Friday, December 30, 2011

Beginnings

My word for 2012 is going to be "beginnings".  Beginnings can represent the start of something new or changes in your current life. The creative journey that I'm committed to has totally new and has taken me out of my comfort zone and everything is a beginning. I want to accept those beginnings in a more positive frame instead of always wishing I already knew everything. After all it has been said many times to "enjoy the journey".  I have experienced my share of fumbling at the start of a new project and then there are those times I totally surprised myself and did pretty darn good.  I have encountered people who support my journey and I've came across nay sayers.  It's forever changing.

This year has been good to me yet I am ready for the next one, even if it means getting a year older. Most of the challenges I faced, with time, I was able to transform them into learning experiences.  I found the silver lining.  That doesn't mean I didn't get pissed off at some stuff because I did.  I just chose not to stay in that frame of mind.  Looking forward  is my way of accepting change.  Change can be difficult if I allow myself to dwell on what I am letting go of instead of anticipating what I am gaining. 
 
I am in the midst of  beginning to open my Etsy shop and officially start selling my art to the public.   I'm excited and scared all rolled into one package.  So.... I am going to concentrate on my word beginning and let the rest fall into place.  The knowledge that everything happens for a reason and ability to learn from the unpleasnat things will help me not let fear hold me back.
 
Thanks for your continued support it means more to me than you know.

Have a Happy New Year!
 
 
 
 

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Saturday, December 17, 2011

enjoy life


Brayden Nicholas Rowland was my inspiration.
While  holding my new grandson, watching him wiggle around and stretch his little arms, scrunch up his face, then fall fast asleep in my arms without a care in the world, I was reminded again to enjoy the little things in life.  It was pure pleasure to just sit and watch that little guy.  I want to remember that no matter how hectic my life seems, there is always a few moments I can take to be grateful for my life and  even take the time to "smell the flowers". 

This little girl in my painting is doing just that.  She's enjoying the day and smelling the flowers.  She feels comforted enough to sit down on the soft grass.  She's barefoot so she can feel the earth beneath her.  The fence behind her symbolizes the division between our busy life and our peaceful moments.

My goal is to start taking the time to enjoy the little things in life,  how about you?

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

welcome to the world

I have been steadily making progress on my creative journey.  Although lately, I was temporarily, yet eagerly, detoured.  I have been reminded, again, that there is more than one way to be creative.  I have been creatively watching  with my 2 year old granddaughter, Delaina, while her mom and dad were at the hospital delivering her new baby brother.  Let me introduce to you my new grandson, Brayden Nicholas.
Delaina and I went to visit him at the hospital last night.  It was her first time to see him and she was all over him.  Kissing him, touching him, checking out his feet/hands, and  she even help change his diaper. Delaina wanted to hold him "all by herself".  She kept saying to Brayden, "I've got you".  Now how sweet is that?

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

let it go

As you guys may know, I have been watching Oprah's Life Class.  These classes have encouraged  me to do some soul searching which, in turn, has inspired me in creating art.   Until I started asking myself "deep" questions I never realized how much stuff (shit) I have been holding onto.  A little bit or alot doesn't matter, it is still stuff that is holding me back. This journey that I am on is about letting my creative spirit out to play, which is also about setting myself free.  I am beginning to pay more attention to things in my life from a whole new perspective.  Sometimes I do not like what I see while I am an observer of my life, yet I know it is only when I am aware that I can shift my thoughts and or actions.  That would be my step #1 with many more to follow.

I want to thank Christina Fajardo, a very talented artist,  for posting about Oprah's Life Class on her facebook page.  I was listening to your encouragement!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

hold on to love

I have been watching Oprah's Life Class.  The classes began some time ago-I got a late start.  I have the shows taped and I watch the webcast on line whenever I want.  The lessons being taught are resonating with me and I am feeling some stirring going on within my soul.  It's all a good thing! 
This piece of art was meant to be a reminder to hold on to love, particularly self-love! 

Saturday, November 19, 2011

my computer is back



Woo Hoo!! I finally got my computer back thanks to my amazing computer geek son-in-law, Josh.  He was my savior.  My hard drive crashed about a week ago and I lost all my programs.  I didn't loose any data because I do backup with Mozy.  I did loose all my fonts because they were in Microsoft Word and I lost that program.  It's a small price to pay for the lessons I learned.
     #1.  Also, store my fonts in a data file
     #2.  Continue to back up my data with an outside source.

