life’s dance lessOns
Fortunately, I love to dance – with my husband, with my friends, and even by myself. It makes me feel happy and alive, and healthy and free. Maybe the Universe is just trying to teach me a new dance step!
I am needing every optimistic bone in my body to learn the Valley Fever Cha-Cha. My question is, “Is it still the cha-cha when it’s two steps forward and three steps back?”
Over the past 6 weeks I have had a booth at Art on the Avenue in Fountain Hills, played a few rounds of golf (hello 85 and 38 : ) and attended three gatherings. All of this happened with a lot of help, encouragement and understanding from my husband and friends – thank you, thank you! And, oh how fun it has been! Yeah for two steps forward!
At the same time, half of the days have been filled with severe fatigue, headaches and sickness. Those three steps back are getting harder and harder to manage.
But what was it that they said about Ginger Rogers?
Yeah for Brave Girls in high heels and cowboy boots!
So, on this day, I have chosen to put my brave girl boots on and begin again.
What I know works for me:
- A nice walk in the morning – even if it’s for 5 minutes,
- followed by stretching and a few yoga poses,
- followed by a short relaxing meditation,
- and finally writing my Morning Pages (The Artist’s Way).
- Breakfast comes in the form of a smoothie made with almond milk, dates, berries, baby spinach leaves, maca powder, cacao nib, chia seeds, and raw protein powder (all organic : ) I do love our Vitamix Blender!
- T H E N, let go of any expectations for the rest of the day. Enjoy what I can, rest when I need to, and choose to be kind to myself no matter what. (I’m still working on this last part.)
Healing and learning looks so different from one person to another. But, for all of us, it takes a tremendous amount of courage to continue to trust where life leads us. Many times over the past 2 years I believed this “dance lesson” was over, only to hear the music begin again as the teacher called me back into the studio. So this time, after many tears, anger and grief, I am returning to the “studio” with more willingness and love in my heart. I keep hearing:
Be. Kinder. Be. Gentler. Be. You.
So, I am choosing to leave my reluctance at the door, smile when I hear the music begin again, and willingly take to the dance floor to learn more steps of the VF Cha-Cha.
Thank you for listening, and holding my highest good
in your heart. I am doing the same for you.
On the VickiO art frOnt – If I make it back out to the Fountain Hills “Art on the Avenue” on Thursday, I will post it on Facebook. (LIKE my Facebook page here! ) I have a few new art pieces and wonderful new items to share. They would make great holiday gifts! Tote bags, calendars and iPhone 5 cases, Oh My!
And for those amazing party hosts – handcrafted wine bottle tags! Enjoy all the wonderful and loving people you have in your life. For me, they are the true gifts of the holidays!
Until then,
be gentle
be brave
be true
lOve, vickiO
VickiO Art 
Thanks Vicki
You are welcome, Angie!
Yay, brave girl! Love your dancing boots! Also, your tote bags and phone covers look awesome…want some! Xoxox
Thanks, Lisa! I couldn’t have done it without your ideas and encouragement. Thanks so much for being a Brave Girl, too!
What a treat reading all about you, your art adventures, your ups and downs with Valley Fever. You are a beautiful, strong woman with so much talent so keep your big girl boots on and keep dancing!!!
Love you always. Merry Christmas to you and John
Ruth
Thanks so much, Ruth! Keep golfing, and dancing, and walking those beautiful Florida beaches, my dear friend. Much love to you!
I want 17 of the wine art. I know you only have 12 and time is short. If you have time and energy to make some more do so. If not that’s OK. I had my days mixed up for Thursday(what a surprise). I will have my own car tomorrow. The people who put my new windshield in come tomorrow between 10 and 2. I obviously have to be here.My nails are Friday. Hope fully they come early I will keep you poste
Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
Text or email me that you got my message.
Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
Testing
Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
I love it – now that’s optimism! Valley Fever cha-cha! I think you’ve started something here! I am beyond impressed and blown away by the extent of your product line – I had no idea you had delved into so many different products besides your original canvas paintings! I can’t wait to go shopping at your ‘store’! And that saying about Ginger Rogers has always been one of my favorite! Dance on girlfriend!!!
Thanks so much, Lisa! I love “dance on”! I can’t do it in high heels like Ginger, but give me my boots and I will cha-cha on! You are welcome to come shop anytime : ) Hugs!
vickiO art jOyful, inspired, mixed-media cOllage art http://www.vickiOart.com
You go girl!!! I’ve never seen you do the VF cha cha cha. However I know that is what you are doing and have been doing it for too long. I unfortunately have been doing it w. you. I am getting tired being an observer and a friend. I want this dance to end, enough lessons learned. It is time!!M
I know you can dance because I’ve witnesses that. I also know you can golf and that you can paint and that you are truly a creative, clever ARTIST. I ALSO KNOW YOU KNOW HOW TO BE A DEAR FRIEND AND HAVE A LOVING HEART.
When you have mastered the VF Dance, you will never have to do it again. that is what I want for you, my sweet, dear friend
You go girl!!! I’ve never seen you do the VF cha cha cha. However I know that is what you are doing and have been doing it for too long. I unfortunately have been doing it w. you. I am getting tired being an observer and a friend. I want this dance to end, enough lessons learned. It is time!!M
I know you can dance because I’ve witnesses that. I also know you can golf and that you can paint and that you are truly a creative, clever ARTIST. I ALSO KNOW YOU KNOW HOW TO BE A DEAR FRIEND AND HAVE A LOVING HEART.
When you have mastered the VF Dance, you will never have to do it again. that is what I want for you, my sweet, dear friend
You will master this VF THING. I BELIEVE IN YOU AND YOU HAVE MY LOVE AND SUPPORT.