INSPIRED BY ART: And Thoughts On Turning 100!


No I am not turning 100 years, but I have reached my 100th post. Yet this moment, although perhaps mundane in the big scheme of life, has made me think about how I would feel if I had reached the age of 100 years! What would my life be like? Who would I have become? Where would I have invested my energies and what could I look back on and feel proud of? Would I have achieved my life goals? Will I have led a happy and purposeful life?



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Portraits 1







Well.. I just don’t know! Every year that passes, I am less sure of what my life goals are. I think though blogging has helped me to find new aspects of my nature or abilities that I did not know existed. It has helped me to recover some lost passions long forgotten. So perhaps it is becoming a little clearer what pursuits I enjoy, even if the actual ‘goals’ still escapes me. It is also clear that even with a goal in mind, our behaviour and habits will either assist, or hijack our dreams.



I strongly believe we are all born with certain traits, archetypes if you will. Some will be more obvious and active in our lives, others may lie dormant, waiting for fate, destiny or inspiration to come a knocking. Whichever, there will most likely be a dark & light side to accompany each of these attributes, and each will influence the direction our lives take. What makes it interesting though, is whether we allow the ‘dark’ side to be the dominant aspect, or work towards developing the ‘light’ side.



In this busy busy world we live in, it becomes easy to let habit dictate our behaviour. The problem with this is years can pass and we can find ourselves still in the same rut, still postponing our dreams, and still having the same kneejerk reactions to certain scenarios and not realising our dreams at all. Blogging at least allows you to practice developing some of these traits, exercising the atrophied muscles of our childhood passions, and fuelling the desire to put our dreams into action.



So to celebrate the big 100, here are some portraits that have caught my eye over the years. Funnily I am often drawn to images of single, strong women. Feng Shui will tell you, this is not desirable artwork to have in the home if being single is not your goal [the law of attraction]. I’ve long since stopped worrying about my single status, but what is it about these images I admire? Is it purely the artistic appreciation? Or something more that is speaking to me? Not having personal knowledge of the individual portrayed allows the imagination to find the character within the image.



I think each of the following images represents a certain archetype, or trait to me. Positive traits that I would like to grow and strengthen.





Portraits 1





Portraits 1



Amelia-Earhart_thumb





Portraits 1



wiki - 396px-Mona_Lisa





Portraits 1



Jinx in Goggles - Florence 1951



Portraits 1



491px-Sandro_Botticelli_049 2



Portraits 2



sybil print_small 2



Portraits 2



4 2 blue lady - via abt - 2





Portraits 2



Coco - 2





Portraits 2



Mira Hermoni-Levine - Jewish Women's Archive





Portraits 2



The Hermit: Independent, Self Sufficient, Content with one’s own company



The Adventurer: Brave and curious. Steps outside their comfort zone to find new worlds. Willing to explore the unknown



The Observer: Patient and unbiased.



The Traveller: Embraces new cultures. Inquisitive & open minded



The Mother: Compassionate, Considerate and Nurturing



The Scholar or Student: Seeker of the truth. Thirst for knowledge.



The Judge: Discerning , loyal and fair. Weighs up the options and acts with a measured response.



The Artist: Creative, Individual and unique. Actualizes ideas and concepts. Expressive.



The Inner Child: Retains ones youthful innocence and humility.







Portraits 3





So to sum up, I think these Women [real and fictional] have many qualities I admire. All from varied backgrounds, with varied interests, but common in their desire to be their best and develop their interests. Reminds me of all my new blogging friends really.



As you can see I am somewhat ‘Hooked On Portraits’. I hope you have enjoyed this latest addition to my ‘Inspired by Art’ series. I know I am also inspired by all the wonderful blogs out there in cyber land, and their fabulous blogger owners. In fact I could also say, I am ‘Hooked on Blogging’.



