A man doesn’t need brilliance or genius, all he needs is energy
Albert M. Greenfield
Keep a little place, Like a little ‘zen zone’ for yourself Have a cup of coffee there … Do some mindful drawings … Read some books … Write some poetry, musings, or something philosophical … Or do nothing … In midst of strangers It can become a little mindful meditation With every sip of bliss ….
Keep a little ‘zen zone’ For you Feel the crave to be there And come here when you need to be …. But before you leave Define how you prioritise yourself Over every other things …. And do not make it an easy place Where you can find an escape Whenever you feel like … Rather make it special As you would make any other thing special And keep it as sacred as It’s supposed to be for creating Little ‘Zen Zone’ for yourself ….
Here’s one of my little ‘Zen Zone’ … Where’s your little ‘Zen’ Zone’ place?
Zen Zone “Your introvert zen zone is an area where your senses need to be soothed by their surroundings — the key word being “zen.” For instance, you should be able to practice mindfulness meditation there if you wish.”
This small little artwork in standing frame was chosen by one of my favourite friend for one of her favourite person.
So I wrapped it with all the things that I usually send with the painting, few JBC cards, greeting cards and a hand-written note as a token of gratitude.
My friend received the packet with gratitude and her favourite person received the Mini Mountain painting with grace and appreciation from her.
I remember, I shared one photo image of this Mini Mountain to my friend the day before I sent it to her, and I told my friend, ‘If she (your fav person) keeps this little piece in an aesthetic manner, it’ll be a great fit for any corner of her home’ ….
Then she told me, ‘You know Roksana, your little artwork is going to a home where they’re pretty cultural minded people and they design the walls of their home with different paintings from different categories, such as paintings from famous artist Rafiqun Nabi (Ranabi) and others. And I’ve chosen your art for their home.’ I was speechless; I didn’t know what to say. I was feeling shy and a lot overwhelmed … Thank you Joya for choosing JBC artwork for such a beautiful artistic home.♥️
After three days, my friend sent me a photo of the corner side-table where this little Mini Mountain has found it’s precious space, and my friend wrote to me, ‘Your painting, in the right place now.’
I loved that so much – I looked at the image carefully and I found – Sufi darbesh in white attire … Buddha taking a peaceful nap … George Harrison’s famous Bangla Desh cassette A vintage old-fashioned black land-lined phone A photograph of a young girl … And many more souvenirs and antiques … In midst of all these, my mini mountain painting … Isn’t it amazing?
My happiness knows no bounds … I’m happy that they received my little artwork with joy in their home as it indeed brought joy in my heart creating it.
I love these stories of JBC paintings and artworks …. These are like love-letters to me …
The cosmos is within us The dance is absolutely amazing Abundantly fabulous …
Imagination is great For the knowledge we possess The inner child returns to find A new era of time … Becoming a wild free soul, fabulous …
The soul has the rhyme From the time it’s born … Listen to the Talisman of your own, Daydreaming in this cosmic energy, Travelling to the worlds, fabulous …
Let the universe find The questions you have, The answers you need – All are dwelling inside Waiting for a spark to Find its magic, fabulously powerful … A new pathway to excellence…
You belong to the mysterious space Your dreams are coming back to you There’s a song called cosmic abyss From the beginning to eternity The eternal flame, that’s fabulous …
Dear Art lovers, Please visit my precious art gallery sometimes And get an overwhelming experience … Stare at my artworks for sometime … Sometimes, stare at my precious artwork for some more time, say, five minutes more or ten minutes longer … Stare at it, as if you do not have any hurry or hustle …
During that period of time You may feel that time is moving slow around you and you’re still in front of an artwork … An artwork by Roksana Amelia Suppose, it’s her ‘Journey All its Own’ …. Just I wish You would love this slow looking at her artwork for a bit longer time … As it is surely a ‘Journey All its Own’ ….
We all want to know a bit about ourselves .. Don’t we? We think we know a lot about ourselves .. Do we? You know about ‘Know thyself’ – it’s a famous saying … But did you ever wonder why it’s a bit difficult to know thyself? Have we looked deep down into our soul for a bit longer time? Do we take a bit longer dive into our soul? Are we comfortable enough to take the journey into our soul a bit longer time? Or do we feel restless resting in our own soul? Knowing thyself isn’t so easy, my dear … Learn the art of slow looking at your own self Knowing thyself is an art of learning through observation … To know thyself needs uninterrupted attention; So take time, dive deep and see your soul through your heart and mind ….
