tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65665376957908606142024-03-13T04:31:52.363-07:00Jill's Dream ArtworkWelcome to the blog of Jill Lambert creator of Jill's Dream Artwork. This is my place to share real moments in life as well as my journey with creating art that hopefully uplifts and inspires you.
Thanks so much for visiting!This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.comBlogger228125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-56925733844478224812015-01-13T11:07:00.000-08:002015-01-13T11:07:18.205-08:00Opportunity for Creativity...even in Darkness?<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img height="320" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" width="261" /></div>
<br />
I've talked about and have sung the praises of writer Patti Digh and a few of her books in past blog posts. My favorite of hers so far is <i>Life is a Verb</i> - it changed my way of living and looking at how we spend our days, our moments. She's also written <i>Creative is a Verb</i> and I picked that up again two nights ago because I finished a novel and NEEDED to read something before bed. <br />
<br />
I started rereading but I paid special attention to lines and phrases I had highlighted in the past. This one really stuck out this time: "<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Every single moment of your life is an opportunity for creativity. Even the darkest moments. Perhaps especially them</span>.</span>" (p. 14). Pretty profound as many people think only certain people are creative and I guess I typically think of making a physical piece (painting, book, floral arrangement, etc.) as expressing our creativity. But these words make me think it's way more than that. I've had some dark moments mainly due to health concerns and now I just got some test results that aren't so great. Friday I find out what the next step could be as I see the doctor to discuss the results. <br />
<br />
Hmmmm...I'm wondering that along with my word of the year "faith" and this quote about dark moments being opportunities for creativity, can I handle this? Can I handle possibly bad and scary news in a different way? A different way than I'm used to - catastrophizing and thinking of every worst possible scenario and playing them over and over in my head. <span style="color: #073763;">I'm not sure how this can be an opportunity for me to use my creativity but I'm hopeful that I'll find a way</span>. <span style="color: #e06666;"> </span><span style="color: #741b47;">I hope I can infuse this obstacle, this fear with faith and creativity. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4G38kQDpuVk5hsIgeovZ9LFtouk2zD2RqkATqte-dyX-QAdQHsmPDtQhwDjue016TmuhXcRsqeBqNqGT11O2JouzTwyqIojMCQXh4isSgxpUTIbeACOobnquIF_16AZuSprJv4OrELFM7/s1600/open+to+miracles+journal+sept+24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4G38kQDpuVk5hsIgeovZ9LFtouk2zD2RqkATqte-dyX-QAdQHsmPDtQhwDjue016TmuhXcRsqeBqNqGT11O2JouzTwyqIojMCQXh4isSgxpUTIbeACOobnquIF_16AZuSprJv4OrELFM7/s1600/open+to+miracles+journal+sept+24.JPG" height="400" width="310" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I truly don't know what that will look like, but I plan to keep it in my mind in the upcoming days. I'm wondering if anyone else actually sees creativity as a "tool" so-to-speak to help with potentially really dark and scary times in their lives. If anyone has any ideas or examples I'd love to hear them. I know reaching out is a start because connections between others truly helps when healing is involved.</div>
<br />This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-82699377219018140532015-01-07T11:51:00.000-08:002015-01-07T11:51:11.037-08:00New Art for the New YearThe last few months I was so focused on creating Christmas art so once the holidays were over I felt a bit lost in terms of painting! I missed coming up with sweet and whimsical snowmen.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well I'm feeling like I'm getting back in the groove of non-holiday art. It took my awhile but I think getting my first easel for Christmas helped a bit because it was a fresh way of painting for me. Sometimes something new or painting even in a different room helps kickstart things!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here are my first two officially completed paintings is 2015. The vibrant floral piece is called <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Summer Carnival." </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Flowers are always my favorite because they are colorful and uplifting and remind me of being outside during nicer weather. Ahem...it's about 5 below here, so seeing these flowers cheers me up a bit.</span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1UJRG5AY7C7LtyRujs34R_btaIndSY4anch5xH_kZmIWbWRVFxe1yciSzCKUUijEuacurQ_347siNGIL98_DBL8fKFJKXHKe4FkDWa23PM-Q7jXh5Wql1W77dE6GiTXss_bbzaxjFrKf/s640/blogger-image-90116780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1UJRG5AY7C7LtyRujs34R_btaIndSY4anch5xH_kZmIWbWRVFxe1yciSzCKUUijEuacurQ_347siNGIL98_DBL8fKFJKXHKe4FkDWa23PM-Q7jXh5Wql1W77dE6GiTXss_bbzaxjFrKf/s640/blogger-image-90116780.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The second finished piece is on wood, something I'd like to paint on more often because I'm very drawn to hand-lettered, rustic signs. Not that this one is very rustic but I hope to do more like this. I started not knowing what saying I wanted on here, just freely painted shapes, symbols, colors, waves. After a few ideas, I thought "Enjoy the Journey" was perfect. It's a reminder I know I need pretty regularly when I get wrapped up in worry or pushing through to the next day (i.e. Friday) without being with the one I'm presently in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7aTWpXE-tyeI2aOytCQWFe5mgEK9sGJLwG8BPez03judseS0fGlbIP0N3UFnhyP2owDJYiHMN8xEiXEcbNdDoUle2w11JMZ9BN9LCnlWpgJ9n5ULXCuEQa9PgTW2C3c9WuHu8RRCwpsn/s640/blogger-image--2037794476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7aTWpXE-tyeI2aOytCQWFe5mgEK9sGJLwG8BPez03judseS0fGlbIP0N3UFnhyP2owDJYiHMN8xEiXEcbNdDoUle2w11JMZ9BN9LCnlWpgJ9n5ULXCuEQa9PgTW2C3c9WuHu8RRCwpsn/s640/blogger-image--2037794476.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I hope they give you a little inspiration or a little smile. I'm feeling good that so far my 2015 has had a good start in my personal life and in my art. <span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Do you have any sayings that you keep in front of you as reminders to yourself? I'd love to hear them.</b></span></div>
This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-47392931423201784552015-01-03T15:07:00.004-08:002015-01-03T15:07:53.732-08:00Word of the year - Faith (I think!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGBkPiVu0mQNksRuNFihzroGK1Oyy9ZEOqDDREyjr9oYD-ZusgcS5WmdY0i2APp4q_xlk-wzxlmpa5KVNngSK24UwkSbtOlhuep8lRZZ-ruDKFs5wcRT5ajfebEFYKdk3QpejdsECwc0D/s640/blogger-image--165369697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGBkPiVu0mQNksRuNFihzroGK1Oyy9ZEOqDDREyjr9oYD-ZusgcS5WmdY0i2APp4q_xlk-wzxlmpa5KVNngSK24UwkSbtOlhuep8lRZZ-ruDKFs5wcRT5ajfebEFYKdk3QpejdsECwc0D/s640/blogger-image--165369697.jpg" /></a>I was sort of hesitating to choose a word for this year. Not sure why...maybe because I come up with too many words then worry I'll choose the "wrong" one. The more I thought about it I realized there's no "right" word and if I focus on more than one, that's okay right? I choose the word <span style="font-size: large;">"faith" </span>(I think...) for a few reasons, partially related to God and spirituality and partially not. I went to a Catholic school for eight years and learned about memorizing prayers and being afraid of God and that's about it to be honest. I am not a practicing Catholic anymore and we haven't attended church in over a year I think. But I've been feeling the need to have more faith in my life. <span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Faith in God, faith in myself and faith that I can handle the obstacles life throws at me. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
When something scary gets thrown in my face, say health issues for instance, I instantly go into catastrophe, life or death mode. I realize that is a frightening way to live. I've been praying more and I find touches of calm when I do. Those touches of calm help me even if it's just for five minutes. When I talk to friends who have strong faith, they tell me just to give my worries to God. I've been doing that more and more and it does help me feel better about scary situations. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
So this new year of 2015 I'm going to put my heart into having more faith in God and myself. I may have a serious surgery on the horizon and if I let it it will ruin my everyday life. Instead I keep thinking and saying to myself, "God will help me and I can handle this with faith in him." I'm not saying I'm 100% at ease and not worrying at all, but it's starting to make me feel better and that with faith I can get through most anything. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Are you partaking in choosing a word of the year for 2015? If so, I'd love to hear about it. Hearing what others are focusing on inspires me as well.</div>
This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-5700237556271369842014-12-08T10:19:00.003-08:002014-12-08T10:19:49.876-08:00Special Holiday OrnamentsI love this time of year. It's exciting and cozy and those once-a-year decorations make everything joyful. Here are a few special ornaments on our tree.<br />
<br />
Bella and her Papa (my dad) when she was about 4 years old. He died a few years ago so it's very special to see this on the tree every year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0A1oy9qFa8-_dXwYvY9n4oMz_cIkKLtpsXN9Y0rytIRV_NU6441kaf3W7ONa52Qmm3crhmO9EYsxS31qVYni6ruHBPchPfkYR8y0LOtj51qGLMF9qNAtczSxhBSG_tQ0wKz5nsfFFtXN/s1600/IMG_8825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0A1oy9qFa8-_dXwYvY9n4oMz_cIkKLtpsXN9Y0rytIRV_NU6441kaf3W7ONa52Qmm3crhmO9EYsxS31qVYni6ruHBPchPfkYR8y0LOtj51qGLMF9qNAtczSxhBSG_tQ0wKz5nsfFFtXN/s1600/IMG_8825.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
A sweet and fun snowman ornament Bella made in grade school. I just love him! She no longer makes us handmade ornaments and I'll admit I miss that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVoqM0dtZ7Ty_iIBA0-uOfbzYOODw1lDcEmS6wNOlB87SD_dkBPMBsbKxgHQxa1rxgcorUnLff_dJ40IF2hS6O3J_hRNo8IdwokhBga5mQaz21bjjcQtEoAYRcvSNPo1BECW3BzAV0Qw7/s1600/IMG_8823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVoqM0dtZ7Ty_iIBA0-uOfbzYOODw1lDcEmS6wNOlB87SD_dkBPMBsbKxgHQxa1rxgcorUnLff_dJ40IF2hS6O3J_hRNo8IdwokhBga5mQaz21bjjcQtEoAYRcvSNPo1BECW3BzAV0Qw7/s1600/IMG_8823.JPG" height="640" width="348" /></a></div>
<br />
