Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ONE FOR LUNCH"

Painting #108 of 1181 Paintings / Oil on Linen (17"x19")  Completed November, 1993

"Recent events have brought on much pain and yet by "Letting Go & Letting God", I am able to find the solution to tranquility and peace."

Let Go, Let God I am guided and restored by God’s power and light. Tuesday, November 25, 2014 Completing errands, shopping, planning meals, and hosting gatherings can cause stress during the holiday season. When I feel I don’t have enough time for everything, or find myself harried, I stop and take a deep breath­—then release. I let go of the day’s worries and let God restore my peace. As I commune with God, I release my anxiety and let Spirit renew my energy. I then have the strength and calm to complete what is mine to do. Spirit is the light that guides me. When I don’t know what to do, I ask within. I let go of my way and let God shine the light of understanding in me. My life runs smoothly as I yield to the light and power of God. In the midst of holiday busyness, I let go and let God. To give light to those who sit in darkness ... to guide our feet into the way of peace.—Luke 1:79

Self Portrait Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"DANGLING EARRINGS"

Painting #1151 / Oil on linen on board  (20"x16")  Painted in March, 2011   DESTROYED

FROM "THE DAILY WORD"                                                  Sunday, March 2, 2014

RELEASE

I am ready to create a new day!

At any time, I can release hurt or disappointment from the past. Although I cannot change what happened yesterday, I can create a new today. I turn within to pray, and I connect with the Christ of my being—the inner light that guides me. I am ready to forgive, ready to release what was or could have been, and accept what is.

I do not restrict the blessings that are unfolding in my life by harboring grudges or resentment. I recognize and accept the blessings that are mine to experience. I open myself to a new day and a new way of being.

The Christ within shows me the way to a new and beautiful life, which I am ready and willing to receive.

If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.—John 14:3

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"Nora" /Self Portrait by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"NORA"  2009

Self Portrait   Oil on Linen  (24"x20")    2009    /  Archived

"This was me almost 5 years ago.  Today, after cataract surgery, I no longer need to wear glasses and my hair is silver with a very short cut.

Of course my spiritual journey began the day I was born but in January of this year, 2013, I began a Spiritual Quest.  This year is coming to a close now but not my Spiritual Quest.  With Joy I proclaim this year to be one of the most remarkable years of my life here on Earth.

Today, another Blessing!  The artist and author, Florence Scovel Shinn, was revealed to me.  She was born in 1871 and transitioned in 1940.  She attended the PA Artist Academy and was married for some years to one of the Ashcan artists of New York,  Everett Shinn  (1876-1953).
Her words are the reminder of what I learned back in 1982 after reading Napoleon Hill's book "Think And Grow Rich".  This is just what I need today and gladly share Florence's book with you now.  I have this book on my IPad/Kindal but it is so good having her book read to me."  

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

NORA KASTEN Artist Oil Painting "Onions"

"Onions"

© Nora Kasten

Oil painting on linen on board  (5" x 7")  From the archives

"It's hard to believe my good fortune yesterday to spend Thanksgiving, Italian style, with my friend, Louise Toresco and some of her family.  We arrived at her son, Ben and his wife, Valerie Toresco's beautiful home on Marco Island at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.  Hors d'oeuvres were served as we gathered together on the large lanai and visited .  .  .  .there were 10 of us.  At 3 o'clock what I thought was dinner was only the first seated course.  We all ate heartily of Italian fare . .  . I've started to list all the dishes we were served but there were just too many to count.

I should have started this with how beautiful Valerie's dinner table was set.  After the first course ended around 4:30pm and a quick pick up of dirty dishes, we visited some more on the lanai.  A Skype call to more of the Toresco family in New Jersey was a joy to behold.

We were seated again at 7 o'clock pm for the main course of turkey and a zillion side dishes, each one a delicious work of art on it's own.  By 9 o'clock pm we are all smiling, well fed and happy.  But that wasn't the end by any means.  Dessert was fine Italian pastries, apple pie, key lime pie, two ice creams, Louise's homemade cookies and on and on.  I haven't mentioned the drinks but it was anything you could possibly want including espresso with dessert.  

I am most thankful to all the Torescos' for including me with open arms and the warm hospitality each one extended to me."

Jett

The doctor continues to keep Jett in the hospital but the INR is gradually coming up.  It was 1.78 today.  Now, he has developed a good size cyst at the beginning of the first surgery incision that was a week ago last Tuesday.  The doctor said this sometimes happens and it may dissolve on it's own or he may have to use a needle to extract the fluid.  The good thing is that it is fluid and not blood.

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE