art life confidence and animal totems

So so much to  say today. 

Firstly I am looking into inspiration for my portrait work, and the workshop that I will be teaching in November.  Along with a lot of firsts this year, teaching art will be one of them.  A long held dream.

I am collating a very exciting (to me!) pinterest board.  And thinking about how I want to pursue my portrait work.  I am thinking of mediaeval poses, religious icons, props (in particular crowns!) and using bird imagery. 

I love birds and have used them quite a lot in the art I create.  And I was reading a blog post by fellow Soul Sister Jessica Brogan - in which she mentioned that her totem animal was a fox.  And asks would anyone be interested in hearing more about animal totems.....

so I instinctly chose the Swallow for mine.  I don't know if that is how you get your animal totem.  But that is what I did.  And then I looked it up.  And then I made myself cry, reading the gypsy meaning of swallow, being the stars for the souls of dead children and the swallow being the totem for mothers who have lost their children.  ow.

 I love the idea of Swallows being stars (I love stars too!) and they also represent hope and the dawn of new love.  I also found this out.  I like it.

Swallow:

Swallow teaches the power of objectivity, community fellowship, and communications in a group environment. He can teach discernment and proper actions to avoid threats with tenacity, style and class. Swallow shows how to think quickly, react appropriately and use the power of thoughts to manifest ideals. This animal will aid in your in own nesting instincts to create something from nothing. Ingenuity, determination and innate skills will help capture what is necessary for you to succeed. Swallows are masters of the air and will show how to move with utmost grace with agility and style. Are you moving with the flow of thoughts and ideals? Are you working in cooperation with others? Swallow shows how love and communication paired with trust can do the most good. It is time to renew the environment around you and ride the favorable air currents and tailwinds to stay above anything that comes your way.

From http://www.starstuffs.com/animal_totems/dictionary_of_birds.htm

I have also been thinking about confidence.  and the nature of confidence.  Yesterday I went to a friends 40th birthday party.  Where incidently I danced like an old raver to some fabulous blasts from the past and had a very happy time.  But I was chatting before the dancing started about teaching, and how learning that you are good enough, or becoming confident in your own ability is part of the journey.  And it struck home, though we were talking about someone else, how this is my journey too.  To grow into the confidence I need and to realise that I am capable, and I have the knowledge and the ability and all of these things, and its not something I have to chase after, its something I have to realise I already have. 

OK enough of that.  Am off to create a pinterest board for my folks house . They are selling half of it (and building a new  house in half of it) they are looking for a buyer.  Its an amazing and special house.  And needs to be bought by someone who appreciates it.  see some pictures here......