Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"GRIEF ABSTRACT"

#1150 of 1185 Paintings / Acrylic on Canvas (24"x48") Completed Oct., 2011  DESTROYED

"THE TOURIST"

#1185 OF 1185 Paintings / Oil on Canvas (30"x 24")  Completed October 31, 2015

"I used the photo taken of me in France last year to complete this painting.  Now I'm working on "Floral".  We'll see how it goes."

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Navigation I am guided by God within.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015 Centuries ago sailors headed across the seas without the conveniences of electronics to guide them and often with incomplete or inaccurate maps. Instead they had to rely on the sun and stars to navigate. If the weather obscured their view or blew them off course, they used their own wisdom and experience to regain their direction. Just as voyagers look to the stars for guidance, I turn within to the spirit of God. In prayer my way is made clear. I remember that if I ever feel blown off course, I need only return my focus to the presence of God within. Even in the darkest of nights, I know the sun will rise again, and I will regain my bearings and sail onward. So that they may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is no one besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other.—Isaiah 45:6

Soulmate & the Artist, NORA KASTEN

"PANSIES"

 Painting #976 of 1179 paintings / Oil on Linen (5"x7")   Painted December. 2007  

From Unity's "Daily Word"  Tuesday, July 30, 2013

DIVINE ORDER

Centered in Spirit, I live in harmony and balance with all creation.

Great dancers have mastered the art of spinning quickly without losing their balance. This is because they know how to center their bodies and then “spot” themselves by focusing on and repeatedly turning their attention to one steady point as they spin.

In the flurry of modern life, I, too, can remain balanced by centering and “spotting.” I begin the day by centering myself spiritually. I release any thoughts of discord, align my thoughts with divine order, and realize the One Mind that is the source of all creation. As I move into the day’s activities, I “spot” myself by repeatedly turning my attention to Spirit. My consciousness of Spirit orders my steps, keeping me balanced throughout the day.

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

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"A Mother's Love" Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"A Mother's Love"

Painting #561 of 1179 Paintings / Oil on linen  (30"x24")  Painted November, 1999  

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Archived Artwork / Spiritual Quest / by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Jessica & Macy"

Painting #241 of 1179 Paintings / Oil on linen  (30"x40") / Painted, September, 

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

KARL KASTEN

"Today, two years have gone by since my most dearly beloved Karl transitioned.  I was truly Blessed for the years we had together and I miss him so much."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

The Widowed Life by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"This music is a Blessing to me and I'm glad to share it with you. 
 In two weeks it will be two years since my dearly Beloved Karl died.  I thought the agony of grief would be behind me by now but  . . . . . WRONG.   He's always close to the surface of my thoughts but most days I am at peace.  Maybe the coming anniversary of his death is bringing on the waves of horrible  grief anew but I thought that I would be stronger now.  Someone said to me a while back "Nora, take time to enjoy your sadness".  What does that mean?  I have fought it for so long.  Can it be true that this grief for Karl, after all, is just "prolonged self pity".

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"Bright, Bright Sunshiny Day" Acrylic Painting by Artist NORA KASTEN

"BRIGHT, BRIGHT SUNSHINY DAY"

© Nora Kasten

Acrylic painting on 2" deep gallery wrapped canvas  (32"x 54")    March 10, 2012

"This painting is on a canvas, custom crafted, by the owner of the Art Emporium art supply and framing store here in Naples, FL.  It's hanging on an end wall of the lanai where I actually executed the painting that took me several weeks to even get started.

The title is from a song I was listening to on the radio while driving one day.  Can you hear the upbeat tune with lyrics . . . .  It's a bright, bright  sunshiny day . . . ?  That's what I was experiencing.

When I cleared out so many things in the house after Karl died, I sent all my acrylic paints to the Salvation Army and had to buy new to do this painting.  I'm still finding my way back but believe that I prefer working in oils the best. "

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"Beach Bride" Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Beach Bride"

©  Nora Kasten

Oil on linen  (40"x24")   From the 2001 Archives

"Last week we saw the movie "The Artist".  It was a great movie and the wonderful lead actress, Berenice Bejo, reminded me so much of Kathy, the beautiful "Beach Bride" I painted over ten years ago.   The actress looks so much like Kathy.  She's pretty like Kathy but also she portrayed her mannerisms and personality so wonderfully.  It was really a treat for me to see the  movie and remember Kathy.


