Moon Path (acrylic on canvas)
Dear He♥rts,
This painting is 24 x 32 which for some reason I do a lot. It is not a standard so don’t ask me why I started making this size (typical of me though). Anyway, this is similar to some of the paths that Ringo and I walk, and it is not uncommon to find us there when the moon is bright.
I wanted to introduce you to Ringo. 
part cattle dog and guru. He was adopted from the safe animal shelter two years ago. Sent to me to teach me about love, laughter, and living in the moment!
It was so good to get out there yesterday. My mind is clearer now, and maybe…just maybe, I can say what I was trying to say on my Part I post yesterday. I am not going to continue with the melt down list I started. I will say I knew I had a problem when I was very sick with this cold…too sick to eat or go anywhere…yet, I had my lap top open with my frail feverish fingers on the key board trying to work on my blog. Also, blogging has now entered my dream world (what could that possibly mean). I think my love/hate list again from Part I is the reason, and it is issues I have with myself, not you or the blogging experience.
Walking yesterday helped me to see things much clearer. I just need to be balanced and let it all unfold (as I am always telling everyone). I cannot stop the blog now…I have grown too fond of all of you. Yet, as I said on my “about me..well sort of” page I am a paradoxical recluse. A loner that loves being alone..yet loves people. I am not a fair weather friend lets just say I am a fickle, free-spirited friend….thus, the name gypsy-he♥rt. All of my friends here know that I do not like to talk on the phone, nor do I have to be with the group or see anyone on a regular basis. Yet, when I do go to an art opening (and one has to go to such things) or for lunch occasionally I have a most wonderful time. They seem to understand me, and that I love them…though sometimes from a distance (as in a secluded island distance). :)
Now all of you came into my life. Forgive me if I sounded unappreciative yesterday, because I do appreciate all of you. There is a good energy ebbing and flowing that we are all a part (some are still unaware)…a wonderful, powerful energy. I think that energy is what surprised, and overwhelmed me (a little).
Alas, I am happy because I realized that there are kindred spirits out here and…..I am not alone in Oz.
~gypsy-he♥rt.
Ps One thing I need to correct my birthday was in late December. So I am sorry if I made it sound like it was yesterday. I have no problem with your good wishes…if you don’t.
Good Tuesday to you, Gypsy Heart.
Ringo looks like a great best friend :)
Blogging, like life, has its pleasures and its pains-in-the-butt. It is up to each of us to do what works for us, to choose to post a lot when we feel like it – or not – to maintain the connections we forge, or to take a break when we need to. It’s all about relationships – the one with our selves – and the ones we have with others.
((hugs))
Loving Annie
Thank you for all of your kind and inspiring comments **Annie** I just need to remember to be balanced in all things. ♥
Hang in there, I worry about this blog business too. Some days I love my blog and everyone who visits. Other days I make myself post because… I guess because I challenged myself to post a photo a day. But then all these people kept coming back AND I don’t know. I do know that I am totally addicted. At least I don’t have a TV + a Mac. Maybe it’s part of being 54 :-) I’ve been there for 3 months now and it grows on you. Peace.
Thanks **B** you are so right it is addicitive, and it grows on you. I am getting a grip on balance, I had too.
Don’t you just love this age!! Of course, I say that about every age. Actually, I feel ageless and always have…I felt like an old soul when I was young.
I am one of those “out here” that enjoys your daily photo. ♥
Ringo is beautiful!!
I loved these last two posts of yours. Your honesty and openness is such a beautiful breath of fresh air.
I too am a loner who loves people. As of the past few years, I have been pretty much a hermit. Friendships dropped away as I traveled and moved, and now I really am more of a loner than I have ever been.
I am so thankful for being incarnated into the “Internet age”, because even though I grumble about how much time I waste on this damn thing, it is a precious and magical portal in so many ways. Getting to meet kindred spirits and follow the living, breathing books we call “blogs” is so amazing.
SO- I for one, am very glad you are blogging because you are one of the very special souls who is showing me that I am “not alone in Oz” as well! :)
Kalliope Dear One..I feel the same way about you. In fact, you and Sibyl were the first two souls out there that I felt a connection. If we all lived near each other I would most certainly come out of hermit hidding for an adventure with the two of you. :)
I do hope you venture out once and a while it is good for the spirit.