For any of you who do not back up your files, you should.  I would have been extremely disappointed if I had lost everything. 

Sunday, November 13, 2011

it finally happened

This morning my computer wouldn't work.  It seems either my computer itself or my hard drive is bad.  My son-in-law has taken it home to run some diagnostics on it.   I have backed up all the data manually and off site thru Mozy.  What a sigh of relief!  At least I know I didn't loose any data.  This shift gave me the opportunity to work in my studio, which I did for most of the day.  Couldn't resist the beautiful weather, tho.  I worked outside in the yard for a while, too.  I'm keeping my chin up and my fingers crossed.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

stepping out of my box

Remember I said I was "stepping out of my box" and creating art that was different.  I did it, I finished her!  She's festive, she's fun, and definitely unique which is why the piece is titled "Celebrate Your Uniqueness".  My husband critiqued her, what is supposed to be, hair and my only response was "It's Art".  I used bright colors, imaginative patterns/concepts, and I made a smile with teeth showing.  I'd say that fit the criteria of "stepping out of my box".  Wouldn't you?  Tell me what you think.


Wednesday, November 9, 2011

the Universe steps in

Most of my adult life, not all of it but most of it, I have played it safe - all my duckies in a row.  My daytime job as an Office Manager is in alignment.  I'm not saying this is a bad trait, because it isn't, at all.  It has and continues to be a good characteristic that I possess.  I just want something more in my art.   I said in my opening statement of my blog that I want to let my creative spirit out to play

So... I have been journaling about it and I'm asking the Universe for guidance.  I'm learning to pay attention to the ways I may be guided.   Here is a quick sketch (remember I'm new to this) that I did yesterday on my lunch break at work. I gave myself 15 minutes.  Notice the right side of her face?  That is the Universe stepping in.  I was going to make a correction to her eye because I wanted it to look just like the other one, the eraser had ink on it which created a big smear.  It took me only a moment to realize the Universe was veering me from the "straight laced way" in which my drawings have been to something more creative.  So I smeared more ink. This is a HUGE step for me!! I was so inspired by "stepping out of the box" that I started another piece last night that had me up til 1:30 am.  I'll post it when I'm finished.
Thanks for sharing this journey with me. 
It wouldn't be as much fun to do it alone.
Your support and encouragement fuels me to keep creating.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Spreading Our Wings Blog Hop

A BIG THANKS to Kelly Rae Roberts !
It's been said, "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear". 
Thank You, Kelly,  for coming into my life when you did.
 I have taken your words of wisdom  from your Flying Lessons e-course very seriously. 
AND...  I now believe I can fly! 


If you want to meet some incredible, creative women, click on each link below and savor every site.
You, too, will be inspired to spread your wings and fly!