This foam tree with blue sequins she made just for Daddy a few years ago.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaQD0iVgR-IrRPCV5LS_KXGhckE1Q0PPV30OQm3DF_-FGS_LjKx22-eQt-l4AAXBzLzFaHiext5jGrpnBTdaKfNA7xhmIRYNrUJqnkDuQEq4u2n5ipO65Oej0HKhhXpNu8sZJFmzsYCRh/s1600/IMG_8821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaQD0iVgR-IrRPCV5LS_KXGhckE1Q0PPV30OQm3DF_-FGS_LjKx22-eQt-l4AAXBzLzFaHiext5jGrpnBTdaKfNA7xhmIRYNrUJqnkDuQEq4u2n5ipO65Oej0HKhhXpNu8sZJFmzsYCRh/s1600/IMG_8821.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">A sweet, chubby cardinal ornament that reminds me of my grandma. She loved cardinals and collected figurines of them, so everytime I now see a cardinal I say "hi Grandma" because she's no longer with us. It comforts me when I see one flying by or sitting in a tree outside.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9d9LWwicXX5jtUYrhRx4LpDoNRbsqgN6WU_fz3iN5x1Xb9k4S38UIYJIJitR39dwpVLVjD3nU-B5KKq2-ryVafdSkRJF6sgAzwHuLZrtWXfurZSb2oLfmRtN6rzzdPYYA2xmVM2gMs9T3/s1600/IMG_8824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9d9LWwicXX5jtUYrhRx4LpDoNRbsqgN6WU_fz3iN5x1Xb9k4S38UIYJIJitR39dwpVLVjD3nU-B5KKq2-ryVafdSkRJF6sgAzwHuLZrtWXfurZSb2oLfmRtN6rzzdPYYA2xmVM2gMs9T3/s1600/IMG_8824.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I bet you have a few favorite ornaments, some that have special meaning to you, ones that you will never get rid of. Care to share any of them with me? I'd love to hear about them and what they mean to you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-61687977323437263392014-11-11T14:06:00.001-08:002014-11-11T14:06:33.420-08:00Gratitude - 'Tis the Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
When I got my new, blank journal I decided to go through my favorite quotes that I had written down and make sort of an inspiring book for myself. On each page I create a fun background and then go through my quotes and add them so I can have some artsy inspiration by my side, all in one book. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwComF4fPUMqnrafZ4dzHIWNvJwnfHSpNyaJwehdoPHmB9LuWIum2tnac95txqUzsQpT9aVcm7F-Vmw83URUDuZIBgP9o8MRWkKJlhp04m_vK7y-KbyExPxvwOGZ5h9iGwn3EPZ64h0H1/s1600/gratitude+quote+journal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwComF4fPUMqnrafZ4dzHIWNvJwnfHSpNyaJwehdoPHmB9LuWIum2tnac95txqUzsQpT9aVcm7F-Vmw83URUDuZIBgP9o8MRWkKJlhp04m_vK7y-KbyExPxvwOGZ5h9iGwn3EPZ64h0H1/s400/gratitude+quote+journal.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I found this quote and knew I had to add it to my art journal. I'm not sure where it got it from, possibly Mark and Angel Hack, who have tons of inspiration on their website. It's so funny that I never thought this way before. I now DO notice that when I'm counting my blessings and thanking God and the Universe for things in my life, I feel more grateful - in turn I think LESS about the things I don't have or the things I do have that I wish I actually didn't have (ahem--lupus for example). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
When I sit down and think about every little thing I am thankful for I feel so much better and so darn blessed. Here are a few...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>my daughter Isabella<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fuIlkGh_8t1Bqv6h5OcneRq0eK56zh3uNyrCS5MzTtqL7osoziUPCyHvRXqszewfIn_F_X1p-C_PXsK8TEJSDJ2_4nFKRQfuA6Tt-eb4nTQe4s-PAKqZ2vg9AbfQskwr6OB9gDOnYhMZ/s1600/bella+and+shane+dog+park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fuIlkGh_8t1Bqv6h5OcneRq0eK56zh3uNyrCS5MzTtqL7osoziUPCyHvRXqszewfIn_F_X1p-C_PXsK8TEJSDJ2_4nFKRQfuA6Tt-eb4nTQe4s-PAKqZ2vg9AbfQskwr6OB9gDOnYhMZ/s400/bella+and+shane+dog+park.JPG" width="300" /></a></li>
<li>my loyal and snuggly dog Mazie who often drives me nuts, but I realize how much love she brings to me</li>
<li>my hubby Shane who <i>also</i> drives me nuts but has known me since we were seniors in high school, so we have been through so much together and that adds up to a lot</li>
<li>creating art...it has brought me new friends, new visions, tons of joy and even some healing</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzD9SZhwFtDUcGasCuYQCRK47d9n49ZH8TpEXqtirlu0L_zVx-dTm_ge8VWhHYpq3Rxve9L6OBv1hcD0z2siP-35kxp4hZ9bkrX4SYNbU356IH7LCBWaNw4SXE1_zxNs0MXJPObzH4FlZ2/s1600/paint+palette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzD9SZhwFtDUcGasCuYQCRK47d9n49ZH8TpEXqtirlu0L_zVx-dTm_ge8VWhHYpq3Rxve9L6OBv1hcD0z2siP-35kxp4hZ9bkrX4SYNbU356IH7LCBWaNw4SXE1_zxNs0MXJPObzH4FlZ2/s200/paint+palette.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>great lifelong friends that I've known since grade school - so so lucky to have them in my life so long</li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">my ability to walk around every day, sometimes in pain, but still I can do it while some can't</span></li>
<li>my eyesight - so much beauty to look at every day, like the amazing beach in Destin</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6lkxkXYlotbVOirMPhvdyPCzhG6CFka_dXUcHq5ZDON5f6jONofko9_byhQfeh_Qkie-9AXcuNpDRhO-LPPYS8frjikP8Ukp0J0ppK9m0cleejJXHvRAbHJyvPdxQx8-YFckn05o7rE4/s1600/destin+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6lkxkXYlotbVOirMPhvdyPCzhG6CFka_dXUcHq5ZDON5f6jONofko9_byhQfeh_Qkie-9AXcuNpDRhO-LPPYS8frjikP8Ukp0J0ppK9m0cleejJXHvRAbHJyvPdxQx8-YFckn05o7rE4/s400/destin+8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Those are just a few but since Thanksgiving is approaching, I want to visit all the great things I do have to be thankful for. I'd love it if you'd share below a couple things you are so grateful for. It's so uplifting hearing about others gratitude. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-1077199739426974672014-10-28T12:32:00.002-07:002014-10-28T12:32:18.079-07:00The Sight of the Stars Makes Me Dream<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHpEk78g0ktNkalYyzNbiJjuTasz025bJKYqRytFVRxCm3alfhYCsnNd9_YoZ8J8_1Mn6_cJlrI92NdduK5xWBggWYhOhMJ4D04trCuHshUeH2yGbbz-P7aR-kA_3QAllvetaSOBS-XUy/s640/blogger-image-2007223638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHpEk78g0ktNkalYyzNbiJjuTasz025bJKYqRytFVRxCm3alfhYCsnNd9_YoZ8J8_1Mn6_cJlrI92NdduK5xWBggWYhOhMJ4D04trCuHshUeH2yGbbz-P7aR-kA_3QAllvetaSOBS-XUy/s640/blogger-image-2007223638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHpEk78g0ktNkalYyzNbiJjuTasz025bJKYqRytFVRxCm3alfhYCsnNd9_YoZ8J8_1Mn6_cJlrI92NdduK5xWBggWYhOhMJ4D04trCuHshUeH2yGbbz-P7aR-kA_3QAllvetaSOBS-XUy/s640/blogger-image-2007223638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>Lately I've been feeling the urge to paint the night sky and its sparkly stars. Not sure why I stopped but a few years ago I painted night scenes a bit more. The other day I popped open my brand new Dylusions art journal and the first scene became a night sky with a warm, full moon. Then I felt like I had to add the words from the new Coldplay song, "You're a sky full of stars." I wanted to look up all the lyrics but got sidetracked (of course) as usual. A day or so went by and I went to listen to my new favorite acoustic/cover band Boyce Avenue while I was painting and the first video from them popped up and it was Coldplay's song. I actually decided that was a sign and those words needed to be on this painting. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTwIQwnJlnzWRBTVjT3IY6mTyt08t0zDDy2Wfwe0azvUfG18M851uwS0-peW-2HfdBPHJDM29Zx9BBtYZ5eWGAOd9GYgRUvwVbBYJAv4BVzrUoXcCybYCw7b_B7SNn8unkmVoLcdMNA89/s640/blogger-image--871615751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTwIQwnJlnzWRBTVjT3IY6mTyt08t0zDDy2Wfwe0azvUfG18M851uwS0-peW-2HfdBPHJDM29Zx9BBtYZ5eWGAOd9GYgRUvwVbBYJAv4BVzrUoXcCybYCw7b_B7SNn8unkmVoLcdMNA89/s640/blogger-image--871615751.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Next page in my journal started looking similar and on this I included Van Gogh's quote that fits me to a tee "...I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream." Ahhhh is all I can say to this one. Our daughter's middle name is Sky if that tells you anything.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8F9PssDAH4K_5HLZ3c-L47Am5pOxIBQiV4rENC69PW6rrAeuRJlyStRmeilpREgjdl1Lzmd4B4xaSj4Blm960DQNFdjmGjl8bBwksCjDsVwIllsgSRMKO4gXfjcpPq4zzjb4YVCsEI176/s640/blogger-image-1115124042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8F9PssDAH4K_5HLZ3c-L47Am5pOxIBQiV4rENC69PW6rrAeuRJlyStRmeilpREgjdl1Lzmd4B4xaSj4Blm960DQNFdjmGjl8bBwksCjDsVwIllsgSRMKO4gXfjcpPq4zzjb4YVCsEI176/s640/blogger-image-1115124042.jpg" /></a></div>
I guess painting and sharing these creations on Instagram were a good thing because a sweet, creative friend of mine in turn requested a commission of a full moon, the night sky, stars and a quote. Here it is. I'm really happy with how it turned out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeyZ5nkD3-5cW-lM1OSqi8vGh7jTSKVDoookDVosgtDQ0HD83LMAw_6ACfOZb8cpttxG7QyC268-QS07C8hyXy_kyrl7bPo5eHUcNK6Q3c28_Za4FQR_N0JMCVE2OCunw09i4JoF9ZROp/s1600/Linda+Kinnaman+painting+2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeyZ5nkD3-5cW-lM1OSqi8vGh7jTSKVDoookDVosgtDQ0HD83LMAw_6ACfOZb8cpttxG7QyC268-QS07C8hyXy_kyrl7bPo5eHUcNK6Q3c28_Za4FQR_N0JMCVE2OCunw09i4JoF9ZROp/s1600/Linda+Kinnaman+painting+2014.JPG" height="640" width="507" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Does the sky mesmerize you like it does me? Do you have any favorite, dreamy quotes about the sky, stars or moon?</span></div>
This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-38760423717217791492014-10-15T08:49:00.002-07:002014-10-15T08:49:21.822-07:00Blessings in Disguise<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It's so easy for me to be grateful and count my blessings when things are going well - namely when I'm not having a flare of my lupus. But I'm now learning and practicing that I have to be grateful even when things aren't exactly going my way. This is when I REALLY need to count my blessings. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXKhxMHhQIY7JpiqB350ZCWGD6_0YHfBzl_NDuX6-xa0voh4aN4GSBjaU-4oXGeugHzywbAH8akLdhL5oNL3F8aEueDru531FTDvdTkzWOfzEbAvAEBYJ-CqwDPlriumk9qOQS_4diCDR/s1600/yellow+flower+with+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXKhxMHhQIY7JpiqB350ZCWGD6_0YHfBzl_NDuX6-xa0voh4aN4GSBjaU-4oXGeugHzywbAH8akLdhL5oNL3F8aEueDru531FTDvdTkzWOfzEbAvAEBYJ-CqwDPlriumk9qOQS_4diCDR/s1600/yellow+flower+with+quote.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Over a month ago our dishwasher leaked and ruined part of our wood floor and base cabinets...at first I was pretty upset of course because of the major inconvenience and because of the $1000 deductible we have for insurance. Still not happy about that because I work VERY part-time. However, I realized we've wanted new cabinets and a new wood floor for quite a while. Of course, we wanted to get them when we could afford them and not because of water damage, but looking on the bright side, we are getting some updates to the kitchen. A few years ago this would have sent me into so much anger and frustration, but this time, I quickly got to the mindset of "what good is coming from this?" ...Well--new cabinets and a new wood floor-yay! Oh, and <span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">practicing acceptance and letting go</span> of things that typically throw me in a tailspin.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>"Happiness is a function of accepting what is."</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This quote by Werner Erhard often helps me remember how important it is to accept things as they are, even when they aren't what I want at the time. Typically, like the kitchen, they turn out to be blessings in disguise. No they don't always come in the form of something physical like kitchen cabinets--they may be <span style="color: #a64d79;">a new way of being or living, like enjoying the little things</span> and realizing something that's RIGHT for us is somewhere on the horizon, even if we don't see it right away! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm curious, what "bad" things have happened in your life that have turned out to be blessings in disguise? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUd8I-wtjiv39vLrE8admt-KnJk9xvzz5Wb_b1LVeS6ReFD9eQWxHNUh986wG9_S8RF32SOM-MLaxxIDQTHnPta3gL8o-OltAOGRpaD16oDfvu1dagDqR_CZKHHCFTTE24Agn9DBjL71pb/s640/blogger-image-1990286223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><br /></a></div>
