What a way to start my day.

When I do this (my) ritual before entering my studio I am blessed with tremendous success, especially from within.

I am no longer concerned with the results, I am simply grateful for the opportunity to create.

When I don't do my ritual I am riddled with self-doubt, frustration, and creative blockage.

I walk around my studio smudging with a Palo Santo stick all the while saying my intentional prayer.

Today I feel the presence of Spirit who is with me always in every detail of my life.

It is the clear light of Spirit that leads the way to complete success in all things.

Spirit is the source of all inspirations.

I am an essential part of creation.

It is the power and creativity of Spirit that expresses though me.

There is a deep yearning that lives in me that is the light of Spirit.

I am one with Spirit.

Today I walk in the pathway of inspiration.

I am serene and confident that my projects are infused with great outcomes, for I am allowing myself to be guided by the living Spirit within me.

It is divine inspiration that moves me to create.

These creations are a blessing to all who encounters them.

I give thanks for the success of this art and the joy of creating it.

I release attachment of all outcomes to the Spirit, knowing the response will be to its highest intention.

With quite expectancy, I let it be.

And so it is.

Do you have something you do before you start your day?

If so, I'd love to hear about it.

Speak your truth

Yesterday, literally all day... I  created in my friend's, Maritza, art studio with her.  She has one of those studios that cause me to salivate.  It was so spacious with everything she would need within her grasp, places to create sitting or standing and it had an all around good vibe to it.   Maritza is a fearless painter and she likes to paint big, beautiful pieces.  She's skilled in acrylic, oil, and her favorite is water color.  She has multiple shelves packed with art journals, yummy art journals, that she has created over the years.  Her house is adorned with drawings from her grandmother that dates back to 1909, can you imagne over 100 years ago.  Creating is in her genes, for sure.  She is carrying on her grandmother's legacy.   We painted, we shared tips, we laughed, we painted some more.  A day  I'm sure we will repeat.

I went to Maritza's house with a 14 x18 canvas that already had some watercolor markings on it from my GRANDson.  And, as it is said, the rest is history.  Naturally I gravitated toward a face, this one being a little more toward abstract.  Here is what my piece looked like when I left Maritza's studio.

When I got home I sat her on my easel and decided to follow a suggestion I've heard many time before,  "let the art speak to you".   That is precisely what it did.  As I laid down for the night, sleep eluded me.  Tossing and turning, unable to sleep, it was as if I was drawn to return to the canvas.  So... off to the studio I went.  

After some changes were made to her appearance, her message to deliver became apparent, 

Speak Your Truth.

where did I create today?

Thank You

Thank You 

Thank You to everyone who is ordering art journals as gifts from me.  It means alot that you are supporting me in making my dream come true.  Plus you are getting a unique gift for someone special at an affordable price.  That is a WIN-WIN situation.   For those of you who don't know what the heck I am talking about here is my little advertisement.  There is still time to get your order in

I woke up this morning with this insatiable urge to take myself and my business of making art out into the world.  I was aware that at the top of my list was to get at least 2 journals stitched today.  So I packed up my supplies and headed to Jo & Doh! Donuts & Cafe.  I can tell this is the beginning of something grand.  Just imagine... a traveling art studio.

Where in Naperville is Teresa creating art today?  

I ordered a hot chocolate and in addition to that I got a brief lesson from the young man that served me about Latte Art.  He beamed with enthusiasm when he expressed that he wants to be able to do this.  I knew I was at the right place.

I sat down at a table, pulled out my supplies, and started stitching away.  The hot chocolate was soothing on this brisk morning, the soft music playing in the background comforted me all the while the yummy looking pastries were calling my name but I ignored them.  I'll give in to them the next time I visit.

I can't begin to describe how pleasurable it was to be at Jo & Doh! Donuts & Cafe. I wished I had taken more journals to bind so I could have stayed longer.  I spoke with Trena, one of the owners, and she welcomed me back anytime.  And you know what... I will take her up on that offer.

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?