Paula R.C. Readman's Blog, page 9

You CAN DO IT!

What fears have you overcome and how?

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.” – Robert Frost – poet

The fear I overcame was not to be afraid of failure. We hold ourselves back more than others stopping us from succeeding. Life is about growing and developing at our own speed.

If we compare ourselves to others we can become bitter and lose our identity as an individual. Why copy others?

Create your own waves that way you will stand out from the crowd and be free to be yourself.

You are perfect as you are

This is where I found my own joy and happiness in being me, the person I was meant to be.

Paula R C Readman, Artist and Author.

Don’t let fear hold you back. Smile and step into your future.

The Weather Tree.

Describe one simple thing you do that brings joy to your life.

When I first started painting again after waiting for 36 years for my son to leave home and settle down into a life of his own, I was like a nervous teenager again.

My dream of being an artist had been put on hold for so long that I didn’t have the confidence that comes with time.

This morning I just delivered the Weather Tree painting to my wonderful neighbours Jan and Roger. It is a housewarming gift for their new home.

As you can tell by their faces they were pleased to receive it. I’m always nervous about handing over paintings to their new owners, and watch their reactions carefully to how they react when seeing them for the first time. It makes me happy knowing others love my work as much as I do making it.
The view of the weather tree has been theirs for sixty years, and now Roger has the Weather Tree to keep.

I am so pleased they are happy with the painting and it has a new home.

Keep following your dream you’ll never where it will take you.

Laughter

What quality do you value most in a friend?

Apart from loyalty, trust and understanding the quality I love most in friendship is laughter. Someone who enjoys happiness and pure laughter can brighten every day of your life.

There’s never a dull moment or sadness when the people you’re with can make you laugh and lift you up.

Surrounding yourself with positive vibes can help you and your friends when life can seem so negative.

My friend Ana and I have such a laugh while out walking in the early morning. It sets us up for the day.

Ana and I make these crazy sing-along. It isn’t about singing the songs perfectly, but about making people laugh along with us. We take ourselves across the fields in the early morning before the dog walkers are about so we are not overheard.

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Mother Nature

Do you practice religion?

I don’t follow a man-made religion because the higher power is the force of nature. I find peace while walking in a wood or watching a barn owl on the wing. I see the beauty of a sunrise, and in a single rose bud. The hedgerows are full of wild fruits and plants that can cure many of our common illness.

Our food relies on the bees and the power of the sun and rain. With fungus and insects doing their jobs, from worms to beetles breaking down the fallen leaves and plant life to enrich the soil.

A bee orchid

When the earth shakes and moves we are far more aware of her power. We are so far removed from our environment that we have abused the mother that gives us all life.

These are my personal views and beliefs. I love visiting ancient churches in England and enjoy their beauty and peace.

Whatever your beliefs are, may you find love and peace in them.

Chat again soon.

Freedom

What does “having it all” mean to you? Is it attainable?

“Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.” ― Frank Tyger

Is it attainable?

In Britain, we have survived two world wars. Generations have given up their lives so the British, and all those who wish to live here have the freedom to live their lives in anyway they wish.

‘If having it all’ means I have the rights that are mine to live my life in the way I want, the freedom to walk down the street without the fear of being arrested for my opinions, religion or skin colour then I have it all.

Countryside Living

Freedom to live my life as I wish, to dress the way I want, to have a roof over my head, fresh water on tap, clean air to breathe, and healthy food on the table, then I have it all.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Chat again soon,

The Rewards of Hard Work.

What personal belongings do you hold most dear?

The house I live in. When I think of all the long hours I worked. When I was a single parent and worked in dead-end jobs just to keep a roof over my son’s head. The pay was low, and we went without keeping our heads just about the water.

It needed repairs but it was our home. I was made redundant twice while working to pay off the mortgage, but I managed to find another job and worked long hours to pay for the repairs.

My garden.

Hopefully, when the time comes my son will reap the rewards of my hard work.

Have a wonderful day,

Chat again soon.

Another Painting

“The object of art is not to reproduce reality, but to create a reality of the same intensity.”

Alberto Giacometti

At last, the painting ‘The Kingdom of the Cats’ is finished. Tomorrow, I shall varnish it.
The painting is 20 x 60cm.
I enjoyed painting this picture of my neighbour’s cats who seem to think my garden is theirs.

The Kingdom of the Cats is my nineteenth painting which is amazing. I really feel like I have found my true self. I get excited when I sit before my easel and take up a brush and make that first stroke.

Next year, I want to have an art exhibition so I will be creating six new paintings with a linking theme.

Can’t wait to get started on the next stage of my art career.

Chat soon,

I collect images

Do you have any collections?

I enjoy taking photos. I use these photos to create paintings. I don’t copy the photos I use them as a reference in creating a new image.

I also collect canvases, brushes and paints These I buy from Facebook markets, car boot sales and Charity shops.

Books are something else I like to collect. These tend to be a mixture selection of titles and subjects. My son is prepared when the time comes to clear my lifetime collection of books

I enjoy collecting Gothic clothes which I hope to wear into my old age

Have a wonderful day.

Chat again soon.

Freedom

What does freedom mean to you?

A nation that forgets its Past can have no Future.

Freedom to me is to be able to walk through the English countryside without the fear of being shot at, or treading on land mine. Not having to look over my shoulder when I voice my opinion.

The freedom to vote for whichever political party I want. To follow whichever religion or not. The right to seek out the truth, to form my own opinions. My right to work, to have fresh, clean water, to own my own home, to fall in love and marriage whoever I wish. To breathe clean air, and eat fresh food.
After working full-time and paying into a system I have earn the right for free healthcare and a state pension.
All of these things are mine because of others who came before me. The women who fought for equality for women and our rights to vote. The men and women of two world wars who gave up their lives so that the British people were free to live their lives in peace.

I’m proud of my country and the freedom I have. I’m fully aware that many women around the world don’t have the freedom I’ve been blessed with through education, work and rights to be whoever I wanted to be.

Thank you, England.

Time to Start Again

There’s a saying that goes: as one door closes another door opens.
Yep, I get it. It means to be positive about a negative situation. To find yourself standing before the same door four years later is hard, and a little soul-destroying. Knowing the door once opened to give you a glimpse of what you once believed was impossible only to have it slammed shut, takes the edge off your dreams.

After receiving my first rejection on the new chapter of my writing journey , I’ve decided to go back to the drawing board, and start afresh.
Sometimes, it’s better to give up on flogging a dead horse, and find a new dream. Find a different perspective, begin again so I’m putting my best foot forward and seeing what will happen this time.

I have quite a few unfinished book ideas, and I think the most simplest thing to do is write a new book then at a later date after finding a new publisher is to offer the other books, if they ask me for other works.

I have been thinking about taking my writing in a different direction too. Maybe, try writing a different genre, or using a different name. Make a clean sweep of it.

I’m taking a break to gather my thoughts.

Have a great weekend, and enjoy the sunshine wherever you are.

Chat again soon.