Discover the key to a joy-rich life 💖 🌈💕 Reflecting on a year of growth and success…
As I begin this review, it is 11 January 2024—a new moon in Capricorn. I was listening to British Astrologer Lee Harris talking about the purging energy many of us have been through and predicting that 2024 was a year to go deeper into our purpose. His prompting inspired me to begin my year in review and reaffirm my purpose—showing up for love and bringing more beauty and joy into people’s lives.
As I shared in my 2023 in review—fun, fab and fearless, a fun ritual I’ve started is beginning the day with a one-word intention. Words hold vibrations. Some words lift us higher, and some lower us. Words guide us, and words deliver the things we want in our lives (or not…depending on whether you’re using word wands or wielding swords). The way you flourish your words affects how or if you manifest your desires.
This year, I’ve themed 2024 around the words Joy Rich. Joy is one of the highest vibrational states we can achieve. It embodies so many energies—love, peace, happiness…and, of course, joy! For me, it embodies the passion and purpose I have for painting and storytelling—to send love letters to the world and to paint and write about the themes important to me.
I wanted to double down on the joy and love that I had begun to experience more deeply and profoundly since purging and releasing the pain and trauma of 2022 and 2023 of my family’s betrayal. And I got off to a fabulous start.
On the third of January, a lovely local lady asked me if she could come to my studio for a private viewing with a friend visiting from Germany. This year I had decided I didn’t want to feel like I “should” open my studio every weekend but open when I felt called to or someone wanted to. Perfectly manifested! Hello@thejoyfulartist.co.nz—drop me an email if you would love a private viewing:)
🔴The card I drew from the Art of Life Inspiration Deck that day was “Give happiness and joy to others. Uplifting, others boost your happiness too.”
As I wrote in my journal, “A truer word could not have been written or spoken. A lovely, lovely lady called me last night to range a private viewing of the studio and went home with three of my very special works on paper.
The best thing of all is that one of the paintings in particular, she said she chose because it was going to inspire her to be bold and confident as she pursues her art too.
Another couple called in also, having seen I was open, and went home with ideas for their garden and visited the neighbouring alpacas.”
You may enjoy this blog, https://www.thejoyfulartist.co.nz/8-of-the-best-things-about-visiting-an-artist-gallery-and-buying-art-direct-from-them/
Last year, all the personal drama was so distracting that I only published one love story. I am loving January. I am having so much fun writing love stories. 2024 was off to a fine start! I finished Stolen By The Sheikh, which is available now for pre-order. I love this story so much and hope you do.
Why a sheikh romance? It’s the perfect escape—and healing too.
💖 🌈💕 😇🥰🥳 🌞
“The Sheikh’s Untamed Brides is a series about six brothers and sisters who call the beautiful desert kingdom of Avana home. They’re all successful, passionate, and waiting for the perfect partner in love and life.
The first book in the series is about Tariq na Hassir, who has been elevated to Crown Prince following the tragic death of his elder brother in Claimed By The Sheikh, Book 1 in The Sheikh’s Untamed Brides. Anwar, his younger brother, is in this book.
A returnee student (a florist) and her friend contacted me for a special curated art retreat…. yipeeeeeee 🦄🌈☀️💕.
Such a happy day on 10 January (just after I finished Stolen By The Sheikh) visiting my gorgeous collectors in their new architecturally built home, seeing the two paintings they had commissioned from me so joyous in their new surroundings, and sharing wine and food, and laughter…. Lots and lots of laughter 💕💐😍😘
In this video, I share the creative process behind one of the artworks commissioned by this couple as ‘statement pieces’ to adorn the large white walls of their then soon-to-be-completed architecturally designed home.
The brief was “we want it to be a landscape from your mind.” You’ll see the painting evolve from inception to completion and learn more about the story which inspired the painting.
Fun! Fun! Fun is a 1600 x 1100 abstract painting on canvas. As you will see, it is beautifully and lovingly layered with sensuously sultry glazes of acrylic Fun! Fun! Fun! embodies the high-vibe energy of flow, optimism, happiness and joy that our souls ache for after the tumultuous, confining past years of Covid lockdowns.
