flu right now and it hurts to take deep breaths because a sharp, prickly pain shoots across my upper back. needless to say, i haven't felt up to posting so this one will be quick.

NEWSFLASH - the name of this tree is no longer a mystery - YAY!

chinese rain tree aka. golden rain tree

52 WEEKS OF ME

self portrait #13

click images to enlarge

i'll be back soon and, hopefully, feeling much better

love, light and peace

anyone for devonshire tea?

MONDAY PHOTO A WEEK

when we dropped aaron over to michelle's place on thursday, she had made us a lovely devonshire tea for morning tea.

today, i did the same for afternoon tea.

traditionally, devonshire tea (aka. cream tea) is made up of tea and scones (known as biscuits in the states) served with jam and cream.

it was DELICIOUS!!!
if you would like to join in on our photo-a-week challenge, check out the picture link under 2009 happenings in my sidebar.

MANTRA MONDAY

this past week, i have found myself in a joyful, happy mood for no particular reason and i have felt truly blessed. hence my affirmation for this week - I AM JOYFUL. a reminder to seek love and joy in each moment. some of you may be feeling a deja vu moment as you may remember this sun from when i participated in the soul coaching book club last november. i used that one as my inspiration for this card.

acrylics on 3½"x5" CANSON acrylic paper© serena lewisclick on any image to enlarge

if you would like to join our mantra monday challenge, please follow the picture link under the 2009 happening heading in my sidebar.

on another note, i would like to thank you all for the wonderful and welcoming support you showed michelle this past week. i'm sure your encouragement was just the thing she needed to boost her confidence. thanks so much ~

love, light and peace

she's my daughter and i'll brag if i want to....

post title sang in my best lesley gore voice.....hehehe

hey everyone, i am soooooo excited for my daughter, michelle!

today, i went over to her apartment to drop aaron off for a few days as he's on school holidays and, while there, i helped michelle set up her very first ETSY listing! as you all know, michelle is still recovering from a severe whiplash injury and can no longer work so, not to be defeated, in the past six months she launched herself in a totally new direction....sewing and painting! michelle joined blogland just a couple of months ago but has been a little shy so i thought i would post about her new adventure here. if you have the time, i would so appreciate it if you popped on over to her blog - raggedy ruckus - to welcome her to blogland.

blogging truly has made a huge and positive difference to my own life as i've met so many wonderful people and i'm hoping michelle will enjoy blogland as much as i do.

michelle checking out her first ETSY listing
can ya tell i'm one proud momma?!
love, light and peace

mantra monday and photo-a-week

MANTRA MONDAY

i believe that, by living a loving, caring, compassionate and joyful life, we are automatically making a positive difference in this world. hence, my affirmation card for today which reminds me that even the simple things like a smile, a kind word, or a nod 'hello' can make the world of difference to someone's day. of course, doing more than that is even better but never underestimate the positive power that even the smallest gestures of kindness can have.

acrylics on 3½"x5" CANSON acrylic paper

PHOTO A WEEK MONDAY

a few days ago, i noticed this little critter on the potted fern under the pergola. i love how it followed my every move. this one is worth enlarging to see the detail of his body.

praying mantis

remember this unknown tree from a couple of weeks ago?

i still keep forgetting to ask my dad the name of the tree because i'm sure he would know being that he has been a keen gardener for the majority of his life. so, as the name remains unknown, i decided to get some close up photos of the flowers. if anyone reading this knows the name of the tree, i'd very much appreciate it if you leave a comment. crepe myrtle and coral tree were a couple of suggestions already made but, unfortunately, the flowers aren't a match so it's still a mystery.

all images - © Serena Lewisclick on any image to enlarge
love, light and peace

calling it finished

from this

to this mixed media - 12"x12" - gallery wrapped canvas© Serena Lewis
click on images to enlarge

i worked on developing a stronger contrast and did some liner work to define the petals a little more. i'm fairly happy with it so have decided to leave it at that before i fiddle too much more and wreck it altogether.

just in case i don't get a chance to post tomorrow
A VERY HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!!!
love, light and peace

self portrait & meme

a turquoise choker necklace that i bought recently.....LOVE IT!

i found this meme over on julie's blog and thought it would be fun to do. feel free to join in too as i'd love to read your answers.


1. Do you like blue cheese? NOPE!!! i've never tried it because the smell was enough to keep me away. i remember my mum used to eat blue vein cheese when we were kids and i always thought it smelled like vomit.

2. Have you ever been drunk? i refuse to answer this question on the grounds it may incriminate me....hehe

3. Do you own a gun? NO!

4. What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite? i don't think i've ever had kool aid.

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? definitely!

6. What do you think of hot dogs? i can't believe i used to eat those things! do you want me to tell you what they're made of?!

7. Favorite Christmas movie? i like too many to settle on a favourite.....it's a wonderful life, jack frost, a christmas carol, miracle on 34th street, the christmas box, just to name a few

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? green tea

9. Can you do push ups? no

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? i don't really have a favourite piece of jewellery though i do love long, dangling earrings.

