Simply, love. (oil on canvas)
the message 
(click on image to enlarge)
Well, dear hearts…2007 will soon be only a memory, and for some reason I am very excited about 2008. At least I feel a good energy for time, place, and what will be.
I have read a lot of wonderful and insightful “blog thoughts” about the coming new year and making resolutions. Some think making resolutions is good, while others say it is not for them. I do not agree or disagree with any of them for we all must find what works best for us. I thought of not writing anything at all…just simply wishing everyone a happy new year, but my heart told me differently, and…
I HAVE LEARNED TO LISTEN TO MY HEART.
I have no problems with new year resolutions. I tend to think anything that motivates one in a positive direction is a good thing. If you have 10 things on your list and you only master one of them…so what, that is one positive step. Would it have been better to not do it all because 9 did not come about? Maybe the time was not right for the others….things are not always as they appear to us.
This is where I may be a little different. I view every day as a “new beginning”..sort of mini new years, I guess. When you get right down to it every second is a new beginning…each breath is.
I often have lists for writing things down seems to make it more real for me. I am a very much a visual person (within and outside my mind). So writing it down puts it in motion for me…positive thoughts and positive energies begin to form. I have a special box that I place, not only keepsakes, but my ideas, goals, dreams, visions, wishes, etc in. This is my special box:
(click on image to enlarge) There are many slips of paper in my magic box….thus, many stories. I would like to tell you one story that began on a slip of paper in the box.
I did not have the opportunity to go to college when I was younger. One of the reasons…I was born into a religion that did not encourage an education beyond high school (some did not even go that far). In fact, they discouraged it, and it was considered a sign of spiritual weakness to seek any education beyond “the organization.” They wanted you to make a simple living so you could devote your time and energies to them. Why…because we were told that this wicked system of things was to end soon. As I said in the “about & why” page…it is a long and complicated story even for me, and I lived it. I have had a lot of people suggest that I write a book about it..maybe someday (if it will help others).
Anyway, back to the magic box. When I was in the religion I secretly longed for an education (that along with so many other things). Some events changed in my life, and around the age of 36 I walked away from the religion…actually, from my entire life as it was. I was and am considered an apostate which means you are dead to them…including your own family. Needless to say, it was a very painful and dark time for me. Time going by and some de-programming removed the darkness, and what evolved was a very important lesson for me….
~out of death comes life~
Fast forward…a lot of wonderful things have happened since…many began on slips of paper in my magic box. Education and art were two wishes that made it into my box. I did have a high school education so the first thing I did was acquire a real estate license (which I still have). That satisfied me for a few years, but that restless (gypsy-heart) started stirring again. So I went on to earn an AA degree at a local junior college, and an AS degree in fine art (Florida School of the Arts) simultaneously. After that a BFA (painting and drawing) from the University of North Florida. Of course, this took time and a lot of hard work, but I graduated Summa cum Laude from all three.
funny side note: when I began classes I had never heard of Summa cum Laude..let alone that it meant with highest honors.
I tell you this to say that dreams and wishes can become realities. Never give up, never think it is to late for you, and you must remember that …
~YOUR PAST DOES NOT DEFINE YOU~
Talk about positive energies!! I know some of you are convinced that I am crazy or “new age” as a beloved friend likes to label me. I am convinced this is not new age thought…to the contrary, it is “ageless.”
I continue putting little slips of paper in the box, just as I will continue to light my candles and meditate . Just for fun you may want to have your own magic box. Of course, a physical box is not required. For we know that
….the real magic box is our hearts,
and we hold the key….
So no matter what you decide to do or not to do about magic boxes or resolutions I say to you:
Happy New Year!
Happy New Day!
Happy New Moment!
Happy New Breath!
Later I may write more on these subjects, but for now this is enough no need to drown you in thoughts.
I send all of you love…..
………just look and you will find me in the face of a flower.
from my circle and beyond…
Namaste’,
~gypsy-heart, i am.