So when you visit my gallery You may reward a longer look at the precious artworks here …. Thus you may spend time with the precious journey that you own as well …
This ‘Journey All its Own’ is yours and yours only … I won’t say how you should look at it. It’s personal. You decide what you wish to look and what you feel about it … It’s about you and this ‘Journey’ …
I just feel happy that While you’re with my artwork, You may make your own discoveries out of your slow looking at it … As if you are diving deep and deep And forming a very special personal connection with it …
See my dear, I’m more interested about This special connection between you and my precious art piece, Specifically because ….. I so long to wish for that beautiful sight of You and your ‘Journey All Its Own’ ….
A New Journey All Its own …
And now tell me, which one/s you feel more connected to your own soul … what specific things would drive you to know yourself better …. Have you ever thought about it?
Some days I like to walk with a book…. And with that, there are some words to reflect..
Don’t go back to past. There’s nothing you can do about it. Accept where you’re at and move on and try be in the present. Have gratitude for what you already have. Have compassion and accept what is. And if you can change it, it’s okay. But there are somethings that you need to accept that you can’t change And if you can’t change, let it go. Be who you’re and people will like you.
A grief is a grief is a grief, and there’s not a piece of me that believes one loss is greater than another…Everyone’s loss is greater in their life. Try to understand this and be empathetic about it. So in a world where you can be anything, be kind.
Time is the finest gift one can give to other from heart and soul. Empathy is the truest attribute one can possess for others.
Just “Don’t ever give anybody enough power to bring back the triggered unhealed version of you, when you’ve worked so hard to become better than that” ….
I’m in love with the scenic beauty of the Himalayan Mountains in the backdrop ….and I have never been to any snow-clad mountains up so close. It was a surrealistic feeling for me. I visited Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Anantnag. I was excited for Gulmarg Gondola, the world’s second longest & second highest cable car 14,000 above sea level with picturesque views. Gondola ride takes around 22 minutes to reach Mountain Apharwat Peak from Gulmarg town and it is worth every minute to visit the peak. Exceptional views of sky and clouds. I was mesmerised by the wonderful view of the magnificent snow clad peaks. I loved the activities that I did, hiking, skiing ⛷️, sleighing. Had yummy coffee and Maggie soup there up on that mountain peak. So interesting!
Apart from Gulmarg Gondola and peak of the Apharwat mountain attractions, I loved Betaab Valley, Pahalgam valley, Dal lake, Zoji La, Baltal, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Pari Mahal, Night staying on a houseboat and Shikara ride in the fabulous Dal Lake, Horse riding to go to Baisaran Valley – each and everywhere I went, I can write a whole lot of things – but that story I may share later, some other day …
Here let me tell you about how destiny took me to Kashmir ….
I was planning an India trip with close ones. Initially we planned to visit the famous Taj Mahal in Agra, then Jaipur, Delhi also. But there were some situation which made me plan for Kolkata with another school friend. We bought the tickets even. But then again I had to rethink my trip and cancelled the air ticket. Then two of my colleagues wanted to join me for Darjeeling. Again we were making a bit research on this to make a good itinerary for us three. Then that plan also got cancelled. And I was the only one left to make the trip to India. But the timing wasn’t preferable for some reason and I wanted to avoid few particular dates specifically for my youngest sister was coming after months. Then I was in dilemma also, cause I didn’t want to make the trip alone. My family didn’t have any visa. Now I had only few days left to make the trip happen. Lastly within two days I tagged myself with some girls whom I didn’t know and they were going to Kashmir and that again they planned on the days when my sister was coming. With a bit of mixed emotions about not being able to spend time with my chhotu sister, I decided to join that group of girls. So finally I was going to take that solo trip with them whom I never met and they happened to be my travel companions for seven days.
The moment I flew for Kashmir’s, I was terribly missing my family, and sisters back home. And then the moment I landed in one of the Heaven on Earth, I was spellbound by the stars and universe joined in with its magic wand upon me to make me this much enchanted 🤩 🪄….
That’s why if someone asks me, ‘Is Kashmir worth it?”, I would say, ‘You never know until you visit.’
May be Kashmir was destined for me in many layers of undefined ways of life – that story I wish to share some other day ….
I took a lot of pictures and videos. I’m sharing only few here. Let me know if you have liked the Paradise Picturesque photographs by Roksana Tales. I wish to make post cards with some of the moments there.
And
I wish to visit again … Will you go with me?
And
I’m an Orophile, meaning I’m a person who loves mountains …
So I went to a bit far away village for a simple photo-walk. There I met some extraordinary people of all ages who welcomed me wholeheartedly. But they do not know me. I do not know them until today … Some love their goats, some love their fields, some love their busy time – and all were happy and contented. I just love that so much. The simplicity. The care they carry for a stranger is nothing but the glory of their life.
