Sunday, December 2, 2012

the learning curve

Have you ever had enough "learning curve" stuff that you felt like your head was going to explode? 

That's how I have been feeling.  

2 weeks ago John surprised me with an iMac.   I was so frickin happy!  What I wasn't expecting or prepared for was all the adjustments it would take.  I would consider myself to be a very patient person but this is trying my patience.  My studio is a mess.  I've had  both my PC and Mac running, which takes up a lot of space.  I feel cramped!   My programs that were on my PC, of course, do not work on my Mac.  I've been busy installing all new programs and learning about them since they are newer versions than what I had on my PC.  Learning about the Mac is an adventure in itself.  When I finally get it,  I know I will love it! It's just the process of getting there that isn't very fun.  Sorta like life, huh?  In life it is often said to "enjoy the journey".  Maybe it would be good idea to apply the same principle to what I am experiencing now.

In a few days I will begin learning how to set up a website.  My friend, Heather, says it's fairly easy.  I'll might just be calling her with new formed swear words if it isn't.

By the end of the week I will be installing my new Adobe Photoshop CS6, then learning about how to use that on my new system.  I wipe the sweat off my brow because  I am familiar with Photoshop so I trust it will go smoothly.

I am making head way on my "special" project that I will be letting everyone know about after the first of the year.  Sometimes I get so anxious to share it that I have to practice what I teach my granddaughter, to zip my lips.  






Have I been sounding like a cry baby?  Maybe!  






I wanted to let you guys know what I am going thru.  I know some of you have been there, done that, and probably even bought a T-shirt, so you can relate.  I have been absent lately in cyberspace, but now you will understand why.

Thanks for listening to me.  I feel better now that  I got this off my chest. Now I can fill-in the hole in the wall from shoving my fist thru it.  (just kidding!)





Wednesday, November 28, 2012

visit my Etsy shop


If you
BELIEVE in supporting small businesses
come on over and see what I have to offer.
You will be glad you did!



I just posted 3 new prints in my Etsy shop.
All my prints are 8x10 and printed on archival, photographic paper.
Each print is matted and ready to be framed in an 11x14 frame.  
How easy is that?
You will be giving a gift along with an inspirational message.  
Thank You from the bottom of my heart for your support.
Teresa



Monday, November 19, 2012

Thanks Linda Kinnaman

My friend Heather and I were featured on this site, today. (the link is below)
Take a moment and head on over to read it.


Thanks to Linda. She is helping me share the stories of some incredible women who are proudly proclaiming to be a creative Late Bloomer. If you are a creative Late Bloomer I'd be honored to share your story, too.  Visit my site at http://www.imalatebloomer.com

This painting is by Linda.
Isn't is awesome?
Thanks Linda!
Linda Kinnaman regularly posts 3 times a week ~ she has Mixed Media Mondays + Wet Paint Wednesdays + Fighting Fear Fridays. Each post is a good read and I always leave with a smile or something to apply to my life.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

he did it again!

John and I  went into the Apple store so I could  ask some questions about their Macs.  I had my list of questions and I was determined to get my answers.  An Apple employee came up to me and asked me if my name was Teresa Cash, I said YES and he said,  "here is your new computer". 

Then I look up and there was John, grinning from ear to ear, taking my picture.  John surprised me again!  I have got to have one of the most loving and supportive husbands in the whole wide world.

Take a look at Ron's face (the Apple employee) he looks like he was having fun with it as well.




Saturday, November 17, 2012

dream

I've given alot of thought to how amazing things can happen when you believe, with all our heart, that something grand can happen to us.  Grander than we can ever imagine!
My resolve has been to, Dream what seems to be an impossible dream. 
Wanna join me?
Tell me what your dreams would be. 
 I really want to hear them!

