HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! - THE RAINBOW & THE ROSE

In the garden many magical things may happen, when you just notice - as when I took this image "THE RAINBOW AND THE ROSE" the other day. It was just an ordinary day made extraordinary by taking a moment!

The great artist Georgia O' LKeefe said it takes time to really see things.... "nobody sees a flower, really - it is so small - we haven't time, and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time..."

Our lives are made up of moments strung along like a fine string of pearls. These precious time pearls are a rare gift. Sometimes the pearls can be dark and mysterious, sometimes painful..... or iridescent, airy moments of joyous light.

We are the stringers of our necklaces of shadow and light. We have the ability to create whatever we choose in our lives, perhaps more so than a lot of us realize..... let us not forget that all thought is part of the mix of wondrous substance we call the universe and take responsibility for our thoughts!

An incredible movie which highlights the power of will and thought is LA VIE EN ROSE, the extraordinary life of Edith Piaf - http://www.edithpiafmovie.com/

I send you thoughts of love, light and peace for this Valentines Day!

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ST THERESA

Today is ASH WEDNESDAY

I have been thinking about my painting of St. Theresa, The vision as I described yesterday, really did happen to me. I don't know if it was because of the special church I was in, The Church Of The Little Flower, or that I was open to receive and trusting. Perhaps that is the most important thing to remember in life, to always trust in yourself! If you put the right stuff in, feed yourself spiritually with good food and being of the single eye; following your path in the most sincere way and doing the physical work to make it happen. My questions may change as I grow but the results are part of my belief system and my having faith in God omnipotent.

I have also been listening to Joan Osborne's CD "RELISH" and discovered anew the song "ST THERESA" which has an excellent video on UTUBE, click on the link provided above to go to my space there.

AMAZING how synchronicity works in my life!Visit My Website

PAINTING ON "ST THERESA" ONE OF FOUR SACRED HEADS

Today I thought I would load a picture of me working in my studio. It is a beautiful day today, and I really appreciate the weather here. I can paint and look outside at my garden, it is awesome.

Here I am working on one of the four sacred heads I started last year. "ST. THERESE" I was inspired to create this particular head from a vision I had when visiting The Church Of The Little Flower. I was praying at the alter in the back of the church, when in answer to my prayer I was showered with hundreds of white flowers falling on me, it was so healingly beautiful!

A few years later I discovered this is how ST. THERESE, known as THE LITTLE FLOWER, appears to her sincere and faithful seekers.

I wish St. THERESE would come down and shower me again with hundreds of white roses again today, I could really use some extra help here! Visit My Website

"IMAGINATION" oil on wood "THE CHINESE YEAR OF THE RAT 2008"

Now that the partying is over and the dust has settled before writing more in my blog, I have come to the conclusion, this year feels much better than the last!

We are now facing a new election for the president, hopefully this time one who is a better diplomat and one who the people can trust not to send their babies off to war. Hopefully, also, the arts will again be allowed to flourish in this country, and artists can experience prosperity and well being again, with the support and respect of the American government. I have enjoyed a book about EDITH HALPERN called 'THE GIRL AND THE GALLERY' . I loved reading about her support and care of her stable of artists, which included Georgia O'Keefe, and Frank Stella. America hired a lot of artists for government supported projects......

This oil painting on wood "IMAGINATION" speaks about the courage to dive deep and let your faith keep you afloat!
Like the day when your daddy taught you how to swim....."big enough to let go of me, like the day you learned to swim...cause you're all grown up now!" from 'The Sensual World' song artist: Kate Bush
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VISIONS OF GOD - MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!

I have been unable to get into the holiday spirit, until I had my open house party this Friday, for the season and for my art.

And then there it is......you give back and sometimes magic happens, It was a really GREAT party, thanks to all of my guests, quite a few phone calls in appreciation afterwards, that warm glow and some sales......

