How I'm Ploughing On With My Wisdom Cards. Having a Melt Down And Moving Into My New Studio Space

It has been an Internet free zone round our place during August as our router faded out.  At first I was fine about it and welcomed the change, then ... it just got too much.  

I haven't blogged and felt very disconnected from webland.  It has been mighty strange.  

I started to look at things very differently.  I began to step back into my own inner self.  I began to read things I had written and looked at everything around me with a fresh pair of eyes.  

I began to start writing my Healing eBook; which will be available for download by the End of September (did you read that Jules? You just put that goal right out there and now you have to follow it through!)

I had a melt down about not having children and it has opened up the floodgates.  I'll share this with you soon.

Everything came back on 10 days ago and since then I have moved into my little studio space.  I spent some time in there today and it was so incredibly peaceful, even with the humming of the extractor fan from the Turkish restaurant next door.  

I felt serene and calm as I created and wrote.  

It feels like I am entering a new focused phase.  

I have a wonderful new BIG commission which is making me look at different ways of creating.  I'll reveal more of this too.

All is good.  All is well. 

With that in mind, here's my latest write up of my Wisdom Card.  

Please enjoy, sending much love to you 

All is Well 

Release the Negativity. Explore any resistance and relax in the knowledge that you are able to heal.   You have the power.  You can change the way you approach the situation you face.

Background to the card:

This card was inspired by Louise Hay, Author, Metaphysical Teacher and founder of Hay House.  I was first introduced to her book You Can Heal Your Life almost 24 years ago when I was ill with M.E/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome).  It was passed to me when I was in the depths of ill health. I was just embarking on my ‘back to health plan’, using a variety of complementary approaches and healing methods and when I read this book I realised immediately that it was going to accompany me to find my own way back.  I was transported into a metaphysical word that showed me I had the power.  I wasn’t waiting for one solution.  I was going to find many and use them all.   I devoured the book and used Louise’s morning and evening meditations – they helped me to learn to meditate and create a practice, it gave me extra courage to heal myself. 

The meaning behind the card:

If you picked this card today it is a reminder for you also that you can heal yourself.  Whatever is going on, perhaps a persistent long-term health problem, you can become your own investigator and learn some simple healing ways.  One of the lessons I learnt all those years ago was to tune out from negativity that is streamed from television, radio and even people in our lives. The first to go was late night news and radio.  I realised I didn’t want to tap into this negative drip-feed.  The world is not defined by bad news.  My world had to be optimistic and encouraging.  I had to see a way through this ill-health.  I wasn’t opting out, I was becoming more focused and directed about healing myself.  I tried everything you can name and settled on the therapies and practices that complemented my healing programme.

 

This card asks you to switch off from the negativity of your life.  Let it go.

Don’t tap into the drip feed of negativity.

The symbolism and colour of this card is very important.  The colour surrounding this beautiful woman is turquoise, once again representing the throat chakra and our communication centre, with the dragonfly placed here it signifies ‘Illusion’.  According to Sams and Carson, ‘the veil of negativity that we accept as our reality, is in fact, incorrect.  It may be time for you to break down the illusion you have held that restricts your actions or ideas.  Dragon fly asks you to seek out parts of you that need to change.” 

How to use this card:

This card asks of you to explore your resistance and relax in the knowledge that you are able to heal.   You have the power.  You can change the way you approach the situation you face.  Follow the image and place one hand over your naval area and one hand over your heart. Close your eyes and breathe through you nose for 7 seconds, then hold this breath for 7.  Exhale for a count of 7 through your mouth.  Really let go.  Then hold for another count of 7 and breathe in once again, counting 7 through the tips of your fingers.

Sit quietly, breathing in this way, for a round of 7.  Feel the gentle white speckles of white sunshine trickling over you, like a gentle shower of light bubbles.  Healing light bubbles, clearing negativity away from your body.   Know that you can do this at any time during you day.  Again and Again. 