(this print will soon be added to my Etsy shop)




Thursday, November 8, 2012

Our trip to Sedona

John & I just returned from another wonderful time in Sedona, AZ.  There are so many things I love about Sedona.   The scenery is breathtaking!  I'm more at peace when I am there.  It is one of my goals to own a home there with a studio overlooking the red rocks.   One day it will come true!  In the meantime, I continue to enjoy our annual trip.  I lived in Arizona for approx 1.5 years and in that time I became more in touch with my spiritual side.  That may be why it  feels "right" to me. 

Each day in Sedona John & I we would rise early and hike, often times we would be climbing the red rocks.  One day we started on this path called Lizard Head Trail, it was not a well known trail to the tourists, it was one the locals would do. We were thinking it was going to be on low land.  Well it wasn't, it was quite high up.  It was probably one of the most strenuous hikes we had done.  I was getting sorta scared at what was ahead until we met Brian.  He was a local guy sitting at the top of a boulder.  We stopped him to gather some info on where we were and where this trail was headed.  John got the fine details from him but I believe I got a greater message.  He said to let the mountain teach me.  I was not longer concerned, I was more focus on learning the lessons. 
Here are a few the things I discovered.
*I can do alot more than I give myself credit for
*When a can't do attitude creeps in realize I have a choice and it begins with the good attitude
*There are many paths to take, just know where I am going and choose the right path
*Enjoy every step of the journey
*I have John's support
*Celebrate your victories
*HAVE FUN!
I was, also, very fortunate to meet up with a long time friend that I haven't seen in about 16-17 years, Jeanne and her husband Steve.  Jeanne and I worked together for several years at a doctors' office.  She has a contagious laugh and I loved hearing and seeing her laugh again.  I remember there was a time that at lunchtime would buy carnations and go downtown and randomly give them to people and wish them a Happy Day.  That fell in line with the random acts of kindness.  Now that our husbands have met, I sure hope we see reach other again.


The last part of what Brian said the day on the mountain was to have fun.  So I pushed myself out of my comfort zone.
I had fun!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

it was just a sentence in my journal

A couple weeks ago I took a trip down memory lane, sorta speak, and re-read some pages in my journal.  read the story here  It was good thing to do, I want to admit that a part of me got really pissed off at myself.  Here I had written about some really neat things I wanted to do and they were only sentences in my journal.  That is what pissed me off the most.  After many, many tears and lots of curse words coming out of my mouth like a sailor I made a commitment that I was going to start with one project and bring it to reality.  (For those who know me, you know that when I commit,  I really commit.)  Well....... we all know that when you let the Universe/God know you are serious about something it's amazing how all the pieces start fitting together.  I'm here to tell you that is what's happening with this project.  I am thrilled beyond belief!  I started to write that I was really surprised at how it all seems to be falling into place but  that would not be true.  I know that all I have to do is show up to do the work  and to BELIEVE IT IS ALL POSSIBLE. 


I have to contain myself not to tell you too much, I don't want to spill the beans.  

I have already spoken about it with several people and they, also, think it's a good idea.  I have just begun.  I am filled with anticipation to see how it all unfolds.  When my project is complete, which I am projecting to be around the first of the year, I will revel in telling you how certain people came into my life to help "make this sentence in my journal a reality".   I do want to send a very special THANKS to Larry and Julie - they are playing a pivotol role in the beginning.  You guys are awesome!!!!!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Baby steps

On Sunday I spoke briefly about moving toward my dream.
I am happy to report that I have successfully taken 2 BIG baby steps.
Yeah... for me!


Sunday, October 14, 2012

dreams

Someone asked me the other day what I had been up to and I wasn't sure how to answer.  Did she really want to know all the details or was it just a rhetorical question? I determined it was the latter so I said "not much". 

My objective is to look at life from a more positively position, than negative. Being negative doesn't serve me or anyone else.  I prefer to see life as either ebbing or flowing.  Just like with nature, it will change.  The last couple weeks I seem to be ebbing more than I would like.  One day I surrendered and stayed in bed all day - watched YouTube "how to" videos in between naps.   It actually ended up being a good thing. 