The home Karl and I shared finally sold last month, January, 2012 and I've moved into the place (home) that is right for me now.  There is a room with an easel, all set up for me to paint, and that's what I intend to do.  There is the beginning of a painting on the easel now (a lady sniffing a bouquet of flowers) but I'm not sure if I will finish it or destroy it.  I'll keep you posted."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"Floral Delight" Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Floral Delight"

Oil painting on linen on board  (10"x8")
Recently purchased by John and Jerri Ramsey of Carmel, Indiana
From The Brown County Art Guild, Nashville, IN

"I hope this page from Martha Whitmore Hickman's "Healing After Loss" is helpful to you.  It's just what I needed today."

"I was beginning to do better.  I thought I was doing better, but a few days ago the holidays just hit me." -  This was from a widow, contemplating her first Christmas alone.


"Memories are always there to hook us, to make the grief fresh again - birthdays, anniversaries, summer vacation -- any occasion of "the first time around" without our loved one.  But the Christmas holidays, the Hanukkah observances, when the whole world seems poised for celebration, are among the most difficult times of year for survivors of loss.  Each of us has a time-honored list of things "we always do" - go to services, hang the stockings, light the candles, share traditional foods.  They are part of our identity and our joy in being alive in a world together - and now one of the key people with whom we shared that joy is gone.  Is it any wonder we cringe from the thought of the holidays?


We will get through it, and probably better if we can talk about it with others who are feeling the same loss.  Reaching out to others for whom this is also a difficult season (especially the lonely) will help, and will express the deeper meaning of the season."

Footnote

"I know this will be a hard season for me.  I will take one day at a time.  I will acknowledge when grief hovers close.  And I will try to be open to times when joy may surprise me, too."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Reading from "Healing After Loss"

"Cut Roses"

"I want to share with you Martha Whitmore Hickman's meditation for today, November 11, from her book "Healing After Loss".

"Deeper and deeper we burrow into our grief.  Desolations pile on one another.  We wonder if we shall ever see anything on the horizon but this gloom and sadness.

Then one day, in some moment of quiet reflection, we find ourselves Thinking of Something Else!  Is it possible?  

We will move back and forth many times - back into the dark woods and forward again into light.  After a while we will realize it is all one world, that feelings of joy and sadness enrich each other - as a person who has been mortally ill has a new appreciation for the beauty of starlight, the taste of orange juice, the caress of love.

Is it all right?  Is it being disloyal to our lost loved one - to savor our life afresh?  Are we in danger of forgetting?  Not to Worry.  We would as soon forget to breathe."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Archive Oil Paintings by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Strawberry Cheesecake"

© Nora Kasten
Painting, Oil on Linen on Board  (12"x12")

"Floral Delight"

© Nora Kasten
Painting, Oil on Linen on Board  (10"x8")

"These two paintings shipped to The Brown County Art Guild Gallery today.  Two paintings delivered to that gallery last month have sold and these are replacements.  

Painting is still non-existant for me so all the paintings delivered to the galleries now are from the archives.  The Gallerie du Soleil here in Naples Florida recently took nine of my works from the archives and I am most honored to be represented by this fine gallery.


To all my dear friends who have called or e-mailed recently, checking on Nora, it's really good to report I'm feeling normal once again and can honestly say "I'm OK".   I realize it's time for this blog to get back to the art and just let go of the grief.  There is so much to be thankful for today and life is good. . . .  certainly, daily walks on the Marco Island beach is one thing I really enjoy.


My precious granddaughter, Macy, posted this (below) on her facebook page and I think it is good.  You might like it too if you're missing someone."

