My beloved son, JETT DOUGLAS SIMRELL.  September 5, 1962 - April 16, 2021

“Nora At 82”

#1220  Self Portrait  Oil on Linen   (24”x18”)     June 5, 2019

2019 Self Portrait “Nora At 82”

“Nora At 82”    Oil on Linen    (24”x18”)          June 5, 2019

"Roses In Blue Vase" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Roses In Blue Vase"

#1215                 Oil on Canvas  (60"x 48")                2017

Paintings by Artist, NORA KASTEN

#1214       Oil on Linen       (14"X11")             July 23, 2017

Paintings by Artist, NORA KASTEN

#1213     Oil on Linen       (14"X11")                    July 22, 2017

Paintings by Artist, NORA KASTEN

#1204      Oil on Canvas       (60"x48")                    June 17, 2017

Paintings by Artist, NORA KASTEN

#1212    Oil on Linen    (24"x12")    Amesbury, MA     July 20, 2017

#1211    Oil on Linen     (20"x20")     Amesbury, MA       July 19, 2017

Paintings by Artist, NORA KASTEN

#1203      Oil on Linen           (12"x16")                June 9, 2017

#1206  Oil on Linen   (10"x8")   Amesbury, MA    July 10, 2017   /Destroyed

 

#1207   Oil on Board    (10"x8")   Amesbury, MA.       July 11, 2017

#1208   Oil on Linen    (10"x8")   Amesbury, MA.        July 12, 2017 

#1210    Oil on Linen    (14"X11")    Amesbury, MA     July 15, 2017

Oil Painting from Archives by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"The Looking Glass"

                       Painting #997

FROM UNITY'S "DAILY WORD"

Unfolding As I grow in understanding, I open myself to receive more of God’s blessings.

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

When a plant blooms, it takes in the energy of the sunlight, the oxygen from the air, and the nourishment of water. Slowly, the furled petals of blooms unfold, revealing the face of the flower. I, too, am like that flower unfolding. As I mature into my spiritual development, I receive blessings available to me as a divinely created being.

So I prioritize my spiritual growth by devoting time and energy to God. Spiritual texts and other resources help me to learn and deepen my understanding of faith-based teachings. I bring what I have learned into my life through my thoughts, words, and actions. I create daily practices that support my further seeking of God. As I grow and allow more of God’s light into my life, my true self is further revealed.

May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power.—Colossians 1:11

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

Five Paintings Left In Amsbury, MA / August 25, 2016

#1196 "Mixed Roses"  Oil on Canvas (14"x11")

 #1190 "Queen Anne's Lace"  Oil on Canvas (18"x18")

 #1197  "Roses"  Oil on Linen  (10"x20")

 #1199  Lilacs"  Oil on Canvas  (14"x11")

#1200  "Abstracted Floral"  Oil on Linen  (14"x11")

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Inner Truth God-life within assures me that all is well.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016 Deep inside me is a truth I want to know consciously all the time. When I am centered in it, I know all is well in my life and the world. When I am aware of it, there is no room for struggle or problems of any kind. I find it in the place the psalmist called “the secret place of the Most High.” I simply become still and rest my attention on God-life within. Then I, too, discover this secret place where the highest truth dwells. I meet God at the core of my being. Here I find solace, passion, joy, and a sense of oneness with all life. Resting in the Silence, I hear and see through spiritual ears and eyes. No matter the circumstances of life, I know this deeply seeded and ever-available truth: God is here and all is well. You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.—Psalm 51:6

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"LILACS"

Painting #1199  Oil on Canvas  (14"x14")  Completed August 16, 2016

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Guidance My light shines as confidence and understanding.

Saturday, August 20, 2016 Elisabeth Kübler-Ross wrote, “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” I am guided by divine light, in good times and in difficult times. This light illumines my path and gives me the inner strength and confidence to move forward without fear or concern. As I become more attuned to divine light, I become more insightful and intuitive. I am more conscious of God’s direction, leading me to wise choices. With my path illumined, I am confident that all will be revealed to me at the right time and in the right way. For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.—2 Corinthians 4:6

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Pots of Begonias"

Painting #1195  Oil on Canvas  (12"x16")  Completed August 9, 2016

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Resilience I am flexible. I am resilient.

Tuesday, August 9, 2016 As I ponder the spiritual quality of resilience, I am reminded of the beautiful willow tree that sways in the wind but does not break. The resilience of the willow tree is a powerful example of how it is possible to be stable, strong, and flexible. In order for me to be healthy and strong through any challenge, I must also remain flexible. I remember to stay open to the support that Spirit offers me on my spiritual path. Rather than closing myself off, I trust in God. I surrender my thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes and gain a deeper understanding of who I am. I become more flexible and open in my thinking. Centered in God, I open the way for possibilities to enter my life. I am flexible. I am resilient. They are like trees planted by streams of water.—Psalm 1:3

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"QUEEN ANNE'S LACE"

Painting #1190  Oil on canvas  (18"x18")  Completed July 13, 2016 in Amesbury, MA

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Self-Esteem I accept and respect myself.