This card is a reminder to do just that.

* * * * *

I'm creating a set of 44 Wisdom Cards and Book -  each card will be inspired by someone who has meant something to me, someone who has inspired me or taught me something.  They could be people I know, or people I don't know, living or passed over. They may be people I have seen from afar.  They may also be animals and elements from the planet around me.  They may also be from dreamtime and with symbolism that I can’t recognise.  What I know for sure is, it will all unfold.  If you'd like to read more about this project, click here

Much Love

Jules xxx

PS Text may change in final copy.

All photographs and text copyright of Julia Dolowicz 2012

Still No Internet, here's my next Wisdom Card-Maintain the Balance

In this next card, I reveal the inspiration behind Maintain The Balance.  I hope you find something that resonates with you.  Much love, Jules xxx

Maintain The Balance:

  

Maintain the balance in your current situation. Incorporate healing practices into your life that help you come back to centre.

Background to the card:

Inspired by my Australian friend Gaille, with very strong and ancient Scottish roots she was propelled forward to leave her native Australia and begin her life in Scotland. It didn’t happen swiftly, there was great change and upheaval, but her soul yearned for her Scottish Land and soon enough, she found her self immersed in the heart of North East Scotland, in the grounds of an old Castle.  Gaille’s profession as a forensic anthropologist sees her traveling all over the world to scenes of devastation.  In such an emotionally draining job, she maintains a calm and centred presence.  One minute she’s in the midst of carnage, the next she’ll be still in meditation.  It isn’t an easy practice for her to manage, but it is a necessity. 

The meaning behind the card:

If this card has fallen into your card reading, it is asking you to maintain the balance in your current situation.  The message that you hear may be different every time this card appears.  At times, it may nudge you to incorporate balancing practices in your life.  If your job is hectic and fraught, how can you balance this with something that brings you back to centre?  Maybe, Meditation, Music, Dance, Performance, Art, DIY, Sport?

The importance is for you is to maintain a balance and become realigned.  Perhaps you’re feeling a pull to a different way of life, the wisdom behind the card prompts you to explore the options and find small ways to move closer.  This is not about jumping and leaping, it’s relating to equilibrium and integrating a practice that allows you to re-calibrate. 

How to use this card:

Use this powerful image in quiet meditation or some solitary time will be very balancing for you.  Her eyes hold your gaze and by looking in them you can begin to feel a sense of balance.  It is almost like gazing at a mirror where she invites you to quieten your mind, breathing consciously and notice what you find in the image.  There is nothing to distract you except her beckoning, balancing eyes. 

Note down how you’re feeling in reading this wisdom.  Do you feel a pull to trace your past, or explore an ancient family town, city or area?  Do you feel a tug to incorporate or learn meditation? What is calling you?  How will you respond to this call?

Look into the eyes of this Celtic Goddess and feel your body respond.  There are swirls of energy underneath the canvas, whirls of movement, yet they’re balanced and symmetrical.  The metallic blue of the background is the blue that responds to your throat chakra, the centre of communication.  Remain centred and balanced, express your thoughts to yourself in your writing.  

* * * * *

I'm creating a set of 44 Wisdom Cards and Book -  each card will be inspired by someone who has meant something to me, someone who has inspired me or taught me something.  They could be people I know, or people I don't know, living or passed over. They may be people I have seen from afar.  They may also be animals and elements from the planet around me.  They may also be from dreamtime and with symbolism that I can’t recognise.  What I know for sure is, it will all unfold.  If you'd like to read more about this project, click here

Jules xxx

PS Text may change in final copy.

All photographs and text copyright of Jules Dolly/Julia Dolowicz 2012

Respond to Dreamtime - another Jules Dolly Wisdom Card

I am revealing another Wisdom Card.  I am so enjoying doing these; the paintings and the inspiration that comes with creating these pieces of art, but moreso I'm delighting in the wisdom and messages that are coming through.  This has been quite a unique experience for me.  I am finally allowing the messages to come through and honour the healer within me.  

