Thoughtful Thursday

Look at everything as though you were seeing it
either for the first or last time.
Then your time on earth will be filled with glory.
Betty Smith

Today's Surprises

I awoke this morning to the sounds of a wonderful thunderstorm, broken only by the whines and howls of a terrified Dachshund and a quivering mutt. I love the rain and the storms it's a shame the dogs don't share my passion for it though. If I can see it rain on the beach it is even better. After the rain though is the best time of all. The sun has returned, you may see a rainbow and everything looks so green and clean. I am certainly a sucker for it. Anyway after the rain today I found a surprise in the garden. A pretty little Zebrina Hollyhock
blooming it's heart out. There were 2 day lilies blooming today as well, but I didn't get pictures taken of those. One was a pretty little lily called "Red Rum" and the other a Stella D' Oro.
A rainbow is also a wonderful surprise anytime you see it. They are just so beautiful.

I hope your Monday was a surprise packed as My Monday has been.

How Do you Doodle?

Lately I have been looking for and reading about ways to spark my creativity. I stumbled on Zendoodling this past week and I have had such fun. I read about drawing with my nondominant hand, which was kind of a joke because well let's face it, that hand really only holds my wedding band and keeps me from being lopsided. I decided though that I would try it. Just to see what came out.
So I closed my eyes, and using my nondominant hand I drew with a pencil until I counted to about 15 or 20. Then I opened my eyes and began filling it in with my other hand and I was amazed to see the patterns that were developing.


I guess the amazing part is that I have never really drawn or sketched and before I started seeing these patterns developing, I couldn't make a stick figure look "normal". The best part is that I am seeing lines and colors in a different way and now I can see new designs for some jewelry pieces.

Next time you feel as if you need to jumpstart your creativity, check into doodling. It is almost like meditating and you don't really have to focus or concentrate on the doodle, you can concentrate on other things and then just be surprised at what you drew ( almost subconsiously) while your mind was elsewhere.
I think you will enjoy it too. You can doodle anytime and anywhere, all you need is a pencil or pen and blank paper. Try it and let me know how it works for you.