"Missing someone gets easier everyday because even though you are one day further from the last time you saw them, you are one day closer to the next time you will."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Oil Painting "Glass Of Red Roses" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Glass Of Red Roses"

©  Nora Kasten 2011

Oil painting on linen on board  (12"x9")    August 13, 2011

"It is one year ago, today, that my Beloved Karl died.  And today is the day I begin painting again. . . . .  here is today's effort.  I found that signing the painting was hard for me to do and felt very awkward.

This small painting was painted using a brush and palette knife.  I also used the grays that Barbara Flowers has on her palette, trying to tone down my colors.   The grays are from Gamblin and they are:  Portland Grey Light - Portland Grey Medium - Portland Grey Deep.


Sincere thanks to all of you who have accompanied me through the darkest year of my life and have given me hope so many times when I couldn't find it on my own.  Saying "thank you" is not enough, I realize, but my thanks are genuine and heartfelt for you all."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"Fresh Roses" Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Fresh Roses"

Oil painting on linen on board  (16"x20")

"This painting is hanging in a guest bathroom that I intend to let go with my home / when and if it sells.  The beautiful black gallery wall is gone and restored to it's original color.  The house and garage are cleared of the things I am keeping except for clothes and personal items.  One wall in the garage is lined with paintings and frames that I want to keep.  The big Hughes easel will be gone by next week.  Here is a link to the multiple listing and virtual tour of my home.


Before returning home from the recent trip, I was able to visit with all four of my sons and with many of my Indiana friends.  While in Plainfield, Indiana, I looked at some condos with the thought of maybe buying one.  I'm so unsure of what to do now that probably renting would be a better option for me.  It's for certain that I won't do anything until "I have the I know that I know" from my Inner Presence. 


Being away from here for a while was good but the loneliness and sadness still eat away at me.  I talked to a counselor yesterday who says this will not continue and to expect good things to happen gradually that will ease this suffering.  He says  "Be kind to yourself during this time and if you can't paint, just don't do it.  If there is no joy in painting now, why are you forcing yourself?  You'll know when and if it's time.  Seek, look into and try new things." . . .  .  Actually, nothing really seems to mean anything to me now.


Last Friday I canceled out of The Sheldon Fine Art Gallery here in Naples and brought home five paintings.  They still have six of my paintings and I intend to have them back soon.  I plan to take one or two paintings to the Brown County, IN gallery the first of September but I need to be free of painting obligations right now.  It surprises me because I always thought that I would paint up to the end. 


My Beloved Karl is gone eleven months and thirteen days today.  Will after a year gone by be the time of healing?  I'm so thankful for the years we had together and yet it's so hard, still, to go on without him."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"Sweet Dreams" Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Sweet Dreams"

Oil painting on linen  (30"x40") From the archives

"This painting was done from a photo of my granddaughter, Macy, when she was nine years old.  She will be nineteen in August.  Macy was asleep on our overstuffed living room sofa, not this brass bed.  She did have bangs but her hair is brown and straight.  The only thing true to the photo was my favorite orange afghan."

"After reading Bill Whalberg's blog a while ago, http://billspaintingmn.blogspot.com, I am inspired to write also.  My Beloved Karl died August 13, 2010 and it's been ten and a half months.  Concentrating is still hard and makes painting difficult.  For several weeks now, I have been eliminating everything superfluous in this house and in my life.  I'm obsessed with giving away, throwing away and have made umpteen trips to the Salvation Army drop-off.  Last Friday, I listed the house for sale.  It certainly isn't the best time to sell but it's time to be pro-active in getting through this season of grief.  Now that I've decided to sell the house, I wonder if that was the reason I was (and still am) so overwhelmingly obsessed with the clearing out of so many things.  My Inner Spirit assures me I am doing the right thing but the sadness persists.  I have to force myself many times not to think of my Beloved Karl because the tears are still so close to the surface.

Writing down some things helps and one thing (along with many others) that came to mind was "I must fully accept, mentally and emotionally, that Karl cannot be with me and I will be at peace with that.  Others have come through aching grief and sadness . . . .   I will too."  

