Imagine~
I have a pony brought to life with painted light and color. I have many horses and ponies, many....dogs, cats, and wildlife. When I want a certain horse or other animal, I paint him or her! Living Art~It's an animal parade here.
Recently the above painting presented itself from an obscure box....I hadn't even remembered him! I estimate he was painted about 1954. As yet he doesn't even have a name. He is a pastel painting (colored chalk for artists). He is done free hand from imagination. I was involved in self study of the horse and its muscular structure plus shading needed to give him a 3-D effect in under jaw and ears. Here I was experimenting with the bones in the face and muscles in the shoulder structure. I had Breyer plastic models of horses and dogs, my teachers. I had a white cat named Silver Shadow, hands on training and communication with a furry one.
My childhood art teacher was a noted award winning portrait painter of people. She taught me how to blend the pastel chalks on a painting with my hands! It is a sculptured experience to touch paper with hands and pastels. I note my imaginary horse's mane looks "real and windblown" foreshadowing future animal paintings. My Dad framed the picture, my first color work in a frame.
I noticed my horse's simple yet powerful painted design includes an unplanned energetic aura out around the him, still present in my current animal art. "Then and Now" I favor the head and shoulders close up portrait lens effect.
I will name my horse painting Imagine.
Power of the Horse
Awestruck
A few weeks ago I lingered in our local public library to look at the used books for sale. Why? I always bypass the colorful books on the table waiting for adoption. A fetching title caught my eye....** Sleep Ponies. When I was very young, I imagined a white horse galloping along a sandy beach by the ocean. This calming vision helped me to relax and slip into gentle sleep. This book's story was the same! Sleep Ponies helped the child to feel deep peace and love. What a great book! I sat down and read Sleep Ponies then marveled at the illustrations. I placed the book back on the table and turned to leave.
Wait! On my way out, another pony book grabbed me! ***My Pony nudged me to open it because the painting on the book cover showed a dapple grey pony, one of my favorite equine colors. A little girl was hugging her pony. The story unfolds a young schoolgirl who would rather draw horses than do homework. You said it! I broke into a sweat as I sat down to read. The imaginary pony was named, wait for it, Silver. She was dapple gray with white mane and tail.
***" When I draw her it seems as if she comes alive."
My Silver was a male pony , all white with a very long tail. He was my favorite pony at the Highland Park Zoo pony rides for children. I loved riding Silver through the pine trees on the soft trail led by the helper. I loved the feel of the black leather bridal, reigns, and saddle to contrast with Silver's snowy coat. I was one with the pony~I was the pony.
Illustrations in My Pony show model plastic horses on the dining room table! Just like mine! I still have them. The little girl asks repeatedly for a real pony or horse. I remember begging my parents for a Merry-Go-Round horse for the living room! Just like me, the child's framed paintings of animals dot the walls. Colored mason jars rest on her drawing table! Help Me God~ Exactly the Same! When Silver enters the artist's room, parts of the pony are semi transparent, a vision of light appearing between worlds and dimensions.
*** "When my drawing of Silver is finished, I turn out the light."
Hands Down~I bought the book!
Dream Big~Dream Bigger
Key Word Blog Search Horse
Related Posts:
* Homecoming and Thin Ice, the Story of Black Wolf
Running with Horses, "When other girls were playing with Barbies, I was a horse."
Free as the Wind
Deer Dreamer
Out of Box Experience, unpacking Collie Paintings
* Black Wolf Sports an Aura
Resources:
Children's Books for kids of all ages
*** My Pony by Susan Jeffers, award winning author and illustrator, "an avid equestrian and horse owner." I am stunned speechless by this wonderful book for all horse lovers.
** Sleep Ponies written and illustrated by Gudrun Ongman, a series of beautiful books and illustrations, gentle quiet reflection.
Breyer Animal Creations, beautiful lifelike plastic sculptures, some by noted artists (portrait scuptures of horses), my teachers include many models of Horses, Collies and German shepherd dogs. It is fun to practice drawing from a model, notice how light plays over the muscular and tendon structures then changing the angle of the model for a different sketch approach.
Album of Horses, and other books written by Marguarite Henry and illustrated by Wesley Dennis. Wesley's art gives animals power, spirit, emotion and personality. I studied his illustrations by the hour. My Hero!
How to Draw and Paint Horses, self-teaching instruction by Walter Foster, many subjects
The Horse: Passion * Beauty* Splendor * Strength by Elaine Walker. A wonder of photographs and word images, for all horse enthusiasts. "Teams of horses thunder across the heavens, pulling the chariots of the sun and moon, dawn and night."
Lad A Dog, Gray Dawn and other dog books by Albert Payson Turhune author, journalist, mystic. The Collie enters my life.
Highland Park Zoo, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA feeding the whitetail deer was a special treat. I noticed their agile feet and delicate legs. I watched the silent deer walk over a soft carpet of pine needles. I was a deer!