This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-63063335364570699282014-10-09T15:14:00.000-07:002014-10-09T15:14:01.619-07:00Art Journal Inspiration<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXB2oYT4TKqTqShTdhGwGwXSd-IRM_pJOhWIN1sIdQBu2n2VYlDQQxZ4AsdAZKzfH1T07uLy542h02O_mnJ-4Emt2wPjPJYkRNmNJLJGXk1Xe7pEDJIgTnP4XUJ89qAAtTFDMteeBYr4M_/s640/blogger-image--1235936212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXB2oYT4TKqTqShTdhGwGwXSd-IRM_pJOhWIN1sIdQBu2n2VYlDQQxZ4AsdAZKzfH1T07uLy542h02O_mnJ-4Emt2wPjPJYkRNmNJLJGXk1Xe7pEDJIgTnP4XUJ89qAAtTFDMteeBYr4M_/s640/blogger-image--1235936212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NW5OZ44NxSptUFiZ7ubatIW9-g8zCHJojswvhr53pb5CZ7NahOVT-TzGiEyzeuA_RCNMYRqv4PgxwX2wLOJfNXlpJU8-luiWn0U2b5ZmuowcD3pY8bJEnT7MMgPCyxeIaZg7RklLoYMG/s640/blogger-image--545360452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
I've talked before about my hesitance to create in an art journal. But I also added that it's something I grew to love pretty quickly. It's healing for me and some of the pages are meant to inspire and encourage those whom I share them with, like you! Here are a few that are inspiring reminders that <b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">you are amazing</span> </span></b>and even though you (me too) may not like where things are in your life, <span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>you are right where you are supposed to be</b></span>. When I see that phrase, I feel so much better about the struggles I'm dealing with. It helps me to accept or surrender and not fight "what is" when I read those words. So helpful, because fighting "what is" and not accepting where I'm at right now causes so much anxiety and stress in my life. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dRoM-lQeG7X0bs-L2yUaYTZsjzXYXeR7P5WqNbhOXBSyCOrDOh9061Jv6mXHH8wkPAjPhcwAZC4oefn-_efzxuDYZfBA-i372u5EpKOcBGT8i8wmaPG5zdeZB19MIi4x4LY1UYWg5mXc/s640/blogger-image--1279800401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dRoM-lQeG7X0bs-L2yUaYTZsjzXYXeR7P5WqNbhOXBSyCOrDOh9061Jv6mXHH8wkPAjPhcwAZC4oefn-_efzxuDYZfBA-i372u5EpKOcBGT8i8wmaPG5zdeZB19MIi4x4LY1UYWg5mXc/s400/blogger-image--1279800401.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXB2oYT4TKqTqShTdhGwGwXSd-IRM_pJOhWIN1sIdQBu2n2VYlDQQxZ4AsdAZKzfH1T07uLy542h02O_mnJ-4Emt2wPjPJYkRNmNJLJGXk1Xe7pEDJIgTnP4XUJ89qAAtTFDMteeBYr4M_/s1600/blogger-image--1235936212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXB2oYT4TKqTqShTdhGwGwXSd-IRM_pJOhWIN1sIdQBu2n2VYlDQQxZ4AsdAZKzfH1T07uLy542h02O_mnJ-4Emt2wPjPJYkRNmNJLJGXk1Xe7pEDJIgTnP4XUJ89qAAtTFDMteeBYr4M_/s640/blogger-image--1235936212.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm also sending you wishes</span>...for strength to handle what comes your way and peace which can be hard to come by, at least for me when I'm not accepting my life as it is.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NW5OZ44NxSptUFiZ7ubatIW9-g8zCHJojswvhr53pb5CZ7NahOVT-TzGiEyzeuA_RCNMYRqv4PgxwX2wLOJfNXlpJU8-luiWn0U2b5ZmuowcD3pY8bJEnT7MMgPCyxeIaZg7RklLoYMG/s1600/blogger-image--545360452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NW5OZ44NxSptUFiZ7ubatIW9-g8zCHJojswvhr53pb5CZ7NahOVT-TzGiEyzeuA_RCNMYRqv4PgxwX2wLOJfNXlpJU8-luiWn0U2b5ZmuowcD3pY8bJEnT7MMgPCyxeIaZg7RklLoYMG/s1600/blogger-image--545360452.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Do you have any quotes or phrases or just words, that help you put your mind at ease? </span>Do you ever forget that you have them there to help you live your day-to-day life? I know sometimes I really need these reminders, hence creating art with them. </span></div>
This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-63793098077093394292014-10-01T12:07:00.000-07:002014-10-01T12:07:08.663-07:00Thankful for this Fall<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Though the carefree days of flip flops, shorts and longer days are slowly coming to a sad close, there is so much beauty in the fall we're having right now. I feel so grateful for the vibrant changing trees and the dreamy blue skies. Windows are still open and I can't seem to stop inhaling the fresh air as deeply as I can. Maybe I'm really trying to keep this beauty with me, deep down, as long as possible before the windows will close for the season.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJdJAXwpJa9d6MstWgpSo8nhv7_l9vtSd2htZcfvN2YIrZbpJdXFQ8rizUdyLJdqghfTWGGohjm3-zzsbWCbeYrE-QnZhrsXF45dDcrofRCopaAVHf4IuzCbt381GTYRR5KAP-C5MHzBB/s640/blogger-image-2091203761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJdJAXwpJa9d6MstWgpSo8nhv7_l9vtSd2htZcfvN2YIrZbpJdXFQ8rizUdyLJdqghfTWGGohjm3-zzsbWCbeYrE-QnZhrsXF45dDcrofRCopaAVHf4IuzCbt381GTYRR5KAP-C5MHzBB/s400/blogger-image-2091203761.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm thankful for a new little niece who is starting to smile, making us all smile and laugh with joy.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfw8Ymv5q1XraoJQZCKOE-ZJBquPxy0l1DwS0KQVB83qUyPCXxL_NAmlywUWLWcf3pKP9KeZU7E1AcHf7WYw8MlGsnFmsEPEoookzdcBCV6PQSYNgyR_VEQXkJ_ycmMth2AChyMn3SDCx/s1600/blogger-image-1736003893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfw8Ymv5q1XraoJQZCKOE-ZJBquPxy0l1DwS0KQVB83qUyPCXxL_NAmlywUWLWcf3pKP9KeZU7E1AcHf7WYw8MlGsnFmsEPEoookzdcBCV6PQSYNgyR_VEQXkJ_ycmMth2AChyMn3SDCx/s400/blogger-image-1736003893.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">...for homegrown flowers still blooming and brightening up my counters, my stove, my painting desk and my kitchen window sill</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwJ0z2Rl6DS_hCRJyUcT_FpK7vagzYX6OPJcfq4n9TWnrIk7V8BeGyFCjq5mJ0kvllCgrXrQ04XmYbplB9zMgfiyHYI3672JlOu65xSkfjk3akM6wuKZzFcYvdOec78S2_9oU4WG69KP7/s1600/blogger-image-976766482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwJ0z2Rl6DS_hCRJyUcT_FpK7vagzYX6OPJcfq4n9TWnrIk7V8BeGyFCjq5mJ0kvllCgrXrQ04XmYbplB9zMgfiyHYI3672JlOu65xSkfjk3akM6wuKZzFcYvdOec78S2_9oU4WG69KP7/s400/blogger-image-976766482.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...for breathtaking morning sunrises</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7drv74WA4LEl1MNuqqGkdgO6mvxHd8maR9lGC2gomepopCN3LtYm7aukpAB0VnHgXI8V-9PeggaqTNkDAMtcUkuvNAF5-e8TVMeyGpDBAO_fX5a0EXa9O1nl6dRqm_Yl1SMmSokePuerx/s1600/blogger-image--309380870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7drv74WA4LEl1MNuqqGkdgO6mvxHd8maR9lGC2gomepopCN3LtYm7aukpAB0VnHgXI8V-9PeggaqTNkDAMtcUkuvNAF5-e8TVMeyGpDBAO_fX5a0EXa9O1nl6dRqm_Yl1SMmSokePuerx/s640/blogger-image--309380870.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.<span style="font-size: large;">..for fun family pictures outside in this great weather with my sweet daughter and her cousin who have been friends since they were babies</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">...for glorious blue skies, </span><span style="font-size: large;">white clouds and amazing changing trees..</span>.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_-1WbF0SI7NQ5FKwm_MKU8gw8ViV-58S8EtJPOzoHHOdFlwCUgnTCs87lJrCugC1xfbYhGGT_QnQoEALnOgt-l4X4duMX8E7e5AxoPoAHkpEUOXbwWB29NPkqwq1I28kRoXDXWC7P2km/s640/blogger-image-512258070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_-1WbF0SI7NQ5FKwm_MKU8gw8ViV-58S8EtJPOzoHHOdFlwCUgnTCs87lJrCugC1xfbYhGGT_QnQoEALnOgt-l4X4duMX8E7e5AxoPoAHkpEUOXbwWB29NPkqwq1I28kRoXDXWC7P2km/s640/blogger-image-512258070.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4eEcrSejZ5YKBg8yAR4j-x-PymQLJi0Z2z9kVdTiPCVm01drKxApz-ijbRJwmIEmUGAq2xI-NYa2qEB00d5Y4wIffWYTZJLB9_YEa4pWQU698FMa1HXrwl4YFV2Z_RQplJ_vdQydi4B_/s640/blogger-image--931385135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4eEcrSejZ5YKBg8yAR4j-x-PymQLJi0Z2z9kVdTiPCVm01drKxApz-ijbRJwmIEmUGAq2xI-NYa2qEB00d5Y4wIffWYTZJLB9_YEa4pWQU698FMa1HXrwl4YFV2Z_RQplJ_vdQydi4B_/s640/blogger-image--931385135.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_-1WbF0SI7NQ5FKwm_MKU8gw8ViV-58S8EtJPOzoHHOdFlwCUgnTCs87lJrCugC1xfbYhGGT_QnQoEALnOgt-l4X4duMX8E7e5AxoPoAHkpEUOXbwWB29NPkqwq1I28kRoXDXWC7P2km/s640/blogger-image-512258070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">I know pretty soon, some of these things will be just a memory, so for now I'm going to soak them in every chance I get. Do you have some things you just love about fall? I'd love to hear about them...</span></div>
This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-58206306079843734082014-09-24T17:36:00.001-07:002014-09-24T17:36:07.036-07:00Art Journal Inspiration<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5o7YdasVE4egvCj6qrQTUqCWlJ75vVKmNWn8ZF4Nmqf2AQu3jN2Sl4r-Rb7MhtNeZvEp02QhJQouk1ZganeMfdYA7qE6H_Z5tHLBkL_CKf07fWxheU05RiUAZI5O8jW7ql3X5dCuriX2Y/s1600/open+to+miracles+journal+sept+24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5o7YdasVE4egvCj6qrQTUqCWlJ75vVKmNWn8ZF4Nmqf2AQu3jN2Sl4r-Rb7MhtNeZvEp02QhJQouk1ZganeMfdYA7qE6H_Z5tHLBkL_CKf07fWxheU05RiUAZI5O8jW7ql3X5dCuriX2Y/s1600/open+to+miracles+journal+sept+24.JPG" height="400" width="310" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I've been literally in a painting frenzy these past two days. It's almost like I don't know what's gotten into me. <span style="color: purple;">I can't get enough of my art journal</span> and I'm painting very freely in it and not thinking whatsoever about the marks I'm making or the colors I'm using. It's so freeing. Using my fingers too has been a big part of it...just getting messy and really putting all of myself into it. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are a few pages I want to share that I created during this recent frenzy. I hope you take a little inspiration from them! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1awiKR2iClNfRp3TTjOpZUVljq6Ux2-E3H8y5ARCo6LT72K5dtufmhpyOULntS0EJEj1DGVnwFEz_f4osFkaYByM-z0d0PDtsgDQAUTxDRDR0lNmSiOAGL3ZZIZn7fUJY3aTRT_2FOuy/s1600/you+are+healing+journal+sept+24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1awiKR2iClNfRp3TTjOpZUVljq6Ux2-E3H8y5ARCo6LT72K5dtufmhpyOULntS0EJEj1DGVnwFEz_f4osFkaYByM-z0d0PDtsgDQAUTxDRDR0lNmSiOAGL3ZZIZn7fUJY3aTRT_2FOuy/s1600/you+are+healing+journal+sept+24.JPG" height="640" width="496" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Do you ever paint in an art journal? If so is it to practice your skills, just for fun or does it go even deeper than that? Do you feel it helps you in some way? I truly believe it helps me in so many ways.</span></div>