VISIONS OF GOD is al oil painting on wood, which was commissioned by City Link Magazine a few seasons ago, as the cover for a series of stories about different folks impressions of who God is to them personally.

I chose this image as I had just come back from an extended trip all through Italy (which I love love love) and I was very inspired by the many churches I had visited, the pillars, and faux marbling everywhere. The Italians are very good at faux.

I had wanted to portray a quite different viewpoint than the standard Madonna and child. I wanted to show a father's viewpoint and the holiness and the rather formal structure of the pillars and background.Visit My Website

"STARCARBON"

I don't know much about being a millionaire, but I'll bet I'd be darling at it!
DOROTHY PARKER

A great quote for today! My oil painting"STARCARBON" found in the Covers & Illustrations section of my web, says a lot about the feeling of abundance inspired by having fun with your imagination. Sometimes, the most important thing to do is to become a money magnet. I chose the purse and shoes in this painting as symbols of wealth and stability while connecting to the abundant flow and majesty of the universe. Taking the time to observe and feel grateful can change your life.....

I chose the name 'STARCARBON" from an article in a scientific journal about how we all have a piece of the stars in every cell, and how on the cellular level, we reflect the majesty and magic of the Universe.
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ARCHANGEL MICHAEL - THANKSGIVING DAY 2007

My golden sunflower tree is in full bloom, the bright yellow flowers peaking over the fence of my neighbors.. they asked me if the flowers seed so they could plant a tree of their own. I told them it is much simpler than that, all you have to do is take a good cutting, place it in a jar of water outside, then when it takes root, re-plant in a pot until it outgrows the pot then plant in a good sunny spot, preferably in the area for ABUNDANCE in your garden, according to compass style feng shui. A book I highly recommend to learn about this effective ancient science is "LILLIAN TOO'S EASY-TO-USE-FENG SHUI" www.lillian-too.com

Today is the day for extreme GRATITUDE! In the book and movie "THE SECRET" the ancient truth is revealed that we attract what we focus on, and today is a beautiful day for enjoyment, family, even extended family......let us allow the universe to bring us the love, joy, and abundance we so richly deserve, and so it is!

The painting of "ARCHANGEL MICHAEL", oil on canvas, represents love of self and love of planet earth....Visit My Website

Enjoy!

WOMAN UNCHAINED! MARILYN IN PUCCI as part of the REBEL series

In this world without quiet corners, there can be no easy escapes...
from hullabaloo, from terrible, unquiet fuss.
- SALMAN RUSHDIE

I love that quote! It applies to this Monday's frantic feeling......

Reading has always been a great escape from the world for me. I just so love Marilyn reading and talking on the telephone in her Pucci mirror blouse. She made this blouse famous throughout the whole world. In this first drawing I start my series of "WOMAN UNCHAINED" I have the canvas picked out and it fits perfectly. I still will decide about the pucci panels and how the painting fits with the decorative panels I have been doing lately.

Marilyn also made it cool to wear spectacles and to read literature. People forget that about her. Part of what this painting is about is her feminity, beauty and sexiness combined with a natural and innocent quality of curiosity and playfullness.Visit My Website

GEISHA WITH RAINBOW

I have many thoughts which roam around this rattletrap brain of mine, filled with treasures and spider-webs from disuse, but the sunlight shining through the window of the croweded attic of my house-brain illuminates the beautiful objects and rare memories to be found there.......

When I first moved to Boca Raton, I fell in love with the Japanese culture that still exists here. I visited the MORIKAMI MUSEUM in Delray many times and nine years ago, anyone could bring a picnic and use the redwood tables and barbeque pits, under the towering pines and soft carpet of the forest and dine like Gods & Goddesses. Later, after lunch, one could wander off down to the pond where carp swam in golden iridescent shimmers and tortoises lazily basked in the glimmering waters. It was all free, the land donated by Mr. Morikami to the city of Delray. Part of his ashes are buried there and part in Osaka. Thank you, Mr. Morikami!