I look forward to reading more of your enchanting words and images!
~gypsy he♥rt (from the land of oz)
Ps. Ah yes, my little Ringo is a handsome fellow. There is a story about him. My dog Saber (part red wolf) passed away and I was devestated. I did not think I could love another dog, nor did I wish too. A few months passed and I saw Ringo on the safe animal shelter’s web site (the internet again!!). It took a few days, but he bewitched me and I have been under his spell ever since.
Gypsy Lady, I stopped in to say hello and thank you for being a reader from the shadows at the nest. Your work is very beautiful and I’m glad to have journeyed by your haunt.
I have a heart similar to yours so I understand all too well what you feel and experience.
As far as blogging is concerned, I have decided to post what I want to, when I want to, and how I want to, without regard to anyones opinion.
When I initially began this undertaking it was for altogether different reasons than why I do it now. The love/hate relationship probably exists for the majority who blog. As for me, I’m no longer feeling compelled or pressured to visit every blog I enjoy reading. I get to it when I get to it. Whether I leave a comment matters not. This thing we do is so nebulous in relation to everything else in our lives, as far as I’m concerned, it is but only a small part of what it is I do.
So, I have decided to sit back and allow my mood to dictate what I do. If I post or don’t, I’m going to have fun and enjoy what it is I do. When it stops being fun, that’s when I’ll terminate the operations.
Peace and happiness to you my new found friend. Keep your sunny side up and dirty side down.
Namaste
Hello **Hawk** so glad you flew into my neck of the deep woods. So happy that you felt a connection to my work. I already knew we had similar hearts from your words. In fact, we have a lot in common.
Good sage advice about the blogging experience. That is pretty much the conclusion that I came to.
All in balance..eh?
Your last sentence made me laugh (another thing I like about you). Yes, I will try to keep my sunny side up…though at times I tend to be a shadow dweller. :)
Come back and see me if you have a moment and are in the mood. I’ll be visiting you again too. ♥
Your works are truly remarkable, I’m glad I’ve found this blog. I’m going to add it to my blogroll if yu don’t mind. Some of the things you write about yourself really impressed me because I could have written them! “A loner that loves being alone..yet loves people” That’s probably ’cause we were both born at the end of December and we are screwed up capricorns!
Hello Indigo…so another screwed up capricorn, huh! I feel for you, but I am glad to hear that I am not the only one. :) Thank you for your kind words, and I am honored that you want to put me on your b-roll.
I’ll be over to take a peak at your site in a bit. ♥
Gypsy Lady, I don’t know what balance is! I’m not sure whether anyone could really explain what it is. We all talk it but it’s like attempting to find peace in your life, a place of retreat . . . either a physical or spiritual venue, that appears to be ever so allusive and few ever achieve.
This was not intended to sound gloom and doom. Things are what they are, that’s all.
Later
**Hawk*
I know where you are coming from, and I agree with you. I didn’t mean in a spiritual sense, though that would be wonderful. Of course, that is another complex subject.
I mean balanced in the physical sense. I read where some work on their blogs eight or more hours a day. Others have several blogs..such as a positive one and negative one or good and evil. For god sakes I have enough trouble trying to do this blog.
Am I making any sense? Maybe balance is not the term I should use..how about prioritize? I love your input, and I hope my negative/evil side will not frighten you away. I can’t keep up two blogs so you will see both sides of me here. ♥
To what evil do you refer? Because you speak your mind? You are frank? I believe Shakespeare said, “there is nothing good or evil. Only if one think it so!”
We collectively spend so much time trying to say the right thing, we often find ourselves lost within our own efforts to be nice all the time. Frankly, I’m tired of this.
You be nasty, evil, nice or whatever you want to be so long as you are being you. Don’t worry about me or your other readers because no matter what you say or do, people are going to think whatever in the hell they want to think anyway. So what they hey, just say what’s on your mind and call it a day. I’ll be right along side you.
I must now play a game with my children before bedtime. So . . . from one nomadic heart to another, I bid you fine evening. Until the next time…
I’ve come to the conclusion that blogs are like a blank canvases. I paint different pictures on different days (which is why my blog is so schizophrenic!). Some things get more hits than others, some generate more conversations, but it all feels wonderful.