I felt so much warm around them. Few children of that village accompanied me all the time … wherever I was going they were always there …
I took a lot of pictures. Here I have shared only a few. When I get a scope of taking pictures, I go crazy. I even do not remember from when I get this attraction to take photos wherever I would go or wherever I would be … I simply love when I hear my camera makes the sound, ‘Click Click’. I feel so passionate about it! Between smiles, laughter, and capturing memories, who wouldn’t just love photography?
I’m sure photography tells a story. You can see these photographs and make the story for yourself …
Will you?
For a little walk With me, Will you please come? A little far away From chaos and bustle Of city life Will you please come? For a little walk Down the valley With a tune of a song That you like and I love too … Will you please come?
The girls were always by my side. wherever I was going, they were there too—–was feeling special, and so loved. Thank you so much for the lovely afternoon———-They were waving goodbyes to me
You are lingering Over my head like rain clouds … When will you fall like rain in my heart?
But wait … Not now … Not yet ……
Ever since I’ve acknowledged this f e e l ing Interestingly, I have felt less alone …
There are still some lingering doubts in my mind; though My journey into this has been very unplanned So practicing the pause and silence would probably work, telling myself … And the rain clouds are hovering over me …. Hence taking pause has become easy silently, and solitarily …
As if I’m in love with the bliss of solitude … These rain-clouds are lingering over my head And I’m looking at it from the bright side That they are with me means to me As if You’re with me!
So, wait .… Not now … Not yet …..
Fall like rain in my heart After sometime, after some pauses … Rain in my heart for no reason Let the clouds part, doubts be gone, Fall in love with me … Like a soft, whispering breeze while it rains Only after sometime, after some pauses …
Why is prayer so powerful? It’s because you’re having a conversation with the lord of the universe With the being who gives life Who is the light of the heavens and the earth And you’re not just talking to someone who loves you You’re talking to someone who’s the source of all love and all goodness And prayer doesn’t end what you say to God or what you ask from God …
When you get connected to the source of all positivity Something inside you also changes You get fulfilled You get inspired And most of all you get peace
A simple prayer Powerful enough ‘You deserve happy’ …
You think you can stop loving someone, But in reality You can only hide that feeling, You never stop loving … Because once you love someone, There’s no undoing it … There’s only prayers of Happiness for them …
You are like a music Which creates melancholic moods inside my heart … A melody that lingers, night and day … I take time to listen to it, I find myself enchanted; When nothing seems to ease my restlessness I listen to you, my music To walk the long journey of life Even though it only creates melancholic moods But you are like that music to me Loving, healing, heart-touching Connecting my soul to you Forever and always ….
The paths and the valleys are glowing There is magic in mountains and waterfalls The air is reciting the story of our love ….
There I felt shy when you came near to me The breeze could hear the breaths of my silent shyness … but I couldn’t …
Here My unheard songs are echoing across the mountains Even though I’m feeling a bit lonely Without you …. Yet this loneliness has a fragrance of you Our love has hopes for tomorrow This distance looks good to me …
The paths and the valleys are glowing There is magic in mountains and waterfalls The air is reciting the story of our love ….
I put my heart and soul into my work, and I have lost my mind in the process. -Vincent Willem Van Gogh
It is true for each of my creative works. My paintings have its stories and often they echo my deep-rooted emotions and deep talk with myself. I live in each of its stories and moments of creativity.
So here I so very wish to share my stories of two paintings with you all.
A Tale of Twin Paintings
Finally Falguni has the other twin painting tittle ‘Hope Shines’. I am super happy that she has chosen this one. And then there the first twin painting titled ‘Follow the Soothing Breeze, Here’ already owned by my daughter …
Why am I saying this two paintings as ‘TWIN PAINTINGS’?
Because I painted this two paintings simultaneously, keeping them side by side using only one art paper, dividing them with masking tapes. And they both have the same wavelengths I felt at the time I was painting them. While I was working on this Twins, during their creative process, colouring, taking pauses, brushing, re-brushing, stroking the brushes here and there, I remember I was contemplating on various things, specially doing meaningful purposeful work for the rest of my life. A purpose greater than life itself. Many a times I felt discouraged and demotivated, but never ever I felt lost as to what next. I’ve been always having different ideas to move forward in life. Never look back what I couldn’t, but moving forward what I can. Just like the titles of the Twin Paintings, I have been following a Soothing Breeze instilled in my heart all my life keeping my ‘Hope’ Shines throughout this life’s journey so far ….
Amazing, na?
Now I’m so glad that one twin painting is with my little sister-friend Falguni, and the other twin has its permanent residence at my dear daughter’s far away homesweethome.
