Another pair!

You may notice these two photos are of the same area, but one is closer and at a slight angle.

Look closely in the center of the bubble and think of what you see there.

Keep in mind that when I was painting, I was just swirling a bunch of color with my paintbrush, and the only shapes I had in mind were three dimensional spheres, like bubbles. Then I was giving them some irridescent reflections with other colors.

So when I went back to it, I began to notice something like a mother and child--then I looked again, and it seemed like it could be two parents gazing at two infants.

Make of it what you will, I think of the family unit as being protected and kept together. Nice and cozy feeling, isn't it? Let's call this series, "The Nuclear Family," Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved by Sheryl Brown.

Pairs, "Grandma's Joy"

I was cruising through some old digital photos of paintings I did a few years back, and came upon a treat.

These two photos are close up's of one of the largest paintings I have ever attempted. It measures 30"x40" overall, and the close up's each cover only about a few inches square.

What a different effect it has getting this zoomed in look.

So now I've found a series of Pairs that match up nicely which I'll be posting in the next few days.

My original intent with this one was to paint something to express my joy at the anticipation of becoming a grandma back in the summer of 2006 (since I seem to be on that theme this week!) (and you thought I might change the subject, eh?), and so I named it "Grandma's Joy" (Copyright, All Rights Reserved by Sheryl Brown). I kept trying to think of a better title, wondering if that sounded too cheesy, but heck, I do tend to be cheesy, so there it is.

I never was overly satisfied with the painting (looked something like bouncing beach balls), and it never seemed quite done; but knowing my tendency to overwork things, I haven't added to it since. Maybe the beauty in it is the close up view, and how everything in life adds up to make an imperfect, yet workable whole. Does this sound like some kind of life lesson?

Well, there you have it--those are my musings for now. Stay tuned....

Being a grandmother rocks!

Here's a cheesy smile from my very sweet granddaughter, Georgia! She's more than two and a half, so soon I'll need to start saying almost 3 years old! Growing up so fast! Today her mother told me she gives the other little kids in the daycare goodbye hugs when it's time to go home!

Among our activities together, of course, is messing around with colored pens and paper. I have a nice little collection already of another budding artist! And of course, when the weather is fine (which it sure has been lately) going outdoors is always a great option. Larry and I were having a chuckle at remembering her antics last summer in the cold lake--she had no fear and didn't mind the cold in the least! It was actually a bit of a challenge to convince her it was time to get warm and dry!

Okay, I know that had nothing to do about business building or relationship tips, per se, but you got another glimpse into my world!

Discover a great way to clear your space!

My amazing friend, Vicky White, has created just about the best online community of fellow clutter busters around! Here is a supportive, caring, and creative group that will help see you through to the completion of your goals to make your home or office an inviting and efficient space! Since I've joined, I have made huge strides in making these things happen in my space, and I'm looking forward to more of the same.

You can click on the link in the heading or the blue cloud graphic above to go explore and see what Vicky and her coaching is all about. (And she can help you Feng Shui your space in no time!) Get started by checking out her free ebook, and see what you think.

In the picture, we are standing by a small lake right at sunset--great colors, wouldn't you agree?

PS This is the coaching group I referred to in my January 15th post that propelled me to "going pro" as an artist, quite literally, by getting my painting, Cloud Dance, reproduced and available for sale!

(You can see Cloud Dance in my January 23rd post by clicking on January under "Archives" on the right side of this page or by clicking on this link http://sunraysheryl.blogspot.com/2008/01/after-rain.html.)

Sweetheart Jamboree 2008! (and 2003)

This was definitely a weekend to kick up our heels, in more ways than one!

Saturday we went to the Sweetheart Jamboree for the Dinner Show and then open dance after. We bumped into a lot of our friends, and had a good time all in all.

Here we are at the table (photo on right), but sorry, no pics of us live in action on the dance floor this time! So as a consolation, on the left is a fun shot of us from the same event 5 whole years ago--in 2003! Where does time fly?!!