A beautiful waterfall splashes in abandon down the rocks and I find inspiration there, and love.... here is.....
"GEISHA WITH RAINBOW"
A painting about ABUNDANCE and the universe within. Here is one of my Geisha's,my tribute to the lovely Japanese culture, how they honor grace and beauty, tranquility and PEACE

COMPASSION ON A MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY.....

Monday morning is almost over.... that is a very good thing I think, because this Monday they changed the time on us again away from Daylight Savings, we are now dark at 5pm and I find it VERY inconventient to have my neighbors taking out their garbage VERY noisily at 7 am this morning!

ANYWAY, I chose "Compassion" as my image this morning. For this week, I will try to remember at all times to be compassionate to those other struggling human "beans" on this planet Earth and gratitude, gratitude, gratitude!

Peace,

Cherie

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MY SECRET GARDEN

This morning awoke TOO EARLY to the sound of the grass being cut, weed whackers, leaf blowers.....?!
I would love to have awoken to the sound of birds singing as usual. Now I know I will appreciate tomorrow morning, when I can awake to a more pleasant sound of birds and the sun shining. finally, after many days of rain and wind. GOOD MORNING! to all, have a great weekend, and enjoy Mother Earth this weekend, take time to give thanks and be grateful for this beautiful planet Earth.

I hope to start painting on my new project 'WOMAN UNCHAINED' this weekend, and to having fun with it.


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PEACE

BREAKING FREE!

In the "COVERS & ILLUSTRATIONS section of my web site: WWW.CHERIEBENDER.COM are some of the original works I have done in the past few years,for magazines and books. This image "BREAKING FREE" is a pastel on sandpaper.

ALL images are available for rights of usage and purchase of original art & commissioned art.Visit My Website

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Featuring Dalai Lucky Dragon As Dalai Desparado

Hi, Everyone!

All those that know me well know my doggie Dalai Lucky Dragon is the greatest doggie ever. He is a Japanese Chin and he is so good, patient and wise, I swear he just loves to wear costumes and play!
Yesterday, we took pictures in my back yard and he went along with the program like the trooper he is and I did get a whole bunch of great shots.

I have a new idea for my fine art series "REBEL!" called "WOMAN UNCHAINED" The painting "Uber Femme" was in THE ALL FLORIDA SHOW this year in the BOCA RATON MUSEUM as part of that series. I am still working on initial sketches for 'WOMAN UNCHAINED' and will be posting same in the very near future.

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PUMPKIN DANCING

Nearing the end of October now in Florida, and we seem to be free from the threat of ....... dare I say the name? no, better not....

PUMPKIN DANCING is an oil painting on wood, to be found on my web: WWW.CHERIEBENER.COM in the institutional section, commissioned by the Song of Norway cruise lines for installation in their ship's master stateroom. I include the image here in celebration of this time of year, my favorite when the weather gets cooler, and we can breathe a sigh of relief, as we seem to be free from the .............. YEAH!

I am pleased to be working on a few commissions, and I am in the middle of a direct and email campaign. Very busy, miss my friends in the UK, and California. Hope to see you very soon, and feeling a little cabin fever, the wide open spaces are calling to me. Hello all of you travelers, will be joining you as soon as I am finished.

"Be with you in a minute Mr. Peabody!"
Answer to the quiz question: From the movie "Bringing Up Baby"

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Peace

ANASTASIA'S HAIRCUT

I have a wonderful tree right outside my house, her name is "Anastasia" and she is magnificent. A few years have gone by since her last cut, and yesterday was the day designated to give her a trim. Wow! Talk about size - I never realized just how huge this tree is, until Chino & his saw, who rides the "cherry picker" like a cowboy on a wild horse, told me he could not reach the top even though he is high up in the air, about 90 feet or so, and he is at least 6ft. tall......

