Sunday, July 7, 2013

Something old, something new


Today, I tried something I haven't done in a long time: I went to the pool. I used to be a little fish growing up, but haven't been swimming in years. It was like going back home.


I realized how shallow my breath had been and after  a few laps, the tightness in my chest melted away.


And then, I tried something new: a traditional Chinese massage. If you ever wonder how bread dough feels like when you knead it, well I guess being massaged my a Chinese professional feels pretty much the same.


I highly recommend it. It was the best massage I have ever had, EVER. 

I am also trying something a bit different with this painting. Mixing crackle paste, ink and watercolors on Fabriano cold press watercolor paper.

29 comments:

Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

Hello, Ana! Your flowers are GORGEOUS! Your massage sounds wonderful. I could REALLY use one, but I've always been a bit timid about it...hmmm, now I will rethink a Chinese massage. PS. I don't know if you have received my last two emails, or if your email has changed...or they've gone to spam...but I have written to you and think of you often. Hope your new week is a good one. Kath

Dra. Cristiane Grande Jimenez Marino said...

Oi Ana, sua pintura está linda, mas o que é crackle paste?
Olha querida, seus instintos estão te guiando muito bem, o contato com a água tem um efeito maravilhoso no corpo e na mente, eu sempre recomendo aos meus pacientes que façam alguma atividade aquática, principalmente em casos de transtorno de ansiedade e depressão.
E a massagem....nossa! É tudo de bom!
Continue com essas atividades mesmo depois de curada, é importante manter os cuidados para a manutenção do bem estar.
Bjs e continue pintando!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Ha ha yes, I've heard about Chinese massage -- sounds like they gave you a good kneading!

Jeanie said...

I'm thinking ALL your experiments are working today -- swimming, your massage and your gorgeous painting!

No Chinese for me, but I did once have a Japanese shiatsu, which I suspect might be similar. It was indeed wonderful!

Adam said...

beautiful flowers

Terra said...

The flowers are pretty and I exercise in a pool 3 times a week, since 1999, when I had a frozen shoulder so I know the joy of swimming. I never had a massage but it sounds beneficial for you.

Riot Kitty said...

Those are gorgeous flowers.
I could swim forever, I just feel so at home in the water.

That massage sounds fantastic too.

Plowing Through Life (Martha) said...

It's always fun to try new things. That massage sounds wonderful. I can certainly use one of those!

Beautiful flowers!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

What beautiful flowers and a trip to the pool sounds amazing! I need to learn how to swim first though lol.

Sherri B. said...

It sounds like a lovely day...I sure could use a massage. I may have to try this out! My daughter is moving to an apartment next month with a pool - I may have to visit often and take a dip. :)

Your flowers are beautiful!

Anonymous said...

You're going to inspire me to go to the lake!

I love your flowers. Gorgeous.

Caffeine Girl said...

What an unusual and original mix of medium. And the results are clearly worth the effort. Just beautiful!

Unknown said...

Stupendi i fiori nati dal tuo pennello!!
Bellalullo

CraveCute said...

Catching up too and your art is lovely as ever! I chuckled when I read you joined FB, I'm still holding out, I must be the last person left who hasn't caved. Haha!

Arkansas Patti said...

I envy you your swim. As a kid I lived in a bathing suit, today I don't even have the courage to shop for one. Keep enjoying.
I love any kind of massage. I doubt we have a Chinese one here in the Ozarks. Darn.

The Dancing Crone said...

Swimming! Good for you! I always assume all people in Florida live on the beach but now that I think about it I guess there is a lot of Florida that isn't on the beach and people would need pools!! I like your painting and particularly like the way you are photographing the, Ana.

Magic Love Crow said...

Happy you had a great massage ;o) Love the painting!

Ariel said...

Hi Ana nice to see your posts again. Love these flowers and i hope to see more of your beautiful work:)
Susan

Jill said...

Just lovely! It's good to see your paintings again.

Almost Precious said...

Love your wonderful watercolor blossoms. So Zen like, and very oriental.

Swimming is supposed to be a great cardio and physical work out. Unfortunately I can't swim and can just barely keep my head above water (literally and figuratively). :D

Dreaming of Vintage said...

Oh wow! This is really pretty!

Ileana said...

Your art is alive and beautiful and when you mentioned the massage (which happens to be on my bucket list...I never had a professional one) I thought WHERE? We live in the same town. Let me know of a good place... ileanasays@yahoo.com

Thanks! :)

Tammie Lee said...

summer and swimming a perfect match
yesterday was my first swim in a lake this year, it was so refreshing on a hot day

your flowers are so lovely

you make me wish for a massage ;-)

The Cranky said...

Absolutely stunning artwork, what a brilliant mix.

Have missed you Ana and hope you're doing well.

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh Ana your paintings bring a smile to all who are lucky enough to see them. Chinese massage never heard of it but could certainly use it:) B

beth said...

aren't they great? my chinese acupuncturist gives massages and omg...fantastic !!

Red Shoes said...

Hey you!! Wow, a massage DOES sound good... I've never had an honest-to-God massage. I need to try that one of these days...

Your paintings, as always, are wonderful!

~shoes~

Lisa Graham said...

This is just beautiful Ana. The delicate pedals and colors...very Asian! Nice work!

I have not had a massage before...will have to have one some day.

I had a similar experience with swimming a long time ago...it had been years and I could really feel it. I used to be a fish too.

Meera Rao said...

Catching up with you too - love your painting - crackle paste ? I have to investigate once I get back to US :)