Four Years Later by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"CLEMENTINES"

Painting #1016 of 1181 / Oil on Linen (14"x14") Completed Nov. 21, 2008  SOLD

"Today marks the fourth anniversary that my Beloved, Karl, made his transition.  It amazes me that I am still here in the physical without him.  A spark of happiness wells up high within me each time my thoughts go to him and I look forward to the time we will be together again.  As I wrote this morning, I was Blessed with a loving and comforting message from Karl."

Two recent slideshow videos:

Portraits From 1990-2014 (The Good, Bad & The Ugly)      Some Nora Kasten Paintings 

Perfect Life

My body temple expresses the perfection of God.

The life of God, which is the source of all life, flows in and through my body temple. I rejoice to know this truth.

Today I see the perfection of God expressed in and through me. Every cell is alive and functioning in accordance with its individual pattern. Every organ is operating smoothly and harmoniously as it performs its unique task. Every muscle expands and contracts so that I move with grace and ease.

I stand straight and tall. I walk with confidence and strength. I ask God’s blessing on all that I eat and my body is wisely nourished. The perfect rhythm of God helps me to balance activity with rest and work with recreation. I sleep soundly and awake refreshed.

My body temple expresses the perfection of God’s life.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him.—Genesis 1:27 

The above is from Unity's "Daily Word"

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Self-Portrait Slideshow by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Aquarium Scene"

Painting #1101  Oil on Canvas   (6"x 6")  Completed December 26, 2009     Destroyed

"This is one of the paintings I termed at the time,"Modern Expressions".

Here is a slide show of all the self portraits I have done (37 of them). 
 "The Good, Bad & The Ugly" 

Today's quote from Adam James

"The universe always responds to your beliefs. You always manifest what you believe. It doesn't need to be for your highest good, it doesn't need to be for anyone's highest good. If you (for some reason) firmly believe that killing a million people is your highest good, then the universe will assist you in doing this. 

The universe doesn't judge. It simply responds to your beliefs. If the universe only manifested what was for everyone's highest good, the world would be perfect. The world isn't perfect. The universe responds to peoples beliefs and that's all there is to it. Everyone has free will. 

Few people take conscious control of their beliefs. Those that do, become the masters of their universe.

Intending your highest good,

Adam James"

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"Lady In The Mirror" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"LADY IN THE MIRROR"

Painting #334 of 1181  Oil on Linen   (30"x24")  Painted in August, August, 1996  Archived

"This painting could have been titled "Diamonds & Furs".   Karl and I were living at Lamb Lake in Indiana when I painted this on a hot August day.  Air conditioning is always such a blessing for us.

Since transferring painting photos from old CDs this summer to an external hard drive, I have thought of making a video of the paintings for UTube.  Somebody beat me to it though and I don't know how they did it.  I felt led to Google Nora Kasten this morning and look what came up.  I just wish the photos were better quality and I believe I will learn how to do one of my own. Please click on this link."         http://youtu.be/WpmeY_LG7F0

Here is a slideshow I had of my Fiddler's Creek home.   I think I'll be able to do this.   http://youtu.be/90XYxB_xXu0

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"      INNER PEACE                     Monday, July 21, 2014

The peace of God enfolds me. I am serene.

When the busyness of daily life leaves me feeling overburdened, it is time to seek the peace of God.

I understand that God not only knows my needs, but brings me peace if I permit it. I turn to Spirit within and repeat this Scripture quietly: God is not the author of confusion but of peace. If I still feel tension or stress, I repeat the prayer until I begin to feel the calming peace of God enfolding me.

The tangle and clutter of the day disappear as my thoughts become more orderly. I am able to return to my day, not rushed or confused, but confident that God’s will for me is peace. Spirit is with me always, helping me regain peace whenever I call on the Divine Presence.

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace.—1 Corinthians 14:33 (NKJV)

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Old Self Portrait by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"THE HAIRCUT"

 #673 of 1181 Paintings  /  Oil on Linen  (15"x 13")  Painted December 7, 2001

"This summer as I'm transferring painting photos from old CDs to an external hard drive, it is a wonderful trip down memory lane.  I remember exactly how I felt, where I was and even the weather while I was painting.  Of course, Karl was always with me during the painting years and the memories make me happy.

It's an eye-opener for me to realize that through the years my hair was often cut short.  In my mind I always thought of myself with long hair but that wasn't true . . . . . maybe, I just wanted my hair to be long."