My art comes from my heart.  "Simple Truth/Simple Reminders"  I smile when I can see a piece of my art and know exactly what I was feeling when I created it.  This piece I did on 9/23/12, I was feeling like I wasn't getting anywhere with my dreams.  My message to myself was, it doesn't matter how long it takes or how you get there, just begin to follow the path of your dreams.  The tricycle is to symbolize how slow it can seem.  I was ebbing when I created this piece.

On 10/7/12 I created  this lady.  She most definitely is in deep thought, perhaps about her next adventure.  I used a new product, Faber-Castell Gelatos,  for her face that I will be using alot of now.  I learned about gelatos while watching YouTube "how to" videos the day I stayed in bed. (this was only one thing that turned out good from staying in bed that day)

I have come full circle, the ebb is gone and I am flowing, again.

Here is a piece of artwork from the on-line class I took with Donna Downey Canvas Create.  I made it for my neighbor's birthday, Maureen, who exudes love.
Another thing I did the day I stayed in bed all day was re-read my journal. What a revelation that was!  My journal is a place where I write everything, my hopes, my dreams, and my fears.  Many times within the past year I had written about a project that I felt I was suppose to do.  And because of fear or whatever, I haven't done anything with it.  I remember I let fear or whatever delay me beginning my creative I'm a Late Bloomer blog (read about it here) This blog was the best thing I could have ever done.  I am honored to share stories of some pretty awesome women who have creatively bloomed late.  There are many, many more women out there who need a little boost to let their creative spirit out to play. 
 
Well.... enough of holding back from moving toward my dreams.  I'm going for it.  It will be fun watching it unfold.  I feel my next piece of art stirring within my soul that will be called The Happy Dance, so stay tuned for the rest of the story!

Monday, October 8, 2012

I wonder why she started to cry?

I wanted to remind everyone to stop by Wednesday at http://www.imalatebloomer.com 
to read the rest of her story.



 

Sunday, October 7, 2012

I LOVE Gelatos!

Just wanted to share.  I had bought some gelatos by Faber-Castell a while back and was finally able to use them.  Love, Love, Love them!!    I noticed that right now they are on sale from JoAnn Fabrics  for $7.99 for 3.  I will stopping by there tomorrow to snag some more.

They can be used wet  like water colors or blendable like oil pastels.  I wanted to find the ideal medium for use on faces and I believe I have found it.  I am showing a spread from my art journal where I used them on the girl's face and dress.

By the way... what do you think she is thinking about?




Monday, September 24, 2012

reminder

A reminder to hop,skip, or jump over to the creative Late Bloomer site on Wednesday to meet the latest flower added to the vase.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

just begin

I've had to remind myself lately that my dreams will be achieved in their own time.  In actuality, all I am responsible for is showing up to do the work and, last but not least,believing in my dreams.  With that thought in mind I created this piece to keep reminding me and everyone else who may need the message.  We've heard it said before to "just begin and don't be concerned about the outcome".

The tricycle is s symbol for how slow things can be at times.
I know if I keep peddling I will get to where I want to go, I need to just begin.

Monday, September 17, 2012

the fun continues

I have an on line friend, Deborah, who actually was the first person that I got to know when I started blogging.  I don't remember how I found her but I am glad that I did.  We follow each other's blogs encouraging each other along the way.  In fact, she was a creative Late Bloomer in my first vase. 

She suggested talking on Google+ Hang Out.  (if you want to know more about it, let me know) I had never heard of it before but I was immediately on board.  It's similar to Skype or Face Time.  We connected this evening and it was sooooo much fun.  The funny part is I could see her but she, for some reason, couldn't see me.  It didn't faze her one bit.  We chatted and laughed. Talked about our dreams.  How proud we are of being Grandmothers.  All that great stuff!  We will do it again, I'm sure.

I am loving the connections I am getting from kindred spirits.  It must be in the air because I am hearing similar stories from some of my other on-line friends.

Have you connected with someone lately?

reminder

COME BY WEDNESDAY TO SEE WHERE HER JOURNEY TAKES HER.