The painting was completed during one of the worse New Zealand summers on record, during particularly wet and stormy days as driving rain pummeled the studio. In the ‘landscape of my mind,’ I looked to rays of sunshine, bright rainbows stretching across the sky, brilliant shades of flowers. Each touch of colour brightens our day and hints of fresh promise.
Colour brings with it an intrinsic, uplifting sense of hope and optimism—and yes, fun! “Wow! It’s beautiful! Don’t change a thing!” the couple told me when they saw the first completed piece
“We absolutely love the painting. Just so exciting to be part of the process. So great to work with you with lots of fun discussions too. Would highly recommend commissioning a piece of art by Cassandra as a way to depict a landscape from a mind in such a fun and beautiful way.”
Fun! Fun! Fun! Is Inspired by my love of the natural landscape, the pioneering abstract expressionism of Helen Frankenthaler in the 60s and the stunning sea views from my gallery and the couple’s new home. This is an intuitively inspired joyous painting.
Life is beautiful with beautiful souls sharing their joy with me at one day art retreat. It was especially wonderful to experience the day with a mum and her daughter.
“I liked how I could be so creative with the paints and go freedom with it. I feel like paint is now a toy to me so I can play with all the different colours and get all messy. I’m proud of myself for trying different things with paint! I also think I learned a lot by being honest about my work!” -Zarya
I feel so thankful to be able to give joy to others. Winston Churchill was right when he said this brings life to life! Do you agree? 🌸🌺🌹🥀🌷
This lovely lady came for a play date at my studio todayfor a one day art retreat with a really good friend. She had a terrible experience with an art teacher over 40 years ago, who told her that she was a d-student.
She hadn’t painted again since:(
It was wonderful to see her creativity flourish, dare I say, with a teacher who loves to encourage, not disparage. Never let someone’s criticism squash your dreams.☀️💕🦄
Then, to our mutual joy, she and her husband purchased I Bought You Flowers to take home to the UK —a symbol of the fun and freedom they want to embrace in the following years. (the painting is in the background! We didn’t know then that it would be going home with them.)
I was overjoyed to see that I Bought You Flowers arrived safely in her new home in the UK. And then stunned to see how absolutely gorgeous the property is.
Wow, this is like something out of a movie….my large, abstract, botanical, inspired by some flowers my partner brought me locally, has gone off to her new home in the United Kingdom. A massive Georgian house, for their giant office space, soon to be “play room” which is being renovated around the energy of this painting to embolden the new directions in life they now wish to go.
It makes me so happy to know that my paintings create such joy, and act like magic portals, magically transporting them to places and feelings that people wish to manifest.
My commission calendar is now open if you would like to discuss creating a bespoke painting for your home
Intuitive Art: “I Bought You Flowers.” The Story Behind The Painting
Well, this is fun. For many moons I have wanted to write a historical romance—and began to do so. Finally, a few days out from Lovers Day (Valentine’s Day), I published the prequel to my first Regency romance, 5 Nights With The Duke...with a new pen name, Eloisa George.
Here is the blurb
Love Is A Dangerous Art: A later-in-life, fake engagement romance
Henry Lawrence, the notorious Duke of Bedford, must wed quickly and nobly—and his choices, alas, are few. Newly arrived governess Harriet Hartwell is exquisitely beautiful and fiercely intelligent.
Bedford determines to betroth himself to Harri without further ado. As to her lost title and fortune, the fake engagement need only endure 5 nights under his father’s scrutiny. But 5 nights with the Duke is the last thing fiercely independent aspiring artist Harri wants.
Fun fact…
My patriarchal lineage links to the English aristocracy and, in particular, the Duke of Bedford! My great-grandfather’s name was Henry Russell. I still have the family coat of arms rescued from a fire that destroyed my father’s home.
Another fun fact: Princess Diana was related to Diana Cartland and read romance novels and dreamed of marrying a prince.
I began the year by publishing the second book in the Sheikh’s Untamed Brides series:
Amazon; Kobo: iBooks; Barnes and Noble
★★★★★ “I loved Stolen By The Sheikh! The depth of emotions touched my heart!”
