Collage Diva

Hartstone Inn, Camden, Maine

I am back from a wonderful vacation to Camden, Maine. This week I will share with you some of what I experienced. Let's start with the Hartstone, Inn.

As you first walk in the door, you are greeted by this large stone heart. Wouldn't this rock be a perfect addition to my heart rock collection?

Before I go any further, let me introduce you to the owners, Mary Jo and Michael Salmon. I can't say enough of the wonderful hospitality I experienced during my stay. I could see how every guest felt so welcomed.

Let's take a moment to stop in the orchid room. Here is where we can get a cup of coffee in the morning, tea and cookies in the afternoon, or enjoy a cocktail at happy hour.

This is where I liked to sit with my morning coffee. Would you like to join me?

The stylish couch is the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail. Take a seat and let's look around this room a little more. Can I get you a peach martini? That is Mary Jo's recommendation.

Lovely details are found in every corner of the Inn.

Mary Jo has a passion for orchids. She has a greenhouse with over 400 orchids which ensure that she always has blooming orchids for the Inn.

Leaving the orchid room we can spy a little activity in the kitchen. Are you ready for your first Hartstone Inn breakfast?

Each breakfast is a two course meal. Today we start with a fresh berry crepe and raspberry creme anglaise.

The second dish for breakfast this morning has turkey, potatoes, eggs, cheese, with a pastry top. Yum!

I'm so happy that you joined me for breakfast this morning. Stop by again tomorrow for more breakfast at the inn, a peek at my room, and a walk through the gardens. Later in the week, I'll show you some beautiful harbor views and area lighthouses.

Cheers!

Kathryn, Collage Diva

PS - Be sure to visit the Hartstone Inn website at: www.hartstoneinn.com

 

 

Today - I'm Living It Up!

This will be my last Collage Diva blog post for a week or so. I'm heading on a much needed vacation. I'm traveling with my two trusted companions, my camera and notebook. I'm eager to settle into a new spot each day overlooking gorgeous views and writing my story. I actually feel really giddy. I can't wait to see what has been swirling in my head for a year now hit the page. A few friends have heard bits and pieces of the story and I delight each time I tell it. I look forward to the day when this story is published and I can travel across the globe to tell the story to even more people.

I pulled out a copy of Photo Play to find a figure to use for today's mermaid collage. The issue provided me with much more than a lovely subject. While flipping through I stopped short on an article written by actor Bob Wagner.

(click to enlarge)

It was the sequence of photos along the bottom of the page that first caught my eye. It was the title that drew me in to read the entire piece.

"What's going to happen tomorrow?" I used to worry.
Until I realized I was letting life go by. So...

Today - I'm Living It Up!

 

His positive outlook mirrors my own. He put into words in this article my own sentiments. Here are a few tidbits:

"If I give the impression that I'm enjoying life every minute, it's strictly on the level. I am. And when I say it's a gift, I'm not being flip. The ability to make the most of each day is a gift given to everyone. It's our job to learn to recognize it - to take advantage of it. I'll be the first to admit that it isn't always easy."

Bob shares some scenarios that we all may recognize. Here's one:

"Take the fellow who says, "Good grief, what a day! If it were only over!"

He's decided that tomorrow is bound to be better than today. But then some hours later, when tomorrow finally becomes his today, he doesn't give it a chance. Right away he begins living for the day after that. This boy just can't win. He'll never find contentment, because he hasn't learned to live in the present. He spends his entire life waiting, but he does nothing today to insure that his tomorrow actually will be better. I might so far as to say that he hasn't learned to live, period!"

I love the advice he was given when he was worrying about his future as an actor after winning an award. He was worried about living up to this recognition and staying on top. His friend brought him back to his senses with these words:

"Simmer down, boy," he drawled. "Take one thing at a time. You just play your scenes for all they're worth today, and you won't have to be in such a stew about the future."

He shares this fitting quote by Thomas Carlyle:

"Our main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand."

Here's just one more quote from the article:

"I do say that the best way to prepare for your tomorrow is to concentrate on doing today's work well. So think and plan. But don't clutter up your todays with unnecessary worries. It prevents your accomplishing anything. You have to remember that uncertainties are a part of life. And wouldn't life be dull without them? Think about them, prepare for them if you can, but don't let them make ulcer bait of you."

As many of you know I'm heading into a new chapter in my life. I've received so many beautiful and touching e-mails and comments on my blog post. Many have commented on how well I handle change. When I came across this article, I couldn't help but share it with you. There is so much in life that is out of our control. What we can do, is to make a choice to seize this day, savor each moment, and do so with a smile.

