Sunday, December 1, 2013

Shopping Local This Holiday Season




No matter how you celebrate the holidays this year, you can share the love and support local businesses by shopping local. Whether it's to purchase presents, catching up with old friends over a meal, or taking some time out to treat yourself (or your furbabies), the opportunities are endless! 



Here is a list of some local places to check out this holiday season. This year you can give endless gifts by shopping local.  If you want to share any local businesses please put them in the comments below! Let's share the love this holiday season!




SELF LOVE 
(be sure to share with loved ones!!)

Art & Treasures
(my 50% off sale on paintings ends Dec 23. All proceeds will go towards my cats surgery, mandibulectomy. )



CLOTHING 
Flow      
Mansours    
(Just in case this holiday season is extra magical)


Jewelry & Accessories







Saturday, February 16, 2013

Art Classes 2013

Hey Everyone!! I have a super exciting announcement. Art classes are back!!! I know it's been months of anticipation and I am sorry for the prolonged delay. There has been a tremendous amount of change in my life over the past while that required all of my attention and energy. I missed making art with you all and I hope you are just as excited to have the opportunity to create again. I want to thank all of you for being so patient and understanding. Your support has been a ray of sunshine and will be treasured in my heart for a long time. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!! xo

I also used this time away from teaching and sharing my passion with you to reflect on the classes. What was working, what I could improve on, and how I can provide a better experience for you all.
My goal is ensure I provide you with the most enjoyable and educational experience while keeping the prices at an affordable level. I also need to consider my work and love that goes into these classes both behind the scenes and in class. So with great reflection and consideration I will now share with you the changes of the class structure. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

I will now be posting classes for three months at a time. The first batch will be March, April, and May. Seats fill up quickly so be sure to save your spot by confirming via email to myself either on my Facebook page, or at sadiejane26@hotmail.ca. Unfortunately just clicking the 'going' or 'maybe' option in the event on Facebook is not official confirmation. A private message or email must be sent to confirm your seat. I will then send you directions and a materials list if required.




Classes will be broken into four categories. 1 hour, 1.5 hours, and 2 hours and Specialty classes.  Materials may be extra and if so it will be stated in the class description. In the event that materials are extra you  can choose to pay an additional fee to have materials included.
Class descriptions including fees and seat availability can be found under the 'Events' section on my page as well as on my website.


Private Individual Lessons are $30.00 for the first hour, and an additional $15.00 per additional hour. Materials may be extra and if so it will be stated. In the event that materials are extra you can choose to pay an additional fee to have materials included.

Private Group Lessons are $20.00 per person for the first hour, and an additional $5.00 per additional hour. Materials may be extra and if so it will be stated in the class description. In the event that materials are extra you can choose to pay an additional fee to have materials included. Private group lessons require a minimum of 3 people and a maximum of 5.



All classes including private group lessons have a maximum of  5 seats.

Payment for classes must be made in cash. I will accept e-transfers if the payment transaction is made and accepted prior to the class.


Cancellations 
In the event that you have to cancel your seat please give me at least 24 hours notice. Contact me through private message on my Facebook page or by e-mail at sadiejane26@hotmail.ca.  This allows others who may be interested in coming enough notice so they can liberate their inner artist as well. If you have to cancel the day of classes you still have to pay for your seat. We will discuss payment arrangements privately.
Given that it is still winter the following rules will apply. Classes will resume as long as local businesses are open. If they begin to close, I will also cancel classes for the night and reschedule. I will post updates regarding cancellations on my Facebook page so be sure to follow.

Loyalty Cards
Satisfy your inner artist! Attend 5 classes and get your 6th class free! This card is only valid for public classes and does include private lessons or private groups. Materials are extra unless you are attending the 'Intuitive Expressions' class or 'Pepperoni & Pointillism' class.


   



Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Thoughtful Tuesdays : The Truth Shall Make You Free

We've reached the end folks. This is the last Thoughtful Tuesday post on Douglas Bloch series. It's been an insightful year with lots of learning on my part of it, and I sure did enjoy sharing it with you all! I wonder what my next blogging adventure will be about. If you have any ideas, or would like to share your experience with Thoughtful Tuesdays, leave a comment below! I love hearing from you all! Enjoy!