Sunday, September 16, 2012

met up with a new friend

Today I met up with Jill Heijl, she is someone I met on-line thru a Facebook  site called Liberate Your Art.   At Liberate Your Art you send 5 postcards to the hostess, she in turn mails them out to 5 different people.  Then you post the cards you get.

Someone had posted this postcard called Dirty Martini and I really liked it a lot.  I liked the quirkiness of it.  Several weeks later I received a friend request on Facebook and  it was from the artist of the Dirty Martini.  I was quite surprised at the coincidence or should I say synchronicity. Eagerly I accepted the request.   Long story short.... Jill happens to live in Illinois and was coming to Naperville today.  How awesome is that?  We talked for 
3 1/2 hrs and we probably could have gone on longer.  It seems like I've known her for a while.  We determined we were "Soul Sistas".

I firmly believe the Universe converged our paths and I am anxious, as she is, to see where it leads.


Monday, September 10, 2012

the 2nd vase


In case you don't know, I have another site where I share stories of creative Late Bloomers.   According to Wikepedia:  "a late blooming adult is a person who does not discover their talents and abilities until later than normally expected".  These ladies have inspring stories to tell.  Each story it different yet they all share a common thread.  I am honored to be able to share their stories. 

Every Wednesday at 7:00am I present the newest creative Late Bloomer to the vase.  It would be great for you to stop by every week and meet her.  You can sign up on the right of the Home screen and become a Google Friend.  You will get a notice of ech new post.

Friday, September 7, 2012

give away

There's a GREAT give away happening for  hand bound encaustic journal similar to the one I posted about yesterday.  Your have to do 2 little things to enter.

http://art-is-try-artistry.blogspot.ca/2012/09/free-gift-giveaway.html?showComment=1347031617339#c3573417939522234061

Thursday, September 6, 2012

just had to show you

I ordered a handbound book made by Erin Keane, she is a creative Late Bloomer who was featured in August.  I got it today in the mail.  My neighbor, Maureen, was with me when it came and we both squealed with delight.  It is sooo frickin cute!
she does custom work
Erin did all of the work herself, all the way to the binding of the book.  Just look at the artistry in the threading of the pages together.  Erin describes herself as being "careful and deliberate".  Which now I can attest to.  She applied one of my favorite art pieces to the top of the book.  The front and back of the book is wood and the process she used over the wood is encaustic.  The word “encaustic” means “to burn” and an encaustic artwork involves molten beeswax resulting in luminous glows, textured surfaces, and an ethereal sense of depth.  It is an ancient technique that has experienced a revival in contemporary art. The size of the journal is 4.5" x 3.5" which is perfect to sit on my coffee table.  I will be filling it full of positive saying that ring true for me.  I'll just sip on my tea and read memorable messages.  What a perfect place to showcase those tid bits of encouragement.

Check out Erin's website  http://www.art-is-try-studio.com

Makes me want to see what I can make using encaustic techniques.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

art is everywhere

Here's the story... when I paint I will often use a plastic lid as my paint palette.  It's a easy clean up.  After the paint dries you just peel it off.  Earlier today I was panting black and white checks in my art journal .  When I went to remove the dried paint this is what I discovered.


Most times it's the simple things in life
 that can make me smile.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Altered Brush Project

I had signed up for Donna Downey's Altered Brush Project.   It was alot of fun creating art out of a ordinary paint brush.  It didn't take me long to decide that I wanted showcase the current creative Late Bloomers from my other site .  You know when you are working on something that so exciting you have hard time putting it down?  Well that is what I felt for this project.  I think it turned out cute.

Monday, August 20, 2012

every life has a story

Just wanted to remind you to tune into the Late Bloomer blog on Wednesday morning and meet the newest flower added to the vase.  I sure hope you will continue to follow the blog and see other stories about women who are creatively blooming later in life. Sign up to be a Google Friend you'll be notified of a new post. Easy-Peazy!  Are you a creative Late Bloomer?  Do you know a creative Late Bloomer?  I'd love to share your stories.

