Decisions, Decisions In the last eZine we discussed habits and how to change them. Changing habits, dropping old ones and picking up new ones, rests on making decisions. Sometimes making decisions comes easily, and we make them quickly. Other times it can feel like pulling teeth. Sometimes we see valid reasons on either side of the decision equation and get stymied with indecision. If we believed there are no wrong decisions, would we make them more quickly and easily? Really? Is it even possible that there are no wrong decisions? What if it is true? What if all we need to do is to put our "all" into our decisions and just "go for it"? What if once we "went all in" and saw we were headed in a direction we didn't really want to go, we simply changed our mind and headed in a new direction? Could it be this simple? What if we decided to make more decisions more often? It's not as if we never make decisions, we already make hundreds of decisions daily. We decide what to wear each day, what to eat, what phone calls to answer, what emails to delete, and more. Maybe we need to make more conscious decisions. What if we decided for one week to ban the phrases "I don't care" and "you decide" from our lexicon? What if we challenged ourselves to make clear, conscious choices every day, all day for one week? We get to decide!
This feels a little exciting and a little scary, so it should make for an interesting week! It might be good to let those close to us know what we're up to, so they aren't too surprised if our normally laid-back personality gets revved up a notch or two!
Making decisions involves voicing our opinions rather than deferring to those of another. Making decisions could lead to disagreements. It could also lead to a more lively life!
"If it's not a hell yes, it's a hell no!"
I first heard this phrase from Christine Kane and have used it when I felt the tug of indecision. It works.
How to Avoide Decider's Remorse:
Don't look back. No second-guessing allowed. Align all thoughts with your choice. Forward thinking is allowed.
Yes, we can change our mind, but not immediately. First experience the choices made. Feel the consequences. Were they expected or not? Notice how one decision influences the next. 
"Creatures of Habit" The last eZine generated some very interesting responses. Andrea wrote to tell me of an art exhibit at Marks Garage in Honolulu. Charlie told me of his memories swimming at the beach I mentioned, except when he was growing up, it was part of a large estate on the water. You can read his fascinating story on my blog. Creatures of Habit is now on the website and available for purchase. Remember, June is the month of free shipping, and it is almost over. Act quickly! 8x10 matted print = $20  11x14 matted print = $35
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Our next Hide-N-Seek Watercolor Workshop at the Waioli Tea Room in Honolulu will be on August 5 & 6, 2011.
$225.00 includes personal instruction as well as coffee, tea, and water all day long, continental breakfast, and lunch.
If you want to have more fun painting, sign up now.
Space is limited.
Here is some of what previous students had to say about the class:
"Because of my draftsman background, everything has scale
and lines, and what this class taught me to do is use my imagination and not worry about lines. Personally I need to get over making errors and just paint!" ~ Wayne
"What a wonderful class! You have a great teaching style - encouraging, up-beat, and fun. It was well worth the trip from the mainland. The venue was lovely, the food fine. The class was an admirable combination of efficiency and artistic ambience."
~ Alice W. O'Sullivan
Read a review of this last class by international sculptor,
Marilyn Radzat, here.
Sign up by calling Patrice at 808-392-9104
or emailing her at Patrice@artofaloha.com,
or call her assistant, Rebecca Snow, at 808-286-5909
Click here to see Rebecca Snow's art.
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 The Hale`iwa Arts Festival is just around the corner!
Mark your calendars for July 16 & 17, 2011
Plan your trip to the fabulous north shore of O`ahu!
You will find me in space #20. See you there!
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Your Free Postcard of Pono is now available!
Please send an SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) to me at PO Box 61707 Honolulu, HI 96839-1707 to receive three free postcards!
Mahalo for taking the time to read this Art of Aloha eZine. If you have a moment, I hope you will share it with a friend either by forwarding it, or by clicking on the Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn buttons!
A Hui Hou,
PS You can find my official page on facebook fan page HERE . Become my online fan by pressing the Like button.
"To change one's life: 1. Start immediately.
2. Do it flamboyantly.
3. No exceptions." - William James
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Born in Port Washington, WI and educated at the University of Wisconsin/Madison, Patrice Federspiel first visited Hawai'i in January 2000. Within five months she had found a way to quit her job, sell her home, and move to Hawai'i to paint. 
Patrice Federspiel