 Amaranthine Violet: http://magic-gypsy.blogspot.com/
Amy Hillenbrand: http://amyhillenbrand.blogspot.com/
Beatriz Peñas B.: http://beatrizbepe.blogspot.com/
Beth Cougler Blom: http://sobliss.wordpress.com/
Carmen Patti: http://carmenpattistudio.com/wordpress/
Carol Bray: http://theredpaintedcottage.blogspot.com/
Christina Fajardo: http://christinafajardo.blogspot.com/
Cindy Jones Lantier: http://www.lantier.org/
Connie Rawlins : http://www.dabblinginlife.blogspot.com/
Dana Brock: http://www.dzynbydana.blogspot.com/
Deborah Velásquez : http://deborahvelasquez.blogspot.com/
Elissa Brown: http://thefreckledarmy.blogspot.com/
Hillary Courson: http://www.hillarycourson.com/
Jacquie Williamson: http://www.jacquiewilliamson.blogspot.com/
Jane Paynting: http://inkspiredwings.wordpress.com/
Janet Forrest: http://tatterednworn.wordpress.com/
Jennifer DeVille: http://jenniferdeville.com/blog/
Jill Lambert : http://www.jill-lambert.blogspot.com/
Julie Hamilton: http://spaark.wordpress.com/
Kanchan Mahon: http://Kanchan-Mahon.blogspot.com/
Karen Claverie: http://giddyupletsride.blogspot.com/
Kari DeSaulnier: http://karidesi.blogspot.com/
Kathleen Conard : http://newfromoldcreations.blogspot.com/
Kathleen McKinnon: http://harmonyschoolhouse.com/expressions-blog.html
Kathy May: http://kathymaydesigns.org/
Kelley Miller: http://www.kelleymillerartworks.blogspot.com/
Kelly Corso: http://birdinatreecreations.blogspot.com/
Kelly Hoernig: http://www.kellyhoernig.blogspot.com/
Kim Hyer: http://www.apaperaddict.com/
Kris Lanae Binsfeld: http://cherishdesigns.wordpress.com/
Lenore Angela: http://www.lenoreangela.blogspot.com/
Linda Barutha: http://lindabaruthadesigns.blogspot.com/
Lisa Michele Products: http://www.lisamicheleproducts.blogspot.com/
Liza Zeni Baker: http://lizazeni.wordpress.com/
Lynn Richards: http://alittlebluesky.blogspot.com/
Lori Leissner: http://leissnerart.blogspot.com/
Lori Moon: http://lorimoonstudio.blogspot.com/
Mary Cottingham: http://www.barnbugstudio.blogspot.com/
Mary Sterk: http://justmarydesigns.wordpress.com/
Megan Schmitt: http://www.schmittenwithwords.blogspot.com/
Melanie Douthit: http://www.douthitgallery.blogspot.com/
Michelle Dwyer: http://www.magnetisedbylife.com/
Michelle Reynolds: http://shellsinthebush.blogspot.com/
Rain Hannah: http://honeyandollie.com/
Rhiannon Connelly: http://www.starrybluesky.wordpress.com/
Ruth-Mary Smith: http://patchworkfamilieshub.blogspot.com/
Sherry Richert Belul: http://simplycelebrate.net/cherry-blossom-soup
Shirley Ann: http://leonardarenaissancewoman.blogspot.com/
Stacey Chadwick Brown: http://staceybrownarts.blogspot.com/
Susan M. Walls-Beverly: http://www.susanscharmingtrinkets.blogspot.com/
Teresa Cash-Czech: http://www.asmilemaker.com/
Tina Carlborg: http://www.tinachicky.blogspot.com/
Tonya Love: http://passport2creativity.com/
Ursula Smith: http://www.EasyScraps.com/blog
Mary Cottingham   http://www.barnbugstudio.blogspot.com/


Monday, October 31, 2011

I'm back.

John and I just returned from a trip to Sedona, AZ.- we were there for our anniversary. 
Sedona is known for it's beautiful and majestic red rocks.
This is Bell Rock, one of my favorites.
We totally enjoyed our week climbing the rocks and walking the trails.  Climbing those big red rocks taught me, again, about trust.  There were many times that I wasn't sure I could go further.  John would encourage me over and over again until I mustered up the courage to take one more step.  What a metaphor for life, having the courage to take one more step forward

In the evening we often ended up in the hot tub, with a cocktail in hand, of course.  We met some wonderful and fun people while relaxing and reminiscing about our adventures of the day.  I met 2 incredible women - I hope to stay in touch with both of them.  It wasn't until the last day that I learned one of them is about to become a "brave girl" and finally push thru her fear to move toward her dream.   I know how exciting and scary that can be, changing your whole prospective about your life and where it is going.  Yet with each step forward, even each baby step,  the fear starts to loose it's intensity and you get to reap the rewards.  Just like when I pushed thru the fear of climbing, by going one more step up on the red rocks it gave me confidence to keep going.  It was then I reaped the rewards to sit at the very top of Cathedral Rock and receive all the energy it had to offer.  AND how sweet it was!!!
I'm all charged up!!


Friday, October 21, 2011

she understands

Do you remember having those moments when something just seems to click and you “totally get it”? I recently had one of those moments.

When Steve Jobs died, approx. 2 weeks ago, it had an impact on me. I was wanting to more about his life and what he had accomplished in such a short time. I, like many other readers, came across the commencement speech he gave at Standford University in 2005. I listened to it many times on YouTube and was quite captivated by what he had to say. When I listened to him talk about connecting the dots I felt like another piece of my puzzle had been found. Intellectually, I know that all things happen for a reason and that my life, and everyone else’s life, has a purpose. It’s as if the information finally made it’s way to my heart. Since listening to that speech on YouTube, I have spent many hours remembering things that have happened in my past and realizing how each life experience, good and not so good, has brought me to where I am today.