Monday, August 8, 2016 At times we all face challenges we cannot overcome without help. Admitting that a situation seems beyond our control can be the first step toward positive results. Accepting ourselves even if we make a mistake is an act of love and respect that builds self-esteem. Henry Ford—who admittedly failed many times—said, “Failure is the opportunity to begin again, more intelligently.” Life is a progression of learning, trying, starting over, and realizing more of our divine potential. Our spiritual nature holds the seeds of wisdom, success, and love. As we recognize our own spiritual qualities, we feel good about our endeavors and love ourselves even though we will always have lessons to learn. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.—2 Timothy 1:7

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"FLORAL IN MOONLIGHT"

Painting #1194 / Oil on canvas (16"x12") 8-5-2016

Free I am free to live a full and meaningful life.

Saturday, August 6, 2016 Theoretically, if a clear barrier is inserted into an aquarium, a fish will attempt to swim through but will eventually adapt to the smaller space. If the barrier is removed, the fish remains confined as though the obstacle remained. Are my habits or perceived obstructions limiting me? I am free to live a full and meaningful life. If fearful thoughts are limiting me or if I’ve grown accustomed to having others tell me “No,” I affirm: I am free to live a full and meaningful life. I have gifts and talents to share, ideas to explore, and dreams to pursue. I accept myself as a child of God having abundant potential and freedom to be my best self. For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.—Galatians 5:1

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"HYDRANGEA IN AMESBURY"

LEO/RIKI

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Trust My trust is strengthened by my joyful heart.

Friday, July 29, 2016 Martin Luther once compared the exercising of faith to placing a joyful wager on God’s unexpressed goodness. Every time I center myself in a positive spirit, I am truly praying. When I lift up my heart in joy, I move in the direction of better outcomes in my life. Trust and joy are linked within me, resulting in answered prayer. What can I do right now, in the midst of whatever is facing me, to raise my spirits? I engage my cheerful nature with a sense of optimism about a positive result. I begin by trusting that all things are working together for my good—in my life and in the lives of all those I care about. My joyful heart is giving me the energy that empowers this answered prayer. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid.—Psalm 56:4

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"IN MEMORY OF A LADY"

This was painted in Amesbury, MA  7/26, 2016  (20"x16")

From "UNITY'S DAILY WORD"

Inner Peace I practice peace in this tranquil moment.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016 No matter where I am, or what situation I find myself in, peace is always available to me. Peace is a sensation free of conflict or turmoil. It is a knowing of calm, serenity, and tranquility. I acknowledge that in my life there are situations that may leave me feeling unsettled. In times of change or challenge my unchecked thoughts can turn to worry or fear. My actions may become rushed and reflexive. Noticing this frenzied state, I make a conscious effort to calm my thoughts and practice peace in this moment. Taking a few deep breaths, I hit the pause button. I whisper to myself: Peace, be still. I affirm that God is present right where I am, guiding me to the right and perfect outcome. He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm.—Mark 4:39

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

From Unity's "Daily Word"

Saturday, July 23, 2016 The poet Maya Angelou wrote that “the ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” I cherish the people to whom I have consistently been able to turn to for a sense of security and unconditional love. I also appreciate those special places where I feel a greater sense of unity with all life. With profound gratitude, I acknowledge how my spiritual growth has significantly impacted my sense of belonging. The more I abide in God’s love, the more often strangers and foreign places begin to feel like family to me. No matter where I am or whom I am with, I carry with me a sense of unconditional acceptance as a refuge not only for myself but for all whom I encounter. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.—1 John 4:16

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Pale Roses"

Painting #834 of 1183 paintings / Oil on Linen (36"x24") Completed June, 2005

"There is a painting underway now and it is Good to be painting.  I am in a new place now and my easel and painting setup is in the living room.  Good lighting is available throughout the day.  The painting I am working on now is a Still Life and I'm hoping to have it completed by June 28, as we leave Naples for the Summer that day."

Let Go, Let God I release fear and allow God’s blessings to flow into me. Saturday, June 11, 2016 When I want to declutter, I sort through my clothing and other belongings and get rid of any items that I no longer like or use. Letting go of things may be difficult. But I challenge myself to create space. I also take regular inventory of my thoughts, actions, and commitments. They serve specific purposes in my life, so if they are not working for my highest good, I let them go. I spend time in meditation to strengthen my power of discernment and know what is mine to release. I make room for new insights and experiences that usher God’s good into my life. I release what holds me back, and I open myself to future blessings. Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?—Isaiah 43:18-19

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

Leo with purple toy - Summer, 2015

Leo, day of adoption at Humane Society 1-10-2015

Leo on walk-April, 2015

Leo shops with me and rides in cart at Bed Bath & Beyond /  August, 2015

"Leo's name is "Riki" now and I believe he is happy with his new name and living a new life in Toronto.    I was blessed and I am so thankful for the year he spent with me."

Website:  NORAKASTEN.COM

  

Divine Order

I allow divine order to work through me.

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Gardeners plant spring bulbs in the fall before the ground freezes. The bulbs require exposure to cold temperatures to flower well when conditions are right. The resulting blossoms announce the arrival of springtime and the fruition of an orderly growth cycle that began underground, beyond my sight.

The desires, goals, and ideas I hold in mind are like these spring bulbs. I hold them close and nurture them with positive thoughts. I believe in my dreams and the indwelling power of God at work to help me achieve them. In time and with each divinely inspired step, they begin to take shape and form. I fulfill my heart’s desires with perseverance and faith by allowing divine order to work through me.

Let your good spirit lead me on a level path.—Psalm 143:10