Gypsy Heart, this is beautiful beautiful. Can you believe? I have almost an exact same special box. I keep things in it like the giant wood block necklace my son made for me (kinda hard to wear this, think BIG WOODEN BLOCKS on a hemp string that weight about a half a piece all in primary colors BWAHAHAH! love it.) And I noticed — you have a glenda the goodwitch on the box in the picture. How cool is that! What a curious curio :)
**Sibyl** How ironic that we have similar boxes…or is it? :) Your necklace sounds wonderful..one you can take out of the magical box to show your grandchildren some day. Yes, Glenda the good witch..one of my teachers. I wish I could find a little pair of rubby slippers…I may just make some someday. Happy New Year, dear one. ~g.h.
What a beautiful and inspiring piece of writing, GypsyHeart…it’s so full of powerful wisdom. The kind that is born out of the ashes, raising up like the Phoenix to bring new life.
Like you, I like to look at each day as a new beginning – that the sun rising is Godd’s way of saying “YES” to new possibilities and miracles. I just LOVE your box! I’ve had a handfull of handwritten notes in a velveteen sachell inscribed with the word “Hopes”.
But I had an epiphany as I sat here reading this. As long as they are “Hopes”, they will stay in that energy – never quite manifesting! So tonight, as I do my New Years ritual (which, for me, has alot to do with journalling, some minor ‘planning’ for hte new year, and alot of releasing and allowing!), I’m going to put my new desires in another place. I have the perfect spot, too. THANK YOU for the inspiration
Happiest of new years to you!!
**Grace** You have inspired me too! I knew we had a lot in common. I liked your analogy…fire purifies. Your special box (or spot) is waiting to hold your new desires. Happiest New Year to you too for you are a sweet soul! Namaste’, ~g.h.
Is there anything more beautiful than kindness offered to a stranger who happens to cross our path – I think not. Thank you for your kind words that you have offered to me, which bring peace to my day.
Thank you for this very inspirational post and painting – I believe I will once again start using my own box, that sits quietly waiting, on the shelf behind me.
**truddle** I don’t see you as a stranger….we are all really one. Thank you for your kind words about the piece and the post. How wonderful that you are going to start using your magic box again! I look forward to hearing about it. My wish for you is peace. Namaste’, g-h
This is SO inspiring Suz. I too, must come to terms with the fact that my past does not define me. In fact, it is one big piece of “yuck” that I decided to dump off the side of a dying 2007! Thank you for reminding me of this, and so beautifully and poetically. Indeed, these are ageless thoughts. Thank you for putting them out here for all of us to dance around in! :)
Sending you wishes for a beautiful and fulfilling year!
**KA** I don’t know what you have been through, but when I read your words it is the energy of love that I feel. May we dance in “the light” and help others seeking the light. I think your words light the way. The same 2008 wishes to you my dear.
Namaste’, g-h
An amazing life story, suz. It’s so strange to think about how we are born into different life circumstances and situations, and yet somehow we make it through to the other side.
Yes, I would echo those other people who have encouraged you to write about your life. My writing teacher and mentor has often said that you need to reach the bottom before you can really write. Well, I just remember that you are an artist first, and so I also realize that you are telling your story. Through your art.
**ybonesy** Yes, we do and I for one would not change a thing for it would undo wonderful things too. I guess it is all lessons anyway..eh? Thank you so much for your encouragement it means a lot to me. I may write the book someday, but as you said my art is already telling the story. I love your site..it gives one a good feeling..like hot biscuits (which I seldom eat anymore). Of course, that is another subject my Grandma Bessie will be 101 in June..and she eats biscuits and all the things they say is bad for you. Well, didn’t mean to get off on that…maybe it’s Quionmonkey’s fault…she was here so it must be the Wonderwoman wrist cuffs!
I’ll be stopping by often.
Fascinating post. Thanks for sharing. I think your thought is ageless too. If it were New Age I would not respond to it.
Thank you **Sandra**. No I guess you wouldn’t respond to it…I sort of picked up on that in one of your posts. Speaking of posts…I am looking forward to your wonderful posts when you feel like “talking” to us again
Beautiful painting! I agree we are not defined by our past. We define ourselves each moment. We are a product of our past, meaning that everything that has gone before has brought us to this moment. This does not mean that we have to live as we did in the past or live life in the present because of what has happened in the past. You sound like you have learned some very meaningful lessons and that you are on an incredible journey. I look forward to reading more of your thoughts. Happy New Year!
**tobeme** thank you for visiting me, and for your kind and encouraging comments. Yes, I try to live in the moment, and I finally embraced the past including the lessons learned…the wonderful ones and the not so wonderful ones. I am happy that you will be back to visit and I have no doubt that I will be visiting your site. Very good energy there!! Happy 2008 to you too.