I am having such a great time meeting all these wonderful women and sharing their stories.  It's imspiring to me to know these women.
I created these pages in my art journal with them in mind.

Monday, August 13, 2012

late bloomer reminder

On Wednesday, be sure to check out our newest creative Late Bloomer at http://www.imalatebloomer.com

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

art abandonment at the riverwalk

                    

I have been participating with other artist in a "movement" called  Art Abandonment.  You create a piece of art and secretly place it in an everyday place for some lucky person to find.  The whole idea is to bring a smile to someones face.  You leave a note with the art tell the person that it is a gift to them.  The first time did it I felt like a little kid, you can read the post here. 

This morning I got up at 6:45am, with my camera strapped to my shoulder and went to the Naperville Riverwalk.  It's a beautiful place to walk along a river. 

My intention was to abandon 2 more pieces of art at the riverwalk.  Yet I received much more.  I found serenity sitting on the park bench under this big tree while listening to the river cascade over rocks.  Peaceful would adequately describe the start to my morning.



Saturday, July 21, 2012

from sketch to reality

It's funny to see what my original thought was for a painting and then to see what it actually came to be.  That could be a metaphor for life, couldn't it?   Anyway, I did this quick sketch in the early spring knowing I wanted to draw/paint her at a later date.  I remember I had been singing that day (thank goodness no one was listening) and realized how uplifted it made me feel.  When you sing you are "in the moment" and you seem to not have any cares.  I think this drawing sorta resembles Carole Burnett as a character she would have played in her sitcom.  I use to watch her faithfully.  I thought she was a stitch! 
Several days ago I thought it was time for me to draw her.  I had fun drawing her yet as you can see she isn't much like my previous sketch.  That's OK.  The first one was just a reminder sketch.  She is singing and she has curly hair.  When I first started her hair my husband made a sour look on his face as it to say, "it's not looking so good".  I had to agree with him, then remind myself that there is not mistake in art.  I think she turned out pretty good if I do say so myself.
                                              


Thursday, July 19, 2012

I'm glad I listened to my heart

Last night my daughter invited me to join her and her family to listen to music in the park near her home. They go most Wednesday nights.  My initial thought was "I have so much to do, I really need to stay home and get it done". (I'm sure you know the feeling!). Instead, I said yes. My granddaughter, Delaina, was so excited that I was going she even let me re-comb her hair and give her a new ponytail. That is a big deal! She's almost 3 and  she gave me her version of what to expect. She cracks me up! We all sat on the blanket eating popcorn and listening to the good music. I "blanket danced" most of the night. I even sang out loud, I mean really loud to several songs. The song that got me the most was by Bon Jovi  "It's My Life".  I'm attaching a link where you can hear the song and read the lyrics at the same time.  Take a moment. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbcHJpSIxBk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I'm so glad that I listened to my heart.  I enjoyed time with my family which is always good, I listened to good music, and received a valuable message that came at a perfect time.    I've heard it said many times to be open and listen for the messages.  I heard you!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

this video is so inspiring

I saw this video and I found it to be sooooooo inspiring that I wanted to share it with you guys.  And to be able to watch it over and over again.  I sure hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

latest late bloomer

Come on over to meet the newest creative Late Bloomer that has been added to my vase.  

Sunday, July 8, 2012

morning rituals

I was prompted by hannahmarcotti to keep a camera by my bedside and in the morning to take photos of things that happen.  She encourages the photos because of the visual effect.  If you don't use a camera pay close attention to the morning as if you were looking thru a camera.  The whole concept was about being aware of how you start your day.  This is what I wake up to each morning, my kitty cat named,  Marmalade.  I always knew she greeted me but I never really paid too much attention to her sweetness.