I grew up in quite a traditional/religious environment, which was fine for me, to a point. Growing up, I was always questioning my own spirituality and my connection to the Divine. Asking question after question about why we did this and why we did that.  My appetite for some connection was insatiable.    I never fully engaged with the observance of my religion but I did very much so engage with the spirituality of life and the universe.  

I feel more connected than ever to the Divine. 

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Respond to Dreamtime

Listen to the whispers in Dreamtime and respond to them.  Become aware of the messages you’re receiving and notice subtle reactions.

Background to the card:

John Lennon is the inspiration for the wisdom of this card.  He appeared to me in a dream about 22 years ago.  I was very ill at the time with M.E/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and dreamtime provided me with very many messages.  I took note of the messages and kept them close to me.  This message remains with me to this very day.

He appeared in the garden at my childhood home, materialising on a magic carpet, transforming before my eyes from baby to man.  I just knew it was him; he had this glow about him and of course, his guitar. The flowers in our garden were abundant and the door he walked through shone with bright yellow light.

There was a gathering in the garden; a party of sorts and John came right up to me and looked me straight in the eye.

“Do you believe there’s a universal force out there?”

“Yes, I do,” I replied.

“Do you believe you will get better?

“Yes, I do,” I nodded once again.

With that he took hold of me and gave me the most incredible hug and squeeze.  I felt elated and knew, right there and then, that I was going to get better and that I would heal myself.  

John came to launch the healing process with a little bit of pizzazz.

The meaning behind the card:

If this card drops into your reading today, let John Lennon be the inspiration for this card.  It reminds you to listen to the whispers in Dreamtime and respond to them.  We all have to take responsibility for our own self and move forward in the very best direction we possibly can.  In a direction that makes us feel ‘whole’, ‘healed’, ‘well’ and ‘healthy.  Whatever it is for you right at this very moment, the card is guiding you to remember that you can read the messages from Dreamtime and notice your subtle reactions to them. 

Have you dreamt of something recently that you’re still holding? If so, can you work out the meaning? Is there a message coming through your unconscious mind, a spiritual guide that you keep pushing away?

For me, this dream had quite an impact.  It was extremely vivid and bright; full of sharp colours and the squeeze that I felt, carried me through my healing process.  I was a Beatle fan but not necessarily a John Lennon fan but this sparked my interest to know much more about the man, his beliefs, his ethics and passions.  If someone has appeared to you in a dream, maybe you are being guided to find out more about them. If it's a symbol, an animal, or maybe a person you don't know, then research the hidden meanings.

How to use this card:

This card asks you to record your dreams but more so, to respond to them.  Look back at your Dreamtime notes and see if there’s wisdom peeping through.  What do you need to know?  Write out anything that is remembered first thing in the morning, upon waking.  Do this for a month and go back, review your words and respond to the messages.  If you need to find out more information, do so.

* * * * *

I'm creating a set of 44 Wisdom Cards and Book - each card will be inspired by someone who has meant something to me, someone who has inspired me or taught me something.  They could be people I know, or people I don't know, living or passed over. They may be people I have seen from afar.  They may also be animals and elements from the planet around me.  They may also be from dreamtime and with symbolism that I can’t recognise.  What I know for sure is, it will all unfold.  If you'd like to read more about this project, click here or if you’d like to see some of my other Wisdom Cards, click here

Much Love

Jules xxx

PS Text may change in final copy.

All photographs and text copyright of Jules Dolly/Julia Dolowicz 2012

Take A Small Step - Another Jules Dolly Wisdom Card Write-up

While I'm creating my Wisdom Cards, I have my note book next to me where I write down the wisdom that is appearing from the painting.  I am now writing up my 'words' and wanted to share my second card with you.