It's shameful to me that I am still not functioning emotionally very well."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Oil Painting "Watermelon For Snacks" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Watermelon For Snacks"

© Nora Kasten
Oil painting with palette knife on linen  (18"x20")  Completed June 3, 2011

"It's good to be back at the easel today and I'm not concerned how the painting turned out.  Of course I always want to do better but that's not the main concern for now.  

I've had an attitude adjustment that has helped.  Also, another thing learned that for me to function as a normal human being and not on the emotional roller coaster, I must get a good night's rest. . .  .even if I have to take a 5mg. Ambien to do so sometime.  I believe taking meds to cope with grieving can only be a band-aid and may even prolong the process.  

Well, here this widow is in beautiful, sunny Naples, Florida and though I have not walked on the beach very much in years past, now I find it to be good therapy.  Walking from 6pm to 7pm is a great time because it's still sunny and warm but not the hot noon day sun.  There is always a wonderful breeze and I like to walk splashing in the water,  just at the edge of the Gulf.  I am Blessed."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"Roses In Vermont 2010"

© Nora Kasten 2010

Oil on linen  (10"x10") For sale at The Brown County Art Guild, Nashville, IN

"The art world still seems so far away for me but I am not without hope.  If this continued grief is self pity (and I think it must be),  my heart will surely accept the loss of my Beloved Karl soon so that  a new life without him can begin.  He died nine and a half months ago and though I have some days without tears, they still erupt too often.

Last week I read (listened to on the IPad) Joyce Carol Oates "A Widow's Story"/March, 2011.  Her beloved husband, Ray, died in February, 2008.  I'm not experiencing guilt but other than that our lives and emotions during the first year of being a widow seem to parallel, even the things we've done.  The book was very depressing for me to listen to but toward the end she firmly states "The value of suffering itself, physical pain, emotional and psychological pain, is there any purpose to it?  Then at the end she says, "Though I am writing this memoir to see what can be made of the phenomenon of grief in the most exactingly minute of ways, I am no longer convinced that there is any inherent value in grief.  Or if there is, if wisdom springs from the experience of terrible loss, it's a wisdom one might do without."  Oates words inspire me to get on with the new life God has for me. . . . .  but what is it?"

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"A Small Bouquet" Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"A Small Bouquet"

© Nora Kasten

Oil painting on linen on board  (8"x10")   SOLD

"This small painting recently sold at "Sheldon Fine Art Gallery" here in Naples, FL.  A painting sale is always a good picker upper and today is GOOD!"

A Page from "Healing after Loss"  by Martha Whitmore Hickman

"We are healed of a suffering only by experiencing it to the full. "       /   Marcel Proust

     "There is no skirting around the suffering of grief.  If we are to incorporate this event into our lives, we must walk through the center of our suffering with our eyes open.

     We may be tempted to do otherwise - to save ourselves from this pain.  

     It doesn't work.  What we try to avoid will stay, demanding it's due, the pain compounding like unpaid interest as we add to the burden of loss, the burden of trying to hold the pain at bay.

     To be sure we can take "breathers" as we're able - and we need to, to keep our emotional health intact.  It is a fine balancing act - when to seek diversion and when to let the full measure of loss declare itself.

     We find this out by trial and error.  When the pressure begins to build - a sense of being pushed by an unspoken agenda - it's time to release that pressure by being present to our sadness.  Sometimes a friend can listen, without trying to gloss over our grief or burden us with well-meaning advice.  A grief group is especially helpful - people who understand that we need to talk about it - again and again and again."

Today's  Affirmation

I will be present to my grief, it is my only way to new life.

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"Testing The Water" Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Testing The Water"

© Nora Kasten

Oil painting on linen  (18"x18")  Created in 2007

"This painting "Testing The Water" was created during a very happy time and I'm happy to post it today.  

A week ago last Sunday night (4/17), after a very good week-end attending Barbara Flowers' "Lunch & Learn" and an evening with my youngest brother and sister-in-law, I came into the house and immediately the uncontrollable, sobbing tears started.  I had fought the tears and sadness for so long but this time I just gave into them and would ride it out, for however long it took.  Well, it was Wednesday morning before I dried those tears of grief and was exhausted with the burden.  At least the overwhelming sadness had lifted.