Oh, and a really nice comment from a dancing gal buddy we've known since when I was barely learning to dance was that our styles have really melded together!

Then this afternoon, we walked around Green Lake (well known to Seattle-ites) in the sun, sun, sun, sunshine! Could almost have been tricked into thinking it was Spring!

And just think, tomorrow we are hoping to go cross-country skiing. Our seasonal thinking may be flip-flopping here, but our heads are still on straight! (I promise!)

This is my Valentine!

Here's me and my sweetiepie, Larry, after our Valentine's dinner out. (Now is that look mischievous or what?)

We met at a dance back in '99, and have been going strong ever since! I thought it would be cool to post a picture of us dancing, then I remembered the one I had in mind was pre-digital camera! So when I get it scanned, you'll get to see us in action on the dance floor!

Our favorite dance is West Coast Swing, but Cha Cha and Waltz are close seconds for me. And East Coast Swing and Country Two Step are always fun. Okay, so we love 'em all (but don't know how to Tango!) (even though "it takes two to Tango!")!

Notice the rebels that we are, not wearing red or pink! (Well, actually, I am wearing a pale rose quartz necklace....)

Thank you, Linda-Ann!

What a great day we had on Sunday in Langley, BC with Linda-Ann's horse, Rio!

Several of us gals joined Linda-Ann Bowling at her horse ranch for a potluck after we spent time outside learning how she uses horses in her coaching business. Horses are such sensitive creatures that they mirror back what's going on inside us.

Here I am with Rio after a session of grooming and then walking Rio around the corral. I came away with a renewed idea of keeping balance in my relationships. Because I am such a relationship person, I can spend a lot of time focusing on others' needs, not always minding my own. Rio also reflected back to me a certain cautiousness I have in moving my business forward. I tend to want to stay out of the limelight, and to avoid taking too much risk (at least in certain areas).

Okay, I know my close friends and family are now chuckling at that because I'm not too shy. I do love to show off my art and to get a laugh out of people with my corny sense of humor. I actually have been known to get up in front of people and talk. But when it comes to formal public speaking or being considered an expert at what I do, I tend to downplay myself a bit, and maybe stand in the sidelines.

So, folks, there you have it! True Confessions of a "Psycho" Therapist!! (I've been wanting to put that in print for years! The "psycho" therapist joke, I mean!) (Just remember, you heard it here first!) (That is the name of my autobiography to be written before I'm 70.)

You can learn more about Linda-Ann's work on her website http://www.equine-imity.com/ . There's an excellent description of how horses are prey animals that you definitely should go read! She has other cool stuff there too, and does spa-like retreats.

Thanks again, Linda-Ann, we had a blast!

Art definitely runs in our family! Look at Sara's "Stained Glass"!

Yes, the gift of painting is shared by more than one of my family members, and the one I'd like to feature today is my niece, Sara Bremner.

Now she's a gal I've known all her life, more than sweet sixteen years (closer to 18), and more than sweet!

This brilliantly colored painting is entitled, "Stained Glass" Copyright 2008 by Sara Bremner, All Rights Reserved.

(Oh, and I must apologize, Sara, your initials got cut off when we took the photo this evening. Yeah, we share the same intials, SB!) (And since we don't live in the same town, state/province, or even country, I can't quickly re-photo it tonight!)

There is another of Sara's paintings I love, but the photo did not come out too well, so I'll hold you in suspense for that one.

(Here is one reason I love my new professional art scanner/reproducer--the reproductions come out so precisely--but that will be for another post!)

In the meantime, if you'd like to see more of Sara's art work, check out her FaceBook profile which I'll add here in due time!

(PS Tuesday--Note the link in Sara's comment.)

Confessions of a Midnight Owl!

Maybe someone should start a Midnight Owls Anonymous Group! Well, here's my contribution...