This picture was taken today, as I was struck by her massive beauty, My Anastasia speaks to me about strength, she has survived numerous hurricanes, and I have lived through four big ones with her. I hug her frequently, and she appreiciates that, I am sure. The last hurricane we had she assured me she is strong and would stay standing and proud, and she was right!

Today, I honor her and the value of trees. I would never consider chopping her down, and she has been kind to my house, providing shade, beauty, food & shelter for the various birds such as morning doves, blue jays, hummingbirds, orange finches and deep purple black crows and many kinds of beautiful butterflies. Thank you Anastasia!

BLOG FOR GREEN!

IT AIN'T EASY BEING GREEN! From Photo section: CHERIEBENDER.COM

October 15 is Blog Action Day, and all greenies are joining hands in blog fashion to inform and disseminate on how to keep and improve our beautiful planet earth!

This is very exciting news and how wonderful to be a part of the growing awareness of caring for Mother Earth.

I do have a few tips which personally have worked for me as an artist and consumer. It is a given that I recycle. Now, how about keeping all glass jars with lids? They are perfect for medium containers and make great pencil and brush holders. Saving brown paper bags from the grocery store is a good idea too, they make good wrapping paper for parcels and are excellent for sketching.

I was totally against the cutting down of our citrus trees the past few years, that 1900ft radius within an "infected" tree was bogus! Many, many, healthy citrus trees were cut down unnecessarily in Florida. Thank God the United States stepped in and stopped the craziness. You cannot cut down millions of trees and not expect repercussions! Especially on a peninsula such as Florida...... Mother Nature did not like, and we had three major hurricanes as a direct result, Hello? Jeb and George Bush?

How wonderful that Al Gore has received the Nobel Prize! One last thing, we should all plant a tree, I plan on planting an orange tree right outiside my bedroom window, where Ezekial, my Key West Lime tree used to reside....

SASEE! MAGAZINE: CHERIE BENDER THE COVER ARTIST FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER

"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!" is one of my favorite fantasy paintings influenced by a Winter sojourn to London, England two years ago. In the painting, the fairy in the winter garden looks up at the tiny dragon, and invites him to play with her. She holds a deco ball, which is turquoise, as is her chiffon gown. Turquoise is the color for the heart center and healing. The flowers are pansies, my very favorite fall and winter flowers.

My art has many dimensions, from large wall murals to fine art paintings and comminssioned works. "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!" is very close to my heart. I create these fantasies purely for the joy of painting. I have been an artist since childhood and grew up in Edinburgh, Scotland, I attended Art Center in California and recieved my BFA from the University of Miami.

The turn of the century to the twenties is my favorite time and allthough I do not limit my style, I interpret Art Deco Expression in a modern feminine voice with an understanding of spirituality, beauty and positive vision for today's world.

HAPPY SUNDAY MORNINGS: ONCE I WAS LOST BUT NOW AM FOUND

I am a firm believer in spiritual practice.

A woman I know well insists on "taking care of business" before prayer. This has proven time and time again to be the long way 'round. Time is all relative. A moment of prayer, reflection, and gratitude saves many hours of frustration, when things seem to get lost, tasks become troublesome, people are abrasive ...

TODAY: I feel the need to re-connect with the Universe, God, and Nature. To light candles in a sacred space. To give thanks for all that I have because

"All that I have is All that I need..." Simple Abundance, Sara Ban Breathnack's book adivses. So, along this path we call life, I feel not alone but filled with love for the light and the light filled beings around me. THANK YOU GOD!

IT'S FRIDAY AND I'M IN LOVE!

When I lived in New York, I met The Cure and actually hung out with them and their manager who was from Scotland and cute but Robert Smith was moody and withdrawn.... an extremely talented musician! I named my painting "Love Cats" from one of their songs, and it is a painting I really treasure, because of my beloved Nutmeg, a gorgeous calico persian who I had the privelege of being friends with for eleven years.

I have a thought for the day: to transform myself and believe the vision!