<br />This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-47273028180303584962014-09-19T07:00:00.000-07:002014-09-19T07:00:01.875-07:00My REAL Studio TableSeth Apter of <a href="http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com/2014/09/studio-table-call-for-participants.html">The Altered Page</a> wants artists to share their our REAL work spaces, our studio table. Not ones that are professionally decorated to appear in issues of published magazines, but the messy, cluttered, so-many-different-projects-going-on studios.<br />
<br />
During the warm weather months typically May through September I luckily paint in my sunroom. It has tons of windows and the birds are singing and flying right outside. I love it. Since we had a quick drop in temperature here in Wisconsin, I moved back into our office earlier than normal. Here's my studio/home office where I create.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUAoi1bv47KMuCZ4gEZL4LHQTYeORBC-ZP_EnmWSmmQUoQgDi3PA-9XqhBksQn6s4wMPOST_92uL202XMgcvIf4XhugbiVZ54f0wVfsRGPVWTJFz75OwPVEmp0_Upu_k273llpi_-GLj1/s1600/studio+table+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUAoi1bv47KMuCZ4gEZL4LHQTYeORBC-ZP_EnmWSmmQUoQgDi3PA-9XqhBksQn6s4wMPOST_92uL202XMgcvIf4XhugbiVZ54f0wVfsRGPVWTJFz75OwPVEmp0_Upu_k273llpi_-GLj1/s1600/studio+table+1.JPG" height="416" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Working in a small art journal here...no big canvases going on right now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRdGQiXwnjU2o9SJQWvW1M7naHwrchyphenhyphenQJUnIuwcT_aJT01HZKIMlcR2GmZi0nEZGMcWoHcrInHh2qDre1r5nnRu7tBkJcrpq_m_DvE4-Nr9TIdjlBtre-kT2kNZyWdLw1T1IhjVh2LzBY/s1600/studio+table+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRdGQiXwnjU2o9SJQWvW1M7naHwrchyphenhyphenQJUnIuwcT_aJT01HZKIMlcR2GmZi0nEZGMcWoHcrInHh2qDre1r5nnRu7tBkJcrpq_m_DvE4-Nr9TIdjlBtre-kT2kNZyWdLw1T1IhjVh2LzBY/s1600/studio+table+2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It's not a big space because the other half of the room has a huge IKEA desk with my scanner, printer and the area where we pay bills, etc. But I am lucky that I have this amount of space and I sit right in front of the window. I'll be honest it doesn't get much light which I really need, but at least it does have a window, right? <span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks for visiting and taking a peek into my studio!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-1626019685885492122014-09-18T04:00:00.000-07:002014-09-18T04:00:00.060-07:00My Tribe, My Cre8ive Klatch<span id="docs-internal-guid-fc2e35b8-6194-0689-60ff-961f9395ca60"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWP9tM-YhRS9Q7pW2NGlxcOInRZmP5Pg3_baBTBKx6otnPz4aq-zxcFlJjUmuOmSx2Yi5N6i_ysjoBvaykEj8yp7xnRa5SuVQnFp0371ClA0DgHtEVWqgrbeweKwdVEuabw0HRKS6mYLH/s1600/Believe+Beautiful+Dreams+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWP9tM-YhRS9Q7pW2NGlxcOInRZmP5Pg3_baBTBKx6otnPz4aq-zxcFlJjUmuOmSx2Yi5N6i_ysjoBvaykEj8yp7xnRa5SuVQnFp0371ClA0DgHtEVWqgrbeweKwdVEuabw0HRKS6mYLH/s1600/Believe+Beautiful+Dreams+watermark.jpg" height="400" width="322" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I first met these girls a few years ago when we got to work together on Flying Lessons, a creative business course sponsored by artist Kelly Rae Roberts. We called each other "flyers" and now we are part of a "klatch." Never did I expect to call them my friends. Now that's what they've become to me. Not only do we bounce art biz ideas off of each other but we celebrate and share the good and bad times of our personal lives as well. I know that at just about anytime I can pop over to our Facebook group and find one of these supportive friends there to talk, listen or laugh with. I can count on them. We've been through births, deaths, surgeries, new pets, moves across country and much more. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: black; float: right; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3iWOWbJuKXWQWZObU7ZsQ3Zu8OliBmTBBh4PKS4CZ1IOn_9Hvdu8lK8r-Id2DK5jgVDdlgevpQY6ZhscviG_NO2Wtm0lh5vQIXCeHAKLwCsLbfryeT5YE5U6YZ2HIWPHP5_OgoUNdIE/s320/Cre8iveKlatch-Square-200x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cre8ive Klatch" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3iWOWbJuKXWQWZObU7ZsQ3Zu8OliBmTBBh4PKS4CZ1IOn_9Hvdu8lK8r-Id2DK5jgVDdlgevpQY6ZhscviG_NO2Wtm0lh5vQIXCeHAKLwCsLbfryeT5YE5U6YZ2HIWPHP5_OgoUNdIE/s320/Cre8iveKlatch-Square-200x200.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being part of this creative group has enriched my life personally and creatively. We are now venturing on a new journey called the <a href="http://cre8iveklatch.blogspot.com/">Cre8ive Klatch </a>and it's pretty exciting. Stop over at our group blog to meet the creative members. Today is my day to be introduced there so I'd love it if you'd stop over there and get to know me a little better. Come and see the great things we have in store for you, including quick projects you can do to stretch your creative muscles, EVEN if you </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="color: red;">think</span></i></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> you don't have any. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-rxdcsJlYFII%2FVA0R51WI47I%2FAAAAAAAAC2Y%2FKstmWsqAz9g%2Fs320%2FCre8iveKlatch-Square-200x200.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3iWOWbJuKXWQWZObU7ZsQ3Zu8OliBmTBBh4PKS4CZ1IOn_9Hvdu8lK8r-Id2DK5jgVDdlgevpQY6ZhscviG_NO2Wtm0lh5vQIXCeHAKLwCsLbfryeT5YE5U6YZ2HIWPHP5_OgoUNdIE/s320/Cre8iveKlatch-Square-200x200.jpg" -->This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-18820209973837304152014-09-11T11:14:00.002-07:002014-09-11T11:24:44.217-07:00Strength - Art Journal Inspiration<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LFKp9aMqbIl-BPiDrCiMiyBVwrtR-5_OnOVIO4D6UaQmpQT96CJKzfT8xH_LMK-cVC9lQkexLaaq9mwzLsspJ5tbkDcDL3JhEFQKZ5c3eTLK5ukxHRmXZBqZ6uol09yVxcHQgEQ9OjWe/s1600/i+am+strong+journal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LFKp9aMqbIl-BPiDrCiMiyBVwrtR-5_OnOVIO4D6UaQmpQT96CJKzfT8xH_LMK-cVC9lQkexLaaq9mwzLsspJ5tbkDcDL3JhEFQKZ5c3eTLK5ukxHRmXZBqZ6uol09yVxcHQgEQ9OjWe/s1600/i+am+strong+journal.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Some of you who know me are aware that I have lupus and have been living with this illness for 13 years. I've been through chemotherapy to help kidney disease which is now in remission (yay!). Early menopause from the chemo unfortunately took away my chance of having a second child a few years ago. I've had to quit my full-time teaching job as well, something I worked really hard on in college and in my graduate program. Often I'm in lots of pain and moving my hands, neck, feet, legs, etc. can be really really hard some days. I cannot handle being in the sun or heat. Let's just say, my life has changed drastically. Sometimes I give into a personal pity-party - it's hard not to some days. But through all this I am learning that I am a strong person. And, yes, I occasionally have to remind myself of that in my art journal. </span> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">An affirmation, a reminder that I can handle this. </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: #20124d;">I'm surviving everyday, sometimes even thriving I guess. Though I wish I were cured, I still do feel so much joy about life and the gifts I have been given. This is the only way for me to deal with struggles daily.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TeMns8gyrgAkR09Cws32OFbx7h5Da19tAzlnAQCx5BxchkkUTB4RZ1afUflfwg_7L6Bta7HC5pV2fC_1iaKBFFhVzT_Sv-48EHplcMGhM1UhevXFeu9SMJ_DXxc8_wBfHhDHQMdPRJC_/s1600/you+are+strong+journal+white+flower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TeMns8gyrgAkR09Cws32OFbx7h5Da19tAzlnAQCx5BxchkkUTB4RZ1afUflfwg_7L6Bta7HC5pV2fC_1iaKBFFhVzT_Sv-48EHplcMGhM1UhevXFeu9SMJ_DXxc8_wBfHhDHQMdPRJC_/s1600/you+are+strong+journal+white+flower.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #20124d;">I'm hoping that even though you too may have some major or even minor obstacles or stressors, that you know </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">you really are strong</span><span style="color: #20124d;"> and can handle them. Sometimes I have to remind myself to breathe, maybe walk away, even whisper gently to myself "it's okay" and these things help put me back in a strong, capable and hopefully calm frame of mind.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When you are struggling and think you just can't handle one more thing, what do you do to help yourself? Are you good at reminding yourself how strong you are? Think of all the challenges you have faced in your life - you are strong.</span>This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-67022515645683057452014-09-05T10:10:00.000-07:002014-09-05T10:10:15.196-07:00Art Journal Inspiration<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A few years ago when I started painting on a regular basis and following art blogs, I saw many artists creating in art journals. I just couldn't do it at first. I felt like I was wasting paper and paint and time. Then I took an online class with <a href="http://www.timssally.com/">Mindy Lacefield</a> called <span style="color: magenta;"><i>True Free Spirit</i></span> and she suggested we paint many of our lessons in a journal. Since then, I've been hooked. I truly feel like "playing" with colors and shapes and creating things I never did before (like painting girls) has opened me up to new things as well as painting more freely. It helped me focus on being right there in the moment instead of thinking about other things or wondering if this painting was "good enough." It is like having a little therapist right there with me, one who doesn't respond but kind of pushes me to find the answers myself by just exploring with my words or paints and trusting that I can handle things or they will eventually work the way they are supposed to.