I created this piece as a reminder to me and to all others to continue to have faith and keep moving in the direction of your dreams.  Keep believing that all future dots will connect, too. And if you start to doubt it, just pause for a moment and reflect into your past and connect those dots then realize you are just where you are suppose to be.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Possibilities

I have been steadily working in my studio and loving every minute.  I am learning so much and meeting some incredible women  along the way,  with the same aspirations to let their creative spirit out to play.  It's easy to start believing more in myself when I hear other stories that sound similar to mine.  The thread we all have in common is we just began.  I want to encourage anyone who is reading this to take a moment and just imagine letting your creative spirit out to play.  I encourage you just to begin, even with the smallest step.  When you do, let me know so I can pay my support forward!

...believe in ALL the possibilities, whatever they may be.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Imagine Possibilties

This is my 3rd girl drawing/painting and she tested me in many ways-my patience and my self confidence, just to name a few.  I found myself struggling with the dreaded perfectionism, a feature I knew I possessed, a little,  but I didn't realize it had such a grip on me.  I just couldn't get the hair to go the way I wanted it to go.  I was at my wits end!  I'm not exactly sure why but I thought of my sister Bonnie which led me to put a big flower on her head.  When I did that it seemed like her whole face just came alive.  The hair was no longer and issue.  I was now smiling instead of feeling deflated.

When we imagine the possibilities, not just in a painting but it life, then do something out of the ordinary it can totally change the whole frame of the situation we are in.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Be Still

One of the things I want most in my life is to "learn to be still".  To quiet my mind.  Become more in touch with my spirit and learn to allow my intuition to guide me.  I journal about that desire regularly.  But..... I find myself getting caught in the life trap. 

Last week I went into my studio and this piece of art is what I created.  This is my second attempt at drawing.  I am kinda liking what is happening.  Just imagine - if I combined my tenacity to learn how to draw with being still what the result would be.  It makes my heart smile just to think about it.  Writing the above sentence causes to me pause.  I want more than anything to live out my dream of creating art.



Sunday, September 25, 2011

I'm really exposing myself

I've wanted you guys to come with me on my creative journey, right?

As you know, I really want to learn how to draw. So.......... I have been practicing - watching you tube videos - I've even enrolled myself in Suzi Blu's portrait class. My first drawing I showed you was on 8/29/11 and now I am ready to show you the girl I drew today. I am so glad that I see improvement from the first time even though I have a ways to go before I am totally happy with the results.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Lessons along the way.

Ahhhhhhhh! (softly spoken)  This is my word for now.  It feels good to be busy creating, feeling like I am getting somewhere in this journey.  Sometimes the steps seem so small that I am barely moving and then there are those times that I am moving faster and getting somewhere.  I know for certain that if I keep moving I will get where I want to be.

I just finished an incredible 5 week ecourse with Kelly Rae Roberts.  I learned sooooooo much about how to take this passion of mine and turn it into a creative business.  Alot of what she taught will serve me later down the road.  One of the most valuable assets I acquired from this course is the amount of support from the other students, "flyers", that continues even after the course is over.  They are there to offer their advice, answer questions, and be your cheerleader.  Often times I felt intimidated by the progress the other students seem to be making and I felt I was taking so long.  I decided to stop comparing myself to others and continue to enjoy the journey.  And an old saying came back to me, "You can't eat an elephant whole, but you can bite, by bite, by bite." 

I am currently doing an on line course with  Suzi Blu learning how to draw faces.  I'm liking it!  My faces are starting to look more like people and less like aliens.  That's a good thing! 

My husband did an amazing thing for me! He made me this 8' long railing that can hold all my pieces I am currently working on.  These are the projects that I know need something else and I am not sure what.  With them being in my sight I am able to complete them much faster. 
The best part about this rail is that my husband made it for me.  I explained to him what I wanted and he took upon himself to make it a reality.  It's just another way he shows his support for what I am doing.  The depth of how I feel is difficult for me to put into words for the whole cyber space to see.  Just know that it is BIG!  With him on my side, is just one more reason for me to keep moving in the direction of my dream.
I'm a happy artist!!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

A caterpillar becomes a butterfly

I have been busy, busy, busy working in my studio.  I have multiple projects going and they are  in different stages.  I did finish one project and I wanted to share it with you.  It's for my friend Jill who is moving, with her 2 cats, from Chicago to a small town in Colorado.  She will be starting another new chapter in her life, one that she is really looking forward to.  I wanted to make her something to always remind her of how special this journey is, especially on those days when she's missing her friends.  The butterfly seemed to be perfect because it represents change.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Monday, August 29, 2011

My first drawing!