See other ‘Hooked On’ posts at Julia’s Hooked On Houses





Have a great weekend everyone







Ciao Julie



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FOOTNOTES:



I’ll get back to more light hearted posts soon. This post took a more serious tone as it has been one heck of a week [year really]. Time poor and exhausted from work, I haven’t been visiting blogs, nor my friends, nor doing what is necessary to keep life moving forward. Sort of in survival mode and also had a colleague hospitalized through working too hard. A bit intense and makes you think what your real goals should be. So when I got home from work at 1am this morning!! this is the direction my mind wandered.



IMAGE SOURCES:



1. Elderly Lady [source: LIFE Archives] 2. Amelia Earhart [source unknown] 3. Mona Lisa [source: wikipedia] 4. Jinx by Ruth Orkin [source: Orkin Photo] 5. Sybil of Delphi – Sistine Chapel [source: scanned from poster I bought at the Vatican Museum] 6. ‘Blue Lady’ [source: found via Absolutely Beautiful Things Blogspot] 7. Birth of Venus [inset] [source: wikipedia] 8. Coco Chanel [source: LIFE Archives] 9. ‘Child’ portrait by Mira Hermoni-Levine [source: Jewish Women's Archive]





43 comments:

Berta F said...

Hello Ruby.... I enjoy your post today...very very nice. photos...´´and I love Venice like you...Berta

Marina Saclley @ Iced VoVo's said...

Oh Julie,
What an open and honest post!
I think we all have moments when we sit and reflect and wonder what we are doing is right... or wrong?
Sometimes we just need a little push, or something to open our eyes to what we have and what is out there in this big wonderful world we live in!

So get dress up... put on some high heels and some red lippy ... and paint the town red this weekend!
You deserve it!
xx

Berta F said...

Hello Ruby ...veri nice post...and very nice antiq photos...I enjoy with your BLOG...¡¡¡¡ Berta

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Well Julie, I'm devestated that you have done this intelligent, deep and meaningful post, as I have just done a silly one on Fairies !!!!
Just kidding, I love this post. I think that most intelligent individuals are a mixture of all of the qualities that you have written about in varying degrees.Not many of us reach such heights or achieve such difficult goals but we do, to a lesser degree.I am very happy with what I have acheived (which isn't much !!) and I never have any regrets.
Your 100th post has been a time for reflection for you and, maybe , help you move on to the next 100 with renewed vigour.
Great post and made me think !!!!

Courtney said...

Happy 100 posts! This is a beautifully written post, with equally beautiful portraits. Take care of yourself, Julie, and enjoy your weekend!

Ashley @ AshleysBusy said...

This is a beautiful post. Love the portraits you chose. I saw the birth of venus in florence. It's huge, the size of a wall. and of course, stunning. I find that I'm a mix of several of your archetypes: mother, traveler, hermit, and artist.

Thanks for giving me a moment to pause. :)

Tamerie Shriver Halliday said...

What a great post!

Mise said...

I think that blogging in particular makes us articulate our tastes, preoccupations, and views, which in itself clarifies them for us and help us move forward, discovering like-minded people and influences along the way. A fine thoughtful post from you: bravo!

Sue said...

Your posts are always so interesting. What are you doing working until 1:00 in the morning? No wonder you are tired! (That is the "mom" in me coming out)

I still say I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I think the fun in life is to not know what is coming next. The past month of blogging has been a shot in the arm for me, even though I've been writing for an online website for 3 years. This is so different from what I was doing, and what I was reading.

I love the Inner Child portrait. We must always keep her alive.

Sue

erin's art and gardens said...

oh dearest julie...what a wonderful, very personal, insightful post! love the images you have chosen and your words...fabulouso! life is a big balancing act, and your hospitalized coworker is a reminder of that. recognizing and searching for "what your real goals should be" is the first step in attaining them. you forgot to add "friend" to your archetype list, of which YOU SHINE, as i have seen your lovely comments spattered thruout the blogosphere and left on my own blog. thanks so much for your faithful loyal support! have a grand weekend! erin

Anne Marie said...