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqhVOtFvLVK0a1lfPes1xK1hacQqWgyLnf10sUmGkGt0F_gjDs2MWHwQ1Tis3dtqfBdqn2-t15qAV9JfukOh105gWGf7WZ0fS6xTNN_ZUcZlrS1rnLxjH6tf2tkreV7uiouAYZCNDFnd7/s1600/surrender+journal+page.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqhVOtFvLVK0a1lfPes1xK1hacQqWgyLnf10sUmGkGt0F_gjDs2MWHwQ1Tis3dtqfBdqn2-t15qAV9JfukOh105gWGf7WZ0fS6xTNN_ZUcZlrS1rnLxjH6tf2tkreV7uiouAYZCNDFnd7/s1600/surrender+journal+page.JPG" height="400" width="332" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I now love painting and writing in my art journal. It takes me to a calmer place. Sometimes I share it with others on-line and even make prints out of my creations, and other times, it's just for me to try new art techniques or to work through things I'm worried about. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRthPJ1k9LGixDWM8wXKEsnk0Y49Pj1xcoIvAs-EsAKq4QwPpaqMTkLQ-oS3SOwMxXYzWeaxrFJH8PZcafuWYT3cKrQXI8OqBf4LgzsE01ZJEUSLc2sfXxPjichCaQIG5P_uvlKyPIiTr5/s1600/journal+page+courage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRthPJ1k9LGixDWM8wXKEsnk0Y49Pj1xcoIvAs-EsAKq4QwPpaqMTkLQ-oS3SOwMxXYzWeaxrFJH8PZcafuWYT3cKrQXI8OqBf4LgzsE01ZJEUSLc2sfXxPjichCaQIG5P_uvlKyPIiTr5/s1600/journal+page+courage.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I own the book <i><span style="color: red;">Art Saves</span></i> by Jenny Doh and I've come to believe that little phrase. No, my lupus is not healed in the sense that I'm physically healthy like I dream of being, but I truly feel that creating art whether for myself or customers has saved me in so many ways.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGj1KOtalzgg89jTvXOJZqbMOpT9LCqNDL_5W0yBPo-jtD57Gwrp8-wKGMWBq90PrbdIS-yh2DYxo_c-t7vTpTS7UhvDvxCvHcuDGJ1E9TpdwbA6PBy4xYp6C1AUoVaPWO_XJiTDz4aOtR/s1600/art+saves+book.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGj1KOtalzgg89jTvXOJZqbMOpT9LCqNDL_5W0yBPo-jtD57Gwrp8-wKGMWBq90PrbdIS-yh2DYxo_c-t7vTpTS7UhvDvxCvHcuDGJ1E9TpdwbA6PBy4xYp6C1AUoVaPWO_XJiTDz4aOtR/s1600/art+saves+book.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I'd like to start sharing some of these pages here weekly in the hopes that maybe you can take some encouragement and inspiration from them too!</span></b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-47060647728186624822014-09-02T08:25:00.000-07:002014-09-02T08:32:38.738-07:00Trying Something New - Carving my own Stamps<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not the most handy with sharp things like knives and mandolin slicers. However the recent urge to make my own stamps bypassed my fear of sharp objects. The first stamp I carved I used an exacto knife and my daughter's pink school eraser. It's by no means neat OR professional looking - I'm not the neatest person when I do anything really--cooking, eating, painting, etc. BUT I was so thrilled that I did it! I was hooked right away and took the plunge and purchased a linoleum cutter from Dick Blick and carved a few more.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8t6jyODdCXTzfCExs4iubmpvYN-ZxrAZzBOGwz2XA853PS7QFX5IUVCLqhWRnzixNPXa8mG4T_3jOwKSBk5nV-ZHDSn1AsIjU7z8uC9YaWYGnOSJPSUeIzyLoTh1lkkwNTO6bsMdaje1/s1600/speedball+carver.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8t6jyODdCXTzfCExs4iubmpvYN-ZxrAZzBOGwz2XA853PS7QFX5IUVCLqhWRnzixNPXa8mG4T_3jOwKSBk5nV-ZHDSn1AsIjU7z8uC9YaWYGnOSJPSUeIzyLoTh1lkkwNTO6bsMdaje1/s1600/speedball+carver.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I started with vines and leaves because those tend to appear in my paintings often. Then I took a stab at a star and a diamond (pretty obsessed with diamonds as well - not the expensive shiny kind but diamond patterns). </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKveKAntClrzsnNV6VC6aYalkLy_wAOm8dCpebv_6sva0HZSYFBbCLr3u6ZmEvXnA8Z-YAOwHyVf-dIUayPWu9xOtIvCfxaZhdaPiVDTqqkWePwAA7_e0esS8SKxFVPqnwhu21dQ8i2dFr/s640/blogger-image-1797840846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKveKAntClrzsnNV6VC6aYalkLy_wAOm8dCpebv_6sva0HZSYFBbCLr3u6ZmEvXnA8Z-YAOwHyVf-dIUayPWu9xOtIvCfxaZhdaPiVDTqqkWePwAA7_e0esS8SKxFVPqnwhu21dQ8i2dFr/s400/blogger-image-1797840846.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I can't explain it but when I'm sitting there carving them I truly focus and feel so in-the-moment, something I really struggle with A LOT lately. I guess when you're handling a sharp tool, you have to focus. Doing this just lets the world fall away for a few moments while I'm designing and carving. What a great feeling. All I know is this is really a little bit of meditative therapy to me. I can't wait to buy some more carving blocks and see what I can create. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hEXoTps9hHGY4RtDZ1dVXvIajBBINXtGscrHFn7Cz3V2VoEG9vXEx_Jj6ew1mQjtSJwCBw7Glun5g8sKahVVqgD6b1a0yZ4xD24XHS0-iRMZWApxsWgH8Sc9YY_uQzP1dV-h5b7kHiax/s1600/carved+stamps.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hEXoTps9hHGY4RtDZ1dVXvIajBBINXtGscrHFn7Cz3V2VoEG9vXEx_Jj6ew1mQjtSJwCBw7Glun5g8sKahVVqgD6b1a0yZ4xD24XHS0-iRMZWApxsWgH8Sc9YY_uQzP1dV-h5b7kHiax/s1600/carved+stamps.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is something I never thought I'd try...what about you? Do you have anything you've finally tried that you were scared to do? Is there STILL something that you want to do but just can't take the plunge yet?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you want to see more creative ideas, stop over by the Cre8ive Klatch group where we are sharing our ideas and projects. <a href="http://cre8iveklatch.blogspot.com/"> http://cre8iveklatch.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-88777520357434877662014-08-26T16:47:00.002-07:002014-08-26T16:47:13.897-07:00Painting as a Getaway and Stress Reliever<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My summer off is coming to an end and to be honest it's been a bit stressful and anxiety-ridden due to my health. I'm not going to complain or go into big detail right now because I need a break from that. I do want to share what I've been doing to try to ease my worries and some struggles running through my busy mind.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIubzhr2INjt_uNpUi8j6J_bU-zGvBD9NNEWKG9FxRH3bBlzJW-bcO04-jGt0aLgOIW-c0bWtZdyaKe9gzrYHxebJJUClLzKgTVeszRzTJssu-4oFv3A7IrfDOi3ep08g_3GJ_iNFVB1Z/s1600/journal+page+aug+26+flower+vase.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIubzhr2INjt_uNpUi8j6J_bU-zGvBD9NNEWKG9FxRH3bBlzJW-bcO04-jGt0aLgOIW-c0bWtZdyaKe9gzrYHxebJJUClLzKgTVeszRzTJssu-4oFv3A7IrfDOi3ep08g_3GJ_iNFVB1Z/s1600/journal+page+aug+26+flower+vase.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJzlYI8VV4pVFhFtd7OpakF5t1fkZ-Vo57YaqZFRXurhX7sg3MD3UpqtpjDIjYPEm7dWLp8dMjvlVnElyu16ixadQ87Y1apBtlaHdkuNwY2fxUtrLcl0ea7Qf5ewttU2adhoTKSZExxAW/s1600/abstract+paintings+aug+26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJzlYI8VV4pVFhFtd7OpakF5t1fkZ-Vo57YaqZFRXurhX7sg3MD3UpqtpjDIjYPEm7dWLp8dMjvlVnElyu16ixadQ87Y1apBtlaHdkuNwY2fxUtrLcl0ea7Qf5ewttU2adhoTKSZExxAW/s1600/abstract+paintings+aug+26.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">First of all, I wasn't painting every day and it really makes a difference. So a few days ago I reminded myself that even just "messing around" in my sketchbook, not with the intent to make a finished, polished piece, would be a little therapy that would do me good. It bugs me that I KNOW painting helps me but I still sometimes just don't do it. Hello....just do it, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lMv61-ja1B6vvj5R1THIcdykc7UjKSSdYy4RXFjgUHJuPRkHKAMhcKBhV6qGle3THrXiAx_0n34zrxPkkiKLPF0tXcmA4XIxW_9mqMVD60IMQvVRzX-ia_4S7zG98NxOxAIJvFP0Nrph/s1600/peach+rose+aug+26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lMv61-ja1B6vvj5R1THIcdykc7UjKSSdYy4RXFjgUHJuPRkHKAMhcKBhV6qGle3THrXiAx_0n34zrxPkkiKLPF0tXcmA4XIxW_9mqMVD60IMQvVRzX-ia_4S7zG98NxOxAIJvFP0Nrph/s1600/peach+rose+aug+26.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Polka climbing rose from my garden)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Aside from painting and just playing in my art journal, I also KNOW going outside even for 10 minutes can give me a new perspective. I have some beautiful flowers growing all around me and some shade (which I need) so I can enjoy the things I planted but still stay out of the sun that tends to give me a hard time. Sad to say, I actually sometimes have to force myself to get out there, pick a few flowers or sit in the shade and read a good book...why? If I enjoy it and it restores me, why? </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpO0prE-2Q05d5HHqWqFqi7Ypj138qoMATGOPu4qlHqujiXAYt_Qtvt-b91EyjMYGxMYj-rvjdbcvM6uc29hVNadfyF8a_22upsNxMrw-GKbkQxbRItvholH8i_6hDHQLtW2JEOhKzs72T/s1600/zinnias+aug+26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpO0prE-2Q05d5HHqWqFqi7Ypj138qoMATGOPu4qlHqujiXAYt_Qtvt-b91EyjMYGxMYj-rvjdbcvM6uc29hVNadfyF8a_22upsNxMrw-GKbkQxbRItvholH8i_6hDHQLtW2JEOhKzs72T/s1600/zinnias+aug+26.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Zinnias planted from seed this spring)</div>
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Do you have any things you try when anxiety or worry get the best of you? I'd love to hear new ideas if you have them.</span>This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-14474884300130217832014-07-07T15:40:00.002-07:002014-07-07T15:40:56.348-07:00Sweet Summertime<span style="font-size: large;">Working in a school has definitely had its ups and downs for me...I quit teaching because it got to be too exhausting because of having lupus. So now just working part-time in the school library still gives me summers off - that's one of the major positives of working in education. I truly thank God every day in the summer for having the opportunity to be home with Bella and to relax and try to restore my heath. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Having a chronic illness has taught me that such <span style="color: orange;">simple things make the days so sweet</span>. I'm also learning that things I create with my own hands, things not perfect are also so sweet. I do love documenting those sweet moments with my camera phone, especially instagram. I know some people say you're missing out on life if you're constantly behind a camera, but I wouldn't say I'm constantly behind a camera - I just sometimes feel such beauty that I can't let it pass me by without snapping a forever picture of it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The simplicity of fresh-grown mint in a sweet jelly jar, next to a shell perched on the wooden window of my sunroom.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImmHM-Y7iNtGqBpXLqrRjEoQJb9n4ha_9U-JwH8jhHIB3K3XwctdFBbA4PGs59ejvJ5Pm_t3h4wkxlmqSp5xsN9wzy2VXSdMHtoM_bR_USJ6J-kqWvLGyP3Mmbe1qJ2i_k8b-FNqdmz9y/s1600/mint+in+jar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImmHM-Y7iNtGqBpXLqrRjEoQJb9n4ha_9U-JwH8jhHIB3K3XwctdFBbA4PGs59ejvJ5Pm_t3h4wkxlmqSp5xsN9wzy2VXSdMHtoM_bR_USJ6J-kqWvLGyP3Mmbe1qJ2i_k8b-FNqdmz9y/s1600/mint+in+jar.JPG" height="400" width="393" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Clouds...I don't even need to say more...I'm a daydreamer and noticing the sky shows me how beautiful life is even when it can be rough as well...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKlEU-kez380l8tTyHOC4eMoseRf542elVea0UNV3eDjxgo4dqAVZAngyQiHDBcIYcYi7llgRyELtDwt1SVJ6hR3HBMSZpQvrdlULjcmC_RVgDAstISh2iOG4ojt-3niq5LBwJLfW-njy/s1600/clouds+july+2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKlEU-kez380l8tTyHOC4eMoseRf542elVea0UNV3eDjxgo4dqAVZAngyQiHDBcIYcYi7llgRyELtDwt1SVJ6hR3HBMSZpQvrdlULjcmC_RVgDAstISh2iOG4ojt-3niq5LBwJLfW-njy/s1600/clouds+july+2014.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Taking time to just "be" and relishing the shade after a refreshing swim, being barefoot, drinking fresh water with a slice of lemon...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgFFHaToILGX6a96JYlJBaTBqIaAVs4LNeLrjFC3PhbfPBrJXpk_e0zlOJhlMsj6bap7RB4zrd-7Htcy8-IB7NHlPUBaUbMHLfUbAem-QwQxSeQn-hw3jBnrozM7cSvr3A-NVuHu60MFL/s1600/me+outside+feet+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgFFHaToILGX6a96JYlJBaTBqIaAVs4LNeLrjFC3PhbfPBrJXpk_e0zlOJhlMsj6bap7RB4zrd-7Htcy8-IB7NHlPUBaUbMHLfUbAem-QwQxSeQn-hw3jBnrozM7cSvr3A-NVuHu60MFL/s1600/me+outside+feet+up.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Years ago, I probably wouldn't even take a picture with my feet in it...you know long toes, bunions, but I am now so grateful that I still have these toes, these feet that have both had surgery and are full of scars because they are still getting me places, still letting me walk on the green grass that I so love.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whether you work all day in the summer, work from home, maybe even create art and life from home, what do you find sweet about summertime? I'd love to hear and be inspired by some of <span style="color: #3d85c6;">what makes you sigh with happiness at this time of year.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-77641795832190690182013-10-01T05:00:00.000-07:002013-10-01T05:00:04.096-07:00Some New and Needed Changes on the HorizonChange is in the air. The leaves are turning vibrant shades of orange, yellow and red. They are starting to dance down to the ground. Fall has officially arrived. I do love this time of year. The sky is such an amazing shade of blue; clouds are bright white. It's like an amazing painting. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMCMNzRLQlvsP0NY0a24dxvjRpLaQ9X3qgAKnHtUYMrpcuF2pvQgBrRQBxcgZZ5U5pQp9CRtMlpQz6jPEYM0v8HLuLr_LjgJpEzo-FlcBav_0dkuZCxKJwEByEM_hCPns02slQhwIamNw/s1600/fall+sky+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMCMNzRLQlvsP0NY0a24dxvjRpLaQ9X3qgAKnHtUYMrpcuF2pvQgBrRQBxcgZZ5U5pQp9CRtMlpQz6jPEYM0v8HLuLr_LjgJpEzo-FlcBav_0dkuZCxKJwEByEM_hCPns02slQhwIamNw/s400/fall+sky+2013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Not only is the season changing, but I have to start changing a few things myself. A recent bone density test showed me that I'm already having thinning of my femur bone. I'm only 41--this is not news I want to hear. The doctor told me that thinning in the spine is normal, not this. She immediately wanted to put me on Boniva, but I have heard pretty grim things about those types of "bone building" medications. I contacted my regular doctor and she told me to trust my gut and not start this medication. She feels we can work on this through diet and exercise, <span style="color: orange;">so a new chapter of my life begins</span>. One of really consciously exercising and eating specific bone-building foods. I'll be honest, I'm not in love with exercising. I do enjoy yoga, but other than that I'd rather sit and paint or read. BUT, I don't want weak bones at the age of 41, so I <i>have</i> to make these changes. Hopefully the natural changes will be good enough so I won't need the medications that have yucky side effects.<br />
<br />
My plan is to write about these new changes here to hold myself accountable. I have a few friends who I know will encourage me along this new journey as well. Thank you! <br />
<br />
The first item on my agenda is to walk as much as possible. I started yesterday and took another long walk this morning. Since I had foot surgery in June and was off my right foot for about 9 weeks, I feel pretty out of shape, but I'm assuming it can only get better with daily practice, right? Aside from the walking, I plan to lift my arm weights, not sure if I should do them daily or take a break in between each day--that I will find out from the doctor. Also, yoga stretches, which make me feel so great, I will do EVERY day. There's no reason not to--I can do them right in my living room and they feel great, so I have no excuses not to do this.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">So, here's the start of my new changes...exercising is a top priority for me starting yesterday</span>! So, if you have any tips on staying motivated to get my body moving daily, please share them here. Like I said, I don't LOVE exercising, so I may need lots of help from those of you who do fit it in your daily life. <br />
<br />
Next up, changing my way of eating...this may be even harder than daily exercising. I love my food. Stay tuned for some new healthy food additions to my days. I hear sardines with bones are supposed to be good bone food...good Lord.This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-3679297754845895282013-09-16T17:07:00.000-07:002013-09-16T17:07:14.127-07:00Journal Pages - Just What I Needed to HearI never intended to like creating in an art journal. I shied away from it because I thought it would be a waste of paint. Why would I put my heart and soul and maybe even collage precious papers into a book that only I would see? Well, I now love working in my art journal and I think of those former thoughts almost every time I pull it out to create. When I started Mindy Lacefield's True Free Spirit e-course, she suggested we buy an art journal for one of our monthly projects. I did and I'm hooked. Like those who have come before me and art journal like crazy, I agree that it holds many purposes. <div>
<br /><div>
1. It's a place to mull over something bothering me. I usually paint over any things I've written about stuff that's really bringing me down. But just getting it down in the first place is a bit of help, even if I paint right over it. <br /><br /><div>
2. I can practice something new that I've been meaning to paint, maybe a new style of birdie that I just don't want to put to canvas yet. Or this little fawn that I've been aching to paint.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pZuP6LNQkiXEtKjkPS542A-DL_Ewc7sUOy3-r9dDTi6J19in-CSRnvGYCCOYXEZq7ak1qbfkWsp9bVeMP3fDCkCNEnGz-dHkkCZM6M1avfkfHPfBaqRQat9F8z9wXpK0h5979zpHleNZ/s1600/fawn+art+journal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pZuP6LNQkiXEtKjkPS542A-DL_Ewc7sUOy3-r9dDTi6J19in-CSRnvGYCCOYXEZq7ak1qbfkWsp9bVeMP3fDCkCNEnGz-dHkkCZM6M1avfkfHPfBaqRQat9F8z9wXpK0h5979zpHleNZ/s320/fawn+art+journal.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
3. My main love of doing this is creating pieces that give me encouragement. When I need some lifting up, I paint a message that I need to hear right at that particular moment. I may not hear it from anyone else, so I've decided my art journal is the place where I can be encouraging to myself. I've realized that I won't always hear what I need to hear from those I love.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8-kkUhQ5Undk9NztjmtzJGYBjFWtO7feDtlQ8Tr2dgRdDF0OwYceQXvrw1Ji0vBZEK0hJui0TFpl5k8dAo6pRsmEETIQ4CJFAUZbNJeGQEgDpVOjAKv5fBERqYJ6Pp44vygjvSwHb55C/s1600/keep+face+to+sun+art+journal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8-kkUhQ5Undk9NztjmtzJGYBjFWtO7feDtlQ8Tr2dgRdDF0OwYceQXvrw1Ji0vBZEK0hJui0TFpl5k8dAo6pRsmEETIQ4CJFAUZbNJeGQEgDpVOjAKv5fBERqYJ6Pp44vygjvSwHb55C/s400/keep+face+to+sun+art+journal.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Sometimes I've shared some of my encouraging journal pages online and they've spoken to others who've actually bought prints of them. This is an added perk - taking something really just meant for my creative exploring time and also inspiring and hopefully uplifting others too!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYldLfQOA8eVebR9PsT4UiPNTM0xhnGcMQmrDVpZHUb54SZTeUK-Zz55SEKcQv78SfZz39Wngv98dZnKL-nLuUxvsrNxgHuTbUgpgN6g6IEvfw9gVLehS2jSxgRD884yUQygeme-xJXBvi/s1600/you+are+perfect+journal+SCAN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYldLfQOA8eVebR9PsT4UiPNTM0xhnGcMQmrDVpZHUb54SZTeUK-Zz55SEKcQv78SfZz39Wngv98dZnKL-nLuUxvsrNxgHuTbUgpgN6g6IEvfw9gVLehS2jSxgRD884yUQygeme-xJXBvi/s320/you+are+perfect+journal+SCAN.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
<div>
Do you have any messages you either tell yourself daily or maybe even paint or write down that seem to help you when you need a boost? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-79735105549542296632013-08-27T12:21:00.001-07:002013-08-27T12:21:25.462-07:00Summer Highlights - It's Almost OverSummer's not quite over yet, but when you work in a school like I do, when I head back to work, summer's pretty much over. Since it was a different sort of summer for me, having foot surgery, I'm going to recap my "highlights" and things I've realized before I head back to a new school year.<br />
<br />
Gosh it's even hard to say highlights because I honestly had a lot of "low" periods. I couldn't drive for eight weeks, walk on my foot for eight weeks or get my foot wet for eight weeks. I tried to stay positive during this pretty long time but it got hard. Really hard especially the first three weeks.<br />
<br />
My twelve year old daughter helped when I needed it but very often with scowl on her face. I tried to be understanding because she's only twelve and wants summer to be fun, but she had to be her momma's helper A LOT. My hubby works A LOT so loneliness did set in at times I'll be honest. It was weeks before I felt good enough to paint because I typically only felt good with my foot elevated and that's not so easy to do sitting at a desk painting. Here are a few pieces I created while I was healing...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSil1FpxFBNYRurPpkZ39-C5Ubo5cvL8S0d8emyVoNEeKJG99DmsS3pXpsfZqT5AhmnfEsB_0cwz4V7pdjAB1_nEU8-7JyX75BFeyDbCLaKa9VQ9hHtqliqX8qtJxtKm9rSXLTi_eEtMm/s1600/believe+in+yourself+july+SCAN+picmonkey+soften.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSil1FpxFBNYRurPpkZ39-C5Ubo5cvL8S0d8emyVoNEeKJG99DmsS3pXpsfZqT5AhmnfEsB_0cwz4V7pdjAB1_nEU8-7JyX75BFeyDbCLaKa9VQ9hHtqliqX8qtJxtKm9rSXLTi_eEtMm/s320/believe+in+yourself+july+SCAN+picmonkey+soften.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xCq6QOgdDwLnJYLe1VAo5aeNsfQwaBasIScbW5F_2DKa5kJRk_2pG_tzXBWrXRjAbOjPZn0yNZXTPOxE871KcIK6yfK09ev4kaSffYdnzGWQ4glF_xh9almAv94ogOaYm78QzoRgumo_/s1600/believe+journal+SCAN024+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xCq6QOgdDwLnJYLe1VAo5aeNsfQwaBasIScbW5F_2DKa5kJRk_2pG_tzXBWrXRjAbOjPZn0yNZXTPOxE871KcIK6yfK09ev4kaSffYdnzGWQ4glF_xh9almAv94ogOaYm78QzoRgumo_/s320/believe+journal+SCAN024+watermark.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwXCMpQIai3tkD7Ju_8kwNZbaRfRTygLuydSJ2cVciDVIDEDAJepYdnaKWAY_2cfJsnogqulv7zx5io0LTYYtGZQ30xznI7Vj1FaFCxtC-DL8Ji_ZZL8h-uRqTr5fAHSQBE_DCR-wrHpy/s1600/elephant+july+1+scan+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwXCMpQIai3tkD7Ju_8kwNZbaRfRTygLuydSJ2cVciDVIDEDAJepYdnaKWAY_2cfJsnogqulv7zx5io0LTYYtGZQ30xznI7Vj1FaFCxtC-DL8Ji_ZZL8h-uRqTr5fAHSQBE_DCR-wrHpy/s320/elephant+july+1+scan+watermark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufXRUo3zUlO_baYe1UuvElPnkN0NTOZaO3ZV9cmahyJ2z62j-xwtaMh1aTqcxzAAgUfT_SJGWkNMewcRYqSCzLBiQD7Z9cDbjcVlWr_d9yWwOPcKAZgU5qpMgs1mI3ZWwoQYiCPxs25bE/s1600/giraffe+july+1+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufXRUo3zUlO_baYe1UuvElPnkN0NTOZaO3ZV9cmahyJ2z62j-xwtaMh1aTqcxzAAgUfT_SJGWkNMewcRYqSCzLBiQD7Z9cDbjcVlWr_d9yWwOPcKAZgU5qpMgs1mI3ZWwoQYiCPxs25bE/s320/giraffe+july+1+watermark.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I'm also a big reader, but I found myself getting restless doing that for sooooo many hours a day. I really learned how hard it is to have your freedoms and self-sufficiency taken away. I realized how much I took for granted like carrying a glass of water to the living room from the kitchen--not so easy to do while using crutches. I truly feel so much gratitude for the little things like standing in a shower, vacuuming or getting in the car and just running to the store when I need to.<br />
<br />
I needed the help of friends, family, neighbors and coworkers to be my drivers every single week. These people were awesome and selfless! Aside from my neighbors, they all lived 25 - 45 minutes away and came to help around my house, bring me cookies, dinners, iced mochas, magazines and take me to my weekly doctor appointment check-ups. <br />
<br />
A few days I was full of self-pity, for the pain my foot was in and for the frustration I felt for all the things I couldn't do. Well, a few of my friends sort of whipped me back into shape reminding me that I am in charge of my attitude. This was one of my <span style="color: cyan;">big lessons</span> during my recovery. Thank you to those girls who helped me realize I can be happy if I want to...it's up to no one else but ME! <br />
<br />
A special highlight that helped keep me smiling was visits with my sweet niece and going to her first birthday party. She brought joy to me even in moments that weren't so joyful. Even when I was in the pre-op room I thought how great it would be to have sweet babies in there with the patients prior to surgery, to keep our mind off the upcoming procedure. I think it's a great idea because they are so sweet and joyful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3Cu9-9pr2H1F5eet6MDBz9ceVO1nOhAV4ADBiDnL_CqZyykOnRIEygEc5iNrhEDm8ynfXZVJW4GvK2t06jI9yJe1aL91qfJI7o612vAbVMPULPkFChJFn1Ya4CoJ_Ng08ZiNQ5iEv2gQ/s1600/cora+in+yellow+tutu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3Cu9-9pr2H1F5eet6MDBz9ceVO1nOhAV4ADBiDnL_CqZyykOnRIEygEc5iNrhEDm8ynfXZVJW4GvK2t06jI9yJe1aL91qfJI7o612vAbVMPULPkFChJFn1Ya4CoJ_Ng08ZiNQ5iEv2gQ/s400/cora+in+yellow+tutu.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm hoping to start the new school year with a new foot that feels better than it did last year and a new gratitude for things that often seem so basic. I also hope I can carry that lesson over, that lesson that I am responsible for my outlook and my mood! Did you learn any new lessons this summer like I did? I hope you have some great summer memories and the new season brings even better things!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-7857571228125645332013-07-02T15:56:00.000-07:002013-07-02T15:56:02.394-07:00Working on Lately...Will I Ever Finish?Since I had foot surgery two weeks ago I've been mostly "painting" on my ipad, but just recently since I don't need my foot propped so much, I've adding lots of finishing touches to a few different paintings. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCXRQNi8PnDm6uFVXIWOxSF-tQSKos_Dj2CI9sMjX94UwTb4g4y3vZZRENxhCHXvStdvn202cFi78DMWxps-CAo1Z6cy7mjwqo2IvyffhXn56YSmmP6E-b72hU9dIe_3DDL-cV0dDDMgu/s1024/ipad+flower+green+blue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCXRQNi8PnDm6uFVXIWOxSF-tQSKos_Dj2CI9sMjX94UwTb4g4y3vZZRENxhCHXvStdvn202cFi78DMWxps-CAo1Z6cy7mjwqo2IvyffhXn56YSmmP6E-b72hU9dIe_3DDL-cV0dDDMgu/s400/ipad+flower+green+blue.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpynT2gI-Hu2lsZAUETRGLeEJ9mJnCEn32teDHElmFb1Ail38L_AZOU_LdKFZWfr9lWgd2J6pWrHyzi3AtnvEtV14CIrhc3Gzl8-bas0nTeRNDBXUmpKq9iaSwvJWKsiA-Bqm3Qlf2qiPB/s1024/ipad+you+are+amazing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpynT2gI-Hu2lsZAUETRGLeEJ9mJnCEn32teDHElmFb1Ail38L_AZOU_LdKFZWfr9lWgd2J6pWrHyzi3AtnvEtV14CIrhc3Gzl8-bas0nTeRNDBXUmpKq9iaSwvJWKsiA-Bqm3Qlf2qiPB/s400/ipad+you+are+amazing.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Two of them I finally finished yesterday--a sweet giraffe and a chubby elephant. The elephant painting is titled "She's Happy" but I still need a title for the giraffe--any ideas?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQtmrIz1TwBzIiC25ZFImtFH-JQlpBQguD0cQJKVKXmxdIFuxDkoieE1toojZLC0lrysdJpjRVYqMr46OEPsF08-CVsWe2PvpJiFF0Jcqtuq6PbfhIMJ2hd-vufmIUO5dRiJKpIY-RM7G/s1280/giraffe+and+elephant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQtmrIz1TwBzIiC25ZFImtFH-JQlpBQguD0cQJKVKXmxdIFuxDkoieE1toojZLC0lrysdJpjRVYqMr46OEPsF08-CVsWe2PvpJiFF0Jcqtuq6PbfhIMJ2hd-vufmIUO5dRiJKpIY-RM7G/s400/giraffe+and+elephant.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
But there are still quite a few I just can't seem to finish or declare that they are finished. I wonder how many other artists out there just can't feel a piece is "ready for the world." Is this the perfectionist in me (I don't think I'm a perfectionist) or is it worry that it's just not good enough? The "just not good enough" is something I'm really trying to work on...as well as finishing some paintings. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYS_IeNuo5MtSK5bcmjacKInqxsXJH6swHeRF_IJ_lvPpLTFrF3Lk3TX8mQZuHj5bq2ONINPRJrQV0kMB7sduGi9OrJCTQihcXHyd8D4V02GKqtDkYYa4_iJsSZ9BVs5XhUSzmJWFZ3Y2t/s1280/boat+in+progress+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYS_IeNuo5MtSK5bcmjacKInqxsXJH6swHeRF_IJ_lvPpLTFrF3Lk3TX8mQZuHj5bq2ONINPRJrQV0kMB7sduGi9OrJCTQihcXHyd8D4V02GKqtDkYYa4_iJsSZ9BVs5XhUSzmJWFZ3Y2t/s320/boat+in+progress+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaz_l_HXfhyphenhyphen73S0SZTApRnpYJY-EHtF2MUJUC-gsvMF5KJOqD81ReYFispmam4m7PjXOxbBQBsACVekbRcuzU__GzarsK-PduQYyrZp9XPWeEE3KGtgrwyHHtjwsBXnNg0qqwWK3G3hHyp/s640/boat+in+progress+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaz_l_HXfhyphenhyphen73S0SZTApRnpYJY-EHtF2MUJUC-gsvMF5KJOqD81ReYFispmam4m7PjXOxbBQBsACVekbRcuzU__GzarsK-PduQYyrZp9XPWeEE3KGtgrwyHHtjwsBXnNg0qqwWK3G3hHyp/s320/boat+in+progress+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjENVjO7XS4uO4_8IJBwVQxb387nAKOT9LrQ459DrPBUh4zrxCaOvEDcOGSmb9vJT2ipt0fdnEe9DGNmbjfSBUSdIRMiFyBomlqvHr1AReCj7kuBo8nNgIxYHASOApp5S_uR3WeOgxu64u/s1280/night+sky+boat+painting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjENVjO7XS4uO4_8IJBwVQxb387nAKOT9LrQ459DrPBUh4zrxCaOvEDcOGSmb9vJT2ipt0fdnEe9DGNmbjfSBUSdIRMiFyBomlqvHr1AReCj7kuBo8nNgIxYHASOApp5S_uR3WeOgxu64u/s400/night+sky+boat+painting.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Since I love love love the water, a few new pieces are of boats sailing on water. If I had my way, we'd live on the coast somewhere, or at least on the lake that is two minutes from our house. One of our dreams that I hope will come true someday. Maybe painting water will bring me closer to that dream? Do you believe in creative visualization? Do you have a vision board with things you hope to bring into your life? Well, on my old one from last year, there are many pictures of the calm, soothing water. Hopefully someday these dreams that I paint will manifest and bring us a water view right from our back porch in the form of a lake or the ocean!<br />
<br />
<br />This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-72900814279196316592013-06-25T17:55:00.001-07:002013-06-25T17:55:36.595-07:00Grateful TodayToday is really simple: I'm really grateful that since my early morning pain meds I've only taken two Tylenol all day! That's a great sign - I feel much better not taking strong pain pills overall...I'm thinking it's a promising healing sign. Yay!<div><br></div><div>I'm also thankful for sweet photo updates from my niece Cora's first summer up at the cabin. Isn't she sweet? She can cheer me up any day.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_j6qx_k_1hyphenhyphenId58yIlj7Y43aGcO-NfByIlr8W5GVBVFjhEEh3whzN2_QFnUQOP-ykro4fqUvUUKTgsZKaUqYx8SSJgm_ggOAo9ZYfL8WljLM-na27_EhgCAMg28wSHSjvHjvDampOTOYt/s640/blogger-image-301670561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_j6qx_k_1hyphenhyphenId58yIlj7Y43aGcO-NfByIlr8W5GVBVFjhEEh3whzN2_QFnUQOP-ykro4fqUvUUKTgsZKaUqYx8SSJgm_ggOAo9ZYfL8WljLM-na27_EhgCAMg28wSHSjvHjvDampOTOYt/s640/blogger-image-301670561.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I'm typing this on my ipad and have no idea yet how to center pictures or change fonts, but I'm really focused on sharing what I'm thankful for each day as I recovery from my surgery.</div>This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-74883701523544347962013-06-24T14:36:00.001-07:002013-06-24T14:36:38.883-07:00Gratitude...I Hear it HelpsI'm sure you've all heard that practicing gratitude helps us feel better about our lives; some even believe it can actually relieve depression. In years past I've started and stopped a daily gratitude journal--not sure why I didn't keep up with it. Maybe I took things for granted. Well right now I'm going to give it a try again. For a few reasons, but mostly to help me be more optimistic during recovery from my foot surgery. It can only help right? My first week post-op has been a bit depressing to be honest and I think I want to take charge of my outlook during the next 7 weeks of no driving, no swimming....all the things that are bringing me down.<div><br></div><div>1. My stylus and iPad I got for Mother's Day that I'm still able to "paint" with</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-fffz-8JNyTSeB9-WLPb72bvzdd-Pf6qeVruBDXfvSm_j1aQf4cd1ekZgTzcFlyQc6DPHKGHI5bBkOjc9wUB5Hvxb3ZEdZ8wnf2qp2sX6B4VUp3zGtXhEfoh4qaqB-panpnEilAZTnBq/s640/blogger-image-456504140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-fffz-8JNyTSeB9-WLPb72bvzdd-Pf6qeVruBDXfvSm_j1aQf4cd1ekZgTzcFlyQc6DPHKGHI5bBkOjc9wUB5Hvxb3ZEdZ8wnf2qp2sX6B4VUp3zGtXhEfoh4qaqB-panpnEilAZTnBq/s640/blogger-image-456504140.