I feel kinda silly but I'm putting this out there anyway.  Lately, when I see someones drawings I have been feeling the "little whispers" to draw, too.   So.... tonight I sat down with a pencil & a sheet of paper and started to draw.  Within 10-15 minutes she appeared.
I am so frickin happy I could just spit!
I didn't know I had it in me.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

CREATE mixed media

I just had 2 wonderful days at the CREATE mixed media retreat.  I took 2 classes and both of them were very good.  The one that resonated the most with me was A Craving for Circles taught by Mary Beth Shaw. 
She was an absolute genuine person, very easy going, and funny! You could tell that she loved what she was doing.  And she really wanted you to get the most out of her class.
 Her class is what I have been yearning for... techniques. She is from Missouri and will soon be opening up her studio to teach classes.  I will be taking some road trips to learn more from her. 



I met some incredible women there, too.  Peggy sat beside me.  We shared some stories and laughed a little.  Peggy wore a beautiful blue feather in her hair that  looked good and it fit her personality.  I want one!! :-)  She wore an apron that she had drawn a woman's face on it.  Awesome is the word to describe her face.  She said she followed the instructions given by Kelly Rae Roberts in her Taking Flight book.  This was just the encouragement I needed to try my hand at drawing a face.  I'll show you later what I came up with.  Here is the artwork I created from Mary Beth's class.

It will proudly hang in my studio as my 1st  piece of artwork! 
I, also, had the pleasure of meeting Jenny Petricek whom I have been communicating with since I started my blog.  It seemed like I had known her forever.  Her blog is authentic and represents who she truly is as a person.  Be sure to check out her blog about the "Altered Book" she is doing in honor of her Grandmother.  Her passion shines thru in the book.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

icing on the cake

Most of you know that in I April I registered for and  have been extremely excited to be taking painting/art classes at the CREATE mixed-media retreat which happens to be within 1-2 miles from my home.  How sweet is that?   It's getting closer and closer!  Thursday evening (as in tomorrow) I will be taking a class with  Joanne Sharpe about artful lettering.  Saturday I will be spending the entire day with Mary Beth Shaw in a class called A Craving for Circles.  Part of my creative journey has been learning more "techniques" to be able to incorparate in my art.  I am really starting to believe that I can do this.  That in itself is a wonderful feeling!
I got an email from Jenny Petricek, someone I met at the beginning of my creative journey, we have encouraged each other along the way and started to develop a friendship.  She is going to be at CREATE mixed-media retreat on Saturday, too.  We are planning on getting together after our classes.  I am soooooo happy to be able to finally meet her.  I've heard it said over and over again, "that it's not just about the art you create, it's also about the people you meet along they way".   I would have to say that is very true!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

What I have been up to.

I am just finishing my 2nd week of Flying Lessons with Kelly Rae Roberts.  When past students have said that her e-course is good, they weren't kidding.  It's even gooder!  :-)   We are being taught some very powerful stuff about social networking and the importance of using it to get your art out there.  Needless, to say... I've had myself planted in front of my computer for what seems like forever tweeking things, learning new things, and making changes.  I am now at a fairly comfortable  (I'm sure that will change) place to start enjoying the community, fellow flyers (students)  that are on their own creative path.  It's cool getting to know people that have the same aspirations.  I have started to build relationships when some of you already, there's just more people to meet.  I value everything I can learn from another person.  As Kelly Rae Roberts has said in one of her paintings "your story matters... tell it".  I'm right there ready to listen.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Go figure!

I have been working in my studio all day.  Having lots of fun!! Totally enjoying all of my projects when out from nowhere I started feeling very tired.  I couldn't, for the life of me, figure out why?  I had a good nights sleep, ate a good breakfast and lunch, even went outside for a while.  Then it dawned on me. My mom use to say  "you become the company that you keep" I never quite understood what she meant.  But now I get it! She was right!  Here are my 2 cats, Merlot and Marmalade.  They like to be in my studio with me with I am creating.  It's no wonder I was tired, I was becoming the company I was keeping.  Do you think I kicked them out of my room? 