When I first shared the two paintings after seemingly finishing them with my daughter, she immediately asked me to keep the ‘Follow the Soothing Breeze Here’ painting for her. I just loved the urgency to book the painting for herself. So I did keep it aside for her, happily. Last time I visited NY, I took that painting for her home there. She has already few of my paintings at her home. Now all the people come to visit her place, they ask her about the paintings and she feels so proud to let them know, ‘My mom is an artist. These are her paintings.’ She has been my very own cheerleader from the day I started the painting journey in 2020. And from then onwards, I listened to her many suggestions for my Jian Bird Creates and my painting journey. She absolutely adores my creative style of living and specially this journey inspires her to follow the soothing breeze deep inside her loving beautiful heart for herself.
Now ‘Hope Shines’ had lost its Twin and was alone, passing its days with other dazzling paintings around it. One day Falguni came at my Fund raising event ‘Meet & Greet’ for love and light. She walked through my small Jian Bird Gallery, and there she found her ‘Hope Shines’. As definitely always her hope shines through all the ups and downs of life’s tragic and unexpected happenings and yet she continues to shine ✨ For that reason or some other, she decided to own the ‘Hope Shines’ …
For an artist, the canvas is his life, breath and philosophy. So when someone owns their artwork or creative piece, and genuinely wants to keep those with them, I as an artist consider it as honor. I feel they can relate to the piece as I do. And for most of my artworks, I had this conversational experience to tell a story or to evoke an emotion. And there are some who wants me to attach the story with it. I feel it’s a complete connection, from soul to soul.
Now I know my very first TWIN paintings will always remain as their beloved treasures at their soul-home wherever they go. They are themselves two amazing souls in the beautiful Earth, self-made, selfless and strong.
Lastly, I just want to say to ALL of you; Never forget. Hope shines only for those who believe.
Thanks, kindly, for stopping by and reading this long note from me.
Life is somewhat grey Everywhere Just monotony Lost and lonely …
Don’t you know?
Only when you stay Life is colorful …. A hopeful glow Echoes of brighter joy Birds sing cheerful songs Rays of sunshines warm my cheeks My yellow dyed dreams return …
Where the glacier meets the sky, the land ceases to be earthly, and the earth becomes one with the heavens; no sorrows live there anymore, and therefore joy is not necessary; beauty alone reigns there, beyond all demands”-
Once upon a time, there was a couple. They lived together for 55 years. They haven’t yet had their dinner date outside home. This is the first time they are going outside to have their dinner date.….
Story to Be continued from me …. 😊
Meanwhile you may share your thought of the story of this lovely couple’s very special dinner date.
It’s leaving my home for a sweetheart friend’s home ….
Nadia asked me why it’s titled as ‘The Murmuring Sound’ …..
I m consciously aware of the flourishing things at this moment of my life rather than many other distractions of day to day life…. The murmuring sound from a faraway land keeps whispering to me that there are some blessings getting my way now …
O God, when I listen to the voices of animals, the sounds of trees, the murmurings of water, the singing of birds, the whistling of the wind, or the boom of thunder, I see in them evidence of Your unity; I feel that You are supreme power, omniscience, supreme knowledge, and supreme justice. I recognize You, O God, in the trials I am going through. May Your pleasure be my pleasure, too. May I be Your joy, the joy that a Father feels for a son. And may I think of You calmly and with determination, even when I find it hard to say I love You.
Blossom I shall smile while Fluttering around an autumn tree ..
Sometimes I seek so far Watching the river flow and a Rendezvous in you …
For a moment The beautiful changes Touch me to free my soul …
I sit down Deep into the woods Under the autumn trees …
I don’t know how to tell it more But as you blossom I shall smile Till then an ache in secret Remembering beautiful memories In cherry blossoming … My darling!
Darlin’, don’t quit your daydream It’s your life that you’re making It ain’t big enough if it doesn’t scare the hell out of you If it makes you nervous It’s probably worth it Why save it for sleep when you could be living your daydream?”
Daydream Song by Lily Meola
I did this painting late at night around 2 am in the morning and this song is so true … When certain words move people, they show how much power they have to make changes …
Be afraid, but do it anyway …..
I have given this painting this title, CHAOS. As a child I was forever daydreaming. As I grow older, I find chaos in fulfilling my daydreaming. Some days I win, and some days, I fail. However, I never lose hope and continue to daydreams. I don’t know whether it’s good or bad, but it does make me feel good and helps me mentally settled with all my daydreams and I keep moving as time and space drive me to eternity. I m sure to leave behind a legacy of grit and perseverance.
“My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness. Continue to allow humor to lighten the burden of your tender heart.”
– Maya Angelou
❤️
Have you ever felt chaos in chasing your daydreams? I think that’s what it is always for most people …. What do you think?
Roksana Tales 