Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES & QUEEN ANNE'S LACE"

 #596 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x20")  Completed June 15, 2000

"THE BLUE VASE"

#608 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen (40"x30") Completed July 24. 2000   SOLD

"PANCAKES"

#875 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen (16"x20")  Completed May 22, 2006   ARCHIVED

"EMERALD & GOLD"

#1106 of 1183 Paintings / Acrylic & Gold on Canvas (8"x 8")  Completed January, 2010

"THE BEAUTY OF PEONIES"

#835 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (24"x36")  Completed June 7, 2005

New Beginnings I am free to begin anew. Friday, July 31, 2015 In the legal world, judges are bound by precedent—generally what was decided before dictates the outcome of a present case. Thankfully, the laws of Spirit, not man-made laws, truly govern all of life. As Thomas Troward, a noted British judge, said, “Principle is not bound by precedent.” In Truth, I am not bound by the past—not my own, my family’s, or anyone else’s. I am liberated by spiritual principles of unconditional love, infinite grace, and divine wisdom. I am free to choose a new path of greater love, peace, and joy. I embark on new beginnings with a positive outlook. I expect wholeness, love, and freedom. Uplifted by my consciousness of spiritual Truth, I know all things are possible. For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.—Matthew 19:26

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"BROWN EGGS"

#895 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen (14"x 11")  Completed July 12, 2006   SOLD

LEO AT BED BATH & BEYOND CHECKOUT (Yesterday)

LEO IN PARKING LOT / ON HIS WAY TO THE CAR

"We're shopping for new things for the soon to be finished new kitchen."

Relaxation I relax and reconnect with Spirit in me. Thursday, July 30, 2015 The Universe balances the activity of the day with the stillness of night. In a similar way, I relax after work, a long drive, or strenuous exercise. My self-care practice also includes short breaks throughout the day. Wherever I am, I take a few minutes to rest and reconnect with Spirit. I begin by focusing on my breath. I breathe in and my mind is at peace. I breathe out and let go of stress. I notice my breath flowing into each part of my body—my head, my shoulders, and my chest. I breathe out through my arms, down my torso, and all the way out the bottoms of my feet. My heart, mind, and soul rejuvenate in God. Spirit flows in me with ease. After a few minutes, I bring my attention back to where I am sitting. I return to my activities with a peaceful heart. You will find rest for your souls.—Matthew11:29

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"MOSTLY ZINNIAS"

#848 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x20")  Completed Aug. 3, 2005   ARCHIVED

Let Go, Let God I let go and give thanks for abundance. Tuesday, July 28, 2015 I may go through frustrating times when I just can’t seem to reach my goals. Christ within leads me to reflect on what may be blocking my abundance. Is my mind clinging to one outcome? Have I set limits on my abilities? Am I considering the many ways for a situation to work out? I am invigorated as I acknowledge the infinite wisdom and power of God. I identify any narrow thinking and judgments. I let go of a limited vision of the good available to me. With new clarity, I remember God may have something even better in mind! I focus on my own positive qualities and the good in others. I let go and give thanks for abundance—right before my very eyes. What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.—1 Corinthians 2:9

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"PORTRAIT SKETCH of LEO"

Painting #1183 / Oil on Canvas (48"x 48")  Completed July, 2015

"While the men were working on my new kitchen, I was painting "Leo".  This is actually a design piece that I painted especially for my living room.  It hangs on the wall next to the old, white baby grand piano."

The reason I have not shown pictures of my finished kitchen is because it is not finished.  The "great carpenter" went on vacation."

Lively I am lively in Spirit. Saturday, July 18, 2015 Unity cofounder Charles Fillmore certainly knew how to lead a lively life. Even in his later years, he stayed active and taught Truth principles. When he was 93 years old, he wrote one of his most popular affirmations: I fairly sizzle with zeal and enthusiasm and spring forth with a mighty faith to do the things that ought to be done by me. This lasting exuberance for service springs from an inner source—the Christ within me. My body and mind are in a constant state of renewal. I nurture this vitality by praying and meditating. Paradoxically, my quiet time with God unleashes vast storehouses of energy and inspiration. Whatever I am called to do, I do with zest and zing! Render service with enthusiasm, as to the Lord.—Ephesians 6:7

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"JUST WAITING"

Section of #924 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (30"x24")  Completed April, 2007  DESTROYED

New Kitchen Continues to be Installed

"The call just came from Salvia Tile.  They will deliver and install granite tomorrow afternoon.  Such good news!"