Gypsy Heart, you are an angel. I’ll love your blog, no matter what you decided to do here. And Ringo looks like the best guru a person could have.
*Hawk*
Shakespeare said, “there is nothing good or evil. Only if one think it so!”
So true, so true!! I am tired of it too, and I am quite past caring. I wore a mask far too long.
A fine evening to you too my new friend.
Until the next time. ~g-♥
I promise this is my last comment, for the moment.
I forgot to say “Happy Belated Birthday” and to apologize for running off at the fingers as much as I did earlier.
I’m gone…
**Moonbeam** you are so right, and of course, I love your analogy. :)
It is wonderful and interesting!
I’m no angel MB, I’m not even working on acquiring my wings. I am honest though…and I think you are the same!
Now Ringo is a different story..he is an earth angel…and the best guru anyone could have! He is such a sweet soul…and he always makes me laugh.
You know I’ll be by to see you. ~g-♥
**Hawk** Thank you for the birthday wish. :) No need to apologize. I enjoyed your comments very much so type away anytime you wish. ♥
I see it so often with people who are creative–we need time alone but…we also enjoy times with friends.
I know I dislike phones in large part because I can’t see body language over the phone and it’s such a big part of how I know what people are really saying and feeling.
The painting is lovely and I’m glad to meet Ringo. Glad you’re feeling a bit better.
*April O* (I like the message of your name)
#I think you are right about creative people needing time alone. How can one create if never alone or without the clatter of mankind?
#I never thought about the unseen body language and phones. Makes sense to me. I talk with my whole body..especially eyes and hands so maybe I feel restricted on the phone. How can one “feel” what I am trying to say if they cannot see into my eyes. :)
#I’m glad that you like the painting I do hope you can see what I am “feeling” there!
It is good to be feeling better!
Thank you for stopping by and leaving such a kind note. I will be by to see you soon. ~g-♥
Thanks for the nice things you said about my blog. I’ve tried to set up my profile so that people should be able to find link to my blog if you click on my name or avatar. Let’s see if it works
No need to thank me **Indigo** I am just being honest. You write very well, and I will be back to read your story as you post it. Besides, my interest in Indigo children artists is personal. :)
The link works so now others can read your interesting story.
I’ll be looking for the next chapter. ~g-♥
Greetings Gypsy-Heart!
I forgot to mention this on my last comment to you on your precvious post.
Capricorns are actually my most compatible sign. My longest and closest friendship has been with a Capricorn gal. Being at Libra, I need my “space” and don’t have a problem letting others know that. The reason that my friendship has lasted this long with my Capricorn buddy…is that she is exactly the same way! WE can go months without calling each other, and when we touch base….it’s like…oh, well…let’s get caught up. We’ve never had any pressure to be anything to one another…than what we are. It’s so beautiful! And it’s funny…her husband is a Libra too!
Also…she is an avid “animal lover” which I can see from your adorable friend here, Ringo…that you are too! I appreciate and love all animals…but I’m especially attached to cats. I love their independence and attutude. And they can be very affectionate (when in the mood) – and I respect that about them.
I So enjoyed (and agree) with what Hawk has contributed to this post about blogging. He’s right…we should all blog for ourselves, yet we often forget that (myself included). I also found absolute truth in what he shared about “balance.”
Thanks, Hawk!
And thank YOU Gypsy-Heart, for yet another inspirational post. And I love the art piece…I feel as though I’m inside it!
Peace, my friend
**Ron**
#I am not surprised at all…I felt the energy the minute I saw your site. I knew I was going to love you and that you were going to make me laugh!!
Yes, we could hang out like that. I have several such friends. In fact, one of my friends and I have what we call adventure days every couple of months. We have gone to museums, the alligator farm (my main shaman animal and they are all around the places that I live), gardens, shows, etc. We are due another one soon. I am thinking Cassadaga again (since you are from Fl you probably know about that place..right?).
# I am an avid animal lover…all creatures actually…from spiders to snakes. That is one reason I am a vegetarian (personal decision for me..and I don’t preach it or judge if others feel differently). If dogs are gurus I think cats are god/goddesses (just ask them..hee, hee).
