True Free Spirit

As the new year approaches I am looking forward to a fresh start as I'm sure you all are.  One major thing I really want to work on is acceptance...I have a hard time accepting "what is" - A LOT.  I know I'd be more at peace and happier if I could just accept what is and try not to obsess over something I can't change.  

Something else I'm looking forward to is being more open and painting more freely and I'm hoping to do that while taking the online class True Free Spirit with Mindy Lacefield.  I'm sure I first saw her art over a year ago or so and I was instantly drawn to her childlike, whimsical and colorful creations.  

Artwork at right from Tim's Sally/Mindy Lacefield

I truly hope I can really connect with my true self through my art and really free up any blocks I have when creating...I see her art as a way to also connect with my inner-child.  I hope you'll stop back throughout the course and see some of my creations that I make while taking this class.

Are you looking forward to any new events or changes in 2013?  I'd love if you'd share them!  

Thanks for stopping by for a visit.  Happy New Year to you all!

 

My Wishes to you...

Christmas Eve is tomorrow.  I'll be honest, the past week has been a rough one for the world and for my family as there was a tragic death that will leave a scar on some family members forever.  But I still want to send you all some holiday wishes from my heart.

I wish you and your loved ones a cozy and special Christmas.

© Jill's Dream Artwork

I wish you some comfort and peace in your heart.

I wish you some rest and relaxation.

I wish you a promising and happy 2013.  I wish you special time with those you love.

It's Beginning to look a lot like...

Sorry if it sounds cliche, but "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" around here (well except that we haven't had any snow yet).  My little Christmas decorations are some of my favorite items around the house...they have charm, sparkle, memories and a touch of sweetness.  I'd like to share some recent pictures I've taken as I've started decking the halls at home.

This is a picture of Isabella on her first Christmas - such a little sweetie pie - she only had her bottom two teeth then - a great memory.

Giraffes are my favorite animal - this is a wooden carved one from a local German shop.  Every December I add a red ribbon to brighten her up.  

I typically like sparkly and bright, but I couldn't resist this rustic and simple burlap stocking from another of my favorite shops called Harvest Home.  I added a little evergreen twig to make it come to life a bit.

The above three are close-ups of parts our fireplace mantel.  Aside from the tree, the mantel is my favorite thing to decorate. I do love having a natural fireplace during the cold weather - so cozy.

Here's a painting I've been working on just to hang up during winter.  It sort of represents Shane, Isabella and myself, three snow people holding our twig hands.  I might have a few more things to add, but it's almost finished.

Thanks for taking a little tour of some of my holiday decorations.  We're chopping down a tree tomorrow, so I'm sure I'll be sharing pics of the tree and my favorite ornaments in a few days as well!