Take A Small Step

  

We share our planet with all sentient beings.  We are all responsible for each other, whether we walk on two legs, four legs, fly or swim.

Background to the card:

This card symbolises the love and compassion of Linda and Paul McCartney.  Together they dedicated their life standing up for the life of sentient beings.

It was 25+ years ago when I saw a documentary featuring Linda and Paul. In the film, Paul explained how it had suddenly dawned on him that he was eating the very same animal that he cherished outside his window.  At this point he stopped eating meat, fish, birds and joined Linda in her quest to change the eating habits of our culture.

Their commitment was, to not only one another, but also the animals around them.  This was inspiring for me.  I didn’t know why exactly at the time, I just knew ‘something.’   Growing up in a 'meat household', it was a transition for me. 

* * * A    t r a n s i t i o n * * *

It was not an overnight change, but a progression. 

Aged 16, Lamb was first to go and gradually over time, I stopped eating anything with eyes.    Linda and Paul's journey was one that I admired.   This was not about The Beatles but about The Couple.  It was their kindness, determination and action that rubbed off on me.  I'm thankful and grateful to them for this insight.

The meaning behind the card:

If this card has appeared to you today in a reading, you will know what it’s saying. It will resonate. Perhaps you've been considering stopping eating one type of meat, birds, or perhaps fish. Do you think that your life would be healthier if you made just one change?   It only needs to start with one choice and Linda and Paul are testimony to that.  She built her vegetarian business by suggesting that people just swap one meat meal for a vegetarian option. 

If this card jumped out at you, perhaps you want to cultivate a new way of eating, or it may be nudging you to take a stand for animal welfare and ask the right questions and refuse certain farming methods.  We always know that it always starts with the smallest step.  

This could be, the very first step.

Linda never forced her way of eating on Paul, but her way of life had a ripple effect.  Be courageous and take a step, even if it causes ripples.  Take note that their example will support you. 

Linda's legacy lives on and I was inspired to create this card to honour her. 

How to use this card:

Sit quietly and close your eyes.  Notice any thoughts flying around your head, acknowledge them and continue to quieten your mind.  You may want to find out more about eating less meat/birds/fish; seek out a cookbook that can support you; develop a healthy meal for your family with new ingredients or sample something different that contains no animal products. You may need to speak to someone already eating this way, or visit and support your local vegetarian café.

This card asks you to look closer and think deeper and take a small step.

* * * * *

I'm creating a set of 44 Wisdom Cards and Book -  each card will be inspired by someone who has meant something to me, someone who has inspired me or taught me something.  They could be people I know, or people I don't know, living or passed over. They may be people I have seen from afar.  They may also be animals and elements from the planet around me.  They may also be from dreamtime and with symbolism that I can’t recognise.  What I know for sure is, it will all unfold.  If you'd like to read more about this project, click here

Much Love

Jules xxx

PS Text may change in final copy.

All photographs and text copyright of Julia Dolowicz

Revealing My First Wisdom Card Message - "By Your Side, Always"

By Your Side, Always

Close friendships are always there in the background.  Cherish friends and reconnect with the one who comes to mind.

Background to the card:

This card and image was inspired by a long time friend of mine.  We lived near each other and from a young age, we would spend hours riding our bikes, building tents in the garden and singing with gusto.  As we got older, we formed a duo and performed at concerts around our community.  Me on guitar and her on banjo.

When she moved to another country, she wrote me a wonderful letter which I still hold close to me nearly 20 years later.  In this letter she told me how she truly felt about our friendship. Writing from the heart, she wrote "I am incredibly lucky to have you as a friend.  You always look forwards and never backwards and tackle new things and I know you can do whatever you set your mind to in your life. It just takes time, so, practice.  You've got what it takes, so never doubt your own abilities."

The meaning of this card:

If you have picked this card today, here is a reminder to connect with friends who are perhaps not in your daily life right now.  It's time to show them how you feel about your relationship.  This card can also mean that today you need to be your very own 'Best Friend' as you have been neglecting yourself for a while.