#The Hawk…He listens, gives good advice, and makes one think. In my opinion, that’s a good combination.
#Now you have made me very happy!! Saying you “felt inside the piece” That is a lot of what it is all about for me..the mood, the feeling, the energy….god I can’t wait to paint again. Thinking of a sunflower series..they are magical you know.
Until later…
Peace to you too, ~g-♥
Ha! I loved these last two posts. I know lots of bloggers because of my job (we publish technology books, conferences, and websites), and no two people do it the same. Some post every day, some once a week, some only as time and whims permit.
I am an almost everyday poster. Sometimes I post twice in the same day, but they show up as different dates on my calendar, because I stay up late at night and my one day ends at 11:59:59 (and I’ve already published one post) and the new day begins, while I’m working on the second post. Once in a great while, I miss a day, and that is actually agony for me.
Blogging is my own, personal therapy. It is my way of staying connected with Owen, memories of him, memories of our family before his death, and who we have become. It is therefore, part grief, part health, part sanity, and a lot of the insanity. Also, a connection to staying on the planet, and believe me, there are days when that’s not so tempting, except for the fact that I love my family and friends, and can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next! Gee, those sound like great reasons to stick around anyway, huh?
So, while I don’t share the love/hate relationship with blogging, I do get it. I hear it from others, so I know it happens. My mom was a Capricorn, and had she been a blogger, I can imagine she could have written similar posts to these last two of yours. Thanks for bringing me memories of her through your words, and thanks for the glimpse into your funny, thoughtful, honest, hard-working mind.
I love your paintings. I may end a lot of my comments to you with…I love your paintings. Because I do, and because posting your art is a great way to share it with the world.
Linda
**Linda** How happy I was to see your words here, and I loved reading them. I am not surprised about your love of blogging…your beautiful and moving posts reflect that love.
I don’t know the connection Linda, but I feel it like a powerful magnet. Owen speaks through you, and I love his spirit.
You have many, many reasons to stick around. So much we could talk about…in time maybe we will. Until then just know that I am listening to your words..and I know others are too. ~g-♥
Ps I am happy that you like the paintings..some of them tend to be narrative or expressionistic so I guess they are my way of writing.
LoVe the painting and Ringo!!
I have a couple blogs and it’s all good, not good and evil. :)
I haven’t seen the good/evil duo yet in blogville but I’ll keep my eyes open!
I don’t find it difficult to have a couple blogs or respond to comments on my blogs, it’s the returning visits and comments that is the most time consuming, literally the hours equal to a full time job.
I’m seriously trying to take Hawk’s advice (above) on that! Hawk, I’m smiling that we both quoted Shakespeare, we must be channeling him together!
You did not sound unappreciative g-h! Keep walking in moonbeams and basking in moonshadows.
**MW** Thank you for taking the time to visit and to leave me such an inspiring note. Ringo thanks you too!
#No question, your blog is all good!
#Yes, Hawk’s advice was timely for all of us, and Shakespeare is a good thing too..though I think he was a combination of good/evil. :)
#As you can see I am into the moon so I will be out and about in her light.
Have I ever told you how much I love your name? Your name alone drew me in…right into your light. ~g-♥
Hello there, Divine Ms. G.H.:)
What a wonderful thing has transpired here over the last few weeks, since the first time I stumbled upon your blog. It’s been like watching a rose open up in a way.
Blogging is a wonderful activity of many creative activities. As long as your heart sings while you blog, it seems to me that all is well.
Blessings to you. Thank you so much for sharing yourself so openly and honestly. Your light is very bright in Blogland.
**Grace** How wonderful to hear your sweet voice again.
You are the reason that I started using my scared name
gypsy-heart….that post you wrote about scared names. :)
Unfolding rose is music to my ears. In fact, I wrote a post weeks ago titled “The Gift” and it is about a rose painting that I donated to a charity. This is on the post and how I feel:
~~ if I were to be a flower, ’tis a wild rose I would be~~
You might enjoy the story…it was hard for me to let go of that painting. :)
Part I
http://island11.wordpress.com/2007/12/05/the-gift/
Part II
http://island11.wordpress.com/2007/12/07/the-gift-continued/
I like what you said about “as long as your heart sings..all is well.” It goes without saying that I believe in following your heart…heart songs if you will. All is well..all is well. amen.
