The mystery of anonymous comments

There was an interesting discussion on another forum about why visitors to blogs post comments anonymously. These people seem to feel the urge to tell you all the ways in which you are wrong, stupid, crazy etc, but don't have enough conviction to have their name associated with their opinions.

Why would someone want to give you the benefit of their wisdom but not take credit for it? After all, if I was the creator of such enlightened and witty comments as "you are completely dotty" "What crap" I would not only want full credit, but to also have it registered in case of plagiarism.

I can understand someone posting anonymously if there is a chance their comments could get them into some sort of trouble, but otherwise ... isn't it simply a case of harassment or maybe more accurately cowardice? It's almost like they want you to know how they feel but don't want to have to face a reply from you.

I believe - if you really feel strongly about something - you should have the courage of your convictions - own what you say - be proud of what you say - and don't hide behind anonymous.

The Four Agreements

from Don Miguel Ruiz...

The Four Agreements

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don't Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

Art Aid Auction

This is my fourth Charity Art Auction for this year. This piece is called parting of the ways - check out the inspiration and symbolism behind it by scrolling further down my blog :)

Please check out the auction - some truly fantastic pieces - with bargain prices too. There's one in particular that I personally have my eye on....

ART AID Charity Art Auction

Date for viewing art: From week of 20 October 2007

Date of auction: Sunday 12:45pm, 28 October 2007

Venue: Cafe Windsor Gallery, Windsor Park Baptist Church, 550 East Coast Rd, Mairangi Bay, AUCKLAND

SOLD

NZAG Artists Participating: Sophia Elise, Donna Steel, Christine Dempster, Regina Dredge

HAPPINESS

From my Journey of Life Series - Depth of Perception
SOLD

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

Dr. Holden says the key to being happy is overcoming "destination addiction,"

Many people think that once they get their dream car, they’ll be happy, or once they build their dream house, they’ll be happy, this is called “destination addiction” and is defined as “living in the not-now”. It's always about tomorrow, so you're chasing 'more,' 'next' and 'there. You promise yourself that when you get there, you'll be happy. And you won't, because you'll always set another destination to go for. You deserve to be happy now, in the present. Don’t delay your happiness.

Instead, Dr. Holden says if you are unhappy with your life there are two things you can do. "We have to learn to let go of our past, we have to give up all hopes for a perfect past. Let the past go, it's gone." After that, he says, "Take a vow of kindness. Be kinder to yourself and to others.

Get your brushes out - NZAG Art Awards are here!

Entries now open for “different” type of NZ Art Awards

With so many art exhibitions on lately, the NZ art community are slowly getting bored with the same old exhibition themes like “Coastal scenery”, “NZ Icons” or “Urban landscape”. The NZ Art Guild has recognised this boredom by devising a tasty challenge for artists to get their teeth into.

The NZAG Art Awards is NOT like other art awards in NZ, which are largely based on theme titles and technical ability. The NZAG Art Awards takes things a step further….it’s a “Challenge” based awards which will reward creativity and innovation with a huge $5000 first prize.

The task is to incorporate four “challenge terms” into every artwork – for this year the terms are: Cool blue, Equality, Stamp and Circular. Interpretation and application of these terms is up to the individual artist and is only limited by their imagination. Some amazing and ingenious artworks are expected, and artists are already planning their artworks in anticipation.

The NZAG Art Awards is open to all NZ artists over the age of 18, with the deadline to apply on the last Friday before Christmas. Application forms and full details are available on their website www.nzartguild.co.nz

An exhibition of selected works will be on display at the Bruce Mason Centre, Auckland in February 2008, with the award ceremony taking place on Friday 1st February. Following on from their successful annual exhibition and collaborative project “patchworks” – a single artwork created by 66 NZ Artists – the NZAG Art Awards is going to be eagerly awaited by all.

Christmas is Coming

Just couldnt resist one - seems like every year it gets earlier and earlier -

Title: Christmas Is Coming

Size: 25cm x 25cm
Media: Acrylic and mixed media

Lifes Rollercoaster

This one was the first one I've done in over 2 months - and was inspired by a very sweet friend of mine - It was a cathartic experience more so than a creative one - and certainly spurred me onto create more - I cant wait to finish the others I've started now!

Title: Lifes Rollercoaster

Size: 30cm x 80cm
Media: Acrylic and mixed media
For Sale: email sophia@sophiaelise.co.nz

WOW! Finally back to the brushes after 2 months ...

The NZ Art Guild theme week inspired these pieces. Members have 2 weeks to complete a theme challenge based on a word.



This weeks theme was TEXTURE - right up my alley of course!








This now as resin in the centre of each of the cirlces.

Title: Golden Chain II
Size: 30cm x 92cm
Media: Acrylic and mixed media
SOLD