Ode to Midnight Madness

At night I hate to go to sleep,
My mind is oh, so brilliant.
But when I finally nod my head...
When morning comes, I Love my bed!

Copyright 2008, Sheryl Brown, All Rights Reserved

Anybody else out there relate?

Nancy has a great program to Spotlight You and Your Business!

Hey You Beautiful People!

If you’re like me, you like to share great ideas when they come along. Here is something coming up that holds great possibility for any entrepreneur.

My friend Nancy Marmolejo of Viva Visibility is about to launch a new round of Spotlight U, her coaching program designed to put your business into the spotlight. Over the course of 6 months, Nancy will coach and mentor a limited number of business owners and emerging experts on how to make more and get greater recognition as sought after, recognized experts.

Nancy not only works with clients to get them more known- she takes it up a notch and makes sure her clients are the experts who stand out and sizzle.

And here is great news for you: Nancy is extending the registration deadline for a select group of people. If you're getting this message, then you're in that select group. You only have until February 10 to sign up and take full advantage of what this program has to offer.

If standing out, getting known, and getting more business sound like things you’d like to accomplish in 2008, then don’t wait. Imagine the possibilities that increased recognition would bring you: media attention, a waiting list of clients, the credibility you deserve. It can streamline your marketing and make 2008 your breakout year.

You can learn more by clicking this link: http://www.profcs.com/app/?Clk=2259580

Remember, you only have until Februay 10 to register. And rumor has it that Nancy won't offer a live program like this again for quite some time.

To your continued success,

Sheryl R Brown, MS, LMFT
Sunray Counseling
a place for hope and healing
425 652-1413
http://www.sunraycounseling.com/

P.S. Nancy's clients typcially double their fees within 30 days of working with her. When you visit the site, you'll read about the success stories of entrepreneurs just like you. Don't wait.
Learn more here: http://www.profcs.com/app/?Clk=2259580

P.S. 2 When I met Nancy last April and saw her creative energy, I knew this was a gal to be reckoned with, and I know she'll help you realize your own success in a very bright way!!

Love in Motion (Love for You and Me)

Here's another bit of sweetness and light from my paintbrush on canvas to your eyes. I will call this one, Love in Motion (Love for You and Me), Copyright 2008 by Sheryl Brown, All Rights Reserved. My thought here is that we need to love ourselves in order to love others most effectively.

Tomorrow I'm going to have an expert art printer scan Cloud Dance, for the purpose of ordering some copies made. This will be my first foray into professional artistdom. That will make such a difference from these home photo-ed versions. The reproductions will be so much more like the original paintings.

I am thrilled to be taking this step to making my art available to others, and my earnest intention is that they will bring hope and healing to you and yours.

For sure, they bring me a great deal of comfort and inspiration!

Let me know if you would like to make an order. Call 425 652-1413 or email me at sheryl@sunraycounseling.com .

Here come de Boots!

Ah, technology, we love it when it works, and the better it gets, the more spoiled we are to have it work right up to snuff (now there's some expression!) at all times, and right this second!

Very warm, water repellent, and snazzy! (Did I say 50% off?) No commercial here!

It was too much fun dancing away with music piped into my ears (it was Jewel), and not giving a rip what anyone thought of this bulky black figure hopping and twirling like a rapper on chocolate!

"Hey, I got my new boots on and suddenly everything's right!" (adapted from Nutini)

New Boot Snow Dance, as promised

Hey, I put my new boots on, and suddenly everything was right!

Oh right, that was shoes, and it was a line from Paolo Nutini's song, New Shoes. (It's on YouTube--it helps to read this post with the tune going in your mind, or on your radio!)

Well, my new boots and the ipod I scarfed off my son (okay, so I bought it) got me dancing in the sweet snowshine!

...and I was wearing my brand new boots! (Yes, and I was even doing turns.)

There's the evidence in the snow, right there in the front.

Blogger and Picasa weren't up to two photos in one post, so new boots coming up!