Quote from ADAM JAMES today   /   July 14, 2014 

"The reason someone disapproves of you is because they disapprove of themselves. You cannot please someone who is not pleased with themselves.

No matter how great you are, they'll always find or create something wrong with you.

So why bother trying to please people?

All that matters is that you please yourself. All that matters is that you love yourself and create a life that you love.

As you do this, you'll draw more and more people who naturally love and appreciate you, and you'll quickly drop those who don't, simply because you love yourself too much to put up with people who don't value you. That, or the people who used to appreciate you less will appreciate you more, because you appreciate yourself more. Other people usually treat you the way you treat yourself.

It's a good idea to stop seeking love and approval. Love and approve of yourself, do things that are loving to yourself, and then you'll naturally draw people who love you rather than having to seek the love of others.

Not everyone will always love you, but it won't matter. When you fully love yourself, who cares if anyone else loves you? Loving yourself makes you magnetic to love, attention, friends, and the opposite sex, but you won't care. You'll love yourself so much that none of this will matter anymore.

If it doesn't matter already, congratulations, you're well on your way to full self-love. Wonderful things will result from this self-love, in just a matter of time."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Old Self Portraits by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"A LADY IN RED"

Painting #67    Pastel on Sanded Paper  (14"x 18")    Painted in October, 1992

"NORA AT SIXTY ONE"

Painting #500   Oil on Linen  (24"x 24")    Painted in September, 1998    Archived

"ART & THE ARTIST"

Painting # 905  Oil on Linen  (60"x 30")  Painted in October, 2006     Destroyed

"I Am still in the process of transferring my painting photos from old CDs to an external hard drive for the computer.  It's really fun, yet it may take all summer to finish.  It's interesting and amazing to me these four old self portraits don't even look like the same woman, let alone me.

Who remembers when ladies wore hats?  We thought we were so stylish and I guess we were . . . for the era.  That red hat was my last for fashion and I have such good memories of wearing it."

FROM UNITY'S "DAILY WORD"                            JULY 3, 2014

Love

I am a perpetual winner in love.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

In the children’s game of hide-and-seek, at least one player is hidden while another is seeking to find those in hiding, often with excited anticipation. Usually the person hiding is found amid shrieks of joy.

In the game of love, I don’t need to hide or seek. The truth is I am always found by love, and this is a joyful discovery. Love is here, inside me. I am a perpetual winner in love.

Whether love manifests as friendship, romance, service, or simply a warm feeling, it reminds me that the infinite love of God is with me always. I am loved beyond measure, and I share this love with others, unconditionally. I need not seek, nor can I hide from love. Love is present here and now, and I carry it in my heart.

The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love.—Jeremiah 31:3

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Oil Painting from Photo by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ME & MY BROTHER"  1948

Painting #921   Oil on Linen  (36"x24")   Painted in March, 2007

FROM "THE DAILY WORD"                                                Saturday, March 29, 2014

WONDER

I am amazed at God’s good.

Wonder reflects a sense of reverence for all of life. I am filled with wonder as I gaze at a drop of rain perched on a leaf or behold the first ray of sunlight over the horizon at dawn.

I expand my sense of wonder by taking nothing for granted. I am captivated as I contemplate the world we live in. Each breath is a miracle­—an intricate collaboration between the cells of my body and nature. Gravity holds me securely to Mother Earth, yet the birds fly with ease in the sky above.

I am immersed in awe and gratitude for what God can do. Whether a tiny baby or a majestic mountain; a grain of sand or a work of art—the creative activity of God is on display within and around me.

God has done this, so that all should stand in awe before him.—Ecclesiastes 3:14

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

2014 Self Portrait by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"THE NECKLACE"

Painting #1181   Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas   (27"x27")     January 26, 2014

"Of course, this is a self portrait but it is the necklace that I wanted to capture on canvas.  When I stopped wearing this diamond as a ring from my dear Karl, I had it mounted on this flat, gold pendant in 2011.  The pendant necklace had been a gift to me from Karl for our 17th wedding anniversary in 2001.  See photo below.

Last January, 2013, I had Karl's wedding ring mounted on the pendant, around the diamond.  It has been a comfort to wear his ring with the diamond close to my heart.  Karl transitioned over three years ago now but he still continues to give to me.  Thank you, Sweetheart."

Sunday, January 26, 2014

GRACE

I accept grace with a grateful heart.

Grace is woven into the very fabric of my being. It is the goodness of God at work in my life. I accept grace as the redeeming, uplifting, and transforming power of God working in and through me now.