Dahlis Roy: Visionary Artist, Author, and Tai Chi Instructor
Images:
My Horse~Imagine pastel painting by Dahlis
Horse Sculpture, part of Fountain of Horses, Scottsdale AZ USA, photo by Emilie
* Black Wolf named Courage, oil painting by Dahlis
Fudge Almighty!
Fudge, chocolaty creamy rich and smooth melts in your mouth, add a crunchy kick with chopped pecans or walnuts. All of a Sudden a plate of fudge comes into my imagination. Where is the memory coming from? I haven't thought of fudge for years.
Some home made fudge appeared as if by magic from a friend! Yummy! * "Time Tunnel Approaching!" I was a child again! We all savored the delicious treat.
I am loving dark chocolate more now than ever.
Question? "How do you eat dark unsweetened chocolate?"
Lightly Melt 1/2 oz (2 small connected pieces) of Baker's Unsweetened Baking Chocolate for 15-17 seconds in the microwave.
Chocolate is velvety yet may still have some chunky texture.
Enjoy with a serving (1/2 cup or more) of unsweetened Almond Milk or Almond milk and unsweetened Cashew Milk blend. If you like there is Unsweetened Almond milk with vanilla added.
Pecans, walnuts and or shredded organic unsweetened coconut can be added. I have an additional helping of organic coconut oil (semi solid) in a side dish. I like separation of flavors and textures like my Dad before me.
Question? "How do you deal with coconut oil?"
Buy coconut oil and all oils in glass jars. The oil is solid below 77degrees. It can become semi solid, creamy, or pure liquid at room temperature depending on your thermostat. I store a jar of coconut oil in a closed cupboard. It is easy to remove from the jar this way. I have extra jars in the refrigerator, rock hard and waiting for use. If I want a more solid product for eating, I place an amount in the fridge for a few minutes, and it becomes perfectly solid or semi solid texture. I use coconut oil in soups or stews, to coat sweet potatoes for baking, and as face moisturizer.
Benefits of Dark Chocolate
may lower blood pressure
** blend of dopamine (action food) and serotonin (relaxation and focus) for the body and brain
mood feels better
Enjoy Chocolate Everyday~
Recipes:
Festive Fudge:
A Mom and Me favorite from many years ago, simple and fun
This is 1/2 the recipe, easy to double.
6 large marshmallows
1/3 cup unsweetened evaporated milk
1 cup cane sugar
1/2 stick butter
Melt and Stir, Boil 5 minutes, remove from heat and add 3 oz chocolate chip morsels (we used semi-sweet)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla pure extract
Pour into buttered glass dish, refrigerate
Dark Chocolate Fudge
Our Friend's Gift
Full Recipe Courtesy of Nestle USA and VeryBestBaking.com
This is a mint-chocolate fudge recipe made with Nestle Toll House Dark Chocolate Morsels and Nestle Toll House DelightFulls (tm) Mint-Filled Morsels
*** Fudge, reduced sugar recipe
Dr. Oz Show, aired Jan 13, 2015
****Dairy Free Cupcake made with cocoa powder, Dr. Oz Show, aired Jan 20, 2015
Related Posts:
Chocolate Communion
Addiction and Discovery
For the Love of Chocolate
Resources:
* Dinosaur Train, for kids of all ages, animation, comedy, education on PBS Kids TV and online
** Joseph Mercola, D.O. online newsletter, articles: subjects, dark chocolate, coconut oil benefits
Daniel Amen, MD, Healing ADD and Magnificent Mind at Any Age. Food choices can help brain function.
Products:
Baker's Unsweetened Dark Baking Chocolate since 1780, 100% cacao, zero grams sugar
Spectrum Organic Coconut Oil in a glass jar, refined or unrefined for skin moisturizing, cooking, baking, and eating
Silk Non-Dairy GMO Free Milks, Unsweetened Cashew Milk and Unsweetened Almond milk are my favorites. Also available Silk Soy and Coconut milks, Various formulas and flavors, sweetened and unsweetened.
Let's Do Organic 100% organic Shredded Coconut Unsweetened, no sulfites or preservatives, zero grams trans fat
After Dark Chocolate Frozen Yogurt by Stoneyfield Organic
So Delicious Frozen Chocolate Dessert, made with organic coconut milk and organic cocoa, no soy, no gluten, no dairy
Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream New York Super Chunk Fudge
Exercise and Meditation:
Feel increased focus and energy
Paul Lam, M.D., Tai Chi for Health Worldwide
Deepak Chopra, M.D. author, meditation, Yoga, Chopra Center Meditation
Peggy Cappy, Easy Yoga, Secret to Strength and Balance
Dahlis Roy: Visionary Artist, Author, and Tai Chi Instructor
Photos by Dahlis
Fudge Overboard
"Chocolate Covered Cream Drops" are actually raw chestnuts in a bowl
Rose Quartz
Pick up a rock or mineral and hold it or gaze at it in Wonder and Stillness.
"Even the smallest gesture can shift someones day,"
Deepak Chopra, M.D.
"You can't use up creativity, the more you use, the more you have," Maya Angelou
"Art is part of my everyday. I'm living my dream, and I love to share my gifts with others,"
Michelle Palmer, Artist
Sharing for you with you? How? When? Why? A blend of giving and receiving is here. Experiment and Enjoy~
A few minutes of rest, nourishment, recreation, or exercise can make a difference.
Add a bit of
Yin and Yang in Action~ to your day:
* Stretch
Strengthen
Stabilize
Key Words: Tai Chi, Yoga, Meditation, Creativity
Related Posts:
Stepping Stones
Electric Handshake
Color (Y)our World, "Breathe Relax and Think Blue"
Resources:
Deepak Chopra, book, The Future of God, Chopra Center Meditation online, many free meditations, Yoga
Maya Angelou, author, spiritual teacher
* 20-20-20 tip from The Dr. Oz Show, every 20 minutes (set your timer or phone), get up out of your chair. Look at a faraway object at least 20 feet from you and gaze at it for 20 seconds. Raise arms, stretch and bend a bit. This helps reset and refresh your mental computer and strengthens muscles in your eyes, body and brain.
Dr. Paul Lam, Tai Chi for Health programs
Peggy Cappy, Yoga various levels
Dahlis Roy: Artist, Author, and Tai Chi Instructor
Images:
Rose Quartz, color of unconditional love, photo by Dahlis
Feel the Qi, Tai Chi Energy, oil painting by Dahlis
Just for fun, create your own:
universe/universes
galaxies
dimensions
star systems
planets
day/night
"time"
color
light
creatures real and imagined
fantasies and more
A friend contributed: "I would be nocturnal. There would be trees and meadows, I love to be outdoors in nature! I see many animals and colorful birds. Temperatures would be in the 70's, not too warm or cold. I breath fresh air, easy flow breathing. In this space I wouldn't have to eat or drink anything! Of course, freedom from pain and illness is included."
Who or what would you be? Where would you be? Who will join you?
Light Years Ahead~Light Years from "Home." Where is Home?
Om is where the Heart is.
Fill in the blanks:
My Universe
When I feel creative I like
My favorite color is
My favorite food is
When I have free time I like
My favorite dream is
My favorite animal is
My favorite creature is
My favorite plant, tree, rock, mineral, body of water, color of sky, and climate is
~Imagine~
Resources:
Aliens Among Us book by Ruth Montgomery, experiences from other dimensions.
The Artist's Way, Vein of Gold, The Writing Life by Julia Cameron jump start your creativity
Silver Butterfly Create A Vision, Awaken Your Creative Spirit free PDF illustrated E book by Dahlis Roy E mail dahlis.roy@gmail.com to request.
Dahlis Roy: Visionary Artist, Author, and Tai Chi Instructor
Photos:
Green Light Through Window photo by Dahlis
Peacock photo by Debra Basham, author, healer, books, blog Yellow Brick Road Your Path to Heart and Health, new post Spiritual Healing, Jan 7, 2015
HAPPY NEW YEAR ONE AND ALL!
In the past few days I passed by several digital clocks here at home and noted that the time readout displayed 1:11 or 11:11 quite frequently. I remembered a friend told me, "If you see a series of "1" think "new beginnings." How very appropriate~
Well, hear (here) we are poised for the flying leap into 2015!
I began to say "New Year's Resolution" to someone. The words stuck in my throat and came out "New Year's Revolution!" OK?
I certainly felt, at odd times in the past year, my body-mind-spirit sometimes became like an unruly horse reigned in to a sudden stop. I shouted "Nay" and managed to free myself and keep going forward.
New Year's Revelation
* "What do you know for sure?"
"Nothing."
Intentions of the Heart:
"Smile More"
"Breathe, Relax and Think Blue more" (add your favorite color/colors)
Open the Heart More to Give and Receive in Balance
Praying Mantis
Related Posts:
New Year's Resolutions?
The Blank Page
Color (Y)our World
Healing Hearts
Resources:
*Super Soul Sunday on OWN, conversation with question from Oprah Winfrey and Answer from Deepak Chopra, M.D.
The Seven Story Mountain by Thomas Merton
Master Within, Passion for Life book by Master Chen (Yun Xiang Tseng Chen) 14th generation Wu Dang Tai Chi, Qigong, Martial Arts, Healing Arts, Meditation, 25th generation Taoist Priest.
Recomended Reading: A Promise to Keep by Debra Basham, Dec 31, 2014 blog post Yellow Brick Road Your Path to Heart and Health
Dahlis Roy: Visionary Artist Author and Tai Chi Instructor
Images:
Candy Cane Flowers, photo by Emilie
Praying Mantis, photo by Paul
Story Board Photo (posted below the five current posts on Out of the Blue) scroll down to view Hand Made Family Game photo by Debra Basham