Award-winning author Mollie Mathews returns with another heartfelt exploration of the power of love and second chances. Perfect for fans of love stories by Danielle Steel, Sarah Morgan, and Jojo Moyes
Fiercely independent contemporary artist Lucy Ford was absolutely content with her life—until the day maverick Sheikh Anwar na Hassir strolled into her gallery and back into her life. Anwar could not, would not, must not ever know the truth. Not if she was to keep her child.
Luring Lucy to his desert Kingdom, somewhere between the magic of the desert and the stroll along the ocean, she lets him steal her heart. Only to discover that love, once given, can never be returned.
If you love second-chance romance after heartbreak books, you’ll love this exotic second-chance romance.
This is a standalone, clean, and wholesome romance novel. It contains a guaranteed HEA and a tale of romance that will capture your heart.
INCLUDES 3 BONUS CHAPTERS
Claimed By The Sheikh
• Enemies to lovers
• Secret babies
• Opposites attract
• Wrong sides of the track
You’ll love Stolen By The Sheikh
Order this book through the links below…
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR8LGF73
AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CR8LGF73
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CR8LGF73
AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CR8LGF73
UNIVERSAL LINK: https://mybook.to/StolenByTheSheikh
iBOOK, BARNES AND NOBLE, AND OTHER GREAT BOOKSTORES
https://books2read.com/u/mg5dP0
KOBO:
https://www.kobo.com/en/ebook/stolen-by-the-sheikh-3
In March 2024, I facilitated a writing and storytelling retreat. It was magical to watch and hear participants’ dreams pour from their hearts and minds onto the page and become reality.
There was so much magic! Jaime wrote the first chapter of the wartime novel she has had in her head for 20+ years. Heather, in her late 60s, wrote four stories and, with Jaime’s help, created and published her first blog. I loved that Heather has called her blog, ‘Heather’s Passions” and that the dream she held to one day publish her writing is now a reality. All started in the portal of my studio…And this is just the beginning.
It was magic—and so joy-rich! I loved reading the following social media Jaime shared with her friends
“Many of you know that I wanted to be a writer when I was little, and as a teen. I’d type for hours on my electric typewriter.
But my dreams got stymied as an 18 year old and I stopped writing creatively and a little bit of me broke that day. I struggled to write creatively again.
I’ve also had a novel in my head the past 22 years but have never written anything more than the main characters names, even though they’re alive in my head. I’ve not had the confidence to ever start.
A couple of months ago my good friend Nicola sent me a post about a writers retreat with @the_joyful_artiste. Well before i could rescind, I booked and paid and committed.
Last weekend rolled around with fatigue and trepidation but I had committed so I went north for the weekend. Despite my body rallying against me.
And it was transformative.
And I wrote. And wrote. And wrote some more. Little short stories.
Then at the end of Day 1. I started Chapter 1 of “THE BIG NOVEL”. After 22 years it was there.
Then day 2 I had 6 pages written and the characters started coming to life.
I had the privelige of spending two glorious days with Cass and Heather – two phenomenal women. We were transported into a portal of creativity, love, silliness, sassiness and strength.
And I couldn’t be more thankful that the writing spirits dragged my ass up north.”
During Easter, I typed ‘The End’ on BOUGHT BY THE SHEIKH, the third book in the Sheikhs Untamed Brides series, and sent it out to my fab team of Beta readers. BOUGHT BY THE SHEIKH releases May 30 and is available for pre-order now. You’ll find all the links and a fun video on my website>>
I do love variety. Working on different books, short and long, modern and historical, children’s and adults, fiction and nonfiction, and a host of other things keep me interested. I’m a discovery writer, and I love to write about the themes, people, places, and subjects that interest me—like lipstick and chocolate!
I’m in the early stages of writing Beautiful and For The Love of Chocolate and a variety of other novels. Join my newsletter subscribers to stay in the know. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/cigEsH
I’m thrilled with early reviews from my small town romance, Love in Montana. In April I released the teaser, a prequel with the first four chapters.