LOWDERMILK BEACH IN NAPLES, FL, TUESDAY AFTERNOON, 7-7-2015

"Today was the first day at the beach for me since April or May and this was the scene 30 minutes after I arrived.  Hurrying, as best I could, I made it to the car just as the rain began to fall.  Though I wasn't at the beach very long, it was delightful to be there again as my Semi-Sabatical continues.  I am successful controlling the Peripheral Neuropathy if I get the much needed rest everyday, manage my meds and be careful not to overextend physically.  I've learned the price is too high to pay in pain and misery if I don't adhere to these guidelines.  Stress cannot be a part of my life now and my motto has become "Let go and let God".

Reading is and has always been a huge part of my life.  Some fiction but for the most part I read to learn.  Being on this Spiritual Awaking Journey, of course, has led me to read everything I can on The Spirit and Energy.  Einstein has shown us that all matter is Energy, including our bodies.  I love learning . . . . even during this later phase in life.

Below is a photo of one of the books I am reading now on my IPad and IPhone.  "The Grace in Aging" (Awaken As You Grow Older) by Kathleen Dowling Singh.  It's not a book that I'm reading straight through as I'm led to read other books as well.  "The Power Of Now" by Eckhart Tolle is still my all-time favorite."

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"MOTHER & BABY"

Painting #942 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x20") Completed July, 2007  ARCHIVED

"LEO"

"LEO KNOWS HE DOESN'T BELONG ON THIS BED"


NEW CABINETS APPEARING
"Work will continue tonight as long as it takes because the Granite people will be here first thing in the morning to template the sink cabinet.  Chris has himself on a tight schedule.

Grace I am eternally grateful for the gift of grace. Monday, July 6, 2015 At times I look back at how my life has unfolded so miraculously. I found my way when I felt lost. Friends appeared when I was lonely. I survived a dangerous situation. How did these miracles happen? Through grace. Grace is God’s unconditional love in action. Grace lifts me up when I am down. When things fall into place, without me knowing how or why, I credit grace. Sometimes grace is so amazing I want to pinch myself. A long-lost family member reappears in my life. I find love when I least expect it. I am healthy! No matter what I may have on my plate, I trust I move through it with ease and grace. I am eternally grateful for the gift of grace. Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father.—2 John 1:3

Art & Spirit (A New Kitchen) by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"BLUE SHIRT"

Painting #916 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen 16"x12" Completed February, 2007  DESTROYED

"Early this year I decided to replace my kitchen oven because it was so old, used and much too small.  I began searching for the right oven that would go in the space available but nothing came together for me.  Knowing not to go forward until receiving the "go ahead" feeling or sign, I just let it go.  Always, that is the right thing to do and I am so glad I listened to the Still Small Voice within because the Universe has a whole new kitchen for me and not just a make do.  

Almost two weeks ago the project began and the new cabinets are being delivered tomorrow, Monday, July 6.  Chris, the best carpenter in the world, will begin right away installing and he's promising to have my new kitchen finished by Friday, July 10.  The new appliances are all GE's "Slate" line and they are scheduled to be delivered on Thursday, July 9.  Sometime before that the new granite countertops will be installed.  It is all very exciting and believe it or not, there has been little or no stress."

PART OF OLD KITCHEN

PART OF OLD KITCHEN

PART OF OLD KITCHEN (THIS WILL BE THE NEW PANTRY)

OLD KITCHEN GOING . . . 

OLD KITCHEN  . . . GONE

Rejuvenate I am whole, strong, and full of vitality. Sunday, July 5, 2015 Nature in its summer splendor invites me to rest and rejuvenate. Cats and dogs bask in the sunlight. A gentle breeze carries the scent of flowers. The sunset provides a moment of splendor at the end of each day. I follow nature’s cues and take time to relax and rejuvenate. I find a quiet place to connect with God—perhaps I sit on a rock near the water, a park bench, or on my patio. I settle into meditation. I breathe in the fresh air and let go of any worries. Spirit renews me with each breath. I open myself to fresh perspectives. I see myself whole, strong, and full of vitality. I am rejuvenated! Mindful to maintain balance in my life, I commit to rest and rejuvenation. I look forward to my next experience in nature. You have been born anew.—1 Peter 1:23

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES  IN TIFFANY"

Painting #716 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x18") Completed April, 2003

MORE PHOTOS OF LEO

Self-Care I honor God by caring for myself. Wednesday, July 1, 2015 As fast as life goes sometimes, I may find it difficult to stop, rest, and take care of myself. I may feel pressured to do things for others and keep a hectic pace to meet their requests. I remember the lyrics of a country song, “I’m in a hurry to get things done. Oh, I rush and rush until life’s no fun.” I stop hurrying and care for myself. The most important person to focus on is me. Caring for myself is honoring Spirit within. I rest, breathe, and step away from pressures or worries. I take time to connect with God through prayer and meditation. I also take time for fun! Caring for myself does not take away from my ability to care for others. It energizes me and strengthens my relationship with God. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure.—Psalm 16:9