I've been a fan of Christine Kane'sblog and eZine for about a year. On December 31, 2009, I worked an exercise she offered her readers: The Word of the Year Discovery Tool.

Wow, I mean, WOW!!!!!!! What a wonderful tool!

Through a series of questions, Christine guided me to discover the word that would intuitively propel me into 2010 in a powerful way. I journaled for about thirty minutes and when I was finished, I was energized! I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that my word for 2010 is Connection.

I intend to powerfully feel my connection: to my inner self; to my art; to my family and friends; to YOU, my collectors; to the Universe; to all things and all beings.

On New Year's Day, Keanu and I went to see the movie, Avatar. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I realized the powerful theme throughout the movie is the interconnection of all things.

There I sat, beaming at the screen, feeling my connection to this fascinating movie!

The next evening, my friend Diana came to paint wine glasses with me and Keanu. Together we painted a collaborative glass in memory of the Tree of Life in Avatar. It's a bit difficult to see in this photo, but the tree itself is painted in black and the luminescent leaves are white.

If you haven't seen the movie, watch it in 3-D. The graphics are amazing; it's a lot of fun! Go ahead, watch the movie and let me know what you think. Imagine how connected we will feel.

This month's featured painting, Promises & Secrets Within, was titled by good friends and the people who watched me paint her in public.

This mystery woman peers out at the world from within us, quiet and confident in her wisdom. She is delighted with the many promises and secrets she holds for us. They are all there for us to find - if we will look with our hearts instead of our eyes.

Who knows what really lies within the inner landscape of our existence? Can we navigate through to find out? Our future stretches out before us. We're on the verge of learning something new, of becoming more fully present in our own lives.

These times in which we live can be exciting or frightening. The choices we make regarding our perception of events, dictate our feelings and our responses to them.

Fear and excitement are "kissing cousins" of one another. When we realize that we can choose between fear and excitement, we have the power to decide which to feel in any given moment.

The awareness that there is a choice to be made comes first.

Collectively we have all begun a new year, 2009. On January 26, we entered the Chinese Year of the Ox, a year representing prosperity gained through fortitude and hard work; how appropriate. In addition, we have a new president who has emphasized the need for accountability and responsibility.

A new time is truly upon us. Who knows what promises and secrets lie ahead? We all have access to our greatness within. Let us choose to open ourselves up to all that is left to be discovered.

Our strengths await our presence. It is up to each one of us to stand tall and true ... our lives hinge on our decision to do so.

To read about Finding Your Promises and Secrets Within, click here.