Here’s the blurb:
Pretending to fall in love has never been so easy…
Ethical corporate raider and billionaire rancher Jack Archer would give every dollar to bring his mother and father back from the fatal car crash that killed them when he was only four. Instead of starting fresh, he’s tied to the ranch his parents created from scratch, and he loves every wild acre of it.
When his grandfather demands that he find a bride or lose his inheritance, the legacy his dad and mom helped build for him, Jack is furious. He loves his freedom, and he doesn’t want a wife. But he’ll do what it takes. He needs a bride, and he needs her fast.
New York lawyer Elizabeth Buckley has lost everything. First, the man she thought she’d marry, then her reputation, and then her job, following the brutal, back-stabbing, slanderous betrayal by her best friend.
Former best friend, make that.
She escapes into fantasy and decides to channel her inner Beth Dutton and escape for three weeks to Montana. In a fateful moment, she meets a handsome heart throbbing cowboy, and unexpected flames spark to life inside her broken heart. But she is suspicious when Jack makes a crazy offer of marriage in exchange for the money she needs to rebuild her life.
The full story releases in June to all book stores, meanwhile, I hope you enjoy the prequel.
Enjoy this book through the links below…FREE FOR KINDLE UNLIMITED READERS
To enjoy your copy from Amazon:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1JDG2PG
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D1JDG2PG
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D1JDG2PG
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D1JDG2PG
Universal Link: https://mybook.to/LoveInMontanaPrequel
Amazon; Kobo: iBooks; Barnes and Noble
I HOPE YOU LOVE THIS FREE EXCERPT! READ LIZZY and JACK’S ROCKY JOURNEY TO TRUE LOVE>>
TRUE LOVE. PURE HEART.
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRR3VDYP
AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CRR3VDYP
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CRR3VDYP
AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CRR3VDYP
UNIVERSAL LINK: https://mybook.to/LoveInMontana
iBOOK, BARNES AND NOBLE, AND OTHER GREAT BOOKSTORES: https://books2read.com/u/3JGv9K
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/en/ebook/love-in-montana-1
It was lovely to see my health and wellbeing book at #1 on Amazon.
In The Happy, Healthy Artist I share dozens of insights based on survey research, my professional achievements, and the success secrets of extraordinary artists, authors, and creative entrepreneurs like Tim Ferriss, Coco Chanel, Leonardo da Vinci, James Patterson, Paulo Coelho, Nora Roberts, Arianna Huffington, Oprah, Isabel Allende, Zaha Hadid, Georiga O’Keeffe, and many more. These successful authors and artists know the ultimate success secret—your health is your wealth and the gateway to prosperous productivity.
“Good book for everyone, not just artists.” ~ 5-Star Review
You’ll find the AMAZON links on my website
Toward the end of April I created, Jungle Book a new artistic creation inspired by the lush greenery of The Artist’s Garden and the boundless joy of honey bees living in harmony with nature, bathed in love and light.
I also released a collection of short love stories.
Everyone deals with loss, whether it’s the death of parents, bereavement, retrenchment, a fracture in a relationship, a wayward child, a financial loss, betrayal, or something more tragic. There are no exceptions: everyone will live in those shadows. Award-winning author and artist Mollie Mathews provides a collection of love stories, capturing her way of embracing the shadow and living in light.
The stories in the What is Soft is Strong: Bittersweet Short Love Stories collection include:
48-year-old Nicky Pelli’s mother hates her, and she’s only just figured it out. When Nicky receives a text a week before Christmas disowning her, she vows she’ll never do Christmas or sacrifice her needs again. Read more and purchase here:
2023 in review—fun, fab and fearless
2022 in review—fear can drive you
GOODBYE 2021 AND HELLO 2022—5 HABITS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE
I LOOK BACK AND IT SEEMS SURREAL—2021 IN REVIEW
I LOOK BACK AND IT SEEMS LIKE MAGIC—2020 IN REVIEW
Posted in: Blog
ABOUT CASSANDRA
I am an artist, storyteller, intuitive guide, mentor and Reiki master. All my creations are infused with positive energy , inspiration, and light. I believe in magic and the power of beauty, joy, love, purpose, and creativity to transform your life. My greatest joy is helping your realize your dreams. That makes my soul sing!
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