Then we have Merlot who sits on my jewelry chest watching me.  He usually walks across the bed the goes back to the chest

The next event that takes place is my daily ritual of writing in my morning pages/journal.  I sit in my chair in my studio and write whatever comes to my mind.  Sometimes it's productive thoughts and sometimes it's rambling. 
My husband can't believe I would add this photo of me in my night gown.  When I make a commitment I tend to go all the way.  Anyway.... it's about the point of being aware of how I (you) start your day.  It can often set the tone for the rest of the day.  I am choosing to be more aware.

Keep Smiling!



Wednesday, July 4, 2012

being a kid

I couldn't resist the invitation. Even if it meant that half the water would come out once I sat down.
Delaina and Brayden didn't mind. They had fun with us playing together.
Sometimes it's a good thing to just have fun and let the little kid out to play.


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

my first flower, Debbie Kusch

Come on over to read more about Debbie.  She is my first flower of what will surely be a large bouquet.


Tuesday, June 26, 2012

I'm a late bloomer.


I am thrilled to announce that I launched my new blog last nite.  I want to use this site to celebrate other "late bloomers", just like myself.  To provide a place where I can introduce themAccording to Wikepedia,  "a late blooming adult is a person who does not discover their talents and abilities until later than normally expected.”

This project has been perculating since October 2011.  It was the night before I wias to leave for  Sedona, AZ that this loud thought came into my head and wouldn't leave.  I couldn't go to sleep so I got up and starting writing in my journal.  I found myself creating this elaborate plan for a blog.  I barely knew what a blog was at that time.  Loads of thoughts just kept pouring out and I just kept writing.  In the wee hours of the morning I even went on line to acquire the domain name.  After quite a while I felt a sense of relief.  I knew within that I was done wirting all my thoughts down..  I had received the message loud and clear.  I went to bed.  I slept.

The next morning John and I left for our trip.  When we got to Sedona,  we stopped at a open market.  I was drawn to this area where this man had displayed beautiful pieces of photography. I went to get a closer look and complimented him on his beautiful work and he said, "ThankYou, I'm a late bloomer."  I nearly shit my pants!!!! (figurlatively speaking)  I can't even tell you everything I was feeling.  I knew, at that moment, I was on the right track.  Several other things happened on that trip that re-enforced what I knew to be true. 

I got home and "life happened".  It took me until January 2012 to write in my blog and all I did was put up an under construction sign with a projected start date.    On March 26, 2012, I wrote my 2nd entry apolgizing for not making to the initial start date.   When I returned to the site on May 6, 2012 I discovered there was a message from Connie who was visiting my blog encouraging me to get the site going.  I, also, had aquired 2 Google Friends.  That was all I needed to know that I had to act.  I've been wanting to learn how to listen to my intuition and follow so here my my chance, again.  As they say... the rest is history. 

One more thing before I go......


Email me and I will send you details:  smileee001@gmail.com
Teresa

Friday, June 22, 2012

what a wonderful world

I was at work.  When the mail lady, Cyndi, comes in we chit chat about things.  I told her about the art abandonment I did yesterday which led to the conversation about random acts of kindness.  It's nice to chat with her, she has a a  laugh that makes me smile when I hear her.   As always, I walk her outside to her mail truck to get some fresh air.  I looked to the right and saw there was a chair underneath the tree.  The very tree that I often sit under, on a rock that is on the back side of the tree.

I was beyond ecstatic!

I know that it was placed there for me and I know who did it.

Cyndi and I busted out laughing as I tell her about the conversation I had recently had with out landlord, Scott.  He's the one who put the chair there. 

It didn't take much coaxing to get Cyndi take my picture while sitting in the chair under the tree.  Which, by the way, is where I will be eating my lunch today.

I LOVE how the Universe steps in when you put it out there what you want.  I have been wanting things to come into my life that will stir up pure joy.  And I am getting just that!  What you send out you get back tenfold.



I know  Scott will be equally as happy when he sees my thank you note.  What a wonderful world we live in, when we can see the wonder.

I am a very grateful  person right now for my eyes being re-opened to how the little things in life can make a difference.  

It reaffirms what I already know:  "If each of us would find a way to bring a smile to someone's day we could make a difference in this world."

Thank You Universe!

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