Lighten Up Already!

Being solitary is being alone well: being alone luxuriously immersed in doings of your own choice, aware of the fullness of your won presence rather than of the absence of others. Because solitude is an achievement.
Alice Koller 



Today as Annie, my massage therapist was working on the many knots in my neck she asked me how often I took time for myself. I thought about it and realized it's very rare. I am always doing for others...taking care of my family is my number one priority. I work, cook, clean, listen, nurture and so much more. I go from the moment my feet hit the floor. 

When was the last time I just sat and was still?

I don't know.

So today, she asked me what is my favorite way to relax? Of course I replied creating. Just being in my studio melts the stress away...I can literally feel it going away. Then she asked me why I don't spend more time in my studio...I told her that something or someone always needs my attention. Or at least in my mind they do.

Annie told me to stop and take at least 15 minutes a day just for me in my studio so I can channel  my stress energy into something soothing and productive.

So beginning today...I am taking her advice. Each day I am going to spend time in my space...maybe I'll journal or paint or just sit...but I will be there.

I think I need to lighten up my blog posts, too. It seems what's so supposed to enlighten and inspire you has become a dumping ground for all the problems in my life. Maybe I am focusing too much on the not so happy stuff?? I promise to share more ART here in the very near future...lol.

Do YOU spend enough time with yourself?? What do you do? Please share with me!!!

The BEST part of my day!

“After all," Anne had said to Marilla once, "I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.” 

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

It's funny how life works.

The past 18 months we have found ourselves

without all the extras.

We don't "just shop" (very often).

We haven't taken a "big trip" in a very long time.

Weekly movies and dinner out

have become monthly treats.

But you know...what we may have "lost" 

in worldly things we have gained

in enjoying one another.

Jackson and Bailey

Instead of sitting in a theater watching the big screen

we now spend time with one another.

We laugh

and 

remember.

We act out scenes from our 

favorite movies...

Nacho Libre

and Nutty Professor.

(We seriously do this and laugh until we almost pee our pants!!)

Dave and Em

 Instead of fancy meals out 

we cook yummy meals at home.

We sit around our table

and talk about one another's day.

Family has always meant everything to me.

But it wasn't until the past 18 months

when I truly began appreciating

all I have...

my sweet, beautiful family.

The VERY BEST part of my day.

Emma and Jourdain

“A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.” 

― George Augustus Moore, The Brook Kerith

I'm all Shook Up!

"If you focus on the possible when you experience difficult situations, YOU CAN positively change your outlook, reduce your stress, and concentrate on achieving things that otherwise may not have been possible."   Catherine Pulsifer


Yes....I am still here. Gee, looking back...my posts these past few months have been few and far between. I don't like that. Not one bit. Writing, for me is the best way I know how to express myself...must do more expressing...lol.

My full-time gig as elementary art teacher has come to an end. Oh, I am still there but just half days. So happy for the regular teacher as she is getting better and feels like being back. Teaching there the past nine weeks has been the biggest blessing!! So grateful for all I have learned.

New art techniques (seriously...you can learn a ton of stuff to use in your mixed media projects from 4th graders!), coming up with projects on the spot and learning how to create with abandon!! Seriously...it is so fun watching children create. Most of them just jump right in. Love it! No hesitation or overthinking...just creating! And   kids that age treat you and your art like a Rock Star. Talk about an ego boost!!!:)

Yesterday I was catching up on a few blogs (so sorry, girls if you have felt neglected. I am trying to do it all and have failed miserably!!) and read this thought provoking post from friend and mentor...Leanne. Now that girl always gets me to thinking...never fails. She and I think very much alike...:)

So anyway, in her post she shares how she has been creating and thinking about putting herself out there more. Her art, her dream. About how she wants to brand herself, set up a website, etc. She also shares how instead of just hoping it comes true she is actually creating art and taking steps to make her big, beautiful dream a reality.


WOW!

When was the last time I did that???

Leanne's post really shook me up...like in the best possible way. It got me to thinking. It's been a very long time since I 've sat down and created new, exciting goals for myself. Goals that don't include working full-time so we can pay our bills, trying to get a loan so we don't lose our home, paying off a law-suit, etc. 

While all of those things are the reality I live in at the moment...they aren't exaclty filling my spirit up...ya' know what I mean??


Here is a piece I made last fall. It is one of my favorites....

When I created this...I was thinking about all the possibilities in my life. Not about the bills, the doom and gloom that has taken over my life in the past 18 months. But honestly...the dreaming part, the part of my heart that is full of light and hope...it seems to be hiding...only the "real life" stuff seems to be making its way into my days lately...nothing fun about that.

I am going to take some steps today to begin making MY Big, Bold Beautiful Life a reality again.

Thank you my friend, Leanne for always sharing your heart!!

What are some ways YOU are making your dreams a reality?? Please share!!!!

True Love

“I could not tell you if I loved you the first moment I saw you, or if it was the second or third or fourth. But I remember the first moment I looked at you walking toward me and realized that somehow the rest of the world seemed to vanish when I was with you.” 
― Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Prince

My sweet Emma and her missionary today in Independence, Missouri.  Jourdain Scoubes is on his way home after serving the Lord for two years. We are so grateful for him and for the sweet love these two have for each other.

From the first day they met...there was a connection. They could speak to one another without saying a word.

Dave, Em and I were all so happy to see him!!!

“True love doesn't need proof.
The eyes told what heart felt.” 
― Toba Beta, My Ancestor Was an Ancient Astronaut