The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

*Feel free to change the word 'God' to fit your belief system. I directly quoted Bloch's work.


The Truth Shall Make You Free

Listening to the inner voice means living a life of honesty and integrity. As Gandhi stated, "For me, God and truth are convertible terms. Devotion to the truth is the sole reason for my existence."

The truth is inescapable. There once was a wise teacher who gave of two men a chicken and told them to kill the chickens where no one else would see. The first man went behind the barn and killed his chicken. The second returned after three days with a live chicken. "Why didn't you kill the chicken?" the teacher asked. The man replied, "You told me to go where no one was looking, but everywhere I go, the chicken see." It is the same in our lives. We can deceive others and even our conscious mind, but everywhere we go our own God-self sees. 

Telling the truth to ourselves and others is liberating. Once you acknowledge the truth of a dysfunctional relationship, you can do something about it. Once you admit that you are powerless over an addiction, you can begin to threat it. If, however, you you deny the problem, there is no way to change it. This is the meaning of the saying, "You are only as sick as your secrets."

The great historian Cicero said, "Our minds possess by nature an insatiable desire to know the truth." Let us live, breathe, and speak this so that we may come to know the beauty and perfection of our inner divinity. 

Affirmations
1. I am honest with myself and with others.
2. I see the truth of what is.
3. I am willing to face the truth, even if it hurts.
4. The truth liberates and sets me free.
5. I release my old illusions and perceptions.
6. Your Own _______________



Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Thoughtful Tuesdays : The Power Of Optimism

Only a few short months ago I was having a conversation with my boss at work about the power of optimism. We were discussing how by thinking positively you can attract so many wonderful things into your life.

This post comes with incredible timing. While the world didn't end on December 21, 2012, it certainly felt like Doomsday in my world. It was the first unfavourable event in a chain reaction that so far seems to have no end. Every time I blink (ok exaggerating here, but it sure feels that way) it seems something else is going wrong. Back home this is where we would said "The arse fell right out of 'er" and it sure feels this way. As I read the excerpt from Bloch's book for today's post, I was beyond thankful for this reminder. I have been so caught up in the negative series of events that I haven't allowed myself to focus on the good. I fell down hard and instead of picking myself up I just continued to sit there complaining. I can tell you one thing, life sure has been a lot more miserable since I stopped implementing the power of optimism. Right now there are many things in my life that I am unable to control, and in turn are influencing other areas of my life. Now I can continue being crooked about all this and walk around with a great big cloud over my head. Or I can start changing my way of thinking and find that ray of sunshine that helps me get through the days when skies are grey. I can tell you this much, the grumpy pants way of living has not helped one bit, so I think it's time to trade them in for something a little happier. Who knows what will result from this energy shift. All I know is that it can't make things any worse.

So after today's post, I want to dare you to try to manifest the power of optimism. Change your way of thinking. If you like feel free to share your experience in the comments below. I have seen the results, I know they work. I gave up thinking this way for a few weeks and it is unreal the difference it has already made in my life. Thoughts, feelings, actions, etc. Time to start using the power of optimism again.

The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

The Power Of Optimism


A truly powerful force in the universe is that of optimism. Optimism lies at the root of our mental and physical health. Feelings of hope can stimulate the bod's immune system and inspire recovery from a critical illness. 

Optimism expresses itself in the persistence and resilience of living things. A child learning to walk repeatedly falls down and picks himself up until he stands erect. A decade after the eruption of Mount St. Helen's destroyed the local ecology, life has established itself on this volcano with amazing abundance and rapidity. And despite its hostile environment, a sole dandelion miraculously pushes itself up through a crack in the concrete. That dandelion is optimistic that it can and will survive. 

In the long run, the forces of love and life always triumph over those of fear and death. No matter how challenging the obstacles or difficult the tests, there is always cause for optimism.

Affirmations

1. I have faith that all things are working together for good in my life.
2. I expect the best, and I get it.
3. I see my glass as half full rather than as half empty.
4. When I fall down, I pick myself up and try again.
5. I am empowered by my optimism.
6. Your Own _____________

Monday, December 31, 2012

I Bid You Adieu 2012.

The last day of 2012 has arrived. I'm not sure if I am happy about this or completely unprepared for the adventures in store with 2013.