Okay Julie.......I know the solution: write a book.........

even if it's not fictional, but rather journal......get it out on paper.......not the blog.....

that post was awesome.

Sarah Klassen said...

I love this post and your writing. You are a very captivating and articulate writer -- you hit points head on and I can totally relate to some of the things you have mentioned today...thank you for the honesty and thoughts!

xo

Maya @ Completely Coastal said...

Julie, I love this "serious" post. It resonates in so many ways. My biggest challenge in life has always been to dig deep beyond my conditioned mind and find my true heart desires. Many times though I didn't know and put myself in a situation that wasn't right. Learning through pain, I call it! I'm slowly getting better. Role models help. They do show us what we want to find within ourselves.
Take care..., and have a nice weekend!

Chemin des Muguets said...

Dear Julie,

You never fail to surprise or delight with your postings. It is sometimes difficult for me to remember life before blogging and my new special blog-mates. You are so special. Take care.

Marjorie

Joan@anthinggoeshere said...

Congrats on your 100th post. Mine is coming up soon, too. What a cool post. Someone once told me that in order to identify traits in another that you admire, you have to have those qualities! I think that is certainly true for you!

love lives in the kitchen said...

your blog is amazing! i really love it.
i'm your new follwer :)
wish you a great weekend,
justyna

Unknown said...

That was an outstandingly sensitive post, Julie. Beautifully written!

un abril encantado said...

JULIE, tu blog es maravilloso..tengo que aprender a escribirte en Inglés, lo prometo...me gustaría poder entender cuánto escribes..me encantaría escribirte y que tú me comprendas...feliz fin de semana, L.

Jane said...

This is a lovely post and I agree with you in particular on your points that (a) we are all very complex and some traits are at the forefront (and often shouldn't be) and we all have lots of layers like an onion and (b) it doesn't all happen when you are 20 - sometimes you learn to change and that only becomes manifest when you are are 48 or 65? I know that i am 100 times more patient (but still pretty bad) than 10 years ago. On a lighter note I was going to do a post on what I want to look like when I am 100 (a cross between Sheila Scotter and Diana Mitford) !!!

Lee said...

Dearest Julie, happy 100th post - I have so, so enjoyed your beautiful photography and erudite writing. You speak from the heart, and that really does shine through in all of your wonderful posts. You are one of my 'must read' blogs and I am looking forward reading another 100 of your gorgeous posts.

But...please take time to take good care of yourself - I've been exactly where you are now and a couple of years ago I had to take a step back and reassess, I'm so glad I did because it has made me re-evaluate what's important to me. I am sure you will do what is best for you and nurture all the good 'stuff' that you so obviously have inside of you. Lee xx

Blondie's Journal said...

I came to your blog via Tamerie, whose blog I came to via Jule at Idyllhours...things happen that way.

This is the most insightful post I have read since blogging. I can't believe how your feelings and observations have touched me. I would think it were me writing except I could never find such perfect words...

Thank you so much Julie for expressing what I feel in my heart and mind everyday!

xoxo
Jane

Millie said...

What can I say except BRAVO Julie for telling it as it is! I made my mind up ages ago that I would not spend a nanosecond intellectualizing this blogging gig. Just chuck stuff up that I feel like posting on & leave it at that. And somehow, The Hedge ambles along OK & everyone seems happy. Except of course, that certain Guest Blogger, who's plotting another post & I reckon, an eventual take-over!
Congrats. on your 100th post - as that old B&H ad said before it became Un-PC, 'You've come a long way baby!"
Love from your Fan Millie ^_^

Unknown said...