If you have found that you have lost touch with close friends, perhaps one in particular, then you have chosen this card as a nudge to write them a letter, send them a card through the post and give them the joy of receiving your cherished words.

If you're feeling let down by friendships then this card reminds you to write your own letter to yourself and post it.  It also acts as a prompt to perhaps nurture some new friendships.

The wisdom is that there is someone By Your side, Always.  Find out more about who that may be.

The letter I have from my childhood friend is photocopied and incorporated into this painting.  The very essence of this message and the energy of the closeness we shared can hopefully be felt, by you, in this wisdom card.

How to use the card:

You can use the card in relaxation, by focusing on the image.  Hold it close in meditation.  Lay it out on your bedside table, desk, or mantelpiece as a reminder and write about how you felt in receiving this card in a reading.  Write about what resonated with you in your Journal.

Know that the words of my friend and the wisdom of this message are now connecting to you too.

* * *

If you'd like to read more about my 44 Wisdom Card Project, then click here

Much Love and Thanks for Reading!
Jules xx

Extra Note: the text may change in the final edit of my wisdom cards.

Present but Absent

I have been quite absent from blog land - it is not that I don't have anything to write about (since when do I not have anything to write about).  I have just felt introverted, reflective and quiet.

You know that feeling, don't you?

When you just want to shut out the noise.  The technology, the interruptions and Be Still.

To listen to the tiny whispers inside.

This is what I have been doing.

Whilst in these moments of stillness, I have been lovingly creating my Wisdom Oracle Card Canvases.  I have now completed 4 and have a new set of 4 on the go.

The words are flowing from me as I'm painting, I stop, I write the messages and the wisdom.

It's a really healing process.

Remembering the relationships, the people, the memories, the connections.

I have also been delving into my writing too and am beginning the research around my Healing ME book.

I want to share my Canvases because, hey that's just what I do.  I took them outside to let them absorb some beautiful sunlight and took some snaps in the garden.  Isn't that giant Poppy GREAT?!

It is still early days and I am letting this unfold.

But I'm really delighted at how they're turning out.

All is Well

By Your Side, Always

Ground Yourself

Love Always

If you want to read a little more about my 44 Wisdom Card Project, then click here.  Each of these canvases are inspired by people and their meanings/messages very healing and poignant.

So onward with the next four.  I doubt I'll get all 44 finished by my 44th birthday in July but I hope to have them all done in my 44th year.

Much Love
Jules xxx

Wisdom Cards A-Go-Go

I have been working on my 1st Wisdom Card - in case you're reading this and going 

"Ugh?  What's she on about?"  

I'm creating my own set of 44 Wisdom Oracle Cards and you can read lots about it here.  

These past few months, I have been compiling a list of memorable times, people, places, animals; some current, some folks alive, some passed over, people I know and those I have admired and loved from afar. 

I have been focusing on the first canvas the last week, and at the same time, when I turn my attention to it, I'm guided by messages, thoughts, feelings and I'm writing them down as I go.  This way, when I come to write the Wisdom Guide Book, which will accompany the cards, it will all be sourced from 'in the moment' and you'll really 'get' what that card actually means.  

I started the writing just before and found myself channelled to write things and I'm not even thinking too much about it - it's just all coming out from somewhere.  

I'm not 100% sure just yet whether I'll show the cards before I have completed them all and whether to sell prints of them.  I wonder what you think?  Do you think it's best to wait till I have done all 44?  Or would you like to see them as I complete, one at a time?  Perhaps you'd like to read a little of the wisdom? Mmmm, I'm thinking on this one.  

I'd be really interested to hear your thoughts on this.  

Suffice to say, I couldn't resist a sneak preview.  (excuse the photo, taken with iPhone). This first card features 2 women, and I'm tres proud to say that the collage paper I used for the dress on the left hand side lady, is my own.  