I am so happy you are back…I am going to scoot over to your site right now.
I THANk YOU FOR BEING here. ~g-♥
Sublime art work. If you have a moment take a look at my work. I am painting the cellular migrations of the heart. Best wishes.
**Randall** Thank you for the kind note and invitation. I did take a look, and I left you a note. I liked your work..it is different and fresh!
Oh, I left you a question in my comment..being the inquisitive painter that I am. :)
Best Wishes to you too! ~g-♥
What an amazing painting. So many textures in the leaves and bark. Wonderful. Hello to Ringo. Aren’t animals the greatest kindred spirits.
Thank you **QM** though it is nature that is amazing! :)
..ah yes, texture…how I do love texture.
Ringo says hello back to you. Yes, they are wonderful beings!! Ringo is loving all of this attention, and is bugging me about his own blog..or at least a post now and them. He seems to think he could use the platform to bring attention to safe animal shelters. I told him I will take it under consderation. :)
last days I wanted to send you a photo of an aquarell showing a gypsy woman showing a strange ring (or shell? or heart?) out of that image. I painted it in Sainte Marie de la Mer, France, several years ago. but strange to say I found the drawers of my closet locked (- it has a lock but I got it second-hand unlocked without key) I think I need a locksmith now. mysterious, isn´t it? – today I read your comment & instead of this gypsy-portrait I posted a photo to my blog for you. some days my closet is open you´ll get the other image.
best wishes, rené
Hello **Rene’** how nice to see your words here. I would love to see your gypsy woman photo. That is strange..locks and keys…hmmm..you can see from my work that I am intriqued by such.
I saw the image that you posted for me, and it is gorgeous and I want to go there!! Will be there in a bit to leave you a note.
Best Wishes to you too! ~g-♥
Hey great images. Take your time, let it flow rather than push it. Be as you are. I try to remember theese things when it gets difficult. Breath, relax, focus, flow. Breath relax focus flow.
Thanks **Warrior** I like your advice..breath, relax, focus, flow. :)
Your two schizophrenic blogging posts resonated with me, and especially in the first post where you described the aspects of your own personality that contribute to your relationship to blogging. For me, blogging has often felt like I’m hosting a party with every post I do. I feel an obligation to keep the conversation going, to mingle with everyone, to make the experience enjoyable. No wonder I sometimes feel exhausted when I’m looking at the screen wondering, Now what should I write about. It’s an awful lot of expectation some of us place on ourselves. I have to figure out how to not make it so.
Ringo, what an adorable dog. I can tell he’s a good guy. Fun yet practical. I love dogs that are bred to work. Something about them that inspires me, reminds me, too, that every day I want to move forward with my own work.
**Ybonesy** I like your analogy of the host/hostess. Yes, I think posting is somewhat like painting..difficult to be creative on demand…at least it is for me. That is why getting away from that screen/canvas helps…nothing like a walk, a cup of hot tea, or meditation to stir the mind and heart.
As for my Ringo boy..thank you. He is a good guy. As I told others he is now bugging me about having his own blog or a least a post now and then. He thinks he can use it for a platform to bring attention to safe animal shelters. I told him that I am considering it. :)
Hello Ringo – most pleased to meet you – would you like a peanut butter on a cracker? I always have one in my pocket – I find them good for deterring Doggies that get too enthused or seem to think I want to see their teeth.
A cattle dog huh? My, you are a fine looking fellow – and You were rescued huh? Well – didn’t YOU luck out huh? You won the lottery the second time around with your human.
I don’t know why some folks abuse dogs. You are through thick and thin, man’s bestest friend and some of your fellows get taken for granted or abused.
I got my last three doggies from the SPCA – they were all wonderful pets – I still miss them every day, but can’t bring myself to go rescue another one of your fellows (just yet). You see – some of us humans love our dogs just as much as you love your human…
*Good evening Iggy…Ringo says hello and thanks you for leaving him such a nice note.
He feels lucky..he knows his humans are crazy about him. He has even forgiven the humans that left him at the Safe Animal Shelter, because that helped his new family find him.
He also hopes you will rescue again…somewhere out there your guru dog is waiting for you. When the time is right it will happen. :)