I do know though that 2012 brought many changes, opportunities, blessings, and room for growth. Some of these changes were sad, while others were unexpected and warmed my heart. I began this year with so many hopes and dreams. So thankful that my little family and I were reunited and living under one roof again.  Open to all the wonderful things that the following 12 months would bring. Having no idea exactly what the Universe had planned for me.
Some of the highlights of 2012 that come to my mind instantly include:

  • Celebrating one year of business with my FB art page and website. Im still in shock each time I realize that I am living my dream of perusing a career in art. I am now close on celebrating two years of business and I can't believe I have over 600 followers on my FB page! Thank you to each of you who support me.  I am also surprised at how quickly my name has been established within the community and can't help but smile each time someone says "Oh you are Sadie Jane the artist!" Each time I hear that it confirms to me that I am living my dream.
  • Being involved with the 'Evening of Art' fundraiser for a local women's shelter here in town. I was able to share my passion of art to help support a wonderful cause. Looking forward to doing it all again in 2013.
  • The group art show at Bella's Cafe and Bistro where my work was on display at one of the most delicious restaurants in town. 
  • Dancing with Dorthy in the thrift store to Brown Eyed Girl. My kindred spirit, she makes me smile so much. I ran into her at a store over the holidays. Looking forward to seeing her within the next few weeks. 
  • Having my sis Andi come and visit me. That week was amazing. From horse back riding, yard sale hunting, coastal adventures and more. We never stopped having fun. It was her first time out east and we had a time!
  • Photography lessons with Joan Cameron from Focal Point Photography. I finally understand what all the fancy words mean. Thank you Joan! 
  • As of July 5th I began teaching art classes. I am still overwhelmed at the response to these classes. Seats fill so quickly and the art work that is created in the time frame blows my mind. So much talent in this area. I have met so many wonderful souls and feel so incredible helping them liberate their inner artist. 
  • That special magical day at the beach when I felt like I was in a Dawson's Creek episode. Oh I will never forget that day. You can read all about it here 
  • While it was bitter sweet, celebrating one  year of living here in Nova Scotia. I have been very blessed in so many ways since moving here.
  • Meeting some incredible souls by chance and in turn developing the most wonderful relationships. 
  • The most hilarious and delicious Thanksgiving dinner. I discovered that breaking bread doesn't mean taking a loaf and snapping it in two pieces. Hahaha. Though that is the new tradition. Surrounded by so many warm kind souls and blessed to be able to share food, a nest, and warmth with them. And sharing some traditional Newfoundland cuisine (pease pudding' ) with them. It was such a grand day. 
  • Being presented with employment opportunities through GBS Communications. I love this job!
  • Having my Pop bring my family together before he left this world and being able to have spent time with him once more. I miss him so much. 
  • To my pirates back on the Rock, I will forever remember how  you made my sad visit to Newfoundland a more joyful one with sing a longs, great cuisine and loving company. They really helped in creating a balance of joy to such a sorrow filled weekend. 
  • My art show opportunity with Art of Eating Deli and Catering. Thank you so much Fran! All the best with your new career adventure! 
  • Thoughtful Tuesdays! I love these blogs. I know Im behind on a few so I will bring a few into the new year for you to read. 
There were many many more wonderful moments but these stand out the most to me. In all areas of my life 2012 has blessed me.  While I will not share the heartache it brought, it did keep me balanced. I'm curious to see where 2013 brings me.

Thank you to everyone who has played a part in making 2012 memorable. Wishing you all a safe and wonderful New Years filled with many creative opportunities.



Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Thoughtful Tuesdays : Look for the Good

For the longest while it seemed all I could attract into my life was negative energy. Everywhere I looked there was something awful, something bad. My mood was pretty much always in the dumps. I felt awful about myself, my life, and everything that I attracted my way. I tell you one thing, it's not a very good way to live, at least not for myself. I was miserable. So then when I started doing some serious self work a few years ago someone told me to find at least one positive thing about my day. It could be the sound of a bird singing in the morning, or a wonderful adventure with a friend of mine. Whatever it was, I had to take time each day to focus on it. At first I found it incredibly hard to do. I was in such a dark and dreary place. To be quite honest, I had a hard time giving myself permission to seek out the positive and acknowledge it. Nothing was changing for me, so I finally decided to just give in and look for something, anything that made me smile even a little bit, or made my heart sing even just one little note. It didn't take  long after that first initial decision to look for the good before the daily list started to grow and grow. I was floored at how many good things happened in my life in the run of a day. All this time I was dwelling on the yucky stuff completely distracted from the wonderful things happening in my life. What a difference it makes too I tell ya! Now it comes so naturally to stop and smell the roses, to see the good in almost every situation. It really makes a difference on my body, my mind, and my soul.