Woo Hoo look who turned 2

My Grandaughter Delaina

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

meet my husband, John

I wanted you guys to meet my husband, John.  He is my best friend and my #1 supporter.  He doesn't always see my vision, which is OK,  he keeps me on my toes.   He does want me to do whatever "makes me happy".  And creating makes me happy!

This picture was taken at the Wisconsin State Fair this past weekend.  We love going there and just meandering around.  We especailly like to look at the variety of chickens and rabbits. 
They certainly don't look like anything my Granny use to have on her farm.

It has only been one day of the Flying Lessons e-course with Kelly Rae Roberts.  WHEW!!  I'm loving it!  I am so inspired!  If any of you are "on the fence" about joining the course, I'd highly suggest that you take the leap and come over to this side of the fence.    She only offers this course once a year! 

Saturday, July 30, 2011

LEAP

Today is the day!! 
I am introducing my site to Facebook.  Since February, I have been in this seemingly safe environment because I haven't really told too many people about my site.  I have met many "like minded people" who have gently encouraged and nudged me to keep moving  in the direction of my dream.  This is a HUGE leap in faith!  I am scared and excited at the same time. 
Following is to a song that has been and continues to be very important to me and has encouraged me tremendously through the years.  It's not where you start it's where you finish.  ENJOY!!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Let me introduce you

I am very happy to introduce, Cyndi, my new found friend and the first person to purchase my artworkMy first sale!!!! How exciting is that!?!  She purchased 2-14 x 18 vision boards and has commissioned me to make 8 more which she will be giving away as gifts. When Cyndi asked me to make the vision boards for her I was, needless to say, tickled pink.  I think she was just as excited to be "my first".  We decided to take this cheesy picture to honor the experience.  A BIG thanks to Cyndi for believing in me and uplifting my spirits to keep moving in the direction of my dream.  This "first sale" means more to me than dollars and cents, it is an affirmation that I am moving in the right direction.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

See what I just did.

I just signed up for Kelly Rae Roberts "Taking Flight"  ecourse that starts 8/7/11.  I am doing the frickin happy dance over here!  I am sooooooooo happy.  A while back  I promised myself that whenever she would offer the ecourse again I was taking it.  Without hesitation, I registered.  I admire her greatly.  She is just a regular person who has become successful within a short few years by following her passion.  This ecourse is her GPS for getting there.  I want to get there, too.  How Grand can it get?  I'm so thrilled to have this opportunity. 

Does anybody want to sign up and take the journey along with me?  It will be quite rewarding.
http://kellyraeroberts.com/flying-lessons

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Artist's Way Week 12

A SHOUT OUT TO ME!!!!!

I just finished week #12 of the Artist's Way.  In March I made a commitment to myself and out loud to begin, again, and this time finish the program.  I did it!  I would read the lesson, then listen to Effy Wild on you tube go over that week.  It was nice to have another take on the weeks lesson.  I would go on my merry way doing the tasks and assignments.  I've come out on the other side being more confident about the path I am on.  I loved, loved, loved doing the morning pages.  So much so  that I have decided to continue to do them.  I learned many things about myself along the way.  Some surprises!  I would highly recommend this program for any one interested. 

Tomorrow is the first week of Mondo Beyondo!!  YEAH!!

I did this art work for John's mother.  It's of his Father and Mother on their wedding day in 1948.




Sunday, July 3, 2011

Messages in Peculiar Places

Last night John & I went to a local outdoor festival and listened to some music.  All the music was good, we liked Stix they best.  They were awesome!!  There was a time when Tommy Shaw, one of the singers, told the story about how he came to be a part of the band.  He said that after high school he was thinking about what to do with his life.  He said he had always wanted  to belong to the band Stix.  A while later he got a call from Stix and they asked him to come to Chicago and join their band.  Which, of course, he did.   He then said, "Decide what you want to do with your life, follow you passion, and put your desire "out there".  You will be able to do what you want to do."  Goodness gracious!  I got the goose bumps and felt this incredible surge of energy all the way thru my body.  I knew, without a doubt, that he had delivered a message directly to me.  AND I received it!

