Joseph Campbell expresses my take on life beautifully,
“The way to find out about happiness is to keep your mind on those moments when you feel most happy, when you are really happy — not excited, not just thrilled, but deeply happy. This requires a little bit of self-analysis. What is it that makes you happy? Stay with it, no matter what people tell you. This is what is called following your bliss.”
I live in Fairfield, Iowa, famous for being the “meditating town.” I hope you enjoy reading about my little town in the middle of cornfields. We have been put on the map by Oprah Winfrey and written about in New Age Magazine. We’re an eclectic and eccentric little town filled with spiritual seekers, artists, dancers, actors, writers, and all manner of regular folk.
Oprah Winfrey Visits Fairfield Iowa
My passions include art journaling, painting, and mixed media art. I love living a creative life, reading, writing, and watching films.
Art Journals: A Spiritual Practice
I’m definitely a latte drinking, arugula eating, left-wing former hippie. I care about the environment, and making the world a better place. I love simple living and think small is beautiful.
I’m mystical and have meditated for most of my life. I admire those who have taken, “the road less traveled,” and I’m comfortable being called eclectic.
I have joined Bloggers for Peace
Former Hippie?
Hello Taxman! So nice to see you stopping by here. I guess a bit of hippie still resides within me, but age has tempered some of the”crazy”….do ya think?
I guess so DD! Hope life is well in Iowa. Perhaps I’ll stop for a visit next year when I’m in the area. I’ll bring some bell bottoms and we can protest in your back yard about the ineffective and irresponsible government. Thinking of you!
Yes, all is well…I have a category in my blog called, Life in Fairfield, Iowa – just blogged about when Oprah came to Fairfield to meditate – she had coffee at my favorite coffee house and loved it. You know no matter where we are, we are ultimately just part of the human condition and all that entails. Good to hear from you! 🙂
I really love your blog; it’s so colorful and inspiring! (Thanks for following my blog, too.)
Hi Mamiesmith, thanks so much! You pages make me smile and I’m looking forward to seeing more of your blogs!
I could have written your statement.
🙂 Carla, great minds think alike!
I was called ‘an old hippie’ when I told a nurse I’d put aloe vera on my adult son’s serious (blistered) sunburn … I took it as a compliment, as I prefer natural remedies where possible! I love the quote too – so often we deny ourselves happiness by following other people’s expectations of us. And if we have supportive and loving people around us, they would want us to be happy! As we do them … =D
We seem to be on the same page! First, I have to let you know, I’ve perused your sites and WOW, you are following your bliss – I really love your art and will keep track of your blogs!You are so versatile and I resonate with your approach to all the genres – and thank you for leaving such thoughtful comments on my blogs! Kartika
It’s a pleasure – you really made me think! I’m so glad you like my blogs, too, and I appreciate very much your positive feedback. You have really encouraged me! =D
Thank You for stopping by and liking my blog.
I’m glad to have discovered you : )
My pleasure!
I very much like the absorbed and earnest pride in localism going on here – ‘bespeaks a healthy life, it is reminiscent of William Carlos Williams’ staying put against Ezra Pound’s bounding off to Europe; there is something about smelling the earth where you stand. I can appreciate this, even, living in the UK all my life.
It is interesting to see how ‘ex-hippies’ live on in the world. I am currently haemorrhaging from a professional career and am looking to rekindle a compassion that doesn’t care about the things that do not need to be cared about.
Yes. It seems I’m finding something comforting in paying attention to this time and place and “smelling the earth” where I stand – I love that quote – thank you for reminding me of it. All of my ancestors that I can trace come from the UK and I feel a strong connection with your neck of the woods. It sounds like you are on a great journey rekindling a compassion…it seems many of us are discovering what we really want and need to care for.
I will stay posted on your posts! Best, Kartika
Loving your blog, thank you for sharing your love with the world! I have never been to Fairfield, but thinking it should be a stop over on my annual trip to our lake in Northern Minnesota. Thank you for your grace and beauty!
Wildflower, thank you so much for visiting my posts and leaving such a heartfelt comment. It is really wonderful meeting such warm and caring people by blogging and sharing. Best, Kartika
Eclectic is the only way to make ANY sense of anything, and then it still doesn’t make any sense 😉
btw I’m borrowing your great Joseph Campbell quote. Love it!
Tomas
Oh Thomas! I agree totally that eclectic is the only way – synthesis and being open – the perennial philosophy. And, you are right it still makes no sense at all! 🙂
Joseph Campbell is a jewel!
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Nice reading about you Kartika very beautiful so humble
your whole town is into meditation, I loved that so beautiful of you too have visited my blog, I loved your blessings and insights
Thanks for visiting my blog Ajaytao2010@wordpress.com. Browse through the category sections, I feel you may definitely find something of your interest.
Thank you so much! I enjoy your posts very much – you have so many interesting subjects and so much depth and insight!
thank you so much dear
can I nominate you for an award please
can I nominate you for an award please
That is very kind of you Ajaytoa! I would love it and I appreciate your generous and thoughtful feedback. Om shanti, Kartika
thank you I am nominating you
not for the sake of an award but I like you
A spiritually enriching blog. Not being into deep spirituality myself I love to learn and explore blogs which emanate positive vibrations.
Be blessed.
Thank you Dilip, very nice of you to comment and thanks so much for reading my posts! 🙂 Best, Kartika
Great to discover your where-abouts and see your accomplishments after all these years, Kartika!