Since buying Traci Bautista's book Journal Unleashed and watching her vids on you tube, I am now transferring left over paint on to random pieces of paper - by the end of it, I am a) not wasting paint b) creating new lovely paper.   I then photocopy certain portions of the paper and rip, knowing I still have the mistress copy.

This is good news.    I use quite alot of papers in my paintings, so it's GORGEOUS to be using some of my own.

Please let me know what you think, I would really appreciate your thoughts.

Much Love

Jules xxx

Write, Jules, Write

I haven't written much about the writing I'm doing at the moment.  Not too sure why that is?   Perhaps when I'm immersed in writing mode, I then don't write about it.   Perhaps? I dunno.  I'm not going to analyse that one. 

I'm writing the manuscript for my 2nd book which is called Creating your first ever CV in seven easy steps. Yikes just found that it's on Amazon for pre-sale! Released 27th July 2012!

I was asked to write something about CVs by the publisher and spent a fair bit of time umming and arhing over whether I would do it.  There's just soooooo much out there about CV's.  

But one thing I didn't find easy to come by, that was, books relating to First Time Ever CV's.  There's a huge variety for undergraduates, graduates, postgraduates, employees, job seekers, massive salary progression CV's but very limited selection for ages 14-20 in the following groups:-

• still at school and wanting a part time job
• still at school and wanting to leave after 16 or 18 and get a full time job
• still at school/college and wanting work experience or voluntary work/shadowing opportunity
• in first job which they got via a network and wanting to progress to another job

From my experience, these individuals still have very valuable skills and although they may not have a long work history, they just need to show how these skills are transferable by providing evidence.  So I decided I was going to write the book, complete with activities, which will take them through a process to find their skills, attributes, abilities and show where they have done something similar.  It's a creative book, informal, it's not dull, it's action orientated and my main aim is to help them blossom and find their Chief Skills. 

I'm following a similar formula that I developed for my first book Writing a UCAS personal statement in seven easy steps and start with this.  In finding this link, I have just discovered that it's now available on Kindle - how cool is that?!?!?!

Anyway, back to it, I pitched, I set a deadline submission for end of March and it was agreed. 

So here I am nearly in the month of March and I am doing well for my word count about 26,000 (the word count deadline was 23,000, phew I have bypassed this).  I'm juggling this writing and also my work that I do as an external marker for Liverpool John Moores University's World of Work programme, my careers coaching at Liverpool College and working in the Health Food Shop in Longridge. 

Geez.  

As I was getting stuck into writing today I wondered how many other writers do it when they have so much else going on.  I know authors and writers that go away and devote two weeks to write an extensive manuscript, having planned the formula and content. This helps them to focus entirely on the words, the concepts and what they're trying to convey.  They're on their own, being fed by someone who drops food off at the door and then retreats. They stay up all night, not washing for days, not bothering, not being diverted from anything accept writing, writing, and more writing.

This appeals to me alot.  

I can see why it works.  It must be just so helpful to have this timescale to get the bigger sections down on paper or on screen.  

For me, now, I'm fitting in with everything else - it's a bit stop, start, stop, start.  I know I'm getting somewhere with it, but this writers life, which is one I have manifested, is a challenge.

I'm feeling tired and not seeing too much daylight as I'm based on my screen most of the days.

Soooooooo..... I am gearing up for this last month of editing, re-reads, rejigs and tweaking and really looking to April, where I can then begin on my 44 Wisdom Card Project and have some time off to just enjoy the lighter nights, walking, moving away from the computer and creating, playing with colour.  

It's time.  

I have a been a tad creative as my iPod cover collapsed.

Here's the new cover that I created over on Zazzle - so excited to have it - it's such great quality and I am so delighted that it has my own work on there.  It's available for purchase toooooo. 

Exciting! I may get the hang of this. 

Much Love


Jules  xxx