I start my Mondo Beyondo e-course July 5.  Here I come!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Best Friends

Last night I tried my hand at doing a form of art journaling except I made a picture for my granddaughter.
I felt like I had struck gold when I found Pam Carriker -she has tutorials on youtube where she gives step by step instructions.  Just what I have been searching for, someone to teach me.  She has more to offer and I am a sponge to learn all I can.  I learned so much from her, already.  Check her out at: pamcarriker.com/tutorials

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Sharing a message

I just listened to this message from Earle Nightingale.  It really hit home for me so I thought I would share it.
http://www.zenhabits.com/

I use to listen to him a along time ago for inspiration when I sold Mary Kay Cosmetics.   It was inspiring to rehear the same message.  I needed to hear it then just like I need to hear it now.

ADDED 9 hrs. after my original post
I just registered for  Mondo Beyondo   mondobeyondo.org/register
The opening line hooked me  - "This six week class will give you the courage and confidence you need to make your unspoken dreams a practical reality."  Just what the doctor ordered!
 YIPPPEEEE!

Monday, June 20, 2011

30 minutes

I gave myself 30 minutes to create a piece of art.
I DID IT!
And... I had alot of fun!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

It was Divine Intervention

Last night, at approx 9:00 pm, I went into my studio with the intention to create some art. I ended up sitting there looking at a blank piece of acrylic paper. All sorts of yucky, fearful, negative thoughts and emotions started to swarm around in my head. After a while of sitting and staring-sitting and staring I became teary eyed. I wanted sooooo much to create and all I could come up with was a blank stare, I felt frozen. Out of frustration I finally affirmed loudly, with a few swear words, (thank goodness I was home alone) that "I CAN DO THIS! Just guide me!" I, also, remembered that someone said "there is no failure in making art-just begin". That is exactly what I did. I started putting paint on my fingers and smearing it on all over the acrylic paper. With the help of some divine intervention, I got in the groove and created this piece below. I was up until 2:30 am and I loved every minute of it, even the beginning. I learned, once again, to believe! Seems to be my theme song these days!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Monday Morning Message

Every Monday morning I receive a kick ass quote from Andrea Owen  from yourkickasslife.com  

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." -Helen Keller

Seems like perfect timing to me!!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

believe BIG

This past Tuesday I was told by my boss that:
  #1. My hours would be cut to part time status
  #2. I would no longer be covered with insurance
  #3. He would no longer be contributing to my simple IRA retirement plan
  #4. I would no longer have any PTO days (personal time off)

All I could say was Thanks!-sarcastically, of course.  I'm sure the look on my face said more.  I turned my back on him because I could not talk about it without crying.  You see, I have been with this small company for 12 years and I assumed I would retire there.   I have always believed that if I helped my employer succeed then I would be successful as well.  Ask me if I believe that now, I'd have to say HELL NO!  I'm 58 years old, thru the course of my life I should have learned this lesson by now.  After the initial shock was over it didn't take me long to get back to my core belief that everything happens for a reason.  So..... I went to my studio and I worked on this piece of art.  There's nothing better than being in an uncomfortable position to assist you in learning about who you are.  I've been uncomfortable before and I grew personally.  I'd like to say that I make a pretty good batch of lemonade!  You'll be seeing more of me.
Keep Smiling!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

The best Mother's Day gift


This is the VERY best Mother's Day gift I could have ever been given. 
The gift of being a Grandmother!! 

Saturday, April 23, 2011

My morning walk

While I was on  my morning walk I was listening to music and the song "Stay the Same" by Joey McIntyre came on.  www.youtbe.com/watch?v=qCmmsPJ0KYM&feature=related  I found myself getting teary eyed especially at the part about believe in yourself.  Normally I would have tried to compose myself in case someone would see me, I wouldn't want them to notice my emotion.   Instead I chose to stay in the moment and, in a heartfelt way, listen to the song.  Really listen to the words.  I am so glad I did.   I played the song again and again but this time I was singing. :-)  After I got home I realized I had just received an answer to a question I have been asking.  Believe in yourself!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

I can't wait!

I have diligently been searching for a painting class I could attend.  Whenever I start something I have never done before I feel I need this "jump start" to get me going in a direction I want to go.  I have this tendency to want most of my duckies in a row before I begin a new project.  My organizational skills kick in and I have questions that I want answers to.  As simple as, how do you begin an abstract piece of art? I know the one answer is just to begin.  I practice that strategy often with other things in my life yet I still yearn for instructions.  Jump starting is simply some details on what to do.  Once I get started I can improvise and change/alter etc.  I am reading books but it's not the same as doing and watching, so I turned to youtube.  Which is also a good way to learn.  It's not what I am seeking.  So then I start to question my real motive.  Is it  because I am intimidated by the big white space on the canvas?  Could be.  In the meantime, I'll keep searching.

