Monday, April 8, 2013

My Soul Neighborhood

“Everyone is born creative; everyone is given a box of crayons in kindergarten. Then when you hit puberty they take the crayons away and replace them with dry, uninspiring books on algebra, history, etc. Being suddenly hit years later with the 'creative bug' is just a wee voice telling you, 'I'd like my crayons back, please.” 
― Hugh MacLeodIgnore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity


With our lives on the edge of chaos this past 18 months, creativity has been the one quiet and sure place I can go to find comfort. Painting, gluing and doodling has a way of healing my heart and making me feel whole again. I am so grateful for it!

Last summer sometime my blog friend Becca wrote a post on her "dream neighborhood". She shared how cool it would be if only those people in our life that lifted us up and supported our dreams could be our neighbors. I loved her idea and was totally inspired to create my very own Soul Neighborhood on canvas!!! 




I actually started this last summer but had trouble getting it just right. It's the largest canvas I have ever worked with and to be honest I was quite intimidated by it. You can't tell but this piece has sooo many layers...I kept painting and re-painting it...lol. I FINALLY finished last Saturday!! It has been sitting in my craft closet and I was just in the mood to get it done!! Sooo excited to share my "Soul Neighbor-Part One" with you!!! 

So when I was planning this piece I thought about all those amazing women that uplift me, motivate me and inspire me with their creativeness, love and style. Before long I had over a dozen women!! I knew I wanted my houses to be pretty large...so this is just part one. I hope part two doesn't take as long...lol.

The cute skinny house on the far left is Melody Ross from Brave Girl's Club. Melody never ceases to amaze me!!!!







By taking her classes and being a member of Brave Girl's Club I have learned how to truly listen to my heart!!


Right next door to Melody is my dear friend Leanne from "Chaos Comes Happiness". She has been one of my biggest suppporters, creating my blog look (I LOVE it!!) and always being there for words of encouragement.




The words to the left of the flower read "She was so grateful". Leanne is soooo amazing with her family and sooo grateful for them. She has lifted me up on many occassions with stories about her daughters. She is an amazing mom!!

I chose the drama masks since she loves the theater and that Julia Child quote fits her philosophy so well:)


Next in line is the very talented writer and artist Courtney Walsh. Courtney was near the top of my list for many reasons!! Not only is she a super talented writer and scrapbooker but she her spirit-filled heart connects with mine. She lives her faith and it is so evident in all that she does. 



 She is a definite must in my Soul Neighborhood!!!



Next door to Courtney is another blog friend and mentor...Jodene Shaw.



Jodi lives on a ranch in South Dakota and LOVES taking photos of sunflowers and birds. Her mixed-media art and love of Jesus Christ is what I love most about her!!! I have watched her blossom into a very talented photographer, artist and teacher. Her art speaks to me and makes me happy:)

The last friend in my Soul Neighborhood is the whimsical and darling Kristin from "Twinkle Twinkle". Not only is Kristin a super talented mixed-media artist who has been published several times in various magazines...but she is also sweet, charming and crazy about her cutie patootie, dinosaur loving daughter Kendra. 


I think this quirky, little house with lots of sparkle and bling is perfect for her:)


So there you have it...my perfectly happy "Soul Neighborhood-Part One".
I hope you enjoyed your visit!!



17 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, what an incredible idea and I am so honored to have a house in your neighborhood!!! :) I just LOVE this! So beautiful!!! Thank you so much!!!

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    1. So happy you love it, Courtney!! Thanks for always inspiring me:)

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  2. Woah Les....this is amazing in so many ways!! I love the thought of a soul neighborhood...love the houses and the women they represent. So very cool, and glad you finished it!

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    1. Awww, Sharla...I LOVE ya!! I think you and I are seriously sisters. You inspire me sooo much and your kind words mean the world to me!!!!!

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  3. I LOOOOOVE being in your neighborhood! I was not expecting this when I came to your blog and you have left me in tears, I am so honored, my sister. I love you so much and I really do feel it such a privilege that you chose me to be in your soul neighborhood!!!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. Melody! Thanks so much for stopping by!! What you are doing for the SISTERS of the world is AMAZING!!!!

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  4. Hey Leslie,

    This is VERY cool! Yep, wouldn't it be cool to have an artist commune!!

    Hugs,
    Kay

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  5. Oh, Leslie, I am so touched that I am on the block with you and these lovely, amazing, inspiring women! IF I lived in town, instead of a ranch, I would LOVE to live in this neighborhood!! My face hurts from the big smile I have right now. You are such a sweet pea and such a continuous encouragement to me! One of these days we will be together at some wonderful, artsy, heart & soul & spirit occasion and I can't wait!! And what an adorable idea of honoring people by creating a neighborhood...this is a wonderful project!Thank you!

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  6. This is so awesome, Leslie. The idea of a "soul neighborhood" is truly inspired! And what an honor for these women to be featured in your piece.

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  7. This is such a cute idea! Love what you did. YOU inspire ME! ;)

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  8. I'm so in love with your neighborhood!!! You have two of the same people that would be in my neighborhood--Melody and Courtney (have you read her books?) Off to check on your other lovelies!!!

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  9. Oh,my dear dear friend!!! I am humbled and so very very very honored to be in your neighborhood, especially among these amazing women! The truth is . . . You have changed MY LIFE, Les. You continue to inspire, to encourage, to motivate and to accept me . . . All of which I am eternally grateful. Thank you so much for allowing me to be in your life, my friend. I look forward to the day when I can give you a big real hug . . . But for now, please accept one through our words. HUGS my friend!!!!

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  10. Oh wow! What an amazing idea! And all those ladies would be so lucky to have you as their neighbour. PS. Iäd love having Kristin as my neighbour too...thereäd be some amazing fun art sessions Iäm sure!

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  11. i LOVE this. You live in a lovely neighborhood.

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  12. Not only are the houses gorgeous but what a wonderful idea! How supportive you are of those in your soul neighbourhood.

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  13. ooooo! This made me tear up! Thank you for including me on your beautiful (thoughtful, meaningful, wonderful) piece and thank you for being such a beacon of support for Me over the last years (it's true! Years! ;)
    I'm honored to be a part of your neighborhood - I only wish we were closer for reals - but in our hearts we are!
    Thank you!! xoxoxo

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I appreciate your thoughts and ideas...they inspire me!! I will be visiting you soon. Have a CREATIVE day!!