Positive mosaic vibes and thoughts

I don't know what it is, but so many people find one themselves in a mosaic quandary of "can't started"...

Life seems to be throwing some huge curve balls! All over theglobe it's one ;thing after another, I often wonder we can handle all thenews..Tweeting, Face Book, Internet, TV - we know of every good and badthing almost immediately. I tend to turn it all off and find it makes sensefor a while.Do you find yourself all fired up one minute and then suddenly caughtbetween "life" and "art? In a dream mosaic world, one could rise, slinkinto the studio and work on mosaics in a trance-like mosaic nirvana, but theoutside world seeps in and we are all affected in some manner by what isgoing on around us - from joyous moments to tragedies and in between.

I often find I only work and get things completed with absolute deadlinesand when the pressure comes off a bit, instead of getting on with other jobsto complete, I tend to do nothing and then stress out when deadlines loomagain. I think we need to take time out to smell the roses or just mullover things as we move through our days and nights.No matter how great the work area, it's easy to be diverted. I find I amtruly blessed with amazing mosaic mates and we all prop each other up andinspire each other.

If you have a caring nature, you will feel the vibesand the media constantly feeds us down the line. Be pleased with whatever progress you make, I think it's fantastic to have lots of mosaics on the go .believe me they get completed when "it's their turn".

I would find it hard to work on one project continually - havingother work in progress projects keeps the imagination fired. I have somethat have been waiting for completion for 8 years and I still love them asthey are! I call them my "education pieces" LOL!So cheer up and wallow in whatever you feel like, from a big tub of thinsetto a bucket of ice-cream.

There is nothing I like better than roam thegarden, but I get upset as I don't get time to work in my garden any moreand I really WANT to, but something has to give to allow that and I am toobusy finishing off a big mosaic project. I have to discipline myself everymorning or I could easily be on the couch watching movies all day or rushingout to buy new pots and plants for the garden.

What I try to do, is set"me times" - reward times to do what I feel like doing and that does work.A day off to read, sleep, be with Dave or whatever and feel absolutely noguilt. I look forward to those me dates!

Saying that, I am absolutelyhappy in my studio working on mosaics 24-7, that's when I am in the zone. I think reading and seeing other's accomplishments can also be daunting as well as inspiring. I find that by rejoicing in other's mosaic accomplishments and being happy for them makes me feel good.

Every piece of mosaic art made on this planet is a good thing. Sharing the joy of mosaicsin the community really keeps you grounded and surrounded by positive vibes.Mosaics for money, mosaics for home, mosaics for the pure bliss of it - itall has its place. Many of my mosaic mates who are the happiest souls,have no intention of seeking out commissions but make mosaics for theirhomes, gardens and special friends. They are always SO happy.

I suppose they are mosaic stress free LOL!

Major stress events are awful and sometimes it's harder to bounce back and also some things happen in life with friends, family, illness, finances,work, acquaintances that are hard to figure out, we can't see the biggerpicture, but hold close and dear the people you love and care for and goodmates and strive to encourage others.

Anger, resentment, frustration,guilt are soul destroying and make it hard to go out and "slay dragons".When you are on an emotional high it's such a good feeling - try and pictureyourself making mosaics and running with it...go and write down youremotions on a plate, put it in a plastic bag and smash it with a hammer or chuck it on the ground.

It's a fabulous feeling and then eat somethingdelicious and run into the studio and glue some of the bits down. Put on fabulous music in the studio. Email a mosaic mate and tell them what youare doing. . Start a mosaic pot or a garden wall, and put the brokenpieces on it, leave the felt pen messages on the smashed plate. When yougrout they will wash away.

Let them wash away in more ways than one.Ok, now I am rambling but when you need to connect with positive mosaicvibes email me and we can prop each other up. I am experimenting withLaticrete epoxy at the moment and should be doing the "big project".

I am always doing that and need now to go and WORK!...but the epoxy and what I amdoing to it is very, very, exciting.Thanks for the PS - I am blushing. Next year I will have more time (???)and will whip something special up for you.

I don't usually sell my ownart, I find it hard to part with. I am weird. I teach and do commissionsetc but when it comes to my own art, I like to keep it - but next year I am thinking of making pieces for my own exhibition or part of an invitedartists Exhibition in Brisbane in MANA, and if that happens one will haveit's name on it for you!

I already have an idea in mind, but this year it's Year of getting the big projects done! Talk about positive thinking, Laticrete's factory burned down a week ago in Brisbane and they are like Phoenix rising! Talk about positive thoughts, action and vibes. It's contagious! They are bouncing back and everyone is applauding!

Get out of bed and say ACTION STATIONS- It's my mosaic day! I suppose I always search for the middle ground, onehas to find a balance in life to achieve your goals whilst caring andsharing the good and bad times around us. I think we need appreciate the good times in our own lives and to use thetime wisely, as we never know what's around the corner..so don't be scaredto be happy, to feel well, to have things to do, don't feel you don't havethe right to get out there and do your thing..make the most of what you haveand shine.

Turn off the depressing thoughts and turn on the mental bright lights..you know the feeling, when you are around positive people it makesyou feel good, be a beacon and be kind in the process.

It can be kind oftiring being happy..someone once told me it's easier to be down thanup..it's easier to procrastinate than work..it's easier to wallow than work..I know this..LOL...I know it takes quite a bit of effort to change my attitude on any given day, but WOW, what a feeling when I do.it's a hugetonic and suddenly you are Slaying Dragons again, and guess what? it's contagious and others around you reflect your mood or if they don't it's agood idea to separate yourself in your own little mosaic world for a selfish little while. Enough of my weirdness!

It's all meant with good intention, but I have to go and GLUE down now! Get excited about something is my advice and radiate positive stuff.

Hugs Sandy
Mosaic Artist, Mosaic Teacher
mosaic shop and supplies
mosaic classes and workshops
http://www.ozmosaics.com/