I have never been once to wish my life away but I find it extremely tempting to wish August would come soon.  You see, I just signed up for a painting class with a artist I admire tremendously, Mary Beth Shaw, and she will only be 2 miles from my house.  Yippee-Skippee!!        http://www.createmixedmediaretreat.com/

Can you tell me how you actually began painting?  Did you have previous experience?

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Here's part of my story ( a short version) that goes like this.....

             As Kelly Rae Roberts says in her artwork "your story matters...tell it".
This will be a sneak peek into my world.  After 58 years I have lots of stories to tell.  I do not profess to be a writer, I am just wanting to share some pieces of who I am.

The spring of 1993 I was sitting on my bathroom floor crying  really hard about something disappointing that happened at work that day.  I can't even remember now what had me so upset.  I cried for a long time and all of a sudden I realized all the energy I was wasting and wondered what would happened if I took the negative energy and turned it into positive energy.   I got up from the bathroom floor and went into my
and drew this picture. 
I cannot not find the proper words to describe what kind of feeling I got when I was done.  All I know is that it changed the direction of my life.  From that time forward smiling became more important to me.  The big wide grin became part of me.  I had professional cards made, on the back side was written "If each of us would find a way to bring a smile to someone's day, we could make a difference in the world.".  I would drop that card any place I could, anyway I could to get the message across.  The message is much deeper than just showing your teeth, but that is a great beginning. 

A couple of months later I had a dream, when I got out of bed I drew a picture of an angel and then as soon as I could I made one.  She is a Good News angel who delivers the same message, "If each of us would find a way to bring a smile to someones day, we could make a difference in the world". 
                                   Here she is.
I love this little angel!  Oh my gosh, I just realized... she is 18 years old.  Whew!!  There has been alot of hands to help make her in those years.  When my daughter was a teenager her boyfriend use to paint the shoes for me so he could have some spending money.  To this day he will still talk about the Good News angel.  I use to put her in baskets with a sign that said Angels for Hire and people would take them to their work and sell them because they believed in the message, as well.  I've sold them at craft shows.  I would enlist a friend to help me and we would take sheets and wrap around us to dress like angels.  Wearing a sign around our neck that said Angels for Hire. We sold angles like crazy and we had fun!  My friend, Pauline, called me one day with some cool news that she had been to someone's house, someone she didn't know, and one of my angels was hanging on the wall.  Pauline was so excited to tell me that and  I was excited to hear it. 

The way the Good News angel came into my life is bigger than I can totally comprehend.  I am going bring her back into the world again.  The message she delivers is just as important today as it has been in the past years.

There's more stories......later.
I'd like to hear your stories.





Sunday, April 10, 2011

I pulled out my camera

I pulled out my camera, dusted off my telephoto lens, and got pictures of my grandaughter, Delaina.
She's 20 months old and is starting to become familiar with me taking pictures of her over and over again. 
Isn't she adorable?


Sunday, April 3, 2011

I have vintage style artwork to show

I have been creating and it feels so darn GOOD.  I have completed 5 projects, only 3 of them will be listed.  Silly me, I gave 2 pieces to my sisters and I forgot to get pictures of them.  Oh well!  My sisters loved them and that's what matters most!

As I have said before, I have been using book covers as my canvases.  As I become more comfortable I will move on, but until that time I am enjoying right where I am.  Anyway the big canvases sorta intimidate me.

I have been using photos of my mother's youth and displaying them in a way that enhaces their age and time frame they were taken. 

These pictures are of my mom when she was 16 years old.  I have 2 different styles.  Tell me which one you like best.  OK?

                

The other project I completed was the photo album I made for my granddaughter, I will be showing the front and the back.  She loves pointing at pictures and saying who they are.  I thought it would great for her to have her own book.  There are photos of people who love her that aren't around alot.  Not all of the people who love her have the privilege to see her often so I thought if she could see their picture it would help her stay acquainted with them.

        
         

Wanna know something cool about this book?  If was made with the cardboard from the back of writing tablets.  I glued them together, put masking tape around the edges, and gessoed them like crazy.  They turned out very stiff.  I just happen to think that's cool to be able to use something you already have. 
Go Green!!!

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