UPDATE

I have surfaced from ten days of relative silence and much painting.

In the canine department, I discovered a mobile veterinarian, and Horace was relieved of his nuts. I don't believe he's missed them. Bodhi had his teeth cleaned and is minus a loose tooth.

In addition, this is an equal opportunity household. All three dogs now sport bark collars. I am less stressed, and the neighbors are pleased.

I sense 2012 will be a years of blessings, for myself and others. As I write this, I am aware that seemingly negative events may yield the highest good for all concerned. Therefore, I must work to suspend judgement about the positive or negative nature of the events in my life.

STOP & WAIT

Stop and/or wait are the most difficult actions for me. My motor runs on do, do, do or go, go, go. The last few days have been a refresher course in the former actions.

In my ignoring those commands, I thought I had ruined two paintings. They are in no way complete, but they do have promise.

Last night, I sat and looked at my walls, which display many completed pieces. As I gazed upon each one, I remembered their awkward beginnings or middles. With each canvas, I had to wait for inspiration, which arrived in God's time.

Trying to complete a painting, or any of life's projects, before the path has been revealed is about as successful as pushing rocks or water up hill.

ANGER AND RESENTMENTS

Anger, when harbored, becomes resentment, and the person they hurt the most is their owners. I have heard it said that if we are angry and resentful toward someone that we are carrying them around in our head's rent free. Actually, we are carrying these toxic emotions around in every cell of our bodies.

I have also been told, if I have anger or resentment toward someone, to pray for them. My prayers have varied over the years. Early on, I prayed for their happiness, health and prosperity, whither I meant it or not and, eventually, I would mean it. Later, I prayed for them to be surrounded by Divine light and love, and I still use this prayer. Now, my go to prayer is, "God bless them."

I have found that I cannot bless someone and be angry with them at the same time. The "Law of Attraction" holds that what I send out returns to me multiplied. I prefer to send my boomerang out loaded with blessings.