AshleyShea's Soulful Art

I know I haven't posted here recently, but I have still been making SoulCollage cards. I have switched over to using Gather as my primary blog site because of its interconnectivity. It is much easier to keep track of and post to groups/communities there than it is here. You post once and it shows up in your personal blog and whatever communities you want it to appear in. All the comments you get on your entry show up in 1 place, not several.

It's also a lot easier (and FREE) to post images on Gather. They can be incorporated into your posts or posted separately for people to view. This is the reason I'm moving my SoulCollage cards over there.

So, if you'd like to keep track of me, go to http://ashleyshea.gather.com
If you'd like to join Gather, go to http://www.gather.com/register.jsp?ref=bza_68776

See you there!

I am the one who . . .

• is very curious about most things
  
• wants to travel to foreign lands and maybe even live in a small village for a while learning the local customs and ways
  
• would love to travel into space
  
• loves everything to do with nature and learning about different animals, flowers, etc.
  
• is curious about the life beyond this one
  
• wonders if there is life on other planets
  
• finds joy in traveling twisty-windy roads that lead to places unknown and views spectacular
  
• enjoys recording/sharing my journeys through phone calls, letters, and journals

What do you have to give me?

I remind you that your curious nature is one of your gifts. You will never be bored. You will always find interest in something. This is your destiny this time around.

Just as a curious cat can get its nose caught in a mouse trap, your curiosities could get you in trouble at times. Don't let that stop you. Sometimes the only way to learn is to get your nose caught in a trap. You'll certainly remember next time.

What do you want from me?

Never lose your sense of curiosity.
Never let painful learning experiences stop you from further pursuit.
Honor your gift for curiosity. Don't waste it on trivial things such as your curiosity over computer games...and can you earn the next higher score. Spend your curiosity wisely and you will be rewarded with wisdom.

How will I remember?

You take photos of nature all of the time because you are intrigued and curious. Let nature be your reminder of your curiousity. You use it well when you inspect nature...put it to use in other areas, too.

Card name: Curiosity
Core message: Honor curiosity as a gift and my destiny.
Suit: council

Everytime I look at this card, I have remind myself which way is up. The main section of rock in the middle of the photo is actually its reflection in a body of water. The lighter, more salmon colored, rock along the top edge is a direct photo. The rest is all reflection.

I am the one who . . .

• enjoys looking at things from different angles
  
• loves to see how someone has drawn a conclusion or what went into the formation of an opinion
  
• sometimes feels like my life is upside-down when it is really right-side up and I'm just looking at it the wrong way
  
• enjoys being challenged in my thinking
  
• loves nature and who finds intrigue in natural elements
  
• looks for friends who can hold up a mirror for me so that I can see myself -- my quirks, my warts, my beauty -- more clearly
  
• enjoys spending time in reflection

What do you have to give me?

I give you a new way of looking at the world. I give you a reminder of the rewards of looking within, reflecting, and turning things on edge.

What do you want from me?

I want you to always be open to reflection in many different forms, not just through your art and writing. Sometimes reflection may come through taking a walk in nature or meditating on a flower.

I also want you to be open to looking at things in new ways. Don't always assume that your view is the "right" view. There are always multitudinous ways of looking at something, and many layers to consider. Be more aware of the possibilities, the views, and the layers and you will be more effective in yourself and in your relationships with others.

How will I remember?

You may want to post this card in a place where you'll see it, especially during times when you are feeling challenged to see someone else's view. If not this card, then, at least occasionally, turn something upside-down or on its side as a reminder.

Card name: Perspective
Core message: Look at things from different angles, consider the layers, and be willing to reflect.
Suit: committee

I am the one who . . .

• LOVES bright colors -- they energize me and make me happy
  
• wants a home that reflects my personality
  
• wants to display more of my art in my home
  
• loves cozy little nooks to curl up in
  
• loves bringing in warm sunshin and breezes through open windows and doors
  
• likes large, open spaces, too -- where I can dance or create or entertain or relax
  
• loves the great outdoors
  
• wants to put my creative talents to use more in my home without being afraid of not being able to sell the house because of my own, quirky color schemes
  
• needs to get outdoors more, especially during this time of the year when flowers are bursting forth
  
• loves window seats

What do you have to give me?

I give you a reminder that all you have within you to express within your world. You can bring these colors into your home, but you can also bring them to the world through your cheerful attitude and your unique personality.

What do you want from me?

Express yourself! Don't let anything hold you back. Spring bulbs force their way through the crusty, winter soil. They are not afraid to show their colors when everything else in nature is still quite drab. Show your colors, both inside your house and outside yourself. Make your home a reflection of your personality and you'll be more energized to show that personality and give the world what it needs from you.

How will I remember?

Everytime you see bright colors, you naturally pause and take it in. The colors capture your attention and make you stop and look. Now, when you stop and look, remind yourself to bring some of those bright colors of nature into your home, into your art, and into your heart where they can be brought to colors through your kindness and joy.

Card name: Brights Inside and Out
Core message: Express myself. Show my personality at home, but let it shine through my kindness and joy.
Suit: Committee

I am the one who . . .

• loves the neverendingness of the ocean and the sky
  
• loves to travel and explore
  
• enjoys following paths just to see where they will take me and to enjoy the view along the way
  
• wants a tattoo of a sailboat to signify my life journey -- to let life fill my sail guide my path
  
• loves to learn, who could never be bored, who can always find something interesting

What do you have to give me?

I give you the world to explore. It's all out their waiting for you. Don't leave a stone that catches your eye unturned. There's so much to learn. So much to do. So much to see.

What do you want from me?

Don't hesitate when life gives you opportunities. You were born to explore, to experience. Take the good with the bad. Experience it all -- the heart aches and the heart pounds. That's what makes a good life. Life is not about the destination, it's about the journey. Journey well.

How will I remember?

You will never forget. Your heart pulls at you every time an opportunity presents itself. It's there within you. Err on the side of taking too many opportunities, rather than second guessing the opportunities that come your way. Sail on!

Card name: Explore
Core message: Take the opportunities life presents. Live the opportunities -- both good and bad.
Suit: Committee