Lots of positive energy in this post. The texture of the painting in the detail pulls me in. Not only do you listen to your heart, but you hold it in your hand. It’s true…the past does not define us. The possibilities are endless. Especially if I can get out of my own way.
BTW, the New Age is mainstream now. We are living it. So tell your friend, we’re all New Age. 8)
Happy New Year!
**quoinmonkey** Thank you for coming here and sharing your thoughts. It makes me so happy that you feel a positive energy here. I am trying to keep it that way. No matter what has gone on in my life I have always managed to put a positive spin on it..if that seemed impossible then a least have a laugh or two. It’s all about the lessons anyway..and then when you finally seem to get them you realize most, if not all of it, didn’t matter anyway. I loved how you put it “you need to get out of your own way” …I think that fits perfectly with Glenda the good witches quote. Happy 2008 to you!
Evening Gypsy-Heart!
WOW…so glad you stopped by my blog…so I could stop by YOURS!
I LOVE the Heart artwork and “saying” you have on your sidebar from the Wizard of Oz. Everytime I watch that movie…THAT’S the saying, that always sums up the total meaning of the movie for me!
Hey…I absolutely LOVE your artwork. I’m especially fond of the colliages. Colliages are so fascinating to me. I enjoy standing there and SEEING things, as I move deeper and deeper into the piece. A colliage UNFOLDS!
I read a few of your posts and decided to leave a comment on this recent one. Your post on “honesty” really touched me, because as an artist myself (acting, make-up artistry, writer) I know how you FEEL about “talking about it.” For me…my art…SPEAKS for itself. When I was acting a lot, it would totally piss me off to be surrounded by other actors who wanted to TALK about HOW they acted by EXPLAINING everything. I was always the kind of actor who just “did it” and let it happen. And I honestly couldn’t explain to anyone HOW I “did it.”
Art (in any form) is Universal energy. And Universal energy just happens as it should…it just IS. Art doesn’t need explaining…either it “jives” with someone…or it doesn’t. I think it’s a total “energy thing.”
It’s a challenging though, because there will always be a part of an artist that says, “Well then, WHY am I even doing this?”
For me, “doing this”… is because I’m an empty vessel, who is just allowing Universal energy to use me.
You see, much of MY life’s lessons, are about surrendering. And if I want to surrender…I can’t ask questions. I either surrender or don’t surrender.
And I’ve got to tell you…after looking through your art work here…YOU are surrendering – because I can FEEL that!
But I suppose as long as we’re on this planet…people will always want to question us about HOW we do our art, and want to talk about it.
And MY answer always is…just LOOK at it…there’s your explaination.
And for someone who doesn’t believe in “talking about it”…I certainly talked a lot HERE!
Oh, well…
The energy on this blog is just “beautiful”…and I thank you for sharing that with us.
I WILL return!
Bless you,
Ron
**Ron** What a nice surprise to read your comment. I thank you for all of your gacious words of encouragement. I am so happy that you felt a good energy here. I felt the same way when I visited you….you had me hooked when you made me laugh!! I think we are “like souls”… I’ll be visiting you, and I hope you will return often!
Bless you too,
and Namaste’. g-h
Thanks for visiting me and WOW! In one post (this one!) I’m so intrigued and want to read more, yet I feel like I know you. The fun of comfortable discovery… ageless, I like it.
**”C”** So glad you stopped by and I thank you for taking the time to leave me a note. I felt a connection when I read your blog. I like that phrase “comfortable discovery”… I will be back to see you. :)
Gypsy Heart,
Thank you for coming over to my blog to say hello, and leaving the nice comment.
I wanted to return the favor.
I like the quote from Glenda at the top of your page !
I must aplogize, at almost 50 my eyes are not so good, and I cannot read the small pale gray text on the black background. My Loss.
There are a few blogs I have been unable to do so on, and it frustrates me.
I have the feeling you have interesting things to say, and I would like to read them in detail.
Happy New Year 2008 to you, and enjoy your house :)
Regretfully,
Loving Annie
**Annie** thank you for visiting me. I think your were meant to come here today. :) I recently changed to the black back ground. While I love the drama of it…I wasn’t sure about it. It seemed to be less reader friendly (for me too). So I thank you for telling me. Just in case you do not read your comment feeds (or whatever the technical name is) I am going over to your site right now to paste this.
