Flower Power
Peace is not a relationship of nations. It is a condition of mind brought about by a serenity of soul. Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is also a state of mind. Lasting peace can come only to peaceful people. - Jawaharlal Nehru (1889 - 1964)
When I saw the topics for Inspire Me Thursday (the peace sign) and Illustration Friday (save), the first thing that came to mind was an illustration and post about how peace can save the world. And it's true... until we can find peace - within ourselves, our societies, and among nations - we will live in a constant state of strife and destruction. But as I started thinking about what I would write, all that came forth was that peace must originate from the individual. There are innumerable things each person can do to promote peace, starting from within... for a person who has inner peace will not make war with another.
Hug o' War
I will not play at tug o' war.
I'd rather play at hug o' war,
Where everyone hugs
Instead of tugs,
Where everyone giggles
And rolls on the rug,
Where everyone kisses,
And everyone grins,
And everyone cuddles,
And everyone wins.
- Shel Silverstein (1930 - 1999)
This journal page is inspired by peace signs and flower power... and my true desire to wish all of you peace, love, and happiness!
P.S. - Please accept my invitation to stop by Wings 4 You Coaching and participate in my Weekly Wings challenges. There's a new challenge posted each Sunday. I'd love to have you along on the journey!
I needed to see something so cheerful and fun today. Thanks, Carla. Peace to you, too.
Posted by: andrea | April 05, 2008 at 10:40 AM
I like this piece a lot! And Shel Silverstein too! Great work, Carla.
Posted by: Digital Scott | April 05, 2008 at 10:53 AM
So beautiful and vibrant!
Posted by: Nicole | April 05, 2008 at 12:23 PM
This is so beautiful. I love the orange and flowing flowers. It has a rhythm to it, like music but in visual form. Your words are wise by dear friend.
Beautiful, beautiful combination of the two.
Hugs,
a.
Posted by: andrea | April 05, 2008 at 01:13 PM
the orange is so powerful!
Posted by: dinah | April 05, 2008 at 04:09 PM
The flowers and colors on this journal page "Flower Power" are so warm and bright! Love it. I have been thinking about the Weekly Wings Challenges, but was wondering, could I just do parts of them, I am a little short on writing time right now, with teaching, family and making art! Roxanne
Posted by: rivergardenstudio | April 05, 2008 at 05:09 PM
Gorgeous piece of work!
Posted by: Roberta Baird | April 05, 2008 at 05:49 PM
I really like it. So vibrant. I love the semi-hidden symbols too.
Posted by: Laura | April 05, 2008 at 08:43 PM
Oooh! I love this. I really really love this. Beautiful.
Posted by: Ces | April 05, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Andria's comment is what I felt, too -- it's such a musical, melodical piece. I'm still trying to comprehend how you do this kind of piece on a journal page -- I'd need something about 40 feet by 40 feet!! Absolutely as gorgeous as the quote and your thoughts about peace. Amen!
Posted by: Toni Brown | April 05, 2008 at 09:31 PM
oh that is so wonderful it is vibrant! Love this!
Posted by: alex | April 06, 2008 at 12:14 AM
love that era in time - the flower power days - and am old enough to have taken part in this!-oops showing my age! lol. Love your art!
Posted by: krissie | April 06, 2008 at 12:58 AM
never seen this poem before, gorgeous illo. hugs xx
Posted by: forever young | April 06, 2008 at 06:07 AM
Wonderful!
Posted by: Marcella Paliekara | April 06, 2008 at 09:42 AM
A very beauttiful card about Peace! I like very very much !
Posted by: filetta | April 06, 2008 at 02:19 PM
Gorgeous, gorgeous illustration! I always enjoy your art.
Posted by: Kate | April 06, 2008 at 02:44 PM
I think this is really lovely.
Thanks.
Caroline
X
Posted by: Caroline | April 06, 2008 at 03:14 PM
I love your post ... but your painting is simply superb!
Posted by: Leonard Blumfeld | April 06, 2008 at 03:16 PM
this is a magical piece...love it..the colour and depth of it...
great work...
Cheers,
Diana
Posted by: Diana Evans | April 06, 2008 at 06:19 PM
Could it be that "the meek will inherit the earth" exactly because they're already at peace and unwilling to settle for less, even at the price of death? A wonderful post, Carla. :)
Posted by: Mick Mather | April 06, 2008 at 08:29 PM
I love this, the colours are great as well as the poem ..your writing is very inspirational.
Posted by: lee | April 06, 2008 at 09:55 PM
A great post, very thoughtful message. Your illustration is extremely beautiful.
Posted by: Bobo | April 07, 2008 at 01:15 AM
What a happy piece of art !! Love the colors and your poem too !!
Posted by: Julia | April 07, 2008 at 03:36 AM
SUPER Carla! It takes me back to favorite album cover art! Great stuff... I'm serious!
Posted by: randomyork | April 07, 2008 at 01:35 PM
I am loving this style Carla - I can tell you are feeling the signs of Spring!
You are so right - world peace does begin within. There is that song I remember singing as a child: "Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me..."
Susan
xo
Posted by: Susan Tuttle | April 07, 2008 at 09:31 PM