Well happy 100th post sweet Julie!!! My grandma lived to be 100 1/2, all wits still intact! Something to strive for :)

:) T

Carole said...

hi Julie,
Came back to see if I screwed up my comment and I see now that I did. Clicked off too fast...oops! Well gosh it was hours ago and don't know what I wrote...something very deep and profound and life altering I'm sure. I think actually your post and some other things made something really clear to me today. Won't bore you with it now.
just say that I loved this post.
I hope you take it easy and try not to over do. I should talk I do it all the time.
Going home now and eat some pumpkin with lots of butter and cheese. I know weird huh???
xo,
Carole

Sahildeki Ev said...

This is a great post and happy 100th post..Living until 100, I dont know if I want it if I will be alone. I have to have some loved ones to accompany me :))

Les Cotrions said...

Hello Julie! Congratulations on your 100° posts! Very interesting what you wrote!!! I've never thought about how I could be at 100 years old...I don't thing I'll be still alive! We are very complex and each points can be found, more or less, in each of us...sometimes it's difficult to live with all these different aspects...thanks for make me think about this! Sorry...it's difficult for me to express my feelings in another language!
Happy week end and take care!
Vale

Cristin // Simplified Bee said...

What an amazing post! Thanks to for dropping by my blog.

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

I loved this post. It was honest and heart-felt. I LOVED the portraits and photos you included. That took some major time and effort. Very impressed. :) On a side note, I saw a preview recently for a movie about Amelia Earhart...not sure how accurate it will be, but it looked interesting. :)

Thank you so much for stopping by from Julia's party. :)

Janean said...

No apologies for not being "lighter." Great observations.

Jen Beaudet said...

Hi Julie! What a wonderful, thought provoking, inspiring post! I loved reading it. I was trying to figure out which one of those architypes I would be, the mother, the artist, the mother, maybe even the hermit, I'm not sure. You got home at 1am!!! I think you should take a vacation! Take care, Jennifer

Unknown said...

This would be my all time favourite post to read, so beautifully written and I just adore the portraits, well done and congratulations on your 100th post xx

white flower farmhouse said...

happy hundred, Julie!

be kind to yourself -- a simple, but profound idea that seems to help me in survival situations. that and a nap.

Chubby Chieque said...

Hi,
I ended up in your blog while browsing bloglandia. I get bored when we have a dreary weather here in Europe.

Your awesome. I do love your post. All of the portraits are gorgeous indeed that I can't choose a fav.

Have a happy 100 posts, girl and more 100s to come.

Happy Sunday.

One of my Hobby Blogs said...

hi Julie, my blog is of Aus houses, so of course I love fellow aussie blogs. Yours is fantastic, very honest and interesting. I don't know that i have the time to be so serious these days with two bubs always around my ankles, but I;m sure one day i will - good luck with everything, and remain positive!

Oliveaux said...

Hope you have had a wonderful weekend and some R&R from work. Lovely post Julie! Look forward to many more inspiring and exciting posts - always love stopping by. Axx

simon said...

I love bats for real...

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Thanks everyone for your interesting and lovely comments.

And hi to all the new readers! Great to have new visitors!

Julie

Julie B. [Holland] said...

Im abit late in posting , but Happy 100! Cant wait for the next "hundreds" to come. Take care of yourself....... Julie in Holland :)

Thea said...

Hi Julie, I love this post and I have always loved STRONG women, single or not. Thank you for your lovely comment on my fish fabric.

Anonymous said...

Happy 100th Blog post! And what a inspiring post. You struck me with one sentence in which you had the words Feng Shui and Law of Attraction...wow, we're on the same wave lenght with that :-)

Drawn to The Sea said...

Oh to be as half eloquent as you...
(audible sigh)

I adore the way you express yourself. And the fact that you understand yourself better than perhaps even YOU realize... that's icing on the cake.

Love,
~Julia

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

What an amazingly thought out and researched post. At the end of my life, I hope that I have exhibited traits of all of these types of strong women!

Magdalena said...

Very interesting post and lovely pictures,
my best wishes
Magdalena/Color Sepia