The holidays can be the most delightful of times - according to all the commercials, movies, tv shows, and songs. It can also be an emotional trying time for all no matter what walk of life you come from. So I'm going to doggy dare you (oh yes, I just said doogy dare!) to try to find the good this holiday season. No matter what the holidays has in store for you, try to find the good in every situation. Be mindful of how your body responds to your attention being on the positive instead of the negative. How this influences your interaction with yourself, and with others.

The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.



Look for the Good

Life is an interpretive experience. What happens is less important than how we respond to our circumstances. An intense stimulus that some people report as pain, others report as pleasure. It is we who decide what interpretations will be. 

Are you a "goodfinder"? A recent study of the country's millionaires showed that the most common trait they all shared was the ability to discover good in any situation. This trait is also common in the "triumphant survivors" -those individuals who overcome adversity and emerge strengthened and renewed. 

A sincere spiritual seeker suffering from a chronic illness wondered, "why haven't my prayers been answered?" One day, in deep meditation the reply came: "Look for the good in your sitatuion and you will see that the answer has already been provided." Suddenly this woman realized that her crisis provided a wonderful opportunity. She embarked on a program of nutrition, exercise, and yoga which led to a dramatic improvement in the quality of her life. 

Abraham Lincoln once said, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Your state of mind is up to you. Choose now to look for the good. 

Affirmations

1. I look for the good in all my affairs.
2. No matter what the circumstances, I find something positive that I can learn from them.
3. I experience all events as enhancing my spiritual growth.
4. For every loss, there exists a corresponding gain.
5. What goes down must come up.
6. Your Own ______________.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Thoughtful Tuesdays : Do It from Love

I used to be very scared of love. I would present myself as someone who greeted it with open arms, but in truth love scared me. Love meant being vulnerable. It meant opening myself to new things, sometimes scary things like rejection. It meant learning more about myself in the process. I kept my walls up high and let me tell you it was a lonely place. Not just in the area of relationships, but in regards to health, spiritual life, passions, and so on. So finally I decided to take these walls down brick by brick. It was hard work. I was exposed to elements I never allowed myself to experience before. In many cases, I had to acknowledge and feel the heartache and pain of love before I could enjoy the purest form of happiness that love brings. I had to take risks and try something new so that when it didn't work out I knew that my heart belonged somewhere else - an opportunity for growth and self exploration. One of my most valued lessons and most challenging, was that of self love.
What a difference in my life now. The abundance of love, and in turn the richer the quality of my life.
So today love and be loved with a sense of curiosity as you discover what love can do for you. Find love in the choice of words you use, in the actions you present to the world. Find love within yourself, for yourself and embrace it with open arms.


The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

*Feel free to change the word 'God' to fit your belief system. I directly quoted Bloch's work.

Do It from Love

In determining the quality of your life, there is an important question to ask: "How much love do I express?"

How much love do I express in my work? Do I love my work or is my job just a job? Do I enjoy the people I work with?

How much love do I express in my relationships? What level of intimacy do I experience with my significant other, children,friends, and relatives?

How much love do I express in my finances? Am I holding on to money out of fear? Or am I using it to empower and support others, both in my investments and through giving?

How much love do I express in my health? Do I love and nurture my body and supply it with proper nutrition, exercise, and rest?

How much love do I express in my spiritual life? Do I worship a loving God or do I fear a God of wrath and punishment?

By taking inventory of these areas, you will arrive at a simple conclusion - that how good you feel is a function of the amount of love in your life. If you wish to feel better at the deepest level of your being, the solution is clear. Love more. 


Affirmations

1. The primary motivating force in my life is love.
2. Whatever I do, I do from love.
3. Each day, I follow my bliss.
4. I am willing to take the risk of being close.
5. I walk through life with an open heart.
6. Your Own ___________.