So I hope you will come back and “see” me again.
Namaste’,
~g-h.
Ps I am always talking about “light” so I guess a very dark site was sort of paradoxical. anyway.
Gypsy-Heart !!!!! YES, YES, YES !!!
*light* It is now, and what a pleasure to read :)
Thank you, and I will be back.
Going to go add you to my link-love !
Very interesting what you wrote, and I liked what you said about every day being new. And how you grew out of one religion into something else, followed your dream, and got an education, and then more…
Blessings,
Loving Annie
Thank you **Annie** Yes, every day is new..ever evolving…eh? We will be visiting. :)
I just wanted to tell you, your post is not appearing small or cramped on my screen. It looks perfectly normal.
Madame Monet
Thank you **MM** I changed from chaotic soul because you could not read it, and I forgot to delete that paragraph. I enjoyed our emails. :)
Hey there, thanks for visiting, blessings on you and your creative spirit :)
Blessings to you too **Warrior** I enjoyed visiting and I will be back to see you. Thank you for all of your kind words and encouragement. I will stay as long as someone feels a connection. :) Light to you.
and gypsy heart may you stay :)
This is EXACTLY what I needed to read right now. Thank you! Your site is beautiful, and so is your art.
**moonbeam** That makes me so happy…Thank you for it seems we have inspired each other! Namaste’, g-h.
Happy New Year to you! I share your feeling as to 2008 being a year of expansive energy and I’m very excited about it!
So glad you stopped by. I visited your blog..very, very nice! Happy 2008 to you too, and I am happy to hear that you are excited about it also! Namaste’, g-h
LoVe, LoVe, LoVe the painting (!!!), the Magic Box, and the resolutions! I have a magic pouch, drawn together on top with a silky, braided cord. When it’s drawn closed, it looks to me like a flower center with the petals opening around it. Interestingly the center of a flower is the female part called the “stigma.” :)
I too honor and create resolutions. Why not? It’s part of creating the magic. We don’t have to accomplish them all, as you so wisely express, just one baby step is one move in a positive direction.
Making an affirmation list doesn’t mean we have to do everything on it in any particular time-frame or order.
Oodles of kudos for you on all you have accomplished in your life. You are an inspiration! I will look for you in the face of a flower and feel your energy invigorate me every time I look upon a blossom. Manifest blessings to you, Namaste, MW
Dearest **MW** So happy to read your words!
Your magic pouch sounds perfectly divine.
Yes, one move in a positive direction…one moment, one breath, striving to stay in the now.
I am looking forward to reading your latest words for you are always an inspiration!
Blessings to you too. Namaste’, ~g-h
Wonderful post! I’ve added a link to your blog from mine.
**April** I looked at your site, and I love your positive message! I know others will too so I am linking it too. ~g-h
a magic box..
something that holds all your hopes and dreams..
i read a book by amy tan once, a long time ago, it had a similiar theme…
passed from mother to daughter
new age?
hmmm
no not quite yet, you need a little more nebulousness
:)
@Sorrow~ Thank you coming and leaving a note…I always enjoy reading your words! :)
[...] Reminder Note: Remember the magic box post! [...]
I really like the idea of a magic box – especially having one inside me! Thanks for telling me about this post :)
[...] another post, New Beginnings and the Magic Box, Gypsy-Heart writes about her magic box. The magic box is ‘a special box that I place, not only [...]
I want a magic box too now… I may just go ahead and buy one :)
Most inspiring words, are these …. Three cheers to you, and to dreams that come true!!
I finally got my magic box today :) !! I would post a picture but my camera is on the frizz :( … Thanks again Gypsy Heart for sharing this!!
*Mental Mist…Somehow, I lost where your comment and had to do a search on my own blog…ha, ha!
I am SO happy that you have your own magic box..I can’t wait to see it!! :)
No need to thank me, my dear…it all comes full circle!!
I hope to eventually read about your dreams coming true..for they will!
[...] New Beginnings, and the Magic Box…. from Gypsy Heart, I Am [...]
♥ Mental Mist~ Thank you for the link…I am honored to be on your list! :)