I have no interest in becoming ulcer bait or worry stew - no, this mermaid will be smiling all week at her harbor side perch.

Until my return,

Namaste,

Kathryn, Collage Diva

(Article Credit: "Today - I'm Living It Up!" by Bob Wagner, PhotoPlay, November 1954.)

Connection

I was recently scoffed by a new acquaintance when I mentioned that I was a blogger. Here was a person who seemed at first interested in getting to know me, but with that dismissive attitude about blogging, ended up missing out on learning a LOT about me. I didn't feel compelled to explain - it just seemed like too much work. This in-person, face-to-face visit seemed less connecting than the online encounters I have through blogging and Facebook. 

Just yesterday in a blog post (HERE) I opened up and shared the painful experience of letting my 15-year old son extend his summer vacation into a year-round move 1800 miles away to live with his dad. I connected this experience with our need for "safe harbors" - those places and people where we can feel safe to be ourselves and to nurture our dreams.

I am blown away by the response to my blog post. The e-mails from people have been so touching. So many people reaching out, sharing their own stories, and connecting with my words. I've started reading a book by Brene Brown called, The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. Brene defines connection as:

the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, valued;

when they can give and receive without judgement and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.

I didn't feel heard and I certainly felt judged by the person I met with "in the real world" who dismissed the idea of blogging. I wasn't wounded by this, rather I lost interest, which resulted in losing a connection with this person. 

Those who are truly "plugged-in" do get it. They experience the connection when they take risks to open up and share their stories and their vulnerability. Three years of blogging has shown me just how connected we can be with people all over the world. I feel so grateful to be a part of this phenomenon.

I thank you dear readers and friends - thank you for seeing me and allowing me to see you.

I invite you to check out the latest Journey of the Heart Journal post titled, "Safe Harbors."

{Namaste}

Kathryn, Collage Diva

 

Meritage + Lemon Hearts

Last night I savored one of my favorite wines, Estancia Meritage. By the time I thought to take this photo I had already enjoyed a yummy cup of espresso.

The Lemon "Lust" Pie lived up to it's name.

Salut!

Kathryn, Collage Diva

Practice Grace, Practice Joy

GRACE

The beauty of grace is that you receive

blessings for no reason.

As above, so below.

PRACTICE random acts of grace.

Give to others for no reason.

Offer kindness to those

who are undeserving,

love those who no one else loves

Practice grace.

I randomly pulled out this Zen card (Zen Cards by Daniel Levin) from a deck that I have. Last night I was chatting with a friend on Facebook who is so genuine and whole-hearted. He reaches out to get to know people both online and offline and is one who will lend a helping hand or spread his wings to help others who are in need. He said, "Yesterday, I heard from so many people who are hurting." I pointed out that so many people are always hurting that this is the human condition. We chatted about how we feel pain because we have felt joy.

Thoughts of joy remind me of this line from the movie, The Bucket List starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson:

“You know, the ancient Egyptians had a beautiful belief about death. When their souls got to the entrance to heaven, the guards asked two questions.  Their answers determined whether they were able to enter or not.  ‘Have you found joy in your life?’  'Has your life brought joy to others?’” (CLICK HERE to see the scene)

The only thing that really matters in this world is the joy that we bring to others.

Seek out joy and share it with others today.

{Namaste}

Kathryn, Collage Diva

Hearing Your Heartsong

The Most Fulfilling Road
Finding Your Next Step in Life

It is when you are willing to listen to yourself and be fearless that figuring out your next step becomes easy.

Our lives are made up of a complex network of pathways that we can use to move from one phase of life to the next. For some of us, our paths are wide, smooth, and clearly marked. Many people, however, find that they have a difficult time figuring out where they need to go next. Determining which “next step” will land you on the most direct route to fulfillment and the realization of your life purpose may not seem easy. 

There are many ways to discover what the next step on your life path should be. If you are someone who seeks to satisfy your soul, it is vital that you make this inquiry. Often, your inner voice will counsel you that it’s time for a change, and it is very important to trust yourself because only you know what is best for you. Personal growth always results when you let yourself expand beyond the farthest borders of what your life has been so far. When figuring out what your next step will be, you may want to review your life experiences. The choices you’ve made and the dreams you’ve held onto can give you an idea of what you don’t want to do anymore and what you might like to do next. It is also a good idea to think about creative ways you can use your skills and satisfy your passions. Visualizing your perfect future and making a list of ways to manifest that future can help you choose a logical next step that’s in harmony with your desires. Meditation, journal writing, taking a class, and other creative activities may inspire you and provide insight regarding the next step in life that will bring you the most satisfaction. 