Just yesterday, while sitting in the car, eating an Oriental chicken salad from Applebee's, my eyes . . .  . and heart were suddenly opened and I was so aware of how the trees and sunlight all around me were truly beautiful and aglow.  My soul was filled with Joy.   It doesn't sound like anything spellbinding but I know that I reached a second milestone, eight and a half months since Karl has passed.  Remembering, the first was at four months."

A Page From "Healing After Loss" by Martha Whitmore Hickman

"He did not say:  You will not be troubled, you will not be belabored, you will not be disquieted: but he said:  You will not be overcome."                  __Julian Of Norwich

    " Sometimes we feel that we will be overcome.  When we are tired and the future looks grim and mined with occasions for potential grief, we feel as though it will be too much for us.  We won't be able to "take it" anymore.

     But the weeks go by and we haven't crumbled yet.  We've been sad, even despairing, continuing to see the future as bleak - but we haven't been overcome.

     And after a while a sturdy confidence sets in.  Look what we have been through!  Look what we have survived.  And if we've done it so far, why not tomorrow, next week and next month and on those occasions which are bound to come when we feel, once again, that we may not make it through? 

     But look!  --  we have!  And we can again."

Affirmation For Today

I am strong.  I am saddened, sometimes tired, discouraged.  But I've made it so far.  I will not be overcome.

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

                                         

"Brass & Tangerine" Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Brass & Tangerine"

© Nora Kasten

Oil painting on linen  (16"x12")  From the archives

A Page From "Healing After Loss" by Martha Whitmore Hickman

"In the midst of winter I discovered that there was in me an invincible summer."

                                                                                                                    Albert Camus

"It surprises us.  We know it's a fluke.  We know it won't last.  Happiness?  Contentment?  Joy?

      And not jut a quick flash of joy, of contentment - as when we are lifted up on wings of song - or by prayer - or by a spectacular sky - or because of a daisy blooming in some field.  But a sense that in some way we are going to be able, after all this, to be happy?  Whoever would have thought it?

      That assurance, too, may slip away.  But it will come back.  Perhaps each time it will seem less like an astonishing stranger, someone come to visit us in disguise.  No, it is real - this fecundity, this extended daylight, this warmth, this beauty of a summer evening.  Even in the wintry distress of our pain, we will believe in summer.

      Summer has it's storms too.  But they will pass.  Maybe they will clear the air and bring the world fresh and clean to our attention once more.  It is Life calling to us."

Today's affirmation

"In the midst of winter I will entertain the possibility that summer will come."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"A Grand Bouquet" Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

 "A Grand Bouquet"

© Nora Kasten

Oil Painting on linen on board  (30"x30")  From archives

"This is one of five paintings I'm offering to "An Evening of the Arts" being held at Naples Baptist Church on Thursday, April 14, 2011.  It is a lovely painting but somehow I couldn't get a good photo."

Below is a page from "Healing After Loss" by Martha Whitmore Hickman

"Dying is a wild night and a new road."  -  Emily Dickinson

      "One of the things so astonishing and costly about losing a loved one is that, while the sun continues to rise and set, newspapers continue to be delivered, traffic lights still change from red to green and back again, our whole life is turned around, turned upside down.

      Is it any wonder we feel disoriented, confused?  Yet the people we pass on the street are going about their business as though the earth has not opened and swallowed us up, dropped us into a world of insecurity and change.

      It is, as Emily Dickinson says, "a new road" - for us as surely as for the one we have lost.  It will take us time to learn to walk that road.  Time, and a lot of help, so we don't stumble and fall irretrievably.  Those who have had their own experiences of loss will probably be our most helpful guides - knowing when to say the right word, when to be silent and walk beside us, when to reach out and take our hand.  In time, we  will be helpers for others."

Today's Affirmation

      "I have entered a new country.  I will be patient with myself.  I will look for companions of the way."

      NORA KASTEN WEBSITE