2015 Goals and Intentions

"Before you begin a thing remind yourself that difficulties and delays quite impossible to foresee are ahead...You can only see one thing clearly, and that is your goal. Form a mental vision of that and cling to it through thick and thin."  -Kathleen Norris


2015 is nearly here and I am READY!! I am ready to keep MOVING (Move was my Word this year) forward and COMMIT (my 2015 Word) myself to living my dream life!!

This year I participated in several on-line challenges including the Documented Life Project, Index Card a Day Challenge and His Kingdom Come. I also kept up with my FB group Mind.Body.Soul and met many wonderful artists willing to share their joy and love of art journaling. We are nearly 950 strong and keep on growing. I have many creative ideas for our group this year and hope you will join us!!

This year I invested in a 2015 Creative Planner from Lisa Jacobs...money well spent!! She asks you all sorts of questions to help you pinpoint what it is your heart is yearning for. Things like What Worked in 2014? What are your biggest time wasters? What do you want MORE of in 2015? What HAS to happen by the end of 2015 for you to feel like you reached your goals? She also has you write down 25 goals for 2015 then has you pinpoint 5 of them to focus on. Here are my Goals for 2015...

1) Be pain free. Very little migraines and neck pain. Move my body and eat healthy. Cut sugar OUT!
2) NO MORE DRAMA! I will not tolerate people that take away my joy anymore!!!
3) Make more connections to travel and teach at art retreats.
4) Get my work EVERYWHERE!! Facebook, magazines, design teams, shows.
5) Teach my classes locally
6) Continue making my leather cuffs and selling in  my new Etsy shop.
7) Paint Happy! Explore and learn many painting techniques!!

Then there is a section in the planner to break down your goals one month at a time...GENIUS!

I KNOW 2015 will be amazing...I know it! I am willing to work hard to continue making my DREAMS a part of my day to day living. Last year I said YES to teaching in South Carolina at the ARTBEACH RETREAT. I met lifelong friends and have been invited back in 2015. All I keep thinking is...what if I would have said NO? What if I never would have responded to Sherri because of FEAR? I am SO GRATEFUL I listened to my HEART, said yes and WENT FOR IT!!

Girls, where do YOU see yourself this year? What dreams are YOU willing to work hard for?? Please share!!!

My Documented Life Journal

"You have to erect a fence and say, "Okay, scale this."  -Linda Ronstadt



This time last year I was making plans for my Word for 2014, losing weight by working out at Curves and promising myself that I would add more ART to my life. Looking back on the year...I have done pretty well at keeping true to my Word (MOVE) and really putting myself out there with my art. (still working on the losing weight thing...that's a whole other post).

One of my favorite groups I participated in this year was the Documented Life Project...LOVE IT!!

This is my journal...made from a simple 50 cent composition notebook. I take this planner everywhere with me and always get someone asking me what it is and how can they get one...lol. This year the girls over at Art to the 5th are planning something different...this year we are working with the Dylusions Journal. Have you ever worked with one of these?

Oh gosh...it is AMAZING!! The quality of it is excellent...I know it will hold up to all the paint, ink and other stuff I will put it through:)

Here is what MY journal looks like...

This is the cover. Lots of bright paints, spray ink and words that speak to my heart.


This is the back of my journal...more paint, inks, and WORDS!

You can go here to find out all about 2015's Documented Life Journal.

This year I am REALLY going to stretch myself and continue to grow by putting myself out there even more. One of the areas that needs work is my painting skills. I love painting...messy painting, mostly. This year I am challenging myself to Paint Happy and have put together a fun FB group so YOU can join me! Read all about it here.

Have a Beautiful and Blessed Thanksgiving friends!!!

Paint Happy: 52 Prompts Challenge

"If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint."  -Edward Hopper



This is the year I paint!

And I want YOU to join me!!

Starting Monday, January 12th join me for "Paint Happy: 52 Prompts".


Here's how it works...

1. Purchase the book "The Painting Workbook". No, you don't HAVE TO but I HIGHLY suggest you do. It's a fantastic book and under $11.00 on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Painting-Workbook-Started-Stay-Inspired/dp/1454708700/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416336874&sr=8-1&keywords=the+painting+workbook

2. Each week I will post a prompt then show you MY work.

3. You will also be able to read and see more of my work on my blog...Words of Me Project. http://wordsofmeproject.blogspot.com/

4. You will have that week to work on the prompt.

5. Once you are finished you can post your work in our Paint Happy group.

**My hopes are that we become a community of women that uplift and encourage one another as we work on our painting skills. 

Girls, this is REALLY gonna be awesome!! Alena's book is soooo dang FUN! Seriously...lots of bright, happy colors and oodles of inspiration. I mainly work with collage...painting intimidates me...but NO MORE. I am DETERMINED to PAINT every week in 2015. I want to GROW as an artist and would LOVE for YOU to join me!! This is FREE (except for the book cost) and oh so fun!!

Go here to join our NEW Face Book Group!! Paint Happy:52 Prompts.

78 Days of Progress and "The Painting Workbook"

"A warrior must learn to make every act count, since he is going to be here in this world for only a short while, in fact, too short for witnessing all the marvels of it."  -Carlos Casteneda


For the past 78 days I have been growing...more than I ever thought possible. I have traveled, read books, taught at an art retreat, made many new friends, started an Etsy shop with my daughter, danced in a drum circle on the beach, dared to create something and send it in to my favorite art magazine, spend quality time with my Mom who has breast cancer, created my perfect art studio, learned how to make leather cuffs and found a new love...Native American art and history. It has been one, amazing journey...one that is just beginning!

"Never forget that life can only be nobly inspired and rightly lived if you take it bravely and gallantly, as a splendid adventure in which you are setting out into an unknown country, to meet many a joy, to find many a comrade, to win and lose many a battle."  -Annie Besant

When I set out on my 100 Day Flying Free journey I had no idea where it would take me...I just knew I had to take it. I had to begin living the way I wanted...the way that would make my heart happy. I knew I wanted more art in life, more love in my home. I wanted to say Goodbye to Fear and Hello to Courage.

In the next 22 days and beyond I have so many art projects and adventures planned...I can feel my artistic life really begin to take flight.

Last month I had the privilege to teach in Folly Beach, South Carolina at ArtBeach Retreat. Not only did I get to teach all my favorite mixed media techniques...I met my Art Tribe there!! An incredible experience and one I am proud to say I get to repeat next year!! Sherri has invited me back for three more classes!!  Go here to learn more about it and sign up!!!

Teaching truly is a passion of mine...so I was thrilled to receive an invitation to teach right in my hometown!! Tomorrow morning I meet with Lori so we can talk about my classes! So grateful to offer an art journaling class and Soul House class to local ladies this winter!!!

"Jump into the middle of things, get your hands dirty, fall flat on your face and then reach for the stars."  -Joan L. Cureio

2015 brings so many opportunities for me to grow and be inspired like never before! Not only will I be participating in the Documented Life Project (again) using this cool journal...

And Document my Faith with the talented and inspiring Stephanie Ackerman but I have also set a goal for myself to paint through this book this year...

Oh how I LOVE this book!! I bought it a few months ago and really, really wanted to start on it sooner. However, time just got away from me and I knew I wanted to share it with YOU...so my intention is to begin January 1st. AND I want to invite YOU to join me!!

If you don't know about this incredibly inspirational book you should go here to find out!! I have been mostly a collage artist...but I truly want to PAINT...and paint a lot!! When I saw this book and Alena's work...I knew this was the one to really get me excited about painting!! If you want to join me on my journey...buy the book and let me know you have it. You can let me know either here or in my FB group Mind.Body. Soul. My intention is to do all 52 prompts in order and in less than a year. Some weeks I may do 2 or 3 prompts...I will share each prompt here along with my painting. I do have many more ideas with this and will be posting more details later in the week!!

"Actions speak louder than words."  

Girls, in my 100 Days of Flying Free I have learned that getting up and DOING something...anything is better than just sitting and thinking about it. Get out there and LIVE. If an opportunity presents itself to teach or create or do what you have been wanting to do...then say YES!! Magic happens when you say Get out of my way FEAR!! and say YES to what you truly want! 

Short and Sweet

"When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go."  -Carol Burnett


I can't believe how I have been neglecting my blog. Writing is one of my first love's yet I haven't done it on a regular basis in months. Life has been busy that's for sure and quite the roller coaster...lots of ugly/emotional stuff but so MUCH amazing/happy stuff, too. We take the good with the bad and just be grateful we are here, right?

YES!

The past 6 months my migraine headaches have taken over...I have more bad days than good (when it comes to pain). This morning I took the first step in getting well again by visiting with my Doctor. I also scheduled a mammogram (my first) and had x-rays done on my neck. Turns out I have an old injury where my neck may have been broken and that's what's causing all my pain. I pray I will find out something so I can get to the root of this pain and get it to STOP!

There are so many ideas I want to pursue, goals I have set, etc....and I want to share all those things here...

And I will.

But today, I must keep this short. I have a date with my Curves Coach (yes, I am striving to get my health back again, sigh) and am hoping my daughter and I can go to a thrift shop or two. I will leave you with this quote and hope you have an amazing, inspirational day!

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try."  -Beverly Sills

ArtBeach Retreat: Amazing Experience

"It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but like morning light it scattered the night and made the day worth living."  -F. Scott Fitzgerald



Last January I answered a call...both to my heart and to my on-line artist friend Sherri Welser. She was hosting her second annual ArtBeach Retreat in Folly Beach, South Carolina and needed teachers. I KNEW in my HEART I wanted to say YES!!! Pick me, pick me!! But in my head???...well that was a different story. In the end my heart won out and what a FABULOUS time I had!!!

One of our teachers was Denise Baldwin. Have you ever seen any of her work?? WOW!! So dang CUTE!!! Here is her Etsy shop in case you are interested...she makes these AWESOME face stencils...

A canvas I created using Denise's face stencil and wings technique

Yes...that face started out as a stencil...I did make it my own with colors, lashes, hair, etc. But if you are like me and just can't seem to get the whole face thing down...her stencils will help you a BUNCH and make it FUN!!

Thursday night we had a night out on the town..my 48th Birthday was in just a few days so I decided to celebrate a bit early with these lovelies...

That's the Retreat's founder Sherri...she is AMAZING!! Denise is on the right. What a FUN time we all had...enjoying drinks, delicious food and one another's company. There is a photo of all of us somewhere but I can't seem to find it today...lol.

Sherri was such a gracious host and let me have the first day of the retreat to create! Yay! I was so nervous and just wanted to get to know everyone. By the second day we were all best friends and very comfortable with one another. This is me teaching my first class Thursday morning...Soul House.

See that darling little denim apron I am wearing?? I won that from Miss Angie!! LOVE it:)

Honestly, being here was like a dream...THIS was our view throughout the retreat!!!

Right our our backdoor...there is nothing like the sound, the smell and sight of the ocean.

By Friday we couldn't stay inside any longer...we all moved outside for my Stencil Class...talk about Heaven!

These wonderful girls are all so TALENTED!! We had a blast playing with stencils!!

Another photo of my Tribe creating. These girls are thoughtful, sweet, creative and inspiring. What I learned from each of them is that I AM OK. I AM CREATIVE. It is OK to be ME. And most importantly these BEAUTIFUL women taught me to LOVE myself again and say GOODBYE to FEAR!!

Hee, Hee...another photo of me being a dork...HA!

Me and my Soul Houses

Sherri taught us how to create the CuTEST Beach Houses...this is how mine turned out...I LOVE it so much and hung it in my bathroom! There is even a real seashell from the beach:)

This is sweet Sandy...she flew all the way from Queensland Australia to play with us!! Her art was so much like mine...we really connected!! This was her piece she created in my Stencil class...love it!

Awwww....these girls all have my heart....

Cute Lucinda...she picked me up from the Airport...we bonded right away...she calls me Precious Buns....:)

 I can't tell you HOW GRATEFUL I am that I DID NOT LET FEAR stop me from saying YES to this retreat!! This was LIFE CHANGING for me in SO MANY WAYS!!! Oh my heck!! 

Saying goodbye to Folly Beach until next year....

"She allowed herself the space to believe in her beauty and strength..."

Winners Listen to Their Hearts

"I believe there's an inner power that makes winners or losers. And the winners are the ones who really listen to the truth of their hearts."  -Sylvester Stallone


What a whirlwind life I have been leading lately! Just over a week ago my wonderful husband came home and announced we were trekking to Arizona to meet friends and just let go. We had never been to the Southwest so what a WONDERFUL adventure we had!! My favorite place was The Grand Canyon. OH MY!! Have you ever been?? If not you MUST put it on your Bucket List and get there someday...AMAZING!!!

It's Day 17 of my my 100 Days of Flying Free and what a whirlwind that has been! I am committed to this journey of mine and it shows...in how I interact with others, how I talk, how I walk, how I feel.
 
"Seek out that particular mental attitude which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, "This is the real me," and when you have found that attitude, follow it."  -William James

So many things are changing in my life, some I have control over and some I don't. All I know is that since I made my 100 day journey commitment 17 days ago I have learned and done so much!

Have you ever read this book ?

I had heard about it years ago and even checked it out from the library...but I never read it. Why not??  This book is FULL of TRUTHS...MY TRUTHS! Wow!! I found the book at my local Dollar Tree a few weeks ago...the BEST dollar I ever spent!!!  Geneen puts FOOD and why we eat it in perspective. I get it now!! I eat when I'm worried, when I'm sad, stressed, bored, happy, procrastinating. I eat for ALL the wrong reasons!! I rarely eat when I am HUNGRY!!

Ok, you might say...well that is what's called an emotional eater...and I would tell you yes. However, what Geneen is doing for me is making me SEE the emotions...she is helping me take time before I eat and ask myself..."What emotion am I feeling right now? Is this hunger or is it an emotion?" Life changing stuff for me I tell you!!

One of the best parts of my journey so far is making time for Scriptures. I have joined several on-line groups that I am LOVING!! Kingdom Come  and Bible Journaling are two Face Book groups I am enjoying!! If you are looking for a community of women who love Christ then these are for you:)

A page I created for my Kingdom Come Study Group

Girls, I am so grateful for my life. I am grateful for the chance I get every day to BE BETTER and DO BETTER!! If you are on your own Flying Free journey please share your progress!! I would LOVE to hear all about it!!!

My 100 Days - So Far

“Pleasure is always derived from something outside you, whereas joy arises from within.” 
― Eckhart Tolle



Since I began my journey of 100 Days Flying Free...I can honestly tell you...today, I am calmer. I am trying very hard to focus on small things...taking teeny, tiny steps in some cases just so I can MOVE forward.

This is Day 7 of my journey and I have already learned so much.

One of my favorite Brave Art pieces

This week I have...

*taken several walks...making sure I took in my beautiful surroundings, our gorgeous Fall weather
*Tried my very best to choose my meals and snacks carefully
*made time for Scripture Study, really delving into His Word
*I am trying to take every hard situation that has come my way this week and remain calm. This is incredibly hard for me as I tend to overthink most everything
*I have noticed I am not reacting so much to things...another downfall of mine.
*Spent time with my Mom and girl...making sure we did what they wanted. Being an only child I can be so selfish when I am with my Mom...always expecting her to do what I want. She is going through breast cancer and chemo treatments at the moment...it is so hard

There have been moments this week when I think...there is NO WAY I can ever Fly Free. Life is so complicated and messy and I am a wreck. But then I will think about Melody Ross from Brave Girl's Club and what she always says...you have to get through those rough, yucky times so you can really start to heal.

And that's what I am trying to do...heal my heart, break free from all the junk that weighs it down and   FLY FREE.

 Girls, my amazing, sweet, crazy husband came home last night and announced..."Pack your bags we are leaving for Arizona!!" I was like...WHAT??! You see there is something going on there this Tuesday and our dearest friends ever will be there and we so wanted to go...and so we are going!! Nothing like the last minute right? Did I mention we live nearly 1,300 miles from Arizona??!!

We are leaving TODAY:)

I ADORE this man!!

 I honestly cannot believe how BLESSED I am!! In just 5 WEEKS I will be here!!!

 I am headed to Folly Beach South Carolina to teach art to some AMAZING women!! I still can't believe it is happening!! Sooooo happy and excited!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, my wish for you is that YOU will begin your own Flying Free journey. Make a list of things you really want to work on. What is weighing so heavy on YOUR heart?

It is time to BREAK FREE from our burdens and FLY!!!

Making Time for Scripture Study-100 Days Flying Free

“Spending time with God is the key to our strength and success in all areas of life. Be sure that you never try to work God into your schedule, but always work your schedule around Him.”

― Joyce Meyer

As I go through the next 100 Days I intend on putting Scripture Study into my daily life. I currently pray and speak with my Father in Heaven on a regular basis...yet something has been missing.

There is so much to be learned by studying His Word.

So today, I gathered my supplies, sat down at my studio table, said a prayer and began reading. 

I have always loved and admired Joyce Meyer and was so blessed to have found her book "100 Ways to Simplify Your Life" at our local library! 

Today's devotion was taken from Philippians 4:6...it was all about the importance of doing ONE thing at a time. Could that not be more relevant for me as I begin my 100 Days? As I read verse 6 it was placed upon my heart to re-write in a way I understood in my notebook. So here is my version of that scripture....

"Do not be excessively worried-but in everything humbly pray with Thanksgiving...let your requests (your heartfelt desires) be made known to God."

I do tend to worry about tomorrow, next week, next year. I can have myself so worked up into a frenzy about stuff that probably won't ever happen...but I have it in my mind it will. I must trust that the Lord will take care of my Tomorrow. He wants me to be happy in the NOW. 

I love the reminder Joyce gives me..."give your thoughts, conversation, energies, every part of you to the day at hand."

I am so grateful for quiet mornings...for a place to go and feel safe and warm. I am grateful for my family who understands me and loves me. And I am so grateful I am going on this 100 Day journey so I can let my heart go. So I can be at peace with who I am.

Are you taking this journey with me? If you are, I hope you will share your thoughts, your blogs, your art with me!!

100 Days of Flying Free

“Laugh, even when you feel too sick or too worn out or tired. 
Smile, even when you're trying not to cry and the tears are blurring your vision. 
Sing, even when people stare at you and tell you your voice is crappy. 
Trust, even when your heart begs you not to. 
Twirl, even when your mind makes no sense of what you see. 
Frolick, even when you are made fun of. Kiss, even when others are watching. Sleep, even when you're afraid of what the dreams might bring. 
Run, even when it feels like you can't run any more.
And, always, remember, even when the memories pinch your heart. Because the pain of all your experience is what makes you the person you are now. And without your experience---you are an empty page, a blank notebook, a missing lyric. What makes you brave is your willingness to live through your terrible life and hold your head up high the next day. So don't live life in fear. Because you are stronger now, after all the crap has happened, than you ever were back before it started.” 
― Alysha Speer


Last week I shared my heart with you. I told you how I was READY for a new outlook on life...a new way of living with intention and love and heart. Yes, I have been through so much and yes life will never ever be all sunshine and lollipops. I will continue to go through trials and sadness...but life was meant to be lived in spite of those trials...in spite of how hard it may be. Like the quote above says...

"Don't live life in fear. “Laugh, even when you feel too sick or too worn out or tired. 
Smile, even when you're trying not to cry and the tears are blurring your vision. You are stronger now than you ever were back before it started."

 I AM stronger now and my eyes are open. I want to LIVE not merely go through.

It was destiny then when my Soul School Class came in the mail on Saturday. Soul School was created by one of the most amazing people I know Melody Ross...and the fact that this months lesson is all about finding out what's trapping our heart so we can fly free...well, it was meant to be. I was trying to figure out what to call my 100 Day journey and Saturday, when I opened my Soul School box I knew...

"100 Days of Flying Free"

As soon as I opened the box and sifted through all the gorgeous papers, artwork and beautiful, soulful sayings I came across the Journaling Prompts...my heart knew this is what I needed to begin my journey!! So I curled up on my couch Sunday morning and began writing...sorting out my thoughts and feelings, really listening to what my heart was saying, not just writing down what I thought was the "right" answer. There are 20 questions in all and I am not even close to being done...I am taking my time...pondering each question. 

One of the first questions I answered was "What has clipped my wings throughout life? How about recently?" WOW. As soon as I read that I KNEW what to write and so I began...slowly at first, searching for the words...but then, my heart just took over and I wrote faster and faster...page after page...I didn't even know what I was writing...my heart had taken over. When I stopped I looked at my page...I just kept nodding my head up and down..."yes, yes those things...those things stopped me from flying. Those things are what hurt my soul so deeply and made me feel like I couldn't be who I really am...those are the things I need to break free from in order to fly free."

So here I am...going on this 100 day journey. I know I have lots of soul work to do. In order to really focus on me there are other things in my life I will work on...stuff my soul needs to feel my best...

*long walks

*clean, healthy foods

*lots of water

*time with my family

*time with my scriptures 

*less social media and phone games

*less drama

*less worrying about those things I can't control

*daily studio time 

Today my journey begins. 

Today I am striving to just let go. Not fuss over the house so much (this is a biggie for me and one of my main stresses). 

It's afternoon and I have my jammies on. There is laundry to be done, beds to make, my daughter's room to finish (we are in makeover mode) and so many other things. But today I chose to write my blog, to spend some quiet, thoughtful time in my studio FIRST. That is pretty huge for me and something I hope to do more and more.

If you want to join me on your OWN Flying Free journey I would LOVE it. Heck, you don't even have to call it Flying Free...you pick what's best for YOU. Just listen to your heart...it knows:)

I leave you today with something to think about...

“Because fear kills everything," Mo had once told her. "Your mind, your heart, your imagination.” 
― Cornelia Funke, Inkheart

Don't let fear kill you. Squash your dreams. Create a place for yourself where you can be comfortable...where you can be you. 

Girls, we get one life. One precious life.

It's time to live it.

PS...I will checking in at least on a weekly basis (maybe more some weeks). I want to keep a record for myself on how much I grow/learn/do. I encourage you to share here, on your blogs and our facebook group your journey.

Blessings.
xoxo

Pouring Out My Heart

"I believe there's an inner power that makes winners and losers. And the winners are the ones who really listen to the truth of their hearts."  -Sylvester.


The Truth is...my heart hurts.
And I didn't really realize just how much it hurt until I read one of my favorite artist's blog last night...Melody Ross from Brave Girls Club. As I read her story, her struggles all I kept thinking was how in the world she had gone on for as long as she had without help. But then I realized...heck, I have had FOUR YEARS of non-stop stress and sadness and anger and loss in my life, yet I am always trying to "be happy" and act like all is well.

The plain Truth is this....

It's not.

In Melody's case all of her stress's were manifesting themselves in big, ugly hives all over her body and face. Not only were they painful physically but emotionally. Can you imagine having your eyes swell on any given day and you already feel yucky and out of sorts but now you look that way, too? How awful!

But as I was reading her story I began to think of MY story and how MY story is affecting me...and I KNEW it was TIME to tell MY story...to get it all out there...so I can start fresh... so MY heart is full of joy again. Full of Truth and Love.

So I can start at Day One.

My story starts three years ago. That's when we made the decision to close our Domino's Pizza Franchise down. I could never have imagined how that one thing would change my life (both good and bad). I also never could have NEVER, EVER imagined how complicated and sorrowful my life would become...or how STRONG and BRAVE I could be.

My dear, sweet family right in the middle of our mayhem. 

In order for me to heal I decided to write every, little thing I could think of...anything that's been weighing on my heart these past three years. I want it on paper, tucked away in my drawer and OUT of my heart!! No matter how big or how little, I just wanted all the stresses out where I could SEE them and not FEEL them.

 I am going to share some of them with you...not so you can feel sorry for me or judge me or whatever, but I am hoping if any of you are going through these things...that maybe you will read this and say to yourself "I am NOT alone...someone else has felt this way, had this happen to them and they are healing...they are making it through."

So many, many hard, painful things my dear sweet family has been through...the hardest has been watching one of the dearest, sweetest souls I have ever known go through so much pain. This loved one has been broken...her heart, she thought beyond repair. Consumed with sadness and darkness our hearts have been ripped to shreds. Worry and grief overtake me at times but then I turn to my Father in Heaven and KNOW she WILL be whole again.

These kids of mine...I don't know what I would do without them. They bring me joy and my heart is full of love for each one of them...their unique talents, the way they make me laugh...they way they make our family complete.

My cuties 14 years ago

There have been times when a gallon of milk was too expensive and a shake from Sonic was a real treat. I have watched my husband put in long, hard hours making sure we could pay our bills and put food on the table. I have also watched all the stress take a toll on his body. I worry about him and pray everyday for his stress to be taken away.

We have been through cancer with his Dad...stage 4 pancreatic...and my Mom with stage 2 breast cancer.

My heart is so many places...with my children, my husband, my Mom, his Dad, friends going through struggles...it is being stretched so thin...so very thin. At times it hurts. At times I am numb to all of it.

I sit in front of the TV and eat. I eat to console myself...to forget about the stress of the day.

Throughout the past 3 years my migraines have become unbearable at times. I keep a pain journal and my headaches and body pain always is present during a stressful day/week/time.

Sometimes I am so unhappy that I withdraw from the world. I tend to wrap myself up in a cocoon not wanting to see anyone...afraid I will I have to put my happy face on and pretend.

So this amazing woman Melody Ross from Brave Girl's Club...she has taught me so much about myself...about how BRAVE I really am.

And
I
AM.

I am brave.

I AM BRAVE!

But I am tired.

And I am tired of not being me.
Of not choosing things authentically.

I need to rest from the stress.

I need to surround myself with what TRULY makes MY HEART sing. What fills me up. Oh yes, I am quote aware that there will still be stress in our lives...no getting out of that...but I need to RESTORE my soul.

To pray more.
Read my Scriptures daily.
Create.
Walk.
Rest.

And be OK when I am not perfect. Gosh, I am so hard on myself at times (most times)

I am a Beautiful Soul.
And so are You.
We all are.
We all have unique gifts and talents.
We all have stress and grief.
But we need REST. We need to KNOW that we are OK exactly where we are at on our journey.

I have learned SO much from my sweet soul going through so much. She has taught me to enjoy the little moments. That it's ok to drop what I am doing and just HAVE FUN. To take time to be with loved ones...and to take time to just BE with myself...to chill, to REST. She has also taught me to TRUST and RELY on the Lord...for He is ALWAYS there to REST in.

Melody took the beginning of summer and went on a 100 Day journey of REST. I want to do the same...adding my own ideas to the challenge. Beginning this Monday, September 1st I am going on MY OWN 100 Day Journey. Fall is my very favorite part of the year...the weather, the cooking, the craft shows and fall festivals. Thanksgiving, Christmas...they all make my heart happy. On my 100 day journey I intend to spend more time laughing, contemplating, writing, spending time with my art, my girl, my husband. Connecting with my Mom and helping her on her journey as she faces cancer with grace and dignity. I am going to rest in Him. I am going to read my scriptures and take long walks. I am going to organize and let go of all the STUFF weighing on my heart.

I would love for you to join me on your OWN journey. Girls, we really are in this all together.

Thanks so much for letting me share my story...my heart. xoxo

August Challenge: With all my Heart

"But if you have nothing else to create, then perhaps you create yourself."  -Carl Jung


Here it is a BRAND NEW month...August 1st. This is my very favorite time of year...when summer is winding down and cooler days and nights are on their way. We have 31 days...to live and breath and create before the busy season begins...school starting, kids activities and the holidays.

I was so inspired by Tammy Garcia's Index Card a Day Challenge this summer that I am just not ready for it to end!!

 I am in the groove and determined to keep on painting, stenciling, doodling and creating.

Soooo I was thinking about doing my OWN end of summer Challenge and wanted to share it with YOU!! And since I LOVE using Hearts in most of my artwork......

I am calling our end of summer Challenge..."With all my Heart".

Here's how it works....

Starting Monday, August 4th I challenge you to create ONE Heart a day...you can draw it, paint it, stamp it, use canvas, your art journals, index cards, playing cards....whatever you have.

I plan on using one 4x6 index card a day along with various mixed media supplies. I will be posting a "Heart Prompt" in our Face Book group Mind.Body. Soul. every morning as well as sharing my work with you. 

"With all my Heart" ends August 31st.

I encourage you to play along with me and post your work in our Facebook group!!

So take this weekend to gather your supplies in one area to make it easier to create your hearts. Remember you don't need to make this hard...a simple index card and doodling pens would work fine.

I can't wait to see the Hearts you create!!!

Lots of Creating!! {photos}

Live a Joyful Life

This month I have been so busy CREATING! 

I thought it would be fun to share some of my creations with you.

Have you heard about the Documented Life Project?? It has become my VERY FAVORITE thing to work on!!

My pages from a few weeks ago

It's part planner, part art journal.

My pages from last week...not quite finished

5 amazing and very different artists have combined their talents to bring us this very addicting project!!

Click here to meet each one and join in the fun.

This project has inspired me so much that last week I created a notebook just for my spiritual thoughts, favorite scriptures and prayers.

And speaking of inspiration...Stephanie Ackerman has been motivating me to not only create, but to study my scriptures and document my faith. So between the two...this book was meant to be:)

Another project I've had a blast with this summer is Daisy Yellow's Index Card a Day.

Since June 1st I have been painting, collaging and doodling on 4x6 index cards.

Tammy provides prompts for each day...however I have put my own spin on the challenge and LOVE it!!

Each week I pick my own theme...one week I used vintage girls, words and acrylic only. (see above cards)

The week of the 4th I only used red and blue spray ink, a few stencils, vintage images and a set of K&Co. die-cuts.

I really love how these turned out!

I make sure and date each card. I have been using lined notebook paper and a Sharpie.

The week of July 7th I used various images, acrylic paint, rub-ons and doodles.

This is one of my favorites from the entire challenge!

I LOVE this card!! There is is just something about that little girl's expression.

Last week Dina Wakely's Scribbly Bird stamp set came in the mail...so you know what I did:)

Some of the birds I stamped directly on the cards...while others I stamped on book paper and cut out.

Each cards background is one color...I used my gelato's and water for that.

  

I am so into stars!!

My favorite one

If you have been thinking about purchasing these bird stamps...DO IT!! I had thought about it for months then just did it!! There are so many uses for these darling stamps!! I bought mine here and was impressed with their fast service:) 

This week my sweet family and I are headed to Las Vegas!! Dave and I have been 12 times and always said once our kids were old enough we would take them, too. So THIS Wednesday, bright and early we are OFF!! Looking forward to getting away and having FUN!!

What have you been creating this summer?? Are you going anywhere on vacation?? I would love to hear!!!