close-up of a mixed media art piece
Choices….. Help me finish this piece and its yours
Posted Sep 29, 2014
14 Comments

Choose-for-web

I have been dreaming about this piece.  That’s kinda how it goes for my creative process. I get an idea, a feeling or a conversation and from there is percolates in my heart. Then I usually dream about it.  The dream starts out with me in a beautiful field of flowers. Soft colors with a cool breeze, flowers swaying back and forth. The sun is bright and soothing warm on my skin.

field-of-flowers

I survey the field and notice that there are birds nests in this field. Lots of birds nests.  No trees just birds nest and in each nest is a bird with a broken wing. The birds are squawking and hungry and the bugs that they eat are far above there heads. I start lifting each bird, one by one up to the bugs so that they can get nourishment.

bird-in-nest

Healing begins and some of the birds fly away. Other birds heal but continue to stay in the nest squawking for help. I continue lifting them to the food until I nudge the nest to get them to fly.

bird-flying

The dream ends. I dream this several nights in a row.

As always I ask myself (and God) … is there a message for me here in this dream? what can I learn? what can I create?

Then it simmers, and those thoughts and questions flow over and over in my mind right before I fall asleep and then again when I start to wake. Some times is takes a few days and some times it takes a few weeks. Then the answers, the colors, the creations come. It’s a beautiful thing.

So many times in my life I have had someone lift me up to the nourishment I needed to heal. To pray for me, to hold my hand, to cry with me, to let me know that I am not alone. To let me know that the pain and fear won’t last forever.  There were times when I healed quickly and flew with strength to the next adventure. Then there were times that I had healed and fear to try again was so strong that I couldn’t venture out, I got stuck, frozen in a place that felt more comfortable than flying. Both are part of my journey and both taught me something. Sometimes I needed my nest to be tipped over for me to fly again because I couldn’t make the choice to fly by myself.

My heart yearns to lift you up. To give you something to nourish your soul, to help you heal, to help you fly and to maybe nudge your nest and help you CHOOSE to fly. That is why I have this little space on the web and why I paint what I paint.

Today, I want you to choose to fly, choose to sing, dance, write, heal. I want you to choose to laugh, trust, give. I want you to choose freedom, rest, a new career, what ever it is for you to get out of the nest and soar!

At the beginning of this year, I chose to let go of all the pressure of this new business of mine and give…. This has been my year of giving. I didn’t know what that meant, I didn’t know if I could pay the bills and still give.  But I knew that I had to try to fulfill this longing in my heart and if it was a complete bomb…. you know what? All I have to do is make a new choice… I will tell you, that this year has been good for my soul, it has been alot of learning and leaning on God and being able to give has been amazing for me and for my business.

What do you want to choose to do? How can I lift you up? How can I give you nourishment? How can I help you fly or nudge you to get out of the nest?

This piece is not done…. it needs you!

Tell me what you would choose and I will put your words on it and send you a free downloadable jpg. of the piece.  I have made up some examples. Post a comment below with what you want to choose to do and I will send it to you. Make this choice your Mantra for 2015!

I am so thankful for you, for sharing this journey with you! You are loved!


Choose-to-give choose-to-create

Choose-to-love-with-an-open-heart

choose-to-trust

 

PS……… I can also put your words, your one of a kind piece on wood. Just let me know. It would be $20.00 plus shipping.

 

Closing signature

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Posted Sep 29, 2014
Headshot photo of artist

Hello there! I’m Shawn Petite

I’ve been teaching and creating for well over 25 years. About 15 years ago I found my art soul mate in mixed media, and it changed my life! I love the story that can be told by combining paint, texture, ink, paper and—really anything that you can imagine.

But what I’m truly passionate about is being your guide, walking with you step by step and helping you become your own hero in your creative journey.

Along my path, I’ve learned that the creating art also creates a healing space. Life can be messy and complicated and painful, but something about a paint brush can help heal your soul. I believe—no, I know—you are worthy of love, and I want to teach you to know that about yourself. Join me on this journey of art and inspiration!

14 Comments

  1. Jane Anderson

    I choose to hope for the salvation of my children and the world:)

    Reply
    • Shawn

      Jane, I have your print ready I am sending it to the email you have been using. Thanks YOU are loved!

      Reply
  2. Jennifer Bresnehan

    I LOVE the colors and composition of this piece of art. My first choice Was to “choose to live fully”. Since I’m dealing with my inability to pay attention (recent ADHD, inattentive type), I like better: “Choose to pay attention.” This means – paying better attention to my kids (all four), my husband, my job, my family, my extended family (aka friends). It means to live mindfully, by Paying Attention. Pay attention to my own needs, pay attention to my kids Emotional needs. Oh my, my recent purchase of book Running on Empty – about childhood emotional neglect – has been awe-inspiring. Author wrote a piece about Robin Williams, and his likely having been emotionally neglected, which leaves a hole – in the soul? Emotional neglect doesn’t mean, necessarily, bad parents, but ones who “didn’t provide ENOUGH emotional support/attention”.

    Reply
    • Shawn

      Jennifer, I will send that to you… I still have the she believed piece…. I have been so busy….. You are loved!

      Reply
  3. Jenny

    Choose to allow myself to fly; choose acceptance of what is; choose to finally let go; choose to believe in tomorrow; choose to allow healing.

    You always help us. I look forward to your meaningful words and beautiful art. You bring reflection and hope. Hugs and much love, Jenny

    Reply
    • Shawn

      I love it all… and so want it all for you! I am sending your piece… I combined it a bit… Luv You!

      Reply
  4. Barb Thompson

    I choose to Create would be the one for me!

    Reply
    • Shawn

      Barb, did I send yours? Ihave done so many… just want to make sure! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Kris

    to lean in

    Reply
    • Shawn

      Ooh I love that!…. I will be sending it to you at the email you used. Hugs and Love … Shawn

      Reply
  6. Patti H.

    I chose to be confident, and I choose to believe in enough.

    This is my current journey; to erase the tapes of the past and remember who I really am. I’m so grateful to have found your site!

    Reply
    • Patti H.

      Oops I meant I’m enough

      Reply
    • Shawn

      Patti, Powerful words… You are enough just as you are. It takes alot of practice to tune out the inner tapes, I’m not sure that they commpletely go away but as we practice confidence and healing the good voices become louder than the fearful ones. You are loved. I am sending your piece in just a bit. Hugs and love… Shawn

      Reply
  7. Andi Michaels

    I e-mailed you a .png of what I would add. I will try to describe it here as well. On top of the word “Choose,” I would put: “Whether the sea or the sky, the land or the trees …” and then under the word I would put: “Choose. And you are free.”

    Reply

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