Grace is an expression of God’s love, and I receive it every day with a grateful heart. I experience grace as a nudge to pay attention … as a second chance … as unexpected good or a better-than-expected outcome. When I allow room for God’s grace, good blossoms in my consciousness. Forgiveness, generosity, and love come naturally, and I am blessed.

Life is easier when I am open to God’s grace. Following Spirit’s lead, I no longer paddle against the current, but flow with the stream of divine life.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.–Philippians 4:23

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Self Portrait & Spiritual Truths by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"16th Anniversary Necklace"

Painting #627 of 1179 paintings /  Oil on linen  (18"x14")  Painted in November, 2000

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Sunday, August 4, 2013

WORTHY

I am worthy of my good!

Like all people, I want a good life—loving relationships, rewarding work, and abiding peace. Yet these blessings may elude me until I awaken to my inherent worth.
I am created in the image and likeness of God. My worth does not depend on my behaviors. I am intrinsically worthy because I am a living, loving, divine creation.
When doubts arise, I remember the truth of my being. The good I seek is right where I am. The love I desire is the love of God already present. The work I long to do is Spirit’s calling within me. As I stand in my own sacred worth, I feel the blessings of God infill me. I am worthy of my good. I expect the best, and I am ready to receive!

Now, my daughter, do not be afraid, I will do for you all that you ask, for all the assembly of my people know that you are a worthy woman.—Ruth 3:11

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Oil painting "NORA" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"NORA"

Oil painting on linen on board  (15"x 10")     December 6, 2012

"It's a good thing to be painting again.  This self portrait was painted from my self photo that I took in October, 2011."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

My New Art Studio Location by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Self Portrait Demo" by

David Leffel

"I watched this demo by David Leffel this past week.  He painted it from a photo and also he was in front of a mirror.  I'm inspired to paint a self portrait from a photo that is blurry but that may work for my benefit.  

The sketch on canvas was done last Thursday, thinking I could paint on Friday.   Not so because the Comcast tech was working in the den (my studio) in my friend's home and he created other things for me to do.  Too bad because Saturday I had to begin the big job of moving my art studio to another location here in Naples.  The storm, Isaac, is on us right now but I got the last load of painting gear to the new location just before the rain this morning.  My energy is exhausted but tomorrow I should be able to get my new place organized and possibly move my office too.  Even with this big detour I'm still enthused about painting."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"Nora 10/2011" Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Nora 10/2011"

Self Portrait, Oil on linen on board  (18"x18")  October 24, 2011

"Time for a self portrait that doesn't show grief and agony.  Today is good and I am happy!  The grief took it's toll but I took the artist's privilege and left out all those wrinkles . . .  .  "

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"Gold Earrings" Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Gold Earrings"

© Nora Kasten

Self Portrait oil painting on linen on board  (20"x16")   March 19, 2011

"Another day and another self portrait practice.  I was fitted for new contact lens on Thursday and it sure feels good not to have the glasses on my nose."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"The Haircut" Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"The Haircut"

Self Portrait, oil painting on linen  (16"x20")  May 13, 2010

"This was painted three months to the day that my beloved Karl died.  It was a bitter-sweet time, knowing our time together was short.

Last night, I attended my second grief support group meeting and unlike last week it was not uplifting.  Karl's death has left me with a raw, open. gaping wound and I do everything possible to help myself heal and yet there has been no guilt, anger or fear since he died as most of the group last night is dealing with.  Karl and I both knew how precious our relationship was and we were mature enough that our twenty eight years together were never taken for granted or treating each other unkindly.  

I'll be seventy-four years old next month and yet I'm feeling like a young school girl who has lost the first love of her life and thinks she will never recover. . . .  I know that I will recover though because God says it is so."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Oil Painting "The Shortcut" by Artist NORA KASTEN, / Naples, Florida

"The Shortcut"

© NORA KASTEN, 2010

Oil painting on linen  (16 x 20 inches)

"This was painted yesterday using three mirrors and painted from life.  Last week-end I took the hair clippers to my hair and clipped away.  Karl's hair is longer than mine now."

The photo below shows my three mirrors.  The one you can only see the back is the tall standing mirror that swivels and is always in back of me as I paint at the easel.  Turning around and looking into that mirror always gives me a fresh look at the painting.

The two mirrors hinged together are 16" x 20" plain framed mirrors from Michael's, bought over seventeen years ago.  Karl put the hinges on for me and all of my self portraits after that have been done using these mirrors.

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE