Below is the post I wrote for The Inspiration Studio, a gorgeous blog where I contribute a post on Wednesday mornings.
I worked in my studio all day today. I am doing a project called A Hundred Thank-Yous where I am making 100 paintings for 100 people who I am very grateful for. I am making nearly a painting a day. And I am putting so much love into it. And gratitude. And more LOVE.
All this love is making me emotional. (It is not pms, I swear. At least not today.)
While painting, I listened to a CD that a yogini friend gave to me by Snatam Kaur. I had never really listened to it before today.
She has a song called People of Love.
“We are the people,
the people of love.
Let us people love today.”
Honestly, I can barely write about her music without tearing up. I’m sure you have to hear her voice to get the depth of beauty and sweetness in this song. I called my friend to tell her about how I kept crying every time I heard this song and I started to get choked up just leaving the message. I mean, my heart is on my sleeve, people.
Now I am definitely a sensitive-artist-type for sure. It doesn’t take a lot to bring out real, heartfelt emotion from me. But I have noticed that since I have been doing this project, it is like my heart will burst open.
I am learning the simple truth; that focusing on love and gratitude brings about
more love and gratitude.
And that really is sweet.
Hello friends! I'm Lori Portka. I make art with the intention to radiate love and healing. 
“Breath of love, I bow to you…” Oh my gosh, Lori–I just clicked and am now listening to the beauty of her, just caught the above line. wow. Gives me goosebumps & bursts my heart wide open. Thank you, thank you for pointing me to her. I needed this today–feeling a little constricted and lonely.
Your gratitude project makes me want to cry with the beauty of it.
You are all heart, my friend…and I love every bit of you.
I am learning the simple truth; that focusing on love and gratitude brings about
more love and gratitude. <– i tell my kids that all the time…just in a slightly different way! love your post and the woman in your painting…love her leg up in the air, you can feel the joy in it!
Lori, I enjoy your colorful art and will look forward to your posts, as a new follower. Thanks for following my blog. That’s a new adventure for me and one that I’ll think I’ll have fun with.
Lori,
I am such a fan of Snatam Kaur. I play her music during sessions and workshops and rarely do I get through with dry eyes! 🙂 Ong Namo is one of my favorites by her.
I feel your open, loving heart every time I see your art. I am grateful for you (and that I now have a friend who may just be as emotionally sensitive as me). ?
Wow. Just by chance I found you today. I’ve had these thouhts on my mind for some time now, and now I’ve landed here! Awesome!! Your work is beautiful, and the sentiments behind them even more so!!
i adore beautiful you!!!
you exude love and gratitude and how grateful am i to call you friend.
(really…..how the heck did i get so lucky?!?!)
i love your comment about pms …. you know i got your number on that!!!!!
thank you for your continuing inspiration.
loving you
oxoxoxo
kol
Absolutely feeling this right now.
What a beautiful painting…and your site looks amazing.
Love this new piece. Your work has such a nice flow to is. I’am off to look up that musician….I’ll email you back soon sweet friendXOXO.
Lori, I just found your artwork this evening. I looked at EVERY one of your works on Etsy and Loved each one. I love the bright colors, but to me they’re very deep. I’m very emotional too, having just finished treatment for breast cancer (and BEATING IT!) Your work just lifts me up. And also thanks for informing us about the music of Snatum Kaur. I closed my eyes and cried too when I listened.
I am a rug hooker and I would like to talk to you about hooking one of your paintings. Please email me: shabbysheep1@gmail.com. I don’t want to ignore your copyright by any means.
I feel like we’re kindred spirits for some reason. We’ll see!
xo, Sheri
That is good that people are able to receive the loans and this opens new possibilities.