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-fffz-8JNyTSeB9-WLPb72bvzdd-Pf6qeVruBDXfvSm_j1aQf4cd1ekZgTzcFlyQc6DPHKGHI5bBkOjc9wUB5Hvxb3ZEdZ8wnf2qp2sX6B4VUp3zGtXhEfoh4qaqB-panpnEilAZTnBq/s640/blogger-image-456504140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5hSpD9DiXCUv8fXyIbr2CwRk491CMq_o8luo7CJ3ncA6GnhTKePQvY2kVIVvrCspJyT3Fcjo0k-EwtQg0b4fJ8aqvRspGwAcxQ1h6u1Z2YUOgkcVuQ9Hf59qpYt16itXhq8VbV-fQf2w/s640/blogger-image--1954115943.jpg"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-fffz-8JNyTSeB9-WLPb72bvzdd-Pf6qeVruBDXfvSm_j1aQf4cd1ekZgTzcFlyQc6DPHKGHI5bBkOjc9wUB5Hvxb3ZEdZ8wnf2qp2sX6B4VUp3zGtXhEfoh4qaqB-panpnEilAZTnBq/s640/blogger-image-456504140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZTcK3rOiinhi8Rd6dhJKMcxHwNe41Z9Qmu1A_HbkcQcrX_EL80bs_t6GYwKpOYDrwz7dIzNZKuxwbY0QNF4J4-0Pbyb7K5JXEBQfZKb0Onwr2D6Pwwd_TQKV6Ob8lK8Tq3F1L66tOTGc/s640/blogger-image-1675518363.jpg"></a></span></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">2. Having my sweet daughter to help feed me and keep me company everyday since it's summer break. Even though she's not thrilled to be my caretaker, she's still making me smile. She and her friend played Apples to Apples with me today which mad me feel like a normal person for a little while.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBukFlTCtRoWEBqPtFPdFqLlO2b7Dpohf4i67BUKzjJRjwvvfKcL1UZrFaWwkPvHH1nD_znDluHeRpa60KMTX-P64uhi9u9IRSvLtDJr9W_AWPQXUQBRve9dI3Epz8vxmIFvzldjhA_ri/s640/blogger-image-2064686495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBukFlTCtRoWEBqPtFPdFqLlO2b7Dpohf4i67BUKzjJRjwvvfKcL1UZrFaWwkPvHH1nD_znDluHeRpa60KMTX-P64uhi9u9IRSvLtDJr9W_AWPQXUQBRve9dI3Epz8vxmIFvzldjhA_ri/s640/blogger-image-2064686495.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm going to try everyday during my recovery to post pics of what I'm grateful for. Things cold be a lot worse, right? I just need to change my perspective, right? What are you thankful for today?</div></font></div><br></div>This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-24745841872208048602013-05-21T18:21:00.002-07:002013-05-21T18:21:54.408-07:00Spring Days, Gotta Love May!I'm loving these amazing spring days - my lilacs are blooming and my crab apple trees are fat with blossoms and amazing scents. These trees and bushes are past Mother's Day gifts from Bella so I see them as extra special too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARbglngOErRSoHyvbCsofHFneHp3eYNpTp7EjYoTlaQaxtr31MPr_EnmVe2uLZPGrQv0Nin47s9L2MKb7N-vXBowQgQMgTj-yZiUG5eFl7OFw559FyXshFTwDGcfEx_sXAQkRdL6zWPth/s1600/deep+purple+lilacs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARbglngOErRSoHyvbCsofHFneHp3eYNpTp7EjYoTlaQaxtr31MPr_EnmVe2uLZPGrQv0Nin47s9L2MKb7N-vXBowQgQMgTj-yZiUG5eFl7OFw559FyXshFTwDGcfEx_sXAQkRdL6zWPth/s320/deep+purple+lilacs.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Taking bike rides and doing the mulch in our yard is almost enjoyable because of the amazing breezes from all the flowers. I'm actually pretty obsessed with taking photos of all the new beauty around us at this time of year. I think I don't want to forget how amazing this time of year is before the blooms fall to the ground and the real hot days set in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuh36Cr6rdQMV4506_i_Uk2aPjzbGrH4Q6BRnJtZYWhXSjgPsxxZgOpcVOob8JMRQCP3LqEiYSXdYArOhlT_MBs2Vere7KNoDiChVebb2g-vdh9duCXsO059wPE_XMLfEjn-aGttCFYaR/s1600/crabapple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuh36Cr6rdQMV4506_i_Uk2aPjzbGrH4Q6BRnJtZYWhXSjgPsxxZgOpcVOob8JMRQCP3LqEiYSXdYArOhlT_MBs2Vere7KNoDiChVebb2g-vdh9duCXsO059wPE_XMLfEjn-aGttCFYaR/s400/crabapple.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
When I'm not getting the yard ready for the season I've been painting some new paintings, luckily in my sunroom which makes me feel even closer to nature because of all the windows. I've got so many dreamy quotes I want to use in new creations as well. Here's part of a quote from Mary Oliver that I incorporated into one of my paintings recently. I love the dreamy feeling I get reading many of her words.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXljDeTi46AtymOxCQY_TNb2cZYHHj7Cfdnh7lQIw2udCBVQcfQmN4hc2CF4gl0CNE6S7sn1-DWAatcgfUiLOZSIpsPIi1iHtmee9We6oSXPGt86tyGS1LFuDv-J-9vIFsxKj3SZURlvVQ/s1600/frolicsome+painting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXljDeTi46AtymOxCQY_TNb2cZYHHj7Cfdnh7lQIw2udCBVQcfQmN4hc2CF4gl0CNE6S7sn1-DWAatcgfUiLOZSIpsPIi1iHtmee9We6oSXPGt86tyGS1LFuDv-J-9vIFsxKj3SZURlvVQ/s400/frolicsome+painting.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mother's Day was also a special day because I'm so blessed to be the momma of a great girl who is the light of my life. I know it may sound corny, but she truly is.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguV9DytpxcVGzaCIB7kfj6Z-E_IYEP4TSRGcI9wzVtqmgEk1-IeX6ptwZI-QBolRWC4p70PpLs_UeFX_5-n7JkYVhVgNr5S6xOzAVnPQ3syrLicKcEhVvM8fYNSpFxuAkoGwo7IV9CJi2H/s1600/mothers+day+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguV9DytpxcVGzaCIB7kfj6Z-E_IYEP4TSRGcI9wzVtqmgEk1-IeX6ptwZI-QBolRWC4p70PpLs_UeFX_5-n7JkYVhVgNr5S6xOzAVnPQ3syrLicKcEhVvM8fYNSpFxuAkoGwo7IV9CJi2H/s320/mothers+day+2013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May 20 was also our 18th wedding anniversary and it was the most amazing day in terms of weather 18 years ago...it was about 70 degrees and all the crab apple trees were in bloom. Here is one of my favorite wedding pictures from our professional photographer. It was taken overlooking a cliff of Lake Michigan on that amazing day. (I took a picture of the photo with Instagram so you really can't see how beautiful blue the sky is though).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpuzg_lWQL7nXCsDnOWqyYZ5ekzuoHLeP7FAVhBtKrtr1PpVc0C4rXbkItDRWp7BbOjSip40GGJmNnMyXQEwP7OKOLWShezWooeR80CrdrzybZkFmSlnwto6LfHzy4gEzi1iU-1L0UPos/s1600/wedding+pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpuzg_lWQL7nXCsDnOWqyYZ5ekzuoHLeP7FAVhBtKrtr1PpVc0C4rXbkItDRWp7BbOjSip40GGJmNnMyXQEwP7OKOLWShezWooeR80CrdrzybZkFmSlnwto6LfHzy4gEzi1iU-1L0UPos/s400/wedding+pic.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope you are enjoying the month of May where you live. May is my favorite month of the year for so many reasons and I'm wondering what your favorite time of year is and why? Do you love the new blooms as much as I do? Or are your seasons a bit different where you live?</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566537695790860614.post-57324091526636078822013-04-20T15:27:00.000-07:002013-04-20T15:27:22.941-07:00Images and Creations of the Past Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was excited and inspired while I created this inspirational piece for our choir teacher. When she asked me to paint something for her classroom, I found four quotes about singing and she chose the one below. It was so odd because while working on this I was painting and "collaging" almost as if I was crazy...I was so into it--almost like I had a muse over my shoulder encouraging me on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilp-80UOCq5j0iUHnwfbJB6yGOoE0UnxVU9q_Zp5P4queKrLrvq2P0gyJuKnIZgBaAWSyx_-qlErvpKVWc_hsUjWWOxlnNgpqxYzvlWS7pSALcmLyGnZdlfQgGEtQEXIAHoKZE097Kyf85/s1600/joelle+sing+painting+stitched+picmonkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilp-80UOCq5j0iUHnwfbJB6yGOoE0UnxVU9q_Zp5P4queKrLrvq2P0gyJuKnIZgBaAWSyx_-qlErvpKVWc_hsUjWWOxlnNgpqxYzvlWS7pSALcmLyGnZdlfQgGEtQEXIAHoKZE097Kyf85/s400/joelle+sing+painting+stitched+picmonkey.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is a sketch from an art retreat I did a few days ago in Lake Geneva. It was so fun sitting with some other artists learning how to draw "angelic faces."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTSyKESnvdUCRw_rkzo0elyS60vMAsP3qV3k-NXJh80KBXz3BpzMbAxoKK-CpHyiZBClTWR1KXYLwKmKhJfuH0C7Dkp37MiMg1Dcv9dnskrXPzL9J3a8-OD8q9DQpVVmblD7lbC08YvkH/s1600/sketch+jacquies+class.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTSyKESnvdUCRw_rkzo0elyS60vMAsP3qV3k-NXJh80KBXz3BpzMbAxoKK-CpHyiZBClTWR1KXYLwKmKhJfuH0C7Dkp37MiMg1Dcv9dnskrXPzL9J3a8-OD8q9DQpVVmblD7lbC08YvkH/s320/sketch+jacquies+class.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Another session I took part in was a journaling experience with Junelle Jacobsen of <a href="http://yesandamenblog.blogspot.com/">Yes and Amen</a>. She was so fun and free as a teacher and I learned how to put my true self into my creations. <div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08_Xuro283Ax9ElbRo7I25QpKDmoQpHN0dCI7Okh1TpYI1LAp8xsG4aOZIwMm8V0khqdQ3X13fJ9vvGIE6HO68uimFSPRj7zzV6rqxR4IIzOu0SNQqOZryGhPcKQqELOq2C5ULQI-BqqV/s1600/boat+water+junelle+class.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08_Xuro283Ax9ElbRo7I25QpKDmoQpHN0dCI7Okh1TpYI1LAp8xsG4aOZIwMm8V0khqdQ3X13fJ9vvGIE6HO68uimFSPRj7zzV6rqxR4IIzOu0SNQqOZryGhPcKQqELOq2C5ULQI-BqqV/s400/boat+water+junelle+class.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the back of my head looking out into the water and at the night sky, things that really call to me. Can you sort of tell that my hair blends into the waves? If not, that's okay.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnCai0FqfPVUK63ByFc9zr7-3q3FSy8dQR4jR6x1FwwBtnrD1n5L-FtDVDt7LK9Q5ukQXhv-1hsiVvoLpQdiVgnu8w-Dwbdpfgl8s8QHJZZzA4ZcaOtTc8Cf5teaIqZBZn2nNyAvQxss1/s1600/holding+balloons+junelle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnCai0FqfPVUK63ByFc9zr7-3q3FSy8dQR4jR6x1FwwBtnrD1n5L-FtDVDt7LK9Q5ukQXhv-1hsiVvoLpQdiVgnu8w-Dwbdpfgl8s8QHJZZzA4ZcaOtTc8Cf5teaIqZBZn2nNyAvQxss1/s320/holding+balloons+junelle.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's a profile of me holding things I hold dear: hearts that represent those I love, a bird that represents flying and trying new adventures, the sun, moon and stars that call to me daily.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHR13oVZH4xEgkGkv3xLc2LNtrwzxPzoCPOGtfTp0hVIW5rf-V9M9Y4Lt6SIYCgT2MspNibMD8ePzO6rI6zI6s8snxf10nTD2264u4b4FKxWmQ5S3GdIyejuVkx-_S8NMjHf7VXXVii25/s1600/journal+page+junelle+class.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHR13oVZH4xEgkGkv3xLc2LNtrwzxPzoCPOGtfTp0hVIW5rf-V9M9Y4Lt6SIYCgT2MspNibMD8ePzO6rI6zI6s8snxf10nTD2264u4b4FKxWmQ5S3GdIyejuVkx-_S8NMjHf7VXXVii25/s400/journal+page+junelle+class.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />A color-block journal page with colors that are "me" right now. The flowers represent growth and I added the words <span style="color: purple;">acceptance</span>, <span style="color: lime;">nurture</span> and <span style="color: orange;">believe</span> because they show what is prominent in my life right now.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was a busy week but a creatively productive week too. I met people in person that I've only talked to online and stretched myself as an artist. It was fulfilling and uplifting!</div>
This Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018273381807917596noreply@blogger.com2