11. Favorite hobby? painting

12. Do you have A.D.D.? no

13. What's your favorite shoe? hmmmmmm.....probably thongs (known as flip-flops in the states) or something flat. i prefer comfort over sore feet.

14. Middle Name? patricia

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? i need to start dinner soon, i'm glad i reorganised the pantry today. a glass of wine would be nice!

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? green tea, green tea, green tea.....should i mention the wine? ;)

17. Current worry? i hope it doesn't rain on easter sunday with me having a family get-together here.

18. Current hate right now? i have a particular insurance company in my sights at the moment. ;)

19. pepsi or coke? neither

20. How did you bring in the New Year? with my beautiful children

21. Where would you like to go? i've always wanted to travel the coastline of australia. my international choices would be arizona, ireland, scotland or england.

22. Which friends will complete this? i have no clue....maybe my daughter michelle??

23. Do you own slippers? i usually buy a new pair of slippers each year for winter so while i don't own a pair right now....give me another month and i will.

24. What color shirt are you wearing right now? a black and grey striped top.

25. Do you like sleeping on Satin sheets? have never slept on satin sheets.

26. Can you whistle? yes

27. Favorite color? love 'em all but my favourite colour combo is blue, green and purple

28. Would you be a good pirate? no....i have a conscience

29. What songs do you sing in the shower? i don't usually sing in the shower. geez...how boring am i???!!!

30. Favorite Girl's Names? michelle

31. Favorite boy's names? bradley, beau, reece and aaron

32. What's in your pocket right now? nothing

33. Last thing that made you laugh? aaron, my 10 year old son, begging me to tell him if the easter bunny was real or not. after a bit of teasing, i finally caved....what can i say....he's at that age where kids at school tell him anyways.

34. Best bed sheets as a child? don't remember

35. Worst injury you've ever had as a child? around 9 years old when my ear was split open because i ran in front of another child swinging on a swing.....had to get lots of stitches and still bear that scar.

36. Do you love where you live? i'd prefer living in a cottage by the sea

37. What did you want to be when you grew up? a vet

38. Who is your loudest friend? kym

39. How many dogs do you have? just cody

40. Does someone have a crush on you? at my age???!!!! I WISH!!!

41. What is your favorite book? the artist's way

42. What is your favorite candy? sherbet fountains

43. Favorite Sports Team? not into sports

44. What song do you want played at your funeral? 'another one bites the dust!' well, i've always joked that it was the song i wanted....lol

mantra monday and photo-a-week

MANTRA MONDAY

i was kinda stumped for a card this week but then, an image of daisies kept popping into my head. i realised how i often feel inspired after a simple walk in nature. i think john ruskin got it right when he said........

nature is painting for usday after daypictures of infinite beautyif only we have the eyes to see them--- John Ruskin

i am inspired by nature
acrylics on 5"x3½" CANSON acrylic paperclick on any image to enlarge

MONDAY PHOTO A WEEK

on sunday, we visited michelle and alex and had a lovely time as usual. they live in a third level apartment and they have some huge umbrella trees situated in front of their balcony. rainbow lorikeets are nectivores and native to australia. they happen to LOVE the nectar of umbrella tree flowers and can actually get quite 'drunk' on the stuff too. here these beautiful birds were, feasting away, while we sat directly across from them taking it all in. it was an overcast day but i managed to get some pics on my camera.

the honeyeaters were enjoying the feed of nectar also

i hope you all had a lovely weekend too

love, light and peace

my name is serena and...

...i'm officially a 'charmed' junkie!

yep, that's where i've been this past week...glued to the TV watching season one of the charmed series. OH, OH, speaking of the TV, my darling son, reece, WON a SAMSUNG 26" LCD TV and gave it to ME!!! you may remember reece, girls (& guys), he's the son who likes to show off his muscles and that's exactly how he won the TV! reece went to 'doomben racecourse' last weekend to celebrate his cousin's birthday and the racecourse usually has novelty competitions going such as, best keg (the largest belly) and best abs (well defined muscles on the abdomen). needless to say which competition reece won....hehehehe I LOVE my new TV!!! so, while i did receive bad news a week ago, positive things are also happening.

i managed to drag myself away from charmed yesterday to do a little bit of painting to the 12"x12" mixed media canvas i had started. here's where i'm at so far.

mixed media - 12"x12" - work in progressclick on image to enlarge

being that realistic art is my specialty, i am trying very hard to loosen up and create a more free-flowing and messy type of art with this piece. it's sooooo not easy to fight the urges to neaten edges and tidy it up but so far, so good. i have no idea where i'm going with this yet which is one of things i'm thoroughly enjoying with the mixed media art. i really have no idea of how a piece is going to finish up. i didn't even plan to paint flowers on this piece initially but i'm learning to listen to those inner voices and go with the flow of the piece.

i'm feeling like i have more to do yet.....more contrast perhaps? more additions of something? charcoal for strong definition? definitely some gold somewhere! any suggestions are welcome. at this point, you know as much as i do about what the next step will be but what fun it will be finding out.

i hope to catch up with everybody's blogs this weekend.
love, light and peace