It is when you are willing to listen to yourself and be fearless that figuring out your next step becomes easy. Beneath the fear and hesitation and uncertainty lies your inner knowing that always knows which step you need to take next. If you can allow the taking of your next step to be as easy as putting one foot in front of the next, you’ll notice that your next step is always the one that is right in front of you. All you have to do is put one foot forward and on the ground.

(From DailyOM: www.dailyom.com)

Kismet strikes! I subscribe to DailyOM and more often than not, the messages tie in with what I'm contemplating. This week the article above appeared in my inbox and I smiled as my latest Journey of the Heart Journal theme is "Gentle Steps." CLICK HERE to read about the journal theme and to learn how you can download the journal page and prompts.

Taking the next step

Putting your foot down is a prerequisite to taking the next step.

~Alan Cohen

 

I planned the new Journey of the Heart Journal page over a week ago. I had it scheduled to post today and the quote from Alan Cohen came out today. The quote is a perfect match for my theme. Kismet? Read more about this week's theme, 'Gentle Steps' and learn how you can download the free journal page by visiting www.truenortharts.com.

Have a lovely weekend!

{soul hugs}

Kathryn, Collage Diva

 

It's time to clear the clutter!

The Weight of Objects
Clearing a Space for Change

We hold onto material objects because we think they make us feel secure, when in reality they are cluttering our lives.

In life, we tend to have an easier time acquiring possessions than we do getting rid of them. Just as we harbor emotional baggage that is difficult to let go of, our lives can tend to be filled with material objects that we may feel compelled to hold on to. Most people are not conscious of how much they own and how many of their possessions are no longer adding value to their life. They fiercely hold on to material objects because this makes them feel secure or comfortable. While it’s true that the ownership of “stuff” can make you feel good for awhile, it seldom satisfies the deep inner longings that nearly everyone has for fulfillment and satisfaction. It is only when we are ready to let go of our baggage and be vulnerable that it becomes possible to recognize the emotional hold that our possessions can have on us. 

It’s not uncommon to hold on to material objects because we are attached to them or fear the empty spaces that will remain if we get rid of them. Giving away the souvenirs from a beloved voyage may feel like we are erasing the memory of that time in our life. We may also worry that our loved ones will feel hurt if we don’t keep the gifts they’ve given us. It’s easy to convince ourselves that unused possessions might come in handy someday or that parting with them will cause you emotional pain. However, when your personal space is filled with objects, there is no room for anything new to enter and stay in your life. Your collection of belongings may “protect” you from the uncertainties of an unknown future while keeping you stuck in the past. Holding on to unnecessary possessions often goes hand in hand with holding on to pain, anger, and resentment, and letting go of your material possessions may help you release emotional baggage. 

When you make a conscious decision to fill your personal space with only the objects that you need or bring you joy, your energy level will soar. Clearing your personal space can lead to mental clarity and an improved memory. As you learn to have a more practical and temporary relationship to objects, positive changes will happen, and you’ll have space to create the life that you desire.

(This was published by DailyOM.)

I think it is time I go and clean out my "creative cave of chaos" AKA my studio.

{soul hugs}

Kathryn, Collage Diva

In the Garden

A few images from my friend's garden. I spent a lot of time here in the last three weeks while they were in Germany.

{Namaste}

Kathryn, Collage Diva

It's up to you to ILLUMINATE the world.

This is my favorite SoulCollage card. Here is a confident woman who has emerged from her cocoon, transformed, strong, and ready to take flight. The lightening in the upper left corner represents enlightenment or at least a greater awareness of a situation. The lightening is the physical representation of an a-ha moment. I love how the woman's scarf looks like the monarch butterflies and her glasses even look bug-like. This card represents my full realized self ready to light up the world with my unique gifts.

We are not quite 1/2 way into the month of July - and Yowza! what month. Even with all the challenges that have been thrown my way, I've managed to stay grounded. Getting plenty of sleep, going for walks, and eating well really do help me navigate and not spin out. In the last couple of days, I've pushed through some difficult emotions to get to the a-ha's. At this very moment, I'm so happy that I have. As difficult as change is, it is also very exciting. I feel hopeful!

The quote in the collage, "It's up to you to ILLUMINATE the world," ties in perfectly with the Journey of the Heart Journal theme that I published this week on True North Arts. The theme encourages you to shine your own light and to bring your gifts to the world. CLICK HERE to read more about the journal and to download the weekly journal page.

Here's to shining your light!

{Namaste}

Kathryn, Collage Diva