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Ebb and Flow
My favorite beach for swimming laps  is Kaimana Beach next to the New Otani Hotel in Waikiki. Whenever swimming there I feel invigorated and, as we locals say, "lucky we live Hawai`i".
This morning, less than five minutes after leaving the water, the shape of a shark swam the same route I had just taken. Phew!
It was a small shark, maybe 4 feet long, yet it could explain why so few fish were swimming along the reef today.
Sharks are rarely seen inside the reef in Waikiki, and though this shark was small his teeth would have been as sharp and more plentiful than those of any kitten or puppy. As it was, the shark swam past two men standing in the water and then out to sea.
I feel honored to have seen this shark. Its visit didn't even last a minute. What an auspicious beginning to the day!
I swam seven laps today. It felt like I was flying through the water when swimming with the current; I wished I could "channel Michael Phelps" when swimming against it (the direction the shark took -- the show-off, he had no trouble with the current).
Those laps against the current tested my resolve.
The ocean's current reminded me of the ebb and flow we feel in life and when creating art. Sometimes life flows easily and art practically pours out our fingertips. Other times, not so much.
Sometimes the art feels trapped someplace deep inside and inaccessible. We know it's still there, waiting, biding its time.
Patience, and persistence become our mantra during the ebb times -- along with trust and faith that our internal, invisible spigot will loosen and our art will begin to flow again.
As Julia Cameron reminds us in her book "Finding Water", "Inspiration is far more often a by-product of work than its cause."
It is time once more to get out the paints and paper and make art, even "bad art". Let's not wait for inspiration to strike, let's dive in and see what comes of our joyful efforts.
Until the flow begins, please enjoy my latest mermaid painting:
Shave Ice on the Rocks
These mermaids are sitting on the rocks off Hale`iwa, their tails dangling in the waters while they enjoy a Shave Ice on a hot summer day.
Shave Ice is similar to a snow cone, but different; for one thing, the ice is shaved, not crushed.
In fact, Shave Ice is believed to have been brought to Hawai`i by Japanese plantation workers at the turn of the 20th century. Back then they used their heirloom swords to shave the ice.
Order an 8x10 Shave Ice on the Rocks print for $20 
Order an 11x14" Shave Ice on the Rocks print for $35
Order a 16x20" Shave Ice on the Rocks print for $60
All with NO SHIPPING Charges!
All prints ordered through www.artofaloha.com/shop
during the month of June Ship for Free!
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Early-bird registration of $125.00 includes personal instruction, coffee or tea, and continental breakfast & lunch.
This technique-driven class is for you if you want to have more fun painting, you want to hone your focus, or you want to put your worries to rest. Come on, enjoy your life!
Space is limited.
for more information.
Here is some of what previous students have said about the class:
"My daughter and I had such a fun day together, I know we made a memory that will last a lifetime. Thank you for everything." ~ Angie
"I just had to say HOW much I enjoyed the class. I've been raving about it all week. I painted furiously that weekend, and on my day off. I muddled the paint on the hibicus, so I decided to just keep going with it. Managed to get some depth in one flower. The other is a bit over worked, but I'm learning from it. Maybe this weekend I can paint again!
Thank you for the wonderful class! Can't wait to take another." ~ Carol
Sign up today by calling Patrice at 808-392-9104
Better yet, email her at: Patrice@artofaloha.com
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 Come visit me in Booth 23 to celebrate the 15th annual
Hale`iwa Arts Festival on July 21 and 22, 2012
Get your free postcards from me. Bring the kids, they can create art in the Keiki Tent. Watch painters paint and potters throw pots, listen to story tellers, live music, and eat ono grinds.
This is the very best arts festival on the islands;
come have fun and check it out!
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Mahalo Nui Loa for all your energy and support throught the years, remember to take advantage of FREE shipping in June!
PS You can find my official page on facebook fan page HERE. Become my online fan by pressing the Like button.
"Mediocrity comes from the perfect implementation of traditional wisdom. The person who achieves spectacular failure has at least attempted something bold. Failure is a temporary condition. Success is likewise temporary. Life, itself, is temporary. So quit hesitating.
Do something."
~ Roy H. Williams
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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