Does attitude affect our energy?
It's only February and a lot of people have already
decided to erase much of the past year from their
thoughts. So many things we wanted to do and
never got around to, goals and resolutions that
didn't quite turn out as we had hoped.
You might even be giving up on your hopes and
resolutions for this year.

But, what if you choose to think about it
from a different perspective?
Make a list of all of the things you DID accomplish
last year. Same year, same you, only now, you're
acknowledging positive accomplishments.
Your energy shifts from discouraged to encouraged.
Positive energy is engaged and feels so much better!

I read about doing just this on one of the many
business and self-improvement sites that I visit and
was amazed at how much I actually did accomplish
last year! I hope you will try this and let me know
if it makes a difference in your energy.

NATURE'S ENERGY IN ART
Who we are and what we choose to do and be
is powered by our core energy, our spirit, soul,
divine power, God, chi... By whatever name you
are familiar with, every human, animal, plant, tree,
organism, and cell has a life force.
I'm a nature lover and a visual artist. For me, it is
nature's energy and what my art is all about.
In every image, my intention is to share the energy
that I see and feel. Whether it's a flower, leaf, sunset,
the clouds, water, children, or animals,
eveything/everyone has a vital vibration
like an electrical current that ebbs and flows...
dancing, singing, resting, playing, LIVING!

Since a picture is worth at least a thousand words,
I'll share a few of my latest images that can
immediately give you a sense of the uplifting
inherent 'energy' of each nature subject.



Manatee Waters
a nature reflections photopainting

During an early January afternoon visit to the
Deering Estate at Old Cutler, my friend, Paula and I
encountered a pod of about six manatees.
We watched and photographed them for almost
two hours as they played, snorted, splashed and
rested on this perfect winter day. Sure seemed like
they were performing just for our entertainment!
Because of the angles of light and the constant
ripples of the water, I did not get a recognizable
manatee photo, however, this "Manatee Waters"
artwork carries the delight and joy of their
energy as well as the beauty and warmth of a
glorious south florida day!

'Manatee Waters" is available as a fine art print
on paper or canvas in a range of sizes. It can also
be custom printed and framed to complement
any room or office decor. You can see a larger
image and get all the details at:
http://www.debracortese.com/manatee.html

MANATEES are an endangered species.
To learn how you can help them, visit:
http://www.savethemanatee.org
NOTE: a portion of your purchase price of any Manatee
artwork will be donated to Save The Mantee.org

View a National Geographic manatee video here.

. . . . . . .
MONTHLY GIVEAWAYS:
If you haven't already done so, be sure to sign up
to receive my monthly newsletter (just like the
one you're reading now) and you'll instantly receive
a link to download a
digital version
of my 2008 Nature Reflections Calendar.

Starting this month, February 2008, all confirmed
list members will automatically be entered
in my monthly ART or HANDBAG GIVEAWAY.

The winning email/name will be drawn on the
last Saturday of the month.
Winners will be
notified by email, and as soon as they provide a
full mailing address, the monthly giveaway item
will be insured and shipped via priority mail.
Monthly winners will be announced in the next
month's newsletter.
SIGNUP at:
http://www.debracortese.com/SIGNUP.html
to add your name to my newsletter list and be
eligible for every monthly Giveaway!

. . . . . . .
Great Art Gifts!
Jewelry & Desk Flowers
by Erin Inglis

(my oldest and very talented daughter)





February' 2008 Monthly Giveaway
The Classic Totebag featuring
"Cocoplum and Cattails"
a nature's energy reflection image of
a cocoplum bush and cat-tail grass
that accent my front walkway.
The original photo was taken at twilight
when the most magical light entices the fairies
and devas to dance and play
regardless of who may be watching!
Vibrant and subdued hues of violet, purple,
green and rich, golden yellows make this
an elegant and fashionable bag
for evening or casual dress.
See end of this newsletter
for drawing date and details.

If you would like to purchase this bag,
or a different size or design

visit my designer handbags pages
where you can shop safely and securely online.
All orders process through my PayPal account, or
you can order by phone or mail.
. . . . . . .

You can also purchase these
EXCLUSIVE HANDBAG DESIGNS
that I created for
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
from The Shop at Fairchild
10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL
open 9:30 - 4:30 every day except Christmas

. . . . . . .



Monterey Palms
a nature reflections photopainting

Monterey Palms is one of my newest 'Reflection'
images. On a slightly overcast Saturday morning in
January, I attended a Fairchild Tropical Botanic
Garden workshop on landscaping In small spaces at
the home of a master landscape artist in Coral Gables,
Florida. I shot many photos and have several more I'll
be working with soon, but 'Monterey Palms' best
captures the feeling of the 'energy' of the inviting
gardens and the deep appreciation for the beauty of
nature that is so evident in the thoughtful placement
of every plant, rock, tree and feature of this
talented landscape artist's work.

"Monterey Palms" is available as a fine art print
on paper or canvas in a range of sizes. It can also
be custom printed and framed to complement
any room or office decor. You can see a larger
image and get all the details at:
http://www.debracortese.com/monterey.html

. . . . . . .

Tarragon
a nature's energy photopainting

This french tarragon plant has been producing the
most delectable, nutty-licorice tasting leaves for well
over a year, with very little care on my part, just the basics of watering and pruning and usually only when
I want to liven up a salad or add some flavor to a new
recipe. It' grows in a clay pot on my back patio and
just barely catches the morning and late afternoon sun.
Nature's energy - beautiful and edible!

"Tarragon" is available as a fine art print
on paper or canvas in a range of sizes. It can also
be custom printed and framed to complement
any room or office decor. You can see a larger
image and get all the details at:
http://www.debracortese.com/tarragon.html
This is just a small sampling of my Nature's Energy art.

I hope you'll visit my website to see even more.
. . .

NOTE: Visit my Blog for my most recent topics,
opinions and NEW ART. This is the best place to share your
comments and ask questions about the art or blog topics.